bbcuk--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Evening update as shops reopen, and England star makes free school meals plea

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Monday evening .
We 'll have another update for you on Tuesday morning .
Some shoppers waited for more than hour at retailers such as Primark , TK Maxx and Foot Locker as non-essential businesses opened in England for the first time in three months .
Footfall in High Streets and shopping centres was up 42 % on the previous week , but still lower than the same time last year .
Retailers have taken safety measures familiar in supermarkets , such as plastic screens at tills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Summer clothes and handbags were among the items being snapped up by the shoppers we spoke to in Milton Keynes .
Meanwhile , hotels and bars can open in Northern Ireland from 3 July .
Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford has written an open letter calling on the government to reverse its decision to stop providing free school meal vouchers during the summer .
The 22-year-old , who grew up in poverty and has raised £20m to feed people during the pandemic , said it was `` written from the heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would be `` left with zero '' if the voucher scheme for England stopped .
Downing Street said a review into the 2m social distancing rule , amid calls from hospitality companies to reduce it , will be complete `` in the coming weeks '' .
But the prime minister 's spokesman could not confirm it would be ready before pubs and restaurants in England are due to reopen on 4 July .
The hospitality industry says it is a `` matter of survival '' but scientists say that a 1m distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After another weekend of protests , rank-and-file police officers have called on the home secretary to be `` unequivocal '' that demonstrations are not allowed in England and Wales during the pandemic .
John Apter , chairman of the Police Federation , said the right to protest is important , but `` we are not in normal times '' .
Meanwhile , police in Manchester said it was `` almost impossible '' to stop thousands of people gathering at illegal raves .
The Great North Run has been cancelled after organisers said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go ahead in September while complying with social distancing .
More than 55,000 runners were due to take part in the 40th annual half-marathon from Newcastle to South Shields .
Brendan Foster , the race 's founder , said the cancellation was `` devastating '' and it would have been Britain 's largest mass-participation event .
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After another weekend of protests, rank-and-file police officers have called on the home secretary to be "unequivocal" that demonstrations are not allowed in England and Wales during the pandemic. John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation, said the right to protest is important, but "we are not in normal times". Meanwhile, police in Manchester said it was "almost impossible" to stop thousands of people gathering at illegal raves.


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: What's happening to free school meals this summer?

Millions of poorer children on free school meals have been sent food vouchers and parcels while at home during lockdown .
Footballer Marcus Rashford and others have asked the government in England to rethink its decision to stop its voucher scheme during the summer holidays .
But who is eligible for free school meals and how do they work ?
Free school meals have been at least partially funded by the government for more than a century .
Eligibility varies slightly between England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland because the nations set their own rules .
In England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for free school meals .
Since September 2014 , this has included all infant state school pupils , who are aged four to seven .
Aside from that , children of all ages living in households on income-related benefits may be eligible , from government-maintained nurseries through to sixth forms .
New claims made from April 2018 must come from households earning a maximum income of £7,400 a year after tax , not including any benefits .
It 's the same in Scotland and Wales , but in Northern Ireland the household income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for school meals they remain eligible until they finish the phase of school they 're in as of 31 March 2022 , whether primary or secondary .
How has the scheme changed during coronavirus ?
The majority of children have not been at school during the coronavirus pandemic .
This has prompted concerns those eligible for free school meals could `` fall through the cracks '' and go hungry .
Each nation has been offering alternative support , but only Scotland and Wales say this will continue in the same form during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government in England expects schools to support pupils eligible for free school meals through an alternative scheme , such as : Many families have been issued with either an electronic voucher or gift card worth £15 each week , to spend at supermarkets including Sainsbury 's , Asda , Tesco , Morrisons , Waitrose and M & S .
But the system has suffered problems including schools struggling to log on , parents being unable to download them and some saying the vouchers failed when they tried to use them .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £129m , ran throughout Easter and May half-term holidays , but will not continue in the summer holidays .
What did Marcus Rashford say ?
Calling for the government in England to change its decision , Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford said his family had once relied on free school meals .
`` The system is n't built for families like mine to succeed , '' he said .
Campaigners have also threatened legal action against the government for not extending the food voucher scheme .
The Department for Education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and schools that ca n't implement these will be allowed to offer vouchers .
It also pointed to a new £63m local authority welfare assistance scheme to support the most vulnerable families .
What is happening in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland ?
• In Wales , the government will support children on free school meals with food vouchers , meal delivery or bank transfer until children go back to school • The same is true in Scotland , where children are expected to return to school in August • In Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop over the summer holidays , the education minister has said

Covid: Will free school meals continue over summer holidays? Published 2 July 2021
Image source, Getty Images
The number of children eligible for free school meals in England has risen since the start of the pandemic.
As the summer holidays approach, what support will be available to them?
How many children get free school meals?
More than one in five pupils (1.7 million) in England were eligible in January 2021.
The number rose by more than 400,000 in the previous 10 months, from the start of the first lockdown in March 2020.
Although numbers have increased in previous years, the 2020 rise was steeper than before.
Children are eligible if their household income is less than £7,400 (excluding benefits) or if they receive certain welfare payments.
Most children on free school meals are at state-funded primary schools. The rate is highest in north-east England.
What will happen during the summer holidays?
Unlike last summer, the government is not directly funding vouchers or food packages this year.
Free school meals have traditionally been provided in term time only. But many councils have decided to create their own meal schemes during the long holiday - using extra government money made available because of the pandemic.
Labour called on ministers to "trust parents" by giving them cash payments over the summer. But instead, rather than offer free meals, the government has allocated £220m for local councils to offer free holiday clubs.
These clubs will offer free healthy food and physical activities. Funding is expected to cover activities for at least four hours a day, four days a week, for four weeks of the holidays.
The scheme - the Holiday Activities and Food Programme - was launched as a pilot before the pandemic, but is now being rolled out across England.
Councils are expected to offer free club access to all children eligible for free school meals. Children who do not receive free meals may still be offered places, but not for free.
What has Marcus Rashford said about this summer's plans?
Footballer Marcus Rashford, and other campaigners, has been promoting the holiday clubs.
The Manchester United player had previously called for free school meal support to be extended again this summer.
But since then, he has said the holiday clubs programme is a "massive" opportunity for kids.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Marcus Rashford became a prominent campaigner for free school meals in 2020
What is the situation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
In Scotland, the government has allocated £22 million of funding to allow councils to provide some free meal support during school holidays.
It is up to local authorities to decide what the support will be.
In Northern Ireland, the government is offering food grants for eligible children during all school holidays until April 2022.
Local authorities in Wales will be able to claim £19.50 per week for each eligible child to make free meal support available in the holidays.
What help have pupils got since the pandemic started?
First 2020 lockdown - families with children on free school meals were offered food packages or vouchers during term-time
- families with children on free school meals were offered food packages or vouchers during term-time Easter 2020 - a campaign (later backed by Marcus Rashford) led to ministers extending the support over the holidays
- a campaign (later backed by Marcus Rashford) led to ministers extending the support over the holidays Summer 2020 - additional funding was put in place so children eligible for free school meals could claim a six-week voucher
- additional funding was put in place so children eligible for free school meals could claim a six-week voucher November 2020 - a funding package, the Covid Winter Grant Scheme, was introduced to support families
- a funding package, the Covid Winter Grant Scheme, was introduced to support families January 2021 - the original term-time voucher scheme returned in lockdown, but with parents expected to rely on winter grant money during holidays
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Charities have stepped in to help families in need during the pandemic
Which children get free school meals?
Free school meals during term-time have been at least partially funded by the government for more than a century.
Children of all ages - from nursery to sixth form - may be eligible if they live in households receiving income-related benefits, including:
Income support
Income-based jobseeker's allowance
Income-related employment and support allowance
Universal credit
New claims made in England must come from households earning a maximum income of £7,400 a year after tax, not including benefits.
All infant state school pupils (Reception, Years 1 and 2) can get free school meals.
If your child is getting free school meals on 31 March 2022, they'll keep getting them until they finish their stage of education, for example primary or secondary.
Eligibility varies slightly between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland because the nations set their own rules.


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: The first thing I bought when the shops reopened

As stores across England selling non-essential goods opened their doors for the first time since the lockdown began , shoppers arrived early to centre : mk in Milton Keynes .
Some were picking up goods they had been waiting months to buy , such as baby clothes and home furnishings .
Others were here for the sales .
These shoppers told us what they bought - and why .
`` We bought lots of handbags for my wife , because she loves to buy bags from TK Maxx , '' says Paul Sabato , 56 .
`` We came today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After three months being closed - we knew there would be good sales and there are . ''
And Mr Sabato and his wife Jennifer Sabato , 44 , have plans to return .
`` We also bought some shoes and sunglasses .
We spent £570 but this would be worth more than £1,000 normally .
We 're going to drop these bags at home then come back and see what sales there are at Zara . ''
`` We came to buy my daughter some new clothes for work because she starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ H & M warehouse , '' says Arlene Dela Pena , 53 , out shopping with Jessica , 20 .
`` I 'm not worried about the virus because I work in a hospital and as long as I have my mask and sanitise my hands and keep distant , then I think it will be safe . ''
`` We 're here to buy clothes .
There are some great bargains , '' says Sophie Quantick , 27 .
`` I got this dress for £20 .
We were here at 9.30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zara there was a queue .
It 's like a theme park , you have to have a strategy . ''
`` We wanted to put on makeup and be normal and have a normal shopping experience , even though we have been buying online during the lockdown , '' says Bryony Martin , 29 .
`` We have a rollercoaster mindset - what 's the best shop ?
Go there first . ''
`` We wanted to buy home stuff like these cushions , '' says Ahmed Khan , 33 , accompanied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby Mirha .
`` We moved into our new home in January , then we went to Pakistan for my brother 's wedding and when we came back in April all the shops were shut .
`` We came today because it 's the first day the shops are open .
We were expecting sales and there have been .
We could have bought online but it 's not the same experience . ''
`` We came to buy summer clothes for the children .
We went to Primark first but the queue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ H & M , '' says Erika Stara , 41 , standing alongside her children Rebecca and Marco .
`` I wanted to come today and get out and see people , and have some retail therapy . ''
`` The queue and the social distancing mean it feels different here , '' adds Rebecca , 12 .
`` I bought nightwear and baby clothes because Primark was open .
I 'm pregnant and I 've been waiting to get some baby stuff , '' says Shantel Brown , 35 .
`` Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitiser at the entrance .
As long as we 've got our masks on , we 're fine . ''
`` I bought tops , shorts and summer clothes .
I came because mum forced me , '' adds her daughter Tee , 16 .
`` I came to pick up a new watch strap , '' says Greg Dulson , 68 .
`` The strap on my favourite watch broke and I brought it in to the watchmaker 's the day before lockdown .
They said come back tomorrow but it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sulking .
But now my favourite watch is back .
I 've had it 10 years . ''
`` I bought a jumpsuit because Primark was open and the weather 's getting better again , '' says Katie Kirby , 18 .
`` I did go just to get some essentials like pants and socks , but I when I saw the jumpsuit I had to treat myself because the shops have n't been open for so long . ''
`` We do keep our distance in the store .
We thought it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once we were in there it was just the same . ''
Zac Hopkins , 21 , adds : `` I bought a skipping rope so I can do some exercise at home .
You ca n't go to the gym and they 're sold out in lots of shops . ''
`` I came to Hugo Boss because I wanted to buy some tracksuits for my two brothers and the shops have been closed for three months , '' says Tom Hunjan , 34 .
`` I bought myself one too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing , but in white .
The shop did n't have them in though so they 're ordering them for me and I 'll come back in a few days .
Why do I like Hugo Boss so much ?
It 's probably just marketing .
`` I also needed some new boxer shorts because yesterday I noticed an inconveniently placed hole . ''
All photographs by Phil Coomes with reporting by Vivienne Nunis .

As stores across England selling non-essential goods opened their doors for the first time since the lockdown began, shoppers arrived early to centre:mk in Milton Keynes. Some were picking up goods they had been waiting months to buy, such as baby clothes and home furnishings. Others were here for the sales. These shoppers told us what they bought - and why.


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Coronavirus lockdown: 'Forgotten' TV freelancers call for 'urgent help'

Freelancers in the media have been left homeless , using food banks and even suicidal after being unable to access government support schemes during lockdown , campaigners have said .
TV and theatre workers are among those highlighted by MPs , who say a million people have fallen through the cracks .
A presenter who started a petition said they had been `` discriminated against simply for the way that we 're taxed '' .
The chancellor has said he 's unable to protect every business and household .
Many in the creative industries have not been eligible for furlough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who presents entertainment news programmes for BBC Scotland and ITV2 , has gathered 7,500 signatures for a petition asking Downing Street to extend its support .
She said it was `` outrageous '' that people like her had been left out , meaning many will be forced into debt or have to give up on their careers .
Her shifts have dropped from five per week to one per week , and she warned that it will be `` devastating for our creative industries '' if only the affluent can afford to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` People that are working class are n't going to be able to afford to survive .
It 's going to affect the diversity , and it 's just devastating for these people who have worked really hard and paid their taxes to be discriminated against simply for the way that we 're taxed . ''
Many freelancers are ineligible because more than 50 % of their income is taxed through the PAYE system , meaning they ca n't access the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme - but they are often on short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff , and employers have decided not to furlough them .
Freelance journalist and presenter Ellie Phillips has been gathering stories from others in that position while campaigning on the issue in recent weeks .
`` I 've spoken to a few people who are suicidal , '' she said .
`` There 's a guy who has got four children and a wife , and he 's got £5.20 left in his bank account . ''
Some are couch-surfing because they ca n't afford their rent , some are using food banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounts to pay for their living costs , '' she said .
Phillips told the story of one pregnant freelancer who had been banking on working throughout the spring and summer , but has now had to use up what savings she had .
`` She 's got nothing .
And she does n't get maternity pay because she 's not an employee of a company , '' Phillips explained .
Phillips has also spoken to a 25-year-old single mum who is feeding both herself and her daughter using the vouchers her daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free school meals .
`` And , really worryingly , there are quite a few people who should have been shielding because they have underlying health conditions , or they have children with underlying health conditions , but after a few weeks they had to go out and take part-time work . ''
She added .
`` People I know are already leaving the industry , [ saying ] ' I ca n't afford to stay in it . '
'' • 'If all freelancers walked out , the TV industry would stop' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called on ministers to plug gaps in its schemes .
Other people to have fallen through the net include those who had recently started a new job , who had just become self-employed , the self-employed who earn more than £50,000 a year , and limited company directors who pay themselves in dividends .
In response to the committee , a Treasury spokesperson said the `` wide-ranging support package is one of the most comprehensive in the world '' , and had been targeted at `` helping those who need it most as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk '' .
A spokeswoman for the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport said : `` The government has provided unprecedented support for freelancers in cultural and creative sectors including the recently-extended Self Employed Income Support Scheme and the Arts Council 's £160m emergency funding package .
`` We are working closely with the sector on supporting its renewal including guidance for its reopening when it is safe to do so . ''
Viva La PD , a community of more than 1,200 TV producers and directors , recently said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
It conducted a survey that suggested 55 % were not eligible for furlough or the self-employed grant , while the Film and TV Charity has come up with a figure of 74 % .
A separate poll by Women In Film and TV suggested 68 % were not eligible for the self-employed support .
Kate Robertson , who works as a TV production manager on sport shows including Amazon Prime 's Premier League coverage and the WTA Tennis , believes the figures show how `` ridiculous '' the situation has become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people in TV in that situation , and it 's just so unbelievably unfair for them , '' she said .
Robertson went freelance last year after her job on the Fifa Football show came to an end , and she counts herself as one of the `` lucky '' ones , as she will hopefully start picking up shifts again as sporting events restart .
She thinks anyone not entitled for help under the existing schemes should be given a one-off grant to avoid potentially disastrous consequences .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Credit because their partners are working or they have savings .
`` To begin with , we were forgotten , '' she said .
`` But now we 're purposely excluded .
`` It has been three months with no income for nearly everyone , and they do say [ we can claim ] Universal Credit and Jobseeker 's Allowance , but so many people are not entitled to that .
`` This is why I 'm arguing it is so unfair , and just to see all those people [ online ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the fact that no-one 's listening to them ... they really ca n't go on , '' she added .
`` People are discussing suicide , unable to support their families .
Urgent help is needed . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk

McCallum said: "People that are working class aren't going to be able to afford to survive. It's going to affect the diversity, and it's just devastating for these people who have worked really hard and paid their taxes to be discriminated against simply for the way that we're taxed."


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Queues and social distancing as shops reopen in England

As lockdown measures are relaxed across England on Monday , high street shops have reopened with safety measures in place @ @ @ @ @ the tills and floor markings for social distancing .
Some shoppers took protective precautions to @ @ @ @ @ A shop worker prepares to serve customers from behind a screen in a sweet shop @ @ @ @ @ wear face shields , like this florist in York A customer enters a Brighton gift @ @ @ @ @ coverings on display Shoppers get excited as they queue to enter a Primark store in @ @ @ @ @ mill around the high street Customers in Loughborough - next to a sign reminding them @ @ @ @ @ marked the day that zoos in England were allowed to open Customers follow barriers to @ @ @ @ @ Potteries Shopping Centre in Stoke-on-Trent

As lockdown measures are relaxed across England on Monday, high street shops have reopened with safety measures in place, including plastic screens at the tills and floor markings for social distancing.


bbcuk--2020-06-15--'It's not talked about': Female artists speak out about racism

