bbcuk--2020-04-28--Normal People: When book adaptations go right

Irish writer Sally Rooney won plaudits for her second novel Normal People last year , winning the coveted Costa Book of the Year award and a place on the Booker Prize longlist .
Many fans of the book - which charts the on-off relationship of young outsiders Marianne and Connell - were nervous when news of a TV adaptation was announced .
How could it hope to match the beloved novel ?
But it looks like their fears were unfounded , as critics have raced to praise the BBC Three adaptation .
In her five-star review , The Daily Telegraph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made up of 12 half-hour episodes - as `` a rare treat , the TV drama that 's better than the book '' .
She puts that largely down to the performances from the two principal actors , Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal , describing both as terrific but singling out newcomer Mescal as he `` has more to convey ... it is a remarkable television debut '' .
The pair are at school together and we follow their journey through the awkward , self-conscious universal experience of first love , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peer pressure and the class divide .
The series dropped on the iPlayer in its entirety on Sunday and the first two episodes were then shown on BBC One on Monday evening .
Eight other times book adaptations went right Jaws - Peter Benchley 's novel was a bestseller but Steven Spielberg 's big screen adaptation about the killer shark went on to become a movie classic .
And it had that music .
The Godfather - Mario Puzo 's 1969 novel may have been an enjoyable gangster drama but Francis Ford Coppola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heights .
Psycho - Robert Bloch 's suspense novel was brought to life by Alfred Hitchcock , of course , and the rest is history .
But did you know that the famous shower scene was only one line in the novel ?
The Shawshank Redemption - not everyone agrees the much-loved film is better than Stephen King 's book , Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption : A Story from Different Seasons .
Both are classics but for many , the 1994 film starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins has the edge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Fincher film wins hands down because it has Brad Pitt in it .
But seriously , even the book 's author , Chuck Palahniuk , preferred the film .
Big Little Lies - a Seattle Times critic summed this debate up perfectly .
`` It 's not to say that Liane Moriarty 's novel Big Little Lies is n't a perfectly good read ; it 's just that it did n't have That Cast .
I had become , through those performances , enmeshed in these women 's lives , much more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
( The cast included Meryl Streep , Reese Witherspoon , Shailene Woodley , Nicole Kidman ... the list goes on ) .
Stand By Me - we hate to do this to the illustrious Mr King again , but the film is a 1980s coming-of-age belter .
Sorry .
Game of Thrones - obviously , George RR Martin 's books were - and are - hugely popular .
But HBO 's fantasy series went stratospheric .
The Guardian 's Lucy Mangan gave the dramatisation of Normal People five stars , noting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach of the book '' .
`` It 's a triumph in every way , from acting and direction to script , and if we see a better drama - certainly about adolescence , one which takes it seriously without treating it indulgently - this year , I 'd be very surprised .
It 's a beautiful , hugely beautiful thing , '' she wrote .
It was another five stars from The Independent 's Ed Cumming , who described it as `` a beautiful , pitch-perfect adaptation that captures all the intensity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring Rooney 's work to the attention of those who do n't know it , all five of them '' .
He also heaped praise on the `` unassailable cast '' .
The Times 's Carol Midgley , unlike most other critics , was n't originally a fan of Normal People as a book , feeling that while it was `` well-written ...
I wearied of the two main characters being mopey and navel-gazing .
That 's probably just as it should be , however .
I am not the target audience ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shy , moody teenager , only a moody fogey . ''
She argued the TV version has added significant value to the source material , giving the adaptation four stars .
`` Having watched this adaptation by Rooney and the screenwriter Alice Birch , I can say this without hesitation : this is one of those very rare occasions when the screen version thrashes the book .
It is a beautiful piece of work capturing the fervid intensity of a first teenage sexual relationship with charm and poignancy . ''
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Oscar-nominated director Lenny Abrahamson , who also directed the award-winning The Room , starring Brie Larson .
Hettie McDonald , who has directed episodes of Doctor Who and Howard 's End , takes the reins for the final six episodes .
BBC Culture writer Sarah Hughes wrote in her five star review : `` It 's unusual too to find an adaptation that not only tells a story faithfully , but also builds on that story , making you want to turn back to the original source material and read it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People manages it triumphantly .
Honest , tender , beautiful and heartfelt , it is surely one of the dramas of the year . ''
Eleanor Bley Griffiths , writing in the Radio Times , like many fans of the book , aired concerns about the TV outing : `` Would it capture what I loved so much about the original writing ? ''
Luckily , `` the answer is : yes . ''
That may have something to do with the involvement of Ms Rooney herself .
`` Thankfully , when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small screen , Rooney herself was on board to co-write the scripts alongside Alice Birch , '' Bley Griffiths notes .
She adds : `` The casting is also absolutely spot-on , with particularly brilliant performances from the two young stars who are absolutely the versions of Marianne and Connell who live in my head . ''
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BBC Culture writer Sarah Hughes wrote in her five star review: "It's unusual too to find an adaptation that not only tells a story faithfully, but also builds on that story, making you want to turn back to the original source material and read it with these new images in mind. Normal People manages it triumphantly. Honest, tender, beautiful and heartfelt, it is surely one of the dramas of the year."


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Why are people still flying into the UK? And other questions

On 15 April the Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that 15,000 people were still flying into the UK every day @ @ @ @ @ tested at airports , he explained , because there was little scientific evidence that it @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 in the UK .
What ’ s more , testing people who are not @ @ @ @ @ identify those with the virus .
The number of flights arriving in the UK has @ @ @ @ @ Airlines say that nearly all of those on flights into the UK tend to be @ @ @ @ @ or else travellers changing planes en route to another destination .
Nevertheless , there are @ @ @ @ @ tougher measures before they can enter the UK .
Heathrow ’ s chief executive asked @ @ @ @ @ checks at airports .

How is the government going to protect vulnerable children who remain unvaccinated? My son has cystic fibrosis and will now be forced to mix - he has not had any access to vaccination.
Because your son is in a clinical risk group - and as long as he is over five - he should soon be offered two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. You should be contacted by your GP or specialist team to arrange this.
With regard to the dangers of mixing, the UK has also recommended that Covid vaccines are offered to all children aged 5 to 11, not just those at high clinical risk. This is likely to start in England in April. Children are generally at much lower risk of becoming seriously ill from a Covid infection, although some do still get sick and need hospital care. Over-12s can already be vaccinated, and it's hoped that extending the rollout to younger age groups will help protect even more children from the risk of catching and spreading Covid.
Schools are expected to work with and support families who have concerns about a pupil returning to the classroom. It is compulsory for school-age children to attend, even if they were previously shielding - the only exception is a small number of children whose clinician or GP has advised them not to attend. If you have concerns about this, you should talk to your doctor.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: 'My cafe's going bust before it's even opened'

Martin Wiseman was set to open his dream cafe in Bishop Auckland the week after lockdown began - now everything @ @ @ @ @ BBC News will be following the progress of Bishop Auckland 's town centre this year @ @ @ @ @ BBCMyHighStreet project .
Do you have a story about your local high street which we @ @ @ @ @ .

Martin Wiseman was set to open his dream cafe in Bishop Auckland the week after lockdown began - now everything is on the line.
Film by Sarah Corker, Nick Woolley and Dougal Shaw
BBC News will be following the progress of Bishop Auckland's town centre this year as part of the #BBCMyHighStreet project. Do you have a story about your local high street which we should cover? Email us.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--An island in lockdown: 'We'll come back stronger'

The Isle of Mull in the west of Scotland has been in lockdown and closed to visitors for several weeks @ @ @ @ @ warned not to travel to the Highlands and Islands .
But despite being heavily reliant @ @ @ @ @ community believes that they can come out of this crisis stronger .
Filmmakers Daisy Walsh @ @ @ @ @ self- isolating on Mull , and have sent us this report .
They used social @ @ @ @ @

The Isle of Mull in the west of Scotland has been in lockdown and closed to visitors for several weeks, and non-residents have been warned not to travel to the Highlands and Islands.
But despite being heavily reliant on tourism, this close-knit community believes that they can come out of this crisis stronger.
Filmmakers Daisy Walsh and Tom Martienssen have been self- isolating on Mull, and have sent us this report. They used social distancing protocols during production.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Tests to be rolled out to care home staff and residents and over-65s

All care home residents and staff will be able to get tested for coronavirus even if they do not have @ @ @ @ @ has said .
Speaking at the Downing Street press briefing , Matt Hancock said all @ @ @ @ @ must leave home for work would also have access to tests .
He said 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ been tested and repeated that the government was `` on track '' to reach the @ @ @ @ @ by May .

All care home residents and staff will be able to get tested for coronavirus even if they do not have symptoms, the health secretary has said.
Speaking at the Downing Street press briefing, Matt Hancock said all over 65s and people who must leave home for work would also have access to tests.
He said 25,000 care home residents had already been tested and repeated that the government was "on track" to reach the 100,000 tests a day target by May.


bbcuk--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Drinking more during lockdown?

