this is bbc news. i'm lewis vaughan jones. the world health organization has warned countries in the northern hemisphere to prepare for a winter battle against coronavirus. in the uk, the prime minister has also said a second wave of coronavirus is on its way. i don't think that anybody wants to go into a second lockdown. but, clearly, when you look at what is happening, you've got to wonder whether we need to go further nearly a million people will face partial lockdown restrictions in madrid — with residents told not to leave their local area. new rules aimed at banning tik tok and wechat from the us could come into force by sunday.

the world health organization has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is not burning out, and that countries in the northern hemisphere must prepare for a winter battle against the disease. across europe, governments are introducing new coronavirus restrictions as case numbers continue to rise. on thursday the who warned that the situation in the region was now "very serious‘ and that the increasing figures should serve as a wake up call. today, we're seeing countries respond. we start here in the uk where the prime minister says a second wave of the virus is coming. here's vicky young. the life we used to lead can no longer be taken for granted. we have to do something to get rid of it. it's like fighting a war against something we can't see. across the uk, governments have been trying to slow a second surge of coronavirus

with local restrictions. it is confusing. like, one minute, they're encouraging us to go out monday, tuesday, wednesday, lunch and dinner and drinks, the next, police are banging on doors, chucking everyone out of houses. in wolverhampton, they‘ re preparing for further curbs on socialising from next week. coronavirus is no longer a local problem in a few hot spots. it's going to get bad again, i reckon. there's no lockdown any more here. like, no—one's taken notice of it. the prime minister was in oxford today visiting scientists who are trying to develop a vaccine. that's fantastic, that's likejurassic park! but until they succeed, the government will consider tighter restrictions on everyone. we will try to keep all parts of the economy open as far as we possibly can. i don't think anybody wants to go into a second lockdown, but clearly, when you look at what is happening, you've got to wonder whether we need to go further than the rule of six that we brought in on monday. over the summer, the government's

been talking about the path back to normality, encouraging us to spend money in restaurants and return to the office. they're desperate to protect as manyjobs as possible, but they have to protect lives, too. covid cases are now doubling every 7—8 days, and that's prompting a rethink. in england, ministers are considering tighter restrictions for everyone, a so—called "circuit break". parts of the hospitality sector could be asked to close for a short time, but schools and workplaces would be kept open. this virus is on the rise again. leaders of the devolved nations are calling for an emergency meeting with the prime minister this weekend. the coming days are likely to see some hard, but necessary decisions. if we want to avoid another full—scale lockdown, which all of us do, doing nothing will almost certainly isn't an option. there is a vacancy at the heart of the united kingdom, and it needs urgently to be filled.

so that we can talk together, share information, pool ideas and demonstrate a determination that the whole of the country can face these challenges together at this difficult time. the labour leader says problems with the testing system mean it's much harder to control the spread of the virus. this feels very much like we were in february, and so we need quick, decisive action on a national scale from the prime minister. he needs to set out what he's going to do and reassure the nation. we will support him if he does that. many are enjoying these last days of summer. but ministers are already anxious about the severe challenges ahead. vicki young, bbc news, westminster. numbers are rising across europe. france reported over 13,000 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 2a hours, which is a new record for the country. and in ireland, where cases have

also surged in the last few days, new restrictions for the capital dublin will come into force from midnight tonight. people are being told not to leave the city except for essential reasons — and to only use public transport for essential journeys. they are again being asked to work from home where possible. and restaurants and pubs that serve food will only be allowed to have guests outdoors or provide a take—away service. spain has also just announced new measures in the madrid region, which has the highest case numbers in western europe. there will be restrictions on movement between the region's worst affected areas; access to parks and public areas will be suspended and gatherings will be limited to between 6 to 10 people. our correspondent guy hedgecoe is in madrid explained the impact the fresh measures could have. this is obviously got some economic impact because it affects almost 9000 people there's gotta be an impact there. the fact that it's

only certain areas of madrid, not the whole of the madrid region which is seeing these measures. i think suggests that there's determination they are to avoid a total lockdown of the region. given madrid and spade as a whole has already been hard—hit economically. particular backin hard—hit economically. particular back in march and april. so far this year the country has seen its gdp dropped by over 20%. madrid is really the motor of the spanish economy. and it wants to be pulling out of that recession as soon as possible. soi so i think this is seen as some sort of compromise. later we will be joined by deputies health chief of staff bain. globally, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has now topped 30 million. israel has just re—introduced a nationwide lockdown as cases soar there too. the lockdown comes into force at the beginning ofjewish new year when families usually come together to celebrate. here's our middle east correspondent yolande knell.

getting ready for the jewish new year crowded ultra—orthodox neighbourhoods in israel are among the hot spots where covid cases have jumped, pushing the infection rate up to one of the highest in the world. synagogues are at the heart of religious communities. we're only allowed to have sometimes ten, sometimes 20, depending on the regulations. but strict rules now mean few can gather inside. it's a remarkable time of the year, the most exceptional time of the year in thejewish calendar, and people are not going to be able to pray in their usual prayer areas, in their synagogues, they will not be able to be with family. shalom! soldiers have been drafted in to lead the battle against the virus. this is the new war room in tiber, an arab town. trained for very different security threats, israel's military is taking

over testing and contact tracing. same system that goes with the missiles from gaza, the same people are working in assessment every day in order to bring all the information as quickly as we can to the city, in order to stop all the sicknesses and the covid—19. "stay at home" is again the message here. but the new lockdown to deal with the public health emergency is only going to deepen israel's economic crisis. unemployment is at a record high — many businesses are failing, leading to mounting criticism of the government. this closure, i hope they're going to end this story once and for all. this new mother, who's already lost herjob, doesn't believe it will. it's going to be worse now. it didn't work in the first time, it's not going to work

in the second time. when israel's tight controls quickly stopped the first wave of covid—i9 earlier this year, it was seen as setting a world example. now, as it heads into another painful shutdown, many other countries will be hoping to avoid following its lead. yolande knell, bbc news, jerusalem. the us presidential election isn't until november but already some voters are heading to the polls. these pictures from earlier today are from minneapolis in the swing state of minnesota where early in— person voting has started. bothjoe biden and president trump will be campaigning in the state later today. on thursday mr biden launched an attack on the president for downplaying the risks of the coronavirus — and blamed him for thousands of unnecessary deaths. he doesn't want to see anything happen. it's all about his re—election. it should be about the american people, and they're in trouble.

and, by the way, his own cdc director contradicted him recently. he said, if, in fact, you just wore this mask — nothing else but this mask — you would save between now and january another 100,000 lives. but he knew it. he knew it and did nothing. it's close to criminal. our correspondent in washington, gary o'donoghue. hi gary. so bothjoe biden and donald trump in that crucial swing state today campaigning. let's start with joe state today campaigning. let's start withjoe biden, state today campaigning. let's start with joe biden, what state today campaigning. let's start withjoe biden, what do you make of his positioning here, trying to make that distinction between him and president trump? it's an interesting long, isn't it? he's moving his ta nks long, isn't it? he's moving his tanks right onto donald trump lawn and terms of strategy full—time say look, i'm the little guy representing the low—paid workers, the working man, if you like. those people who have been left behind. you are the guy in manhattan on

fifth ave with a view of wall street. really trying to reverse that hold narratives that donald trump is somehow the champion of the little man out there. both of them in minnesota today with early voting in person. worth noting, 42 states have early in person voting. most not quite as early as minnesota. many of them will do it for a couple of weeks before polling day. but minnesota is a crucial state because it's one of the closest ones back in 2016 hillary clinton won by 1.5 percentage points over donald trump. there was a big vote as well at the time. but the greens and libertarians. donald trump feels he could pick up the ten electoral couege could pick up the ten electoral college votes there. he might need them if he loses places like wisconsin. so he's campaigning very ha rd wisconsin. so he's campaigning very hard and spending a lot of money there as you'd yeah, just so you know, donald trump is speaking right

