news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Brazil emerges as next virus hotspot - as president remains in denial

Brazil could be the next big coronavirus hotspot as the number of cases and deaths surge despite President Jair Bolsonaro 's insistence that it is `` just a little flu '' .
Hospitals are being pushed to breaking point and there are signs that a growing number of victims are now dying at home as the outbreak in Latin America 's biggest country escalates .
`` We have all the conditions here for the pandemic to become much more serious , '' said Paulo Brandao , a virologist at the University of Sao Paulo .
Brazil officially reported around 4,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
However , the true numbers are thought to be vastly higher given the lack of testing and the many people who have not sought hospital care .
Some scientists said over one million in Brazil are likely infected .
The country - which has a population of 211 million - is heading into winter , which can worsen respiratory illness .
Mr Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the severity of the disease and insists there is no need for sharp restrictions that have been used to slow the spread in Europe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people need to resume their lives through the pandemic to prevent an economic meltdown , but most state governors in the country have adopted restrictions to slow the spread and have advised people to stay at home .
Mr Bolsonaro recently fired his popular health minister , Luiz Henrique Mandetta , after a series of disagreements over efforts to contain the virus .
`` I know… life is priceless .
But the economy and jobs must return to normal , '' Mr Bolsonaro said , as he introduced his new health minister , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy .
The sacking of Mr Mandetta sparked widespread protests , with residents leaning out their windows to bang pots and pans .
Medical officials in Rio de Janeiro and at least four other major cities have warned that their hospital systems are on the verge of collapse or are too busy to take any more patients .
In Sao Paulo , the largest city in South America with over 21 million residents , death certificates were issued for 236 people who died at home over the past two weeks - double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the SAMU paramedic service .
Manaus , an Amazon city of 1.8 million , recorded 142 deaths on Sunday - the most yet - including 41 who died at home .
Mass graves are currently being dug by workers in the city 's main cemetery .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Brazil 's funeral industry warned last week that the city was running out of coffins and `` there could soon be corpses left on corners '' .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue certificates to people who have recovered from COVID-19 , despite the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) saying there is `` no evidence '' that people who contract coronavirus are immune from being infected again .
Neighbouring Argentina has taken a serious stance on the pandemic , banning all commercial flights until September in one of the toughest coronavirus travel bans in the world .
Other South American countries including Ecuador and Peru have banned all commercial flights , but none have extended their timeline as far out as Argentina .
Brazil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outright bans .
The worsening situation in Brazil comes as some US states and European countries are moving gradually to ease their limits on movement and commerce .
The US governors of Nevada and Colorado announced their states will join California , Oregon and Washington state in coordinating their reopenings .
Businesses have been allowed to reopen in the state of Georgia , with restaurants receiving the go-ahead to resume dine-in service as long as they follow social distancing rules .
Italy 's prime minister , Giuseppe Conte , said measures would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being allowed to visit family members in small numbers .
Technology is also likely to play a role in helping countries ease their restrictions , with countries including Italy , France , Switzerland and the UK working on virus-tracking apps to trace infected people 's contacts .

Brazil could be the next big coronavirus hotspot as the number of cases and deaths surge despite President Jair Bolsonaro's insistence that it is "just a little flu".
Hospitals are being pushed to breaking point and there are signs that a growing number of victims are now dying at home as the outbreak in Latin America's biggest country escalates.
"We have all the conditions here for the pandemic to become much more serious," said Paulo Brandao, a virologist at the University of Sao Paulo.
Image: People queueing in Rio de Janeiro to claim their government allowance amid the coronavirus pandemic
Brazil officially reported around 4,500 deaths and almost 67,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
However, the true numbers are thought to be vastly higher given the lack of testing and the many people who have not sought hospital care.
Some scientists said over one million in Brazil are likely infected.
The country - which has a population of 211 million - is heading into winter, which can worsen respiratory illness.
Mr Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the severity of the disease and insists there is no need for sharp restrictions that have been used to slow the spread in Europe and the US.
The Brazilian leader said people need to resume their lives through the pandemic to prevent an economic meltdown, but most state governors in the country have adopted restrictions to slow the spread and have advised people to stay at home.
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Mr Bolsonaro recently fired his popular health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, after a series of disagreements over efforts to contain the virus.
Image: President Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the seriousness of COVID-19
"I know… life is priceless. But the economy and jobs must return to normal," Mr Bolsonaro said, as he introduced his new health minister, Nelson Teich, an advocate for reopening the economy.
Image: Brazil's new health minister, Nelson Teich, speaks during a coronavirus news conference
The sacking of Mr Mandetta sparked widespread protests, with residents leaning out their windows to bang pots and pans.
Medical officials in Rio de Janeiro and at least four other major cities have warned that their hospital systems are on the verge of collapse or are too busy to take any more patients.
In Sao Paulo, the largest city in South America with over 21 million residents, death certificates were issued for 236 people who died at home over the past two weeks - double the number before the outbreak, according to the SAMU paramedic service.
Manaus, an Amazon city of 1.8 million, recorded 142 deaths on Sunday - the most yet - including 41 who died at home.
Mass graves are currently being dug by workers in the city's main cemetery.
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Brazil's funeral industry warned last week that the city was running out of coffins and "there could soon be corpses left on corners".
Meanwhile, Chile's government has said it will issue certificates to people who have recovered from COVID-19, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) saying there is "no evidence" that people who contract coronavirus are immune from being infected again.
Image: Employees work at Viana funeral services to meet the increased demand in Manaus, Brazil
Neighbouring Argentina has taken a serious stance on the pandemic, banning all commercial flights until September in one of the toughest coronavirus travel bans in the world.
Other South American countries including Ecuador and Peru have banned all commercial flights, but none have extended their timeline as far out as Argentina. Brazil has also imposed travel restrictions but not outright bans.
The worsening situation in Brazil comes as some US states and European countries are moving gradually to ease their limits on movement and commerce.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:15 Lessons from Iceland in tackling COVID-19
The US governors of Nevada and Colorado announced their states will join California, Oregon and Washington state in coordinating their reopenings.
Businesses have been allowed to reopen in the state of Georgia, with restaurants receiving the go-ahead to resume dine-in service as long as they follow social distancing rules.
Italy's prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, said measures would be relaxed from 4 May, with people being allowed to visit family members in small numbers.
Technology is also likely to play a role in helping countries ease their restrictions, with countries including Italy, France, Switzerland and the UK working on virus-tracking apps to trace infected people's contacts.


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Deaths in care homes reach highest level in nearly 30 years

There were 4,343 coronavirus-related deaths reported by care home providers in England in two weeks , according to the healthcare regulator .
The figure - from the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) - covers the fortnight to 24 April .
It is based on care home providers ' assessment of whether COVID-19 was involved in a resident 's death .
It may or may not correspond with a medical diagnosis , or be mentioned on the death certificate .
The figure was revealed in data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) - which also showed weekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point since comparable records began in 1993. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There were 22,351 deaths in the week ending 17 April - up 3,835 on the previous week - and 11,854 more than the five-year average .
COVID-19 was mentioned in 8,758 deaths registered during the week - 39.3 % of the total .
Last week , it was 6,213 and 33.6 % .
In London , 55.5 % of deaths involved the virus .
The North West and North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths linked to COVID-19 - 42.3 % and 41.1 % respectively .
ONS figures cover all deaths in England and Wales where coronavirus is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate - whether in or out of hospital .
The virus may not always be the main cause of death , but may be a contributory factor .
The ONS figures are higher than those issued by the Department of Health , which records only deaths in hospitals for people who have tested positive .
Following concerns that the impact on care homes is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent healthcare regulator , the CQC , were included for the first time in this week 's release .
ONS data ( looking only at death certificates ) for coronavirus-linked care home deaths in England and Wales shows 3,096 deaths from the start of the year to 17 April .
That is up from 1,043 the week before - a rise of 2,053 .
The vast majority of COVID-19 deaths this year ( 14,796 or 77.4 % ) have happened in hospital , according to the ONS .
There have also been 883 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

There were 4,343 coronavirus-related deaths reported by care home providers in England in two weeks, according to the healthcare regulator.
The figure - from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) - covers the fortnight to 24 April.
It is based on care home providers' assessment of whether COVID-19 was involved in a resident's death.
It may or may not correspond with a medical diagnosis, or be mentioned on the death certificate.
The figure was revealed in data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) - which also showed weekly deaths from all causes reached the highest point since comparable records began in 1993.
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There were 22,351 deaths in the week ending 17 April - up 3,835 on the previous week - and 11,854 more than the five-year average.
COVID-19 was mentioned in 8,758 deaths registered during the week - 39.3% of the total. Last week, it was 6,213 and 33.6%.
In London, 55.5% of deaths involved the virus.
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The North West and North East also had a high proportion of deaths linked to COVID-19 - 42.3% and 41.1% respectively.
ONS figures cover all deaths in England and Wales where coronavirus is mentioned anywhere on the death certificate - whether in or out of hospital.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Care workers refuse to work over virus fears
The virus may not always be the main cause of death, but may be a contributory factor.
The ONS figures are higher than those issued by the Department of Health, which records only deaths in hospitals for people who have tested positive.
Following concerns that the impact on care homes is being underestimated, figures from England's independent healthcare regulator, the CQC, were included for the first time in this week's release.
ONS data (looking only at death certificates) for coronavirus-linked care home deaths in England and Wales shows 3,096 deaths from the start of the year to 17 April.
That is up from 1,043 the week before - a rise of 2,053.
The vast majority of COVID-19 deaths this year (14,796 or 77.4%) have happened in hospital, according to the ONS.
There have also been 883 in private homes and 190 in hospices.


