bbcuk--2020-06-16--Lockdown is 'economic catastrophe', says William Hague

Ex-Tory Leader William Hague says lockdown is an `` economic catastrophe '' and is calling for the two-metre distancing rule to be scrapped .
Writing in the Telegraph , Lord Hague said lockdown was increasing inequality , social tension and debt .
The hospitality industry , and some MPs and scientists , have called for the 2m ( 6ft ) rule to be relaxed in England .
No 10 has said a review into the rule will be completed `` in the coming weeks '' .
And Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said the government would not amend the restriction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He told BBC Breakfast the public would be `` rightly very unforgiving '' if the UK experienced a second spike of coronavirus caused by `` rushing '' a change in restrictions .
So far England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have all maintained the two-metre rule .
It comes as official figures suggest the number of workers on UK payrolls dived more than 600,000 between March and May - reflecting the impact of about six weeks in lockdown .
But economists say the full impact on employment will not be felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• ‘ I 've applied for more than 100 jobs ‘ • Two-metre review to be completed in 'coming weeks' • When will pubs , cafes and restaurants reopen ?
In his article , Lord Hague said the lockdown had been so `` destructive '' that it could `` only ever be allowed to happen once '' .
He urged the government to scrap the quarantine on international arrivals - which requires all people arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days - and the 2m social distancing rule .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not necessary to have a two-metre separation between people to keep the virus in retreat where it is already at a low level , '' he writes .
`` We know this from the experience of countries such as Denmark , France and Germany where the recommended distance is shorter , and we should not have to spend weeks agonising over it . ''
He said lockdown was `` like Dunkirk - a heroic operation in itself but the result of a massive failure '' .
And this was a failure `` at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` A failure by the whole world to prevent the trading of wild animals for consumption ; by China to report the initial outbreak openly ; by our and many other countries to prepare for this type of pandemic . ''
He said `` crucial lessons '' had also been learnt , including that some countries - including Germany and South Korea - `` have escaped a good deal of the brutal costs of having to pursue a tight lockdown '' after they were `` much more ambitious about testing '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs that they were `` in danger of losing sight of what will happen , probably to the poorest in society '' .
Ex-defence minister Tobias Ellwood has told the Commons that halving social distancing to 1m would be `` game-changing '' and should be done now .
And , in a joint article for the Telegraph , Carl Heneghan and Tom Jefferson from the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine at the University of Oxford said there was no evidence for the 2m rule .
They said it was `` seriously impacting schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go about our daily lives '' .
`` Handwashing and encouragement are what we need , not formalised rules . ''
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
But Mr Shapps told BBC Breakfast : `` People will be , I think rightly very unforgiving about a second spike caused by rushing from two metres to one metre , or what have you .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - right now , properly reviewing all of the evidence and we 're aware that other countries have come to different conclusions . ''
Sir Patrick Vallance , the UK 's chief scientific adviser , has said : `` It is a risk-based assessment on when risk reduces and the risks are associated with distance , so risk falls after 2m .
`` It is wrong to portray this as a scientific rule that says it is 2m or nothing - that is not what the advice has been and it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"It is wrong to portray this as a scientific rule that says it is 2m or nothing - that is not what the advice has been and it is not what the advice is now."


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Jo Cox: Sister's kindness plea on anniversary of murder

Jo Cox 's sister has urged people to `` pull together with compassion and kindness '' on the fourth anniversary of the MP 's murder .
The Labour MP for Batley and Spen was shot and stabbed by a far-right extremist .
He shouted `` Britain first '' in the attack , which took place a week before the EU referendum vote .
Kim Leadbeater said it was time for people to be more tolerant and listen to the point of view of others .
She said : `` How can we still be living in a world where people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the colour of their skin ?
`` How can we still be living in a world where we are supposedly better connected than ever yet so many people feel lonely ? ''
`` I know that I have still got a huge amount of work to do in terms of dealing with the senseless murder of my sister .
`` But I sometimes feel that I ca n't even begin to deal with the grieving process while there is still so much work to be done on the issues Jo cared about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` Four years on since Jo 's murder ...
I do continue to be inspired by how , when faced with tragedy and crisis , people often also show the best of humanity . ''
She was speaking ahead of the fourth Great Get Together , which began in 2017 to reinforce the Mrs Cox 's Commons speech saying we `` have far more in common than that which divides us '' .
This year 's event - which runs from 19-21 June - will comprise events which comply with social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bingo evening in Llantwit , Vale of Glamorgan , and a project to send letters and cards to care homes in Harleston , Norfolk .
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Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk .

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


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Milnrow flooding ruins store on day it fully reopens after lockdown

A shop owner was left `` devastated '' by flooding on his first full day of trading after lockdown restrictions were eased .
Dale Street in Milnrow , Rochdale was `` completely flooded '' when the River Beal burst its banks on Monday evening .
`` This ca n't carry on - it is the fifth flood in five years since the Boxing Day floods in 2015 , '' Philip Holt who owns Carpet Creations said .
Councillor Andy Kelly said it was the worst flood he had seen in 20 years .
The Lib Dem Milnrow and Newhey councillor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deepest '' flood he had witnessed , adding it was a `` massive indication of climate change '' made worst by the `` very old Victorian sewages '' in the village .
Councillor Irene Davidson , who also represents Milnrow and Newhey ward , said : `` The river rose so fast and the bottom of Dale Street was completely flooded '' .
She said the area - near to the River Beal - was prone to flooding but a `` lot of money '' had been spent on clearing drains in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said this had `` not worked '' .
Mr Holt , who employs six staff , said : `` We 're devastated but we 'll dust ourselves down and reopen on Wednesday but we ca n't keep doing this . ''
The 55-year-old said previous floods had cost him about £10,000 and he was unable to get insured due to the premises being in a flood area .
He said seeing the damage was `` emotional as I put every single penny back into the business '' .
`` Something needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't cope , '' Mr Holt added .
`` I think we get forgotten because we are a little village . ''
Local charity shop Village Treasures and the Tim Bobbin pub , which Mr Holt said had been refurbished during the lockdown , were also flooded .
Fiona Wilson , from the charity shop , said the floodwater backed up through the drains into the middle of the store .
`` We 've got what smells like sewage coming from our floor - it 's pretty manky , '' she said .

The Lib Dem Milnrow and Newhey councillor said it was the "quickest and the deepest" flood he had witnessed, adding it was a "massive indication of climate change" made worst by the "very old Victorian sewages" in the village.


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: 'It's the worst news you can give as an employer'

Lots of small businesses in the UK have been hit hard by coronavirus , especially in the hospitality sector .
@ @ @ @ @ a small chain of restaurants in the north west of England and describe the heartache @ @ @ @ @ branches , with the loss of more than 30 jobs .

Lots of small businesses in the UK have been hit hard by coronavirus, especially in the hospitality sector. Peter and Elaine Kinsella own a small chain of restaurants in the north west of England and describe the heartache of closing one of their branches, with the loss of more than 30 jobs.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: What's happening to free school meals this summer?

Millions of poorer children on free school meals have been sent food vouchers and parcels while at home during lockdown .
Footballer Marcus Rashford and others have been campaigning for the voucher scheme in England to continue through the summer holidays .
But the government has said it will not extend it .
So , who is eligible for free school meals and how do they work ?
Free school meals have been at least partially funded by the government for more than a century , because of concerns about malnourishment and children being too hungry to concentrate during lessons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ households on income-related benefits may be eligible , from government-maintained nurseries through to sixth forms .
Eligibility varies slightly between England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland because the nations set their own rules .
New claims made from April 2018 in England must come from households earning a maximum income of £7,400 a year after tax , not including any benefits .
It 's the same in Scotland and Wales , but in Northern Ireland the household income threshold is £14,000 In England and Scotland , all infant state school pupils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 and 2 ) can get free school meals during term time .
If a child qualifies for school meals they remain eligible until they finish the phase of school they 're in as of 31 March 2022 , whether primary or secondary .
How many children get free school meals ?
In England , about 1.3 million children claimed for free school meals in 2019 , or about 15 % of state-educated pupils .
In Manchester , where Marcus Rashford grew up , the figure is 28.1 % The take-up was greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of England and the Midlands where between a quarter and a third of all pupils were receiving free school meals .
How has the scheme changed during coronavirus ?
The majority of children have not been at school during the coronavirus pandemic .
This has prompted concerns that those eligible for free school meals could `` fall through the cracks '' and go hungry .
In recent years , free school meals have been linked to lowering obesity levels , and boosting academic achievement for poorer pupils .
During term time , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils eligible for free school meals through an alternative scheme , such as : Many families have been issued with either an electronic voucher or gift card worth £15 each week per pupil , to spend at supermarkets including Sainsbury 's , Asda , Tesco , Morrisons , Waitrose and M & S .
But the system has suffered problems including schools struggling to log on , parents being unable to download vouchers and some saying the vouchers failed when they tried to use them .
The programme , which has cost more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the Easter and May half-term holidays , but will not continue in the summer holidays .
What did Marcus Rashford say ?
Calling for the government in England to change its decision , Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford said his family had once relied on free school meals .
`` The system is n't built for families like mine to succeed , '' he said .
Campaigners have also threatened legal action against the government for not extending the food voucher scheme .
The Department for Education said food parcels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't implement these will be allowed to offer vouchers .
It also pointed to a new £63m local authority welfare assistance scheme to support the most vulnerable families .
What is happening in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland ?
• In Wales , the government will support children on free school meals with food vouchers , meal deliveries or bank transfers until children go back to school • In Scotland , discussions are still underway • In Northern Ireland , free school meal payments will stop over the summer holidays , @ @ @ @ @

