bbcuk--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: Thousands return to UK to beat France quarantine

Thousands of holidaymakers have just hours to return to the UK if they want to avoid quarantine measures imposed on France , coming into force on Saturday .
The 14-day isolation requirement from 04:00 BST also applies to people arriving from the Netherlands , Monaco , Malta , Turks and Caicos , and Aruba .
Eurotunnel trains sold out on Friday and air travellers face steep prices , but some ferries increased capacity .
France warned it would take `` reciprocal measures '' .
The Netherlands will warn against all but essential travel to the UK once the restrictions come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it will not introduce reciprocal measures .
The countries were targeted for quarantine restrictions because their infections rates exceeded 20 per cases 100,000 people over seven days , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said .
• I 'm in France right now - what do I do ?
• Lockdown to ease further in England from Saturday He told BBC Breakfast there were about 160,000 British holidaymakers currently in France , and said `` the last thing we want do is to have people returning and bringing the infection with them '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ frantic rush for plane , train or ferry tickets costing hundreds of pounds .
Tom Duffell , who runs a small business , cut short his holiday to Nice - with his wife and two children - by four days and booked a last minute flight home .
`` We were enjoying a nice cocktail last night and suddenly a news flash pops in and a scramble to book flights , '' he said .
`` We 've had to spend about £800 because we ca n't afford to take another two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing had `` gone out of the window '' in the scramble for transport , with `` huge queues '' at the airport .
Stephanie Thiagharajah , who returned to Kent from France , criticised the `` manic '' way the quarantine had been imposed and said the `` risky '' move had created `` a huge amount of people coming at the same time '' .
Eurotunnel said 12,000 people tried to book tickets for its Channel Tunnel trains in the hour after the new rules were announced at about 22:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds normally .
It increased its capacity on Friday but trains sold out , and the company warned people not to travel to its terminal without a confirmed booking .
The shuttle service was running between 90 minutes and two hours late from Calais by Friday evening .
Eurotunnel spokesman John Keefe told the BBC traffic at the terminal in Calais was running smoothly all day .
`` There were no huge queues .
Many people seem to have decided to stay in France , '' he said .
Prices of some flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £450 , compared to £66 on Saturday .
Many direct flights from the south of France are sold out .
The cheapest Eurostar tickets were £210 , compared with £165 on Saturday .
One couple , Stuart and Anna Buntine , spent nearly £1,000 to make it back to the Midlands via Eurostar from Burgundy , central France .
P & O Ferries told the BBC it had increased its capacity on its Spirit class ships , but said passengers should still book in advance rather than just turn up at ports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And DFDS Ferries said it had added an extra four departures from Calais to help Britons return in time .
It said bookings must be made before arriving at port .
There is no visible sense of panic inside Schiphol airport , Amsterdam , as the final call before quarantine approaches .
Passengers bobbed up the escalators towards the check-in desks no faster than usual , I saw no queues or people pleading to be sold an empty seat .
Conor Wells and his friends said they were conscious of the rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off but as they were only staying for a couple of nights , they thought they 'd make it back before anything changed .
`` We did n't think they 'd give us a day 's notice to get out .
It came in so fast ... '' Martin Walter shakes his head as he scans the departures board .
Heading home 24 hours early has cost them more than an entire holiday .
They could n't afford to stay on and skip fourteen days of work upon return .
`` At least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Povey rolls her eyes .
`` It 's a lose-lose situation ... '' Scott and Tracy Cuthbert , from Oxfordshire , said cutting their holiday in France short by six days was an `` easy decision to make '' because they need to work .
The couple and their daughter Milly , 16 , began `` frantically packing '' after they heard news of the rule changes .
The family booked themselves onto a ferry for Friday afternoon , only to realise they would n't make it to the port in time - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave Calais at 20:30 BST .
`` We 're driving up now and the sat nav says we 'll have about an hour 's leeway , '' Scott said from the car .
• Read more as holidaymakers weigh up whether to cut trips short On Friday , France reported 2,846 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours - the highest number since lockdown restrictions were eased .
The seven-day average increased to 2,041 , marking the first time it has surpassed 2,000 since 20 April .
Clement Beaune , France 's secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's decision was a matter of `` regret '' for the French , but that he was hoping for a `` return to normal as soon as possible '' .
The travel industry , already damaged by the pandemic , also criticised the move .
Gloria Guevara , president of the World Travel and Tourism Council , said the UK was lagging behind other countries that had `` shunned quarantines '' in favour of `` comprehensive '' testing programmes for everyone departing and arriving back into their respective countries .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Llewellyn , acknowledged that the new quarantine rule would be `` unwelcome news '' for Britons in the country , but stressed that people could continue with their holidays as long as they follow safety precautions and self-isolate on their return .
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said while the Labour Party supports `` evidence based measures '' at the border , it was `` vital '' that No 10 had a `` joined-up strategy '' and `` urgently '' puts in place a specific deal to support the heavily impacted travel sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has still not put in place an effective track , trace and isolate system has made matters far worse and made it more likely that we are reliant on the blunt tool of 14-day quarantine . ''
According to the data company Statista , people from the UK paid 10.35 million visits to France last year , putting it second behind Spain - with 18.12 million - in terms of popularity .
The Foreign Office is now warning against all but essential travel to France .
The quarantine measure was imposed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the rules in France and other parts of Europe ?
• How will the world vaccinate seven billion people ?
• You finally got abroad , but was it worth it ?
A list of more than 50 so-called travel corridors - allowing movement between the UK and the other countries with the need to self-isolate on return - was published at the start of last month and later expanded .
But the ending of some of the exemptions on the list follows a `` significant change '' in the risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
It added that there had been a 66 % increase in newly reported cases per 100,000 people in France since last Friday .
For the Netherlands , it was up 52 % .
And the increase for Malta was 105 % , while it was 273 % for Turks and Caicos and 1,106 % for Aruba .
Ahead of a government meeting on the new measures , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to be `` absolutely ruthless '' in deciding on rules for holidaymakers from abroad .
`` We ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation , '' he added .
According to the Home Office , a total of nine fines have been introduced at the border since quarantine restrictions were introduced on 8 June .
Under the rules , people who do not self-isolate can be fined up to £1,000 in England , Wales and Northern Ireland and £480 in Scotland .
There are fines up to £5,000 for persistent offenders .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• JOBS : Can my boss force me to go to work ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to guard against them ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
Meanwhile , the government has announced that maximum fines for people in England who repeatedly refuse to wear a face covering could double to £3,200 , while organisers of illegal raves could face a £10,000 penalty .
But from Sunday , indoor theatre , music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences .
Casinos , bowling alleys , skating rinks and soft play centres will also be allowed to resume , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as facials , eyebrow threading and eyelash treatments .
• ALHAN 'S WORLD : Health tips to keep you in good shape in these socially distanced times • WAKE UP TO MONEY : Bracing for the Covid recession

He told BBC Breakfast on Friday that there were about 160,000 British holidaymakers in France, and said "the last thing we want to do is to have people returning and bringing the infection with them".


bbcuk--2020-08-14--A-levels and GCSEs: Free exam appeals for schools in England

The government will cover the cost of schools in England appealing against exam grades after 280,000 A-level students had their marks downgraded .
Ministers are also expected to set up a taskforce , led by Schools Minister Nick Gibb , to oversee the appeals process .
The government previously said it wants the process to conclude by 7 September .
But letting schools appeal for free is `` cold comfort '' for pupils , the Liberal Democrats said , adding the move `` should never have been needed '' .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told The Times the government would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure that head teachers were not deterred from making appeals .
• Why did the A-level algorithm say no ?
There had been fears that the costs - which can reach £150 - could stop schools from taking on harder to prove cases .
The regulator , Ofqual , will give more details next week .
Nearly 40 % of A-level grades awarded on Thursday were lower than teachers ' predictions , prompting anger among schools , colleges and students .
The new grades meant many missed out on university places .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honour all places it offered to UK students , irrespective of their A-level results .
The Liberal Democrats welcomed the announcement over appeals costs , but called on Mr Williamson to resign .
The party 's education spokeswoman , Layla Moran , said : `` For the young people who have worked so hard to not get the results they deserve , through no fault of their own , this announcement alone will be cold comfort . ''
`` While this should never have been needed , it is right the government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and U-turned . ''
Ms Moran added : `` Ultimately , after Gavin Williamson 's botched handling of the process thus far , pupils will have no confidence in him to fix the broken glass .
Before he causes any more hurt , he must go . ''
Earlier , Labour called on ministers to act immediately to sort out an `` exams fiasco '' in England and stop thousands of A-level students being `` betrayed '' .
And some Tory MPs have challenged the fairness of how grades have been decided .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ having `` an efficient and effective '' appeals process `` is going to be really important in making sure more Tories do n't join them '' .
'You have ruined my life' Schools Minister Mr Gibb promised earlier that the appeals system will be `` robust '' after facing a call from a student who said she had been rejected by her chosen university .
During BBC Radio 4 's Any Questions , Nina , from Peterborough , said her grades fell three grades lower than what she had been predicted .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told him .
`` It wo n't ruin your life , it will be sorted , I can assure you , '' Mr Gibb said .
He added : `` There will be these mistakes… we do know there are imperfections somewhere in the system as a result of this model .
There are no models that can improve on that , this is the problem . ''
After exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic , grades were awarded using a controversial modelling system , with the key factors being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous exam results of schools and colleges .
This produced more top grades than have ever been seen before in A-levels , with almost 28 % getting A* and As , but head teachers have been angry about `` unfathomable '' individual injustices in the downgrading of some results .
In England , 36 % of entries had grades lower than their teachers predicted and 3 % were down two grades .
There has since been calls to switch away from this system and to use teachers ' predictions , in the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But England 's exam watchdog Ofqual has warned that using teachers ' predictions would have artificially inflated results - and would have seen about 38 % of entries getting A*s and As .
Labour said the lack of consistency in individual results was `` heartbreaking '' for those affected and the government was squarely to blame for sticking with a `` fatally flawed results system '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously defended what he said were a `` robust set '' of grades and said that pupils who believed they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or , if they wanted , sit exams in the autumn .
Schools can appeal for an upgrade if their pupils ' mock grades were higher than their estimated results .
But the exam regulator Ofqual has still to say how a mock exam result can be validated - and head teachers have warned that mocks are not standardised or taken by all pupils , and could not be used as a fair way of deciding final exam results .

