bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: My husband went to the doctor and never came back

A day after attending the funeral of her beloved husband , a Wishaw woman has made a plea to the public to take lockdown measures seriously .
Andy Wyness was 53 when his life was claimed by Covid-19 on 6 April , just six months after he married his partner of 25 years .
His widow Sandra is begging people to think twice about ignoring social distancing .
She said the virus is `` closer to home than we will ever know '' .
Sandra Wyness , 58 , said her husband was fit and healthy when he started showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales .
They joked about him always catching colds after trips away .
His symptoms progressed and after his temperature soared and his cough worsened , he made an appointment to attend an assessment centre .
Mrs Wyness said : `` He drove himself .
Then the nurse practitioner phoned to say they were concerned about his breathing and his oxygen levels and that they would be getting him an ambulance from there .
`` I knew it must have been a bit serious . ''
When he left the house to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last time Sandra saw him .
Andy was taken to Wishaw General Hospital in North Lanarkshire and the next day he was diagnosed with Covid-19 .
After five days he was moved to ICU where he was ventilated .
But the virus continued its assault on Andy 's body .
Mrs Wyness said : `` I phoned two to three times a day but I could n't see him .
They contacted us on the Thursday - a doctor asking us to prepare ourselves for the worst .
`` But they did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they said they might need to , so we remained hopeful he could pull through .
On the Monday morning he was stable and still requiring a high level of oxygen .
They contacted me at 18:00 to say that they had struggled with him all afternoon - they could n't get his temperature down , they were giving him high levels of oxygen and they felt there was nothing more they could do .
They asked if someone was with me . ''
Mrs Wyness was offered the chance to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may not be in the same room as her husband .
She would have to be at least two metres away and wearing a gown and mask .
She would have to go into isolation afterwards for two weeks .
She chose not to go , feeling it would not be what he would want .
She said : `` At two minutes past seven they phoned to say he had passed away peacefully with two nurses by his side .
`` He had none of the underlying health conditions - just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else .
`` Even walking out the house that night , although I knew he was n't well , I never imagined he would never walk back in .
`` I had had no contact after he made the call telling me he was going to ICU to be put on the ventilator .
There was nothing after that.
`` Andy was a keen bowler , involved with Dalzell Bowling Club as well as the regional and national associations .
He worked for North Lanarkshire Council and was a proud and loving father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed 10 people at his funeral .
Mrs Wyness said : `` There were only 10 of us and a lot of people ca n't even face me they are finding it so difficult through grief to speak to me . ''
She hopes to hold a service of some kind in the future for the hundreds of people who knew her husband and would want to say a proper goodbye .
And she hopes if people hear her family 's story , then they will think twice about taking any unnecessary risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of others She said : `` I thought Andy would walk back in the door the way he left .
`` My best friend was very poorly and I really thought I was going to lose her .
My neighbour had it and was very ill .
This is closer to home than anyone will ever know.
`` She added : `` We do n't know where it is .
You could be sitting next to a person or passing on the street .
This isolation and social distancing is important .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die off . ''
The widow says she wishes they had been married sooner .
They had their dream wedding in October despite being together for quarter of a century .
They realised that life was precious .
She said : `` I wish we had seen it earlier and done it earlier .
`` Ever since the wedding he kept reminding me it was the best day of his life .
Even in Portugal in March he said it again . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

On the Monday morning he was stable and still requiring a high level of oxygen. They contacted me at 18:00 to say that they had struggled with him all afternoon - they couldn't get his temperature down, they were giving him high levels of oxygen and they felt there was nothing more they could do. They asked if someone was with me."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Wages, sick pay and time off explained

Millions of workers will soon be receiving their April pay packet , but many will be getting less than normal , as the economic realities of coronavirus bite .
Struggling companies and self-employed workers have been offered financial help by the government , to help keep their businesses afloat and staff paid during the coronavirus outbreak .
But , with millions on reduced wages , who is affected and what happens when workers fall ill ?
Will my salary be paid ?
If you work in the private sector , and pay tax through the pay-as-you-earn ( PAYE ) system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furlough - essentially , lay you off temporarily - by applying for a government grant to pay 80 % of your gross salary up to a limit of £2,500 per month .
• What does it mean if I 've been furloughed by work ?
On the first day of the furlough scheme , about 185,000 firms applied , affecting 1.3 million workers and costing the Treasury £1.5bn .
Full and part-time employees are eligible , as are those on agency , flexible or zero-hour contracts .
The typical full-time worker is paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , using a median average - the middle point of all workers .
It is hoped the grants , available through Revenue & Customs ( HMRC ) by the end of April , will stop big redundancy announcements .
The money will be backdated to March and the scheme will last at least four months .
An employer still pays their staff , and can decide whether to pay in full or only the 80 % of wages they can claim back from the government .
The Office for National Statistics ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses are interested in the scheme .
'It is a relief to be paid' Ria Fortin only started her job as a coordinator with Morepour , a cellar and bar installation and maintenance company , four months ago .
Now , she has been furloughed .
`` There was an intake of breath when I was paid .
It was not as much as I have been used to , '' says the 34-year-old , who has just bought a home with her self-employed partner .
`` But it is a relief just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is something .
Other people are in a much worse situation . ''
The company she works for is small , so she feels grateful to have been furloughed , rather than laid off , given that the hospitality industry may be one of the last to reopen .
The couple have organised payment holidays on regular bills , but know these will eventually have to be paid , so Ria - a former NHS worker - says they are very conscious of budgeting .
If you are self-employed and have had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a taxable grant of 80 % of your average monthly profits over the past three years - up to a cap of £2,500 per month .
Initially , this will be available for three months in one lump-sum payment , payable from June .
You can access the coronavirus Self-employment Income Support Scheme ( SEISS ) as long as you traded in the past financial year , are still trading now and plan to continue doing so .
Most of your income needs to come from self-employment and your average trading profit needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
If you became self-employed since April 2019 , you will not receive any help under this scheme .
This is because you have n't yet have filed a tax return , which is needed to help calculate financial support .
HMRC will contact those who are eligible .
What if the self-employed support scheme does n't cover me ?
You will have to try to claim benefits - such as universal credit and/or contribution-based employment and support allowance ( ESA ) .
In his recent Budget , Chancellor Rishi Sunak said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rather than waiting a week .
He also temporarily removed the minimum income floor criteria for self-employed people - which looked at how much people could expect to earn in a month to calculate universal credit levels .
Self-employed people not covered by the SEISS can now access universal credit in full , potentially allowing them to receive a payment equivalent to statutory sick pay ( SSP ) .
However , this does depend on your household 's financial situation .
If you are already in receipt of other benefits , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so it may be worth getting some advice .
You can now apply on the phone or online , instead of having to attend a job centre .
Benefit levels have also been increased temporarily .
What if I work in the public sector ?
You should continue to work and have your wages paid as normal , even if you are home-working or have been told to work at another location temporarily .
What if I 'm working from home ?
If you can work from home , you should do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly defined .
Employers still have a duty of care and are responsible for any equipment they give you .
The Advisory , Conciliation and Arbitration Service has set out guidance .
What if I need to look after my children or a sick relative ?
If you are an employee , your employer must give you time off in an emergency .
But you might not get paid - it depends on the terms of your work contract .
However , many bosses during this period are allowing parents to work flexibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and childcare .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise Will I be paid if I have to self-isolate or I am sick ?
If you are an employee , any sick pay you may receive will depend on where you work .
Some workers ' contracts offer full pay to those off ill - albeit for a limited time .
If that time runs out , or if you do n't get paid sick leave in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The money - set at £95.85 a week - is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks .
So if you are self-employed , you will not be eligible - but if you are a casual or agency worker , you will be .
To receive SSP you need to be earning at least £120 a week .
The ONS estimates there are 1,766,000 adult jobs in the UK that pay less than that amount - although some people will earn money from several jobs over the course of a week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ person 's first day away from work , rather than the fourth day as before .
Anyone claiming should be able to get a sick note from the NHS 's 111 service rather than their GP .

