scientists say a new test to show whether people have been infected with covid—19 is a major step forward. the blood test shows whether someone has had the virus — the government says it could be available in a few weeks. we are keen to get as many as we can and get them out. primarily to the front line first — the nhs, social care — and then more widely because this really will be, as the prime minister said, this has the potential to be a game—changer. but it's still not known whether having the virus makes us immune — we'll speak to our health correspondent. also this lunchtime: the number of people going to a&e hits a record low in england because of the coronavirus pandemic. the government promises more details about help for the care sector.

people queue at midnight for much—needed haircuts as new zealand reopens thousands of businesses at the end of lockdown. and the hospital choir whose bridge over troubled water got a shout out from paul simon. and in sport, england midfielder dele alli is held at knife—point during a burglary at his home. jewellery was stolen and alli was punched during the incident at his house in north london, suffering minorfacial injuries. good afternoon and welcome to the bbc news at one. scientists say a new blood test,

which detects whether someone has had coronavirus, is a major step forward. the test looks for antibodies which could indicate some immunity to covid—19 in the future. it was approved last night by public health england, and ministers say they want to roll it out as soon as possible — first to health and care workers. but experts have cautioned that it's not yet clear whether someone who has recovered from the illness develops long—term immunity. here's our health correspondent dominic hughes. are reliable, accurate antibody test that can tell if a person has had the covid—19 is one of the keys to escaping the coronavirus crisis. now a test developed by scientists at the swiss pharmaceutical giant offer serious potential. having been officially approved for use in england, the nhs is now negotiating to buy hundreds of thousands of

them. officials in scotland, wales and northern ireland are likely to follow suit. we are keen to get as many as we can and get them out, primarily to the front line first, the nhs and social care, and then more widely because this has the potential to be a game changer. the test ca n potential to be a game changer. the test can detect the presence of antibodies in the blood, produced if you have had the illness, even if you have had the illness, even if you have had the illness, even if you have never had any symptoms. that is vital because antibodies could offer protection from reinfection, at least for a while. knowing which people have had the virus and therefore should be protected from it, and we will need to know more about that, is again good news and should enable us to understand how the virus has spread apart from anything else, and where it has spread to across the population. that knowledge is really important. developing a test that is good enough has proved difficult. this laboratory in south wales was one of hundreds around the world

involved in the effort, and there have been false dawns. the uk government bought more than 3 million tests that proved to be ineffective. questions remain over the level of immunity you might gain through having had the illness. you can say for certain you have had the infection, so you will have had covid—i9. that is useful for a variety of reasons, but what you cannot absolutely for sure say is that you will be protected in the future because those antibodies are capable of neutralising the virus. nhs officials in england still need to negotiate an acceptable price, and other tests are also being assessed, but this is being hailed assessed, but this is being hailed as the best prospect so far. dominic hughes, bbc news. let's talk to our health correspondent, james gallagher. explain why we are also interested in this test, given that we still don't know, do we, whether someone who has had covid—i9 is therefore

immune? there is two ways you can use in antibody test. it tells you if someone has been infected in the past and that allows us to answer a whole host of questions which we have ideas about at the moment but we don't fully comprehend. so how many people in this country have been infected? many people in this country have been infected 7 we many people in this country have been infected? we don't know. we get figures every day but they are scratching the surface of the total number of people who have been infected. without understanding that, it is difficult to know how farand that, it is difficult to know how far and how easily the virus has spread, how many people are getting infected but not developing symptoms. how deadly is the virus really? we don't know that either because we don't understand how many have been infected. so having an antibody test that allows you to a nswer antibody test that allows you to answer those questions is an incredibly important thing. the second thing you can use an antibody test for a ny second thing you can use an antibody test for any theory is where you get into slightly more controversial territory, and that is the idea of

the immunity passport. the challenge is that some diseases when you have them, you only get them once in your entire life. you have antibodies and they protect you for life. others, that doesn't really happen. you look at other viruses, things that cause the common cold, and that immunity wanes quickly. what we don't know yet is how effective this test will be, but it doesn't mean it is useless because we don't know that. it is still an incredibly powerful and useful thing that will help in the fight against coronavirus. james gallagherfor now, the fight against coronavirus. james gallagher for now, thank you. the number of people going to a&e in england has hit a record low. visits more than halved in april compared with the same month last year. the latest nhs figures also show cancer referrals in england have fallen. health charities have warned it could be many months before nhs services return to normal. lauren moss reports. as cases of coronavirus climbed this

spring, visits to a&e departments across england plummeted. this is the first time official figures have shown how other areas of the nhs have been affected. roxanne has had stomach pain for several months. her colonoscopy was cancelled in april. i feel very abandoned, in a way, because it's kind of like before the covid—i9 situation it was like, right, ok, go to your doctor, you see your doctor, get an appointment, and now the appointments are not happening. i'm sure there are many people in the same boat as me all thinking the same question and all wondering what's going on. what happens if it is something sinister? more than 181,000 people were referred for an urgent cancer check in march, down by more than 7% on the same time last year. 97,000 fewer patients were admitted for

routine treatment and operations, down by a third. the figures in april are at their lowest level since records began in 2010 with almost 2 million fewer visits compared to april last year. although it has meant a&e departments have been a lot quieter than they would otherwise have been, and that has helped in terms of tackling covid, it does mean there are tackling covid, it does mean there a re lots of tackling covid, it does mean there are lots of people who should have been turning up to a&e who have not been turning up to a&e who have not been turning up to a&e who have not been turning up. as the nhs looks to restart routine care, leading think ta nks restart routine care, leading think tanks say it could be many months before returning to normality and that could mean a backlog. there might have been a waiting list for surgeries, we then have needs that have developed during the covid period both from people having covid and the support they need but also from the wider health implications of the lockdown. for example mental health needs. could this be part of

the new normal? the royal berkshire hospital has been using artificial intelligence to read brain scans and diagnose stroke patients faster. it is one of the ways the nhs is adapting and reminding people it is open for business. if you are concerned about having a stroke, heart attack, perhaps cancer, do come forward. at the same time the nhs will be redesigning the way in which services are offered to keep them safe. but there are no easy a nswe i’s. them safe. but there are no easy answers. think tanks have warned covid—19 is still a major threat, and there will be painful choices for many months to come. lauren moss, bbc news. the government has promised more details later today of its plan to help care homes in england reduce the number of residents dying with the virus. about a quarter of all known coronavirus deaths in britain have happened in care homes. our social affairs correspondent, alison holt, is here. we have been waiting for more details, what do we know? at the

moment i believe it's being signed off across departments and that is taking time. we have scant information about what the infection control plan will be. we are told it will involve staff moving between ca re will involve staff moving between care homes, provide training and protect wages as well as providing a clinical lead for each care home. what that will mean in practice will be closely scrutinised when we get the details. because of the high number of deaths in care homes, and we are in this for the long run so there could be a second wave of the virus and people will need protecting then, but also because of the growing sense of anger among people within the care sector who feel they have been neglected for a long time, it took a long time for people to listen to them, care staff who spent last week struggling against covid—19 seeing the residents they care for di will feel this is late in the day even though it is welcome. and they were certainly plenty of warnings early on about issues around ppe and

testing, and care homes say they are still finding the support they get patchy. so i think what this has done, it has shined a light on the system that was already under huge pressure. it was already in crisis. in the most upsetting way, coronavirus has made the case, displayed the need for reform which has been talked about for such a long time. alison, for now, thank you. alison holt. in spain the pandemic is being brought under control, but there is anger about the number of medical workers who've been exposed to the virus. almost 50,000 health staff are known to have been infected and they now account for half of new cases being detected in the country. our europe correspondent damian grammaticas has been speaking to some of those affected. in madrid's puerta de hierro hospital, applause — not to thank the medics, but from them. to console the family ofjavier ruiz, a porter,

one of two workers here who've lost their lives to covid—19. in this hospital, 200 out of 5,000 staff have caught the virus. across spain, more than 50 medics have died. two months into this crisis, what's becoming evident in spain is notjust the toll covid—19 has taken on patients, but on medical workers too. spain has started testing them all and is revealing just how many have been infected. when there was such a pressure coming from the people that got infected in the community, they did not test us, but now the whole country is testing, every single one. even if we haven't had any symptoms at all. so now that's why there's a lot of cases being reported. covid patients require close contact. it's why the risks are so high. the line on the floor is how

the doctors try to stay safe. no doctor can cross it without full protection. while they tend to patients, staff in the clean zone pass over what they need. and leaving every room, they disinfect hands. these are procedures that have had to be learned since the outbreak began, and they're followed scrupulously every single time someone comes out of one of the rooms so there's no contagion spread from the dirty areas over there to the clean ones here. it's helped ensure no intensive care staff are among those who've caught the virus. elsewhere, where it's harder to control things, the risks are even greater. oscar rodriguez, an emergency doctor, had covid—19. he's one of around 50,000 medical workers in spain to catch it. now back on call—outs to old people's homes, he takes the same precautions

as the intensive care doctors. translation: i feel bad. we don't want to be the european champions when it comes to infected medical workers. it's because we have been exposed so much. at another hospital, a protest. medics who believe they've been failed. the black bin bags they had to wear to try to stay protected. this is you? hector castineira says more than 1,000 staff at the hospital caught the virus. his photos include masks issued to medical workers, then withdrawn as unsuitable. we are afraid to go to work because we don't know if the mask is good or is fake, or if we are appropriately protected against the virus. back at the puerta de hierro hospital, ordinary wards now take the extraordinary precautions too. full safety gear for every covid patient.

translation: they make miracles, the staff. we're here on our own without family. these hands consoled us. we don't have the words to thank them. thanks shared by a grateful nation as spain's medics continue to risk their health to save others. damian grammaticas, bbc news, madrid. the world health organization has warned that covid—19 might never be eradicated. its emergencies expert, michael ryan, said the virus may become endemic and compared it to hiv, which he said the world had learned to manage. doctors say up to 100 children in the uk have now been treated in hospital for an extremely rare inflammatory disease, which is linked to coronavirus. last month, the nhs warned medical staff to look out for the condition, after eight children became seriously ill, including a 14—year—old boy who died. sophie hutchinson reports.

i'm feeling better than i was before. 13-year-old luca, one of around 100 children in the uk who have been seriously ill after being infected with covid—19. luca was rushed to great ormond street hospital around two weeks ago and spent four days in intensive care. his father has been with him the whole time. well, he's been very unwell. he used to have high temperature, over a0 degrees. we could not drop it down for more than two hours because it was very scary, he was melting, very floppy, no energy. he used to sweat a lot and very, very scary. this is an exceptionally new illness. it was only officially identified in the uk around huw weeks ago after a number of children with unusual symptoms we re of children with unusual symptoms

were taken into hospitals, mainly in london, and at least one of them has died as yellow they are a group of children who are coming in, some of whom are positive for the virus. and some of whom are positive on antibody testing presenting with very, very high fevers. they are presenting with abdominal pain, diarrhoea, some of them have rashes, and some of them are in shock, with very, very high blood markers of inflammation. it's thought to be the result of a massive overreaction by the body's immune system weeks after the body's immune system weeks after the children have been infected with the children have been infected with the virus. thing had about 20 or 30 since the ath of april, —— we have had about 20 or 30. at peak we had about six patients a day and now it's one or two a day. similar cases have been seen around the world but despite a number of children becoming critically unwell with this emerging illness it's important to remember that for the vast majority of children covid—19 is a mild, even

an unnoticeable infection. luca spoke to me from his hospital bed. he is hoping to go home today. spoke to me from his hospital bed. he is hoping to go home todaylj spoke to me from his hospital bed. he is hoping to go home today. i was feeling dizzy, i was feeling weak before. i don't really remember because i was intensive care. the main thing i've missed is being home with my mum and my little sister. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. our top story this lunchtime: scientists say a new blood test, which detects whether someone has had coronavirus, is a major step forward. still is a major step forward. to come. and how the pandemic is making young people rethink theirfuture. and in sport — the chief executive of west indies cricket says he believes this summer's tour of england will go ahead, but says players will be very nervous about travelling, due to coronavirus.

thousands of businesses have reopened in new zealand, as the country ends its coronavirus lockdown. shops and restaurants have welcomed customers for the first time since march, and some barbers began work at the stroke of midnight to cater for people desperate for a haircut. the authorities say the risk of transmission in new zealand is now very small — but have urged people to follow social distancing guidelines. shaimaa khalil sent this report. hey! we're back! taking the plunge into new—found freedom. this new zealand mayor went the extra mile, heralding the country's new phase of eased restrictions. new zealanders can once again enjoy going to cinemas, shops and gyms. let's go, let's go — we'll start cutting at 12.01, so come on in. but top of the list for many was getting a haircut. so badly did some people want a trim that they queued through the night

to get into salons. she got the boys organised in three hours to open at one minute past 12, so we're going to be looking as sharp as elvis when we turn up at work tomorrow! new zealand is seen as a success story in fighting the virus, with 21 deaths in a population of 5 million. they've been gradually easing restrictions over the last few weeks. now people can get together in cafes again. it's magic and great to just reconnect and actually be in a different environment. that's been the biggest bonus, i think. good view, lovely day, so yeah, and having someone else make coffee for a change, its fantastic. businesses will still be required to maintain physical distancing and strict hygiene measures. the other thing that's really bizarre, we are quite proudly displaying our cleaning products and wiping down tables, whereas normally we'd stuff it out of the way. now, it's like, no, no,

look at us, we're clean! in christchurch, this college is one of the first educational facilities opening their doors. absolutely delightful. this is what schools are about, the chatter and energy of the girls, smiles all around from teachers and from students and, not surprisingly, from parents as well! like most countries around the world, the economy in new zealand has been hit hard. in its budget announcement the government has unveiled a record $30 billion recovery package. there will be extra spending on wage subsidy schemes, health care and infrastructure. for a nation where the outdoors is a part of everyday life, new zealanders are relieved the lockdown is over. as the country eases into normality, many are still getting to grips with the economic impact covid—19 will have on their lives. you may now kiss your beautiful bride. for now, some are enjoying the first day of happier times and truly

being together again. shaimaa khalil, bbc news. there are concerns that the pandemic may be the cause of a large rise in the number of people with learning difficulties who are dying in care, in england. the care quality commission says there has been a 175% increase in deaths, compared with the same period last year. elderly people are entitled to be tested for covid—19, but people with a learning disability are not, as jayne mccubbin reports. when they were born they both defied the odds. i've always described him as the nicest person i've ever met. and we miss him already. i bet you do. the families were told they'd never be able to live full lives. she just absolutely blossomed into an independent young lady who everybody loved because she had such a kind, caring nature. but with support they had

lived happy lives. nigel married anne, laura worked in a charity shop. but then covid struck and they both died, farfrom home, in hospital. well, he said on the day he died he wanted to come home and, you know, we couldn't do anything about that. it's very sad. as a mum, that's the hardest thing i've ever had to do, you know, when your child is ringing to say, "will you please come and see me" and you can't go. but... i have stop there. sorry. nigel and laura arejust two people with learning disabilities who've died from covid—19, but the question being asked is how many more? we've learned there were 175% more deaths in places that can support people with learning disabilities last month than reported in the same period last year. that compares to a 75% increase in deaths in the total population.

hello, everybody! gillian introduces me to the people who share this house in leicester. they are part of the community integrated care group, which says there's just not enough protection for emma and the rest of the residents here. what they've offered into older people's care homes in terms of access to testing for both residents and care staff, that needs to be extended into other vulnerable groups within the social care sector. but if yes for old people, why no for learning disabilities? there's been no reason given for that. and when it comes to the very fight to save lives, there are also concerns and questions. nigel and laura's families were both asked what they wished for their relatives' care. i don't even know the name of the doctor spoke to. just said to me, you know, what interventions you want put in place for laura? and i said, absolutely everything. they wonder is that a question they would have been asked if they had not had a learning disability?

no, i don't think it would, i don't think it would. we've seen exclusive research by learning disability england which shows "do not resuscitate" orders are appearing in medical notes without families even being consulted. it has to be said these families are full of praise for the compassion of nurses who cared for their loved ones when they could not be there. but they are aware this is a vulnerable group facing huge health inequalities and covid has hit hard. how hard we don't yet know. jayne mccubbin, bbc news. the long—term economic damage caused by the pandemic is likely to be felt acutely by young people. many companies have paused recruitment, cancelled internships and reduced staff numbers. the lockdown has also prompted some people in their 20s to reassess their working lives, and to try something new. here's our business correspondent, sarah corker. three, two, one, off you go.

fitness... emma, go for it. ..farming... most of our workers tend to be students. ..and something far more relaxing. i'm spending pretty much all my days nowjust painting. for these young people the pandemic is taking their careers on a different path. i've gone from a large office in the middle of soho to being at home, painting in my bedroom. last week, sisi, from london left herjob at one of the world's largest advertising firms to follow her artistic dreams. i definitely don't think i would have made this decision or made thejump if it hadn't been for lockdown, actually. i've always loved art, i've always loved painting and drawing, and it was really actually working from home, being in lockdown, and having that time to really think about what it is i want and what it is i enjoy the most. history shows that young people may face years of reduced pay and limited job prospects,

long after this economic crisis has passed. some millennials have had no other choice but to press the pause button on their careers. others, though, have adapted, innovated in some unexpected ways. farming is one of the few industries still recruiting. in north yorkshire, 22—year—old tom has diversified his online recruitment platform. he's now connecting farmers with fruit and vegetable pickers. at the moment we're getting such high demand from students, from people who have been furloughed, also from self—employed who are just sat at home now. they've had this realisation that they need to make some money and they'd love to help the country as well. and down, all the way down. and even the way we exercise has changed. boot camp instructors becky and katie are now running virtual classes on zoom. the first week, a bit nervous, not great with technology, i'm not going to lie, so there were a few little teething problems, but i've got it sussed.

from their homes in reading, they're working out with people from as far afield as ireland and canada. and, rest. well done, everyone. do you think this is the fitness industry changed forever? a lot of our members are really happy that they can do five boot camps a week as opposed to only being able to make it up to the field once or twice. so it's actually suiting people's lifestyles. the under—25s may be the most financially vulnerable in this crisis, but they're using technology to open up new opportunities and now have more time to try out new strokes. sarah corker, bbc news. a group of nhs workers in wales have become an internet hit, after their rendition of simon and garfunkel‘s bridge over troubled water was shared around the world. the video, made by staff at a coronavirus field hospital in llandudno, came to the attention of paul simon, who described it as "extraordinary".

tomos morgan reports. # when you're weary # feeling small... the harmonies of nhs workers in north wales. collaborating in a bilingual rendition in both welsh and english of simon and garfunkel‘s famous bridge over troubled water. sings in welsh these medical professionals have been working out of venue cymru, a theatre hall in llandudno, which has been converted into field hospital ysbyty enfys, translated as "rainbow hospital". if it helps bring any awareness, i'm just glad of the opportunity to do a little something to help. their rendition has

been an internet hit, with the song's composer, paul simon, sharing it on social media. and one of venue cymru's usual stars was all applause for this welsh performance. ijust thought it was such a positive response to such an awful situation, because we normally go there and play when everybody is enjoying themselves. now nobody can go and play anywhere, so to turn this into something like this is really wonderful, i think it's really great, what they've done. from paramedics to doctors, porters and nurses, those working on the front line tackling coronavirus are still staying strong and able to bring a smile to our faces in these most testing times. tomos morgan, bbc news. time for a look at the weather.