bbcuk--2020-04-20--Meghan and Harry: Will the real couple please stand up?

Amid the ongoing row between Britain 's tabloid newspapers and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex , the BBC 's royal correspondent asks : what do the latest developments say about the couple , and their fight to protect their privacy ?
Lawyers for the Duchess of Sussex have painted a picture of a woman sorely wronged , as part of a privacy case she is bringing against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday .
Meghan brought the legal action after a handwritten letter she sent to her father , Thomas Markle , was published in the newspaper .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf - in which Prince Harry has a walk-on part - the couple respond to Associated Newspapers ' defence of The Mail on Sunday 's publication of the letter .
Associated Newspapers suggested previously that Meghan had effectively given up her right to privacy by authorising her friends to talk to People magazine , and that when one of them mentioned the letter , that gave the Mail on Sunday the right to publish it .
But Meghan says straight out that she did n't authorise her friends to speak to the magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the letter to be released .
And she points to the lack of any evidence that she authorised her friends to speak .
• Texts by Meghan and Harry to her father revealed • In pictures : Harry and Meghan 's life together The text messages she and Harry sent her father Thomas in the days leading up to their wedding in May 2018 make clear the level of concern the couple had for a man who was clearly out of his depth as Fleet Street 's finest circled .
The UK tabloid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused by Meghan of harassing , humiliating and manipulating a vulnerable Thomas Markle , causing `` substantial damage '' to the relationship between him and Meghan .
And at no point was Meghan approached for comment prior to publication , she says .
Whatever the legal rights and wrongs , it is hard at this point not to have sympathy with Meghan and Harry .
He , who sees his mother 's tortured relationship with the media being played out again .
She , who sees her relationship with her father being shredded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eve of their wedding .
But on the same day as these court papers were published came the announcement from the couple that they will no longer deal with Britain 's bestselling newspapers .
- even to the extent of refusing to confirm or deny their stories .
`` No corroboration , '' they say , with the Sun , the Mirror , the Express and the Mail , `` and zero engagement '' .
This is n't , they say , about avoiding criticism .
The media have every right to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't , they say , be based on a lie .
Which lie , or lies , they do not specify .
The couple made clear when they declared independence from the Royal Family in January that they wanted nothing more to do with the obligations of the `` Royal rota '' - the way that the Royal Family and the media organise coverage .
That was part of the deal - no more public money , no more royal duties , and in exchange the couple would no longer have to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to .
There has still been no official confirmation that the couple are living in Los Angeles .
On-the-record information about the couple from their spokespeople has been thin on the ground for months .
So how much changes for the papers affected ?
Asked what difference the new policy would make to coverage , a senior source at one of Britain 's most popular papers said , curtly , `` zero '' .
The couple say they are not trying to avoid criticism .
But by picking and choosing those outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open themselves up to that charge .
Will outlets now think twice about what they write or say , for fear that they will be next to be cut off ?
Is that what the couple want ?
That 's why the Society of Editors condemned the move as `` censorship '' .
So will the real Duke and Duchess of Sussex please stand up ?
There is the couple who provoke such sympathy in the court papers published today .
And there 's the couple who think now is the right time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ papers of the nation that they have departed from .

Associated Newspapers suggested previously that Meghan had effectively given up her right to privacy by authorising her friends to talk to People magazine, and that when one of them mentioned the letter, that gave the Mail on Sunday the right to publish it.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Am I helping to protect the NHS?

That is why we 're still on lockdown , and by sticking with it , we 're all helping to slow the virus 's spread .
But what is clear is that the biggest impact individuals can have on the final toll in the UK is to reduce the rate of transmission by following the latest social distancing guidelines : working from home if possible and only going out for essential reasons and daily exercise .
Since the Imperial research was made public , there has been a huge effort by ministers and NHS officials to increase the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 or so that the NHS had at that time .
There are many assumptions in the Imperial College model about how the virus is transmitted , and what proportion of people will comply with the restrictions now being placed on them .
The only two ways out of lockdown are the development of a vaccine or a much more effective system of testing people for the virus and tracing all those who had contact with people testing positive , potentially via the NHS app now in development .
Although the research was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message is still current : Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Monday that lifting the lockdown too soon could result in a second wave of infections .
As soon as the current measures are lifted , the Imperial model predicts that another outbreak would emerge that was just as bad as if we had done nothing .
This Imperial College research has been very influential and the above approach is similar to what UK government ministers have since implemented .
So far the NHS has not been overwhelmed largely because of social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places where demand happened to be above average , NHS services would still be under extraordinary pressure .
The research found that on average across the NHS , under these strict measures , there would be close to one critically ill patient for each critical-care bed at the peak of the epidemic .
The Imperial team also found that if social distancing measures were applied to all age groups - not just to those over 70 - schools and universities were closed , and the two-week quarantine period applied to households in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be able to cope .
But there would still be about eight patients for each critical-care bed available .
The NHS would still be overwhelmed .
They found that if people experiencing symptoms , and everyone who lived with them , stayed at home for two weeks , while anyone over 70 reduced their social contacts to a minimum , the impact on the NHS would be reduced .
This is similar to the measures the UK government introduced before the lockdown .
To prevent doctors having to face these dilemmas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reducing the number of people needing the NHS 's critical-care beds .
Or Hamish , a 68-year-old ex-firefighter and the sole carer of his wife Philippa , who has Alzheimer 's disease ?
For example , should Mathilda , a retired teacher and 78-year-old grandmother-of-seven get the bed ?
This would mean NHS doctors facing impossible choices about who receives potentially life-saving treatment , and who does n't .
But the problem the NHS has been facing is that for each group of 30 patients in need of a critical-care bed , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the epidemic reached its peak .
The Imperial modelling also predicts that out of the 100 people needing hospital treatment , about 30 would need a critical-care bed .
According to scientific modelling by Imperial College London , about 4.5 % of those infected would need to be admitted to hospital - shown here as 100 dots .
Although most of these people who contracted the virus would experience either mild symptoms or something like a nasty flu and make a full recovery , some would require hospital treatment .
For this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases multiplied and spread quickly - soon extending far beyond her original community .
On average , without social distancing in place , scientific modelling suggests that people infected with coronavirus would pass it on to another three people .
Each of them then went on to meet their own friends and family .
Before she developed any symptoms , she had passed the virus on to her friends Mikah and Steph , as well as her grandad Terry .
But what she did n't know was that she had contracted the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of us , she was going to work , seeing friends and family .
Remember life before the lockdown ?
This is Angie .
Like many of us , she was going to work , seeing friends and family .
But what she did n't know was that she had contracted the new coronavirus , which causes Covid-19 .
Before she developed any symptoms , she had passed the virus on to her friends Mikah and Steph , as well as her grandad Terry .
Each of them then went on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On average , without social distancing in place , scientific modelling suggests that people infected with coronavirus would pass it on to another three people .
For this reason , among Angie 's network , cases multiplied and spread quickly - soon extending far beyond her original community .
Although most of these people who contracted the virus would experience either mild symptoms or something like a nasty flu and make a full recovery , some would require hospital treatment .
According to scientific modelling by Imperial College London , about 4.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted to hospital - shown here as 100 dots .
The Imperial modelling also predicts that out of the 100 people needing hospital treatment , about 30 would need a critical-care bed .
But the problem the NHS has been facing is that for each group of 30 patients in need of a critical-care bed , there would be just one such bed available when the epidemic reached its peak .
This would mean NHS doctors facing impossible choices about who receives potentially life-saving treatment , and who does n't .
For example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 78-year-old grandmother-of-seven get the bed ?
Or Hamish , a 68-year-old ex-firefighter and the sole carer of his wife Philippa , who has Alzheimer 's disease ?
To prevent doctors having to face these dilemmas , the Imperial team assessed different ways of reducing the number of people needing the NHS 's critical-care beds .
They found that if people experiencing symptoms , and everyone who lived with them , stayed at home for two weeks , while anyone over 70 reduced their social contacts to a minimum , the impact on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is similar to the measures the UK government introduced before the lockdown .
But there would still be about eight patients for each critical-care bed available .
The NHS would still be overwhelmed .
The Imperial team also found that if social distancing measures were applied to all age groups - not just to those over 70 - schools and universities were closed , and the two-week quarantine period applied to households in which any member had symptoms , the NHS would be able to cope .
However , in places where demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services would still be under extraordinary pressure .
This Imperial College research has been very influential and the above approach is similar to what UK government ministers have since implemented .
So far the NHS has not been overwhelmed largely because of social distancing and lockdown measures .
As soon as the current measures are lifted , the Imperial model predicts that another outbreak would emerge that was just as bad as if we had done nothing .
Although the research was published on 16 March , its core message is still current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday that lifting the lockdown too soon could result in a second wave of infections .
The only two ways out of lockdown are the development of a vaccine or a much more effective system of testing people for the virus and tracing all those who had contact with people testing positive , potentially via the NHS app now in development .
There are many assumptions in the Imperial College model about how the virus is transmitted , and what proportion of people will comply with the restrictions now being placed on them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , there has been a huge effort by ministers and NHS officials to increase the number of critical-care beds available - up from the 5,000 or so that the NHS had at that time .
But what is clear is that the biggest impact individuals can have on the final toll in the UK is to reduce the rate of transmission by following the latest social distancing guidelines : working from home if possible and only going out for essential reasons and daily exercise .

