bbc--2020-05-11--Sebastian Vettel to leave Ferrari at end of Formula 1 season

Sebastian Vettel is to leave Ferrari at the end of the year after contract talks between the two broke down with no agreement .
The move , which is expected to be officially announced imminently , throws the future of the 32-year-old four-time world champion into doubt .
Spaniard Carlos Sainz , currently a McLaren driver , is among those who have been linked to Vettel 's seat .
If Sainz leaves McLaren , one option for the team is Renault 's Daniel Ricciardo .
• ' I miss driving ' : kids and bikes are Vettel 's new normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Poulter 's motors steal the show The Australian had serious talks with McLaren in 2018 when he was weighing up whether to leave Red Bull , before finally deciding to move to Renault .
Ricciardo is known to be unsettled at the French team and has talked about moving on .
Vettel could also be an option for McLaren , if he felt he was prepared to move to a team that was going through a restructuring process .
If not , the options for the 32-year-old to continue in F1 are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also out of contract at the end of the season , has repeatedly signalled his intention to stay at Mercedes , who are not believed to be considering a move for Vettel .
And Red Bull , where Vettel won his four world titles , have said that they would not partner their star driver Max Verstappen with another top-line driver - nor is Vettel likely to be interested in partnering the Dutchman .
Ferrari 's other options are Ricciardo or Italian Antonio Giovinazzi , who races for the affiliated Alfa Romeo team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a serious possibility .
Vettel 's departure from Ferrari signals an ignominious end to his career at the Italian team , who he joined in 2015 with the aim of following in the footsteps of his childhood hero Michael Schumacher by winning the title with them Vettel said as recently as last month that his intention was to stay with Ferrari beyond the end of his contract this season .
But talks have broken down after Vettel felt unable to accept the offer Ferrari made to him to stay alongside Charles Leclerc , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2024 .
The exact nature of the disagreement that led to the failure of the talks is not clear , but Ferrari are reported to have offered Vettel a vastly reduced salary and a shorter contract than he desired .
Vettel had been Ferrari 's number one driver since 2015 , when he replaced Fernando Alonso after the Spaniard negotiated an exit from the team at the end of 2014 having lost faith they could ever provide the circumstances in which he would win the world title .
Vettel came closest to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 and 2018 , when Ferrari had a faster car than Mercedes for much of both seasons but their challenge faltered after a series of mistakes from driver and team .
That led to the beginning of a loss of faith between the two parties and he lost his position in the team for good with the arrival of Charles Leclerc last season .
The Monegasque was immediately a threat to Vettel , who started 2019 as the designated number one , and Leclerc ended the season having out-scored his senior team-mate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points and average qualifying pace .
The tension between the two also led to a series of flash points culminating in a crash at the penultimate race of the season in Brazil .
Vettel now heads into his final season with the team - assuming the 2020 championship is able to start amid the coronavirus crisis - knowing he has lost his status and facing an uncomfortable season in a team whose focus will inevitably be on their rising young star .

Vettel won four F1 world titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013
Sebastian Vettel is to leave Ferrari at the end of the year after contract talks between the two broke down with no agreement.
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said the decision was mutual and was "not easy to reach, given Sebastian's worth as a driver and as a person".
He added: "The time had come to go our separate ways in order to reach our respective objectives."
Vettel said there was "no longer a common desire" to work together.
The German four-time world champion added: "In order to get the best possible results in this sport, it's vital for all parties to work in perfect harmony.
"Financial matters have played no part in this joint decision. That's not the way I think when it comes to making certain choices and it never will be.
"What's been happening in these past few months has led many of us to reflect on what are our real priorities in life. One needs to use one's imagination and to adopt a new approach to a situation that has changed. I myself will take the time I need to reflect on what really matters when it comes to my future."
Vettel's team-mate Charles Leclerc, whose starring performances in 2019 effectively forced Ferrari and the 32-year-old into this position, said: "It's been a huge honour for me to be your team mate. We've had some tense moments on tracks.
"Some very good ones and some others that didn't end as we both wanted, but there was always respect, even though it wasn't perceived this way from the outside.
"I've never learnt so much as I did with you as my team-mate. Thank you for everything Seb."
Who could replace Vettel?
Spaniard Carlos Sainz, currently a McLaren driver, is among those who have been linked to Vettel's seat.
If Sainz leaves McLaren, one option for the team is Renault's Daniel Ricciardo.
The Australian had serious talks with McLaren in 2018 when he was weighing up whether to leave Red Bull, before finally deciding to move to Renault.
Ricciardo is known to be unsettled at the French team and has talked about moving on.
Vettel could also be an option for McLaren, if he felt he was prepared to move to a team that was going through a restructuring process.
If not, the options for him to continue in F1 are bleak.
The factory Renault outfit might be an option, but they - like McLaren - are in a rebuilding process and may not be attractive to such an illustrious name.
Lewis Hamilton, who is also out of contract at the end of the season, has repeatedly signalled his intention to stay at Mercedes, who are not believed to be considering a move for Vettel.
And Red Bull, where Vettel won his four world titles, have said that they would not partner their star driver Max Verstappen with another top-line driver - nor is Vettel likely to be interested in partnering the Dutchman.
Ferrari's other options are Ricciardo or Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, who races for the affiliated Alfa Romeo team.
Hamilton is not considered to be a serious possibility.
Vettel wanted to emulate his hero Michael Schumacher, who won five of his seven F1 world titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004
A remarkable fall from grace
Vettel's departure from Ferrari signals an ignominious end to his career at the Italian team, who he joined in 2015 with the aim of following in the footsteps of his childhood hero Michael Schumacher by winning the title with them.
Vettel said as recently as last month that his intention was to stay with Ferrari beyond the end of his contract this season.
But talks have broken down after Vettel felt unable to accept the offer Ferrari made to him to stay alongside Leclerc, who last winter signed until the end of 2024.
The exact nature of the disagreement that led to the failure of the talks is not clear, but Ferrari are reported to have offered Vettel a vastly reduced salary and a shorter contract than he desired.
Vettel had made a series of unforced errors during last season, including crashing into a backmarker whilst returning to the circuit after spinning at Ferrari's home race at Monza
Vettel had been Ferrari's number one driver since 2015, when he replaced Fernando Alonso after the Spaniard negotiated an exit from the team at the end of 2014 having lost faith they could ever provide the circumstances in which he would win the world title.
Vettel came closest to winning the championship with the team in 2017 and 2018, when Ferrari had a faster car than Mercedes for much of both seasons but their challenge faltered after a series of mistakes from driver and team.
That led to the beginning of a loss of faith between the two parties and he lost his position in the team for good with the arrival of Leclerc last season.
The Monegasque was immediately a threat to Vettel, who started 2019 as the designated number one, and Leclerc ended the season having out-scored his senior team-mate on every metric - wins, poles, points and average qualifying pace.
The tension between the two also led to a series of flashpoints culminating in a crash at the penultimate race of the season in Brazil.
Vettel now heads into his final season with the team - assuming the 2020 championship is able to start amid the coronavirus pandemic - knowing he has lost his status and facing an uncomfortable season in a team whose focus will inevitably be on their rising young star.


bbc--2020-05-11--Premier League teams face £340m repayment to TV companies

Premier League clubs have been told they could have to repay an estimated £340m to domestic and international broadcasters - even if the season resumes behind closed doors .
And BBC Sport has learned the clubs were warned on Monday that figure could rise if the season is curtailed or if relegation is scrapped .
Club officials met on Monday to continue talks on 'Project Restart ' .
Items including playing matches at neutral venues were also discussed .
The refund has been requested as matches are not taking place as expected - both because they will be played without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled .
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters had previously predicted a loss of `` at least £1bn '' if the Premier League failed to complete the 2019-20 season .
`` We were able to update our clubs today on our situation with broadcasters , which is obviously confidential , '' Masters said on Monday .
`` Whatever happens , there 's going to be significant loss of revenue for clubs .
That is inevitable .
`` We were able to paint a picture today about what would happen in various scenarios , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the season , to allow them to have a picture of that as we stand in the early part of May .
`` But in terms of putting an estimate on it , I do n't want to do that today . ''
• No elite sport in England before 1 June The Premier League says it has listened to the objections of some clubs to the use of neutral grounds if the season resumes , and will support them in putting those views to the authorities .
Masters said the organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government , police and ground safety officials .
`` Everybody would prefer to play at home and away if at all possible , and it 's clear to see some clubs feel more strongly about that than others , '' he said after a shareholders ' meeting .
He said clubs had argued against using neutral grounds because fans could be trusted not to gather in large numbers at their stadiums .
`` I think some of our clubs would argue that in relation to policing their own fans that they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Masters said .
`` They can encourage their own fans not to turn up outside their home venues while they 're playing behind closed doors , and they 're in a better position to control that , but it 's not a matter of convincing - this has to be a decision that 's come to mutually . ''
He said `` a really strong collective will to complete the season remains '' but admitted `` curtailment '' of the season was discussed for the first time on Monday .
Two weeks ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only way the season could be completed , because authorities were concerned about fans congregating outside home grounds and breaching social distancing rules .
A significant majority of the clubs are understood to be opposed to the proposal , with Watford , Aston Villa and Brighton coming out publicly against it .
Those clubs now want the chance to show they can deliver home and away matches safely , and league bosses are behind them .
`` Since Covid became an issue we 've been talking to the authorities about the conditions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back up and running and taking all that advice on board , but it is an ongoing dialogue , '' said Masters , speaking for the first time since the season was suspended .
`` But all must be cognisant of what authorities are telling us , and we 'll continue with that consultation . ''
The government is understood to have `` open ears '' regarding neutral venues and is prepared to discuss the matter .
However a final decision is likely to rest with the police and ground safety officials , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week the head of the UK 's football policing unit , deputy chief constable Mark Roberts , said clubs opposed to neutral grounds should `` get a grip '' .
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson told the BBC he feared thousands of Reds fans would gather outside Anfield to celebrate the title , even if matches were played at neutral venues .
However , recently retired West Yorkshire chief superintendent Owen West told the Guardian the use of neutral stadiums had `` no rationale '' , and such a proposal was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes to resume this weekend .
What happens next ?
• Thursday , 14 May : Meetings between Premier League and PFA/LMA about medical protocols • Thursday , 14 May : Meeting between Culture Secretary and football authorities • Monday , 18 May : Premier League players may return to initial group training under socially distancing protocols • 25 May : Uefa deadline for leagues to have finalised plan for restarting seasons • 1 June : Government date for possible return of elite sport behind closed doors in England • 12 June : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fixture 'Collective will to complete the season' Despite mounting tension and division over the use of neutral stadiums , Masters said Monday 's five-hour meeting showed a `` strong desire to discuss everything in the round , and to agree a collective way forward '' .
He insisted a `` really strong collective will to complete the season remains '' .
But he also admitted a cancellation of the season was discussed for the first time .
`` It 's the first time we 've discussed curtailment , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season obviously , but it 's important to discuss all of the options with our clubs .
`` Obviously we wo n't be playing until the middle of June .
It does n't seem quite right to be talking about playing before we 've taken a decision to return to the first stage of training .
`` But in terms of how those matches will take place there 's a lot of water to pass under the bridge , and we 'll continue to assess the circumstances then . ''
Masters said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been raised at any Premier League meetings .
`` Not in our meetings , last week or today , '' he said .
`` All I can go on is what we 're discussing in our meetings .
And you specifically asked about scrapping relegation while playing out the season , and that has never been raised in our formal meetings at all . ''
The issue of contracts was discussed , with some players due to be out of contract at the end of June .
`` What was agreed was that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the season , '' said Masters .
`` It must be agreed by both parties . ''
Asked whether the Premier League returning on 12 June was the aim , he added : `` I think it 's too early for us to talk about it .
We want to remain in step with government and the authorities .
And we want to remain in step with the mood of football supporters .
`` I think really the talk at the moment should be about the tentative steps we are taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about getting back to training , and only once players have been consulted . ''
Players and managers will be consulted on proposed medical protocols for a return to training by the PFA and LMA over the next two days , before meetings with the Premier League on Thursday .
If the measures are accepted , an initial phase of group training could begin next week .

Premier League leaders Liverpool have nine games remaining, four of which are currently scheduled to be played at Anfield
Premier League clubs have been told they could have to repay an estimated £340m to domestic and international broadcasters - even if the season resumes behind closed doors.
Club officials met on Monday to continue talks on "Project Restart".
League bosses said their objections to neutral stadiums had been heard and that they would ask authorities to scrap the idea.
But a "curtailment" of the season was discussed for the first time.
The refund is anticipated as matches are not taking place as expected - both because they will be played without fans and at different times to originally scheduled.
Premier League clubs are due to earn a total of £9.2bn from broadcasters for the 2019-22 cycle.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters had previously predicted a loss of "at least £1bn" if the Premier League failed to complete the 2019-20 season.
"We were able to update our clubs today on our situation with broadcasters, which is obviously confidential," Masters said on Monday.
"Whatever happens, there's going to be significant loss of revenue for clubs. That is inevitable.
"We were able to paint a picture today about what would happen in various scenarios, playing out the season and not playing out the season, to allow them to have a picture of that as we stand in the early part of May.
"But in terms of putting an estimate on it, I don't want to do that today."
Reconsidering neutral venues
The Premier League says it has listened to the objections of some clubs to the use of neutral grounds if the season resumes, and will support them in putting those views to the authorities.
Masters said the organisation was in "ongoing dialogue" with the government, police and ground safety officials.
"Everybody would prefer to play at home and away if at all possible, and it's clear to see some clubs feel more strongly about that than others," he said after a shareholders' meeting.
He said clubs had argued against using neutral grounds because fans could be trusted not to gather in large numbers at their stadiums.
"I think some of our clubs would argue that in relation to policing their own fans that they have a good relationship with them," Masters said.
"They can encourage their own fans not to turn up outside their home venues while they're playing behind closed doors, and they're in a better position to control that, but it's not a matter of convincing - this has to be a decision that's come to mutually."
He said "a really strong collective will to complete the season remains" but admitted "curtailment" of the season was discussed for the first time on Monday.
Two weeks ago clubs were told neutral stadiums were the only way the season could be completed, because authorities were concerned about fans congregating outside home grounds and breaching social distancing rules.
A significant majority of the clubs are understood to be opposed to the proposal, with Watford, Aston Villa and Brighton coming out publicly against it.
Those clubs now want the chance to show they can deliver home and away matches safely, and league bosses are behind them.
"Since Covid became an issue we've been talking to the authorities about the conditions in which we could get the Premier League back up and running and taking all that advice on board, but it is an ongoing dialogue," said Masters, speaking for the first time since the season was suspended.
"But all must be cognisant of what authorities are telling us, and we'll continue with that consultation."
The government is understood to have "open ears" regarding neutral venues and is prepared to discuss the matter. However a final decision is likely to rest with the police and ground safety officials, who have to grant licences to venues.
Last week, the head of the UK's football policing unit, deputy chief constable Mark Roberts, said clubs opposed to neutral grounds should "get a grip".
Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson told the BBC he feared thousands of Reds fans would gather outside Anfield to celebrate the title, even if matches were played at neutral venues.
However, recently retired West Yorkshire chief superintendent Owen West told the Guardian external-link the use of neutral stadiums had "no rationale", and such a proposal was not being enforced in Germany where the Bundesliga hopes to resume this weekend.
What happens next?
Wednesday, 13 May: Professional Footballers' Association/League Managers' Association consult members on medical protocols
Thursday, 14 May: Meetings between Premier League and PFA/LMA about medical protocols
Thursday, 14 May: Meeting between Culture Secretary and football authorities
Monday, 18 May: Next Premier League meeting
Monday, 18 May: Premier League players may return to initial group training under socially distancing protocols
25 May: Uefa deadline for leagues to have finalised plan for restarting seasons
1 June: Government date for possible return of elite sport behind closed doors in England
12 June: Premier League aiming to return with first fixture
'Collective will to complete the season'
Despite mounting tension and division over the use of neutral stadiums, Masters said Monday's five-hour meeting showed a "strong desire to discuss everything in the round, and to agree a collective way forward".
He insisted a "really strong collective will to complete the season remains".
But he also admitted a cancellation of the season was discussed for the first time.
"It's the first time we've discussed curtailment," he said. "It's still our aim to finish the season obviously, but it's important to discuss all of the options with our clubs.
"Obviously we won't be playing until the middle of June. It doesn't seem quite right to be talking about playing before we've taken a decision to return to the first stage of training.
"But in terms of how those matches will take place there's a lot of water to pass under the bridge, and we'll continue to assess the circumstances then."
Masters said the issue of scrapping relegation had not been raised at any Premier League meetings.
"Not in our meetings, last week or today," he said. "All I can go on is what we're discussing in our meetings. And you specifically asked about scrapping relegation while playing out the season, and that has never been raised in our formal meetings at all."
The issue of contracts was discussed, with some players due to be out of contract at the end of June.
"What was agreed was that players can extend their contracts until the end of the season," said Masters.
"It must be agreed by both parties."
Asked whether the Premier League returning on 12 June was the aim, he added: "I think it's too early for us to talk about it. We want to remain in step with government and the authorities. And we want to remain in step with the mood of football supporters.
"I think really the talk at the moment should be about the tentative steps we are taking now that the announcements have been made about getting back to training, and only once players have been consulted."
Players and managers will be consulted on proposed medical protocols for a return to training by the PFA and LMA over the next two days, before meetings with the Premier League on Thursday. If the measures are accepted, an initial phase of group training could begin next week.


