This is bbc news, imjane hill. The headlines at 2pm 179 flood warnings are still in place across england and wales because of storm christoph. Eight literally looks like a water bed, because the water is going straight under it, and the problem is, they couldnt come and get us, it would be safer in our home. But as i have had not been able to turn off the electricity, gas, everything. 65 new Covid Vaccination centres have come into operation across england. A mosque and a cinema are among the venues being used. It comes as a new Study SuggestsCoronavirus Infection rates may have risen in england since the start of the lockdown. The nhs in england has bought hundreds of thousands of oxygen monitors which
people with coronavirus can use at home. Doctors believe the devices will save lives. Just hours after taking office, us President Biden reverses many of Donald Trumps policies, including on coronavirus and climate change. And for a second year in a row, the Glastonbury Festival will not take place. Due to the impact of covid. Good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. Thousands of homes across england and wales were evacuated overnight after widespread flooding caused by storm christoph. Rivers reached record levels in parts of Greater Manchester and north wales. There are more than 179 flood warnings in place,
four of them severe. In wrexham, emergency teams worked through the night to protect a warehouse where the Covid Vaccine is being stored. And this morning, the Prime Minister visited didsbury to defend the governments record on funding flood defences. Jon donnison has the latest. In Greater Manchester, people woke up to find storm christoph had made its mark. With water levels continuing to rise and widespread flooding. Overnight, as temperatures dropped, what started with strong winds and heavy rain turned to snow. The river mersey near didsbury, full to bursting point. Police were going door to door, evacuating homes. We have been living here 33 years and we have never had it as bad as this. We have been told to evacuate. However, during corona, where do you evacuate to . You dont want to impose yourself on other people, so were trying to hold on as long as we can and hopefully, it will pass. Flooding, never easy at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. At times like this, in emergencies, were normally in and out of each other� s houses making sure everyone is ok. If someone is missing something, what can we do . And we havent been able to do that, and that isolation really does not help with the whole Mental Health impact of flooding in itself. The Prime Minister was out and about this morning, perhaps aware of being criticised during previous floods for failing to respond quickly enough. A huge amount has been done here in Greater Manchester. Another 60 million has been put into protecting the Greater Manchester area. You can see the defences that we have in place to protect peoples homes and lives. But be in no doubt, everybody who visits a flooded area,
anyone who has been through a flood knows the huge psychological, emotional and financial cost of flooding to people. In parts of north wales, people will also be counting the cost. But emergency teams managed to stop a warehouse storing Covid Vaccines from flooding. Across the uk, forecasters say flood waters should subside in the coming days as the weather improves. But more heavy rain, strong winds and snow are expected next week. Ina in a moment to get the latest from one couple had to their home overnight but one couple had to their home overnianh , one couple had to their home overniuh ,. , overnight but first, our correspondent overnight but first, our correspondent andy i overnight but first, our| correspondent andy gill overnight but first, our correspondent andy gill has overnight but first, our correspondent andy gill has been one of the worst affected areas of warrington. This area has seen extensive flooding, notjust along this street but on side streets to either side. The fire brigade are still bringing people out by boat. On the other side of the houses on this side of the street is a small river, the intense rainfall in two days because thatis intense rainfall in two days because that is a flood last night. The authorities did put down sand bags late at night but it wasnt enough to keep the water out of some homes in the early hours of this morning, it started to go into peoples houses here. My it started to go into peoples houses here. It started to go into peoples houses here. G. ,. ,. ,. , houses here. My living room floor literally looks houses here. My living room floor literally looks like houses here. My living room floor literally looks like a houses here. My living room floor literally looks like a water houses here. My living room floor literally looks like a water bed. I literally looks like a water bed. That has all come straight under it and they told us they couldnt come and they told us they couldnt come and get us, that we would be safer in our home. I have had to turn off all the electricity, gas, everything, so cant even feed my daughter. Irate everything, so cant even feed my dau~hter. ~ ,. , everything, so cant even feed my dau~hter. ~. ,. ,. , daughter. We systematically go from door to door daughter. We systematically go from door to door offering daughter. We systematically go from door to door offering people daughter. We systematically go from door to door offering people to daughter. We systematically go from door to door offering people to be i door to door offering people to be removed door to door offering people to be removed from their homes in a safe
and coordinated way. Like i said, were and coordinated way. Like i said, were working in conjunction with the local were working in conjunction with the local authorities, the Housing Association and the residents of those association and the residents of those homes that are affected. The risk ou those homes that are affected. The risk you can those homes that are affected. Tie risk you can see taking those homes that are affected. Ti9 risk you can see taking place behind me now is just one thats been happening this morning. Other people have had to walk through the floodwater to get away. Last night, the local authority took many people out and took them to a hotel to stay dry and warm. The out and took them to a hotel to stay dry and warm i i dry and warm. The water is deep. I think it is a dry and warm. The water is deep. I think it is a very dry and warm. The water is deep. I think it is a very frightening think it is a very frightening situation. At the water rose quite rapidly situation. At the water rose quite rapidly and as the snow started to fall it rapidly and as the snow started to fall it became a dangerous situation, frozen water, and there was quite situation, frozen water, and there was quite a situation, frozen water, and there was quite a lot of concern. This has been a major was quite a lot of concern. This has been a major operation was quite a lot of concern. This has been a major operation in was quite a lot of concern. This has been a major operation in cheshire | been a major operation in cheshire and Greater Manchester fire and rescue services involved. With logic is so extensive that they expect to be here for much of the day and into
the evening. Robert and clare davies live in didsbury with their two daughters and had to evacuate their home last night. Theyve just been allowed back home. Its really kind of you to talk to us out of the night you have had. Just explain to viewers where you have been, what did you have to spend the night, what has been going on . Irate spend the night, what has been going on . ~ spend the night, what has been going on . , on . We were quite lucky because we not offers on . We were quite lucky because we got offers of on . We were quite lucky because we got offers of somewhere on . We were quite lucky because we got offers of somewhere to on . We were quite lucky because we got offers of somewhere to stay got offers of somewhere to stay before we really had made a decision on whether we were going to leave. It was getting dark and we thought wed better make a decision now, and wed better make a decision now, and we stayed just that a friends wed better make a decision now, and we stayed just that a friends with our two girls, so we didnt have too far to travel. The our two girls, so we didnt have too far to travel far to travel. The river had already come over far to travel. The river had already come over outside far to travel. The river had already come over outside our far to travel. The river had already come over outside our house far to travel. The river had already come over outside our house and | far to travel. The river had already i come over outside our house and we left the come over outside our house and we left the car come over outside our house and we left the car on the other side, so we could left the car on the other side, so we could get out. So had to walk across we could get out. So had to walk across the we could get out. So had to walk across the golf course at 4pm
yesterday because, if we hadnt made that decision then, we were worried it would that decision then, we were worried it would have been taken out of our hands it would have been taken out of our hands if it would have been taken out of our hands if we it would have been taken out of our hands if we would have to do that in the middle hands if we would have to do that in the middle of the night with two children. The middle of the night with two children, not ideal it to the middle of the night with two children, not ideal children, not ideal it to say the least we children, not ideal it to say the least we are children, not ideal it to say the least we are just children, not ideal it to say the least we are just looking children, not ideal it to say the least we are just looking at children, not ideal it to say the | least we are just looking at the pictures you sent us, these are from yesterday afternoon . Before things got swollen rivers but before things got swollen rivers but before things got very bad. We cant quite see from the picture of your sales we are looking at, is your home ok . Is your home all right . It are looking at, is your home 0k . Is your home all right . Your home all right . It was, luckil. Your home all right . It was, luckily i your home all right . It was, luckily. I work your home all right . It was, luckily. I work at your home all right . It was, luckily. I work at didsbury. Your home all right . It was, i luckily. I work at didsbury golf club, and we live on the golf course as well, and it is right on the river bank, soon it does come over, it the laimerfirst river bank, soon it does come over, it the laimer first but it totally cut is us from our town. We it the laimer first but it totally cut is us from our town. We are kind of stuck on cut is us from our town. We are kind of stuck on an cut is us from our town. We are kind of stuck on an island. Cut is us from our town. We are kind of stuck on an island. Luckily, cut is us from our town. We are kind of stuck on an island. Luckily, it of stuck on an island. Luckily, it didnt of stuck on an island. Luckily, it didnt come of stuck on an island. Luckily, it didnt come anywhere near the house. Got very didnt come anywhere near the house. Got very close. That didnt come anywhere near the house. Got very close got very close. That is the highest weve ever got very close. That is the highest weve ever seen got very close. That is the highest weve ever seen it got very close. That is the highest weve ever seen it living got very close. That is the highest weve ever seen it living here, got very close. That is the highest weve ever seen it living here, i i weve ever seen it living here, i have weve ever seen it living here, i have lived weve ever seen it living here, i have lived here since 2007 and drawn even longer, have lived here since 2007 and drawn even longer, more like 20 years, and it was even longer, more like 20 years, and it was release wary. In even longer, more like 20 years, and it was release wary. It was release wary. In all the ears it was release wary. In all the years youve it was release wary. In all the years youve there, it was release wary. In all the years youve there, that it was release wary. In all the years youve there, that is. It was release wary. In all the years youve there, that is highest youve see to it . Years youve there, that is highest| youve see to it . Comes youve see to it . Definitely. Comes u. Youve see to it . Definitely. Comes u uuite youve see to it . Definitely. Comes up quite regular. Youve see to it . Definitely. Comes up quite regular. It youve see to it . Definitely. Comes up quite regular, it is youve see to it . Definitely. Comes up quite regular, it is the youve see to it . Definitely. Comes up quite regular, it is the fourth i up quite regular, it is the fourth time this week, but yesterday, i know it without a record but ive worked in the course for 30 years now, and that was scary, shocking. Having to move out of the house and evacuate children, it was quite a lot to take in. Qt evacuate children, it was quite a lot to take in. Evacuate children, it was quite a lot to take in. Of course. And given how close it lot to take in. Of course. And given how close it got, lot to take in. Of course. And given how close it got, for lot to take in. Of course. And given how close it got, for one lot to take in. Of course. And given how close it got, for one thing, i lot to take in. Of course. And given j how close it got, for one thing, you must be looking at the Weather Forecast frantically all the time, hoping youre not in for much more
heavy rain, and what would you like to see done longer term . You say it floods once in a while, but what would you like to see done, could flood defences turned out . Its would you like to see done, could flood defences turned out . Its very tric , flood defences turned out . Its very tricky. Where flood defences turned out . Its very tricky. Where we flood defences turned out . Its very tricky, where we are, flood defences turned out . Its very tricky, where we are, but flood defences turned out . Its very tricky, where we are, but with i tricky, where we are, but with affecting so many people yesterday, i do think the mersey does need looked at, certainly in some areas, because the amount of our friends that live close by who were possibly more at risk then we are, even though we are on the banks of the mersey, we are like a little island, but because the banks are up and down and some places arent defended that well, then i do think. The defences need that well, then i do think. The defences need looked at, definitely. This beta defences need looked at, definitely. This beta comes up sometimes is quite shocking, frighteningly fast. You must love living there, youve live very long time you must love living there, youve live very long time its| live very long time yeah. Big its lovel in live very long time yeah. Big its lovely in the live very long time yeah. Big its
lovely in the summer live very long time yeah. Big its lovely in the summer but live very long time yeah. Big its lovely in the summer but really| lovely in the summer but really difficult lovely in the summer but really difficult in lovely in the summer but really difficult in the winter. I lovely in the summer but really difficult in the winter. Lovely in the summer but really difficult in the winter. I mean, im lau~ahin difficult in the winter. I mean, im laughing in difficult in the winter. I mean, im laughing in a difficult in the winter. I mean, im laughing in a black difficult in the winter. I mean, im laughing in a black humour difficult in the winter. I mean, im laughing in a black humour kind. Difficult in the winter. I mean, im| laughing in a black humour kind of way and not trying to minimise what youve been through. Are you content to stay there for the next few days, do you think the forecast is in your favour . T do you think the forecast is in your favour . ~ , , , , favour . I think so. Storms these da s are favour . I think so. Storms these days are so favour . I think so. Storms these days are so unpredictable i favour . I think so. Storms these days are so unpredictable and i favour . I think so. Storms these i days are so unpredictable and like yesterday, i thought id seen everything here in the years i have worked on the golf course and lived in this house, but yesterday goes to show that you never know whats going to happen. Luntil] show that you never know whats going to happen going to happen. Will feel a lot better now going to happen. Will feel a lot better now the going to happen. Will feel a lot better now the river going to happen. Will feel a lot better now the river has going to happen. Will feel a lot i better now the river has dropped considerably since this morning, sow considerably since this morning, sow lt considerably since this morning, so. , considerably since this morning, so. It does make you feel safer. The worrying so. It does make you feel safer. The worrying thing so. It does make you feel safer. The worrying thing is, so. It does make you feel safer. The worrying thing is, we so. It does make you feel safer. The worrying thing is, we live i so. It does make you feel safer. The worrying thing is, we live in i so. It does make you feel safer. The worrying thing is, we live in a| the worrying thing is, we live in a bungalow. The worrying thing is, we live in a bungalow, so it is not like we can ust bungalow, so it is not like we can just disappear upstairs and cross our fingers. Well have to make that call again our fingers. Well have to make that call again if our fingers. Well have to make that
call again if the weather changes. Blessy~ call again if the weather changes. Blessy. And claire, i have to ask, i believe youre a nurse, a survey last year of your life, youve had enough to contend with, i imagine . Luckily, im not working in the front luckily, im not working in the front line. Luckily, im not working in the front line. I luckily, im not working in the front line, i am on treatment rooms for trafford. Front line, i am on treatment rooms for trafford, so weve actually been visiting for trafford, so weve actually been visiting some people at home whove tested visiting some people at home whove tested positive for covid, weve had dips in tested positive for covid, weve had dips in the tested positive for covid, weve had dips in the amount of people whove mess dips in the amount of people whove mess out dips in the amount of people whove mess out of dips in the amount of people whove mess out of operations. We take clips mess out of operations. We take clips and mess out of operations. We take clips and stitches out, that type of thing. Clips and stitches out, that type of thing. And clips and stitches out, that type of thing, and that has changed, but our role has thing, and that has changed, but our role has changed quite considerably. Like you role has changed quite considerably. Like you say, weve visiting people at home like you say, weve visiting people at home like we dont normally do. Sorry at home like we dont normally do. Sor. , ,. , at home like we dont normally do. Sor. , ,. , at home like we dont normally do. Sor. , , , sorry. That was claire and robert davies, sorry. That was claire and robert davies. Just sorry. That was claire and robert davies, just coming sorry. That was claire and robert davies, just coming to sorry. That was claire and robert davies, just coming to the i sorry. That was claire and robert davies, just coming to the end i sorry. That was claire and robert davies, just coming to the end of that interview. Oh, youre back, fantastic i was about to say, thank
you for everything that you and your colleagues are doing, you cant downplay it, no matter which section of the Health Service you are in. Thank you and thank you for your resilience and talking to us at such a tricky time and we hope you and your children are ok and everything will dry out and she will be safe and thank you very much indeed. Thank you. And thank you very much indeed. Thank you and thank you very much indeed. Thank ou. , ~ , , thank you. Thank you. Claire and rob davies who thank you. Thank you. Claire and rob davies who live thank you. Thank you. Claire and rob davies who live in thank you. Thank you. Claire and rob davies who live in didsbury, thank you. Thank you. Claire and rob davies who live in didsbury, on i thank you. Thank you. Claire and rob davies who live in didsbury, on the i davies who live in didsbury, on the golf course, with their two children, sounds like they have a very, very narrow escape and we will be keeping an eye very much on that story, all as a result of stunning christoph, and we have a full Weather Forecast coming up for you just before 2 30pm. 65 new Covid Vaccination centres have come into operation today across england including in a mosque in birmingham and a cinema in buckinghamshire. In some parts of the country, people over the age of 70 are now getting the jab, but in others, people in their 80s and older are still waiting. It comes as a study from Imperial College london suggests infection levels in the community didnt fall at the start of the latest lockdown, and may in fact have risen. Well have more on that in a moment, but first our Health CorrespondentDominic Hughes reports on the uneven roll out of vaccines. At the al abbas mosque in birmingham, vaccinations are well under way. This is one of more than 60 new venues that have opened up today, run by local pharmacies. Its an important way to get the vaccine to communities that are especially vulnerable to covid i9 and sometimes hard to reach. Is there any other way of tackling this pandemic than the vaccine . I dont see any other way. That is the most sensible thing for each and every one of us to do. That is what i personally believe. I have a role to play. If we can come together and play this role, i am definitely certain we will eventually
overcome this challenge. But problems with the supply of the vaccine remain a challenge, leaving those trying to deliver it exasperated. It is frustrating. We have spent a lot of time and effort setting up centres. There are 15 across sheffield. Gp practices are working in partnership to make sure its ready to go. Now we can deliver 700 to 800 vaccines a day, but the supply to us is really limited. We may face a whole week of not being able to give any vaccines next week. The Health Secretary matt hancock acknowledges that there are problems with maintaining a smooth supply of the vaccine. We have a lumpy supply. The manufacturers are working incredibly hard to deliver the supply as fast as possible, but it is challenging and therefore, it is not possible to give certainty as far out as many gps and those delivering on the ground would like. The worst thing would be
to give false certainty. Its notjust in england where frustrations are growing. In scotland, there have been accusations that the roll out is lagging behind the rest of the uk. But ministers have defended their policy of prioritising care home residents, carers and front line nhs staff. In east london, another new Vaccination Centre is up and running, and from nhs englands medical director, reassurance that the most vulnerable will get theirjabs in good time. Im very confident that we will be able to distribute the supplies to meet that target. Of course, we rely on the manufacturers, but we are full steam ahead, we have over 4 million vaccinated, hundreds of thousands of people every day. And of course, opening sites like this just means that weve got more places for people to come to in order to hit that target. Manufacturing the vaccine is a complex process, subject to multiple safety and Quality Control checks. Getting it from the factory
to Vaccination Centres, this one in a cinema in aylesbury, is far from simple, but its still relatively early days in the biggest Mass Vaccination Programme the country has ever seen. The infrastructure is in place to deliver the jabs. Whats needed now is a consistent and reliable supply. Ravi sharm is the Royal Pharmaceutical societys directorfor england. Good afternoon. Hi there. Getting the vaccine good afternoon. Hi there. Getting the vaccine into good afternoon. Hi there. Getting the vaccine into pharmacies, i good afternoon. Hi there. Getting the vaccine into pharmacies, notl the vaccine into pharmacies, not more pharmacies, is presumably going to be the next stage . We have to focus today on a bumpy roll out but i am sure you feel pharmacies could play a role in this . Play a role in this . Connoisseurs are skilled play a role in this . Connoisseurs are skilled and play a role in this . Connoisseurs are skilled and trained play a role in this . Connoisseurs are skilled and Trained Health i play a role in this . Connoisseurs| are skilled and Trained Health care professionals pharmacists are skilled and Trained Health care professionals. We have seen the
