bbcuk--2020-05-07--The Papers: 'Magic Monday' as lockdown easing to begin

The majority of Thursday 's papers are focused on the prospect of some possible changes to the lockdown .
`` Happy Monday '' is the celebratory headline in the Sun , as it reports on a likely `` easing of lockdown restrictions '' .
It is not the only front page to do so .
The Daily Mail proclaims `` Hurrah !
Lockdown freedom beckons '' , while the Daily Express goes for : `` First steps to freedom '' .
The Daily Star 's headline describes 11 May as `` magic Monday '' .
There is a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be relaxed and when .
The Guardian suggests that straight away people will be allowed to sunbathe , have picnics and go rambling .
The Daily Mirror goes further than most with a list of five key stages in the gradual move towards normal life .
It predicts that primary school classes will resume at the end of this month , secondary schools in June , and pubs and restaurants will reopen in August but with social distancing .
In its front page lead , the Financial Times suggests the `` price '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK border checks .
One possibility it mentions would be a 14-day quarantine period for all arrivals from abroad , including British citizens .
Both the Daily Telegraph and the Times focus on the expectation that the government will drop its advice to `` stay at home '' .
The Times suggests the slogan - which has been the core message of ministers since the end of March - will be replaced by one which urges people to `` stay safe , save lives '' .
In its leader , the Telegraph argues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in changing the public 's mindset .
It believes that if the prime minister is over-cautious about the message , `` he risks losing the power to persuade people that it 's safe to surface '' .
But it does point out that trust in him and his government is `` high '' .
Several papers consider the performances of Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer , in their first encounter at Prime Minister 's Questions .
For the Daily Mirror , it was round one to the new Labour leader .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its leader column , Sir Keir `` punctured Boris Johnson 's claim that the government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis had been a success '' .
Henry Deedes - the Daily Mail 's sketch writer - believes the exchanges over the dispatch box had a whiff of James Bond about them .
`` Early in each story , '' he writes , `` comes an inaugural meeting between hero and foe .
A chance encounter over highballs , perhaps , or a high-stakes hand of chemin de fer . ''
Wednesday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this '' , he suggests , concluding that it was `` less a head-to-head confrontation than a peek into the milky whites of each other 's eyes '' .
The i newspaper 's deputy political editor seems surprised that even though he had had two `` warm up '' PMQs - in which the Foreign Secretary , Dominic Raab , stood in for Mr Johnson - Sir Keir still seemed nervous .
`` The relatively gentle initiation did not stop his hands shaking , '' it reports .
But it also points out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` denied the army of Tory MPs who would usually cheer at his soundbites '' - was relatively subdued .
According to the Guardian , Sir Keir struck the right balance , managing `` to assert the truth about government failings , without appearing to undermine its pandemic response with excessive partisanship '' .
But it believes he has a long way to go .
`` No-one expects to see a fully-formed government in waiting yet , '' it says .
`` But there will come a time when voter demand to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticising the Tories '' .
The Financial Times suggests the new NHS app , to trace people who 've been exposed to Covid-19 , is `` in question '' - just days after it was launched .
The paper claims it 's seen documents that show a Swiss IT firm has been awarded a contract - worth £3.8m - to investigate switching to Apple and Google 's contract-tracing technology , which does not store information centrally .
The FT points out that this would be a U-turn from the UK 's original decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning '' Cornwall facing £885m summer season wipe-out '' is a headline in the Daily Express .
It quotes the county 's head of tourism , Malcolm Bell , urging the government to allow the sector to reopen before the end of the summer .
Mr Bell says a balance must be struck between protecting customers and protecting the communities of Cornwall .
He warns that if visitors are not allowed back until September , there 'll be `` massive implications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .
And several of the front pages , including the Daily Express and the Times , feature photos of the singer Adele who has published an Instagram post supporting essential workers .
Like others , the Times draws attention to her appearance , saying she has thought to have lost seven stone using an exercise regime .
The Telegraph columnist , Rebecca Reid , describes being `` personally affronted '' by the praise lavished on the star 's transformation , saying it `` reinforces the message that bodies look better when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that : `` As a society , we are supposed to have progressed beyond noticing what a woman weighs . ''

But it believes he has a long way to go. "No-one expects to see a fully-formed government in waiting yet," it says. "But there will come a time when voter demand to know what the opposition stands for, besides criticising the Tories".


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: NI Executive discussing plan for easing lockdown

The Northern Ireland Executive is meeting to continue its discussions on how and when to relax any lockdown restrictions .
Finance Minister Conor Murphy said he hopes a plan will be produced on Thursday , but stressed the executive would not be bound by dates .
On Sunday , Boris Johnson will set out his own blueprint aimed at beginning to ease the UK lockdown .
The executive is due to review its coronavirus legislation by Saturday .
The regulations initially took effect in Northern Ireland on 28 March , and have already been extended once by the executive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power to diverge from what the government at Westminster decides on the lockdown - and could lift restrictions at a different rate .
'Get it done correctly' Ministers have been holding detailed discussions this week about a phased relaxation , in line with advice from the executive 's medical scientific advisers .
On Wednesday , Mr Murphy said he hoped the executive could produce such a plan on Thursday , before the bank holiday weekend , but was not definitive that it would be made public by then .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than rushing to meet a deadline , '' he added .
• Analysis : How do we get out of lockdown ?
• What will be the 'new normal ' ?
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said she planned to raise the issue of face masks on public transport at the executive meeting on plans to ease lockdown restrictions .
Last week , the Irish government set out a detailed timeframe for lifting restrictions , running from 18 May to 10 August , to help the Republic of Ireland reopen slowly .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health A number of Stormont ministers have said they do not support placing projected dates on phases of lifting lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland , in case certain measures need to be re-imposed .
Last week , Agriculture and Environment Minister Edwin Poots called for churches and garden centres to reopen on a controlled basis .
But Health Minister Robin Swann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that the debate about easing restrictions was `` getting ahead of itself '' .
The executive recognises the lifting of any restrictions will not be without risk , and is concerned that if some measures are relaxed too quickly , it could lead to another surge of infections .
A meeting of the emergency Cobra committee about the lockdown , involving ministers from the devolved administrations and the UK government , will take place this week .
NI Secretary Brandon Lewis said the government 's furlough scheme would be `` reviewed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` if need be . ''
Mr Lewis told BBC Northern Ireland he has talked to the Irish government about the UK 's plans for an exit strategy , including the possibility of a quarantine period for travellers entering the UK from abroad .
Mr Lewis says he he did not want to prejudge any decisions on foreign travel , but is aware of the reality that Northern Ireland shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland and the issue is something the UK is talking about to all its partners around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing app being considered by the NHS will be compatible with the one likely to be used by the Irish authorities , Mr Lewis said he didnot know the full technical details , but was aware that UK and Irish medical experts are talking to each other to make sure `` we are as joined up as we can be '' .
In other developments on Thursday : • Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has dismissed reports that furloughing some Translink staff could have saved up to £30m ; • The Bank of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push the UK economy towards its deepest recession on record .
; • It is `` extremely likely '' there could be a phased return of schools in NI in September , at the start of a new educational year , says Education Minister Peter Weir First Minister Arlene Foster previously suggested Northern Ireland 's lockdown restrictions could be lifted at a different pace to the rest of the UK .
On Wednesday , a further 14 deaths related to Covid-19 in Northern Ireland were reported by the Department of Health .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mostly comprised of hospital fatalities , to at least 418 .
Two sets of figures are published in Northern Ireland : • A daily set produced by the Department of Health , which counts mostly hospital deaths • The weekly statistics from Nisra , which cover all fatalities where coronavirus has been recorded on the death certificate Northern Ireland 's overall death toll will be higher when all deaths in the community are recorded .