A woman furloughed from her job said she became concerned about her alcohol intake within just two weeks .
Meg @ @ @ @ @ she found herself drinking on evenings she normally would not .
To combat this , @ @ @ @ @ said that exercise and online workouts helped .
It comes as research by Alcohol Change @ @ @ @ @ quarter of adults in Wales who drinks have increased their consumption since the coronavirus restrictions @ @ @ @

A woman furloughed from her job said she became concerned about her alcohol intake within just two weeks.
Meg Payne, 23, said she found herself drinking on evenings she normally would not.
To combat this, she developed a routine and said that exercise and online workouts helped.
It comes as research by Alcohol Change UK showed more than a quarter of adults in Wales who drinks have increased their consumption since the coronavirus restrictions were brought in.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Newspaper headlines: Care home deaths and 'Testing! Testing! Testing!'

The Daily Telegraph 's splash claims the government has relaxed its most important rule for lifting lockdown measures - to @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infections - which the paper says comes amid `` increasing signs '' the prime @ @ @ @ @ restrictions `` within days '' .
It reports the wording of the rule has been @ @ @ @ @ was now to avoid a second peak `` that overwhelms the NHS '' , a @ @ @ @ @ make it `` easier '' for ministers to say the test had been met .

The Daily Telegraph suggests ministers have relaxed one of the five key criteria that must be met before the lockdown can be lifted. The paper says the aim now is to prevent a new wave of infections "that overwhelm the NHS", when the guidance had previously called for avoiding a second peak altogether. It says the change in policy is one of the "increasing signs that Boris Johnson is preparing to water down restrictions within days".


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Brits in India 'feel forgotten' as thousands still stranded

Thousands of British citizens , many of them elderly , are still stuck in India a month after the country went in to lockdown , the UK 's Foreign Office has admitted .
Some have been running out of medicine or have been scared to go outside amid reports of violence against foreigners .
Relatives and MPs have called for more urgency in getting people home , asking for more flights to be organised .
British authorities said they were working hard to get people back .
Pamela Sharma , 49 , from London , left for the Punjab at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They were due to come home on the same day flights out of the country were stopped .
They have not been offered a place on a repatriation flight despite registering and paying .
Miss Sharma has colitis and needs to use a colostomy bag .
Both her parents are in their 80s and have blood pressure issues .
She believes these conditions have been made worse by the increasingly hot weather and lack of air conditioning at the holiday home they have been living in .
`` I know we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of food but my life and home are back in the UK , '' she said .
`` And if anything were to go wrong , I do n't want my parents to have to go to a hospital here .
`` We 've all worked all our lives and paid taxes , I think the government just needs to pull its finger out and get us home . ''
Amanpal Mann , 31 , from Long Eaton in Derbyshire , returned home last Wednesday after weeks of waiting to hear if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Punjab in early March when official advice said it was still OK to travel .
He ended up stuck with his mum , 59 , and granddad , 89 , who had only a few days ' medication left for kidney disease .
`` We felt forgotten , '' he said .
`` The other countries got their people out , we 're the last ones left .
I still know many people left behind and it 's disgraceful . ''
One woman , who is still in India but wished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had flown out with family in early March for a 10-day trip to take her mother 's ashes to a Sikh holy place .
She said they had faced hostility from the local population and police , who she said believed they had brought in the virus , and had to find replacement medicines which were causing side effects .
`` I do not feel safe here , '' she said .
`` The repatriation process started too late and is taking too long .
`` Some of my family are vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home they need to get back to .
`` We need more flights and we need them immediately - we feel abandoned . ''
The lockdown began in India on 24 March and the first British repatriation flight left Goa on 8 April .
Since then 10,000 people have been returned to the UK , according to The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) .
But , at the beginning of the crisis , it estimated 20,000 were stranded there .
On Friday there were about 6,900 people on the waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Punjab , although the FCO stressed this number was constantly changing .
Since then three flights have left the region and 10 more across India were scheduled to leave in the next week .
About 300 people can leave on each flight but they have to pay hundreds of pounds for their tickets .
Jan Thompson , acting high commissioner to India , tweeted to say it was the `` world 's largest lockdown '' and clearance had to be sought for each person , from multiple authorities over large areas .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a huge and complex operation , and our consular teams are working around the clock to help thousands of British travellers to get home from India . ''
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bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Rise in requests to reveal partners' abusive pasts

The coronavirus lockdown has sparked a surge in requests from people wanting to know if their partner has an abusive past , police figures show .
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland gives people the right to ask police about the history of their partners .
The legislation also gives police the power to tell someone if they think they may be at risk .
There has been an 18 % rise in requests to reveal past abuse since lockdown .
Police Scotland , which runs the scheme , said the majority of the increase was down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by police officers and social workers raising concerns about someone they think may be at risk of abuse .
Charities have already warned that the severity of domestic abuse is likely to increase during lockdown as many victims have lost access to time away from abusive situations through school , family or work .
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan Sloan said : `` We recognise that the threat has not gone away , in fact it has increased .
`` Clearly some people 's homes are not a safe place for them but our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still a top priority for us .
`` Our officers are not just looking for physical violence , they are looking for the tell-tale signs of any controlling or coercive behaviour . ''
Latest recorded crime figures show a slight decrease in domestic abuse incidents in the lockdown period but ACC Sloan warned of an `` upsurge '' in reported cases to come .
He added : `` I expect the number of domestic abuse incidents has increased but they just have n't been reported as yet .
`` The reality of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months or years before we see the impact Covid-19 has brought upon us . ''
Latest figures show that in the year to 31 March , a total of 2,648 requests were received by the police under the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland , a 66 % increase on the 1,596 applications in 2018/19 .
A total of 1,240 disclosures were made to people indicating that their partner had an abusive past - a 40 % increase on the previous year .
This takes into account applications under both the Right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Power to Tell , where Police Scotland decides to make a disclosure to safeguard a person .
Police Scotland figures show that between 23 March and 27 April , there has been an 18 % increase in requests for disclosure over the same period last year ( 258 compared with 219 in 2019 ) .
'Do whatever they need to for their own safety' Dr Marsha Scott , chief executive of Scottish Women 's Aid , which runs Scotland 's domestic abuse helpline , said : `` In these particular times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the part of police and other justice colleagues to make it clear that women , children and young people experiencing domestic abuse are still free to do whatever they need to do to for their own safety , even in lockdown .
`` While we are very supportive of police being proactive about protecting potential victims of domestic abuse , we are also very keen to see outcomes data about whether women and children are actually safer as a result of the disclosure scheme . ''
Last month , the Scottish government announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with £1.35m over six months from its Communities Fund , to help those at risk of domestic violence .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Dr Marsha Scott, chief executive of Scottish Women's Aid, which runs Scotland's domestic abuse helpline, said: "In these particular times, we welcome any continuing efforts on the part of police and other justice colleagues to make it clear that women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse are still free to do whatever they need to do to for their own safety, even in lockdown.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Testing in NI is 'significantly ramped up'

Coronavirus testing has been significantly ramped up in Northern Ireland and community surveillance testing was now possible , the chief medical officer has said .
Dr Michael McBride said testing people in GP practices would provide information on how `` the virus is behaving on the ground '' .
He said those admitted to hospital and care homes were also now being tested .
Another 20 people have died with coronavirus in Northern Ireland .
That brings the total number of deaths to 329 , although this figure , which relates mainly to hospital fatalities , is likely to rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 59 more people have died , with the number of deaths there now standing at 1,159 .
Dr Mc Bride said testing has begun in 13 GP practices in Belfast and will be rolled out to another 26 across Northern Ireland .
Figures released by the department on Tuesday showed that 23,376 individuals had been tested , an increase of 807 on the previous day .
Speaking at the daily press conference , Dr McBride said it was not yet time to relax social distancing and measures to ensure `` we break the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Minister Robin Swann revealed that the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care had dropped to 34 from 59 in three weeks , but said the situation remained `` on a knife edge '' .
`` Do n't let anyone say this has all been overblown because , believe me , it has n't , '' he said .
Mr Swann confirmed the Northern Ireland Executive was discussing the use of face masks to help prevent the spread of coronavirus when lockdown is eased .
But he said that there was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false sense of security '' .
Dr McBride said there was limited evidence `` some face covering may be of benefit '' in enclosed spaces .
But he said this benefit was considered `` marginal '' .
Dr McBride said good hygiene practices and social distancing were essential .
The Public Health Agency has also confirmed outbreaks of the virus in 69 care homes .
Earlier on Tuesday , the public joined politicians and hospital workers in observing a minute 's silence to remember the key workers who have died with coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus across the UK , as have many transport and other key workers .
One question we are all asking is when might the restrictions on lockdown be relaxed ?
Judging from today 's briefing at Stormont the shutters do n't appear to be going up anytime soon .
That figure of 20 deaths gave us all a jolt and according to the health minister and the chief medical officer it is a stark reminder NI is still very much in the pandemic .
However for the first time we heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number which indicates how many people can be infected by one person - has fallen to below one .
At the start of all this it was R3 .
That means the risk is reducing and when it gets close to zero that should trigger the executive looking at how NI can start thinking about moving forward and raising those shutters even by a little .
Across Northern Ireland , people stopped their daily routine to reflect on the lives lost .
In the assembly chamber , MLAs halted business to observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first ministers were both at South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon where they stood with staff outside .
The son of a doctor who died in London has called on the government to issue a public apology for issues with personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
Earlier on Tuesday , the PSNI and Department of Health issued a joint statement expressing `` deep concern '' that the the lockdown regulations were being undermined by an ongoing debate on the issue of people travelling by car for exercise .
They said it could encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with potentially devastating consequences '' .
Their overriding priority was the protection of life , they said , adding that the regulations were never going to cover all aspects of behaviour .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health • Trading Standards has issued a number of enforcement notices to traders engaged in profiteering during the coronavirus outbreak • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reckoning '' after the coronavirus crisis , according to the NI Council for Voluntary Action ( NICVA ) .
• The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has been investigating hundreds of complaints about workplace safety during the Covid-19 crisis .

