Coronavirus: Your questions answered, live

There’s so much floating around online about coronavirus that it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with what’s true and what’s not.

One area in particular which has received a lot of attention concerns the safety of taking ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories to manage the symptoms of coronavirus.

Alongside genuine medical advice, false messages have been spreading on social media. So what’s the truth?

Medical professionals told the BBC that ibuprofen is not recommended for managing coronavirus symptoms. But those already taking it should not stop without consulting a doctor.

The NHS says although “there is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus worse”, patients should take paracetamol until we have more information, unless a doctor has advised that paracetamol is unsuitable for you.

BBC Reality Check has taken a closer look at the stories circulating online – and separated fact from fiction.

You’re not the only one Nuraddeen. People all over the world have been asking the same question since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Because Covid-19 is a new respiratory virus, scientists and governments all around the world are trying to work out the best way to fight it. Vaccine development is underway but for now the best protection is thought to be regular and thorough handwashing.

You should also:

• Avoid contact with people who are unwell
• Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue
• Throw away any used tissues and wash your hands
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

Many places, including the UK, are also recommending and implementing social distancing measures.

• Read more about the symptoms and how to protect yourself

Generally, social distancing means trying to avoid contact with other people. But the UK’s advice changes for different groups, so you may feel confused.

Everybody in the UK has been asked to stop non-essential contact with other people and to avoid all unnecessary travel.

For more details on social distancing and self-isolation, you can find out more here.

Elaine Dunkley

BBC Education correspondent

The Department for Education says it’s focusing on those children who get free school meals because they are vulnerable.

Food poverty is a major issue for children who rely on breakfast clubs and free school meals.

Making sure these children are feed is a priority. So this doesn’t mean all children getting universal free school meals in key stage one, as you specifically asked, just those who are of particular concern due to poverty.

Elaine Dunkley

BBC Education correspondent

Hannah, there’s a lot of concern and confusion about the issue around exams and assessment.

It’s not clear what will happen but a range of options are being discussed at the moment. Suggestions include looking at predicted grades, coursework and teacher assessment. Exams could also be delayed until later on in the year.

The PM says in time the government will ensure that students will get the qualifications they need.

Understandably students are really stressed about the impact this will have on their future.

Elaine Dunkley

BBC Education correspondent

Hi Jane, this is tricky. Parents are being told to look at the contracts they have, because usually there is a clause which states in the event of a flood or emergency that you’ll continue to pay.

The problem with this is we don’t know how long this will go on for. Some parents may want to pay because they don’t want the nursery to close long term. Nurseries still have overheads such as staffing costs etc.

In these difficult times a lot of parents may struggle with their own job security, rent and mortgages and there is the moral question of whether they should be paying for a service they are not receiving if the nursery is shut.

The government has said additional funding will be made available, the question is whether it will be enough to take the financial burden away from nurseries and parents.

Elaine Dunkley

BBC Education correspondent

This is an issue which will vary from pupil to pupil.

Vulnerable children includes those with education, health and care plans (EHCP), those on free school meals, those with special needs, and those who – frankly – you would worry about leaving in their homes for days and weeks on end.

It’s going to be somewhat messy to define who this group is in black and white terms, but at this early stage is probably going to be the staff at school identifying those pupils and communicating with their parents.

Thanks for your questions! So far our experts have covered everything from keeping safe to protecting your income.

Right now we are looking at your questions about money, with our personal finance correspondent, but we will be turning to education soon.

Our BBC correspondents will be bringing you answers all day across television, radio and here online. If you have questions:

• Email YourQuestions@bbc.co.uk
• Tweet using the hashtag #BBCYourQuestions
• Use the form on the bottom of this story

You can click here to get the latest news updates from around the world about the pandemic on our other live coverage.

Simon Gompertz

Personal finance correspondent

Yes they are. But different banks have different policies. For instance, RBS, Lloyds and TSB will give you a holiday from personal loan repayments if you are affected by the virus.

Beware, though, you will still have to make up the missed payments later. Many providers will let you increase the limit on what you can borrow on the credit card, but be careful of getting into too much debt!

Nationwide is removing interest charges on credit cards and overdrafts. Lloyds says it won’t charge fees for missed credit card and loan repayments.

So it varies and customers will need to check.

Simon Gompertz

Personal finance correspondent

Thanks for your question Richard.

The Chancellor has directed self-employed people who are affected by the virus towards claiming benefits.

