bbc--2020-05-04--Mozambique: Is Cabo Delgado the latest Islamic State outpost?

A simmering Islamist rebellion in a remote corner of Mozambique has erupted into open warfare in recent weeks , with reports of massacres , beheadings and the brief seizure of two towns in the northern province of Cabo Delgado , writes BBC Africa correspondent Andrew Harding .
The armed men walked calmly through the long grass , skirting past a large white building , seemingly untroubled by the sound of gunfire .
Most carried automatic rifles and wore variations of what appeared to be Mozambican army uniforms .
A few more shots rang out in the distance and someone shouted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the greatest - as if in reply .
The video footage , shot last month on a mobile phone in Muidumbe was powerful new evidence that a murky conflict in the northern-most region of Mozambique has now moved out into the open , in spectacular and alarming fashion .
A second video , shot a few weeks earlier , showed a dead man - apparently a policeman - lying in a pool of blood .
The camera then moved over to reveal another corpse , then a third lying under a black police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the open , and finally a large pile of automatic weapons in some sort of police or military store .
How close are the links to Islamic State ?
That footage was filmed in the strategic port of Mocimboa da Praia , which was briefly - and dramatically - seized by the militants on 24 March .
Two days later , they seized another important town , Quissanga .
`` Now they have guns and vehicles , so they move easily and can attack widely .
And they are using soldiers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confused , and very afraid , '' said the Catholic Bishop of Pemba , Luiz Fernando Lisboa .
Those two large-scale , sophisticated military assaults are proof of a radical change in strategy for the group known locally as al-Shabab , although it has no known links to the Somali jihadi group of the same name , which is affiliated to al-Qaeda .
It has spent the past two years operating in the shadows , attacking remote villages across the province , ambushing army patrols on isolated roads , instilling terror in many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to flee from their homes , but rarely giving any indication about its motives , its leadership , or its demands .
The video footage from both Mocimboa da Praia and Muidumbe district was quickly incorporated into the so-called Islamic State ( IS ) group 's propaganda films , aired by the Amaq News Agency .
IS has claimed responsibility for a string of recent attacks in Mozambique and appears to be promoting its involvement there as part of a `` franchise '' operation that has seen it expanding its footprint in several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rebellion in Cabo Delgado is , at its core , part of a global jihadist movement , has been given credibility by the militants themselves , who publicly swore allegiance to IS last year .
The relationship offers advantages to both sides .
But in a separate video , filmed this year and circulated widely on WhatsApp in Mozambique , a militant leader offered a much more nuanced explanation for the group 's actions .
`` We occupy [ the towns ] to show that the government of the day is unfair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the profit to the bosses , '' said the tall , unmasked man , in khaki uniform , surrounded by other fighters .
The man spoke frequently about Islam , and his desire for an `` Islamic government , not a government of unbelievers '' , but he also cited alleged abuses by Mozambique 's military , and repeatedly complained that the government was `` unfair '' .
Observers say the evolution of the insurgency in Mozambique is remarkably similar to Boko Haram 's emergence in northern Nigeria , with a marginalised group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but also offering an alternative path for unemployed youths frustrated by a corrupt , neglectful and heavy-handed state .
`` It 's very significant , '' said Eric Morier-Genoud , a Belfast-based academic and expert on Mozambique , of the militant leader 's statement .
`` He explains that he 's a local , from Mozambique .
He responds to the argument that they 're all foreigners and denies it , and he denounces the present state as unfair and illegitimate , '' said Mr Morier-Genoud , arguing that the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unmasked reveals `` a clear gain of confidence '' .
• Will Mozambique end up like Nigeria or Norway ?
`` For the first time , they spoke to the public , '' said Mozambican historian Professor Yussuf Adam , who said that the video gave further weight to the argument that the conflict in Cabo Delgado is , at heart , fuelled by local issues .
`` The army , from the beginning… beat people up , took them to jail , tortured them .
There 's a lot of Islamophobia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabo Delgado ] .
They 're discriminated against because they 're northerners - people think they 're dumb .
`` The problem is that we have a youth bulge - and the young do n't have jobs .
If we solve… the abuse of force , corruption , and if we have a serious system of justice I 'm sure we 'll solve this very rapidly , '' said Professor Adam .
Mozambique 's government initially sought to downplay the rebellion , dismissing the militants as criminals , and blocking journalists from accessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 've seen a shift from the politics of denial .
Most of society and politicians now accept with have an Islamist insurgency , '' said Mr Morier-Genoud .
Later , the government began to hire foreign security contractors - allegedly from Russia , the US and South Africa - to help the army crush the rebellion , but without any significant success .
There are concerns that the conflict , if mishandled , could spread into neighbouring Tanzania , and perhaps even to South Africa .
International gas companies - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas fields discovered along the coast of Cabo Delgado - are now getting cold feet , partly because of the rising insecurity , but also because of falling gas prices .
Many observers and analysts believe that , fundamentally , the solution to the conflict lies in good governance , and a transparent attempt to address deep-seated economic and social grievances , including fair access to land , jobs , and a share of any future gas revenues .
`` Multi-nationals want to know they can take their share , but they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bishop of Pemba .
`` And the government has to know that it is very necessary that Mozambique 's natural resources must be used for the betterment of its people , not to cause corruption , '' he added .

"He explains that he's a local, from Mozambique. He responds to the argument that they're all foreigners and denies it, and he denounces the present state as unfair and illegitimate," said Mr Morier-Genoud, arguing that the fact that most of the faces in the video are unmasked reveals "a clear gain of confidence".


bbc--2020-05-04--The groundbreaking way to search lungs for Covid-19

When Covid-19 was at its height in China , doctors in the city of Wuhan were able to use artificial intelligence ( AI ) algorithms to scan the lungs of thousands of patients .
The algorithm in question , developed by Axial AI , analyses CT imagery in seconds .
It declares , for example , whether a patient has a high risk of viral pneumonia from coronavirus or not .
A consortium of firms developed the AI in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
They say it can show whether a patient 's lungs have improved or worsened over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done for comparison .
A hospital in Malaysia is now trialling the system and Axial AI has also offered to donate it to the NHS .
Around the world , artificial intelligence ( AI ) technologies are being rapidly deployed as part of efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic .
Some question whether these tools are reliable enough , though - after all , people 's lives are at stake .
The BBC has asked the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) to confirm whether Axial AI 's system will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far not received a response .
A stumbling block for the tool may simply be that the NHS is not commonly using CT scanners to make images of Covid-19 patients ' lungs .
Chest X-rays are much more often used instead .
They are less detailed than CT scans but are quicker to do and radiologists can still identify , for example , pneumonia in the images .
However , thanks to the pandemic , a few British hospitals are now rolling out AI tools to help medical staff interpret chest X-rays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Royal Bolton Hospital , are using AI that has been trained on more than 11,000 chest X-rays , including around 500 confirmed Covid-19 cases .
It has been running automatically on every chest X-ray the hospital has carried out for about a week , says Rizwan Malik , a radiology consultant at the hospital .
This means more than 100 patients will have had X-rays analysed by the system to date , he estimates .
In this case , the algorithm is designed to look for possible signs of Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lungs .
`` It basically gives clinicians another tool to help them make decisions - for example , which patients they 'll admit , which they 'll send home , '' says Dr Malik , who notes that patient data is processed entirely within the hospital 's own network .
The software itself was developed by Mumbai-based Qure.ai .
Dr Malik adds that he has provided consultancy services to Qure.ai in the past but stresses that the system went through standard checks and procurement processes before being rolled out at his hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals are currently using a different tool , which detects abnormalities in lung X-rays .
A spokeswoman for Behold.ai , which developed the system , did not name the hospitals involved .
However , she said the software has so far analysed the scans of 147 patients with suspected Covid-19 .
It correctly classified the scans as `` normal '' or `` abnormal '' in more than 90 % of cases .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
Treating patients with severe lung problems caused by Covid-19 can be distressing , says Dr Thomas Daniels , a respiratory specialist at University Hospital Southampton .
He and his colleagues have not yet used an AI algorithm to analyse chest X-rays in Covid-19 patients .
However , he says a system that automatically interprets scans so that doctors can digest the information quickly could be useful .
`` It often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days to get to that particular chest X-ray and write a report on it , '' he says .
`` There may be some role for an algorithm to generate a likelihood-of-Covid score .
That would obviously be so much quicker to generate than waiting for a radiologist report . ''
However , he cautions that in his view such tools should be properly assessed via randomised trials - for example , where some patient X-rays are analysed by the algorithm alongside others that are not .
Data from such experiments can show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference to how patients fared in hospital .
Elsewhere in the world , similar algorithms are chewing over chest scans in clinical settings .
Dr Christopher Longhurst says that his hospital , University of California San Diego ( UCSD ) Health , is trialling software designed to spot pneumonia in chest X-rays .
• The stealthy drones that fly like insects • 'The phone slipped into the bath ' : Conference call tales '' It 's really important that we rigorously analyse the outcomes and data , '' he says , though he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not randomised - it is currently being applied to every chest X-ray at the hospital .
An algorithm that interprets X-ray imagery could be used by doctors in a variety of different ways .
It might have a strong effect on their decisions about what to do with a patient or it might be a very small , even tangential part of that process .
It is worth noting that the American College of Radiology has recommended against relying on chest scans to diagnose Covid-19 .
But algorithms may yet have some role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UCSD Health , the tool referred to by Dr Longhurst flagged up an early case of pneumonia in a patient who was having a chest X-ray for other reasons .
The patient was then tested for Covid-19 and the result came back positive .
Luke Oaken-Rayner , a radiologist and PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide , says that there are sticky issues with using AI to help make decisions about treating Covid-19 patients .
For one thing , he explains , there is n't yet a universally accepted plan for how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give a doctor an overview of a patient 's current condition but as of today that does n't necessarily help them decide what to do next .
Moreover , there 's a chance that a newly adopted AI system could make the occasional mistake when interpreting images of people 's lungs .
What if an inexperienced doctor changes their treatment plan for a patient due to that erroneous information , potentially causing harm ?
`` It 's a really serious potential risk , '' says Dr Oaken-Rayner .
He adds that while he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out new technologies , he would be wary of relying on any new system before it is properly vetted .
Relaxing regulatory rules to allow new technologies to be trialled quickly in hospital settings is acceptable given the urgency of the current crisis , he argues .
However , he adds that what is really needed is the results of randomised trials like those suggested by Dr Daniels - proof , in other words , that AI tools really make a difference for doctors treating Covid-19 patients .
`` It would n't be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage and so far no-one 's presented it , '' says Dr Oakden-Rayner .

It has been running automatically on every chest X-ray the hospital has carried out for about a week, says Rizwan Malik, a radiology consultant at the hospital. This means more than 100 patients will have had X-rays analysed by the system to date, he estimates. In this case, the algorithm is designed to look for possible signs of Covid-19, such as patterns of opacity in the lungs.


bbc--2020-05-04--Coronavirus lockdown: Nigerians cautious as restrictions eased in Lagos and Abuja

In Nigeria , some businesses have reopened on the first working day after the easing of a lockdown imposed on key urban areas in a bid to restart Africa 's largest economy .
But the main doctors ' association described the move as `` very premature '' .
In the commercial hub , Lagos , traffic jams were absent , indicating that many were remaining indoors .
Last week , President Muhammadu Buhari said the measures had imposed `` a very heavy economic cost '' .
The lockdown began five weeks ago to contain the spread of coronavirus .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand-to-mouth existence , the restrictions led to fears that it could leave people hungry as it cut off their means to earn money .
Nigeria is one of several African countries beginning to loosen restrictions .
Egypt , Rwanda , South Africa and Tunisia have also relaxed their coronavirus lockdowns .
• BBC Africa Live : Updates on this and other stories • Why some Nigerians are gloating about coronavirus • Why are some African states easing lockdowns ?
What could happen to the economy ?
The country 's economy is also predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oil price .
Standard Chartered Bank has forecast that in light of the impact of coronavirus Nigeria 's economy will only grow by 0.2 % this year , it previously forecasted 2.5 % growth .
In Lagos , as well as the absence of the city 's notorious traffic jams , there are also fewer of the city 's famous yellow public buses plying their routes .
The bus stops , which are normally bustling with commuters , had a few stranded passengers , who then tried to cram on to any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed on 30 March in Lagos , neighbouring Ogun state and the capital , Abuja , meant that many businesses were closed as people were required to stay indoors , except for essential journeys .
Markets were allowed to stay open for limited hours .
Restrictions , which were imposed later , have also been eased in Kano state in the north , where an investigation is under way into reports of mass deaths .
Supermarkets and some fruit and vegetable markets are allowed to open from 10:00 to 16:00 on Mondays and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other basic necessities , according to a government statement .
Why are people concerned about the easing ?
But some have expressed concerns that the government 's decision to ease restrictions has been premature as the number of new coronavirus cases does not appear to be tailing off .
`` Only the living can enjoy their money , '' said Joy Ugochukwu who works with an auditing firm in Lagos ' Victoria Island business district .
She said she was delaying her return to work despite a message from her employer asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The virus is going to increase now everyone is rushing out , '' she said .
What restrictions are still in place ?
A ban on large gatherings is still in place and there is a curfew between 20:00 and 06:00 .
People are also required to wear a face mask in public .
In Lagos , offices have been told to shut by 15:00 while commercial buses must reduce passengers numbers to maintain social distance .
The government says this is the first phase of easing the lockdown and that the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Nigeria has so far recorded 2,558 cases of coronavirus and 87 deaths .
What are the doctors saying ?
Nigeria 's medics have expressed disquiet over the loosening of restrictions .
The main body , the Nigerian Medical Association warned last week of a `` frightening scenario '' due to a lack of bed space , while the pace of new infections seems to be growing .
While another body , the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals , said `` the deficit of health professionals and medical facilities would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may arise due to the high incidences of community transmission '' .
`` Nigeria should learn from her neighbour Ghana where the same action produced a 100 % increase in infection rate in just a week , '' the group added .
Some employers in Lagos are also cautious , asking employees to continue working from home and some business owners , unsure about the government 's decision , say they are in no rush to open their doors .
What did the president say ?
The government says it has increased its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can now carry out more than 1,000 a day .
In his speech last week announcing the easing of restrictions , Mr Buhari recognised the economic difficulties that the they had caused , acknowledging that many citizens had lost their livelihoods.. '' Many businesses have also shut down .
No country can afford the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the development of vaccines or cures , '' he said .
The government has since revised its budget for the year , slashing its revenue projection by about 40 % and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monetary Fund of $ 3.4bn ( £2.7bn ) .
How have people been affected ?
But it is on the ground that the hardship is being felt .
More than 90 % of the workforce are employed in the informal sector with no access to government support .
Small companies have been hardest hit and many have been forced to lay off staff with no help from the government .
Only the country 's very poorest households have received $ 54 to see them through the next four months .
An assistant at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who wanted to remain anonymous , told the BBC that it felt like a dream when she was told her services were no longer required .
`` I broke down in tears because I do n't know where to start , '' she said .
She had searched for a job for several months before she got the work where she earned $ 52 a month .
Many others have been told to take pay cuts to keep their jobs .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing one ?
Did people stick to the lockdown ?
In truth , the restrictions put in place during the lockdown were not strictly adhered to as many citizens flouted the guidelines .
Markets and shops were open , people went outdoors for exercise and in some areas of Lagos , where people live in close quarters , attempts at social distancing advised by the government were chaotic and abandoned after the first few days .
As President Buhari said , Nigeria does not have the resources for a long-term lockdown .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fragile economy and an ailing health sector battling a deadly virus .
It seems the government has hedged its bets on saving the economy and riding out the virus .
What are other Africa countries doing ?
Rwanda has loosened restrictions after 45 days of coronavirus lockdown , even though a nationwide night-time curfew will be enforced and movement in and out of the capital , Kigali , is prohibited .
On Monday , roads in Kigali were busy again , in a city considered to be a hotspot for infections .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks and social distancing .
The first working day of eased restrictions in South Africa has seen taxi ranks resume operations as commuters queued to board vehicles to work .
People have been allowed to return to work but they still have to keep their distance from each other , wear masks and wash their hands .
Tunisia is also easing a strict lockdown which has been in force for six weeks .
Half of the public administration and industry sectors are returning to work , although face masks must be worn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for domestic tourists on condition they operate at no more than 25 % .
More about coronavirus and Africa : • How do African countries compare on testing ?
• What African nations are doing to help people eat • Why lockdowns may not be the answer in Africa