However for the first time we heard that the R value - that's the number which indicates how many people can be infected by one person - has fallen to below one. At the start of all this it was R3.


bbcuk--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Child vaccine warning over 'other deadly diseases'

Child vaccinations must continue as normal to avoid other `` deadly '' diseases , a leading GP has warned .
Public Health Wales says it has seen a small drop in routine vaccination numbers since the coronavirus pandemic .
Immunisation jabs are seen as `` crucial '' to preventing outbreaks of diseases such as measles and meningitis .
Dr Phil White , of the General Practitioners Committee ( GPC ) Wales , said people fearing Covid-19 should be `` equally afraid '' of those illnesses .
The childhood immunisation programme protects against diseases including whooping cough , measles , meningitis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gather exact figures but Dr White , GPC Wales ' lead on vaccines , said anecdotal evidence showed some people were `` reluctant '' to attend surgeries .
`` People are afraid of coronavirus but I wish they would be equally afraid of other illnesses which are equally deadly , '' he said .
`` The biggest issue is people afraid to come to the surgery to get the vaccine .
`` We could end up in a position where we get an infectious disease outbreak at the end of this because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The older illnesses that we have wiped out are equally deadly and it is vital that we maintain the level of vaccination that protects the community . ''
Alanna Clarke , 25 , from Swansea , initially decided not to take her three-year-old son Lyle for a vaccination appointment in March because she was worried about using public transport and attending the clinic .
`` It was hard to know how to prevent my son from getting ill , '' she said .
`` These vaccinations prevent diseases in children , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus ? ''
• What are vaccines and how do they work ?
• Measles : How a preventable disease returned from the past She has since taken Lyle for his immunisations after speaking to a health visitor but said it was a difficult decision .
`` I just went around in my head really trying to think of the best thing to do for him [ in case ] anything were to happen to him that could have been my fault , '' she said .
The Welsh Government wrote to GPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a priority during the response to coronavirus .
PHW said the drop-off in the number of parents attending vaccinations could be due to families self-isolating or a lack of public transport .
However it admitted the fall was a `` concern '' as children have previously died due to a decline in vaccinations .
Dr Richard Roberts , head of the vaccine preventable diseases programme for PHW , said : `` You do n't need very much of a drop for some of these diseases , like pertussis ( whooping cough ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under control to affect more children . ''
Some surgeries have started to hold immunisation clinics where children are seen separately .
In Gwynedd and Anglesey , Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board ( BCUHB ) has been holding one-in-one-out sessions in `` clean '' spaces , such as schools and village halls .
Catrin Macey , the clinical lead nurse for primary care , said staff at the sessions were observing social distancing rules and using personal protective equipment .
`` A lot of parents are concerned to bring their young children out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But ] it 's really important that we get these children immunised at the right time .
`` We need to ensure we have herd immunity to protect those vulnerable babies who are unable to be immunised . ''
While infant , pre-school and pregnancy vaccinations are continuing , some immunisation programmes have been paused .
This includes school-age programmes , such as teenage boosters and human papillomavirus ( HPV ) vaccines , the shingles vaccination for those aged between 70 and 79 , and travel vaccinations .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

"I just went around in my head really trying to think of the best thing to do for him [in case] anything were to happen to him that could have been my fault," she said.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Tower block living 'hard on children's mental health'

A family living in a tower block have said they fear their children 's mental health will suffer during lockdown .
Pierre Storey , who lives in the 18-storey Mellish Court in Milton Keynes , said his children were confused and struggling without outdoor space .
He said he was also terrified they would catch the virus when going outside because it was `` impossible '' to social distance in the building .
Milton Keynes Council said it was checking on tenants welfare .
Mr Storey and his partner Jade Durrant , both 29 , live in the two bedroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ellis , 7 , Theo , 4 , Maisie , 2 , and one-year-old Jack .
`` As the days pass it 's becoming much more of a struggle , '' Mr Storey said .
`` The children are stressed and instead of playing they are taking their frustration out on each other , constantly squabbling , which adds to the stress . ''
The three youngest children did not understand why they could not play outside and the uncertainty surrounding the length of lockdown has been challenging , said Mr Storey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started .
`` They 're genuinely stuck inside a small room with nothing but the TV and some toys to play with , '' said Mr Storey .
`` We feel as if we 're in a prison . ''
He said his children were finding lockdown especially tough because they could not access their seventh floor balcony because all the building 's balconies were locked amid safety concerns last year .
`` As a family we 're not doing so well ...
I think they think they 're being punished somehow .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The family has been trying to go out at least once a day , in line with government advice , but Mr Storey said the situation was `` a nightmare '' .
Both parents have become terrified their children may catch the virus in small , cramped communal spaces such as the lift , staircases and hallways where they said it could be impossible to social distance .
`` The thought of my kids catching anything in between leaving and coming back into the property via the communal areas is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesman for Milton Keynes Council said : `` We are in the process of contacting council tenants to check they are OK and their property is safe . ''
The council has been contacting vulnerable residents first and would be investigating and addressing the balcony concerns after lockdown restrictions were lifted , it said .
It said it had recommended tenants followed social distancing guidelines .
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The three youngest children did not understand why they could not play outside and the uncertainty surrounding the length of lockdown has been challenging, said Mr Storey, who was made unemployed when the lockdown started.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds announce birth of son

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have announced the birth of a son .
A spokeswoman for the PM and his partner said both mother and baby are `` doing very well '' .
It is understood Mr Johnson , who has just recovered from coronavirus , was present throughout the birth , at an NHS hospital in London .
`` The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team , '' the PM 's spokeswoman added .
The couple have received messages of congratulation from across the political spectrum , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` absolutely delighted '' and `` thrilled '' by the birth of his grandson .
Mr Johnson , 55 , and Ms Symonds , 32 , announced in March that they were expecting a baby in `` early summer '' , and that they had become engaged at the end of last year .
They are the first unmarried couple to move into Downing Street together .
The baby is Ms Symonds ' first child , while Mr Johnson is known to have fathered five .
Mr Johnson returned to work on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which saw him spend three nights in intensive care .
Ms Symonds also suffered symptoms of the disease .
Ms Symonds said on social media that she had spent a `` worrying '' week in bed with the symptoms of the virus while the PM was self-isolating with the the disease .
She later sent Mr Johnson baby scans and daily messages while he was in hospital , to keep his morale up .
Australian prime minister Scott Morrison and Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe were among the first international leaders to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues have also been congratulating the couple on social media , with Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying : `` So thrilled for Boris and Carrie .
Wonderful to have a moment of unalloyed joy ! ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also offered his congratulations on the `` wonderful news '' .
Whatever their political differences , he said at Prime Minister 's Questions , `` as human beings I think we all recognise the anxiety that the prime minister and Carrie must have gone through in these past few weeks - unimaginable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this brings them incredible relief and joy . ''
There was speculation that Mr Johnson would take part in his first Prime Minister 's Questions since recovering from coronavirus on Wednesday .
But his place was taken Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who has been deputising for him .
Mr Raab said `` I 'm sure the whole House will want to join with me in sending congratulations and our very best wishes to them . ''
He also paid tribute to the key workers who have lost their lives fighting coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Moore who has raised over £29m for the NHS .
Boris Johnson has previously indicated he will take paternity leave but it is not known if his plans have changed , in light of the coronavirus emergency .
The four children from Mr Johnson 's second marriage , to barrister Marina Wheeler , are in their 20s .
He was reported to have reached a divorce settlement with Ms Wheeler in February .
The new arrival is the third baby born to a serving prime minister in recent history .
Tony Blair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leo in May 2000 , three years after her husband 's first election victory , and David Cameron and wife Samantha welcomed daughter Florence in 2010 .
Mr Cameron tweeted his `` heartfelt congratulations '' to Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds , adding : `` Sam and I are thrilled for you both !
Sorry we did n't leave the cot - but the climbing frame should still be in the garden ! ''
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted : `` Some good news - sending congratulations to Carrie and the PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wee one . ''
Arlene Foster , the First Minister of Northern Ireland , congratulated the couple , adding : `` More sleepless nights ahead ! ''
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle congratulated Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds `` on behalf of everyone in the House of Commons , '' adding : `` Such happy news amid so much uncertainty - 2020 is certainly a year they will never forget . ''
The Archbishop of Canterbury , Justin Welby , tweeted his congratulations and prayers for the couple `` as they welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Whatever their political differences, he said at Prime Minister's Questions, "as human beings I think we all recognise the anxiety that the prime minister and Carrie must have gone through in these past few weeks - unimaginable anxiety.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Testing opens for millions more people in England