"The best way we can honour those in World War Two who fought for freedom and won, the best way we can honour those who are fighting for us today on the health front line is to stay at home as much as possible," Mrs Foster said.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Leicestershire care home workers face 'insulting' pay cuts

Proposed pay cuts for nearly 100 care home staff helping the elderly during the coronavirus pandemic are `` beyond belief '' , a trade union says .
Unison said the move is an `` insult '' to carers who are already on low wages .
LCC said its `` urgent cost-saving steps '' would also see management salary cuts , no payment of dividends and reduced capital expenditure .
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service , the worst-affected workers will see their weekly pay cut by nearly a third , while changes to the existing sick pay scheme will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment of £95.85 a week .
Unison said annual leave would be reduced by two weeks and maternity , paternity and adoption leave would also be reduced to legal minimums .
LCC , which runs former council-owned homes , told Unison last week of its intention to scrap payments for night work , weekend shifts and overtime .
• Latest news and stories from the East Midlands Davie Vive-Kananda , its chief executive , said staff transferred from local authority contracts had been given `` unusually generous additional benefits '' .
`` These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight years but are now simply unaffordable as the pandemic has substantially increased our operating costs with dramatic increases to the cost of supplies and agency staff , '' he said .
`` LCC is trying to avoid having to dismiss any of the relevant 97 employees and has never previously made any employee redundant . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Chris Jenkinson , East Midlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` highlights the desperate state of the social care sector '' .
`` It 's beyond belief and insulting to staff that [ they ] would behave like this , especially at a time when staff are putting their lives on the line , '' he said .
`` These are among the lowest paid workers in the country and they already struggle to make ends meet . ''
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Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"These terms have been honoured for the past eight years but are now simply unaffordable as the pandemic has substantially increased our operating costs with dramatic increases to the cost of supplies and agency staff," he said.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Government urges 'caution' on lockdown easing

The PM says the government will proceed with `` maximum caution '' when considering easing coronavirus restrictions .
Boris Johnson is due to announce plans for England 's lockdown on Sunday , but ministers have insisted short term changes to measures will be `` modest '' .
At the government 's daily briefing , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab described media reports on easing restrictions as `` not a reliable guide '' .
He added that changes may vary between the different nations .
It comes after Scotland 's lockdown was formally extended and the Northern Ireland Executive said there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown .
Wales is due to announced its the nation 's lockdown plans on Friday , after the Welsh government warned media reports speculating how Mr Johnson might ease lockdown measures risked sending `` mixed messages '' to the public .
Some newspapers suggested the rules on exercise could be relaxed and more people encouraged to return to work .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have the power to make their own decisions on lockdown regulations - and could lift restrictions at a different rate .
• Mixed messages across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free healthy people from restrictions ?
• What will be the 'new normal ' ?
• The five tests for ending lockdown The prime minister has told leaders of the devolved nations that he is committed to a UK-wide approach to tackling coronavirus `` even if different parts of the UK begin to move at slightly different speeds '' , Downing Street said .
`` Those decisions will be made based on the science for each nation , '' a No 10 spokesman added .
The latest figures show the total number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homes and the wider community in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus is 30,615 - a daily increase of 539 .
The UK provided some 86,583 tests in 24 hours to 09:00 BST on Thursday - meaning the government missed its 100,000-per-day target for the fifth consecutive day .
At the briefing , Mr Raab said any short term changes to restrictions would be `` modest , small , incremental and very carefully monitored '' .
He stressed that the existing rules would still apply over the bank holiday weekend and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guidance '' .
Facing pressure over media reports suggesting the lockdown would be eased , the foreign secretary said that reports were `` not a reliable guide '' to future policy decisions .
He added that future decisions would be based on the reproduction number - known as the R level - which represents the average number of people that an infected person will pass the virus on to .
`` If we find in the future the R level goes back up or that people are n't following the rules , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put back measures in place , '' he said .
Mr Raab said the R number was somewhere between 0.5 and 0.9 .
However , Prof John Edmunds , who is advising the government , said earlier that it had actually risen slightly - to between 0.75 and one .
An R number greater than one would result in exponential growth in the number of cases .
But if the number stays lower than one , the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief statistician for the Office for National Statistics , said the current R number was below one .
However , he said R had increased since the last estimates due to the rise in virus transmission in care homes .
The R number can be different in different parts of the country or in different settings , says the BBC 's health reporter Rachel Schraer .
`` The question is how contained they are or whether the epidemic in care homes will spread back into the community , '' she said .
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` right to extend the lockdown '' until the infection rate was under control , saying that `` the health and safety of the nation needs to come first '' .
He added that `` there needs to be absolute clarity that we must follow the rules '' .
With much speculation about Sunday 's announcement , the government seems keen to manage expectations .
Dominic Raab 's emphasis was on gradual steps ; he spoke of this being a delicate and dangerous moment with the virus remaining deadly .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road map of how the country might come out of this lockdown , but the government does n't want to release the handbrake and see the car race away just yet .
Today 's press conference seemed designed to both offer a glimmer of hope about how the country might move on from lockdown , and to shroud it in caution - with emphasis that current measures still remain in place .
Whether that message comes across as clear , or confused , is the key question at what could be a crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law , the government must review the restrictions every three weeks , and Thursday marks the latest deadline .
Although the lockdown - first announced on 23 March - will largely stay in place , the `` stay at home '' message is expected to be scrapped and it is likely more outdoor activities will be permitted .
The prime minister will make his address at 19:00 BST on Sunday .
Mr Johnson has told opposition leaders he will deliver a statement in the House of Commons on the government 's next steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned it could be `` catastrophic '' to drop the stay at home message as she announced that the nation 's lockdown was to be extended .
She said any easing of restrictions would be `` very risky '' at this stage , but said the Scottish government may be prepared to allow people to spend more time outdoors .
Scotland has already set out a number of options for lifting the lockdown .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Ms Sturgeon said she would prefer the UK to make changes as a whole , but said the four nations could decide in a `` grown-up '' manner if they `` want to go different ways '' .
She added that media reports about the prime minister planning to ease the lockdown had not been discussed with the Scottish government .
Earlier , a Welsh government spokesman said it was `` crucially important '' people in Wales were `` informed clearly and accurately '' about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Some of the reporting in today 's newspapers is confusing and risks sending mixed messages to people across the UK , '' he added .
It comes as the UK became the first country in Europe to record more than 30,000 people dying with coronavirus .
It has been just over nine weeks since the UK recorded its first death on 2 March .
The personal stories of those who have died are continuing to emerge .
Among those was Dr Tariq Shafi , 61 , who was the lead consultant for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital in Dartford , Kent .
• The Bank of England has warned that the pandemic will push the UK economy towards its deepest recession on record • Black men and women are nearly twice as likely to die with coronavirus as white people in England and Wales , according to the Office for National Statistics • The UK has said 400,000 surgical gowns ordered from Turkey do not meet British safety standards • Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled , with organisers saying this was `` the only safe option '' amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid beauty spots this bank holiday weekend , as temperatures are predicted to soar across England • British Airways owner IAG has said it is planning for a `` meaningful return '' of flights in July at the earliest if lockdown measures are relaxed • People across the UK joined Clap for Carers for the seventh week in a row How have you been affected by the issues relating to coronavirus ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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An R number greater than one would result in exponential growth in the number of cases. But if the number stays lower than one, the disease will eventually peter out as not enough new people are being infected to sustain the outbreak.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Sturgeon: Changing lockdown message could be 'catastrophic mistake'

Nicola Sturgeon has warned it could be `` catastrophic '' to drop the stay at home message as she announced that the lockdown is to be extended in Scotland .
It has been suggested that Boris Johnson could scrap the slogan as part of moves to ease some lockdown rules .
Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish government may be prepared to allow people to spend more time outdoors .
But she said scrapping the `` clear , well understood '' stay at home message was `` a potentially catastrophic mistake '' .
Ms Sturgeon said she would prefer all four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would help give consistent messages to the public .
However , she said it was possible to go `` different ways '' if they were at different stages .
Following a call between Ms Sturgeon and the prime minister , a spokeswoman for Mr Johnson acknowledged that different parts of the UK could `` move at slightly different speeds '' , with `` decisions made based on the science for each nation '' .
• PM 'must show respect ' to UK nations over lockdown Both the Scottish and UK governments formally extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However Mr Johnson - who will make a televised address about the future on Sunday evening - has suggested some measures could start to be lifted from Monday .
Ms Sturgeon said she was open to relaxing the rules around outdoor exercise , but said no other measures should be eased at this `` critical juncture '' .
Scrapping the `` stay at home message '' could confuse people , she added .
She said : `` Extreme caution is required at this critical juncture to avoid a rapid resurgence of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say decisions now are a matter of life and death .
`` That is why they weigh so very , very heavily and why they must be taken with great care , and it is why as I take them I will continue to err on the side of caution . ''
Ms Sturgeon said it was thought that Scotland 's infection rate might still be higher than in other parts of the UK , potentially because the first cases of Covid-19 north of the border came later than in England .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressured into lifting restrictions prematurely '' and would `` make judgements , informed by the evidence , that are right and safe for Scotland '' .
The prime minister 's spokeswoman said Mr Johnson had `` emphasised that this is a critical moment in the fight against coronavirus '' in a call with the leaders of the devolved administrations .
She said : `` He reiterated his commitment to continuing our UK-wide approach to tackling coronavirus , even if different parts of the UK begin to move at slightly different speeds .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science for each nation .
`` They all agreed that continued engagement between our administrations is vital and to remain in close contact in the days and weeks ahead . ''
Nicola Sturgeon says she must extend the lockdown in Scotland to stop a resurgence of the virus .
Because the rate of infection ( the now famous R number ) is still at or around one in Scotland , possibly slighter higher than in other parts of the UK , she says any easing of the current restrictions would be `` very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be the same message we hear from Boris Johnson on Sunday .
That means we could soon see different parts of the UK operating under different lockdown rules .
Read more from Sarah Smith here .
The Scottish government has published a paper of options for starting to lift restrictions , although no dates are suggested in it .
Ms Sturgeon said she `` may be prepared to agree to a change to guidance limiting outdoor exercise to once a day only '' .
It has been rumoured that such a move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the first minister said this `` would not change the overall message '' that people should remain close to home and not mix with other households .
She said : `` The other possible changes that are reported in the media , such as encouraging more people back to work now , opening beer gardens , or encouraging more use of public transport , would not in my judgment be safe for us to make yet .
`` What I do not want a few weeks from now is for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and for you to be asking me 'why on Earth did you start to ease lockdown a week or a couple of weeks too early ' ? ''

Because the rate of infection (the now famous R number) is still at or around one in Scotland, possibly slighter higher than in other parts of the UK, she says any easing of the current restrictions would be "very very risky" indeed.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Black Britons face 'twice the risk' of death, says ONS

Black men and women are nearly twice as likely to die with coronavirus as white people in England and Wales , according to the Office for National Statistics .
The analysis shows the inequality persists after taking into account age , where people live and some measures of deprivation and prior health .
People from Indian , Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities also had a significantly higher risk of dying .
The government has launched a review into the issue .
The analysis by the ONS combined data on deaths involving Covid-19 with information on ethnicity from the 2011 census .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some measures of deprivation , disadvantage and prior health , it found black people were 90 % more likely to die with Covid-19 than white people .
• Are minorities being hit hardest by coronavirus ?
Men and women from Indian , Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities had an increased risk of between 30 % and 80 % , the analysis found .
The ONS suggested some of the risk might be caused by other social and economic factors that are not included in the data .
And it said that some ethnic groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and so more at risk of being infected while at work .
The ONS plans to examine the link between coronavirus risk and occupation .
Without taking into account factors such as prior health and location , the analysis found black people were more than four times as likely to die after contracting the virus .
But Prof Keith Neal , emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham , said that figure was `` misleading '' .
He said not adjusting for `` known factors '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more coronavirus cases could make the difference in risk appear even bigger than it was .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
After factoring in these issues , the death rate among black men and women was 1.9 times as high as white men and women .
For Bangladeshi and Pakistani men the risk was 1.8 times higher , and for women in those communities it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communicable diseases said the NHS should pull BAME staff at greater risk of infection `` out of the front line '' .
Dr Bharat Pankhania from the University of Exeter told BBC Radio 5 Live : `` Now that we know , we can say , we need to reduce your face-to-face consultations .
Where face-to-face consultations are absolutely necessary , we are going to give you enhanced personal protective equipment to protect yourselves . ''
Afterwards , he said , experts could investigate further whether the issue was caused by other health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as heart disease or diabetes , or whether there was another explanation .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told the daily coronavirus briefing in Downing Street that Public Health England was investigating what `` interventions can sensibly be made '' to protect BAME frontline workers .
`` We 're very concerned about it , it 's something we take very seriously , '' he said .
The raw numbers on coronavirus deaths in England and Wales and ethnicity are stark .
People from black backgrounds make up just over 3 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus deaths .
But what 's causing this ?
Raw numbers do n't give the reason why .
You need to take account of the differences between communities that could explain it .
More people from black , Asian or minority ethnic communities live in cities where the epidemic has been worst .
But white communities are older on average , and the coronavirus hits older people harder .
If you take account of age differences , but not of other factors , black people are four time more likely to die with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of where people live , that difference falls but does n't disappear : black people are just over twice as likely to die with coronavirus .
Accounting for rough measures of health and wealth changes it a little , bringing the risk down to just under twice as likely .
But the analysis does n't address the impact of exposure at work or current health conditions .
David Lammy , the shadow justice secretary , said the greater risk faced by black people was `` appalling '' .
`` It is urgent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Action must be taken to protect black men and women - as well as people from all backgrounds - from the virus , '' the Labour MP for Tottenham said on Twitter .
Nicole Andrews , a lecturer in health and social care at Newman University in Birmingham , told the BBC the figures were `` completely devastating '' but not surprising , as `` there is a long legacy of poor health outcomes for our communities '' in the UK .
Black and minority ethnic workers were more likely to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , leading to a greater risk of the exposure to the virus , Dr Andrews said .
Research by the Health Foundation found that in London , while black and Asian workers made up 34 % of the overall working population , they represented 54 % of workers in food retail , 48 % of health and social care staff , and 44 % of people working in transport .
Helen Barnard , acting director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation , said workers from black , Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes , increasing the risk of the virus spreading to their families .
She said that the UK entered the crisis with `` a rising tide of low pay , insecure jobs and spiralling living costs '' and `` we must ask ourselves what kind of society we want to live in after the virus passes '' .
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman said it had commissioned Public Health England to examine different factors such as ethnicity , obesity and geographical location that may influence the effect of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out which groups are most at risk so we can take the right steps to protect them and minimise their risk , '' she said .

Dr Bharat Pankhania from the University of Exeter told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Now that we know, we can say, we need to reduce your face-to-face consultations. Where face-to-face consultations are absolutely necessary, we are going to give you enhanced personal protective equipment to protect yourselves."


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Schools in Wales not reopening on 1 June

Schools in Wales will not re-open on 1 June after closing due to the coronavirus pandemic , Education Minister Kirsty Williams has said .
First Minister Mark Drakeford had said schools would need at least three weeks ' notice to reopen , meaning they could do so from June at the earliest .
Ms Williams said there had been `` speculation '' around announcements in England .
`` The situation for schools in Wales will not change on 1 June , '' she said .
• Further 18 die with coronavirus in Wales Most schools have been closed for about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open for children of key workers and vulnerable pupils .
After Mr Drakeford mentioned June as an example of when children could go back to school , some parents expressed concerns around the possibility about a return in the coming weeks .
Some head teachers and unions have also questioned how social distancing can be practically observed .
In Scotland , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said reopening schools too early could see the NHS overwhelmed within two months , while the Northern Irish education minister has predicted a phased return there in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK government around the lockdown this weekend , Ms Williams said any decision in Wales regarding schools would be `` communicated well in advance '' .
`` We are working closely with local authorities to ensure that schools are supported in this preparation work , '' she said .
`` In the meantime , critical workers and those who need to use schools or hubs for your children should continue to do so .
`` We will continue to be guided by the very latest scientific advice and will only look to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it is safe to do so .
`` We will , of course , need to ensure that social-distancing requirements can be adhered to . ''
She previously said pupils would not all return to school at once when restrictions are eased , with `` a phased approach '' based on five principles .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce lockdown plans for England on Sunday at 19:00 BST , with tensions growing between Cardiff Bay and Westminster over the latest lockdown review .
Downing Street said Mr Johnson had a call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland and Northern Ireland earlier .
`` This reflects the government 's continued commitment to working in consultation with the devolved administrations in response to the coronavirus pandemic , '' a spokesman added .
`` He [ the prime minister ] reiterated his commitment to continuing our UK-wide approach to tackling coronavirus , even if different parts of the UK begin to move at slightly different speeds .
`` Those decisions will be made based on the science for each nation . ''

"We will continue to be guided by the very latest scientific advice and will only look to have more pupils and staff in schools when it is safe to do so.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Bank of England warns of sharpest recession on record