roll out in hospital and gp practices, the good news about today is that this programme is about going further into Community Pharmacies which are accessible points of the nhs, within walking distances of our homes and are a core component of our communities, somewhere we look at trying to deliver those two groups, we hope more pharmacies can come online and help. More pharmacies can come online and hel. , , ,~ more pharmacies can come online and hel. , , help. Forgive me for asking but eve one help. Forgive me for asking but everyone will help. Forgive me for asking but everyone will be help. Forgive me for asking but everyone will be asking help. Forgive me for asking but. Everyone will be asking watching this, when . We know some of the big regional centres arent still properly up and running and we know thatis properly up and running and we know that is to do with supply of the vaccine, not necessarily the centre itself. Therefore, how quickly can you do everything that youd like to do . ~ , � , you do everything that youd like to do . , � , , you do everything that youd like to do . , � , you do everything that youd like to do . , � ,. , , do . What weve seen as a Vaccination Programme do . What weve seen as a Vaccination Programme opens do . What weve seen as a vaccination
programme opens up do . What weve seen as a Vaccination Programme opens up to do . What weve seen as a Vaccination Programme opens up to pharmacistsl programme opens up to pharmacists who will see more of those coming online in the coming months. This is a fast moving, fluid process and as the supply becomes stronger and more consistent, we hope there will be more pharmacies coming online to support the delivery of this programme it successfully to those communities. 50 programme it successfully to those Communities Programme it successfully to those communities. So you cant really put a week or month communities. So you cant really put a week or month on communities. So you cant really put a week or month on it . Communities. So you cant really put a week or month on it . Are communities. So you cant really put a week or month on it . Are you i communities. So you cant really put| a week or month on it . Are you privy to that sort of timescale . Taste a week or month on it . Are you privy to that sort of timescale . To that sort of timescale . We are currently working to that sort of timescale . We are currently working with to that sort of timescale . We are currently working with the currently working with the government and nhs to bring on more Community Pharmacies into programme as well, but as i said, as the supply of vaccinations grows stronger and more within the system, you would need a network of vaccinators that is already established to deliver the programme successfully. With huge network of Community Pharmacies, we know this is possible, but is that supply a vaccination builds up in the coming weeks and months, we know it will be able to be delivered through that network for members of the
population who are most vulnerable. And that government aim of getting everyone in those top categories, the most needy and vulnerable, by getting them the firstjab by mid february, do you feel that is doable . Tt midfebruary, do you feel that is doable . , , midfebruary, do you feel that is doable . , , , doable . It is an ambitious target and that is doable . It is an ambitious target and that is why doable . It is an ambitious target and that is why it doable . It is an ambitious target and that is why it is doable . It is an ambitious target and that is why it is vital doable . It is an ambitious target and that is why it is vital to i and that is why it is vital to ensure that the skilled and trained and trusted workforce we have of vaccinators are empowered to be able to deliver this, and thats why its great to see pharmacies across the system, including community pharmacy, will be able to contribute to this programme and deliver it successfully and those are targets from the government and nhs for the rest of the year, as long as the programme continues. Tn rest of the year, as long as the programme continues. In terms of the current unevenness, programme continues. In terms of the current unevenness, if programme continues. In terms of the current unevenness, if we programme continues. In terms of the current unevenness, if we Call Programme continues. In terms of the current unevenness, if we call it i current unevenness, if we call it that, its hard for people, because our parts of the country where people in their 70s already had a jab and yet there are people in their 80s, jab and yet there are people in their80s, even jab and yet there are people in their 80s, even 90s in other parts of the country who still have not had theirs. Thatjust does not feel
right, does it . It is not the aim, what you to people who may feel worried or frustrated what you to people who may feel worried orfrustrated by that . T worried or frustrated by that . I completely agree with members of the public are frustrated and anxious at the moment, but we do know that everyone who needs a jab will eventually get the vaccination. The great thing about this announcement is that as the programme extends that there are more vaccination sites in a community of pharmacies that are opening up local to you. I am sure that in the coming weeks and months will be more opportunities for people were able to access this vaccination much more readily, more quickly, helping the nation to get back to some level of normality within the coming few months. Im within the coming few months. Im sure we will within the coming few months. Im sure we will talk again, thank you for now. A new Study SuggestsCoronavirus Infection rates in the community in england didnt fall and may in fact have risen at the start of the current lockdown. But ministers say the research from Imperial College london doesnt take into account the full impact of the lockdown. Our Health Correspondent
katharine da costa has the details. Worrying findings from scientists tracking the spread of coronavirus. Even with a National Lockdown in england, new infections remain high, and instead of coming down may well have slightly increased in some areas. Researchers from Imperial College looked at swab results from a random sample of more than 140,000 volunteers between the 6th and 15th of january. They found 1. 58 had the virus, thats about one in 63 people. Rising to 2. 8 in london. I think it is quite a complex picture. We did see a little bit of a dip at the beginning of the lockdown but now we see essentially a level with an r of around one. But we are not seeing that fall that we really need to see from these very high prevalence levels. Figures from nhs test and trace had suggested a recent drop
in symptomatic cases. Researchers think that could reflect a fall in infections just after christmas which is only now being picked up in officialfigures. Data on peoples movements show increased activity in early january, as people went back to work, which researchers say is keeping transmission high. I think what were seeing in the ons data, in the react survey, we are seeing the contagiousness of the new variant that we saw arrive just before christmas. There is no doubt it does spread very fast indeed. It is not more deadly but it is much more contagious, and the numbers are very great. The Study Suggests the intense pressure on hospitals will continue. Critical care beds in 15 hospitals were completely full this week. While a0 others are reporting their icus are more than 95 full, thats even after creating nearly 40 more beds since november. Health leaders are worried. I think theres a real nervousness that because of the transmissibility, how transmissible this new variant is, i think the slope down once you have got over the peak, is going to be slower than it was in the first phase. In that sense, i suspect that the pressure on hospitals will last longer than it did in the first phase. The study also suggests prevalence is highest in large households, deprived neighbourhoods and within black and asian communities. Ministers will have to wait for more data next week but they will no doubt be worried if there is not a significant fall infections soon, tougher measures may be needed. Bbc news can reveal the nhs in england has bought hundreds of thousands of oxygen monitors for patients with coronavirus to use at home, in an attempt to save lives. It follows Research Suggesting even small reductions in oxygen levels can be a warning sign of dangerous
deterioration with covid 19. The devices are being given to patients aged 65 and over and others at high risk in an unprecedented rollout. Our Health CorrespondentSophie Hutchinson reports. It could have ended completely differently, so, you know, i suppose i do owe them my life, really. Dorset, where theyve taken at the fight against the coronavirus into peoples homes. Lessons learned from the first wave have highlighted the danger of leaving some patients to sit out the infection alone. We have seen people who are critically low on oxygen and weve heard stories of people dying at home because they havent been recognised, so i do think this simple bit of kit could really save your life. The bit of kit is a small, relatively cheap device known as an oximeter, which measures oxygen levels in the blood. Covid positive patients, like michael kerr, who are age 65 and over, or who are at risk,
are now being given the devices by gps in england and then monitored. Yeah, im fine. Oximeters are seen as vital because some patients with the virus are not breathless, despite having low oxygen levels. This dangerous condition is known as silent hypoxia. It has been reassuring for, not only me, but the family as well. Research during a pandemic has shown that even relatively small drops in oxygen levels can be an Early Warning sign of serious illness. A reading of 95 and above is considered normal. At 93 and 94 , patients are now told to contact their gp or call 111. But if its 92 or below, people are asked to recheck it, and if it is the same, go straight to a e. Its like stiff upper lip, isnt it . You just think, im all right, ill be ok. I can get on. Hospital is where Denise Nicholson ended up. She says even though she felt unwell, without the support she would never have
known her oxygen levels were dangerously low. If it hadnt have been for the monitoring service, i dont think it would have been picked up. Been highlighted that i had covid pneumonia. I think i would have tried to continue to battle on at home. Im so grateful for having that service, and if they hadnt have come and they hadnt decided to take me into hospital, it could have ended completely differently so, you know, i suppose i do owe them my life, really. And doctors behind the scheme say small tweaks to patient care can make a huge difference. Prevention is nearly always better than the cure. And whilst ventilators are really important in treating people who are serious unwell with covid, a simple intervention like an oximeter is probablyjust as important because by getting to patients earlier, we can hopefully prevent their severe deterioration and potentially theirfuture need
for a ventilator and an intensive care admission. And because of the impact of covid 19 on the lungs, doctors believe everyone should now have an oximeter at home. Theyre convinced these small devices can save lives. The us President Joe Biden has begun to undo some of Donald Trumps key policies, less than 2a hours after being sworn in, saying theres no time to waste in tackling the crises the country is facing. President biden has signed 15 executive orders, focusing on the response to coronavirus and climate change. Hes also reversed the trump administrations stance on immigration. Our washington correspondent nomia iqbal reports. After four years of turbulence, it all seemed a lot calmer this morning. There was no traditional ball for President Biden and Vice President harris, but they got Bruce Springsteen and tom hanks. Now it is my honour to introduce the president
of the United States joseph r bidenjr. This is a great nation. Were good people. And to overcome the challenges in front of us requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy unity. Hours earlier, the new leaders of america were sworn in on capitol hill. So help me, god. Congratulations, mr president. Soon, President Biden headed into his new office and started signing away Donald Trumps legacy with a pen. He green lighted 15 executive orders some of them included calling for a nationwide facemask mandate, and rejoining both the paris climate agreement and the world health organization. Mr biden did receive a letter from his predecessor, though, which is a tradition. The president wrote a very generous letter. Because it was private, i will, uh. I wont talk about it until i talk to him,
but it was generous. That was the only tradition donald trump upheld on the day, though. He didnt attend the inauguration. Instead, he flew home to florida with his wife melania trump, who looked like she was ready for a holiday. The fears that huge violence would break out across america in the run up to the ceremony didnt happen. President biden and Vice President harris are hopeful that they can now inspire and unite the country. Youre a firework come on, show em what youre worth. This Administration Says it wants to set a unifying and optimistic tone for america. We are bold, fearless and ambitious. We are undaunted in our belief that we shall overcome, that we will rise up. But this new start comes just a few weeks after Donald Trumps loyal supporters stormed the capitol. The stakes for what President Biden
does in the next few years couldnt be higher. Much more coming up in the next half an hour. Now its time for a look at the weather with ben rich. Hello. The heavy rain brought by storm christoph has been easing during the day, but there is a lot of water still to work through the river catchments. Keep up to date on the flood warnings still in force on the flood warnings still in force on the bbc weather website. Through this evening and overnight, a little more rain, wintry showers in the west, giving rise to some more sleet and snow, continuing across the north of scotland. The snow really piling up here tonight and tomorrow. Through tomorrow we keep the wintry showers with quite a lot of snow across high ground but even to lower
levels in northern scotland. One or two showers for Northern Ireland, wales, the south west, but it will be quite a chilly day with top temperatures between four and 8 degrees. Saturday will be dry for most, with a few wintry showers here and there, sunday could bring sleet and there, sunday could bring sleet and snow, particularly in the south. Hello. This is bbc news with jane hill. The headlines hundreds of people are forced out of their homes, as storm christoph causes widespread flooding in england and wales. More than 200 flood warnings are still in place. Literally looks like a water bed, because the water has come straight under it, and they told us they couldnt come and get us, that wed be safer in our home, but ive had to turn off all the electricity, gas, everything. 65 new Covid Vaccination centres have come into operation across england. A mosque and a cinema are among the venues being used. It comes as a new Study SuggestsCoronavirus Infection rates may have risen in england since the start of the lockdown. The nhs in england has bought hundreds of thousands of oxygen monitors which people with coronavirus can use at home. Doctors believe the devices will save lives. Sport now, and a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. Good afternoon. Organisers of the London Marathon are planning to break their own record by getting 50,000 runners to compete in october this year, plus another 50,000 runners to take part virtually. Its hoped the record will make up for the lack of funding for charities after the race had to be cancelled for amateurs last year. Laura scott reports. Air horns blow. A familiar sound in spring. Streets teeming with runners and supporters. Remember how the London Marathon used to be . After the pandemic forced last years mass event to go virtual, the ambition is that record numbers will return this october to run the capitals iconic route. The London Marathon has to do what is right for society. It is far bigger than just for the runners. This is about the national Health Service, this is about charities, this is about communities. We are incredibly positive that we will be able to have 50,000 people running the London Marathon in person in 2021. Time will tell. One of those aiming to take part has seen up close the strain caused by coronavirus. Jo gennari works at an nhs hospital in lewisham and has felt the benefits of running regularly. During what has been a really difficult time for so many people, how important is it to have a goal in the future to aim for that involves being physically active . I think having these milestones are really, really important, because it does give you something to look forward to and train for. My colleagues in the run club are from all over the nhs and some of the most front line workers you will meet. We talk regularly about the importance of keeping active for our mental and physical health. The London Marathon is the uks largest annual fundraising event. During the pandemic, Many Charities have had to focus on their funding. Macmillan Cancer Support estimates it will lose £175 million over three years, but there has been more than just a financial impact. So, weve seen a huge demand in people coming forward and asking for support as well as a huge decline in income. Its been a really, really tough year for us and events like the virgin London Marathon are going to be hugely important for us to rebuild. As many People Struggle through another lockdown, organisers hope the London Marathon can be a beacon of hope and its celebratory atmosphere will return, bigger and better than ever. Laura scott, bbc news. Cricket, and england have made one change for the second and final test against sri lanka, which starts early tomorrow morning. James anderson replaces stuart broad who is being rested. The tourists won the first test, but, after a woeful start, sri lanka steadily improved throughout the match. In the last few minutes manchester citys Sergio Aguero has confirmed that he has tested positive for coronavirus. The striker tweeted that he had some of the symptoms and that he was self isolating, but was following doctors orders. He didnt feature in manchester citys 2 0 win over aston villa last night. This years World Rally Championship is under way, with the traditional Season Opener the monte carlo rally. Britains elfyn evans will be hoping he can improve on last years third place. Well, hes currently in third place after the opening stage, which saw this spectacular crash for teemu suninen. The 26 year old from finland and his co driver werent hurt. The rally ends on sunday. Thats all the sport for now, but. You can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website. Including the latest on the abu dhabi championship, rory mcilroy is top of the leaderboard by one shot after his first round. Thats bbc. Co. Uk sport. Thank you very much indeed. The time now is 2. 37. We are going to talk about glastonbury. The Glastonbury Festival has been cancelled for the second Consecutive Year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Anyone who has tickets will be able to use them next year. The organisers say theyve taken the decision to cancel with great regret, and that theyd moved heaven and earth to try to make it happen. Lets speak now to our arts
editor will gompertz. It is sad, but id be more surprised if they said it was going ahead i know, it does seem like that, but june is months away. It is a reality check, isnt it . Where we are and what we can hope for and what is realistic to expect, and the Vaccination Programme and all the rest of it all rolls into this one decision. But it is a monumental decision. But it is a monumental decision in a way because it points to what is coming across the summer for the arts. If glastonbury cant happen, leeds and reading probably wont happen, it is £1 billion industry that will be furloughed for another year. What does that mean for theatres and all sorts of other events . They have gone early, they have made the decision they have to make, it costs an enormous amount of money to put a festival like glastonbury on, diaries had to be
organised months in advance, money has to be spent very early on. There is no insurance available to glastonbury, so they couldnt take the risk, they had to pull it this year. And there we are. But given that it year. And there we are. But given thatitis year. And there we are. But given that it is stilljanuary, it is a tough one to take. Tough one to take. And it is interesting tough one to take. And it is interesting the tough one to take. And it is interesting the wider i tough one to take. And it is | interesting the wider picture tough one to take. And it is i interesting the wider picture that you not to, because we know that so many people in the music world, the arts, generally, a lot of them have not been able to use the furlough scheme, a lot of people are falling through the cracks, very difficult time for so many venues. Music in particular, you cant imagine a music venue with 10,000 people huddled inside it being able to function, and you wonder how many of them will survive financially, bluntly. It them will survive financially, bluntl. , , them will survive financially, bluntl. , , them will survive financially, bluntl. , , , , bluntly. It is a terrible worry for musicians. Bluntly. It is a terrible worry for musicians, the bluntly. It is a terrible worry for musicians, the music bluntly. It is a terrible worry for musicians, the music business. J bluntly. It is a terrible worry for i musicians, the music business. This is something britain is world famous for, it has been for decades. We are really good at making music, putting on live shows, whether it is
festivals or gigs. And now for musicians it is more difficult to travel abroad, around the european union. Those tours that were quite straightforward to put together, now it is harder and there is lots of debate and discussion going on between professional musicians and the government about how that can be made easier post brexit. But then you have the impact of covid, many of those freelancers working in the industry, notjust musicians but people working backstage, all those who put the show is on the road. They do fall between the stools of furloughed government support. So this announcement, which is a reality check, summer is not happening, guys, it is not going to be feasible, itsjust happening, guys, it is not going to be feasible, its just a major blow, because people in the arts are necessarily quite optimistic, they hope for the best, they look for the best. You dont make art if you are not hopeful. And so for everybody it
is really tough, and it is tough for the guys down at glastonbury. Michael and emily eavis, they have worked so hard, and they were supposed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of glastonbury last year, that didnt happen, they cant celebrate what would be the 51st, and now the people who have bought tickets in 2019 for 2020, those tickets in 2019 for 2020, those tickets will still be valid. In fact, theoretically speaking, the 2022 show is already sold out because those tickets have all gone, people who got tickets for that show, it might be possible but they wont be available until april 2022, but my goodness lets hope glastonbury can happen. That but my goodness lets hope glastonbury can happen. That will be one heck of glastonbury can happen. That will be one heck of a glastonbury can happen. That will be one heck of a party glastonbury can happen. That will be one heck of a party it glastonbury can happen. That will be one heck of a party it will glastonbury can happen. That will be one heck of a party it will be i one heck of a party it will be thank you one heck of a party it will be thank you very one heck of a party it will be thank you very much one heck of a party it will be thank you very much for i one heck of a party it will be thank you very much for now, j one heck of a party it will be i thank you very much for now, will gompertz, ourarts thank you very much for now, will gompertz, our arts editor. The education secretary says he doesnt know when schools will be able to reopen to all pupils but he promised that schools
in england would be given two weeks notice of reopening. He added that the government hopes children can get back into the classroom before easter. More details from our education correspondent sean dilley. It was confirmation of what parents already knew there could be no guarantee about when schools in england would be able to reopen their gates to all students. But there was a glimmer of hope for teachers and families as the education secretary promised two weeks notice of any return to the classroom. We will give notjust schools and teachers the time to be able to prepare, but were also giving children the time to get ready and parents enough notice. And when the pressure on the nhs is starting to lift, that puts us in the best possible position to be able to welcome all children back into schools. Unions believe that offering teachers early vaccinations will offer reassurance to parents and a profession under pressure. Nobody� s talking about teachers wanting to jump the queue. We understand that there needs to be that emphasis on the people who are most at risk from this. But equally, we know that distinctively, if youre a teacher, firstly, you come into contact with lots of young people who we know can transmit the virus more than in its previous incarnation, and we also know in the career of teaching that if the teacher isnt there, it affects a class of 30. The government says the impact of any new variant and the success of the Vaccination Programme could all impact timings, but it will be Community Infection rates that will drive any decision to reopen schools. This would be likely to vary across the country, and so they say schools could reopen at different times. Schools are also closed in the devolved nations. Those in scotland and Northern Ireland will remain so until at least the middle of february. Wales is due to review its restrictions at the end of january. Meanwhile, the department for education has published a policy white paper document called skills forjobs, setting out plans to overhaul further education for people over 16. The government says that by 2030,
