bbcuk--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: 'I'm not happy going back to work. It's too soon'

For the past week , Andrew has been back working at a joinery firm in Manchester , but he 's one of thousands of British workers worried about exposure to the coronavirus at work .
`` I was n't happy to go back as I feel it 's way too soon , '' he said .
`` But I felt like I should to keep the company going .
I do n't want to be unemployed in what I suspect will be a phenomenal global recession , '' he said .
Masks are now mandatory for all employees at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shields and gloves must be used when 2m social distancing is n't possible .
`` Anyone who does n't adhere to the new rules will face disciplinary proceedings , '' he said .
His employer has also staggered break times and doubled the number of cleaning shifts .
But Andrew , who does n't want to give his full name , is still worried .
`` It 's not a big company , so my confidence in the implementation of the safety measures is low , to say the least , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new way of working • Some return to work as lockdown eases in England Over the past two months , nearly 5,000 people have contacted the health and safety regulator with workplace safety concerns related to Covid-19 .
The Health and Safety Executive said in 321 cases , safety inspectors asked employers to demonstrate what new measures had been taken , while 27 employers were ordered to make safety improvements .
`` For those businesses that do not want to put in place appropriate measures , HSE will continue to use its regulatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HSE spokeswoman said .
Other workers say they 're worried about jobs that require them to interact with members of the public .
A photographer who takes pictures of properties for sale in north-eastern England says he fears catching the virus while on a shoot , then passing it on to his wife and new-born baby .
`` My employer has set out clear guidelines , no-one 's meant to be in the property while we 're there , '' said the photographer , who does n't want to be named .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be serious about distancing .
A couple of times today , I had to step away from one client , '' he said .
The photographer said he did n't have to go back to work , but he wanted to help the company keep operating .
`` In a year 's time , I want them to have a working business , '' he said .
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
Citizens Advice says it has also seen a spike in calls about coronavirus and work .
Jamie McGlynn , a manager at the Manchester contact centre , said the majority of calls recently had been about health and safety .
`` We 've seen more than 100 calls this week about employment issues , '' he said , many from people worried about inadequate social distancing .
The charity says workers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should first talk to their employer .
Unresolved concerns should be reported to the Health and Safety Executive .
The HSE is extending its operating hours to meet the increased demand and is now open from 08:30 to 22:00 , Monday to Friday .
Despite the risks , some people have welcomed the return to work .
Dionne White works at Ingles Bakery in Hackney , which reopened last week after being closed since the end of March .
`` Regardless of what 's going on , it 's nice to just be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I 'm not worried about the virus , because at the end of the day , whether you 're outside or inside , you can catch it anywhere , '' she said .
I feel unsafe at work .
What can I do ?
The government has published sector-specific guidance about what employers should do to minimise the chances of catching coronavirus at work .
• If your employer is n't complying with this guidance , talk to them .
• If your concerns are n't resolved , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safety Executive .
• If you 're worried about taking public transport to work , ask your employer if you can travel at quieter times of day .
• If you 're pregnant or considered vulnerable , stay at home and avoid face-to-face contact .
Your employer may be willing to furlough people in your position if you 're unable to work from home .
Source : Citizens Advice .
You can read more here .
Are you under pressure to return to work too soon ?
Is enough being done to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

"I'm not worried about the virus, because at the end of the day, whether you're outside or inside, you can catch it anywhere," she said.


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Should I start taking vitamin D?

Staying indoors for much of lockdown means some people have been deprived of vitamin D. Normally , many of us get it by spending time outside .
Our skin makes it when exposed to the sun .
But what can we do about it , and why do we need vitamin D ?
What is the advice ?
People in the UK are already advised to consider taking a supplement of 10 micrograms a day during the winter months ( from October to March ) , and all year round if we are n't spending much time outdoors .
Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year if : • you are not often outdoors • you usually wear clothes that cover up most of your skin when outside People with dark skin may also not be getting enough , even if they spend time outdoors .
Scottish and Welsh governments and Northern Ireland 's Public Health Agency have issued similar advice for the lockdown period .
Sara Stanner , of the British Nutrition Foundation , said : `` Staying at home is immensely important and , while many of us have limited access to sunlight , this means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care to keep our vitamin D levels healthy . ''
Why do we need vitamin D ?
Vitamin D is 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 , but there is no agreement on whether vitamin D might boost the immune system - study evidence is inconsistent .
Should I take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vitamin D supplements are very safe , taking more than the recommended amount every day can be dangerous in the long run .
If you choose to take vitamin D supplements : • Children aged one to 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 , with the recommended amount 10 micrograms a day Higher doses may sometimes be recommended by a doctor for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some people with certain medical conditions , such as kidney problems , can not safely take vitamin D. No .
There is no 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making it hard to draw conclusions .
Spanish and French researchers are doing clinical trials to see if vitamin D helps coronavirus patients .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health Where can I buy it ?
Vitamin D supplements are widely available from supermarkets and chemists .
They may be just 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 to `` boost '' it beyond normal 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 sun .
Take care to cover up or protect your skin with sunscreen to prevent burning and damage .
What about children , babies and pregnant women ?
• breastfed babies from birth to one year of age should be given a daily supplement of 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D to make sure they get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 one to four should be given a daily supplement of 10 micrograms The dose for 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.


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus symptoms: What are they and how do I protect myself?

Loss of smell or taste have been added to the UK 's list of coronavirus symptoms that people should be aware of and ready to act upon .
What are the coronavirus symptoms ?
Scientific advisers told the UK government to update its advice .
It now says the symptoms to look out for are : If you , or someone you live with , has any of these symptoms the advice is stay at home to stop the risk of giving coronavirus to others .
The cough is a new , continuous one , where you cough a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours .
You have a fever if your temperature is above 37.8C .
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 's list of symptoms also includes chills , repeated shaking , muscle pain and sore throat .
It takes five days on average to start showing the symptoms , but some people will get them much later .
The World Health Organization says incubation lasts up to 14 days .
When do people need to go to hospital ?
The majority of people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief ( such as paracetamol ) .
The main reason people need hospital treatment is difficulty breathing .
Doctors may scan the lungs to see how badly they are affected and give support , such as oxygen or ventilation , if needed .
However , people should not go to A & E if they are concerned .
In the UK , the NHS 111 website will guide you through what to do .
If you are so breathless that you are unable to speak more than a few words you will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a medical emergency .
If you become so ill that you 've stopped doing all of your usual daily activities then it will advise speaking to a nurse by dialling NHS 111 .
• What is an intensive care unit ?
What happens in intensive care ?
Intensive care units are specialist wards for people who are very ill. Coronavirus patients will get oxygen support , which can involve using a facemask or a tube in the nose .
The most invasive way - for the most seriously ill patients - is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of oxygen , is pushed into the lungs via a tube in the mouth , nose or through a small cut in the throat .
What should I do if I have mild symptoms ?
Patients with mild symptoms should self-isolate at home for at least seven days .
People are advised not to ring NHS 111 to report their symptoms unless they are worried .
They should also not go to their GP , or A & E .
Details for Scotland are to check NHS inform , then ring your GP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Wales call NHS 111 , and in Northern Ireland , call your GP .
If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected , you may be told to self-isolate .
The World Health Organization has also issued advice for the public .
Older people , and those with pre-existing medical conditions ( such as asthma , diabetes , heart disease , high blood pressure ) , are more likely to become severely ill. Men are at slightly higher risk of dying from the virus than women .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ under way What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
How do I protect myself ?
The best thing is regular and thorough hand washing , preferably with soap and water .
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes small droplets - packed with the virus - into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on , then your eyes , nose or mouth .
So , coughing and sneezing into tissues , not touching your face with unwashed hands , and avoiding close contact with infected people are important .
People will be most infectious when they have symptoms , but some may spread the virus even before they are sick .
In England and Scotland , people are being advised to wear face masks in shops and on public transport to help prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explainer will be regularly updated to reflect the audience 's questions about coronavirus .
Details of how to get in touch are below .
What questions do you have about the coronavirus ?
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question :

Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure), are more likely to become severely ill. Men are at slightly higher risk of dying from the virus than women.


