The situation surrounding Covid-19 has impacted the students of Arts University Bournemouth considerably. Although we are receiving support from tutors online where they can provide this, we are unable to use the facilities at the university in order to realise our projects to the best of our abilities (specifically final year’s Major Projects) as well as use physical learning facilities from the library. Many of our projects are unable to reach realisation as we are unable to access the facilities necessary and collaborate with others due the current social restrictions enforced by the UK government. Each individual student has a different circumstance whilst at home. Whether it’s not having the money or space to use alternative methods for their projects or having to look after their own children or vulnerable family members during this pandemic. We have been told by tutors to do as much as we possibly can based on our circumstances and they will be lenient when grading. But how can we possibly put a project before the needs of our family members or our own mental wellbeing, when many of us are scared to lose loved ones due to this virus? Third year students have been working tirelessly towards showcasing their skills in their Major Projects for three years. Whatever we are able to create during this pandemic, will not be a true reflection of our abilities due to our personal circumstances, whatever they might be (mental health, finances, looking after family etc). On the 25th March 2020, The University of Exeter announced a ‘safety net’ policy: "Our commitment to your success given the exceptional circumstances in which you are sitting these examinations and other assessments, we have decided to introduce a ‘safety net’ policy.” "This ‘no-detriment’ approach is as follows: so long as you would qualify to progress/graduate based on your marks obtained this year (including those in the summer assessment period), then we will ensure that your final academic year average is the same as, or higher than, the average you have attained up to Sunday 15th March. Details about how your average to 15th March will be calculated will be provided in the FAQs on our website by the end of Friday 27th March. If you achieve higher marks in assessments submitted and examinations undertaken after Sunday 15th March then you will be able to raise your mark for the year. To repeat, as long as you qualify to pass the year, completing the summer assessments can only help not hinder you because we will not let the extraordinary circumstances in which you are completing these assessments leave you with a mark below your current overall mark." [1]https://www.exeter.ac.uk/coronavirus/communications/students25march/ [2] https://thetab.com/uk/soton/2020/03/26/sotons-no-detriment-policy-means-your-grades-cant-go-below-your-current-average-83828 [3] https://thetab.com/uk/edinburgh/2020/03/26/breaking-no-remaining-exams-assessments-can-negatively-impact-your-course-grades-for-this-semester-65113 This ‘safety net’ policy will give all students the peace of mind that the grade they receive for their last projects, will fairly reflect the work they have created over the past year. It is unfair for assessment changes to be communicated over email and the ‘safety net’ will reduce the pressure that students are feeling at this current time. Please support university students during this uncertain, stressful time!

BECAUSE MANY SOCIAL HOUSING TENANTS WILL NEED THEIR SPARE ROOM IN ORDER TO ISOLATE

Bingham is a local community where people rely on the local bus service to go to the Supermarket for essential shopping, popping to the post office and picking up prescriptions at the pharmacy during the current situation regarding Covid-19. We understand that this is a decision that has not been taken lightly by Lothian Buses but we feel that our community has been cut off with no local bus service to serve the area.

With the spreading of the Coronavirus at frightening levels across the UK at the present time and with the fact that those in Dunfermline and surrounding areas at present need to travel 15 miles to either Kirkcaldy or Edinburgh for A and E services and the fact that with the rapid spreading of the Coronavirus that this puts a totally unacceptable disadvantage to the people of fife needing emergency treatment the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health should take immediate steps to reopen a full A and E service at Dunfermline's Queen Margaret Hospital that should Never ever have been closed in the first place!

Thousands of people are not covered by the support announced by the government. If you are an employee with contracted hours or you work solely as self employed, you are entitled to 80% of your income if you cannot work due the COVID-19 crisis. However many people in the gig economy have a mixed pattern of work - a bit freelance, a bit contract, a bit self-employed, a bit zero hours. Some people have a pension and do a bit of self-employed work to top it up. Students do part time work to make ends meet. Supply teachers, fee paid Tribunal members, NHS agency staff, artists, performers, contractors. These people are all left with no support. Please treat them the same as everyone else and support them with 80% of their income if they can’t work due to COVID-19.

To let health care workers across the nation know how much they are appreciated all the time not just in times of need.

As a thank you to the countries key workers for the work they are doing for us, the people, during this health crisis.

Last year, Kerry Foods made £47 million profit after tax. Per head, they made over £18,000 profit after tax for every employee. With pockets so deep, Kerry Foods shouldn't force workers to pay for being temporarily laid off.

Countries such as Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina are refusing to allow Brits to disembark the ship to catch flights back to the UK, including my mum who is travelling on her own. There is no illness onboard and they haven't been off the ship for the last 12 days. The plan now is to sail to Fort Lauderdale in Florida (due to arrive 4th April) but we need the government to step in and send repatriation flights to ensure that they can get home. The reason being is that they have twice been promised that they can disembark (in Buenos Aires and Rio) to catch flights but have then had this revoked at the very last minute. This is causing so much distress to the 400+ Brits on board. Make Dominic Raab take some proper action here and get them all home!

Brides and Grooms should not be penalised for a situation out with their control and no decent, honest and empathetic company should be MAKING extra money out of an epidemic that has seen thousands of people lose their lives. I urge you to do the decent thing, as countless other suppliers have, and remove the charge and refund all those who have already paid out of fear of losing their deposits.

This is fundamental in allowing University of Gloucestershire students to achieve their full potential and grades which they have worked hard for.

The Coronavirus pandemic is a global emergency and the daily Government updates are one of the most important broadcasts of our time. That is why it is vital deaf people have access to such crucial information at this time and having a British Sign Language interpreter at the daily press conferences would make it easier for deaf people to follow at home.