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Matt Hancock 'worried' over new disease in children possibly linked to COVID-19

The health secretary has expressed his concern about a rare but serious new syndrome in children possibly linked to COVID-19 .
Matt Hancock said a lot of research is being done on the new disease and `` it is something that we 're worried about '' .
Medical experts are investigating a possible link between the coronavirus pandemic and clusters of severe inflammatory disease among infants who are arriving in hospitals with high fevers and swollen arteries .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Hancock said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think may be caused by coronavirus and the COVID-19 virus , we 're not 100 % sure because some of the people who got it had n't tested positive , so we 're doing a lot of research now but it is something that we 're worried about . ''
He added that while the disease is rare , it is `` very significant '' for children who do get it .
NHS officials said less than 20 children in England have been admitted to hospital with the syndrome , which causes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were currently no confirmed deaths related to the syndrome .
NHS England 's national medical director Professor Stephen Powis said it was `` too early to say '' whether the syndrome is linked to COVID-19 , while chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said it was `` entirely plausible '' .
Northern Italy - one of the world 's hardest-hit areas during the pandemic - has reported high numbers of children under the age of nine with severe cases of what appears to be Kawasaki disease , which is more common in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affects children under five and symptoms include swollen lymph nodes , skin rashes , fever and in severe cases , inflammation of arteries of the heart .
Professor Anne Marie Rafferty , president of the Royal College of Nursing , said she had heard reports about the similarity of the new syndrome in infants and Kawasaki disease .
`` Actually there 's far too little known about it and the numbers actually at the moment are really too small , '' Prof Rafferty told Sky News .
`` But it is an alert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually being explored and examined by a number of different researchers . ''
Junior British interior minister Victoria Atkins said parents should be vigilant .
She told Sky News : `` It demonstrates just how fast moving this virus is and how unprecedented it is in its effect '' .

The health secretary has expressed his concern about a rare but serious new syndrome in children possibly linked to COVID-19.
Matt Hancock said a lot of research is being done on the new disease and "it is something that we're worried about".
Medical experts are investigating a possible link between the coronavirus pandemic and clusters of severe inflammatory disease among infants who are arriving in hospitals with high fevers and swollen arteries.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Hancock said: "It's a new disease that we think may be caused by coronavirus and the COVID-19 virus, we're not 100% sure because some of the people who got it hadn't tested positive, so we're doing a lot of research now but it is something that we're worried about."
He added that while the disease is rare, it is "very significant" for children who do get it.
Image: A member of the ambulance service wearing personal protective equipment
NHS officials said less than 20 children in England have been admitted to hospital with the syndrome, which causes a toxic shock-style inflammatory reaction.
They said there were currently no confirmed deaths related to the syndrome.
NHS England's national medical director Professor Stephen Powis said it was "too early to say" whether the syndrome is linked to COVID-19, while chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said it was "entirely plausible".
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Northern Italy - one of the world's hardest-hit areas during the pandemic - has reported high numbers of children under the age of nine with severe cases of what appears to be Kawasaki disease, which is more common in parts of Asia.
Kawasaki disease mainly affects children under five and symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, skin rashes, fever and in severe cases, inflammation of arteries of the heart.
Professor Anne Marie Rafferty, president of the Royal College of Nursing, said she had heard reports about the similarity of the new syndrome in infants and Kawasaki disease.
"Actually there's far too little known about it and the numbers actually at the moment are really too small," Prof Rafferty told Sky News.
"But it is an alert, and it's something that's actually being explored and examined by a number of different researchers."
Junior British interior minister Victoria Atkins said parents should be vigilant.
She told Sky News: "It demonstrates just how fast moving this virus is and how unprecedented it is in its effect".


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Up to 25 Filipinos among healthcare workers to die from COVID-19 in UK

Up to 25 Filipino healthcare workers have died from COVID-19 in the UK , the deputy Philippine ambassador to the UK has told Sky News .
The number of deaths make up 19 % of the more than 100 health and social care workers believed to have died on the frontline , according to Nursing Notes , a medical site which tracks NHS staff deaths .
An estimated 19,000 health care professionals of Philippine heritage are working in the NHS .
Of them 13,000 are nurses .
`` I think it is a safe assumption that part of the reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being hit is because they are being given inadequate personal protective equipment , '' said Senen T Mangalile , who also serves as consul general at the Philippine embassy .
`` The embassy and I are very concerned about this which is why we raised the issue with the Foreign Office .
We also raised the issue of our healthcare workers saying they were not being tested even though they have symptoms .
`` The third issue we also raised is when they are feeling unwell they were being urged to stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embassy has received complaints from nurses who say the personal protective equipment ( PPE ) they have been issued with is inadequate for what they need to do in their job .
He said : `` We would like to see them [ Foreign Office ] co-ordinating with government departments that are in charge of implantation of PPE .
`` Their contribution can not be discounted , they are the frontline of this war against the virus and they are sacrificing a lot to be able to do this in this country and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Among members of the Filipino community to have died is Larni Zuniga , 54 , a senior care home nurse who lost his life to COVID-19 on Friday .
He died at St Thomas ' Hospital , where he spent three weeks in intensive care .
Speaking exclusively to Sky News , Mr Zuniga 's daughter Mutya Zuniga-Paulo said : `` He spent nearly a month in ICU fighting for his life .
My dad was alone in the UK and we wanted to be with him during his last days but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was hard watching him during his last moments through video call .
We could n't even hug him or touch him or even say goodbye for the last time .
This is unimaginable . ''
Mr Zuniga , who was diabetic , is believed to have contracted the virus while working at a care home in Bagshot , Surrey .
The father-of-three was born and raised in the Philippines , where he left his wife Edith and three children to embark on a nursing career in the UK 12 years ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said her father was in the process of applying for his wife to join him before he became unwell .
She said : `` He left the Philippines to work in order to give us a better life .
He was working hard to save money to help my mum with her papers so they could be together .
My dad died being a hero .
`` Every health care worker deserve to have proper protection .
It 's not fair nurses and doctors are going on the battlefield without PPE .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these frontline workers .
They are the heroes of this generation . ''
Mr Zuniga was a regular member of the Jesus is Lord Church in Oxford .
The church community is already mourning the loss of Oscar King Jr and Elbert Rico - two Filipino hospital porters who recently died from COVID-19 .
Pastor Arnold Barrientos , a nurse and friend of Mr Zuniga , tested positive for the virus after visiting him at his home .
He has since recovered .
`` He had to self-isolate on his own before going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how he managed to cope .
He sacrificed a lot for his family back home .
He last saw them five years ago and died here all alone with none of them by his side , '' he said .
Other Filipino victims of COVID-19 in the UK include Leilani Medel , 41 , a hospital nurse from South Wales .
She died on Good Friday while her husband , Johnny Medel Jr , who also tested positive for coronavirus , remains in a critical condition in intensive care .
`` My niece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve to die .
There was not much protection offered to them for the work they were doing .
I think a lot of them did not have enough personal protection equipment , '' said her Aunt Marissa Weaver .
The couple 's 14-year-old daughter has since recovered from the virus and is now in foster care .
Ms Weaver said : `` I spoke to her today and although she is so devastated she is doing well .
I ca n't even visit her because of the lockdown .
We are so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he dies their daughter could be orphaned .
I do n't know what will happen to her . ''
Politicians in the southeast Asian country have told Sky News how proud they are of medics from the Philippines who have died .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Senator Christopher `` Bong '' Go , a personal aide of President Rodrigo Duterte , said : `` We salute you for your hard work and sacrifice to save people .
Let us fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We can do this .
We can get through this . ''
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa said : `` I 'm sending my heartfelt thanks for the service that you give to the United Kingdom .
It 's amazing what you do there .
We salute you all in the United Kingdom . ''
The UK government has announced a review into the impact that coronavirus is having on ethnic minorities .
Sky News has approached the Foreign Office for comment .