Coronavirus testing is available for millions more people in England from today after the government loosened rules on who can apply .
Expanded eligibility now means care home residents and staff with or without symptoms can request testing .
While people over 65 and anyone who must leave home to go to work can now book a test if they have symptoms .
No 10 aims to hit its target of 100,000 tests per day by Thursday , with just over 43,000 taking place as of Monday .
The expansion in eligibility beyond just essential workers and hospital patients means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government 's test-booking website , testing coordinator Prof John Newton told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
Symptoms of coronavirus include a new dry persistent cough , and a fever or raised temperature above 37.8C .
• Coronavirus : What are the symptoms ?
• How close is the UK to 100,000 tests a day ?
Testing capacity has now increased to 73,400 a day , according to Downing Street , though home testing kits and appointments at regional centres in Wales ran out around an hour after Wednesday 's slots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But differences between the UK nations on testing emerged as Wales said it would not follow England in testing care home residents and staff who are not displaying symptoms .
Who can be tested in England ?
• All those working on the frontline in health and social care ( with or without symptoms ) • Patients in the NHS and residents in care homes ( with or without symptoms ) • All other essential workers with symptoms • Anyone over 65 with symptoms • Anyone who goes into work because they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , construction workers ) and has symptoms • Anyone who has symptoms and lives with someone who meets any of the above criteria It comes as the government prepares to publish for the first time up-to-date figures for all coronavirus deaths , both in hospitals and care homes .
Previously , the daily reported figure has been restricted almost entirely to hospital deaths .
Office for National Statistics data showed a third of all coronavirus deaths in England and Wales are now happening in care homes .
Meanwhile , Boris Johnson will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after he and fiancee Carrie Symonds announced the birth of a healthy baby boy in London .
First Secretary of State and Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will instead face Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• LIVE : Latest as US confirms one million cases • AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • IMMUNITY : Can you catch the virus twice ?
Eligibility criteria for testing varies around the UK .
In Scotland , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted to hospital for any reason will now be tested for Covid-19 .
In Northern Ireland , testing has begun in some GP practices and will also be expanded in hospitals and care homes .
Wales has adopted a needs-based approach to testing for NHS and `` critical '' non-NHS workers , but Health Minister Vaughn Gething said the country would not roll out tests to care home residents and staff who are not displaying symptoms , unlike England .
In addition to civilian testing , more than 800 sailors have been tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and its departure from dock has been delayed .
This represents a massive expansion of who is eligible for testing - and means we are now one step away from allowing everyone to access a test if they have symptoms .
That will be crucial when lockdown restrictions are eased as part of the `` test , track and trace '' strategy to keep coronavirus at bay .
It is being made possible by the roll-out of home-testing kits and mobile units staffed by the armed forces .
The problems experienced getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extent - been because the network of drive-through testing centres have not always been in convenient locations .
There is plenty of lab capacity to process the tests now the three mega labs are up-and-running in Milton Keynes , Glasgow and Cheshire .
The expansion has also allowed the government to do something that could prove crucial in tackling the epidemic in care homes - the testing of residents and staff without symptoms .
A big concern is that the virus has been able to get a foothold in care homes via people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they are asymptomatic .
But promising something is one thing - delivering it is another .
While the capacity looks like it will be there to test 100,000 a day by the end of the month , the numbers actually getting tested are currently less than half that .
Meanwhile , Office for National Statistics data showed there were 2,000 coronavirus care home deaths in England and Wales in the week ending 17 April , double the previous week .
It brings the total number of deaths in care homes linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic to 3,096 .
Coronavirus deaths in hospitals across the UK , have reached 21,678 - a rise of 586 from Monday .
The health secretary said that from Wednesday the government will publish daily figures on deaths in care homes and the community .
He said the change aimed to `` bring as much transparency as possible '' to the figures and `` add to our understanding of how this virus is spreading day by day '' .
• Patients have begun receiving medical cannabis through the post , as the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drug any other way • Retailer Next said it has plans in place to reopen out-of-town stores once restrictions are lifted as it warned sales will suffer • A catch-up premium of £700 for every pupil on free school meals should be given to secondary schools when they reopen , say northern MPs and peers • The coronavirus lockdown has sparked a surge in requests from people wanting to know if their partner has an abusive past , police figures show Have you been tested or are you hoping to get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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"The key point is the 100,000 milestone is only the first stepping stone towards testing, which is essential to the wider testing, tracking and tracing regime we'll need as we transition to the second phase [of combating the epidemic]", he added.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Total coronavirus deaths in Scotland pass 2,200

The total number of deaths linked to coronavirus in Scotland has reached 2,272 , new figures have shown .
A further 656 deaths involving Covid-19 were recorded in the week to 26 April - more than half of them in care homes .
The data from the National Records of Scotland ( NRS ) includes all cases where the virus is mentioned on a death certificate as a potential cause .
This provides a wider picture than the figures announced each day , which cover cases confirmed by laboratory testing .
According to NRS , coronavirus was involved in more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all deaths registered in Scotland between 20 and 26 April .
Just over half of the 2,272 deaths have happened in hospitals , with 39 % of them in care homes and 9 % at home or in non-institutional settings .
People aged 75 or over accounted for 74 % of the deaths , with only 17 of those who died being under the age of 45 .
The virus has also affected some areas more severely than others .
The Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area has reported the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 people , while the Western Isles has reported no deaths at all .
The data also shows that there have been 3,116 more deaths in the last four weeks than would be expected based on the average of the past five years .
While the majority of these were linked to coronavirus , concerns have been raised about `` excess '' deaths due to other causes .
This includes 340 deaths linked to dementia or Alzheimers , and 194 of heart disease or stroke patients .
Pete Whitehouse , director of statistical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death from this virus is a tragedy '' - but said the data was `` valuable to understanding the progress and impact of Covid-19 across Scotland '' .

She added: "It is really important for us to understand how many frontline workers lose their lives from this virus and it is also really important that we ensure appropriate investigation into the circumstances and of course learn any lessons that we can."


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Priti Patel probe findings should be made public 'as soon as possible' - Labour

The findings of an inquiry into Home Secretary Priti Patel 's conduct must be made public `` as soon as possible '' , the Labour Party has said .
PM Boris Johnson asked the Cabinet Office to establish the facts following claims Ms Patel had bullied staff at three different government departments .
Ms Patel , who was interviewed as part of the process , has denied the claims .
It is understood the report has been completed and the outcome is likely to be known in the coming days .
No final decisions have been taken , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , but Whitehall sources have indicated there is not enough evidence to require Ms Patel 's resignation .
The Cabinet Office has been contacted for comment .
Its inquiry - in line with the Ministerial Code in standards in public life - is separate to the ongoing employment tribunal claim lodged by ex-Home Office chief Sir Philip Rutnam .
• PM on Patel bullying claims : ' I 'm sticking by her' Labour 's shadow home secretary , Nick Thomas-Symonds and Rachel Reeves , shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gove to update Parliament about the progress of the inquiry .
In a letter sent to Mr Gove last week , seen by BBC News , they wrote : `` At a time when additional powers are being assumed by the government , the imperative that the public are completely assured of the conduct of senior ministers is even greater .
`` As a result we are calling on you to ensure that the findings of the inquiry are published as soon as possible . ''
Labour says it has received no reply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that Ms Patel has been cleared , Dave Penman , general secretary of the First Division Association , which represents senior civil servants , said complaints `` of this nature '' needed an `` independent investigation '' that was `` free from political influence '' .
He added : `` It tells you everything that is wrong with investigations under the Ministerial Code that a process which is not written down , which contains no rights for those who might complain , that is determined in secret , alone by a prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the minister in advance , and which allows no right to transparency or challenge for anyone who complained , would then be leaked on the evening before the home secretary is due to appear before the Home Affairs Select Committee . ''
The investigation was launched by Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and the report is being compiled by senior Cabinet Office official Helen McNamara and senior civil servant Alexander Allan .
Ms Patel will be questioned by MPs about how her department has handled the coronavirus outbreak during a virtual hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday morning .
Her last appearance before the committee was on 23 October .
Earlier this month , Ms Patel was accused of avoiding scrutiny during a time of national emergency .
Committee chair Yvette Cooper wrote six letters to the home secretary over the last three months in an effort to set a date for her to give evidence as other ministers have done .
After not replying to several of the letters and declining invitations to attend on earlier dates , Ms Patel responded by saying she was `` disappointed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
In a letter confirming her 29 April appearance , Ms Patel said she was `` committed to ensuring the Home Office is better open to scrutiny and transparency '' and highlighted that she had offered `` regular briefings '' to the committee .

He added: "It tells you everything that is wrong with investigations under the Ministerial Code that a process which is not written down, which contains no rights for those who might complain, that is determined in secret, alone by a prime minister who has already pledged his allegiance to the minister in advance, and which allows no right to transparency or challenge for anyone who complained, would then be leaked on the evening before the home secretary is due to appear before the Home Affairs Select Committee."


bbcuk--2020-04-29--PPE 'designed for women' needed on frontline

There is growing concern that standard personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , which often has a unisex design , does n't always fit women properly .
PPE is essential for protecting frontline workers exposed to Covid-19 .
The Department of Health said the kit is designed to protect `` both genders '' .
However , healthcare workers are saying that even the smallest sizes are too big for some women - who make up 77 % of the NHS workforce , according to NHS digital figures from 2018 .
If it is too big it can be less effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
`` PPE is designed to be unisex and offer protection for both genders , although some products are available in different sizes to enable fit to both small and larger frames , '' said the Department of Health , in a statement .
But the Royal College of Nursing has described `` one-size-fits-all '' personal protective equipment as `` problematic '' and `` restrictive '' when it can be worn for up to 12 hours during shifts .
PPE includes gloves , masks , gowns and face shields .
`` Nurses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients if this equipment is so uncomfortable it makes them hot and unwell , '' said Rose Gallagher , professional lead for infection prevention and control .
Some female NHS workers have taken to social media to share photos of themselves wearing badly-fitting PPE .
'What else comes in just two sizes ? '
Dr Arghavan Salles , scholar-in-residence at Stanford University School of medicine , is currently working in the intensive care unit of a hospital in New York .
`` There are only two sizes of the N95 mask , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` What else comes in just two sizes ?
We 're suggesting that all faces on the planet are one of two sizes . ''
Dr Salles said the smaller size fits her but is harder to find .
`` Yesterday I was working with someone whose N95 strap broke - we could n't find her a new one [ in the small size ] so she had to go home , '' she said .
Dr Salles said she was given two masks to last her two weeks .
She added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often too large .
`` My hands are a size 6 , I 'm wearing a 6.5 glove , '' she said .
`` The goggles have a really good [ protective ] seal but they just do n't fit . ''
The growing call for more PPE specifically designed for women , sits against a backdrop of issues getting hold of PPE overall .
Author Caroline Criado-Perez researched the issue while writing her book Invisible Women , before the pandemic .
`` The vast majority of personal protective equipment has been designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you have for example 'small ' - that 's actually small for men rather than small for women , or just average for women , '' she said , in a New Scientist podcast .
`` That 's particularly an acute problem in this context because the majority of healthcare workers are female and they get told things like , 'your face is a weird shape ' - well it 's not a weird shape , it 's a female shape . ''
Former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood issued a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better PPE kit for women .
She described it as `` a scandal within the scandal '' of general PPE availability .
`` We are asking women to put their lives on the line in the NHS and in care settings for the good of society and we can not even provide them with PPE - or when we do , it is not the right size , '' she said .
The Women 's Equality Party tweeted that it was `` utterly shameful '' that women were wearing kit designed to fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , trade union association the TUC noted that `` most PPE is based on the sizes and characteristics of male populations from certain countries in Europe and the United States '' .
`` As a result , most women , and also many men , experience problems finding suitable and comfortable PPE because they do not conform to this standard male worker model , '' it said .
It 's an issue that is being noted by consumers as well : political journalist Marie Le Conte tweeted her frustration at having to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because all the 'standard ' ones I bought online a few weeks ago are just very clearly too big for my face '' , she said .

"We are asking women to put their lives on the line in the NHS and in care settings for the good of society and we cannot even provide them with PPE - or when we do, it is not the right size," she said.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Next details reopening plan amid t-shirt glut

Next has set out plans to reopen its shops after any easing of lockdown measures .
The fashion retailer will prioritise larger , out-of-town stores , where social distancing can be more easily implemented .
It anticipates that `` it will take some time for customers to return to their normal shopping habits . ''
As part of its preparations , it is cancelling orders for some products and selecting stock for later in the year .
In a trading statement on Wednesday , it said : `` There is no point in not buying coats because we have too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its High Street stores on 23 March - one day before all non-essential shops were told to close by the government .
Sophie Lund-Yates , equities analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown , said : `` Shop closures mean Next 's inventory levels have reached the point that it 's had to draft in the use of additional storage facilities . ''
She added : `` This is a tricky spot to be in , because no retailer wants a huge pile of clearance items at the best of times .
`` With trading expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after lockdowns are lifted , shifting all the extra summer t-shirts is going to be a more difficult task than usual . ''
Once any restrictions on non-essential retailers , such as clothing stores , have been lifted , the Leicestershire-based firm says it will focus on reopening its shops in retail parks .
These larger stores tend to be open for longer hours , which tends to mean there are fewer people in the shop at any one time .
Managers will also have additional space outside , where customers will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will add other safety measures , such Perspex screens to separate workers and customers at the tills , distance markings on the floor and hand sanitiser stations .
Those precautions match others taken by fellow retailers .
Supermarket chain , Aldi , however has gone one further .
On Wednesday it Aldi said it would provide the option of face masks to all its store-based workers .
Richard Lim , chief executive of Retail Economics , said : `` Understandably , consumers will remain anxious about shopping in crowded locations .
`` Shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but new restrictions on our movement and personal interaction risk undermining the experience . ''
`` The key question is whether consumers will be confident enough to return to shopping destinations when stores begin to reopen and whether the level of demand will be strong enough to make it commercially viable . ''
Next 's annual update to investors on Wednesday also warned that full-price sales in-store and online could drop by up to 40 % , with shoppers kept away during the coronavirus pandemic .
It said that it was hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profit had `` been more difficult to predict '' .
In the three days before non-essential shops closed , in-store sales plummeted by 86 % .
The Leicestershire-based firm said : `` In reality , the majority of our customers had decided to stop shopping in retail stores before the order came to close them . ''
• Next puts HQ and warehouses up for sale Next said store sales plunged 52 % in the 13 weeks to April 25 , its first quarter , while online sales were down 32 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than half of its sales online , was forced to suspend its online operations on 26 March .
After a three-week break , the firm started selling some items online including children 's clothes , following improved social distancing measures at its warehouses .
It says it has since increased the number of products available , with up to 70 % of its range now online .
It has put shopping limits in place to protect workers .
Once a certain number of orders has been placed , the website now becomes `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can cope .
The firm initially furloughed just under 90 % of its staff , the vast majority being from stores and warehouses that were closed .
It says that has now dropped to 84 % as online sales have picked up .
On Wednesday , Dixons Carphone also reported strong online sales as shoppers stay at home .
The electronics company said that online trading had recovered about two-thirds of lost in-store sales in the UK .
Overall , sales were up by 1 % in the year to 25 April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transactions .
For Next , however , as lockdown continues `` it will need to continue to improve its digital infrastructure and capacity to take and deliver orders if it is to maintain pre-Covid-19 trading levels , '' according to Julie Palmer , partner at Begbies Traynor .
In April , the British retailer also put its headquarters and warehouses up for sale in a bid to secure its future .
The firm appointed two agents to sell its head office at Enderby in Leicestershire and three of its warehouses in West Yorkshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to £100m .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WILL I GET PAID IF I CA N'T WORK ?
Rules on sick pay and wages • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

The firm initially furloughed just under 90% of its staff, the vast majority being from stores and warehouses that were closed. It says that has now dropped to 84% as online sales have picked up.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: HMS Queen Elizabeth's 800 crew tested for virus

More than 800 sailors have been tested for coronavirus on board aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth .
A planned sailing @ @ @ @ @ was postponed and the carrier has remained in Portsmouth while the ship 's company was @ @ @ @ @ said it was awaiting the test results before deciding on when to depart .
The @ @ @ @ @ came after a number of outbreaks of the virus on board US and French warships @ @ @ @ @ spokesman announced there would be a `` short but manageable delay '' in sailing while @ @ @ @ @ NHS testing capacity to test the crew .
`` This is the right and sensible @ @ @ @ @ the Navy can continue to deliver on operations now and in the future , '' @ @ @ @ @ will be operating in waters close to the UK coast and the commanding officer has @ @ @ @ @ training , if deemed necessary , .

