bbcuk--2020-09-25--Coronavirus: 'We're Australian but we're trapped in the UK'

Last Thursday , Andrew Leslie , 52 , woke up at 04:30 BST at his east London home for his mother 's funeral .
It was taking place some 10,000 miles away in Sydney , Australia .
Australia 's strict coronavirus rules left Andrew , an IT worker , unable to get a flight home in time .
He had no choice but to say a `` surreal '' goodbye to his beloved 92-year-old mum , Helen , via an online live stream .
`` I really can not describe the sadness and grief I 've felt over the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were only 24 hours from being home , '' Andrew says .
When his mother was taken to hospital after a fall four weeks ago , Andrew and his wife , Anu , 49 , searched for flights to Australia , only to find that by the time they could fly there , and finish Australia 's mandatory two-week quarantine , they would still be `` weeks too late '' to see his mother .
Heartbroken at being separated from his mum and four siblings in Australia , Andrew and Anu recorded video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before she died .
• Australia virus cases 'set to be lowest in months' '' We told her how much we loved and missed her , and talked about some of the happy memories we 'd had together , '' he says .
After a `` very emotional '' funeral , Andrew is still struggling to come to terms with his mother 's death .
`` I do n't know if we 've really dealt with it from here , it just feels too detached '' .
Andrew 's experience is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and separation - after Australia adopted some of the toughest travel restrictions in the world .
In March , its government urged Australian citizens and residents living overseas who wanted to return home to do so as soon as they could .
Days later , the country closed its borders to everyone except Australian citizens and permanent residents .
The government has restricted people from leaving the country without an exemption , and few are given .
All arrivals into Australia must quarantine in a designated hotel for 14 days , at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £1,650 ) per adult .
Australia also brought in strict limits on the number of arrivals allowed to enter the country - with a cap of about 4,000 people per week .
And airlines - who must comply with the caps - have been regularly cancelling flights and tickets .
About 27,000 Australians stranded overseas have registered with the government to come home , Australian officials have said .
But earlier this month , the Board of Airline Representatives of Australia - which represents airlines - estimated there were likely to be 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
For Sandi James , a PhD researcher , qualified psychologist and teacher , what was supposed to be a 10-day working trip to Dublin has turned into months of being stranded in the UK with no job or stable accommodation .
Sandi , 51 , travelled from Australia to a conference in Dublin in March , where her wife Jennifer , 54 , joined her from Thailand .
Sandi was then due to travel to Malaysia for work - but says hours before she could board the plane , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same that month .
Sandi travelled to London after being offered a room to stay in while she was waiting to return to Australia .
She tried to book a flight home in April , but the earliest she could get one was 6 July .
With no job or permanent place to live , she phoned the Australian High Commission in London for help , but says they told her to contact a local council about homeless accommodation .
`` I hung up the phone .
I just could n't speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Commission did not respond to the BBC 's request for a response to this claim .
After her first flight was cancelled , Sandi was unable to take another last minute flight and says she has `` given up '' on trying to get back to Australia .
Sandi , who is currently staying in a hostel in Bristol , says the whole ordeal has severely damaged her mental health .
She has now started the expensive process of applying for an ancestry visa in the UK , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring Jennifer here .
`` I am stuck here alone , and am really struggling .
I ca n't do this on my own anymore , I need her . ''
For first-time mum Carly McCrossin , 38 , every day her five-month-old daughter , Ailish , grows is a heart-wrenching reminder that her family back in Australia are missing out on those special moments .
`` I was getting so upset , because I would be putting away her new-born clothes , '' she says , `` and bringing out the three-month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to fly to the UK before Carly gave birth .
But during a `` horrible '' phone call , Carly and her husband , who live in south London , agreed she should n't come to the UK , fearing she may get stranded here - a decision they had just hours to make before the borders closed .
Unable to `` do nothing '' , she has launched a campaign , Fly the Babies Home , with the aim of chartering a plane to fly other lockdown babies to Australia to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered so far , Carly has begun the `` slow process of getting things to happen '' , including talking to airlines and charter companies .
So far the cheapest private charter quote came in at about €900,000 ( £497,000 ) for a return .
The Australian government is due to review the caps on people coming into the country on 24 October and recently said it will increase capacity to about 6,000 people per week .
But many stranded Australians say this is not enough .
And it could be too late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fly home with Ailish in October for three months before returning to the UK in January .
Instead she 's left looking at baby clothes that no longer fit her daughter .
`` I just kept asking myself , how has my mum not seen my baby ? ''

When his mother was taken to hospital after a fall four weeks ago, Andrew and his wife, Anu, 49, searched for flights to Australia, only to find that by the time they could fly there, and finish Australia's mandatory two-week quarantine, they would still be "weeks too late" to see his mother.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Job Support Scheme: How is furlough changing?

These are jobs there is a current need for , which are n't just being propped up by the furlough scheme .
As such , only employees who can work at least a third of their hours will be eligible .
This could be , for example , a waiter in a restaurant that has started reopening three days a week .
This means those who normally work in venues that are still closed - such as nightclub bouncers , theatre ushers and staff in many live music venues - will miss out , even though they may be required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Job Support Scheme ?
For the hours not worked , the government and employer will each pay one-third of the remaining wages .
This means the employee would get at least 77 % of their pay .
So , for example , if someone earning £2,000 a month was working half their hours , they 'd get £1,000 normal pay .
They would then get £333 extra from their employer and £333 from the government .
This is almost the same as the 80 % offered under the furlough scheme - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third of their hours , instead of none .
What does the scheme mean for firms ?
Employees must have been on the firm 's payroll since at least 23 September .
They can be moved on and off the scheme , or work different hours .
Each working arrangement must cover at least seven days .
What other jobs help is on offer ?
Can I be made redundant while on furlough ?
If a worker loses their job and is entitled to redundancy pay , this should be calculated based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't use the money from furlough to subsidise redundancy packages .
What is furlough and why was it introduced ?
How popular has the scheme been ?
Workers must be furloughed for at least three weeks , and can be furloughed more than once .

Covid: What will happen when furlough ends? Published 30 September 2021
Image source, Getty Images
The furlough scheme, which protected millions of jobs during the pandemic, is being wound up at the end of September.
How did furlough work?
The government has been paying towards the wages of people who couldn't work, or whose employers could no longer afford to pay them, up to a monthly limit of £2,500.
At first it paid 80% of the wages, but in August and September it paid 60%, with employers paying 20%.
How many people are still on it?
The most recent figures show 1.6 million people were on furlough at the end of July - the lowest level since the start of the pandemic and 340,000 fewer than a month earlier.
Nearly one million workers were expected to still be on the scheme at the end of September, according to research by the Resolution Foundation.
The numbers have dropped as the economy reopened. In May 2020, nearly nine million people were on furlough.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, High numbers of workers in restaurants and hotels were furloughed
Will unemployment rise when it ends?
Some employers with workers on furlough may find they cannot afford to keep them on when furlough ends.
International travel, and other businesses which depend on it, are still seriously disrupted. Some furloughed workers in these areas may lose their jobs.
Many forecasters, including the Bank of England, are expecting a small rise in unemployment.
What if I'm made redundant?
If you were made redundant while on furlough, you have a number of legal rights.
The selection process must be fair, you must be given notice, and you are entitled to tax-free redundancy pay.
If you've been made redundant - or been told that you will soon be made redundant - there are three main types of financial support that you may be entitled to:
You might be able to claim a combination of these benefits.
The amount of help you get depends on your personal circumstances, including the amount of national insurance contributions you made while you were employed.
You may be entitled to extra money if you have children or are a carer, or have a disability or health condition. You may also be entitled to help with housing costs.
There is lots of free benefits guidance and advice available, including:
What has furlough cost?
The government says 11.6 million jobs have been supported by the scheme.
From March 2020 to the end of September 2021, the cost of furlough will come to about £66bn, according to estimates from the Office for Budget Responsibility.
That's a huge sum, around one fifth of the money the government has spent on the response to Covid.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, launched the furlough scheme in March 2020
However, the scheme has undoubtedly helped to save millions of jobs.
At the start of the pandemic it was feared that more than one in 10 workers would become unemployed.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Coronavirus restrictions: Students on their 'last night of freedom'

Freshers week is a rite of passage for first year university students across the UK , as they socialise with @ @ @ @ @ , before classes and lectures begin .
But with coronavirus infections increasing , the government @ @ @ @ @ nightlife in England , forcing bars to shut their doors at 10pm .
We asked @ @ @ @ @ felt on their last night of `` freedom '' .

Freshers week is a rite of passage for first year university students across the UK, as they socialise with people in their new city, before classes and lectures begin.
But with coronavirus infections increasing, the government has imposed new restrictions on nightlife in England, forcing bars to shut their doors at 10pm.
We asked students in Sheffield how they felt on their last night of "freedom".
Video produced by Lorna Acquah
Reporter: Shamaàn Freeman-Powell


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Michael Kiwanuka accepts Mercury Prize in TV studio

Michael Kiwanuka is the winner of this year 's Mercury Music prize with his third album , Kiwanuka .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ excitable musicians , the award was handed to him live on The One Show .
@ @ @ @ @ Dua Lipa , Laura Marling and Stormzy to scoop the prestigious trophy .

