bbcuk--2020-03-24--The papers: UK 'under house arrest' as PM 'ends freedom'

The drastic measures announced by Boris Johnson to tackle coronavirus are reflected in dramatic headlines .
`` End of freedom '' , the Daily Telegraph declares .
`` Britain shuts up shop '' , the Daily Mail says .
The Sun has a picture of a giant padlock on its front page , with the headline `` House arrest '' .
For the Daily Mirror , it 's a `` national lockdown '' .
As the Financial Times puts it , the prime minister has been forced to close Britain .
The Guardian says that , after days of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public should do , Mr Johnson has significantly escalated his language .
The Mail says the move follows fury in government at the failure of sections of the public to follow the guidance on social distancing .
According to the paper , the models for containing the virus require social contact to fall by 75 % to be effective .
But data from the weekend showed that high street shoppers were down by only 30 % - and the number visiting parks was triple that normally seen at this time of year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the London Underground during Monday 's morning rush hour .
It was - the Metro says - proof that tough action was needed .
While there 's widespread support for the measures , there 's also a feeling that , as the i puts it , the prime minister dragged his heels .
The Spectator website says the government had not quite understood how many people were going to totally ignore the social distancing advice right up until a ban on leaving the house .
Stephen Glover , writing in the Mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant new measure had to be wrung from Mr Johnson , and came too late .
At times , Glover says , the natural desire to safeguard our liberties has collided with the advice he has proffered , leaving many of us confused and unsure as to what we were being asked to do .
Michael Deacon - in his sketch for the Telegraph - writes that for the last seven days , Mr Johnson had been politely `` advising '' the public to stay in and to avoid crowds .
But , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to a gang of criminals and murmurs : `` I say chaps , hate to butt in , but would you mind terribly not committing all these murders ? ''
There is also acknowledgement that , while the instruction to stay at home was necessary , it went against the prime minister 's deepest instincts .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning Leo McKinstry , writing in the Express , says the imposition of these rules will have been particularly difficult for Mr Johnson , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a deep suspicion of the big state .
But he had no alternative , given how the disease is raging through our society , he adds .
Many point out the difficulties facing the police in enforcing the new rules .
For the Mail there are questions over how people will prove they are caring for someone , or if they absolutely can not work from home .
The HuffPostUK website asks : Who will check if a rogue individual walks the dog in the morning and then goes for a run @ @ @ @

Michael Deacon - in his sketch for the Telegraph - writes that for the last seven days, Mr Johnson had been politely "advising" the public to stay in and to avoid crowds. But, he adds, no police officer tiptoes up to a gang of criminals and murmurs: "I say chaps, hate to butt in, but would you mind terribly not committing all these murders?"


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus restrictions 'will last more than three weeks'

Restrictions on movement in Northern Ireland will last longer than three weeks , the first minister has said .
Arlene Foster said a range of things would need to be reviewed after the initial period .
But she said if she was a `` betting person '' she would think the measures to slow the spread of coronavirus would continue beyond Easter .
The unprecedented measures were announced by Boris Johnson on Monday night .
He introduced the Coronavirus Bill , which introduces sweeping measures aimed at preventing the spread of the disease and which will be reviewed in three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed at Westminster , but on Tuesday the Northern Ireland Assembly will also debate the legislation , which aims to force people to stay at home .
Speaking to the BBC 's Good Morning Ulster programme , Mrs Foster acknowledged the situation was confusing for people .
She also said she would ask for credit unions to be added to the list of essential services in Northern Ireland which are allowed to stay open .
People can only leave their homes for very limited purposes such as shopping for necessities and medicine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential travel to work is allowed , but gatherings of more than two people have also been banned .
Commenting on the latest measures , Mrs Foster said : `` These new rules on social distancing may seem extreme but they are absolutely crucial in slowing the spread of this virus .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The government is not calling the latest legislative changes a lockdown , but police will have powers to enforce the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings .
Also speaking on Good Morning Ulster , Ulster Unionist Party ( UUP ) leader Steve Aiken said it had `` never been easier for people in NI to do the right thing '' .
He said he believed legislation was necessary in the fight against coronavirus by enforcing social distancing rules more strictly .
`` The people of NI are sensible , we have been through a lot in the past .
Let 's be sure we do it right . ''
Sinn Féin MP for South Down Chris Hazzard said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that the tougher restrictions were `` somewhat inevitable '' after a number of instances of social distancing not being observed over the weekend .
On Monday 20 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Northern Ireland , bringing the total to 148 .
Three people have died .
The Department of Health in Northern Ireland has said people with mild symptoms should self isolate , and do not require testing .
They are not therefore included in testing totals .
Testing is now being principally provided for patients requiring hospital treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Testing capacity is being expanded to about 800 Covid-19 tests per day .
This will enable the health service to extend the availability of testing to frontline health and social care staff , ensuring they can continue to deliver vital services .
Once passed , the legislation will give the executive office at Stormont will get an unprecedented raft of new powers .
The first and deputy first ministers have again urged people to follow public health advice , to wash your hands often - and to stay at home .
Other premises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and places of worship must also close immediately .
Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed .
The government is also stopping all social events , including weddings , baptisms and other ceremonies - but funerals will be allowed .

"The people of NI are sensible, we have been through a lot in the past. Let's be sure we do it right."


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Acton car crash: Woman charged with murder and attempted murder

A woman has been charged with murder and attempted murder following a fatal car crash in west London in the @ @ @ @ @ Police were called at about 00:50 GMT to Salisbury Street in Acton , after a @ @ @ @ @ when he was hit by a car .
The driver left the car and attacked @ @ @ @ @ not seriously hurt .
Rhian Beresford , 28 , of Hope Gardens in Acton is @ @ @ @ @ later .

Police were called at about 00:50 GMT to Salisbury Street in Acton, after a man, 54, died when he was hit by a car.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Only go to your job if you cannot work from home - Hancock

