bbcuk--2020-04-23--Ramadan: Fasting safely during coronavirus crisis

Millions of people around the world will be observing the `` holy month '' of Ramadan under lockdown this year .
Each year , many practising Muslims fast from dawn to dusk for the whole of the lunar month - either 29 or 30 days - as part of the ritual of dedicating oneself to contemplation and prayer .
Fasting is obligatory for all adult followers of the faith who are able to safely go without food and drink .
But there are some considerations when it comes to fasting during a pandemic .
Fighting infection takes a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jenna Macciochi says .
And prolonged periods of not eating or drinking can weaken the immune system .
So it is important to make sure you get enough calories during the hours you are permitted to eat , including enough : • micronutrients , such as vitamin C and iron And it is a good idea to eat a variety of food , including lots of different coloured vegetables , fruits , pulses and legumes .
Both under- and over-eating can affect the immune system , so you can help yourself by staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Dr Macciochi .
There is also some risk in becoming dehydrated , as it can affect the mucus that lines your airways and acts as a protective barrier .
But looking after other aspects of your health by trying to get enough sleep and exercise and de-stressing where possible can help keep your immune system functioning as it should .
More simply though , the best way to protect your health is preventing exposure to the virus .
Much of the risk can be avoided by handwashing and , for those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about people with health conditions ?
People who are ill , including those with Covid-19 , are exempt from fasting .
And it is not recommended for people with certain long-term conditions such as diabetes with complications .
Diabetes UK head of care Daniel Howarth said the decision was `` absolutely a personal reflection '' but there were some precautions people with well managed conditions who wanted to fast could take , including eating slower-release carbohydrates , such as wholegrain bread and rice , and testing your blood sugar more often .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying `` healthcare staff required to provide care to Covid-19 patients , at real risk of dehydration and making clinical errors due to wearing PPE [ personal protective equipment ] and long shifts '' are exempt from fasting .
Can fasting be good for your health ?
Although not consuming enough calories in a day can lower your immune response , the effect of fasting on the immune system is not straightforward .
The immune system is not one thing with an on/off switch .
It is a complicated series of mechanisms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fasting releases the stress hormone cortisol , which can suppress some immune responses .
But there is also good evidence from studies in mice that intermittent fasting of the kind practised during Ramadan can speed up the body 's process of regeneration , causing old cells to die and be replaced with new ones .
However , it is difficult to translate this evidence to humans .
And it is not clear how long you would have to fast to replicate the effect .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

But looking after other aspects of your health by trying to get enough sleep and exercise and de-stressing where possible can help keep your immune system functioning as it should.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Is social distancing on trains here to stay?

If the number of new cases of coronavirus drop off as hoped , the government will probably begin to lift elements of the lockdown within weeks .
Plans are already being made on how an uptick in passenger numbers on the railways , possibly in mid-May , can be managed in the wake of a pandemic .
Senior figures within the industry have told the BBC that ministers want some form of social distancing to persist .
But discussions are ongoing to try and work out what might be possible .
What are the challenges ?
One rail boss said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extraordinarily difficult '' to manage and police .
Another said it could reduce the capacity of an individual train by between 70 % and 90 % .
At the moment around half of normal train services in the UK are running so that essential journeys are possible .
Public Health England is currently in discussions with the Department for Transport and Network Rail over what level of social distancing could be acceptable .
A source close to the talks said it was `` not the territory of easy choices . ''
Limiting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a possibility .
That is a realistic option on long-distance inter-city routes where passengers can make advanced bookings But it becomes fiendishly complicated on busy commuter lines with large numbers of stops , especially going in and out of major stations in larges cities such as Manchester or London .
`` Even with 20 % of the normal passenger volume it gets quite difficult '' , said one figure involved in the planning .
At the moment overall passenger numbers are 3 % of pre-crisis levels .
Many trains are travelling around empty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Spain and Italy , only people working in specific sectors of the economy might initially be allowed back to work .
Staggering workers ' hours to stem the flow of passengers at peak times would help , although the feasibility of that proposal for businesses will need to be worked out .
The reopening of schools also poses a challenge for the railways because children travelling by train usually do so in large groups at specific times of the day .
Equally , rail bosses believe that if it were possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area it would ease congestion to some extent .
What about more trains ?
The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said it was his `` expectation '' from the government in Westminster that public transport `` will have to operate with social distancing built in '' .
Mr Burnham called on the government to `` manage expectations . ''
Increasing the number of train services on the network requires weeks of planning .
The scale of the challenge is illustrated by the busiest station in the country .
During the pandemic 5,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
The current level of train services running on weekdays in Britain - half what is usual - is similar to that on a Sunday in normal times .
An option being discussed is to ramp-up services to pre-crisis Saturday timetables .
Around 85 % of weekday services would normally run on a Saturday .
Are there staff members available ?
Like many other businesses train companies are experiencing staff shortages caused by the virus .
About 1 in 5 staff members at train companies are said to be off work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier this week the RMT union , which represents train guards , said there was `` zero chance '' that it would agree to an increase in rail services in mid-May .
Union boss Mick Cash said he would `` not accept unsafe directives being handed down on high from the boardroom or the cabinet room . ''
On Wednesday Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab played-down the notion that rail services could increase by mid-May .
Rail bosses acknowledged that no firm direction had been given by Ministers or Public Health England but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contingency plans are being made for that scenario .
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group , the body which represents train companies and Network Rail emphasized that any changes to travel guidance `` will be a decision for government and rail companies are looking at a range of possible future scenarios . ''
The Department for Transport said that changes to rail services `` will be subject to Public Health England guidance . ''
What is it all costing ?
The financials of the situation ca n't be ignored .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by train companies .
While the lockdown lasts it costs government £900m a month to keep Britains railways running .

One rail boss said social-distancing of any kind would be "extraordinarily difficult" to manage and police. Another said it could reduce the capacity of an individual train by between 70% and 90%.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Wages, sick pay and time off explained

Millions of workers will soon be receiving their April pay packet , but many will be getting less than normal , as the economic realities of coronavirus bite .
Struggling companies and self-employed workers have been offered financial help by the government , to help keep their businesses afloat and staff paid during the coronavirus outbreak .
But , with millions on reduced wages , who is affected and what happens when workers fall ill ?
Will my salary be paid ?
If you work in the private sector , and pay tax through the pay-as-you-earn ( PAYE ) system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furlough - essentially , lay you off temporarily - by applying for a government grant to pay 80 % of your gross salary up to a limit of £2,500 per month .
On the first day of the furlough scheme , about 185,000 firms applied , affecting 1.3 million workers and costing the Treasury £1.5bn .
Full and part-time employees are eligible , as are those on agency , flexible or zero-hour contracts .
The typical full-time worker is paid £585 a week , about £2,340 a month , using a median average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is hoped the grants , available through Revenue & Customs ( HMRC ) by the end of April , will stop big redundancy announcements .
The money will be backdated to March and the scheme will last at least four months .
An employer still pays their staff , and can decide whether to pay in full or only the 80 % of wages they can claim back from the government .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said that 80 % of businesses are interested in the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a loss of income , you can receive a taxable grant of 80 % of your average monthly profits over the past three years - up to a cap of £2,500 per month .
Initially , this will be available for three months in one lump-sum payment , payable from June .
You can access the coronavirus Self-employment Income Support Scheme ( SEISS ) as long as you traded in the past financial year , are still trading now and plan to continue doing so .
Most of your income needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profit needs to have been less than £50,000 a year .
If you became self-employed since April 2019 , you will not receive any help under this scheme .
This is because you have n't yet have filed a tax return , which is needed to help calculate financial support .
HMRC will contact those who are eligible .
What if the self-employed support scheme does n't cover me ?
You will have to try to claim benefits - such as universal credit and/or contribution-based employment and support allowance ( ESA ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunak said claimants could apply for ESA straight away , rather than waiting a week .
He also temporarily removed the minimum income floor criteria for self-employed people - which looked at how much people could expect to earn in a month to calculate universal credit levels .
Self-employed people not covered by the SEISS can now access universal credit in full , to receive a payment equivalent to statutory sick pay ( SSP ) .
And they can now apply on the phone or online , instead of having to attend a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been increased temporarily .
What if I work in the public sector ?
You should continue to work and have your wages paid as normal , even if you are home-working or have been told to work at another location temporarily .
What if I 'm working from home ?
If you can work from home , you should do so .
Working hours can still be clearly defined .
Employers still have a duty of care and are responsible for any equipment they give you .
The Advisory , Conciliation and Arbitration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if I need to look after my children or a sick relative ?
If you are an employee , your employer must give you time off in an emergency .
But you might not get paid - it depends on the terms of your work contract .
However , many bosses during this period are allowing parents to work flexibly , to try to manage both work and childcare .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise Will I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or I am sick ?
If you are an employee , any sick pay you may receive will depend on where you work .
Some workers ' contracts offer full pay to those off ill - albeit for a limited time .
If that time runs out , or if you do n't get paid sick leave in the first place , you should receive SSP .
The money - set at £95.85 a week - is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks .
So if you are self-employed , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are a casual or agency worker , you will be .
To receive SSP you need to be earning at least £120 a week .
The ONS estimates there are 1,766,000 adult jobs in the UK that pay less than that amount - although some people will earn money from several jobs over the course of a week .
SSP can now be claimed from a person 's first day away from work , rather than the fourth day as before .
Anyone claiming should be able to get a sick note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than their GP .

