bbc--2020-05-10--Premier League facing decisive week over season resumption

The Premier League is set for a decisive few days in establishing whether it is possible to resume and complete the current season .
Club officials will meet on Monday to continue talks on Project Restart .
Prime minister Boris Johnson did not mention professional sport in unveiling plans to reopen society on Sunday .
The government is expected to announce on Monday that some elite athletes can start an initial phase of restricted group training later this week .
That will depend on medical protocols being finalised and accepted .
Footballers have so far been limited to individual training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neutral venues is not planned during Monday 's Premier League meeting - a sign that an estimated six or seven clubs remain opposed to the idea .
But the talks represent a major step towards establishing whether there is an appetite for playing out the season .
League bosses do not believe there is wide support for scrapping relegation , and are confident there is a consensus for returning to training , regardless of when the permission to play again is given .
The league has been suspended since 13 March because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume in June , with most clubs facing nine games to play .
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden is due to meet football authorities on Thursday .
Later this week , the Premier League will also hold talks with the Professional Footballers ' Association and the League Managers Association after they have digested the medical protocols needed for a return to firstly phased training and then full competition , and have received feedback from their members .
On Sunday , the PM said people in England will be able to `` play sports but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Dowden tweeted that the government will `` imminently allow '' some sports like golf , basketball , tennis and fishing to resume `` in the least risky outdoor environments '' and only for those taking part alone or in their own households .
The Premier League still faces several challenges around Project Restart .
A third unnamed Brighton player tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday after two others tested positive earlier in the pandemic .
Privately conducted coronavirus tests are reckoned to cost between £150 and £180 and it is understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insist on twice-weekly tests .
For the Premier League to complete the remaining 92 matches , that could be about 40,000 tests at a cost of about £30,000 a week Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish , who is backing Project Restart , told BBC One 's Andrew Marr Show that initial plans to stage league matches again from June may prove unfeasible .
Aston Villa , Brighton and Watford have all publicly opposed using neutral venues to complete the season , while club doctors have raised concerns over aspects of the proposals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be held later in May and 14 of the 20 clubs must vote in favour for it to be adopted .
Before voting , league bosses are also awaiting government guidance on the criteria for bio-security at events and ground-safety licensing , which is expected later this week .
Monday 's Premier League meeting will feature a vote on whether player contracts are to be extended until the end of the rescheduled season .
European leagues have until 25 May to tell Uefa whether they want to complete or cancel their seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has previously predicted a loss of `` at least £1bn '' if the Premier League fails to complete the 2019-20 campaign .

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of the coronavirus pandemic
The Premier League is set for a decisive few days in establishing whether it is possible to resume and complete the current season.
Club officials will meet on Monday to continue talks on "Project Restart".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not mention professional sport in unveiling plans to reopen society on Sunday.
The government is expected to announce on Monday that some elite athletes can start an initial phase of restricted group training later this week.
That will depend on medical protocols being finalised and accepted.
Footballers have so far been limited to individual training.
On Monday, Alison McGovern, the shadow sports minister, wrote to Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston asking 20 questions about "Project Restart".
They request transparency around plans and medical protocols, health risk assessments, numbers of people allowed at games, measures if there are positive tests, personal protective equipment for medical staff, non-playing staff, referees and the media, and ticket refunds for fans.
"The government's recent media announcements have placed great emphasis on the morale impact of the return of the Premier League," McGovern writes.
"Leaving aside the focus on elite sport rather than grassroots participation, this strategy raises many questions. The public will rightly wish the government to be open about its plans."
A vote on whether to use neutral venues is not planned during Monday's Premier League meeting - a sign that an estimated six or seven clubs remain opposed to the idea.
But the talks represent a major step towards establishing whether there is an appetite for playing out the season.
League bosses do not believe there is wide support for scrapping relegation, and are confident there is a consensus for returning to training, regardless of when the permission to play again is given.
The league has been suspended since 13 March because of the coronavirus pandemic but is aiming to resume in June, with most clubs having nine games to play.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is due to meet football authorities on Thursday.
Later this week, the Premier League will also hold talks with the Professional Footballers' Association and the League Managers Association after they have digested the medical protocols needed for a return to firstly phased training and then full competition, and have received feedback from their members.
On Sunday, the PM said people in England will be able to "play sports but only with members of your own household".
Dowden posted on social media external-link that the government will "imminently allow" some sports like golf, basketball, tennis and fishing to resume "in the least risky outdoor environments", and only for those taking part alone or in their own households.
The Premier League still faces several challenges around "Project Restart".
A third, unnamed Brighton player tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday, after two others tested positive earlier in the pandemic.
Privately conducted coronavirus tests are reckoned to cost between £150 and £180 and it is understood the protocols being worked on in football insist on twice-weekly tests.
For the Premier League to complete the remaining 92 matches, that could be about 40,000 tests at a cost of about £30,000 a week.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, who is backing "Project Restart", told BBC One's Andrew Marr Show that initial plans to stage league matches again from June may prove unfeasible.
Aston Villa, Brighton and Watford have all publicly opposed using neutral venues to complete the season, while club doctors have raised concerns over aspects of the proposals.
A vote on neutral venues is likely to be held later in May and 14 of the 20 clubs must vote in favour for it to be adopted.
Before voting, league bosses are also awaiting government guidance on the criteria for bio-security at events and ground-safety licensing, which is expected later this week.
Monday's Premier League meeting will feature a vote on whether player contracts are to be extended until the end of the rescheduled season.
European leagues have until 25 May to tell governing body Uefa whether they want to complete or cancel their seasons.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously predicted a loss of "at least £1bn" if the Premier League fails to complete the 2019-20 campaign.


bbc--2020-05-10--Formula 1 bosses in talks with UK government over quarantine measures

Formula 1 bosses are in talks with the UK government as to whether new measures to control coronavirus affect plans to re-start the season .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that air travellers into the UK would soon be forced to self-isolate for a 14-day period after arrival .
On paper , that could scupper F1 's plans to hold two races in Austria and two at Silverstone on consecutive weekends .
But F1 has detailed plans to ensure its activities will be coronavirus-safe .
It is to set up a rigorous testing procedure for all staff attending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and further tests for everyone every two days .
And a series of isolation measures will be imposed on travelling staff , including keeping teams separate from one another at the track , at hotels and travel in between .
Ten grands prix have so far been postponed or cancelled this year as the coronavirus outbreak has played havoc with the season .
Johnson has not yet revealed the full detail of the government 's plans with regard to quarantining international arrivals , including when they will be imposed and for how long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sport understands F1 bosses have been involved in detailed discussion with the government at all levels regarding the testing and isolation plans it will have in place .
Those talks will continue this week as more detail emerges .
F1 boss Chase Carey said last week that he was `` increasingly confident '' the season would be able to get off the ground at the Red Bull Ring in Austria on the weekend of 3-5 July .
F1 is planning a second race at the same track on 12 July , before two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 July , although plans for the Austrian events are much further advanced than those at Silverstone , with which financial details are yet to be agreed .
F1 then plans to move on to a further four races in Europe , at a yet-to-be confirmed selection of the tracks in Spain , Hungary , France , Italy , Belgium and the Netherlands .
There is also a possibility of a race in Germany at the Hockenheim track , even though that was not on the original 2020 schedule .
All these events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no spectators and likely no media either .
F1 hopes to confirm the European portion of the calendar in the next two to three weeks .
After that , F1 hopes to head off around the world to Eurasia , Asia , the Americas and end the season in the Middle East in December .

More than 140,000 fans were at Silverstone to watch the British Grand Prix last year
Formula 1 bosses are in talks with the government seeking an exemption for staff from the new requirement for international travellers to self-isolate on arrival into the country.
The government's document says there will be "a short list of exemptions" to this rule, "which will be kept under regular review" but it does not specify what they are.
F1 needs its staff to be exempt if its plans to start the season in Austria at the beginning of July are to be workable.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that air travellers into the UK would soon be forced to self-isolate for a 14-day period after arrival.
Seven of the 10 teams have bases in the UK and F1 hopes to race at Silverstone on 19 and 26 July, although it has yet to reach a financial agreement with Silverstone.
F1 is working on plans to be coronavirus-safe by testing all staff before travel, then every two days while they are out of the country and keeping teams apart from each other at events.
And a series of isolation measures will be imposed on travelling staff, including keeping teams separate from one another at the track, at hotels and travel in between.
F1 said they were in "ongoing but constructive conversations with the government".
Ten grands prix have so far been postponed or cancelled this year as the coronavirus outbreak has played havoc with the season.
Johnson has not yet revealed the full detail of the government's plans with regard to quarantining international arrivals, including when they will be imposed and for how long they are expected to last.
BBC Sport understands F1 bosses have been involved in detailed discussion with the government at all levels regarding the testing and isolation plans it will have in place. Those talks will continue this week as more detail emerges.
F1 boss Chase Carey said last week that he was "increasingly confident" the season would be able to get off the ground at the Red Bull Ring in Austria on the weekend of 3-5 July.
F1 plans to move on to a further four races in Europe following those at Silverstone at a yet-to-be confirmed selection of the tracks in Spain, Hungary, France, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands. There is also a possibility of a race in Germany at the Hockenheim track, even though that was not on the original 2020 schedule.
All these events would be held behind closed doors, with no spectators and likely no media either.
F1 hopes to confirm the European portion of the calendar in the next two to three weeks.
After that, F1 hopes to head off around the world to Eurasia, Asia, the Americas and end the season in the Middle East in December.