Michael Kiwanuka is the winner of this year's Mercury Music prize with his third album, Kiwanuka.
Instead of a ballroom full of excitable musicians, the award was handed to him live on The One Show.
Michael beat the likes of Dua Lipa, Laura Marling and Stormzy to scoop the prestigious trophy.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Newspaper headlines: 'Job fears' despite chancellor's 'rescue plan'

The front pages all focus on the government 's new measures to support jobs when the furlough scheme ends next month , with mixed views .
The Express likens Chancellor Rishi Sunak to Harry Houdini , hailing his `` daring £5bn escape plan '' , but the Mirror suggests millions could be out of work by Christmas - describing the package as `` too little , too late '' The paper 's leader column describes Mr Sunak 's latest measures as `` a sticking plaster on a bullet hole '' , and suggests that his successive bailouts , though vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the worst hardships for generations lie immediately ahead of us '' .
It argues that rising numbers of Covid-19 cases have spooked the nation out of all proportion to the actual danger - and urges the government to `` wake up '' if it is taking comfort from public support for restrictions .
The focus of ministers , it claims , `` should not be on closing down , but on finding ways to open up '' .
The Mail devotes a double-page spread to asking `` Who Is In Charge ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` upstaged '' Boris Johnson by striking a different tone to the prime minister 's `` cautious '' address to the nation on Tuesday .
It says Mr Sunak 's new slogan , `` Live Without Fear '' , sets out an approach that could not be in greater contrast to the `` latest draconian crackdown '' announced by Mr Johnson - who is described as being reduced to a `` political piggy in the middle '' , forced to mediate between two cabinet factions divided over the need for another lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the first day of its release in England and Wales are widely reported .
And the Mirror is furious - arguing the whole thing is `` worthless '' unless ministers sort out the testing regime , which it claims has got worse despite billions of pounds of investment .
Research which suggests just 18 % of people with coronavirus symptoms are self-isolating is highlighted by the Financial Times , which says the low rate has `` heightened fears '' over rising case numbers .
The King 's College London survey - of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - also found only 11 % of people who came into contact with an infected person went into quarantine .
The study found those least likely to follow the rules had dependent children , low incomes or worked in a key sector .
The shadow sports minister , Alison McGovern , has told the Mirror that `` much-loved '' football clubs outside the Premier League can not be allowed to `` get washed down the drain '' , and the government must come up with a plan to protect them from the effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that football clubs have been `` especially '' hard-hit by failures of the track and trace system , and accuses ministers of having had `` months '' to get things right .
The Mirror agrees that an `` urgent '' government plan is needed .
It says money at the top of football should be redistributed down the leagues , and lottery funding should be directed to help clubs most in need .

It says Mr Sunak's new slogan, "Live Without Fear", sets out an approach that could not be in greater contrast to the "latest draconian crackdown" announced by Mr Johnson - who is described as being reduced to a "political piggy in the middle", forced to mediate between two cabinet factions divided over the need for another lockdown.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--M25 crash: Two-vehicle collision closes motorway in Kent

The M25 has been closed in Kent after a two-vehicle crash in the early hours .
The accident involved a @ @ @ @ @ on the anti-clockwise carriageway between junction five for Sevenoaks and four for Orpington .
The @ @ @ @ @ directions shortly after the crash at about 05:10 BST but the clockwise carriageway has since @ @ @ @ @ put in place but motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid the area .
@ @ @ @ @ caught in the tailbacks , said the traffic was `` backing up as far as @ @ @ @ @ Kent Fire and Rescue Service said four fire engines were sent to the scene and @ @ @ @ @ to rescue one of those involved in the crash .
A spokesman for South East @ @ @ @ @ `` Ambulance crews attended the scene and were joined at the scene by the air @ @ @ @ @ person was treated at the scene before being take to Kings College Hospital by road @ @ @ @ @ ''

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said four fire engines were sent to the scene and crews used hydraulic cutting equipment to rescue one of those involved in the crash.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Coronavirus: Medical officers to discuss cross-border travel

The chief medical advisers from both sides of the border are to meet later to discuss how to curb travel between Northern Ireland and County Donegal .
It comes as tighter Covid-19 restrictions are set to come into force in the Irish county .
That means no one can leave or enter the county other than for essential reasons .
The public health officials will discuss the increased incidence rates of Covid-19 in County Donegal and how to restrict travel across the border .
Taoiseach ( Irish PM ) Micheál Martin and Northern Ireland 's first and deputy first ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county in a telephone conversation on Thursday night .
They agreed to cooperate as much as possible on the island of Ireland to control the rising levels of Covid-19 .
`` Between the start of the Covid crisis and 10 September in Lifford we had 17 positive Covid cases .
Since then , until yesterday , we 've had another 54 , '' he said .
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane Brian Tierney has asked people on the northern side of the border to respect the new restrictions in the county .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if you are in the county you have got to stay there unless you are travelling for education , work or essential travel .
`` That also means you are not allowed into Donegal unless for essential business , people in Derry and Strabane need to stick to that , '' he said .
It is vital people do everything they can to `` stop the spread of this disease , '' he added .
The tighter restrictions mean people are again being asked to work from home where possible and only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Visitors to private homes and gardens should be limited to a maximum of six people from one other household .
There are to be no organised indoor gatherings and outdoor gatherings are to be up to a maximum of 15 people .
He said it is difficult to understand what is behind the recent surge in the region , but people in Donegal will support the new measures .
`` The government have a decision to make , based on the general population and that is the biggest concern .
If this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will accept that .
`` There is a certain level of fatigue , but people are very aware of what they have to do , '' he said .

Both Dr McBride and Dr Glynn said there would be "close collaboration" between the relevant authorities in the coming days "to address the concerning trend in case numbers on both sides of the border, not alone in Donegal and Derry, but also in other areas along the border."


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Covid: Cardiff 'could go into local lockdown'

Cardiff council leader Huw Thomas has warned of potential restrictions on travel and different households mixing .
He told a virtual meeting of the authority that over the past seven days , the area has seen 38.2 cases per 100,000 people .
Mr Thomas said the city was on the verge of entering the Welsh Government 's `` red zone '' .
He said if that was to happen `` then I fully expect that we will be implementing further restrictions as we have seen elsewhere '' in south Wales .
Cardiff is home to 366,903 people and would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed .
People living in Caerphilly , Rhondda Cynon Taf , Bridgend , Blaenau Gwent , Merthyr Tydfil and Newport can not leave their areas without a reasonable excuse .
Should Cardiff follow them into lockdown , it would mean more than a 1.2 million people - about a third of Wales ' population - would be under tighter restrictions than the rest of the country .
Conservative councillor Jayne Cowan asked Mr Thomas if Cardiff would be put into a local lockdown in the next 48 hours .
He replied : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the morning and make a decision based on that . ''
It comes as Caerphilly 's lockdown has been confirmed for at least a further seven days .
Mr Thomas said restrictions could be introduced `` at speed '' and could include a ban on households meeting or travel outside of Cardiff .
The council leader said the coronavirus test positivity rate stood at 3.8 % , which exceeds the government 's amber threshold of 2.5 % .
There has been a sharp rise in hospital emergency attendance in the past week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of infection `` most frequently found within household settings '' .
`` Our test trace and protect data suggests this is particularly in cases where family bubble rules have been breached , and also where people are mixing in indoor home settings and not following the rule of six , '' he said .
`` The truth is that indoor mixing with people not in extended households in homes , cafes , bars and restaurants is happening far too frequently . ''
Mr Thomas said there had been a significant rise in those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Any new restrictions would need to be introduced by the Welsh Government .
Mr Thomas said he met First Minister Mark Drakeford and Health Minister Vaughan Gething prior to Thursday night 's council meeting .
The threshold for foreign countries to be added to the list of destinations where people need to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the UK is 20 cases per 100,000 .
Cardiff councillor Jayne Cowan told BBC Radio Wales a local lockdown was `` inevitable '' but feared the impact on businesses .
`` Many businesses wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We 're seeing many thousands of cases of people having livelihoods stripped away .
As part of the first lockdown , I was made redundant from my part time job .
`` The Welsh Government needs to come up with the goods . ''
Welsh Conservative health spokesman , Andrew RT Davies , tweeted that a `` it 's incumbent on the Welsh Labour government to bring forward a package of financial support for the many businesses ( particularly hospitality ) that will be devastated by the news '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ city `` really is n't local '' .
Rhun ap Iorwerth , Plaid Cymru health spokesman , said : `` Shutting pubs slightly earlier is n't going to be enough - the Welsh Government must think of a suite of new steps , which are perhaps stricter but for a shorter period , in order to control these new spikes . ''

"Our test trace and protect data suggests this is particularly in cases where family bubble rules have been breached, and also where people are mixing in indoor home settings and not following the rule of six," he said.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Reece Thompson signing for Selby Town 'misjudged', says manager