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Abuse over appearance 'ate away' at Luke Chadwick

`` Iron Maiden 's biggest hit is Number of the Beast - and if you want to know the number of the beast , Luke Chadwick wears number 36 . ''
`` This photo of Luke Chadwick was ruined ... when Luke Chadwick turned up . ''
Presenter Nick Hancock leans back and smiles at his joke .
The audience and teams ca n't stop laughing .
Cue applause .
As a teenager , Luke Chadwick and his insecurities were a target on the BBC 's sports quiz show They Think It 's All Over .
`` In the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the former Manchester United midfielder tells BBC Sport .
`` That 's all I 'm known for and spoken about - the way I looked .
That is n't right . ''
Chadwick was just 18 when he made his senior debut for United in the 1999-2000 season , after two years in the academy .
He made 39 appearances for the club , scoring twice , and has two Premier League winners ' medals .
However , fans and the media made fun of his appearance - `` spots on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sort of thing '' - which would affect his mental health .
Chadwick , who moved to Manchester when he left school at 16 , says he was a shy teenager and the comments played on his anxiety .
`` I would n't want to go out .
I was always looking at people , '' he says '' People knew who I was because I played for Manchester United and I always assumed they 'd be saying horrible things .
`` Being a quiet , nervous boy anyway , it sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth as a person . ''
They Think It 's All Over ran on BBC TV for 11 years between 1995 and 2006 , and Chadwick was one of its many targets .
`` I became a picture of fun , and that was probably the hardest thing , '' the 39-year-old says .
`` A popular TV show - [ the attention ] was magnified , so that 's what I was seen as by everyone off the back of that .
`` I used to dread it coming on the telly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then I 'd get a text off someone saying 'oh you 've been on that show again ' as if it was a joke .
`` Obviously people were finding it funny , but it was eating away at me a bit inside while that was happening . ''
Hancock - speaking on BBC Breakfast on Monday - said he was `` appalled '' and felt `` a great deal of responsibility and shame '' .
`` Listening to Luke is incredibly humbling , he 's shown so much more generosity and understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
`` I 'm appalled for him and at myself .
When I hear him speaking , I 'm full of admiration for the present Luke Chadwick and full of sympathy for the young Luke Chadwick .
`` The terrible thing about comedians and comedy shows is that if you 're getting laughs , you think you 're doing a good job .
`` Of course the worst thing for Luke was that it became a bit of a running joke .
To us it was a photograph .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been thinking about the person , but that 's what can happen . ''
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker - who also featured on the show - tweeted : `` I was part of that show , therefore , I too would like to apologise to Luke Chadwick for any hurt caused . ''
Chadwick - who has now gone into coaching - did not say anything about how he felt at the time because of the belief , held by some people , that public figures have to accept a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the comments lessened when he left United , and he has since learned to laugh at what was said .
After Old Trafford , Chadwick went on to play for West Ham United , Stoke City , Norwich , MK Dons and Cambridge United , retiring in 2016 .
In a recent post on social media , Chadwick wrote about the importance of talking about feelings to `` get through the tough times '' .
And in another he said he `` holds no grudges '' against those who mocked his appearance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it - even my family and friends - I would say ' I do n't care , it 's fine ' and try and brush it under the carpet , '' he adds .
`` Looking back now , it would have been better for me to open up on it as a young boy .
`` I 'd rather be remembered as someone who was quite good at football than just for the way I may have looked at a certain time in my life . ''
Hancock said he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding : `` Nobody should expect Luke to have called us on it , but it would have been effective if say the PFA ( Professional Footballers Association ) or his club had said something .
`` I 'm desperate to be in touch with him .
I would be happy to meet him and hopefully we could put it to bed .
`` If he feels he could n't forgive me , although he sounds like he may be able to , I would understand that too . ''
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by issues raised in this story , help and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline • Find out more about the BBC 's focus on mental health this month

Last updated on .From the section Sport
My appearance was all people would talk about - Chadwick tells BBC Breakfast
"Iron Maiden's biggest hit is Number of the Beast - and if you want to know the number of the beast, Luke Chadwick wears number 36."
"This photo of Luke Chadwick was ruined... when Luke Chadwick turned up."
Presenter Nick Hancock leans back and smiles at his joke. The audience and teams can't stop laughing. Cue applause.
As a teenager, Luke Chadwick and his insecurities were a target on the BBC's sports quiz show They Think It's All Over.
"In the end, it lowers your self-esteem a lot," the former Manchester United midfielder tells BBC Sport.
"That's all I'm known for and spoken about - the way I looked. That isn't right."
Chadwick was just 18 when he made his senior debut for United in the 1999-2000 season, after two years in the academy.
He made 39 appearances for the club, scoring twice, and has two Premier League winners' medals.
However, fans and the media made fun of his appearance - "spots on my face, teeth sticking out, that sort of thing" - which would affect his mental health.
Chadwick, who moved to Manchester when he left school at 16, says he was a shy teenager and the comments played on his anxiety.
"I wouldn't want to go out. I was always looking at people," he says
"People knew who I was because I played for Manchester United and I always assumed they'd be saying horrible things.
"Being a quiet, nervous boy anyway, it sort of intensified that and maybe stunted my growth as a person."
They Think It's All Over ran on BBC TV for 11 years between 1995 and 2006, and Chadwick was one of its many targets.
"I became a picture of fun, and that was probably the hardest thing," the 39-year-old says.
"A popular TV show - [the attention] was magnified, so that's what I was seen as by everyone off the back of that.
"I used to dread it coming on the telly. I wouldn't watch it but then I'd get a text off someone saying 'oh you've been on that show again' as if it was a joke.
"Obviously people were finding it funny, but it was eating away at me a bit inside while that was happening."
Hancock - speaking on BBC Breakfast on Monday - said he was "appalled" and felt "a great deal of responsibility and shame".
"Listening to Luke is incredibly humbling, he's shown so much more generosity and understanding and good judgement than we did at the time.
"I'm appalled for him and at myself. When I hear him speaking, I'm full of admiration for the present Luke Chadwick and full of sympathy for the young Luke Chadwick.
"The terrible thing about comedians and comedy shows is that if you're getting laughs, you think you're doing a good job.
"Of course the worst thing for Luke was that it became a bit of a running joke. To us it was a photograph. That's not good obviously, we should have been thinking about the person, but that's what can happen."
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker - who also featured on the show - tweeted: external-link "I was part of that show, therefore, I too would like to apologise to Luke Chadwick for any hurt caused."
Chadwick - who has now gone into coaching - did not say anything about how he felt at the time because of the belief, held by some people, that public figures have to accept a certain amount of ridicule.
He says the comments lessened when he left United, and he has since learned to laugh at what was said.
After Old Trafford, Chadwick went on to play for West Ham United, Stoke City, Norwich, MK Dons and Cambridge United, retiring in 2016.
In a recent post on social media, external-link Chadwick wrote about the importance of talking about feelings to "get through the tough times".
And in another external-link he said he "holds no grudges" against those who mocked his appearance.
"If anyone had spoke to me about it - even my family and friends - I would say 'I don't care, it's fine' and try and brush it under the carpet," he adds.
"Looking back now, it would have been better for me to open up on it as a young boy.
"I'd rather be remembered as someone who was quite good at football than just for the way I may have looked at a certain time in my life."
Hancock said he would like to apologise to Chadwick in person, adding: "Nobody should expect Luke to have called us on it, but it would have been effective if say the PFA (Professional Footballers Association) or his club had said something.
"I'm desperate to be in touch with him. I would be happy to meet him and hopefully we could put it to bed.
"If he feels he couldn't forgive me, although he sounds like he may be able to, I would understand that too."
If you or someone you know has been affected by issues raised in this story, help and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Will I be able to go on holiday?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has eased some of the lockdown restrictions in England .
People in England can now go outside for unlimited exercise and recreation , and more people are returning to work .
But when will people be able to go away for a break ?
Can I go on holiday now ?
Holidays are not permitted under the new guidance .
You are free to drive any distance to other destinations in England , like parks and beaches , but are not supposed to stay overnight somewhere you do not normally live .
This includes any second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can not rent a self-catering cottage or Airbnb property , and UK campsites , hotels and holiday parks will remain shut until at least 4 July .
In terms of day trips , many national parks remain closed , and public facilities such as car parks and toilets may not be open either .
People are also being advised to avoid public transport wherever possible .
Cumbria Police has urged people not `` to rush to the Lake District '' and Visit Cornwall also asked visitors to stay away .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not travel into Wales , Scotland or Northern Ireland , where residents are are still being told to avoid any non-essential travel .
Can I go on a foreign holiday ?
The Foreign Office is still advising British nationals against any non-essential foreign travel , and is urging those abroad to return home , if possible .
Various other countries like the US have travel restrictions which prevent or limit foreign arrivals , and many airlines are offering a reduced service , or have suspended all flights .
The UK has said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as possible , which will apply to both visitors and UK nationals returning home , although people coming from Ireland will be exempt .
The government initially said travellers from France would also be exempt , but later insisted the quarantine measures would apply to them .
It is just not possible to say at this stage .
Hotels and holiday resorts in England may start to reopen at the beginning of July , if the government considers enough progress has been made against its five tests .
Restrictions may also ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing people to travel more widely at home .
Ryanair and British Airways plan to ramp up their flights in July , and EasyJet hopes it will join them .
All TUI and First Choice holidays are cancelled until at least 11 June .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned `` big , lavish international holidays '' are unlikely to be possible this summer .
What are other countries doing ?
European countries are also considering how to handle the summer holiday season .
The EU has insisted there will be a summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has proposed a gradual lifting of travel restrictions throughout the EU .
Seasonal workers and citizens of countries with similar levels of infections could start to travel more freely first .
The commission recommends people follow social distancing rules and use mandatory face masks while travelling , and that there is controlled access to hotel and restaurant facilities in resorts .
There would have to be enough hospital capacity to deal with any spike in cases , and it is clear that if infections start to rise again , restrictions may be reimposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be up to individual countries to implement changes , and it 's not yet clear what it might mean for UK travellers .
• How is the lockdown being lifted across Europe What about going away in the autumn ?
Again , it is impossible at this stage to say if it will be possible .
Travel advice will need to have been updated , but it depends on the disease 's progress .
Holidays and flights booked against Foreign Office travel advice are unlikely to be covered by travel insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after all .
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
What about holidays already booked for this year ?
If your package holiday or flights have already been cancelled , then you are are entitled to a full cash refund .
However , lots of people are struggling to get their money back , and being offered vouchers or rebooked trips instead .
The Association of British Travel Agents and Ryanair 's chief executive Michael O'Leary have both told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait longer than normal to get a refund .
If you are offered a voucher , or a free rebooking instead of cash , you can accept or refuse it .
But if the airline later folds , the voucher may no longer be valid .
Some customers have asked their credit card provider to help get their money back .
What about trips that have n't been cancelled yet ?
If your airline or holiday company has n't cancelled your holiday yet , but you no longer wish to travel , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , some providers are allowing people to rebook trips for a later date at no cost .
You may need to wait until nearer the time to request a refund , but should contact your airline or holiday company to discuss your options .