"This is the right and sensible thing to do to ensure the Navy can continue to deliver on operations now and in the future," he said.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Man arrested over bones found on North York Moors farm

A 72-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an investigation into human bones found on farmland .
The remains were discovered in a remote location near Chop Gate in North Yorkshire on 31 March .
Forensic archaeologists said the bones are male and likely to have been there for more than half a century .
North Yorkshire Police said the arrested man , from the York area , has been interviewed and released on conditional bail .
The force is working on the investigation with the Ministry of Defence , the RAF Police Forensic Team and experts from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not being treated as a homicide .
A police spokesman said work was ongoing at the empty property , in the North York Moors National Park south of Stokesley , to remove military memorabilia found in outbuildings .
He said : `` It is important to stress that the discovery of historic remains and burial sites are relatively common on North Yorkshire farmland .
`` Officers are keeping an open mind until more information is known , but this is not a homicide investigation . ''
Anyone with information that could help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire Police on 101 , or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 .
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The force is working on the investigation with the Ministry of Defence, the RAF Police Forensic Team and experts from the RAF and the Army.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Freddy McConnell: Transgender man's bid to be named father fails

A transgender man who gave birth to a child has lost his latest legal bid to be registered on the birth certificate as the father rather than the mother .
Freddy McConnell appealed against a decision made by a High Court judge that a person who carries and gives birth to a baby is legally a mother .
Mr McConnell , from Kent , wanted to be named father or parent on the document .
His lawyers said he `` was disappointed '' by the Court of Appeal 's ruling and plans to appeal to the Supreme Court .
Three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an earlier ruling by the President of the Family Division , Sir Andrew McFarlane .
Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett said the Gender Recognition Act ( GRA ) required Mr McConnell to be registered as the mother , and the requirement did not violate his rights to private and family life , as set out in the European Convention on Human Rights .
`` There is no incompatibility between the GRA and the Convention , '' he said .
`` In the result , we dismiss these appeals . ''
He refused Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court , although he may still pursue an appeal there .
Lord Burnett said it was for Parliament to decide if the law needed to change .
The judge also said the Children Act 1989 provides that a mother has automatic parental responsibility for a child from the moment of birth , adding : `` No-one else has that automatic parental responsibility , including the father . ''
He said : `` From the moment of birth someone must have parental responsibility for a newly-born child , for example , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become responsible for its care . ''
Andrew Spearman , from Laytons law firm , which represented Mr McConnell , said : `` Our client is , naturally , disappointed with the decision of the Court of Appeal not to recognise his legal gender and , importantly , the role he takes in his son 's life as his father .
`` This is the reality his son will grow up knowing and today 's judgment shows how the law has not kept pace . ''
He said the `` narrow '' interpretation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to choose between being a parent and having full recognition of their gender .
He said Mr McConnell was seeking permission to appeal and intended to go to the Supreme Court .

"We have all the same joy and love - when there's something you need to tell your kid, we figure it out as all families have to figure it out."


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Steph McGovern halts Channel 4 show so family can get 'our home back'

Steph McGovern has announced she is halting her home-made Channel 4 show to `` give my family our home back '' .
She was originally due to host The Steph Show , a new live daily lunchtime programme , from a studio in Leeds .
But she has been going live from her living room in Harrogate for a month because of the coronavirus lockdown .
`` As much as I 've loved doing a lockdown show at home I never expected it to go on this long , '' tweeted McGovern , who has a six-month-old daughter .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a break and give my family our home back . ''
She added that she hopes to resume broadcasting from the new studios `` in a couple of months , once they 're safely up and running '' .
A Channel 4 spokesperson said : `` The Steph Show will be back on air later this year when it will be broadcast live from Leeds Dock as always planned . ''
• Are some TV shows better without a studio audience ?
• How radio and TV hosts are broadcasting from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be aired on 7 May , but McGovern joked that she `` may still be wearing slippers '' when she moves to the studio .
The Steph Show has recently been attracting around 160,000 viewers per day - much lower than rival shows like This Morning , Loose Women and Bargain Hunt .
Since the lockdown , a number of TV , radio and podcast hosts have been broadcasting from home , while others have been in studios while adhering to social distancing rules .
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bbcuk--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Thousands of cancer ops at 'Covid-free' hubs

Thousands of cancer patients will be operated on at new centres designed to be kept clear of coronavirus .
The regional `` virus-free '' centres have been set up in 21 areas of England to carry out urgent surgery during the pandemic .
Trusts have been told all essential cancer treatments must continue despite the NHS focus on coronavirus .
But it is estimated cancer referrals have dropped by about 70 % .
A survey by NHS England of 1,000 people found a third were worried about seeking help from their GP .
Top reasons included fear of catching coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and being a burden on the health service .
• Doctor 's diary : 'We are n't diagnosing many cancers now' • Coronavirus : What is the hidden health cost ?
Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead , West Sussex , is the first such designated cancer hub to be established in the South East outside London .
It is treating patients across Sussex , Surrey and Kent who have been diagnosed with head and neck , breast and skin cancers .
Initial conversations and diagnoses are made remotely between surgeon and patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact .
Anyone visiting the hospital goes through a screening process which includes temperature checks before being allowed on site .
Northern Ireland and Scotland are also using some independent hospitals to continue certain procedures in a Covid free environment .
A Welsh Government spokesperson said that the NHS should continue to prioritise cancer treatment .
Rod Plethero , 71 , lives 40 miles away from Queen Victoria Hospital .
He was referred there last week for an operation after being diagnosed with cancer of the jaw .
Part of Rod 's jaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fibula .
He said : `` I took the chance to come here straightaway because it 's a Covid-free area .
Cancer is not a disease that waits for you and having the surgery meant everything . ''
Prior to admission , patients are given a swab test for Covid-19 and are asked to remain in isolation for seven days .
If they need complex surgery they may also be given a CT scan .
If a patient is diagnosed with coronavirus they will be given a date for surgery after their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ian Francis said : `` An unintended consequence of the pandemic is that cancer patients are n't being treated in their favour because of the lack of capacity within the NHS .
`` Cancer hubs like this are imperative .
Before we had the pandemic , cancer was a significant issue .
`` If you put the pandemic on top of that , it 's even more critical than ever to ensure their outcomes are as good as you could expect any other time . ''
Prof Peter Johnson , NHS England 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get help could have `` serious consequences '' for patients - and ultimately put a greater burden on the NHS .
He said : `` Online consultations mean people do not necessarily need to go to GP surgeries for check-ups while Covid-free cancer hubs have been set up to provide surgery . ''
There are calls for diagnostic services to be up and running more widely too to investigate whether patients do in fact have cancer and need treatment .
Prof Richard Neal , a GP in Leeds , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're unsafe as they are aerosol generating so GPs ca n't get our patients to have those procedures done for good reasons .
`` It will take quite a little while to get public confidence back into knowing they can come to GPs and to take those symptoms further if they are concerned about them . ''
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"It will take quite a little while to get public confidence back into knowing they can come to GPs and to take those symptoms further if they are concerned about them."


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Why is Wales not testing over 65s as in England?

The staff and residents of care homes in England can now be tested for coronavirus , even if they do n't have any symptoms , while anyone over 65 with symptoms can also be tested .
But in Wales , the approach is different for the moment .
Testing lets people confirm if they have the disease and provides information about the virus ' spread .
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said on Tuesday he had been given advice that testing everyone in the care sector was not the best use of resources .
So , what is the position on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is committed to testing key workers with symptoms , including care home staff and also care home residents , but not to test anyone else over 65 if they have symptoms .
The health minister says he has clear advice from medical and scientific advisers that this is a best use of testing resources and to not simply test `` everyone and anyone '' .
Why not offer it to more people like in England ?
The inference is that you will have to keep on testing people , perhaps multiple times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the capacity .
But the Welsh Government aims in the future , as we move out of lockdown , to have a larger community testing programme , including tracking and tracing people .
At the moment , ministers do think there is any point in testing someone today , which may give one result - and if you test them the following day , it would give another .
• Who can get a test in England ?
In Wales , who qualifies for testing ?
If you 're a key worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can book a test .
• Food and other necessary goods A swab is taken , you get your results back and you will then follow advice on self-isolation .
The aim of this policy is to get these people , virus-free , back to work as soon as possible .
Wales has 438,000 critical workers , including 164,700 healthcare workers and 9,900 police and prison staff .
Care home residents and people in hospital with symptoms are also eligible .
A swab is taken , you get your results back and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The aim of this policy is to get these people , virus-free , back to work as soon as possible .
Wales has 438,000 critical workers , including 164,700 healthcare workers and 9,900 police and prison staff .
How many are being tested here ?
So far , there have been nearly 30,000 testing episodes - which can involve someone with symptoms being tested at different times over the course of six weeks .
Currently , Rhondda Cynon Taf and Swansea have the highest numbers of testing episodes , according to Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests proving positive is currently in Wrexham ( 42 % ) .
The first test happened on 29 January .
People returning with symptoms from countries affected by the pandemic were tested first , followed by those admitted to hospital with symptoms and also NHS and social care staff .
• Coronavirus : Anger over lack of PPE for nurse Gareth Roberts • Coronavirus : 75 care homes in Wales with cases of coronavirus What happened to the targets ?
There was a target of testing 5,000 people a day by mid-April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But that was clearly not deliverable and brought criticism of the Welsh Government .
England now has a target of 100,000 tests per day by Thursday - which is equivalent to that old 5,000 target in Wales , which was abandoned earlier this month .
The Welsh Government said the 1,300 a day test capacity is being increased .
What test is used ?
Diagnostic antigen tests .
A swab is taken from the nose or throat to look for signs of the virus .
It takes at least 24 hours to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no shortage of machines to conduct tests , and it has received offers from labs to expand capacity .
There was also hope a few weeks ago that key workers , without cars or unable to travel .
would be able to get test kits posted to their homes - and the kits picked up afterwards .
What about testing for immunity ?
The antibody blood test looks for this .
It 's a quicker test .
It can be done with a pinprick and a portable machine .
Antibody test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there is concern many do not provide high reliability .
Experts are worried that unless the exact strain of coronavirus is properly identified it could give a false sense of security .
A `` false positive '' result could be especially worrying if they are frontline health or care workers .
Wales has drive-through centres at Cardiff City Stadium and Newport 's Rodney Parade , with others being added in Carmarthen and Llandudno .
They use the antigen test to swab key workers .
They 're staffed by Public Health Wales officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which worked with the UK government to establish the centres .
Who is being tested at the drive-through centres ?
You must be invited to attend a drive-through centre .
The Cardiff centre opened on 7 April with capacity to test 200 daily .
Priority was given to health and care workers displaying symptoms , or those self-isolating because someone in their home had symptoms .
Other critical workers being tested include police , prison , fire and military personnel .
Workers are referred by employers and local authorities .