People can go to work if they can not do their work at home , the health secretary has said , amid confusion over the new coronavirus restrictions .
It comes after calls for clarity , including from construction workers , about Monday 's wider shutdown measures .
Matt Hancock also said Tube services should be running `` in full '' , after being asked about packed trains during Tuesday 's morning commute .
The number of UK deaths rose to 422 on Tuesday , a rise of 87 in one day .
As it continues to ramp up its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for the disease , the government is opening a new makeshift hospital at the ExCel exhibition centre in London .
The temporary Nightingale Hospital has been set up with help from the military and will have capacity for 4,000 patients .
Mr Hancock also appealed for 250,000 volunteers to help the NHS , and said more than 11,000 former medics had answered the government 's call to return to the NHS .
More than 24,000 final-year student nurses and medics will also join the health service .
Mr Hancock led Tuesday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters asking questions over video-link - after complaints that part of the government 's strict new rules were confusing for workers .
The new measures , in place for at least three weeks , tell Britons to only leave home to go to work `` where this is absolutely necessary and can not be done from home '' .
Mr Hancock later said those who can not work from home should go to work `` to keep the country running '' .
• What are the new restrictions ?
• What we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pictures : The quiet streets of the UK On Tuesday , pictures showed workers in London crowding into Tube carriages - despite warnings that , even when out in public , people should keep two metres ( 6ft ) away from others .
Unions and workers in the construction industry have called for protection , saying their work is not essential and puts people 's health at risk .
And Piers Morgan highlighted the issue on ITV 's Good Morning Britain when he showed images of construction workers working at London 's Heathrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moral question : what are you doing ?
Do the right thing .
Do you have to be out there ?
Can this work wait ?
You need to get your priorities right . ''
He then interviewed London 's mayor Sadiq Khan who said that , in his view , construction workers should not be going to work and that he had made that point `` quite forcefully '' to Boris Johnson .
Asked about the issue at the briefing , Mr Hancock said people whose jobs has not already been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date should continue to work but should only be travelling to a workplace `` where that work ca n't be done at home '' .
He said construction workers - many of whom work outdoors - could and should continue to go to work as long as they are able to remain two metres apart at all times .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• NEW GUIDANCE : What must I do ?
• NEW RESTRICTIONS : What are they ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The judgment we have made is that in work , in many instances , the 2m rule can be applied .
`` Where possible , people should work from home and employers have a duty to ensure that people are more than 2m apart .
Unlike the UK government , Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said building sites should close - unless it involves an essential building such as a hospital .
She said it was not possible to provide a `` bespoke guidance '' for each occupation - but she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principles .
Construction workers are still being told to come to work , according to Andrew Lee Davis , 36 , a civil engineer based in Newport , south Wales .
`` We ca n't just go home because we wo n't be paid , '' he told the BBC .
Self-employed workers may have to rely on the benefits system as things stand .
However , benefits may not come through on time , or be enough to pay the bills , Mr Davis said .
`` Morally , I know I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm absolutely tied here .
Until the government pay the self-employed , I 've got to come into work . ''
If he were to stay home , Mr Davis , who helps support his wife and three children , would have to rely on his savings .
Those would not last for the duration of the crisis , he said .
`` There 's a lot of worried boys here on site , '' he said .
Many of them are on minimum wage , self-employed and without savings , which puts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some big contractors are telling subcontractors to continue working , which Mr Davis says could put extra strain on the NHS in a time of crisis .
He would like major contractors to shut non-essential sites , even though this could cost him valuable work .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called for `` clear and unambiguous advice around which workers can and ca n't go out '' .
He said he believed just key workers - those whose jobs are considered essential and included on a government list - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said Transport for London `` should have the tube running in full so that people travelling on the tube are spaced out and can be further apart '' .
`` And there is no good reason in the information that I 've seen that the current levels of tube provision should be as low as they are , '' he said .
According to the latest Department of Health figures , there are now more than 8,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK .
The latest people to have died include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antrim .
Her family said it was heartbreaking not being able to kiss her goodbye because of how contagious the disease is , adding they did not want her simply to be remembered as a statistic .
Earlier , Mr Hancock told MPs the government was `` ramping up testing as fast as we can '' and it was buying `` millions of tests '' which it would `` make available as quickly as possible '' .
He also said the government was working to ensure victims of domestic violence who are forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police chiefs said phone lines were inundated with calls after the prime minister 's statement , as people rang to ask what they were still allowed to do .
The British Transport Police said it was deploying 500 officers to patrol stations across the country and remind people to follow government advice .
The PM 's official spokesman said the overwhelming majority of people `` can be expected to follow the rules without any need for enforcement action '' .
But the punishment in England for not complying would be a fixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people breaking the rule of no public gatherings of three people or more .
`` We will keep this under review and can increase it significantly if it is necessary to ensure public compliance , '' the spokesman added .
Meanwhile , Police Scotland will not hesitate to enforce the new measures , the force 's chief constable said .
• Four things stats say about coronavirus in London Ken Marsh , chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation , said enforcing the new restrictions would be `` a real , real challenge '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amounts of sickness '' among officers across London .
Meanwhile , opposition parties and unions have called on the government to do more to protect self-employed people , who will not be covered by the government 's promise to pay 80 % of salaries of employees unable to work .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced increased benefits for the self-employed , but did not guarantee their wages .
Freelance workers - who would face a loss of income if forced to stop working due to sickness or quarantine - have told the BBC they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'How is £94 a week going to pay anyone ’ s bills ?
’ Labour 's Rachel Reeves said there was `` a worrying gap '' in the government 's strategy when it came to self-employed workers .
Speaking in the House of Commons , Mr Sunak said work is going on in Whitehall to come up with a `` deliverable and fair '' support package .
`` There are genuine practical and principled reasons why it is incredibly complicated to design an analogous scheme to the one that we have for employed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was `` determined to find a way to support them '' .
• The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games - due to begin on 24 July - have been postponed until next year • Prisoners in some jails in England and Wales will be given secure phones - without internet access - to speak to pre-authorised contacts , the Ministry of Justice says , as part of plans to maintain family contact during the outbreak • For the first time , all the UK 's mobile networks sent out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customer with details of the new measures .
• Sports Direct has confirmed it will not open its stores to the public following a U-turn by the sportswear retailer • Prisoners in England and Wales will be confined to their cells for 23 hours a day and allowed out only to shower and use pay-phones , with all visits cancelled , the BBC understands .
• Most of Ryanair 's flights are expected to be grounded from Tuesday - with no further flights likely in April or May • Chemicals giant Ineos is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middlesbrough within 10 days to produce one million bottles a month • Emergency legislation introducing measures to respond to the virus will go before the House of Lords later after it passed through the Commons on Monday evening • 514 more people die in Spain , the worst day yet in the country How will you be affected by these measures ?
Email haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and privacy policy

The new measures, in place for at least three weeks, tell Britons to only leave home to go to work "where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home". Mr Hancock later said those who cannot work from home should go to work "to keep the country running".


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: ExCeL Centre planned as NHS field hospital

The NHS will treat coronavirus patients in a makeshift field hospital in the ExCeL Centre in East London .
The exhibition space , which has been used in the past for Crufts and Comic Con , will eventually hold up to 4,000 patients .
Dubbed the Nightingale Hospital , the temporary base will be staffed by NHS medics with the help of the military .
It will initially provide about 500 beds equipped with ventilators and oxygen .
The Ministry of Defence said a team of military planners had visited the centre along with NHS England staff at the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC the military was also seeking out other possible locations to treat patients who can not be accommodated in normal NHS facilities .
Similar plans have been undertaken in other countries , with coronavirus patients being treated in the IFEMA exhibition centre in Madrid and the Javits convention centre in New York .
A hospital in the French city of Mulhouse is using its car park as a field hospital .
The temporary NHS hospital 's staff may include students and retired nurses and doctors returning to the workforce .
• Four things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the UK 's call for retired medics to return to the NHS , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said more than 11,788 had come forward , including 2,660 doctors and 6,147 nurses .
More than 18,700 student nurses and 5,500 final year medics will also join the NHS workforce , he said .
Mr Hancock also put out a call for 250,000 NHS volunteers to deliver food and medicines .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LATEST : What 's the UK 's plan and what could happen next ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak This announcement comes amid concerns that NHS intensive care units will be overwhelmed by extra patients .
Northwick Park Hospital in north-west London declared a critical incident on Friday after it ran out of intensive care beds , although there was capacity at neighbouring hospitals .
As well as assisting with planning , during the coronavirus outbreak military personnel have also been used to deliver emergency supplies of masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drive oxygen tankers .
They have not yet been deployed to enforce social distancing measures .
The military will also be involved in distributing 7.5 million pieces of personal protective equipment or PPE ( things like masks , gloves and gowns ) to NHS staff .
A dedicated hotline has been set up allowing organisations to order PPE 24 hours a day .

Similar plans have been undertaken in other countries, with coronavirus patients being treated in the IFEMA exhibition centre in Madrid and the Javits convention centre in New York. A hospital in the French city of Mulhouse is using its car park as a field hospital.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Supermarkets limit shoppers as rules tighten

Visit a supermarket today and you 're likely to be greeted outside by a member of staff .
But they wo n't be helping you with your shopping .
Instead they 'll be ensuring you stick to the new strict social-distancing rules that have applied since Monday evening .
At Waitrose you 'll be met by a marshal , while at M & S they 're called greeters .
Asda will also station more staff at its shop doors to `` greet '' customers .
Their jobs are exactly the same : to ensure only a limited number of shoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They also check people are queuing responsibly and that shoppers wait patiently and stand two metres away from each other .
Instead , visits to a store - which you 're only supposed to make to pick up essentials - will be carefully regulated .
The rules are as much to protect store workers as shoppers .
Indeed , Lidl , Morrisons , Aldi , Iceland and Sainsbury 's have all installed protective screens for staff , while Waitrose has ordered screens and visors for its workers .
You 'll see staff wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other areas .
They also no longer want your cash .
Instead , supermarkets are trying to encourage shoppers to pay by contactless card to cut down on potentially virus-covered cash being passed around the population .
You 'll see posters encouraging you to look after yourself and treat staff well .
• Wetherspoon boss tells staff to get a job at Tesco • Buy responsibly and think of others , shoppers told And on the floor , there are markings to show where it is safe to stand and when queuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tape marking out the correct two metre distance to maintain between customers in a queue .
Tesco has lines on the floor and around checkouts to help shoppers with social-distancing measures .
If you think you can avoid the new tightly-regulated in-store experience by getting a home delivery , you may be in for a disappointment .
Some people are having to wait weeks for an available slot as online systems struggle to cope with demand .
Visitors to online store Ocado on Tuesday were greeted with the message : `` You are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once you have logged in you may need to queue again to shop . ''
Samantha Ward , who went into self-isolation last week when her husband developed Covid-19 symptoms , is struggling to get any supplies .
`` Every day since self-isolating , I 've been trying to place an online shopping order with all of the main supermarkets but there have been no available slots for weeks ahead . ''
`` Friends who have been going on shopping expeditions for me come back with very little , '' she reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But ironically , I 'm regularly receiving standardised emails from the bosses of major stores reassuring me that there is plenty of food to go round ! ''
There 's also the Click+Collect option , where customers can arrange to pick up goods at their local store if they ca n't get a delivery slot .
But that can prove a problem too , as Maidenhead-based shopper Lisa Bull discovered .
`` I booked a click-and-collect with Tesco as there were no delivery slots available .
Throughout the week , I edited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I and my self-isolating elderly parents needed .
`` When I edited my order on Monday morning , I was then unable to check out and my whole shop was cancelled . ''
`` It is an extremely busy time for both our stores and our delivery service and availability is challenging across many products , '' A Tesco spokeswoman told the BBC .
`` We 're doing our best to make sure people can get the food and items they need . ''
What are the new restrictions ?
New guidance from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave home for the following reasons : • Shopping for essentials such as food and medicine , with trips made as infrequently as possible • One form of exercise a day such as a run , walk or cycle .
This should be done alone or only with people you live with • Any medical need , or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person .
This includes moving children under the age of 18 between their parents ' homes , where applicable .
Key workers or those with children identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school • Travelling to and from work , but only where it absolutely can not be done from home Businesses that are allowed to stay open under the strict new guidelines include supermarkets , banks , pharmacies , post offices , corner shops or market stalls selling food and restaurants that offer a takeaway service .

