bbc--2020-06-12--NFL pledges $250m to help combat systemic racism in US

Last updated on .From the section American Football The NFL has pledged $ 250m ( £198m ) over a 10-year period to help combat systemic racism in the United States .
Last week , the NFL said players should be allowed to protest during the national anthem .
Kneeling for the anthem , a practice started by ex-San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick , was banned in May 2018 , with the policy put on hold in July .
• None From Kaepernick kneeling to NFL apology - timeline of a U-turn Earlier this month , NFL players including Patrick Mahomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league to `` condemn racism and the systemic oppression of black people '' .
Protests have taken place across the US and worldwide over the past three weeks following the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man , while being restrained by a white police officer in Minneapolis on 25 May .
The NFL said : `` The NFL and our clubs will continue to work collaboratively with NFL players to support programs to address criminal justice reform , police reforms , and economic and educational advancement .
`` In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to leverage the NFL Network and all of our media properties to place an increased emphasis on raising awareness and promoting education of social justice issues to our fans and help foster unity . ''

Last updated on .From the section American Football
Colin Kaepernick first protested against racial injustice in the US in September 2016 by kneeling during the national anthem
The NFL has pledged $250m (£198m) over a 10-year period to help combat systemic racism in the United States.
The fund will "support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans".
Last week, the NFL said players should be allowed to protest during the national anthem.
Kneeling for the anthem, a practice started by ex-San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick, was banned in May 2018, with the policy put on hold in July.
Earlier this month, NFL players including Patrick Mahomes and Odell Beckham Jr called on the league to "condemn racism and the systemic oppression of black people".
Protests have taken place across the US and worldwide over the past three weeks following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while being restrained by a white police officer in Minneapolis on 25 May.
The NFL said: "The NFL and our clubs will continue to work collaboratively with NFL players to support programs to address criminal justice reform, police reforms, and economic and educational advancement.
"In addition to the financial commitment, we will continue to leverage the NFL Network and all of our media properties to place an increased emphasis on raising awareness and promoting education of social justice issues to our fans and help foster unity."


bbc--2020-06-11--Fans outside and virtual support as Sevilla win derby on La Liga resumption

Sevilla beat Real Betis in the Seville derby as La Liga returned after a three-month gap - with some teething problems off the pitch .
Groups of fans ignored guidance as they gathered outside the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium before the game , and some of the TV presentation left plenty to be desired .
But in Lucas Ocampos the hosts had the key man to win the first match played in Spain since the coronavirus pandemic halted proceedings on 10 March .
La Liga is the second of Europe 's big five leagues to resume , with the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to know as La Liga returns • Spanish game finishes six months after it started After a minute 's silence in memory of those who have died during the pandemic , La Liga returned with some new additions .
As previously heard in Germany , there was artificial crowd noise .
But unlike in Germany , the mix was way too low and almost inaudible for much of the game .
The vast , empty stands were painted in 'virtual support ' in what was sold beforehand as images of fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was extremely low key though , looking more like a collage of coloured dots which were only visible on the one wide camera shot , with the 'crowd ' disappearing whenever the director changed angle , and sometimes hovering in mid-air when a replay appeared .
At times , such as during some pre-arranged drinks breaks , the vacant stands displayed the message of 'Safe sport , safe tourism - Spain welcomes you ' .
When tourists return to Seville remains to be seen , but Champions League football may well soon - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points of Real Madrid .
Ocampos was the game 's key player throughout , rattling the crossbar from a narrow angle in the first half before breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot .
He then conjured an ingenious backheeled flick from a corner to find Fernando for the game-sealing second goal , Sevilla celebrating the three points just after midnight local time .
Leaders Barcelona are in action for the first time on Saturday , while Real Madrid play on Sunday .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Lucas Ocampos is the first Sevilla player to score in five consecutive La Liga appearances since Alvaro Negredo in September 2011
Sevilla beat Real Betis in the Seville derby as La Liga returned after a three-month gap - with some teething problems off the pitch.
Groups of fans ignored guidance as they gathered outside the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium before the game, and some of the TV presentation left plenty to be desired.
But in Lucas Ocampos the hosts had the key man to win the first match played in Spain since the coronavirus pandemic halted proceedings on 10 March.
La Liga is the second of Europe's big five leagues to resume, with the Premier League following suit next week.
Plenty of fans of both sides gathered outside before the match
After a minute's silence in memory of those who have died during the pandemic, La Liga returned with some new additions.
As previously heard in Germany, there was artificial crowd noise. But unlike in Germany, the mix was way too low and almost inaudible for much of the game.
The vast, empty stands were painted in 'virtual support' in what was sold beforehand as images of fans wearing club colours.
The actual effect was extremely low key though, looking more like a collage of coloured dots which were only visible on the one wide camera shot, with the 'crowd' disappearing whenever the director changed angle, and sometimes hovering in mid-air when a replay appeared.
At times, such as during some pre-arranged drinks breaks, the vacant stands displayed the message of 'Safe sport, safe tourism - Spain welcomes you'.
After three months away fans were keen to see the game from wherever they could
When tourists return to Seville remains to be seen, but Champions League football may well soon - the home side are now within six points of Real Madrid.
Ocampos was the game's key player throughout, rattling the crossbar from a narrow angle in the first half before breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot.
He then conjured an ingenious backheeled flick from a corner to find Fernando for the game-sealing second goal, Sevilla celebrating the three points just after midnight local time.
Leaders Barcelona are in action for the first time on Saturday, while Real Madrid play on Sunday.


bbc--2020-06-12--England: What is Three Lions' greatest performance since 1966?

Winning the World Cup in 1966 undoubtedly remains the greatest moment in England 's football history .
But what has been the Three Lions ' best performance since ?
Here are my top 10 greatest England matches since 1966 - remind yourself of the games and then you can rank them using the list at the bottom of the page .
Don Revie 's finest 90 minutes in an ill-fated England reign as an excellent Scotland team boasting the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Danny McGrain was destroyed - mainly by first-half goals from Gerry Francis , Kevin Beattie and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from the spot but the outstanding Francis and David Johnson completed the rout in a game remembered for the image of Scotland keeper Stewart Kennedy saving the post as opposed to the ball for Beattie 's header , and World Cup winner Alan Ball being ruthlessly sacked as captain .
He never played for England again .
England travelled to Budapest 's famously hostile Nepstadion fighting for their lives in qualification for the 1982 World Cup after losing in Switzerland a week earlier .
One infamous headline aimed at manager Ron Greenwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They needed to win and were up against the gifted Magyars in front of 70,000 fanatical supporters but responded in style , with Trevor Brooking the hero .
He scrambled in an early goal then , after defender Imre Garaba had levelled right on half-time , restored England 's lead on the hour with a rising left-foot shot of such force it lodged in the stanchion .
Kevin Keegan then won and scored a penalty and England were back on course for Spain the following summer .
Ron Greenwood 's England produced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 1982 World Cup to beat a France side that went on to lose on penalties to West Germany in the semi-finals .
Bryan Robson put England in front on 27 seconds - then the fastest goal in the history of the tournament - and restored their lead in the second half after Gerard Soler levelled for France .
Paul Mariner wrapped up the win but England fell before the knockout stages in a convoluted two group-stage system .
This friendly was the game that changed John Barnes ' life as England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maracana Stadium in Rio , where Brazil had not lost for 27 years .
Barnes , just 20 and emerging at Watford , made the world sit up and take notice when he received the ball on the left flank , taking 11 touches and beating six Brazilians including goalkeeper Roberto Costa to put England ahead in first-half stoppage time .
He then provided the assist for Mark Hateley 's second after 64 minutes to seal the win for Bobby Robson 's team .
This steamy afternoon in Monterrey transformed Gary Lineker into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miserable start to the 1986 World Cup in Mexico , losing to Portugal and drawing with Morocco without scoring a goal , leaving Robson 's side needing to beat old nemesis Poland in their final group game .
They had been hit by injury and suspension as captain Robson suffered a shoulder injury and Ray Wilkins was sent off against Morocco - but fate intervened as England were revitalised by the introduction of the fiery presence of Everton 's Peter Reid and the goals of club-mate Lineker .
Lineker , who left Everton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brilliant 35-minute hat-trick , turning home crosses from Gary Stevens and Steve Hodge before pouncing on a goalkeeping error for his third .
England lost to Argentina and Diego Maradona in the infamous 'Hand of God ' quarter-final but Lineker was now a global name .
One of the great England performances of the modern era as a fine Netherlands side - dogged by in-fighting , admittedly - were blown away on a balmy night at Wembley in Euro 96 .
England , under Terry Venables , needed a draw to top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alan Shearer 's penalty in the 23rd minute after Danny Blind fouled Paul Ince .
The Dutch were destroyed in 11 minutes after half-time when Teddy Sheringham headed home Paul Gascoigne 's corner then set up Shearer 's right-foot finish .
Sheringham made it 4-0 after 62 minutes after Edwin van der Sar failed to hold Darren Anderton 's shot .
England lost on penalties to eventual winners Germany in the semi-final but this was an unforgettable night and performance .
England arrived as underdogs for this World Cup qualifier only to rip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carsten Jancker gave Germany an early lead but England , led by the devastating Michael Owen hit back .
The Liverpool striker quickly equalised before club-mate Steven Gerrard put them ahead from long range before half-time .
Owen , who won the Ballon d'Or weeks later , fired in from close range to extend England 's lead after the break then raced on to Gerrard 's pass to complete his hat-trick after 66 minutes .
Emile Heskey made it a glory night for Liverpool and England with the fifth for the highlight of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Euro 2004 was in the grip of 'Roo-mania ' after Everton 's 18-year-old star Wayne Rooney had illuminated the tournament with his brilliance in England 's loss to France and with two goals in the win against Switzerland .
Niko Kovac gave Croatia an early lead before Paul Scholes equalised and Rooney put England ahead with a powerful 20-yard drive before half-time .
The game 's new young phenomenon ran clear on to Owen 's pass to make it 3-1 after half-time and , though Igor Tudor pulled one back , Frank Lampard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory they deserved .
Rooney was injured early in the quarter-final as England lost to hosts Portugal on penalties - but his contribution to that summer confirmed the impact he would have over the next decade and more .
England 's feelgood surprise run to the World Cup semi-finals under Gareth Southgate came under severe strain in the last 16 from a Colombia side that was a potent mix of talent and cynicism .
Harry Kane gave England a second-half lead from the spot but in a fevered atmosphere created by Colombia 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stadium , Yerry Mina 's stoppage-time header forced the extra 30 minutes .
Jordan Henderson 's penalty miss put England on the back foot but when Mateus Uribe missed and Jordan Pickford saved from Carlos Bacca , Eric Dier was able to secure the country 's first World Cup win in a penalty shootout .
England lost to Croatia in the semi-final but it had been a fantastic ride in Russia .
England 's run to the World Cup semi-final won hearts and minds but the statement win against a country of stature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they lost twice to Belgium and in the semi-final to Croatia in Russia .
They put that right with an outstanding performance in this Uefa Nations League encounter that gave them their first win in Spain for 31 years , as they went 3-0 up at half-time courtesy of two goals from Raheem Sterling , ending an England drought stretching back three years and 27 games , and Marcus Rashford .
Spain responded with goals from Paco Alcacer and a 97th-minute goal from Sergio Ramos but England closed out a landmark victory .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but what about you ?
Rank your top 10 games below :

