bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Why might the R number be higher in Scotland?

The R-value or reproduction number is at the heart of Nicola Sturgeon 's decision not to take Scotland out of lockdown .
What is the R number and why might it be higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK ?
On Thursday , the first minister said it would be `` very , very risky '' for Scotland to ease its lockdown restrictions .
The reason for this ?
`` The all-important R number '' .
Ms Sturgeon says the Scottish government is not confident that `` R '' is comfortably below one , but instead is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the R-value is the average number of people an individual would be expected to infect at a point of time during an epidemic .
It 's broadly a measure of how easy it is to transmit the disease and how many people the infected person is coming into contact with .
The higher the number , the more out of control a disease is - and even small differences in the number can lead to vastly different infection rates .
At R1.1 , 1,000 people could potentially cause the infections of almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at R0.5 , the number of infections would be under 2,500 .
As Covid-19 can be a deadly disease , this in-turn has a direct link to the number of people who will die , which is why politicians are understandably concerned about the number .
Estimates vary , but it 's thought that at the start of the outbreak , the R-value of Covid-19 was about three .
The lockdown measures have helped to drive that figure down - possibly to about 0.7 in the UK as a whole - and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why does the R-value change during an outbreak ?
Rowland Kao , a professor of epidemiology and data science at the University of Edinburgh , says the R-value will change constantly during the course of an outbreak .
He told BBC Scotland the changes relate to three main factors : • Doing different things to prevent the disease from spreading - for example putting lockdown restrictions in place • The number of people around you who have already been infected .
If lots of people around you have had the disease , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to .
This is known as `` herd immunity '' • Seasonality .
We do n't yet know if this matters with Covid-19 , but it does for some diseases , such as the flu At a household level , with four people living together , if one person brings in the infection and they isolate together , the first person could pass it on to a maximum of three others .
The second person to be infected could only pass it on to two others .
R naturally goes down over time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
This is herd immunity .
Why could Scotland 's R value be higher than the rest of the country ?
The fact that Scotland may have a higher R-value is mentioned in the Scottish government 's framework for decision-making around Covid-19 , and Ms Sturgeon has talked about it on more than one occasion .
Prof Kao points out the R-value `` inherently varies '' , depending on the geographical location and the progress of the outbreak .
For instance , where a disease is `` seeded '' could mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start , as there are no control measures in place .
He says that one possible factor in Scotland could be that there are two big cities with lots of people living in tenements .
These are locations with high numbers of people living in close contact , even when lockdown measures are in place .
And although Scotland has many rural and sparsely populated areas , Prof Kao says the R-value is generated from where the disease is , not where it is n't .
It 's very obvious from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Scotland 's Covid-19 outbreak is focused on Glasgow and Edinburgh .
Prof Kao says there is also emerging evidence that deprivation is a big factor in how communities are affected by Covid-19 .
The academic believes we should be asking whether Scotland has places where the level of deprivation is more common than the average , as this could account for the difference in R values .
Deprived areas tend to have people living closer together - making it easier for the disease to transmit - and there are likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in these communities .
Inverclyde , which has the highest number of Covid-19 deaths per 10,000 people in Scotland , also sits at the top of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation .
Is Scotland 'behind the curve ' ?
Ms Sturgeon has said the reason for Scotland 's higher R-value is because it 's `` a bit behind the curve '' .
`` If you think back to the start of this epidemic , Scotland 's first confirmed case came later than the first confirmed case in England , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
This is only `` part of the answer '' , according to Prof Kao .
But he says it could explain the difference in R-value between London and Scotland , arguing that the UK capital has now achieved a level of `` herd immunity '' .
London had coronavirus cases early in the UK outbreak and was hit hard , but the number of cases are now going down .
`` In London it 's likely there are enough infected people that there is less opportunity to infect others , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is further down the curve . ''
Why is R1 the magic number ?
Diseases that have very high R-values - for instance measles , which can have a reproduction rate of 15 in populations without immunity - can cause explosive outbreaks .
Prof Kao says that at R equals to one , a disease becomes stable .
As soon as the reproduction rate moves above one , it becomes unstable and spreads at a much faster rate .
`` That 's why the number one is so critical .
It tells you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease is going away , '' he says .
`` Even if it 's not completely gone , it 's heading in the right direction . ''
There is also good reason to be cautious with R-values .
Analysis that points to a decreasing R number could be the result of getting a `` bit lucky '' one week , he says - which is why leaders want to see the R-value significantly lower than one and remaining there for some time .
Control measures like a lockdown have a strong and instant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's why it 's a big factor in any decisions .
As Ms Sturgeon put it in Thursday 's Covid-19 briefing : `` R must be well below one for a sustained period in order to suppress the virus . ''
What happens to the R-value when a lockdown is lifted or relaxed ?
Inevitably , it goes up .
What 's critical is that there are enough resources to cope with the rise and that it does n't push the disease above one and into instability .
`` What you do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up high enough that it increases the risk of overburdening the health care system and care homes , '' Prof Kao says .
The other danger is that you can also see a `` snowballing '' effect following the relaxation of restrictions , which can create a `` perfect storm '' .
Prof Kao says this could happen in care homes , a system that is already `` highly stressed '' .
There are a finite number of care workers and if they become infected , they isolate .
Because you ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left have to do more .
They spend more time in care homes , circulate around more beds and perhaps even go into different care homes .
This places them at increased risk of being infected and infecting others .
At some point they will become sick and need to isolate - and so it continues .
At the same time , it risks the lives of those most vulnerable to a Covid-19 infection - the elderly residents of the care home .
It 's likely that this is one of the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mind when she says Scotland is not ready to see restrictions eased .
How do you measure the R number ?
There is a lot of complex maths behind R-value calculations , but Prof Kao says that governments will be playing close attention to the number of people dying .
He says that it 's a reliable measure for calculating the R number because you can be reasonably sure that the data is `` robust '' .
If the death rates are higher than elsewhere , it tells you that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Scotland , analysis of Scotland 's death rate show it has been plateauing for some weeks , with only small declines seen in recent days .
However , other areas of the UK are seeing bigger declines .
Prof Kao says this measure could be one of the reasons the Scottish government is continuing to urge caution - a caution which may ultimately put Scotland on a different path to other parts of the UK .
`` If the death rate is plateauing here and in other places it 's going down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease is not as under control , '' he says .