Up to 25 Filipino healthcare workers have died from COVID-19 in the UK, the deputy Philippine ambassador to the UK has told Sky News.
The number of deaths make up 19% of the more than 100 health and social care workers believed to have died on the frontline, according to Nursing Notes, a medical site which tracks NHS staff deaths.
An estimated 19,000 health care professionals of Philippine heritage are working in the NHS. Of them 13,000 are nurses.
Image: Senen T Mangalile says healthcare workers are being given inadequate personal protective equipment
"I think it is a safe assumption that part of the reason a lot of our healthcare workers are being hit is because they are being given inadequate personal protective equipment," said Senen T Mangalile, who also serves as consul general at the Philippine embassy.
"The embassy and I are very concerned about this which is why we raised the issue with the Foreign Office. We also raised the issue of our healthcare workers saying they were not being tested even though they have symptoms.
"The third issue we also raised is when they are feeling unwell they were being urged to stay at home."
Mr Mangalile said the embassy has received complaints from nurses who say the personal protective equipment (PPE) they have been issued with is inadequate for what they need to do in their job.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:08 Why are 72% of NHS deaths BAME workers?
He said: "We would like to see them [Foreign Office] co-ordinating with government departments that are in charge of implantation of PPE.
"Their contribution cannot be discounted, they are the frontline of this war against the virus and they are sacrificing a lot to be able to do this in this country and for the people who live here."
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Among members of the Filipino community to have died is Larni Zuniga, 54, a senior care home nurse who lost his life to COVID-19 on Friday.
He died at St Thomas' Hospital, where he spent three weeks in intensive care.
Speaking exclusively to Sky News, Mr Zuniga's daughter Mutya Zuniga-Paulo said: "He spent nearly a month in ICU fighting for his life. My dad was alone in the UK and we wanted to be with him during his last days but we couldn't do anything.
"It was hard watching him during his last moments through video call. We couldn't even hug him or touch him or even say goodbye for the last time. This is unimaginable."
Mr Zuniga, who was diabetic, is believed to have contracted the virus while working at a care home in Bagshot, Surrey.
The father-of-three was born and raised in the Philippines, where he left his wife Edith and three children to embark on a nursing career in the UK 12 years ago.
Mutya Zuniga-Paulo who herself is a nurse said her father was in the process of applying for his wife to join him before he became unwell.
She said: "He left the Philippines to work in order to give us a better life. He was working hard to save money to help my mum with her papers so they could be together. My dad died being a hero.
"Every health care worker deserve to have proper protection. It's not fair nurses and doctors are going on the battlefield without PPE. I hope the public and government will value these frontline workers. They are the heroes of this generation."
Image: Larni Zuniga and his family
Mr Zuniga was a regular member of the Jesus is Lord Church in Oxford. The church community is already mourning the loss of Oscar King Jr and Elbert Rico - two Filipino hospital porters who recently died from COVID-19.
Pastor Arnold Barrientos, a nurse and friend of Mr Zuniga, tested positive for the virus after visiting him at his home. He has since recovered.
"He had to self-isolate on his own before going into hospital. I don't know how he managed to cope. He sacrificed a lot for his family back home. He last saw them five years ago and died here all alone with none of them by his side," he said.
Other Filipino victims of COVID-19 in the UK include Leilani Medel, 41, a hospital nurse from South Wales.
Image: Leilani with her husband Johnny Medel Jr
She died on Good Friday while her husband, Johnny Medel Jr, who also tested positive for coronavirus, remains in a critical condition in intensive care.
"My niece and the other Filipino nurses did not deserve to die. There was not much protection offered to them for the work they were doing. I think a lot of them did not have enough personal protection equipment," said her Aunt Marissa Weaver.
The couple's 14-year-old daughter has since recovered from the virus and is now in foster care.
Ms Weaver said: "I spoke to her today and although she is so devastated she is doing well. I can't even visit her because of the lockdown. We are so worried about her dad.
"If he dies their daughter could be orphaned. I don't know what will happen to her."
Politicians in the southeast Asian country have told Sky News how proud they are of medics from the Philippines who have died.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, a personal aide of President Rodrigo Duterte, said: "We salute you for your hard work and sacrifice to save people. Let us fight this together. Let us pray. We can do this. We can get through this."
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa said: "I'm sending my heartfelt thanks for the service that you give to the United Kingdom. It's amazing what you do there. We salute you all in the United Kingdom."
The UK government has announced a review into the impact that coronavirus is having on ethnic minorities.
Sky News has approached the Foreign Office for comment.


news--2020-04-28--Coronavirus: Tokyo Olympics to be cancelled altogether if COVID-19 vaccine not found soon

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics could be cancelled all together if a COVID-19 vaccine is not found soon , Japan 's chief medic has warned .
In March , the International Olympics Committee ( IOC ) announced the Games , due to be held this July , would be postponed for a year and would still be called Tokyo 2020 .
But , as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the world , doubts over whether the postponed Games could take place have become very real .
On Tuesday , Japan Medical Association president Dr Yoshitake Yokokura said the Olympics next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were under control around the world .
`` In my view , it would be difficult to hold the Olympics unless effective vaccines are developed , '' Mr Yokokura said .
Scientists working on a vaccine have said it will take at least a year but most likely more time to develop a safe vaccine .
Young , strong Olympic athletes would also not be first in line to receive a vaccine , with healthcare workers and the elderly a priority .
If Tokyo 2020 never goes ahead it will be only the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern Games they have not , with three others cancelled due to the two World Wars .
Japan 's daily new coronavirus cases have declined over the past week but hopes of lifting the lockdown soon have been dashed , with critics saying Japan is not doing enough testing to reveal the true number of cases .
President of Japan 's Olympics organising committee and former prime minister Yoshiro Mori , did little to give confidence to athletes that Tokyo 2020 will go ahead if it does not happen in summer 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all be cancelled , '' he told Nikkan Sports .
`` In the past , when there were such problems , like wartime , it has been cancelled .
This time , we are fighting an invisible enemy .
`` This is a gamble for mankind .
If the world triumphs over the virus and we can hold the Olympics , then our games will be so many times more valuable than any past Olympics . ''
Cancelling the Games would be a major setback for the 11,000 Olympic athletes and 4,400 Paralympians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only getting one shot at the Olympics .
It would also be a massive financial blow for Japan , sponsors and broadcasters .
Japan has officially spent nearly £10bn to organise the Olympics , but the real figure is estimated to be at least twice that large .
The delay will cost Japan between £1.5bn and £4.7bn , according to estimates .
Japanese organisers had already signed up more than 60 sponsors who have paid about £2.6bn to be associated with the Games .
The IOC also has 14 long-term sponsors , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported to pay about £79m .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It is still unclear what would happen if the Olympics is held without fans , with millions of tickets already sold and organisers expecting £630m from sales .
The coveted tickets carry a strict clause which may allow the organisers to not refund them .
Sports around the world has all but come to a halt during the pandemic , but Formula One fans were given a bit of hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning to start the 2020 season on 5 July in Austria , without fans initially .

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics could be cancelled all together if a COVID-19 vaccine is not found soon, Japan's chief medic has warned.
In March, the International Olympics Committee (IOC) announced the Games, due to be held this July, would be postponed for a year and would still be called Tokyo 2020.
But, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the world, doubts over whether the postponed Games could take place have become very real.
Image: A clock is counting down to the postponed Olympics in July 2021 outside Tokyo railway station
On Tuesday, Japan Medical Association president Dr Yoshitake Yokokura said the Olympics next year were only possible if infection rates were under control around the world.
"In my view, it would be difficult to hold the Olympics unless effective vaccines are developed," Mr Yokokura said.
Scientists working on a vaccine have said it will take at least a year but most likely more time to develop a safe vaccine.
Young, strong Olympic athletes would also not be first in line to receive a vaccine, with healthcare workers and the elderly a priority.
If Tokyo 2020 never goes ahead it will be only the fourth time in the history of the modern Games they have not, with three others cancelled due to the two World Wars.
Japan's daily new coronavirus cases have declined over the past week but hopes of lifting the lockdown soon have been dashed, with critics saying Japan is not doing enough testing to reveal the true number of cases.
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Image: Japan, sponsors, broadcasters and fans have already spent billions of pounds on Tokyo 2020
President of Japan's Olympics organising committee and former prime minister Yoshiro Mori, did little to give confidence to athletes that Tokyo 2020 will go ahead if it does not happen in summer 2021.
"In that situation, it will all be cancelled," he told Nikkan Sports.
"In the past, when there were such problems, like wartime, it has been cancelled. This time, we are fighting an invisible enemy.
"This is a gamble for mankind. If the world triumphs over the virus and we can hold the Olympics, then our games will be so many times more valuable than any past Olympics."
Cancelling the Games would be a major setback for the 11,000 Olympic athletes and 4,400 Paralympians due to take part, with many only getting one shot at the Olympics.
It would also be a massive financial blow for Japan, sponsors and broadcasters.
Japan has officially spent nearly £10bn to organise the Olympics, but the real figure is estimated to be at least twice that large.
The delay will cost Japan between £1.5bn and £4.7bn, according to estimates.
Japanese organisers had already signed up more than 60 sponsors who have paid about £2.6bn to be associated with the Games.
The IOC also has 14 long-term sponsors, including Coca Cola and Intel, who are reported to pay about £79m.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It is still unclear what would happen if the Olympics is held without fans, with millions of tickets already sold and organisers expecting £630m from sales.
The coveted tickets carry a strict clause which may allow the organisers to not refund them.
Sports around the world has all but come to a halt during the pandemic, but Formula One fans were given a bit of hope on Monday when organisers said they are planning to start the 2020 season on 5 July in Austria, without fans initially.


news--2020-01-31--Coronavirus: UK patient is student at York university

One of the two people infected with the coronavirus in the UK is a student at the University of York , a spokesman said .
Health authorities are rushing to identify anyone who has come into contact with the pair .
The two patients , who are members of the same family , are currently being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle .
They had been staying at a hotel in York when they fell ill .
It comes as : • Britain cut its diplomatic staff in China in response to the coronavirus outbreak • Dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantined at a facility on the Wirral , where they will stay for two weeks • And the University of Derby confirmed `` a very small number '' of students who came back from Wuhan - the outbreak epicentre - before travel restrictions were put in place are self-isolating for 14 days .
It said all the students are fit and well .
The University of York had been informed by Public Health England ( PHE ) that one of the two people to test positive for the virus was a student .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ We want to reassure you that PHE has advised us that the risk of infection being passed to others on campus is low .
`` Current information from PHE suggests that the student did not come into contact with anybody on campus whilst they had symptoms but PHE investigations are ongoing to fully establish this . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It added : `` The university continues to operate normally .
We are monitoring the situation closely and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , care and support as we can to our university community . ''
The university has now set up a call centre to deal with queries from staff and students .
Anyone who has concerns or inquiries can contact 01904 809571 .
Professor John Ashton , a former regional director at Public Health Northwest , told Sky News the government needs to communicate better with people about what is going on .
He said : `` Somebody should be steering the path - between people being alert and realising that you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and making sure your hygiene is good and if somebody does develop this virus they do n't share it with other people - and panicking people .
`` There 's a feeling of panic around at the moment which is unnecessary .
I think that we need the national level to sort out the communications because at the moment they seem to be not as good as they could be .
We need a point of contact nationally , an authoritative voice . ''
The infected pair had been staying at the StayCity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is understood they recently travelled to the UK from China .
The building , which was put on lockdown , has been thoroughly disinfected .
In a letter to guests , the StayCity group has sought to reassure them that , based on official advice , there is `` minimum ongoing risk of infection '' and it remained open for business .
However , it said it would `` fully understand '' if people wished to check-out .
Professor Sharon Peacock , director of the National Infection Service at PHE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the confirmed cases were being traced .
`` Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases , '' she said .
`` This tried-and-tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public . ''
The PHE definition of close contact is being within two metres of the infected person for 15 minutes .
Of the 203 tests in the UK , only two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chief medical officer for England , said the two cases do not increase the risk to the UK and the virus remains `` moderately transmissible '' .
It currently has a 2 % mortality rate - considerably lower than the outbreaks of Ebola ( 70 % ) and SARS ( 10 % ) .
He said the NHS is `` extremely well-prepared '' with `` robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately '' .
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals ' NHS Foundation Trust said other patients and visitors at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated should not be worried and attend appointments as usual .
Meanwhile , the government has said some employees at the embassy and consulates in China , along with their families , are being withdrawn , leaving behind only essential personnel to carry out `` critical work '' .
It warned that if the crisis continued to worsen the ability to provide consular assistance to Britons in the country could be hit .
The move comes after the US ordered family members of embassy staff in China under the age of 21 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evacuation of 83 Britons and 27 foreign nationals from Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak .
Touching down at Brize Norton RAF base in Oxfordshire on Friday , they were taken in a convoy of coaches to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral , where they will be held in an isolation block for the next 14 days .
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said everyone on the plane was a `` well passenger '' .
While in quarantine , the evacuated Britons are being given fully furnished rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to a team of medical staff .
Kitchens are also available and families are being kept together , with games consoles , toys and cots provided .
Sky News has obtained exclusive footage from inside the quarantine zone , where everyone can be seen wearing face masks to guard against infection .
The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a global health emergency on Thursday and said the spread of the virus outside China was a key factor behind its decision .
A total of 259 people have been killed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of known cases stands at more than 11,000 , as authorities around the world work to prevent a global pandemic .
There is no vaccine for the new viral infection , which can cause pneumonia and can be passed from person to person .
The virus originated in the Chinese central city of Wuhan at the end of last year and has since spread to every province across mainland China .
Many countries have said they plan to quarantine evacuees for two weeks to avoid spread of the virus , while Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close their land borders with China .
Airports around the world have stepped up screening of travellers arriving from affected regions .
Measures are also in force in the UK to guard against the virus , including taking aircraft to a special designated area of Heathrow 's Terminal 4 .
The US has declared a public health emergency and announced significant entry restrictions , temporarily barring foreign nationals - other than immediate family of American citizens and permanent residents - who have travelled to China within the last 14 days .
And all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Delta Air Lines and American Airlines - have announced the cancellation of flights to mainland China .
Have you been affected by the outbreak ?
- Contact Sky News on : : : WhatsApp - 07583 000853 : : Email - news @ sky.com : : 'Your Report ' on Sky News apps

One of the two people infected with the coronavirus in the UK is a student at the University of York, a spokesman said.
Health authorities are rushing to identify anyone who has come into contact with the pair.
The two patients, who are members of the same family, are currently being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle.
They had been staying at a hotel in York when they fell ill.
It comes as:
Britain cut its diplomatic staff in China in response to the coronavirus outbreak
outbreak Dozens of Britons brought back from China are being quarantined at a facility on the Wirral, where they will stay for two weeks
And the University of Derby confirmed "a very small number" of students who came back from Wuhan - the outbreak epicentre - before travel restrictions were put in place are self-isolating for 14 days. It said all the students are fit and well.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 University of York 'open as normal' despite coronavirus case
The University of York had been informed by Public Health England (PHE) that one of the two people to test positive for the virus was a student.
It said in a statement: "We want to reassure you that PHE has advised us that the risk of infection being passed to others on campus is low.
"Current information from PHE suggests that the student did not come into contact with anybody on campus whilst they had symptoms but PHE investigations are ongoing to fully establish this."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Advertisement
It added: "The university continues to operate normally. We are monitoring the situation closely and we will continue to provide as much advice, care and support as we can to our university community."
The university has now set up a call centre to deal with queries from staff and students.
Anyone who has concerns or inquiries can contact 01904 809571.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
Professor John Ashton, a former regional director at Public Health Northwest, told Sky News the government needs to communicate better with people about what is going on.
He said: "Somebody should be steering the path - between people being alert and realising that you need to be doing stuff to look after yourself and making sure your hygiene is good and if somebody does develop this virus they don't share it with other people - and panicking people.
"There's a feeling of panic around at the moment which is unnecessary. I think that we need the national level to sort out the communications because at the moment they seem to be not as good as they could be. We need a point of contact nationally, an authoritative voice."
The infected pair had been staying at the StayCity apartment-hotel in York when they became unwell.
It is understood they recently travelled to the UK from China.
The building, which was put on lockdown, has been thoroughly disinfected.
In a letter to guests, the StayCity group has sought to reassure them that, based on official advice, there is "minimum ongoing risk of infection" and it remained open for business.
However, it said it would "fully understand" if people wished to check-out.
Image: The StayCity apartment-hotel says there is 'minimum ongoing risk of infection' and remains open
Professor Sharon Peacock, director of the National Infection Service at PHE, said people who had come into contact with the confirmed cases were being traced.
"Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases," she said.
"This tried-and-tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public."
The PHE definition of close contact is being within two metres of the infected person for 15 minutes.
Of the 203 tests in the UK, only two have been positive.
Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said the two cases do not increase the risk to the UK and the virus remains "moderately transmissible".
It currently has a 2% mortality rate - considerably lower than the outbreaks of Ebola (70%) and SARS (10%).
He said the NHS is "extremely well-prepared" with "robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately".
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals' NHS Foundation Trust said other patients and visitors at the hospital where the two people are being treated should not be worried and attend appointments as usual.
Meanwhile, the government has said some employees at the embassy and consulates in China, along with their families, are being withdrawn, leaving behind only essential personnel to carry out "critical work".
It warned that if the crisis continued to worsen the ability to provide consular assistance to Britons in the country could be hit.
The move comes after the US ordered family members of embassy staff in China under the age of 21 to leave immediately.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
The UK pullout follows the evacuation of 83 Britons and 27 foreign nationals from Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak.
Touching down at Brize Norton RAF base in Oxfordshire on Friday, they were taken in a convoy of coaches to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, where they will be held in an isolation block for the next 14 days.
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said everyone on the plane was a "well passenger".
While in quarantine, the evacuated Britons are being given fully furnished rooms, food, laundry facilities and have access to a team of medical staff.
Kitchens are also available and families are being kept together, with games consoles, toys and cots provided.
Sky News has obtained exclusive footage from inside the quarantine zone, where everyone can be seen wearing face masks to guard against infection.
The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a global health emergency on Thursday and said the spread of the virus outside China was a key factor behind its decision.
A total of 259 people have been killed by the virus in China, with the number of known cases stands at more than 11,000, as authorities around the world work to prevent a global pandemic.
There is no vaccine for the new viral infection, which can cause pneumonia and can be passed from person to person.
The symptoms include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.
The virus originated in the Chinese central city of Wuhan at the end of last year and has since spread to every province across mainland China.
Many countries have said they plan to quarantine evacuees for two weeks to avoid spread of the virus, while Russia, Mongolia and North Korea are also to close their land borders with China.
Airports around the world have stepped up screening of travellers arriving from affected regions.
Measures are also in force in the UK to guard against the virus, including taking aircraft to a special designated area of Heathrow's Terminal 4.
The US has declared a public health emergency and announced significant entry restrictions, temporarily barring foreign nationals - other than immediate family of American citizens and permanent residents - who have travelled to China within the last 14 days.
And all three major US airlines - United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines - have announced the cancellation of flights to mainland China.
Have you been affected by the outbreak? - Contact Sky News on:
:: WhatsApp - 07583 000853
:: Email - news@sky.com
:: 'Your Report' on Sky News apps