Coronavirus lockdown: Nigerians cautious as restrictions eased in Lagos and Abuja Published 4 May 2020
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Nigerians in the capital, Abuja, and Lagos have to wear face masks in public
In Nigeria, some businesses have reopened on the first working day after the easing of a lockdown imposed on key urban areas in a bid to restart Africa's largest economy.
But the main doctors' association described the move as "very premature".
In the commercial hub, Lagos, traffic jams were absent, indicating that many were remaining indoors.
Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari said the measures had imposed "a very heavy economic cost".
The lockdown began five weeks ago to contain the spread of coronavirus.
As many in the big cities live a hand-to-mouth existence, the restrictions led to fears that it could leave people hungry as it cut off their means to earn money.
Nigeria is one of several African countries beginning to loosen restrictions. Egypt, Rwanda, South Africa and Tunisia have also relaxed their coronavirus lockdowns.
What could happen to the economy?
The country's economy is also predicted to suffer because of a collapse in the oil price.
Standard Chartered Bank has forecast that in light of the impact of coronavirus Nigeria's economy will only grow by 0.2% this year, it previously forecasted 2.5% growth.
Image caption, There were few commercial buses on Monday leaving commuters stranded
In Lagos, as well as the absence of the city's notorious traffic jams, there are also fewer of the city's famous yellow public buses plying their routes.
The bus stops, which are normally bustling with commuters, had a few stranded passengers, who then tried to cram on to any vehicles that stopped.
The lockdown, imposed on 30 March in Lagos, neighbouring Ogun state and the capital, Abuja, meant that many businesses were closed as people were required to stay indoors, except for essential journeys. Markets were allowed to stay open for limited hours.
Restrictions, which were imposed later, have also been eased in Kano state in the north, where an investigation is under way into reports of mass deaths.
Supermarkets and some fruit and vegetable markets are allowed to open from 10:00 to 16:00 on Mondays and Thursdays to allow people to buy food and other basic necessities, according to a government statement.
Why are people concerned about the easing?
But some have expressed concerns that the government's decision to ease restrictions has been premature as the number of new coronavirus cases does not appear to be tailing off.
"Only the living can enjoy their money," said Joy Ugochukwu who works with an auditing firm in Lagos' Victoria Island business district.
She said she was delaying her return to work despite a message from her employer asking her to resume on Monday.
"The virus is going to increase now everyone is rushing out," she said.
What restrictions are still in place?
A ban on large gatherings is still in place and there is a curfew between 20:00 and 06:00. People are also required to wear a face mask in public.
In Lagos, offices have been told to shut by 15:00 while commercial buses must reduce passengers numbers to maintain social distance.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, The roads in Lagos were quieter than usual despite the easing of the lockdown
The government says this is the first phase of easing the lockdown and that the situation will be assessed in the next two weeks.
Nigeria has so far recorded 2,558 cases of coronavirus and 87 deaths.
What are the doctors saying?
Nigeria's medics have expressed disquiet over the loosening of restrictions.
The main body, the Nigerian Medical Association warned last week of a "frightening scenario" due to a lack of bed space, while the pace of new infections seems to be growing.
While another body, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, said "the deficit of health professionals and medical facilities would not be able to handle whatever upsurge that may arise due to the high incidences of community transmission".
"Nigeria should learn from her neighbour Ghana where the same action produced a 100% increase in infection rate in just a week," the group added.
Some employers in Lagos are also cautious, asking employees to continue working from home and some business owners, unsure about the government's decision, say they are in no rush to open their doors.
What did the president say?
The government says it has increased its capacity to test for the virus and can now carry out more than 1,000 a day.
In his speech last week announcing the easing of restrictions, Mr Buhari recognised the economic difficulties that the they had caused, acknowledging that many citizens had lost their livelihoods..
"Many businesses have also shut down. No country can afford the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the development of vaccines or cures," he said.
Getty Coronavirus in Nigeria 2,558 confirmed cases
2,071 active cases
400 recovered
87deaths Source: Johns Hopkins University
The government has since revised its budget for the year, slashing its revenue projection by about 40% and applying for emergency support from the International Monetary Fund of $3.4bn (£2.7bn).
How have people been affected?
But it is on the ground that the hardship is being felt. More than 90% of the workforce are employed in the informal sector with no access to government support.
Small companies have been hardest hit and many have been forced to lay off staff with no help from the government. Only the country's very poorest households have received $54 to see them through the next four months.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Traders in the informal sector want to get back to work
An assistant at a company that makes yoghurt in Lagos, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the BBC that it felt like a dream when she was told her services were no longer required.
"I broke down in tears because I don't know where to start," she said.
She had searched for a job for several months before she got the work where she earned $52 a month.
Many others have been told to take pay cuts to keep their jobs.
Did people stick to the lockdown?
In truth, the restrictions put in place during the lockdown were not strictly adhered to as many citizens flouted the guidelines.
Markets and shops were open, people went outdoors for exercise and in some areas of Lagos, where people live in close quarters, attempts at social distancing advised by the government were chaotic and abandoned after the first few days.
As President Buhari said, Nigeria does not have the resources for a long-term lockdown.
This was a tussle between saving Nigeria's fragile economy and an ailing health sector battling a deadly virus.
It seems the government has hedged its bets on saving the economy and riding out the virus.
What are other Africa countries doing?
Rwanda has loosened restrictions after 45 days of coronavirus lockdown, even though a nationwide night-time curfew will be enforced and movement in and out of the capital, Kigali, is prohibited.
On Monday, roads in Kigali were busy again, in a city considered to be a hotspot for infections. People were seen adhering to mandatory wearing of face masks and social distancing.
Image caption, Measures are being taken in Rwanda's capital, Kigali, to ensure that people keep their distance on buses
The first working day of eased restrictions in South Africa has seen taxi ranks resume operations as commuters queued to board vehicles to work.
People have been allowed to return to work but they still have to keep their distance from each other, wear masks and wash their hands.
Tunisia is also easing a strict lockdown which has been in force for six weeks. Half of the public administration and industry sectors are returning to work, although face masks must be worn.
Egypt is allowing hotels to reopen for domestic tourists on condition they operate at no more than 25%.
More about coronavirus and Africa:


bbc--2020-05-04--Premier League club doctors raise concerns over restart

A number of Premier League club doctors have raised a range of concerns with league bosses over plans to resume the season , BBC Sport has learned .
One issue that the senior medics have sought assurances over includes their own liability and insurance cover if players contract the virus .
The Premier League has also been asked to provide some clarity over medical protocols , testing and player welfare .
The Premier League is hopeful of a potential 8 June resumption .
The 20 club doctors have been holding their own discussions about Project Restart - the label given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a view to feeding their thoughts into the Premier League 's leadership .
A Premier League source told the BBC that they viewed the move by the medics as a natural part of the process with clubs , and a means of reaching `` the best possible set of protocols '' .
They also confirmed that the league was in talks with insurance companies over the issue of club and doctor liability , and that this would be brought up with government representatives this week .
• 'Hard to see fans returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no fans at Premier League games next season , which club would suffer most ?
The Premier League is represented on a cross-sport working group of medical experts and public health officials which will meet for the second time in a week on Wednesday .
The panel is devising the health and hygiene measures that players , managers and club staff will be asked to agree to before full training and then competition can resume , but only if the government deems it safe to do so .
The government is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the Premier League meeting to vote on the plans next Monday .
A number of players and sports medics have already voiced their concerns about whether it is safe to return to action .
Eamonn Salmon , the chief executive of the Football Medicine and Performance Association ( FMPA ) , has told BBC Sport that opinion among doctors and physios at English football clubs regarding resumption plans was varied .
Speaking last week , he said : `` I guess the views of our members will be a kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are those who think it can be done , there are those that are doubtful and there are those that probably suggest it is an impossible task .
`` We have to wait , this is a waiting game all the time , it is such a changing landscape and fluctuating on a day to day basis .
`` This is just the start in some respects , whatever proposals are put there it is then open to debate and for comment and opinion to feed into that . ''
If training is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , BBC Sport understands players will be tested for coronavirus twice a week and would be screened for symptoms every day .
All tests would be carried out by health professionals at a drive-through NHS testing facility that each club would have access to .
Training grounds will be optimised for social distancing and high hygiene levels .
• Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times .
• They must not shower or eat on the premises .
If clubs want to provide players with food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeaway to players ' cars .
• Only essential medical treatment would be allowed , with all medical staff in full PPE .
• All meetings and reviews must take place virtually and off-site .
In Germany , where the Bundesliga is set to become the first major football league in Europe to return to competition , 10 positive results have been returned from 1,724 coronavirus tests from clubs in the top two divisions .
Cubs have been training in groups and the tests are being taken before a planned return to training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation of the affected person '' have been taken , said the DFL .
Top-flight side Cologne have had no further Covid-19 infections after three people tested positive last week .
Bundesliga officials suggested resuming on 9 May but the government delayed the decision and a restart may now be on 16 or 23 May .

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Liverpool lead the table by 25 points but have not played a Premier League game since 7 March
A number of Premier League club doctors have raised a range of concerns with league bosses over plans to resume the season, BBC Sport has learned.
One issue that the senior medics have sought assurances over includes their own liability and insurance cover if players contract the virus.
The Premier League has also been asked to provide some clarity over medical protocols, testing and player welfare.
The Premier League is hopeful of a potential 8 June resumption.
The 20 club doctors have been holding their own discussions about Project Restart - the label given to plans to resume action - with a view to feeding their thoughts into the Premier League's leadership.
A Premier League source told the BBC that they viewed the move by the medics as a natural part of the process with clubs, and a means of reaching "the best possible set of protocols".
They also confirmed that the league was in talks with insurance companies over the issue of club and doctor liability, and that this would be brought up with government representatives this week.
The Premier League is represented on a cross-sport working group of medical experts and public health officials which will meet for the second time in a week on Wednesday.
The panel is devising the health and hygiene measures that players, managers and club staff will be asked to agree to before full training and then competition can resume, but only if the government deems it safe to do so.
The government is set to review its lockdown measures later this week, with the Premier League meeting to vote on the plans next Monday. A number of players and sports medics have already voiced their concerns about whether it is safe to return to action.
Eamonn Salmon, the chief executive of the Football Medicine and Performance Association (FMPA), has told BBC Sport that opinion among doctors and physios at English football clubs regarding resumption plans was varied.
Speaking last week, he said: "I guess the views of our members will be a kind of snapshot of society really.
"There are those who think it can be done, there are those that are doubtful and there are those that probably suggest it is an impossible task.
"We have to wait, this is a waiting game all the time, it is such a changing landscape and fluctuating on a day to day basis.
"This is just the start in some respects, whatever proposals are put there it is then open to debate and for comment and opinion to feed into that."
If training is resumed before social distancing rules are relaxed, BBC Sport understands players will be tested for coronavirus twice a week and would be screened for symptoms every day.
All tests would be carried out by health professionals at a drive-through NHS testing facility that each club would have access to. Training grounds will be optimised for social distancing and high hygiene levels.
In addition:
Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times.
They must not shower or eat on the premises. If clubs want to provide players with food, it must be delivered as a takeaway to players' cars.
Only essential medical treatment would be allowed, with all medical staff in full PPE.
All meetings and reviews must take place virtually and off-site.
In Germany, where the Bundesliga is set to become the first major football league in Europe to return to competition, 10 positive results have been returned from 1,724 coronavirus tests from clubs in the top two divisions.
Cubs have been training in groups and the tests are being taken before a planned return to training as teams.
Measures including "the isolation of the affected person" have been taken, said the DFL.
Top-flight side Cologne have had no further Covid-19 infections after three people tested positive last week.
Bundesliga officials suggested resuming on 9 May but the government delayed the decision and a restart may now be on 16 or 23 May.