He added: "There will be these mistakes… we do know there are imperfections somewhere in the system as a result of this model. There are no models that can improve on that, this is the problem."


bbcuk--2020-08-14--VJ Day: UK commemorates 75th anniversary as royals lead tributes

The Royal Family is to lead the UK 's commemorations of the 75th anniversary of VJ Day - the day World War Two ended with Japan 's surrender .
The Prince of Wales will attend a memorial while the Duke of Cambridge will appear in a special TV programme .
The Duke of Edinburgh will also feature in commemorations , appearing on screens across the country in a photo montage with other veterans .
The PM paid tribute to veterans for restoring `` peace and prosperity '' .
VJ Day - or Victory over Japan Day - on 15 August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in British military history , during which tens of thousands of servicemen were forced to endure the brutalities of prisoner of war camps .
It is estimated that there were 71,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of the war against Japan , including more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity .
More than 2.5 million Japanese military personnel and civilians are believed to have died over the course of the conflict .
• Daughter of WW2 prisoner of war shares last letter The fighting in Europe had ended in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still fighting against Japan in east Asia .
Japan rejected an ultimatum for peace , and the US believed that dropping a nuclear bomb would force them to surrender .
The US dropped two atomic bombs on Japan , killing an estimated 214,000 people , and two weeks later Japan surrendered .
The commemorations will begin at sunrise , with a piper playing Battle 's Over at the Imperial War Museum 's HMS Belfast in London .
Military pipers will also be playing at dawn in India , Australia , New Zealand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services will be held in Tokyo at 04:00 BST .
At 11:00 BST , Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will attend a national service of remembrance and lead a two-minute silence from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire .
The service will be broadcast on the BBC .
Mr Johnson will read the Exhortation - the part of the war poem beginning `` they shall grow not old '' - before the nation falls silent , and afterwards the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take part in a flypast .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the cities of Edinburgh ( 11:30 ) , Belfast ( 14:00 ) , Cardiff ( 14:45 ) and London ( 17:30 ) - the first time such a flypast will take place since the London Olympics .
A photo montage featuring Prince Philip and other veterans will be shown on a number of large screens across the UK .
On Saturday evening , the BBC will air a pre-recorded programmed from 20:30 called VJ Day 75 : The Nation 's Tribute , which will tell the story of those who served in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Prince William .
Boris Johnson has joined other world leaders including US President Donald Trump in recording a video message to thank veterans .
In the video , each leader says in turn : `` To all who served , we thank you . ''
Mr Johnson added : `` On this 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War , we pay tribute to the heroes deployed thousands of miles away in the mountains , islands and rainforests of Asia .
`` Unable to celebrate the victory in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , today we recognise the bravery and ingenuity of those who , in the face of adversity , restored peace and prosperity to the world .
`` Their immeasurable sacrifice changed the course of history and , at today 's commemorations , we take the opportunity to say what should be said every day - thank you . ''
In a letter specifically addressed to Far East veterans , Mr Johnson said : `` You were the last to come home but your achievements are written in the lights of the glittering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today . ''
`` All of us who were born after you have benefited from your courage in adversity .
On this anniversary , and every day hereafter , you will be remembered , '' he added .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also recorded a message , paying tribute `` to the wartime generation , who through the horrors of conflict showed us the spirit and determination that we need to always remember and always be grateful for '' .
`` It 's important that as we face the challenges of today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Prince Philip , 99 , was a young Royal Navy officer aboard a warship in Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered .
The photo montage will be a rare appearance for the duke , who has only been seen a handful of times in public since retiring in 2017 - most recently for a military event at Windsor Castle .
Meanwhile Capt Sir Tom Moore , who served in the Burma campaign has previously encouraged the public to join in the commemorations , describing VJ Day as `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was VJ Day when the pain of war could finally start to fall away as peace was declared on all fronts , '' said Sir Tom - who raised millions of pounds for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden during lockdown .
`` I respectfully ask Britain to stop whatever it is doing and take some time to remember .
`` We must all take the time to stop , think and be thankful that were it not for the ultimate sacrifices made all those years ago by such a brave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be enjoying the freedoms we have today , even in these current difficult times . ''
BBC One will broadcast live from the National Memorial Arboretum from 9:30 BST .
VJ Day 75 : The Nation 's Tribute will be aired from 20:30 BST .

"We must all take the time to stop, think and be thankful that were it not for the ultimate sacrifices made all those years ago by such a brave band of men and women, we would not be enjoying the freedoms we have today, even in these current difficult times."


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Princess Anne gets military promotion as she celebrates 70th birthday

Princess Anne has been promoted by the Army and Royal Air Force to mark her 70th birthday .
The Princess Royal - the Queen 's second child - will take up the role of general and air chief marshal , bringing her ranks in line with her rank in the Royal Navy .
It is a tradition that senior royals are treated as military members and receive promotions as they get older .
Earlier this year , Prince Andrew was due to be promoted but it was deferred .
Princess Anne turns 70 on Saturday and her birthday is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photographs taken at her home in Gatcombe Park , Gloucestershire .
The pictures were taken in late February by John Swannell , who has also photographed other senior royals as well as Tony Blair , Sir Michael Caine and Sir Elton John .
Speaking earlier this week , Anne 's son-in-law Mike Tindall said plans to mark the day have been `` scaled back '' because of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We did have plans - it would 've been up in Scotland - but obviously with Covid and Aberdeen being locked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been scaled back a little bit , '' said the former England rugby star , who is married to Anne 's daughter Zara , on The One Show .
`` It 's a shame .
I 'm sure we 'll do something as a family to celebrate her 70 amazing years , she 's just an incredible woman in terms of how much work she can get through in the year .
`` We will be doing something , as yet I do n't know whether she knows - so my lips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military promotion , which has been approved by the Queen , the Ministry of Defence said Anne had been `` hugely supportive '' of the armed forces .
`` This promotion on her 70th birthday recognises her invaluable contribution and commitment to the military . ''
Anne 's birthday has also been marked by a TV documentary , which was over a year in the making , and she also guest-edited an issue of Country Life magazine .
She commented in the magazine about her love of nature and the need to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment .
In the ITV documentary , she spoke about social media , suggesting it is adding to the pressures faced by younger royals .
Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise was born in 1950 , the second child to the Queen and Prince Philip and their only daughter .
She is 14th in line to the throne .
She is a horse-riding enthusiast who competed in the British equestrian team in the 1976 Olympics and and was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1971 .
In 1973 , she married her first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to have two children , Peter and Zara .
Anne decided her children would not have royal titles .
The couple survived a kidnapping attempt in 1974 , as they were returning to Buckingham Palace in a chauffeur-driven limousine .
Her first marriage ended in divorce after 19 years and she married her second husband , Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence , in 1992 .
In 1990 , she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work as president of the charity Save The Children .
In 2002 , Anne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ royal family to be convicted of a criminal offence .
She pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act after her pet Dotty bit two children in Windsor Great Park .
She lives in the 18th-century country house Gatcombe Park , near Stroud in Gloucestershire , which was a present from the Queen .
It has 730 acres of land , large stables and a trout lake .