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


bbcuk--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: ‘I’ve applied for more than 100 jobs’

Kayleigh Rennix has never struggled to find work before .
The HR manager from Essex was earning close to £40,000 working in the education sector before she resigned in March , fearing her role was at risk .
Since then she 's applied for dozens of jobs , but has had little interest from employers .
`` As my leaving date approached , coronavirus reared its ugly head .
I would say I 've applied for more than 100 jobs and not had many call-backs , '' she says .
Kayleigh had planned to find a new job quickly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday in Italy .
But the coronavirus pandemic put paid to those plans .
Now the 34-year-old has found herself relying on benefit payments for the first time in her life , and expects to move back in with her parents when her tenancy expires later in the summer .
`` My rent is £900 a month and my universal credit is £740 , so it 's been quite stressful .
I 'm really grateful for relationships with my friends and family .
My dad gave me some money for some food .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Kayleigh is among the millions of unemployed people who 've found themselves looking for work during the UK 's worst economic slump on record .
Claims for universal credit , the benefit for working-age people , hit a record monthly level in the early weeks of lockdown .
There are fears young people could be the worst hit .
• Job-hunting tips for graduates , from the Class of 2008 Twenty-one-year-old Kevon McPherson of Hitchin , Hertfordshire has been looking for work since he moved out of his foster home in December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely everywhere , from dog-walking jobs to becoming a care support worker looking after the elderly , '' he says .
Jobcentre staff directed Kevon to a course with youth charity the Prince 's Trust , which placed him with his local fire station .
With his mind made up that a career in firefighting was for him , Kevon was preparing to take the necessary entrance exams and begin applying for firefighting positions when the Covid-19 outbreak put everything on hold .
`` The firefighters were really happy to have me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ test [ for fitness ] , '' he says .
`` They said , 'Once you 've done your firefighting test , come back to us . '
But once the coronavirus hit , I was told we 'll pick it up later .
I 'm a bit worried . ''
Marcin Mazurkiewicz , 32 , had just started a new job as a groundskeeper at a holiday park in Argyll in western Scotland when the UK went into lockdown in March .
Because he 'd only been in the role for one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employer was n't able to put him on furlough , so he went back to stay with family in Poland .
He 's spent the last month looking for work on UK farms - but found very few jobs .
`` In the media , they said there is a massive demand for workers like this , but that does n't seem to be true anymore , '' he says .
`` I found one job for fruit picking one day after it was posted online , and there was information saying they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was filled immediately .
`` I 'm very worried because my life is more in the UK than Poland .
I want to return to education and stay there for good . ''
Marcin 's difficulties finding work come as no surprise to Russ Rogers .
He started a Facebook group hoping to connect people looking for work with jobs on British farms .
He contacted more than 100 farms , but has only managed to provide positions for two of the 1,000 people who have joined his group , called UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily basis I get 10-15 messages through the group from people asking for work .
I have a telephone number on the page so I have text messages day after day from people , and emails , people send me their CVs .
`` I 've basically had to say many times there just is n't anything at the moment , and that next season starts in July and they need to try then . ''
While demand for farm workers has slowed , there are some industries that have rapidly ramped up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been on a hiring spree , as demand for groceries surged .
It 's something Claire Leaman , 43 , has taken advantage of .
Before the coronavirus crisis , Claire ran her own business , offering business development services to property and construction firms .
As the UK went into lockdown , her business lost two major clients and Claire panicked .
She took a job at Tesco in south Manchester , ensuring there was a safe distance between customers in the aisles .
Then the supermarket offered her a job as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have doubled during the pandemic .
Claire says the job has paid the bills , but she plans to leave as soon as she can get her business up and running again .
`` In this job you 're part of everything that 's happening with the pandemic .
You 're a key worker and I suppose that 's satisfying , '' she says .
`` But it has been a little bit of a worry because you 're around a vast amount of people and not everybody understands social distancing , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , I 'm going to get it here , working at Tesco . ''
Tips for searching for jobs in lockdown • Stay open minded - be open to the different types of jobs available .
• Make your CV work hard for you - keep your CV current and make sure it shows off your strengths .
• Ask for advice - searching for jobs can be tough at the best of times .
If you 're feeling overwhelmed , ask for help ; whether it 's a friend , relative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're feeling can help .
• Keep your mind active - it 's easy to lose focus when you 're searching for a job , but there are lots of free courses , articles and resources available online .
• Get yourself a mentor - getting an online mentor can help you with all things related to your job hunt .
A mentor can speak from experience to give advice on your job search , your applications and can give you tips for the perfect interview .
Currently , the industry with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the recruitment firm Totaljobs .
That 's good news for 24-year-old Londoner , Megan Schiviano .
At the beginning of June , she was made redundant from her job recruiting sales staff for software firms .
But her experience in the tech sector , combined with the recent boom in e-commerce , has put her in a strong position , she says .
In just one week she 's already had interviews with five different firms .
`` There 's naturally going to be a lot more candidates than there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's asked and how to interview as I 've been doing it for the last three years , '' she says .
`` I 'm quite a positive person .
I would n't say I 'm in a bad situation . ''

Marcin Mazurkiewicz, 32, had just started a new job as a groundskeeper at a holiday park in Argyll in western Scotland when the UK went into lockdown in March. Because he'd only been in the role for one and a half weeks, Marcin's employer wasn't able to put him on furlough, so he went back to stay with family in Poland.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--'I'm sorry for being racist when I was younger'

