bbc--2020-04-24--Owen Harding: The teen who disappeared during lockdown

As Britain scrambled to adjust to the first week of a life of lockdown in late March , Owen Harding and his mum Stella were arguing .
The 16-year-old was frustrated that his girlfriend Meg Wells Rhodes was 280 miles away in York , where she lives .
It had been an emotional few days .
Meg had only just left after a short visit to Owen 's home in Saltdean , East Sussex .
Restrictions on travel had been imposed and it was unlikely the couple would be able to get together again in the near future .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the distance , but Owen found the new uncertainty unsettling .
`` I know that I myself was very anxious , '' says his mum Stella .
`` And I know that a lot of my friends were very anxious as well , and feeling a lot of grief about not being able to spend time with each other . ''
Owen lives with his mum and five-year-old sister in the art deco-era village of Saltdean set on top of the cliffs on the eastern edge of Brighton .
Stella describes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a swimming and diving teacher who travelled the world with a backpack and met Owen 's father on an Indian beach .
He died at home in Geneva two years ago after a sudden illness .
On a video call from the teenager 's bedroom , Stella describes her son as `` an articulate and wise and mature , emotionally intelligent young man '' .
Going missing was out of character .
Owen 's GCSE artwork lines the bedroom walls , along with photos of friends .
There are football trophies from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Meg 's families became friends through Britain 's burgeoning community of parents who choose to home school their children .
Meg is taught at home , and Owen had previously attended Brighton Waldorf School , one of the Steiner School network of providers of alternative education , before beginning art and film studies A-levels at a sixth form college .
The pair had known each other since they were 11 but had only become a couple two years ago .
Owen wanted to spend the lockdown with Meg , and had joked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might make the journey north .
But his mum was adamant that this was not going to happen .
`` It was like this ongoing discussion all week .
That was really , really tricky between us , '' she says .
On Thursday 26 March , the argument flared again , and as the evening sun illuminated the South Downs , Owen left the house without saying a word to his mother .
CCTV pictures show the teenager walking south , down Bannings Vale in Saltdean , towards the cliff top at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is less than half a mile .
The eastern edge of Saltdean sits next to Telscombe Tye , a scrubby expanse of grass popular with walkers that marks the meeting of Brighton 's eastern suburbs and the South Downs .
There are only a few hundred yards of grass beyond the coast road before the Tye stops at the Sussex chalk .
He made a phone call to Meg after he left the house .
`` He said that he 'd just had a big argument with his mum , '' she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well because I had just had an argument with my mum about the same thing .
And then we just sort of cheered up and and he said he was just going to watch the sunset . ''
It was the last time anyone has reported having spoken to Owen .
Cell site records show that Owen 's phone was connected to the mast at the top of Longridge Avenue , which runs from the downland behind Saltdean to the coast road and the cliff top .
At 18:23 it was disconnected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ boyfriend at 18:32 , but it went straight to voicemail .
Unaware of this , Stella was not concerned .
`` We live by the sea , we live next to the Downs .
We go walking a lot .
He just went out , off he went and I just thought : 'Well , good , go and get your allocated daily exercise .
`` 'Go and stomp it off , go and get it off your chest and then you 'll come back . '
'' But by late evening she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Saltdean and Meg 's family in York .
Around 23:00 she contacted the police .
Meg and her parents rushed back to the south coast the following day and the families began searching on the Downs behind Saltdean , and along the coast as far as Newhaven .
They called in at abandoned farmhouses , shouting Owen 's name .
A huge police operation was quickly organised .
About 80 officers visited homes and businesses near the Hardings ' bungalow .
But the lockdown made the operation more difficult .
Police were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and shops that might have been able to provide CCTV pictures had closed because of the lockdown .
But police did give residents who owned security cameras police memory sticks .
They were left in packages outside houses and later collected by officers .
Before long , a huge support campaign had sprung up - one that continued to honour social distancing rules .
`` Saltdean is an amazing community , '' says Stella .
`` We do n't all know each other , of course , but it 's an amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people in Saltdean heard that there was a teenager missing , everybody was talking about it .
People started putting up posters on [ the ] Friday .
And everybody was on board . ''
A social media operation found volunteers to create a website and Facebook pages .
Celebrities including BBC Radio 2 breakfast presenter Zoe Ball and YouTuber PewDiePie , who both live in Brighton and Hove , posted appeals online .
Simon Watson , a retired Metropolitan police sergeant trained in search techniques , who lives on the Hardings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ methodical search .
Teams of between 10 and 20 people , working in household groups where possible , combed the grassy cliff-top area at Telscombe Tye , and the scrubby countryside behind the houses in Saltdean .
Watson had drawn up full risk assessments and briefed the volunteers before each search - with a strict reminder to maintain a social distance .
Acknowledging the difficulties of the case because of the current situation , he said the community had remained resolute .
`` I know from experience you can have hunches .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because of the real lack of information . ''
Stella set up a small camp in the front garden of her 1930s bungalow , including a small statue of Buddha .
She says this is a space for her to rest and reflect .
Neighbours talk to her from the path , offering words of comfort and support .
And friends gave her a wood-burning oven so she could keep warm on the nights she spent sleeping outside waiting for her son .
`` Fire and sleeping on the ground , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being outside .
They are all things that sort of nourish me and comfort me , so that 's why I 'm doing that .
`` And I also had this thing in my head , 'If I light a fire and I just keep it going , it 's like a kind of beacon and Owen will come home . '
'' But she misses human contact .
`` Everybody just wants to hug me .
That 's what they want to do .
And I want that .
So that that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
If you or someone you know needs support for issues about emotional distress , these organisations may be able to help .
Det Insp Mark Rosser of Sussex police has conceded that the searches have found no evidence of Owen alive .
`` Pretty much all that we can do has been done , '' he says .
His last hope is that combing through CCTV from buses travelling on the coast road might show the teenager at the time he disappeared .
When Owen was last seen , the tide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at sunset , and the wind a strong north-easterly .
Police enlisted an oceanographer , Dr Simon Boxall of the University of Southampton , who concluded that the conditions at the time would have carried a body out to sea rather than carrying it east or west along the seafront .
DI Rosser 's officers have been searching the coast as far east as Dungeness in Kent , and have alerted colleagues in mainland Europe .
Stella says she does n't know whether her son is alive or dead , but she and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility there had been a tragedy on the cliffs .
`` I think that we 've all been prepared for that since the moment he went missing , '' she says .
`` He has a five-year-old sister who adores him , and is aware of his absence .
She keeps asking when is Owen coming back , and my heart is aching at the possible thought of having to tell her that he is not ever coming back .
`` What it feels like is that I 'm kind of teetering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a massive bottomless canyon of grief .
`` And I do n't know if I can actually allow myself to jump into it , you know , like , I want to . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

He made a phone call to Meg after he left the house. "He said that he'd just had a big argument with his mum," she says. "And I was upset as well because I had just had an argument with my mum about the same thing. And then we just sort of cheered up and and he said he was just going to watch the sunset."


bbc--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: New Zealand claims no community cases as lockdown eases

New Zealand says it has stopped community transmission of Covid-19 , effectively eliminating the virus .
With new cases in single figures for several days - one on Sunday - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the virus was `` currently '' eliminated .
But officials have warned against complacency , saying it does not mean a total end to new coronavirus cases .
The news comes hours before New Zealand is set to move out of its toughest level of social restrictions .
From Tuesday , some non-essential business , healthcare and education activity will be able to resume .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain at home at all times and avoid all social interactions .
• Follow our live updates from around the world • How New Zealand turned to science and kindness '' We are opening up the economy , but we 're not opening up people 's social lives , '' Ms Ardern said at the daily government briefing .
New Zealand has reported fewer than 1,500 confirmed or probable cases of coronavirus and 19 deaths .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Should I be wearing one ?
• VACCINE : How close are we to finding one ?
New Zealand 's Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said the low number of new cases in recent days `` does give us confidence that we have achieved our goal of elimination '' .
He warned that `` elimination '' did not mean there would be no new cases , `` but it does mean we know where our cases are coming from '' .
Ms Ardern said there was `` no widespread undetected community transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have won that battle . ''
But she said the country `` must remain vigilant if we are to keep it that way '' .
How did New Zealand respond to the virus ?
The country brought in some of the toughest restrictions in the world on travel and activity early on in the pandemic , when it only had a few dozen cases .
It closed its borders , started enforcing quarantine of all arrivals in the country , brought in a stringent lockdown and mounted an extensive testing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and playgrounds were shut on 26 March , as were offices and schools .
Bars and restaurants were also closed , including for takeaway and delivery .
Ms Ardern said modelling indicated New Zealand could have had more than 1,000 cases a day if it had not brought in the lockdown so early .
She said the country could never know how bad it would have been , but that `` through our cumulative actions we have avoided the worst '' .
New Zealand 's remote location and easily sealable borders played in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , experts say .
But the government has also been praised for the clarity of its messaging throughout the crisis .
At midnight local time ( 12:00 GMT on Monday ) , New Zealand will move from Level Four lockdown to Level Three .
That means most businesses will be able to reopen - including restaurants for takeaways - but not those involving face-to-face contact .
New Zealanders are being told to stick to their `` bubble '' - a small group of close friends or family - and to stay 2m ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings are still banned , shopping centres remain closed and most children will remain away from school .
New Zealand 's border will remain closed .
In Australia , the rise in infections has also slowed considerably in recent weeks .
There were just 16 new cases recorded on Sunday .
Much like in New Zealand , its government has been praised for its response to the crisis and opinion polls show that trust in the country 's leadership has risen .
Restrictions are easing in some areas , with some states planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ larger outdoor gatherings this week .
In Queensland from Saturday , people will be free to go shopping for clothes , have a picnic in the park or go for a swim at the beach as long as it is within a 40-minute drive from home .
Western Australia is also joining South Australia in expanding the national two-person limit on gatherings to 10 people .
However , most Australians are still required to stay at home unless they have essential work , shopping or exercise reasons to go out .
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact tracing app within hours of it being released by the government .
Users of the app will be notified if they have had more than 15 minutes of close contact with another user who tests positive for Covid-19 .
There are reports that Australia and New Zealand are considering opening up travel between them , but no decision has been made .