British female stars have been opening up about their experiences of racism in the entertainment industry .
Many women are now speaking out after anti-racist protests took place following the death of George Floyd in the US while in police custody .
Former EastEnders star Michelle Gayle said she overheard a co-star describe the soap 's black actors as `` token '' .
Gayle told Grazia she `` could n't wait to leave '' the show , where she played Hattie Tavernier from 1990 to 1993 .
`` I heard an actor say black actors were 'tokens ' without realising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complain , '' she said .
`` All I did was think , 'If that 's how we 're thought of , I ca n't wait to get out ' . ''
The actress went on to have a pop career , with songs like Sweetness , and she levelled similar accusations at the music industry at the time .
`` The record company said I could no longer call my album Walk of Pride and my management told me , 'Less of the black stuff ' , '' she added .
Fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell .
She said that when she was in a group before taking part in ITV show X Factor , she was once told she `` would n't be able to sell '' her music if she wore her hair naturally .
Speaking to Hello !
magazine , alongside her husband Marcel Badiane-Robin , the singer and TV presenter said it was important to her that she wore her afro `` proudly '' .
`` When I went into the X Factor , one thing that I really did n't want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said East , who finished second on the talent show in 2014 .
`` That , to me , is a representation of me , my colour and my culture , and I believe that should be celebrated . ''
'Someone to look up to' Before appearing on another reality TV show , I 'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here !
, East said she was quizzed about whether she was going to braid her hair in the jungle .
She made a point of ignoring any such suggestions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of her heroes , Scary Spice Mel B , who had inspired her when she was a child .
`` I 've been to shows where backstage I 've met young black and mixed race kids whose parents have said , 'Thank you so much Fleur for wearing your hair proudly and for speaking about your culture and your roots , because my child has someone to look up to ' . ''
Both the BBC and ITV declined to comment on Gayle or East 's comments .
Meanwhile , Sabrina Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes she was discriminated against in the form of colourism .
She told The Sun that she was told she `` was n't aesthetically desirable ' '' by music bosses , as she had the darkest skin tone of the three girls in the band .
`` The first time I experienced racism was in the music industry .
It 's not talked about , '' said Washington .
`` I was told I was n't aesthetically desirable , because I was a darker-skinned black woman .
`` I was good enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never go on the front of a magazine , as black women do n't sell them , '' she added .
Earlier this month , UK artist Leona Lewis said racism goes on much closer to home every day and she 's `` sick of it '' .
Speaking on her Instagram page , the former X Factor winner gave details of an encounter with a `` racist '' shop owner , who became confrontational with her and her dad , threatening to call the police on them after having profiled them as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling out the shopkeeper as `` a racist '' , before breaking into tears on realising it was n't the first time her dad had been subjected to such abuse .
`` This is the conditioning we have , '' she declared .
`` This is racism .
So when people in the UK are saying that racism is n't a problem here , it is a problem .
It 's a big problem .
`` The white people in that store left in disgust because they knew it was wrong , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they did n't say anything , the situation escalated . ''
`` For the people that are not speaking out now , you 're the people who just left , '' she went on .
`` You need to say something , you need to acknowledge that [ racism is ] happening because , if you do n't , you 're diminishing our pain , and diminishing our humanity . ''
Another artist , Aluna Francis - solo singer and one half of electro pop duo AlunaGeorge - has spoken of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black woman '' .
She thinks that black women in music are only given opportunities in traditionally black areas , like hip-hop or R ' n ' B , and denied entry to other areas .
`` If you want a career in music and you 're a black girl , there are two or three lanes that you 'd be out of your mind to want to get ahead in - dance music , indie guitar music and country music - unless you 're Lil Nas X , '' she told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapper 's rare hip-hop/country smash hit , Old Town Road , alongside Billy Ray Cyrus .
Aluna remembered having been put off making the kind of dance/indie music she wanted to make in the past due to the fact that not many other black or dual heritage women were really doing it and she was told she would n't be deemed `` convincing '' enough .
On her upcoming debut solo album , Warrior , she declared she wants to recoup the dancefloor for people like herself .
`` I mean , yeah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black girl is the front-woman of a guitar indie band when there 's no representation ? ''
she questioned .
`` That 's not to say that there 's not lots of young black girls out there who would love to do that or would love to go to a rave , but they want to feel invited and they do n't want to go by themselves . ''
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"For the people that are not speaking out now, you're the people who just left," she went on. "You need to say something, you need to acknowledge that [racism is] happening because, if you don't, you're diminishing our pain, and diminishing our humanity."


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Royal Ascot 2020: Meeting ready to start without the Queen and spectators

Last updated on .From the section Horse Racing When a jubilant Frankie Dettori and his mount Stradivarius were saluted by a 70,000 crowd at Royal Ascot a year ago , life was very different .
On Tuesday , there will be no Queen , Royal procession or much of the glitz and glamour so associated with one of Britain 's most famous sporting occasions , but there will be elite sport and plenty of it .
An expanded programme sees six additional races for a total of 36 contests over five days .
Still Royal - but no procession For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Queen will not be present at her favourite meeting .
While the fixture retains its regal title and branding , it is out with the top hats and in with the temperature checks as numbers at the meeting are restricted to the hundreds .
`` The attention of the world is on the biggest sporting event globally to take place since sport resumed , '' says Ascot director of racing Nick Smith .
`` That is a heavy responsibility for us but it is a statement that racing is back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can . ''
The fixture will retain an international feel - horses can travel from the United States , France and the Republic of Ireland even if there are restrictions keeping their trainers away .
Television coverage is on ITV and Sky , with pictures broadcast in 120 countries , including the United States , Australia and India , and countries in the Middle East and the Caribbean .
Like other racehorse owners , the Queen is expected to follow from home - in her case down the road at Windsor Castle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horses in the parade ring with a live 360-degree camera feed , while some trainers and jockeys are expected to give post-race debriefs by Facetime video calls .
Punters are being urged to wear a hat and dress up at home as part of the racecourse 's # StyledWithThanks initiative which will benefit four frontline charities .
`` It 's going to be strange behind closed doors but will still be a great meeting with high-quality racing , '' says jockey Jim Crowley .
He is back to one meal a day after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the 76-day suspension of racing before the sport returned on 1 June .
`` I put on about half a stone - it was lovely being able to have a fry-up in the morning , '' adds Crowley , whose racing weight is 8st 10lb .
The 2016 champion jockey , who grew up just a furlong or two from Ascot , admits it has been strange adhering to the new safety protocols .
`` It 's different wearing masks in a race , and sometimes your goggles steam up .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit uncomfortable if you 've had six or seven rides , but it 's good to be back , '' he tells BBC Sport .
The lack of a big crowd could suit his mount , Battaash , odds-on favourite for Tuesday 's King 's Stand Stakes , one of eight top-level Group One races at the meeting which are part of the British Champions Series .
`` I think it will be a positive as it should help him in the preliminaries .
The first year he ran at York , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he boiled over , '' said Crowley .
A quieter atmosphere could help the horse settle , and Blue Point - who beat him into second twice at Royal Ascot - is not around this time .
`` When Battaash does win , it 's explosive .
He 's put in some monster performances .
If he 's on his A game , nothing can beat him , `` said Crowley .
• Tuesday - Circus Maximus , trained by Aidan O'Brien , bids for a second straight Royal Ascot win - this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Terrebulum looks a big danger under Dettori .
• Wednesday - Japan , Headman and Barney Roy head the runners in the Prince of Wales 's Stakes while Hollie Doyle will bid to become only the third female jockey to win at the meeting when she partners Win ' O 'Clock in the King George V Stakes .
• Thursday - Dettori , who clocked up a historic four-timer on this day last year , seeks a third consecutive Gold Cup win on Stradivarius , trained by John Gosden .
• Friday - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11th Royal Ascot win , with Kimari his big hope in the Commonwealth Cup for three-year-old sprinters .
• Saturday - The Coronation Stakes , with US runner Sharing and home hope Quadrilateral among the entries , heads a Group One triple-header .
The 2,000 Guineas runner-up Wichita and third Pinatubo face off again in the St James 's Palace Stakes while bargain buy Sceptical , snapped up by his Irish owners for just £2,800 , competes for a first prize of £150,000 in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes .

Royal Ascot starts on Tuesday - 15 days after British racing returned without spectators
Royal Ascot 2020 Dates: 16-20 June Races: 13:15-16:40 BST Coverage: Tue-Fri: Radio 5 Live Sports Extra 14:55-16:20 including three race commentaries; further coverage on Radio 5 Live on Saturday; Daily live text updates on BBC Sport website.
When a jubilant Frankie Dettori and his mount Stradivarius were saluted by a 70,000 crowd at Royal Ascot a year ago, life was very different.
Covid-19 and social distancing were unheard of. Now flat racing's biggest meeting is set to take place behind closed doors with jockeys wearing face masks.
On Tuesday, there will be no Queen, Royal procession or much of the glitz and glamour so associated with one of Britain's most famous sporting occasions, but there will be elite sport and plenty of it.
An expanded programme sees six additional races for a total of 36 contests over five days.
From packed stands last year to jockeys in face masks this time - Royal Ascot will take place behind closed doors
Still Royal - but no procession
For the first time in her 68-year reign, the Queen will not be present at her favourite meeting.
While the fixture retains its regal title and branding, it is out with the top hats and in with the temperature checks as numbers at the meeting are restricted to the hundreds.
"The attention of the world is on the biggest sporting event globally to take place since sport resumed," says Ascot director of racing Nick Smith.
"That is a heavy responsibility for us but it is a statement that racing is back. We must put on the best show we can."
The fixture will retain an international feel - horses can travel from the United States, France and the Republic of Ireland even if there are restrictions keeping their trainers away.
Television coverage is on ITV and Sky, with pictures broadcast in 120 countries, including the United States, Australia and India, and countries in the Middle East and the Caribbean.
Like other racehorse owners, the Queen is expected to follow from home - in her case down the road at Windsor Castle.
Owners will be able to follow horses in the parade ring with a live 360-degree camera feed, while some trainers and jockeys are expected to give post-race debriefs by Facetime video calls.
Punters are being urged to wear a hat and dress up at home as part of the racecourse's #StyledWithThanks initiative which will benefit four frontline charities.
'Still a great meeting'
"It's going to be strange behind closed doors but will still be a great meeting with high-quality racing," says jockey Jim Crowley.
He is back to one meal a day after the "novelty" of three daily during the 76-day suspension of racing before the sport returned on 1 June.
"I put on about half a stone - it was lovely being able to have a fry-up in the morning," adds Crowley, whose racing weight is 8st 10lb.
The 2016 champion jockey, who grew up just a furlong or two from Ascot, admits it has been strange adhering to the new safety protocols.
"It's different wearing masks in a race, and sometimes your goggles steam up. You can't have showers which can be a bit uncomfortable if you've had six or seven rides, but it's good to be back," he tells BBC Sport.
The lack of a big crowd could suit his mount, Battaash, odds-on favourite for Tuesday's King's Stand Stakes, one of eight top-level Group One races at the meeting which are part of the British Champions Series.
"I think it will be a positive as it should help him in the preliminaries. The first year he ran at York, he was close to the crowd and he boiled over," said Crowley.
A quieter atmosphere could help the horse settle, and Blue Point - who beat him into second twice at Royal Ascot - is not around this time.
"When Battaash does win, it's explosive. He's put in some monster performances. If he's on his A game, nothing can beat him, " said Crowley.
A rainbow flower display in the parade ring and Ascot retains its Royal branding
Plastic shields will separate jockeys in the changing room at Ascot
The going at the track was described as good to soft on Tuesday morning after 10mm of rain overnight.
Highlights day-by-day


