bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Dow erases Trump presidency gains

The Dow Jones Industrial Average of 30 major American companies fell more than 4.5 % on Friday , erasing all the gains it had made since Donald Trump became president in January 2017 .
The drop helped to finish the worst week on Wall Street since 2008 , with all three indexes down at least 12 % .
The falls come as authorities tighten restrictions on activity in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
New York state on Friday ordered non-essential businesses to close .
Illinois also made a similar move , while California earlier mandated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Dow lost more than 900 points to close at 19,173 , while the wider S & P 500 dropped 4.3 % to 2,304 and the Nasdaq lost 3.8 % to 6,879.5 .
They have now fallen more than 30 % from their recent records .
Mr Trump has taken credit as the share indexes climbed during his presidency - gaining nearly 50 % as of last month .
He has written about them on Twitter at least 131 times , according to a tally by the New York Times .
At briefings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is not worried about the economy in the long-run , arguing that business will bounce back after the pandemic eases and restrictions can be relaxed .
For now , however , the upheavals are severe .
Unemployment claims in the US surged 30 % this week , as thousands of people lost their jobs , while in the restaurant industry alone as many as 7 million jobs could be cut in the next three months , according to estimates by the National Restaurant Association .
Delta Air Lines on Friday said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter , while United Airlines warned that it would cut jobs starting in April if the government does not provide relief funding .
Both firms saw share prices fall about 30 % this week .
Coca-Cola lost more than 8 % , after warning the virus had upended its growth forecast , as sales to theatres , sporting venues and restaurants evaporate .
Earlier , the FTSE 100 index of top UK firms ended up 0.76 % , while Germany 's Dax and France 's CAC 40 gained more than 3 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York ordered staff at all `` non-essential '' businesses to remain at home as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise .
The move expands earlier restrictions and comes as California on the west coast said its nearly 40 million residents should `` shelter in place '' .
The US has confirmed more than 14,000 cases of the coronavirus , including more than 7,000 in New York .
The surge has started to strain its health care system .
`` This is the most drastic action we can take , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New York said pharmacies , grocery stores , banks and shipping firms were among those exempt from the order , which goes into effect on Sunday .
Many places have already been forced to shut , including schools , shopping centres , and theatres .
Mr Cuomo also issued additional rules for the state 's 8.6 million citizens , saying healthy people who are not at risk may go outside for exercise and to go grocery shopping , but should otherwise remain at home .
Dr Anthony Fauci , the director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disease , who has been a leader of the national response , said he supported the move .
`` Please co-operate with your governor , '' he said at the White House 's daily coronavirus briefing .
The US also said it would bar non-essential travel between the US and Canada , from midnight .
However , US President Donald Trump said he did not think shelter in place orders needed to be expanded nationally , noting that many states have far lower infection rates .
`` They 're watching it on television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems , '' he said .
Restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus have expanded rapidly this week and are already having a devastating economic effect , with the number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits surging more than 30 % this week .
Economists are predicting a sharp contraction in economic growth in coming months , and have warned that millions of jobs are at risk .
Congress is working on a more than $ 1tn relief bill , that is expected to include direct payments of more than $ 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a certain amount .
It would also include millions for businesses affected by the pandemic , such as airlines and hotels .

Unemployment claims in the US surged 30% this week, as thousands of people lost their jobs, while in the restaurant industry alone as many as 7 million jobs could be cut in the next three months, according to estimates by the National Restaurant Association.


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Government to pay up to 80% of workers' wages

The government will pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic , in a radical move aimed at protecting people 's jobs .
It will pay 80 % of salary for staff who are kept on by their employer , covering wages of up to £2,500 a month .
The `` unprecedented '' measures will stop workers being laid off due to the crisis , chancellor Rishi Sunak said .
Firms have warned the virus could see them collapse , wiping out thousands of jobs , as life in the UK is put on hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants would have a `` significant impact '' on businesses .
It is understood that the wage subsidy will apply to firms where bosses have already had to lay off workers due to the coronavirus , as long as they are brought back into the workforce and instead granted a leave of absence .
The chancellor said the move would mean workers should be able to keep their jobs , even if their employer could not afford to pay them .
He said they were `` unprecedented measures for unprecedented times . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about losing their jobs , about not being able to pay the rent or mortgage , about not having enough set by for food and bills ... to all those at home right now , anxious about the days ahead , I say this : you will not face this alone , '' Mr Sunak added The wages cover , which relates to gross pay , will be backdated to the start of March and last for three months , but Mr Sunak said he would extend the scheme for longer `` if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be run by HMRC , is expected to make the first grants to businesses `` within weeks '' , a Treasury spokeswoman said .
Employers ' body the CBI said Mr Sunak 's announcement was `` a landmark package '' .
`` It marks the start of the UK 's economic fightback - an unparalleled joint effort by enterprise and government to help our country emerge from this crisis with the minimum possible damage , '' said director general Carolyn Fairbairn .
The Resolution Foundation think tank also said the package was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers that were most at risk of job losses .
But other lobby groups warned of the potential risk to firms which had to wait for the money to arrive .
Kate Nicholls , the chief executive of trade body UK Hospitality , said many businesses faced rent payments before the support was due .
`` Banks and landlords need to do more to help us bridge the gap towards this generous government support .
Damage is being done now , so we need help now . ''
The Federation of Small Businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - potentially until the end of April - meant many small firms would still face `` an immediate , potentially terminal cash flow crunch '' .
The government has faced huge pressure to intervene to support workers to prevent mass unemployment as anti-virus measures have seen many firms ' revenues evaporate almost overnight .
The wage package is the latest in a series of government moves aimed at easing the burden on businesses and their employees .
However , there was not the same wages guarantee for the self-employed .
Instead , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fall back on .
Other measures to support firms and workers included : • VAT payments by companies deferred until the end of June • Self-assessment income tax payments for July 2020 deferred for six months • Increase in standard Universal Credit of £20 a week , with the same rise for those still on the working tax credit scheme • Nearly £1bn for those struggling to pay rent , through increases in housing benefit and Universal Credit Capital Economics said that it expected the unemployment rate to rise from just under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the crisis .
However , without this latest government intervention , that rate would have risen to the financial crisis level of 8 % , it said .
This move is an incredible intervention for any British government , let alone a Conservative one , but proportionate to the size of the terrible , but temporary , economic impact that could follow the coronavirus shutdowns .
In theory , it should save hundreds of thousands of jobs .
Perhaps more .
Employers have to accept that the government is doing something they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
At 80 % cent of wages up to £2,500 a month it is a scheme more generous than some of the high welfare Scandinavian countries .
It instantly transforms the social safety net of this nation .
It shows that the Treasury does believe that the very sharp plunge in the size of the economy can be followed by a bounceback - but not if millions of people are scarred by unemployment .
Economics shows that these can have long lasting impact .
The chancellor was given the room for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's biggest ever announcement of purchasing government debt .
There are risks if this pandemic lasts much longer than three months .
But the risks of not acting were much greater .
Now it requires employers to hold their nerve until the payments begin at the end of next month .
And for the banks to help that process .

"I know that people are worried about losing their jobs, about not being able to pay the rent or mortgage, about not having enough set by for food and bills... to all those at home right now, anxious about the days ahead, I say this: you will not face this alone," Mr Sunak added


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: A visual guide to the pandemic

Coronavirus has been spreading rapidly across the world , affecting more than 160 countries and claiming more than 11,000 lives .
There are now more than 260,000 confirmed cases - most outside China where the virus originated .
Europe is at the centre of the crisis , with cases and deaths rising in several countries .
This series of maps and charts will help you understand what is going on .
The rise in the number of daily confirmed cases internationally has led the World Health Organization ( WHO ) to declare the spread of coronavirus a global pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing easily from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
More than 80,000 people in China have been diagnosed with the infection since its emergence in the city of Wuhan , Hubei province , in December - although its exact source has not yet been identified .
But there are now more than 180,000 confirmed cases outside China , according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University .
The WHO said it took more than three months to reach the first 100,000 confirmed cases worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next 100,000 .
While these figures are for confirmed cases , the actual number of people with coronavirus internationally is thought to be much higher - as many of those with mild symptoms have not been tested and counted .
In response to the virus 's spread , countries around the world are ramping up measures to try to slow it down .
Governments have halted flights from virus-hit nations , locked down towns and cities and urged people to stay at home .
President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on European countries , including the UK and Ireland , as well as China and Iran .
Travellers from outside the EU are also being turned away from airports and borders after the 27-country bloc imposed a 30-day ban on entry .
Many international conferences and sporting events have also been cancelled or postponed , including Six Nations rugby matches , Euro 2020 , the Copa America and this year 's meeting of G7 leaders in the US .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The virus has killed more people in Italy than China Italy currently has the most confirmed cases outside China - and on Thursday surpassed China 's death toll .
While Italy has about 47,000 confirmed cases compared with China 's 81,000 , its death toll of 4,000 exceeds China 's by several hundred .
The majority of Italy 's deaths have occurred in the northern Lombardy region , which contains the city of Milan .
Hospitals there are reportedly at breaking point and retired doctors and nurses have been asked to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths comes despite Italian authorities imposing stringent restrictions , closing nearly all shops , bars , hairdressers , restaurants and cafes .
The number of new confirmed cases in Italy also continues to spiral .
They have been increasing since the beginning of March , and there have been almost 30,000 new confirmed cases in the past week .
Schools , gyms , museums , nightclubs and other venues have been shut , and people have been ordered to stay at home and seek permission for essential travel in a bid to slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , imposed on 12 March , has now been extended beyond the original 25 March end date .
A number of airlines , including British Airways , EasyJet and Ryanair , have cancelled Italy flights until the start of April .
3 .
Numbers across Europe are also rising Other European countries have also seen steep rises in infections and deaths , and the region has become the new epicentre of the crisis .
As well as Italy , Spain , France , Germany and the UK now have thousands of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has warned that up to 70 % of its population - some 58 million people - could contract coronavirus .
However , some German virologists dispute the high figure , suggesting a worst-case scenario of 40,000 cases .
Spain , which now has the third highest number of cases outside China , brought in a state of emergency on 14 March .
In the UK , confirmed cases stand at 3,983 , and 177 people have died .
On Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a shift in strategy , urging everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact and work from home where possible .
On Friday he said that pubs , restaurants , theatres , leisure centres and gyms should all close .
• UK outbreak in graphics : How many cases are in your area ?

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


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Algeria protests called off for first time in a year

Algerian protesters have called off their weekly anti-government demonstrations for the first time in more than a year to reduce the spread of coronavirus .
This would have been the 57th week in a row that Algerians came out onto the streets .
Authorities banned the demonstrations , but opposition activists also urged supporters to stay inside .
There have been at least 10 deaths and 90 confirmed virus cases in Algeria .
Imprisoned activist Karim Tabbou was among the protest leaders who told demonstrators to suspend their marches , according to Reuters news agency .
• Why I give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began in February 2019 after the then president Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced he was going to seek a fifth term in office .
As the protests grew , the 82-year-old scrapped his plans and stood down from power .
But demonstrators continued to fill the streets every Friday , demanding the whole ruling regime stand down too and accusing them of widespread corruption .
Some weeks , tens of thousands of people filled the streets of the capital Algiers .
On Friday , Algiers ' streets were empty – apart from police and journalists @ @ @ @

Algerian protesters have called off their weekly anti-government demonstrations for the first time in more than a year to reduce the spread of coronavirus.


bbc--2020-03-20--Kenyan athletics star Eliud Kipchoge explains how he's keeping fit while in quarantine.

The greatest marathon runner in the world , Eliud Kipchoge , is keeping a video diary for the BBC while @ @ @ @ @ the first edition , he talks about the loneliness of the training runs without any @ @

The greatest marathon runner in the world, Eliud Kipchoge, is keeping a video diary for the BBC while he is self-isolating.
In the first edition, he talks about the loneliness of the training runs without any partners.
Part 2: Lunch with the family


bbc--2020-03-20--Tokyo 2020: Olympic flame lit at empty ceremony

A plane carrying the Olympic flame has arrived at Japan 's Matsushima defence force base .
While there were many @ @ @ @ @ from Athens , the Olympic cauldron was lit in a small ceremony without a crowd @ @ @ @ @ Three-time Olympic gold medallists , Judo champion , Tadahiro Nomura and wrestler Saori Yoshida lit @ @ @ @ @ say at this stage , the Games will still go on .

A plane carrying the Olympic flame has arrived at Japan's Matsushima defence force base.
While there were many spectators to welcome the plane from Athens, the Olympic cauldron was lit in a small ceremony without a crowd, amid coronavirus fears.
Three-time Olympic gold medallists, Judo champion, Tadahiro Nomura and wrestler Saori Yoshida lit the cauldron together.
Organisers say at this stage, the Games will still go on.


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Social distancing birthday party parade

Gavin Newsom said more than half of the US state is expected to contract the virus in coming weeks .

Emily's 12th birthday plans in Minnesota were cut short by the virus but friends and family still made it special.


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Falsely accused of links to extortion

Days after Nigeria recorded its first positive coronavirus case , a story went viral on social media .
It claimed @ @ @ @ @ picked up the patient was demanding money not to spread the disease , sparking outrage @ @ @ @ @ was fake , but the impact on Jude Ikuenobe , the man whose photo was @ @ @ @ @ who is an anti-trafficking campaigner , has been very real .
He no longer feels @ @ @ @ @ has received death threats .
His story is just one example of dozens of pieces @ @ @ @ @ across Nigeria since the coronavirus outbreak .

Days after Nigeria recorded its first positive coronavirus case, a story went viral on social media.
It claimed the taxi driver who had picked up the patient was demanding money not to spread the disease, sparking outrage among Nigerians.
The story was fake, but the impact on Jude Ikuenobe, the man whose photo was used in the post and who is an anti-trafficking campaigner, has been very real. He no longer feels safe going out alone and has received death threats.
His story is just one example of dozens of pieces of misinformation that have spread across Nigeria since the coronavirus outbreak.
Video producers: Joshua Akinyemi and Yemisi Adegoke