bbc--2020-05-10--Five players test positive for coronavirus in Spain

Five players have tested positive for coronavirus across Spain 's top two divisions , La Liga has said .
The @ @ @ @ @ and are now in isolation .
They will continue to be tested and can only @ @ @ @ @ two consecutive negative results .
La Liga started testing players last week as part of @ @ @ @ @ training to resume and elite football in Spain to get going again behind closed doors @ @ @ @ @ the virus has impacted sporting events around the world Spain has been one of the @ @ @ @ @ with 26,621 deaths and 224,390 infections as of 10 May .
Elsewhere in Europe this @ @ @ @ @ player from Premier League side Brighton tested positive for coronavirus • Bundesliga 2 side Dynamo @ @ @ @ @ and coaching staff into two-week isolation after two players tested positive for coronavirus

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Lionel Messi and Barcelona trained for the first time in nearly two months on Friday
Five players have tested positive for coronavirus across Spain's top two divisions, La Liga has said.
The unnamed players are all asymptomatic and are now in isolation.
They will continue to be tested and can only rejoin training when they return two consecutive negative results.
La Liga started testing players last week as part of the protocols in place for training to resume and elite football in Spain to get going again behind closed doors in June.
A number of clubs, including Barcelona, started individual training last week.
Spain has been one of the worst hit countries in Europe with 26,621 deaths and 224,390 infections as of 10 May.
Elsewhere in Europe this weekend:


bbc--2020-05-10--Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman Shafaq given six-year ban

Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman Shafiqullah Shafaq has been banned for six years from all forms of cricket after breaching anti-corruption rules .
@ @ @ @ @ while playing for Afghan club Nangarhar Leopards in 2018 and Sylhet Thunder in last year @ @ @ @ @ The 30-year-old has played 24 one-day internationals and 46 Twenty20s .
The Afghanistan Cricket Board @ @ @ @ @ the ban was a warning for all players .
`` This is a very serious @ @ @ @ @ player is involved in the corruption of a high-profile domestic game in the 2018 Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ said Sayed Anwar Shah Quraishi .
`` The player had also attempted but failed to @ @ @ @ @ to engage in corruption in another high-profile game during the Bangladesh Premier League 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ for all those players who think their illegal activities concerning the game of cricket will @ @ @ @ @ ACB .
`` Our coverage is vaster than what is perceived . ''

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Shafiqullah Shafaq has played 24 one-day internationals and 46 Twenty20s for Afghanistan
Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman Shafiqullah Shafaq has been banned for six years from all forms of cricket after breaching anti-corruption rules.
Shafiqullah admitted to four charges while playing for Afghan club Nangarhar Leopards in 2018 and Sylhet Thunder in last year's Bangladesh Premier League.
The 30-year-old has played 24 one-day internationals and 46 Twenty20s.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board's senior anti-corruption manager said the ban was a warning for all players.
"This is a very serious offence where a senior national player is involved in the corruption of a high-profile domestic game in the 2018 Afghanistan Premier League T20," said Sayed Anwar Shah Quraishi.
"The player had also attempted but failed to get one of his team-mates to engage in corruption in another high-profile game during the Bangladesh Premier League 2019.
"It is an alert for all those players who think their illegal activities concerning the game of cricket will not be disclosed to the ACB.
"Our coverage is vaster than what is perceived."


bbc--2020-05-10--Aguero stars in Virtual F1, but Poulter's motors steal the show

Sometimes it 's not what 's right in front of you that catches the eye .
When Ian Poulter sent a message of goodwill to his fellow racers on the official F1 feed ahead of Sunday 's Virtual Spanish Grand Prix , he might have forgotten he was sitting with his back to an array of beautiful performance cars , including a Porsche 911 GT3 and a stunning unnamed retro-looking super car .
It 's not as if we could n't have guessed the oft flamboyantly-dressed Poulter might be a wealthy man for all his golfing success , but more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a load of other special motors makes us wonder just how much one gets paid for winning the Italian Open .
Then again , it 's not just about the golf when you 're Ian Poulter ... Poulter held firm in the race finishing 18th - even beating Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo , who was last - despite getting a little confused during his mid-race interview : `` There 's a thing in the middle of my screen , I ca n't hear my revs and you 're in my ears .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero however , who brought his Red Bull home in 14th place .
But he was n't the top footballer , after Real Madrid 's Thibaut Courtois took a respectable 11th after weeks of toil - the highest placed non-professional driver and ahead of four pros , including Hamilton ... Nick Hamilton .
• None Russell : 'Definitely not the real thing ' : why eracers ca n't go from the bedroom to the cockpit But it was Williams ' George Russell - after giving us the pleasure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who won , despite losing four places off the start .
Following a late-race battle with Ferrari 's Charles Leclerc , Russell was cruelly handed a three-second penalty for breaching track limits , but claimed victory after Leclerc was given the same punishment .
Leclerc appears to have lost his eracing touch after a disappointing Saturday where he was beaten in the Veloce Not The GP Series ( both races held this week were hosted at a virtual spa in Belgium ) after losing out on the line by 0.013 seconds to Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tosso .
And then `` stupidly '' crashing out of the second race , won by Alfa Romeo 's ace egamer Dani Bereznay .
A very busy Ian Poulter finished a creditable seventh and Courtois retired .
• None Dani Bereznay : The esports star beating drivers at their own game But 'incident of the weekend ' has to to go Mitch Evans in his Jaguar , during Formula E 's Race At Home challenge , who seemed to travel underneath another car for what felt like half of the Monaco lap during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the race .
It all started , yet again , by a wayward and luckless Stoffel Vandoorne of Mercedes , who had qualified second on the grid only to be punted from behind right at the start again - just as he was in the F1 Virtual Brazilian GP last weekend .
Cruel luck for undoubtedly one of the strongest eracers so far this lockdown .
And in an even bigger shock , BMW iAndretti 's Max Gunther did n't win what would have been his fourth race in a row , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the only man who seemed to have a quiet race , winner Pascal Wehrlein of Mahindra .

Ian Poulter shared a glimpse of his garage
Sometimes it's not what's right in front of you that catches the eye.
And if it's not what is surely the longest-ever running crash in motorsport history, or one of the world's greatest footballers overtaking established racing drivers, it must be... a middle-aged man's garage.
When Ian Poulter sent a message of goodwill to his fellow racers on the official F1 feed ahead of Sunday's Virtual Spanish Grand Prix, he might have forgotten he was sitting with his back to an array of beautiful performance cars, including a Porsche 911 GT3 and a stunning unnamed retro-looking super car.
A Ferrari 275 GTB and Ford GT40 - that's Enzo Ferrari on the wall, absolutely fuming at the random Ford
It's not as if we couldn't have guessed the oft flamboyantly-dressed Poulter might be a wealthy man for all his golfing success, but more than five Ferraris, several luxury Mercedes and a load of other special motors makes us wonder just how much one gets paid for winning the Italian Open.
Then again, it's not just about the golf when you're Ian Poulter...
Poulter's shoes - not necessarily for sale
Poulter held firm in the race finishing 18th - even beating Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo, who was last - despite getting a little confused during his mid-race interview: "There's a thing in the middle of my screen, I can't hear my revs and you're in my ears."
Poulter's Renault was beaten by Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero however, who brought his Red Bull home in 14th place. But he wasn't the top footballer, after Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois took a respectable 11th after weeks of toil - the highest placed non-professional driver and ahead of four pros, including Hamilton... Nick Hamilton.
But it was Williams' George Russell - after giving us the pleasure of seeing a Williams on pole position - who won, despite losing four places off the start.
Following a late-race battle with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Russell was cruelly handed a three-second penalty for breaching track limits, but claimed victory after Leclerc was given the same punishment.
Leclerc appears to have lost his eracing touch after a disappointing Saturday where he was beaten in the Veloce Not The GP Series (both races held this week were hosted at a virtual spa in Belgium) after losing out on the line by 0.013 seconds to Turkish driver and eracer Cem Bolukbasi for Toro Tosso.
And then "stupidly" crashing out of the second race, won by Alfa Romeo's ace egamer Dani Bereznay. A very busy Ian Poulter finished a creditable seventh and Courtois retired.
But 'incident of the weekend' has to to go Mitch Evans in his Jaguar, during Formula E's Race At Home challenge, who seemed to travel underneath another car for what felt like half of the Monaco lap during a huge multi-car pile-up at the start of the race.
It all started, yet again, by a wayward and luckless Stoffel Vandoorne of Mercedes, who had qualified second on the grid only to be punted from behind right at the start again - just as he was in the F1 Virtual Brazilian GP last weekend. Cruel luck for undoubtedly one of the strongest eracers so far this lockdown.
And in an even bigger shock, BMW iAndretti's Max Gunther didn't win what would have been his fourth race in a row, but came third behind a recovered Vandoorne, and the only man who seemed to have a quiet race, winner Pascal Wehrlein of Mahindra.