110w. know, donald trump is speaking right now. we will bring anything key importantly he does say straight to oui’ importantly he does say straight to our viewers here for are you expecting from him and joe biden later today? i think particularly, donald trump is making a lot of play on the law and order aspect of this campaign. he's in minnesota, of course, at the scene of george floyd scaling back in may when the police officer knelt on his neck. and ended up officer knelt on his neck. and ended up killing him. law and order has been a big subject for the president ever sense with the protests that resulted and gathered momentum after that across the united states was out also i think he will be championing some of those industries, particular mining industries, particular mining industries in minnesota and farming as well. they've already cleared the way in terms of some of the executive actions he tried to take ani executive actions he tried to take an i think i might lighten the burden on some elements of the industry in minnesota. no doubt with

the. and i to the election as well. it's a big canvas they are both playing on here. but minnesota, very important. and i think the reason job i ended is there interestingly, he's nine and ten points ahead in all the polling there. he doesn't and a sense of need to be there. but i think he is haunted slightly by hillary clinton's neglect of some parts of the midwest last time around. that's now sort of moved into democratic folklore is a mistake. i'm sure he's there spending some time to prove that the democrats still love the midwest. and still hope for their votes. thank you for that gary. downloading the chinese—owned social media apps tiktok and we chat will be banned in the us from this weekend, because president trump says they pose a risk to national security. the apps will have to stop operating in the us unless they're sold

to an american company by the middle of november. tiktok — which has a hundred million users in the us — says it will challenge what it's described as an "unjust" order. jowin fung from bbc chinese is in washington.( hello, good to see you. let's clear up hello, good to see you. let's clear up one thing right from the beginning. millions of people have tick tock. we will start with tick—tock. it's not going to suddenly disappear in today's time is it? no. tick-tock is basically getting a two month probation. so people in the us can still use this app normally until mid—november. of course, everyone is app normally until mid—november. of course, everyone is watching how beijing and washington will decide on this tick—tock deal with oracle. it's basically a partnership with the american company oracle. however, facing much uncertainty in both washington and beijing. so the us is concerned about national security and want tick—tock to be

sold to an american company. however, beijing does not want to look weak under washington's pressure. so what this partnership is about is that tick—tock is trying to avoid a us ban at the same time keep the chinese government happy. will that work? we might hear more from trump later today. let's move on we chat. it's an app that slightly less well known certainly outside asia. it absolutely crucial even to you, you use it all the time. yeah earlier today i clicked open my wechat and all my contacts in us and trying to share the ways to stay in contact with family and friends in china. we chat even his lesser known in the us is actually a brilliant user apt and very influential in china. this ban is basically a death penalty for we

chat. effectively the app will be shut down in the us on sunday. of course this move will severely affect the personal ties between us and china at a time that the relationship as that in historic low. yes, lots of nervous tick—tock is out there. stay with us on bbc news. still to come... we'll take you to siberia where scientists are warning that the thawing permafrost there could have a major impact on the world's climate. 30 hours after the earthquake that devastated mexico city, rescue teams still have no idea just how many people have died. one day there is people alive, and there is people not alive. we just can help and give whatever we got. a state funeral has been held for princess grace of monaco at the church where she married prince rene 26 years ago. it looked as though they had come to fight a war but their mission is to bring peace to east timor,

and nowhere on earth needs it more badly. the government's case is being forcefully presented by monsieur badinter, the justice minister. he's campaigned vigorously for abolition having once witnessed one of his clients being executed. bells ring. elizabeth seton spent much of her time at this grotto and every year, hundreds of pilgrimages are made here. now that she's become a saint, it's expected that this area will be inundated with tourists. the mayor and local businessmen regard the anticipated boom as yet another blessing of saint elizabeth. this is bbc news. the latest headlines... a second wave of coronavirus is on its way, says the uk prime minister. it comes as madrid and dublin accounce a tightening of restrictions for the coming weeks. more now on that story — those new measures in the madrid region, they've come in after a week of chaotic toing and frowing amongst

madrid officials with the deputy health chief directly contradicting madrid's regional leader on how severe a lockdown needed to be implemented. that deputy health chief in charge of public health is antonio zapatero, and joins me now from madrid. thanks very much for coming on the program. how are you? very well thank you. let's start with the restrictions. these new restrictions are coming into play in madrid. do you think they go far enough? the situation in madrid is very difficult because in the last two weeks the number of new infections about 20,000 each week. at this the infections 7% are going to hospitals. 10% is in intensive care unit ina hospitals. 10% is in intensive care unit in a bed. the situation in madrid is getting difficult after the return of a lot of people, the holidays, summer holidays. in the opening of the school. so we decide

today to make some restrictions in some neighbourhoods of madrid. in the neighbourhoods which transmission is very high. add those measures strict and of? are they going far enough? these measures must be strict. we need cooperation of police for the people staying at home. it's like a lockdown but people can go to work. in these neighbourhoods people can go to work but today bars and restaurants reservation people six people each table. and with 50% inside the restau ra nt. table. and with 50% inside the restaurant. also the taurus. i hope with these measures in the next two weeks we may have a descent of the

cases in these parts of madrid. weeks we may have a descent of the cases in these parts of madridm is getting very high. is there disappointment there? because spain had a very strict lockdown and very restrictive measures for a long time. and now it seems the cases are very, very high yet again. and these restrictions may not be strict enough. after their reopening of normal life last june enough. after their reopening of normal life lastjune people in spain have a very important social relations. in the summer especially in young people. because in madrid the lowest and number of infections was less —— with only five cases for 100,000 people. after that we began

to know that the cases that were increasing in the number especially in young person or between 15 and 30 yea rs. in young person or between 15 and 30 years. each new infection, instead set a import for a five contacts we re set a import for a five contacts were 15 or 20. so recently madrid, the principal role was young people with a lot of contacts and madrid... we will have to leave it there. thank you very much and coming on and talking to us about the situation in madrid. scientists are warning that, across siberia, ground — normally frozen all year round ? is thawing. this releases huge amounts of greenhouse gases, making the problem of global warming even worse. in the second of his reports from the remote yakutia region, our moscow correspondent, steve rosenberg, looks at how thawing permafrost is affecting not just the climate,

but the landscape and livelihoods in siberia. something rather strange is happening in siberia. in the town of churapcha, these are the scars of climate change. rising temperatures mean that the frozen ground, the permafrost, is thawing, leaving a siberian teletubbyland of mounds and hollows, ponds and lakes. it means less pasture land. and more trouble getting around. climate change has been causing all kinds of problems here. where we are driving now was completely flat. 20 years ago, there was actually an airport here and this was the runway. but because the permafrost has been thawing, the ground has fallen away.

the result — no more planes here now. siberia has a whole city built on permafrost — yakutsk. now we stay 12 metres under the surface. deep underground, they are monitoring the rate at which the soil is thawing, because that affects not just the city, but the climate, too. and this is the permafrost? yes, it is permafrost. we see this layer, it is enriched organic matter, the shrubs, grass. and what happens when the permafrost thaws? organic matter contains a lot of gases, greenhouse gases, and when permafrost thaws,

they can go into the air. so the more the permafrost thaws, the more gases go into the atmosphere? absolutely right. scientists believe that this year's forest fires in siberia have accelerated permafrost thawing as far north as the arctic circle, contributing to global warming. but, back here, ilia has no time to think about the fate of the planet. he is too busy plugging holes to try to stop this permafrost pond from becoming a lake and washing away the house he is building. all the scrap he can find he is dumping to insulate the permafrost. as for the house, like

all the buildings here, stilts are essential to avoid that sinking feeling. translation: they say that global warming started. so i don't know what's going to happen. but i'll leave that to my children to solve that problem. i'm too old to do it. but what will siberia be like for ilia's children if climate change isn't tackled now? at risk are whole communities and livelihoods. as it is, the land here bizarre, disfigured, is already a permanent reminder change is happening. plenty more on plenty that series online.

don't forget you can get in touch with me and some of the team on twitter — i'm @lvaughanjones. good evening. it is shaping up to be a fine, settled weekend for the vast majority. a little bit breezy across parts of england and wales, but there will be some dry weather, some spells of sunshine, just the chance of a shower at times across the south of the uk. and more especially the channel islands, where you're closest to this swirl of cloud, an area of low pressure that has been slow—moving close to spain and portugal. it is drifting a little further northwards, so there is the chance that these weather fronts may fringe just a few showers in at times through the weekend. and on the northern flank of that low pressure system, a brisk easterly wind continuing across a good part of england and wales. so, some of those showers drifting up through the channel islands through the night. one or two could be thundery. there will be some low cloud plaguing northern

and eastern parts of scotland, but most places will have clear spells. temperatures generally holding up between 8—12 degrees. perhaps a bit cooler than that for the likes of southern scotland and the far north of england. so, into tomorrow, lots of dry weather, some spells of sunshine. we will have some low cloud still plaguing some of those northern and eastern coasts of scotland. and some showers moving from the channel islands up through southern and particularly south—western parts of england and potentially clipping into the south of wales. not everyone will see a shower. many places will stay dry, and certainly further north, it's a mix of patchy cloud and sunny spells. rather cool close to north sea coasts where you're exposed to the breeze. northern ireland having a decent day with some sunshine, but again on the cool side. and we will keep some of this low cloud close to northern and eastern coasts of scotland. but for most parts here, it should be bright with some sunshine. through saturday evening, still one or two showers down to the south. this area of low cloud is likely to work a bit further inland across central and southern scotland and northern england. things here should tend to brighten

up, i think, as we head through the day on sunday. still the chance of a shower across the far south of the uk and the channel islands. most will be dry. the winds not as strong in southern parts at this stage, so 23—24 degrees, but it will be cooler further north. and then into next week, there are changes in the forecast because along this weather front, we're going to spin up and an area of low pressure. and that will bring some wet and for a time blustery conditions, and as those various weather fronts move through, during next week, it will eventually turn much, much cooler.

this is bbc world news. the headlines... the spanish capital, madrid, and the surrounding region are to be put under tighter coronavirus restrictions to deal with a surge in cases. but workplaces will stay open to limit the damage to the economy. uk prime minister borisjohnson has said a second wave of coronavirus is on its way. it comes as the who warns countries in the northern hemisphere that they must prepare for a winter battle against the disease. the trump administration has issued new rules aimed at banning the chinese—owned tiktok and wechat from us app stores. the restrictions will ban the transfer of funds or processing of payments through wechat from sunday. the barrister amal clooney has said she is resigning as the uk's special envoy on media freedom. she is resigning as the uk's special her decision is over what she describes as the government's "lamentable" suggestion it could violate international law over brexit.

let's return to the latest on coronavirus here in the uk. the latest government figures show the highest daily number of new infections since the latest surge began, with 4,322 new cases in the latest 2a period. that means the average number of new cases reported per day in the last week is 3,466. and as new cases have climbed so have daily hospital admissions — the weekly average for new admissions is 221. note that scottish data is only published up until september 7th. 27 deaths were reported, of people who died, within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test, and that means on average in the last week, 17 deaths were announced every day, taking the total number, across the uk, to 41,732. there are now more than 1,000 people in hospital with coronavirus . and there are continuing reports of serious problems in the testing system.

here's our health editor, hugh pym. there are yet more stories of delays and frustration at virus testing sites. traffic came to a standstill in south london, as people who'd booked tests waited to get to the location they'd been told to go to. but at the site, there was no testing, just officials saying the bookings hadn't been registered and people should leave and try again. liya has symptoms and was driven down by her husband to get a test, enduring the heavy traffic, but not getting what she needed. it was very upsetting, to be honest. because we were desperate to get a test, and we'd tried for so long, only to be turned away. and it takes so long to go through the process. i've also kind of lost the will to do it. other testing sites were open, but most were fully booked. demand for tests has surged, partly because of an increase in coronavirus symptoms and cases. one guide to what's happening comes

in a random survey of people in the community by the office for national statistics. it picks up those who don't realise they have the virus. in its most recent week, the survey shows that nearly 60,000 people in england were infected. now, that's a lot fewer than in may, but the previous week, it was fewer than 40,000. that means one in 900 of the population in england were infected, with the highest rate in the north west and london. in wales, by comparison, it was one in 2,000. the survey doesn't cover the rest of the uk. health officials are concerned that the numbers seriously ill in hospital with the virus are now rising, a delayed reaction to the spread in the community. admissions of patients to hospitals, some needing intensive care, have doubled in about a week across england. we are at a point where we are now seeing critical changes in the number of infections in hospitals.

we're seeing a rise slower than what happened in march, but nonetheless, if it continues to rise in the same way, we would expect to see similar numbers that we had in hospital at the end of march in about 3—4 weeks' time. so, the big question now is, how much faster the virus will spreading communities and how many will need hospital treatment. how much, for how long? of course, this is anybody's guess, but it's also not inevitable how steep the curve up is going to be. so, the uk can write its own history. so, it's very important that as fast as possible, as effectively as possible, we put measures in place. whatever those measures are, ensuring that the testing system is working properly to track the virus seems as critical as ever. the prime minister has said we are now seeing a second wave of coronavirus infections coming to the uk. the r number — which represents the number of people an infected person will pass the virus to — has risen to between 1.1

and 1.4, meaning cases could rise very quickly. he spoke to reporters earlier. obviously, we are looking very carefully at the spread of the pandemic as it evolves over the last few days, and there's no question, as i've said for several weeks now, that we are now seeing a second wave coming in. we see it in france, we see it spain, across europe it's been absolutely, i'm afraid, inevitable. so, monday, we brought in measures that we did, the rule of six, to really try and restrict what people are doing and to bring any new buffer. just to make absolutely clear, the rule of six, six indoors, a maximum of six outdoors. but the crucial thing is, at the same time, to observe the basic rules on social distancing —

hands, face, space. that is what everybody has to do if we are to beat this thing. but, as we are to beat this thing. but, as we look at this particular curve, what is happening now, clearly we have to keep everything under review. i don't want to go into a second national lockdown. that's the last thing everybody wants. i don't go intoa last thing everybody wants. i don't go into a bigger lockdown, we want to keep schools open, and it's fantastic that schools have gone backin fantastic that schools have gone back in the way that they have. we wa nt back in the way that they have. we want to keep the economy open as far as we can. the only way we can do thatis as we can. the only way we can do that is obviously a people follow the guidance. your point about taking people with us, the devolved administrations, the opposition, mps. administrations, the opposition, mp5. of administrations, the opposition, mps. of course, if and when we have to go for another local or national lockdown, whatever, we're going to be explained very clearly to

everybody how see it. the mayor of london, sadiq khan, said it is "increasingly likely" lockdown restrictions will be required in london. mr khan, who held an emergency meeting with public health experts today to discuss the next steps, said he is "extremely concerned" by the accelerating speed at which covid—19 is now spreading in london. and he added that they are considering imposing some of the measures which have already been imposed in other parts of the uk. joining me now from westminster is our chief political correspondent vicki young. what you make of the prime minister's warnings in language there? i think the fact that he is saying that a second wave is coming feels like a significant moment. i think everyone over the summer was hoping that although the fears were that the winter might be hard, i don't think that people thought that by the middle of september we might be in this position where, as we've seen, huge swathes of the country,

millions of people, are under it added restrictions, and then siddique khan saying that london might soon face a similar things. borisjohnson very quick might soon face a similar things. boris johnson very quick to say that he doesn't want to return to another national lockdown. he says that it would be a total egg disaster for the economy. this real desire to keep as much of business and the economy open, to try and save people'sjobs. but, of course, they have to weigh that up, as they have done the whole way through, the impact on the economy with saving people's lives. and that's why you have seen there these measures, done locally up until now, but getting to the point eventually where they will be so many people under these restrictions that it does actually like national measures... clearly, the plan in downing street being talked about, not signed off, one of them for this circuit breaker. a

shorter few weeks of restrictions being brought in for everybody. that could mean households not being able to mix. crucially, the plan and the aim is to keep schools open, and to keep offices open, as far as possible. but really to try and massively slow down the transition of the virus. what do you think is coming this winter? what do you think the options are for the government to try and deal with it? i think the mood is pretty concerned in downing street. there is data coming in all the time of course. they have more data than they did la st they have more data than they did last time. they certainly know more about it. they know more about how it is transmitting, and households being the key way that that is happening. rather than they say in the office environment. the security mitty met. that involves a lot of senior officials, medics, and chaired by the health secretary. they are talking about the

possibility of tier one, two, three. it could mean these bigger restrictions being brought in. cu rfews restrictions being brought in. curfews as we have seen in some places. hospitality, some closing or having their hours restricted. and that idea that you don't mix with households. the question is whether that gets adopted. and then there is a big question about the most vulnerable. how do you protect them? they are very aware that shielding isa very they are very aware that shielding is a very draconian measure. of course, is a very draconian measure. of course , very is a very draconian measure. of course, very mindful of the fact that at the moment there is no sign ofa that at the moment there is no sign of a vaccine ready to go. that may not come until next spring. so some of these measures could be in place for months to come. some breaking news from the netherlands on a similar theme. the dutch are

introducing new measures, new restrictions on essentially, to six regions there. some of the restrictions, places like amsterdam, rotterdam, the hague. restaurant and bars must close at midnight. maximum 50 guests. gatherings of more than 50 guests. gatherings of more than 50 people must be registered with the local authorities. the netherlands, like spain, the uk, introducing a new restrictions as infection rates increase. in the uk, the rapid rise in coronavirus cases has led to concern amongst people who were advised to shield at home earlier this year to protect their health. the guidance and support which came with it ended in august — and now health charities are asking for clarity on if and when shielding should resume, as hywel griffith reports. for six months, kay has hidden away from the outside world. her immune

system is repressed so she starting shielding in march to keep away from coronavirus. even when the government advice changed last month, she continued to shield. she lives in wolverhampton, which is heading back into lockdown just as k is meant to return to teaching. her school says it will ensure a safe return for her, but she is not sure. that absolutely terrifies me. i know that i'm going to get the virus, and basically i feel like i am walking into my demise. i can see that the second wave is coming, if it isn't already here. and i am very vulnerable to catching the virus. i just do not want to catch the virus. i don't want to put myself at risk at all. that is my morning and

evening tablets... around the uk, 2.6 million people were asked to shield earlier this year. all qualify for help and support, accessing food and medication. but that came to an end in august. in some areas like leicester, shielding has been retained. but in others, like here, it hasn't. there is no set criteria for when people might be asked to shield again. which leaves room for uncertainty. the welsh government says it doesn't wa nt to welsh government says it doesn't want to set an arbitrary rate for when shielding would be introduced. the uk government says it should be a last resort. for derek, who lives here, it feels like he is being left to make up his own mind on how best to make up his own mind on how best to protect his health. to make up his own mind on how best to protect his healthlj to make up his own mind on how best to protect his health. i don't think they got a handle on it. i don't think they know what to do. they seem to be making it up as they go along. i think it comes down to

people like me using their own common sense, because we just can't follow the advice that is being given because i don't think enough advice is being given, to be honest with you. shielding means isolation, and the loneliness that can bring. but for some, that feels like the safest way ahead. next on bbc news it is time for a news watch. hello, and welcome to newswatch, with me samira ahmed. amid the controversy over numbers, how should the bbc be counting covid—19 cases and tests? we ask the head of statisitics for bbc news. and the bbc backtracks after an outcry over its plans to stop live tv broadcasts of all of the scottish government's coronavirus briefings.

since covid—19 brought the country to a halt in march, there's been more and more talk of how an effective system for testing for the disease is key to getting it under control. this week, that issue really hit the bbc headlines. the long wait for a test, and an even longer one for the result. just a third within 24 hours. trying to get a clear picture of how much testing is going on is not as simple as it might seem. should the focus be on the capacity in place at test centres, the number of tests actually being conducted, or the amount analysed and processed ? a viewer called nick emailed us this week with this plea. "is it possible to stop using figures that represent the number of tests carried out, and to move to the only useful