That is why we're still on lockdown, and by sticking with it, we're all helping to slow the virus's spread.
But what is clear is that the biggest impact individuals can have on the final toll in the UK is to reduce the rate of transmission by following the latest social distancing guidelines: working from home if possible and only going out for essential reasons and daily exercise.
Since the Imperial research was made public, there has been a huge effort by ministers and NHS officials to increase the number of critical-care beds available - up from the 5,000 or so that the NHS had at that time.
There are many assumptions in the Imperial College model about how the virus is transmitted, and what proportion of people will comply with the restrictions now being placed on them.
The only two ways out of lockdown are the development of a vaccine or a much more effective system of testing people for the virus and tracing all those who had contact with people testing positive, potentially via the NHS app now in development.
Although the research was published on 16 March, its core message is still current: Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Monday that lifting the lockdown too soon could result in a second wave of infections.
As soon as the current measures are lifted, the Imperial model predicts that another outbreak would emerge that was just as bad as if we had done nothing.
This Imperial College research has been very influential and the above approach is similar to what UK government ministers have since implemented. So far the NHS has not been overwhelmed largely because of social distancing and lockdown measures.
However, in places where demand happened to be above average, NHS services would still be under extraordinary pressure.
The research found that on average across the NHS, under these strict measures, there would be close to one critically ill patient for each critical-care bed at the peak of the epidemic.
The Imperial team also found that if social distancing measures were applied to all age groups - not just to those over 70 - schools and universities were closed, and the two-week quarantine period applied to households in which any member had symptoms, the NHS would be able to cope.
But there would still be about eight patients for each critical-care bed available. The NHS would still be overwhelmed.
They found that if people experiencing symptoms, and everyone who lived with them, stayed at home for two weeks, while anyone over 70 reduced their social contacts to a minimum, the impact on the NHS would be reduced. This is similar to the measures the UK government introduced before the lockdown.
To prevent doctors having to face these dilemmas, the Imperial team assessed different ways of reducing the number of people needing the NHS's critical-care beds.
Or Hamish, a 68-year-old ex-firefighter and the sole carer of his wife Philippa, who has Alzheimer's disease?
For example, should Mathilda, a retired teacher and 78-year-old grandmother-of-seven get the bed?
This would mean NHS doctors facing impossible choices about who receives potentially life-saving treatment, and who doesn't.
But the problem the NHS has been facing is that for each group of 30 patients in need of a critical-care bed, there would be just one such bed available when the epidemic reached its peak.
The Imperial modelling also predicts that out of the 100 people needing hospital treatment, about 30 would need a critical-care bed.
According to scientific modelling by Imperial College London, about 4.5% of those infected would need to be admitted to hospital - shown here as 100 dots.
Although most of these people who contracted the virus would experience either mild symptoms or something like a nasty flu and make a full recovery, some would require hospital treatment.
For this reason, among Angie's network, cases multiplied and spread quickly - soon extending far beyond her original community.
On average, without social distancing in place, scientific modelling suggests that people infected with coronavirus would pass it on to another three people.
Each of them then went on to meet their own friends and family.
Before she developed any symptoms, she had passed the virus on to her friends Mikah and Steph, as well as her grandad Terry.
But what she didn't know was that she had contracted the new coronavirus, which causes Covid-19.
Like many of us, she was going to work, seeing friends and family.
Remember life before the lockdown? This is Angie.
Like many of us, she was going to work, seeing friends and family.
But what she didn't know was that she had contracted the new coronavirus, which causes Covid-19.
Before she developed any symptoms, she had passed the virus on to her friends Mikah and Steph, as well as her grandad Terry.
Each of them then went on to meet their own friends and family.
On average, without social distancing in place, scientific modelling suggests that people infected with coronavirus would pass it on to another three people.
For this reason, among Angie's network, cases multiplied and spread quickly - soon extending far beyond her original community.
Although most of these people who contracted the virus would experience either mild symptoms or something like a nasty flu and make a full recovery, some would require hospital treatment.
According to scientific modelling by Imperial College London, about 4.5% of those infected would need to be admitted to hospital - shown here as 100 dots.
The Imperial modelling also predicts that out of the 100 people needing hospital treatment, about 30 would need a critical-care bed.
But the problem the NHS has been facing is that for each group of 30 patients in need of a critical-care bed, there would be just one such bed available when the epidemic reached its peak.
This would mean NHS doctors facing impossible choices about who receives potentially life-saving treatment, and who doesn't.
For example, should Mathilda, a retired teacher and 78-year-old grandmother-of-seven get the bed?
Or Hamish, a 68-year-old ex-firefighter and the sole carer of his wife Philippa, who has Alzheimer's disease?
To prevent doctors having to face these dilemmas, the Imperial team assessed different ways of reducing the number of people needing the NHS's critical-care beds.
They found that if people experiencing symptoms, and everyone who lived with them, stayed at home for two weeks, while anyone over 70 reduced their social contacts to a minimum, the impact on the NHS would be reduced. This is similar to the measures the UK government introduced before the lockdown.
But there would still be about eight patients for each critical-care bed available. The NHS would still be overwhelmed.
The Imperial team also found that if social distancing measures were applied to all age groups - not just to those over 70 - schools and universities were closed, and the two-week quarantine period applied to households in which any member had symptoms, the NHS would be able to cope.
However, in places where demand happened to be above average, NHS services would still be under extraordinary pressure.
This Imperial College research has been very influential and the above approach is similar to what UK government ministers have since implemented. So far the NHS has not been overwhelmed largely because of social distancing and lockdown measures.
But there's a major catch.
As soon as the current measures are lifted, the Imperial model predicts that another outbreak would emerge that was just as bad as if we had done nothing.
Although the research was published on 16 March, its core message is still current: Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Monday that lifting the lockdown too soon could result in a second wave of infections.
The only two ways out of lockdown are the development of a vaccine or a much more effective system of testing people for the virus and tracing all those who had contact with people testing positive, potentially via the NHS app now in development.
There are many assumptions in the Imperial College model about how the virus is transmitted, and what proportion of people will comply with the restrictions now being placed on them.
Since the Imperial research was made public, there has been a huge effort by ministers and NHS officials to increase the number of critical-care beds available - up from the 5,000 or so that the NHS had at that time.
But what is clear is that the biggest impact individuals can have on the final toll in the UK is to reduce the rate of transmission by following the latest social distancing guidelines: working from home if possible and only going out for essential reasons and daily exercise.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Babies, survivors and 'floored' NHS staff

The BBC has been invited to film inside the University Hospital Wishaw in Lanarkshire to show the impact of the @ @ @ @ @ of care .
The team filmed the challenges facing the rapidly expanded intensive care unit @ @ @ @ @ services , including the maternity unit , over 12 hours inside the hospital .
The @ @ @ @ @ is the biggest challenge we have faced in our lifetimes ” and “ NHS and @ @ @ @ @ are doing incredible work ” .

The BBC has been invited to film inside the University Hospital Wishaw in Lanarkshire to show the impact of the coronavirus pandemic across all aspects of care.
The team filmed the challenges facing the rapidly expanded intensive care unit and the transformation of other services, including the maternity unit, over 12 hours inside the hospital.
The Scottish government says “this is the biggest challenge we have faced in our lifetimes” and “NHS and social care staff across Scotland are doing incredible work”.
Special correspondent Ed Thomas, producer Noel Titheradge and cameraman Phillip Edwards
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus dreams: Why are people having lockdown nightmares?

The widespread lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic seems to be having an effect on some people 's dreams .
@ @ @ @ @ media users are talking about having unusually vivid ones .
But why is this happening @ @ @ @ @ to make your sleep more peaceful ?

The widespread lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic seems to be having an effect on some people's dreams.
A large number of social media users are talking about having unusually vivid ones. But why is this happening and what can you do to make your sleep more peaceful?
Produced by Olivia Lang, illustrations by Zahra Shubber


bbcuk--2020-04-20--UK 'doing absolutely everything we can' to get PPE

What exactly happens in an intensive care unit ?
As Boris Johnson continues to be treated for coronavirus in an @ @ @ @ @ look at how they work .

Rishi Sunak has called getting enough personal protective equipment an “international challenge” for all countries amid the coronavirus crisis.
Appearing at the daily coronavirus briefing, Rishi Sunak was challenged by BBC News health editor Hugh Pym over whether the government is "ashamed" about the situation in the UK.
Read more: RAF plane en route to Turkey amid NHS kit row


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Idris Elba 'humbled to be alive' after coronavirus

Actor Idris Alba says recovering from coronavirus has given him a new outlook on life .
He told the BBC @ @ @ @ @ 's inspired him , and his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba , to begin a UN @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more : Elba : 'Food will run out if farmers ca n't farm @

Actor Idris Alba says recovering from coronavirus has given him a new outlook on life.
He told the BBC's Joanna Gosling why it's inspired him, and his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba, to begin a UN coronavirus fund for poor farmers.
Read more: Elba: 'Food will run out if farmers can't farm'


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Warwickshire firefighters' birthday surprise for 100-year-old

Betty Gutteridge from Warwickshire was meant to celebrate her 100th birthday with her family and friends .
She had to @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , so Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service set up a special surprise for @ @ @ @ @ big day .
Staff from the fire service , as well as the local community @ @ @ @ @ Betty turning 100 .
Her daughters live in Hong Kong and before the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ and celebrate with their mother .
Betty was worried she was going to have a @ @ @ @ @ but said the surprise made the day `` wonderful '' .

