bbc--2020-03-18--'We discuss food banks at school gates like it's normal'

Six months after ex-Chancellor Sajid Javid announced an end to austerity , many families still rely on food banks to survive .
The BBC 's Chris Vallance has been spending time at a food bank in Oxford , hearing the stories of those who come seeking help .
She sits in a red plastic chair , at a table covered in a blue and white cloth and she cries .
There are freshly cut daffodils in the window , fresh groceries in rows beside her and she is distraught .
For 20 minutes , a volunteer at the Community Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , takes some of the weight of it from her shoulders , and brings heavy sacks of groceries to carry home to her family .
In the food bank 's little kitchen I speak to Mary , the volunteer who helped her .
`` It 's a different story from every person but it 's a similar sort of thing , '' she says .
`` Parents struggling to feed their families , teenagers that are always hungry , looking for food that is n't there .
Sometimes you hear stories that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days .
They say , ' I feel a failure , a failure that I ca n't feed my children . '
'' Every Tuesday and Friday between noon and 2pm the food bank sign is wheeled out , outside St Francis church in east Oxford , and people who can not afford food walk in .
Sometimes they wait by the door , at other times they walk back and forth while they summon up the courage to enter .
They are entitled to three visits a year but the food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's the job centre or social services that gives them the necessary little blue referral form .
Sometimes they are referred by a doctor who can tell they are not eating .
I have been visiting the food bank since mid-January , on and off , listening to people 's stories .
In that time I 've spoken to a nurse , a student librarian , former academic researchers , someone who gets ambulances ready to answer calls , a nursery teacher , a former primary school teacher , a funeral director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone on a zero-hours contract , a former chef , a painter and decorator , the recently destitute , the recently separated , the mentally ill , the physically ill and the homeless .
`` If it can happen to me , it can happen to anyone , '' said an unemployed woman who had an MA , an unfinished PhD in a technical field and a family to feed .
Listen to Chris Vallance 's reports from the Oxford food bank this week Listen to Chris Vallance 's reports from the Oxford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on BBC Radio 4 Work begins before visitors cross the threshold .
The hall is set up - folding tables are put out , red stacking chairs put around them , fresh fruit and veg arranged and sometimes cut flowers .
On the tables there are recipes ( mostly of things to make with tins and packets ) lists of other places to get help , and a little cardboard box with a rectangular hole in the top for suggestions .
When I first arrived I saw a young woman carefully writing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though she were doing homework .
It read : `` I am a single parent who is struggling with debt .
Thank you so much . ''
The more time I have spent here , the more conscious I have become of the food I eat myself .
It has been humbling and frightening .
Life seems precarious - so many people inhabiting the narrow space between high rents and modest earnings .
The saying that we are all two pay cheques away from disaster rattles around my head .
The food bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 years ago .
A former social worker , whose husband was once the Conservative MP for nearby Abingdon , Jane could tell from her work that there was hidden hunger in Oxford .
People are visiting the food bank in increasing numbers .
Last year it helped 3,205 adults and children , up from 2,626 in 2018 .
It was in 2018 that Universal Credit was rolled out to single people in Oxfordshire , and research by Oxford University student Rosie Sourbut found that 39 % of those visiting a food bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Universal Credit as one of the reasons .
`` The concept was a good one but it 's had some huge teething problems , '' Jane Benyon tells me .
`` And whether those will ever be resolved I 'm not sure . ''
Paul Clarke a Baptist minister who is in charge of another branch of the Community Emergency Foodbank , a mile to the north of St Francis in the Oxford suburb of Barton , runs through a sheaf of blue referral forms .
Even now , he says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It does feel to me we are relying on charitable organisations to sort these things out , '' he says .
The Oxford served by this branch of the food bank is not the one you see in tourist brochures .
It is among the top tier of most deprived areas in England , according to the City Council .
`` These estates they 're massive , they 're dotted around and they are a lot poorer than what you see in the centre , '' says Sharon .
Drug dealers thrown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barton , she says .
It 's here that I meet Rachel , a mother of four , a grandmother , a former alcoholic and drug user who has turned her life around , gaining qualifications and studying for a while at university .
Volunteers bring her bags of groceries and toiletries .
Rachel has lived in Barton for 18 years .
She is softly spoken , but this can not mask her anger .
She tells me some local women are so desperate they have to steal when they have their period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embarrassing that people have to stoop that low , '' she says .
She tells me she usually does n't eat breakfast .
Her priority is feeding her children , two of whom are still under 18 .
When I ask if Christmas was difficult , the pain of not having enough money to be able to give her kids what she would like to rises to the surface , and we have to pause the interview .
She says a lot of people on the estate are still embarrassed to use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accustomed to it .
`` We 're supposed to be one of the richest countries in the world but we 've got to use food banks .
We 're talking about food banks at the school gates like it 's normal ! ''
The last time I visit the food bank , large parts of Italy are in lockdown because of coronavirus .
When I enter I am told to cover my hands in sanitiser .
Volunteers and everyone who visits get the same treatment .
The latest I hear from Jane Benyon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open and donations are holding up .
The volunteers , many over 70 , are bravely continuing to help all who visit .
She worries that the food bank may face problems when , as seems likely , the elderly have to self-isolate .
Food banks are also expecting a big increase in demand if schools close , and children are no longer given free school meals .
At a small branch of the food bank in Littlemore , south Oxford , I meet a young freelance video editor , who asks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big , gentle man , who speaks slowly and deliberately .
Like most freelancers , William 's hours are variable .
But if he 's only paid the minimum he 's entitled to under his contract , this barely covers the rent on a single room .
He 's passionate about his job and the career it promises , but it 's feast or famine .
In October he ran out of cash and did n't eat for four days .
`` I 've never not eaten before , and it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think this is n't so bad , and then you start to feel sick , like empty-inside sick .
And then it just gets worse and worse , and you just feel so hollow inside . ''
He vowed he would never not eat again .
So the next time he had a bad month he went to a job centre , where he started a benefits claim , and they in turn referred him to the food bank .
Initially he felt ashamed , but knew he had no choice .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't want to ask .
`` I fought to get to where I am , I had to build contacts over the past few years just to get where I am now .
I left on my own and that 's something I 'm proud of . ''
He tells me he is the first in his family to go to university .
A few weeks later , as we chat in a café , he tells me he has Asperger 's Syndrome .
It sounds like school was a significant struggle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His room is a small box , the bathroom and kitchen are shared .
There 's mould on the window frame and the floor is filthy , as there 's no vacuum cleaner and William ca n't afford to buy one .
It does get a bit lonely in the little room when the weather 's bad , he tells me .
I understand William 's commitment to his career and his independence , and I 'm glad things are looking up for him .
I 'm glad he 's found out he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover the lean months .
What has he learned from his experience , I ask later , over the phone .
Do n't be embarrassed - he says - go to a food bank if you need to .
The words `` anxiety '' and `` depression '' come up time and again when I speak to food bank visitors .
Volunteers tell me how prevalent mental illness is among the users and emphasise the effect poverty can have on mental health .
One , who also volunteers for a mental health charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children too .
`` Some of them are obviously aware that their mothers or fathers are distressed asking for food , and sometimes the child tries to protect the parent , '' she tells me .
It 's impossible to guess who will walk through the door next .
A man enters wearing a dark suit , though I do n't at first notice just how dark it is .
`` I 'm a funeral director , I 'm the gentleman who wears the hat and tails , I 'm the gentleman who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
Steve , as we 'll call him , is the sole wage earner in his family .
His wife is unwell and he has four children , two of whom live at home .
He used to be in the armed services .
For some time , the difference between his monthly wages and the rent has n't been enough to cover the remaining bills , even with a little bit of help from the benefits system , he tells me .
His wife sometimes skips breakfast to help feed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had always assumed that food banks were `` literally for homeless people '' .
We talk for a while , but as we part he says there 's one more thing - the family is likely to be evicted .
The landlord has given them notice because of rent arrears , and with nowhere else to go he has no choice but to wait for the bailiffs .
The City Council is helping them find a home but it will be difficult to get somewhere they can afford .
He worries it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the reasons Oxford is regularly listed as one of Britain 's least affordable cities .
`` The pressure I 'm under of course I 'm going to crack at some point , '' he tells me .
`` But every day I get up and I 've got to keep going . ''
You may also be interested in : A run of bad luck leaves one man struggling to make sense of the UK benefits system .
Very soon he is left with no income and at risk of losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he find his way through a bafflingly complex maze of rules ?
Put yourself in his shoes .
You 're on the verge of losing everything - but you do n't understand why

The words "anxiety" and "depression" come up time and again when I speak to food bank visitors. Volunteers tell me how prevalent mental illness is among the users and emphasise the effect poverty can have on mental health. One, who also volunteers for a mental health charity, says she thinks it may affect children too. "Some of them are obviously aware that their mothers or fathers are distressed asking for food, and sometimes the child tries to protect the parent," she tells me.


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: One in five Americans ordered to stay at home

A number of US states have ordered shutdowns with one in five Americans soon set to be under a `` stay at home '' order .
Connecticut and New Jersey are joining Illinois and California in ordering residents to stay at home in order to combat the spread of coronavirus .
New York State has ordered non-essential businesses to close .
The virus has claimed nearly 230 lives in the US and infected more than 18,500 people .
Globally more than 270,000 patients have tested positive for the respiratory illness and more than 11,000 have died .
What measures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connecticut , Illinois and New York state announced measures directing tens of millions of people to stay at home .
The restrictions order most workplaces to close and require residents to remain inside except for trips to grocery stores , pharmacies and gas stations .
In New York , Governor Andrew Cuomo restricted public gatherings and ordered all `` non-essential workers '' to stay at home .
The measures come as confirmed coronavirus cases in New York reached 7,000 - the highest of any US state .
`` These provisions will be enforced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` These are not helpful hints . ''
Late on Friday , President Trump declared a major disaster in New York state , a move which will release federal funding .
• What can West learn from Asia 's coronavirus fight ?
New York and the neighbouring states of New Jersey , Connecticut and Pennsylvania also issued a joint order on Friday for the closure of all `` personal care '' businesses , such as hair and nail salons and piercing and tattoo parlours .
All outdoor team sports such as basketball games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which take effect on Sunday night .
The announcement comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a similar order , telling all residents to stay at home .
He estimated more than half of the 40 million people in his state would contract Covid-19 in just the next two months .
Images from Los Angeles show some of the city 's most famous landmarks completely deserted while the freeways are almost empty .
Illinois , whose biggest city is Chicago , has also ordered all residents indoors with exceptions to shop for food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced its own ban on non-essential businesses on Tuesday .
In Hawaii , bars and clubs have been ordered to close and social gatherings have been limited to groups of 10 , according to the New York Times .
President Trump has so far ruled out any nationwide lockdown .
He said during a press conference on Friday : `` I do n't think we 'll ever find ( a US shutdown ) necessary '' .
He added that the US was `` winning '' the war against the virus .
As both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll continued to soar , many countries and regions took new measures on Friday , including : • Spain : The government warned that army patrols would catch people outside without good reason • Bavaria : Germany 's second most populous state became the first state to impose a lockdown • France : Police said patrols at Paris railway stations had been reinforced to stop people going on trips for the weekend • Indonesia : A state of emergency will be in force in the capital Jakarta from Monday - bars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down .
These may be the most restrictive measures to be put in place in modern Californian history , but in Los Angeles life goes on and the streets are far from empty .
In a city famous for its gridlocked rush-hour traffic , cars are moving more freely past the palm trees on Sunset Boulevard .
In Hollywood cyclists still overtake joggers and families still go out for a stroll .
But these could all be seen as essential excursions .
People have been told that those who work in critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Busses are still running and grocery stores , pharmacies and banks are all still open .
But many people are staying at home and friends and neighbours are keeping their distance .
Restaurants and bars closed their doors days ago , but now all gatherings outside the home have been banned and there is no indication when the restrictions will be lifted .
Why has the US restricted border traffic with Mexico and Canada ?
Also on Friday , the US suspended all non-essential traffic across its borders with both Mexico and Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday but will not affect trade , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said .
President Donald Trump said on Friday : `` In normal times , these massive flows [ of immigrants ] place a vast burden on our healthcare system , but during a global pandemic , they threaten to create a perfect storm that would spread the infection to our border agents , migrants and to the public at large . ''
Hours after he spoke , the White House announced that a staff member in Vice-President Mike Pence 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though a spokeswoman said the unnamed patient did not come into close contact with Mr Pence or Mr Trump .
Earlier this week President Trump announced that the border with Canada would be closed to non-essential traffic `` by mutual consent '' .
During Friday 's news conference , Mr Pompeo said the restrictions would take effect on Saturday and also apply to Mexico .
They are due be in place for at least 30 days .
US citizens `` should arrange immediate return '' unless they intend to remain abroad for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said the US was `` working with both our Canadian partners as well as our Mexican partners '' .
He added : `` We want to make sure cargo continues , trade continues , healthcare workers continue to be able to traverse that border .
But tourism , some recreational activities and other things need to stop during this crisis . ''
The announcement comes as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said asylum seekers crossing into the country on foot from the US would be turned back as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• YOUR THIRD HAND : How do you clean your smartphone ?
• BORED KIDS : Should you let your children play with others ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the US ?
How have the president 's businesses been affected ?
According to US media , Mr Trump 's Mar-a-Lago golf club in Palm Beach , Florida , has closed following an order by the state 's governor to shut all bars and restaurants .
A spokesperson for the Trump Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resort , but told CNN : `` Various facilities are temporarily closed given local , state and federal mandates .
`` We anxiously await the day when this pandemic is over and our world-class facilities can reopen . ''
Mr Trump 's hotel in Las Vegas has already closed after coronavirus restrictions were introduced by the governor of Nevada .
The president 's hotels in New York and Washington DC remain open , though more than 200 staff have reportedly been laid off as their occupancy rate plunges amid the pandemic .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hotel in the nation 's capital have shut in response to a virus-containment directive from the city authorities .

But many people are staying at home and friends and neighbours are keeping their distance. Restaurants and bars closed their doors days ago, but now all gatherings outside the home have been banned and there is no indication when the restrictions will be lifted.


bbc--2020-03-21--60 days of coronavirus in the US - in 60 seconds

The first case of Covid-19 in the United States appeared in Seattle , Washington , on 21 January .
Two @ @ @ @ @ Trump has declared a national emergency as the country battles to control the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ died .

The first case of Covid-19 in the United States appeared in Seattle, Washington, on 21 January. Two months later, President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency as the country battles to control the pandemic. More than 200 people have died.
Video by Angélica M Casas


bbc--2020-03-21--Kenny Rogers: Country music legend dies aged 81

A family representative said he `` passed away peacefully at home from natural causes '' .
Rogers topped pop and country charts during the 1970s and 1980s , and won three Grammy awards .
Known for his husky voice and ballads including The Gambler , Lucille and Coward Of The County , his career spanned more than six decades .
He once summed up his popularity by explaining that he believed his songs `` say what every man wants to say and that every woman wants to hear '' .
After growing up in poverty on a federal housing estate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording with a string of bands , including Kenny Rogers and the First Edition , before launching his solo career in 1976 .
• Kenny Rogers prepares to hang up his microphone He was never a favourite of music critics , but became one of the most successful pop-country crossover acts of all time , and the 10th best-selling male artist in US history in terms of album sales .
He collaborated with other country music legends during his career , including Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson .
In 2007 he unexpectedly found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK when The Gambler became the unofficial World Cup anthem of England 's Rugby Team .
The song became so popular that during his 2013 Glastonbury Festival legends slot Rogers played it twice .
That same year , he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Country Music Association .
In their statement his family said he had `` left an indelible mark on the history of American music '' .
A keen businessman , Rogers led several ventures over the years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also acted in several movies and TV shows , including starring as a race car driver in the 1982 movie Six Pack .
During an interview with the BBC in 2013 , he recalled his `` obsession '' with tennis , and said he became so good that he ranked higher than Bjorn Borg in the ATP 's doubles table .
He was married five times and had five children .

He once summed up his popularity by explaining that he believed his songs "say what every man wants to say and that every woman wants to hear".


bbc--2020-03-20--UK pubs and restaurants shut to fight virus

Cafes , pubs and restaurants must close from Friday night - except for take-away food - to tackle coronavirus , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said .
All the UK 's nightclubs , theatres , cinemas , gyms and leisure centres have also been told to close `` as soon as they reasonably can '' .
Mr Johnson said the situation would be reviewed each month .
Meanwhile , the government said it will pay 80 % of wages for employees who are not able to work , up to £2,500 a month .
The announcement about closures follows similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ireland , where pubs and bars were asked to close from last Sunday .
There have been 167 deaths in England from the coronavirus outbreak , as well as six in Scotland , three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland .
Speaking at a daily Downing Street press briefing , Mr Johnson said the measures would be enforced `` strictly '' and that licensing arrangements would make doing so `` relatively simple '' .
He urged people not to go out on Friday night ahead of the closures , stressing : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we need to keep people apart . ''
The prime minister added : `` The more effectively we follow the advice we are given , the faster this country will stage both a medical and an economic recovery in full . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Speaking at the same briefing , Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the new measures to help out-of-work employees were `` unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand by their workers during the coronavirus crisis , in the wake of many firms warning of collapse .
England 's deputy chief medical officer , Dr Jenny Harries , told reporters at the briefing that the government was not advising people against going outside .
`` We are saying , if you are going to go outside , go in a way that reduces your social contact , '' she said .
In a separate televised address , Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also asked all restaurants , cafes , pubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster said the measures are `` for the community 's protection '' , while Wales ' First Minister Mark Drakeford said the move was `` the right thing to do '' .
The latest announcement came after Mr Johnson said on Thursday that the UK could `` turn the tide '' on the coronavirus outbreak within 12 weeks .
Most UK schools closed their doors to a majority of pupils indefinitely on Friday , in an effort to stem the spread of the virus .
But many will reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodate the children of `` key workers '' .
Pupils whose exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic will be given grades estimated by their teachers , the government has said .
• Frontline health workers such as doctors and nurses • Workers in key public services including those essential to the justice system , religious staff and public service journalists • Utilities , communication and financial services staff , including postal workers and waste disposal workers Mr Johnson reiterated on Friday that the government does not want to `` immobilise the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he said were `` too important for the delivery of crucial public services '' .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asked people in the capital not to use public transport `` unless genuinely essential '' .
`` If you ignore this advice people will die as a result , '' he said .
The deputy mayor of London for transport tweeted a video of new announcements on the tube reinforcing the message .
The government 's decision to tell pubs , restaurants and other public places to close was welcomed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously criticised the government 's response to the outbreak .
And Liberal Democrat MP Daisy Cooper has already taken advantage of the take-away pints offered by her local pub .
• Speaking alongside the PM on Friday , Dr Jenny Harries insisted the UK has a `` perfectly adequate '' supply of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for frontline staff .
She said in the last 36 hours , a completely separate `` oversight and supply chain '' had been set up to ensure hospitals and other care providers receive the gear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to chair another meeting with representatives of supermarkets on Saturday amid continuing concern over panic buying • Social distancing would be needed for `` at least half of the year '' to stop intensive care units being overwhelmed , according to the government 's scientific advisers .
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) recommended alternating between more and less strict measures for most of a year • MPs from all the main parties are picking up their stethoscopes and returning to old jobs in health and social care in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
It comes after news that around 65,000 retired medics will be asked to return to the NHS to help fight the pandemic .
• Dame Vera Lynn used her 103rd birthday to call on the British public to find `` moments of joy '' during these `` hard times '' .
• Christmas decorations have been appearing across the country , as people stuck at home try to bring some much-needed joy amid the coronavirus pandemic • Major supermarkets have announced plans to hire extra staff to cope with increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 new workers for at least the next 12 weeks ; Aldi wants to recruit 9,000 ( which will include 4,000 permanent roles ) ; and Asda plans to hire more than 5,000 temporary employees laid off due to Covid-19 .
Morrisons said it will create 3,500 jobs to expand its home delivery service , while Lidl hopes to recruit 2,500 staff to start work immediately • In a message to the nation on Thursday , the Queen urged people to come together for the common good .
• Trials of a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Public Health England has said • Military leaders have been told by the head of the armed forces to be ready by the middle of next month to help respond to the pandemic , in guidance seen by the BBC • Train operators across Britain will gradually reduce services from Monday • National commemoration events to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day are to be scaled back What happened when the pubs shut in Ireland ?
The decision to call last orders at pubs around the UK comes nearly a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republic of Ireland - the country which perhaps most shares the UK 's love for a good night down the local .
Mass gatherings had already been banned a few days beforehand .
But then videos of crowded pubs full of tourists ignoring the two-metres-apart social distancing advice and literally `` touching hands '' as they sang Neil Diamond 's Sweet Caroline went viral .
So the Irish government swiftly announced a compulsory closure until at least 29 March .
The measure was widely welcomed by a relieved public that now knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a drink .
Some politicians have said they are aware that not all pubs , particularly in more rural areas , are complying - but inspections by police officers have so far found no evidence of breaches .
Several restaurants in Ireland , while staying closed , are now offering takeaway food - but strictly observing the recommended social distance advice as they do so .
The Irish government 's core Covid-19 message that to pull together as a country people will have to spend time apart is certainly currently working .

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bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: People in Beijing begin to head outdoors

After several days with no `` home-grown '' infections , according to China ’ s official figures , there is @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus emergency appears to be under control .
People in Beijing are finally heading outdoors @ @ @ @ @ McDonell reports .

After several days with no "home-grown" infections, according to China’s official figures, there is a feeling there that the coronavirus emergency appears to be under control.
People in Beijing are finally heading outdoors, as China correspondent Stephen McDonell reports.


bbc--2020-03-21--A visual guide to the pandemic

A visual guide to the pandemic

Coronavirus has been spreading rapidly across the world , affecting more than 160 countries and claiming more than 11,000 lives .
There are now more than 260,000 confirmed cases - most outside China where the virus originated .
Europe is at the centre of the crisis , with cases and deaths rising in several countries .
This series of maps and charts will help you understand what is going on .
The rise in the number of daily confirmed cases internationally has led the World Health Organization ( WHO ) to declare the spread of coronavirus a global pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing easily from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
More than 80,000 people in China have been diagnosed with the infection since its emergence in the city of Wuhan , Hubei province , in December - although its exact source has not yet been identified .
But there are now more than 194,000 confirmed cases outside China , according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University .
The WHO said it took more than three months to reach the first 100,000 confirmed cases worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next 100,000 .
While these figures are for confirmed cases , the actual number of people with coronavirus internationally is thought to be much higher - as many of those with mild symptoms have not been tested and counted .
In response to the virus 's spread , countries around the world are ramping up measures to try to slow it down .
Governments have halted flights from virus-hit nations , locked down towns and cities and urged people to stay at home .
President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on European countries , including the UK and Ireland , as well as China and Iran .
Travellers from outside the EU are also being turned away from airports and borders after the 27-country bloc imposed a 30-day ban on entry .
Many international conferences and sporting events have also been cancelled or postponed , including Six Nations rugby matches , Euro 2020 , the Copa America and this year 's meeting of G7 leaders in the US .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The virus has killed more people in Italy than China Italy currently has the most confirmed cases outside China - and on Thursday surpassed China 's death toll .
While Italy has about 47,000 confirmed cases compared with China 's 81,000 , its death toll of 4,000 exceeds China 's by several hundred .
The majority of Italy 's deaths have occurred in the northern Lombardy region , which contains the city of Milan .
Hospitals there are reportedly at breaking point and retired doctors and nurses have been asked to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths comes despite Italian authorities imposing stringent restrictions , closing nearly all shops , bars , hairdressers , restaurants and cafes .
The number of new confirmed cases in Italy also continues to spiral .
They have been increasing since the beginning of March , and there have been almost 30,000 new confirmed cases in the past week .
Schools , gyms , museums , nightclubs and other venues have been shut , and people have been ordered to stay at home and seek permission for essential travel in a bid to slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , imposed on 12 March , has now been extended beyond the original 25 March end date .
A number of airlines , including British Airways , EasyJet and Ryanair , have cancelled Italy flights until the start of April .
3 .
Numbers across Europe are also rising Other European countries have also seen steep rises in infections and deaths , and the region has become the new epicentre of the crisis .
As well as Italy , Spain , France , Germany and the UK now have thousands of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has warned that up to 70 % of its population - some 58 million people - could contract coronavirus .
However , some German virologists dispute the high figure , suggesting a worst-case scenario of 40,000 cases .
Spain , which now has the third highest number of cases outside China , brought in a state of emergency on 14 March .
In the UK , confirmed cases stand at 3,983 , and 177 people have died .
On Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a shift in strategy , urging everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact and work from home where possible .
On Friday he said that pubs , restaurants , theatres , leisure centres and gyms should all close .
• UK outbreak in graphics : How many cases are in your area ?

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This information is regularly updated but may not reflect the latest totals for each country.
** The past data for new cases is a three day rolling average. Due to revisions in the number of cases, an average cannot be calculated for this date.
Source: Johns Hopkins University and national public health agencies


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus kills four in same New Jersey family

Four people in the same family have died from coronavirus in the US state of New Jersey , with three more relatives in hospital .
Grace Fusco , 73 , and six of her adult children fell ill after attending a large family gathering .
Nearly 20 other relatives are now self-quarantining and waiting to find out if they have also been infected .
The death toll across the US has continued to rise , as experts warn against any kind of social gathering .
• LIVE : The latest news from around the world The four family members who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rita Fusco-Jackson , Carmine Fusco and Vincent Fusco .
Rita Fusco-Jackson , a Catholic school teacher , 55 , died on Friday .
She had no underlying health issues , according to state health commissioner Judith Persichilli .
New Jersey health officials said Ms Fusco-Jackson was the second person to die from Covid-19 in the state , and the first fatality had also recently attended a Fusco family gathering .
Carmine Fusco died on Wednesday , followed hours later by his mother , Grace Fusco .
According to the New York Times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her children had already succumbed to the deadly respiratory illness sweeping the planet .
On Thursday , Vincent Fusco died in the same hospital where his mother had recently passed .
According to family member Paradiso Fodera , 19 family members who attended the same dinner are now self-isolating , and have waited nearly a week to learn the results of their virus tests .
`` Why do n't the family members who are not hospitalised have the test results ?
This is a public health crisis , '' Ms Fodera told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should athletes and celebrities without symptoms be given priority over a family that has been decimated by this virus ? ''
`` This is an unbearable tragedy for the family . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• YOUR THIRD HAND : How do you clean your smartphone ?
• BORED KIDS : Should you let your children play with others ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the US ?
A niece of Fusco-Jackson took to Facebook to grieve the sudden loss , NBC reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , last Thursday I went to sleep having 10 aunts and uncles !
Friday I woke up and found out I only had 9 .
Just a few minutes ago I found out I only have 8 , '' she wrote .
`` Please hold your love ones close and cherish every second and minute you have together . ''
More than 200 people have now died from Covid-19 in the US , with over 15,000 known infections and cases in all 50 states .
More and more US states and cities have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent the rampant virus from overwhelming hospitals .
Testing in the US has lagged behind other industrialised nations , leading to questions about the actual spread of the infection in North America .