bbc--2020-05-10--Monday's gossip - Aubameyang in Real Madrid promise

Arsenal 's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang , 30 , promised his grandfather before he died that he would play for Real Madrid .
( Sun ) The Gunners have also been dealt a blow in their pursuit of RB Leipzig 's 21-year-old French defender Dayot Upamecano after his agent said a big money move would be unlikely because of coronavirus .
( Sport 1 , via Metro ) Shanghai Shenhua expect Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo , 30 , to return from his loan spell at Manchester United in time for the start of the new Chinese Super League season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Sky Sports ) Meanwhile , Manchester United have revived their interest in 22-year-old Inter Milan and Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez .
( Sport , via Mail ) Tottenham and Arsenal have been boosted in their pursuit of Brazilian midfielder Willian because the 31-year-old 's contract extension talks with Chelsea are dead in the water .
( football.london ) Borussia Dortmund want to sign Chelsea 's teenage midfielder Charlie Webster and give the 16-year-old the Jadon Sancho treatment .
( Sun ) Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has followed Dries Mertens on Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Napoli forward directly .
( Express ) Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admits it will be difficult for the club to keep hold of their star players this summer - amid reported interest from Chelsea in 23-year-old French striker Moussa Dembele .
( Star ) The father of Brazilian midfielder Gerson has claimed that Arsenal and Tottenham are both keen on signing the 22-year-old midfielder from Flamengo .
( ESPN , in Portuguese )

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Atletico Madrid want to swap their 26-year-old Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey - who is an Arsenal target - with Liverpool and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 26. (Sun) external-link
Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 30, promised his grandfather before he died that he would play for Real Madrid. (Sun) external-link
The Gunners have also been dealt a blow in their pursuit of RB Leipzig's 21-year-old French defender Dayot Upamecano after his agent said a big money move would be unlikely because of coronavirus. (Sport 1, via Metro) external-link
Liverpool could sign Lyon's 21-year-old French midfielder Houssem Aouar, as his club have allowed him to move. (L'Equipe - in French) external-link
In what would have been Eurovision song contest week... Watch these 12 stunning hits (goals) and pick your favourite in semi-final one...
Shanghai Shenhua expect Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo, 30, to return from his loan spell at Manchester United in time for the start of the new Chinese Super League season, which is scheduled to begin in July. (Sky Sports) external-link
Meanwhile, United have revived their interest in 22-year-old Inter Milan and Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez. (Sport, via Mail) external-link
Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have had a boost in their pursuit of Brazilian midfielder Willian because the 31-year-old's contract extension talks with Chelsea are over. (football.london) external-link
Chelsea will join the race to sign West Ham United and England midfielder Declan Rice, 21, this summer - if Real Madrid sign the Blues' France international N'Golo Kante, 29. (Mirror) external-link
Borussia Dortmund want to sign Chelsea's English midfielder Charlie Webster, 16. (Sun) external-link
Manchester City want to sign Paris St-Germain's 17-year-old French midfielder Edouard Michut. (Sky Sports) external-link
The father of Brazilian midfielder Gerson has claimed Arsenal and Spurs are both keen on signing the 22-year-old from Flamengo. (ESPN - in Portuguese) external-link
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admits it will be difficult for the club to keep hold of their star players this summer - amid reported interest from Chelsea in 23-year-old French striker Moussa Dembele. (Star) external-link


bbc--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: How ‘secret burials’ in South Africa could help tackle Covid-19

A ban on large funerals in South Africa has forced people to give up many traditions , but they have also rediscovered old ones , including `` secret burials '' , as the BBC 's Pumza Fihlani reports from Johannesburg .
All it took was one funeral and 40 people were infected with coronavirus .
On 21 March , less than a week after President Cyril Ramaphosa had declared a national state of disaster and banned large gatherings to help contain the spread of coronavirus , around 100 people attended a funeral ceremony in Majola village , Eastern Cape .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleepy rural community of AmaMpondomise , is now the epicentre of the virus in the area .
The 21 March funeral , along with two others in the city of Port Elizabeth , account for 200 Covid-19 cases in the province - about a quarter of the total .
Under the current provisions , 50 people are allowed to attend a funeral , but the number is too small for some .
Eastern Cape Health Department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo says some families have been `` defying '' the authorities , causing a spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned about funerals in the province , '' Mr Kupelo is quoted as saying by News24 .
`` We have welcomed submissions made by traditional leaders to the national health minister to have all deceased receive the same treatment ; that is , to be transported directly from the mortuary to the cemetery . ''
But it is very hard to change these deeply engrained traditions and there are reports that large gatherings for funerals continue .
`` Funerals , like weddings and initiation celebrations in traditional communities are important rites of passage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a person 's life , '' explains cultural expert Professor Somadoda Fikeni .
`` Africans have embedded in their social fabric the issue of social support and human solidarity - community and kinship . ''
For most black South Africans , funerals combine traditional African and Christian elements .
When a family is bereaved , people will travel long distances to attend both the funeral and the days of ritual in the run-up .
These include repeatedly visiting the family at home to pay respects and to lend a helping hand with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be slaughtered in order to feed the anticipated guests , the cooking needs to be done , often at close quarters , and in rural areas , the grave needs to be dug , with people sometimes sharing the same pick and shovel .
Those who attend the ceremonies are not necessarily intimately known to the bereaved family .
They could be from the local church , the burial society , or simply a passer-by who hears of the tragedy and wants to show their support .
Everyone is welcome .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a church service , sitting in close proximity .
When the day 's proceedings are done community members form a human chain to deliver the food to the hundreds who have come to commiserate .
And the guests eat together , again in close proximity .
`` It 's a transmission for belt for the virus , '' warns Mr Fikeni .
In a bid to find an alternative and safer way to bury relatives , AmaMpondomise King Zwelozuko Matiwane issued a ban on all funeral services in his kingdom with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ukuqhusheka , or secret burial .
His spokesperson , Nkosi Bhakhanyisela Ranuga , says the decision was made after consulting local traditional leaders .
`` We are trying to protect our people in this pandemic .
`` When following this custom [ of ukuqhusheka ] this means people are called on to bury either on the same or the next day and with only those who were present at the time of passing , '' he tells the BBC .
The AmaMpondomise kingdom runs across four towns , Qumbu , Tsolo , Ugie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` By returning to this ancient practice this would mean only immediate family members will able to bury a person .
After the burial , the family would still be able to hold an intimate customary cleansing ceremony when they return from the burial site , '' explains Mr Ranuga .
These ceremonies are done through a ritual offering to cleanse the family of a `` dark cloud of death '' .
They are usually private affairs with only close family present .
As well as reducing the risk of spreading coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how much money families stand to save on funeral costs , especially now when money is tight .
`` Families get into huge debt in order to pay for funerals nowadays , '' Nosebenzile Ntlantsana , a community leader , says .
`` As traditional leaders we often need to intervene in settling disputes between families and service providers when the families can not pay .
It is heart-breaking to see how much pressure there is to have big funerals these days - maybe this practice will help families especially in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a near all-day affair to a one-hour service held in the family home where 50 people gather , then a procession of 25 or less to the graveyard .
But there are things that can be lost in the more hurried burial process that the king wants to return to .
These are things that can not be quantified , like an opportunity for closure .
`` Some of the main challenges families share with us about burying during this time is not being able to mourn the way we usually do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Eastern Cape-based Sinoxolo Funeral Directors .
`` All the typical African glory at funerals has been overshadowed by the regulations , the entirety of funerals have changed .
The inability to embrace one another because of social distancing is also a factor for them at this time . ''
Eight months ago , I lost my mother-in-law , a woman I had great love and respect for .
It was a devastating loss , but we were supported from all sides , even from people who had last seen the 78-year-old when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30s .
They had heard the news of her passing and needed to come to comfort her children .
And with each passing day , being immersed in the preparations and the scores of well-wishers moving in and out of the house , the elaborate rituals became a gentle nudge towards accepting the unchangeable truth , the permanence of death .
'Need for counselling ' after restricted funerals Mr Fikeni says this essential part of the grieving process would need to be factored in to the new arrangements .
`` Perhaps there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counselling for those who 've been forced by the current circumstances to bid farewell to their loved ones this way . ''
But the need to find a new way of conducting funerals is not only a rural problem .
In more urban settings where there is limited burial space , officials are worried by the possibility of mass graves .
All these changes point to one thing - that the rich traditions associated with certain aspects of life and death in South African have gone for now .
These are the traditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus appears to thrive on .

"As traditional leaders we often need to intervene in settling disputes between families and service providers when the families cannot pay. It is heart-breaking to see how much pressure there is to have big funerals these days - maybe this practice will help families especially in our communities."


bbc--2020-05-10--Coronavirus lockdown around the world in pictures

Coronavirus has now infected more than four million people globally , according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University .
Many countries have been in lockdown since at least March , but some are beginning to ease restrictions .
That must be done carefully , the World Health Organization warns , otherwise it risks a resurgence of infections .
Nonetheless , billions remain largely at home , and many are struggling with the economic and social consequences .
In Syria , churches and mosques in government-held areas are permitted to open again after being closed for almost two months .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in the country .
India remains in lockdown , first introduced on 24 March , but some restrictions have been eased .
Around 122 million are believed to have lost their jobs in April , and many say they will starve if they can not work .
Italy now has a recorded death toll of more than 30,000 but the rate of infection has dropped .
That has led the government to enter Phase 2 of its response , including allowing people to exercise more outdoors and travel in their region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe Restrictions were eased in Jordan in late March but an outbreak in Mafraq province led the government to introduce a 24-curfew on Friday and seal off some villages .
In Poland , hotels , shops , shopping centres , museums and galleries reopened on 4 May , with one customer per 15 sq m of space allowed .
The country has 15,000 infections and 700 deaths - less than many Western European countries .
Spain has a four-stage plan to roll back one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe .
From Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrace bar .
But Madrid and Barcelona , epicentres of the outbreak , are excluded for now .
France will be divided into zones , with restrictions eased in most of the country from 11 May - though tight lockdown measures remain in Paris and in the north-east .
In Mexico quarantine measures are still in place but the large car industry could be allowed to open again on 18 May .
Many Mexicans are celebrating a muted Mother 's Day , with musicians recording concerts online .
And South Africans have entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has yet to be eased .
The country has more than 9,000 confirmed cases , the highest in Africa .