The Bank of England has warned that the UK economy is heading towards its sharpest recession on record .
The coronavirus impact would see the economy shrink 14 % this year , based on the lockdown being relaxed in June .
Scenarios drawn up by the Bank to illustrate the economic impact said Covid-19 was `` dramatically reducing jobs and incomes in the UK '' .
Bank governor Andrew Bailey told the BBC there would be no quick return to normality .
He described the downturn as `` unprecedented '' , and said consumers would remain cautious even when lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Not all of the economic activity comes back .
There 's quite a sharp recovery .
But we 've also factored that people will be cautious of their own choice .
`` They do n't re-engage fully , and so it 's really only until next summer that activity comes fully back . ''
• Will the government keep paying workers ' wages ?
• UK-US trade talks will not be an easy ride Also on Thursday , policymakers voted unanimously to keep interest rates at a record low of 0.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee ( MPC ) that sets interest rates was split on whether to inject more stimulus into the economy .
Two of its nine members voted to increase the latest round of quantitative easing by £100bn to £300bn .
The Bank 's analysis , published on Thursday , was based on the assumption that social distancing measures are gradually phased out between June and September .
Its latest Monetary Policy Report showed the UK economy plunging into its first recession in more than a decade .
The economy shrinks by 3 % in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by an unprecedented 25 % decline in the three months to June .
This would push the UK into a technical recession , defined as two consecutive quarters of economic decline .
The Bank said the housing market had come to a standstill , while consumer spending had dropped by 30 % in recent weeks .
For the year as a whole , the economy is expected to contract by 14 % .
This would be the biggest annual decline on record , according to Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be the sharpest annual contraction since 1706 , according to reconstructed Bank of England data stretching back to the 18th Century .
While UK growth is expected to rebound in 2021 to 15 % , the size of the economy is not expected to get back to its pre-virus peak until the middle of next year .
The UK government is expected to start easing lockdown restrictions next week .
The Bank stressed that the outlook for the economy was `` unusually uncertain '' at present and would depend on how households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The government 's jobs retention scheme covering 80 % of wages is phased out with the lockdown .
• Companies stop or scale back their operations for some time .
Mr Bailey said he expected any permanent damage from the pandemic to be `` relatively small '' .
The economy was likely to recover `` much more rapidly than the pull back from the global financial crisis , '' he said .
He also praised the action by the government to support workers and businesses through wage subsidies , loans and grants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schemes and the Bank 's own stimulus meant there would be `` limited scarring to the economy '' .
`` The furloughing scheme really does enable people to come back into the economy more quickly so it 's a much quicker recovery that we 've seen in the past . ''
James Smith , research director at the Resolution Foundation , said the hit to the economy this year was equivalent to £9,000 for every family in Britain .
He said : `` Faced with this huge economic hit , both the Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call in taking bold action to protect firms and families as much as possible . ''
Average weekly earnings are expected to shrink by 2 % this year , reflecting the fall in wages for furloughed workers .
The Bank said sharp increases in benefit claims were `` consistent with a pronounced rise in the unemployment rate '' , which is expected to climb above 9 % this year , from the current rate of 4 % .
Under the Bank 's scenario , inflation , as measured by the consumer prices index @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of next year amid the sharp drop in energy prices.It is also expected to remain well below the Bank 's 2 % target for the next two years .
The Bank 's latest Financial Stability Report said the Bank 's scenario was consistent with a 16 % drop in house prices .
Latest figures published by UK finance show one in seven mortgage holders has taken a payment holiday due to the coronavirus .
The Bank said the number of new mortgage deals on offer had halved in just over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of payment holiday requests .
This includes a huge contraction in deals for buyers with a deposit of less than 40 % of the purchase price .
The MPC also highlighted the stark drop in consumer spending .
It said spending on flights , hotels , restaurants and entertainment had dropped to a fifth of their previous levels .
Shopping at High Street retailers had dropped by 80 % , while business confidence was described as `` severely depressed '' .
Philip Shaw , an economist at Investec , described the Bank 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its assumption that unemployment would fall back to its pre-crisis low in two years .
`` Exactly how the economy evolves will depend critically on how the government calibrates its policies and how they are unwound and tapered , '' he said .
`` There is plenty that could go wrong . ''
The Bank of England itself has minimal staff , but they have applied themselves to try to work out what is happening in the economy .
They are not sufficiently confident that the numbers they have run , the charts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would call a `` forecast '' .
But they do give the clearest indication that we are in recession , after the sharpest , fastest economic contraction in the three-century history of the Bank looking at these things .
Faster than the financial crisis , and the Great Depression , and the earlier 1920s depression just before , the only things which come close .
`` It is unprecedented in the recent history of this institution , '' Governor Andrew Bailey told me .
`` What it really means is that obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a product of the situation we 've been in since March , and the restrictions that are in place , affect economic activity very severely , ''

The Bank of England itself has minimal staff, but they have applied themselves to try to work out what is happening in the economy. They are not sufficiently confident that the numbers they have run, the charts that they have published, constitute what they would call a "forecast".


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Birmingham tips reopening leads to long queues

There were huge queues as cars lined up outside tips in Birmingham hours before they reopened for the first time since lockdown .
Four of the city 's tips reopened at 11:00 BST but 150 cars were counted at one by 08:00 .
Birmingham City Council said residents should only visit the waste centres if it was `` absolutely essential '' .
Police were called to manage the traffic , which the council said was planned in advance .
The recycling sites - at Lifford Lane in Kings Norton , Holford Drive in Perry Barr , Norris Way in Sutton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were expected to be busy , the authority said .
To maintain social distancing , only one person is permitted to be in vehicles entering the tips and refuse workers are not allowed to help with waste disposal .
The council also said vans and trailers were not allowed at the sites .
• Latest news and updates from the West Midlands '' We 're looking to the people to use the service wisely and be patient , '' councillor John O'Shea , cabinet member for street scene and parks , said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal service as soon as we can , but I must stress that the sites are likely to be very busy so would ask people to delay their visits unless there is absolutely no other option . ''
Recycling centres in Manchester reopened earlier this week , with drivers also opting to queue outside hours ahead of opening times .
Some areas have reported a rise in fly-tipping since the coronavirus restrictions came into force , leading to calls from MPs and councillors for tips to be reopened .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
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Send your story ideas to : newsonline.westmidlands @ bbc.co.uk

"We will restore a normal service as soon as we can, but I must stress that the sites are likely to be very busy so would ask people to delay their visits unless there is absolutely no other option."


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: 14 Covid-19-related deaths at Killyleagh care home

Fourteen people in one care home in County Down have died after being diagnosed with Covid-19 , figures obtained by the BBC have shown .
In all , 39 residents at Ringdufferin Nursing Home in Killyleagh have been confirmed to have the virus .
The nursing home said that `` from the outset '' of the pandemic , it had put measures in place to protect residents and staff from the virus .
Some 40 % of coronavirus-related deaths in NI have been linked to care homes .
A further four coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland were recorded by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total death toll , mostly comprising hospital fatalities , to 422 .
Northern Ireland 's overall figure will be higher when all deaths in the community are recorded : Separate figures from statistics agency Nisra show there had been 393 Covid-19 related deaths by 24 April .
The home 's management offered its `` deepest sympathy '' to families and friends of those who had died .
It said the positive cases were confirmed over several weeks , and that staff had followed the Covid-19 guidelines from health trust , the Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority ( RQIA ) .
`` All admissions received into the home were before any suspected or confirmed cases of Covid-19 were identified , '' said a statement from the home .
Staff had put in place social distancing , additional cleaning and the use provision of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) `` well ahead of any patients demonstrating symptoms of the virus '' , added the statement .
Ringdufferin Nursing Home also said it had been `` proactive '' on testing , inviting health trust staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undertake testing when some residents developed symptoms .
Any staff member who showed symptoms was sent for testing , it added , although testing of asymptomatic staff had only become available more recently .
It insisted guidelines on isolation of suspected cases were `` stringently applied within the home '' .
More recently , all staff have been offered tests and 14 staff members at the home have tested positive .
The Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland said this week Covid-19 testing for everyone living and working in Northern Ireland 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health priority .
Michael Carville 's 72-year-old mother is among the 39 residents in Ringdufferin Nursing Home to have tested positive for Covid-19 .
He said it was a `` miracle '' she was still alive - something he attributed to the care she had received from its staff .
`` I do n't feel it is the care home 's fault that it is in that situation , '' said Mr Carville .
`` Other organisations should have been much quicker to the task of protecting the very vulnerable people in care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland 's care homes has been very difficult .
The public wants to know what is happening , especially with older and more vulnerable people , but the various health agencies have been providing few verified facts .
Care home owners say they need to manage information about cases and deaths in a controlled , sensitive manner .
While this is understandable , it means the information tends to emerge first from concerned staff or families .
There are arguments about whether the health department should publish data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also been calls for more transparency about the spread of the virus , so that reports on it are as timely and accurate as possible .
Concerned families want - and deserve - to know about their loved ones living and working in these homes ; there is no more important time for openness and clarity than during a pandemic .
Mr Carville 's mother has advanced dementia and he said Ringdufferin was a `` vulnerable environment dealing with dementia patients and end-of-life care '' .
`` These are very vulnerable people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government '' , he said .
`` The staff in Ringdufferin have done everything in their power to protect their residents .
I could n't be happier with how they have looked after my own mum . ''
More than a fifth of Northern Ireland 's care homes - 110 - are now caring for vulnerable older people with coronavirus or flu-like symptoms , which are logged each day in care homes ' forms about virus activity , the BBC understands .
The homes have a total of 16,000 beds , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health department said it needed to be sure of the quality of the daily information from care homes before releasing more detailed information .
`` While good progress has been made , work is still required to validate the data and ensure its consistency , '' said the department .
`` Once work on this data set is complete , we believe it will provide us with more complete information on the position in our homes than any other part of the UK or Ireland . ''
Meanwhile , BBC News NI has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abbey Hospital in Antrim have tested positive for Covid-19 and a further 26 patients have been tested for the virus .
The Belfast Health Trust said that under data protection regulations it could not confirm how many of the 26 patients who were tested were found to have the virus , but none has died as a result of disease .
At the Stormont Health Committee on Thursday , Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan asked the Public Health Agency for its response to concerns expressed to him that staff at the hospital may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Public Health Prof Hugo van Woerden said that would be high-risk , expressing concern at the prospect of staff moving between different wards .
`` Every effort should be made to keep staff linked to the same set of patients , so that if some spread does happen in a group of patients or staff , that , that is ring-fenced as much as possible , '' he said .