Visitors to online store Ocado on Tuesday were greeted with the message: "You are in a virtual queue to log in. Once you have logged in you may need to queue again to shop."


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: British nationals stranded abroad in 'dire' situation

British nationals unable to return home due to the coronavirus pandemic are in a `` dire '' situation , a former minister has warned .
Tory MP Caroline Nokes said many were stranded as countries closed their borders and airlines cancelled flights .
The government 's call for people to return home as quickly as possible were like `` empty words '' to them , she added .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his staff were working with other nations and airlines to `` overcome barriers '' .
Responding to an urgent question in Parliament , Mr Raab said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their borders `` with no or little notice '' .
• Latest virus updates from around the world • UK tourists stuck in Peru to be rescued next week With the pandemic worsening across much of the world , the Foreign Office changed its travel advice on Sunday urging British nationals to return home as soon as possible .
Mr Raab said officials were working `` night and day '' with other governments and airlines to put urgent arrangements into place .
But Ms Nokes , the MP for Romney and Southampton North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not able to get through to embassy staff on the phone and had received standard e-mail messages telling them to contact their tour operator or insurer .
Many found themselves hundred of miles from airports , with hotel accommodation becoming increasingly scarce .
BBC viewer Chas Parker said his 18-year old son Ben had been `` turned away '' by the British consulate in Phnom Penh , Cambodia because he did n't have an appointment .
He said Ben was given a card by security officers outside the building but when he e-mailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bog standard '' response .
Mr Parker said he feared for his son 's safety amid an increasingly hostile atmosphere and rumours that he and other foreign nationals could be put into quarantine .
While he had since managed to book a seat for his son on a flight home via South Korea , Mr Parker said the whole process had been tough .
Commercial flights from many destinations were simply not available , she said , unless they were `` priced at tens of thousands of pounds and routed via airports expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are closing , flights are cancelled , borders are closing and there are no routes home .
`` He ( Mr Raab ) knows the situation is dire - but he knew that last week when he said in the House that we will look and liaise with the airline operators to make sure where there are gaps we can always provide as much support as possible . ''
`` I ask him to explain how he is working with airlines with unused planes parked at airports around the globe to bring our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens sleeping on the streets of Caracas is not a good one . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Mr Raab said the rate of border closures and travel disruption was `` unprecedented '' in modern times and he had doubled the number of consular staff to deal with the `` surge in demand '' .
He said the UK was addressing specific problems facing British nationals in Peru @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , working with their governments and airlines to keep routes going , and to re-open those that had closed .
Mr Raab told MPs that special flights will be laid on later this week to bring Britons back from Peru , while the UK had agreed with Singapore that it will act as a transit hub to help those trying to get back from Australia and New Zealand .
`` Our overriding priority now is to assist the thousands of British travellers who need and want to return home , '' he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not possible or limited by domestic restrictions we are in close contact with airlines and local authorities in those countries to overcome those barriers . ''
More than 1,000 Britons have registered with the embassy in Peru , about 200 of whom will be on the first flight out of the country expected to leave on Wednesday .
Mr Raab also said he was concerned about the situation in the Indonesian island of Bali , currently home to about 6,000 British nationals .
But he pointed to successful repatriation efforts in other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent days have facilitated 41 flights carrying more than 8,500 passengers before the country 's borders were closed .
For those British nationals running out money , Mr Raab said that the Foreign Office , as a last resort , could provide emergency loans .
Several MPs raised concerns about the fate of cruise ships containing many British nationals .
The Coral Princess is struggling to get permission to dock at Rio de Janiero while the Costa Victoria is reportedly due to dock at Venice , close to the heart of the @ @ @

"He (Mr Raab) knows the situation is dire - but he knew that last week when he said in the House that we will look and liaise with the airline operators to make sure where there are gaps we can always provide as much support as possible."


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Eviction protections watered down, says Labour

Labour has accused the government of breaking its promise to protect renters hit by the coronavirus crisis .
Shadow housing secretary John Healey said ministers had last week promised a `` complete ban '' on evictions .
But the measures contained in emergency coronavirus legislation published on Monday `` just gives them some extra time to pack their bags '' , he added .
The government insisted the legislation meant there could be no evictions as a result of coronavirus for three months .
Announcing the plan in the Commons last week , Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to coronavirus will be forced out of their home , nor will any landlord face unmanageable debts . ''
• UK brings in strict curbs on life to fight virus • What is in emergency coronavirus legislation ?
The new law , likely to come into force by the end of the week , extends all eviction notice periods from two to three months .
The law also allows the government to extend the three month notice period to six months if it chooses .
The government 's own explanatory notes on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a landlord from serving a notice of intention '' to evict a tenant , `` nor does it end a tenant 's liability for rental payments '' .
In Tuesday 's House of Commons debate , Labour 's shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the party was `` extremely disappointed '' with the measures which he described as `` just not good enough '' .
Earlier , Mr Healey tweeted : `` This is not an evictions ban , as Labour argued for , and renters were eventually promised by Boris Johnson .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homes as a result of coronavirus , just gives them some extra time to pack their bags . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• NEW GUIDANCE : What must I do ?
• NEW RESTRICTIONS : What are they ?
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Housing said claims it was `` rowing back '' on its promises to renters were `` absolute nonsense '' .
`` As soon as legislation is passed , no new possession proceedings will begin - in either the social sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least the next 3 months .
We have the power to extend this notice period if necessary , '' she said .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said in a tweet that `` very clear guidance '' had been given to judges and bailiffs meaning it was `` extremely unlikely '' that any possession proceedings would continue during this period .
`` If there is evidence that this is not the case , we will of course review , '' he added .
The measures in the bill aimed at protecting renters from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said Scotland 's own emergency legislation would include a provision to prevent evictions for up to six months by increasing the period of notice which the landlord must provide before taking steps to repossess the property .
And in Northern Ireland , the department for communities said officials were `` urgently '' reviewing the issue `` to ensure vital housing support is provided to those who need it '' .
Labour 's criticisms were echoed by the housing charity Shelter , which called for a `` wholesale and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent people losing their homes during the crisis .
Chief executive , Polly Neate , said : `` Today 's watered-down measures risk homelessness and uncertainty at this worrying time .
`` For the next three months , as many as 20,000 eviction proceedings already in progress will go ahead and eviction notices will continue to land on renters ' doormats . ''
She said the wording of the government amendment meant that renters in self-isolation could lose their homes by June , and she warned this could add to the risk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It defies belief that while so much effort is going into a co-ordinated medical response to this pandemic , the government is prepared to allow so many evictions to continue - putting at risk not just those losing their homes , but also the people they are forced into contact with . ''

She said: "It defies belief that while so much effort is going into a co-ordinated medical response to this pandemic, the government is prepared to allow so many evictions to continue - putting at risk not just those losing their homes, but also the people they are forced into contact with."


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: No extra help for airlines, chancellor says

The UK chancellor has told airlines to find other forms of funding and not turn first to the government for help getting through the coronavirus crisis .
Demand for tickets has collapsed forcing companies to ground aircraft .
Aviation bosses have been lobbying the government for a targeted aid package to stop firms going under as a result of the slump in demand .
But in a letter on Tuesday Rishi Sunak said the government would only step in as `` a last resort '' .
Mr Sunak instead urged airlines to try and raise money from shareholders .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations with individual airlines once they had `` exhausted other options '' .
But industry group the International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) warned of an `` apocalypse '' in the aviation sector as it called on governments around the world for help .
The group said annual worldwide revenues from ticket sales would fall by $ 252bn ( £215bn ) if travel bans remain in place for three months , a drop of 44 % compared to last year .
`` Travel restrictions and evaporating demand mean that , aside from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business , '' IATA boss Alexandre de Juniac , said .
`` There is a small and shrinking window for governments to provide a lifeline of financial support to prevent a liquidity crisis from shuttering the industry . ''
Virgin Atlantic , Ryanair and EasyJet have all grounded most of their fleets , while BA-owner IAG has cut capacity by 75 % and Norwegian Air has cancelled thousands of flights .
This has also affected airports , which have cut hundreds of jobs across the UK since coronavirus arrived in the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operators Association ( AOA ) , said the aviation industry was `` surprised '' by Mr Sunak 's decision and will have to `` fight on its own to protect its workforce and its future '' .
`` While countries across Europe have recognised the vital role airports play and are stepping into the breach , the UK government 's decision to take a case-by-case approach with dozens of UK airports is simply not feasible to provide the support necessary in the coming days , '' she said .
`` Not only does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide critical services , it will hamper the UK recovery . ''

"While countries across Europe have recognised the vital role airports play and are stepping into the breach, the UK government's decision to take a case-by-case approach with dozens of UK airports is simply not feasible to provide the support necessary in the coming days," she said.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Dyson develops ventilators for NHS

Dyson has announced it will develop a new type of medical ventilator for the NHS , to help with coronavirus .
The firm , headed by British inventor Sir James Dyson , said it had responded to the government 's request for help .
Meanwhile , a consortium of more than a dozen companies aims to build ventilators based on two existing designs .
Some industry insiders have suggested that Dyson 's approach to create a new model will take too long .
In a statement , Dyson said it had been working with The Technology Partnership , a medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` meaningful and timely response '' .
`` This is a highly complex project being undertaken in an extremely challenging timeframe , '' it added .
`` We are conducting a fully regulated medical device development , including testing in the laboratory and in humans , and we are scaling up for volume . ''
Engineers , anaesthetists and surgeons from the University of Oxford and King 's College London are working on another new type of ventilator .
It is less advanced than existing commercial models , but benefits from being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new designs which can complement existing models might help meet demand , '' commented Dr Federico Formenti , who is part of the OxVent team .
`` Companies ca n't switch overnight - you ca n't put a Formula One component into a ventilator , it will take time . ''
The project is still waiting to hear back from the government .
It normally takes two to three years to design and bring a new ventilator to market , and there is concern that the NHS could run short of equipment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established prototypes is likely to be a faster way to deal with the immediate demand , '' Dr Marion Hersh , senior lecturer in biomedical engineering at the University of Glasgow , told the BBC .
`` They may not have to go through all the regulatory hoops , but regulation will still need to be done properly .
However , there could be value in more than one option in the slightly longer term . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body Make UK had originally suggested that Dyson might instead play a role by helping source hard-to-get components that others could use .
Prof Nick Oliver , from the University of Edinburgh 's Business School , commented that time could be wasted if inexperienced companies tried to design and produce their own ventilators .
`` Great products come from painstaking testing , refinement and a deep understanding of the context of use , '' he added .
`` Rather than tasking non-medical companies to develop and produce ventilators from scratch , policymakers would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend the capacity of existing device manufacturers , who already have this detailed knowledge .
`` Celebrating inventiveness and resourcefulness is all well and good , but this is not the top priority at the moment . ''
A consortium called The Ventilator Challenge UK aims instead to manufacture medical ventilators using two existing designs .
One of the models is based on an anaesthetic ventilator made by Penlon , which is bulkier than those normally used in intensive care wards .
The company 's product chief previously warned that asking non-specialists to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Smiths ' portable ParaPac ventilator is the other machine the group aims to manufacture , according to a report by the Guardian newspaper .
The company has already announced plans to supply 5,000 more ventilators within two weeks , and has said it intends to deliver tens of thousands more over the coming months .
`` We are doing everything possible to substantially increase production of our ventilators at our Luton site and worldwide , '' said Andrew Reynolds Smith , chief executive of Smiths .

"They may not have to go through all the regulatory hoops, but regulation will still need to be done properly. However, there could be value in more than one option in the slightly longer term."


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Brixton Hill death: Man admits killing woman as he fled police

A man has admitted running over and killing a woman as he fled from police in south London .
Quincy @ @ @ @ @ on Brixton Hill after he sped from officers on 19 February .
The 26-year-old , @ @ @ @ @ , Surrey , appeared by video link at the Old Bailey where he pleaded guilty @ @ @ @ @ driving .
He also admitted dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident .
@ @ @ @ @ May .
Police had tried to stop Anyiam 's car in Brixton at about 21:45 @ @ @ @ @ .
However , he sped away and hit pedestrian Ms Vidal-Garner , who died at @ @ @ @ @ was later found abandoned and Anyiam handed himself into police two days later .
Following @ @ @ @ @ of Professional Standards and Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) were both informed @ @ @ @ @ the decision to independently investigate the crash .

The 26-year-old, of Wolfs Wood, Oxted, Surrey, appeared by video link at the Old Bailey where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Ex-girlfriend of Brighton schoolgirls' killer to be charged

A former girlfriend of schoolgirls ' killer Russell Bishop is to be charged with perverting the course of justice .
@ @ @ @ @ of Brighton , has been summonsed over the failed 1987 prosecution of Bishop who was @ @ @ @ @ and Nicola Fellows .
The two nine-year-olds were found sexually assaulted and strangled in woodland @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Johnson faces charges over her police statements and court evidence .
Bishop , @ @ @ @ @ 1990 , was found guilty in December 2018 of Karen and Nicola 's murders .
@ @ @ @ @ were found in a dense wooded area of Wild Park , on the edge of @ @ @ @ @ from their homes .
A Sussex Police spokesman said : `` We have ensured that @ @ @ @ @ Nicola , and the victim of Russell Bishop in 1990 , are fully aware of @ @ @ @ @ case and we will continue to keep them informed . ''
Follow BBC South East @ @ @ @ @ , and on Instagram .
Send your story ideas to southeasttoday @ bbc.co.uk .

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "We have ensured that the families of Karen and Nicola, and the victim of Russell Bishop in 1990, are fully aware of this significant development in the case and we will continue to keep them informed."


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Children can visit separated parents during restrictions

Children of parents who are separated are able to move between households during the coronavirus restrictions , minister Michael Gove has said .
Some parents were worried they would not be able to see their children if they do not live with them full-time .
He initially suggested children should not be travelling between different houses during the restrictions .
But he later back-tracked and apologised for being unclear , saying it `` may be necessary '' for some to move .
Boris Johnson announced on Monday that the government was bringing in strict new measures to tackle the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should leave home for only a few clear reasons - exercise once a day ; absolutely necessary travel to and from work ; essential shopping ; and medical or care needs .
That left some parents , whose children split their time between households , with questions , and further confused when Mr Gove told Good Morning Britain that children should not be moved .
The government guidance says : `` Where parents do not live in the same household , children under 18 can be moved between their parents ' homes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs single parenting blog Gluing Cheese , has a four-year-old son with her former partner .
He splits his time equally between both parents and was with his dad when Boris Johnson addressed the nation .
`` When the announcement came last night I had the second panic attack I 've had in my life , '' she told BBC News .
`` We would follow the advice but the thought of not seeing my little boy for three weeks , I could n't bear thinking about .
`` It 's been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to happen .
So I 'm grateful it 's come up quite early on .
To wake up to the news that this has been addressed and we 've not been forgotten is a huge relief .
`` I completely understand people have to be careful but I would class this as a necessary journey .
`` For him to not have the ability to spend time with his parents would be one step too far and detrimental to his wellbeing . ''
• Can my car still get an MOT ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do ?
It was a similar situation for dad Andrew Greenhalgh .
He is divorced from his daughter 's mum - and sees his child on his days off from work .
`` My daughter 's mother was with her when they heard about the three-week announcement .
When she did , her eyes apparently welled up and she asked , 'Does that mean I wo n't get to see my dad ? '
`` I called my ex-wife and we were both unsure but I told her I would still see her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asked what the policy was for this kind of situation and explained mine further .
`` The police got back fairly quickly and said that as long as we were sensible it would be fine to see my daughter still .
`` I wash my hands constantly anyway but have stepped that up since the virus .
`` I 'm just happy it 's all been cleared up . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But some parents feel that the government 's guidance does n't address all of the scenarios separated families face at this time .
Sam - not her real name - lives with her four-year-old son , who usually spends a couple of days a week with his dad .
`` It 's leading to more questions than answers among many of the separated parents I know , '' she says .
`` I 'd already decided to cease physical contact with my child 's father last week because of my medical background .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support my decision before giving his father a very clear message that I did n't think it was safe for him to continue to travel between our two homes , which he accepted .
`` I explained he could have video contact whenever he wanted and that we 'd keep in touch and re-examine things in the light of any new government advice .
`` It will be hard for them , I understand that .
It will also be hard for me because I still have to work , and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either .
`` But it 's not about access and time spent with each parent , or who 's missing out , it 's about life and death . ''
Gingerbread , a charity which supports single parent families , has had queries about the government 's rules .
CEO Victoria Benson said the government advice was clearer but there was still some confusion and concern about whether either parent can insist on , or refuse to allow , movement .
`` We advise that parents should carefully consider the implications of children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the child ( including the child 's health needs ) must be the most important consideration , '' she said .
`` The health of other household members may also need to be taken into account .
Wherever possible , parents should work together to ensure that a solution can be found .
We would welcome further guidance on this from the government . ''

