bbcuk--2020-07-02--Coronavirus grief: 'Lockdown makes a bizarre situation ten times worse'

`` Every time my phone rings , I still think it 's her , '' says Sarah Bredin-Kemp .
Three months ago her friend Rebecca Mack died with suspected coronavirus , aged just 29 .
Since then Sarah 's had to mourn Rebecca in lockdown .
`` It 's a really , really bizarre feeling of being a bit lost , maybe emotionally stuck , '' Sarah , who 's 27 , tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
While coronavirus is much more likely to seriously affect older people , young people have died with the illness in the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed away unexpectedly .
And it 's 16 to 29-year-olds who 're least comfortable talking about death , according to a survey from The Co-op Funeral Care .
Sarah 's friend Rebecca was a nurse and had been working for the NHS 111 service for the East Midlands .
In April she began self-isolating at home , where she lived alone , with what she believed were coronavirus symptoms .
Sarah and Alice , another of Rebecca 's close friends , had no idea Rebecca was at risk of dying .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sarah says , `` but she 'd been getting better and was n't complaining an awful lot .
You could n't possibly have anticipated she would n't survive . ''
The friends used to meet each week for coffee - but with those little rituals being impossible during lockdown , the shock of Rebecca 's death has been harder to absorb .
`` Part of grief for me , is that it hits you most when you ca n't do that thing you did with that person , '' says Alice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends again , going to the pub , going for cocktails , I think that 's going to be when it really hits . ''
The pandemic also meant Sarah and Alice could n't be at their friend 's funeral .
`` There 's something big to be said here about how important funerals actually are , '' Sarah says .
`` We 've both discussed how traumatic it is to lose somebody so close and then only be able to stand on the street and watch the hearse go by .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under lockdown has made what is a very , very bizarre and unnatural situation just 10 times worse , '' adds Alice .
'It 's the club you never really want to join' This idea of lockdown making things worse is backed up by Rachel Wilson , founder of The Grief Network - which provides a community for young people grieving .
`` You need your family and friends , you need counselling or exercise or whatever it is - and having so many of those things blunted and moved online is really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has seen more requests for support from her network - even though Rachel says `` it 's the club you never really want to join '' .
`` Nothing beats someone sitting there and being fully heard and fully seen . ''
Zain Siddiqui , 29 , was devastated to lose his father Haji in April .
`` You 're trying to make sense of how someone fit and healthy can be gone within seven days .
It just does n't make sense . ''
His father , a florist from Birmingham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambulance when he was taken to hospital with coronavirus symptoms .
Zain decided to follow social distancing rules and did n't hug him goodbye .
`` I thought , 'No , he 's going to be ok , he 's gon na come back home and I 'm going to give him a hug then ' .
`` I think I 'll regret that forever , because that was the last time I could have hugged him . ''
Zain says his dad was the `` backbone '' of the family , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to step up .
`` I think I took it upon myself to be a sponge .
Being a sponge is not the easiest - punches do become heavy , and you kind of almost forget your own grieving process . ''
`` At times I think I 'm now having to reflect on those moments and say , 'Hold on a second , I need to give some time to myself , I need to look after my own mental health .
I need to be in a fit state to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' '' He says his Muslim faith has helped him find more peace by taking a spiritual approach .
`` At times the anger and denial builds up , but then you think , these things are predestined .
You just accept it .
I would n't say move on .
Because you will never move on .
`` It 's OK to cry .
I think at times there is a stigma around that but it 's OK not to be OK. '' Zain has just gone back to work in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is constantly reminded of Covid .
But he 's found it comforting to talk to colleagues about his dad - especially those who 've also lost parents .
`` I was able to relate to them more , because at times you think that other people do n't really know what you are going through because they have both parents . ''
Gabby also lost her dad David to coronavirus - something she never expected when he went into hospital in April for a routine blood transfusion .
`` He had to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ward he did say there was a man coughing .
`` We were taking the mick out of him and saying , 'Dad , it 's just somebody coughing , do n't be silly . '
We never thought he 'd get coronavirus at all . ''
Then her dad had a test .
`` On the Saturday it came back as a positive but even so I said , 'Dad , you 're gon na fight it ' .
And then on the Monday he passed away . ''
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start to move on with their own lives , that actually the reason why we 're all in lockdown is because people are passing away .
`` It 's such a unique situation that perhaps most counsellors do n't even understand the grief in lockdown because you ca n't do a lot of the grieving techniques in these times .
`` Covid grief is so different . ''
Beth French is 25 and founded Let 's Talk About Loss , which runs meet-up groups for people aged 18 to 35 who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus can be difficult for people who are grieving .
`` The way the media reports [ coronavirus ] is sharing statistics of how many people have died and I think the humanity of death has been completely ripped away and your grief has been reduced to just being one of many and becoming a statistic . ''
Let 's Talk About Loss is running virtual meetings but Beth also suggests a number of podcasts to check out .
`` I 'd really recommend The Grief Gang and the Dead Parent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of doing something active to memorialise someone - he is thinking of paragliding which is something his father enjoyed .
`` Do something for them , do n't just remember them .
Set up a charity or some sort of gift on their behalf . ''
But he adds there is no best way to grieve .
`` I think as long as people can come out on the right side of things , there is no right or wrong answer . ''
If you have been affected by any of the issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Line is a good place to start looking for help .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"At times I think I'm now having to reflect on those moments and say, 'Hold on a second, I need to give some time to myself, I need to look after my own mental health. I need to be in a fit state to be able to help everyone else.'"


bbcuk--2020-07-01--Coronavirus: The children doing sports day in lockdown

The traditional school sports day has been one of the casualties of the changes schools have had to introduce to cope with the coronavirus pandemic .
But , from a sack race in a pillow case to toilet roll jumping , children and teachers have been adapting sports day traditions to celebrate what would for many be the highlight of the school calendar .
There has been a `` massive disruption '' to children 's activity levels - before the virus , on average almost 47 % of children were active for 60 minutes a day , which has fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Sport England .
`` It is important to help our children get active , '' said Mr Diaper , the organisation 's executive director of children and young people .
`` It will help them deal with the stresses and strains of these difficult days . ''
He said it had been great to see schools running virtual sports days to encourage children to remain active .
Youth Sport Trust , which organised a National School Sport Week at Home in June , said : `` We wanted to ensure young people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get from school sports days and that sports days do not get cancelled completely this year . ''
So what have pupils been up to while abiding by lockdown rules ?
PE teachers in Blackburn have been setting the students a `` beat the teacher '' challenge each day for the pupils to do at home .
The students then send in their scores to compare to the teachers ' results .
Hollie Southward , one of the PE teachers , said they were activities suited for the home .
Noah in year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see how many bounces he could do over a broom in 30 seconds and also competed in an obstacle course .
Priestley Smith School in Birmingham , a specialist school for vision impaired pupils , got children to try tea bag throwing and teachers read a sport-themed bed time story to pupils , explained Chloe Manley .
Some pupils have not been back at school for weeks so it was an ideal opportunity to engage with the children at school and at home , added Mrs Manley .
The PE lead at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said a sports week helped the children at home `` connect with us at school '' .
When they told the children about the plans `` the excitement was unbelievable '' , said James Ross from Cornwall .
Children at school and home competed in similar activities with those taking part in school all having separate PE equipment bags to keep them safe .
In Kent , a reception class has been practicing a socially distanced egg and spoon race ahead of a full school sports event .
Pupils at Valley Invicta Primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their house before the winner is announced at the end of the week .
The sports day activities have been designed to abide by social distancing rules .
Pupils in Edinburgh have been trying home high jumping with toilets rolls and tennis ball and spoon races .
`` We ensured that all events could be completed in any space that families had available and that any items of equipment needed were easily found in any house , '' explained PE and sport director Mike Leonard , from George Watson 's College .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ school mascot , Rex , for the pupils to try at home , aiming to make the day as inclusive and fun as possible .
Teachers in Cornwall have been preparing challenges for their students to try at home , such as toilet roll keepy uppies and tea bag throwing .
PE director at Mounts Bay Academy , Ian Veal , said they were avoiding traditional sports day activities to `` hopefully include all pupils '' and not exclude any without equipment at home .
After all the tutor groups have completed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will add up the scores and announce the winners .
In Sheffield , Tajman had `` great fun '' taking part in her first sports day , including doing an obstacle course in the garden .
The four-year-old 's father said they had been `` keeping her active '' during lockdown with lots of different activities outside .
Girls High School Sheffield asked its pupils to carry out five different activities .
Head of PE Steve Wareham said : `` As soon as we knew sports day was going to be missed this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keen to try and do something . ''
The staff at Chelmer Valley High School in Essex made sure all the activities could be done individually and easily at home , such as speed bouncing , sock throwing and chair squatting .

