bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Care home deaths 'far higher' than official figures

New data has added to growing evidence that the number of deaths linked to coronavirus in UK care homes may be far higher than those recorded so far .
The National Care Forum ( NCF ) estimates that more than 4,000 elderly and disabled people have died across all residential and nursing homes .
Its report comes amid calls for accurate data on virus-linked deaths .
Only 217 such care home deaths have been officially recorded in England and Wales up to 3 April .
The NCF , which represents not-for-profit care providers , said its findings highlight significant flaws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics .
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It collected data from care homes looking after more than 30,000 people in the UK , representing 7.4 % of those people living in one of the country 's thousands of care settings .
It said that , across those specific homes , in the week between 7 April and 13 April , there had been 299 deaths linked to coronavirus .
That was treble the figure for the previous week and double that in the whole of the preceding month .
If that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nursing homes , NCF estimated there have been 4,040 coronavirus-related deaths in care homes which are not yet included in official figures .
Meanwhile , Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has denied reports the government has drawn up a graduated plan to start easing the lockdown within weeks .
Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sky News , he said : `` It is the case that we are looking at all of the evidence , but we have set some tests which need to be passed before we can think of easing restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gavin Williamson said `` no decision has been made '' on when schools in England , which were closed on 20 March , will reopen .
Responding to a report in the Sunday Times suggesting some pupils could return in early May , he tweeted : `` I can reassure schools and parents that they will only reopen when the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to do so . ''
But addressing claims in the same paper that ministers had failed to prepare properly for the outbreak , shadow health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious questions about the government 's immediate response to this pandemic and whether they were too slow to act '' .
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The daily number of UK-wide coronavirus deaths , announced each day by the government , only includes people who died with the virus in hospital in the four nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is because the hospital figures can be quickly collated and released , enabling their experts to analyse trends to help them advise on how the UK is coping with the virus .
Virus-related deaths in care homes - and elsewhere in the community , such as in hospices or in people 's own houses - are measured separately and figures covering England and Wales are announced on a weekly basis by the Office for National Statistics every Tuesday .
Because these are based on what doctors write on death certificates - sometimes only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - there is a two-week lag on collecting this data from the thousands of care homes involved .
For that reason , the figures issued last Tuesday only went up to 3 April .
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That official figure of 217 is less than half the figure provided by two of the UK 's largest care home providers which , between them , say they know of 442 coronavirus-related deaths .
The Care Quality Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics of care home deaths , has been accused by some in the residential care sector of `` dragging their heels '' .
The CQC , England 's health and social care regulator , said it was working to `` provide more detailed information about how the pandemic is affecting care homes '' .
Separately , analysis from Care England , which represents large care home providers in England , claims that there have been 7,500 more deaths in care home - from all causes - in the last two weeks than would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And modelling by the health consultancy , Candesic , for the Financial Times , suggested the number of deaths due to the epidemic in UK care homes was at least 6,000 .
The fact the National Care Forum is saying there 's been such a rapid increase in deaths is not surprising - the hospital figures show deaths have been increasing at a similar rate , before beginning to slow more recently .
But it is the scale of the deaths which is shocking .
They are effectively saying the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Office for National Statistics figures suggest .
The NCF has relied on its own staff to say whether they suspect a person has died of coronavirus as well as including the confirmed cases , whereas the official figures rely on cases where doctors have recorded the virus on death certificates .
Since we have not had widespread testing in care homes so far it is very difficult to really judge the true impact .
The government is now promising more testing so it will only be in the coming weeks and months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rayner , the NCF 's executive director , said that as long as residents in care services are omitted from the most widely-quoted statistics , the government will not be able to properly plan how to protect its people or prepare an exit strategy .
She said : `` Our current national debate on how to mitigate and exit this crisis is virtually entirely centred on the management of the peak within hospitals .
`` We are overlooking how this crisis is playing out in other settings , which are there to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of the virus .
`` If we truly believe that every life has value , there can be no meaningful discussions about exit strategies without considering these individuals . ''
A statement from the Department of Health said : `` Every death from this virus is a tragedy and that is why we are working around the clock to give the social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this global pandemic . ''
The statement added that it was particularly focusing on providing tests for care workers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to any protective equipment that they required .
Elsewhere , 84 tonnes of personal protective equipment for medics and care home workers is due to arrive in the UK today from Turkey .
It follows warnings from the healthcare sector that stock was at `` critical '' level .
The government has appointed Lord Deighton , who headed the Organising Committee of the London Olympics , to resolve problems with supplies and distribution of PPE .
However , speaking at Saturday 's Downing Street briefing , Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the shipment would only last NHS England around three days .
• Lady Gaga , Paul McCartney and Billie Eilish were among more than 100 artists to perform from their homes in a globally televised concert , organised to celebrate healthcare workers • Front-line NHS staff should receive an extra £29-a-day reward for their service during the pandemic , the Lib Dems have said • Public Health England will start recording coronavirus cases and deaths by ethnicity , after research suggested people from black , Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds were at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 • Parks and cemeteries must stay open , Mr Jenrick said , as he announced an extra £1.6bn for local councils in England • Britons in Bangladesh will be able to fly home this week , with up to 850 seats available on four repatriation flights • Rules which have kept Spanish children indoors since 14 March are due to be relaxed later this month so they can `` get some fresh air '' , the country 's prime minister has announced Have you been affected by the issues raised in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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Since we have not had widespread testing in care homes so far it is very difficult to really judge the true impact. The government is now promising more testing so it will only be in the coming weeks and months that we will really know.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: UK launches first Bangladesh rescue flights

Britons in Bangladesh will be able to fly home on four repatriation flights this week - the first arranged from the country amid the coronavirus crisis - the Foreign Office has confirmed .
It said the flights from Dhaka to London will depart on Tuesday , Thursday , Saturday and next Sunday .
There will be a total of 850 seats , at a charge of £600 each .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said officials were working `` around the clock '' to get travellers home .
More than 2,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Bangladesh with 84 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There have been some restrictions on movement within refugee camps and of aid workers in the country .
Robert Chatterton Dickson , the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh , said arrangements are being made to help transfer a number of British citizens from the north-east city of Sylhet .
Domestic flights between Sylhet and the capital Dhaka will be included in the overall cost of the charter flights for those who require them .
British travellers in Bangladesh can book seats via a dedicated website .
While the Foreign Office has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who were stranded in India and Pakistan , these are the first flights it has chartered from Bangladesh .
A further 17 return flights from India will run between 20 and 27 April while another 10 flights from Pakistan will depart between 21 and 27 April .
The Foreign Office had estimated between 300,000 and one million Britons were travelling abroad after the coronavirus was declared a pandemic in March .
Mr Raab said : `` Since the outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan , we 've helped more than a million British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed up by our work with the airlines and foreign governments to keep flights running .
`` Our special charter deal with the airlines has enabled us to return thousands more .
Now , I can announce the next 31 flights from India , Pakistan and Bangladesh which will get 7,000 more Brits safely back home . ''
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More than 2,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Bangladesh with 84 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. There have been some restrictions on movement within refugee camps and of aid workers in the country.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Front-line NHS staff deserve extra £29 a day, Lib Dems say

Front-line NHS staff should be given an extra £29-a-day reward for their service during the coronavirus pandemic , the Lib Dems have said .
Health and care staff could receive a financial bonus like that given to military personnel on active duty , the party suggested .
Acting leader Sir Ed Davey said Downing Street should consider creating a `` front-line support package '' .
The government has said it is working hard to support front-line staff .
The daily financial boost that it suggests would be for the duration of the lockdown , the Lib Dems said , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coronavirus service medal .
Since 2010 , members of the UK military have been entitled to a daily operational allowance of £29.02 when they are deployed on specific operations in `` demanding '' conflicts .
The Lib Dems ' other proposals include a call to fast-track the procurement of personal protective equipment for health staff .
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• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise Sir Ed said several million key workers are `` risking their lives to protect others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff are truly on the frontline in this national struggle '' .
`` The top priority for front-line staff is protection , '' he said .
`` We should never ask our military to risk their lives without the proper kit , and we should n't be leaving health and care workers without sufficient protective kit either .
`` When the country emerges from this crisis , we must also properly recognise those who were willing to serve and make a sacrifice , just as we do with military forces . ''
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practical help for NHS and care staff such as getting hotels to provide accommodation for key workers self-isolating , or those who have vulnerable people in their household .
And the Lib Dems want the government to pay for the funerals of key workers who have died during the crisis .
The Department of Health has already identified 43 NHS workers who have died with coronavirus , but the total is believed to be more than 50 .

"When the country emerges from this crisis, we must also properly recognise those who were willing to serve and make a sacrifice, just as we do with military forces."


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus lockdown: Laptops offered for online school lessons at home

Disadvantaged teenagers in England will be able to borrow laptops to help them study at home when schools are closed during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Department for Education is also supporting free online lessons for primary and secondary pupils .
Laptops or tablets will be provided for some deprived 15-year-olds who do not already have access to a computer .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said it will `` take the pressure '' off parents with children at home .
`` Schools will remain shut until the scientific advice changes , '' said Mr Williamson .
To help parents now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is promoting a series of 180 online lessons per week , for pupils from reception through to Year 10 .
Laptops or computer devices will be provided for some disadvantaged pupils in Year 10 - who will be taking their GCSEs next year .
There is no specified number of laptops available , or set budget , and it will be up to schools or local authorities to decide who needs help with access to a computer .
They will also be available to children with a social worker or those leaving care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular classes open again .
There is also the offer of some 4G routers to help families connect to the internet .
The promises over technology reflect worries that pupils from poorer families could be disproportionately losing out during the weeks out of school .
An academy trust , AET , has already bought 9,000 laptops and devices to give a computer to all its pupils eligible for free school meals , so that they can stay connected .
For pupils learning at home , online lessons have been prepared by teachers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Teach First , and will be available under the label of Oak National Academy .
These will be hour-long lessons in a range of subjects , presented by a teacher , with worksheets and a quiz .
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Geoff Barton , leader of the ASCL head teachers ' union , welcomed the efforts to keep pupils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Year 10 pupils who have been missing part of their GCSE course - and said there had to be a `` real sense of urgency '' in supporting them .
But he said it was important to recognise how many families might not have up-to-date computers or might be struggling to pay for broadband .
There are still `` significant logistical challenges '' with this support scheme , said Paul Whiteman , leader of the National Association of Head Teachers .
`` Not least , the speed at which these devices can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anne-Marie Canning , chief executive of the Brilliant Club that helps disadvantaged youngsters get into top universities , said access to technology was already a wealth gap in education .
`` Digital exclusion takes many forms , ranging from a lack of devices to the affordability of internet contracts , '' she said .
Being able to keep up with classes should not depend on `` broadband status '' , said Ms Canning .
Mr Williamson said : `` By providing young people with these laptops and tablets and enabling schools to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable all children to continue learning .
`` We hope this support will take some of the pressure off both parents and schools by providing more materials for them to use , '' said the education secretary .
On Sunday , Mr Williamson said `` no decision has been made '' on when schools in England , which were closed on 20 March , will reopen .
Responding to a report in the Sunday Times suggesting some pupils could return in early May , he tweeted : `` I can reassure schools and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to do so . ''

Responding to a report in the Sunday Times suggesting some pupils could return in early May, he tweeted: "I can reassure schools and parents that they will only reopen when the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to do so."


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Asda cancels orders with suppliers

Asda is cancelling a quarter of orders with clothing suppliers despite seeing record food sales during the coronavirus pandemic .
The supermarket chain has also told suppliers that it would only pay for part of such cancelled orders .
A spokesperson for the supermarket said that Covid-19 had `` had a significant impact '' on the fashion industry .
According to reports in the Sunday Times , the move has angered suppliers as the range is still on sale .
One supplier told the newspaper that the `` behaviour is totally unacceptable '' .
They added that it was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is owned by US retailer Walmart , `` not to pay for orders '' .
Asda told the BBC that suppliers will be paid 30 % of the order value for those that have not yet been finished , and half for those that have .
That rises to 60 % for manufacturers based in Bangladesh .
It has committed to paying the costs within seven working days , as well as agreeing suppliers can resell items or donate them to charity .
`` We have longstanding and valued relationships with our suppliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis , '' the Asda spokesperson added .
The move comes as the chain has seen a surge in demand for groceries as UK consumers are staying at home amid lockdown measures .
The supermarket says its warehouse and in-store colleagues are focused on `` getting food onto our shelves for essential retail '' .
Meanwhile it has invested in additional storage space for products that it says it is struggling to sell due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The supermarket said that it had seen `` severe downturn in the demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by factory closures .
Other retailers such as Primark have recently opted to cancel orders with their suppliers too .
High Street chain New Look informed its suppliers earlier this month that payment for stock already sitting in its shops or distribution centres would be delayed `` indefinitely '' .
Garment manufacturers based in Asia recently told the BBC that they had seen unreasonable demands from big clients , mainly in the US and UK .
`` Some brands are showing a true sense of partnership and high level of ethics in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flow to pay workers , '' said Amit Mahtaney , the chief executive of Tusker Apparel Jordan .
`` But we 've also experienced demands for cancellations for goods that are ready or are work in progress , or discounts for outstanding payments and for goods in transit .
They are also asking for a 30 to 120-day extensions on previously agreed payment terms . ''
After growing criticism , some brands such as H & M and Zara-owner Inditex committed to pay in full for existing orders from clothing manufacturers .
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Asda told the BBC that suppliers will be paid 30% of the order value for those that have not yet been finished, and half for those that have. That rises to 60% for manufacturers based in Bangladesh.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Tributes to Brian Mfula and Jenelyn Carter

Tributes have been paid to two workers serving the health care sector in Swansea who have died with Covid-19 .
Swansea University said Brian Mfula , was an `` inspiring , warm and generous '' mental health nursing lecturer .
Swansea Bay health board said Jenelyn Carter , was a `` lovely , caring '' healthcare assistant who worked on admissions at Morriston Hospital .
Nurse director Mark Madams said she had a `` heart of gold '' and `` would go the extra mile for anyone '' .
`` We are devastated by her death and offer our sincere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said in a Facebook message .
Prof Ceri Phillips , Swansea University head of the College of Human and Health Sciences , said it had been `` inundated '' with condolence messages following Mr Mfula 's death .
He said the father-of-four was known for his `` generous spirit '' , `` warm personality '' and his `` highly infectious laugh '' .
Prof Phillips said students had described him as an `` inspiring teacher '' and a role model .
`` Brian was also recognised as a dedicated family man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his wife Mercy and children , Kato , Nkweto , Thabo and Thandiwe for their tragic loss , '' Prof Phillips added .
Kato Mfula , 23 , said he was `` broken '' by his father 's death .
`` I never even got to say goodbye to my hero , my dad , '' he said in a tweet .
`` I 'm so broken right now I do n't know what we 're gon na do without you . ''
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A family statement added: "We just want to say that he was our hero who only ever wanted to help whoever he could.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Lancashire officer's 'make something up' threat condemned

A chief constable has described the behaviour of an officer who threatened to `` make something up '' in order to arrest a man as `` unacceptable '' .
A clip of the incident , which happened in Accrington , Lancashire , on Friday , has been widely shared on social media .
Andy Rhodes , chief constable of Lancashire Constabulary , said the force had apologised to the man .
He said he recognised the potential impact the incident could have on public trust .
Mr Rhodes said police had been on their way to execute a search warrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak to a group of males with a quad bike '' .
In the clip , a young man is shown telling the officer : `` You 're arresting me ?
What for ?
I 've done nothing wrong . ''
The officer responds : `` I 'll lock you up ... .
We 'll make something up… who are they going to believe , me or you ? ''
Mr Rhodes said : `` The footage shows language and behaviour from one officer , which were completely unacceptable and for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` We recognise the impact that this behaviour will have had , both on the young man concerned , and on the hard-earned trust and confidence of the wider public , particularly the comments about making offences up .
`` It only takes one incident like this to undo the hard work of so many . ''
He said police had apologised to the man in the footage and would conduct a `` thorough investigation '' into the matter , which has been referred to the force 's professional standards department @

He added: "We recognise the impact that this behaviour will have had, both on the young man concerned, and on the hard-earned trust and confidence of the wider public, particularly the comments about making offences up.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Nicola Sturgeon rejects claims of lockdown lift in May

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has denied claims that lockdown restrictions could be lifted next month .
Several Sunday papers have reported that lockdown measures could be relaxed from 11 May , including the re-opening of schools and some retailers .
Ms Sturgeon said it was still not possible to say when schools in Scotland would reopen .
She said that all decisions must be `` solidly based and not premature '' .
Three days ago , Ms Sturgeon announced that Scotland 's coronavirus lockdown would continue for `` at least another three weeks '' .
She took part in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed extending restrictions .
She said that while there was `` positive '' news that lockdown was slowing the spread of the virus , it was not yet time to ease social distancing .
And she said she would begin to set out the basic principles of an `` exit strategy '' from the lockdown in the coming week .
But she said her message remained for people to `` stay at home '' , and that `` this virus is not going to simply disappear '' .
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was `` too soon '' to lift the lockdown .
He said reports that the UK government was looking to gradually lift some lockdown restrictions , such as re-opening schools and allowing some small social gatherings , by 11 May were `` not true '' .
`` Other countries are relaxing some aspects of restrictions and we will be looking at what they are doing , and looking at our own data and evidence , '' he said .
`` We want to make sure we make a balanced judgement about when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what time , but the reports of 11 May are not true . ''
Mr Gove insisted the country must maintain the current measures until rates of infection are reduced , death rates are falling and NHS capacity is `` resilient '' .
He added that even as some restrictions are lifted the way in which our schools and shops and factories will operate will change .
The number of people who have died from coronavirus in Scotland 's hospitals yesterday rose to 893 .
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bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Drug dealers 'stand out' during lockdown

Drug dealers still working during lockdown are easier to arrest because they are `` standing out '' , police say .
Sussex Police said it was making `` far more arrests '' as it tried to clamp down on so-called county lines drug networks .
Det Supt Jo Banks said : `` The demand for drugs has n't changed but how the drugs networks are operating has changed . ''
Dealers are spurning trains and instead travelling by road but being stopped by patrols , she said .
`` We are actually making far more arrests , '' Ms Banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decrease in availability of drugs and a reduction in the purity of what users can get hold of , she said .
She said the coronavirus lockdown had `` afforded us an opportunity to do more of the disruption because they do stand out '' .
`` When you look out at our streets their activity is drawing attention . ''
Criminal groups who move illegal drugs from big cities to smaller towns and villages are referred to as county lines gangs .
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This has led to a decrease in availability of drugs and a reduction in the purity of what users can get hold of, she said.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--DVSA told to act after Attleborough pensioner killed by lorry

A coroner has called for changes to HGV training after an 82-year-old pedestrian was hit and killed while standing in a driver 's blind spot .
Dudley Howe walked in front of a stationary lorry in queuing traffic in Attleborough , Norfolk , and was killed when it pulled forward .
A trial in January heard the lorry 's mirrors had not been adjusted properly .
Norfolk Coroner Jacqueline Lake said she was concerned there was `` nothing to mandate '' subjects covered in training .
In a Prevention of Future Deaths Report , Ms Lake told the Driver and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a risk of further deaths if action was not taken .
She raised the matter of the use and positioning of mirrors that show the area immediately in front of the lorry , which would otherwise be outside the driver 's view .
`` Some training is provided in respect of the use of mirrors , but there are some industry bodies and operators who deliver training who do not require all drivers to undergo a Safe Urban Driving or Vulnerable Road User Awareness Course , '' she added .
Driver Simon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was cleared of causing death by careless driving at Norwich Crown Court .
Mr Howe was walking home from a flu jab on 6 October 2017 when he stepped into stationary traffic queuing back from the nearby crossing barrier on Station Road .
Dashcam footage showed him standing in the road , directly below where Mr Rayner was sitting .
When the lorry crept slowly forward , it knocked him over and under the vehicle , killing him instantly .
The jury heard Mr Rayner would have seen Mr Howe - who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lorry 's mirrors been adjusted .
After acquitting Mr Rayner , the jury issued a note calling for greater training on the adjusting of mirrors .
The DVSA must respond to the coroner by 20 May .
It has been approached for a comment by the BBC .

"Some training is provided in respect of the use of mirrors, but there are some industry bodies and operators who deliver training who do not require all drivers to undergo a Safe Urban Driving or Vulnerable Road User Awareness Course," she added.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Morning update as care home deaths remain in focus

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Sunday .
We 'll have another update on Monday morning .
1 .
Care home deaths could be far higher than official figures New data suggests the number of UK care home residents who have died after getting Covid19 could be much higher than the official figure .
The National Care Forum said if the pattern found in its audit was repeated across all residential and nursing homes , more than 4,000 elderly and disabled people have died .
There is a delay in official reporting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - at present just 217 virus-related deaths have been registered up to 3 April .
A 26-year-old carer and single mother to a three-year-old daughter has died after contracting Covid-19 , her family has said .
Sonja Kaygan , from Enfield , north London , died without family or friends near her on Friday morning after spending more than two weeks in intensive care , her cousin told BBC News .
3 .
Virus doctor 's diary : 'Fake news makes patients think we want them to die' Dr John Wright of Bradford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his experience on the front line of coronavirus treatment for the BBC .
His latest entries suggest conspiracy theories have been spreading in black , Asian and minority ethnic communities that hospital staff want them to die .
`` You will not come back alive , '' one message peddling the false claim says .
Disadvantaged teens in England will be able to borrow laptops to help with their studies - while free online lessons are being launched for primary and secondary pupils .
To help parents now running their own classrooms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 180 online lessons per week .
Meanwhile , schools will not reopen until scientific advice changes , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said - though reports in Sunday 's newspapers say this could be as early as next month .
The pubs may be closed - but saying thank you to NHS workers on the coronavirus front line could be as easy as buying them some beers .
A Glasgow-based social enterprise and beer producer , Brewgooder , says it wants to help people thank even those they have never met .
Boxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers with notes attached .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
You can find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page .
Here 's some advice on how to protect your mental health during the pandemic .
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New data suggests the number of UK care home residents who have died after getting Covid19 could be much higher than the official figure. The National Care Forum said if the pattern found in its audit was repeated across all residential and nursing homes, more than 4,000 elderly and disabled people have died. There is a delay in official reporting of deaths in care homes and the community - at present just 217 virus-related deaths have been registered up to 3 April.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: UK's first 'TikTok house' opens during outbreak

Six of the UK ’ s most popular TikTok content creators have moved in together and are trying to meet a surge in demand from teenagers in lockdown , despite some doubts about the timing .
The Bytehouse collective planned the move prior to the coronavirus pandemic and completed it before the UK lockdown on 23 March .
It is the UK 's first `` TikTok house '' , a phenomenon already established in the US .
The video-makers are proceeding despite their families and others having expressed reservations about the timing of the initiative .
One industry expert has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort less lucrative than it might have been .
The TikTock-ers have a combined following of more than 14 million people .
Their videos currently reach more than 73 million people a week .
The short-form video-sharing social media platform was 2019 's second most downloaded app after WhatsApp .
People in the UK have been spending a lot more time on TikTok since lockdown and social isolation measures were announced .
There was a 23 % rise in average viewing time between January and March , according to analysts Sensor Tower .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ SurfaceLdn , 22 , Seb , 20 , Monty , 17 , KT Franklin , 19 , and Lily Rose , 20 , will be responding to challenges and trying to create useful coronavirus-related content - as well as the more usual dance memes and pranks .
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• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health In addition to publishing content on their individual accounts , the six stars are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show - by posting a narrative of their experience on Bytehouse accounts , which appear on TikTok , YouTube and Instagram .
The collective have partnered with Rise Above , a project developed by Public Health England , to help promote positive mental health messages during the lockdown to a mainly teenage audience .
The initiative was originally intended to run for three months and include shorter visits by less famous TikTok creators .
There are gay and straight couples in the Victorian house , designed to be “ a LGBTQ safe space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being kept secret to prevent fans trying to visit .
One post suggests indoor activities , such as learning `` footshakes '' and `` building forts '' .
`` I want to help people through coronavirus by helping them stay inside , '' says Monty .
`` We 're doing daily livestreams and other content , so followers have stuff to interact with while they stay indoors .
Seeing some of the reactions and comments is really encouraging . ''
But the six also post about brand advertising campaigns and promote music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and therefore raising earning power .
For example , the housemates are paid to play a nightly card game called What do you meme ?
- to advertise it to their audience .
In keeping with the rules , these posts are marked with the hashtag `` ad '' .
“ If you want to create next-generation content for Gen Z , then it 's got to come from Gen Z themselves , and that 's what we are trying to do here , ” says Flow Adepoju , head of innovation at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company that manages all the housemates .
Fanbytes provides a weekly `` care package '' drop to the house , containing food and essential items .
YouTube stars in America , such as Team 10 - featuring brothers Logan and Jake Paul - and FaZe Clan , have been coming together in houses for many years now , says Mustafa Mohamed , co-founder of another influencer agency , Yoke Network .
UK gaming star KSI , meanwhile , lived in The Sidemen House .
And more recently America 's biggest TikTok stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logic is you cross-pollinate your audiences , Mr Mohamed explains .
“ I worked with a TikTok star called Avani , who was in the Hype House , ” he says .
“ I saw her go from a few million to about 15 million followers - and the amount she could earn from her posts rocketed too.
” The Fanbytes team had been planning this project since the beginning of the year .
They considered cancelling it when it became clear that coronavirus would hit the UK .
`` I had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Timothy Armoo , boss of Fanbytes , `` and every single one of them was still keen on making it happen '' .
Some had conversations with their parents , who voiced their doubts - but they were persuaded when they realised how much the opportunity meant to their children , Armoo says .
The TikTok house in Los Angeles known as Fenty Beauty , set up by musician Rihanna to promote her beauty products , took the decision to close in late March .
A company spokesman described it as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The housemates continued to post remotely .
Some TikTok users have used the comments section on videos posted on the Bytehouse account to question whether it was wise to go ahead with the UK TikTok house .
A few queried whether it undermined the government 's message about social distancing .
But , despite reservations about being apart from their families , housemates recognised how important it could be for their social media careers , says Armoo - especially when they factored in the extra traffic that might come from lockdown measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health England 's Rise Above project - creating a keepy-uppy football challenge on TikTok to combat anti-social behaviour - so he was well-positioned to bring the collective on board with the project .
The housemates have been careful to repeat the `` stay at home '' message to fans .
Overall , Armoo thinks the gamble of going ahead with the house , despite coronavirus , has paid off .
`` We 've had tens of thousands of comments from teenagers who say our content is brightening their day , '' he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money the TikTok housemates have made so far .
But Tiktok stars with more than two million followers in the UK may earn annual incomes upwards of £25,000 , he says , and some can earn much more with long-term brand deals and merchandising opportunities .
However , time in the house during lockdown may not necessarily equal money , warns one digital agency used to working with TikTok talent .
`` The first things brands cut in a crisis like this is their marketing budget , '' says Alex Jobling , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good time for influencers to grow their following , but not necessarily to pick up new sponsorship deals .
The common mission of influencers is to make social media stardom their main source of income and full-time occupation .
According to housemate Monty , one reason for joining the house is to prove that UK TikTok stars can achieve the same status as their American counterparts .
`` I feel like the UK scene is n't taken as seriously as the US one , so it was nice to take on the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
So far the housemates ' content has n't made a big impact on YouTube or Instagram , where their videos are only getting a few thousand views .
However , on TikTok the housemates have already performed strongly .
Their Bytehouse group account has more than 230,000 followers .
Three of their videos have clocked up more than 800,000 views .
Their most popular video to date achieved 1.7 million - by poking fun at the Hype House in America .

“If you want to create next-generation content for Gen Z, then it's got to come from Gen Z themselves, and that's what we are trying to do here,” says Flow Adepoju, head of innovation at Fanbytes, which owns Bytesized Talent, the company that manages all the housemates.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus doctor's diary: 'Fake news makes patients think we want them to die'

Conspiracy theories have been spreading within parts of the BAME community that hospital staff want them to die , reports Dr John Wright of Bradford Royal Infirmary ( BRI ) - meanwhile , figures suggest an increase in deaths in the city outside hospital .
There is a flurry of news stories about black , Asian and minority ethnic communities being at greater risk of dying from Covid-19 , and this is a big concern in Bradford , where almost a third of our population is of South Asian heritage .
There are two factors at play here .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 - living in more densely populated areas in overcrowded housing will be important risk factors .
The second is the risk of adverse outcomes : diabetes , high blood pressure and heart disease have all been found to be risk factors , and these are much more common in our South Asian patients .
I know from my work in epidemics in Africa that where there is fear and panic , and patients become isolated from their families , it does n't take long for rumours and fake news stories to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smartphones and social media have connected families who are separated because of the risk of infection - but they 've also helped generate a blizzard of dangerous fake news .
In Bradford there are online reports that non-white patients admitted to the hospital are being left to die .
Anonymous posts are shared thousands of times .
Here 's one , which is totally false : `` Please do n't show my details .
I work for BRI hospital trust .
I am begging all the ummati [ community ] , if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to hospital .
You will not come back alive from this trust… Also have your daily black seed oil which prevents all disease . ''
The effect of this kind of thing is being felt in the hospital , where we have noticed that some patients are scared to be admitted .
`` I 've had patients who want to self-discharge because they think we 're trying to kill them .
I 've had a patient a couple of weeks ago , who wanted to self-discharge because her family was messaging her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our care , we wo n't tell them and we 'll just burn her body .
These are the things that are being spread around , '' a nurse , Sophie Bryant-Miles , tells me .
Sophie complained to Facebook about a group that she says was posting pictures of NHS staff - naming them , and accusing them of leaving people to die - but often such groups are able to continue operating under a different name , she says .
Ward manager Jennie Marshall-Hamad notes that the danger of such rumours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking medical help `` and they will just die outside alone '' .
And in fact in Bradford we have figures that suggest death rates are going up , outside the hospital .
Prof John Wright , a medical doctor and epidemiologist , is head of the Bradford Institute for Health Research .
He has looked after patients in epidemics all over the world , including outbreaks of cholera , HIV and ebola in sub-Saharan Africa .
In this diary he is reporting for the BBC on how the Bradford Royal Infirmary is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and families in touch , despite the visiting ban • The most urgent research race in living memory • Our hospitals were n't made to use this much oxygen Messages like the WhatsApp example above are in wide circulation and some have been sent to community workers like Ali Jan Haider , director of the Keeping Well At Home project in Bradford .
`` I was receiving a number of WhatsApp messages that are quite alarming , because their tone was quite clear in the way they were criticising hospitals , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying to local people 'do n't send your loved ones to hospital because if you do it , chances are they will not return home alive ' .
`` And some of the so-called accounts of what 's really going on create suspicion - they are peppered with emotions , and quite a strong level of unhappiness about the way that their relatives have been treated by staff within the hospitals . ''
He says that some of these highly critical messages have come from influential people in the Muslim community , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of England .
If someone already has misgivings about their local hospital this kind of messaging will `` certainly make them think twice '' , he says .
• John Wright is recording from the hospital wards for BBC Radio 4 's The NHS Front Line • You can hear the next episode at 11:00 on Tuesday 21 April , catch up with the previous episodes online , or download the podcast It 's natural for people to want to share any concerns they may have on WhatsApp or on Facebook , Ali @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worry him .
`` My fear is , and my concern is , that quite a few of them could be unfounded , and I 'm not even sure if they 're authentic .
They could be quite malicious or they could be there just to create panic and trepidation at a time when people are feeling very vulnerable , '' he says .
Some Asian doctors and nurses at Bradford Royal Infirmary are so worried about fake news scaring away people in their own community who need to be in hospital that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short videos of themselves and their patients and posting them online .
Ali Jan Haider has been spreading the same reassuring message , though he is also keen to point out that most of the South Asian community in Bradford has no doubt about the good intentions of medical staff .
`` The local community has been absolutely amazing in the way that it 's been supporting the NHS staff in Bradford , '' he says .
`` We 've had donations from parts of Bradford where we have communities that live on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have dug deep , and they 've been immensely supportive . ''
So the false news is coming from strange and isolated voices in the community , but it 's still troubling , and the support of community leaders is very important .
The president of the Bradford Council of Mosques , Zulfi Karim , has seen fake news of a different kind .
In an earlier diary I pointed out that the city 's mosques suspended gatherings without waiting for the government-imposed lockdown .
But he has heard that Muslims are nonetheless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
`` I have various concerns around the rise of Islamophobia and claims that this is a Muslim thing , that Muslims congregate more and that Ramadan is around the corner , '' he says .
`` That is the message that 's out there , and I think that 's rubbish .
I do think that Ramadan , this year , will be in isolation .
I do n't think there will be any public events .
So I think there is a lot of fake news , which is really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He also worries about Islamophobic rhetoric arising from the news that members of the BAME community are more at risk of dying from Covid-19 .
The emphasis now should simply be on saving lives , supporting the NHS and making sure that everyone is getting fair and equal treatment , he says .
But afterwards he would like to see more research to establish whether the reports are true , and investment to tackle the problem if they are .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

"I've had patients who want to self-discharge because they think we're trying to kill them. I've had a patient a couple of weeks ago, who wanted to self-discharge because her family was messaging her telling her that if she dies in our care, we won't tell them and we'll just burn her body. These are the things that are being spread around," a nurse, Sophie Bryant-Miles, tells me.


bbcuk--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: Stables owner's fight to survive lockdown

The owner of one of Scotland 's oldest riding stables has vowed to keep fighting for her horses despite having no income during the lockdown .
Tower Farm Riding Stables in Edinburgh normally provides lessons to 400 people each week .
But like many businesses it has had to close due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Caroline Buckle , whose family has run the stables for 48 years , said keeping the 39 horses fed and watered with no money coming in was a real struggle .
She said : `` My horses are relying on me so I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I look at their faces and it makes me very upset . ''
The stables owner said having to close the farm was `` just horrendous '' .
She added : `` Seeing the staff and children turning up for their lessons and being told they could n't see their favourite ponies .
It has been heartbreaking . ''
She said the business was already using its overdraft and that it would cost about £5,000 a month to keep the centre on the city 's Liberton Drive running .
`` I now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going out , '' she said .
`` I need to pay for farriers , hay , water , veterinary treatment , field rental and pest control .
`` I 'm feeling a lot of stress and anxiety .
I 've been very worried about the future of the farm . ''
Mrs Buckle , 42 , has furloughed seven of her 15 staff .
She said she spends £450 a month just on water for the horses and £1,500 on pest control .
The mother-of-two said the situation was far worse than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mouth outbreak of 2001 .
She said : `` This is the hardest thing I 've ever had to tackle .
Events were cancelled during foot and mouth but we could keep operating by restructuring and using lots of disinfectant .
`` We are the only licensed stables in Edinburgh and it is sad to think it might not be there one day . ''
The riding stables sits on eight acres , with a further 100 acres of fields rented for the horses to graze on .
It provide lessons for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rider in her 80s .
Mrs Buckle said she had received emails from all over the world from people who had grown up riding at the farm .
She has also had donations via crowd funding .
She said : `` The emails of support from people saying they are thinking about me - plus looking around at all my loyal staff - has made determined not to give up .
`` People have said how they have so many good memories of the stables and how we have instilled a passion and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have taken these skills into their adult lives .
`` I want to fight and come out of the other side .
I feel very strongly that we will come out the other side no matter what debt we have . ''

"People have said how they have so many good memories of the stables and how we have instilled a passion and empathy for horses in them and how they have taken these skills into their adult lives.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Talking to yourself in lockdown? You're not alone

Since the lockdown , many people have been spending more time on their own .
Should they be worried if they end up chatting to the only person in the room ?
Sue Elliott-Nicholls thinks not .
`` I 'm starting to talk to myself , '' lamented a friend who lives on her own .
`` What , you mean you do n't already ? ''
I asked her .
`` Who do you discuss your problems with , work out who 's coming for Christmas , decide whether your bum looks big in those jeans ? ''
Maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit at home , but I love a good chat with myself .
Only lately I 've found myself doing it out of doors , when I go for my socially-distanced shop .
My conversations are fairly mundane , boring even .
Me : `` Do you think we need more bananas ? ''
Me again : `` Well it would n't hurt , someone 'll eat them . ''
Also me : `` True , bananas never last long with our lot . ''
Me : `` But then they 'll just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're on a budget do n't forget . ''
Me back : `` Good point , shall we leave them then ? ''
I do n't say all of it out loud .
Most of it is in my head , but some bits slip out , in a sort of unhinged mutter - until I realise what I 'm doing and look sharply around to check no-one heard .
Then I cover it up with a low tuneful hum , hoping it looks like that 's what I was doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband sometimes , muttering downstairs .
I do n't listen in , it 's private .
( Plus he may very likely be moaning about me . )
My old mum used to say that the best thing about talking to yourself was that you knew you would get a decent answer .
But then she also said it was the first sign of madness .
Is it ?
I would beg to differ .
I often think my little chats to myself help preserve my sanity .
Before the coronavirus lockdown Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but now she 's becoming her own motivational speaker , giving herself pep talks .
`` I always start with 'Georgia ' , because then it 's like someone else is talking to me , '' she says .
`` I have to motivate myself to do everything , I have to motivate myself to put pants on in the morning !
Although this morning , I was going to go for a run , but I actually talked myself out of it .
'Right , Georgia , are you gon na go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm like , 'Yeah yeah , I 'm gon na go , ' though by this time I was already buttering my bagel . ''
Then it went like this , she told me : Look Georgia ... are you going to go ?
Are you sure ?
No , no , I 'm not sure , because actually what I think I 'm gon na do is have breakfast first , because it 's meant to be sunnier at lunch time .
This does n't sound like a `` sign of madness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very healthy coping strategy .
`` I think also it makes you feel like you 've got a crowded house , when it 's not , it 's just the voices in your head , '' says Georgia .
`` It has actually become the new normal , which is really crazy .
I miss my mates , I can talk to them on Zoom but I miss talking in real life so I 've become my own mate . ''
Welcome to my world Georgia , it 's a wonderful place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When I 'm working on my own , I become like my own work colleague - we 're partners really .
Sue is invaluable when we 're at work together : we bang out ideas , discuss how to word difficult emails , sometimes we have a little gossip at the water cooler ( kitchen sink ) , and it 's nice because she comes out with me later , even helps me decide what to wear .
God , I love Sue .
Frankie has become her own new best friend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talk to herself if she was upset , or making stupid decisions .
`` I think it 's like my guardian angel when it comes to boys , '' Frankie says .
`` If he 's not behaving in the best way , I 'll be in the toilet , saying : 'Oh come on mate , you know he 's no good ! '
'' But talking to yourself in these situations is kind of accepted is n't it ?
They do it in movies , cute and kooky ( but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's when you start muttering to yourself about daily goings on that it feels a little weirder .
And since social isolation Frankie , starved of her friends and her job , has started doing this when she puts her make-up on in the morning .
`` I 'll just put a bit of brown here , this is my mascara , and then I line my lips with this lipliner , I 'm going to put these little two dots here and here , and then I smudge it , here and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And then I 'm like - 'WHAT AM I DOING ? '
You do n't realise you 're doing it , and I guess the more you get into the habit , the harder it is to break . ''
Frankie 's worried about turning into her mum , who talks to herself , too .
`` I can see her zoning out and then she starts talking , '' she says .
`` I realise that is what awaits me . ''
As the lockdown has dragged on , Georgia has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nerves .
`` I do n't like my pep talks sometimes , '' she says .
So , of course , she talks to herself about it .
`` No actually , you 're being annoying , because I want to wallow lazily and now you 're making me feel like I 'm not doing well enough , '' she tells herself .
Georgia is sitting with her hand to her head and her eyes scrunched up as she tells me this on FaceTime , cringing at herself .
`` Before , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , my inner monologue was still going but it would n't slip out - whereas now , that barrier has gone , '' she says .
Georgia and Frankie are fairly new to the concept of talking to themselves , but ask any freelancer who spends a lot of time working alone at home , and they 'll tell you they 're old hands .
Kate Walsh has spoken to herself for as long as she can remember .
`` I can get a little bit lonely so I try to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sometimes , she even makes up a tune .
`` Spring onion , spring onion , I do n't like you , but Shaz does , Shaz does ... '' she 'll sing .
I suspect most people who have always worked at home will recognise that straight away .
`` Sometimes I 'm not sure if it 's happening inside or outside of my head , '' says Kate .
`` Because you spend so much time on your own , your inner dialogue becomes external , so you might say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only got Marigolds in small ? '
That kind of thing , little comments , which is fine when you 're in your living room but not when you 're in Londis talking to the clingfilm . ''
Kate believes talking to yourself is a really good way of getting through hard times .
She found it a useful coping strategy when , a few years ago , after a traffic accident and an MRSA infection , she had to spend three months in a hospital room by herself .
`` I 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is n't that bad . '
And just hearing those words helped me through .
When you speak out loud you hear the words , whereas if it stays inside your head you do n't hear it so well .
If it comes out of my mouth it becomes more tangible in my mind . ''
And now we 're stuck indoors , we could all do with a bit of reassurance .
`` There 's a subtle pervading atmosphere of tension around at the moment , '' says Kate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's a legitimate way of exorcising the stress . ''
My counsellor once told me to talk to my inner child , and it was good , until my mum died and my friends told me I should talk to her .
I ended up talking to both of them - and myself .
There is much talk of how aspects of social distancing might improve life in the future .
We may come out of this having got to know our kids better , met previously unknown neighbours on WhatsApp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily runs .
I think this could also be the perfect opportunity to come out , to boldly chat to ourselves with not a care about who might hear us and what they might think .
I think that 's a great idea .
In fact , I 'm going to have a cup of tea and discuss it now , with Sue .
The contributor referred to here as Frankie , who is still embarrassed about talking to herself , asked to be given a pseudonym .
You may also like : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend years at home even after starting work , because of the mismatch between salaries and rents .
Sue Elliott-Nicholls and her son , Morgan , agree that it can be a nightmare .
Housemates from hell - me and my 23-year-old son

And since social isolation Frankie, starved of her friends and her job, has started doing this when she puts her make-up on in the morning. "I'll just put a bit of brown here, this is my mascara, and then I line my lips with this lipliner, I'm going to put these little two dots here and here, and then I smudge it, here and here," she'll mutter.


bbcuk--2020-04-18--Coronavirus: The view from my window

Coronavirus: The view from my window

Like many of us , photographer Jemima Yong is spending a lot of time indoors due to the restrictions caused by the spread of coronavirus .
But she has been drawn to document a small piece of land outside her London home .
Here , Yong talks about her work , entitled Field 2020 .
`` During the lockdown , I have been working from home at a desk by the window where the sunlight comes in .
`` I ca n't help but notice every now and then what is going on outside .
`` From here , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their precious outdoor hour - exercising , walking their dogs , or simply playing - except on their own or in small groups because of social distancing .
It is within this new distance that a story of solidarity can be read .
`` Typically , I work in the theatre photographing and creating performance .
`` I am drawn to the ways in which photographs can capture the intangible - relationships , atmosphere , the essence of things .
I seek out the spaces in between people that evoke a sense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of seeing is turned outwards onto everyday life .
`` I began to photograph the activity on the field in black and white to abstract the images , drawing attention first to textures , lines , shapes , gestures , and then to the space and its meaning .
`` As I made more photographs , a visual pattern began to emerge of people alone together , energetic and active because of or - in spite of - their solitude .
`` Distance is the subject , perhaps more so than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am photographing a social change much more than I am individuals .
`` The green is not large , yet people have been respectful of each other 's expanded personal space .
`` In a dense city like London , it is hopeful to see my community able to share a scarce resource in a sort of unspoken solidarity : a portrait of a collective adapting to a new normality . ''

"From here, I can see a green where some spend their precious outdoor hour - exercising, walking their dogs, or simply playing - except on their own or in small groups because of social distancing. It is within this new distance that a story of solidarity can be read.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Future connectivity 'vital for economic recovery'

With the coronavirus lockdown extended , thoughts have turned to Northern Ireland ’ s connectivity with Great Britain and Europe .
Without proper links , Northern Ireland ’ s economy is left in a vulnerable position .
NI Chamber of Commerce has said maintaining connectivity will be vital for the region ’ s economic recovery .
Aviation is of particular concern , with just two passenger flights operating to and from NI at the moment .
The three airports - Belfast International , Belfast City and City of Derry - have been in discussions with the government about their continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on support that was due , but is yet to happen .
On Friday , Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told BBC Radio Ulster he was working closely with the executive and the Treasury to keep crucial supply lines open and to maintain connections between Northern Ireland and Great Britain .
The issue was brought into sharp focus when a P & O vessel carrying essential supplies and destined for Dublin was impounded at Liverpool port .
Last week Economy Minister Diane Dodds told a committee she had written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ links between Northern Ireland and Great Britain .
“ I am hopeful that this intervention will realise a support package , ” she told the Northern Ireland Assembly .
“ There has been significant pressure on the aviation industry , haulage and ferry companies which has led to a dramatic reduction in our air and sea connectivity.
” Her department has been working closely with the Department for Infrastructure and weekly calls have been taking place with the UK ’ s Department for Transport , led by Grant Shapps .
Part of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry .
The Road Haulage Association in Northern Ireland has warned firms are close to collapsing due to the losses they are experiencing .
Companies are sending almost empty loads across the Irish Sea , at great cost , as manufacturing winds down and demand in other sectors slows .
Chairman John Martin said the government needs to intervene to protect the industry and keep key supply lines operating .
While the haulage industry is facing enormous pressures , Northern Ireland ’ s ports continue to operate to bring in vital goods .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of incoming freight , said it has introduced changes to working practices to ensure social distancing and to “ enable port operations to continue to run smoothly.
” However , it will have other factors to consider , such as any potential impact on future property .
The harbour ’ s land is home to hotels , offices and film studios , all of which have effectively ceased operations during this crisis .
Future connectivity is high on the agenda for the executive and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce .
Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintaining and growing the number of routes by both air and sea is essential .
“ As a regional economy , Northern Ireland relies heavily on good connectivity to near and far markets .
“ In a post-Brexit environment , we also need to maintain the same access to global markets via London and Dublin that we have now , ” she said .

“In a post-Brexit environment, we also need to maintain the same access to global markets via London and Dublin that we have now,” she said.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--‘Ring of steel’ call for care homes

‘Ring of steel’ call for care homes

There 's more evidence of the scale of the problem care homes are facing when it comes to coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ the National Care Forum , which represents not-for-profit care providers , deaths in one week @ @ @ @ @ whole of the previous month .
The forum 's director , Vic Rayner , told @ @ @ @ @ of steel '' should be created for care home settings .

There's more evidence of the scale of the problem care homes are facing when it comes to coronavirus and elderly residents.
According to the National Care Forum, which represents not-for-profit care providers, deaths in one week were double those for the whole of the previous month.
The forum's director, Vic Rayner, told the BBC a "ring of steel" should be created for care home settings.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: 'We have been stating where mistakes are made' - Labour

Labour 's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds has rejected suggestions that the opposition has been `` too gentle '' on the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
She said `` we have been stating where mistakes are made '' @ @ @ @ @ `` transparency '' from the government .

Labour's shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds has rejected suggestions that the opposition has been "too gentle" on the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
She said "we have been stating where mistakes are made" but looking forward she wanted "transparency" from the government.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--The Papers: 'No 10 ignored warning' and 'PM takes back control'

Many of Sunday 's front pages focus on the UK 's possible exit strategy from the coronavirus lockdown .
The Sunday Times reports that ministers have drawn up a three-phase plan to lift the restrictions , which could see school 's reopen as early as 11 May .
Under the proposals , it says pupils would return to classes part-time - depending on their age - to aid social distancing .
The Sun on Sunday calls it a `` traffic-light master plan '' , which would see non-essential shops reopen within three weeks as part of a `` red phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to operate a fortnight later in the `` amber phase '' .
Both papers say the over-70s and others deemed vulnerable would be asked to continue living under lockdown conditions for more than a year .
The plans will reportedly be presented to Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he returns to work .
There is speculation in many papers about just when that may be .
The Mail on Sunday says there is growing concern that Mr Johnson 's absence from Downing Street is hampering exit planning .
In its editorial , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital admissions are a cause for optimism .
Yet it laments what it calls `` a sense of drift from inside government '' with Whitehall leaks suggesting senior ministers are reluctant to take any major decisions on ending the lockdown in the prime minister 's absence .
The paper urges the government to `` offer a vision of a way back to a free and normal life '' .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning But , while there are calls to concentrate minds on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on the predicament of NHS workers dealing with the virus here and now .
The Sunday Mirror says 500 doctors - who responded to a survey by the BMA - have warned that oxygen supplies are are running `` worryingly low '' at a `` huge number '' of hospitals .
The paper says medics have laid bare `` a horrifying lack of key supplies '' - with hundreds of doctors saying they 're short of sedatives , painkillers and anaesthetics and one nurse admitting she has had to reuse syringes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers have turned to mental health crisis helplines as they struggle to cope with what it describes as `` the horrors of the coronavirus frontline '' .
`` Suicidal and afraid to hug their kids , '' is the paper 's front page headline .
One charity alone says it is being contacted by 50 health workers a day - amid fears that many staff will be affected by post traumatic stress disorder .
The Sunday Telegraph reports on emerging research about precisely who is at greater risk of being admitted to hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The paper says a study into British patients suggests being overweight is one of the most important risk factors .
The research - which has yet to be peer-reviewed - is based on an analysis of more than 15,000 cases and is said to be the biggest study of its kind .
Meanwhile , the Observer reports on concerns that so-called `` lockdown shaming '' is being used as a weapon in long-running neighbourhood feuds .
The paper says police chiefs have complained about a rising number of false allegations being made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senior officers are urging the public to use `` common sense '' and not to exploit the pandemic to settle old scores .

The Sunday Telegraph reports on emerging research about precisely who is at greater risk of being admitted to hospital with a severe form of the virus. The paper says a study into British patients suggests being overweight is one of the most important risk factors. The research - which has yet to be peer-reviewed - is based on an analysis of more than 15,000 cases and is said to be the biggest study of its kind.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Honeymoon couple 'stranded' after borders closed

Two British nationals who relocated to New Zealand last year say they have been refused re-entry to the country because they have the `` wrong visas '' .
Abdulla Mohsin and Catherine David went to Fiji for their honeymoon before New Zealand closed its borders to non-residents in March .
The couple , originally from Derbyshire , relocated to Auckland in January 2019 on a `` work to residence '' visa .
The New Zealand government said it would not comment on specific cases .
Mr Mohsin moved to New Zealand with Ms David to work for a government housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government agency put him on the `` work to residence visa '' , which required him to work for 24 months in the country to gain residence .
• 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 The couple had lived there for 16 months before going on honeymoon to Fiji on 7 March , when there were no travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not residents , they have been refused entry to the country and say they have been left `` stranded '' in Fiji .
They have been trying to return to New Zealand since the borders were closed on 19 March .
He said : `` We 've had four opportunities to fly .
We 've been turned away at baggage check-in each time .
`` We 're stuck in Fiji , with a suitcase of holiday clothes , I still have to pay rent in New Zealand , for a house I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm still paying bills , I 'm still paying taxes on my income , but I 'm not allowed to enter the country .
`` Our biggest fears are that if the pandemic gets worse , they may not have the healthcare facilities to take care of us . ''
Ms David said : `` We were told at the airport , 'You ca n't come in , you 're not a resident ' .
But we live there .
`` All our worldly belongings are there , we 've lived there for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm completely emotionally drained by all this . ''
A spokesperson for Immigration New Zealand said the border was currently closed to `` all but citizens and residents '' , but exceptions are `` in place for extreme circumstances '' .
Mr Mohsin said : `` The New Zealand government recruited me , and they 've severely failed in their duty of care to provide us with the correct visas to return to the country . ''
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Two British nationals who relocated to New Zealand last year say they have been refused re-entry to the country because they have the "wrong visas".


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: No date for when schools will reopen

The education secretary has said he can not give a date for when English schools will reopen , four weeks after they were shut to curb the spread of coronavirus .
At the government 's daily briefing , Gavin Williamson said there were `` no plans '' to open schools over summer .
He said five `` tests '' must be met before schools could reopen , including a fall in infections and the daily death rate .
It follows a Sunday Times report that said schools could reopen on 11 May .
UK schools were closed to all but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 20 March .
Mr Williamson said : `` People are anxious to know when we 're going to relax restrictions , when schools are likely to be fully back and open again .
`` Of course , I want nothing more than to see schools back , get them back to normal , make sure the children are sat around , learning , and experiencing the joy of being at school .
But I ca n't give you a date . ''
Decisions on education are devolved in Scotland , Wales , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` tests '' must be met before education establishments could reopen including a fall in the daily death rate from coronavirus , reliable data showing the rate of infection was decreasing to `` manageable levels '' , and being confident any adjustments would not risk a second peak .
Addressing children directly , Mr Williamson said : `` I wanted to say to you how sorry I am that you 've had your education disrupted in this way .
`` I want you to know that you are such an important part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not thank you enough for all that you are doing . ''
The education secretary also said he recognised how care leavers , and those about to leave care , were `` really vulnerable '' , adding that he had asked local authorities `` to ensure no-one has to leave care during this difficult time '' .
Mr Williamson said a further £1.6m had been given to the NSPCC charity to help it provide advice to children and adults .
From Monday , he said , a series of 180 online lessons per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from reception through to Year 10 .
The online lessons , which have been prepared by teachers and education organisations , will be available under the label of Oak National Academy .
Laptops will be provided for some disadvantaged children in England , including pupils taking GCSEs next year , children with a social worker , or those leaving care .
There is no specified number of laptops available , or set budget , and it will be up to schools or local authorities to decide who needs help with access to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4G routers to help families connect to the internet .
No decision is imminent on re-opening schools in England .
That was the clearest message from Education Secretary Gavin Williamson .
Before even setting a date he said five tests would need to be met .
Once that had happened , parents and teachers would need `` proper notice '' before re-opening schools .
None of that sounded like any change in the next few weeks .
Teachers ' unions have described social distancing in school as `` impossible '' - and head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return as `` irresponsible '' .
Mr Williamson 's strong notes of caution suggest any return this half-term is unlikely - which would mean attention might shift to the second half of the term - so not before 1 June at the earliest .
The focus instead will be on helping pupils to learn online at home , because that is where they will be for the foreseeable future .
Another 596 people in the UK have died in UK hospitals with coronavirus , taking the total number of hospital deaths to 16,060 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , England 's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said the lower number of deaths recorded on Sunday was `` very good news '' but cautioned against jumping to conclusions .
She declined to say whether the UK had `` passed the peak '' of the virus , adding : `` If we do n't keep doing the social distancing , we will create a second peak and we definitely wo n't be past it .
`` But I do think things look to be heading in the right direction . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday 's figure was the lowest for nearly two weeks , figures often dropped at weekends because of delays reporting and recording deaths .
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Addressing ongoing criticism and concern over the lack of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for health and care workers , the education secretary said an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the system .
Mr Williamson said 400,000 gowns from Turkey which had been expected to arrive on Sunday had been delayed but were due to be flown in to the UK on Monday .
There have been warnings that some hospitals ' intensive care units could run out of gowns this weekend .
Asked by the BBC why UK suppliers offering to make PPE had not been contacted , Mr Williamson said the government hoped to speak to them within `` the next 24 hours '' .
He added that `` every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expand supplies of PPE and ventilators .
• Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has said the government will make a `` balanced judgement '' when deciding how to relax the coronavirus lockdown • Asda is cancelling a quarter of orders with clothing suppliers and has said it would only pay for part of such cancelled orders • New data from the National Care Forum has added to growing evidence that the number of deaths linked to coronavirus in UK care homes may be far higher than those recorded so far • Construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS Louisa Jordan , has been completed .
The £43m facility at the Scottish Events Campus ( SEC ) in Glasgow will be ready to receive Covid-19 patients from Monday , if required .
• Tributes have been paid to two workers serving the health care sector in Swansea who have died with Covid-19 • Britons in Bangladesh will be able to fly home this week , with up to 850 seats available on four repatriation flights How have you been affected by the issues relating to coronavirus ?
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"Of course, I want nothing more than to see schools back, get them back to normal, make sure the children are sat around, learning, and experiencing the joy of being at school. But I can't give you a date."


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: First patients leave London's Nightingale hospital

The first Covid-19 patients have been discharged from the NHS Nightingale emergency hospital in London .
Simon Chung and another man were applauded by staff as they left the hospital at the ExCeL centre in Newham on Sunday afternoon , NHS England said .
The temporary facility was built in nine days with capacity for up to 4,000 admissions and received its first patients on 7 April .
Mr Chung , aged in his 50s , will now be treated in a north London hospital .
NHS England said the father of one had been transferred to Northwick Park hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eamonn Sullivan , nursing director at NHS Nightingale London said : `` This is wonderful news and testament to all the clinicians and support staff who have been working around the clock to care for our patients .
`` Although these two patients being discharged today are now out of danger , their long road to recovery is a reminder of why everyone needs to do what they can to stay safe by following the government 's advice . ''
Sir Simon Stevens , chief executive of NHS England , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extensive use of the Nightingale London thanks to the hard work of NHS staff , who have freed up more than 30,000 existing hospital beds , and the public , who have played their part by staying at home and saving lives .
`` It will count as a huge success for the whole country if we never need to use them but with further waves of coronavirus possible it is important that we have these extra facilities in place and treating patients , '' he added .
The London Nightingale is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity .
Captain Tom Moore , the 99-year-old who has raised more than £26 million by completing laps of his back garden , will be the guest of honour at the opening of the Nightingale hospital in Harrogate on Tuesday .
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Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: "We have not yet had to make extensive use of the Nightingale London thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, who have freed up more than 30,000 existing hospital beds, and the public, who have played their part by staying at home and saving lives.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Little Mix and Tom Jones in Together At Home concert

Sir Tom Jones and Little Mix have paid tribute to NHS workers during a British version of the star-studded One World : Together At Home virtual concert .
A host of big names performed from home on the US broadcast earlier , before more British stars were added to the line-up for a UK edition on BBC One .
The event aimed to celebrate healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards said NHS staff and other key workers `` all deserve such a huge thank you '' .
The girl group were among the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of the concert on Sunday , along with Rag ' N ' Bone Man , George the Poet and The Kingdom Choir .
• Watch performances from One World : Together At Home • Together At Home concert : 9 things we spotted It was presented by Dermot O'Leary , Clara Amfo and Claudia Winkleman - who , unlike their home-based US counterparts , hosted together in a studio .
Sir Paul McCartney , Sir Elton John and the Rolling Stones all filmed themselves singing in their own lavish homes , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US TV on Saturday and the UK version .
Lady Gaga , Stevie Wonder , Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift were among the US stars in both .
Ellie Goulding , Jess Glynne , Michael Buble , Jennifer Lopez , Sam Smith and John Legend also appeared .
Sir Tom performed The Glory of Love and told viewers he was isolated for two years when he had tuberculosis as a child .
`` I thought that was bad then , '' the 79-year-old said .
`` But the National Health Service helped me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us right now .
`` So I would like to say thank you so much to the National Health for doing what they did for me then and what they 're doing right now for everybody else and we have to do our best to stay home to help the National Health .
`` We should stay home and follow orders and go along with what we 're being told to do .
`` Stick with it , be together and we 'll survive . ''
Little Mix performed their hit Touch with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edwards said she hoped fans were `` being positive during this weird , weird time '' .
She said : `` I think we can all agree that the love that we feel for the NHS staff at this time and the key workers , doctors , nurses , carers , retail workers , postmen , waste collectors , the list goes on and on .
`` You all deserve such a huge thank you and we appreciate you so , so , so much .
Everybody please take care of yourselves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay home , save lives , protect the NHS . ''
Sir Paul called healthcare workers `` the true heroes '' of the crisis , and remembered his mother Mary , who was a nurse during World War Two .
`` Let 's tell our leaders that we need them to strengthen the healthcare systems all round the world so that a crisis like this never happens again , '' he said before launching into Lady Madonna .
Although the show was dubbed the `` lockdown Live Aid '' , the stars were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , Global Citizen , the organisation that put the show together with the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and Lady Gaga , said `` world leaders , corporate partners and philanthropists '' had pledged $ 127m ( £100m ) during Saturday 's event to support health workers .
As well as raising funds and celebrating front-line staff , the broadcast gave viewers a glimpse into the homes of pop and rock superstars - from Taylor Swift 's floral wallpaper to Sir Elton John 's basketball hoop and US singer Charlie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stones managed to play together from four separate locations - although drummer Charlie Watts did not appear to have a drum kit in his house .
Instead , he banged on flight cases and the arm of a sofa for their rendition of You Ca n't Always Get What You Want .
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"So I would like to say thank you so much to the National Health for doing what they did for me then and what they're doing right now for everybody else and we have to do our best to stay home to help the National Health.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus and sport: Watford set to agree wage deferrals with players

Watford are set to become the third Premier League club to agree wage deferrals with their first team squad .
Earlier this month , Southampton and West Ham confirmed their players would defer part of their salaries because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Arsenal players are set to take a 12.5 % pay cut while Chelsea 's will reportedly agree to a 10 % decrease in salary .
In addition to the players , Watford ’ s senior management and executives are also expected to agree to deferrals .
Talks with the Watford squad have taken place amid a backdrop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season ’ s bonuses , with that issue not yet resolved to the players ’ satisfaction .
However , the club are close to a wages deal , having told the players they are not intending to furlough staff .
It comes after Premier League-wide talks aimed at a collective pay deal broke down without resolution .
The Premier League proposed a 30 % pay cut , but the Professional Footballers ’ Association said that would affect tax contributions to the NHS .
Earlier this month , Premier League players launched the # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the NHS .

Last updated on .From the section Watford
Watford's players would be the third Premier League squad to agree to defer part of their wages
Watford have become the third Premier League club to agree wage deferrals with their first-team squad.
Earlier this month, Southampton and West Ham confirmed their players would defer part of their salaries because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Arsenal players are set to take a 12.5% pay cut while Chelsea's will reportedly external-link agree to a 10% decrease in salary.
Watford captain Troy Deeney said the decision was in the "best interests of helping the club right now".
Deeney said "sensible discussions" had taken place with chairman and chief executive Scott Duxbury adding: "Nobody, wherever they work, is keen on the idea of a pay cut.
"So there is a bit of common sense and a good level of understanding has prevailed to get to a pay deferral over the short term."
Duxbury said: "We are grateful to the players for recognising the importance of the situation and for their support of this fantastic club.
"It is a show of unity which we know our supporters and the wider Watford community will appreciate, and shows an awareness of the need for everybody to pull together in these incredibly challenging times."
The move comes after Premier League-wide talks aimed at a collective pay deal broke down without resolution.
The Premier League proposed a 30% pay cut, but the Professional Footballers’ Association said that would affect tax contributions to the NHS.
Earlier this month, Premier League players launched the #PlayersTogether scheme to generate and distribute funds to the NHS.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: 'Enormous strain' on protective kit for NHS - Williamson

An `` enormous strain '' has been put on the system for obtaining protective kit for NHS staff and care workers , the education secretary has said .
Some 400,000 gowns had been expected to arrive from Turkey on Sunday , but the government said it had been delayed .
Gavin Williamson was asked by the BBC why British suppliers offering to make protective kit had not been contacted .
He responded that government hoped to speak to them within the next 24 hours , and the gowns should arrive on Monday .
`` I think we all recognise the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole system and we also recognise that right across the globe people are trying to get the same items of PPE from quite a limited number of suppliers , '' Mr Williamson said at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing .
BBC Health editor Hugh Pym also asked why stocks had been allowed to run down over the last couple of years , and why more was not done to boost them in March and February .
The education secretary said `` every resource of government '' had been deployed to expand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries , meanwhile , said the UK remained an `` international exemplar '' of pandemic preparedness , adding there had been challenges but the government was `` always looking ahead '' .
• 'Critical ' to get protective kit to front line • No date for when schools will reopen - Williamson The pledge to take delivery of more protective kit came after warnings that some hospitals ' intensive care units could run out of gowns this weekend .
Dr Chaand Nagpaul , chair of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` very concerning '' .
`` Healthcare workers desperately need proper and effective protection now - by whatever means possible , '' he said , adding : `` This really is a matter of life and death . ''
Public Health England changed its advice on Friday to allow the NHS to re-use gowns if stock was running low , saying `` some compromise '' was needed `` in times of extreme shortages '' .
It asked staff to reuse `` ( washable ) surgical gowns or coveralls or similar suitable clothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , long-sleeved patient gown or industrial coverall ) with a disposable plastic apron for AGPs ( aerosol-generating procedures ) and high-risk settings with forearm washing once gown or coverall is removed '' .
The guidance also said hospitals could reserve the gowns for surgical operations and procedures which were likely to transmit respiratory pathogens .
NHS England 's medical director Prof Stephen Powis said for the guidance on the use of protective equipment to be properly followed , it was `` absolutely critical above everything else that we have the supplies of PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the Royal College of Nursing said the guidance was developed without a full consultation and the British Medical Association ( BMA ) - which represents doctors - said any change must be driven by science , not availability .
The delay to the consignment is a real worry , both in the short and long-term .
It is clear the pandemic stocks we have been largely relying on to date are running out , at least in terms of gowns and visors .
It has left us depending on international supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not seem to be able to manufacture them ourselves .
Given the international demand for them , this threatens to be an on-going issue that could cause problems for months to come .
Staff are understandably worried - they are putting their lives at risk .
Ministers and their officials are clearly working hard to do what they can .
But in the future , serious questions will need to be asked about why this situation has arisen in the first place .
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the UK had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a flu pandemic - as well as to prepare for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit - but he said there was a `` worldwide pressure '' on supplies .
Labour 's shadow health secretary , Jon Ashworth , said `` serious mistakes have been made '' by the government in tackling the outbreak .
He told Sky News : `` We know that our front-line NHS staff do n't have the PPE , that they 've been told this weekend that they wo n't necessarily have the gowns which are vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has appointed Lord Deighton , who headed the organising committee of the London Olympics , to resolve problems with supplies and distribution of PPE .
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"I think we all recognise the enormous strain that has been placed on the whole system and we also recognise that right across the globe people are trying to get the same items of PPE from quite a limited number of suppliers," Mr Williamson said at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing.


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: Guard of honour for 'miracle' radiographer

A hospital radiographer who suffered a rare complication of Covid-19 that caused complete paralysis has walked out of hospital to a guard of honour .
Paul Skegg spent 11 days as a patient in intensive care at Darent Valley Hospital during which time he proposed online to his partner Katy Lavender .
Colleague Dr Jonathan Kwan said : `` He thought he was [ on his ] last leg [ s ] and he took a deep breath and mouthed the proposal through his tracheotomy tube . ''
Mr Skegg , 42 , was admitted on 3 April and later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complication of Covid-19 .
'One of our own' He proposed to Ms Lavender , a radiographer for another NHS Trust , via FaceTime from his hospital bed .
Mr Skegg has worked for the health service for 24 years .
Dr Kwan , divisional medical director for the hospital in Kent , said : `` His rapid recovery is just short of a miracle . ''
The hospital 's neurologists had used a `` groundbreaking '' therapy to treat Mr Skegg , he added .
`` Today , we lined the corridor for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front-line NHS staff home , following a 16-day stay at Darent Valley Hospital . ''
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Colleague Dr Jonathan Kwan said: "He thought he was [on his] last leg[s] and he took a deep breath and mouthed the proposal through his tracheotomy tube."


bbcuk--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: 'We woke up in the morning and he was gone'

Coronavirus : 'John was alone for a week' 'Hannah ' lost her husband to coronavirus after he cared for her @ @ @ @ @ the virus .

Steven Pearson, who worked as a mental health nurse, died on 13 April within days of showing coronavirus symptoms.
His daughter Bethany describes how her father initially thought his symptoms were just fatigue, after working a night shift.
Watch more personal stories during the coronavirus outbreak: Your Coronavirus Stories


bbcuk--2020-04-19--MP Steven Bonnar apologises over Celtic flag argument with neighbour

An MP has apologised after an altercation with a neighbour over a Celtic FC flag .
Coatbridge , Chryston and Bellshill SNP MP , Steven Bonnar , said he had been `` drawn into '' the argument after the neighbour took exception to the flag in the window of the MP 's Uddingston home .
Footage of the row was caught on video and later uploaded to social media .
Mr Bonnar said `` I regret being drawn into a dispute with a neighbour and reacting hastily to comments made . ''
In the footage , Mr Bonnar is asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flag : `` Is that necessary ? ''
The MP is then seen crossing the street to repeatedly ask the man : `` Is what necessary ? ''
Mr Bonnar then asks : `` What 's it got to do with you what 's in my house ? ''
In a statement on Sunday , Mr Bonnar apologised for any upset caused .
He said : `` I regret being drawn into a dispute with a neighbour and reacting hastily to comments made .
`` I apologise for my language and behaviour , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Bonnar caused controversy last year when he crossed his fingers during the official swearing in of MPs in the House of Commons .

Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill SNP MP, Steven Bonnar, said he had been "drawn into" the argument after the neighbour took exception to the flag in the window of the MP's Uddingston home.