THE VIRUS IN BRIEF

PARENTS with children in private schools have been warned against withdrawing fees as it could force them to permanently shut.

The Independent Schools Council chairman Barnaby Lenon said they would face the same risk as small companies if parents stopped paying.

He said: “It’s probably going to get messy but it will be messy in many areas of life. Independent schools are small businesses and are in the same boat as everyone else.”

The first full week of school and university closures will begin today with provisions in place so children can sit in on virtual assemblies, live lessons and even take part in video workouts with PE staff.

Mr Lenon said: “Those staff will need to be paid.”

COMMUNITIES are being brought together by Covid-19 as a quarter of adults say it has seen them talk to neighbours for the first time, a study has found.

Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) believe their neighbourhood is closer thanks to acts of kindness.

While a third (30 per cent) say they are checking on the elderly and another 23 per cent are offering help to other vulnerable people. One in three has already got groceries for those unable to leave the house.

Thirteen per cent have donated to a foodbank while 10 per cent have helped a charity.

Siobhan Freegard of ChannelMum.com, which did the poll, said: “The coronavirus crisis might be causing stress but it’s also kick-started a wave of kindness around the country.”

BLOOD donations have dipped by 15 per cent as concerns grow around coronavirus.

The drop has led to officials issuing a rallying call for more people to come forward.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) said it will need donors “more than ever” over the coming weeks and months.

While last week’s slump was mitigated by the cancellation of some pre-planned operations, future donors were urged to stick to their appointments.

Dr Gail Miflin, chief medical officer for NHSBT, said: “We can assure people that blood donation sessions are still going ahead. If you are fit and healthy, travel to donate blood is essential for the NHS.

“Extra safety measures are in place and our trained staff will now check everyone on arrival. Blood donation saves lives and we will need our donors more than ever.”

For information on how to donate, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk