Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
£69 test at Superdrug
71yr wed pair are reunited
keeping people up to date “on how they can play their part to keep the bus network safe”.
A Transport Focus poll revealed 72% would not travel unless social distancing was in place – up from 62% two weeks ago. And 62% would not be happy to use public transport unless passengers had to wear face masks – up from 51%. 49 this week. Furniture Village has re-opened six sites while the remaining 46 will be ready for trading on Saturday.
And John Lewis has outlined plans to get ready for shoppers as it anticipates a green light.
Perspex screens have been fitted at checkouts and information desks. Stores with large car parks are likely to open first and private buses may ferry staff to work if public transport is an issue.
Clothes tried on but not bought will be quarantined before returning to
ON BUSES REJIG
firm has brought 3,000 out of 5,000 staff back to work to cope with demand.
Specialist company Responsible Travel said there had been a surge in enquiries this week as punters buoyed by reports of hotspots lifting quarantine rules were anxious to get away. Customer director Tim
Williamson said: “I’m optimistic there’ll rails and floors will get 2m spacing stickers. But the firm may have to halt consultations on baby goods, fashion and technology until social distancing is axed.
be summer holidays abroad and a strong autumn. We’re seeing high interest in Lapland and Northern Lights breaks.” And today, Easyjet will announce its plans for bio-security measures to protect passengers and staff when it resumes flights.
They are not expected to include leaving the middle seat on jets empty.
Operations chief Andrew Murphy said: “We want to be safe – not fast.”
Pubs bolstered their case to reopen on July 4 with new proposals to satisfy the Government that they can safely serve food and drink.
Trade body UK Hospitality said plans include no drinking at the bar, no salt and pepper or sauces on tables, and cutlery brought to diners with their food in table service only. Roped off areas, restrictions on kids’ playgrounds and patrolled smoking areas are also on the cards. UKH chief Kate Nicholls said the draft guidelines have been shared with governments in England, Scotland and Wales. She added: “We hope the guidelines will help businesses draw up plans based on their premises, ensuring safety is at the forefront when the right time comes to reopen.”
SUPERDRUG is the first High Street retailer to offer a coronavirus antibody test.
The chain is selling the Abbott home testing kit for £69 after it was provisionally approved by Public Health England.
The finger-prick tests can be ordered via the store’s website and customers post their sample straight to its lab to get a result within 24 hours of it arriving.
Health officials are carrying out further trials before the test can be rolled out on the NHS.
Superdrug healthcare boss Michael Henry said: “It’s an accessible way for people to know whether they have already been infected with COVID-19.”
It is still uncertain whether a patient who has had the virus and developed antibodies is immune to a second infection – so a positive result does not necessarily guarantee immunity.
A COUPLE married for 71 years have been reunited after defying the odds to overcome sepsis.
Mary Humphreys, 88, had hardly been apart from her husband David until she was hospitalised with the lifethreatening condition.
David was barely able to visit his wife in hospital due to the pandemic. Emotional footage showed the pair embracing as
Mary was brought home in a wheelchair to recover.
Daughter Lynne Dunn said: “It was a hard battle for somebody of 88 years old and her only goal was to come home to this man.”
Mary, of Doncaster, South Yorks, said it was “heaven” to be home and finally back together.
Lynne added: “It shows people, in difficult times, love conquers.”