India remains in lockdown, first introduced on 24 March, but some restrictions have been eased. Around 122 million are believed to have lost their jobs in April, and many say they will starve if they cannot work.


bbc--2020-05-11--Iran naval 'friendly fire' incident kills 19 sailors in Gulf of Oman

Nineteen sailors have been killed and 15 others injured in an accident involving Iranian naval vessels in the Gulf of Oman , Iran 's navy has said .
Iranian media reported that the support ship Konarak was hit by a new anti-ship missile being tested by the frigate Jamaran during an exercise on Sunday .
The Konarak had been putting targets out in the water and remained too close to one , according to the reports .
The navy said the ship was towed ashore and that an investigation had begun .
The incident took place near the Strait of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which about a fifth of the world 's oil passes .
• Is this the world 's most important waterway ?
`` On Sunday evening ... during naval exercises performed by a number of the naval force 's vessels in the waters of Jask and Chabahar , an accident happened involving the Konarak light support ship vessel , causing the martyrdom of a number of brave members of the naval forces , '' the navy said in a statement on Monday .
The statement added that the Konarak had been taken to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it made no reference to the circumstances of the accident .
The Iranian armed forces are no strangers to error .
Last January , an air defence unit fired two surface-to-air missiles at an unidentified target , bringing down a Ukrainian airliner and killing all those on board .
That mistake came at a time of heightened tension , with the Iranians expecting a retaliatory US missile strike .
But Sunday 's incident took place in very different circumstances - a planned naval exercise - and raises all sorts of questions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iranian navy .
Iran is seeking to broaden the sphere of its naval operations and to upgrade its warships ' armament .
The frigate Jamaran is part of a new class of home-built vessels intended to set a new course for Iran 's navy .
But it remains , to some extent , an over-looked service .
It is the Revolutionary Guards ' flotilla of fast patrol boats that seem to figure most prominently in Iranian efforts to harass and monitor US and other shipping in the Gulf .
Iranian media earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by an anti-ship missile fired by the Jamaran during an exercise near the port of Jask .
`` The vessel was hit after moving a practice target to its destination and not creating enough distance between itself and the target , '' state television said on its website .
The Tasnim news agency tweeted in English that the Konarak was sunk in the incident .
It subsequently reported that the vessel was heavily damaged .
It was not clear how many sailors were on board at the time .
The Konarak is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support vessel that was made in the Netherlands and bought by Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution .

But it remains, to some extent, an over-looked service. It is the Revolutionary Guards' flotilla of fast patrol boats that seem to figure most prominently in Iranian efforts to harass and monitor US and other shipping in the Gulf.


bbc--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: Wuhan in first virus cluster since end of lockdown

New coronavirus clusters have been reported in Wuhan city - where the virus first emerged - and the north-eastern province of Jilin in China .
Wuhan reported five new cases on Monday , after confirming its first case since 3 April on Sunday .
Authorities said the small cluster of cases were all from the same residential compound .
China has been easing restrictions in recent weeks and cases had been declining .
Health authorities and experts have warned that as countries emerge from strict lockdowns and people move around more freely , a rise in infections is likely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to emerge since the end of the strict lockdown on 8 April .
One of the five cases reported on Monday was the wife of an 89-year-old man who became the first confirmed case in the city in well over a month on Sunday .
• What we still do n't know about the coronavirus • Can we trust China claims of virus success ?
All of the latest cases were previously classified as asymptomatic - meaning they tested positive for the virus but were not exhibiting clinical signs such as a cough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus despite not being sick , but China does not count asymptomatic cases in its official tally of confirmed infections until they show symptoms .
Hundreds of asymptomatic cases are being monitored by Wuhan health authorities .
Meanwhile over the weekend , Shulan city in Jilin province , near the borders with Russia and North Korea , reported 11 new cases .
Chinese state media reported that 11 domestically transmitted cases had been recorded in Shulan on Saturday .
A day later , the city declared martial law and went into lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places to be temporarily shut , said a Global Times report .
Shulan has been upgraded to high-risk , the only city in the country with this designation .
All residents have been told to stay home and only one family member is allowed out each day to buy essential products .
All public transportation has been suspended and taxis are not allowed to leave the city .
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms ?
It comes after China had last week declared that all regions in the country were designated as low risk .
Nearby Jilin city has also upgraded its risk level from low to medium after seeing two new cases - and there are now fears that the wider province could be in danger .
Other cities in the province are now on high alert .
The nearby Changchun city and Dongfeng county says all those returning from Shulan will have to be quarantined for 14 days .
Train services from Shulan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The neighbouring province of Liaoning reported one new case on Sunday - a 23-year-old who had recently returned from Jilin .
What led to the new infections in Shulan ?
The infections were all linked to a 45-year-old who is a laundry worker at a local public security bureau .
She later went on to infect her husband , three sisters and other family members .
But it 's unclear how the woman herself might have become infected .
Reports say she had no recent travel history outside the province , and no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be exposed to the virus .
A total of 276 of her close contacts have been placed in quarantine , reported China Daily .
But it 's possible that the location of the province might have played a part - it borders both North Korea and Russia .
• Scepticism over N Korea 's claim to be virus free Officially , there have been no reported cases from North Korea though Russia has seen over 200,000 cases , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
In recent weeks , the neighbouring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike in the number of imported cases , mainly made of Chinese citizens travelling back from Russia .
Similarly , eight people returning from Russia to Shulan between 8 - 30 April tested positive for the virus , according to one local government official .
Some 300 other people who returned within this time frame were put into quarantine .
The secretary of the Jilin Provincial Committee has said that the city will trace every close contact , every suspicious person and every clue , adding that the actions of every infected person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find the source .
What 's the situation elsewhere in China ?
China has seen declining cases for weeks and has been gradually easing restrictions .
Some people have gone back to work , some schools have reopened and on Monday Disneyland in Shanghai welcomed visitors for the first time after three and a half months .
But also on Monday , China reported 17 new cases nationally - the highest daily increase since 28 April - bringing the total number of cases to 82,918 , with the death toll at 4,633 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ US begin to ease restrictions , governments and health experts have warned that the pandemic is far from over .

But it's unclear how the woman herself might have become infected. Reports say she had no recent travel history outside the province, and no known contact with anyone that's known to be exposed to the virus. A total of 276 of her close contacts have been placed in quarantine, reported China Daily.


bbc--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: South Dakota Sioux refuse to take down 'illegal' checkpoints

Sioux tribes in the US state of South Dakota are refusing to remove coronavirus checkpoints they set up on roads which pass through their land .
Governor Kristi Noem wrote to several tribal leaders last week saying the checkpoints were illegal .
But the Sioux say they are the only way of making sure the virus does not enter their reservations .
Their limited healthcare facilities would not be able to cope with an outbreak , they say .
At present , people are only allowed to enter the reservations for essential business if they have not travelled from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a health questionnaire before doing so .
Ms Noem is threatening to take the two tribes - the Oglala Sioux and the Cheyenne River Sioux tribes - to federal court if they do not comply .
In a letter sent to their representatives on Friday , she demanded the checkpoints be removed .
`` The checkpoints on state and US highways are not legal , and if they do n't come down , the state will take the matter to federal court , as Governor Noem noted in her Friday letter , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maggie Seidel , said in an email sent to the local Argus Leader newspaper on Sunday .
Tribes are meant to get permission from state authorities if they want to close or restrict travel inside their reservations .
You may also be interested in : The chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe , Harold Frazier , issued a statement in response to the governor on Friday , saying : `` We will not apologise for being an island of safety in a sea of uncertainty and death . ''
`` You continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what science and facts dictate seriously undermine our ability to protect everyone on the reservation , '' he added .
Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear Runner says Ms Noem 's decision `` threatened the sovereign interest of the Oglala people '' .
`` Due to the lack of judgment in planning of preventative measures in response to the current pandemic , Covid-19 , the Oglala Sioux Tribe has adopted reasonable and necessary measures to protect the health and safety of our tribal members and our other residents of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Argus Leader .
Mr Frazier says the main purpose of the checkpoints is to monitor and try to track the virus .
`` We want to ensure that people coming from 'hotspots ' or highly infected areas , we ask them to go around our land , '' he told CNN .
`` With the lack of resources we have medically , this is our best tool we have right now to try to prevent [ the spread of Covid-19 ] , '' he added .
He says the reservations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the nearest critical care facilities three hours away .
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe only operates an eight-bed facility on the reservation and no intensive care unit for the 12,000 people that live on the reservation , he adds .
South Dakota is one of a handful of US states which have not issued stay-at-home order to their residents .
There were 198 cases of Covid-19 among Native Americans in the state as of Sunday , according to state health department figures quoted by CNN .
The state has more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
The US has the highest number of virus deaths and cases in the world - but it also has one of the biggest populations , and widespread testing .

"The checkpoints on state and US highways are not legal, and if they don't come down, the state will take the matter to federal court, as Governor Noem noted in her Friday letter," her senior adviser and policy director, Maggie Seidel, said in an email sent to the local Argus Leader newspaper on Sunday.


bbc--2020-05-11--Jerry Stiller: Seinfeld star and father of actor Ben dies aged 92

Comedian Jerry Stiller , best known for his recurring role as George Costanza 's father on TV 's Seinfeld , has died aged 92 , his actor son Ben has confirmed .
`` I 'm sad to say that my father passed away from natural causes , '' Ben wrote on Twitter , calling him `` a great dad and grandfather '' and `` dedicated husband '' .
Born in New York in 1927 , Stiller spent many years in a comedy team with his wife Anne Meara , who died in 2015 .
His other roles included Arthur Spooner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Stiller appeared with son Ben in several film comedies , among them Zoolander , Zoolander 2 and The Heartbreak Kid .
He also had roles in both the original 1988 film of Hairspray and the musical adaptation that followed in 2007 .
For many , though , he will be best remembered as Jason Alexander 's on-screen father in Seinfeld , a role he played for six years .
His role as the volatile and cantankerous Frank Costanza saw him nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 1997 .
John Randolph was originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one appearance before Stiller replaced him .
`` I 'll never forget , on the first day of the shoot in front of the audience ... the whole cast surrounded me , wishing me well , '' he remembered in 2005 .
`` They were rooting for me .
They were protecting me from the fear ... From that day on , those were the best years of my life as an actor . ''
Stiller met Meara at a New York casting call in 1953 and they married the following year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ act and made more than 30 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show , CBS 's top-rated variety programme .
In 2007 Stiller and Meara were given a joint star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles .
Three years later the couple hosted a web-based chat show , shot in their home in Manhattan 's Upper West Side .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"They were rooting for me. They were protecting me from the fear... From that day on, those were the best years of my life as an actor."


bbc--2020-05-11--Johnson to reveal more details of lockdown roadmap

People in England can meet another person from outside their household as long as they are outside and stay 2m apart , the government has confirmed .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said people should `` use some common sense '' and can not visit others at their home .
The new rule is part of a 50-page guidance document to be published by the government later .
Scotland and Wales - which have their own powers over lockdown and have not changed the advice to stay at home - rejected No 10 's new `` stay alert '' slogan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PM 's plan for lacking clarity .
• What are the new rules ?
• Who am I allowed to meet now ?
• Are you going back to work today ?
Email In his address on Sunday , the PM said people who could not work from home - including those in the manufacturing and construction industries - should be `` actively encouraged to go back to work '' but avoid public transport .
Mr Raab confirmed that this will apply from Wednesday .
People will also be allowed to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or sunbathe in parks , drive to other destinations to exercise and play sports with household members from Wednesday .
The Welsh Government has urged people not to drive across the border into Wales .
The changes in guidelines will also allow two people from different households to meet in a park if they stay 2m ( 6ft ) apart .
Asked about that advice on BBC Breakfast on Monday , Mr Raab said : `` So we 've said that as long as you go out of home , for the park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be , you can go with members of your own household .
`` If you 're out in the park and you 're 2m apart ... and use some common sense and you socially-distance , you can meet up with other people . ''
Asked if someone could meet more than two people at different times , for example their mother in the morning and father in the afternoon , Mr Raab said : `` Outside in the outdoors , staying 2m apart , yes . ''
However , the UK government put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet one person outside at a time - not two people , such as both parents , at the same time .
It comes after Mr Raab incorrectly told the Today programme that someone could meet both their parents at the same time `` if there 's 2m apart '' .
Mr Raab was also pressed on whether people could meet others in a garden or driveway .
`` We are not moving to a stage where we say that households can mix inside the home , '' he said .
`` So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not mix within the homes… and that advice is not changing . ''
People who have been identified as vulnerable - those who are being shielded - are still strongly advised to stay at home and anyone who has symptoms should self-isolate .
When outdoors , people are much less likely to come into contact with an infected surface , while any tiny particles of virus ( called aerosols ) would be dispersed by fresh air .
So the main remaining danger comes from large droplets , and staying 2m away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend - should overcome that .
On Sunday , Mr Johnson announced a new Covid alert system with five levels that would influence how quickly the lockdown - which was first announced on 23 March - could be changed .
Level five is the most critical , and the UK is currently ready to move from level four to three .
Mr Johnson said the government would `` modify '' lockdown measures over three `` careful '' steps through to July .
The first step begins on Wednesday .
Mr Johnson said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the earliest by 1 June '' - there could be a phased reopening of shops and some primary aged pupils could return to school .
The third step could see some hospitality businesses and other public places reopen - `` if the numbers support it '' - but not earlier than 1 July .
The prime minister stressed this was all `` conditional '' on a series of `` big ifs '' and he would not hesitate to `` put on the brakes '' if there are further outbreaks of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement to Parliament at 15:30 BST on Monday , with more information expected on a Covid-19 alert system , use of face masks , and the return of professional football .
There will be a press conference in the evening , No 10 said .
'Trying to pull off the impossible' The prime minister is effectively trying to pull off the impossible .
He wants to try to restart normal life , while keeping the virus at bay with limited means to do so .
With no vaccine , the government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the problem is that even with the extra testing that has been put in place over the past month , there are big holes in the UK 's ability to suppress the virus .
It takes too long to get test results back - several days in some cases - and those most in need of regular testing , such as care home staff for example , are still reporting they can not always access tests .
Our ability to trace the close contacts of infected people remains unknown - the piloting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of an app and army of contact tracers , has just started on the Isle of Wight .
It means we are effectively fighting this `` invisible killer '' with one hand behind our back .
We are not alone in struggling , similar problems are being encountered by other countries .
But we are still some way behind the best prepared and equipped , such as Germany and South Korea .
But Sir Keir said Mr Johnson 's speech raised `` as many questions as it answers '' .
Labour 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment rights minister Andy McDonald said they were `` deeply concerned '' about the recommendation that those people unable to work from home should go back to work .
In a letter to Business Secretary Alok Sharma , they said urging staff to return to work with 12 hours ' notice and no guidance on how they could stay safe was `` irresponsible and wrong '' .
They called on the government to publish its guidance and ensure it addressed measures such as safe social distancing in the workplace and mandatory Covid-19 risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as answers Mr Johnson said he had consulted `` across the political spectrum , across all four nations of the UK '' and that his plan was a `` a general consensus on what we could do '' .
But the leaders of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have refused to adopt England 's new message of `` stay alert , control the virus , save lives '' .
Wales ' health minister said there had not been a `` four-nations agreement '' on the new `` stay alert '' message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home '' in Wales was unchanged .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there should be a `` simpler '' message and stressed the `` stay at home '' slogan would continue to apply in Scotland .
The Northern Ireland Executive said it would `` consider its plan for a phased , strategic approach to recovery '' at a meeting on Monday , with politicians there emphasising the `` stay at home '' message ahead of Mr Johnson 's address on Monday .
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your area ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
Some union leaders and business groups have criticised the plans , and called for further clarity .
The National Education Union ( NEU ) said the idea that some schools could reopen from 1 June was `` nothing short of reckless '' as the infection rate is still `` far too great '' .
Meanwhile , TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said the PM 's statement would cause workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , and urged No 10 to provide `` clear direction '' for staff and employers in the form of `` tough '' new safety rules .
The British Chambers of Commerce said businesses needed their `` practical questions answered so they can plan to restart , rebuild and renew '' .
It comes as a further 269 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus , taking the total number of deaths recorded to 31,855 .
The government missed its target of 100,000 tests a day for the eighth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests on Saturday .
• John Apter , the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales , said the PM 's plans risk being a set of `` loose rules that are left open to interpretation '' and difficult to enforce • A limited number of jury trials in England and Wales will resume with social distancing rules from next week at selected courts , including London 's Old Bailey and Cardiff Crown Court • Further details are expected on the government 's plans to impose a 14-day quarantine on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister said yesterday would not apply between France and the UK `` at this stage '' • The justice secretary has indicated there may be changes to lockdown rules which has led to weddings being cancelled due to the coronavirus Are you going back to work today ?
Email haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Or Upload your pictures/video here • Please read our terms & @ @ @ @

But the problem is that even with the extra testing that has been put in place over the past month, there are big holes in the UK's ability to suppress the virus. It takes too long to get test results back - several days in some cases - and those most in need of regular testing, such as care home staff for example, are still reporting they cannot always access tests.


bbc--2020-05-11--Richard Pusey: Australian driver 'taunted dying police at crash scene'

An Australian man filmed and mocked four police officers as they lay dying , a court has heard according to local media .
Richard Pusey , 41 , who faces charges of reckless conduct and obstructing justice , applied for bail on Monday .
He was pulled over for speeding on a highway last month .
A short while later , a truck veered into the lane and ploughed into the officers .
Mr Pusey was left uninjured .
Police say he filmed the scene before fleeing .
On Monday , his lawyer , Vincent Peters , said his client @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accident , reported the Australian Associated Press .
All four police officers had been standing out of their cars when the refrigerated lorry drove into them and Mr Pusey 's Porsche sports car .
The driver , Mohinder Singh Bajwa , is facing negligent driving charges over the crash .
Mr Pusey was arrested at his home in Melbourne hours after the crash on 22 April on the Eastern Freeway .
Senior Constables Lynette Taylor and Kevin King , and Constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney died at the scene .
It represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history of Victoria Police , officials said .
Police told a court on Monday that Mr Pusey filmed the scene for over three minutes , during which he zoomed in on certain areas and made derogatory remarks .
The body camera of Senior Constable Taylor also captured Mr Pusey taunting her as she lay pinned under the truck .
Experts say she was likely still alive at the time .
Police have alleged that he later tested positive for drugs .
`` There you go .
Amazing , absolutely amazing , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All I wanted was to go home and have my sushi now and you 've [ expletive ] my [ expletive ] car . ''
His reported statements have sparked outrage in the local community .
Victoria 's Police Minister Lisa Neville previously condemned his actions as `` completely sickening and disgusting '' .
The court is yet to make a decision on his bail application .