bbc--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: 10 positive results from top two flights in Germany

Clubs in the top two German divisions have returned 10 positive results from 1,724 coronavirus tests , says the German football league .
Clubs have been training in groups , with the tests taken before a planned return to training as teams .
Measures including `` the isolation of the affected person '' have been taken , said the DFL .
Top-flight side Cologne have had no further Covid-19 infections after three people tested positive last week .
The trio are `` symptom-free '' but remain in quarantine for 14 days , said the club .
The Bundesliga is set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Europe to return to competition .
Officials suggested resuming on 9 May but the government delayed the decision and a restart may now be on 16 or 23 May .
Cologne said in a statement that `` only players who have been tested negatively twice in succession are allowed to train and play '' .
The DFL added : `` A second wave of tests will be carried out this week - here too there may be isolated positive test results , especially since one of the tasks of this second round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative ' findings that can never be completely ruled out . ''
Last week , chancellor Angela Merkel said that any decision on if and when sports activities could resume would be taken on Wednesday , 6 May .
The league has been suspended since mid-March because of the global coronavirus pandemic .
The DFL has warned that many top-division teams will be in an `` existence-threatening '' financial position if play does not resume by June .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Clubs in Germany have been training in groups and observing social distancing guidelines
Clubs in the top two German divisions have returned 10 positive results from 1,724 coronavirus tests, says the German football league.
Clubs have been training in groups, with the tests taken before a planned return to training as teams.
Measures including "the isolation of the affected person" have been taken, said the DFL.
Bundesliga 2 side FC Erzgebirge Aue's entire playing and coaching staff are in quarantine at home.
One person at the club tested positive for coronavirus after the second sets of tests were carried out.
The club said external-link the initial quarantine period was valid until Thursday after which "the entire team will have another Covid-19 smear test".
Top-flight side Cologne have had no further Covid-19 infections after three people tested positive last week and the trio are "symptom-free" but remain in quarantine for 14 days.
The Bundesliga is set to become the first major football league in Europe to return to competition.
Officials suggested resuming on 9 May but the government delayed the decision and a restart may now be on 16 or 23 May.
Cologne said in a statement that "only players who have been tested negatively twice in succession are allowed to train and play".
The DFL added: "A second wave of tests will be carried out this week - here too there may be isolated positive test results, especially since one of the tasks of this second round is to reduce the likelihood of 'false negative' findings that can never be completely ruled out."
Last week, chancellor Angela Merkel said that any decision on if and when sports activities could resume would be taken on Wednesday, 6 May.
The league has been suspended since mid-March.
The DFL has warned that many top-division teams will be in an "existence-threatening" financial position if play does not resume by June.


bbc--2020-05-04--La Liga aiming for June restart as clubs return to training this week

La Liga organisers are aiming for a June restart to the season , which was halted by the coronavirus crisis , as clubs return to training this week .
Players from the top two divisions will train individually after an agreement with Spain 's sports and health authorities that guaranteed the safety of both players and staff .
Players must undergo test before they can return to training facilities .
Football in Spain was suspended indefinitely in March .
The country 's top division has created detailed protocols for the return to training so proper health safeguards are observed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from individual to small groups and then team training .
`` These measures cover a period of approximately four weeks with different phases that , in any case , will be subject to the de-escalation process established by the government , '' a La Liga statement read .
`` Together with the medical tests carried out by clubs , a staggered return to training has been implemented that will start with players training alone and with group activities prior to the return to competition , scheduled for June . ''
There are 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of the table , two points clear of rivals Real Madrid .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Barcelona are top of La Liga, two points clear of Real Madrid
Barcelona players will be tested for Covid-19 at the club's training ground on Wednesday before resuming individual work "in the coming days".
La Liga teams have been given permission to return to training this week following the easing of some restrictions by the government.
Barca say external-link the league "gave the go-ahead" for testing after inspecting the facilities at their training ground.
La Liga organisers are aiming for a June restart to the season.
Players from the top two divisions will train individually after an agreement with Spain's sports and health authorities that guaranteed the safety of both players and staff.
Football in Spain was suspended indefinitely in March amid the coronavirus pandemic and all players must be tested before they can return to training facilities.
The country's top division has created detailed protocols for the return to training so proper health safeguards are observed. Part of this involves training sessions progressing from individual to small groups and then team training.
"These measures cover a period of approximately four weeks with different phases that, in any case, will be subject to the de-escalation process established by the government," a La Liga statement read.
There are 11 rounds of matches remaining, with Barcelona top of the table, two points clear of Real Madrid.


bbc--2020-05-04--NFL scraps all four London 2020 fixtures set for Wembley and Tottenham

The NFL has cancelled the four games scheduled to take place in London later this year .
Two fixtures involving the Jacksonville Jaguars were scheduled for Wembley , with two more matches due to be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium .
They will now be held in the US after organisers decided it was impossible to arrange games in a different continent because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The London games were set for autumn 2020 , but no firm dates had been set .
It will be the first time an NFL regular season game has not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commissioner Roger Goodell made the decision after consultation with a number of stakeholders including clubs , local governments and medical authorities .
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said it was `` absolutely the right decision to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the sport '' , while Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said they `` fully appreciate the difficult decision that the NFL has had to make '' .
The NFL had also been planning to play one game at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico , but that too will now take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing director Alistair Kirkwood added : `` The NFL 's London Games have become a major part of the NFL season and the UK sports calendar .
`` But the uncertainty in the current sporting landscape and the tremendous amount of long-term travel and planning required to stage successful London games mean this is the sensible decision to make . ''
This news is hardly unexpected given no-one knows when top-level sport will be played in the United Kingdom - and when it is , it will almost certainly be behind closed doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , it is another financial blow to both Tottenham and the Football Association , given the games have proved themselves to be useful money-spinners over the years .
The company responsible for the technology that allows beer to be filled from the bottom of the glass upwards at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium posted on social media that they had taken £1m for the first of the two games last year - and with the club netting most of the profits from merchandise sales as well , it is fair to assume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in income .
It is yet another example of the financial pain Covid-19 is causing sport and underlines why Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said in March he was facing the biggest problems he has encountered in 20 years at the club .

The Oakland Raiders played the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year
The NFL has cancelled the four games scheduled to take place in London later this year.
Two fixtures involving the Jacksonville Jaguars were scheduled for Wembley, with two more matches due to be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
They will now be held in the US after organisers decided it was impossible to arrange games in a different continent because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The London games were set for autumn 2020, but no firm dates had been set.
It will be the first time an NFL regular season game has not been played in London since 2006.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made the decision after consultation with a number of stakeholders including clubs, local governments and medical authorities.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said it was "absolutely the right decision to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the sport", while Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said they "fully appreciate the difficult decision that the NFL has had to make".
The NFL had also been planning to play one game at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico, but that too will now take place in the USA.
NFL UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood added: "The NFL's London Games have become a major part of the NFL season and the UK sports calendar.
"But the uncertainty in the current sporting landscape and the tremendous amount of long-term travel and planning required to stage successful London games mean this is the sensible decision to make."
Analysis
BBC Sport's Simon Stone:
This news is hardly unexpected given no-one knows when top-level sport will be played in the United Kingdom - and when it is, it will almost certainly be behind closed doors for the remainder of 2020 at least.
However, it is another financial blow to both Tottenham and the Football Association, given the games have proved themselves to be useful money-spinners over the years.
The company responsible for the technology that allows beer to be filled from the bottom of the glass upwards at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium posted on social media that they had taken £1m for the first of the two games last year - and with the club netting most of the profits from merchandise sales as well, it is fair to assume they have missed out on about £4m in income.
It is yet another example of the financial pain Covid-19 is causing sport and underlines why Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said in March he was facing the biggest problems he has encountered in 20 years at the club.


bbc--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Kalou suspended by Hertha for flouting safety rules in social media video