Betty Gutteridge from Warwickshire was meant to celebrate her 100th birthday with her family and friends.
She had to cancel her party due to the pandemic, so Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service set up a special surprise for her to help mark the big day.
Staff from the fire service, as well as the local community, came out to celebrate Betty turning 100.
Her daughters live in Hong Kong and before the coronavirus outbreak they had planned to visit and celebrate with their mother.
Betty was worried she was going to have a "lonely" birthday, but said the surprise made the day "wonderful".


bbcuk--2020-04-20--The coronavirus-hit care homes without enough staff

A dozen care homes in Scotland do not have enough staff to meet the needs of their residents , official figures show .
Nearly one in five care homes have flagged up concerns over staffing levels to watchdogs since 3 April .
The vast majority of these homes are now properly resourced after seeking Scottish government support .
But 31 homes are still graded as `` only just able to provide '' the right staffing levels , while a further 12 `` no longer have adequate levels '' needed .
The Scottish government said any home which flags up shortages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered immediate help from the Care Inspectorate watchdog .
This could see the home allocated NHS nursing support or paired with available agency workers .
• Coronavirus : How big is the problem in care homes ?
Meanwhile , it has been revealed more than 2,600 people have applied to work in social care since a recruitment drive for the sector was launched in the wake of the coronavirus crisis .
Dr Donald Macaskill , chief executive of trade body Scottish Care , whose members provide the vast majority of Scotland 's 36,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruits would be a `` timely boost '' for the industry .
He said : `` These Care Inspectorate figures are very much in line with what we are hearing from care homes .
`` I actually think things were worse at the end of March and into early April but the picture is an improving one , not withstanding some extreme cases .
`` This is partly because workers are returning to work after 14 days self-isolation and there has been some movement in testing , all of which helps to alleviates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homes are required to report to the Care Inspectorate if they are experiencing staffing issues , The watchdog then passes this data to the Scottish government , which said that since 3 April a total of 187 care homes have raised concerns about staffing resilience .
Of these , 144 are currently categorised as having `` sufficient staff members and skill mix to meet the needs of people who use this service '' .
A further 31 are where `` staff are stretched and only just able to provide the staff levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs .
Lastly , 12 homes `` no longer have adequate levels and skill mix to meet the needs of those they care for '' .
The data is the latest available , does not name homes and could include occasions where a home has submitted more than one notification .
The Scottish Social Service Council ( SSSC ) has revealed it has received a total of 2,634 applications to work in social care , with 67 of those matched with employers since firms could access this list of potential recruits on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on people but people in social service roles can currently work for 12 months before they must register .
A Scottish government spokesman said : `` The Care Inspectorate is working with any homes who raise concerns over staffing levels to help address the issues and provide practical advice and support to ensure they have enough staff to provide the care required .
`` The very small number of homes that have flagged that they have not had enough staff at any point due to illness or absence have been contacted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need .
`` Working with local health and social care partnerships and other local agencies , these interventions are having positive results to enable services to provide the right care for people they support . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

"The very small number of homes that have flagged that they have not had enough staff at any point due to illness or absence have been contacted by the Care Inspectorate and offered the help they need.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: NI 'could see 1,500 deaths' in first Covid-19 wave

Northern Ireland could see 1,500 deaths in the first 20 weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic , the health minister has said .
Earlier this month , experts warned there could be 3,000 deaths in NI in the initial wave of the outbreak .
Robin Swann said the revised modelling was a `` clear indication '' that lockdown restrictions were working .
He reported another 13 more coronavirus-related deaths , bringing the total number recorded by the Public Health Agency in NI to 207 .
In the UK , a further 449 deaths in hospitals have been recorded since Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK to 16,509 .
In the Republic of Ireland the number of deaths announced was the highest so far at 77 , bringing the total to 687 .
Fifty-six care homes in Northern Ireland have now been affected by Covid-19 .
A daily dashboard , launched by the Department of Health on Sunday indicated there were cases of coronavirus in 53 care homes in Northern Ireland .
When it was updated on Monday , that figure rose to 56 .
Across Northern Ireland , there are 484 care homes , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end - but not yet' Last month , the Department of Health said that in the case of an 80 % infection rate , the NI death toll could be in the region of 14,000 - but the figure had later been revised down to 3,000 .
At Monday 's executive 's daily press conference , the minister said this latest `` significant '' revision down to 1,500 deaths - which includes hospital deaths and deaths in the community - was not a prediction or a forecast , but pointed to the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public .
`` It is because of the actions of the people of Northern Ireland taking responsibility , and doing their part in how we combat Covid-19 , '' said Mr Swann .
He urged people in Northern Ireland to show `` patience and caution '' .
`` I know people are looking for signs of hope that this will end soon , that it is all worthwhile .
`` It will end - but not yet .
`` We 've come a long way but we still have a long way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officer , Dr Michael McBride , said it was premature to suggest Northern Ireland was `` through the worst of this '' .
`` Any relaxation of measures , or an inability of the public to stick with those and we will rapidly see a re-emergence of this virus and we will then see the health service come under pressure , '' said Dr McBride .
Mr Swann also said there were 40 Covid patients in ICU on Monday , and that on Sunday there were a further 88 Covid-related admissions to hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be especially careful `` because every one of them is a valued and cherished member of this society '' .
• 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 Speaking on Monday , Dr Tom Black , the Northern Ireland chair of the British Medical Association ( BMA ) , said hospital admissions had `` hopefully passed the peak '' .
But he added we were not past the peak of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the admissions , we 're hopefully passed the peak of the curve .
We 're not past the peak of the deaths , that takes another 10 days , '' he said .
Dr Black 's comments were echoed by Dr Thelma Craig , a respiratory consultant working in Belfast 's Mater Hospital .
Dr Craig featured in a recent video from the Belfast Health Trust , in which she and her colleagues pleaded with the public to stay at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19 .
She said she is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital admissions has passed in Northern Ireland , after witnessing the numbers of patients who need beds falling over the past week .
`` We are still seeing patients being admitted through A & E , we are still seeing very fit patients and we are still referring patients to intensive care , but the numbers have reduced , '' Dr Craig told the BBC 's Evening Extra programme .
However , Dr Craig warned that `` further peaks '' are expected when social distancing measures are relaxed and she said medics have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection .
On Monday , there were 40 patients who had tested positive for , or were suspected of having , Covid-19 in intensive care units ( ICU ) across Northern Ireland , with 34 ICU beds available .
There were also 39 non-Covid patients being treated in ICU beds across Northern Ireland .
In a statement to BBC News NI on Sunday , a spokesperson for the Department of Health said that under its Covid-19 surge plan , there are additional ICU beds available should they be required .
“ At this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICU beds is sufficient to cope with the demand , '' the spokesperson added .
• A government pay scheme to keep staff on the payroll despite not working due to coronavirus has gone live , with 67,000 claims being made in the first 30 minutes • Sinn Féin has indicated that businesses in Northern Ireland will get more help with their rates • Translink has installed cough screens at several of its train stations • Aerospace company Bombardier has said it is planning to start bringing staff back progressively from 27 April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the blood of coronavirus survivors to treat hospital patients ill with the disease

"Any relaxation of measures, or an inability of the public to stick with those and we will rapidly see a re-emergence of this virus and we will then see the health service come under pressure," said Dr McBride.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Derby consultant Manjeet Singh Riyat dies

An accident and emergency consultant who was `` hugely respected '' nationally has died after contracting coronavirus .
Mr Manjeet Singh Riyat , 52 , died earlier on Monday at the Royal Derby Hospital , where he worked .
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton ( UHDB ) said Mr Riyat - who was the UK 's first Sikh A & E consultant - was widely respected across the NHS .
The trust 's chief executive said he was an `` incredibly charming person '' , `` well loved '' and would be missed `` immensely '' .
Gavin Boyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was instrumental in building the Emergency Medicine Service in Derbyshire over the past two decades .
`` He was an incredibly charming person and well loved .
`` Manjeet knew so many people here across the hospital , we will all miss him immensely . ''
Miss Susie Hewitt , a fellow consultant emergency medicine at the Royal Derby Hospital said : `` Manjeet was enormously valued and much loved as a colleague , supervisor and mentor as well as for his wise council and discreet support in tough times .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the current Emergency Department in Derby and many more will reflect on how his inspiration has shaped their own careers . ''
This is the second death in the trust .
Dr Amged El-Hawrani , an ear , nose and throat consultant at Queen 's Hospital Burton , died last month .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
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"For many, Manjeet was considered the father of the current Emergency Department in Derby and many more will reflect on how his inspiration has shaped their own careers."


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Number dying hits 20-year high

Deaths in England and Wales have nearly doubled above what would be expected , hitting a 20-year high .
The Office for National Statistics said there were 18,500 deaths in the week up to 10 April - about 8,000 more than is normal at this time of year .
More than 6,200 were linked to coronavirus , a sixth of which were outside of hospital .
But deaths from other causes also increased , suggesting the lockdown may be having an indirect impact on health .
Nick Stripe , head of health analysis at ONS , said they were trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this increase in non-coronavirus deaths .
He said it could be that people with other illnesses were avoiding going to hospital treatment - visits to A & E have halved since the pandemic started .
But he added it could `` take years to work out '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Mr Stripe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 2000 , when there was a bad flu season , to see a higher number of deaths in one week .
`` Each one is a person .
Each one has a family .
We must always remember this , '' he added .
A similar trend is being reported in Scotland where there were nearly 2,000 deaths in the week up to 12 April .
Deaths in Northern Ireland are also up .
What does this tell us about coronavirus deaths ?
This data is different from the daily death figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks at deaths in hospital where a person is infected with coronavirus .
The ONS figures rely on death certificates where the cause or contributory factors are listed .
As a result , the figures lag behind the government figures but give a fuller picture of what is happening .
They cover deaths in all situations - care homes and the community as well as hospitals - and so the figures are about a fifth higher than the government figures show .
Since the pandemic started , more than 1,000 deaths have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third of deaths during the week up to 10 April were linked to coronavirus .
More people have died from flu and pneumonia Another way to judge the impact of coronavirus is to look at the overall impact on the numbers dying over the course of the year .
The figures show overall number of deaths are up .
Nearly 185,000 people have died compared to around 175,000 on average compared to past five years - up until the pandemic hit the death rate was lower than average .
But the figures for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pneumonia compared to coronavirus .
The number of deaths from flu and pneumonia - at more than 32,000 - is three times higher than the total number of coronavirus deaths this year .
This difference will obviously narrow in the coming weeks as the flu season is coming to an end and there has been a rapid rise in coronavirus deaths .
All of this relies on clinical judgement rather than a diagnostic test .
Flu and coronavirus have similar symptoms - cough and fever - but flu is not tested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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Another way to judge the impact of coronavirus is to look at the overall impact on the numbers dying over the course of the year so far.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Masks for public 'could put NHS supplies at risk'

NHS supplies of face masks could be put at risk if the government starts advising the public to wear them , hospital bosses have warned .
The government 's scientific advisers are to meet later to discuss whether the public should be urged to wear masks in a bid to combat coronavirus .
But Chris Hopson , chief executive of NHS Providers , warned there should be `` clear evidence '' to justify their use .
He said securing supplies for NHS staff amid huge global demand was `` crucial '' .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of face masks by the general population .
It says people who are not in health and care facilities should only wear masks if they are sick or caring for those who are ill .
But the debate around their use in the UK has been gaining momentum in recent weeks , with proponents arguing they can help reduce the risk of people with the virus passing it on to others .
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for the wearing of masks while travelling in the city to become compulsory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers of deaths in England and Wales in the week up to 10 April , driven by 6,200 fatalities attributed to coronavirus .
These figures cover all settings , including care homes and deaths in the community as well as hospitals .
Nick Stripe , head of health analysis at the Office of National Statistics , told the BBC that deaths in care homes had risen from 217 the week before to over 1,000 .
The real toll could be higher , he added , because of reporting delays due to Good Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total number of deaths recorded in hospitals across the UK reached 16,509 , with another 449 reported that day .
Elsewhere , the French authorities will provide masks to people when lockdown measures are eased next month , and Americans are being urged to wear cloth face coverings in public spaces where social distancing is impossible .
The government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) is set to make its recommendations to ministers this week .
But Mr Hopson , who represents healthcare trusts across England , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessed .
`` Fluid-repellent masks for health and care staff are key to safety and to avoid the spread of coronavirus , '' he said .
`` Securing the supply of masks , when there is huge global demand , is crucial .
This must be a key consideration for government .
`` There needs to be clear evidence that wearing masks , along with other measures , will deliver significant enough benefits to take us out of lockdown to potentially jeopardise NHS mask supply . ''
• Should we all be wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gear do NHS staff need ?
The WHO guidance , issued earlier this month , warned that the use of masks by the public can create a `` false sense of security '' and lead to people ignoring other protective measures , such as hand hygiene and physical distancing .
While acknowledging the virus can be passed on by people who are not yet symptomatic , it says : `` Current evidence suggests that most disease is transmitted by symptomatic , laboratory-confirmed cases .
`` There is currently no evidence that wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) by healthy persons in the wider community setting , including universal community masking , can prevent them from infection with respiratory viruses . ''
Masks can even be a source of infection when not used correctly , the WHO added .
But a group of medics has called on people to make their own face masks to help stop the spread of coronavirus .
Masks4All , a campaign group started in the Czech Republic that has attracted the support of more than 100 UK medics , suggested homemade masks could slow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Telegraph the group was `` advocating the use of cloth masks as a precautionary principle '' and that it had been inspired by action taken in other countries .
And Prof Babak Javid , consultant in infectious diseases at Cambridge University Hospitals , said `` population mask wearing should be an important part of the response to Covid '' .
He added : `` Once Covid cases are largely suppressed , we can stop wearing masks , their incremental gain will be low .
But now , to really benefit from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear masks . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise Meanwhile , an RAF aircraft left the UK on Monday for Turkey to pick up a delayed delivery of protective kit .
Amid mounting criticism of the government over the ongoing shortages of protective gear for NHS staff , Chancellor Rishi Sunak told Monday 's Downing Street coronavirus briefing the government was working `` around the clock '' to address the problem .
Also at the briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser , Prof Dame Angela Maclean , said the number of new confirmed infections was `` flattening out '' .
• Dentists are warning that a lack of protective equipment is hampering efforts to provide urgent care , with some patients saying they were forced to pull their own teeth out • The House of Commons has held a rehearsal of new working arrangements to allow MPs to scrutinise ministers over video link • The Muslim Council of Britain has issued guidelines on how to celebrate Ramadan while observing social distancing measures • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts are warning that some airports could close due to the impact of the pandemic • The BBC has identified 80 healthcare workers who have died with coronavirus since the start of the outbreak Have you been affected by coronavirus ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

But the debate around their use in the UK has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with proponents arguing they can help reduce the risk of people with the virus passing it on to others.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--UK employment rate at record high before lockdown

UK employment was estimated at a record high in the three months to February , before the effects of the coronavirus lockdown started to hit the economy .
Official figures showed 76.6 % of people aged 16 to 64 were in paid work , up from 76.4 % in the previous quarter .
Unemployment was estimated at 4 % , up slightly on the last quarter , the Office for National Statistics said .
However , early estimates for March showed a slight drop in the number of paid employees compared with February .
The figures fell by 0.06 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than the same period last year .
Pay in February continued to grow faster than inflation , but its rate of growth has slowed since the middle of last year .
The estimated growth for pay excluding bonuses in the three-month period was 2.9 % .
There were an estimated 33.07 million people in employment , 352,000 more than a year earlier .
David Freeman , ONS head of labour market statistics , said : `` Our final data wholly from before the coronavirus restrictions were in place , showed the labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months to February .
`` For the first time , we have brought forward information on the number of employees in work using PAYE data to cover a more recent period .
`` These experimental statistics show a softening picture in March , but cover the month as a whole , including the period before the coronavirus restrictions were in place . ''
• More than 140,000 firms claim wage bill help Next month 's figures are expected to reflect the rapid downturn in the economy since the lockdown began .
Andrew Sentance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the BBC 's Today programme : `` It wo n't be until next month that we get the proper picture when even just the first phase of lockdown had an impact '' The figure showing nearly a million new claims of universal credit , shows there 's clearly something in the pipeline of a significant increase in unemployment . ''
Yael Selfin , chief economist at KPMG , said : `` The latest figures mask the extent of the rise in unemployment expected this year .
`` We estimate that as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly affected by the lockdown , representing 36 % of all jobs in the UK , which could see unemployment rising to just under 9 % during the lockdown period .
`` An additional spike in unemployment after the lockdown also seems likely , once government support via the Job Retention Scheme ends . ''
Paul Dales , chief UK economist at Capital Economics , said the figures were not `` very useful '' as they predated the lockdown , but the added that the slight drop in paid employees estimated for March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labour market '' may soon `` turn into a chasm '' .
Reflecting on the early March estimates , Howard Archer , chief economic adviser to the EY Item Club , said : `` The labour market deteriorated markedly less than had been expected in March . ''
`` The number of workers claiming benefits rose a modest 12.100 .
Importantly , though , the claims data was based on the situation at 12 March , and there looks to have been a substantial pick-up since then especially when the lockdown was imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
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"We estimate that as many as 13 million jobs are in sectors highly affected by the lockdown, representing 36% of all jobs in the UK, which could see unemployment rising to just under 9% during the lockdown period.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Schools give emergency food to families with nothing to eat

Some deprived families are running out of food because of delays in receiving free school meal vouchers under the government 's scheme in England , say school leaders .
Some schools are supplying emergency food parcels or buying their own vouchers for desperate families .
Parents say they are waiting up to 10 days for the government vouchers .
The Department for Education said it was providing extra cash for schools facing `` unavoidable costs '' .
Under the government scheme , families eligible for free school meals in England should receive vouchers worth £15 a week per child .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage the scheme , has struggled to meet demand , even after its website was rebuilt over the Easter weekend .
Schools say they still encounter lengthy waits and error messages while logging on to order the vouchers .
Parents are then usually expected to download the vouchers themselves but with thousands in the queue , this can take hours .
The National Association of Head Teachers has been pushing for improvements after `` a significant number of schools '' reported problems .
Many are concerned about using cash from their own tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At St Richard 's Catholic Primary School in Chichester parishioners raised more than £3,000 to support families whose livelihoods have collapsed under the lockdown .
Head teacher James Field says the school used the money to buy its own vouchers from local supermarkets and he personally delivered them to families .
Self-employed parents , particularly those in private rented accommodation , are `` really struggling '' to feed their families , he adds .
Chiswick School , in west London , is using money raised from donations to fund food parcels for families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most vulnerable in the country .
`` There are families with nothing , who rely on this money to feed their children , '' she says .
`` We are now delivering food parcels to those who have told us they have nothing to eat . ''
At Gorringe Park Primary in south London , chair of governors James Whiting says some parents became so desperate they went to the school over the Easter holidays , asking for food .
The school is in quite a deprived area , he adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 450 already eligible for free school meals -and this number is growing under the lockdown .
School lunch assistant Vorona , lives in a room in a shared south London house with her six-year-old daughter .
She eventually managed to download and spend the first £15 voucher at the end of last week but her attempts to download the second have so far been unsuccessful - the screen freezes and she has to start again .
Another problem is the limited selection of supermarkets included in the scheme .
The nearest is Morrisons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has asthma and being at high risk from coronavirus means she is scared to go out , let alone get on a bus .
`` It does stress me , '' she says .
`` My chest gets tight it 's not a good situation , especially for my child . ''
Her friend Eunice , meanwhile , says despite having gone through all the required steps , her vouchers never appeared and she has found it impossible to get through to Edenred to check why .
`` You just have to cope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know there 's other people who have got them . ''
Not having enough food is particularly hard with her children at home all the time , she says .
`` They 're constantly wanting something to eat , '' she says .
`` It has n't got that bad - but it would help a lot if the vouchers came . ''
A letter highlighting the scheme 's failings from their MP , Siobhain McDonagh to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has been signed by more than 70 MPs .
`` Everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Ms McDonagh says .
`` But we know that the poorest families are hit hardest .
`` They are more likely to be in precarious employment , unsuitable housing and worse health .
`` Free schools meals are an essential lifeline of support for these families and it is vital that they receive the support that they are entitled to . ''
The Department for Education said it was providing additional funding to schools on top of existing budgets , to cover unavoidable costs incurred due to the coronavirus outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not covered by the national voucher scheme '' .
Ministers were working to include more supermarkets in the scheme , said a spokeswoman , who added schools could print out vouchers for families with no internet access .

She eventually managed to download and spend the first £15 voucher at the end of last week but her attempts to download the second have so far been unsuccessful - the screen freezes and she has to start again.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Airports 'at risk' of closure as flights drop 90%

Some airports are `` at risk '' of closure because of the loss of business during the coronavirus pandemic , experts have warned .
Nine out of 10 flights have been grounded since the UK went into lockdown .
Airports said cargo flights were running and shareholders were being supportive as they worked to cut costs .
Flight tracking website Flightradar24 recorded just 711 departures from the UK 's 10 biggest airports last week .
This compares with 7,865 in the week up to the UK 's lockdown .
Independent aviation analyst Martin Evans said there was a `` risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regional airports , just before the lockdown , were hit by the administration of Flybe , '' he said .
`` So they had already lost a substantial amount of income .
`` Now is the start of the period when they should be getting maximum revenue .
If things return to normal by winter , that 's the point they are at their quietest .
`` There is a risk that we could see airports close .
That could mean an airport company folds but that the buildings and facilities are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but there is a risk at the moment . ''
He said airports would still have to cover fixed costs - ranging from management to air traffic control - whether there were flights or not .
• Who is still flying ?
Julian Bray , an aviation expert and broadcaster , said some grounded aircraft may `` never return to the skies '' .
He said systems would need to be thoroughly serviced before they could fly again .
Mr Bray added : `` We will see some smaller airports go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be arranged . ''
He said he expected passenger numbers to be low even when restrictions were lifted as people choose not to travel .
`` Some are getting one or two departures a day , but it is pretty bleak at the moment . ''
EasyJet said it expected a pre-tax loss of between £185m and £205m for the six months to 31 March , although this would mark an improvement after a £275m loss in the same period a year earlier .
It has said it is likely to keep its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain social distancing triggered by the pandemic .
• 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 What are airports doing instead ?
Heathrow Airport would normally see an average of 1,400 take-offs and landings per day .
In the week before the UK went into lockdown 2,432 flights were tracked departing the airport by Flightradar24 while last week there were just 464 .
For some airports , almost all passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham Airport said traffic was down 90 % .
`` Birmingham Airport remains open to support any airlines that need to carry out aircraft maintenance checks , emergency flights and cargo , and we will continue to remain open for any airlines which need to use Birmingham as an arrival or departure point , '' she said .
`` We are following government advice regarding social distancing to safeguard our employees and customers.
`` She said remaining passenger flights included repatriation services arriving from Pakistan plus some services to Dublin and Amsterdam .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being used for a temporary mortuary with space for about 1,500 bodies and the site is also close to the West Midlands ' new Nightingale hospital at the NEC .
A spokesman for Manchester Airports Group , which runs Manchester , Stansted and East Midlands airports , said : `` Every airport in the UK has seen an unforeseen , rapid and significant reduction in passenger numbers .
`` MAG has already acted quickly to protect jobs and secure its long term future by cutting costs across the group .
MAG faces into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial position , with supportive shareholders . ''
He said East Midlands Airport was currently one of the top 10 busiest airports in Europe by flight numbers because of its cargo operation , with volumes `` as high as they would be in a normal month '' but passenger numbers down `` very significantly on normal levels '' .
Newcastle Airport has limited its hours of operation and currently has one commercial flight per day , four days a week , operating between Newcastle and Amsterdam as well as one-off military , freight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measures taken so far by the government to support businesses through this difficult time but hope there will be further help provided , '' a spokeswoman said .
At Belfast International , there have been no passenger flights since EasyJet grounded services in March .
A spokeswoman said the airport remained open and `` appropriately staffed '' .
`` Passenger flights are effectively limited to round-the-clock medical emergency flights , '' she said .
`` Our extensive lifeline nightly cargo operations continue to provide the vital supplies required by the core health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging of times . ''
Medical flights include passengers who need to go to Great Britain for treatment , not related to coronavirus , while cargo flights go mainly to the East Midlands and Stansted airports and include Royal Mail services .
Bristol Airport is `` assisting with repatriation , medical , military and other essential movements , '' a spokeswoman said .
The Centre for Cities think tank estimates one in five jobs in areas that depend on the aviation industry are vulnerable to the economic impacts of Covid-19 .
The economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely to be hardest hit , the report states .
The town has a large share of employees working in the aviation and aircraft manufacturing industries .

"There is a risk that we could see airports close. That could mean an airport company folds but that the buildings and facilities are still there and someone else would take over, but there is a risk at the moment."


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Captain Tom sent thousands of 100th birthday cards

A war veteran who raised millions for the NHS has been sent more than 25,000 birthday cards .
Captain Tom Moore , 99 , raised more than £27m by completing 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday .
The South Midlands Mail Centre has dealt with 25,000 cards , but that number could rise ahead of Capt Tom 's birthday on 30 April .
Centre manager Stephen James said : `` None of the team have ever known one person receive so much mail . ''
With the aid of a walking frame , Capt Tom completed 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loop in his garden in Marston Moretaine , Bedfordshire , in 10-lap sessions .
The Northampton-based mail centre , which deals with his post , has adapted equipment to deal with the number of cards .
Staff have re-programmed sorting machines to re-route his mail into a dedicated collection box .
At peak speed , the machines can process 40,000 pieces of mail an hour .
Gareth Eales , area representative for the Communications Workers Union , said workers expected to deal with hundreds of thousands of cards over the coming days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been an inspiration to us all '' .
`` This is a time for heroes , which Captain Tom and all key workers certainly are , '' he said .
Royal Mail will be using a special postmark wishing Capt Tom a happy 100th birthday .
It will appear on all stamped mail across the UK starting next week .
Capt Tom began raising funds to thank the `` magnificent '' NHS staff who helped him with treatment for cancer and a broken hip .
Tributes and messages of congratulations have poured in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while a petition has been set up for him to receive a knighthood .
He said the amount raised was `` an absolutely fantastic sum of money '' .
He has since launched a released a cover version of You 'll Never Walk Alone with Michael Ball and the NHS Voices of Care Choir .
His daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore has called him `` a beacon of hope in dark times '' .
The veteran said plans for his 100th birthday party had been affected by the pandemic , but that the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` a party enough for me '' .
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The veteran said plans for his 100th birthday party had been affected by the pandemic, but that the national outpouring of love and support for him was "a party enough for me".


