good morning, welcome to breakfast with charlie stayt and naga munchetty. our headlines today: the prime minister says coronavirus testing needs to be increased massively, after it emerged just 2,000 frontline nhs workers have been tested. this is the way through. this is how we will unlock the coronavirus on the way we will defeated in the end.

almost one million people apply for universal credit in two weeks, as financial concerns around the pandemic grow. british airways to suspend 36,000 workers. the airline is expected to announce 80% of its cabin crew, ground staff, engineers and head office employees will have theirjobs suspended until the coronavirus crisis passes. talks will continue this morning on how football battles the coronavirus. the premier league's top players are urged to resist wage cuts until they've spoke to their union, as more clubs put non playing staff on leave and reduce salaries. plus and weather, a few splashes of rain around the west things turn cold over the next 2a hours before substantial warmup this weekend stop clap for our carers is back tonight, with some familiar faces. won't give up the fight for you. on behalf of my family and myself,

heroes. it's thursday april the 2nd. our top story: the prime minister, borisjohnson, has promised to massively increase the testing of health workers for coronavirus after being heavily criticised over his government's handling of the crisis. just 2,000 out of 500,000 frontline nhs workers in england have been tested so far. 563 people with covid—19 died in the uk yesterday, the highest increase in a single day. 0n breakfast this morning we'll discuss that rise with the medical director of public health england. we'll also put your questions to a gp. we'll also look at how pregnant women can keep themselves safe. and at concerns raised by blind people being able to access enough support. first, let's get the latest update in this report from danjohnson. quite an amazing job... the prime minister, isolating after testing positive himself, couldn't have been clearer. i want to say a special word about testing because it

so important and as i have said for weeks and weeks, this is the way through. this is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle, this is how we will defeat it in the end. nhs staff have been queueing around the block to get tested to see if they are safe to go back to work, but this is just a trial. we are still way behind some other countries and the government's own ambition to reach 25,000 tests a day. this hospital in cambridge is the first to try a new bedside testing machine, which gives results and an hour and a half instead of a whole day, and it can be reused, potentially a real game changer. turning repeated promises into actual test results is a challenge facing the health secretary matt hancock, as he gets back to his desk thismorning after his own week of isolation. getting enough personal protective equipment, ppe, to frontline medical staff is the other key issue. increasing testing capacity is absolutely the government's top priority. we are now at 10,000 tests a day, we are rolling out

additional networks of labs and testing sites and in terms of phe, over the last two weeks, 390 million products had been distributed, and of course we will continue to do more. the figures reached new highs each day, 563 people died in the last 2a hours. across the uk, the virus has now claimed 2352 lives. and the economic impact is also unyielding. in the last fortnight, nearly1 million people claimed universal credit. ten times the number for a normal two week period. airlines have suffered and british airways is now close to a deal that will mean 80% of its staff, that's 36,000 cabin crew, ground staff and head office workers, going unpaid. they are not being made redundant but they will rely on the government paying most of their wages until planes can fly

again. coming together like this feels precious in these strange disjointed days, so tonight, it'll happen again. a show of strength and support for nhs workers, medics and carers, some we now know giving their lives to this relentless, exhausting and deadly virus. dan johnson, bbc news. let's get more now on the news now that nearly a million people have applied for universal credit in the past fortnight. 0ur political correspondent, chris mason, joins us from westminster. chris, how do those figures compare to normal? this was for many people such an important moment. the numbers are going to present some real issues. 0na real going to present some real issues. on a real sense now and it is no surprise, a real sense of the economic hurt that the consequences of the last few weeks are now having with this huge spike

in the number of applications for universal credit. we can't read across from that but all those people have lost their jobs, that but all those people have lost theirjobs, people that but all those people have lost their jobs, people have that but all those people have lost theirjobs, people have applied for universal credit in a whole range of circumstances. does give you some sense of how things have changed the sow, so sense of how things have changed the sow, so many sense of how things have changed the sow, so many families in the last couple of weeks. as we were hearing, this huge spike, tenfold increase compared with a similar period last yearin compared with a similar period last year in those applying for universal credit and a reasonable chunk of them also asking for an immediate short—term loan, really fearing for their own family cash flow at the moment. that is money that will have to be paid back and there are those in the charitable sector and those in the charitable sector and those in the labour frontbenchers say that loa n in the labour frontbenchers say that loan should be turned into a grant in these circumstances, otherwise you are postponing a point of reckoning is powered people's finances are concerned and piling up a debt mountain that many will have

to wrestle with in the weeks and months to come. a massive economic shocks are lots of people. the government is proud that its systems seem government is proud that its systems seem to have coped with registry all these people but some have had to waitan these people but some have had to wait an eternity on line or on the phone to get their details into the system. we heard from boris johnson in isolation last night that there isa in isolation last night that there is a sense of increasing pressure on the government over a number of issues over the deaths, those recent figures. the issue of testing as well. a lot of concern these questions are not being answered. testing is proving to be a massive headache for the government because lots of pharmacies were made a few weeks ago but there is now a lot of concern from ministers and public health england that they have not managed to meet those targets and what is quite striking charlie, a couple of the

newspaper from ages, the daily mail, searching questions about testing. the daily telegraph, loyal in terms of support for boris johnson, very stinging and page headline. a real sense a few weeks in that the political consensus if you like that has been around the conversation about this virus is beginning to fray and very, very searching questions being asked of ministers. chris, thank you very much. interestingly chris held up the front page of the daily telegraph. we do have the medical director of public health england coming on at around 7:30pm at half past six, and about 20 minutes, we will talk to a gp so if you have questions, sending them in, please keep doing so. that's all coming up a little later. british airways is expected to announce later that it is suspending thousands of its employees. nina's looking into

this one for us. good morning. we're talking 36,000 members of staff at british airways, 80% of the workforce. theirjobs will be put on hold so it's everyone from cabin crew, ground staff, engineers, workers at head office. what will it mean? they are expected to retain some of their salaries through the governmentjob retention scheme covers 80% of workers salaries if they cannot work. their pa rent salaries if they cannot work. their parent company iag which is based in spain is in a strong position going forward so we don't expect those job suspensions will turn into redundancies. they will be regained once the crisis is over. is this suspension surprising? no, they've suspended all but repatriation flights so perhaps this move was inevitable. it's a similar picture at virgin where they've suspended jobs for two months and easyjet with that has been put on

hold for three months and the airline industry, for obvious reasons, is expected to be particularly badly hit by this global pandemic and some of already told us, it's inevitable they will have to lean on their government in order to survive. nina, thank you. the us vice—president mike pence has warned americans to expect a coronavirus situation comparable to italy's, which currently has the highest death rate of any country. more than 5,000 people have died with covid—i9 in the united states, including a 6—week—old baby. 0ur north america correspondent, peter bowes, is in los angeles. peter, we've heard a change of tone from the us leadership over the past day or so. that's been very noticeable. good morning to you. certainly the president not pulling any punches when talking about the potential for this virus to kill many, many people over the next couple of weeks. he said it was going to be horrific

over the next few days and weeks. that tone has changed noticeably over the last few days. as you say, this morning that america is on the same trajectory as italy in terms of the wave of implications, new york is the epicentre at the moment. soaring numbers right now here in los angeles. it's left considerably over the last 2a hours. it's going to bea over the last 2a hours. it's going to be a very grim time over the next few weeks. everybody is clear about that. the president acknowledging that. the president acknowledging that stockpiles of emergency equipment and supplies, medical supplies, are running out. this is something we've heard a lot about from local officials. concern they are not getting stop files they need. the manufactures, as opposed

to sending the stock pile, directly to sending the stock pile, directly to the hospitals. the world health organisation is considering whether to update its guidance on the routine wearing of face masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. it currently advises that healthy people don't need them, unless they're caring for those with the disease. 0ur science editor, david shukman, reports. how far howfarcana how far can a sneeze how far can a sneeze travel and would ask help stop the spread of coronavirus? new research suggests that the infection could be reaching further than previously thought. and now advises to the world health 0rganization are weighing up the evidence. masks are suddenly becoming a common site all around the globe, from supermarkets in california to police officers patrolling the streets of france. until now, the advice has been that healthy people don't need them u nless healthy people don't need them unless caring for someone may have

the disease but that guidance may change. it might be that wearing a mask is equally as effective or more effect of then distancing, provided that mask is worn properly and provided that people don't infect themselves when they are taking the mask of and touch another surface that may be contaminated. in germany, several regions wanted to be compulsory for people to wear masks in public. for many, it makes a lot of commonsense but experts say is vital to realise the masks don't offer total protection. in austria, the supermarkets are going to insist that everyone wears a mask but health professionals say they must be worn properly and the most important thing remains hygiene. above all, keeping your hands as clea n above all, keeping your hands as clean as possible. a clothing factory in rome turns to making

masks. demand is growing but one concern is that if the public snap up concern is that if the public snap up masks all over the world, that may make it harder for health workers to get hold of them. david shukman, bbc news. we are only allowed for one short jog we are only allowed for one short 1°98 we are only allowed for one short jog a day out, which isn't great for marathon runners unless you do the whole 26.2 miles in your back garden. that is what james campbell did. the former commonwealth games javelin thrower said he never thought about running a marathon until it went into isolation and completed it in just over five hours and raised £20,000 for charity. five hours is really impressive. it's a really good time. quite a few people are setting themselves serious goals with limited space. you kept count? i don't

know. if you were watching brea kfast yesterday, you might have seen our report on the challenges of trying to self—isolate when you live in a remote farmhouse, miles from the nearest shop or neighbour. today, we have the opposite situation. fiona lamdin has been to meet the residents of a tower block in bristol to see how they are coping. this is the first time this man has left his flat in two weeks. just a few steps to take the rubbish out. his wife and three children are inside on the 15th floor. to be honest, it is very hard for them to be able to move. the kids are very active. they like to jump, be able to move. the kids are very active. they like tojump, something here, something here and the space is very small for them. there are over 80 families living here and none have washing machines instead of the entire

block shares this laundry room. it has five communal washers. there is five, six people a lwa ys washers. there is five, six people always so this time it is not good because the laundry is not big and thatis because the laundry is not big and that is why i am not going in this time. he is worried about contracting coronavirus from here but his family are running out of clea n but his family are running out of clean clothes. when we go into the lives, what do we do? we spray. and we stay away from? the walls. with a two and six—year—old, the stairs are out of the question for samuel. you can imagine. i cannot do this. we

we re can imagine. i cannot do this. we were coming down this morning... julie has asthma, diabetes and uses a wheelchair. it feels like i am in a wheelchair. it feels like i am in a prison, locked out. isit a wheelchair. it feels like i am in a prison, locked out. i sit at the window and look out the window all day. and that is really annoying me because i want to go out. day. and that is really annoying me because i want to go outlj day. and that is really annoying me because i want to go out. i am not used to being indoors. but you know you have to stay in because it is just too dangerous? yes. two lives and one was for hundreds of people to share, making social distancing almost impossible. but they tell me they have never felt closer. fiona lamdin, bbc news. really interesting seeing how people are adapting in a clearly challenging situation. but

again it shows community spirit coming through and that is really lovely. let's take a look at today's front pages. the sun dedicates its front page to an appeal for britons to carry on clapping their support for nhs workers tonight at 8 o'clock. remember, last week that began and very emotional things when that happened. and we will be showing you some videos from celebrities who are supporting that later on. the daily mirror says testing for nhs staff is in "chaos" as it was revealed thatjust 2,000 of them had been tested for covid—19. it also carries pictures of a nurse, thomas harvey, and doctor alfa saadu, who both died after testing positive for the virus. the daily telegraph says the government has been unable to explain why the uk's testing strategy is behind that of other nations. last night borisjohnson released an online video in which he promised to "ramp up tests". and online, buzzfeed is reporting what it calls an "appalling" breakdown in communication between public health england and the government's animal health agency, which may have reduced the uk's coronavirus testing capacity

by tens of thousands per week. do you want some sport news? go on. i know you are a big rugby fan. there is a newborn child in rugby and it shows it has a chip inside and it shows it has a chip inside and it shows it has a chip inside and it has loads of sensors and it will show when the ball is kicked four words. it becomes a part of the referee process? yes. it is designed bya referee process? yes. it is designed by a london based technology company. it is going to help in terms of detailed data and those decisions, was it forward... it has

a gps tracking inside it so it navigates where it is on the pitch. it can determine forward passes, can tell the difference between kicks, passes and fumbles and it has environmental sensors. it will be interesting to see when it first comes into play. it is being trialled by england coaches and players at the moment. on the theme of what people are doing. things that are thriving things like storytelling. as you wake up this morning, we are really bracing storytelling. the best ones are the ones you make up yourself because you do not always have to read a book. in a most people doing storytelling is dolly parton who will be doing kids stories with that fantastic voice of hers. i didn't

know a little bit about this. as pa rt know a little bit about this. as part of her charity which she has been running for a very long time, over the years she has given over 130 million free books to children as part of her encouragement to get people reading and lots of other very well—known people who are putting their voices to children's story. she seems lovely. it doesn't surprise you. you probably do know this already but people have gone back to board games. 2a0% rise in the sale of board games and the game that comes out of all the time is... ? boardgames? as in not drafts, chest. oh, boy, just one answer will do. monopoly. yes is the answer.m is d rafts do. monopoly. yes is the answer.m is drafts not a board game?” do. monopoly. yes is the answer.m is drafts not a board game? i don't

know. do you remember the album cover but definitely maybe by oasis. danny read sent a picture of his friends creating the artwork into their garden and they have treated it to oasis and i think that is a really, really good effort. —— tweeted. we are interested in the very creative ways you are spending your time. what is the thing occupying your time. it could be something mundane but that keeps you going. the game frustration did come out of the cupboard the other day and it was annoying. and i lost which is doubly bad. that is why it is annoying. so much of the world is closed off at the moment

and that means a lot of us are having to open our minds to unfamiliar technology, like video conferencing calls, to stay connected. that's exactly what the members of the caribbean social forum from woolwich, in south london, did. and the results were pretty successful, as tarah welsh reports. # don't worry about a thing... #. singing in isolation but wendy is not alone. she can still meet up with friends but it has to be on line. laughter. like so many of us, they are learning how to adapt into these uncertain times. you need to move away if we are to see you. as soon move away if we are to see you. as soon as move away if we are to see you. as soon as it happened, i called the it people and asked what the best one for you to get into which

is easy and uncomplicated to get into. they usually get together at the caribbean social forum in woolwich. whitfield in december before any of us whitfield in december before any of us had any idea what social isolation is. with this, we could have right jack and see each other. that feeling of feeling alone disappeared. it felt like you had a visitor at your house even though they were not there. 600 people belong to the forum and not all of them can get on line so other members make sure everyone gets a phone call and for those that can log on, this is much needed support. we always say we are a factor and i think that is important for us. you guys think that is important for us. you guys come think that is important for us. you guys come and help me and i help you. we are here to

help one another through this new era we are going through. i know someone who died from covid—19, a few days ago, so we just have to really do what we are advised to do. it is worrying but we can do is best we can. jenny is an nhs nurse but today is her birthday. 0ne, nhs nurse but today is her birthday. one, two, three... and the forum has not forgotten. # happy birthday, jenny... not forgotten. # happy birthday, jenny... #. and they are looking forward when they can sing together in time and see each other in person. i try not to be depressed. i am blessed with a lot of things. i am blessed with a lot of things. i am blessed with nice children, nice friends and with the

caribbean social forum. we are in need to celebrate. # we will meet again, don't know where, don't know when but i know we will meet again some sunny day... #. that is a virtual hug. and the list of things that i am blessed with. lovely. good feeling. we are blessed with matt this morning. it has been a little bit cold lately? it is set to get older as well. good morning. get ready for a bit more of a chill with temperatures set to drop uk wise with quite a wind in

the north—east of the country but by the north—east of the country but by the weekend things will turn much warmup once again. let mejust the weekend things will turn much warmup once again. let me just show you the extent of the changes. for friday, northerly winds across the country. temperatures widely in single figures with a windchill in eastern districts as well. by sunday, the winds coming from the end temperatures widely in the mid—— high teens. it changes over a short few days. it is a bit chilly across eastern areas this morning with clear skies but sunshine to start the day. most places frost free but anything north and west, outbreaks of rain and going with the odd burst as well. most places spend the bulk of the day drive. cold air in the north of scotland continues to begin. winter touching 60 even 70 miles per hour at times. a

bit more sunshine through the afternoon further south. temperatures into the low teens when you see it. but in the north, 3— five celsius and scotland. the cold air will work its way southwards. with clearance guys, here most likely to see a frost into friday morning. a fair bit of cloud. that cloud will start to build more widely as we go into the afternoon. eastern areas sunnier longus. 0ne widely as we go into the afternoon. eastern areas sunnier longus. one or two showers in the north of scotland. a bit of sunshine in the west. a chillier date for the vast majority. as we go through friday night and into saturday, this is where we start to flip the winds around. it moves to the east, this high pressure. lots of sunshine around for most first thing but

overnight rain in the north and west of scotla nd overnight rain in the north and west of scotland taking a wide to shift and lingering longus in shetland. —— longest. sunny conditions returning to the south later and temperatures more widely into double figures. things will warm up even further as we go into saturday night and sunday. low pressure close—up. that means the wenzel pickup but they will be from the south, south—east so will be from the south, south—east so lots of sunshine around. —— the winds. more cloud in the west. producing one or two spots of rain but for most sunshine from dawn to dusk and it will feel warmer. 0pen the windows, let some fresh air in and if you're spending time in the garden, be warned, the sun is getting stronger at the moment. but whatever you do, stay at home. february, this chart showing most parts of the uk

had above average rainfall. but much below average with eastern areas, which needed a breakfrom with eastern areas, which needed a break from the rain, with eastern areas, which needed a breakfrom the rain, certainly with eastern areas, which needed a break from the rain, certainly got it and we have had more frost in march than we did all it is amazing how it has turned around. considering the situation now with so many of us staying at home, restrict time but at least it is dry. especially considering the flood you are never happier than when you have a multicoloured chart. we must be so happy. like a pack of crayons! it is like one of those colouring in things that are very popular at the moment. colour by numbers. we will come back to you later.|j moment. colour by numbers. we will come back to you later. i got a question for you to start a debate. 20 degrees in london on sunday. what

temperature is barbecue whether? 0. for me it's about 19, 20. in gardens. no wind to go with it or it will be a bit too cold. probably about 24. i think higher. i'm going 26. charlie? all looks good to me. we will see later on, thank you very much at 6:31am. we'll bring you all the latest news and sport in a moment, but also on breakfast this morning... it was an emotional moment of national unity last thursday — and tonight's clap for carers looks set to be even bigger. we'll bring you a taste of what's in store in around 20 minutes — and speaking to the organiser, anne—marie plas, just after 8.30. there are so many questions about coronavirus and pregnancy. we've been speaking to a panel of expectant mums and will be putting their queries and concerns to a consultant obstetrician at

7.10. they were on breakfast two days ago and have been winning fans around the world ever since. we'll catch up with the marsh family to see if their heads have stopped spinning yet. that fantastic version of the famous les mis song. good morning, here's a summary of today's main stories from bbc news. the prime minister, borisjohnson, has promised to massively increase the testing of health workers for coronavirus after being heavily criticised over his government's handling of the crisis. just 2,000 out of half a million frontline nhs workers in england have been tested so far. 563 people with covid—19 died in the uk yesterday — the highest increase in a single day. the us vice—president mike pence has warned americans to expect

a coronavirus situation "comparable" to italy's — which currently has the highest death rate of any country. more than 5,000 people have died with covid—19 in the united states, including a six—week—old baby. earlier, donald trump told americans he was working on securing the medical supplies needed to tackle the virus, despite reports of shortages. italy still has the highest death toll of any country, with more than 13,000 fatalities, but the rate of deaths appears to be falling. 727 people with coronavirus died there yesterday — a drop of more than 100 from the previous day. however, neighbouring spain has recorded its highest daily toll so far — 864 people. the world health organisation is considering whether to update its guidance on the routine wearing of face masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. it currently recommends that healthy people don't need them unless they're caring for those with the disease. but advisers will weigh up new research on whether the virus

can be projected further than previously thought during coughs and sneezes. in the current restrictions back garden marathons are becoming quite the thing. that's what james campbell did. he completed it in just over five hours and also raised £20,000 for charity. congratulations to james. that is relentless, isn't it best to mike because he hasn't got far to go. he is turning, i wonder if he would have to switch his tens. five hours is an impressive time, including all the turns. well done. keep us posted if you are doing stuff. to set a record of some sort.

let's us know. it's time now to get some answers to your covid—19 questions with one of our regular gps. today we're saying hello again to dr zoe norris, whojoins us from her home in east yorkshire. very good morning to you, doctor. how are things? i was going to ask you, one of those very open questions to start us. you have a practice, many patients relying on you. how are things working under the current situation? so i work across six different practices in one of the towns in east yorkshire, in bridlington, and i think it's fairto in bridlington, and i think it's fair to say everything is pressured, everyone is busy, lots of staff needing to self—isolate for various reasons, as well. dealing with a lot of queries still from patients over the phone and bite video consulting. i think the phone and bite video consulting. ithinka the phone and bite video consulting. i think a real sense of anxiety

about the coming storm, as it were. when is this going to fully hit us, and are we ready for it? on the issue you were talking about, one of the things a lot of people are concerned about is staff and you will be the same about staff who are self isolating or not able to work currently. in terms of numbers, how is that situation affecting you?m varies between different practices, but some practices up to half of their staff are but some practices up to half of theirstaffare in but some practices up to half of their staff are in isolation or u nwell their staff are in isolation or unwell at the moment. it depends a bit on who those staff are stopped when its clinical staff that can be a real issue particularly if the practice is small. maybe it has two or three doctors or nurses. for larger practices there is a bit more flexibility but usually they are larger because they have more patience and i know i know our admin colleagues and practice managers are struggling so it can be a real problem. naga here, good

morning. let's talk about the message getting through to patients who should be sealed or think they should be shielded. what message are you getting back in terms of understanding? lots of confusion, to be honest. ithink understanding? lots of confusion, to be honest. i think it is perhaps an example where an announcement was made and then that has caused a lot of anxiety because of the delay for patients then receiving those letters and the advice that if you don't get a letter you should contact your gp in case you need one. that has created quite a lot of confusion, lots of patients getting in touch with their gp saying they should have had one. patients who are high—risk and those who are not at all, and confusion over who is organising it, who does it apply to and additional work that is generated from it. we are being asked to do extra searches and our patient lists and that is on a background of a system already under stress. it's been a bit of a nightmare. how easy is

it for you to contact these patients in the absence of them having any clarity from these letters? well, what that requires is for us to do searches on our records, which gp surgeries are very used to doing. but it is what are you searching for? patient records are all coded, so they are not coded with things like high risk for coronavirus. they are coded with specific conditions. as you might have seen from the list of conditions, they are varied and broad. coding covers everything in that patient's medical records and some might not be relevant. you can doa some might not be relevant. you can do a relatively quick search but then someone needs to go through each of the record, see whether it is relevant, contact that patient, have a discussion with them, and thatis have a discussion with them, and that is time at the moment that we are really struggling to give. and i runa are really struggling to give. and i run a question past you? this in a way illustrates one of the issues quite a lot of people are trying to work out. this is from sue

roberts. myself, my husband and daughter have all displayed symptoms of covid—19 in the last ten days. mine and my daughter's were nothing more than a bad cold with the main symptom being loss of smell and taste. therefore itself isolated ten days ago. my husband developed the symptoms of five days ago, more classic in nature, high temperature, calf and tight chest. the question is, do my daughter and i carry on self isolating for another nine days? within a household, people are getting different symptoms at different times, when do you pick the start point to when you finish your isolation? it's really confusing. the advice has been that if you start, if you are the first person in your household to develop symptoms, you self— isolate person in your household to develop symptoms, you self—isolate for seven days and then see whether you still have symptoms after seven days. for everyone else in your household it is 14 days because that gives chance

for them to incubate the virus and for them to incubate the virus and for it to develop. they had it for ten days, so they are well beyond the seven, which we are seeing quite a lot. a lot of patients have symptoms up to and beyond 14 days. and then the dad in the house has then begun symptoms, as well. at the moment, given that we are already in a state of isolation and we are already trying to keep ourselves inside as much as possible, i would better be safe than sorry and i would probably suggest that they continue to isolate until the symptoms have completely resolved in all of them for that extra nine days of. just because it is so high risk and it does sound like they had it from those clinical symptoms. you will be well aware, whether you have managed to catch up with newspapers this morning or not, that the big issue at the moment is testing. how many issue at the moment is testing. how ma ny tests ca n issue at the moment is testing. how many tests can be done, who is going to get those tests first, when will nhs workers get these tests. we have had a question jane,

nhs workers get these tests. we have had a questionjane, who says, what do you think about grandparents being tested asap? there is a logic to this because this is after all the health workers. so many are looking after grandchildren, so they can then help. if they can help, they can look after the grandchildren, get the families back to work. jane says she isn't sure she's coronavirus but can't help with her grandchildren now but cut immediately she knew she had had it and her daughter could go back to work in an essentialjob. have you had any idea of the pecking order or the order of preference when it comes to testing when they are finally rolled out? yes, we have. and it seems to be quite rightly that those colleagues who are doing the highest risk procedures with patient, so those who are doing what is called aerosol generating procedures, so putting patients on to ventilators, putting tubes into airways, so our colleagues in critical care, intensive care

units and potentially a&e would be tested first. my understanding it would be hospital workers and then community workers, which would include gps. and then down into our social care colleagues and front line community health workers. we 00:42:18,1000 --> 00:42:20,435 are anticipating being relatively low down the ladder and fought this not hitting us for another numberof and fought this not hitting us for another number of weeks. i can completely see the logic around grandparents, i would love to have my parents helping out at the moment, but i suspect that will be a numberof weeks moment, but i suspect that will be a number of weeks away. how is that affecting you at the moment, being lower down when it comes to health workers, how does that affect staffing levels? it is affecting staffing levels? it is affecting staffing levels? it is affecting staffing levels in terms of obviously losing people to self isolation but it is also affecting morale and people feeling kind of, yeah, bottom of the pack, really! i don't think any of us would want to ta ke don't think any of us would want to take testing capacity away from our

hospital colleagues who are in the highest risk groups because of what they do, but there is a real disappointment that the government have promised testing for the nhs and, really, we haven't seen it at all. that limits what we can do with our patients and it kind of sends a message that, actually, this isn't a priority for them and that feels pretty tough when you are trying to do this every day. on a final note, how aware are you of patients of yours who you think have had coronavirus who have recovered? i am assuming... in amongst the stories we hear there are a lot of people recovering. you must be aware of people who either you don't hear from again or maybe they call in and say, do you know what? i'm in the clear! iron absolutely. people are recovering and probably the most detailed cases i've heard of are from my colleagues and friends who are also doctors and nurses because lam are also doctors and nurses because

i am getting more frequent contact with them than i perhaps would be with them than i perhaps would be with patients. a lot of them are doing well but being really quite sick sometimes. it is taking a lot longer to settle than i think we thought. the particular issue about how it can affect your oxygen levels and how they can be really quite reduced without you feeling breathless is something that has beena breathless is something that has been a learning curve for me just from hearing from anecdotal experience. dr zoe norris, good to catch up with you once again. we wish you well in your very busy work at the moment. thank you very much. we've got a familiar face coming back. he's been in isolation, he is looking chirpy and healthy and happy. good morning, welcome back. it's great to be back, thanks very much indeed. a big story to talk about this morning. the pressure really gra b about this morning. the pressure really grab non—premier league players to follow the likes of barcelona and juventus and take a wage cut. talks will continue this morning between england's top leagues

and the players union over possible salary sacrifices. it's amid growing condemnation for clubs that have opted to use the government's taxpayer—funded, job retention scheme as football battles the impact of the coronavirus. with no football due to resume until next month at the earliest, bournemouth are the latest premier league club — along with newcastle, spurs and norwich — to furlough some non—football—playing staff, although their management team — including eddie howe — have taken voluntary pay cuts. politicians and those within the game have now called on players to agree to wage cuts. everybody has to make sacrifices — footballers are no different. and, you know, itjust doesn't sit right with people that footballers can be on hundreds of thousands of pounds a week and you're getting a man and woman in the street who are making sacrifices and footballers aren't doing. so, you know, that does need to happen and it needs to happen very quickly, otherwise it'll be a pr disaster for the

whole of football. there was a meeting yesterday in talks continuing in the next 48 hours about this issue. with no clear date for europe's top leagues to return, all champions league and europa league matches have been suspended until further notice because of the global pandemic. this does allow more time for domestic seasons to be completed. uefa have also postponed the women's european championship — to be held in england — from next summer to 2022. all national team games injune have also been postponed, including play—off matches for euro 2020. serena williams says she's shocked, roger federer, devastated, and andy murray very sad after wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since world war two. the championships were due to begin at the end ofjune, but, because of coronavirus, the entire grass—court season has been abandoned and all tennis is now off untiljuly 13th at

the earliest. you know, it's definitely the right decision and adheres to all the guidelines and it's about keeping people safe. so in terms of the news, it's not surprising, but, you know, there's also a part of me that, you know, hopes to play, wishes to play, looks forward to playing. so on that side it's saddening and it's a bit disappointing. apologies for the technical gremlins they are. eddiejones is set to agree a new deal to stay on as england's head coach until the 2023 rugby world cup in france. his current contract ends next august but he's been in talks over a extension after guiding england to the world cup final last year. ifjones stays on until october 2023 it would make him england's longest ever serving boss — surpassing sir clive woodward. finally, we have seen many sporting stars showing off their skills in the back

garden, during isolation, but former arsenal and manchester united striker, robin van persie, has taken it to a new level, working on a whole football/dance routine, with his son. set to music, the timing is impeccable. the choreography is pretty good, as well. and it seems as if van persie junior has inherited his dad's skills. mesmerising skills. they are not even looking at each other. just concentrating on the ball but it seems, perfect timing. surely a ten insta ntly seems, perfect timing. surely a ten instantly come dancing. that is the support we are reporting on, what people are doing in their back gardens. we saw james people are doing in their back gardens. we sanames doing a marathon, which was amazing, and now we see robin van persie and his son. everyone is displaying new skills this morning. eating porridge was broadcasting live on national television, did you see that? while impersonating jo konta, very impressive. it's all new. thank you

very much, mike. see you later. it does happen. we eat during the programme, simple as that. one of the biggest concerns people still have during this coronavirus disruption is around food and drink. especially how vulnerable people can get their essentials. nina's looking into this one for us today. good morning. good morning, it's more than a week since the government shutdown shops that don't sell essential items and discouraged us from making supermarket visits u nless we us from making supermarket visits unless we absolutely have to. that's put a lot of pressure on online delivery slots with the various supermarkets, with many complaints online of people waiting hours for a slot. with tesco we could register but could not get a slot. asda and morrisons, we ended up in a long queue and with sainsbury‘s we couldn't even register at all. that's hard for anyone but imagine if you are vulnerable at the moment, so if you are vulnerable at the moment, so if you are severely asthmatic, receiving cancer treatment, even if you are pregnant and over

70 and just don't want to stand in the queues. we had an e—mailfrom john, actually, a dad of a son with disabilities, his wife has serious mental health problems, he said it's been absolutely dreadful, i can't do any online shopping, no car, no support from the council, it's been awful. we spoke to a retire asthmatic. she said the government of advised her to isolate herself but she's been trying desperately to getan but she's been trying desperately to get an online delivery and here's what you told us. i'm a long term smart pass holder of a card and at the at risk category because i'm asthmatic and my husband is in his 70s and we shouldn't go near the shops. i've spent up to 12 hours online queueing in a virtual queue with no luck. i've e—mailed for clarification from 0cado that i will be ok and i will get a future delivery, and i haven't had the clarification yet. we do need to know so we can make other arrangements if not. where? i don't know. what are the supermarkets

doing? the supermarkets have told us they are waiting for this list from they are waiting for this list from the government of extremely vulnerable patients who need to be shielded, and as soon as they get the less they will prioritise those customers. in the meantime, some of them are taking other measures. here's what they told us. tesco say the elderly and vulnerable eat customers can shop between 9—10 three days a week unlimited online orders to 80 items, and added 120,000 extra delivery slots. sainsbury‘s had dedicated an hour three times a week for elderly and disabled customers and they are proactively contacting more than a quarter of a million vulnerable customers to have priority on slots. asda have got a dedicated hourfor nhs workers in larger stores and all of the big four told us to think about, if you can physically go shopping, do it to make sure these cu es shopping, do it to make sure these cues come down and to think about neighbours and friends who you can support. and said she was having problems with 0cado and they said

they recognise they need to prioritise the vulnerable and are starting to give priority access. susan got in touch about her mother, 93, and usually goes to waitrose. she wanted to know when they will stop privatising access for the elderly and waitrose told us yesterday it's beginning to be rolled out. they will start to offer elderly and vulnerable customers priority on their website. i think it's fair to say the supermarkets are pulling out all the stops of the moment. if you have been to one recently, you will see the measures which have been successfully put in place for social distancing but it's really difficult and putting in a blanket policy to help all vulnerable people across the country would obviously be really complicated and it will take time. practicalities, as well, when you get the delivery, some people might be worried about the safety of picking it up. we spoke to public health england about this and they told us the risk of catching coronavirus from food or food packaging is very low for that they wa nt to packaging is very low for that they want to reassure us on that but they

said follow the usual rules on hand washing before and after handling food and also binning of the packaging around it. just to summarise, really, how they think before you place that order online, think aboutjohn and others and a man who got in touch today, a nurse working on a coronavirus board and she said, i can't tell you how excited i was to book my online delivery at 1:40am at this morning. ijumped delivery at 1:40am at this morning. i jumped out of delivery at 1:40am at this morning. ijumped out of bed to do a little dance. i'm working on a ward and trying to get out as little as possible. this was so exciting. so before you place that order, if you can get to a supermarket yourself, may do that. it's all good advice, thanks very much. millions of people across the uk are expected to take part in a co—ordinated round of applause this evening for the key workers who are risking their own health to care for the sick and keep the country running. it follows the success of last thursday's ‘clap for our carers' — which saw huge numbers of people taking to their doorsteps,

windows and balconies to show their appreciation for nhs staff. john maguire has the story. applause. when under attack by an invisible foe, determined to dry us apart, we come together. determined to drive us apart, we come together. cheering. car horns honk. we are constantly told that these are unprecedented times but, day after day, nhs staff are prepared to step up. 0ur role, a job for each and everyone of us, is to support them. we just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at the nhs. you're working so hard and you're really putting yourselves out there for all of us at home. # too many broken hearts in the world. # too many dreams can be broken in two #.

to hear people from a few streets away banging on their saucepans and the whoops and the cheers and claps remind you that there's lots of life out there even though we're not really seeing anyone. thank you with all our hearts to all the people working in the nhs, all the workers, all the volunteers and notjust the nurses. what an amazing thing you're doing now. when this is all over and done with, i'm coming to kiss each one of you on the lips, so puckerup! for the vast majority of us, coronavirus will mean mild symptoms, feeling out of sorts. for others it can pose a mortal threat, but some who recovered are keen to give thanks where thanks are due. i recently got ill with the virus and i'm grateful to have recovered. i'd like to say thank you to all of the nhs carers and key workers for playing a role in this. thank you nhs for looking after me. we are really proud of all of you, including the nurses, the doctors, the porters, all those who work in care homes

and the ambulance teams. let's get your protective equipment and your tests from the government soon. anything to say, girls? thank you. thank you, nhs. from the young and from the older. mark bowden's dad jack, 99 years young, has beaten it. i'm clapping very, very loudly for the nhs. i'd like to say a huge thank you for all the nurses and the doctors at royal bolton hospital, in particular ward d4. they've been looking after my father jack bowden, who is fast approaching his 99th birthday. he's been in and out of hospital now for the last two weeks as he tested positive with covid—19. i've heard today that he is doing fa ntastically well. it looks like he's making a full recovery and apparently today the nurse said that he was sat up out of bed. we, the staff at lewisham endoscopy theatres, are thanking you for clapping for the nhs. now we are clapping and saying thank you for staying at home. applause.

from holby city to casualty to er, for years we've made weekly dates with medics. well, tonight, make another one. eight o'clock, to applaud and to thank the real stars. john maguire, bbc news. there's just a feeling of gratitude, isn't there? i know quite a few nhs workers who heard the applause and saw the lights and many of them weren't even expecting anything. our cameras will try to catch that moment again this evening but come ina way, moment again this evening but come in a way, that's why we are doing it, it's a sentiment attached to it. we are determined to report and celebrate the positive way in which so celebrate the positive way in which so many people are responding to the coronavirus outbreak. we'd like you to tell us about the heroes who are looking after you, keeping your community going, or simply putting a smile on your face.

please do let us know exactly who you'd like to thank, and why. to be honest it could just be the smallest things. at the moment, some of those little things, moment in time, a gesture, something someone says can be the thing which makes a difference. the weather will help, as well. it's been chilly but the sun has been shining. good morning. more sunshine over the next few days, especially into the weekend but if you are out for applause this evening, particularly in the north and east of the country, wrap up well because it will turn chillier across the country but we will see a big flip around in fortunes in the next few days and the wind direction will switch on things will turn much, much warmer this weekend. let me put some numbers on that. tomorrow temperatures widely in single figures across the country. a noticeable wind chill in the east, but south—easterly winds kick in for sunday by which time most places will see temperatures in the mid to high teens, if not low 20s. that's all to come. at the moment, pretty chill in the far north—east of the

country, lots of showers, gale force winds and 60—70 miles an hour. sunshine in eastern areas but in many southern and western parts lots of cloud and it's in the west with will see some outbreaks of rain coming and going through the day turning to sleet and snow in the north of scotland as the cold air sta rts north of scotland as the cold air starts to dig its way. sunny weather pushing its way southwards into the end of the afternoon but, it will be a blustery day, windier than yesterday, especially in the north—east of scotland. the wind over 60 an hour. here it will feel subzero with tempted at best three. amount of yesterday even with the wind where you will see the sunshine. the shower was gradually pushed southward through tonight. a few will continue in the west, wintry in the north of scotland but with some clear skies abound, across scotland, northern and eastern england, this is where we will likely see a frost into friday morning. we start the day with some sunshine, still a few showers in the west to begin with, the cloud will steadily start to build through the

day but there will be some sunshine particularly around the coast and it will be a colder day, most places seeing temperatures below 10 degrees. probably around 8—9. as we go into friday night, into saturday, high pressure to the west of us pushes eastwards opening the door to the start of the southerly winds. plenty of sunshine for many on saturday, though we do start with cloudy outbreaks of rain across the north and west of scotland and temperatures will rise later. all your headlines coming up next.

good morning, welcome to breakfast with charlie stayt and naga munchetty. 0ur headlines today. the prime minister says coronavirus testing needs to be increased massively — after it emerged just 2,000 frontline nhs workers in england have been tested. this is the way through. this is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle. this is how we will defeat it in the end. almost one million people apply for universal credit in two weeks as financial concerns around the pandemic grow. british airways is to suspend 36,000 workers. the airline is expected to announce 80% of its cabin crew, ground staff, engineers and head office employees will have theirjobs suspended until the coronavirus crisis passes. talks will continue this morning on how football battles the coronavirus. the premier league's top

players are urged to resist wage cuts until they've spoke to their union — as more clubs put non—playing staff on leave and reduce salaries. clap for our carers is back tonight. . .with some familiar faces. # i won't give up the fight for you #. on behalf of my family and myself, heroes. it's thursday april the 2nd. our top story. the prime minister, borisjohnson, has promised to massively increase the testing of health workers for coronavirus after being heavily criticised over his government's handling of the crisis. just 2,000 out of half a million front—line nhs workers in england have been tested so far. 563 people with covid—19 died in the uk yesterday — the highest increase in a single day. 0n breakfast this morning we'll discuss that rise with the medical

director of public health england. that of public health england. is in and around half an t we'll also look at how pregnant women can keep themselves safe — and at concerns raised by blind people being able to access enough support. first, let's get the latest update in this report from danjohnson. quite an amazing job... the prime minister, isolating after testing positive himself, couldn't have been clearer. i want to say a special word about testing because it so important and as i have said for weeks and weeks, this is the way through. this is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle, this is how we will defeat it in the end. nhs staff have been queueing around the block to get tested to see if they are safe to go back to work, but this is just a trial. we are still way behind some other countries and the government's own ambition to reach 25,000 tests a day. this hospital in cambridge is the first to try a new bedside testing machine, which gives results and an hour and a

half instead of a whole day, and it can be reused, potentially a real game changer. turning repeated promises into actual test results is a challenge facing the health secretary matt hancock, as he gets back to his desk this morning after his own week of isolation. getting enough personal protective equipment, ppe, to front line medical staff is the other key issue. increasing testing capacity is absolutely the government's top priority. we are now at 10,000 tests a day, we are rolling out additional networks of labs and testing sites and in terms of phe, over the last two weeks, 390 million products had been distributed, and of course we will continue to do more. the figures reach new highs each day — 563 people died in the last 24 hours. across the uk, the virus has now claimed 2,352 lives. and the economic impact is also unyielding. in the last fortnight,

nearly one million people claimed universal credit. ten times the number for a normal two—week period. airlines have suffered and british airways is now close to a deal that will mean 80% of its staff — that's 36,000 cabin crew, ground staff and head office workers — going unpaid. they are not being made redundant but they will rely on the government paying most of their wages until planes can fly again. coming together like this feels precious in these strange disjointed days, so tonight, it'll happen again. a show of strength and support for nhs workers, medics and carers, some we now know giving their lives to this relentless, exhausting and deadly virus. dan johnson, bbc news. andy moore is at a testing facility in wembley. give us an idea of the scale of the

operation. testing facilities are so crucial, especially considering the scale of the operation needed. that's right. this is in the car park of the ikea shop here in wembley. you may be able to see some of the five booths behind me, the testing tents where swa bs behind me, the testing tents where swabs will be taken later on. this centre opens up at about 10am today, it's all quiet at the moment. yesterday very busy, quite long queues of cars. certainly early on those cues subsided a little later on and in those queues were members of the general public who misunderstood what this was all about, heard there was a test centre and thought they might be able to get a test. of course they can't. also in that queue where nhs staff who again thought they might be able to get a test that they can't unless they have got a special e—mail by invitation. that message may be getting through that you can only come along to these test centres if

you have an invitation and of course only if you are nhs member of staff. how many tests carried out? we have heard from the government about 2000 nhs staff tested so far. of course thatis nhs staff tested so far. of course that is only a small proportion of probably hundreds of thousands who are off work because they are feeling ill or a member of their family has symptoms. but we are told that the government is steadily growing, increasing the number of tests carried out and they are hoping by the end of today they will have carried out 3000 tests on nhs staff and. it is something that is being very closely watched. thank you. 0ur political correspondent chris mason joins us from westminster. this issue around testing now is a major issue for the politicians to try and get something achieved. there has been a lot of talk about the numbers, how they will roll them out. that is a phrase used a lot, but in practice people want to see more. they do. good morning. what is really striking now in the last 24

hours is how the tone of this conversation around testing but also personal protective equipment for hospital staff, as well, has really ratcheted up. there isn't the political consensus around the conversation that there was, but really sharp questions now being asked of the government. some of that newspaper is most loyal to the conservatives and borisjohnson are asking pretty searching questions after that news conference that the business secretary lead yesterday. there was a question after question around specific testing, not least the comparison between the uk and germany. the answers that came back we re germany. the answers that came back were pretty vague. as you say, the rhetoric was there, the desire to crank up the number of tests was frequently articulated, but the specifics about how it would happen and when it would happen were seen by many to be lacking. i think that is why borisjohnson in that third video from his own self isolation focused on what he

seize of the importance of testing. perhaps we will hear later from matt hancock, the health secretary, about how precisely they put those words into action. were saying in just under half an hour, at 7:30am, we will be talking to the medical director of public health england, professor paul cosford. if you have questions for him, please let us know. british airways is expected to announce later that it is suspending thousands of its employees. nina's looking into this one for us. nina? 36,000 members of staff at ba expected to be told later thatjobs have been put on hold. that is 80% of the workforce including cabin crew, ground staff, engineers, lots of people at head office. what will it mean for the staff? as we understand it they will receive at least some of their wages through the government'sjob least some of their wages through the government's job retention scheme, which covers 80% of salaries. their parent

company, aig, based in spain, is in good shape to ride this out. long term, we don't expect any redundancies. is this suspension surprising? not surprising. they have stopped all but repatriation flights and future bookings have been put on hold. it isa similar bookings have been put on hold. it is a similar picture at virgin, where staff have been told their jobs have been suspended for two months, and easyjet, wherejobs have been frozen for three months. the airline industry for obvious reasons is expected to be particularly badly hit by this global pandemic. many telling us they will have to look to their respective governments for some support once this is over. ok, thank you very much. the us vice president mike pence has warned americans to expect a coronavirus situation "comparable" to italy's — which currently has the highest death rate of any country. more than 5,000 people have died with covid—19 in the united states, including a six—week—old baby. earlier, donald trump told americans he was working on securing the medical supplies needed to tackle the virus, despite reports

of shortages. president trump says arrangements have been made with the uk to evacuate british passengers from a cruise ship stranded off the coast of florida. the ms zaandam has been denied permission to dock because of an outbreak of coronavirus on board. four people — including a british passenger — have died italy's death toll stands at more than 13,000 — the highest of any country in the world — but the rate of increase appears to be slowing down. let's get the latest now from our correspondent, jean mackenzie, who joins us from rome. jean, talk us through the latest figures. we are keeping a very close eye on what is happening with italy. lots of people here focused on the figures for any hint of improvement. as you say, this country has been hit harder than any other and it is that death toll which really set it apart. 0ver that death toll which really set it apart. over the last

week, 800 people have died every single day. the rate of infection has dropped off in recent days so we are now at about 2% or 3% when we talk about the number of people currently infected that rise every day. authorities here have said that italy has reached its peak, but they are warning this isn't a summit with are warning this isn't a summit with a clear way down, but the start of a plateau which needs to be very carefully crossed. 0f plateau which needs to be very carefully crossed. of course it is a similar situation in spain, where more than 9000 people have now died. again, their rate of infection is showing signs of slowing down, as well. yesterday, in italy, there we re well. yesterday, in italy, there were just 12 patients admitted to intensive care will stop that situation that was once so critical does appear to be stabilising. both italy and spain are now in the strict lockdowns and have been for many weeks. last night the italian prime minister announced the lockdown was being officially extended to the 13th of april. he

said this was not the time to be relaxing restrictions. we cannot risk a second wave of infections because of course the situation here isa because of course the situation here is a still critical and it is too early to know what each new day will bring. thank you very much. the world health organisation is considering whether to update its guidance on the routine wearing of face masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. it currently recommends that healthy people don't need them, unless they're caring for those with the disease. but advisers will weigh up new research on whether the virus can be projected further than previously thought during coughs and sneezes. a lovely story for you! we're only allowed outside for one shortjog a day at the moment, which isn't great for marathon runners — unless, of course, you do the whole 26.2 miles in your back garden. doesn't matter how small it is! that's what james campbell did. the former commonwealth games javelin thrower said he'd never thought about running a marathon until he went into isolation.

that's how he kept himself occupied. just over five hours, that's how he kept himself occupied. just overfive hours, it that's how he kept himself occupied. just over five hours, it took. that's how he kept himself occupied. just overfive hours, it took. my question is who counted? there was a big cloud. a lady and a dog, literally. they saw it, they saw it happen. and the congratulatory hug. raising money for charity, as well. raised more than £20,000. 7:14am. pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in a woman's life — but also one of the most anxious, even when society is functioning normally. and we are not! so the disruption caused by covid—19 is causing particular alarm among expectant mothers and their partners. in a moment we'll be speaking to a consultant obstetrician about the latest guidance. first, breakfast‘s jayne mccubbin went out to meet some mums—to—be. so this is 20—week scan. the 12—week scan. hey! what is it like to be pregnant

in the crazy days of covid—19? we found out that we're having a girl. we'll get there slowly but surely. the happiest but craziest time of my life. it's not much of a bear. this will be amy's first baby. her 20—week scan is tomorrow. bbecause of social distancing rules those scans now have to happen alone. there was a lot of tears when i first found out. you know, ifully appreciate the nhs are keeping pregnant women safe. they're doing their utmost best and they've also got to keep themselves safe. but it is a very important scan. so it'sjust there. we could just see a bit of bum there. we could just see a bit of bump there. brilliant. antenatal classes can no longer happen. staff shortages are hitting maternity wards hard. in some areas, they're as high as 40%. and many units, like

naomi's, simply have to close. yes. so my preferred maternity unit was going to be the penrick birthing centre. but obviously with current situations, that centre is currently closed for the birthing side of things. we've still got a midwives space there, which means that, whatever happens, currently i'm going up to carlisle hospital instead. so a longer drive. it's hidden away a bit, but it's there. one of the biggest fears amongst some new mums like rachel is that partners might not even be allowed in the labour suite. we've been told guidance from nhs england around this is due any day. i'm clinging on to stays forjuly. that's the thing that's really important to me. but if it can't happen because of health and safety, then we'lljust have to positively hypnobirth our way through it and hope for the best. we've been told you will be allowed your birth partner. yeah.

0h, brilliant. that's great. that's what i'm desperately clinging on to. i can deal with anything else, i think, but i'd love him to be there. he's reading all the books, bless him. is there a photograph somewhere? a scan picture? in fact, all uk nations told us pregnant women like clare are allowed one birthing partner in the labour suite. but wales told us that partner had to be from within their own household. so no friends, no mums. so without her baby's dad around, clare had hoped her mum could help her through. now her mum, like so many, is in isolation. it was heartbreaking to have to tell her. you know, it's very hard for old people to understand as well, under the circumstances, the seriousness that, you know, obviously, this virus can bring. and it's just not worth putting my mum in that situation until i know that we've self—isolated correctly and i'm not putting her any risk and she can

be my baby's life for much longer. virtual antenatal classes are popping up. many of those for free. people are finding a way through. we won't be doing antenatal classes in person any more. i was quite looking forward to them because i've onlyjust moved to this area, new area. so i was looking forward to meeting some new people. i think it's all going to be online. but i am consoling myself with when this is over, we all get together, we'll have a laugh about it one day. we found out that we're having a girl. you're having a girl? a girl who will have an amazing history to look back on one day. born in the time of covid—19. what a story to tell.

the laughter in that report, because it's such an exciting time, isn't it? you should be celebrating even though there are difficult times, unusual circumstances, but lots of questions were brought up in that. drjo mountfield is vice—president of the royal college of obstetricians and gynaecologists. she joins us from winchester. good to have you with us this morning. i'm sure you must have heard some of that report, but we will get through a couple of questions. could you clear up what the guidance is now when it comes to who can be in the room when a woman is giving birth? so we've got really clear guidance from the college and from the royal college of midwives, as well, and it's really important for women to have a birth partner with them, and also to try as much

as possible to respect their choices in terms of what unit they would like to go to to have their babies. we know that's really important for women, because if they are supported in labour they are likely to have much less anxious times and let's face as these are really anxious times for pregnant women as you've already said, so really, the guidance is clear. you are allowed to bring in a birth partner, but it's one birth partner with you, and they need to be well, obviously. if they need to be well, obviously. if they are not well, they won't be allowed to come in and stay with you while you are having your baby. we are suggesting to people that they think about a back—up person. in many units, they will allow someone to come with you. clearly i had the lady in the film who was disappointed her mother wouldn't be able to come and i think those are the sorts of issues people need to think about that if you have someone else who can come with you if your partner is not well, then

that also would be absolutely reasonable for most of the maternity units. this question from mia, 38 weeks pregnant, she asks if the virus does peak in the coming weeks, will that mean she won't be allowed a birth partner during labour? she says she has been told to prepare for no one to be allowed with her. well, that's certainly not our guidance at the moment and we will do absolutely everything, all units are determined, the nhs is stepping up determined, the nhs is stepping up determined to support women through this as much as they can, so that would be a draconian step to take and that's not one we are recommending, but clearly we need to look at the evidence, we are collecting data about the outcomes of pregnancy with women who have had covid—19, and once we have more of that evidence, that may change but not at the moment and so i think people need to be reassured at the moment that we are going to support them as much as possible so they can

have a birthing partner because it's really, really important. it's all good information, and very useful to a nswer good information, and very useful to answer specific questions. this one is for shelley, 35 weeks pregnant, congratulations, wonderful time. she has asked if her partner can hold a baby, cut the cord and how long he can stay after the baby has been born? any changes there? all those things, partner and mother are well, they could have exactly the normal ca re they could have exactly the normal care they should have when they go into labour so holding the baby, yes, cutting the cord, all the usual things you would do if that is your choice, when you go into labour. in terms of how long the father can stay, that is variable in different units i'm afraid and it's a matter of having a conversation with your individual unit, and i know in some places they are happy for dads to stay on afterwards because they have the facilities to accommodate them with others staying through but,

in other places, they are not. they have not got the service for dads to stay so they ask them to leave after labour so i can't give you chapter and verse about every unit and maternity unit in the country because it is variable depending on their facilities and also, to some extent, by how much of a problem they got in their particular area as well. that is affecting the individual units guidance to pa rents, individual units guidance to parents, so keep asking, keep in contact with your midwife, the unit, and they will be able to give you precise information for your particular area. that answers jody's questions, 36 weeks pregnant, congratulations, who was worried if anything were to happen untoward, if her partner would be able to visit her partner would be able to visit her and be able to bond with the baby, but also it raises a question from natalie, who says, it depends on the health trust and the hospital and the situation, but she's asking if there is likely to be a shortage

of equipment and doctors on the delivery suite? i don't think equipment is going to be an issue. in terms of the medical staff, obviously we have good plans in place on all maternity units to try and ensure that we have the safest possible care, especially on the delivery suite. in many units, we have obstetricians and gynaecologists who usually do both parts of the specialty and come at the moment, we have reduced the services for women in the areas of gynaecology so an octave elected gynaecology so an octave elected gynaecology is not taking place at the moment, so we can redirect resources to make sure we are still giving excellent maternity care. so, yes, there are shortages and that is causing some issues. undoubtedly. but we do have extra resources and we are absolutely committed across the whole country to provide that for pregnant women and as

a college we have guidance about staffing, as well, to help people make the best use of those resources. one quick questions. partners are so important at this time for mothers. paul has got in touch come expecting their first child next month, congratulations, his questions about what to do once restrictions ease and bringing the baby home, you know, any particular concerns about that next step? the most natural step in the world, everything is gone well, coming home but what concerns are there and what is the advice? well, we know there is a very low risk of babies getting covid—19 and being seriously unwell, and that's really important to say and that's really important to say andi and that's really important to say and i would say the same to pregnant women as well in terms of reassurance that most women who get this will have a mild and moderate illness rather than being seriously unwell. in terms of the baby, obviously at the moment, when you bring the baby home you need to carry on with that

social distancing. it really isn't a good idea to invite people around to your house at this point at all. none of us are supposed to be doing that so back into the family environment, stay within the environment, within your own household, that is the sensible thing to do at this stage and, as things start to hopefully de—escalate in we don't know how long that will go on for, but it's about being sensible in terms of not inviting everybody for a massive party the first weekend everything has improved. you've got to be sensible. you've still got a baby under mother to look after, so stay in isolation until you are really sure everything is ok and certainly don't get in contact with anybody who has symptoms that might be related to the virus. thank you so much, consultant obstetrician. congratulations to everyone in these extraordinary circumstances. enjoy every moment. good luck. let's

move to the chelsea pensioners. the smart red tunics of the chelsea pensioners are a familiar sight at events like the lord mayor's show and wimbledon. but for the time being — like so many of us — they have been confined to barracks. the bbc‘s defence producer jonathan beale was invited into the royal chelsea hospital to see how the army veterans, who are no strangers to difficult times, are coping. a home fit for heroes, but the veterans who you normally see walking in the grand surroundings at the royal hospital, chelsea, are now mostly in hiding. the familiar red tunics that brighten up life and london won't be seen out in public this spring. like the rest of the country, they're on lockdown. and chelsea pensioners like leo tighe, who've served and fought for their country, are now involved in a very different battle. it's an unseen war against an unseen enemy. but the enemy is there. it's a little virus. god help us all if we don't obey a few simple rules. stay at home and mind

your own business. so far, they've had a few fall victim to this potentially lethal virus. david coote was one. after being in isolation, the former grenadier guardsman is now back on the mend and back practising drill determined not to be defeated by this latest threat. you feel like you're a community fighting this together? oh, yes. we've got strict regulations on how to protect ourselves. obviously, with so many elderly people here, a lot of them are very vulnerable to this virus so we have to protect ourselves and that's why we're on lockdown. they're used to discipline, though less to new measures like eating meals on their own. but with an average age of 82, the staff here feel it's now their job to protect those who've selflessly served their country. we have 300 old soldiers here.

they've all served their country. over 40 served during the second world war, and they've served in campaigns since then. you know, they've done their duty and it's our duty to look after them. so, yes, one is very concerned to do that. they're responding with just what you would expect from chelsea pensioners — stoicism and great good humour. you know, the moment we put the measures in to stop people going out, the escape committee was formed and they remain incredibly cheerful. but the thing is they do recognize the nature of the threat. and they also recognise the sacrifice and service of others. before we left, they wanted to send this message of solidarity to fellow veterans and those now on the front line who are fighting this virus. three cheers for the nhs, all care—home workers and our fellow veterans. hip—hip. hooray!

jonathan beale, bbc news. they know how to deal with the situation. here's matt with a look at this morning's weather. not too bad a situation for most of us, i understand. a true variety of spring over the next few days. very good morning tea. 0ver spring over the next few days. very good morning tea. over the next 24 to 36 hours all of us start to much chillier, winds setting in from the north but we flip them around by the weekend and things will be much warmer. let me put some numbers on that. northern winds tomorrow, temperatures for many in single figures. when chilled to the north and east of the country. by the time we hit sunday, look at that. most places are sea temperatures in the mid to high teens, maybe even 20 with lots of sunshine around. 0ut there at the moment, sunshine in eastern areas this morning. bit chilly in places and very windy across the north and east of

scotland. widespread gales sucks to —— widespread gales, 60 or more. a few showers around which will turn wintry northern scotland later of the colder air at digs in. the cloud will come and go so all of us will see at least a bit of sunshine hopefully. the winds pick up, more blustery than yesterday and the strongest of the winds to the north and east of scotland. given the fact that air temperatures are around three to 5 degrees, it will probably feel colder than freezing. many parts of england and wales, compared to yesterday, higher temperatures. especially in the sunshine. colder air working its way southward through tonight and further rain at times across the south and west of the country. wintry showers continue in the north of scotland and it is across scotland, northern and eastern england we are most likely to see some frost to take us into tomorrow morning. tomorrow, bests in chinese, cloudy in the west. a full update in half an hour. hello, this is breakfast with charlie stayt and naga

munchetty. the charlie stayt and naga munchetty. time is at 7:31ai joining the time is at 7:31am. thank you for joining us. the prime minister, borisjohnson, has promised to massively increase the testing of health workers for coronavirus after being heavily criticised over his government's handling of the crisis. just 2,000 out of half a million frontline nhs workers in england have been tested so far. 563 people with covid—19 died in the uk yesterday — the highest increase in a single day. the us vice president mike pence has warned americans to expect a coronavirus situation "comparable" to italy's, which currently has the highest death rate of any country. more than 5,000 people have died with covid—19 in the united states, including a six—week—old baby. earlier, donald trump told americans he was working on securing the medical supplies needed to tackle the virus, despite reports of shortages. president trump says arrangements have been made with the uk to evacuate british passengers from a cruise ship stranded off the coast of florida. the ms zaandam has been denied permission to dock because of an outbreak of coronavirus on board. four people, including

a british passenger, have died. italy still has the highest death toll of any country, with more than 13,000 fatalities, but the rate of deaths appears to be falling. 727 people with coronavirus died there yesterday — a drop of more than 100 from the previous day. however, neighbouring spain has recorded its highest daily toll so far — 864 people. the world health organisation is considering whether to update its guidance on the routine wearing of face masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. it currently recommends that healthy people don't need them unless they're caring for those with the disease. but advisers will weigh up new research on whether the virus can be projected further than previously thought during coughs and sneezes. if you were watching brea kfast yesterday, you might have seen our report on the challenges of trying to self—isolate when you live in a remote farmhouse, miles from the nearest shop or neighbour. today we have

the opposite situation. fiona lamdin has been to meet the residents of a tower block in bristol to see how they are coping. this is the first time numeri hussain has left his flat in two weeks. just a few steps to take the rubbish out. his wife and three children are inside on the 15th floor. to be honest, it is very hard for them to be able to move. the kids are very active. they like tojump, something here, something here and the space is very small for them. there are over 80 families living here and none have washing machines. instead the entire block shares this laundry room. it has five communal washers.

there is five, six people always so this in this time is not good because the laundry is not big and that is why i am not going in this time. he is worried about contracting coronavirus from here but his family are running out of clean clothes. when we go into the lifts, what do we do? we spray. and we stay away from? the walls. samuel and his boys also live on the 15th floor. with a two— and six—year—old, the stairs are out of the question. you can imagine what it's like in the halls when you can't even swing a cat! hold this, please. coming down this morning and there was a seven in there. julie has asthma,

diabetes and uses a wheelchair. it feels like i am in a prison, locked out. i sit at the window and look out the window all day. and that is really annoying me because i want to go out. i am not used to being indoors. but you know you have to stay in because it is just too dangerous? yes. two lifts and one washroom for hundreds of people to share, making social distancing almost impossible. julie is giving you something. but they tell me they have never felt closer. fiona lamdin, bbc news. it is another example, isn't it, of just how, in very, very testing circumstances, the communities are pulling together and it is happening all the time in various different ways. it's notjust those communities. it is spreading throughout industry, sport. we can talk to mike. we have heard so many

lovely stories about how sports people are trying to help their local communities, as well, but also a bit of friction when it comes to football, i understand. morning. good morning. on the positive side, a lovely piece tomorrow about how southampton are cooking 1000 meals a week from tomorrow for the communities around hampshire. today there is a lot of talk about increasing pressure on premier league footballers may be taking a wage cut following the lead of clubs like barcelona. there were talks yesterday. talks will continue over the next 48 our as they discuss possible salary sacrifices. it's amid growing condemnation for clubs that have opted to use the government's taxpayer—funded job retention scheme, as football battles the impact of the coronavirus. with no football due to resume until at least next month at the earliest — bournemouth are the latest premier league club — along with

newcastle, spurs and norwich — to furlough some non—football—playing staff, although their management team including eddie howe have taken voluntary pay cuts. politicians and those within the game have now called on players to agree to wage cuts. everybody has to make sacrifices — footballers are no different. and, you know, itjust doesn't sit right with people that footballers can be on hundreds of thousands of pounds a week and you're getting a man and woman in the street who are making sacrifices and footballers aren't doing. so, you know, that does need to happen and it needs to happen very quickly, otherwise it'll be a pr disaster for the whole of football. and talks are ongoing in the next 48 hours as they try to come to some sort of decision. the other story in sport is... serena williams says she's shocked, roger federer, devastated, and andy murray very sad after wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since world war ii. the championships were due to begin at the end ofjune, but because of coronavirus the entire grass—court season has

been abandoned, and all tennis is now off untiljuly the 13th at the earliest. practically speaking there was no way to do it and be safe and guarantee that nobody would get sick from playing, even against each other, so there are too many unknowns at the moment and what we do know is pretty scary. eddiejones is set to agree a new deal to stay on as england's head coach until the 2023 rugby world cup in france. his current contract ends next august, but he has been in talks over a extension after guiding england to the world cup final last year. ifjones stays on until october 2023, it would make him england's longest ever serving boss — surpassing sir clive woodward. now, as we heard in the last hour — millions of people across the uk will take part in a round of applause tonight for the key workers who are keeping the country running.

it's after last thursday's "clap for our carers" which saw people show their appreciation for nhs staff. one person who's supporting tonight's display is england and everton forward theo walcott who sent us this message. its theo walcott here. we are all aware of the incredible job all of our health care workers are doing in this very difficult time. let's all show them our support by again clapping for carers at 8pm tonight. thank you, and stay safe, everyone. that message from theo. let's all get involved. it was really moving last week and i joined get involved. it was really moving last week and ijoined in on the doorstep. i hope everybody will do it again tonight. mike, thank you very much. chat to you later on. many of us can't see friends and family to share stories face—to—face — but that doesn't mean that good old—fashioned laughter can't be had. that's where video—conferencing has come into its own. that's exactly what the members of the caribbean social forum from woolwich, in south london,

are using — and it's certainly bvrought some smiles to faces — as tarah welsh reports. # don't worry about a thing...#. singing in isolation, but wendy is not alone. # every little thing is gonna be all right...#. she can still meet up with her friends but it has to be on line. laughter. like so many of us, they are learning how to adapt in these uncertain times. ok, you need to move away, dawn, if we are to see you. as soon as it happened, i called all the it people that i knew and asked what the best platform for me to get to work with our group, that's going to be easy for them to get into, it's not going to be complicated. they usually get together at the caribbean social forum in woolwich. we filmed with them in december, before any of us had even heard of social distancing. but now some of them are in

isolation for at least three months. sometimes the worst time is night time, on your own. but with this, we could have a midnight chat and see each other. that feeling of feeling alone disappeared. you sort of went to bed and felt you had a visit at your house, even though they were not there. 600 people belong to the forum and not all of them can get online so other members make sure that everyone gets a phone call and for those that can log on, this is much needed support. victor always said we are a family and i think that is really important for us to become like that. when you guys have come and helped me and i help you. we are all here to help one another through this new era that we are going through. now, i know someone who died from covid—19, a few days ago... oh, wow. ..so we just have

to really do what we are advised to do. it is worrying, it is worrying but all we can do is the best that we can, and give our patients the best that we can. jenny is an nhs nurse but today is her birthday. one, two, three... and the forum has not forgotten. out of time: # happy birthday, jenny...#. and they are looking forward to the day when they can sing together in time and see each other in person. i try not to be depressed. i am blessed with a lot of gifts. i am blessed with a lot of things. i am blessed with nice children, nice friends and i'm blessed with being a part of the forum. so i hope everything will go and we will meet up again to celebrate the end of this virus. out of time: # we will meet

again, don't know where, don't know when # but i know we will meet again # some sunny day...#. you need a good singsong to lift the spirits. whether you can do it in person or not the. doesn't matter, it's about lifting the mood. person or not the. doesn't matter, it's about lifting the moodm person or not the. doesn't matter, it's about lifting the mood. it is 7:44am. front pages all taking a look at the virus testing plans with pressure on the government to step up pressure on the government to step up and of course borisjohnson saying that more tests are needed. let's get the latest on testing now from now from professor paul cosford, who is the emeritus medical director at public health england. he joins us from bedfordshire. thank you very much for your time this morning, professor. iwonder thank you very much for your time this morning, professor. i wonder if you could first start on the issue of testing. could you tell us how many front line nhs staff will be tested today? well, let

me just first off say that our thoughts are obviously with anybody who is sadly suffering with the coronavirus and has sadly died over recent days and weeks. the increase in numbers yesterday emphasises for us all what a battle this is that we are in and how we have all got a part to play, obviously the social distancing we have been talking about on your programme, but equally, the testing and everything else we need to do. in terms of testing, we've done over 150,000 in terms of testing, we've done over 150 , 000 tests in terms of testing, we've done over 150,000 tests so far. there is capacity to do, as of yesterday, 13,000 altogether. that more than meets the need for people who have illness and need the test as a part of the diagnosis or treatment of their illness. where the emphasis is now, as of the last few days, getting onstream, testing of nhs staff, so as you heard the

number yesterday was around 2000 have been tested, so far, that's far from enough to get to where we need to get to and that is now ramping up over the coming days. there's a number of different ways that happening, we have some drive—through centres in place, five across the country, another four this week, three special testing hubs opening, one already in milton keynes and two others, so people can do the drive—through, have a swab, get the result back as soon as possible, and get back to work and there are many hospitals across the country where that testing is now taking place. 0thers country where that testing is now taking place. others were it will get us as rapid as we needed to. given what you have described come in various places, locations, the logistics aware that testing for nhs staff ca n ta ke logistics aware that testing for nhs staff can take place, do you know the target for the numbers that will be done per day? well, at the

moment, the target for the laboratories in public health england and nhs england, which are those onstream and have been since we have been building up over the last few weeks, is over 10,000, now we are at 13,000, then 15,000 eminently and then 25,000 by the middle of april. then there is a whole set of work being done, led by the office for life sciences, to look at the much broader set of universities, industry and other laboratories, which will give us another 100,000 or more tests per day. that work is ongoing, and then there is the wider work we have got to try and get an antibody test which can tell if you have had a past infection. that won't help us in getting nhs staff back to work quickly, that takes at least two weeks or so to have a good level of immunity in your body, so that's much more of a widespread testing

regime that will come into play when we know that those tests work but, at the moment, the nhs public health england labs will be up to 25,000 tests in the middle of april. the extra come up to 100,000 or more, it's work that's being done by the office for life sciences and that will come on stream gradually over the coming days and weeks. some people might be a bit confused with the numbers here. it's worth clarifying, you are saying that capacity is 413,000 tests day across the board, so if that is the capacity, why is it that all of those tests are not being done? so, that's a very good question. of course, the tests are focused on the people who are thick, making absolutely sure all of that is being done and needed and then working away of getting

nhs staff into who are testing and using extra capacity for nhs staff and —— people who are ill. that being done across the nhs and on an individual hospital basis, so and on an individual hospital basis, so that's a priority for them to make sure that all of that capacity is used for nhs staff, where it is not needed for patients who desperately need the tests to help with their diagnosis and treatments. there's a number of reports coming from different elements of science, for example, university laboratories, private laboratories, and those involved in animal welfare, as well, who have testing facilities, suggesting that if the nhs were to use their testing facilities they would be able to massively ramp up the number of tests done. a lot of reports suggesting they have offered their help, but have heard nothing, so is there a change in policy in

terms of bringing more private laboratories, university staff, and their equipment into the mix? that's all pa rt equipment into the mix? that's all part of the work going on and we have certainly not refused any help from any laboratories. when we have talked to many about what might be possible there is a separate strand of work from the work that's going on in nhs laboratories and the public health england laboratories, to look at how that whole range of capacity can build up, that's the work that's being led by the office for life sciences on behalf of the government and that is where we will aim to get the 100,000 or more than 100,000 from. that is critically important to get in place over the coming days and weeks and those offers are obviously enormously appreciated and being looked at. can you explain what that means when you say they are being looked at, the reports we are hearing directly from these organisations is they have the equipment, they have the staff, and

they could be carrying out testing, so they could be carrying out testing, so it's a very simple question, i suppose in a way, but a lot of people think, why not use them now? so that's a very good question. the a nswer to so that's a very good question. the answer to your question is what i mean at being looked at? i don't have all the details of exactly those discussions taking place between the office for life sciences and those and others, because our work is based on the nhs laboratories and then supporting all other parts of government to develop the other elements of testing, but thatis the other elements of testing, but that is part of the discussion continuing now, absolutely key to being ramped up, to be boosted and delivered over the coming days and weeks and, you are right, wherever there is capacity we need to be able to get that onstream and use it, but it has to be capacity that works, the quality is as good as it needs to be so we get good test results, accurate test results, because it is

worse to have wrong tests than to have no tests at all. we need to be very careful to make sure that the tests that we use are tests that work and that's where the antibody testing we have talked about, which is the very big game changer if it works, that's being evaluated as we speak to check whether that will deliver what we need to deliver. testing of course is so crucial to nhs front line staff, some of whom will be self quarantining because they have minor symptoms, so do you know, as of today, how many nhs front line staff are in quarantine and unable to work?|j front line staff are in quarantine and unable to work? i don't have that number, but i know that that is a significant number i have heard, the sort of figures you've been talking about, and of course, it's one of the priorities for all of us, for staff who are in quarantine but without symptoms, to be able to get a test that enables them to come back to work. that's why we have got the dry through developing,

five in place and four more to come i mentioned. that's why we have got the hubs being developed, in milton keynes, so we can get rapid testing through those results, and a number of hospitals and tested significant numbers of staff, i know of one who got 150 people back to work in the last day or two through a testing programme. 0thers last day or two through a testing programme. others are developing that at an earlier stage, so that's work which is ongoing and it is absolutely critical. we are getting absolutely critical. we are getting a lot of questions as i'm sure you are aware from our audience this morning. a couple of thoughts to pick up on, this is from louise. how many people end up on ventilators and how many make a full recovery? from ian, he says can you ask how many people have had to go into hospital with coronavirus and have recovered ? hospital with coronavirus and have recovered? the vast majority of people with coronavirus clearly

get a mild illness, and recover without ever needing hospital treatment. there is a proportion of people who do need hospital treatment, a relatively low proportion in the figure is around 5% or so, but maybe, i haven't got a precise figure for that, but the issue for us is that the more vulnerable people are those who are older and those with existing conditions, particularly those that might affect the immune system or the respiratory system, those other people who are particularly vulnerable and that's why all the guidance on social distancing is focusing on protecting the most vulnerable, because that is where the vast majority of people who will need hospital treatment, need ventilation, and will sadly die, will come from that group. that's why the social distancing and the fact we've all got a part to play in that, is so important. the question in a way, partly, what

about recovery of those people admitted to hospital. yes, i don't have a precise figure but the vast majority of people admitted to hospital to recover and of course, some will need more intensive support and ventilation and others, the majority of those people, will recover. particularly if they are healthy adults to start with or children, children are very unlikely to get into difficulties with coronavirus although one or two sad cases have been reported. the risk of getting into the major difficulties with coronavirus and not recovering from hospital treatment or from ventilation, is much higher in the older age groups. now, yesterday of course, we had the very sad news that in terms of the death rate, 563 people died in 24 hours, the highest jump death rate, 563 people died in 24 hours, the highestjump so far. in terms of what you now expect to happen, in terms of how you have

mapped out where we are, a lot of people are doing the relationship between our situation and italy, can you explain how you see our current situation? so, of course, our thoughts are with friends and family those who died yesterday, that were announced yesterday and before that, there is something about every day figures, they do vary quite a lot from day to day, so some of the figures a few days ago were lower and then they went up again yesterday, so we need to look at the trend, not at the individual days figures, and the trend is, of course, still going up, and i think we would expect that to continue. it is within our expectations, even if social distancing is working. there isa social distancing is working. there is a lot of evidence from social contact measures that we have got that suggest that people are complying well largely with a social distancing. if that

continues, then i would expect us to see the numbers battling in a small number of weeks' time, but it's very difficult to predict and our hope is we could see the plateau in a few weeks in the numbers coming back down and that will enable the sort of measures we have had to have in place for the last week or two, to be reviewed and, in due course perhaps, lightened a little bit, but we are nowhere near unable to say that yet. 0ur expectation is to see ongoing increases for two or three weeks yet on them, as i say, if the social distancing measures are having the effect we hope they have, then we should see a plateau and numbers coming down again. we understand the world health organization is considering the situation in relation to masks and their advice, so relation to masks and their advice, so has there been any change in your advice in relation to masks and the use of masks for the general public? for the general public, no, there no

change in the advice of masks for the general public. we talked with a world health organization regulate about their advice on all sorts of protective equipment and of course, we are working on that and working on that in relation to health care staff with the medical royal college of nursing and others to make absolutely certain that our guidance is protecting staff in the way that it needs to and the staff are feeling protected by the personal protective equipment that they are provided with. thank you very much for your time this morning. here's matt with a look at this morning's weather. good morning. two sides to spring over the next few days. the initial one, a brief chill coming during the next 24—36 hours and will be followed by a sudden warming as we head into this weekend. to put some numbers on to that, tomorrow, with winds from the north and an added

wind—chill, temperatures in single figures but by the time we hit sunday, the wind will be in the opposite direction from the south, and temperatures in the high teens if not low 20s. 0ut there at the moment, a bit chilly in eastern areas where we have sunshine to begin with, but strong to gale force winds across the north of scotland with showers turning wintry and the colder air digs with showers turning wintry and the colderairdigs in with showers turning wintry and the colder air digs in here. varying amounts of cloudy skies to be honest, a little bit of sunshine, showers, mainly in the west but a blustery day across the board and we will see the wind touched 50 or 60 miles an hour. that will make it feel colder than temperatures of 3—5 would suggest that, compared to yesterday, england and wales milder thanit yesterday, england and wales milder than it was, even with the wind picking up. the cold air moving southwards tonight. we will still see some cloud, outbreaks of rain in the west, wintry showers in the far north of scotland but with clear skies in scotland, northern and eastern england, we will see a frost to ta ke eastern england, we will see a frost to take us into tomorrow morning.

tomorrow morning, we start with some sunshine across the country, further west, plenty of cloud around, a few showers and cloud amount will increase through the day and temperatures through friday afternoon, somewhere between 6—11 and it will feel colder than that in the breeze and, as we go into the start of the weekend, as high—pressure moves eastwards, we start to bring in southerly winds and the sunshine comes out and start to rise. all your latest headlines coming up next.

welcome to breakfast with charlie stayt and naga munchetty. 0ur headlines today... the prime minister says coronavirus testing needs to be increased massively — after it emerged just 2,000 frontline nhs workers in england have been tested. this is the way through. in england have been tested. this is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle. this is how we will defeat it in the end. almost1 million people apply for universal credit in two weeks as financial concerns around the pandemic grow. british airways to suspend 36,000 workers. the airline is expected to announce 80% of its cabin crew, ground staff, engineers and head office employees will have theirjobs suspended until the coronavirus crisis passes. talks will continue this morning, on how football battles the coronavirus. the premier league's top

players are urged to resist wage cuts until they've spoke to their union — as more clubs put non playing staff on leave and reduce salaries. clap for our carers is back tonight, with some familiar faces. # i won't give up the fight for you. 0n # i won't give up the fight for you. on behalf of my family myself, heroes. it's thursday april 2nd. our top story... the prime minister, borisjohnson, has promised to massively increase the testing of health workers for coronavirus after being heavily criticised over his government's handling of the crisis. just 2,000 out of half a million frontline nhs workers in england have been tested so far. 563 people with covid—19 died in the uk yesterday — the highest increase in a single day. dan johnson reports. quite an amazing job... the prime minister, isolating after testing positive himself, couldn't have been clearer. i want to say a special word

about testing because it so important and as i have said for weeks and weeks, this is the way through. this is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle, this is how we will defeat it in the end. nhs staff have been queueing around the block to get tested to see if they are safe to go back to work, but this is just a trial. we are still way behind some other countries and the government's own ambition to reach 25,000 tests a day. this hospital in cambridge is the first to try a new bedside testing machine, which gives results in an hour and a half instead of a whole day, and it can be reused, potentially a real game changer. turning repeated promises into actual test results is a challenge facing the health secretary matt hancock, as he gets back to his desk this morning after his own week of isolation. getting enough personal protective equipment, ppe, to front line medical staff is the other key issue.

increasing testing capacity is absolutely the government's top priority. we are now at 10,000 tests a day, we are rolling out additional networks of labs and testing sites and in terms of phe, over the last two weeks, 390 million products had been distributed, and of course we will continue to do more. the figures reach new highs each day — 563 people died in the last 24 hours. across the uk, the virus has now claimed 2,352 lives. and the economic impact is also unyielding. in the last fortnight, nearly one million people claimed universal credit. ten times the number for a normal two—week period. airlines have suffered and british airways is now close to a deal that will mean 80% of its staff — that's 36,000 cabin crew, ground staff and head office workers — going unpaid.

they are not being made redundant but they will rely on the government paying most of their wages until planes can fly again. coming together like this feels precious in these strange disjointed days, so tonight, it'll happen again. a show of strength and support for nhs workers, medics and carers, some we now know giving their lives to this relentless, exhausting and deadly virus. dan johnson, bbc news. andy moore is at a testing facility in wembley. it's the second day of the operation there. tell us how it's working. the centre here opens at ten o'clock, at the ikea store, so it's relatively quiet at the moment but we have already seen one or two people turning up, apparently members of the public, who have been turned away. that was the situation yesterday, when it opened there was

initially quite a long queue and there were many members of the public who had misunderstood what was going on here and thought they could turn up on spec to get a test. that's not the case. even if you are a member of the nhs you have to be invited to come along for the test, you have to be on the list. so there we re you have to be on the list. so there were nhs members of staff, doctors and nurses who want to come back to the front line, who came along yesterday and were turned away. so the second day today, may be the word is getting through as to how the process works. you might be able to see some of the five days behind me where people drive in, they will have a swab taken from the back of their throat and then knows. when they get into the bays it should be a swift process. it will take some time to get over the rough edges of the bedding in here, and this centre was very busy yesterday. 0thers around the country have also been set up. reports of a similar one

at the chessington world of adventures in surrey yesterday was very quiet whilst this one was very busy. 0ur political correspondent chris masonjoins us from westminster. it was interesting to hear what borisjohnson had it was interesting to hear what boris johnson had to it was interesting to hear what borisjohnson had to say yesterday when it came to testing because the questions have been ramped up and the answer is not necessarily have been revealing. good morning. quite. it's interesting the prime minister's focus, his latest dispatch from his own quarantine in the flats above downing street, on the flats above downing street, on theissue the flats above downing street, on the issue of testing and how crucial he thinks it is to unscramble in the puzzle of coronavirus, as he put it. there are two types of tests the government is looking at. one of them is those tests to determine whether people have the virus now, and that's obviously crucial, particularly for nhs staff hoping to get back to the front line as quickly as possible. but then

also getting to the bottom of having a test that can establish whether or not you have previously had the virus. that will obviously be crucial as well in the whole process of bringing the lockdown to an end and eventually, over the course of the coming months, trying to return to some sort of sense of normality. i think what is striking this morning is the soft peddling, if you like, that has gone on in terms of criticism of the government in the last couple of weeks, because there isa last couple of weeks, because there is a universal acceptance the government is tackling something on a scale that is unprecedented, that is now breaking down with sharp questions coming from usually loyal newspapers in the direction of the government. and sharp questions from labour particularly around the issue of testing and personal protective equipment for nhs staff. some awkward questions for health secretary matt hancock to answer as he returns to work this morning. chris, thanks for the

analysis. british airways is expected to suspend 36,000 workers due to the impact of the coronavirus crisis. the airline has already grounded most of its passenger planes and is now planning to temporarily suspend 80% of its cabin crew, ground staff, engineers and head office employees. the move would follow similar decisions taken by virgin atlantic and easyjet. banks and lenders could be forced to introduce special measures to help people in financial difficulty because of the coronavirus. financial regulator, the fca, has proposed a set of unprecedented measures including three—month payment freezes on loans and credit card debt as well as majorly reduced overdraft fees. the new rules will be consulted on and could come into force on the 9th april. the us vice president mike pence has warned americans to expect a coronavirus situation "comparable" to italy's — which currently has the highest death rate of any country. more than 5,000 people have died with covid—19 in the united states,

including a six—week—old baby. earlier, donald trump told americans he was working on securing the medical supplies needed to tackle the virus, despite reports of shortages. president trump says arrangements have been made with the uk to evacuate british passengers from a cruise ship stranded off the coast of florida. the ms zaandam has been denied permission to dock because of an outbreak of coronavirus on board. four people — including a british passenger — have died. italy still has the highest death toll of any country, with more than 13,000 fatalities, but the rate of deaths appears to be falling. 727 people with coronavirus died there yesterday — a drop of more than 100 from the previous day. however, neighbouring spain has recorded its highest daily toll so far — 864 people. the world health organisation is considering whether to update this

its guidance on the routine wearing of face masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. it currently advises that healthy people don't need them, unless they're caring for those with the disease. 0ur science editor david shukman reports. how far can a sneeze travel? and would a mask help stop the spread of coronavirus? new research suggests that the infection could be reaching further than previously thought. and now advisers to the world health organization are weighing up the evidence. masks are suddenly becoming a common sight all around the globe, from supermarkets in california to police officers patrolling the streets of france. until now, the advice has been that healthy people don't need them unless caring for someone who may have the disease but that guidance may change. it might be that wearing a mask is equally as effective or more effect than distancing,

provided that mask is worn properly and provided that people don't infect themselves when they are taking the mask off and touch another surface that may be contaminated. in germany, several regions want it to be compulsory for people to wear masks in public. for many, it makes a lot of common sense but experts say it is vital to realise the masks don't offer total protection. in austria, the supermarkets are going to insist that everyone wears a mask but health professionals say they must be worn properly and the most important thing remains hygiene. above all, keeping your hands as clean as possible. a clothing factory in rome turns to making masks. demand is growing but one concern is that if the public snap up masks all over the world, that may make it harder for health workers to get hold of them. david shukman, bbc

news. all throughout the week on breakfast we are trying to clear up some of the confusion around some of the measures applying to certain people. if you live with someone with a serious health condition in england you might be expected to be one of the 1.5 million expected to be sent a letter by the government telling you to stay home. those with cancer and severe respiratory illnesses are on the list. but others conditions — such as motor neurone disease — are not included, because the government says people with mnd can self—register. here's what one high—profile mnd sufferer had to say on the subject.

that was rob burrow making clear his decision and his concerns. supermarkets say they're working to give priority for online shopping to those deemed "high risk" — but there are concerns that more groups should be included. among those are the blind and partially sighted. let's hear from a few of them now. when shopping, i can't see what i'm doing. inadvertently end up touching lots of items, and notjust the ones i need to buy. i also end up buying the most expensive things as i can't see the prices, the offers or the promotions. the normal help and the support i'd get when shopping alone, like a staff member guiding me around the shop and helping me pick items, cannot happen because of the need to ensure

distance between people, so it's even more difficult right now. and why don't ijust get online delivery delivered to my house? because i'm blind and apparently that doesn't count as being vulnerable enough to need this. it's quite frightening, actually, on one level, because how will people such as ourselves get shopping? how are you going to feed yourself, how are you going to feed your dog, how are you going to feed your cats, you know? how are you going to do that? long—term, it's very scary. most blind people live very independent lives. without the need of carers. this crisis, however, has tipped us into a whole new world where we've become vulnerable in a way we were not vulnerable this time last week. this crisis, however, has tipped us into a whole new world where we've become vulnerable in a way we were not vulnerable this time last week. joining us now is doctor amit patel, who you just saw in that film. he's at home in london.

and kathryn smith, from the alzheimer's society, is in wakefield good morning table. we had an idea there about what people are concerned about. can you describe how daily life, the new measures and restrictions have affected you and your daily life? absolutely. the thing with me, when i'm out and about, i kind of have to touch things, feel for where i am, not being able to do any of that is a huge restriction, i have a guide dog who needs to go out and she has no idea about the fact we need to stay two metres away from anybody else but the disadvantage of having a guide dog as people are attracted to it. even when i was in the supermarket yesterday people were coming over and talking to her and me and kind of violating the boundary around me. so it is very difficult, the fact that one gentleman recently said, we weren't

vulnerable a couple of weeks ago but the fact we are deemed not vulnerable enough to get home delivery means we have to venture out, get on public transport when we are told not to and actually having to go out into the supermarket and be out there when we don't really need to. we are putting notjust ourselves at risk but everybody else that we come into contact with. there's a huge learning curve, listening to your experiences, huge learning curve not only for you but people around you who have been used toa people around you who have been used to a certain way, how you deal with guide dogs, how you socially distance. the government says it's working to support people who don't fall into the category of being clinically vulnerable. there is the whole idea of self registering. how does that come into play with your condition? it's a little bit difficult. supermarkets will tell us to call them, to get priority slots. we can't get through. we've been trying for over a week—and—a—half, we will send them e—mails, we get

nothing back, either we get a busy dial tone or we get through, message to say they are very busy and call back later. it's not as easy as that. we will interact with them on social media, they will give us the same phone number again. i've tried every supermarket, we cannot get a delivery slot and when we did two weeks ago, the delivery got cancelled on the day of delivery. it's difficult. catherine, good morning. what are you picking up in terms of the particular problems facing those with alzheimer's and dementia? 9596 facing those with alzheimer's and dementia? 95% of people living with dementia? 95% of people living with dementia are over 65, they are at particularly high risk anyway and some of the issuesjust particularly high risk anyway and some of the issues just as particularly high risk anyway and some of the issuesjust as has been said, they can't get online delivery, they are not on the one and a half million shielded person list which actually, we wouldn't necessarily choose them to be and i will come back to that. but it does create difficulties for them and have had stories recently, a

person with dementia has turned up to the supermarket with their carer, they are not classed as vulnerable so they don't get into the early slot and then they are not able to take theircarer and then they are not able to take their carer with and then they are not able to take theircarerwith them. either and then they are not able to take their carer with them. either the carer has to go into the supermarket by themselves and leave the person with dementia outside or vice versa which is obviously causing significant concerns for people living with dementia.” significant concerns for people living with dementia. i think you said at the beginning you didn't wa nt said at the beginning you didn't want the classification to change but what is it you are seeking, what would make things better?m but what is it you are seeking, what would make things better? it is difficult because the one and a half million shielded person list is very restricted. people living with dementia don't necessarily want to have such significant restrictions but there is a longer—term list of longer term conditions that nhs england have produced which we had hoped people with dementia would be on. for some reason they are not. what we are looking for is just to make life a little bit easier for people living with dementia, we have a numberof people living with dementia, we have a number of people concerned they

cannot access food, they cannot access support. the example that was just given about trying to go through the phone number online and i had through the phone number online and ihada through the phone number online and i had a gentle man tell me the other day he attempted to do that and it signposted him to the government website to then fill in details and it isn't dementia friendly, it isn't an accessible system for people living with dementia. we appreciate these are unprecedented times and people are learning as we go along. but we need to consider the most vulnerable in our society and those living with dementia are in danger of being really isolated and not getting the care and support they need, not getting the basic food they need. it's very interesting the issue of isolation has come up. doctor, you are not vulnerable, but you are struggling, is that fair? the system isn't working, you are not classed as a vulnerable person when it comes to being receptive to coronavirus but not enough help is being given because of the new social distancing measures?

absolutely. i think it needs to be looked over again. you've got guide dogs campaigning to the government to get people who are registered blind and severely sight impaired on the list. i don't see myself as vulnerable but i am at risk if i have to go out on my own. this is the problem. how do you deal with that, day—to—day, apologies for interrupting. it's difficult. very stressful. at home, having the children at home, you consume a lot more food, that's always in the back of your mind. we've been planning what we are feeding the kids. it's very much, can we get to the supermarket? a week ago i did the shop and i couldn't get anything at all, i came out with an empty basket. it's hard. it really is. catherine, there's no escaping how difficult this is for many groups of people and it's perfectly illustrated by speaking to both of you today but one of the themes that has developed over time is how much

people are helping each other and i just wondered to what extent people suffering from dementia are finding that as well? that may be other people are doing more than they could, notwithstanding the restrictions around what you are able to do around staying at home? absolutely. there's been a massive response from people in the community, those volunteering. we've launched an online appeal as we opened our dementia connect support line for people so more and more people with dementia can access support when they needed and we've launched an appeal for funding with that and volunteers. we had a great response, we need lots more but we've had a great response and the people in the community know someone who may be isolated with dementia, generally people are trying to help at this many people living with dementia that are isolated and people who don't know where are there and don't know their neighbours. what i would say to anybody, if you know someone older or more vulnerable that might need not support, and have dementia, ask them. we need to help each other right now. ——

might need support. social care staff should be given the same priority as nhs staff at this time. social care staff really help to support and prop up the nhs. social care was already underfunded and more than ever, right now, we need social care staff to be able to access the supermarkets, to support people they are working with and get the right personal protection equipment, that's essential for people with dementia and long—term conditions. doctor, quicker, lots of people coming up to your guide dog and saying hello. people trying to be friendly and trying to help, i imagine. you know what, they are. even walking round the supermarket i had people telling me stand on the corner and i will put that item in the basket for you and you get people who come over and are having a normal conversation and i don't wa nt to a normal conversation and i don't want to be there, i want to keep going on! but i don't want to say no, it's so hard. i get people coming over to me and

saying i support the guide dogs, if it wasn't for people who sponsor guide dogs i wouldn't have my dog in my life, but there is a time and a place. it's a good message. we wish you, the kids, the family, the eating, and your guide dog well. and catherine, for the alzheimer's society, thank you. let's see, the time now is a 20 4am. we'll talk a little more about shopping. —— the time is 8:24am as we've just been hearing, one of the big issues in the current situation is around shopping and getting hold of essential supplies. nina's in the newsroom and has been looking at this one for us. the pressure is on and the supermarket say they are trying to adjust and change shopping hours but it's not going to suit everyone? no, they are under an extreme amount of pressure and inevitably so, it's over a week since the government told us only to make essential journeys for shopping and they shut down shops that don't sell essential items. we tried to go online to do an online shop with the big

supermarkets last night, tesco we could register but couldn't get a slot. aster and morrisons put in a long queue and sainsbury‘s, we couldn't even register. frustrating for any consumer but particularly for any consumer but particularly for the vulnerable. people who are asthmatic, people receiving cancer treatment. as catherine was talking about people with dementia. even if you are pregnant and over 70 and have been advised to minimise outside contact you might want to getan outside contact you might want to get an online delivery. 0livia has beenin get an online delivery. 0livia has been in touch, her son had a liver transplant, she can't get a slot. john has a daughter with disabilities, his wife has serious mental health conditions, he has no car, or support from the council, he says it's been dreadful and aren't as retired. she has asthma. she doesn't want to leave the house, she says the government has told her not to leave unless she has two and she is desperate for an online delivery. i'm a long—term smart pass holder and in the actress category because i have asthma, my husband is in his 70s and we shouldn't be going near

shops. i've spent up to 12 hours online, queueing in a virtual kit with no luck. i've e—mailed for clarification, if i sit tight i will be ok and we will get a future delivery and i haven't had that clarification. we need to make other arrangements if not, where, i don't know. lots of questions for the supermarkets. what are they doing? most supermarkets have told us they wa nt to most supermarkets have told us they want to get this list of extremely vulnerable patients so the shielded. they are waiting for that from government and when they see those names in the queue they will prioritise them. in the meantime they say they are taking measures to protect the elderly and vulnerable, tesco say they can come in exclusively between nine and ten three days a week. they limited online orders to 80 items and added 120,000 extra delivery slots. since say they dedicated 8—9 three times a week for the elderly and disabled. they have proactively contacted three quarters of a million

honourable customers who they say will prioritise and click and collect. asda tell us they got a dedicated hour for nhs workers collect. asda tell us they got a dedicated hourfor nhs workers in larger stores. all of them say to us if you can't physically go into a store you should do so and look around at your community, is there anybody for whom you can be shopping? 0cado say they recognise the need to prioritise the vulnerable and they are giving priority access online to the elderly and vulnerable. susan got in touch, her mum is 93, visited her local waitrose every week and wondered when waitrose will bring in priority for elderly customers, they say they are rolling that out in—store and online now. i think it's fair to say supermarkets are working really hard, pulling out all the stops. sonia incurred losses hurt staff supermarkets have been brilliant. the problem for supermarkets is the it is difficult to put a blanket policy in place for the vulnerable. nina, there's lots

of people asking about cleanliness, hygiene, transfer of germs. what about physically picking up the shopping, the safety advice? public health england have given us reassurance on this, they say it's very unlikely you can catch the virus from food or food packaging but all the usual rules apply. wash your hands before or after handling food packaging. i'll end with this e—mailfrom debbie. food packaging. i'll end with this e—mail from debbie. she food packaging. i'll end with this e—mailfrom debbie. she worked in a covid—19 ward, she says i cannot tell you how excited i was to manage to book an online delivery are 20 to do this morning. i could havejumped out of bed. perhaps the message is if you can't physically go to the shops, if you don't work for the nhs, maybe do that instead of taking up nhs, maybe do that instead of taking up one of the slots. what type was that? 1:40am. i'm sure she is working round the clock. like lots of our nhs staff. we will chat later. eight o'clock tonight. club for carers again. we'll talk about that. lots of celebrity supporting

it. and of course the lovely matt is. lovely bright but chilly scene behind you. good morning. gives you a flavour of what is to come over the next few days. good morning to you. if you are clapping for the carers tonight, in the north and east you will need a warm jacket if you are outside, things turning chilly but we are going to flip things around, real feel of spring from one extreme to the other this weekend. feeling much warmer. let me put numbers on that. northerly wind during the next 36 hours, tomorrow temperature is quite widely sitting in single figures, added winchell to the north and east. by sunday, the wind from a southerly direction and look at the change, temperatures for most the mid to high teens, one or two spots towards the east could reach 20 celsius. that's all the kumkhum out there this morning a bit ofa kumkhum out there this morning a bit of a chill in the air across eastern areas, but strong winds across northern scotland, widespread chaos throughout the day, outbreaks of

rain turning to sleet and snow as a cold airdigs in. rain turning to sleet and snow as a cold air digs in. lots of cloud across western areas with splashes of rain. many across central and eastern parts staying dry, some sunshine filtering in southwards. hopefully we will all see blue sky through the window at times, even though lots of cloud to come through the day. the street went to go with it. strongest wind in northern scotland, perhaps 70 mile an hour gusts and given the banter temperatures 3—5d, it will fail subzero with the winchell. milder conditions and heard yesterday for england and wales but things change and, colderairon england and wales but things change and, colder air on the march south, with it clearing skies, wintry showers in the north of scotland, some rain showers towards the west of england and wales. that willjust about keep temperatures up. frosty start tomorrow morning across scotland, northern and eastern england particularly. here we have the best of the sunshine. particularly during the morning, some showers around, rain showers in the south—west, wintry showers in the south—west, wintry showers in the north, most places dry on friday, cloud demand is

increasing through the day. around 6—11d. as for the weekend saturday we see high—pressure moving west — east and southerly wind in and with that warmth comes sunshine on sunday. that's how it's looking. full forecast tomorrow. back to you. this this hello, this is breakfast with charlie stayt and naga munchetty. the prime minister, borisjohnson, has promised to massively increase the testing of health workers for coronavirus after being heavily criticised over his government's handling of the crisis(. handling of the crisis. just 2,000 out of half a million frontline nhs workers in england have been tested so far. 563 people with covid—19 died in the uk yesterday — the highest increase in a single day. british airways is expected to suspend 36,000 workers due

to the impact of the coronavirus restrictions. the airline has already grounded most of its passenger planes and is now planning to temporarily suspend 80% of its cabin crew, ground staff, engineers and head office employees. the move would follow similar decisions taken by virgin atlantic and easyjet. banks and lenders could be forced to introduce special measures to help people in financial difficulty because of the coronavirus. financial regulator, the fca, has proposed a set of unprecedented measures including three—month payment freezes on loans and credit card debt as well as reduced overdraft fees. the new rules will be consulted on and could come into force on the 9th of april. the us vice president mike pence has warned americans to expect a coronavirus situation "comparable" to italy's — which currently has the highest death rate of any country. more than 5,000 people have died with covid—19 in the united states, including a six—week—old baby. earlier, donald trump told americans he was working on securing the medical supplies needed to tackle the virus, despite reports

of shortages. earlier we showed you pictures of a former commonwealth games athlete who ran an entire marathon in his back garden to keep himself busy during self—isolation. that's inspired alison salthouse to get in touch. she's currently working from home but training for the world masters track championships in october. alison says she's making the best of her garden, using it for squats, box jumps, weight training and riding a turbo exercise bike. those scenes no doubt being replicated in lots of back gardens across the country. thanks for sending thataim. across the country. thanks for sending that aim. we did ask if people were doing unusual things in their gardens and that's lovely to see. we can't find the name of the javelin thrower... it was james, wasn't it? javelin throwing in a back garden must be difficult to practice. they throw 80 metres or something normally. you need

a big back garden, so stick to the running. for the second week running, millions of people across the uk are expected to take part in a coordinated round of applause for care givers and key workers on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis. i think it's fair to say it gave eve ryo ne i think it's fair to say it gave everyone a moment, a real lift, much appreciated by health workers. their response was interesting as well, they said thank you, but the best thank you they could get was to be for everyone to stay—at—home. it follows the success of last thursday's "clap for our carers" campaign, which saw people taking to their doorsteps, windows and balconies to show their appreciation for nhs workers. john maguire has the story. applause. when under attack by an invisible foe, determined to drive us apart, we come together. cheering. car horns honk. we are constantly told that these are unprecedented times but,

day after day, nhs staff are prepared to step up. 0ur role, a job for each and every one of us, is to support them. we just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at the nhs. you're working so hard and you're really putting yourselves out there for all of us at home. # too many broken hearts in the world. # too many dreams can be broken in two #. to hear people from a few streets away banging on their saucepans and the whoops and the cheers and claps remind you that there's lots of life out there even though we're not really seeing anyone. thank you with all our hearts to all the people working in the nhs, all the workers, all the volunteers and doctors and nurses.

what an amazing thing you're doing now. when this is all over and done with, i'm coming to kiss each one of you on the lips, so puckerup! from some very bouncy boys, thank you so much to the nhs, you are doing an amazing job. we are all aware of the incredible job our health care workers are doing at this incredible time. that's also our support by clapping for carers at eight bm tonight. we had fantastic turnout in our street last week, people were clapping and banging saucepans and cheering. i know everyone will be again. that's to say thank you to everyone in the front line, still fighting and working on our behalf. thank you to all our carers. i want to say a massive thank you to all the nhs staff out there for all their hard work during this challenging time.” wa nted work during this challenging time.” wanted to add to everyone else, my support to everyone on the front—line, key workers and everyone involved in dealing with this

horrible virus, we need to thank you for all your good work. stay strong and stay safe. a huge thank you to nhs staff and key workers all across the country. your bravery will never go unnoticed and as a nation we can never thank you enough for everything you are doing in helping us all get back to normality as quickly as possible. so thank you from everybody. for the vast majority of us, coronavirus will mean mild symptoms, feeling out of sorts. for others it can pose a mortal threat, but some who recovered are keen to give thanks where thanks are due. i recently got ill with the virus and i'm grateful to have recovered. i'd like to say thank you to all of the nhs carers and key workers for playing a role in this. thank you nhs for looking after me. we are really proud of all of you, including the nurses, the doctors, the porters, all those who work in care homes and the ambulance teams. let's get your protective equipment and your tests from the government soon. anything to say, girls?

thank you. thank you, nhs. from the young and from the older. mark bowden's dad jack, 99 years young, has beaten it. i'm clapping very, very loudly for the nhs. i'd like to say a huge thank you for all the nurses and the doctors at royal bolton hospital, in particular ward d4. they've been looking after my father jack bowden, who is fast approaching his 99th birthday. he's been in and out of hospital now for the last two weeks as he tested positive with covid—19. i've heard today that he is doing fa ntastically well. it looks like he's making a full recovery and apparently today the nurse said that he was sat up out of bed. we, the staff at lewisham endoscopy theatres, are thanking you for clapping for the nhs. now we are clapping and saying thank you for staying at home. applause. from holby city to casualty to er, for years we've made weekly dates with medics.

well, tonight, make another one. eight o'clock, to applaud and to thank the real stars. john maguire, bbc news. let's speak now to the organiser of the ‘clap for our carers' campaign, annemarie plas. good morning to you. you must be bowled over as to how much momentum this has. i was very emotional and moving to see how many people joined in, how buildings were lit up in blue and how people at the nhs received this. it was emotional to go through. what inspired you to organise this? basically, i'm originally dutch but i live in london. i've seen what they have donein london. i've seen what they have done in the netherlands. there was

applause there. and then here for my friends working on the front line, how much it lifted them up. and for people back home, like myself, how much it brought a sense of togetherness, hearing your neighbours, who you haven't seen for a week, and to hear and see them again from a safe distance and know you are all going through a hard time right now but we are all still together. last thursday, and you probably didn't know either, just how many people would do the thing, whether it was on a balcony, in your front garden, we are seeing pictures of people coming outside of their homes. i don't think anybody new, and probably all of us thought, we will do it anyway, and lo and behold, everyone is doing the same thing. yeah, true. it was the same on my road. at eight o'clock i was out with a wooden spoon and a pan. people made so much noise, windows we re people made so much noise, windows were opened up, they were on the road making noise. we

really used each other as a way to accelerate the noise. to be honest, even since last thursday, i don't know about you, but i think most people, their appreciation of a lot of peoples work... nhs front line, absolutely, of course, but so many other people involved in caring in a number of capacities and we are more aware of what they are doing. that's true. we're also hoping that this time we can say thank you to basically eve ryo ne can say thank you to basically everyone that is staying outside and going out to work, working in a shop, the delivery men, postmen and bin collectors, they go out every day so we stay indoors. so i want to say a huge thank you tonight to all of you guys as well. lots of people commenting on social media. catherine says hundreds of local food businesses around the country are offering reliable home delivery services to communities so let's champion them and champion those

working in superstores as well. and from all different industries, basically anyone making an effort to go the extra mile, notjust the nhs and those carers, everyone that little bit extra. it's everybody who's doing this for us to keep the going. and now we notice they are actually the backbone of our society because without them we are nowhere. a wonderful night to finish on. a nation of people will be following your thoughts this evening. thank your thoughts this evening. thank you so much. thank you. jason says tonight's lap should be for shop workers as they do a good job. his wife works in retail and she is still going to work despite severe diabetes. those mechanisms to keep everything going. delivery drivers. binmen. how are you coping?

there's a lot of unsettling news at the moment but we're also determined to report and celebrate the positive way in which so many people have responded to the coronavirus outbreak. we'd like you to tell us about the heroes who are looking after you, keeping your community going, or simply putting a smile on yourface. please do let us know exactly who you'd like to thank, and why. you can email us or get in touch on social media. we're finding all sorts of ways to lift our spirits at the moment — but singing seems to be particularly popular. it lifts the spirits. 0n tuesday's breakfast we met the marsh family, from kent, whose spoof version of the "les mis" song one day more was being widely shared online. since then, they've been picking up a lot more fans around the world. take a look. a message from the uk tonight, from one family. that we are in this together. stop! why are you hitting me?! i haven't done anything. posting this video from their home in the uk, changing the lyrics to the song one day more from the musical les mis. # another day another destiny # shopping for online delivery

# i tried again, only to find # there is nothing till september time... # i had no football match today # how can i play when we are parted? they wanted to provide other families with some much—needed levity. you guys in the united states, we hope you're all keeping well, staying safe, staying isolated and having a smile from time to time as you try to control your kids. it works every time i listen to that. we can speak to the marsh family now. they're at home in kent. not sure if you can hear us right now, but

good morning. chatter. my impression is, it would be rude to listen in, but it seems they are just having a family chitchat. i'm tempted to listen in. one of the wonderful things about the video, they had a bit of an argumentjust before but kept it in the video.” think they wanted to show that it's happening. if you're in a family and you are confined, you can't get out, there will be some crabby moments. absolutely. lets try them again. good morning. they are worrying about haircuts. do you know, we did have a surprise for them. the wonderful thing. you will know the song, everyone knows the song, who do we associate with it? it's alfie bo and we can catch up with him and hopefully he can hear us. good morning. good morning. how

are you both? we are good here. what about that moment? i think family doing a version of that fantastic song, adapting it for relevant to the times we are in. when you first watched it, what did you make of it? i thought it was absolutely fabulous, beautiful, really nice to see the natural relationships that the kids had. the fight that you mentioned before it all started. how serious danielle and ben were about their performance, the kids, taking it as their performance, the kids, taking itasa their performance, the kids, taking it as a bit of fun and that was the beauty of a united family. i thought that was really special. the point is of course about the message. can i ask you on a technical level, the singing, it struck me, there was some pretty good voices in the mix, ami some pretty good voices in the mix, am i right? i think they could do very well in the west end, once all this is over, they could go down and perform there. i tell you what, you know what it takes to put

together cast and crew to get something to be so cast and crew to get something to be so slick and the way they kept it together, and it was really slick with the harmonies and everything? very impressive. very impressive indeed. i don't know, they must have rehearsed, i'm hoping in the way that they didn't rehearse that much because it was so natural, that i think the spontaneity is something that's perfect about live performance. they did a wonderful job, the lyrics were hilarious. the harmonies were great, the kids were fabulous, they really were.” harmonies were great, the kids were fabulous, they really were. i tell you what, you won't be able to see, we've got the marsh family back up from their home in kent. and i can see danielle, kind of looking around and thinking what on earth is going on? danielle, this was our surprise to you. alfie boe praising your family's rendition. what do you think about that? my

goodness, this week hasjust think about that? my goodness, this week has just got think about that? my goodness, this week hasjust got even stranger and more surreal. good morning. let's see if this can work. alfie, is there anything you want to say to there anything you want to say to the family because hopefully they can hear you. ijust the family because hopefully they can hear you. i just wanted to the family because hopefully they can hear you. ijust wanted to say thank you for so much for everything you did. you brought lots of life and a lot of laughter to our nation and a lot of laughter to our nation and the world as well. so thank you for everything that you've done. keeping spirits high. and you know, everybody appreciates it. thank you very much. what do you think of that? that's really kind. itjust feels a bit overwhelming. we've effectively just sat in feels a bit overwhelming. we've effectivelyjust sat in our living room talking to little boxes like the rest of the world. appreciating something that we did for a bit of a joke last sunday is really lovely. sorry, please say what you are going to. i was going to say what i'd like to. i was going to say what i'd like to know, what is the next song you are going to do? you should be doing thisjob. are going to do? you should be doing this job. what's the are going to do? you should be doing thisjob. what's the next are going to do? you should be doing this job. what's the next song, are going to do? you should be doing thisjob. what's the next song, the marsh family? we've been

having a think about it, we have decided we do one more thing and and then it will probably leave it there. we've had an absolute ball, were going to be speaking to some other folksjust to say thank you for the appreciation and help share some of that good spirits around where it's desperately needed all over the world. we are going to take a little bit of time over the weekend and think about what that will be but we will do one new thing we think, we feel we ought to. and then we will bow out. there's plenty of other people ... lots bow out. there's plenty of other people lots of other people around the country who could have done something very similar. we happened to catch a particular moment ina happened to catch a particular moment in a random way but hopefully people have seen a little bit of positivity and can maybe take a bit of light ina positivity and can maybe take a bit of light in a really difficult time. bit of fun. you most definitely did that. i'm not sure if this can work. alfie, if you're up for this, could we do, the marsh family, are you 0k with alfie giving you a couple of

musical tips, can he do that now? a line of something you could repeat. go on, alfie, give us a line from a song. maybe the guys can do it for us. ok. here we go. i'll do one day more. how about that? # 0ne # one day more and that another destiny # this never ending road # these men seem to know my crime # 0ne these men seem to know my crime # one day more i feel like someone has got to pick up. who's going to pick up from the marsh family, you've done your singing. thomas, what a fantastic time you are having. i think a lot of people would express, all of you youngsters, the kids, you've done a great thing, giving everyone a lot of joy. well great thing, giving everyone a lot ofjoy. well done.

great thing, giving everyone a lot of joy. well done. it's been absolutely amazing. it was totally unexpected. we've been trying to make sense of this past few days, how surprising it's been, how many people have been watching the video. it'sjust completely people have been watching the video. it's just completely overwhelming. but it's been a lot of fun. what would you suggest song wise for the family to sing? good song that you can perhaps have some lyrics adjusted? catchy? do you mean are alfie? 0h adjusted? catchy? do you mean are alfie? oh i'm so sorry, can you repeat? what would you suggest to the family about the next song to sing, catchy, enough lyrics to be played with. my word, this is difficult, on the spot. maybe memory from cats. 0r west side story. that's a great one. looks like

that's a favourite. we've been watching west side story this morning. we will have to see what we can do. you do the singing and i'll do the dancing. if they do the singing i'll do the dancing! the gau ntlet singing i'll do the dancing! the gauntlet is laid down. everyone, thanks so much. marsh family, thank you so much. and alfie, thank you for your time this morning, we look forward to the next song. yes! it's eight minutes to nine. if you're trying to keep children entertained at the moment, you'll probably be grateful for all the help you can get. thankfully, even your daily walk around the block may be about to become more interesting — after two sisters came up with the idea of a creating a mass teddy bear hunt. we'll speak to them in a moment but first, take a look at this.

joining us now are sisters sara duncan and lucy welsby from their homes in staffordshire. good morning to you

both. spot the teddy. who came up with the idea and why? basically we love the story we are going on a bear hunt, between the tour two of us we've got four young children. we thought we'd ask people to pop a teddy bear in their window so when you go for your daily exercise or a walk around the block of the children can point out a teddy bear and it makes it a little bit more interesting for them. to say come on, guys, we are going on a bare hand instead of going for a walk. so, how are you encouraging people to get the message out that these little bears go into windows and any particular kind of bears stop variety is the spice of life. 0n the facebook page, we did it for tamworth, the response has been amazing, people from all of the country we've said pop a bear in a window, anywhere. and then when people are on a walk,

they can spot the bear. and what are people supposed to do, do they tally it, do they go back on the website, is it interactive? people have been taking pictures and popping them on the facebook page. we also intend to ask people to say where the location of the teddy bear is, the location. but yes, they've been taking a picture the child in the picture as well. lucy, i'm disappointed that neither of you have a teddy bear in short. hold on! i've got him here! introduce us. this is woody. it can be any teddy bear, it doesn't have to bea be any teddy bear, it doesn't have to be a typical teddy bear, it can bea to be a typical teddy bear, it can be a little dog teddy bear so any teddy bear you've got, or a doll, anything to pop in your window. and that's my dog whining in the background. i'm glad you explain that. i thought the noise was coming from the stuffed toy. tell

us, there is something that, you have a special bond with a teddy bear or a dog, whatever it is, there's always a special bond that people have. yes, definitely. 0riginally we had aimed it at young children, however their response is all ages. we've got people like our grandma, she is involved with it and she's been loving putting her teddy in her window which obviously, everyone has got a special bond whether you're young or old but the response, my little girl wants to know every day when we are going on the bear hunt. we go round the same route in the block, and she still wants to watch out for the teddy bears in the same windows and she gets so excited. yes, it's amazing. you know, i saw a really heartbreaking video of a four—year—old or five—year—old, really u pset four—year—old or five—year—old, really upset they couldn't have a day out and give both got kids, how

are you explaining the things that aren't happening now like birthday parties, visits to family members who perhaps are isolated?” parties, visits to family members who perhaps are isolated? i think, we live quite close in tamworth, we would see each other every other day. it's really hard to explain to them. especially the children were supposed to be going to a party tomorrow and it's their favourite thing to do. but we've explained to them there's lots of germs in the world that will make them pearly. and we've got to stay indoors, we've got to stay safe. and we can go back out and do a normal thing is after. it's always interesting to see the dynamics of sisters. lucy, you are going to talk. what we are going to say? tell me. i was going to say about fairies birthday. we were going to legoland. the party is meant to be tomorrow. it's

difficult. he still at a young age. i've just said they can have a big party in the summer. because of this virus. he understands there is a virus. he understands there is a virus going around. that's why we can see family as well. that's why facetime is really good. lucy, have you got your teddy bear with you? we haven't seen it, is it there? no, cani haven't seen it, is it there? no, can i go and grab him? of course, we will wait, it is fine. teddy bear is going to appear. hold on, is he upstairs? we've had a teddy dog and a real live dog and now, we are getting the teddy bear it to be p°pped getting the teddy bear it to be popped into the window. i reckon, she's frantic, searching for him. this is what happens. there we go! who is that? that is peter rabbit. we've found the bunny, thank you so much, both of you. if you are out and about today with the children,

trying to think of something else to do, perhaps you will see a teddy in the window. all part of taking part. we are back tomorrow at 6am. until then, bye—bye. take care.

this is bbc news with the latest headlines. the prime minister says coronavirus testing needs to be increased massively after it emerges just 2,000 frontline nhs workers in england have been tested. this is the way through. this is how we will unlock the coronavirus puzzle. this is how we will defeat it in the end. british airways is expected to suspend 36,000 workers until the coronavirus crisis is over. almost one million people apply for universal credit in two weeks, as financial concerns around the pandemic grow. the world health organisation says

the world will reach one million coronavirus cases in the next few days. in the us, 5,000 americans have now died from covid—19 — there's a warning that the country could be on the same trajectory as italy. together we have the power to save countless lives. we are attacking the virus on every front with social distancing, economic support. we could hear people from a few streets away banging on their saucepans and the cheering and clapping reminds you that is life out there even though we are not seeing anyone. thank you with all our hearts. and, saying thank you — celebrities urge people around the country to show support for nhs and care workers with another round of applause tonight.