The traditional school sports day has been one of the casualties of the changes schools have had to introduce to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. But, from a sack race in a pillow case to toilet roll jumping, children and teachers have been adapting sports day traditions to celebrate what would for many be the highlight of the school calendar.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Leicester lockdown: Oadby 'guilty by association'

Leicester has become the first place in the UK to be put under a local coronavirus lockdown .
Attention has mostly been focused on the city itself , but what of the suburbs on its fringes ?
Oadby , a town to the south east of Leicester , has come into closer proximity with the city due to the steady expansion of both and is included in the lockdown area .
Do Oadby 's residents feel this is justified ?
Are they optimistic about the future ?
Do they feel part of the city or look to the county ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ S and J Fruit and Veg , with a stall the town 's market , said : `` When I heard the news I thought 'Oh no , not again ' .
`` But I think they need to lock down the whole of Leicestershire properly .
The problem is the government is playing about with everyone .
`` They 're saying to people in Oadby , you stay in but to people in Stoughton ( a village about two miles away ) , you go and get a haircut and a pint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to do ?
Because Mavis in Oadby is going to just go to Stoughton to have her beer and get her hair done . ''
Former local council leader Michael Griffiths , 72 , said : `` I think it 's sensible but shows the whole country should have been left for another two or three weeks .
`` I understand Oadby has n't had a major problem but it 's guilty by association , '' said Mr Griffiths , an Oadby resident since he was 15 .
`` I was surprised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included but thinking about it , we are pretty close to the city .
`` I can see why it needs to be done . ''
Hassan Ali , is general manager of Tipu Sultan , a restaurant in the town .
He said : `` We were excited to reopen on Saturday ; everyone wants some freedom .
We were 100 % sure we definitely would and were about 70 % of the way through preparations .
`` We thought it would just be Leicester so when he said Oadby that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we heard the news , it was a bit of a blow ; when you 're that close to something there 's a bit of frustration when it 's cancelled .
`` But we have to do it .
Health and safety is the most important thing . ''
Michelle Zviuya , a 30-year-old healthcare assistant at Leicester Royal Infirmary , had been hoping Oadby would not be included .
`` It 's not that I was dying for a pint , '' she said .
`` But I was meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one who I 've not seen since November .
But she 's on the other side of the boundary .
`` I did n't think it would be here too ; they need to show us the figures for the area instead of just the whole of Leicester .
`` But it is what it is .
It 's only two weeks . ''
Another resident , 31-year-old Rupen Popat , said he had thought it was `` inevitable '' they would be on lockdown if Leicester was too , as people like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city for work .
However , he said it felt a bit odd his barber was opening just a 30-minute drive away but he was not allowed to visit .
He said : `` I understand people 's frustrations - I ca n't wait for the pub either - but if it 's needed it 's needed . ''
Mary Jackson , 70 ( not photographed ) , has been shielding and believes it was the right thing to do .
She said : `` I 'm frightened to go out .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't know how I can go back to how it was .
`` I think it 's fair what they 're doing , but I suppose it 's a bit mean for the people who can go out .
It 's a difficult one . ''
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• JOBS : Can my boss force me to go to work ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
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Another resident, 31-year-old Rupen Popat, said he had thought it was "inevitable" they would be on lockdown if Leicester was too, as people like him travel in and out of the city for work. However, he said it felt a bit odd his barber was opening just a 30-minute drive away but he was not allowed to visit.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Russia report: Intelligence committee faces credibility challenge

Parliament 's Intelligence and Security Committee faces a serious challenge in ensuring its credibility , after an unprecedented wait for its formation along with the delay in publishing its Russia report .
That has raised concerns that it could set-back oversight in the UK after an often-troubled journey over the quarter of a century since the committee was first created in 1994 .
Questions about its effectiveness have hovered around it thanks to questions over its membership and its ability to prise real accountability out of an often-reluctant secret state .
The delay since the 2019 election in creating a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has raised questions about whether the government is seeking to create a more pliant body .
The issue of membership had been problematic in the past .
One person who has sat on the committee describes membership as often having been treated as a form of `` occupational therapy '' for ex-ministers from both Labour and Conservative governments , a way of giving them something to do and easing the blow of losing office .
In the past , that fed into a sense the ISC was a group of the great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - including trusted not to be too difficult .
The committee had a particularly difficult period in the 2000s .
It looked at the evidence behind the claim Iraq had weapons of mass destruction .
But its report was thin and it took the Butler Inquiry to provide real answers .
A similar problem came with a report into the 7 July 2005 attacks and whether MI5 had missed opportunities to stop it .
The committee had not seen crucial evidence and had to go back and try again .
But the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British intelligence in US rendition and torture of terrorist suspects .
The ISC 's initial inquiries failed abjectly to get to the bottom of events .
Most embarrassingly , it did not even appear to know of one major case involving MI6 and Libya until the fall of Gaddafi led to files revealing the operation being unearthed .
This was not all the ISC 's fault .
It came about because MI6 failed to disclose the details when asked what it knew .
But it spoke to a criticism that the committee lacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies wanted it to see .
The issue proved to be a tipping point .
In order to address the credibility gap , the ISC was given new powers in a 2013 act which beefed up its powers and remit .
After that , it began to improve its reputation and credibility with a series of tougher reports .
Now there are fears that the oversight the system relies on is simply not there .
`` It was a fundamental part of the deal when the intelligence agencies got more intrusive powers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament got stronger powers of oversight , '' Lord Peter Ricketts who was National Security Adviser between 2010 and 2012 told the BBC .
`` That 's how we preserve the balance between liberty and security .
But the deal falls apart if the government drag their feet on setting up the ISC to exercise that oversight . ''
In the past five years , there has been friction with both the government and the intelligence agencies , including over calling witnesses on torture , but a degree of friction is what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oversight ( and is still nothing like the tension the US Senate 's oversight committee had with the CIA over torture ) .
The intelligence agencies occasionally complain about its work but most on the inside also recognise the value of at least a perception of rigorous oversight .
Most of the friction has not been with the spy agencies but with the Cabinet Office and Downing Street .
The ISC is supposed to have a formal meeting with the prime minister once a year in the Cabinet Room when its annual report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the PM has taken place since 2015 , those who have served on the committee say .
Unlike other select committees , the ISC reports directly to the prime minister and that has created particular tension since it gives Downing Street some sway over what is censored in any report on grounds of national security and over the timing of any release .
In the case of the Russia Report that has proved particularly controversial .
The report was commissioned amid concerns of Russian interference in UK political life and was supposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The report was completed in March 2019 and an agreed text was sent to the prime minister .
But then nothing happened .
Then-chairman Dominic Grieve said there was no reason the report could not have been released before the December general election and a date was identified in late October .
But the report never saw the light of day .
The failure to do so raised questions as to whether it was because the report contained details that could be embarrassing to the Conservative Party , such as donations from Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be mildly embarrassing rather than explosive .
Other observers wonder if the delay was more due to a fit of pique from Downing Street against Dominic Grieve who had the Conservative whip withdrawn over his opposition to Brexit .
Boris Johnson 's top adviser Dominic Cummings was said to be in an `` incandescent rage '' at Mr Grieve with Downing Street turning the report 's release into a trial of strength , with one person on the inside describing the story of the delay as `` The Tale of Two Dominics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formed , the report could be out of date .
Many of the evidence sessions took place a year and a half ago .
In theory the new committee could start again , hold new hearings to update the report , edit the existing text or even junk it altogether .
But the latter option may cause an even greater outcry than the long delay .
The issue of when the report comes out and in what form will now be a key test of credibility .
But it is not likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see whether it can provide parliament and the public that there is real oversight over the UK 's spies .

In the past five years, there has been friction with both the government and the intelligence agencies, including over calling witnesses on torture, but a degree of friction is what you would expect from robust rather than cosy oversight (and is still nothing like the tension the US Senate's oversight committee had with the CIA over torture).


bbcuk--2020-07-02--The secret phone system broken up by National Crime Agency

The National Crime Agency has penetrated a top secret communication system used by organised criminals .
Detective Sergeant John Cowell @ @ @ @ @ to the BBC 's Tom Symonds how the Encrochat operating system is hidden and accessed @ @ @ @ @ .
The NCA has described the operation as the `` biggest and most significant law @ @ @ @ @ the UK '' .

The National Crime Agency has penetrated a top secret communication system used by organised criminals.
Detective Sergeant John Cowell from the Metropolitan Police explained to the BBC's Tom Symonds how the Encrochat operating system is hidden and accessed on a seemingly normal smartphone.
The NCA has described the operation as the "biggest and most significant law enforcement operation carried out in the UK".
Read more: Hundreds arrested as crime comms system cracked


bbcuk--2020-07-01--999 Cenotaph: Planned Emergency Services Memorial updated to include PPE

A planned sculpture to celebrate emergency workers has been adapted to reflect the current coronavirus crisis .
The medic on @ @ @ @ @ will now be wearing PPE .
It is set for central London in 2023 - @ @ @ @ @ can be raised .
The BBC 's Daniela Relph has been to meet the artist @ @ @ @

A planned sculpture to celebrate emergency workers has been adapted to reflect the current coronavirus crisis.
The medic on the six-figure Emergency Services Memorial will now be wearing PPE.
It is set for central London in 2023 - provided the £3 million needed can be raised.
The BBC's Daniela Relph has been to meet the artist behind the work.


bbcuk--2020-07-01--Rise in LGBT people seeking suicide prevention during lockdown

There has been a significant rise during lockdown in the UK in the number of LGBT people seeking suicide-prevention support @ @ @ @ @ BBC .
Read more : Suicide fears soar in LGBT community in lockdown If you @ @ @ @ @ help and support is available : BBC Action Line .

There has been a significant rise during lockdown in the UK in the number of LGBT people seeking suicide-prevention support, charities have told the BBC.
LGBT correspondent Ben Hunte reports.
Read more: Suicide fears soar in LGBT community in lockdown
If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available: BBC Action Line.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Newspaper headlines: Hong Kong law and 'lost NHS heroes'

`` Crowds defy crackdown '' is the caption on the Guardian 's front page photo of a demonstrator being arrested - his T-shirt emblazoned with the word `` courage '' - during Wednesday 's protests in Hong Kong .
Images of tear gas , batons and armed police feature heavily across many of the front pages .
`` Escape to the UK '' is the caption for the i 's coverage as it details the British government 's offer of citizenship to up to three million residents .
Eunice Wong , who has just finished a masters degree at Imperial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking advantage of the offer as this week 's events have made her decision for her : `` It 's the only option .
I do n't think I can go back home now .
I will be persecuted . ''
Writing in the Daily Telegraph , the former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind warns China 's President Xi Jinping risks inheriting an obedient but `` wasteland '' Hong Kong , with all its best and brightest citizens and businesses emigrated elsewhere .
Many papers mull the prospect of more Leicester-style local pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're 'just days away ' from further lockdowns '' is the Metro 's headline - the accompanying picture : people testing a ride at Alton Towers to ensure it can operate in a socially-distanced way .
The paper says the government has been accused of `` burying '' data on infection rates in Leicester by initially publishing results only for tests done in hospitals .
The Sun provides a map charting the `` top 10 '' places with the next highest infection rates to Leicester .
Bradford , Barnsley and Rochdale top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - or , as the Daily Mail puts it , the `` Corona Cull '' - also dominate .
The paper says experts are predicting unemployment could hit 10 % as redundancies pick up speed ahead of the government 's deadline to pare back furlough on 1 August .
The Guardian says fears are growing for UK High Streets .
It reports that the latest announcements from retailers bring the total job losses announced this week to more than 10,000 .
That bleak figure , it says , coincides with new statistics showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first six months of this year than failed in the whole of 2019 .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox '' Just two cases of Covid could close schools '' is the front page claim of the Daily Telegraph , which says it has seen government guidance to be published later on school reopenings in England .
The paper says heads will be told to upgrade online learning just in case .
The Times also previews the guidance , suggesting Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will call on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resume home-learning in the event of a local lockdown .
The Daily Mail quotes a cabinet source saying ministers are determined schools will reopen in September `` come what may '' and that they are braced for a battle with unions if necessary .
Under the headline `` Our Lost Heroes '' the Mirror devotes a striking front page to 182 individual photos of people who have died while working in health or social care during the pandemic .
`` We remember their sacrifice '' the paper says , ahead of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday to mark the 72nd anniversary of the creation of the NHS .
• FOOD REVOLUTION : Is the way we produce and buy food set to change for good ?

"Hold on tight! We're 'just days away' from further lockdowns" is the Metro's headline - the accompanying picture: people testing a ride at Alton Towers to ensure it can operate in a socially-distanced way. The paper says the government has been accused of "burying" data on infection rates in Leicester by initially publishing results only for tests done in hospitals.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Bobby Storey funeral: Michelle O'Neill 'will not step aside'

Michelle O'Neill will not step aside as deputy first minister `` under any circumstances '' following the funeral of Bobby Storey , Sinn Féin has said .
It comes after DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson called on her to `` step aside '' while police investigate if there were social distancing breaches .
Sinn Féin said the funeral on Tuesday was organised in accordance with the `` grieving family 's wishes '' .
Ms O'Neill said her actions were in line with social distancing .
She also accused her critics of political point-scoring .
`` The organisers did everything they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it was not for the plan that organisers put in place with the PSNI to limit numbers then there would have been even bigger numbers in attendance , '' a Sinn Féin spokesperson added .
Current coronavirus regulations state a maximum of 30 people are allowed to gather together outdoors .
About 120 mourners were inside St Agnes 's Church in Belfast for Mr Storey 's funeral , BBC News NI understands .
Sir Jeffrey told The Nolan Show on BBC Radio Ulster that he did not want Stormont to collapse again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the funeral sent out a `` bad message '' .
He also said First Minister Arlene Foster had written to Ms O'Neill .
Previously , we had a situation where First Minister Arlene Foster was holding the line by asking Michelle O'Neill to only apologise for her attendance at the funeral of republican Bobby Storey - but things have drastically moved on .
It now appears Mrs Foster can no longer hold that line and things have moved politically up a notch , which has resulted in the joint press conference this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this pandemic Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill have stood side-by-side , putting their differences away and working together for the common good in the battle against coronavirus .
That image of both the first minister and deputy first minister standing together was how the executive approached their joint public health message .
The Sinn Féin vice president has accused her critics of political point-scoring and said her actions were in line with social distancing .
It seems unlikely Michelle O'Neill will step aside or temporarily step aside , which was suggested by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Féin decide on some form of contrition ?
`` We will also be asking the PSNI to specifically investigate any potential regulatory breaches by executive ministers , including the deputy first minister . ''
Mr Donaldson said Ms O'Neill `` failed to realise the public mood on this and the deep concern that people are taking this personally '' .
`` I think now is the time to step up and demonstrate respect , integrity and that much talked of word , equality , '' he said .
`` That means equality for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on these matters is clear .
What happened at that funeral has sent out a very bad message to the people of Northern Ireland . ''
The DUP has called for a meeting of party leaders at Stormont .
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood also told the programme that Ms O'Neill should `` absolutely step aside '' following the funeral of republican Bobby Storey .
Mr Eastwood said Sinn Féin was `` putting themselves ahead of the people '' .
`` People buried children during this ( lockdown ) and were n't able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` I think it is reprehensible , '' he added .
The political fallout from Bobby Storey 's funeral is likely to dominate an executive meeting about lockdown-easing measures later .
All of the other parties which make up Northern Ireland 's devolved government along with Sinn Féin - the DUP , UUP , SDLP and Alliance - have now called on the deputy first minister to step aside or to resign .
Speaking on BBC NI 's Good Morning Ulster programme , UUP MLA Doug Beattie said the deputy first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she thinks she adhered to the advice she has given '' .
`` The images show the absolute opposite , she did not adhere to the advice she told the rest of the public to adhere to and many people did adhere to , '' he said .
Mr Beattie said Ms O'Neill has `` lost credibility , integrity , and she 's lost moral authority '' .
On Wednesday , Mrs Foster called on Ms O'Neill to apologise for her attendance at the funeral .
Mrs Foster said : `` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some people to whom the law does n't apply and that indeed there are some politicians who are saying : 'Do as I say but not as I do . '
'' Mr Storey was considered the head of intelligence of the IRA for a period from the mid-1990s .
The deputy first minister , who attended the funeral with other senior Sinn Féin figures - including its leader , Mary Lou McDonald , and former leader Gerry Adams - said she was `` satisfied that my actions are within the regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is unfortunate that a lot of the charges being levelled towards me are political point-scoring , as opposed to actually being about the rules , '' she said .
Tuesday 's funeral was the latest in a number of events that have been criticised for attracting crowds during the Covid-19 pandemic .
In May , a senior police officer said there had been social-distancing breaches at funerals in both the unionist and nationalist communities .
Earlier in June , protestors at Black Lives Matter rallies in Belfast and Londonderry were fined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a `` save our statues '' rally at Belfast City Hall .

"The organisers did everything they could to ensure regulations were met and if it was not for the plan that organisers put in place with the PSNI to limit numbers then there would have been even bigger numbers in attendance," a Sinn Féin spokesperson added.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Coronavirus: 1,730 Airbus jobs to go at Broughton and Filton

A total of 1,730 jobs will be cut at two of aerospace giant Airbus 's UK factories , the company has confirmed .
It is part of plans to axe 15,000 jobs worldwide in response to the hit it has taken during the coronavirus pandemic .
Llyr Gruffydd , North Wales Member of the Senedd , said it was `` gut-wrenching '' that 1,435 jobs were being cut in Broughton , Flintshire .
A further 295 jobs will go in Filton , Bristol .
Previously , the company said the jobs would go by summer 2021 .
Airbus hopes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff retiring early .
It said in a statement : `` This split reflects the significant impact the Covid crisis has had on the UK 's commercial aircraft manufacturing activities , which are concentrated in Broughton .
`` Airbus will continue to meet regularly with its trade union partners in the UK in order to identify solutions that will help us implement this adaptation while minimising the social impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the company . ''
The cuts in Broughton represent almost a quarter of the 6,080 workforce .
Filton currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described it as `` another act of industrial vandalism '' against the UK aerospace sector .
Some 134,000 people work for Airbus worldwide , with about 10 % of them in the UK .
The factory in Broughton makes wings for the Airbus A380 - the world 's largest passenger plane .
The Filton site is responsible for wing assembly and equipping the Airbus A400M , a military transport plane .
On Wednesday , Mr Gruffydd said workers had told him they expected to potentially lose 1,100 jobs in north Wales .
Airbus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for every one at the firm , he said .
`` We are talking about 25,000 dependent on Airbus in Broughton for their work . ''
In April , the company warned it was `` bleeding cash at an unprecedented speed '' as it struggled with the effects of the coronavirus crisis .
It said on Tuesday that production had dropped by 40 % in recent months and it did not expect air traffic to get back to pre-pandemic levels until 2023 at the earliest .

Paul McKinlay, head of major component told BBC Wales: "If we didn't act, the viability and future of Airbus would be at stake. It's set at the right level, we believe, for when - we really hope - that recovery starts to come in two to three years, that we're ready for that brighter future."


bbcuk--2020-07-03--Coronavirus: England to scrap quarantine for arrivals from 'low risk' countries

People arriving in England from countries including France , Spain , Germany and Italy will no longer need to quarantine from 10 July , the government has confirmed .
Currently , most passengers arriving into the UK have to self-isolate for two weeks under Covid-19 measures .
A full list of exempt countries will be published on Friday .
The government said this would cover destinations which pose `` a reduced risk '' from coronavirus .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will also set out a number of destinations which will be exempt from its advice against all non-essential international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
• Dozens of countries to be exempt from quarantine • How is lockdown being lifted across Europe ?
The new measures mean people arriving from selected destinations will be able to enter England without needing to self-isolate , unless they have been in or transited through non-exempt countries in the preceding 14 days .
The Department for Transport said a risk assessment had been conducted by the Joint Biosecurity Centre , in close consultation with Public Health England and the chief medical officer .
It considered factors including the prevalence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and potential trajectory of the disease in that destination , the department said .
The list of exempted countries will be kept `` under constant review '' , so that if the health risks increase , self-isolation measures can be re-introduced , it added .
The government said its `` expectation '' was that a number of the exempted countries will also not require arrivals from the UK to self-isolate .
All passengers , except those on a small list of exemptions , will still be required to provide contact information on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of countries or territories they have been in or through during the previous 14 days .
The DfT said the devolved administrations `` will set out their own approach to exemptions '' and passengers returning to Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland `` should ensure they follow the laws and guidance which applies there '' .

Asked about jobs already lost in the hospitality and aviation industries - in part as a result of restrictions on international travel - Mr Shapps said: "The question I suppose everybody would have to ask is where is the right balance between making sure that we put lives first but also protect livelihoods. And this is not an easy balance."


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Coronavirus: Public should 'act responsibly' as England's lockdown is eased, says PM

Boris Johnson is to urge the public to `` act responsibly '' when lockdown is eased in England on Saturday .
A number of businesses - including restaurants , pubs , hairdressers and cinemas - will be allowed to open their doors for the first time since March .
But at a press conference on Friday , the PM will warn `` we are not out of the woods yet '' when it comes to the virus .
The rule change comes days after a local lockdown was put in place in Leicester because of a spike in cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to remain closed , with residents advised not to travel .
• Lockdown to be relaxed in England as 2m rule eased • Coronavirus lockdown : All you need to know about new measures Mr Johnson announced the upcoming changes to lockdown measures last week , along with an easing of social distancing rules from 2m to `` one metre plus '' .
In Friday 's speech , he is expected to say the move is about `` supporting the livelihoods of business owners and their employees up and down the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heroic efforts '' of the businesses to get ready for Saturday , but will add : `` The success of these businesses , the livelihoods of those who rely on them , and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly .
We must not let them down .
`` Just as when we first locked down , we will only succeed in reopening if everyone works together .
Because we are not out of the woods yet .
The virus is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has shown that . ''
The PM will also reiterate that the government `` will not hesitate in putting on the brakes and re-imposing restrictions '' if there is a spike in the virus as a result of the changes .
`` Anyone who flouts social distancing and Covid-secure rules is not only putting us all at risk but letting down those businesses and workers who have done so much to prepare for this new normal , '' he will add .
`` So as we take this next step , our biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery , I urge the British public to do so safely . ''
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
What about the rest of the UK ?
Each UK nation 's lockdown measures differ , including varying rules on the reopening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , beer gardens and outdoor restaurants will be allowed to reopen from 6 July , and indoor areas can be used from 15 July .
In Northern Ireland , pubs and restaurants can open from 3 July .
The Welsh government has promised talks with the hospitality sector about a `` potential phased '' reopening , but no dates have yet been given .
• You can read more about lockdown easing in your area here .

"Just as when we first locked down, we will only succeed in reopening if everyone works together. Because we are not out of the woods yet. The virus is still with us and the spike in Leicester has shown that."


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Labour to urge more support to stem post-Covid job losses

More targeted economic support is required to prevent job losses in the wake of Covid-19 , the shadow chancellor will say .
In a speech on Friday , Labour 's Anneliese Dodds will call for job retention schemes to be extended in areas hit by local lockdowns .
She will call on ministers to end a `` one-size-fits-all approach '' on help to shore up jobs .
The chancellor is due to outline an economic support package next week .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to bring forward infrastructure investment to create `` thousands of high-paid high-skilled jobs '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying 80 % of the wages of more than 9 million workers but is due to be pared back from August , and will end in October .
• UK businesses cut more than 12,000 jobs in two days • This is the moment to be ambitious – PM Ms Dodd 's speech comes after UK companies announced thousands of job cuts this week , with many firms cutting jobs now to reduce costs .
From 1 August , employers will have to pay National Insurance and pension contributions for their staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of furloughed employees ' salaries from September - rising to 20 % in October .
In her speech , Ms Dodds is expected to blame the latest round of job losses on the government `` refusing to shift from its one-size-fits-all approach '' .
She will add workers in struggling sectors `` can not and should not be treated the same way '' as those in sectors `` already back to full capacity '' .
`` To avoid the same flood of redundancy notices for workers within smaller companies later on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She will call on the chancellor to ensure projects announced as part of his recovery package are carbon neutral or help reduce emissions .
She will also say jobs schemes should be extended in areas in localised lockdown , so that spikes in the virus in those areas `` do n't wash away businesses and jobs in their wake '' .
In an economic statement on Wednesday next week , Chancellor Rishi Sunak is due to set out `` the next stage in our plan to secure the recovery '' .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson promised a £5bn `` new deal '' to build homes and infrastructure to help aid a post-Covid economic recovery .
He also outlined plans for an `` opportunity guarantee '' to ensure every young person had the chance of an apprenticeship or placement .
Responding to Ms Dodds ' comments , the Conservative Party Co-chairman Amanda Milling said the government had a `` clear plan to protect and create jobs '' .
`` Every Labour government has left unemployment higher than when it entered .
Sir Keir Starmer would be no different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has insisted the furlough scheme must come to an end in October - saying it would not be `` healthy '' to extend it further .
The hospitality sector , including pubs and restaurants , is reopening in Northern Ireland on Friday , with England following on Saturday .
In Scotland , beer gardens and outdoor restaurants will be allowed to reopen from 6 July .
Indoor areas are due to follow from 15 July .
Pubs , bars , cafes and restaurants in Wales are due to be able to reopen outdoors @ @ @ @

The government's furlough scheme is paying 80% of the wages of more than nine million workers but is due to be pared back from August, and will finish at the end of October.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Jeffrey Epstein ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell charged in US

British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell , an ex-girlfriend of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein , has been charged in the US after being arrested by the FBI .
She is accused of assisting Epstein 's abuse of minors by helping to recruit and groom victims known to be underage .
After being arrested in New Hampshire , she was brought to court and remanded in custody , for transfer to New York .
Ms Maxwell , 58 , has previously denied any involvement in or knowledge of Epstein 's alleged sexual misconduct .
Epstein died in prison on 10 August as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his trial on sex trafficking charges .
He was arrested last year in New York following allegations that he was running a network of underage girls - some as young as 14 - for sex .
His death was determined to be suicide .
Prosecutors allege that between 1994 and 1997 Ms Maxwell helped Epstein groom girls as young as 14 .
The charges say she would build a rapport with them - including by taking them shopping or to the movies - and would later coax them into giving Epstein massages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Maxwell played a critical role in helping Epstein to identify , befriend and groom minor victims for abuse , '' said Audrey Strauss , acting US attorney for the southern district of New York .
Five of the six charges brought against her each carry a sentence of five years with the sixth - transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity - punishable by up to 10 years in prison .
What is the detail of the charges ?
Four of the charges relate to the years 1994-97 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the indictment , among Epstein 's closest associates and also in an `` intimate relationship '' with him .
The other two charges are allegations of perjury in 2016 .
The indictment says Ms Maxwell `` assisted , facilitated , and contributed to Jeffrey Epstein 's abuse of minor girls by , among other things , helping Epstein to recruit , groom and ultimately abuse victims known to Maxwell and Epstein to be under the age of 18 '' .
Specifically , she is charged with : • Conspiracy to entice minors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Enticing a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts • Conspiracy to transport minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity • Transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity She is accused of grooming multiple minor girls to engage in sex acts with Epstein .
She allegedly attempted to befriend them by asking about their lives and families and then she and Epstein built the friendships by taking minor victims to the cinema or shopping .
Having built a rapport , Ms Maxwell would `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minor victim by ... discussing sexual topics , undressing in front of the victim , being present when a minor victim was undressed , and/or being present for sex acts involving the minor victim and Epstein '' .
`` Maxwell and Epstein worked together to entice these minor victims to travel to Epstein 's residences - his residence in New York City on the Upper East Side , as well as Palm Beach , Florida , and Santa Fe , New Mexico , '' Ms Strauss told reporters .
`` Some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maxwell 's residence in London , England . ''
The perjury counts relate to depositions she gave to a New York court on 22 April and 22 July 2016 .
The charge sheet says she `` repeatedly lied when questioned about her conduct , including in relation to some of the minor victims '' .
`` Maxwell lied because the truth , as alleged , was almost unspeakable , '' said Ms Strauss .
What is the background ?
Allegations against Epstein had dated back years before the parents of a 14-year-old girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under a legal deal , he avoided federal charges and since 2008 was listed as level three on the New York sex offenders register .
But he was arrested again in New York on 6 July 2019 and accused of sex trafficking of underage girls over a number of years .
Some of Epstein 's alleged victims have accused Ms Maxwell of bringing them into his circle to be sexually abused by him and his friends .
One told the BBC 's Panorama that Ms Maxwell `` controlled the girls .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year she sued Epstein 's estate seeking reimbursement for legal fees and security costs .
She `` receives regular threats to her life and safety '' , court documents in that case said .
Another of Epstein 's alleged victims , Virginia Giuffre , has accused Ms Maxwell of recruiting her as a masseuse to the financier at the age of 15 .
Details of that allegation against Ms Maxwell emerged in documents unsealed by a US judge last August in a 2015 defamation case but are not part of the charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Maxwell is the daughter of late British media mogul Robert Maxwell .
A well-connected socialite , she is said to have introduced Epstein to many of her wealthy and powerful friends , including Bill Clinton and the Duke of York ( who was accused in the 2015 court papers of touching a woman at Jeffrey Epstein 's US home , although the court subsequently struck out allegations against the duke ) .
Buckingham Palace has said that `` any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors '' by the duke was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly been out of public view since 2016 .
In a BBC interview last year , the Duke of York said he had met Ms Maxwell last year , before Epstein was arrested and charged .
However they did not discuss Epstein , he said .
• Six things we learned from Prince Andrew interview Last month a US prosecutor said Prince Andrew had `` sought to falsely portray himself '' as eager to co-operate with the inquiry into Epstein .
US attorney Geoffrey Berman said Prince Andrew had `` repeatedly declined our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The duke 's lawyers previously rejected claims he had not co-operated , saying he offered to help three times .
Prince Andrew stepped away from royal duties last year .
Asked about the prince on Thursday , acting Attorney Strauss said : `` I am not going to comment on anyone 's status in this investigation but I will say that we would welcome Prince Andrew coming in to talk with us , we would like to have the benefit of his statement . ''
A source close to Prince Andrew 's lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's team is bewildered by the DoJ 's [ Department of Justice 's ] comments earlier today as we have twice reached out to them in the last month and have received no reply . ''

Numerous victims in civil and criminal cases had identified Ms Maxwell as the lead person who groomed them and delivered them to Epstein. In fact, after he was arrested, there was a frenzied search, not just by investigators, but by the media too, for the British socialite who quickly went into hiding.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Coronavirus: School safety plans will keep groups apart

The government has published its safety plans for England 's return to school in September - built on the principle of keeping classes or whole year groups apart in separate `` bubbles '' .
Schools will have testing kits to give to parents if children develop coronavirus symptoms in school .
Mobile testing units may be sent to schools which have an outbreak .
The education secretary said there must be a `` concrete determination '' to get pupils back to class .
`` By working together we will make sure that their hopes and dreams for the future are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Gavin Williamson said during a Downing Street press briefing .
`` We can not sit back and ... just say that children are not going to go back to school . ''
He said a `` system of control '' would `` minimise the risk '' from Covid-19 , and children would not be taught a `` watered-down '' curriculum .
Labour 's shadow education secretary Kate Green accused the government of being `` asleep at the wheel '' over getting children back into school full-time .
• How and when will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plans for returning to school in September are leaked • Penalty fines for parents as school compulsory again Head teachers said it would be `` mind-boggling '' to try to keep groups of pupils apart all day in school .
Dr Jenny Harries , England 's deputy chief medical officer , who spoke alongside Mr Williamson , said the government was also trying to encourage families to `` control their teenagers in the social interactions outside school '' .
On the spike in cases in Leicester , Dr Harries said the transmission rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and not the partial return of schools in the area .
She said schools were `` not the focal point '' and described them as `` quite controlled environments '' .
What are the new rules for autumn ?
The safety plans issued by the Department for Education say that `` given the improved position , the balance of risk is now overwhelmingly in favour of children returning to school '' .
The UK death toll stands at 43,995 , according to the Department for Health and Social Care - an increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The return to classrooms will be based on separating groups of children into `` bubbles '' and minimising contacts between them , rather than social distancing .
It will mean : • Grouping children together in groups or `` bubbles '' , a class in primary and year group in secondary • Avoiding contact in school between these groups , with separate starting , finishing , lunch and break times • Attendance compulsory with the threat of penalty fines • Test and trace in place for schools • Regular cleaning of hands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff • Those with symptoms told to stay out of school • No big group events like school assemblies and arranging classrooms with forward facing desks • Separate groups on school buses and discouraging the use of public transport • Pupils will be expected to continue with all their GCSEs and A-levels If you could fast forward to September and schools in England were not opening there would be outrage from parents .
Pubs would have opened , there might be a few holiday suntans and whatever is left of the High Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would have been impossible not to have a plan for a return to school .
In many ways these plans represent the art of the possible , rather than the ideal .
But parents have raised doubts about the tactic of separate bubbles .
What happens if families have children in different years ?
What about all the mixing up of children on public transport ?
There are big academic unknowns too .
How will full versions of GCSEs and A-levels go ahead when pupils have missed months of school ?
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Year 7 might have to retake chunks of Year 6 again because of all the holes in learning .
It 's not going to be easy - and there could be `` stop-starting '' from local lockdowns - but not going back at all would have been much more politically toxic .
All schools will have to draw up plans for the possibility of local lockdowns .
The guidelines warn of behaviour problems being likely after a `` lack of routine '' for pupils out of the school for so long .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first year of secondary , might have to be re-taught maths and English from primary school to fill the `` gaps '' in their knowledge .
And parents in England who do not send their children back to school in September will face fines `` unless there 's a good reason for absence '' .
What happens if there is an infection or pupils with symptoms ?
If a child in school has Covid symptoms they will have to be taken home straight away , and staff waiting with them will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pupil tests positive , schools will have to send home other pupils who have been in `` close contact '' , which includes those within one to two metres for more than 15 minutes .
All schools are being promised testing kits to give to parents if pupils develop symptoms at school - and if there are two confirmed cases within 14 days , or a rise in absences because of Covid-like symptoms , this could be counted as an outbreak .
This could mean other pupils in the class or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could escalate to the whole school site being shut down - but the guidance says such whole-school closures `` will not generally be necessary '' .
A mobile testing unit could be sent to a school with an outbreak , which could carry out tests to see whether an infection had spread , which could check a class , a year group or the whole school .
In the event of a local outbreak , health protection teams or local authorities may advise schools to close .
Schools say the complications are 'mind-boggling' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different `` bubbles '' of children in a full school is mind-boggling , '' said Geoff Barton , leader of the ASCL head teachers ' union .
`` There just needs to be a sense of reality about what is possible , '' he said - and called on the government to have a `` Plan B '' if the return proved unworkable .
The National Education Union said the plans were `` more based on hope than science '' .
• GCSE and A-level 'back-up ' exams for all subjects • Kate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's mental health • A third of pupils 'not engaging with set work' Head teachers also voiced concerns about penalty fines for parents if they do not send their children back to school .
Michael Ferry from St Wilfrid 's Secondary School in Crawley , West Sussex , called the threat of fines `` ludicrous '' and said that he will not issue them `` in any shape or form '' .
`` A significant amount of our community has been affected by the closure of Gatwick airport and if I fine parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm taking away eight school meals vouchers - because that 's what it amounts to , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
However , Ashley Harrold , head of secondary school Blatchington Mill School in Brighton , said schools could `` overcome '' challenges around capacity - although there were still `` legitimate questions around safety '' .
`` 'Bubbles ' ... More silly Downing Street nonsense .
A parent with a child in Year 8 , another in Year 10 and a third in Year 12 .
How do they not segregate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messaging all the time , '' commented Anthony .
`` Because of a compromised immune system I 've been shielding through the pandemic - will my children be expected to return to school in September ? ''
responded Julie to the safety plans .
`` Does n't that expose me to an unacceptable level of risk if the children pick up the virus and bring it into our home ? ''
`` As a parent of teenagers I am hugely keen to have all of my children back in a full learning environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a risk and all risk must be balanced but getting children back to normality and school life is vital to us as a family , '' she told the BBC .
`` Schools have started opening back up and some have had to close again after children/teachers have tested positive , '' commented Sarah .
`` Yet parents were 'guaranteed ' that sending children back to school was the 'right ' decision to make . ''
`` I ca n't see 'normal ' until well into next year , '' commented Malcolm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed due to a kiddie testing positive , and that 's after a week ... .
so get used to disruption . ''
But Kirsty said : `` Everything has got to start to go back to some sort of normal sooner or later .
It 's worrying but I think children need the stability of school and the social aspect of seeing their friends . ''
`` I am father of two children .
I think it 's good to see back children at school .
But fines on parents ?
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azeem .
Myriam was also annoyed by the threat of fines .
`` Parents , who have been homeschooling for several months , should be thanked and acknowledged rather than treated this way by the government . ''
A shielding parent , Eric in Sussex , said about his son 's school : `` With 60 kids in his year group the concept of any kind of protective `` bubble '' is a fantasy . ''
`` Transport to and from school is a real concern too , packed like sardines on school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
Sticking with all GCSEs and A-levels Exams are going to start and finish later next summer , but pupils are not expected to drop any of their GCSE or A-level subjects .
England 's exams regulator , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could slim down some of the subjects and reduce teaching time - although heads said this was `` little more than tinkering at the edges '' despite the scale of disruption .
There will be no significant reduction in the content of exams , or the number or length of exams taken next year .
Instead there will be a reduction in practical parts of some subjects - such as geography fieldwork , science practicals or the spoken language assessment in English .
The National Education Union said it was `` unrealistic '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months out of school .
The guidelines for September also expect `` substantial modifications '' to the timetable for the first term , with an emphasis on catching up with the core subjects of maths and English .
A regular curriculum will be in place `` no later '' than summer term in 2021 .
• FOOD REVOLUTION : Is the way we produce and buy food set to change for good ?

Coronavirus: School safety plans will keep groups apart Published 2 July 2020
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Image source, PA Media Image caption, All pupils and year groups are expected to be back full time next term
The government has published its safety plans for England's return to school in September - built on the principle of keeping classes or whole year groups apart in separate "bubbles".
Schools will have testing kits to give to parents if children develop coronavirus symptoms in school.
Mobile testing units may be sent to schools which have an outbreak.
The education secretary said there must be a "concrete determination" to get pupils back to class.
"By working together we will make sure that their hopes and dreams for the future are not to be knocked off course," Gavin Williamson said during a Downing Street press briefing.
"We cannot sit back and... just say that children are not going to go back to school."
He said a "system of control" would "minimise the risk" from Covid-19, and children would not be taught a "watered-down" curriculum.
Labour's shadow education secretary Kate Green accused the government of being "asleep at the wheel" over getting children back into school full-time.
Head teachers said it would be "mind-boggling" to try to keep groups of pupils apart all day in school.
Dr Jenny Harries, England's deputy chief medical officer, who spoke alongside Mr Williamson, said the government was also trying to encourage families to "control their teenagers in the social interactions outside school".
On the spike in cases in Leicester, Dr Harries said the transmission rate there was caused by "community transmission" and not the partial return of schools in the area.
She said schools were "not the focal point" and described them as "quite controlled environments".
What are the new rules for autumn?
The safety plans issued by the Department for Education say that "given the improved position, the balance of risk is now overwhelmingly in favour of children returning to school".
The UK death toll stands at 43,995, according to the Department for Health and Social Care - an increase of 89 on Wednesday's figure.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Gavin Williamson: "Important to get every child back into school"
The return to classrooms will be based on separating groups of children into "bubbles" and minimising contacts between them, rather than social distancing.
It will mean:
Grouping children together in groups or "bubbles", a class in primary and year group in secondary
Avoiding contact in school between these groups, with separate starting, finishing, lunch and break times
Attendance compulsory with the threat of penalty fines
Test and trace in place for schools
Regular cleaning of hands, but masks not expected for pupils or staff
Those with symptoms told to stay out of school
No big group events like school assemblies and arranging classrooms with forward facing desks
Separate groups on school buses and discouraging the use of public transport
Pupils will be expected to continue with all their GCSEs and A-levels
If you could fast forward to September and schools in England were not opening there would be outrage from parents.
Pubs would have opened, there might be a few holiday suntans and whatever is left of the High Street will be back in business.
So it would have been impossible not to have a plan for a return to school.
In many ways these plans represent the art of the possible, rather than the ideal.
But parents have raised doubts about the tactic of separate bubbles.
What happens if families have children in different years? What about all the mixing up of children on public transport?
There are big academic unknowns too. How will full versions of GCSEs and A-levels go ahead when pupils have missed months of school?
And tucked away in the details are suggestions Year 7 might have to retake chunks of Year 6 again because of all the holes in learning.
It's not going to be easy - and there could be "stop-starting" from local lockdowns - but not going back at all would have been much more politically toxic.
All schools will have to draw up plans for the possibility of local lockdowns.
The guidelines warn of behaviour problems being likely after a "lack of routine" for pupils out of the school for so long.
They also say that Year 7 pupils, in the first year of secondary, might have to be re-taught maths and English from primary school to fill the "gaps" in their knowledge.
And parents in England who do not send their children back to school in September will face fines "unless there's a good reason for absence".
Image source, AFP Image caption, All pupils are expected to be back full time in school in September
What happens if there is an infection or pupils with symptoms?
If a child in school has Covid symptoms they will have to be taken home straight away, and staff waiting with them will have to wear protective equipment.
If a pupil tests positive, schools will have to send home other pupils who have been in "close contact", which includes those within one to two metres for more than 15 minutes.
All schools are being promised testing kits to give to parents if pupils develop symptoms at school - and if there are two confirmed cases within 14 days, or a rise in absences because of Covid-like symptoms, this could be counted as an outbreak.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Can children spread coronavirus?
This could mean other pupils in the class or the year group being sent home. It could escalate to the whole school site being shut down - but the guidance says such whole-school closures "will not generally be necessary".
A mobile testing unit could be sent to a school with an outbreak, which could carry out tests to see whether an infection had spread, which could check a class, a year group or the whole school.
In the event of a local outbreak, health protection teams or local authorities may advise schools to close.
Schools say the complications are 'mind-boggling'
"The logistics of keeping apart many different "bubbles" of children in a full school is mind-boggling," said Geoff Barton, leader of the ASCL head teachers' union.
"There just needs to be a sense of reality about what is possible," he said - and called on the government to have a "Plan B" if the return proved unworkable.
The National Education Union said the plans were "more based on hope than science".
Head teachers also voiced concerns about penalty fines for parents if they do not send their children back to school.
Michael Ferry from St Wilfrid's Secondary School in Crawley, West Sussex, called the threat of fines "ludicrous" and said that he will not issue them "in any shape or form".
"A significant amount of our community has been affected by the closure of Gatwick airport and if I fine parents £120, I'm effectively saying I'm taking away eight school meals vouchers - because that's what it amounts to," he told BBC Breakfast.
However, Ashley Harrold, head of secondary school Blatchington Mill School in Brighton, said schools could "overcome" challenges around capacity - although there were still "legitimate questions around safety".
How have parents reacted?
"'Bubbles'... More silly Downing Street nonsense. A parent with a child in Year 8, another in Year 10 and a third in Year 12. How do they not segregate and cross contaminate? Same inconsistent contradictory messaging all the time," commented Anthony.
"Because of a compromised immune system I've been shielding through the pandemic - will my children be expected to return to school in September?" responded Julie to the safety plans.
"Doesn't that expose me to an unacceptable level of risk if the children pick up the virus and bring it into our home?"
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Parents have raised questions about how pupils will stay apart on transport
"As a parent of teenagers I am hugely keen to have all of my children back in a full learning environment," said Jessica.
"Life is a risk and all risk must be balanced but getting children back to normality and school life is vital to us as a family," she told the BBC.
"Schools have started opening back up and some have had to close again after children/teachers have tested positive," commented Sarah.
"Yet parents were 'guaranteed' that sending children back to school was the 'right' decision to make."
"I can't see 'normal' until well into next year," commented Malcolm. "Our school has already been closed due to a kiddie testing positive, and that's after a week.... so get used to disruption."
But Kirsty said: "Everything has got to start to go back to some sort of normal sooner or later. It's worrying but I think children need the stability of school and the social aspect of seeing their friends."
"I am father of two children. I think it's good to see back children at school. But fines on parents? I don't think so," said Azeem.
Myriam was also annoyed by the threat of fines. "Parents, who have been homeschooling for several months, should be thanked and acknowledged rather than treated this way by the government."
A shielding parent, Eric in Sussex, said about his son's school: "With 60 kids in his year group the concept of any kind of protective "bubble" is a fantasy."
"Transport to and from school is a real concern too, packed like sardines on school buses," said Geraldine.
Sticking with all GCSEs and A-levels
Exams are going to start and finish later next summer, but pupils are not expected to drop any of their GCSE or A-level subjects.
England's exams regulator, Ofqual, has drawn up plans which could slim down some of the subjects and reduce teaching time - although heads said this was "little more than tinkering at the edges" despite the scale of disruption.
There will be no significant reduction in the content of exams, or the number or length of exams taken next year.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Most pupils will be expected to carry on with a full range of GCSE and A-level subjects
Instead there will be a reduction in practical parts of some subjects - such as geography fieldwork, science practicals or the spoken language assessment in English.
The National Education Union said it was "unrealistic" to think this could make up for months out of school.
The guidelines for September also expect "substantial modifications" to the timetable for the first term, with an emphasis on catching up with the core subjects of maths and English.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Brexit: Serious differences over trade deal, say UK and EU

The UK and EU have said serious differences remain over a post-Brexit trade deal , following the latest negotiations in Brussels .
EU negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc 's position needed to be `` better understood and respected '' by the UK if an agreement is to be found .
His UK counterpart David Frost said `` significant '' disagreement remained on `` a number of important issues '' .
The UK has ruled out extending the December deadline to reach a deal .
The latest round of talks , the first to be held in person since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides agreed to `` intensify '' negotiations last month .
Negotiations have continued throughout the pandemic via video link .
An additional five weeks of in-person talks are planned for July and early August .
BBC Europe reporter Gavin Lee said the latest round of talks had broken up a day early , with a discussion between the two chief negotiators tomorrow cancelled .
• New momentum needed in trade talks , say UK and EU • What are the sticking points in the trade talks ?
Mr Frost said the face-to-face talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to discussions on a `` full range of issues '' over trade and a future partnership .
`` But they have also underlined the significant differences that still remain between us on a number of important issues , '' he added .
`` We remain committed to working hard to find an early understanding on the principles underlying an agreement . ''
Equally , Mr Barnier said `` serious divergences remain '' after the four days of talks , although the EU believed an agreement was still possible .
`` The EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done during the fourth round of negotiations in June , '' he added .
`` The EU expects , in turn , its positions to be better understood and respected in order to reach an agreement .
`` We need an equivalent engagement by the United Kingdom . ''
Talks started in Brussels on Monday and were due to last until tomorrow afternoon , but finished earlier today .
It is understood very little progress was made this week - but discussions in London scheduled for next week will continue as planned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one positive is that the UK now appears to understand our position more clearly on the areas of disagreement '' .
Officials on both sides were keen to play down the decision to end talks early .
One EU official told the BBC that the planned discussion for this afternoon was for `` extra questions to be raised '' and that `` it was n't a `` huge issue '' that the two negotiators would n't meet tomorrow .
Mr Barnier underlined that the EU expects `` parallel progress '' in all areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point of difference with the UK - which wants to negotiate separate agreements in areas such as fisheries , alongside a basic free trade deal .
Mr Barnier also reiterated the EU would not agree to a deal without `` robust '' guarantees on the so-called `` level playing field '' for competition between business .
He added this would include the area of state support for companies .
Just like when it was an EU member , the UK remains tied to the bloc 's `` state aid '' rules during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2020 .
The UK has not yet unveiled plans for its post-Brexit state aid regime , but PM Boris Johnson has previously said he wants to make it easier for the UK government to provide assistance to struggling firms .
The two sides also remain deadlocked over the issue of fishing rights - an area where they had previously pledged to find agreement by last month .
The EU wants to uphold its existing access to British waters for vessels from member states , to avoid economic disruption for their fishermen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks with the bloc over access to its waters , as it currently does with nations such as Norway .

"But I just don't think that it's right for us to proceed on the basis of the European Court of Justice continuing to arbitrate in the UK or us having to continue to obey EU laws when we are out of the EU."


bbcuk--2020-07-02--BBC Proms 2020: Line-up will be 'flexible' to adapt to the pandemic

Organisers of the BBC Proms are having to devise multiple programmes for every concert , because of uncertainties over how many performers will be allowed on stage due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The 2020 season will mostly consist of highlights from the BBC 's archive .
But there are hopes of moving back into London 's Royal Albert Hall for two weeks of live shows from 28 August .
Conductor Sakari Oramo says he is currently planning `` four different options '' for the first night .
`` We 're dealing with constantly changing regulations , '' he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players we can have , whether we can have singers , whether there are restrictions to certain sections like the wind or brass , has all been - to put it mildly - slightly unclear .
`` I completely understand it .
I do n't find it strange that there 's a lot of uncertainty going on .
But of course the number of players we can have , and the distances we need to have between players , will affect the programme greatly . ''
In an official guide to the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC said the line-up of artists and music for the season 's two-week finale could not be announced until `` nearer the time '' due to the pandemic .
The delay will `` allow for utmost flexibility in responding to the safety guidelines at the time , '' it added .
Audiences are unlikely to be allowed to into the Royal Albert Hall to watch the performances , which will be broadcast instead on radio , TV and the iPlayer .
`` There wo n't be a Proms atmosphere in the same way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , once the music gets going , the music will take us where it needs to take us .
`` I 'm sure the first night will be an especially important moment , not only for the orchestra but also for the whole music-loving nation , and the world . ''
• Proms hope to include two weeks of live concerts When the BBC Symphony returns to the stage in August , they wo n't be the first to resume playing large-scale orchestral music .
Last month , members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation , to play a programme of Ligeti , Pärt , and Barber .
Due to social distancing regulations , only 15 players could be onstage at a time .
The strings sat two meters apart .
The woodwinds and brass were five meters apart - as their instruments expel great quantities of air , during a pandemic that affects the respiratory system .
In England , choirs are also being advised not to perform together because of the risk of spreading the virus .
The effects of the coronavirus will be felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Proms , with a number of new commissions responding to the global pandemic .
These include a new piece by Thomas Adès for the LSO Prom and Andrea Tarrodi for the Last Night of the Proms .
Oramo says the first night will also reflect the upheaval of the last four months .
`` We 've gone through a list of pieces that are suitable to that purpose , '' he says , `` but obviously as well as reflection , there needs to be something uplifting .
`` So I hope the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fields of energy : Quiet reflection and mourning from one side , then positive energy and optimism on the other . ''
Elsewhere , the `` Fantasy Proms '' season will draw on the BBC 's rich archive of performances , with highlights including Leonard Bernstein conducting the Vienna Philharmonic and the celebrated 2007 Proms debut of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela conducted by Gustavo Dudamel .
This year also sees the first ever TV broadcast of the hugely popular Radio 1 Ibiza Prom from 2015 , in which featuring Pete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orchestra transformed dance classics in to orchestral masterpieces with the help of John Newman and Ella Eyre .
Live performers at the Royal Albert Hall will include violinists Nicola Benedetti and Alina Ibragimova ; cello sensation Sheku Kanneh-Mason and his pianist sister Isata Kanneh-Mason ; and sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar with electronic artist Gold Panda .
It will culminate in a pared-back version of the traditional Last Night , with soprano Golda Schultz joining conductor Dalia Stasevska and the BBC Symphony Orchestra .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Due to social distancing regulations, only 15 players could be on stage at a time. The strings sat two metres apart. The woodwinds and brass were five metres apart - amid fears that their instruments could spread aerosols, during a pandemic that affects the respiratory system (the subject of air emissions from these instruments is the subject of much debate amongst scientists and musicians).


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Café Rouge and Bella Italia owner falls into administration

The owner of High Street restaurant chains Café Rouge and Bella Italia has gone into administration .
Ninety-one Casual Dining Group outlets will close immediately , and 1,900 of the firm 's 6,000 staff will lose their jobs .
Administrators Alix Partners are seeking offers for all , or parts , of the remaining business .
UK firms have announced thousands of job cuts this week as the impact of the pandemic on the economy continues .
Casual Dining Group , which also owns the Las Iguanas chain , applied in May to appoint administrators at the High Court as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its rents .
On Thursday , the firm said it had already received `` multiple offers '' for the business and hoped to pursue these .
`` We are acutely aware of our duty to all employees and recognise that this is an incredibly difficult time for them , '' chief executive James Spragg said .
`` Working alongside the administrators , we will do everything we can to support them through this process , with a view to preserving as much employment as we are able to . ''
The restaurants that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with some in Scotland and Wales .
159 of the group 's 250 outlets will remain open .
Restaurants in the UK were struggling even before the pandemic , but their revenues collapsed when the UK went into lockdown in March .
Restrictions will be eased from Saturday , but demand is likely to remain depressed for some time and some chains have already acknowledged the severity of the impact .
This week Byron Burger said it planned to bring in administrators , putting 1,200 jobs at risk .
Upper Crust and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would cut up to 5,000 roles .
The government 's furlough scheme - which is paying 80 % of the wages of nine million workers - will start to be pared back from August , and so many firms are cutting jobs now to reduce costs .
Thousands of job losses were announced in other sectors too this week , including : • Up to 700 jobs at Harrods • Up to 900 jobs at management consulting firm Accenture • And 1,300 crew and 727 pilots at EasyJet WH Smith , Bensons for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International , the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool and Norwich Theatre Royal have also announced plans to reduce staff .

"Working alongside the administrators, we will do everything we can to support them through this process, with a view to preserving as much employment as we are able to."


bbcuk--2020-07-02--David Starkey criticised over slavery comments

Comments on slavery by David Starkey have been criticised for being racist .
The TV historian and author told an online show hosted by the conservative commentator Darren Grimes that slavery was not genocide because of the survival of `` so many damn blacks '' .
Writing on Twitter , former chancellor Sajid Javid said : `` David Starkey 's racist comments are a reminder of the appalling views that still exist . ''
Starkey has not yet responded to the BBC 's request for comment .
Fitzwilliam College , part of Cambridge University , where Starkey teaches , described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We support and promote freedom of speech in our academic community , but we have zero tolerance of racism , '' the college said in a statement on Thursday .
`` Dr David Starkey 's recent comments on slavery are indefensible . ''
They added : `` The matter of Dr Starkey 's Honorary Fellowship will be considered by the Governing Body at its meeting next Wednesday . ''
The Mary Rose Trust said it was `` appalled '' by Starkey 's comments , adding on Thursday evening they had accepted his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an episode of Grimes 's YouTube show Reasoned , entitled `` Dr David Starkey : Black Lives Matter Aims To Delegitimate British History '' .
In it , Starkey said : `` Slavery was not genocide otherwise there would n't be so many damn blacks in Africa or Britain would there ?
An awful lot of them survived . ''
He also claimed that the Black Lives Matter protests , following the death of George Floyd , had been characterised by `` violence '' and `` victimhood '' .
He described cancel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` deranged '' .
The academic went on to discuss the links between slavery and the British Empire .
Starkey said : `` As for the idea that slavery is this kind of terrible disease that dare not speak its name , it only dare not speak its name , Darren , because we settled it nearly 200 years ago . ''
`` We do n't normally go on about the fact that Roman Catholics once upon a time did n't have the vote and were n't allowed to have their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Starkey 's comments were heavily criticised by several social media users .
Nicholas Guyatt , a lecturer at the University of Cambridge , tweeted : `` Ca n't speak for my employer but as someone who teaches history at Cambridge I 'm ashamed of our connections with David Starkey and urge both the University and Fitzwilliam College to cut all ties with him . ''
It 's not the first time Starkey has been involved in a public race row .
In 2011 , the BBC received nearly 700 complaints about Starkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black '' , during a Newsnight discussion about riots in the UK .
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The show's host tweeted on Thursday: "I reject in the strongest possible terms what Dr Starkey said in that clip and so very wish I'd caught it at the time. I am still learning the ropes, I will be much more alert to challenging this kind of thing in future."


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Coronavirus: Face coverings to become mandatory in Scottish shops

The use of face coverings will become mandatory in shops in Scotland as coronavirus restrictions are eased , Nicola Sturgeon has said .
Non-essential shops have reopened in Scotland and bars and restaurants are due to open up again later this month .
The first minister said the 2m physical distancing rule would be eased for some premises when the country enters the next phase of its routemap on 10 July .
And she said face coverings would be mandatory in shops from that date .
Ms Sturgeon also announced that children under the age of 12 would no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ households while outdoors from Friday .
The first minister had ordered further scientific study of the 2m ( 6ft 6in ) physical distancing rule after it was announced a `` one metre plus '' system would be introduced in England .
She said advice was clear that `` as the distance between people decreases , the risk of transmitting the virus increases '' , but said this could be `` mitigated by other measures '' .
The first minister said the `` general advice will remain unchanged '' and that `` as far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from other households .
But she said in view of the `` serious economic implications '' of maintaining the rule in all circumstances , she would allow `` exemptions for specific sectors '' where a 1m ( 3ft 3in ) distance could be used if other safety measures are introduced .
• Which lockdown rules will change next - and when ?
An example of this would be a pub or restaurant being allowed to relax the physical distancing rule when they can reopen from 15 July if plastic screens are used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is installed .
Businesses will also be expected to display `` clear signage to show people are entering a 1m zone '' , and to collect a list of customers and their contact details to help trace them if there is an outbreak .
The change to the distancing rule will be introduced from the start of `` phase three '' of the government 's `` route map '' towards lifting lockdown , currently set to be reviewed on 9 July .
And Ms Sturgeon said that from the start of phase three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become mandatory in shops , with exemptions for young children and people with certain health conditions .
• Who needs to wear a mask ?
She said that using face coverings - which are already mandatory on public transport - could `` help reduce the risk of transmission indoors '' and `` provide an additional layer of protection '' .
`` We have proceeded for a period with a voluntary approach to this , '' she said .
`` Some people are complying and some are not , I 'm not pointing fingers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we have to make a judgement if we 're heading into a period where more people are interacting .
`` And we 've been having a discussion with more sectors like retail about reducing distancing , and that increases the importance of mitigations like face coverings . ''
Business group CBI Scotland welcomed the easing of the social distancing rule , saying it would `` make a substantial difference to the viability of thousands of firms in Scotland '' , particularly in the leisure , tourism and hospitality sectors .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` extremely disappointed '' at the move to make face coverings mandatory , saying it would increase pressure on staff to enforce measures .
Ms Sturgeon said shop staff would not be expected to enforce the rule , with the police instead mandated to issue fixed penalty notices to people not wearing face coverings .
She accepted that this may not be an easy rule to police , saying officers would act `` very proportionately and sensitively '' .
The Scottish government has targeted effectively eliminating the virus north of the border , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be infectious falling to 1,500 by the end of June .
Ms Sturgeon said the `` continued low prevalence of the virus '' meant further changes to lockdown restrictions could be introduced .
The current five-mile limit on travel for leisure purposes is to be eased from Friday , with people urged to `` behave responsibly '' and `` be sensitive to people living in rural areas '' .
However , there will be an exemption for some towns in the Dumfries and Galloway area where an outbreak of the virus is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified around Annan and Gretna , although Ms Sturgeon said she was `` very hopeful this outbreak will be contained '' .
She said people in surrounding areas should `` assume there is a higher risk of infection right now '' and avoid travelling , adding : `` I am genuinely sorry about that , but this outbreak is sharply reminding us just just how infectious Covid is . ''
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• CASES : How many people in Scotland have tested positive ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?

"We have proceeded for a period with a voluntary approach to this," she said. "Some people are complying and some are not, I'm not pointing fingers or trying to blame people for that but we have to make a judgement if we're heading into a period where more people are interacting.


bbcuk--2020-07-02--Katie Price calls for penalties for online abuse

There has to be `` some kind of justice '' for those who are bullied online , ex-model Katie Price has told MPs .
Appearing virtually at the Commons Petitions Committee , the reality TV star said trolling was getting worse because there were `` no consequences '' .
Ms Price spoke about the abuse her disabled son Harvey has received , as part of an inquiry into the issue .
The PM has said the government is `` working at pace '' on new legislation against `` online harms '' .
But Lord Puttnam , chairman of the Lords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week that the government 's landmark online protection bill could be delayed for years .
The Online Harms Bill may not come into effect until 2023 or 2024 , he warned .
The government , however , said the legislation would be introduced `` as soon as possible '' .
When the government first outlined proposals in its `` online harms '' white paper last year , critics raised concerns about risks to freedom of expression .
The petitions committee say they want to end online abuse , especially as more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are calling for evidence as part of their new inquiry , `` Tackling Online Abuse '' , from campaigning organisations , legal professionals , social media companies and other experts .
Speaking to MPs , Ms Price - who used to be known as Jordan - said : `` Throughout the years I get a lot of trolling and online abuse , the difference is I 'm able to speak out myself , but my son Harvey was born with disabilities , he gets a lot of racial abuse , disgusting despicable things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , TikToks , posters , he gets mocked in such a serious disgusting way , there has to be some kind of justice . ''
She suggested to MPs that social media companies should carry out ID checks on users and there should also be fines .
Her mother , Amy , told the meeting there should be an online register of offenders .
`` People think it 's funny to show to their friends , there is no penalty , they might get their account closed down but they open it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and carry on , '' Ms Price said .
`` Nothing has improved , things have got worse . ''
Ms Price added : `` There needs to be fines in place , there needs to be consequences ... if there are consequences online people will be careful because there will be fines or they will be put on the register , it might not stop everything but it might make people start thinking . ''
Ms Price first appeared before the Petitions Committee in 2018 , after more than 220,000 people signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal offence .
Committee chairman Catherine McKinnell said : `` It is clear there is a big problem , it is getting worse , not better and something needs to be done . ''
She said the government had looked into the issue and a proposal document - a white paper - had been produced .
She said the work had stalled because of the coronavirus pandemic but the committee was now attempting to raise profile of the issue and its `` urgency '' .
The MP said the committee will be taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the inquiry .
It comes after The Only Way is Essex star , Bobby Norris , spoke to MPs to share his experiences with homophobic abuse .
More than 133,000 people signed his petition on tackling trolling .
Addressing the issue of `` online harms '' in the Commons last month , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : `` There is a real risk that , during the lockdown , terrible things have been going on behind closed doors and closed curtains in this country on the internet .
`` We had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 recently , and we are working at pace , as he knows , on new legislation against online harms . ''
But when the government first published its online harms white paper last year , Index on Censorship , a campaigning organisation , said the plans risked damaging freedom of expression in the UK .
It said a proposed new statutory duty of care to tackle online `` harms '' and `` substantial fines '' would `` create a strong incentive for companies to remove content '' .
`` The 'harms ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and materials that are legal , '' the organisation said .
Elsewhere , Ofcom 's boss has said the watchdog will not hesitate to impose fines on social media firms who fail to deal with harmful content , if , as expected , it is appointed as regulator .
Chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes said Ofcom would also consider temporarily suspending platforms in extreme cases of harm .

Ms Price added: "There needs to be fines in place, there needs to be consequences... if there are consequences online people will be careful because there will be fines or they will be put on the register, it might not stop everything but it might make people start thinking."