bbc--2020-05-11--No elite sport in England before 1 June, government announces

No professional sport , even behind closed doors , will be staged in England until 1 June at the earliest , the UK government has announced .
The government has published a 50-page guidance document detailing how England will begin to ease lockdown measures .
Step two of that plan - which will not be allowed to start before 1 June - includes `` permitting cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed doors for broadcast , while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact '' .
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday , Prime Minister Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events behind closed doors could `` provide a much-needed boost to national morale '' .
The document states that reopening venues that attract large crowds , such as sports grounds , `` may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in numbers of infections '' .
Premier League clubs are meeting on Monday to continue discussions on Project Restart .
The top flight has been suspended since 13 March because of the coronavirus pandemic but is aiming to resume in June , with 92 of its 380 fixtures left to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played in England and Wales until at least 1 July , following a decision by the England and Wales Cricket Board .
On Monday British Racing 's executive committee said it was committed to planning for a resumption of racing on 1 June .
Premiership Rugby is aiming for a resumption in early July , with nine rounds of matches remaining .
Formula 1 is hoping to race at Silverstone on 19 and 26 July .
Under proposed rules for boxing to resume behind closed doors in July , fighters at British shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and could be banned from using a spit bucket between rounds .
The government 's current aim is to introduce step two of its plan on 1 June but only if sufficient progress is made in `` successfully controlling the spread of the virus '' and the lifting of restrictions could be delayed .
Sporting events involving international travel could be affected by the government 's planned requirement for all international arrivals `` not on a short list of exemptions '' to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival in the UK .
Four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year - Chelsea and Manchester City in the Champions League and Manchester United and Wolves in the Europa League .
F1 bosses are in talks with the government seeking an exemption for staff from the planned rules on international arrivals .
• Golf is back - but not as we know it Do we know when fans will be able to return ?
It is unclear when spectators may be able to attend sporting events again .
Under step three of the plan , which will not start until 4 July at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen some of the remaining businesses that have been forced to close , including hospitality and leisure facilities .
However , it adds : `` Some venues which are , by design , crowded and where it may prove difficult to enact distancing may still not be able to reopen safely at this point , or may be able to open safely only in part .
`` In order to facilitate the fastest possible reopening of these types of higher-risk businesses and public places , the government will carefully phase and pilot reopenings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Covid-19 secure guidelines .
`` The government will also monitor carefully the effects of reopening other similar establishments elsewhere in the world , as this happens . ''
The document also states that `` only the development of a vaccine or effective drugs can reliably control this epidemic and reduce mortality without some form of social distancing or contact tracing in place . ''
From Wednesday , people in England may exercise outside as many times as they wish , though playgrounds , outdoor gyms and ticketed outdoor leisure venues will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet one person from outside their household as long as they stay outdoors and stay two metres apart .
So one-on-one sport with someone from outside your household , such as tennis or cricket nets , will be allowed provided participants adhere to social distancing rules .
However , team sports are not permitted , except with members of your own household .
The Lawn Tennis Association said that following clarifications from the government , tennis activity will resume outdoors in England from Wednesday with `` singles play only '' unless all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which case they can play doubles '' .
Golf courses in England will reopen on Wednesday with people allowed to play with members of the same household or with one other person from a different household .
Facilities such as tennis courts and golf courses will remain closed in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .

Last updated on .From the section Sport
There will be no competitive sport until at least 1 June
No professional sport, even behind closed doors, will be staged in England until 1 June at the earliest, the UK government has announced.
The government has published a 50-page guidance document detailing how England will begin to ease lockdown measures.
Step two of that plan - which will not be allowed to start before 1 June - includes "permitting cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact".
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said being able to hold sporting events behind closed doors could "provide a much-needed boost to national morale".
The document states that reopening venues that attract large crowds, such as sports grounds, "may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in numbers of infections".
Premier League clubs are meeting on Monday to continue discussions on Project Restart.
The top flight has been suspended since 13 March because of the coronavirus pandemic but is aiming to resume in June, with 92 of its 380 fixtures left to play.
There will be no cricket played in England and Wales until at least 1 July, following a decision by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
On Monday British horse racing's executive committee said it was committed to planning for a resumption of racing external-link on 1 June.
Premiership Rugby is aiming for a resumption in early July, with nine rounds of matches remaining.
Formula 1 is hoping to race at Silverstone on 19 and 26 July.
Under proposed rules for boxing to resume behind closed doors in July, fighters at British shows will wear protective masks during ring walks and could be banned from using a spit bucket between rounds.
The government's current aim is to introduce step two of its plan on 1 June but only if sufficient progress is made in "successfully controlling the spread of the virus" and the lifting of restrictions could be delayed.
Sporting events involving international travel could be affected by the government's planned requirement for all international arrivals "not on a short list of exemptions" to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival in the UK.
Four English teams remain in European football competitions this year - Chelsea and Manchester City in the Champions League and Manchester United and Wolves in the Europa League.
F1 bosses are in talks with the government seeking an exemption for staff from the planned rules on international arrivals.
Do we know when fans will be able to return?
Liverpool fans watch on at Anfield in March
It is unclear when spectators may be able to attend sporting events again.
Under step three of the plan, which will not start until 4 July at earliest, the government is aiming to reopen some of the remaining businesses that have been forced to close, including hospitality and leisure facilities.
However, it adds: "Some venues which are, by design, crowded and where it may prove difficult to enact distancing may still not be able to reopen safely at this point, or may be able to open safely only in part.
"In order to facilitate the fastest possible reopening of these types of higher-risk businesses and public places, the government will carefully phase and pilot reopenings to test their ability to adopt the new Covid-19 secure guidelines.
"The government will also monitor carefully the effects of reopening other similar establishments elsewhere in the world, as this happens."
The document also states that "only the development of a vaccine or effective drugs can reliably control this epidemic and reduce mortality without some form of social distancing or contact tracing in place."
What about recreational sport?
From Wednesday, people in England may exercise outside as many times as they wish, though playgrounds, outdoor gyms and ticketed outdoor leisure venues will remain closed.
They will also be allowed to meet one person from outside their household as long as they stay outdoors and stay two metres apart.
So one-on-one sport with someone from outside your household, such as tennis or cricket nets, will be allowed provided participants adhere to social distancing rules.
However, team sports are not permitted, except with members of your own household.
The Lawn Tennis Association said that following clarifications from the government, tennis activity will resume outdoors in England from Wednesday with "singles play only" unless all players are from the same household "in which case they can play doubles".
Golf courses in England will reopen on Wednesday with people allowed to play with members of the same household or with one other person from a different household.
Facilities such as tennis courts and golf courses will remain closed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.


bbc--2020-05-11--Shaquille O'Neal: NBA legend calls for season to be scrapped

Basketball great Shaquille O'Neal says the NBA should `` scrap the season '' because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The 2019-20 campaign was halted in March with five regular-season games and two months of play-offs remaining .
`` Everybody go home , get healthy , come back next year , '' said four-time NBA champion O'Neal , 48 , who now works as a television pundit .
`` To try and come back now and do a rush play-offs as a player ?
Any team that wins this year , there 's an asterisk . ''
O'Neal added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really in the mix of things all of a sudden wins with a new play-off format ?
Nobody is going to respect that .
`` So scrap it .
Worry about the safety of the fans and the people .
Come back next year . ''
With over 80,000 deaths and nearly 1.4m cases , the United States is the country most affected by the coronavirus crisis in the world .
A 'bubble ' plan has been suggested by the NBA in which teams gather in a single area - such as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Players would be housed in a secure area with testing to check for the virus .
But National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts says the option feels like `` incarceration '' .
O'Neal , who won the NBA title with the LA Lakers from 2000 to 2002 as well as with the Miami Heat in 2006 , told USA Today : `` I understand how players are feeling .
I really do .
`` But any team that gets it done this year , there 's going to be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it takes for us to get 100 % back to normal , I 'm willing to wait .
`` All it takes is one person .
After the game , you 've still got to go home .
What if one person gets sick ?
Then we start from zero again . ''

Last updated on .From the section Basketball
Shaquille O'Neal won three NBA titles with the LA Lakers alongside the late Kobe Bryant
Basketball great Shaquille O'Neal says the NBA should "scrap the season" because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2019-20 campaign was halted in March with five regular-season games and two months of play-offs remaining.
"Everybody go home, get healthy, come back next year," said four-time NBA champion O'Neal, 48, who now works as a television pundit.
"To try and come back now and do a rush play-offs as a player? Any team that wins this year, there's an asterisk."
O'Neal added: "What if a team that's not really in the mix of things all of a sudden wins with a new play-off format? Nobody is going to respect that.
"So scrap it. Worry about the safety of the fans and the people. Come back next year."
With over 80,000 deaths and nearly 1.4m cases, the United States external-link is the country most affected by the coronavirus crisis in the world.
A 'bubble' plan has been suggested by the NBA in which teams gather in a single area - such as the Bahamas, Disney World or Las Vegas.
Players would be housed in a secure area with testing to check for the virus.
But National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts says the option external-link feels like "incarceration".
O'Neal, who won the NBA title with the LA Lakers from 2000 to 2002 as well as with the Miami Heat in 2006, told USA Today: "I understand how players are feeling. I really do.
"But any team that gets it done this year, there's going to be an asterisk on that championship. However long it takes for us to get 100% back to normal, I'm willing to wait.
"All it takes is one person. After the game, you've still got to go home. What if one person gets sick? Then we start from zero again."


bbc--2020-05-11--Small fees and a chance for youth - an 'exciting new era' for the transfer market?

As long as the football season is on hold , the summer transfer window remains shut .
But how will the window work once it is open , and what are clubs , players and agents doing to prepare for it ?
BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague talks via video conference with a director of football and two former players , who are now agents , to discuss how the global pandemic might affect recruitment plans for next season .
• Premier League to pursue home and and away games if possible Victor Orta is director of football at Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the top of the Championship with nine games to play and so are yet to discover if they will be recruiting with a Championship or Premier League budget .
`` We 've been using this time to do more video analysis of players , '' he said .
`` In a normal situation this happens , just not in May because we normally know where we are .
Now the availability of players and the new budget is really uncertain .
`` Perhaps it 's a good moment for our analysis to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then at the next step we have all the subjects ( targets ) and can make better decisions ( on signings ) .
`` If I had a player with the option to buy now , because I expected the season to be finished , and one team uses that date to sell the player for more money to another team , it would n't look good , to use one big problem and benefit . ''
Contracts run to 30 June but Orta expects clubs to `` be ethical '' over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season will see more academy players being used .
`` Uefa is talking about extending contracts by six or seven weeks , and some lawyers are saying that if the season has n't ended , the contract has n't ended , '' he said .
`` In this moment we talk about helping each other and football is the same .
This is a crisis and if anybody takes benefit , for me it would be a big surprise .
I do n't think the football industry will do this .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two teams and changing the date .
I trust in the goodwill of people and relationships that we can make ( it happen ) .
`` At Leeds United this year , we always had young players around the team .
The fans are proud of the club 's history with academy players .
Perhaps it 's a good moment to be brave and give a chance to youth players .
Why not make that your philosophy now ?
It 's exciting , it could be a new era for teams .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Agents Association , also believes that teams will put their faith in youth next season .
`` I remember the period between 2008 and 2010 , '' he said .
`` I remember the fantastic Espanyol of Mauricio Pochettino and young players like Jose Callejon .
I remember the fantastic team of Sporting Lisbon with Paulo Bento as coach , and players like Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso .
`` Why ?
Because they were in big crises with money so gave the opportunity to cheaper players , the young players from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for these players and for the clubs because they will find , in three or four years , that their biggest profit will come from these boys . ''
While Fernandes expects all clubs to `` go to the market '' when the window opens , he does not see much money changing hands .
`` The clubs with bigger finances can do whatever they want but they will go very low ( with fees ) because they know everybody is in crisis , '' he said .
`` I believe this market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small transfers , and that there 'll be more inside the same country because we 'll be unable to know if everybody can travel .
`` The UK , France and Spain will look inside mostly because it makes things easier for the players , their families , even for the agents , to travel around .
Imagine if I bring one player to PSG and the same day I need to come back to London or Portugal and they obligate me to stay in quarantine . ''
Fellow agent Marcelino Elena , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , added : `` The biggest clubs will spend extra money to get the players they want because they can but for the rest , who have to look at every coin they spend , it 's a huge difficulty .
`` I think we 'll see more small deals and deals with the biggest clubs , but not in the middle .
Clubs will be willing to spend three or four million , but not 15 or 20 .
Or clubs will spend £60m because they know it 's a world-class player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' 'Do n't be offering players - it 's not the right moment' Agents have n't been as proactive as they normally are in May , in terms of trying to get deals done .
`` I 've told all my agents in Portugal , and also in my company in London : Do n't call the clubs offering players , '' Fernandes added .
`` Right now is not the moment , for all the reasons .
Call clubs , maintain a good relationship with them , and with the players also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are and if everybody is healthy . ''
As for players , Fernandes and Marcelino have been trying to reassure those who are concerned about their future .
`` I 've told all players that the season finishes when it finishes , and the new seasons starts when it starts , '' said Fernandes .
`` They just need to follow the solidarity rules and clubs will be aware of insurance for players who keep playing .
If the season starts on 1 August then the contracts will be in place from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're approaching that deadline ( 30 June ) and players want to know when they 're returning , what happens with the season , where they 're playing next season - the answer is , there 's no answer .
`` It 's frustrating but we all need to be patient because there 's something out there that 's bigger and more important than football , whether we like it or not . ''

Leeds director of football Victor Orta (left) with chief executive officer Angus Kinnear
As long as the football season is on hold, the summer transfer window remains shut.
But how will the window work once it is open, and what are clubs, players and agents doing to prepare for it?
BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague talks via video conference with a director of football and two former players, who are now agents, to discuss how the global pandemic might affect recruitment plans for next season.
New era for academy players?
Victor Orta is director of football at Leeds United, who are a point clear at the top of the Championship with nine games to play and so are yet to discover if they will be recruiting with a Championship or Premier League budget.
"We've been using this time to do more video analysis of players," he said. "In a normal situation this happens, just not in May because we normally know where we are. Now the availability of players and the new budget is really uncertain.
"Perhaps it's a good moment for our analysis to be deeper, more concrete, and then at the next step we have all the subjects (targets) and can make better decisions (on signings).
"If I had a player with the option to buy now, because I expected the season to be finished, and one team uses that date to sell the player for more money to another team, it wouldn't look good, to use one big problem and benefit."
Contracts run to 30 June but Orta expects clubs to "be ethical" over the availability of players, and believes next season will see more academy players being used.
"Uefa is talking about extending contracts by six or seven weeks, and some lawyers are saying that if the season hasn't ended, the contract hasn't ended," he said.
"In this moment we talk about helping each other and football is the same. This is a crisis and if anybody takes benefit, for me it would be a big surprise. I don't think the football industry will do this.
"It looks complex but it's one player, two teams and changing the date. I trust in the goodwill of people and relationships that we can make (it happen).
"At Leeds United this year, we always had young players around the team. The fans are proud of the club's history with academy players. Perhaps it's a good moment to be brave and give a chance to youth players. Why not make that your philosophy now? It's exciting, it could be a new era for teams."
Small fees and domestic moves
Arturo Fernandes, head of Portugal's Agents Association, also believes that teams will put their faith in youth next season.
"I remember the period between 2008 and 2010," he said. "I remember the fantastic Espanyol of Mauricio Pochettino and young players like Jose Callejon. I remember the fantastic team of Sporting Lisbon with Paulo Bento as coach, and players like Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso.
"Why? Because they were in big crises with money so gave the opportunity to cheaper players, the young players from the academy. It would be great for these players and for the clubs because they will find, in three or four years, that their biggest profit will come from these boys."
While Fernandes expects all clubs to "go to the market" when the window opens, he does not see much money changing hands.
"The clubs with bigger finances can do whatever they want but they will go very low (with fees) because they know everybody is in crisis," he said. "I believe this market will bring us swaps, loans and small transfers, and that there'll be more inside the same country because we'll be unable to know if everybody can travel.
"The UK, France and Spain will look inside mostly because it makes things easier for the players, their families, even for the agents, to travel around. Imagine if I bring one player to PSG and the same day I need to come back to London or Portugal and they obligate me to stay in quarantine."
Fellow agent Marcelino Elena, the ex-Newcastle, Mallorca and Spain defender, added: "The biggest clubs will spend extra money to get the players they want because they can but for the rest, who have to look at every coin they spend, it's a huge difficulty.
"I think we'll see more small deals and deals with the biggest clubs, but not in the middle. Clubs will be willing to spend three or four million, but not 15 or 20. Or clubs will spend £60m because they know it's a world-class player and they have security on that."
'Don't be offering players - it's not the right moment'
Agents haven't been as proactive as they normally are in May, in terms of trying to get deals done.
"I've told all my agents in Portugal, and also in my company in London: Don't call the clubs offering players," Fernandes added. "Right now is not the moment, for all the reasons. Call clubs, maintain a good relationship with them, and with the players also, but try to understand how safe they are and if everybody is healthy."
As for players, Fernandes and Marcelino have been trying to reassure those who are concerned about their future.
"I've told all players that the season finishes when it finishes, and the new seasons starts when it starts," said Fernandes. "They just need to follow the solidarity rules and clubs will be aware of insurance for players who keep playing. If the season starts on 1 August then the contracts will be in place from then."
Marcelino added: "We're approaching that deadline (30 June) and players want to know when they're returning, what happens with the season, where they're playing next season - the answer is, there's no answer.
"It's frustrating but we all need to be patient because there's something out there that's bigger and more important than football, whether we like it or not."


bbc--2020-05-11--Tracking the global outbreak

Tracking the global outbreak

Coronavirus is continuing its spread across the world , with more than four million confirmed cases in 187 countries .
More than 283,000 people have lost their lives .
The United States alone has more than 1.3 million confirmed cases - almost six times as many as any other country .
This series of maps and charts tracks the global outbreak of the virus since it emerged in China in December last year .
How many cases and deaths have there been ?
The virus , which causes the respiratory infection Covid-19 , was first detected in the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Note : The map and table in this page use a different source for figures for France from that used by Johns Hopkins University , which results in a slightly lower overall total .
The US has by far the largest number of cases , according to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University .
With more than 79,000 fatalities , it also has the world 's highest death toll .
France , Italy , Spain and the UK - the worst-hit European countries - have all recorded more than 25,000 deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is some 4,600 from about 84,000 confirmed cases , although critics have questioned whether the country 's official numbers can be trusted .
Wuhan reported five new cases on Monday , after confirming its first case since 3 April on Sunday .
The outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) on 11 March .
This is when an infectious disease is passing easily from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
The true number of cases is thought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as many of those with milder symptoms have not been tested and counted .
Globally , more than 4.5 billion people - half the world 's population - have been living under social distancing measures , according to the AFP news agency 's estimates .
Those restrictions have had a big impact on the global economy , with the International Monetary Fund warning the world faces the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
The United Nations World Food Programme has also warned that the pandemic could almost double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the UN has appealed for $ 6.7bn ( £5.4bn ) in funding .
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock said `` the spectre of multiple famines '' loomed .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to protect your mental health • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW : How to understand UK death toll Where are coronavirus cases still rising ?
While some countries are starting to see confirmed cases and deaths fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , others are only now seeing them rise .
Russia 's latest official data shows it now has the third highest number of infections worldwide .
The country has reported more than 10,000 new cases for eight consecutive days .
These charts show four countries where deaths are on an upward trajectory - as shown by the red lines - each following a similar pattern .
Across Latin America , where many economies are already struggling and millions live on what they can earn day-to-day , there are concerns about the strain coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ecuador has already seen its health system collapse - thousands have died from the virus and other conditions that could not be treated because of the crisis .
The country 's official number of coronavirus deaths is around 2,100 but the death toll is thought to be much higher .
The growing threat in South America and elsewhere comes as Europe and other regions are slowly beginning to ease lockdown measures brought in to slow the spread of the virus .
New Zealand says it has effectively eliminated the threat posed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and just 21 deaths .
Its authorities had brought in some of the toughest restrictions on travel and activity early in the pandemic .
• Three continents , four lives , one day • 'We 'll starve to death if this continues' In Europe , the UK became the first country to record more than 30,000 coronavirus deaths last week .
It surpassed Italy , which was the first country in the region to see a rapid increase in deaths in early March .
Differences in population size and how countries report their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homes , or deaths of those suspected but not confirmed of having the virus , means international comparisons are complicated .
However , the UK , Italy , Spain , France and many other European countries appear to have passed through the peak of the virus and the number of new reported cases and deaths is falling .
On Monday , official figures in Italy showed that the number of people in intensive care in the country had fallen below 1,000 for the first time in two months .
Germany and Belgium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deaths and are now seeing those numbers decrease , though as Belgium has a far smaller population than Germany , the number of deaths per capita there has been higher .
Plans to move out of lockdowns by countries across Europe have varied .
On Monday , the WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged all countries to adopt a `` slow , steady '' approach to easing restrictions .
In Germany , all shops can now reopen with extra measures in place and schools have partially reopened .
Members of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with each other and Bundesliga football matches are due to resume behind closed doors on Saturday 16 May .
Infection rates in Germany have increased in recent days and according to the Robert Koch Institute , the reproduction rate - the estimated number of people a confirmed patient infects - is now above 1 .
France has been split into red and green zones with restrictions being eased more areas designated green than those designated red .
From 11 May , all shops except Paris shopping centres can open , but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a radius of up to 100km ( 62 miles ) from home are permitted .
Spain has announced a four-phase plan to lift its lockdown and return to a `` new normality '' by the end of June .
However , schools will not be fully reopened until September .
In Italy , some shops and factories have now reopened and bars and cafes are being allowed to offer takeaway services .
In the UK , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a limited easing of restrictions on Sunday , saying that those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` actively encouraged '' to return to their workplace , but not use public transport .
Other European countries easing restrictions include Poland , Denmark , Switzerland and the Netherlands .
New York remains epicentre of US outbreak With more than 1.3 million cases , the US has the highest number of confirmed infections in the world .
It has also recorded more than 79,000 deaths .
The state of New York has been particularly badly affected , with more than 26,000 deaths .
At one point , more than 90 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown orders , but many states have now begun to loosen their stay-at-home restrictions and allowed some businesses to reopen - a move health officials fear could further spread the virus .
Last week President Donald Trump said he would refocus the White House task force on kickstarting the US economy , a day after suggesting he would disband it .
The US unemployment rate has risen to 14.7 % , with 20.5 million jobs lost in April , as the coronavirus pandemic devastated the economy .
The rise means the jobless rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
Former US President Barack Obama has criticised his successor 's response to the crisis .
During a private phone call to former staffers , Mr Obama called the response `` an absolute chaotic disaster '' .
The data used on this page comes from a variety of sources .
It includes figures collated by Johns Hopkins University , data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control , national governments and health agencies as well as UN data on populations .
When comparing figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bear in mind that not all governments are recording coronavirus cases and deaths in the same way .
This makes like for like comparisons between countries difficult .
It is important to keep this in mind , when considering relatively small differences in the data in the table and graphics above .
Other factors to consider include ; different population sizes , the size of the a country 's elderly population or whether a particular country has a large amount of its people living in densely populated areas .
In addition , countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic from each other .

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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--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: Israel turns surveillance tools on itself

Hirsh Kotkovsky thrusts his phone towards me but I ca n't read the screen from 2m ( 6.6ft ) away due to social distancing rules .
We 're in the bomb shelter below his Jerusalem apartment block - the only place the photographer has been able to work since his studio closed in the lockdown .
`` I was shocked , '' he says as he reads out the message from the Israeli government .
`` It 's telling me that I was next to someone that has corona ... and that I must go into quarantine . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , cancelling lucrative wedding shoots and shutting himself away from his wife and four small children , even though he had no symptoms .
Mr Kotkovsky is one of thousands of Israelis who have been alerted by similar messages .
In the fight to contain the coronavirus , Israel 's internal security agency - the Shin Bet - was empowered to use covert systems to track people 's movements .
The Middle East 's cyber-superpower has made extensive use of surveillance technology to try tackle Covid-19 , as countries around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring infection .
The Shin Bet can access the location data of millions of mobile phone users to trace those who have been in proximity to confirmed patients .
Israel credits the system , among other measures , with reducing the rate of infection .
The number of new cases reported each day is now down to double digits .
Its death toll has also remained relatively low , currently standing at 252 .
Many shops have reopened and some school classes have started up again .
It has felt like the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is precisely now when we need this tool ... to break the chain of contagion and permit the people to go on with their lives , '' said National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat at a parliamentary oversight committee last week .
But the unprecedented expansion of the Shin Bet 's powers has been the subject of controversy , including a Supreme Court challenge , questions over its accuracy , and accusations from doctors that it creates a distraction from testing for the coronavirus .
The agency , now acting as a tool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tasked with preventing attacks against Israelis and routinely monitors Palestinians in the occupied territories .
Arik Brabbing slips his surgical mask under his chin and breathes in Tel Aviv 's warm air .
He was better known during his three decades in the Shin Bet by his cover name `` Harris '' .
We sit at either end of a park bench as the former agent-handler describes how he rose to become chief of the spy agency 's cyber unit .
Now retired , he says counter-terrorism technology is hunting down people exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same system , the same methods , '' he explains .
`` We know that someone was here in the park .
We can get from the [ phone ] company all the details about the hour , the place , exactly the place ... and we can understand who else was around . ''
I ask him a series of questions - some get a response , others do n't .
Can people be monitored in real-time ?
`` I can not answer your question . ''
How accurate is the geo-location @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a very , very , very sensitive tool , ok ?
But I do n't want to add another word about the sensitivity , '' he says , arguing that it could reveal capabilities to enemies .
Can agents log-in to security cameras to track patients ?
`` No , No , No .
It is against the law . ''
The Shin Bet `` saved lives from terror , but it saves lives also from the corona , '' he says .
The agency believes the system has located almost 4,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quarter of the confirmed Covid-19 cases in Israel .
However , concerns have been raised about whether it is picking up too many people , including those who simply pass a patient in the street .
Almost 79,000 people have been sent messages based on the Shin Bet data , the government says .
The Israel Association of Public Health Physicians told MPs that the programme raised `` the substantial possibility of various errors '' , saying that `` close contact '' meant a distance of less than 2m for more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system did measure the duration of contact .
Others believe mass surveillance programmes scrambled to deal with the pandemic are rife for abuse around the world .
`` What scares me is that , at least for now , the norm is suddenly changing , '' says cybersecurity analyst John Scott-Railton of the University of Toronto 's Citizen Lab .
`` People who have been [ quietly ] doing these things which are highly questionable are suddenly saying : 'Look , we 're your saviours here . '
'' Meanwhile , police in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the surveillance data .
Since March , more than 110,000 checks have been carried out to confirm people are at home .
In one case , officers flew a drone up to the window of an 18th floor flat to check on a coronavirus patient 's quarantine .
She waved at the aircraft filming her .
Police spokesman Superintendent Micky Rosenfeld thinks the measures have kept Israel in a `` relatively good position '' in tackling the virus .
`` We did n't reach a stage where we had hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're keeping our heads up and we 're staying on top of the situation , '' he says .
A committee of the Knesset , Israel 's parliament , has been overseeing the Shin Bet program and authorising its continued use .
Israel 's ministry of health told the BBC that it was continuing to use the data .
It declined to answer a question about privacy concerns .
The Shin Bet has previously said individuals ' data will be used only for providing instructions to save lives , and will be deleted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifted .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • CRISIS BAILOUTS : What countries are doing • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Ministers have pledged to underpin the programme with legislation after a Supreme Court challenge by human rights groups .
Mr Kotkovsky , the photographer who self-isolated after a government message , says he supports the system but still feels left in the shadows .
He does n't believe he actually came into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told he could not receive a test .
`` It did n't feel like someone was crushing my privacy , '' he says .
`` The problem was that I think it was n't accurate . ''

"It's the same system, the same methods," he explains. "We know that someone was here in the park. We can get from the [phone] company all the details about the hour, the place, exactly the place... and we can understand who else was around."


bbc--2020-05-11--Safoora Zargar: Why did India jail a pregnant student during Covid-19?

It was 2:30 in the afternoon when a group of policemen arrived at Safoora Zargar 's home in south-east Delhi .
The 27-year-old sociology student at the prestigious Jamia Milia Islamia university was taking a nap , her husband , who did n't want to be named , told the BBC .
The couple had married 19 months ago , and Ms Zargar had discovered just a week earlier that she was pregnant .
`` She 'd been suffering from nausea and was generally feeling lethargic , '' he said .
The officers told them they were from the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Delhi police - and asked her to go with them to their office in central Delhi .
They said they wanted to ask her some questions about her involvement in protests against a controversial citizenship law that critics say is discriminatory towards Muslims .
Protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act ( CAA ) turned violent in many parts of the country and sparked religious riots in Delhi .
At the police station Ms Zargar was questioned for several hours , and at 22:30 she was arrested .
That was on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , she 's been lodged in Delhi 's overcrowded Tihar jail - at a time when India is under a strict lockdown to fight the coronavirus pandemic and the government 's own advisory says pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to infection .
Ms Zargar has been charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act ( UAPA ) - a draconian law that makes it nearly impossible for the accused to get bail .
Since her arrest , she 's been allowed to make two five-minute calls each to her husband and her lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and letters on account of Covid-19 restrictions .
Ms Zargar is among a number of Muslim students and activists who have been jailed since India 's lockdown began on 25 March , leading to accusations that the government is using the pandemic to crack down on free speech and dissent .
As a member of the Jamia Coordination Committee ( JCC ) , a student group , she had been active in organising peaceful protests against the CAA in north-east Delhi .
Her sister Sameeya describes her as `` very gutsy , unapologetically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police allege she was a `` key conspirator '' in riots that swept the area in February , in which 53 people , mostly Muslims , died .
Her family has rubbished the charges - Sameeya says her sister is not a criminal but a student and an activist who was just exercising her democratic right to protest .
`` She was always out there - a student , standing with other students . ''
Delhi police insist they have done their `` job sincerely and impartially '' and that `` all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of scientific and forensic evidence '' .
But critics say the authorities are using a false narrative to link the protests with the riots .
`` In my view , this is mala fide persecution , '' lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan told the BBC .
The government , he says , is trying to suppress all dissent , and by arresting the students and activists , they are trying to suppress all future protests .
`` Muslims were at the receiving end of the violence and they are the ones who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From 23 to 25 February , Hindu mobs were seen attacking Muslim neighbourhoods , armed with sticks , stones and Molotov cocktails , chanting Hindu religious slogans .
Many Muslims were lynched , their homes and businesses were vandalised and set on fire , mosques were gutted and thousands were forced into relief camps .
Although the police denied any wrongdoing , there have been well-documented examples of police complicity , aiding the rioters , or simply looking away .
Prominent members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video making incendiary remarks against the protesters before the violence .
A petition is pending in the Delhi high court seeking arrests of three BJP leaders .
And many commentators have described the riots as `` an organised pogrom against Muslims '' .
But , campaigners say , instead of taking action against the BJP politicians and the mobs , police have gone on a witch hunt against Muslim students and protesters , charging them with sedition and throwing them in jail under UAPA , at a time when the courts are hardly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report says 800 people have been arrested in connection with the February riots , including dozens who have been picked up during the lockdown .
The police , who work under the federal home ministry , are working at the behest of Mr Modi 's government , it adds .
Besides Ms Zargar , police have arrested Meeran Haider , a research scholar and member of the Jamia Coordination Committee , Shifa-Ur-Rehman , president of the Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association , Gulfisha , an MBA student , and Ishrat Jahan , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-CAA protests .
In all the cases , the police have used a similar playbook - accusing them of conspiracy to riot , indulging in hate speech and inciting mobs - and throwing them in jail under the repressive UAPA .
The arrests have been condemned by civil society and rights groups who have called them `` illegal '' and a `` grave abuse of state power '' .
• How Muslims ' homes were targeted and burnt Hundreds of feminists from across the country have also issued a statement demanding an end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassment of those who assert their democratic right to protest '' , especially women .
`` False cases against peaceful protesters must be dropped and all those arrested on fake charges must be released , '' the statement reads .
But it 's Ms Zargar , now four months pregnant , who has emerged as the face of state repression against students and activists .
`` The government of India has been exceedingly intolerant towards free speech and dissent , '' Amnesty International India Executive Director Avinash Kumar said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second trimester of her pregnancy and send her to an overcrowded prison during the pandemic highlights how brutal is the ongoing clampdown in the country . ''
The attention on Ms Zargar 's case has not gone down well with the government 's supporters , who have taken to social media in recent days to slander the jailed activist .
Last week , hundreds of right-wing trolls on Twitter tried to slut-shame her , posting vulgar comments suggesting she was unmarried and raising questions over her pregnancy .
And several members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Narendra Modi shared an image from a porn video falsely claiming it was her .
Altnews , a fact check website reported that the group `` is a propaganda tool with most of its posts oscillating between praising the PM and the BJP and criticism of the opposition '' .
Some of the right-wing press , sympathetic to the government , carried reports accusing Ms Zargar of being `` responsible for the deaths of innocent people '' during the riots .
Legal experts say whether she 's guilty or not will only be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But that 's a long and drawn-out process and it 's the process that 's the punishment .
The trolling and the filth being spewed about her have caused immense anguish to Ms Zargar 's family .
But last Tuesday , when her husband spoke to her on the phone , he did not tell her anything about the trolling or abuses .
`` I had a whole list of things , but I could n't check half of them because our calls are timed , '' he told me .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes , the couple talked about her health , the food she 's getting in prison , and discussed a way of getting some cash to her because due to Covid-19 restrictions , she ca n't receive a money order .
`` She asked about her parents , my parents and our siblings .
She wanted to know if the family is worried about her ?
`` I told her we are counting on you to be the strong one , for us , '' he says .
Read more on the Delhi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ echoes of the Gujarat riots

But, campaigners say, instead of taking action against the BJP politicians and the mobs, police have gone on a witch hunt against Muslim students and protesters, charging them with sedition and throwing them in jail under UAPA, at a time when the courts are hardly functioning because of Covid-19 restrictions.


bbc--2020-05-11--Coronavirus: Hairdressers among businesses to reopen in France

France has begun to ease its lockdown , and thousands of businesses have started to reopen .
Among the businesses @ @ @ @ @ salon owner in Paris spoke to the BBC about the safety of her staff , @ @ @ @ @ is facing .

France has begun to ease its lockdown, and thousands of businesses have started to reopen.
Among the businesses reopening are hairdressers.
One salon owner in Paris spoke to the BBC about the safety of her staff, and the economic challenges she is facing.


bbc--2020-05-11--How to make your own face mask

How to make your own face mask

People in England , Scotland and Northern Ireland are now being advised to wear face coverings while at the shops or on public transport to help limit the spread of coronavirus .
While medical face masks and respirators are prioritised for health and care workers , you might want to try making your own face covering .
Here 's our guide to different types and step-by-step instructions on how to make them .
Whether you 're handy with a sewing machine , like cutting up old t-shirts or just want a quick fix , the principles are the same : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the mask needs to fit snugly around the face , and you should be able to breathe comfortably .
One study has shown that the best materials to use are tightly woven cottons or twill , natural silk or quilted cotton material .
But you can also make do with what you have around your home .
Let 's start with an easier one .
The government advises washing your hands or using hand sanitiser before putting on and after taking off face coverings .
You should also : • Avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mouth at all times • Store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them • Wash a face covering regularly - it can go in with other laundry , using your normal detergent Our next example uses an old t-shirt , preferably thick cotton or a cotton and polyester mix .
And still nothing to sew .
Homemade masks are not necessarily intended to help the wearer , the government says , but they could help stop you inadvertently passing on the disease to others if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
If you do have coronavirus symptoms - such as a high temperature or continuous cough , you should stay indoors and isolate at home .
Whichever face covering you use , they are not a substitute for other lockdown rules .
Hand hygiene especially is just as important as before - so washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds when you get home .
• FACE MASKS : Should I be wearing one ?
Our third example needs a few stitches , but they can be as simple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as long as it all holds in place and survives a few washes .
There are plenty of other ways to make a face covering - and many examples on social media from professional , designer logo 'd masks to cut up sports socks .
Have fun giving them a go .
Remember you might need more than one , so you have something to use while the other is being washed .
Face coverings should not be used for children under the age of two years or people who might not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks shown were made by members of the BBC 's Visual Journalism team • SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

Have fun giving them a go. Remember you might need more than one, so you have something to use while the other is being washed. Face coverings should not be used for children under the age of two years or people who might not be able to fit them correctly.


bbc--2020-05-11--South Africa's coronavirus lockdown: Doubts creep in

It is tempting to imagine that South Africa will look back , almost fondly , on late March 2020 as a special moment in its young democracy .
As plenty of nations around the world appeared to flounder , or panic , or even turn their backs on the rising threat of Covid-19 , this country was possessed by a rare and extraordinary degree of unity and decisiveness .
President Cyril Ramaphosa - a man whose consensus-building instincts have long been a source of frustration to many here - was transformed into a man of action , brusquely implementing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps that changed South Africa overnight , and proved stunningly effective at breaking the upward curve of infections .
In an era when so many politicians are reaching for war metaphors and comparisons , this was , you could argue , South Africa 's Dunkirk moment - an inspired retreat in the face of a formidable adversary that bought the country essential time ( as the Dunkirk evacuations did for war-time Britain 's military ) to regroup and to shore up its defences .
That `` Dunkirk spirit '' has not evaporated yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grass roots , in particular , South Africa is still bursting with examples of ingenuity and cohesion , as businesses and communities reach out to help each other and to support the millions who are , increasingly , struggling to feed their families .
But we are now over six weeks into what remains one of the toughest lockdowns on earth , the government 's health experts are predicting that the peak of the epidemic may still be two or three months away , infection numbers are surging in some regions , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greeted Mr Ramaphosa 's early diktats has been replaced by an increasingly sceptical , angry , and politicised debate .
A return to business as usual in this famously fractious nation ?
Perhaps .
But South Africa is entering a long and difficult period in its fight against Covid-19 .
To borrow yet another parallel from World War II , you could argue that , after the success of its Dunkirk phase , these could prove to be the country 's Stalingrad months - a grinding battle of attrition characterised by tense skirmishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collapse in troop morale .
Mr Ramaphosa has not retreated to his bunker - indeed he has continued to win praise for his level-headed approach , urging South Africans to avoid careless or reckless behaviour and to `` accept the reality , prepare for it and adapt to it '' .
But the image of a united African National Congress ( ANC ) cabinet - so important in terms of convincing the public to endure such hardships indefinitely - is being eroded .
You may also be interested in : • How 'secret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gap appears to separate those who , perhaps more inclined to follow China 's example , are in favour of a more intrusive , heavy-handed approach by the state - including plans to quarantine new confirmed virus cases in hospitals , and the decision to extend the controversial ban on all cigarette and alcohol purchases and to enforce a new overnight curfew - from those in cabinet more attuned to the interests of the business lobby which would prefer to see a lighter touch and the lockdown eased more quickly .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong with robust debate within government .
But as many countries are now discovering , the nuanced calculations and messaging required in this second phase of the pandemic are proving even harder to get right than the pressured decisions of the initial stage .
And the stakes here are particularly high .
Business leaders are now warning that if the lockdown does not ease sharply soon , South Africa 's gross domestic product could shrink by over 16 % , and up to four million jobs could be threatened - staggering figures for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an economy already in recession and wrestling with a 27 % unemployment rate .
The main opposition Democratic Alliance ( DA ) has warned that the government is abusing its power with `` arbitrary rules '' and `` outrageous announcements '' that are `` increasingly met with resistance and even outright civil disobedience '' .
You may want to watch : The DA wants the alcohol and cigarette bans lifted , and an end to the `` ANC lockdown crisis '' .
The ANC has , in turn , accused the DA of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Seeking to rise above these disputes , President Ramaphosa has emphasised the dangers - already seen in other countries - of a `` second wave '' of infections .
Looming over all these concerns and considerations is the key issue of South Africa 's own health system and whether it can contain the viral spikes that many experts now believe are approaching , and whether the crucial weeks of extra time gained by the government 's initial Dunkirk strategy have been put to good enough use to turn the tide in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

A gap appears to separate those who, perhaps more inclined to follow China's example, are in favour of a more intrusive, heavy-handed approach by the state - including plans to quarantine new confirmed virus cases in hospitals, and the decision to extend the controversial ban on all cigarette and alcohol purchases and to enforce a new overnight curfew - from those in cabinet more attuned to the interests of the business lobby which would prefer to see a lighter touch and the lockdown eased more quickly.


bbc--2020-05-12--Can a city test 11 million residents in 10 days?

The Chinese city of Wuhan is drawing up plans to test its entire population of 11 million people for Covid-19 , state media report .
The plan appears to be in its early stages , with all districts in Wuhan told to submit details as to how testing could be done within 10 days .
It comes after Wuhan , where the virus first emerged , recorded six new cases over the weekend .
Prior to this , it had seen no new cases at all since 3 April .
Wuhan , which was in strict lockdown for 11 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For a while it seemed like life was getting back to normal as schools re-opened , businesses slowly emerged and public transport resumed operations .
But the emergence of a cluster of cases - all from the same residential compound - has now threatened the move back to normalcy .
According to report by The Paper , quoting a widely circulated internal document , every district in the city has been told to draw up a 10-day testing plan by noon on Tuesday .
Each district is responsible for coming up with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their population and whether or not there is currently an active outbreak in the district .
The document , which refers to the test plan as the `` 10-day battle '' , also says that older people and densely populated communities should be prioritised when it comes to testing .
However several senior health officials quoted by the Global Times newspaper indicated that testing the entire city would be unfeasible and costly .
Peng Zhiyong , director of the intensive care unit of the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University , instead that testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical workers , vulnerable people and those who 'd had close contacts with a case .
Another Wuhan University director suggested that a large percentage of Wuhan 's population - around 3-5 million - had already been tested , and Wuhan was `` capable '' of testing the remaining 6-8 million in a 10-days period .
To put the goal into context , the US now conducts around 300,000 tests each day , according to the White House .
So far , it 's tested almost 9 million people in total .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lockdown • A dazed city emerges from the harshest of lockdowns • Wuhan evacuee 'should never have left China' On Chinese social media site Weibo , people have been raising questions about whether such a large number of tests can be carried out in just a matter of days .
`` It is impossible to test so many people , '' said one commenter , who also questioned how much it would cost .
Another said that such tests should have been carried out before Wuhan re-opened its doors to the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global emergency started and there was relief when the first cluster site seemed to come out the other side .
There would also be despair if the first lockdown city was to be engulfed again by the coronavirus .
Not letting this happen has become a priority for the Chinese government .
When a new domestic infection appeared in the city three days ago you could feel the concern over 1,000km away in Beijing .
Then five others were infected by the 89-year old man previously declared `` asymptomatic '' , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , sacking local officials in this way might also encourage a tendency to hide future cases .
China 's most powerful seven people , in the Politburo Standing Committee , met last week to discuss improving the country 's early warning system for outbreaks like this .
They could start by easing the `` no mistakes at all costs '' approach to governing , in which those who reveal the bad news can end up being punished .
China reported just one new cases on Monday , bringing the total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll at 4,633 .
Hundreds of asymptomatic cases are being monitored by Wuhan health authorities • 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 ?

Wuhan was where this global emergency started and there was relief when the first cluster site seemed to come out the other side. There would also be despair if the first lockdown city was to be engulfed again by the coronavirus.


bbc--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: The lost six weeks when US failed to contain outbreak

Having watched Asian and European countries struggle against Covid-19 , the US was slow to ramp up testing and order @ @ @ @ @ home .
We look at this crucial time period and what exactly was done to @ @ @ @ @ by the BBC 's Franz Strasser , narrated by Hannah Long-Higgins

Having watched Asian and European countries struggle against Covid-19, the US was slow to ramp up testing and order its residents to stay at home. We look at this crucial time period and what exactly was done to prevent the outbreak.
Produced by the BBC's Franz Strasser, narrated by Hannah Long-Higgins


bbc--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Musk defies orders and reopens Tesla's California plant

Tesla has reopened its only US electric car plant in California , despite local orders against manufacturing .
On Monday , the company 's chief executive Elon Musk tweeted that production had restarted and he would be `` on the line with everyone else '' .
US states and local governments are trying to determine the best way to open up after lockdown .
Mr Musk previously vowed to move the firm 's headquarters out of California if the plant was not allowed to reopen .
He has been vocal about the lockdown orders in recent weeks .
Mr Musk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , writing on Twitter : `` FREE AMERICA NOW '' .
He has also dismissed as `` dumb '' concerns about the coronavirus .
• Tesla warning as Musk calls for end to lockdown While the state has eased restrictions to allow manufacturing , Alameda County , where the Fremont plant is located , has not .
The town is about one hour south of San Francisco .
On Saturday , Elon Musk said that Tesla had filed a lawsuit against the county asking a court to remove the order that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rather than wait for a ruling , Mr Musk announced on Twitter on Monday that the plant would reopen .
The local police department said that it was aware of the situation , but that it would act at the discretion of county health officials .
The Alameda County Public Health Department said on Monday it was `` actively communicating '' with Tesla about reopening plans and that it was taking the same approach it had taken with other business that had violated lockdown orders .
In an email seen by Reuters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen was in line with California guidelines .
Mr Musk wrote on Twitter that Tesla had been `` singled out '' , saying that other US carmakers were allowed to restart production .
Other carmakers had planned to resume production in May but some have had to delay this in states like Michigan where non-essential business operations are limited .
Pictures of the Tesla car park on Monday showed it mostly full .
The plant has been closed to all but limited essential operations since 26 March .
Tesla opened a plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building another outside of Berlin , but Fremont is home to Tesla 's headquarters and its primary manufacturing facility .
On Saturday , Mr Musk said he would relocate the US plant to another state if necessary to restart production .
Officials from Texas , Utah , Georgia and Nevada , where Tesla already has a battery assembly plant , had contacted it offering incentives to move to their jurisdictions .
US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Monday California `` should prioritize '' helping Tesla reopen because it was one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state 's governor , Gavin Newsom , said that he had spoken with Mr Musk last week and that his concerns were part of the reason California decided to phase in manufacturing as it slowly lifts lockdown measures .

The Alameda County Public Health Department said on Monday it was "actively communicating" with Tesla about reopening plans and that it was taking the same approach it had taken with other business that had violated lockdown orders.


bbc--2020-05-12--Scott Johnson death: Australian man arrested in gay hate killing cold case

Australian police have charged a man with the decades-old murder of a gay US student in Sydney .
The body of Scott Johnson , 27 , was found at the bottom of beach cliffs in 1988 .
Police ruled it a suicide .
However , later inquiries concluded he had been killed in a hate crime .
This also drew attention to other cases of homophobic killings around Sydney 's beaches in the 1980s .
Scott Price , 49 , was arrested at his Sydney home on Tuesday .
He was refused bail and will face a court on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was a `` career highlight '' to call Scott Johnson 's brother , Steve , who lives in the US , to inform him of the arrest .
The police force has previously apologised to the family for not investigating the case properly in the 1980s and failing to protect the gay community .
`` While we have a long way to go in the legal process , it must be acknowledged that if it was n't for the determination of the Johnson family ... we would n't be where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
'He needed me to do this' Scott , a gifted University of Cambridge maths student , had moved from the US to Sydney to be with his partner in 1986 .
He had been close to completing his PhD when he was found dead at the bottom of the North Head cliffs in Manly .
His brother Steve campaigned for decades for the case to be re-investigated .
He told the BBC in 2018 it was `` inconceivable '' that his brother had jumped off a cliff .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a video message on Tuesday .
`` He was my best friend and he really needed me to do this . ''
Family petitions sparked coroner investigations in 2012 and 2015 which both recommended police reopen the case .
However no action was taken until a third inquiry in 2017 where the coroner found Scott had died as a result of a gay hate crime .
Police offered a A $ 1m ( £570,000 ; $ 645,000 ) cash reward in 2018 for information about the case .
Two months ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 2m .
It 's now estimated up to 80 gay men were murdered by homophobic gangs in and around Sydney in the late 1980s - with many pushed off cliffs .
Mr Johnson said he hoped the arrest `` opens the door '' for others to receive justice .
`` I hope the family and friends of the other dozens of gay men who lost their lives find solace in what 's happened today , '' he said .

"While we have a long way to go in the legal process, it must be acknowledged that if it wasn't for the determination of the Johnson family... we wouldn't be where we are today," Commissioner Mick Fuller said.


bbc--2020-05-12--Harry Dunn crash: Anne Sacoolas extradition refusal 'final'

The US has said its decision to refuse an extradition request for Harry Dunn 's alleged killer was final .
It comes amid claims that US national Anne Sacoolas was `` wanted internationally '' after an Interpol Red notice was issued .
A US State Department spokeswoman maintained that she had diplomatic immunity from criminal jurisdiction .
Mr Dunn , 19 , died after a crash in Northamptonshire , with Mrs Sacoolas accused of death by dangerous driving .
Mrs Sacoolas , the wife of a US intelligence official based at RAF Croughton , claimed diplomatic immunity following the crash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home country , sparking an international outcry .
The Interpol Red notice means she can be arrested if she leaves the US .
Mr Dunn 's mother Charlotte Charles was notified by Northamptonshire Police about the Interpol notice .
She said it was `` a huge step in the right direction '' .
Motorcyclist Mr Dunn died in a crash with a car near US military base RAF Croughton on 27 August .
A Home Office extradition request was refused by US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in January .
On Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision was final .
She said that granting the extradition request for Mrs Sacoolas would have rendered the invocation of diplomatic immunity a practical nullity and would have set an `` extraordinarily troubling precedent '' .
She added that the US has a history of close law enforcement co-operation with the UK , and values that relationship .
But the Dunn family spokesman Radd Seiger said : `` The White House may feel that secretary Pompeo 's refusal to extradite Anne Sacoolas was final but that does not reflect the real position .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the US Embassy in London said in a recent letter to Andrea Leadsom , both countries recognise that the final decision will rest with the court following a judicial review . ''
An Interpol Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition , surrender , or similar legal action .
On its website , Interpol states a red notice `` is an international wanted persons notice , but it is not an arrest warrant '' .
Find BBC News : East of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews @ bbc.co.uk

"In fact quite the contrary, as the US Embassy in London said in a recent letter to Andrea Leadsom, both countries recognise that the final decision will rest with the court following a judicial review."


bbc--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Ventilator fire blamed for Russia Covid-19 deaths

A fire at a St Petersburg hospital has killed five coronavirus patients in an intensive care unit .
The blaze was apparently started by a short-circuit in a ventilator , Russian news agencies reported .
The fire was quickly put out and 150 people were evacuated from the hospital , the country 's emergency ministry said .
It is not clear how many people have been injured .
All the patients who died at St George Hospital had been on ventilators .
`` The ventilators are working to their limits .
Preliminary indications are that it was overloaded and caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' a source at St Petersburg emergencies department told the Interfax news agency .
Russia 's NTV news website reports that the fire did not spread beyond one small Covid-19 ward on the sixth floor .
It quotes doctors as saying a short-circuit caused a ventilator `` literally to explode '' because of the oxygen concentration , and the ward filled with smoke , which suffocated the patients .
There have been persistent reports of a shortage of ventilators in Russia , especially in the provinces - as President Vladimir Putin himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sarah Rainsford reports .
Production has increased rapidly , but research by the Reuters news agency found that outside Moscow many ventilators are old - made in the 1990s .
St Petersburg , with a population of approximately 4.9 million people , has 5,483 hospital beds for Covid-19 patients .
A police source quoted by Tass news agency said the ventilator which caught fire was new - it had been installed just this month - and was made by Russia 's Ural machine-building plant .
St Petersburg has recorded just over 8,000 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than Moscow , where the infection rate is continuing to climb at over 10,000 new cases daily .
State investigators have opened a case to determine whether there was criminal negligence - either in the ventilator design and manufacture or in the hospital 's fire precautions .
The All-Russia Institute for Medical Technology Research points out that there are many different types of medical ventilator , so a fault in one may not be common to others .
Alexei Kurinny , a member of the Russian parliament 's health committee , said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short-circuited or overloaded , and that fire safety was built into their design .
The St George Hospital in the Vyborg district had been converted to a Covid-19 hospital at the end of March .
The emergency services sent 105 firefighters and 55 vehicles to the hospital , offficials said .
The news of the fire comes as the country is starting to ease lockdown restrictions .
Construction , farming and factory workers are resuming their duties .
Russia now has the second-highest number of confirmed infections worldwide after the United States .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections in the past 24 hours , bringing the total to more than 232,000 .
The capital , Moscow , is the worst-affected area and has reported more than 5,000 new cases in the past 24 hours .
• EUROPE 'S EASING : How lockdown is being lifted • 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 ?

The All-Russia Institute for Medical Technology Research points out that there are many different types of medical ventilator, so a fault in one may not be common to others.


bbc--2020-05-12--Leicester man denies racial abuse of BBC reporter

A man has denied racially abusing a BBC reporter as she prepared a broadcast .
Sima Kotecha said she and @ @ @ @ @ and abusive behaviour '' as they set up for live interviews in Leicester city centre @ @ @ @ @ Leicester Magistrates ' Court by videolink , Russell Rawlingson pleaded not guilty to causing racially @ @ @ @ @ The 50-year-old , of Glenfield Road in Leicester was bailed to appear at Leicester Crown @ @ @ @ @ Ms Kotecha was due to interview people on Sunday evening following the prime minister 's @ @ @ @ @ restrictions .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT @ @ @ @ @ to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : @ @ @ @ @ ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
Follow BBC @ @ @ @ @ Twitter , or Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk

Sima Kotecha said she and her team faced "racist and abusive behaviour" as they set up for live interviews in Leicester city centre on Sunday.