UK holidays: What are the rules? Published 17 August 2021
Image source, Getty Images
Going abroad is not straightforward at the moment, so many people are choosing to holiday in the UK this summer.
What are the current rules?
Can I go on holiday anywhere in the UK?
You can travel freely between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, unless you have to self-isolate because you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive.
All holiday accommodation - including hotels, hostels, B&B, caravans and boats - can operate across the UK.
If you have to cancel a trip because of Covid, you may be entitled to a refund or to rearrange for a later date, but this will depend on the terms and conditions of your booking, so you will need to discuss this with your holiday provider.
Anyone planning a trip to the Scottish islands is asked to take two lateral flow tests - one on the day of travel and one three days before.
People travelling to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK are also advised to test before departure and after arrival, but this is not law.
Some UK cruise operators are insisting passengers do a rapid test before boarding. Saga and P&O have said all cruise passengers must be fully vaccinated.
Image source, Getty Images
Can I stay with people I don't live with?
There is no longer any requirement for social distancing, and no limits on how many people can stay together in holiday accommodation or private homes in England, Scotland or Wales.
However people are still advised to meet others outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces wherever possible.
There are still some restrictions in place in Northern Ireland:
10 people from three households can meet and stay indoors in private dwellings and holiday accommodation
Unlimited households can meet outdoors
Social distancing of 1m (3ft) remains for many indoors activities, including restaurants, retail and shopping centres
No social distancing laws outdoors, or on public transport, but 1m (3ft) recommended
The Northern Ireland Executive is due to discuss easing remaining restrictions at its next meeting on 1 September.
Image source, Getty Images
Do I have to wear a mask on holiday?
Face coverings are no longer required by law in England, although the government "expects and recommends" that they are worn in crowded and enclosed spaces.
However, a number of transport operators in England are still asking customers to wear masks, as are a number of shops and supermarkets.
Wearing a face covering remains compulsory in many public indoor spaces in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, including on public transport, so you will be expected to use a mask on any cross-border plane, train or bus journey, unless you are exempt.
Image source, Getty Images
Are all visitor attractions open?
Museums, galleries, amusement parks, leisure centres, cinemas, theatres, stately homes and gardens can open across the UK.
However, some venues are still not operating at full capacity, and you may need to pre-book tickets, so you should check before you visit.
You may still be asked to wear a face covering or physically distance from other people.
Businesses in Wales are required to carry out risk assessments to decide if social distancing measures are still needed.
Indoor hospitality venues in Scotland must continue to collect customer contact details. Organisers of outdoor events for more than 5,000 people and indoor events for more than 2,000 have to apply for permission to go ahead.
Nightclubs are still closed in Northern Ireland.
Image source, Getty Images
What are the rules for visiting the Common Travel Area?
The Common Travel Area (CTA) is a term which covers the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Travel within the CTA is not considered international travel.
Fully vaccinated adults or under-18s travelling from the UK to other CTA destinations may not need to do any travel-related testing or quarantine on arrival, but the rules do vary, so you need to check before arranging a trip.
Read the rules for journeys to Ireland
Read the rules for journeys to the Isle of Man
Read the rules for journeys to Jersey
Read the rules for journeys to Guernsey (also Alderney, Sark and Herm)
As long as you've not been outside the CTA in the previous 10 days, you do not have to complete a passenger locator form, take any Covid tests or quarantine on your return to the UK.
Image source, Getty Images
What are the rules for travelling abroad?
Foreign travel is allowed, but people must follow different rules about testing and quarantine according to the traffic light status of their destination country.


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: When did care homes go into lockdown?

Many thousands of care home residents have died since the start of the coronavirus outbreak .
After criticism from the Labour leader last week , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : `` We brought the lockdown in care homes ahead of the general lockdown . ''
The wider lockdown was announced on 23 March so when were measures to protect people in care homes introduced ?
There are three main routes for the transmission of the virus into care homes - visitors coming to see residents , members of staff and residents being admitted ( for instance from hospital ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privately run , but are regulated by national bodies and would typically act on advice from central as well as local government .
General guidance produced on 25 February included advice for carers on what to do if they came into contact with someone with Covid-19 - but there was nothing advising against visits to care homes .
In one section it said : `` It remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home or the community will become infected . ''
Another section said : `` Currently there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Kingdom .
There is no need to do anything differently in any care setting at present . ''
However , the government 's own Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) had advised on 10 February that `` it is a realistic probability that there is already sustained transmission in the UK , or that it will become established in the coming weeks . ''
On 3 March , the government released its coronavirus action plan - the document did not mention restricting visits to care homes .
At a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medical Officer for England Prof Chris Whitty said on care homes : `` One of the things we 're keen to avoid is doing things too early , because if you do them early you get no benefit from the epidemic , but what you do get is a social cost . ''
By 5 March , England had had 273 cases of people with the virus .
That day Prof Whitty told a committee of MPs that as there were cases that could not be traced back to people who had come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely therefore that there is some level of community transmission in this virus in the UK now '' .
Italy suspended visits to care homes at this point , five weeks after recording its first case .
A day later , Nursing Homes Ireland , which represents hundreds of care homes in Ireland , banned non-essential visits , just six days after the first confirmed case in the country .
On 10 March , Prof Martin Green , head of Care England which represents independent care providers , directed criticism in an Independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At this point in England nearly 800 people had caught the virus , but the article noted that the generic guidance published by Public Health England appeared out of date , as it said there was no evidence of transmission within the UK .
Prof Green said : `` There is no evidence of a plan .
I 'm not even certain they have these plans and are n't just making them up as they go along . ''
Nevertheless , some homes were deciding to close their doors to visitors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-essential visits on 10 March and 12 March .
Scottish Care - a representative body for social care in Scotland - advised care homes to close to visits on 11 March .
On 13 March , the government 's guidance from 25 February was updated to say that `` care home providers are advised to review their visiting policy , by asking no-one to visit who has suspected Covid-19 or is generally unwell , and by emphasising good hand hygiene for visitors '' .
On the same day Bupa and Four Seasons care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't until 16 March that it was announced that social distancing should be carried out by everyone , in particular those aged over 70 and vulnerable people .
That day , the prime minister was asked about care homes and said : `` We do n't want to see people unnecessarily visiting care homes . ''
By this point there had been 3,200 cases in England ( although the figure given by the authorities at that point was less than half of that ; positive cases are now dated to the day the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period between 25 February and 16 March , 14 deaths of care home residents were reported along with 30 outbreaks in England 's 15,000 care homes .
On 21 March , guidance was introduced to encourage medically vulnerable people to remain indoors as much as possible until the end of June - a process known as shielding .
On 24 March , when the lockdown began , people were not supposed to leave their homes at all except for `` essential '' reasons , which did n't include visits to care homes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Department of Health and Social Care said that `` family and friends should be advised not to visit care homes , except next of kin in exceptional situations such as end of life '' .
Speaking on 15 May , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that on the basis of the 13 March guidance `` many of the care home providers , for instance Care UK , at that point stopped visitors '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance said that `` unless required to be in hospital , patients must not remain in an NHS bed '' .
This policy was implemented to free up beds in advance of an expected surge in coronavirus patients .
On 2 April , the rules on discharging to care homes were clarified , saying `` negative [ coronavirus ] tests are not required prior to transfers/admissions into the care home '' .
Even elderly hospital patients who had tested positive could be admitted to care homes , according to the document , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment ( PPE ) and isolation - were used .
From 15 April , the government said that all patients discharged from hospitals would be tested for coronavirus .
By this time , more than 5,700 residents in England and Wales had died either in their care home or in hospital .
There are no statistics to show how many cases of coronavirus were transmitted from hospitals to care homes .
Chris Hopson , the head of hospital representative body NHS Providers , said it was `` categorically not true '' that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes with coronavirus , saying there had been a 40 % drop in the number of discharges compared with January .
He added that because `` sufficient testing '' did n't come in until mid-April : `` It is possible that a very small number of asymptomatic Covid-19 patients [ people who had coronavirus but were n't showing symptoms ] , who trusts were unable to test prior to that date , were discharged to social care . ''
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove was asked by Andrew Marr on 17 May about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from hospitals to care homes .
He said : `` The decision about whether a patient is in a hospital or in another setting , a care home or home , is a clinical decision . ''
Mr Gove acknowledged that government advice had altered over time , `` as a result of our scientific knowledge of the virus changing '' .
• Where in England does care cost the most ?
• The crisis in care : who pays ?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all times to save lives .
This week we announced a new £600m infection control fund for care homes ... on top of the £3.2 billion we made available in March and April . ''