news--2020-02-01--Coronavirus outbreak: Travel barriers come down on China as crisis deepens

The US is among a number of countries which have imposed tough travel restrictions against China as the coronavirus outbreak escalates .
Washington has faced criticism by Beijing after it moved to bar entry to most foreigners who have visited China in the past two weeks .
Australia has imposed similar measures , following Japan and Singapore .
Many major airlines , including British Airways , have also suspended flights with mainland China .
Meanwhile , Russia , Mongolia and North Korea have announced that they will close their land borders with the country to guard against the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come as the number of people killed by coronavirus in China rose to 294 and confirmed cases passed 12,000 .
The infection 's rapid spread recently prompted the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) to declare it a global emergency .
The virus originated in the Chinese central city of Wuhan at the end of last year and has since spread to every province across mainland China .
While no deaths have been reported outside China , cases have been confirmed across at least 25 countries , including the US , Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emirates .
America has declared a public health emergency and President Donald Trump has signed an order barring entry to foreign nationals , other than immediate family of citizens and permanent residents , who visited China within the last 14 days , which scientists say is the virus 's longest incubation period .
China has hit out at the US restrictions , which it said contradicted the WHO 's appeal to avoid travel bans .
WHO Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said despite the emergency declaration , there is `` no reason for measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade '' .
US citizens returning from China will be allowed into the country , but will face screening .
The 195 Americans evacuated earlier this week from Wuhan were the subject of the first federal quarantine ordered since the 1960s .
Currently housed at a military base in southern California , none have so far shown signs of illness , although infected people do not show symptoms immediately .
One of those quarantined is Matthew L McCoy , a theme park designer who lives in China .
He said : `` All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and make sure we 're all medically clear and the public safe . ''
US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said : `` The risk of infection for Americans remains low and with these and our previous actions we are working to keep the risk low . ''
It comes as Apple said it was temporarily closing all stores in mainland China out of `` an abundance of caution '' .
Meanwhile , British health officials are urgently trying to trace those who came into contact with the first two people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of which is a student at the University of York .
Public Health England confirmed that the two people taken ill - who are members of the same family - had been staying at a hotel in York when they became unwell .
The UK evacuated 83 Britons and 27 non-UK nationals from Wuhan , the centre of the outbreak , on Friday .
The British passengers were taken to Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside to be housed in isolation in an NHS staff accommodation block .
A number of other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India and Singapore are also quarantining evacuees for two weeks to avoid spread of the virus .
The vast majority of the cases have been in Hubei province and its provincial capital , Wuhan , the epicentre of the outbreak .
Chinese officials have postponed the end of the Lunar New Year holiday in the region to in a bid to curb travel and prevent the spread of infection .
Chinese premier Li Keqiang said they would coordinate with local governments to stagger the times when people are asked to go back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU to help with the provision of medical supplies .
China first informed WHO about cases of the new virus in late December .
Symptoms include fever , a cough and in more severe cases shortness of breath or pneumonia .
The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has surpassed that of the previous SARS epidemic , although death rates are lower .

The US is among a number of countries which have imposed tough travel restrictions against China as the coronavirus outbreak escalates.
Washington has faced criticism by Beijing after it moved to bar entry to most foreigners who have visited China in the past two weeks.
Australia has imposed similar measures, following Japan and Singapore.
Image: Chinese travellers are facing tougher restrictions in the face of the spreading outbreak
Many major airlines, including British Airways, have also suspended flights with mainland China.
Meanwhile, Russia, Mongolia and North Korea have announced that they will close their land borders with the country to guard against the spread of the virus.
The increased border controls come as the number of people killed by coronavirus in China rose to 294 and confirmed cases passed 12,000.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Inside quarantined quarters in New Delhi
The infection's rapid spread recently prompted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare it a global emergency.
The virus originated in the Chinese central city of Wuhan at the end of last year and has since spread to every province across mainland China.
While no deaths have been reported outside China, cases have been confirmed across at least 25 countries, including the US, Russia, France, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
America has declared a public health emergency and President Donald Trump has signed an order barring entry to foreign nationals, other than immediate family of citizens and permanent residents, who visited China within the last 14 days, which scientists say is the virus's longest incubation period.
China has hit out at the US restrictions, which it said contradicted the WHO's appeal to avoid travel bans.
WHO Secretary-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said despite the emergency declaration, there is "no reason for measures that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade".
US citizens returning from China will be allowed into the country, but will face screening.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 Officials in protective suits enter York hotel
The 195 Americans evacuated earlier this week from Wuhan were the subject of the first federal quarantine ordered since the 1960s.
Currently housed at a military base in southern California, none have so far shown signs of illness, although infected people do not show symptoms immediately.
One of those quarantined is Matthew L McCoy, a theme park designer who lives in China.
He said: "All of us really want to stay here and make sure we're all medically clear and the public safe."
US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said: "The risk of infection for Americans remains low and with these and our previous actions we are working to keep the risk low."
It comes as Apple said it was temporarily closing all stores in mainland China out of "an abundance of caution".
Image: Apple is temporarily closing all stores in China out of 'an abundance of caution'
Meanwhile, British health officials are urgently trying to trace those who came into contact with the first two people diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK, one of which is a student at the University of York.
Public Health England confirmed that the two people taken ill - who are members of the same family - had been staying at a hotel in York when they became unwell.
The UK evacuated 83 Britons and 27 non-UK nationals from Wuhan, the centre of the outbreak, on Friday.
The British passengers were taken to Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside to be housed in isolation in an NHS staff accommodation block.
A number of other countries, including Australia, South Korea, India and Singapore are also quarantining evacuees for two weeks to avoid spread of the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
The vast majority of the cases have been in Hubei province and its provincial capital, Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.
Chinese officials have postponed the end of the Lunar New Year holiday in the region to in a bid to curb travel and prevent the spread of infection.
Chinese premier Li Keqiang said they would coordinate with local governments to stagger the times when
people are asked to go back to work.
He also called on the EU to help with the provision of medical supplies.
China first informed WHO about cases of the new virus in late December.
Symptoms include fever, a cough and in more severe cases shortness of breath or pneumonia.
The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has surpassed that of the previous SARS epidemic, although death rates are lower.