bbc--2020-03-20--Six-time Super Bowl winner Brady signs for Tampa Bay

Six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady has signed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after leaving the New England Patriots .
The quarterback said on Tuesday that he is ending an unprecedented 20-year spell of success with the Patriots .
The 42-year-old then announced on Friday that he is joining Tampa Bay .
`` Excited , humble and hungry , '' he said .
`` I 'm starting a new football journey and thankful for the Buccaneers for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do . ''
• 'What can NFL greats Brady and Belichick do without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see' • 'He eats avocado ice cream ' - how social media reacted to Brady 's move Brady became a free agent for the first time this off-season , allowing him to speak to rival teams from Monday before the free agency signing period opened on Wednesday .
He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time having won the Super Bowl more times than any other player - in 2002 , 2004 , 2005 , 2015 , 2017 and 2019 .
Brady has made a total of nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship game 's Most Valuable Player ( MVP ) four times - both NFL records .
He was named as the league 's MVP in 2007 , 2010 and 2017 , and is second on the all-time list for touchdown passes and passing yards behind New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees .
The Patriots had not won the Super Bowl before choosing Brady with the 199th pick in the 2000 draft but they now have a joint-record six Super Bowl victories - level with the Pittsburgh Steelers .
The Bucs have only won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in the NFL and are owned by the Glazer family , who also control Manchester United .
Their general manager Jason Licht was a member of the Patriots ' scouting staff when Brady was drafted .
`` Through this process it became very clear that his desire to be a champion burns as strong today as it ever has , '' he said .
`` He possesses the type of rare natural leadership qualities that will immediately impact our entire organisation . ''
Brady will replace Jameis Winston as the Bucs ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unrestricted free agent .
The 26-year-old led the league last season with 5,109 passing yards and threw 33 touchdown passes but also 30 interceptions - becoming the first man to go 30 for 30 in the same season .
Brady 's switch to Florida is the biggest move at the start of free agency , although Todd Gurley , the NFL 's rushing touchdown leader in two of the past three seasons , has agreed terms with the Atlanta Falcons after being released by the Los Angeles Rams .
I see it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for us .
Let 's see if he can go somewhere else and be successful .
I think it 's a good fit , he 's going to change the culture of that organisation .
It was down to two teams - the Los Angeles Chargers or the Buccaneers .
I was leaning more towards the Chargers but the more I look at it , I see why he made this decision .
He has great offensive weapons and receivers [ at Tampa Bay ] .
That 's one of the things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] , that 's what he wants .
Tampa Bay were a good offence already , one of the best in the NFL , without Tom Brady , so he must be looking at it thinking , 'wow , I can really light it up and do some good things with this group ' .
On defence , they got better as the year went on and Brady knows the defensive co-ordinator Todd Bowles well , he 's played against him a lot .
Brady must be thinking ' I 've got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence , I know what I 've got to do on offence and my head coach [ Bruce Arians ] is an offensive guy .
This is great for me ' .
Yes , he 's getting better money .
He wanted a good deal and he 's got one , in a state where they do n't have any state tax and that 's warm - it 's hard to be out there in the cold when you 're getting older .
But Tom Brady wants to win , let 's never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great situation for him to do it .

Six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady has signed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after leaving the New England Patriots.
The quarterback said on Tuesday that he is ending an unprecedented 20-year spell of success with the Patriots.
The 42-year-old then announced on Friday that he is joining Tampa Bay.
"Excited, humble and hungry," he said. "I'm starting a new football journey and thankful for the Buccaneers for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do."
Brady became a free agent for the first time this off-season, allowing him to speak to rival teams from Monday before the free agency signing period opened on Wednesday.
He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time having won the Super Bowl more times than any other player - in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
Brady has made a total of nine Super Bowl appearances and been named the championship game's Most Valuable Player (MVP) four times - both NFL records.
He was named as the league's MVP in 2007, 2010 and 2017, and is second on the all-time list for touchdown passes and passing yards behind New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
The Patriots had not won the Super Bowl before choosing Brady with the 199th pick in the 2000 draft but they now have a joint-record six Super Bowl victories - level with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Bucs have only won the Super Bowl once in their 45 years in the NFL and are owned by the Glazer family, who also control Manchester United.
Their general manager Jason Licht was a member of the Patriots' scouting staff when Brady was drafted.
"Through this process it became very clear that his desire to be a champion burns as strong today as it ever has," he said. external-link "He possesses the type of rare natural leadership qualities that will immediately impact our entire organisation."
Brady will replace Jameis Winston as the Bucs' starting quarterback, with Winston also becoming an unrestricted free agent. The 26-year-old led the league last season with 5,109 passing yards and threw 33 touchdown passes but also 30 interceptions - becoming the first man to go 30 for 30 in the same season.
Brady's switch to Florida is the biggest move at the start of free agency, although Todd Gurley, the NFL's rushing touchdown leader in two of the past three seasons, has agreed terms with the Atlanta Falcons after being released by the Los Angeles Rams.
Analysis
Former NFL cornerback and BBC pundit Jason Bell
I see it as a great opportunity for Tom Brady and for us. Let's see if he can go somewhere else and be successful. I think it's a good fit, he's going to change the culture of that organisation.
It was down to two teams - the Los Angeles Chargers or the Buccaneers. I was leaning more towards the Chargers but the more I look at it, I see why he made this decision. He has great offensive weapons and receivers [at Tampa Bay]. That's one of the things he complained about [at New England], that's what he wants. Tampa Bay were a good offence already, one of the best in the NFL, without Tom Brady, so he must be looking at it thinking, 'wow, I can really light it up and do some good things with this group'.
On defence, they got better as the year went on and Brady knows the defensive co-ordinator Todd Bowles well, he's played against him a lot. Brady must be thinking 'I've got a guy who's a great coach on defence, I know what I've got to do on offence and my head coach [Bruce Arians] is an offensive guy. This is great for me'.
Yes, he's getting better money. He wanted a good deal and he's got one, in a state where they don't have any state tax and that's warm - it's hard to be out there in the cold when you're getting older. But Tom Brady wants to win, let's never forget that. And this is a great situation for him to do it.


bbc--2020-03-20--'Decisions have to be made soon' on Tokyo Olympics as USA Swimming requests 12-month delay

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

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


bbc--2020-03-20--Delayed season or no season at all? What happens next in F1?