There are arguments about whether the health department should publish data on individual care homes. But there have also been calls for more transparency about the spread of the virus, so that reports on it are as timely and accurate as possible.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Ty: Mercury-nominated UK rapper dies of coronavirus, aged 47

Ty , the acclaimed , Mercury-nominated UK rapper , has died aged 47 after contracting coronavirus .
The Nigerian-British musician was known for a witty , mature style that owed more to the old-school US rappers than the grittier street sounds of London .
In 2004 , his second album , Upwards , was nominated for the Mercury Prize alongside Amy Winehouse , The Streets and eventual winners Franz Ferdinand .
His death was mourned by stars including Ghetts and Roots Manuva .
DJ Charlie Sloth called him `` a friend , a role model and a true foundation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here was truly a good person .
Sad to see you ascend from this realm so soon , '' wrote Posdnuous , from US rap trio De La Soul , who appeared on Ty 's third album , Closer , in 2006 .
Born Ben Chijioke in London in 1972 , he grew up with his sister in a strict household where he was expected to become a doctor or a lawyer .
But he fell in love with hip-hop and decided to pursue a career as an MC .
`` They did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all , '' he told the Independent in 2008 .
`` I knew that it was going to happen , but I just continued to do what I did - they just made me do it in secret . ''
After finding a job as a sound engineer , he started recording in the mid-90s , appearing on tracks produced by IG Culture 's New Sector Movement and DJ Pogo , as well as hosting a hip-hop night called Lyrical Lounge .
He released his debut album Awkward in 2001 , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afro-funk , Jamaican dub , Latin shuffles and dextrous wordplay - that brought him to mainstream attention .
The album showcased his relaxed , storytelling style , whether he was talking about relationship problems on Wait A Minute , or the more serious dilemma of gun crime on Rain .
He went on to record three further solo albums , the most recent being A Work of Heart in 2018 , and collaborated with dozens of artists from afro-beat drummer Tony Allen to Soweto Kinch and US hip-hop outfit Arrested Development .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a fundraising page set up in April said he had been `` put in a medically induced coma to temporarily sedate to help his body receive the appropriate treatment '' .
He later left intensive care after his condition seemingly improved - but on Thursday , his press team confirmed he had died .
Rapper Ghetts was among the rappers paying tribute , writing on Instagram : `` RIP TY .
This ones deep I had a lot of respect for .
He added that Ty was `` one of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and show me love . ''
Roots Manuva simply wrote : `` Rest my Brother .
You did good '' .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"They didn't take to it very well at all," he told the Independent in 2008. "I knew that it was going to happen, but I just continued to do what I did - they just made me do it in secret."


bbcuk--2020-05-07--VE Day 2020: England prepares for lockdown celebrations

Towns and cities around England had planned parades and street parties to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day but @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , how are people getting ready to mark the day ?
Victory @ @ @ @ @ Day on 8 May 1945 saw Britain and its Allies formally accept Nazi Germany 's @ @ @ @ @ years of war .
With the day falling on a Friday this year , the @ @ @ @ @ moved so that people could celebrate with many towns planning public events to mark the @ @ @ @ @ these events have been cancelled but councils , neighbours and families have found different ways @ @ @ @ @ look at some of the preparations people have been making around England .

Towns and cities around England had planned parades and street parties to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day but with events cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, how are people getting ready to mark the day?


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Notting Hill Carnival cancelled due to Covid-19

Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
About one million people usually attend the event in west London , which was due to take place on 30 and 31 August .
Organisers said the pandemic meant that calling off the weekend was `` the only safe option '' , but said they were working on holding a celebration on the same weekend in an alternative form .
It is the first time it will not take place in more than 50 years .
The carnival , which has been held since 1966 , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calendar events to have been postponed , including the Glastonbury Festival and the Tokyo Olympics .
Carnival organisers said the decision followed `` lengthy consultations with our strategic partners and our Advisory Council '' .
`` This has not been an easy decision to make , but the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic and the way in which it has unfolded means that this is the only safe option , '' they said .
The board said plans for an alternative event were `` still at the early stage of planning '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon '' .
Emma Will , Kensington and Chelsea Council 's lead member for culture , leisure and community safety , said it was `` absolutely the right decision given what the UK and London is currently facing '' .
She said the council was `` committed in giving logistical and financial support to turn alternative plans into reality '' and there was `` no reason why we can not all bring the true spirit of Carnival into our own front rooms '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

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bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: 'Will we have to stay in isolation for a year?'

People with some serious medical conditions have been told to stay indoors for at least 12 weeks , without leaving home for food or exercise and avoiding any close contact - even with loved ones .
The BBC has been following some of their stories .
While the rest of the UK looks to ease the lockdown , for nearly two million `` extremely vulnerable people '' - who might have severe respiratory illnesses , some cancers or conditions treated with drugs that suppress the immune system - the situation is less certain for as long as the virus circulates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most shielders look like me' • Coronavirus : Who should be shielding ?
England 's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jenny Harries said on Saturday that some of their conditions might be reviewed as lower risk , but other people might face `` a very long period of time '' in isolation .
So how have this `` shielding '' group coped over six weeks and what does the future hold for them ?
'This has to be my life now' For Angela Steatham , adjusting to life in isolation has been `` like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been through a bit of anger and frustration ( `` I wanted to scream at everybody and say , stop moaning ! ''
) .
She 's looked for someone to blame ( `` It 's the government 's fault '' ) .
But now she has come to accept that her chronic lymphocytic leukaemia - a blood cancer which can severely damage the immune system - means that she is unlikely to be able to leave her cottage in north Wales for a long time .
`` I think I 've mentally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be my way of life now for a year or more , '' she says .
The 56-year-old has begun to focus on how she wants her life to be in this enforced semi-retirement , taking up art again and planting a herb garden .
In her previous life , travelling internationally as a psychologist and leadership coach , the plants would never have survived , she says .
She and her partner Simon are still unable to spend time in the same room together , in case he is exposed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother .
Even the shopping gets disinfected when it comes into her quarantine zone '' It would only take one slip for me to get it , then all of this would be for nothing , '' she says .
'The world starts to go on and you can't' Before coronavirus , Rachael Paget would usually expect to see more than a hundred people a day : classes of lively kids that she teaches , the other school staff , a quick family visit on the way home .
In those days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her home in Warrington , where she lives alone .
But in the past six weeks her closest human contact has been her dad , dropping off some shopping from the supermarket .
`` He 'll knock and go to the end of the drive and I can see him - but that 's pretty much it .
I 've not really seen anybody .
I miss it a lot , '' she says .
`` It 's frustrating .
I 've never really considered myself vulnerable , '' she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ defect and three years ago the sudden onset of severe asthma left her on a ventilator , but she says she 's always been encouraged to `` just get on with it '' .
The 35-year-old continues to teach online , but expects she wo n't be there when schools go back .
The year 11 prom has been rescheduled for October , and she doubts she will be there to celebrate the achievements of a group she has watched with pride as they have grown up .
`` It will be much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on and you ca n't , '' she says .
'Do we just wait for a vaccine ? '
`` Until we get a vaccine I ca n't really see the vulnerable group being back into mainstream , '' says Michael Winehouse , a charity fundraiser who has cystic fibrosis , a genetic condition which clogs the lungs and puts him at risk of infections .
He 's been adjusting to the reality of what that means , missing the freedom to go swimming , shop at Tesco , or stroll to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others post pictures on social media of their daily exercise .
`` There is that little bit of me that thinks , I 'd really love that now , it 's been ages .
And it does n't look like that is going to change for a very , very long time , '' he says .
It could mean missing out on a lot .
He 's due to be best man at a wedding in October and has organised the stag do .
Friends on WhatsApp are chatting about a post-lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubtful he will be able to attend .
At the moment , his wife Amy and four-year-old son Oscar are shielding with him , with none of the family leaving the house .
But they face a major dilemma when his wife 's furlough ends or his son begins Year 1 in September .
If Amy and Oscar leave Michael in isolation they could face having to change their clothes and disinfect themselves at the door , hoping they do n't accidentally bring the virus home , he says .
`` Are we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see if someone has caught the symptoms ?
Or do we stay away from school and work until a vaccine comes and we can all get it ?
I just do n't know . ''
'This was the right thing to do' If you 'd asked Rachel Hall a week or two ago , she would have said shielding is n't that bad .
The 31-year-old - who is on immunosuppressant medication to treat lupus , a condition where an overactive immune system attacks healthy cells in the body - says that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routine , spend time planning meals and what TV shows you want to watch .
It helps that she 's at home in Kent with her husband : both of them furloughed from their jobs in the construction industry and shielding together .
`` I 'm always surprised that me and my husband have n't argued , '' she says .
`` Because I keep hearing all these stories about couples breaking up and we 've been having a nice time actually , finally getting to spend some time together ! ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family milestones - her father 's birthday , her sister 's engagement - passed her by while she was isolated .
Her sister and brother still live with their parents so the whole family was celebrating .
`` I was just on my phone watching it .
It was a bit upsetting , to be honest , '' she says .
Her grandmother also recently left hospital after being treated for Covid-19 .
`` I ca n't go and see her and say , I 'm here for you , I 'm happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rachel .
But her grandmother 's experience has also underlined why it has been necessary for Rachel to isolate herself .
`` Just to see what it 's done to her body and knowing how weak my immune system is at the moment , I know it 's been necessary to stay at home .
This has been the right thing to do . ''

Coronavirus: 'Will we have to stay in isolation for a year?' Published 8 May 2020
Image caption, It's been six weeks at home with no social contact at all for the"shielding" group
People with some serious medical conditions have been told to stay indoors for at least 12 weeks, without leaving home for food or exercise and avoiding any close contact - even with loved ones. The BBC has been following some of their stories.
While the rest of the UK looks to ease the lockdown, for nearly two million "extremely vulnerable people" - who might have severe respiratory illnesses, some cancers or conditions treated with drugs that suppress the immune system - the situation is less certain for as long as the virus circulates.
England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jenny Harries said on Saturday that some of their conditions might be reviewed as lower risk, but other people might face "a very long period of time" in isolation.
So how have this "shielding" group coped over six weeks and what does the future hold for them?
'This has to be my life now'
For Angela Steatham, adjusting to life in isolation has been "like a bereavement process".
She's been through a bit of anger and frustration ("I wanted to scream at everybody and say, stop moaning!"). She's looked for someone to blame ("It's the government's fault"). But now she has come to accept that her chronic lymphocytic leukaemia - a blood cancer which can severely damage the immune system - means that she is unlikely to be able to leave her cottage in north Wales for a long time.
"I think I've mentally prepared myself now, this has to be my way of life now for a year or more," she says.
Image source, Angela Steatham Image caption, "It would only take one slip," says Angela Steatham, who is prepared for a year or more of shielding
The 56-year-old has begun to focus on how she wants her life to be in this enforced semi-retirement, taking up art again and planting a herb garden. In her previous life, travelling internationally as a psychologist and leadership coach, the plants would never have survived, she says.
She and her partner Simon are still unable to spend time in the same room together, in case he is exposed to the virus while running errands for his 90-year-old mother. Even the shopping gets disinfected when it comes into her quarantine zone
"It would only take one slip for me to get it, then all of this would be for nothing," she says.
'The world starts to go on and you can't'
Before coronavirus, Rachael Paget would usually expect to see more than a hundred people a day: classes of lively kids that she teaches, the other school staff, a quick family visit on the way home. In those days, it was almost a relief to return to her home in Warrington, where she lives alone. But in the past six weeks her closest human contact has been her dad, dropping off some shopping from the supermarket.
"He'll knock and go to the end of the drive and I can see him - but that's pretty much it. I've not really seen anybody. I miss it a lot," she says.
Image source, Rachael Paget Image caption, Teacher Rachael Paget says she will miss celebrating her students' achievements
"It's frustrating. I've never really considered myself vulnerable," she says. She was born with a congenital heart defect and three years ago the sudden onset of severe asthma left her on a ventilator, but she says she's always been encouraged to "just get on with it".
The 35-year-old continues to teach online, but expects she won't be there when schools go back. The year 11 prom has been rescheduled for October, and she doubts she will be there to celebrate the achievements of a group she has watched with pride as they have grown up.
"It will be much harder once the world starts to go on and you can't," she says.
'Do we just wait for a vaccine?'
"Until we get a vaccine I can't really see the vulnerable group being back into mainstream," says Michael Winehouse, a charity fundraiser who has cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition which clogs the lungs and puts him at risk of infections. He's been adjusting to the reality of what that means, missing the freedom to go swimming, shop at Tesco, or stroll to the end of the drive even, while others post pictures on social media of their daily exercise.
"There is that little bit of me that thinks, I'd really love that now, it's been ages. And it doesn't look like that is going to change for a very, very long time," he says.
Image source, Michael Winehouse Image caption, Michael Winehouse wonders what will happen when it's time for Oscar, four, to go to school
It could mean missing out on a lot. He's due to be best man at a wedding in October and has organised the stag do. Friends on WhatsApp are chatting about a post-lockdown party in July. But it's doubtful he will be able to attend. At the moment, his wife Amy and four-year-old son Oscar are shielding with him, with none of the family leaving the house. But they face a major dilemma when his wife's furlough ends or his son begins Year 1 in September.
If Amy and Oscar leave Michael in isolation they could face having to change their clothes and disinfect themselves at the door, hoping they don't accidentally bring the virus home, he says.
"Are we going to be continually watching and waiting to see if someone has caught the symptoms? Or do we stay away from school and work until a vaccine comes and we can all get it? I just don't know."
'This was the right thing to do'
If you'd asked Rachel Hall a week or two ago, she would have said shielding isn't that bad. The 31-year-old - who is on immunosuppressant medication to treat lupus, a condition where an overactive immune system attacks healthy cells in the body - says that you adapt, get into your own routine, spend time planning meals and what TV shows you want to watch.
It helps that she's at home in Kent with her husband: both of them furloughed from their jobs in the construction industry and shielding together.
Image source, Rachel Hall Image caption, Missing family milestones has been hard - but necessary - for Rachel Hall
"I'm always surprised that me and my husband haven't argued," she says. "Because I keep hearing all these stories about couples breaking up and we've been having a nice time actually, finally getting to spend some time together!"
But last week was different, as important family milestones - her father's birthday, her sister's engagement - passed her by while she was isolated. Her sister and brother still live with their parents so the whole family was celebrating. "I was just on my phone watching it. It was a bit upsetting, to be honest," she says.
Her grandmother also recently left hospital after being treated for Covid-19. "I can't go and see her and say, I'm here for you, I'm happy that you got better," says Rachel.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Passengers told to wear gloves at some UK airports

Passengers travelling through some UK airports are being told to cover their faces and wear gloves due to Covid-19 .
The new rules will apply to those travelling through Manchester , Stansted and East Midlands airports from Thursday .
Manchester Airports Group ( MAG ) , which owns the sites , said the measure will show `` one way in which air travel can be made safe '' .
The announcement comes as the aviation sector struggles with coronavirus .
The three airports are believed to be the first in the UK to introduce such strict hygiene rules .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face coverings or masks as well as gloves during the initial stages of the trial .
All airport staff serving passengers will also be required to wear the items .
MAG boss Charlie Cornish said : `` It 's clear that social distancing will not work on any form of public transport .
But we 're confident that when the time is right , people will be able to travel safely .
We now need to work urgently with government to agree how we operate in the future . ''
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority so that people can be confident about flying , and to get tourism and travel going again . ''
Temperature screening trials will also be conducted at Stansted over the next few weeks to test equipment .
It follows the boss of Heathrow airport confirming on Wednesday that it is trialling large-scale temperature checks .
Chief executive John Holland-Kaye said they are already being carried out at departure gates on people going to places where this is a requirement .
He also urged the government to produce a plan on what common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the aviation sector could `` get started again '' .
Many airlines have been struggling as the coronavirus pandemic has brought global travel to a virtual standstill .
On Thursday , British Airways owner IAG has said it is hoping for a `` meaningful return '' of flights in July at the earliest if lockdown measures are relaxed .
However , IAG - which also owns Iberia and Aer Lingus - said these plans were `` highly uncertain '' , and were subject to various travel restrictions .
IAG said it did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been hit by the pandemic , to recover before 2023 .
`` We will adapt our operating procedures to ensure our customers and our people are properly protected in this new environment , '' chief executive Willie Walsh said .
The group said that even if flights resumed in the summer it expected that passenger capacity would still only be half the usual level in 2020 .
Since late March , capacity has fallen by 94 % , with most of the group 's aircraft grounded .
The announcement came as IAG reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) during the first three months of the year , which included a €1.3bn charge for fuel hedges .
IAG also reported an operating loss of €535m ( £466.6m ) for the quarter , down from a €135m profit in 2019 .
The group added that it expected the second quarter to be `` significantly worse '' .
In an attempt to shore up cash during the coronavirus crisis , IAG said that it expected to defer deliveries of 68 aircraft .
Although IAG is planning for a resumption of some services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let go of many staff .
Last month , BA said it was set to cut up to 12,000 jobs from its 42,000-strong workforce .
It also told staff that its Gatwick airport operation might not reopen after the pandemic passes .
IAG chief executive Willie Walsh had been due to retire in March , but will stay on until September `` to focus on the immediate response to the crisis '' .
Luis Gallego , head of the group 's Spanish division , Iberia , since 2014 , will succeed him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for additional support for the sector from the UK government .
Speaking to MPs on the Transport Select Committee , Heathrow Airport chief executive John Holland-Kaye argued that the French , German and US governments had provided large , bespoke rescue packages for their aviation industries as they saw them as `` fundamental '' , and suggested that was not the case in the UK .
Air France KLM , for example , won a €7bn loan package from the French government in April .
However , IAG 's competitor has reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business of €815m in the three months of the year due to travel grinding to a halt .
Several other firms posted trading updates on Thursday which detailed how they had been affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
• H & M , the world 's second-largest fashion retailer , said sales had plunged by 57 % in the last two months , with sales `` muted '' in stores that had been allowed to reopen .
• InterContinental Hotels Group , the owner of Holiday Inn , warned that occupancy levels dropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and April .
• BT announced it would not pay a dividend to shareholders until 2022 .
• Ticketing app Trainline said that UK and European passenger volumes were down by as much as 95 % in the first quarter .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

MAG boss Charlie Cornish said: "It's clear that social distancing will not work on any form of public transport. But we're confident that when the time is right, people will be able to travel safely. We now need to work urgently with government to agree how we operate in the future."


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Bank holiday warning to avoid beauty spots

People have been warned to avoid beauty spots this bank holiday weekend , as temperatures are predicted to soar across England .
Emergency services and other authorities said travel to beaches and national parks would `` cost lives '' .
The country will be bathed in sunshine over the VE Day bank holiday on Friday , with warm weather also forecast for central and southern areas on Saturday .
Boris Johnson is expected to announce plans to ease restrictions on Sunday .
The prime minister was reviewing the coronavirus lockdown in England with his cabinet on Thursday .
Warnings have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Devon and Cornwall and Norfolk Police , telling people to adhere to current restrictions , despite the anticipated government announcement .
Dorset Police also said the county was `` closed '' .
Devon and Cornwall Police 's Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said : `` To those thinking about travelling to the South West for holiday or social purposes , please come back later .
`` Now is not the time for complacency and we must all continue to adhere to the advice which includes social distancing and only making essential journeys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police also tweeted to urge people to avoid the scenic Lake District and said the county had `` high infection rates and people are still suffering and dying in our hospitals '' .
The county 's tourism industry leaders added to the plea , with a Lake District National Park Authority spokesperson claiming flouting the rules `` will cost lives '' .
Gill Haigh , managing director of Cumbria Tourism , said : `` When it is once again safe to travel our businesses look forward to welcoming you back - but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100,000 key workers were put at the centre of a social media campaign , along with council leaders in the South West , thanking tourists who keep away until government guidelines change .
• Bikers fined for 200-mile trip for fish and chips • Couple fined for 135-mile trip 'to smell the sea' A spokesperson for Forestry England urged people not to visit the New Forest National Park in Hampshire after `` a range of emergencies '' in recent weeks , including `` forest fires , anti-social behaviour , off-roading drink-driving , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camping '' .
Elsewhere , North Yorkshire 's Police , Fire and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan wrote an open letter saying those who were tempted to travel would put emergency service staff at risk of contracting coronavirus .
`` Over the past few weeks , a minority have concluded the rules do not apply to them and have travelled substantial distances to North Yorkshire , '' she said .
`` This weekend , the prime minister will set out the roadmap to easing the restrictions we face .
We do not know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that until then the current instructions remain .
And they do not include taking a daytrip to North Yorkshire . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

"This weekend, the prime minister will set out the roadmap to easing the restrictions we face. We do not know what he will say, but we do know that until then the current instructions remain. And they do not include taking a daytrip to North Yorkshire."


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Can you compare the UK with Italy?

The UK has now overtaken Italy to have the highest number of officially recorded coronavirus deaths in Europe .
The figures - announced by both governments daily - show a total of 29,427 deaths in the UK and 29,315 in Italy .
But can you make a fair comparison between the two countries ?
There are challenges around doing this at the moment and here are some of the factors to take into account .
For a start , the UK 's population is roughly 66 million , and Italy 's is about 60 million .
So the UK would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more deaths than Italy for it to have a higher death rate per person .
Given that Italy is further past the peak of the outbreak , and is now recording significantly fewer deaths per day than the UK , that may well happen .
2 .
The two countries may not be counting the same way The different ways different countries count deaths also need to be considered .
`` Every country measures deaths in a different way , '' the UK government 's chief medical adviser Chris Whitty said at one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to each other is a largely fruitless exercise '' .
On the face of it , Italy and the UK now do it in fairly similar ways - only including confirmed Covid-19 cases in their cumulative daily counts .
But while it is safe to assume the figures for the numbers of deaths in hospitals are fairly accurate , can the same be said about deaths in care homes or at home ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
There is no national figure in Italy for deaths in care homes - the numbers are collated on a regional basis and slightly different measures are being used in different parts of the country .
But , says Eleonora Perobelli , a researcher at the Observatory on Long Term Care in Milan , `` the vast majority of officially confirmed Covid-19 related deaths are registered in hospitals '' .
We do know that the UK figures as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who died `` in a community setting ' '' - in other words outside hospital .
We also know that there were relatively few tests carried out in care homes until recently .
But in Italy , we simply do n't know how many of the Italian deaths may have occurred outside hospital .
So it is difficult in this case to be confident that we really are comparing like with like .
Given that the daily figures released by both governments are for people who have died after testing positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on is clearly important .
To use an extreme example , if neither country had tested any people at all , nobody would have died after testing positive .
On the other hand , if everybody in the country had been tested the deaths figure would have been much higher .
The UK is currently testing more people per day than Italy , but overall Italy , which has been in lockdown longer , has carried out more than 2.2 million tests as of 5 May while the UK has done over 1.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on people who have tested positive for the virus , that is a crucial distinction , which makes comparing the figures problematic .
4 .
What is the age and health of the population ?
The most useful comparison to make between two countries looks at the total number of deaths from all causes adjusted for age .
Why would you adjust for age ?
We know that coronavirus affects older people more severely than younger people .
Older people are much more likely to have the underlying health conditions that make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK for example , in the week to 24 April , we know that coronavirus killed : • Four per 100,000 people under the age of 75 • 75 per 100,000 of the 75-84 group Italy has a higher proportion of older people and a smaller proportion of children ( who are much less likely to be severely affected ) so , if all other factors were equal , you would expect more coronavirus deaths in Italy than the UK .
The other thing you might want to adjust for would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which would be relevant for how many people you would expect to die in a given period .
This is usually expressed by giving the number of excess deaths .
If you were looking for the number of excess deaths in April , for example , it would be the number of people who have died minus the average number of deaths in April over the previous five years .
It is important to compare with the same period in previous years because we expect more people to die in winter than in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February when the first coronavirus death was reported until the end of March , there were 90,946 deaths from all causes , compared with the average of 65,592 for the previous five years - that 's an excess of 25,354 deaths .
It would be best to compare that with the six-week period after the first coronavirus death in the UK .
The excess deaths figures are published weekly by the ONS .
You could take the six weeks starting with the week to 6 March , because that is when the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then you find that 89,735 people died from all causes in the UK , compared with an average of 72,812 in the same period of the previous five years , which is an excess of 16,923 .
But you could also start a week later , which is when the first death was registered and so appears in the ONS figures .
If you do that you get a figure of almost 30,000 excess deaths .
So it is probably too early to make this comparison - it currently only appears to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread .
Given another month of extra data for Italy we might be able to make a meaningful comparison .
5 .
What about population density and other factors ?
Other factors surrounding the disease - the epidemiology - also have to be taken into account .
It 's not just about the size of your population .
You also have to take account of the way that population is distributed around the country , and of relevant characteristics such as underlying health conditions .
We know that the density of population is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's much more difficult to keep your distance in a crowded area .
Overall , the UK is considerably more densely populated , with about 275 people per sq km compared with about 205 in Italy .
And the most crowded part of the UK is London , which is Europe 's largest and most global city .
It 's hardly surprising that it has been one of the epicentres of this outbreak .
But if London ( population roughly nine million ) has been the worst hit region in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million and more widely dispersed ) has been the worst hit region in Italy .
Figures from the Italian statistics agency IStat show just how bad things have been in parts of northern Italy .
Deaths in Lombardy during March 2020 were 186.5 % above the five-year average for that time of year , and in the specific area around the city of Bergamo they were 567.6 % above the average .
That 's higher than in London , and helps explain why the shocking scenes of overcrowding that were seen in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London hospitals .
But it 's also worth emphasising that the virus hit northern Italy before it hit the UK , and Lombardy had less time to prepare .
In parts of southern Italy , the number of deaths recorded this year is actually below the five year average .
This piece was originally published on 5 May .
It has been updated to add another excess deaths figure .
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Coronavirus: Can you compare the UK with Italy? Published 7 May 2020
Image source, Getty Images
The UK has now overtaken Italy to have the highest number of officially recorded coronavirus deaths in Europe.
The figures - announced by both governments daily - show a total of 29,427 deaths in the UK and 29,315 in Italy.
But can you make a fair comparison between the two countries?
There are challenges around doing this at the moment and here are some of the factors to take into account.
1. Population sizes
For a start, the UK's population is roughly 66 million, and Italy's is about 60 million.
So the UK would have to register at least 10% more deaths than Italy for it to have a higher death rate per person.
Given that Italy is further past the peak of the outbreak, and is now recording significantly fewer deaths per day than the UK, that may well happen.
Image source, Getty Images
2. The two countries may not be counting the same way
The different ways different countries count deaths also need to be considered.
"Every country measures deaths in a different way," the UK government's chief medical adviser Chris Whitty said at one daily briefing, "so comparing them to each other is a largely fruitless exercise".
On the face of it, Italy and the UK now do it in fairly similar ways - only including confirmed Covid-19 cases in their cumulative daily counts.
But while it is safe to assume the figures for the numbers of deaths in hospitals are fairly accurate, can the same be said about deaths in care homes or at home?
There is no national figure in Italy for deaths in care homes - the numbers are collated on a regional basis and slightly different measures are being used in different parts of the country.
But, says Eleonora Perobelli, a researcher at the Observatory on Long Term Care in Milan, "the vast majority of officially confirmed Covid-19 related deaths are registered in hospitals".
We do know that the UK figures as of 5 May include more than 4,600 people who died "in a community setting'"- in other words outside hospital. We also know that there were relatively few tests carried out in care homes until recently.
But in Italy, we simply don't know how many of the Italian deaths may have occurred outside hospital.
So it is difficult in this case to be confident that we really are comparing like with like.
Image source, Getty Images
3. Testing
Given that the daily figures released by both governments are for people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus, how much testing is going on is clearly important.
To use an extreme example, if neither country had tested any people at all, nobody would have died after testing positive. On the other hand, if everybody in the country had been tested the deaths figure would have been much higher.
The UK is currently testing more people per day than Italy, but overall Italy, which has been in lockdown longer, has carried out more than 2.2 million tests as of 5 May while the UK has done over 1.3 million.
For daily figures that are based on people who have tested positive for the virus, that is a crucial distinction, which makes comparing the figures problematic.
Image source, Getty Images
4. What is the age and health of the population?
The most useful comparison to make between two countries looks at the total number of deaths from all causes adjusted for age.
Why would you adjust for age?
We know that coronavirus affects older people more severely than younger people. Older people are much more likely to have the underlying health conditions that make coronavirus so much more dangerous.
In the UK for example, in the week to 24 April, we know that coronavirus killed:
Four per 100,000 people under the age of 75
75 per 100,000 of the 75-84 group
242 per 100,000 people over 85
Italy has a higher proportion of older people and a smaller proportion of children (who are much less likely to be severely affected) so, if all other factors were equal, you would expect more coronavirus deaths in Italy than the UK.
The other thing you might want to adjust for would be the overall health of the population, which would be relevant for how many people you would expect to die in a given period.
This is usually expressed by giving the number of excess deaths. If you were looking for the number of excess deaths in April, for example, it would be the number of people who have died minus the average number of deaths in April over the previous five years.
It is important to compare with the same period in previous years because we expect more people to die in winter than in summer.
In Italy, from 20 February when the first coronavirus death was reported until the end of March, there were 90,946 deaths from all causes, compared with the average of 65,592 for the previous five years - that's an excess of 25,354 deaths.
It would be best to compare that with the six-week period after the first coronavirus death in the UK. The excess deaths figures are published weekly by the ONS.
You could take the six weeks starting with the week to 6 March, because that is when the first death occurred. If you do that then you find that 89,735 people died from all causes in the UK, compared with an average of 72,812 in the same period of the previous five years, which is an excess of 16,923.
But you could also start a week later, which is when the first death was registered and so appears in the ONS figures. If you do that you get a figure of almost 30,000 excess deaths.
So it is probably too early to make this comparison - it currently only appears to be a measure of how fast the virus spread. Given another month of extra data for Italy we might be able to make a meaningful comparison.
Image source, Getty Images
5. What about population density and other factors?
Other factors surrounding the disease - the epidemiology - also have to be taken into account.
It's not just about the size of your population.
You also have to take account of the way that population is distributed around the country, and of relevant characteristics such as underlying health conditions.
We know that the density of population is important for the spreading of coronavirus - it's much more difficult to keep your distance in a crowded area.
Overall, the UK is considerably more densely populated, with about 275 people per sq km compared with about 205 in Italy.
And the most crowded part of the UK is London, which is Western Europe's largest and most global city. It's hardly surprising that it has been one of the epicentres of this outbreak.
But if London (population roughly nine million) has been the worst hit region in the UK, then Lombardy (population roughly 10 million and more widely dispersed) has been the worst hit region in Italy.
Figures from the Italian statistics agency IStat show just how bad things have been in parts of northern Italy. Deaths in Lombardy during March 2020 were 186.5% above the five-year average for that time of year, and in the specific area around the city of Bergamo they were 567.6% above the average.
That's higher than in London, and helps explain why the shocking scenes of overcrowding that were seen in some Italian hospitals have not been replicated in London hospitals.
But it's also worth emphasising that the virus hit northern Italy before it hit the UK, and Lombardy had less time to prepare. In parts of southern Italy, the number of deaths recorded this year is actually below the five year average.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--VE Day: The story behind Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again

On the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe ( VE ) Day , the BBC looks back at the classic @ @ @ @ @ and determination felt by families separated during World War Two .
Available to UK users @ @

On the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the BBC looks back at the classic song that encapsulated the sadness and determination felt by families separated during World War Two.
Leave us your thoughts and recollections about VE Day on our Share Your VE Day Memories page:
https://www.bbc.com/historyofthebbc/research/ve-day-memories
Available to UK users only.
Produced and edited by James Wignall.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus in Tottenham: 'I'm just giving all of myself'

As the implications of coronavirus began to emerge , a group of volunteers in Tottenham , London , came together @ @ @ @ @ lives of the people around them .
In the weeks that followed , the BBC @ @ @ @ @ like Nigel Andall and Bevali Mckenzie as they cooked meals , visited homes and set @ @ @ @ @ .

As the implications of coronavirus began to emerge, a group of volunteers in Tottenham, London, came together to try to transform the lives of the people around them.
In the weeks that followed, the BBC's Tarah Welsh followed people like Nigel Andall and Bevali Mckenzie as they cooked meals, visited homes and set up a community radio station.
Filmed and edited by Dave Faye
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: UK claps for carers for the seventh week

Lockdown life : What 's going on behind every door ?
With the UK in its seventh week of lockdown @ @ @ @ @ 's experiences been ?

People across the UK have applauded NHS staff and other key workers for the seventh week in a row.
Watch for bagpipes, Boris Johnson and bus drivers in Antrim, Northern Ireland, showing off their parking skills.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Five natural beauties to see on your daily exercise

With the lockdown prompting people to change their habits , many may be taking more notice of the natural world @ @ @ @ @ correspondent Frank Gardner is also president of the British Trust for Ornithology .
He takes @ @ @ @ @ daily exercise to see five of the most familiar sights .

With the lockdown prompting people to change their habits, many may be taking more notice of the natural world.
The BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner is also president of the British Trust for Ornithology.
He takes us with him on his daily exercise to see five of the most familiar sights.


bbcuk--2020-05-07--Coronavirus: Fairgrounds packed up with nowhere to go

A fifth generation showman has warned the coronavirus crisis could spell `` the end of the British travelling fairground '' @ @ @ @ @ booming at this time of year , but Charles Cole , from Southampton , said @ @ @ @ @ in storage .
Owners face the financial hit of having to pay credit on unused @ @ @ @ @ pay for compulsory testing and insurance , he added .
The Showmen 's Guild of @ @ @ @ @ 25,000 fairground workers in the UK who should be running more than 4,000 attractions .
@ @ @ @ @ safe social distancing techniques

A fifth generation showman has warned the coronavirus crisis could spell "the end of the British travelling fairground".
His industry should be booming at this time of year, but Charles Cole, from Southampton, said its rides are rusting away in storage.
Owners face the financial hit of having to pay credit on unused attractions, as well as pay for compulsory testing and insurance, he added.
The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain say there are 25,000 fairground workers in the UK who should be running more than 4,000 attractions.
Video journalist: Ben Moore
This story was filmed using safe social distancing techniques


bbcuk--2020-05-07--VE Day: Couple sent hundreds of love letters during WW2

Newly married Joe and Audrey wrote 700 letters to each other while they were separated during World War Two .
@ @ @ @ @ Army Medical Corps and Audrey worked in a munitions factory .
They were apart on @ @ @ @ @ to enjoy 53 years of marriage together .

Newly married Joe and Audrey wrote 700 letters to each other while they were separated during World War Two. Joe served in the Royal Army Medical Corps and Audrey worked in a munitions factory.
They were apart on VE Day but went on to enjoy 53 years of marriage together.
Letters voiced by Phil Dunster and Ellie Heydon


bbcuk--2020-05-07--The Papers: 'Hope' on VE Day and lockdown latest

A picture of 94-year-old war veteran Doug Farrington saluting in commemoration makes the front of the Telegraph .
The paper @ @ @ @ @ comments by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , who has written in the paper .
@ @ @ @ @ generation deserve `` dignity and respect '' - and those in care homes should be @ @ @ @ @ `` We must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable , many of @ @ @ @ @ its darkest hour , '' he says .

"PM to keep Britain in lockdown until June" is the headline as it reports that Boris Johnson is "under pressure" from his cabinet to set specific dates for getting people back to work and some form of normality when he sets out his plan on Sunday.