"My mom is one of 11, last Thursday I went to sleep having 10 aunts and uncles! Friday I woke up and found out I only had 9. Just a few minutes ago I found out I only have 8," she wrote.


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Police take action on Bondi Beach crowds

The country has banned outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people in a bid to tackle the spread of coronavirus .
However large crowds of people are still flocking to beaches across Sydney , flouting advice to stay inside .
Images from Bondi Beach on Friday showed swimmers , surfers and sunbathers packed in huge numbers onto the sand .
• Coronavirus : What are the symptoms ?
• Coronavirus information : What should I do ?
New South Wales ( NSW ) Police Minister David Elliott said in a televised news conference that lifeguards would conduct a head count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beach .
If numbers exceed 500 , the beach will be closed and people will be moved on .
If anyone refuses to move , the police will be brought in .
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the beachgoers ' behaviour was `` unacceptable '' and called on local councils to step in to ensure people are complying with the social distancing advice .
Under the advice , people should try to stay 1.5m ( 4 ft 10 in ) apart .
Mr Elliott warned that other beaches could take similar action if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told ABC News : `` Some of the photos that I saw from this very beach , of dozens of families using communal showers and toilets is in complete denial of what this virus is all about . ''
NSW Labor 's Shadow Treasurer , Walt Secord , urged the government to consider closing the beach completely .
`` The decisions we make today can be life and death decisions for other people in a few days .
People are ignoring the social-distancing guidelines and I just think it 's absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday .
Indoor venues such as bars and restaurants must have a density of no more than one person per four square metres ( 43 sq ft ) of floor space .
The previous overall limit of 100 people indoors and 500 people outdoors remain in place .
The number of coronavirus infections across Australia has risen to more than 1,000 and seven people have died .


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: 'Relief' for businesses after government vows to pay wages

UK business leaders have expressed `` relief '' after the government committed to pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic .
On Friday , the government announced it would pay 80 % of salaries for staff who are kept on by their employer .
The Confederation of British Industry hailed the `` landmark '' pledge but unions raised concerns self-employed and freelancer workers had no protection .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also ordered pubs and restaurants to close .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak , who announced the support package at the daily coronavirus briefing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants would have a `` significant impact '' on businesses .
But he added the government intervention - covering wages of up to £2,500 a month - would mean workers should be able to keep their jobs , even if their employer could not afford to pay them .
It is understood the wage subsidy will apply to firms where bosses have already had to lay off workers due to the pandemic , as long as they are brought back into the workforce and instead granted a leave of absence .
• A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Paul Johnson , director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies , said it was not yet clear how many people would take advantage of the government 's offer , but he estimated that for every 1 % of private sector workers who do , it will cost about £1bn .
`` So if , for example , 10 % of private sector workers do , it 's £10bn over three months and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's £20bn , or thereabouts , '' Mr Johnson told BBC 4 's Today programme .
The government had been under growing pressure to intervene to support workers to prevent mass unemployment as a result of measures directed against the outbreak .
The Confederation of British Industry , the UK 's biggest business group , said it was a `` landmark '' offering from the government .
`` It marks the start of the UK 's economic fightback - an unparalleled joint effort by enterprise and government to help our country emerge from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' director general Carolyn Fairbairn told BBC Newsnight .
Nik Antona , national chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale ( Camra ) , said many pubs had been `` hung in limbo '' and welcomed the `` clear instruction that closing their doors is the right thing to do '' and gave owners confidence that the government would support their staff and their business .
Tim Foster , co-founder of The Yummy Pub Co , which runs four pubs in and around London , said the new measures were overdue but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being laid off .
But some business groups warned of the potential risk to firms if they had to wait for the money to arrive .
Kate Nicholls , the chief executive of trade body UK Hospitality , said many businesses faced rent payments before the support was due and urged banks and landlords to help `` bridge the gap towards this generous government support '' .
The Federation of Small Businesses warned the delay in wages help - potentially until the end of April - meant many small firms would still face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flow crunch '' .
The wage package is the latest in a series of government moves aimed at easing the burden on businesses and their employees .
However , there was not the same wages guarantee for the five million self-employed people in the UK .
Instead , Mr Sunak increased benefits that many will have to fall back on .
Frances O'Grady , general secretary of the Trade Union Congress , told the BBC Today programme that the lack of measures put in place for the self-employed `` will cause real hardship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The cinema workers ' union Bectu said the measures were a `` devastating blow '' to its freelance and self-employed members and that workers needed `` much more '' support than was promised .
This move is an incredible intervention for any British government , let alone a Conservative one , but proportionate to the size of the terrible , but temporary , economic impact that could follow the coronavirus shutdowns .
In theory , it should save hundreds of thousands of jobs .
Perhaps more .
Employers have to accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have never imagined a UK government to do .
At 80 % cent of wages up to £2,500 a month , it is a scheme more generous than some of the high welfare Scandinavian countries .
It instantly transforms the social safety net of this nation .
The new measures came as Mr Johnson said the closures of cafes , pubs and restaurants would be enforced `` strictly '' and that the situation would be reviewed each month .
He also announced that all the UK 's nightclubs , theatres , cinemas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to close `` as soon as they reasonably can '' .
`` The more effectively we follow the advice we are given , the faster this country will stage both a medical and an economic recovery in full , '' the prime minister said .
It follows similar measures taken in other countries - including in Ireland , where pubs and bars were asked to close from last Sunday .
Meanwhile , the number of deaths in the UK rose to 177 on Friday - with 167 in England , six in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northern Ireland .

"It is great for those who have got jobs but it does miss out a pretty important sector of the economy - namely the self-employed - and he (Mr Sunak) is going to have to find a way of replicating this for the self-employed as well."


bbc--2020-03-21--North Korea fires two projectiles into sea

North Korea has fired two projectiles into the sea , according to South Korea 's military .
It said the projectiles appeared to be short-range ballistic missiles .
They were launched early on Saturday from Pyongan province towards the East Sea , also known as the Sea of Japan .
North Korea launched multiple missiles as part of firing drills earlier this month .
The US and China have called on Pyongyang to return to talks on ending its nuclear and missile programmes .
On Saturday , South Korea 's Joint Chief of Staff said it was monitoring the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It described the actions as `` extremely inappropriate '' at a time when the world was dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic .
The projectiles flew for 410km ( 255 miles ) with a maximum altitude of around 50km , the South Korean military said .
Japan 's coast guard confirmed a missile had landed outside the waters of its exclusive economic zone .
It comes as North Korea announced it would be holding a session of the Supreme People 's Assembly , the country 's parliament , on 10 April .
Analysts say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's leaders in one spot .
Rachel Minyoung Lee , from North Korea monitoring website NK News said on Twitter that the meeting would `` be the ultimate show of ( North Korea 's ) confidence in managing the coronavirus situation '' .
There have been no reported cases of coronavirus in North Korea , though some experts have cast doubt on this .
North Korea borders China , where the virus emerged , and South Korea , where there has been a major outbreak .
A top US military official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain '' there were infections in North Korea .
North Korea quarantined around 380 foreigners - mostly diplomats and staff in Pyongyang - in their compounds for at least 30 days .
The restrictions were lifted at the beginning of March .
Around 80 foreigners , mainly diplomats , were flown out of the capital on 9 March .


bbc--2020-03-21--Turning SXSW disappointment into an online opportunity

For more than 30 years music careers have been made at showcases at the South By South West festival in @ @ @ @ @ when it became one of the first music festivals to be cancelled because of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ of pocket and without a platform to perform on .
That ’ s when various @ @ @ @ @ the British Music Embassy , banded together to create a gig to be played across @ @ @ @ @

For more than 30 years music careers have been made at showcases at the South By South West festival in Austin, Texas.
But when it became one of the first music festivals to be cancelled because of coronavirus, musicians were left out of pocket and without a platform to perform on.
That’s when various music bodies, known as the British Music Embassy, banded together to create a gig to be played across the BBC and online.


bbc--2020-03-21--'I've lost half of myself'

'I've lost half of myself'

The husband of a British woman who died in Bali after testing positive for coronavirus has been speaking to the @ @ @ @ @ 52-year-old wife Kimberley , who was diabetic but in good health , underwent two emergency @ @ @ @ @ hospital before her death .
Mr Finlayson has warned that the phrase `` underlying health @ @ @ @ @ many who would consider themselves to be in good health .

The husband of a British woman who died in Bali after testing positive for coronavirus has been speaking to the BBC.
Ken Finlayson's 52-year-old wife Kimberley, who was diabetic but in good health, underwent two emergency operations at an Indonesian government hospital before her death.
Mr Finlayson has warned that the phrase "underlying health conditions" could apply to many who would consider themselves to be in good health.


Week in Pictures

A selection of powerful news photographs taken around the world this week as people react to the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ the last pack of toilet rolls at Sainsbury 's supermarket in Northwich , United Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ 600 pensioners had formed before the shop opened at 07:00 with the first hour reserved @ @ @ @ @ .
Many stores have introduced limits on what people can buy to try to curb @ @ @ @ @ Israeli couple Roni Ben-Ari and Yonatan Meushar celebrate their marriage at the Ein Hemed Forest @ @ @ @ @ free , small-scale weddings for young couples whose plans have been disrupted by the restrictions @ @ @ @ @ fight coronavirus .
All photographs belong to the copyright holders as marked .