That day Prof Chris Whitty told a committee of MPs that as there were cases that could not be traced back to people who had come from abroad, it was "highly likely therefore that there is some level of community transmission in this virus in the UK now".


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Who is behind Glasgow's Covid street art?

While Scotland has been under lockdown , Glasgow 's street artists have been trying to reflect the mood of the nation .
Using city centre buildings as their canvas , painted murals pay tribute to the NHS while others urge fellow citizens to stay safe .
But who are the artists responsible for the images that have brightened up the city 's deserted streets ?
One of those behind some of the most striking paintings is known as The Rebel Bear .
Acknowledging that his activities are `` not strictly legal '' , he agreed to speak to BBC Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown began in March , he has ventured out three times in the `` dead of night '' to create his artwork .
The first was an image of a couple pulling down their masks to share a kiss .
Painted on the wall of a tenement in the city 's West End , The Bear said he wanted to `` provoke hope '' of life after lockdown .
`` And also to show the tightrope between fear and love that many of us are walking at the moment , '' he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bath Street in early April .
It shows a man chained to a bright green coronavirus particle , highlighting the frustration felt by everyone restricted by the virus .
The Bear 's latest work - of a doctor in a blue protective mask and gloves - is on a bright white wall in Ashton Lane .
He said it was dedicated to all front-line medical workers and symbolised `` our collective gratitude '' .
He posts his work on The Rebel Bear Instagram page , and has seen photographs of his work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaction has been brilliant '' , he said .
`` I really appreciate the support and feel very lucky that people enjoy my work and are able to take something from it . ''
• Who is the mysterious artist Banksy ?
Having created street art in Glasgow and around the world for the past four years , The Bear has inevitably been described as the `` Scottish Banksy '' .
`` I feel like I am on my own path , '' he told BBC Scotland .
`` Saying that , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 'Scottish Banksy ' .
`` Banksy and other artists such as blek le rat etc have paved the way for street art and have inspired my journey . ''
But his main motivation is `` to make people think and hopefully raise a smile '' .

"The reaction has been brilliant", he said. "I really appreciate the support and feel very lucky that people enjoy my work and are able to take something from it."


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: How will transport need to change?

People in England who ca n't work from home are now being encouraged to return to their workplaces .
The government has said that passengers should cycle or walk to work where possible , but those who do take public transport should `` be prepared to queue '' .
Is it safe to travel by train ?
As more people head back to work , the government is keen that they avoid public transport unless absolutely necessary , to avoid overcrowding .
At the moment it 's generally easy to maintain social distancing on trains for those who do have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of normal train services in the UK are running , but footfall through major stations is still thought to be at about 10 % of pre-pandemic levels .
But the challenge for rail operators is how to increase the number of people allowed back on trains , while maintaining social distancing on board .
Those involved with planning say that social distancing of any kind might reduce a train 's capacity by between 70 % and 90 % .
New crowd-control measures include preventing passengers from boarding a train or entering a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
And more radical steps are being considered , such as passengers being required to book time slots for when they can arrive at a station .
Many inter-city trains will be reservation-only and Avanti West Coast has said it will not allow carriages to be more than a third full .
Effort has been put into reorganising stations to manage passenger flow .
One-way through areas have been introduced , with clear plans for queuing in case entrances and exits are closed .
Network Rail says the rail industry is keen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling .
However , while it might be relatively easy to limit the number of passengers on an inter-city train , it will be more difficult on commuter trains where stops are frequent and passenger turnover is high .
How will public transport in London be affected ?
Time spent waiting for trains and buses is almost certain to rise .
London has a population of nearly nine million , and more than 60 % of commuters in the city use public transport , compared with 7 % in the UK as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC London , says that if social distancing is to be maintained on the London Underground , only 50,000 passengers could board every 15 minutes .
That compares with 325,000 normally boarding every 15 minutes at the peak of rush hour before lockdown .
Transport for London ( TfL ) lost 90 % of its income after passenger numbers plummeted .
It now has £1.6bn in emergency funding to keep Tube and bus services running until September , with a full Underground service resuming as soon as possible .
Employers are set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of their working day in order to stop the transport system from being overwhelmed .
TfL is to introduce one-way systems , safety signs and announcements , and hand sanitiser dispensers to help people to keep to social distancing measures .
It will also regularly update guidance on the 20 busiest stations to help people to avoid those areas .
Other measures being considered to manage London 's public transport system include : • Queuing systems in stations similar to those used during events such as the 2012 Olympics • A booking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time when they want to travel Taking a bus may also involve longer waits at the bus stop - it 's thought that social distancing may mean that buses normally able to carry 85 people would be limited to 15 .
Most journeys in Great Britain are already taken in cars - in 2018 alone , the distance covered was an estimated 435 billion miles .
Motor vehicle use in Great Britain fell by two-thirds from March to April , particularly after lockdown was introduced on 23 March .
However , cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been week-on-week increases since the lockdown began .
Before the lockdown , most commuters were already driving to work .
The one exception is London , where the congestion charge is being reintroduced to avoid a build-up of traffic .
Across Great Britain , the Department of Transport ( DfT ) estimates 68 % of people travel to work in a car , but that still means millions take public transport into their workplace .
However , government guidance recommends that individuals stop carpooling , which around 10 % of commuters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy for me to cycle ?
Cycle manufacturers say that sales of bikes have risen sharply during the lockdown , so this seems likely .
TfL says it 's working with the Mayor of London to accommodate a tenfold increase in the number of people cycling , and a fivefold increase in the number of pedestrians .
An immediate £250m package of measures has been announced by the DfT to encourage cycling and walking in England .
The measures include pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling , wider pavements , safer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £5m scheme has been unveiled in Greater Manchester to make the city safer for cyclists and walkers , while a major road in Brighton has been closed off to motor traffic .
However , factors including access to bikes or perceptions of road safety could slow the take-up of cycling .
Well over half the people questioned by a recent DfT survey said they did not consider the roads in their area to be safe .
In 2018 , the percentage of the UK population cycling to work ranged from 4 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northern Ireland .