"We did have plans - it would've been up in Scotland - but obviously with Covid and Aberdeen being locked down a bit, I think everything's been scaled back a little bit," said the former England rugby star, who is married to Anne's daughter Zara, on The One Show.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Parents urged to stay up-to-date with children's vaccinations

Parents are being urged to make sure their children are up-to-date with all their routine vaccinations .
The Local Government Association said high vaccine uptake could prevent infections and stop pressure being piled on the NHS .
The childhood vaccination programme is continuing as normal while jabs given in school are being rescheduled .
Vaccines protect children against serious diseases including measles , meningitis and whooping cough .
The LGA , which represents councils in England and Wales , said it was expecting an influx of children needing vaccinations when schools return in September .
It called for the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children get the vaccinations they need and to provide funding to allow GPs , clinics and schools to cope with demand .
Research by Public Health England found that during the first three weeks of lockdown , there was a 20 % drop in the number of MMR ( measles , mumps and rubella ) vaccines given to young children .
Numbers then rose again in late April .
There was little impact on uptake of other vaccines , and further analysis by PHE suggests children were vaccinated at normal levels in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of immunisation at PHE , said it was `` vital '' that parents knew that routine vaccinations were still available and made sure their children attended appointments .
She said this was particularly the case for diseases such as measles , where high vaccination rates were needed to prevent outbreaks .
The LGA said a `` national effort '' to vaccinate children and young people was required to relieve pressure on the health service and avoid preventable diseases .
Judith Blake , chairwoman of the LGA 's Children and Young People Board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely essential part of our children 's health and wellbeing , so if you or any member of your household are not displaying symptoms of coronavirus and are not self-isolating , vaccinations should happen as normal .
`` Local services are working hard to ensure that people including babies , children and pregnant women still receive their routine vaccinations - they provide essential protection against potentially life-threatening diseases . ''

Judith Blake, chairwoman of the LGA's Children and Young People Board, said: "Vaccines are an absolutely essential part of our children's health and wellbeing, so if you or any member of your household are not displaying symptoms of coronavirus and are not self-isolating, vaccinations should happen as normal.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Robot boat completes three-week Atlantic mission

A UK boat has just provided an impressive demonstration of the future of robotic maritime operations .
The 12m-long Uncrewed Surface Vessel ( USV ) Maxlimer has completed a 22-day-long mission to map an area of seafloor in the Atlantic .
SEA-KIT International , which developed the craft , `` skippered '' the entire outing via satellite from its base in Tollesbury in eastern England .
The mission was part-funded by the European Space Agency .
Robot boats promise a dramatic change in the way we work at sea .
Already , many of the big survey companies that run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily in the new , remotely operated technologies .
Freight companies are also acknowledging the cost advantages that will come from running robot ships .
But `` over-the-horizon '' control has to show it 's practical and safe if it 's to gain wide acceptance .
Hence , the demonstration from Maxlimer .
• Robots go their own way deep in the ocean • One-fifth of Earth 's ocean floor is now mapped • Ocean survey company goes for robot boats at scale The USV was despatched from Plymouth in late July and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 220 miles ) to the south-west .
With a multi-beam echo-sounder attached to its hull , the boat mapped more than 1,000sq km of continental shelf area , down to about a kilometre in depth .
This was a segment of seafloor that had essentially no modern data registered with the UK Hydrographic Office .
SEA-KIT had wanted to send the USV across the Atlantic to America for the demonstration , but the Covid-19 crisis crisis made this impossible to organise .
`` The project 's overall aim was to demonstrate the capabilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inadequately surveyed ocean frontiers and despite the planning challenges we faced due to Covid-19 , I feel that we have done that .
We have proven the true over-the-horizon capability of our USV design and the team are exhausted but elated , '' the company 's director of technology , Peter Walker , said .
The USV Maxlimer was originally developed for - and won - the Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE .
This was a competition to find the next-generation technologies that could be used to map the global ocean floor .
Four-fifths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be surveyed to an acceptable resolution .
Robotic solutions will be essential if we 're to have any chance of closing the knowledge gap .
Maxlimer makes use of a communications and control system known as Global Situational Awareness via Internet .
This allows an operator to remotely access CCTV footage , thermal imaging and radar through the vessel , as well as listen live to the USV 's surroundings and even communicate with others in the vicinity .
Maxlimer links to three independent satellite systems to stay in contact with the control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves slowly , at up to 4 knots ( 7km/h ; 5mph ) , but its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system is highly efficient .
SEA-KIT CEO and designer , Ben Simpson , told BBC News : `` We had a sweepstake on how much fuel would be left in the tank .
We thought there was going to be 300-400 litres .
It turned out there was 1,300 litres . ''
In other words , Maxlimer returned to Plymouth with its fuel tank still around a third full .
As well as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project included Global Marine Group , Map the Gaps , Teledyne CARIS , Woods Hole Group and the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 initiative .
Another partner was Fugro , one of the world 's biggest marine geotechnical companies .
The multinational recently announced a contract with SEA-KIT to purchase a fleet of USVs to use in survey work in the oil , gas and offshore wind sectors .
Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET @ bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter : @ BBCAmos

"The project's overall aim was to demonstrate the capabilities of current technologies to survey unexplored or inadequately surveyed ocean frontiers and despite the planning challenges we faced due to Covid-19, I feel that we have done that. We have proven the true over-the-horizon capability of our USV design and the team are exhausted but elated," the company's director of technology, Peter Walker, said.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: North England Covid-19 restrictions extended

Lockdown restrictions on social gatherings for parts of northern England will continue despite measures being relaxed across the country .
In Greater Manchester cases have risen in Oldham , with a similar trend in Pendle , Lancashire , while case numbers remain high in Blackburn with Darwen .
Bradford and Kirklees in Yorkshire have also seen case numbers rise .
The government will work with leaders in the region to address the rising trends .
The ban on indoor gathering continues to apply in these areas and people will continue to be prohibited from mixing with other households within private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases per 100,000 people in the week up to 8 August , the highest in the country .
Blackburn with Darwen Council , which figures for the week up to 10 August show had 82 cases per 100,000 people , said it was looking to increase local testing .
Despite an England-wide easing of restrictions planned from Saturday with reopening of venues including casinos , bowling alleys and conference halls , such places in Greater Manchester , West Yorkshire and East Lancashire will remain shut .
Pools , indoor gyms and other leisure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spas and beauty salons will open across England but will remain closed in Blackburn and Bradford , with shielding to continue for people in Blackburn with Darwen .
• What ca n't I do in the local lockdowns ?
• Leicester lockdown to be reviewed on Monday Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah , said `` despite the efforts of our residents , businesses and public services positive cases continue to rise '' and warned of a second lockdown .
`` Earlier this week we warned of the risk of imminent lockdown for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , those warnings remain , '' he said .
`` In the absence of a vaccine , an effective testing and tracing system is vital in the management of this crisis .
We welcome the opportunity to work more closely with government both to improve our access to government testing facilities for residents and to deliver more contact tracing at a local level . ''
In a joint statement Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Mohammed Khan , Sayyed Osman , director of adult social care and Prof Dominic Harrison , director of public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acted `` decisively and proactively since cases started to rise '' .
`` We have been lobbying for increased testing capability , including hyperlocal community testing ; more funding for businesses and more funding to help people who unable to work because they are isolating , '' they said .
`` As many people as possible need to get tested as well as it helps us understand what is happening with the virus in our borough . ''
The council did not rule out the possibility of further lockdown measures which it said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' is made in reducing cases .
Health minister Edward Argar said it was `` essential '' people remained vigilant .
`` I urge everyone in these areas to continue to follow the rules - wash your hands regularly , follow social distancing , get yourself a free test as soon as you get any symptoms , and isolate if NHS Test and Trace tells you to , '' he said .
Measures will be reviewed next week alongside the latest data .
Pendle Council has been contacted for comment .

"In the absence of a vaccine, an effective testing and tracing system is vital in the management of this crisis. We welcome the opportunity to work more closely with government both to improve our access to government testing facilities for residents and to deliver more contact tracing at a local level."


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Stonehaven train derailment: Crash investigators confirm train struck landslip

A derailment which left three people dead happened after the train struck a landslip covering the track , the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has said .
The driver , conductor and a passenger died when the 06:38 Aberdeen to Glasgow service crashed near Stonehaven .
The RAIB said the train had turned back towards Aberdeen after reports of a landslip further down the track .
The six-vehicle train had travelled more than a mile when it was derailed after hitting a separate landslip .
The track curved to the right , but investigators said the train continued in a straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parapet of a bridge .
• Are we doing enough to modernise infrastructure ?
• Tributes paid to three killed in train derailment • What we know about the Stonehaven derailment The locomotive at the front of the train continued over the bridge and fell down an embankment , as did the third passenger carriage .
The first passenger carriage came to rest on its roof , at right angles to the track , with the second passenger carriage on top of it .
The fourth passenger carriage remained upright and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first carriage .
It was still attached to the rear locomotive .
The RAIB said the train had left Stonehaven station and passed Carmont on Wednesday morning when it was stopped by a signaller who had received a report of a landslip further along the track .
The decision was taken to return to Aberdeen , and the train was routed back over a crossover at Carmont .
The RAIB said it was collecting evidence on the cause and consequences of the accident .
It will examine the sequence of events and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the management of earthworks and drainage in the area , including recent inspections and risk assessments .
Simon French , chief inspector of the RAIB , said : `` Thankfully , fatal derailments are a rare occurrence on the UK 's national network .
`` However , landslips and other earthworks failures remain a risk to trains that needs to be constantly managed - and this is becoming even more challenging for the rail industry due to the increasing incidence of extreme weather events . ''
Driver Brett McCullough , conductor Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crash .
On Thursday , their families told of their devastation at their deaths .
In a fresh tribute on Friday , the Roxburghe House hospice in Aberdeen where Mr Stuchbury volunteered in his spare time said he was `` incredibly caring '' .
And two police officers from British Transport Police laid flowers in tribute to the men who died .
The officers , who knew Mr McCullough and Mr Dinnie for many years , had gone to the scene from their homes as soon as they heard the news .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bravery when he visited the crash site on Friday .
He met some of those among the first on the scene , including Pc Liam Mercer and Pc Eilidh McCabe .
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Kevin Walker said the visit by was `` very much appreciated by everyone '' and those on scene were `` grateful for the genuine interest he showed in hearing about their experiences '' .
It earlier emerged that an off-duty rail worker walked a mile to raise the alarm after surviving the accident .
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` number of actions '' were taken after the derailment to raise the alarm .
He said : `` There was a call made by someone who believed that an incident had taken place locally and they contacted Police Scotland .
`` There was also an off-duty railway person on the train who , after it derailed , walked around a mile to the next signal box and advised them that an incident had occurred , which allowed Network Rail at its national control centre to close the line .
`` During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously dispatched their staff and Network Rail dispatched some of the staff that they had working nearby to respond to the incident . ''
UK Transport Minister Grant Shapps has asked Network Rail to produce an interim report by 1 September .
Network Rail said it would carry out detailed inspections of high-risk trackside slopes with similar characteristics to the site of the Aberdeenshire crash .
Dozens of sites across Britain will be assessed using in-house engineers , specialist contractors and helicopter surveys .
Scotland 's Lord Advocate has asked Police Scotland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rail and Road , the independent regulator , to conduct a joint investigation into the accident .
This will run in parallel with the independent safety investigation being carried out by the RAIB .

"There was also an off-duty railway person on the train who, after it derailed, walked around a mile to the next signal box and advised them that an incident had occurred, which allowed Network Rail at its national control centre to close the line.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--O'Sullivan beats Selby in thriller to reach final

Last updated on .From the section Snooker Ronnie O'Sullivan recovered from the brink of defeat to beat Mark Selby 17-16 and set up a World Championship final against Kyren Wilson .
The best-of-35 final against fellow Englishman Wilson , which will be played on Saturday and Sunday , will see fans return to the Crucible Theatre after the government announced the resumption of pilot events with spectators .
World number eight Wilson earlier progressed into his maiden final following a remarkable final-frame decider against Scotland 's Anthony McGill .
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry said on BBC Two : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi-finals have finished today , the tension has been incredible . ''
O'Sullivan told BBC Two : `` For three days I 've just been looking for a cue action where I can hit the ball half straight .
`` I 'm watching him [ Selby ] cue up and he 's got the perfect set-up and the perfect start by trying to make the score look respectable , but some of my play was n't great .
`` If I can find the cue action then I will enjoy the final .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bonus . ''
O'Sullivan will be going for his sixth world title to draw level alongside Steve Davis ' haul and just one behind legendary Scot Hendry .
Victory will also make him the most successful snooker player of all time with 37th ranking titles , one clear of Hendry .
Two-time ranking event winner Wilson , meanwhile , will be appearing in his second Triple Crown event final having lost in the 2018 Masters to Mark Allen .
The last day of the semi-finals produced two thrilling matches .
Five-time champion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lead 9-7 and could have extended his advantage to 14-9 , but O'Sullivan responded by ending the second session trailing 13-11 .
He started the final session with 114 and took the next to level the contest with his fourth frame in a row .
Selby stopped the rot by pinching the next with a counter-attack break of 56 and a further 63 took him two frames from victory .
O'Sullivan , who has won a record 19 Triple Crown titles , took the next but some rash shots allowed Selby to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said afterwards : `` I felt like it was a little bit disrespectful the way he played , every time I got him in a snooker he just went down and hit the ball at 100mph and it could have gone anywhere .
`` Whether he was just in that frame of mind but felt it was a little disrespectful for me at the table . ''
'The Rocket ' decided to go all-out attacking and made a quick-fire 138 total clearance to reduce his arrears and forced a final-frame decider with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first semi-final earlier in the day was thrilling and this turned out to be the same - O'Sullivan made 64 in the 33rd frame but missed the final red he needed and Selby struck 34 .
After a bout of tactical play on the red , O'Sullivan forced the error and cleared the colours to claim his first victory over Selby in Sheffield .
Responding to Selby 's comments , O'Sullivan said : `` You want to hit it as hard as you can and hopefully get a fluke otherwise I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't blame me , blame the miss rule .
If I was as good as Mark Selby at getting out of snookers , I could maybe get the balls safe .
I have n't got a clue .
`` He is just feeling a little bit sore I suppose , he has just lost a semi-final of the World Championship .
I understand that . ''
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Last updated on .From the section Snooker
Betfred World Championship Venue: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield Dates: 31 July-16 August Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four and Red Button, with uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app. Full details and times.
Ronnie O'Sullivan recovered from the brink of defeat to beat Mark Selby 17-16 and set up a World Championship final against Kyren Wilson.
O'Sullivan, beaten by Selby in the 2014 final, was 16-14 behind but won two quick-fire frames and a nervy decider to reach his seventh Sheffield final.
The best-of-35 final against fellow Englishman Wilson, which will be played on Saturday and Sunday, will see fans return to the Crucible Theatre after the government announced the resumption of pilot events with spectators.
World number eight Wilson earlier progressed into his maiden final following a remarkable final-frame decider against Scotland's Anthony McGill.
Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry said on BBC Two: "You just can't believe how both semi-finals have finished today, the tension has been incredible."
O'Sullivan told BBC Two: "For three days I've just been looking for a cue action where I can hit the ball half straight.
"I'm watching him [Selby] cue up and he's got the perfect set-up and the perfect start by trying to make the score look respectable, but some of my play wasn't great.
"If I can find the cue action then I will enjoy the final. Cue action first and everything else is a bonus."
O'Sullivan will be going for his sixth world title to draw level alongside Steve Davis' haul and just one behind legendary Scot Hendry.
Victory will also make him the most successful snooker player of all time with 37th ranking titles, one clear of Hendry.
Two-time ranking event winner Wilson, meanwhile, will be appearing in his second Triple Crown event final having lost in the 2018 Masters to Mark Allen.
Selby unhappy with 'disrespectful' O'Sullivan
The last day of the semi-finals produced two thrilling matches.
Five-time champion O'Sullivan led 5-3 but Selby fought back to lead 9-7 and could have extended his advantage to 14-9, but O'Sullivan responded by ending the second session trailing 13-11.
He started the final session with 114 and took the next to level the contest with his fourth frame in a row.
Selby stopped the rot by pinching the next with a counter-attack break of 56 and a further 63 took him two frames from victory.
O'Sullivan, who has won a record 19 Triple Crown titles, took the next but some rash shots allowed Selby to extend his lead to 16-14.
Selby said afterwards: "I felt like it was a little bit disrespectful the way he played, every time I got him in a snooker he just went down and hit the ball at 100mph and it could have gone anywhere.
"Whether he was just in that frame of mind but felt it was a little disrespectful for me at the table."
'The Rocket' decided to go all-out attacking and made a quick-fire 138 total clearance to reduce his arrears and forced a final-frame decider with a break of 71.
The conclusion of the first semi-final earlier in the day was thrilling and this turned out to be the same - O'Sullivan made 64 in the 33rd frame but missed the final red he needed and Selby struck 34.
After a bout of tactical play on the red, O'Sullivan forced the error and cleared the colours to claim his first victory over Selby in Sheffield.
Responding to Selby's comments, O'Sullivan said: "You want to hit it as hard as you can and hopefully get a fluke otherwise I could give 40 points away.
"Don't blame me, blame the miss rule. If I was as good as Mark Selby at getting out of snookers, I could maybe get the balls safe. I haven't got a clue.
"He is just feeling a little bit sore I suppose, he has just lost a semi-final of the World Championship. I understand that."
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bbcuk--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: Get cars off the road, government urged

The government is being urged to `` get cars off the road '' , as traffic in Britain returns to levels seen before the coronavirus lockdown .
Between 87 % and 105 % of the usual amount of vehicle journeys for the time of year have happened in the past two weeks , official figures show .
The Lib Dems said it was time to `` fundamentally '' rethink transport and the Greens warned of `` gridlock '' .
But a drivers ' rights group said busy roads were a sign of economic recovery .
The Association of British Drivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they were still `` nervous '' about getting infected on trains and buses .
• Is it safe to use public transport ?
Boris Johnson has promised a `` green recovery '' from the cornavirus pandemic .
Last month , the prime minister said £2bn would be spent on encouraging walking and cycling , as part of an effort to improve health and fitness , and build on changes in transport use during lockdown .
In April , after restrictions on movement were imposed , journeys in motor vehicles dropped to 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They have steadily increased since then .
But cycling surged in popularity during lockdown , hitting a peak of almost four times the usual level over the May Bank Holiday weekend .
This has since declined , but is still well above the average , with critics of the government saying it must do more to get people on to bikes .
Liberal Democrat environment spokeswoman Wera Hobhouse said : `` The Covid crisis created an opportunity to fundamentally rethink how we use our road networks , but the government failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Breathing fresher air and having more space on the roads for cycling was , for many , the only silver lining of the Covid-19 lockdown . ''
She added that `` to get cars off the road , local authorities need to be given the power and the resources to adapt road layouts to create distinct cycle lanes , separating cyclists from traffic '' .
For Labour , shadow environment minister Ruth Jones said it was `` concerning '' that pollution levels were rising .
She called for an `` urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of air pollution and Covid on black , Asian and minority ethnic communities '' .
Across Britain , around a quarter of the usual number of train journeys are happening at the moment .
For bus journeys , about half the normal amount are happening in London , and about two-fifths elsewhere in Britain .
Green Party transport spokesperson Caroline Russell said : `` Public transport capacity is still much reduced from normal with the ongoing need to stay physically apart .
`` If just a fraction of the people who usually catch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car these traffic levels will quickly result in gridlock and a pollution spike , so it 's crucial local authorities help people make local journeys on foot and by bike . ''
The government is trialling the use of rental electronic scooters , which it says could reduce urban road congestion in a way that `` allows for social distancing '' .
Roads into Devon and Cornwall are expected to be gridlocked for much of the weekend , with tourists arriving in their tens of thousands and bad weather forecast .
Association of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Everybody wants quieter roads , including drivers , but we disagree on how to do it .
`` In many places putting in cycle lanes has squeezed traffic and made congestion worse .
There 's been no provision for better roads , which would ease things . ''
The AA said that , despite traffic returning to near-average levels overall , the situation was `` far from normal '' because more people were holidaying in Britain during the pandemic .
`` The key question is what happens when the kids go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Department for Transport was approached for a comment .

This has since declined, but is still well above the average, with critics of the government saying it must do more to get people on to bikes.


bbcuk--2020-08-13--Coronavirus: How does Covid-19 test-and-trace work?

In England , the emphasis is on local public health teams contacting those who may be infected , although a second attempt at a tracing app is currently being piloted .
But what happens if a neighbour or someone who went to the same pub or restaurant as you tests positive ?
What happens if I develop symptoms ?
How do the tracers get in touch with people ?
If you ca n't be reached through calls and texts , tracers may knock on your door .
If you live in an area experiencing a coronavirus outbreak , they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local testing facilities .
If you are approached because one of your contacts has tested positive , you must stay at home for 14 days from your last point of contact with them .
Others in your household wo n't have to self-isolate unless they also develop symptoms , but must take extra care around you regarding social distancing and handwashing .
Must I provide contact details if eating out ?
How is the tracing scheme going ?
The prime minister claimed the UK 's test and trace system would be `` world-beating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems since its launch in May .
What about other parts of the UK ?

Instead, if they have no symptoms and at least two weeks have passed since the second dose, they can get a PCR test. If the result is negative, self-isolation can then be ended.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: What are the UK's travel rules and which countries can you visit?

People planning to go abroad have been warned `` no travel is risk-free '' , and they should factor in potentially having to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return .
How does the government decide which countries go on the quarantine list ?
Why did the quarantine rules change for France and Spain ?
The decision that travellers from France and other countries would have to go into quarantine followed a `` significant change '' in the risk of contracting Covid-19 , the Department for Transport said .
Spain was removed from the list of exempt countries in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both the level and pace '' of coronavirus cases , the UK government said .
The list is kept under constant review , and the government says it `` will not hesitate '' to remove more countries if conditions worsen .
Where can I go without quarantining when I get back ?
Those entering the UK from the common travel area - the Republic of Ireland , the Channel Islands , or the Isle of Man - are exempt , as are the 14 British Overseas Territories .
Which other countries are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 14 days if you arrive in the UK from Canada , the US , much of Central and South America , and some countries in Africa , the Middle East and Asia .
What about restrictions at my destination ?

On 24 December, the UK banned travel from South Africa amid concerns over another new strain of the virus linked to that country. People who have transited through South Africa in the past 10 days will also be banned. However, UK and Irish nationals as well as the UK visa holders and permanent residents are exempt, but they will have to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival.


bbcuk--2020-08-15--Coronavirus: Test, trace and the curse of the 0300 phone number

The system for tracking down people who may be infected with coronavirus changed this week in England , with a central pool of contact tracers , who rely on phone calls and texting , making way for local teams with neighbourhood knowledge .
Contact-tracing systems across the UK roughly work like this : people with symptoms isolate and get tested .
Those who test positive are phoned by someone in a tracing team who tries to establish their recent contacts .
And those contacts will , assuming they can be reached , be asked to isolate for 14 days - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In England , the call comes from a centralised national team on an `` 0300 '' phone number , which councils say many people do n't want to pick up .
It could also be an email or a text .
But as of this week , local authorities will step in if people ca n't be reached by the national service .
This role for council teams was announced on Monday .
It comes as the national team has been struggling to reach a third of people on its list .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a quiet admission that the system had n't been as `` world-beating '' as Prime Minister Boris Johnson has claimed .
• How does Covid-19 test and trace work ?
Until now , most local authorities have dealt with `` complex '' outbreaks - those in places like care homes , factories and schools .
Ironically , these so-called complex cases have been much easier to trace and contain , as national figures show .
While they might require more immediate and dramatic action , they happen in controlled settings where people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems have been tracing infected individuals in the wider community - the so-called `` non-complex '' cases .
These cases are when a single person - who might have been going out to eat , going to work , using transport or mixing with a number of other households - tests positive .
It has so far proved more tricky to get those infected people to remember who they 've been in contact with , or to persuade them to hand over their details to a centralised team .
And potential contacts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the system at every stage .
Figures for England show 80 % of people who test positive are reached by test and trace teams .
Of that number , about 80 % provide contacts .
And of those contacts , roughly two-thirds will be reached .
But before this even starts , you lose the biggest chunk of potential contacts in people who never get tested .
Only about 30 % of infections are picked up through a test , Office for National Statistics estimates suggest .
In Wales , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams were formed by redeploying local council staff on furlough .
They live and work in the area , and so know the nightlife hotspots , the transport routes and the big local employers , explains Dr Giri Shankar , who has been leading the contact-tracing programme for Public Health Wales .
That `` richness of local knowledge '' can help to identify where clusters are coming from , he says .
For example , local tracers were able to establish a cluster of cases in a factory came from the community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there that they were being spotted .
Local tracers knew workers at this particular factory mostly lived in one area , in buildings containing lots of different households , and many shared cars into work .
In England , the concern is that a test and trace caller who is ringing from their bedroom in Portsmouth , to find out about the contacts of a person in Oldham , wo n't be able to pick up these finer details , spot patterns in transmission and intervene to stop them .
• LOCKDOWN EASING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measures • TRAVEL : Where can I go on holiday and not quarantine ?
• BEAUTY SALON : Can I get a facial yet ?
• WEDDINGS : What are the rules on weddings ?
Calderdale in West Yorkshire - currently subject to extra restrictions because of rising cases - has established its own local test and trace system , fearing the national system was failing to pick up enough cases .
Council leader Cllr Tim Swift said the national system worked for people who `` answer their phone , are fairly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have an issue self-isolating '' .
But that excluded a lot of younger people who were less likely to pick up a call , people working in public-facing jobs - such as in shops or as cab drivers - and those not entitled to paid sick days .
People were more likely to engage with someone with a local accent , he said , calling from a local number , than pick up a 0300 number they do n't recognise that might be `` a hoax '' or `` someone trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if someone does n't respond to a call from the national team , a local team first tries to phone and then will follow them up in other ways , including knocking on their door or using local community contacts .
Being based in the relevant area means local teams can spot more `` diffuse '' connections , like clusters around a particular takeaway people hang out at - and they can physically go and talk to people .
But crucially , his teams also put people in touch with local services to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of support while they isolate .
In Blackburn , which has similarly brought in a local tracing system , the council says it is `` already seeing its benefits '' as a local team is managing to contact people `` the national system could n't '' .
But a contact-tracing system will never reach 100 % of people , especially when , in so many cases , infected people do n't show symptoms .
Only countries that conduct mass population testing , like South Korea , have been able to trace and isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question is whether enough people can be reached , and enough chains of transmission broken , to stop the virus from spiralling out of control once again .
• LOCKDOWN BABIES : How have pregnancies and births changed ?

That "richness of local knowledge" can help to identify where clusters are coming from, he says. For example, local tracers were able to establish a cluster of cases in a factory came from the community, not the factory - it was just there that they were being spotted. Local tracers knew workers at this particular factory mostly lived in one area, in buildings containing lots of different households, and many shared cars into work.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: Can I get facial treatment at a beauty salon?

More lockdown rules , which were meant to be eased in England a fortnight ago , will be lifted from Saturday 15 August .
Can I now have my eyebrows done ?
Yes , from Saturday 15 August in England you will be able to go to your local salon , spa or barber and have a treatment on your face .
That includes eyelash and eyebrow tinting , and also eyebrow threading .
Changes for weddings , casinos and live performances Many other things that were due to be allowed in England a fortnight ago will now be permitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidelines .
Indoor pools and gyms reopened in England from 25 July , for the first time since the beginning of lockdown .
Outdoor gyms and pools have been open in England since 4 July , because there is less risk of catching coronavirus in the fresh air .
Which sports will I be able to watch and play ?
The first pilot will be at the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield 's Crucible Theatre on 15-16 August .
Can I now get a tattoo ?
But from Saturday 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you a tattoo on your face - which until now has not been allowed .
Tattoo artists work in very close contact with their customers , often for a long time .
Touching people is known to increase the risk of transmitting the virus .
What else is now allowed in England ?
What else is still not allowed ?

Outdoor sport is allowed, limited to 10 people from two households - but up to 15 people (including coaches) can now train outdoors together, through clubs affiliated to recognised sports governing bodies.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Exam results: Can I accept a degree place and sit the exam? And other questions

England , Wales and Northern Ireland 's A-level and AS-level results , and A-level equivalent technical qualifications like BTECs and Cambridge Technicals were published on Thursday morning .
Students have not taken exams because of the coronavirus epidemic and will receive marks from teachers , which have been then processed by exam boards .
Pupils in Scotland received their results last week .
Experts Eddie Playfair and Catherine Sezen , senior policy managers at the Association of Colleges , are answering your questions .
• How have exam results been decided this year ?
If you are appealing your results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , can you still have a place in clearing ?
Chris , Mold The best thing to do is for your daughter to keep the university up-to-date on what she is doing and confirm with them how long they will hold her place open .
At the same time , she could look at places available at other universities with the results she already holds , and see if they have options that she would like to take up .
She can also speak to advisers at the universities about any courses she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good idea to speak to her school or college too to talk through options as they , like you , know her well .
Can I accept an offer to a university and still retake the exam , so I do n't have poor results on my CV ?
Michael , Ascot Yes , it is possible to accept and offer and take the exam .
You might also like to consider appealing some or all of your grades .
Your school or college will be able to advise you on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downgraded and the university says he was unsuccessful in his application .
What are his options ?
Khadam , Shipley If your son is keen to take up a university place this year , the best thing to do is to look at the Ucas clearing options where he may well find a similar course at another university .
My daughter has been told by her uni that her appeal result needs to be in by 7 September , otherwise her application will be rejected .
How long will the process take ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do is to speak to your daughter 's school or college about making an appeal as soon as possible .
Your daughter should keep in contact with the university too to let them know that this is what she is doing .
How does the government 's `` triple lock '' affect my right to appeal against my results ?
Theo The `` triple lock '' was only announced on Wednesday so it 's a bit early to know how much it will affect final outcomes , but it will enhance your right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear what the definition of a mock will be , but the impact of this change should be to help those students whose calculated grades have ended up below their mock results .
Is the mock exam being used the last one that students took in January 2020 ?
Edit Hervai This has not been made clear yet .
We know that mocks take many forms and some centres will do more than one , so schools and colleges are waiting for a definition of a mock .
What can a parent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with finding out their results ?
My child 's college can not discuss students ' results with parents .
Do I have a legal right to know ?
- Ruth Guven , London If your son or daughter is 18 then the college can not share information with you unless your child agrees , as they are now classified as an adult .
They should be able to tell you how results will be sent out , or whether your son or daughter can collect them from the college .
The college will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and guidance to your son or daughter to help them think about next steps .
This might help as the basis of a chat with your child .
Will they allow for Level two BTec exam resits or not ?
Mat , Angmering I would suggest that you talk to your school or college about BTec Level 2 resits .
Technical and vocational qualifications have more assessment windows than GCSEs and A-levels .
The school or college is best placed to advise you on next steps .
I 've been given an alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my firm choice and my insurance had accepted me .
How long can I wait before replying and accepting my insurance option ?
- Nisrine , London The best thing to do is to ask the university how long they will keep the place open while you weigh up the options .
Universities are being very flexible this year .
The alternative offer from your firm choice , including a foundation year , is of course an extra year .
If you really want to go to that university it is a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may also be right for you .
Give the university a call and then you will know how long you have got to consider both .
My daughter has been home-schooled for the last three years .
How , or does , she get results ?
Megan , Wisbech Your daughter might get results if the school or college that was going to enter her had sufficient evidence ( course work for example ) to give her a centre assessed grade .
If not there will be an opportunity for your daughter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The school or college will have more details about that .
Can you specifically appeal one grade/subject , or will all your grades be reviewed if you appeal ?
Mohib , Stockport The process is designed to apply to each subject entry separately , so potentially one or more of your grades could be the subject of an appeal .
If we 're not happy with our results , can we resit Year 13 ?
Emma-Louise , Hackney You need to discuss this with the college or school you attended in 2019-20 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Simply repeating a year is not generally recommended unless there are exceptional circumstances - but of course 2020 has been pretty exceptional !
If you have the possibility of progressing to a higher level - for example university - that might be the best option , but do n't make any final decisions without getting support and advice from your college or school first .
Are there strategies in place to avoid bias against disability ?
Ronit , Watford When producing centre assessment grades , centres will have predicted how a student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the additional support and access arrangements which they require because of a disability .
Hopefully , any mock processes would also have included that additional support and this is definitely worth discussing with your centre .
My daughter 's year group was said to be full of very high-achieving students .
With the ranking process , could this work against them ?
Juliette , Bristol The grading and ranking process in your daughter 's school will have aimed to make a well-informed prediction of each candidate 's likely performance .
We ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students know their final results , they will be able to ask to see their centre assessment grades .
If they have been adjusted downwards , it could be due to a combination of factors , including the previous achievement of students and the centre .
This can be the subject of an appeal - including reference to any mock grades .
How do we appeal art where we did n't get to do our eight-week exam unit ?
Abigail , Reading Your college or school will have based your centre assessment grade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about your work in art .
Once you get your actual grade , you can also access your centre 's art grade and there will be an appeal process - in art as for all other subjects .
Will having `` corona grades '' for exams we did n't sit undermine us when we go for jobs ?
Anon The system this year was designed to make sure that the class of 2020 was not disadvantaged , and to produce outcomes which are broadly similar to previous years .
So we expect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This should provide reassurance for employers , universities and colleges that this year 's grades have an equivalent value to those of previous years .
• How can I find a new job ?
If an A-level student chooses to sit a real exam , will the universities treat those and exams taken next summer equally ?
Janet , Cheshire The autumn exams are an opportunity for students entered this summer to take an exam .
The grade they are awarded will have equal value and so this can inform any applications they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The current plan is for exams next summer to go ahead as normal , with a few alterations , and they should be seen as equivalent to any other year .
What if I am not happy with how my school ranked me ?
Gaetan , Kent You do n't know your ranking right now , as this is confidential .
The rankings your school submitted will have reflected their rounded judgement of the relative positions of all candidates within each grade in that subject .
If you have any concerns once you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them with your school and these could be the subject of an appeal or complaint .
I am a senior university lecturer and can not understand why A-level students could not have undertaken exams electronically ?
Anon , Cheshire In the future this is certainly worth exploring , but given the timeframe this year it would have been very difficult to ensure that all students would have been adequately prepared to undertake exams online .
Not all students will have had appropriate equipment or spaces to undertake exams .
My son 's resits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give him a predictive grade .
Will universities do anything for these students or should he sit exams in October and reapply next year ?
- Wendy Tomlinson , Bristol I would suggest that if your son has applied to a university that he contacts them in the first instance to discuss options .
External candidates for whom centres did not have evidence to make a centre assessed grade do have the option to take the exam in the autumn .
If I appeal and it takes some time to be determined , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearing opportunities ?
India , Heathfield First of all I would suggest speaking to your school or college about making an appeal .
At the same time you can continue with clearing opportunities .
Universities are being understanding of this year 's exceptional circumstances .
How long does the appeal process take ?
- Kay Alders , Liskeard I would suggest taking advice from your school or college before making an appeal .
If you are planning to go on to university it is a good idea to contact them too .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be accepted .
The final date for appeals to be lodged is in mid-September .
Appeals to exam boards incur a charge , which is reimbursed only if you succeed .
Could the charge be removed this year ?
- Jayne Gower , Hertford This is a good question and one you could raise with your school or college in the first instance .
Check whether they think an appeal is the best approach for you .
If you are planning on going to university it would be a good idea to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If our school has previously performed badly but we 're on track to significantly improve , what will this do to our predicted results ?
- Morgan , Plymouth Results this year are based on centre-assessed grades and statistical analysis .
I would suggest you review individual results , and if there are concerns there is an appeals process .
Will I have a basis to appeal if my son 's results are lower than the centre assessment , but the same as his mock results ?
Catriona , Thame The best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his school or college about an appeal if his results were not what he was expecting .
They will be best placed to advise .
At the same time if he has applied for a degree course , it would be a good idea to check with his university of choice and/or consider clearing opportunities .
Do you have a question about your exam results ?
Use the form to send it to us .
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .

A-level results: What if I still don't have the place I want? And other questions Published 19 August 2020
A-level and GCSE students in England will be given grades estimated by their teachers, rather than by an algorithm, after a government U-turn.
Experts Eddie Playfair and Catherine Sezen, senior policy managers at the Association of Colleges, are answering your questions.
Image source, Association of Colleges Image caption, Catherine Sezen and Eddie Playfair offer personalised advice on what to do next
Can the universities cope with the massive increase in students achieving top grades now teacher-predicted results are accepted? Steve Cutts, Lewes
Now that we know that the grades predicted by teachers - also known as centre assessment grades, or CAGs for short - will stand, this means that there will be a five-point increase in A* grades and a 10-point increase in A grades or above.
University courses may well be able to manage the increased demand for high tariff courses, particularly if there is a relaxation of the cap on growth - called the student number controls.
Health Secretary Matthew Hancock has said the government is also considering lifting the cap on medical places.
I missed my first offer to study at Durham. Why can't international offers be rescinded to allow UK students to get places-for this year? Anonymous, Berkshire.
I'm so sorry you missed your firm offer. First of all it may be worth revisiting this with Durham in case the position has changed.
Universities are working hard to honour the offers they've made, whether UK or international, and Covid-19 has disrupted education for students across the world.
UK and international applicants are not really competing for the same places though, as the admissions and funding systems are different.
For example, the removal of Student Number Controls means that many universities could now offer more places to their UK students, and this does not apply to international students.
My son was awarded a grade D in English literature. His mock result was a C, and the CAG was an E. Under the triple lock system he could appeal to get a C based on his mock, would this still be the case? Paul, Essex
I'm afraid the triple lock system has been overtaken by events and your son's D will stand, since it is higher than the CAG. There may be some grounds for an appeal and it's worth discussing this with his college or school.
How will universities ensure that this year's grade inflation does not negatively impact next year's students when they apply? Matthew, Sutton.
There's no reason to expect that this year's higher-than-usual grades will impact the opportunities for next year's students.
Universities will be aware of the different grade profiles in different years and are likely to adjust their offers and decision-making accordingly.
Image source, Getty Images
My daughter's place at medical school has been confirmed but is there now a chance that it could be taken away? The university has posted on its website that it will need to start the confirmation process again. Toni, Surrey.
If your daughter's offer has been confirmed this shouldn't be withdrawn. Students may have some opportunity to change their minds but confirmed offers should stand.
The government's announcement that it is considering lifting the cap on the number of medical student places may also help.
How do we receive our new grades? Zack, Bradford
As far we are aware, students awaiting their GCSE grades on Thursday will receive their CAG from their school or college - and students who received their A or AS-level results last Thursday will be reissued their CAG.
If students' calculated grades were higher than the CAG, their calculated grade will stand. If you received results last Thursday, the best thing to do is to contact your school or college. If you are expecting results this week, your school or college should confirm the process.
Is there not the possibility of teacher bias towards certain pupils when teacher estimates are used? Hannah, Chester
Schools and colleges have very thorough quality assurance systems in place to ensure that results are not biased. The grades given by teachers are moderated at department and centre level to ensure that they are as fair as possible.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Pupils protesting outside Education Secretary Gavin Williamson's constituency office
Will teachers' grades now be granted to the downgraded BTec Level 3 Extended students? Anonymous, Kent
BTecs are structured very differently to A-levels, and so the approach to awarding them is also different. BTecs were not subject to the same statistical moderation process as A-levels. They comprise modular units that students complete and are assessed at regular stages during their course of study, so prior to March 2020, students had already "banked" graded units for their qualification.
These formed part of the evidence used to award grades for the externally assessed units and the final overall qualification grade. If you have individual concerns about BTec or other technical and vocational qualifications, the best thing to do is to contact your school or college.
How will the increased numbers of students going to university this year affect applications for next year? Paul, Henley-on-Thames.
Universities are used to dealing with fluctuations in numbers between years but at this stage it's impossible to tell whether the number of university places in 2021 will be affected at all.
Are there any safeguards for A-Levels and GCSEs taking place in 2021, given students will be at a disadvantage due to missing a significant amount of in-school teaching and assessments? Are we going to face a similar fiasco? Shamimur, London.
Students taking exams next summer will certainly have been impacted by the disruption this year - and of course further disruption can't be ruled out.
There have been some adaptations made to assessment and content for 2021 but the assumption is that public exams will go ahead next summer - the public health situation permitting.
If exams take place next year, the grading system should be more like a normal year, but there will be a case for some "leniency" to allow for disruption.
Please make a distinction between teacher predicted grades which are made for UCAS applications in December/January, and teacher assessed grades being used to determine exam results. Sangita, Oxfordshire.
You are absolutely right - this summer's Centre Assessed Grades are separate from the predicted grades used for UCAS or other purposes and they may not be the same.
The process for producing CAGs was careful and rigorous, and was subjected to internal moderation. It is these CAGs and rankings which were submitted to awarding organisations as part of this summer's process.
The "calculated" grades which were issued last week had been statistically adjusted resulting in 39% of them being downgraded. These have now mostly been superseded by the original CAGs where they are higher.
It's been a bit of a rollercoaster - but no one will have lower A-level grades than they got last week and many will have higher grades.
Image source, PA Media
My son narrowly missed out on his first choice, was accepted by his second choice, and is happy. Does he have to now take his first choice as the u-turn means he now meets the conditions of his offer? Anonymous, Surrey.
If your son has accepted this place and is happy with it he doesn't need to do anything more except perhaps confirm that decision with the university concerned.
Do the universities have a legal obligation to now offer the original places if a student now qualifies with CAGs? Joseph, Birmingham.
We can't give a legal opinion on that, but universities are doing their best to honour all the offers they made - including where a student's grade has now changed.
They will need a few days to sort this out but they will have been helped by the lifting of student number controls which would have limited how many places they could fill.
What about children who were supposed to do A level resits this year? Where do they stand? Will their year be wasted again? Sophia, London.
As far as we know, the autumn series is still going ahead so students will have the opportunity to take exams this autumn as well as next summer - so the "resit" option is still available where it makes sense.
What about those students who took the International baccalaureate? These students also need fairness and equity. When will their plight be addressed? Sarah.
These are questions which should be raised directly with the IB Organisation. We know that Ofqual has asked it to scrutinise the grades awarded this summer to ensure they have been delivered in line with Ofqual's new process.
I'm sure that receiving universities will want to be as flexible and helpful in responding to candidates with IB Diplomas as they were with A-level candidates.
Image source, Getty Images
Some BTec students don't have their results, but what will happen to the ones who were downgraded? Kirsty Stainsby, Bridgewater
We gather that there have been some delays with some BTec awards and we know that Pearson - the company which runs BTecs - is working to resolve this. We think that only 0.5% of BTec centre assessed grades were adjusted downwards and it's not clear whether they will now be moved up.
Will they change the results for vocational students as well? Sarah, Beverley
Ofqual has just published an update on vocational and technical qualifications. Although calculated results have been issued for many vocational and technical qualifications, in only a very few cases has the same kind of statistical standardisation process of CAGs been used and so Monday's announcement shouldn't impact on the majority of vocational qualifications.
You can find more information on the Ofqual website. If you still have any questions about your result I would suggest that you speak to your school or college.
Have Scottish students with enhanced grades taken the places of English/Welsh/NI students for full top degree courses such as medicine? Gill, Sleaford
It's possible that more students with Scottish Highers might have a small impact on places available in English universities, but the difference in scale between the two countries probably means this will not be significant overall. I am sure universities will want to honour the offers they've made.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, This was the year of the results without any exams being taken
Why is there no mention anywhere of all the home-educated students who have come out of this with nothing? Carolyn Jackson, Leeds
It's been clear from the start that unfortunately some private candidates would not be able to receive CAGs, and this is obviously far from ideal. It may be possible for them to progress on to the course they want if they can be assessed by the institution they wish to join. There is also the option of taking exams in the autumn which will result in grades which can be used for progression.
Can I switch back to my firm university choice if I successfully appeal against my grades, now that my insurance university place has been confirmed? Anon, Nottingham
You will need to discuss this with both your firm and insurance universities as soon as possible, now that you know that your CAG will be your final grade.
My son accepted a place in clearing based on his awarded grades. Is there any way he can be released from this university place now he has better grades? Jo Evans
Now that your son knows what his final grade is, he should discuss this with both his first choice university and also with the university he applied to through clearing.
Image source, PA Media
What happens if the teachers' predictions are lower than the already given grade? Linda Brice
Calculated grades were higher than CAGs for 2.3% of all entries, and these will be honoured.
Can I accept an offer to a university and still retake the exam, so I don't have poor results on my CV? Michael, Ascot
Yes, it is possible to accept an offer and take the exam. Your school or college will be able to advise you on the best option.
Image source, Reuters
What can a parent do if their child refuses to engage with finding out their results? My child's college cannot discuss students' results with parents. Do I have a legal right to know? - Ruth Guven, London
If your son or daughter is 18 then the college cannot share information with you unless your child agrees, as they are now classified as an adult. They should be able to tell you how results will be sent out, or whether your son or daughter can collect them from the college.
The college will be able to provide information, advice and guidance to your son or daughter to help them think about next steps. This might help as the basis of a chat with your child.
I've been given an alternative offer (including foundation year) for my firm choice and my insurance had accepted me. How long can I wait before replying and accepting my insurance option? - Nisrine, London
The best thing to do is to ask the university how long they will keep the place open while you weigh up the options. Universities are being very flexible this year. The alternative offer from your firm choice, including a foundation year, is of course an extra year.
If you really want to go to that university it is a good option, but the other university course may also be right for you. Give the university a call and then you will know how long you have got to consider both.
My daughter has been home-schooled for the last three years. How, or does, she get results? Megan, Wisbech
Your daughter might get results if the school or college that was going to enter her had sufficient evidence (course work for example) to give her a centre assessed grade. If not there will be an opportunity for your daughter to take an exam in the autumn. The school or college will have more details about that.
Image source, PA Media
If we're not happy with our results, can we resit Year 13? Emma-Louise, Hackney
You need to discuss this with the college or school you attended in 2019-20 to consider the various options open to you. Simply repeating a year is not generally recommended unless there are exceptional circumstances - but of course 2020 has been pretty exceptional!
If you have the possibility of progressing to a higher level - for example university - that might be the best option, but don't make any final decisions without getting support and advice from your college or school first.
Are there strategies in place to avoid bias against disability? Ronit, Watford
When producing CAGs, centres will have predicted how a student would have performed assuming they had received all the additional support and access arrangements which they require because of a disability.
Hopefully, any mock processes would also have included that additional support and this is definitely worth discussing with your centre.
Image source, PA Media
Will having "corona grades" for exams we didn't sit undermine us when we go for jobs? Anon
The system this year was designed to make sure that the class of 2020 was not disadvantaged, and to produce outcomes which are broadly similar to previous years. So we expect the national grade profile to reflect this.
This should provide reassurance for employers, universities and colleges that this year's grades have an equivalent value to those of previous years.
If an A-level student chooses to sit a real exam, will the universities treat those and exams taken next summer equally? Janet, Cheshire
The autumn exams are an opportunity for students entered this summer to take an exam. The grade they are awarded will have equal value and so this can inform any applications they are making to university in 2021.
The current plan is for exams next summer to go ahead as normal, with a few alterations, and they should be seen as equivalent to any other year.
I am a senior university lecturer and cannot understand why A-level students could not have undertaken exams electronically? Anon, Cheshire
In the future this is certainly worth exploring, but given the timeframe this year it would have been very difficult to ensure that all students would have been adequately prepared to undertake exams online. Not all students will have had appropriate equipment or spaces to undertake exams.
Image source, BBC
Do you have a question about your exam results? Use the form to send it to us.
In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.


bbcuk--2020-08-15--Coronavirus: 'The care home lockdown sent my senile grandad into spiral of decline'

As I wheeled my grandad Martin up the ramp and into a taxi which would take him away to the care home , I repeated the white lie my family had agreed might make this painful scenario slightly easier .
`` You 're going to see the physio who will look after your leg and then you 'll be able to get better . ''
Thankfully his dementia meant that he could n't fully understand what was happening or where he was going .
In fact , he seemed to quite enjoy the novelty of being outdoors for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I were raw with emotion .
Grandad , nonplussed as to why I might be crying , instinctively reached out to stroke a part of my cheek not hidden behind my face mask .
Granny blew him a final kiss and the taxi pulled away , leaving me , Granny and my brother-in-law silent in the middle of the street , awash with guilt and relief .
Well into his 80s , my grandad still looked immodestly young and was frequently challenged for his pensioner ID when boarding a bus .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an elderly care home , caring for people who were often much younger than him .
But as his 10th decade arrived , so did dementia and things started to fall apart .
He 'd lose track of his words mid-sentence .
Making a cup of tea became a challenge .
One time the fire brigade descended after he fed a cracker into the toaster .
Family rescue efforts were appreciated by my 92-year-old granny , but in truth they were just stop-gaps - like fixing plasters on a broken leg .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she warned me .
When lockdown began , the situation only worsened .
Grandad had no understanding of the virus and the changes and restrictions it brought .
In late June , my grandparents quietly celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary .
Just three days later , Martin moved into a care home .
The decision was agonising , but by that point , unavoidable .
Our family 's situation is not uncommon : more than 300,000 people with dementia are living in care homes across the UK , according to Alzheimer 's Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited visiting , at a distance , are designed to keep this vulnerable community safe .
But the flipside is families being kept apart from their loved ones , unable to do anything to counter their decline .
Julia Hailes , a writer who lives in Dorset , has struggled to remain in meaningful contact with her 90-year-old mother , Minker .
Minker 's worsening dementia meant her move to a care home was , at first , a lifeline for her family .
But the pandemic has changed everything .
`` Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still knew who I was .
I 'd go and read her poems , we 'd sit and listen to music , '' says Julia .
`` Now everyone 's being kept in their rooms .
It 's vital for people with dementia to have structure in their day , so that isolation is in some ways worse than death . ''
Video calls often do little for those with dementia .
The notion of holding a `` moving picture '' of a loved one , as they talk , sounds promising .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ even disturbing experience .
`` Mum 's care home introduced FaceTime calls , which I did a few times , '' says Julia .
`` But it was horrendous .
What good is that when someone is in such a confused state ?
Part of how I connect with her is holding her hand and giving her a kiss .
Weeks later I was eventually allowed to visit Mum in the garden .
By that point it felt like I 'd lost her - she was n't even able to speak anymore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity Dementia UK , says for people with dementia , technology is no match for human interaction .
`` Physical contact is such an essential tool in looking after someone with dementia .
If someone is agitated , stroking their hands or putting your arm around them can be really helpful .
So , for families , not being able to do that is really damaging . ''
This resonates with my own grandad 's experience .
Video calls left him more confused than when we 'd begun ; he could scarcely focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where our voices were coming from .
The only thing which seemed to cut through was the repetition of a simple message , `` I love you , Martin '' .
To which he could still reflexively respond , `` I love you too , Bubala . ''
By the time his home was able to permit visitors , his stark decline was clear to my granny .
Sunken-cheeked and unable to speak - he was barely recognisable as the man who had left their home just six weeks before .
The dementia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is so advanced Philippa knew better than to attempt a video call .
Before lockdown her in-person visits to the care home would have a restorative effect on her mother .
`` We would do relaxing things like colouring in or simple jigsaw puzzles , '' she says .
`` I would sit and hold her hand , or brush her hair .
And over two-and-a-half to three days , I would see her coming alive . ''
Government guidelines in England only allow for one person to visit each resident indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But with two older sisters , Philippa has recently been unable to see her mother .
`` The carers are amazing , but no matter how good they are , they ca n't offer that same intimacy or affection .
I do feel a huge amount of guilt and frustration .
My mother is 97 years old and it 's not any kind of life that she 's got . ''
Care homes have borne immense pressures over the past few months .
Aware of the burden on both the residents and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain a thread of communication .
Donna Pierpoint , the manager of a nursing home in Sheffield , described her role in restricting family visits as being `` a cross between a prison governor and a headteacher '' .
In the meantime she 's focused the home 's efforts on keeping residents as well looked after as possible .
`` If someone is being isolated in their room then , you 've got to take the stimulation to them , '' says Ms Pierpoint .
`` Our staff will go to their rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go through old photographs . ''
She sends out a weekly email to keep relatives in the loop and uses social media .
`` We post pictures on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
We celebrated VE-Day on May 8th .
We had a wonderful day and posted pictures so our residents ' families could see we were having a good time . ''
On 1 August my grandad died at his care home .
The majority of his 92 years were happy ones , but his final months were not .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family at our time of need and looked after my grandad wonderfully in gruelling circumstances .
But as relatives , there 's a lingering guilt that we were unable to provide that support ourselves .
We did everything we could to let my grandad know how much he was loved .
But we can not shake the sense that the lack of our loving physical presence may have worsened his decline .
• LOCKDOWN EASING : All you need to know about the measures • TRAVEL : Where can I go on holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Can I get a facial yet ?
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"Mum's care home introduced FaceTime calls, which I did a few times," says Julia. "But it was horrendous. What good is that when someone is in such a confused state? Part of how I connect with her is holding her hand and giving her a kiss. Weeks later I was eventually allowed to visit Mum in the garden. By that point it felt like I'd lost her - she wasn't even able to speak anymore."