In Queensland from Saturday, people will be free to go shopping for clothes, have a picnic in the park or go for a swim at the beach as long as it is within a 40-minute drive from home.


bbc--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: The US resistance to a continued lockdown

In these times , the sight of a public gathering of hundreds of people mostly without face masks is alarming .
But that is what happened at a demonstration against the shutdown measures in Washington State .
`` We believe that the state governor has gone beyond his constitutional authority in shutting down businesses and ordering people to stay at home , '' organiser Tyler Miller says from the grounds of the state capitol .
In mid-March , Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced an emergency proclamation mirroring many issued around the world ; closing restaurants and bars and banning large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unconstitutional .
`` The state constitution says that the right of the people to peaceably assemble shall never be abridged .
We believe that the ( emergency coronavirus ) proclamations that the governor here ordered violate that , '' Mr Miller says .
Mr Miller said he was not protesting against the recommendations from the public health bodies and respected the need to 'flatten the curve ' .
`` I even self-quarantined for 14 days back at the very beginning of this myself , when I had an illness that mirrored some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The fact I am protesting does not mean I think it is a good idea to have gatherings , I just believe that the government has no authority to prohibit them . ''
• What 's behind the anti-lockdown protests in US ?
Throughout the crisis , Mr Miller has also been able to continue his work as an engineering technician with the US Navy .
He says the thing that has angered him is what he feels is an un-American overreach of power by the Democratic governor .
The restrictions differ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 states have had protests against the measures .
These demonstrations vary in size from a few dozen people to thousands .
They come as the US finds itself still very much in the grip of this crisis .
There has not yet been a sustained drop in the numbers of US deaths linked to Covid-19 and yet the clamour to lift restrictions is coming not just from those taking to the streets but from politicians too .
`` The hysteria that surrounded the coronavirus from the beginning was disproportionate , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There was an overreaction by state governments with regard to mandatory shut downs , shelter in place , and so forth , '' he says .
When it is put to the state representative that tens of thousands of people have died across the country and that it could have been many more if restrictions were not in place , he dismisses the notion .
• The daunting reality of getting US back to normal '' That is something that you 're going to be able to say no matter what ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says Mr Becker , who is also a qualified doctor .
`` You 're taking the 'if it saves just one life ' argument , and I would say that if I would drive 20mph instead of 50mph , it 's possible that I might not kill somebody , and you can look at all aspects of our lives that way .
But our whole way of life in this country would collapse and we ca n't live life that way . ''
In neighbouring South Dakota , one of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glanzer , a state representative .
`` He was a very caring , giving , listening type of individual and certainly faith was a big part of his life .
He 's going to be sorely missed in the legislature , '' says party colleague Jean Hunhoff .
Representative Hunhoff describes how she and other legislative members lined the route of Mr Glanzer 's funeral procession waving American and South Dakota flags .
There were social distancing measures in place for the commemorations , even though South Dakota is one of a handful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home order has never been imposed .
`` I support the decisions of our governor .
She laid out guidelines and then really left the decisions up to local communities , '' says Jean Hunhoff , who also has a public health background .
• Killed by a virus he thought had been overhyped • Why US could be more at risk from coronavirus • Why are African Americans hit so hard by virus ?
`` I am a registered nurse and I believe it is data that should drive decision making and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is easy to stand on the outside and post judgment . ''
There has been criticism of states like South Dakota that have refused to issue state-wide shut down directives in spite of coronavirus outbreaks there .
Polls show the majority of Americans are still in favour of measures imposed to try to curb the spread of the virus .
And some are vehemently opposed to the protests .
Mary Turner , a nurse leader in an intensive care unit in Minnesota , describes them as a `` kick in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her colleagues are taking .
`` These protests here are so discouraging .
With no one doing social distancing or wearing masks , and they all say they are outraged .
I do n't know if this is a problem anywhere else in the world . ''
But the placards at the demonstrations decrying government interference suggest those involved feel there are bigger issues at stake than public health .
`` Scepticism of the government is a deep strain in America .
It waxes and wanes - though we 're in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite a while , '' says Theda Skocpol , author and professor of government and sociology at Harvard University .
With regard to the anti-shutdown protests , Professor Skocpol says it is political beliefs and not economics that have definitely been the driving force .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• LIKE 9/11 EACH DAY : A New York paramedic 's diary • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this crisis She cautions against the notion that they are an organic reaction to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a level of national organisation .
`` You do n't see the US Chamber of Commerce in the vanguard here .
These are ideological forces at play , with some professionally run conservative advocacy groups behind the protests , '' Professor Skocpol says .
`` Their cause is to make sure Americans do n't become too trusting of government .
They do n't worry whether the motives of the people on the ground are exactly the same as theirs .
They 're probably not .
I think most of the people at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters . ''
While some at the protests say they are there because they are losing money during the shutdown , Trump 2020 flags , hats and shirts have been very evident , particularly at the large demonstrations in states run by Democratic governors .
They have taken on the look of small Trump rallies .
The politicians most vocally calling for the shutdown to be lifted now , like Dr Rick Becker of North Dakota , are mainly Republicans .
All of the governors who did not impose stay at home orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also belong to the president 's party .
While the GOP does have its libertarian streak , Professor Skocpol feels that there is more to it than that , and that many of the people and politicians protesting are taking their cues from the president .
`` Donald Trump is really not all that secretive about what he 's thinking , he sort of says it .
I think that there 's a lot of evidence that he 's worried that this terrible pandemic and his handling of the early stages , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sink his presidency , '' she says .
`` You ca n't expect him , his party and those who support him to sit back and take that lightly , so what is plan B or C ?
It is to go from blaming Obama , the Chinese , the WHO , to now blaming those who are leaving restrictions in place . ''
Indeed , over recent weeks , Donald Trump has openly supported the protesters .
But mixed messages from the White House have been a feature of this crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ states `` liberated '' and opened up , the president then said he was `` unhappy '' when the Republican governor of Georgia made the decision to reopen the economy .
With many hundreds still dying of the virus here each day , state governors are in the tough position of trying to make the right decisions to keep people safe .
But it is the face of a deadly virus on the one hand and massive economic and political pressure on the other .

"You're taking the 'if it saves just one life' argument, and I would say that if I would drive 20mph instead of 50mph, it's possible that I might not kill somebody, and you can look at all aspects of our lives that way. But our whole way of life in this country would collapse and we can't live life that way."


bbc--2020-04-26--The country introducing controversial 'virus-free' ID

Chile 's government has said it will go ahead with a controversial plan to issue certificates to people who have recovered from Covid-19 .
The documents would be given to people to allow them to return to work , Deputy Health Minister Paula Daza said .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has said there is `` no evidence '' that people who contract coronavirus are immune from being infected again .
It said certificates could inspire false confidence and help it spread .
Chile has reported 189 virus-related deaths and more than 13,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from Covid-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection , '' the WHO said in a briefing note on Friday .
The body argued that so-called `` immunity certificates '' could even be harmful , because they could lead people to ignore public health advice and therefore increase the risk of transmitting the disease .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• ON FRONTLINE : The young doctors being asked to play god • REASON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come out of this crisis • AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise But Ms Daza told reporters on Sunday : `` One of the things that we know is that a person who has had the illness has a lower probability of becoming ill again . ''
She added that the certificates would not confirm that people had immunity to Covid-19 , but rather state that they had recovered from the disease and had completed a period of isolation .
At least 200,000 people have died with the coronavirus across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now trying to find ways to ease their lockdown restrictions .