Coronavirus: Why might the R number be higher in Scotland? Published 9 May 2020
Image source, Getty Images
The R-value or reproduction number is at the heart of Nicola Sturgeon's decision not to take Scotland out of lockdown. What is the R number and why might it be higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK?
On Thursday, the first minister said it would be "very, very risky" for Scotland to ease its lockdown restrictions.
The reason for this? "The all-important R number".
Ms Sturgeon says the Scottish government is not confident that "R" is comfortably below one, but instead is "hovering around 1".
Deputy First Minister John Swinney was later more specific, saying the number he had seen on Thursday was 0.8, which he said was "far too close" to 1 for Scotland to be relaxing any lockdown measures.
What is R?
Put simply, the R-value is the average number of people an individual would be expected to infect at a point of time during an epidemic.
It's broadly a measure of how easy it is to transmit the disease and how many people the infected person is coming into contact with.
The higher the number, the more out of control a disease is - and even small differences in the number can lead to vastly different infection rates.
If the R-value is above one then the number of cumulative cases takes off, but if it is below one then eventually the outbreak stops. The further below one, the faster that happens.
As Covid-19 can be a deadly disease, this in-turn has a direct link to the number of people who will die, which is why politicians are understandably concerned about the number.
Estimates vary, but it's thought that at the start of the outbreak, the R-value of Covid-19 was about three.
The lockdown measures have helped to drive that figure down - possibly to about 0.7 in the UK as a whole - and the lower the figure, the better.
Graham Medley, professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, told BBC Newsnight: "We are absolutely sure that R is less than one at the moment, because all the indicators are going downwards. But how far below one it is, is a much more difficult thing to estimate.
"In a sense, we were always in that position. We will never know exactly what that value is. The lower it is the faster we will decrease the numbers of cases. But we are sure it is below one."
Why does the R-value change during an outbreak?
Rowland Kao, a professor of epidemiology and data science at the University of Edinburgh, says the R-value will change constantly during the course of an outbreak.
He told BBC Scotland the changes relate to three main factors:
Doing different things to prevent the disease from spreading - for example putting lockdown restrictions in place The number of people around you who have already been infected. If lots of people around you have had the disease, there are fewer people to pass it on to. This is known as "herd immunity" Seasonality. We don't yet know if this matters with Covid-19, but it does for some diseases, such as the flu
Herd immunity explained in 65 words...
Image source, Getty Images
At a household level, with four people living together, if one person brings in the infection and they isolate together, the first person could pass it on to a maximum of three others. The second person to be infected could only pass it on to two others. R naturally goes down over time. This operates at a community level as well. This is herd immunity.
- Prof Rowland Kao
Why could Scotland's R value be higher than the rest of the country?
The fact that Scotland may have a higher R-value is mentioned in the Scottish government's framework for decision-making around Covid-19, and Ms Sturgeon has talked about it on more than one occasion.
Prof Kao points out the R-value "inherently varies", depending on the geographical location and the progress of the outbreak.
For instance, where a disease is "seeded" could mean it inherits a higher R number right at the start, as there are no control measures in place.
He says that one possible factor in Scotland could be that there are two big cities with lots of people living in tenements.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Having high numbers of people living in densely populated areas can affect the R number
These are locations with high numbers of people living in close contact, even when lockdown measures are in place.
And although Scotland has many rural and sparsely populated areas, Prof Kao says the R-value is generated from where the disease is, not where it isn't.
It's very obvious from the data on confirmed cases and deaths that Scotland's Covid-19 outbreak is focused on Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Prof Kao says there is also emerging evidence that deprivation is a big factor in how communities are affected by Covid-19 .
The academic believes we should be asking whether Scotland has places where the level of deprivation is more common than the average, as this could account for the difference in R values.
Deprived areas tend to have people living closer together - making it easier for the disease to transmit - and there are likely to be more underlying health issues in the people living in these communities.
Inverclyde, which has the highest number of Covid-19 deaths per 10,000 people in Scotland, also sits at the top of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.
Is Scotland 'behind the curve'?
Image source, Getty Images
Ms Sturgeon has said the reason for Scotland's higher R-value is because it's "a bit behind the curve".
"If you think back to the start of this epidemic, Scotland's first confirmed case came later than the first confirmed case in England," she told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland this week.
This is only "part of the answer", according to Prof Kao.
But he says it could explain the difference in R-value between London and Scotland, arguing that the UK capital has now achieved a level of "herd immunity".
London had coronavirus cases early in the UK outbreak and was hit hard, but the number of cases are now going down.
"In London it's likely there are enough infected people that there is less opportunity to infect others," Prof Kao says.
"London is further down the curve."
Why is R1 the magic number?
Diseases that have very high R-values - for instance measles, which can have a reproduction rate of 15 in populations without immunity - can cause explosive outbreaks.
Prof Kao says that at R equals to one, a disease becomes stable. As soon as the reproduction rate moves above one, it becomes unstable and spreads at a much faster rate.
"That's why the number one is so critical. It tells you that if it's below one the disease is going away," he says.
"Even if it's not completely gone, it's heading in the right direction."
There is also good reason to be cautious with R-values.
Analysis that points to a decreasing R number could be the result of getting a "bit lucky" one week, he says - which is why leaders want to see the R-value significantly lower than one and remaining there for some time.
Control measures like a lockdown have a strong and instant effect on the R number and that's why it's a big factor in any decisions.
As Ms Sturgeon put it in Thursday's Covid-19 briefing: "R must be well below one for a sustained period in order to suppress the virus."
What happens to the R-value when a lockdown is lifted or relaxed?
Inevitably, it goes up.
What's critical is that there are enough resources to cope with the rise and that it doesn't push the disease above one and into instability.
"What you don't want it to do is to go up high enough that it increases the risk of overburdening the health care system and care homes," Prof Kao says.
The other danger is that you can also see a "snowballing" effect following the relaxation of restrictions, which can create a "perfect storm".
Prof Kao says this could happen in care homes, a system that is already "highly stressed".
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Almost 60% of Covid-19 deaths in Scotland are now in care homes
Here's how Prof Kao explains this snowballing effect:
There are a finite number of care workers and if they become infected, they isolate.
Because you can't instantly make more care workers, those left have to do more. They spend more time in care homes, circulate around more beds and perhaps even go into different care homes.
This places them at increased risk of being infected and infecting others. At some point they will become sick and need to isolate - and so it continues.
At the same time, it risks the lives of those most vulnerable to a Covid-19 infection - the elderly residents of the care home.
It's likely that this is one of the "catastrophic" effects the first minister has in mind when she says Scotland is not ready to see restrictions eased.
How do you measure the R number?
There is a lot of complex maths behind R-value calculations, but Prof Kao says that governments will be playing close attention to the number of people dying.
He says that it's a reliable measure for calculating the R number because you can be reasonably sure that the data is "robust".
If the death rates are higher than elsewhere, it tells you that there is something going on, he says.
In Scotland, analysis of Scotland's death rate show it has been plateauing for some weeks, with only small declines seen in recent days.
Prof Kao says this measure could be one of the reasons the Scottish government is continuing to urge caution - a caution which may ultimately put Scotland on a different path to other parts of the UK.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Making relationships work during lockdown

Quarantine and chill ?
Maybe not .
That 's been the reality for many couples in the UK since lockdown rules - which state we can only leave the house if it is essential - came into place .
Unfortunately , seeing your other half - if you do n't live with them - is n't classed as essential .
The deputy chief medical officer , Dr Jenny Harries , warned that couples could pass on the virus if they continue to visit each other at their individual homes .
She suggested couples `` test '' their relationship and move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place .
'It is n't the fairytale I 'd always dreamed of' One couple who decided to take that test and move in together are 27-year-old Laura Collins and her partner Jon Pearson .
They 've always lived separately during their four-year relationship - both in Cheltenham .
Laura says she could n't think of anything worse than being alone in her flat during the lockdown - so once it was announced the couple decided to move into Jon 's parents ' house in Cornwall .
`` Jon 's currently working in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by teddy bears , Pokemon cards and his old Guitar Hero set - it 's quite funny , '' Laura tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
`` It 's a little bit different to how I pictured us moving in together but it 's nice to be together and have our lunch breaks together in the garden . ''
So what 's it like moving back in with your parents for the first time in eight years - with your girlfriend - during a global pandemic ?
`` We 're not getting on each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tells us .
`` But dad gets annoyed at small things , like if we do n't empty the dishwasher . ''
Jon and Laura never planned on moving to Cornwall , but they 're making the most of it now they 're there .
But it 's not just happy couples like Jon and Laura who took the plunge . '
I moved in with my ex' Yes , you read that right .
Kieran Lineham and AJ James , both 23 , were a couple for four years but split five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good friends '' .
`` It 's not awkward or anything like that - we make jokes about it and so does the family , '' AJ tells Newsbeat .
When there were rumours of a lockdown , AJ asked Kieran where he would prefer to stay : `` For some reason he said he 'd like to live in my mad house for three weeks . ''
So he moved in with her , her parents and her younger brother .
`` I think my family love him more than me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As soon as the lockdown finishes , he 's off .
His dad can have him back , '' AJ says .
They 've both still been working - Kieran is a lorry driver and AJ is a carer for people with special needs .
Kieran says he was , and still is , confused that he was invited over .
The two have been sharing a bed with AJ 's dog , but insist it is unlikely they will get back together .
From London to Paris to New York - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tour the world .
They 've been together for just under a year and live separately - but have been making `` extra effort '' to keep things interesting in lockdown .
So far , it 's been an exploration of museums , visiting the Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art in New York , and the Louvre in Paris online together .
`` It 's cool being able to still see amazing places and travelling the world , albeit through the internet rather than a plane , '' Riya , 23 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by putting on a shirt - which is n't all that common nowadays .
But their relationship is n't all about touring the world .
Tips for keeping your relationship healthy in lockdown 1 .
Give your partner and yourself enough time to look after yourselves .
You can read a book while your husband plays PlayStation , get that space and freedom .
You should n't expect that because you are both at home you should do everything together .
2 .
Romance does n't have to completely disappear just because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make date night at home - have a candlelit dinner , dress up and look good .
3 .
Be honest about any challenges and work towards a solution .
If you think there 's not enough physical intimacy , make time for it .
Do things which connect each other , such as giving a nice massage .
4 .
It 's a chance to be creative , especially if you 're not living with your partner .
Send flowers , meals and thoughtful letters - and surprise one another .
5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to revisit your priorities in life .
Even though it might feel like you 're caged in , it can actually be a great opportunity to connect with your loved ones and do things you could n't do before .
• Sex and coronavirus : What you need to know Riya and Rajeev have also created a reading club for themselves , subscribing to each other 's favourite publications - the New York Times for Riya and Medium for Rajeev - and then discussing what they read .
And Riya 's even taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( he 's a data scientist ) a little better .
`` I was doing a coding tutorial to find out more .
And now I kind of understand .
It was cool to learn and a good skill , '' she says .
They say all these activities have been important for their relationship .
`` It 's nice to do these interesting things rather than just staying at home , because then you get a bit negative and start bugging each other about the situation you 're in , '' Rajeev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making each other feel good and having new shared experiences . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

1. Give your partner and yourself enough time to look after yourselves. You can read a book while your husband plays PlayStation, get that space and freedom. You shouldn't expect that because you are both at home you should do everything together.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Challenge of reshaping UK cities after lockdown

The UK government is urging the public to walk and cycle to work instead of using public transport or driving .
It comes as people across the UK have told BBC News they are finding it impossible to stay safe outside because our cities were not built for social distancing .
How we will travel while maintaining social distancing is one of the biggest challenges the government faces as it seeks to start to lift the lockdown .
It has led communities , UK transport groups and public health experts to call for radical changes - some already happening globally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions and cycle networks .
Such changes would prevent further waves of infections , improve air quality and public health , and help countries achieve their climate goals , they say .
The decline in road use during the lockdown has seen dramatic falls in air pollution - an unforeseen benefit of the pandemic - as well as quieter roads for cycling .
But social distancing has highlighted the close proximity in which we all live , particularly in urban areas .
In Manchester , Deborah Todd has given up on pavements and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children ; Carrie-Ann Lightley had an accident because pedestrians did not make space for her wheelchair on the pavement in Cumbria ; Julie Taylor has to queue to walk through the narrow alleyway outside her home in Wiltshire .
And in London , Anne Bookless has stopped going outside altogether because there is no room for her wheelchair .
Cycling has increased by 22 % in places such as Greater Manchester , including those key workers commuting by bike where public transport is closed .
When public transport does reopen , capacity will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tube will be able to handle less than 15 % of its pre-pandemic rush hour peak : 50,000 passengers every 15 minutes , compared with 325,000 before , according to leaked documents seen by the BBC .
And if more people travel by car , instead of public transport , road space - already at a premium - will be under even greater pressure .
`` The crisis has exposed how little space is allocated to people - it 's exposed that everyone wants safe streets , '' Chris Boardman , Cycling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says .
The UK is being urged to follow the lead of cities like Paris , Berlin and New York City and install temporary measures to create space for social distancing .
Using temporary traffic orders , councils can widen pavements , install networks of temporary cycle lanes , and close residential streets to through-traffic .
`` If we enable people to travel differently , we will protect them now during the crisis , and afterwards , when the public health benefits of more people exercising and breathing in cleaner air kick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS , '' says Mr Boardman .
• How the virus cleared the world 's most polluted skies But banning cars ignores the needs of many road users , says Duncan Buchanan , policy director at the Road Haulage Association ( RHA ) : `` Selective bans will have detrimental impacts on all other roads , add to congestion and journey times as well as increase pollution and CO2 emissions , '' he argues .
Scientists warn we will need to practise social distancing for at least the next 12-18 months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning commuters will need to find other ways to travel .
There are signs people will turn to their cars in greater numbers than pre-lockdown : 56 % of drivers currently without a car plan to buy one post-lockdown , according to car sales company AutoTrader .
In Wuhan , China , private car usage nearly doubled when lockdown ended , rising from 34 % before the outbreak to 66 % after lockdown .
`` There is an avalanche of private car usage coming if we do n't do something about it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity Possible , which campaigns for green transport .
In the UK 's most polluted urban areas , where two studies suggest the air quality is putting people at higher risk of dying from Covid-19 , there is a heightened sense of urgency .
• Eight ways the lockdown has changed the UK People in cities such as London , Birmingham , and Glasgow are already struggling with respiratory disease and heart attacks linked to air pollution .
If car use soars , it will be catastrophic for public health and well-being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the climate change goals that require a 50 % decline in private car use in the UK .
`` There is a real incentive to keep our respiratory health as good as possible .
Walking and cycling is the way to keep London moving in a safe and socially distanced way , '' says Caroline Russell , London Assembly and Islington councillor for the Green Party .
Just 9 % of people want a total return to pre-lockdown life , according to a YouGov survey .
Most journeys in the UK are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles - meaning that most people could complete them easily by bike if they felt confident and safe .
Habit change is notoriously difficult , according to psychologists , but the crisis has transformed behaviours overnight .
`` We 've got this really precious moment to change how we live and we ca n't let it slip between our fingers .
Let this tragedy re-define , in a positive way , what living in cities is about , '' says Will Butler-Adams , the CEO of UK bike manufacturer Brompton .
British cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making effective changes .
• In Paris , 650km of cycleways are being built , and subsidies offered to cyclists to prepare for the end of lockdown • After motor traffic dropped 30-75 % , Italian city Milan announced plans for a car-free future .
Officials hope to avoid a post-lockdown resurgence in traffic by building cycle lanes , widening pavements and introducing 30kph ( 20mph ) speed limits • In the Lithuanian capital , Vilnius , cafes and bars will be allowed to take over public squares to allow residents to more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US , 75 miles of streets in New York City will be allocated to pedestrian and cyclists • Pedestrians in Brussels , Belgium now have priority and can use the entirety of streets in the city centre , where the speed limit is lowered to 20kph So far , the government has made it easier for councils to close streets to cars , and London has announced its Streetspace Plan to encourage millions more to cycle and walk .
But councillors and planners say more is needed .
`` Local councils are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the government itself needs to lead , '' says Adam Tranter , Cycling Mayor for the city of Coventry .
In London , a group of women calling themselves the Tactical Urbanistas took matters into their own hands .
Last week they widened the pavement outside a busy high street supermarket , using painted circles on the road surface and makeshift barriers of tyres filled with soil and flowers .
Residents in Tower Hamlets welcomed the change and the barriers were applauded on social media , the group say .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tyres , citing safety reasons .
`` London 's streets are not safe for social distancing and a disproportionate amount of space is given to cars at the expense of other road users .
This is a public health risk and needs to be treated urgently , '' Tactical Urbanistas told BBC News .
Plans for building cycle networks already exist - government and local authorities just need to enact them , say numerous experts including Brian Deegan , a street engineer who helped design the London and Manchester cycle networks .
Light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widening pavements would be cheap and quick , he adds .
`` It demands an emergency response .
If residents do n't like the temporary measures , councils can reverse them when the crisis is over .
But history shows people prefer the quieter and cleaner streets , '' he suggests .
Community groups that have long called for greener , sustainable cities hope the pandemic could bring that change .
In Germany , officials concluded that temporary cycle lanes installed in Berlin helped residents observe social distancing measures and had no negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much has been taken away from us , and now people are focussing on the smaller things , '' says Paul Riley , from Transition Liverpool .
`` We 've learnt that it is possible to implement change , if we want it . ''

In Manchester, Deborah Todd has given up on pavements and now walks in the roads with her children; Carrie-Ann Lightley had an accident because pedestrians did not make space for her wheelchair on the pavement in Cumbria; Julie Taylor has to queue to walk through the narrow alleyway outside her home in Wiltshire. And in London, Anne Bookless has stopped going outside altogether because there is no room for her wheelchair.


bbcuk--2020-05-08--VE Day in Belfast: Rare footage shows crowds lining Royal Avenue

Rare footage showing crowds of people gathered in Belfast City Centre during VE Day 75 years ago has emerged for @ @ @ @ @ footage was taken by an air raid warden based in the city and shows people @ @ @ @ @ War Two , with Royal Avenue and Donegall Place packed with people .

Rare footage showing crowds of people gathered in Belfast City Centre during VE Day 75 years ago has emerged for the first time.
The footage was taken by an air raid warden based in the city and shows people celebrating the end of World War Two, with Royal Avenue and Donegall Place packed with people.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--ICYMI: Penguin chicks and new dining ideas

Penguins at a zoo in Chicago have been able to wander around the aquarium they are in after human visitors @ @ @ @ @ .

Some of the stories from around the world that you may have missed this week.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--The Papers: 'Never give up', and all arrivals to be quarantined

Newspaper headlines : 'Never give up ' and all arrivals to the UK to be quarantined '' Never Give Up , Never Despair '' is the headline chosen by both the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mirror in front pages dominated by yesterday 's VE Day commemorations , and the Queen 's address to the nation .
Her message of hope - `` Our Streets are not empty .
They are filled with love '' - is the Daily Mail 's takeaway from the speech , which it describes as `` soaring '' and `` electrifying '' .
Pictures tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun 's special souvenir cover reflects how commemorations were restricted .
A black and white photo from 1945 shows the crowds gathered in front of Buckingham Palace to celebrate victory in Europe .
It blends into a photo taken of the palace yesterday - in full colour , but with no crowds .
The Guardian 's front page goes with a striking image of people dressed up in 1940s-style clothes on a Chester street yesterday - all at an appropriate social distance .
Columnist Jonathan Freedland 's view on the muted commemorations : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Daily Express gives much coverage to personal experience , publishing a photo of 92-year-old Lou Myers - a veteran of World War Two who insisted on attending the cenotaph yesterday .
The paper reports that , as he stood in tribute with his head bowed , there were only a few paramedics present to applaud his huge effort .
Away from VE Day , details of what measures to ease lockdown may be announced this weekend are the focus .
`` Furlough phase out plan takes shape '' is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front page suggests the Treasury is considering a softer exit from the current scheme than had originally planned and that ministers have signalled it will be phased out gradually over the summer , with some workers allowed to return part-time .
It points out that officials say no decision has yet been taken , but it suggests an announcement could be made on Tuesday .
`` All arrivals to be quarantined '' is the headline of the Times as it details how Boris Johnson 's expected to announce that almost all people travelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in self-isolation from next month .
It will , the paper says , put paid to any lingering hopes Britons have of a summer holiday abroad .
The Daily Telegraph 's front page suggests that the prime minister will recommend face masks for all returning workers - and that employers will have to pay for them .
Teachers ' concerns about the re-opening of schools makes the front page of the Guardian .
`` June 1st school plans in doubt '' says the paper , as it reports that unions representing teachers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't back a return to work for their members until a stringent coronavirus test and trace regime is in place .
The Guardian says such demands make it unlikely that the 1 June deadline floated by officials last week could be met .