A football manager has apologised for his club 's plan to sign a player convicted of domestic violence , saying the decision was `` severely misjudged '' .
Thompson was convicted in April 2019 of assault and grievous bodily harm after beating up his girlfriend .
Manager Christian Fox said : `` Thinking of giving someone like that an opportunity was misplaced . ''
In a statement on the club website , Mr Fox said the matter had `` dragged up horrible memories for individuals and families who suffer from domestic abuse '' and said the club `` offer our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her family .
Thompson , who lived in Doncaster at the time , was jailed for three years and four months and given a restraining order lasting 10 years , but was released from prison early .
In August he joined Selby Town , who play in the 10th tier of English football as a member of the Northern Counties East League Division One , on trial , prompting criticism from fans who said his signing would send the wrong message to abuse victims .
The club apologised at the time but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence '' and could sign for them .
However , it backtracked following sponsor Reeds Rains ' announcement and confirmation from the Ministry of Justice that the player was still on licence .
Mr Fox said the club should have realised its error after the first incident and `` to think about it twice was extremely insensitive '' .
He said the club would be writing to the victim privately to `` try and offer her some comfort '' .
He added : `` I know words will never be enough but believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are with the upset we have caused so many .
We are not trying to make excuses or cover anything up .
`` I hope once again Selby Town FC will be able to regain trust and rebuild its standing in the community . ''

He added: "I know words will never be enough but believe me when I say how sorry we are with the upset we have caused so many. We are not trying to make excuses or cover anything up.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Coronavirus: Medical officers discuss cross-border travel


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Croydon police officer shot dead named as Sgt Matt Ratana

New Zealand-born Sgt Ratana , known as Matt , was shot in the chest in Croydon as a suspect , who was still in handcuffs , was being checked in .
The Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) said the man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply and possession of ammunition .
The IOPC confirmed he was handcuffed with his hands behind his back and had been taken to the custody centre in a police vehicle , before being escorted into the building .
A minute 's silence was held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Croydon Police Station to pay tribute to Sgt Ratana , who was heavily involved in rugby coaching when he was not working .
`` He will be remembered so fondly in Croydon and missed there , as well as in the Met and the rugby world , '' she said .
He served in various parts of London including Hackney and Selhurst , with his last posting as custody sergeant in Croydon , where he managed suspects who are brought into the cells .
Sgt Ratana had led rugby teams in Worthing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived and in East Grinstead , where he was living when he died .
`` He is a bloke who is just so passionate about what he does - it does not matter whether you 're the most talented or least talented , he will treat you equal , '' he said .
He had been referred to the anti-extremism `` Prevent '' programme , though the Met said the murder inquiry was not being treated as terrorism-related .
`` We owe it to Matt , his loved ones and all other officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space to do their job , '' she said .
London 's Mayor Sadiq Khan earlier said the police were currently `` reviewing the safety of custody suites '' and `` there could be changes very soon '' .
Neil Donohue , 54 , said : `` He came in one day and gave me 200 quid out of the blue , I said no no , I ca n't accept that and gave it back to him .
`` Matt was an inspiring and much-loved figure at the club and there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are feeling , '' said Bob Marsh , the club 's chairman , and the club 's president Andy Poole .

"He is a bloke who is just so passionate about what he does - it does not matter whether you're the most talented or least talented, he will treat you equal," he said.


bbcuk--2020-09-26--Manchester Metropolitan University students forced into lockdown

But some said they had no warning of a lockdown and are now trapped in halls of residence .
Manchester City Council said it was implementing a `` local lockdown '' to stop the transmission of the virus among students and prevent it getting into the wider community , '' The evidence so far suggests that transmission has been within the student community , '' it said .
But Jo Grady of the UCU university staff union said it was `` irresponsible '' of universities to have been `` luring students back on the basis that they can have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can have face-to-face teaching '' .
Megan Tingy , a student at Manchester Metropolitan , said : `` We were getting ready to go out and looked out to security and police outside the halls .
They say we ca n't leave .
`` We have n't received any emails from university about this and they seem to be holding us in against our will .
`` My dad has been calling the university to find out what is going on . ''
At Birley , Chip Wilson , 19 , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not allowed to leave and if we do we can not come back , so now we are all stuck inside .
`` We are all worried about how we will get food and how long this will last .
`` We only got an email to say it was happening as it was happening this evening .
`` On top of all this many of us here have Covid symptoms but we can not get tests .
We can only get drive-through tests and none of us have cars , and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now . ''
`` Our security teams will increase patrols to support the lockdown and we will take disciplinary action against any students found to have breached requirements . ''
David Regan , public health director for Manchester , said : `` An important part of Manchester 's Local Response and Prevention Plan for coronavirus is to keep a close eye on the data and act swiftly and decisively where an outbreak is identified in order to contain the virus .
That 's what we 've done here . ''

"On top of all this, many of us here have Covid symptoms but we cannot get tests. We can only get drive-through tests and none of us have cars, and even if we did we can't leave now."


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Coronavirus: Children behind rising demand for tests in England

Demand for coronavirus tests has almost trebled among young children in England this month - but only 1 % were found to have the virus , figures show .
In the first two weeks of September , more than 200,000 under-nines were tested , according to government 's test-and-trace programme .
That is nearly three times as many as in the previous fortnight .
A large study review has also confirmed that children are less likely to be infected than adults .
But the role that children and adolescents play in transmitting the virus `` remains unclear '' , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England demand for tests increased across all age groups under 40 , but was particularly noticeable among the under-20s .
• Coronavirus : Children 'half as likely to catch it' This sharp rise in demand coincided with children returning to school in England .
Combined with an increase in cases among young people and lab testing capacity being reached , this put pressure on the system and led to delays in accessing tests .
Only 1 % of those children who had a test actually had the virus , compared with 3.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and people in their 20s and 30s .
Symptoms caused by colds and flu viruses shared around children who had n't mixed for many months may have been a factor in the increased demand .
As winter approaches , when respiratory viruses are common and the symptoms overlap with coronavirus , even greater demand could be created among younger age groups .
But if children do become infected with the virus , they are at very low risk of becoming severely ill or dying from Covid-19 .
Writing in JAMA Pediatrics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and adolescents under the age of 20 had 44 % lower odds of being infected with Sars-CoV-2 - the scientific name given to the coronavirus - than adults over 20 .
This was particularly apparent in children younger than 10 .
This chimes with a previous finding that the under-20s are approximately half as susceptible to the virus as adults .
The latest review based its findings on 32 studies from 21 countries , mostly in East Asia and Europe , involving nearly 42,000 children and adolescents and 270,000 adults .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any conclusions on whether children were any less likely to pass on the virus than adults .
Children are more likely to be asymptomatic when infected .
The theory is that if they are not coughing or unwell with the virus , they are less likely to infect others .
So their role in transmission may be down to their risk of exposure , the quantity of the virus , or viral load , they develop , their behaviour and the social contacts they make across age groups .
The researchers said larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more about how the virus is spread by adults and children .
Now that children throughout the UK are back at school , the need to understand this aspect of the virus is even more pressing .

Writing in JAMA Pediatrics, a UK-led research team found that children and adolescents under the age of 20 had 44% lower odds of being infected with Sars-CoV-2 - the scientific name given to the coronavirus - than adults over 20. This was particularly apparent in children younger than 10.


bbcuk--2020-09-26--Coronavirus: Shoppers lost £100m in vouchers expiring in lockdown - Which?

UK shoppers may have lost a total of nearly £100m in unused vouchers during the coronavirus lockdown , the consumer group Which ?
has estimated .
A survey of 2,000 adults suggested a quarter of people possessed a voucher that expired during lockdown .
Many retailers contacted customers and offered to extend them - but a third of those with an expiring voucher did not get an extension and lost the money .
Which ?
urged people who were unable to use their vouchers to contact the shop .
It also warned of the risks of buying new vouchers because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and added that further coronavirus restrictions could make it difficult to spend them .
Non-essential shops and businesses closed in March for several months , as part of the government 's lockdown restrictions to deal with the pandemic .
Many shops automatically extended the time that customers could spend their vouchers - as well as extending their return periods .
Shops eventually reopened throughout June ( in Northern Ireland first , followed by England , Wales and then Scotland ) with some long queues outside stores .
• Should we still be giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joins Morrisons to limit sales of some items In its survey carried out in August , Which ?
found that nearly half of people with an expiring voucher had it automatically extended .
One in seven - or 15 % - of people with a voucher had to to request an extension , with one customer telling Which ?
that a company told them `` hard luck , basically '' .
But 36 % - which could equate to an estimated 3.1 million people , according to Which ?
- did not receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Which ?
says the unspent vouchers were worth £31.70 on average , meaning around £98m was likely to have been lost across the whole of the UK .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : We answer your queries • LOCAL LOCKDOWNS : What happens if you have one ?
• VACCINE : How close are we to finding one ?
The consumer group advised anyone who has a voucher that expired during lockdown to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a voucher you were unable to use it is worth contacting the company , '' said consumer rights expert Adam French .
`` Anyone considering buying a voucher should be aware of the risks , as some well-known retailers have collapsed in recent months and further coronavirus restrictions could make it difficult to spend vouchers and gift cards . ''

