bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Advice issued for spending Ramadan in lockdown

The Muslim Council of Britain , the largest umbrella organisation for Muslims in Britain , has published online guidance to help millions cope with the restrictions of lockdown during the coming fasting month of Ramadan .
It says this year 's Ramadan , which begins at the end of this week , will be `` a very different experience for Muslims as we adapt to changing circumstances during the Covid-19 pandemic '' .
With lockdown continuing , there will be no congregational acts of worship outside the home , no Taraweeh prayers at the mosque and no iftars ( usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the fast after sundown ) with friends and family to attend .
Instead , the MCB is offering guidance on how to arrange virtual iftars online with loved ones and community members by using video chat .
Plan your iftar menus in advance , it says , so as to avoid multiple shopping trips .
It also suggests eating high-energy , slow-burning foods during the second meal of the night , the suhoor , which takes place just before dawn , to help maintain energy levels throughout the daylight fasting hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their faith ?
The MCB advises Muslims to `` honour your workplace duties with patience and good grace to those around you '' .
But it also warns that a refusal by employers to allow flexibility in work timings for fasting employees without a legitimate business reason could amount to unlawful indirect discrimination .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is a special time for nearly two billion Muslims all over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is a time of communal prayer , of daytime fasting , night-time feasting , extensive socialising and acts of profound generosity and charity as Muslims reaffirm their faith in God .
For those living in the West , forsaking food and drink during daylight hours while the rest of the population is able to indulge publicly in cafes and restaurants has always been a testing time .
But this year it will be very different .
With lockdown continuing , most of those visible temptations on the streets will be absent as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation is completely counter-intuitive to most Muslims during the month of Ramadan .
Usually , whole communities tend to pour onto the streets after dark to share and enjoy the communal experience with their relatives and neighbours .
But Dr Emman El-Badawy , an expert on Islamic jurisprudence , believes the spirit of Ramadan will survive .
`` So much of the essence of Ramadan can be maintained during isolation .
`` The spiritual aspects may even be heightened for some of us , with less distractions than usual .
`` The communal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for sure , but there are already great initiatives being built to help with this . ''

With lockdown continuing, there will be no congregational acts of worship outside the home, no Taraweeh prayers at the mosque and no iftars (usually a huge ritual meal marking the breaking of the fast after sundown) with friends and family to attend.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus doctor's diary: The patient who married hours before dying

Dr John Wright relates two love stories from the Covid wards of Bradford Royal Infirmary - one about a patient marrying his fiancee hours before he died , the other about a nurse 's tough decision to live apart from her four-year-old boy as long as the pandemic continues .
This is a time of such heightened emotions - of fear and loneliness , but also of extraordinary love .
When newly qualified staff nurse Sophie Bryant-Miles arrived for a night shift on Ward One recently , she was told that a young man with a number of medical problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to survive , and was now receiving palliative care .
But also there - dressed in full PPE with gloves , apron , mask and visor - was his fiancée of at least 15 years , who told staff that they had never had the time or money to marry .
Life had kept getting in the way .
It was a heart-wrenching collision between love and death , but out of it came a very beautiful thing .
Sophie called hospital chaplain Joe Fielder , and asked him if he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he could n't do a legally binding service but he could come and do a service that was like a wedding .
They 'd still say their `` I do '' .
They 'd have the whole `` til death do us part '' and all the things that they 'd have at a wedding , except in hospital .
Joe came , and we made tin foil rings for them , and we got the patient 's daughter on FaceTime so that she could watch as well .
It was just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was brilliant - he made brochures with the names on and all the hymns and the prayers that we were saying , everything .
The fiancee was completely understanding of the fact that we all had to be fully gowned up for it and that he [ the patient ] would have to wear a face mask .
They were still amazingly excited about what was happening .
Joe was in the full gear , bless him , as well .
He looked like he was sweating .
We did a little photograph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's what she wanted , and that 's what he wanted .
We tried to make it as much like a real wedding as we could , and then we gave them some cake too .
She 'd been made very aware that he was in the last hours of his life , and I think this was the last thing that they felt they could do together .
At least they 've got this final memory together .
I think we were all in tears .
The medical advice was that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I used a service and a celebration of commitments which had lots of similarities with a church wedding service .
The patient did his best to say the words but struggled at times because of his breathing .
His partner did her best to say the words but struggled at times because of tears , and the family were smiling and crying at the same time .
And all this was done in PPE equipment , it was very surreal .
But that patient could die knowing that he had said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family would know that he died having done that .
And his partner - she was really grateful .
She 's very grateful for the opportunity to have those words said .
You just want to do your bit to treat people with dignity , to help them know that they are loved and cared for .
I 'm very grateful to have the opportunity to help them celebrate their love and mark it in that way .
It 's too early for the wife and daughter to comment - the funeral has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have given their consent for this account to be published .
Prof John Wright , a medical doctor and epidemiologist , is head of the Bradford Institute for Health Research , and a veteran of cholera , HIV and ebola epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa .
He is writing this diary for BBC News and recording from the hospital wards for BBC Radio 4 's The NHS Front Line • Listen to the next episode at 11:00 on Tuesday 21 April , catch up with the previous episodes online , or download the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous online diary entry : 'Fake news makes patients think we want them to die' The ward manager , Jennie Marshall-Hamad , found out about the service when she woke the following morning .
It was a bittersweet feeling .
She felt overwhelmed and proud of her team - and a great sense of sadness when the patient passed away hours later .
But Jennie has her own moving story .
Four weeks ago , shortly before her son Zedi 's fourth birthday , she handed him over to her mother , knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
Jennie 's mother is in a high-risk category , while Jennie and her team are looking after acutely ill Covid patients .
A number of her fellow nurses have fallen ill and she can not risk taking the virus to her mother 's home , so instead she is dedicating herself to her work and doing as many extra shifts as she can .
`` I feel I have a responsibility to be there and give everything I have to be there for the team at this time , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacrifice for the mother of a young child to make , and I made Jennie cry by asking when she expected to hug Zedi again .
Here she explains what distancing means in practice for a mother and a four-year-old : We have virtual chats , hugs and kisses every day , but it 's a mother 's worst nightmare not being able to kiss her child goodnight and only being able to see them through a phone .
I did n't see him face-to-face for three weeks , as I did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to my mum 's and watch him from the window , without him realising .
Then , after three weeks , I could n't take it any more .
I spent ages on the phone explaining to him why we needed to keep a distance , in a way he would understand , and he was very good .
And so now I have seen him three times .
His birthday was the hardest day - not being able to touch him .
I saw him from the end of the garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a line made out of chalks that my son could n't pass - we joked it was the dirty corner .
Luckily it was Easter Sunday so we made a fuss of that .
I watched him do an Easter egg hunt and he was very happy with all the chocolate eggs he had found , but unaware it was his birthday .
We will have a big celebration when all of this is over .
Zedi is happy with my mum because he 's used to being with her when I work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to work to help the poorly people .
He understands that mummy could be carrying germs that might harm him and that he needs to stay with grandma to keep safe and well .
But having to keep a distance is hard .
At Bradford Royal Infirmary , we are all riding the peak of the epidemic wave and coping well , but none of us knows when it will end .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

His birthday was the hardest day - not being able to touch him. I saw him from the end of the garden. My mum made a corner with a line made out of chalks that my son couldn't pass - we joked it was the dirty corner. Luckily it was Easter Sunday so we made a fuss of that. I watched him do an Easter egg hunt and he was very happy with all the chocolate eggs he had found, but unaware it was his birthday. We will have a big celebration when all of this is over.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--The Papers: Tests 'failure' and masks warning

Pictures of coronavirus test centres in Cardiff , Manchester and Brighton lying empty dominate the Daily Mirror 's front page .
It says the government promised 100,000 tests a day by the end of this month , but less than a fifth of that target is actually being met .
The Daily Telegraph suggests that Matt Hancock is being lined up in government as the `` fall guy '' for mistakes in response to the virus .
It says the health secretary 's pledge on testing has been criticised by Downing Street sources as arbitrary and irrational .
It quotes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He 's not had a good crisis . ''
Allies of Mr Hancock tell the paper they believe he 's the victim of a blame game sweeping through Whitehall as ministers and advisers try to wash their hands of key decisions , with one eye on the eventual inquiry into the response to the outbreak .
The debate about whether people should wear face masks makes the lead for the Times .
It says NHS bosses have warned ministers that advising the public to do so would risk jeopardising critical supplies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to examine the evidence about masks today before making a formal recommendation to ministers .
According to the paper , the World Health Organization is understood to be ready to issue fresh guidance on wearing masks in shops , on public transport and in other crowded spaces as part of measures to exit the lockdown .
However , the paper says there 's concern that any endorsement of masks would encourage people to buy medical versions , which could send prices soaring .
While masks are n't in short supply in hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fears that that would change if their use was recommended more widely .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning Cabinet splits over how quickly the lockdown measures should be relaxed are the subject of the Guardian 's main story .
The paper says senior ministers have been at loggerheads over whether the public health and economic impact of the lockdown will soon begin to rival the consequences of the virus itself .
According to the Guardian , Chancellor Rishi Sunak , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be among those raising concerns about the impact of a lengthy shutdown .
But , the paper adds , other ministers appear to have taken on board the latest evidence from government scientists that any easing of restrictions could trigger an exponential rise in coronavirus cases , and have rowed back from their initial support for allowing schools and some businesses to return to normal .
The Daily Express gives its backing to a call by MPs - led by Liberal Democrat Layla Moran - for a `` coronavirus compensation scheme '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died of the illness .
The paper is also calling for a national monument to be built to honour the sacrifice of what it calls `` our health heroes '' .
And finally , Prince Philip 's message praising the NHS and other key workers for keeping the country going during the crisis , is the Sun 's top story .
It says he issued a rallying cry for the UK 's coronavirus heroes .
But , the paper adds , Prince Philip 's statement was in `` stark contrast '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` some bloke called Harry , from Hollywood '' , who instead moaned about the press and focused on his and Meghan 's personal war against the media .

But, the paper adds, other ministers appear to have taken on board the latest evidence from government scientists that any easing of restrictions could trigger an exponential rise in coronavirus cases, and have rowed back from their initial support for allowing schools and some businesses to return to normal.


bbcuk--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Why hanging on to a ticket could save your favourite festival

`` After everything that 's been going on we just want a bit of a party . ''
James Tudor Jones , 23 , has been looking forward to Kendal Calling festival in the Lake District this summer but expects his plans to change .
`` I 'm praying it 's going ahead but the likelihood is it 's going to get cancelled any day now , '' he tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
Despite the coronavirus crisis , the festival is still currently due to take place in late July , with Foals and You Me At Six on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when ) it does get cancelled , James says he 'll roll his ticket over to next year as `` it 's the least we can do to support the festival '' .
Depending on who you bought a festival ticket from , fans are likely to be entitled to a full refund if it has to cancel - and many people in the UK already have already claimed money back .
However , many festival organisers are hoping that people who have tickets will keep them for next year as the events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Association of Independent Festivals ( AIF ) .
The AIF , which represents more than 60 events , says many of its members face losing huge amounts of money if or when they announce a postponement or a cancellation due to coronavirus .
In the worst case scenario , it fears some smaller festivals will go under if they end up having to pay back thousands of pounds in refunds .
`` If they need to refund on mass , they might not be able to return next year , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Staging festivals is a year round endeavour .
There 's a cashflow concern and a lot of money has already been spent that festivals wo n't get back . ''
If fans do want a refund , individual festivals should be instructing them on how to get one ( depending on where you bought the ticket ) .
According to Citizens Advice , if you no longer want to attend but the festival has n't cancelled yet , you 're not entitled to a refund .
Some of the AIF-represented festivals which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year include : Typically , at this point in the year , festivals of all sizes have already paid out on things like artist deposits , contractors ' deposits and fees , press and marketing , staff costs and infrastructure .
The AIF says insurance , potential refunds and the drop in ticket sales are all issues organisers are currently dealing with as they decide what to do .
'We could be ruined' Bloodstock in Derbyshire is due to celebrate its 20th anniversary this summer .
It has n't cancelled yet , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` devastating '' if that has to happen .
The co-founder of ArcTanGent in Bristol , Goc O'Callaghan , says she 's worried a business that 's taken years to grow `` could be ruined in a matter of weeks unless the government steps in and offers support . ''
Oliver Jones , director of Deer Shed Festival in North Yorkshire , says the `` essential thing '' for him is that people `` roll their tickets forward '' after he had to cancel this year 's event .
`` The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a financial impact on this .
We 're resigned to the fact that we are going to be losing money this year , '' he says .
Since the cancellation , the percentage of people seeking a refund to Deer Shed has been low and Oliver 's currently feeling `` more upbeat than since coronavirus cast a shadow over us '' .
Recent figures showed nearly 5 million people went to a festival ( in 2018 ) and helped the live sector contribute £1.1 billion to the UK economy .
Isabel Knight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trees in Gloucestershire is the `` highlight of the summer '' and her `` annual holiday '' .
Currently , the festival is still set to take place but Isabel thinks it 's `` silly '' to assume it will happen and is likely to take advantage of a rollover option .
`` It 's all been paid for .
I did monthly instalments since the tickets went on sale last year .
The money 's already gone out of my account so I may as well wait for next year now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul Reed says many independent festivals will struggle because their insurance wo n't cover a communicable disease like Covid-19 and there 's a feeling they 're `` falling between the cracks in terms of government support . ''
In a statement , the government says it will get `` great British festivals back up and running as soon as it safe to do so '' but its focus now is making sure people stay at home .
Responding to the AIF 's concerns , it says it 's `` committed '' to supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes an unprecedented support package for businesses and workers .
We are also in regular contact with the creative industries during this unprecedented time . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"It's all been paid for. I did monthly instalments since the tickets went on sale last year. The money's already gone out of my account so I may as well wait for next year now," she tells Newsbeat.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Am I helping to protect the NHS?

That is why we 're still on lockdown , and by sticking with it , we 're all helping to slow the virus 's spread .
But what is clear is that the biggest impact individuals can have on the final toll in the UK is to reduce the rate of transmission by following the latest social distancing guidelines : working from home if possible and only going out for essential reasons and daily exercise .
Since the Imperial research was made public , there has been a huge effort by ministers and NHS officials to increase the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 or so that the NHS had at that time .
There are many assumptions in the Imperial College model about how the virus is transmitted , and what proportion of people will comply with the restrictions now being placed on them .
The only two ways out of lockdown are the development of a vaccine or a much more effective system of testing people for the virus and tracing all those who had contact with people testing positive , potentially via the NHS app now in development .
Although the research was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message is still current : Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Monday that lifting the lockdown too soon could result in a second wave of infections .
As soon as the current measures are lifted , the Imperial model predicts that another outbreak would emerge that was just as bad as if we had done nothing .
This Imperial College research has been very influential and the above approach is similar to what UK government ministers have since implemented .
So far the NHS has not been overwhelmed largely because of social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places where demand happened to be above average , NHS services would still be under extraordinary pressure .
The research found that on average across the NHS , under these strict measures , there would be close to one critically ill patient for each critical-care bed at the peak of the epidemic .
The Imperial team also found that if social distancing measures were applied to all age groups - not just to those over 70 - schools and universities were closed , and the two-week quarantine period applied to households in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be able to cope .
But there would still be about eight patients for each critical-care bed available .
The NHS would still be overwhelmed .
They found that if people experiencing symptoms , and everyone who lived with them , stayed at home for two weeks , while anyone over 70 reduced their social contacts to a minimum , the impact on the NHS would be reduced .
This is similar to the measures the UK government introduced before the lockdown .
To prevent doctors having to face these dilemmas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reducing the number of people needing the NHS 's critical-care beds .
Or Hamish , a 68-year-old ex-firefighter and the sole carer of his wife Philippa , who has Alzheimer 's disease ?
For example , should Mathilda , a retired teacher and 78-year-old grandmother-of-seven get the bed ?
This would mean NHS doctors facing impossible choices about who receives potentially life-saving treatment , and who does n't .
But the problem the NHS has been facing is that for each group of 30 patients in need of a critical-care bed , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the epidemic reached its peak .
The Imperial modelling also predicts that out of the 100 people needing hospital treatment , about 30 would need a critical-care bed .
According to scientific modelling by Imperial College London , about 4.5 % of those infected would need to be admitted to hospital - shown here as 100 dots .
Although most of these people who contracted the virus would experience either mild symptoms or something like a nasty flu and make a full recovery , some would require hospital treatment .
For this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases multiplied and spread quickly - soon extending far beyond her original community .
On average , without social distancing in place , scientific modelling suggests that people infected with coronavirus would pass it on to another three people .
Each of them then went on to meet their own friends and family .
Before she developed any symptoms , she had passed the virus on to her friends Mikah and Steph , as well as her grandad Terry .
But what she did n't know was that she had contracted the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of us , she was going to work , seeing friends and family .
Remember life before the lockdown ?
This is Angie .
Like many of us , she was going to work , seeing friends and family .
But what she did n't know was that she had contracted the new coronavirus , which causes Covid-19 .
Before she developed any symptoms , she had passed the virus on to her friends Mikah and Steph , as well as her grandad Terry .
Each of them then went on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On average , without social distancing in place , scientific modelling suggests that people infected with coronavirus would pass it on to another three people .
For this reason , among Angie 's network , cases multiplied and spread quickly - soon extending far beyond her original community .
Although most of these people who contracted the virus would experience either mild symptoms or something like a nasty flu and make a full recovery , some would require hospital treatment .
According to scientific modelling by Imperial College London , about 4.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted to hospital - shown here as 100 dots .
The Imperial modelling also predicts that out of the 100 people needing hospital treatment , about 30 would need a critical-care bed .
But the problem the NHS has been facing is that for each group of 30 patients in need of a critical-care bed , there would be just one such bed available when the epidemic reached its peak .
This would mean NHS doctors facing impossible choices about who receives potentially life-saving treatment , and who does n't .
For example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 78-year-old grandmother-of-seven get the bed ?
Or Hamish , a 68-year-old ex-firefighter and the sole carer of his wife Philippa , who has Alzheimer 's disease ?
To prevent doctors having to face these dilemmas , the Imperial team assessed different ways of reducing the number of people needing the NHS 's critical-care beds .
They found that if people experiencing symptoms , and everyone who lived with them , stayed at home for two weeks , while anyone over 70 reduced their social contacts to a minimum , the impact on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is similar to the measures the UK government introduced before the lockdown .
But there would still be about eight patients for each critical-care bed available .
The NHS would still be overwhelmed .
The Imperial team also found that if social distancing measures were applied to all age groups - not just to those over 70 - schools and universities were closed , and the two-week quarantine period applied to households in which any member had symptoms , the NHS would be able to cope .
However , in places where demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services would still be under extraordinary pressure .
This Imperial College research has been very influential and the above approach is similar to what UK government ministers have since implemented .
So far the NHS has not been overwhelmed largely because of social distancing and lockdown measures .
As soon as the current measures are lifted , the Imperial model predicts that another outbreak would emerge that was just as bad as if we had done nothing .
Although the research was published on 16 March , its core message is still current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday that lifting the lockdown too soon could result in a second wave of infections .
The only two ways out of lockdown are the development of a vaccine or a much more effective system of testing people for the virus and tracing all those who had contact with people testing positive , potentially via the NHS app now in development .
There are many assumptions in the Imperial College model about how the virus is transmitted , and what proportion of people will comply with the restrictions now being placed on them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , there has been a huge effort by ministers and NHS officials to increase the number of critical-care beds available - up from the 5,000 or so that the NHS had at that time .
But what is clear is that the biggest impact individuals can have on the final toll in the UK is to reduce the rate of transmission by following the latest social distancing guidelines : working from home if possible and only going out for essential reasons and daily exercise .

That is why we're still on lockdown, and by sticking with it, we're all helping to slow the virus's spread.
But what is clear is that the biggest impact individuals can have on the final toll in the UK is to reduce the rate of transmission by following the latest social distancing guidelines: working from home if possible and only going out for essential reasons and daily exercise.
Since the Imperial research was made public, there has been a huge effort by ministers and NHS officials to increase the number of critical-care beds available - up from the 5,000 or so that the NHS had at that time.
There are many assumptions in the Imperial College model about how the virus is transmitted, and what proportion of people will comply with the restrictions now being placed on them.
The only two ways out of lockdown are the development of a vaccine or a much more effective system of testing people for the virus and tracing all those who had contact with people testing positive, potentially via the NHS app now in development.
Although the research was published on 16 March, its core message is still current: Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Monday that lifting the lockdown too soon could result in a second wave of infections.
As soon as the current measures are lifted, the Imperial model predicts that another outbreak would emerge that was just as bad as if we had done nothing.
This Imperial College research has been very influential and the above approach is similar to what UK government ministers have since implemented. So far the NHS has not been overwhelmed largely because of social distancing and lockdown measures.
However, in places where demand happened to be above average, NHS services would still be under extraordinary pressure.
The research found that on average across the NHS, under these strict measures, there would be close to one critically ill patient for each critical-care bed at the peak of the epidemic.
The Imperial team also found that if social distancing measures were applied to all age groups - not just to those over 70 - schools and universities were closed, and the two-week quarantine period applied to households in which any member had symptoms, the NHS would be able to cope.
But there would still be about eight patients for each critical-care bed available. The NHS would still be overwhelmed.
They found that if people experiencing symptoms, and everyone who lived with them, stayed at home for two weeks, while anyone over 70 reduced their social contacts to a minimum, the impact on the NHS would be reduced. This is similar to the measures the UK government introduced before the lockdown.
To prevent doctors having to face these dilemmas, the Imperial team assessed different ways of reducing the number of people needing the NHS's critical-care beds.
Or Hamish, a 68-year-old ex-firefighter and the sole carer of his wife Philippa, who has Alzheimer's disease?
For example, should Mathilda, a retired teacher and 78-year-old grandmother-of-seven get the bed?
This would mean NHS doctors facing impossible choices about who receives potentially life-saving treatment, and who doesn't.
But the problem the NHS has been facing is that for each group of 30 patients in need of a critical-care bed, there would be just one such bed available when the epidemic reached its peak.
The Imperial modelling also predicts that out of the 100 people needing hospital treatment, about 30 would need a critical-care bed.
According to scientific modelling by Imperial College London, about 4.5% of those infected would need to be admitted to hospital - shown here as 100 dots.
Although most of these people who contracted the virus would experience either mild symptoms or something like a nasty flu and make a full recovery, some would require hospital treatment.
For this reason, among Angie's network, cases multiplied and spread quickly - soon extending far beyond her original community.
On average, without social distancing in place, scientific modelling suggests that people infected with coronavirus would pass it on to another three people.
Each of them then went on to meet their own friends and family.
Before she developed any symptoms, she had passed the virus on to her friends Mikah and Steph, as well as her grandad Terry.
But what she didn't know was that she had contracted the new coronavirus, which causes Covid-19.
Like many of us, she was going to work, seeing friends and family.
Remember life before the lockdown? This is Angie.
Like many of us, she was going to work, seeing friends and family.
But what she didn't know was that she had contracted the new coronavirus, which causes Covid-19.
Before she developed any symptoms, she had passed the virus on to her friends Mikah and Steph, as well as her grandad Terry.
Each of them then went on to meet their own friends and family.
On average, without social distancing in place, scientific modelling suggests that people infected with coronavirus would pass it on to another three people.
For this reason, among Angie's network, cases multiplied and spread quickly - soon extending far beyond her original community.
Although most of these people who contracted the virus would experience either mild symptoms or something like a nasty flu and make a full recovery, some would require hospital treatment.
According to scientific modelling by Imperial College London, about 4.5% of those infected would need to be admitted to hospital - shown here as 100 dots.
The Imperial modelling also predicts that out of the 100 people needing hospital treatment, about 30 would need a critical-care bed.
But the problem the NHS has been facing is that for each group of 30 patients in need of a critical-care bed, there would be just one such bed available when the epidemic reached its peak.
This would mean NHS doctors facing impossible choices about who receives potentially life-saving treatment, and who doesn't.
For example, should Mathilda, a retired teacher and 78-year-old grandmother-of-seven get the bed?
Or Hamish, a 68-year-old ex-firefighter and the sole carer of his wife Philippa, who has Alzheimer's disease?
To prevent doctors having to face these dilemmas, the Imperial team assessed different ways of reducing the number of people needing the NHS's critical-care beds.
They found that if people experiencing symptoms, and everyone who lived with them, stayed at home for two weeks, while anyone over 70 reduced their social contacts to a minimum, the impact on the NHS would be reduced. This is similar to the measures the UK government introduced before the lockdown.
But there would still be about eight patients for each critical-care bed available. The NHS would still be overwhelmed.
The Imperial team also found that if social distancing measures were applied to all age groups - not just to those over 70 - schools and universities were closed, and the two-week quarantine period applied to households in which any member had symptoms, the NHS would be able to cope.
However, in places where demand happened to be above average, NHS services would still be under extraordinary pressure.
This Imperial College research has been very influential and the above approach is similar to what UK government ministers have since implemented. So far the NHS has not been overwhelmed largely because of social distancing and lockdown measures.
But there's a major catch.
As soon as the current measures are lifted, the Imperial model predicts that another outbreak would emerge that was just as bad as if we had done nothing.
Although the research was published on 16 March, its core message is still current: Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned on Monday that lifting the lockdown too soon could result in a second wave of infections.
The only two ways out of lockdown are the development of a vaccine or a much more effective system of testing people for the virus and tracing all those who had contact with people testing positive, potentially via the NHS app now in development.
There are many assumptions in the Imperial College model about how the virus is transmitted, and what proportion of people will comply with the restrictions now being placed on them.
Since the Imperial research was made public, there has been a huge effort by ministers and NHS officials to increase the number of critical-care beds available - up from the 5,000 or so that the NHS had at that time.
But what is clear is that the biggest impact individuals can have on the final toll in the UK is to reduce the rate of transmission by following the latest social distancing guidelines: working from home if possible and only going out for essential reasons and daily exercise.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: 'I didn't think I was going to get home'

Paramedic Mark Anders was admitted to University Hospital Coventry with Covid-19 .
He doesn ’ t know how he was @ @ @ @ @ exposed to the virus whilst doing his job .
He 's out of hospital now @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ‘ On the NHS Frontline ’ on BBC iPlayer here .
Watch more @ @ @ @ @ outbreak : Your Coronavirus Stories

Paramedic Mark Anders was admitted to University Hospital Coventry with Covid-19.
He doesn’t know how he was infected but knows he was exposed to the virus whilst doing his job.
He's out of hospital now and recovering.
Watch Panorama’s ‘On the NHS Frontline’ on BBC iPlayer here.
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-04-21--War veteran Ken Benbow gets cushion picturing late wife Ada

A war veteran broke down in tears when a young carer gave him a cushion with a picture of his late wife on .
Ken Benbow , who was married for 71 years , slept with a photograph of Ada by his bed at his Preston care home .
Carer Kia Tobin , 17 , knew how much he missed her and wanted to give him a special gift to bring them closer , so she had the cushion printed .
Mr Benbow , 94 , said : `` It broke my heart when she left me but now I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms . ''
He moved into Thistleton Lodge Care Home after Ada died aged 93 in August .
“ Ada was the most wonderful , most caring wife , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
`` When I got the cushion it was the most precious thing I could have wished for .
`` We were married for 71 years and it broke my heart when she left me , but now I ’ ve got her every night in my arms.
” Mr Benbow , originally from Oswestry , Shropshire , served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Ken is so funny and an amazing person , ” said Ms Tobin , who is now his full-time carer .
“ The photo of Ada is in a glass frame by his bed and he speaks to her every night .
“ Now he can take the pillow to bed with him and give it a good squeeze .
”

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bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Deaths at 20-year high but peak may be over

Deaths in England and Wales have nearly doubled above what would be expected , hitting a 20-year high .
The Office for National Statistics said there were 18,500 deaths in the week up to 10 April - about 8,000 more than is normal at this time of year .
A third were linked to coronavirus , but deaths from other causes also increased , suggesting the lockdown may be having an indirect impact on health .
But experts believe this period could well be when virus deaths peaked .
They point to a separate analysis by NHS England which showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospitals have been falling when you look at the date of death .
The daily figures presented by government just show when hospital deaths are announced - there is often a delay in recording and reporting which masks when a drop in deaths starts happening .
On Tuesday 823 new deaths were announced , but most of these happened in the previous days and weeks .
Some even date back to March .
Prof Sir David Spiegelhalter , of the University of Cambridge , said the NHS England figures suggested we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steadily '' albeit slowly improving position .
But he added : `` Judging from the experience in Italy , this could be a lengthy process . ''
Prof Carl Heneghan , from the University of Oxford , said he agreed , saying London , which saw rapid increases earlier than the rest of country , peaked even earlier , suggesting the steps taken before full lockdown had an impact .
But England 's deputy medical officer , Prof Jonathan Van Tam , said : `` We are not out of danger yet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' How bad was the 'peak ' ?
The figures presented by the ONS are different from those used by the government on a daily basis and the NHS England analysis .
Those rely on hospital cases confirmed by tests , whereas the ONS has used death certificates which show both fatalities in hospital and in the community on a weekly basis .
The figures show that the overall number of deaths topped 18,500 .
That is the highest since January 2000 when there was a bad flu outbreak .
It is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season of 2015 .
More than 6,200 of these deaths were linked to coronavirus and Covid-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
One in six of these deaths happened outside hospital .
But the ONS also said deaths from other causes rose too .
Nick Stripe , head of health analysis at ONS , said they were trying to understand and find out why this was .
He said it could be that people with other illnesses were avoiding going to hospital for treatment - visits to A & E have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an under-reporting of coronavirus .
But he added it could `` take years to work out '' .
He also said it was important to remember the human toll in these figures .
`` Each one is a person .
Each one has a family .
We must always remember this . ''
A similar trend is being reported in Scotland where there were nearly 2,000 deaths in the week up to 12 April .
Deaths in Northern Ireland are also up .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
How many are dying outside of hospitals ?
There has been growing concern about the impact of coronavirus outside of hospital .
Care homes have begun reporting outbreaks among residents that have been difficult to control , they say , because of a lack of testing and protective equipment .
The ONS - because it relies on death certificates rather than testing - can capture the scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened in hospital , but since the start of the pandemic more than 1,000 have died in care homes .
More people have died from flu and pneumonia Another way to judge the impact of coronavirus is to look at the overall impact on the numbers dying over the course of the year so far .
The figures show overall number of deaths are up .
Nearly 185,000 people have died in 2020 compared with around 175,000 on average over the past five years at this point of the year .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of flu and pneumonia compared to coronavirus .
The number of deaths from flu and pneumonia - at more than 32,000 - is three times higher than the total number of coronavirus deaths this year .
This difference will obviously narrow in the coming weeks as the flu season is coming to an end and there has been a rapid rise in coronavirus deaths .
Some also believe the number of coronavirus deaths have been under-reported - a lack of testing outside hospital means it is down to doctors to use their clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How have you been affected by the coronavirus pandemic ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

Another way to judge the impact of coronavirus is to look at the overall impact on the numbers dying over the course of the year so far.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: UK 'throwing everything' at developing vaccine

The government is `` throwing everything '' at developing a coronavirus vaccine , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said .
He told the daily Downing Street briefing that human trials for a vaccine , developed by the University of Oxford , would begin on Thursday .
He also addressed the shortage of protective gear for the NHS , saying the government was talking to thousands of suppliers , but not all could deliver .
Labour said there was a `` gap '' between government words and reality .
Meanwhile the UK has recorded another 823 coronavirus hospital deaths - taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures show deaths hit a 20-year-high in England and Wales in the week up to 10 April - nearly double what would have been expected - driven by 6,200 fatalities attributed to coronavirus .
These figures cover all settings , including care homes and deaths in the community as well as hospitals .
• Deaths hit 20-year high - but peak may be over • Which regions have been worst hit ?
Mr Hancock told the No 10 briefing that `` the best way to defeat coronavirus '' was through a vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , he said , but the UK was at the `` front of the global effort '' and had invested more money than any other country .
He said two leading vaccine developments at UK universities - Imperial College London and the University of Oxford - would receive a total of £42.5m to support their clinical trials .
`` Both of these promising projects are making rapid progress and I 've told the scientists leading them we will do everything in our power to support . ''
He added : `` After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first country in the world to develop a successful vaccine is so huge that I am throwing everything at it . ''
Mr Hancock also defended the government amid mounting criticism over the ongoing shortages of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for front-line workers .
He said the operation to get PPE to the front line was `` unprecedented '' , describing it as `` the biggest cross-government operation I 've ever seen '' .
The government was `` investigating each lead '' from UK-based companies offering help , he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them who approach us can deliver on scale '' .
There had been more than 8,000 offers of help from UK companies and the government was now working with 159 UK manufacturers , he added .
He also said the UK was in `` direct talks '' with companies abroad to buy items , especially in China .
Meanwhile , an RAF plane is expected to bring a shipment of PPE from Turkey to the UK later .
Some British companies have told the BBC that their offers to help have gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to provide a million face visors as well as gowns - but after an initial response from the crown purchasing team on Friday , heard nothing more .
Jim Griffin , the head of automotive parts firm Interflex said he is now planning to export his protective clothing to other countries .
Labour leader Keir Starmer said there was a gap between the government 's words and reality , in relation to the delivery of PPE .
He told the BBC : `` It would be a struggle for any government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right place at the right time .
But what we 're seeing here is an increasing gap between what the government says or thinks is happening and what the frontline are telling us .
`` This gap has to be closed as soon as possible because people are putting their lives literally on the line when they 're going to work - they need the proper equipment in the right place . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken out over the government 's reasons not to accept an invitation from the EU to join the bloc 's scheme to source medical equipment .
The most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office , Sir Simon McDonald , earlier told the Foreign Affairs Select Committee that ministers were briefed on `` what was on offer '' but ministers took a `` political decision '' not to take part .
Whitehall sources later suggested to the BBC that Sir Simon `` misspoke '' .
He has since written to MPs to retract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made `` due to a misunderstanding '' .
Ministers have previously blamed a communication confusion for not signing up to the scheme .
Mr Hancock told Tuesday 's briefing the UK had joined the scheme but it had `` yet to deliver a single item '' .
The Government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) met on Tuesday to consider whether people should be urged to wear masks in a bid to combat coronavirus .
Prof Jonathan Van Tam , the deputy chief medical officer for England , said Sage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers but he declined to comment on what it would be .
Earlier , hospital bosses warned that changing the advice could put NHS supplies at risk .
Speaking at the No 10 briefing , Mr Van Tam said Sage was keeping the evidence under review and would change the advice if it was felt the evidence warranted that .
He added : `` There is an absolutely enduring principle here that Sage places great value and prime importance on never jeopardising the supplies of PPE to our health and social care workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are not going to cross . ''
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has said there is no evidence to support the use of face masks by the general population .
But the debate around their use in the UK has been gaining momentum in recent weeks , with proponents arguing they can help reduce the risk of people with the virus passing it on to others .
UK 'not out of danger' Prof Van Tam also said the latest figures showed the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere in the country .
`` It shows that we are not out of danger at this point , and that the curve is flat , but not very clearly going down in many parts of the country , '' he said .
`` I 'm sure it will go down in the days and weeks that follow , but we must keep pushing on this , and we must bend that curve , through our actions . ''
He added that the number of new cases in the UK varied day to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latest figures also showed that 18,206 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 09:00 BST on Tuesday , despite the government saying there was the capacity for almost 40,000 .
Mr Hancock - who has pledged to reach 100,000 tests a day by the end of the month - said it was `` terrific '' that capacity was increasing across the UK , adding that it was further ahead than the planned trajectory .
The UK 's testing co-ordinator , Prof John Newton , acknowledged some health and care workers had struggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive-through centres placed out of town .
He said home tests for coronavirus that could be sent back should be available to NHS staff across the UK `` very soon '' .
Meanwhile , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken to Donald Trump as he continues his recovery from the illness .
A No 10 spokesman said Mr Johnson thanked the US president for his good wishes while he was unwell and they agreed on the importance of a co-ordinated international response to the pandemic .
• The House of Commons has held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow MPs to scrutinise ministers over video link • British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has had her temporary leave from prison in Iran extended by another month , her MP Tulip Siddiq tweeted • Captain Tom Moore , the 99-year-old war veteran who raised over £27m for the NHS , has opened a new Nightingale hospital in Harrogate • The chief executive of Burger King UK has said the fast-food chain has not made its rent payments for April .
It is among several chains to have asked the chancellor for a nine-month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's biggest motor insurance companies , Admiral , is giving a £25 refund to customers with a policy on 20 April • With 90 % of flights grounded , experts are warning that some airports could close due to the impact of the pandemic • US President Donald Trump has said he will sign an executive order to temporarily suspend all immigration to the country because of the coronavirus

He told the BBC: "It would be a struggle for any government to get exactly the right kit to the right place at the right time. But what we're seeing here is an increasing gap between what the government says or thinks is happening and what the frontline are telling us.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Tiny fraction of 'at risk' children attending schools

Only a tiny fraction of vulnerable children in England are taking up the emergency school places kept open for them , official figures show .
This has prompted concerns `` at risk '' children are facing increased danger in the lockdown , while schools and teachers struggle to get hold of them .
New data shows only a maximum of 5 % of the most needy children have been at school during the Coronavirus crisis .
The Children 's Commissioner says social workers should be `` knocking on doors '' .
The Department for Education data shows just 29,000 so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the Easter holidays .
This compares to the more than 723,000 children who were known to children 's social care services in 2019 .
Anne Longfield England 's Children 's Commissioner told the BBC : `` What we now know is , what we 've been hearing over the last few weeks , that the vast majority of vulnerable children in this country are not attending , despite the fact that schools are open .
`` What that means is that they are at home , potentially with a cocktail of risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with quite fragile environments , potentially domestic violence in the home - which we know is increasing , parents with drug and alcohol addictions or indeed severe mental health conditions .
`` So often these children are quite invisible at home and not in the place which is best at keeping them safe - school . ''
• 'Emergency food ' for families with nothing to eat Ms Longfield said referrals to social services had dropped by half , and she expressed concerns that bored , vulnerable teenagers could be leaving their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be exploited and groomed by criminals .
She called for a clearer message from government , adding that `` social workers need to be knocking on doors and everyone needs to be working tirelessly to get these vulnerable children into schools '' .
Staff at Manorfield Primary School in Poplar , east London , has a high percentage of vulnerable children - 72 of the 736 children on its rolls are on the `` at risk '' register .
But only a tiny small fraction of these are coming to the school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primaries to provide a hub for vulnerable children and those of key workers .
Staff have been phoning their most vulnerable families every other day to check how they are .
Head teacher Paul Jackson said : `` I 've had a senior teacher calling the families of children at risk .
`` If they ca n't raise anyone , we trawl through the emails .
If that does n't work , we are carrying out home visits .
`` We are trying every means to contact them , and working through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get hold of on to social services to see if they 're safe . ''
Mr Jackson adds : `` When we are in normal operational times , we have concerns about children who go missing , children who may face sexual exploitation , children who are getting into criminality , as well as children who may not get enough to eat .
`` These concerns are still here at this time , if anything they are exaggerated by the situation . ''
These are children of families where there is known to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parental sickness or disability , as well as poverty - which is closely associated with neglect .
And if the children are not attending , it is very difficult for the school to know where they are and how they are .
Because of the high level of need , the school employs its own social worker , Nessa Young .
She says : `` It 's hard because we are trying to support them but we are restricted by what we can do from afar .
`` It 's about making an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's anything we can do .
But we ca n't see who may be standing next to the phone .
`` We are doing everything we can but there have been a few sleepless nights , '' she says .
`` There is always that nagging feeling : 'Is there something else I can do ? '
And : 'How can I do it with all these restrictions in place ? '
'' On top of its concerns for children 's safety , the school has mounted a massive effort to ensure its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numerous families got in touch to say they had run out of money .
Its operation to deliver food parcels to 300 struggling families in east London resembles that of a humanitarian aid charity in a warzone .
Teachers and school staff are bagging up fresh fruit , vegetables and other essentials , to deliver to needy families .
The school has been topping up the money it gets for free school meals to buy produce for families who find themselves incapacitated by the epidemic .
It has set up a fundraising campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the school feels what is being offered by the government is not enough for its needy families .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said his first priority was protecting the well-being of children and young people but particularly those vulnerable young people with social worker or special educational needs .
`` Schools are open for them and we 're working to make sure those who should attend do so . ''

Mr Jackson adds: "When we are in normal operational times, we have concerns about children who go missing, children who may face sexual exploitation, children who are getting into criminality, as well as children who may not get enough to eat.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Top civil servant says he was wrong about EU medical equipment claim

A senior civil servant has said he was wrong to claim the UK took a `` political decision '' not to join an EU scheme to source medical equipment .
The Foreign Office 's Sir Simon McDonald told MPs that ministers were briefed on `` what was on offer '' but said `` no '' .
But he later retracted his comments , saying he had `` wrongly '' told MPs that ministers been briefed on the scheme .
He said the UK did not receive an invitation to join the scheme because of `` communication problems '' .
Ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alerting them to the deadline for joining the EU procurement scheme for gowns , ventilators and testing kits in March .
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock denied that politics had been involved in the decision and said he had signed-off on joining efforts to procure more equipment .
However , a European Commission spokeswoman suggested the UK was aware of the tender programmes and had chosen not to get involved after its departure from the bloc on 31 January .
Last month the government was criticised for not taking part in an EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including potentially life-saving ventilators , that could be used to tackle the coronavirus .
• What are ventilators and how do they work ?
At the time , Downing Street said the UK was making its own arrangements because it was no longer in the EU .
Ministers denied claims that anti-EU sentiment had played a part in the decision .
Downing Street then issued a statement saying the UK had been invited to take part but officials did not see the email because of a `` communication confusion '' .
Asked why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scheme , Sir Simon - who is permanent secretary at the Foreign Office - told the Foreign Affairs Committee that it was a deliberate move by ministers .
`` We left the European Union on 31 January , '' he said .
Pushed further , he added : `` All I can say is that it is a matter of fact that we have not taken part .
It was a political decision ... and the decision is no . ''
But five hours later , he released a letter to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Tugendhat , saying he had been wrong in what he said .
`` Due to a misunderstanding , I inadvertently and wrongly told the committee that ministers were briefed on the joint EU procurement scheme and took a political decision not to take part in it , '' he wrote .
`` That is incorrect .
Ministers were not briefed by our mission in Brussels about the scheme and a political decision was not take on whether or not to participate . ''
He added that `` the facts of the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK missed the opportunity to take part `` owing to an initial communication problem '' .
The EU started to coordinate the process of purchasing personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , testing kits and ventilators at the end of February .
The joined effort helps to reduce costs when negotiating with manufacturers .
The first scheme , to purchase masks , was launched on 28 February .
For ventilators , the procurement procedure was launched on 17 March , with the closing date of 26 March by which countries had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how much they would need .
A further scheme for PPE was launched on 17 March and one for testing kits on 19 March .
However , so far no PPE , ventilators or testing kits have been delivered through the schemes .
Sir Simon had earlier been contradicted by ministers , with Mr Hancock saying he had spoken to the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , and as far as he knew there had been no political decision not to participate .
Speaking at the daily coronavirus briefing , he revealed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU to join that particular scheme on an `` associate '' basis but said it had not yet delivered a single item of medical equipment .
`` When we did receive an invitation in the Department of Health… it was put up to me ... and we joined and we are now members of that scheme , but as far as we know that scheme has n't yet delivered a single item of PPE . ''
The decision not to join earlier had had `` zero '' impact on the UK 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Speaking before Sir Simon issued his clarification , Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said ministers themselves needed to explain what had happened .
`` We were told the government missed an email invitation to join the EU procurement scheme .
Then we were told the decision not to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now we are told that the government did sign up to the scheme , '' he said .
The BBC 's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the row reflected the intense pressure on the government over its record on key equipment and whether its rhetoric about doing all it could was backed by the reality .
And she added later :

"When we did receive an invitation in the Department of Health… it was put up to me... and we joined and we are now members of that scheme, but as far as we know that scheme hasn't yet delivered a single item of PPE."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Experts question UK self-isolation advice

A group of 25 doctors have written to the Health Secretary , Matt Hancock , because they are concerned about the UK 's current advice on self-isolation for coronavirus .
The guidance says people should stay at home and avoid contact with others for seven days if they develop symptoms .
After that , self-isolation can end - if they feel well and do not have a fever .
But World Health Organization advice says people should self-isolate for 14 days after symptoms have cleared .
And now , Newcastle University public health expert Prof Allyson Pollock and 24 similarly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in support of the UK 's stance .
• What are social distancing and self-isolation rules ?
• Loss of smell and taste may be coronavirus • Coronavirus symptoms 'take five days to show' The Department of Health and Social Care says the recommendations are based on science and expert advice suggesting : • most people will develop symptoms within five days of having contact with the virus • after seven days , the virus is highly unlikely to be passed on to anyone else The UK guidance says a cough may persist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having cleared and does not mean self-isolation should be prolonged .
Although , if symptoms worsen and especially if a person develops shortness of breath or a new fever , they should contact NHS 111 .
The WHO recommendations provide a framework countries then adapt to suit their national circumstances , it adds .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health An official said : `` The government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance is led by science and a world renowned team of clinicians , public health experts and scientists - including epidemiologists - working round the clock to keep us safe . ''
But Prof Pollock and her colleagues say there have been reports of a risk of infection beyond seven days - ranging from 10 to 24 days after symptoms begin .
`` We are also concerned about the narrow spectrum of symptoms the UK is using as an indication for self-isolation , '' they write in their letter to Mr Hancock .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key ones but other common ones may include : '' We are aware that other countries are using a broader range of symptoms for self-isolation , '' they add .

An official said: "The government's response to this virus and all clinical guidance is led by science and a world renowned team of clinicians, public health experts and scientists - including epidemiologists - working round the clock to keep us safe."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Students 'should be able to retake the year'

UK students should be given the option to retake or be reimbursed for this academic year , says the National Union of Students .
The NUS is also calling for a student hardship fund to help those struggling .
The union says a survey of nearly 10,000 student union members shows 81 % are worried about their future job prospects and 95 % are concerned about the impact of Covid-19 on the economy .
The NUS says it fears students are being forgotten during the pandemic .
The survey was completed by 9,872 students across the UK , from all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • 33 % are at critical risk of being unable to access their education • 74 % are worried about the risk to their final qualifications • 95 % expressed fears about the impact of the virus on the wider economy • 81 % said they were concerned about their job prospects • 71 % worry about the impact the pandemic will have on their employability • and up to 85 % of working students may need additional financial support as incomes drop .
The NUS is urging the UK government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for students , saying a £60m national hardship fund should be made available to all students currently in further or higher education .
It calls for an economic package for those who complete their qualifications during the current pandemic , providing access to a grant which can be used for training , reskilling or development .
Earlier this month , the Scottish government announced a £5m package of emergency financial support to help students facing hardship because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The NUS also wants to see the option for `` every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to re-do this year at no further cost , with full maintenance support - while ensuring those returning to education next year receive high-quality education , training and support '' .
It calls for reimbursement of one year 's course , college or tuition fees for students who have paid upfront , or a write-off of one year 's debt for those who have paid through loans .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NUS National President Zamzam Ibrahim said UK students needed a `` safety net '' because the coronavirus outbreak had hit them financially and had affected the quality of their learning .
Ms Ibrahim said : `` Face-to-face teaching and assessments have had to be hurriedly moved online , and placement and other practical activity has had to be cancelled .
`` Students have lacked access to key resources , such as libraries and spaces , disabled students have been left unsupported , and students and staff have been struggling with other demands on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as lockdown restrictions are enforced .
`` The impact of this disruption will not be felt equally , with those on placements and disabled students feeling the impact particularly severely .
`` Students are being forgotten during the Covid-19 pandemic .
We are the future workforce that will have to help to rebuild our economy over the coming years .
`` Students must not be forgotten , '' Ms Ibrahim said .

The NUS also wants to see the option for "every student, in every part of education, to re-do this year at no further cost, with full maintenance support - while ensuring those returning to education next year receive high-quality education, training and support".


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Johnson speaks to Trump as recovery continues

Boris Johnson has spoken on the phone to US President Donald Trump , as his recovery from coronavirus continues .
The prime minister , who is recuperating at his official country residence , is also expected to speak to the Queen by phone this week .
Downing Street said Mr Johnson is currently not doing any formal government work but is receiving updates from senior colleagues .
No 10 said he had thanked Mr Trump for his good wishes whilst he was unwell .
A spokesperson added the pair had discussed UK-US cooperation in the fight against the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` coordinated international response '' .
Earlier No 10 said Mr Johnson has spoken to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who has been deputising for him for the past two weeks , and `` senior members of his team '' .
Downing Street also said Mr Johnson - who spent nearly a week in hospital and three nights in intensive care - was `` continuing his recovery '' at Chequers , his country retreat in Buckinghamshire .
• Boris Johnson : 'It could have gone either way' After he was discharged from hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who received oxygen treatment to help his breathing during his stay - praised NHS staff , saying it `` could have gone either way '' .
His fiancée Carrie Symonds , who is expecting their first child , said she had been through some `` very dark times '' .
The prime minister is not performing any official engagements at the moment and Mr Raab is expected to stand in for him at Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday - the first since the Easter recess .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health The PM last chaired the government 's daily virus briefing on 26 March , testing positive for the virus later that evening .
The PM 's anticipated phone conversation with the Queen would be the first for three weeks , No 10 said .
Their traditional weekly face-to-face meeting has not taken place since early last month .
The Queen , who celebrated her 94th birthday on Tuesday , is currently in residence at Windsor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palace in the middle of March .

The prime minister is not performing any official engagements at the moment and Mr Raab is expected to stand in for him at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday - the first since the Easter recess.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Insurer to give £25 refunds as cars and vans sit idle

One of the UK 's biggest motor insurance companies , Admiral , is giving a £25 refund to customers as cars and vans sit idle in the coronavirus pandemic .
The payment will be paid automatically to anyone with a car or van insurance policy with Admiral on 20 April .
The company said it was a `` thank you '' to customers for staying at home , but also reflected the lower level of claims , benefiting its profits .
Other insurers are under pressure to follow suit .
Some are offering to defer premiums for those struggling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the first one actually providing refunds directly to customers .
The owners of 4.4 million vehicles will receive the payment by the end of May .
Admiral suggested that the refund and the amount it was spending on other support measures were the equivalent for many customers of one month 's worth of their annual premium , but for most young drivers it will be far less than that .
One said the refund accounted for just 1.68 % of his annual bill .
• 'My business could go bust if insurers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay out or explain Insurers have been heavily criticised during the coronavirus crisis for failing to cover small and medium-sized businesses for interruption to their trade .
The industry has responded by saying that many did not have the relevant cover .
Drivers have also been asking why they should be paying for a service that they can not use as expected , namely insurance cover for the regular journeys which have stopped as they follow government guidance to stay at home .
Cristina Nestares , chief executive of UK insurance at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unprecedented time when people across the country are driving significantly less than before the lockdown , and we expect this to lead to a fall in the number of claims we are seeing .
`` We want to give the money we would have used to pay these claims back to our loyal customers in this difficult time . ''
The company would not reveal to BBC News how much of a reduction it has seen in claims .
More to come ?
More insurance companies should do the same , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the consumer organisation Which ?
.
`` Firms that act fairly now may see that they are rewarded in the future , and we encourage all other car insurers to follow Admiral 's lead , '' he said .
The Association of British Insurers ( ABI ) said that pricing and refunds were a matter for individual firms , but insurers were being flexible .
This included giving free cover to key workers unable to use public transport .
He added that by law , vehicles on the road still needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were still using them for essential journeys , such as to the supermarket .
`` Even if you do not drive during lockdown , you will still need to be protected against theft , vandalism and damage , '' an ABI spokesman said .
Mike Powell , car insurance expert at analysts Defaqto , said insurance providers were allowing customers to defer payments , in a similar way to banks with mortgages and utility companies with other bills .
He pointed out that information on how to access support was available on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to be agreed with the provider , rather than simply cancelling payments .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WILL I GET PAID IF I CA N'T WORK ?
Rules on sick pay and wages • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Admiral suggested that the refund and the amount it was spending on other support measures were the equivalent for many customers of one month's worth of their annual premium, but for most young drivers it will be far less than that. One said the refund accounted for just 1.68% of his annual bill.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Islamic State: Rapper Lyricist Jinn arrested by police in Spain

A rapper from London who travelled to Syria to join the Islamic State group has been arrested in Spain .
@ @ @ @ @ , who performed as Lyricist Jinn , travelled to the Middle East in 2013 .
@ @ @ @ @ video of the arrest operation , branding Abdel Bary `` one of Europe 's most @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He was detained alongside two other men found in a rented apartment in @ @ @ @ @ All three men had adapted themselves to the COVID-19 emergency in Spain , after entering @ @ @ @ @ to police there .
The men rarely went out and wore face masks when they @ @ @ @ @ In 2014 , Abdel Bary 's father pleaded guilty in the United States to conspiring @ @ @ @ @ 1998 Al Qaeda bombing of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania .
In a @ @ @ @ @ said the detainee had spent several years in the Syrian-Iraqi conflict zone .
The other @ @ @ @ @ be identified , police said .


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Mumsnet launches subscription plea in 'squeaky-bum time'

Mumsnet , the UK 's biggest parent platform , has launched a subscription service following a steep decline in ad revenue .
The £4.99 monthly fee is not compulsory , and does not yet offer any bonus features , although Mumsnet said it would look at building extra tools .
Founder and CEO Justine Roberts said : `` Frankly , it is squeaky-bum time . ''
She has taken a salary holiday and other staff have volunteered to reduce their hours , she added .
Ms Roberts said there had been `` a great response '' so far to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want people to pay if they could not afford to .
`` We 've seen a number of advertisers pull or postpone their planned activity for obvious reasons and entire sectors put their marketing spend on hold , '' she told the BBC .
`` The bottom line is n't looking quite the way we expected it to a few weeks ago , but given the way the Mumsnet team and community have pulled together , we 're hopeful we will come out the other side in good shape . ''
Ms Roberts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a sustainable and reliable source of funds '' .
The 20-year-old platform is famous for its straight-talking discussion forums and has spawned its own language of initialisms including AIBU ( am I being unreasonable ) , DC ( darling children ) and the brutal relationship advice LTB ( leave the ... you get the gist ) .
Mumsnet 's website says it has about 10 million unique visitors per month and 100 million page views .
It says its page views have gone up `` around 10 % '' during lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ adapt to survive in the current climate .
UK-based Mush was founded in 2016 , and was set up to connect parents by encouraging them to meet up in person - which is currently not possible .
Co-founder Katie Massie-Taylor said the platform is now running a daily Zoom video meeting for members , and charges a £4.99 optional monthly subscription for additional access to experts , which has been taken up by a small percentage of members .
However , funding is proving difficult for the site , which does not carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reduced prior to the pandemic .
`` All conversations are on ice , '' she said .
Meanwhile Peanut , another platform which has a UK presence but says 70 % of its members are in the US , has secured recent fundraising success .
It was founded by Michelle Kennedy , former deputy chief executive of European dating app Badoo .
`` It has been an extraordinarily strange time , things have been very volatile , '' she said .
However , engagement is up by 30 % , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one million users in December 2019 to 1.6 million in April 2020 .
Peanut gives members the option to mute certain key words they wish to avoid .
Ms Kennedy said quite a few had chosen to mute the words coronavirus and Covid19 - although the topic remains very engaging among those who are trying to start or grow a family .
`` Women who have had cancelled IVF or are going through the adoption process and it 's been postponed - they are not muting those key words , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on their decisions . ''

"The bottom line isn't looking quite the way we expected it to a few weeks ago, but given the way the Mumsnet team and community have pulled together, we're hopeful we will come out the other side in good shape."


bbcuk--2020-04-22--Ross Kemp series to celebrate the UK's Covid-19 'volunteer army'

Ross Kemp is to front a new TV series celebrating the efforts of some of the UK 's 750,000 volunteers during the coronavirus crisis .
Britain 's Volunteer Army will see the actor join those helping the vulnerable with everything from shopping to delivering hospital equipment .
The BBC One daytime show is among a raft of new programmes aimed at helping audiences through the lockdown .
New comedy , including a Charlie Booker special , will also come to BBC Two .
And ITV will screen a series of one-off dramas under the Isolation Stories banner , featuring such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Eddie Marsan - and in some cases their families too .
The actors and their families have filmed the scenes themselves in isolation , with directors watching remotely and giving advice about camera positioning , scene composition and lighting .
Smith will star in Mel as a heavily pregnant isolated woman facing childbirth alone , without the married father of her child and without her family , who have given her the cold shoulder .
Smith said : `` I am heavily pregnant and have been isolating at home so I jumped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the massive drama going on all around us right now .
`` I think it 's really important to try and reflect what 's happening to us whilst it is still actually happening . ''
Glenister and his actor son Tom will star in Ron and Russell .
The Hustle and Spooks star will play a man suffering with coronavirus , who is isolated with his son in an increasingly tense home environment .
Marsan will be joined by his sons Blue and Bodie in another instalment , while further episodes will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angela Griffin .
• 8 new TV shows for life on lockdown Other new BBC One shows include Saving Our Nurses , which will shine a light on a mentorship scheme set up by one NHS hospital trust before the coronavirus outbreak .
Another five-part series , Our Finest Hours , will look at how the UK has responded with acts of kindness and resilience to previous times of crisis , such as during World War II , and compare past experience with the impact of Covid-19 .
On BBC Two , Charlie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one-off special edition of his satirical Screenwipe series , looking at the things people are watching and doing to keep themselves occupied .
Meanwhile , Comedians Playing With Themselves will feature Bob Mortimer , Meera Syal and Russell Kane in six 15-minute episodes .
ITV is also reportedly working on a lockdown reboot of its game show Family Fortunes , which was last seen on screens in 2015 .
Instead of being filmed in a studio , cameras will go into the homes of the two competing families , according to Deadline .
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Another five-part series, Our Finest Hours, will look at how the UK has responded with acts of kindness and resilience to previous times of crisis, such as during World War II, and compare past experience with the impact of Covid-19.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Bernadine Evaristo and Hilary Mantel up for Women's Prize for Fiction

The final book in Dame Hilary Mantel 's celebrated trilogy about the life of Thomas Cromwell has been shortlisted for the Women 's Prize for Fiction .
Dame Hilary 's The Mirror & the Light is up against Bernadine Evaristo 's Booker Prize-winning Girl , Woman , Other .
Angie Cruz , Maggie O'Farrell , Natalie Haynes and Jenny Offill are also nominated for the £30,000 prize .
But there is no room for Margaret Atwood 's The Testaments , which shared the 2019 Booker Prize with Evaristo .
• Dominicana by Angie Cruz - explores the immigrant experience through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice her age to enable her family to move to the US • Girl , Woman , Other by Bernardine Evaristo - follows the lives and struggles of 12 mainly black British women across different generations and classes • A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes - the classicist retells the story of the Trojan war from an all-female perspective • The Mirror and the Light by Dame Hilary Mantel - the final book in the trilogy about the rise and fall of Henry VIII 's close advisor • Hamnet by Maggie O ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life of Shakespeare 's only son , who died when he was just 11 • Weather by Jenny Offill - a family drama that brings climate change anxiety to the fore The winner is due to be announced on 9 September at an award ceremony in London .
The ceremony was originally due to take place on 3 June , but has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Baroness Martha Lane Fox , who chaired the judging panel , said : `` We are all living in challenging , sad and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a moment of escape and a point of connection now more than ever . ''
The award is in its 25th year and was formerly known as the Orange Prize and Baileys Prize .
Past winners include Eimear McBride , Ali Smith , Zadie Smith and Andrea Levy .
To be eligible for the 2020 prize , the book must have been written in English by a woman and published in the UK between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020 .
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The winner is due to be announced on 9 September at an award ceremony in London. The ceremony was originally due to take place on 3 June, but has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Capt Tom Moore opens Harrogate NHS Nightingale hospital

The 99-year-old war veteran who raised over £27m for the NHS has opened a new Nightingale hospital in Harrogate .
Captain Tom Moore , who raised money by completing 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday , appeared via video link at the opening on Tuesday .
A virtual ceremony was held to open the 500-bed facility at Harrogate Convention Centre , the first of seven field hospitals built outside a city .
• More news and stories from across Yorkshire Speaking at the opening , Capt Tom said : `` All the doctors and nurses throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnificent job under very difficult conditions .
`` Every day , they 're putting themselves in harm 's way and they 're doing it with a determination that only we can do .
`` We must all say 'thank you very much to the national health service , ' all of you , everyone throughout the whole system , who are doing such a magnificent job . ''
The veteran , who was born in Keighley , West Yorkshire , originally aimed to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together however his feat captured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russell , chief executive of the new hospital in Harrogate , said that Capt Moore had `` inspired millions around the world '' .
He said his motto , `` tomorrow will be a good day , '' had `` given hope to those struggling with social distancing and served as a reminder that we can all overcome any challenge if we 're united together '' .
The opening was conducted by video link in line with social distancing policies .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` It 's an honour to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Captain Tom Moore .
`` During this worrying and difficult time for our whole country his phenomenal achievement has reminded us of our common bonds and served to further unite us . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise More than 600 people worked to get the Harrogate hospital ready including members of the Armed Forces .
Major David Mortimer , military liaison officer for the hospital , said : `` I 've been really proud and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had working here .
`` It 's been really empowering to try and find a solution to this crisis while there 's so much suffering going on . ''
The hospital is expected to provide extra beds for coronavirus patients , if they are needed by local health services .
Amanda Stanford , chief nurse at the hospital , said they were ready to take `` patients who require ventilation '' .
She said : `` Our aim is to make sure that patients coming here are cared for in the same way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical care facility .
Nightingale hospitals have been announced for London , Birmingham , Manchester , Harrogate , Bristol , Cardiff , Glasgow and Belfast .
NHS England said it had also freed up more than 33,000 beds around the country , the equivalent of 50 new hospitals .
A deal has also been struck with the independent hospital sector to provide 8,000 extra beds , as well as staff and equipment , it added .
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"We must all say 'thank you very much to the national health service,' all of you, everyone throughout the whole system, who are doing such a magnificent job."


bbcuk--2020-04-21--'Nobody told us about the coronavirus pandemic'

In 2017 , Elena Manighetti and Ryan Osborne decided to take the plunge many dream of - they quit their jobs , bought a boat and decided to travel around the world .
They asked their families to keep in touch , but with one rule : no bad news .
The couple , who lived in Manchester , were travelling across the Atlantic ocean from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean last month when , unbeknownst to them , a new and deadly coronavirus was spreading across the world .
After 25 days at sea , and with little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple planned to dock on a small island in mid-March .
But upon getting phone signal while still off-shore , they discovered the island 's borders were closed and found out the world had been suffering from a global pandemic they 'd heard nothing about .
`` In February we 'd heard there was a virus in China , but with the limited information we had we figured by the time we got to the Caribbean in 25 days it would all be over , '' Elena says .
`` When we arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole world had been infected , '' adds Ryan .
The couple had mostly been out at sea when the coronavirus outbreak began .
With limited access to the internet and contact from family and friends , the pair had no idea how serious it had become .
`` We told our shore contacts we did n't want to hear any bad news , which was a difficult job as it was pretty bad news , '' says Elena , whose family is from Lombardy - the worst-hit region in Italy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the French territories in the Caribbean but when we arrived we found all the borders were closed and the islands were closing down , '' Ryan says .
`` Even at that point we assumed it was a preventative measure due to the high season .
We thought the islands did n't want to run the risk of a few tourists infecting the locals . ''
Back on their boat , the couple diverted their travel to Grenada and finally hit an area out at sea where their 4G was good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was at that point they started to understand the magnitude of the virus .
`` A friend of ours was already in Saint Vincent , which is where we were aiming to head .
We managed to get in contact with her 10 hours before we were due to dock .
`` She told us we were going to be refused entry as I 'm an Italian citizen , even though I had n't been to Italy in months , '' Elena says .
Luckily , the couple had been tracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They were able to prove their travel history , which showed that not only had they not been to Italy in months , they had also been in isolation for 25 days at sea .
They were finally able to stand on dry land .
'Dad told me not to panic' Both Elena and Ryan have found it difficult to hear how the pandemic has affected their families .
`` My hometown is in the Italian region of Lombardy which has been one of the worst affected in the world , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't realised how it had affected our families until we docked and I managed to call my dad .
`` It was a hard conversation .
He told me to not panic but our town had been one of the worst affected areas globally .
He sent me a New York Times profile on our hometown , which made it all feel suddenly real .
I was shocked .
`` It 's a very macabre picture at home , there are no more coffins , no more cemetery space or room in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home and have been in lockdown for over six weeks , but people we 've known for years have died . ''
At the moment Elena and Ryan are safe in Bequia , Saint Vincent , but are worried about how long they 'll be able to stay there .
`` We do n't want to leave Saint Vincent for now as nowhere is open , '' says Elena .
`` We 're sitting tight for the time being with the aim of getting out before hurricane season starts at the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to then travel north and continue exploring the Caribbean .
But for now things look uncertain , she says , adding : `` We 're sandwiched between the hurricane season and the virus . ''

They were able to prove their travel history, which showed that not only had they not been to Italy in months, they had also been in isolation for 25 days at sea. They were finally able to stand on dry land.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Evening update as human vaccine trials to start this week

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Tuesday evening .
We 'll have another update on Wednesday morning .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , giving the daily briefing at Downing Street , has revealed that a potential coronavirus vaccine being developed by Oxford University will be trialled in people from Thursday .
`` The upside of being the first country in the world to develop a successful vaccine is so huge that I am throwing everything at it , '' he said .
It comes as the number of hospital deaths from coronavirus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17,337 people .
New figures from the Office for National Statistics show deaths in England and Wales have hit a 20-year high , but experts also believe virus deaths could well have peaked .
There were about 8,000 more deaths in the week up to 10 April than is normal at this time of year .
But separate analysis by NHS England is being highlighted by experts which showed the number of deaths in hospitals has been falling since 8 April .
Capt Tom Moore , the 99-year-old war veteran who has raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has appeared via video link to open a new Nightingale hospital in Harrogate .
Social distancing rules meant a virtual ceremony had to be held for the opening of the 500-bed facility at Harrogate Convention Centre , which was converted into a hospital in less than three weeks .
Born eight weeks early and weighing just 3lbs 5oz ( 1.5kg ) , Peyton Maguire was diagnosed with Covid-19 at just three weeks old .
`` I think the doctor was trying to keep me calm but I was sobbing , '' her mum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peyton was given steroids to help strengthen her lungs and received `` amazing '' care from neonatal nurses in hospital .
Fortunately she has now recovered , with mum and baby leaving hospital on Monday .
5 .
'Nobody told us about the pandemic' Imagine you 've been sailing around the world , blissfully unaware of the global pandemic changing our lives .
That 's what happened to Elena Manighetti and Ryan Osborne , who asked their loved ones to keep in touch - but not to share bad news .
So after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dock on a small Caribbean island in mid-March .
There , they found all the island 's borders were closed and discovered the world had been suffering from a pandemic they 'd heard nothing about .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
You can find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page .
Here 's some advice on the rules concerning self-isolation and exercise during the pandemic .
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock, giving the daily briefing at Downing Street, has revealed that a potential coronavirus vaccine being developed by Oxford University will be trialled in people from Thursday. "The upside of being the first country in the world to develop a successful vaccine is so huge that I am throwing everything at it," he said. It comes as the number of hospital deaths from coronavirus in the UK has risen by 823 to 17,337 people.


bbcuk--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Cheshire businessman's anger as PPE offer 'ignored'

A businessman has been left angry after his offer of 450 visors a day to the NHS has apparently been ignored .
Paul Dodd says he has spent £8,000 on materials and wages for the work but after four weeks has been forced to stop .
Mr Dodd , owner of Weaver Dane and Trade in Cheshire , said : `` I knew there was a risk buying materials but I thought I was doing the right thing by helping . ''
The government said it was `` rapidly working through 8,000 offers '' .
NHS workers are concerned about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider reusing some equipment .
Mr Dodd , who said he had already donated 2,300 visors to local hospitals as part of a separate crowdfunding project , said he made the offer to manufacture visors on the government 's website .
He employs nine people and said he had sourced the necessary materials for the work before they sold out and started work on a further 1,300 visors which are stockpiled and ready to go .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How to look after your mental health He spoke of his `` frustration '' and `` disbelief '' , adding : `` I 've heard heartbreaking stories , with [ NHS staff ] in tears . ''
After setting up a Facebook page publicising his efforts , Mr Dodd said he was contacted individually by a surgeon , who asked for 75 visors .
The surgeon said he was not prepared to go to work without them , and later emailed to thank him , saying he had carried out a `` cardiac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , Mr Dodd explained .
Mr Dodd said he had adhered to government standards in the production of the visors but there was `` too much red tape '' and people were `` passing the buck '' .
The Cabinet Office said in a statement : `` We are incredibly grateful for over 8,000 offers of support from suppliers as part of the national effort to ensure appropriate PPE is reaching the front line .
`` We are working rapidly to get through these offers , ensuring they meet the safety and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care workers need , and prioritising offers of larger volumes . ''
A spokesperson added it had already engaged with over 1,000 companies and was currently working with 159 potential UK manufacturers .

He employs nine people and said he had sourced the necessary materials for the work before they sold out and started work on a further 1,300 visors which are stockpiled and ready to go.