Last updated on .From the section Sport Africa Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has been suspended by his club Hertha Berlin after filming himself flouting social distancing rules on his return to training .
The Ivorian also filmed himself interrupting a team-mate 's test while screening it live on Facebook - an act that was branded `` absolutely unacceptable '' by the German league .
It comes just days after Kalou admitted to the BBC that it `` would be awkward '' returning to playing top-level football because the game is a contact sport .
A Hertha statement read : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative test results to greet the other players in the dressing room , sometimes with a handshake , contrary to the clear announcements made by health authorities .
`` With his 'Corona Song ' , Kalou gave the impression that he is not aware of the extent of the ongoing pandemic .
`` With this video taken inside the team 's dressing room , Kalou broke clear internal rules and displayed a behaviour , which is neither appropriate for this current situation , nor reflective of the code of conduct of Hertha BSC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision to suspend the player in question from training and matches with immediate effect . ''
General manager Michael Preetz added : `` With his video , Salomon Kalou has not only done a great deal of damage to Hertha BSC , but also created the impression that individual players are not taking the issue of coronavirus seriously , in a time of great discussion on the resumption of football and the role of the professional game . ''
In a statement on the club 's official website , Kalou , 34 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm sorry if I gave the impression that I 'm not taking coronavirus seriously .
I want to apologise for this .
`` The reality is the exact opposite , because I 'm really worried about the people of Africa , because health systems are n't as good there as they are in Germany .
`` I did n't really think it through , and was excited that my tests came back negative .
I would also like to apologise to all those who appeared in the video who did n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did n't want to bring into this situation . ''
A statement from the DFL , the German league body , added : `` The pictures of Salomon Kalou from the Hertha BSC dressing room are absolutely unacceptable .
`` There can be no tolerance for this - also with regard to players and clubs that adhere to the guidelines because they have grasped the seriousness of the situation . ''
Clubs in the top two German divisions have returned 10 positive results from 1,724 coronavirus tests , according to the German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the DFL 's plans to resume group training meet with government approval is expected on Wednesday .
The Bundesliga is set to become the first major football league in Europe to return to competition .
Officials suggested resuming on 9 May but the government delayed the decision and a restart may now be on 16 or 23 May .

Last updated on .From the section Sport Africa
Salomon Kalou went to Hertha Berlin from Lille in 2014 and before that had spent six years with Chelsea.
Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has been suspended by his club Hertha Berlin after filming himself flouting social distancing rules on his return to training.
Kalou appeared to make light of the coronavirus pandemic live on social media as the Bundesliga attempts to return to action later this month.
The Ivorian also filmed himself interrupting a team-mate's test while screening it live on Facebook - an act that was branded "absolutely unacceptable" by the German league.
It comes just days after Kalou admitted to the BBC that it "would be awkward" returning to playing top-level football because the game is a contact sport.
A Hertha statement read: external-link "Salomon Kalou was tempted by his negative test results to greet the other players in the dressing room, sometimes with a handshake, contrary to the clear announcements made by health authorities.
"With his 'Corona Song', Kalou gave the impression that he is not aware of the extent of the ongoing pandemic.
"With this video taken inside the team's dressing room, Kalou broke clear internal rules and displayed a behaviour, which is neither appropriate for this current situation, nor reflective of the code of conduct of Hertha BSC.
"The club has therefore made the decision to suspend the player in question from training and matches with immediate effect."
General manager Michael Preetz added: "With his video, Salomon Kalou has not only done a great deal of damage to Hertha BSC, but also created the impression that individual players are not taking the issue of coronavirus seriously, in a time of great discussion on the resumption of football and the role of the professional game."
In a statement on the club's official website, Kalou, 34, apologised for his actions.
"I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I'm not taking coronavirus seriously. I want to apologise for this.
"The reality is the exact opposite, because I'm really worried about the people of Africa, because health systems aren't as good there as they are in Germany.
"I didn't really think it through, and was excited that my tests came back negative. I would also like to apologise to all those who appeared in the video who didn't know that I was broadcasting live and whom I didn't want to bring into this situation."
A statement from the DFL, the German league body, added: "The pictures of Salomon Kalou from the Hertha BSC dressing room are absolutely unacceptable.
"There can be no tolerance for this - also with regard to players and clubs that adhere to the guidelines because they have grasped the seriousness of the situation."
Clubs in the top two German divisions have returned 10 positive results from 1,724 coronavirus tests, according to the German football league.
A decision on whether the DFL's plans to resume group training meet with government approval is expected on Wednesday.
The Bundesliga is set to become the first major football league in Europe to return to competition.
Officials suggested resuming on 9 May but the government delayed the decision and a restart may now be on 16 or 23 May.


bbc--2020-05-04--If there are no fans at Premier League games next season, which club would suffer most?

What impact could a full 2020-21 Premier League season without fans have on clubs ' finances ?
With matches likely to be played behind closed doors for an extended period because of bans on mass gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic , no fans means no matchday revenue .
Football Association chairman Greg Clarke has said it is hard to see fans returning to matches `` any time soon '' and the Premier League is preparing for the possibility of playing next season without fans .
Increasingly lucrative broadcasting deals and commercial opportunities mean matchday income contributes a smaller proportion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ era than before - but it can still have a significant impact .
And it is the bigger teams who stand to lose more .
Football finance lecturer Kieran Maguire uses eight charts to show the potential financial impact of a 2020-21 season behind closed doors .
Who makes the most from matchdays ?
The 'Big Six ' clubs in the Premier League ( Arsenal , Chelsea , Liverpool , Manchester City , Manchester United and Tottenham ) had a collective matchday income of £495m in 2018-19 , which represented 73 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Manchester United , whose Old Trafford stadium has the highest capacity and average attendance in the Premier League , generated over £4m per match in 2018-19 .
There were eight teams in total making over £1m per home fixture during the season .
In the Premier League 's first season in 1992-93 , matchday income generated £89m ( 43 % ) out of a total of £205m .
The matchday share is now only 13 % , although the absolute figure has increased to £677m .
However , within those totals there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans .
This is because of a combination of stadium capacity differences , participation in domestic and European cup competitions and some clubs having more lucrative corporate hospitality .
Arsenal generated nearly a quarter of their total income from matchday last season , which makes them vulnerable financially to an extended period without matches taking place .
And who has money in the bank ?
Arsenal had the second highest cash reserves last summer but much of that will have been spent since .
Fans often claim they pay players ' wages .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration the global broadcasting deals paid for by fan subscriptions , matchday income represents 22 % of the total wage bill .
Again , there is a wide variation in terms of the contribution made by fans of individual clubs .
The fans of Arsenal and Tottenham , both with 60,000-plus capacity stadia and significant corporate and football tourist matchday income , contribute over 40p in every £1 of wages .
At the other end of the scale there were seven clubs whose fans ' matchday contributions made up 10p or less per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total wage bill for 2018-19 was just over £3bn and wages have increased by 2,811 % since 1992-3 , compared to a rise in general inflation during the same period of 108 % .
If there is a shutdown for a full season then clubs ' wage bills will fall as there will be fewer matchday staff required in areas such as catering , security and stewarding .
These costs , however , make up a relatively low element of the overall wage cost .
Manchester United , for example , employed 3,340 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assuming they are on the national living wage and working a six-hour shift , this works out at less than £5m over a year - United 's total wage bill in 2018-19 was £332m .
This was underwritten by a combination of player sales and owner handouts .
With the transfer market expected to collapse as a result of Covid-19 and many owners facing significant falls in their wealth , then some clubs could face challenging times ahead , as will of course many other businesses .
If the Premier League is unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a season-long lockdown , then there will presumably be more clubs who need to negotiate wage reductions with players or face the possibility of going out of business .
Premier League football is not immune from the virus .

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
What impact could a full 2020-21 Premier League season without fans have on clubs' finances?
With matches likely to be played behind closed doors for an extended period because of bans on mass gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic, no fans means no matchday revenue.
Football Association chairman Greg Clarke has said it is hard to see fans returning to matches "any time soon" and the Premier League is preparing for the possibility of playing next season without fans.
Increasingly lucrative broadcasting deals and commercial opportunities mean matchday income contributes a smaller proportion of total revenue to clubs in the modern era than before - but it can still have a significant impact.
And it is the bigger teams who stand to lose more.
Football finance lecturer Kieran Maguire uses eight charts to show the potential financial impact of a 2020-21 season behind closed doors.
Who makes the most from matchdays?
The 'Big Six' clubs in the Premier League (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham) had a collective matchday income of £495m in 2018-19, which represented 73% of the total made in the Premier League.
Manchester United, whose Old Trafford stadium has the highest capacity and average attendance in the Premier League, generated over £4m per match in 2018-19.
There were eight teams in total making over £1m per home fixture during the season.
How important is matchday income?
In the Premier League's first season in 1992-93, matchday income generated £89m (43%) out of a total of £205m.
The matchday share is now only 13%, although the absolute figure has increased to £677m.
However, within those totals there is a range of income from matchday fans.
This is because of a combination of stadium capacity differences, participation in domestic and European cup competitions and some clubs having more lucrative corporate hospitality.
Arsenal generated nearly a quarter of their total income from matchday last season, which makes them vulnerable financially to an extended period without matches taking place.
And who has money in the bank?
Arsenal had the second highest cash reserves last summer but much of that will have been spent since.
Matchday income and wages
Fans often claim they pay players' wages. While this is true when taking into consideration the global broadcasting deals paid for by fan subscriptions, matchday income represents 22% of the total wage bill.
Again, there is a wide variation in terms of the contribution made by fans of individual clubs.
The fans of Arsenal and Tottenham, both with 60,000-plus capacity stadia and significant corporate and football tourist matchday income, contribute over 40p in every £1 of wages.
At the other end of the scale there were seven clubs whose fans' matchday contributions made up 10p or less per £1 of wages.
The Premier League total wage bill for 2018-19 was just over £3bn and wages have increased by 2,811% since 1992-3, compared to a rise in general inflation during the same period of 108%.
If there is a shutdown for a full season then clubs' wage bills will fall as there will be fewer matchday staff required in areas such as catering, security and stewarding. These costs, however, make up a relatively low element of the overall wage cost.
Manchester United, for example, employed 3,340 staff on matchdays at Old Trafford. Assuming they are on the national living wage and working a six-hour shift, this works out at less than £5m over a year - United's total wage bill in 2018-19 was £332m.
Profits and losses
Premier League clubs made a collective loss of £384m in 2018-19.
This was underwritten by a combination of player sales and owner handouts. With the transfer market expected to collapse as a result of Covid-19 and many owners facing significant falls in their wealth, then some clubs could face challenging times ahead, as will of course many other businesses.
If the Premier League is unable to replace the £677m matchday revenue during a season-long lockdown, then there will presumably be more clubs who need to negotiate wage reductions with players or face the possibility of going out of business.
Premier League football is not immune from the virus.