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Primark goes from £650m sales a month to nothing

Clothing giant Primark has gone from making £650m in sales a month to nothing as the coronavirus has forced it to close in Europe and the US .
Primark owner Associated British Foods `` has been squarely in the path of this pandemic , '' said boss George Weston .
Without furlough support from European states , many of Primark 's 68,000 staff would have been made redundant , he said .
The company has also written down the value of its clothing stock by £284m .
`` From making sales of £650m each month , since the last of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have sold nothing , '' Mr Weston said .
He added that while he would `` love '' to be able to reopen Primark stores , `` I know that we must not do so until we have suppressed this disease '' .
Mr Weston also also said that when stores can reopen , `` we must make our Primark stores safe for our staff and our customers , even if that means ensuring there are fewer people shopping at any one time and so accepting lower sales at least until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In time we can rebuild the profits .
We ca n't replace the people we lose . ''
Mr Weston paid tribute to two workers at AB Foods who within the last three weeks have died from coronavirus .
Mario Marioli worked for 40 years at a yeast plant the firm owns in Italy , and Claudio Maini worked at Italian balsamic vinegar maker Acetum for 20 years .
AB Foods said it had paid Primark 's suppliers for stock it has received and will set up a fund to ensure workers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move comes at a time when competing retailers have asked suppliers for payment holidays and cuts .
Earlier this month , New Look said it would suspend payments to suppliers for existing stock `` indefinitely '' , telling them in a letter that the stock can be collected by its owners .
AB Foods is cash-rich by comparison with many companies with a High Street presence .
It has £801m in cash and a £1.09bn loan agreed , which it has recently drawn down in case banks have trouble lending in the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak As well as Primark , Associated British Foods owns food brands including Twinings tea , Blue Dragon sauces and Ovaltine .
For these and other businesses outside Primark , the company has kept its financial forecasts for the year the same .
However , while many clothing rivals have been able to makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cards through its website .
This is a big problem for AB Foods as Primark usually contributes about two-thirds of the company 's profits .
`` Although AB Foods derives some benefit from product and geographical diversification in other parts of the group , the impact of the loss of Primark income , even if temporary , is a major blow , '' said Richard Hunter , head of markets at Interactive Investor .
The shares fell 4.2 % in London trading to 1,903.5 pence apiece , valuing the firm at about £15bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pence each in February .
Overall , it said net profit for the first half of the year fell to £217m from £389m .
`` Our food businesses have continued production at all facilities , maintaining their essential output to support the food , animal feed and pharmaceutical supply chains .
This has been and remains a key priority for us , '' said Mr Weston .
• Cath Kidston 's brand and online shop has been bought by a company owned by Baring Private Equity Asia , while the physical stores are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • John Lewis says sales at its department stores are down 17 % since the middle of March , while trading at Waitrose supermarkets has risen .

The chain, which was founded in 1969, does not have an online store or offer click-and-collect services for its products. The firm has previously said this is because it would not be able to keep prices for its clothing as low if it offered home delivery.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Neil Black: Former UK Athletics performance director dies aged 60

Neil Black , the former performance director of UK Athletics , has died aged 60 , the organisation has confirmed .
Black , who worked closely with Mo Farah throughout his career , became performance director in September 2012 .
He left his position in 2019 after coach Alberto Salazar was banned for four years for doping violations .
A statement released on Tuesday said Black died at the weekend and UK Athletics said it was `` shocked and saddened '' at the news .
`` Neil loved the sport of athletics and dedicated his life to supporting athletes - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sport science , and then in recent years as performance director for British Athletics , '' the statement continued .
Ed Warner , former UK Athletics chairman , described Black 's death as `` an immense loss to British high performance sport and to athletics in particular '' .
Warner added : `` It was a great privilege to work with him , and to share the highs and lows of British teams through the cycles of major competitions .
I 'll particularly treasure our celebratory clinch in the mixed zone at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the London 2017 World Championships .
`` Neil bore the barbs of the critics that are an inevitable part of the job of any leader in elite performance sport with a grace and sense of humour that were truly a mark of the man .
`` He wanted to lead the British teams into Tokyo .
He wo n't now be able to cheer their successes there .
`` But I am certain there are British athletes who will win medals in Olympics and championships to come who will look back with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in preparing them for their success .
He will be greatly missed . ''
Black was a physiotherapist with UK Athletics before moving up through the organisation 's ranks .
He worked with Farah as the athlete won 5,000m and 10,000m gold at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics .
Black made the decision to step down as performance director in October 2019 after the banning of Salazar , who coached Farah from 2011 to 2017 , and who was appointed as a consultant by UK Athletics in 2013 .
UK Athletics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there was `` no concern '' about Salazar 's link with Farah .
In 2015 , the United States Anti-Doping Agency ( Usada ) began an investigation into how Salazar ran the Nike Oregon Project .
Usada 's move followed a BBC Panorama investigation .
Salazar has always denied that the Nike Oregon Project permitted doping , saying he was `` shocked '' by Usada 's findings , and he is appealing against the ban .
UK Athletics said that Black continued to work as an adviser to several athletes following his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sotherton tweeted : `` He came everywhere with me and made sure I was held together physically and mentally .
So many things I want to say ...
I 'll miss you forever Neil Black . ''
Chris Tomlinson , the former British long jumper , also paid tribute on social media : `` Such sad news to hear of the passing of Neil Black .
He was both my physio and team manager for many years .
RIP . ''
Five-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft wrote : `` Such a great guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me and see how I was getting on when he passed me , and always took a true interest in my training and in my sport .
RIP Neil , you 'll be missed . ''
British pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw said : `` This news is so sad .
Neil was such a special and incredible person who did so much for myself and athletics in the UK .
Tremendous leader , sensational personality and just a genuinely nice guy .
Neil you will be missed - rest in peace .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tribute : `` Such terribly sad news .
Neil was always so supportive and knew how to bring a team of athletes together and make us feel at ease , especially at major champs .
Rest in Peace , my thoughts are with his loved ones . ''

Neil Black was appointed performance director at UK Athletics in 2012
Neil Black, the former performance director of UK Athletics, has died aged 60, the organisation has confirmed.
Black, who worked closely with Mo Farah throughout his career, became performance director in September 2012.
He left his position in 2019 after coach Alberto Salazar was banned for four years for doping violations.
British four-time Olympic champion Farah paid tribute on Twitter, saying: "I have lost a good friend. Known him since I was 14 years old."
Farah added: "Neil supported me all the way in my career since I was kid. My heart is broken. I wouldn't be where I am today without Neil Black. No-one knew me like he did. We lost a great man."
A UK Athletics statement released on Tuesday said Black died at the weekend; the organisation said it was "shocked and saddened" at the news.
"Neil loved the sport of athletics and dedicated his life to supporting athletes - as a world-class physiotherapist, as head of sport science, and then in recent years as performance director for British Athletics," the statement continued.
Ed Warner, former UK Athletics chairman, described Black's death as "an immense loss to British high performance sport and to athletics in particular".
Warner added: "It was a great privilege to work with him, and to share the highs and lows of British teams through the cycles of major competitions. I'll particularly treasure our celebratory clinch in the mixed zone at the Olympic Stadium after the last session of the London 2017 World Championships.
"Neil bore the barbs of the critics that are an inevitable part of the job of any leader in elite performance sport with a grace and sense of humour that were truly a mark of the man.
"He wanted to lead the British teams into Tokyo. He won't now be able to cheer their successes there.
"But I am certain there are British athletes who will win medals in Olympics and championships to come who will look back with enormous gratitude at the role Neil played in preparing them for their success. He will be greatly missed."
Black was a physiotherapist with UK Athletics before moving up through the organisation's ranks.
He worked with Farah as the athlete won 5,000m and 10,000m gold at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics.
Black made the decision to step down as performance director in October 2019 after the banning of Salazar, who coached Farah from 2011 to 2017, and who was appointed as a consultant by UK Athletics in 2013.
UK Athletics had conducted a review in 2015 and said there was "no concern" about Salazar's link with Farah.
In 2015, following a BBC Panorama programme, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) began an investigation into how Salazar ran the Nike Oregon Project.
Salazar has always denied that the Nike Oregon Project permitted doping, saying he was "shocked" by Usada's findings, and he is appealing against the ban.
UK Athletics said that Black continued to work as an adviser to several athletes following his resignation.
'You'll be missed' - tributes to Black
World champion Dina Asher-Smith said on social media: "Incredibly sad and shocking news. I really can't believe it. He was a genuinely lovely, caring and kind-hearted man whose sense of humour and positivity would light up a room. Rest in peace Neil; you'll be dearly missed by all and my thoughts are with your family at this time."
Former heptathlon bronze medallist Kelly Sotherton tweeted: "He came everywhere with me and made sure I was held together physically and mentally. So many things I want to say... I'll miss you forever Neil Black."
Chris Tomlinson, the former long jumper, also paid tribute on social media: "Such sad news to hear of the passing of Neil Black. He was both my physio and team manager for many years. RIP."
Five-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft wrote: "Such a great guy, always made time to come chat to me and see how I was getting on when he passed me, and always took a true interest in my training and in my sport. RIP Neil, you'll be missed."
Pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw said: "This news is so sad. Neil was such a special and incredible person who did so much for myself and athletics in the UK. Tremendous leader, sensational personality and just a genuinely nice guy. Neil you will be missed - rest in peace."
Paralympic champion Jo Butterfield said: "What a shock to wake up to this news this morning. Thoughts are with his loved ones right now. One of the most genuine caring men… always made time for everyone."
High jumper Morgan Lake added her tribute: "Such terribly sad news. Neil was always so supportive and knew how to bring a team of athletes together and make us feel at ease, especially at major championships. Rest in Peace, my thoughts are with his loved ones."
Paralympic champion Aled Sion Davies said: "Horrendous news, great man, full of passion…life really is too short."


