bbcuk--2020-09-23--Coronavirus: How are pubs keeping customers safe?

Pubs and restaurants in England , Scotland and Wales will be given a curfew as part of measures to try to halt the spread of Covid-19 .
What are the new rules in England ?
From Thursday 24 September , all pubs , bars , restaurants , cafes and other hospitality venues in England must close by 22:00 BST .
Venues that are licensed to serve alcohol will be restricted by law to table service only , except for takeaways .
In all cases , table bookings of more than six are not allowed and groups ca n't mingle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' contact details , so they can be traced if there is an outbreak .
They can be fined up to £10,000 if they do not do this or if they take reservations of more than six , or do not enforce social distancing .
Staff in hospitality venues must now wear masks , as must customers when not seated at their table to eat or drink .
The penalty for not wearing one , or breaking the `` rule of six '' has doubled to £200 for a first offence .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
In Wales , pubs , bars and restaurants will also have to close by 22:00 from Thursday , with supermarkets and off-licences not allowed to sell alcohol after that time .
In Scotland , a 22:00 curfew comes in on Friday .
Face coverings must be worn if you are not seated at a table .
In Northern Ireland , pubs that only serve drinks can now reopen , joining pubs that also serve food .
Social distancing across the UK is officially 2m - but in England people can be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instance , wear a face covering or do n't sit face-to-face .
Pubs , restaurants and cafes can keep individual groups closer than 2m if they take certain steps to keep customers safe .
Areas under local restrictions because of high coronavirus rates have different rules .
What contact details do I have to provide ?
UK pub and hospitality bodies have published guidance for bars and restaurants on how to operate contact tracing .
• Contact details only need to be taken from one person in a group • The details must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only need to give their name and phone number .
Owners should note when they arrive and how long they stay • Data can be taken in any way - paper , online or during a phone booking If a customer tests positive , will the pub or restaurant have to close ?
Official government advice says an NHS Test and Trace call does not always mean a pub or restaurant must close .
It depends on the circumstances and when the infected person visited .
NHS Test and Trace could ask staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power to close establishments .
Several pubs have temporarily closed after customers or staff tested positive for coronavirus .
If you are contacted personally by NHS Test and Trace , you should follow the advice and be prepared to self-isolate for a fortnight .
Is it safe to go to the pub ?
Guidance has been issued in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland on measures that pubs and restaurants must take to keep customers and staff safe .
• The option of ordering food on apps • Staff should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutlery • Music should be kept at a low volume to avoid people needing to shout , which increases the risk of transmission • Pub-goers will be encouraged to book tables in advance • Live gigs will be allowed , but should be outside where possible How did the hospitality sector cope during lockdown ?
The hospitality sector was the third-largest employer in the country in 2018 , according to UK Hospitality .
But many restaurants and cafes were already struggling even before the Covid-19 outbreak , in the face of rising rents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive Andy Wood told the Today programme that the pub industry had taken health messages seriously and it seemed `` incongruous '' to be singled out .
He said the industry was still `` on life support '' with about 900,000 jobs at risk .
Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has written to 1,000 people employed at six airports to say up to 450 jobs are at risk of redundancy .
Staff at Birmingham , Edinburgh , Gatwick , Glasgow , Heathrow , and Stansted have been told the decision is `` mainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in these pubs , linked with the large reduction in passenger numbers using the airports '' .
Since the pandemic hit , job cuts and closures have also been announced by several chains such as Byron Burger and Pizza Express .
Thousands of workers in the industry have been furloughed under the government 's job retention scheme , which allows them to receive 80 % of their monthly salary up to £2,500 .
That scheme is now winding down , and is due to end on 31 October .

From 7 August, if conditions allow, there will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others in places like pubs and restaurants. Masks will also no longer be required in hospitality settings. All businesses currently closed - such as nightclubs - will be allowed to reopen subject to ongoing risk assessments.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Covid-19: Wedding industry reacts to latest restrictions

People working in the wedding industry have spoken of their frustration at the continuing threat to their livelihoods .
The latest guidelines for England , which were announced on Wednesday , reduce the number of people allowed to attend weddings to 15 - down from 30 .
For those who provide services like photography and planning , the restrictions have been `` devastating '' .
One planner said she had gone from having 65 weddings in her diary , to just one .
The government has published guidelines on how to have a `` Covid-secure '' wedding in England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible and not providing food or drink for those at the ceremony , `` unless required for the purposes of solemnisation '' . '
A lot of venues will have to close' Photographer Laura May , who is based in Shropshire , said the further reduction in numbers had made it `` hard for couples to know what to do '' .
`` The announcement is a blow and many will feel upset , especially if they 've started to plan a wedding with 30 people but now have to change it again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , small weddings can be super-gorgeous and intimate and be a true reflection of the couple , and can be an ideal way to get the legal bit done this year - so life does n't have to be put on hold - with a view to having a party in the future to celebrate properly . ''
She has had just two weddings since they were allowed to resume - from 1 August - with restricted numbers .
`` Some moved to later this year , but a lot have had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as frustrating for them . ''
She began running her business full time four years ago , but did not qualify for the grants eligible for the self-employed and had to take out a bounce-back loan for support during the pandemic .
As she charges per hour , covering smaller weddings will affect her income .
• What are the rules on weddings ?
`` I 've been very stressed , I 've been sad , anxious for my couples , for my business , '' she said .
The continuing restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about next year .
`` If there 's still the guest restriction , it is going to be really tough for wedding suppliers to survive moving couples again , '' she said '' Couples will have to really consider if they want to get married or to move their date again .
`` I have had couples say they will still pay this year but I have said no because I 'd rather have the money knowing the wedding will be going ahead , rather than have to think I 've got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagine a lot of venues will have to close if people keep rescheduling , '' she said .
'It is really frustrating' Staffordshire-based wedding planner Clair Simpson said the guidelines were confusing .
She had 65 weddings in her diary for this year , with the likelihood that more would book , but said she now has just one .
`` It is really frustrating , '' she said .
`` When you bear in mind you can go to the pub and have 30 people in a room - in a pub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have 60 to 90 people in the building - but at a wedding you can have 15 at most .
`` They could have more people and still distance ; maybe they could be looking at a restriction by the size of room rather than numbers . ''
Ms Simpson also runs wedding fairs , and said she had now lost out on business for two seasons because of the coronavirus restrictions .
`` I can be earning £3,000 per season , but I have lost that twice over now , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be doing , if I am working at full capacity , in excess of three to four weddings a week . ''
' I do n't think the industry will survive another summer like this' Becca Grub , who set up the Shropshire Wedding Planner during lockdown , is herself due to marry in December .
`` We were going to have the ceremony on 29 December then go to a local hotel for a meal for 30 people , '' she said .
`` It was fine , seemed perfect , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I do n't think it can go ahead now .
It is quite devastating . ''
She said she was also concerned about the long-term impact on the industry .
`` I really feel for the wedding industry .
I have friends who are photographers , florists who have all lost a year of business .
It is heartbreaking .
`` I do n't think the industry will survive another summer like this .
`` They ca n't make up the money lost from weddings next year as there are only so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Ms Grubb , who still works four days a week in HR , said she was `` lucky '' compared to other businesses .
`` [ The government ] keep chopping and changing , '' she said .
`` There is no certainty whatsoever .
We are totally in the dark , which is stressful and anxiety-inducing in itself . ''
How can I support my couples if I 'm in the dark ?
Manon Pauffin , a Brighton-based photographer , said : `` We are the forgotten industry .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not us . ''
She normally tries to work about 20 ceremonies each year but said she had just one booking for a smaller wedding this year .
`` As much as I love intimate weddings and elopements , it is not the same to get £300 for a job compared to £2,000 , '' she said .
`` It is always just as special and I will devote the same amount of energy and care , but from a business perspective it is difficult . ''
Mrs Pauffin already had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the uncertainty .
She said the industry needed clear guidance on what will happen in 2021 .
`` For at least a couple of months now we 've all known there was n't going to be any weddings this year , not like before anyway , and that 's fine - there 's nothing we can do about that - but what we need is a clear plan for next year , '' she said .
`` Up until now we 've had to react to whatever the situation was and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need is to be able to prepare .
`` How can I do what 's best for my business if I do n't have any idea of what the plan is for next year ?
How can I support my couples if I 'm in the dark ? ''
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to : newsonline.westmidlands @ bbc.co.uk

Covid-19: Wedding industry reacts to latest restrictions Published 23 September 2020
Image source, Getty Images
People working in the wedding industry have spoken of their frustration at the continuing threat to their livelihoods.
The latest guidelines for England, which were announced on Wednesday, reduce the number of people allowed to attend weddings to 15 - down from 30.
For those who provide services like photography and planning, the restrictions have been "devastating".
One planner said she had gone from having 65 weddings in her diary, to just one.
The government has published guidelines on how to have a ''Covid-secure'' wedding in England, which includes keeping ceremonies as short as possible and not providing food or drink for those at the ceremony, "unless required for the purposes of solemnisation".
'A lot of venues will have to close'
Image source, Jessica Raphael Image caption, Laura May says she has been very stressed and anxious
Photographer Laura May, who is based in Shropshire, said the further reduction in numbers had made it "hard for couples to know what to do".
"The announcement is a blow and many will feel upset, especially if they've started to plan a wedding with 30 people but now have to change it again," she said.
"But, small weddings can be super-gorgeous and intimate and be a true reflection of the couple, and can be an ideal way to get the legal bit done this year - so life doesn't have to be put on hold - with a view to having a party in the future to celebrate properly."
She has had just two weddings since they were allowed to resume - from 1 August - with restricted numbers.
"Some moved to later this year, but a lot have had to rearrange a second time which has been just as frustrating for them."
She began running her business full time four years ago, but did not qualify for the grants eligible for the self-employed and had to take out a bounce-back loan for support during the pandemic.
As she charges per hour, covering smaller weddings will affect her income.
"I've been very stressed, I've been sad, anxious for my couples, for my business," she said.
The continuing restrictions also mean she is beginning to worry about next year.
"If there's still the guest restriction, it is going to be really tough for wedding suppliers to survive moving couples again," she said
"Couples will have to really consider if they want to get married or to move their date again.
"I have had couples say they will still pay this year but I have said no because I'd rather have the money knowing the wedding will be going ahead, rather than have to think I've got to give the money back.
"I imagine a lot of venues will have to close if people keep rescheduling," she said.
'It is really frustrating'
Image source, Clair Simpson Image caption, Clair Simpson says she has lost thousands of pounds due to cancelled wedding fairs
Staffordshire-based wedding planner Clair Simpson said the guidelines were confusing.
She had 65 weddings in her diary for this year, with the likelihood that more would book, but said she now has just one.
"It is really frustrating," she said.
"When you bear in mind you can go to the pub and have 30 people in a room - in a pub with two or three rooms you could have 60 to 90 people in the building - but at a wedding you can have 15 at most.
"They could have more people and still distance; maybe they could be looking at a restriction by the size of room rather than numbers."
Ms Simpson also runs wedding fairs, and said she had now lost out on business for two seasons because of the coronavirus restrictions.
"I can be earning £3,000 per season, but I have lost that twice over now," she said.
"Weddings-wise, I could be doing, if I am working at full capacity, in excess of three to four weddings a week."
'I don't think the industry will survive another summer like this'
Image source, Becca Grubb Image caption, Wedding planner Becca Grubb's own wedding is unlikely to go ahead due to the restrictions
Becca Grubb, who set up the Shropshire Wedding Planner during lockdown, is herself due to marry in December.
"We were going to have the ceremony on 29 December then go to a local hotel for a meal for 30 people," she said.
"It was fine, seemed perfect, we were due to pay all deposits... but I don't think it can go ahead now. It is quite devastating."
She said she was also concerned about the long-term impact on the industry.
"I really feel for the wedding industry. I have friends who are photographers, florists who have all lost a year of business. It is heartbreaking.
"I don't think the industry will survive another summer like this.
"They can't make up the money lost from weddings next year as there are only so many you can do in a year."
Ms Grubb, who still works four days a week in HR, said she was "lucky" compared to other businesses.
"[The government] keep chopping and changing," she said.
"There is no certainty whatsoever. We are totally in the dark, which is stressful and anxiety-inducing in itself."
How can I support my couples if I'm in the dark?
Image source, Kinga Lesniak Image caption, Manon Pauffin said working on smaller weddings was not as financially viable
Manon Pauffin, a Brighton-based photographer, said: "We are the forgotten industry. Most other industries have gone back to work but not us."
She normally tries to work about 20 ceremonies each year but said she had just one booking for a smaller wedding this year.
"As much as I love intimate weddings and elopements, it is not the same to get £300 for a job compared to £2,000," she said.
"It is always just as special and I will devote the same amount of energy and care, but from a business perspective it is difficult."
Mrs Pauffin already had a part-time job but has increased her shifts due to the uncertainty.
She said the industry needed clear guidance on what will happen in 2021.
"For at least a couple of months now we've all known there wasn't going to be any weddings this year, not like before anyway, and that's fine - there's nothing we can do about that - but what we need is a clear plan for next year," she said.
"Up until now we've had to react to whatever the situation was and scramble to find solutions; what we need is to be able to prepare.
"How can I do what's best for my business if I don't have any idea of what the plan is for next year? How can I support my couples if I'm in the dark?"


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Could churches double up as bank branches in cash-stricken areas?

A financial hub in a Methodist church and drop-and-go deposit points for small firms are among ideas being tested in cash-stricken communities .
Local people will also have access to cashback from convenience stores - even if they do no shopping .
Eight trials have been confirmed as part of a project to help solve problems with access to cash .
The closure of bank branches and cash machines has led to losses for local firms and has concerned consumers .
The plan for trials was drawn up in light of a major report warning that the country is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It concluded that eight million people in the UK rely on notes and coins , ranging from those without a bank account to people who are not comfortable with digital payments .
The eight trial areas , including remote communities such as the village of Botton , North Yorkshire , will test a range of ideas including pop-up Post Offices in small shops , and banking hubs in retail spaces .
Fifteen shops in four areas will trial the purchase-free cashback plan .
Retailers will be remunerated for providing the service by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'will hasten the decline of cash' • A new rural bank branch opening !
What 's going on ?
`` It is critical that we find ways to protect the viability of cash , for consumers and communities alike , '' said Natalie Ceeney , who wrote the access to cash report and is overseeing the projects .
`` These pilots are designed to find sustainable ways to keep cash viable locally , which , if successful , can then be rolled out more widely . ''
Reports on the progress , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published in summer next year .
Ms Ceeney said that access to cash machines was not the only answer , particularly for businesses that needed to quickly deposit their takings .
She said firm should n't have to shut their doors during the day to drive to the nearest bank miles away in another town .
Not long ago there were two banks with branches in Ampthill .
Then there was one .
Now there is none .
Currently just one cash machine is left to serve a population of more than 8,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the BBC in June that using cash helped him stick more rigidly to his spending plans to ensure he did not spend beyond his means .
`` In general I try and budget my daily routine and having the physical money there means it is harder to spend than just placing a piece of card on to a machine , '' he said .
Other project areas chosen for the trials include the remote Lulworth Camp , a military barracks in Dorset miles away from the nearest cash machine .
Small towns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank branches or cash dispensers disappear are also included , such as Ampthill , along with Rochford , in Essex , Denny near Falkirk , and Cambuslang in Lanarkshire .
Burslem , in Staffordshire , is also on the list , as is Hay-on-Wye , which has a large number of bookshops and other small businesses but no bank branch to deposit notes and coins .
Millisle , in Northern Ireland , has recently been added as the eighth area to take part in the pilots .
Eric Leenders , from UK Finance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the sector was committed to access to cash remaining `` free and widely accessible to those who need it '' .
Martin McTague , from the Federation of Small Businesses , said : `` While contactless undoubtedly marks the safest way to pay in the current climate , we have to ensure that coronavirus does n't cause us to sleepwalk into a cashless society we 're not ready for yet . ''

Ms Ceeney said that access to cash machines was not the only answer, particularly for businesses that needed to quickly deposit their takings. She said firm shouldn't have to shut their doors during the day to drive to the nearest bank miles away in another town.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Great British Bake Off: 'Excellent' Matt Lucas charms critics on show debut

Critics have welcomed the return of The Great British Bake Off to Channel 4 , whose latest series has Matt Lucas as co-host instead of Sandi Toksvig .
The Independent said the comic was an `` excellent choice '' who brought `` a pinch of wit and surrealism '' to the show .
The Telegraph noted he appeared `` a tad nervous '' but was `` sweetly supportive '' to this year 's 12 baking hopefuls .
The contestants and others working on the show stayed in a hotel in Essex throughout the duration of filming .
Participants were asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The episode was watched by an average audience of 6.9 million - the largest audience for a launch episode since the show moved to the channel in 2017 .
Do not read on if you do not want to know anything more about this year 's series opener .
According to The Guardian 's Rebecca Nicholson , Lucas looked `` genuinely thrilled '' and `` a little overwhelmed '' on his debut appearance .
The Little Britain star , she said , `` wears the look of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a tour of the tent '' .
Grace Henry of The Radio Times applauded his `` natural hosting ability '' and the way `` jokes rolled off his tongue '' .
She also praised his comforting of a contestant after she accidentally knocked over one of her fellow hopeful 's creations .
`` This moment really showed Lucas 's role as a presenter on the series , '' she continued .
`` It proved that his place on the show is n't all about dishing out cheeky one-liners or fooling about in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Independent 's Sean O'Grady , however , Lucas 's arrival leaves his co-host Noel Fielding looking `` bewildered '' .
Fielding , the critic suggests , `` seems strangely diminished by the arrival of the diminutive Lucas , who out-bants him with a bit too much ease '' .
The first episode saw contestants tasked with making miniature upside-down pineapple cakes and busts depicting their personal celebrity heroes .
Sir David Attenborough , David Bowie , Freddie Mercury and Louis Theroux were among the famous faces immortalised in icing .
In her review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near-hysterical '' by what she said was one of the funniest showstoppers in the show 's 11-series history .
The Telegraph 's Anita Singh , meanwhile , said the likeness of Mercury - `` a cross between a Playmobil man and Frank Sidebottom '' - was an `` early frontrunner for iconic Bake Off status '' .
Peter , an accounting and finance student from Edinburgh , was named star baker while Loriea , a diagnostic radiographer from Durham , became the first contestant to leave .
Having had its production put back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edition was further delayed to accommodate Boris Johnson 's televised address to the nation .
Carol Midgley of The Times said this was `` amusing and fortuitous for Lucas '' , who kicked off the programme with an impersonation of the Prime Minister in a tousled blond wig .
`` This was as good an opening episode as I 've seen , '' she concluded .
`` Lucas proved a good addition , balancing a tea cup then a rolling pin on his head , singing Roger Whittaker songs and eating a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review , Singh said `` normal Bake Off service has been resumed '' after a 2019 series she suggested had had `` a mean streak '' .
`` Viewers disliked it and the producers have clearly taken this on board , '' she wrote .
The show prompted a rousing reception by social media users , one of whom said its return `` has just saved the absolute mess that is 2020 '' .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ @ @

In her review, Nicholson said she was left "near-hysterical" by what she said was one of the funniest showstoppers in the show's 11-series history.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--'A stitch in time saves nine' - what does it mean?

There 're plenty of words and phrases we 've had to get used to hearing in 2020 .
Coronavirus .
Lockdown .
Heard immunity .
The R rate .
And last night there was a new one for a lot of people .
That 's what the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said as he announced extra rules on things like pub closing times in England .
If you 're anything like us - or most of the internet - you were probably on your phone pretty quickly .
At 20:04 BST , right after the PM told us : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stitch in time saves nine '' , Google saw a spike in people searching for the meaning of the phrase .
So what does it mean ?
The phrase basically means it 's better to solve a problem right away , to stop it becoming a much bigger one .
It 's first recorded in a book way back in 1723 and it 's a sewing reference .
The idea is that sewing up a small rip with one stitch means the tear is less likely to get bigger , and need more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stitches later on .
That 's a lot to fit on the front of the Downing Street podium so you can see why the prime minister 's using the short version .
The point Boris Johnson was going for was that asking bars and restaurants to shut earlier now ( the stitch ) will hopefully mean there 's not a huge wave of coronavirus cases in a month or so ( a bigger rip ) and a tougher lockdown ( nine stitches ) wo n't be needed .
Scotland and Northern Ireland are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopping people in different houses visiting each other too .
And in Wales , where pubs will also have to close by 22:00 , they 've always had rules on only extended households getting to head round to see each other inside .
You can find out exactly what all the new rules mean for you here .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Covid-19: Health workers 'sick' with fear at thought of second wave

`` The levels of anxiety amongst our staff that we may go back to what we saw in April is beyond anything I have ever experienced in over 30 years in the health service . ''
Dr David Rosser , chief executive of the University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust , was talking to a weekly coronavirus briefing when he described seeing unprecedented levels of concern among his colleagues .
And , although hospitals have outlined a number of measures put in place to support staff , some of those who worked through the first few months of the pandemic have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panicked and overwhelmed at the thought of facing a second wave .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser said on Monday the UK could see 50,000 new cases a day by mid-October .
And on Tuesday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had reached `` a perilous turning point '' as he outlined a series of new coronavirus restrictions that he said could last for six months .
We spoke to medical staff to see how they were approaching the possible fresh wave of cases .
Clementine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Worcester Royal Hospital , was redeployed to the intensive care unit during the first wave which , for her , meant separating from her 10-year-old son for seven weeks .
`` With the virus , we had to adapt to a totally different way of working , '' she said .
`` I think any clinician who looked after a Covid patient found the loss of control a terrifying thing because you did n't know how the disease was going to go .
`` Patients who were poorly with the virus did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients would respond to treatment , the normal things did n't work and it was a scary time .
`` But there was a lot of camaraderie , we tried to really pull together and look after each other , to go back a second time is depressing and something people will struggle with .
`` The one thing in going through that is you think it is a unique situation , it was a bit of a novelty and you were pulled through by the adrenaline of it , facing it for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
A lot of workers would be dreading the `` sheer discomfort '' of the personal protective equipment ( PPE ) they have to wear , she added .
`` Over a 12-hour shift , it is quite overwhelming , '' she said .
`` When you first get into it all you do get that panicky feeling , which is part stress and partly because you are wearing all of it .
`` That alone is quite a challenging thing , it sounds like small thing but day in day out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of nurses will be dreading . ''
But she said hospitals were able , this time , to prepare earlier for a possible rise in cases .
`` I know my own hospital trust is definitely making preparations , thinking about capacity , making those decisions in advance rather than in a rush , so that is a positive thing and we know better now how to treat the disease , '' she said .
Dr Nick Sherwood , clinical lead for intensive care for Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had ever worked .
During the peak of the virus , he moved into a caravan at the hospital to protect his wife and son .
`` The ones it was hardest for were the ones who were not used working in an intensive care unit , '' he said .
`` Nurses whose day job is not dealing with critically ill patients might come in and on their first shift see four patients die .
`` Certainly no small number of staff have been emotionally traumatised by it .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to do in my career , I like to think I am pretty resilient and tough , but lots of times I would have to go to a quiet place and collapse a bit and then pull myself back together and do it all again .
`` Trying to break bad news over the phone was bad enough for us , but I have no idea what it was like for the families .
`` The thought that I might have to do that all over again , I am not looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me and my team , but because I have seen what it was like for patients and their families . ''
'We 'll cope even better' Charge nurse Terry Ma , who works for the same trust , was off work for six weeks after contracting the virus himself in early March .
When he returned , he was looking after Covid-19 patients in A & E .
`` I was still very scared because was n't sure whether I could actually get the virus again , '' he said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still got tired quite easily and there were so many changes in department in terms how we worked and the layout , '' But after the first couple of hours I was able to tell myself I was in a safe place .
`` I believe because our trust , during first wave of the pandemic did so well , we have already had the experience dealing with a surge in cases , '' he said .
`` I believe our trust , our management , all the staff - from the nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambulance staff - are already experienced to deal with it .
`` I am still scared if the same happens again , but I think we will be able to cope even better . ''
Nathan Samuels , a regional nurse for young people 's healthcare based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham , said : `` I think there has still been a degree of apprehension , a tense environment .
`` We were n't in the peak as we were in March or April but there was still real awkwardness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And I think that has come from people thinking they ca n't do it again , they ca n't face what they went through a few months ago .
`` So many things caused major anxiety ... from staff becoming ill , worrying about families , the PPE , the guidance , the restrictions , the way it made people feel , how ill people were , having to deal with that , the deaths that were happening .
`` They were almost having to be people 's families , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ca n't see their relative who is ill , and also that person who ca n't have any visitors , that is difficult for any compassionate human being .
`` When I was working during the first peak , I was going in every day , going on wards where people were confirmed to have it .
`` Every single day it was the fear that you could potentially go home and harm your own family . ''
What are hospitals doing for staff working during the pandemic ?
Nationally , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its staff working to treat people with Covid-19 .
It includes specialist bereavement support , access to mental health and wellbeing apps as well as group and one-to-one support .
University Hospitals Birmingham has brought in a number of support services , including a mental health and wellbeing support telephone line , an in-house staff counselling service and health and wellbeing hubs .
Mark Butler , chairman of the West Midlands board for the Royal College of Nursing , said : `` Our colleagues in the acute sectors are seeing the numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of facing the second wave because this time you know what is coming , you know how bad it could be .
`` You have n't had the opportunity to deal with the quantity of patients that you dealt with initially , the emotion that brings in because , as nurses we are n't automatons , we are incredibly passionate about our job and we go in to work with every intention of doing as much as we can for our patients . ''
Sarah Link , a healthcare assistant at the Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a caravan six months ago to protect her 84-year-old mother .
She is still living in it and said she was `` 100 % dreading the next wave '' .
`` It has been my job for 17 years , I know I have got do it , but I get up in morning and feel physically sick , I do n't want to do it , '' she said .
`` Seeing people being taken into intensive care was awful , people short of breath , people going to the intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come back , hearing patients ' chances of survival . ''
Mrs Link said she felt staff `` know the situation better '' but that had done nothing to reduce her worries about what was to come .
`` I just hope it is not as bad as it was , '' she said .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your area ?
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to : newsonline.westmidlands @ bbc.co.uk

"You haven't had the opportunity to deal with the quantity of patients that you dealt with initially, the emotion that brings in because, as nurses we aren't automatons, we are incredibly passionate about our job and we go in to work with every intention of doing as much as we can for our patients."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Newspaper headlines: 'Rule of six months' and second lockdown warning

Boris Johnson 's address to the nation on Tuesday - and to Parliament earlier in the day - is the lead for all of Wednesday 's front pages .
The Mail says he unveiled a `` draconian '' package of restrictions on normal life that will last six months - wrecking hopes of a traditional Christmas .
The paper says it accepts the tough new controls grudgingly .
It worries about what it calls the `` painful blow '' to the economy , triggering business closures and job losses .
It also complains that the prime minister has torn up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and says the early closures for pubs and restaurants means that we have gone from the recovery-stoking `` Eat Out to Help Out '' to `` Kick Out to Help Out '' .
The Sun claims without a vaccine or mass instant testing - or both - we are doomed to repeat this cycle of suppressing , relaxing and suppressing forever It 's not feasible for our lives or the economy , it warns .
We may instead have to protect our most vulnerable and find a way to live with Covid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` new Covid master plan '' - as the paper calls the new measures - was the exact opposite of the last one , when Mr Johnson urged people to go back to work and said Christmas was n't cancelled .
The Financial Times says that although the prime minister stopped short of more draconian measures - such as a two-week national lockdown - the new restrictions will have a profound impact on many businesses in England For the Mirror , he took a big punt on imposing some curbs in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the UK have done .
According to the Guardian , Mr Johnson appeared to suggest that `` freedom-loving '' Britons would be to blame if stricter restrictions were applied .
The Telegraph says the prime minister 's warning that the Army could be drafted in to take over some police duties , was seen as a signal to police that they were n't doing a good job of enforcing the rules - and led to a row with senior officers who said they did n't need help .
The Times reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's chief medical adviser , has told Mr Johnson that England is likely to have to follow Scotland in imposing a ban on visiting between households According to the paper , Prof Whitty is understood to believe that further restrictions are inevitable , and that measures including early closing for pubs and restaurants will not bring the epidemic under control .
Sources from business and industry have told the Guardian that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is weighing plans to replace the furlough scheme with German-style wage subsidies as part of a wider support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the paper says , companies would pay staff for the time they are at work , while the Treasury would cover part of their wages for time when they have no work .
Finally , the papers welcome the new series of Bake Off - what the Times calls TV 's sweetest treat - and many see it as the perfect antidote to 2020 .
For the i , with the news that we might be inside for a long while yet , it 's a joy to have this show back @ @ @ @ @ @

The Telegraph says the prime minister's warning that the Army could be drafted in to take over some police duties, was seen as a signal to police that they weren't doing a good job of enforcing the rules - and led to a row with senior officers who said they didn't need help.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Holy Cross College: Strabane school closes due to coronavirus cases

A Strabane school has closed due to a number of positive cases of Covid-19 .
In a Facebook post on Wednesday morning Holy Cross College said it `` had to close at very short notice this morning due to two further confirmed cases in the school community '' .
On Sunday , the school notified parents of two other cases and that it would open late on Monday morning in order to `` carry out an extra layer of cleaning '' .
There have been concerns about rising case numbers in the area .
In the past seven days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 in the Derry City and Strabane Council area .
West Tyrone MP Órfhlaith Begley said the school 's closure showed the need for everyone to be vigilant and follow public health advice .
`` The decision was taken as a precaution for the safety of pupils , school staff and the wider community as a result of rising infection rates , '' she said .
`` I know this was n't an easy decision for the school to take and the safety of pupils and staff is paramount . ''
The post-primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also employs about 150 teaching and support staff .
The school has not specified if those who have the virus are staff or pupils .

"We will do everything we can, in consultation with the Public Health Agency and the cleaning service at EA [Education Authority], to get the school operational as soon as we consider it safe to do so," she said.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Covid: 'No case to extend Wales' lockdowns yet'

There is `` no case '' for more areas to be locked down as new measures to control the rising Covid-19 rate need time to work , Wales ' first minister has said .
Mark Drakeford said the six south Wales counties already in lockdown were the `` trigger point '' and efforts were being concentrated in those `` hotspot '' areas .
New Wales-wide measures include early closing times and table service for pubs , cafes and restaurants .
But lockdowns could be extended to new areas if necessary , he added .
From Thursday at 18:00 BST , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off-licences and supermarkets must stop selling alcohol at the same time .
He told BBC Breakfast : `` There was not yet a case for extending those [ local lockdown ] measures to other local authorities , but we would keep them under very close and daily review . ''
He said the two `` trigger points '' for taking more action in the south Wales counties not yet under lockdown would be a rise in case numbers and the positivity rate .
On Tuesday , Mr Drakeford announced a £500 payment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to self-isolate .
He also asked people to `` only travel when you need to do so '' .
He reiterated people needed to continue working from home wherever possible and wear face coverings on public transport , in shops and in enclosed public spaces .
Asked on Wednesday morning about extending the lockdown across south Wales , Mr Drakeford said following a meeting with councils , health and police leaders , the consensus was they should `` allow the new national measures to have their impact '' .
People in Caerphilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Merthyr Tydfil , Newport and Blaenau Gwent are only allowed to enter or leave those counties for work , education , or a limited number of other essential reasons .
Cardiff , Vale of Glamorgan , Swansea , Carmarthenshire , Anglesey , Conwy , Denbighshire and Flintshire are on a watch-list for monitoring , and could face lockdown if cases rise .
• Rathlin Island : The UK island with no coronavirus cases Mr Drakeford said there was emerging evidence in Caerphilly , the first area to go into local lockdown , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working .
`` Recent days have been encouraging .
The numbers in Caerphilly have been coming down quite steadily over the last three or four days .
`` We will need another couple of days to make sure that that is a sustained trend .
`` My aim will be , if we are seeing a reliable improvement in Caerphilly , to begin to restore to people some of the freedoms we 've had to withdraw from them . ''
With regard to closing times for pubs and restaurants , Mr Drakeford clarified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 22:00 , rather than close their doors precisely at that time .
`` It does n't mean that everybody has got to be out on the pavement at 10 o'clock , '' he told Radio Wales Breakfast .
`` Those restaurants that have run successfully a system where they have a first sitting at seven o'clock and then they allow people to come in at half-past eight or nine to have a meal , I hope that will still be possible under these rules .
`` They wo n't be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will still be able to finish up what they are eating and bring their evening to a close . ''
Lara Joslin , landlady of the King 's Head in Llangennith , Gower , said people did not know if they could still come to the hotel or not .
`` We were full , we 're getting cancellations of table bookings and room bookings already today .
One third of our hotel rooms have already been cancelled for this weekend .
We only had 36 hours notice . ''
Speaking of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people out at 10pm will be a problem .
We might not be able to do a second sitting because we ca n't have people sitting down at 20:30 and having desserts .
We have to think about getting people in earlier . ''
The hotel had taken on new staff over the summer , but now she does not know what position they will be in : `` We do n't know if we 're going to get furlough , they started after the cut-off for the last furlough payments .
Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the answers .
`` It 's really daunting , it feels like we are looking into the dark . ''
Mr Drakeford said : `` If [ people ] act together in that sense of social solidarity , it is still possible to turn the tide on this . ''
Asked about Christmas get-togethers , he said : `` We will do everything we can and work as hard as we can so that people in Wales will still be able to meet their families , I 'm afraid in this more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That fight is still on by government doing what we can , our partners in the local authorities , health authorities and police , but most of all by each one of us in our own lives doing those simple things that we know add up to making the real difference .
`` In that way come December we will still be able to get together with those people that mean the most to us and celebrate Christmas . ''
Can I go on holiday ?
Mr Drakeford also told the Today programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel only , it was still `` very possible '' for people in Wales to have a holiday `` without travelling very far at all '' .
`` So people have got to make those decisions in their own circumstances , so we 're not saying 'no holidays ' to people , '' he said .
`` But just think carefully , avoid unnecessary travel . ''
On Tuesday afternoon , Trecco Bay holiday park in Porthcawl , Bridgend county , announced it was closing at 18:00 BST , giving people just hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The site was fully occupied , meaning about 4,000 people had to leave the same afternoon .
Steve Richards , chief executive of Parkdean , which runs the park , said he had taken the decision because of the local lockdown coming into force in Bridgend , but added such resorts were generally in rural , coastal settings with a much lower density of people than typical town centres .
`` This closure will affect many businesses and jobs in Porthcawl who rely on the regular influx of tourists to the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many hard-working Welsh people who account for over 90 % of our guests , will now not be able to enjoy a well-earned break , '' he said .
Thomas Beynon , owner of Three Cliffs campsite , Gower , said there was a `` lack of clarity '' over non-essential travel .
`` They [ the Welsh Government ] have not gone as far as to ask us not to open , but that 's what the public has taken it as , '' he said .
`` I 've had 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're a seasonal business and have missed key parts of the year , [ so ] September and October could make a big difference .
The country ca n't afford a full lockdown again . ''
People travelling on motorways through lockdown areas are still allowed to stop at service stations , so Sarn services in Bridgend is unaffected by the rule preventing people from outside the county stopping during their journey within its borders .
Analysis from the BBC shows in the seven days to 19 September , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics are available for , Merthyr Tydfil had the 13th highest case rate per 100,000 people in the UK , at 147.5 .
It was followed by Rhondda Cynon Taf at 136.8 cases per 100,000 , with Blaenau Gwent on 94.5 , Bridgend on 78.9 , Caerphilly on 77.8 and Newport on 57.5 .
The figures are all higher than those shown by Public Health Wales because it takes a while for test results to come in and be backdated properly .
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a UK-wide approach to these things .
That has been possible , probably eight times out of 10 .
`` There are numerous meetings and discussions with our colleagues in Cardiff to try and come up with solutions which do n't damage the economy .
At the same time , protect public health and deal with this very , very difficult virus . ''
The changes announced on Tuesday are in addition to the local lockdown restrictions .
Public Health Wales figures reported 281 further cases of coronavirus on Tuesday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"That fight is still on by government doing what we can, our partners in the local authorities, health authorities and police, but most of all by each one of us in our own lives doing those simple things that we know add up to making the real difference.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Wythenshawe stabbing: Murder probe launched after man's death

A man has been stabbed to death in a `` particularly violent incident '' in Manchester , police have said @ @ @ @ @ Oak Road in Wythenshawe at about 17:00 BST on Tuesday , Greater Manchester Police ( @ @ @ @ @ Ch Insp Stuart Wilkinson appealed for anyone who witnessed the attack or who has information @ @ @ @ @ said the stabbing happened near a busy junction , so it was `` highly likely @ @ @ @ @ who were leaving work , commuting or arriving home saw or heard something of significance @ @

He said the stabbing happened near a busy junction, so it was "highly likely that members of the public who were leaving work, commuting or arriving home saw or heard something of significance".


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Covid-19: Sunak set to unveil emergency jobs scheme

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will later unveil a plan aimed at minimising further unemployment as stricter Covid-19 restrictions come into force .
The new measures are expected to replace the furlough scheme , which is set to expire next month .
In July , around five million workers were still receiving some or all of their income through the scheme , many in the hospitality sector .
Pubs and restaurants have warned they will be hit hard by new restrictions .
From Thursday , hospitality venues in England will have to shut at 22:00 BST as the government tries to control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is introducing similar measures , with pubs and restaurants having to close at 22:00 BST from Friday , while in Wales restrictions are limited to stopping alcohol sales at 22:00 from Thursday .
`` Lots of businesses will not survive this and we are going to see more and more people lose their jobs , '' said Kate Nicholls , chief executive of trade body UKHospitality .
At around 12:30 the chancellor is expected to address the Commons to unveil plans that the government hopes will stem those job losses .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forms of wage subsidy and will announce more financial help .
He is also thought to be looking at options including a salary top-up scheme , similar to those already operating in France and Germany .
The prime minister said Mr Sunak was working on `` creative and imaginative '' solutions .
Although the Treasury has declined to comment , possible ideas are thought to include allowing firms to reduce employees ' hours while keeping them in a job , with the government paying part of the lost wages .
Mr Sunak also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be scrapped this year because of the pandemic .
Cancelling the Budget is a big deal , because of what it shows about the big picture : a government still in crisis mode , having to put off medium-term tough decisions , on tax rises , that would have at least been signalled in the contents of a Budget Red Box .
But we will get more spending , more support for jobs .
As the chancellor told me last week , that does not mean extending the furlough scheme endlessly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The discussions with business groups and unions have centred around supporting employers with cash flow constraints to keep viable jobs .
The furlough scheme 's initial purpose was to support people 's wages , expressly for them to stay at home .
The new scheme is likely to take inspiration from continental Europe , by subsidising `` short time '' work , that is to say , helping top up pay for workers given fewer hours of work in the crisis .
The furlough scheme is regularly lauded by the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most competently executed policy responses of the Covid crisis .
Throw in the fact that the Tory `` red wall '' is more comfortable with use of state spending , and some Tory thinkers advocate a permanent scheme of wage support , such as occurs in Germany .
We also expect extensions by weeks or months of the various loan guarantee schemes offered by the Treasury .
Already banks are fretting about having to call in some of these loans .
Now significant swathes of the economy remain under the shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions meant to defeat it .
It is difficult to see how a full Spending Review over four years could occur .
The Treasury can not calculate the size of the pie to be sliced up .
Having a one year review , like last year , also avoids some corrosive internal politics over winners and losers .
So more spending , and more jobs support , as infection rates rise , and restrictions look likely to be strengthened rather than loosened , but not yet accounting for how it is all to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of high and rising public borrowing .
The government has been under mounting pressure to extend or replace the furlough scheme , which will wind down next month .
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was introduced in March and paid 80 % of the wages of workers placed on leave , up to a maximum of £2,500 a month .
Since then , employers have been asked to pay 10 % of the wages of those on furlough , plus their National Insurance and pension contributions .
Furloughed workers can also now return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any remaining hours not worked .
During the weekly Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday , Boris Johnson faced calls from MPs from all sides to act quickly to help those businesses hit hardest by the new restrictions on economic and leisure activity .
Citing Whitbread 's announcement that it planned to cut up to 6,000 jobs in the UK , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the threat to employment was `` not theoretical '' .
`` The CBI , the TUC , the Federation of Small Business , the British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bank of England are all calling on the PM to stop and rethink and do n't withdraw furlough , '' he said .
In a televised response to Tuesday 's prime ministerial broadcast , Sir Keir called for a `` Plan B '' for the economy - `` because it makes no sense to bring in new restrictions at the same time as phasing out support for jobs and businesses . ''
What are the possible options ?
• Germany 's Kurzarbeit : The employer cuts workers ' hours and the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would have lost as a result .
It is a long-established scheme , but it has been revised during the pandemic .
It can now run for up to 21 months and the percentage of lost wages paid by the government can now be as high as 80 % .
• France 's `` chômage partiel '' : The French scheme , known as `` partial unemployment '' or `` partial activity '' , also pre-dates the coronavirus pandemic .
Firms are allowed to cut employees ' hours by up to 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Employees still receive nearly all their normal salary , with the government paying a percentage of the cost .
• The CBI 's suggestion : A wages top-up from the government should be available provided that employees can work at least 50 % of their normal hours .
The firm would pay the actual hours worked in full , but the employee would get paid for two-thirds of the lost hours , with the cost shared between the company and the Treasury .
The subsidy would last up to a year .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generous version of the above .
Employees could work a smaller proportion of their normal hours and still be eligible , while they would be guaranteed 80 % pay for the hours lost , or 100 % if they are on minimum wage .

"Some of those will likely be supported by this new scheme but not all of them and that implies, I suspect, by the end of the year that we will have something like... two million fewer than we had at the beginning of the year, although oddly that doesn't seem to be translating at the moment into the official unemployment figures."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Covid-19: Daily reported UK cases rise by a quarter

The number of daily reported Covid-19 cases has risen by a quarter , according to the latest UK government figures .
There have been 6,178 coronavirus cases in the UK in the last 24 hours , up 1,252 since Tuesday , and 37 deaths .
Yvonne Doyle , Public Health England 's medical director , said it was `` essential '' the public followed the new measures brought in to curb the spread .
Tighter restrictions were announced across the UK on Tuesday , including a 22:00 closing time for pubs in England .
People are being told to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on face coverings have been expanded and the number of people allowed at weddings in England has been halved .
• ' I have gone from 65 weddings this year to one' • Where do I have to wear a face covering now ?
• New rules at-a-glance : More face coverings and fines Hospitality venues in Scotland will also have to close early , but in Wales restrictions are limited to stopping alcohol sales at 22:00 .
Scotland and Northern Ireland have also gone further by limiting households from mixing indoors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday - the highest daily total since the pandemic began .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was `` a real cause for concern '' , although she added that more people were being tested now than at the peak of the outbreak .
In Wales there were a further 389 cases and in Northern Ireland there were 220 cases in the past 24 hours .
Reacting to the UK figures , Ms Doyle said : `` New measures have been bought in to stop the spread of the virus and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You should work from home if you can , must now wear a face covering in retail and hospitality settings , unless you are eating or drinking , and not be in a group larger than six people .
Announcing the tighter restrictions for England on Tuesday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said they might have to stay in place for up to six months .
At Prime Minister 's Questions on Wednesday , Mr Johnson defended the NHS Test and Trace system , saying it was allowing the government to to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the epidemic was breaking out .
In a televised response to the prime minister , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he supported the further `` necessary '' restrictions introduced by the government .
But he said The government needed to `` fix '' testing `` fast '' , saying : `` It 's a national scandal that we still do n't have a testing system that works , '' and that was `` the only way we can get control of the virus '' .
`` The return of this virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not an act of God , '' he added .
`` They 're a failure of government . ''
Referring to reports of people struggling to get hold of coronavirus tests in recent weeks , Sir Keir said : `` People should n't have to travel hundreds of miles to get a test for their child , for themselves or for their relatives . ''
Sir Keir also warned there could be a `` wave of job losses this winter '' if the government did n't provide the right economic support when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to make an announcement on Thursday about what happens after the scheme expires at the end of October .
We should be very careful about reading too much into a single day 's rise - the jump of more than 1,000 is rapid and if repeated would mean daily case numbers doubling in less than a week .
But figures can fluctuate from day to day .
Nonetheless , the UK has been warned it should be prepared for cases to continue growing .
The figure for new cases is well below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was estimated at 100,000 cases a day .
We do n't know for sure , since a lack of testing meant the system was only picking up the tip of the iceberg then .
Clearly we are not picking up all the cases now - the evidence from last week 's surveillance report suggested perhaps only half were being identified by the testing programme .
What matters now is whether this scale of rise is repeated in the coming days and weeks - and how that translates into hospitalisations and deaths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The data from Spain and France suggests that sharp rises can slow , and upward trends in admissions to hospital can be reversed .
But , make no mistake , the UK is entering a crucial point in the battle against the virus .
Earlier Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab defended the `` balanced , targeted and proportionate '' new coronavirus measures amid criticism from some scientists .
Prof John Edmunds , who advises the government , said they did not go `` anywhere near far enough '' , casting doubt on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures how quickly the virus is spreading - being below one by Christmas .
`` To slow the epidemic down will mean putting the brakes on very hard .
I suspect we will see very stringent measures coming in through the UK but it will be too late , '' he warned .
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Openshaw , a fellow member of the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) , said a ban on households mixing indoors in England `` ought to be instituted sooner rather than later '' , adding , `` If we wait two or three weeks , it will be too late . ''
The government 's chief medical adviser , Prof Chris Whitty , also believes it is inevitable England will to have to follow Scotland 's latest move , according to the Times .
Another scientist , Prof Carl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was important to give the new measures time to work , maintain a clear and consistent public message and not to panic .
The latest R estimate for the whole of the UK is between 1.1 and 1.4 .
What are the new rules ?
• Office workers are being told to work from home again if possible • Penalties for not wearing a mask or gathering in groups of more than six will increase to £200 on the first offence • From Thursday 24 September , all pubs , bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only .
Takeaways can continue • Also from Thursday , hospitality venues must close at 22:00 - which means shutting then , not calling for last orders • Face coverings must be worn by all taxi passengers from Wednesday • Retail staff and customers in indoor hospitality venues will have to wear masks from Thursday , except when seated at a table to eat or drink • From Monday 28 September , only 15 people will be able to attend a wedding or civil partnership ceremony , in groups of six .
Funerals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 people • Also from 28 September , you can only play adult indoor sports in groups of no more than six • The planned return of spectators to sports venues will now not go ahead from 1 October • People across Scotland are being advised not to visit other households indoors from Wednesday 23 September onwards .
This will become law from Friday • There will be exceptions for those living alone , or alone with children , who form extended households .
The rules will also not apply to couples who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or for the provision of informal childcare - such as by grandparents • From Friday , pubs and restaurants will have to close by 22:00 • The first minister urged people not to book overseas travel for the October school holiday • Pubs , cafes and restaurants in Wales will have to stop serving alcohol at 22:00 from Thursday - and sales of alcohol from off-licences and supermarkets will also be stopped after that time • Pubs will also be limited to table service only • From now , people can not meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside their home • There are only limited exceptions .
• THE LIFE SCIENTIFIC : In charge of one the most successful Covid-19 vaccine projects in the world • YOUR WORK , YOUR MONEY : Financial help if you ’ re forced to quarantine How will the new rules affect you ?
Tell us by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also get in touch in the following ways : • Or fill out the form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions and privacy policy

Nonetheless, the UK has been warned it should be prepared for cases to continue growing. The figure for new cases is well below what was seen at the peak, which was estimated at 100,000 cases a day. We don't know for sure, since a lack of testing meant the system was only picking up the tip of the iceberg then.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--NHS Covid-19 app: England and Wales get smartphone contact tracing for over-16s

The government had originally intended to release the app months ago .
But problems with the initial design and the addition of extra features meant it was only ready for its final public test in August .
`` If you do n't have symptoms , will a push notification saying you were near someone a week ago make you and your family self-isolate and spend days hitting refresh on the testing website , trying to find a test ? ''
How can people access the app ?
What will contact-tracing alerts say ?
Those that have not received such an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's symptoms checker and meet the criteria , will be directed to self-isolate for eight days and be directed to an external website to book a test .
But smartphones were not designed for this purpose and the readings involved are not always accurate .
This has led to fears of `` false positives '' - people being instructed to self-isolate who were never at risk .
However , health chiefs believe a recent change to the calculations involved should help minimise the problem : they now take into account when the virus-carrier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it now allows users to delete individual venue visits from the app 's `` digital diary '' .
This followed feedback from victims of domestic abuse , whose partners often check their phones .
Those told to go into self-isolation because of a contact-tracing match will not be able to challenge the decision .

But the Department of Health had earlier said that users must obey the command and would in theory be liable for fines of £1,000 or more if they did not, while acknowledging it had no way to check.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Coronavirus: UK lacking leadership, says ex-civil service head

The UK government has `` over-promised and under-delivered '' as it deals with coronavirus , a former head of the civil service is to argue in a speech later .
Lord O'Donnell will say `` strategy '' and `` leadership '' have been lacking .
And he will say PM Boris Johnson used `` political capital '' by keeping senior aide Dominic Cummings in place after his long drive north during lockdown .
The government said its `` clear '' strategy was to save lives , while protecting the economy and education .
This week it tightened up rules in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pub and restaurant opening hours , and the use of face coverings .
The changes came amid a rising infection rate and after the government 's two most senior pandemic advisers warned there could be 50,000 cases a day by October .
Meanwhile , the number of daily recorded UK Covid-19 cases rose by a quarter to 6,178 on Wednesday .
In his speech to the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank , Lord O'Donnell will say : `` We have to ask why a country with such reputed health and intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Covid-19 pandemic . ''
The crossbench peer - who served as cabinet secretary under prime ministers Tony Blair , Gordon Brown and David Cameron - will add : `` A litany of new rules and a steady stream of leaks reflects a government struggling to emerge from firefighting mode .
`` Without a clear strategy , strong leadership and the use of good evidence from a range of human sciences , there is a risk that our efforts to emerge from this pandemic will be protracted and extremely costly . ''
Lord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to some operational failings , ministers have frequently broken one of the cardinal rules : they have over-promised and under-delivered . ''
The new coronavirus measures have divided opinion among scientists , with some claiming they do not go far enough but others saying they are a shift towards more coherent policy .
On Wednesday , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab defended them as `` balanced , targeted and proportionate '' .
He said there would always be the `` Goldilocks criticism '' of the government - that it was doing `` too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerged during lockdown that Mr Johnson 's most senior adviser , Mr Cummings , had driven from London to County Durham with his wife and child .
There were calls to sack Mr Cummings and claims he had broken the law , but he insisted he had acted `` reasonably '' and lawfully .
Mr Johnson , who himself had been hospitalised by Covid-19 earlier in the crisis , backed his aide and he kept his job .
In his speech , Lord O'Donnell will say the prime minister `` used up his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A government spokesperson said : `` Throughout the pandemic the government has taken advice from a wide range of scientific and medical experts .
`` At every stage we have struck a delicate balance between saving lives by protecting our NHS and minimising the wider impact of our restrictions . ''

In his speech to the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank, Lord O'Donnell said: "We have to ask why a country with such reputed health and intelligence institutions has been so incapable of combating the Covid-19 pandemic."


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Flu jabs limited due to high demand

Flu jabs limited due to high demand

Pharmacists and GP surgeries are having to limit flu jabs to the most at-risk groups due to increased demand .
The Boots chain has suspended its appointment booking system for anyone outside of the vulnerable groups , which include people aged over 65 .
It said it faces `` unprecedented demand '' for vaccinations , but NHS England says enough stocks are available .
Within the next few weeks it is likely that winter flu will start to circulate alongside the coronavirus .
This will potentially present an additional challenge to an already stretched healthcare system .
• Flu jab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Covid symptoms : Is it a cold , flu or coronavirus ?
• Flu : Why we still need to worry about it this winter • How bad will winter really be ?
This year in England , Wales and Northern Ireland , for the first time the flu vaccine will be offered to the over-50s - over-55s in Scotland .
But this will only be after it has been given to those who normally get a free NHS jab - including the over-65s , pregnant women , and people with conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement , Boots said : `` This year , our customers have been more conscious than ever about protecting the health of themselves and their families , and protecting against flu has been front-of-mind for many of us .
`` As a result , we have seen more people than ever booking early to get their flu vaccinations . ''
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society ( RPS ) says other independent pharmacies have also had to slow down the rate of vaccination .
Robbie Turner , RPS Director of Pharmacy , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipating receiving a flu vaccination and they need assurance that sufficient stocks are available .
`` We will continue to talk with government on the supply of vaccines , and how pharmacists can support those who are most at risk . ''
Professor Martin Marshall , Chair of the Royal College of GPs , said widespread flu vaccination would play a key role in preventing the NHS being overwhelmed this winter .
He said : `` For the expanded programme to be effective , the government must ensure that there is an adequate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in the wider group of patients who are now eligible .
`` The RCGP has called for assurances from government that there will be enough supplies to go around - and for guidance for GPs as to who , outside of those patients most at risk , should be prioritised for a flu jab , should supply be limited and for clear public messaging about this in order to manage patients ' expectations . ''
Supplying the vaccine - which needs to be refrigerated - is a logistical challenge .
But NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
The Department of Health and Social Care says it will issue guidance shortly on how pharmacists and GPs can access additional stockpiles if needed .
It is unclear how bad flu might be this winter - some years are worse than others - but experts say the vaccine is a good match for the strain of flu that will be circulating .
Flu , like coronavirus , is a viral infection that is passed on through coughs and sneezes .
Social distancing , masks and handwashing should help reduce the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recover at home in a week , but people with chronic conditions or who are over 65 should call NHS 111 .
If you think you have either flu or Covid-19 , stay at home and self-isolate .
Book a coronavirus test if you have : • a loss of , or a change to , your sense of smell or taste

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "Delivery of flu vaccinations is phased over the autumn and into winter, and priority is rightly given to those who are most at-risk with others being asked to wait to later in the year."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Coronavirus: Climate action cannot be another Covid victim - PM

Boris Johnson is to call on world leaders to commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and secure the planet for the next generation .
The prime minister will tell a meeting hosted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres that climate action `` can not be another victim of coronavirus '' .
He will urge leaders to `` look ahead to how we will rebuild '' after the pandemic and how to `` build back better '' .
Mr Johnson is expected to speak to leaders via video link .
His speech at Thursday 's UN Climate Action Roundtable is part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference the UK is hosting in partnership with Italy in Glasgow in November next year .
The UN conference , known as COP26 , is the most important round of climate talks since 2015 , when the landmark Paris Agreement was secured , committing all countries to work to limit further rises in temperature .
• What is in the Paris climate agreement ?
• Covid crisis does little to slow climate change Mr Johnson will also announce that the UK is to co-host an event with the UN on 12 December to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement .
The aim is that world leaders will use the December event to announce ambitious new targets for carbon reduction as part of the prelude to the Glasgow conference .
As part of the Paris Agreement all countries set their own targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions .
Every five years they are supposed to announce new , more ambitious carbon reductions and set targets for when they will be able to reach what is known as `` net zero emissions '' - when greenhouse gas emissions are avoided completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CO2 out of the atmosphere .
Getting nations to agree to deeper carbon cuts is essential if the Glasgow conference is to achieve the UN 's aim of putting the world on track to keep global temperature rises below 2C .
`` Look ahead to how we will rebuild , and how we can seize the opportunity to build back better , '' the prime minister will say .
`` Let us be the leaders who secure the very health of the planet for our children , grandchildren and generations to come .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ held in Glasgow in November this year , but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Johnson wants to kick-start a year of action in the run-up to the climate conference .
He says he hopes the UK will serve as `` a launch pad for a global green industrial revolution . ''

Every five years they are supposed to announce new, more ambitious carbon reductions and set targets for when they will be able to reach what is known as "net zero emissions" - when greenhouse gas emissions are avoided completely or offset by planting trees or sucking CO2 out of the atmosphere.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Indyref2: Starmer refuses to rule out backing Scotland referendum

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has refused to rule out the possibility of supporting a second referendum on Scottish independence in the long term .
But he told the BBC a vote like the one held in 2014 was `` not needed '' soon and the focus should be on `` rebuilding '' the economy and services after coronavirus .
His party would not campaign for a referendum in next May 's Scottish Parliament elections , he added .
The SNP government in Scotland wants to hold one as soon as possible .
In an interview with BBC political editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour would `` betray '' voters `` if we do n't take more seriously winning elections and actually changing lives '' .
And he argued Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not have `` the right character '' to deal with the challenges posed by the pandemic .
• Kuenssberg : How long can Starmer play the waiting game ?
• Indyref2 plans to be published in draft bill • Get serious about winning , Starmer tells Labour When Scotland 's voters were asked in a referendum in 2014 whether the country should become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the SNP has campaigned for a second poll since the UK 's 2016 decision - in the Brexit referendum - to leave the EU .
It says the difference between the UK-wide result and that in Scotland - which chose by 62 % to 38 % to remain within the bloc - strengthens the case for independence .
It has also been suggested that , following the next UK general election , expected in 2024 , Labour could need the support of the SNP if it wants to form a government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ require a deal on having another referendum .
Sir Keir said : `` We will be going into that election in May making it very clear that another divisive referendum on independence in Scotland is not what is needed .
`` What is needed is an intense focus on rebuilding the economy , on making sure public services are rebuilt as well and dealing with the pandemic . ''
Pressed on what would happen after May , Sir Keir said : `` We do n't know ...
In politics , people tell you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen next year and the year after , but it does n't always turn out that way . ''
He added : `` I am setting out the argument we will make into May .
I am not doing a hypothetical of what will happen after that . ''
The Scottish government , led by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , had hoped to hold an independence referendum during the current term of the Scottish Parliament .
However , ministers wanted to secure an agreement with the UK government to make sure any vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson has repeatedly stated his opposition to .
Work on preparations for a ballot was paused after coronavirus hit , but the Scottish government has promised to set out plans in a draft bill .
Labour , once dominant in Scotland , currently has 23 Members of the Scottish Parliament , putting it third behind the SNP , on 61 , and the Conservatives , on 31 .
Speaking for the UK government , Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove raised doubts about the Labour leader 's comments , saying : `` Sir Keir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` He tried to block Brexit , and now he wants to work with Nicola Sturgeon to renege on the Scottish referendum result and break up the UK . ''
Sir Keir replaced Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader in April , following the party 's worst general election result - in terms of seats - since 1935 .
Recent UK opinion polls have suggested support for the party under his stewardship is now close to that for Mr Johnson 's Conservatives .
But some trade unions , including Unite and the Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised concerns over Sir Keir 's leadership .
The FBU has warned him not to `` water down '' pledges on workers ' rights and the environment that he made when running for the job .
In his speech on Monday to Labour 's annual conference , Sir Keir told his party to `` get serious about winning '' .
Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg , he said : `` When you lose four elections in a row , you have lost the chance to change lives for the better and we have gifted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power .
That is not what the Labour Party is there for . ''
He also said : `` The Labour Party 's historic mission was to represent working people in Parliament and to form governments to change lives , and we betray that if we do n't take more seriously winning elections and actually changing lives . ''

Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, he said: "When you lose four elections in a row, you have lost the chance to change lives for the better and we have gifted the Tories a decade or more of power. That is not what the Labour Party is there for."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Prince Harry urges US citizens to 'reject hate speech' and vote in the presidential election

Prince Harry has urged US citizens to `` reject hate speech '' and vote in the country 's upcoming presidential election .
He made the remarks alongside his wife , Meghan , in a US television broadcast .
A spokesperson for the couple said the comments did not refer to any specific political party or candidate , but were instead `` a call for decency '' .
Voting for the next US president , with candidates including Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden , is on 3 November .
• How is Donald Trump doing in the polls ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says Harry The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared in a live video in what appeared to be their California home as part of the Time 100 - a list compiled by Time magazine to celebrate the world 's most influential people .
It was their first joint TV appearance since they ceased being working members of the Royal Family in March .
`` As we approach this November , it 's vital that we reject hate speech , misinformation and online negativity , '' the duke said as he sat on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminded Americans to be discerning in the content they consumed online .
`` When the bad outweighs the good , for many , whether we realise it or not , it erodes our ability to have compassion and our ability to put ourself in someone else 's shoes , '' he said .
`` Because when one person buys into negativity online , the effects are felt exponentially .
It 's time to not only reflect , but act . ''
'You deserve to be heard' The 36-year-old duke said he would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not a US citizen , adding that he had never voted in UK elections either .
Members of the Royal Family traditionally do not vote , and the Queen is politically neutral .
Although UK law does not ban royalty from voting , it is considered unconstitutional for them to do so .
Harry and Meghan stepped aside from their roles as senior working royals in March in a bid for personal and financial freedom .
They now live in the US but are still members of the Royal Family .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ royals back in March , the official `` divorce '' statement read : `` While they can no longer formally represent The Queen , the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty . ''
It is Harry 's contribution to the Time video message which seems to have attracted the most comment .
His spokesman is clear that the duke was making a `` non-partisan call for decency '' .
But with the Trump administration commonly accused of the traits called out by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and online negativity '' - his contribution has been widely interpreted as party political .
The expectation is that royals remain neutral and the question troubling many people today is whether that means Harry 's words are incompatible with the statement issued by the palace in March .
It was always going to be difficult to work a way through their royal/non-royal status to the satisfaction of the Sussexes and the Royal Family , as this latest episode once again makes clear .
Reacting to the couple 's remarks , Royal biographer Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying out public duties , live abroad and are really completely detached from our monarchical system now so what difference would it make ?
`` Meghan , after all , holds American citizenship and has always voted .
The business about royals not getting involved in politics is less clear when it comes to Meghan or what the protocol should be in this case .
`` But as she is now back living in her country I am sure many would think it wrong that she is not allowed to exercise her democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Jobson said `` it would be better '' for Prince Harry to withdraw from the line of succession `` to avoid further confusion '' .
And if they were to leave their royal titles behind it may set the duchess `` free to pursue a political career , '' he added .
But former Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker said Prince Harry should not have remarked on the US election as he is still a `` representative '' of the UK .
There was `` no problem '' with a `` private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , `` the problem is Harry still has his HRH status '' .
`` He wants his foot in both camps , '' said the author of the book And What Do You Do ?
What The Royal Family Do n't Want You To Know .
The duchess , who mocked then-Republican candidate Mr Trump during a 2016 television appearance , said in the video that the November poll was the `` most important election of our lifetime '' .
`` When we vote , our values are put into action and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a reminder that you matter , because you do and you deserve to be heard , '' she said .
A spokesperson for the couple said : `` His message is not in reference to any specific political party or candidate , but is instead a call for decency in how we engage with each other , interact , and consume information - especially online . ''
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said : `` We would not comment .
The duke is not a working member of the Royal Family and any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal capacity . ''

When Harry and Meghan ceased to be working royals back in March, the official "divorce" statement read: "While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Eleven police officers injured by 'corrosive substance' in Barnet

Eleven Met Police officers have been injured by a `` corrosive substance '' during a drugs raid in north London .
They had been called to an industrial area in Dale Close , Barnet , at about 13:50 BST .
All of the injured officers have been taken to hospital , but are not thought to be in a life-threatening condition , the Met said .
A number of males were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences .
The London Ambulance Service ( LAS ) said four people other than the officers were also treated at the scene .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were taken to hospital for injuries - it is not thought any are life-threatening at this stage .
She added : `` We dispatched a number of resources including ambulance crews , two incident response officers , an advanced paramedic and medics in fast response cars .
The Met said it was in the process of informing the injured officers ' families .
Other officers remain at the scene .
The force 's Directorate of Professional Standards had been informed , as was routine , it added .
Reacting to the injuries Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` shocked '' by the news .
`` It is a stark reminder of the real dangers our hardworking officers face every day as they keep us safe , '' Mr Khan said .
`` On behalf of all Londoners , I wish them a speedy recovery . ''

All of the injured officers have been taken to hospital, but are not thought to be in a life-threatening condition, the Met said.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Uncle Ben's rice changes name to more 'equitable' brand

Uncle Ben 's Rice will change its name to Ben 's Original and remove the image of a smiling , grey-haired black man from its packaging .
The change follows through on a pledge its owner Mars Food made in June to review the brand amid global protests over police brutality and racism .
Uncle Ben 's entered the market in the 1940s and was for decades the best-selling rice in the US .
Its marketing has been criticised for perpetuating racial stereotypes .
Titles such as uncle and aunt were used in southern US states to refer to black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and respectful `` Miss '' or `` Mister '' .
The name Uncle Ben 's was supposedly inspired by a Texas farmer known for his high-quality rice .
The company asked the head waiter at a fancy Chicago restaurant , Frank Brown , to pose as the face of the brand , which launched in 1947 .
In 2007 , the company sought to update its marketing with a campaign that cast Ben as chairman of the board , a move away from the previous , more servile presentation .
`` We understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name and face of the previous brand , and as we announced in June , we have committed to change , '' Mars said .
The new packaging is expected to begin reaching shops in 2021 .
Mars said it would also work with the National Urban League in the US to support black chefs with a $ 2m donation toward scholarships and invest $ 2.5m in Greenville , Mississippi , where the rice is made .
`` The brand is not just changing its name and image on the package .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and equity and setting out its new brand purpose to create opportunities that offer everyone a seat at the table , '' the company said .
Mars was one of several food giants that promised to review brands in the wake of the protests triggered by George Floyd 's murder .
Earlier this year , Pepsi said it would overhaul the marketing for its popular Aunt Jemima line of syrups and foods , acknowledging the brand was based on a racial stereotype .

"The brand is not just changing its name and image on the package. It is also taking action to enhance inclusion and equity and setting out its new brand purpose to create opportunities that offer everyone a seat at the table," the company said.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Ryan Reynolds: Hollywood star in Wrexham takeover bid

Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are interested in investing in Wrexham , the club have announced .
The fan-owned club 's members have voted overwhelmingly for talks to proceed .
Any potential takeover could lead to £2m being invested in the club , which has been in fan ownership since 2011 .
A total of 1,223 Wrexham Supporters Trust members - over 95 % of those asked - voted for the move and 31 against at a special general meeting on Tuesday .
Speaking before the names were confirmed , Trust director Spencer Harris said a vote from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be expected `` in weeks rather than months '' .
`` All we 're going to commit to - because we 're not going to pressure on ourselves - is that we will conclude the discussions as soon as possible , '' Harris told BBC Wales .
`` We will get to a position when the potential investors put forward a deal and the next stage… we would put that in front of the members for a vote if they wish to proceed with that deal or not . ''
Approval from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trust relinquish control of the running of the club .
Asked whether supporters would accept the terms , Harris said : `` That 's a matter for individual fans .
They will need to see what 's on the table and make their minds up on which direction they wish to see the club go .
`` But whoever runs Wrexham football club - or indeed any football club - where it really belongs is in the hearts and minds of its supporters and I would expect whoever is running the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Wrexham revealed last week they had been the subject of an approach to purchase the club , describing the individuals involved as `` extremely well-known '' and `` of high net worth '' .
The Trust-run club added they would n't reveal the names until they had permission from its members at a Special General Meeting to press ahead with takeover talks .
The deal - which will be detailed to members before any final decision is made - would see the purchase of the north Wales club for a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment of £2m for the purposes of taking it forward as a business and as a successful football team .
The Trust told members at the SGM that professional advisers had considered the proposed offer as `` entirely credible '' and will now seek a firm proposal .
It would not be the first time Hollywood stars have become involved with a Welsh club , with US star of The Office Mindy Kaling revealed as being among the stakeholders in an American consortium that purchased a controlling stake in Swansea City in 2016 @

Ryan Reynolds, whose film credits include The Change-Up, is also a successful entrepreneur, while Rob McElhenney has appeared in Fargo
Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are interested in investing in Wrexham, the club have announced.
Deadpool and Detective Pikachu star Reynolds and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's McElhenney will share their vision for the club with members at a special general meeting (SGM).
The fan-owned club's members have voted overwhelmingly for talks to proceed.
Any potential takeover could lead to £2m being invested in the club, which has been in fan ownership since 2011.
A total of 1,223 Wrexham Supporters Trust members - over 95% of those asked - voted for the move and 31 against at a special general meeting on Tuesday.
Ryan Reynolds sent this tweet an hour after the news broke
Trust director Spencer Harris, who expects a further vote from fans on the outline of the deal "in weeks rather than months", told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast the deal is in its early stages, but he has known the identity of the would-be backers for some time.
"We've known for a little while, but we wanted to come as early as we could in the process to involve supporters," Harris told the programme.
"As everybody knows we are community owned and therefore this has become public knowledge a little bit earlier than it would in any other normal circumstance, but yeah it's out there now so people know all about it.
"We started talking through representatives of theirs, talking about the club, and we're now in a position where we are able, following the SGM on Tuesday night, to get into detailed discussions about what a takeover deal could look like.
"There is some way to go and at the end of the day it will be the supporters who decide what the future direction of the club will be."
Mr Reynolds, who was among the world's highest paid actors this year after appearing in the Netflix films 6 Underground and Red Notice, has been a shareholder in Aviation American Gin since 2018.
In August 2020 drinks giant Diageo bought Aviation American, along with three other spirits, as part of a $610m (£460m) deal.
Harris has been impressed by their enthusiasm and approach to a possible takeover of the National League club.
"I've spoken to both of them several times," Harris explained.
"They are very serious, professional and successful people, not just as actors but in the business world as well and this is a very serious endeavour for them and they'll set out their vision in due course, but I know they are very passionate about this and have gone into a lot of depth to understand about the football club."
So far it is unclear why the Hollywood 'A-listers' are interested in a fifth-tier UK football club in north Wales.
"I think that's a question for them in good time," said Harris.
"I would answer 'why not?', because for us as Wrexham fans we are the third oldest professional team in the world, the oldest in Wales and play at the oldest international stadium anywhere in the world.
"We are a team with a proud history that's beaten Porto in the European Cup Winners Cup and there's lot's of potential at the club, so why not?"
"But... I don't want to get in front of them setting out their vision for the club which they will do in due course."
Approval from members for a deal would see the Trust relinquish control of running the club.
"It's very exciting news for a lot of people, but supporters will make a decision on whether this goes forward or not," explained Harris.
"Of course I would imagine we would see them at the Racecourse and we may have done already had it not been for Covid-19.
"It's a difficult time for all of football, not just at our level, even clubs at Premier League level are taking significant loans from government.
"We are in a relatively decent position versus many so there's no particular burning platform at the football club as we speak right now, however investment into any football club, especially at this level, does make quite some difference and obviously these are very serious professionals, successful people who I'm sure would have a lot to bring to any business."
It would not be the first time Hollywood stars have become involved with a Welsh club, with US star of The Office Mindy Kaling revealed as being among the stakeholders in an American consortium that purchased a controlling stake in Swansea City in 2016.