"There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from Covid-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection," the WHO said in a briefing note on Friday.


bbc--2020-04-27--Spain's children allowed to run free again

Restrictions of movement in Spain , one of the worst-hit countries in the coronavirus pandemic , have been eased to @ @ @ @ @ first time in six weeks .
Spain has had one of Europe 's strictest lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ ease measures further to let everyone exercise outside .
On Sunday , the country reported @ @ @ @ @ since 20 March - 288 .
The health ministry said the total number of fatalities @ @ @ @ @ Kate Walder , who lives in Madrid , filmed her family both during the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ again after 42 days inside .

Restrictions of movement in Spain, one of the worst-hit countries in the coronavirus pandemic, have been eased to allow children outside for the first time in six weeks.
Spain has had one of Europe's strictest lockdowns but the government hopes to ease measures further to let everyone exercise outside.
On Sunday, the country reported its lowest daily death toll since 20 March - 288. The health ministry said the total number of fatalities now stood at 23,190.
Kate Walder, who lives in Madrid, filmed her family both during the lockdown and as they ventured out again after 42 days inside.
Video produced by Kate Vandy and Maarten Lernout
Read more: Spain records lowest daily death toll as lockdown eases


bbc--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Captain Tom Moore gets Royal Mail birthday postmark

The 99-year-old war veteran who has raised £29m for the NHS by walking laps of his garden has been honoured with a special postmark .
Royal Mail will stamp all letters with the message to celebrate Captain Tom Moore 's 100th birthday on Thursday .
All stamped post up until Friday will be marked with : `` Happy 100th Birthday Captain Thomas Moore NHS fundraising hero 30th April 2020 . ''
Royal Mail said it was `` honoured '' to issue the postmark .
World War Two veteran Capt Tom , from Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire , has extended his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first 100 laps 14 days ahead of schedule .
His initial £1,000 fundraising target was broken in about 24 hours and he has now raised more than £29m for the NHS .
David Gold , director of public affairs and policy at Royal Mail , said : `` What Captain Thomas Moore has achieved is truly phenomenal , and this is reflected in the affection shown for him across the world .
`` As Royal Mail works to keep the country connected during these challenging times , we are honoured to issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100th birthday . ''
Royal Mail said it had to adapt its sorting machines in the South Midlands Mail Centre to re-route all post to Capt Tom into a dedicated collection box .
A spokesman said staff had already processed more than 100,000 cards using this new process and were expecting thousands more in the run-up to his birthday .
Volunteers have also been brought in to open and display the thousands of cards , which are being put on show at Bedford School where Capt Tom 's grandson attends .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first ever centenarian to top the charts , after his duet with Michael Ball went straight to number one .
Their cover of You 'll Never Walk Alone sold 82,000 copies , with proceeds going to the NHS Charities Together fund .
Capt Tom also opened a new Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate on Tuesday .
He received a standing ovation from NHS staff and military personnel during the virtual ceremony .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your mental health

David Gold, director of public affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: "What Captain Thomas Moore has achieved is truly phenomenal, and this is reflected in the affection shown for him across the world.


bbc--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Germans don compulsory masks as lockdown eases

Germans have started wearing facemasks outside the home as new rules come into force to curb the spread of coronavirus .
The use of cloth masks is now mandatory on public transport and , in most regions , within shops .
The rules vary among the 16 German states - Bavaria being the strictest , while in Berlin shoppers do not have to wear masks .
But the authorities are moving very cautiously in easing the lockdown .
Students preparing for their school leaving exams are also back in class , but social distancing is in force .
German media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corridors and when children go on breaks , but not in the classroom .
Students sit in class spaced apart and there is more frequent cleaning with disinfectant .
Most German schoolchildren are still at home however , under lockdown , and kindergartens remain shut .
Monday also saw some further easing of the lockdowns in the Czech Republic and Switzerland , while Italy has set out a detailed plan for easing its lockdown , which remains one of the strictest in Europe .
The German authorities require mask-wearing at stations and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on long-distance trains .
Home-made cloth masks are acceptable ; people are not expected to wear hospital-style intensive care masks .
Masks are now on sale in station vending machines and at markets .
Face-masks have become the new toilet paper , quipped one German newspaper commentator , as people across Germany scramble to buy nose-and-mouth coverings .
To plug the gap , signs are popping up in shop windows advertising self-made , brightly coloured cloth masks , typically costing around 10 euros .
In the hipper parts of town , patterned face-masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be covered but Berliners are still keen to show their individuality .
`` If I talk to the shop assistant — and if I have the virus without knowing — then it means that I do n't pass it on to her , '' said Florian , a graphic designer , who was wearing a simple cloth mask while coming out of a shop .
`` It 's about being aware and protecting other people . ''
But Christine , a special needs teacher , who was n't wearing a mask and uses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in shops , worried that mask-wearing is more about virtue-signalling than safety .
`` The situation is really confused , '' she said .
`` Some people wear masks , some people do n't .
It makes the whole thing absurd .
I think it 's a bit of a placebo . ''
Either way the new rules are having a visible impact .
Until recently face-masks were a rarity in Germany , and would attract stares .
Now they are suddenly a normal part of daily life .
Germany has reported 5,750 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll than in Italy , Spain , France or the UK .
Germany 's large-scale testing and strict , early lockdown are reckoned to have kept the rate of infection down .
Last week the eastern state of Saxony became the first to make mask-wearing compulsory .
Mask-wearing is also compulsory in Austria , the Czech Republic and Slovakia , for shoppers and public transport users .
But internationally expert opinion is divided on the effectiveness of home-made masks in curbing Covid-19 .
Many argue that masks help prevent the wearer spreading infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are deemed essential too .
In most German states children under six years old do not have to wear masks .
And Schleswig-Holstein will not require mask-wearing until Wednesday .
The new rules have created huge demand for masks , so faced with a growing shortage the government is planning to manufacture millions of them in Germany .
In Bavaria , people still going mask-free can be fined €150 ( £131 ; $ 163 ) , but the fine for any shopkeeper who breaks the rules can be €5,000 , Süddeutsche Zeitung reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional variations in the lockdown rules are acceptable because some places are virus hotspots , and others not .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • UNDERSTAND : The outbreak around the world • VACCINE : How close are we to finding one ?
• TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
What is happening elsewhere ?
Spain - the European country with the highest number of deaths after Italy - reported its lowest daily death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , with 288 new fatalities .
On Sunday , children could go outside for the first time in six weeks .
In Switzerland , garden centres and hairdressers are opening their doors , followed by schools and shops selling items other than food in two weeks ' time .
But gatherings of more than five people remain banned until 8 June , and it is unclear when bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen .
The Czech capital Prague has deployed ticket inspectors on public transport for the first time since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bus and train services were increased over the weekend .
And on Monday , the country opened its borders to business visitors and students , but not tourists .
Meanwhile , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has returned to work , after recovering from the virus .
Mr Johnson spent a week in hospital , including three nights in intensive care , after being admitted on 5 April .

But Christine, a special needs teacher, who wasn't wearing a mask and uses a scarf around her mouth and nose in shops, worried that mask-wearing is more about virtue-signalling than safety. "The situation is really confused," she said. "Some people wear masks, some people don't. It makes the whole thing absurd. I think it's a bit of a placebo."


bbc--2020-04-27--Airbus is 'bleeding cash', chief executive warns

The chief executive of Airbus has issued a stark assessment of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the plane maker .
In a letter to workers , Guillaume Faury warned the company was `` bleeding cash at an unprecedented speed '' .
This month the firm announced it was cutting aircraft production by a third .
It comes as the aviation industry is expected to shrink significantly in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak .
Mr Faury also told Airbus ' 135,000 staff to brace for potentially deep job cuts and warned that its survival was at stake without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to deliver financial results for the first quarter of the year .
Those figures will be overshadowed by the pandemic that has left global airlines struggling to survive and almost completely halted plane deliveries since lockdowns started in March .
• Aerospace industry 'will take years ' to recover Greg Waldron , from the aviation industry news website Flight Global , highlighted the huge impact of coronavirus on Airbus and the sector as a whole , saying : `` Every assumption we had about the industry has been totally upended .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very positive to very negative .
There 's simply no demand for new aircraft at the moment . ''
In response to the pandemic Airbus had already begun implementing government-assisted furlough schemes starting with 3,000 workers in France and said it would lower output of its narrow-body jets to 40 a month .
Airbus has around 13,500 workers in the UK , with most of them making wings at its two major sites in Broughton , north Wales , and Filton , Bristol .
Despite the major blow the coronavirus has dealt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survive this crisis but not without significant layoffs .
`` Airbus is a crucially important industrial programme for Europe , I think Europe will be committed to keeping Airbus going , '' he said .
`` However , there 's going to be a great deal of pain to go through .
If they cut production rates quite significantly you 're going to see large numbers of layoffs .
I would expect in a few years you 'll see a smaller leaner Airbus than what we have now . ''
Airbus did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the BBC .
Meanwhile , Airbus ' main rival Boeing is battling another major crisis due to the year-long grounding of its 737 Max passenger jet , which had been its best-selling plane .
On Saturday , the US aviation giant scrapped a $ 4.2bn ( £3.4bn ) tie-up with Brazil 's Embraer .
Some industry analysts saw the move as being triggered by the crises , although the company cited contractual reasons for the decision .