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bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Arts Council England launches £160m emergency package

Theatres , galleries , museums and artists in England who have been hit by the impact of coronavirus will have access to a £160m emergency fund .
Arts Council England has announced the cash injection to help artists , venues and freelancers in the cultural sector .
It comes after venues like theatres and galleries were ordered to shut .
Meanwhile , Netflix has added a further boost the artistic community by donating £1m to an industry-backed film and TV emergency relief fund .
Most film and TV productions have been put on hold in recent weeks .
The impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in the UK 's arts and culture sectors facing reduced incomes and uncertain futures , and the government has been criticised for a lack of support for the self-employed .
• Why is it taking so long to help the self-employed ?
• 'How is £94 a week going to pay anyone ’ s bills ?
’ The Arts Council 's support package includes £20m for individuals ( made up of grants of up to £2,500 each ) , £90m for National Portfolio Organisations - venues and others that get annual funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme .
The money has been found by diverting funds from National Lottery project grants and development funds , and from emergency reserves .
The first payments are expected to be made within six weeks .
Arts Council England chair Sir Nicholas Serota said : `` Covid-19 is having an impact globally , far beyond the cultural sector - but our responsibility is to sustain our sector as best we can , so that artists and organisations can continue to nourish the imagination of people across the country , both during the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` None of us can hope to weather this storm alone , but by working together in partnership , I believe we can emerge the stronger , with ideas shared , new ways of working , and new relationships forged at the local , national and even international level , '' he added .
Also on Tuesday , Netflix announced a £1m donation to the BFI and The Film and TV Charity 's emergency relief fund , which will similarly support workers in need of short-term help .
Alex Pumfrey , chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the money comes at a time when `` the film and TV industry is now facing a huge threat '' .
`` Many freelancers have seen their livelihoods disappear overnight , '' he said .
`` We 're entering a period of unprecedented isolation and worry for a workforce that we know from our research already suffers from poor mental health .
`` Which is why I 'm incredibly pleased that Netflix and the BFI are working with us to kick-start this new Covid-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV industry . ''
BFI chief executive Ben Roberts added that `` freelance professionals are the backbone of our film and television industries '' , and are among the `` hardest hit at this extraordinary time of need '' .
• 'If all freelancers walked out , the TV industry would stop' Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Arts Council England chair Sir Nicholas Serota said: "Covid-19 is having an impact globally, far beyond the cultural sector - but our responsibility is to sustain our sector as best we can, so that artists and organisations can continue to nourish the imagination of people across the country, both during the crisis and in the period of recovery.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Coventry barbecue crowd dispersed

More than 20 people stood `` shoulder to shoulder '' for a barbecue despite the introduction of new measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus , police said .
Foleshill police , based in Coventry , tweeted a picture of the remains of the barbecue on Tuesday afternoon , describing it as `` unbelievable ' .
The crowd refused to disperse even when reminded about the need for social distancing , police said .
Officers had to tip the barbecue over to put an end to the gathering .
The barbecue had been sniffed out by officers on patrol who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older people `` freely mingling and standing shoulder to shoulder round a buffet '' , West Midlands Police said .
The crowd insisted they should be allowed to continue , despite being reminded of the need for social distancing and only dispersed when the barbecue was pushed over , the force said .
Strict measures , announced on Monday , ban public gatherings of more than two people and people have been urged to stay indoors .
Comments on social media suggested those at the `` shocking '' BBQ should be fined .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the spread of coronavirus , police are able to explain to people why they should not be out but if they do not listen to advice they would then be given a fine , the National Police Chiefs ' Council said .
However , fines will not be issued until Parliament passes the emergency legislation - which should be by the end of Thursday .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• NEW GUIDANCE : What must I do ?
• NEW RESTRICTIONS : What are they ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the outbreak Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , on Twitter , and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone .

Under new powers issued in the wake of the spread of coronavirus, police are able to explain to people why they should not be out but if they do not listen to advice they would then be given a fine, the National Police Chiefs' Council said.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--UK lockdown: why does staying at home stop coronavirus?

Governments around the world are encouraging people to stay at home to protect health services and save lives .
Among @ @ @ @ @ in the UK , people can only leave their homes to buy food , medicine @ @ @ @ @ 're allowed to travel , but only to and from work if they can not @ @ @ @ @ .
Staying at home to keep people safe can be a difficult concept to grasp @ @ @ @ @ feeling fit and healthy yourself .
BBC health reporter Laura Foster looks at the statistics @ @ @ @ @ of a difference it can make when it comes to taking pressure off health services @ @ @ @

Governments around the world are encouraging people to stay at home to protect health services and save lives.
Among the new measures brought in the UK, people can only leave their homes to buy food, medicine and to exercise.
They're allowed to travel, but only to and from work if they cannot do their jobs from home.
Staying at home to keep people safe can be a difficult concept to grasp, especially when you are feeling fit and healthy yourself.
BBC Health Correspondent Laura Foster looks at the statistics which show just how much of a difference it can make when it comes to taking pressure off health services and saving lives.
Video by: Laura Foster, Tobias Chapple and Terry Saunders.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Four things stats say about the pandemic in London

Five and a half weeks since the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in London , the number of cases in the capital was approaching 2,500 on Monday and deaths there made up a third of the UK total .
The BBC asked epidemiologists to look at data provided by Public Health England .
They drew these conclusions .
1 .
Further measures are likely to be needed to halt the epidemic in London The fact that the number of confirmed cases in the capital has been doubling every two or three days is cause for alarm , the experts say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in that exponential way is an indication that the epidemic is out of control , '' says Prof Eric Brunner of University College London .
`` On this accelerated part of the curve you need to do everything you can to reduce contact between people that is not absolutely essential , '' says Dr Gary Slutkin , who led the WHO programme on the Aids crisis in the 1990s .
Both Prof Brunner and Dr Slutkin back tough measures to enforce social distancing , of the kind Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points out that sanctions are still not being applied to people leaving their homes as strictly as they are in Italy .
`` It is still not clear what the reasons are for that , '' he says .
`` Perhaps that is so they can avoid a formal state of emergency and so they do n't alienate the population .
But the behaviour of a population has to change very , very fast to prevent this epidemic becoming a disaster . ''
On a more positive note , Dr Slutkin adds : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if you do it very well , new cases do stop . ''
The statistics we have are for confirmed cases , the unconfirmed cases are impossible to count .
But could these numbers offer a small glimmer of light ?
On Monday 16 March , when there were 480 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the capital , this number doubled in two days .
It was the same on Tuesday 17 March .
But it took four days for the 1,221 cases registered on Thursday 19 March to double , reaching yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Head of the University of Southampton says it 's too early to say whether this was the result of earlier measures to encourage social distancing , or just `` natural variation '' .
`` We will see bumps in the grass on the way up and the way down , '' he says .
`` With any big change it can take a while to filter through to the data .
It 's very much , 'Watch this space . '
'' 2 .
The rest of the country is some distance behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London than elsewhere is that it has `` more people , more interactions '' says Dr Slutkin .
The virus may also have arrived in London earlier , he says .
In densely populated areas , says Dr Head , there are a larger number of `` clearly defined contacts '' - for example people seated less than 2m apart in restaurants and pubs .
All of the 20 most densely populated districts in England are in Greater London .
The fact that more people travel into and out of London from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK will also have contributed to the epidemic in the city , he says .
On the other hand , he does n't think public transport in the capital is likely to have been a major contributing factor `` due to the relatively short time periods of being in close proximity to an infected person '' while travelling .
Prof Brunner thinks other parts of the country appear to be a week or so behind London .
And Dr Head draws attention to Wales , where the number of cases has begun to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the UK .
`` The UK is two weeks behind Italy and it 's possible that Wales could be a week behind London .
It 's something to keep an eye on , '' he says .
3 .
Do n't read too much into differences between boroughs The first confirmed case in London was recorded on 13 February , when a woman who had recently returned from China went to Lewisham Hospital in the back of an Uber .
Five weeks on and London is a totally different city - with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now have more than 100 confirmed cases - Southwark ( 154 ) , Brent ( 143 ) , Lambeth ( 134 ) , Westminster ( 134 ) , Harrow ( 113 ) , Wandsworth ( 113 ) , and Ealing ( 106 ) .
Measured by cases per 100,000 inhabitants , the borough with the biggest problem is Kensington and Chelsea with 54.4 cases per 100,000 people followed by Westminster on 52.5 and Southwark on 48.5 .
Kensington and Chelsea had the highest number of cases early in the outbreak .
Prof Brunner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of these cases , and others across the capital , resulted from people returning from skiing holidays in northern Italy - but he says this is speculation .
Dr Head argues against reading too much into the differences between London boroughs at this stage in the epidemic .
He says the numbers can be expected to fluctuate as the outbreak continues .
One study , which has yet to be endorsed by other experts in the field , suggests the NHS 's 4,132 critical care beds for adults and 312 for children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week .
Another study , also not yet peer-reviewed , points out that the UK 's hospital beds are not evenly distributed across the country and that there are potential `` hospital deserts '' - it mentions the Isle of Wight and Powys in Wales as examples .
In London it says a pressure point could be the borough of Harrow , where there is a higher than average number of beds per person - but also a higher number of older people , who are likely to be more seriously affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by contrast , has far fewer hospital beds per person , but the average age is much lower , so its hospitals are considered less likely to become `` overburdened '' .
The authors say a `` critical incident '' declared at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow on Thursday , when it ran out of intensive care beds , was a realisation of their prediction , but they also point out that in urban areas it is easier to move patients to other hospitals .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak For more London news follow on Facebook , on Twitter , on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel .

Coronavirus: Four things stats say about the pandemic in London Published 24 March 2020
Image source, AFP Image caption, There have been more than 600 confirmed cases of coronavirus in London
Five and a half weeks since the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in London, the number of cases in the capital was approaching 2,500 on Monday and deaths there made up a third of the UK total.
The BBC asked epidemiologists to look at data provided by Public Health England. They drew these conclusions.
1. Further measures are likely to be needed to halt the epidemic in London
The fact that the number of confirmed cases in the capital has been doubling every two or three days is cause for alarm, the experts say.
"The line for London going up in that exponential way is an indication that the epidemic is out of control," says Prof Eric Brunner of University College London.
"On this accelerated part of the curve you need to do everything you can to reduce contact between people that is not absolutely essential," says Dr Gary Slutkin, who led the WHO programme on the Aids crisis in the 1990s.
Both Prof Brunner and Dr Slutkin back tough measures to enforce social distancing, of the kind Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday evening.
But Prof Brunner points out that sanctions are still not being applied to people leaving their homes as strictly as they are in Italy.
"It is still not clear what the reasons are for that," he says. "Perhaps that is so they can avoid a formal state of emergency and so they don't alienate the population. But the behaviour of a population has to change very, very fast to prevent this epidemic becoming a disaster."
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told people to stay home to curb the "accelerating" spread of the coronavirus
On a more positive note, Dr Slutkin adds: "It is very, very encouraging that if you do it very well, new cases do stop."
The statistics we have are for confirmed cases, the unconfirmed cases are impossible to count. But could these numbers offer a small glimmer of light?
On Monday 16 March, when there were 480 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the capital, this number doubled in two days. It was the same on Tuesday 17 March. But it took four days for the 1,221 cases registered on Thursday 19 March to double, reaching yesterday's total of 2,443.
Dr Michael Head of the University of Southampton says it's too early to say whether this was the result of earlier measures to encourage social distancing, or just "natural variation".
"We will see bumps in the grass on the way up and the way down," he says. "With any big change it can take a while to filter through to the data. It's very much, 'Watch this space.'"
2. The rest of the country is some distance behind London
The reason the curve is steeper in London than elsewhere is that it has "more people, more interactions" says Dr Slutkin. The virus may also have arrived in London earlier, he says.
In densely populated areas, says Dr Head, there are a larger number of "clearly defined contacts" - for example people seated less than 2m apart in restaurants and pubs. All of the 20 most densely populated districts in England are in Greater London.
The fact that more people travel into and out of London from abroad or from other parts of the UK will also have contributed to the epidemic in the city, he says.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Many markets and stalls across London have had to stop trading because of the coronavirus
On the other hand, he doesn't think public transport in the capital is likely to have been a major contributing factor "due to the relatively short time periods of being in close proximity to an infected person" while travelling.
Prof Brunner thinks other parts of the country appear to be a week or so behind London.
And Dr Head draws attention to Wales, where the number of cases has begun to increase more steeply than in other parts of the UK.
"The UK is two weeks behind Italy and it's possible that Wales could be a week behind London. It's something to keep an eye on," he says.
3. Don't read too much into differences between boroughs
The first confirmed case in London was recorded on 13 February, when a woman who had recently returned from China went to Lewisham Hospital in the back of an Uber.
Five weeks on and London is a totally different city - with life virtually on hold.
Seven boroughs now have more than 100 confirmed cases - Southwark (154), Brent (143), Lambeth (134), Westminster (134), Harrow (113), Wandsworth (113), and Ealing (106).
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Wembley Stadium displayed a message of thanks to the NHS and lit its arch blue
Measured by cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the borough with the biggest problem is Kensington and Chelsea with 54.4 cases per 100,000 people followed by Westminster on 52.5 and Southwark on 48.5.
Kensington and Chelsea had the highest number of cases early in the outbreak. Prof Brunner says he has heard the rumour that some of these cases, and others across the capital, resulted from people returning from skiing holidays in northern Italy - but he says this is speculation.
Dr Head argues against reading too much into the differences between London boroughs at this stage in the epidemic. He says the numbers can be expected to fluctuate as the outbreak continues.
4. Hospital beds are not evenly distributed
One study, which has yet to be endorsed by other experts in the field, suggests the NHS's 4,132 critical care beds for adults and 312 for children could be filled by Covid-19 patients in a week.
Another study, also not yet peer-reviewed, points out that the UK's hospital beds are not evenly distributed across the country and that there are potential "hospital deserts" - it mentions the Isle of Wight and Powys in Wales as examples.
In London it says a pressure point could be the borough of Harrow, where there is a higher than average number of beds per person - but also a higher number of older people, who are likely to be more seriously affected by Covid-19.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Northwick Park Hospital in London declared a 'critical incident' due to a surge in patients with coronavirus
The borough of Newham, by contrast, has far fewer hospital beds per person, but the average age is much lower, so its hospitals are considered less likely to become "overburdened".
The authors say a "critical incident" declared at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow on Thursday, when it ran out of intensive care beds, was a realisation of their prediction, but they also point out that in urban areas it is easier to move patients to other hospitals.
For more London news follow on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--In pictures: Quiet streets of coronavirus-hit UK

During rush hour many commuters reported very crowded services , like this train on the District Line .
That is @ @ @ @ @ travel to and from work should only be where `` absolutely necessary '' .

Image caption,
During rush hour many commuters reported very crowded services, like this train on the District Line. That is despite Mr Johnson saying that travel to and from work should only be where "absolutely necessary".


bbcuk--2020-03-24--The virtual pub quiz for people across London

Across London many people are coming together to socialise virtually .
One online community , set up by Matthew Shribman @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday with their first pub-less pub quiz .

Across London many people are coming together to socialise virtually.
One online community, set up by Matthew Shribman, reached over 100 people on Saturday with their first pub-less pub quiz.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Self-employed bailout ‘problematic’

The chancellor has promised help for the self-employed in `` the coming days '' after coming under repeated pressure to do `` whatever it takes '' to help them .
Rishi Sunak , however , repeatedly spelt out difficulties in applying the same terms as his recent bailout for staff .
He refused to commit to a precise date for help , saying there were issues about the fairness of any scheme .
Mr Sunak said addressing the issue was `` incredibly complicated '' and admitted that it was `` proving problematic . ''
The Chancellor has spoken with groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a solution .
But he stressed it was not just a matter of looking at the tax returns of five million workers who have some self-employment income .
`` Of course there are people whose incomes have been enormously impacted by what is going on currently , but there are also millions of people who are self-employed whose incomes may not have been impacted and , indeed , might be increasing .
`` The ability of the government to distinguish between those people , based on tax returns that are over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very significant challenges in terms of fairness and affordability , '' he said at Treasury questions .
The `` challenge '' the chancellor told MPs was in `` designing something that gets to the people who we want to help , while at the same time being affordable and not having to benefit absolutely everybody .
`` That is proving to be problematic , but we are hard at work on it . ''
• 'How is £94 a week going to pay anyone 's bills ? '
• Why is it taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Self-employed need financial help , unions warn • How to apply for government business support Mr Sunak went on to say that a self-employment scheme would require another `` brand-new system '' to deliver , and suggested that the priority would be `` the scheme that we have set up for 90 % of the workforce who are employed should be delivered first and quickly , and that is what we have committed to do , ideally by the end of April '' .
Acknowledging the anxiety of the self-employed , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VAT , interest-free loans , and changes to the tax credit and Universal Credit systems .
Answering a subsequent urgent question in the House , Mr Sunak 's deputy , Steve Barclay , stressed that there were significantly fewer than five million likely claimants .
One million of that number were tax returns for less than £2,000 , so mainly sources of additional income for a main job .
Up to another million were already in receipt of Universal Credit .
Around half a million were older than the state pension age .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers might even be earning more now than before .
The key problem , is that some control on numbers and against abuse of the employer scheme was introduced by insisting claims for 80 % taxpayer wage subsidy can only be made by companies who register workers as `` furloughed '' with the HMRC , ie granted a formal leave of absence , but that does n't exist with self employment .
Many MPs urged the government to move quickly with an imperfect scheme , even accepting that might give some money to @ @ @ @ @

