bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Blood donors needed after 15% drop, says NHS

The NHS is urging blood donors to keep their appointments during the coronavirus outbreak .
It said donations were 15 % lower than expected last week , amid fears donors are feeling unsure about safety and whether sessions are still going ahead .
A spokesman said the impact of the drop was minimal but must be addressed .
NHS Blood and Transplant said calls to its contact centre to ask if donation sessions were going ahead went from around 30 to around 500 a day .
It said stocks remain `` good '' currently , but officials are keen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of donations over the coming months .
The NHSBT said that potential donors need to make sure they are well enough to visit a clinic , and should stay away if they have a high fever or persistent cough .
Meanwhile , donation teams are taking extra hygiene precautions to alleviate any fears due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Dr Gail Miflin , the chief medical officer for NHSBT , says that donors are needed at times of crisis such as now more than ever .
`` Blood donation saves lives and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the new few weeks and months .
Please keep your appointment to donate if you can .
`` Combating the virus will take a huge national effort .
Donation is something you can do to help the NHS .
It 's a reason to go outside and then do something amazing . ''
'We will still need blood' Dr Amita Ranger , from north-west London told the BBC that maintaining regular blood donations would be crucial to the care of many high-risk patients around the UK in the coming weeks and months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we need blood for the management of obstetric haemorrhage , car accidents and other trauma are inevitable and we need blood for these situations .
`` Patients with bone marrow disorders such as leukaemia will need blood products to get them through chemotherapy and stem cell transplants as will all cancer patients . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Dr Amit Raithatha , from London , suffers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means he produces very little haemoglobin , which is used by blood cells to carry oxygen around the body .
Those who suffer with the condition require blood transfusions every three weeks to stay alive .
He says it is vital that donors keep their appointments to refrain from adding more pressure to the already strained NHS .
`` It 's imperative that everyone keeps donating blood so that we avoid another ripple effect health crisis , '' he told the BBC .
`` There is no need for anyone to stop donating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by blood . ''

"Blood donation saves lives and we will need our donors more than ever over the new few weeks and months. Please keep your appointment to donate if you can.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Commuters to get refund on rail season tickets

Commuters with rail season tickets will receive a refund if they choose to stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak , the government has promised .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it would `` ensure no-one is unfairly out of pocket for doing the right thing '' .
The refund is part of a package of measures to support train companies .
There has been a 70 % drop in passenger numbers and ticket sales have dropped by two-thirds , the Department for Transport ( DfT ) said .
As a result , the firms responsible for keeping the trains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their income , the government said .
The number of services they run has also been cut .
To stop those firms from going under , the DfT has suspended all rail franchise agreements , which govern things such as how many trains run each hour and and restrict how much the companies that run them can charge for tickets .
Under these contracts , the train operators are generally required to make payments to the government to run services on parts of the rail network .
However , DfT has now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead , all the money from fares will be paid to the government , which will also take on the financial risk of running the network , to save firms from going under as a result of the slump in demand .
However , the train operators will continue to run the services `` for a small predetermined management fee '' , the DfT said .
In reality this was the government 's only option .
The annual cost of running all of the UK 's trains is around £12bn .
With passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , the government had to step in to plug the gap .
A lot of taxpayer cash already goes into the railways , but over the next six months an additional injection of several billion pounds might be needed so that the network can still operate .
Sadly , the reduction in the number of train services running does n't save much money .
The train companies have other high fixed costs such as staffing and the price of leasing trains .
This temporary emergency rail system that we 'll soon have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Private companies will run the trains but the government underwrites it all and , during this exceptional time , carries the losses .
We still ca n't rule out the possibility that once the details of each deal are worked out , a train company or two pulls out .
In that situation , the franchises affected would have to be nationalised .
`` This will allow us to ensure that trains necessary for key workers and essential travel continue to operate , '' the DfT said in a statement .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers should travel . ''
Mr Shapps said : `` We are taking this action to protect the key workers who depend on our railways to carry on their vital roles , the hardworking commuters who have radically altered their lives to combat the spread of coronavirus , and the frontline rail staff who are keeping the country moving . ''
The move was welcomed by the Rail Delivery Group , which represents train operators and Network Rail .
`` The rail industry is working together so that people and goods can keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge , getting key workers to hospitals , food to shops and fuel to power stations , '' said Paul Plummer , chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group .
`` While we need to finalise the details , this will ensure that train companies can focus all their efforts on delivering a vital service at a time of national need . ''

Instead, all the money from fares will be paid to the government, which will also take on the financial risk of running the network, to save firms from going under as a result of the slump in demand.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Machine 'could quadruple' heart and lung transplants

The number of heart and lung transplants could quadruple thanks to a `` reanimation '' machine used in a pioneering operation , a hospital says .
The device , developed at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge , managed to pump oxygenated blood into both organs in a world-first procedure .
The machine can revitalise deteriorating organs allowing `` donation after circulatory death '' ( DCD ) .
Hospital surgeon Pedro Catarino said it was like `` recharging the batteries '' .
`` It is reanimation and then it replenishes the energy stores of the heart , what we call reconditioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` We think it could at least double and perhaps quadruple the number of [ heart and lungs ] available for transplant . ''
He said it was desperately needed , adding : `` Patients die on the waiting list every day . ''
Most organs come from people who are brain dead .
Crucially , doctors are able to keep their hearts beating and healthy until they are removed .
Unusually , Aaron Green 's came from a donor who was circulatory dead - in other words , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organs had begun to decay .
`` With brain death we 've got four hours to get the organ from the donor into the recipient .
With this circulatory death we have no more than 30 minutes to get the organ on to the machine , '' said Dr Catarino .
Royal Papworth Hospital has been doing DCD heart transplants for five years , but last summer it performed a heart and lung transplant using the new machine .
Mr Green , 25 , is still currently the only person in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a donor whose heart had stopped .
He said : `` The first thing I remember was I woke up , looked at my hand and went , 'Oh , it 's not blue ' .
`` I could n't believe how quickly the heart and lungs kicked in - it was straight away . ''
Mr Green left hospital two months after the operation and was back playing cricket and riding his bike .
He also has a new job and is planning his wedding in September to his fiancée Julie Payne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story on BBC Inside Out East on BBC One at 19:30 GMT on Monday 23 March and afterwards on the BBC iPlayer .
Find BBC News : East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews @ bbc .

"With brain death we've got four hours to get the organ from the donor into the recipient. With this circulatory death we have no more than 30 minutes to get the organ on to the machine," said Dr Catarino.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Drug dealers 'delivered crack cocaine to mental health hospital'

Drug dealers delivered crack cocaine to vulnerable patients at a mental health hospital , the BBC has been told .
It is one of the claims made by a number of former patients at units run by the Tees , Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust , which have seen five deaths in less than two years .
The trust has been criticised over its services at three hospitals , including West Lane in Middlesbrough , where three teenage girls died .
The trust said reviews were under way .
One girl admitted to West Park Hospital in Darlington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Definitely the most alarming [ thing ] was the presence of crack cocaine on the ward .
`` There were two ways [ to get it ] .
Either people left and brought it back in with them , or you could ring a dealer and they would come on to the ward and deliver them for you . ''
She also said staff were `` tipped off '' ahead of a Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) inspection .
`` They were told in advance what would be happening , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't present before were put up with dates and ticks placed on them , and patients were advised by staff to hide contraband on the day of inspection . ''
The CQC said the trust was not told when inspections would take place , but did know which services would be looked at .
The former patient also said she saw an agency worker acting inappropriately by massaging a patient 's feet and telling another she was `` beautiful '' .
`` It was really quite disturbing and made me feel uncomfortable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was admitted to West Lane in Middlesbrough with an eating disorder in 2015 , said she was still `` haunted every day '' by the memories of her time there .
`` It was a horror story from day one , '' she said .
She said patients had access to scissors and wires , and liquids such as nail polish remover or paint which some drank .
`` Even after things like that happened they would n't then be taken away , '' she said .
`` We would just be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it that 's up to you ' . ''
She also said members of staff would ask patients with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia for `` diet tips '' .
West Lane closed in August after a damning inspection by the CQC .
At Roseberry Park in Middlesbrough , patients told the BBC some staff felt they had a licence to `` treat you terribly '' .
`` They say [ you have a ] personality disorder , that means they can do whatever they want , '' one said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Marjorie Wallace , CEO of mental health charity Sane , said she was `` absolutely appalled '' and `` the picture of neglect , even amounting to cruelty , means it 's more redolent of the dark ages of the old asylums '' .
`` The trust should be put into special measures immediately and those involved in all those incidents should be held to account , '' Ms Wallace said .
The trust said it was `` deeply sorry '' that at West Lane it `` didn ’ t provide safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said the BBC provided too little information for it to respond to the specific allegations made by patients , and a number of reviews and investigations were under way so it would be `` inappropriate to discuss or comment '' further .
But he urged any patients with concerns to tell the trust , adding : `` We take all such views extremely seriously and use what they tell us to improve their care and the care of others . ''
You can see more on this story on BBC Inside Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 19:30 GMT on Monday 23 March and afterwards on the BBC iPlayer .

"There were two ways [to get it]. Either people left and brought it back in with them, or you could ring a dealer and they would come on to the ward and deliver them for you."


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: ITV halts Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Lorraine, Loose Women filming

ITV has suspended production of some of its most popular programmes in light of coronavirus restrictions .
Filming on Coronation Street and Emmerdale has been halted .
Loose Women will show repeats rather than being live , and Lorraine Kelly will be in the Good Morning Britain studio instead of hosting her own show .
GMB will be extended from 06:00 to 10:00 from Monday , with ITV saying it would try to keep that show and This Morning on air for as long as it can .
`` This decision has been made to minimise the number of staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and working together on shift at any one time , '' a spokesperson said .
`` We 're focusing our efforts on providing to viewers the latest news on the rapidly changing situation which aims to offer some stability and continuity in all our lives whilst so many of us are at home right now .
`` That 's why we have taken this tough decision to protect our GMB News programme in the morning and keep This Morning on air for as long as possible . ''
ITV said it would `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a day by day basis and follow at all times the latest PHE [ Public Health England ] and WHO [ World Health Organisation ] guidelines '' .
'The time has come to stop filming' Last week , the broadcaster said the filming schedules on its two soaps would be reduced and episodes of Coronation Street would only air three times a week .
But on Sunday , a spokesperson said production would stop completely .
`` ITV has sadly taken the decision to suspend production of the soaps Coronation Street and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' a statement said .
The broadcaster later added it will also reduce Emmerdale 's transmission pattern to three episodes per week from Monday 30 March , ensuring the Yorkshire soap will air until `` at least the early summer '' , as will the Weatherfield-set show , it confirmed .
`` We 've been doing our best to carry on filming , whilst adhering to the government 's latest health guidelines , to ensure we 've episodes of both soaps airing on ITV until at least the early summer .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the production teams , actors , crew and their families is of paramount importance to us and we now feel that the time has come to stop filming . ''
Over the weekend , Ant and Dec presented their latest episode of Saturday Night Takeaway without a studio audience and a pared-back film crew .
It drew the duo 's biggest-ever audience since the first series ran in 2002 , with an average viewership of 9.5m viewers .
At the end of the show , Ant and Dec told fans that next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be pre-taped .
The BBC has already halted filming on continuing dramas including EastEnders , Casualty and Doctors ; while Channel 4 has suspended production of its teen soap Hollyoaks .
The broadcaster will ration new episodes of the show , showing three instalments a week instead of the usual five .
A new series called Hollyoaks Favourites will `` give viewers a chance to revisit some of our biggest episodes , from weddings , bust-ups , heartbreaks and some of our biggest and best stunts , '' Channel 4 said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"We're focusing our efforts on providing to viewers the latest news on the rapidly changing situation which aims to offer some stability and continuity in all our lives whilst so many of us are at home right now.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: How are people helping each other during the outbreak?

Coronavirus is grinding the country to a halt with school and business closures and health workers stretched .
Tales of shop shelves being emptied by panic buyers and government social distancing advice being ignored have brought criticism , but the outbreak is also bringing the best out in some people .
With vulnerable neighbours and relatives being told to self-isolate , many communities are rallying around .
More than 1,000 volunteer groups have been set up to help those self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak .
Tens of thousands have come forward offering to pick up shopping or deliver medicine to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A group of traders in Sherborne , Dorset , launched a service offering home deliveries and dog-walking .
Organiser Jules Bradburn said 60 people came forward to volunteer within hours of launching .
A pub in Gosport , Hampshire , has been offering toilet roll and handwash to locals after being inundated following an appeal when it ran short .
The Jolly Roger ended up with 150 loo rolls which it said it would distribute .
Leicestershire milkman Tony Fowler has also been delivering much more than his usual milk on his rounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his customers are over 70 so he has been giving them whatever they need , from toilet roll to light bulbs .
`` It 's about making sure people are OK , '' he said .
Shops have also changed their hours to create special shopping sessions for those most at risk from coronavirus .
Constantine Bay Stores , near Padstow in Cornwall , now opens its doors between 08:00 and 08:30 GMT only for those born in or before 1950 .
Owner Christopher Keeble said he hoped it would give older shoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind '' .
Becky Wass , from Falmouth in Cornwall , went viral on social media with her postcard for people to offer help .
The print-at-home template has been used across the country , with those in need able to request shopping , urgent supplies or `` a friendly phone call '' .
Many have taken it upon themselves to send messages of hope and positivity to others , with children across the country painting rainbows to put up in their windows .
With many care homes suspending visits , residents have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families know they are coping .
Residents at St Vincents Retirement Home in Ryde , Isle of Wight , wrote notes to their families which the care home shared for them .
Some people have started being pen pals , including 17-year-old Gracie Stewart from Norwich who has 26 of them .
She started writing letters to people 18 months ago after being diagnosed with a rare leukaemia , and urged people to `` try something new '' .
`` It preoccupies you writing letters because it can be dull when you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Three grandmothers from Salford decided to move in together for the duration of their self-isolation .
Dame Vera Lynn tried to cheer the nation up by recording a video to mark her 103rd birthday .
Charlotte Bredael , 18 , from Gosforth in Newcastle , is sending personalised videos to children as Disney princess Rapunzel .
Musicians in London have been holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolating , while traders in Norwich have been delivering goods to a couple via a basket from their balcony .
Others have failed to let a global travel cancellations stop them , such as Robert Ormsby who saw a trip to Iceland collapse .
He had been planning to propose to his girlfriend Patsy Murdoch in the country , but found a way to still pop the question - at their local Iceland supermarket in Tonbridge , Kent .
People have also been keen to support bars , cafes and restaurants during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been launched to encourage people to pay now for meals they can have when the crisis is over .
Aidan 's Kitchen in Newcastle got a big boost with one customer ordering 25 servings of his favourite pancake and coffee order totalling almost £250 .

Coronavirus is grinding the country to a halt with school and business closures and health workers stretched. Tales of shop shelves being emptied by panic buyers and government social distancing advice being ignored have brought criticism, but the outbreak is also bringing the best out in some people.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: More myths to ignore

Coronavirus: More myths to ignore

What exactly is social distancing ?
Governments are advising people to socially distance to reduce the pressure on health services @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 .

How to wash your hands - in 20 seconds. Video, 00:00:23How to wash your hands - in 20 seconds


bbcuk--2020-03-23--The volunteer army helping self-isolating neighbours

The coronavirus outbreak has left many people feeling trapped indoors - but tens of thousands of volunteers have offered to help them out .
It was late at night on Thursday 12 March when Aviah Sarah Day realised things were serious .
Five days earlier she 'd thought nothing of going to a nightclub packed with sweaty revellers .
Now , as the latest news about the coronavirus outbreak came in , it began to dawn on her just how difficult life was about to become for the millions of British people who would end up stuck inside their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her sofa looking at the newsfeed on her phone , she saw something that gave her hope .
In Lewisham , across the river in south London , a Facebook group had been set up for people who wanted to offer their services to neighbours who might be confined to their homes as a result of the outbreak - to fetch their groceries , walk their dogs , pick up prescriptions or simply have a chat over the phone or Skype if they were feeling lonely or frightened .
So Day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , set up a Facebook group for Hackney too .
By the time she went to bed , no-one had joined : `` I thought no-one was interested , '' she recalls .
But when she woke up in the morning , the group had hundreds of members .
Today it has nearly 7,000 .
Since it became clear just how widespread self-isolation would become , tens of thousands of people have been thinking the same way as Day .
Lewisham was the first , but by the end of the weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
WhatsApp and Nextdoor proved popular tools as well as Facebook .
Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK , an umbrella organisation for these spontaneous community groups from Caithness to Cornwall , says there are now over 1,000 .
The community organising group , Acorn , has a web page connecting volunteers with people in need too .
Others are focused on individual streets , estates or a single block of flats .
The motivation among volunteers is broadly the same - to do what they can to help their neighbours , especially those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person who 's not at a high risk of dying , you feel responsible , '' says 17-year-old student Eleanor Anrade May , who helped set up the Devon Mutual Aid Group .
And for many volunteers , at a time of widespread panic and unease , the ability to do something - anything - provides at least a tiny measure of control over the situation .
A week on , Day - who helped set up groups covering the Redbridge local authority area ( where she lives ) and Barking and Dagenham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hand .
Throughout the day her phone pings with messages and updates , and there are virtual meetings on the Zoom app ( which people who are self-isolating can also take part in ) .
In east London , there are Facebook groups for each borough and WhatsApp groups at ward and sometimes street level .
Signing up as a volunteer is one thing , finding a system that matches all the jobs that need doing - leafleting homes with offers of support , delivering groceries , fetching vital medicines - is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out leafleting , there 's people doing Facebook admin roles , '' Day says .
Not all generate equal levels of enthusiasm : `` There are some more popular tasks than others , and dog-walking is definitely up there , '' she adds .
But so far at least there are still enough bodies to go around .
• EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HOW IS THE UK PREPARING ?
The government 's plans • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about making sure households are stocked up with milk and bread , either .
Ensuring people have some kind of connection to the outside world is a priority , too .
One of the cases that has affected Day most was an older man with HIV , who was self-isolating .
`` He was feeling a bit lonely and just wanted to chat to somebody . ''
He was put in touch with volunteers who spoke to him by phone .
Some of those who 've volunteered have already seen their good deed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was keen to help out in any way she could .
She signed up to her local WhatsApp group in Denmark Hill , South London , and her phone number was added to a leaflet delivered through the doors of nearby streets offering support to anyone who needed it .
Then she started coughing .
Her partner developed a fever .
Neither of them had a thermometer , so they asked the group for one .
`` Lo and behold a thermometer was dropped at the door , '' she says .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly vulnerable person , she valued the sense of feeling cared for as she began her self-isolation .
`` It 's a really nice feeling , being looked after by your neighbours . ''
• How can you still celebrate Mother 's Day ?
• How to help kids cope with life without school The benefits of setting up a group like this might be obvious , but anyone who does so quickly encounters countless practical difficulties .
For instance , what does data protection law say about maintaining databases of volunteers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safeguarding them if they 're vulnerable ?
Do you need to carry out a criminal record check ?
What 's the most hygienic way of delivering a leaflet or a bag of groceries ?
These are issues the groups have had to get to grips with quickly , and all at once .
It 's compounded by the fact that they 've grown exponentially in just a few days .
Jamie Haxby , 31 , is an outreach worker for a church in Lancaster .
When it set up the Lancaster Coronavirus Response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attracted more than 1,000 members .
He found himself speaking to a woman who lived hundreds of miles away in Kent - her parents , both in their 80s , live in Lancaster and it reassured her to know they had a source of support .
Haxby was able to draw on his own experience of working closely with local authorities and voluntary sector organisations , as well the specialist skills of other church members .
One was a software engineer ; he set up a platform which allows volunteers to submit an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background check , and once they are cleared , allocates them to a particular job and alerts them by text .
The Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK umbrella group has guidance for things like hygiene , safeguarding , data protection and running meetings online .
Haxby warns that smaller groups with less experience and wherewithal could quickly find themselves out of their depth , facing a host of unforeseen problems .
The most important thing to remember , he says , is keeping it simple : `` We 're a bit limited in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff , pick stuff up , speak to them on the phone . ''
Given the widespread use of Facebook as an organising tool , there is also unease about the capacity for the social media platform and others like it to spread false rumours and misinformation .
It 's a big concern for John Morris , 27 , who set up Nottingham Covid-19 Mutual Aid on Saturday and found himself `` running a small NGO within two days '' - its Facebook page now has over 15,000 members .
A crucial early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moderators to enforce one of the page 's key rules - any health advice shared on it can only come from reputable sources such as the NHS , the government or the World Health Organization .
Photos of empty shelves were banned too : `` So no toilet roll posts , '' he says .
`` We do n't want to get people panicking . ''
And for Day , one of the most important functions of the groups has been to deepen her faith in human nature .
The footage of panic-buying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
`` This has shown me that people want to help each other . ''

And then, as she sat on her sofa looking at the newsfeed on her phone, she saw something that gave her hope. In Lewisham, across the river in south London, a Facebook group had been set up for people who wanted to offer their services to neighbours who might be confined to their homes as a result of the outbreak - to fetch their groceries, walk their dogs, pick up prescriptions or simply have a chat over the phone or Skype if they were feeling lonely or frightened.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--'I thought he was going to tear chunks out of my skin'

Lisa is one of a number of young women who have told the BBC they have been pressured into acts of violence in the bedroom .
She says she willingly `` got together '' with a guy she `` kind of knew '' at a house party but was shocked when he began repeatedly biting down on her body .
`` When he pulled his mouth away , his teeth were still clenched .
I thought he was going to tear chunks out of my skin , '' she says .
Lisa , which is not her real name , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether she wanted to be bitten and she was physically shocked by it .
She says she was crying and asked him to stop `` but there 's only so much you can do when somebody is a lot larger and stronger than you are '' .
Online culture is changing behaviour in the bedroom and what was once regarded as strictly fetish is rapidly becoming the norm .
BBC Disclosure and BBC 5Live commissioned a survey of 2,049 UK men aged 18 to 39 to assess how so-called `` rough sex '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 71 % of the men who took part said they had slapped , choked , gagged or spat on their partner during consensual sex .
One-third ( 33 % ) of the men who had done this said they would not ask verbally whether their partner would like them to do it either before or during sexual activity .
What is driving this interest in so-called `` rough sex '' ?
Our survey of young men pointed to a big factor - pornography .
More than half of the men ( 57 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slapped , choked , gagged and spat on partners said pornography had influenced their desire to do so .
One in five ( 20 % ) said it had influenced them a `` great deal '' .
A man called George - not his real name - told the BBC Disclosure programme A Question of Consent that he had tried choking and slapping during sex .
`` You see it in porn and think , 'oh , that looks class ' and you try it , '' he says .
However , George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what you watch on free pornography sites .
`` It never turns out the way it looks in porn , '' he says .
`` Obviously , they are actors , even though you watch and you like it , when you try it in real life you are disappointed quite a lot . ''
Dr Fiona Vera-Gray , from Durham University , researches the clips , titles and thumbnails found on the front pages of the world 's most popular free pornography sites .
She says she found evidence on the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of videos that would not be allowed to be uploaded under their stated terms and conditions .
Dr Vera-Gray says she even found evidence of videos that `` promote , endorse or glorify sexual violence , such as rape '' .
She says : `` Porn has changed the landscape of what 's going on for kids and so if you think your 12-year-old has n't seen pornography , I 'd really question that . ''
BBC Disclosure approached the most popular free pornography sites for an interview .
None agreed .
Lisa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the programme how she felt after her encounter .
`` I was just in shock , '' she says .
She says she felt a bit guilty because she had `` gotten with him '' .
`` Could I have done more ?
Could I have said more ?
Could I have left ? ''
she says .
She asks herself : `` Did you do enough to stop it ? ''
Brenna Jessie , from Rape Crisis Scotland , says that feelings of guilt are really common among victims of abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of women who have consented to sex but who have not consented to violence who wo n't necessarily recognise their experience or understand their experience to be sexual violence , '' she says .
Ms Jessie believes that society is to blame for those feelings .
`` We live in a society that really shames victims and blames them for not doing more to keep themselves safe rather than asking the perpetrators - or the people , who have committed these acts - why they have done that ? ''
Disclosure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC1 Scotland at 22:45 on Monday 23 March and on the iPlayer .

"It never turns out the way it looks in porn," he says. "Obviously, they are actors, even though you watch and you like it, when you try it in real life you are disappointed quite a lot."


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Frozen birthday party saved by Zoom video chat app

When coronavirus caused one pre-schooler 's family to isolate , it looked like his birthday party would have to be @ @ @ @ @ drama group found a way to save the day by offering a video chat-based celebration @ @ @ @ @ friends via the app Zoom .

When coronavirus caused one pre-schooler's family to isolate, it looked like his birthday party would have to be cancelled.
But a London-based drama group found a way to save the day by offering a video chat-based celebration for Harry and dozens of friends via the app Zoom.
Produced by Leo Kelion


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Newspaper headlines: 24 hours to avoid complete lockdown, PM warns

Several of the newspapers have pictures of crowds taking advantage of the spring sunshine to get outdoors - in spite of the guidelines on social distancing .
`` Stay home or face lockdown '' , is the Sun 's warning , while for the Daily Mail it 's : `` Obey the virus rules - or else . ''
The Daily Telegraph says there 's been deep concern within Whitehall as it emerged over the weekend that public messages urging people to stay at home and avoid socialising were apparently being ignored .
According to the Times , Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet and senior advisers to impose a full lockdown in London .
A senior government source tells the paper : `` It is inevitable - you just have to look at other countries . ''
Buzzfeed News says the prime minister faces a `` full scale mutiny '' from his cabinet and senior aides if he does n't enforce a lockdown of London in the next 24 hours .
It adds that Mr Johnson has deep ideological reservations about turning Britain into an effective police state .
Some Americans also appear to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
The New York Times says the governor , Andrew Cuomo , went out of his way to criticise the behaviour of some residents , describing it as insensitive and arrogant .
The Los Angeles Times reports that California 's sweeping stay-at-home order resulted in a weekend like no other , with people staying indoors and , when outside , keeping at least six feet apart .
But there were exceptions , it adds - with crowds gathering on beaches .
Most sports pages lead with the admission by the International Olympic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be postponed .
The Financial Times , on its front page , reports that talks between Olympics and Japanese officials in recent days have focused on the length of a delay .
The likely new date is the summer of 2021 , although other options include the autumn of next year and even pushing the Games to 2022 , the paper adds .
With churches now closed , the Times says yesterday was a day of virtual vicars taking to the internet to preach to their congregations .
At home , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other uplifting messages or just watched from the comfort of their beds .
The Mail says that at St Martin-in-the-Fields , in Central London , more than 1,000 people have been joining the online daily service of morning prayer , a larger congregation than the 850 it welcomes through its doors at Christmas .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning And finally , The Archers has become the latest victim of the coronavirus - with the BBC scrapping one episode a week .
The Telegraph reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be a shorter omnibus on Sundays .
Inevitably , the paper says , these episodes will contain little or no discussion over a pint in The Bull of the crisis the rest of us are talking about .
But that is entirely to be welcomed , it adds .
It will be nice to listen to how life used to be , and will be again .

The Daily Telegraph says there's been deep concern within Whitehall as it emerged over the weekend that public messages urging people to stay at home and avoid socialising were apparently being ignored.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: NI health service to access private sector beds

Northern Ireland 's health service is to access all hospital beds across the private sector .
In documents seen by BBC News NI the health board proposes to contract the use of the hospital sites for a period of `` not less than 3 months '' .
It 's part of health authorities ' surge planning for Covid-19 .
Meanwhile health care staff are urging the government to test more workers as soon as possible .
In a statement the Department of Health ( DoH ) said officials are now working with the private sector to identify how the additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health emergency calls for dramatic and decisive action and with a shortage of hospital beds , equipment and staff likely in the coronavirus fight - the three major independent hospitals say they want to help and have offered their services .
The hospitals involved are the Ulster Independent Clinic , the Kingsbridge and North West Independent Hospital .
Negotiations are underway , but potentially it could mean around 100 additional beds , 12 operating theatres , 15 anaesthetising machines and over 400 staff .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak BBC News NI understands that all have stated that they do n't wish to make any profit but only to cover costs .
In a statement the Department of Health said : `` Private sector hospitals in Northern Ireland have come forward to offer help to deal with the impact of the pandemic .
The Health and Social Care Board is working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources can be put to best use . ''
Talks between the independent sector and health board officials took place towards the end of last week .
They were instigated by the independent sector .
Sources told BBC News NI that they urged the officials to formalise the arrangement as soon as possible so those in the independent sector can begin to plan ahead .
The sector is keen to be involved as it is aware of how much pressure health trusts are going to be under .
It 's understood that negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board wanted a fortnight to think about fees and contracts .
Dr George Cardiner , an intensive care consultant at Belfast City Hospital , told BBC NI 's The Nolan Show the health service was in the `` lull before the storm '' .
He said it may not take long for Northern Ireland 's intensive care capacity to be exceeded .
He said : `` '' In the Belfast Trust , we have an intensive care unit in the City Hospital , in the Mater Hospital , in the Royal Victoria Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of weeks of the virus really starting to show its presence , all of those units will be full . ''
Meanwhile there is growing concern among health care workers that not enough of them are being tested for the coronavirus .
In the Republic of Ireland 50 test centres have been set up .
The largest centre is at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork , will be able to test 1,000 people each day .
A spokesperson for the Department of Health in Northern Ireland said : `` Following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing would be expanded as part of health service surge plans to deal with Covid-19 , the number of tests carried out has increased .
`` It is expected that testing capacity will be expanded to about 800 tests per day by the beginning of April .
This will enable the HSC to test more frontline health and social care staff , ensuring that they can continue to deliver vital services . ''
He said : `` There 's no point any of us looking back in two weeks and thinking I wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to take steps now . ''
On Monday , Economy Minister Diane Dodds called for the chancellor to announce support for self-employed people who have seen their incomes hit by the crisis .
Last week Rishi Sunak announced a £350bn lifeline for the economy and said the government would pay up to 80 % of the wages of employees unable to work due to the pandemic .
Speaking on the BBC 's Good Morning Ulster programme , Mrs Dodds said : `` That is a hugely significant intervention in the economy at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not gone the whole way and he has not addressed the issue of the self employed . ''
She said she had written to the Treasury about the issue .
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said the government would not be found wanting in support for people and businesses .
He said : `` While we can not guarantee that no-one will suffer hardship , we will do our utmost to support individuals , families and businesses . ''
At a press conference on Sunday evening , Boris Johnson warned the public to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of coronavirus , saying it is `` absolutely crucial '' .
According to the latest figures , there are more than 5,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK .
The number of people with coronavirus who have died is now 220 in England , seven in Scotland , five in Wales and two in Northern Ireland .
There have been four deaths in the Republic of Ireland .

In a statement the Department of Health said: "Private sector hospitals in Northern Ireland have come forward to offer help to deal with the impact of the pandemic. The Health and Social Care Board is working with them to identify how these additional resources can be put to best use."


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Strict new curbs on life in UK announced by PM

Strict new curbs on life in the UK to tackle the spread of coronavirus have been announced by the prime minister .
From this evening people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities , daily exercise , any medical need and travelling to and from essential work .
Shops selling non-essential goods are being told to shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together are to be prohibited .
If people do not follow the rules police will have the powers to enforce them , including through fines and dispersing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ televised statement from Downing Street .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Other premises including libraries , playgrounds and outdoor gyms , and places of worship must also close immediately .
Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed .
The government is also stopping all social events , including weddings , baptisms and other ceremonies - but funerals will be allowed .
Mr Johnson said the country faced a `` moment of national emergency '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the NHS and save lives .
He said the restrictions would be kept under constant review .
`` We will look again in three weeks , and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to , '' he added .
Martin Hewitt , chair of the National Police Chiefs ' Council , said they were `` working with the government and other agencies to consider how these new rules can be most effectively enforced '' .
But Ken Marsh , chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation , said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' among officers across London and enforcing the new restrictions would be `` a real , real challenge '' .
`` We will be dealing with it , but I 'm not sure we will have the resources to be able to see it through , '' he added .
Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a tweet : `` I know that the coming weeks will be testing for our front-line police officers .
`` I will do everything I can to ensure that they have the resources they need to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the new restrictions `` amount to a lockdown '' and are `` not done lightly '' .
`` I am not going to sugarcoat it in any way , '' she said .
`` Coronavirus is the biggest challenge of our lifetime . ''
In a tweet , First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster urged people to follow the restrictions `` to save lives and protect our hospitals '' .
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said `` these are really big changes for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them because of the speed the virus is continuing to spread , '' he added .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the measures were `` the right response '' .
`` There now needs to be clear guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close - and the government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers , including the self-employed , as well as renters and mortgage holders , '' he added .
• Five things that will now be banned • This is a lockdown , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' in NI if social distancing not followed The prime minister said the measures were necessary to tackle `` the biggest threat this country has faced for decades '' .
`` Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus , there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope ; because there wo n't be enough ventilators , enough intensive care beds , enough doctors and nurses , '' he said .
`` And as we have seen elsewhere , in other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that is the moment of real danger .
`` To put it simply , if too many people become seriously unwell at one time , the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die , not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well . ''
Ministers and officials have become concerned about reports of people failing to observe the advice about social distancing .
The sunny weather at the weekend led to people flocking to parks and other outdoor places to enjoy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commuters packed on to trains and tubes have also raised alarm .
The figures show the number of positive cases are beginning to rise quickly and there is a desire - now we have gone down this route - that the gains from reducing social contact are maximised .
If we halve exposure , new infections could fall by more than 95 % .
Scientists currently believe that each person with coronavirus infects 2.5 people and that takes about five days .
Thirty days after that first infection , that means more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we all reduce our exposure by half , after 30 days , that first infection would have led to only 15 infections .
The prime minister said he knew the `` damage '' the restrictions were causing to people 's lives , businesses and jobs but at present there were `` no easy options '' .
`` The way ahead is hard , and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost , '' he said .
However , Mr Johnson said there was `` a clear way through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former clinicians returning to work , accelerating the search for treatments and a vaccine and buying millions of testing kits .
A further 46 people have died in England since Sunday - aged between 47 and 105 and all with underlying health conditions - while there were four deaths in Scotland and four in Wales .
There have been 83,945 tests to date , with 6,650 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK .
Meanwhile , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Britons travelling abroad should return to the UK as soon as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the closure of borders and the suspension of flights .
And people in the most at-risk groups have begun receiving an NHS text urging them to stay at home for 12 weeks .
It seems hard to overstate how huge an impact this will have on the country , and what a massive decision this is for the government to have taken - whose effect will last at least for a period of three weeks at the shortest , potentially for very much longer .
Remember this though is not quite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other countries - at least not yet .
Despite tonight 's enormous announcement , there are steps that other places have taken - curfews or total travel bans for example - that the UK is not pursuing .
The government is not triggering the Civil Contingencies Act , designed for the most serious emergencies which gives ministers draconian powers .
Not surprisingly , there is already therefore enormous controversy about whether the UK has been acting fast enough .
Later on Monday night , following Mr Johnson 's address , emergency legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleared the House of Commons and will now go to the Lords for further debate .
Under the legislation , airports could shut and police would be able to force people with virus symptoms to isolate .
The powers , which would have to be renewed every six months , are expected to be approved by MPs .
Elsewhere , the British Olympic Association said Great Britain will not send a team to Tokyo 2020 if the spread of coronavirus continues as predicted .
The International Olympic Committee has given itself four weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Games , but Australia and Canada have already announced they will not compete this summer .
• The government has announced a package of measures to help the UK rail industry and promised commuters with season tickets that they will receive a refund if they choose to stay at home • Germany has expanded curbs on social interactions , banning public gatherings of more than two people • The number of worldwide cases has reached 340,000 , with nearly 15,000 deaths • Italy reported 602 new deaths on Monday , bringing the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reported the lowest number of new cases since infections peaked • Thousands of retired medics answered the government 's call to return to work to help with the outbreak - including 4,000 nurses and 500 doctors • All new jury trials in England and Wales have been halted until they can be conducted safely , the Lord Chief Justice has announced

It seems hard to overstate how huge an impact this will have on the country, and what a massive decision this is for the government to have taken - whose effect will last at least for a period of three weeks at the shortest, potentially for very much longer.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: All non-essential shops to close immediately

All shops selling non-essential goods will be closed immediately as the government imposes tougher controls to try and fight the coronavirus .
The shutdown will include clothing and electronic shops and other premises such as chocolate and book chains .
However , shops which sell essential items , such as supermarkets and pharmacies , will remain open .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the measures would cause disruption but save lives .
A host of High Street retailers and food chains , such as Ikea , John Lewis and Next , have already shut , leaving tens of thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as WH Smith and B & Q had vowed to stay open while adhering to stricter social distancing policies .
Mr Johnson said : `` I know the damage that this disruption is doing and will do to people 's lives , to their businesses and to their jobs .
`` And that 's why we have produced a huge and unprecedented programme of support both for workers and for business . ''
Only a small group of retailers will be allowed to stay open including : However , retailers will still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver items to your home .
The UK government said this week it will pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic , in a move aimed at protecting people 's jobs .
It will pay 80 % of salary for staff who are kept on by their employer , covering wages of up to £2,500 a month .
Many retail and hospitality firms have warned the pandemic could see them collapse , wiping out thousands of jobs , as life in the UK is put on hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail lobby group the British Retail Consortium , said many shops had already closed temporarily .
`` Others have continued to provide essential products and services to their customers , both from physical stores and online .
`` Any retailers that remain open will be following the very latest government public health guidance to ensure they do everything they can to ensure the safety of customers and staff . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government had already ordered pubs , restaurants and cafes to close amid concerns that people were ignoring its advice to keep social contact to a minimum .
Monday night 's announcement came as the number of UK deaths from coronavirus hit 335 , while there were 6,650 confirmed cases .
Many of the big brands to have already announced closures have promised to pay their staff for several weeks until the government 's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme kicks in .
However , concern is growing about the millions of self-employed and gig economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on benefits in the absence of targeted support .
Neil Carberry , boss of lobby group the Recruitment and Employment Confederation , said the announcement reinforced the need for businesses and workers to access government support measures `` as quickly as possible '' .
`` With the economy and jobs market in lockdown , all employers can do is stand by their staff as far as possible and reap the benefits during the post-crisis comeback , '' he added .

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bbcuk--2020-03-23--Alex Salmond cleared of all sexual assault charges

Alex Salmond has been cleared of sexually assaulting nine women while he was Scotland 's first minister .
A jury found the former SNP leader not guilty on 12 of the sexual assault charges facing him , while another was found not proven .
A further charge of sexually assaulting a 10th woman had previously been dropped by prosecutors .
Mr Salmond had said he was innocent of all the charges against him throughout the two-week trial .
The women who made the allegations against Mr Salmond included an SNP politician , a party worker and several current and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During his evidence to the court , he said the claims made about his alleged conduct were `` deliberate fabrications for a political purpose '' or `` exaggerations '' .
• Behind the scenes of the Alex Salmond trial • Follow @ bbcphilipsim for live updates from the trial And he said he had `` never attempted to have non-consensual sexual relations with anyone in my entire life '' .
Mr Salmond 's defence team had claimed during the trial that a senior Scottish government official known as Woman A , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the other complainers before Mr Salmond was charged .
Defence lawyer Gordon Jackson QC told the jury : `` That stinks .
It absolutely stinks '' .
Mr Jackson also said his client had not always behaved well and could have been `` a better man on occasions '' - but had never sexually assaulted anyone .
Speaking outside court after his acquittal , Mr Salmond said : `` As many of you will know , there is certain evidence I would have liked to have seen led in this trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not able to do so .
`` At some point , that information , that facts and that evidence will see the light of day . ''
He also said his faith in the Scottish legal system had been `` much reinforced '' , and thanked his legal team and everyone else who had supported him .
Mr Salmond added : `` Whatever nightmare I have been through over the last two years it is as nothing compared to the situation we are all going through .
`` If you can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , God help us all . ''
After a political career crossing four decades , Alex Salmond has spent more time than most sitting nervously waiting for a result to come in .
Never , though , one quite like this .
As the foreman of the jury read out verdicts clearing the former first minister of sexual assault , it was like the air had gone out of the room .
After six total hours of pacing and speculation , the inhabitants of court three were utterly silenced .
For two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the dock as his future and freedom were debated in front of him .
Giving evidence , there was little evidence of the political showman of old - this was a reserved Alex Salmond , acutely aware of the difficulty of the situation facing him .
Outside the court too , there was little in the way of triumphalism .
He thanked the jury and his supporters , and voiced fears about the coronavirus crisis .
But he also spoke about how `` certain evidence '' was yet to come to light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case is over , there are many matters which are far from settled .
There will now be myriad questions directed at the Scottish government , the SNP , and Nicola Sturgeon .
But these will be debated in the political arena , not the legal one .
Nicola Sturgeon , who replaced Mr Salmond as first minister and SNP leader in 2014 , told BBC Scotland that the jury 's verdict must be respected and that she will welcome the parliamentary inquiries that are to be held into her government 's handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added : `` I am a strong believer in a rigorous , robust independent judicial process where complaints of this nature , if they come forward , are properly and thoroughly investigated , due process takes its course and a court reaches a decision .
`` I have no doubt that there will be further discussion around this issue in due course , and I will welcome that , but that time is not now .
`` This country faces a crisis right now that is bigger than anything we 've ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my duty to the public is to focus 100 % on steering us through that crisis - and that is what I intend to do . ''
The Scottish government admitted during a judicial review in January of last year that it had acted unlawfully while investigating sexual harassment complaints made against Mr Salmond by appointing an investigating officer who had `` prior involvement '' in the case .
Mr Salmond , who hosts a TV show on controversial Russian broadcaster RT , was arrested by the police and formally charged later the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SNP in August 2018 , but made clear at the time that he intended to apply to rejoin the party that he led for a total of 20 years once he had cleared his name .
Mr Salmond remains an iconic figure for many within the party and the wider independence movement , and raised more than £100,000 in just three days from an online crowdfunder to pay for his judicial review against the Scottish government .
The jury 's verdict was welcomed by SNP MP Joanna Cherry QC , who said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the background to these cases '' .
Ms Cherry added : `` Some of the evidence that has come to light both in the judicial review and at this trial raise very serious questions over the process that was employed within the Scottish government to investigate the alleged complaints against Mr Salmond .
`` I am sorry to say some of the evidence also raises serious question marks over how these complaints were handled by the SNP . ''
Another SNP MP , Kenny MacAskill , tweeted that he was `` delighted '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Some resignations now required . ''
Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw said : `` This remains a national political scandal with profound questions of integrity for the first minister and her SNP government . ''
But he said everyone 's efforts must be focused , for now , on tackling the coronavirus crisis .
What did the jury decide ?
The jury returned not guilty verdicts on 12 of the sexual assault charges , including one of attempted rape , and returned a not proven verdict on a charge of sexual assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proven verdict is an unusual and highly controversial feature of the Scottish legal system which in practice is exactly the same as a verdict of not guilty .
The charges were all alleged to have happened while Mr Salmond was serving as Scotland 's first minister , with several alleged to have happened at the first minister 's official Bute House residence in Edinburgh .
Mr Salmond was first minister between May 2007 and November 2014 , when he stood down in the wake of the Scottish independence referendum and was replaced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear ?
• Woman claims former first minister gave her 'very sloppy ' kisses • Woman says former first minister 'apologised ' for behaviour • Woman says Salmond kissed her after 'zombie walk' • Witness says Salmond accuser did not attend dinner

Speaking outside court after his acquittal, Mr Salmond said: "As many of you will know, there is certain evidence I would have liked to have seen led in this trial but for a variety of reasons we were not able to do so.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Commons could close early due to coronavirus

MPs could break early for the Easter recess amid the coronavirus crisis , a cabinet minister has suggested .
Jacob Rees-Mogg said the option to close early was being considered but added that emergency legislation needed to be approved first .
MPs will see other changes to the way the House of Commons runs , including a ban on alcohol sales .
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle also said voting would take longer to allow for social distancing .
Addressing MPs Sir Lindsay said votes would now take up to 40 minutes , rather than the customary 15 to ensure MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The question of closing the House of Commons early was raised by SNP MP Patrick Harvey who said : `` The continuing business of the House continues to put pressure on staff , pressure on members .
• MPs stay away from House of Commons chamber '' Can the leader say what consideration is being given to bring recess forward to the end of this week because the reality is that any of us that return to our constituencies from London , the epicentre of the virus , are going to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Leader of the House , Mr Rees-Mogg , said : `` I can assure the honourable gentleman that that is being considered . ''
MPs are considering the Coronavirus Bill which gives the government new emergency powers to combat the spread of the disease .
Mr Rees-Mogg said that the bill needed to pass this week - however , he suggested other bills , such as the Toilets Rate Relief Bill , could be postponed until after the Easter break .
The House of Commons had been due to break for Easter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Coronavirus Bill , Sir Lindsay announced changes to how the House of Commons would operate following the continued spread of the virus .
In addition to suspending alcohol sales in House of Commons catering venues , some canteen facilities will be closed .
He also said over the Easter recess , work would take place to make video conferencing easier .
And on voting , he said the entry of MPs into the division lobbies - where members cast their votes - would be staggered to allow for social distancing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ think twice '' before tabling questions to ministers warning that too many inquiries could `` block up '' civil servants working on the coronavirus .

"Can the leader say what consideration is being given to bring recess forward to the end of this week because the reality is that any of us that return to our constituencies from London, the epicentre of the virus, are going to have to self-isolate?"


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Greggs to close all stores to prevent spread

Greggs has become the latest food retailer to say it will close its shops temporarily to help fight coronavirus .
The bakery chain , which has more than 2,050 outlets , said all shops would shut on Tuesday night to help maintain social distancing .
McDonalds , Nando 's , KFC , Costa Coffee , Subway and Pizza Express have already announced similar measures .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told restaurants and cafes to close , but has exempted takeaway food places .
Greggs , which has about 25,000 employees , had already converted its stores to provide solely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It is now clear that to protect our people and customers we need to go further and temporarily close our shops completely .
`` During this period , with support from the government 's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , we intend to maintain employment of colleagues at full contract hours for as long as is practicable . ''
McDonald 's had earlier said it would close all 1,270 of its restaurants in the UK by the end of the day , affecting 135,000 workers .
The chain said staff employed directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their scheduled hours until 5 April .
McDonald 's UK boss , Paul Pomroy , said : `` Over the last 24 hours , it has become clear that maintaining safe social distancing whilst operating busy takeaway and Drive Thru restaurants is increasingly difficult and therefore we have taken the decision to close every restaurant in the UK and Ireland by 7pm on Monday 23 March . ''
Nando 's , which has around 19,000 staff , said its bosses had `` decided that the best course of action right now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pizza Express , which employs 14,0000 , will also close all of its stores until it is safe to open them again , and will not be offering home delivery .
Others that have announced temporary closures include : • KFC : The chicken chain will start closing its 900 outlets immediately until further notice , with all due to be shut by Wednesday .
• Costa Coffee : It will close 2,000 branches by the end of Monday , but said its hospital branches would remain open for the time being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free hot drinks to all NHS workers for the next two weeks .
Its 19,000 staff , many of whom are on the minimum wage , will be paid in full for the next eight weeks .
• Subway : The sandwich chain closed all its UK stores from 17:00 GMT on Monday .
It tweeted that many of its franchise owners were `` continuing to support the nation 's frontline workers ... by donating food responsibly , over the next few days '' .
• Starbucks : The chain had closed all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They join big retailers like Ikea , John Lewis and Topshop who have also said they 'll be shutting down for a while .
All of them have said they want to protect the wellbeing of staff and customers .
Julian Metcalfe , who runs Asian food chain Itsu , described the decision to close as `` heartbreaking '' .
`` Whilst we are closed we 'll continue to do everything we can to look after our people , who are being wonderful , strong and supportive , '' he said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The hospitality industry , which was already struggling from slowing consumer demand , has been put under severe pressure by the coronavirus outbreak .
Last week , industry leaders warned of widespread closures of pubs , cafes and restaurants without state support .
On Friday , Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government would pay 80 % of wages of furloughed employees , up to a maximum of £2,500 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , cover self-employed and `` gig economy '' workers , unless they are paid via their company 's PAYE system , as is the case at McDonald 's .
On Sunday , a Treasury spokesman said the government had strengthened the safety net for the self-employed under universal credit , and was deferring income tax self-assessment payments .
`` We have always said we will go further where we can and are actively considering further steps , '' the spokesman said .


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Wembley gang shooting: Trio guilty of mistaken identity murder

Four men have been found guilty of the revenge killing of a shop worker who was shot dead in a case of mistaken identity .
Kwasi Mensah-Ababio was `` simply in the wrong place at the wrong time '' as he sat on a park bench in Wembley , north-west London , the Old Bailey had heard .
He was shot in the head at close range .
Rene Montaque , 35 , Karlos Gracia , 23 , and Alhassan Jalloh , 21 were found guilty of his murder .
They will be sentenced at a later date .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the 26-year-old victim was `` minding his own business '' when he was targeted on 7 July .
Mr Mensah-Ababio had just bought a soft drink when he was approached by a group of men in Monks Park .
He was shot in retribution for the murder of 32-year-old Craig Small two days earlier , the jury was told .
The killing of Mr Small caused `` hostilities '' to erupt between two Wembley groups .
Mr Mensah-Ababio was shot because he bore a `` striking resemblance '' to a senior member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called Darren Buchanan , nicknamed Pacman .
The St Raphs group was blamed for the murder of Mr Small , who belonged to a rival group in Stonebridge , the trial heard .
A fourth defendant , Taalib Rowe , 25 , was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter by a majority of nine to one .

Kwasi Mensah-Ababio was "simply in the wrong place at the wrong time" as he sat on a park bench in Wembley, north-west London, the Old Bailey had heard. He was shot in the head at close range.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Alex Davies stabbing: Teen guilty of Grindr date murder

A teenager has been convicted of the murder of a sales assistant who he stabbed more than 100 times and left in a remote woodland location .
Brian Healless attacked Alex Davies , 18 , on Parbold Hill , Lancashire , after they agreed through the dating app Grindr to meet at a `` discreet spot '' .
Healless , also 18 , dragged him through the mud while he was still alive and covered his body with branches .
Healless , of Chorley , will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday .
The jury convicted him of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than an hour .
The judge thanked the jurors for being `` truly fantastic '' amid the coronavirus pandemic .
They had to sit further apart than normal , with half in the well of the court and the others in the jury box .
They had heard that Mr Davies , from Skelmersdale , was openly gay and the defendant had been in contact with him and other men .
Healless had mentioned meeting for `` some outdoor fun '' but took a knife to the top of Parbold Hill on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After the killing , he rode off on his mountain bike .
Three days later , a gamekeeper working on the hill spotted an arm under a pile of broken conifers , leading police to Mr Davies 's body .
The court heard Healless had made searches on eBay for a military-style folding spade , a shovel and a pickaxe .
Prosecutor David McLachlan suggested to the jury that this was evidence of Healless preparing for his next victim .
Defence lawyers argued the teenager was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` calculating , cunning , manipulative and dangerous young man '' .

The judge thanked the jurors for being "truly fantastic" amid the coronavirus pandemic. They had to sit further apart than normal, with half in the well of the court and the others in the jury box.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Carlisle chimney death man 'upset over historical sexual abuse'

A grandfather who died after being stuck upside down at the top of a 290ft chimney was upset by a decision not to prosecute allegations of historical sexual abuse , an inquest has heard .
Robert Philip Longcake placed himself in a `` position of extreme peril '' at the top of Dixons Chimney in Carlisle .
The court heard it was unclear whether he had tried to jump or had changed his mind and slipped , catching his ankle .
The 53-year-old crematorium technician , from Dalston , who was known as Phil , died of hypothermia and cerebral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquest his widow Andrea said that he had started what seemed to be a mid-life crisis in the April and in August spoke to police about historical sexual abuse .
He attempted to take his own life in August and again in October , and moved out of the family home in October when she discovered he was having an affair , she said .
PC Andrea Williams , of Cumbria Police , told the inquest there had been insufficient evidence to proceed with Mr Longcake 's abuse allegations .
She said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision . ''
On the evening of 27 October he was spotted on CCTV walking with ladders towards Dixons Chimney and then climbing the 88m high structure .
Police were contacted in the early hours by reports of `` groaning noises '' , and a major rescue operation began .
His predicament was described by emergency services as `` very complex and precarious '' - and he was seen suspended upside down from a ladder at the top .
The situation lasted 14 hours and was watched by shocked members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been `` troubled so greatly '' by the abuse .
`` The fact it could not be pursued would seem to have hit him so hard , '' he said .
`` He deliberately placed himself in a position of extreme peril with the intent of taking his own life but it is uncertain whether he took the ultimate step or he slipped and fell accidentally . ''

He attempted to take his own life in August and again in October, and moved out of the family home in October when she discovered he was having an affair, she said.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Unis must stop unconditional offers in virus confusion

Universities in England have been told to stop making unconditional offers for the next two weeks , in a bid to tackle the confusion over applications during the coronavirus outbreak .
The higher education watchdog , the Office for Students , has warned against unfair pressure being put on students .
There are concerns universities are dropping exam requirements in a bid to push students to commit to courses .
The move is an attempt to stop any panicky decisions and to create some `` stability '' for students applying for university places , after the cancellation of A-levels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to decide admissions .
Nicola Dandridge , chief executive of the Office for Students , threatened universities with `` any powers available to us '' to stop such offers , which she said were `` damaging to students '' .
• Universities could scrap use of predicted grades The Department for Education says some universities appear to be switching offers which depended on getting A-level grades to unconditional offers , where students will get a place regardless of exam grades , or else significantly lowering the grades required .
This practice has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tactic which might make students choose a course not be in their best interests , particularly in the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus .
In a bid to stop this becoming a stampede - with other universities thinking they will have to rush to get students too - a line-up of higher education bodies has put out warning statements , including the Office for Students , the Department for Education and Universities UK .
Ms Donelan says anxious students must not be forced into a `` making a quick decision '' and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destabilising the entire admissions system '' .
The two-week pause is intended to create breathing space while universities , exam boards , regulators and ministers try to work out how to handle this year 's universities admissions , in the absence of conventional exam results .
There are plans to replace the exams with teacher assessments , taking into account previous exam results , coursework , mock exam results and teachers ' predictions , with grades to be issued by the end of July .
Ms Dandridge said Ofqual , the exam regulator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of issuing A-level grades which should provide reassurance to students , and will also mean that there is no reason to rush decisions '' .
While this is in progress , she said universities `` must stop making offers that are not in the best interests of students '' .
The calls were supported by Alistair Jarvis , chief executive of the universities ' body , Universities UK .
`` It is vital that the admissions process remains fair , consistent , and in the best interests of all students - who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance to date to be fairly reflected , '' he said .
The universities admissions service , Ucas , is to tell applicants that the deadline in early May for making decisions on courses is going to be pushed back by two weeks to give students more time to consider .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

The move is an attempt to stop any panicky decisions and to create some "stability" for students applying for university places, after the cancellation of A-levels and other exams which would have been used to decide admissions.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Parents heed calls not to send children to school

Parents have heeded warnings not to send children into school unless it was a last resort , say head teachers .
Schools in the UK have closed to reduce the spread of coronavirus - and are only open to look after the children of `` key workers '' and vulnerable children .
Early snapshot surveys suggested schools had between 1 % and 20 % of pupils attending .
The Department for Education welcomed that numbers in school were `` low '' and that parents had kept children at home .
There had been fears too many pupils would turn up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers would struggle to cope .
But Geoff Barton , leader of the ASCL head teachers ' union , said the numbers at school appeared to be `` manageable '' .
He said parents appeared to have `` heeded calls to use the emergency provision in schools only in the event that they are key workers who have no option available to keep their children at home '' .
• Parents in Wales urged to keep children out of school • School only a 'last resort ' parents told in Northern Ireland • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of coronavirus This was supported by a snapshot survey from the National Association of Head Teachers , with members in England , Wales and Northern Ireland , showing that : • in 94 % of schools no more than 20 % of pupils had attended .
A separate survey from the ASCL union , also of England , Wales and Northern Ireland , showed even lower numbers , with : • fewer than 10 % of pupils in the `` vast majority '' of schools • most schools had between 1 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only the first day for such emergency childcare cover and a full picture will take time to emerge , but the early reports might allay concerns that families would continue to send their children to school .
`` It appears that the vast majority of families have responded to our appeal not to send their children to school , and we thank them for that , '' said Paul Whiteman , the NAHT 's general secretary .
Children have been told to stay at home across the UK .
Keeping schools open to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - such as NHS , emergency or transport staff - is intended to help parents keep going to work and to maintain essential services .
Mary Bousted , joint general secretary of the National Education Union , has called for virus testing for all staff in schools that remain open .
`` This is no time for half-measures , '' said Dr Bousted , who said staff who were vulnerable , or who had vulnerable family at home , should not be put at risk by being in school .
Gavin Williamson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Early indications are that the number of children attending school today is low , and we thank parents for making the right choice and playing their part in our fight against coronavirus .
`` People must do everything they can to stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives . ''
In Wales , Education Minister Kirsty Williams had called on key workers to `` think very carefully '' before sending their children to school .
Northern Ireland 's Education Minister , Peter Weir , said children should only attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viable option '' for their care .
The first morning of a new type of school For those children starting their week at home , schools have been putting lessons and coursework online so that pupils can keep up with their studies .
At Hampton Hill Junior School in Richmond , London , staff have had emergency training sessions in how to use an online learning system and all children were issued with a log-in so they can work from home .
`` We 'll be remotely available to answer any questions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special educational needs co-ordinator , told the BBC .
Ms Bannister said the mood in school , which is open for key workers ' children and vulnerable children , is sombre .
`` I think it 's a very different mood this morning , '' she said .
`` In the staff meeting , we all sat further apart - there is definitely a different mood and maybe trepidation . ''
Pradeep Shetty , a carer whose daughter is eligible to attend school , says the current situation is difficult for everyone - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those still coming to school .
Mr Shetty says those children who have come to school will soon find it is very different from a regular timetable .
`` It 's hard for them to take as well - it 's not a normal thing , just to be here without their friends . ''
Amy Arnold , head teacher at Barnham Church of England primary school in Suffolk , says staff are trying to create fun activities outdoors for those pupils who have come to school , such as den building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're working hard to keep the children a safe distance apart - inevitably that poses some problems because some of the children are five years old and so they 're finding this tricky to understand . ''
At Enniskillen Royal Grammar School in County Fermanagh , in Northern Ireland , principal Elizabeth Armstrong said a `` small number of pupils '' were in school on Monday morning .
• Frontline health workers such as doctors and nurses • Workers in key public services including those essential to the justice system , religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , communication and financial services staff , including postal workers and waste disposal workers Read more : Whose children will still be able to go to school ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Are you now homeschooling your children ?
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He said parents appeared to have "heeded calls to use the emergency provision in schools only in the event that they are key workers who have no option available to keep their children at home".


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Choreographer Liam Scarlett to leave Royal Ballet

Liam Scarlett , one of the UK 's leading choreographers , will no longer be working with London 's Royal Ballet , the company has announced .
The move follows a disciplinary investigation over alleged incidents of sexual misconduct with students .
However the ballet said the inquiry had found `` no matters to pursue '' in regard to claims involving its students .
The choreographer , a former dancer with the Royal Ballet , has not commented on the allegations .
He had been artist-in-residence at the company since 2012 but was suspended from his post last August .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Royal Baller 's major recent shows , including a new production of Swan Lake in 2018 .
This coming summer , the ballet was due to stage Scarlett 's Symphonic Dances but the production has now been cancelled , the company confirmed .
A statement from the Royal Opera House , ballet 's parent company , said : `` Liam Scarlett 's position with The Royal Ballet ended on 23 March , 2020 .
`` We can confirm that the independent investigation has concluded and found there were no matters to pursue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of The Royal Ballet School . ''
The Royal Opera House in central London , where the ballet company is based , is currently closed until at least 19 April following the government 's directive that all theatres should close during the coronavirus outbreak .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

The Royal Opera House in central London, where the ballet company is based, is currently closed until at least 19 April following the government's directive that all theatres should close during the coronavirus outbreak.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: So how did day one of homeschooling go?

With schools closed to the majority of pupils to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus , parents across the country have been asked to become instant homeschoolers .
How have they coped with their first day of juggling timetables , curricula and coursework - all the while trying to get their own jobs done ?
“ I ’ ve kind of done a timetable but I ’ m not sure how successful that ’ s going to be – ask me in a few days , ” says Bobbie Gordon in Nottingham .
She and her husband - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - are trying to be as flexible as possible as they combine work with their new role as homeschoolers to Imogen , 9 , Lottie , 6 , and four-year-old Hattie .
• How families can cope with self-isolating together • The school of Mum and Dad • How to help kids cope with life without school “ We ’ re just trying to tag-team it , ” she says .
“ It ’ s about being flexible .
We ’ re just trying to be supportive of each other as well because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve both got quite demanding jobs.
” The curriculum involves some schoolwork along with things the parents are keen to share with their kids , whether it ’ s coding , cooking or teaching them how to use the washing machine .
“ It ’ s life skills stuff , ” says Ms Gordon .
“ Maybe it will help them realise everything that we have to do !
” So far on Monday morning , they have done some writing , planted some seeds in the vegetable patch and made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s also keen for her kids to keep in touch with friends by video chat , and the eldest has already organised a daily evening video call with her classmates .
“ It ’ s 16 very excitable nine-year-olds running round their houses and playing instruments and things , ” she says .
Day one has gone relatively smoothly , says Ms Gordon , with sunshine and a spacious garden playing their part .
“ I suspect in a few weeks ’ time if it ’ s horrible , rainy weather and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be harder days ahead , ” she says .
For some parents , it ’ s been all about maintaining a routine .
Joe Wicks , the fitness instructor and TV presenter , attracted more than 800,000 viewers to his YouTube Channel promising a daily 30-minute workout for kids to start the day .
He told BBC Radio 5 Live he wanted to play a part in reassuring kids that “ although this is a weird time , everything is going to be fine , it ’ s going to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again ” .
In St Helens , Catherine Ormesher says her 11-year-old daughter Jessica is also benefitting from sticking to a routine , tackling her maths work on Monday morning just as her school timetable says .
She says her daughter ’ s school took “ a massive weight ” off of parents by providing them with materials and log-ins for online learning .
The school suggested that parents wake up their children at the normal time and begin work at 09:00 GMT .
“ The kids have been sending WhatsApp messages to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting their lessons now .
They ’ re following the timetable and getting one another motivated , ” says Ms Ormesher , who is a carer .
“ They obviously want the routine and the stability.
” Ms Ormesher said the school ’ s music teacher started them off with a “ wake and shake ” – an early morning dance to get kids energised – before a morning of lessons .
At her 11:00 break , Jessica asked Amazon ’ s Alexa to set a reminder for the start of lessons 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that holding onto the routine may have a special importance for her , as she was in isolation before school closed , having returned from Spain with an illness .
“ On Friday a little boy knocked on the door and left all her books and everything from school on our step .
When we opened the door and I gave them to Jess , she just broke her heart crying because she hadn ’ t got to say her goodbyes to her primary school , ” she says .
Educational psychologists – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home in Brighton with her three children – warn that being home for a prolonged period can be difficult and stressful for some children .
Parents may also be stressed and worrying about the health of family members , their finances or food security , she says .
So her approach has been to emphasise that home is not school and she is not a teacher .
“ We have decided to focus on safety , love and fun , with a little bit of learning where the children are showing interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very motivated and organised , she says , working through tasks set by school , helping his younger sister and following his interests in skills such as coding .
The others are getting more guidance in activities such as gardening or recording music on the computer .
The youngest has volunteered to practice spelling and times tables .
“ I think we are all experiencing a feeling of loss of control at the moment , so doing activities where your children can be involved in planning and making decisions - and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit more in control , ” Ms Dasgupta says .
“ If we can support our children through this , it may well end up being a positive experience .
They may develop some resilience and discover new found interests and skills.
” • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

“On Friday a little boy knocked on the door and left all her books and everything from school on our step. When we opened the door and I gave them to Jess, she just broke her heart crying because she hadn’t got to say her goodbyes to her primary school,” she says.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--In Pictures: UK adjusts to life during pandemic

British people have been told to stay at home and avoid public gatherings .
Public transport has been reduced in @ @ @ @ @ part of protective measures to reduce the spread of the disease .

Image caption,
British people have been told to stay at home and avoid public gatherings. Public transport has been reduced in many towns and cities as part of protective measures to reduce the spread of the disease.


bbcuk--2020-03-23--‘It’s exhausting but we’ll keep on working’

`` It 's been non-stop for the past few weeks .
No matter how hard we try , the shelves are n't full . ''
There are many people around the country who have been following the government 's advice around social distancing - that 's avoiding going out for non-essential reasons due to the coronavirus pandemic .
For quite a few of us , that means having to work from home .
But that 's not an option everyone can take .
Supermarket worker Tiff has no choice but to go to work , despite the infection risks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would close too , but I know that 's not possible right now , '' the 26-year-old tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
You 've probably seen people flooding to supermarkets , trying to get as many items as they can - panic buying things like handwash and antibacterial gel .
Tiff 's in charge of the health and beauty section in her supermarket , which includes those items .
And she says the rush of panic buying because of coronavirus has been `` horrible and overwhelming '' .
`` People have been yelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not there when we run out . ''
With cases of Covid-19 rising around the country , you might imagine that lots of frontline workers would n't want to work anymore .
The 28-year-old helps run a group of community pharmacies in north west England , which serve 250 care homes and deliver medicines to around 20,000 patients .
And those patients are the reason he 's still going to work .
If Mehfuz decides to stop working , `` vulnerable people will go without medicines '' , he says .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can just disappear or you can work from home .
We have to keep delivering to them , despite what 's happening in the world . ''
And despite her experiences in the supermarket , Tiff agrees with Mehfuz that it 's important for those on the frontline to keep working at a time of crisis .
`` People need supplies - they 're looking for hygiene products and food - so we have to do what we can .
If we do n't , it 'll just be more anger and panic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling `` anxious and afraid '' because of the uncertainty around the virus and possible impact on her health .
She suffered with a bad cough a few years ago , which she worries has damaged her lungs .
People with underlying health problems are at greater risk of developing severe symptoms .
`` I 'm always thinking about it and a bit worried , '' she says .
And Tiff 's not the only one to have those concerns .
Jade Barnett , 19 , has two jobs - in a warehouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worried she could catch the coronavirus at work and take it home to her family .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak '' It 's not as much about me .
I just do n't want to catch anything and then pass it onto my nan or nephew , '' she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` quite cautious '' .
But with lots of people whose jobs are at risk , Jade says she 's grateful she 's still able to work , despite the potential health risk .
`` There are lots of people out there who have lost their jobs , or are n't able to earn any money .
How are people meant to survive without money and a job ? ''
Like Tiff and Mehfuz , she acknowledges that she has a vital `` role to play '' in helping the country fight coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now comes with `` extra pressure '' .
When she 's packing deliveries in the warehouse , she 's aware that not having all the items someone needs can make things difficult for customers .
`` It means they wo n't get a good shop and it might be someone who ca n't physically come to the shops , '' she says .
`` So you do think about things like that and feel more responsibility . ''
When working in the supermarket , she says it can be hard when dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain items .
`` They often get lots of things and you have to tell them they ca n't take that much .
You feel bad because you never know how much someone needs . ''
Mehfuz says the current crisis is `` the toughest time '' he 's ever experienced .
`` Everyone at work understands the pressure is on us to deliver for the vulnerable , '' he says , adding that customers have called up worried his service may be shut down .
`` They tell us that the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motivates me and the others a lot . ''
It 's an exhausting time for both Jade and Tiff , and they ca n't wait for the crisis to be over .
`` It can be a lot of night shifts , sometimes 16-hour shifts .
It feels like 24/7 , '' Jade says .
`` Hopefully all of this calms down soon .
Because you do have some really rough days and it 's not nice . ''
`` We 'll keep working , but even if it 's just for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Tiff adds .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"They often get lots of things and you have to tell them they can't take that much. You feel bad because you never know how much someone needs."


bbcuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Surge in guitar and ukelele sales as people try to fill their time

Are many of us turning to music - and not just listening to it - to help us cope during @ @ @ @ @ Guitars in Timperley , Greater Manchester , has seen a surge in demand for musical @ @ @ @ @ `` Ukuleles have flown out this week , '' said owner Rick Manning .
`` @ @ @ @ @ kids can just pick up and start . ''

Are many of us turning to music - and not just listening to it - to help us cope during the coronavirus outbreak?
Marvel Guitars in Timperley, Greater Manchester, has seen a surge in demand for musical instruments in recent days.
"Ukuleles have flown out this week," said owner Rick Manning. "It's something that young kids can just pick up and start."