Image caption,
A woman gets the last pack of toilet rolls at Sainsbury's supermarket in Northwich, United Kingdom. A queue of approximately 600 pensioners had formed before the shop opened at 07:00 with the first hour reserved for elderly and vulnerable people. Many stores have introduced limits on what people can buy to try to curb stockpiling of popular items.


bbc--2020-03-21--How Britain’s ‘plague village’ is coming together

'Most of us wo n't see each other again' Year six pupils spoke of their sadness as they left primary @ @ @ @ @ the last time .

More than 350 years ago, the Derbyshire village of Eyam quarantined itself during the plague. Now it’s using those lessons about humanity to face coronavirus.
The BBC’s Fergal Keane went to visit a community that remains hopeful in the face of troubling times ahead.


bbc--2020-03-21--Victor Olaiya: Nigeria's 'evil genius' trumpeter who influenced Fela Kuti

Nigeria has been mourning music legend Victor Olaiya , who created Nigeria 's highlife rhythms and influenced a generation of musicians including Fela Anikulapo-Kuti .
Nduka Orjinmo looks back at the life of the trumpeter , who died last month at the age of 89 .
Just like the well-turned out government filing clerk that he was , Olaiya always carried a pen in his breast pocket .
This was not for noting instructions that had to be precisely followed , but rather because he needed to write down the musical notes and phrases as they came to him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1950s , his early days as a performer , when the trumpeter was trying to create Nigeria 's highlife rhythms .
At this stage , music was something he did in his spare time and Olaiya thought he had lost his job in the civil service when his boss saw a newspaper photo of him performing at a nightclub .
Instead , he was told that he was a better musician than a bureaucrat at the survey department of Lagos mainland local government .
He left the job and took on music full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the southern city of Calabar , Olaiya had an early start in music .
His father was a church organist and his mother a folk singer from the western city of Oyo .
He was also influenced by Caribbean calypso and included the popular song Sly Mongoose in his repertoire that he recalled first hearing when he was nine years old .
As a teenager , though , he was taught Western classical music , and played the clarinet and French horn in his school orchestra in eastern Nigeria .
Years later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his face with a white handkerchief , Olaiya would perform a new type of music in Nigeria that would go on to inspire a young Fela Anikulapo-Kuti among others .
After his secondary school , Olaiya moved to Lagos where he joined the Lagos City Orchestra and then the band of composer Sammy Akpabot , playing ballroom music for wealthy urban audiences .
But it was as the head of Bobby Benson 's Alfa Carnival Group that his talent would be properly nurtured .
Benson took a number of musicians under his wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the skills that would help him form his own band , the Cool Cats .
Listening to the recordings now , the gentle swinging rhythm and the prominence of the horn section , you sense a sepia tinge to Olaiya 's songs .
They evoke memories of the fading British Empire and transition to independence , conjuring up images of afro hair combed into a dome , of middle-class Nigerians appearing overdressed in tuxedos and gowns with a cigarette neatly tucked between the fingers .
By the late 1950s , the colonial administrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young generation of educated Africans was about to take over .
As the disco bars and ballrooms gradually thinned out of the British and their music , in stepped the elite class of Africans seeking that same high life but fused with their own culture .
And the bands responded to satisfy their new patrons , incorporating local rhythms and melodies into their repertoire .
You may also like : The songs were romantic and the lyrics , which to today 's eyes appear sexist , often used erotic imagery .
Olaiya 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Looking for a Husband ) says that if a woman , referred to as `` Cinderella shaking her buttocks '' , finds a husband she should `` forgo education '' .
As a musical term , highlife was first used in Ghana in the 1920s to describe a band playing a fusion of foreign and local instruments driven by multiple guitars and horns .
Olaiya 's influence came from Ghana , as he was a keen admirer of the Tempo band of highlife legend ET Mensah , who toured Nigeria multiple times from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cats band , he adopted Mensah 's style and had Ghanaian Sammy Lartey as saxophonist .
Years later , Olaiya and Mensah would release a joint album .
In bombastic style , Olaiya was once described by a newspaper editor as `` the evil genius of highlife '' , perhaps because once someone heard his music it was impossible not to dance .
His music became so popular that in 1960 he played at the party to celebrate Nigeria 's independence in front of Queen Elizabeth 's sister , Princess Margaret .
Olaiya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Igbo , Efik , Pidgin and Yoruba and his band would go on to serve as a training ground for musicians who would revolutionise music in Africa .
Chief among those that interned with Olaiya was Fela , creator of the Afrobeat genre and arguably Nigeria 's most influential musician .
Fresh from secondary school in 1957 , Fela spent time playing with Olaiya 's Cool Cats in Lagos and headed another of the maestro 's bands .
Olaiya recognised a prodigy and gave him a platform , in the same way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fela 's drummer , Tony Allen , was also among those who played with Olaiya .
Other notable musicians that passed through his band were guitar wizard Victor Uwaifo , juju musician Dele Ojo and saxophonist Yinusa Akinnibosun .
By 1970 , under the influence of James Brown , Olaiya had branched into soul and funk music .
His Up-to-Date Mover album of that year included five tracks co-written with Brown .
But Olaiya will forever be associated with highlife , and this gradually faded from the scene until the genre became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior citizens who hung onto the memories of an era when `` things were good '' .
The Cool Cats were no longer cool , as first Fela 's Afrobeat and later Afro hop swept succeeding generations off their feet .
Olaiya tried to keep up in later decades by doing things like shooting music videos but he never looked comfortable with the format .
He was used to the disco bars , the big orchestra and the larger-than-life bands performing for dandy crowds .
There were attempts to introduce his music to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuface Idibia , a music legend in his own right , remixed Olaiya 's Baby Jowo .
It was a homage to another era but only underlined how things had changed .
A handful of highlife musicians are still scattered in the eastern and western parts of Nigeria but their tunes are now mostly heard at funerals .
When Olaiya is laid to rest , perhaps a band led by an immaculately turned out trumpeter will be at the front of the procession ?
And when he is lowered into the ground , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is returning to dust .
The highlife music he pioneered may just be buried along with him .

Just like the well-turned out government filing clerk that he was, Olaiya always carried a pen in his breast pocket. This was not for noting instructions that had to be precisely followed, but rather because he needed to write down the musical notes and phrases as they came to him.


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Why are Australia's remote Aboriginal communities at risk?

For over a week , some of Australia 's remote Aboriginal communities have been severely restricting visitors - to try to keep out the Covid-19 virus .
Now the government is using its Biosecurity Act to bring in these limitations to such places across the country .
Only medical and health staff will be allowed in , as well as police and educational services .
About 120,000 people live in remote communities .
They are home to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - often referred to as First Nation people or Indigenous Australians .
Predominantly in Western Australia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some communities are several hours ' drive from towns - partly down unpaved roads - and are about as isolated as you could imagine .
So far , no .
While confirmed Covid-19 cases are rising sharply in Australia , they have been concentrated in the metropolitan areas - with no reports of cases in remote communities .
This is probably not surprising given Australia is in the relatively early stages of the pandemic .
The bulk of Australian cases are imported by people travelling from overseas - and remote communities are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the chief executive of the Central Land Council - which represents Aboriginal people in central Australia - has called for `` urgent and drastic action '' to keep communities virus-free .
The government 's measures , announced on Friday , appear to be just that .
Why are these communities being singled out ?
People with underlying medical conditions are known to be at greater risk from Covid-19 - and diabetes and renal failure are more prevalent among Indigenous Australians than the general population .
There are also much higher smoking rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory condition .
`` There is no way that existing medical services can cope if the virus gets into a remote community , '' says Indigenous rights campaigner Gerry Georgatos .
`` It 's going to be disastrous . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• YOUR THIRD HAND : How do you clean your smartphone ?
• BORED KIDS : Should you let your children play with others ?
• A VISUAL GUIDE : Maps and charts to help explain what 's going on Indigenous Australians already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Indigenous males and non-Indigenous males is 8.6 years , according to the latest Closing the Gap report .
For females , it is 7.8 years .
`` An entire generation of elders could be wiped out if we allowed the virus to enter their communities , '' warned Mr Martin-Jard .
`` The death toll even among younger family members would be far higher than for the rest of the nation . ''
Most of these communities have limited if any medical care facilities .
When people get sick they rely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ larger towns or , if very ill , being flown out by the services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service .
Sending in doctors , resources and interim recovery facilities to every Indigenous remote community is essential , argues Megan Krakouer , a lawyer and Indigenous health and suicide prevention outreach worker .
And earlier this week , the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation said deploying the army should also be considered , While being remote may be beneficial in avoiding the virus , that same set-up makes things difficult if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contagion effect will spread throughout the whole of the community within less than 48 hours as everyone is in walking distance proximity , '' says Ms Krakouer .
If somebody is confirmed as having Covid-19 but not especially unwell , they are told to self-isolate for 14 days .
The same applies for people with symptoms , or who have recently arrived from overseas .
But in small communities such isolation is near impossible given extreme overcrowding .
`` Many have nowhere to isolate to , '' says Ms Krakouer .
Many are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and family , she says , with 10 or more people living in a house not uncommon .
`` There needs to be a better understanding about the grim reality . ''
Why is there usually community movement ?
One of the oldest traditions of First Nations people is the gathering for funerals - known as `` sorry business '' - that can often attract crowds of 500 people or more , many travelling from larger towns or other remote communities .
Various state governments had already been urging communities to scale down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a losing battle , says Ms Krakouer .
`` Cultural practices and structures of kinship are very important .
We will not disobey their cultural laws , '' she tells the BBC .
More on the coronavirus in Australia : • What does Australia 's ban mean for foreigners ?
The new restrictions will make it impossible for outsiders to attend .
`` Sadly , communities need to rethink attending funerals in large numbers at this point in time , '' says Ben Wyatt , the Aboriginal affairs minister in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also tempted to leave their community for practical reasons such as shopping .
Community stores do exist but can cost 50 % more than supermarkets in larger locations .
What else has been announced ?
The restrictions of who can go in and out is the strongest measure yet .
Other policies already unveiled include measures to screen workers going into the remote areas .
The Western Australian government has said it has plans to evacuate people early should infections occur .
And it has promised mobile respiratory clinics to respond to outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services .
A new service to offer phone and online consultations will be available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged over 50 ( as well as non-Indigenous Australians over 70 ) .
But campaigners have pointed to poor communications as well as language issues that need to be overcome .
`` There will undoubtedly be people in these communities who have not even heard of coronavirus , '' says Mr Georgatos .
`` That 's the reality we 're up against . ''

