I won this election – President Trump insists as Joe Biden is declared winner of US Presidential election.

President Donald Trump has insisted that he won the 2020 presidential election in the United States of America. 

The US President shared series of tweets on Saturday November 7, in which he made unsubstantiated allegations of illegality in the voting process – all of which were labelled as disputed and potentially misleading by Twitter. He also insisted he had won the election “by a lot”.

CNN also reported that sources in the White House have disclosed that the President said he won’t be accepting the election result. They also disclosed that he will be challenging the election result in court from Monday November 9. 

LIB reported that Joe Biden has been elected the 46th president of the United States, achieving a decades-long political ambition and denying Donald Trump a second term after a deeply divisive presidency defined by a once-in-a-century pandemic, economic turmoil and social unrest.

Trump tweeted;

Biden won the presidency by clinching Pennsylvania and its 20 electoral votes, after several days of painstaking vote counting following record turnout across the country. The win in Pennsylvania, which the Associated Press called at 11:25am EST on Saturday with 99% of the votes counted, took Biden’s electoral college vote to 284, surpassing the 270 needed to win the White House.

President-elect Joe Biden (D) will address the nation on Saturday night.

President-elect Joe Biden (D) will address the nation on Saturday night, his first formal remarks since clinching the White House. 

Biden is slated to deliver remarks from the Chase Center in Wilmington, Del., at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, his campaign said. He will be joined by his wife Jill Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff. 

Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election on Saturday morning by the major networks and the Associated Press after clinching Pennsylvania and its 20 electoral votes. With his victory in the Keystone State, Biden was able to overtake the 270 electoral-vote threshold needed to win the White House.

President Trump has not yet conceded the race to Biden, and his campaign has said that it plans to contest the results in several states through recounts and legal action. Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina remain uncalled, though Biden leads in both Arizona and Georgia. Trump has no viable path to a second term.

Biden defeats Trump in presidential election.

(CNN)America has chosen Democrat Joe Biden as its 46th president, CNN projects, turning at a time of national crisis to a man whose character was forged by aching personal tragedy and who is pledging to restore calm and truth after Donald Trump’s, exhausting and manic single term.

In a written statement Saturday, Biden, who is expected to address the American people later in the day, said he was “honored and humbled” by the trust the American people have placed in him.

“In the face of unprecedented obstacles, a record number of Americans voted. Proving once again, that democracy beats deep in the heart of America,” Biden said. “With the campaign over, it’s time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation.”

Joe Biden wins US Presidential Elections

Democratic Candidate for the US presidential Elections, Joe Biden has emerged winner.

Biden, 78, is the 46th President of the United states. Biden will be 78 at the end of this month, becoming the oldest president when he is inaugurated in January in the midst of the worst public health crisis in 100 years.

His vice, Kamala Harris will be the first woman, the first person of color, and the first Asian-American to be the vice president of the United States.

More to come…

Jewelry thief arrested after he accidentally dropped his ID card in gold shop.

A thief who stole two necklaces from a gold shop in Bangkok, Thailand was arrested after he accidentally dropped his ID card while fleeing.

The suspect, Pathompong Sukane, 34, was arrested two hours later at his house on Soi Phattanakan 38 in Suan Luang district on Thursday, November 5.

Pathmong, a food delivery man, was charged with stealing the necklaces from Pornsuphan gold shop, in the Phattanakan branch of Tesco Lotus store.

According to the employees, the suspect walked into the gold shop and asked to see necklaces. One staffer showed him two gold necklaces weighing 2 baht.

He asked the cost but as the employee was calculating the price, he grabbed both necklaces and ran from the store. He fled on a motorcycle parked outside, evading the security guards who tried to stop him.

The shop notified Khlong Tan police. They found an ID card on the ground and soon tracked the person named on it to his residence.

They found Mr Pathompong, the two necklaces and the motorcycle he used to make his escape.

He told police he delivered food for a living but was not making enough money to make ends meet so he decided to to rob the gold shop.