"Furlough phase out plan takes shape" is the claim of the Financial Times. Its front page suggests the Treasury is considering a softer exit from the current scheme than had originally planned and that ministers have signalled it will be phased out gradually over the summer, with some workers allowed to return part-time. It points out that officials say no decision has yet been taken, but it suggests an announcement could be made on Tuesday.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus lockdown hits Fishlake flood recovery efforts

Residents hit by devastating floods six months ago have had work on their homes delayed by the coronavirus pandemic .
The village of Fishlake , near Doncaster , was evacuated in November when the nearby River Don burst its banks , flooding approximately 160 homes and businesses .
Work had started to repair some homes , but it has ground to a halt because of the lockdown .
Some residents have been spending lockdown away from home or in caravans .
Heavy rain during the winter caused the flooding across the north of England and the Midlands , with South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There has been criticism of insurance companies and some homes are still not completely dried out .
Since the floods , mental health nurse Joanne Ambler has been living in a caravan on her drive - and the coronavirus crisis means she now has to work there too .
`` The house is ready but here 's no kitchen , no carpets , no furniture and obviously the shops are closed so you ca n't go buy any , '' she said .
`` You 've no choice , you 've got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a firm believer there 's always somebody worse off than yourself , we may not be in the house but we 're in the caravan , we 're here on the doorstep . ''
After an eight week wait for insurers to remove the contents of their flooded home , work finally began on Dave and Sandra Liddle 's property .
However , the work has been put on hold because of the lockdown restrictions and they said they were `` resigned '' to staying another three months in the nearby town of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Once they got started it was going very well and then the coronavirus lockdown and everything just stopped .
`` We 're just in limbo , same as everybody else at the moment . ''
Pam Webb became one of the public faces of the Fishlake floods , memorably breaking down in tears on TV after learning she was not covered by insurance .
She worked throughout the Christmas period to get her spa hotel back up and running in the New Year .
However , Ms Webb admitted to having `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the lockdown came into force in March .
• How can we stop our village flooding again ?
• More news and stories from across Yorkshire She said : `` You can not help feeling worried - will the business survive this second closure so soon after the closure brought about due to the floods ? ''
Ms Webb said the village was committed to supporting each other `` just like we did during the floods '' , using the support groups established during that time .
Church warden Peter Pridham said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fishlake while on their daily exercise , picking up flood litter from the river banks while continuing to uphold social distancing guidelines .
Mr Pridham said : `` As far as I know the village has so far escaped any Covid-19 related deaths , but it is not a pretty picture , what has happened here will undoubtedly affect the character of the village for many years to come . ''
He also highlighted the problems people have been having with insurance companies and said this was having a `` significant '' effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Labour MP for Doncaster North , Ed Miliband , said he had been working with constituents throughout the coronavirus crisis to try to get them back in their homes as soon as possible .
`` I am incredibly sorry for what so many people are still going through , '' he said .
`` The floods were bad enough but I 'm afraid some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too penny pinching .
`` Yes , it 's been made worse by the Covid lockdown , which has necessarily delayed the work , but in too many cases my constituents have n't been treated fairly . ''
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Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"You've no choice, you've got to get on with it, I'm a firm believer there's always somebody worse off than yourself, we may not be in the house but we're in the caravan, we're here on the doorstep."


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson to launch Covid-19 alert system

A Covid-19 alert system is set to be launched by the government in England to track the virus , the prime minister is expected to announce on Sunday .
The system will rank the threat level from coronavirus on a scale of one to five and be adjusted according to data .
Boris Johnson is due to give a televised address updating the nation on the progress of lockdown measures .
He is not expected to provide dates for when the restrictions - first announced on 23 March - might change .
The new system will apply to England only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devolved administrations as they develop their own .
It is understood the system - with alerts ranging from green ( level one ) to red ( level five ) - will be similar to the one used to keep the public informed about the terror threat level .
Mr Johnson is expected to say England is currently at stage four but moving towards stage three .
The warning tool - to be administered by a new `` joint biosecurity centre '' - will also reflect the virus threat in different parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one city could differ quite widely from another .
This could inform the local alteration of restrictions in England .
A meeting of the government 's Cobra emergency committee involving the cabinet , devolved nations and the Mayor of London will be held before his televised address on Sunday evening , with the plans to be put before Parliament on Monday .
On Saturday , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps warned the government would proceed with `` extreme caution '' when lifting lockdown measures .
Speaking at the daily coronavirus press conference he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a single leap to freedom '' as he pledged £250m to improve cycling and walking infrastructure across England in the coming weeks .
Mr Shapps also refused to confirm if 14-day quarantines would be introduced for people arriving in the UK , saying he would wait for Mr Johnson to address the nation on Sunday .
Another 346 UK coronavirus deaths were recorded on Saturday , taking the total to 31,587 .
Meanwhile , the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed 50,000 coronavirus test samples were to the US earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A spokesperson said expanding Britain 's virus testing network had involved setting up an `` entirely new '' lab network to process tests , adding `` contingencies '' - such as sending swabs abroad - were in place for when `` problems arise '' .
It comes as the government failed to hit the 100,000 daily testing target for the seventh day running .
There were 96,878 tests delivered in the 24 hours up to 09:00 BST on Friday .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and exercise • FACE MASKS : Should I be wearing one ?

It is understood the system - with alerts ranging from green (level one) to red (level five) - will be adjusted according to data and will be similar to the one used to keep the public informed about the terror threat level.


bbcuk--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: Call for public inquiry into BAME death risk

More than 70 public figures are calling for a full independent public inquiry into deaths from Covid-19 among people from ethnic minority backgrounds .
They have signed a letter to the prime minister calling for more transparency .
Black men and women are nearly twice as likely to die with coronavirus as white people in England and Wales , according to the Office for National Statistics .
`` Only an independent public inquiry will provide the answers we need .
Such an inquiry is essential for all , especially for those who have lost loved ones as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Boris Johnson says .
A scientific review by Public Health England ( PHE ) into the impact of Covid-19 on frontline workers from ethnic minority backgrounds and the wider community is already under way .
The rapid review , which is due to report by the end of the month , will examine health records to try to establish more `` robust '' data on emerging evidence that the virus is having a disproportionate effect on certain groups .
Asked about the PHE review at Saturday 's daily news briefing , deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonathan Van-Tam said the matter was being taken `` incredibly seriously '' .
He added : `` We are determined to get to the bottom of it in a proper and scientific way . ''
• Why are more people from BAME backgrounds dying from coronavirus ?
• Coronavirus cases to be tracked by ethnicity The Office for National Statistics analysis shows the inequality in death rates between black and white people persists after taking into account age , where people live , and some measures of deprivation and prior health .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also had a significantly higher risk of dying .
The Labour Party has announced its own review into coronavirus impact on black , Asian and ethnic minority communities , headed by Baroness Lawrence .
The campaigner and mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has been appointed as Labour 's race relations adviser by leader Sir Keir Starmer .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How @ @ @ @ @ @

"Only an independent public inquiry will provide the answers we need. Such an inquiry is essential for all, especially for those who have lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic," the open letter to Boris Johnson says.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Prince of Wales hails Britain's postal workers during pandemic

The Prince of Wales has hailed the `` dedication , resilience and hard work '' of Britain 's postal workers during the coronavirus pandemic .
Charles left a letter addressed to `` Everyone at Royal Mail '' outside his home in Birkhall , Aberdeenshire .
In the message , he and the Duchess of Cornwall stressed the value of Royal Mail workers `` has never been more important '' .
The royal note was collected on Tuesday by their local postman Neil Martin .
In it the couple said : `` Receiving such a personal message at this difficult and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We feel sure that a very large number of these special greetings will be treasured for years to come .
They may even become a valuable resource for social historians in the future .
`` Postmen and postwomen are trusted figures in our local communities .
They are a constant presence in an ever-changing world .
For some people , they are a point of daily human contact ; a friendly , familiar face . ''
It was signed off with `` heartfelt thanks - and a big thumbs up '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Up For Your Postie campaign - which encourages people to show their appreciation to their postal worker .
The royal couple also noted the challenges workers faced and said they played an `` absolutely vital role in keeping family and friends in touch with one another '' .
`` Many of you , we know , have gone above and beyond what is normally expected of you , '' the letter said .
`` We have heard wonderful stories of postmen and postwomen checking on older and vulnerable residents , raising funds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costumes to raise a smile ... '' Prince Charles spent a week in self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus in March .

"Many of you, we know, have gone above and beyond what is normally expected of you," the letter said. "We have heard wonderful stories of postmen and postwomen checking on older and vulnerable residents, raising funds for good causes, even wearing fancy dress costumes to raise a smile..."