bbcuk--2020-06-15--'Space race' hots up with first Shetland rocket launch

Scotland 's `` space race '' has seen the first test rocket being fired from Shetland .
The Shetland islands @ @ @ @ @ locations bidding to launch commercial satellites into space .
Edinburgh-based Skyrora launched its Skylark Nano @ @ @ @ @ at North Roe over the weekend .
The 6.5ft ( 2m ) rocket successfully reached @ @ @ @ @ ( 6,100m ) .
• Rocket test first of its kind in UK in 50 @ @ @ @ @ in the race for space from Scotland , with the A'Mhoine peninsula in Sutherland and @ @ @ @ @ Isles also in the mix .
As well as collecting meteorological data and measuring wind @ @ @ @ @ launch will help analyse trajectory and aid training in support of Skyrora 's future plans @ @ @ @ @ headed the launch , said : `` The launch signifies a vital step towards Skyrora @ @ @ @ @ ecstatic and truly proud .
`` To understand the local launch conditions , learning more @ @ @ @ @ Shetland , is critical . ''

Shetland is not alone in the race for space from Scotland, with the A'Mhoine peninsula in Sutherland and North Uist in the Western Isles also in the mix.


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Emotional journey of transplant patient

At the height of the coronavirus pandemic in April , the BBC reported on the devastating effect the crisis was @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
A shortage of donors and space in intensive care units meant the @ @ @ @ @ continue , only the most urgent cases were going ahead and even they were under @ @ @ @ @ the BBC spoke to Ana-Rose Thorpe who desperately needed a liver transplant .
As a @ @ @ @ @ with two strains of hepatitis which attacked her liver function .
A few weeks after @ @ @ @ @ seriously ill , but then received some good news and a life-changing operation .
The @ @ @ @ @ Hughes has been catching up with Ana-Rose ’ s story .

At the height of the coronavirus pandemic in April, the BBC reported on the devastating effect the crisis was having on organ transplants in the UK.
A shortage of donors and space in intensive care units meant the transplant programme was struggling to continue, only the most urgent cases were going ahead and even they were under threat.
In April, the BBC spoke to Ana-Rose Thorpe who desperately needed a liver transplant. As a baby she had been infected with two strains of hepatitis which attacked her liver function. A few weeks after the report, Ana fell seriously ill, but then received some good news and a life-changing operation.
The BBC's health correspondent Dominic Hughes has been catching up with Ana-Rose’s story.
Produced by Rachael Buchanan


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: EasyJet flights return as lockdown eases

EasyJet flights have started up again after three months of lockdown .
The low-cost carrier has begun flights from 22 @ @ @ @ @ eight in the UK .
The airline will begin flights from London Gatwick , Bristol @ @ @ @ @ Edinburgh , Glasgow , Inverness and Belfast on mainly domestic routes .
EasyJet plans to @ @ @ @ @ routes in July rising to three-quarters of routes in August , although with less frequent @ @ @ @ @ Gatwick Airport said the UK needed to take part in the recovery of the aviation @ @ @ @ @ quickly as possible '' .

EasyJet flights have started up again after three months of lockdown.
The low-cost carrier has begun flights from 22 airports across Europe, including eight in the UK.
The airline will begin flights from London Gatwick, Bristol, Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Belfast on mainly domestic routes.
EasyJet plans to fly on half its 1,022 routes in July rising to three-quarters of routes in August, although with less frequent flights.
The operator of Gatwick Airport said the UK needed to take part in the recovery of the aviation industry across Europe "as quickly as possible".


bbcuk--2020-06-15--World's biggest container ship HMM Algeciras docks at London Gateway

The world 's biggest container ship has docked in Essex after completing its maiden voyage .
HMM Algeciras measures 1,312ft @ @ @ @ @ 200ft ( 61m ) wide - which is longer than the height of the Shard @ @ @ @ @ .
It docked at London Gateway on Sunday after travelling from China via South Korea @ @ @ @ @ and Belgium .
The ship will unload a variety of goods before carrying UK exports @ @ @ @ @ Singapore , on Monday evening .
• Live updates : Coronavirus and more stories from @ @ @ @ @

The world's biggest container ship has docked in Essex after completing its maiden voyage.
HMM Algeciras measures 1,312ft (400m) long and 200ft (61m) wide - which is longer than the height of the Shard at 1,017ft (310m).
It docked at London Gateway on Sunday after travelling from China via South Korea, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
The ship will unload a variety of goods before carrying UK exports back to China, via Singapore, on Monday evening.


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Newspaper headlines: Retail therapy amid fears of economic 'disaster'

A Selfridges customer sports designer eye gear and plastic gloves on the front page of the Times .
But the @ @ @ @ @ that suggests two million children have done `` little or no schoolwork at home '' @ @ @ @ @ academic on the UCL study tells the paper it threatens the `` educational development of @ @ @ @ @ .

The Guardian, meanwhile, has been told that the government's new Commission on Racial Inequalities is being set up by a Downing Street advisor, Munira Mirza, who it says has cast doubt on the existence of institutional racism and has condemned previous inquiries for fostering a "culture of grievance". The paper says news of her involvement has been met with dismay by some campaigners.


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Jo Cox: Sister urges 'togetherness' on anniversary of murder

The sister of murdered MP Jo Cox has urged people to `` pull together with compassion and kindness '' on the fourth anniversary of her death .
The Labour MP for Batley and Spen was shot and stabbed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair on 16 June 2016 .
Mair shouted `` Britain first '' in the attack , which took place a week before the EU referendum vote .
Kim Leadbeater said it was now time for people to be more tolerant and listen to the point of view of others .
`` How can we still be living in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacked and killed because of the colour of their skin ? ''
she said .
`` How can we still be living in a world where we are supposedly better connected than ever yet so many people feel lonely ? ''
`` I know that I have still got a huge amount of work to do in terms of dealing with the senseless murder of my sister .
`` But I sometimes feel that I ca n't even begin to deal with the grieving process while there is still so much work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about during her life . ''
However , she added : `` Four years on since Jo 's murder ...
I do continue to be inspired by how , when faced with tragedy and crisis , people often also show the best of humanity . ''
She made the comments ahead of the fourth Great Get Together , which began in 2017 to reinforce the Mrs Cox 's Commons speech saying we `` have far more in common than that which divides us '' .
This year 's event - which runs from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specially devised events which will comply with social distancing rules .
They include a street bingo evening in Llantwit , Vale of Glamorgan , and a project to send letters and cards to care homes in Harleston , Norfolk .
Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"But I sometimes feel that I can't even begin to deal with the grieving process while there is still so much work to be done on the issues Jo cared about during her life."


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Sturgeon wants 'normal' schooling back 'as quickly as possible'

Scottish pupils should get back to `` normal '' schooling `` as quickly as possible '' , Nicola Sturgeon has said .
Scotland 's schools are due to re-open from 11 August , but will initially have a `` blended '' approach involving face-to-face teaching and at-home learning .
There has been speculation exams in 2021 could be delayed and that blended learning could last for a year .
But the first minister said pupils must be back in the classroom full-time `` as quickly as is safe and feasible '' .
She said it was her government 's `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exams would go ahead - and that there were no plans for blended learning to last a year .
The EIS union said pupils would have to be taught in `` significantly smaller '' groups and that it was unlikely that classrooms could accommodate `` even 50 % '' of normal pupil numbers .
• What will happen when schools go back in August ?
Scottish councils have been drawing up their proposals for how schools will operate when they return after the summer holidays .
City of Edinburgh Council has told parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in school at any time when its autumn term starts on 12 August .
Ms Sturgeon said this amount of classroom time was `` not good enough '' .
`` We have to start from a point of seeking to maximise the amount of time children will spend in a school environment having face-to-face learning with teachers , '' she said .
The first minister said local authorities should be `` creative and innovative '' about how they use `` all the resources at their disposal '' , and that the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues '' which arise .
At her daily coronavirus briefing , Ms Sturgeon said education was of `` absolutely critical importance '' and was `` central to my thinking as we plan and steer our country through the emergence from lockdown '' .
She said : `` It is absolutely not the case that we are planning for blended learning to last a year , or anything like it .
`` On the contrary we do n't want blended learning to last a single minute longer than is necessary .
`` We want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teaching for 100 % of the school week as soon as feasible . ''
She said the government would study data about transmission of coronavirus in schools and evidence from other countries , and would seek to ease restrictions where possible .
She added : `` One of the things that is inescapable right now is that we do n't have a crystal ball that allows us to know with certainty how this pandemic will develop over the months ahead .
We know there is a risk of the virus resurging , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely clear we wo n't face renewed risks from the virus come the tail end of this year .
`` But we will be doing everything in our power to keep it suppressed and getting it as close to elimination levels as possible .
`` Our planning assumption is to get back to normal schooling as quickly as possible , and that means firstly maximising the degree of normality by 11 August , and then as we build confidence and an evidence base and get more assurance about the risks in schools and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build on that as fast as possible .
`` I do not want the situation to exist for a minute longer than necessary where children have anything other than a normal school experience . ''
Earlier , Education Secretary John Swinney told BBC Scotland that an education recovery group had been working with local authorities to develop plans for the reopening of schools .
`` We agreed to work together to maximise the amount of time that children and young people could spend in schools , '' he added .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to get to 50 % of the time being able to be spent by a young person in school should be our objective to maximise that participation . ''
Asked about Edinburgh 's plans , which could see pupils in school for just one day a week , Mr Swinney replied : `` I accept that and I do n't think that 's strong enough . ''
He said authorities should be looking at how they could use leisure facilities or public buildings to increase the amount of classroom space .
Larry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools would need to have `` significantly smaller teaching groups to allow for physical distancing '' , with other pupils learning from home .
He said : `` It is unlikely that schools will be able to accommodate even 50 % of normal pupil numbers in classrooms at any one time , and certainly significantly fewer than that in smaller classrooms .
`` For the rest of the school week , the expectation is that pupils will continue to learn from home as part of the blended learning approach . ''
Mr Flanagan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to creating temporary classrooms , including funding to pay for extra space and teachers needed , adding : `` If we are serious about minimising the damage to children 's education , these costs and challenges need to be met . ''
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • RECOVERY : How long does it take @ @ @ @

She added: "One of the things that is inescapable right now is that we don't have a crystal ball that allows us to know with certainty how this pandemic will develop over the months ahead. We know there is a risk of the virus resurging, so we can't stand here and be absolutely clear we won't face renewed risks from the virus come the tail end of this year.


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Abortion: House of Lords backs NI regulations

The House of Lords has overwhelmingly backed abortion regulations for Northern Ireland despite opposition by the Stormont Assembly .
Peers supported the provisions by 355 votes to 77 .
An earlier bid led by independent crossbencher Baroness O'Loan for the regulations to be rejected was defeated by 388 votes to 112 .
Northern Ireland 's abortion laws were changed by MPs last year at a time when the assembly had collapsed .
However , earlier this month the now-sitting assembly registered its opposition to the `` imposition '' of regulations by Westminster , which permit abortions up to birth in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measures , Tory frontbencher Viscount Younger of Leckie said : `` The regulations provide the new legal framework for access to abortion services in Northern Ireland and ensure ongoing legal certainty . ''
Prior to the changes , women and girls were forced to travel to England to access services or look to alternatives outside the healthcare system , potentially putting themselves at risk , he said .
Lord Younger added : `` I recognise that this is an emotive issue and views on all sides of the debate are strongly held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often distressing decisions for women and girls .
`` However , the essence of these regulations is to provide women and girls with the opportunity to be able to make individual informed decisions based on their own health and wider circumstances . ''
But opposing the regulations , Baroness O'Loan said : `` We now have a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly .
Abortion is a devolved matter .
The assembly voted to reject these regulations on June 2 .
`` I ask you to listen to the people of Northern Ireland .
Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these regulations . ''
She was supported by disabled Tory peer Lord Shinkwin , who asked how `` denying a human being diagnosed before birth with a non-fatal disability like mine the equal right to be born is somehow not less favourable treatment '' .
Former Ulster Unionist Party leader Lord Empey said : `` Legislation should never have been allowed onto the statute book in the first place . ''
Democratic Unionist Party peer Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown said : `` It was introduced wrongly in the first place and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have it in conflict with the democratic decision of the Northern Ireland Assembly . ''
But Labour former Northern Ireland secretary Lord Hain said : `` I am sorry but it 's no good some local assembly members complaining .
`` While they squabbled , refusing to do their jobs and instead maintaining Stormont in ignominious suspension for three years , the world moved on without them . ''
For the Liberal Democrats , Lord Bruce of Bennachie backed the regulations , saying the regulations were necessary to deliver a change in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for and the Northern Ireland Assembly had `` abdicated responsibility '' for in the three years it did not meet .

For the Liberal Democrats, Lord Bruce of Bennachie backed the regulations, saying the regulations were necessary to deliver a change in the law which the UK Parliament had voted for and the Northern Ireland Assembly had "abdicated responsibility" for in the three years it did not meet.


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Businesses 'nervous' about antibody tests for employees

Companies are `` nervous '' about testing employees for coronavirus antibodies , according to the director of CBI Wales .
Ian Price said there were `` legitimate '' tests available that employers can use but it was important to get it right .
Some businesses hope to benefit from workers being tested to see if they have already had coronavirus , so providing the assurances for more to get back to work .
The Welsh Government would decide how antibody tests are rolled out in Wales .
The antibody test - involving testing drops of blood - has been viewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackling the virus as it would help understand who has had coronavirus and whether they have immunity .
Stocks of `` home-kit '' antibody tests were being prepared to go on sale but were withdrawn .
Public health officials have also been concerned that it could lead to people breaking measures like social distancing if they thought they had already had the virus .
But work is continuing on developing a reliable test which can be mass produced .
It is still not clear whether having had coronavirus gives a person immunity from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are available in the UK for people with symptoms ?
Businesses said antibody tests could help them as they bring people back to work , but only if the tests are proved to be reliable .
Mr Price warns that if tests are not robust it could `` lead people into a false sense of security '' .
`` Within a business like mine we are quite naturally socially distant , '' said Hayley Pells , owner of Avia Autos in Bridgend .
`` The advantage of that is that we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
Having something like testing in place , it would enable us to track and trace and contribute to the data that is needed to fight the virus .
It would also reassure our team and get us back working . ''
What about key workers who are customers ?
`` With the transmission risk of the virus , although we are putting everything in place to reduce that risk by sanitising cars that come in and out , we do have to be mindful of the people who have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Those on the front line that are exposed to the virus who desperately need their cars to get to work .
We also have people who need their cars for treatment and they may have compromised immunity .
It is up to us to make sure they are safe . ''
She said having testing freely available would increase reassurance for workers but also to suppliers and customers .
`` Operating as a small business we already invest in our PPE .
I would see buying testing kits as an extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing could be available at a price I could afford I would definitely consider buying those kits in . ''
Hayley 's father , Andy Murdoch , works for Avia but has been keeping away from the garage due to a long-term health issue .
He 'd like to be tested so he can go back to work .
`` If you could get tested , if there was a reliable way of saying 'yes I 'm fine ' , every day if you like - I 'm not sure how often you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reassurance is going to be good .
For me , I 'd go in tomorrow . ''
• The street where shop owners just want to reopen • 'It 's very exciting to be returning to work' • Mary Portas : 'This is a window of opportunity for local High Streets' 'From a confidence point of view it would be really beneficial' SPTS in Newport has 380 employees but only 90 have been working at the site during the coronavirus outbreak with the rest working from home .
The company is part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical devices so its work was viewed as critical .
It has brought in a series of safety measures , including mandatory hand washing when entering the building , split and staggered shifts , and temperature reading .
Mark Christoffersen , director of manufacturing facilities believes tests might give the business more confidence and bring more people back into work .
`` From a confidence point of view it would be really beneficial .
Obviously the science has to support that , it has to be accurate .
For us as a business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Get this right' Mr Price , from CBI Wales , said it was important for companies to be clear about what they were getting into , before they started to test , '' There is some general nervousness around all these different tests that are out there at the moment .
You can go on the internet and find all sorts of things .
`` It does appear that there are some legitimate tests out there now that employers can use . ''
He added that there was `` a lot of guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments and that the main issue for employers was to `` get this right . ''

Coronavirus: Businesses 'nervous' about antibody tests for employees Published 16 June 2020
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This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Workplace antibody tests 'will reassure' staff
Companies are "nervous" about testing employees for coronavirus antibodies, according to the director of CBI Wales.
Ian Price said there were "legitimate" tests available that employers can use but it was important to get it right.
Some businesses hope to benefit from workers being tested to see if they have already had coronavirus, so providing the assurances for more to get back to work.
The Welsh Government would decide how antibody tests are rolled out in Wales.
The antibody test - involving testing drops of blood - has been viewed as a potential "game-changer" in tackling the virus as it would help understand who has had coronavirus and whether they have immunity.
Stocks of "home-kit" antibody tests were being prepared to go on sale but were withdrawn.
Public health officials have also been concerned that it could lead to people breaking measures like social distancing if they thought they had already had the virus.
But work is continuing on developing a reliable test which can be mass produced.
It is still not clear whether having had coronavirus gives a person immunity from catching it again.
Businesses said antibody tests could help them as they bring people back to work, but only if the tests are proved to be reliable.
Mr Price warns that if tests are not robust it could "lead people into a false sense of security".
"Within a business like mine we are quite naturally socially distant," said Hayley Pells, owner of Avia Autos in Bridgend.
"The advantage of that is that we have been able to remain safe and operate during the pandemic. Having something like testing in place, it would enable us to track and trace and contribute to the data that is needed to fight the virus. It would also reassure our team and get us back working."
Image caption, Hayley Pells said she saw buying testing kits as an extension of her current provision of PPE
What about key workers who are customers?
"With the transmission risk of the virus, although we are putting everything in place to reduce that risk by sanitising cars that come in and out, we do have to be mindful of the people who have to make essential travel," she said.
"Those on the front line that are exposed to the virus who desperately need their cars to get to work. We also have people who need their cars for treatment and they may have compromised immunity. It is up to us to make sure they are safe."
She said having testing freely available would increase reassurance for workers but also to suppliers and customers.
"Operating as a small business we already invest in our PPE. I would see buying testing kits as an extension of that PPE provision. If the testing could be available at a price I could afford I would definitely consider buying those kits in."
Image caption, Andy Murdoch used to be a partner in the business but now works reduced hours for his daughter
Hayley's father, Andy Murdoch, works for Avia but has been keeping away from the garage due to a long-term health issue. He'd like to be tested so he can go back to work.
"If you could get tested, if there was a reliable way of saying 'yes I'm fine', every day if you like - I'm not sure how often you would need to do it. Any reassurance is going to be good. For me, I'd go in tomorrow."
Image caption, Disinfecting the interior of SPTS Technologies in Newport
'From a confidence point of view it would be really beneficial'
SPTS in Newport has 380 employees but only 90 have been working at the site during the coronavirus outbreak with the rest working from home.
The company is part of the supply chain for the manufacturing of medical devices so its work was viewed as critical.
It has brought in a series of safety measures, including mandatory hand washing when entering the building, split and staggered shifts, and temperature reading.
Mark Christoffersen, director of manufacturing facilities believes tests might give the business more confidence and bring more people back into work.
"From a confidence point of view it would be really beneficial. Obviously the science has to support that, it has to be accurate. For us as a business that would be really important."
'Get this right'
Mr Price, from CBI Wales, said it was important for companies to be clear about what they were getting into, before they started to test,
"There is some general nervousness around all these different tests that are out there at the moment. You can go on the internet and find all sorts of things.
"It does appear that there are some legitimate tests out there now that employers can use."


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Garden villages locking-in car dependency, says report

England ’ s new garden villages and towns risk becoming car-dependent commuter estates , a report has warned .
The government promised the sites would be thriving communities - with jobs , shops and recreational facilities .
But research has suggested the garden villages may be little better than the reviled edge-of town estates they were supposed to supersede .
The government said the report was unfair because the settlements were still in their early stages .
But the researchers said they believed the 20 garden communities they assessed - still in various stages of the planning process - would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving .
The report has come from Transport for New Homes , a group promoting alternatives to the car .
It has been supported by the RAC Foundation , which said most drivers did not want to need a car to visit the corner shop .
The garden village concept was devised to overcome problems of local resistance to housing estates bolted on to small towns .
The government 's prospectus said these should be largely self-sustaining and genuinely mixed-use , with public transport , walking and cycling enabling access to jobs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that : • All settlements but one failed to provide access to amenities with safe walking and cycling routes and a railway station within a mile of all new homes • Residents in one garden village may have to walk up to seven miles to buy a pint of milk • None of the 20 settlements would provide all-week bus services to all households through the day • Cycle routes from the garden villages into nearby towns would often be long and dangerous .
One author , Jenny Raggett , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an alternative to characterless estates – but they may well end up with more tarmac than garden.
” She said this was especially regrettable as the coronavirus outbreak had prompted more people to walk and cycle – a move that was being encouraged by the government .
Steve Gooding , RAC Foundation director , said : `` The vision is laudable but is at grave risk of being missed .
The reality looks set to ingrain car dependence .
“ Many of us will still wish to own and use our cars… but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to get behind the wheel for every trip we make.
” The report ’ s authors singled out Long Marston , a proposed 3,500-home Garden Village in Warwickshire .
As a former airfield it was categorised as a “ brownfield ” site , which would help secure planning approval .
The developers ’ prospectus said : “ Long Marston Airfield will provide opportunities to live , work and socialise , all within 10 minutes of historic Stratford . ''
The report ’ s authors agreed the trip to Stratford was indeed 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a car .
They said there was no evidence the village would create employment , and they believed it would not be big enough to support a full range of facilities .
Mike Emett from Cala Homes told BBC News : `` It ’ s on a brownfield site in the countryside , so by definition it ’ s not near any town .
“ We are having a debate ourselves whether the settlement will be big enough to support higher facilities such as a secondary school ” .
A government spokesperson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their early stages and we are continuing to work with local partners to get the right infrastructure in place.
” He said the majority of new garden communities on green field sites would have more than 40 % of their area given over to green space accessible to all by foot and cycle .

“Many of us will still wish to own and use our cars… but we don’t want to be forced to get behind the wheel for every trip we make.”


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Job cuts warning as 600,000 roles go in lockdown

The number of workers on UK payrolls dived more than 600,000 between March and May , official figures suggest .
Meanwhile , the number of people claiming work-related benefits - which includes the unemployed - was up 126 % to 2.8 million .
The early estimates reflect the impact of around six weeks of lockdown in which large parts of the UK were shut .
But economists say the full effect on employment will not be felt until wage support schemes end in October .
`` The slowdown in the economy is now visibly hitting the labour market , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Jonathan Athow , deputy national statistician for economic statistics at the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) . ''
Frances O'Grady , secretary-general of the Trades Union Congress , said the labour market was `` on red alert '' .
`` We need strong action now to stop lasting economic damage , '' she said .
Separate figures published by HMRC on Tuesday showed that a total of 9.1 million workers are having their wages paid through the government 's furlough scheme - more than a quarter of the workforce .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK unemployment rate for the three months to April held steady at 3.9 % .
However , the ONS said the total number of weekly hours worked in the period had dropped to 959.9 million - down by a record 94.2 million , or 9 % , on the previous year .
• NI unemployment more than doubles in two months And there was a record fall in job vacancies between March and May to 476,000 - down 342,000 from the previous quarter - hinting at worse to come .
Capital Economics economist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear '' that the labour market had weakened dramatically .
`` Despite the apparent stability of the actual unemployment rate , the labour market data were still pretty awful .
And some of this will surely start to filter through into the actual unemployment figures as the government 's job furlough scheme is wound down from August . ''
Tej Parikh , chief economist at the Institute of Directors , agreed : `` The furlough scheme continues to hold off the bulk of job losses , but unemployment is likely to surge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've applied for more than 100 jobs' Kayleigh Rennix has never struggled to find work before .
The HR manager from Essex was earning close to £40,000 working in the education sector before she resigned in March , fearing her role was at risk .
Since then she 's applied for dozens of jobs , but has had little interest from employers .
`` As my leaving date approached , coronavirus reared its ugly head .
I would say I 've applied for more than 100 jobs and not had many call-backs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has found herself relying on benefit payments for the first time in her life , and expects to move back in with her parents when her tenancy expires later in the summer .
Despite the gradual reopening of the economy , some economists believe unemployment could top 10 % later in 2020 as social distancing rules remain in place and consumers curb their spending .
The Institute of Employment Studies ( IES ) , an apolitical think tank , pointed out that the number of claims for work benefits had risen 1.6 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it says , than during the Great Depression of 1929 .
It said that currently eight unemployed people are chasing every job vacancy in the UK - up from just two before the crisis .
`` If the public health crisis is just starting to ease , today 's figures show that the unemployment crisis is only just beginning , '' said Tony Wilson , director of the IES .
`` It 's clear too that this crisis is hitting many poorer areas hardest - with coastal towns and ex-industrial areas seeing particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IES said among the worst hit areas of the UK were : • Blackpool , where one in eight residents is claiming work related benefits • Thanet in Kent , where the rate stands at one in eleven • And Birmingham , where the rate is also one in eleven .
The headline quarterly employment and unemployment numbers remain barely changed , as all the furloughed workers count as having jobs .
The furlough scheme is working in suppressing unemployment and protecting livelihoods so far , the real test of its functioning is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be whether those jobs remain as the taxpayer wage support is eased away .
It requires the government to inject as much confidence as possible , into the minds of employers facing uncertainty and declining bank balances .
But further rescue package and employment support will be required too .
The balancing act with the pandemic remains as delicate as ever .
As one Cabinet minister puts it - `` we need to restart the economy , without restarting the virus '' .
A swathe of businesses have announced job cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pandemic , opting not to furlough those workers instead .
Examples include : • The Restaurant Group , which owns Frankie and Benny 's , which expects to cut up to 3,000 workers • The UK 's biggest builders ' merchant , Travis Perkins , which plans to cut about 2,500 jobs , or 9 % of its workforce .
• And British Gas owner Centrica which is cutting 5,000 positions .
In normal times , the employment rate tells you most of what you need to know about jobs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ With the furloughing scheme keeping people employed , if not working , we have to look elsewhere to get a picture of what 's happening .
It 's like building a jigsaw , but with pieces from different boxes : surveys , payroll data , jobs advertised , three-month trends and even looking at week-on-week changes .
The picture it builds is different to the headline employment figure but perhaps not surprising : Serious pressure on jobs during lockdown .
Last week , the ONS revealed the UK economy shrank by a 20.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contraction on record - as the country spent its first full month in lockdown .
That is three times greater than the decline seen during the whole of the 2008 to 2009 economic downturn .
Meanwhile , the latest furlough figures from HMRC indicate that more than a quarter of the UK workforce is having 80 % of their monthly wages , up to £2,500 , paid by the government , while they are temporarily off work .
Their employer , which chooses whether or not to furlough workers , can top up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Treasury also said there had been 2.6 million claims for support grants from the self-employed .
Minister for Employment , Mims Davies , said : `` Today 's figures are starting to show the impact of Covid-19 on our economy , but our furlough scheme , grants , loans and tax cuts have protected thousands of businesses and millions of jobs , setting us up for recovery .
`` Already our nationwide network of work coaches have moved in to support jobseekers across sectors and match them with employers who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of communities across the UK they will be at the heart of our revival and renewal . ''
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : The rules as they are now • TWO METRES : Could less than 2m work ?

The test of it will be whether those jobs remain as the taxpayer wage support is eased away. It requires the government to inject as much confidence as possible, into the minds of employers facing uncertainty and declining bank balances.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Marcus Rashford urges U-turn on school meal scheme

Marcus Rashford has renewed his calls for the school meal voucher scheme to be extended in England .
The footballer asked others to think about struggling parents who have had their `` water turned off '' in lockdown , and whose children have gone hungry .
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey has been criticised for replying that `` water can not be disconnected '' .
The Manchester United forward , 22 , urged MPs to `` put rivalries aside '' in a Parliament debate on the subject later .
Labour described Ms Coffey 's comment as `` snarky '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conservatives questioned why the government has not yet U-turned on the plans .
Families whose children qualify for free meals have received vouchers or parcels in lockdown .
While provision is to continue through the summer in Scotland and Wales , it will stop at the end of term in England and Northern Ireland .
Almost 1.3 million school children in England - accounting for 15.4 % of state-educated pupils - were eligible for and claiming free school meals according to the latest available data .
Official figures for 2019 showed the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the north and Midlands where between a quarter and a third of all pupils were getting the free meals .
When Ms Coffey replied to Mr Rashford 's Twitter thread on the scheme , he said he was `` concerned '' she had only acknowledged his tweet about water being turned off .
He urged her to help `` make a difference '' .
Ruth Davidson , an MSP and the former leader of the Scottish Conservatives , said she was `` baffled '' that the government had not already backtracked on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holidays so important .
It 's basic .
Feed the kids , '' she said on Twitter .
The government says £63m is available to councils to help families .
In an emotional open letter to MPs posted on Monday , Mr Rashford drew on his own experience of relying on free school meals and food banks growing up .
Mr Rashford , who grew up in Manchester , said his story was `` all too familiar for families in England '' .
The Department for Education said it would not reverse its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would fight on , tweeting `` we are n't beaten yet '' and `` MPs , please # maketheUturn '' .
Jane Keen-Smith , a mother of four boys and a self-employed hairdresser , has seen her livelihood collapse during the lockdown .
Underlying health conditions in the family - one son is severely disabled - mean she will be unable to work even once hairdressers are allowed to return next month .
She told the BBC the £60 vouchers she receives each week make a `` massive difference '' , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they stop and she has no income .
The mother from Pershore , Worcestershire , said she has had some help from friends and family - but teenage boys are `` bottomless hunger pits '' and her budget is extremely tight .
`` We 're basically struggling with everything '' , she said , adding that having the vouchers over the summer would be `` a huge help '' .
• Read more : Families fear being 'left with zero' During the Commons debate on the issue later , Labour will say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take what it will call a `` small step '' .
But Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted the government is `` not turning a blind eye '' to child poverty during the crisis , and defended its decision not to extend the voucher scheme .
He told BBC Breakfast the government had been `` wrapping its arms around people in communities '' to do `` everything it possibly can '' to support them , including the £20bn spent on its furlough scheme and payments to local government bodies .
He said No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local authorities to help children during the pandemic , as well as a £129m investment `` that 's already gone to families and schools as part of the process of helping children '' .
Shadow education secretary Ms Long-Bailey said it was `` only right '' for the government to continue the scheme over the summer , so children do n't go hungry and are in a position to start `` learning properly '' in September .
Speaking on BBC Breakfast , she asked ministers to `` just continue the free school meal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Wales , added : `` They are going to do this over the summer holidays for their children , so why ca n't the government in England do the same ? ''
Last week , three Conservative MPs signed a cross-party letter calling for an extension of the scheme - worth £15 for each child per week in England - into the summer holidays in England .
David Simmonds , the Conservative MP and a member of the education select committee , said Mr Rashford 's letter was `` incredibly powerful '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although `` popular '' , is a `` very blunt instrument '' and it does n't always get to the most vulnerable children .
Citing figures from the Local Government Association that show a £3bn shortfall in the children 's social care sector , he told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme that pressure is `` building '' in the system and that there has been a `` massive increase '' in the number of children coming into care whose needs `` must come first '' .
He said the government needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system `` so the most vulnerable children in this country - of whom there are tens of thousands - are not left behind '' .
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker also gave his support to Rashford , saying : `` He should n't really be having to do this , but ... he 's doing a great job .
The former England striker said he understood `` kids would n't ordinarily be fed during the summer holidays '' , but these are `` very , very difficult times '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ register their unease on Tuesday afternoon when the Labour party holds a Commons debate , said Newsnight 's Nicholas Watt .
One Tory backbencher forecast an eventual government U-turn , he added .
Ministers , who say free school meals are not usually continued into the summer holidays , are planning to amend Tuesday 's Labour motion to highlight the steps the government has taken to help pupils from poorer backgrounds .
This includes an extra £63m for local authorities to help people struggling financially as a result of coronavirus and the Holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities and free meals in the summer holidays .
Have you made use of school meal vouchers ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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bbcuk--2020-06-16--International development and Foreign Office to merge

The government department responsible for overseas aid is to be merged with the Foreign Office ( FCO ) , the BBC understands .
The move to combine the Department for International Development ( DfID ) and the FCO follows a review into UK aid spending by crossbench peer Lord Bew .
PM Boris Johnson is expected to confirm the plan , long mooted in Conservative circles , in the Commons later .
Tory MP and ex-DfID secretary Andrew Mitchell said it would be a `` mistake '' .
The departments , which have a previous history of being merged and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team of ministers since a reshuffle in February .
BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale said supporters of the merger would argue it will focus aid spending on the UK 's national interests .
But opponents would say the merger will be a waste of time and resources and reduce the priority of reducing poverty , our correspondent added .
The department now known as DfID began life under Harold Wilson 's Labour government in 1964 as the Ministry of Overseas Development ( ODM ) .
It was later merged with the Foreign Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1970 , but was re-established as a separate ministry by Mr Wilson after his return to Downing Street in 1974 .
It was re-merged with the Foreign Office again however after the election of Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1979 .
The current department was again carved out of the Foreign Office in 1997 under Labour after the election victory of Tony Blair , with the new name Department for International Development .
Mr Mitchell , who was in charge of DfID between 2010 and 2012 , said abolishing the department would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The department , he added , had been `` one of the most effective and respected engines of international development anywhere in the world '' .
He said it could lead to senior development figures leaving the UK government for jobs elsewhere , `` at a stroke destroying a key aspect of Global Britain . ''
He added that the move was `` completely unnecessary , '' as the prime minister already has control over DfID 's strategy through the National Security Council .

In response, Sir Keir said there was "no rationale" for the merger, which he said was being made now to "deflect attention" from the government's handling of the Covid-19 crisis.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: A third of pupils 'not engaging with work'

The vast majority of teachers ( 90 % ) say their pupils are doing less or much less work than they would normally at this time of the year , a study finds .
The report by the National Foundation for Educational Research ( NFER ) says head teachers believe around a third of pupils are not engaging with set work .
Limited or no access to technology was a problem for around a quarter ( 23 % ) of pupils , school leaders told the NFER .
The government says it has committed over £100m to help home learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings from a survey of 1,233 school leaders and 1,821 teachers in England 's state schools , carried out between 7 and 17 May .
It raises particular concern about the impact of school closures , due to Covid 19 , on the learning of pupils from the most disadvantaged areas , saying pupil engagement is lower in schools with the highest levels of deprivation .
Secondary schools with the highest number of children eligible for free school meals reported that 48 % of pupils were engaged with learning activities , compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at schools in the middle and lowest brackets .
Teachers told researchers the following pupils were finding it particularly difficult to engage in remote learning , compared to their peers : • those with limited access to technology and/or study space • those with special educational needs and disabilities Teachers say just over half ( 55 % ) of their pupils ' parents are engaged with their children 's home learning , according to the report .
But teachers from the most deprived schools report a lower parental engagement , at 41 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , at 62 % .
NFER chief executive Carole Willis said : `` There are considerable differences in the levels of pupil engagement in remote learning , particularly amongst the most disadvantaged pupils . ''
There is a risk that the attainment gap will widen as a result of the pandemic , she added , calling for a `` comprehensive and long-term plan to address this issue '' .
Josh Hillman , director of education at the Nuffield Foundation , which funded the research , said : `` The shift to remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of children and young people 's unequal access to IT equipment and connectivity even more stark . ''
Geoff Barton , general secretary of the heads ' union ASCL , backed a national plan `` to help these children to catch up '' .
`` This analysis shows that children who already face the greatest challenges have suffered the worst impact to their learning during the lockdown , and that the digital divide is largely to blame . ''
A Department for Education spokeswoman said : `` We will do whatever we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their background , falls behind as a result of coronavirus .
`` We are also considering , with a range of partner organisations , what more is required to support all pupils who have been affected by school closures . ''
The NFER study comes as a research paper from University College London 's Institute of Education finds pupils across the UK are studying for an average of 2.5 hours a day during lockdown .
This figure is about half that indicated by a previous survey by the Institute for Fiscal Studies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater than previously thought .
The UCL research , which examined data from a UK household longitudinal study covering 4,559 children , says one fifth of pupils ( around two million children in the UK ) did no schoolwork or less than an hour a day at home , while 17 % put in more than four hours a day .
It finds that the variability in the amount of schoolwork being done at home is adding to existing regional and socioeconomic inequalities , with pupils in London , the South East of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schoolwork , such as assignments , worksheets and watching videos , than elsewhere in the UK .
In the South East , for example , 28 % of children were receiving four or more pieces of offline schoolwork per day , compared with the countrywide average of 20 % .
• No school : 'He 's not getting up until one o'clock' • How did going back to school lose the plot ?
The report also says children eligible for free school meals `` appear to be additionally disadvantaged during lockdown '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces of offline schoolwork compared with 21 % of children not eligible for free meals .
Prof Francis Green , who led the research , said it `` painted a gloomy picture of lost schooling and low amounts of schoolwork at home '' .
`` The closure of schools , and their only-partial re-opening , constitute a potential threat to the educational development of a generation of children .
`` Everyone is losing out in this generation , some much more than others .
`` Better home schoolwork provision , and better still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many as possible , should now become a top priority for government . ''

It finds that the variability in the amount of schoolwork being done at home is adding to existing regional and socioeconomic inequalities, with pupils in London, the South East of England and Northern Ireland receiving more offline schoolwork, such as assignments, worksheets and watching videos, than elsewhere in the UK.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--North Sea US jet crash: Pilot named as Kenneth Allen

The pilot of a US Air Force fighter jet which crashed into the North Sea has been named as 1st Lt Kenneth Allen .
Lt Allen was flying an F-15C Eagle , from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk , when it crashed off the East Yorkshire coast on Monday while on a training mission .
He had been stationed at the base since February and is survived by his wife and parents , the US Air Force said .
Col Will Marshall said the whole unit was `` deeply saddened '' by his loss .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from our communities has been a ray of light in this time of darkness , '' the commander of 48th Fighter Wing added .
Lt Allen , known as Kage , was the assistant chief of weapons and tactics for the 493rd Fighter Squadron .
His plane went into the sea 74 nautical miles ( 85 miles ) off the East Yorkshire coast .
The Coastguard and RNLI lifeboat crews from Bridlington and Scarborough were among those who took part in the search after the plane was reported missing at about 09:30 BST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's body was found .
The cause of the crash is currently unknown and an investigation is under way .
The F-15C , a single-seater air defence fighter , is a model of jet that has been used by the US Air Force since 1979 .
• Welcome to England 's 'Little America' RAF Lakenheath is the largest US Air Force-operated base in England and home to its only F-15 fighter wing in Europe .
More than 4,000 US service men and women are stationed there .

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bbcuk--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Greggs to reopen 800 shops for takeaway on Thursday

Greggs is to open about 800 shops for takeaways on Thursday after temporary closures during the coronavirus crisis .
The bakery chain , which has more than 2,050 outlets , said it planned to reopen all its remaining shops from early July .
Shops and businesses are beginning to to restart as coronavirus restrictions ease .
Also on Tuesday , Cineworld said it would reopen UK cinemas with social distancing measures from 10 July .
The UK government has been gradually easing lockdown measures , and Monday this week saw non-essential High Street shops reopening in England .
Lockdown measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further from 4 July , when pubs , restaurants , hairdressers , hotels and cinemas could reopen .
Fast food restaurants initially closed their doors during the coronavirus crisis , before some started to tentatively reopen .
In May McDonalds saw huge queues outside some of its restaurants as the fast food giant started to reopen some of its UK drive-throughs .
Rival KFC , meanwhile , had started to reopen restaurants for delivery in April .
• Shoppers rush to the High Street as England stores reopen Greggs began to reopen shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trial of 20 in the Newcastle area .
It will now reopen 800 outlets throughout the UK .
The bakery chain said there would be floor markings in the shops to help people maintain social distancing with protective screens at the counters , PPE equipment for staff , additional cleaning and more hand sanitiser .
Customers would be encouraged to make contactless payments , it added .
Greggs chief executive Roger Whiteside said : `` Looking forward , although great uncertainty remains , we are excited to be resuming our service for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to thank all of our 25,000 colleagues for their support in getting us to this point . ''
Greggs has temporarily suspended its new shop opening programme except for shops where it is legally committed or expects strong customer traffic .
It said it would open about 60 shops and close about 50 this year .
It is approaching landlords to make rent reductions , and has speeded up plans for delivery and click and collect services , it said in a statement .
UK cinema group Cineworld said on Tuesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mulan now confirmed for release in the coming weeks '' it planned to reopen in the UK and the US from 10 July .
Its chief executive Mooky Greidinger said : `` We are thrilled to be back and encouraged by recent surveys that show that many people have missed going to the movie theatre . ''
He added that a `` strong slate '' had been confirmed for the coming weeks , including `` A Quiet Place Part II , Wonder Women 1984 , Black Widow , Bond , Soul , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Among other measures , Cineworld said it had `` adapted our daily movie schedules to manage queues and avoid the build-up of crowds in our lobbies and enhanced our cleanliness and sanitation procedures across all of our sites . ''
Rivals Vue Cinemas said in May that it hoped to reopen in mid-July .

In its latest update, Greggs said it would now reopen 800 outlets on Thursday. The chain said there would be floor markings in the shops to help people maintain social distancing with protective screens at the counters, PPE equipment for staff, additional cleaning and more hand sanitiser. Customers would be encouraged to make contactless payments, it added.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--New Zealand's first Covid cases in 24 days came from UK

New Zealand has confirmed two new cases of coronavirus , ending a 24-day streak of no new infections in the country .
The cases relate to two women from the same family , both of whom had travelled from the UK and were given special permission to visit a grieving parent .
Last week New Zealand lifted all domestic restrictions , declaring that the country was virus-free .
However , strict border restrictions remained in place - with only citizens and essential workers allowed in .
But exemptions can be granted and Dr Ashley Bloomfield , New Zealand 's director-general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` agreed plan in place as part of the approval process [ including ] the travel arrangements '' .
It 's not known if the patients are citizens of the UK , New Zealand , or elsewhere .
• How NZ 's 'team of five million ' took on Covid-19 • How NZ beat the virus and got its coffee back The women - one in their 30s and one in their 40s - arrived in New Zealand from the UK on the 7 June , via Doha and Brisbane , and entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation hotel in Auckland and on 12 June applied for an exemption to visit their dying parent - who died later that night .
They were granted permission to travel to Wellington on 13 June .
One of the women had `` mild symptoms '' , but put this down to a pre-existing condition .
They travelled to Wellington in a private vehicle and did not use any public facilities during this journey , Dr Ashley Bloomfield , director-general of health , said on Tuesday , They stayed with a single family member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now been placed in self-isolation .
The women were tested on Monday and the results were confirmed on Tuesday .
Dr Bloomfield added that going forward , he asked for `` anyone being released for compassionate exemption [ to be ] tested and [ have ] a negative result '' before they are released .
Since 8 June , all arrivals in New Zealand are tested for Covid-19 and have to go through a 14-day period of isolation or quarantine .
Late last Monday , New Zealand moved into the lowest tier of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the few countries in the world to return to pre-pandemic normality .
Under this , social distancing is not required and there are no limits on public gatherings .
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern celebrated the move but warned the country would `` certainly see cases again '' , adding that `` elimination is not a point in time , it is a sustained effort '' .
New Zealand has been lauded at a success story for its handling of the virus - it was quick to close its borders and implement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases bring New Zealand 's total number of cases since the outbreak began to 1,506 .
The death toll remains unchanged at 22 .

Announcing that he was suspending exemptions to the quarantine rules, he said: "Compassionate exemptions should be rare and rigorous and it appears that this case did not include the checks that we expected to be happening. That's not acceptable."