Many retailers contacted customers and offered to extend them - but a third of those with an expiring voucher did not get an extension and lost the money.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Lockdown learning 'gulf' sparks call to treble pupil premium

Pupil premium funding used to boost the education of the poorest children should be trebled , says the boss of a leading academy chain .
Disadvantaged children were hit hardest by the lockdown , says Steve Chalke , founder of the Oasis Trust which runs 53 academies in England .
The learning gap between disadvantaged pupils and better off children `` has become a gulf '' , he claims .
The government says it has already allocated £1bn to help pupils catch-up .
But Mr Chalke questions whether enough of this funding is earmarked for the pupils in most need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in deprived areas , and Mr Chalke says he is particularly concerned by recent research which suggests pupils at schools like these fell further behind than better-off children during the lockdown .
Their teachers will have a tougher job of helping them catch up , he says .
• Primary pupils learning gap widens for first time since 2007 The Chancellor has cancelled this autumn 's budget to focus on emergency support during the pandemic .
Mr Chalke argues this support should include a fundamental rethink of the pupil premium , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to boost the education of disadvantaged children .
It is a cash bonus paid to schools for any pupil who has been eligible for free school meals at any point during the previous six years , or for pupils who have been in care for more than six months continuously .
Mr Chalke argues more money is needed , specifically targeted at poorer pupils whose learning has been so badly harmed by the lockdown .
`` Government should respond to the need before it causes irrevocable damage by trebling this funding , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and focusing it on children living in persistent poverty and facing long-term disadvantage , '' he argues .
`` It is vital that government makes this move now , to ensure that a generation of children , already disadvantaged before the Covid-19 lockdown but whose situations have deteriorated even further , are not completely abandoned , doomed to spend their lives struggling for opportunities their peers will have ready access to , rather than flourishing , '' he said .
Mr Chalke also says the government 's £350m National Tutoring Programme which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch-up after the lockdown `` is far too little '' .
This funding , for just one academic year , will not address the `` aching long-term need to narrow the disadvantage gap '' , he says .
`` It is the equivalent of a very poor quality sticking plaster being stretched across a wound that is far too deep to be healed by short-term interventions . ''
Mr Chalke argues that the whole designation of this money as `` catch-up funding '' is wrong .
`` The focus on academic achievement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' education strategy , fails totally to recognise the heart of the issue .
`` Despite the fact that there is , at last , a focus on student wellbeing in the national curriculum , until we develop an education strategy that commits cash and learning time to working with the adverse and traumatic childhood experiences that many disadvantaged students suffer , and have suffered through lockdown , we are wasting public money .
`` That 's why the attainment gap has never been tackled successfully , despite the many millions already spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In a statement , the Department for Education said the best place for disadvantaged children was back in school , where the government 's £1bn Covid catch-up package was `` tackling the impact of lost teaching time '' .
This includes £350m for disadvantaged students through the National Tutoring Programme , `` which is in addition to our £2.4bn pupil premium to improve these pupils ' attainment and outcomes , '' said the statement .
`` Head teachers and school leaders are best placed to make decisions about their pupils and which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said the spokeswoman .

"It is vital that government makes this move now, to ensure that a generation of children, already disadvantaged before the Covid-19 lockdown but whose situations have deteriorated even further, are not completely abandoned, doomed to spend their lives struggling for opportunities their peers will have ready access to, rather than flourishing," he said.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Covid: Llanelli lockdown set to start after coronavirus spike

Wales ' first town-only lockdown will come into force later .
Llanelli in Carmarthenshire will have restrictions imposed from 18:00 BST , making it the first town hit with restrictions without the rest of the county it belongs to .
Wales ' two biggest cities - Cardiff and Swansea - will follow suit 24 hours later following Covid-19 spikes .
People in 13 ward areas in Llanelli can not leave town , or mix indoors with anyone outside their own household .
The town has seen 85 coronavirus cases over the past week - compared to 24 across the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do during local lockdowns ?
• Figuring out the stats on coronavirus in Wales • Where do the 14.6 million people under new rules live ?
`` It is worrying to see how sharply the number of positive cases has risen in the Llanelli area and action has had to be taken to help stop the spread and break the chain of infections concentrated in this area to prevent a whole county lockdown , '' said Carmarthenshire council leader Emlyn Dole .
`` We must all do the right thing , follow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In parts of Llanelli , we 're asking people and businesses to make even greater sacrifices - we fully appreciate the impact this will have , but there is no other way .
We must stop the spread . ''
The rate of infection across the town has leapt to 152 cases per 100,000 of the population - it is just 18 per 100,000 for the rest of the county .
It places Llanelli in the top three weekly infections rates across Wales , alongside Blaenau Gwent on 202 per 100,000 and Merthyr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swansea hit a seven-day rate of 56 per 100,000 on Friday , while Cardiff reached 38 cases per 100,000 .
The two areas will face the same additional coronavirus restrictions as Llanelli from 18:00 on Sunday .
Chairwoman of Hywel Dda University Health Board , Maria Battle , said : `` Our local community has given us such tremendous support during the past few months .
`` To protect the health of our people , including the most vulnerable , and to ensure our NHS resources are available to provide people with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help of our Llanelli population and wider community now more than ever before . ''
Extra testing capacity is being introduced , with appointments at Parc y Scarlets , Ty ' r Nant at Trostre , and the Carmarthen showground .
Health officials said there should be `` no reason for Llanelli residents to travel excessive distances for a test '' .

"To protect the health of our people, including the most vulnerable, and to ensure our NHS resources are available to provide people with the care they need, we need the help of our Llanelli population and wider community now more than ever before."


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Coronavirus: UK pledges £500m to global vaccine-sharing scheme

The UK is to give £500m to a new global vaccine-sharing scheme designed to ensure treatments for Covid-19 are distributed fairly .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will make the announcement in a speech to the United Nations general assembly .
He will call on world leaders to overcome their differences as he sets out plans to prevent future global pandemics .
He will also promise extra funding for the World Health Organization .
• New coronavirus vaccine begins trials in the UK • How will the world vaccinate seven billion people ?
• How close are we to a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterparts at the UN that the `` notion of the international community looks tattered '' after the Covid-19 crisis .
He will call for states to `` reach across borders and repair these ugly rifts '' , as he announces a plan , developed with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and The Wellcome Trust , to help stop future pandemics .
The proposals include developing a global network of `` zoonotic hubs '' to identify dangerous pathogens before they jump from animals to humans , as well as improving manufacturing capacity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech to be played on Saturday afternoon , the prime minister will say : `` After nine months of fighting Covid , the very notion of the international community looks tattered .
`` We know that we can not continue in this way .
Unless we unite and turn our fire against our common foe , we know that everyone will lose .
`` Now is the time , therefore , here at what I devoutly hope will be the first and last ever Zoom UNGA , for humanity to reach across borders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here in the UK , the birthplace of Edward Jenner who pioneered the world 's first vaccine , we are determined to do everything in our power to work with our friends across the UN to heal those divisions and to heal the world . ''
Other measures being proposed include designing a global pandemic early warning system , improving the ability to collect and analyse samples and distribute the findings .
The plan also calls for common protocols to be agreed on sharing data .
Mr Johnson is also proposing states reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as soap , to help the global response .
The £500m in aid funding will go to the Covax vaccines procurement pool , which aims to help poorer countries access a coronavirus jab when one is developed .
There are about 40 different coronavirus vaccines in clinical trials - including one being developed by the University of Oxford that is in an advanced stage of testing .
A successful vaccine that can protect people from Covid-19 is still widely seen as the main exit strategy from the current restrictions on people 's lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the World Health Organization over the next four years - a 30 % increase on the previous period , making the UK one of its biggest donors .
Romilly Greenhill , UK director of The One Campaign , which fights extreme poverty and preventable disease , said the British government was showing `` powerful leadership '' at a moment when it `` could not be more important '' .
`` It will give the global fight against Covid-19 a shot in the arm , helping ensure everyone , everywhere can access a @ @ @

"Because it would be an absolute tragedy if, in our eagerness, we were to boost the nut-jobs - the anti-vaxers, dangerous obsessives who campaign against the whole concept of vaccination and who would risk further millions of lives," he said.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Covid-19: Fewer than 0.1% fined for no masks on trains

Fewer than 0.1 % of people stopped by police for not wearing masks on trains received a fine , figures have revealed .
British Transport Police ( BTP ) said it stopped 14,726 people from 15 July to 15 August for failing to comply , resulting in 14 fixed penalty notices .
The rules , introduced in June , state anyone travelling on public transport must wear a face covering .
BTP said enforcement in the form of fixed penalty notices was only used as a `` last resort '' .
It said , from 30 July to 8 September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with passengers not wearing face coverings , with 3,545 - 7 % - of those told to leave the train .
The figures , obtained through a Freedom of Information request , showed 37 fines had been issued between 15 June and 14 July .
BTP said it did not hold complete data for how many people were stopped during that time .
The rules have led to rows on public transport , with some spilling over into violence .
Last month , police said a train passenger was head-butted to the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking a fellow passenger to wear a face mask on a service between Slough and Langley in Berkshire .
And in Bournemouth , a bus driver was hit over the head and kicked on the floor for refusing to let a man board without a face covering .
Politicians have also been photographed breaking the rules .
Conservative MP for Devizes , Danny Kruger , apologised for forgetting to put on his face covering for a train journey from Hungerford to Paddington .
DUP MP for East Antrim , Sammy Wilson , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passenger on the London Underground without a mask .
Mr Wilson said he accepted he `` should have been '' wearing a face covering and he would `` accept whatever consequences there are '' .
A BTP spokesman said : `` British Transport Police has been working with rail industry staff since face coverings became mandatory on public transport in England on 15 June 2020 to engage with passengers , explain the importance of preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus and encouraging people to wear face coverings .
`` Enforcement , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has only been used as a last resort . ''
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• TRAVEL : What are the UK 's rules ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
Rail campaign group Railfuture said it was difficult to strike a balance but said BTP had got it `` about right '' .
Spokesman Bruce Williamson said : `` We want a safe railway .
We do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It looks like British Transport Police are doing this right .
If fines are a last resort , it 's good , they are not being heavy-handed . ''
BTP has jurisdiction for the railway network in England , Scotland and Wales , which includes the London Underground , Docklands Light Railway , Croydon Tramlink , Midlands Metro , Glasgow Subway and part of the Tyne & Wear Metro .

A BTP spokesman said: "British Transport Police has been working with rail industry staff since face coverings became mandatory on public transport in England on 15 June 2020 to engage with passengers, explain the importance of preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus and encouraging people to wear face coverings.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Covid: Pregnant women 'opt for C-section' to ensure partners at birth

Some pregnant women are so worried partners will not make it to the birth due to Covid-19 restrictions , they are opting for elective caesarean sections .
According to Wales ' coronavirus rules , a birthing partner can still only attend during `` active '' labour .
But some mums-to-be say the unpredictability of labour may mean partners do not reach hospital in time .
The Welsh Government said individual circumstances can be taken into account .
Michelle Morgan Davies , from Abergavenny , had baby Finn Morgan by caesarean section on Tuesday , with father Darren standing by .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners are sleeping in their cars and waiting for days in the hospital grounds , scared they will miss the birth if they travel home to be called back too late , '' she said .
What are the coronavirus rules about partners at births ?
In July , rules stopping women from being accompanied to appointments and scans were eased , but not to include early labour .
There are campaigns against this decision , with pregnant women feeling it is unfair people can go to pubs while they must experience parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` When you compare the maternity restrictions with other activities that are available to us , it makes very little sense .
`` The pubs are full , kids are in school in bubbles of 30 , a pregnant teacher could be exposed to all those households but ca n't have her one birth partner in hospital for early labour . ''
Ms Morgan Davies , who described the care she received in hospital as `` faultless '' , said frontline staff were doing their best to support women in difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restrictions themselves .
`` We were extremely lucky that Darren was able to be with me all through the pre-op process , in theatre and then for five hours afterwards as the ward was too busy to accept me , '' she said .
`` I had been told by staff the previous day that Darren could only be with us for half an hour in recovery before being sent home so that extra time really was a rare and precious thing .
`` I know other women are n't getting it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the difference between early and active labour ?
The early stages of labour can last for days , and women are usually encouraged to stay home for as long as possible .
When a woman is in active labour , the contractions are usually regular and strong and the cervix dilated by at least 4cm and this stage usually lasts a few hours .
However , it can be unpredictable and even last just minutes before a woman experiences the urge to push - meaning some women are worried they could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the child 's father present .
A C-section , which is major surgery , involves risks including infections , excessive bleeding , blood clots or bladder damage .
Recovery can take several weeks .
Catrin Davies , 34 , who is due to give birth in October , said she too had considered a C-section in case a fast active labour meant her fiance , Luke , would not make it in time .
However Ms Davies , from Aberystwyth , was also concerned Luke would not be able to stay with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women who have C-sections usually advised to stay in hospital for at least 48 hours .
She said Covid-19 has taken the shine off every aspect of this pregnancy .
`` I received a phone call from my midwife saying that the appointments will be over the phone , which , of course , I understand but I was disappointed .
`` This pregnancy feels a little forgotten and underwhelming .
I can not stop comparing this pregnancy with my first and feel guilty . ''
Ms Davies said her biggest fear had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which she had before restrictions eased to allow partners to be present .
`` Walking into the empty hospital was scary to say the least , '' she said .
`` Afterwards there was no big hug and smiles , just me staring at this scan photo .
`` The signal is so poor that I could n't phone him , I sent him a message saying all is well and a picture ... all shared excitement is lost . ''
When it came to considering birth options , Ms Davies said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cons due to Covid '' .
`` An elective C-section has the con of Luke not being able stay with us for very long after .
I would also be in hospital away from him and Sam [ her two-year-old son ] for over 24 hours with our newborn , taking away another experience of the pregnancy and birth .
`` A vaginal birth , if this goes well I am only in for six to 12 hours and this is preferable but again I would not have Luke there as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have heard of some [ partners ] having to sit in their cars for hours on end , this is not ideal but our best option that I can see .
`` I know how lucky me and Luke are having another baby , however , Covid has put a downer on the experience . ''
• 'It 's a girl ' - father told of baby 's sex in car • Is the risk from Covid-19 higher during pregnancy ?
• 'Impossible ' to be a politician and raise a family Hannah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started a petition to allow birth partners to be present throughout the pregnancy journey .
`` It is unfair that new families can stand two metres apart from complete strangers in a shop , but can not have their partner or birthing partner there because of Covid , '' she said .
Ms Albrighton added she had heard anecdotes of partners almost missing a birth which progressed quicker than expected , and even women finding out they had miscarried without their partners there to support them .
A campaign to ease labour restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported by Plaid Cymru MS Bethan Sayed .
`` I understand first-hand how frightening and lonely it can be to be without your birthing partner in early labour and recovery , '' Ms Sayed said .
`` Partners play a vital role as advocates during the birth process , as well as providing emotional support .
`` Too many fathers have also missed out on early bonding moments with their children and we must act now to avoid any further detrimental impact on new families across Wales . ''
The Welsh Government said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mothers and babies , as well as the staff who support them , is at the heart of the maternity visiting guidance at this time .
`` A partner can be present when a woman is in active labour .
`` Health boards will take individual circumstances into account to enable a partner or a nominated person to be present when a woman is using maternity services if she has mental health needs , a learning disability or a cognitive impairment or needs extra support to process information . ''

"An elective C-section has the con of Luke not being able stay with us for very long after. I would also be in hospital away from him and Sam [her two-year-old son] for over 24 hours with our newborn, taking away another experience of the pregnancy and birth.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--'Killer whales attacked my yacht for 45 minutes'

A Scottish yacht owner has described how his boat was attacked by three killer whales off the coast of Spain .
Graeme Walker , his wife Moira and their friend Stephen Robinson were targeted early on Tuesday morning .
Mr Walker , from Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute , felt a sudden jolt as he was at the helm of the 48ft yacht , before spotting one of the orcas .
The retired chief financial officer told BBC Scotland : `` We realised they were after the boat . ''
During their 45-minute ordeal , off Cape Finisterre , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 was rocked and spun round .
They later discovered a 1.5sq ft chunk had been bitten out of the fibreglass rudder .
Speaking from La Coruna , where the yacht is undergoing repairs , Mr Walker said : `` I felt a thump on the boat and the helm was pulled out my hand .
`` I was not really sure what was happening , then one of the animals broke the surface , on the left hand side of the boat , for breath . ''
Mr Walker admitted he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how these things are going to play out '' .
He added : `` None of us have ever been through anything like this before . ''
He believes two juvenile orcas were responsible for the initial attack but a third one , which was `` a lot bigger '' , soon arrived on the scene .
Mr Walker called the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre ( MRCC ) in Finisterre who advised him to ensure the sail was down and the engine off .
The operator said the orcas would probably lose interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attack the 12 tonne boat for 45 minutes .
Mr Walker said : `` The boat would literally spin through 90 degrees when the animals came in .
It was as pronounced as that .
`` When they actually bit on the rudder and started shaking the rudder the wheel was spinning from side to side .
`` You could not have touched it .
You would have broken your arms . ''
His main fear was that a broken rudder could potentially have put a hole in the boat and resulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walker added : `` The good thing was it was light .
`` If it had happened two hours earlier it would have been pitch dark , which would have been even more unpleasant . ''
He said everyone on board stayed calm and `` there was no screaming or bawling or anything like that . ''
At the time of the attack , the Walkers and Mr Robinson were 720 miles into a 1,600 mile journey from Almerimar in southern Spain to the Clyde coast of Scotland .
Orcas are normally in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feed off tuna - but this is the first year they have been know to target boats .
Mr Walker said he first became aware of the problem after reading an article in The Guardian but did not realise the incidents had been so frequent .
On Tuesday the Spanish transport ministry banned boats of 15m or less from sailing close to the coast between Cape Prioriño Grande and Estaca de Bares point in Galicia for a week .
Despite the restrictions he has been delayed in any event as his yacht will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked if , borrowing a famous line from Jaws , he now needs a `` bigger boat '' , Mr Walker laughed and said it had crossed is mind .
He added : `` If I can get one that is steel then that might be the way to go . ''

Orcas are normally in the area where the attack happened to feed off tuna - but this is the first year they have been know to target boats.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--'Don’t scapegoat students over Covid outbreaks'

Students should not be made `` scapegoats '' for a wave of Covid outbreaks , says a lecturers ' leader .
Jo Grady of the UCU university staff union said it was the `` completely predictable '' outcome of encouraging large numbers of students to return .
With universities in England starting term , she called for students to be able to study online from home .
The Department for Education says it is supporting universities to have a mix of online and face-to-face teaching .
In a further Covid outbreak , 1,700 students in two accommodation blocks at Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in isolation for 14 days , after about 100 students tested positive .
The lecturers ' union questioned the point of `` encouraging students to come to university to self-isolate for a fortnight '' .
Dr Grady said tough restrictions on students in Scotland and increasing warnings for students in England did not mean outbreaks were a consequence of `` reckless behaviour '' by students .
• Students in Scotland can not go to pubs or parties • Students on their 'last night of freedom' • Christmas lockdown for students 'not ruled out' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent us here ? '
Instead she said outbreaks were the result of universities pushing for `` massive numbers '' of students to come back to campuses for the `` university experience '' and to sign up for accommodation .
`` As far as I 'm concerned , they were mis-sold , '' Dr Grady told the BBC .
She said it was `` irresponsible '' of universities to have been `` luring students back on the basis that they can have a social life at university and that they can have face-to-face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more students in England , she said more teaching should be put online and students should be able to study from home .
`` I think there has to be an alternative to keeping students locked in absurdly expensive accommodation , rather than having them at home , '' said Dr Grady .
She called for students to be released from their housing contracts and for a way for them to be able to make a safe way home .
Dr Grady warned of an increasingly chaotic situation in universities and criticised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their university accommodation .
She said this was based on a `` boarding school '' perception of university life , adding that it might be important for some students to be able to go home , for instance if they were homesick or living with people who they did not like or felt threatened by .
Dr Grady wants universities to reduce face-to-face teaching , but said some universities were only doing it `` surreptitiously '' , because of fears `` their nearest competitor is n't doing it '' .
Most universities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is also thought some seminars could be `` live and interactive '' but delivered online .
Liverpool Hope and Liverpool John Moores are among those that have publicly moved more teaching online .
Universities UK says it us up to each individual university to decide how they will bring back students and whether they will switch to online lessons .
The Department for Education said it was working with universities and Public Health England on any measures needed to respond to Covid outbreaks .
`` Protecting students ' education and wellbeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universities to continue delivering a blend of online and face-to-face learning where possible in a Covid-secure way , '' said a department spokeswoman .
`` As with other essential services , education staff should continue to go into work where necessary . ''

She said this was based on a "boarding school" perception of university life, adding that it might be important for some students to be able to go home, for instance if they were homesick or living with people who they did not like or felt threatened by.


bbcuk--2020-09-26--Covid-19: What do scientists think of the PM's plan?

After dangling the possibility of a mini-lockdown to break coronavirus 's chain of transmission , Boris Johnson has opted for a much softer strategy .
The new Covid restrictions for England - which allow pubs and restaurants to remain open and households to continue mixing - have been met by scientists with responses ranging from praise to despair .
Dame Anne Johnson , a professor of infectious disease epidemiology at University College London , said it was essential to act quickly to stop the growth in the epidemic .
While she is `` pleased '' to see fast action and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of viral spread with other `` collateral damage '' , Prof Johnson says there are concerns it will not work .
It may be that reinforcing the need for people to limit their contacts with others will be enough to change the virus 's course .
If not , though , decisions to implement stricter rules would need to be made very quickly .
• New rules at-a-glance : More face coverings and fines '' We have to find out whether this is working very fast , '' she said .
Stop the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at the transmission of the virus alone , it 's clear that the stricter the lockdown , the better .
Scientists in this camp fear the new measures are `` too little , too late '' .
Government adviser Prof John Edmunds told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme the new measures had not gone `` anywhere near far enough '' .
`` We have to put stringent measures in place and it 's really important that we [ do so ] as fast as possible .
If we do n't then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And then it doubles again and so on .
Prof Edmunds believes tighter curbs will happen across the UK `` at some point but it will be too late again ... and then we 'll have the worst of both worlds '' .
At that stage , in order to `` slow the epidemic and bring it back down again '' , restrictions will have to be harder and stay in place for longer , he said .
• JOB SUPPORT : Will the new scheme help me ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters But Paul Hunter , a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia , said if controlling the epidemic was the only important thing , `` we 'd go back to the situation in the last week of March '' .
The downside , he said , would be depriving our children of another six months of their education .
`` We need to steer a course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppressing the virus as much as possible , '' he said .
He says that the new measures are unlikely to be enough to bring the epidemic back into decline , though they may make a dent in transmission .
`` Is this going to control the virus so it does n't keep on increasing ?
Very clearly no , '' he said .
`` But the question is , will it make it increase more slowly ? ''
What 's uncertain is how much cases will rise by , and whether protecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carl Heneghan at the University of Oxford 's Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine goes further .
Before the new restrictions were published , Prof Heneghan jointly signed a letter to the prime minister describing the idea of suppressing coronavirus as `` increasingly unfeasible '' .
And , he said , it was leading to `` significant harm across all age groups , which likely offsets any benefits '' .
Instead , Prof Heneghan believes it 's time to control the spread rather than suppress it , and accept that cases will rise .
Crucially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues on the science here .
His comments accept a stricter lockdown would bring down cases , at least for a while .
And looser restrictions would allow them to rise .
But he believes the goal now is to `` minimise social disruption '' while managing the virus .
If the government rushes into `` more measures , '' he says , `` we 'll talk ourselves back into a lockdown which , for a whole society , is hugely disruptive '' .
What about the NHS ?
All along , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low has been the need to protect the NHS from being overwhelmed .
In spring , this meant closing down non-Covid services to prioritise fighting the virus and preventing the spread of infection .
But another fear soon emerged - that the harm from missed cancer operations , screenings and other types of care could offset the benefits of lockdown .
Now , doctors ' bodies are calling for restrictions to keep cases low , this time in order to also keep other services running .
The Royal College of Surgeons of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the winter , unlike during the first coronavirus peak .
Its president , Prof Neil Mortensen , said : `` The prime minister was right yesterday to stress the importance of protecting the most vulnerable in care homes and hospitals .
`` Thankfully , surgery has been able to safely start up again in many parts of the UK ... [ and ] we must keep surgery going safely through the winter months , or tens of thousands will die from other preventable causes , '' he said .
`` So it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates low . ''
But the British Medical Association 's chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul called on government to go further .
While it was `` encouraging that the government has , at last , recognised the need for more stringent measures to control the virus 's spread '' he said , there were a `` a number of further actions which the government could take to prevent a second peak , '' including stopping an unlimited number of households mixing .

Prof Edmunds believes tighter curbs will happen across the UK "at some point but it will be too late again... and then we'll have the worst of both worlds". At that stage, in order to "slow the epidemic and bring it back down again", restrictions will have to be harder and stay in place for longer, he said.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Coronavirus: Can London’s suburbs lead the capital’s economic recovery?

While the prevalence of the virus is now lower in London than other regions there has been evidence economic recovery in the capital has lagged behind the rest of the country .
There were 2.5 times more unemployment benefit claimants in London as of June than at the beginning of the year - steeper than the 2.1 times increase seen on average across the rest of the country .
According to Dr Maria Loroño-Leturiondo , an expert in high street spending : `` People who feel part of a community are more likely to want to preserve the area they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to invest . ''
Mr Lockwood said he was already concerned about Christmas , when the company would normally achieve about 10 % of its annual in-store sales .
Even in the high street areas showing signs of recovery , there is a sense the upturn is fragile and shop owners admit they are feeling nervous about what the future holds .
How the capital recovers is likely to depend on how it reacts to the next series of challenges .
Mr Lockwood has begun hiring seasonal staff at Neal 's Yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rush of sorts , but said he was trying to delay major decisions until the future became clearer .
`` We could be wrong but we 're making the best decisions in the moment .
It 's our best guess right now . ''

The UK economy has suffered its biggest slump on record and remains in recession. Central London's world-famous shopping district sits largely empty with no prospect of returning to normal soon. But can green shoots of a recovery be seen on suburban high streets in other parts of the capital?


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Coronavirus: The fight to get partners back into maternity wards

The restrictions caused by coronavirus have piled particular pressures on thousands of parents expecting babies in the UK this year .
Initially during lockdown , expectant dads and partners were unable to attend maternity appointments and early stages of labour , with some even missing their children 's birth .
But in June , and again in September , NHS England advised hospital trusts to reintroduce birthing partners , with Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying partners should be present `` throughout each stage of pregnancy '' .
Despite this , campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed has said 49 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maternity unit visitors in place .
One MP - Alicia Kearns from Leicestershire - has called the situation `` heartbreaking and horrific '' .
Meanwhile , an online petition calling on partners to be allowed into hospitals throughout the birthing process , not just established labour , has received more than 415,000 signatures .
What effect is the uncertainty having on families ? '
I was told to go home and missed the birth' Mehul and Jigisha Solanki had their daughter Ellara on 3 July .
Mehul , a software designer from Milton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go home after his wife was induced .
He said : `` Between the time it took her to call me and say , 'Get here , the baby 's on the way , ' and the 12 minutes it took me to drive to the hospital , I 'd missed the birth .
`` We did n't find out the sex of the child because Jigisha wanted me to be the one to tell her at the birth .
It was going to be a special moment for us .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not being there meant I could n't do that .
It was gutting . ''
Jigisha said she missed the support Mehul could have given her during her short labour .
`` I think it 's an important moment , to see the birth of your child , '' she said .
`` And I do think he 's been robbed of that a bit . ''
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said since 9 July expectant mothers can be accompanied `` for all antenatal appointments and during the birth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a pub but I could n't see my wife' When Kate Holmes had to attend an emergency scan for her third child in August , after concerns that her foetus had limited movement , she was unable to take her husband Matt with her .
The scan led to an immediate emergency caesarean as she gave birth to their daughter Harriet .
`` The worst part was him not being able to be on the ward afterwards , when I was really struggling with my emotions , to the point that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 36-year-old from Nottingham .
At Chesterfield Royal Hospital , where Kate gave birth , partners were limited to one-hour visits .
Matt , 40 , said : `` Everyone understands all the Covid precautions , but there 's got to be a way for me to spend more than an hour with my wife , who 's on her own , and our newborn child 's in intensive care .
`` You can go to a pub , but I ca n't go and have a cup of tea with my wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Chesterfield Royal said one birthing partner has always been able to attend the birth as soon as the mother entered labour , but visiting was restricted .
'That moving image is really important' Ellie Jones , from Nottingham , said she has also suffered as a result of the inconsistency between hospital trusts .
She is 37 weeks pregnant , having miscarried with twins during a pregnancy in 2019 , but her partner Matt has been unable to attend the appointments at Nottingham City Hospital .
She said : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video recordings .
`` You do get a photo but it 's a still image .
`` When you 've lost a baby and you 've seen still images of babies that are n't moving anymore , that moving image is really important .
`` But Matt has n't been able to see those moving images . ''
Other trusts around the country have allowed mothers , at the height of the pandemic , to take videos of ultrasounds .
`` The way different trusts have reacted makes it feel really unfair , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been good and let women take a short 10-second clip of a scan .
`` Whereas when we 've asked about it , they 've said , 'That 's not what it 's for ' . ''
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust said women could now bring in a partner to 12 and 20 week `` routine scan appointments '' .
MP Alicia Kearns can readily identify with the heart-rending decisions facing many new parents during 2020 .
The Conservative MP for Melton and Rutland is five months pregnant and has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government maternity guidance .
Ms Kearns said : `` Clinicians in hospitals have told me they 've never seen maternity wards with so many women crying .
`` The mental health repercussions can not be underestimated ; I think they 're absolutely enormous .
`` It is imperative that mothers have their support systems and advocates with them at all stages of labour and scans , and partners are n't locked outside . ''
She said she has received the backing of 71 MPs including the Health Secretary and PM .
Campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her campaign .
Founder Joeli Brearley said hospitals needed to `` prioritise the needs of pregnant women to ensure they have the critical support they need from a partner or trusted person '' .
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

Coronavirus: The fight to get partners back into maternity wards Published 26 September 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Restrictions on dads and partners attending antenatal appointments and births were put in place at the start of the coronavirus pandemic
The restrictions caused by coronavirus have piled particular pressures on thousands of parents expecting babies in the UK this year.
Initially during lockdown, expectant dads and partners were unable to attend maternity appointments and early stages of labour, with some even missing their children's birth.
But in June, and again in September, NHS England advised hospital trusts to reintroduce birthing partners, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying partners should be present "throughout each stage of pregnancy".
Despite this, campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed has said 49% of all hospital trusts still have restrictions on maternity unit visitors in place.
One MP - Alicia Kearns from Leicestershire - has called the situation "heartbreaking and horrific".
Meanwhile, an online petition calling on partners to be allowed into hospitals throughout the birthing process, not just established labour, has received more than 415,000 signatures.
What effect is the uncertainty having on families?
'I was told to go home and missed the birth'
Image source, Jigisha Solanki Image caption, Mehul and Jigisha Solanki had their first child, Ellara in July, but Mehul missed the birth
Mehul and Jigisha Solanki had their daughter Ellara on 3 July.
Mehul, a software designer from Milton Keynes, said he was told to go home after his wife was induced.
He said: "Between the time it took her to call me and say, 'Get here, the baby's on the way,' and the 12 minutes it took me to drive to the hospital, I'd missed the birth.
"We didn't find out the sex of the child because Jigisha wanted me to be the one to tell her at the birth. It was going to be a special moment for us.
"But eliminating me from that process and me not being there meant I couldn't do that. It was gutting."
Jigisha said she missed the support Mehul could have given her during her short labour.
"I think it's an important moment, to see the birth of your child," she said. "And I do think he's been robbed of that a bit."
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said since 9 July expectant mothers can be accompanied "for all antenatal appointments and during the birth of their baby".
'You can go into a pub but I couldn't see my wife'
Image source, Kate Holmes Image caption, Kate Holmes was forced to have an emergency caesarean without the support of her husband Matt
When Kate Holmes had to attend an emergency scan for her third child in August, after concerns that her foetus had limited movement, she was unable to take her husband Matt with her.
The scan led to an immediate emergency caesarean as she gave birth to their daughter Harriet.
"The worst part was him not being able to be on the ward afterwards, when I was really struggling with my emotions, to the point that I was having anxiety attacks," said the 36-year-old from Nottingham.
At Chesterfield Royal Hospital, where Kate gave birth, partners were limited to one-hour visits.
Matt, 40, said: "Everyone understands all the Covid precautions, but there's got to be a way for me to spend more than an hour with my wife, who's on her own, and our newborn child's in intensive care.
"You can go to a pub, but I can't go and have a cup of tea with my wife while she's recovering from giving birth."
Chesterfield Royal said one birthing partner has always been able to attend the birth as soon as the mother entered labour, but visiting was restricted.
'That moving image is really important'
Ellie Jones, from Nottingham, said she has also suffered as a result of the inconsistency between hospital trusts.
She is 37 weeks pregnant, having miscarried with twins during a pregnancy in 2019, but her partner Matt has been unable to attend the appointments at Nottingham City Hospital.
She said: "The hospital doesn't let you take any video recordings.
"You do get a photo but it's a still image.
"When you've lost a baby and you've seen still images of babies that aren't moving anymore, that moving image is really important.
"But Matt hasn't been able to see those moving images."
Other trusts around the country have allowed mothers, at the height of the pandemic, to take videos of ultrasounds.
"The way different trusts have reacted makes it feel really unfair," she added. "Some trusts have been good and let women take a short 10-second clip of a scan.
"Whereas when we've asked about it, they've said, 'That's not what it's for'."
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust said women could now bring in a partner to 12 and 20 week "routine scan appointments".
Image source, Alicia Kearns Image caption, Leicestershire MP Alicia Kearns has been campaigning for hospitals to let partners support pregnant women "at all stages of labour"
MP Alicia Kearns can readily identify with the heart-rending decisions facing many new parents during 2020.
The Conservative MP for Melton and Rutland is five months pregnant and has been calling on all NHS Trusts to adopt the government maternity guidance.
Ms Kearns said: "Clinicians in hospitals have told me they've never seen maternity wards with so many women crying.
"The mental health repercussions cannot be underestimated; I think they're absolutely enormous.
"It is imperative that mothers have their support systems and advocates with them at all stages of labour and scans, and partners aren't locked outside."
She said she has received the backing of 71 MPs including the Health Secretary and PM.
Campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed is also supporting her campaign.
Founder Joeli Brearley said hospitals needed to "prioritise the needs of pregnant women to ensure they have the critical support they need from a partner or trusted person".
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Covid in Scotland: What's it like on a socially-distanced first date?

