bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Do not meet others indoors during rain, PM urges

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public not to move gatherings indoors if it rains , as parts of the UK brace themselves for wetter weather .
He said breaking the lockdown rules could `` undermine and reverse all the progress that we 've made together '' .
Since Monday , more than two people have been allowed to meet outside in the UK , though rules vary in each nation .
Mr Johnson said measures were relaxed because the risk of transmitting coronavirus was lower outdoors .
Many people have taken advantage of the sunny weather as restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK - even taking the PM 's advice to invite up to five people for barbecues in their garden .
But BBC Weather is forecasting cooler conditions and rain in the upcoming days - and Mr Johnson was particularly keen to stress that people 's response should not be to move their social gatherings indoors when rain falls .
At the government 's daily coronavirus briefing , the prime minster said : `` Some of you may be tempted to move the gatherings you 've been enjoying outdoors indoors out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't do that .
`` The risks of passing on the virus are significantly higher indoors which is why gatherings inside other people 's homes are still prohibited .
`` Breaking these rules now could undermine and reverse all the progress that we 've made together . ''
• What are the rules on social distancing now ?
• What 's the weather forecast in my area ?
It comes as the UK recorded the deaths of another 359 people who tested positive for coronavirus .
One of the main reasons the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet in gardens until recently is that there is always the temptation to move indoors .
With wetter weather forecast , it is easy to see how those family barbecues could be forced inside .
For many reasons , the transmission of viruses is less likely in the fresh air .
When outdoors , it 's much less likely we come into contact with an infected surface and any tiny particles of virus ( called aerosols ) would be dispersed by fresh air .
The main danger comes from large droplets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people - as social distancing guidelines recommend - should overcome that .
Inside all the risks are greater .
Some 39,728 people have now died after testing positive , bringing the UK close to becoming the second country in the world to pass 40,000 deaths , with only the US recording more .
The government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said deaths were `` not coming down as fast as we would like '' .
He said the UK still had `` relatively large numbers '' of new cases , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That gives relatively little room for manoeuvre .
We have to tread very cautiously , '' he said .
The latest figures showed more than 1,800 a day had tested positive for the virus , but Sir Patrick said official estimates suggested the true figure was significantly higher .
But Mr Johnson said he remained keen that this week 's `` cautious steps '' in relaxing some of the lockdown rules could soon be followed by more concessions .
He said : `` We want to take some more steps to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to as normal as soon as possible .
Eventually I would like to do such things as reducing the two-metre rule , for instance . ''
Many businesses , such as bars and restaurants , have been calling for a rethink of the advice on how far people from different households should stay away from each other - arguing that the directive in several other countries is to leave a one-metre gap .
However , the government 's chief medical officer Chris Whitty said he believed the rule would need to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this epidemic continues '' .
What are the rules on meeting up ?
In England , groups of up to six people from different households can gather outside , in parks or private gardens .
In Scotland , two separate households - up to a maximum of eight people - can meet outdoors , ideally travelling no more than five miles .
In Wales , any number of people from two different households can meet each other outside .
In Northern Ireland , groups of up to six people who do not live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to force almost all arrivals to the UK to isolate for 14 days were confirmed by the home secretary • A fifth of people with negative coronavirus tests might have the virus , the chair of the Commons health committee Jeremy Hunt said • All schools in Wales will reopen on 29 June and will be open to pupils from all year groups for limited periods each week • A contact tracer working on the NHS Test and Trace scheme said she has not been asked to speak to anyone since she started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolating at home after becoming unwell in Parliament

He said: "We want to take some more steps to unlock our society and try to get back to as normal as soon as possible. Eventually I would like to do such things as reducing the two-metre rule, for instance."


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: How the UK is sleeping under lockdown

A survey suggests more than half the UK population has struggled with sleep during the lockdown .
Sleep problems were more common in people facing financial hardship , while two in five reported having more vivid dreams than usual .
And some people , particularly the young , slept for longer than usual , but without feeling rested .
The study was carried out by market research company Ipsos MORI , and King 's College London .
The findings are based on online interviews in late May with 2,254 UK residents in the 16-75 age bracket .
The researchers said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knock-on effects on people 's capacity to be resilient during the pandemic , and there are signs of a disproportionate impact on particular groups : women , younger people and those facing financial difficulties .
`` As with so much about Covid-19 , the crisis is affecting people very differently depending on their circumstances , and that includes the most fundamental aspects of life , such as sleep , '' said Prof Bobby Duffy of King 's College London .
He said nearly two-thirds of the public reported some negative impact on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and lockdown measures have been .
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• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
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Disturbed sleep is often caused by stress , and can itself increase stress levels , creating a cycle that is difficult to break , added Dr Ivana Rosenzweig , of Kings College .
However , a quarter of participants reported they were sleeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said , highlighting that , `` as a society , we simply do not get the chance to sleep as much as we need , and that this pandemic is allowing some of us to rediscover the importance of sleep '' .
Previous research has shown that for many people lockdown has led to disturbed sleep , insomnia and vivid dreams .
Experts have suggested keeping to a routine , not taking naps and trying to get some exercise outside .

However, a quarter of participants reported they were sleeping more and feeling better for it, she said, highlighting that, "as a society, we simply do not get the chance to sleep as much as we need, and that this pandemic is allowing some of us to rediscover the importance of sleep".


bbcuk--2020-06-03--George Floyd death: Thousands join London protest

Thousands of people have joined a protest in London over the death of African-American George Floyd in US police custody nine days ago .
It comes as UK chief constables said they stand alongside all those `` appalled and horrified '' by his death .
In a joint statement , they said the right to lawful protest was a `` key part of any democracy '' .
But they stressed coronavirus restrictions , including not gathering in groups of more than six , remained .
Protests began in the US after a video showed Mr Floyd , 46 , being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a white police officer continuing to kneel on his neck even after he pleaded that he could not breathe .
The officer , Derek Chauvin , has been charged with second-degree murder , according to court documents .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday that Mr Floyd 's death had been `` appalling '' and `` inexcusable '' , but was criticised for failing to comment on the killing before now .
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the UK government had `` shuttered itself in the hope no-one would notice '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK • The last 30 minutes of George Floyd 's life Meanwhile , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called on the PM to convey to US President Donald Trump the UK 's `` abhorrence about his response to the events '' .
Speaking later when asked about it at Wednesday 's coronavirus briefing , Mr Johnson said : `` My message to President Trump , to everybody in the United States from the UK is that… racism , racist violence has no place in our society . ''
He said people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would urge people to protest peacefully , and in accordance with the rules on social distancing '' .
Demonstrators gathered in London 's Hyde Park for the protest organised by campaign group Black Lives Matter , before marching south through the city .
It followed days of protests in US cities including Washington DC , Los Angeles , Houston and Seattle , after the Floyd case reignited deep-seated anger over police killings of black Americans and racism .
Tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets there - not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mr Floyd - but to condemn police brutality against black Americans more widely .
In the UK protesters marched to Victoria Station , where they hung a sign reading `` Justice for Belly Mujinga '' - referring to a railway worker who died with Covid-19 .
Initially it was thought this may have been because she was spat at by a man claiming to have coronavirus .
However , police concluded that her death was not linked to the attack .
The protestors then continued towards Westminster , where they blocked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videos shared on social media showed protesters and police clashing outside Downing Street .
Footage showed objects , including signs and a traffic cone , being thrown at police , while one protester was wrestled to the ground and restrained by officers .
There was anger in the crowd , as they sat , as they listened to speeches , as they took the knee .
This is yet another generation who have painted placards and taken to the streets to march against racism .
As they started to fill Hyde Park , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their arms to maintain the two-metre social distancing rule .
But so many gathered , it became impossible .
Friends and families together , different ages , different races .
At the start , organisers told me they were expecting about 1,000 people .
But the protesters came out in their thousands .
They chanted `` Black Lives Matter '' , they shouted `` say his name '' .
They said the `` UK is not different '' when it comes to racism .
They want change .
Earlier , Star Wars actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow protesters in which he said the crowds were `` a physical representation of our support '' for Mr Floyd along with two other black Americans who controversially died in the US , and Stephen Lawrence who was killed in a racist attack in London in 1993 .
He said he was speaking from his heart and did not know whether he would still have a career after speaking out .
`` Today is about innocent people who were halfway through their process - we do n't know what George Floyd could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandra Bland could have achieved , but today we 're going to make sure that wo n't be an alien thought to our young ones , '' he said .
`` I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing . ''
One activist attending the protest , Brogan Baptiste , told the BBC : `` It 's imperative that all of us , whether you 're black , white , that you 're involved in this because we need change and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 20-year-old student who also joined the protest , said : `` I know that I 'm healthy .
So this felt more important than to stay inside when I have the opportunity . ''
Protests also took place in other UK cities , including Belfast and Northampton .
In their joint statement , the National Police Chiefs Council said : `` We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life .
Justice and accountability should follow . ''
They said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use force proportionately , lawfully and only when absolutely necessary '' .
However , they added : `` We strive to continuously learn and improve .
We will tackle bias , racism or discrimination wherever we find it . ''
They said UK police `` uphold and facilitate '' the right to lawful protest and `` we know people want to make their voices heard '' .
But amid the coronavirus pandemic they stressed restrictions on gatherings were still in place and urged people to `` continue to work with officers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest follows another on Sunday , which saw thousands gather in Trafalgar Square , in central London .