Coronavirus: Wages, sick pay and time off explained Published 29 May 2020
comments Comments
Image source, Getty Images
Millions of workers are receiving a smaller pay packet as the economic realities of coronavirus bite.
Struggling companies and self-employed workers have been offered financial help by the government, to help keep their businesses afloat and staff paid during the coronavirus outbreak.
But, with millions on reduced wages, who is affected and what happens when workers fall ill?
Will my salary be paid?
If you work in the private sector, and pay tax through the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) system, your employer can put you on furlough - essentially, lay you off temporarily - by applying for a government grant to pay 80% of your gross salary up to a limit of £2,500 per month.
More than eight million workers have been furloughed since March, at a cost of billions of pounds to the government. Full and part-time employees are eligible, as are those on agency, flexible or zero-hour contracts.
The typical full-time worker is paid £585 a week, about £2,340 a month, using a median average - the middle point of all workers.
It has been hoped the grants, available through Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by the end of April, will stop big redundancy announcements.
The money was backdated to March and the scheme will last until the end of October. New rules will apply over the summer that will see employers sharing some of the burden of these costs.
Employers will be able to bring back furloughed employees part-time from July - although they will be expected to share the cost of paying people's salaries.
An employer still pays their staff, and can decide whether to pay in full or only the 80% that has been covered.
'It is a relief to be paid'
Ria Fortin only started her job as a coordinator with Morepour, a cellar and bar installation and maintenance company, four months ago. Now, she has been furloughed.
"There was an intake of breath when I was paid. It was not as much as I have been used to," says the 34-year-old, who has just bought a home with her self-employed partner.
"But it is a relief just to be paid. At least it is something. Other people are in a much worse situation."
Image source, Ria Fortin Image caption, Ria Fortin says she feels lucky to still have her job
The company she works for is small, so she feels grateful to have been furloughed, rather than laid off, given that the hospitality industry may be one of the last to reopen.
The couple have organised payment holidays on regular bills, but know these will eventually have to be paid, so Ria - a former NHS worker - says they are very conscious of budgeting.
What if I'm self-employed?
If you are self-employed and have had a loss of income, you can receive a taxable grant of 80% of your average monthly profits over the past three years - up to a cap of £2,500 per month.
Initially, this has been available for three months in one lump-sum payment. A "second and final" payment, covering another three months and representing 70% of profits up to a cap of £2,190 a month will be available from August.
You can access the Coronavirus Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) as long as you traded in the past financial year, are still trading now and plan to continue doing so.
Most of your income needs to come from self-employment and your average trading profit needs to have been less than £50,000 a year.
If you became self-employed since April 2019, you will not receive any help under this scheme. This is because you haven't yet have filed a tax return, which is needed to help calculate financial support.
HMRC will contact those who are eligible.
Image source, Getty Images
What if the self-employed support scheme doesn't cover me?
You will have to try to claim benefits - such as universal credit and/or contribution-based employment and support allowance (ESA).
In his Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said claimants could apply for ESA straight away, rather than waiting a week. He also temporarily removed the minimum income floor criteria for self-employed people - which looked at how much people could expect to earn in a month to calculate universal credit levels.
Self-employed people not covered by the SEISS can now access universal credit in full, potentially allowing them to receive a payment equivalent to statutory sick pay (SSP).
However, this does depend on your household's financial situation. If you are already in receipt of other benefits, these could stop when applying for universal credit, so it may be worth getting some advice.
You can now apply on the phone or online, instead of having to attend a job centre.
Benefit levels have also been increased temporarily.
What if I work in the public sector?
You should continue to work and have your wages paid as normal, even if you are home-working or have been told to work at another location temporarily.
What if I'm working from home?
If you can work from home, you should do so. Working hours can still be clearly defined.
Employers still have a duty of care and are responsible for any equipment they give you. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has set out guidance.
Image source, Getty Images
What if I need to look after my children or a sick relative?
If you are an employee, your employer must give you time off in an emergency. But you might not get paid - it depends on the terms of your work contract.
However, many bosses during this period are allowing parents to work flexibly, to try to manage both work and childcare.
Will I be paid if I have to self-isolate or I am sick?
If you are an employee, any sick pay you may receive will depend on where you work.
Some workers' contracts offer full pay to those off ill - albeit for a limited time.
If that time runs out, or if you don't get paid sick leave in the first place, you should receive SSP.
The money - set at £95.85 a week - is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks. So if you are self-employed, you will not be eligible - but if you are a casual or agency worker, you will be.
Image source, Getty Images
To receive SSP you need to be earning at least £120 a week. The ONS estimates there are 1,766,000 adult jobs in the UK that pay less than that amount - although some people will earn money from several jobs over the course of a week.
SSP can now be claimed from a person's first day away from work, rather than the fourth day as before.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Captain Tom tops the charts, breaking record

Captain Tom Moore has become the oldest artist to reach the top spot of BBC Radio 1 's The Official @ @ @ @ @ You ’ ll Never Walk Alone is the fastest-selling single of 2020 , with 82,000 @ @ @ @ @ the NHS Charities Together fund .
After previously raising millions for the NHS with a @ @ @ @ @ with Michael Ball and The NHS Voices Of Care Choir to release the song .

Captain Tom Moore has become the oldest artist to reach the top spot of BBC Radio 1's The Official Chart.
His rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone is the fastest-selling single of 2020, with 82,000 copies and proceeds going to the NHS Charities Together fund.
After previously raising millions for the NHS with a sponsored walk, he collaborated with Michael Ball and The NHS Voices Of Care Choir to release the song.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: 'Homeless' struggle to social distance

Thousands of people in the UK are known as `` hidden homeless '' because they do n't show up in @ @ @ @ @ with friends or family , in temporary accommodation or squats .
BBC Newsnight correspondent James @ @ @ @ @ in shared accommodation who are concerned about how they stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic @

Thousands of people in the UK are known as "hidden homeless" because they don't show up in official figures and either live with friends or family, in temporary accommodation or squats.
BBC Newsnight correspondent James Clayton spoke to two women in shared accommodation who are concerned about how they stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Brexit: Michel Barnier on UK-EU trade deal negotiations

The EU ’ s chief negotiator has said there will be “ no ambitious trade deal without an ambitious level @ @ @ @ @ .
Michel Barnier said the UK had “ failed to engage substantially ” in trade @ @ @ @ @ the transitional agreement ends on 31 December .
And he said the UK wanted a @ @ @ @ @ but Mr Barnier said this would lead to “ duplication , inefficiencies and a lack @ @ @ @

The EU’s chief negotiator has said there will be “no ambitious trade deal without an ambitious level playing field” over competition.
Michel Barnier said the UK had “failed to engage substantially” in trade talks for a deal when the transitional agreement ends on 31 December.
And he said the UK wanted a series of separate agreements, but Mr Barnier said this would lead to “duplication, inefficiencies and a lack of transparency”.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Sister's emotional tribute to twin nurses

The younger sister of two twin nurses who died from coronavirus has spoken out .
Zoe Davis says her sisters @ @ @ @ @ each other after testing positive for coronavirus .
Children 's nurse Katy Davis , 37 @ @ @ @ @ Hospital on Tuesday and her identical twin Emma , a former nurse , died at @ @ @ @ @ Friday .

The younger sister of two twin nurses who died from coronavirus has spoken out.
Zoe Davis says her sisters died within three days of each other after testing positive for coronavirus.
Children's nurse Katy Davis, 37, died at Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday and her identical twin Emma, a former nurse, died at the same hospital early on Friday.
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Dame Judi helps celebrate Shakespeare's birthday

This week marks William Shakespeare 's birthday and one month since the UK entered into lockdown to help fight the @ @ @ @ @ , who was born in 1564 , endured a life chequered by outbreaks of plague @ @ @ @ @ wrote some of his most well known plays , including King Lear , during a @ @ @ @ @ theatre was closed .
To mark the playwright 's birthday , which is also Shakespeare @ @ @ @ @ ’ s most famous Shakespearean actors , including Dame Judi Dench , read from an @ @ @ @ @ You can watch Newsnight on BBC Two at 22:30 on weekdays .
Catch up on @ @ @ @ @ programme on YouTube and follow it on Twitter

This week marks William Shakespeare's birthday and one month since the UK entered into lockdown to help fight the spread of coronavirus.
Shakespeare, who was born in 1564, endured a life chequered by outbreaks of plague. It is believed Shakespeare wrote some of his most well known plays, including King Lear, during a period of lockdown when his theatre was closed.
To mark the playwright's birthday, which is also Shakespeare Day, some of Britain’s most famous Shakespearean actors, including Dame Judi Dench, read from an excerpt of Richard II.
You can watch Newsnight on BBC Two at 22:30 on weekdays. Catch up on iPlayer, subscribe to the programme on YouTube and follow it on Twitter


bbcuk--2020-04-24--The Papers: 'Pick 10 lockdown friends' and football 'back soon'

How the UK is going to start lifting lockdown restrictions is the issue for many of the papers .
An @ @ @ @ @ allow people to socialise with up to 10 of their closest friends and family , @ @ @ @ @ .
The paper says ministers are looking at whether to let small groups of households @ @ @ @ @

But there remain calls for a tightening of the rules according to the Yorkshire Post, which reports that some landowners have illegally been closing countryside footpaths and putting up "abusive signs" warning people to stay away, amid fear that areas may be overwhelmed by visitors.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Men 'threw beer at Chinese cyclist'

Two young men threw beer at a Chinese cyclist in an attack police are treating as a hate crime .
Xinhua Wu , 34 , was cycling through Keyworth , Nottinghamshire , when a car slowed down next to her .
She said the pair inside laughed as they threw beer at her .
It landed on her jacket , face and inside her mouth .
The mother of three believes it was a racially-motivated attack linked to coronavirus .
Nottinghamshire Police is appealing for witnesses .
She told the BBC : `` I was in great shock and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lorry passed by and just laughed .
`` I was so disappointed by that - he saw everything but did n't say anything to the other men or ask if I was OK. '' They did n't say anything to me .
But it 's definitely related to the coronavirus , a lot of people are linking Asian-looking people to it .
`` I always see this kind of racist thing in the news but I never expected it to happen to me .
I felt unsafe and insecure . ''
Her husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I was fuming .
It 's so silly in the current circumstances to throw something you 've been drinking at someone .
`` Something they find funny for a brief moment could have a lasting impact on my wife . ''
Both said they appreciated the support they had received from their neighbours in the village .
Nottinghamshire Police said they had recorded it as a hate crime and urged anyone who saw it to come forward .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"I was so disappointed by that - he saw everything but didn't say anything to the other men or ask if I was OK.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: How do you social distance in schools?

The Scottish government is considering if it is feasible for children to carry out physical distancing in schools once the lockdown is over .
So how can you social distance in a school ?
What the government says The Scottish government says there are early signs that the impact of the virus is being contained .
It has published a new document outlining the basis of an exit strategy from the UK-wide lockdown that has been in place since 23 March .
A move away from the current restrictions would include the continuation of social distancing .
The Scottish government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study how `` physical distancing '' could be continued in schools , transport , businesses and recreation .
How would this work in schools ?
• Limits could be put on class sizes • A few year groups or pupils could take turns between studying at school and at home • Some children could work one week and others the next • Some pupils could work in the morning , others in the afternoons • Classrooms could be redesigned to ensure social distancing • Pupils could take their breaks at different times First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing continued , then people staying 2m ( 6.6ft ) apart would put an upper limit on how many pupils could be in a classroom .
`` Do we have to take classes and divide them into two , where half of the class is there one week and the other half another week ?
, '' she said .
`` Or one half in the morning and the other in the afternoon ? ''
Ms Sturgeon accepted it would be more difficult to get younger children to maintain social-distancing rules .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minchin pointed out that it would be much easier for a school in the Highlands with 15 pupils to social distance compared with a school in Glasgow with 800 pupils .
He said the way schools now work would also have to be taken into consideration .
`` It 's no longer sitting and looking at the teacher at your desk , '' he said .
`` We 're collaborative , we 're creative .
We have kids move around the class .
`` They 're touching concrete materials , blocks and cubes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every time a kid touches one ?
And what about handrails on stairs ? ''
Mr Minchin said that as a teacher who had been working in one of the hubs for the children of key workers , it was possible to distance small groups of pupils , but difficult .
`` If you have a child that gets stuck its very hard for a teacher to socially distance from that pupil .
Do teachers need to look at wearing really robust PPE ? ''
He said bad behaviour also had to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a kid that 's throwing things , kicking off , what do we do ?
All these questions need to be answered before we look at opening schools . ''
What the architects say The Royal Incorporation of Scottish Architects has offered to assist with classroom redesigns .
Jude Barber , director at Glasgow-based Collective Architecture , told the Architects ' Journal : `` Given the spatial and behavioural challenges surrounding the pandemic , it seems only right that architects , landscape architects and planners should be central to the discussion and share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alan Dunlop , visiting professor in architecture at the University of Liverpool , said the cost of the measure would be `` prohibitive '' and added : `` Even if you could compartmentalise classrooms , there is the issue of common areas , such as stairways , corridors , toilets etc and the no small matter of parents and carers collecting and dropping off children at the same time .
`` I have never seen a retrofit school that works particularly well and certainly none that would promote learning . ''
What has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was among the first countries to impose a lockdown , children up to the age of 11 have been returning to nurseries and schools .
Elisa Rimpler of the BUPL , the Danish Union of Early Childhood and Youth Educators , said : `` We have a lot of washing hands during the day .
We do n't have masks and we have to keep a good distance from each other so that 's a very difficult task . ''
Germany has also begun to allow pupils back into schools but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing rules .
In Berlin , the oldest children went back to class on Monday to take their final exams .
The 16-year-olds will follow next week , with other age-groups following in stages over the coming months .
In Norway , kindergartens have already opened and there will be a partial reopening of high schools and universities from Monday .
In France , primary school pupils will start to go back , in classes of no more than 15 , from 11 May .
In the Netherlands , they will go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same date , with secondary pupils returning from 1 June .
In South Korea , classrooms opened again at the beginning of April .
But they remained empty of pupils as a decision was taken to start the new term online .
Teachers are in the classrooms and communicate with their pupils via laptops and video links .
Schools in New Zealand will partially reopen next week for children up to Year 10 who can not study from home , or whose parents need to return to work .
Education for students in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

But Alan Dunlop, visiting professor in architecture at the University of Liverpool, said the cost of the measure would be "prohibitive" and added: "Even if you could compartmentalise classrooms, there is the issue of common areas, such as stairways, corridors, toilets etc and the no small matter of parents and carers collecting and dropping off children at the same time.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Cemeteries in NI to reopen

Coronavirus: Cemeteries in NI to reopen

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to reopen cemeteries during the coronavirus pandemic .
Graveyards were closed to the public in March when the lockdown measures were announced .
The legislation was drawn up by the Department of Health but the executive holds the power to change it .
First Minister Arlene Foster said it was about `` balancing public health concerns with the basic human need to visit a loved one 's grave '' .
The executive discussed the matter at a lengthy meeting on Friday .
Cemeteries are operated by Northern Ireland 's 11 councils .
The legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health It falls to councils to reopen cemeteries and implement measures that will ensure social distancing .
Some councils have announced their plans for reopening this weekend : • Belfast City Council says its cemeteries will reopen from Sunday , with Dundonald and Knockbreda operating normal opening hours and Roselawn and the City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sundays • Mid-Ulster Council , Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council say their cemeteries will open from Saturday morning • Derry and Strabane District Council says its cemeteries will open from Saturday afternoon , with a one-way system and a cap on numbers at Londonderry 's City Cemetery Speaking at the daily press conference , Mrs Foster said the chief medical officer , Dr Michael McBride , and chief scientific adviser , Prof Ian Young , had advised the executive that the move was `` proportionate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a paper had been issued to executive ministers asking them to consider the matter , but the parties could not come to an agreement at that stage .
The DUP and UUP had backed the move , Alliance and Sinn Féin voiced opposition for fear it could lead to complacency , while the SDLP wanted to take further advice .
However , Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill , who is Sinn Féin 's vice-president , said she had since `` listened carefully '' to calls from the public over the course of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's a fine line always to listen to people and understand people 's concerns and genuine concerns were expressed , '' she said .
`` I always said we would keep these things under review and I 'm glad the executive has found a way forward in relation to allowing graveyards to reopen .
`` It will only be permitted where those in charge of burial grounds can ensure we have compliance with the regulations and appropriate social distancing , '' she added .
`` We will continue to keep it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus legislation was amended last week allow cemeteries to open again .
Mrs Foster maintained that people must still adhere to the advice around social distancing and wakes should not take place ahead of funerals .
She repeated that a maximum of 10 people should attend funerals .
`` I know a lot is being asked of you as you grieve , but we would not be asking you this if it was not to help save lives , '' said the DUP leader .
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome easement '' , it was not a broad lifting of the restrictions .
`` People are still dying in our communities , health service staff are still putting themselves at risk to keep us safe , '' said the MP .
On Thursday , the first and deputy first ministers had spoken with church leaders , who had publicly called for the restriction to be lifted .
Reacting to the executive 's decision , the moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland , Rev Dr William Henry , said it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would bring comfort to many .
Church leaders understand that appropriate access to burial grounds must be done in line with appropriate measures to safeguard staff and those who plan to visit , he added .
The news that cemeteries have reopened has been welcomed by two people who lost loved ones to Shirley McLaughlin , whose teenage son Oran is buried in Blaris Cemetery in Lisburn , said the decision to reopen cemeteries was `` very welcome news '' .
`` I was very emotional knowing I can go back to Oran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she told BBC Radio Ulster 's Evening Extra programme .
She said that being able to visit his grave helped `` a great deal with the healing process '' , and that it had been a shock when the cemeteries closed .
`` It was actually a very distressing time to know that you had just been stopped , '' she said .
`` There was no preparation , no news that went out , the signs were just there .
`` I am glad the executive has listened to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and will continue to do so in this pandemic . ''
Brenda Doherty , whose 82-year-old mother died with Covid-19 at start of the pandemic , has not visited her grave for a month .
`` I am feeling quite emotional , because we have n't been at the cemetery in four weeks , '' she said .
`` There is a feeling of relief that we are going to be able to go . ''
She added that she `` did n't realise how much it was impacting on me until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is a sense of peace when you go there .
Even though you do carry them with you , you do not necessarily get that anywhere else .
`` It is definitely a great weight lifted . ''

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


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Arrests after police seize cocaine worth £3m at Dover

Police have found cocaine with a street value of about £3m in a lorry and arrested three men .
National Crime Agency ( NCA ) and Border Force officers discovered 36kg of the drug inside what is believed to be a purpose built hide in the truck .
The lorry arrived in Dover from France at 22:00 BST on Thursday , the NCA said .
The driver , a 50-year-old man from County Armagh in Northern Ireland , was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to import Class A drugs .
Shortly afterwards NCA officers arrested a 56-year-old man from Kingswood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ River near Dover , was detained at a haulage yard in the town on Friday , also on suspicion of conspiring to import Class A drugs .
All three men remain in custody and will be questioned by NCA investigators .
The Police Service of Northern Ireland were involved in searching properties in County Londonderry and County Armagh .
NCA regional head of investigations Gerry McLean said : `` This was a significant seizure of Class A drugs which would have generated a large amount of profit for criminals involved in drug supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional director , said : `` We will continue to work with the NCA to bring drugs smugglers to justice . ''

A 40-year-old, from River near Dover, was detained at a haulage yard in the town on Friday, also on suspicion of conspiring to import Class A drugs.


bbcuk--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Cummings attended meetings of key scientific group

Boris Johnson 's chief adviser , Dominic Cummings , has attended meetings of the scientific body shaping the government 's coronavirus response .
Downing Street denied a Guardian report he was a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) .
The committee , whose membership is not public , gives independent advice .
A senior Tory has called for `` transparency '' , while Labour said Mr Cummings ' attendance raised `` significant questions '' .
The Guardian reported that Mr Cummings and a data scientist who worked with him on the Vote Leave campaign during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were among 23 people at a Sage meeting on 23 March .
That was the same day the prime minister announced the nationwide lockdown , bringing in strict new measures to tackle coronavirus .
A No 10 spokesman said Mr Cummings and Mr Warner had attended or listened in to Sage meetings in order to better understand the scientific debate around coronavirus .
He said they `` occasionally '' asked questions or offered help when `` scientists mention problems in Whitehall '' , adding that others `` also listen to meetings without being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sage '' .
`` The scientists on Sage are among the most eminent in their fields , '' the spokesman said .
`` It is factually wrong and damaging to sensible public debate to imply their advice is affected by government advisers listening to discussions . ''
He added : `` 'Public confidence in the media has collapsed during this emergency partly because of ludicrous stories such as this . ''
Sage is a panel of medical and scientific experts , chaired by the UK 's chief scientific officer Sir Patrick Vallance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a crisis .
The make-up of the committee has been kept secret - although individual members can disclose they are part of the group - and its advice has been given to ministers but has not been made public .
NHS England 's medical director Stephen Powis , who is one of the few publicly known members of Sage , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` I have been confident that what happens at Sage is a scientific discussion involving the scientists and the experts who are members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said transparency was important and pointed out the monetary policy committee published details of its membership and advice .
The former Brexit secretary tweeted : `` We should publish the membership of Sage : remove any non-scientist members : publish their advice in full : and publish dissenting opinions with the advice . ''
But Labour has said Mr Cummings had `` no place '' on the government 's scientific advisory group .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : `` He is a political adviser , not a medical or scientific expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence in the Sage , the government must make clear Dominic Cummings can no longer participate or attend . ''
`` The concern is that political advisers have influenced the debate , '' he told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
Mr Ashworth also called on the government to be `` entirely transparent '' about its decisions and to publish the minutes of Sage meetings .
Sir David King , the government 's former chief scientific adviser , said he was concerned by Mr Cummings ' attendance because if he participated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independence '' of the group .
He told BBC Newsnight : `` What we do n't know is the influence he plays in taking what he interprets from those meetings back to the prime minister . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
BBC Newsnight policy editor Lewis Goodall said the the disclosure about Mr Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sage and the advice that it gives to the government to be published and its membership to be fully disclosed '' .
On Friday , England 's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty , a member of the body , told MPs he had no objection `` in principle '' to details of the membership being released .
Mr Cummings has recently returned to work after self-isolating with symptoms of coronavirus .
His wife , journalist Mary Wakefield , described how he collapsed and was bed-ridden for 10 days .

His colleague Damian Green, who was Cabinet Office Minister in Theresa May's government, said he "would be much more worried" if senior people from Number 10 were not sitting in on these meetings, to ask questions and get the tone of the meeting.


bbcuk--2020-04-25--Coronavirus test online slots booked up within hour of site reopening

Coronavirus tests for UK key workers were booked up through the government website within an hour of it reopening , apart from some in Scotland .
The site had to close to new applicants within hours of launching on Friday , after 46,000 people tried to access it .
Some 16,000 bookings were made .
Home testing kits became unavailable less than 15 minutes after bookings reopened on Saturday morning .
Tests at drive-through sites in England were booked up within an hour .
Requests for drive-through tests in Scotland are still currently available on the site .
Key workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently book tests online .
Both nations appear as options on the government 's booking system but with a label saying no slots are available .
No 10 has said appointments for tests at drive-through centres and home testing kits would become available each day from 08:00 BST , with their release staggered throughout the day .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Dr Simon Eccles , chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said an `` amazing team '' had worked `` all night '' to enable the site to reopen on Saturday .
After home testing kits were booked up , he wrote on Twitter : `` I know it 's frustrating but we 're developing more lab , supply and logistics capacity every day .
`` If we 'd waited until we had the full 100k , to launch , no-one would have had a test today . ''
• How close is the UK to 100,000 tests a day ?
He told BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 50,000 daily tests - and that reaching 100,000 a day by Thursday remained `` the aim '' .
`` The NHS has committed to capacity of 25,000 within NHS laboratories and we are on trajectory for that capacity to be in place , '' he said .
Prof Powis added the test people can book online is a swab test to determine whether people currently have the virus - rather than whether they have had it in the past .
Natalie Orton-Rose , from Leicester , said she managed to book a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after she arrived at the drive-through centre .
The property manager for Poundstretcher , who is classed as a key worker , said she has been self-isolating after being told by her doctor that it was likely she had Covid-19 .
Natalie , 34 , said she requested a test at 07:00 BST on Friday and `` finally '' got a code to book an appointment at 15:00 .
`` I drove an hour from my home in Leicester [ to the test centre in Nottingham ] and sat waiting for half an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told actually they had no more tests left , '' she said .
`` I am absolutely disgusted .
It is bad enough that my closest test centre is an hour away but then to waste my time and fuel ...
I think the government and public need to be aware that just because you have an appointment and turn up does n't mean you 'll get the very much needed test . ''
Anyone classified as an `` essential worker '' who is showing symptoms can request a test in England .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff , teachers , police officers and transport workers .
They and their family can also request a test if someone in their household shows symptoms .
How will I be tested ?
The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat .
There are two ways to get a test : at a testing site , or with a home testing kit .
Home kits will initially be limited but are being sent to NHS staff .
Most people will get their test results by text @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to work ?
Provided you and/or those in your household have not tested positive , you can go back to work .
That is so long as you are well enough and have not had a high temperature for 48 hours .
Are you one of the key workers waiting to get tested ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy

"I am absolutely disgusted. It is bad enough that my closest test centre is an hour away but then to waste my time and fuel... I think the government and public need to be aware that just because you have an appointment and turn up doesn't mean you'll get the very much needed test."


bbcuk--2020-04-25--Talks due on plans to bring back major sports

The government plans to set up the first of a series of regular meetings involving senior medical directors of the major sports this week in a bid to return to action as soon as possible .
The move was described by a source close to the plans as a `` quickening of the pace '' and intended to help sport resume `` within weeks '' , if progress was made .
The Chief Medical Officer 's staff would also be involved in the weekly meetings , and the Prime Minister has been briefed on the plan .
The specifics of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts to see what protocols would be needed to get each up and running as soon as possible , meaning some would return sooner than others .
Testing , social distancing , hygiene standards and strict limits on the numbers of people allowed in venues would all be debated .
It comes just days after Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told MPs that he had been having `` productive talks '' with governing bodies from across British sport on restarting following the coronavirus shutdown .
However , a return to action still depends on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially an increase in testing , and meeting social distancing guidelines .
Sport at all levels is on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic which has claimed the lives of more than 19,000 people in the UK .
• The Premier League , Women 's Super League and English football leagues have suspended the 2019-20 season indefinitely , while the lower-league season in Scotland has ended .
• Cricket in England and Wales remains suspended until 1 July .
• The first nine races of the Formula 1 season have been called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take place in July .
• The London Marathon , which had been set to take place this weekend , has been rescheduled for October .
• Rugby union 's Premiership clubs are working towards a best-case scenario of returning to action on the weekend of 3-5 July .
• Golf 's Open Championship , which had been set to take place in Kent in July , has been cancelled with the three other men 's majors rescheduled .
The meetings are viewed as preparatory , and intended to avoid a further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is granted , rather than a sign that it was imminent .
Indeed , there is an acceptance that the plans being put in place may not end up being implemented for months if progress elsewhere is not made .
Government officials have accepted that at this stage , sport would only be able to take place behind closed doors .
But there is a recognition that it may provide many people with a much-needed boost to morale after months of lockdown .
Officials are known to be nervous however about the prospect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stadia to celebrate if titles for instance are confirmed .
Dowden said this week that the Premier League was considering making some behind-closed-doors fixtures available free-to-air when the season restarts .
But officials are said to be mindful of commercial contracts with broadcasters Sky and BT , and recognise the importance of the revenue they generate to the sport more widely .
The Premier League holds its next meeting on Friday .

Top level football is on hold indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic
The government plans to set up the first of a series of regular meetings involving senior medical directors of the major sports this week in a bid to return to action as soon as possible.
The move was described by a source close to the plans as a "quickening of the pace" and intended to help sport resume "within weeks", if progress was made.
The Chief Medical Officer's staff would also be involved in the weekly meetings, and the Prime Minister has been briefed on the plan.
The specifics of each sport would be examined by health experts to see what protocols would be needed to get each up and running as soon as possible, meaning some would return sooner than others.
Testing, social distancing, hygiene standards and strict limits on the numbers of people allowed in venues would all be debated.
It comes just days after Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told MPs that he had been having "productive talks" with governing bodies from across British sport on restarting following the coronavirus shutdown.
However, a return to action still depends on the government's five criteria being met, especially an increase in testing, and meeting social distancing guidelines.
Sport at all levels is on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic which has claimed the lives of more than 19,000 people in the UK.
The Premier League, Women's Super League and English football leagues have suspended the 2019-20 season indefinitely, while the lower-league season in Scotland has ended.
Cricket in England and Wales remains suspended until 1 July.
The first nine races of the Formula 1 season have been called off with the British Grand Prix scheduled to take place in July.
The London Marathon, which had been set to take place this weekend, has been rescheduled for October.
Rugby union's Premiership clubs are working towards a best-case scenario of returning to action on the weekend of 3-5 July.
Golf's Open Championship, which had been set to take place in Kent in July, has been cancelled with the three other men's majors rescheduled.
The meetings are viewed as preparatory, and intended to avoid a further delay to seasons being resumed once approval is granted, rather than a sign that it was imminent. Indeed, there is an acceptance that the plans being put in place may not end up being implemented for months if progress elsewhere is not made.
Government officials have accepted that at this stage, sport would only be able to take place behind closed doors.
But there is a recognition that it may provide many people with a much-needed boost to morale after months of lockdown.
Officials are known to be nervous however about the prospect of fans congregating in large numbers outside stadia to celebrate if titles for instance are confirmed.
Dowden said this week that the Premier League was considering making some behind-closed-doors fixtures available free-to-air when the season restarts.
But officials are said to be mindful of commercial contracts with broadcasters Sky and BT, and recognise the importance of the revenue they generate to the sport more widely.
The Premier League holds its next meeting on Friday.
'Suitable testing' needed before return, says EFL
The English Football League has said it "welcomes the current steps being taken" by the government and that a return to playing could only come about "through a continued collaborative approach".
The EFL has previously said it hopes to complete the season in 56 days but that it was assumed matches would be played behind closed doors.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the organisation - which oversees the Championship, League One and League Two - added that "suitable testing arrangements" must be in place before football in England can resume.
"The position of the EFL remains unchanged in that the priority is to resume the 2019-20 season as soon as it is possible with matches only returning at an appropriate point and based on guidance from the relevant authorities," said the statement.


bbcuk--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Applause for key workers 'is not enough'

NHS workers , police and firefighters must get better pay and treatment after they `` see us through '' the coronavirus crisis , a union leader has said .
Matt Wrack , of the Fire Brigades Union , said many of his members were working at testing centres , delivering health supplies and transporting bodies .
He called the weekly applause for NHS and other key workers `` great '' , but added that `` clapping is not enough '' .
The Home Office said it was `` very grateful '' to firefighters .
They were `` going above and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS and protect communities by assisting ambulance services , transferring patients and delivering PPE ( personal protective equipment ) , food and medicines '' , it added .
Public sector pay was frozen for two years in 2010 , except for those earning less than £21,000 a year , and rises were capped at 1 % from 2013 to 2018 .
The FBU estimates that , on average , its members are earning £4,000 a year less than they would had their salary increases matched inflation over the past decade .
`` Firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time , '' Mr Wrack said .
But he added : `` Something that lots of people are beginning to comment on , including people in government , is the key workers who will see us through this crisis . ''
The FBU , fire service employers and the National Fire Chiefs Council have agreed that firefighters can volunteer to help with tasks such as driving ambulances , delivering food and medicine to vulnerable people , assembling face masks for NHS workers and moving dead bodies .
`` It 's great that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Thursday night , '' said Mr Wrack , `` but the question will be - because clapping is not enough - what are we going to do as a society to redress the balance a bit and give recognition ? ''
His demands were not `` all about wages '' , he said , adding that pensions had been eroded and workers had to `` have confidence '' employers were ensuring their safety .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : How to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health The government has announced up to 10 million key workers can book a coronavirus test .
But Mr Wrack said : `` There 's been a lot of frustration at how slow the UK seems to have been on getting testing up to the levels that we 've seen in other countries . ''
He added : `` Those were political decisions and the people who made them need to be held to account over it .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The government announced last year that it was awarding above-inflation pay rises to hundreds of thousands of public sector workers .
Responding to Mr Wrack 's comments , a Home Office spokesperson said the extra work done by fire and rescue staff was `` hugely important and we are working with the National Fire Chiefs Council to ensure they are properly protected and have the support they need '' .

"It's great that people are going out and clapping on a Thursday night," said Mr Wrack, "but the question will be - because clapping is not enough - what are we going to do as a society to redress the balance a bit and give recognition?"


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Ewan McGregor urges Scots to 'get your geek on'

Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor has backed a new campaign supporting children and families in isolation under the current lockdown .
The Perth-born actor has sent a video message supporting the Children 's Hospices Across Scotland ( Chas ) Share Your Joy campaign .
He asked people to `` get your geek on '' and upload uplifting messages to those affected .
The campaign starts on 4 May , often referred to as Star Wars day .
The date is a play on the movie 's `` May the Force Be With You '' catchphrase .
The campaign encourages people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fantasy , cartoon or musical hero , by digging out their favourite `` geeky '' T-shirt .
In the video , McGregor , who plays Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars series , donned his own Scotland shirt , written in the film 's font .
He said : `` The families Chas works with , who are often among some of society 's most vulnerable , need to know that Scotland stands with them in this time of crisis .
`` Now , perhaps more than ever , we want a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave for those families who receive the care and support only Chas can provide . ''
The actor is a long-time supporter of the charity , which has hospices in Kinross and Balloch .
`` Myself and my mum have been involved in Chas and visited their hospices many times over the years , '' he said .
`` I know the warm welcome that Rachel and Robin House can offer .
Long may these wonderful places continue . ''
Laura Campbell , from Chas , said the actor 's visits to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time he `` rolled up to Rachel House with his dad on their motorbikes '' .
`` He also cut the first turf when Robin House was being built , alongside Sharleen Spiteri , so there 's a lovely , long-lasting and meaningful connection for us , '' she added .

He said: "The families Chas works with, who are often among some of society's most vulnerable, need to know that Scotland stands with them in this time of crisis.


bbcuk--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Morning update as public urged to seek medical help

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Saturday .
We 'll have another update for you on Sunday .
Health professionals are urging people who need medical care to not be put off by the coronavirus crisis .
There is concern people are not using the NHS either because they do n't want to be a burden , or because they are worried about catching the virus .
Treatment for heart attacks and strokes has gone down , while half the usual number of people are going to A & E .
The clapping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a weekly Thursday ritual in the UK , but a union leader says that while it is `` great '' - the applause `` is not enough '' .
NHS workers , police and firefighters must get better pay and treatment after they `` see us through '' this crisis , says Matt Wrack , of the Fire Brigades Union .
Who decides what key workers earn ?
It has emerged that Dominic Cummings , Boris Johnson 's chief adviser , attended meetings of the scientific body advising the government on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a member of it , nor on the panel .
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies , whose role is to provide independent advice , is helping to shape the UK 's response to the pandemic .
4 .
Should I worry about my lockdown eating ?
As the weeks of living in lockdown take their toll , many of us are raiding the fridge for comfort food .
One of those is Amy Hodgson , 24 , who says she gained 4lb in a week because she kept going to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we actually eating more ?
And what can you do if you are overeating ?
Former rugby player Ed Jackson , from Bath , who was paralysed in 2017 , has climbed the equivalent height of Mount Everest on his parents ' staircase .
To simulate the ascent of Everest 's 8,848m peak he climbed 89,056 steps - amounting to 2,783 trips up and down the stairs - to raise money .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and guides on our coronavirus page .
Find out how close the UK is to 100,000 tests a day What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question :

As the weeks of living in lockdown take their toll, many of us are raiding the fridge for comfort food. One of those is Amy Hodgson, 24, who says she gained 4lb in a week because she kept going to the cupboards out of boredom. So are we actually eating more? And what can you do if you are overeating?


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Are these seven targets being hit?

The UK government has set various targets during its efforts to tackle the coronavirus outbreak .
Have they been met ?
1 .
25,000 tests a day by the middle of April '' We will massively scale up our testing capacity in the weeks ahead so we hit 25,000 tests a day '' - Prime Minister Boris Johnson , 18 March On the same day a press release from the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) gave more details of the tests to diagnose coronavirus and said `` the increased capacity is expected to be ready within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not hit 25,000 tests a day by mid-April .
Only 15,994 tests were conducted in the UK ( excluding Northern Ireland ) in the 24 hours to 09:00 on 15 April .
When it comes to testing capacity - the amount of tests which could theoretically be carried out on any one day - that stood at more than 30,000 by mid-April .
2 .
100,000 tests a day by the end of April '' I am now setting the goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end of this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am determined that we will get there '' - Matt Hancock , 2 April With less than a week to go the government is a long way from its target .
In the 24 hours to 0900 on 24 April , just 28,532 tests were carried out across the UK .
Mr Hancock said testing capacity had reached 51,000 a day by 23 April .
He also said the government is `` ahead of the plans we 've got in terms of capacity and it 's up by 10,000 a day '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tests are being used because of a `` lack of demand '' from NHS and other key workers .
But the bodies which represent them say there have been problems accessing tests .
The devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland also made pledges on coronavirus testing .
But Wales 's health minister Vaughan Gething announced they were abandoning their promise of conducting 5,000 tests a day by mid-April , blaming problems obtaining testing kits .
Likewise , Nicola Sturgeon admitted at a press briefing on 23 April that Scotland was unlikely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per day by the end of April , saying `` we are working towards a capacity of 3,500 by the end of April '' .
`` We are working with Boots and other partners to set up over 50 regional test centres around the country by the end of April '' - Matt Hancock statement , 4 April 31 of the 50 regional test centres were operational by 23 April .
The `` drive-through '' test centres - for NHS and other key workers - are run by Boots and other commercial providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Nightingale Hospital in London .
However , Local Government Minister Simon Clarke said that `` some of these centres - in their early days - are in a pilot mode checking that they work , before they are brought fully on-stream '' .
A DHSC spokesperson confirmed to the BBC they `` expect 50 drive-through sites opened by the end of the month '' .
4 .
Getting all care home workers the protective equipment they needed by late March '' On the personal protective equipment , the answer is by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Boris Johnson , 25 March On 25 March , Boris Johnson was asked in parliament when `` every single person '' working in care homes around the country would get the personal protective equipment ( PPE ) they needed and he replied : `` The answer is by the end of this week . ''
But that did n't appear to happen .
In early April , Nadra Ahmed , from the National Care Association , said : `` The issue we hear most is : ' I am desperate for masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am down to my last stock . '
Once you run out , it is a question of being down to Marigolds and bin liners . ''
According to those working in the care home sector , the situation has improved more recently but is yet to be completely resolved .
Martin Green , from Care England , said on 20 April that `` access to PPE remains problematic '' and that care homes still need `` a consistent supply '' .
A DHSC spokesperson said that by 20 April `` over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been delivered `` across the health and social care system within England '' .
Concerns about the availability of PPE in care homes have also been raised in Scotland and Wales .
`` Making sure that the NHS always has the capacity to treat patients is also mission critical '' - Matt Hancock , 17 April The government has met its objective .
On 22 April , the Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons that : `` We now have over 3,000 spare critical care beds in the NHS ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of this crisis . ''
He added that there are , in total , `` 10,000 beds currently free '' in the NHS .
The DHSC told us that , as of 23 April , the total number of critical care beds in the UK was 7,199 .
That figure does not include the extra beds made available in the temporary Nightingale hospitals which have been built to help deal with coronavirus cases ( the total capacity in the London one , for example , is 4,000 ) .
The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care has been unable to get it due to a lack of beds or equipment .
`` Our goal , instead of the 30,000 , is that we need 18,000 ventilators over the coming two weeks '' - Matt Hancock , 5 April So far , the government has managed to make 10,800 mechanical ventilators available in the NHS .
Matt Hancock 's 18,000 target was for this type of ventilator , according to the DHSC .
The original UK target had been higher but was reduced , Mr Hancock said , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working to slow the spread of the virus .
A spokesperson for the DHSC said : `` Every patient who needs a ventilator has been able to receive this treatment and we are confident that there will be enough ventilators available for everyone who needs one .
We continue to keep capacity ahead of demand . ''
• What are ventilators and why are they important ?
7 .
Making £330bn of loans available to businesses '' I am making available an initial £330 billion of guarantees ... that means any business who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent , the salaries , suppliers , or purchase stock , will be able to access a government-backed loan , on attractive terms '' - Chancellor Rishi Sunak , 17 March As well as support for larger firms , the £330bn scheme offers help to small and medium-sized businesses ( SMEs ) through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme ( CBILS ) .
This involves the government guaranteeing 80 % of loans to SMEs up to £5m made by various lenders such as High Street banks , as well as paying the charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK Finance , which represents the banking industry , said on 23 April that 36,200 applications for loans had been received so far , of which 16,600 had been approved .
It said £2.8bn of loans had been guaranteed .
We do not know how much the government hoped would be lent out and indeed there is such uncertainty that the Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR ) has not managed to cost the scheme so far .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said : `` Providing 16,000 loans in four weeks in a country of nearly six million SMEs is not good enough . ''
`` In an average week last year there was more than £1bn of new SME lending .
The fact that CBILS are now only at that level at a time of the worst economic emergency in our lifetimes is a clear sign that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commerce welcomed the number of businesses that had been able to access the loans , but said its research had found that `` a concerningly high number of businesses are still finding accessing the scheme too complex and too lengthy '' .
A Treasury spokesperson said : `` More than 435,000 businesses have so far claimed £3.75 billion to pay the wages of furloughed staff - and half a million firms have benefitted from £6 billion of business grants . ''
• What does it mean if i 've been furloughed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC Reality Check to investigate ?
Get in touch

A spokesperson for the DHSC said: "Every patient who needs a ventilator has been able to receive this treatment and we are confident that there will be enough ventilators available for everyone who needs one. We continue to keep capacity ahead of demand."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Why going without physical touch is so hard

Although most of us can still see and speak to our loved ones , if we do n't live with them we can no longer touch them .
Milestone birthdays are being celebrated over video calls , elderly people are talking to neighbours through windows and those who live alone are going without any human touch at all , as they obey the government guidelines to stay at home and keep 2m ( 6ft ) apart from others .
But touch is `` really fundamental '' for humans , says Prof Robin Dunbar , evolutionary psychologist at the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our close relationships .
`` The sort of more intimate touching - arm round the shoulder , a pat on the arm and these kind of things reserved for closer friendships and family members - are really important , '' he says .
They make us feel happier , satisfied and trusting of others .
Touch is our first sense to develop in the womb , and research has shown physical contact with others can reduce the effect of stress .
Prof Dunbar says the reason humans need physical contact is because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All primates are intensely social and most probably the most intensely social of all the animals on the planet , '' he says .
`` They build these kind of relationships and friendships with each other through social touch in the form of social grooming - which they do by leafing through the fur .
And we still do that . ''
While most of our fur has gone , humans do the same movements on exactly the same neurons when they stroke , cuddle or pat each other , he says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that act in the brain to dull pain .
Robyn Munday is one of the many millions of people around the world living alone through this lockdown period .
`` I 'm a hugger , I hug everybody , '' says Robin , 57 , from her home in Victoria , Australia .
`` I have lots and lots of friends that I hug , I hug my [ now grown-up ] kids .
It 's the one thing I think that I miss the most in all of this . ''
Asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the lack of contact has an impact on her , she replies `` I know it already has .
It makes me feel emotional just thinking about it , '' she says , fighting back tears .
`` But look , it 's what we have to do .
I know that .
`` It 's horrible , I really miss it .
I did n't think I would [ miss it ] so much .
This is probably more noticeable for me because I moved into my own place for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November I had always had a child at home .
It 's really bad timing .
I like living on my own .
I like the solitude but I always had contact with people . ''
Anita Byrne , 47 , from Norwich , describes herself as a very tactile - something she puts down to years working in the beauty industry .
`` I do n't think you really realise you are [ tactile ] until it 's taken away from you , '' she says .
She usually hugs her friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sofa and even hugs strangers to celebrate goals when supporting her local football club Norwich City .
`` I had n't realised how much I missed that type of interaction with people , '' says Anita , who now works as a patient coordinator for the NHS .
`` It 's been a real struggle .
Sometimes at work where we have had a tough day you want to put your arm around someone and you ca n't .
The other evening , I wanted someone to be there .
Sometimes that hug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's just that touch , it means so much more sometimes . ''
People who are grandparents - many of whom are in the at-risk age group and are staying indoors entirely - have also expressed sadness at not being able to hug their grandchildren .
Janine Stone says it has been `` devastating '' not being able to hold her baby granddaughter Grace , who was born in Derby during lockdown .
`` It 's lovely to see a new baby in the family , but it 's heartbreaking not being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have your first photograph taken with a newborn grandchild , '' she says .
'The world seems to have got colder' One man from Chester , who wished to remain anonymous , says he comes from a `` very affectionate family '' and not being able to give family members a hug `` is something I miss greatly '' .
`` When all the madness started and shopping became scarce , I shared toilet roll with the lady next door 's care worker , '' he says .
`` This made her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say not to worry and that everything is fine and had to just wave across the fence .
The world seems to have got colder . ''
• Seven amazing things about our sense of touch • How to cope with living alone in isolation • Hacks to help you connect with loved ones you ca n't meet Although some cultures are more touchy-feely than others , touching is important to all of us , says Prof Dunbar on BBC Radio 4 's the World at One programme .
`` We did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Russia and Finland in the north via Britain to the Italians in the south plus the Japanese and everybody basically touches the same parts of the body , '' he says .
`` There are some minor sort of differences ... the Italians needless to say are all huggy and kissy and the like , and the Brits are a bit 'stand off , I 'm British do n't touch me ' - but not entirely so .
`` It 's remarkable of how much touching we do without really being I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health But we can partly replace the benefits of physical contact at a distance , says Prof Dunbar .
`` Laughing and making people laugh and indeed singing are extremely good ways of triggering the endorphin system , '' he says .
`` But in the end , for close relationships and they 're what I call the shoulders-to-cry-on friendships , those I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' As carer Daniel Cahill put it when he was filmed for BBC One 's Panorama .
visiting a socially isolated 91-year-old woman : `` I think everybody is going to have a big hug when this is over . ''

"I hadn't realised how much I missed that type of interaction with people," says Anita, who now works as a patient coordinator for the NHS. "It's been a real struggle. Sometimes at work where we have had a tough day you want to put your arm around someone and you can't. The other evening, I wanted someone to be there. Sometimes that hug says more than a thousand words. It's just that touch, it means so much more sometimes."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--The celebrities striking the right note by spreading comfort and joy

With tours , TV shows and film shoots shut down , the coronavirus pandemic has left celebrities with little to do but go on social media and show us , more than ever , what they are really like .
At one end of the scale are the self-important , earnest , out-of-touch - and increasingly irrelevant .
At the other are the compassionate , creative and life-enhancing .
The stars who have actually connected with fans during this crisis are those who have provided positivity , escapism , humour and a human touch .
Many have been posting regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
Here are some of the best : In mid-March , the release of film sequel A Quiet Place Part II was delayed just days before it was due to reach cinemas .
Its writer and director John Krasinski did n't sulk .
Instead , two weeks later , he launched Some Good News , an uplifting YouTube bulletin that finds positivity shining through the current chaos .
The former star of the US Office ( and Mr Emily Blunt ) styles himself as an alternative news anchor , sitting at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logo drawn by his daughters .
He gulps the milk of human kindness by finding stories of heroism and hope from social media , as well as conducting heart-warming interviews with celebrity friends and members of the public .
He gave one teenager a virtual prom with the Jonas Brothers and Billie Eilish ; brought together the cast of Hamilton to serenade a girl whose theatre trip was cancelled ; and recruited Brad Pitt and Robert De Niro as weathermen .
His four weekly episodes have had more than 37 million views .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Friday night sing-songs - broadcast live from her sparkly kitchen - are the most joyful .
She is carefree and warm , and the charm is multiplied by the presence of her five young children , who play , dance , crawl and squabble around her .
The staple tune is her 2001 hit Take Me Home , which she has updated to tell fans to `` stay at home '' .
She 's known to millions as the queen of country music , but she now introduces herself to a growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the book lady '' .
She posted the first Goodnight With Dolly video at the start of April , and now regularly films herself reading children 's stories in bed .
There are few sounds more comforting than Dolly reciting a wholesome , hopeful tale - and occasionally breaking into song .
Dolly 's storytime is an extension of her Imagination Library , which has distributed more than 130 million books to children in five countries over the past 25 years .
The Little Britain star could n't have predicted the response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about baked potatoes to incorporate coronavirus safety advice .
A month later , his Twitter stream 's still full of him singing duets of the song with famous friends like Brian May , Rick Astley and Michael Ball , and retweets of people singing it in creative ways at home .
It 's still never not brilliant .
He released the song in aid of his campaign to provide hot meals to NHS workers , which has now raised more than £1.1m .
In non-potato activity , Lucas also provides rays of sunshine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classic TV as well as his own personal messages .
All that may explain why he has been enlisted to host a new Channel 4 lockdown-inspired show called Reasons To Be Cheerful , which starts on Sunday .
We already know and love Grant 's pure joie de vivre , but he 's taken it up a notch since late March by posting daily videos of himself delivering lines from the script of his 1987 film Withnail & I .
They invariably start straight-faced and conclude with him cracking up .
The star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a treat on Instagram , where his deadpan , absurd humour has come into its own .
There 's a mixture of self-confessed bad singing , short and silly `` Cinema Quarantine '' films ( like Das Bad , in which he takes a virtual bath with Hugo Weaving ) and conversations with his gnome Sir Gerald - as well as the occasional sweetly reassuring homily .
He has also started a cookery segment called Cooking with Sam ( `` like cooking with Nigella but without the sex appeal '' ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have sought refuge in the kitchen - Oscar-nominated actress and future national treasure Florence Pugh does regular cookery tutorials on Instagram .
It does come with a slight smugness warning , but that 's outweighed by its home-spun charm and humour - especially when she 's showing us how to make `` browned bread '' ( AKA toast ) .
The singer started an Instagram chat show called Bright Minded in March , complete with DIY theme tune , graphics and studio backdrop ( and her dogs ) .
For three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sane with guests like Alicia Keys , Reese Witherspoon and Sir Elton John .
But perhaps sensing the mood when it comes to celebrities doling out their wisdom , last week Cyrus pivoted towards delivering good news and # HighlightingHeroes - including inspirational stories about , and interviews with , front-line workers .
The Wall Street Journal reported : `` Ms Cyrus has received overtures from TV studios , streaming services and book publishers about continuing what she has started with the show . ''
Like many of us , Smith - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been looking for distractions from the global condition .
So he 's started a weekly Instagram show called Distraction Tactic , and it 's all about films rather than music .
He tells fans in advance which movies he 'll be discussing - picking excellent non-blockbuster fare - and then goes live with some of the makers .
So far he has been joined by Taika Waititi , Simon Pegg and more , with Smith asking his own questions and those submitted by viewers .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

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


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Eurovision Again: Why fans of the song contest get together every Saturday

In the absence of this year 's Eurovision Song Contest , cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic , fans are reliving old competitions every Saturday night .
Eurovision Again - watched in sync at 8pm British time on YouTube - connects fans across Europe online and has been the top UK trend on Twitter every time it 's been on .
`` It brings a sense of togetherness and let 's me be with all of my friends every Saturday , '' 20-year-old Nana-Ama Ewusi-Emmim tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
`` It 's something to look forward to . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the fan organised watch-a-long , which trends higher than shows like Britain 's Got Talent - broadcast at the same time on TV .
The most recent contest chosen was 1997 , which was the last time the UK won with Katrina and The Waves - who also joined in with Eurovision Again online .
`` I was n't born in 1997 , '' laughs Nana-Ama .
`` It was such a weird feeling to see what it 's like for the UK to win . ''
The student social worker from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history lesson '' each week and helps her stay connected with friends she 's made through the song contest and distracts her from the news .
`` I 'm concentrated on something that makes me happy rather than something that makes me upset . ''
Around 200m viewers watch Eurovision each year and it 's become a huge hit for younger audiences with nearly half of all under 24-year-olds in Europe - who were watching TV - seeing 2019 's final .
The idea for Eurovision Again came from British fan Rob Holley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to celebrate the contest .
`` It 's heart warming that it 's become this Saturday night institution in just five weeks , '' he says .
Rob - with three others - works on video clips , graphics and a voting mechanism for the show to see if the Twitter scoreboard is different to the original .
`` There 's a certain amount of justice we 're able to dish out , '' he says .
`` Fans have a lot to look forward to because we 're going to keep this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Eurovision organisers support this fan initiative and are helping to get older contests on YouTube for it .
Rob asks viewers taking part to consider donating `` the price of a pint or a good bottle of wine '' - with more than £7,500 raised so far for charities including Stonewall , Mermaids and Terrence Higgins Trust .
The 65th Eurovision song contest was planned to take place in Rotterdam in May where 22-year-old Pim Steenbergen is from .
`` I live for the contest , '' he tells Newsbeat .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was volunteering at the arena and had planned meet ups with international Eurovision fans . ''
The Rotterdam Ahoy arena has now been turned into a hospital to help The Netherlands cope with its Covid-19 outbreak .
`` Eurovision Again is a distraction from all the bad stuff going on , '' Pim explains .
`` We can still have this moment with each other - even though it 's not in real life . ''
Social restrictions mean Pim ca n't have friends over , so he 's grateful for `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with friends and he 's understanding it more the second time around .
Contests re-watched by fans have so far included 2013 , 2006 , 2009 , 2015 and 1997 .
`` I was eight in 2006 and now because I understand the English language so much more the lyrics have more meaning , '' Pim explains .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .


bbcuk--2020-04-25--The Papers: 'Pick 10 lockdown friends' and football 'back soon'

Questions continue to be asked about the effectiveness of the government 's approach to the coronavirus crisis .
`` They were warned '' is the headline on the front of the Daily Mirror , which says a leaked cabinet office document shows the government was told last year to make plans for a possible pandemic - including stockpiling personal protective equipment .
The story also features on the front of the Guardian , which says ministers were advised to organise advanced purchase agreements for other essential kit and establish procedures for disease surveillance and contact tracing .
In its editorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main areas where the government subsequently `` fell short '' in its response and argues that the leak adds weight to calls for an independent inquiry into the handling of Covid-19 .
The Daily Telegraph says a government `` diktat '' that NHS hospitals should move hundreds of elderly patients into care homes has been branded `` reckless '' .
The paper says policy documents show officials told hospitals to transfer patients who no longer required hospital treatment back to care homes - even if they still had coronavirus or had never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home providers have told the paper the advice `` significantly increased '' the number of Covid-19 deaths in their homes .
A government spokesman tells the paper all care home residents discharged from hospital will now be tested .
The New Statesman claims its investigation has found coronavirus was allowed to `` run rampant '' through care homes and that official figures drastically underestimate the number of people to have died there .
It says its analysis suggests the disease 's true impact has been `` masked '' because not enough care home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning it was n't listed on death certificates .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning There is continued focus on what any exit from the lockdown may look like .
The Times says the Treasury is drawing up plans to get people back to work .
Under the proposals , businesses would have to put up signs warning people to keep two metres apart , close communal areas and ensure a widespread supply of hand-washing facilities .
In its editorial , the paper welcomes such moves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the message that workers under the age of 50 have little to fear from the virus .
The Daily Mail says ministers are considering easing lockdown rules , by allowing people to socialise with up to 10 of their close friends or family - from no more than two households .
But there remain calls for a tightening of the rules according to the Yorkshire Post , which reports that some landowners have illegally been closing countryside footpaths and putting up `` abusive signs '' warning people to stay away , amid fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the Daily Express says the BBC 's Springwatch is still hoping to bring a bit of the countryside into people 's living rooms - despite restrictions on where the show can be filmed .
The hosts will present the programme from their own back gardens - focusing on nature close to their homes - instead of broadcasting from the Cairngorms National Park , as had been planned .
One presenter , Gillian Burke , says Springwatch will show people the `` bright energy and colour of the season , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself '' .


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: PSNI welcome NI Executive 'clarity' on travel for exercise

The PSNI has welcomed the NI Executive ’ s decision to amend lockdown laws , bringing more clarity around the issue of travelling for exercise .
The exact changes to the legislation have not yet been published .
However , in a statement the executive said “ a drive to a safe space or facility would be permitted '' .
It added that “ taking a long drive to a beach , or resort where numbers of people may gather is unlikely to be regarded as reasonable '' .
Two weeks ago , the PSNI said its legal advice was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take exercise was a breach of the rules .
But it was accused of misinterpreting the legislation .
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said : “ We said in our statement earlier this week that greater clarity in the regulations would have undoubtedly made our job easier to police this current health crisis .
“ Therefore we welcome the announcement and the clarity that the change to the regulations will bring to the public and police officers alike.
” He said a PSNI policy whereby officers have to seek a commander ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fines would remain in place until the changes “ bedded in '' .
Figures released by the police revealed they have issued 358 fines since 30 March .
The highest number have been in Belfast ( 89 ) , followed by Derry and Strabane ( 52 ) and Newry , Mourne and Down ( 50 ) .

This mostly includes deaths in hospitals, with the overall total expected to be much higher when other deaths in the community are included.


bbcuk--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Second-home owners 'claiming £10,000 in virus support'

Second-home owners in the Lake District are exploiting a loophole to claim £10,000 from a coronavirus support fund , an MP claims .
Tim Farron warns they are applying for small business grants having declared their properties as holiday lets .
The representative for Westmorland and Lonsdale wants the government to change the law so people who `` pretend '' to run businesses no longer benefit .
The government urged people not to misuse the support it is offering .
The law currently enables people who use second homes as businesses to avoid council tax , and holiday lets can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property is available to let for 140 days per year .
Liberal Democrat Mr Farron believes as many as 1,500 people in the South Lakes area have properties masquerading as holiday lets and are therefore able to claim grants from the coronavirus business fund .
`` In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis , we find there 's an extra problem because the government support package for businesses can be accessed by these people who have second homes , who are n't running a business but who are able to pretend they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free £10,000 available to every second-home owner .
`` There are thousands of people who are eligible to take advantage of this .
That 's millions of pounds of public money . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise Martin Sach , chief executive of the Holiday Home Association , told BBC Cumbria he `` certainly would not endorse anyone making a false claim '' .
He added local authorities have the responsibility to `` check the veracity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government has previously promised to take action to prevent second-home owners avoid paying council tax .
In response to Mr Farron 's claim , the Treasury said it encourages people to respect the spirit of the measure and not misuse the support it is offering .
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria @ bbc.co.uk .

"In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, we find there's an extra problem because the government support package for businesses can be accessed by these people who have second homes, who aren't running a business but who are able to pretend they are.


bbcuk--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: UK hospital deaths pass 20,000

Another 813 people have died with coronavirus in UK hospitals , bringing the total to more than 20,000 , the Department of Health has announced .
At the government 's daily briefing , the home secretary described the figure as a `` tragic and terrible milestone '' .
Last month , the government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , said keeping deaths below 20,000 would be a `` good outcome '' .
Meanwhile , the PM will return to work in Downing Street on Monday morning .
It is just over two weeks since Prime Minister Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital in London , where he was treated in intensive care for coronavirus .
He has been recuperating at his country retreat , Chequers .
• The 'good outcome ' that never was According to the latest official figures , a total of 20,319 patients have died in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19 .
The first virus-related death was announced in the UK 51 days ago .
At the Downing Street briefing , Home Secretary Priti Patel said : `` As the deaths caused by this terrible virus pass another tragic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grieving . ''
She warned that `` we are not out of the woods yet '' , and said people must continue to follow social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus .
The government 's figures do not account for deaths that have happened in care homes , at home , in hospices or elsewhere in the community .
These are measured separately by the Office for National Statistics , based on death certificates , and a weekly figure is announced each Tuesday .
Last week that figure indicated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 10 April , that were above the hospital-based number .
The fact we have now passed the grim milestone outlined by Sir Patrick Vallance in less than two months is both a tragedy for the families affected and a worry to the rest of the country .
There are strong signs - at least in hospitals - that we have passed the peak of deaths .
The fact that may have happened without the health service being overwhelmed in the way Italy 's was is at least some good news .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which the daily figures from government do not include , are rising rapidly and could prove very difficult to get under control .
In fact , if we included them we would have passed the 20,000 mark some time ago .
Read more analysis from Nick here .
On 17 March , Sir Patrick told MPs `` the hope '' was to keep the death toll below 20,000 .
At the time the number of deaths in UK hospitals stood at 71 .
That ambition was later echoed by NHS England medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK would have `` done very well in this epidemic '' if deaths remained below that figure .
Speaking at Saturday 's briefing , Prof Powis said it was a `` very sad day for the nation '' , adding that his `` heart goes out to families and friends of those loved ones '' .
Asked about his and Sir Patrick 's previous comments , Prof Powis said : `` What we were emphasising is that this is a new virus , a global pandemic , a once-in-a-century global health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a huge challenge not just for the UK , but for every country . ''
He added that it was unlikely the UK and other countries would recover from the pandemic in the next few weeks .
`` This is not a sprint , this will be a marathon , '' he said .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Four other countries to date have announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 - the US , Spain , Italy and France .
Globally , more than 200,000 people have died with coronavirus , according to Johns Hopkins University , with confirmed cases standing at more than 2.8m .
Ms Patel said the government was working towards returning the UK to normal , but said five tests must be met before lockdown measures can be lifted .
`` Quite frankly that is not right now , '' she said .
The government 's five tests for ending lockdown are : • Making sure the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistent '' fall in the daily death rate • Ensuring supply of tests and personal protective equipment ( PPE ) can meet future demand • Being confident any adjustments would not risk a second peak Prof Powis said the virus would start to `` spread more '' if social distancing measures were lifted .
He said it was clear that `` gains '' were being made by following social distancing rules and orders to avoid non-essential travel .
The latest UK figures include a further 47 deaths in Scotland , 23 in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these were in hospitals , Some 28,760 coronavirus tests were carried out in the UK on Friday .
The government has set a target of 100,000 tests per day by the end of April .
At Saturday 's daily briefing , the home secretary also took the opportunity to speak about the impact the pandemic was having on crime .
Despite a fall in overall crime during the outbreak , Ms Patel said some criminals continued to `` capitalise on this horrendous crisis '' .
Praising the `` outstanding frontline police officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raid earlier in the week which uncovered cocaine with a street value of £1m concealed in a shipment of face masks .
She also revealed more than 2,000 online scams linked to coronavirus had been taken down .
She criticised some `` extraordinary dangerous driving '' witnessed by police during lockdown , with one London driver caught doing 134mph in a 40mph zone .
• Former chancellor Philip Hammond has urged the government to set out its plan to restart the economy • Tata Steel needs about £500m of government support to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said • The prime minister 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings has been criticised for attending meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) , which has helped shape the UK 's response to the pandemic • People are being encouraged to seek medical care when they need it and not be put off by the pandemic • Charity Marie Curie has called for a national day of mourning for those who have died with the virus • And the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has warned against governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way of easing lockdowns

Ms Patel said the government was working towards returning the UK to normal, but said five tests must be met before lockdown measures can be lifted. "Quite frankly that is not right now," she said.