Last updated on .From the section England
England beat Colombia in a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time and went on to reach the semi-final in 2018
Winning the World Cup in 1966 undoubtedly remains the greatest moment in England's football history.
But what has been the Three Lions' best performance since?
Here are my top 10 greatest England matches since 1966 - remind yourself of the games and then you can rank them using the list at the bottom of the page.
England 5-1 Scotland - Wembley (24 May 1975)
Don Revie's finest 90 minutes in an ill-fated England reign as an excellent Scotland team boasting the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Danny McGrain was destroyed - mainly by first-half goals from Gerry Francis, Kevin Beattie and Colin Bell.
Bruce Rioch pulled one back from the spot but the outstanding Francis and David Johnson completed the rout in a game remembered for the image of Scotland keeper Stewart Kennedy saving the post as opposed to the ball for Beattie's header, and World Cup winner Alan Ball being ruthlessly sacked as captain. He never played for England again.
England celebrate after David Johnson scores England's fifth goal against Scotland
Hungary 1-3 England - Budapest (6 June 1981)
England travelled to Budapest's famously hostile Nepstadion fighting for their lives in qualification for the 1982 World Cup after losing in Switzerland a week earlier. One infamous headline aimed at manager Ron Greenwood read 'For God's sake go'.
They needed to win and were up against the gifted Magyars in front of 70,000 fanatical supporters but responded in style, with Trevor Brooking the hero.
He scrambled in an early goal then, after defender Imre Garaba had levelled right on half-time, restored England's lead on the hour with a rising left-foot shot of such force it lodged in the stanchion.
Kevin Keegan then won and scored a penalty and England were back on course for Spain the following summer.
Kevin Keegan was influential in the victory over Hungary
England 3-1 France - Bilbao (16 June 1982)
Ron Greenwood's England produced a superb performance in their opening game of the 1982 World Cup to beat a France side that went on to lose on penalties to West Germany in the semi-finals.
Bryan Robson put England in front on 27 seconds - then the fastest goal in the history of the tournament - and restored their lead in the second half after Gerard Soler levelled for France.
Paul Mariner wrapped up the win but England fell before the knockout stages in a convoluted two group-stage system.
England's Terry Butcher tackles France's Michel Platini
Brazil 0-2 England - Rio de Janeiro (10 June 1984)
This friendly was the game that changed John Barnes' life as England recorded an historic win in the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio, where Brazil had not lost for 27 years.
Barnes, just 20 and emerging at Watford, made the world sit up and take notice when he received the ball on the left flank, taking 11 touches and beating six Brazilians including goalkeeper Roberto Costa to put England ahead in first-half stoppage time.
He then provided the assist for Mark Hateley's second after 64 minutes to seal the win for Bobby Robson's team.
England 3-0 Poland - Monterrey (11 June 1986)
This steamy afternoon in Monterrey transformed Gary Lineker into a football superstar.
England suffered a miserable start to the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, losing to Portugal and drawing with Morocco without scoring a goal, leaving Robson's side needing to beat old nemesis Poland in their final group game.
They had been hit by injury and suspension as captain Robson suffered a shoulder injury and Ray Wilkins was sent off against Morocco - but fate intervened as England were revitalised by the introduction of the fiery presence of Everton's Peter Reid and the goals of club-mate Lineker.
Lineker, who left Everton for Barcelona after the tournament, scored a brilliant 35-minute hat-trick, turning home crosses from Gary Stevens and Steve Hodge before pouncing on a goalkeeping error for his third.
England lost to Argentina and Diego Maradona in the infamous 'Hand of God' quarter-final but Lineker was now a global name.
Peter Beardsley carries the ball forward against Poland
Netherlands 1-4 England - Wembley (18 June 1996)
One of the great England performances of the modern era as a fine Netherlands side - dogged by in-fighting, admittedly - were blown away on a balmy night at Wembley in Euro 96.
England, under Terry Venables, needed a draw to top Group A and took the lead through Alan Shearer's penalty in the 23rd minute after Danny Blind fouled Paul Ince.
The Dutch were destroyed in 11 minutes after half-time when Teddy Sheringham headed home Paul Gascoigne's corner then set up Shearer's right-foot finish. Sheringham made it 4-0 after 62 minutes after Edwin van der Sar failed to hold Darren Anderton's shot.
England lost on penalties to eventual winners Germany in the semi-final but this was an unforgettable night and performance.
Paul Ince attempts to block a shot by Jordi Cruyff
Germany 1-5 England - Munich (1 September 2001)
England arrived as underdogs for this World Cup qualifier only to rip the odds and logic to shreds.
Carsten Jancker gave Germany an early lead but England, led by the devastating Michael Owen hit back. The Liverpool striker quickly equalised before club-mate Steven Gerrard put them ahead from long range before half-time.
Owen, who won the Ballon d'Or weeks later, fired in from close range to extend England's lead after the break then raced on to Gerrard's pass to complete his hat-trick after 66 minutes. Emile Heskey made it a glory night for Liverpool and England with the fifth for the highlight of Sven-Goran Eriksson's time in charge.
The iconic scoreline that few expected
Croatia 2-4 England - Lisbon (21 June 2004)
Euro 2004 was in the grip of 'Roo-mania' after Everton's 18-year-old star Wayne Rooney had illuminated the tournament with his brilliance in England's loss to France and with two goals in the win against Switzerland.
Niko Kovac gave Croatia an early lead before Paul Scholes equalised and Rooney put England ahead with a powerful 20-yard drive before half-time.
The game's new young phenomenon ran clear on to Owen's pass to make it 3-1 after half-time and, though Igor Tudor pulled one back, Frank Lampard's goal gave England the margin of victory they deserved.
Rooney was injured early in the quarter-final as England lost to hosts Portugal on penalties - but his contribution to that summer confirmed the impact he would have over the next decade and more.
Wayne Rooney scored twice as England beat Croatia at Euro 2004
Colombia 1-1 England - Moscow (3 July 2018)
England's feelgood surprise run to the World Cup semi-finals under Gareth Southgate came under severe strain in the last 16 from a Colombia side that was a potent mix of talent and cynicism.
Harry Kane gave England a second-half lead from the spot but in a fevered atmosphere created by Colombia's fans gathered all over Moscow's Spartak Stadium, Yerry Mina's stoppage-time header forced the extra 30 minutes.
Jordan Henderson's penalty miss put England on the back foot but when Mateus Uribe missed and Jordan Pickford saved from Carlos Bacca, Eric Dier was able to secure the country's first World Cup win in a penalty shootout.
England lost to Croatia in the semi-final but it had been a fantastic ride in Russia.
Harry Kane led England to their first World Cup semi-final appearance in 30 years with victory over Colombia
Spain 2-3 England - Sevilla (15 October 2018)
England's run to the World Cup semi-final won hearts and minds but the statement win against a country of stature still eluded Gareth Southgate's team as they lost twice to Belgium and in the semi-final to Croatia in Russia.
They put that right with an outstanding performance in this Uefa Nations League encounter that gave them their first win in Spain for 31 years, as they went 3-0 up at half-time courtesy of two goals from Raheem Sterling, ending an England drought stretching back three years and 27 games, and Marcus Rashford.
Spain responded with goals from Paco Alcacer and a 97th-minute goal from Sergio Ramos but England closed out a landmark victory.
Raheem Sterling scored his first goals for England since October 2015 against Estonia - 1,102 days ago
So you now know what Phil thinks, but what about you? Rank your top 10 games below:


bbc--2020-06-12--George Floyd: Trump 'generally' supports ending chokeholds for police

US President Donald Trump has said the controversial chokehold method for restraining some suspects should `` generally speaking '' be ended .
Some US police forces have moved to ban chokeholds since the outbreak of anti-racism protests sparked by the death of George Floyd , an African American .
Mr Floyd died after a white officer knelt on his neck for nine minutes .
Mr Trump said it would be a `` very good thing '' to ban chokeholds but they may still be needed in some situations .
The president 's comments come with Democrats and Republicans in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details of a police reform bill - the proposed Justice in Policing Act of 2020 .
Mr Trump told Fox News that the concept of stopping police forces using chokeholds sounded `` so innocent , so perfect '' .
But he continued : `` If a police officer is in a bad scuffle and he 's got somebody ... you have to be careful .
`` With that being said , it would be , I think , a very good thing that generally speaking it should be ended , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very strong recommendations '' to local authorities .
The police officer who knelt on Mr Floyd 's neck has been sacked and charged with second-degree murder .
Mr Trump - who has faced criticism for his responses to the outbreak of the protests against racism and police brutality - said he wanted to `` see really compassionate but strong law enforcement '' , adding `` toughness is sometimes the most compassionate '' .
Challenged by interviewer Harris Faulkner to explain his tweet last month that `` when the looting starts , the shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter for glorifying violence , the president said : `` When the looting starts , it oftentimes means there 's going to be ... sure , there 's going to be death , there 's going to be killing .
And , it 's a bad thing . ''
The Justice in Policing Act was proposed by the opposition Democrats who control the House of Representatives but in order to pass it must win the support of Mr Trump 's Republicans who control the Senate .
There is potential for the two parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no-knock warrants , like the one in the Breonna Taylor shooting .
Meanwhile , the city council in Minneapolis , where Mr Floyd died , passed a resolution on Friday to replace its police department with a community-led public safety system .
It comes days after the council voted to disband the police department .
According to the resolution , the city council will begin a year-long process of engaging `` with every willing community member in Minneapolis '' to come up with a new public safety model .
In New York , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to undertake major reforms , in response to the demonstrations .
Mr Cuomo said he would stop financing local authorities that failed to adopt reforms addressing excess use of force and bias in their police departments by next April .
He said he would sign an executive order for municipalities to `` reinvent and modernize '' their police departments to battle racism .
Police disciplinary records would be publicly released and chokeholds would become a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison .
`` That should be done in every police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency .
Sitting alongside the governor at the news conference were Gwen Carr and Valerie Bell , the mothers of Eric Garner and Sean Bell , two unarmed black men who died in incidents with police .
Mr Garner died when a white police officer used a chokehold on him while making an arrest in 2014 .
• WATCH : 'This is why we are protesting' • BACKGROUND : Five pieces of context to understand the protests • CRIME AND JUSTICE : How are African @ @ @

Challenged by interviewer Harris Faulkner to explain his tweet last month that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts", which was censored by Twitter for glorifying violence, the president said: "When the looting starts, it oftentimes means there's going to be... sure, there's going to be death, there's going to be killing. And, it's a bad thing."


bbc--2020-06-12--Coronavirus: How pandemic turned political in Brazil

Brazil 's handling of the pandemic has turned highly political .
The country has swiftly risen up the grim leader board of coronavirus statistics and its death toll - 41,828 - is now the world 's second highest .
The Americas account for around half of the number of cases globally .
Brazil , Latin America 's biggest country , is now the epicentre of the epicentre .
But its leader still seems to care very little - or at least that is the impression he is happy to portray .
From the outset , President Jair Bolsonaro has played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis , he went on TV several times , calling it a little flu and accusing the media of hysteria .
• The Brazilian workers being left behind by pandemic He has not scheduled a television address for a while , perhaps not wanting to be drowned out by the din of pot-banging protesters on their balconies intent on making their anger over his leadership heard .
But in the absence of the public broadcasts , the public display of irreverence continues , even as his people bury their dead in mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some parts are verging on collapse .
When questioned about the death toll in April , Mr Bolsonaro brushed it off saying `` I 'm not a grave-digger '' .
A week or so later , he was asked for a comment when Brazil overtook China 's death toll , to which he responded `` So what ? ''
.
• The country has now the world 's second-highest death toll , overtaking the UK • It has confirmed 828,810 cases , according to the health ministry • That is the second-highest total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the numbers are thought to be much higher because of insufficient testing • The outbreak in the country is thought to be weeks away from its peak His message has remained the same throughout - that the state governors have been reckless in introducing quarantine measures and the collateral damage to the economy will be worse than the effects of the virus itself .
`` His whole strategy is very clear , '' says Oliver Stuenkel , Professor of International Relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in São Paulo .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the person responsible for what very well may become the worst economic crisis in Brazil 's history .
[ He 's ] decided to not take responsibility because he sees that as his best chance to stay in office .
I ca n't see him now changing gears . ''
While Brazilians are bracing themselves for the coming weeks - more than 1,000 people are dying every day - politicians are opening the country back up .
Surfers have returned to the beaches in Rio and this week in São Paulo , shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is the confusing bit - quarantine has been extended in Brazil 's biggest city until the end of the month .
So who is going to the shops that are now reopening ?
It 's a baffling - and alarming - message .
`` Nobody 's taking this seriously , '' says Josy Almeida Balbino , who last week buried her sister Kelly and father Antonio after they died from Covid-19 .
`` From one day to the next , people just deteriorate , '' Josy adds .
Kelly and Antonio were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lay in ICU beds next to each other , and died within a day of each other .
`` They 're opening up again , in the worst moment of the crisis , '' adds her son Marcos .
They scoff at the president calling it ' a little flu ' .
At a time when Brazil needs to be putting all its efforts into fighting the virus , the president has been doing nothing of the sort .
Instead , he 's been wrapped up in his own political battles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ disinformation and intimidation by his supporters .
He is also being investigated over allegations that he interfered in federal police investigations to protect his family .
Tensions between Mr Bolsonaro and the judiciary is high .
At times , these past few months , the politics has been bigger than the pandemic .
That is not to say the health crisis is less important , but the magnitude of the political scandals is so huge and the implications so important for Brazil .
There is anger over Mr Bolsonaro 's handling of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of where Brazil is headed after the pandemic passes .
The president has undoubtedly lost support in recent months but his core base has been strengthened .
Around 30 % of people support him .
They want the economy running and think the concern over the virus is overblown .
Their backing is more fervent than ever .
For those who oppose Mr Bolsonaro , the spectre of the military is worrying .
He openly praises Brazil 's two-decade-long military dictatorship .
And he backs demonstrations calling for military intervention and an end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The role of the military has been strengthened in this pandemic - gone are not just one but two health ministers - both doctors - and in their place , Eduardo Pazuello , an interim minister who has no medical background , he is a general .
He has since made several military appointees in the Ministry of Health .
Under Mr Pazuello , the army has been tasked with upping production of hydroxychloroquine , the anti-malarial promoted by Jair Bolsonaro and President Donald Trump with no proven benefits in the treatment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-malaria drugs being used ?
Nobody knows where this pandemic is heading in Brazil .
With such woeful levels of testing it 's so hard to get a true picture of the extent of the virus here but everyone agrees the real picture is far worse than official figures suggest .
Nobody knows where Brazil is headed either - and that for many , is a more worrying picture than the pandemic itself .
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• FACE MASKS : When should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How is it being lifted ?
• WHAT DOES IT DO TO THE BODY ?
Doctors on the front line explain

"He doesn't want to be seen as the person responsible for what very well may become the worst economic crisis in Brazil's history. [He's] decided to not take responsibility because he sees that as his best chance to stay in office. I can't see him now changing gears."


bbc--2020-06-12--Hello Kitty founder Shintaro Tsuji steps down as CEO aged 92

The founder of the Japanese company that created Hello Kitty has announced he is stepping down as CEO aged 92 .
Shintaro Tsuji said he would hand over control of Sanrio to his 31-year-old grandson , Tomokuni Tsuji .
It marks the first change in leadership in the company 's six-decade history .
Hello Kitty , a mouthless cartoon adorned with a trademark hair bow , has generated billions of dollars since its inception almost 50 years ago .
The simple line-drawn image has appeared on merchandise including clothing , toys and stationery .
It is targeted mostly at young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also proved popular with adults .
Mr Tsuji will formally leave his role on 1 July .
Shintaro Tsuji started a gift company in the 1960s and quickly realised that the products featuring `` cute '' designs were his bestsellers .
That led to the creation of Hello Kitty , who has since become an iconic Japanese character .
But Kitty has competition : sales have been dropping inside Japan for years and Sanrio now depends on its increasingly fragile global business .
So , Mr Tsuji 's decision to step aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company .
In Japanese tradition , CEO founders strive to pass on their positions to family members .
Mr Tsuji 's son died of a heart attack in 2013 , and so this is why his grandson is taking over .
Tomokuni Tsuji has already pledged to transform the company and to drop outdated ideas .
Let 's hope he 's not referring to Hello Kitty , who is older than the company 's new leader .
Tomokuni Tsuji , who is currently a senior managing director at Sanrio , will become the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Topix share index .
He coincidentally shares a birthday with Hello Kitty on 1 November , according to the AFP news agency .
But he is 14 years younger than the character itself .
`` I want to transform the company to better respond to today 's rapidly changing business environment , '' he told a press conference on Friday .
Sanrio , whose business has been declining for several years , has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
Annual net profits fell by 95 % in the 2019/2020 fiscal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
Sales were also down 6.5 % on the previous year .
• Hello Kitty to be made into Hollywood film Hello Kitty-branded products are sold in 130 countries worldwide , with the range extending from prosecco to plimsolls .
It is also licensed for amusement parks and cafés , while last year a Japanese railway firm splashed the image on its bullet train , painted in pink and white .
Although the brand typifies the Japanese trend for `` kawaii '' or cuteness , the character itself is identified as British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1970s British culture was fashionable in Japan .

Although the brand typifies the Japanese trend for "kawaii" or cuteness, the character itself is identified as British because when she was created in the 1970s British culture was fashionable in Japan.


bbc--2020-06-12--Black Lives Matter: 'How can we win?' – The Monopoly analogy explained

' I got labelled `` bling '' because I was black ' - Micah Richards Former Manchester City and Aston @ @ @ @ @ dubbed the `` bling king '' by the media in reference to him buying expensive @ @

One American woman has come up with a simple way to explain how centuries of economic hardship have impacted black Americans.
Kimberly Jones was cleaning up the streets during the George Floyd protests when her Monopoly analogy was filmed by a friend, shared and went viral.
The author, who can count Oprah Winfrey, Lebron James, Trevor Noah and Madonna among her celebrity fans, spoke to the BBC about the success of her video.
Video produced by Amanda Kirton and Andrew Humphrey


bbc--2020-06-12--Canada indigenous chief battered during arrest

Video of an indigenous chief 's violent arrest has shocked Canada , turning a spotlight on systemic racism in the country 's police force .
The footage shows Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam being floored and repeatedly punched by a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer .
The confrontation took place in Fort McMurray , Alberta , on 10 March .
Protests demanding police reform have spread across Canada recently after spilling over from the US .
Although RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki initially said she `` ca n't say for sure '' whether systemic racism is a problem with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released a statement saying `` systemic racism is part of every institution , the RCMP included '' .
`` Throughout our history and today , we have not always treated racialised and Indigenous people fairly , '' she wrote .
What does the video show ?
Before the public release of the footage on Thursday night , the local RCMP division said they had reviewed it and found the officer 's actions `` reasonable '' .
The incident begins when an RCMP officer approaches Mr Adam and his wife over an expired licence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , recorded by a dashcam from the RCMP officer 's vehicle parked behind Mr Adam 's lorry in a casino car park , begins with Mr Adam having a heated and profanity-laden discussion with the officer .
`` I 'm tired of being harassed by the RCMP , '' he says .
Mr Adam and the officer continue to have a heated argument .
At about the 4:45 mark , the officer tries to arrest his wife , twisting her arm behind her back until she says : `` Ow ! ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find upsetting .
That is when Mr Adam gets out again , shouting : `` Leave my wife alone ! ''
He pushes the officer away .
Everyone gets back in the vehicle .
Backup is called , and Mr Adam gets out of the lorry .
The officer begins to arrest him , and Mr Adam says `` do n't touch me '' , using an expletive .
That is when a second officer runs at him full speed , knocks him down , and repeatedly punches him while shouting : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being investigated by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team , which oversees incidents involving police where someone is hurt .
What do Allan Adam and his lawyer say ?
Mr Adam told Canadian media : `` Because we are a minority and nobody speaks up for us , everytime our people do wrong and the RCMP go and make their call , they always seem to use excessive force .
`` And that has to stop .
And enough is enough . ''
Mr Adam 's lawyer Brian Beresh wants his client @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer and resisting arrest , to be dropped .
Mr Adam is next due in court on 2 July .
Mr Beresh has practised law for 44 years , and says police violence against indigenous people has been a constant issue .
`` I 've seen this from the first day I 've started to practise , '' he told the BBC .
`` I 'd like there to be some positive action taken by the RCMP , in terms of how they can prevent this from happening again .
If this can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respected chief , what about the First Nations person who is living on the street , who does n't have my client 's standing ? ''
This video comes not so much as a surprise , but as a final straw to those who have for years been demanding an end to systemic racism and police brutality .
Over the past two weeks , thousands of Canadians have marched in mostly peaceful protests held in cities across the country for the Black Lives Matter movement .
While the protests may have been sparked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US , the Canadians marching have been clear to say that systemic racism is not just an American problem .
In addition to Mr Adam 's arrest , the recent deaths in police custody of Regis Korchinski-Paquet , a black woman in Toronto , and Chantel Moore , an indigenous woman New Brunswick , have become touchstones in the wider discussion about race and policing in Canada , which has included calls to defund police .
Although Canada is often praised for its politeness and multiculturalism , especially in comparison to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of violence and oppression of indigenous and black people to contend with - a legacy which continues to have ramifications today .
While only 5 % of the population is indigenous , indigenous people make up about a third of the prison population .
Last November , the Globe and Mail published an analysis that showed that indigenous people made up a third of deaths in police custody .
While most Canadian police forces do not track race-based data , media reports find that black Canadians are also more likely be stopped by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the political reaction ?
Calls for an end to racial injustice are gaining traction .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday he has `` serious questions '' after watching the video .
`` We have all now seen the shocking video of Chief Adam 's arrest and we must get to the bottom of this , '' he said .
Last week , he marched in a Black Lives Matter protest and has said Canada has a problem with systemic racism `` in all our institutions , including in all our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
But Mr Trudeau also faces serious criticism both personally and politically , especially after photos surfaced during last autumn 's election campaign of him in black face .
He has also been under scrutiny for not making greater strides at indigenous reconciliation .
Last year , a government report into murdered and missing indigenous women found that Canada was complicit in `` race-based genocide '' against indigenous women .
Many of the report 's recommendations have yet to be implemented .

Over the past two weeks, thousands of Canadians have marched in mostly peaceful protests held in cities across the country for the Black Lives Matter movement. While the protests may have been sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US, the Canadians marching have been clear to say that systemic racism is not just an American problem.


bbc--2020-06-12--Celebrity chef José Andrés: 'We are a food planet'

Chef and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés has been delivering meals to food-insecure areas that have been hit particularly @ @ @ @ @ Andrés says that there are about 40 million Americans who do n't know where their @ @ @ @ @ .
On 9 June , the National Bureau of Economic Research declared the downturn in @ @ @ @ @ More than 20 million people lost their jobs in March and April .

Chef and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés has been delivering meals to food-insecure areas that have been hit particularly hard by Covid-19.
Mr Andrés says that there are about 40 million Americans who don't know where their next meal is coming from.
On 9 June, the National Bureau of Economic Research declared the downturn in the US a recession.
More than 20 million people lost their jobs in March and April.
Video by Bill McKenna, Lara Hartzenbusch and Aiden Johnson


bbc--2020-06-13--The Bachelor: ABC casts first black man in hit dating show

For the first time in its history , The Bachelor , ABC 's hugely popular reality series , will feature a black lead .
Matt James , a 28-year-old real estate broker , will star in the next season , ABC announced on Friday , after mounting criticism over a lack of diversity .
The show 's nearly two decade history has seen overwhelmingly white casts , with just one black star in its sister spinoff , The Bachelorette , in 2017 .
Mr James called his casting `` a step in the right direction '' .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to do the right thing , '' Mr James said in an interview with Good Morning America on Friday .
Pressure for the hit dating show to cast a black lead intensified in recent days amid the ongoing racial reckoning in the US , incited by the killing of George Floyd last month .
An online petition signed by more than 86,000 people called for the television network to `` reflect and honour the racial diversity of our country '' and cast a Black bachelor for its upcoming season , in addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of colour in at least 35 % of the contestant roles .
The first and only black star of the Bachelorette , Rachel Lindsay , who is now married to the winning contestant of her season , told Good Morning America that she had hoped to be a `` trailblazer '' for the franchise , and has been disappointed by the lack of progress since .
`` In the last three years there have n't really been changes made , '' she said .
• Gone with the Wind removed from HBO Max @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slave-era links • Friends creator 'did n't do enough ' for diversity Since it began in 2002 , the franchise has aired 40 seasons - 24 of the Bachelor , 15 of The Bachelorette - cultivating a devoted fan following and equally dedicated viewership .
Its most recent season finale , season 24 of the Bachelor , which aired in March , had around 8.5 million viewers .
Mr James was originally cast as a contestant on the forthcoming season of The Bachelorette starring Clare Crawley , which was postponed due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't move forward as planned , we were given the benefit of time to get to know Matt and all agreed he would make a perfect Bachelor , '' Karey Burke , president of ABC Entertainment , said in a statement .
`` We know we have a responsibility to make sure the love stories we 're seeing onscreen are representative of the world we live in , '' Ms Burke said .
In 2012 , two would-be contestants brought a class action lawsuit against the show for racial discrimination , arguing its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to minimise the risk of alienating their majority-white viewership '' .
The suit was ultimately dismissed by a judge , who said the show had a right to cast who it wished under the First Amendment of the US Constitution , which covers freedom of speech .

In 2012, two would-be contestants brought a class action lawsuit against the show for racial discrimination, arguing its lack of diversity was a conscious effort "to minimise the risk of alienating their majority-white viewership". The suit was ultimately dismissed by a judge, who said the show had a right to cast who it wished under the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which covers freedom of speech.


bbc--2020-06-12--Red pandas tracked by satellite in conservation 'milestone'

Conservationists are satellite tracking red pandas in the mountains of Nepal to find out more about the factors that are driving them towards extinction .
The mammals are endangered , with numbers down to a few thousand in the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China .
Ten red pandas have been fitted with GPS collars to monitor their range in the forests near Mount Kangchenjunga .
The GPS collars are said to be working well and yielding `` exciting data '' .
The six females and four males are being tracked and photographed using camera traps in a conservation effort involving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nepal and conservation group Red Panda Network .
`` This is a great milestone in red panda conservation '' , said Man Bahadur Khadka , director general of Nepal 's department of forests and soil conservation .
The 10 pandas have been named by local people as Paaru , Dolma , Chintapu , Mechhachha , Bhumo , Senehang , Ngima , Brian , Ninamma and Praladdevi .
The red panda ( Ailurus fulgens ) was initially considered a relative of the raccoon because of its ringed tail , and was later thought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now known to be in a family of its own and one of the most evolutionary distinct and globally endangered mammals in the world .
The loss of the forests that provide shelter and a supply of bamboo for food is a big problem for the red panda .
Conservationists in Nepal hope the study over the course of a year will give valuable data about how to better protect one of the last remaining populations .
• The small mammals resemble bears but are in a genus of their own known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to decline due to habitat loss , poaching , and inbreeding • Illegally hunted in southwest China , for its bushy tail , from which `` good-luck charm '' hats are made • Lives in trees and mainly eats bamboo , using sharp , curved claws to grip the stems • Not closely related to the giant panda • Protected in all countries in which it lives , where hunting is illegal .

The species is now known to be in a family of its own and one of the most evolutionary distinct and globally endangered mammals in the world.


bbc--2020-06-12--Bank of England 'ready to act' as economy shrinks record 20%

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has said he will be `` ready to take action '' to help the UK economy weather the coronavirus crisis .
He was speaking after figures showed that the country 's economy shrank by 20.4 % in April - the largest monthly contraction on record - as the country spent its first full month in lockdown .
`` We are still very much in the midst of this , '' Mr Bailey said .
But he said the figure was `` pretty much in line '' with what the bank expected .
`` Obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but actually it 's not a surprising number , '' he said .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said April 's `` historic '' fall affected virtually all areas of activity , as large parts of the economy remained shut to battle the pandemic .
The contraction is three times greater than the decline seen during the whole of the 2008 to 2009 economic downturn .
But analysts said April was likely to be the worst month , as the government began easing the lockdown in May .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bailey said there were `` signs of the economy now beginning to come back into life '' , but the big question was how much long-term damage the pandemic would cause .
`` That 's the thing we 've got to be very focused on , because that 's where jobs get lost , '' he said .
`` Now we hope that will be as small as possible , but we have to be ready and ready to take action , not just the Bank of England , but more broadly on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer-term and damaging effects . ''
• What a shrinking economy means in one town The ONS also published figures for the three months from February to April , which showed a decline of 10.4 % compared with the previous three-month period .
News of the slump comes as almost nine million UK workers are having their wages paid by the government , while the number of people claiming unemployment benefit rocketed by 856,500 to 2.1 million in April .
What was the political reaction ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but added : `` We will get through it . ''
`` We 've always been in no doubt this was going to be a very serious public health crisis but also have big , big economic knock-on effects .
`` The UK is heavily dependent on services , we 're a dynamic creative economy , we depend so much on human contact .
We have been very badly hit by this . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said life would get `` a little bit more back to normal '' once High Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen on Monday in England , while shops in Northern Ireland have already been allowed to resume trading .
Scotland and Wales have their own timetables for easing restrictions .
In response , shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds warned that the UK 's economy was shrinking faster than those of other countries .
She said the UK would need `` strong action to help us climb out of this as quickly as possible '' .
What has happened to the economy ?
In normal times , a country 's Gross Domestic Product ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods and services it produces - increases , making its citizens on average slightly richer .
However , the ONS said April 's fall in GDP was the biggest the UK had ever seen .
`` [ The fall was ] more than three times larger than last month and almost 10 times larger than the steepest pre-Covid-19 fall , '' said Jonathan Athow , the agency 's deputy national statistician for economic statistics .
`` In April , the economy was around 25 % smaller than in February . ''
• What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
He said virtually all areas of the economy had been hit , with pubs , education , health and car sales all seeing marked falls in activity .
Carmakers and housebuilders were also badly affected , although Mr Athow told the BBC 's Today programme : `` It 's highly likely April will be the low point .
`` Our own surveys and wider indicators have suggested a pick-up in economy activity , but I think it 's really too early to know how quickly economic activity will recover in the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shrunk 20 % .
How come the other 80 % is still standing ?
In large part , thanks to the extraordinary levels of state intervention propping it up .
More than one in four UK workers - some 8.9 million - are now on the government 's furlough scheme that allows them to receive 80 % of their monthly salary up to £2,500 .
The scheme has cost £19.6bn so far , while a similar programme for self-employed workers has seen 2.6 million claims made worth £7.5bn .
Without these schemes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-thirds of the UK 's GDP , would have fallen even further .
Sophie Lawler 's 17 health clubs remain closed to their 100,000 members in the north of England and Wales .
And like the rest of the fitness sector , she has no idea when she might get the green light to reopen .
`` The whole sector has struggled financially , and may do so for years to come , '' she said .
`` The industry is shouldering quite some rental burden , costs we still incur even while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been vital , she says , but she 'd like the government to do more - perhaps in the form of VAT exemptions or more support for leaseholders .
Despite the uncertainties , however , she thinks the sector will weather the storm .
`` In terms of demand , we will do pretty well when we get through to the other side of this . ''
• Three firms still positive despite the crisis The ONS numbers add to the pressure to ease the lockdown more quickly , but fears around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a step-by-step cautious approach .
There is some pressure on the Treasury to consider similar economic rescue packages to those made across Europe .
Germany , for example , has cut VAT and offered billions in a package to help families with children and purchasers of green cars .
France is offering huge rescue funds to the car and aerospace industry .
The unprecedented jobs schemes here will help to protect livelihoods .
But with this scale of hit , it will not be enough .
How does this slump compare historically ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peak in February 2008 to the lowest point of March 2009 , a total of 13 months , GDP shrank by 6.9 % .
April 's unprecedented contraction is three times that - and it happened in one month .
The UK 's economy was already shrinking even before April .
It contracted by 2 % in the first three months of 2020 , as just a few days of impact from the virus pushed it into decline .
Economists expect an even bigger slump in the April-to-June period , plunging the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where do we go from here ?
`` Given the lockdown started to be eased in May , April will mark the trough in GDP .
So we are past the worst , '' said Andrew Wishart , UK economist at Capital Economics .
`` But the recovery will be a drawn-out affair , as restrictions are only lifted gradually and businesses and consumers continue to exercise caution . ''
Tej Parikh , chief economist at the Institute of Directors , said coronavirus had caused `` unparalleled '' economic turmoil which was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some time yet '' .
`` Having provided businesses life support , the government must now figure out how to stimulate activity , '' he added .
`` Waiting until later in the year to act will risk more businesses and jobs will be lost . ''
How does the UK economy compare with other countries ?
We do n't really know yet .
The UK is one of the few countries to publish monthly economic data - most others just produce quarterly and annual figures .
We do know , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economies into recession : • Japan saw a 3.4 % fall in GDP for the first three months of 2020 • Germany 's economy shrank by 2.2 % in the first three months of this year • And France saw a 5.8 % contraction in the first quarter of 2020 .
On Wednesday , the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warned that the UK could be the hardest hit by Covid-19 among major economies .
The British economy is likely to shrink by 11.5 % in 2020 , slightly outstripping falls in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain and Italy , it said .
A recession is usually defined as two three-month periods - or quarters - of economic contraction in a row .
Technically , we are not at that point yet .
But the UK , along with much of the rest of the world , is thought to be heading into the worst recession for decades .
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new quarantine rulesUK economy shrinks record 20.4 % in April lockdown • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

Bank of England 'ready to act' as economy shrinks record 20% Published 12 June 2020
comments Comments
Image source, Getty Images
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has said he will be "ready to take action" to help the UK economy weather the coronavirus crisis.
He was speaking after figures showed that the country's economy shrank by 20.4% in April - the largest monthly contraction on record - as the country spent its first full month in lockdown.
"We are still very much in the midst of this," Mr Bailey said.
But he said the figure was "pretty much in line" with what the bank expected.
"Obviously it's a dramatic and big number, but actually it's not a surprising number," he said.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said April's "historic" fall affected virtually all areas of activity, as large parts of the economy remained shut to battle the pandemic.
The contraction is three times greater than the decline seen during the whole of the 2008 to 2009 economic downturn.
But analysts said April was likely to be the worst month, as the government began easing the lockdown in May.
What else did the governor say?
Mr Bailey said there were "signs of the economy now beginning to come back into life", but the big question was how much long-term damage the pandemic would cause.
"That's the thing we've got to be very focused on, because that's where jobs get lost," he said.
"Now we hope that will be as small as possible, but we have to be ready and ready to take action, not just the Bank of England, but more broadly on what we can do to offset those longer-term and damaging effects."
The ONS also published figures for the three months from February to April, which showed a decline of 10.4% compared with the previous three-month period.
News of the slump comes as almost nine million UK workers are having their wages paid by the government, while the number of people claiming unemployment benefit rocketed by 856,500 to 2.1 million in April.
What was the political reaction?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned of a "tough" few months ahead, but added: "We will get through it."
"We've always been in no doubt this was going to be a very serious public health crisis but also have big, big economic knock-on effects.
"The UK is heavily dependent on services, we're a dynamic creative economy, we depend so much on human contact. We have been very badly hit by this."
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Chancellor Rishi Sunak expects life to get "a little bit more back to normal" when shops reopen
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said life would get "a little bit more back to normal" once High Street shops could reopen.
That is set to happen on Monday in England, while shops in Northern Ireland have already been allowed to resume trading. Scotland and Wales have their own timetables for easing restrictions.
In response, shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds warned that the UK's economy was shrinking faster than those of other countries.
She said the UK would need "strong action to help us climb out of this as quickly as possible".
What has happened to the economy?
In normal times, a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - the value of the goods and services it produces - increases, making its citizens on average slightly richer. However, the ONS said April's fall in GDP was the biggest the UK had ever seen.
"[The fall was] more than three times larger than last month and almost 10 times larger than the steepest pre-Covid-19 fall," said Jonathan Athow, the agency's deputy national statistician for economic statistics.
"In April, the economy was around 25% smaller than in February."
He said virtually all areas of the economy had been hit, with pubs, education, health and car sales all seeing marked falls in activity.
Carmakers and housebuilders were also badly affected, although Mr Athow told the BBC's Today programme: "It's highly likely April will be the low point.
"Our own surveys and wider indicators have suggested a pick-up in economy activity, but I think it's really too early to know how quickly economic activity will recover in the coming months."
So the economy has shrunk 20%. How come the other 80% is still standing?
In large part, thanks to the extraordinary levels of state intervention propping it up.
More than one in four UK workers - some 8.9 million - are now on the government's furlough scheme that allows them to receive 80% of their monthly salary up to £2,500.
The scheme has cost £19.6bn so far, while a similar programme for self-employed workers has seen 2.6 million claims made worth £7.5bn.
Without these schemes, household consumption, which makes up nearly two-thirds of the UK's GDP, would have fallen even further.
Staying positive
Sophie Lawler's 17 health clubs remain closed to their 100,000 members in the north of England and Wales. And like the rest of the fitness sector, she has no idea when she might get the green light to reopen.
"The whole sector has struggled financially, and may do so for years to come," she said. "The industry is shouldering quite some rental burden, costs we still incur even while we're closed."
Furloughing has been vital, she says, but she'd like the government to do more - perhaps in the form of VAT exemptions or more support for leaseholders.
Despite the uncertainties, however, she thinks the sector will weather the storm. "In terms of demand, we will do pretty well when we get through to the other side of this."
The ONS numbers add to the pressure to ease the lockdown more quickly, but fears around the control of the disease have led to a step-by-step cautious approach.
There is some pressure on the Treasury to consider similar economic rescue packages to those made across Europe.
Germany, for example, has cut VAT and offered billions in a package to help families with children and purchasers of green cars. France is offering huge rescue funds to the car and aerospace industry.
The unprecedented jobs schemes here will help to protect livelihoods. But with this scale of hit, it will not be enough.
How does this slump compare historically?
During the global financial crisis, from the peak in February 2008 to the lowest point of March 2009, a total of 13 months, GDP shrank by 6.9%.
April's unprecedented contraction is three times that - and it happened in one month.
The UK's economy was already shrinking even before April.
It contracted by 2% in the first three months of 2020, as just a few days of impact from the virus pushed it into decline.
Economists expect an even bigger slump in the April-to-June period, plunging the country into a deep recession.
So where do we go from here?
"Given the lockdown started to be eased in May, April will mark the trough in GDP. So we are past the worst," said Andrew Wishart, UK economist at Capital Economics.
"But the recovery will be a drawn-out affair, as restrictions are only lifted gradually and businesses and consumers continue to exercise caution."
Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, said coronavirus had caused "unparalleled" economic turmoil which was "likely to scar the UK economy for some time yet".
"Having provided businesses life support, the government must now figure out how to stimulate activity," he added.
"Waiting until later in the year to act will risk more businesses and jobs will be lost."
How does the UK economy compare with other countries?
We don't really know yet. The UK is one of the few countries to publish monthly economic data - most others just produce quarterly and annual figures.
We do know, however, that coronavirus has already pushed several major economies into recession:
Japan saw a 3.4% fall in GDP for the first three months of 2020
Germany's economy shrank by 2.2% in the first three months of this year
And France saw a 5.8% contraction in the first quarter of 2020.
On Wednesday, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warned that the UK could be the hardest hit by Covid-19 among major economies.
The British economy is likely to shrink by 11.5% in 2020, slightly outstripping falls in countries such as Germany, France, Spain and Italy, it said.
What is a recession?
A recession is usually defined as two three-month periods - or quarters - of economic contraction in a row.


bbc--2020-06-12--Putin makes first public appearance in weeks of lockdown in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made his first public appearance in weeks of coronavirus lockdown to celebrate the country 's national day .
He used the Russia Day holiday to promote a controversial reform of the constitution which could keep him in office until 2036 .
Mr Putin , 67 , has dominated Russia for the past 20 years whether as president or prime minister .
Moscow lifted lockdown curbs this week despite a huge number of infections .
• Putin paves way for another presidential term But there was confusion as the mayor of the capital , Sergei Sobyanin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Friday 's holiday and another on 24 June , which marks victory in World War Two .
About 510,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Russia , the third-highest number of cases in the world after the US and Brazil .
Russia has recorded 6,705 deaths amid accusations of under-reporting by the authorities .
Where has President Putin been ?
His last public appearance was on 9 May when he attended a Victory Day ceremony - the traditional parade has been postponed until 24 June .
Since then he had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Flanked by allies , he attended an open-air flag-raising ceremony in western Moscow on Friday .
In his speech , he urged Russians to turn out and vote for the constitutional reform in a referendum on 1 July , saying he was certain that an `` absolute majority '' of Russians backed it .
The reform would effectively allow him to stand for two more terms as president after his current six-year term expires in 2024 .
Putin critics have accused the authorities of trying to bribe Russians to turn out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for example , is planning to hand out shopping vouchers to those who vote , justifying the offer as an incentive to boost consumer demand after lockdown .
Georgy Alburov , an ally of opposition leader Alexei Navalny , said the mayor of Moscow had failed to support small businesses during the lockdown but could `` find plenty of money if he has to lure in people to 'polling stations ' to affirm Tsar Putin '' , Reuters news agency reports .
Russia , like many countries , has been suffering acute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which began at the end of March .
Amid rising unemployment , there have been signs of growing disillusionment with the Kremlin .

His last public appearance was on 9 May when he attended a Victory Day ceremony - the traditional parade has been postponed until 24 June. Since then he had been working from his country residence outside Moscow.


bbc--2020-06-12--Ricky Valance: First Welshman to have solo UK Number One dies

Welsh singer Ricky Valance has died at the age of 84 , his agent has confirmed .
Valance , who was born David Spencer , became the first Welshman to have a solo UK Number One hit with the song Tell Laura I Love Her in 1960 .
The singer was born in Ynysddu , now in Caerphilly county , and joined the RAF aged 17 before going into the music business .
His agent said he had been diagnosed with dementia and had been in hospital since before the start of lockdown .
• Final song for first Welsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his local church choir as a child , before joining the air force , where he saw active service in north Africa before returning three years later .
It was then he started performing in clubs in the north of England , before being signed and recording Tell Laura I Love Her .
The song tells the tragic story of a boy called Tommy and his love for a girl called Laura .
It was controversial at the time and reportedly banned from airplay by the BBC , but went on to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a million copies .
It spent 16 weeks in the chart , three of those at number one , but was to prove his only big hit in the UK .
Nevertheless , fans have taken to social media to express their sadness at his death .
Hyder Ali Pirwany tweeted : `` Ricky Valance , RIP .
Great singer from Wales .
His `` Tell Laura I love her '' song was tear jerking . ''
While another fan wrote : `` Another one gone .
RIP .
Hope Laura is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Valance was given an award at a St David 's Day concert at the Wales Millennium Centre for being the first Welshman to have a UK Number One hit .
In 2017 , he released a final single , called Welcome Home , to raise money for the Royal Air Force Museum and RAF Association .
Valance and his wife Evelyn were living in Skegness , Lincolnshire , at the time of his death .

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bbc--2020-06-12--Fawlty Towers: John Cleese attacks 'cowardly' BBC over episode's removal

John Cleese has laid into the `` cowardly and gutless '' BBC after an episode of Fawlty Towers was temporarily removed from a BBC-owned streaming platform .
A 1975 episode titled The Germans was taken off UKTV 's streaming service because it contains `` racial slurs '' .
In it , the Major uses highly offensive language , and Cleese 's Basil Fawlty declares `` do n't mention the war '' .
Cleese wrote on Twitter : `` The BBC is now run by a mixture of marketing people and petty bureaucrats . ''
He added : `` I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would understand that there are two ways of making fun of human behaviour .
`` One is to attack it directly .
The other is to have someone who is patently a figure of fun , speak up on behalf of that behaviour . ''
He went on to compare the situation with that of Alf Garnett , the racist character in sitcoms Till Death Us Do Part and In Sickness and in Health .
`` We laughed at Alf 's reactionary views .
Thus we discredited them , by laughing at him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , there were people - very stupid people - who said 'Thank God someone is saying these things at last ' .
We laughed at these people too .
Now they 're taking decisions about BBC comedy . ''
He continued : `` But it 's not just stupidity .
The BBC is now run by a mixture of marketing people and petty bureaucrats .
It used to have a large sprinkling of people who 'd actually made programmes .
Not any more .
`` So BBC decisions are made by persons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs ... That 's why they 're so cowardly and gutless and contemptible .
I rest my case . ''
UKTV also operates channels including Gold , and many of its channels and its digital player were taken over by the BBC 's commercial arm BBC Studios last year .
A BBC spokesman declined to comment .
A UKTV statement said it would update the episode with guidance and contextual information in line with similar warnings on other classic comedy titles .
`` We will reinstate Fawlty Towers once that extra guidance has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in the coming days , '' it added .
`` We will continue to look at what content is on offer as we always have done . ''
• Netflix and iPlayer at odds over BBC comedies • Ant and Dec sorry for acting as people of colour • Little Britain pulled from iPlayer and Netflix The Germans is still available to view on Britbox , which is part-owned by the BBC , with a message saying it `` contains some offensive racial language of the time and upsetting scenes '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a warning about `` language , [ and ] discrimination '' .
Journalist and broadcaster Carl Anka described the removal as `` a waste of time '' , noting many people would prefer it if UKTV and other companies simply `` committed to hiring black creatives '' instead .
In 2013 , it was reported that Cleese agreed for the offending lines to be edited out when it was repeated on TV .
`` We are very proud of Fawlty Towers and its contribution to British television comedy , '' a BBC spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But public attitudes have changed significantly since it was made and it was decided to make some minor changes , with the consent of John Cleese 's management , to allow the episode to transmit to a family audience at 7.30pm on BBC Two . ''
This week , many channels and comedy figures have been making moves to reassess what is acceptable in today 's society , following mass Black Lives Matter protests after the death of George Floyd .
HBO Max temporarily removed Gone With The Wind because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little Britain was removed from the BBC iPlayer and Britbox because `` times have changed '' .
Netflix has also removed Little Britain plus David Walliams and Matt Lucas 's Come Fly With Me , and The League of Gentlemen and The Mighty Boosh .
Meanwhile , Ant and Dec apologised for impersonating `` people of colour '' on Saturday Night Takeaway , and requested ITV remove the 2003 and 2004 sketches from its catch-up service .
• Gone with the Wind removed from HBO Max Last week , comedian Leigh Francis issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black celebrities in the noughties impression show Bo ' Selecta .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbc--2020-06-12--Brexit: Checks on EU imports to be phased-in amid coronavirus crisis

Checks on EU goods coming into the UK will be phased in next year to give firms `` time to adjust '' , as ministers formally ruled out extending the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December .
The UK had committed to introduce full import controls on EU goods in January .
But coronavirus has forced a rethink , with firms able to defer customs forms and tariff payments for six months and some physical checks delayed to July .
Business welcomed what ministers said was a `` pragmatic and flexible '' step .
But , in response , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on UK exports at the start of 2021 .
The BBC 's Europe editor Katya Adler said the EU would not see the UK 's move as a `` concession but rather a pragmatic move by a country that 's not ready to implement full checks by then '' .
The UK left the European Union at the end of January , but the transition period - during which existing trading rules and membership of the single market and customs union apply - lasts until the end of the year .
Opposition MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended , with the Scottish and Welsh first ministers warning that exiting the current trading arrangements in just over six months time would be `` extraordinarily reckless '' given the economic damage and uncertainty caused by the coronavirus epidemic .
Ministers from the two devolved administrations withdrew from a scheduled conference call with UK ministers on Friday evening in protest at their decision to rule out a delay , saying their views had been `` dismissed '' .
• What are the sticking points in the trade talks ?
• Trade deal still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said he had `` formally confirmed '' to the EU that the transition period will not be extended , adding that the `` moment '' for such a move had `` now passed '' .
However , there will be an about turn , in the short term at least , on the checks carried out on imports .
In February , Mr Gove said full import controls were `` necessary '' from 1 January to keep UK borders `` safe and secure '' and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revised plan , checks on goods entering Britain will be phased-in in three stages up to the summer of 2021 , regardless of whether a deal is done with the EU or not .
• From 1 January , there will be checks on controlled substances , such as alcohol and tobacco , while standard goods , such as clothes and electronics , will be subject to basic customs procedures .
But firms will have up to six months to complete customs declarations and pay relevant tariffs • From 1 April , those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meat , milk or egg products , will have to pre-notify officials and provide the relevant health paperwork • By 1 July , all goods will be liable for relevant tariffs and customs declarations as well as full `` safety and security '' declarations .
From this moment , there will be an increase in physical checks on livestock , plants and other sanitary and phytosanitary products at ports and other entry points New border facilities will be built in order to process the required checks either at ports , or where there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inland sites '' .
Ministers said they would consult with ports about what new infrastructure was needed and where it should be located .
The proposals only apply to rules on imports , with checks on exports to the EU being determined by Brussels .
Mr Gove said the arrangements would be introduced in a way that gives businesses affected by coronavirus `` time to adjust '' but conceded `` more work '' was needed to ensure the UK was ready .
`` From 1 January we will be outside the customs union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's appropriate we have checks on goods coming in to the UK , '' he said .
`` But it also appropriate that we take account of what 's happening with the coronavirus .
And we want to make sure business has an opportunity to adjust in a pragmatic and flexible way . ''
Firms are expected to have to fill in 200 million extra customs declarations every year and industry experts have said an extra 50,000 customs officials will need to be hired to deal with the extra paperwork .
Ministers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new customs infrastructure , for IT systems and for recruiting and training new customs brokers and freight forwarders .
Michael Gove was a prominent figure in the Leave campaign , and in charge of preparations for a no-deal Brexit .
It was no surprise , then , that he announced in February that full border controls would be implemented at the end of the transition period .
But now the new system will be `` phased in '' - with some companies having up to six months to complete customs declarations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` pragmatic '' way to help businesses which have struggled under the coronavirus yoke .
But his critics say that it is a sign of Mr Gove 's dogmatism , not pragmatism - that he is determined to end , rather than extend , the transition period .
Critics in his own party are far more concerned about what they see as a lack of preparedness .
Only today did the government commit to building new border facilities .
That , in itself , may be a further sign that trade talks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A leading figure involved in the negotiations last week conceded that a completely tariff-free deal may elude them .
And some say the government , practically rather than philosophically , is n't yet fully prepared for the reality of life outside the EU .
The Freight Transport Association said ministers had listened to its `` concerns '' while business lobby group , the CBI , said the move was `` pragmatic and sensible '' .
`` It will be welcomed by Britain 's manufacturing and food businesses , which simply are n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading partner at the end of the year , '' said its deputy director general Josh Hardie .
The CBI also welcomed news that Boris Johnson will meet the presidents of the European Commission , Council and Parliament remotely on Monday , as attempts to secure a trade deal with the EU are stepped up .
The negotiating teams have also agreed to `` an intensified timetable '' for July after the fourth round of negotiations last week failed to reach a breakthrough .


bbc--2020-06-12--Why Nascar is banning the Confederate flag from its races

Nascar driver Bubba Wallace , the only full-time African-American in the top-flight US motor-racing series , got the organisation to @ @ @ @ @ events .
He said : `` No one should feel uncomfortable coming to a Nascar @ @ @ @ @ flag has been a common sight at Nascar circuits , particularly in the sport 's @ @ @ @ @ for many it remains a symbol of slavery and racism .
Wallace , 26 , @ @ @ @ @ black driver to win a Nascar event since Wendell Scott in 1963 .