news--2020-06-21--Scenes outside Trump rally show critical state of US democracy

On the streets of Tulsa this evening , I 've seen American politics at its most visceral .
I have no dog in the fight ; no side to take , but watching opposing sides nose-to-nose demonstrates the critical state of American democracy .
As I write I am watching people inches apart and hurling abuse to and fro .
`` Go home , '' a Trump supporter screams .
`` You 're not welcome here . ''
`` Trump 's a racist ! ''
a woman shouts back .
`` Black people for Trump is like Jewish people for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` He 's a rapist , '' another shouts , with nothing more to substantiate such a claim .
`` He 's done more for this country than you ever will ! ''
the retort comes back .
`` How dare you call me racist ... we are America first , that does n't make us racist . ''
`` Four more years , four more years , '' they chant .
There are plenty of other phrases shouted as well , far too profane to be published here .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resumption of Donald Trump 's election campaign .
What 's striking here in the very heart of it all is the apparent lack of any nuanced view or understanding for the opposing side .
They are passionate but angry and deeply divided .
It 's encouraging then , in quieter corners , to find more considered debate .
I listen to a young black man asking a white Trump supporter why the Ku Klux Klan are drawn to Mr Trump .
`` It was the Democrats who gave them power , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abolished slavery . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The two backdrops to all this are coronavirus and race .
The Black Lives Matter movement was given a new global impetus by the death earlier this month of George Floyd in Minnesota .
There are quite a few Black Lives Matter protesters here , all of whom think the Trump presidency has worsened race relations .
And for him to hold his first rally in Tulsa is doubly insulting , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in history as the scene of the country 's worst single race-fuelled incident .
Some 300 African Americans were killed by a white mob in May 1921 .
`` I have no problem with the president coming here , '' African-American Kavin Ross told me when we spoke in the neighbourhood where the 1921 massacre happened .
`` It 's just the attraction that he brings .
He rallies , he dog whistles his base who are saying 'white power ' and 'white lives matter ' and 'build that wall ' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't need that here in Tulsa .
We 're just trying to heal , '' Mr Ross said .
The Tulsa rally is the first for the Trump campaign since the coronavirus hit back in March .
There is a mixture of indifference and ignorance to the fact that in this county alone , on this day they have seen their highest number of cases yet .
One person told me it was all a hoax .
Another said that it was real but that if the Black Lives Matters protesters could come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump and his supporters .
It 's worth noting that the black community in Tulsa tell me they had pared back their weekend of commemorations to mark Juneteenth - the end of slavery .
But when they heard President Trump was coming to town they saw it as a green light to have their own mass gathering .
Back outside the arena where Mr Trump is speaking , there are more heated verbal clashes .
One man is screaming at a black woman who has accused him of being racist .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam from Texas tells me afterwards .
`` Americans for Trump are Americans for all .
Trump 's true supporters are generally not life-long conservatives .
We are liberations : Live and let live .
How do you prove you are not a racist ?
We are nationalist .
Race , creed , colour , gender .
There are outliers in every single group , '' Adam adds .
She had compiled every one of Donald Trump 's tweets into three hard back volumes .
`` It 's a record of history , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been the greatest president of our lifetime .
I suffered under eight years of Obama .
My finances were to the floor .
It was devastating .
Just the three years Trump was in office our economy was off the chart .
It 's been incredible . ''
And that was the core of President Trump 's message in the arena : he rebuilt the economy , he says , then the `` China virus '' destroyed it , but he 's rebuilt it already again .
We 'll hear that mantra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 3 November the people 's verdict on `` four more years '' will come .

On the streets of Tulsa this evening, I've seen American politics at its most visceral.
I have no dog in the fight; no side to take, but watching opposing sides nose-to-nose demonstrates the critical state of American democracy.
As I write I am watching people inches apart and hurling abuse to and fro.
YouTube YouTube , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable YouTube cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to YouTube cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow YouTube cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"Go home," a Trump supporter screams. "You're not welcome here."
"Trump's a racist!" a woman shouts back. "Black people for Trump is like Jewish people for Hitler. He is so racist."
"He's a rapist," another shouts, with nothing more to substantiate such a claim.
"He's done more for this country than you ever will!" the retort comes back.
"How dare you call me racist... we are America first, that doesn't make us racist."
"Four more years, four more years," they chant.
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"Hilary was a crook. Biden is a loser."
Image: The crowd was smaller than expected at the rally, with many heeding advice from health officials regarding COVID-19
There are plenty of other phrases shouted as well, far too profane to be published here.
I am at the front of the line for the resumption of Donald Trump's election campaign.
What's striking here in the very heart of it all is the apparent lack of any nuanced view or understanding for the opposing side.
They are passionate but angry and deeply divided.
It's encouraging then, in quieter corners, to find more considered debate.
I listen to a young black man asking a white Trump supporter why the Ku Klux Klan are drawn to Mr Trump.
"It was the Democrats who gave them power," the supporter replies. "The Republicans abolished slavery."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The two backdrops to all this are coronavirus and race.
The Black Lives Matter movement was given a new global impetus by the death earlier this month of George Floyd in Minnesota.
There are quite a few Black Lives Matter protesters here, all of whom think the Trump presidency has worsened race relations.
Image: Some 300 African Americans were killed by a white mob in May 1921
And for him to hold his first rally in Tulsa is doubly insulting, they think, because of the city's place in history as the scene of the country's worst single race-fuelled incident. Some 300 African Americans were killed by a white mob in May 1921.
"I have no problem with the president coming here," African-American Kavin Ross told me when we spoke in the neighbourhood where the 1921 massacre happened.
"It's just the attraction that he brings. He rallies, he dog whistles his base who are saying 'white power' and 'white lives matter' and 'build that wall', all that racist rhetoric. We don't need that here in Tulsa. We're just trying to heal," Mr Ross said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Low turnout at Trump's first post-lockdown rally
The Tulsa rally is the first for the Trump campaign since the coronavirus hit back in March.
There is a mixture of indifference and ignorance to the fact that in this county alone, on this day they have seen their highest number of cases yet.
One person told me it was all a hoax. Another said that it was real but that if the Black Lives Matters protesters could come out in huge numbers then so could Mr Trump and his supporters.
Image: Thousands of people waited outside for the rally to begin
It's worth noting that the black community in Tulsa tell me they had pared back their weekend of commemorations to mark Juneteenth - the end of slavery.
But when they heard President Trump was coming to town they saw it as a green light to have their own mass gathering.
Back outside the arena where Mr Trump is speaking, there are more heated verbal clashes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:22 Trump hits out at his political rivals
One man is screaming at a black woman who has accused him of being racist.
"They pin us as racist," Adam from Texas tells me afterwards.
"Americans for Trump are Americans for all. Trump's true supporters are generally not life-long conservatives. We are liberations: Live and let live. How do you prove you are not a racist? We are nationalist. Race, creed, colour, gender. There are outliers in every single group," Adam adds.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 20 June: The dual controversies of Trump's rally
Nearby, Trisha Hope is selling books.
She had compiled every one of Donald Trump's tweets into three hard back volumes.
"It's a record of history," she tells me.
"He's been the greatest president of our lifetime. I suffered under eight years of Obama. My finances were to the floor. It was devastating. Just the three years Trump was in office our economy was off the chart. It's been incredible."
And that was the core of President Trump's message in the arena: he rebuilt the economy, he says, then the "China virus" destroyed it, but he's rebuilt it already again.
We'll hear that mantra over the next five months. And on 3 November the people's verdict on "four more years" will come.


news--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Hajj to go ahead with 'very limited numbers', Saudi Arabia announces

Saudi Arabia will hold Hajj this year for very limited numbers of citizens and residents living inside the country , to control the spread of the coronavirus .
The decision comes in light of the increase in COVID-19 cases around the world , the lack of a vaccine and difficulty maintaining social distance among large numbers of pilgrims coming from overseas .
It comes as the country announced it will end a nationwide curfew and lift restrictions on businesses from Sunday morning after three months of lockdown .
Restrictions will remain , however , for religious pilgrimages , international travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
The kingdom introduced stringent measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in March , including 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities .
In May , it announced a three-phase plan to ease restrictions on movement and travel , culminating in the curfew completely ending on 21 June .
The number of coronavirus infections has risen in recent weeks following a relaxation of movement and travel restrictions on 28 May .
The kingdom has recorded 154,223 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 1,230 deaths , the highest in the six-nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilgrims visit the holiest sites of Islam in Mecca and Medina for the week-long Hajj - a once-in-a-lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it .