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


bbcuk--2020-04-23--My Money: 'The alcohol bill has increased, but he's earned it!'

My Money is a series looking at how people spend their money - and the sometimes tough decisions they have to make .
Here , Claire Millington , an auditor for PwC , from West Yorkshire in the UK , takes us through a week in her life , as the country goes through the coronavirus pandemic .
Claire ( 35 ) is mother to Alexander ( 4 ) and married to Luke .
She lives halfway between Todmorden ( pronounced Tod-m-dun not Tod-mor-den ! )
and Hebden Bridge .
I 'm working full time from home now whereas my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and two days in the office .
So , because of that and the fact that the munchkin is watching more TV than normal because he is not at preschool , we are spending a bit more on gas and electricity .
Childcare - we use the Government 's Tax-Free Childcare system so whatever we pay in , the Treasury tops up by 20 % .
Our preschool charges a month 's fees in advance so today I make the payment for 80 % of the c£400 cost into my online Tax-Free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ galling as the preschool is closed now , even to key worker children ( we qualify due to the hubby 's career ) but I do understand that they will need the cash to tide them over until the Government 's 80 % furlough cash comes in .
Fortunately , we can afford to pay this as I am still working as normal , just from home , and the hubby is still on full employment , though he is currently stood down from his normal duties and is at home with us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to get paid , I know this is really difficult for some of the other parents who are really going to struggle this month .
Hopefully there will be some sort of compromise/refund agreement once this is all over .
Isolation saving ( £17 ) £12 train fare plus £5 lunch as when I am in the office I frequently forget to make lunch , or if I do I have a bad habit of rushing out the door to get munchkin to preschool and leaving it in the fridge !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ home with the odd break to relieve daddy daycare .
In order to do some baking with the munchkin later on in the week , we made a socially-distant visit to our neighbours to buy some eggs .
They have a fabulous small holding of goats , sheep and chickens and I think we are their best customers .
Especially when the hubby is at home , we go through eggs like nobody 's business !
Phone bill paid via direct debit .
I eventually needed a new handset a couple of months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per month from the £13 tariff I was on as I 'd worked out that over the duration of the contract ( 24 months ) I 'd only be paying roughly the same as buying a new handset separately .
The hubby has been taking the opportunity to finally build the compost heap ( it 's only been waiting for months… ) so we needed a delivery from our local builder 's merchants costing around £42 .
It 's a big one today as the mortgage payment of around £1400 comes out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never fails to make me gulp but it 's worth it .
We love our house and are doing what our mortgage adviser recommended - pay off as much as you can as quickly as you can and if you can afford it , overpay when you can .
This means we save massive amounts of interest over the life of the mortgage and should ( fingers crossed ) be mortgage-free by the time we are 50 .
More blogs from the BBC 's My Money Series : • China : 'People have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in money but rich in friends' • ' I had to get tickets , it was a huge sum , $ 519 ! '
I do try to make sure that the majority of my bills are paid via direct debit ( It 's a condition of my current account and makes sure I do n't miss a payment ) and that they come out at the start of each month .
That way I know that except for childcare and my phone bill , the rest of the cash is ours to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today is a bill day of nearly £300 covering council tax , electricity , gas and water .
As we have a septic tank our water costs are minimal each month as we do n't pay for sewerage but we do save up a little each month to cover the cost of emptying the septic tank should it need it .
Friday is normally the day for planning the meals for the week ahead , doing the food shopping , doing housework and generally sorting my life out while the munchkin is at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four days a week and do try to be strict with myself and not do anything other than check the work phone for emergency emails from my team on a Friday ) .
Fortunately we had done our monthly big Costco shop for stuff such as toilet roll , kitchen roll , tinned food etc .
before the lockdown started .
This week it has been fresh food , meat and some treats as well as additional baking supplies as I have really enjoyed the cake-making with the munchkin .
We are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so where possible we are buying from the local butcher and grocer .
This is slightly more expensive but as the butcher has award-winning produce ( his Italian sausages are to die for ) it 's worth it .
There has also been a bit of an increase in the alcohol bill this week but looking at the hubby 's face after a week of full-time entertaining our very active and demanding four-year-old I think he 's earned it !
Normally the hubby lives and works away during the week so while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up , this is probably just offset by what he is not spending on food when he is away .
I 'll call that a net draw - no pain but no gain either .
We are really lucky where we live that we have an acre of paddock ( no horses though - my budget is n't quite up to that kind of hit ! )
so there is plenty of space in the garden and the paddock for the munchkin to run around and drive his toy JCB dump truck .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( pronounced Studley ) so it 's really easy for us to get out and about in the fresh air for free .
Normally on a weekend we 'd have taken a day trip out somewhere when the weather is nice but we are following the rules # stayhome .
We did treat ourselves to a takeaway given we 'd done such a long walk and got back a little later than planned .
Sadly our favourite local Indian has closed to protect their staff and customers but a member of our local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local information together in one place by creating a community website so we were able to find one that was still open .
Isolation saving : Hard to judge as our day trips out can vary in cost .
When we do go out I always pack a lunch and drinks but we often end up paying for parking and then a coffee and cake .
I 've gone with an average of £25 .
I took the weekly readings from the smart meter which came out at £34.50 for gas and £20.39 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than normal , probably not helped by all the additional cups of coffee I am making while working from home the additional two days , it does n't seem massively different .
Thankfully the weather has been reasonably good with only a couple of cooler days this week .
Had this been in the depths of winter it would have been a different story .
Today was also the day I checked the digital banking to make sure all the direct debits for the bills had been paid .
I was pleased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they promised and suspended all membership fees until they can reopen .
So that 's a £26 per month isolation saving , though I am having to make a special effort to do some of the free home workouts which is not as easy as people make out - I lack all enthusiasm when trying to do this in my living room !
I also make sure that the standing order I have into my son 's account is made .
This is £100 as a rule each month but then , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I assess what money we can transfer to our savings , I may top this up with more if we can manage it .
I want to make sure that he has funds for when he is older , either for university or for a house or even as funds to start a business .
It may not be much but it does all add up over the years .
As he has a higher interest children 's saving account , assuming the rate of interest stayed the same at its current 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next 14 years ( until he is 18 ) could be worth around £20,000 .
Isolation saving : £6.50 .
As the gym membership is per month I 've divided this by four to get an average weekly saving .
How does Claire feel about her week ?
While this week 's spend might look horrific , it 's worth noting that this is practically all our monthly spending in one week .
With the exception of our weekly food shop , my phone bill and the cost of childcare , all our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the start of the month .
We then know that whatever money we have left is ours to do with as we wish - spend it or save it .
That really helps give clarity and means we do n't spend beyond our means .
With having to stay closer to home we have made some savings , and not commuting to Manchester two days a week has made a difference to travel costs this week .
The additional costs for electricity , gas and food are noticeable but not actually as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I am just so thankful that where we are we have fabulous outdoor space where we can keep the munchkin busy , ourselves exercised and make sure we can stop ourselves from going stir crazy !
Here 's to hoping that this all ends soon and that people can stay safe and well .
We 're looking for more people to share what they spend their money on .
If you 're interested , please email my.money @ bbc.co.uk or get in touch via our My Money ( World ) Facebook group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , please join our My Money ( UK ) Facebook group and we 'll aim to contact you .