it wants to hand employers a central role in designing almost all technical courses to meet local training needs. Businesses have been reporting for many years that there is a gap between the skills they need to make their businesses successful and the skills they are able to find within their local communities. So this is all about employers and providers working together to make sure we identify the skills we need now and in the future. Groups representing the further Education Sector say more funding is needed to deliver the plans, but the government insists that funding will be targeted at training thats needed in the labour market, and it wants to put an end to what it describes as the illusion that a degree is the only route to success. Sean dilley, bbc news. Lets talk more now on the roll out of the coronavirus vaccine. The Health Servicejournal is reporting that the north east and yorkshire region will have its vaccine
supply halved next week. Theyve been told the move is to regulate the distribution of the vaccine and allow other regions to catch up. Dave west wrote the story and is the hsjs Deputy Editor. Good afternoon. So that is the headline. What are people in that region saying to you about the news that their vaccine is going to be halved . Taste that their vaccine is going to be halved . ~ . , that their vaccine is going to be halved . ,. , halved . We particularly here at the Health Service halved . We particularly here at the Health Service journal, halved . We particularly here at the Health Service journal, we Health Servicejournal, we particularly from people in the Health Service, and they are fairly frustrated about the fact that they wont be able to vaccinate as many people as the rate they feel they could be next week. They are setup to vaccinate more than 200,000 people next week, but they will be limited to vaccinating around 100,000 people through primary care and general practice centres, so the gps are very frustrated because they feel they have put lots of effort into getting set up and getting the
staff in place, potentially even starting to arrange appointments, and now they wont be able to do that. The people trying to run the process, who we talked to and work with a lot at hsj, they are frustrated because again they were putting a lot of energy into doing this as quickly as possible and encouraging all their teams to do this as quickly as possible, which is what the nation wants, but then being told they have to slow down. Although of course a number of those involved do understand the reasons, some of the reasons why, and some of them sympathise with the reason why, that nationally there is a desire to maintain a fairness to ensure that the priority groups get the vaccine across the country at a similar sort of time. ~ , , of time. And i think that is what its about. Of time. And i think that is what its about, isnt of time. And i think that is what its about, isnt it . Of time. And i think that is what its about, isnt it . Matt of time. And i think that is what | its about, isnt it . Matt hancock himself used the word lumpy today about the roll out, the availability, the distribution. This is presumably entirely about getting
a pharaoh geographical distribution. It is not good for any of us presumably to have young people less risk getting a vaccine one part of the country if you have another part where people in the 80s and 90s might not have even had a phone call about an appointment. Yes. Might not have even had a phone call about an appointment. Might not have even had a phone call about an appointment. Yes, there are difficult tradeoffs, about an appointment. Yes, there are difficult tradeoffs, because about an appointment. Yes, there are difficult tradeoffs, because if about an appointment. Yes, there are difficult tradeoffs, because if the i difficult trade offs, because if the nhs can be allowed to be more flexible about who it vaccinate when, then it probably can move a bit faster, because it wont have to seek out particular groups, and because for example we would be able to allow the northeast and yorkshire to allow the northeast and yorkshire to move ahead more quickly through a bit more of its population. But as you say, the risk groups have been identified by the governments joint committee of experts on this matter, and the nhs is very keen to follow that list closely, because it is not the nhss job to decide what groups to vaccinate, it is the nhss job to vaccinate them as quickly as possible in line with its orders from government. And as well as the
priority groups, we now have the governments target to vaccinate the top four groups by mid february, so that perhaps also creates a desire to make sure all regions are catching up towards that target rather than some region starting to get ahead. It is rather than some region starting to net ahead. , i. Get ahead. It is interesting you mention that get ahead. It is interesting you mention that target, get ahead. It is interesting you mention that target, because i j get ahead. It is interesting you i mention that target, because i was going to say from the sort of people you talk to and you are talking to Leaders Within health sector, do you feel, that they feel, that that target is achievable . I feel, that they feel, that that target is achievable . Feel, that they feel, that that target is achievable . I think it is, ust target is achievable . I think it is, just about target is achievable . I think it is, just about i target is achievable . I think it is, just about. I think target is achievable . I think it is, just about. I think it target is achievable . I think it is, just about. I think it will target is achievable . I think it is, just about. I think it will be i just about. I think it will be tight, and from the nhss delivery point of view, so the ability to get the vaccine into peoples arms, i think the nhs is well set up, despite the big pressures it has at the minute in trying to actually deal with day to day coronavirus in hospitals, it is well set up to do that, and lots of staff, lots of volunteers, lots of people have come back to help. But the main constraining factor is the supply of the vaccine still, and that is what people are worried about, and the signal of the fact that gps in the
north east will have have to give out next week does make people worried that the overall supply is not going to be there, but we are all hoping that it will ramp up, the government continues to be of the view that they cant give detailed information on what supply will be available. , , available. Yes, well, it is really interesting available. Yes, well, it is really interesting to available. Yes, well, it is really interesting to talk available. Yes, well, it is really interesting to talk to available. Yes, well, it is really interesting to talk to you, i available. Yes, well, it is really| interesting to talk to you, thank you very much for now, dave west, Deputy Editor of the Health Service journal. Very much keeping an eye on that story of course. That is the story that is dominating here today, along with one other really vital story that we absolutely do want to keep tabs on as well, and that is the impact of the flooding affecting so many people overnight. Thousands of homes in the north west of england this afternoon. We spoke to one couple a little earlier who pins forced out of their home with their children overnight. One of the affected areas is the town of warrington where rescue boats have been deployed to help Emergency Services evacuate homes. Andy carter is the conservative mp for warrington south and hejoins me now. Im just peering at the screen to work out where you are. Explain for our viewers if you can. This work out where you are. Explain for our viewers if you can. Our viewers if you can. This is the river iaollin our viewers if you can. This is the river bollin in our viewers if you can. This is the river bollin in the our viewers if you can. This is the river bollin in the village our viewers if you can. This is the river bollin in the village of our viewers if you can. This is the | river bollin in the village of lymm, it is flowing very fast at the moment and broke its banks in the early hours of this morning. Fingers crossed that this has now peaked, and it is going to start to fall, but the amount of rain that we had here yesterday and through the night, and then incredibly heavy snow last night as well, has really impacted the area quite significantly. Notjust here but in warrington town centre, where we have seen families having to be evacuated to hotels, and as you
mentioned, rescue boats. I evacuated to hotels, and as you mentioned, rescue boats. I know you have been out mentioned, rescue boats. I know you have been out with mentioned, rescue boats. I know you have been out with some mentioned, rescue boats. I know you have been out with some of mentioned, rescue boats. I know you have been out with some of your i have been out with some of your constituents overnight, you were doing what you could. What sort of stories where you hear in . What was peoples response to you being there . I peoples response to you being there . ~ ,. ,. , peoples response to you being there . ~ ,. ,. There . I think it is a bit of a cliche that there . I think it is a bit of a cliche that you there . I think it is a bit of a cliche that you hear there . I think it is a bit of a cliche that you hear about | cliche that you hear about communities coming together, when problems like this occur, and i saw that happening tremendously in warrington last night, people willing to go the extra mile and support their neighbour. And of course the added difficulty is the covid restrictions that sit here as well, so we are very aware of the need to make sure people stay safe, but certainly last night, people are very keen to make sure that sandbags were distributed, and that if we did need to evacuate children or elderly, there was a safe place that they could go to. And i certainly think the cheshire fire and rescue service and Cheshire Police did an
incrediblejob last service and Cheshire Police did an incredible job last night with Warrington Borough Council to make sure that anybody who was at risk was in danger was looked after and found a safe place to move to. find found a safe place to move to. And how many people said to you, we need more help with flood protection . Frankly we need more money in this. Warrington has been an area that a significant amount of money has been spent on flood protection, particularly with the river mersey, a majorflood particularly with the river mersey, a major flood scheme, particularly with the river mersey, a majorflood scheme, which i think has really worked this time round. The centre of the town was protected from the mersey. This is some of the tributary is that feed into the mersey that have breached this time, and i think we have got more questions to ask about work that we can do with the Environment Agency to make sure that those bricks are frequently drenched and that there are clear tributaries so that that water can flow into the rivers. But i have to say, the level of rain that we saw last night, i was out on it, i dont remember a storm quite like that, and certainly the warnings that we had from the
Environment Agency were on this occasion correct. I Environment Agency were on this occasion correct. Environment agency were on this occasion correct. I wonder whether the environment occasion correct. I wonder whether the Environment Agency occasion correct. I wonder whether the Environment Agency would occasion correct. I wonder whether the Environment Agency would sayl occasion correct. I wonder whether i the Environment Agency would say to you, we would love to dredge more frequently, but that is an issue of resources as well. Frequently, but that is an issue of resources as well. Absolutely, and when we see resources as well. Absolutely, and when we see the resources as well. Absolutely, and when we see the sorts resources as well. Absolutely, and when we see the sorts of resources as well. Absolutely, and when we see the sorts of things i when we see the sorts of things happen, it reminds us of the importance of being prepared, and investing in those types of activities, and ensuring that gullies are clear so that the roads can remain open, and ensuring that we have got the right type of equipment and the priorities are there so that we dont have the sorts of flooding occurrences happening in a town like warrington. All right, i will let you know because know you have been up for many hours i will let you go. Thank you very much, and we of course are keeping an eye on that story throughout the afternoon, and edging up to the top of the hour, which means we will have the very latest Weather Forecast for you as well, and i will weather reporters very much keeping an eye on that. Before the weather prospects though, a remarkable story to tell you. A british man who was diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer two years ago has completed the first stage of a bicycle ride that he is hoping will take him all the way to china. Luke grenfell shaw set off from bristol on a tandem injanuary. Our correspondentjonah fisher caught up with him as he made it to ukraine. Iam i am cycling with the knowledge that my cancer could come back at any time. In my cancer could come back at any time. i~ my cancer could come back at any time. 3~ ~ my cancer could come back at any time. j~ ~ ,. , time. In 2018, luke grenfellshaw was told he time. In 2018, luke grenfellshaw was told he had time. In 2018, luke grenfellshaw was told he had an time. In 2018, luke grenfellshaw was told he had an advanced time. In 2018, luke grenfellshaw was told he had an advanced form | time. In 2018, luke grenfellshawl was told he had an advanced form of cancer that very few people survived. Cancer that very few people survived cancer that very few people survived. ,. ,. , survived. The primary tuner was beneath survived. The primary tuner was beneath tumour survived. The primary tuner was beneath tumour was survived. The primary tuner was l beneath tumour was beneath survived. The primary tuner was beneath tumour was beneath my beneath tumour was beneath my Left Shoulder blade and was the size of an Left Shoulder blade and was the size ofan aubergine, Left Shoulder blade and was the size of an aubergine, it was enormous. That had spread to my lungs. The 24yearold that had spread to my lungs. The 24 year old underwent chemotherapy
and then surgery. Keeping his spirits up by running and riding long distances and dreaming of adventure. Long distances and dreaming of adventure adventure. The day that i was diagnosed. Adventure. The day that i was diagnosed. I adventure. The day that i was diagnosed, i realise adventure. The day that i was diagnosed, i realise that adventure. The day that i was diagnosed, i realise that if. Adventure. The day that i was diagnosed, i realise that if i l adventure. The day that i was diagnosed, i realise that if i could only do one more thing with my life, than i want to cycle around the world. As than i want to cycle around the world. � ,. , than i want to cycle around the world. � ,. ,. ,. World. A year ago, the cancer in remission. World. A year ago, the cancer in remission, luke world. A year ago, the cancer in remission, luke set world. A year ago, the cancer in remission, luke set off world. A year ago, the cancer in remission, luke set off from remission, luke set off from bristol, hoping to reach china. Good roads, its looking bristol, hoping to reach china. Good roads, its looking nice. Bristol, hoping to reach china. ems. Roads, its looking nice. That is called in front of me is germany, and behind me as the netherlands. I think it is fair to say that this tent is no longer waterproof. Then the coronavirus tent is no longer waterproof. Then the coronavirus pandemic tent is no longer waterproof. Then the coronavirus pandemic struck, closing borders and blocking his way east. I closing borders and blocking his way east. ,. ,. ,. , east. I have no idea what we are auoin to east. I have no idea what we are going to do east. I have no idea what we are going to do. With east. I have no idea what we are going to do. With each east. I have no idea what we are going to do. With each passing l going to do. With each passing minute, heading back to the ukjust
seems like a more sensible option. And that is what he did, but five months later, luke was back on the road again. We months later, luke was back on the road again road again. We have no wheel. So weve not road again. We have no wheel. So weve got a road again. We have no wheel. So weve got a bit road again. We have no wheel. So weve got a bit of road again. We have no wheel. So weve got a bit of a road again. We have no wheel. So weve got a bit of a problem road again. We have no wheel. So weve got a bit of a problem right| weve got a bit of a problem right now. We arejust weve got a bit of a problem right now. We are just crossing the danube right now. Luke caught and recovered from the coronavirus in romania, and as he made his way across ukraine, i asked in the big question. Why . If you made his way across ukraine, i asked in the big question. Why . In the big question. Why . If you can take aood in the big question. Why . If you can take good care in the big question. Why . If you can take good care of in the big question. Why . If you can take good care of your in the big question. Why . If you can take good care of your body in the big question. Why . If you can take good care of your body and in the big question. Why . If you can| take good care of your body and look after yourself, take good care of your body and look afteryourself, it take good care of your body and look after yourself, it doesnt give you any guarantees. But it puts you in a better position, and i guess mentally you also know that youre doing the things that you can do to improve your situation even when there is so much uncertainty and there is so much uncertainty and there is so much uncertainty and there is so much that you cant control. , ,. , ,. ,. ,
control. How is your russian doing was white after control. How is your russian doing was white after two control. How is your russian doing was white after two weeks control. How is your russian doing was white after two weeks slog was white after two weeks slog across was white after two weeks slog across ukraine completed his europeanjourney, luke called his mum europeanjourney, luke called his mum i europeanjourney, luke called his mum i felt europeanjourney, luke called his mum. I felt for you with those icy cold headwinds on your own with that tandem cold headwinds on your own with that tandem in cold headwinds on your own with that tandem in the trailer and all the weight tandem in the trailer and all the weight of tandem in the trailer and all the weight of it. A massive achievement, im so weight of it. A massive achievement, im so proud weight of it. A massive achievement, im so proud of you. Really an inspiration, that you had the grit to keep inspiration, that you had the grit to keep going against so many odds. Missing to keep going against so many odds. Missing you so far, lukes epicjourney has raised £43,000 for cancer relief charities. All being well, he will ride across asia before arriving in china in about a years time. Jonah fisher, bbc news, in eastern ukraine. What a remarkable man,
43,000 raised already. Good luck to him. Lets pause. Now its time for a look at the weather with ben rich. Hello. The heavy rain brought by storm christoph has been easing during the day, but there is a lot of water still to work through the river catchments, still a number of severe flood warnngs in place. Keep up to date on the flood warnings still in force on the bbc weather website. Through this evening and overnight, a little more rain in the south east. Dry and clear weather elsewhere, wintry showers in the west, giving rise to some more ice, sleet and snow, continuing across the north of scotland. The snow really piling up here tonight and tomorrow. Through tomorrow, we keep the wintry showers with quite a lot of snow across high ground, but even to lower levels in northern scotland. One or two showers for Northern Ireland, parts of wales, the south west. Further east, dry and spells of sunshine but it will be quite a chilly day with top temperatures between four and eight degrees. Saturday will be dry for most, just a few wintry showers here and there, sunday could bring
sleet and snow, particularly in the south. This is bbc news, imjane hill. The headlines at 3pm hundreds of people are forced out of their homes, as storm christoph causes widespread flooding in england and wales. About 200 flood warnings are still in place. My living room literally looks like a water bed, because the water has gone straight under it. They told us they couldnt come and get us, that it would be safer in our home. Ive had to turn off all the electricity, gas, everything. 65 new Covid Vaccination centres have come into operation across england. A mosque and a cinema are among the venues being used. It comes as a new Study SuggestsCoronavirus Infection rates may have risen in england since the start of the lockdown. The nhs in england has bought hundreds of thousands of oxygen monitors which people with coronavirus can use at home. Doctors believe the devices will save lives. Just hours after taking office, us President Biden reverses many of Donald Trumps policies, including on coronavirus and climate change. And for a second year in a row, the Glastonbury Festival will not take place due to the impact of covid. Good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. Thousands of homes across england and wales were evacuated overnight after widespread flooding caused by storm christoph. Rivers reached record levels in parts of Greater Manchester and north wales. In total, around 2,000 homes were evacuated overnight in the northwest of england and north wales. There are currently five severe flood warnings in england and wales, this is where there is a danger to life. On a visit to didsbury in manchester, the Prime Minister said there will be further rain next week and urged those in affected areas to follow the advice. Meanwhile, in wrexham, emergency teams worked through the night to protect a warehouse where the Covid Vaccine is being stored. Our correspondent, jon donnison has the latest. In Greater Manchester, people woke up to find storm christoph had made its mark. With water levels continuing to rise and widespread flooding. Overnight, as temperatures dropped, what started with strong winds and heavy rain turned to snow. The river mersey, near didsbury, full to bursting point. Storm christoph had made its mark. The river mersey, near didsbury, full to bursting point. Police were going door to door, evacuating homes. We have been living here 33 years and we have never had it as bad as this. We have been told to evacuate. However, during corona, where do you evacuate to . You dont want to impose yourself on other people, so were trying to hold on as long as we can and hopefully, it will pass. Flooding, never easy at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. At times like this, in emergencies, were normally in and out of each other� s houses making sure everyone is ok. If someone is missing something, what can we do . And we havent been able to do that, and that isolation really does not help with the whole Mental Health impact of flooding in itself. The Prime Minister was out and about this morning, perhaps aware of being criticised during previous floods for failing to respond quickly enough. A huge amount has been done here in Greater Manchester. Another 60 million has been put into protecting the Greater Manchester area. You can see the defences that we have in place to protect peoples homes and lives. But be in no doubt, everybody who visits a flooded area, anyone who has been through a flood, knows the huge psychological, emotional and financial cost of flooding to people. In parts of north wales, people will also be counting the cost. But emergency teams managed to stop a warehouse storing Covid Vaccines from flooding. Across the uk, forecasters say flood waters should subside in the coming days as the weather improves. But more heavy rain, strong winds and snow are expected next week. Our correspondent andy gill has been in one of the worst affected areas of warrington, he sent this report. This is the dallam area of warrington, which has seen extensive flooding not just along
this street but on side streets to either side. The fire brigade are still bringing people out by boat. On the other side of the houses on this side of the street is a small river called sankey brook. The intense rainfall over the last two days caused that to flood last night. The authorities did put down sandbags late at night but it wasnt enough to keep the water out of some homes. In the early hours of this morning, it started to go into peoples houses here. My living room floor literally looks like a water bed because the water has come straight under it. They told us they couldnt come and get us, that we would be safer in our home. Ive had to turn off all the electricity, gas, everything, so i cant even feed my daughter. We systematically go from door to door, offering people to be removed from their homes in a safe and coordinated way. Like i said, were working
in conjunction with the local authority, the Housing Association and the residents of those homes that are affected. The rescue you can see taking place behind me now is just one thats been happening this morning. Other people have had to walk through the floodwater to get away. Last night, the local authority took many people out and took them to a hotel to stay dry and warm. I dont know, every year, its flooding. The water was 20cm deep this time. I think it is a very frightening situation. The water rose quite rapidly and as the snow started to fall, it became a dangerous situation, frozen water, and there was quite a lot of concern. This has been a major operation, with cheshire and Greater Manchester fire and rescue services involved. The flooding is so extensive that they expect to be here for much of the day and into the evening. Ive been speaking to robert and clare davies, who live in didsbury with their two children, and had to leave their home last night. They had just been allowed back home and explained what the situation was like. We were quite lucky really, because we got offers of somewhere to stay before we really had made a decision on whether we were going to leave. It was getting dark and we thought wed better make a decision now, and we stayed just at a friends with our two girls, so we didnt have too far to travel. The river had already come over outside our house and wed left the car on the other side so we could get out. So had to walk across the golf course at 4pm yesterday because, if we hadnt made that decision then, we were worried it would have
been taken out of our hands and we would have to do that in the middle of the night with two children, not ideal to say the least we are just looking at the pictures you sent us, i think these are from yesterday afternoon . Before things got swollen rivers, before things got very bad. We cant quite see from the picture of yourselves we are looking at, is your home ok . Is your home all right . It was, luckily. I work at didsbury golf club, we live on the golf course as well, and it is right on the river bank, soon when it does come over, it floods the lane first but it totally cuts us from our town. Were kind of stuck on an island. Luckily, it didnt come anywhere near the house. It got very close. That is the highest weve ever seen it living here, ive lived here since 2007 and rob even longer, more like 20 years, and it was really scary. In all the years youve lived there, that is highest youve seen it . Definitely. It comes over quite regularly, its not that much of a shock to us, its the fourth time this week, but yesterday, i know it was a record high, but ive worked on the golf course for 30 years now, and that was scary, shocking. Having to move out of the house and evacuate children, it was quite a lot to take in. Of course. And given how close it got, for one thing, you must be looking at the Weather Forecast frantically all the time, hoping youre not in for much more heavy rain, and what would you like to see done longer term . You say it floods once in a while, but what would you like to see done, could more flood defences be put out . Its very tricky, where we are, but with affecting so many people yesterday, i do think the mersey does need looked at, certainly in some areas, because the amount of our friends that live close by who were possibly more at risk then we are, even though we are on the banks of the mersey, we are like a little island, but because the banks are up and down and some places arent defended that well, then i do think. The defences need looked at, definitely. The speed it comes up sometimes is quite shocking, frighteningly fast. You must love living there, youve lived there a long time yeah. Its lovely in the summer but really difficult in the winter. I mean, im laughing in a black humour kind of way and im not trying to minimise what youve been through. Are you content to stay there for the next few days, do you think the forecast is in your favour . I think so. Storms these days are so unpredictable and like yesterday, i thought id seen everything here in the years ive worked on the golf course and lived in this house, but yesterday just goes to show that you never know whats going to happen. We feel a lot better now the river has dropped considerably today, since this morning, so. It does make you feel safer. The worrying thing is, we live in a bungalow, so it is not like we canjust disappear upstairs and cross our fingers. Well have to make that call again if the weather changes. Claire and rob davies in didsbury, who had to spend the night elsewhere but, mercifully, back in their house for now. Fingers crossed for everybody, very difficult time for everybody, very difficult time for everybody the moment. And we will have a Weather Forecast coming up for you just before 3 30pm. 65 new Covid Vaccination centres have come into operation today across england, including in a mosque in birmingham and a cinema in buckinghamshire. In some parts of the country, people over the age of 70 are now getting the jab but in others, people in their 80s and older are still waiting. It comes as a study from Imperial College london suggests infection levels in the community didnt fall at the start of the latest lockdown, and may in fact have risen. Well have more on that in a moment, but first our Health CorrespondentDominic Hughes reports on the uneven roll out of vaccines. At the al abbas mosque in birmingham, vaccinations are well under way. This is one of more than 60 new venues that have opened up today, run by local pharmacies. Its an important way to get the vaccine to communities that are especially vulnerable to covid i9 and sometimes hard to reach. Is there any other way of tackling this pandemic than the vaccine . I dont see any other way. That is the most sensible thing for each and every one of us to do. So i personally believ i have a role to play. Likewise, i think all of us have roles to play. If we can come together and play this role, i am definitely certain we will eventually overcome this challenge. But problems with the supply of the vaccine remain a challenge, leaving those trying to deliver it exasperated. It is frustrating. We have spent a lot of time and effort setting up centres. There are 15 across sheffield. Gp practices are working in partnership to make sure its ready to go. Now we can deliver 700 to 800 vaccines a day, but the supply to us is really limited. We may face a whole week of not being able to give any vaccines next week. The Health Secretary matt hancock acknowledges that there are problems with maintaining a smooth supply of the vaccine. We have a lumpy supply. The manufacturers are working incredibly hard to deliver the supply as fast as possible, but it is challenging and therefore, it is not possible to give certainty as far out as many gps and those delivering on the ground would like. The worst thing would be to give false certainty. Its notjust in england where frustrations are growing. In scotland, there have been accusations that the roll out is lagging behind the rest of the uk. But ministers have defended their policy of prioritising care home residents, carers and front line nhs staff. In east london, another new Vaccination Centre is up and running, and from nhs englands
medical director, reassurance that the most vulnerable will get theirjabs in good time. Im very confident that we will be able to distribute the supplies to meet that target. Of course, we rely on the manufacturers, but we are full steam ahead, we have over 4 million vaccinated, hundreds of thousands of people every day. And of course, opening sites like this just means that weve got more places for people to come to in order to hit that target. Manufacturing the vaccine is a complex process, subject to multiple safety and Quality Control checks. Getting it from the factory to Vaccination Centres this one in a cinema in aylesbury is far from simple, but its still relatively early days in the biggest Mass Vaccination Programme the country has ever seen. The infrastructure is in place to deliver the jabs. Whats needed now is a consistent and reliable supply. A new Study Suggests coronavirus
infection rates in the community in england didnt fall and may in fact have risen at the start of the current lockdown. But ministers say the research from Imperial College london doesnt take into account the full impact of the lockdown. Our Health Correspondent katharine da costa has the details. Worrying findings from scientists tracking the spread of coronavirus. Even with a National Lockdown in england, new infections remain high, and instead of coming down may well have slightly increased in some areas. Researchers from Imperial College looked at swab results from a random sample of more than 140,000 volunteers between the 6th and 15th of january. They found 1. 58 had the virus, thats about one in 63 people. Rising to 2. 8 in london. I think it is quite a complex picture. We did see a little bit of a dip at the beginning of the lockdown but now we see essentially a level
with an r of around one. But we are not seeing that fall that we really need to see from these very high prevalence levels. Figures from nhs test and trace had suggested a recent drop in symptomatic cases. Researchers think that could reflect a fall in infections just after christmas, which is only now being picked up in officialfigures. Data on peoples movements show increased activity in early january as people went back to work, which researchers say is keeping transmission high. I think what were seeing in the ons data, in the react survey, we are seeing the contagiousness of the new variant that we saw arrive just before christmas. There is no doubt it does spread very fast indeed. It is not more deadly but it is much more contagious, and the numbers are very great. The Study Suggests the intense pressure on hospitals will continue. Critical care beds in 15 hospitals were completely full this week. While 40 others are reporting their icus are more than 95 full, thats even after creating nearly 40 more beds since november. Health leaders are worried. I think theres a real nervousness that because of the transmissibility, how transmissible this new variant is, i think the slope down, once you have got over the peak, is going to be slower than it was in the first phase. In that sense, i suspect that the pressure on hospitals will last longer than it did in the first phase. The study also suggests prevalence is highest in large households, deprived neighbourhoods and within black and asian communities. Ministers will have to wait for more data next week but they will no doubt be worried, if there is not a significant fall in infections soon, tougher measures may be needed. That is the study from imperial couege that is the study from Imperial College london, in the last little while, the government has released more data about covid rates across england. These figures are for the week between the 11th and 17th of january. This is fresh data, explain what has emerged . This is fresh data, explain what has emerued . , ,. , emerged . This is Public Health encland, emerged . This is Public Health england. A emerged . This is Public Health england, a surveillance emerged . This is Public Health england, a Surveillance Survey| emerged . This is Public Health england, a Surveillance Survey that comes out every week and this is data for the week up to sunday. Overall, it has found that cases had been a falling. It is important to stress cases remain at a very high level. There are early signs that hospital emissions and icu missions may be starting to stabilise, but again, the very high levels. The hospital admissions are very high in the West Midlands now and amongst
those aged 85 and over, which is worrying because the older you are, the higher the risk of dying from this virus. Cases are still highest in london, the new variant was a driving infection there. Although there has been a fall, the case right now is 629 per 100,000 people, down from 935 the previous week. Cases are falling amongst all age groups, still highest amongst those aged 20 29. There is an interesting picture there, but what is more interesting is that flu has remained low this season and flu jabs have been taken well this year, house number is on record, 80 of those people aged 65 and over. Also for those for children aged two and three and a high uptake amongst clinical risk groups and pregnant women. A mixed picture and in a statement from Public Health england, they said admissions to
hospital and Critical Care remain worry and ijust rising in some parts of the country. This will inevitably lead to more deaths, we need the continued vigilance, we cant stress that enough, we must all continue to follow the rules. We barely talk about flu but it is a seasonal problem, people die every year from flu, so that is really interesting. In terms of a headline, i suppose we are all clutching for im new but your point would be that, while there is a levelling in some areas, perhaps, the figures are still high, we need to remember that, we are still talking about an awful lot of people and hospital admissions. The awful lot of people and hospital admissions. Awful lot of people and hospital admissions. , , admissions. The data is still coming in, admissions. The data is still coming in. Tomorrow admissions. The data is still coming in, tomorrow will admissions. The data is still coming in, tomorrow will get admissions. The data is still coming in, tomorrow will get figures admissions. The data is still coming in, tomorrow will get figures from l in, tomorrow will get figures from the Fourth National certificate and people were keeping a close eye on what is happening on National Levels figures from the office of national statistics. Chris whitty said that even though we are past the peak of new infections, as they fall, we would start to see a fall
in hospital admissions and next week orso in hospital admissions and next week or so and in turn, the number of deaths starting to fall. There are early signs in this Public Health england data showing that things might be starting to go in the right direction, but it must be stressed that cases are still very high levels and so we know that is going to mean a pressure on the nhs for some time to come. To mean a pressure on the nhs for some time to come. Thank you very much. The education secretary says he doesnt know when schools will be able to reopen to all pupils but he promised that schools in england would be given a fortnight� s notice of reopening. He added that the government hopes children can get back into the classroom before easter. We will give notjust we will give not just schools and teachers we will give not just schools and teachers the time to be able to prepare teachers the time to be able to prepare but also we will be giving children prepare but also we will be giving children the time get ready and
parents children the time get ready and parents enough doctors to be able to et parents enough doctors to be able to get everything ready. We will be hoping get everything ready. We will be hoping to get everything ready. We will be hoping to give everyone two weeks notice hoping to give everyone two weeks notice in hoping to give everyone two weeks notice in order for them it to be ready notice in order for them it to be ready to notice in order for them it to be ready to return back to school. but the labour leader sir keir starmer said mr williamson was a failure as education secretary. I education secretary. Think the country has given hi f. I think the country has given him an f. Ithink i think the country has given him an f. I think would struggle if you went anywhere in the uk to talk about schools many people would give him more than an f. A very brief statement from kier starmer, possibly shorter than we anticipated we will talk with our political correspondence. That has been a lot of sharp turns and changes of approach in education during this pandemic, what is your sense of the point kier starmer is really getting at . I
sense of the point kier starmer is really getting at . Really getting at . I think Kier Starmers really getting at . I think Kier Starmers assessment really getting at . I think Kier Starmers assessment was i really getting at . I think kier i starmers assessment was very really getting at . I think Kier Starmers assessment was very blunt and to the point, and he is, i think, tapping into or trying to tap into a general sense that education has been something in which the government has struggled to get a grip of through the pandemic. There have been many difficult moments. You hinted at a couple there. The whole issue with reopening schools has been a very difficult, before christmas, Gavin Williamson was saying they would be definitely opening at the beginning ofjanuary. Schools did open for one day and were then closed in england. So, kier starmer was pretty pointed about that also today, saying at least this time of the education secretary was promising a of notice rather than 24 hours. There was also the Free School Meals issue, where a social Media Campaign backed by the footballer Marcus Rashford had put the government on the back foot on
the government on the back foot on theissue the government on the back foot on the issue about getting Free School Meals to families through holidays and half term. I think theres a sense there that Gavin Williamson has had these problems all the way through and kier starmer it says it is an issue that affects millions of families around the country, and the question now for those families, when it can their children get back to school . To go to the semi Gavin Williamson is the government is pointing towards mid february as a review time but cant say when that will happen, a return to school, because it depends on the background situation with the virus and then a number of cases and the situations in hospitals. 50 number of cases and the situations in hospitals in hospitals. So difficult for everyone in hospitals. So difficult for everyone. When in hospitals. So difficult for everyone. When the in hospitals. So difficult for| everyone. When the history in hospitals. So difficult for everyone. When the history books in hospitals. So difficult for everyone. When the history books are written of this pandemic, education and the impact on childrens futures is going to be such a huge element of this. What have his children lost at so many different ages and could different decisions have been taken,
how did online schooling work for some and not others. It is a particularfraught area. Some and not others. It is a particular fraught area. fight some and not others. It is a particular fraught area. And it is auoin to particular fraught area. And it is going to continue particular fraught area. And it is going to continue to particular fraught area. And it is going to continue to be particular fraught area. And it is going to continue to be fraught| going to continue to be fraught because we now face the situation, and this has been an area of criticism, or the whole question of exams. Last year, the situation with exams, with a levels, end of year school exams, gcses, the situation with trying to mark those and grade of those last summer, and what will happen now this year, because the government in england has said that exams will not go ahead. Mr williamson is saying there will be in place a system of assessment done by teachers, but already, there are warnings coming from people like the social Mobility Commission who advise the government and they have written to the government sent their risks being a worst disaster of this
year than last year, in their words, because children who have been losing out at home dont have access to online learning, will fall further behind and their lack of learning wont be reflected in those assessments at the end of the year. Thank you. The us President Joe Biden has begun to undo some of Donald Trumps key policies, hours after being sworn in, saying theres no time to waste in tackling the crises the country is facing. President biden has signed 15 executive orders, focusing on the response to coronavirus and climate change. Hes also reversed the trump administrations stance on immigration. Our washington correspondent nomia iqbal reports. After four years of turbulence, it all seemed a lot calmer this morning. There was no traditional ball for President Biden and Vice President harris, but they got Bruce Springsteen and tom hanks. Now it is my honour to introduce the president of the United States
joseph r bidenjr. This is a great nation. Were a good people. And to overcome the challenges in front of us requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy unity. Hours earlier, the new leaders of america were sworn in on capitol hill. So help me, god. Congratulations, mr president. Soon, President Biden headed into his new office and started signing away Donald Trumps legacy with a pen. He green lighted 15 executive orders. Some of them included calling for a nationwide facemask mandate, and rejoining both the paris climate agreement and the world health organization. Mr biden did receive a letter from his predecessor, though, which is a tradition. The president wrote a very generous letter. Because it was private, i will, uh. I wont talk about it until i talk to him,
but it was generous. That was the only tradition mr trump upheld on the day, though. He didnt attend the inauguration. Instead, he flew home to florida with his wife melania trump, who looked like she was ready for a holiday. The fears that huge violence would break out across america in the run up to the ceremony didnt happen. President biden and Vice President harris are hopeful that they can now inspire and unite the country. Youre a firework come on, show em what youre worth. This Administration Says it wants to set a unifying and optimistic tone for america. We are bold, fearless and ambitious. We are undaunted in our belief that we shall overcome, that we will rise up. But this new start comes just a few weeks after Donald Trumps loyal supporters stormed the capitol. The stakes for what President Biden
does in the next few years couldnt be higher. Just in the last few moments, we have been looking at images from the white house, and a rather unusual scene, but let me explain what is happening here. You will see the new president and his wife, the new Vice President and his wife, the new Vice President and his wife, the new Vice President and her husband, withjust a handful of others, i think family members, and they are watching remotely for reasons we will all understand a service from washington cathedral, and this is a service that traditionally happens the day after an inauguration, so they are following that service from the safety of the white house. Unusual images, but it was an unusual inauguration, rather different to usual without the big crowds that we usually see on the mall in
washington. But still a remarkable day, because there is a new president and there is for the first time a female Vice President , so it was remarkable for many reasons, and those pictures just coming through to us in the last few moments from the white house. Now its time for a look at the weather with ben rich. Hello. The heavy rain brought by storm christoph has been easing during the day, but there is a lot of water still to work through the river catchments, still a number of flood warnngs in place. Keep up to date on the flood warnings still in force on the bbc weather website. Through this evening and overnight, a little more rain in the south east. Dry and clear weather elsewhere, wintry showers in the west,
giving rise to some more ice, sleet and snow, continuing across the north of scotland. The snow really piling up here tonight and tomorrow. Through tomorrow, we keep the wintry showers with quite a lot of snow across high ground, but even to lower levels in northern scotland. One or two showers for Northern Ireland, parts of wales, the south west. Further east, dry and spells of sunshine but it will be quite a chilly day with top temperatures between four and eight degrees. Saturday will be dry for most, just a few wintry showers here and there, sunday could bring sleet and snow, particularly in the south. Hello, this is bbc news. Im jane hill. The headlines hundreds of people are forced out of their homes as storm christoph causes widespread flooding in england and wales. About 200 flood warnings are still in place. Literally looks like a water bed, because the water has come straight under it, and they told us they couldnt come and get us, that wed be safer in our home, but ive had to turn off all the electricity, gas, everything. 65 new Covid Vaccination centres have come into operation across england. A mosque and a cinema are among the venues being used. It comes as a new Study SuggestsCoronavirus Infection rates may have risen in england since the start of the lockdown. The nhs has bought hundreds of thousands of oxygen monitors which people with coronavirus can use at home. Doctors believe the devices will save lives. Just hours after taking office, us President Biden reverses many of Donald Trumps policies, including on coronavirus and climate change. And for a second year in a row, the Glastonbury Festival will not take place, due to the impact of covid. We will talk more about covid
infection rates in this half an hour. But right now, we are going to catch up with the sports news. From the bbc sport centre, heres jane dougall. Good afternoon. London marathon organisers want to make this year their biggest ever with an aim of 100,000 participants. It follows last years cancellation for amatuers because of the pandemic. Its hoped that half of the runners would be on the start line for the race in october, with a further 50,000 taking part virtually on a course of their own choice. The organisers say it could help charities with funding they lost out on, plus they have a responsibility to adapt. Air horns blow. A familiar sound in spring. The London Marathon has to do what is right for society. It is far bigger than just for the runners. This is about the national Health Service, this is about charities, this is about communities. So we have learned an awful lot. We have so many new different plans. We are incredibly positive that we will be able to have 50,000 people running the London Marathon in person in 2021. Time will tell. Cricket, and england have made one change for the second and final test against sri lanka, which starts early tomorrow morning. James anderson replaces stuart broad who is being rested. England captainjoe root expects a stronger challenge from sri lanka. The tourists won the first test, but, after a woeful start, sri lanka steadily improved throughout the match. We know sri lanka are very good, especially at this ground, we have a very proud record and we will want to come back hard at it, we play some smart cricket and we will want to start again tomorrow, for the majority if not all of the game. We cant be happy with what weve achieved so far on this trip, and in these conditions, weve got to look
to go one further, to look to keep getting better, and we are very capable of doing that. Manchester citys Sergio Aguero has confirmed that he has tested positive for coronavirus. The striker tweeted that he had some of the symptoms and that he was self isolating, but was following doctors orders. He didnt feature in manchester citys 2 0 win over aston villa last night. Jurgen klopp says its tight at the top of the premier league, but that liverpool are ready for the challenge as they take on burnley later this evening. The defending champions are six points behind leaders manchester united, although liverpool have a game in hand. They change all the time, and that is because they change all the time, and that is because it is so close. We know that in is because it is so close. We know that in a is because it is so close. We know that in a few is because it is so close. We know that in a few weeks. And yes, that makes that in a few weeks. And yes, that makes it that in a few weeks. And yes, that makes it slightly different title race, makes it slightly different title race, or makes it slightly different title race, or race in general this year. And we race, or race in general this year. And we have race, or race in general this year. And we have to be ready, 100 , and that is and we have to be ready, 100 , and that is what and we have to be ready, 100 , and that is what we try to do
constantly. I know that in this business. Constantly. I know that in this business, only results count. This years World Rally Championship is under way, with the traditional Season Opener the monte carlo rally. Britains elfyn evans will be hoping he can improve on last years third place. Well, hes currently in third place after todays action. The opening stage saw this spectacular crash for teemu suninen. The 26 year old from finland and his co driver werent hurt. The rally ends on sunday. They were very fortunate to have walked out of that without any injury. Thats all the sport for now, but you can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website. Including the latest on the abu dhabi championship, where rory mcilroy is top of the leaderboard by one shot after his first round. Englands Tyrell Hatton just after him. Thats bbc. Co. Uk sport. Thank you very much. All the latest sports news there from jane dougal. The time edging up to 22 minutes to four. Lets return to our main story this afternoon the flooding across large parts of england and wales. North east wales has been badly affected. The river dee hit its highst recorded level this morning, and two severe flood warnings remain in place there. Rob thomas reports. A sleepless night in ruthun, and as dawn broke, a chance to assess the damage and start the clean up. Business had been on hold for this hairdresser, and now another blow. We had padded walls, and the water has soaked in, so electricity, all the sockets, is underneath the water level. So it has been a nightmare. It is something that, yeah, we had a
bit of a yeah. It is something that, yeah, we had a bit of a yeah bangor on dee was also badly hit overnight. Bangor on dee was also badly hit overniaht. . ,. , 11 11 . , overnight. 1999 of the year 2000 was bad, but not overnight. 1999 of the year 2000 was bad, but not like overnight. 1999 of the year 2000 was bad, but not like this. Overnight. 1999 of the year 2000 was bad, but not like this. It overnight. 1999 of the year 2000 was bad, but not like this. It is overnight. 1999 of the year 2000 was bad, but not like this. It is not bad, but not like this. It is not areat. Bad, but not like this. It is not great the bad, but not like this. It is not great. The situation bad, but not like this. It is not great. The situation is bad, but not like this. It is not| great. The situation is rubbish, because great. The situation is rubbish, because every great. The situation is rubbish, because every single great. The situation is rubbish, because every single year, great. The situation is rubbish, i because every single year, bangor floods because every single year, bangor floods due because every single year, bangor floods due to because every single year, bangor floods due to rain. Because every single year, bangor floods due to rain. It because every single year, bangor floods due to rain. [it is because every single year, bangor floods due to rain. Floods due to rain. It is not ust homeowners i floods due to rain. It is not ust homeowners and i floods due to rain. It is notjust homeowners and businesses i floods due to rain. It is notjust homeowners and businesses counting the cost of the damage due to storm christoph. This bridge has collapsed due to the intense pressure of the flooding. Away from north wales, this was the scene in carmarthen this was the scene in carmarthen this morning as the river broke its banks, affecting businesses and properties that run alongside. Back in ruthun, this Indian Restaurant another business hit hard by the floods. Lip another business hit hard by the floods. ,. ,. ,
floods. Up to ust above the knee, and the back floods. Up to just above the knee, and the back storeroom floods. Up to just above the knee, and the back storeroom was floods. Up to just above the knee, and the back storeroom was bad, | and the back storeroom was bad, because the water came from the other side, and it got in and it is a mess. ,. ,. ,. , a mess. The worst of the heavy rain has now passed. A mess. The worst of the heavy rain has now passed, but a mess. The worst of the heavy rain has now passed, but the a mess. The worst of the heavy rain has now passed, but the impact i a mess. The worst of the heavy rain has now passed, but the impact of| has now passed, but the impact of storm christoph will be felt for a long time yet. Bbc news can reveal the nhs in england has bought hundreds of thousands of oxygen monitors for patients with coronavirus to use at home, in an attempt to save lives. It follows Research Suggesting even small reductions in oxygen levels can be a warning sign of dangerous deterioration with covid 19. The devices are being given to patients aged 65 and over and others at high risk in an unprecedented roll out. Our Health CorrespondentSophie Hutchinson reports. It could have ended completely differently, so, you know, i suppose i do owe them my life, really. Dorset, where theyve taken at the fight against the coronavirus into peoples homes. Lessons learned from the first wave have highlighted the danger of leaving some patients to sit out
the infection alone. We have seen people who are critically low on oxygen and weve heard stories of people dying at home because they havent been recognised, so i do think this simple hit of kit could really save your life. The bit of kit is a small, relatively cheap device known as an oximeter, which measures oxygen levels in the blood. Covid positive patients, like michael kerr, who are age 65 and over, or who are at risk, are now being given the devices by gps in england and then monitored. Yeah, im fine. Oximeters are seen as vital because some patients with the virus are not breathless, despite having low oxygen levels. This dangerous condition is known as silent hypoxia. It has been reassuring for, not only me, but the family as well. Research during a pandemic has shown that even relatively small drops in oxygen levels can be an Early Warning sign of serious illness. A reading of 95 and above is considered normal. At 93 and 94 , patients are now told to contact their gp or call 111. But if its 92 or below, people are asked to recheck it, and if it is the same, go straight to a e. Its like stiff upper lip, isnt it . You just think, im all right, ill be ok. I can get on. Hospital is where Denise Nicholson ended up. She says even though she felt unwell, without the support she would never have known her oxygen levels were dangerously low. If it hadnt have been for the monitoring service, i dont think it would have been picked up. Been highlighted that i had covid pneumonia. I think i would have tried to continue to battle on at home. Im so grateful for having that service, and if they hadnt have come and they hadnt decided to take me into hospital, it could have ended completely differently so, you know, i suppose i do owe them my life, really. And doctors behind the scheme say small tweaks to patient care can make a huge difference. Prevention is nearly always better than the cure. And whilst ventilators are really important in treating people who are seriously unwell with covid, a simple intervention like an oximeter is probablyjust as important because by getting to patients earlier, we can hopefully prevent their severe deterioration and potentially theirfuture need for a ventilator and an intensive care admission. And because of the impact of covid 19 on the lungs, doctors believe everyone should now have an oximeter at home. Theyre convinced these small devices can save lives. Sophie hutchinson, bbc news. As weve been reporting, a new Study SuggestsCoronavirus Infection rates in the community in england didnt fall, and may
in fact have risen, at the start of the current lockdown. Ministers say the research from Imperial College london doesnt take into account the full impact of the lockdown. So how is the data calculated and why does each method paint a different picture . Kevin mcconway is an emeritus professor of statistics at the open university. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. We have been talking good afternoon. Good afternoon. We have been talking about good afternoon. Good afternoon. We have been talking about this good afternoon. Good afternoon. We have been talking about this react i have been talking about this react study all day, so explain how the data is come to. Data is come to. What they do is they take. Data is come to. What they do is they take. It data is come to. What they do is they take. It is data is come to. What they do is they take, it is really data is come to. What they do is they take, it is really a data is come to. What they do is they take, it is really a very data is come to. What they do is | they take, it is really a very large and pretty representative sample of the population of england. It is only run in england, not the rest of the uk. So in one round of this survey they do may be 150,000 the uk. So in one round of this survey they do may be150,000 or more different people in this sample
over the period of that survey. They go and swab all those people, and they take the swabs and do the usual kind of test on them, and record how many of them are positive, and that way they get an estimate of what percentage of people in the whole English Community population have got an infection with the coronavirus. That is what they do. And the point about this is its a survey which takes people and tests them only because they want to monitor how many people are infected. They arent being tested because they have got symptoms or being tested because there is testing of asymptomatic people in the place where they live, or because they are working on certain jobs or something, they are being tested only to estimate the level of the virus. , � , the virus. Forgive me if im putting this too simplistically, the virus. Forgive me if im putting this too simplistically, but the virus. Forgive me if im putting this too simplistically, but is the virus. Forgive me if im putting
this too simplistically, but is that l this too simplistically, but is that then a bit like conducting an opinion poll . You want to find out what percentage of people think such and such a politician is doing a greatjob, and then we report those polls and we say, this is a representative sample of at least 1000 people. Are there similarities in there . Im trying to get a simple sense of how these things are conducted. Sense of how these things are conducted sense of how these things are conducted. ,. ,. , conducted. Yes, there certainly are similarities conducted. Yes, there certainly are similarities. To conducted. Yes, there certainly are similarities. To some conducted. Yes, there certainly are similarities. To some extent conducted. Yes, there certainly are similarities. To some extent it conducted. Yes, there certainly are similarities. To some extent it is i similarities. To some extent it is the same kind of thing, but the key point is it is far larger, they ask far more people, orfar more people are involved than would be in a typical political opinion poll, there might be a thousand, or a couple of thousand, but in each round of this they do between 140 and 170,000. The figures we have been seeing today come from a survey over about ten days where they tested im just checking my number here, 140,000 people. So the accuracy of the estimates, if the
sample is representative, and it is pretty representative, is going to be much higher than you would get with a typical political opinion poll. But it is the same idea. I} . Poll. But it is the same idea. Ok, that is really poll. But it is the same idea. Ok, that is really interesting, and accuracy is vital with this. So when the government says, the figures from imperial were looking at today, date they dont cover the full extent of lockdown, when you are looking at any kind of data around coronavirus, you always have to try to look at what date are we talking about, and are there are gaps and breaks in this, and are their lags for christmas and new year, although sorts of issues. We for christmas and new year, although sorts of issues sorts of issues. We do have to look at that. I sorts of issues. We do have to look at that. I dont sorts of issues. We do have to look at that. I dont think sorts of issues. We do have to look at that. I dont think there sorts of issues. We do have to look at that. I dont think there are at that. I dont think there are probably lags from christmas and new year in this survey, and although there are in some of the data we have seen. But one thing you have to bearin have seen. But one thing you have to bear in mind, the absolute key conclusion from this survey is they do it regularly, but they had a longer gap than they usually have between different rounds of it, basically roughly speaking they didnt do any in december, so the last round finished right in the
very first few days of december, and then they didnt do this one, it didnt really get going until the 6th ofjanuary, there didnt really get going until the 6th of january, there were a few before that, so there was a big gap, and the main conclusion was that the percentage of people infected went up percentage of people infected went up a lot, it really went up a lot between, over december, between the last time they did it and this time, thatis last time they did it and this time, that is pretty clear, but what they dont know because the survey wasnt running then is what happened over that month. And lockdown in england happened before the 6th of january. We are very lucky in this country, most countries dont have one of the surveys at all. In england we have two of them, there is another one run by the office for national statistics, usually reports every week but there was a gap over christmas and it didnt come out last week either because of a technical issue. For the last round they had, which was the second or 3rd ofjanuary, it showed they had, which was the second or 3rd of january, it showed a considerably higher percentage of people infected than was shown
before, so one possibility is it did go before, so one possibility is it did 9 up before, so one possibility is it did go up really a huge amount and fell off when the lockdown started, and so by the time we got to the 6th of january, a majorfall had already happened, and in the react report, they do say this is a possibility but they dont know from their own data because they didnt collect data. They have looked at other things which is how the numbers might have changed during those just over a week when they were carrying out this survey, and that is quite interesting, but i think it is statistically much less reliable. And in fact they more or less say this themselves, it is because they are looking at comparing different days with one another and because they dont take anywhere near as big a sample on one day as they do over the whole run, the numbers for each day are not so reliable. So they can say, well, we couldnt be sure it was falling during that period from the sixth to the 15th, and in fact
they did put in their press release in the report that maybe it has gone up in the report that maybe it has gone up a bit towards the end of that, but i would say those conclusions are really pretty tentative. We should find out more tomorrow, actually, because the ons survey is producing some results and we will see how they match up. I} . Producing some results and we will see how they match up. Producing some results and we will see how they match up. 0k, well, we willt to see how they match up. 0k, well, we will try to do see how they match up. 0k, well, we will try to do that. See how they match up. 0k, well, we will try to do that. Thank see how they match up. 0k, well, we will try to do that. Thank you see how they match up. 0k, well, we will try to do that. Thank you very will try to do that. Thank you very much indeed for your time. Kevin conway, emeritus professor of statistics at the open university. And just while we were hearing his analysis there, news three for Northern Ireland. Our ireland correspondent is telling us that ministers in Northern Ireland have been told that the lockdown there may need to be in place until after easter. Just to try to give you a couple of specifics on this, a six week lockdown began, you might remember, on boxing day, on the 26th of december. The Health Minister has recommended extending the current restrictions until the 5th of march,
but has also suggested it is possible that further extensions will be needed beyond that. Ministers meeting at the moment apparently to discuss all of this. It is believed that the number of hospital admissions in Northern Ireland has peaked, but there is still pressure on intensive care, and there are concerns that the pressure on icu is likely to increase still. So, a discussion under way at the moment, but our ireland correspondent telling us that it might be, it might be, i must stress that, that restrictions need to be in place in Northern Ireland until after easter. That just coming ireland until after easter. Thatjust coming through. And clearly more to emerge on that, because if discussions are still going on, perhaps we will have a little more detail at the end of that meeting, so we will keep an eye on that. The Glastonbury Festival has been cancelled for the second Consecutive Year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Anyone who has tickets will be able to use them next year. The organisers say theyve taken the decision to cancel with great regret, and that theyd moved heaven and earth to try to make it happen. A little earlier our arts editor explained the decision wasnt a surprising one. It is a reality check, isnt it . Where we are and what we can hope for and what is realistic to expect, and the Vaccination Programme and all the rest of it all rolls into this one decision. But it is a monumental decision in a way because it points to what is coming across the summer for the arts. If glastonbury cant happen, leeds and reading probably wont happen, it is a £1 billion industry that will be furloughed for another year. What does that mean for theatres and all sorts of other events . Theyve gone early, they have made the decision they have to make, it costs an enormous amount of money to put a festival like glastonbury
on, diaries had to be organised months in advance, money has to be spent very early on. There is no insurance available to glastonbury, so they couldnt take the risk, they had to pull it this year. And there we are. But given that it is stilljanuary, it is a tough one to take. Yes. And it is interesting the wider picture that you not to, because we know that so many people in the music world, the arts, generally, a lot of them have not been able to use the furlough scheme, a lot of people are falling through the cracks, very difficult time for so many venues. Music in particular, you cant imagine a music venue with 10,000 people huddled inside it being able to function, and you wonder how many of them will survive financially, bluntly. It is a terrible worry for musicians, the music business. This is something britain is world famous for, it has been for decades. We are really good at making music, putting on live shows,
whether its festivals or gigs. And now for musicians it is more difficult to travel abroad, around the european union. Those tours that were quite straightforward to put together, now its harder and there is lots of debate and discussion going on between professional musicians and the government about how that can be made easier post brexit. But then you have the impact of covid, many of those freelancers working in the industry, notjust musicians but people working backstage, all those who put the show is on the road. They do fall between the stools of furloughed government support. So this announcement, which is a reality check, summer is not happening, guys, it is not going to be feasible, its just a major blow, because people in the arts are necessarily quite optimistic, they hope for the best, they look for the best. You dont make art if you are not hopeful. And so for everybody it is really tough, and it is tough for the guys down at glastonbury. Michael and emily eavis, they have worked so hard, and they were supposed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of glastonbury last year, that didnt happen, they cant celebrate what would be the 51st, and now the people who have bought tickets in 2019 for 2020, those tickets will still be valid. In fact, theoretically speaking, the 2022 show is already sold out because those tickets have all gone, people who got tickets for that show, it might be possible but they wont be available until april 2022, but my goodness lets hope glastonbury can happen. Ourarts our arts editor will gompertz. A quick story for you before the weather. Now firefighters have gone the whole hog and a rescued a pig. The Essex Fire Service had a job on their hands saving the bacon of this 31 stone sow called dolly. She got stuck in the mud after she laid down in her sty. Fire crews were also to get her back on all fours and left her to hog the limelight. We need to smile at anything we can smile at at the moment, dont we, frankly the weather isnt a source of much joy, frankly the weather isnt a source of muchjoy, but lets frankly the weather isnt a source of much joy, but lets get the details with ben. Hello. The heavy rain from storm christoph has been easing during today, but there is enough a lot of water still to work through. The river catchments, a number of severe flood warnings enforced. Check the latest on the bbc weather website. Over the last few days, the rain has been relentless across parts of Northern England and wales, no wonder those flooding problems, with over 150 millimetres of rain falling in some spots, more than a months in just a few days. Now with colder air from the north we have snow showers in places, more persistent wintry weather
across parts of scotland. That will continue across northern scotland through the day, it will be rain close to the coast. Quite windy as well. Scattered wintry showers elsewhere and persistent rain grazing into southern and south eastern parts. Quite a chilly end to the day, and through this evening that rain will work across the far south east. We keep further rain, sleet and snow across the north of scotland. A few wintry showers in the west giving rise to icy conditions. Temperatures dipping close to freezing or below. Friday, the area of low pressure that brought the Stormy Weather over the last couple of days will be sitting close to the north east so still bringing northerly flow of winds feeding further snow showers across northern scotland. We could see another few centimetres of snow here. Some spells of sunshine on a chilly day. 4 8 degrees. Saturday looks like a mainly dry day with spells of sunshine. Could be fog patches first thing. Rain close to the south coast and wintry showers. Where you see showers could bring some snow even to quite low levels. Again, a cold day. Temperatures 2 6. With that in place during saturday night this is one to watch. A frontal system pushing in from the west, uncertainty about timing and position but that could give snow across parts of of england and wales, even to quite low levels. We will keep you up to date with that. Brighter elsewhere on what will be a cold feeling day. This is bbc news, im reeta chakrabarti. The headlines at 4pm hundreds of people are forced out of their homes as storm christoph causes widespread flooding in england and wales. About 200 flood warnings are still in place. It literally looks like a water bed, because the water has gone straight under it. They told us they couldnt come and get us, that it would be safer in our home. Ive had to turn off all the electricity, gas, everything. It comes as a new Study SuggestsCoronavirus Infection rates may have risen in england since the start of the lockdown. The Prime Minister says its too early to say when lockdown restrictions will be lifted. So, as we get the Vaccination Programme out there, as we continue to expand and i think
were up to 4. 6 Million People today, 5 millionjabs weve got to observe the lockdown, the stay at home message. Ministers at stormont warns that lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland may have to remain in place until after easter. The nhs in england has bought hundreds of thousands of oxygen monitors which people with coronavirus can use at home. Doctors believe the devices will save lives. Just hours after taking office, us President Biden reverses many of Donald Trumps policies, including on coronavirus and climate change. And for a second year in a row, the Glastonbury Festival will not take place due to the impact of covid. Good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. Thousands of homes across england and wales were evacuated overnight after widespread flooding caused by storm christoph. Rivers reached record levels in parts of Greater Manchester and north wales. In total, around 2000 homes were evacuated overnight in the northwest of england and north wales. There are currently five severe flood warnings in place, three in england and two in wales this is where there is a danger to life. On a visit to didsbury, in manchester, the Prime Minister said there will be further rain next week and urged those in affected areas to follow the advice. Our correspondent jon donnison has the latest. In Greater Manchester, people woke up to find storm christoph had made its mark, with water levels continuing to rise and widespread flooding. Overnight, as temperatures dropped, what started with strong winds and heavy rain turned to snow. The river mersey, near didsbury, full to bursting point. Police were going door to door, evacuating homes. We have been living here 33 years and we have never had it as bad as this. We have been told to evacuate. However, during corona, where do you evacuate to . You dont want to impose yourself on other people, so were trying to hold on as long as we can and hopefully, it will pass. Flooding, never easy at the best of times, let alone during a pandemic. At times like this, in emergencies, were normally in and out of each other� s houses, making sure everyone is ok. If someone is missing something, what can we do . And we havent been able to do that, and that isolation really does not help with the whole Mental Health impact of flooding in itself. The Prime Minister was out and about this morning, perhaps aware of being criticised
during previous floods for failing to respond quickly enough. A huge amount has been done here in Greater Manchester. Another 60 million has been put into protecting the Greater Manchester area. You can see the defences that we have in place to protect peoples homes and lives. But be in no doubt, everybody who visits a flooded area, anyone who has been through a flood, knows the huge psychological, emotional and financial cost of flooding to people. In parts of north wales, people will also be counting the cost. But emergency teams managed to stop a warehouse storing Covid Vaccines from flooding. Across the uk, forecasters say flood waters should subside in the coming days as the weather improves. But more heavy rain, strong winds and snow are expected next week. Our correspondent andy gill has been in one of the worst affected areas of warrington, he sent this report. This is the dallam area of warrington, which has seen extensive flooding not just along this street but on side streets to either side. The fire brigade are still bringing people out by boat. On the other side of the houses on this side of the street is a small river called sankey brook. The intense rainfall over the last two days caused that to flood last night. The authorities did put down sandbags late at night but it wasnt enough to keep the water out of some homes. In the early hours of this morning, it started to go into peoples houses here. My living room floor literally looks like a water bed because the water has come straight under it. They told us they couldnt come and get us, that we would be safer in our home. Ive had to turn off all the electricity, gas,
everything, so i cant even feed my daughter. We systematically go from door to door, offering people to be removed from their homes in a safe and coordinated way. Like i said, were working in conjunction with the local authority, the Housing Association and the residents of those homes that are affected. The rescue you can see taking place behind me now is just one thats been happening this morning. Other people have had to walk through the floodwater to get away. Last night, the local authority took many people out and took them to a hotel to stay dry and warm. I dont know, every year, its flooding. The water was 20cm deep this time. I think it is a very frightening situation. The water rose quite rapidly and as the snow started to fall, it became a dangerous situation, frozen water, and there was quite a lot of concern. This has been a major
operation, with cheshire and Greater Manchester fire and rescue services involved. The flooding is so extensive that they expect to be here for much of the day and into the evening. Lauren turner and her three children had to be rescued after the dowstairs of her home in warrington was flooded with three inches of water. There is lauren now with two of the children. How are you doing . Iestate there is lauren now with two of the children. How are you doing . We are mackerel doing children. How are you doing . We are mackerel doing well, children. How are you doing . We are mackerel doing well, considering mackerel doing well, considering everything thats happened. Pretty unscathed, itsjust our everything thats happened. Pretty unscathed, its just our dog everything thats happened. Pretty unscathed, itsjust our dog is stock. Unscathed, its ust our dog is stock. ,. , , stock. Tell us about yourselves first comment stock. Tell us about yourselves first comment is stock. Tell us about yourselves first comment is that stock. Tell us about yourselves first comment is that your stock. Tell us about yourselves first comment is that your son i stock. Tell us about yourselves i first comment is that your son conor who is with you . He can come and talk to us too. Tellers, what happened . Talk to us too. Tellers, what ha ened . ~ ,. , talk to us too. Tellers, what hauened . ~ ,. ,. , happened . We woke up at 6am, and the whole of the downstairs
happened . We woke up at 6am, and the whole of the downstairs was happened . We woke up at 6am, and the whole of the downstairs was covered whole of the downstairs was covered in water. There were white men, fire and rescue team on the street. Latte and rescue team on the street. We were waiting for hours but when we were waiting for hours but when we were able were waiting for hours but when we were able to, i was very scared but the firemen were able to, i was very scared but the firemen came and rescued us. Come the firemen came and rescued us. Come a the firemen came and rescued us. Come a hit the firemen came and rescued us. Come a bit closer to your mum so we can see yourface. Come a bit closer to your mum so we can see your face. So you are a bit scared . , can see your face. So you are a bit scared . ,. ,. , scared . There was five inches of water outside scared . There was five inches of water outside the scared . There was five inches of water outside the house. Scared . There was five inches of water outside the house. Was i scared . There was five inches of water outside the house. Was it| water outside the house. Was it sca or water outside the house. Was it scary or was water outside the house. Was it scary or was it water outside the house. Was it scary or was it an water outside the house. Was it scary or was it an adventure . It| water outside the house. Was it scary or was it an adventure . It was reall , scary or was it an adventure . It was really. Really scary or was it an adventure . It was really, really deep scary or was it an adventure . It was really, really deep the scary or was it an adventure . It was really, really deep the gate scary or was it an adventure . It was really, really deep the gate was i really, really deep the gate was almost really, really deep the gate was almost all really, really deep the gate was almost all gone. The fields by the layhy almost all gone. The fields by the layby was almost all gone. The fields by the lay by was literally, almost all gone. The fields by the lay by was literally, and almost all gone. The fields by the
lay by was literally, and im not even lay by was literally, and im not evenjoking, wasjust like a swamp. Gosh, evenjoking, wasjust like a swamp. Gosh, that evenjoking, wasjust like a swamp. Gosh, that must have been so strange. Lauren, apart from the three most precious things, your children, what were you able to take with you . I children, what were you able to take with ou . ,. ,. , with you . I ust grabbed all the essentials. With you . Ijust grabbed all the essentials, enough with you . Ijust grabbed all the essentials, enough to with you . Ijust grabbed all the essentials, enough to last with you . Ijust grabbed all the essentials, enough to last us i with you . Ijust grabbed all the l essentials, enough to last us for few days. My mind was racing, have i forgotten anything . But i think were ok. Anything ive forgotten, were ok. Anything ive forgotten, we can buy, itsjust were ok. Anything ive forgotten, we can buy, its just the dog. Were ok. Anything ive forgotten, we can buy, itsjust the dog. The we can buy, its ust the dog. The it miuht we can buy, its ust the dog. The it might he we can buy, itsjust the dog. The it might be next we can buy, itsjust the dog. The it might be next week. Whos we can buy, itsjust the dog. The i it might be next week. Whos this . All the positions, it might be next week. Whos this . All the positions, we it might be next week. Whos this . All the positions, we can all the positions, we can replace,. All the positions, we can replace all the positions, we can relace,. , replace,. Viewers are seeing tictures replace,. Viewers are seeing pictures of replace,. Viewers are seeing pictures of the replace,. Viewers are seeing pictures of the dog replace,. Viewers are seeing pictures of the dog now, replace,. Viewers are seeing pictures of the dog now, as i replace,. Viewers are seeing pictures of the dog now, as he replace,. Viewers are seeing pictures of the dog now, as he had to leave the dog on the sofa, as far
as we can see . You had to leave the dog on the sofa, we can just see it surrounded by water . He dog on the sofa, we can ust see it surrounded by water . Surrounded by water . He was too scared to come surrounded by water . He was too scared to come off surrounded by water . He was too scared to come off the surrounded by water . He was too scared to come off the sofa, surrounded by water . He was too scared to come off the sofa, so i surrounded by water . He was too i scared to come off the sofa, so the firefighters try to get him out, were considering getting out of the went onto the boat, but wouldnt have it, he was growling and his back legs are going now, so it was a really tough decision but we had to leave him, hoping that the rspca can rescue him soon. Im waiting for a call about that. Istate rescue him soon. Im waiting for a call about that. Rescue him soon. Im waiting for a call about that. We hope so too for ou. Call about that. We hope so too for you where call about that. We hope so too for you where you call about that. We hope so too for you. Where you are call about that. We hope so too for you. Where you are now, call about that. We hope so too for you. Where you are now, some i call about that. We hope so too for. You. Where you are now, some safe . Yes, we have been evacuated and we are safe. We was lucky, you could have been a lot worse. The, are safe. We was lucky, you could have been a lot worse. Have been a lot worse. A lot of theole have been a lot worse. A lot of people have have been a lot worse. A lot of people have been have been a lot worse. A lot of people have been saying have been a lot worse. A lot of people have been saying that, | have been a lot worse. A lot of people have been saying that, having that this floating on top of the lockdown and all the difficulties of coronavirus, it feels like the last
straw. It coronavirus, it feels like the last straw. , coronavirus, it feels like the last straw. , , coronavirus, it feels like the last straw its i straw. It really upsets me. Its really difficult straw. It really upsets me. Its really difficult with straw. It really upsets me. Its really difficult with the straw. It really upsets me. Its i really difficult with the lockdown, obviously. But we are all safe. That reall is obviously. But we are all safe. That really is the obviously. But we are all safe. That really is the main obviously. But we are all safe. That really is the main thing. Lauren, we thank you and corner and your little one and there are very much. We wish you all the best. You one and there are very much. We wish you all the best you all the best. You can go onto the next person you all the best. You can go onto the next person all you all the best. You can go onto the next person all right, you all the best. You can go onto the next person all right, conor| the next person all right, conor thank ou the next person all right, conor thank you very the next person all right, conor thank you very much the next person all right, conor thank you very much indeed, i the next person all right, conor| thank you very much indeed, and the next person all right, conori thank you very much indeed, and also to your mum, lauren. Youre really upset, i know, its very difficult, but at least youre safe, youre safe with your accounts and. I safe with your accounts and. I forgot to bring something up stairs and it forgot to bring something up stairs and it got forgot to bring something up stairs and it got broke. And it got broke. Thank you very much. And it got broke. Thank you very much thank and it got broke. Thank you very much. Thank you. I and it got broke. Thank you very much. Thank you. We i and it got broke. Thank you very much. Thank you. We can i and it got broke. Thank you very much. Thank you. We can go i and it got broke. Thank you very| much. Thank you. We can go and and it got broke. Thank you very i much. Thank you. We can go and get stuff we need much. Thank you. We can go and get stuff we need to. Much. Thank you. We can go and get stuff we need to. We i much. Thank you. We can go and get stuff we need to. We will i much. Thank you. We can go and get stuff we need to. We will say i stuff we need to. We will say b eb e stuff we need to. We will say byebye now. Stuff we need to. We will say byebye now, byebye i stuff we need to. We will say byebye now, byebye to i stuff we need to. We will say i byebye now, byebye to year, and bye bye now, bye bye to year, and goodbye lauren, thank you so much. Conor turner there, with a lot to say. The education secretary says he doesnt know when schools will be able to reopen to all pupils but he promised that schools in england would be given two weeks notice of reopening. He added that the government hopes children can get back into the classroom before easter. More details from our education correspondent sean dilley. It was confirmation of what parents already knew there could be no guarantee about when schools in england would be able to reopen their gates to all students. But there was a glimmer of hope for teachers and families as the education secretary promised two weeks notice of any return to the classroom. We will give notjust schools and teachers the time to be able to prepare, but were also giving children the time to get ready and parents enough notice. And when the pressure on the nhs
is starting to lift, that puts us in the best possible position to be able to welcome all children back into schools. Unions believe that offering teachers early vaccinations will offer reassurance to parents and a profession under pressure. Nobody� s talking about teachers wanting to jump the queue. We understand that there needs to be that emphasis on the people who are most at risk from this. But equally, we know that distinctively, if youre a teacher, firstly, you come into contact with lots of young people who we know can transmit the virus more than in its previous incarnation, and we also know in the career of teaching that if the teacher isnt there, it affects a class of 30. The government says the impact of any new variant and the success of the Vaccination Programme could all impact timings, but it will be Community Infection rates that will drive any decision to reopen schools. This would be likely to vary across the country, and so they say schools could reopen at different times. Schools are also closed in the devolved nations. Those in scotland and Northern Ireland will remain so until at least the middle of february. Wales is due to review its restrictions at the end of january. Meanwhile, the department for education has published a policy white paper document called skills forjobs, setting out plans to overhaul further education for people over 16. The government says that by 2030, it wants to hand employers a central role in designing almost all technical courses to meet local training needs. Businesses have been reporting for many years that there is a gap between the skills they need to make their businesses successful and the skills they are able to find within their local communities. So this is all about employers and providers working together to make sure we identify the skills we need now and in the future. Groups representing the further Education Sector say more funding is needed to deliver the plans, but the government insists that funding will be targeted at training thats needed in the labour market, and it wants to put an end to what it describes as the illusion
that a degree is the only route to success. Borisjohnson says its too early to say when the current coronavirus restrictions will end. On a visit to the flood affected area of didsbury, the Prime Minister was asked whether it could be summer rather than spring as to when the current measures are lifted. Lets speak to our political correspondent, damian grammaticas. This is the question that many people, businesses all over the country want to know, is when might there be a hope of lifting restrictions. As you are hearing there, it has huge implications for education, huge implications for everyone. The difficulty the government is facing is that it has this Vaccination Programme ongoing, this Vaccination Programme ongoing, this target dates for the middle of february, but that may not be a point at which things can be lifted. Weve seen today figures coming from this react survey suggesting that infection rates are high and not falling, and that is one of the metrics the government is looking at. So the question to borisjohnson today was, is there hope that the lifting could happen some time after february, spring, or could it even be delayed later to the summer . I think it is too early to say when we will be able to lift some of the restrictions. We are looking at that february the 15th deadline, as you know, for the jcvi groups 1 4 for the elderly, the vulnerable groups that we want to vaccinate first, that 15 Million People across the uk that we want to have been offered a vaccination slot by the 15th of february. We will look then at how we are doing, but i think
what we are seeing in the ons data, in the react survey, we are seeing the contagiousness of the new variant that we saw arrive just before christmas. There is no doubt, it does spread very fast indeed. It is not more deadly, but it is much more contagious and the numbers are very great. So, as we get the Vaccination Programme out there, as we continue to expand and i think we are up to 4. 6 Million People today, 5 millionjabs we have got to observe the lockdown, the stay at home message, protect each other, protect the nhs. That lockdown to search and is one that will be watched very closely, but already we are seeing in Northern Ireland today, ministers there meeting and we understand discussing looking at whether that lockdown will be prolonged at the
minute until the beginning of february, but beyond that, and facing a decision of there whether to extend the lockdown into march or possibly longer. Similarly here, the government is saying those metrics that they will look at, things like hospital admissions, that they will look at, things like hospitaladmissions, infection rates, any new variant of the virus, and at the moment, it is very difficult to see that those figures will point to a lifting but we have until, the Prime Minister said, the middle of february, at which point they will take a view in the light of that progress of the Vaccination Programme too. But very clearly from the Prime Minister there, unclear about whether they will be able to point to a lift it at that time of the afternoon where the data on coronavirus are starting to come in from the government, so i can tell you the uk
has recorded 1290 new deaths within 28 days of a positive covid 19 test, compared to 1820 yesterday. But is a substantial fall in the number of deaths. We always have to remember that these matters havent necessarily occurred in the previous 24 hours, they have simply been recorded then, but that is quite some difference. I can also tell you that the uk has recorded 37,892 new cases of coronavirus on thursday. That is compared to 38,905 the previous day. That is down by about 1000. We also have data on vaccinations. Those figures show a total number of 4,973,248 people
have been given their first dose of the vaccine, and that compares to, well, i wont read the whole figure out, but it looks around 300,000 more people have been vaccinated in this 24 hours. Those figures will be brought up at the government briefing this afternoon, where the home secretary pretty but i will be giving an update. Thats 5pm this afternoon, along with the chair of the National PoliceChiefs Council and also nhs englands Regional Medical director for london. Will bring that live here, on bbc news. Ministers in Northern Ireland have been told that the lockdown may need to be in place until after easter. A six week lockdown began in Northern Ireland on 26 december. Health minister robin swann has recommended extending the current restrictions until 5th of march, but has also suggested it is possible that further extensions will be needed beyond that. Ministers are currently meeting to discuss the proposals. 65 new Covid Vaccination centres have come into operation today across england, including in a mosque in birmingham and a cinema in buckinghamshire. In some parts of the country, people over the age of 70 are now getting the jab but in others, people in their 80s and older are still waiting. It comes as a study from Imperial College london suggests infection levels in the community didnt fall at the start of the latest lockdown, and may in fact have risen. Well have more on that in a moment, but first, our Health CorrespondentDominic Hughes reports on the uneven roll out of vaccines. At the al abbas mosque in birmingham, vaccinations are well under way. This is one of more than 60 new venues that have opened up today, run by local pharmacies. Its an important way to get the vaccine to communities that are especially vulnerable to covid 19 and sometimes hard to reach. Is there any other way of tackling this pandemic than the vaccine . I dont see any other way. That is the most sensible thing for each and every one of us to do. So i personally believe i have a role to play. Likewise, i think all of us have roles to play. If we can come together and play this role, i am definitely certain we will eventually overcome this challenge. But problems with the supply of the vaccine remain a challenge, leaving those trying to deliver it exasperated. It is frustrating. We have spent a lot of time and effort setting up centres. There are 15 across sheffield. Gp practices are working in partnership to make sure its ready to go. Now we can deliver 700 to 800 vaccines a day, but the supply to us is really limited. We may face a whole week of not being able to give any vaccines next week. The Health Secretary matt hancock acknowledges that there are problems with maintaining a smooth supply of the vaccine. We have a lumpy supply. The manufacturers are working incredibly hard to deliver the supply as fast as possible, but it is challenging and therefore,
it is not possible to give certainty as far out as many gps and those delivering on the ground would like. The worst thing would be to give false certainty. Its notjust in england where frustrations are growing. In scotland, there have been accusations that the roll out is lagging behind the rest of the uk. But ministers have defended their policy of prioritising care home residents, carers and front line nhs staff. In east london, another new Vaccination Centre is up and running, and from nhs englands medical director, reassurance that the most vulnerable will get theirjabs in good time. Im very confident that we will be able to distribute the supplies to meet that target. Of course, we rely on the manufacturers, but we are full steam ahead, we have over 4 million vaccinated, hundreds of thousands of people every day. And of course, opening sites like this just means that weve got more places for people to come to in order to hit that target. Manufacturing the vaccine is a complex process, subject to multiple safety and Quality Control checks. Getting it from the factory to Vaccination Centres this one in a cinema in aylesbury is far from simple, but its still relatively early days in the biggest Mass Vaccination Programme the country has ever seen. The infrastructure is in place to deliver the jabs. Whats needed now is a consistent and reliable supply. Lets return to schools. But just firstly, butjust firstly, some information from Northern Ireland were the first minister Arlene Foster has confirmed that Northern Irelands lockdown is to be extended to march the 5th. We were discussing this this afternoon with some suggestions it could be
extended to beyond easter, but the first minister says, certainly in the first instance, the lockdown has been extended to march the 5th. Returning to schools, the education secretary says he doesnt know when schools will be able to reopen to all pupils, but he promised that schools in england would be given two weeks notice of reopening. He added that the government hopes children can get back into the classroom before easter. Nick linford is editor of fe week, a digital newspaper covering the further education, skills and apprenticeships sector. Nick, along with this discussion good afternoon to you, by the way along with a discussion as to what is to happen to schools, is the announcement from the education secretary about getting employers more involved in the design of technical qualifications, what do you think of that . Its technical qualifications, what do you think of that . Technical qualifications, what do you think of that . Its a huge day for the further i you think of that . Its a huge day for the further education i you think of that . Its a huge day
for the further education and i you think of that . Its a huge day. For the further education and skills sector. Theyve been promised a important white paper will be published for over a year and it comes out today. It is no surprise that it comes out today. It is no surprise thatitis comes out today. It is no surprise that it is overshadowed by the schools situation, it is a father myself, i want to know about that too. A lot of questions for Gavin Williamson today about schools, overshadowing an important policy documents with ambitious reform measures for colleges and other providers of education in the further Education Sector, the sector for post 16 learners, in six forms, colleges, and apprenticeships. Mass of reform, really pleased to finally see the report published, looking at forward to being able to talk about it, just wish there was more money for it, really. It, just wish there was more money for it, really for it, really. Theyve heard about ambitions for for it, really. Theyve heard about ambitions for more i for it, really. Theyve heard about ambitions for more technical i ambitions for more technical allocations for years and years, do you think this time finally the
government mysterious . Much of the reform is already government mysterious . Much of the reform is already in i government mysterious . Much of the reform is already in place, i government mysterious . Much of the reform is already in place, the i government mysterious . Much of the reform is already in place, the t i reform is already in place, the t levels to sit alongside a levels were launched a while back on the teaching for that started in september. Other parts of this consultation are on the way, the government are very serious about it, putting a lot of money into it. The same could be said for the reform is about ten years ago, a lot of money put into those diplomas and they were an unfortunate failure. There is a lot of hope but the concern is the speed of reform. The hopers, when moving very quickly with t levels, perhaps too quickly. The other thing is, without significant investment from employers, and i think that is where the government are really trying to get employers on board with these reforms, without investment from employers themselves, it will be difficult to bring the sector
together with the employers, because its all aboutjobs, as the white paper is titled, its about skills for jobs. Paper is titled, its about skills forjobs. Is about bringing people together and it has been tried many times. Will it work at this time . I think it would have been helped if there had been the three Year Spending review, ithink there had been the three Year Spending review, i think Kevin Williamson and the department wanted to be more ambitious that they have been, but what we think here at the magazine is that they have not been able to give the three week spending settlement so this white paper scale back a little, things things will take longer. This is unfortunate, especially given the coronavirus situation, we really needed to support the economy quickly and as fast as we can. There is a general play from everyone in the Education Sector, and i suspect the department for education, for help from the treasury to get help for this santa to move forward swiftly. To move forward swiftly. Finally, ou to move forward swiftly. Finally, you spoke to move forward swiftly. Finally, you spoke as to move forward swiftly. Finally, you spoke as a to move forward swiftly. Finally,
you spoke as a father to move forward swiftly. Finally, you spoke as a father when i to move forward swiftly. Finally, you spoke as a father when you | you spoke as a father when you started speaking about the situation with three kids at school, how do you feel about the way in which the schools timetable for how children might be able to go back, how that has been handled . The, might be able to go back, how that has been handled . Has been handled . A difficult situation and i has been handled . A difficult situation and that i i has been handled . A difficult situation and that i am i has been handled . A difficult| situation and that i am having has been handled . A difficult i situation and that i am having to share home schooling to some extent and also, my wife is a doctor, so we are in a difficult situation where we have to work but have to teach our children as well. Its really tough one but i feel i have some sympathy with the secretary of state for education because its one of the few departments where its quite clear that many dont want the school is open, many do want the school is open, many do want the school is open and you are sat in the middle wanting to do the best thing, it is a difficult situation. Its one that is also in colleges and it shouldnt be forgotten, this isntjust and it shouldnt be forgotten, this isnt just about schools, colleges in the same situation and have had to cancel a lot of exams for their btec students. There are apprentices
right now that cant sit their functional skills and cant finish their courses. It is a real life problem for parents but also a life problem for parents but also a life problem for parents but also a life problem for the further Education Sector and the learners theyre trying to care for. Sector and the learners theyre trying to care for. Good to talk to ou, trying to care for. Good to talk to you. Thank trying to care for. Good to talk to you. Thank you trying to care for. Good to talk to you, thank you very i trying to care for. Good to talk to you, thank you very much,. I now its time for a look at the weather with ben rich. Hello. The heavy rain brought by storm christoph has been easing during the day, but there is a lot of water still to work through the river catchments, still a number of severe flood warnngs in place. Keep up to date on the flood warnings still in force on the bbc weather website. Through this evening and overnight, a little more rain in the south east. Dry and clear weather elsewhere, wintry showers in the west, giving rise to some more ice, sleet and snow, even to low levels, continuing across the north of scotland. The snow really piling up here tonight and tomorrow. Through tomorrow, we keep the wintry showers with quite a lot of snow across high ground, but even to lower levels in northern scotland. One or two showers for Northern Ireland, parts of wales, the south west. Further east, dry and spells of sunshine but it will be quite a chilly day with top temperatures between 4 8 degrees. Saturday will be dry for most, just a few wintry showers here and there, sunday could bring sleet and snow, particularly in the south. Hello, this is bbc news. With me, reeta chakrabarti. The headlines hundreds of people are forced out of their homes, as storm christoph causes widespread flooding in england and wales. About 200 flood warnings are still in place. It literally looks like a water bed, because the water has gone straight under it. They told us they couldnt come and get us, that it would be safer in our home. Ive had to turn off all the electricity, gas, everything. sot 65 new Covid Vaccination centres have come into operation across england. Nearly 5 Million People have now received their first dose of the vaccine. It comes as a new Study SuggestsCoronavirus Infection rates may have risen in england since the start of the lockdown. I think it is too early to say when we will be able to lift some of the restrictions. Meanwhile Northern Irelands first minister says the countrys lockdown has been extended until 5th march. And for a second year in a row, the Glastonbury Festival will not take place, due to the impact of covid. Now, we have just now, we havejust heard now, we have just heard that the
Northern Ireland first minister, Arlene Foster, has confirmed that Northern Ireland was mike lockdown will be extended to march the 5th. We have some words from the first minister, and i think we can hear them now. From the first minister, and i think we can hear them now. Thanks very much, we can hear them now. Thanks very much. Everybody we can hear them now. Thanks very much, everybody. Welcome i we can hear them now. Thanks very much, everybody. Welcome back. We can hear them now. Thanks very i much, everybody. Welcome back here, it is a little brighter today. Today we have had a sobering assessment of the current phase of the pandemic from our Health Minister, robin swann, based on the latest medical and scientific evidence, and we all know that what we are battling against and that it has been moving swiftly across the community during this winter wave. Our hard Work Together and individually over this last four weeks have pushed the r rate for cases down to well below
one, now between 0. 65 and 0. 85, so by our collective efforts we have the rate of cases but we have halved the rate of cases in a fortnight and day by day we are reducing that further and we have done so right across Northern Ireland, so that shows our efforts are having a real effect. By close of play yesterday,. Are having a real effect. By close of play yesterday,. Vaccine had been delivered, including 134 212,000 doses. To be included by the end of this month, 83 have been vaccinated so far. It is anticipated all over 80 roles will have been vaccinated by the end of this week and well be commencing with the over 75 is group week. And we can see there has been a significant reduction in the number of people travelling and this reflects a personal decision by so many of you to do as we ask you to do, that was to stay at home, and for that we really do thank you because you are saving lives. Again, i want to commend all those who are
helping to make this possible and managers who are supporting staff to work at home, to all of the supermarkets, food stores and pharmacies who are running Efficient Delivery Services and of course all our teachers and lecturers, who are supporting the education of our young people off school and off campus. We have made progress, but our war and battle against covid is not yet won and a hospital case numbers remain at extremely high levels, so we are asking for that support to keep going. Do not press forward would risk all of the hard won gains, so we need to keep pressing forward to provide our national Health Service with the full relief and respite it needs from covert. This week, the nhs is facing the peak of covid demand and the system is truly struggling to cope and that has been recognised by the request for military assistance. We have seen that any pressures on our beds in icu, the pressure on a
general hospital beds and of course the human burden on our staff. We know from back in the autumn that these numbers will only decrease very gradually and that this will be the situation for the coming weeks, so we are asking our nhs to keep on going and is a broader community, in order to support them to do that, so must we. The executive today has reviewed the current restrictions and agreed that they remain an appropriate and necessary response to the serious and imminent threat posed by covid 19, and following a detailed outline from health highlighting the continuing pressures on hospitals and icu departments and the emergence of the highly transmissible variants, the executive has agreed that the current restrictions will be extended for a further four weeks until the 5th of march 2021. The restrictions will be reviewed on or before the 18th of february. Now, i appreciate that this will be disappointing to many people
listening to us this evening. I think particularly of those who are feeling the pain of separation from loved family members and friends, for workers and employers who are worried about their livelihoods, and indeed parents who are juggling the Educational Needs of their children with working as others possibilities. Separate arrangements have been in place for our schools outside of these regulations and the executive will have a comprehensive discussion next week around schools returning and of course around the broad education issues. This is undoubtedly the most difficult of times and we know the success that you are all making to save lives, and as an executive, we are committed to taking every possible step to move us forward out of this pandemic. We have invested in the development of a robust and effective Vaccination Programme and in a highly efficient Contact Tracing service, which has a 24 hour turnaround in 93 of cases, both of
those services, the vaccination and the Contact Tracing, are the envy of otherjurisdictions. Our uk four Nation Partnership has delivered medical support for our armed forces, in national Vaccination Programme that is world leading, unprecedented funding, which has proved invaluable across all facets of our society and the establishment of our society and the establishment of genomic testing, which will be crucial to the fightback in relation to the new variance. At present, we estimate the uk is undertaking 40 of all genomic global sequencing. So we are pushing ahead with our work on a pathway to recovery. The covid 19 task. You are going to bring recommendations on the approach to relaxation to restrictions, to coincide with our review in february, but in the meantime we are asking people to keep going, to follow the Public Health advice, stay at home as much as possible and remember if we all
Work Together and we do it, we will get through it. Work together and we do it, we will get through it get through it. Michelle. Thanks, arlene, get through it. Michelle. Thanks, arlene. And get through it. Michelle. Thanks, arlene, and good i get through it. Michelle. Thanks, arlene, and good afternoon i get through it. Michelle. Thanks, arlene, and good afternoon to i arlene, and good afternoon to everyone arlene, and good afternoon to everyone and welcome back again here everyone and welcome back again here as everyone and welcome back again here. As always, i want to start by sending here. As always, i want to start by sending our here. As always, i want to start by sending our sympathies to the 21 families sending our sympathies to the 21 families that have lost a loved one as a result families that have lost a loved one as a result of covid 19. The situation as a result of covid 19. The situation with the epidemic at present situation with the epidemic at present is a very difficult one. We certainly present is a very difficult one. We certainly have made some progress in dragging certainly have made some progress in dragging down the transmission rates, dragging down the transmission rates, but they are decreasing slowly rates, but they are decreasing slowly. We have sustained the r rate below slowly. We have sustained the r rate below one. Slowly. We have sustained the r rate below one, which is the executives objective, below one, which is the executives objective, and we think it is somewhere between 0. 65 and 0. 85 at this moment in time. This is very welcome this moment in time. This is very welcome evidence that the current restrictions are having a positive impact restrictions are having a positive impact and again we want to thank everyone impact and again we want to thank everyone for all that you have done to protect everyone for all that you have done to protect yourselves and your family to protect yourselves and your family and your community and the Health Family and your community and the Health Service. However, it will take Health Service. However, it will take some Health Service. However, it will take some time for the restrictions to have take some time for the restrictions to have maximum impact on the course of the to have maximum impact on the course of the epidemic and the very high
number of the epidemic and the very high numberof of the epidemic and the very high number of cases in recent weeks are still making number of cases in recent weeks are still making their way through a hospital still making their way through a hospital is consequently. The Health Situation hospital is consequently. The Health Situation at this moment in time is extremely situation at this moment in time is extremely challenging. In fact, i believe extremely challenging. In fact, i believe the Health Service is facing into its believe the Health Service is facing into its toughest week yet throughout the course of the pandemic. Covid 19 hospital occupancy is still extremely high and will occupancy is still extremely high and will remain high for many weeks. There and will remain high for many weeks. There are and will remain high for many weeks. There are currently 806 covid 19 patients, there are currently 806 covid 19 patients, inpatients and 70 of those people patients, inpatients and 70 of those people are patients, inpatients and 70 of those people are being cared for in our intensive people are being cared for in our intensive care units. This sustained pressure intensive care units. This sustained pressure on intensive care units. This sustained pressure on our hospitals has had a serious pressure on our hospitals has had a serious impact on the capacity within serious impact on the capacity within the Health Service to provide care and within the Health Service to provide care and treatment for all other patients care and treatment for all other patients as well. So it is crucial that patients as well. So it is crucial that the patients as well. So it is crucial that the health department, in conjunction with the health trusts, do all conjunction with the health trusts, do all that conjunction with the health trusts, do all that can be done in order to ensure do all that can be done in order to ensure full do all that can be done in order to ensure full resumption of services as soon ensure full resumption of services as soon as ensure full resumption of services as soon as possible. It is not context as soon as possible. It is not context that the Health Executive has today reviewed the restrictions and we has today reviewed the restrictions and we have agreed that the current restrictions and we have agreed that the current restrictions need to remain. They are absolutely necessary at this
point are absolutely necessary at this point in are absolutely necessary at this point in time. Based on the advice of our point in time. Based on the advice of our health professionals, we have also taken of our health professionals, we have also taken the difficult decision to extend also taken the difficult decision to extend those restrictions by four weeks. Extend those restrictions by four weeks, untilthe extend those restrictions by four weeks, until the 5th of march, and weeks, until the 5th of march, and we will weeks, until the 5th of march, and we will review that position on the 18th of we will review that position on the 18th of february. We know that many people 18th of february. We know that many people will 18th of february. We know that many people will be worried about what that means for them, for their families, that means for them, for their families, businesses and livelihoods. We also know how challenging this is for everybody, and we challenging this is for everybody, and we also know that we are asking and we also know that we are asking a lot of and we also know that we are asking a lot of everybody. But we will do everything a lot of everybody. But we will do everything that we can to make sure you are everything that we can to make sure you are supported during this time. The finance you are supported during this time. The finance minister, conor murphy, has today the finance minister, conor murphy, has today announced further support for businesses and other sectors, including for businesses and other sectors, including education, tourism and transport, including education, tourism and transport, including an additional 100 million for the localised support 100 million for the localised support scheme, which has already helped support scheme, which has already helped more than 11,000 businesses, support helped more than 11,000 businesses, support for helped more than 11,000 businesses, support for the tourism industry, a further support for the tourism industry, a further 20 support for the tourism industry, a further 20 million for the Company Director further 20 million for the Company Director scheme, a further 7. 5 million director scheme, a further 7. 5 million to director scheme, a further 7. 5 million to meet the challenges in education million to meet the challenges in education through covid 19, including support for childcare, and including support for childcare, and in addition including support for childcare, and in addition to this funding conor murphy in addition to this funding conor murphy has also asked that all ministers urgently bring forward
proposals to support businesses and individuals proposals to support businesses and individuals through these restrictions, particularly those who have not restrictions, particularly those who have not yet received financial assistance. In terms of schools, we know assistance. In terms of schools, we know that assistance. In terms of schools, we know that families and teachers and support know that families and teachers and support staff will rightly be concerned about what the evolving situation, concerned about what the evolving situation, with restrictions means for the situation, with restrictions means for the return to learning. We need to have for the return to learning. We need to have certainty with regard to schools to have certainty with regard to schools as to have certainty with regard to schools as soon as possible, to be discussed schools as soon as possible, to be discussed this at the executive today discussed this at the executive today. And the Education Minister has indicated he will go further urgent has indicated he will go further urgent consideration to this, in consultation with the department of Health Consultation with the department of health and will bring a paper to the executive health and will bring a paper to the executive next week. We know that many executive next week. We know that many people will have expected this news today in terms of the restrictions. However, we also know it has restrictions. However, we also know it has been restrictions. However, we also know it has been a restrictions. However, we also know it has been a han hard and long road for all~ it has been a han hard and long road for all~ there it has been a han hard and long road for all. There is no doubt there are better for all. There is no doubt there are better days for all. There is no doubt there are better days ahead, but we need to keep working together right now to save lives keep working together right now to save lives and help protect the health save lives and help protect the Health Service. The message is very much Health Service. The message is very much remains today to stay at home. Please much remains today to stay at home. Please only much remains today to stay at home. Please only the house when it is absolutely necessary. When you do go out, please absolutely necessary. When you do go out, please keep your distance, wash your hands out, please keep your distance, wash your hands well and often. And if
your hands well and often. And if you have your hands well and often. And if you have symptoms or have been identified you have symptoms or have been identified as a close contact, you need identified as a close contact, you need to identified as a close contact, you need to self isolate. When the vaccine need to self isolate. When the vaccine is need to self isolate. When the vaccine is offered to you, please take vaccine is offered to you, please take it vaccine is offered to you, please take it up vaccine is offered to you, please take it up. To finish today, i want to finish take it up. To finish today, i want to finish by take it up. To finish today, i want to finish by saying thank you to all those to finish by saying thank you to all those who to finish by saying thank you to all those who work across health and social those who work across health and social care those who work across health and social care. We cannot overstate the scale social care. We cannot overstate the scale of social care. We cannot overstate the scale of the social care. We cannot overstate the scale of the work they health and care workers have undertaken and the magnitude care workers have undertaken and the magnitude of pressure they are under~ magnitude of pressure they are under. But they have kept going. They under. But they have kept going. They have under. But they have kept going. They have kept going to care for their they have kept going to care for their patients, do care for our families, their patients, do care for our families, to care for the sickest and most families, to care for the sickest and most vulnerable in society, so ust and most vulnerable in society, so just like and most vulnerable in society, so just like they have kept going we also should as well, so please stay at home also should as well, so please stay at home. Thank you. find also should as well, so please stay at home. Thank you. Also should as well, so please stay at home. Thank you. And that was the de. U at home. Thank you. And that was the deputy first at home. Thank you. And that was the deputy first minister at home. Thank you. And that was the deputy first minister of at home. Thank you. And that was the deputy first minister of northern i deputy first minister of Northern Ireland, michelle oneill, and earlier you heard of course, the first minister, Arlene Foster. Lets take a look at the headlines now here on bbc news. Hundreds of people are forced out of their homes, as storm christoph causes widespread flooding in england and wales. About 200 flood warnings
are still in place. It comes as a new Study SuggestsCoronavirus Infection rates may have risen in england since the start of the lockdown. The of the lockdown. Prime minister says it is too early the Prime Minister says it is too early to say when the lot and restrictions will be lifted. Meanwhile Northern Irelands first minister says the countrys lockdown will be extended until after easter. They looked at a sample of volunteers between the fifth and 6th of january, volunteers between the fifth and 6th ofjanuary, looking at volunteers between the fifth and 6th of january, looking at 8 of people who had the virus, but one in six people, rising to one in london. Worrying findings from scientists tracking the spread of coronavirus. Even with a National Lockdown in england, new infections remain high, and instead of coming down, may well have slightly increased in some areas. Researchers from Imperial College looked at swab results from a random sample of more than 140,000 volunteers between the 6th and 15th of january. They found 1. 58 had the virus, thats about one in 63 people. Rising to 2. 8 in london. I think it is quite a complex picture. We did see a little bit of a dip at the beginning of the lockdown but now we see essentially a level with an r of around one. But we are not seeing that fall that we really need to see from these very high prevalence levels. Figures from nhs test and trace had suggested a recent drop in symptomatic cases. Researchers think that could reflect a fall in infections just after christmas, which is only now
being picked up in officialfigures. Data on peoples movements show increased activity in early january as people went back to work, which researchers say is keeping transmission high. I think what were seeing in the ons data, in the react survey, we are seeing the contagiousness of the new variant that we saw arrive just before christmas. There is no doubt it does spread very fast indeed. It is not more deadly but it is much more contagious, and the numbers are very great. The Study Suggests the intense pressure on hospitals will continue. Critical care beds in 15 hospitals were completely full this week. While 40 others are reporting their icus are more than 95 full, thats even after creating nearly 40 more beds since november. Health leaders are worried. I think theres a real nervousness that because of the transmissibility, how transmissible this new variant is, i think the slope down, once you have got over the peak, is going to be slower than it was in the first phase. In that sense, i suspect that the pressure on hospitals will last longer than it did in the first phase. The study also suggests prevalence is highest in large households, deprived neighbourhoods and within black and asian communities. Ministers will have to wait for more data next week but they will no doubt be worried, if there is not a significant fall in infections soon, tougher measures may be needed. We can speak now to professor calum semple, a specialist in outbreak medicine at the university of liverpool. Hes also a member of the governments Scientific Advisory group sage, but is speaking in a personal capacity today. Good afternoon to you, professor calum semple. So these studies suggest that in england, infection rates may in fact have risen at the start of the current lockdown. That news will be greeted with dismay by a great many people. Can you unpick the figures for us . Because it sounds really contradictory. It is sounds really contradictory. It is tuite sounds really contradictory. It is quite complex. Sounds really contradictory. It is quite complex, but i sounds really contradictory. Pt 3 quite complex, but essentially at christmas, as i understand it, the
vast majority of people really adhered very closely to the request to stay at home and not have widespread mixing, so the effect of christmas was actually critical and schools were closed, nurseries were closed and people werent working, so we saw some good suppression in that period, and then as we came into the lockdown, the lockdown was actually a release of many activities for some people because people went back to work, some of the universities went back, in part, and nursery stayed open, and people went to work, so there was some increased transmission within the population and that, combined with the emergence of a highly infectious new strain, may have led to an increase in cases. But having said that, we are still now seeing a reduction in cases nationally and a slight turning, perhaps a plateau, or the absolute number of cases coming into hospital, so i would say there is not reason for dismay,
there is not reason for dismay, there is not reason for dismay, there is reason to accept that we are in a very precarious position. But is it the case, then, that the figures suggest that cases went up once we went into lockdown, but may now be flattering . That is what you are saying, essentially, that the lockdown is working . May now be flattening . I lockdown is working . May now be flattenint . ,. , flattening . I think it is, i think the mistake i flattening . I think it is, i think the mistake is i flattening . I think it is, i think the mistake is to i flattening . I think it is, i think the mistake is to use i flattening . I think it is, i think the mistake is to use the i flattening . I think it is, i thinkj the mistake is to use the term lockdown. We are in tier 4, this is not the same as the lockdown is we had in the summer and it is not comparable, people will know that because they have been out on the streets, seen how much traffic there is an honey people are still in the cities, so it is not comparable. Unfortunately, with the emergence of this highly transmissible strain, we are facing an uphill battle, so i would urge people. The other thing is the data is showing that the vast majority of people are actually adhering to the rules here. It is just we have got a much nastier virus that we have to deal with that
present. B. Virus that we have to deal with that resent. �. , , virus that we have to deal with that resent. , ,. , virus that we have to deal with that resent. ~. , ,. , present. A nasty virus and rules that are too present. A nasty virus and rules that are too lax, i present. A nasty virus and rules that are too lax, do i present. A nasty virus and rules that are too lax, do you i present. A nasty virus and rules that are too lax, do you think . | present. A nasty virus and rules| that are too lax, do you think . It that are too lax, do you think . Ut is not really about the rules, it is about the social reaction to them. After all, about the social reaction to them. Afterall, people about the social reaction to them. After all, people are, about the social reaction to them. Afterall, people are, on about the social reaction to them. After all, people are, on the whole, behaving themselves. It is just we are in a difficult situation where, if you want to maintain a degree of the Construction Industry and a degree of other working environments and you have got Nursery Schools open because you have to keep some of the key workers kids being looked after, you get into a situation where it is very hard to have your cake and eat it here. And this virus is more transmissible, so. It is incredibly difficult. There is not much left that can be shut down, so the emphasis now has to be on improving ventilation as best we can, adhering strictly to social distancing, wearing the facemasks, washing our hands, and we need to move away also i think now from just thinking about protecting
the nhs. We have to think about protecting the next tier of society, thatis protecting the next tier of society, that is your essential Emergency Services, we have ambulances being driven by police in some parts, we have to protect the ability of our fire service to respond, so we are in a very precarious position. Istate in a very precarious position. We have been in a very precarious position. We have been hearing this afternoon that Northern Ireland, the government of Northern Ireland has confirmed that the lockdown there will last until march to fifth and there is some talk of it possibly being extended to beyond easter. What do you think that the other nations in the uk can realistically expect in terms of these restrictions being extended . I appreciate these are political decisions, but you as a scientist, what would you like to see . I am decisions, but you as a scientist, what would you like to see . I am not in a position what would you like to see . I am not in a position to what would you like to see . I am not in a position to provide i what would you like to see . I am not in a position to provide political i in a position to provide political commentary or to. I in a position to provide political commentary or to. In a position to provide political commentary or to. I fully accept that. Commentary or to. I fully accept that but commentary or to. I fully accept that. Butl commentary or to. I fully accept
that. But i think commentary or to. I fully accept that. But i think watching i commentary or to. I fully accept j that. But i think watching what has happened that. But i think watching what has happened in that. But i think watching what has happened in Northern Ireland| has happened in Northern Ireland probably does give the population in the rest of the country an idea what might be following. I} . The rest of the country an idea what might be following. Might be following. Ok. That is a very concise might be following. Ok. That is a very concise answer, i might be following. Ok. That is a very concise answer, thank i might be following. Ok. That is a very concise answer, thank you l might be following. Ok. That is a i very concise answer, thank you very much indeed. Professor calum semple there from the university of liverpool. Thank you very much for your time. Mr; liverpool. Thank you very much for your time bbc news can reveal the nhs in england has bought hundreds of thousands of oxygen monitors for patients with coronavirus to use at home, in an attempt to save lives. It follows Research Suggesting even a small reduction in oxygen levels can be a warning sign of dangerous deterioration with covid 19. The devices are being given to patients aged 65 and over, and others at high risk, in an unprecedented rollout. Our Health Correspondent, Sophie Hutchinson, reports. It could have ended completely differently, so, you know, i suppose i do owe them my life, really. Dorset, where theyve taken the fight against the coronavirus into peoples homes. Lessons learned from the first wave have highlighted the danger of leaving some patients to sit out
the infection alone. We have seen people who are critically low on oxygen and weve heard stories of people dying at home because they havent been recognised, so i do think this simple hit of kit could really save your life. The bit of kit is a small, relatively cheap device known as an oximeter, which measures oxygen levels in the blood. Covid positive patients, like michael kerr, who are age 65 and over or who are at risk, are now being given the devices by gps in england and then monitored. Yeah, im fine. Oximeters are seen as vital because some patients with the virus are not breathless, despite having low oxygen levels. This dangerous condition is known as silent hypoxia. It has been reassuring for not only me, but the family as well. Research during the pandemic has shown that even relatively small drops in oxygen levels can be an early
warning sign of serious illness. A reading of 95 and above is considered normal. At 93 and 94 , patients are now told to contact their gp or call 111. But if its 92 or below, people are asked to recheck it, and if it is the same, go straight to a e. Its like stiff upper lip, isnt it . You just think, im all right, ill be ok, i can get on. Hospital is where Denise Nicholson ended up. She says even though she felt unwell, without the support she would never have known her oxygen levels were dangerously low. If it hadnt have been for the monitoring service, i dont think it would have been picked up. Been highlighted that i had covid pneumonia. I think i would have tried to continue to battle on at home. Im so grateful for having that service, and if they hadnt have come and they hadnt decided to take me into hospital, it could have ended completely differently so, you know, i suppose i do owe
them my life, really. And doctors behind the scheme say small tweaks to patient care can make a huge difference. Prevention is nearly always better than the cure. And whilst ventilators are really important in treating people who are serious unwell with covid, a simple intervention like an oximeter is probablyjust as important because by getting to patients earlier, we can hopefully prevent their severe deterioration and potentially theirfuture need for a ventilator and intensive care admission. And because of the impact of covid 19 on the lungs, doctors believe everyone should now have an oximeter at home. Theyre convinced these small devices can save lives. Sophie hutchinson, bbc news. Were waiting for the home secretary priti patel
to hold a News Conference from downing street. Lets take another look at the latest figures. Another 1,290 people have died from coronavirus, thats within 28 days of a positive test. A further 37,892 have tested positive for the virus. But, positive news, nearly five Million People have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. To put some of that into context for us, our Health Correspondent katharine da costa is here. Lots to talk about, as always. Before we go to those daily figures, you have some information from Public Health england that has come out this afternoon . England that has come out this afternoon . ,. ,. ,. ,. , afternoon . Yes, that is data that the hut afternoon . Yes, that is data that they put out afternoon . Yes, that is data that they put out every i afternoon . Yes, that is data that they put out every week i afternoon . Yes, that is data that they put out every week looking | afternoon . Yes, that is data that i they put out every week looking at case data across the country and it sort of paints a picture of where we are, so overall cases have been falling in all regions and among all ages, but there are still very high levels. Hospitaladmissions ages, but there are still very high levels. Hospital admissions are still rising in several regions, highest tower in the West Midlands and highest among those over 85, they are obviously at particular risk of dying from this virus, so it
is a real worry. There have been signs that hospital admissions and icu admissions are starting to stabilise, but they are still high, that does mean we are expecting to see deaths remaining and high levels for some weeks to come. Cases still highest in london, or that they have been coming down, and among people aged 20 is. I been coming down, and among people ated 20 is. ,. ,. , aged 20 is. I read out the daily fitures aged 20 is. I read out the daily figures that aged 20 is. I read out the daily figures that we i aged 20 is. I read out the daily figures that we have i aged 20 is. I read out the daily figures that we have had, i aged 20 is. I read out the daily| figures that we have had, which aged 20 is. I read out the daily i figures that we have had, which do suggest the deaths have gone down in the last week . The last week . Yes, so 1290 recorded. The last week . Yes, so 1290 recorded, down i the last week . Yes, so 1290 recorded, down from i the last week . Yes, so 1290 recorded, down from a i the last week . Yes, so 1290. Recorded, down from a record the last week . Yes, so 1290 i recorded, down from a record high yesterday of 1800. If we look at the seven day rolling average, it has been about 1200 per day, and as i have said, sadly the expectation is that those will still remain high while we are seeing such pressure in our hospitals. You know, the daily figures show 39,000 covid 19 patients are currently in hospitals across the uk. That is 18,000 more than on christmas day. Just a pain to a picture, Critical Care beds are
at 15 hospitals were full in the last week. Hospitals reported Critical Care beds at 95 capacity, even after creating extra icu beds, so you can see they are under intense pressure and that is likely to remain. As you say, the good news, the Silver Lining is the vaccinations, and we now know nearly 5 million have had theirfirst vaccine. Matt hancock said about 200 jobs are being given every minute. Yesterday saw the highest number for more than 360,000 delivered. 50 the more than 360,000 delivered. So the vaccinations are more than 360,000 delivered. So the vaccinations are clearly i more than 360,000 delivered. So the vaccinations are clearly continuing i vaccinations are clearly continuing apace, but there are real regional differences, and there . Yes. Apace, but there are real regional differences, and there . Yes, thats ritht, differences, and there . Yes, thats right. Because differences, and there . Yes, thats right, because we i differences, and there . Yes, thats right, because we now differences, and there . Yes, thats right, because we now know i differences, and there . Yes, thats right, because we now know there | differences, and there . Yes, thats. Right, because we now know there is a bit of a breakdown in where people are getting a job in the country, so we know for example in gloucestershire they have managed to vaccinate 85 of the over 805, whereas it is 36 in suffolk and north east e55ex, 5o whereas it is 36 in suffolk and north east e55ex, so some areas have been complaining they are struggling to get hold of enough supply of the
vaccine and we know the london mayor, sadiq khan, for example, was complaining that london has been lagging behind. The Health Secretary matt hancock has said that supplies is the limiting factor and it has been lumpy in the recent weeks, but the government has said that it is confident that there are enough doses in the country to reach the target of protecting or offering vaccines to all the over 705, to front line health and social care workers and the clinically extremely vulnerable, by mid february, that is in about three and a half weeks time. ,. , in about three and a half weeks time. ,. ,. , time. Katharine da costa, thank you very much time. Katharine da costa, thank you very much dont time. Katharine da costa, thank you very much. Dont go i time. Katharine da costa, thank you very much. Dont go very i time. Katharine da costa, thank you very much. Dont go very far i time. Katharine da costa, thank you very much. Dont go very far away i very much. Dont go very far away because we are going to hear from the home secretary, priti patel, very shortly and will want to be coming back to you for the time being. Thank you very much. Lets get more from our political correspondent, Jonathan Blake is at westminster. What do you think the home secretary is going to focus on today . I what do you think the home secretary is going to focus on today . Is going to focus on today . I think it is likely well is going to focus on today . I think it is likely well hear is going to focus on today . I think it is likely well hear more i is going to focus on today . I think it is likely well hear more from i it is likely well hear more from her about enforcement. Last week the home secretary was also joined at
the News Conference in downing street then by martin hewitt, chair of the National PoliceChiefs Council, adopted doctor linda walker, from nhs england in london, and the focus was very much on the message to the public to adhere to the rules and the punishments and enforcements that were at the polices disposal if people werent doing that, so perhaps more that funny home secretary today. I think beyond that they will be questions for her on the lockdown restrictions in place in england in the context of the announcement we have had from Northern Ireland just in the last few minutes, that the lockdown there will be in place until the 5th of march. � will be in place until the 5th of march. , march. And potentially. I will sto. March. And potentially. I will sto ou march. And potentially. I will stop you now march. And potentially. I will stop you now because i march. And potentially. I will stop you now because here i march. And potentially. I will. Stop you now because here comes march. And potentially. I will stop you now because here comes the home secretary. Good afternoon. Im joined today by dr vin dawakar