The global coronavirus crisis has sent shockwaves through sport and Formula 1 , like all other major organisations , is grappling with the question of how to move forward .
The season has been thrown into disarray .
The first six races have been postponed - or cancelled completely in the case of the Monaco Grand Prix , the jewel in F1 's crown - and as coronavirus spreads , no-one is quite sure what happens next .
But tentative plans are already being discussed by the sport 's bosses , so let 's look at the situation in detail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show back on the road later this year .
Will there even be a 2020 F1 season ?
Let 's start with the worst-case scenario : that F1 can not happen this year because of the coronavirus pandemic .
That might sound alarmist - and it is not something F1 is considering at this stage - but it has to be at least a possibility because it is impossible to predict how the global situation will develop .
Some countries - such as South Korea and Singapore - have had success in containing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In some , outbreaks have barely started , but will inevitably spread , extending the timeline over which the world is dealing with the problem .
There remains a debate about the various approaches to slowing coronavirus down , and no certainty as to which countries will deal with it best .
The point is that an F1 season can not start until the world has a grasp of the virus .
The sport requires international travel , and it 's impossible to know at what point countries will start to ease restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be no F1 until there are clear signs the virus is suppressed .
And that is likely to take months .
The question is : how many ?
• Chequered Flag podcast : What coronavirus means for the F1 season When might the season start ?
Over the past week , a working plan for a revamped 2020 season was circulating among F1 's teams in the immediate aftermath of the cancelled Australian Grand Prix .
The idea was to try to start the season with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from there , slotting in as many of the abandoned races as possible on the way .
If that proves possible , then the Dutch Grand Prix would move to be twinned with either the Hungarian or Belgian races which bookend August , and perhaps Spain could be crammed into the summer as well .
After that , once the long-haul races start , the hope would be to continue with Singapore , Russia , Japan , USA and Mexico on their existing dates .
The season finale in Abu Dhabi - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - would move back a week or two and Vietnam and Bahrain slipped into the space created .
Brazil looks vulnerable , more on that in a moment .
In that scenario , the season could be in the region of 17 races long and it would look much like a normal - albeit delayed - championship .
But will the world be ready for Azerbaijan to host a race in early June ?
Or Canada a week later ?
Or France and Austria in late June and early July ?
And so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are no races until the autumn ?
It is entirely feasible that F1 will not even be able to start until the Singapore race in mid-September .
Even then , it would be possible to complete the criterion set out in the rules that a season must have at least eight races to count as a World Championship .
The sports bosses are keeping all options open , including extending the 2020 season into early 2021 , and then starting the 2021 championship a little later than normal .
And one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions made in the past week is that the teams have waived their normal consultation rights over the calendar to allow F1 to do what is necessary to salvage the season .
Of course , teams will still be asked for their views , but there is an acceptance throughout the sport that , once the season starts , the schedule will be brutal - but that is just the way it has to be .
What races are likely to be left out ?
A truncated season inevitably means some races that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be cancelled .
Monaco has already fallen on its sword , announcing shortly after it was postponed by F1 on Thursday that there would be no race this year because it would be impossible to find another date .
Even before the Australian Grand Prix was called off on 13 March , F1 already had a list of events that were deemed 'expendable ' this season - and they were Bahrain , Brazil , Monaco and Spain .
The last three were on the list because they either pay no fees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Brazil under its existing contract - or a relatively small one , in the case of Spain .
Bahrain is one of the best-paying races , but the Crown Prince , the de facto boss of the race , is amenable to deal with and would be prepared to accept his race not happening this year on the basis that he would receive a quid pro quo further down the line .
Since then , things have moved on .
And it is now likely that F1 will try to squeeze Bahrain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on consecutive weekends with nearby Abu Dhabi .
As for which other races disappear , that depends entirely on logistics .
An attempt will be made to organise the calendar by geography as much as possible .
And if the championship can not start until September , for example , the chances of European races surviving reduce because of the change of seasons .
China - in the context of it being where the coronavirus outbreak first emerged , the likelihood of the country not being keen on external visitors even once it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpopularity of the race among F1 personnel - could well also miss out .
What will the financial impact be ?
The coronavirus pandemic poses a serious threat to the financial stability of F1 .
The vast majority of the sport 's $ 1.8bn ( £1.5bn ) income comes from two places : race-hosting fees and broadcast rights .
Both will be reduced this year .
This explains why , for now , races are being postponed .
And the reluctance to call off races in the first place .
Because contracts dictate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race , they still pay their fee .
If F1 does it , the sport loses the money .
Contracts with television companies complicate the matter further , in that there must be a minimum of 16 races to guarantee full payment of rights-holding fees .
But that does not mean TV money will disappear if there are fewer than 16 races , because payments are subject to a sliding scale as the number of grands prix drops below that .
It is inevitable that the sport will take a financial hit this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because they are paid via a complicated formula based on F1 's income .
The big , well-funded teams such as Mercedes , Ferrari , Red Bull , McLaren and Renault should be able to absorb this without too much pain .
But for those at the other end of the grid , such as Williams and Alfa Romeo ( which is the Swiss privately owned Sauber team with a new name thanks to a cash injection from Fiat ) , this could be a difficult time .
F1 is aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they can help if needed .
But there is also the wider question of the sport itself .
The F1 Group is leveraged with a significant amount of debt .
So how big a risk is the inevitable drop in income to the company that runs the sport ?
What will be the impact on the history books ?
This is a potentially historic F1 season , with Lewis Hamilton favourite to win a championship that would see him equal Michael Schumacher 's all-time record of seven drivers ' titles .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might question whether the championship - whoever wins it - means as much as it would have done had it run its planned course .
But that is to disregard F1 history .
This would have been the first year F1 had held so many races - and making the season that long is controversial in itself .
Many feel it should be shorter .
It is only in the past decade that we have crept up to 20 races and more .
Back in the 2000s , it was more usual to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1990s , 16 or 17 was common .
The number has been going up throughout F1 history .
In the 1950s , there were fewer than 10 grands prix in a season .
When the great Juan Manuel Fangio won the last of his five titles in 1957 , there were only eight races - and no-one questions his right to be called a champion .
As long as F1 can hold eight races this year , there will be a world champion .
All the rest will simply be how and @ @

The Vietnamese Grand Prix was one of the early season races postponed because of the Coronavirus
The global coronavirus crisis has sent shockwaves through sport and Formula 1, like all other major organisations, is grappling with the question of how to move forward.
The season has been thrown into disarray. The first six races have been postponed - or cancelled completely in the case of the Monaco Grand Prix, the jewel in F1's crown - and as coronavirus spreads, no-one is quite sure what happens next.
But tentative plans are already being discussed by the sport's bosses, so let's look at the situation in detail and analyse how F1 might get its show back on the road later this year.
Will there even be a 2020 F1 season?
Fans arrived for practice at the Australian Grand Prix before the race weekend was cancelled because of the Coronavirus
Let's start with the worst-case scenario: that F1 cannot happen this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
That might sound alarmist - and it is not something F1 is considering at this stage - but it has to be at least a possibility because it is impossible to predict how the global situation will develop.
Some countries - such as South Korea and Singapore - have had success in containing the virus; others have not. In some, outbreaks have barely started, but will inevitably spread, extending the timeline over which the world is dealing with the problem.
There remains a debate about the various approaches to slowing coronavirus down, and no certainty as to which countries will deal with it best.
The point is that an F1 season cannot start until the world has a grasp of the virus. The sport requires international travel, and it's impossible to know at what point countries will start to ease restrictions on that.
So, realistically, there will be no F1 until there are clear signs the virus is suppressed. And that is likely to take months. The question is: how many?
When might the season start?
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 7 June could be a potential season opener
Over the past week, a working plan for a revamped 2020 season was circulating among F1's teams in the immediate aftermath of the cancelled Australian Grand Prix.
The idea was to try to start the season with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 7 June, and then carry on from there, slotting in as many of the abandoned races as possible on the way.
If that proves possible, then the Dutch Grand Prix would move to be twinned with either the Hungarian or Belgian races which bookend August, and perhaps Spain could be crammed into the summer as well.
After that, once the long-haul races start, the hope would be to continue with Singapore, Russia, Japan, USA and Mexico on their existing dates. The season finale in Abu Dhabi - which contracts dictate must be the final race - would move back a week or two and Vietnam and Bahrain slipped into the space created. Brazil looks vulnerable, more on that in a moment.
In that scenario, the season could be in the region of 17 races long and it would look much like a normal - albeit delayed - championship.
But will the world be ready for Azerbaijan to host a race in early June? Or Canada a week later? Or France and Austria in late June and early July? And so on. No-one knows.
What if there are no races until the autumn?
It is entirely feasible that F1 will not even be able to start until the Singapore race in mid-September.
Even then, it would be possible to complete the criterion set out in the rules that a season must have at least eight races to count as a World Championship.
The sports bosses are keeping all options open, including extending the 2020 season into early 2021, and then starting the 2021 championship a little later than normal.
And one of the key takeaways from the series of decisions made in the past week is that the teams have waived their normal consultation rights over the calendar to allow F1 to do what is necessary to salvage the season.
Of course, teams will still be asked for their views, but there is an acceptance throughout the sport that, once the season starts, the schedule will be brutal - but that is just the way it has to be.
What races are likely to be left out?
The Monaco Grand Prix - F1's jewel in the crown - has been cancelled this year
A truncated season inevitably means some races that were initially on the 2020 calendar will have to be cancelled.
Monaco has already fallen on its sword, announcing shortly after it was postponed by F1 on Thursday that there would be no race this year because it would be impossible to find another date.
Even before the Australian Grand Prix was called off on 13 March, F1 already had a list of events that were deemed 'expendable' this season - and they were Bahrain, Brazil, Monaco and Spain.
The last three were on the list because they either pay no fees - in the case of Monaco, and Brazil under its existing contract - or a relatively small one, in the case of Spain.
Bahrain is one of the best-paying races, but the Crown Prince, the de facto boss of the race, is amenable to deal with and would be prepared to accept his race not happening this year on the basis that he would receive a quid pro quo further down the line.
Since then, things have moved on. And it is now likely that F1 will try to squeeze Bahrain in towards the end of the season on consecutive weekends with nearby Abu Dhabi.
As for which other races disappear, that depends entirely on logistics. An attempt will be made to organise the calendar by geography as much as possible. And if the championship cannot start until September, for example, the chances of European races surviving reduce because of the change of seasons.
China - in the context of it being where the coronavirus outbreak first emerged, the likelihood of the country not being keen on external visitors even once it is under control, and the general unpopularity of the race among F1 personnel - could well also miss out.
What will the financial impact be?
The income from media coverage of the F1 season will be impacted this year
The coronavirus pandemic poses a serious threat to the financial stability of F1.
The vast majority of the sport's $1.8bn (£1.5bn) income comes from two places: race-hosting fees and broadcast rights. Both will be reduced this year.
This explains why, for now, races are being postponed. And the reluctance to call off races in the first place. Because contracts dictate that if the race promoter cancels the race, they still pay their fee. If F1 does it, the sport loses the money.
Contracts with television companies complicate the matter further, in that there must be a minimum of 16 races to guarantee full payment of rights-holding fees.
But that does not mean TV money will disappear if there are fewer than 16 races, because payments are subject to a sliding scale as the number of grands prix drops below that.
It is inevitable that the sport will take a financial hit this year, which means teams will too, because they are paid via a complicated formula based on F1's income.
The big, well-funded teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Renault should be able to absorb this without too much pain. But for those at the other end of the grid, such as Williams and Alfa Romeo (which is the Swiss privately owned Sauber team with a new name thanks to a cash injection from Fiat), this could be a difficult time.
F1 is aware of this and has already started conversations about how they can help if needed.
But there is also the wider question of the sport itself. The F1 Group is leveraged with a significant amount of debt. So how big a risk is the inevitable drop in income to the company that runs the sport?
What will be the impact on the history books?
Lewis Hamilton, left, has won six drivers' titles
This is a potentially historic F1 season, with Lewis Hamilton favourite to win a championship that would see him equal Michael Schumacher's all-time record of seven drivers' titles.
With a reduced number of races, some might question whether the championship - whoever wins it - means as much as it would have done had it run its planned course.
But that is to disregard F1 history. This would have been the first year F1 had held so many races - and making the season that long is controversial in itself. Many feel it should be shorter.
It is only in the past decade that we have crept up to 20 races and more. Back in the 2000s, it was more usual to have 17 or 18 races. In the 1990s, 16 or 17 was common.
The number has been going up throughout F1 history. In the 1950s, there were fewer than 10 grands prix in a season.
When the great Juan Manuel Fangio won the last of his five titles in 1957, there were only eight races - and no-one questions his right to be called a champion.
As long as F1 can hold eight races this year, there will be a world champion. All the rest will simply be how and why.