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Leicester baby who tested positive back home

A baby who tested positive for Covid-19 aged 11 weeks old has returned home and is `` doing brilliantly '' , his mum said .
Ares Banister 's mum Jodie feared for his life when he developed a high temperature and was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary last week .
He spent four days in hospital but she was told he could go back home to recover on Thursday .
Mrs Banister , 30 , told the BBC hearing the news was `` the best thing in the whole world '' .
`` I was so so grateful that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucky ones , '' she said .
`` It was a massive relief . ''
She said she wanted to thank the nurses and NHS staff who looked after Ares and the family and made them feel `` cared about '' .
`` They were brilliant , they did everything they could for him , '' she said .
Ares was first taken to hospital on Monday of last week with a high temperature and high heart rate .
He spent a couple of days on a drip on a ward before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had been an `` awful , scary '' experience but she knew Ares had reached a turning point on Thursday when he woke up smiling .
He was allowed to leave that afternoon .
`` I just cried when I saw that smile , '' she said .
`` He 's doing absolutely brilliantly now .
`` Still a bit of a sniffle , but nothing worse than a normal illness .
I 'm sure everything will be fine . ''
She said believed her son , who has no known underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from her husband Christian , a key worker in distribution for a supermarket .
Mrs Banister thinks her husband may have brought the virus back , without symptoms , despite all his efforts to avoid doing so .
She appealed for people to `` just to stay at home '' if they could .
`` It 's not just about you but the people you are affecting , '' she added .
`` Age does n't matter . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"I was so so grateful that we were going to be one of the lucky ones," she said. "It was a massive relief."


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: We haven't paid our rent, says Burger King boss

The chief executive of Burger King UK has said the fast-food chain has not made its rent payments for April .
Alasdair Murdochtold the BBC 's Today programmethat he could not see the firm paying for some time to come .
Burger King is one of several High Street restaurant chains to have asked the chancellor for a nine-month rent holiday during the coronavirus crisis .
Without it , some two million hospitality jobs are at risk , warned bar owner Jonathan Downey .
As well as Burger King , Mr Downey has persuaded bosses at other chains such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plea .
`` The idea is fairly simple and wo n't cost the taxpayer a thing , '' Mr Downey said .
No-one in the industry `` expects to get back to anything like normal until mid-2021 at the earliest , '' he said .
`` Without some extraordinary next measures we estimate that more than half of hospitality businesses and as many as two million jobs will not survive , '' he warned .
Burger King has more than 500 UK restaurants and Mr Murdoch warned last month the chain would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It looks very difficult for us to be saying that we 're actually going to be paying next month 's or even next quarter 's rent , because we have no sales .
`` And I think that 's the same for a lot of people in the industry . ''
He added : `` I think the landlords are perfectly sympathetic , but there are also evidently ones who are reasonably threatening when they come back to us as well . ''
Under Mr Downey 's idea - called the # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent would be pushed back so that restaurants pay nothing until the first quarter of 2021 .
`` Leases are extended by nine months so that those payments are n't lost , just postponed to the back-end , '' said Mr Downey , who owns bars Milk & Honey and London Union in the capital .
Landlords would be helped too , under the plan , `` with the same push back for them on the next nine months of their loan repayments '' .
The proposal includes other protections and support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to businesses that have been forced to close by government order , said Mr Downey .
`` It is now clear that hospitality businesses , having been the first and hardest hit by the virus , will now be the last allowed to reopen . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 14 other restaurant bosses and supported by trade associations such as UK Hospitality , the Music Venue Trust , the Night Time Industries Association and UK Active .
`` Rents are a major issue for hospitality businesses - arguably the biggest threat at a time when most have no revenue , '' said Kate Nicholls , chief executive of UKHospitality .
`` We need to come up with a solution to this collectively , to ensure that hospitality businesses , who have already been battered , do n't have to suffer more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business bosses that have co-signed the plea come from Burger King , D & D , Dishoom , Gordon Ramsay Group , Gymbox , Harts Group , Hawksmoor , JKS Restaurants , Leon , Living Ventures , Nando 's , The Breakfast Club , Tortilla , and Wahaca .
`` While the existing measures being taken by the government go some way to offer a lifeline to our industry , it 's crucial that support and protection is extended to landlords as well as tenants of commercial premises , in order to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopefully not-too-distant future , '' said Mark Selby , chief executive of Wahaca .
Some major landlords , like Canary Wharf Group , have also confirmed they support the plan .
However , Melanie Leech , who runs landlords group the British Property Federation , said missing out on nine months ' rent would be a significant loss for an industry that has a rent bill of £2.5bn each quarter .
But Mr Downey said : `` It 's a solution that allows businesses to work through the next nine months towards a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another government handout . ''
`` We have to find a way to make this work for everyone and , although this is early stages , it feels like an answer . ''
A government spokesperson said : `` We 've taken action at unprecedented speed to support businesses , jobs and our economy through these challenging times .
This includes targeted support for the hospitality sector with business rates holidays and cash grants of up to £25,000 for eligible firms .
`` Pubs and restaurants can also benefit from our other business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retention scheme , VAT deferrals and protection from eviction for commercial tenants affected by coronavirus .
`` We would encourage any business that is struggling to find out more about the support available to them on gov.uk/business-support . ''

"While the existing measures being taken by the government go some way to offer a lifeline to our industry, it's crucial that support and protection is extended to landlords as well as tenants of commercial premises, in order to help ensure a return to normality in the hopefully not-too-distant future," said Mark Selby, chief executive of Wahaca.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Key workers are clapped and cheered, but what are they paid?

Every Thursday evening the UK is clapping for NHS staff , carers and other key workers .
But many are on low pay .
Labour leader Keir Starmer said that many key workers are `` overlooked and underpaid '' , while the Liberal Democrats have called for front-line health and care workers to receive a £29-a-day reward .
Key workers are the individuals recognised by the government as being critical to the running of the country , ranging from NHS and care workers to delivery drivers and shop workers .
How much are they paid ?
Across the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is £30,353 .
We use the median income - the salary right in the middle of all employees - because , unlike the ( mean ) average , it does n't get pushed up by the small amount of extremely well-paid individuals at the top .
It can therefore be seen as a better indicator of the `` typical '' income .
The Office for National Statistics ' annual earnings survey provides a detailed picture of key workers ' pay , as well as higher and lower pay brackets .
The following chart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - sit in the salary range .
But 20 % of people in each profession earn less than the bottom of this range .
And 20 % earn more than the top of the range .
And in many cases , those starting out earn significantly less than the bottom of the range - police officers can expect a salary of around £25,400 a year to start with and the lowest NHS pay band for a nurse is under £20,000 .
The average full-time cashier , shop assistant , care worker , food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all earn below the median income .
Nurses and primary teachers are paid just above the median income , while doctors and pharmacists earn substantially above it .
However , working out average salaries is an inexact science with various factors affecting pay - like overtime , part-time work or extra money for working in an expensive area .
Low income employees , for example , are more likely to work part-time or hour-by-hour ( such as through zero-hour contracts ) .
This means a large number will not earn anything close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • 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 The ONS estimates that the hourly pay for a care worker , cashier or shelf stacker is under £9 - which is more or less in line with the minimum wage ( £8.72 for those aged 25 and over ) .
But that falls short of what the Living Wage Foundation charity calculates is necessary to meet basic needs .
It recommends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to analysis by the BBC 's Shared Data Unit , hundreds of thousands of key workers earn below that .
The government plays a large role in the pay of individuals working in the public sector - that 's anyone whose job is directly funded by taxes .
Police officers , nurses , civil servants and teachers all have representatives who work with government departments , unions and other groups to come up with annual recommendations on how much pay should change .
The government sets `` remits '' on these boards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public sector pay was either frozen or capped at 1 % , as part of the government 's austerity measures aimed at reducing the deficit .
This meant that as prices increased with inflation , salaries did not keep up .
The government has less control over private sector pay .
This includes people who work in transport , supermarkets , postal and courier services .
It also includes most care home staff and any services ( such as cleaning or catering ) the NHS might outsource .
The government does not directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower taxes , provide benefits and increase the minimum wage .
Will there be a change to pay ?
The government has made no direct pledge on key worker pay during the coronavirus crisis .
NHS salaries have already been set for this year as part of a three-year package established in 2018 .
This will have seen most NHS staff receive a minimum pay increase of 6.5 % over the three years , but some lower paid staff receive substantially more .
Other pay boards have not given their recommendations for 2020-21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector pay include : • Most police officers received a 2 % pay increase in 2018-19 , and a further 2.5 % increase in 2019-20 .
• Teachers were given up to a 3.5 % increase in pay in 2018-19 school year and 2.75 % in 2019-20 Additionally , the minimum hourly wage increased by 51p on 1 April , although the increase was less once we account for inflation .
The Conservatives pledged to increase this to £10.50 by 2024 , which would see weekly minimum wage salaries increase by £80 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some private companies , including supermarkets and delivery services , have already increased pay for staff during the coronavirus crisis .