Nascar driver Bubba Wallace, the only full-time African-American in the top-flight US motor-racing series, has got the organisation to ban the Confederate flag from events.
He said: "No one should feel uncomfortable coming to a Nascar race."
The Confederate flag has been a common sight at Nascar circuits, particularly in the sport's southern US heartland, but for many it remains a symbol of slavery and racism.
Wallace, 26, became in 2013 the first black driver to win a Nascar event since Wendell Scott in 1963.


Week in pictures

A dentist in north London prepares equipment as their practice opens up for the first time since the UK went @ @ @ @ @ said dental surgeries could resume as normal , as long as they put appropriate safety @ @ @ @

Image caption,
A dentist in north London prepares equipment as their practice opens up for the first time since the UK went into lockdown. NHS England said dental surgeries could resume as normal, as long as they put appropriate safety measures in place.


bbc--2020-06-12--Coronavirus: London bus driver on working during pandemic

In London , at least 29 bus drivers have died from Covid-19 .
BBC News Arabic followed British Iraqi bus @ @ @ @ @ the early days of lockdown , as she navigated her fears of working on the @ @ @ @ @ her 16-year-old daughter .

At least 29 bus drivers in London have died from Covid-19.
BBC News Arabic followed British Iraqi bus driver Susan from the early days of lockdown, as she navigated her fears of working on the front line and worries about her 16-year-old daughter.


bbc--2020-06-12--George Floyd: Seattle protesters declare a police-free zone

Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan has called the protesters patriotic for demanding better for `` communities of colour '' .
However @ @ @ @ @ the protesters anarchists , and threatened to send in the National Guard .

Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan has called the protesters patriotic for demanding better for "communities of colour".
However, US President Donald Trump has called the protesters anarchists, and threatened to send in the National Guard.


bbc--2020-06-12--Kiara Fox started a virtual pride to support the LGBT community during coronavirus

Last month , seventeen-year-old Kiara Fox came up with an idea to run a Virtual Pride on social media .
@ @ @ @ @ had her 18th birthday , 300,000 new followers and a Virtual Pride that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ’ s also providing vital learning resources and support to queer people of colour too @ @ @ @ @ the murder of George Floyd .

Teenager Kiara Fox came up with the idea to run a Virtual Pride on social media last month. Since then, she’s had her 18th birthday, 300,000 new followers and an event that’s reaching millions.
It’s now also providing vital learning resources and support to queer people of colour, as the world reacts to the death of George Floyd.
Producer: Sophia Smith Galer
Montage of Virtual Pride courtesy of Kiara Fox


bbc--2020-06-12--Coronavirus: Coming to terms with months on the front line

It was the worst day of Anthony Almojera 's career .
In just one shift in early April , the veteran New York City paramedic had to tell a dozen families that a loved one had died from suspected coronavirus .
But in the days that followed , this became his grim routine .
When we first spoke to Anthony nine weeks ago , New York was at the forefront of the global Covid-19 pandemic , with the state reporting more diagnosed cases than any single country .
Anthony , a lieutenant paramedic and vice-president of the Fire Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EMS ) officers ' union , talked us through the realities of a shift at a time when calls were at a similar volume to the day of the 9/11 terror attacks .
Since then , five of his colleagues have died .
Four contracted coronavirus and one took his own life after telling co-workers he was struggling to cope with all the death he was seeing .
More than two million people in the US have been infected with coronavirus , and more than 30,000 in New York have died .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or France , two of the worst-affected countries .
The number of coronavirus-related deaths in New York is decreasing , with 36 reported in the state on Wednesday - one of the lowest daily totals since the pandemic began .
While paramedics in New York City are continuing to respond to patients showing symptoms of coronavirus , the volume of calls they are receiving is back to normal levels , and restrictions put in place to stop the spread of the virus are beginning to be eased .
But Anthony , 43 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened .
At the height of the health crisis in New York , he says he was responding to between nine and 13 coronavirus-related cardiac arrests a day , on top of `` normal '' call-outs .
`` As a medic you see death , it 's one of the things you have to navigate and deal with , but I went to more cardiac arrests in the past two months than I have in the past five years , '' he says .
`` The overwhelming majority of them were from Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went to a house in the Bronx where he was told a woman was lying unwell on a couch .
When he walked into the room , he knew instantly there was nothing he could do - she had been dead for a long time .
The woman had been diagnosed with coronavirus and had been cared for by her son , but that day only her daughter-in-law was in the house .
`` I said 'What about your husband , how 's he doing ? '
and she goes 'He died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died without knowing that her son had passed away , '' he recalls .
While the majority of coronavirus patients Anthony saw at the height of the health crisis were over the age of 50 , they were not all in higher-risk categories .
In another case , he was called to the home of a 31 year old man who had been showing all the common symptoms of coronavirus before he stopped breathing .
His family told Anthony the man had continued to show up to his job at a grocery store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't afford to be sick '' - he was scared of losing income that he needed to support himself and his seven year old daughter .
In the house , the crew managed to get a pulse back and Anthony was hopeful that because of his age the man would survive .
Anthony learned later that day that the man had died .
Anthony 's experiences were shared by first responders across the city , as New York struggled to deal with an onslaught of coronavirus cases in April .
Funeral homes were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ docked in the city to ease pressure on local hospitals , though it ultimately received fewer than 200 patients .
Wooden coffins were stacked in deep trenches on Hart Island .
Anthony himself had to pronounce dead too many people with coronavirus symptoms to count them all , but each fatality left its mark .
`` As a medic , we 're good at saving lives and we know if we did n't get someone this time we 'll get them next time , but with this pandemic we were n't getting them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then we started seeing our co-workers get sick in substantial numbers . ''
At the height of the health crisis , Anthony says about 25 % of the 4,200-strong workforce was out sick - almost all of them with coronavirus symptoms .
`` The sick leave report is usually about a page long .
We were getting sick leave reports that were 10 to 12 pages , '' he says .
He estimates that more than 50 of his colleagues were admitted to hospital .
A few remain in hospitals or rehab centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard - that of his former partner Gregory Hodge , who died of Covid-19 in April , aged 59 .
Gregory was a veteran emergency medical technician , and was involved in recovery efforts following the 9/11 attacks .
He was a determining influence on Anthony 's own career .
`` He was a pilot and a respiratory therapist .
When we first started working together I told him he could make way more money doing those things , and he said : 'Anthony , I do those things on the side so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do this because I grew up in Harlem and I get to help my community in my way . '
`` That really taught me something .
Here 's a guy who has the brains to do whatever he wants and he 's choosing to do this .
He does it because he 's serving the community he was raised in .
That 's me now - I get to serve the community not too far from where I grew up . ''
Like many people in New York and around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say goodbye to those they lost at a time of social distancing .
`` Normally when someone dies in the line of duty you get to really gather and be there for each other and give the person a genuine tremendous send off and really coalesce around each other , '' he says .
`` Because of the pandemic we could n't do that .
Everything was done on video and from a distance .
Everything was sterile when really those moments should n't be sterile .
Those moments should have people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York City began easing its coronavirus restrictions this week .
Construction and manufacturing re-started , and non-essential retailers reopened , offering kerbside pick-ups .
But as the city around them begins to re-open , Anthony and his colleagues are still dealing with the weight of all they have witnessed .
`` To have a front row seat and see it and experience it first hand - I try to not let it get me numb and non-emotional , that 's a warning sign for healthcare workers when you do n't feel it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that place .
But I have struggled with feeling depressed . ''
One of the biggest lessons that Anthony has taken from the pandemic is that `` compassion has a limit '' .
`` I used to think I had all the compassion in the world to give .
I did n't realise that in my lifetime I would have to give 90 % and keep 10 % for myself ...
There 's a limit to being able to give and help people , while still being well mentally , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls dropping significantly , paramedics in the city can not escape the pandemic .
`` There 's still Covid all over the news , and Covid is booming in other parts of the world and we 're still seeing spikes in parts of the United States , so the people who are struggling mentally with what we went through and trying to recover from it do n't have that gap in time to start the recovery process .
`` We still have some cases even though rates of hospitalisation have gone down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we 're all concerned about it coming back , '' he explains .
And with anti-racism protests sweeping the US and countries around the world after African-American man George Floyd was killed in police custody , there has been even less time for EMS workers to process what has happened .
Anthony says he and his colleagues have gone from `` Covid to Kevlar '' as they don bulletproof vests while responding to the demonstrations .
He is concerned about the impact a potential second wave of coronavirus could have on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says he is ready to respond .
`` If there 's a second round of this , we 'll do it .
We 'll put our boots on one at a time and let 's go . ''

"He was a pilot and a respiratory therapist. When we first started working together I told him he could make way more money doing those things, and he said: 'Anthony, I do those things on the side so I can pay the bills. I do this because I grew up in Harlem and I get to help my community in my way.'