bbc--2020-03-20--European football aiming for mid-May resumption - La Liga boss

La Liga president Javier Tebas says Europe 's top leagues and competitions are planning to resume in mid-May following Euro @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic has led to the suspension of all club football .
The European Championship @ @ @ @ @ means there is more time to complete domestic league seasons .
`` There are 30 @ @ @ @ @ tournaments , and we have to co-ordinate each schedule at both a national and international @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In mid-May we should be back with all European competitions .
If circumstances @ @ @ @ @ that forward .
`` We need to work together . ''
On Thursday , English @ @ @ @ @ suspensions until 30 April .
The Football Association said the current season can be `` @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section European Football
La Liga president Javier Tebas is confident all of this season's domestic football competitions will be completed
La Liga president Javier Tebas says Europe's top leagues and competitions are planning to resume in mid-May following Euro 2020's postponement.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to the suspension of all club football.
The European Championship's move to next summer means there is more time to complete domestic league seasons.
"There are 30 affected leagues, 30 cup tournaments, and we have to co-ordinate each schedule at both a national and international level," said Tebas.
"In mid-May we should be back with all European competitions. If circumstances permit, we could bring that forward.
"We need to work together."
On Thursday, English and Scottish football extended their suspensions until 30 April. The Football Association said the current season can be "extended indefinitely".


bbc--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Nurse's despair as panic-buyers clear shelves

An exhausted nurse has urged panic-buyers to think about other people after finding supermarket shelves empty .
Dawn Bilbrough , @ @ @ @ @ should stop and think that NHS staff like her could be looking after them - @ @ @ @ @ to carry out their task .
The critical care nurse , who has been working @ @ @ @ @ people to stop and leave goods for everyone .

An exhausted nurse has urged panic-buyers to think about other people after finding supermarket shelves empty.
Dawn Bilbrough, from York, said people should stop and think that NHS staff like her could be looking after them - and need to stay healthy to carry out their task.
The critical care nurse, who has been working in West Yorkshire, urged people to stop and leave goods for everyone.


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: How close are we to a vaccine or drug?

Coronavirus is spreading around the world , but there are still no drugs that can kill the virus or vaccines that can protect against it .
So how far are we from these life-saving medicines ?
When will there be a coronavirus vaccine ?
There are more than 20 vaccines in development .
One has begun human trials after unusually skipping any animal research to test either the safety or the effectiveness of the vaccine .
Other scientists are at the animal research stage and hope to get the results of human trials later in the year .
But even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine this year , there is still the massive job of being able to mass-produce it .
It means , realistically , one would not be ready until at least the middle of next year .
All of this is happening on an unprecedented timescale and using new approaches to vaccines , so there are no guarantees everything will go smoothly .
Remember there are four coronaviruses that already circulate in human beings .
They cause the common cold , and we do n't have vaccines for any of them .
What do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• ENDGAME : When will life get back to normal ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Would it protect people of all ages ?
It will , almost inevitably , be less successful in older people .
This is not because of the vaccine itself , but aged immune systems do not respond as well to immunisation .
We see this every year with the flu jab .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicines , even common pain-killers , have side effects .
But without clinical trials it is impossible to know what the side effects of an experimental vaccine may be .
This is something on which regulators will want to keep a close eye .
Who would get a vaccine ?
If a vaccine is developed then there will be a limited supply , at least in the early stages so it will be important to prioritise .
Healthcare workers who come into contact with Covid-19 patients would be at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in older people so they would be a priority if the vaccine was effective in this age group .
However , it might be better to vaccinate those who live with or care for the elderly instead .
Doctors are testing current anti-viral drugs to see if they work against coronavirus .
This speeds up research as they are known to be safe to give to people .
Trials are taking place in hospitals in affected countries , but , in February , Dr Bruce Aylward from the World Health Organization , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now that we think may have real efficacy and that 's remdesivir . ''
It was developed as an Ebola drug , but also seems to be able to kill a wide variety of viruses .
However , we are still waiting on trial results .
There was much hope a pair of HIV drugs ( lopinavir and ritonavir ) would be effective , but the trial data is disappointing .
They did not improve recovery , reduce deaths or lower levels of the coronavirus in patients with serious Covid-19 .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely sick patients ( nearly a quarter died ) it may have been too late in the infection for the drugs to work .
There is also much interest in an old and cheap anti-malarial drug called chloroquine .
Laboratory tests have shown it can kill the virus , but once again we are waiting for results when it is given to patients .
Trials are taking place in the US and other countries .
Until a vaccine or treatment is ready what can I do ?
Vaccines prevent infections and the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is good hygiene .
If you are infected by coronavirus , then for most people it would be mild and can be treated at home with bed-rest , paracetamol and plenty of fluids .
Some patients may develop more severe disease and need hospital treatment .
How do you create a vaccine ?
Vaccines harmlessly show viruses or bacteria ( or even small parts of them ) to the immune system .
The body 's defences recognise them as an invader and then learn how to fight it .
Then if the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already knows how to fight the infection .
The main method of vaccination for decades has been to use the original virus .
The measles , mumps and rubella ( MMR ) vaccine is made by using weakened versions of those viruses that can not cause a full-blown infection .
The seasonal flu jab is made by taking the main strains of flu doing the rounds and completely disabling them .
The work on a new coronavirus vaccine is using newer , and less tested , approaches called `` plug and play '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ code of the new coronavirus , Sars-CoV-2 , we now have the complete blueprint for building that virus .
Some vaccine scientists are lifting small sections of the coronavirus 's genetic code and putting it into other , completely harmless , viruses .
Now you can `` infect '' someone with the harmless bug and in theory give some immunity against infection .
Other groups are using pieces of raw genetic code ( either DNA or RNA depending on the approach ) which , once injected into the body , should start producing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system again can learn to fight .