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Newcastle takeover: Moral values should prevail, Khashoggi's fiancee says

Newcastle United and the Premier League must put moral values ahead of financial gains , says the fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi .
Saudi Arabia 's Public Investment Fund looks set to finance 80 % of a £300m takeover of the club .
Khashoggi was killed in 2018 with Western intelligence agencies believing that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder - which he denies .
`` My message would be to the management of Newcastle United and to the decision makers .
`` We should consider ethical values , not just financial or political ones .
Money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So the message that will be given to people like Crown Prince is extremely important .
`` There should be no place in English football for those credibly accused of atrocities and murder '' .
• Fans vow to raise Saudi issues despite support for deal Khashoggi - a dissident Saudi columnist living in self-exile in the United States - had gone to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018 , seeking papers to marry Cengiz .
Investigators believe that as she waited outside , the 59-year-old was murdered and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been found .
UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard said there was credible evidence that Crown Prince Mohammed and other high-level Saudi officials were individually liable .
A court in Saudi Arabia last year sentenced five people to death and jailed three others over his murder , while Turkey has separately charged 20 suspects over the murder .
`` We do n't want this deal to go ahead , '' Cengiz added .
`` We are not just talking about the murder of a human being but the efforts to keep all hopes regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive , to support justice and to start a transformation in the Middle East .
`` This deal seems to be about buying something .
But there is a wider picture .
Saudi Arabia shows the world its face of reform .
But it has another face where the reality is far from what is shown to the world .
This is why we want this ( deal ) to be stopped and not be completed . ''
What do we know about the takeover ?
Mike Ashley has owned Newcastle since 2007 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 .
The proposed Saudi takeover is thought to be worth some £300 million .
But it has already caused much controversy .
• Who are the main people involved in the potential deal ?
The Saudi government has been accused of facilitating the theft of Premier League commercial rights , while Amnesty International has criticised the potential deal due to the country 's dire human rights record .
The country has also been accused of `` sportswashing '' , a term used to describe countries that try to improve their international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosting big sporting events .
But these accusations have been rebuffed by the Saudi government , which claims it wants to get more of its people engaged in sport .
Cengiz has written to the Premier League to state the takeover should be blocked .
In a reply to her letter from chief executive Richard Masters , seen by BBC Sport , he says the Premier League are following `` due processes required by UK law and by the Premier League 's own rules '' , which `` go beyond those required by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied with rigour '' .
But he says he `` appreciates the strength of feeling '' from her and reiterated his condolences .
Last month , the Premier League was urged by one of its largest overseas broadcast partners to `` fully interrogate '' Newcastle United 's proposed £300m takeover .
The chief executive of the Qatar-based TV giant beIN Sport , Yousef al-Obaidly , has written to the chairs of top-flight clubs about the deal , which could see the Magpies bought by a Saudi-backed consortium .
In the letter , Al-Obaidly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` facilitation of the near three-year theft of the Premier League 's commercial rights - and in turn your club 's commercial revenues - through its backing of the huge-scale beoutQ pirate service '' .

Newcastle United sat 13th in the Premier League when the season was suspended in March
Newcastle United and the Premier League must put moral values ahead of financial gains, says the fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund looks set to finance 80% of a £300m takeover of the club.
Khashoggi was killed in 2018 with Western intelligence agencies believing that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder - which he denies.
"Moral values should prevail," Hatice Cengiz told BBC 5 Live.
"My message would be to the management of Newcastle United and to the decision makers.
"We should consider ethical values, not just financial or political ones. Money cannot buy everything in the world. So the message that will be given to people like Crown Prince is extremely important.
"There should be no place in English football for those credibly accused of atrocities and murder".
The Premier League declined to comment.
Background
Khashoggi - a dissident Saudi columnist living in self-exile in the United States - had gone to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018, seeking papers to marry Cengiz.
Investigators believe that as she waited outside, the 59-year-old was murdered and then dismembered. His remains have never been found.
UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard said there was credible evidence that Crown Prince Mohammed and other high-level Saudi officials were individually liable.
A court in Saudi Arabia last year sentenced five people to death and jailed three others over his murder, while Turkey has separately charged 20 suspects over the murder.
"We don't want this deal to go ahead," Cengiz added. "We are not just talking about the murder of a human being but the efforts to keep all hopes regarding the future, to keep human rights alive, to support justice and to start a transformation in the Middle East.
"This deal seems to be about buying something. But there is a wider picture. Saudi Arabia shows the world its face of reform. But it has another face where the reality is far from what is shown to the world. This is why we want this (deal) to be stopped and not be completed."
What do we know about the takeover?
Mike Ashley has owned Newcastle since 2007 and put the club up for sale in 2017. The proposed Saudi takeover is thought to be worth some £300 million.
But it has already caused much controversy.
The Saudi government has been accused of facilitating the theft of Premier League commercial rights, while Amnesty International has criticised the potential deal due to the country's dire human rights record.
The country has also been accused of "sportswashing", a term used to describe countries that try to improve their international reputation by investing in major teams or hosting big sporting events.
But these accusations have been rebuffed by the Saudi government, which claims it wants to get more of its people engaged in sport.
Hatice Cengiz has called on the Premier League to block the takeover
Complaints to the Premier League
Cengiz has written to the Premier League to state the takeover should be blocked. In a reply to her letter from chief executive Richard Masters, seen by BBC Sport, he says the Premier League are following "due processes required by UK law and by the Premier League's own rules", which "go beyond those required by UK company law" and are "applied with rigour". But he says he "appreciates the strength of feeling" from her and reiterated his condolences.
Last month, the Premier League was urged by one of its largest overseas broadcast partners to "fully interrogate" Newcastle United's proposed £300m takeover.
The chief executive of the Qatar-based TV giant beIN Sport, Yousef al-Obaidly, has written to the chairs of top-flight clubs about the deal, which could see the Magpies bought by a Saudi-backed consortium.
In the letter, Al-Obaidly accused the Saudi Arabian government of the "facilitation of the near three-year theft of the Premier League's commercial rights - and in turn your club's commercial revenues - through its backing of the huge-scale beoutQ pirate service".
Analysis
Dan Roan, BBC sports editor
It should be decided soon, possibly this week, and yes it will go through. Certainly speak to those close to the consortium and they don't sound too concerned.
They can point to the fact that Britain's been happy to do billions of pounds-worth of arms deals with the Saudis over recent years and I think it's significant that the British government the other day did make it clear that it wouldn't stand in the way of this deal, saying it was a matter for the Premier League.
The PIF, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, has declined to comment but it's understood its position is that although the Crown Prince is chair of the organisation, he is not involved with it in the day-to-day running so the accusations against him are not directly relevant to this bid.
And the owners' and directors' tests the Premier League will be looking at now doesn't appear to have much to say about character. It refers to unspent convictions, but unless there is an obvious and clear link between a person and an offence or that person has been convicted in a court of law, it's difficult to see how they could fail the test.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Police record more than 100 coronavirus-related attacks

Police in Scotland have recorded more than 100 coronavirus-related attacks and threats aimed at officers .
They included being spat at or deliberately coughed on .
The force described these incidents as `` outrageous and disgraceful '' and said they would result in automatic arrest .
But the Police Federation , which represents 98 % of all officers , called for anyone accused of such attacks automatically to be held in custody before appearing in court .
In the first three weeks following the lock-down , ( 24 March-18 April ) police recorded more than 100 crimes where officers or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasions where front-line officers and personnel from the custody suites have been subjected to abusive behaviour including threats of deliberate transmission .
Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said police officers and staff were playing a vital role to help make the changes and sacrifices needed to protect the NHS and save lives .
She said : `` Those doing the right thing will agree these sorts of attacks on our officers and staff are outrageous and disgraceful .
`` Abuse and assault is not simply part of the job for police officers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Chief Constable and Lord Advocate have made it clear that those engaging in this behaviour will be dealt with robustly by Scotland 's prosecution service .
`` Threatening a member of Police Scotland personnel , or any other emergency service worker , while they are carrying out their duties to keep the public safe will result in immediate arrest . ''
She said where such cases had gone to court , sheriffs had been very supportive , and some offenders had been remanded in custody .
The Police Federation , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief inspector , said offenders could be charged with common assault or culpable and reckless behaviour , but its general secretary , Calum Steele , called for prosecutors to do more .
He said : `` It is astonishing even after all this time that there has been no direction from the Crown Office that anyone accused of such offences should be held in custody before they appear in court . ''
The Crown Office said guidelines agreed by the Lord Advocate and the chief constable had been published at the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Liberation is a decision for the police based upon the circumstances of the individual incident .
`` The police can detain any person to protect the public from risk of harm , and spitting at someone and saying you have the virus would meet a reasonable description of putting someone at risk of harm . ''
He said there was a statutory obligation not to detain someone unnecessarily .
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has thanked Scotland 's communities for the high levels of co-operation shown during `` this challenging period '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , explaining the physical distancing requirements , encouraging people to comply with the law , and using enforcement only where necessary .

He said: "It is astonishing even after all this time that there has been no direction from the Crown Office that anyone accused of such offences should be held in custody before they appear in court."