Most of these communities have limited if any medical care facilities. When people get sick they rely on visiting doctors, travelling by car to larger towns or, if very ill, being flown out by the services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: 'My virtual date sent me £15 for wine'

Your first date went well , you have a second lined up and suddenly you 're told to stay at home and practice social distancing , what do you do ?
Well , Cilla Hope 's date sent her £15 on Monzo for a bottle of wine and they spent three hours on video chat getting to know each other and playing drinking games like Never Have I Ever .
Cilla , a 25-year-old marketing consultant from Croydon , tells Radio 1 Newsbeat how it went .
The couple who met in a bar a few weeks ago had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak .
`` When he suggested it , I just laughed at first . ''
On the night , they both popped out and bought the same bottle of rosé '' I actually bought a bag of Haribo too , '' she admits .
The pair arranged to meet online at 8pm on Thursday and Cilla got ready by putting on some make-up but did n't get too dressed up .
`` I just wore my pyjamas , I did n't want to look like I was trying too much !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chatting about quarantine life , you know , getting sick of being stuck with our families and stuff . ''
But it seems virtual dating comes with its own potential issues .
`` Going to the toilet caused a bit of an awkward moment , so we decided to leave our laptops and both go at the same time . ''
They both live with their families so , accidentally , meeting the parents sooner than planned was a worry .
`` He has a younger brother and was concerned he would just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch some of their favourite TV shows together but that was n't so successful .
`` We wanted to watch The Office at the same time , you know the episode where there 's the fire drill and everyone 's freaking out ?
But it did n't really work . ''
`` It was a fun date though . ''
It went well enough to confirm a third , and next time they 're tweaking the formula .
`` It 's going to be on a Friday so we do n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And we 're downloading the Netflix plugin where you can watch stuff at the same time .
`` We 're also going to order each other a takeaway so it 's a surprise for the other person when it arrives . ''
And if you were wondering what they 're planning on watching next time ... '' We 're going to try that Pandemic TV series , '' she says .
On how the date ended , Cilla says there was no virtual kiss , but `` the next will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... '' • EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak


bbc--2020-03-21--Hamilton self-isolating but allays coronavirus concerns

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says he has undergone a period of isolation after recently being pictured with actor Idris Elba , who has tested positive for coronavirus .
Hamilton , 35 , was at an event in London earlier this month with Elba .
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau - wife of the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - was also in attendance and has been diagnosed with coronavirus .
`` I want to let you know that I am doing well , '' Hamilton said in a statement .
• Coronavirus and F1 : Delayed start or no season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Mercedes driver added : `` There has been speculation about my health , after I was at an event where two people later tested positive for coronavirus .
`` I have zero symptoms and it has now been 17 days since I saw Sophie and Idris .
I have been in touch with Idris and happy to hear he is OK. '' I did speak to my doctor and double checked if I needed to take a test but the truth is , there is a limited amount of tests available and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than I do , especially when I was n't showing any symptoms at all . ''
Hamilton said that he had been in isolation since last Friday - shortly before last weekend 's season-opening Australian Grand Prix was cancelled because of the pandemic .
The Formula 1 season has been delayed until at least the start of June , with several races either postponed or cancelled .

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton attended a WE Movement event earlier this month
Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says he has undergone a period of isolation after recently being pictured with actor Idris Elba, who has tested positive for coronavirus.
Hamilton, 35, was at an event in London earlier this month with Elba.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau - wife of the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - was also in attendance and has been diagnosed with coronavirus.
"I want to let you know that I am doing well," Hamilton said in a statement.
The Mercedes driver added: "There has been speculation about my health, after I was at an event where two people later tested positive for coronavirus.
"I have zero symptoms and it has now been 17 days since I saw Sophie and Idris. I have been in touch with Idris and happy to hear he is OK.
"I did speak to my doctor and double checked if I needed to take a test but the truth is, there is a limited amount of tests available and there are people who need it more than I do, especially when I wasn't showing any symptoms at all."
Hamilton said that he had been in isolation since last Friday - shortly before last weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix was cancelled because of the pandemic.
The Formula 1 season has been delayed until at least the start of June, with several races either postponed or cancelled.


bbc--2020-03-21--'Decisions have to be made soon' on Tokyo Olympics as USA Swimming requests 12-month delay

Nic Coward , the new chairman of UK Athletics , has suggested that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics should be postponed because of the coronavirus crisis .
It comes amid the cancellation of key qualifying events and mounting athlete criticism of the organisers ' stance to press ahead with plans to stage the event , which is due to run from 24 July to 9 August .
Coward told BBC Sport : `` To leave it where it is is creating so much pressure in the system .
It now has to be addressed . ''
GB Taekwondo performance director Gary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said organisers are `` nervous '' and rates prospects of the Games beginning in July at `` 50-50 '' .
Elsewhere , Norway and Slovenia 's Olympic committees both urged to the IOC to postpone the Games until the pandemic is under control .
On Friday , International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) president Thomas Bach told the New York Times `` different scenarios '' for Tokyo 2020 are now being considered for the first time .
Also on Friday , USA Swimming asked the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee ( USOPC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer 's Games by 12 months .
In a letter seen by the BBC , its chief executive Tim Hinchey III says `` pressing forward amidst the global health crisis this summer is not the answer '' .
Hinchey called on USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland to speak with the IOC and `` use its voice and speak up for the athletes '' .
This week , heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson left her base in France , saying it was `` impossible '' to train and `` keep the same routine '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak .
Many athletes preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games have had their training venues in the UK shut over the past week in response to new government guidelines about social distancing .
`` Facility operators are making understandable decisions to close facilities on which our athletes rely to get themselves ready for the biggest test of their careers and their sporting lives , '' said Coward .
`` The intensity of pressure on people right now is too great , and decisions have to be made soon . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the preparations Tokyo 2020 organisers have made and remains hopeful they can begin in July .
`` They 're obviously very nervous about the circumstances that are going on at the moment , but their preparations have been brilliant and the venues and athletes village are outstanding , '' he said .
`` I expected everything to be a bit more frenetic , but they 're in a calm space and if the Games goes ahead they will be ready .
`` Things are changing so rapidly around the world and hopefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't run at any cost and the health and safety of the athletes has to come first . ''
Four-time Olympic champion and BBC Sport pundit Michael Johnson fears athletes could `` risk their lives '' trying to train for Tokyo 2020 and called for clarity on the IOC 's decision-making process .
`` IOC should communicate the window for deciding on the '20 Olympics , '' tweeted the former US sprinter .
`` Athletes must keep training but for many there 's nowhere to train .
`` They may risk their lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Answer is n't just cancel ASAP .
But communicate the process to the athletes . ''
Meanwhile , Glen Mills , long-time coach of eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt , has called on the IOC to postpone the Games until 2021 Mills , who also trains British sprinter Zharnel Hughes , said : `` This would be unprecedented , but we are in unprecedented times .
`` Move everything up one year and then everything will eventually fall back in place .
`` I do n't think that the Olympics will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ July and August ] because the outbreak is worldwide and in some countries , it is just starting to accelerate . ''
Speaking on the Today Programme on BBC Radio 4 on Thursday , World Athletics president Lord Coe said it was too early for organisers to make a final decision about whether to continue with or delay the Games .
The IOC and Tokyo 2020 officials have previously indicated that they would make an announcement by May .
• British Olympic Association says it will not endanger athletes

Last updated on .From the section Olympics
Nic Coward, the former British Horseracing Authority chief executive, began working with UK Athletics in January
Nic Coward, the new chairman of UK Athletics, has suggested that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics should be postponed because of the coronavirus crisis.
It comes amid the cancellation of key qualifying events and mounting athlete criticism of the organisers' stance to press ahead with plans to stage the event, which is due to run from 24 July to 9 August.
Coward told BBC Sport: "To leave it where it is is creating so much pressure in the system. It now has to be addressed."
GB Taekwondo performance director Gary Hall, who is in Japan, said organisers are "nervous" and rates prospects of the Games beginning in July at "50-50".
Elsewhere, Norway and Slovenia's Olympic committees both urged to the IOC to postpone the Games until the pandemic is under control.
On Friday, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach told the New York Times external-link "different scenarios" for Tokyo 2020 are now being considered for the first time.
Also on Friday, USA Swimming asked the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to request a delay to this summer's Games by 12 months.
In a letter seen by the BBC, its chief executive Tim Hinchey III says "pressing forward amidst the global health crisis this summer is not the answer".
Hinchey called on USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland to speak with the IOC and "use its voice and speak up for the athletes".
This week, heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson left her base in France, saying it was "impossible" to train and "keep the same routine" in light of the restrictions imposed following the coronavirus outbreak.
Many athletes preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games have had their training venues in the UK shut over the past week in response to new government guidelines about social distancing.
"Facility operators are making understandable decisions to close facilities on which our athletes rely to get themselves ready for the biggest test of their careers and their sporting lives," said Coward.
"The intensity of pressure on people right now is too great, and decisions have to be made soon."
Hall told BBC Sport he was impressed by the preparations Tokyo 2020 organisers have made and remains hopeful they can begin in July.
"They're obviously very nervous about the circumstances that are going on at the moment, but their preparations have been brilliant and the venues and athletes village are outstanding," he said.
"I expected everything to be a bit more frenetic, but they're in a calm space and if the Games goes ahead they will be ready.
"Things are changing so rapidly around the world and hopefully it will run, but it can't run at any cost and the health and safety of the athletes has to come first."
Athletes may 'risk their lives'
Four-time Olympic champion and BBC Sport pundit Michael Johnson fears athletes could "risk their lives" trying to train for Tokyo 2020 and called for clarity on the IOC's decision-making process.
"IOC should communicate the window for deciding on the '20 Olympics," tweeted the former US sprinter. external-link "Athletes must keep training but for many there's nowhere to train.
"They may risk their lives and others trying to continue training. Answer isn't just cancel ASAP. But communicate the process to the athletes."
Meanwhile, Glen Mills, long-time coach of eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt, has called on the IOC to postpone the Games until 2021
Mills, who also trains British sprinter Zharnel Hughes, said: "This would be unprecedented, but we are in unprecedented times.
"Move everything up one year and then everything will eventually fall back in place.
"I don't think that the Olympics will take place at the time that is specified [July and August] because the outbreak is worldwide and in some countries, it is just starting to accelerate."
Speaking on the Today Programme on BBC Radio 4 on Thursday, World Athletics president Lord Coe said it was too early for organisers to make a final decision about whether to continue with or delay the Games.
The IOC and Tokyo 2020 officials have previously indicated that they would make an announcement by May.


bbc--2020-03-21--Five reasons to find hope amid chaos

Five reasons to find hope amid chaos

We appreciate that these are dark times for people around the world , as the coronavirus continues to spread .
Numbers of infections and fatalities are rising , cities and even countries are shutting and many people are being forced into isolation .
But amid all the worrying news , there have also been reasons to find hope .
As countries go into lockdown over the virus , there have been significant drops in pollution levels .
Both China and northern Italy have recorded major falls in nitrogen dioxide - a serious air pollutant and powerful warming chemical - amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Researchers in New York also told the BBC that early results showed carbon monoxide , mainly from cars , had been reduced by nearly 50 % compared with last year .
And with airlines cancelling flights en masse and millions working from home , countries around the world are expected to follow this downward path .
You can read more about the drops in pollution levels here .
On a similar note , residents of Venice have noticed a vast improvement in the water quality of the famous canals running through the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destination in northern Italy have emptied amid the outbreak leading to a drastic drop in water traffic , which has allowed sediment to settle .
The usually murky water has gone so clear that fish can even be seen .
There are plenty of stories of panic buying and fights over toilet roll and tins , but the virus has also spurred acts of kindness around the world .
Two New Yorkers amassed 1,300 volunteers in 72 hours to deliver groceries and medicine to elderly and vulnerable people in the city .
Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK had joined local support groups set up for the virus , while similar groups have been formed in Canada , sparking a trend there known as `` caremongering '' .
Supermarkets in Australia are among those to create a special `` elderly hour '' so older shoppers and those with disabilities have a chance to shop in peace .
People have also donated money , shared recipe and exercise ideas , sent uplifting messages to self-isolating elderly people and transformed businesses into food distribution centres .
• EASY STEPS : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : What are the symptoms ?
• NEW MEASURES : What is the UK advice ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
Between a hectic work and home life it is often easy to feel disconnected from those around you .
As the virus affects us all , it has brought many communities around the world closer together .
In Italy , where a countrywide lockdown is in place , people have joined together on their balconies for morale-boosting songs .
A fitness instructor in southern Spain led an exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle of an apartment complex , which residents in isolation joined from their balconies .
Many people have used the opportunity to reconnect with friends and loved ones over phone or video calls , while groups of friends have organised virtual clubbing or pub sessions using mobile apps ( including those of us in the BBC who are working from home ) .
The virus has also highlighted the importance of health workers and other people working in key services .
Thousands of Europeans have taken to their balconies and windows to applaud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while medical students in London have volunteered to help healthcare professionals with childcare and household chores .
With millions of people now stuck in isolation , many are using the opportunity to get creative .
Social media users have shared details of their new hobbies , including reading , baking , knitting and painting .
The DC Public Library in Washington is among those hosting a virtual book club , while Italian Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura has launched an Instagram series called Kitchen Quarantine , teaching basic recipes to aspiring foodies who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher in the US state of Tennessee has been live-streaming classes for children who are out of school , inspiring them to get creative at home .
And while many public spaces have been shut , art fans have been making the most of virtual tours offered by the world 's biggest galleries , observing the famous paintings of the Louvre in Paris and the classic sculptures of the Vatican museum from their living rooms .
Australia 's Sydney Observatory offered a tour of the night sky for people stuck at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and country singer Keith Urban have also been live-streaming gigs to combat the boredom of self-isolation .
On Monday , we 're going to bring you a day of live coverage focusing on the positive stories , like these , that are emerging from the coronavirus crisis .
We hope you can join us from 07:00 GMT .

We appreciate that these are dark times for people around the world, as the coronavirus continues to spread. Numbers of infections and fatalities are rising, cities and even countries are shutting and many people are being forced into isolation. But amid all the worrying news, there have also been reasons to find hope.


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus and chloroquine: Has its use been approved in US?

President Trump claims a drug used against malaria has been approved in the United States to treat the new coronavirus .
Chloroquine is one of the oldest and best-known anti-malarial drugs .
So is the president right and what is known about its effectiveness ?
Chloroquine has been around for decades .
It 's no longer recommended in much of Africa because of the resistance built up to it by the malaria parasites .
Some countries have introduced regulations to curb the use of the drug , but it has remained popular in those with an active private-sector drug market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially true in Nigeria where there have been reports of high demand for chloroquine in pharmacies leading to shortages , in part fuelled by Mr Trump 's statement .
Chloroquine has not been approved for treating coronavirus President Trump , at his daily press briefing , claimed that chloroquine had been approved for use in treating the coronavirus by the US Food and Drugs Administration ( FDA ) .
That is the body in charge of licensing medicines in America .
`` We 're going to be able to make that drug available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FDA has been so great .
They 've gone through the approval process - it 's been approved . ''
To be clear , chloroquine has been approved to treat malaria and arthritis .
However , the FDA has made it clear this is not the case for treating people with the Covid-19 coronavirus .
`` There are no FDA-approved therapeutics or drugs to treat , cure or prevent Covid-19 . ''
However , the FDA does say that studies are under way to see if chloroquine can be effective in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been directed by Mr Trump to set up a large clinical trial to investigate the drug .
What is the status of global research ?
It 's no surprise that chloroquine has been part of the search to help coronavirus patients .
It 's well-known , and cheap and easy to produce .
In treating malaria patients , the drug has been used to reduce fever and inflammation .
`` Chloroquine seems to block the coronavirus in lab studies .
There 's some anecdotal evidence from doctors saying it has appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , BBC health correspondent .
But crucially there have been no complete clinical trials which are important to show how the drug behaves in actual patients , although they are under way in China , the US , UK and Spain .
The World Health Organization says that so far there is no definitive evidence of its effectiveness , but it is part of the continuing trials .
`` In order to know which therapies could work to treat the viral infection we need to undertake clinical trials to gain the full evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says Prof Trudie Lang , director of The Global Health Network at Oxford University .
Interest in the drug had already been gaining traction online .
Searches for chloroquine have spiked in the past week , according to Google Trends data , and entrepreneur Elon Musk caused a stir when he tweeted out some research into it .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Visual guide to the outbreak The coronavirus pandemic is on the lips of every Nigerian at churches , mosques and schools , reports Daniel Semeniworima , of the BBC 's Pidgin service in Lagos .
Many Nigerian households still use tablets containing chloroquine for treating malaria even though it was banned in 2005 .
News of a February study in China about the use of chloroquine for the coronavirus had already sparked lively debate in Lagos , so people were stocking up .
Following Mr Trump 's reference to chloroquine as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops and chemists sold out of the drug very quickly .
But the Nigerian Centres for Disease Control has told people to stop taking it .
`` The WHO has NOT approved the use of chloroquine for # COVID19 management . ''
Daniel Semeniworima says people are taking uninformed decisions to stay safe but this is having serious medical consequences .
It 's been reported that Lagos is now dealing with a spate of people being poisoned from overdoses of chloroquine .

There's been some hope that hydroxychloroquine could be effective if used early on when a person gets the virus, before there's a need for them to be hospitalised.


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Lombardy region announces stricter measures

The Italian region of Lombardy has introduced stricter measures in a bid to tackle the spread of coronavirus .
Under the new rules announced late on Saturday , sport and physical activity outside , even individually , is banned .
Using vending machines is forbidden .
The move comes as Italy reported nearly 800 coronavirus deaths on Saturday and saw its toll for the past month reach 4,825 , the highest in the world .
Lombardy is the worst-affected region in the country with 3,095 deaths .
The region 's President Attilio Fontana announced the new measures in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all operations excluding `` essential '' supply chains .
Work on building sites will be stopped apart from those working on hospitals , roads and railways .
All open-air weekly markets have been suspended .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Lombardy has been under a lockdown since 8 March and the government had hoped to see results there first .
Nearly all Italians have been told to stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief Silvio Brusaferro urged the elderly to stay indoors .
The average age of Italy 's victims is 78.5 .
`` If you do not follow all the measures , you make everything more difficult .
If you do , we can make this outbreak slow down , '' he said .
Despite the measures , the number of new cases and deaths has continued to grow .
There have been 220,000 cases of the virus worldwide with more than 9,000 deaths .
What is happening elsewhere ?
Spain 's health ministry has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths from Covid-19 with 1,326 confirmed deaths , the second highest in Europe after Italy .
In a news conference on Saturday night , Spain 's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned `` the worst is yet to come '' and that `` very difficult days lay ahead '' .
The government has issued a lockdown for some 46 million people who are only allowed to leave their homes for essential work , food shopping , medical reasons or to walk the dog .
A number of world leaders and political figures have told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson warned the UK 's National Health Service could be `` overwhelmed '' if people do not act to slow the `` accelerating '' spread of coronavirus .
He called on people to join a `` heroic and collective national effort '' and follow social distancing advice .
Scotland 's Rural Economy and Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing has called on people not to travel to the Scottish Highlands after reports of people in campervans trying to find solace from outbreaks elsewhere across the UK .
France 's Health Minister Olivier Véran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social distancing , describing them as `` dangerous '' and `` irresponsible '' .
More than 12,500 people have caught coronavirus in France with the death toll recorded as 562 on Saturday .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo hit out at young people who he claims have been ignoring orders not to gather in groups .
He said that he planned to visit a park `` to see what the situation is myself '' .
`` I do n't care frankly .
This is a public health issue and you can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` You should n't be endangering your own . ''

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo hit out at young people who he claims have been ignoring orders not to gather in groups. He said that he planned to visit a park "to see what the situation is myself".


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Police clamp down on crowds in Bondi Beach

All schools and colleges in China have been closed for more than two weeks in the fight against coronavirus .

Police closed Sydney's Bondi Beach after huge crowds gathered there, despite a government ban on large gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Temporary measures have been put in place after photos of mostly young beachgoers packed on the famous sands were widely shared online.
The photos drew widespread criticism from officials and social media users.


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: A father's fears in Kenya's crowded Kibera settlement

In Africa , there are fewer Covid-19 cases than in many parts of the world , but the head of @ @ @ @ @ warned that the continent should prepare for the worst .
Governments across the region are @ @ @ @ @ closing schools and restricting movements .
But in informal settlements where millions of people live @ @ @ @ @ fear that keeping social distance and self-isolation are not possible .

In Africa, there are fewer Covid-19 cases than in many parts of the world, but the head of the World Health Organization has warned that the continent should prepare for the worst.
Governments across the region are introducing strict measures such as closing schools and restricting movements.
But in informal settlements where millions of people live at close quarters, many fear that keeping social distance and self-isolation are not possible.
Reporter: Sylvia Chebet
Filed producer: Catherine Ellis
Video producer: Gloria Achieng
Filmed by: Andrew Njuguna


bbc--2020-03-21--Diamond samples in Canada reveal size of lost continent

Canadian scientists have discovered a fragment of an ancient continent , suggesting that it was 10 % larger than previously thought .
They were studying diamond samples from Baffin Island , a glacier-covered land mass near Greenland , when they noticed a remnant of North Atlantic Craton .
Cratons are ancient , stable parts of the Earth 's continental crust .
The North American Craton stretched from present-day Scotland to North America and broke apart 150m years ago .
Scientists chanced on the latest evidence as they examined exploration samples of kimberlite , a rock that often contains diamonds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , kimberlites are subterranean rockets that pick up passengers on their way to the surface , '' University of British Columbia geologist Maya Kopylova said .
`` The passengers are solid chunks of wall rocks that carry a wealth of details on conditions far beneath the surface of our planet over time . ''
Ms Kopylova and her colleagues says the sample bore a mineral signature that matched other portions of the North Atlantic Craton .
`` Finding these 'lost ' pieces is like finding a missing piece of a puzzle , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an article published by the University of British Columbia 's website .
The samples were taken from deep below the Chidliak Kimberlite Province in southern Baffin Island .
Previous reconstructions of the Earth 's plates had been based on shallow rock samples formed at depths of one to 10km ( six miles ) .
Ms Kopylova said the discovery adds about 10 % to the known size of the craton .
`` Our knowledge is literally and symbolically deeper , '' she said .

"For researchers, kimberlites are subterranean rockets that pick up passengers on their way to the surface," University of British Columbia geologist Maya Kopylova said. "The passengers are solid chunks of wall rocks that carry a wealth of details on conditions far beneath the surface of our planet over time."


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Rainbow pictures springing up across the country

Pictures of rainbows have started springing up in windows after schools closed in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
Hundreds of schools are encouraging pupils to put up paintings to `` spread hope '' after a trend started online .
Though many of the buildings have closed , one head teacher said the school spirit was still very much alive with online lessons .
Schools across the UK shut on Friday to children of non-key workers .
A spokesman for Grange First School in Newcastle said : `` We are hoping to spread our cheerful windows campaign as wide as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in windows all over our area and beyond and will really help maintain morale for children ( and families ) in these difficult times . ''
Angela Ruthven , whose son Harrison made a rainbow , said it was `` a truly wonderful idea while we are all facing such worries with our health , our jobs and children 's education '' .
`` This has offered a positive approach , '' she said .
`` It 's bringing families together at home to create a rainbow , making people smile if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing our wonderful school and even the world together .
`` It 's showing that we are all in this together . ''
Six-year-old Eva has `` Always loved painting rainbows '' according to her mother so leapt at the chance of joining her school 's campaign .
Shona Richardson , head teacher of Eva 's school in Rosewell in Midlothian , said : `` We did not want it all to be doom and gloom for the children .
`` We thought this would be a really visual way of bringing hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much out there .
`` It also sends a message to the elderly people to say we are thinking of you and hopefully it will give them some joy to .
`` These children wo n't be able to see their friends so much so it 's a way they can communicate together . ''
She said teachers were working from home and were in contact online with families .
`` We do not want families to be forgotten about just because they ca n't come into school , '' Ms Richardson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we all said goodbye to one another .
`` It 's the unknown .
Breaking up for the holidays you know when you will be back together , but in this case we really do n't know . ''
Eight-year-old Tayen , who lives in Bridgwater , Somerset , also wanted to take part in the chase the rainbow trend .
Tayen , who has been blind since she was 22 months old and is currently undergoing chemotherapy , made a raised rainbow she could feel .
Her mother Kali said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a machine so the surface is raised so she can feel it .
`` She coloured it in with paint sticks and her brothers helped her choose the colours - although she tells everyone its entirely pink .
`` She knows it 's up in the window and that it 's her picture and other people can enjoy it and she asked me to take a picture of it to send to family members we ca n't visit at the moment . ''
Isla , seven , and Archie , four , stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their Bristol home .
Isla said : `` We 're making it because it might cheer people up . ''
Her mother Debbie Frost said : `` We are stuck in isolation and it got the kids thinking about arts , crafts and also about others and the impact we can have on them , even though we may never see them or come into contact with them . ''
Jo Tambie , of Hall Green , Birmingham , said her four children were prompted to create the rainbows as an antidote to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter came up with the words 'be confident and be brave ' .
`` Those are words from an eight-year-old and I think it just makes you smile when you see it and quite emotional . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Her mother Debbie Frost said: "We are stuck in isolation and it got the kids thinking about arts, crafts and also about others and the impact we can have on them, even though we may never see them or come into contact with them."


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: 'I've lost half of myself' says bereaved husband


bbc--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Health myths you should ignore

How to wash your hands - in 20 seconds Dr Adele McCormick from the University of Westminster demonstrates how to @ @ @ @

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