It ’ s a tricky time to find love .
Social distancing has changed the dating scene , with flirting @ @ @ @ @ new norm .
Student Pennie and graduate Daniel recently met online .
They allowed BBC @ @ @ @ @ join them on their first date in St Andrews .
The filming was done before @ @ @ @ @ not to visit pubs and restaurants this weekend to prevent further spread of coronavirus .

It’s a tricky time to find love. Social distancing has changed the dating scene, with flirting from a safe distance the new norm.
Student Pennie and graduate Daniel recently met online. They allowed BBC Scotland's The Nine to join them on their first date in St Andrews.
The filming was done before students across Scotland were asked not to visit pubs and restaurants this weekend to prevent further spread of coronavirus.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Covid in Scotland: Flu vaccinations urged ahead of challenging winter

The annual roll out of the flu vaccination to eligible patients across Scotland gets under way this weekend .
The need to physically distance , and at the same time see huge numbers of `` at risk '' patients , is going to make it one of the most challenging vaccination programmes Scotland has delivered .
Priority groups will be offered the chance to attend a dedicated walk-in or drive-through clinic - with community centres , schools , local GP practices , and even city centre landmarks being used as venues .
There is plenty of tape , hand-sanitiser and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Red Cross have even been drafted in to help .
• Covid symptoms : Is it a cold , flu or coronavirus ?
Dr Drummond Begg is a GP at Penicuik Medical Centre .
The surgery has about 5,000 eligible patients to see over the coming weeks .
`` It is different this year with the pandemic , and across Scotland there are different ways in which people will get their vaccine , '' he said .
`` Sometimes in practices , sometimes the boards will be using big campaigns .
`` So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check whether you are eligible , use the NHS Inform Website but probably most importantly to check your practice 's website to know what the local arrangements are . ''
Will everyone who is eligible get a vaccine ?
There have been concerns raised about supplies of the vaccine .
Boots confirmed that it has had to close new bookings due to the level of demand and limited stock .
In Scotland vaccines are procured nationally by the NHS for those in eligible groups .
That has been extended this year .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and those with medical conditions ; social care workers , families of shielders and over 55s will be offered the jab this year .
The Scottish government has said it has enough vaccine to ensure that all those in the eligible groups will get it in the coming months and if supplies allow , they plan to extend the programme further to everyone over 50 .
It has acknowledged that a shortage of global supplies could impact on those who want to pay privately for a vaccine .
Nevertheless , Dr Drummond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone comes for their vaccine at once .
He asked that patients bear with them as it is all new , but he said GPs have been assured over the next few months , they will get vaccines to those who need them .
Some patients have told the BBC they have struggled to get appointments .
NHS Borders has asked people for patience because of the exceptional demand .
In Musselburgh , Betty Irving and Tolena Struthers said they had trouble getting information .
Betty said : `` When I went onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I 've tried several times to phone the surgery .
`` First of all they say if it 's urgent , 999 , and then it says 'we are experiencing a high degree of calls , please phone back ' and then it goes dead . ''
Tolena added : `` It 's even more important to get the jag because of our age .
I just do n't know what to do now , where are we meant to go ? ''
The Scottish government said that with Covid-19 circulating at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was `` more important than ever '' to get vaccinated this year .
A spokeswoman added : `` NHS Boards have invited eligible priority groups to book an appointment by phone rather than from individual GP practices as in previous years .
`` We aim for everyone eligible for a free flu vaccination to receive an appointment after the programme commences on 1 October . ''
How will Covid impact on the flu season ?
Little is known about how flu will impact on Covid .
An increase in respiratory infections in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Test and Protect system .
Hospital staff will need to work out the appropriate treatment for patients .
Keeping all admissions down is the desire .
The NHS already works near capacity and winter always brings with it additional pressures .
Pre-Covid , a severe flu epidemic would have had consequences that could see routine work postponed or cancelled .
The pandemic has already placed the NHS on an emergency footing with a backlog and many services running at a limited capacity .
A surge in coronavirus cases coupled with flu could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virologist based at Glasgow University who specialises in influenza .
`` Flu on its own is a really important human pathogen , '' he said .
`` We have excess mortality due to flu every single winter so even before Sars-CoV-2 we really have to take care of ourselves and get the vaccines , and now we have another pathogen that can cause mortality in certain patients.
`` He said little is known about virus interactions , particularly about influenza and Covid-19 .
But Prof Murcia said data emerging from countries that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some positive influence from social distancing .
`` What we know from countries in the southern hemisphere is that they found historical lows with other respiratory virus infections , '' he said .
`` And this is because when we put in place these intervention measures that are aimed to stop the transmission of Sars-CoV-2 , they also stop the transmission of other respiratory infections . ''
But the truth is , we have never faced a situation like this and the winter will be challenging .
That is why there is much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are eligible .
It is at least one virus where a vaccine exists .
• RULES : What are the restrictions in Scotland ?
• LOCKDOWN : Six months that changed our lives • CASES : Where are the latest cases in Scotland ?
• NUMBERS : Four key figures to watch out for

The Scottish government has said it has enough vaccine to ensure that all those in the eligible groups will get it in the coming months and if supplies allow, they plan to extend the programme further to everyone over 50.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Coronavirus: London placed on Covid-19 watch-list as cases rise

London has been added to the government 's Covid-19 watch-list following a rise in cases in the city , officials have said .
All boroughs have been classed as areas of concern , but no additional restrictions have been announced .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the city was at `` a worrying tipping point '' with hospital admissions increasing .
The watch-list , published each week , categorises local councils seeing a higher infection rate as `` areas of concern '' , `` areas of enhanced support '' or `` areas of intervention '' .
Tighter restrictions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ category .
Earlier on Friday , London Councils - the group representing all 33 local authorities in the city - announced the city would be joining the list , saying it was a `` stark reminder '' to residents they must follow new rules announced this week .
The organisation called for a sustained boost to Covid-19 testing in the capital so infections can be monitored .
Mr Khan said testing capacity had been `` diverted away '' from the capital to other national hotspots , causing the number of tests in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The lack of testing capacity is totally unacceptable , '' he said .
`` It 's vital that testing capacity is increased immediately in London and focused in the areas it is needed most .
Any delay will mean letting the city down and will cost lives . ''
The most recent daily figures showed 584 coronavirus cases were reported across London .
In the week to 21 September , Redbridge had the highest infection rate per 100,000 residents compared with other boroughs , at 55.4 .

Earlier on Friday, London Councils - the group representing all 33 local authorities in the city - announced the city would be joining the list, saying it was a "stark reminder" to residents they must follow new rules announced this week.


bbcuk--2020-09-25--Covid vaccine: Trial of new coronavirus vaccine starts in UK

A trial of a new vaccine that appears to train the immune system to fight coronavirus has begun in the UK .
Early tests showed the jab , developed by US biotechnology company Novavax , leads to high levels of virus-fighting antibodies being produced .
The trial on 10,000 people will now see if the vaccine can prevent people getting ill .
The UK government has already ordered 60 million doses in case it proves successful .
A vaccine that can protect people from Covid-19 is still widely seen as the main exit strategy from the restrictions on all our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second to enter large scale trials in the UK ; the other has been developed by the University of Oxford .
Some of the vaccines being developed for Covid-19 use either completely new or barely proven technologies .
Novavax are using traditional methods - proteins from the coronavirus that can not replicate in the body and a chemical , called an adjuvant , to boost the immune response .
`` It 's a technology that we are more familiar with , '' Prof Paul Heath , who is leading the trial at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trust , told the BBC .
He added : `` This is an open field and we do n't know what will work , that is the truthful answer here , .
And that 's the reason there are so many different vaccine candidates . ''
• SYMPTOMS : 85 % of people have one of these three symptoms • VACCINES : How close are we to a vaccine ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I need to wear one ?
Early trial data on 83 people , published in the New England Journal of Medicine , showed the vaccine appeared safe .
Blood samples from those injected showed the volunteers were producing antibodies that could neutralise the coronavirus and another part of the immune system , called T-cells , were also trained to fight the virus .
While this is a promising sign , it is not enough to prove the vaccine can either stop infection or prevent someone developing the severest form of the disease .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trial and at least a quarter of them will be over 65 , the age-group most at risk of severe Covid-19 .
Some of the volunteers will be picked from those who have signed up to take part in clinical trials run by the NHS .
Half will be given two doses of the vaccine , three weeks apart , and the rest will be given a dummy jab called a placebo .
However , it will take months - probably early 2021 - before we know if the vaccine is successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment , this is only the second phase three efficacy trial in the UK , '' Prof Heath told the BBC .
`` This vaccine looks like an excellent candidate to be protective against Covid-19 , but we need now to prove that . ''
The vaccine will be manufactured in Stockton-on-Tees .
Kate Bingham , chairwoman of the government 's Vaccines Taskforce , said : `` Finding a safe and effective vaccine that works for the majority of the UK population is the best way to tackle this devastating disease .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures can help reduce the impact of coronavirus , the only long-term solution to beating it will be finding a vaccine . ''

He added: "This is an open field and we don't know what will work, that is the truthful answer here,. And that's the reason there are so many different vaccine candidates."