I also make sure that the standing order I have into my son's account is made. This is £100 as a rule each month but then, towards the end of the month when I assess what money we can transfer to our savings, I may top this up with more if we can manage it. I want to make sure that he has funds for when he is older, either for university or for a house or even as funds to start a business. It may not be much but it does all add up over the years. As he has a higher interest children's saving account, assuming the rate of interest stayed the same at its current 3%, £100 per month for the next 14 years (until he is 18) could be worth around £20,000.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Dr Radha's five mental health tips for lockdown

Dr Radha Modgil from BBC Radio 1 ’ s Life Hacks shares her top five tips on how to stay @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus lockdown , all beginning with the letter C. Sticking to a routine , @ @ @ @ @ of ourselves , and using our creativity in new ways are all ways she suggests @ @ @ @ @ toll that staying inside is having on all of us .

Dr Radha Modgil from BBC Radio 1’s Life Hacks shares her top five tips on how to stay mentally and emotionally well during the coronavirus lockdown, all beginning with the letter C.
Sticking to a routine, making sure we take care of ourselves, and using our creativity in new ways are all ways she suggests we can ease the psychological toll that staying inside is having on all of us.
Video produced by Matt Wareham.
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Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: What is contact tracing and how does it work?

Governments around the world are proposing contact tracing as a way of limiting the spread of coronavirus after lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ people to do the task manually , but smartphones apps that can automate the process @ @ @ @ @ to play .
BBC Click 's Chris Fox explains what contact tracing is , and @ @ @ @ @ have been proposed .
See more at Click 's website and @ BBCClick

Governments around the world are proposing contact tracing as a way of limiting the spread of coronavirus after lockdown.
Nations are recruiting thousands of people to do the task manually, but smartphones apps that can automate the process will also have a role to play.
BBC Click's Chris Fox explains what contact tracing is, and some of the methods that have been proposed.
See more at Click's website and @BBCClick


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Portsmouth care home adapts to lockdown

Staff at a Portsmouth care home have said some residents have been left feeling abandoned because they can not understand @ @ @ @ @ are no longer able to visit the 30 residents of the Home of Comfort charity @ @ @ @ @ staff have been arranging video calls with their families .
But some older people with @ @ @ @ @ to understand the situation , staff said .

Staff at a Portsmouth care home have said some residents have been left feeling abandoned because they cannot understand the coronavirus restrictions.
Relatives are no longer able to visit the 30 residents of the Home of Comfort charity home in Southsea, so staff have been arranging video calls with their families.
But some older people with dementia have not been able to understand the situation, staff said.
A film by Richard George


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: 'I'll go to cemetery and sit outside the gates'

`` I 'll go there and just sit outside the gates , '' a Cardiff man has said about visiting @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
Malachy O'Donnell , 73 , from Cardiff , lost his wife , Lynette @ @ @ @ @ illness six years ago .
Cardiff council is one of eight in Wales to have @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak and he has called on them to rethink .
`` You 're not @ @ @ @ @ you 're going there to gain strength , or to remember a loved one , @ @ @ @ @ local authority has been asked to comment .

"I'll go there and just sit outside the gates," a Cardiff man has said about visiting his wife's grave during lockdown.
Malachy O'Donnell, 73, from Cardiff, lost his wife, Lynette, after a very short illness six years ago.
Cardiff council is one of eight in Wales which closed all cemeteries temporarily during the coronavirus outbreak and he has called on them to rethink.
"You're not going there for enjoyment, you're going there to gain strength, or to remember a loved one," he said.
Cardiff council has since confirmed it will reopen Cathays, Western, Thornhill and Pantmawr cemeteries on Saturday, with staff and police making sure social-distancing is adhered to.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--The Papers: Pressure on No 10 as mass testing plan unveiled

`` Sturgeon heaps pressure on Number 10 over virus plan , '' is the front page headline in the Times .
The paper says the Scottish First Minister 's announcement on Thursday , of ways in which the Covid-19 lockdown might be eased , has left Boris Johnson 's government facing calls to reveal its own strategy .
The former Conservative leader , Iain Duncan-Smith , is quoted as saying : `` We must trust the British public to understand how this will happen .
The Scottish administration is right . ''
The Guardian agrees , suggesting in its leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible next steps in the crisis makes Holyrood `` more truthful and proactive than its UK counterpart '' .
It welcomes Nicola Sturgeon 's candour in admitting that `` the old reality '' will not return for a long time , if at all .
Ms Sturgeon 's speech is described as a `` landmark moment '' by the New Statesman 's website .
It highlights the promise that , as a strategy develops , the public will share the thinking of the policymakers in Edinburgh .
The magazine believes that contrasts with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still the sense , '' it says , `` that the man in Whitehall not only knows best , but that voters should n't worry their little heads about this kind of thing . ''
The Daily Telegraph 's lead is `` Johnson back at controls on Monday '' .
The prime minister , the paper says , has told aides to arrange catch-up meetings with cabinet ministers next week .
The Telegraph suggests his return is happening `` amid cabinet concerns the lockdown has gone too far '' and says there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impetus into plans for an exit strategy '' .
The easing of restrictions preoccupies the Sun .
The headline for its leader is : `` We must end lockdown as soon as it 's safely possible , before our economy is completely destroyed . ''
It points out that the latest forecasts are `` cataclysmically worse than anything yet predicted '' .
And it concludes that `` we should be clamouring to get back to our jobs before they cease to exist '' .
The Daily Mail has several pages of evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photographs of people queuing to shop at the B & Q home improvement chain , which has reopened some of its stores , as well as pictures of builders working on a construction site , and a road busy with traffic .
`` UK on move again '' is the headline .
Several backbench Conservatives tell the paper the lockdown must be eased .
Under the headline `` back to work '' , the leader in the Times states that `` the government should do everything to encourage businesses that can reopen safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key question is whether companies can protect both staff and customers .
Failure to do this risks what it calls a `` debilitating second wave '' of the pandemic .
The Guardian reports that Remdesivir , a drug that was thought to be one of the best prospects for treating Covid-19 , failed to have any effect in its first full trial .
The paper explains that the study , involving 237 patients , was halted because of side-effects .
A draft document about it was accidentally published on a World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it has since been removed .
The opinion column in the Mirror welcomes the government 's moves to widen coronavirus testing , and trace those who 've had contact with infected people .
But it concludes that , after the problems with supplies of protective equipment for NHS workers , the public will need to be convinced that ministers can implement their new testing and tracing strategy .
Get news from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning Finally , the Financial Times reports that the crisis is , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste to basic personal grooming routines '' .
The consumer goods group , Unilever , has reported that demand for skin and hair care products has slumped because people are staying in their homes .
Sales of deodorant are also declining .
But the news is not all bad for Unilever , because household cleaning products , which it also makes , are selling well .

There are photographs of people queuing to shop at the B&Q home improvement chain, which has reopened some of its stores, as well as pictures of builders working on a construction site, and a road busy with traffic. "UK on move again" is the headline. Several backbench Conservatives tell the paper the lockdown must be eased.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Councils warn government bailout cash 'gone now'

Councils in England say they have to plug funding gaps worth hundreds of millions of pounds within weeks to avoid `` significant '' cuts .
The coronavirus pandemic has increased councils ' costs while income has been lost from services like parking .
Leaders say funding already allocated is `` not even close '' to covering costs or money that has already been spent .
Two government grants to councils worth a combined £3.2bn have already been announced .
However , some say it will fall far short of what they need .
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council said it had used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government to house 21 homeless people .
Deputy council leader Stephen Sweeney said : `` It 's gone now .
We have £1.5m in reserves , you do n't need to do the maths to see how long before we get problems . ''
The council has closed markets and leisure centres and has `` effectively waived '' parking fees , leading to a drop in income .
Authorities in Oxfordshire - who received almost £15m from the first round - said they stood to lose £100m as a result of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they would `` become financially unsustainable with depleted or no reserves '' .
Lancashire County Council has received more than £35m from the first half of that money but estimates it will need a lot more , the Local Democracy Reporting Service said .
Council leader Geoff Driver said the £3.2bn `` will not even come close to meeting the additional expenditure local government has incurred '' , adding authorities had been advised by the government to `` spend the money and seek forgiveness later '' .
Despite being allocated £8.9m in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council in Greater Manchester said it faced a potential £33m black hole in its finances .
In a letter to the prime minister , council leader Paul Dennett said : `` Anything other than full funding of local government for our response and for longer term financial stability would be a betrayal of the critical front line workers in local government , and of the people of Salford . ''
Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council has warned it could have to stop all new expenditure apart from caring for vulnerable people , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by the end of the financial year .
Cabinet member for finance David Hilston said : `` We are not at that point of issuing a Section 114 yet , but if it ever came to that point the government would be aware of it even beforehand and it 's incumbent for this administration to do anything it can to resolve its financial position , which we are doing anyway . ''
The process would be the same as that followed by Northamptonshire County Council , which effectively ran out of money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council goes bust ?
When Northamptonshire County Council effectively declared itself bankrupt in February 2018 , it issued a Section 114 notice banning all new expenditure - a move which lasted over a year .
A taskforce of two government appointed commissioners were then sent in to run the finances of the authority for three years .
The government allowed the council to use £70m money from the sale of land and buildings - something councils are normally forbidden to do - to cover the day-to-day running of services .
Seventeen libraries have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cuts have been made to adult social care .
The county council and its associated district councils are going to be disbanded and replaced with a unitary authority .
What support are councils getting ?
The government has so far allocated English local authorities £3.2bn to help with pressure from coronavirus .
The first £1.6bn was announced in March and larger councils - those responsible for social care - received the equivalent of about £29 per resident .
It varied from £15 per person in Wokingham to £45 per person in Knowsley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been broken down .
The independent Institute for Fiscal Studies said shire district councils were set to receive an average of 45p per resident , or just 0.4 % of their annual funding from the first tranche .
Associate director David Phillips warned this was `` unlikely to go far if the coronavirus crisis significantly impacts the services these councils are responsible for , such as housing , homelessness prevention , waste collection , environmental health , and cemeteries and crematorium '' .
What are some of the additional costs ?
Councils are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the provision of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for care workers and other staff .
Lancashire County Council said it spent £2m on it over the Easter weekend .
Temporary mortuaries are also paid for by councils , incurring rising costs .
In the West Midlands , Sandwell Council said there were a `` considerable number of known unknowns '' in how much capacity was needed , and the estimated costs changed `` almost daily '' .
Authorities were also told to find accommodation for all rough sleepers in their area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association said councils were being `` stretched to the maximum and seeing an `` unsustainable '' drop in income .
`` Without ongoing funding , some councils may be subject to Section 114 reports in the coming months , '' he said , adding it would lead to spending blocks cuts to `` vital local services that are supporting communities through this crisis '' .
The Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government said councils were being allowed to defer £2.6bn in payments to central government while £850m in social care grants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ease pressure on cashflows .
It said it would `` work with councils over the coming weeks to ensure they are managing as the pandemic progresses '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

Cabinet member for finance David Hilston said: "We are not at that point of issuing a Section 114 yet, but if it ever came to that point the government would be aware of it even beforehand and it's incumbent for this administration to do anything it can to resolve its financial position, which we are doing anyway."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Third of NI deaths occurred in care homes

New figures show that the number of coronavirus-related deaths in NI is significantly higher than previously reported .
The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) has published its weekly breakdown of its fatalities .
It shows the total number of deaths by 17 April ( 276 ) was higher than had been reported by NI 's Public Health Agency ( PHA ) by the same date ( 212 ) .
About a third of the 276 deaths ( 96 ) occurred in care homes and hospices .
Two sets of figures are published in Northern Ireland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Agency , which count mostly hospital deaths , and the weekly statistics from Nisra , which cover all fatalities where coronavirus has been recorded on the death certificate .
The Department of Health has said there is always a time lag for registering deaths in the community , with the process taking up to five days , and that the Nisra report could not feasibly be linked to the PHA figures .
The total death toll is ultimately likely to be higher .
On Thursday , the PHA stated that the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland was 263 .
In its bulletin covering the period to April 17 , Nisra said there were 166 hospital deaths , 93 in care homes , three in hospices and 14 at residential addresses .
The deaths that occurred in care homes involved 44 separate establishments .
The new figures show people older than 75 accounted for about three quarters of coronavirus-related deaths ; 54 % were men .
Northern Ireland 's Commissioner for Older People , Eddie Lynch , said the figures were `` very sad but not surprising '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems in homes and outbreaks and we know that people in those homes are amongst most vulnerable groups in our society .
Those 93 deaths - every single one - is a tragedy , '' he told BBC 's Stephen Nolan Show .
`` It confirms really that at this stage in this pandemic , care homes are frontline in this crisis . ''
He added that while the number of deaths in care homes would continue to rise , not every death was inevitable and urged a `` redoubling of efforts '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health on Thursday , after calling for testing of all residents and staff in care homes .
`` They explained what they are doing , their current strategy and what they have been doing over the last number of weeks in terms of testing in homes , '' he said .
`` They have made changes and ramped it up , they are testing anyone with symptoms .
`` I 've made it clear that I do n't believe that 's enough . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
• The Northern Ireland Executive is to decide whether cemeteries should be reopened on a controlled basis during the coronavirus pandemic • Supermarkets have been responding to a Stormont call to support local beef farmers during the coronavirus crisis • An enhanced contact tracing programme for Covid-19 will pilot in Northern Ireland next week • The first of the £25,000 government grants to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic will be issued today

The Department of Health has said there is always a time lag for registering deaths in the community, with the process taking up to five days, and that the Nisra report could not feasibly be linked to the PHA figures.


bbcuk--2020-04-25--Coronavirus: Plea for public to get medical care when they need it

People should seek medical care when they need it and not be put off by the coronavirus epidemic , say doctors , charities and the health service .
Anyone who delays seeking treatment is putting their long-term health at risk , as well as their life , they warn .
Half the usual number of people are going to A & E and treatment for heart attacks and strokes is down .
Seeking medical help is one of the four reasons people can safely leave home , government guidance says .
`` Ignoring problems can have serious consequences - now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of NHS England , Sir Simon Stevens , says .
`` So whether you or your loved one has the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke , are a parent worried about their child or have concerns about conditions such as cancer , you should seek help in the way you always would . ''
• A & E visits down 29 % during epidemic in England A public information campaign persuading people to use the health service will feature NHS staff and start next week .
It comes as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitty warns of the impact of deaths from causes other than Covid-19 during the lockdown .
Despite NHS efforts to free up thousands of beds across the country and build new Nightingale hospitals over the last few weeks , there is concern that people are not using the NHS either because they do n't want to be a burden or because they are worried about about catching the virus .
How to get help • Go to your GP practice , use NHS 111 online or call 111 if you need medical help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told you should Figures suggest half the number of people are going to Accident and Emergency departments in hospitals in England this month , compared with April 2019 .
And experts say they are concerned people are not getting potentially life-saving treatment for heart attacks and strokes , with a 50 % fall in the number of people seeking medical help for heart symptoms .
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan , associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation , said it was `` vitally important '' that the many thousands of people in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` immediately '' if their condition worsened .
There are also concerns that children may be missing out on medical care during the pandemic .
`` Children are unlikely to be unwell with Covid , but they do get sick and when this happens we want to see them , '' said Prof Russell Viner , president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health .
There is also a warning that people should not dismiss strokes as `` just a funny turn '' .
Juliet Bouverie , from the Stroke Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency .
`` The quicker you 're diagnosed and treated for a stroke , the better your chances of making a good recovery , '' she said .
If you suspect that you , or someone else could be having a stroke , call 999 .

"If you do have symptoms of stroke, chest pain and think it might be a heart attack, a sick child who is deteriorating, if you are a pregnant woman and the baby is not moving as much as it used to - it is important you don't delay," he said.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus test website reopens for bookings after 'significant demand'

The government website for key workers to apply for coronavirus tests has reopened for bookings , after it was closed due to `` significant demand '' .
Speaking at Downing Street 's daily briefing , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted the site closed after `` the slots for today were taken up '' .
It came back online on Friday evening , allowing key workers to apply for tests at drive-through centres .
Some 16,000 bookings have already been made on the website .
The website had to close to new applicants within hours of launching , after 46,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shapps said it had not crashed and that further tests would become available .
He also stressed the test was only suitable to test if you think you currently have coronavirus , not if you have previously had it .
No 10 has said appointments for tests at drive-through centres and home testing kits will become available from 08:00 BST each day , with their release staggered throughout the day .
• How close is the UK to 100,000 tests a day ?
Mr Shapps said ministers were `` encouraged '' by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the government was on track to meet its target of 100,000 tests per day by the end of April .
`` It looks like the trajectory to 100,000 tests by the end of April is going to be met in terms of capacity , '' he said .
`` I would say , after today , the demand is there , so if those two things come together we will have it being met . ''
He added that getting `` somewhere near '' the 100,000 tests a day target would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the prime minister 's spokesman said 5,000 home testing kits had been ordered `` within two minutes '' of the website opening on Friday .
Up to 18,000 home testing kits per day will be available by the end of next week .
Downing Street said the government is trusting that those applying for tests are key workers , with no eligibility checks in place for online bookings .
Under the expanded testing scheme announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday , all essential workers in England and their families are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's website , if they have virus symptoms .
Up to 10 million key workers and their households are now eligible for testing , with the aim of allowing essential staff to safely return to work .
Liz Christie , an education support worker from Slough , Berkshire , successfully applied for a coronavirus test early on Friday .
She said was keen to get a test after developing a cough and sore throat , as she wanted to return to work at Slough Children 's Services Trust .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families I 'm working with , plus my own family , '' she told BBC News .
Speaking after her test at a drive-through centre in Wembley , north-west London , Ms Christie said the process was `` brilliant '' but added that there were not many other people getting tested at the same time .
`` It looks like there 's five stations set up , '' she said .
`` All the stations were empty except mine , there were two cars in front of me and no-one behind me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , they just need the people now . ''
Also speaking at the daily press briefing , the government 's deputy chief medical adviser , Dr Jenny Harries , said the increased testing would mean there would be a less positive picture on the number of Covid -19 cases .
She stressed that the test on offer to key workers was the `` have you got it now ? ''
test , and said it would be a `` wasted test '' if it was used by people who did not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Friday 's figures showed 28,532 tests were carried out , though the government says that capacity has reached more than 50,000 a day .
The latest data also showed a further 684 people died with the virus in UK hospitals , bringing the total number of deaths to 19,506 .
Also at the briefing , Mr Shapps announced the government would subsidise key supply routes to ensure that essential medical supplies and food can be transported during the pandemic .
With large sections of the economy frozen , volumes of freight coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
Up to £17m has been made available for supply routes between Northern Ireland and Great Britain , and up to £10.5m for ferry and freight services to the Isle of Wight and Scilly Isles .
Further support is available for critical routes between Britain and the European mainland , including Eurotunnel , Mr Shapps said .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The government also pledged to give additional support to several English cities so that light rail and tram services can be maintained .
Manchester , Sheffield , the West Midlands , Nottingham and Tyne and Wear will receive funding .
And Mr Shapps announced the fast-tracking of trial drone flights between the mainland and St Mary 's Hospital on the Isle of Wight to ensure it was equipped to tackle the virus .
• The Guardian reported that the prime minister 's chief adviser , Dominic Cummings , has been taking part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) , which has provided advice to ministers throughout the coronavirus outbreak .
A Downing Street spokesman said `` it is not true '' that Mr Cummings is on or member of Sage , adding that he has attended `` some meetings '' • At the briefing , England 's deputy chief medical officer , Jenny Harries , dismissed Donald Trump 's suggestion that people could inject themselves with disinfectant to battle coronavirus • The death toll in the US has passed 50,000 in what is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sisters have died within three days of each other after testing positive for the virus • Dyson has said the medical ventilator it developed to help treat patients with Covid-19 is no longer required • Two doctors who say they have been exposed to coronavirus patients are challenging government guidance on protective equipment Anyone classified as an `` essential worker '' who is showing symptoms can request a test in England .
The list includes NHS and social care staff , teachers , police officers and transport workers .
They and their family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their household shows symptoms .
How will I be tested ?
The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat .
There are two ways to get a test : at a testing site , or with a home testing kit .
Home kits will initially be limited but are being sent to NHS staff .
Most people will get their test results by text within two days .
When can I go back to work ?
Provided you and/or those in your household have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work .
That is so long as you are well enough and have not had a high temperature for 48 hours .

She stressed that the test on offer to key workers was the "have you got it now?" test, and said it would be a "wasted test" if it was used by people who did not have symptoms, or people in their households.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Applause for key workers 'is not enough'

NHS workers , police and firefighters must get better pay and treatment after they `` see us through '' the coronavirus crisis , a union leader has said .
Matt Wrack , of the Fire Brigades Union , said many of his members were working at testing centres , delivering health supplies and transporting bodies .
He called the weekly applause for NHS and other key workers `` great '' , but added that `` clapping is not enough '' .
The Home Office has been contacted for a comment .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is standing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovers from coronavirus , has described frontline workers as `` heroic '' .
Public sector pay was frozen for two years in 2010 , except for those earning less than £21,000 a year , and rises were capped at 1 % from 2013 to 2018 .
The FBU estimates that , on average , its members are earning £4,000 a year less than they would had their salary increases matched inflation over the past decade .
`` Firefighters have n't felt particularly valued for a long time , '' Mr Wrack said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of people are beginning to comment on , including people in government , is the key workers who will see us through this crisis . ''
The FBU , fire service employers and the National Fire Chiefs Council have agreed that firefighters can volunteer to help with tasks such as driving ambulances , delivering food and medicine to vulnerable people , assembling face masks for NHS workers and moving dead bodies .
`` It 's great that people are going out and clapping on a Thursday night , '' said Mr Wrack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - because clapping is not enough - what are what are we going to do as a society to redress the balance a bit and give recognition ? ''
His demands were not `` all about wages '' , he said , adding that pensions had been eroded and workers had to `` have confidence '' employers were ensuring their safety .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : How to self-isolate and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health The government has announced up to 10 million key workers can book a coronavirus test .
But Mr Wrack said : `` There 's been a lot of frustration at how slow the UK seems to have been on getting testing up to the levels that we 've seen in other countries . ''
He added : `` Those were political decisions and the people who made them need to be held to account over it .
And that needs to start pretty immediately . ''

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


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Insurers estimate virus payouts to UK firms to be £1.2bn

Payouts to UK firms over coronavirus could cost £1.2bn , initial estimates from the Association of British Insurers ( ABI ) indicate .
Close to £900m will go to a small number of firms that have infectious disease insurance , the ABI says .
Watchdogs are predicting a rise in disputes between companies and insurers over whether their cover includes the financial fallout of Covid-19 .
The Treasury Select Committee is urging insurers to be fair with claimants .
Most of the £1.2bn figure is made up of business interruption insurance , but only to those companies which took out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the All England Club , .
ABI chief executive Huw Evans explained why some claims will not result in a payment to firms .
`` Most business interruption insurance policies that most businesses have are very much designed to protect them from fire and floor every day risks that protect their businesses and in the small number of cases it 's designed to cover illnesses that come on your premises for a short duration they 're not intended and not priced to cover a global pandemic . ''
However Mr Evans also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to arbitration between insurers and claimants over whether they are covered for the pandemic .
If insurers and companies can not settle a dispute between themselves it goes to the Financial Ombudsman to sort it out .
The ABI says its early estimate also includes a record £275m paid to customers in cancellation claims on travel insurance , and £25m for claims relating to weddings , school trips and events .
The initial estimate of £1.2bn in payouts does not include claims made through the major insurance market Lloyd 's of London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Commons Treasury Select Committee chair Mel Stride said MPs had heard of many UK businesses struggling to get money from their insurers .
`` The ABI has estimated that its members will pay out £900m in business interruption claims relating to coronavirus .
`` Yet , the Committee continues to receive evidence concerning the difficulties that firms are facing in making a successful claim .
`` For example , [ Pub and dining firm lobby group ] UKHospitality told us that 71 % of its members have had claims rejected , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There may be many instances where individuals and businesses believe they are covered , but in reality may not be .
`` However , we are concerned that the insurance sector goes the extra mile in meeting claims wherever possible .
For example , where there may be grey areas within policies . ''
Last week the Financial Conduct Authority ordered insurance companies to pay out claims to firms `` as soon as possible '' or explain themselves to the watchdog .
The British Chambers of Commerce 's head of economics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an 'urgent concern ' for its member businesses `` so it is particularly disappointing that many are facing an uphill struggle to access such a vital lifeline .
`` The insurance industry has the opportunity to demonstrate that it is there for our business communities when they need it most - and work together with government to help their customers weather this unprecedented economic crisis . ''

"Most business interruption insurance policies that most businesses have are very much designed to protect them from fire and floor every day risks that protect their businesses and in the small number of cases it's designed to cover illnesses that come on your premises for a short duration they're not intended and not priced to cover a global pandemic."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Jon Venables: James Bulger murderer to make parole bid

One of James Bulger 's killers is to have his case for release from prison considered by a Parole Board .
Jon Venables is serving a 40-month sentence after being returned to jail in 2017 for breaching his licence .
James , two , was tortured and killed by Venables and Robert Thompson , both aged 10 at the time , after the pair snatched him from a shopping centre in Bootle in 1993 .
Both boys were jailed for life but released on licence in 2001 .
They can be recalled to jail at any time if they breach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was sent back to prison in 2010 and again in 2017 for possessing indecent images of children .
He passed the half-way mark of his most recent sentence in October .
The Parole Board confirmed it was determining whether a hearing needed to take place to decide if he should be released .
There is a suspected monthly backlog of more than 1,000 cases due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Efforts are being made to conduct remote hearings or decide cases `` on paper '' by considering documents where possible .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases - like those involving murderers , violent and sex offenders and terrorists - without a face-to-face hearing so these will most likely be delayed .
If there is no doubt that Venables should remain in jail , the case will be decided on paper .
But if there is any uncertainty , a hearing will need to take place to consider whether he presents a risk to the public should he be released .
The decision on how to proceed is likely to take several weeks Venables and Thompson were given new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions mean that Venables ' current name , or anything else that could lead to his identification , will remain secret when his case is heard .

But if there is any uncertainty, a hearing will need to take place to consider whether he presents a risk to the public should he be released.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: '2m children face heightened lockdown risk'

Around two million children in England face a range of vulnerabilities likely to worsen during the Covid-19 crisis , says the Children 's Commissioner .
A report for her office has mapped out , by local area , the vast challenges faced by the schools and councils supporting them in lockdown .
The risks range from mentally ill parents and substance abuse , to cramped housing and domestic abuse .
The government said vulnerable children were its first priority .
The Children 's Commissioner for England , Anne Longfield , said the lockdown had removed many of the usual ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scale of the challenge in keeping them safe was enormous .
`` We estimate that 2m children in England are in homes where there is either a problem with drug or alcohol abuse , domestic violence or serious mental health problems , '' she said .
`` There are also 128,000 children living in temporary accommodation , nearly 200,000 children referred to social services but not getting help , and 100,000 children caring for other family members . ''
She praised the huge efforts many teachers and council social care staff are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
But she highlighted how only a small proportion of those at-risk children were attending the schools being kept open to support them : `` Reaching out to these children and helping them during the lockdown - and beyond - must be a priority for national and local government . ''
Earlier this week , Department for Education figures showed only a maximum of 5 % of vulnerable children - which includes those with severe special educational needs - were attending school over the past few weeks .
Ms Longfield added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerability in each area , and the extraordinary pressures on some councils to try to protect these children .
Children 's Society head of policy and research , Sam Royston , said existing risks in these children 's lives may be worsened and they may be exposed to new dangers , including everything from being groomed online for sexual abuse to county lines exploitation .
Mr Royston argued that all vulnerable children should have a named professional to whom they could turn : `` This should be someone who can check regularly that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask for help and who can ensure they have opportunities to learn from home . ''
The Department for Education announced it was investing £12m on 14 projects around England to tackle the increased risk that children and young people may be facing from staying at home .
Children 's minister Vicky Ford said the care and safety of vulnerable children was her priority .
`` We are working hand-in-hand with all the professionals supporting these children , to prioritise their wellbeing during this unprecedented time , '' she said .
The DfE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for increased demand on local authorities during the crisis , but this comes after a systematic policy to reduce their funding by 40 % over the past few years .
The Children 's Commissioner called for more effort to get children into school and an expansion of the numbers of those working with children , as well as a temporary increase in child benefit and better accommodation for homeless families .

Mr Royston argued that all vulnerable children should have a named professional to whom they could turn: "This should be someone who can check regularly that they are safe, whom they can ask for help and who can ensure they have opportunities to learn from home."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Transport usage will change after lockdown

The number of people using public transport in Britain 's cities could be 20 % lower than normal after the end of the coronavirus lockdown .
In London , commuters using buses and tubes could fall by as much as 40 % from pre-lockdown levels .
Rail use could drop by 27 % , a poll for transport consultants SYSTRA has found .
The survey results capture people 's current attitudes about returning to work , but some changes may be carried on into the long term .
The results are bad news for the government , which wants more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emissions that are fuelling climate heating .
It could lead to more people driving to work .
It 's also challenging for public transport operators , which will face a sharp drop in income until public confidence returns .
But the survey offers a glimmer of good news too .
It suggests that of those expecting to reduce their use of buses and trains , 24 % said they plan to work from home more , which will reduce emissions .
They said they wanted to save on the commute time and cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balance .
There 's a major boost for video-conferencing , too .
As many as 67 % of people in the 1,500-strong survey said they believe virtual meetings will replace some or all business trips or meetings .
Katie Hall from SYSTRA said : `` Our climate emergency has not been cancelled .
There is no doubt that this situation has opened up different ways of working for many , but if people start rejecting public transport over the car for work and leisure trips - that 's a massive step backwards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge . ''
She said public transport operators must work hard to convince commuters that they 'll be safe from the virus .
But she also said transport planners would need to think hard about how travel patterns may change permanently after lockdown .
The AA 's head Edmund King told BBC News he expected that traffic levels would fall overall .
That has implications for the government 's £28bn roads programme which is predicated on 1 % annual growth in transport demand .
There could also be a boom in walking and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more interested in health messages .
The government recently cut red tape on issuing urban road closures to allow councils to exclude cars and create space for walkers and cyclists more easily .
Cycle campaigners want cars excluded from major parts of cities on a permanent basis - which happened recently in Milan .

Katie Hall from SYSTRA said: "Our climate emergency has not been cancelled. There is no doubt that this situation has opened up different ways of working for many, but if people start rejecting public transport over the car for work and leisure trips - that's a massive step backwards. Public transport operators must rise to this challenge."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus recovery plan 'must tackle climate change'

Tackling climate change must be woven into the solution to the Covid-19 economic crisis , the UK will tell governments next week .
Environment ministers from 30 countries are meeting in a two-day online conference in a bid to make progress on cutting greenhouse gas emissions .
The gathering is called the `` Petersberg Climate Dialogue '' .
It will focus on how to organise a `` green '' economic recovery after the acute phase of the pandemic is over .
The other aim is to forge international agreement on ambitious carbon cuts despite the postponement of the key conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November ( now without a date ) .
Alok Sharma , the UK Climate Secretary and president of COP26 , said : `` I am committed to increasing global climate ambition so that we deliver on the Paris Agreement ( to stabilise temperature rise well below 2C ) .
`` The world must work together , as it has to deal with the coronavirus pandemic , to support a green and resilient recovery , which leaves no one behind .
`` At the Petersberg Climate Dialogue , we will come together to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action . ''
• Virus will transform UK work and travel , says AA The informal conference is co-hosted by the UK and Germany .
Developed and developing countries will attend , along with the UN Secretary General , Antonio Guterres , and members of civil society and business .
Last week , Mr Guterres warned that climate change was a deeper problem than the virus .
Campaign groups will be sceptical about the meeting .
Since the Paris deal to cut emissions , CO2 has actually been rising - although there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Covid recession .
The development charity CARE says it 's alarmed that public finance provided from rich countries to developing countries to adapt to inevitable climate change actually decreased in 2018 .
Sven Harmeling from CARE said : `` If governments fail to make their economic stimulus sustainable and equitable , they will drive our planet much deeper into the existential economic , social and ecological turmoil caused by the climate crisis . ''
The EU is already set on delivering a green stimulus .
The Commission 's Green Deal chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent on economic recovery measures after the COVID-19 crisis would be linked to the green and digital transitions .
`` The European Green Deal is a growth strategy and a winning strategy , '' he tweeted .
`` It 's not a luxury we drop when we hit another crisis .
It is essential for Europe 's future .
Meanwhile , China appears set on its current carbon-intensive development path , and President Trump says the US will rescue struggling fossil fuel firms .
Even in Europe there 's a degree of push-back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Markus Pieper , an MEP from the centre-right German CDU party , told the magazine FOCUS that the EU 's sweeping plan for investment in clean technologies would no longer be possible .
He said : `` The Green Deal was a gigantic challenge for an economy in top shape .
After the corona bloodletting , it is simply not financially viable . ''
But the UK climate economist Lord Stern told BBC News : `` The immediate priority is the current Covid crisis – but then we have to build for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trump is wrong .
We should only be bailing out firms that are going to contribute to tackling climate change .
`` They don ’ t have be be ostensibly clean tech firms at the moment – but they do have to be committed to cutting their emissions in line with international targets . ''
The high-level segment on 28 April can be followed live from around 3:10 pm here .

Campaign groups will be sceptical about the meeting. Since the Paris deal to cut emissions, CO2 has actually been rising - although there's currently a blip in the trend thanks to the Covid recession.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Tory MPs to examine 'rise of China'

Britain needs a better understanding of China 's economic ambitions and global role when the coronavirus crisis ends , a new group of Tory MPs says .
The group - headed by Tom Tugendhat , a prominent critic of China 's response to the pandemic - aims to `` promote debate and fresh thinking '' .
He said the China Research Group would not be `` anti-China '' .
It would `` explore opportunities to engage with '' the country and examine its economic aims , Mr Tugendhat added .
`` The coronavirus crisis underlines the urgent need for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , and our economic and diplomatic engagement with it , '' said the Tory MP for Tonbridge and Malling .
`` Beijing 's long pattern of information suppression has contributed to the unfolding crisis .
The ( Chinese Communist ) Party are now using the current emergency to build influence around the world . ''
On Friday , Mr Tugendhat , who chairs the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee , accused the Chinese Communist Party of putting its own survival ahead of that of the survival of people during the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World At One : `` The one thing that really marks out the Chinese Communist Party is not that they did n't have sufficient data , but that they deliberately falsified the data . ''
Despite receiving praise for its handling of coronavirus from the World Health Organisation , many , including US President Donald Trump , have accused the Chinese authorities of manipulating information and failing to adequately warn other countries about its deadly nature .
Chen Wen , Minister and First Staff Member of the Chinese Embassy in the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak in Wuhan , saying the shutdown of the city had reduced the spread to other countries `` by 77 % '' .
`` Chinese people have paid a high price for that , '' she added .
On the alleged spreading of disinformation on the origins of the virus , Ms Chen said it was `` maybe as dangerous as the virus itself , if not even more '' and that `` solidarity '' and `` cooperation '' is the only way to beat the virus .
She hit back at calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling of coronavirus outbreak , saying it would be `` politically motivated '' and would not do anybody `` any good '' .
Mr Tugendhat said his new group , which includes eight other Tory MPs , including former cabinet minister Damian Green , would attempt to look beyond the pandemic to examine China 's long-term economic and diplomatic aims .
In reference to the controversy surrounding the government 's decision to allow Chinese technology firm Huawei access to the UK 's 5G network , the group will look at the consequences of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will also examine China 's foreign policy , particularly in relation to the world 's poorer regions .

On the alleged spreading of disinformation on the origins of the virus, Ms Chen said it was "maybe as dangerous as the virus itself, if not even more" and that "solidarity" and "cooperation" is the only way to beat the virus.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Twin sisters Katy and Emma Davis die with Covid-19

Twin sisters have died within three days of each other after testing positive for coronavirus .
Identical twin Emma , herself a former nurse , died at the same hospital early on Friday .
Their sister , Zoe , said : `` They always said they had come into the world together and would go out together as well . ''
She said the `` amazing '' pair , who lived together , had other health conditions and had been unwell for some time .
`` There are no words to describe how special they were , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do was to help other people .
Ever since they were young ... they 'd pretend they were doctors and nurses caring for their dolls .
`` They gave their everything to all the patients they looked after .
They were exceptional . ''
`` It does n't feel like any of this is real . ''
Katy , who worked at Southampton Children 's Hospital , tested positive for Covid-19 on admission to hospital and died on Tuesday evening .
Paula Head , chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described by her colleagues ... as a nurse people would aspire to be like and that nursing was more than just a job to her .
`` On behalf of everyone here ... including our patients and the communities we serve , I would like to offer our sincere condolences to her family . ''
The Royal College of Nursing said : `` She 's been described as a dedicated and selfless nurse who had time for everyone sharing her skills and knowledge to ensure excellent patient care . ''
Emma Davis had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sister in the colorectal surgery unit for nine years until 2013 .
In a message to staff , chief nursing officer Gail Byrne said : `` She had the same underlying health condition as Katy and had been unwell prior to her admission when she tested positive for Covid-19 .
`` It goes without saying just how devastating and tragic this is for the family and all who knew them .
`` Emma has been described as an excellent nurse who was calm and cheerful and a good leader .
`` She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the team during her time with us . ''
Hospital staff held a `` Clap for Katy '' outside the main entrance on Thursday evening , hours before Emma 's death .
A total of 50 British nursing staff have died during the pandemic , according to a list compiled by the Nursing Times .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise

Paula Head, chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Katy has been described by her colleagues... as a nurse people would aspire to be like and that nursing was more than just a job to her.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Library books rearranged in size order by cleaner

A well-meaning cleaner who took the opportunity to give a locked-down library a thorough clean re-shelved all of its books - in size order .
Staff at Newmarket Library , Suffolk , discovered the sloping tomes after the building underwent a deep clean .
James Powell , of Suffolk Libraries , said staff `` saw the funny side '' but it would take a `` bit of time '' to correct .
`` It looks like libraries will be closed for a while so we 'll have plenty of time to sort the books out '' , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great job in the library .
It was an honest mistake and just one of those things so we would never want her to feel bad about it , '' he added .
A tweet by Krystal Vittles , head of service delivery at Suffolk Libraries , about the enthusiastic cleaner has been shared more than 5,000 times .
In response , one person said it had `` brought laughter '' during lockdown .
`` I think people are just pleased to be able to share any light-hearted stories at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Mr Powell said .
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bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Drones to deliver NHS supplies to Isle of Wight

Drones will be used to carry medical supplies from Hampshire to the Isle of Wight , the government has announced .
Grant Shapps , secretary of state for transport , said a planned trial of the technology would be brought forward and begin next week .
In March , the government announced funding for drone tests and a new air traffic control system .
But Mr Shapps said there was an `` urgent need '' for the trial to begin sooner than planned .
Ferry crossings to the Isle of Wight are currently reduced due to the spread of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) can make the crossing to the Isle of Wight in about 10 minutes .
The government expects about four flights per day to be made , depending on the needs of the NHS .
A spokeswoman told the BBC that the first flights would carry PPE .
However , in future the drone could deliver time-critical supplies such as blood and organs .
The trial will use a petrol-fuelled Windracers Ultra fixed-wing drone , capable of carrying 100kg for up to 1,000km ( 621 miles ) .
However , initially the drone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Department for Transport said the drone would fly autonomously along a fixed route between Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire and Binstead on the Isle of Wight .
Two safety pilots - one at each airfield - will oversee each flight .
However , the route has not yet been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA ) and the trial can not start without permission .
A spokeswoman told the BBC that the flight would take around 10 minutes , significantly reducing delivery times between the Isle of Wight and mainland .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airfield , they will be delivered to St Mary 's hospital on the Isle of Wight by road .
In March , the government gave £28m of funding to Solent Transport to help it create a `` future transport zone '' and test new ideas .
That funding included more than £8m for the company and the University of Southampton to develop the UK 's first unmanned traffic-management system ( UTM ) to integrate drone flights into normal air traffic control .
The NHS delivery trial will operate without this UTM , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the overall project .
A `` temporary danger area '' is being set up for 90 days , to separate the drone from other air traffic .
`` The lack of a traffic-management system does raise questions as to how everything will be planned during delivery , '' Ravi Vaidyanathan , a robotics lecturer at Imperial College London , told the BBC .
`` But I think it does have a lot of potential to help people .
`` No matter what happens , they will learn a lot from it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Evening update as key worker testing website to reopen

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Friday evening .
We 'll have another update on Saturday morning .
The government 's new website for key workers to book coronavirus tests will reopen later , the transport secretary has told the daily Downing Street briefing .
Just hours after being launched on Friday morning , the site closed following `` significant demand '' .
Grant Shapps said the site had not crashed but that all 16,000 available slots had been booked up .
A total of 19,506 patients have died with coronavirus in UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
Reckitt Benckiser , which owns Dettol , Vanish and Cillit Bang , has warned its disinfectant products should not be injected or swallowed , after the US president suggested they could be used to treat coronavirus .
Donald Trump 's remarks , made at a briefing on Thursday , have been widely condemned as irresponsible .
It comes as the virus death toll in the US passes 50,000 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Two married doctors who say they have been exposed to coronavirus patients are challenging government guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dr Nishant Joshi and Dr Meenal Viz - who is pregnant - say the advice is unclear , inconsistent , not in line with international standards , and exposes healthcare workers to a greater risk of contracting Covid-19 .
Public Health England said the safety of front-line staff was its priority .
Identical twins Katy and Emma Davis , 37 , have died within three days of each other after testing positive for the virus .
The pair , who both died at Southampton General Hospital this week , had other health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , their sister Zoe has said .
`` They always said they had come into the world together and would go out together as well , '' she added .
Capt Tom Moore , who raised almost £30m for the NHS by walking laps of his garden , has become the oldest performer to have a UK number one single .
His cover of You 'll Never Walk Alone , recorded with Michael Ball , has hit the number one spot on the official UK chart , just in time for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales of the single will go to the NHS Charities Together fund .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
You can find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page .
Find out how close the UK is to 100,000 tests a day What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
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Identical twins Katy and Emma Davis, 37, have died within three days of each other after testing positive for the virus. The pair, who both died at Southampton General Hospital this week, had other health conditions and had been unwell for some time, their sister Zoe has said. "They always said they had come into the world together and would go out together as well," she added.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Couple return home after month on lockdown in India

A couple have returned home after almost a month on lockdown in India where they were treated for coronavirus .
Nairn and Elizabeth Lawson were on holiday in Kerala when travel restrictions were put in place .
The couple , in their mid-70s , tested positive for coronavirus and were kept in separate hospital rooms for a week .
Mr Lawson said it felt `` amazing '' to return , adding : `` There 's no place like home . ''
They travelled to India on March 6 but found themselves stranded when government measures to stop the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing positive for the virus , the Bristol couple were taken to hospital .
Mr Lawson , 76 , and 75-year-old Mrs Lawson , were transferred to a private hospital after six days spent in separate rooms when they were told not to see each other .
They said staff at the private hospital were `` incredible '' and they were taken to a hotel before securing a seat on a repatriation flight organised by the UK government on 16 April .
`` It was n't until those wheels touched down and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we realised we were actually safe and sound again , '' Mr Lawson said .
`` We felt like getting on our knees and giving the ground a kiss .
We realised the small things in life are the most important . ''
The couple 's daughter Katherine Webster said the whole family was `` delighted '' to have them home .
`` It was quite stressful and we could n't relax until moment they walked through the door , '' she said .
• ENDGAME : When will life get back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

"It wasn't until those wheels touched down and the captain got one massive cheer, that we realised we were actually safe and sound again," Mr Lawson said.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: 'We're giving our tour buses to the NHS'

Music fans wo n't need reminding there are no live gigs happening at the moment .
As well as empty venues and festival fields , the tour buses that would normally ferry stars around the country are also out of action .
But when Tarrant Anderson found himself armed with a fleet of vacant `` hotels-on-wheels '' he wanted to `` do some good '' .
Despite his business being `` decimated '' by the lockdown he set out to hand them over to the NHS .
Tarrant tells Newsbeat his touring company Vans For Bands was in full swing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We had between 30 and 40 tours out on the road when the COVID-19 shutdown started to happen across Europe .
`` Overnight , as the ban on public events came in , they all shut down .
`` All our vehicles came back to the yard and they were doing nothing . ''
He says the touring industry is `` on its knees '' because of the lockdown and that the last month has been `` a nightmare of trying to make sure we can survive '' .
But during that time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignore pictures of exhausted doctors and nurses in the media .
`` We had all these buses gathering dust so we got on social media to see what we could do .
`` The main thing we got back was that hospitals needed somewhere for staff to rest up , decompress and feel more human . ''
After making sure the buses met lockdown guidelines and NHS health and safety standards - the Vans For Bands fleet started heading out to hospitals .
Mick Jennings , a consultant at Lewisham Hospital , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building .
`` You look at the people coming off shifts after about 12 hours , they 're absolutely spent from all the emotion , all the tension , '' he tells Newsbeat .
`` It 's completely unrecognisable on the ward compared to before the pandemic .
It 's unlike anything we 've ever seen .
`` Everyone is working so incredibly hard to help very ill people and it 's not surprising people are anxious about coming to work . ''
However , he says walking onto the bus instantly makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would normally use it .
`` Every time you sit down it 's like 'Yeah , this is a special place to be and I 'm special , too . '
'' Mick admits he 's tried to guess who might have sat in his seat before him but is well aware the buses `` have probably seen a lot more action than we 're showing them '' .
Aside from dreams of `` getting out on the road when this is all over '' , Mick explains the gesture represents something bigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
`` The thing I take away , more than anything , is how much support we 've had from the community .
`` People understand what we 're putting on the line and appreciate it .
`` If that 's the main thing that can be the legacy of all of this then that will be a great thing for our society . ''
For Tarrant , seeing people like Mick get something out of the buses has been `` a ray of light in what have been pretty dark times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS staff a place to be gives us all reason to get out of bed . ''
He says they 've still got `` plenty of buses '' ready to ship out to `` as many hospitals as possible '' .
The company is n't charging the NHS to use the buses , but keeping them on site 24-7 comes at a price .
To keep the scheme going , Tarrant and his business partner Ed Thomsom have called on some of their previous clients to create a virtual festival , Bus-tival , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sundara Karma and Our Girl as well as guest appearances from various NHS staff on the buses around the country .
All proceeds will go towards keeping NHS staff on the frontline rested as well as sending more buses around the UK .

He says the touring industry is "on its knees" because of the lockdown and that the last month has been "a nightmare of trying to make sure we can survive".