George Floyd dies after police arrest Image caption Tributes to George Floyd at a makeshift memorial Image copyright by Getty Images George Floyd dies after being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Footage shows a white officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck for several minutes while he is pinned to the floor. Mr Floyd is heard repeatedly saying "I can’t breathe". He is pronounced dead later in hospital.
Protests begin Image caption Demonstrators in Minneapolis Image copyright by AFP Four officers involved in the arrest of George Floyd are fired. Protests begin as the video of the arrest is shared widely on social media. Hundreds of demonstrators take to the streets of Minneapolis and vandalise police cars and the police station with graffiti.
Protests spread Image caption Protesters lie on the streets in Portland, Oregon Image copyright by Reuters Protests spread to other cities including Memphis and Los Angeles. In some places, like Portland, Oregon, protesters lie in the road, chanting "I can’t breathe". Demonstrators again gather around the police station in Minneapolis where the officers involved in George Floyd’s arrest were based and set fire to it. The building is evacuated and police retreat.
Trump tweets Image caption President Trump tweets about the unrest Image copyright by Reuters President Trump blames the violence on a lack of leadership in Minneapolis and threatens to send in the National Guard in a tweet. He follows it up in a second tweet with a warning "when the looting starts, the shooting starts". The second tweet is hidden by Twitter for "glorifying violence".
CNN reporter arrested Image caption Members of a CNN crew are arrested at a protest Image copyright by Reuters A CNN reporter, Omar Jimenez, is arrested while covering the Minneapolis protest. Mr Jimenez was reporting live when police officers handcuffed him. A few minutes later several of his colleagues are also arrested. They are all later released once they are confirmed to be members of the media. Derek Chauvin charged with murder Image caption Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin after being charged over the death of George Floyd Image copyright by Getty Images Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, 44, is charged with murder and manslaughter. The charges carry a combined maximum 35-year sentence.
Sixth night of protests Image caption Demonstrators set fire to rubbish in New York Image copyright by Reuters Violence spreads across the US on the sixth night of protests. A total of at least five people are reported killed in protests from Indianapolis to Chicago. More than 75 cities have seen protests. At least 4,400 people have been arrested. Curfews are imposed across the US to try to stem the unrest.
Trump threatens military response Image caption Trump posing with a Bible outside a boarded-up church Image copyright by EPA President Trump threatens to send in the military to quell growing civil unrest. He says if cities and states fail to control the protests and "defend their residents" he will deploy the army and "quickly solve the problem for them". Mr Trump poses in front of a damaged church shortly after police used tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters nearby.
Eighth night of protests Image caption George Floyd’s family joined protesters in Houston Image copyright by Getty Tens of thousands of protesters again take to the streets. One of the biggest protests is in George Floyd’s hometown of Houston, Texas. Many defy curfews in several cities, but the demonstrations are largely peaceful.
Memorial service for George Floyd Image caption Mourners gather to remember George Floyd Image copyright by Getty A memorial service for George Floyd is held in Minneapolis. Those gathered in tribute stand in silence for eight minutes, 46 seconds, the amount of time Mr Floyd is alleged to have been on the ground under arrest. Hundreds attended the service, which heard a eulogy from civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton.
International protests Image caption Protester addresses crowds in Australia Image copyright by Getty As the US saw another weekend of protests, with tens of thousands marching in Washington DC, anti-racism demonstrations were held around the world. In Australia, there were major protests in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane that focused on the treatment of indigenous Australians. There were also demonstrations in France, Germany, Spain and the UK. In Bristol, protesters tore down the statue of a 17th century slave trader and threw it into the harbour.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Alok Sharma: Cabinet minister tested for virus after being taken ill

Business Secretary Alok Sharma is self-isolating at home after becoming unwell in Parliament .
Mr Sharma looked uncomfortable while taking part in a debate earlier , mopping his brow several times with his handkerchief while speaking .
A spokesman said the MP for Reading West had been tested for coronavirus and had returned home .
Mr Sharma was one of a handful of ministers to attend Tuesday 's cabinet meeting in Downing Street in person .
The business secretary was in the Commons chamber for nearly an hour earlier while leading for the government on the Corporate Insolvency and Governance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alok Sharma began feeling unwell when in the Chamber delivering the second reading of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill .
`` In line with guidance he has been tested for coronavirus and is returning home to self isolate . ''
During the debate , Mr Sharma 's opposite number , shadow business secretary Ed Miliband , passed him a glass of water at one point .
It 's important to highlight that we do n't know for sure whether the business secretary has coronavirus .
However , a potential case is causing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures say it shows the government was wrong to scrap a hybrid model which allowed MPs to contribute and vote remotely .
There are concerns some MPs did n't maintain social distancing rules in lengthy voting queues yesterday .
Others fear they could become super spreaders , taking the virus back to their constituencies if there is an outbreak .
If Mr Sharma did test positive , anyone he had spent more than 15 minutes within two metres of would have to self-isolate for two weeks .
Mr Miliband subsequently sent his best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery .
The House of Commons authorities said `` additional cleaning '' had taken place , following the debate .
And the BBC 's chief political correspondent Vicki Young said the MP who had sat nearest to Mr Sharma during his statement insisted that social distancing protocols had been observed throughout .
Mr Sharma was one of hundreds of MPs who queued around the building on Tuesday at two metre intervals as the Commons introduced new temporary voting procedures .
While the number of MPs permitted to sit in the chamber is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being forced to return to Westminster , saying it poses a risk to them and their constituents .
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy said the events of the past 48 hours had shown that effective social distancing in Parliament was `` impossible '' .
She said the government 's decision to stop the largely virtual procedures in force since the middle of April , in which MPs were able to speak and vote remotely , was `` reckless '' .
And her colleague Karl Turner said he had asked the Health and Safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of working conditions in Parliament .
He said MPs having to `` huddle together '' on escalators on the parliamentary estate while lining up to vote were among a number of `` unsafe practices '' .
The HSE has the power to take enforcement action against any employers which it believes is compelling its staff to work in unsafe conditions or ignoring guidance set out by the government earlier this month .

He added: "Across the country people are going back to work. How can we look teachers in our constituency in the eye when we are asking them to go back to work and we are saying we are not willing to?


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: UK quarantine plans and £1,000 penalties confirmed

Plans to force almost all arrivals to the UK to isolate for 14 days have been confirmed by the home secretary .
Priti Patel told the Commons that Border Force will check that travellers fill out a form with their contact details and location for isolation .
Leaving isolation prematurely in England could result in a fine of up to £1,000 or prosecution , she said .
`` We will not allow a reckless minority to put our domestic recovery at risk , '' she said .
Ms Patel told MPs that scientific advisers had said quarantine would not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when infection rates in the UK were higher .
But now , imported cases of the virus posed a more significant threat , she said , so it was now important to `` protect our hard-won progress as we move in the right direction '' .
It comes as the latest Department of Health figures show another 359 people have died after contracting coronavirus , bringing the UK total to 39,728 .
An additional 1,871 people tested positive in the last 24-hour period .
• ' I ’ m ready to face quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return for UK tourists , says Spain Asked at the Downing Street briefing whether he would recommend people in the UK book foreign holidays , Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public to follow Foreign Office guidance against non-essential travel .
`` We 've got to knock this virus on the head , '' he said .
And while he urged EU workers who had left the UK because their jobs had disappeared during lockdown to return , he ruled out any alternatives to quarantine for them , such as a medical certificate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the UK - but you 've got to quarantine .
Everybody has been in lockdown for a long time , I know it 's an imposition , but we really have got to beat this virus , '' he said .
Ms Patel said in the Commons that the `` proportionate and time-limited measures '' would come into force on Monday , with `` limited exemptions '' intended to ensure supplies of essential items such as food and protective equipment were not disrupted .
The regulations apply to England , and Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own rules for enforcing the quarantine .
Ms Patel said the measures would be reviewed after three weeks and the government would aim to ensure greater freedom in the long term , including establishing `` international travel corridors '' with countries deemed to be safe .
Many MPs - including Conservatives - were in the Commons raising concerns about the government 's approach to quarantine .
Firstly , they argue this policy is being brought in too late .
They believe it should have been introduced when the virus was spreading in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
Many now have concerns the government is overreacting as it tries to prevent a second spike .
They told the home secretary they are worried a blanket quarantine will have a devastating impact on airlines , airports and the wider tourism industry .
Very few MPs showed support for the government 's approach .
They want the government to take a more targeted approach - finding ways of allowing travel from certain countries where transmission levels are lower .
Ryanair said the proposals were `` utterly ineffective '' , with arrivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , potentially spreading infection , while the government would phone `` less than 1 % '' of them to check they were complying .
`` This 14-day UK quarantine is ineffective , completely useless , and will have no effect on British passengers who will largely ignore it , '' a spokeswoman said .
The Confederation of British Industry said it needed more detail on how the policy would be reviewed , who would be exempt and how the international travel corridors with key trading partners could be created .
`` Businesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internationally coordinated plan to get people safely moving across borders as soon as possible , '' said CBI president John Allen .
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
Sources at the French and Italian foreign ministries told the BBC there had been no bilateral talks yet about lifting the quarantine plans and establishing travel corridors or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If the UK imposes a quarantine period , we will apply it too , '' a French official said .
The plan has sparked concern among several Tory MPs , with former cabinet minister Theresa Villiers calling for it to be suspended while travel corridors are set up , to `` save jobs in aviation and let families go on their summer breaks in the sun '' .
Speaking at an earlier debate about the aviation industry , former prime minister Theresa May said quarantine would `` close Britain off from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour 's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said people needed reassurance that this was not `` a three-week fudge to try to spare the government embarrassment for failing to grip this issue at the right time '' .
He said only 273 people had been quarantined in the early stages of the pandemic as 18 million visitors arrived in the UK , with the government 's own advisers saying many cases came not from China but from places in Europe .
Under the new rules , most arrivals to the UK will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form '' with details of where they will isolate for two weeks and how they can be contacted .
Anyone failing to remain in isolation will face a £1,000 fixed penalty in England , with prosecution and an unlimited fine potentially to follow , the Home Office said .
Failure to fill in the form can also be punished with a £100 fine .
Border Force can refuse entry to non-residents who do not comply , and the Home Office also said that deportation would be considered `` as a last resort '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• COVID-19 VACCINE : How long will it take to make ?

"Come back to London, or the UK - but you've got to quarantine. Everybody has been in lockdown for a long time, I know it's an imposition, but we really have got to beat this virus," he said.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--PMQs: Starmer accuses PM of ignoring virus help offer

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has accused Boris Johnson of ignoring an offer to help build public support for getting children back to school .
At Prime Minister 's Questions , Sir Keir said he wrote to the PM privately two weeks ago but had not received a reply .
Mr Johnson said he `` took the trouble to ring '' the Labour leader to brief him on lockdown easing measures .
He said Sir Keir 's `` endless attacks '' on the government were undermining `` public trust and confidence '' .
Downing Street said the two men had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with other opposition leaders .
Labour sources said the call was for the PM to brief opposition leaders on what the government intended to do - and Sir Keir had not had a one-to-one conversation with Mr Johnson since the end of April .
• Johnson urged to 'get a grip ' on virus strategy Sir Keir used PMQs to highlight what he said was a big fall in public confidence in the government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis , at a time when that support was needed most to ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , more than two million primary pupils in England were invited back to school , but heads reported `` highly variable '' levels of attendance , ranging from 40 % to 70 % .
The Labour leader told the PM : `` I have supported the government openly and I 've taken criticism for it , but , boy , he makes it difficult to support this government over the last two weeks . ''
Mr Johnson accused Sir Keir of going back on his promise to work constructively with the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered to help build consensus for the reopening of schools , in a letter , dated Monday 18 May , which the Labour Party has now published .
In it , Sir Keir tells the PM he supported the government 's `` gradual easing '' of lockdown but remained concerned about elements `` including transparency , pace and having an effective test , track and trace system '' and `` the wholly unjustified attacks that have been made on teachers '' .
The Labour leader tells the PM he supports the opening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible '' .
But he adds : `` I am sure as prime minister you will share my concern that without a stronger consensus of professionals and parents behind the wider opening of schools , some parents will choose not to comply and the issue will become even more socially divisive . ''
Sir Keir offered to meet Mr Johnson , along with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey to discuss how a `` consensus can be achieved in the shortest possible timeframe '' to get children back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had not received a reply to the letter .
The prime minister said he was surprised Sir Keir `` should take that tone '' , because he had spoken to him by phone - and the Labour leader had `` endorsed '' the steps the government was taking .
`` I think that he 's on firmer ground when he stands with the overwhelming majority of the British people who understand the very , very difficult circumstances that we are in , '' he told Sir Keir .
Sir Keir called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time when some of his own MPs - and certainly grassroots members - wanted to see him clash with No 10 more robustly on issues of the day .
He now feels vindicated as he believes the lack of a strategy - `` an exit without a strategy '' , as he puts it - is becoming apparent .
The Labour leader is determined to stay one step ahead of the government .
So , by raising questions now over the easing of lockdown while doubts remain about the alert level and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system , he is positioning the party to distance itself further from the government 's approach if the R number goes up .
But it is true that his tone towards Boris Johnson himself is hardening .
The Labour leader also asked at PMQs about the `` promise '' Mr Johnson made about having a `` world beating '' test , track and trace operation to be in place by 1 June , saying it was weeks away from being fully up and running .
Mr Johnson accused the Labour leader of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thousands of people who set it up from a standing start '' .
The Labour leader also criticised what he said was the government 's lack of transparency over the decision to ease the lockdown in England , asking the prime minister what the current Covid-19 alert level and R infection level was .
Mr Johnson slapped the despatch box as he replied : `` He knows perfectly well that the alert level does allow it and he did n't raise that issue with me when we had a conversation on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level remained at four - but the government 's five tests for easing the lockdown had been fulfilled .
`` The question for him is whether he actually supports the progress we 're making , because at the weekend he was backing it and now he is doing a U-turn , now he seems to be against the steps this country is taking , '' added the PM .
Sir Keir also criticised Mr Johnson 's use of statistics , after the UK Statistics Authority said it had fallen `` well short of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undermining trust .
Mr Johnson replied : `` I really do not see the purpose in his endless attacks on public trust and confidence . ''

"The question for him is whether he actually supports the progress we're making, because at the weekend he was backing it and now he is doing a U-turn, now he seems to be against the steps this country is taking," added the PM.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Prince Charles says he 'got away lightly'

The Prince of Wales has said he `` got away with it quite lightly '' when he contracted coronavirus at the beginning of the UK 's epidemic in March .
Prince Charles , 71 , self-isolated after testing positive for the virus and only experienced mild symptoms .
Speaking to Sky News , he said : `` I was lucky in my case ... but I 've had it , and I can so understand what other people have gone through . ''
He expressed sympathy with those who had lost family or friends .
`` I feel particularly for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have been unable to be with them at the time .
That , to me , is the most ghastly thing , '' the prince said .
`` But in order to prevent this happening to so many more people , I 'm so determined to find a way out of this . ''
Prince Charles , who is the heir to the throne , recovered from coronavirus after spending his seven days of quarantine at his Birkhall home on the royal Balmoral estate .
The Duchess of Cornwall , 72 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
He said : `` I ca n't tell you how much I sympathise with the way that everyone has had to endure with this unbelievably testing and challenging time . ''
The prince said the experience made him more determined to `` push and shout and prod '' as he called for nature to return to the `` centre of our economy '' .
`` Before this , nature has just been pushed to the peripheries , we 've exploited and dug up and cut down everything as if there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't matter . ''
Without learning from the pandemic , he said we may face a similar threat in future : `` The more we erode the natural world , the more we destroy biodiversity , the more we expose ourselves to this kind of danger .
`` We 've had these other disasters with Sars and Ebola and goodness knows what else , all of these things are related to the loss of biodiversity .
So we have to find a way this time to put nature back at the centre .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopefully - `` the Great Reset '' : a great opportunity to seize something good from this crisis .
Prince Charles is not the only environmental voice out there ; from those marvelling at the sound of birdsong these past few months , to those urging a shift to sustainable transport , there is a green wave that the prince is surfing .
The prince is no mere follower of fashion ; he has ( as he once put it in a broadcast chat with his son Prince Harry ) been `` banging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than four decades now .
It means his words on the subject are often dismissed as same-old , same-old .
But there is new urgency in this interview , and a bluntness ; catastrophes , he says , concentrate the mind .
The current generation and those that have come before have , he says , acted as if there is no tomorrow .
And there is controversy .
Not everyone sees the planet as a sick patient in need of care .
Others , charged with the herculean task of restoring shattered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade-offs around environmental protection and quickly getting people back into jobs .
Prince Charles has mellowed with age ; no longer does he toss policy hand grenades into the public sphere .
But on the future of the earth his passion still burns bright .
And it is clear that he believes a moment has arrived when change is possible ; he is determined to try and drive that change .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get better ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters

"We've had these other disasters with Sars and Ebola and goodness knows what else, all of these things are related to the loss of biodiversity. So we have to find a way this time to put nature back at the centre."


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Schools in Wales to reopen on 29 June

All schools in Wales will reopen on 29 June , the Welsh Government have said .
They will be open to pupils from all year groups for limited periods during the week , with only a third of pupils in school at any one time , Education Minister Kirsty Williams confirmed .
Schools and councils will make their own decisions over managing the return .
The summer term has been extended by one week to 27 July , and the autumn half-term holiday will be stretched to two weeks .
Parents who choose not to send their children to school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall into the shielding category will carry on with online learning .
• Q & A : How will schools in Wales reopen ?
• What is life like now in school ?
Some children in England started back on Monday while schools in Scotland and Northern Ireland will begin to return in August .
Some teaching unions have criticised the move in Wales , with the biggest union saying its members will be told they do not have to return to school if they feel the risk is too great .
'No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from NEU Wales , said the measures were `` too much , too soon '' and there was `` little or no consultation '' over the additional week at the end of July .
Another union , the NASUWT , said the government did not have `` good enough reasons for risking lives . ''
`` The Welsh Government is well aware of the extreme difficulty of social distancing in schools , especially for younger children , '' said National Official Neil Butler .
`` The minister has also admitted that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'catch up ' so there is clearly no educational purpose behind this decision . ''
But NAHT Cymru said it was its members ' preferred plan , though the intention to get `` all '' children in `` is more problematic '' , it said , preferring prioritising specific year groups .
Ms Williams said she was `` surprised '' by the unions ' criticism and it was not helpful `` to have inflammatory language '' .
`` I would do nothing , and I have done nothing from this entire period when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do anything to risk anybody 's lives , '' she said .
Year groups will be split into smaller classes with staggered starts , lessons and breaks .
It is expected this will mean , at most , a third of pupils present at any one time , though schools may need time to reach this level .
All children will have the opportunity to `` check in , catch up , prepare for summer and September '' , Ms Williams said .
`` My announcement gives schools three-and-a-half weeks to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she added .
Ms Williams said social distancing would be a challenge for the youngest children `` but we have experience of dealing with this in the hubs that have been operating to date '' and good practice had been learnt .
Why are Wales ' schools reopening before September ?
She said the Welsh Government was `` moving very cautiously '' by limiting the number of children in classrooms at any one time and also the number that can be at school at the same time .
Ms Williams said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving all children the chance to `` catch up '' and prepare with their teachers ahead of the summer holidays .
She said she had been `` hugely heartened '' by headteachers `` coming forward with very practical plans '' on how they can `` move to the next phase of supporting children and families in their learning '' .
By doing this before September , she added , `` it gives us a natural firebreak to reflect on those experiences '' before the next term .
The Welsh Government had been considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or wait until after the summer holidays - after supposedly rejecting plans to bring forward the start of the autumn term to August .
So far , the only Welsh pupils who have seen the inside of a classroom since the coronavirus lockdown have been children deemed to be vulnerable or those of key workers , who have been attending school hubs to enable their parents to continue doing their vital jobs .
The Welsh Government will issue further guidance for councils and schools next week . '
I know many will feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would mean one full month of the test , trace and protect system being in place - which tracks people who have been exposed to the virus and asks them to self-isolate .
Teachers will be a priority group for the new antibody testing programme , which tells people if they have previously had the virus and have developed antibodies .
`` As we continue to keep Wales safe , this approach will be critical , '' she said .
`` The evolving science suggests that warm weather and sunlight gives us the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school .
`` Waiting until September would mean almost half a year without schooling .
That would be to the detriment to the wellbeing , learning progress and mental health of our young people .
• New lockdown measures 'may be needed in winter' '' This is and has been a worrying period for us all .
I know that many will feel apprehensive .
We have not rushed this work and this decision .
`` I am also convinced that it is only by returning to their own school that we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and disadvantaged children . ''
'All school staff should be tested' Unison , the public services union , said all school staff must be included in antibody testing , not just teachers .
`` This approach will not work and will risk the spread of Covid-19 , '' schools lead Rosie Lewis said .
The government will also issue guidance for further and higher education institutions next week , and for childcare providers to increase the number of children in attendance alongside schools .
Further education colleges are preparing to reopen for face-to-face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing schools had an impact ?
What has the reaction been ?
Teachers are awaiting the finer detail and logistics of how they are to accommodate the children safely with social distancing in mind .
`` I do n't think we can ever be reassured it is perfectly safe , '' said Armando Di Finizio , head of Eastern High School in Cardiff .
`` It 'd be wrong not to have concerns but it is about mitigating any risks as far as we can but I think it is the right time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think managing a safe return for pupils will be difficult in smaller primary schools where they `` do n't have spare space '' so `` ca n't spread pupils out '' .
`` If we have different groups coming in , we 're going to have to clean those rooms down completely in between each group , '' said a Cardiff primary school teacher , who would only give her first name , Carol .
`` The children will also need their own set of stationary - but we suddenly do n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stationary because they would normally share .
It 's that kind of practical detail we need . ''
But the teachers agree that not returning to school until September is `` perhaps too long '' .
`` We are there to help young people make sense of the world , '' added Mr Di Finizio .
He said it would help give children `` reassurance , stability , rhythm of life and discipline '' as well as `` helping vulnerable '' and at risk students .
Plaid Cymru criticised the decision , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the Welsh Conservatives broadly welcomed the move but said there were still questions to be answered , such as whether assistance with school transport , cleaning and school meals would be provided .

Plaid Cymru criticised the decision, saying it was "too early", while the Welsh Conservatives broadly welcomed the move but said there were still questions to be answered, such as whether assistance with school transport, cleaning and school meals would be provided.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Shooting in Brent: Young child among four hurt

A young child was among four people hurt in a shooting in north London , police have said .
Shots @ @ @ @ @ , Harlesden , Brent , at about 21:45 BST , Scotland Yard said .
The @ @ @ @ @ taken to hospital with gunshot injuries , the Metropolitan Police confirmed .
The force said @ @ @ @ @ of their conditions .
No arrests have been made and police have appealed for witnesses @ @ @ @ @ Section 60 order is in place for the borough of Brent until 07:00 on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ has been authorised for the Harlesden area , the force added .
There will be @ @ @ @ @ area overnight .

"I know that people will be shocked and horrified that a little boy should be the victim of a gunman and I need the community to show their support for him and his family, by telling police what they know."


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Asymptomatic care workers unknowingly spread coronavirus

Large numbers of staff could have been unknowingly spreading coronavirus through care homes , according to the UK 's largest charitable care home provider .
Data from MHA shows 42 % of its staff members who recently tested positive were not displaying symptoms .
Nearly 45 % of residents who had a positive test were also asymptomatic .
MHA operates in England , Scotland and Wales and has fully tested staff and residents in 86 of its 90 homes so far .
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` Our priority is to ensure care workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the latest statistics show over 60 % of care homes have had no outbreak at all .
`` We 've set out a comprehensive support package for residents and staff , including a £600m infection control fund , testing regardless of whether you have symptoms , and a named clinical lead to support every care home .
`` We recognise more must continue to be done , and have made £3.2bn available to local authorities to address additional pressures from coronavirus . ''
In total , 7 % of MHA staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test result .
Routine testing is not yet under way .
MHA CEO Sam Monaghan told BBC Newsnight : `` It is not difficult to imagine that a lot of people may not have ended up dying if we 'd had earlier testing and we 'd been therefore better able to manage infection control in our homes . ''
• Carers reunited with families after weeks apart In May , Professor John Newton from Public Health England said it would be `` premature '' to introduce weekly testing of care home staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one universal test for everyone in care homes in England by early June .
Many social care providers have complained that has n't happened .
Mr Monaghan continued : `` I think it 's very difficult not to see that the only real way that this can have come into our homes is through staff picking it up , just through the community contacts they would have had .
`` I think that is what is so hard for all our staff , because they care .
But if they do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can you manage this ?
`` We lobbied right from the outset that routine testing was going to be absolutely vital in terms of us managing and doing effective infection control in our homes .
The government still is n't offering that .
`` What does it say to the valuable people who work and live in care settings that it 's 'premature ' to test them weekly when Premiership footballers are being offered a test , not once , but twice a week ? ''
ONS figures show more than a quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales have happened in care homes .
MHA has shared with Newsnight its log of suspected and confirmed cases .
It says 398 people have died in its care homes since the crisis began .
Three MHA staff have also succumbed to the virus .
So far 930 people have recovered from suspected or confirmed Covid-19 .
This data also shows less than half of the residents who died ever got a test .
Heather Grange care home in Burnley lost 10 residents .
Only four were tested for coronavirus .
Manager Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took hold of some of our residents , it was relentless .
We 'd see cases where people literally showed some symptoms on a Friday and by Tuesday they 'd passed away .
`` There was no testing .
I actually had a conversation with Public Health England and asked for tests .
I was categorically told there was no testing for care homes in the North West .
We were on our own .
`` The early warning , that testing , could have changed outcomes .
People could have lived the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years .
It makes me very sad . ''
Public Health England said it `` worked with Heather Grange care home and local partners to provide appropriate guidance and support to minimise the spread of Covid-19 .
Testing was arranged in line with policy at that time '' .

Mr Monaghan continued: "I think it's very difficult not to see that the only real way that this can have come into our homes is through staff picking it up, just through the community contacts they would have had.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Dominic Cummings's Durham cottage plans investigated

A council is investigating complaints that the property Dominic Cummings used during his lockdown trip did not have the correct planning permission .
The PM 's adviser stayed with his family in what he said was a `` cottage '' on his parents ' farm in Durham , in April .
The only planning applications listed on the council 's website for the farm are for a roof over a swimming pool in 2001 , and the removal of various trees .
Durham County Council and a local MP have received a number of complaints .
The Cummings ' family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outskirts of Durham .
The City of Durham Labour MP Mary Foy , whose constituency includes the home , said she had also raised questions with Durham County Council .
She said she had received a number of complaints from constituents , and had asked the council whether the property Mr Cummings stayed in had proper planning permission , and whether it was registered for council tax .
She has yet to receive a reply .
The council investigation was first reported by The Northern Echo .
• What are social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip to Durham with his wife and child caused a political fallout with The Scottish National Party 's Westminster leader Ian Blackford saying Mr Cummings should resign or be dismissed by Boris Johnson for making the journey .
Mr Cummings said he acted reasonably and legally .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus was announced on 27 March , and Downing Street said at the time Mr Cummings did not have symptoms .
Later that day the adviser drove to the north-east of England .
On 30 March , it was confirmed Mr Cummings had developed symptoms of the virus and was self-isolating at home .
Durham Police later said he might have broken lockdown rules with a subsequent trip to nearby Barnard Castle , but added that if he had broken the rules it would have been a `` minor breach '' .

She said she had received a number of complaints from constituents, and had asked the council whether the property Mr Cummings stayed in had proper planning permission, and whether it was registered for council tax.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--'I’m ready to face quarantine just to get away'

HR professional Angela Russell and her partner Steve have decided that despite coronavirus , they will be flying to Montenegro on 5 July .
They 're only going for a week 's holiday , but the prospect of having to spend two weeks in quarantine on their return does n't bother them .
`` I have become totally fed up with all the bad news and how the government is dealing with issues , '' she told the BBC .
`` I 'm prepared to put up with quarantine just to get away from here for a bit . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend of Angela 's who has terminal cancer , accompanied by her husband .
`` She had planned to do a lot of travelling this year and until now , all her plans have been kiboshed . ''
The four have booked to fly with Jet2 , which plans to resume its flight programme on 1 July .
A number of other airlines and tour operators have announced similar plans .
Ryanair and Tui are also due to restart services from the beginning of July , while EasyJet is taking to the skies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said it will launch `` a meaningful return to service '' in July , while Virgin Atlantic has said flights will not resume until August .
• What are the UK travel quarantine rules ?
• No early return for UK tourists , says Spain However , at the moment , the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) is still advising against all non-essential foreign travel , with no indication of when the policy might change .
A spokesperson for Jet2 said the firm always followed FCO guidelines and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis '' .
Jet2 declined to give any details of the level of bookings over the next few months , describing it as `` commercially sensitive information '' .
The BBC has approached other airlines and holiday firms for comment .
One airline that does seem to be confident about the future is budget carrier Wizz Air , which said on Wednesday that it was still planning to take delivery of new aircraft .
`` Whatever we can fly , we 're going to be flying , because we 've seen that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the airline 's chief executive , Jozsef Varadi .
Angela , who lives in Wales , is semi-retired and now works just one day a week , which she can easily do from home if forced to self-isolate .
She points out that Montenegro is `` pretty much coronavirus-free '' .
`` I 've spent my life assessing risk , either in work or in my daily life , '' she says .
`` The only risk is that we might pick it up at the airport . ''
She adds : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , 'We do n't want to let people in from the UK , because you do n't seem to manage it very well . '
`` But I feel it 's imperative now that we support the travel industry .
We have to take a pragmatic approach to how we do things . ''
Another hopeful holidaymaker is Robert Jenkins , of Bedwas in south Wales , who usually goes abroad four or five times a year with his wife Barbara .
`` We 're retired and travelling is very important to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Robert and Barbara are hedging their bets , with not one , but two trips booked between now and the end of the year .
The couple are due to fly with EasyJet to Malaga in Spain on 1 July and to the Greek island of Kos on 12 September .
But Robert says he is poised to cancel the Spanish trip , because `` the FCO still has n't given the go-ahead and I do n't know if I 'll be insured '' .
He is also worried by the Spanish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British coronavirus figures `` still have to improve '' before Spain can receive tourists from the UK .
`` I 'm really hoping Greece will go ahead .
We 've gone to the same resort for 20 years and we are on first-name terms with the people in the village we stay at , '' he says .
`` But it 's all up in the air .
Things are changing day by day . ''
Anyone considering booking an overseas holiday needs to find their balance on a financial tightrope .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight which is subsequently cancelled , you should be refunded , although millions of people have already found that can be a slow , and still unresolved process .
Booking a package holiday also offers financial protection if it is later cancelled owing to a second wave of the virus or current restrictions being extended .
Insurance is more complex .
Travelling against Foreign Office advice , which is still that anything but essential travel should be avoided , would invalidate existing insurance .
That has implications for claiming the cost of accommodation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also medical care .
We still do not know when that advice will be lifted .
It is under review .
Those buying a new insurance policy - irrespective of the travel advice - will often find that it will not cover you for coronavirus-related issues , such as having to cancel a break because you have been told to self-isolate .

The couple will be holidaying with a friend of Angela's who has terminal cancer, accompanied by her husband. "She had planned to do a lot of travelling this year and until now, all her plans have been kiboshed."


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Is this a way of getting festivals going again?

If you 're missing festivals , the boss of Reading & Leeds and Wireless reckons he has a solution to make sure they go ahead `` as normal '' in 2021 .
Melvin Benn , managing director of Festival Republic , wants to link his events with compulsory coronavirus testing .
Put simply , a negative Covid-19 test would be the key to getting you into a show .
However , his idea would need considerable buy-in from government and scientists .
He argues social distancing does n't work at festivals as they need to be `` full houses '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Without full capacity `` it 's impossible for us to operate our businesses , '' he tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
Instead , coronavirus testing would act as a `` personal incentive '' for someone wanting to attend an event , and he 's urging the government to adopt it .
At the minute , if you 're not showing coronavirus symptoms you do n't get a test , so guidelines would have to change to enable his plan .
• What tests are currently being done in the UK ?
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you must not gather in groups of more than six with people you do not live with , making events like festivals almost impossible in their current form .
In Scotland , public gatherings are still not permitted .
In Wales , people from two different households are allowed to meet outdoors as long as they stay two metres apart and in Northern Ireland , groups of up to six people who do not live together can meet outdoors .
Despite the different guidelines , all four nations are in agreement that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people from outside your household .
Melvin Benn , who also heads up Latitude and Download , says `` every single bit '' of his turnover for 2020 has been cancelled and told Newsbeat : `` It ca n't happen two years on the trot . ''
Under his plan , everybody attending an event will have been tested for Covid-19 `` within either seven or 14 days '' before the event or `` whichever length of time ... the government determines is safe '' .
`` With that incentive , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start being tested .
At the moment there is no incentive . ''
On any kind of social distancing at large events , Melvin Benn says it 's `` completely and utterly bonkers '' when you consider the atmosphere at raucous live gigs or the reaction to a goal at a football match .
But Dr Simon Clarke , Associate Professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading , warns that tests do n't always pick up the virus in its early stages .
`` We ca n't know for sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus , you will remain negative for any period of time after , '' he says .
`` There 's also a window between you being tested and going to the festival .
You could pick the virus up then as well . ''
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air , meaning festivals would be a high risk environment for that to happen .
2020 has already been described as a `` write-off '' for live music and festivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and other entertainment and sporting events ) up and running again involves : • Customers who want to book an event being advised to get a test and download the NHS trace app .
• The test is registered with the app , which then allows you to continue with your booking .
• Whenever you get a negative test , the app notifies you that you 're Covid-19 free and that becomes a virtual permission slip to attend the event .
• You show your app and ticket at your event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about infection rates would be taken into consideration .
Melvin Benn does n't plan to `` contravene or subvert '' the government 's health position and says his idea would do `` exactly the opposite '' .
`` This is enhancing the amount of people that would be on the NHS app . ''
He says events would also have better hygiene procedures and temperature checks before you go in .
Currently , Festival Republic has had no formal talks with government and `` there 's no indication yet of a willingness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea is in its infancy with no specific timings on any roll-out or estimate on costs .
`` It 's a tough shout but it 's doable because there 's an incentive to be tested , '' he says .
Trade body UK Music estimates the contribution of live music to the UK economy is set to to drop in 2020 from an estimated £1.1 billion to just £200 million .
But remember , 2021 is a still a long way off , as the search for a Covid-19 vaccine and better treatments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

In Scotland, public gatherings are still not permitted. In Wales, people from two different households are allowed to meet outdoors as long as they stay two metres apart and in Northern Ireland, groups of up to six people who do not live together can meet outdoors.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--PMQs: Labour leader Starmer's political distancing

In one of his first acts as Labour leader , Sir Keir Starmer announced he would not indulge in opposition for opposition 's sake .
This was seen as a decisive break from his own party 's recent past .
But now he wants to create more distance between the government and the opposition .
• Johnson urged to 'get a grip ' on virus strategy Some say they have noted a more hostile , less consensual tone towards Boris Johnson from Sir Keir .
In an interview with the Guardian , he has suggested that the prime minister lacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Questions today , he accused the prime minister of undermining public trust in his own government with his actions , just at the time when it is needed most .
But , in truth , Sir Keir 's stated policy of `` constructive criticism '' had already tended to emphasise the latter of those two words at PMQs .
And his approach to today 's session had as much in common with his approach before - to put down a marker in case things go wrong .
Sir Keir called for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when some of his own MPs - and certainly grassroots members - wanted to see him clash with No 10 more robustly on issues of the day .
He now feels vindicated as he believes the lack of a strategy - `` an exit without a strategy '' , as he puts it - is becoming apparent .
The Labour leader is determined to stay one step ahead of the government .
So , by raising questions now over the easing of lockdown while doubts remain about the alert level and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he is positioning the party to distance itself further from the government 's approach if the R number goes up .
But it is true that his tone towards Boris Johnson himself is hardening .
Labour insiders say this is n't so much the result of a strategic change , but is borne of a sense of frustration with the prime minister over recent days .
As part of the `` constructive criticism '' approach , the Labour leader sent a letter to Boris Johnson on 18 May about the re-opening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he had not received a reply .
The Labour leader was also annoyed by the way advice to those who are shielding was released , without proper consultation .
And he is irritated by what he perceives as an attempt by the PM to keep shifting responsibility for the crisis away from the door of No 10 to local councils , officials , and individuals .
So , Sir Keir is attempting to ensure that if things do go wrong and there are local lockdowns and/or higher infection rates in the weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street .
And this all appears to be part of a wider narrative he has been pursuing - that the government was too slow to go in to lockdown , and potentially too cavalier in easing it .
At PMQs , it is Boris Johnson 's job to answer Sir Keir 's questions .
But there are questions for the Labour leader too .
Some of his political opponents are finding it frustrating that it appears to be the Labour leader and not the prime minister who is having his cake and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been focussed on the government 's handling of the crisis , his critics say there has been less scrutiny of what he would do instead .
For example , he has complained of a lack of consultation over the re-opening of schools .
He is also concerned about the effect the closures will have had on the educational attainment of disadvantaged pupils in particular .
But if he were prime minister , would he have led from the front and pushed for partial re-opening ?
Or would councils and unions have had an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is he prioritising perspiration over inspiration ?
Sir Keir has done some heavy-lifting to make his party look like a more effective opposition and he has proved he can make Boris Johnson sweat .
His own standing in the polls has risen - but his party still lags behind the Conservatives .
So far , the more positive policies that will be necessary to rally new converts to his banner have been less apparent .
Of course , he has talked about valuing public sector workers more , and of rebuilding the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has passed .
He will seek to `` win the peace '' .
But while we may see a laser-like focus on the government 's perceived failings , Sir Keir 's own vision for the UK remains hazy .

So, by raising questions now over the easing of lockdown while doubts remain about the alert level and the efficacy of the track and trace system, he is positioning the party to distance itself further from the government's approach if the R number goes up.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Which schools are reopening for pupils?

Some primary schools in England have reopened for some children - with Wales announcing a return for all ages of pupils at the end of June .
Exact rules vary , but head teachers have been working out how best to minimise risks for pupils , staff and parents .
Which children are being prioritised ?
Head teachers in England have been told to keep focusing on priority pupils - vulnerable children and those of critical workers - across all year groups .
The government has also published guidance for children with special educational needs or a disability .
Beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus pupils in Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 have been the first to go back in England .
But not every primary school is reopening - with local councils issuing their own advice to head teachers .
What about the rest of the UK ?
Schools in Wales will reopen from 29 June to all age groups - but only a third of pupils will be in classes at any one time .
Schools and councils will make their own decisions over managing the return .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the autumn term on 11 August , using a blended model , with some continued home-learning .
Some Northern Irish pupils preparing for exams and those about to move to post-primary schools will go back in late August , with a phased return for the rest in September .
How will school be different ?
Plans in England include keeping classroom doors and windows open to encourage air flow , and introducing one-way systems around school buildings .
Here are seven other things that could look different : • No more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from others - similar to Denmark 's `` protective bubble '' approach • Pupils asked to stay 2m ( 6ft 6in ) apart where possible - but this will be difficult with younger children • More regular hand washing - for at least 20 seconds • Staggered break and lunch times , plus different arrival and departure arrangements • Less sharing of equipment such as books and toys , with fewer items taken home • Parents should not gather at school gates or in the playground • Carers should only enter school buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - or anyone they live with - develop coronavirus symptoms , they will be asked to stay away from school .
Is it safe to send my child to school ?
The risk of coronavirus to pupils in the classroom is `` very , very small , but not zero '' , according to sources in the government 's scientific advisory group , Sage .
The group has published documents about the safety and impact of reopening English schools , which also say teachers would not be at above-average risk compared with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the advice , and the group `` can not be clear '' on the extent to which schools can re-open without increasing Covid-19 cases .
Teachers ' unions have warned it is not safe to allow more children into primary schools .
The government acknowledges some schools are not ready to open , but says the necessary five tests for easing the lockdown in England have been met .
But Schools Minister Nick Gibb told MPs there is still no decision about the government 's ambition to send all primary children in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What about secondary schools , sixth forms and colleges ?
The government says secondary schools in England will be able to reopen to Year 10 and Year 12 from Monday 15 June .
But only a quarter of pupils from those years will be allowed in school at any one time .
Students will be encouraged to travel separately and avoid public transport .
Teaching of vulnerable children and those of critical workers in all year groups will continue .
• 'Virus could be here for year ' so schools must open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send my child to school ?
It is not currently compulsory to send children to school .
This temporary arrangement - where usual sanctions do not apply - is expected to continue in England during the summer term .
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
What if my child will still be learning at home ?
Many teachers have offered a limited curriculum online , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
To support home learning , the BBC launched a major programme of educational content on its BBC Bitesize service , including regular daily lessons in English , maths and other core subjects .
Summer exams have been cancelled in England , Wales and Scotland .
This includes GCSEs and A-levels in England and Wales , plus primary school Sats national curriculum tests in England .
In Scotland , Highers and Nationals will not be going ahead .
Have you been affected by the school closures due to coronavirus ?
Please get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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How are Covid rules changing across UK schools? Published 23 February 2022
Image source, Getty Images
All remaining Covid restrictions have now been scrapped in English schools.
Rules have also been eased elsewhere in the UK, but some measures are being retained for the moment.
How are the Covid rules changing in schools?
The legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive test is also being removed, although it is still recommended.
Head teachers groups have warned that the changes to testing and self-isolation "may actually lead to an increase in disruption", as Covid is more likely to spread in the classroom, leading to further pupil and staff absence.
Image source, Getty Images
All school staff and secondary school pupils in Scotland and Northern Ireland are still asked to take two lateral flow tests (LFTs) a week (three in Wales).
In Wales, schools are largely back to normal. Face coverings will no longer be required in classrooms after 28 February, but should still be worn in communal areas of secondary schools.
In Northern Ireland, schools reopened with the same measures as last term. If a primary or post-primary class has multiple Covid cases, all pupils should take an LFT. The guidance that pupils in post-primary schools should wear face coverings still applies.
In Scotland, social distancing remains in place. However, pupils will no longer have to wear masks in school from 28 February.
How many teachers and pupils are off because of Covid?
The latest data for England shows that 182,000 pupils (2.2%) of pupils were absent for Covid-related reasons on 10 February, down from 320,000 (3.9%) on 3 February.
On the same date, 2.8% of teachers and school leaders and 2.5% of teaching assistants and other staff were absent due to Covid, down from 4.4% and 4.1% respectively the previous week.
Almost half England's schools (45%) had one in 20 teachers absent due to Covid.
In Scotland on 17 February, 12,638 students (2.4%) were missing from school due to Covid-related reasons. The highest absence rate this year was seen on 7 January, when 43,565 students (14.1%) were off.
In Northern Ireland, 5.2% of students, 9% of teachers and 11% of classroom assistants in schools were absent due to Covid over the week 24 to 28 January - the highest rates since the new term began.
Image source, Getty Images
Many schools have told the BBC they have struggled to find temporary staff to cover the teachers who are off.
England's Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi urged retired teachers to return and join teacher supply agencies to fill gaps, but a BBC survey suggested there had been a limited response.
Mr Zahawi also suggested schools could merge classes. But teaching unions said there were logistical difficulties and safety issues with teaching large groups of children.
Image source, Getty Images
Can a child go to school if they or someone in their household or class has Covid?
After Thursday 24 February, people in England with Covid will no longer have a legal obligation to self-isolate.
However, people who test positive will still be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days, including school staff and students.
The legal requirement to self-isolate remains in place across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As long as they don't have Covid symptoms, under-18s already don't have to self-isolate if someone else in their household has Covid.
Similarly, whole classes are no longer automatically sent home to isolate if a pupil or teacher tests positive.
However, close contacts aged five or above are strongly advised to test for at least seven days.
All primary and post-primary pupils in Northern Ireland are advised to take an LFT if there are multiple Covid cases in their class.
Which pupils are being vaccinated?
All children aged five to 11 in the UK will be offered a low-dose vaccine, which is being rolled out on a "non-urgent" basis.
It's expected to be offered in England in April, and plans are also under way in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In addition:
the low-dose vaccine is already being offered to five to 11-year-olds with medical conditions that put them at greater risk
all children aged 12 and over are being offered two doses of the Pfizer jab
sixteen and 17-year-olds who had a second vaccine dose at least three months ago can have a booster
the JCVI has also recommended that the booster is also offered to children aged 12-15 who are in an at-risk group or live with someone who is immunosuppressed
Children who aren't at high risk from Covid should wait 12 weeks after a positive test before having a jab.
How will exams work this year?
Grades will again be decided by external marking, instead of the teacher assessments used in 2020 and 2021, but grade boundaries will be more lenient in England, Wales and Scotland.
English exam boards have published details about this year's GCSE, AS and A-level papers for most subjects, including maths, biology, chemistry and languages.
Students taking GCSE exams in English Literature, geography, history and ancient history won't have to answer questions on one option from their course.
In maths and science exams, students will be given sheets of formulae and equations.
Students taking vocational B-Tec qualifications will have fewer internal assessments.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--George Floyd: Thousands join Black Lives Matter protest in London

Thousands of people marched in central London in protest over the death of George Floyd , who died in police @ @ @ @ @ The protest , organised by the campaign group Black Lives Matter , comes after days @ @ @ @ @ over police brutality towards black Americans .
British police chief constables said they stood alongside @ @ @ @ @ horrified '' by his death .

Thousands of people marched in central London in protest over the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody in the US.
The protest, organised by the campaign group Black Lives Matter, comes after days of protest in the US over police brutality towards black Americans.
British police chief constables said they stood alongside all those "appalled and horrified" by his death.
Read more: George Floyd death: Thousands join London protest


bbcuk--2020-06-03--George Floyd: Boris Johnson 'appalled and sickened' by death

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said is appalled and sickened by the death of George Floyd , and that his @ @ @ @ @ US is that `` racist violence has no place in our society '' .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus briefing , he said that people in the UK “ have the right to @ @ @ @ @ demonstrators to “ protest peacefully and in accordance with rules of social distancing '' .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said is appalled and sickened by the death of George Floyd, and that his message to people in the US is that "racist violence has no place in our society".
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, he said that people in the UK “have the right to protest”, but urged demonstrators to “protest peacefully and in accordance with rules of social distancing".


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Black Lives Matter: John Boyega speaks at march

Star Wars actor John Boyega has given an emotional speech to demonstrators at a London Black Lives Matter rally in @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd .
He was among several speakers at the event in Hyde Park .
@ @ @ @ @ moved on to Parliament Square and Downing Street to continue their demonstration .

Star Wars actor John Boyega has given an emotional speech to demonstrators at a London Black Lives Matter rally in response to the death of George Floyd.
He was among several speakers at the event in Hyde Park. Later in the day protesters moved on to Parliament Square and Downing Street to continue their demonstration.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--PM urges public not to gather inside as weather worsens

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public not to be tempted to gather inside , with rain forecast in @ @ @ @ @ long period of warm , sunny weather .
He said the government specifically relaxed the @ @ @ @ @ `` evidence shows the risks of transmission are much lower '' .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public not to be tempted to gather inside, with rain forecast in the coming days after a long period of warm, sunny weather.
He said the government specifically relaxed the rules on meeting outdoors because "evidence shows the risks of transmission are much lower".


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Norfolk health worker reunited with daughters after nine weeks

A health worker has been reunited with her young daughters after nine weeks apart .
Suzie Vaughan usually assists surgeons @ @ @ @ @ King 's Lynn , Norfolk , but was redeployed to a ward looking after patients @ @ @ @ @ to protect her girls Hettie , 7 , and Bella , 9 , from infection @ @ @ @ @ sister 's home in Peterborough , where she turned up unannounced for a surprise reunion @ @ @ @ @ : `` It was an amazing feeling , it 's so hard to describe .
@ @ @ @ @ going to burst .
It was brilliant . ''
• Coronavirus : Live updates from @ @ @ @ @

A health worker has been reunited with her young daughters after nine weeks apart.
Suzie Vaughan usually assists surgeons at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, but was redeployed to a ward looking after patients with Covid-19.
She decided to protect her girls Hettie, 7, and Bella, 9, from infection by moving them to her sister's home in Peterborough, where she turned up unannounced for a surprise reunion.
She told BBC Breakfast: "It was an amazing feeling, it's so hard to describe. I thought my heart was going to burst. It was brilliant."
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-06-03--The Papers: New suspect in Madeleine case 'biggest break yet'

The Daily Telegraph says friends of Kate and Gerry McCann have called the new line of inquiry the biggest development @ @ @ @ @ went missing 13 years ago .
The Telegraph reports that the suspect is a `` @ @ @ @ @ serving a lengthy jail term , and he first came to the attention of Metropolitan @ @ @ @ @ anniversary appeal in 2017 .
It is understood that British and German police have interviewed @ @ @ @ @ he has declined to help with their inquiries , the paper adds .

In its editorial, the Financial Times says the policy represents another example of Britain being "out of step" with its partners around the world, who are beginning to reopen their borders.


bbcuk--2020-06-04--Remote hearings for family courts 'horribly cruel'

Court hearings held remotely in lockdown have disadvantaged vulnerable people and should not be used longer term , lawyers and charities have said .
They said people faced `` paying to access justice '' with internet costs for remote hearings and lost opportunities for help and legal representation .
Family law practitioners said video and phone calls were not suitable for some sensitive cases .
HM Courts and Tribunals Service said it would consider court users ' feedback .
During the Covid-19 pandemic , so-called `` priority courts '' have remained open for urgent cases that could not be conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other hearings , such as cases over guardianship of children , have been carried out remotely .
From 23 March - when lockdown began - to 6 April , audio hearings across all courts and tribunals in England and Wales increased by more than 500 % , and video hearings by 340 % , the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory said .
Family lawyer Valerie Cox said the judiciary was `` trying extremely hard '' in unexpected circumstances but the experience for families was `` very poor '' .
She said remote hearings meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have enough data on your phone to attend a hearing , you 're paying to access justice '' .
She added : `` Disadvantaged people often find it very hard to engage , you might phone a parent who does n't answer your call and answer your statement but the one thing they will do is go to court .
`` There you can talk to them and explain what 's happening .
That 's incredibly important . ''
Since 2010 , the Ministry of Justice has closed 164 magistrates ' courts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts and eight crown courts .
The money saved from closures was to be reinvested in digital services to reduce reliance on physical hearings as part of a £1bn plan to modernise the justice system .
For criminal cases , supporters said video technology saved thousands of hours of police officers ' time travelling to and from court and encouraged more vulnerable witnesses to come forward .
Before the pandemic hit , family law group Resolution said its members reported `` substantial '' problems of vulnerable people accessing courts and having to travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Family Justice Observatory asked family law practitioners how remote hearings were operating during the crisis .
Concerns were raised over urgent orders to remove newborn babies from their mother in hospital , which had to be made over the telephone because of lockdown restrictions .
A judge said `` to have a two-day-old baby removed in such circumstances did not feel morally or ethically right '' , while a barrister said it felt `` horribly cruel '' .
One family solicitor , who did not want to be named , told the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where a party was disconnected and the judge accidentally dialled a stranger into the call .
`` Luckily nothing highly confidential was being discussed and it was only a minute or two but it 's an example of where things go wrong , '' she said .
The Nuffield consultation noted time was saved on procedural hearings and some domestic abuse victims found remote hearings less `` daunting '' .
Other responses urged clear guidance to avoid distressing scenarios , such as an alleged victim being left alone on the same line as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into how the civil justice system has been coping during the pandemic was due to be published later this week by the Civil Justice Council .
A lack of access to the internet , suitable technology or private space were also highlighted by charitable groups and advocates .
Family lawyer Edward Cooke fought for a `` pop-up court '' for family and civil cases in Chichester when its county court closed in 2018 .
`` A justice system reconfigured during a global pandemic response is not the model for an effective system in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who also sits on the committee of Resolution , said .
`` In family cases , which involve dispute resolution of complex , often emotionally-charged issues , court provision delivered by video or phone is never going to be an adequate substitute for face-to-face contact . ''
Community Advice , run by the Centre for Justice Innovation , is an independent service that directs defendants in Highbury Corner Magistrates ' Court to help with benefits , addictions and mental health problems and other issues , but its offices have been closed during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claire Ely , said : `` The people that we support initially find out about our service because they see our office when they come into court , or because one of our members of staff approaches them when they are in the waiting area or custody .
`` With the shift to virtual hearings , there simply is n't the same opportunity . ''
Mary Marvel , from legal information website Advicenow said remote hearings could be a `` huge barrier '' for more vulnerable people , particularly those with limited internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also have little or no access to legal advice , '' she said .
HM Courts and Tribunals Service said it would `` continue to work closely with the judiciary to use technology and keep the justice system running during the pandemic '' .
`` Judges will consider the best way for a hearing to take place , taking into account the needs of those participating , '' it said .
More about this story The Shared Data Unit makes data journalism available to news organisations across the media industry , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the News Media Association .
For more information on methodology , click here .
For the full dataset , click here .
Read more about the Local News Partnerships here .

Head of innovative practice, Claire Ely, said: "The people that we support initially find out about our service because they see our office when they come into court, or because one of our members of staff approaches them when they are in the waiting area or custody.


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Scottish health secretary to face coronavirus questions

Scotland 's health secretary is to be questioned by MSPs over the impact of coronavirus in the country 's care homes .
It was confirmed on Wednesday that more people have now died with the virus in Scotland 's care homes than in its hospitals .
Jeane Freeman will appear before the Scottish Parliament 's health committee later .
There have been a total of 1,818 deaths linked to the virus in care homes .
This is three more than the 1,815 coronavirus deaths that have been recorded in Scotland 's hospitals since the outbreak began in March .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far have been aged 75 or over .
The number of people dying in care homes has been falling in recent weeks , with the 68 deaths that were recorded last week being 56 fewer than the previous week .
But the Scottish government has faced criticism after it emerged that nearly 1,000 hospital patients were discharged to care homes at the start of the crisis - without being tested .
There have been concerns about a lack of testing for both staff and patients in some homes throughout the outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the falling number of deaths was evidence that `` the package of measures we are taking in care homes to protect residents is having an effect '' .
Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw said care homes were being `` let down '' by the Scottish government , and called for a rapid expansion in the number of tests that are being carried out .
Mr Carlaw said Scotland had one of the poorest testing records in the UK , and also in comparison to countries across the world .
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day to ensure all care home staff were covered - but the SNP ca n't even get close to that figure on the whole , let alone just for these workers .
`` The World Health Organisation urged governments across the world to 'test , test , test ' .
`` The SNP 's approach has been dither , delay and distract . ''
And Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard asked how many people discharged from hospitals into care homes in the early days of the pandemic had been tested for Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed is your job ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

Ms Freeman said "at the time we took all the steps we could reasonably have been expected to take", but added that "as always with these matters as knowledge about the virus and the practicalities of dealing with it develops, then we will take different judgements and different views".


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Clifton Nursing Home review to be carried out after nine deaths

Belfast Health Trust will initiate a Serious Adverse Incident Review ( SAI ) into Clifton Nursing Home in north Belfast .
Health Minister Robin Swann said the review will `` focus on the deterioration in care '' at the home .
It will also examine `` the interface between the home and the relevant statutory agencies , decisions made and the timeline for those decisions '' .
The home was taken over by Healthcare Ireland after it failed inspections .
The failed inspections by the regulatory body the RQIA were around governance , management and leadership - serious issues which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There were at least nine Covid-19 related deaths at the home , which has approximately 100 beds and 70 residents .
Residents were facing the upheaval of having to move home , but after last week 's deal they may stay at Clifton if they wish .
Clifton Care Home is owned by Runwood Homes , which declined to comment on the review .
An SAI takes place when an event has led to serious unintended or unexpected harm , loss or damage to patients .
It includes cases which involve a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient has died under unusual circumstances and where there is a question of poor clinical or management judgement .
Belfast Health Trust told the BBC : `` We wish to assure the public that we are supporting Clifton Nursing Home to ensure residents ' needs are being appropriately met and will thoroughly examine the timeline of events to ensure the safety of our residents . ''
Mr Swann said he expected the independent review process `` to be a thorough piece of work , completed in a timely manner '' .
The results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although a Department of Health spokesperson told BBC News NI that the health minister `` expects the fullest possible transparency in relation to the findings of this review '' .
A review of the SAI process is also under way as part of the department 's programme of work into the inquiry into hyponatremia-related deaths .
Regular inspections by the RQIA in care homes were suspended in the first weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic .
RQIA inspections at Clifton were carried out in March and May at the request of the Belfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call to the RQIA .
The Belfast Trust has explained that it does not have a role in making decisions on when inspections are undertaken and must escalate any concerns it may have to the RQIA .
RQIA chief executive , Dermot Parsons , told the Nolan Show on BBC Radio Ulster they did not leave elderly residents in the home for two months between March and May , without taking action .
`` We have not left people anywhere for two months , '' Mr Parsons said .
`` During that time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical officer about us continuing inspections in circumstances of highest risk . ''
He added : `` With the department , the decision was made , that we should purpose ourselves as a support resource to the services across Northern Ireland , to ensure that in every home staff were as prepared as possible , as they could be , to deal with the onslaught from Covid-19 . ''
`` The responsibility there sits with the provider . ''
A spokesperson for the RQIA said they are `` aware of the Belfast Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nursing Home and we will engage with the trust as required . ''
Meanwhile , Mr Swann told MLAs his officials are seeking to review the remit of the RQIA .
He told Stormont 's health committee they were exploring ways of dealing with home care providers rather than individual homes .

He added: "With the department, the decision was made, that we should purpose ourselves as a support resource to the services across Northern Ireland, to ensure that in every home staff were as prepared as possible, as they could be, to deal with the onslaught from Covid-19."


bbcuk--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Bus and train seats may have to be pre-booked

Passengers might have to pre-book bus and train seats in future to help prevent the spread of coronavirus , Wales ' economy minister has warned .
Ken Skates said space on services would be `` vastly reduced '' for passenger safety .
It comes as travellers are being warned by a Welsh train operator to only use services if `` absolutely essential '' .
Transport for Wales said rail journeys had fallen 95 % over the last 10 weeks .
Leyton Powell , Transport for Wales ' safety and assurance director , said : `` Only travel by rail if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no other means of transport available . ''
He added : `` Our capacity is down because of social distancing , less than 10 % availability .
We can not guarantee people 's safety unless we manage the controls at all times , we are trying to run a safe service for our key workers . ''
• Is social distancing on trains here to stay ?
Mr Skates said the Welsh Government did not want trains and buses full of commuters in Wales , as happened in London when lockdown rules were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would also consider prioritising places on public transport for key workers and disabled people .
Mr Skates said passenger safety on public transport was a `` huge consideration '' .
The Welsh Government has been discussing with transport operators and unions how they will manage demand with social distancing in place .
Mr Skates said : `` Trains and buses will carry far fewer people .
`` We will have to consider measures such as pre-booking only , such as careful travel planning , such as prioritisation of who travels on buses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disabled people . ''
Meanwhile , Transport for Wales is urging people to `` travel safe '' and keep public transport clear for key workers .
It said people should follow five new principles if they are going to travel .
These include staying local , avoiding busy periods , following travel advice and respecting other passengers .
In Newport , a pilot project is trialling booking bus journeys by phone and app .
The `` Fflecsi '' scheme is being run by Newport Bus with Transport for Wales .
Numerous scheduled services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Passengers can request to be picked up and dropped off near work , shops or home , rather than following a set timetable at fixed stops .
Once a passenger has booked , Newport Bus will guarantee them a seat and space to social distance .
The scheme runs Monday to Saturday and includes key destinations such as hospitals and supermarkets .
If the pilot is successful Transport for Wales will look to roll the scheme elsewhere .

He added: "Our capacity is down because of social distancing, less than 10% availability. We cannot guarantee people's safety unless we manage the controls at all times, we are trying to run a safe service for our key workers."


bbcuk--2020-06-04--Butchers return to Barnstaple's Butchers Row 'symbolic'

A row of shops where for a century only butchers traded has welcomed a new butchers for the first time in decades .
Created in the middle of the 19th Century , Butchers Row in Barnstaple , Devon , was renowned for the quality of its meat trade .
But when supermarkets changed the way we shop , trade dwindled - leaving no butchers on the much-photographed street .
The man behind the new shop said he was `` excited '' to be based there .
`` It 's great because I 'm old enough to remember Butchers Row when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ray Auvray said .
`` For a number of years there has n't been a butchers on Butchers Row , so opening the shop is symbolic for the High Street . ''
The whole of Butchers Row is Grade II listed and Historic England said it welcomed the news .
The new shop at 9 Butchers Row was due to open two and a half months ago , but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
It finally opened on Tuesday .
Mr Auvray said he hoped the local produce on offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succeed where other butchers shops have not .
`` For several reasons I think we ought to go back to how things were originally - providing local produce to the local community , '' he said .
The farm shop is selling produce from the family farm , known as Top Meadow Farm , and from other local farmers .
Mr Auvray feels the pandemic has made people more cautious about their food and eager to know where it is coming from .
`` People are being environmentally conscious and wanting to shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their meat comes from . ''
The shop has been adapted to meet social distancing requirements such as only allowing one customer in at a time .

"For several reasons I think we ought to go back to how things were originally - providing local produce to the local community," he said.