The Welsh Government said it was working with the company and to support its highly-skilled workers, while the UK government said its furlough scheme would help firms "to bounce back and get the economy up and running once the coronavirus emergency is over".


bbc--2020-04-27--Saudi Arabia ends executions for crimes committed by minors, says commission

Saudi Arabia will no longer impose the death penalty on people who committed crimes while still minors , the country 's Human Rights Commission says .
The announcement , citing a royal decree by King Salman , comes two days after the country said it would ban flogging .
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - which Riyadh has signed - says capital punishment should not be used for offences carried out by minors .
Activists say Saudi Arabia has one of the world 's worst human rights records .
They say freedom of expression is severely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subject to what they say is arbitrary arrest .
A record 184 people were executed in the kingdom in 2019 , according to human rights group Amnesty International .
At least one case involved a man convicted of a crime committed when he was a minor , the rights group reported .
• Reform and repression go hand in hand in Saudi Arabia In a statement published on Sunday , Awwad Alawwad , president of the state-backed commission , said a royal decree had replaced executions in cases where crimes were committed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in a juvenile detention centre .
`` The decree helps us in establishing a more modern penal code , '' Mr Alawwad said .
It was unclear when the decision - which was not immediately carried on state media - would come into effect .
The kingdom 's human rights record has remained under intense scrutiny , despite recent changes , following the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 , while many civil rights and women 's rights activists remain in prison .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights campaigner died in jail after a stroke which fellow activists say was due to medical neglect by the authorities .

The kingdom's human rights record has remained under intense scrutiny, despite recent changes, following the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018, while many civil rights and women's rights activists remain in prison.


bbc--2020-04-27--Coronavirus: Italy's PM outlines lockdown easing measures

Italy has outlined plans to ease the strict restrictions it imposed seven weeks ago to curb the spread of the coronavirus .
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the measures would be relaxed from 4 May , with people being allowed to visit their relatives in small numbers .
Parks , factories and building sites will reopen , but schools will not restart classes until September .
It comes as the country recorded its lowest daily death toll in weeks .
There were 260 new virus-related deaths on Sunday , the lowest daily figure since 14 March .
The total is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official toll .
Italy has confirmed 197,675 cases of the virus , according to data from Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the disease globally .
Other countries like Switzerland and Spain are also relaxing their measures .
• Follow our live updates from around the world The number of cases in Italy has been falling , and authorities now believe the contagion rate - the amount of people each person with the virus infects - is low enough to justify a cautious easing of curbs .
What has been announced ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the country would begin `` Phase Two '' of lifting its coronavirus lockdown .
The measures include : • People will be allowed to move around their own regions - but not between different regions • Funerals are set to resume , but with a maximum of 15 people attending , and ideally to be carried out outdoors • Individual athletes can resume training , and people can do sports not only in the vicinity of their homes but in wider areas • Bars and restaurants will reopen for takeaway service from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but food must be consumed at home or in an office • Hairdressers , beauty salons , bars and restaurants are expected to reopen for dine-in service from 1 June • More retail shops not already opened under the earliest easing measures will reopen on 18 May along with museums and libraries • Sports teams will also be able to hold group training from 18 May There was no announcement on the possibility of Italy 's premier football league Serie A resuming , even behind closed doors .
Mr Conte stressed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for months to come , and said church services would remain banned .
He urged people to stay a metre ( 3ft ) away from each other .
`` If we do not respect the precautions the curve will go up , the deaths will increase , and we will have irreversible damage to our economy , '' the prime minister said .
`` If you love Italy , keep your distance . ''
He also said his government would cap the price of face masks at 50 cents .
• A SIMPLE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • UNDERSTAND : The outbreak around the world • VACCINE : How close are we to finding one ?
• TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
What is the background ?
Italians have been living under a national stay-at-home order since 9 March , with everyone required to remain within a few streets of their door .
The country brought in very limited easing of its virus control measures on 14 April , permitting some small shops - including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen .
The businesses chosen were deemed to be lower risk as they rarely attract crowds .
This is a roadmap to reopening for a country that has endured hell , but it could take years for it to recover , the BBC 's Mark Lowen in Rome reports .
If infections show an increase again , the government will have powers to intervene to reintroduce certain restrictions , our correspondent adds .
What is happening elsewhere ?
Spain - the European country with the highest number of deaths after Italy - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than five weeks on Sunday , with 288 new fatalities .
On Sunday , children could go outside for the first time in six weeks .
In Switzerland , garden centres and hairdressers will open their doors on Monday , followed by schools and shops selling items other than food in two weeks ' time .
But gatherings of more than five people remain banned until 8 June , and it is unclear when bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen .
In neighbouring Germany , facemasks have become mandatory in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created huge demand for the product and , as a result , a growing shortage , so the government is planning to manufacture millions of masks in Germany .
Meanwhile , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson returns to work on Monday , after recovering from the virus .
Mr Johnson spent a week in hospital , including three nights in intensive care , after being admitted on 5 April .
In the US , where more than 54,000 deaths and over 940,000 cases have been confirmed , Tennessee , Colorado and Montana joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen .
Eight states led by Republican governors - Arkansas , Iowa , Nebraska , North Dakota , Oklahoma , South Dakota , Utah and Wyoming - never issued mandatory stay-at-home orders .
On Sunday for the second day in a row , the White House did not host a coronavirus briefing .
And , in a series of tweets , President Donald Trump claimed he was being misrepresented by the media and not given credit for his work .
The president was heavily criticised after suggesting at Thursday 's briefing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment for the virus .
He later said he was being sarcastic .

"If we do not respect the precautions the curve will go up, the deaths will increase, and we will have irreversible damage to our economy," the prime minister said. "If you love Italy, keep your distance."


bbc--2020-04-27--El Salvador: Gangs 'taking advantage of pandemic'

The president of El Salvador , Nayib Bukele , has said that criminal gangs are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic after more than 50 people were killed between Friday and Sunday .
He authorised the police and army to use lethal force to curb the violence .
He also ordered a 24/7 lockdown for imprisoned gang members , arguing that many of the murders were ordered from behind bars .
Mr Bukele was elected last year on a promise to reduce the murder rate .
Police said that 24 murders had been reported on Friday , making it the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power in June 2019 .
Another 29 people were killed by Sunday afternoon local time , according to police figures .
Mr Bukele said El Salvador 's notorious criminal gangs were taking advantage of the fact that the security forces had turned their attention away from them and towards curbing the spread of coronavirus to act .
He said the security forces would be given more powers to deal with the threat .
`` The police and armed forces must prioritise safeguarding their lives , those of their companions and of honest citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorized in self-defence or in defence of the lives of Salvadoreans , '' the president said .
He also said that prisoners belonging to rival gangs would be made to share cells .
El Salvador 's security minister , Osiris Luna , said the idea behind making rival gang members mix was so as to break up lines of communication between members of the same group and thereby limit their ability to plan attacks .
He also said that they would `` not receive sunlight , they will be in total confinement 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security prisons that there are in this country '' .
• Get a rare glimpse into the grim conditions in Salvadorean jails President Bukele also tweeted a video of him meeting with members of his security team saying those who had committed the crimes would live to regret them .
Video released by government showed inmates being transferred from cells and forced together in a jail .
The measures come just days after the United Nations urged governments around the world to release vulnerable prisoners to ease overcrowding in prisons as the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch :

He said the security forces would be given more powers to deal with the threat. "The police and armed forces must prioritise safeguarding their lives, those of their companions and of honest citizens. The use of lethal force is authorised in self-defence or in defence of the lives of Salvadoreans," the president said.


bbc--2020-04-27--Zeinab Badawi mourns losing Dr Adil El Tayar to coronavirus

Adil El Tayar became the first working NHS surgeon to die from coronavirus in Britain .
Zeinab Badawi mourns the @ @ @ @ @ and family member who , like her , was born in Sudan but has spent @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
Listen to the full episode on the BBC 's From Our Own @ @ @ @ @ 28 March 2020 .

Adil El Tayar became the first working NHS surgeon to die from coronavirus in Britain.
Zeinab Badawi mourns the death of the renowned surgeon and family member who, like her, was born in Sudan but has spent most of his life in the UK.
Illustrations by George Wafula.
Video edited by Maisie Smith-Walters.
Listen to the full episode on the BBC's From Our Own Correspondent, first broadcast on 28 March 2020.


bbc--2020-04-26--Gruffalo artist Axel Scheffler: 'This was something I could do to help'

`` I do n't feel like I 'm very good at drawing real people in the real world '' says a wistful Axel Scheffler .
The illustrator is famous for his weird and wonderful pictures of animals in books like The Gruffalo , but now the coronavirus pandemic has brought him back into the real world with a bump .
The 62-year-old has just helped to produce what must have been one of the fastest books in history .
Coronavirus : A Book for Children was written , illustrated and then published for free online in the space of week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been speaking to a head teacher in East London who told her that many families were really worried and felt a bit helpless , '' Scheffler says .
`` So the idea was to give children aged five to nine some information - as factual as possible - and in a simple language . ''
Facts are important but the book is also frank about the uncertainty the world faces .
There 's a chapter on vaccines which explains that the disease is new and currently has no cure .
`` Honesty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you have to have their trust , '' says Scheffler .
The illustrator 's own life has n't changed much in the last few weeks as he 's always worked from home while drawing .
But he admits to feeling anxious about what 's happening and says it must be a worrying time for children who ca n't go to school .
The book deals with issues such as not seeing grandparents and coping with irritable parents who might be trying to work from home themselves at a stressful time .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychologist and a professor from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine .
It 's already been translated into 45 languages and downloaded by more than a million people .
A charity called Worldreader has put the book on a free app aimed at parents in developing countries where public health information may be scarce .
They can download it on their phone to read to children at night .
Scheffler says the reaction to the book has been overwhelming : `` I 'm not a doctor or a nurse but as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do to help and I feel proud it has had this amazing response . ''
Like all good children 's stories , the book ends on a positive note .
There 's a picture of families , doctors and nurses celebrating together and the caption reads : `` One day this strange time will be over . ''
Scheffler says right now hope is very important for children , `` because one day this pandemic will indeed be over and then perhaps we can stand close together again as the characters do on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Facts are important but the book is also frank about the uncertainty the world faces. There's a chapter on vaccines which explains that the disease is new and currently has no cure. "Honesty is crucial for children of any age, you have to have their trust," says Scheffler.


bbc--2020-04-27--F1 plans to start season in Austria as French GP called off

Formula 1 boss Chase Carey says he plans to start the season in Austria in July , after France became the latest country to postpone its race .
French Grand Prix organisers said on Monday the race at Paul Ricard on 28 June was off because of the country 's ban on major events until mid-July .
But Carey said he was `` increasingly confident with the progress of plans to begin the season this summer '' .
He said the first race was expected to take place in Austria on 3-5 July .
• How F1 plans to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` September , October and November , would see us race in Eurasia , Asia and the Americas , finishing the season in the Gulf in December , with Bahrain before the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi , having completed between 15 and 18 races .
We will publish our finalised calendar as soon as we possibly can .
`` We expect the early races to be without fans but hope fans will be part of our events as we move further into the schedule .
`` We still have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedures for the teams and our other partners to enter and operate in each country .
`` The health and safety of all involved will continue to be priority one and we will only go forward if we are confident we have reliable procedures to address both risks and possible issues . ''
Why is France off ?
And what about Silverstone ?
The cancellation of the French event had been considered inevitable since President Emmanuel Macron expanded the country 's ban on mass gatherings until mid-July earlier this month .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not be held with spectators but the track is in talks with government `` on the viability of an event behind closed doors '' .
Under current plans , the old British Grand Prix date of 19 July would be the first of two races at Silverstone , with the second a week later on 26 July .
The season would start with two races in Austria , the original date of 5 July followed by a second race at the Red Bull Ring on 12 July .
French Grand Prix managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that eyes `` were turning towards the summer of 2021 '' .
But a race at the event 's home , the Paul Ricard track in the south of France , could yet be revived at a later point this summer - the statement calling off the race said only that organisers `` take note of the impossibility to maintain the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France on 28 June '' .
Austria is one of the first European countries to have begun to gradually ease its lockdown , and F1 bosses have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country as to how a race might safely be held .
The first four races at least would be behind closed doors - and it could be that many more will follow .
Professor Devi Sridhar , professor and chair of global public health at Edinburgh University and director of the global health governance programme , said on Twitter on Saturday : `` Hate to be bearer of bad news do n't see any international sporting events with spectators going ahead in 2020 or early 2021 .
`` Goal is to establish some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases low and big events could upset this fragile balance going forward . ''
Silverstone said in a statement on Monday : `` We are unable to stage this year 's British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone .
`` We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible , but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the Government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future , that a Grand Prix under normal conditions is just not going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that should we find ourselves in this position we will support Formula 1 as they seek to find alternative ways to enable F1 racing to take place this year .
`` Following this weekend 's news from the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport , we are now working with them on the viability of an event behind closed doors . ''
F1 bosses have taken a series of measures to try to insulate the sport from the worst effects of the global health emergency .
These include postponing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 to 2022 and forcing teams to race the same cars next year as this .
Bosses are also in the midst of talks on lowering the sport 's planned budget cap when it comes into force in 2021 .

Le Castellet has staged the French Grand Prix since 2018
Formula 1 boss Chase Carey says he plans to start the season in Austria in July, after France became the latest country to postpone its race.
French Grand Prix organisers said on Monday the race at Paul Ricard on 28 June was off because of the country's ban on major events until mid-July.
But Carey said he was "increasingly confident with the progress of plans to begin the season this summer".
He said the first race was expected to take place in Austria on 3-5 July.
Carey added: "September, October and November, would see us race in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, finishing the season in the Gulf in December, with Bahrain before the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi, having completed between 15 and 18 races. We will publish our finalised calendar as soon as we possibly can.
"We expect the early races to be without fans but hope fans will be part of our events as we move further into the schedule.
"We still have to work out many issues, like the procedures for the teams and our other partners to enter and operate in each country.
"The health and safety of all involved will continue to be priority one and we will only go forward if we are confident we have reliable procedures to address both risks and possible issues."
More than 140,000 fans came to Silverstone to watch the British Grand Prix last year
Why is France off? And what about Silverstone?
The cancellation of the French event had been considered inevitable since President Emmanuel Macron expanded the country's ban on mass gatherings until mid-July earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Silverstone has said the British Grand Prix cannot be held with spectators but the track is in talks with government "on the viability of an event behind closed doors".
Under current plans, the old British Grand Prix date of 19 July would be the first of two races at Silverstone, with the second a week later on 26 July.
The season would start with two races in Austria, the original date of 5 July followed by a second race at the Red Bull Ring on 12 July.
French Grand Prix managing director Eric Boullier said in a statement that eyes "were turning towards the summer of 2021".
But a race at the event's home, the Paul Ricard track in the south of France, could yet be revived at a later point this summer - the statement calling off the race said only that organisers "take note of the impossibility to maintain the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France on 28 June".
F1 CEO Carey has already put in a series of measures to protect F1 in light of the coronavirus crisis
Races behind closed doors
Austria is one of the first European countries to have begun to gradually ease its lockdown, and F1 bosses have been in talks with authorities in the country as to how a race might safely be held.
The first four races at least would be behind closed doors - and it could be that many more will follow.
Professor Devi Sridhar, professor and chair of global public health at Edinburgh University and director of the global health governance programme, said on Twitter on Saturday: "Hate to be bearer of bad news don't see any international sporting events with spectators going ahead in 2020 or early 2021.
"Goal is to establish some sort of economic/social activity while keeping Covid cases low and big events could upset this fragile balance going forward."
Silverstone said in a statement on Monday: "We are unable to stage this year's British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone.
"We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the Government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future, that a Grand Prix under normal conditions is just not going to be possible.
"We have consistently said that should we find ourselves in this position we will support Formula 1 as they seek to find alternative ways to enable F1 racing to take place this year.
"Following this weekend's news from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, we are now working with them on the viability of an event behind closed doors."
F1 bosses have taken a series of measures to try to insulate the sport from the worst effects of the global health emergency.
These include postponing a major rule change by a year from 2021 to 2022 and forcing teams to race the same cars next year as this.
Bosses are also in the midst of talks on lowering the sport's planned budget cap when it comes into force in 2021.


