bbcuk--2020-04-03--BA cabin crew virus fears after long-haul flights

A number of British Airways cabin crew fear they may have contracted the coronavirus after operating long-haul flights over the past two weeks .
Unions are calling on airlines to do more to minimise the exposure of staff .
But BA pilots and cabin crew say the airline was slow to take action to protect them from the virus .
BA said it has taken steps to reduce contact between customers and crew , adding that personal protective gear , like masks and gloves , was available .
However , one pilot told the BBC that equipment was not always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoulder-to-shoulder '' on buses at airports .
• Why are planes still flying ?
Despite slashing its flight schedule amid travel restrictions , BA is still operating some flights to destinations such as New York , the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in the US , where more than 6,000 people have died across the country .
This week the airline also helped repatriate hundreds of British nationals from Peru .
Along with other UK-based airlines , BA is now working with the Foreign Office to bring back people who are stuck abroad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital links open '' and its teams were `` doing an amazing job '' .
The in-flight service on flights operated by BA and its rivals has been greatly reduced to minimise person-to-person contact .
Passengers on long-haul flights are now handed a packed lunch and a drink when they board the plane .
Although some long-haul routes which are still operating can be relatively empty , social distancing has n't been possible on some domestic and repatriation flights .
One pilot operating a domestic flight with a UK-based airline out of Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was given a bigger aircraft .
And BBC News has learnt that Public Health England has suggested that every other seat on an aircraft should now be left empty so that social distancing is possible .
In an email sent to the pilots ' union Balpa , Public Health England said `` seating passengers separated by one seat either side would be a sensible approach . ''
However , this suggestion would be incredibly costly for any repatriation flights organised by the Foreign Office and might not be feasible for airlines who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Easyjet , which is also expected to run some of the government 's repatriation flights , said it has also been implementing practises to minimise contact like ensuring that its staff do n't touch passengers ' travel documents when they board .
Virgin Atlantic said it had put `` meticulous '' cleaning processes in place and created `` isolation areas '' on its flights for passengers showing symptoms of the virus .
A BA pilot told the BBC that the airline had been `` very slow '' to put in measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company is struggling but up until the last three or four days there has been a complete disregard for our health and safety . ''
The pilot , who flies long-haul routes , acknowledged that this week there were signs that issues were being addressed .
He said pilots recently received an email stating that bigger buses would be used to transport staff at airports so that they can observe social-distancing advice .
At Heathrow employees have also been given access to car parks so that they can avoid getting on buses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus said they did have access to a `` flimsy mask '' , however protective equipment was not always available .
BA insisted that the welfare of its staff was paramount .
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • UK LATEST : What 's the UK 's plan and what could happen next ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Brian Strutton from the pilot 's union Balpa said it was essential that staff involved in repatriation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're hearing pilots saying they 're worried about flying , for their own safety and their family 's safety , '' he said .
`` Yet there has been no discussion or consultation with us to provide assurance . ''
Balpa has written to the Department for Transport to express its concerns and it has issued its own safety guidance to pilots .
The department did n't immediately respond to a request for comment .
Crews have also been notified that they are now classified as `` critical workers '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would be expected to turn-up to work .
However , BA insisted that repatriation flights would only be operated by staff who volunteer .
Easyjet also said that its rescue flights for stranded British nationals have always been operated by staff who have volunteered .
The Unite union , which represents cabin crew , said the guidance from aviation regulators and other government bodies over keeping airline crews safe was inconsistent .
Unite 's aviation officer Oliver Richardson called on the industry to urgently agree a set of protocols `` to minimise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .

Although some long-haul routes which are still operating can be relatively empty, social distancing hasn't been possible on some domestic and repatriation flights. One pilot operating a domestic flight with a UK-based airline out of Manchester this week refused to take off until he was given a bigger aircraft.


bbcuk--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Lockdown couple reunited for golden wedding

A couple who were separated 6,000 miles ( 10,600km ) by the coronavirus lockdown have got back together in time to celebrate their golden wedding .
Two weeks ago Susan Moore , from Cheadle , Cheshire , was stranded at Manila Airport with her sister trying desperately to get a flight home .
Mrs Moore , who spent four days at the airport , arrived home last week .
Husband John said he was `` so relieved '' said he had been at the airport `` waiting to give her a big squeeze '' .
`` Today [ Saturday ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't believe it I am so happy , '' he added .
Mr Moore said he was devastated when the Phillipines Government closed the airports and his wife was told to leave quickly when her hotel closed .
`` You just had to keep calm , '' said Mrs Moore .
She said she was with family members but still had to spend four days at Manila Airport not knowing if there would be a flight home .
`` We are celebrating with a nice breakfast and maybe a glass of champagne , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has promised to cook later , added : `` This has been a strange year - she has never flown that far away and I do n't intent to let her do it again . ''
• 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

Mr Moore, who has promised to cook later, added: "This has been a strange year - she has never flown that far away and I don't intent to let her do it again."


bbcuk--2020-04-03--Newmarket schoolgirl, 11, starts 'blue heart' campaign for NHS

An 11-year-old girl has begun a campaign to `` show the NHS know how proud we are '' by displaying blue hearts in windows .
Tamara McAuley , from Newmarket , in Suffolk , `` loves art '' and designed the hearts in the health service 's colour .
Her mother set up a Facebook group and `` it kind of took off from there '' with page now close to 3,000 followers .
Tamara hopes more children will make the hearts to show the NHS `` we are all supporting them '' .
One of her family friends works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Cambridge and sees the blue heart in Tamara 's window each time she travels to work .
As Tamara is not old enough to have a Facebook account her mother , Caroline Hutchinson , set up a page on the social media website called Blue Hearts for NHS .
The page now has followers from as far away as Australia and the United States .
Miss Hutchinson said they also have `` a lot of nurses and NHS staff commenting on the page as well , saying where they are from and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really pleased '' .
Miss Hutchinson said the hearts were to acknowledge `` how hard NHS staff are working for everybody and how proud the British nation are of them '' during the coronavirus outbreak .
`` It 's for when the NHS staff are going to work they can look up at these windows and just see something to make them smile , '' she said .
Tamara added : `` I am hoping more children will make the hearts to show the NHS how proud we are and that we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
People around the UK have taken part in weekly `` Clap For Our Carers '' tributes , saluting NHS and care workers .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?

Miss Hutchinson said they also have "a lot of nurses and NHS staff commenting on the page as well, saying where they are from and what they do, so I'm really pleased".


bbcuk--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Can the UK do 100,000 tests a day?

The UK government has promised it will dramatically increase coronavirus testing to 100,000 a day by the end of the month .
It has been criticised for not testing more people already , as countries like Germany have managed to reach 50,000 tests a day .
Daily coronavirus testing passed 10,000 people a day across the UK on Thursday 2 April - so how can capacity be increased tenfold in just four weeks ?
There are lots of different pieces to the puzzle when it comes to making large-scale testing work .
You need the laboratory space as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , machines .
You need the right reagents - highly specific substances used to extract the virus 's genetic material and to make it easier to study .
• How does testing compare across the UK ?
You need staff to take the swabs from patients ' noses or throats , and staff in labs to process the tests .
And you need the logistics in place to get samples from patients to labs .
We 're talking about diagnostic tests to find out if you have the virus here - ones that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to be sent off to a lab .
Antibody tests use blood to look for evidence you 've already had the virus - but these are unlikely to be available on a large enough scale in time to be part of the 100,000 target .
Are these problems being addressed ?
At first , only a small number of public health laboratories were being used to do coronavirus tests .
In the past fortnight , this was extended to a further 40 NHS labs around the UK .
Now the government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lab capacity of private companies to carry out coronavirus tests .
The UK has a large pharmaceutical and biomedical industry whose capacity could `` easily '' allow the country to do many more tests than it is now , according to Dr Rupert Beale , who has been involved in developing a diagnostic test for coronavirus at the Francis Crick Institute , which will be made available to NHS staff in the area .
But so far , this industry has n't been tapped into , he said .
As well as labs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government would now call on UK-based `` pharmaceutical giants '' GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca to make the reagents necessary to carry out the tests .
The UK has faced problems getting hold of the relevant reagents , which have been in high global demand .
This has been a global problem , but some countries were in a better position than others .
Could the UK have increased testing sooner ?
The decision was made to centralise the UK 's testing effort to a small number of public health labs , and this position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of weeks .
Part of being able to scale up means `` being willing to cede a little control over where , how and by whom the tests are conducted in order to increase capacity and decrease turnaround times '' , according to Prof Eleanor Riley , an immunologist at the University of Edinburgh .
The two countries seen as the biggest testing success stories , Germany and South Korea , made many more labs available from an earlier stage - three times as many in Germany and two-thirds more in South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There has also been a question of the availability of testing kits , including the reagents needed to study the virus once on a swab .
While some components have been in short supply worldwide , South Korea acted faster than the UK in developing a test , and was able to stockpile materials .
Germany benefited from home-grown diagnostics and manufacturing companies which gave it first access to raw materials and new technology .
Some of the disparities now are down to structural differences in countries ' testing capacity that pre-date the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Public Health England , who will oversee the government 's testing plan .
Massive virology labs were set up in South Korea in the wake of the 2003 Sars outbreak , he said , while Germany was already a large global testing base .
How have the government 's promises evolved ?
At first , 10,000 tests were promised by the end of March , rising to 25,000 by the end of April .
Now the government has quadrupled its pledge to 100,000 .
It did n't quite meet its first pledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late on 2 April .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : How to self-isolate and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health On Monday 30 March , as its deadline approached , Public Health England tweeted that it had reached the capacity to do 10,000 tests - although that number had n't yet been carried out .
And the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) began to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed to the number of people tested - higher since some people need more than one swab to check their results .
Previously it had only published figures referring to the ( lower ) number of people tested .
A DHSC spokesperson said the 100,000 promise referred to tests , not people .

The UK has a large pharmaceutical and biomedical industry whose capacity could "easily" allow the country to do many more tests than it is now, according to Dr Rupert Beale, who has been involved in developing a diagnostic test for coronavirus at the Francis Crick Institute, which will be made available to NHS staff in the area. But so far, this industry hasn't been tapped into, he said.


bbcuk--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: How to grieve a loved one when you can't say goodbye

Dealing with the death of a loved one is one of the most difficult things we have to go through in life .
Now , coronavirus is making it even harder for people to say goodbye .
The stark reality is that , to keep everyone safe from the virus , the very sick and dying can not have their family around them .
Funerals can not be conducted as planned .
And people can not grieve together .
But there are still ways to celebrate and mourn those we love and bid farewell in a meaningful way .
'The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schindler , a paediatrician at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital , knew that when his 99-year-old grandfather John Cohen went into hospital last week with a chest infection it was unlikely he would be coming back home .
`` Normally one of us would go with him , '' he said .
`` We would be there to discuss things and pass them on to the family .
But we could n't do that so we had to do it remotely . ''
He said staff at London 's Royal Free Hospital were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` limited time '' to speak on the phone .
It was decided that one person could visit the hospital if they wore personal protective equipment ( PPE ) - including a mask - and then isolated for 14 days afterwards .
Mr Schindler 's aunt , the youngest of three siblings , went .
`` At that point , we knew there was going to be a funeral .
And so she did that , knowing she then would n't be able to attend it . ''
Mr Schindler , 32 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none of the family felt there was anything left unsaid , but `` the really hard thing was not being together '' .
On the day of the funeral , he was isolating at home as his two-year-old son Ben had a fever .
Unable to be there in person , they live-streamed the funeral on Zoom , with a total of 12 relatives watching from three different countries .
His mother , father and sister were the only ones who attended - his sister staying two metres apart from her parents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had another Zoom meeting , raising a toast and sharing stories .
The family invited people to sit shiva with them , in the Jewish tradition , which was also done remotely .
Mr Schindler admits `` it just does n't seem real still '' , but he takes comfort from his belief that his grandfather is now reunited with his wife , who died 10 years ago .
`` He must be so happy to be spending time with her , '' he says .
`` I do n't think any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dying .
We felt like we 'd held on to him for so long . ''
What does Public Health England say about funerals ?
• Funeral directors and faith leaders are advised to restrict the number of mourners at funerals • Only members of the household or close family members should attend • Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can not attend • A small number of friends can go if no family or household members can attend • Mourners can not take part in any rituals bringing them into close contact with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and civil funeral celebrant with 40 years ' experience , said she found the current situation heartbreaking .
`` It 's terrible seeing families sitting six feet apart , not able to reach out to each other , '' she said .
`` And can you imagine how awful it is choosing who attends a funeral ?
`` Coronavirus has turned funerals into something we do n't recognise .
People have rituals they expect to take place when someone dies , including being physically together .
`` This trauma of coronavirus has changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has changed funerals . ''
Ms Champ , who is also an author and grief specialist , said it would be kinder to have a clear government directive saying cremations or burial currently had to take place with no friends or relatives present .
`` People are less aware of hygiene when they are grieving - things like touching tables and chairs , or blowing their nose .
We have to be careful where the health of the bereaved , funeral staff and cemetery or crematorium staff are concerned . ''
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life that has been lived '' and not `` get stuck on the manner of death or the funeral '' .
If you ca n't attend a funeral she says people can light a candle in front of a photograph of loved ones at the same time it is taking place .
`` It helps to create an emotional connection .
Or you could set up a memorial altar for them and offer up thoughts or prayers .
`` Talking is so important as well - sharing feelings with someone .
And do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tears . ''
'Loved ones know we love them' Andy Langford , clinical director at Cruse Bereavement Care , says he would encourage mourners to stay in contact with each other by phone or online - and to support those who are grieving .
`` It 's not necessarily about having the right words to say because there are n't always the right words .
But you can be there for them and say you 're thinking of them .
It can feel pretty lonely right now , but if you 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Sue Gill , a 26-year volunteer at Cruse , usually helps support children through grief - something she is now having to do through speaking to their parents or caregivers on the phone instead .
`` I think those final moments with somebody are really , really important , '' she said .
`` That 's when we get the chance to say our goodbyes and tell everybody we love them .
And they 've been taken away from them .
`` But our loved ones know we love them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but that knowledge is inside everybody . ''
She says memorial events can always be held in the future .
`` It will be a much better way of saying goodbye and having everybody come together , '' she says .
`` That is something to plan for as part of the grieving process , to be able to say goodbye collectively - to have a cup of tea and a bun and laugh at memories together . ''
For more information from Cruse , click here .
And for help from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ click here .

"It's not necessarily about having the right words to say because there aren't always the right words. But you can be there for them and say you're thinking of them. It can feel pretty lonely right now, but if you've been bereaved it's even more so."


bbcuk--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Moving back in with the parents

It has been 15 years since Jen first moved out of her parents ' house - but now because of coronavirus three generations are living under the same roof .
The outbreak has seen many families unexpectedly brought back together - from young professionals returning home after losing their jobs to people moving in to look after elderly relatives .
For Jen the decision was a tough one - and meant she and her children were separated from her husband .
Her underlying health conditions mean she is at increased risk from Covid-19 but her husband 's job with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch the virus .
`` He 'll be going in and out of London , visiting hospitals , prisons , people 's homes - it was just too much of a risk , '' the 37-year-old says .
So after self-isolating for two weeks - while her husband stayed in a hotel - Jen and her two children moved in with her parents , who live a short drive away in Buckinghamshire .
• ' I 'm stuck in isolation with my homophobic parents' • Birth in a pandemic : 'You are stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school of Mum and Dad during shutdown Five days in , Jen says the family have avoided any major arguments so far - although having two children in the house has taken a bit of getting used to for her parents .
`` My dad did set some jokey house rules about being tidy and we 're asking the kids to help out around the house more than they normally would , '' she says .
`` But inevitably there 's going to be times when it gets fractious and claustrophobic with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together . ''
The outbreak has also cut short university terms for students across the country - with many returning home early as a result .
When rumours of a lockdown first began , Kevin , who was studying at the University of Greenwich in London , decided to travel home to Northern Ireland , worried that flights could stop at short notice .
The 19-year-old also had financial concerns and knew he would be able to save money on food by going home to live with his foster mum .
Adjusting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area of Northern Ireland near Newry has been difficult .
`` It was a massive shock coming back from London , '' he says .
`` I do n't think it really hit me until I actually got home . ''
Because his foster mum is in her 70s , he has also been self-isolating to reduce the risk of her catching the virus .
`` Obviously I can call my friends but with just the two of us in the house it can get lonely after being used to having loads of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` It was difficult seeing everyone go home to their brothers and sisters whereas in my house it 's just me and my foster mum . ''
There 's also the disappointment of missing out on the end of term and other university activities .
A trip to Japan for a conference has been cancelled , while Kevin 's other summer holiday plans have been put on hold .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health Angus , 25 , was also worried about being confined to his flat on his own .
He normally lives in London with a friend but when his housemate decided to self-isolate with her boyfriend he chose to move back to his parents ' house just outside Manchester .
While he admits having access to a garden and someone who is willing to do his washing is a plus , losing some of his independence has taken a bit of adjusting to .
`` It 's weird because there 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time you have to kind of justify what you 're doing with your own time in a way you do n't when you live alone , '' he says .
Finding time for himself has also been a challenge - with his mum wanting to join his remote yoga class and his dad asking him to walk the dog when he is busy with work calls .
But generally Angus has enjoyed being able to spend more time with his parents so far .
`` It 's quite nice because when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have all these grand plans but never quite realise them , '' he says .
`` Me and my mum are both avid bakers and we always say we 're going to bake when I come home but we do n't always have that much time . ''
However , being stuck in the house they 've had plenty of time to bake fresh bread and have done a virtual pub quiz together .
For Stacey and her daughter , moving in with Stacey 's mum , who is in her 80s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessity .
The pair , from north London , moved in at the beginning of March because Stacey , 55 , had sold her house and was waiting to finalise buying a new property .
However , after the UK went into lockdown the process was put on hold and there is little chance they will be able to move any time soon .
Rather than weeks the family are now looking at potentially months living under the same roof .
`` I 'm used to running my own house so I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard , '' Stacey says .
`` My mum has lived on her own for 10 years so she is set in her ways . ''
For her 15-year-old daughter sharing a room with her mum has been difficult but so far she 's been keeping busy with school work .
Despite the stressful situation , Stacey says it has been `` blessing in disguise '' for her and and her mum to be able to keep each other company , especially after Stacey was furloughed from her job at an opticians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring us all a bit closer together ? ''

"It's weird because there's not a total loss of freedom but at the same time you have to kind of justify what you're doing with your own time in a way you don't when you live alone," he says.


bbcuk--2020-04-04--Who is deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner?

Angela Rayner has been elected Labour ’ s new deputy leader .
She has been a long-standing member of Jeremy Corbyn ’ s cabinet , but will now hold one of the key jobs in the party .
So how did she get to this point ?
While campaigning to become the deputy leader , Ms Rayner promised to “ make the case for everyday socialism rooted in people ’ s lives ” .
She said she wanted more funding for the NHS and social care , along with the establishment of a “ National Education Service ” .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green jobs , as well as backing new council housing and social security , saying they are “ not only morally right but practical solutions to real problems ” .
When it comes to the party itself , she wants a “ radical shake up ” of campaigning , with activist-led community organising , more training and frontline support all year round .
She has also called for Labour “ Organising Academies ” to train “ a new generation of leaders and organisers ” .
Ms Rayner says she wants to “ rebuild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years .
It will now be down to her and Sir Keir Starmer to see if they can .
Ms Rayner - previously Bowen - was born in 1980 in Stockport .
She left school at the age of 16 after falling pregnant and did not get any qualifications .
Ms Rayner also revealed in an interview earlier this year that she cared for her mother , who had severe depression and attempted to take an overdose when she was young .
Later , she returned to college part-time , and did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Language - crediting Labour ’ s Sure Start centres for “ turning my life around ” .
Ms Rayner now has three children and married Mark Rayner , a Unison official , in 2010 .
In 2017 , Ms Rayner hit the headlines when she became a grandmother at the age of 37 .
After announcing the birth of her first grandchild in an early-morning tweet , she gave herself the new nickname `` Grangela '' and turned it into a hashtag .
Ms Rayner got a job in her local council in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then a trade union representative , for Unison , after requests from her colleagues .
After she took on the role full-time , representing the Stockport branch , she featured in a Guardian series called A Working Life .
At the time , her office was covered in newspaper clippings , picturing her with Gordon Brown and Ed Milliband at Labour Party conferences .
She told the reporter that people always underestimated her , adding : `` I 'm a pretty young woman , lots of red hair , and everyone expects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a meeting for the first time .
“ I 'm not stupid and most people know that now , but I still like to be underestimated because it gives me an edge .
It gives me a bit of stealth . ''
Ms Rayner later became the most senior official in her region as the convener of Unison North West .
Ms Rayner was selected as Labour ’ s candidate for Ashton-under-Lyme in 2014 after her predecessor , David Heyes , decided to retire .
Despite her party losing the 2015 general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and briefly became a member of the housing , communities and local government select committee .
She did not back Jeremy Corbyn in the leadership race to replace Mr Miliband - instead giving her vote to the current Manchester mayor Andy Burnham .
But within months , she was appointed as an opposition whip , before moving to become a shadow minister for the Department for Work and Pensions in January 2016 .
Just six months later , she was in line for another promotion after a swathe of resignations from Labour ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister and , the role held most recently , shadow education secretary .
Throughout her time in Parliament , she has been considered as part of Mr Corbyn ’ s team - backing him in the 2017 challenge to his leadership - but later described herself as on the “ soft Left ” of the party .
She also shares a flat with leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey in London , who she supported throughout the race .
However , a month after the contest got underway , she criticised Mr Corbyn , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect ” as leader , and claimed she would be more “ pragmatic ” in a senior role .

Ms Rayner says she wants to “rebuild” the Labour movement over the next five years. It will now be down to her and Sir Keir Starmer to see if they can.


bbcuk--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: New supermarket workers share their stories

Supermarkets across the country have been taking on tens of thousands of extra staff members to help them cope during the coronavirus pandemic .
Some of the newly-appointed workers share the stories behind their unexpected new roles .
'They 're saying I am doing great' John Jackson , 66 , spent three decades in the Royal Air Force before working as an aircraft engineer for commercial airlines for 20 years .
Last week , he started on the tills at his local Tesco .
Mr Jackson , from Tresillian , near Truro , in Cornwall , said it was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was enjoying the job .
He was most recently working for Flybe , but lost his job when the airline collapsed in March .
Mr Jackson said there has been quite a lot to learn .
`` Without working behind a till you do n't realise how many different parts of it you need to know to make everything go smoothly .
They 're saying I am doing great so I am happy with that . ''
His wife Maria works for the NHS , and he said he was proud of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
He also praised the camaraderie of the store 's staff .
`` It does feel like a family , '' he said .
`` It is really encouraging the way they work , the professionalism .
I can only praise them for what has been happening . ''
' I needed to do something worthwhile' Cake designer Dawn Butler , 42 , from Cotgrave , Nottingham , has made cakes for the Queen , actor David Hasselhoff and fashion expert Gok Wan .
She is also an former police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not take rejoiners she wanted to `` do something worthwhile '' .
She is now picking up online orders at the Asda warehouse in Bulwell .
`` I have gone from building a business over 10 years to it disappearing overnight , '' she said .
`` I have gone from an hourly rate of £75 an hour to £9 per hour .
It is certainly not about the money . ''
Ms Butler started on 25 March , when she said there were about 100 new staff in the warehouse .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other staff were `` brilliant '' .
`` I do feel like I am doing my bit , '' she added .
`` I keep thinking of those people that are sat at home waiting for that food to arrive . ''
Rachael Pawley , 32 , from Leeds , decided to temporarily shut down her dog walking business , called Bob and Pals .
The former nurse has registered to return to the NHS but got a job at Morrisons to keep her going until she hears from her hospital trust .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ best and worst of people '' in the supermarket and it was `` absolutely '' the `` hardest day 's work '' she had ever done .
`` I was marshalling the self-scan checkouts and the way some people spoke to me was beyond rude , '' she said .
`` There is no way I could do this full-time - it is hard work .
This slogan you all keep seeing - proud to feed the nation ?
So they bloody should be .
`` And I 'm proud to stand alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my nurse 's tunic . ''
How many have been hired ?
Supermarkets across the country have hired thousands of new workers in the last few weeks as demand surges amid the coronavirus crisis .
Tesco said in the 10 days up to 31 March , 35,000 new members of staff had joined the company .
Chief executive Dave Lewis said : `` The response to our call for new recruits has been incredible , with over one million visitors to our careers website . ''
Meanwhile , Morrisons said it was creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery service and Asda has said it wants to recruit more than 5,000 temporary staff from people whose jobs have been affected by the virus .
'Thrown in at the deep end' Actor Francesca Dell , 22 , said she was grateful for her new job in Sainsbury 's .
Miss Dell , who also worked as a teaching assistant , had landed a role in a film , which has now been delayed .
`` I have just started to get loads of credits to my name , make a showreel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But when her work dried up , Miss Dell got a job in a Sainsbury 's 40 minutes from her home in Earlsfield , London , to pay the bills .
`` When I started , I got thrown into the deep end immediately because it is so busy and so hectic so I did n't have time to sit down and panic about if I would do anything wrong . ''
She said she was worried about her health but would not stop going to work because `` I know it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Mr Jackson, from Tresillian, near Truro, in Cornwall, said it was not something he had ever imagined doing but he was enjoying the job. He was most recently working for Flybe, but lost his job when the airline collapsed in March.


bbcuk--2020-04-03--The climber who bagged all 282 Munros in one winter

A climber who battled through relentless storms to complete all of Scotland 's 282 Munros in one winter round has said it feels odd to be stuck at home due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Kevin Woods , from Glasgow , is believed to be only the third person to have achieved the feat in a winter season following in the footsteps of the late Martin Moran and Steve Perry , who both died last year in separate climbing accidents .
• Himalayas search for climber Martin Moran called off , says family The 28-year-old , who started the continuous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December finished it in 97 days on Ben Lomond .
He is no stranger to Scotland 's Munros , mountains over 3,000ft , ( 914m ) having finished his third round just one month before he started the epic winter challenge .
Mr Woods said the majority of the trip was self-supported , using a van to travel between the mountain ranges .
He walked an estimated 1,400 miles ( 2,300 km ) - almost the equivalent of hiking from Edinburgh to Rome .
He climbed approximately 460,000 feet ( 140,000 metres ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest mountain in the world , Everest ( 8,848m ) , 15 times .
The freelance filmmaker , slept in his van , but also camped , used bothies , hostels and stayed with friends .
He said some of the scariest times were periods of `` relentless storms in the north-west Highlands in February '' .
`` Imagine the van being rocked by wind , pounded by hail showers , lightning going off all around - it makes any summit a distant prospect , '' he said .
His challenge was almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over on his ankle on Ben More , near Crianlarich , on Christmas Day , but `` it all turned out OK and was mostly drama-free '' .
Mr Woods gave regular progress updates on his Instagram account and was aware from afar of the coronavirus outbreak .
He said he was grateful to have completed the first half of the challenge in `` quick time '' as the UK went into lockdown giving him `` time in hand to finish the Munros ahead of the virus '' .
When asked if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the mountains , Kevin said on the contrary : `` There 's not much difference between being in the hills and being at home - both are physically isolated . ''
Since returning home , he says , it feels like he has never been away but in future he plans to write a book and make a film about the trip .

When asked if he thought he was safer far from civilisation in the mountains, Kevin said on the contrary: "There's not much difference between being in the hills and being at home - both are physically isolated."


bbcuk--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Skomer man self-isolates on island with just five people

You might think on an island with just five people that coronavirus is only a distant murmur from across the water .
Puffins outnumber people by about 4,400 to one on Skomer , off the Pembrokeshire coast , with half the world 's Manx shearwaters there too .
There are few people to disturb the birds for most of the year anyway .
But when warden Nathan Wilkie developed a cough after a mainland trip , one of the UK 's most-remote self-isolations began .
• What are social distancing and self-isolation ?
• What to do after spending a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 , returned with fellow warden Sylwia Zbijewska , also 29 , after a break to the mainland in March and , when he started to cough , he decided to take precautions .
`` I 'm sort of showing potential symptoms and it 's difficult to know if it is coronavirus or not , '' he said .
`` In theory , we 've come in contact with very few people , but because myself and Sylwia share accommodation , we 're both in quarantine basically . ''
The pair have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working for The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales .
There are no neighbours , aside from day-trippers between May and mid-July , leaving them to an existence mostly cut off from civilisation .
Mr Wilkie and Ms Zbijewska have now had to separate from three new island recruits , who are there for the first time to help on the nature reserve .
`` You would imagine that us being isolated for most of the year , that what happens on the mainland does n't really affect us , but in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Zbijewska .
Under normal circumstance those living on the island would cook and socialise together during winter evenings .
But the quarantined pair have split from the others and are staying on the opposite side of the island , about a 15-minute walk away .
And their self-isolation has made it `` tricky '' for the pair who usually travel across the sea to collect their food from the mainland .
Because of the coronavirus outbreak the islanders are now relying on friends and local stores to leave supplies at the jetty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to travel there later to collect it .
`` One thing we definitely miss is ice cream .
That 's quite difficult to get out to us without it melting , '' Mr Wilkie said .
And while they have extremely limited internet connection and phone signal , the wardens feel fortunate to share the landscape with wildlife , such as puffins , seals and dolphins .
`` We probably do n't watch as much Netflix and films as other people are used to , '' Mr Wilkie said .
`` During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late at night and watch Manx Shearwater birds flying in , '' Ms Zbijewska added .
`` There 's just something spectacular about going out at night here , especially when it 's a beautiful night . ''
It is one of the many natural spectacles the pair hope to stream live to would-be visitors over the next few weeks .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak During the summer months , Skomer usually welcomes hundreds of wildlife visitors a day on boat trips out to the island .
But with all future trips now cancelled over Covid-19 , there is growing concern about what it could mean for the long-term future of the island .
`` The ramifications of the loss of that income would be catastrophic for us all , '' Mr Wilkie said .
With that in mind , the pair are trying to `` update everyone who would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Zbijewska said : `` We talk about what we 've been up to with the wildlife on the island .
We 're trying to do updates daily now across Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
`` Because of the situation we 've tried to promise people we 'll do what we can . ''
And Mr Wilkie and Ms Zbijewska said they were looking forward to coming out of their enforced hibernation on Sunday , after two weeks of self-isolation .

"You would imagine that us being isolated for most of the year, that what happens on the mainland doesn't really affect us, but in this situation it does," said Ms Zbijewska.


bbcuk--2020-04-04--Jeremy Corbyn's Labour leadership in two minutes

Jeremy Corbyn tells crowds at an anti-Trump protest in Whitehall that the president should `` think on , please , @ @ @ @ @ one of peace and disarmament '' .

In his five years as Labour leader, he lost two general elections and a vote of no-confidence among his MPs but galvanised many on the left and transformed the party into a mass movement.
Here are key moments from Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
Edited by Nick Raikes
BBC coverage of Labour Party leader and deputy leader results


bbcuk--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Garden goals getting pro-commentary

Children who play football in their gardens have earned a moment in the sun thanks to Port Vale Football Club @ @ @ @ @ The club 's community scheme , The Port Vale Foundation Trust asked families to send @ @ @ @ @ football during the coronavirus outbreak which has confined many people to their home .
The @ @ @ @ @ Radio Stoke commentator , Phil Bowers .

Children who play football in their gardens have earned a moment in the sun thanks to Port Vale Football Club and BBC Radio Stoke.
The club's community scheme, The Port Vale Foundation Trust asked families to send them clips of youngsters playing football during the coronavirus outbreak which has confined many people to their home.
The commentary was added by BBC Radio Stoke commentator, Phil Bowers.


bbcuk--2020-04-04--Man climbs height of Everest on his staircase

John Griffen follows in the footsteps of a growing list of people managing great feats during isolation , such as @ @ @ @ @ scaled 41,000 steps to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest .

John Griffin follows in the footsteps of a growing list of people managing great feats during isolation, such as marathons on balconies. He scaled 41,000 steps to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest.


bbcuk--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Christopher Eccleston reads a poetic tribute to the NHS

Matthew Kelly from Salford has written a poem paying tribute to the staff of the NHS fighting the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ inspired to write after hearing the challenges his partner faces as a district nurse .
@ @ @ @ @ on Friday on 3 April 2020

Matthew Kelly from Salford has written a poem paying tribute to the staff of the NHS fighting the coronavirus.
Mr Kelly said he was inspired to write after hearing the challenges his partner faces as a district nurse.
BBC Radio 5 Live asked actor Christopher Eccleston, a fellow Salfordian, to read Matt’s words.
This clip is from Chiles on Friday on 3 April 2020


bbcuk--2020-04-04--Newspaper headlines: 'Stay in for heroes' and Queen 'rallies nation'

There 's continued scrutiny of the government 's coronavirus testing regime .
`` Britain 's testing shambles '' is the headline on the front of the Guardian , which warns the government 's pledge to carry out 100,000 checks a day is `` unravelling '' .
It says NHS laboratory staff and scientists are warning they do n't have the chemicals and components they need to meet the target .
The paper details what it calls a `` timeline of mixed messages '' from the government , which it says stands accused of `` over-promising and under-delivering on a variety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casts similar doubt on the likely availability of the antibody tests - which it 's hoped will be able to determine whether people have had the virus .
Industry leaders commissioned by the government to produce the home-testing kits have told the paper they are `` mystified '' by suggestions that the technology will be available to the public imminently .
They say June is a more likely date - a delay which could mean the UK 's lockdown is extended .
Concern that there 's a lack of an exit strategy from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times .
It reports that one of the government 's senior advisors is warning the UK has `` painted itself into a corner '' with no clear way out of the crisis .
Prof Graham Medley , the government 's chief pandemic modeller , tells the paper a prolonged lockdown risks causing more suffering - in terms of unemployment , domestic violence and mental ill health - than the virus itself .
He says no way has so far been found of easing the lockdown while controlling the virus and that the notion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reconsidered .
The country , he tells the paper , is facing a `` trade-off between harming the young , versus the old '' .
The faces of the two NHS nurses who died from Covid-19 this week can be found on many of the front pages .
The Daily Express details the emotional tributes paid on social media to one of the women , mother-of-three Aimee O'Rourke from Kent .
Her daughter describes her as an `` angel '' and promises that when she has her own children , she 'll tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In its editorial , the Sun says the deaths of the nurses underline the importance of not socialising outside this weekend , however tempting the sunny weather may be .
`` We must resist , '' it says , urging readers to `` stay strong and stick with it '' .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning The Daily Mail says the Queen will urge a similar unity when she addresses the nation tomorrow .
It says her message will be a `` rallying cry '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's cohesion in the face of adversity .
`` We are in this together and we will get through it together too , '' she is expected to say .
As Labour prepares to announce its new leader , many papers speculate about the likely shape of the new shadow cabinet .
The Times says the frontrunner , Sir Keir Starmer , is hoping to appoint several senior women to the front bench if he wins - including Rachel Reeves , Yvette Cooper , Lisa Nandy and Jess Phillips .
The Daily Mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daunting challenge '' to rebuild a party `` shamed by its failure to tackle anti-Semitism , factionally divided and in the electoral doldrums '' .
The task ahead , it says , will be to unite the party behind a `` forward-thinking policy agenda '' , which `` reaches out to voters '' .

He says no way has so far been found of easing the lockdown while controlling the virus and that the notion of herd immunity may need to be reconsidered. The country, he tells the paper, is facing a "trade-off between harming the young, versus the old".