bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Why are we seeing superheroes during lockdown?

Comic books teach us that at a time of crisis , superheroes come to our aid .
And as the world fights the coronavirus pandemic , the likes of Spider-Man and Wonder Woman have been springing up to bring some cheer to their local communities .
'Our objective is to bring smiles' A number of runners have been getting their daily exercise while bringing smiles to people 's faces in Kesgrave , Suffolk .
Wanting to keep their identities anonymous , `` Spidey '' went out for the first time as he `` thought it would be fun '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' so he went out again .
The reaction was again `` great '' so he `` roped '' in Batman , Iron Man , Deadpool and The Flash to go out on their own runs .
`` We all started going out and visiting the odd house where people were in isolation , especially kids , and unable to get out at all .
`` That 's grown now and we have Robin , Wonder Woman , Super Mario , Batwoman , Batgirl , Spider-Boy , Captain America , Rainbow Girl and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The group says : `` Our objective is simply to bring smiles to faces , raise awareness that we should be staying at home bar essential journeys and your daily exercise - which is what we 're doing when we 're out running . ''
Group members say they are `` pedantic '' about abiding to the social distancing rules and at least two or three of them try to get out every day .
'People in the NHS are amazing' Householders on postman Russell Sanders ' delivery route in Oxfordshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day last week .
He decided to dress up as different characters to raise money for the NHS .
He says a good friend was being treated for Covid-19 in intensive care at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford .
The postman of 21 years , from Kidlington , says he is proud to have raised more than £800 .
`` I 'm doing my job but people in the NHS are amazing for what they are doing , '' he says .
At the start of the week he was Captain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ninja Turtles and then The Flash .
He rounded the week up as Superman , the Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man .
The married father-of-four says the reaction from his customers was `` brilliant '' .
`` The little kids love it .
They waited at the windows to wave at me and all of the customers have been really good . ''
Buckinghamshire father-of-two Pat Cline has been dressing up as Captain America for eight years , attending charity events and conventions .
With his usual calendar of commitments cancelled due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around his Aylesbury neighbourhood as the comic book character to `` cheer people up '' .
The 32-year-old , who moved from the US to England nine years ago , says he also sends video messages after getting requests from people living further away than he can walk .
He says he has sent more than a dozen videos , especially to families with special needs children `` because they are struggling at home '' .
`` One request came from someone to give [ a video message ] to their friend who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been feeling anxious about being cooped up inside the house .
`` She said the family was over the moon when the Captain America video came through - job done , '' he says .
Pat says he 's not been taking money for the videos but has asked those who can afford it to donate to Autism All Stars Foundation UK , which he says is `` struggling in the current climate to support autistic children who need that extra bit of support '' .
'If it 's extra special for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking the streets of Hull to keep families entertained .
The 37-year-old says he decided to go out for a `` walk and wave '' after helping friends send out video messages for children whose birthday parties had been cancelled due to the lockdown .
He covers a planned route and films it live via Facebook from 12:00 BST each Saturday and Sunday - and has even attracted a following around the globe , including in Australia and Las Vegas .
The law firm worker says : `` The response has been unbelievable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all these kids are standing outside their house to see you , it 's fantastic . ''
Over the Easter weekend , families left out drinks , lollies and chocolate eggs , he says .
He has also run mini competitions , challenging children to draw Avengers posters to put up in their windows or to come out in their own superhero costumes .
Outside of his full-time job and the weekend walks , he spends hours dealing with his `` superhero admin '' - responding to messages sent to the Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even went to the trouble of sorting out a birthday card for one of the girls on his `` wave and walk '' .
`` If you make it extra special for people it 's worthwhile . ''
'Let 's get it out and have a play' While the Loch Ness Monster is n't a superhero , a Weymouth family has nonetheless been having a `` bit of fun '' walking down their street as the elusive Scottish beast .
Cafe owner Lucy Smith and her husband Dom made the costume some years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school production .
`` I thought let 's get it out and have a play , '' she says .
She says Millie , 13 , was at one end and her son Oscar , 12 , was at the other and she filmed it .
`` I do n't think there were too many people around , '' Lucy says .
`` But I put it on Facebook and there were lots of responses , people saying 'that was really funny ' and 'that brightened up my day ' . ''

Pat says he's not been taking money for the videos but has asked those who can afford it to donate to Autism All Stars Foundation UK, which he says is "struggling in the current climate to support autistic children who need that extra bit of support".


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: 'Bob and Brenda' scarecrows keep town entertained

The activities of a scarecrow couple have been keeping a town smiling during the coronavirus lockdown .
Ellie Tomlinson , 19 , and her mother Hazel created `` Bob and Brenda '' to sit outside their home in Hinckley , Leicestershire , `` to make everyone smile '' .
They rearrange the scarecrows every day using a variety of props and costumes .
The straw couple has been seen sailing , fishing and even had a day at the races .
Miss Tomlinson said her mother thought of putting the scarecrows outside their home on Coventry Road after noticing there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was like , ' I 'm going to make a scarecrow to make everyone smile ' , so we made one out of some old bedding , '' she said .
When Bob was first put out , Miss Tomlinson said `` everyone loved it '' , so they decided to make Brenda as well and began creating scenes for the couple .
Miss Tomlinson said : `` We bounce ideas between us but a lot of it is looking at the weather forecast and thinking of ideas we can do .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them so we can use it again but tweak it in a different way because we ca n't go out and buy things . ''
They 've had to call in a few favours for some of their ideas , including borrowing a boat from a friend .
`` Children have been leaving little notes and someone left us a box of chocolates , it 's lovely , '' said Miss Tomlinson .
Mandy Palmer , who lives nearby on Merry Hurst Place , has been photographing the scarecrows every day and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` It 's just brilliant .
I do n't know where they get the ideas from - last week they were in a boat - the thought is amazing , '' she said .
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"We keep everything that we make for them so we can use it again but tweak it in a different way because we can't go out and buy things."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: 'Eerie' atmosphere on an island without tourists

At this time of year the Sligachan Hotel , with its backdrop of Skye 's Red and Black Cuillin hills , should be `` buzzing '' .
The hotel is usually a hub for hillwalkers and tourists on an island where visitor numbers have boomed in recent years .
But Deirdre Curley , who runs the Sligachan Hotel with her husband Gary , says there is now an `` eerie '' atmosphere .
Deirdre is the fourth generation of her family to run the business .
`` The hotel has been in my family for more than 100 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a completely new scenario we are dealing with , '' she says .
`` The business has never seen anything like this before . ''
She said the hotel would normally be fully booked until the end of the season .
The number of visitors flocking to the islands to see landmarks such as the Fairy Pools , The Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr have grown dramatically over the last decade .
The number of tourists had increased to an estimated 500,000 a year , putting pressure on some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment in the car parks at the main attractions .
However , Covid-19 has changed everything for the Curleys and the other businesses which rely on those visitors .
The first signs of trouble emerged following outbreaks of the coronavirus in continental Europe .
Gary said they started to notice an impact in late February when Italian and Spanish tourists started to cancel their bookings .
`` The number of cancellations became quite overwhelming , '' he said .
`` It gave us a powerful sense of the seriousness of the situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Curleys decided to close the hotel once their remaining guests had checked out .
In the weeks since then , the family business has been dealing with cancelled bookings and paying refunds .
Booking websites have passed the cost of refunds on to the hotel , but the business has not received any payout from its insurers .
In addition , it does not qualify for support from the Small Business Grant Fund because its rateable value is above £51,000 .
`` We are still haemorrhaging money on future bookings , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government support for the business and others like it on the island .
`` We need the support .
We were the first businesses to close and will be the last to be allowed to reopen . ''
Over the course of a year , the Sligachan Hotel and its Seamus ' Bar provides work for 30 people .
The Curleys have furloughed more than 20 staff , while a couple of seasonal workers from the Czech Republic were able to find farming jobs near Edinburgh .
Deirdre says there is a strange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and guests .
She said life on the island was `` quite eerie '' .
`` But you still feel lucky to have grown up on this incredibly beautiful island , '' she said .
`` My mum said it feels like how Skye was back in the 1960s , before it changed into something completely different in recent times . ''
While Skye currently has a feel of bygone times , Gary says it is hard to think about what the future will hold for the island .
`` The mountains and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for , they are not going anywhere , '' he says .
But he warns that the business landscape could change on the island if those in the tourism sector are unable to survive the crisis .
Hugh Ross , of the Staffin Community Trust , agreed that the island was `` remarkably quiet '' without the tourists .
The community , in the north east of Skye , has a resident population of just under 600 people .
`` Like other west Highland communities , the absence of visitors is having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
However , he said the hard work of the islanders had needed to continue during the lockdown .
`` Crofters are busy with lambing , staff in our shops are working hard to ensure food is available , and home carers and volunteers are supporting our vulnerable residents , '' he added .

"The hotel has been in my family for more than 100 years, through two world wars, but this is a completely new scenario we are dealing with," she says.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Cardiff medical students on the NHS front line

When Faris Hussain returned to Wales from Egypt , he had no idea that within a few weeks he would be on the front line of the fight against a pandemic .
The 24-year-old had just finished a placement abroad when the coronavirus lockdown began in March .
Now the final-year medical student is working on wards treating people with Covid-19 at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff .
`` I was always very keen to do my part , '' he said .
In March , the Welsh Government announced that final-year medical students , nurses and midwives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welsh NHS during the outbreak .
Faris , from Caldicot , Monmouthshire , is one of 240 Cardiff University students who have opted to do placements in Welsh hospitals .
He would have been using the time before graduation to shadow a junior doctor , but instead he was asked if he could start work at Wales ' largest hospital for a five week placement .
• 'We 're on our knees ' says nurse Faris is working 12-hour shifts on Covid-19 wards and is due to start working in the intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with the team had left him feeling optimistic .
`` We 'll always have spirited and great healthcare professionals who will be willing to look after people no matter the risk to themselves , '' he said .
Eli Wyatt moved miles away from her family in Monmouthshire to work and live on site at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Denbighshire , where she is treating coronavirus and stroke patients .
The 23-year-old Cardiff student said her family were worried about her , but she knew when the time came she would want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help when I know that I 've got the ability is a big privilege , '' she said .
`` I 've always loved being part of a team… so being part of the wider team of the NHS at this point while we 're dealing with this crisis feels kind of empowering . ''
Eli said there had been some `` demoralising '' days treating patients who would not survive , and it had been a steep learning curve .
`` It 's a really tough thing for people to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because a lot of the time they 're going through it on their own without their families , '' she said .
The final-year students will graduate early , and are being paid , but placements are optional .
Some students have opted out of placements because either they or their family members are classed as high risk , while some are self-isolating .
Rhian Goodfellow , who runs the undergraduate medicine programme at Cardiff University , said it was `` humbling '' that so many students had offered to help .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the way that they all stepped up in such a selfless way when things were n't going right , '' she said .
Another 800 students from other year groups at the university 's medical school have signed up to a volunteer bank , meaning they could be called upon to help if there is a second wave of the virus .
While the students have been given training in wearing personal protective equipment and moving patients while on ventilators , Dr Goodfellow said it would be a challenging time for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people dying , despite everybody 's best efforts… it 's something that 's very difficult to witness , '' she said .
`` It 's something that you 've got to really think about .
Even for professionals that have been doing it for many , many years .
It 's something that 's very difficult for all of us . ''
Away from the front line , some medical students are helping prepare others to treat those with coronavirus .
Tom Beresford , 23 , from Swansea , is helping to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wales on top of his studies .
He has already produced e-learning material on resuscitation and protective equipment that has been used by health boards across Wales .
Tom is not getting paid for his work , and while he has been granted extensions for his university work , he said the change had been dramatic .
`` Overnight we went from working on assessments to working on guidance that 's going to be put into practice by staff who are actively fighting the virus , '' he said .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front line voluntarily was a `` testament to the type of people they are '' .
`` I 'm immensely proud of them , '' he said .

"It's something that you've got to really think about. Even for professionals that have been doing it for many, many years. It's something that's very difficult for all of us."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Ethereal image of Cosmos flowers wins photo competition

Anne MacIntyre 's image Ethereal Cosmos has won the International Garden Photographer of the Year 's Black & White photo project .
`` After having recently painted my summerhouse white , I decided to capture these delicate Cosmos flowers , creating vivid white tones in this black-and-white composition , '' she said .
The judges said : `` It is easy to turn any colour photograph into black and white - but through clear intent , Anne chose the set-up before photographing to dramatic effect .
`` This work uses black and white to add something special , not take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the whites are punchy and incredibly detailed . ''
Ethereal Cosmos will feature in a book and exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens , Kew , in 2021 .
Here are other winning photos from the contest , with captions by the photographers .
Highly commended : Reflections of the Mallard Pond , by Roy Curtis , Trebah Gardens , Cornwall '' This photograph was shot at the base of a mountain in Flagstaff , Arizona , during an early winter storm .
The snow level was not quite enough to cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a haunting contrast with the pine forest in the background . ''
Highly commended : Beam Me Up , by Geoff Kell , New Forest National Park , Hampshire Highly commended : Raindrops on Lily pond , by Annemarie Farley , the Florida Botanical Gardens , Largo , All photographs courtesy the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition .

Image caption,
"This photograph was shot at the base of a mountain in Flagstaff, Arizona, during an early winter storm. The snow level was not quite enough to cover the aspens in the foreground but created a haunting contrast with the pine forest in the background."


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: 'I returned my suits and spent £100 on joggers'

A few weeks ago , London-based lawyer Samantha Hewitt decided to refresh her office wardrobe , going online to buy new suits and dresses .
Then the coronavirus lockdown hit and suddenly much of Britain was forced to become a nation of home workers .
Ms Hewitt immediately sent her sober corporate gear back , and spent £100 on comfy loungewear instead .
Now the erstwhile smart dresser admits she is pretty much living in casual clothes suitable for relaxing at home , be it hoodies , joggers or pyjamas .
`` I 've found myself saying to my housemates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'oh it does n't matter , does it ?
It 's lockdown . '
`` Usually , I 'd be quite sensitive about going out without my make-up done and wearing normal clothes , even if it 's just jeans and a t-shirt .
Now it is some variation of a jumper and loungewear bottoms , '' she says .
The 26-year-old is not the only one making the swap .
Since the lockdown a month ago , online demand for loungewear - defined as a hybrid between pyjamas and tracksuits - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to LoveTheSales.com , a shopping website that aggregates sale items from 850 retailers .
Online fashion retailer Boohoo says that sales in April are higher than a year ago .
`` People are n't really buying going-out items , but they are buying homewear - hoodies , joggers , tracksuit bottoms , '' the firm said .
Even fashion doyenne Dame Anna Wintour has been photographed working from home in her joggers .
Though , admittedly , the editor-in-chief of US Vogue looks infinitely more chic than many of us probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the same room for 18 hours a day , like a lot of people will be doing , then comfort becomes quite important , '' says LoveTheSales co-founder Stuart McClure .
`` Normally , people are up and about but now you 're sort of hovering around at home even though you 're working .
So I think it is about that psychology of comfort and happiness . ''
Many retailers such as Asos and Missguided are now advertising comfort wear instead of spring dresses .
For struggling retailers , dressing down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the few categories currently growing .
LoveTheSales says the number of discounts on this type of clothing has dropped dramatically .
This time last year , people spent just over £1bn on clothes for parties and socialising and a further £855m on gear for their holidays , according to market researcher Kantar .
`` Obviously , that need has been removed from the market at the moment , '' says Glen Tooke , a consumer insight director at Kantar .
While he does n't think demand for loungewear is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores - which account for 70 % of consumer spend - are shut , Mr Tooke thinks it will allow them to retain a link with their customers .
`` The smaller or more niche categories should allow retailers to be engaged with their customers and to keep that buying habit going , '' he says .
The so-called `` influencers '' who frequent social media are also playing a part in the lockdown loungewear trend .
Search # loungewear on Instagram and watch it return hundreds of thousands of tagged posts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publish pictures of themselves in their matching tops and bottoms .
`` Suddenly you ca n't go out and take a photo of your cool dinner or the great restaurant you 're in or whatever it is , '' says Mr McClure .
`` Everything 's got to be taken at home . ''
But now that many in Britain are adjusting to working in more relaxed attire , will it be tough to transition back to traditional work clothing ?
Or were we already heading that way ?
Tamara Sender Ceron , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Prior to the coronavirus outbreak , we had already seen that loungewear and nightwear had benefitted from a shift towards more flexible working over the last two years . ''
Michael Solomon , a consumer psychologist and professor of marketing at St Joseph 's University in the US , agrees .
It is now common , for example , to see men not wearing ties in the office and sporting more casual suits .
He says : `` What happens in a crisis like this is you already have various fissures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it tends to accelerate those . ''
While it is understandable that people put comfort over smartness when working from home , could it make us less effective ?
Studies have shown that people are more likely to describe themselves as neat and strategic when wearing smart attire , and as easygoing or clumsy when dressed casually .
`` I do n't think it is necessary to have a full business suit on , but there is a lot to be said for the notion that we are what we wear , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Hewitt , part of her misses dressing up for work .
`` When I 've had online court hearings or a meeting with an external client and I 've put on something smarter , it 's quite nice to feel more human again .
`` I sort of feel like I 've got a bit more of a purpose I guess . ''

"Usually, I'd be quite sensitive about going out without my make-up done and wearing normal clothes, even if it's just jeans and a t-shirt. Now it is some variation of a jumper and loungewear bottoms," she says.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: UK holds a minute’s silence for key worker deaths

A minute 's silence was held across the UK to commemorate the key workers who have died with coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ care staff have died with the virus , as have many transport and other key @ @

A minute's silence was held across the UK to commemorate the key workers who have died with coronavirus.
More than 100 NHS and care staff have died with the virus, as have many transport and other key workers.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Newspaper headlines: 'Hope in sight' as UK nears 'second phase' of lockdown