bbc--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: How to open a hairdressers after lockdown

Germany has become the latest country to relax its coronavirus quarantine rules , but across Europe , hairdressers are feeling their way out .
No waiting area , no magazines , no dry cuts , and face masks for both customer and hairdresser .
Salons in Germany can now open for the first time since lockdown began on 23 March but it 's not business as usual .
The rules issued by the German ministries for economy and for social affairs also include 1.5m ( 4.9ft ) distance between customers and ideally no blow-dry .
Gloves must be worn until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remove any bacteria ) but can be removed for the cut itself .
And the famous salon catch-up ?
That 's gone too .
No talking face to face , the rules say - any communication about cut or colour must be done via the mirror and kept to a minimum .
The regulatory body says the rules are necessary because by its nature hairdressing is intimate .
How do most people 's hairstyles look at the moment ?
I ask Reno Harms , co-owner of Harms hairdressing salon in the leafy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pretty funny .
Lots of people have cut their own hair .
Some have been colouring it themselves .
We 're doing mostly repair work today , '' he says , laughing .
During the six-week closure his regular customers bought vouchers to be redeemed later - something that many Berliners are doing to help their favourite local shops , cafes and restaurants .
That amounted to around 50 % of usual revenue , and kept his business afloat .
But that also means Reno has mostly been working for free today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new regulations mean he can only take about half his usual number of customers .
Everything needs to be disinfected between clients and there are strict social distancing rules .
There 's certainly no shortage of business though .
In many salons in Berlin it can be difficult to get an appointment .
In the weeks before the lockdown in March about half of his customers cancelled because they were afraid of being infected with Coronavirus .
Reno gets the impression that people remain nervous .
But they are all still clamouring for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is definitely greater than fear , '' he jokes .
Hairdressing brings customers in much closer contact with workers than retail , the organisation explains .
Salons also have to record the names of their customers so that contact tracing of infections can take place if necessary .
Across Europe , hairdressers have been among the first businesses allowed to open when lockdown restrictions have been eased .
In Spain , hairdressing salons also re-open on 4 May but must run at a maximum of 30 % normal capacity and by appointment only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 March , one of the largest online booking systems crashed , which one newspaper put down to the high volume of unkempt citizens desperate for a cut .
But how easy are these rules to follow and how might they change our haircuts ?
Alison Badrick is a self-employed mobile hairdresser in Buckinghamshire , England , and is still awaiting guidance from the UK government about how she can get back to work .
She worries that it could still be some time .
She says most of the rules sound sensible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutting a customer 's hair while they 're wearing a face mask .
The mask 's string will get in the way of cutting layers or cutting hair near the ears , she explains : `` Unless they produce a mask that sticks on the face , I do n't know how that 's going to work . ''
In Germany , the head of the Hairdressing Association told TV news programme Tagesschau that customers would be able to briefly unloop the face mask from their ears and hold the mask over their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relaxing or a stressful experience before the pandemic , it seems likely that post-lockdown , it will look very different .
Social distancing rules will mean salons ca n't serve as many clients per hour - London salon group Blue Tit estimates its shops will be working at 50 % their usual capacity .
The company plans to allow an extra 15 minutes after each client to enable thorough cleaning , and hopes to increase opening hours and split staff into two shifts .
Its salons focus on sustainable hair care , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide `` some key luxuries '' including head massage , shampooing and drinks service .
Whatever new measures are introduced by the government when the time comes , it seems clear that costs will increase .
`` We will incur more costs with longer appointment times , as well as the cost of PPE [ personal protective ] equipment but the safety of our customers and staff is the priority here , '' Blue Tit explains .
And what about the haircut gossip ?
`` The thing about hairdressers is we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hairdresser , '' Mrs Badrick says .
`` A lot of what makes the experience of having your hair done is the chat .
It 's going to be interesting to see what happens , '' she adds .
• Cuts are by appointment only to avoid customers waiting in the salon • Customers and hairdressers must keep a 1.5m distance except when the haircut is taking place • `` Direct communication '' is not permitted - discussion about hair style , colour etc must be done via a mirror and kept to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible • Fresh air must be circulated , which the rules specify should be 100m3/h per hairdresser • Scissors and other tools must be thoroughly disinfected between uses , as well as hairdressing chairs • Hairdressing cloaks must be washed after each use and , if possible , a disposable cloak should be worn over the top • Customers must wash their hands when entering the salon

There's certainly no shortage of business though. In many salons in Berlin it can be difficult to get an appointment. In the weeks before the lockdown in March about half of his customers cancelled because they were afraid of being infected with Coronavirus. Reno gets the impression that people remain nervous. But they are all still clamouring for an appointment he says. "Vanity is definitely greater than fear," he jokes.


bbc--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: The lure of mafia money during the crisis

As the Covid-19 death toll grows , Italy 's organised crime gangs have been looking to make millions .
Many Italians feel they have no option but to accept the lifeline the mob is offering .
On the island of Sicily , the brother of a mafioso - a member of a mafia group - has been distributing food to the poor in a neighbourhood of Palermo .
`` People ring me and they cry over the phone , '' he says .
`` They say their children ca n't eat .
A young woman has been calling me every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and does n't know how to feed them . ''
He would n't confirm that he was part of the mafia himself , but he said that if being a mafioso meant helping people , then he was `` proud to be a mafioso '' .
The coronavirus is new , but distributing food parcels to the needy is an old mafia tactic .
`` The aim is to gain credibility and to step in as an alternative to the state , '' says Nicola Gratteri , an anti-mafia investigator and head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Calabria .
The goal is to strengthen a base of support , he says .
Italy 's economy has been in a bad way for years , with high unemployment and slow economic growth .
The lockdown tipped some people over the edge into desperation .
But accepting even the smallest help from a mafioso is extremely dangerous .
`` The mafia has never done anything out of generosity .
That concept does n't exist for them , '' says Enza Rando who works for an anti-mafia organisation .
`` All they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back if you scratch mine ' . ''
Nothing is asked for in return at the start .
But everyone will have to pay back the favour in some form .
Marcello owns a restaurant in the city centre of Palermo , which he had to shut in March .
He is expecting to get an offer he ca n't refuse .
It 's all very straightforward , he says .
A mafioso knocks on your door and offers to buy your business , there and then .
That 's when you negotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfers part of the money into your account , and the rest you get in cash .
`` Right now , my business is sinking .
And when someone throws a life vest at you , you can either choose to drown with your ideals , or swim . ''
But the mafia will always come back to collect , says Gaspare Mutolo , a former Sicilian mafioso who became a key witness in dozens of mafia cases .
`` That 's exactly how I used to operate , '' he says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I appeared generous .
I never showed my true colours .
But mind you , I was a criminal who killed more than 20 people . ''
Mutolo spoke to the BBC from a secret location where he is under police protection and spends his days painting .
His works often depict the tentacles of the mafia reaching into communities .
He says that whenever he `` helped '' a family in need , they did n't care who he was .
`` When your children are crying because there 's no food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about to go bankrupt you do n't think about the consequences of getting help from the wrong people .
You just think about surviving . ''
Then when local elections were approaching , he would go to the people he had helped and say : `` Ciao bella , remember me ?
I helped you when you needed me .
Now , I need you .
And all I ask is that you cast your vote for this candidate . ''
Mutolo says the mafia has money readily available to spend in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are much more efficient than the state when it comes to helping those in need , '' he says .
Antonio and his wife Francesca own a butcher 's shop in a small whitewashed town in Apulia , in southern Italy , which has been struggling in lockdown .
A few days ago , one of their regular clients came into their shop and offered a cash loan to help them out .
`` We looked each other in the eye .
Our hearts sank , and we immediately realised what was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his wife refused the offer , but loans are a core mafia business .
They give loans , and then `` a slow agony begins '' , says Mr Gratteri .
`` The ultimate aim of the mafioso is never to make money , but to take over the business and use it to launder money . ''
Since the lockdown began , a helpline that supports victims of extortion has received a 100 % increase in reports , especially from small businesses .
`` If the Italian government is n't capable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be thrown into the arms of the mafia '' , says Attilio Simeone , who works for the helpline .
As the world faces its worst downturn since the Great Depression , many Italians will be on their knees .
`` This is the most favourable moment for the mafia , '' Enza Rando warned .
`` Right now , timing is key . ''
She , like many anti-mafia experts , is urging the Italian government to make money available to people and businesses before the mafia steps in to offer easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will loan up to 25,000 euros ( £22,000 ) to businesses in need .
But Marcello has no intention of asking for a government loan .
`` It would be impossible to pay it back .
All shops that are going to re-open will have to follow social distancing rules .
This means fewer clients , and much less money . ''
He says that all the restaurant owners he knows feel the same .
They believe selling their businesses to the mafia quickly and with no questions asked is likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like an utter failure '' , Marcello says .
`` I have always condemned the mafia , and I am about to betray everything I have ever believed in . ''
Some names have been changed to protect the identity of the interviewees .
• ALL OVER THE WORLD : Tracking the global outbreak • FACE MASKS : The advice on wearing them • VACCINE HOPES : But how close are we ?

He is expecting to get an offer he can't refuse. It's all very straightforward, he says. A mafioso knocks on your door and offers to buy your business, there and then. That's when you negotiate on the price. Then, someone transfers part of the money into your account, and the rest you get in cash.


bbc--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Spain's capital Madrid adjusts to new normal

Walking on the streets of Madrid , you come across many police cars patrolling , a few taxis here and there , blue buses and an army of food deliverers .
Sweating on their bicycles , zipping through on their mopeds , you see them everywhere .
Around dinnertime , groups of seven or eight form outside sushi restaurants and burger joints , all waiting to rush the order to their hungry , confined customers .
One of them is Fredi .
He 's got pizzas in his yellow thermal bag so he ca n't stop for too long .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I make around €20 ( [ £18 ; $ 22 ] to €30 , where I used to make €40 or €50 , '' he says .
`` The first two weeks of lockdown there was a lot of work but then it slowed down .
You can feel people have less money now . ''
A few hundred metres away , coming out of the metro station , Asuncion readjusts her face mask .
She has spent the lockdown in the house of her employers - an elderly couple she looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in France , Spain and Italy • Children run free at last from Spanish lockdown '' I 'm so glad to be finally able to walk outside for a bit , '' she says .
`` The people I work for are nice and treat me well but 48 days inside is a long time .
`` I 'm grateful I could carry on working as many have lost their jobs . ''
Just off the deserted Plaza Mayor square , Valentin makes up his bed .
He 's been homeless for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same street corner , at the entrance of a Five Guys burger joint .
Valentin is in high spirits .
`` For me it 's just the same , only quieter .
I have less problems than many as I do n't have to worry about paying a rent . ''
But he says he sees more rats than before at night .
`` I think there is less food for them down there so they come out looking for food up here . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • FACE MASKS : Should I be wearing one ?
• PUBLIC TRANSPORT : Is it safe to travel ?

But he says he sees more rats than before at night. "I think there is less food for them down there so they come out looking for food up here."


bbc--2020-05-04--Coronavirus pandemic: Tracking the global outbreak

Coronavirus is continuing its spread across the world , with more than three and a half million confirmed cases in 187 countries .
Almost 250,000 people have lost their lives .
The United States alone has more than one million confirmed cases - five times as many as any other country .
This series of maps and charts tracks the global outbreak of the virus since it emerged in China in December last year .
How many cases and deaths have there been ?
The virus , which causes the respiratory infection Covid-19 , was first detected in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
It is spreading rapidly in many countries and the number of deaths is still climbing .
Note : The map and table in this page uses a different source for figures for France from that used by Johns Hopkins University which results in a slightly lower overall total .
The US has by far the largest number of cases , with more than one million confirmed infections , according to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University .
With more than 67,000 fatalities , it also has the world 's highest death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the UK - the worst-hit European countries - have all recorded more than 20,000 deaths .
In China , the official death toll is some 4,600 from about 84,000 confirmed cases .
Numbers for deaths jumped on 17 April after what officials called `` a statistical review '' and critics have questioned whether the country 's official numbers can be trusted .
Note : The past data for new cases is a three day rolling average .
Due to revisions in the number of cases for Spain , a three-day rolling average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) on 11 March .
This is when an infectious disease is passing easily from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
More than three million people are known to have been infected worldwide , but the true figure is thought to be much higher as many of those with milder symptoms have not been tested and counted .
Globally , more than 4.5 billion people - half the world 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing measures , according to the AFP news agency 's estimates .
Those restrictions have had a big impact on the global economy , with the International Monetary Fund saying the world faces the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
The UN World Food Programme has also warned that the pandemic could almost double the number of people suffering acute hunger .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to protect your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KNOW : How to understand UK death toll While some regions are now starting to see confirmed cases and deaths fall following the introduction of strict lockdown restrictions , others are only now seeing them rise .
Russia saw more than 10,000 new infections in 24 hours on Sunday , the highest daily rise since its outbreak began .
The latest numbers of daily deaths in Brazil , Russia , Peru and Mexico are also double the numbers recorded between six and 10 days ago .
While the number of people dying each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the data suggests Russia , Mexico and Peru are all on a similar trajectory .
Across Latin America , where many economies are already struggling and millions live on what they can earn day-to-day , there are concerns about the strain coronavirus could put on health care systems .
Ecuador has already seen its health system collapse - thousands have died from the virus and other conditions that could not be treated because of the crisis .
The country 's official death toll is around 1,300 , but the government said 6,700 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks of April - far more than the usual 1,000 deaths there in the same period .
For this reason , the virus death toll is thought to be much higher than official figures suggest .
The growing threat in South America and elsewhere comes as other regions are beginning to ease measures brought in to slow the spread of the virus .
Much of Europe , the US , New Zealand and Australia , among others , have started to relax some of their strict lockdown restrictions .
Some US states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases and deaths increasing .
New Zealand says it has effectively eliminated the threat posed by the virus after fewer than 1,500 confirmed cases and just 20 deaths .
Its authorities had brought in some of the toughest restrictions on travel and activity early in the pandemic .
Australia is also planning to review its lockdown earlier than expected , after health officials said the nation had `` pretty convincingly '' curbed the spread of the virus .
• Three continents , four lives , one day • 'We 'll starve to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries in Europe are Italy , the UK , Spain and France - all of which have recorded at least 20,000 deaths .
However , all four countries appear to have passed through the peak of the virus and the number of reported cases and deaths is falling .
Germany and Belgium have also recorded a relatively high number of deaths and are now seeing those numbers decrease , though as Belgium has a far smaller population than Germany the number of deaths per capita there has been higher .
How countries across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown varies , with the EU saying there is `` no one-size-fits-all approach '' to lifting containment measures .
Spain has announced a four-phase plan to lift its lockdown and return to a `` new normality '' by the end of June .
In Italy , some shops and factories have now reopened and further measures are due to be eased from Monday .
In France , non-essential shops and markets are to open again from 11 May , but not bars and restaurants .
Schools will also be reopened gradually .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in full effect .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to reveal a `` comprehensive plan '' this week for how the country will get moving again .
Other European countries easing restrictions include Austria , Denmark , Switzerland , the Czech Republic and Germany .
The European Commission launched a global effort to fund vaccine research on Monday , as part of a virtual conference for world leaders and philanthropists aimed at raising €7.5bn ( £6.6bn ; $ 8.3bn ) .
The UN says a return to normal life will only be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of research projects to find one are currently under way across the world .
New York remains the epicentre of the US outbreak With more than one million cases , the US has the highest number of confirmed infections in the world .
The country has also recorded more than 68,000 deaths - and on Monday President Trump warned that the death toll may reach 100,000 .
The state of New York has been particularly badly affected , with almost 19,000 deaths in New York City alone .
At one point , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was under mandatory lockdown orders , but Georgia , Texas , Maine and other states have now loosened their stay-at-home restrictions and allowed some businesses to reopen .
Official unemployment figures show that more than 30 million Americans have lost their jobs since mid-March .
But public health authorities have warned that increasing human interaction and economic activity could spark a fresh surge of infections just as the number of new cases is beginning to ease off .

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


bbc--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: France's first known case 'was in December'

A patient treated in a hospital near Paris on 27 December for suspected pneumonia actually had the coronavirus , his doctor has said .
This means the virus may have arrived in Europe almost a month earlier than previously thought .
Dr Yves Cohen said a swab taken at the time was recently tested , and came back positive for Covid-19 .
The patient , who has since recovered , said he had no idea where he caught the virus as he had not travelled abroad .
Knowing who was the first case is key to understanding how the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO ) says it is possible more early cases will come to light .
A spokesman for the WHO , Christian Lindmeier , urged countries to check records for similar cases in order to gain a clearer picture of the outbreak .
France is not the only country where subsequent testing points to earlier cases .
Two weeks ago , a post-mortem examination carried out in California revealed that the first coronavirus-related death in the US was almost a month earlier than previously thought .
What do we know about the new case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine at Avicenne and Jean-Verdier hospitals near Paris , said the patient was a 43-year-old man from Bobigny , north-east of Paris .
He told the BBC 's Newsday programme that the patient must have been infected between 14 and 22 December , as coronavirus symptoms take between five and 14 days to appear .
The patient , Amirouche Hammar was admitted to hospital on 27 December exhibiting a dry cough , a fever and trouble breathing - symptoms which would later become known as main indications of coronavirus .
This was four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause being detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
Mr Hammar told French broadcaster BFMTV that he had not left France before falling sick .
Dr Cohen said while two of the patient 's children had also fallen ill , his wife had not shown any symptoms .
But Dr Cohen pointed out that the patient 's wife worked at a supermarket near Charles de Gaulle airport and could have come into contact with people who had recently arrived from China .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers would come directly from the airport , still carrying their suitcases '' .
`` We 're wondering whether she was asymptomatic , '' Dr Cohen said .
What does it tell us ?
Could coronavirus have been circulating in Europe in late 2019 , many weeks before it was officially recognised and declared a threat there ?
That is the suggestion being made after a French doctor has revealed that he treated a patient in Paris with all of the symptoms of coronavirus just after Christmas .
How does this change what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be that the test result is an error and so does not change a thing .
But it if is correct , it could mean spread of the disease was going unchecked in Europe while all eyes were on the East in Wuhan .
Certainly , any laboratories in Europe with samples from patients sick with similar symptoms around that time might want to run a test for coronavirus to see what it reveals so that we can learn more about this new disease .
Why does it matter ?
Until now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the France 's first three cases of coronavirus were confirmed on 24 January .
Of those , two had been to Wuhan - where the outbreak was first detected - and the third was a close family member .
Mr Hammar 's positive test result suggests the virus was present in France much earlier .
The first human-to-human transmission within Europe had until now thought to have been a German man who was infected by a Chinese colleague who visited Germany between 19 and 22 January .
Rowland Kao , a professor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Edinburgh , said that if confirmed , Mr Hammar 's case highlighted the speed at which an infection starting in a seemingly remote part of the world could quickly seed infections elsewhere .
`` It means that the lead time we have for assessment and decision-making can be very short , '' Prof Kao said .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• WHAT DOES IT DO TO THE BODY ?
Doctors on the front line explain • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Dr Cohen told the BBC that he had the idea to look back at all patients who had been in intensive care units with suspected pneumonia between 2 December and 16 January .
He found 14 patients who had tested negative for pneumonia .
He defrosted their samples and tested them for traces of Covid-19 .
He said that out of the 14 samples , one tested positive for traces of Covid-19 .
A second test on that same sample also came back positive .
He added that the patient 's chest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Covid-19 .
A full report was due later this week , and would be published by the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents , Dr Cohen added .

Coronavirus: France's first known case 'was in December' Published 5 May 2020
Image source, AFP Image caption, A doctor suggests the virus arrived in France almost a month earlier than previously thought
A patient treated in a hospital near Paris on 27 December for suspected pneumonia actually had the coronavirus, his doctor has said.
This means the virus may have arrived in Europe almost a month earlier than previously thought.
Dr Yves Cohen said a swab taken at the time was recently tested, and came back positive for Covid-19.
The patient, who has since recovered, said he had no idea where he caught the virus as he had not travelled abroad.
Knowing who was the first case is key to understanding how the virus spread.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says it is possible more early cases will come to light, and spokesman Christian Lindmeier urged countries to check records for similar cases in order to gain a clearer picture of the outbreak.
The French health ministry told the BBC that the government was obtaining confirmation on the case and that it would consider further investigations if they proved necessary.
France is not the only country where subsequent testing points to earlier cases. Two weeks ago, a post-mortem examination carried out in California revealed that the first coronavirus-related death in the US was almost a month earlier than previously thought.
What do we know about the new case?
Dr Cohen, head of emergency medicine at Avicenne and Jean-Verdier hospitals near Paris, said the patient was a 43-year-old man from Bobigny, north-east of Paris.
He told the BBC's Newsday programme that the patient must have been infected between 14 and 22 December, as coronavirus symptoms take between five and 14 days to appear.
The patient, Amirouche Hammar was admitted to hospital on 27 December exhibiting a dry cough, a fever and trouble breathing - symptoms which would later become known as main indications of coronavirus.
This was four days before the WHO's China country office was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause being detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
Mr Hammar told French broadcaster BFMTV that he had not left France before falling sick. Dr Cohen said while two of the patient's children had also fallen ill, his wife had not shown any symptoms.
But Dr Cohen pointed out that the patient's wife worked at a supermarket near Charles de Gaulle airport and could have come into contact with people who had recently arrived from China. The patient's wife said that "often customers would come directly from the airport, still carrying their suitcases".
"We're wondering whether she was asymptomatic," Dr Cohen said.
What does it tell us?
Could coronavirus have been circulating in Europe in late 2019, many weeks before it was officially recognised and declared a threat there? That is the suggestion being made after a French doctor has revealed that he treated a patient in Paris with all of the symptoms of coronavirus just after Christmas.
How does this change what we know about the pandemic? It might be that the test result is an error and so does not change a thing.
But it if is correct, it could mean spread of the disease was going unchecked in Europe while all eyes were on the East in Wuhan.
Certainly, any laboratories in Europe with samples from patients sick with similar symptoms around that time might want to run a test for coronavirus to see what it reveals so that we can learn more about this new disease.
Why does it matter?
Until now, what were thought to have been the France's first three cases of coronavirus were confirmed on 24 January. Of those, two had been to Wuhan - where the outbreak was first detected - and the third was a close family member.
Mr Hammar's positive test result suggests the virus was present in France much earlier.
The first human-to-human transmission within Europe had until now thought to have been a German man who was infected by a Chinese colleague who visited Germany between 19 and 22 January.
Rowland Kao, a professor of veterinary epidemiology and data science at the University of Edinburgh, said that if confirmed, Mr Hammar's case highlighted the speed at which an infection starting in a seemingly remote part of the world could quickly seed infections elsewhere.
"It means that the lead time we have for assessment and decision-making can be very short," Prof Kao said.
How was the new case found?
Dr Cohen told the BBC that he had the idea to look back at all patients who had been in intensive care units with suspected pneumonia between 2 December and 16 January.
He found 14 patients who had tested negative for pneumonia. He defrosted their samples and tested them for traces of Covid-19.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Coronavirus vaccine: How close are you to getting one?
He said that out of the 14 samples, one tested positive for traces of Covid-19. A second test on that same sample also came back positive. He added that the patient's chest scan was also compatible with the symptoms of Covid-19.


bbc--2020-05-05--US family 'murdered shop guard for enforcing mask policy'

A woman has been charged along with her husband and son with killing a security guard who refused her daughter entry to a shop because she was not wearing a face covering .
Calvin Munerlyn , 43 , was shot in the back of the head on Friday at the Family Dollar store in Flint , Michigan , one of the US states hardest hit by the pandemic .
He was attacked after telling 45-year-old Sharmel Teague 's daughter she could not come into the shop without a state-mandated mask .
The mother 's husband , Larry Teague , 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 , are accused of going to the store shortly afterwards and fatally attacking Mr Munerlyn .
Sharmel Teague has been arrested , but the two other suspects remain at large .
All three face first-degree premeditated murder and firearms charges .
Larry Teague is also charged with violating the governor 's order requiring face coverings inside stores in order to prevent coronavirus transmission .
Her daughter has not been charged .
After the initial verbal altercation at the store , Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton told a news conference on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Munerlyn before driving away in a red GMC Envoy .
She returned a short while later with her son and husband before the fatal confrontation ensued , according to officials .
It was the son who allegedly pulled the trigger .
The prosecutor told reporters : `` The death of Calvin Munerlyn is senseless and tragic , and those responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law . ''
Mr Munerlyn 's mother , Bernadett , told the Associated Press news agency : `` All my baby was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GoFundMe page set up for Mr Munerlyn 's funeral has raised nearly $ 100,000 ( £80,000 ) .
According to the page , he leaves behind eight children .
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered all residents in the Midwestern state to wear face coverings when inside business premises in order to fight Covid-19 .
Stores can refuse service to anyone who does not comply with this rule .
As of Monday the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Michigan stood at 43,950 , including 4,135 deaths , state officials said .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them armed , converged on the statehouse in Lansing and demanded an end to the governor 's stay-at-home order .
There has been angry resistance elsewhere in the US to rules imposed to deter the virus ' spread .
An order that went into effect on Friday in an Oklahoma town requiring the use of face masks in business premises was rescinded within hours amid a furious backlash from customers .
Store employees in Stillwater reported threats of violence , including one involving a gun .
Mayor Will Joyce swiftly amended the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandate , the wearing of face masks .

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered all residents in the Midwestern state to wear face coverings when inside business premises in order to fight Covid-19. Stores can refuse service to anyone who does not comply with this rule.