All four police officers had been standing out of their cars when the refrigerated lorry drove into them and Mr Pusey's Porsche sports car. The driver, Mohinder Singh Bajwa, is facing negligent driving charges over the crash.


bbc--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: French arrivals exempt from UK quarantine plans

Passengers arriving from France will be exempt from forthcoming UK coronavirus quarantine measures .
Boris Johnson said on Sunday the rules would be imposed on people coming into the UK , to prevent Covid-19 being brought in from overseas .
As yet , no start or end date for the measures has been announced .
The government has already indicated that people arriving from the Republic of Ireland will not be made to go into quarantine .
However , the measures will apply to UK holidaymakers returning from other destinations .
Travel industry analysts said that meant a one-week or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another two weeks in self-isolation .
The World Travel and Tourism Council expressed concern about the new measures , saying they would damage confidence among would-be travellers .
• What are the new travel quarantine rules ?
In his address to the nation on Sunday , the prime minister said : `` I am serving notice that it will soon be the time - with transmission significantly lower - to impose quarantine on people coming into this country by air . ''
The government later clarified that the rules would apply not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving by other means of travel .
UK airlines previously said they had been told that any quarantine period would last for 14 days , and that people might be expected to provide an address when they arrive at the border .
Following Mr Johnson 's speech , No 10 confirmed a reciprocal deal with the government in Paris meant restrictions would not apply to passengers from France .
In a joint statement , the UK and French governments said they had agreed to `` work together in taking forward appropriate border measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is particularly necessary for the management of our common border . ''
The statement added : `` No quarantine measures would apply to travellers coming from France at this stage ; any measures on either side would be taken in a concerted and reciprocal manner .
`` A working group between the two governments will be set up to ensure this consultation throughout the coming weeks . ''
Willie Walsh , chief executive of British Airways owner IAG , said it was more bad news for the travel industry .
`` There 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister say yesterday , '' he told MPs on parliament 's Transport Select Committee .
When asked why travellers from France will not be quarantined over , for example , Germany , he said : `` That 's the bit I do n't understand .
`` We will have to wait and see the final details of what the Prime Minister intends to do . ''
He added that the quarantine measures will mean his company will have to review its plan to return to 50 % capacity by July , Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Travel and Tourism Council , told the BBC 's Today programme she was `` concerned '' about the government 's new policy .
`` Quarantines work when implemented early , so it should have probably been applied much earlier in the UK , '' she said .
`` We believe this is going to highly damage the confidence of people who are wishing to travel or at least make some plans in the near future . ''
Ms Messina pointed out that some airports in other countries were testing passengers for the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they tested negative .
Airline and airport bosses spoke to the aviation minister on Sunday about the new measures .
However , they told the BBC that they were still in the dark over basic details such as when they would come into force , when they would end and whether they would be continuously reviewed .
Airlines are calling for additional government support after the prime minister confirmed a quarantine period will come into force .
Airlines UK chief executive Tim Alderslade said : `` We all , including government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but closing off air travel in this way is not the way to achieve this . ''
The government faces a two-pronged attack over its travel quarantine , even though the detail on the policy is still sparse .
The pandemic is already causing acute damage to the UK 's aviation sector , and airline and airport bosses believe the quarantine will make things a whole lot worse .
They did not receive the reassurances they wanted during a call with the aviation minister earlier on Sunday .
Opposition MPs are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If now , why not before ? ''
It 's estimated that about 100,000 people have arrived in the UK since 23 March , when the lockdown was brought in .
Many people coming home in recent weeks have been left confused over whether they were supposed to self-isolate .
Government advice that people arriving from China and Italy who did n't have symptoms should stay at home for two weeks was withdrawn on 13 March .
Heathrow airport said it supported the government 's aim of avoiding a second wave of infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amounted to a temporary closure of borders .
However , the airport 's chief executive , John Holland-Kaye , said the government `` urgently '' needed to lay out a roadmap for how it would reopen borders once the disease had been beaten .
Air travel has ground to a halt because of the global coronavirus pandemic , prompting steep job cuts by the industry .
Ryanair has said it plans to axe 3,000 workers and has asked remaining staff to take a pay cut .
BA has said it will cut 12,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it might not reopen at Gatwick Airport once the pandemic passes .
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?

However, they told the BBC that they were still in the dark over basic details such as when they would come into force, when they would end and whether they would be continuously reviewed.


bbc--2020-05-11--Saudi Arabia triples VAT to support coronavirus-hit economy

Saudi Arabia is tripling its value added tax ( VAT ) as part of austerity measures to support its coronavirus-hit economy .
The government in Riyadh also said it will suspend its cost of living allowance to shore up state finances .
The oil-rich nation has seen its income plummet as the impact of the pandemic has forced down global energy prices .
The kingdom first introduced VAT two years ago as part of efforts to cut its reliance on world crude oil markets .
Saudi Arabia 's state news agency said VAT will increase from 5 % to 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cost of living allowance will be suspended from 1 June .
The allowance of 1,000 riyals ( $ 267 ; 245 euros ) per month to state employees was introduced in 2018 to help offset increased financial burdens including VAT and a rise in the price of petrol .
`` These measures are painful but necessary to maintain financial and economic stability over [ the ] medium to long term ... and overcome the unprecedented coronavirus crisis with the least damage possible , '' finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said in the statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recession be ?
• US oil prices turn negative as demand dries up The announcement came after state spending outstripped income , pushing the kingdom into a $ 9bn ( £7.2bn ) budget deficit in the first three months of the year .
That 's as oil revenues in the period fell by almost a quarter from a year earlier to $ 34bn , pulling down total revenues by 22 % .
At the same time Saudi Arabia 's central bank saw its foreign reserves fall in March at their fastest rate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowest level since 2011 .
The measures to fight the impact of coronavirus are expected to slow the pace and scale of economic reforms launched by Crown Price Mohammed bin Salman .
Last year Saudi Arabia raised a record $ 25.6bn in the initial public offering of shares in state-owned oil giant Aramco in Riyadh .
The share sale was at the heart of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 's plans to modernise the economy and wean it off its dependence on oil .

"These measures are painful but necessary to maintain financial and economic stability over [the] medium to long term... and overcome the unprecedented coronavirus crisis with the least damage possible," finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said in the statement.


bbc--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: Mexican jailed gang leader Escamilla dies

Moisés Escamilla May , a notorious Mexican gang leader , has died in prison after contracting coronavirus .
Escamilla , 45 , was the leader of a group part of the feared criminal cartel Los Zetas .
He was serving a 37-year sentence for organised crime , including his role in the decapitation of 12 people in Yucatán .
More than 3,450 have died with Covid-19 in Mexico , according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University .
Moisés Escamilla May , also known as Gordo May ( Fat May ) , led a group calling itself `` Old School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Los Zetas criminal cartel .
He was the main supplier of cocaine in Cancún , smuggling it via maritime routes from Central America into the popular beach resort .
He also ran a network of informants which included members of the local police force .
When he was arrested in 2008 along with eight of his men , his group was considered the strongest criminal organisation in the Cancún area .
He was viewed as a highly dangerous inmate and when he died was being held at the Puente Grande maximum security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory problems on 6 May and died two days later , but authorities only made his death public on Sunday .
How badly hit is Mexico by coronavirus ?
According to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University , Mexico has more than 35,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 3,465 deaths .
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
That figure is much lower than that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has the highest number of confirmed infections anywhere in the world at more than 1.3 million .
However , many in Mexico fear that a low level of testing means the true number of cases could be much higher .
The United Nations has warned that prisons in Latin America , which are often overcrowded , could become hotbeds of coronavirus as it is impossible for inmates to socially distance .
There have been deadly prison riots in Venezuela , Peru and Colombia - with inmates demanding more be done to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amnesty law passed in Mexico to allow some inmates to go free and ease overcrowding in prisons during the pandemic has been criticised by activists as not being far reaching enough to make a difference .
At Puente Grande prison alone , there have been 74 reported coronavirus cases , local media say .
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An amnesty law passed in Mexico to allow some inmates to go free and ease overcrowding in prisons during the pandemic has been criticised by activists as not being far reaching enough to make a difference.


bbc--2020-05-11--Colombian airline Avianca files for bankruptcy in US court

Colombia 's national airline , Avianca , has filed for bankruptcy protection in a US court .
The carrier is the second-largest in Latin America , but its passenger operations have been grounded since March because of coronavirus .
It said the pandemic had cut more than 80 % of its income , and it was struggling with high fixed costs .
If it fails to come out of bankruptcy , Avianca will be the first major airline to go under amid the pandemic .
In a statement , the firm said it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The process postpones a US company 's obligations to its creditors , giving it time to reorganise its debts or sell parts of the business .
Chief executive Anko van der Werff said the move was needed to ensure the New York-listed airline emerge as a `` better , more efficient airline that operates for many more years '' .
• How will airlines get flying again ?
More than 140 of its aircraft have been grounded since Colombian President Ivan Duque closed the country 's airspace in March .
Most of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave .
Behind KLM , Avianca is the second-longest continually running airline in the world .
It previously filed for bankruptcy in the early 2000s , and was rescued by a deal with Bolivian oil tycoon German Efromovich .
The airline grew quickly under his stewardship , but its growing debt led to a successful boardroom coup against Mr Efromovich last year .
It is now run by Kingsland Holdings .
The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a huge blow to the international aviation industry , as governments impose travel restrictions and confinement measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 % , according to the International Air Transport Association .
The body predicts Latin American airlines will lose $ 15bn ( £12bn ; €13.9bn ) in revenues this year - the biggest drop in the industry 's history .

It previously filed for bankruptcy in the early 2000s, and was rescued by a deal with Bolivian oil tycoon German Efromovich. The airline grew quickly under his stewardship, but its growing debt led to a successful boardroom coup against Mr Efromovich last year. It is now run by Kingsland Holdings.


bbc--2020-05-11--Niger attacks: At least 20 killed in Tillaberi villages

At least 20 people have been killed in attacks by gunmen on several villages in Niger , local authorities say .
Tidjani Ibrahim Katiella , governor of Tillaberi region , said the assailants were riding motorbikes during the incidents on Saturday .
The unidentified group reportedly looted shops , stole cattle and ordered village inhabitants to flee .
Since 2017 a state of emergency has been in place in Tillaberi , which borders Mali , Burkina Faso and Benin .
Niger , Mali and Burkina Faso are all struggling to cope with a jihadist insurgency , with numerous different militant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three UN peacekeepers were killed and four wounded in an attack in northern Mali 's Kidal region on Sunday .
• Africa Live : Updates on this and other stories • How West Africa is under threat from Islamist militants • The war in the desert Eyewitnesses told local media that the latest attacks in Niger took place at about 16:00 local time ( 15:00 GMT ) , with gunmen targeting villages including Gadabo and Koira Teguio .
The UN has a 13,000-strong peacekeeping force in Mali , which has been targeted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chadian peacekeepers were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb .
No group has claimed responsibility for the deaths , but such explosives are a preferred tactic of jihadis in the area .
The head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country , Mahamat Saleh Annadif , said those responsible for what he called a `` cowardly terrorist act '' must be apprehended and put on trial .
Militants affiliated to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda continue to operate in the region , weakening control by national governments .
Attacks by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since December last year .
Last week the UN Secretary General , Antonio Guterres , warned that jihadist groups in the Sahel were exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to step up attacks .
Combatting militants in the region is seen as important for maintaining security further afield , including Europe .
Several African and European countries , along with the US , have set up a military task force to deal with the insurgency .

Combatting militants in the region is seen as important for maintaining security further afield, including Europe. Several African and European countries, along with the US, have set up a military task force to deal with the insurgency.


bbc--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: Crowd concerns as Australia’s restrictions ease

Australians flocked to shopping centres across the country as coronavirus restrictions began to ease .
But a lack of adhering @ @ @ @ @ has raised concerns .
Brisbane shopper Richard Low described the rush as similar to `` @ @ @ @

Australians flocked to shopping centres across the country as coronavirus restrictions began to ease.
But a lack of adhering to 1.5-metre physical distancing rules has raised concerns.
Brisbane shopper Richard Low described the rush as similar to "Christmas crowds".


bbc--2020-05-10--World War Two: Forced labourer who made Jersey his home

Around 16,000 slave and forced workers were brought to Jersey during World War Two , during the German occupation of @ @ @ @ @ Lopez Rubio 's father was brought to Jersey from Spain , but ended up staying @ @ @ @

Around 16,000 slave and forced workers were brought to Jersey during World War Two, during the German occupation of the Channel Islands.
Andrew Lopez Rubio's father was brought to Jersey from Spain, but ended up staying on the island.


bbc--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: How lockdown is being lifted across Europe

After almost seven weeks of lockdown in the UK , Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the next phase of the country 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Across Europe , people are already seeing an easing of lockdown measures , as businesses reopen and children start going back to school .
Here is how Europeans are emerging from life under lockdown .
Germany has begun opening up : control of lifting the lockdown will now be in the hands of Germany 's 16 federal states .
But Chancellor Angela Merkel has stressed that an `` emergency brake '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge in new infections .
• Shops of all sizes are now allowed to reopen , with extra hygiene and social distancing measures • Shops smaller than 800 m2 have been allowed to open since 20 April , alongside car dealerships , bicycle shops and bookshops • Schools have been partially reopened for young children and those taking exams .
All other classes will return gradually throughout the summer term • Bundesliga football matches resume behind closed doors on Saturday 16 May - the first big European league to do so • Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with each other • Big public events like festivals are banned until at least the end of August Germany says football can resume and shops reopen France 's strict lockdown was imposed on 17 March and residents were required to provide a travel permit justifying any trips outside .
From 11 May , those restrictions have been eased and the situation will be reviewed after three weeks .
• Residents no longer have to provide travel certificates , and car journeys within a radius of up to 100km ( 62 miles ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trips still require a certificate and during the rush-hour in Paris you will need your employer 's authorisation or a compelling reason to travel • The lockdown map shows France split in two , with four `` red zones '' including Paris keeping parks , gardens and schools for 11 to 18-year-olds shut for the time being • Primary schools and nurseries can reopen after 11 May , while schools for 11 to 15 year-olds ( collèges ) in `` green zones '' will open on 18 May .
A limit of 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks will be compulsory for older children .
Schools for 15 to 18-year-olds ( lycées ) are not opening before June • All shops ( bar Paris shopping centres ) can now reopen ; leisure centres and cemeteries can reopen but bars and restaurants will remain closed • Gatherings of fewer than 10 people will also be permitted ; the elderly and vulnerable will be allowed out but must use common sense Ireland has had a stricter lockdown than the UK , with residents only allowed to exercise within 2km ( 1.2 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five-stage roadmap to re-open the country starts on 18 May , with restrictions eased every three weeks .
• Schools will remain shut until September , while outdoor workers such as construction workers and gardeners will be allowed to resume activities from May 18 • Creches and nurseries will open for the children of essential workers from 29 June , and this will be extended to the children of other workers from 20 July .
Childcare workers will be sent to the homes of 5,000 essential workers from 18 May • Social visits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 June , and from 29 June , people will be allowed to travel within a 20km radius of their homes • Weddings , baptisms and small social gatherings will be allowed from 20 July , but only for family and close friends • Shops selling non-essential items can open from 8 June if the number of staff and customers remain small , and larger premises can open from 29 June Belgium : Four people in your social bubble Restrictions are slowly being lifted in a country that has seen a high number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will have to resume our social life very gradually , '' said Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès as she detailed Belgium 's exit road-map .
• As of 10 May , people living in the same household are being allowed to receive visits from a group of up to four people .
But these people will not be allowed to visit anywhere else • Fabric shops reopened on 4 May , as new regulations require all Belgians aged 12 or over to wear masks on public transport • Other shops are opening on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing guidelines • Schools will resume classes from 18 May , but no more than 10 children will be allowed in each classroom • Cafes and restaurants will start to open from 8 June • Why so many people are dying in Belgium The Netherlands imposed a far less strict lockdown than its southern neighbour .
Prime Minister Mark Rutte has unveiled a five-phase plan for easing lockdown restrictions that kicks in from 11 May .
• Libraries are opening to visitors and hairdressers , nail bars , beauticians , masseuses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 May .
Primary schools will also partially reopen • Bars and restaurants will be able to open their outdoor spaces to customers from 1 June ; secondary schools will also reopen • Campsites and holiday parks can reopen from 1 July , as can theatres , restaurants and cinemas with up to 100 customers with social distancing • People can play team sports outdoors as long they observe social distancing • Larger events and contact sports may resume in September , along with sex clubs and saunas Austria was one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The health minister says the reopening of small shops in the middle of April has n't caused a spike in cases , with new infections increasing by just 0.2 % .
But he said May would be the `` decisive month '' .
• Larger shops , shopping centres and hairdressers reopened in early May • Public parks , small shops , DIY stores and garden centres have been allowed to open since 14 April • Outdoor sport that can be socially distanced , such as tennis , golf and athletics is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have been allowed since the start of May • Restaurants and cafes will open from the mid-May , while hotels , zoos , swimming pools and tourist attractions will open from the end of the month • Pupils in their final year of school returned to classes at the beginning of May .
Other years will start returning from the middle of the month Denmark , one of the first European countries to announce a lockdown , started to roll back measures in mid-April and is moving ahead with the second phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care centres and primary schools returned on 14 April , although parents and visitors are not allowed on school premises and children arrive and leave school at different times .
Childrenaged 12-16 will return from 18 May , as will exam students • Hairdressers , beauty and massage salons , optometrists , podiatrists and chiropractors reopened on 20 April • Professional sport is allowed behind closed doors , along with amateur sport under guidelines • Shopping centres , cafes and restaurants are due to reopen on 11 May with social distancing guidelines • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covers museums , cinemas , zoos , indoor sports and colleges • Phase 4 in early August will include gyms , swimming pools and nightclubs Spain outlined a four-stage plan on 4 May to start rolling back one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe , which saw children under 14 confined to their homes for six weeks .
Restrictions will be eased in two-week blocks until 10 June , but only in some parts of the country .
Madrid , Barcelona , Granada , Malaga and some regions in the north-east will stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Schools will be partially reopened from 26 May .
This will allow for revision classes and state exams but a full reopening is not expected until September • From 11 May , customers can order a beer in a terrace bar but bars and restaurants will not fully reopen until 10 June , adhering to strict social distancing guidelines and only at 50 % capacity • Cinemas , theatres and exhibitions will be allowed to open from 26 May , but will only be allowed to operate at 30 % capacity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be permitted if concert-goers remain at a safe distance from each other • Churches and mosques can reopen from 11 May , but only at partial capacity Italy imposed a strict and lengthy lockdown , with a ban on walking or exercising more than 200m away from home .
In early May , some restrictions were relaxed and people are now able to travel for longer distances , as well as visit their relatives in small numbers .
Visits to other regions of the country are still banned .
• Bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are expected to fully reopen for dine-in service from 1 June • Hairdressers and beauty salons are due to reopen from 1 June • More shops will reopen on 18 May along with museums and libraries • Sports teams will also be able to hold group training from 18 May • Funerals are now allowed with a maximum of 15 people attending , ideally outdoors • Schools will not reopen until September • The Catholic Church will be allowed to hold masses from 18 May Greece recorded its first Covid-19 case on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to impose a lockdown .
On 28 April , Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a relaxation of lockdown measures in the weeks ahead .
• Churches opened for individual prayer on 4 May and religious services will be allowed from 17 May • Schools are reopening on 11 May for final year students only , with special measures including students attending classes on different days • Shops are now all able to reopen from 11 May and indoor shopping centres can do so on 1 June • Cafes and restaurants will be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only with outdoor seating and clear distance between chairs Greek scientists are working on rules on cleaning , social distancing and testing to open the country to tourists this summer .
Beaches reopened on 4 May .
• Fast on coronavirus , now they need to save summer Poland : Parks and forests first to reopen In Poland , Covid-19 numbers are lower than in many Western European countries - 15,000 confirmed infections and more than 700 deaths , according to America 's Johns Hopkins University .
Most of the new infections have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the southern Silesia region .
Poland began lifting restrictions on 20 April , when parks and forests were allowed to reopen .
• Hotels , shops , shopping centres , museums and galleries reopened on 4 May , with one customer per 15 sq m of space allowed • Nurseries were given the option to reopen from 6 May • Face coverings in public will remain obligatory until a vaccine is available Strictly speaking , there was no real lockdown so Sweden does not have much to remove .
It never imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the continent .
• Restaurants , bars , schools and businesses remained opened .
But it did ban gatherings of more than 50 people and visits to nursing homes for elderly • Sweden has recorded over 3,000 deaths , the highest per capita number compared with the rest of the Nordic countries • Most of the population have taken to voluntary social distancing .
many are working from home , keeping at least a metre away from other people at least some of the time and refraining from travelling .
• Has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other European countries , Russia 's outbreak is yet to peak and at least 10,000 new infections were reported daily last week .
There will be no end to the lockdown just yet .
• President Vladimir Putin has left it to local governors to decide on the best policy • Moscow , as the worst-hit city , has imposed the most stringent set of restrictions which will continue until at least 31 May • From 12 May it will be compulsory to wear gloves and masks in shops and on public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pharmacies are open .
Moscow mayor Sergey Sobyanin says it is too early to open non-essential shops and shopping centres • Schools are shut and many people are working from home .
There is currently no plan in place as to how to re-open them .
Travel within Moscow and also between cities is discouraged .
Many cities have police cordons and only those with residential registration are allowed in .