Mr Sunak went on to say that a self-employment scheme would require another "brand-new system" to deliver, and suggested that the priority would be "the scheme that we have set up for 90% of the workforce who are employed should be delivered first and quickly, and that is what we have committed to do, ideally by the end of April".


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Alex Salmond trial: What is the political fallout?

Alex Salmond has walked free from the High Court after being acquitted of charges of sexual assault - but he has made clear that this is far from the end of the matter .
With a series of inquiries in the pipeline , what is going to come next ?
In the first instance , very little is going to happen .
Politics is essentially on hold while the country is in the grip of the coronavirus crisis - there are frankly far more important things to be dealing with right now .
But there is already much activity beneath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some within the SNP starting to pose questions .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she will answer many of them in due course .
What did we learn during the trial which could give an indication of the political fallout from the case ?
• Behind the scenes of the Alex Salmond trial To start at the end of the trial , what did Mr Salmond mean when he said outside court that there was `` certain evidence I would have liked to have seen led in this trial '' which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly refers to the limits placed on the questions which can be asked of complainers in sexual offences trials .
Primarily this refers to questioning about their sexual history , but it can also extend to other matters .
There was much debate in pre-trial hearings - which could not be reported until after the trial itself - about what could be asked of the complainers .
The defence wanted to press some of the women about later developments , around the judicial review process where Mr Salmond challenged the government over its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lady Dorrian ruled that this would remove the focus of the trial to another matter - which took place a decade after some of the charges - and would distract the jury from the merits of the charges themselves .
The defence actually tried to challenge this decision with another judge , but were rebuffed by Lady Stacey in similar terms .
Why did the defence want to talk about the judicial review ?
Because they believed it was central to a politically-driven conspiracy against Mr Salmond .
There was little direct talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gordon Jackson 's assertions that `` this stinks '' in his closing speech aside .
Mr Salmond said some allegations had been `` deliberate fabrications for a political purpose '' , but the jury were never told why this might have been the case .
To again look to the pre-trial hearings , here the defence were able to be much clearer .
Mr Jackson said there had been `` a great deal of egg on faces '' in government over the `` spectacular '' collapse of its case in the judicial review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people working within the current administration turned their attention `` very directly '' to the criminal probe and `` sought to influence that process to discredit the former first minister '' .
Text messages were read out saying Mr Salmond 's ire over the botched internal probe risked `` bringing down Nicola on the way '' .
Where might this evidence come out , then , if not in court ?
MSP Alex Neil has called for a `` judge led public inquiry '' - post-coronavirus - to find out if there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do in Alex Salmond '' .
However , a series of inquiries are already waiting in the wings , having been set up in 2019 before being put on ice after criminal charges were brought .
A parliamentary inquiry is due to examine the role of Nicola Sturgeon and her advisors in the internal inquiry , which the government conceded had been unlawful shortly before Mr Salmond 's legal challenge was to be heard at the Court of Session .
Ms Sturgeon insisted at the time that the process was `` completely robust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one `` deeply regrettable '' area in the case of Mr Salmond .
However , one of the complainers in the trial also hit out at the government process , saying it was `` flawed '' and that she did n't want to be part of the internal inquiry because there was too much `` risk '' around it .
This is almost certainly set to be the focus of much of the parliamentary inquiry - along with the questions posed repeatedly at Holyrood back in 2019 , about what Ms Sturgeon knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also referred herself to a standards panel who will decide whether she broke the ministerial code during the government investigation of her predecessor .
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs she had face-to-face meetings with Mr Salmond and spoke to him on the phone while the probe was ongoing , but insisted that she `` acted appropriately and in good faith '' at all times .
Ms Sturgeon previously insisted that she first heard about complaints against Mr Salmond at a meeting at her house in Glasgow on 2 April , 2018 .
She has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rather than that of the government - negating the need for official notes to be taken .
This meeting was facilitated by Mr Salmond 's former chief of staff , Geoff Aberdein .
And while giving evidence under oath , Mr Aberdein said he had held an earlier meeting with Ms Sturgeon at her Holyrood office , on 29 March .
The question eliciting this revelation appeared to be specifically prompted by Mr Salmond , who called his QC across for consultation before it was asked .
Clearly , the former first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What actually happened at that meeting was not discussed in court , but the fact it was held sparks immediate questions .
If it was in the first minister 's parliamentary office , was it government business ?
And why did we only hear about it via testimony in court ?
And outside of government itself , there have also been questions asked about the role of the SNP .
Mr Salmond 's supporters were quick to comment on the verdict , with Kenny MacAskill calling for resignations - without specifying whose - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the party 's internal complaints procedure .
One complainer , Woman H , said she had made a complaint to the SNP specifically so it would be on file for vetting purposes should Mr Salmond ever run for office again .
The court heard she had received a text message from a party official saying `` we 'll sit on that and hope we never need to deploy it '' .
Woman H was clear that this was at her request , but questions are sure to be asked about a process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively buried .
What else might political parties be `` sitting on '' ?
Mr Salmond quit the party at the point he launched his judicial review .
Will he now seek to rejoin it ?
Or has the rift with the current leadership grown too stark ?
Finally , while he has walked free from court acquitted on all counts , has Mr Salmond 's reputation come through the trial intact ?
He will not mind that one verdict was `` not proven '' rather than not guilty - in practice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is innocent in the eyes of the law .
He is free to return to normal life and society - albeit a society currently in lockdown - and will presumably keep his arm in the political debate while presenting his TV show on Russian channel RT .
But the defence case readily admitted that he had not always behaved well .
Mr Jackson said throughout that the `` touchy-feely '' Mr Salmond could certainly act inappropriately , and led witnesses who called him `` extraordinarily pugnacious '' and `` extremely demanding '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech that the former first minister `` could certainly have been a better man '' - but that none of this made him a criminal , something the jury accepted .
Mr Salmond admitted to having a `` sleepy cuddle '' with one complainer , and what Mr Jackson called `` a bit of how 's your father '' with another - both members of his staff far younger than he , and neither of them his wife .
The defence also never really attempted to dispel the slightly raucous image of Bute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exotic liquors being poured late at night after celebrity dinners and staff being invited to do paperwork in the bedroom .
To stress again , a jury has ruled that none of this was criminal conduct .
But that does not mean nobody will question it .
The SNP 's equalities convener has already called elements of it `` deeply inappropriate '' , although Mr Salmond is also sure to fight for his reputation in light of the verdict .
While the trial may be over , the political fallout is only just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all concerned - ultimately , very few people may come out of this affair well .

To start at the end of the trial, what did Mr Salmond mean when he said outside court that there was "certain evidence I would have liked to have seen led in this trial" which had not come out?


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: 'I'm begging you, please be careful'

A woman in hospital receiving breathing treatment for coronavirus has made an appeal for people to stay home .
Michele @ @ @ @ @ suffers from mild asthma , posted an appeal to her Facebook page on Monday asking @ @ @ @ @ measures while she receives treatment for Covid-19 .
Her message implored others to avoid social @ @ @ @ @ lives .

A woman in hospital receiving breathing treatment for coronavirus has made an appeal for people to stay home.
Michele Robson from Durham, who suffers from mild asthma, posted an appeal to her Facebook page on Monday asking people to follow social distancing measures while she receives treatment for Covid-19.
Her message implored others to avoid social gathering in order to save lives.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Army delivers protective equipment to NHS staff

The British Army has delivered masks and other protective equipment to St Thomas ' Hospital in London amidst concerns from @ @ @ @ @ shortages .
The chair of the Doctor 's Association UK called on the government to @ @ @ @ @ with more protective equipment , saying they felt like 'lambs to the slaughter ' in @ @ @ @ @ Matt Hancock , the Health Secretary , has acknowledged that there are `` challenges '' @ @ @ @ @ , but added he is determined to improve the situation .
Read more : NHS @ @ @ @ @ lack of protective gear

The British Army has delivered masks and other protective equipment to St Thomas' Hospital in London amidst concerns from NHS staff that there are shortages.
The chair of the Doctor's Association UK called on the government to urgently provide frontline NHS workers with more protective equipment, saying they felt like 'lambs to the slaughter' in the fight against coronavirus.
Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, has acknowledged that there are "challenges" with the supply of equipment, but added he is determined to improve the situation.
Read more: NHS staff 'at risk' over lack of protective gear


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: 'Drive-by' 7th birthday party held for boy

A `` drive-by '' birthday party has been put on for a seven-year-old boy who has been stuck inside his @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
Sam 's original party was cancelled because of social distancing rules , so @ @ @ @ @ their cars with banners and played music as they drove past his home in Weedon @ @ @ @ @ mum Marlis , who organised the surprise , said Sam was `` lost for words @ @ @ @ @ of the window on Monday and spotted his friends waving in about eight cars .
@ @ @ @ @ cool '' and said `` thank you so much for all that '' .

A "drive-by" birthday party has been put on for a seven-year-old boy who has been stuck inside his house due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Sam's original party was cancelled because of social distancing rules, so his friends' parents decorated their cars with banners and played music as they drove past his home in Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire.
His mum Marlis, who organised the surprise, said Sam was "lost for words" when he looked out of the window on Monday and spotted his friends waving in about eight cars.
Sam said it was "cool" and said "thank you so much for all that".


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Iceland vans torched in Bristol minutes after PM's lockdown order

Two supermarket delivery vans were torched less than an hour after Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued his lockdown order .
Patrolling officers came across the Iceland vans alight in Southmead , Bristol at about 21:30 GMT on Monday .
It was `` beyond belief anyone would be so reckless and thoughtless '' , Avon and Somerset Police said .
Iceland said it was `` shocking anyone would act so callously '' when the vans were `` most needed '' .
The vans were set ablaze deliberately , Avon Fire and Rescue Service believe .
Ch Insp Mark Runacres said officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following `` recent instances of anti-social behaviour '' .
`` We put an order in place last night to give officers extra powers to disperse groups and will continue to use our existing powers to tackle this problem , '' he said .
`` We believe that a group of teenagers were involved in these disturbances .
I have one message for them , their parents and carers .
'Stay at home .
Save lives ' . ''
A spokesman for Iceland said `` both vans would have to be written off '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring in replacement vans to maintain our home delivery service in Southmead , our entire van fleet is running at absolutely full capacity at the moment , '' he said .
`` And it is shocking and distressing that anyone would act so callously to put vehicles out of service at precisely the time when they are most needed to deliver food to the most vulnerable people in our society . ''

"And it is shocking and distressing that anyone would act so callously to put vehicles out of service at precisely the time when they are most needed to deliver food to the most vulnerable people in our society."


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Who is allowed to go to work during 'lockdown'?

The official advice is you should only travel to essential work if that can not be done at home .
What is classed as `` essential work '' ?
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs it was not possible to provide `` bespoke guidance '' for each business but she gave some examples and general principles .
1 .
It is employers who should make the decisions '' It should not be up to employees to anguish over whether they should be going into work , '' Ms Sturgeon said If it is possible for a staff member to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she added .
But if staff can not work from home , employers should ask themselves whether their business is `` essential '' to the fight against coronavirus .
That could include firms making medical supplies or essential items , or something essential to the wellbeing of the nation such as food supplies .
Such businesses are asked to keep going `` if possible '' .
They are required to shut along with cafes , bars , restaurants , cinemas and gyms .
The UK government has issued a list of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay open .
Supermarkets and pharmacies are among those on the list .
3 .
Can they maintain safe-distancing between staff ?
Ms Sturgeon said key strategic sites that can not easily be shut down such as steel works could continue to work if they can maintain safe distancing between staff , and safe operating numbers In other businesses , employers should also ask themselves whether they can operate in line with safe social distancing practice and normal health and safety .
If they can not answer yes , they should close .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ close , unless it involves an essential building such as a hospital .
Ms Sturgeon said this may be reviewed in future if safe rules can be put in place but in the meantime they should shut as a precaution .
5 .
What about gardeners or window cleaners ?
People working alone , providing community services such as gardeners or window cleaners can continue to work .
`` If they can go about their business safely this can be good for the community and we would encourage them to do so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest on helping key workers with childcare ?
While the schools are closed , childcare will be provided by local authorities to families of some key workers .
However the Scottish government wants to keep the number of children taking up these places to an `` absolute minimum '' .
In new guidance issued on key workers , the government asked employers : • to identify only staff `` absolutely necessary '' to deliver the Covid-19 response • consider introducing new shift patterns , working from home , recruiting more staff or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ childcare arrangements with employees , for example another parent who is not a key worker .
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said : `` The priority [ places ] must be for children of the most critical key workers and for the most vulnerable children in our society . ''
`` I would urge employers to look at the guidance and consider if there is any way they can provide their essential services in a way that enables children to stay at home . ''
Earlier guidance issued to councils set out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , set out in three categories .
• Health and care workers directly supporting Covid response , and associated staff • Health and care workers supporting life threatening emergency work , as well as critical primary and community care provision • Energy suppliers and staff providing childcare/learning for other category 1 staff .
• All other health and care workers , and wider public sector workers providing emergency/critical welfare services ( e.g Fire , Police , Prisons , Social Workers , etc ) , • Those supporting our critical national infrastructure , without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people of Scotland could be caused .
• All workers ( private , public or third sector ) without whom there could be a significant impact on Scotland ( but where the response to Covid-19 , or the ability to perform essential tasks to keep the country running , would not be severely compromised ) Some councils have published more detailed lists of `` key workers '' for childcare purposes .
North Lanarkshire Council , for example , says oil , gas , electricity and water and sewerage workers fall into category @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management staff and payroll workers fall into category 3 .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• HOW DO I SELF-ISOLATE ?
What to do • WILL I GET PAID IF I SELF-ISOLATE ?
The rules on sick pay

The first minister said building sites should close, unless it involves an essential building such as a hospital. Ms Sturgeon said this may be reviewed in future if safe rules can be put in place but in the meantime they should shut as a precaution.


bbcuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: 'I didn't get to kiss my mum goodbye'

The daughter of the fourth person in Northern Ireland to die with coronavirus has described her heartbreak at not being able to kiss her goodbye .
Ruth Burke , 82 , passed away last night in Antrim Area Hospital and her family has asked for her to be named .
They said she was simply unable to fight the disease .
Because coronavirus is so contagious , those who die with it must be placed in closed coffins .
Mrs Burke 's daughter Brenda said the family did not want her simply to be remembered as a statistic .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to see her in her coffin and kiss her goodbye .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Brenda Doherty told BBC Radio Ulster 's Talkback her mother was a `` strong woman '' and a `` loving mother '' .
She said : `` She lived for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren - they put smiles on her face .
`` There is a frustration that people do n't understand , they 're not being respectful of what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted on her Facebook page , Ms Doherty said her mother had an `` unbelievable strength and suffered many challenges in her life '' .
`` Unfortunately this was one she was not going to overcome , '' she added .
'We can do something' Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said her `` heart goes out '' to the family of Mrs Burke .
She said : `` We have an ability as a people to do something right now that would minimise the number of people that will be sitting today like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loved one .
`` We can do that , we can stop the spread of the virus by taking action , by being responsible , by taking the public health advice . ''

She said: "We have an ability as a people to do something right now that would minimise the number of people that will be sitting today like Brenda and her family, having lost a loved one.


bbcuk--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Prince Charles tests positive but 'remains in good health'

The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus , Clarence House has confirmed .
Prince Charles , 71 , @ @ @ @ @ but otherwise remains in good health '' , a spokesman said .
The Duchess of @ @ @ @ @ also been tested but does not have the virus .
Clarence House said Charles and @ @ @ @ @ Balmoral , adding the prince `` has been working at home throughout the last few @ @ @ @ @ statement read : `` In accordance with government and medical advice , the prince and @ @ @ @ @ at home in Scotland .
`` The tests were carried out by the NHS in @ @ @ @ @ the criteria required for testing .
`` It is not possible to ascertain from whom @ @ @ @ @ owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect @ @ @ @ @ AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

The palace added that the Duke of Edinburgh was not present at that meeting, and that the Queen was now "following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare".