bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: NHS may need to hire cabin crew from airlines

The NHS in England may start hiring airline staff who have lost their jobs to fill a gap in nurse numbers , its chief executive has said .
Sir Simon Stevens told MPs airlines hired nurses from the NHS to work as cabin crew in the early 2000s .
It was now possible the NHS would consider hiring these staff back as the airline industry continues to struggle due to coronavirus .
He was speaking to the Commons Public Accounts Committee .
Sir Simon told the committee the health service had seen an `` amazing response '' from former NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the frontline to help the fight against Covid-19 .
• British Airways set to cut up to 12,000 jobs • NHS fees to be scrapped for overseas health staff • ' I returned to nursing the day the pandemic was declared' But he added that international recruitment for NHS staff would be a problem for the first half of this year due to the pandemic .
The NHS in England currently has a nursing staff gap of 40,000 .
Sir Simon said he wanted to see 50,000 nurses join the service .
Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to change the way it offers care , with coronavirus constantly `` in the background '' .
Agreements struck with private hospitals to supply beds during the coronavirus crisis would need to continue , he added , and Nightingale hospitals , set up to treat Covid-19 patients and manage excess demand for hospital beds , would be kept `` in reserve '' .
NHS hospitals had treated 89,000 coronavirus patients since the outbreak began in the UK in February , Sir Simon told the committee .
And standard emergency and A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drop , were starting to increase back to expected levels .
Chris Wormald , the top civil servant at the Department for Health and Social Care , told the committee that the UK `` never ran out of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) nationally '' .
But he said `` there were a lot of issues '' in getting PPE to NHS staff and care workers .
The government was looking at producing PPE domestically , he added , but there would be `` no imminent replacement of what we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Agreements struck with private hospitals to supply beds during the coronavirus crisis would need to continue, he added, and Nightingale hospitals, set up to treat Covid-19 patients and manage excess demand for hospital beds, would be kept "in reserve".


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Missing Louise Smith: Friends 'devastated' after body find in Havant

Friends and neighbours of a missing teenager have said they are `` devastated '' after a body was found in woodland .
The 16-year-old , named locally as Louise Smith , was last seen on 8 May - VE Day- Havant , Hampshire .
Officers discovered the remains in Havant Thicket on Thursday .
Formal identification has yet to take place .
Forensic officers continue to search the woods and a flat in Somborne Drive , where Louise was last seen .
Mandy Ferdinando , who had known Louise since she was a young girl , laid flowers at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Press Association : `` She was a lovely girl with a heart of gold .
`` The community is devastated , sad , shocked , I ca n't speak for everybody but when anyone hears of a young person , whoever it may be , it 's very sad . ''
Neighbour John Singleton said : `` I saw her on the day she went missing , she just went out walking , I did n't know where she was going .
`` It 's very sad , the outcome is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some hope . ''
Detectives said they were treating the death as suspicious and urged people not to speculate on the circumstances .
Louise had not been in touch with her friends or family since being seen in Somborne Drive , a short distance from where the body was found .
A man and a woman , both aged 29 , had previously been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and released on bail .
Hampshire police previously asked people in the area to save any dashcam and CCTV footage from 7 and 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day anniversary celebrations - for officers to review .

Neighbour John Singleton said: "I saw her on the day she went missing, she just went out walking, I didn't know where she was going.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Premier League 'as confident as can be' about June return

The Premier League is `` as confident as we can be '' about restarting in June , says chief executive Richard Masters .
Players resumed training on Tuesday , the day it was announced there had been six positive tests for coronavirus across three clubs .
The Premier League , suspended on 13 March , had previously identified 12 June as a possible restart date .
`` There is some momentum .
We 've taken the first step , '' Masters told BBC Sport .
`` It 's great for everybody , including the fans , to see our players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked what date the Premier League was targeting for a return , Masters said it must be `` flexible '' and could learn from the resumption of the Bundesliga last weekend .
He also recognised the need for `` contingency plans '' and said `` curtailment is still a possibility '' , meaning the season would be ended , but there was `` optimism '' fans could attend matches next season .
Phase one of the return to training features small groups training with social distancing maintained .
On Wednesday culture secretary Oliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of contact training in elite sports - could get government approval `` later this week '' .
Masters said the Premier League would not take this next step until it was safe to do so .
`` We would n't have taken the first step to get back to training if we were n't convinced we had created a very safe environment for our players , '' he said .
`` It is the first step and we have to be sure when we go to contact training we have completed those processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return' Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante will train at home because of coronavirus fears and Watford captain Troy Deeney will not return to training .
The Premier League hosted video conference calls `` to provide health reassurances '' to club captains and managers before training recommenced .
The league began testing players and staff for coronavirus again on Friday after six tested positive on Tuesday , a result Masters was `` reassured by '' given it represented less than 1 % of tests .
`` Our sympathies are with everybody who has tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A few of them were surprised because they were asymptomatic . ''
Earlier this month , a number of club doctors raised concerns with league bosses over plans to resume the season and Masters said the Premier League `` were very surprised to hear that '' .
`` We ran a very thorough consultation with club doctors , '' he added .
`` We have done everything we possibly can to make return to training as safe as possible .
`` We think it is safe to return .
We have to respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training .
I would be comfortable to return to training . ''
Should matches resume and Liverpool - 25 points clear at the top of the table - secure their first title in 30 years , Masters said they should be allowed a trophy presentation `` if we can find a way of doing it '' .
But some people are worried about fans gathering outside Anfield , and Masters said the potential for crowds of supporters was `` a concern '' .
Masters said the Premier League wanted `` to play out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and away venues '' .
`` We 're talking to the authorities about that , '' he added .
`` I do believe we can appeal to fans not to congregate outside football grounds or go to other people 's houses to watch football matches in contravention of government guidelines . ''

Last updated on .From the section Football
'We have to be flexible' - Premier League chief executive Richard Masters speaks to BBC sports editor Dan Roan
The Premier League is "as confident as we can be" about restarting in June, says chief executive Richard Masters.
Players resumed training on Tuesday, the day it was announced there had been six positive tests for coronavirus across three clubs.
The Premier League, suspended on 13 March, had previously identified 12 June as a possible restart date.
"There is some momentum. We've taken the first step," Masters told BBC Sport.
"It's great for everybody, including the fans, to see our players back on the training ground."
Asked what date the Premier League was targeting for a return, Masters said it must be "flexible" and could learn from the resumption of the Bundesliga last weekend.
He also recognised the need for "contingency plans" and said "curtailment is still a possibility", meaning the season would be ended, but there was "optimism" fans could attend matches next season.
Masters also admitted the idea of scrapping relegation "would come up for discussion" and was "a significant topic".
"That will be part of the debate we have," he said. "What would happen in that environment (curtailment of season) is something we're yet to discuss with the clubs."
Football Association Chairman Greg Clarke told the Premier League clubs at their last meeting that the governing body would oppose the scrapping of relegation.
"I can't speak for the FA but obviously they have their own views on it and until we've discussed it as clubs and as a collective we can't really talk further about it," Masters added.
Phase one of the return to training features small groups training with social distancing maintained.
On Wednesday culture secretary Oliver Dowden said phase two - the return of contact training in elite sports - could get government approval "later this week".
Masters said the Premier League would not take this next step until it was safe to do so.
"We wouldn't have taken the first step to get back to training if we weren't convinced we had created a very safe environment for our players," he said.
"It is the first step and we have to be sure when we go to contact training we have completed those processes."
'We think it is safe to return'
Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante will train at home because of coronavirus fears and Watford captain Troy Deeney will not return to training.
The Premier League hosted video conference calls "to provide health reassurances" to club captains and managers before training recommenced.
The league began testing players and staff for coronavirus again on Friday after six tested positive on Tuesday, a result Masters was "reassured by" given it represented less than 1% of tests.
"Our sympathies are with everybody who has tested positive," he said. "A few of them were surprised because they were asymptomatic."
Earlier this month, a number of club doctors raised concerns with league bosses over plans to resume the season and Masters said the Premier League "were very surprised to hear that".
"We ran a very thorough consultation with club doctors," he added.
"We have done everything we possibly can to make return to training as safe as possible.
"We think it is safe to return. We have to respect players' decisions not to return to training. I would be comfortable to return to training."
Should matches resume and Liverpool - 25 points clear at the top of the table - secure their first title in 30 years, Masters said they should be allowed a trophy presentation "if we can find a way of doing it".
But some people are worried about fans gathering outside Anfield, and Masters said the potential for crowds of supporters was "a concern".
Masters said the Premier League wanted "to play out the season as much as possible at home and away venues".
"We're talking to the authorities about that," he added.
"I do believe we can appeal to fans not to congregate outside football grounds or go to other people's houses to watch football matches in contravention of government guidelines."


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Secret WW2 spy gadgets sell for £17k at Bristol auction

A collection of `` secret spy gadgets '' sent to British soldiers trapped in France during World War Two have been sold for £17,000 .
A pair of dominos concealing a map went for £800 , and a camera hidden in a pocket watch made £2,200 at East Bristol Auctions in an online sale .
The items were collected over 40 years by former soldier Arthur Muggeridge .
Auctioneer Andrew Stowe said : `` I think these lots struck a chord with people .
The items were small acts of bravery . ''
The secret items , hidden in everyday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government department MI9 to British troops stranded in occupied Europe , to help them carry out espionage and sabotage , and aid their escape .
Other highlights of the sale were a string vest that could be turned into a rope , which sold for £100 , and a smoking pipe containing a hidden dagger which sold for £520 .
`` It 's a fantastic result and unsurprising given the interest we had .
We had bidders from around the globe including America , Italy , Spain and Canada , '' Mr Stowe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trapped soldiers hope of escape . ''
Two taxidermy studies of carrier pigeons , with secret message capsules , sold for £240 and £170 .
A miniature spy camera sold for £980 and a hollow key , used for holding secret messages , sold for £680 .
A champagne cork and a Bakelite shaving brush , both with hidden compasses , fetched £160 and £320 .
The collection was made available by relatives of the late Mr Muggeridge and was part of a sale of specialist military , history and transportation auction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about £6,000 .

The secret items, hidden in everyday objects, were originally distributed by the government department MI9 to British troops stranded in occupied Europe, to help them carry out espionage and sabotage, and aid their escape.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: How safe are takeaways and supermarket deliveries?

There have been long queues as drive-through restaurants reopen , pubs have sold takeaway pints in the warm weather and supermarket deliveries remain elusive for many .
But what are the Covid-19 risks if you get a takeaway or a delivery ?
Many local restaurants have reinvented themselves as takeaways .
Covid-19 is a respiratory illness ; there is no evidence it can be spread via any food or food packaging .
And reputable chains and good restaurant kitchens are most likely to be geared towards professional , hygienic food preparation , meaning there would be minimal risk from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing and extra hygiene measures in place , High Street chains - such as Pret a Manger - now offer customer takeaways and online delivery .
Marks and Spencer has reopened 49 of its cafes for takeaway only .
Dozens of KFC outlets are reopening for either delivery or drive-through purchases - or both .
McDonald 's and Burger King have also reopened some drive-through restaurants - prompting long traffic queues .
Deliveroo and Just Eat have issued guidance on how their riders can stay safe and make food deliveries without touching restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands ?
If you get a takeaway delivery , the risk of packaging contamination can be minimised .
`` Empty the contents [ into a clean dish ] , dispose of the packaging into a refuse bag and wash your hands thoroughly before you eat , '' advises Prof Sally Bloomfield , of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine .
`` Take food out of a container with a spoon and eat it with a knife and fork - not your fingers . ''
It might be better in the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food , rather than cold or raw items .
The Food Standards Agency does stress the risk from food is low and `` there is no reason to avoid having ready-to-eat food delivered if it has been prepared and handled properly '' .
For the most cautious and vulnerable though , careful preparation and cooking may be reassuring .
`` With a pizza for example , if you wanted to be really safe , you could even pop it into the microwave for a couple of minutes , '' Prof Bloomfield adds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the coronavirus restrictions - have continued to sell drinks to takeaway customers .
Pubs and bars should enforce social distancing and extra hygiene measures if they are open - such as making sure staff wear gloves when handling disposable cups .
It is legal to drink in public in the UK , except in areas where Public Space Protection Orders are in place .
Local councils in Scotland set their own rules on when and where you can drink .
But social distancing rules remain , and the police have powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Delivery slots permitting , a home food drop is less risky than a trip to a supermarket as you will avoid other shoppers .
Any risk would be the possible contamination of food or packaging - handled by other people - or from the delivery driver .
You could leave a note on your door asking drivers to ring the bell and step back , but Prof Bloomfield says there 's no such thing as `` zero risk '' .
`` For contained or packaged goods , either store them for 72 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wipe plastic or glass containers with bleach [ carefully diluted as directed on the bottle ] .
`` For unwrapped fresh goods , which could have been handled by anyone - wash thoroughly under running water and leave to dry , '' she adds .
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• HOW FAST IS THE VIRUS GROWING ?
The UK spread compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virology expert from the University of Sussex , adds : `` There should be no more risk from using online deliveries than using a friend or volunteer to collect groceries for you . ''
Some experts also advise using plastic bags only once during this pandemic .
But if I do go to the supermarket ?
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air .
These can cause an infection if they are breathed in , or potentially if you touch a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going shopping and mixing with other people does carry a risk .
That is why social distancing - keeping at least 2m ( about 6ft ) from others - is so important , and many shops are enforcing it .
Supermarkets can provide an `` ideal setting '' for virus transfer , says Prof Bloomfield .
`` Many people are touching and replacing items , checkout belts , cash cards , car park ticket machine buttons , ATM payment buttons , paper receipts etc ... Not to mention being in the proximity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways to offset these risks : • Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water , or with alcohol-based hand sanitiser before and after shopping • Treat surfaces as if they may be contaminated , meaning you avoid touching your face after handling shopping trolleys , baskets , packages and produce

It might be better in the current circumstances to order hot, freshly cooked food, rather than cold or raw items. The Food Standards Agency does stress the risk from food is low and "there is no reason to avoid having ready-to-eat food delivered if it has been prepared and handled properly".


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: How much will it cost the UK?

Coronavirus has brought large parts of the economy to a standstill , and the government has had to spend billions to support workers , businesses and the NHS .
So where is all the money going to come from ?
How much will coronavirus cost the UK ?
It 's still very early in the crisis , so it 's impossible to tell how big the final bill will be .
It could be as much as £298bn just for this financial year ( April 2020 to April 2021 ) , according to the Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending .
To put it into context : before the crisis , the government was expecting to borrow about £55bn , but it has already borrowed £62.1bn in April - double what analysts had predicted .
Schemes to support public services , businesses and individuals , such as the Job Retention Scheme will cost £123bn , the OBR estimates .
This pays for people who have been furloughed , which means the government is paying 80 % of their wages , so they stay employed .
The government will also raise less tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers pay less income tax , businesses pay less tax if their profits are lower , and shoppers pay less VAT if they buy less .
The final bill could be even higher .
Leaked Treasury documents suggested the figure this year could be as much as £337bn .
Even if the pandemic ends quickly , the government will have to borrow more money in future years too .
How will the money be raised ?
At first the government will raise money by borrowing from investors .
They could be individuals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments who lend the money to the UK government by buying bonds .
A bond is a promise to pay the money back in the future , and pay interest in the meantime .
The Bank of England will buy some of those bonds , which will make raising the money easier .
Can the UK afford all this debt ?
In recent years , the government has been able to borrow easily at very low interest rates , which makes that debt more affordable .
There is a limit to how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments become so great it ca n't afford them .
No-one knows quite where that limit is .
Even if the economy bounces straight back once lockdown is lifted , there will be more debt , and so more interest to pay .
But many commentators fear the recovery will take much longer than that .
So the government will be bringing in less money in taxes than it expected , and spending more to support people and the economy .
That will leave it with a gap between its spending plans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them - that 's known as the deficit .
Will I have to pay more tax ?
The deficit leaves the government with a choice : increase borrowing , raise taxes , or cut spending .
In the end , it may well do a mixture of the three - but those decisions have n't been taken yet .
Some economists argue that all the costs of the crisis could be easily covered by borrowing alone , but many disagree .
Raising taxes would be politically awkward , because the Conservative 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest taxes .
These are income tax , national insurance and VAT - which together bring in more than half of government revenue .
Increasing taxes means people have less money to spend , which would slow the economy down .
Cutting spending will also be difficult .
There have been big cuts over the past decade , and many of the easy savings have already been made .
Some areas have long been protected , such as healthcare - but it would be difficult to reduce health spending after a big pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ item , are protected by a system called the `` triple lock '' , which guarantees at least a 2 % increase every year .
This was also guaranteed in the manifesto .
The chancellor could say the pandemic makes these promises impossible to keep .
But difficult choices will certainly have to be made .
So how will this affect my life ?
If taxes go up , people will soon realise they have less money to spend .
Likewise , people would notice if lower public spending resulted in worse public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospitals or fewer police on the streets .
But if doctors and nurses have their wages frozen , or benefits rise more slowly , that will be noticed by those affected .
The government may feel that some of its ambitious infrastructure plans such as road and railway improvements need to be postponed or cancelled .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?

How much is Covid costing the UK and how will we pay? Published 22 June 2021
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Image source, PA Media Image caption, Queuing for a vaccination in London
As the country starts to emerge from lockdown, the impact it has had on the economy is becoming clearer.
The damage is enormous, but not as bad as feared last year, partly because the vaccines have been so effective.
How much will coronavirus cost the UK?
The government has had to spend many billions of pounds to fight coronavirus and protect the economy. The lockdown has reduced the amount of money the government raises in taxes.
This has meant the government has had to borrow huge sums of money.
In the first year of the pandemic, from April 2020 to 2021, it borrowed £299bn, the highest figure since records began in 1946.
The government is expected to borrow less in the current year, April 2021 to 2022, though the figure could still be more than £200bn.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Fighting Covid-19 has cost hundreds of billions of pounds
Where did the money go?
Over £100bn is being spent on support for jobs, such as the furlough scheme, where the government steps in to pay most of workers' wages.
The NHS and other public services have been given extra money to pay for the costs of fighting the pandemic.
However, the pandemic has reduced the amount the government raises in tax.
Unemployed or furloughed workers pay less income tax, businesses pay less tax if their profits are lower, and shoppers pay less VAT if they buy fewer things.
With more money going out and less coming in, the government has only one option - to borrow.
The pandemic will still mean more government spending and less tax coming in for years to come.
All of this means more borrowing.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, As the economy reopens the government is spending less on support measures
Is the impact of the pandemic as bad as expected?
No-one knew how the pandemic would affect the economy so all predictions were full of uncertainty.
In recent months, however, the government has been borrowing less than expected as the economy starts to reopen. It has borrowed £53bn this year, £14bn less than forecast in March.
Also far fewer people will lose their jobs in the pandemic than had been feared.
Will taxes go up?
The government cannot keep borrowing at this level forever, so it must find a way to cut spending or increase taxes.
Before it was elected in 2019, the government promised not to raise the rates of the three biggest taxes - income tax, National Insurance or value added tax.
However, in March the chancellor announced measures which will increase most people's tax bills next year.
The amount you can earn without paying tax - known as the personal allowance - will stay the same from 2022 to 2026, instead of the usual small increases.
The amount people can earn before paying 40% instead of 20% will also be frozen.
Businesses will also pay more tax, as the rate of tax on their profits - corporation tax - will rise from 19% to 25% in 2023.
Image source, Getty Images
Will the government cut spending?
Spending in some areas, such as schools and the NHS, has been protected - and it would be difficult to reduce health spending after a pandemic.
State pensions, another big spending item, are protected by the so-called triple lock, which guarantees they rise with workers' earnings, prices, or 2.5% every year - whichever is highest.
The Conservatives promised to keep this, but earnings are rising very fast as they bounce back after the pandemic, which could make it a very expensive pledge to honour next year.
Last year, the chancellor announced some measures to reduce public spending, such as a controversial decision to freeze pay for many public sector workers.
He also cut the amount the UK spends on overseas aid, despite an election pledge to keep it at 0.7% of national income.
Can the UK afford all this debt?
Until recently, the government has been able to borrow easily at very low interest rates, which has made its debt more affordable.
At the moment it pays just 0.77% interest to borrow for 10 years.
It's still low but interest rates have been rising recently - and the higher they go, the harder it will be to support the UK's debt burden.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Will schools be able to reopen in June?

Plans are being made for how schools will start to reopen .
However , there is disagreement in England over whether children might be returning too soon , and how schools can be made safe .
A decision is widely expected on 28 May as to whether schools will reopen to more pupils in England on 1 June .
The plan is for nursery and pre-school , and Reception and Years 1 and 6 at primary school to resume first .
However , a BBC Breakfast survey of 150 councils revealed many are not guaranteeing this .
Only 20 out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were advising schools to open more widely on 1 June .
These were : Another 15 said they would not be advising schools to open their doors to more pupils .
These were : Two thirds ( 68 ) could not guarantee schools would reopen to Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 .
What about the rest of the UK ?
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that schools in Scotland will open on 11 August - the beginning of the autumn term .
They will use what the first minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , combining part-time study in class , with some learning at home .
Schools in Wales will not reopen on 1 June .
The education minister has said schools will only return when `` it is the right time and it is the right thing to do '' .
In Northern Ireland , schools are not expected to reopen before September .
How safe is it to reopen schools ?
The risk of coronavirus to pupils in the classroom is `` very , very small , but not zero '' , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group , Sage .
The group has published documents on the safety and impact of reopening schools in England , which also say teachers would not be at above average risk compared with other occupations .
But there is much uncertainty throughout the advice , and the group `` can not be clear '' on the extent schools could be reopened without leading to cases of Covid-19 taking off again .
Speaking before the Sage documents were published , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said England 's schools were safe to reopen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay until a `` full roll-out of a national test and trace scheme '' and extra resources for cleaning , protective equipment and risk assessments .
The Department for Education has issued guidance to schools in England .
It says they should : • Have classes of no more than 15 children with one teacher , and be kept apart from others , similar to Denmark 's `` protective bubble '' approach • Stagger break and lunch times , and arrival and departure times • Clean more frequently , and reduce the use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition , children will be discouraged from taking home things like books .
Do I have to send my child to school ?
It is not currently compulsory for any parent to send their children to school , and it is expected that this temporary arrangement - where usual sanctions do not apply - will continue in England during the summer term .
Some children - those deemed vulnerable , and those whose parents are key workers - have continued to attend school during the lockdown .
As of 14 May , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - representing 2.4 % of pupils who normally attend .
That includes 73,000 children classed as vulnerable by schools .
The Department for Education estimates this figure represents about 14 % of all vulnerable pupils .
• Schools in Denmark have been open since April , teaching children in small groups • In Germany , schools have been partially reopened for young children and those taking exams • French schools began reopening this month - a limit of 15 pupils has been put on classes , and masks are compulsory for older children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Italy and Spain are expected to stay shut until after the summer holidays How are children currently being educated at home ?
Schools have tried to continue a limited curriculum online , relying on parents and guardians to supervise .
To support home learning , the BBC has also launched a major programme of expanded educational content on its BBC Bitesize service , including regular daily lessons in English , Maths and other core subjects .
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
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Summer exams have been cancelled in England , Wales and Scotland .
This includes GCSEs and A-levels in England and Wales , plus primary school Sats national curriculum tests in England .
In Scotland , Highers and Nationals will not be going ahead .
Exam watchdogs have been working together on alternative arrangements .
Have you been affected by the school closures due to coronavirus ?
Please get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms of use and privacy policy When will children go back to school ?

How are Covid rules changing across UK schools? Published 23 February 2022
Image source, Getty Images
All remaining Covid restrictions have now been scrapped in English schools.
Rules have also been eased elsewhere in the UK, but some measures are being retained for the moment.
How are the Covid rules changing in schools?
The legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive test is also being removed, although it is still recommended.
Head teachers groups have warned that the changes to testing and self-isolation "may actually lead to an increase in disruption", as Covid is more likely to spread in the classroom, leading to further pupil and staff absence.
Image source, Getty Images
All school staff and secondary school pupils in Scotland and Northern Ireland are still asked to take two lateral flow tests (LFTs) a week (three in Wales).
In Wales, schools are largely back to normal. Face coverings will no longer be required in classrooms after 28 February, but should still be worn in communal areas of secondary schools.
In Northern Ireland, schools reopened with the same measures as last term. If a primary or post-primary class has multiple Covid cases, all pupils should take an LFT. The guidance that pupils in post-primary schools should wear face coverings still applies.
In Scotland, social distancing remains in place. However, pupils will no longer have to wear masks in school from 28 February.
How many teachers and pupils are off because of Covid?
The latest data for England shows that 182,000 pupils (2.2%) of pupils were absent for Covid-related reasons on 10 February, down from 320,000 (3.9%) on 3 February.
On the same date, 2.8% of teachers and school leaders and 2.5% of teaching assistants and other staff were absent due to Covid, down from 4.4% and 4.1% respectively the previous week.
Almost half England's schools (45%) had one in 20 teachers absent due to Covid.
In Scotland on 17 February, 12,638 students (2.4%) were missing from school due to Covid-related reasons. The highest absence rate this year was seen on 7 January, when 43,565 students (14.1%) were off.
In Northern Ireland, 5.2% of students, 9% of teachers and 11% of classroom assistants in schools were absent due to Covid over the week 24 to 28 January - the highest rates since the new term began.
Image source, Getty Images
Many schools have told the BBC they have struggled to find temporary staff to cover the teachers who are off.
England's Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi urged retired teachers to return and join teacher supply agencies to fill gaps, but a BBC survey suggested there had been a limited response.
Mr Zahawi also suggested schools could merge classes. But teaching unions said there were logistical difficulties and safety issues with teaching large groups of children.
Image source, Getty Images
Can a child go to school if they or someone in their household or class has Covid?
After Thursday 24 February, people in England with Covid will no longer have a legal obligation to self-isolate.
However, people who test positive will still be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days, including school staff and students.
The legal requirement to self-isolate remains in place across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As long as they don't have Covid symptoms, under-18s already don't have to self-isolate if someone else in their household has Covid.
Similarly, whole classes are no longer automatically sent home to isolate if a pupil or teacher tests positive.
However, close contacts aged five or above are strongly advised to test for at least seven days.
All primary and post-primary pupils in Northern Ireland are advised to take an LFT if there are multiple Covid cases in their class.
Which pupils are being vaccinated?
All children aged five to 11 in the UK will be offered a low-dose vaccine, which is being rolled out on a "non-urgent" basis.
It's expected to be offered in England in April, and plans are also under way in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In addition:
the low-dose vaccine is already being offered to five to 11-year-olds with medical conditions that put them at greater risk
all children aged 12 and over are being offered two doses of the Pfizer jab
sixteen and 17-year-olds who had a second vaccine dose at least three months ago can have a booster
the JCVI has also recommended that the booster is also offered to children aged 12-15 who are in an at-risk group or live with someone who is immunosuppressed
Children who aren't at high risk from Covid should wait 12 weeks after a positive test before having a jab.
How will exams work this year?
Grades will again be decided by external marking, instead of the teacher assessments used in 2020 and 2021, but grade boundaries will be more lenient in England, Wales and Scotland.
English exam boards have published details about this year's GCSE, AS and A-level papers for most subjects, including maths, biology, chemistry and languages.
Students taking GCSE exams in English Literature, geography, history and ancient history won't have to answer questions on one option from their course.
In maths and science exams, students will be given sheets of formulae and equations.
Students taking vocational B-Tec qualifications will have fewer internal assessments.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--'Homeless help like something out of a storybook'

Amanda had been sleeping rough on and off for eight years when the coronavirus pandemic began .
When the lockdown was announced , she sought help through a housing charity , which organised accommodation for her at a hotel in Manchester .
The 46-year-old said within an hour she had been transported to the hotel , given an en-suite room and a change of clothes .
`` It was like something out of a storybook , '' she told BBC Radio 5 Live .
`` Can you imagine the insecurity of a doorway with an often-wet sleeping bag , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All of a sudden , you have the security of an en-suite room , clean sheets , clean towels , a TV .
It was like something that was on a totally other level of the Richter scale . ''
Amanda , a former sex worker who has struggled with drugs problems in the past , is one of about 5,400 people to have been helped by Everyone In , a government-funded scheme designed to get people off the streets and into emergency accommodation amid the pandemic .
She said there were various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people on hand to help with things like benefits and medical prescriptions .
`` You 'd go from one person to another , and by the end of the day you were dizzy with all the help , '' she said .
`` That first night , I slept for two days , and had about 15 showers in 24 hours . ''
The government distributed over £3.2m to councils in England in March to house homeless people in their areas as the lockdown began .
Funding for the emergency Everyone In scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeless charities such as Crisis , which described it as `` completely unacceptable '' .
The government said it had given councils £3.2bn since March and urged them to keep supporting rough sleepers .
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said : “ Of course , Everyone In was never meant to last forever .
`` When it comes to an end we will need funding to ensure vulnerable people are not suddenly left without accommodation . ''
Greater Manchester Combined Authority said it would relaunch its own scheme as a successor to Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which aims to spend £4.75m and provide 445 beds across all 10 boroughs .
Reflecting on the future , Amanda said the assistance she had received had achieved in a few weeks what she thought would only be possible in `` 12 to 18 months '' .
`` We 've all got our own stories , but being left alone trying to sort ourselves out , we 've gathered momentum .
We 're finding our own identities now , '' she added .
The Riverside Group charity , which works closely with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Amanda , has helped many homeless people staying in hotels .
John Glenton , executive director for care and support at Riverside , said : `` I think we 've made more progress in the last eight weeks than we 've made in the previous eight years . ''

Amanda, a former sex worker who has struggled with drugs problems in the past, is one of about 5,400 people to have been helped by Everyone In, a government-funded scheme designed to get people off the streets and into emergency accommodation amid the pandemic.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: The shops refusing to pay their rent

Andrea Orsini 's family has run M Bar in London 's Leadenhall Market for 40 years .
But after shutting up shop because of the lockdown , he says he ca n't afford his next rent bill .
He pays £70,000 a year to his landlord .
On top of that , he must also fund a service charge , business rates and a tables and chairs license .
It all adds up to £125,000 which , as he puts it , is a lot of tea and coffee .
Round the corner , Patrick Dudley Williams , who runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a similar position .
He said it would not be sustainable to borrow money to fund rent for his shop , which is currently closed and in a part of the city that is unlikely to see customers return for some time .
Their landlord , the City of London Corporation , says it is aware of the difficulties faced by businesses in Leadenhall Market .
The corporation , which is the local council for the Square Mile , said it has offered three month rent deferrals to selected tenants , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A similar story is being told up and down the country .
This weekend , Cheltenham publican Ed Anderson handed over his pubs ' keys to his local MP to highlight the difficulties that businesses are facing paying rent while they are closed .
He says rent bills will `` break '' the hospitality sector and he 's encouraging other business owners to join his campaign Keys2MPs .
Since the lockdown , non-payment of commercial rent has become widespread Michael Old , a partner at EY , said the biggest drop in rent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality and leisure sectors .
He said retail landlords had collected less than half of rent due in March .
`` This compares to 66 % in the office sector and 83 % in the industrial sector , '' he said .
He expects to see a further decline in rent collection levels in June .
And that 's a major problem for landlords who have their own financial obligations .
The Coronavirus Act has temporarily banned landlords from evicting tenants if they do n't pay their rent .
In the more constructive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or changing them to monthly instalments - sometimes in arrears .
Nick Ridley from Cushman & Wakefield , a commercial real estate firm , says landlords have been taking a harder stance when they think companies are using the crisis as an excuse not to pay - especially when it comes to larger chains and companies such as pharmacies that have remained open .
`` My investment fund clients are starting to weed out the genuine hardship payments from the opportunistic tenants , '' he said .
Lawyer Vicky Khandker , who works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to work together to address the issue of where the rent bill should land .
`` Ultimately , landlords do n't want to find that , at the end of this , they 've suddenly got a lot of their tenants that simply no longer exist and have n't survived - because they 'll be left with a glut of empty properties '' .
Companies are complaining that some landlords are unwilling to engage .
The owners of pub and brewer BrewDog say that , of their 60 UK landlords , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` less than 10 % have done anything that offers meaningful help so far '' .
Large chains such as Burger King UK are refusing to pay their rent until they are properly back in business .
This has resulted in a couple of winding up orders , but they have otherwise had a constructive dialogue with their many landlords .
When it comes to the landlord-tenant relationship , there 's no one size fits all model .
While the tenant may be the most visual victim of a demand for rent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Professor Andrew Baum from the University of Oxford explains that landlords are not always the more powerful party in the relationship .
`` The landlord of a property might be a pension fund paying the elderly , and the tenant could be a private equity-owned business , '' he said .
Ms Khandker agrees .
`` In some cases , landlords may be much smaller businesses than the tenants that occupy their premises , so the landlords may be left in a much more severe position than the tenants are , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognises the huge challenges being faced by commercial tenants and landlords during this period .
`` We 're working closely with them to ensure they are supported and would urge landlords and tenants to follow the example of others and find solutions that work for both parties , '' it said .
Hospitality businesses , led by restaurateur Jonathan Downey , are running a campaign called National Time Out , calling for a nine-month rent holiday , meaning leases are extended and payments postponed to the end of the tenancy .
The retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British Retail Consortium and the British Property Federation , would like to see a `` Furloughed Space Grant Scheme '' , effectively calling on government to underwrite rents for stores that are closed .
Vivienne King , chief executive of Revo estimates around a third of rent was paid for the second quarter of the year .
`` In the majority of cases retailers and property owners are working together to navigate this crisis , '' she said .
`` However , the flexibility shown by both sides is not sustainable in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real risk the ecosystem built upon on thriving occupiers could collapse unless there is direct financial support from government . ''
Professor Baum does not believe this is a viable solution .
`` It would be such a dangerous game to play - what happens to a retailer paying dividends but not their rent , '' he asks .
`` What about future profits ?
And why have n't businesses saved for a rainy day ? ''
Until then , it is up to landlords and tenants to make their own arrangements @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The government says it recognises the huge challenges being faced by commercial tenants and landlords during this period. "We're working closely with them to ensure they are supported and would urge landlords and tenants to follow the example of others and find solutions that work for both parties," it said.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Can children catch and pass on coronavirus?

How likely children are to catch and spread coronavirus is talked about a lot when it comes to deciding how @ @ @ @ @ .
The problem is that Covid-19 is a new disease and not something scientists have @ @ @ @ @ meaning the available data on the subject that 's currently available is sparse .
Here @ @ @ @ @ Laura Foster explains what we do know currently about how children are affected by the @ @

All schools in England are going back from 8 March.
In Scotland, younger primary pupils have gone back to school, along with some exam-year students in secondary school. A wider reopening has yet to be decided.
In Wales, younger primary years have also returned - with older primary pupils set to go back on 15 March if Covid levels continue to fall.
In Northern Ireland, younger primary pupils will return to classrooms on 8 March.
But how likely are children to catch and spread the virus?
BBC's Health reporter Laura Foster explains what we do know currently about how children are affected by the virus.
Video by Laura Foster, Terry Saunders and Tobias Chapple.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: The care home that locked down early

Despite government pressure to take patients being discharged from hospitals , this care home in Oxfordshire refused and locked down @ @ @ @ @ .
About a quarter of known coronavirus deaths in the UK have happened in care @ @ @ @ @ minister saying he `` bitterly regrets '' the epidemic and that the government is `` @ @ @ @ @ tackle it .
So what is it like in the care home that refused to @ @ @ @ @ who they worried were not tested for Covid-19 ?
And how does it compare with @ @ @ @ @ homes in the area ?

Despite government pressure to take patients being discharged from hospitals, this care home in Oxfordshire refused and locked down early to protect its residents.
About a quarter of known coronavirus deaths in the UK have happened in care homes, with the prime minister saying he "bitterly regrets" the epidemic and that the government is "working very hard" to tackle it.
So what is it like in the care home that refused to accept recently-discharged hospital patients, who they worried were not tested for Covid-19? And how does it compare with other, less expensive care homes in the area?
Newsnight's Lewis Goodall reports.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Clap for Carers founder says 'It's best to stop at its peak'

The UK 's weekly applause for front-line workers tackling the coronavirus outbreak has `` had its moment '' and should @ @ @ @ @ have been clapping from their doorways and windows since 26 March .
The woman behind @ @ @ @ @ said it would be `` beautiful '' to end it after its 10th week , @ @ @ @ @ event .

The UK's weekly applause for front-line workers tackling the coronavirus outbreak has "had its moment" and should end next Thursday.
People have been clapping from their doorways and windows since 26 March.
The woman behind it, Annemarie Plas, said it would be "beautiful" to end it after its 10th week, and make it an annual event.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Eavesdropping on a W1A lockdown Zoom meeting

The BBC executives of comedy hit W1A have been reunited for a one-off Zoom meeting .
The clip , made @ @ @ @ @ 's cast and its writer , aims to `` cheer people up '' during lockdown @ @ @ @ @ full on YouTube .

The BBC executives of comedy hit W1A have been reunited for a one-off Zoom meeting.
The clip, made by some of the show's cast and its writer, aims to "cheer people up" during lockdown and can be seen in full on YouTube.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus quarantine: 'We expect the vast majority to do the right thing' - Patel

From 8 June , anyone entering the UK will have to quarantine themselves for 14 days to help slow the @ @ @ @ @ government has said .
Home Secretary Priti Patel said the measure would `` reduce the @ @ @ @ @ border '' .
Passengers arriving in the UK will be required to fill out an @ @ @ @ @ providing details of where they will spend their 14 days in self-isolation .

From 8 June, anyone entering the UK will have to quarantine themselves for 14 days to help slow the spread of coronavirus, the government has said.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said the measure would "reduce the risk of cases crossing our border".
Passengers arriving in the UK will be required to fill out an online locator contact form - providing details of where they will spend their 14 days in self-isolation.


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Newspaper headlines: Cummings lockdown rules 'breach', and holiday 'hope'

Mr Cummings also features on the Daily Mail front page .
But its main story says that `` hope '' @ @ @ @ @ those wanting to travel abroad this summer .
Virus passports and travel corridors could help @ @ @ @ @ , the paper reports , highlighting plans from ministers to strike `` quarantine-free pacts '' @ @ @ @ @ as France and Spain .

Ministers are reportedly aiming to strike quarantine-free pacts with destinations such as France, Spain and Greece, by as early as July. They are also said to be considering so-called "Covid passports", which would allow someone who has had the virus to travel more widely, and not have to go into quarantine on their return.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Lewes sex abuser Jonathan Smith's victim feels hope after his jailing

A woman who was systematically abused as a child by a world-renowned music director has gone from `` despair to hope '' after seeing him finally jailed .
Jonathan Smith , 57 , abused her in Lewes , East Sussex , in the 1980s and early 1990s .
He was found guilty of 16 sex offences and sentenced to a 24-year term , on Wednesday .
Alice - not her real name - now feels `` empowered '' after years reliant on alcohol and psychiatric support .
At the time of the abuse she would also watch Smith 's concerts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and powerful '' - before her abuser moved to Australia in 1998 , becoming the choirmaster of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra .
Because of the coronavirus pandemic , the hearing was streamed via Skype , enabling her to see Smith sentenced - an experience that left her in tears .
`` I felt a surge of goodness , 'Wow , I did the right thing , I 've been heard ' . ''
Smith began abusing her when she was aged just five .
She said : `` I remember him ... conducting this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed magical and powerful . ''
As well has going on to gain great respect in Australia after leaving East Sussex , Smith built a reputation across the UK , Europe , the US , and New Zealand , Hove Crown Court heard .
Over the years Smith manipulated Alice into believing what he did was right , but as she got older the abuse worsened .
She began drinking from a young age , and had to go to treatment centres 13 times for alcohol detoxification .
She was also sectioned resulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals .
It was not until 2012 , that Alice felt able to reveal to her family what had been done to her .
`` Looking back at it , I feel it was disgusting , but at the time I did n't really understand it .
I thought it was play .
`` It felt wrong ... but I was being told it was love .
`` When it hit me that was child sexual abuse , it was a shock .
`` I 'd lived in this fantasy world that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been a process of having to understand and unpick it . ''
The process to get Smith to trial took five years , including a four-year extradition process from Australia .
In that time Alice said she went through a range of emotions , including grief .
`` The grief that I was n't special , all those beliefs I had ... that I was loved , none of that was true .
She was able to give evidence in court before lockdown , and said that gave her strength .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is justice and that we got there , '' she said .
`` He can not hurt any children anymore . ''

At the time of the abuse she would also watch Smith's concerts - feeling that he was "magic and powerful" - before her abuser moved to Australia in 1998, becoming the choirmaster of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Seven tourist hotels across Scotland cease trading

Seven Scottish hotels have ceased trading after a major UK travel firm went into administration .
About 2,500 jobs have been lost and 64,000 bookings cancelled with the collapse of Specialist Leisure Group .
The hotel and travel company included well-known coach holiday brands Shearings , Caledonian Travel and Wallace Arnold .
Travel body Abta said the firm had struggled to provide refunds for trips cancelled because of Covid-19 .
It added that the vast majority of cancelled bookings were coach package holidays and customers with these bookings will receive a full refund .
The hotels in Scotland which , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrators , have ceased trading are : The Specialist Leisure Group , based in Wigan , also operated Wallace Arnold Travel and accommodation brands such as Bay Hotels , Coast and Country Hotels and Country Living Hotels .
The firm said on its website that all tours , cruises , holidays and hotel breaks had been cancelled and would not be rescheduled .
In a statement obtained by Travel Weekly , the firm 's chief executive Richard Calvert said : `` The effects of Covid-19 on our 117-year-old company and the wider travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most trying of circumstances we have fought tooth and nail to save the group and the jobs of our 2,400 loyal employees serving over 1.1 million customers annually .
`` It is heart-breaking that the required funding or investment could not be secured to get us through this unprecedented crisis . ''
John de Vial , Abta 's director of membership and financial services , said : `` Today is a very sad day for these customers and the thousands of staff who will have lost their jobs .
`` The fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loyal customer base have had to call in administrators is a stark indication of the pressure that the holiday industry is under as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Abta has repeatedly highlighted to the government the urgency of the situation and the need to set out a co-ordinated strategy with clearer communication if it wants to help avoid significant job losses and support companies to weather the storm . ''

"Abta has repeatedly highlighted to the government the urgency of the situation and the need to set out a co-ordinated strategy with clearer communication if it wants to help avoid significant job losses and support companies to weather the storm."


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: NI chief constable issues bank holiday plea to public

NI must `` keep the momentum '' going in adhering to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions , the PSNI 's chief constable has said .
Simon Byrne urged people to consider if their actions are `` responsible and reasonable '' this bank holiday weekend .
Policing would change as officers restart some neighbourhood policing work , he added .
There will be fewer road checks , but police will still use enforcement powers over large gatherings , he said .
The first measures to ease the lockdown began earlier this week , with as many as six people who do n't share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - as long as they follow social-distancing guidelines and stay two metres ( 6ft ) apart .
Relatives who do not live together are still not permitted to meet indoors , however , despite this measure being included in step one of Northern Ireland 's Pathway to Recovery .
The executive 's Chief Scientific Adviser Prof Ian Young said this could not yet be allowed because Covid-19 survives for longer on surfaces indoors than it does outside .
'Help us to help you' Speaking at the executive 's daily press conference , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northern Ireland : `` Think twice about whether you really need to do something .
`` If I , or the first and deputy first minister ca n't convince you , can you go home and look your elderly parents in the eye and think : 'What I did was responsible and reasonable ' ? ''
First Minister Arlene Foster also said people should not pre-empt the lifting of more lockdown restrictions .
In other developments on Friday : • The number of weekly deaths in Northern Ireland 's care homes has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row - but almost half of deaths in NI linked to Covid-19 have happened in such settings ; • Some NI pupils will return to school in late August with a phased return for the remainder , Education Minister Peter Weir has said ; • Northern Ireland needs a network of off-road trails so people can continue with daily exercise after the lockdown ; • What can people do in Northern Ireland as the lockdown is slowly eased ?
Read our explainer here • BBC News NI 's Shane Harrison gets access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park , which is being used as a test centre for Covid-19 Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said people can travel , but urged them to use caution .
`` We know families want to be reunited and as soon as they can , we will communicate that to you , '' she said .
`` Help us to help you , we 're trying to save lives . ''
• No more changes to NI lockdown restrictions yet Their comments came as three more Covid-19 related deaths were recorded by Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total to 504 .
One of the deaths happened since Thursday , two other deaths happened earlier but have only now been added to the department 's total .
The daily numbers mostly reflect hospital deaths , but weekly figures released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency cover all fatalities where coronavirus has been recorded on the death certificate .
Nisra had recorded 664 such deaths by 15 May .
The latest figures on the department 's dashboard show a further 23 confirmed positive cases of the virus , bringing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland 's R ( reproduction ) number had not changed , sitting at 0.8 .
There was a `` high likelihood '' of a second wave of the virus , he added , and it was sensible for the executive to plan for this .
The executive has maintained that any decisions it takes to ease the lockdown further would be based on scientific evidence .
However , Prof Young stressed that he simply provides advice based on scientific evidence , adding that decisions on easing the lockdown were a matter for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some sense of normality in the face of the virus had been `` hard won '' .
`` We can win back even more freedoms if everyone remains disciplined , patient and focused , '' she added .
Why does the R-number matter ?
R refers to the average number of people that someone with Covid-19 is expected to infect after contracting the virus : The goal is to keep R under one .
Prof Young has said there are a number of other factors that officials are looking at , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of daily new cases needing to be low , so that contact tracing , testing and isolating can work properly .
The number of hospital admissions and critical care patients is being closely monitored as well , to ensure the R-number is kept low , before any further restrictions are lifted .
Health Minister Robin Swann has said plans are being made to publish the figure on a weekly basis , to show trends in line with some lockdown measures being lifted .

"If I, or the first and deputy first minister can't convince you, can you go home and look your elderly parents in the eye and think: 'What I did was responsible and reasonable'?"


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Disability charity concerned at testing for carers

A disability charity is concerned about possible human rights breaches caused by Wales ' coronavirus test policy .
BBC Wales has been told care workers are struggling to get tested , despite qualifying last weekend .
It follows calls by the Older People 's Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission to investigate test policy .
Wales ' First Minister Mark Drakeford said he would do `` all the things in his power '' to protect people .
Rhian Davies , chief executive of Disability Wales , said it was `` not acceptable '' that eight weeks into lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said it was leading to some disabled people cancelling support visits over fears untested staff may infect them .
• Testing extended to all care home staff and residents • More than 11,000 deaths in care homes '' Some of our members are saying to us they actually spend most of their time in bed because it 's difficult to get up and get dressed or be out and about in the home without support , '' Ms Davies said .
`` It feels like a massive risk , whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or in a residential care setting… because anybody could have it . ''
She said staff needed `` ready and frequent access to testing '' .
Without this disabled people were `` at risk almost indefinitely '' she said .
They would be `` last out of lockdown '' , if testing was not rolled out to support workers sooner , Ms Davies said , and quality of life gains made in recent decades would be lost .
She agreed that concerns raised by the Older People 's Commissioner for Wales over human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 've seen a number of issues emerging in a way disabled people 's human rights are in breach or potentially breached , '' Ms Davies said .
`` Testing is an important way to ensure disabled people 's human rights are safeguarded . ''
Rev John Hancock is director of The Carningli Trust which runs four residential homes in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire for adults with learning disabilities .
Many residents have underlying health problems , and fear they would die if they caught the virus .
Mr Hancock said despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get tests for staff and agreed the human rights of residents may have been breached .
`` I regret having to take this sort of step to get the ear of the decision makers , to get some leadership , to get the testing that the people that do this work desperately deserve , '' he said .
`` I really do n't understand how it is that the Welsh Government can get away with not doing everything reasonably practical when the life of the people in our care homes is on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love and have cared for , for many years , will die unless we plug this hole about infections getting into care homes through asymptomatic workers .
`` Testing is the only way you can stop it . ''
Jared Brookman , deputy manager of one of the homes , said testing was important as staff `` do n't have an option to work from home or distance ourselves '' .
`` We 're doing personal care and activities , and we ca n't do that from a distance , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stages that you had it , you could stop yourself from going to work . ''
Mr Drakeford told BBC Wales he was `` more determined than ever '' to do `` all the things in his power '' to protect people .
He said : `` Where there are blockages to the policies that we have announced being delivered in practice , then we work very carefully with the sectors , with those people who have the day-to-day responsibilities for delivering those services , to try to make them as good as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what we work on all day , every day here in the Welsh Government , and that 's what we will be doing in the weeks , and no doubt beyond that , ahead . ''

He said: "Where there are blockages to the policies that we have announced being delivered in practice, then we work very carefully with the sectors, with those people who have the day-to-day responsibilities for delivering those services, to try to make them as good as they possibly can be.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Stratford taxi driver dies after being spat at

A taxi driver who died with Covid-19 was spat at by a fare-dodger who claimed he had the disease , according to his friend .
Trevor Belle , 61 , began to feel unwell after the attack in Stratford , east London on 22 March , Damian Briggs said .
Described as a `` jovial man who loved to laugh '' , the grandfather died in the Royal London Hospital on 18 April .
`` He spent three weeks battling it [ coronavirus ] and unfortunately did n't make it to the end , '' Mr Briggs said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he possibly caught it doing his job . ''
Mr Belle 's blood has been donated to research into the effects of Covid-19 in people from BAME communities .
Paying tribute to his friend , Mr Briggs said he would `` always find a way to get a smile on your face '' .
He added : `` It was very rare you saw something that bothered this guy .
`` No matter how bad it was , he always found a way to have a laugh and chuckle . ''
It comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after intervening in a row between a man and ticket staff at Mile End station on Thursday .
The man had demanded that workers open a gate as he did not have a ticket for the barriers , according to a union official .
A search of the area was carried out by police , but the culprit was not found .
At the start of April Victoria station ticket office worker Belly Mujinga died from coronavirus , a few days after being spat at by a man claiming to be infected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mujinga and heightened fears over the highly contagious coronavirus , more must be done to prevent such horrendous acts of violence against transport workers and passengers , '' said Lorraine Ward , TSSA official for London Underground .
`` We 're redoubling our call for protective visors to be made available to all frontline transport workers across the rail , Tube and bus networks , as they provide a greater degree of protection from such acts . ''

"Following the tragic story of Belly Mujinga and heightened fears over the highly contagious coronavirus, more must be done to prevent such horrendous acts of violence against transport workers and passengers," said Lorraine Ward, TSSA official for London Underground.


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: Dominic Cummings' lockdown trip 'was essential', says No 10

The PM 's chief aide Dominic Cummings ' trip from London to Durham with his sick wife to be near relatives during the coronavirus lockdown was `` in line '' with guidelines , says No 10 .
A spokesman said it was `` essential '' for Mr Cummings to ensure he had childcare if he also developed Covid-19 symptoms .
The Durham police chief said it was `` unwise '' for Mr Cummings to travel .
The SNP have called for him to resign , while Labour asked for a `` clear explanation '' for his actions .
Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonably and legally '' when he made the 260-mile journey from his London home to Country Durham during the lockdown .
A No 10 spokesman said : `` Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell , it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for .
`` His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and left everything outside .
`` At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter , as is being reported .
`` His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines .
Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally . ''
Police said they attended a property in County Durham , after the Guardian and the Daily Mirror newspapers first reported Mr Cummings had been seen near his parents ' home in early April .
• What are social distancing and self-isolation rules ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Given the whole ethos of the guidance and regulations which were designed to reduce the spread , regardless of reason , by travelling to County Durham when known to be infected was most unwise .
`` To beat this crisis we need to be selfless as millions have been .
`` The response by the people of Durham has been exemplary which makes this most frustrating and concerning . ''
The government has ordered anyone with coronavirus symptoms to self-isolate at home and not leave - even for essential supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said the government should use the daily Downing Street Covid-19 press conference on Saturday to provide answers over the reports .
A statement added : `` The public have made extraordinary sacrifices during this pandemic and the lockdown .
`` It can not be one rule for those who set them and another for the British people . ''
Mr Cummings , the former Vote Leave campaign director , is the PM 's closest political adviser .
He has attended meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that shapes the government 's coronavirus response .
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Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has defended Mr Cummings , tweeting : `` Caring for your wife and child is not a crime . ''
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab insisted that an explanation for Mr Cummings ' actions had now been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's reasonable and fair to ask for an explanation on this .
And it has been provided : two parents with coronavirus , were anxiously taking care of their young child .
`` Those now seeking to politicise it should take a long hard look in the mirror . ''
Earlier , the Scottish National Party 's Westminster leader Ian Blackford told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme that Mr Cumming 's position was `` untenable '' and that the prime minister has `` serious questions '' to answer about the reports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the FDA , the union that represents senior civil servants , said the prime minister was responsible for the actions of his chief aide , and called for Mr Johnson to explain reports that Mr Cummings broke lockdown rules .
It comes after other high-profile figures involved in tackling the pandemic have resigned for breaching lockdown restrictions , including Scotland 's former Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood and leading scientist Prof Neil Ferguson .
Dr Calderwood resigned in April after making two trips to her second home during the coronavirus lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser on coronavirus after it was reported that a woman he was said to be in a relationship with visited his home in lockdown .
On 30 March , it was reported that Mr Cummings , the former Vote Leave chief who was the architect of the PM 's Brexit strategy , had developed symptoms of the coronavirus and was self-isolating at home .
His wife , journalist Mary Wakefield , described in the Spectator magazine how he collapsed and was bed-ridden for 10 days .
Durham Police confirmed officers had spoken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers were made aware on 31 March of reports a person had travelled there from London .
A spokesman said that owners of the address confirmed the individual `` was present and self-isolating in part of the house '' , and officers `` explained to the family the guidelines around self-isolation and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel '' .
Government advice on 31 March was for the public to stay at home and only leave for clearly defined reasons , including to exercise , essential shopping or for medical needs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case - those with symptoms of coronavirus were told to self-isolate at home and not leave even for essential supplies , if possible , for seven days .
It was and also remains not permitted to leave your house to visit friends and family in their home , while government advice for those aged 70 and over continues to be that they should minimise contact with others outside their household .
• MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK : The shows shining a light on our emotional state • CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL : “ Science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police are `` wary '' on patrol amid a rise in spitting attacks during the coronavirus pandemic • People arriving in the UK must self-isolate for 14 days from 8 June to help slow the spread of coronavirus , the government has said • The founder of the UK 's weekly applause for front-line workers has said it should end next Thursday • A care home in Oxfordshire has told how it locked down early to protect its residents • And the BBC 's medical correspondent Fergus Walsh has tested positive for coronavirus @

"As we all do in moments of crisis, we always seek to have our family, those who can assist us, around us and I think that's all that has happened in this case."


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: France reveals reciprocal quarantine plans for UK arrivals

People arriving in France from the UK will have to self-isolate for 14 days from 8 June , the French government has announced .
It comes after Home Secretary Priti Patel revealed quarantine plans for visitors to the UK from the same date .
France said it would impose reciprocal measures for any European country enforcing a quarantine .
Travellers arriving in France from Spain by plane will also be asked to go into quarantine from Monday .
Speaking at Friday 's Downing Street briefing , Ms Patel said travellers to the UK will need to tell the government where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through random spot checks and £1,000 fines in England if they do not comply .
She said the measure would `` reduce the risk of cases crossing our border '' .
Lorry drivers , seasonal farm workers , and coronavirus medics will be exempt .
The requirement will also not apply to those travelling from the Republic of Ireland , the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man .
If a person does not have suitable accommodation to go to , they will be required to stay in `` facilities arranged by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expense , according to Border Force chief Paul Lincoln .
The Home Office said the new policy will be in place across the UK , although how it is enforced in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland will be determined by the devolved administrations .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said discussions would take place with Police Scotland to work out how the policy will be implemented .
Ms Patel told the briefing the measures were not the same as completely shutting the UK border to visitors .
`` We are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing our borders , '' she said .
And asked about the prospect of foreign holidays this summer , the home secretary added : `` This is absolutely not about booking holidays .
We want to avoid a second wave and that is absolutely vital . ''
• What are the new quarantine rules for passengers ?
• Will I be able to go on holiday this year ?
• Why the NHS may need to hire cabin crew So-called `` air bridges '' - agreements with countries that have low infection rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be in place initially , the government said .
The new measure , previously announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson , will be reviewed every three weeks once it is introduced .
But airlines have said a quarantine requirement would `` effectively kill air travel '' - and one airport boss described the plans as a `` blunt tool '' .
The government currently recommends international travel only when absolutely necessary , and nobody should travel if they display any coronavirus symptoms .
Victoria Bacon from ABTA , the travel industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government needs to come up with some `` wider , more forward thinking '' strategies for the industry .
`` There 's a whole range of support , not just financial , that the government can put in place to start helping the sector and we 've heard very little from them .
We really desperately need some help , '' she said .
What does the new system involve ?
Passengers arriving in the UK will be required to fill out an online locator contact form - providing details of where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Home Office said the proposed accommodation will need to meet necessary requirements , such as a hotel or a private address with friends or family .
There will be a fine of £100 for failure to complete the form , and the Border Force will have the power to refuse entry to non-UK citizens who do not comply with the new regulations .
New arrivals will be told they may be contacted at any time during their quarantine and , in England , may be visited by public health authorities conducting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid public transport and travel to their accommodation by car `` where possible '' , and not to go out to buy food or other essentials `` where they can rely on others '' .
In England , a breach of self-isolation would be punishable by a £1,000 fixed penalty notice , or prosecution and an unlimited fine for persistent offenders .
The big question being asked about quarantine is : why now ?
The government argues that it simply would n't have made enough of a difference while the virus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has n't , so far , fully explained why such a blanket measure was not introduced much earlier in the outbreak , before the virus took hold .
People returning from Wuhan city and Hubei province in China were put into isolation for 14 days from late January .
Later , those returning from Italy were told to self-isolate .
But the measure was not extended to travellers from every country .
There are also questions about how this will work in practice and what it will mean for the travel industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Home Office has published a full list of exemptions to the new requirements .
The list includes road haulage and freight workers , medical professionals travelling to fight Covid-19 , and seasonal farm workers who will self-isolate where they are working .
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Ms Patel said the new measures aim to `` keep the transmission rate down and prevent a devastating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect the majority of people will do the right thing and abide by these measures .
But we will take enforcement action against the minority of people who endanger the safety of others , '' she added : Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said the party supported the new measures `` but is clear they are no substitute for a long-term , well thought through approach '' .
The number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK has reached 36,393 - a rise of 351 on Thursday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Science has never moved so quickly ” • 90s NOSTALGIA : 24 tracks to take you into the weekend

"There's a whole range of support, not just financial, that the government can put in place to start helping the sector and we've heard very little from them. We really desperately need some help," she said.


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Blackburn shooting: Five charged with Aya Hachem murder

Five people have been charged with the murder of a law student in a drive-by shooting in Blackburn .
Aya Hachem , 19 , died when shots were fired from a passing car on Sunday .
Feroz Suleman , 39 , Abubakir Satia , 31 , Uthman Satia , 28 , Judy Chapman , 26 , and Kashif Manzoor , 24 , appeared at Preston Magistrates ' Court , sitting at Sessions House Crown Court .
They have also been charged with the attempted murder of their intended target Pashar Khan , the court heard .
The five people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crown Court on Wednesday .
A closure order was issued for Mr Suleman 's business , RI Tyres , for up to three months following an application by Lancashire Police .
Ms Hachem 's parents have paid tribute to her as the `` most loyal devoted daughter '' who `` dreamed of becoming a solicitor '' .
`` We are absolutely devastated by her death and would like to take this opportunity to plead with any members of the public who may have any information however small that may bring those responsible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suleman , of Shear Brow in Blackburn , and Abubakir Satia , of Oxford Close in Blackburn , were the first people to be charged on Friday .
They appeared at Preston Magistrates ' Court along with Uthman Satia , of Oxford Close in Blackburn , Judy Chapman , of St Hubert 's Road in Great Harwood , and Kashif Manzoor , of Shakeshaft Street in Blackburn , who were charged later .
Two men , aged 33 and 36 , from Blackburn , arrested on Monday on suspicion of murder and attempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending further inquiries .
Four other people arrested as part of the inquiry have been released under investigation , while a 22-year-old man , from Blackburn , who was arrested on Friday on suspicion of murder and attempted murder , was released without charge .
A 39-year-old man from Blackburn , who was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of murder and attempted murder , and a 34-year-old man from Blackburn arrested on Thursday on suspicion of murder and attempted murder , remain in custody .

"We are absolutely devastated by her death and would like to take this opportunity to plead with any members of the public who may have any information however small that may bring those responsible to justice," they said.


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: Nurse 'hasn't hugged son, two, in five weeks'

A self-isolating nurse who has been separated from her two-year-old son for five weeks has said not being able to hug him has been `` heartbreaking '' .
Charlotte Cole took the `` hard decision '' to move George to her parents , who live five minutes away , after Covid-19 was confirmed at one of her workplaces .
The 30-year-old and her husband have been making daily trips to see the toddler through a window ever since .
She said she wanted `` to give him a cuddle '' but thought it too risky .
`` It was such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I was coming into contact with people with coronavirus on a daily basis , '' said Ms Cole , who works as a care nurse for a company which serves nursing homes around the North West .
She said she also wanted to protect her mum Bridget , 55 , and dad Robert , 65 , who usually look after the toddler while she and Daniel , who works as a data analyst , are at work .
`` Because of my work I am a continuing risk , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they stayed in a bubble than put them all at risk , '' she said .
At first the couple , both 30 , from Kirkham , Lancashire , thought the lockdown would last just a few weeks but as the lockdown extended Ms Cole said being away from George had become more difficult .
`` The house just feels so empty , '' she said .
`` We have videos calls everyday and my mum and dad send me lots of pictures of him having breakfast and playing which is lovely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miss like not being able to read him a bedtime story , bath time even making him his lunch . ''
She added : `` They love having him but it is really hard for Daniel and I . ''
When her parents ' next door neighbour , and professional photographer , spotted the daily visits he asked Ms Cole if she would like him to take pictures as a record of the moment for the family .
Peter Austin , 45 , said : `` It was such a joyful family occasion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who are my friends as well as neighbours , something to help them remember this time in a positive way . ''

"We have videos calls everyday and my mum and dad send me lots of pictures of him having breakfast and playing which is lovely, but it's the simple things I miss like not being able to read him a bedtime story, bath time even making him his lunch."


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: Terminally-ill bride has her big day

A couple whose circumstances persuaded Northern Ireland 's devolved government to allow their wedding to go ahead during lockdown have tied the knot .
Samantha Gamble , who has a terminal cancer diagnosis , and Frankie Byrne had intended to get married at the end of May .
But coronavirus restrictions meant that weddings were not allowed .
The couple , who have been together for 12 years , married at their County Down home on Friday .
Last week , Stormont 's First and Deputy First Ministers , Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill , said they had agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is terminally ill as part of the first steps in lifting lockdown measures after Samantha 's family lobbied politicians .
Earlier this week Samantha said her wedding would mean `` everything '' .
She told politicians they will `` ever know what it means to us '' .
`` Just to be able to say we did it .
Through all this Frankie has stood beside me and been my rock and done everything for me , '' added Samantha .
Only six people , including the bride , groom and registrar could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joining via video link .

"Just to be able to say we did it. Through all this Frankie has stood beside me and been my rock and done everything for me," Samantha added.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Officers 'wary' as spit attacks rise in coronavirus pandemic

Spitting attacks on police may be behind a national rise in assaults on emergency workers during lockdown , officials have said .
Figures from the National Police Chiefs Council ( NPCC ) for England and Wales showed a 14 % rise in attacks in one month compared with last year .
An officer said the assaults had made colleagues `` really wary '' on patrol .
The Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) said it had `` moved quickly '' to bring these cases to justice .
The figures , for the 43 territorial forces in England and Wales , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers in the four weeks to 10 May , compared with the same period last year .
The NPCC said the increase was likely due to a rise in attacks where suspects spat at officers `` while claiming to be infected with Covid-19 '' .
More than 300 people were charged with coronavirus-related emergency worker assaults in April , with `` the vast majority '' resulting with a conviction , the CPS said .
Forces had full access to coronavirus testing facilities , and had low absence figures for officers and staff across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nottinghamshire Police officer Anthony Brice was detaining a man in Worksop when he spat at him and his colleague .
Mr Brice later tested negative for Covid-19 , but said before the results he and his family were `` incredibly anxious '' .
He said the possibility of these kind of attacks was making officers on patrol during the pandemic `` really wary '' .
`` It 's always in the back of your mind , '' he said .
`` Especially when there 's a public order incident when you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Brice added he was `` not surprised '' by the national rise in assaults , due to the `` frustrations of lockdown '' for many .
`` We normally get the brunt of everything , people do n't like being told what to do , '' he said .
Daniel Hagerty , 32 , of Edinburgh Walk , Worksop , was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison following the assault .
Mr Brice said he was `` pleasantly surprised '' by the result , having been the victim of assaults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in prison time .
Several forces across England have published figures for assaults on officers or emergency workers during the coronavirus lockdown .
• Thames Valley Police said between March and April there were 198 assaults on police officers , 58 of which involved them being coughed , spat at or bitten • In Kent , police reported 196 assaults on officers in March and April , with nearly double the number of spitting incidents compared to last year • Cleveland Police reported 81 assaults on officers and staff between 30 March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there had been 61 reported cases of key workers being coughed or spat at between 20 March and 27 April , with a further 28 reported up to 18 May • Officers at Lincolnshire Police were subjected to 36 assaults which included threats to `` infect '' staff with coronavirus in the four weeks to 24 April , according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service • Over a weekend in March , Avon and Somerset Police reported six officers were `` bitten , spat at or someone coughed in their face '' saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemned by senior police officers .
Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police John Campbell , said : `` To spit , cough or bite an officer or emergency service worker is despicable at any time but in the current situation with coronavirus , it is even more deplorable . ''
He said any officer who was assaulted was supported by a `` comprehensive welfare support plan '' .
The force said all officers had access to PPE and further protection , such as spit guards .
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Graham , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assaults '' had shaken the morale of people working on the frontline .
`` Like people living in our communities , our staff are having to deal with the personal impact of Covid-19 , and whilst assaults at any time are unacceptable , to have them increase during this uncertain time impacts their wellbeing , '' he said .
Chief Constable Alan Pughsley , from Kent Police , said : `` Fortunately now we 're seeing these people go to prison , which is where I think they should be . ''
Max @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CPS , said : `` We 've identified particularly appalling conduct towards emergency workers ... and we 've moved , I think , very quickly , in partnership with the police to bring those cases to justice . ''
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"Like people living in our communities, our staff are having to deal with the personal impact of Covid-19, and whilst assaults at any time are unacceptable, to have them increase during this uncertain time impacts their wellbeing," he said.


bbcuk--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Digital poverty 'a threat to children in care'

A lack of access to basic technology during lockdown poses an `` unprecedented threat '' to the wellbeing of children in care and care leavers , a charity warns .
Voices from Care Cymru ( VFCC ) said some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society can not stay in touch with important support networks .
The charity warned isolation and poor mental health is on the rise and called on councils to utilise technology .
Local authorities have accepted there are `` technological challenges '' .
But the Welsh Local Government Association ( WLGA ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social workers are embracing new ways of working .
• 'Digital poverty ' in schools where few have laptops A lack of access to laptop computers , mobile phones and the internet leaves some people unable to contact friends , family , advisers and social workers , VFCC said .
It added that many of those affected had experienced childhood trauma and instability , and may have an existing mental illness at a time of major disruption to mental health services .
`` By listening to care-experienced young people from across Wales , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the wellbeing of many vulnerable children and young adults , '' said VFCC programmes manager Christopher Dunn .
Mr Dunn explained they faced `` a wide range of social and financial inequalities '' and that `` social distancing exacerbates the loneliness and isolation already felt '' by those without `` the usual family support networks '' .
'It gets quite depressing' One care leaver told the BBC she had experienced feelings of isolation despite being fortunate enough to have access to electronic devices .
Sarah Crombie , 19 , lives in supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in care .
She said it was very common for friends who are in care , or have left care , to have no access to such technology .
Although she has access to a laptop and mobile phone , she said she became depressed during the first two weeks of lockdown .
`` When you are on your own , it gets quite depressing - there 's only so much you can do , '' she said .
`` Most of the time the only chance you have to talk to someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser ] or social worker , and that is really limited .
`` We know they have got big caseloads , but at the same it is hard to contact them even by text or call .
They need to be more engaged ; they need to contact young people more . ''
Sarah has worked hard enough at college to have the choice between two universities to study at .
But with open days cancelled , she said she feels unable to make an informed decision .
And with a new tenant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she is anxious about becoming infected .
`` I have asked my social worker if they can be tested or something because it does worry me , '' she explained .
Dan Pitt , co-chairman of VFCC and a care leaver , said : `` Relationships are so important for care-experienced children and young people , so getting to see their social worker via Zoom or Skype , even if it 's to just check in , will minimise the disruption of Covid-19 . ''
A WLGA spokesman added : `` Local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overcome these barriers by tailoring approaches to meet individual needs and ensure that they meet their statutory duties . ''
Sally Holland , the Children 's Commissioner for Wales , called on people to remember `` young people can be lonely too '' .
She added : `` Imagine just for a moment living through this lockdown in a bedsit on your own , aged 18 , with no family support , hardly any money , possibly mental and physical health problems and little access to a digital device ? ''
The Welsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding to provide digital devices and internet access to `` excluded learners '' .
`` We have been assured by heads of children 's social services in Wales that children in care are being supported to maintain contact with family and friends during the pandemic , '' a spokesman added .

"We know they have got big caseloads, but at the same it is hard to contact them even by text or call. They need to be more engaged; they need to contact young people more."