A report, seen by BBC London, says that if social distancing is to be maintained on the London Underground, only 50,000 passengers could board every 15 minutes. That compares with 325,000 normally boarding every 15 minutes at the peak of rush hour before lockdown.


bbcuk--2020-05-18--How live entertainment is evolving online to be a lifeline in lockdown

From gigs to plays and quizzes , live entertainment has moved online during coronavirus lockdown - and creative minds are coming up with new ideas to give us back some of the human connection we 've lost .
Every Saturday for the past two months , Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody has sat down and written a song .
Well , he has co-written a song - with 5,000 fans on Instagram .
He asks them for chords , comes up with melodies , and puts them to a vote .
He then asks for ideas for lyrics before coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ track .
`` Some are really good , '' he says .
Lightbody also performs solo online gigs from home , but wanted to do something more collaborative too .
`` You can say absolutely anything in this .
It 's therapeutic and cathartic for me , '' he explains .
`` In a 'gig ' , I chat a little bit , but you ca n't really read the comments because you 're playing songs .
But with this , it feels like you 're engaging with everybody . ''
The fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his regular online concerts .
`` I could just choose a bunch of songs that I want to play , which I did do one week and it just did n't really work , '' Lightbody says .
`` It just felt a little disconnected .
`` I miss playing live , I do .
But it 's going to be a long time , so this is what we 've got . ''
With the communal thrill of congregating in the same room currently out of the question , Lightbody is among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting ways to bring people together .
When his Saturday Songwrite sessions have generated 10 or 12 decent tracks , he 'll release an album for charity - although he has n't settled on a charity yet .
`` It might be best to put that to a vote as well . ''
Few musicians have n't done online performances , which can have an intimate charm ( but can also be quite dull , beyond the voyeuristic kick of having a nosey in their houses ) .
Lightbody recommends fellow Northern Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bigger names a thing or two about audio and video quality .
Some performers get their fans involved - whether by taking requests or doing Q & As , virtual charity festivals or tutorials like Duran Duran star John Taylor with his bass masterclasses and Oti Mabuse with her dance lessons .
Listening parties have also been a big hit .
Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess has carved out a sideline as host of # timstwitterlisteningparty .
Fans and musicians listen together in real time , tweeting their thoughts and memories .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing so at the same as you , '' Burgess told The Sunday Times .
In the US , Swizz Beatz and Timbaland - who staged a song-for-song producer clash in 2018 - now run a regular lockdown face-off , inviting different stars to go head-to-head in weekly Verzuz battles on Instagram .
Erykah Badu and Jill Scott 's recent battle was more of a love-in , and drew 700,000 live viewers .
The New York Times has called Verzuz `` perhaps the most powerful quarantine-friendly entertainment franchise going '' .
Beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a tipping point for activities like quizzes , choirs , and exercise , yoga and cookery lessons , which have found new leases of life online ( despite the inevitable loss of the human touch ) .
In theatre , as in music , it 's hard to replicate the live experience on screen .
But some are using technology to create a new kind of show .
Although monologues have been filmed in lockdown and pre-recorded shows have been put online , they often ca n't capture the excitement of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magical , fantastical storytelling of theatre does n't translate well to the screen .
• From theatre director to crisis volunteer - and game show host • The little theatre with a big lockdown following '' What does n't work is watching streaming of plays on computers , '' playwright Simon Stephens told BBC Radio 4 's Front Row last week .
`` Whenever I watch those I just feel lonelier than I felt before .
`` What is interesting is when writers , directors , actors and designers start thinking about - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
In recent weeks , creative types have been exploring just that .
David Morrissey , Jenna Coleman and Denise Gough starred in A Separate Peace , a one-act play by Sir Tom Stoppard on Zoom .
`` I 'm fascinated by the format , which is a completely new kind of way of putting on a play where paradoxically you stay home and live theatre comes to you , '' Sir Tom said .
The show tried to replicate something of the live experience , with audience members buying a ticket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allotted time - the performance deliberately was n't put online to watch afterwards .
It had professional crew , including video , lighting , costume and sound designers , and the actors ( all at home , obviously ) entered and exited their quarters of the screen as they would a stage .
`` The cast were saying they were so nervous , like ' I really felt like I was standing in the wings , ' '' says producer Matt Humphrey .
`` We want to show other people that this can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that live theatre still has a place during lockdown . ''
And he believes such Zoom-style shows will still have a place when quarantine lifts .
The Guardian 's five-star review declared : `` If , for however long , this is live theatre 's future , then it works triumphantly . ''
Another Zoom theatre triumph got the audience fully involved from their sofas .
In a playful version of The Tempest from Northern Ireland-based theatre company Big Telly and Oxford 's Creation Theatre , viewers were asked to help out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects and pretending to be a flock of birds .
The most enthusiastic were spotlighted on screen for the rest of the audience to see .
Another show , Operation Elsewhere , was originally `` an immersive theatre game '' played in the real world .
When the world locked down , it was hastily reworked for Zoom - also with lots of audience participation .
`` People turn all the lights off and get under blankets because we need cover of darkness , '' Big Telly artistic director Zoe Seaton explains .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ character says , 'If you 've got war paint get it on now ' , and you see people rushing to the kitchen and getting ketchup and things . ''
Virtual backgrounds and green screens can create settings and effects that would be difficult and expensive in real life .
`` I 'm really enjoying it because it feels like a new box of tricks , a new way of telling stories , '' Seaton says .
People have been tuning in from around the world and using the shows to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family members .
`` The joy of seeing your nephew and niece in Canada doing something in the same show that you 're part of has just been amazing , '' Seaton says .
`` We 're interested in taking that further .
`` We work in rural communities in Ireland mostly , as well as Belfast and Derry , and suddenly our audience are in Brooklyn , and you think , oh gosh ! ''
The key has been inviting the audience to bring the shows to life , Seaton adds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ community that theatre has , where you 're all on the same journey .
`` That 's their main success .
I think that 's what people are missing in lockdown - that sense of community . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"People turn all the lights off and get under blankets because we need cover of darkness," Big Telly artistic director Zoe Seaton explains. "There was one point where a character says, 'If you've got war paint get it on now', and you see people rushing to the kitchen and getting ketchup and things."


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Universities' move online 'must be done the right way'

Harry Ashworth should be in the final term of his first year at Oxford University , studying music .
Instead he is stuck at his parents ' house in south London hunched over a laptop , listening to lectures via Zoom .
He does n't feel that the sudden and dramatic change in circumstances has affected his learning too much , but he is missing some aspects of university life .
`` I am in a jazz orchestra and that is n't really happening now .
And I would have been playing at the summer balls , so there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Some of his more practical lessons have also been curtailed .
Academically he feels less motivated `` which makes me less stressed but also flatter '' .
`` Psychologically when you are at home it is different .
When I am in my tutor 's office I feel a bit more inspired . ''
Along with students around the world , Harry is getting used to the realities of online learning as part of the global lockdowns in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The fact that institutions have shifted to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is impressive , thinks Kathryn Skelton , chief transformation officer at FutureLearn , an online learning platform owned by the Open University .
Universities have `` moved Heaven and Earth '' to get to where they are now but still she says that `` her heart sinks '' when people think that delivering lectures via Zoom is enough .
`` Educators need to take a step back and ask not 'how can I replicate what I do in the classroom ' , but 'how can I redesign this learning experience to take advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can deliver a full learning experience - not just the delivery of information ? '
'' • think about different ways of delivering information such as podcasts and articles • social engagement is key ; provoke a conversation and allow students to learn from each other Shai Reshef , president of online-only University of the People ( UofPeople ) agrees .
`` Lots of universities have shut down and asked professors to move lectures online and I think that many more universities should actually go in this direction , but they need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have professors speaking for two hours .
Adopt the entire pedagogy of online learning . ''
At UofPeople that involves daily small classes with a lot of interaction between students .
Students who are refugees , or others who could never afford a traditional university education , are set weekly homework and assignment tasks .
The eight-week modular courses are tuition-free and students pay only to sit the end-of-course exams .
A year 's worth of tuition costs $ 1,000 ( £824 ) .
UofPeople has seen a huge rise in numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the new term .
`` A lot are coming to us because of the pandemic .
We have students in quarantine who feel the best way to spend their time is going back to school .
We have students whose schools have shut down , and they come to us to continue their studies , and they may go back to their schools when they reopen .
`` And we have a lot of people who have been laid off and realise that in order to get another job they need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also seen demand for online courses rise more than threefold .
Like UofPeople there is interest in learning new business skills .
It has also seen a rise in interest in English language courses , mental health awareness such as mindfulness , and even courses designed to increase people 's knowledge of coronavirus .
If there is a silver lining to this crisis it is that more people will try out online learning , thinks Ms Skelton .
`` That traditional model of 18-to-21 year-olds who go to university , live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people - those with caring responsibilities or those with financial restraints . ''
Once the pandemic is over , Mr Reshef thinks universities should consider a hybrid of online and traditional education , with the first year spent learning online and the next two in school .
`` It is not clear that universities will be open next year , and even if they are open they will have to have social distancing measures .
Online is there and can continue to function seamlessly , '' he said .
Online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So-called Moocs ( massive open online courses ) were seen as revolutionary when they were first introduced , but retention rates are low .
According to a study by MIT , the courses had a dropout rate of about 96 % on average over five years .
For students hoping to begin a traditional university journey in the autumn , there is still a great deal of uncertainty .
Manchester University has already decided to deliver the bulk of its learning online in the autumn term , and similar discussions are going on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But for some courses , such as medicine , online-only will be tricky .
Holly Leedham has just turned 18 , and was looking forward to starting a new chapter of life at Liverpool University in the autumn , studying law with accounting .
Now that has been thrown into doubt .
`` I would be really disappointed as the experience of making friends would n't be there .
I think us having to pay full tuition fees and being at home is n't fair either , and I 'd hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said joining the university - even if it was online - would be better than deferring .
`` I may as well be at uni while the world recovers from what I imagine to be a frightening recession . ''
Ellie Yeomans , who had hoped to study Sports Management at Nottingham Trent University , is similarly pragmatic .
`` I am assuming that the first term may be online and that would be gutting for everyone , but I think everyone just has to get on with it . ''

"A lot are coming to us because of the pandemic. We have students in quarantine who feel the best way to spend their time is going back to school. We have students whose schools have shut down, and they come to us to continue their studies, and they may go back to their schools when they reopen.