bbc--2020-04-27--Serie A teams set to resume individual training on 4 May

Serie A sides can return to individual training on 4 May and team training on 18 May after the Italian prime minister announced the first steps in lifting the country 's coronavirus lockdown .
There are hopes Serie A fixtures could resume between 27 May and 2 June - with the season finishing in early August .
There has been no formal announcement on when league matches may resume .
Italy has reported 26,644 coronavirus-related deaths - the highest amount in a European country .
The 260 it reported on Sunday is the lowest daily amount since 14 March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ return from coronavirus suspension ?
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in a televised address that players would be able `` to undertake training individually from 4 May , in groups from 18 May , and then we 'll evaluate if there are the conditions to allow the season to be completed '' .
He added : `` We need to complete all the discussions to ensure that if we do reach that stage , we 'll do so in the utmost safety and security .
We are passionate about sport and do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm passionate for football .
Like many Italians , I initially found it strange that the championship could be interrupted or suspended but I think that even the most ardent fan understands that there was n't an alternative . ''
Conte added that when `` phase two '' of the lockdown plan begins on 4 May with the easing of restrictions , social distancing of at least one metre must be maintained and this extends to two metres when exercising .
The Italian Football Federation ( FIGC ) hopes to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of May to allow for a safe return to training and has already drawn up a medical protocol .
For the start of training , each club will form a group of players , technical staff , doctors and physiotherapists who will be tested and then isolated in a summer-style training camp .
There are also plans to donate five Covid test kits for each kit used by clubs to avoid the criticism that football is taking much-needed resources from other areas .
World players ' union Fifpro says the return of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` There is a huge logistical and medical/scientific question about testing and protocols but also a social one , '' said secretary general Jonas Baer-Hoffmann .
`` We need guidance and protocols on how to return in a healthy and safe manner .
Football is a contact sport and we feel very high protection standards are required .
`` Are we sending the right message to society , and are we encouraging a healthy return to normal life , or are we sending a bad signal that football has different rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Serie A was suspended on 9 March and a number of players have tested positive for the virus .
The league has insisted it is committed to finishing the season .
The FIGC said on Thursday it would push back the formal end of the season from 30 June to 2 August to allow time for remaining games to be completed .
There are 12 full rounds and four outstanding fixtures still to play , with Juventus top , a point ahead of Lazio .
Some have spoken out against a resumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose side are bottom of the table .
He has said he is ready to forfeit the club 's remaining games if the season resumes .
In the UK , the government is planning to set up the first of a series of regular meetings involving senior medical directors of the major sports in a bid to return to action as soon as possible .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus led Serie A when the league was suspended
Serie A sides can return to individual training on 4 May and team training on 18 May after the Italian prime minister announced the first steps in lifting the country's coronavirus lockdown.
There are hopes Serie A fixtures could resume between 27 May and 2 June - with the season finishing in early August.
There has been no formal announcement on when league matches may resume.
Italy has reported 26,644 coronavirus-related deaths - the highest amount in a European country.
The 260 it reported on Sunday is the lowest daily amount since 14 March.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in a televised address external-link that players would be able "to undertake training individually from 4 May, in groups from 18 May, and then we'll evaluate if there are the conditions to allow the season to be completed".
He added: "We need to complete all the discussions to ensure that if we do reach that stage, we'll do so in the utmost safety and security. We are passionate about sport and don't want our athletes to get sick.
"I'm passionate for football. Like many Italians, I initially found it strange that the championship could be interrupted or suspended but I think that even the most ardent fan understands that there wasn't an alternative."
Conte added that when "phase two" of the lockdown plan begins on 4 May with the easing of restrictions, social distancing of at least one metre must be maintained and this extends to two metres when exercising.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) hopes to begin testing players for the virus at the start of May to allow for a safe return to training and has already drawn up a medical protocol.
For the start of training, each club will form a group of players, technical staff, doctors and physiotherapists who will be tested and then isolated in a summer-style training camp.
There are also plans to donate five Covid test kits for each kit used by clubs to avoid the criticism that football is taking much-needed resources from other areas.
World players' union Fifpro says the return of football risks sending a "bad signal".
"There is a huge logistical and medical/scientific question about testing and protocols but also a social one," said secretary general Jonas Baer-Hoffmann.
"We need guidance and protocols on how to return in a healthy and safe manner. Football is a contact sport and we feel very high protection standards are required.
"Are we sending the right message to society, and are we encouraging a healthy return to normal life, or are we sending a bad signal that football has different rules to the rest of the world?"
Serie A was suspended on 9 March and a number of players have tested positive for the virus. The league has insisted it is committed to finishing the season.
The FIGC said on Thursday it would push back the formal end of the season from 30 June to 2 August to allow time for remaining games to be completed.
There are 12 full rounds and four outstanding fixtures still to play, with Juventus top, a point ahead of Lazio.
Some have spoken out against a resumption, including Brescia president Massimo Cellino, whose side are bottom of the table. He has said he is ready to forfeit the club's remaining games if the season resumes.
In the UK, the government is planning to set up the first of a series of regular meetings involving senior medical directors of the major sports in a bid to return to action as soon as possible.


bbc--2020-04-27--The King of 'ClayStation'? Nadal among stars going for virtual Madrid title

When Rafael Nadal claimed during an Instagram chat with Andy Murray that he had only begun preparing that day for the upcoming virtual Madrid Open , both men broke into laughter .
`` Feliciano Lopez told me you have been practising for three or four hours a day , '' teased Murray .
Given their competitive spirit , it is easy to imagine both have spent more than a few lockdown hours glued to a PlayStation since last Monday 's chat .
With tennis suspended until at least mid-July because of the coronavirus pandemic , Nadal and Murray are among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and WTA players replacing the buzz of competitive action with an online fix .
This week they are swapping their racquets for PlayStation 4 controllers , to play on the Tennis World Tour video game for the Madrid Open Virtual Pro titles .
There will be 16 men , 16 women , two knockout singles tournaments - all played in a digital representation of the Spanish capital 's Manolo Santana Stadium .
• Day one 's order of play at the Virtual Madrid Open It is the first time a virtual tennis tournament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players .
The event will be streamed on the Madrid Open 's Facebook page and the platform 's new gaming app .
`` This idea is based on two things : firstly , to give something to the fans while they are at home and let them watch their favourite players .
And secondly , to help players who are struggling right now , '' Lopez , the ATP tour veteran who became the Madrid Open tournament director last year , told BBC Sport .
Both tournaments have separate prize pots of 150,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will decide how to distribute the money into the relief funds set up to support lower-ranked players whose incomes have dried up during the pandemic .
`` Players individually can give their support and then there are initiatives like ours , where we are asking the players to give all the prize money to the fund , '' added Lopez .
`` There will be a lot of money in the funds to help the players struggling right now . ''
Who else is playing ?
Not Nick Kyrgios… Behind star attractions Nadal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other big names .
Fellow Grand Slam champions Caroline Wozniacki and Bianca Andreescu compete in the women 's event , as does British number one Johanna Konta , while Australian Open runner-up Dominic Thiem and ATP World Tour champion Stefanos Tsitsipas are among the men .
The players will compete as their own Tennis World Tour characters , although some of the 32 entrants - including Murray - are not on the game .
That is largely as a result of developers Nacon being unable to negotiate some image rights , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray 's character , therefore , has been added in the game 's player creation mode by the organisers , meaning the physical and technical attributes of the Scot might not be as closely representative as others .
Kiki Bertens , who should have been defending the WTA title in Madrid next week , is another whose character has been created for the tournament .
`` It is more the skills from me than the skills of the character , '' said the Dutch world number seven .
Bertens underlined her status as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women 's tour by winning last year 's Madrid Open - one of the leading WTA events outside of the Grand Slams and an important signpost towards the French Open - without dropping a set .
Instead of returning to the Caja Magica , she will be defending the title in her living room at home in Breda in the Netherlands .
`` Winning last year was the biggest title of my career so I have such great memories from Madrid .
I wanted to defend my title , '' the 28-year-old told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not sure if I will be able to , because I 'd rather play a tennis match in Madrid than a computer game !
But I 'm practising hard and we will see how it goes . ''
Lopez has been impressed with the buy-in from the leading players , although not everyone has been bowled over by the idea .
Nick Kyrgios , never shy of conveying what he thinks , reckons they should be playing Call of Duty , Fortnite or Fifa instead of Tennis World Tour so `` people actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The demanding Lopez says this is `` not only for fun '' , any players thinking it is all a laugh might be shown up .
`` We are trying to make the virtual tournament as professional as we can .
We want this to be a competition , '' he said .
The Spaniard arranged for PS4 consoles and copies of Tennis World Tour to be sent out to the players , allowing them to prepare for an event he wants them to take as seriously as the real thing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ want the players to compete like they usually would , '' said the 38-year-old , who admits he is not a gamer himself .
`` The message we want to send to the fans is that the players are competing online because they ca n't compete on-site . ''
Nadal and Murray arranged during their Instagram chat to have a match later that night , while Elina Svitolina and Eugenie Bouchard are among those to have posted clips of them practising .
Bertens has already played 'friendly ' matches against Belinda Bencic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` On court I scream a lot and show my emotions , but I think my competitive spirit will come out even more when I 'm playing the game , '' she laughed .
`` It is hard not to let my emotions go .
Once already the controller was almost flying across the room . ''
Cameras with in-built microphones will follow their every move , meaning animated histrionics and trash-talking are not being discouraged .
Fans will see the players in the corners of their screen , allowing them to watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Entertaining the fans is very important so the interaction is something we really wanted to have , '' Lopez said .
Last year 's Madrid Open was Lopez 's first as the tournament director and he hopes the virtual event will run as smoothly as that did .
While the long hours in the role have n't changed , he has a new concern : dodgy internet connections .
Digital expert Webedia , a global entertainment company with expertise in esports , is responsible for the technical side .
Usually their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influencers competing , and have included a Fifa tournament held at Real Madrid 's Santiago Bernabeu stadium .
Alberto Fernandez , Webedia 's head of esports , says the Madrid Open Virtual Pro represents one of the firm 's biggest challenges .
`` We are in a new situation for everyone .
We usually do events like these in a studio with everything connected and tested ; we have back-ups in case something happens , '' he told BBC Sport .
`` Because of the situation we have to produce everything from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his or her house .
That 's the most difficult thing . ''
Smooth streaming of the players is key .
Out-of-sync images and distorted sound are guaranteed to see exasperated viewers switch off .
Tests have been done on each player 's wifi speeds to ensure the live streaming , done through a popular gaming app called Discord , will work .
Fernandez says the gameplay will be streamed through a different server operated by publisher Nacon , meaning if a player 's camera connection goes down then fans will still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The technology is incredible and all we need is good wifi .
We have done the tests and we 're confident it is not going to be a concern , '' Lopez added .
Who will be the King and Queen of 'Clay-Station ' ?
According to the pre-tournament chat in their WhatsApp group , there is not much gaming experience among the WTA players .
Presuming that is true and nobody is hiding considerable talent , it leaves an open field which mirrors the reality of unpredictable women 's tournaments on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from zero and it is a fair competition , '' said Bertens , who had never played Tennis World Tour , or had a PlayStation , before last week 's delivery .
On the men 's side , Lopez is tipping his old doubles partner Murray for gaming glory .
Murray appears to have plenty of online pedigree , judging by an admission he used to spend `` way too much '' time on computer games earlier in his career .
During their Instagram chat last Monday , Murray and Nadal reminisced about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing Pro Evolution Soccer .
`` Andy is one of the most competitive players in the game and I 'm sure he will be one of the candidates to win this virtual event , '' said Lopez .
`` He likes playing video games and he will have been practising . ''
Gael Monfils was another of Lopez 's hot tips - before the French world number nine withdrew on the eve of the tournament .
Monfils , a known gamer who regularly showcases his skills on Twitch , said he could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streaming platforms '' .
French compatriot Benoit Paire , who Monfils regularly spars with on Fifa 20 , comes in as a virtual version of a lucky loser .
If , as Lopez predicted , Murray and Monfils were the men to beat , then the latter 's withdrawal might be good news for Nadal .
The 'King of Clay ' was set to face Murray and Monfils in a star-studded group .
Perhaps his chances of dominating a virtual tournament on his favoured surface - and being crowned the King of 'Clay-station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerable boost .