Coronavirus: Why is Wales not testing over 65s as in England? Published 30 April 2020
Image source, Reuters Image caption, The Welsh Government is only testing 14% of the 5,000 it had hoped to achieve by mid-April
The staff and residents of care homes in England can now be tested for coronavirus, even if they don't have any symptoms, while anyone over 65 with symptoms can also be tested.
But in Wales, the approach is different for the moment.
Testing lets people confirm if they have the disease and provides information about the virus' spread.
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said on Tuesday he had been given advice that testing everyone in the care sector - there are around 25,000 care home residents - was not the best use of resources.
So, what is the position on testing in Wales?
The Welsh Government is committed to testing key workers with symptoms, including care home staff and also care home residents, but not to test anyone else over 65 if they have symptoms.
The health minister says he has clear advice from medical and scientific advisers that this is a best use of testing resources and to not simply test "everyone and anyone".
Why not offer it to more people like in England?
The inference is that you will have to keep on testing people, perhaps multiple times, and at the moment Wales does not have the capacity.
But the Welsh Government aims in the future, as we move out of lockdown, to have a larger community testing programme, including tracking and tracing people.
At the moment, ministers do not think there is any point in testing someone today, which may give one result - and if you test them the following day, it would give another.
Chief medical officer Dr Frank Atherton said they did not believe in "testing for testing's sake, we have to test for a purpose" and Wales was determined to "follow the science".
He also had discussions with colleagues in Germany, which was "in a very different position" to the UK with a network of 300 public health laboratories already in place to test and a chemical industry able to produce the reagent.
In Wales, who qualifies for testing?
If you're a key worker - and you have symptoms - you can book a test.
Key workers include:
Health and social care workers
Emergency workers and national security workers
Local and national government workers
Education and childcare workers
Food and other necessary goods
Transport workers
Utilities, communication and financial services workers
A swab is taken, you get your results back and you will then follow advice on self-isolation.
The aim of this policy is to get these people, virus-free, back to work as soon as possible. Wales has 438,000 critical workers, including 164,700 healthcare workers and 9,900 police and prison staff.
Care home residents and people in hospital with symptoms are also eligible.
A swab is taken, you get your results back and you will then follow advice on self-isolation.
How many are being tested here?
So far, there have been nearly 30,000 testing episodes - which can involve someone with symptoms being tested at different times over the course of six weeks.
Currently, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Swansea have the highest numbers of testing episodes, according to Public Health Wales figures. The highest proportion of tests proving positive is currently in Wrexham (42%).
When did Wales start testing?
The first test happened on 29 January. People returning with symptoms from countries affected by the pandemic were tested first, followed by those admitted to hospital with symptoms and also NHS and social care staff.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Testing areas at the Cardiff City Stadium at Leckwith
What happened to the targets?
There was a target of testing 5,000 people a day by mid-April, rising to between 8-10.000 by May. But that was clearly not deliverable and brought criticism of the Welsh Government.
England now has a target of 100,000 tests per day by Thursday - which is equivalent to that old 5,000 target in Wales, which was abandoned earlier this month.
Wales' chief scientific adviser said he had set a target of 9,000 a day - based on "reasonable worse case scenarios" but the public had observed lockdown measures, which had suppressed the spread of the epidemic significantly.
The Welsh Government said the 1,300 a day test capacity is being increased.
Do lower testing numbers mean we can't track the spread of the virus?
Chief scientific advisor Dr Rob Orford said greater testing would not have made much difference to how the pandemic was managed in Wales.
"We also use measures like hospital admissions, ICU beds and calls to 111," he told assembly members.
"We have introduced the Zoe tracker app which enables people themselves to upload their symptoms. We have got over 100,000 people in Wales using that app."
Dr Orford said the app results were helping to inform the scientific advice to government.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Analysis for Easter Monday showed 678 were carried out
What test is used?
Diagnostic antigen tests. A swab is taken from the nose or throat to look for signs of the virus.
It takes at least 24 hours to get the results.
Public Health Wales said there is no shortage of machines to conduct tests, and it has received offers from labs to expand capacity.
There was also hope a few weeks ago that key workers, without cars or unable to travel. would be able to get test kits posted to their homes - and the kits picked up afterwards.
What about testing for immunity?
The antibody blood test looks for this. It's a quicker test.
It can be done with a pinprick and a portable machine.
Antibody test kits are being trialled in Wales, but there is concern many do not provide high reliability. Experts are worried that unless the exact strain of coronavirus is properly identified it could give a false sense of security.
A "false positive" result could be especially worrying if they are frontline health or care workers.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A health worker being tested in Cardiff
What's happening at drive-through centres?
Wales has drive-through centres at Cardiff City Stadium and Newport's Rodney Parade, with others being added in Carmarthen and Llandudno.
They use the antigen test to swab key workers.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Testing lets people confirm if they have the disease and provides information about the virus' spread
They're staffed by Public Health Wales officials and staff from Deloitte, the firm which worked with the UK government to establish the centres.
Who is being tested at the drive-through centres?
You must be invited to attend a drive-through centre.
The Cardiff centre opened on 7 April with capacity to test 200 daily.
Priority was given to health and care workers displaying symptoms, or those self-isolating because someone in their home had symptoms.
Other critical workers being tested include police, prison, fire and military personnel.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: NHS workers get free video games

NHS staff are being gifted free access to video games to say thank you for their work during coronavirus .
Big companies like EA , Konami , Xbox and Sega , as well as independent studios , are part of the Games for Carers initiative .
The studios say NHS workers can use the games `` when they get some well-earned down time , or to provide relief for their families '' .
More than 85,000 games will be available to download .
During the coronavirus pandemic , the UK games industry has helped share the government 's Stay Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Fifa and Fortnite .
`` We have worked closely with games companies to help keep people safe and I am delighted the sector is continuing to support the NHS in such an innovative way , '' says Digital and Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage .
All NHS workers need to do to get access is visit the dedicated Games for Carers website and enter their NHS email address - although due to the level of interest after launch , the site went down for a short time .
The initial idea for Games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalist Chris Scullion and gained support from the UK games body , Ukie , as well as video game marketing platform Keymail .
The gaming community has `` united '' to say thank you to the `` truly extraordinary people who make up the NHS frontline team '' , Ukie CEO Dr Jo Twist says .
`` Games companies of all sizes and players everywhere recognise their exceptional dedication and hope this initiative goes some way to help them to understand how respected and valued they are . ''
Since countries around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been turning to games to pass the time , stay connected , and help their mental health .
One of the most popular has been Nintendo 's Animal Crossing , which went straight to the top of the gaming chart the week it was released at the end of March .
`` Even though it 's just a digital virtual world and I suppose nothing you do in it really actually makes a difference , having a little place where there 's not a global pandemic and everything is pretty OK is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who 's been playing the franchise since was she was nine , told Radio 1 Newsbeat at the time .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"Even though it's just a digital virtual world and I suppose nothing you do in it really actually makes a difference, having a little place where there's not a global pandemic and everything is pretty OK is a really nice escape," 23-year-old Akemi, who's been playing the franchise since was she was nine, told Radio 1 Newsbeat at the time.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Key workers in Cairngorms abused for 'flouting lockdown'

A national park has called for abuse aimed at people staying in holiday accommodation to stop .
Cairngorms National Park Authority said some essential workers , including NHS staff and delivery drivers , were using the accommodation during the lockdown .
They said this had resulted in a `` small number of incidents '' of abuse on social media .
Almost all park accommodation is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions .
The park authority said the abuse stemmed from people mistakenly believing the `` guests '' were flouting lockdown rules .
'Nip this in the bud' They have posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' about why some holiday accommodation remained in use .
Grant Moir , chief executive of the park authority , told BBC Scotland : `` We want to make sure we nip this in the bud and focus on the great work by communities across the park .
`` In Badenoch and Strathspey alone about 900 people have volunteered to help with deliveries , and we are seeing volunteering in Tomintoul and Deeside . ''
The letter , jointly signed by Cairngorms Business Partnership chief executive , Mark Tate said : `` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessarily a stranger and our plea is not to publicly criticise and jump to any judgement . ''
Park and business leaders said concerns about people flouting restrictions should still reported by calling police on the telephone number 101 .
The Cairngorms National Park is Britain 's largest national park and includes parts of the Highlands , Aberdeenshire , Moray and Perthshire .