The papers and news websites have plenty to say about Boris Johnson 's first appearance since returning to work following his recuperation from coronavirus .
The Spectator website says the statement was more of a pep talk and a way of saying to the country that he was back and in control of things .
In the Sun 's words , Britain will have been mightily relieved to see him back in command with his optimism undimmed .
For Macer Hall in the Daily Express , he glowed with renewed vim and vigour and was back to his oratorical best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservative Home website , says listening to his vivid language , with its image of the British people fighting back against a mugger virus , was like being jolted awake after snoozing off .
The Daily Telegraph reports that the prime minister will hold a series of meetings with key ministers this week to finalise details of how different sectors of the economy could start easing their way out of the lockdown .
The Times quotes a No 10 adviser as saying Mr Johnson will `` put flesh on the bones '' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
The Daily Mirror says that after more than a month of being cooped up , people have been given a glimmer of hope over a return to something resembling normal life .
`` Not much longer '' , is the paper 's front page headline .
With similar optimism , the i headline declares there 's `` hope in sight '' .
According to the Guardian , business leaders and trade unions have been drafted into sector-by-sector meetings chaired by Business Secretary Alok Sharma in recent days , amid concerns in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return to the workplace .
The paper says measures under discussion aimed at allaying fears include the use of face masks and hand sanitiser on public transport , one-in-one-out rules and socially-distanced queues for non-essential shops , as well as revised operating procedures for building sites .
The Times says Britain 's Nightingale hospitals are being lined up to become the primary centres for treating Covid-19 patients .
Under proposals being discussed in government and the NHS - the paper goes on - the 10 new hospitals will aim to care for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing traditional hospitals to become `` Covid-free zones '' .
That would free up beds to allow them to scale up routine operations again .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning The Daily Express leads with the one-minute silence for key workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus .
Pictures of many of them are arranged around the headline , `` in memory of their sacrifice '' .
The Daily Mirror says the deaths are a grim reminder of the debt of honour owed to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives to save ours and keep Britain functioning .
Let the silence be deafening as we demonstrate our quiet gratitude , the paper urges .
Finally , the Daily Mail has a picture of what it calls a sea of cards for Captain Tom Moore 's 100th birthday on Thursday .
Captain Tom 's 16-year-old grandson , Benjie , is standing in the middle of the cards , which take up the whole of the floor of the hall at Bedford School , where he 's a pupil .
The school has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sack loads of cards for the Second World War veteran , who has raised £29m for NHS charities .
The paper says more than 120,000 cards have - so far - been sent from around the UK and the world .

In the Sun's words, Britain will have been mightily relieved to see him back in command with his optimism undimmed. For Macer Hall in the Daily Express, he glowed with renewed vim and vigour and was back to his oratorical best.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Hospital cleaner dies after contracting Covid-19

A hospital cleaner with a `` heart of gold '' has died at the hospital where she worked after contracting Covid-19 .
Eileen Landers worked at Queen 's Hospital in Burton-upon-Trent for 16 years , the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust ( UHDB ) said .
The 67-year-old 's death on Sunday means she is the third person from the trust to die after contracting the disease .
Staff at the trust took part in a national minute 's silence on Tuesday .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Ms Landers grew up in Tipperary in Ireland , the second youngest of eight brothers and sisters , and came to England in her early 20s .
Her sister Margaret led the tributes following confirmation of her death .
`` Eileen had a heart of gold and was the most generous person , '' she said .
`` We will all miss her greatly . ''
• Coronavirus : Remembering the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death follows those of 55-year-old consultant Amged El-Hawrani - who NHS England said was the first front-line NHS worker to die after getting the virus - and A & E consultant Manjeet Singh Riyat , who died on 20 April .
UHDB chief executive Gavin Boyle said she was `` a very popular member of the team '' who was `` known for her high standards '' .
`` She was known for her absolute dedication to her role and her dedication to coming to clean the hospital and protect patients , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the role Eileen and her colleagues perform simply can not be overstated . ''
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Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

Ms Landers, who lived in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, grew up in Tipperary in Ireland, the second youngest of eight brothers and sisters, and came to England in her early 20s.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Millions more to be eligible for testing

Millions more people are to be eligible for coronavirus tests , according to government announcements on Tuesday .
In England , all care home residents and staff will be able to access tests from Wednesday , regardless of whether they have symptoms .
People over 65 and those who must leave home to work , as well as those they live with , will be able to get tested if they have symptoms of Covid-19 .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to follow suit .
It comes after figures revealed a third of all coronavirus deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homes .
• How close is the UK to 100,000 tests a day ?
Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` From construction workers to emergency plumbers , from research scientists to those in manufacturing , the expansion of access to testing will protect the most vulnerable and help keep people safe . ''
Anyone eligible can book a test on the government 's test-booking website .
Last week , it closed temporarily following `` exceptional demand '' when key workers were first able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • IMMUNITY : Can you catch the virus twice ?
Mr Hancock also announced that a small number of hospitals in England will begin testing all patients for coronavirus , regardless of if they are showing symptoms , as part of a pilot .
The government has pledged to carry out 100,000 tests a day by the end of April , but the latest figures showed just over 43,000 tests took place across the UK on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The health secretary said daily testing capacity had increased to 73,400 and insisted the UK was `` on track '' to hit 100,000 tests a day by Thursday .
This represents a massive expansion of who is eligible for testing - and means we are now one step away from allowing everyone to access a test if they have symptoms .
That will be crucial when lockdown restrictions are eased as part of the `` test , track and trace '' strategy to keep coronavirus at bay .
It is being made possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile units staffed by the armed forces .
The problems experienced getting more people tested have - to some extent - been because the network of drive-through testing centres have not always been in convenient locations .
There is plenty of lab capacity to process the tests now the three mega labs are up-and-running in Milton Keynes , Glasgow and Cheshire .
The expansion has also allowed the government to do something that could prove crucial in tackling the epidemic in care homes - the testing of residents and staff without symptoms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been able to get a foothold in care homes via people transmitting it before they develop symptoms or if they are asymptomatic .
But promising something is one thing - delivering it is another .
While the capacity looks like it will be there to test 100,000 a day by the end of the month , the numbers actually getting tested are currently less than half that .
Meanwhile , in Scotland , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said all patients over 70 who are admitted to hospital for any reason will now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland , testing has begun in some GP practices and will also be expanded in hospitals and care homes .
Wales has adopted a needs-based approach to testing for NHS and `` critical '' non-NHS workers .
Office for National Statistics data showed there were 2,000 coronavirus care home deaths in England and Wales in the week ending 17 April , double the previous week .
It brings the total number of deaths in care homes linked to the virus since the start of the pandemic to 3,096 .
Coronavirus deaths in hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a rise of 586 from Monday .
The health secretary said from Wednesday the government will publish daily figures on deaths in care homes and the community .
He said the change aimed to `` bring as much transparency as possible '' to the figures and `` add to our understanding of how this virus is spreading day by day '' .
• British Airways said it was set to cut up to 12,000 jobs from its 42,000-strong workforce due to a collapse in business because of the pandemic • The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might help the UK emerge from lockdown could be ready in a fortnight 's time , an NHS chief has said • People across the UK , including Prime Minister Boris Johnson , held a minute 's silence to remember health and care workers who have died with coronavirus • Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said face coverings would be recommended for the public in enclosed spaces such as supermarkets • Two brothers with coronavirus have died within hours of one another • Black , Asian and minority ethnic staff who may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being prioritised by an NHS trust • Care home staff have been praised for isolating with residents for over a month to protect them from coronavirus

People over 65 and those who must leave home to work, as well as those they live with, will be able to get tested if they have symptoms of Covid-19.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--VE Day anniversary: Queen to lead events 75 years on

The Queen will commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a televised address to the nation .
The message will form part of a series of events on 8 May marking the end of World War Two on the continent .
The monarch 's pre-recorded address will be broadcast on the BBC at 21:00 - the exact moment her father , King George VI , gave a radio address 75 years ago .
Other events include a rendition of Dame Vera Lynn 's We 'll Meet Again , a song synonymous with World War Two .
It will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak .
Last month , she echoed the words of the singer known as the Forces ' sweetheart when she told those in lockdown `` we will meet again '' during a rare speech to the nation .
• Queen : 'We will succeed ' in fight against virus The new programme for the commemorations was announced by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden after the original plans were cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The government had moved the traditional early May bank holiday from 4 May to 8 May to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But social distancing requirements halted those plans , which had included a veterans ' procession and street parties .
Mr Dowden said although celebrations will now take place `` in our homes and on our doorsteps '' he is confident the nation will `` come together to mark this historic occasion '' .
People in lockdown are being urged to show their support for the commemorations by placing a specially-designed image of a Second World War soldier in their windows .
Armed forces charity Royal British Legion Industries has launched its `` Tommy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specially-designed figures of soldiers .
A pack with ideas for homemade VE Day bunting , original recipes , games , and educational and creative activities for children has been produced by the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport , so families under lockdown can create their own experiences at home .
Official commemorations will begin at 11:00 with a national moment of remembrance and a two-minute silence , according to details published by DCMS .
Justin Welby , the Archbishop of Canterbury , will record a special reflection and moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Royal Family , the prime minister and Mr Dowden will hold video calls with WW2 veterans and those who served on the Home Front .
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford will host calls with veterans in Wales .
NHS volunteer responders will be deployed to give a number of WW2 veterans a call and provide an opportunity to share their stories .
The BBC will broadcast special programmes to mark the milestone occasion , with the monarch 's address to the nation to be aired on BBC One at 21:00 BST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening programme which will feature Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins , actor Adrian Lester and singer Beverley Knight , who will be performing some well-known songs from the 1930s and 40s .
It will culminate in the nation being invited to sing along to a rendition of We 'll Meet Again .
The BBC will also air a pre-recorded video message from Prince Charles , who will read an extract from his grandfather King George VI 's diary from VE Day .
Extracts of Sir Winston Churchill 's famous victory speech to the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe will also be broadcast .
Tony Hall , BBC director general , said : `` At a time when many are looking for unity and hope , the BBC will bring households together to remember the past , pay tribute to the Second World War generation and honour our heroes both then and now . ''
Victory in Europe ( VE ) Day in 1945 marked the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany 's unconditional surrender by Britain and its Allies following almost six years of WW2 .
It saw spontaneous celebrations break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Queen , then Princess Elizabeth , ventured out with a group of friends , including her sister Princess Margaret , to experience the excitement in London .

Tony Hall, BBC director general, said: "At a time when many are looking for unity and hope, the BBC will bring households together to remember the past, pay tribute to the Second World War generation and honour our heroes both then and now."


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Scottish government suggests covering face in shops

The Scottish government has recommended people cover their faces while in some enclosed public spaces , such as shops and public transport .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there could be `` some benefit '' in wearing a cloth face covering in places where social distancing was difficult .
But she said it was `` not a substitute '' for existing lockdown restrictions .
Downing Street said UK ministers were considering the scientific evidence for introducing similar advice .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said a review had been carried out by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decision has been reached then we 'll announce it publicly . ''
The Scottish government guidance is not mandatory and will not be enforced by the authorities .
• Should we all be covering our faces now ?
Ms Sturgeon stressed that the advice related to cloth garments such as a scarf rather than `` medical grade facemasks '' like those used by health and care workers .
The first minister said evidence about the usefulness of face coverings was `` limited '' , but that there may be `` some benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter an enclosed space where you will come into contract with multiple people and safe social distancing is difficult '' .
She said : `` To be clear , the benefit comes mainly in cases where someone might have the virus but is not aware of that because they are not experiencing symptoms and thus not isolating completely .
`` Wearing a face covering in those circumstances may reduce the risk of that person transmitting the virus to others . ''
Ms Sturgeon said there was no evidence to suggest that wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The first minister warned that she did not want people to `` think they are invincible '' while covering their face in enclosed spaces such as shops .
She said : `` It may do some good in limited circumstances , but it can not and should not be seen as a substitute for the other rules and guidelines . ''
The Scottish government 's national clinical director , Prof Jason Leitch , said earlier this month there was `` no evidence '' to support members of the public wearing protective face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say ?
The government advice says face coverings should not be used by people with asthma or children under the age of two .
It adds : `` When applying or removing the covering , it is important that you wash your hands first and avoid touching your face .
`` After each use , you must wash the face covering at 60 degrees centigrade , or dispose of it safely . ''
The guidance also says that it is `` not being made mandatory and will not be enforced at this stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' evidence of the impact of face coverings on transmission of the virus .
However , Ms Sturgeon said this would be kept under review as the government considers how to ease lockdown restrictions .
The key factor in the Scottish decision is what 's called `` asymptomatic transmission '' - people who are infected but not showing symptoms passing on the virus to others .
Almost a month ago , US government assessed the latest research into this risk and concluded that the public should cover their faces when in confined spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence that coronavirus had been spread by people who had not realised they were infected .
In particular scientists identified the possibility of the virus being passed in a two-day period before symptoms started to show .
Dozens of governments are now urging - or ordering - their citizens to cover their faces in an effort to reduce this route of infection .
As Nicola Sturgeon said , this is not about urging people to rush out to buy professional-grade masks - these are designed to protect medical and care staff and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as in the US , the idea is to devise your own covering , not so much to protect you and as to protect others where distancing is n't possible .
The UK 's government 's scientific advisers weighed up the evidence last week and we 're now waiting to see whether ministers decide to follow the Scottish example .
What is happening in other countries ?
Other countries have brought in different rules around the wearing of face masks .
They are to become compulsory on public transport in Germany , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Residents in Lombardy in Italy must cover their nose and mouth when outside and the French government plans to give out masks to the general public .
Air passengers in Canada must wear a non-medical mask or a face covering , and in the USA , people are advised to wear `` cloth face coverings '' in supermarkets and pharmacies .
• Should we all be covering our faces now ?
Ms Sturgeon also announced that all over-70s in Scotland will now be tested for Covid-19 on admission to hospital .
They will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their stay .
The latest figures show that 10,721 people have tested positive for the virus in Scotland , of which 1,754 people are in hospital , and 126 are in intensive care - figures which Ms Sturgeon said `` continue to give us case for cautious optimism '' .
Ms Sturgeon said a further 70 people who had tested positive for the virus have died , bringing the total under that measure to 1,332 .
Wider statistics including deaths where Covid-19 was a suspected cause will be published on Wednesday .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not and never will be seen as just statistics - behind each and everyone of these numbers is a unique and irreplaceable individual whose loss is a source of grief for their friends and family . ''
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The first minister said evidence about the usefulness of face coverings was "limited", but that there may be "some benefit in wearing a face covering if you enter an enclosed space where you will come into contract with multiple people and safe social distancing is difficult".


bbcuk--2020-04-28--British Airways to cut up to 12,000 jobs as air travel collapses

British Airways is set to cut up to 12,000 jobs from its 42,000-strong workforce due to a collapse in business because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The airline 's parent company , IAG , said it needed to impose a `` restructuring and redundancy programme '' until demand for air travel returns to 2019 levels .
The pilots ' union Balpa said it was `` devastated '' at the news and vowed to fight `` every single '' job cut .
In a statement , IAG said : `` The proposals remain subject to consultation , but it is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airways ' employees and may result in the redundancy of up to 12,000 of them . ''
The company said it will take several years for air travel to return to pre-virus levels , a warning that has been echoed by airlines across the world .
Alongside IAG 's statement , BA chief executive Alex Cruz wrote in a letter to staff : `` In the last few weeks , the outlook for the aviation industry has worsened further and we must take action now .
We are a strong , well-managed business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many crises in our hundred-year history .
`` We must overcome this crisis ourselves , too .
There is no government bailout standing by for BA and we can not expect the taxpayer to offset salaries indefinitely ... We will see some airlines go out of business . ''
About 4,500 pilots and 16,000 cabin crew work for BA , which has already put almost 23,000 staff on furlough .
Balpa 's general secretary Brian Strutton said : `` This has come as a bolt out of the blue from an airline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather the Covid storm and declined any government support .
`` Balpa does not accept that a case has been made for these job losses and we will be fighting to save every single one . ''
Also on Tuesday , IAG revealed the impact of the virus outbreak on group revenues .
In the first three months of 2020 revenues fell 13 % to €4.6bn ( £4bn ) .
Worse is to come warned Stephen Gunning , IAG 's chief financial officer .
Airlines across the world have warned they face a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , EasyJet has laid off its 4,000 UK-based cabin crew for two months .
And Sir Richard Branson has appealed to the government to help bail out his Virgin Atlantic airline with a loan thought to be up to £500m .
Elsewhere , Qantas has put 20,000 staff on leave , while Air Canada has done the same for about 15,200 employees .
Norwegian Air has said it could run out of cash by mid-May .
At American Airlines , about 4,800 pilots have agreed to take short-term leave on reduced pay and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We know the aviation industry is in the throes of an unprecedented crisis .
But the announcement from IAG is chilling nonetheless - and not only because of the number of jobs at stake .
That 's because the company is saying explicitly that it expects the recovery in the industry to be a very slow one , with passenger demand not reaching 2019 levels for `` several years '' .
The airline can survive on its financial reserves for the moment - and take advantage of the government 's job retention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period .
Government support of this kind is very short term .
With a quick recovery it might be enough to save a large number of jobs .
Yet the prospect of that happening is deeply uncertain .
It 's not clear when countries will remove travel restrictions , under what conditions people will be able to fly - or even if they 'll want to .
IAG has now made it clear it 's expecting the industry to look very different in future to what was the norm until just a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accordingly .
But unions will disagree , and the company may find itself accused of over-reacting - or even of taking advantage of the crisis in order to reduce its cost base .

We know the aviation industry is in the throes of an unprecedented crisis. But the announcement from IAG is chilling nonetheless - and not only because of the number of jobs at stake. That's because the company is saying explicitly that it expects the recovery in the industry to be a very slow one, with passenger demand not reaching 2019 levels for "several years".


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Brothers die on same day in Newport

Two brothers with coronavirus have died within hours of one another .
Ghulam Abbass , 59 , and Razza Ghulam , 53 , were treated in adjoining beds in ICU at the Royal Gwent Hospital .
The brothers , from Newport , died on 22 April - just three weeks after the death of their father , Ghulam Mohammed , who had an unrelated condition .
The family ran a newsagents in Pill for more than 20 years , and Razza was a manager at The Range distribution centre in Avonmouth .
The brothers were buried next to one another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father 's grave , although only a few members could attend due to coronavirus restrictions .
Rukhsar Abbass , daughter of Ghulam Abbass , said : `` I did n't realise how much of a well-known family we had , and how much of an impact my father and his brother had on the community , until now .
`` We 've had so many messages of support from members of the community and further afield , and even MPs have contacted us to send their condolences .
`` It shows the kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all so proud of them and are totally heartbroken . ''
• Dad 'still with us ' despite slim survival hope She added it was `` horrible '' to have to adhere to social distancing while mourning her father .
`` I had to grieve for my father through a window .
It 's a horrible feeling that I would n't wish on anyone .
`` But to have had hundreds of people praying for our family - some that did n't even know us - has been unbelievable .
I ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves a wife and two daughters .
His younger brother leaves a wife and two sons .
Their father was a father of five and grandfather to 20 .
He was a founding member of the Islamic Society of Wales mosque in 1977 .
Nichola Mincher , Razza 's wife , said : `` He was nothing but a true gentleman with the heart of gold and he would do anything to help anyone .
He was humble .
He was our hero . ''

Nichola Mincher, Razza's wife, said: "He was nothing but a true gentleman with the heart of gold and he would do anything to help anyone. He was humble. He was our hero."


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: RAF flypast for Captain Tom's 100th birthday

Captain Tom Moore 's 100th birthday will be marked with an RAF flypast , the transport secretary has announced .
The war veteran , who has raised more than £29m for the NHS by walking laps of his garden , turns 100 on Thursday .
The Department for Transport blocked an earlier plan for a flypast of his home organised by a Spitfire restoration firm , as it was deemed `` non-essential '' .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps wrote on Twitter that the RAF aerial salute was `` meant to be a surprise '' .
The Ministry of Defence said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's birthday and mark his amazing fundraising achievement '' .
It urged people `` to follow Captain Tom 's disciplined example and not gather to watch the flypast but continue following guidelines on social distancing '' .
Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar had organised a flypast involving a Mark IX Spitfire for Capt Tom 's birthday , but on Monday it said it had been denied permission to complete the flight .
Instead , its aircraft will fly on a circuit around Biggin Hill Airfield , near Croydon , to coincide with the weekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates on coronavirus in the East of England The restoration company said the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - which is based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and includes six Spitfires - was `` not bound by the same restrictions '' on travel .
Mr Shapps said the RAF flypast of Capt Tom 's Bedfordshire home meant he would be honoured `` in an even more significant way '' .
Bedfordshire 's Police and Crime Commissioner , Kathryn Holloway , has warned people not to travel to visit Capt Tom in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Meanwhile , a school attended by Capt Tom 's grandson Benjie Ingram-Moore has been flooded with more than 125,000 cards from well-wishers across the globe .
Famous names including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge , Dame Kelly Holmes and England football captain Harry Kane have sent birthday cards for Capt Tom to Bedford School .
Benjie turned to his school for help when he learned the Post Office was being swamped .
Staff , parents and pupils spent hours opening each card and creating a display in the school 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` The volume of cards that have been sent to granddad is just astonishing .
`` So many of the cards are truly heartfelt with thousands from young children who have taken the time to use their artistic talent and write a personal message . ''
In another tribute to Capt Tom , all mail sent from Monday will be stamped with a special postmark in his honour .
Royal portrait artist Darren Baker has also presented Capt Tom with a pastel portrait and a sketch of Keighley , West Yorkshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Baker , from Huddersfield , said : `` We chatted for ages about Yorkshire .
He was over the moon - his smile is as warm as his heart . ''
On Friday it was revealed he would be the first ever centenarian to top the charts , after his duet with Michael Ball went straight to number one .
Their cover of You 'll Never Walk Alone sold 82,000 copies , with proceeds going to the NHS Charities Together fund .
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On Friday it was revealed he would be the first ever centenarian to top the charts, after his duet with Michael Ball went straight to number one.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Royal Navy submarine lockdown party captain sacked

A nuclear powered submarine commander who allowed his crew to hold a barbecue party has been sacked .
Cdr Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ submarine HMS Trenchant , allowed the party during the lockdown at Devonport dockyard in Plymouth @ @ @ @ @ social media showed the crew dancing and laughing on the dockside after the submarine returned @ @ @ @ @ .
The captain has been relieved of his command following a Royal Navy probe .
@ @ @ @ @ that Cdr Lewis had been advised both by his senior officers on shore and some @ @ @ @ @ the submarine not to go ahead with the party .
A senior defence source said @ @ @ @ @ number of instances that had undermined trust and credibility in his command .
Cdr Lewis @ @ @ @ @ Navy but will be assigned another role .

Naval sources told the BBC that Cdr Lewis had been advised both by his senior officers on shore and some of his own officers on the submarine not to go ahead with the party.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: NHS worker murdered days after father Covid-19 death

An NHS key worker was murdered days after his father died from coronavirus , police have said .
David Gomoh , 24 , was stabbed to death by a group of men wearing masks seconds after leaving his home on Sunday night .
Police believe the attack in Freemasons Road , Newham , east London , was targeted .
No arrests have been made .
Days before the attack Mr Gomoh 's father had died after contracting Covid-19 .
His funeral had been scheduled for Wednesday .
The son of a nurse , Mr Gomoh worked for the NHS helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Met Police said .
He had been talking on the phone to a female friend when he was stabbed and was not involved in any argument , according to police .
Det Insp Tony Kirk said : `` David 's family are going through unimaginable torment .
`` Within days his mother has seen the death of her husband and son ; his sister has lost her brother and father .
Both are now heartbroken .
`` At this time we believe the only thing David did to be murdered was walk @ @ @ @ @

He had been talking on the phone to a female friend when he was stabbed and was not involved in any argument, according to police.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--McDonald’s trials UK branch reopening amid lockdown

Fast food fans have been buoyed by news that burger chain McDonald 's is testing reopening a branch this week .
The bad news for hungry folk is that the branch will only open for `` operational tests '' and remain closed to customers .
The chain said : `` Recently , we began working through a potential and limited reopening . ''
But it refused to put a date on when customers would be able to pick up a Happy Meal again .
`` Restarting our business is not an easy task , even when reopening in a limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McDonald 's UK and Ireland chief executive .
`` For now we remain closed , and will only reopen when we are absolutely confident we can have the right measures in place to ensure everyone 's well-being . ''
Rumours began circulating that the chain would soon be serving up its popular Big Mac meals last week after the Irish Farmers Journal reported that some branches would reopen in May .
The restaurant group says it is keen to reopen branches as soon as it can , but it wo n't rush into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listening to our employees and customers as well as engaging with government and trade bodies to help ensure we do this responsibly , when the time is right , '' said Mr Pomroy .
He said McDonald 's had set itself some key criteria for reopening , all of which take time .
These include ensuring the well-being of workers and creating the right environment for them to return to work .
It also needs to ensure it has enough supply of fresh produce .
Finally , it is working in step with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers .
The behind-closed-doors test which starts this week will involve `` exploring social distancing measures for our crew , PPE options and opening in a limited capacity , '' the company said .
McDonald 's shut all its branches last month in the face of the coronavirus pandemic .
But it has seen rivals such as Burger King , KFC and Pret A Manger reopening some sites for delivery and takeaway over the past week .
Yesterday Greggs became the latest fast food retailer to announce it is reopening some of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bakery chain , which has more than 2,050 shops , said it would open 20 of them in the Newcastle area from Monday 4 May as part of a `` controlled trial '' , with more to follow .
Greggs boss Roger Whiteside said the trial , set to last at least two weeks , would involve a limited product range and shorter trading hours .
He hopes to have all stores open again by 1 July , when the government 's job retention scheme is due to end , although the timing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcements .
Meanwhile Nando 's has reopened six of its UK restaurants for delivery .
The peri-peri chicken chain has reopened the kitchens of four restaurants in London and two in Manchester .
However visitors wo n't be welcome - the branches will only offer a takeaway service through Deliveroo .
Nando 's said : `` The menu will be reduced to help the team maintain social distance in the kitchen and food prep areas .
`` Each Nando 's restaurant has been working under Public Health England guidelines for the past week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety procedures .
`` Every member of the team has been washing their hands more frequently while maintaining social distance during shifts . ''
The company said it is the `` first phase '' of its reopening plans but more restaurants could follow suit , And Wagamama fans in some parts of London will from Thursday be able to have the food delivered by Deliveroo .
The pan-Asian restaurant chain is reopening its kitchens at Peckham and Hackney .
Kitchens in Leeds will reopen shortly , Wagamama said .
Emma Woods , chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have taken medical advice on how we keep our teams safe in a kitchen environment from a doctor who advises on health and safety in challenging operating environments , including previous experience in the cruise industry .
This will be very much a test-and-learn approach for the business . ''

Emma Woods, chief executive of Wagamama, said: "We have taken medical advice on how we keep our teams safe in a kitchen environment from a doctor who advises on health and safety in challenging operating environments, including previous experience in the cruise industry. This will be very much a test-and-learn approach for the business."


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Lockdown exit must take domestic abuse rise into account - May

The government must consider the impact of the lockdown on domestic abuse and mental health as it plans its exit strategy , Theresa May has said .
The former prime minister said measures to tackle coronavirus must not do `` more damage than the disease itself '' .
She spoke as MPs debated the Domestic Abuse Bill , amid evidence of rising violence during the lockdown .
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said help would be available for all such victims during the outbreak .
There has been a `` surge '' in violence in the weeks since the lockdown was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a rise in killings and the number of calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline run by Refuge up 49 % after three weeks .
Addressing MPs via video link , Mrs May said the government must think about the `` impact of lockdown on our overall health and wellbeing '' .
She said police and local authorities should consider random visits to homes of known domestic abuse perpetrators during lockdown , or addresses where there had been reports of violence .
But added that would have to be done carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation worse .
• ' I 'm in coronavirus lockdown with my abuser' Mrs May 's government introduced the Domestic Abuse Bill last July , but it has been postponed since before the general election .
It brings in new protections for victims - including Domestic Abuse Protection Orders and Protection Notices , which can be used to impose long-term bans on perpetrators making contact with the victim .
It applies to England and Wales and proposes the first government definition of domestic abuse , including financial abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debated legislation to strengthen domestic abuse laws on Tuesday .
Mr Buckland told MPs the Domestic Violence Bill aimed to raise awareness of the crime , to protect and support victims and their children , to `` transform '' the response in the justice system and to `` improve performance across all national and local agencies '' .
The government has always stressed that its Domestic Abuse Bill is proof of its determination to tackle a problem that has been described as an epidemic in the UK .
The bill - drafted before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of domestic abuse , emphasising it 's not just physical : it can also involve coercive or controlling behaviour and financial constraints .
These provisions go to the heart of what could now be happening in homes up and down the country .
Domestic abuse charities have seen a huge increase in calls and online requests for help during the lockdown .
Victims are suffering both physically and emotionally in homes that are not places of safety .
Many of the traditional escape routes have been cut off .
A pandemic on top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described it .
Labour has proposed amendments that would see 10 % of the £750 million charity support package announced this month ring-fenced in a fast-track fund for domestic abuse charities .
MPs also said the bill must do more to protect victims regardless of their immigration status , and to ensure that there is adequate accommodation across the board for victims who flee their homes .
As a short-term measure during the lockdown , former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott called on the government to house them in vacant hotel rooms until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know that some hotel chains have offered to help with providing accommodation .
These hotels should be taken up on that offer , '' she said .
Amendments that MPs proposed to table included putting a stop to a defence of `` rough sex gone wrong '' in court .
Conservative MP Mark Garnier 's constituent Natalie Connolly died in 2016 after sustaining more than 40 separate injuries - but her boyfriend was cleared of murder in 2018 on the basis of such a defence .
`` How can it possibly be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
Mr Garnier asked the Commons .
`` It does n't make any sense , this is wrong . ''
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Charities , too , have called for the Domestic Abuse Bill to offer more support for victims .
Its measures include requiring councils in England to provide support for victims and their children in refuges and other safe accommodation .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said this must be broadened out .
`` With the majority of victims remaining in the family home , especially in BAME communities , it 's vital that Parliament extends this duty to cover all victims and children - no matter where they live , '' he said .
There are also calls for a new offence of `` non-fatal strangulation '' to be included , and for authorities to start collecting data on domestic abuse among the over-74s .
Earlier , the government announced it would spend £3.1 million on services supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home during the coronavirus lockdown .
The funding will be given to councils , charities , and police and crime commissioners in England and Wales , and will go towards services such as counselling sessions and early intervention schemes , the Home Office said .
But shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said the amount `` falls woefully short '' of what is needed to `` support vital frontline services '' .
Earlier , safeguarding minister Victoria Atkins told the BBC ministers were working with refuge providers to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would also like for us to be looking at perhaps kicking the perpetrator out , rather than the victim , so that she stays in her home safely ... and the perpetrator has his behaviour addressed to stop this cycle of abuse , '' she said .
The Domestic Abuse Bill would also focus on `` stopping the perpetrator 's behaviour in the first place '' , she said .
Speaking in the Commons before the debate , Attorney General Suella Braverman stressed that victims will not be breaking the law if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home during lockdown .
She told MPs : `` I want to take this opportunity to let victims out there , both men and women , know that they do n't have to suffer in silence . ''
For more information on organisations that can help if you are experiencing domestic abuse , visit BBC Action Line .

"I would also like for us to be looking at perhaps kicking the perpetrator out, rather than the victim, so that she stays in her home safely... and the perpetrator has his behaviour addressed to stop this cycle of abuse," she said.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: The hospice staff working through a pandemic

The coronavirus crisis has dramatically changed how hospices operate - including visitor restrictions and social distancing rules , to minimise @ @ @ @ @ being passed on .
The BBC 's Ed Thomas finds out the impact on staff @ @ @ @ @ East Cheshire Hospice , which thinks hospices like them have been forgotten about in the @ @

The coronavirus crisis has dramatically changed how hospices operate - including visitor restrictions and social distancing rules, to minimise the risk of the virus being passed on.
The BBC's Ed Thomas finds out the impact on staff, patients and families at East Cheshire Hospice, which thinks hospices like them have been forgotten about in the pandemic.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Which regions have been worst hit?

The number of people killed by coronavirus in London in the four weeks to 17 April has narrowly surpassed the number of civilians killed during the worst four-week period of aerial bombing of the city during the Blitz in World War Two .
Figures held in the National Archives , and collated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission , show that 4,677 people were killed during the Blitz and buried in London cemeteries in the 28 days to 4 October 1940 .
Registered deaths in London attributed to Covid-19 , in the four weeks to 17 April this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC count based on data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
The first of those four weeks - the week ending 27 March - came before the sharp rise in Covid-19 deaths took place .
So figures released next week are expected to show a four-week tally higher than that recorded during the Blitz .
`` These are the best figures available for the civilian deaths in the Blitz , '' said Richard Overy , professor of history at the University of Exeter .
`` This dramatic war on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of total war , with the images of burning and ruined buildings and bodies dug out from the rubble . ''
`` All the more poignant is the contrast with the current epidemic which has killed almost exactly the same number in 28 days in London 's hospitals and care homes . ''
Registered deaths from all causes Driven by the coronavirus outbreak , London has suffered its highest number of registered deaths in a single week for more than half a century , the ONS data shows .
There were 3,275 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the week ending 17 April .
That 's the highest weekly number in London since January 1968 , and the ONS says over half of all death certificates mention Covid-19 .
In England and Wales , registered deaths in every region in the week to 17 April were the highest on record outside the winter months .
Normally the number of deaths is falling at this time of year , and is certainly substantially lower than at the height of flu season in the winter .
The numbers in London this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April .
The figures for the week ending 17 April are more than three times higher than the average for the same week over the previous five years .
Professor Sally Sheard , Head of Public Health and Policy at the University of Liverpool , says it is not surprising that London has borne the brunt of the pandemic .
`` There are similarities with how the 1918 , 1957 and 1968 influenza pandemics moved through British communities , with urban areas again showing the biggest impact , '' she says .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and international travel patterns . ''
`` But the current urban focus of Covid-19 also reflects the more recent growth of the gig economy , in which people have multiple places of work and sites of interaction . ''
The BBC has examined ONS and other government data for deaths in London going back to the 1940s , and data for the rest of England and Wales going back to 1993 .
The ONS data is released weekly and records deaths in the community as well as deaths in hospital , so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily figures released by the Department of Health and Social Care ( which largely focus on deaths in hospital ) .
And the table above shows that registered deaths in every region of England and Wales over the two weeks to 17 April are far higher than the average for those weeks .
The West Midlands and the East of England have recorded their highest weekly totals of any week since 1993 .
But other regions of England and Wales have experienced worse weeks during bad flu epidemics in January 1999 and January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the biggest issues for policymakers over the coming weeks will be to try to establish what other factors maybe causing the current surge in excess deaths .
Further deaths from Covid-19 will continue to happen around the country despite the lockdown .
But it will also be vital to establish how many deaths may be happening because of the lockdown , if people are not getting the treatment or support they need for other health conditions .
`` The steep rise in figures for the capital is reflected in the levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and critical care units and ambulance services in the region , '' says Sarah Scobie from healthcare thinktank the Nuffield Trust .
`` But it is too early to tell at this point whether deaths where Covid-19 was not mentioned are the result of some cases not being recognised as coronavirus , or a substantial increase in people dying from other conditions .
National Records Scotland releases figures on a slightly different timescale .
In the week to 19 April , there were 1,911 deaths registered in Scotland , fewer than the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five-year average of 1,067 .
Of those , 651 mentioned Covid-19 on the death certificate .
The Glasgow area has been by far the worst hit by the virus .
• Coronavirus in Scotland : Who is dying and where ?
In Northern Ireland for the week ending 17 April there were 424 deaths registered , up from the five-year average of 290 .
Covid-19 was mentioned on 101 death certificates .
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Separate ONS data released on 1 May shows that, once you take the age of population into account, the rate of deaths involving Covid-19 is roughly twice as high in the most deprived areas of England and Wales as in the least deprived.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Lack of sign language interpreters leads to legal case against government

Deaf campaigners have started legal proceedings against the government over a lack of sign language interpreters at its daily coronavirus briefings .
British Sign Language ( BSL ) users say they have been discriminated against because critical information is not conveyed to them .
A Twitter campaign which started as # WhereIsTheInterpreter ?
has now morphed into a class action legal case .
Number 10 said the BBC had agreed to use interpreters on the News Channel .
The daily press briefings , which often occur at 17:00 BST , provide the latest information from the UK government in relation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first tweeted # WhereIsTheInterpreter ?
on 9 March when she watched one of the briefings and found there was no interpreter , even though she could sense `` critical information '' was being given .
She said the lack of a BSL interpreter `` made me feel very panicked and worried '' .
While some may suggest deaf people could read subtitles during TV briefings , BSL and English are distinct languages .
Stewart-Taylor classes BSL as her first language and although she was taught to speak English at school she has an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old '' .
She says : `` Trying to decipher the information [ from subtitles ] is like trying to work out something written in a foreign language . ''
Legal firm , Fry Law has started judicial review proceedings - where a judge considers the lawfulness of a decision or action by a public body .
It claims the lack of interpreters breaches the Equality Act 2010 which states that discrimination or unfair treatment on the basis of certain characteristics - such as being deaf - is against the law .
Pursuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliant on the campaigners raising £15,000 through crowdfunding by 6 May , to ensure that if they lose they can cover the government 's legal fees .
Chris Fry , from the legal firm , says : `` It 's just disappointing they 're [ the government ] doing the bare minimum . ''
He argues , that says even though interpreters are available on the BBC News Channel for some briefings , when clips are later replayed they do not feature an interpreter .
It also puts the onus on the deaf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the information is of national importance .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• LIKE 9/11 EACH DAY : A New York paramedic 's diary • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this crisis In a statement , Downing Street said : `` We have established British Sign Language ( BSL ) interpretation at the daily No .
10 press conference via the BBC News Channel and iPlayer ... and are working to ensure greater replication of this signed interpretation across a wider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland and Wales , interpreters stand 2m behind ministers during briefings because BSL is formally recognised as a language in those countries .
Northern Ireland use BSL and ISL interpreters , shown on a small screen inside the room .
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He argues, that says even though interpreters are available on the BBC News Channel for some briefings, when clips are later replayed they do not feature an interpreter. It also puts the onus on the deaf person to seek out the News Channel when the information is of national importance.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus risk: 'I call it shop-worker roulette'

Supermarket checkout supervisor Kay Timbrell has her own phrase for the dangers she faces from coronavirus : `` I call it shop-worker roulette . ''
While nurses are aware when patients are sick , she says , `` we do n't know who 's got coronavirus .
We have absolutely no idea what we have around us . ''
Too many customers are failing to observe social distancing and some become abusive when asked to do so , she says .
`` As retail workers , we 've always faced a degree of abuse , '' she says .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uniform .
But that abuse has doubled in the past month . ''
Kay says she wants to keep doing her job in maintaining food supplies during the pandemic : `` I want to help in this disastrous situation , but we need everyone to play their part in it , because we 're putting ourselves at risk . ''
Women like Kay are most likely to work in key worker roles where social distancing is n't always possible , according to a new report by the Resolution Foundation .
The think tank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work in lower-paid jobs , while two in five are also working mothers .
It has identified more than 8.5 million key workers in the UK , including health workers , teachers and retail staff in food shops and pharmacies .
`` The current crisis has affected almost every worker across the country , from having to work from home to risking infection at work or losing your livelihood altogether , '' said Maja Gustafsson , a researcher at the Resolution Foundation .
`` But women , young people and the low-paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest health and economic risks from the crisis , which has shone a spotlight on the vitality of work that has been undervalued and underpaid for far too long , '' she added .
The Resolution Foundation also found that young people are most likely to work in sectors that have been shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic .
More than 40 % of employed 16 to 24-year-olds work in sectors hit by lockdown measures introduced by the government in March .
They include the arts , retail and hospitality industries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to work from home , while nearly half of older workers can .
The new study also suggests that any rise in unemployment will disproportionately affect young people , as it did following the 2008 financial crash .
UK employment was estimated at a record high in the three months to February of this year , before the effects of the coronavirus lockdown started to kick in .
Official figures showed 76.6 % of people aged 16 to 64 were in paid work , up from 76.4 % in the previous quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final-year students by careers website Bright Network found that two-thirds had already seen job applications withdrawn or put on hold because of the pandemic .
The Resolution Foundation called for government support for women and young people in the months ahead .
Ms Gustafsson added : `` It is vital that policy focuses , and stays focused , on supporting those who have been at the epicentre of the current crisis . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Kay says she wants to keep doing her job in maintaining food supplies during the pandemic: "I want to help in this disastrous situation, but we need everyone to play their part in it, because we're putting ourselves at risk."


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Identity of 'Lynne from Skipton' shrouded in mystery

A woman who asked the UK public 's first question at a government coronavirus briefing has become something of a modern Spartacus with dozens of people claiming : `` I am Lynne from Skipton '' .
On Monday the woman , whose full name was not given , asked when she might be able to hug her grandchildren again .
Her identity has become the source of much debate in Skipton , with some local Lynnes being messaged by the media .
Residents have since adapted the famous quote from the Kirk Douglas movie .
During the briefing Lynne 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Hancock .
She asked : `` I 'm missing my grandchildren so much .
Please can you let me know if , after the five criteria are met , is being able to hug our closest family one of the first steps out of lockdown ? ''
Mr Hancock said the question `` brought home the emotional impact of lockdown '' and he hoped it would be allowed `` as soon as possible '' .
More news and stories from across Yorkshire Mr Hancock said he had not seen the question in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a process managed independently by pollster YouGov .
Little has been released about Lynne 's identity and it is even unclear whether she spells her name Lynne , Lynn or Lyn .
The Skipton Community Noticeboard Facebook group , has seen discussions about the mystery grandmother - with some people tagging friends and family called Lynne and asking if they were responsible for the question .
A number of people in the group posted the slogan - `` I am Lynne from Skipton '' .
In the Douglas film 's climatic scene , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to identify Spartacus in exchange for leniency , but all respond : `` I am Spartacus . ''
Paul Selwood , manager of the White Lion pub in nearby Kildwick , said : `` Who knows when we will be back to some normality if ever , I for one worry due to my trade so when the Spartacus quote kicked off , it raised a smile . ''
Lynne 's question was chosen as one of 15,000 submitted online via the government 's website under a new plan to give the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers and experts .
• 'When will I be able to hug my grandchildren ? '
• Nurse 'sat with dad as he died as we couldn't' Councillor Robert Heseltine , leader of Skipton Town council , said : `` Lynne expressed what many people are feeling at the moment - that we are all missing our family and friends .
`` We very much look forward to being able to welcome those families back again , and to see our town busy once more - but only when it is safe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is possible.
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"We very much look forward to being able to welcome those families back again, and to see our town busy once more - but only when it is safe to do so and when government guidelines say this is possible. "


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus 'will hasten the decline of cash'