The ONS estimates that the hourly pay for a care worker, cashier or shelf stacker is under £9 - which is more or less in line with the minimum wage (£8.72 for those aged 25 and over). But that falls short of what the Living Wage Foundation charity calculates is necessary to meet basic needs. It recommends £9.50 - or £10.85 in London.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: How big is the problem in care homes?

The government has promised to step up testing for coronavirus in care homes where symptoms of the virus have been found .
But is it possible to get accurate figures about the scale of the problem ?
How many deaths have there been in care homes ?
This is difficult to calculate - there are more than 15,000 care homes in England , compared with about 200 hospitals .
There is a two-week time lag in the data collected for official statistics .
The most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics are for the week ending 10 April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 1,042 Covid-19-related deaths in care homes in England and Wales .
This means that about 10 % of all COVID-19 deaths to that point had occurred in care homes - a high proportion , considering they house less than 1 % of the country 's population .
But figures from the National Care Forum ( NCF ) , which represents not-for-profit care homes and 7.4 % of individuals in residential and nursing homes , suggests the figure could be much higher .
It said that , up to 13 April , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across those specific homes .
From this they estimated that nationally , the number could be as high as 4,040 deaths .
The NCF research includes confirmed and suspected cases of Covid-19 .
Until recently only the first few people with symptoms in each care home were tested to confirm the virus .
Not all suspected cases will be recorded in official statistics The time delay in these statistics has led some politicians to call for efforts to be made to provide daily figures , as with hospital deaths .
In Scotland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths recorded up to 12 April were in care homes .
England 's care home regulator , the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) , already has to be notified when there is a death in a care home .
It is also now asking care providers to give daily updates on deaths and the number of confirmed and suspected coronavirus cases .
How many people live in care homes ?
Most care homes in the UK are privately run , and there is no official data on the exact number of residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residential and nursing homes providing support for older and disabled people in England , with an estimated 457,361 beds available .
Occupancy rates seem to be about 90 % which would suggest there are about 411,000 people living in care homes in England and Wales .
At the 2011 census , 60 % of the elderly care home population were 85 or older - but this is now likely to be higher , given the ageing population .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive care in their own homes ?
Each week in the UK , it is estimated that 540,000 people receive support in their own home .
That adds up to a million home-care visits happening each day .
What 's provided on these visits can range from help going to the toilet , to preparing a meal or support with medication .
Care workers can at times see up to 20 clients during a day .
This has raised concerns about the danger of spreading coronavirus if the workers do not have enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How much PPE do social care staff have ?
The government 's advice to care homes on personal protective equipment ( PPE ) is almost identical to that given to hospital workers - they should have single-use disposable gloves , aprons and face masks .
Care providers have been saying for some weeks that it is difficult to get enough of these items to keep their staff and clients safe .
The government says it has already delivered seven million items of PPE , meaning every registered care home should have received 300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 34 million items of PPE were authorised to be released to care homes via local authorities ( although some equipment was earmarked for other key services ) .
These items include eight million aprons , four million masks and 20 million pairs of gloves .
The government has also released £1.6bn of funding to local authorities - which are in charge of providing social care - with instructions that most of this should reach the adult social-care sector .
How many tests are being carried out in care homes ?
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has now announced that as laboratory capacity increases , all care home residents who develop symptoms will be tested .
So far , only the first five residents in a care home who show symptoms of coronavirus are tested to confirm whether there is an outbreak within a home .
Patients returning to care homes from hospitals will also be tested for Covid-19 , even if they have no symptoms .
Testing was made available to social-care staff just before Easter .
To date , the government has tested 1,000 care staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are currently self-isolating .
The government has said as capacity increases it will roll this out so that every care worker who needs a test can get one .
The care sector has always struggled to recruit enough staff because of its reputation for low pay and a lack of recognition - it 's estimated that there are currently 122,000 full-time equivalent vacancies in England .
Those problems have been made more acute with staff having to self-isolate if they or a member of their family have shown potential symptoms .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quarter of their staff off as a result .
The government says it aims to recruit 20,000 extra social care staff over the next three months .

Coronavirus deaths: How big is the epidemic in care homes? Published 15 May 2020
Image source, Alamy
About a quarter of known coronavirus deaths in Great Britain have happened in care homes, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying he "bitterly regrets" the epidemic and that the government is "working very hard" to tackle it.
How many deaths have there been in care homes?
Up to 1 May, there had been 8,312 deaths in care homes in England and Wales where coronavirus was written on the death certificate, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This represents a quarter of all deaths associated with the virus to that date.
The number increases to 12,526 when care home residents who died outside care homes - such as in hospital - are included.
In Scotland, 1,438 people had died in care homes - or 45% of all deaths.
Northern Ireland currently does not produce similar breakdowns.
The ONS statistics provide the most detailed breakdown of deaths in England and Wales, but because of the challenge of collecting accurate data from 15,000 care homes, they are on a two-week lag.
However, care homes have been hit by an alarming increase in "excess deaths".
These are the number of deaths above the average for the same period in the preceding five years.
While on average April sees about 8,400 deaths in care homes - this year there have been 26,563 deaths in England and Wales, so about 18,000 more than expected.
With only 8,000 of these attributed to coronavirus on death certificates, questions have been raised about what has contributed to the other 10,000 deaths.
Why has coronavirus hit care homes so hard?
According to health guidance, care homes are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of disease for three main reasons:
Infections are able to spread quickly because of close contact between residents
Carers can unintentionally spread the infection where there isn't appropriate protection
Residents are often elderly and have other underlying diseases
More than one in three deaths from coronavirus in Great Britain have been people aged over 85, despite representing just over 2% of the population.
At least 60% of the elderly care home population is aged 85 and over.
What is the problem with PPE?
The government's advice to care homes on personal protective equipment (PPE) is almost identical to that given to hospital workers - they should have single-use disposable gloves, aprons and face masks.
For weeks, care providers have been saying that it is difficult to get enough of these items to keep their staff and clients safe.
The government has said 131 social care staff have died from coronavirus. Separately, the ONS has estimated that care staff are twice as likely to die as healthcare workers.
More than 1.2 billion pieces of PPE have been delivered to health and care settings in England, according to the government.
The government has also released £3.6bn of funding to local authorities - which are in charge of providing social care - with instructions that most of this should reach the adult social care sector.
However, the Local Government Association has warned that with less income available from business rates and parking charges, the funding might not be enough to cover additional costs to tackle the virus.
Getty How many work in care? Numbers for England, 2018 1.2mAdult social care workers giving direct care 465,000 in care and nursing homes
610,000 provide care at people's homes
150,000provide day and community care Source: Skills for Care
How many tests are being carried out in care homes?
There is no regular breakdown, but the government has now announced that as laboratory capacity increases, all care home residents who develop symptoms will be tested.
Patients returning to care homes from hospitals are also meant to be tested for Covid-19, even if they have no symptoms.
The government says all elderly care home staff and residents will have been offered tests by 6 June.
Are staff being tested?
Testing was made available to care staff on 15 April.
The care sector has always struggled to recruit enough staff because of its reputation for low pay and a lack of recognition - it's estimated that there are currently 122,000 full-time equivalent vacancies in England.
Those problems have been made more acute with staff having to self-isolate if they or a member of their family has shown potential coronavirus symptoms.
To prevent the virus spreading between care homes, the government has requested that staff do not work in more than one care home.
But many care staff are on zero-hours contracts or work for agencies, meaning they go wherever there is demand for carers.
The government said on 15 April it aimed to recruit 20,000 extra social care staff over three months.
How many people live in care homes?
Most care homes in the UK are privately run, and there is no official data on the exact number of residents.
The CQC says there are 15,517 residential and nursing homes providing support for older and disabled people in England, with an estimated 457,361 beds available.
Occupancy rates seem to be about 90% which would suggest there are about 411,000 people living in care homes in England and Wales.
How many people receive care in their own homes?
Each week in the UK, it is estimated that 540,000 people receive support in their own home. That adds up to a million home-care visits each day.
What's provided on these visits can range from help going to the toilet, to preparing a meal or support with medication.