Covid vaccine update: Those that work - and the others on the way Published 28 May 2021
Image source, Getty Images
Covid vaccination campaigns are under way in the UK and across the world.
A range of vaccines are being used to reduce people's chances of getting sick, needing hospital treatment or dying.
Why do we need a vaccine?
It is more than a year since the virus first emerged, yet many people are still vulnerable.
The restrictions on our lives help keep the virus in check as they reduce opportunities for the virus to spread.
Vaccines teach our bodies to fight the infection and are "the" exit strategy from the pandemic.
The big three - Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca
The three vaccine frontrunners are those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca.
Pfizer and Moderna both developed RNA vaccines - a new approach that is incredibly quick to design.
They inject a tiny fragment of the virus's genetic code into the body, which starts producing part of the coronavirus and pushes the body to mount a defence.
These have been approved for use in the UK, Europe and the US.
The Oxford vaccine is subtly different as it uses a harmless virus to carry the same genetic material into the body. This has been approved in the UK and Europe.
It is the easiest of the three to use as it can be stored in a fridge, rather than needing very cold temperatures.
All three are supposed to be given as two doses.
Janssen and Novavax
A single-dose Covid vaccine made by Janssen has now been approved for use in the UK.
Twenty million doses of the jab, which was 85% effective in stopping severe illness from Covid-19 in trials, will arrive later this year.
Because only one dose is needed - and the vaccine can be stored in a fridge - it could have a significant impact around the world. A billion doses are planned this year.
Another jab, Novavax, is also being reviewed by drugs regulators.
It uses a different, old-school, approach to vaccines - proteins from the virus and a chemical to prime the immune system are injected into the body.
What is the rest of the world doing?
There are other noteworthy vaccines, even if they are not being used in Europe and the US.
The Sinovac, CanSino and Sinopharm vaccines have been developed by scientists in China and deals have signed with other countries in Asia and South America. Around one million people in China are reported to have been given the Sinopharm injection.
The Sputnik V vaccine, developed by Russia's Gamaleya Research Centre, is also effective according to late stage trial results published in The Lancet. Some people have been immunised.
The vaccine, which works in a similar way to the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines has also been deemed to be safe - and offer complete protection against hospitalisation and death.
Are they all equally effective?
It is hard to compare one company's results with another as their trials will have been conducted in slightly different ways and at different points in the pandemic.
However, all the main vaccines seem to have a large impact on your chances of needing hospital treatment or dying from Covid.
Nonetheless, one of the most important questions - do they stop you spreading the virus - remains unknown.
Understanding which method produces the best results will be explored in challenge trials where people are deliberately infected with the virus.
What about variants?
New versions of the coronavirus are emerging in countries around the world.
However, there is a warning sign from Janssen and Novavax, which have the first "real-world" data on the new variants.
Both showed a dip in their overall effectiveness in South Africa, where a new and worrying variant has been spreading.
The results were still good and clearly better than no vaccine at all, but they emphasise how coronavirus is a moving target.
We may need to change the vaccines we use in the future.
What still needs to be done?
Huge-scale manufacturing to produce billions of doses and distribute them around the world
Research to find out how long protection lasts
Research to discover what effect vaccine have on the spread of the virus


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Ways to stay social online while in self-isolation

Everyone should avoid non-essential contact with others to prevent the spread of the coronavirus , the prime minister has said .
As schools shut and some people work from home , many are feeling cut off from their everyday hobbies and social lives .
But the internet offers a means to stay connected and to keep us all entertained and educated through the days of isolation .
Here are just some of the ways people are already using technology to lift their spirits .
Groups have also been finding innovative ways to socialise , hosting dinner parties and even Brownies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs 45 pub quizzes in Scotland , but has started doing live online sessions every night , with hundreds participating .
`` It 's been a pretty bad couple of weeks and pub quizzes bring the community together , '' says Andrew Wildgoose , founder of Goose 's Quizzes .
`` So we wanted to find a way for people to still enjoy them . ''
Even book clubs are operating digitally , with private WhatsApp groups forming to share reading lists and Rebel Book Club launching a 14-day free reading challenge for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also been downloading the free Google Chrome extension Netflix Party , which allows users to watch Netflix together .
It synchronises screens and creates a group chat to communicate .
For those craving some culture , museums and galleries have been posting on social media under the hashtag # museumfromhome , showcasing their collections .
One exhibition at God 's House Tower in Southampton is having a `` virtual launch '' on Saturday , as the venue has shut due to coronavirus .
`` We 're really devastated that the venue has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crow , director of the gallery .
`` Hopefully , this will allow people around the world , not just those local , to see it .
`` It really does herald a new era in God 's House Tower 's fascinating 700-year-old history by presenting art exhibitions online . ''
Exercise classes have moved from gyms to online , creating videos or `` lives '' on Instagram and Facebook .
Many fitness clubs , including Barry 's , Crossfit and David Lloyd , are providing online workouts people can do at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is currently self-isolating , has filmed YouTube videos to follow and has been teaching classes via Zoom and Skype .
`` The best thing about yoga is that you can do it anywhere , with no equipment , '' she says .
`` It really gives you a chance to take a break from work , stay calm and process everything that 's going on .
`` Stretching can make a big difference if you 're hunched up on a laptop all day at home . ''
Free video appointments with vets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ app until the end of April .
Users are paired with a qualified vet who can give advice and refer the patient to a physical service if necessary .
David Prien , the firm 's co-founder , says there 's been an 80 % rise in people using the app over the past few weeks .
`` Just because you 're in isolation does n't mean your pet stays healthy , '' he adds , noting that it also gives vets who are housebound something to keep them occupied .
People are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Borrow My Doggy , to walk the pets of those who can not because of new working arrangements or self-isolation .
Following food shortages in supermarkets , foodies are getting creative online , posting tips for alternative ingredients and recipes with a limited food cupboard .
Nia Williams , director of Slow Food Wales , a grassroots movement that promotes local food and traditional cooking , is making video guides on how to grow fruit and vegetables at home .
`` We 've had so much freedom and access in our lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into shock , '' Nia says .
`` I 'm making these videos so families have something to do but to also empower them to have a bit more control over their food and situation . ''
Finally , for those wishing to add a touch of class to their nights in , the Champagne Bureau has this handy guide to pairing champagne with your takeaway of choice .
`` Champagne is a versatile wine which enhances our everyday meals , '' says Francoise Peretti , director of the UK division .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and self-isolate , it will provide the joyful lift we all need , ''

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbc--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: How bad information goes viral

There 's a huge amount of misleading information circulating online about coronavirus - from dodgy health tips to speculation about government plans .
This is the story of how one post went viral .
It 's a list of tips and advice - some true , some benign , and some possibly harmful - which has been circulating on Facebook , WhatsApp , Twitter , and elsewhere .
Dubbed the `` Uncle with master 's degree '' post because of the alleged source of the information , it 's hopped from the Facebook profile of an 84-year-old British man to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presenter , through Facebook groups for Indian Catholics to coronavirus-specific forums , WhatsApp groups , and Twitter accounts .
At first glance it seems legitimate because the information is attributed to a trusted source : a doctor , an institution , or that well-educated `` uncle '' .
The earliest version that we could find was posted by a Facebook user on 7 February .
It was shared in a group called Happy People , with nearly 2,000 members .
The post read : `` My classmate 's uncle and nephew , graduated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in Shenzhen Hospital .
He is being transferred to study Wuhan pneumonia virus .
He just called me and told me to tell my friends… '' The tips that follow are misleading or wrong .
One says that you do n't have the virus `` if you have a runny nose '' .
According to fact checking organisations Full Fact and Snopes , citing health authorities including the US Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) and The Lancet medical journal , a runny nose is uncommon - but it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post also encourages people to `` drink more hot water '' and `` Try not to drink ice '' .
There 's currently no medical evidence that either of those things will help prevent or cure coronavirus .
`` That has no support , '' says Alex Kasprak of Snopes .
`` It 's wild to see that in there , it 's a big red flag . ''
We attempted to contact the person who posted the information ; she did not respond .
The list picked up momentum several days later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named Glen in India .
He put it in several different Facebook groups , including ones for Catholics .
The new post built on the 7 February post with additional information .
Although the new post stated `` My classmate 's uncle and nephew , graduated with a master 's degree ... just called me and told me to tell my friends ... '' , Glen did n't actually receive a phone call from an uncle .
He says the post was just `` a forward that I got and forwarded it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurate advice - for instance , it tells people to wash their hands , a key preventative measure .
But the new version also added some unsubstantiated and misleading information .
For instance , it described in very specific detail how the disease progresses .
But doctors say coronavirus symptoms and severity are highly variable , and there 's no one exact progression pattern .
For several weeks the post was confined to relatively minor outlets .
But on 27 February , an 84-year-old former art gallery owner named Peter made it really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar to Glen 's , but again included some new information - some of which was wrong or misleading .
Peter 's post spread rapidly , bringing it to the attention of fact checkers including Full Fact and Snopes .
Both organisations wrote detailed stories debunking the claims , citing reliable medical sources including the WHO , the US CDC , the UK National Health Service ( NHS ) and others .
For instance , one claim in the post stated that the virus `` hates the Sun '' , but as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kills the virus , and cases have been reported in many countries with hot and sunny climates .
Other claims in the post were factual .
For instance , it repeated the advice about hand-washing .
Peter , who lives in southern England , edited the misleading parts of his post after the fact checkers posted their stories .
But by then , it had already been shared nearly 350,000 times .
When contacted by the BBC , Peter would not say specifically where he got the information in the post , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
`` I believed him actually to be a relation of this scientific guy , a medical guy who 'd given all those facts and figures , '' he told us in a phone interview .
Peter says he was trying to help people protect themselves .
`` I try to be as factual as I can .
And if I 'm corrected , or if I discover myself that I 've said something incorrectly , I apologise and I amend it , '' he says .
Despite his fact-based edits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Peter 's post soon spread , and mutated .
Some versions started to absorb further misleading information .
The source shifted as well .
In some versions , which moved beyond Facebook to Whatsapp and Twitter , the `` uncle with a master 's '' became `` a member of the Stanford hospital board '' and even `` a friend 's sister 's friend 's brother who just happens to be on the Stanford Hospital board '' .
There was also information attributed to `` Japanese doctors '' and `` Taiwanese experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The posts mentioning Stanford - at least 100 have appeared on Facebook alone - spread so rapidly that the university issued a statement denying it had anything to do with them .
The post then spread - helped by celebrities , including a Ghanaian TV presenter and an American actor , but also by scores of ordinary people .
One American woman posted a version in a Facebook group called Coronavirus Updates - one of thousands of virus-focused groups that have blossomed on the social network .
April 's post was attributed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military '' .
She explained when contacted via Facebook Messenger that she had seen the information when a friend shared it , but later realised that `` all [ my friend ] did was copy and paste it like I did .
Looks like most of it is false . ''
`` I use Facebook all day long , everyday , '' April says .
`` I have found lots of helpful information ...
I do n't watch the news . ''
At the same time the post was translated into several languages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French , Spanish and Italian .
Again , some of the posts contained accurate or at the worst benignly misleading information - but other alleged `` facts '' had the potential to be harmful .
One piece of advice suggests doing a coronavirus `` self-check '' every morning by holding your breath for more than 10 seconds .
But there 's no evidence to indicate that your ability to do this means you are virus-free .
The best of BBC reporting , education and training to help you understand the challenges posed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a master 's '' is a specific type of viral post - the slang term for it is `` copypasta '' .
This is material that someone copies and pastes instead of using `` share '' , `` retweet '' , other sharing tools provided within social networks .
That makes each post look original : it looks like it was written by someone you know , possibly a friend or relative , thus increasing the chance that you might trust it .
Because there are so many `` original '' posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social networks and people who study them to keep track of exactly how far such posts have spread .
We know that Peter 's single post was shared hundreds of thousands of times - but it 's a colossal , perhaps impossible , task to calculate how many people have seen the various copied variations of `` uncle with a master 's '' on Facebook , or any of the major social networks .
Clearly though , millions have .
What Facebook is doing Of the misleading posts that were n't edited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us : `` These posts violate our policies and have been removed . ''
`` We are working continuously to remove harmful misinformation about coronavirus , '' the spokesperson said .
`` Facebook has also partnered with the NHS to connect people to the latest official NHS guidance around coronavirus - both directly in their News Feeds and when people search on the topic . ''
The company is also plugging the text from the posts into automated systems in order to detect similar content .
The tech giants - Facebook , Microsoft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter and YouTube - have pledged to work together to fight virus misinformation .
Fact checkers say that we all have a part to play - by thinking before we share .
`` Pause for a second .
Have a little look .
See if you can find out more information about it , '' says Claire Milne from Full Fact .
`` Work out if it 's correct or if you are sharing something with your friends and family that might be misleading and could harm them . ''
If the source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long list or thread packed with information , compare the claims to known , trusted sources .
The people sharing the `` uncle with a masters '' post - which in its various versions is still spreading online - generally are n't being malicious : they usually believe that they 're passing on facts .
Or they may be unsure about the veracity of the information , but believe that they 're helping anyway , `` just in case '' what 's outlined is true .
In general , they are n't foolish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get duped if you 're anxious .
The `` uncle '' post is also a blend of truth and nonsense , which makes it more pernicious and easily spread .
`` When things [ that are false ] are mixed with things that sound reasonable or true , it confuses people , and in some cases , it allows people to think that the rest of the advice is legitimate as well , '' says Mr Kasprak from Snopes .
Three questions to ask before you share • Does the source of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a friend of a friend you ca n't trace ?
Get to the bottom of where the story came from - or do n't share it .
Just because you were sent it by somebody you trust , does n't mean they received the information from someone they actually know .
• Does all of the information seem true ?
When there are long lists , it 's easy to believe everything in them just because one kernel of advice is correct - that might be the case .
• Does the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angry or scared ?
Misinformation goes viral because it plays on our emotions , so that 's a sign that it might not be true .
Again , dig a bit deeper .
Scientific breakthroughs , prevention advice or public announcements will come from reputable sources .
Have you seen misleading information ?
Is there a story we should be investigating ?
Email us Subscribe to the BBC Trending podcast .
Follow BBC Trending on Twitter @ BBCtrending , or find us on Facebook .
All our stories are at bbc.com/trending .

The source shifted as well. In some versions, which moved beyond Facebook to Whatsapp and Twitter, the "uncle with a master's" became "a member of the Stanford hospital board" and even "a friend's sister's friend's brother who just happens to be on the Stanford Hospital board". There was also information attributed to "Japanese doctors" and "Taiwanese experts" - among many other modifications.


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: How to help kids cope with life without school

Children across the UK will be off school for an indefinite period of time because of coronavirus .
Some are likely to be anxious , so how can parents help them cope ?
No school for the `` foreseeable '' future .
Exams off .
Clubs closed .
Millions of children will be looking forward to a spring , and possibly a summer , free of responsibility and routine .
But these are not normal times - they 're likely to have to spend days and nights indoors with parents or guardians .
They wo n't get much personal contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cancellation of exams will make a difficult time of year even more worrying .
`` It 's the perfect storm for parents and children , '' says Sam Cartwright-Hatton , professor of clinical child psychology at the University of Sussex .
`` It 's not just the fact that they 're going to be cooped up together .
Emotions are also going to be super-stressed because - on top of what young people are feeling - parents are worried about jobs , food supplies , paying the next mortgage bill . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ enclosed living , Prof Cartwright-Hatton advocates setting a clear routine , particularly for younger children - such as a couple of hours of school work in the morning or a specified time for craft work in the afternoon .
She argues that pre-teenage children `` turn inwards quite quickly '' if they spend too much time alone .
Parents should play with them and encourage those of an adventurous nature to regard the situation as an `` adventure '' .
This approach wo n't work for the more sensitive children who will need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it simple , stick to facts • How families can deal with self-isolating together • How to exercise while staying at home Prof Cartwright-Hatton recommends keeping classmates and members of clubs like Brownies , football teams and music groups in touch via Skype , FaceTime , Zoom or other video-conferencing services .
This would allow them to share details of their day and play games .
`` I would worry about a child who had no-one to play with for six months .
We 're going to have to get creative in keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kerplunk wo n't work on Skype , but Cluedo or Monopoly might . ''
Get out , if you can Going out wo n't be as easy as it usually is , which could add to a feeling of claustrophobia as spring and summer approach .
Those with gardens are encouraged to use them for fresh air and exercise .
`` A balance has to be struck between mental and physical health , depending on what the next piece of official information is , '' says Eva Lloyd OBE , professor of early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If it 's safe to go the park , people should do that too . ''
It 's impossible to shield all but the youngest children from coronavirus talk , particularly with parents turning on TVs at 17:00 GMT for the latest government briefing .
But Prof Cartwright-Hatton suggests not exposing under-10s to any news at all , except in tailored forms such as the BBC 's Newsround , which consults experts on its likely psychological impact .
Teenagers are better equipped to make their own judgements , but they should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours on end searching the internet or using social media unsupervised , she warns .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
Another potential outcome of so much information coming children 's way - along with a great deal of advice , such as standing two metres away from grandparents to avoid possible transmission - is `` guilt '' , says Prof Lloyd .
`` I worry that they 'll wonder whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've done , '' she adds .
`` It 's a very strange situation for them .
We 've got to show them that none of this is their fault and that children throughout the world are going through the same experience . ''
Coronavirus news is grim for people of all ages , but parents can offer perspective .
`` Downplay their fears but be realistic , '' says Prof Cartwright-Hilton .
`` Do n't promise things that you ca n't be sure are n't true .
If there 's misinformation about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can counter that .
`` But , whenever you 've discussed coronavirus , move on afterwards , so children do n't spend too much time thinking about it . ''
Students who were due to take their GCSEs , A-levels , Highers and other exams have had them cancelled .
They do n't know when or if they will go ahead at a future date .
Teenagers who would otherwise be revising could now be at home wondering how they will get their qualifications .
`` I 'd listen and be very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Whatever emotions the situation is throwing up , tell them you understand how awful it must be at the moment and what a shame it is .
`` But let them know you ca n't solve this for them .
If they are really catastrophising about it - worrying that they wo n't go to university and wo n't get a job - correct that , because it 's not the case . ''
The situation the UK finds itself in is new for parents and children .
Prof Lloyd says families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of every week to discuss how the arrangement is faring .
`` It 's going to be challenging , '' she says .
`` If it 's not working , people will need to change it .
We should include the children in discussions .
From the age of about two they will want to have an input . ''
Discussions between parents over their own coronavirus worries can wait until after children have gone to bed , Prof Lloyd adds .
When will it end ?
At the best of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Are we nearly there yet ? ''
or `` Is it nearly over ? ''
Explaining the word `` indefinite '' might prove problematic .
`` For young children that 's an emerging concept , '' says Prof Lloyd .
`` You get them to imagine the summer holidays , that it would be long like them , but not so much fun . ''
It 's a daunting prospect for parents , taking over what the state has offered for well over a century - daytime education and childcare .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking at things to ensure the coming weeks and months are more bearable ?
`` We often talk about work-life balance and parents not being able to spend enough time with kids , '' says Prof Cartwright-Hatton .
`` That 's not going to be a problem for a lot of people for quite a while now .
We 've got to look for the silver lining in all this . ''

"I worry that they'll wonder whether this is happening because of something they've done," she adds. "It's a very strange situation for them. We've got to show them that none of this is their fault and that children throughout the world are going through the same experience."


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: What does Australia's entry ban mean for foreigners?

Australia is closing its borders to all foreigners who are n't permanent residents in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus .
About 80 % of Australia 's more than 700 cases have come from returned travellers , or people who 've been in contact with them .
The border closure , in effect from 21:00 local time on Friday ( 10:00 GMT ) , has upended travel plans , and is likely to split families .
It 's also created uncertainty for roughly two million temporary visa holders in Australia .
So if you 're in that situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
If you want to leave Australia Bear in mind the situation is changing fast and that airlines may continue to cancel flights and routes .
Also keep abreast of what restrictions there may be upon return to your home country .
For UK citizens , the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) advises to keep across guidance from governments in Australia and at home .
If you want to stay Your visa is valid for its full duration as long as you meet its requirements - note this may include maintaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you want to stay on , you need to apply for a new one before it elapses .
Australia is allowing people to apply to waive a `` no further stay '' condition - which would typically prevent visa from being renewed .
This condition is common on many backpacker and temporary work visas , for instance .
Remember applications are necessary .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to remain , you need to apply for a `` bridging visa '' .
This will allow you to stay while you await the results of your new visa application .
`` Any visa application will be assessed considering the Covid-19 enhanced border measures and an applicant 's individual circumstances , '' an Australian government spokesman said .
Students who need to fulfil study requirements also have the option to apply for an exception , which will be granted on a case-by-case basis .
What happens if you 're outside Australia ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the travel restrictions have been lifted - and no-one knows when that may be .
This also applies to temporary visa holders currently in Australia who may have planned to leave and come back .
If you 've already obtained a temporary visa and have not yet entered the country , you will need to re-apply once the restrictions are lifted .
You can enter Australia if you 're a permanent resident , but the advice is to contact the office which granted your visa when you 're able to travel .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Labor opposition have raised concerns that temporary work visa holders who stay in Australia could lose out if their employment is terminated in the event they lose their job .
An economic downturn may make it hard for foreign workers to find a replacement job .
Many will also not have access to welfare benefits or subsidised medical treatment .
Advocates are calling for more support .
Already , some supermarket chains have pledged more shifts for international students .
Australia 's agricultural and farming sector is currently lobbying Canberra to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasonal workers .
Where can you find help ?
UK consular officials have advised people to check Australia 's immigration site for changes on visa restrictions .
`` I know that recent events have created a lot of uncertainty and concern for British people in Australia , '' said UK High Commissioner Vicki Treadell .
`` We encourage British people in Australia to follow the health advice of local authorities . ''

You will not be allowed back until the travel restrictions have been lifted - and no-one knows when that may be. This also applies to temporary visa holders currently in Australia who may have planned to leave and come back.


bbc--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: What is social distancing?

Coronavirus: What is social distancing?

Governments around the world are advising people to socially distance themselves in order to reduce pressures on health services and @ @ @ @ @ ( Covid-19 ) .
This is even more important now UK schools have been closed @ @ @ @ @ what exactly is the advice on social distancing - and who should be doing it @ @ @ @ @ exactly does it stop the spread of coronavirus ?

Governments around the world are advising people to socially distance themselves in order to reduce pressures on health services and stop the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
This is even more important now UK schools have been closed to most children.
But what exactly is the advice on social distancing - and who should be doing it the most? And how exactly does it stop the spread of coronavirus?
The BBC's Health Correspondent, Laura Foster explains.
Video by: Laura Foster, Tobias Chapple and Terry Saunders.