Andy Murray lifted the 2015 Madrid Open title by beating Rafael Nadal in the final - can the Scot beat him on the PlayStation?
When Rafael Nadal claimed during an Instagram chat with Andy Murray that he had only begun preparing that day for the upcoming virtual Madrid Open, both men broke into laughter.
"Feliciano Lopez told me you have been practising for three or four hours a day," teased Murray.
Given their competitive spirit, it is easy to imagine both have spent more than a few lockdown hours glued to a PlayStation since last Monday's chat.
With tennis suspended until at least mid-July because of the coronavirus pandemic, Nadal and Murray are among 32 of the world's leading ATP and WTA players replacing the buzz of competitive action with an online fix.
This week they are swapping their racquets for PlayStation 4 controllers, to play on the Tennis World Tour video game for the Madrid Open Virtual Pro titles.
There will be 16 men, 16 women, two knockout singles tournaments - all played in a digital representation of the Spanish capital's Manolo Santana Stadium.
It is the first time a virtual tennis tournament has been contested solely by professional tour players. The event will be streamed on the Madrid Open's Facebook page and the platform's new gaming app.
"This idea is based on two things: firstly, to give something to the fans while they are at home and let them watch their favourite players. And secondly, to help players who are struggling right now," Lopez, the ATP tour veteran who became the Madrid Open tournament director last year, told BBC Sport.
Both tournaments have separate prize pots of 150,000 euros (£131,210). Each champion will decide how to distribute the money into the relief funds set up to support lower-ranked players whose incomes have dried up during the pandemic.
"Players individually can give their support and then there are initiatives like ours, where we are asking the players to give all the prize money to the fund," added Lopez.
"There will be a lot of money in the funds to help the players struggling right now."
What the virtual Madrid Open court will look like
Who else is playing? Not Nick Kyrgios…
Behind star attractions Nadal and Murray, there are a host of other big names. Fellow Grand Slam champions Caroline Wozniacki and Bianca Andreescu compete in the women's event, as does British number one Johanna Konta, while Australian Open runner-up Dominic Thiem and ATP World Tour champion Stefanos Tsitsipas are among the men.
The players will compete as their own Tennis World Tour characters, although some of the 32 entrants - including Murray - are not on the game. That is largely as a result of developers Nacon being unable to negotiate some image rights, which are done on an individual basis.
Murray's character, therefore, has been added in the game's player creation mode by the organisers, meaning the physical and technical attributes of the Scot might not be as closely representative as others.
Kiki Bertens, who should have been defending the WTA title in Madrid next week, is another whose character has been created for the tournament.
"It is more the skills from me than the skills of the character," said the Dutch world number seven.
Bertens underlined her status as one of the best clay-courters on the women's tour by winning last year's Madrid Open - one of the leading WTA events outside of the Grand Slams and an important signpost towards the French Open - without dropping a set.
Instead of returning to the Caja Magica, she will be defending the title in her living room at home in Breda in the Netherlands.
"Winning last year was the biggest title of my career so I have such great memories from Madrid. I wanted to defend my title," the 28-year-old told BBC Sport.
"Now I'm not sure if I will be able to, because I'd rather play a tennis match in Madrid than a computer game! But I'm practising hard and we will see how it goes."
Lopez has been impressed with the buy-in from the leading players, although not everyone has been bowled over by the idea.
Nick Kyrgios, never shy of conveying what he thinks, reckons they should be playing Call of Duty, Fortnite or Fifa instead of Tennis World Tour so "people actually watch".
Will it be competitive?
The demanding Lopez says this is "not only for fun", any players thinking it is all a laugh might be shown up.
"We are trying to make the virtual tournament as professional as we can. We want this to be a competition," he said.
The Spaniard arranged for PS4 consoles and copies of Tennis World Tour to be sent out to the players, allowing them to prepare for an event he wants them to take as seriously as the real thing.
"Even though it is virtual we want the players to compete like they usually would," said the 38-year-old, who admits he is not a gamer himself.
"The message we want to send to the fans is that the players are competing online because they can't compete on-site."
Nadal and Murray arranged during their Instagram chat to have a match later that night, while Elina Svitolina and Eugenie Bouchard are among those to have posted clips of them practising.
Bertens has already played 'friendly' matches against Belinda Bencic, Carla Suarez Navarro and Fiona Ferro.
"On court I scream a lot and show my emotions, but I think my competitive spirit will come out even more when I'm playing the game," she laughed.
"It is hard not to let my emotions go. Once already the controller was almost flying across the room."
Cameras with in-built microphones will follow their every move, meaning animated histrionics and trash-talking are not being discouraged.
Fans will see the players in the corners of their screen, allowing them to watch their interaction as well as the match.
"Entertaining the fans is very important so the interaction is something we really wanted to have," Lopez said.
Will the technology work?
Last year's Madrid Open was Lopez's first as the tournament director and he hopes the virtual event will run as smoothly as that did.
While the long hours in the role haven't changed, he has a new concern: dodgy internet connections.
Digital expert Webedia, a global entertainment company with expertise in esports, is responsible for the technical side.
Usually their events see a host of YouTubers and influencers competing, and have included a Fifa tournament held at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Alberto Fernandez, Webedia's head of esports, says the Madrid Open Virtual Pro represents one of the firm's biggest challenges.
"We are in a new situation for everyone. We usually do events like these in a studio with everything connected and tested; we have back-ups in case something happens," he told BBC Sport.
"Because of the situation we have to produce everything from home. Everyone involved in this project is in his or her house. That's the most difficult thing."
Smooth streaming of the players is key. Out-of-sync images and distorted sound are guaranteed to see exasperated viewers switch off.
Tests have been done on each player's wifi speeds to ensure the live streaming, done through a popular gaming app called Discord, will work.
Fernandez says the gameplay will be streamed through a different server operated by publisher Nacon, meaning if a player's camera connection goes down then fans will still see images of the PlayStation action.
"The technology is incredible and all we need is good wifi. We have done the tests and we're confident it is not going to be a concern," Lopez added.
Who will be the King and Queen of 'Clay-Station'?
According to the pre-tournament chat in their WhatsApp group, there is not much gaming experience among the WTA players.
Presuming that is true and nobody is hiding considerable talent, it leaves an open field which mirrors the reality of unpredictable women's tournaments on the tour.
"We all start from zero and it is a fair competition," said Bertens, who had never played Tennis World Tour, or had a PlayStation, before last week's delivery.
On the men's side, Lopez is tipping his old doubles partner Murray for gaming glory.
Murray appears to have plenty of online pedigree, judging by an admission he used to spend "way too much" time on computer games earlier in his career. During their Instagram chat last Monday, Murray and Nadal reminisced about the late nights they used to spend playing Pro Evolution Soccer.
"Andy is one of the most competitive players in the game and I'm sure he will be one of the candidates to win this virtual event," said Lopez. "He likes playing video games and he will have been practising."
Gael Monfils was another of Lopez's hot tips - before the French world number nine withdrew on the eve of the tournament.
Monfils, a known gamer who regularly showcases his skills on Twitch, said he could not play because of "conflicting rights between streaming platforms". French compatriot Benoit Paire, who Monfils regularly spars with on Fifa 20, comes in as a virtual version of a lucky loser.
If, as Lopez predicted, Murray and Monfils were the men to beat, then the latter's withdrawal might be good news for Nadal. The 'King of Clay' was set to face Murray and Monfils in a star-studded group.
Perhaps his chances of dominating a virtual tournament on his favoured surface - and being crowned the King of 'Clay-station' on Thursday - have received a considerable boost.