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Migrant crossings: 227 people intercepted amid lockdown spike

At least 227 migrants have been intercepted in two days as they tried to cross the English Channel to reach the UK .
Eight boats carrying 145 people were stopped on Friday , the Home Office confirmed - a record for a single day .
A further 82 were intercepted on Saturday .
Those picked up by Border Force officials said they were Iranian , Iraqi , Kuwaiti , Syrian and Afghan nationals .
Friday 's total included 51 people packed on board a single inflatable boat , the Home Office said .
Of 82 people detained on Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 men were found at Dungeness on the Kent coast .
A Home Office spokesman said French authorities had prevented a total of 44 people from crossing .
On Sunday and Monday more than 130 suspected migrants were stopped as they attempted to reach the UK from France .
Home Secretary Priti Patel has acknowledged that a recent increase in the number of migrant boats making the dangerous crossing is linked to the Covid-19 lockdown .
Since lockdown was announced in Britain on 23 March , at least 609 migrants have been intercepted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clare Moseley , from aid group Care4Calais , said it was `` little wonder '' those living in French refugee camps were `` desperate to make this dangerous crossing , given the awful conditions they face '' .
`` Coronavirus has made a bad situation life-threateningly worse , '' she said .
`` These people are fleeing terrifying situations in some of the most dangerous parts of the world .
They aim for the UK because they want to be safe .
`` Many have family or other connections , and others know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute , '' she said .
Minister for immigration compliance Chris Philp said the recent increase in crossings was `` totally unacceptable '' and it was `` sickening that smugglers are willing to put people 's lives at risk , including children '' .
He said the government was `` stepping up action to stop the crossings , going after the criminals perpetrating these heinous crimes and prosecuting them for their criminal activity '' .
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"These people are fleeing terrifying situations in some of the most dangerous parts of the world. They aim for the UK because they want to be safe.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Dorset knob-eating contest held online amid lockdown

Dorset 's annual knob-eating competition is to be held online for the first time .
The event - in which contestants vie to gobble more of the county 's traditional biscuits than their rivals - usually draws huge crowds .
But this year 100 competitive eaters will live-stream their attempts to swallow the savoury spheres .
Its sister event , the Dorset knob-throwing festival , has been postponed until 2021 .
Entrants in that competition would normally gather in a field to toss the thrice-baked treats as far as possible .
Each hopeful in the knob-eating championship has been sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their heats .
Contestants have a minute to finish off as many knobs as they can manage .
But festival chairman Ian Gregory warned the bun-shaped confections were `` quite dry '' and `` you ca n't eat very many of them '' in such a short time .
`` The world record stands at 13 or 14 - that was a momentous performance in 2015 , '' he said .
`` But since then no-one has done more than seven , '' Mr Gregory said .
Organisers said entries had come in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Castle Donington , Ellesmere Port and Cockermouth .
`` Obviously lots from Dorset '' had also signed up , said Mr Gregory .
Proceeds from this year 's event , which begins at 10:00 BST , will be donated to local charity , Weldmar Hospicecare .
The knob-throwing event started in 2008 and now incorporates a food festival , knob darts and games including knob and spoon racing and pinning the knob on the Cerne Abbas giant .
It is expected to return to Cattistock Fete , in west Dorset , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The biscuits have been made by Moores of Morecombelake for more than 150 years • Originally , they were made from leftover bread dough with added butter and sugar , hand-rolled and left to dry in the dying heat of the oven • It is thought their name comes from the hand-sewn Dorset knob buttons that were also made locally • They can be eaten with Blue Vinny cheese , dipped in tea or cider , or taken with honey and cream - known locally as thunder and lightning • A SIMPLE GUIDE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

"It was all in the preparation - I had plenty of time to practise and focus," she said.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coastguard rescues soar despite Covid-19 lockdown

Two people had to be rescued after they defied the lockdown and got into difficulty on a boat while under the influence of alcohol .
HM Coastguard said the incident happened on a day when the number of UK call outs soared by 54 % .
A total of 97 incidents were recorded on Friday , which was a public holiday for VE Day , including 16 in Scotland .
Coastal operations area commander Ross Greenhill said reckless behaviour by a minority is putting lives at risk .
The figure was the highest recorded since the lockdown started on 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 63 for the previous month .
As well as the boat incident , Mr Greenhill said crews have helped people who have been caught out by incoming tides .
Some rescues have also involved a helicopter .
He said : `` This puts quite a large number of officers at risk .
We want people to stay at home and save lives . ''
Mr Greenhill urged people not to exercise in unfamiliar places .
He added : `` Do n't go somewhere where you have never been before and you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple and stay close to home . ''
The senior officer said rescues in the current climate not only endanger the health of his officers , many of whom are volunteers , but also their families .
And he stressed irresponsible actions put the NHS under strain when all resources should be focused on combating the pandemic .

He added: "Don't go somewhere where you have never been before and you don't understand the risks. Keep it simple and stay close to home."


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: No 'single leap to freedom', minister warns

The government will proceed with `` extreme caution '' exiting lockdown , the transport secretary said as he revealed plans to `` get Britain moving again '' .
Grant Shapps said the move beyond Covid-19 would be a `` gradual progress '' and not a `` single leap to freedom '' .
He pledged £250m for improvements to cycling and walking infrastructure but would not confirm a 14-day quarantine for passengers arriving in the UK .
Another 346 UK coronavirus deaths were recorded , taking the total to 31,587 .
• Can cities be reshaped for the world after lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know if I fly ?
Mr Shapps , who was speaking a day before the prime minister is due to address the country on lockdown measures , said there had been unprecedented levels of walking and cycling during the pandemic .
He said : `` Whilst it 's crucial that we stay at home , when the country does get back to work we need to ask those people to carry on cycling or walking and for them to be joined by many others as well . ''
Even if the UK transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing rules would mean only one in 10 passengers could travel , he said .
Pop-up bike lanes , wider pavements , safer junctions , and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks as part of a £250m emergency fund .
It is the first part a £2bn package for cycling and walking , which was part of a £5bn investment announced in February , the Department for Transport said .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Should I be wearing one ?
The extra funding is for English local authorities to help alter road networks with the aim of taking pressure off roads and public transport network .
Matters concerning cycling and walking are devolved .
For example , Wales had legislation in place to boost both activities since 2013 , while Scotland announced funding for `` active travel infrastructure '' in April .
The Welsh Government has suggested new policies including road or lane closures with filters for cyclists , 20 mph limits and footway widening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary for transport , infrastructure and connectivity , told the Scottish parliament his government had put forward a package of support to help local authorities implement `` temporary active travel measures '' to allow people to walk and cycle while physically distancing and keeping safe from traffic .
No specific measures have been announced yet in Northern Ireland although Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is expected to appoint a cycling and walking champion .
Asked by the BBC 's Ben Wright about reports of 14-day quarantine measures for people entering the country , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's speech on lockdown measures on Sunday .
But deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said the virus had an incubation period of up to 14 days , during which symptoms develop .
Mr Shapps said : `` Bearing in mind the sacrifice the British people have made over seven weeks and counting , you ca n't have a situation where someone is asked to stay at home but others can come into the country . ''
The airline industry has raised concerns about the plans with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed `` a credible exit plan '' and should be reviewed weekly .
And a spokesman for Heathrow said any measures must be medically effective , meet public expectations and be deliverable by airports .
Announcing £10m for electric car charging points and extended an e-scooter trial across England , Scotland and Wales , the transport secretary said better air quality had been one of the few benefits of the current crisis .
Mr Shapps was also asked about the apparent rise in people going outside which came after warnings against sending out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggesting sunbathing and picnics could be permitted as early as Monday .
He dismissed allegations the government 's messaging strategy was confusing , and said `` I think that most people are more than capable of understanding what is meant '' .
Asked about social distancing in schools , particularly for younger children who may not follow the rules , Mr Shapps said : `` Extreme caution is actually the watchword on this .
And we 've seen in other countries where second , not quite spikes have come along , but where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've been problems , so we will wait to see . ''
The government did not hit the 100,000 daily testing target for the seventh day running but there were 96,878 tests delivered in the 24 hours up to 09:00 BST on Friday .
The Local Government Association welcomed the transport announcements but said local councils must have `` long-term certainty '' around funding .
David Renard , LGA transport spokesman , said : `` Local control over infrastructure and public transport budgets would enable them to deliver the widespread improvements to promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London Sadiq Khan said funding for walking and cycling schemes was important for people who have to return to work and said enabling people to walk and cycle would be `` critical to easing the pressure on our busy public transport network '' .
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said the success of the new walking and cycling schemes would depend on motorists ' attitudes to short car journeys , and said if e-scooters were to be used as alternative transport to get around cities , safety must be taken into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the issues relating to coronavirus ?
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Asked about social distancing in schools, particularly for younger children who may not follow the rules, Mr Shapps said: "Extreme caution is actually the watchword on this. And we've seen in other countries where second, not quite spikes have come along, but where social distancing has been relaxed and there've been problems, so we will wait to see."


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Andy Serkis reads entire Hobbit live online for charity

British actor Andy Serkis has raised more than £283,000 ( $ 351,000 ) for charity by reading The Hobbit in full on a live stream .
More than 650,000 people worldwide tuned in for the online performance of JRR Tolkien 's 1937 fantasy adventure .
Serkis , 56 , played the corrupted character Gollum in the big-budget film trilogies Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit , directed by Peter Jackson .
Viewers followed via YouTube and his Go Fund Me page .
The donations will go to NHS Charities Together and baby charity Best Beginnings , for which Serkis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` Hobbitathon '' in different voices , including his much-imitated Gollum .
`` Thank you so much for joining me on this huge expedition we 're about to go on in our living rooms , '' Serkis told viewers before he began the reading .
He thanked `` the NHS and all the charities who are out there doing important work saving our lives and keeping us safe '' .
As donations poured in , he joked : `` We 've already reached £100,000 , so in fact , I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' before pretending to get up and leave .
The actor started streaming at 10:00 BST ( 09:00 GMT ) on Friday , and finished the fantasy classic 11 hours later .
He paused at 11:00 BST to observe a two-minute silence for VE Day , but otherwise only stopped to use the toilet .
`` So many of us are struggling in isolation during the lockdown , '' Serkis said on Thursday .
`` While times are tough , I want to take you on one of the greatest fantasy adventures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across Middle Earth whilst raising money for two amazing charities which are doing extraordinary work right now to help those most in need . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • CRISIS BAILOUTS : What countries are doing • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Serkis was awarded the Bafta film award for outstanding British contribution to cinema earlier this year for his ground-breaking motion capture work as Gollum , as well as on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Apes movie series .
Speaking beforehand , he joked he might need to put up a `` back in five minutes '' sign when nature called , or when he needed a spot of precious lunch - but aside from that he was preparing to throw himself fully into the quest .
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bbcuk--2020-05-09--UK government Covid-19 testing target 'source of real frustration'

The UK government 's new target of testing 200,000 people a day for Covid-19 is a source of `` real frustration '' , according to a leading scientist .
The president of the Institute of Biomedical Science ( IBMS ) , said knowing where , how and how often people will be tested is more vital than goal setting .
The prime minister has pledged to reach the new target by the end of May .
And Boris Johnson said after hitting the 200,000 target his aim is to `` go even higher '' .
It comes after health secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests were carried out on the final day of April , passing the government 's target .
But since then the government has failed to reach that daily landmark and Mr Wilson said the focus on numbers is not helpful .
He told BBC Radio 's Good Morning Scotland : `` Given the fact that there was so much turmoil around the initial target of 100,000 , to double that target , all it does is put pressure on the laboratories when it is really not required .
`` What we need is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are going to reduce transmission of this disease and reduce deaths rather than another arbitrary politically-set target . ''
Mr Wilson also claimed his members often find out about the latest goals from watching the news .
He added : `` There is very little discussion with the laboratory service before these targets are increased and that 's a real frustration on staff who are under incredible pressure to deliver in this challenging time . ''
The IBMS president said it is better to target people under the test , trace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , than concentrating on the numbers alone .
He also stressed testing should be done locally following reports carers with Covid-19 symptoms were told to drive hundreds of miles to get tested .
He added : `` What we do n't seem to be able to do is join up the people who need to be tested with the testing and I think that is something we have n't done well . ''
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week said Scotland now has capacity to carry out 4,350 Covid-19 tests a day in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously set a target of 3,500 NHS tests a day by the end of April .
Mr Wilson described those numbers as `` more realistic '' but added that testing everyone was unlikely to be possible in the short to medium term .
He said : `` It 's still in parts of the country - including Scotland - a bit of a hand-to-mouth existence for testing .
`` We get deliveries of reagents and chemicals to do testing for a period of time , but we have no guarantee that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can maintain that capacity . ''
The IBMS is the leading professional body for scientists , support staff and students in the field of biomedical science and has more than 20,000 members in 61 countries .
Last month testing was expanded in England to millions more people with symptoms including over-65s , those who have to leave home to work , and people living with someone in these groups .
In Scotland , the first minister announced testing would be expanded to over-65s with symptoms and also all those in care homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And last week , the Welsh government extended coronavirus testing to people in care homes even if they are not showing symptoms of the disease .
The UK government is hoping the enhanced testing regime , alongside contact tracing and continued social distancing , can stay on top of transmission rates and prevent a second wave of infection .
The prime minister will address the nation on a potential easing of the lockdown measures on Sunday .

He added: "What we don't seem to be able to do is join up the people who need to be tested with the testing and I think that is something we haven't done well."


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Captain Tom Moore: Chainsaw carving raises £7,000

A chainsaw carver has raised more than £7,000 with a life-sized wooden sculpture of Captain Tom Moore .
Simon Bogg , from Lincolnshire , took 10 days to make the intricate model of the war veteran who raised nearly £33m .
Mr Bogg said `` a full size tribute to him was the only thing '' worthy of the 100-year-old `` absolute legend '' .
The carving fetched almost £7,000 in raffle ticket sales although the winner has confessed he is `` not sure what he 's going to do with it '' .
Mr Bogg , who works from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said the idea of carving Capt Tom came from a friend and `` gave me something to get my teeth in to '' .
`` Humans and faces are not my forte so this was out of my comfort zone , '' he said .
As well as making the life-sized sculpture , he also raffled off a `` burn picture '' , created by scorching a wooden board , of Capt Tom in his army days , together with other items including mugs and doorstops .
Mr Bogg said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest in the raffle , which he had expected would raise `` about £500 '' .
Tickets were purchased from as far away as South Africa and Australia .
Capt Tom raised money for NHS charities by completing 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden before his 100th birthday last week .
He received donations from more than 1.5m supporters , and his birthday on Thursday was marked with an RAF flypast and a message from the Queen .
He was also made an honorary colonel , and has been awarded a gold Blue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
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Mr Bogg, who works from his Austen Fen home, near Louth, said the idea of carving Capt Tom came from a friend and "gave me something to get my teeth in to".


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Boris Johnson's coronavirus speech: What to watch out for

Boris Johnson will address the nation from Downing Street on Sunday evening , setting out the next steps in the UK 's coronavirus response .
While No 10 is giving little away , many of us are looking for updates on when children will return to school , how the government plans to get the economy moving , and how we can stay safe when travelling and working .
The PM 's expected to set out a `` roadmap , a menu of options '' - in his words - for how England might begin to ease the current lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown has already been extended for another three weeks in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland to 28 May .
That 's one of the reasons it 's seen as being unlikely Mr Johnson will announce immediate alterations to restrictions in England .
Or as Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden put it : `` People should not expect big changes from the prime minister on Sunday . ''
So with all that in mind , what should we be looking out for in Mr Johnson 's speech ?
The PM has said a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures are adjusted .
We 're likely to hear more about them on Sunday - and perhaps receive an update on progress towards meeting them .
What is a `` manageable level '' of new cases ?
Is the death rate falling in a `` sustained and consistent '' way ?
We 've a longer explanation of the five tests here .
This is a technical term for how fast the virus is spreading in the UK .
If the `` R '' number is one , that means one person with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Experts have said `` R '' is currently at or below one in the UK - and keeping it there is the aim .
Mr Johnson could explain which adjustments risk increasing `` R '' above one , and which do n't .
• Analysis : How do we get out of lockdown ?
• What will be the 'new normal ' ?
• Will over-70s have to stay in lockdown ?
One of the only things we do know ahead of the speech is that garden centres in England will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place from next week , according to a senior government source .
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has said garden centres in Wales will be able to reopen next week .
Mr Drakeford said on Saturday this is `` very much in line '' with Mr Johnson 's plans - so expect to hear something similar from the PM .
Another decision in Wales could signal what 's to come in Mr Johnson 's speech .
Mark Drakeford announced that people in Wales would be able to leave home to exercise as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said a change to exercise rules is the only one she would consider in the immediate term .
The current limit on outdoor exercise is once a day , alone or with members of your household .
Mr Johnson has said Sunday 's speech will give more detail on how to `` get our economy moving '' .
There 's no solid information on this , but Mr Johnson may talk about helping employers observe social distancing guidelines .
We might hear a bit about how certain industries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can begin to restart .
And then there 's the furlough scheme - will the government keep paying workers ' wages ?
There have been lots of different thoughts aired about how schools might return to normal .
Mark Drakeford said on Saturday that schools in Wales would not be reopening to the majority of pupils in June .
Will Mr Johnson say something similar ?
Either way , any changes involving schools will be `` extremely cautious '' and `` painstaking '' , according to England 's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too .
Airports on Saturday suggested all people arriving into the UK will need to quarantine for 14 days at a registered address .
Will Mr Johnson confirm this and give us more details ?
There are also questions about how commuters may be able to travel safely once lockdown is eased .
Speaking on Saturday , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said there was a chance for a `` once in a generation change '' to the way we travel as he unveiled a package of measures to encourage cycling and walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks might be `` useful '' for helping the country come out of lockdown .
The government 's science advisers have given evidence on face coverings to ministers - and they 're recommended in Scotland for certain situations - will the PM say whether the public in England should use them ?
Will we be able to meet up with small groups of family and friends ?
That 's the question many of us want answered .
But the changes to restrictions that Mr Johnson might confirm on Sunday are unlikely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been wondering if pubs with beer gardens might be allowed to open - but would it be possible to make that work ?
And what about sport ?
The PM may give us an update on the Premier League 's so-called `` Project Restart '' to recommence football matches behind closed doors for audiences at home .
We may get also some ideas about how the government plans to get mosques , churches and temples back up and running .
Just a quick note on devolution .
While he 's the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson may announce on Sunday will only apply to England .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have the power to make their own decisions on lockdown regulations - and while leaders have said they want to broadly move together as one in the coming months - they may do so at different speeds .
What time is the speech and where can I watch it ?
Where : BBC One , BBC News Channel with sign language interpreter , and you can find a live stream plus real-time analysis on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?

If the "R" number is one, that means one person with the virus passes it to one other person. Experts have said "R" is currently at or below one in the UK - and keeping it there is the aim.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Social distancing cuts public transport passenger capacity by 90%

Why the R number is important to fight coronavirus Experts keep discussing the value of R , but what is @ @ @ @ @ matter ?