Saudi Arabia will hold Hajj this year for very limited numbers of citizens and residents living inside the country, to control the spread of the coronavirus.
The decision comes in light of the increase in COVID-19 cases around the world, the lack of a vaccine and difficulty maintaining social distance among large numbers of pilgrims coming from overseas.
It comes as the country announced it will end a nationwide curfew and lift restrictions on businesses from Sunday morning after three months of lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 2018: Millions of Muslims begin Hajj pilgrimage
Restrictions will remain, however, for religious pilgrimages, international travel and social gatherings of more than 50 people.
The kingdom introduced stringent measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in March, including 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities.
In May, it announced a three-phase plan to ease restrictions on movement and travel, culminating in the curfew completely ending on 21 June.
The number of coronavirus infections has risen in recent weeks following a relaxation of movement and travel restrictions on 28 May.
The kingdom has recorded 154,223 cases of COVID-19 and a total of 1,230 deaths, the highest in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council.
Some 2.5 million pilgrims visit the holiest sites of Islam in Mecca and Medina for the week-long Hajj - a once-in-a-lifetime duty for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it.


news--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Children 'very unlikely to have to shield in the future', top doctor says

Most children will be `` very unlikely '' to have to shield even if there is a surge in coronavirus cases , England 's deputy chief medical officer has said .
Speaking at the Downing Street COVID-19 briefing , Dr Jenny Harries said only 36 children had been admitted to intensive care with the virus since the crisis began .
And it was for this reason , she said , that it was `` very likely ... very few children will need to shield '' in future .
She also attempted to allay parents ' fears by insisting there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school who would be better off in the classroom .
`` There is almost certainly a large number - a very large number - of children who are not going to school at the moment who could go , because parents are concerned that they should be shielding , '' Dr Harries added .
She also said children with asthma which is under control should be in school .
`` Those children are at very , very low risk from COVID - they are probably at very , very significant risk of getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` In terms of the long-term health outcomes , that would be far worse . ''
Meanwhile , millions `` shielding '' during the coronavirus outbreak will soon be able to meet six others from outside their home .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the change will apply in England from Monday 6 July for those deemed clinically `` extremely vulnerable '' .
They will no longer have to shield from 1 August - but the government says support from the NHS volunteer scheme and local councils will remain in @ @

Most children will be "very unlikely" to have to shield even if there is a surge in coronavirus cases, England's deputy chief medical officer has said.
Speaking at the Downing Street COVID-19 briefing, Dr Jenny Harries said only 36 children had been admitted to intensive care with the virus since the crisis began.
And it was for this reason, she said, that it was "very likely... very few children will need to shield" in future.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 'More normal lifestyle' ahead for those shielding
She also attempted to allay parents' fears by insisting there were many children who were staying home from school who would be better off in the classroom.
"There is almost certainly a large number - a very large number - of children who are not going to school at the moment who could go, because parents are concerned that they should be shielding," Dr Harries added.
She also said children with asthma which is under control should be in school.
"Those children are at very, very low risk from COVID - they are probably at very, very significant risk of getting left behind in their education," she said.
"In terms of the long-term health outcomes, that would be far worse."
Image: Matt Hancock chairs the daily coronavirus briefing from Downing Street
Meanwhile, millions "shielding" during the coronavirus outbreak will soon be able to meet six others from outside their home.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the change will apply in England from Monday 6 July for those deemed clinically "extremely vulnerable".
They will no longer have to shield from 1 August - but the government says support from the NHS volunteer scheme and local councils will remain in place.


news--2020-06-22--Coronavirus deaths: 15 people die with COVID-19 in UK - lowest daily toll since mid-March

The number of people in the UK who have died with COVID-19 has risen by 15 to 42,647 - the lowest daily increase since mid-March .
The government has also reported an increase in cases of below 1,000 , with 958 positive results from 139,659 tests carried out in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Monday .
Overall , a total of 8,029,757 coronavirus tests have been carried out and there have been 305,289 positive cases , according to the Department of Health ( DHSC ) .
The figure for the number of people tested has been `` temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all methods of testing .
And due to differences in how individual health bodies and the Office for National Statistics report figures , the DHSC 's figures do not include all deaths involving COVID-19 across the UK , which are thought to have passed 53,500 .
Earlier , the senior civil servant at the DHSC defended the government 's handling of COVID-19 in care homes after being accused of a `` negligent '' and `` reckless '' approach .
Permanent secretary Sir Chris Wormald faced questions at the Commons Public Accounts Committee about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England 's care homes without a rigorous coronavirus testing process .
Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown levelled the accusations of negligence at officials over their handling of the care homes crisis .
Sir Chris said hospitals needed to prepare for large numbers of COVID-19 patients and people were only discharged if they were assessed to be clinically fit .
He acknowledged there had been `` huge challenges '' in care homes but `` considerable progress '' had been made .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Oodcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Tuesday plans for the hospitality sector to reopen from 4 July and set out whether the two-metre social distancing rule in England can be relaxed .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said over the weekend that England is `` clearly on track '' to further ease lockdown restrictions after repeated calls to reduce the two-metre rule to one metre .
The prime minister will outline plans to parliament for pubs , restaurants , hotels and hairdressers to reopen in England from and a likely loosening of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The number of people in the UK who have died with COVID-19 has risen by 15 to 42,647 - the lowest daily increase since mid-March.
The government has also reported an increase in cases of below 1,000, with 958 positive results from 139,659 tests carried out in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Monday.
Overall, a total of 8,029,757 coronavirus tests have been carried out and there have been 305,289 positive cases, according to the Department of Health (DHSC).
The figure for the number of people tested has been "temporarily paused to ensure consistent reporting" across all methods of testing.
And due to differences in how individual health bodies and the Office for National Statistics report figures, the DHSC's figures do not include all deaths involving COVID-19 across the UK, which are thought to have passed 53,500.
Earlier, the senior civil servant at the DHSC defended the government's handling of COVID-19 in care homes after being accused of a "negligent" and "reckless" approach.
Permanent secretary Sir Chris Wormald faced questions at the Commons Public Accounts Committee about the discharge of patients from hospitals to England's care homes without a rigorous coronavirus testing process.
Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown levelled the accusations of negligence at officials over their handling of the care homes crisis.
Sir Chris said hospitals needed to prepare for large numbers of COVID-19 patients and people were only discharged if they were assessed to be clinically fit.
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He acknowledged there had been "huge challenges" in care homes but "considerable progress" had been made.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Oodcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Tuesday plans for the hospitality sector to reopen from 4 July and set out whether the two-metre social distancing rule in England can be relaxed.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said over the weekend that England is "clearly on track" to further ease lockdown restrictions after repeated calls to reduce the two-metre rule to one metre.
The prime minister will outline plans to parliament for pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers to reopen in England from and a likely loosening of the distancing guidance to boost the economic restart.


news--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Cinemas, museums and galleries to reopen as PM takes axe to two-metre distancing rule

Cinemas , museums and galleries in England are to be allowed to re-open from 4 July , in the latest move by Boris Johnson to restore normal life after the three-month coronavirus lockdown .
But , as the government moves to rescue the arts and culture , they are likely to be ordered to introduce one-way systems , spaced queueing , increased ventilation and pre-booked tickets .
At the same time , the prime minister is taking the axe to the two-metre social distancing rule , as he also throws open the doors of England 's pubs , restaurants and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shake-up demanded by Tory MPs that will delight business chiefs , drinkers , foodies and anyone needing a haircut , Mr Johnson will confirm the changes will all take effect from 4 July .
The lockdown easing for the arts and culture will also be warmly welcomed by the hospitality and entertainment industries , which have feared catastrophic financial losses and closures .
Mr Johnson is also expected to announce an expansion of `` social bubbles '' in which people will be allowed to mix freely , in changes aimed at helping more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister will make clear that the public must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to keep the coronavirus under control and any easing of restrictions could be reversed if the virus risks running out of control .
`` We are only able to move forward this week because the vast majority of people have taken steps to control the virus , '' a Number 10 source said .
`` But the more we open up , the more important it is that everyone follows the social distancing guidelines .
We will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is necessary to stop the virus running out of control . ''
The 4 July scrapping of coronavirus lockdown restrictions - already being hailed as `` independence day '' and `` super Saturday '' - will be approved by the cabinet before Mr Johnson makes a Commons statement to MPs .
But there will be conditions .
Under a new `` one-metre-plus '' plan , it is thought Mr Johnson will emphasise that people must remain two metres apart unless they are wearing a mask or there are other mitigating reasons .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very different from pre-lockdown when they reopen , taking the names and details of customers , erecting screens between tables and using throw-away menus .
The changes come after a day when it was announced that there were only 958 new cases of coronavirus and 15 deaths , prompting Health Secretary Matt Hancock to declare : `` The virus is in retreat . ''
Ahead of the cabinet meeting to approve the changes , the ending of the two-metre rule was signed off at a meeting of senior ministers who make up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the meeting , Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News : `` We want to look at how we can get the hospitality , tourism and leisure industries back up and running in a safe way for people .
`` That 's what we 're looking at this morning .
There 'll be some announcements from the prime minister later today . ''
On the future of the two-metre rule , Mr Lewis said `` we 've got to get the balance right '' between `` making sure that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do so in a way that they can actually function , but also at the forefront of our minds is people 's health and safety '' .
The prime minister will also announce that the government is tabling legislation including a raft of deregulation measures to help businesses such as pubs and restaurants reopen .
The Business and Planning Bill , to be introduced in the Commons this week , will include proposals to help businesses to sell food and drink in pavement cafes , beer gardens and other open spaces .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out changes to the controversial quarantine plan under which people arriving in the UK , including Britons returning home , have to self-isolate for two weeks .
In a move Tory MPs and the aviation industry have been demanding for weeks , it is likely he will announce further exemptions and list countries from which travellers will no longer be forced to stay in quarantine for a fortnight .
But in what will be seen as the government 's latest coronavirus U-turn , it is thought the prime minister is poised to abandon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow all-day opening seven days a week .
Up to 50 Tory MPs have threatened to vote with Labour and the other opposition parties against extending Sunday trading hours - a rebellion that could potentially produce a humiliating government defeat .
In 1986 , despite Margaret Thatcher 's 144-seat Commons majority , her Shops Bill was defeated at second reading as 72 Tory MPs rebelled .
And in 2016 , 27 Conservative MPs rebelled and inflicted a crippling defeat on David Cameron , in an embarrassing blow for then-chancellor George Osborne , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .

Cinemas, museums and galleries in England are to be allowed to re-open from 4 July, in the latest move by Boris Johnson to restore normal life after the three-month coronavirus lockdown.
But, as the government moves to rescue the arts and culture, they are likely to be ordered to introduce one-way systems, spaced queueing, increased ventilation and pre-booked tickets.
At the same time, the prime minister is taking the axe to the two-metre social distancing rule, as he also throws open the doors of England's pubs, restaurants and hairdressers after the lockdown.
Image: Boris Johnson will give a statement in parliament on Tuesday
In a shake-up demanded by Tory MPs that will delight business chiefs, drinkers, foodies and anyone needing a haircut, Mr Johnson will confirm the changes will all take effect from 4 July.
The lockdown easing for the arts and culture will also be warmly welcomed by the hospitality and entertainment industries, which have feared catastrophic financial losses and closures.
Mr Johnson is also expected to announce an expansion of "social bubbles" in which people will be allowed to mix freely, in changes aimed at helping more children see their grandparents.
But the prime minister will make clear that the public must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to keep the coronavirus under control and any easing of restrictions could be reversed if the virus risks running out of control.
"We are only able to move forward this week because the vast majority of people have taken steps to control the virus," a Number 10 source said.
"But the more we open up, the more important it is that everyone follows the social distancing guidelines. We will not hesitate to reverse these steps if it is necessary to stop the virus running out of control."
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Image: The two-metre distancing rule has been reviewed
The 4 July scrapping of coronavirus lockdown restrictions - already being hailed as "independence day" and "super Saturday" - will be approved by the cabinet before Mr Johnson makes a Commons statement to MPs.
But there will be conditions.
Under a new "one-metre-plus" plan, it is thought Mr Johnson will emphasise that people must remain two metres apart unless they are wearing a mask or there are other mitigating reasons.
And pubs and restaurants are likely to be very different from pre-lockdown when they reopen, taking the names and details of customers, erecting screens between tables and using throw-away menus.
Image: Some conditions may include wearing a mask
The changes come after a day when it was announced that there were only 958 new cases of coronavirus and 15 deaths, prompting Health Secretary Matt Hancock to declare: "The virus is in retreat."
Ahead of the cabinet meeting to approve the changes, the ending of the two-metre rule was signed off at a meeting of senior ministers who make up the government's COVID-19 strategy committee.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News: "We want to look at how we can get the hospitality, tourism and leisure industries back up and running in a safe way for people.
"That's what we're looking at this morning. There'll be some announcements from the prime minister later today."
On the future of the two-metre rule, Mr Lewis said "we've got to get the balance right" between "making sure that if we're going to reopen businesses they can do so in a way that they can actually function, but also at the forefront of our minds is people's health and safety".
The prime minister will also announce that the government is tabling legislation including a raft of deregulation measures to help businesses such as pubs and restaurants reopen.
The Business and Planning Bill, to be introduced in the Commons this week, will include proposals to help businesses to sell food and drink in pavement cafes, beer gardens and other open spaces.
Mr Johnson is also expected to spell out changes to the controversial quarantine plan under which people arriving in the UK, including Britons returning home, have to self-isolate for two weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 'More normal lifestyle' ahead for those shielding
In a move Tory MPs and the aviation industry have been demanding for weeks, it is likely he will announce further exemptions and list countries from which travellers will no longer be forced to stay in quarantine for a fortnight.
But in what will be seen as the government's latest coronavirus U-turn, it is thought the prime minister is poised to abandon plans to overturn Sunday trading laws to allow all-day opening seven days a week.
Up to 50 Tory MPs have threatened to vote with Labour and the other opposition parties against extending Sunday trading hours - a rebellion that could potentially produce a humiliating government defeat.
Image: The move will be good news for pubs. Pic: Matt Brown/Flickr
Conservative prime ministers relax Sunday trading laws at their peril.
In 1986, despite Margaret Thatcher's 144-seat Commons majority, her Shops Bill was defeated at second reading as 72 Tory MPs rebelled.
And in 2016, 27 Conservative MPs rebelled and inflicted a crippling defeat on David Cameron, in an embarrassing blow for then-chancellor George Osborne, who claimed extending Sunday opening would boost the economy.


news--2020-06-18--Coronavirus: Northern Ireland schools to cut social distancing rule from two metres to one

Schools in Northern Ireland will have a social distancing rule of one metre rather than two metres when they reopen in August , it has been announced .
The measure will allow class sizes to return to almost normal levels , said First Minister Arlene Foster .
Pupils in key year groups - seven , 12 and 14 - will return to school on 24 August .
The rest of the school population will go back to class at the start of September .
All primary school children - and secondary school children in younger year groups - will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own classes when they return .
And in further efforts to ease Northern Ireland 's lockdown , hair salons , barbers and nail bars can reopen on 6 July .
The latest moves were agreed by ministers in the power-sharing executive during a meeting on Thursday .
The decision to cut social distancing in schools is in contrast to the approach taken in Westminster , where the government is keeping the two-metre rule - but it is under review .
Teachers have said the current distance means only a few pupils can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , the government scrapped plans for all pupils to return before the summer holidays and most children in England are set to stay at home until September .
Currently primary schools in England , which closed following the coronavirus lockdown in March , are opening to pupils in Reception , Year One and Year Six .
The government has said primary schools can prioritise bringing other children back , provided that class sizes are no more than 15 pupils .
And secondary schools and colleges in England have opened to more pupils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week so students have `` face-to-face '' support ahead of their exams next year .
In a wider context , easing the current restriction of two metres is seen as vital if businesses such as restaurants and pubs are to be able to reopen sustainably .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the falling numbers of COVID-19 cases has given the government `` more margin for manoeuvre '' in relaxing the rule .
The Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs , bars , restaurants , hotels , cafes and coffee shops can reopen on 3 July .
Indoor pubs and bars opening on that date will have to primarily function as restaurants and offer substantial meals with table service .
From 26 June , caravan parks , campsites and self-contained tourist accommodation will be able to reopen .

Schools in Northern Ireland will have a social distancing rule of one metre rather than two metres when they reopen in August, it has been announced.
The measure will allow class sizes to return to almost normal levels, said First Minister Arlene Foster.
Pupils in key year groups - seven, 12 and 14 - will return to school on 24 August.
The rest of the school population will go back to class at the start of September.
Image: People observe social distancing as they meet outside Stormont in Belfast, Northern Ireland
All primary school children - and secondary school children in younger year groups - will have to stay in protective bubbles limited to their own classes when they return.
And in further efforts to ease Northern Ireland's lockdown, hair salons, barbers and nail bars can reopen on 6 July.
The latest moves were agreed by ministers in the power-sharing executive during a meeting on Thursday.
The decision to cut social distancing in schools is in contrast to the approach taken in Westminster, where the government is keeping the two-metre rule - but it is under review.
Teachers have said the current distance means only a few pupils can be in each classroom.
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Earlier this month, the government scrapped plans for all pupils to return before the summer holidays and most children in England are set to stay at home until September.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 10 June: Failure to re-open schools is 'astonishing'
Currently primary schools in England, which closed following the coronavirus lockdown in March, are opening to pupils in Reception, Year One and Year Six.
The government has said primary schools can prioritise bringing other children back, provided that class sizes are no more than 15 pupils.
And secondary schools and colleges in England have opened to more pupils in Year 10 and Year 12 this week so students have "face-to-face" support ahead of their exams next year.
In a wider context, easing the current restriction of two metres is seen as vital if businesses such as restaurants and pubs are to be able to reopen sustainably.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the falling numbers of COVID-19 cases has given the government "more margin for manoeuvre" in relaxing the rule.
The Northern Ireland executive had announced earlier this week that pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, cafes and coffee shops can reopen on 3 July.
Indoor pubs and bars opening on that date will have to primarily function as restaurants and offer substantial meals with table service.
From 26 June, caravan parks, campsites and self-contained tourist accommodation will be able to reopen.