bbc--2020-04-27--Gossip: Liverpool's no to Coutinho return

Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho , who is on loan at Bayern Munich , was told by Liverpool that they were not interested in re-signing him when the 27-year-old Brazil international discussed a potential return .
( Mirror ) Napoli and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly , 28 , has emerged as a surprise target for Newcastle United .
( Foot Mercato - in French ) Arsenal have pulled out of contract talks with striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang .
The 30-year-old Gabon international is linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium , with Manchester United , Inter Milan , Barcelona , Real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
( Mirror ) The Gunners have jumped ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Chelsea and Brazil winger Willian , 31 , on a free transfer this summer .
( ESPN - via Metro ) Manchester United ’ s Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea says he wants to stay at Old Trafford for `` many years '' , but the 29-year-old faces competition for his position from 23-year-old Englishman Dean Henderson , who has impressed on loan at Sheffield United .
( Mail ) Neymar 's former agent Wagner Ribiero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 28 , considered joining Chelsea when he was 17 .
( Mail ) PSG and Belgium defender Thomas Meunier has been `` won over '' by Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho regarding a summer move , but the 28-year-old still hopes he could get a new deal at the Parc des Princes .
( L ’ Equipe , via Teamtalk ) Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has spoken to Napoli striker Dries Mertens and hopes to secure the 32-year-old Belgian on a free transfer .
( Mail ) Netherlands full-back Jetro Willems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move to Newcastle on a permanent basis after spending the start of the season on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt before getting injured .
( Goal ) Chelsea have suffered a setback in their chase of Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana because the 24-year-old Cameroon international looks set to return to Barcelona .
( Express ) Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi , 23 , has reiterated his commitment to Leicester City after recent reports of interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United .
( ESPN ) Barcelona 's hopes of signing Inter Milan and Argentina striker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diminished because of the impact coronavirus has had on the club 's finances .
( Mail )

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who is on loan at Bayern Munich, was told by Liverpool that they were not interested in re-signing him when the 27-year-old Brazil international discussed a potential return. (Mirror) external-link
Napoli and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly, 28, has emerged as a surprise target for Newcastle United. (Foot Mercato - in French) external-link
Arsenal have pulled out of contract talks with striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 30-year-old Gabon international is linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium, with Manchester United, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea all interested in signing him. (Mirror) external-link
The Gunners have jumped ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Chelsea and Brazil winger Willian, 31, on a free transfer this summer. (ESPN - via Metro) external-link
Manchester United’s Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea says he wants to stay at Old Trafford for "many years", but the 29-year-old faces competition for his position from 23-year-old Englishman Dean Henderson, who has impressed on loan at Sheffield United. (Mail) external-link
Will this be the window of free transfers? The Euro Leagues podcast team explain how the coronavirus pandemic has affected club spending plans
Neymar's former agent Wagner Ribiero says the Brazil and Paris St-Germain forward, 28, considered joining Chelsea when he was 17. (Mail) external-link
PSG and Belgium defender Thomas Meunier has been "won over" by Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho regarding a summer move, but the 28-year-old still hopes he could get a new deal at the Parc des Princes. (L’Equipe, via Teamtalk) external-link
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has spoken to Napoli striker Dries Mertens and hopes to secure the 32-year-old Belgian on a free transfer. (Mail) external-link
Netherlands full-back Jetro Willems, 26, has suggested he wants to move to Newcastle on a permanent basis after spending the start of the season on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt before getting injured. (Goal) external-link
Chelsea have suffered a setback in their chase of Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana because the 24-year-old Cameroon international looks set to return to Barcelona. (Express) external-link
Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, 23, has reiterated his commitment to Leicester City after recent reports of interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United.(ESPN) external-link
Barcelona's hopes of signing Inter Milan and Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez, 22, have been diminished because of the impact coronavirus has had on the club's finances. (Mail) external-link


bbc--2020-04-27--A visual guide to the economic impact

A visual guide to the economic impact

The coronavirus outbreak , which was first detected in China , has infected people in 185 countries .
Its spread has left businesses around the world counting the costs .
Here is a selection of maps and charts to help you understand the economic impact of the virus so far .
Big shifts in stock markets , where shares in companies are bought and sold , can affect the value of pensions or individual savings accounts ( ISAs ) .
The FTSE , Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nikkei have all seen huge falls since the outbreak began on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FTSE saw their biggest quarterly drops in the first three months of the year since 1987 .
Investors fear the spread of the coronavirus will destroy economic growth and that government action may not be enough to stop the decline .
In response , central banks in many countries , including the United Kingdom , slashed interest rates .
That should , in theory , make borrowing cheaper and encourage spending to boost the economy .
Global markets did also recover some ground in late March after the US Senate passed a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill to help workers and businesses .
But some analysts have warned that they could be volatile until the pandemic is contained .
In the United States , the number of people filing for unemployment hit a record high , signalling an end to a decade of expansion for one of the world 's largest economies .
Close to one million people in the United Kingdom also applied for benefits in just two weeks at the end of March .
The surge in universal credit applications followed government measures to limit the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , restaurants and non-essential shops .
Demand for oil has all but dried up as lockdowns across the world have kept people inside .
The crude oil price had already been affected by a row between Opec , the group of oil producers , and Russia .
Coronavirus has driven the price down further .
Brent crude is the benchmark used by Europe and the rest of the world .
Its price dipped below $ 20 , to the lowest level seen in 18 years .
In the United States , the price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( WTI ) turned negative for the first time in history .
Although Opec and other countries have now agreed to cut production , the world still has more crude oil than it can use .
If the economy is growing , that generally means more wealth and more new jobs .
It 's measured by looking at the percentage change in gross domestic product , or the value of goods and services produced , typically over three months or a year .
But the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) says that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % this year .
The IMF described the decline as the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
Although it said that the coronavirus has plunged the world into a `` crisis like no other '' , it does expect global growth to rise to 5.8 % next year if the pandemic fades in the second half of 2020 .
Governments around the world have urged employees to work from home where possible .
Shares in technology companies such as Zoom have shot up as more people rely on video conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get tasks done .
The demand for online shopping and entertainment has also soared as people stay indoors .
Amazon 's share price has hit new highs , while streaming platform Netflix was at one point a more valuable company than oil giant ExxonMobil .
The travel industry has been badly damaged , with airlines cutting flights and customers cancelling business trips and holidays .
Governments around the world have introduced travel restrictions to try to contain the virus .
The EU banned travellers from outside the bloc for 30 days in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus crisis in March .
In the US , the Trump administration has banned travellers from European airports from entering the US .
Data from the flight tracking service Flight Radar 24 shows that the number of flights globally has taken a huge hit .
The effects of lockdowns are visible As many countries and world capitals have been put under strict lockdown , major industrial production chains have been brought to a halt .
The European Space Agency has registered an impressive fall in pollution across the European skies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduction in emission is now in place over major cities across Europe - in particular Paris , Milan and Madrid .
A similar trend has been detected across India 's industrial hubs , where strict lockdown measures have been in place since March .
In China , where the coronavirus first appeared , industrial production , sales and investment all fell in the first three months of the year , compared with the same period in 2019 .
China makes up a third of manufacturing globally , and is the world 's largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the supply chains of large companies such as industrial equipment maker JCB and carmaker Nissan .
Shops and car dealerships have all reported a fall in demand .
Chinese car sales , for example , dropped by 48 % in March .
More carmakers , like Tesla or Geely , are now selling cars online as customers stay away from showrooms .

Moderna, Novavax and AstraZeneca have seen significant rises. But Pfizer has seen its share price fall. The partnership with BioNTech, the high cost of production and management of the vaccine, and the growing number of same-size competitors have reduced the investors' trust in the company to have bigger revenue in 2021.