Coronavirus will hasten the decline in the use of cash as people make a long-term switch to digital payments , experts say .
The lockdown has led to a 60 % fall in the number of withdrawals from cash machines , although people are taking out bigger sums .
Payment card use has risen with online shopping , particularly for groceries .
Experts say the long-term future of cash could be at risk , before the UK is ready to cope with the change .
This could leave behind an estimated 20 % of the population who rely on cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post Office to deliver cash to the vulnerable About 11 million cash withdrawals are still being made each week , with £1bn taken out , according to Link , which oversees the UK 's cash machine network .
Yet , with many shops as well as bars , cafes and restaurants closed , there is less demand for regular cash withdrawals .
People are going out less , but potentially hoarding more cash .
The average ATM withdrawal has risen from £65 last year , to £82 now .
'We can process cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100 years ago , Webb 's Ironmongery Store has seen locals through many a crisis .
In the current emergency the hardware shop at Tenterden , Kent , is serving items such as garden and home equipment , and paint , from a counter set up in the doorway of the shop .
In order to ensure customers do not have to wait , given social distancing , it has put a sign up pointing out that cash is still accepted .
`` We are trying to serve as many people as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done and we can send them on their way , '' said co-owner Nigel Webb .
`` We take cards , but they may have to wait for the machine .
We can process cash in a couple of seconds . ''
Following a survey of consumers , Link suggested that 75 % of people were using less cash , and 54 % of those asked said they were avoiding cash .
There were reports early in the coronavirus outbreak about the spread of the virus on banknotes and coins .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization have stressed that the risk is no greater than on any other items , and repeated the advice on regular hand washing .
Some 76 % of people asked in the survey said they expected to use cash less and move instead to other forms of payment , or online shopping more in the next six months .
Natalie Ceeney , who authored a major report on access to cash , said that an estimated 30 % of UK residents liked having cash as an option but , as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other methods of payment .
She described this as a `` sticky habit '' , which they could stay with in the future .
With 50 % of the population already operating predominantly cashless , that left only 20 % who relied on notes and coins , many of whom were vulnerable .
Their demand risked being insufficient for the providers of cash infrastructure , such as delivery and ATM services , to be profitable enough to survive .
`` The cash infrastructure could collapse before we are ready , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years as the crisis which finally ended our love affair with cash ?
Many shoppers are suspicious of handling it , worried about anything another person might have touched .
Traders who used to wince if you showed them your plastic are happily bringing out their card readers from the back of the stall .
These findings do also show that in uncertain times some cling to their notes and coins even more tightly .
And they may be struggling to get hold of cash because they ca n't leave their homes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus is speeding up the switch to electronic payments .
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Natalie Ceeney, who authored a major report on access to cash, said that an estimated 30% of UK residents liked having cash as an option but, as a result of lockdown, may now be comfortable using other methods of payment. She described this as a "sticky habit", which they could stay with in the future.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--One-way pedestrian system for post-lockdown York

A one-way system for pedestrians could be introduced in York once lockdown measures start to be lifted .
Traders believe this would enable businesses to re-open safely and help shoppers continue to maintain social distancing rules .
York Retail Forum said the city , with many narrow streets and alleyways , posed a particular challenge .
It said it expected social distancing would remain in force for many months , and was planning for that .
Phil Pinder , who chairs the forum , said plans were being considered to introduce a form of voluntary code or charter .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the city , and urge people to respect temporary signs .
`` Narrow streets and alleyways would be strictly one way with perhaps a barrier at one end telling people to please go the other way round , '' Mr Pinder said .
`` On wider streets people would be allowed to go in both directions but to stick to the left , like a car would , with a line down the middle and temporary stickers to guide people .
`` We have to make sure it works for everyone and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Other options being considered include moving the market from its current location to the neighbouring and much wider Parliament Street , and introducing hand sanitiser towers outside businesses .
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"On wider streets people would be allowed to go in both directions but to stick to the left, like a car would, with a line down the middle and temporary stickers to guide people.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: How close is the UK to 100,000 tests a day?

The UK government has pledged to do 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of April .
It is managing just under 40,000 with two days to go .
Who can get tested ?
The staff and residents of care homes can now be tested , even if they do n't have any symptoms .
Testing is also being extended to the wider public in England .
It means anyone over 65 , or anyone in their household , who currently has symptoms can be tested .
The same will apply to anyone who has to leave home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they live with .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to follow suit .
Hospital patients , NHS and care staff , emergency services , essential workers and their families can also get tested .
The list of key workers includes teachers , police officers and transport workers .
These tests are for people who want to find out if they currently have the virus .
The government says it has the capacity to carry out just over 70,000 tests a day , but not all this capacity is being used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The tests are done by taking a swab of the nose or throat , which is sent off to a lab to look for signs of the virus 's genetic material .
They show whether someone is currently infected with coronavirus .
Key workers in England and Scotland who are self-isolating because they or a family member have coronavirus symptoms can be referred for a test by their employer .
They can also book online themselves and choose whether to attend a regional test site , or ask for a home test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people using the site since its launch , many have found that tests are no longer available .
Some have also reported turning up to their booked appointment and being turned away due to demand .
If a test is negative , the key worker can return to work if they are well enough , have not had a high temperature for 48 hours , and those living with them test negative .
Wales is adopting a needs-based approach to testing for NHS and `` critical '' non-NHS workers .
In Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of three drive-through centres .
How easy is it to get tested ?
The government hopes to have up to 50 test sites by the end of April .
At the moment there are about 30 .
But there has been criticism that getting tested is not always simple once a test has been arranged .
The British Medical Association has said the accessibility of centres is a major problem .
And a Dorset residential care home operator said its staff faced a 240-mile round trip to Gatwick for testing .
Equally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get in a car and travel to a testing site while suffering symptoms of Covid-19 .
The government hopes to ease this by offering an option of home testing kits - but the supply of these is limited .
People are tested to diagnose them individually , and to work out how far the virus has spread .
It helps people , including NHS workers , know whether they are safe to be at work .
It can also help the health service plan for extra demand , including in intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around social distancing and lockdowns .
A total of 20,000 households in England will take part in a study to track coronavirus in the general population , as well as testing them for the antibodies that would indicate a past infection .
It will help the government identify how much the virus is circulating and whether the rate of infection is increasing .
The findings will help the government 's strategy for easing the lockdown .
Has the UK been too slow in testing for coronavirus ?
There have been suggestions the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The UK did not start with the resources to do mass testing , unlike some other countries .
Countries like Germany and South Korea - which have tested far more widely than the UK - rapidly stockpiled kits and made the test available to a larger number of labs .
As of 26 April , the UK had carried out 8 tests per 1,000 people , whereas Italy had done 30 per 100,000 and South Korea 12 , according to data collated by online scientific publication Our World in Data from official sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 as of 19 April , according to its latest figures .
Public Health England started with its own eight laboratories , later expanding to a further 40 NHS labs .
Then the government said it would involve more laboratories from universities , research institutes and private companies .
UK testing efforts have also been held back by challenges in getting hold of swabs , testing kits and chemical reagents .
However , on 22 April , Dominic Raab , standing in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson , said : `` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day by the end of this month and I 'm delighted to say that the expansion of capacity is ahead of plans , even though demand has , thus far , been lower than expected . ''
An antibody test shows whether someone has already had the virus .
They work by looking for signs of immunity , by using a drop of blood on a device that works a bit like a pregnancy test .
Mr Hancock has said that 15 of the most promising antibody tests had been tested , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from China identified antibodies in patients who had been seriously ill with coronavirus , but did not pick up the milder cases , according to head of the UK testing regime , Prof John Newton .
These are tests that can be used at home .
A more reliable laboratory antibody test is in use at Porton Down , but it is currently being reserved to estimate population-level immunity - not to give individuals information about their infection status .
The World Health Organization 's head of emerging diseases , Dr Maria Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests can show `` that an individual is immune or is protected against reinfection '' .
Correction 25 April 2020 : An earlier version of this article incorrectly said that France had conducted just under 140,000 tests a day by 21 April .
The figure of just under 140,000 refers instead to the number of tests it had carried out weekly .
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The government says it will be able to expand the testing system again in the future if necessary, such as if a new variant of concern emerges.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Former school inspector rates own home schooling 'atrocious'

`` Atrocious '' is how former inspector Andrew Jeffrey described his own home schooling attempts in a tweeted fake Ofsted report , adding the school `` requires improvement '' .
His `` mocksted '' rating describes barely dressed teachers in dressing gowns and underpants .
His `` pupils '' had been found playing Fortnite by way of a geography lesson .
The post resonated with parents , as millions struggle to home school their children amid the coronavirus epidemic .
Mr Jeffrey , who lives in Brighton , has been home schooling his children , Ben , nine and Dan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this prompted him to tweet a message of support to other parents also juggling working with home schooling .
Mr Jeffrey said `` not in a million years '' did he expect his tweet to go viral : `` Home schooling is rewarding as I like teaching , but challenging , as I hope my Ofsted tweet made clear . ''
Mr Jeffrey decided to tweet the report to try to give parents a boost and make them feel a bit better about themselves and less guilty .
Mr Jeffrey was trained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ framework and training are `` virtually identical '' to Ofsted .
He worked in schools around England for a number of years before setting up his own maths consultancy business .
`` Home schooling is totally different from class teaching , '' said Mr Jeffrey , adding that he hopes parents have developed a new-found respect for teachers : `` It definitely has n't changed my opinion , which was formed long before lockdown .
`` I think the nation should be unbelievably grateful to teachers at the moment . ''
• Should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet has resonated particularly with those parents lucky enough to be able to work from home , who have set about scheduling their jobs around the demands of their children 's education .
One parent described Mr Jeffrey 's self-deprecation as `` refreshing '' .
Parents have been searching online for support in the form of humorous social media posts .
Messages like , `` if you see my children picking weeds and crying in the garden , they 're on a field trip '' , received thousands of likes .
Mr Jeffrey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been universally well received .
It even got a thumbs up from the ultimate arbitrator , Ofsted itself .

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