In primary and secondary school , Holly ( not her real name ) made racist comments towards the black students she was in class with .
`` I remember thinking it was funny and I was being cool , '' the 22-year-old tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
Even after being told by the people she was racially abusing that it was wrong , Holly continued to do so .
The death of George Floyd in America and Black Lives Matter protests across the world have forced some people , like Holly , to confront their past racism and try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me apologise for my racist behaviour when I was younger , '' she adds .
'What I did was so wrong' Holly thinks one of the reasons for her behaviour was the influence of her family and friends growing up .
`` I went to schools which were majority white , and I was n't really exposed much to people from other backgrounds . ''
Groups Holly was part of would be racist towards classmates , and she would `` try to fit in '' .
She adds that her family 's racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have very white-centric views .
I think they believe black people are trying to be more superior , rather than be equal to white people . ''
But Holly accepts that ultimately , she is responsible for her own actions .
`` Regardless , I know what I did was so wrong . ''
Joe ( not his real name ) also believes the influences around him affected his behaviour in school .
`` I do n't feel like my home was a hateful place .
But I 'd definitely hear the N-word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tells Newsbeat .
As he grew older , Joe copied his brothers when they would say racist things .
`` Looking back , it was definitely not OK for me to say the things I did . ''
Joe had `` friends who were brown skinned '' - he thought it was `` his right '' to use racial slurs such as the N-word .
He listened to songs which used the word and he `` could n't see what was wrong '' .
`` I used phrases like the N-word indiscriminately and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me would think .
`` I even lost a friend after making a racist comment , and I still could n't see it back then . ''
Owen Jones is the director of education for campaign group Hope Not Hate , and he says there 's a lack of knowledge around the origins of the word .
`` If everyone was given a proper understanding of its context , the links with the slave trade , they would understand the difference between listening to the music and repeating the word . ''
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know about '' It 's having that cultural understanding which is lacking . ''
Holly 's change in attitude came when she changed her social circles and joined a church , where she spent more time with black people .
For Joe , it 's slightly different .
His `` turning point '' came five years ago when somebody taught him about microaggressions - subtle but offensive actions directed towards minorities which can reinforce stereotypes .
Both Holly and Joe credit the Black Lives Matter movement for deeper self-reflection now .
Holly 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she is working to educate herself more about black history .
`` Everyone has been glad that I 've apologised and admitted what I did was wrong , '' she says .
Joe acknowledges the protests have made him want to `` rectify the pain he caused '' .
`` I admit I messed up , so I know it 's right to have said sorry to the people I hurt when I was younger , '' he adds .
'It 's not enough to just hope and say no to racism' Holly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight against racism .
Joe 's attended Black Lives Matter protests in the UK recently , and plans to go to more .
He now works for a group which promotes educational equality .
He says it 's important to tell children when they slip up .
`` If they say something they should n't - like the N-word in a song - it 's down to us to explain why that 's not OK. '' '' I 've been sharing links , signing petitions and trying to help people educate themselves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , which has been hard `` because they only see what 's portrayed in the media they watch '' .
• Exclusions for racism in primary schools in England up more than 40 % Owen agrees and says to prevent racism at an early age , it 's important to get `` kids out of their cultural bubble '' - which is what changed Holly .
And in regions where there 's not much diversity , he suggests taking children to places where there are mixed backgrounds to `` show them people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have heard is untrue '' .
`` These things have been passed down for hundreds of years .
We 're not born with racism , but we do have the capacity to be racist , '' he adds .
`` And it 's easy to slip into unless you have those conversations at a young age .
It 's not enough to just hope and say no to racism . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"If everyone was given a proper understanding of its context, the links with the slave trade, they would understand the difference between listening to the music and repeating the word."


bbcuk--2020-06-15--'People queued for an hour to enter' the shop

The dust has settled after the first day of trading for non-essential shops in England since the coronavirus lockdown almost three months ago .
Bargain hunters and spendthrifts alike descended on the High Streets , with some retailers seeing long queues and others reporting a quiet start to trading .
So what was it like for the people staffing and running those shops ?
Neeraj Chadda , who manages a Currys PC World megastore in London , says he loved being back .
He had n't put a suit on to turn up to work in weeks .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
And he was n't the only one who was pleased that the shop at Staples Corner was able to open its doors again .
Mr Chadda said people were queuing for about an hour to enter the store , which could only allow a maximum of 67 customers in at a time to facilitate social distancing rules .
• Shoppers rush to the High Street as England stores reopen Things have changed behind the scenes as well .
He has had to implement a one-way system in the store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough protective gear for his 130 employees .
Compared with a typical Monday in June , Mr Chadda says the store saw at least four times the number of people walk through its doors when they reopened after almost three months in lockdown .
Some retail experts have predicted an initial sales surge from pent up demand , followed by a slump .
But Mr Chadda , who has worked in the sector for a quarter of a century , is more optimistic .
`` I think this week will be a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` People have been through the lockdown .
At some point , all of us need something near normal .
I still think people have that desire to have a look at the product . ''
Things were a little slower at bespoke suit and shirt maker Dege & Skinner , situated on London 's historic tailoring street , Savile Row .
The 155-year-old business opened its doors for the first time in three months on Monday - but by appointment only .
Managing director William Skinner - a fifth-generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers on Monday .
And he expects the rest of the week to be similarly slow .
Normally , he would have about 75 appointments a month in the diary and then he would welcome walk-ins on top of that .
`` But , '' he said , `` this is the first official week back .
People have been waiting to do this and they 're quite excited to carry on the process of having their clothes made . ''
He does not think demand will return to normal until people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to travel a lot with our business , '' said Mr Skinner , whose employees cross the world to meet clients , take measurements and fit suits .
They also travel to see him .
`` In the meantime , we 'll just have to rely on sending them patterns and them ordering clothes over the internet , '' he said .
David Edwards , senior interior designer at furniture store BoConcept , in Manchester , said his first day back to work was `` busy '' but enjoyable .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating , so we 're just doing appointments only , '' he said .
That typically means a couple seeking to spruce up their home in the midst of lockdown will have the entire shop to themselves for an hour , guided round by a shop assistant and provided with gloves , masks and hand sanitiser .
After each appointment , the showroom is cleaned , ready for the next visit .
Obviously customers who have an hour to spare are mostly committed to making a purchase .
Mr Edwards says some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first day 's trading were looking at `` full living-room projects '' , involving new sofas , coffee tables , lamps and other accessories .
Some of these were being worked on during lockdown and are now close to completion , so the customers have come to see the final plans .
Others had more modest needs : `` They moved into somewhere just before lockdown and just want a few key pieces , '' he said .
He added : `` We 've had about 10 customers in today .
We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel it 's a relaxed , enjoyable shopping experience . ''
Alex Robertson owns the Head in the Clouds zero-waste shop in Bishop Auckland , County Durham .
It sells a range of sustainable food and cleaning products , as well as plastic-free gifts .
`` It was really nice to have everyone back , '' she said .
`` Everyone was taking it seriously and being quite conscientious . ''
Ms Robertson has introduced a one-way system in her shop and allows no more than two family groups in at a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided for customers .
`` It was really busy .
We sold quite a lot of things , '' she said .
`` We had one or two people that were just coming in to look , but most people were there for a purpose . ''
Ms Robertson says she caters to people with a `` shop local '' ethos who want to know where their goods come from .
`` In my business , especially , a lot of people do n't want to shop online , '' she said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get what they want here in the city centre . ''

"I think this week will be a good guide to what happens ahead," he said. "People have been through the lockdown. At some point, all of us need something near normal. I still think people have that desire to have a look at the product."


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Gary Lineker: Marcus Rashford credit to his sport and his family

Gary Lineker said he supported Marcus Rashford 's campaign for the government to give disadvantaged children food vouchers over summer @ @ @ @ @ said it was strange that there was such political disagreement over getting children fed .
@ @ @ @ @ on Newsnight .

Gary Lineker said he supported Marcus Rashford's campaign for the government to give disadvantaged children food vouchers over summer.
The former striker also said it was strange that there was such political disagreement over getting children fed.
He spoke to Emily Maitlis on Newsnight.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Newspaper headlines: Retail therapy amid fears of economic 'disaster'

Many of Tuesday 's papers look back on the first day that non-essential shops opened to the public in England .
Richard Littlejohn , in the Daily Mail , notes : `` There has n't been this much activity in the retail sector since the frenzy of panic-buying bog rolls back in March . ''
On any normal Monday morning , he says , these mostly young and able-bodied shoppers would have jobs to go to .
`` But , presumably , they 're all on furlough , '' he says .
`` Here 's the £300bn question : If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shopping malls , what reason is there for preventing them earning a living ? ''
However , the Sun 's leader column congratulates those who braved the queues .
`` Every purchase helps save someone 's job , '' it argues .
`` Too many seem to think we can cower in our homes shopping online until Covid burns out or is nullified by a vaccine .
`` Do that and we will emerge to find only ghost towns and millions on handouts . ''
Meanwhile , Daily Telegraph cartoonist Matt pictures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the checkout , only for him to cry : `` What ?
I assumed Rishi Sunak was paying for everything . ''
`` Millions of pupils doing no work , '' is the front page headline in The Times , which reports the results of two surveys examining the impact of school closures on education .
A study by University College London found a fifth of the UK 's primary school children were doing no work at home , or less than an hour a day .
Meanwhile , a survey by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four out of 10 pupils in England are not in regular contact with their teachers , and a third are not engaged with schoolwork .
The Guardian carries the same story , quoting the author of one of the studies as saying it paints a gloomy picture .
The Daily Telegraph reports that , under new guidelines , every secondary school pupil in England will be allowed to return to school before the summer - but for just one face-to-face meeting .
The Scottish edition of The Times says First Minister Nicola Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of face-to-face teaching time in secondary schools when they return in August .
It says there 's been a surge of interest in private schools from parents of state-school pupils disillusioned about the quality of home teaching and confused about plans for a part-time return to conventional lessons .
`` Lockdown a disaster for society says Hague , '' is the Daily Telegraph 's front-page headline .
Former foreign secretary Lord Hague writes in the paper that the true cost of the lockdown , in human terms , is now becoming apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a personal catastrophe for hundreds of thousands of people '' , he says .
For many , lockdown will mean `` depression , family breakdown and despair '' , he adds .
The Guardian , meanwhile , has been told that the government 's new Commission on Racial Inequalities is being set up by a Downing Street advisor , Munira Mirza , who it says has cast doubt on the existence of institutional racism and has condemned previous inquiries for fostering a `` culture of grievance '' .
The paper says news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismay by some campaigners .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox Brussels is preparing to back down over a Brexit fishing deal , the Times claims .
The paper 's been told that the EU negotiator , Michel Barnier , accepts that the UK will have to be treated as an independent coastal state and have annual negotiations about fishing quotas .
A UK government source is quoted saying : `` There have been signals that this is an area where Mr Barnier wants to move , but as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the table . ''
The Financial Times leads on the prospects for a post-Brexit trade deal , reporting that there 's `` growing optimism in London and Brussels '' that an agreement might be possible .
It says there 's `` a sense of relief '' in Brussels that Mr Johnson had not walked out of the talks and that a British official described the mood between the two sides as decent '' .
The Daily Express is also optimistic — saying that the EU is ready to drop its `` hardline '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reached next month .

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


bbcuk--2020-06-16--NI unemployment more than doubles in two months

Unemployment in Northern Ireland has more than doubled in two months , official figures suggest .
They show that claimant count unemployment increased from 29,700 in March to to 65,200 in May .
Claimant count includes Jobseeker 's Allowance claimants and those people on Universal Credit who were claiming principally for the reason of being unemployed .
The figures are from the NI Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) .
The increase of 5,700 from April to May was less dramatic than the jump of almost 30,000 from March to April .
The claimant count is now above its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it hit 64,800 .
Nisra estimates that the claimant count unemployment rate is now 7 % .
The other , preferred , method of measuring the unemployment rate is the Labour Force Survey ( LFS ) .
However , the current survey results only cover the early period of the coronavirus lockdown .
The figures also suggest that more firms are planning to make redundancies .
Just under 350 redundancies were proposed in May , but more than 1,400 were proposed in the first two weeks of June .
Paul McFlynn , co-director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the government 's furlough and self employment support schemes are `` definitely cushioning the blow to a dramatic extent '' .
He told BBC NI 's Good Morning Ulster programme that when these come to an end , many more people could find themselves out of work .
`` When these redundancies come online , there is n't going to be a very buoyant job market for these people to return to .
`` So as we come off the furlough scheme and subsequently when we come off the flexi-furlough scheme , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those people coming into unemployment and a dramatic spike at that point . ''
Across the UK , the number of workers on payrolls fell by more than 600,000 , according to the Office for National Statistics .

"So as we come off the furlough scheme and subsequently when we come off the flexi-furlough scheme, we are likely to see a lot of those people coming into unemployment and a dramatic spike at that point."


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Unemployment in Wales: Number claiming benefits doubles

The number of people claiming out-of-work benefits in Wales has doubled compared with the same time last year .
There were 118,600 claimants in the middle of May , equivalent to 6.2 % of 16-64 year olds , according to Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) figures .
The local authority with the highest claimant rate was Newport with 7.5 % .
Meanwhile , unemployment figures for February to April show a slight fall - with lockdown only partially affecting this period .
There were 47,000 people unemployed in Wales during those three months - 4,000 fewer than November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same period the year before .
• More than 600,000 lose their jobs amid lockdown Overall , 3 % of people were out of work , compared with 3.9 % UK-wide .
However the figures also show a fall in employment in Wales , by 15,000 , compared with the same period last year .
The impact of lockdown is partially illustrated in the number of hours worked .
Between February and April there was an 8.9 % fall in the number of hours people worked - a total of 94.2 million hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest decrease in hours worked since 1971 .
Wales continues to have a high rate of economic inactivity - people not in work and not available for work because they are ill , caring for someone or in full time education - 23.2 % of 16 to 64-year-olds in Wales are in this category , higher than the same period last year .
Only Northern Ireland has a higher rate at 26.7 % .
Clwyd West Conservative MP David Jones said : `` It 's fairly clear the full effects of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come through .
`` It 's most likely to start making an impact in August when furlough winds down .
`` The biggest concern is autumn when it runs down completely .
It 's clearly not an optimistic outlook . ''
Looking ahead , he called for two-metre social distancing to be changed , saying businesses in his constituency were `` worried sick '' about it .
He added on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast : `` Quite simply restaurants ca n't operate .
If it was reduced to one metre , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Two metres is an absolute killer for the industry . ''
Owen Davies , 29 , from Newport , had to leave his job working with porters at his local hospital , helping to transport patients .
While he described the job as `` stressful '' , he said he enjoyed it , adding : `` What happened was that I fell ill , I had to take a couple of days off just before the pandemic started .
`` At the time my mum was in hospital having major heart surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended up coming home .
`` My father has also got chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and I have a partner with asthma , so I had to make the decision to stay off when the lockdown was starting . ''
While he said he made the decision to protect his family , the agency he worked for gave him an ultimatum to `` either come back or we are getting rid of you '' and ended his contract .
He said it had a knock-on effect on his confidence and mental health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Credit as a lifestyle as a means to get by is not good , it 's really stressful .
`` I 'm trying to get some normality back now and hopefully find something I can get up and running and start working again .
`` I 've pretty much had enough of this lockdown now and I just want to get back to work . ''
Mr Davies is currently being helped to find a job by the Prince 's Trust and is hopeful they will get him a place on a Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've already had about the impact of coronavirus on the economy , the news that unemployment has fallen a little further in Wales might seem surprising and today 's claimants figures may seem contradictory .
When you unpick the statistics a clearer picture emerges .
The unemployment figures , just released , are for the three months from February to April and so only half of that period includes lockdown .
The claimant count however shows us the number of people claiming work related benefits on a specific day - 14 May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very significant .
We have also learnt today that across the UK job vacancies have fallen steeply .
There 's been a record decline in self-employed work and the number of hours worked have plummeted .
The unemployment figures that will be published next month will be more representative of what has happened in the workplace .
The evidence suggests that the furlough scheme , introduced by the UK government , has kept many millions of employees on the pay roll .
That was the idea of it .
We will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the full impact of the pandemic on Welsh jobs .

Wales continues to have a high rate of economic inactivity - people not in work and not available for work because they are ill, caring for someone or in full time education - 23.2% of 16 to 64-year-olds in Wales are in this category, higher than the same period last year.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Stan Collymore: Man admits sending abusive comment

A man has admitted sending racist and homophobic comments to ex-footballer Stan Collymore .
The former Liverpool and England striker @ @ @ @ @ the weekend to share a screenshot of the message with Derbyshire Police .
Leo Maddocks @ @ @ @ @ Derby , pleaded guilty to sending an offensive , indecent , obscene or menacing message @ @ @ @ @ a community order and will be monitored electronically for three months .
He was ordered @ @ @ @ @ and £85 in court costs after appearing at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates ' Court .
• @ @ @ @ @ the East Midlands Derbyshire Police said Mr Maddocks was arrested on Sunday after the force @ @ @ @ @ a 49-year-old man that he received alleged racist and homophobic comments online '' .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ included Nottingham Forest , Aston Villa and Leicester City , thanked police for their swift @ @ @ @ @ Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ @ @

The former Liverpool and England striker used his Twitter account at the weekend to share a screenshot of the message with Derbyshire Police.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Marcus Rashford: Food voucher U-turn after footballer's campaign

About 1.3m children in England will be able to claim free school meal vouchers in the summer holidays , after a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford .
The Manchester United forward , 22 , welcomed the six-week voucher for eligible children , saying : `` Look at what we can do when we come together . ''
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the move was a `` welcome U-turn '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Mr Rashford 's `` contribution to the debate around poverty '' .
During the coronavirus lockdown the government is providing vouchers to families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it had insisted this would not continue outside of term time .
This prompted the England squad footballer to pen an open letter to MPs .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Tuesday evening , Mr Rashford said he was `` grateful that the prime minister did change his decision '' .
• NI only part of UK not to extend free school meals The footballer said he spoke with Mr Johnson on the phone earlier and that the PM thanked him `` for using what I 've built in a positive manner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that someone had an opinion and shared it with people , '' Mr Rashford added .
`` Being that voice for people who did n't really have the platform to speak out as much as they would like to . ''
At the daily coronavirus briefing in Downing Street , Mr Johnson said : `` I talked to Marcus Rashford today and congratulated him on his campaign which to be honest I only became aware of very recently , today - and I thank him for what he 's done . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in term time ... but we have to understand the pressure that families are under right now , '' he said .
`` It will help the kids from the families that really need it . ''
All children eligible for free school meals in term time in England will benefit from the `` Covid summer food fund '' , Downing Street said .
Scotland and Wales will also continue with the voucher programme , while Northern Ireland 's First Minister Arlene Foster has said she will be proposing that the scheme be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary finances can be secured '' .
The support in England works out at about £15 a week per recipient , and will cost around £120m .
BBC political correspondent Chris Mason said he was told this was `` additional funding agreed by the Treasury '' .
In a statement `` to all MPs '' posted on Twitter , Mr Rashford said he was `` thankful '' that they had given families `` one less thing to worry about '' .
For weeks , campaigners have been calling for free school meals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'We go hungry so we can feed our children' Many families whose children qualify for free meals have since the lockdown began been issued with either an electronic voucher or gift card worth £15 each week per pupil , to spend at supermarkets including Sainsbury 's , Asda , Tesco , Morrisons , Waitrose and M & S .
Almost 1.3 million school children in England - accounting for 15.4 % of state-educated pupils - were eligible for and claiming free school meals in January 2019 , according to the latest available data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need was greatest in parts of London , the north and Midlands where between a quarter and a third of all pupils were getting the free meals .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said the food vouchers to cover the six-week holiday period were a response to the `` unique circumstances of the pandemic '' and would not continue beyond the summer .
Referring to Mr Rashford , he added : `` The PM welcomes his contribution to the debate around poverty and respects the fact that he has been using his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important issues . ''
As a striker with a killer instinct in front of goal , Marcus Rashford is used to beating defences .
And he 's cut straight through a nervous defensive wall of Conservative ministers - leaving them wrong-footed and facing an embarrassing own goal .
A number of Tory MPs had already voiced their disquiet - and how many of them really wanted to find themselves up against an England football hero , and the risk of children going hungry ?
The U-turn means the government will pay the extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the six weeks of the holidays , available to 1.3 million children .
It 's a one-off deal for the unprecedented pressure caused by the coronavirus - with food banks warning of growing demands .
But Mr Rashford , and his 2.7 million Twitter followers , proved a tough target for the government - and he 's beaten them with a fast-footed appeal directly to public opinion .
Earlier , Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey was widely criticised for a comment she made in response to Mr Rashford 's campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about struggling parents who have had their `` water turned off '' , and whose children have gone hungry .
Ms Coffey replied to his Twitter thread on free school meals , saying `` water can not be disconnected '' - prompting the footballer to say he was `` concerned '' she had only acknowledged part of his message .
Among Tory MPs praising the U-turn was Tim Loughton , who said he was `` delighted '' the government had `` listened to Conservative backbenchers '' .
Opposition parties also welcomed the move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a `` hero '' .
The children 's commissioner for England , Anne Longfield , who wrote to the chancellor about the issue last week , said she was pleased ministers had `` seen sense and changed their minds '' .
'So much less stressful' Sonja from near Basingstoke , who has three teenage children , said the government 's change of heart was `` wonderful '' .
She told BBC Radio 5 Live Drive she found herself out of work and relying on benefits because of the pandemic .
The free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far , Sonja says , adding that she was grateful to Mr Rashford for his campaign .
`` [ The U-turn ] takes away that worry of the six-week summer holiday and makes it so much less stressful . ''
she said .
But she added : `` I feel sad that it had to be a campaign .
They have been throwing money to keep everyone afloat but left behind people on universal credit and free school meals . ''
Dev Sharma , Youth MP for Leicestershire , said the vouchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and expressed his delight the government has decided to fund them over the summer after all .
The 15-year-old said the move `` means the world '' to him and his brother `` to know that my mum and dad have now sufficient funds to feed [ us ] over six weeks '' .
`` I can now have access to a decent meal and be on the same level as my peers from more affluent backgrounds , '' he said .
• DIET AND IMMUNITY : How important is diet for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praised Mr Rashford 's campaign .
Andrew Forsey , chief executive of Feeding Britain , said the footballer has `` done incredibly well for himself , but has n't forgotten his roots '' .
But Helen Barnard , acting director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation , said the government 's scheme `` only covers a minority of children in poverty and the pressures are much wider than just school meals '' .
She said `` soaring numbers of families '' were having to rely on foodbanks to get through the pandemic , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Does you child qualify for free school meals ?
Will the vouchers help your family ?
Email haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

"He was just grateful that someone had an opinion and shared it with people," Mr Rashford added. "Being that voice for people who didn't really have the platform to speak out as much as they would like to."


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Dexamethasone proves first life-saving drug

A cheap and widely available drug can help save the lives of patients seriously ill with coronavirus .
The low-dose steroid treatment dexamethasone is a major breakthrough in the fight against the deadly virus , UK experts say .
The drug is part of the world 's biggest trial testing existing treatments to see if they also work for coronavirus .
It cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators .
For those on oxygen , it cut deaths by a fifth .
Had the drug had been used to treat patients in the UK from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 5,000 lives could have been saved , researchers say .
And it could be of huge benefit in poorer countries with high numbers of Covid-19 patients .
The UK government has 200,000 courses of the drug in its stockpile and says the NHS will make dexamethasone available to patients .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was a genuine case to celebrate `` a remarkable British scientific achievement '' , adding : `` We have taken steps to ensure we have enough supplies , even in the event of a second peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof Chris Whitty said it would save lives around the world .
• The drug combination that may help us beat Covid-19 About 19 out of 20 patients with coronavirus recover without being admitted to hospital .
Of those who are admitted , most also recover but some may need oxygen or mechanical ventilation .
And these are the high-risk patients dexamethasone appears to help .
The drug is already used to reduce inflammation in a range of other conditions , including arthritis , asthma and some skin conditions .
And it appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can happen when the body 's immune system goes into overdrive as it tries to fight off coronavirus .
This over-reaction , a cytokine storm , can be deadly .
In the trial , led by a team from Oxford University , about 2,000 hospital patients were given dexamethasone and compared with more than 4,000 who were not .
For patients on ventilators , it cut the risk of death from 40 % to 28 % .
For patients needing oxygen , it cut the risk of death from 25 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Horby said : `` This is the only drug so far that has been shown to reduce mortality - and it reduces it significantly .
It 's a major breakthrough . ''
Lead researcher Prof Martin Landray said the findings suggested one life could be saved for : • every eight patients on a ventilator '' There is a clear , clear benefit , '' he said .
`` The treatment is up to 10 days of dexamethasone and it costs about £5 per patient .
`` So essentially it costs £35 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drug that is globally available . ''
When appropriate , hospital patients should now be given it without delay , Prof Landray said .
But people should not go out and buy it to take at home .
Dexamethasone does not appear to help people with milder symptoms of coronavirus who do not need help with their breathing .
The Recovery Trial , running since March , also looked at the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine , which has subsequently been ditched amid concerns it increases fatalities and heart problems .
The antiviral drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shorten recovery time for people with coronavirus , is already being made available on the NHS .
The first drug proven to cut deaths from Covid-19 is not some new , expensive medicine but an old , cheap-as-chips steroid .
That is something to celebrate because it means patients across the world could benefit immediately .
And that is why the top-line results of this trial have been rushed out - because the implications are so huge globally .
Dexamethasone has been used since the early 1960s to treat a wide range of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asthma .
Half of all Covid patients who require a ventilator do not survive , so cutting that risk by a third would have a huge impact .
The drug is given intravenously in intensive care and in tablet form for less seriously ill patients .
So far , the only other drug proven to benefit Covid patients is remdesivir , which has been used for Ebola .
That has been shown to reduce the duration of coronavirus symptoms from 15 days to 11 .
But the evidence was not strong enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dexamethasone , remdesivir is a new drug with limited supplies and a price has yet to be announced .
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• EUROPE LOCKDOWN : How is it being lifted ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

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bbcuk--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Prince Charles's sense of smell and taste still not back

Prince Charles has still not fully regained his sense of smell and taste after having coronavirus in March , he revealed on a visit to NHS staff .
The prince discussed his personal experience with the virus as he met workers at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital - at a 2m distance .
He was accompanied by his wife , the Duchess of Cornwall , who said the staff had showed `` Britain at its best '' .
It was the couple 's first face-to-face public engagement since lockdown began .
They met frontline staff and key workers from several NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaners , at the hospital near Prince Charles 's Highgrove estate .
Social distancing rules were observed , with those waiting to meet them standing on yellow dots to ensure they were 2m apart .
• Job cuts warning as 600,000 roles go in lockdown • Is it safe to relax the 2m rule ?
Prince Charles greeted some of those he met with a `` namaste '' - clasping his hands together - instead of a handshake .
Jeff Mills , 47 , a healthcare assistant from Cheltenham General Hospital , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal experience , so first-hand experience for him .
`` He also spoke about his loss of smell and taste and , sort of , still felt he 's still got it now . ''
They 're never the most natural of meetings .
Even at the best of times , royal visits can be a touch artificial .
It 's all that protocol : what do you call them ; must one bow/curtsey ; what does one talk about ?
And now it 's become ever so slightly more complicated thanks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charles and Camilla turned up at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital they were greeted by staff who looked as though they were taking part in a military parade… they were formed up in impeccably well-presented ranks , each person 2m from each other .
Everyone understood and the royal guests joked about taking a salute or telling everyone to `` fall out '' .
But the important thing was that it did n't interfere with the essential message of the occasion .
Prince William too had resumed face to face royal visits , meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norfolk .
Conversations may not be at their most relaxed when the speakers are standing apart but no amount of protocol or `` distancing '' can dilute the underlying message of gratitude to all those who 've been in the coronavirus front line .
The 71-year-old prince was diagnosed with Covid-19 near the start of the outbreak , after suffering mild symptoms .
A loss of smell is thought to be one of the key symptoms .
He later said he had `` got away with it quite lightly '' .
Asked if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had changed for good , the duchess said : `` I think it has , you can tell by all the people coming out every week to clap - they 've done the most remarkable things .
`` The way they 've looked after people , the way they 've sort of kept control of the whole thing ... it 's a question of not panicking and getting on with it and I think they are Britain at its best . ''
She also revealed the couple had their first socially-distanced reunion with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been a `` great treat '' , even though they were not able to hug them .
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• EUROPE LOCKDOWN : How is it being lifted ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • STRESS : How to look after your mental health With lockdown restrictions being eased , the Royal Family have chosen to take a step towards a return to normality - with a series of face-to-face public engagements .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Station in Norfolk - the first time he had met members of the public in person since coronavirus restrictions were imposed .
Prince William joked about how he was looking forward to having a pint in the pub , as he praised staff for `` all your hard work '' .
He said : `` Everyone appreciates the NHS , we have an amazing system , it 's a great health service and many countries around the world envy what we have .
`` It 's not until you have a big crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to really make sure we value and we show our appreciation . ''
He also joked : `` I 'm worried about the waistline of the nation as well , with all the chocolate and cakes .
I 've done a lot of baking at home . ''
The prince recently revealed he had been volunteering for crisis helpline Shout 85258 during the lockdown .
• DIET AND IMMUNITY : How important is diet for the immune system ?

"The way they've looked after people, the way they've sort of kept control of the whole thing... it's a question of not panicking and getting on with it and I think they are Britain at its best."


bbcuk--2020-06-17--Coronavirus: NHS staff need tests 'twice a week'

A leading surgeon has said NHS staff must be routinely tested for coronavirus up to twice a week .
Prof Derek Alderson , president of the Royal College of Surgeons , said it was vital , to reassure patients staff were not unwittingly carrying the virus .
But hospital trust bosses say they are still waiting for clarity on plans for regular testing .
The Department for Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) said it was focusing on routine testing in care homes .
Prof Alderson was speaking at a Health Select Committee meeting about the necessary steps to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running .
He said : `` It 's absolutely essential to regain public confidence that we are able to test our staff regularly . ''
It would be `` pragmatic '' for testing to take place `` about twice weekly '' , he added , because it was known that the available tests were not perfect .
As many as 30 % of infections could be missed by a single swab test , research from the University of Bristol suggests - giving an infected person a negative result .
So a negative result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scientists say .
`` It will always be essential to have multiple tests , '' Prof Nicola Stonehouse , a virologist at the University of Leeds , told the BBC .
`` In addition to the challenges of accurate sampling , you can be fine one day and infected the next . ''
Experts are concerned about the possibility of asymptomatic spread , where staff do n't know they are infected , but may still be capable to passing the virus on to others .
What do I need to know about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What can I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) said it had capacity to carry out just over 200,000 diagnostic tests as of 15 June .
But only 75,935 of these tests were actually carried out .
`` There is adequate capacity , it just needs to be directed to those who need it most , '' Prof Alderson said .
A staff testing pilot scheme was carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month ago , according to NHS Providers , which represents trust leaders .
`` But we 've had no results and no timeline , '' its deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said .
`` We have no idea when it will be rolled out . ''
As it stands , she said , there is no system in place to carry out weekly testing of health staff which she estimates will amount to more than 100,000 a day .
`` It 's a big issue if we want the NHS to get back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The government said care home staff and residents could be tested even if they do n't have symptoms at the end of April , but it has not committed to routinely testing NHS workers .
A DHSC spokesperson said retesting would be `` guided by clinical advice on relative priority and available testing capacity '' .

It would be "pragmatic" for testing to take place "about twice weekly", he added, because it was known that the available tests were not perfect.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Poundstretcher could close more than half its UK stores

Poundstretcher is considering closing more than half of its UK stores as part of a survival plan .
Up to 253 shops are at risk of closure if landlords do not agree to rent cuts or holidays , the discount retailer said .
A spokesperson said that the talks form part of a wider restructuring plan aimed at `` stemming losses '' from underperforming stores .
It employs 5,500 people across 450 shops , its warehouse and head office .
Poundstretcher , which also owns the Bargain Buys chain , has launched a company voluntary arrangement ( CVA ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue trading while pushing through closures and rent cuts .
• How coronavirus will change the way we all shop It will be overseen by the accountancy firm KPMG .
Under the proposals , 253 stores will pay full rent for an initial period of six weeks , `` after which continued trading will depend on the commercial merits of each store with the relevant landlords ' collaboration '' , KPMG said in a statement .
The CVA also proposes slashing rents for another 84 shops by up to 40 % for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 stores could also shut as Poundstretcher plans to put a subsidiary group that owns them into administration before the deadline for voting on the plans .
Several big brands have been struggling in recent weeks due to lockdown measures introduced in March to stop the spread of Covid-19 .
Non-essential shops only reopened in England and Northern Ireland this week .
But Will Wright of KPMG said the problems were n't entirely due to the virus : `` Poundstretcher has suffered from significant impacts to profitability on several fronts over a sustained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the impact of Covid-19 on footfall . ''
`` With the directors of the business having explored a number of options , this CVA seeks to safeguard the long-term future of the business , across a smaller , more sustainable store estate . ''
Cath Kidston , Laura Ashley and the UK arm of Victoria 's Secret have all called in administrators .
On Monday , the UK 's biggest building merchant Travis Perkins announced the closure of 165 stores .
Poundstretcher landlords and other creditors have until 2 July to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be approved by at least 75 % of its creditors .

But Will Wright of KPMG said the problems weren't entirely due to the virus: "Poundstretcher has suffered from significant impacts to profitability on several fronts over a sustained period, which were then further exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19 on footfall."


bbcuk--2020-06-16--A Street Cat Named Bob: Stray who inspired series of books dies

A pet that inspired the book A Street Cat Named Bob has died aged 14 .
James Bowen met Bob in 2007 during his battle with drug addiction when he found the cat abandoned and injured and decided to look after him .
He began taking the ginger cat with him when busking or selling The Big Issue in London .
Bowen eventually wrote a book about their relationship which became a smash hit and was made into a film , featuring Bob , in 2016 .
A Street Cat Named Bob : And How He Saved My Life was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since been five further books released in more than forty different languages .
A second film , A Gift from Bob , which also features the eponymous feline , is due to be released later this year .
Bowen credits his scarf-wearing companion with aiding his own recovery .
In a statement on the official Facebook page for his books , the author said Bob had saved his life .
`` It 's as simple as that .
He gave me so much more than companionship .
With him at my side , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'd been missing . ''
`` He 's met thousands of people , touched millions of lives .
`` There 's never been a cat like him .
And never will again .
`` I feel like the light has gone out in my life .
I will never forget him . ''

A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life was published in 2012, and there have since been five further books released in more than forty different languages.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Report on BAME Covid-19 deaths sparks call for action

Doctors have called for the recommendations of a report into the impact of Covid-19 on black , Asian and minority ethnic people to be implemented immediately .
The British Medical Association said it was `` critical '' to carry out risk assessments of vulnerable groups and protect them at work .
Racism could contribute to increased risks for BAME groups , the report said .
Commissioned by Public Health England , it has seven recommendations .
Dr Chaand Nagpaul , who chairs the council of the British Medical Association , told the BBC : `` It 's important we now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's the fair and right thing to do for our population . ''
He said more than 90 % of doctors who had died during the pandemic were from BAME backgrounds .
Doctors from these communities were also three times as likely to say they had felt pressured to work without sufficient protective equipment , he added .
• Why are more BAME people dying from coronavirus ?
Dr Nagpaul said the recommendation for risk assessments would mean workers at the greatest risk - in healthcare and other key worker roles - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as tackling the backlog of non-coronavirus illness in the NHS .
The daughter of care home worker Joyce Davis , who continued working until she died with coronavirus aged 79 , has told the BBC she feels let down .
Denise Davis said : `` She was in the frontline , there was no protocols in place for them , for the people working in the home and she did feel exposed .
`` We know that these are the lower end of the scale , lower paid , lower everything and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black and ethnic minority people - why is that ? ''
The report , the second by PHE on Covid-19 inequalities and previously seen by the BBC in draft , said `` historic racism and poorer experiences of healthcare or at work '' meant black and Asian people were less likely to seek care when they needed or speak up if they had concerns about risk in the workplace .
Some people from ethnic minority communities feared being deported if they went to hospital for treatment , the report said .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian groups had the highest death rates from coronavirus .
People of Bangladeshi ethnicity had twice the risk of death than people of white British ethnicity , accounting for age and sex .
The report said the unequal impact may be explained by social and economic inequalities , racism , discrimination and stigma , differing risks at work and inequalities in the prevalence of conditions such as obesity , diabetes , hypertension and asthma , which can increase the severity of Covid-19 .
• Better data collection about ethnicity and religion , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurately monitor the impact on these communities • Supporting further research with the participation of ethnic minority communities to understand the increased risk and develop programmes to reduce it • Improving BAME groups ' access to , experiences of and outcomes from NHS and other services - using audits , health impact assessments and better representation of black and minority ethnic communities among staff • Developing risk assessments for black , Asian and minority ethnic workers in roles where they are exposed to a large section of the general public or those infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education and prevention campaigns to rebuild trust and help communities access services such as contact tracing , antibody testing and a future vaccine • Targeting ethnic minority groups with culturally sensitive health messages to address conditions such as diabetes , high blood pressure and asthma The existence of this second report was revealed by Prof Raj Bhopal from Edinburgh University , following criticism that an earlier review contained no recommendations .
Prof Bhopal said it had initially been `` suppressed '' .
He told BBC Radio 4 's The World At One programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and could make England `` probably the world leader '' in addressing Covid-19 inequalities .
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• EUROPE LOCKDOWN : How is it being lifted ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Prof Bhopal said it was particularly important to provide public health information in languages other than English and called for the daily Downing Street briefing to to be translated .
`` Currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely white middle-class British population , '' he added .
Sir Michael Marmot , an expert health inequalities from University College London , said much of the increased risk to black and Asian people was caused by social and economic deprivation .
`` It 's systematic .
It 's related to to overcrowding , it 's related to occupation , and those in turn are related to life chances , '' Sir Michael said .
He said black , Asian and minority ethnic groups were more likely to have lost their jobs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public-facing roles where they were exposed to the virus .
`` One way of describing that is racism , '' he said .
How has being black , Asian or from another ethnic minority impacted on your experience of the pandemic ?
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The report, the second by PHE on Covid-19 inequalities and previously seen by the BBC in draft, said "historic racism and poorer experiences of healthcare or at work" meant black and Asian people were less likely to seek care when they needed or speak up if they had concerns about risk in the workplace.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Menzies Aviation workers face redundancy after global travel slump

More than 300 airport workers in Edinburgh and Glasgow have been put on notice of imminent redundancy .
The Unite trade union said Menzies Aviation has started a 45-day consultation with staff .
Before most aircraft were grounded , the company was one of those providing ground handling for aircraft and baggage .
The firm said it had taken the decision with `` great sadness '' due to the unprecedented decline in air travel .
The move comes after Menzies Aviation cut more than 17,500 jobs worldwide in March in response to the global slump triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme in the UK to keep workers on the payroll but the firm will soon have to start paying towards the costs .
As a result Unite said 160 workers based at Glasgow Airport and about 150 workers at Edinburgh Airport face redundancy following the end of the consultation period .
In both cases the numbers amount to half the workforce at each airport .
Pat McIlvogue , Unite regional industrial officer , who represents staff at Glasgow Airport , said : `` We are deeply frustrated and angry that despite the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be extended so that job losses could be avoided they have still forged ahead with this announcement .
`` Unite fully understands the situation facing the civil aviation industry , which is why we have been calling for a coordinated national response so that we can safeguard thousands of Scottish jobs .
`` However , let us be clear , these job losses do not need to happen and this is a deliberate choice by Menzies Aviation to slash its workforce . ''
Sandy Smart , the regional industrial officer for Edinburgh Airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news '' and accused the company of ignoring calls to keep using the UK government job retention scheme .
But the company claimed it had `` no choice '' choice but to reduce its workforce .
Giles Wilson , CEO of Menzies , said : `` It is with great sadness we have taken the difficult decision to enter into consultation with our employees and unions to reduce the size of our airport teams in the UK & Ireland .
`` This has been the most challenging period the UK aviation sector has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of flights have started operating again , we do not expect volumes to return to pre-Covid-19 levels in the near future .
`` We 're left with no choice therefore but to take action to match our workforce to the volumes we anticipate through the winter and well into 2021 to ensure Menzies is sustainable now and fit for the future . ''
Mr Wilson acknowledged the announcement will have a `` significant impact '' and pledged to do everything to minimise job losses across its network

"We're left with no choice therefore but to take action to match our workforce to the volumes we anticipate through the winter and well into 2021 to ensure Menzies is sustainable now and fit for the future."


bbcuk--2020-06-16--'Major incident' in water off north coast

Coleraine coastguard said it has been dealing with a `` major incident '' off the north coast , after four @ @ @ @ @ the water .
The coastguard said one person was recovered from the water near Dunluce @ @ @ @ @ Their condition is unknown .
A second person was rescued after the alarm was raised @ @ @ @ @ The coastguard said that person suffered minor injuries , while two others were unharmed .
@ @ @ @ @ Ballycastle attended as well as the coastguard helicopter from Prestwick , Portrush RNLI lifeboats and @ @ @ @ @ .

Coleraine coastguard said it has been dealing with a "major incident" off the north coast, after four people got into difficulties in the water.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Sturgeon warns against 'reckless' easing of lockdown

Nicola Sturgeon has warned against any `` reckless '' move to ease lockdown in Scotland despite a growing `` economic crisis '' and rising unemployment .
The first minister spoke after the release of the latest jobless figures .
The unemployment rate rose to 4.6 % in Scotland between February and April , compared with a UK-wide rate of 3.9 % .
Ms Sturgeon said easing the lockdown `` too quickly '' would risk a resurgence of the virus which would cost lives and economic productivity .
She said the progress made in suppressing Covid-19 so far could help build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And she called on the UK government to extend the job retention `` furlough '' scheme , saying it was `` almost certain '' to be needed beyond October .
Scotland is expected to move to the second phase of the government 's `` route map '' towards lifting lockdown on Thursday , which could see a `` safe re-opening '' of more shops and workplaces .
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics suggested that unemployment in Scotland had risen by 30,000 to 127,000 between February and April , covering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labour market .
Ms Sturgeon said it was important to be `` cautious '' about drawing conclusions from the data .
She said the protection of the furlough scheme `` means these figures are likely to be an underestimate of the full impact of Covid-19 on business activity '' .
However , she said it `` undoubtedly '' showed that `` dealing with the public health crisis of Covid has created an economic crisis that demands our full focus and attention '' .
She said : `` These kinds of statistics and generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argue for a quicker than planned exit from lockdown .
`` But difficult though all this is , we must guard against a reckless relaxation of lockdown .
If we ease restrictions too quickly and allow the virus to run out of control again , that would be economically unproductive and would cost more lives .
`` The progress we have made is an essential foundation for the sustainable economic recovery we want - the more we can suppress this virus now , the more normality we can restore as we do open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The latest review of Scotland 's lockdown is to be held on Thursday , with the first minister saying she would `` hope and expect '' that Scotland could move to the second phase of her government 's `` route map '' .
Measures included in phase two include letting people meet in larger groups outdoors , and with another household indoors .
It could also see factories , warehouses , laboratories and small shops re-open and the construction industry begin to re-start .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` Not all major changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope in the coming weeks that further important restrictions will be lifted so workers can return to factories , with strict hygiene and physical distancing measures in place , so the construction industry can continue its restart plan , and non-essential shops have a date for safe re-opening .
`` None of this will restore the economy immediately to full health but will be a sustainable improvement on our current position . ''
The Scottish government has identified four phases for easing the restrictions : Phase 1 : Virus not yet contained but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you should be able to meet another household outside in small numbers .
Sunbathing is allowed , along with some outdoor activities like golf and fishing .
Garden centres and drive-through takeaways can reopen , some outdoor work can resume , and childminding services can begin .
Phase 2 : Virus controlled .
You can meet larger groups outdoors , and meet another household indoors .
Construction , factories , warehouses , laboratories and small shops can resume work .
Playgrounds and sports courts can reopen , and professional sport can begin again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can meet people from more than one household indoors .
Non-essential offices would reopen , along with gyms , museums , libraries , cinemas , larger shops , pubs , restaurants , hairdressers and dentists .
Live events could take place with restricted numbers and physical distancing restrictions .
Schools should reopen from 11 August .
Phase 4 : Virus no longer a significant threat .
University and college campuses can reopen in full , mass gatherings are allowed .
All workplaces open and public transport is back at full capacity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ zero interest in keeping any part of the country in lockdown any longer than is necessary '' , but said `` patience will pay dividends in the future '' .
She said : `` A gradual re-emergence is crucial - it allows our businesses to start to operate and make money again , but we know that because this re-emergence is by necessity gradual it must be accompanied by continued support for business .
`` We have welcomed assistance from the UK government such as the job retention scheme , but it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary - which I think is almost certain . ''
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the UK government was providing `` comprehensive coronavirus support packages '' and that the furlough scheme and a similar system for the self-employed had `` saved nearly 800,000 jobs across Scotland '' .
More than a quarter of the UK 's workforce is now covered by the furlough scheme , which is due to run until the end of October - although the amount of money firms have to contribute is to increase each month .
Ms Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 6ft ) physical distancing rule , saying it would hit businesses harder if the virus were to start spreading out of control again .
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce said it was `` essential '' this rule be relaxed `` to prevent wholesale economic collapse '' of the retail , hotel and restaurant sectors .
The Scottish Beer and Pub Association said the limit `` simply does not make financial sense '' .
Ms Sturgeon said the rule would be kept under review , but said it was better to re-open the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run the risk of having to shut it again weeks or months later '' because of a resurgence of the virus .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Ms Sturgeon said: "Not all major changes will happen overnight, but I do hope in the coming weeks that further important restrictions will be lifted so workers can return to factories, with strict hygiene and physical distancing measures in place, so the construction industry can continue its restart plan, and non-essential shops have a date for safe re-opening.


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Child sex case: Twenty-six people charged with historical offences

Twenty-six people have been charged with historical child sex offences .
The offences relate to several young people who West Midlands Police say suffered physical and emotional abuse between 2008 and 2016 .
Fourteen men and 12 women , mainly from the Walsall area and aged between 20 and 69 , are those charged .
Others are from West Bromwich ; Wolverhampton ; Bilston ; and Redcar on Teesside .
They will appear before magistrates at a later date .
Charges include sexual assault of a child under 13 , conspiracy to cause or incite children to engage in sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch sexual acts , cruelty to a person under 16 and the rape of a child under 13 , police said .
Ch Insp Jo Floyd said : `` This is a complex investigation involving several young people who have suffered physical and emotional abuse .
`` We understand that this investigation will cause concern in the local community and I would like to reassure anyone affected by it that we take all reports of abuse seriously , no matter how long ago it happened . ''
The group are due to appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 23 June .
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"We understand that this investigation will cause concern in the local community and I would like to reassure anyone affected by it that we take all reports of abuse seriously, no matter how long ago it happened."


bbcuk--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Toilet fears hamper high street return for some

The high streets , retail parks and shopping centres are buzzing with life again as the coronavirus lockdown eases across England .
But in many areas public toilets remain closed .
So how are people meant to spend their hard-earned pounds , when they ca n't even spend a penny ?
Laura Reid needs to carefully plan her shopping trips - and wo n't be visiting any in a hurry .
The 27-year-old has irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ) so has n't been to any shops since they reopened because of a lack of toilet facilities .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out is 'where is the nearest loo ' because you 've always got that anxiety in your head , '' said the journalist , who lives in Barnsley .
`` I 've avoided going to the shops or supermarket for that reason . ''
All shops in England are now allowed to open , but with strict safety measures .
There were big queues outside the Nike store in central London on Monday , while people queued for an hour outside Primark stores in Manchester and Birmingham .
But some tweeted to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shops over fears not all toilets would be open .
Jenny Williams , 80 , who lives near Coalville in Leicestershire , was diagnosed with rectal cancer eight years ago and lives with an ileostomy bag .
She said she had previously been forced to rush out of a shop because of her double incontinence and so had n't been into Leicester since February .
`` I did have a problem in a shop and I was caught short so I had to leave my shopping .
I did not get home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change my clothes and shower , '' she said .
`` Even before lockdown public toilets often had long queues and when I have to go , I have to go .
`` I do n't have anyone to do my shopping for me but the lack of toilets in shops is putting me off going out . ''
• When will public toilets be reopened ?
The charity Crohn 's and Colitis UK has urged local councils and shopping centres to open public toilets `` as soon as they can , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place '' .
Their campaigns manager , Sarah Hollobone , said : `` This will not only dramatically improve the quality of life for people with Crohn 's or colitis , but also people with other conditions that require toilet access .
`` People with Crohn 's and colitis already feel isolated because of their condition and locking up public toilets unnecessarily adds to this . ''
Scientists in China have found that flushing the toilet with the lid up creates a cloud of spray that can be breathed in and may spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can travel up to 3ft ( 91cm ) from ground level , according to the computer model used by the scientists from Yangzhou University .
England 's larger shopping centres all said their toilets were open but many warned customers to expect reduced capacity .
Westfield , which has two large shopping centres in London , said it was `` implementing reduced entry to toilet blocks to ensure social distancing '' .
Intu , which owns 16 centres in England including the Trafford Centre , said toilets and baby change areas were open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reduced to support social distancing '' .
McArthurGlen , which has six centres across the country including Cheshire Oaks , said its `` toilets and changing facilities are regularly disinfected '' .
The Bullring in Birmingham also said its toilets were open , while Liverpool One said its loos were `` open at 50 % capacity due to social distancing '' and were cleaned every hour .
How many public toilets are there ?
There is no official national database of public toilets , though the Great British Public Toilet Map lists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centres , rail stations and anywhere the public can access , as well as those that charge a fee .
Research by the BBC in 2018 found that councils had stopped maintaining hundreds of facilities across the UK since 2010 .
According to the Valuation Office Agency , which keeps a database for business rates , there are just under 4,000 free-standing public conveniences in England and Wales .
So people visiting shopping centres can expect facilities - with a queue .
But what about the town centres where an economic boost is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not legally required to provide toilets , meaning they are often closed as councils look to cut costs , while businesses that provide toilets for their customers have no legal duty to do so for non-customers .
Raymond Martin , managing director of the British Toilet Association ( BTA ) , has called on the government to `` put some serious thought '' into regulation and funding of changes to public toilets , saying they are a `` human right and a human need '' .
`` People are coming out of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toilet , '' he said .
`` The government wants people to come out and spend their money but this is about health and wellbeing .
The Local Government Association said the reopening of public toilets was a local decision for councils and should follow government guidance .
`` Councils will be taking individual local decisions about public toilets based on a risk assessment and whether social distancing measures can be maintained , '' a spokesman said .
`` People should not assume toilets will be open and plan their journeys and outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reid are following that advice .
`` If toilets remain shut for sometime , or the queues continue to be long because of the necessary social distancing measures , then it 's definitely going to put me off going for anything I need and I 'd shop online instead , '' she said .
`` It 's a big barrier to me in terms of accessing the high street . ''
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your area ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : The rules as they are now • SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?