The most important one is Universal Credit, which starts at £317 a month if you are 25 or over. He has made it easier for claims to get through by removing the requirement to have been earning a minimum income before claiming.

The other option, for those who are ill or have a disability, is to put in a claim for Employment and Support Allowance.

Simon Gompertz

Personal finance correspondent

Freelance workers are in a tricky position because they cannot claim statutory sick pay like an employee.

They have to fall back on the benefits system or the hardship funds dispensed by local authorities.

Some charities, such as Turn2Us, have funds for serious cases as well.

Simon Gompertz

Personal finance correspondent

A lot of supply teachers say it’s very hard to claim statutory sick pay. So you’re not the only one to get in touch, worried about how they can support their family.

It is complicated by the fact that some supply teachers work directly for a school and others for an agency.

Agency workers can qualify statutory sick pay, according to the government. But it might take longer to become eligible, you might not get the same as other teachers and you may only be entitled to it until the assignment ends.

If you can’t work you may need to think about applying for Universal Credit, which includes extra elements for rent and children being cared for in the family.

BBC Radio 5 Live is taking questions from listeners all day.

Alison owns a salon in Stroud and called unsure about what she should do. Many of her clients are older and she says the phone is ringing constantly.

Get in touch with your questions – text 85058, @BBC5Live

You can listen live on BBC Sounds.

Fergus Walsh

Medical correspondent

I hate to be a Grinch here but with all the things you’ve said Jo it sounds like your Mother’s Day should be separate from your grandkids.

In terms of what you can do, you fall into the group who are strongly advised to avoid social contact.

This very question about Mother’s Day was put to the government’s chief scientific adviser and he said don’t do it. Sunday lunch is off.

BBC correspondents are answering your questions across radio, television and online all day.

We’ve had lots of health questions, which the BBC’s Medical Correspondent Fergus Walsh has been helping with, but we are also getting questions about the impact on your finances and businesses too.

To get in contact:

• Email YourQuestions@bbc.co.uk
• Tweet using the hashtag #BBCYourQuestions
• Use the form on the bottom of this story

Fergus Walsh

Medical correspondent

It’s really difficult what you’re facing – having to make a choice about whether to see children you don’t live with.

The advice is we should all avoid what they call unnecessary social contact. But we all have to do that within the prism of common sense.

Our families are the most precious thing we have and we want to keep them safe.

Your daughter has asthma. Children with asthma – regular asthma as opposed to something really serious which requires hospitalisation – are not in the really high risk groups. Although there’s an elevated risk, unless their asthma is brittle and very hard to control, then if nobody’s been asked to self isolate you can carry on.

You just have to try as much as you can as a family to cut down the number of unnecessary social contacts. Your family has to carry on living and seeing each other.

Fergus Walsh

Medical correspondent

You’re absolutely allowed to take them outside. You just can’t take them to the swings in the park or places where there are more likely to be other people around.

Even if you’re self-isolating at home you can get out and about and take the dog for a walk or go for a run.

You’re just being asked not to get up close and personal with other people.

Fergus Walsh

Medical correspondent

I answered Keith’s question on BBC Breakfast earlier this morning.

He lives with his 11-year-old granddaughter and wanted to know what he should be doing in terms of isolation now his granddaughter will be home with him full time.

She won’t be mixing with her friends at school since the schools have been closed, so there will be less chance of her getting it.

If you’re living with your granddaughter anyway you’ve got to carry on. The advice is to cut down on social contact that is not absolutely necessary.

Fergus Walsh

Medical correspondent

The sort of thin, paper masks you see people wearing is not very
effective at preventing you getting infected.

They get moist very quickly
and so need frequent changing. They may encourage people not to touch their
face, but of course they don’t protect your eyes.

There are good at
preventing people from passing on infection if they are coughing and sneezing
but anyone with symptoms should now be thinking about staying at home and not
spreading germs.

There are more effective face masks with finer mesh filtration but they tend to be uncomfortable to wear.

The British Lung Foundation says it does not recommend using a face mask as there isn’t enough evidence to show how effective they are.

The key measure to prevent yourself getting infected is good hand hygiene – it may sound simple but regular hand-washing with soap and water for 20 seconds is key.

We’re here to answer your questions on coronavirus. So what do you want to know?

Right now we’re focusing on health, but BBC correspondents with expertise in a whole host of different areas are on hand to help. So whatever you want to know, get in touch and we’ll do our best to give you the answer.

• Email YourQuestions@bbc.co.uk
• Tweet using the hashtag #BBCYourQuestions
• Use the form on the bottom of this story