In Poland, Covid-19 numbers are lower than in many Western European countries. Although it largely escaped the worst pandemic, there was an outbreak at coal mines in the industrial heartland of Upper Silesia in early June. Poland began lifting restrictions on 20 April, when parks and forests were allowed to reopen.


bbc--2020-05-11--Africa's Sahel becomes latest al-Qaeda-IS battleground

West Africa 's Sahel region has become the latest scene of jihadist in-fighting , after Islamic State group ( IS ) revealed it is engaged in fierce clashes with al-Qaeda militants in Mali and Burkina Faso .
IS made the revelation on 7 May in a detailed report in its weekly newspaper al-Naba .
It blamed al-Qaeda 's Sahel affiliate , Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin ( JNIM ) , for starting the fight and mobilising large forces to attack IS positions in the two countries .
The scenario is familiar .
IS and al-Qaeda affiliates have already locked horns in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Somali and Syria , competing for influence , recruits and resources .
The IS article contradicts mainstream reports from earlier this year that suggested the two groups were collaborating in the region .
The in-fighting could have an impact on jihadist operations against local and foreign troops in the Sahel , where both groups have significantly stepped up attacks since last year .
What did IS say ?
In its report , IS decried recent al-Qaeda attacks on IS militants in Mali and Burkina Faso , where both groups are active .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its leaders Iyad Ag Ghaly and Amadou Koufa , had amassed big forces to target IS on a number of occasions in both countries since April .
It also complained that JNIM was blocking fuel supplies from reaching IS militants and detaining locals suspected of supporting IS .
This JNIM move , IS said , coincides with an upscale in operations against IS by regional African and French troops in the Sahel .
JNIM , IS claimed , used these conditions as an opportunity to target IS at this particular time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ obstacle facing JNIM today , since the latter has agreed to hold talks with the Mali government and has allegedly made peace with all pro and anti government forces and tribes in northern Mali , including `` the pagan '' Dogon self-defence militias .
IS has previously sought to use JNIM 's willingness to open dialogue with Malian authorities as a means to undermine the al-Qaeda group 's jihadist credentials .
It is not clear why IS and JNIM have not publicly discussed the clashes until this latest IS report , especially given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been heavy fighting since 17 April .
The IS revelation , however , follows an unverified statement attributed to JNIM and shared online on 5 May by unofficial jihadist accounts , in which the al-Qaeda group firmly rejected a purported IS ceasefire proposal .
If the statement is authentic , it may explain why IS decided to go public with the story now .
The alleged JNIM statement came in response to an unverified audio message shared online in April and attributed to an IS Mali commander identified as Abdel Hakim al-Sahraoui @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truce if JNIM agreed to pay blood money for slain IS fighters and to release IS prisoners .
Neither group has officially referred to the unverified messages attributed to them .
The latest IS revelation finally confirms what local media have been reporting for weeks regarding hostilities between the two groups in Mali and Burkina Faso .
It also puts to rest mainstream media reports citing military officials earlier in the year that warned that IS and JNIM were collaborating and that this increased the jihadist threat in the Sahel .
These reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messaging or propaganda from either group .
You may also be interested in : • How West Africa is under threat from Islamist militants • The war in the desert • At least 20 killed in Niger village attacks The IS-JNIM clashes are the latest episode in years of in-fighting between IS and al-Qaeda .
The reasons are similar : IS accuses al-Qaeda of going soft and deviating from core jihadist principles , while al-Qaeda portrays IS members as blood-thirsty ultra-extremists who violate Sharia law and give `` the mujahidin '' a bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Qaeda , IS recently put out a lengthy `` documentary '' video listing all the reasons that allegedly made al-Qaeda and its branches , including JNIM , `` apostates '' .
The group used the video to urge al-Qaeda members to defect to IS .
IS 's latest complaint about coming under heavy attack from JNIM in Mali and Burkina Faso is reminiscent of its claims in November 2018 bemoaning al-Shabab attacks on its positions in Somalia .
This came shortly before the two engaged in active fighting and threatened to wipe each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also coincides with heightened IS rhetoric against al-Qaeda 's branch in Yemen , AQAP .
The two groups have been fighting since July 2018 .
In both Mali and Yemen , IS accuses its al-Qaeda rivals of secretly collaborating with either `` secular '' or government-linked forces and militias to fight IS .
IS is also engaged in fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan .
IS has used the Taliban peace talks with the US , and JNIM 's readiness to talk to the Mali government as key arguments to undermine these groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their hardline members .
Jihadists have significantly stepped up their attacks in the Sahel countries since last year , prompting additional regional and international alliances and military campaigns in an effort to tackle the growing threat .
JNIM has certainly emerged as one of two of al-Qaeda 's deadliest branches , along with al-Shabab in Somalia .
Meanwhile , IS in the Sahel - which officially calls itself `` West Africa Province '' but is widely known as Islamic State in the Greater Sahara ( ISGS ) - has quickly established a firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealing activities there in March last year .
The group has claimed a number of attacks with large death tolls on the armies of Mali , Niger and Burkina Faso .
The latest jihadist infighting may distract the two groups and affect their ability to continue to plan and stage attacks against local armies and their foreign backers .
The IS report painted a picture of serious IS-JNIM clashes involving deadly attacks and large numbers of fighters .
It also suggested that IS was at a numerical disadvantage to JNIM .
The in-fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation and their ability to win recruits in the region .
It is harder to convince locals to join a fight against fellow jihadists rather than government or foreign troops .
Jihadists themselves often largely blame the weakening of the jihadist efforts in Syria on the in-fighting between the various groups .
This may be another reason why both IS and JNIM have not publicly spoken about the fighting until now .
BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV , radio , web and print media around the world .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

IS is also engaged in fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan. IS has used the Taliban peace talks with the US, and JNIM's readiness to talk to the Mali government as key arguments to undermine these groups, in the hope of winning over their hardline members.