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: 'I'm vulnerable and have been made redundant'

Emma Timberlake has multiple sclerosis ( MS ) and has recently found out that she has been made redundant .
@ @ @ @ @ for an international firm in the construction industry .
She explains her predicament and her @ @ @ @ @

Emma Timberlake has multiple sclerosis (MS) and has recently found out that she has been made redundant. She was a sales administrator for an international firm in the construction industry. She explains her predicament and her hope for the future.
Video by Amanda Evans, Neil Drake and Dougal Shaw


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Children get school dinner recipe to make their own

One of the things eight-year-old Arthur has been missing during the coronavirus lockdown is his favourite school dinner - mince @ @ @ @ @ to his headteacher in Whitley Bay asking for the secret recipe so his dad , @ @ @ @ @ version .

One of the things eight-year-old Arthur has been missing during the coronavirus lockdown is his favourite school dinner - mince and dumplings.
He wrote to his headteacher in Whitley Bay asking for the secret recipe so his dad, Anthony, could improve his version.


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus update: What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Loss of smell or taste have now been added to the list of coronavirus symptoms that people in the UK @ @ @ @ @ According to the National Health Service , anyone showing particular symptoms has to stay at @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus from spreading further .
But how do you know if you 're ill @ @ @ @ @ ropey or if you have the symptoms of coronavirus ?
What do the symptoms of @ @ @ @

The three main symptoms of coronavirus are a fever, a continuous dry cough, or a loss of smell or taste.
According to the UK National Health Service, anyone with these symptoms should get a Covid test and stay at home to help stop the virus from spreading.
But how do you know if you have Covid-19, or you are ill with something else? What do the symptoms feel like?
And how long do you need to self-isolate for exactly?
BBC health and science journalist Laura Foster explains.
Video by Laura Foster, Megan Fisher, Tobias Chapple and Terry Saunders


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Tip reopening in Sutton Coldfield leads to long queues

Since Veolia Household Recycling Centre in Sutton Coldfield , West Midlands , reopened , it 's led to huge queues @ @ @ @ @ in the local area .
Local businesses situated near the site have raised concerns .
@ @ @ @ @ a plumbing supplies store , described it as `` horrendous '' .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ able to get deliveries in .
Customers have n't been able to get into here @ @ @ @ @ said residents should only visit the waste centres if it was `` absolutely essential '' @

Since Veolia Household Recycling Centre in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, reopened, it's led to huge queues of cars on the roads in the local area.
Local businesses situated near the site have raised concerns.
Phil Taylor, who owns a plumbing supplies store, described it as "horrendous".
He said: "We've not been able to get deliveries in. Customers haven't been able to get into here."
Birmingham City Council said residents should only visit the waste centres if it was "absolutely essential".


bbcuk--2020-05-17--The Great British Menu chef opening his first restaurant during lockdown

While many in the hospitality industry are worried about the future , Great British Menu finalist Kray Treadwell remains optimistic @ @ @ @ @ people will want to do is go and eat out '' , said the 28-year-old @ @ @ @ @ to open his debut restaurant at the Custard Factory in Digbeth , in Birmingham against @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Named after the birth weight of his daughter , who was born 18 @ @ @ @ @ of 670 Grams has been put back to August .

While many in the hospitality industry are worried about the future, Great British Menu finalist Kray Treadwell remains optimistic.
"The first thing people will want to do is go and eat out", said the 28-year-old chef.
He is planning to open his debut restaurant at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, in Birmingham against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.
Named after the birth weight of his daughter, who was born 18 weeks premature, the opening of 670 Grams has been put back to August.
Video journalist: Louise Brierley


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Tourists flock to Southend beach as lockdown eases

Hundreds of tourists flocked to the beach in Southend on Sunday , on the first weekend since lockdown restrictions were @ @ @ @ @ reached the early 20 degrees celsius and saw many families enjoying the sun at the @ @ @ @ @ , who travelled about 70 miles from Dunstable , Bedfordshire , said : `` [ @ @ @ @ @ , have n't been to the beach for a while , so I might as @ @ @ @ @ along the east coast seemed quieter , with BBC footage from Clacton , Southwold and @ @ @ @ @ .
• Coronavirus : Live updates from across the East of England

Hundreds of tourists flocked to the beach in Southend on Sunday, on the first weekend since lockdown restrictions were eased across England.
Temperatures reached the early 20 degrees celsius and saw many families enjoying the sun at the Essex resort.
One tourist, who travelled about 70 miles from Dunstable, Bedfordshire, said: "[I thought] nice weather, haven't been to the beach for a while, so I might as well."
Other beaches along the east coast seemed quieter, with BBC footage from Clacton, Southwold and Great Yarmouth showing fewer tourists.


bbcuk--2020-05-18--The Papers: 'Air bridges' plan and 'hidden' coronavirus cases

There 's no single story dominating Tuesday 's front pages , though nearly all lead on the latest coronavirus developments @ @ @ @ @ 's front page features a photo of two women enjoying an outdoor breakfast in protective @ @ @ @ @ strict lockdown .
In its main story , the paper says loss of taste and @ @ @ @ @ recognised as symptoms and it quotes one expert saying up to 200,000 people could have @ @ @ @ @

Both papers have picked up on comments from the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, that quarantine plans could be relaxed in future for countries with a low risk of coronavirus - creating what are called "air bridges" by the end of June.


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: 'Miracle' father home in time for son's birthday

A father who had coronavirus , pneumonia , sepsis , heart failure and two strokes has achieved his goal of being at home to celebrate his son 's birthday .
Omar Taylor , 31 , spent six weeks fighting the illnesses at Colchester General Hospital in Essex .
His wife Kaitlyn said he was `` determined '' to get better for their son 's second birthday .
`` Harrison gave him the strength and willpower to make it home , '' she said .
Mrs Taylor , who is training to be a nurse , was told to prepare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of complications while in intensive care .
She said it was `` a miracle '' he was able to walk out of hospital two weeks ago .
Doctors had said it was unlikely he would ever walk again and were so surprised by his recovery they decided to conduct a special study of his case .
`` I kept saying to him while he was sedated that he had to make it home for Harrison 's birthday , but there were many times when I thought it would never happen , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left with mobility issues and minimal speech and has been having intensive therapy sessions at home in Rowhedge , near Colchester .
He is a regional director of Care UK and has worked in care homes throughout his career .
An online fundraising campaign set up by a friend has reached more than £18,000 , with many donations from the families of people for whom he has cared .
Mrs Taylor , who has not been able to work while looking after her husband and their children , said the page had made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We want to thank everyone who has donated .
The strain on the NHS is overwhelming , so we are hoping to get some private rehabilitation , '' she said .
`` It is just so important to us and allows us to solely focus on Omar and give him the best possible chance for a full recovery . ''
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"I kept saying to him while he was sedated that he had to make it home for Harrison's birthday, but there were many times when I thought it would never happen," she said.


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Scotland aims to ease lockdown from 28 May

Coronavirus lockdown measures in Scotland could begin to be lifted from 28 May , Nicola Sturgeon has announced .
The first minister said this would mean people could meet someone from another household as long as social distancing is maintained .
More outdoor activities and sports like golf and fishing will also be allowed .
Ms Sturgeon also announced that coronavirus testing will be extended to everyone in Scotland over the age of five who is displaying symptoms .
Tests can be booked online and will be available at one of Scotland 's five drive-in testing centres , or at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although anyone can now request a test , priority will still be given to key workers .
The list of symptoms which would require someone to self-isolate was updated on Monday to include loss of smell or taste .
The other symptoms are a new , continuous cough or a fever .
The Scottish government will publish more details on Thursday of its `` phased approach '' to easing the lockdown restrictions .
The first minister said that if progress was being made on suppressing the virus , the first phase would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aim would be to allow : • more outdoor activity , such as being able to sit in the park • meeting up outdoors with someone from another household , as long as people stay socially distant • some outdoor sporting activities , like golf and fishing • the resumption of some outdoor work .
Ms Sturgeon said more information would also be given about when schools might reopen .
`` Within two weeks , my hope is that we will be taking some concrete steps on the journey back to normality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've said before , it wo n't be normality as we knew it because the virus will not have gone away , but it will be a journey to a better balance - I hope - than the one we have today . ''
She said that sticking with lockdown restrictions for `` a bit longer '' was important so the next steps could be taken with confidence .
The first minister added that current lockdown advice in Scotland remained in place .
Some lockdown measures were eased in England last Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet outdoors .
People are also allowed to travel to other areas of England to visit destinations like parks and beaches .
However , the changes did not apply to Scotland , Wales or Northern Ireland , who are working to their own timetables .
Thursday 's `` route map '' will take into account the latest figures on the spread of the infection and the death rate data which will be published by the National Records of Scotland on Wednesday .
On Monday , Ms Sturgeon said 2,105 patients had now died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , up two from 2,103 on Sunday .
But she issued a note of caution over the death figures , saying that registrations tend to be lower at the weekend .
There are now 1,427 patients in hospital with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 , up 119 from 1,308 on Sunday .
Of these , 63 are in intensive care , a rise of four .
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How many cases in your area ?

"As I've said before, it won't be normality as we knew it because the virus will not have gone away, but it will be a journey to a better balance - I hope - than the one we have today."


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Wales joins UK home testing scheme

The number of tests for coronavirus in Wales is to rise after the Welsh Government joined a UK-wide home testing scheme .
Anyone over the age of five in Wales , along with the other three nations , will be able to order tests if they have symptoms .
An abandoned Wales-only portal for testing cost to date around £40,000 , the Welsh Government said on Monday .
Ministers in Cardiff have been under pressure to increase testing after targets of 5,000 tests a day were abandoned in April .
There is now capacity for more than 5,000 tests a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say 1,931 tests were done in Wales on Sunday .
The Welsh Government says the home tests will form a key part of its test and trace plans .
• Five and overs in UK now eligible for virus test • Coronavirus : How much do children spread it ?
Up until now only some key workers and hospital patients with symptoms , and care home staff and residents , have been eligible for testing .
The home kits will be in addition to those tests .
People who need a test can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dial 119 if they do not have access to the internet .
The range of recognised symptoms was also expanded on Monday - as well as a continuous cough or fever , a loss of taste or smell are also included .
The Welsh Government wants to increase the number of tests for people in hospital , key workers and in care homes to 10,000 a day by the end of the month .
It has said that it could increase to 20,000 a day by drawing on the UK-wide testing programme .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This announcement is a major step forward in increasing coronavirus testing in Wales even further .
`` Critical workers will continue to be prioritised for testing but now members of the public with symptoms can apply for a test .
The number of people we can test will increase as we continue to build our capacity . ''
He told BBC Wales the Welsh NHS will receive the results of the tests , which will go to a `` UK testing lab '' .
Welsh Conservative health spokeswoman Angela Burns said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'How will Wales cope ? '
, because the testing regime in Wales has been very poor , with missed and then abandoned targets since this pandemic began '' .
`` We need to see real and sustained improvements and increases here by the Welsh Government before this new policy can give us hope , '' she said .
Plaid Cymru health minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said : `` We 're all in agreement that we ca n't even begin to significantly ease restrictions in Wales without having testing , tracing and isolating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But after consistently failing to reach testing targets before scrapping them , the Welsh Government has put even more pressure on itself to get this right . ''
Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said both the UK and Welsh governments `` have worked closely together to put the safety of Wales ' population at the centre of our efforts to combat the coronavirus '' .
`` The decision of the Welsh Government to join the rest of the UK on the testing portal brings that alignment even closer , '' he added @

"Critical workers will continue to be prioritised for testing but now members of the public with symptoms can apply for a test. The number of people we can test will increase as we continue to build our capacity."


bbcuk--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: Alcoholics Anonymous sees rise in lockdown calls

Recovering alcoholics have discussed their struggles coping with the pressures of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown .
Alcoholics Anonymous said there @ @ @ @ @ increase in enquiries , and it is providing addicts with video call meetings and remote @ @ @ @ @ drinker from Dorset , whose partner is also an alcoholic , says the lockdown has @ @ @ @ @ .
And a 21-year-old in student housing said he is finding it hard being confined @ @ @ @ @ story was filmed using safe social distancing techniques .

Recovering alcoholics have discussed their struggles coping with the pressures of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
Alcoholics Anonymous said there has been a 300% increase in enquiries, and it is providing addicts with video call meetings and remote one-on-one support.
One former drinker from Dorset, whose partner is also an alcoholic, says the lockdown has led to his fiancé relapsing.
And a 21-year-old in student housing said he is finding it hard being confined around other drinkers.
If you or someone you know has been affected by addiction, help and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline
Video journalist: Ben Moore
This story was filmed using safe social distancing techniques.


bbcuk--2020-05-19--Huge rise in number of people claiming benefits

The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in the UK soared to 2.1 million in April , the first full month of the coronavirus lockdown .
The total in April jumped by 856,500 , the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said .
Before the lockdown began , employment had hit a record high .
The benefit claimant count does not include everyone who is out of work , since not all can claim assistance , but it does indicate the trend .
In another indication of the bleak employment landscape , the number of job vacancies fell by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months to April .
Meanwhile , claims for universal credit - the benefit for working-age people in the UK - hit a record monthly level in the early weeks of lockdown .
But the labour market is set to worsen , according to politicians and analysts , with Therese Coffey , Secretary of State for Work and Pensions , telling the BBC on Tuesday that the unemployment rate was likely `` to increase significantly '' .
According to separate research by the Resolution Foundation , young people are most likely to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the coronavirus pandemic .
More than one in three 18 to 24-year-olds is earning less than before the outbreak , the research indicated .
It said younger workers risk their pay being affected for years , while older staff may end up involuntarily retired .
Separate ONS figures showed UK unemployment rose by 50,000 to 1.35 million in the three months to March .
The unemployment rate was estimated at 3.9 % , slightly down on the previous quarter , the ONS said .
The jobless figures only cover the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to worsen sharply in the coming months .
Jagjit Chadha , director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research , told the BBC : `` We can reasonably expect unemployment to rise very quickly to something over 10 % - something we have n't seen since the early 1990s . ''
Tej Parikh , chief economist at the Institute of Directors , said : `` Even before lockdown , coronavirus was threatening to take the shine off the UK 's sterling jobs record , and initial estimates for April do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's clear that , without the government 's furlough scheme , the picture would have rapidly deteriorated even further . ''
'Losing my job pushed me to set up a business' '' It 's almost been a blessing in disguise .
I was stuck in the same role for a number of years , but now I can work for myself and hopefully secure a better future for my family , '' says Jay Lee .
The 32-year-old from Surrey recently lost his job at a large UK bank as a mortgage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with fraud investigations .
Jay then decided to take the plunge and set up a business , uAcademy , which offers online courses for aspiring mortgage advisers .
`` It 's something I had been thinking about doing for a year or two , and this gave me a push to do it .
I suddenly had a lot of free time , so I managed to set everything up and create the content in about two weeks . ''
People who are at home on furlough are not counted in the jobless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of weekly hours worked showed its largest annual decrease in 10 years .
The government 's jobs schemes succeeded in keeping the headline jobs numbers high , and jobless data still quite low up until the end of March .
But there is evidence of the pandemic crisis impact starting to hit in the latest ONS jobs market release .
The number of job vacancies from February to April tumbled by 170,000 to 637,000 - a record quarterly fall .
The claimant count jumped in April , while the average hours worked in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of March .
So the signs of a significant downturn in the normal jobs market are there , but as is the impact of the extraordinary government support package .
Unemployment would have shot through the roof without this support .
However , these numbers will get worse with next month 's figures .
The vacancy drop shows there are fewer jobs out there for those who do lose work .
And there are real concerns as to what happens when the support starts to be phased away in August .
Estimates based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this fall was mostly caused by the decrease in hours in the last week of March , with a much smaller decrease in the previous week , the ONS said .
In the final week of March , the total number of hours worked was about 25 % fewer than in other weeks within the quarter .
`` The headline employment and unemployment data have registered no impact from Covid-19 because they are three-month averages and the UK only went into lockdown in late March , '' said Samuel Tombs , chief UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data on total hours worked , however , show some of the initial virus damage ; hours dropped by 6 % in the penultimate week of March and by a further 16 % in the final week .
Ms Coffey told the BBC 's Today programme that because of the pandemic , many people were coming to the benefits system for the first time .
Claiming for unemployment benefit was `` an important part of the welfare system '' , she said .
She said the virus had caused an `` unprecedented emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we should be prepared for the unemployment rate to increase significantly . ''
Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the figures showed `` the severity of the crisis we are facing '' .
He added : `` Unfortunately , these claimants will now discover the UK has one of the weakest out-of-work safety nets in the developed world .
`` We support the changes the government has made so far during the outbreak , but they do not match the scale of the crisis . ''
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He said the "question that occupies" his mind was "what degree of long-term scarring is there on the economy" and that once restrictions begin to be lifted there will be the case of "what do we return to" and on that the "jury's out".


bbcuk--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Young people 'most likely to lose work' in lockdown

Young people are most likely to have lost work or seen their income drop because of Covid-19 , a report suggests .
More than one in three 18 to 24-year-olds is earning less than before the outbreak , research by the Resolution Foundation claims .
It said younger workers risk their pay being affected for years , while older staff may end up involuntarily retired .
The number of people in the UK claiming and receiving unemployment benefit soared last month .
The figure went up by 856,500 to 2.097 million in April , the Office for National Statistics ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed UK unemployment rose by 50,000 to 1.35 million in the three months to March .
Jonathan Athow , from the ONS , said employment `` held up well '' in March , but hours worked `` fell sharply '' towards the end of the month - particularly in areas like hospitality and construction .
Young people tend to be hardest hit by economic slumps .
• 'Losing my job pushed me to set up a business' Around a quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds have been furloughed - meaning they do not work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books and the government covers 80 % of their wages .
A further 9 % have lost their jobs altogether - the highest figure out of all age groups .
Industries that traditionally employ younger staff such as pubs , restaurants and leisure centres have remained shut throughout the UK 's eight-week lockdown , as have many shops .
Employees across all age groups were found to be more likely to earn less than they did in January than earn more .
Those aged 35 to 44 were the least likely to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with around 15 % experiencing this since the outbreak began .
Ms Coffey told the BBC 's Today programme that the UK should be prepared for the unemployment rate to `` increase significantly '' .
She said the government is focusing on the younger generation as part of efforts to get people back into work .
Asked about the claim that their incomes could be scarred for years to come , she said : `` I think it 's too early to say anything like that at all . ''
She added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as retail and agricultural work , but that opportunities will vary around the country .
On Tuesday , the Prince of Wales urged people to help harvest fruits and vegetables as part of the Pick for Britain campaign .
In a video posted on Twitter , he likened the project to the efforts of women who worked in agriculture as part of the Women 's Land Army during World War Two .
`` In the coming months , many thousands of people will be needed to bring in the crops .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important , '' he said .
The Resolution Foundation , which studies earnings of lower and middle income-workers , surveyed more than 6,000 UK adults at the beginning of May .
The Health Foundation , the charity which funded the research , says it was concerned that the current crisis is magnifying already-precarious employment conditions young people face .
However , the report found the scale of pay reductions during the crisis would have been greater were it not for the government 's job retention scheme .
The scheme covers 80 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month and was recently extended to October .
A quarter of the workforce , some 7.5 million people , are now covered by the arrangement , which has cost £14bn a month .
However , campaigners said it has made `` no difference '' to the thousands of people who initially fell through the cracks .
Last week , the chancellor warned it was `` very likely '' the UK is in a `` significant recession '' , as figures revealed the economy contracting at the fastest pace since the financial crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ surges in unemployment due to the pandemic .
More than 36 million people are now filing for unemployment benefits in the US , representing almost a quarter of the American workforce .
Are you a young worker who has lost their job or faced reduced income due to the coronavirus pandemic ?
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"I've moved back with my parents to try and save and I'm looking for work but a lot of jobs out there aren't the sort I can apply for because some of my family are vulnerable [to Covid-19].


bbcuk--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Nearly 10,000 deaths in care homes

Nearly 10,000 people have died from coronavirus in care homes in England and Wales , figures suggest .
But for the second week running the Office for National Statistics review of death certificates showed the number of new deaths being seen has fallen .
In the week ending 8 May there were 1,666 deaths linked to coronavirus in care homes - down from just over 2,400 the week before .
Meanwhile , the overall number of deaths across society has fallen too .
There were 12,600 deaths during the week - nearly a third of which were linked to coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak of 22,000 at the height of the pandemic - although it is still above what would be expected at this time of the year .
Total deaths is seen as the best measure of the impact of the lockdown as it takes into account both deaths linked to coronavirus and other deaths that could be a result of the lockdown .
The daily figures released by the government just looks at deaths among people with a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus .
It means the total number of deaths seen this year is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be expected .
Could the true toll in care home be even higher ?
The government has been receiving heavy criticism for the impact of coronavirus in care homes .
Alongside the coronavirus deaths , there are significant numbers of unexplained fatalities .
Once you factor in Scotland , you would normally expect to see around 2,800 deaths a week .
But at the peak of the pandemic in care homes in the second half of April there were around three times as many deaths .
Only around half the increase was attributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be related to the indirect costs of the pandemic , such as not getting care for other conditions like heart disease and strokes .
Another factor could be that the true number of coronavirus deaths have been under-reported as the lack of testing available to care homes may have meant doctors were not able to identify the presence of the virus .

But the sector has questioned the support, criticising the lack of protective equipment and testing available - despite the expansion of testing it will still be another three weeks before all staff and residents will have been tested.


bbcuk--2020-05-19--Blackburn shooting: Three arrested over Aya Hachem killing

Detectives are continuing to question three men on suspicion of the murder of a young woman shot dead from a passing car near a supermarket in Blackburn .
Aya Hachem was found with fatal injuries in King Street , Blackburn , close to Lidl , on Sunday afternoon .
Police said there was `` every indication '' the 19-year-old law student had not been the intended target .
Three men , aged 33 , 36 , and 39 from Blackburn , arrested on Monday night , remain in custody .
Ms Hachem 's parents said she was the `` most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of becoming a solicitor '' .
She was a young trustee for the Children 's Society , whose chief executive Mark Russell described her as a `` truly remarkable young woman , and an inspiring voice for children and young people '' .
Ms Hachem was going to the shop at about 15:00 BST when she was shot .
A Toyota Avensis , believed to have been used in the killing , was later found abandoned on Wellington Road .
A number of people were in the car , which has the registration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cribbin said : `` We are on with a number of lines of inquiry which includes looking at CCTV in the area and we have spoken to a number of key witnesses .
`` Despite that , and the arrests , this is a live investigation and I am asking anyone who might know anything about what happened , or the circumstances leading up to Aya being senselessly killed to speak to us .
`` Any piece of information , no matter how insignificant it may seem , could prove vital to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of four siblings and lived in Blackburn after travelling to the UK about nine years ago , her cousin Hassan said .
Her family was waiting for the investigation to finish so they could take her body back to Lebanon to be buried in her home village Qlaileh , he said .

She said Ms Hachem had arrived at the age of 12 "with very little English" but had "very quickly picked up" the language and "worked incredibly hard to become the very, very best person she could be".


bbcuk--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Bosses' bonuses banned in exchange for virus loans

Large firms who borrow from the UK taxpayer will be banned from paying bonuses and dividends , according to the Treasury and the Bank of England .
The limit on the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme has been lifted from £50m to £200m .
Firms who want more than £50m will face restrictions until the loan is repaid .
The Bank of England will implement the restrictions on the scheme it runs as well as seeking a letter from firms who wish to borrow for more than a year .
It said big companies who require loans from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CCFF ) for a term beyond 19 May 2021 `` will be expected to provide a letter addressed to HM Treasury that commits to showing restraint on the payment of dividends and other capital distributions and on senior pay '' .
The Bank said : `` These commitments are intended to create incentives for , and promote the ability of , businesses to repay their borrowings . ''
As well as limiting dividends and cash bonuses to senior management - unless they were announced before applying for the government loan - companies will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury and the Bank of England also announced that from 4 June they will publish a weekly list of the companies who have accessed the Covid Corporate Financing Facility and how much they have borrowed .
They said : `` This change will make the scheme more transparent and enable participating businesses to demonstrate their access to the scheme . ''
The facility is designed for larger UK businesses , classed as those that `` make a material contribution to the UK economy '' .
Under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to borrow 25 % of their turnover to a limit of £200m .
The bigger loans will be available from 26 May .
So far , 86 loans worth £590m have been approved under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme .
• 464,393 loans worth £14.18bn have been approved under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme , which allows small to medium-sized businesses to borrow up to £50,000 .
• 40,564 loans worth £7.25bn have been approved through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme , where small to medium-sized companies can @ @ @ @ @ @

It said big companies who require loans from the Bank's Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) for a term beyond 19 May 2021 "will be expected to provide a letter addressed to HM Treasury that commits to showing restraint on the payment of dividends and other capital distributions and on senior pay".