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps warned social distancing "would allow only one in 10 passengers on parts of public transport" once the network resumes a full service.
He was speaking at a news briefing on Saturday about the effect of Covid-19 on the UK.
A further 346 coronavirus deaths have been recorded, taking the total to 31,587.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Fifty million plastic pieces sifted from beach in lockdown

The hidden plastic pollution on our beaches They might look as though they belong on the beach , but they @ @ @ @ @ plastic .

Artist Rob Arnold is spending his lockdown sifting plastic from 40 sacks of litter from his local beach.
Two vans loads were collected from Tregantle beach in Cornwall before the lockdown came into effect.
He has removed items including 50 million plastic beads, 200 car tyre dust caps and 300 Lego flippers.
Rob is using the material he's sifted to make artwork to raise awareness of environmental issues.
Video journalist: Patrick Clahane.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: What could a socially-distanced bar look like?

When the prime minister announced the closure of pubs , bars and restaurants on 20 March , businesses that were @ @ @ @ @ had to shut their doors .
Those working in the hospitality industry say without more @ @ @ @ @ may never re-open .
Even when restrictions do lift , it 's likely that drinkers @ @ @ @ @ some kind of social distancing .
Business correspondent Sarah Corker looks at how that could @ @ @ @ @ that are built to serve crowds of people close together .
Filmed and edited by @ @ @ @ @ Niall-James Convery .

When the prime minister announced the closure of pubs, bars and restaurants on 20 March, businesses that were already quiet due to coronavirus had to shut their doors.
Those working in the hospitality industry say without more financial help, many venues may never re-open.
Even when restrictions do lift, it's likely that drinkers will still have to maintain some kind of social distancing.
Business correspondent Sarah Corker looks at how that could work in bars and restaurants that are built to serve crowds of people close together.
Filmed and edited by David Cheeseman. Produced by Niall-James Convery.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--The Papers: Rock 'n' roll hero dies and 'lockdown decision day'

The Mail on Sunday reveals Health Secretary Matt Hancock pleaded with Prime Minister Boris Johnson to `` give me a @ @ @ @ @ paper calls a `` furious bust-up '' over his department 's handling of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ further pressure has been heaped on the health secretary after more than 25 million goggles @ @ @ @ @ found to be unfit for purpose - but his spokesman says they were ordered by @ @ @ @ @ in 2009 .
A source close to Mr Hancock says he has the `` total @ @ @ @ @ .

The Mail on Sunday claims there's been a "furious bust-up" between Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Boris Johnson. It's spoken to an unnamed source, who says that when the prime minister questioned Mr Hancock about his department's handling of the crisis, he replied: "That's not fair - give me a break". But a colleague of the health secretary tells the paper: "We've been working incredibly well with the PM and the whole No 10 team, and have had nothing but total support from them."


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Body of man found at Wisbech industrial estate

The body of a man has been found in bushes on an industrial estate .
It was discovered by a @ @ @ @ @ about 05:10 BST in Sandall Road , Wisbech , Cambridgeshire .
The area has been @ @ @ @ @ of forensics officers were seen examining a bicycle that was also in the hedge .
@ @ @ @ @ erected where the body was found .
Cambridgeshire Police said the death of the man @ @ @ @ @ unexplained .

A tent has now been erected where the body was found. Cambridgeshire Police said the death of the man was currently being treated as unexplained.


bbcuk--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: Bid to introduce notice periods for student halls

Students who can not take up places in purpose-built accommodation due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be able to end their lease under new legislation .
People under contract in halls of residence will be able to give seven days ' notice to cancel their agreement .
Those who enter into a contract will also be given the power to give 28 days ' notice .
The constitution secretary said the changes will bring the student rental sector in line with the private sector .
If passed by MSPs , the legislation will mean students unable to take up their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ academic year due to coronavirus will not be held liable .
The changes will be detailed in the Coronavirus ( Scotland ) ( No .
2 ) Bill .
Mike Russell said : `` To reduce the spread of this terrible virus , many students have returned to their family homes for the duration of the lockdown but are still paying for their term-time accommodation .
`` During this time of great uncertainty and financial hardship for many , these proposals would relieve a significant extra financial burden on students .
`` Introducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into during the lifetime of this Act recognises the uncertainly around the impact of ongoing lockdown measures , as well as providing the same rights as for those students renting in the mainstream private rented sector . ''
Mr Russell said the Scottish government will continue to press the UK government for `` appropriate financial support '' for the sector .
Last week Universities Scotland warned they could lose more than £500m between them next year due to the crisis .
And thousands of staff at the University of Edinburgh have been warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to £150m in the Covid 19 crisis .
The National Union of Students ( NUS ) Scotland president Liam McCabe welcomed the Bill , describing it as a `` victory for students '' .
He added : `` Since before the lockdown students have been paying for student accommodation they moved out of .
`` NUS Scotland 's message to accommodation providers is clear : provide refunds to the students you have been exploiting , finally giving them the peace of mind you have been denying them . ''
Mr McCabe said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a comprehensive review of the student accommodation sector .
He added : `` The conduct of some accommodation providers during this crisis makes that review all the more urgent . ''
The new legislation would only be applicable when a student can not take up their place in halls of residence or other purpose-built student accommodation due to coronavirus .
The bill will be introduced on Monday , when it will also be published in full .

"Introducing a 28-day notice period for contracts entered into during the lifetime of this Act recognises the uncertainly around the impact of ongoing lockdown measures, as well as providing the same rights as for those students renting in the mainstream private rented sector."


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Four more deaths in NI

Coronavirus: Four more deaths in NI

Four more people diagnosed with coronavirus have died in Northern Ireland .
That bring the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 430 , according to Department of Health figures .
New figures from the department show the number of people with a positive laboratory completed test is now 4,078 .
The total number of laboratory completed tests is 37,764 .
The department said on Saturday there are 646 suspected Covid-19 patients in hospital , with 4,425 having been discharged .
• How can we stop coronavirus in care homes ?
These figures are one of two sets published in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics from Northern Ireland 's Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) which cover all fatalities where coronavirus has been recorded on the death certificate .
Figures released by Northern Ireland 's Statistics Agency ( Nisra ) on Friday showed there have been 516 coronavirus-related deaths recorded overall in NI - including 232 in care homes , and four in hospices .
Official statistics on Friday showed that , for a second week , there were more deaths in care homes ( 71 ) than hospitals ( 39 ) .
Overall , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to coronavirus .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill has called for universal testing for Covid-19 across all of Northern Ireland 's care homes immediately .
Ms O'Neill said the Nisra figures exposed the `` serious battle '' taking place in care homes .
In the Republic of Ireland on Saturday , health officials announced a further 18 deaths linked to Covid-19 .
It brings the total in the Republic to 1,446 .
The Irish health minister , Simon Harris , has said Covid-19 must be made `` as weak as possible '' before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roadmap for the easing of restrictions the greatest chance of success .
He said the Republic is `` now beginning to see a situation where the figures are somewhat stabilising '' but added that efforts must continue to suppress the virus .
A further 346 coronavirus deaths have been recorded in the UK , taking the total to 31,587 .
In other developments on Saturday : • Our Health Correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly looks at how the coronavirus crisis has put care homes back in the spotlight • Our Education Correspondent Robbie Meredith reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeals in the wake of schools closing down .
• 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 Irish health minister, Simon Harris, has said Covid-19 must be made "as weak as possible" before 18 May to give the country's roadmap for the easing of restrictions the greatest chance of success.


bbcuk--2020-05-09--Coronavirus: Father-of-two to be subject of research study

A father-of-two who survived coronavirus , pneumonia , sepsis , heart failure and a double stroke is to be the subject of a research study .
Omar Taylor , 31 , spent six weeks fighting the illness at Colchester General Hospital in Essex .
His wife Kaitlyn , who is training to be at a nurse at the hospital , was told to prepare for the worst .
But he was well enough to be discharged last Sunday , which his wife described as `` truly a miracle '' .
`` We are so overwhelmed with joy that Omar is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen .
`` Before he left the hospital , a research doctor asked for his consent to conduct a study of Omar 's case from start to finish so they can gain knowledge about what happened to him for future treatment protocols for other patients .
`` It is incredible news and we are so proud he is helping other patients , '' Mrs Taylor said .
Her husband , who is a regional director of Care UK , spent 20 days on a ventilator in intensive care before he was weaned off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit .
He walked out of hospital last Sunday , much to his family 's surprise , and was greeted at home by neighbours who lined the streets of their village , Rowhedge near Colchester .
`` I thought he would be in a wheelchair but I was amazed when he walked round the corner .
It was the best feeling I have ever felt in my life , '' Mrs Taylor said .
She said her husband has settled in very well at home , where he is having daily physiotherapy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't speak and it 's hard for us to understand each other but it 's just going to take time , '' she said .
Mrs Taylor said her colleagues had taken `` exceptional care '' of her husband and thanked her friends who have setup a fundraising page to support the family , which has raised over £17,000 .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health Find BBC News : East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews @ bbc.co.uk

"Before he left the hospital, a research doctor asked for his consent to conduct a study of Omar's case from start to finish so they can gain knowledge about what happened to him for future treatment protocols for other patients.