Grant Moir, chief executive of the park authority, told BBC Scotland: "We want to make sure we nip this in the bud and focus on the great work by communities across the park.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: The new 'heroes' on Northern Ireland's walls

Throughout Northern Ireland 's troubled past , street art has long been a means of political and cultural expression .
Republicans and loyalists painted murals on buildings and gable walls , as a way of marking out territory and memorialising those lost throughout the 30-year conflict .
Many of those murals remain today , a constant reminder of a darker past .
Now , amid the coronavirus pandemic , a new wave of artwork is emerging and it is one that appears to have universal appreciation .
In areas across Northern Ireland , street artists have turned their skills to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Covid-19 .
Three brothers in the Waterside area of Londonderry have been hard at work transforming their area to honour healthcare staff .
Mark , Peter and Dee Logan have painted NHS murals in Bond Street , Nelson Drive and Irish Street in the city .
Mark Logan , who has been involved in mural painting in the Waterside for more than 20 years , says this work is among the most important he has ever helped produce .
`` It 's all about recognising the work of the NHS , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter what side of the community you 're from , everyone is behind you . ''
The brothers hope their work will be seen by health workers , helping to spur them on and `` get them through the day '' .
`` Doctors and nurses are understandably exhausted , and I truly believe some words of encouragement every now and again can go a long way , '' he said .
`` They say a picture paints a thousand words and we just hope the murals will give them that extra psychological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good Friday Agreement in 1998 marked a seismic shift away from violence in Northern Ireland .
That change was also reflected on the walls , with traditionally sectarian murals slowly making way for work that was more reflective of a new mood .
Professor Peter Shirlow , head of Irish Studies at Liverpool University , said the appearance of the NHS murals marked an `` important cultural moment '' within Northern Irish society .
`` Despite territorial or constitutional differences among people , it is very , very obvious that the NHS is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Prof Shirlow questioned whether `` murals of the past '' traditionally depicting `` hooded gunmen '' that claimed to represent their communities actually did so and believes NHS murals are a more accurate representation of communities now and `` everybody within them '' .
He explained they were reflective of what was slowly occurring in Northern Ireland , with people `` starting to engage more with issue-based politics '' .
Prof Shirlow believes NHS murals showcase the fact that despite some issues still dividing communities here , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that are universally shared .
Efforts from the Northern Ireland Arts Council and community groups over the years have seen hundreds of what were deemed `` violent murals '' re-imaged .
Depictions of paramilitary gunmen were slowly becoming a thing of the past and murals depicting poets , authors and sports stars came to the fore .
Suzanne Lyle , head of visual arts at NI Arts Council , said she has seen a move away from political murals to more `` community-themed ones '' over the years .
Dr Lyle has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` re-imagine their areas '' through new artwork and sculptures .
Dr Lyle said many people in both nationalist and unionist communities had wanted to change the tone and setting of their areas .
`` If you come out of your house with your child , you might not be comfortable with a grim reaper standing on a gable wall beside you , '' Dr Lyle said .
`` These NHS murals are an expression of support from the whole community and they are great to see . ''

Mark Logan, who has been involved in mural painting in the Waterside for more than 20 years, says this work is among the most important he has ever helped produce.


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Gordon Brown to assist Wales' after pandemic

Gordon Brown is to help the Welsh Government lead the country 's recovery from the coronavirus crisis .
The Labour prime minster , who led the UK between 2007 and 2010 , has agreed to be part of an advisory group from outside Wales .
It will advise ministers on how services such as schools , transport and the NHS could operate once the lockdown restrictions have eased .
But the Tories said Mr Brown was the `` last thing that people in Wales need '' .
Counsel General Jeremy Miles has been tasked with leading the recovery .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-pandemic future .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said it was `` the biggest challenge '' the devolved government has faced .
Full membership of the advisory group is still being finalised , though other members include Paul Johnson , director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies , and Dr Rebecca Heaton , of the UK Committee on Climate Change .
Mr Miles is expected to give more details about the panel in a press conference on Wednesday .
• How close to developing a vaccine are we ?
• UK coronavirus app 'ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hidden health cost of the pandemic Mr Brown has previously warned the United Kingdom is at breaking point and could end unless the nations and regions get a real `` voice '' in decision-making .
Conservative assembly member Darren Millar accused the Welsh Government of `` politicising its Covid-19 recovery group '' .
`` The last thing that people in Wales need during this time of unprecedented crisis is another dose of Gordon Brown , '' Mr Millar said .
`` Few in Wales have fond memories of his thankfully short premiership and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to solve the challenges of the present and propel Wales into the future . ''
Ministers `` would do better to prioritise representatives from the business and transport sectors to help advise on how we can get our economy moving again once it is safe to do so '' , the Clwyd West AM added .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

"Gordon Brown's experience may have a part to play in this, but I would urge Mr Miles to tell him to leave his ideological baggage at the front door and to brush up on his knowledge of Wales, so that we can sure it's the interests of Welsh citizens that are being served by his inclusion, not Mr Brown's well-known unionist mission."


bbcuk--2020-04-29--Coronavirus 'will hasten the decline of cash'

Coronavirus will hasten the decline in the use of cash as people make a long-term switch to digital payments , experts say .
The lockdown has led to a 60 % fall in the number of withdrawals from cash machines , although people are taking out bigger sums .
Payment card use has risen with online shopping , particularly for groceries .
Experts say the long-term future of cash could be at risk , before the UK is ready to cope with the change .
This could leave behind an estimated 20 % of the population who rely on cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post Office to deliver cash to the vulnerable About 11 million cash withdrawals are still being made each week , with £1bn taken out , according to Link , which oversees the UK 's cash machine network .
Yet , with many shops as well as bars , cafes and restaurants closed , there is less demand for regular cash withdrawals .
People are going out less , but potentially hoarding more cash .
The average ATM withdrawal has risen from £65 last year , to £82 now .
'We can process cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100 years ago , Webb 's Ironmongery Store has seen locals through many a crisis .
In the current emergency the hardware shop at Tenterden , Kent , is serving items such as garden and home equipment , and paint , from a counter set up in the doorway of the shop .
In order to ensure customers do not have to wait , given social distancing , it has put a sign up pointing out that cash is still accepted .
`` We are trying to serve as many people as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done and we can send them on their way , '' said co-owner Nigel Webb .
`` We take cards , but they may have to wait for the machine .
We can process cash in a couple of seconds . ''
Following a survey of consumers , Link suggested that 75 % of people were using less cash , and 54 % of those asked said they were avoiding cash .
There were reports early in the coronavirus outbreak about the spread of the virus on banknotes and coins .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization have stressed that the risk is no greater than on any other items , and repeated the advice on regular hand washing .
Some 76 % of people asked in the survey said they expected to use cash less and move instead to other forms of payment , or online shopping more in the next six months .
Natalie Ceeney , who authored a major report on access to cash , said that an estimated 30 % of UK residents liked having cash as an option but , as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other methods of payment .
She described this as a `` sticky habit '' , which they could stay with in the future .
With 50 % of the population already operating predominantly cashless , that left only 20 % who relied on notes and coins , many of whom were vulnerable .
Their demand risked being insufficient for the providers of cash infrastructure , such as delivery and ATM services , to be profitable enough to survive .
`` The cash infrastructure could collapse before we are ready , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in transit company Pivotal , said : `` It will be hard to judge the true impact of Covid-19 until businesses have reopened .
The pandemic has certainly has not changed many of the key reasons why people use cash , including convenience and lack of access to bank accounts . ''
Will this be seen in future years as the crisis which finally ended our love affair with cash ?
Many shoppers are suspicious of handling it , worried about anything another person might have touched .
Traders who used to wince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happily bringing out their card readers from the back of the stall .
These findings do also show that in uncertain times some cling to their notes and coins even more tightly .
And they may be struggling to get hold of cash because they ca n't leave their homes .
But right now there seems little doubt the virus is speeding up the switch to electronic payments .
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Natalie Ceeney, who authored a major report on access to cash, said that an estimated 30% of UK residents liked having cash as an option but, as a result of lockdown, may now be comfortable using other methods of payment. She described this as a "sticky habit", which they could stay with in the future.