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Updated April 01, 2020 15:54:16

News Corp says it will suspend printing of 60 community newspapers in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia from April 9.

The organisation said advertising revenues had rapidly declined after the restrictions placed on real estate auctions and home inspections, and the forced closure of event venues and dine-in restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic.

The move follows the news of the closure of several Victorian independent newspapers last month as a result of a decline in revenue resulting from the pandemic.

A statement released by News Corp said the community mastheads would "continue to publish digitally with reporters and photographers expanding News Corp's hyper-local news coverage for consumers across Australia".

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said the decision to suspend printing of its community newspapers was not taken lightly.

He said News Corp remained committed to serving Australia's many communities with trusted, professional journalism.

The impact of COVID-19 on the community newspapers came on top of the toll on media from the refusal of digital platforms to pay publishers to use their content, Mr Miller said.

He said during the COVID-19 emergency News Corp's main priority was to preserve jobs and get the company in a strong position to counter the crisis.

"During this unprecedented time it is imperative that we reduce costs while continuing to keep the community informed and doing all we can to retain jobs," Mr Miller said.

"The print suspension will allow us to assess the shape of the market itself and future conditions, taking into account how the coronavirus situation unfolds in the coming period."

The statement also said News Corp would give community newspaper readers the opportunity to take up a free 28-day digital subscription.

The offer allows access to the websites, apps and mobile sites of News's metro mastheads the Herald Sun, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier-Mail and The Advertiser.

Topics:media,print-media,journalism,rural-media,covid-19,diseases-and-disorders,business-economics-and-finance,australia,nsw,qld,vic,sa

First posted April 01, 2020 11:11:28

Read more from the original source:
News Corp to suspend 60 community newspapers across the country because of coronavirus - ABC News

MTN Rwanda has announced that is has put in place additional interventions to support the Governments efforts to communicate and raise awareness on precautionary measures to prevent and contain the spread of Covid-19.

Driven by the belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, MTN has rolled out a series of mobile connectivity, digital and mobile fintech solutions for its communities.

MTNs priority is keeping people connected during this period. We need to play our part in the alleviation of the economic, social and educational impact through the support of key institutions such as Health, ICT and Education, said MTN CEO, Mitwa Ngambi.

The company, through its Foundation, has donated Frw 10 million to Rwanda Biomedical Centre to support them as they work tirelessly to stop the spread of the virus and has offered free MTN calls among health workers for a period of 90 days.

MTN has also availed free media channel space (radio, TV, social media, SMS, Ring Back Tone, IVR platform) to promote the Ministry of Healths sensitization messages.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of ICT and Innovation, MTN has made online access to Rwandan universities and school websites free to allow students to access in house learning materials.

Students can access https://elearning.reb.rw/, https://elearning.ur.ac.rw/ and https://elearning.rp.ac.rw/ at any time without consuming any data.

We know how important it is to support continued learning for students during this period when institutions of learning are closed. To this end, we have zero-rated some educational websites to enable learners to access core curriculum materials and facilitate distance learning, she added.

In a bid to better serve customers in this period and beyond, MTN through its Digital platforms, recently announced that it has also increased the daily limit on Airtime Transfer (Me2U) from Rwf 3,000 to Rwf 6,000 as well as increased the airtime account balance limit from Rwf 500,000 to Rwf 1,000,000.

In cooperation with the Central Bank of Rwanda to drive cashless payments, MTN Rwanda recently waived fees on sending money to others, on all transactions from Banks to MoMo wallets and vice versa, as well as payments for goods and services using MoMoPay for a period of 90 days.

Social distancing amongst other precautionary interventions has undoubtedly increased the importance of communities staying digitally connected. In light of this, MTN has seen a spike in Internet traffic.

Indicating how the company plans to deal with the upsurge in online traffic and network load, Mrs. Ngambi said, We have noted an increase in internet traffic, almost doubling in residential areas due to the current situation. We have taken immediate actions to optimize and expand the existing network resources to accommodate the increase in demand over the coming weeks.

A key priority for MTN is to ensure business continuity. Services over this time will be even more critical, so priority is ensuring network continuity, availability of spares and equipment and the upgrading of capacity.

MTN Rwanda has taken a series of precautionary measures to ensure continuity of services and the safety of its stakeholders including employees, customers, communities and suppliers against the outbreak.

All recommended and necessary prevention mechanisms have been put in place in all MTN touchpoints.

A work-from-home plan for employees has been implemented in order to reduce the number of employees in offices and Service Centres at a given time and provisioning of hand sanitizers and temperature screening at all points.

Franchisees, Agents and Suppliers/Service Providers have also been guided to ensure that they are taking the same precautionary and preventative measures.

Customers can seek MTN services through the call centre by dialling 100, visit the Service Centres from 8am to 3pm or engage MTN agents that remain operational to ensure continued Mobile Money and airtime service delivery.

To curb the spread of Covid-19, Rwanda Utilities and Regulatory Authority (RURA) has put in place measures for Agents to adhere to when conducting transactions with customers.

MTN Mobile Money and Airtime Agents must wear gloves and masks at all times and keep a 1 metre distance from customers.

They are not allowed to work under the same umbrella/station nor exchange mobile devices. Agents who violate these set guidelines will be subject to penalties which may include closure of their businesses.

MTN Rwandas top priorities are to keep our customers connected and our employees safe and healthy. We stand ready to leverage our core expertise, technology and infrastructure to support and align our response with the efforts of the Government to contain and mitigate the spread of Covid-19, Mrs. Ngambi said.

Original post:
MTN Rwanda Ramps Up Efforts to Support Communities In The Fight Against Covid-19 - Taarifa Rwanda

Here at Townsquare Media, we want to help Keep Texarkana Moving. Texarkana is our home and we want to help get the word out about businesses that are staying open for business during the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak. If you are healthy, please join us in supporting these businesses.

Unfortunately, hair and nail salons in Arkansas have had to close due to Governor Asa Hutchinson and hair and nail salons, barbershops and tattoo parlors on the Texas side of Texarkana will close Thursday, March 26 at 11:59PM until further notice.

We are trying our best to make this list as accurate as possible so if you see that a business on the list is no longer open or you know of one that is open but not on our list, please let us know!

Ace Mobile Homes 5179 HWY 59 in Texarkana, Texas

Air Now Heating & Air Conditioningopen and operating business as usual.(903) 792-2665

AMERICAN Signs & Banners1813 Jim Walter Drive Texarkana Arkarkansas Open normal business hours(870) 772-0309

Arkansas Graphics: Arkansas Graphics is still open for business as normal.

Ark-La-Tex Healthcare1414 Arkansas Blvd.(870) 773-7246

Ashley HomeStore Free Garage Delivery for all in-store and phone orders now thru the end of March

Avis Budget Group: 305 Airport Drive, Texarkana Arkansas. Due to limited air travel, airport office closing early 3/18/20- 03/20/20. Open: 8am. Closing 6pm.(870) 773-1861

B & B Sewing and Vacuum Center - 2411 Texas Blvd Open Regular Business Hours M-F and Sat 10-1pm

Baymont Inn & Suites on State Line Ave is open 24 hours

Bearded Brothers Customs and Detailing302 Hickory building 1 Open forauto details, minor mechanic work, window tinting and electronic install.(870) 279-4331 or (903) 255-8341

Brooke HashKeepin' it Clean Cleaning services! Available for quotes and cleanings!870-703-4018

Blue Gorilla Garage- 6905 Alumax Rd. Texarkana, Texas.

Central Mall Monday-Saturday 11AM to 7PM. On Sundays, the mall will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m

Century 21 All Points Realty - is open for business. Their lobby is closed to the public with appointment only but all agents are working remotely

Chubby Cheeks Liquor- open 9AM- !2AM Monday -Saturday. 820 Realtor Road, Texarkana Arkansas.(870) 772-0613

Classic Auto Park- 4333 Mall Drive Texarkana, Texas. Open M S 9AM - 6PM

Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 1102 Walton Drive Texarkana Texas. Open M S 9AM - 6PM

Classic Kia 902 Walton Drive Open M S 9AM - 6PM

Commercial National Bank: Commercial National Bank is open with drive-thru services. Banking needs that cannot be accommodated in this manner will be available by appointment only by calling 870-773-4561.

The Computer Hut: Can help others to set up their remote work station at home. bcromer@comphut.com 903-278-2474

Connections Learning Center/Lil Tykes Tutoring is offering one on one mobile tutoring for children ages Kinder-12th grade

Cool Tanz and Spa Arkansas Blvdand Richmond Road a is open with amended hours 11-7 mon-fri and 12-5 sat-sun

Cranford Land Management(903) 293-5567

Custom Diesel and RV - 5736 E. 9th St. Texarkana Arkansas regular hours

Castle Family Dental- 3210 Richmond Road Texarkana Texas Open normal business hours(903) 832-3146

Dog Patch Pet Shop - 5031 W. Park Road, Texarkana Texas Open for Pet Food and supplies 9AM - 5:30(903) 792-5697

Edible Arrangements 4501 North Stateline Open 9a-7p Monday -Friday, Saturday 9a-5p Sundays 10a-3p (903) 306-0177

Elara Caring - providinga wide-range of in-home clinical services with focus on recovery, rehabilitation and health education.of home-based careABlair@Elara.com

Elite Mechanical Heat and Air Services in Fouke is open.(870) 653-6649

Emma's Grand Divine CreationsCookie Shop2411 N. Stateline AveTexarkana, Texas. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. until sold out. Hours are subject to change.

Firmin's Office City: We are open and taking and delivering orders.(903) 793-5566

Garretts Sporting Goods at 3102 Richmond Road is open.(903) 293-0505

Giles Body Shop, 320 S Kings Hwy, Texarkana Texas 903-831-3546 open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

Gregg Orr Marine4021 Mall Drive Texarkana, Texas - Open M S 9AM - 6PM

Gregg Orr Extreme - 941 N. Constitution Ashdown, Arkansas Open M - S 9AM - 6PM

Hampton by Hilton at 5302 Crossroads Parkway in Texarkana, Arkansas(870) 774-4267.

HK Electric - in Nash, Texas(903) 831-2306

H&N Landscaping / Nursery/ Floral and Gift shop 7801 North Stateline Texarkana Texas Hours Monday - Friday 8-5 Saturday8-3 (903) 792-0831

Jacksons Almost Everything - 715 N. Stateline Texarkana Texas(903) 792-7929

Jr. Building Supplies101 S. Robinson Road(430) 200-0497

Ledwell Machinery - 910 Eastloop Drive, Texarkana Texas(903) 838-6531

Ledwell Office Solution3200 Court Street Texarkana Texas (903) 794-3113

Michaels Crafts Store3401 Mall Drive Texarkana, Texas(903) 223-1152

Micah's Jewelers. 2812 Richmond Road. They are offering pick up and delivery if needed for any jewelry repair.(903) 735-2336

Northeast Texas Small Business Development Center: Offices will be open beginning Monday, March 23

Painting with a Twist - 2700 Richmond Road is currently open. They are keeping all open classes at 10reservations or less.(903) 244-7879

Pet Passages- 10178 Hwy 71 in Fouke Arkansas. Crematorium and funeral home for pets is open(870) 653-2458

Post Acute Medical Specialty Hospital of Texarkana2400 St. Micael Drive is open and will remain so. Offering acute care hospitalization for patients in the Ark-La-Tex.(903) 614-7600

Perfume Boutique in Central Mall is open Monday - Saturday 11 am- 7 pm. Sunday 12.30 pm- 6 pm.903-223-5298

Queen City Tire and Roadside - Open If you need any help they will come to you or you can pull in and they will come to you and fix your tires. They have a service truck. Call (903) 908-4949

Red River Sanitors Janitorial Cleaning Texarkana Texas (318) 572-7520

Reliance Mechanical Contractors - HVAC, Plumbing, & Piping 1001 Alumax Road Texarkana, Texas(903) 223-0946

RnR Tire Express 3905 New Boston Road, Open Monday -Friday 9AM-6PM Saturdays 9-5, closed Sunday

Sammys Doggie Daycare and Boarding located 3101 West Main Street, Atlanta,Texas.(903) 799-7700

Shelby's Service Center 2003 College Dr is open Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30

Smiles of Arkansas Dental Centers- all locations are postponing regular appointments. Only accepting urgent and emergency care patients through March 31. Call one of their locations if you have an emergency or question.

Singing Telegrams of Arkansas is still delivering to Texarkana and offering $25 off all delivery services(870) 221-1557

Super Splash Car Wash Arkansas Blvd. Open Monday- Saturday 9AM- 4PM weather permitting.

SWBC Mortgage: 3101 Kennedy Lane Suite 200 Open with normal hours. (903) 223-5632

Tammie Flanagan Luthringer Physical Therapy and Wellness(903) 277- 9424

Texarkana Tent & Awning 605 Texas Blvd. (903) 794-2911

Texarkana Tractor -7478 Hampton Road Texarkana Texas. Open normal business hours M-F 8a 5p andSaturday 8a - noon(903) 838-4377

If you are a business that is open please let us know by texting us at the link below. This list will be updated daily.

See the rest here:
Updated: 'Keep Texarkana Moving' - These Businesses Are Open - kkyr.com

COVID-19 has only been around for a few months, so at this point scientists don't know that much about it. But more is being learned every day.

We now know, for example, it can live on surfaces for up to nine days and survives in the air for a few hours. We also now know that the virus particles are shed through saliva and fluids coughed up from the lungs. And that the virus can also be shed from our faeces.

It's easy for an infected person to spread the virus particles through coughing, touching other people or leaving the virus on surfaces.

Undoubtedly, hand-washing after being in public spaces is key to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But what should we be doing in our homes to eliminate it?

Two recent studies have investigated how long coronaviruses survive on different surfaces. The research looked at a number of different viruses including SARS-CoV-2 the coronavirus that has caused COVID-19. And it found that the survival times varied according to the type of surface.

The virus survived for longest on stainless steel and plastic for up to nine days. The shortest survival times of one day was for paper and cardboard.

Table of time surviving in air and on surfaces. (Lena Ciric)

The amount of virus particles during this time does reduce, but it's worrying that the particles can last for days rather than hours or minutes on a surface.

So, how good are the cleaning products already in your cupboards at killing SARS-CoV-2? There is some good news in the list below.

Soap and water are your first line of defence to remove the virus from surfaces. Soap interferes with the fats in the virus shell and lift the virus from surfaces and this is then rinsed off by water.

Of course, you also need to wash your hands when you come in from the shops and wash your food as normal.

The active ingredient in bleach sodium hypochlorite is very effective at killing the virus. Make sure you leave the bleach to work for 10-15 minutes then give the surface a wipe with a clean cloth.

The bleach works by destroying the protein and what's known as the ribonucleic acid (RNA) of the virus this is the substance that gives the blueprint for making more virus particles when you become infected. Be sure to use the bleach as directed on the bottle.

Surgical spirit is mostly made up of the alcohol ethanol. Ethanol has been shown to kill coronaviruses in as little as 30 seconds. Like bleach, the alcohol destroys the protein and RNA that the virus is made up of.

Moisten a cloth with some neat surgical spirit and rub it over a surface. This will evaporate and you will not need to wipe it off.

The active ingredient in surface wipes is an antiseptic usually benzalkonium chloride. The wipes work by physically removing germs through the pressure you apply when you use them, and the germs then attach to the wipe.

They also leave a layer of the antiseptic on the surface that works to kill germs. The antiseptic works well on bacteria as well as on coronaviruses that infect mice and dogs but it seems to make no difference to the spread of human coronavirus.

Antiseptics work by disrupting the fats in pathogen cells, but SARS-CoV-2 does not contain many fats. So far, there is no evidence that antiseptics can kill human coronaviruses.

A word of warning though about hand sanitisers. The main ingredient in hand sanitisers that will kill SARS-CoV-2 is ethanol, the alcohol in surgical spirit. But its concentration in the sanitiser is very important it has to be over 70 percent or it will not kill the virus effectively.

One thing you can also do is make sure you air out the spaces you are spending time in regularly. An infected person will produce thousands of tiny droplets which contain the virus every time they cough.

SARS-CoV-2 can survive in the air for up to three hours. So by opening the window, you can remove and disperse the droplets and reduce the amount of virus in the air which will reduce the risk of infection for others.

We are living in uncertain times but it's reassuring to know that we have some weapons we can use to fight COVID-19 in our homes.

The bottom line: keep washing your hands, use 70 percent hand sanitiser, dust off the bleach and open a window to let in the spring air.

Lena Ciric, Associate Professor in Environmental Engineering, UCL.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

See more here:
Cleaning Products Can Kill The COVID-19 Virus. Here's What to Use in Your House - ScienceAlert

Trying times call for innovative solutions.

Rather than close up shop and send everyone home, which is what most businesses are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Next Level Window Cleaning of Kelowna has stepped it up.

We emailed all our past clients and everyone we know to let them know were still open for business, said owner Brandon Gawdun.

And rather than just do the typical special offer, we decided for every window cleaning booked in March we would donate $29 to the B.C. Schizophrenia Society, because mental health is so important.

To comply with social distancing and the fact people dont want outsiders in their homes right now, Next Level has suspended all indoor window cleaning.

But we can certainly do all our regular outdoor services like exterior window washing, gutter cleaning, moss treatments (on roofs), pressure washing and soft wash, said Gawdun.

And its been going very well. I have two crews of two guys each out right now, which is the same as I had last year in March. Hiring is going ahead to add two more crews next month.

Next Level follows all WorkSafeBC and Canadian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Payment can be arranged by phone or email when you book an appointment at LiveNextLevel.ca so window cleaners can simply arrive and do the work without having to knock on your door.

Demand for house washing and deck cleaning with pressure washing and soft wash has gone up with the pandemic.

The solution used in such washes is hot water, detergent and bleach a cleaning and disinfecting that kills all viruses, including the novel coronavirus.

Weve actually pivoted with our soft wash truck to offer not just residential washes, but washes for grocery stores and pharmacies that want outdoor washes, said Gawdun.

A soft wash or pressure wash typically costs $300 to $350, outdoor window cleaning averages $200 to $250, moss treatment usually runs $500 and gutter cleaning costs $200.

With people spending more time at home and controlling what they can control, window cleaning has really come to the forefront, said Gawdun.

Its part of having a calm, healthy, clean home that promotes feeling good and good mental health.

That puts a lot of onus on window cleaning, along with the indoor cleaning, decluttering and organizing people may be doing with more time on their hands at home during COVID-19 isolation.

Im optimistic if we come together as a community and follow all government protocols quickly and strictly, as tough as they may be, we can overcome this rough time together and enjoy a beautiful Okanagan summer on the other side of it, said Gawdun.

This too shall pass. Stay positive my friends.

Read the original:
Window cleaner finds way to thrive during slowdown - The Daily Courier

MACON, Ga. We at 13WMAZ want to support our small business community during what could be a difficult time due to the COVID-19 outbreak. That's why we're spotlighting those who are still "Open for Business," and operating in a safe manner.

This is the time of year when you may be thinking of cleaning up the outside of your home or business.

A Central Georgia company is still "open for business" and is taking that deep clean a step further.

The Window Guys is an exterior cleaning company. They clean siding, windows, concrete and gutters.

Now they're adding playgrounds to that list.

Owner Chris Belflower and his five person crew are donating their cleaning services to all Macon-Bibb public elementary school playgrounds.

They cleaned four playgrounds on Friday and have 16 more to do.

The goal is to give students a nice, fresh and clean place to play when they eventually return to school.

"In times like this it's just really important to stay positive, try to keep momentum going as a leader of your business and a leader of your team, make sure you're sending a positive message to your employees and your community," Belflower said.

If you'd like to learn more about The Window Guys, you can call 478-216-8468 or follow them on their Facebook page.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Open for Business | The Butcher Shop in Warner Robins

Perry coffee shop giving healthcare workers boost in energy, spirits

Open for Business | Johnny's New York Style Pizza in Bonaire

FACTS NOT FEAR|At 13WMAZ, were focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the coronavirus. To see our full coverage, visit our site section here: http://www.13wmaz.com/Coronavirus.

More here:
Open for Business | The Window Guys - 13WMAZ.com

The COVID-19 outbreak is rapidly changing how people live their everyday lives.

Motorists who are driving during the outbreak will want to do their part to prevent the virus from being carried inside their vehicle.

Conveniently, most household cleaners that kill coronavirus are safe to use on a car interior without causing damage. Cleaning solutions that are at least 70 percent alcohol are effective against coronavirus, and they are generally very safe on car interiors, according to AAA Automotive and AAA Insurance.

Follow these tips to disinfect your vehicle:

Dont use bleach and hydrogen peroxide cleaners. Though they can kill coronavirus, they might also damage the cars upholstery.

When cleaning out-of-the-ordinary surfaces such as suede, Alcantara (synthetic suede) or older headliners, its smart to check the owners manual for automaker recommendations.

Take time to give your car a thorough cleaning while wearing disposable gloves. You may want to vacuum and remove any trash or debris if necessary. Clean dirty surfaces using detergent or soap and water before disinfecting.

When using your disinfectant solution, dont just wipe the obvious areas like the steering wheel and door handles. Make sure you clean the complete interior of the vehicle.

You can follow up by applying protectant to the interior surfaces. Professional detailers use products that preserve the original factory finish, which usually has a natural matte or satin appearance. Avoid silicone-based protectants that leave a shiny, greasy finish that tends to attract dust.

Use an alcohol-based window cleaner for all window surfaces. This should work for touchscreen displays as well but consult your cars manual to be safe.

To be thorough, clean the carpets and floors. Carpets can be cleaned by spraying a suitable detergent solution on spots, using a brush to work it in, then rubbing with a towel to remove the stain and cleaner.

Cleaning dirtier areas, particularly floor mats and cargo area carpeting, may require the use of a carpet steam cleaner equipped with a hand-held attachment. Cloth upholstery is cleaned in much the same manner as carpets.

Now that your car is clean, keep some disinfectant wipes on hand to routinely wipe off commonly touched areas.

Continue to keep your car tidy and disinfected, and maybe add an air freshener to complete that new car feel.

See the CDCs full list of disinfectants that can kill COVID-19 virus online at https://tinyurl.com/uf5kbyc.

The fork ratings are based primarily on food quality and preparation, with service and atmosphere factored into the final decision. Reviews are based on one unsolicited, unannounced visit to the restaurant.

Here is the original post:
Tips for cleaning cars in the COVID-19 era - The Daily News Online

We know you have many questions about coronavirus and how it's impacting your life - so ITV News is putting your questions to the experts in a special weekly programme, called Coronavirus: Q&A.

The programme is broadcast every Monday at 8pm on ITV.

In this week's programme, Consumer Editor Chris Choi answered some of the many questions ITV News viewers and readers sent in about how the outbreak is affecting your health work, travel and your everyday life.

These are the answers to the questions Chris answered on the programme, plus other questions we didn't have time to include on air.

Steven: I am classed as extremely vulnerable but can't get a supermarket delivery slot. My food supply is getting very low what am I meant to do?

Answer: If friends, family or neighbours can help, make sure they leave supplies on the doorstep and do not enter your home.

Please dont be shy to ask for help.

Don't feel alone.

Volunteers and food banks are operating in many areas, check local papers and online.

The Government is sending free basic food parcels, 50,000 this week.

You can register for support on the Government's coronavirus website - or call the number included in the NHS letter being sent to the extremely vulnerable.

Chloe: I am on a zero-hours contract, I'm not earning any money. What help can I get?

Answer: Employees on zero hours contracts are eligible for the Government job retention scheme.

If you and your employer agree, you can be put on furlough which puts your job on hold.

It pays you 80% of your usual income up to 2,500 a month.

This will be based on your average monthly earnings.

Natalie: If someone is high risk and advised to take 12 weeks off work - does the Government pay for this period of time?

Answer: If you are an employee remaining at home on government advice you should get Statutory Sick Pay, as long as you usually earn more than 118 per week.

You will get this from day one.

Dean: As a window cleaner, I work on my own and rarely make contact with customers as they pay online. Should I get back out to work?

Answer: Official advise is to work from home if you can you certainly can't.

People stuck inside need to be able to see outside - so Im sure youll be appreciated.

Work carefully, there's a big campaign to prevent accidents at the moment because nobody want to distract the NHS.

Michael: My wife works as a supermarket checkout operator but has received a GP letter telling her to socially distance for two weeks. Can she be furloughed?

Answer: Furlough is for if the work isn't there any more but as we know supermarkets are busy and staff are doing amazing work.

If you are told to self-isolate, you can get sick pay from day one of your time off.

It's usually 94.25 per week.

Mr Spence: I'm a refuse collector. Should we be wearing extra protection?

Answer: We know the virus can live on surfaces for days.

Some councils are asking people to put used tissues and cleaning cloths aside perhaps in a bag for 72 hours before placing in the bins.

Refuse collectors wear gloves which should protect them - washing after a shift will be more vital than ever.

Lucy: We are due to go to Bali mid-June, while my son is due to go inter-railing in mid-July. What are the chances we will be allowed to travel?

Answer: The current advice against travel only lasts until April 15, but it's likely to be extended.

Restrictions in all destinations are now hard to predict.

Its the same advice to anyone who has booked a summer holiday - dont cancel yet or you will lose your money.

If the travel ban is extended and travel firms cancel holidays you will be entitled to refunds - so best to wait for now.

Katie: Ive booked a holiday to Cyprus in September, should I pay the next instalment?

Answer: If you keep up the payments you will get a refund if the holiday gets cancelled.

If you dont pay you are likely to lose what you have already paid.

Consumer group Which? recommends paying the full balance in this situation - but not until after April 16, as the official advice will have been updated by then and the situation may be clearer.

Kay: Can my family of four can travel by car from the north-east of England to go to a family funeral in south Yorkshire?

Answer: Condolences for your loss.

Yes you can travel for a funeral.

You can also stay in a hotel overnight if you need to when attending a funeral.

Once you are at the funeral you must remain two metres away from others.

Richard: What is a person in isolation supposed to do to top-up pre-payment gas and electricity meters?

Answer: On average, energy for a two-week isolation would cost 46.

Ask family and friends to top up cards for you staying two metres away at all times.

Some firms have increased the amount of emergency reserve, for example Npower from 7 to 45, Eon 5 to 50.

Others like British Gas say you can call them or go online.

Michael: Can you tell me is it possible to get a simple thing like a haircut?

Answer: Salons and barbers are shut and could be for some time.

If a member of your household has these skills, great.

As a warning to all, take a look at some terrible results of home haircuts posted on social media.

It may be time to consider a hat.

Maureen: I am in the vulnerable category for a food delivery. What safety measures should we adopt when unpacking food deliveries?

Answer: Shopping should be left on your doorstep.

Unpack it, carefully discard the packing, then wash your hand thoroughly.

A new study from Princeton University shows the virus can survive on packaging up to three days.

Sharon: I am in the "at risk" group but have to walk my dog. I am really worried about coronavirus being passed on via pets.

Answer: Getting out into the fresh air for exercise can do you good but stay two metres away from others.

Official UK Government advice is that there is no evidence pets can be infected with coronavirus.

However, the problem is that dogs dont do social distancing.

If they get patted by other people they can carry virus into your home not a big risk, but just wash your hands after stroking pets.

We are now living in an era when humans are looking forward to their daily walkies as much as the dogs.

Denise: Is there any provision to waive payments for student accommodation where students are back home with parents and unable to travel back?

Answer: Some campuses are offering refunds - not all.

Most students in halls of residence have a fixed term agreement contract.

You can get out of it only if the landlord agrees, or if you have a break clause in the contract.

Accommodation providers will be judged according to how well they treat people so some may be persuaded it's in their interests to release students from their contacts.

Shirley: I have a weekly cleaner, which I need for health reasons. Should she still be coming?

Answer: If you are in the vulnerable group anyone coming into your home carries extra risk, so avoid using your cleaner if possible.

If your cleaner is needed on health grounds and neither of you is in the category that should be isolating (ie. you have symptoms or have been exposed to somebody that has), arrange things so you are able to keep six feet apart.

One aspect of this crisis is that cleaners have become more recognised and valued for what they do.

Last updated Mon 30 Mar 2020

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Coronavirus Q&A: 15 questions on work, holidays and everyday life answered - ITV News

Linda Johnson, of Auburn, thanks her neighbor Jessica Gasparro for gifting people in the community with red bows recently. Cards attached to the bows say they honor and support health care workers in the community. Gasparro has also tied bows around some trees on Genesee Street downtown, and near Auburn Community Hospital.

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MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora has begun making reusable masks for local first responders and health care workers, including Auburn Community Hospital, Cayuga Correctional Facility and local New York State Police barracks. The retailer is also in talks with local nursing homes. The team previously responsible for creating and sewing bags and other small home decor items is working on the masks, and hopes to send out 500 a week for the foreseeable future.

The family of Marilyn Kirk Zeyak is asking the community to wish her a happy 80th birthday by sending cards to her at 2329 Dodd Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23454. Marilyn was born and raised in Auburn, and her family was planning a surprise party for March 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn before they were forced to cancel it due to the coronavirus.

The Moravia Hope Pantry is serving triple the usual number of families at this time, and so the pantry is seeking donations of money and nonperishable food. Money can be sent to P.O. Box 462, 66 Aurora St., Moravia, and food can be placed in the tubs outside the entrance at that same address.

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The Citizen's community bulletin board: Good deeds and more during COVID-19 - The Citizen

Doing the dishes, taking out the garbage and whipping up home-cooked meals are commonplace for us mere mortals but there is something rather refreshing about seeing our favourite celebrities do the same/

With A-listers around the world quarantined or self-isolating, many have taken to social media to show themselves performing everyday household chores. From window cleaning to sweeping the floor, heres a look at how some celebrities are pulling their weight around the house.

Some have even sent out appreciative messages to their regular house-help, acknowledging the work they do and giving them the kudos they deserve.

The Bollywood actress has been extremely active around the house, judging by her Instagram account. Last week she put up a post explaining that, with her house helper self-isolating, she and her sister, Isabelle Kaif, were taking turns to do the dishes. She even uploaded a short tutorial to show people (who may have forgotten) the right way to clean dishes (that also saves water).

This really makes you appreciate all the help we have at home, she captioned the post.

However, that wasnt the end of it. Two days later, she put up another post showing her sweeping the floor. Were all doing our part, she said in the caption, adding that it was really good exercise.

The award-winning British actress, 86, is not having any house help over as she stays in self-isolation. Instead, Collins shared a picture on her social media, showcasing her and husband Percy Gibson cleaning out their house. While shes spotted cleaning the windows, Gibson seems to be on make-the-bed duty. Well, somebody has to do it, reads her caption.

Although not technically an everyday chore, Bollywood actress Sharma got quite a lot of attention online when she posted a sweet video of herself cutting husband Kohlis hair. This is what quarantine does to you, the cricketer joked in the video, which has accrued four 4 million views in a day.

The British singer-songwriter has posting regularly about her self-quarantine, and has even been sharing her playlists online. Heres a video of the singer washing dishes while belting out a tune.

The model and cookbook author famously knows and loves all things food, so it comes as no surprise that Teigen has spent a good part of her social isolation whipping up a storm in the kitchen with husband John Legend and their children. She recently made headlines when she shared pictures of a banana bread she baked, which she then offered to trade online with anyone who could give the family lettuce. YouTube star Chris Klemens took up the offer and later shared a funny picture of their social-distancing-friendly swap.

Teigen isnt the only celebrity spending her lockdown baking. Earlier this week, Kapoor shared a picture of herself baking a cake for her family and staff while practising social distancing, using the hashtag #stayhome.

Indian actor and model Shukla is certainly keeping busy, too. The star recently posted a four-minute YouTube video showcasing him doing a number of household chores, including chopping onions, dusting and washing the dishes.

Meanwhile, Arora Khan told fans all about her love for cooking. In a bid to stay safe and healthy, the star took to making a vegetable stew, with a recipe she borrowed from her mother. She shared the process on Instagram, reminding people to stay home. I hope you too utilise this time to do something positive and healthy. Stay calm and stay safe, she added.

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Updated: March 29, 2020 05:58 PM

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Celebrities on clean-up duty: how Katrina Kaif, Joan Collins and more are helping out around the house - The National