Okonjo-Iweala highlights six economic opportunities for Nigeria, Africa

Former Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Saturday, highlighted six economic opportunities for Nigeria and other African countries as they strive to recover from the negative shocks of the pandemic.

She made this known today at the 15th Convocation of Bowen University in Iwo, Osun State.

Okonjo-Iweala, who is the leading candidate for the job of director-general of the World Trade Organization, spoke on ‘Revisiting Africa’s Economy Post-COVID-19’.

The convocation lecturer said the impact of the pandemic on Africa’s economy has been devastating, urging African leaders to look inwards and grow capacities for their respective economies.

The former World Bank director said, “As Africa recovers from the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, it must learn from the pandemic.

“COVID-19 has highlighted the existing structural and institutional weaknesses of Africa’s economy but it has also cast a light on existing opportunities and opened up new ones. Africa must seize all these factors to re-fashion its economy and build it with more resilience.

“Let me highlight six opportunities and approaches for re-fashioning a post-COVID-19 African economy.”

According to her, increasing the industrialization on the continent will provide more jobs for Africa’s youthful population.

“COVID-19 brought into relief Africa’s undiversified commodity-dependent economy. The lack of diversification relates to both products and sources of revenue.

“Africa must manufacture more through value-addition to the raw materials it exports. The transformation of cocoa into delicious Ivorian chocolate provides a good example.

“There is no doubt that African countries need to make the requisite investment in infrastructure, skills, and a conducive business environment,” she said.

The former Economy Minister also harped on more digitization of economic, health, and educational activities in Africa going forward.

One of the opportunities highlighted by the pandemic is the potential of the digital economy including e-commerce, e-learning, e-health, she said.

She noted that African governments must grow the continent’s about 90 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises through free registration, access to grants, soft loans, amongst others to ensure business owners grow and create jobs.

A post-COVID-19 African economy cannot grow unless there is continuous investment in Africa’s infrastructure, she stated, adding that investment in human development especially education and health is also key to Africa’s emergence post-pandemic.

Okonjo-Iweala added that African governments must improve governance, transparency and accountability.

“A post-COVID-19 modern African economy must be anchored on these values of open, transparent and accountable governance; governance that gives youths, women and other marginalized people increased voice,” she stated.

Read What Trump’s Sons Said To Republicans

President Donald Trump’s two sons have rebuked Republicans for failing to back the president as he struggles to win re-election.

Mr Trump’s eldest son Don Jr accused the party of being “weak”. His brother Eric warned: “Our voters will never forget you if your [sic] sheep!”

The spat reflects an emerging rift between Trump disciples and the party.

The election still hangs in the balance but Democratic candidate Joe Biden appears to be closing in on victory.

Mr Trump has vowed to mount legal challenges to the vote-counting process after claiming, without evidence, that there is widespread voter fraud.

Senior Republicans such as Utah Senator Mitt Romney and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan have warned against undermining the democratic process.

But Don Jr, who is thought to have political aspirations of his own, reserved his ire for those who may be eyeing up a presidential run in 2024.

He wrote on Twitter: “The total lack of action from virtually all of the ‘2024 GOP [Republican] hopefuls’ is pretty amazing.

“They have a perfect platform to show that they’re willing & able to fight but they will cower to the media mob instead. Don’t worry @realDonaldTrump will fight & they can watch as usual!”

The tweet was in response to one from Mike Cernovich, a men’s rights activist and Trump supporter, who had criticised the president’s former UN ambassador, Nikki Haley.

She is widely thought to be preparing a White House bid in 2024.

Mr Trump Jr continued: “Republicans have been weak for decades which has allowed for the left to do these things.”

His brother, Eric, tweeted: “Where are Republicans! Have some backbone. Fight against this fraud. Our voters will never forget you if your [sic] sheep!”

6000 prospective NYSC Corp members to resume camp

A total of 6,000 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps are to resume for the 2020 “Batch B” one-year mandatory program of the scheme across the country.

Brigadier General Shaibu Ibrahim, Director-General of the NYSC, made the disclosure on Thursday, saying that the authorities had gone round the country to ensure that the facilities were ready.

He said, “We are prepared to deploy six thousand corps members to participate in the 2020 Batch B exercise.  

“We have gone around the country to ensure that the camps are also ready. 

“We are going to merge those who suspended their orientation in March to also participate for the forthcoming National orientation exercise.”

According to him, the NYSC management had put in place all COVID-19 protocols in a bid to contain the pandemic to curtail community transmission in the camps across the country.

“We have been interfacing with the relevant bodies such as the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, NCDC and state Ministries of Health on ways of ensuring safe and efficient of the orientation course.

“I am pleased to report that all our orientation camps have been prepared and remodeled with the approved safety protocols,” he added.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper prepares letter of resignation.

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Mark Esper has prepared a letter of resignation, according to three current defense officials.

It’s not uncommon for Cabinet secretaries to prepare undated letters of resignation during a presidential transition, giving the commander in chief the chance to replace them for a second term. The president decides whether to accept the resignation letters, and the process usually occurs after the election results are clear.

But defense officials say Esper prepared his letter because he is one of the Cabinet officials long expected to be pushed out after the election.

As his tenure may be coming to an end, Esper is helping members of Congress draft legislation that will strip names of Confederate leaders from military bases in a move that could put him further at odds with President Donald Trump.

While Esper considered issuing a directive that would order the secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force to change the names in their respective services — an order that could be overturned by Trump, who has strongly opposed renaming bases — he now plans to work with Congress to put language in the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) so the name changes will be written into law.

This week Esper provided a written framework to Pentagon leaders for renaming installations, and possibly even ships and street names on bases, that honor Confederate generals or leaders, the officials said. For example, the framework suggests that the NDAA could say that military installations cannot be named after someone who has betrayed the U.S. or committed a felony, and instead must be named after people who have met certain criteria, like having earned a Medal of Honor or Silver Star, Est or achieving the rank of general.

The speculation about potential resignations of Cabinet officials is a well-worn, D.C.-insider, post-election parlor game,” said Jonathan Hoffman, the assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, in a statement. “[Secretary Esper] continues to serve the nation as the secretary of defense at the pleasure of the president and is at the Pentagon today working on the irreversible implementation of the National Defense Strategy.”

“As is normal and expected, the department works with Congress to provide the administration’s concerns and views regarding proposed defense-related legislation — particularly when House and Senate versions of defense bills are being reconciled and finalized. This does not indicate support for previously proposed legislative language. Out of respect for the members of Congress who havnue sought technical assistance in good faith, we generally do not discuss these efforts.”

The NDAA, which outlines the military’s budget and policies, is expected to be passed during the lame duck session of Congress in coming weeks, and Trump would have to sign it for it to become law.

Two current defense officials said Esper believes that if he announces the renaming it could lead Trump to fire him. But Esper is not pushing the renaming because he wants to get fired, according to two other defense officials, who insist he believes this issue is important.

Esper is also thinking about his legacy, said the two officials. He earned the nickname “Yesper” from lawmakers and White House officials for, in their view, his willingness to implement Trump’s agenda without pushing back. “He cares about his legacy and prefers to be remembered as someone who was fired because he stood up to the president, rather than being remembered as ‘Yesper,'” one defense official said.

Trump has denounced the idea of stripping  Confederate names from bases several times. In June, he tweeted, “The United States of America trained and deployed our HEROES on these Hallowed Grounds, and won two World Wars. Therefore, my Administration will not even consider the renaming of these Magnificent and Fabled Military Installations.”

US election 2020: Georgia judge rules in Trump’s lawsuit on absentee ballots

A court in Georgia has thrown out a lawsuit by US President Donald Trump’s campaign team, asking that the county followed state laws on processing absentee ballots, according to Associated Press.

Chatham County Superior Court Judge, James Bass, did not however give an explanation for his decision on Thursday, following a one-hour hearing.

The county includes the heavily Democratic city of Savannah.

The suit had raised concerns about 53 absentee ballots, which poll observers claimed were not part of an original batch of ballots.

But County elections officials testified that all 53 ballots had been received on time.

By flipping the northern battlegrounds of Michigan and Wisconsin, and also winning formerly pro-Trump Arizona, Biden reached 264 electoral votes against 214 so far for Trump.

To reach 270, Biden hopes to add the six electoral votes from Nevada, where he had a small and shrinking lead, or the larger prizes of hard-fought Georgia or Pennsylvania.

China Suspends Entry of Non-Chinese Nationals from Nigeria

The Chinese government has announced the temporary suspension of entry into China of non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria holding visas or residence permits.

The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria in a statement issued Wednesday, however, said that holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas would not be affected.

It however added that foreign nationals visiting China for emergency needs may apply for visas at Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

It stated: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, China has decided to temporarily suspend entry into China by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria holding visas or residence permits still valid at the time of this announcement. The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria will no longer issue Certified Health Declaration Form for the above-mentioned personnel.

“Entry by holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas will not be affected. Foreign nationals visiting China for emergency needs may apply for visas at Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Entry by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria with visas issued after 3 November 2020 will not be affected.

“The suspension is a temporary response necessitated by the current situation of Covid-19. The above-mentioned measures will be assessed in accordance with the evolving situation and any adjustment will be announced accordingly.”

Recession for the first time in Indonesia

photo of a man sitting under the tree

Indonesia in recession for first time in 22 years

"the rainbow village" in Semarang, central Java, attracts hordes of visitors.

Indonesia has fallen into its first recession in 22 years as the coronavirus pandemic continues to take it toll.

South East Asia’s biggest economy saw growth fall 3.49% in the third quarter of the year, compared to the same period in 2019.

Following a fall of 5.32% in the second quarter of 2020, this has pushed Indonesia into a recession.

The last time this happened was during the 1998 Asian financial crisis.

Authorities in Indonesia have predicted that 3.5m people could lose their jobs due to the coronavirus downturn.

Indonesia has the highest infection rate in the region.

While agriculture is a major component of its economy, Indonesia relies heavily on tourist dollars.

Millions of foreigners fly to Bali each year in search of deserted beaches, terraced rice fields and sprawling Hindu temples.

But their numbers have dropped sharply since Indonesia closed its borders to non-residents, like other countries battling with the pandemic.

The 3.49% fall in economic growth during July to September is slightly worse than the 3% that economists had predicted.

The capital city Jakarta went into a second semi-lockdown for four weeks starting in mid-September with rising cases straining its health system.

“All in all, Indonesia’s economy is past its weakest point, but with the domestic outbreak not under control yet, economic activity is likely to remain under pressure,” wrote ANZ bank.

Government officials have pledged to accelerate spending to counter the pandemic’s impact and push Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP) back into growth.

Amazing!!! Parrot saves Australian man from fire.

blue and yellow macaw perched on twig

Pet parrot saves Australian man from house fire

Anton Nguyen with his green parrot, Eric, stands outside his home in front of a fire truck
image captionAnton Nguyen with his parrot, Eric, after fleeing his house

An Australian man says he was able to survive a late-night house fire after his pet parrot roused him from bed.

Anton Nguyen had been fast asleep when his two-storey house caught alight in Brisbane, Queensland, on Wednesday.

“I heard a bang and Eric – my parrot – he started to yell so I woke up and I smelled a bit of smoke,” he told ABC.

“I grabbed Eric, opened the door and looked to the back of the house and saw some flames… and so I took off and bolted downstairs.”

By the time firefighters arrived at about 01:00 local time (14:00 GMT Tuesday), the house was engulfed in flames.

It took four crews over an hour to contain the blaze in the suburb of Kangaroo Point.

Mr Nguyen, who lives alone, said he had escaped with the bird and a bag, and suffered no injuries.

The green parrot had repeatedly squawked “Anton” to raise the alarm, said Queensland Fire and Emergency Services inspector Cameron Thomas.

“There were smoke detectors [but] the bird alerted before the smoke detectors went off,” he said.

The cause of the blaze is unknown and remains under investigation.

Military Offensive continues in Ethiopia

Tigray crisis: Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed vows to continue military offensive

The Ethiopian prime minister has vowed to continue a military offensive in the northern state of Tigray despite international calls for restraint.

Abiy Ahmed’s administration accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of attacking the military.

The TPLF, which governs the state, said it could not “ignore the danger”.

Tensions between the party, which was once the most powerful force in the country, and the federal government have been building for months

It had previously accused the federal authorities of plotting to invade the region.

On Wednesday, amid the drama of the US election, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement calling for an end to any fighting.

“We are saddened by the tragic loss of life and urge immediate action to restore the peace and de-escalate tensions… The protection of civilian safety and security is essential,” he said in a statement.

In a televised address Mr Abiy, who won the Nobel peace prize last year, said the military’s operation was a success and said it would continue.

He said the operation was launched in response to a deadly attack on a military camp. He did not say how many people were killed.

The TPLF was the most powerful partner in Ethiopia’s governing coalition until 2018, when Mr Abiy came to office following nationwide protests by ethnic Oromos. Since then, the party’s power has waned.

Mr Abiy created a new governing party, but the TPLF did not join.

In September, the Tigrayan authorities went ahead with an election in defiance of a nationwide postponement that was put in place following the outbreak of coronavirus.

The federal government had described that election for the Tigray parliament as “illegal”.

The Tigray region’s president, Debrestion Gebremichael, told reporters on Monday that the government was going to attack – alleging it was punishment for organising the election.

Tigray special forces in federal military uniforms
image captionThese Tigray special forces were pictured outside the Northern Command Headquarters

Mr Abiy then accused the TPLF of attacking a military base and sent in the Ethiopian military.

The federal government has also declared a six-month state of emergency in the state of Tigray and airspace in the region has been closed

COVID-19: DSS Shuts School, Sacks Teachers

Following what it described as the effect of COVID-19 on the Nigerian economy, particularly its crippling financial situation on the school, the Department of State Services (DSS) has sacked the teachers and other staff members of its Community Staff Schools, Asokoro (CSSA), Abuja.

The secret police has also shut down the institution and directed the pupils in the nursery, primary and secondary classes to stay at home for two weeks.

The primary school commenced in 1992/93, while the secondary classes took off in 1998.

It was gathered that the fee for the nursery and primary classes was increased from N25,000 to N35,000 for children and wards of the rank and file, while children of senior DSS officers were required to pay N45,000 up from N35,000 per term.

However, for children of civilians, the tuition was increased from N45,000 to N60,000.

The tuition for secondary school classes was increased from 35,000 to 45,000 for children and wards of the rank and file, while

officers’ children were asked to pay N60,000 up from 40,000.

But students who did not fall in either of the categories will pay N90,000 from N70,000.

In the letter of disengagement dated November 2, 2020, signed by the Executive Secretary, CSSA, M. Onyilo, the DSS hinged its decision to sack the school staff on poor financial situation brought about by the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s economy.

The letter was titled: ‘Disengagement from the service of Community Staff Schools, Asokoro.”

It reads partly: “Due to the effect of COVID-19 on the Nigerian economy vis-a-vis the crippling financial situation of the school, I am directed to convey the Director-General, State Services/Proprietor’s approval to disengage you from the services of the school with effect from 3rd November 2020.”

It was however learnt that the workers had in 2018 dragged the school management to the National Industrial Court (NIC) demanding better conditions of service, which the court okayed but the DSS failed to obey the court judgment.

US elections 2020: Biden reveals Trump’s decision he will reverse in 77 days

The presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, Joe Biden, has vowed to reverse President Donald Trump’s decision for the United States to leave the Paris Accord.

The US became the first country to ever withdraw from an international climate change pact.

Trump had announced the pull-out in June 2017, but in line with United Nations (UN) regulations, the exit took effect November 4.

With election results pointing to a likely defeat for Trump, Biden took on the tone of a president-elect and made clear that climate was a top priority.

“Today, the Trump Administration officially left the Paris Climate Agreement. And in exactly 77 days, a Biden Administration will rejoin it,” Biden, who would take the presidential oath on January 20, tweeted.

Biden has proposed a $1.7trillion plan to take the US, the world’s second biggest carbon emitter, to net zero by 2050.

US election 2020: Biden prepares for presidency, launches transition website

Joe Biden, Democratic candidate in the United States presidential election, has declared that he is confident of victory.

Biden addressed the nation on Thursday.

He noted that it was clear that he had won “enough states to reach 270 electoral votes to win the presidency”.

“Now, every vote must be counted. No one’s going to take our democracy from us…not now, not ever.

“I’m not here to declare that we’ve won, but I am here to report when the count is finished, we believe we will be the winners.

“I’m confident that we will emerge victorious. But this will not be my victory alone. It will be a victory for the American people.”

Official results as at 9:50am Nigeria time, shows Biden is slightly ahead of President Donald Trump.

But the race is too close to call as votes are still being counted in many states.

However, the former vice president has launched a transition website.

A message on the portal reechoed Biden’s comment that Americans will decide the next president.

“Votes are still being counted in several states around the country. The crises facing the country are severe — from a pandemic to an economic recession, climate change to racial injustice.

“The transition team will continue preparing at full speed so that the Biden‑Harris Administration can hit the ground running on Day One,” the statement read.

Kwara gets N7b grant from UBEC to fix schools

Seven years after blacklist, Kwara Government said it has received N7.2 billion grants from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

This is the first time since 2013 when the state was blacklisted from the national scheme.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has spent the last one year working to reposition basic education in the state, beginning with the payment of N450 million diverted funds which had brought the state under the hammer of the UBEC.

The N7.2 billion is a accumulation of UBEC grants that were not accessed between 2014 and 2019.

The money was not accessed because the former administration failed to pay its counterpart funds, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development Hajia Fatimah B Ahmed has said in a statement.

The UBEC grants are meant for rehabilitation of dilapidated basic schools, construction of new ones, equipment of the schools with ICT tools, training of teachers, and project evaluation, among other purposes contained in the UBEC work plan.

The commissioner added: “This money would be spent in phases over the next two years to fix up to 600 elementary schools out of the over 1400 decrepit basic education facilities across the state. “The projects would be monitored by UBEC to ensure compliance with the work plan submitted by the government.

“This development has taken Kwara State out of the bottom position in the ranking of states with highest figures of outstanding UBEC grants.

“The pitiful state of basic education infrastructure in the state is a reflection of the failure to access UBEC funds and the near-zero investments in the sector over the past few years.”

SEE THE NEW LOCKDOWN TIMETABLE FOR ENGLAND

city view at london

On Thursday, England will be going back into lockdown, with pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops told to close.

Here are nine things that are different from the March lockdown.

1. You can meet one friend… with your children

In March, you could only meet others from outside your household in a very limited set of circumstances.

Meeting another person socially wasn’t allowed until May.

This time, you can catch up with a friend in an outdoor public place, like a park or beach, as long as you socially distance and neither of you is self-isolating.

And this time, children of pre-school age are not included in the two-person limit, so those looking after youngsters can still have social contact.

2. Schools and universities are staying open

The government has emphasised that it is prioritising education – so schools, colleges and universities will all remain open, as will nurseries and other childcare.

They closed back in March and while studies continued online, many students did not return in person until September.

school children lining up

In the summer, scientists had warned that pubs and other activities might have to close for schools to remain open in the second wave.

”We cannot let this virus damage our children’s futures even more than it has already,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, adding that clinical advice is for young people to be in school.

3. Public toilets will not be closed

The government has specifically said that public toilets can remain open.

This also applies at visitor attractions like gardens and castles, if they are normally available to the public and are sufficiently separate.

A public toilets queue marshal

During the last lockdown, many councils did not reopen their public toilets when allowed.

People with young children and long-term health conditions were particularly affected, and with pubs and restaurants closed, many complained they were forced to relieve themselves in public places.

4. ‘Bubbles’ exist

Many people are going into this lockdown as part of a support “bubble”, a concept which didn’t exist back in March.

It means that an adult living alone or a single parent family can mix freely with one other nominated household of any size.

A household with children under 13 can also form a childcare bubble with another household to help with informal (unpaid and unregistered) childcare. This must always be between the same two households.However, the Cabinet Office has been unable to confirm to the BBC whether one or more people from the second household can provide the childcare – so in the case of grandparents, for example, whether only one of them can do it.

Bubbles will continue during the lockdown.

5. Click and collect services will be available

Non-essential shops are closing once again, but this time click and collect – where customers order products online and go to pick them up – will be allowed.

Click and collect involves minimal contact, and could help shops to keep more workers employed.

Garden centres can also stay open this time, as can waste and recycling tips.

6. Sitting on a bench is allowed

In the early days of lockdown, sitting on a bench could be interpreted as breaking coronavirus rules – unless the person was taking a break from exercising. Sunbathing or reading outdoors were also not permitted.

Two friends sitting on a park bench

This time, the government has not placed any time limit on recreational activities, with the prime minister suggesting that meeting a friend in the park for a walk or sitting on a bench and eating a sandwich was perfectly fine. We

7. You can take unlimited exercise

The message is very different now to March, when people were told to take only one form of exercise outdoors a day.

The government is mindful of obesity, mental health and other problems caused by lockdown inactivity, and the risks of coronavirus transmission are generally higher indoors.

Jogger running along

The new lockdown guidance says “you can and should still travel to… spend time or exercise outdoors. This should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel to do so if necessary”.

Only essential travel was permitted in the spring, but this was open to interpretation, with one police force criticised for sharing drone footage of ramblers online.

8. Dentist and opticians are staying open

Dentists and opticians were only open for emergency appointments at the start of the last lockdown.

But they can open as usual this time, as can chiropractors and osteopaths.

Boots Opticians and Specsavers say they will operate as normal, while the British Dental Association has confirmed that dental services will be available.

An alarming side-effect of the last lockdown was missed medical appointments, as many worried about burdening the health service or being exposed to the virus.

This has potentially led to thousands of missed diagnoses and treatments.

Mr Johnson stressed it is ”really important” to ”get your scans, turn up for your appointments and pick up your treatments”, during this lockdown and all winter.

9. Nobody will formally shield

About two million vulnerable people had to shield in the last lockdown, meaning they stayed at home.

Many found this advice ”very restrictive,” the government says.

The aim is to strike a balance between practical measures to keep people safe, while reducing the harm caused to their wellbeing and mental health.

“I know how tough shielding was, and we will not ask people to shield again in the same way,” Mr Johnson said.

However, the “clinically extremely vulnerable”, including organ transplant patients and people with certain cancers, have been told to take extra care to minimise contact with others, including working from home.

They have been advised not to go to shops, but can still exercise and go to school.

Women shaken by aggravated burglary

woman and girl painting

South Belfast: Women ‘badly shaken’ by aggravated burglary

Olde Forge Manor

Two “older women” have been left badly shaken after being threatened by masked men during an aggravated burglary.

Three men broke into a house in south Belfast armed with a screwdriver at about 20:35 GMT on Tuesday.

Two of the men searched the house at Olde Forge Manor, while the other stayed downstairs with the women.

The intruders, who were wearing balaclavas, black clothing and gloves, made off with money and jewellery. The victims were uninjured.

PSNI Det Sgt Natalie Moore described it as a “despicable crime”.

“Please also keep a look out for any elderly or vulnerable neighbours, and check on them regularly,” she said.

“I also want to encourage everyone to report suspicious activity to us, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

“The report of a suspicious vehicle or people acting strangely in your neighbourhood can help us to prevent and detect crime,” she added.

The aggravated burglary comes as the PSNI separately reported a recent increase in burglaries in Finaghy in south Belfast in the past week.

There have been reports of burglaries in areas including Priory Park, Sicily Park and Locksley Parade.