bbc--2020-03-18--New York: The city that never sleeps on lockdown

Crowds in downtown Manhattan thinned last week as officials sounded alarms about the spread of the coronavirus .
By Monday morning , the city that never sleeps had become a ghost town .
Museums , theatres and libraries were closed .
Schools were shut .
Plazas , typically packed with tourists and office workers , were deserted .
Restaurants and bars were empty , as staff prepared to comply with orders limiting businesses to take-away and delivery .
Thousands of jobs are affected , as barbers , gyms and other businesses cease operations for the foreseeable future .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the horizon .
At Ruchi 's , an Indian restaurant near the World Trade Center , staff worked reduced hours last week , as sales dropped 80 % .
But now the place is empty .
`` It started two weeks back and last week , it was bad but you see , this is horrible , '' said manager Protima Sumi , gesturing at the tables around her .
Ms Sumi said she is worried about how she will provide for her staff .
`` If we do n't have money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , '' she said .
`` I 'm just hoping we will survive . ''
Last week New York became the American state with the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases .
As of Tuesday there were more than 1,300 , many of them in the city .
As officials take steps to limit the spread of the disease - including bans on gatherings of more than 50 people - they are contending with the prospects of an economic slowdown the likes of which America 's largest city has never seen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 % ; property and retail sales by 20 % , while hotel occupancy rates plunge to 20 % , according to forecasts by New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer .
And that was before the mayor said he was considering curfews and orders to shelter in place .
`` It 's surreal , '' said construction worker Patrick Conway , as he surveyed the desolate halls of the Brookfield Place shopping mall near the World Trade Center .
Mr Conway , who cares for his 86-year-old father , is sympathetic to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoiding interactions , staying out of restaurants and movies , packing his lunch and driving to work , instead of commuting by bus and subway .
`` I think this is the most scared I 've ever been , '' he says .
`` Because it 's not tangible .
You ca n't see it and everyone is suspect . ''
But the 56-year-old is also worried that his job site will get shut down , following the example of the many other businesses in the area .
`` That 's where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do n't have the luxury of telecommuting , '' he said .
`` For me financially , it 's a big hit .
If I do n't work , I do n't get paid . ''
Millions of people in the US , which does not guarantee sick leave , are in a similar position .
Congress is now debating a bill that would grant two weeks of paid time off for those affected by the outbreak , but many economists say much more needs to be done to avert an economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Harvard University and former economic advisor to then-President Barack Obama , is among those recommending the federal government send $ 1,000 ( £828 ) cheques to every person over 18 , and $ 500 ( £414 ) for children , as immediate relief .
`` This feels like the most serious threat since the financial crisis , '' he said .
`` There 's not a good reason to expect it to be worse than the financial crisis , but no one knows . ''
Nationwide , forecasters are predicting a sharp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grapple with a slowdown by shedding workers .
These laid-off workers are likely to then reduce their spending , which is the main driver of the US economy .
In a note on Monday , analysts at IHS Markit said the US economy will shrink 0.2 % in 2020 .
But such outlooks are updated frequently .
Already others are predicting worse .
`` This is hopefully a temporary situation but we need bold action , '' said Mr Stringer .
`` New York 's economy impacts not just us but the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody 's interest to watch what 's happening here . ''
Yasser Kamel , whose family has run the popular Sam 's Falafel food truck in Zuccotti Park since 1990 , said business is as bad as he 's ever seen it .
Normally , three people man the cart , which is rarely without a queue .
On Monday , it was just him , for a handful of customers .
Mr Kamel said he will likely stay home tomorrow , rather than waste money preparing food that does n't get purchased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease ... but for the business , it 's a really really big thing , '' he said .
`` The situation is serious and ... it 's more than one family that will be trouble . ''

Millions of people in the US, which does not guarantee sick leave, are in a similar position. Congress is now debating a bill that would grant two weeks of paid time off for those affected by the outbreak, but many economists say much more needs to be done to avert an economic crisis.


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Why washing hands is difficult in some countries

As Europe and much of the developed world shuts down in the face of coronavirus , many millions of people have n't much hope in following the World Health Organization ( WHO ) advice on washing hands and keeping their distance .
About one billion people live in slum-like conditions , making up 30 % of the world 's urban population .
These housing facilities tend to have very little ventilation , drainage and sewage facilities , with diseases spreading easily .
Celestine Adhiambo , 43 , lives in the Mukuru slum in Nairobi with her husband and six children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no running water or electricity .
She says her children ca n't move around much without banging into each other .
`` It is not possible for us to separate a child from another in case of any infection .
We do n't have any space .
No rooms here .
The government should take the infected people to hospitals , '' she told the BBC .
Her husband works as a carpenter and on the days he works , he earns about 400 Kenyan Shillings ( £3.15 , $ 4 ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shillings on buying 10 buckets of water .
But the water supply is erratic and on days when there is no water , the family has to forgo the quick bath they are accustomed to .
Over half-a-million people live in Mukuru .
The houses are made from cardboard or plastic material while those who are better off have houses made from corrugated iron sheets .
There is no waste collection , with most of it going directly into the river .
Local NGO Mercy Mukuru runs four primary schools in the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
About half of the students can not afford soap , according to its head , Mary Killeen .
`` I am worried .
If the virus spreads in our locality it will be terrible , '' Ms Adhiambo said .
Dr Pierre Mpele , a former WHO representative who has worked in many countries in central and West Africa says African households can be more crowded and in some cases , up to 12 people will share a small house .
`` Self-quarantine is not possible in many places , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are struggling with the availability of water .
The cities of Johannesburg and Chennai both almost ran out of water last year .
Shanthi Sasindranath , a mother of two who lives in the outskirts of Chennai told the BBC : `` If there is a shortage like last year , it will be difficult to get clean water to wash our hands multiple times . ''
During the water shortages last year , her family was able to survive by buying untreated water from agricultural wells located more than 50km away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and water points , and she says people are n't following public health advice .
`` In the local trains , people cough inches away from your face , without even covering their mouth .
If I point this out , some will say sorry , few others will just pick a fight . ''
Friends and relatives visit her apartment every day and Ms Sasindranath is yet to figure out how to minimise human interactions .
`` I 'm telling my children to wash their hands slowly and thoroughly .
I told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they come back from outside , even if they 've just popped out for five minutes .
As a family we are not travelling as much as we used to . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Dr Poppy Lamberton , a lecturer in delivering health services at the University of Glasgow in the UK , said governments need to step up in a big way .
`` Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor as individuals .
In the case of an outbreak , they should be able to isolate a whole community . ''
The WHO says it is working to support governments manage their response to the pandemic , but Dr Mpele wants it to come up with a guide which will work in the developing world .
He is also calling for greater efforts to engage with community leaders before a full-blown crisis occurs in Africa .
`` The silver lining is the virus is not spreading fast in Africa .
Most cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who travelled back from China or Europe .
We do n't know why it is not spreading fast , '' he said .
The WHO says local transmission - people with no travel history - remains low in the African continent and containment is the most appropriate strategy .
Back in Mukuru , nothing seems to have changed in recent weeks .
Ms Adhiambo says she feels defenceless and is doing the only thing she can do .
`` I am praying to god to save us and our neighbourhood from this virus @ @ @ @ @

"I'm telling my children to wash their hands slowly and thoroughly. I told them they must wash their hands whenever they come back from outside, even if they've just popped out for five minutes. As a family we are not travelling as much as we used to."


bbc--2020-03-18--Alassane Ouattara: How Ivory Coast's president stunned West Africa

Ivory Coast 's President Alassane Ouattara has stunned his critics by announcing that he will not run for a third term , putting pressure on other regional leaders to follow his example , writes the BBC Newsday 's James Copnall from the main city , Abidjan .
Stop me if you 've heard this one before : an African politician comes to power , likes his time in office , and changes the constitution to run again .
This story has an unusual ending though - and one that has led to both applause and consternation in West Africa and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alassane Ouattara , 78 , formally announced that he would not run for a controversial third term as president of cocoa-rich Ivory Coast , even though a recently modified constitution appeared to allow him that possibility .
There were gasps from the politicians who had gathered to hear him speak in the capital Yamoussoukro - and perhaps even louder sounds from the vicinity of the presidential palace in neighbouring Guinea .
For months opposition politicians in Guinea have been insisting that President Alpha Condé , 82 , is intent on using any means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power .
There have been huge protests - and even deaths - in several places in Guinea over the issue , and Mr Condé is attempting to organise a referendum which would allow him to run again , even though he is in what is currently his second and final term .
According to one person who was in the room in Yamoussoukro , a Guinean minister telephoned an Ivorian counterpart just after Mr Ouattara made his announcement to express his dismay at the impact it might have on Mr Condé 's attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Others were happier , of course .
The Guinean opposition politician Sidya Touré , who used to work with Mr Ouattara , expressed his approval .
He called the decision a `` lesson in democracy '' , saying Mr Ouattara would be remembered for it , and added that he hoped `` others would be inspired by it for the good of the region '' .
There can be no doubt he was thinking of Mr Condé .
It would be interesting to know what former Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaoré makes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exile in Ivory Coast 's commercial capital , Abidjan , in a house not far from Mr Ouattara 's .
He was forced from power in 2014 by popular protests , after he tried to get the constitution changed to stay in office .
Mr Ouattara 's decision was surely motivated by a desire to leave on a high note , applauded around the world as a democrat - rather than condemned as a man who outstayed his welcome , like his guest Mr Compaoré .
Pascal Affi N'Guessan , a former prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the BBC he had to applaud the decision , saying it was a positive step for democracy in Ivory Coast .
Other opponents , including the man reported to be the richest in Ivory Coast , Jean-Louis Billon , made similar statements .
That does not stop them criticising the president 's time in power , of course .
Mr Ouattara 's supporters say he brought economic growth , stability and a renewed standing for Ivory Coast on the international stage .
`` I think he has been a good president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalist who runs the state newspaper , Fraternité Matin .
`` He came to power after a very difficult period , after a war .
After nine years he has succeeded in rebuilding this country , '' he added .
But opposition politicians - and many Ivorians - say that the president has not done enough to bring the nation together , and heal the wounds of the bitter conflict that divided Ivory Coast , and then brought him to power .
Around 3,000 people are thought to have died in the war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept he had lost the 2010 elections to Mr Ouattara , before troops loyal to the current president arrested Mr Gbagbo in April 2011 and handed him over to the International Criminal Court ( ICC ) to stand trial for crimes against humanity .
Mr Gbagbo was acquitted but the prosecution is considering appealing against the ruling .
The tactics used by Mr Ouattara 's supporters during his time in power have been criticised too .
For example , Mr Billon - who used to be close to Mr Ouattara - said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his team , his businesses were audited for months in an attempt to intimidate him .
So , was he a democrat who developed the country , or a man who failed to bring the country together ?
Ivorians will have a chance to show which view of Mr Ouattara 's legacy they agree with in the elections in October .
He and his political movement are backing his Prime Minister , Amadou Gon Coulibaly , as their candidate .
You may also be interested in : • Cocoa smuggling : 'We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has created African emojis • What is Ivory Coast like ?
It will be interesting to see the final outcome of Mr Gbagbo 's legal battle with the ICC , and whether it will have an impact on the October elections .
Mr Gbagbo 's supporters are desperate for him to run again - which might be possible if his legal issues are resolved .
However , it is difficult to see how he could go back to Ivory Coast without certain assurances from Mr Ouattara .
Mr Ouattara 's former key ally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A one-time rebel leader who went on to serve as prime minister and parliamentary speaker , he wants to run for president .
But he had to abort an attempt to return to Ivory Coast in December , after several of his allies were arrested , and an arrest warrant was issued for him after he was accused of plotting a coup .
Many saw it as a warning for Mr Gbagbo .
The long-running political disputes between him , Mr Ouattara and another former President Henri Konan Bédié have been disastrous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether Mr Bédié will also make way for a younger candidate from his party .
Lots of Ivorians have told me over the last few days that the country needs a new generation of leaders .
The region will be watching the election closely : any turmoil in Ivory Coast has an economic and political impact in places like Burkina Faso , Liberia and Guinea .
If Mr Ouattara 's decision to stand aside helps lead to peaceful elections in October , the pressure for other leaders in West Africa and further afield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grow .

There have been huge protests - and even deaths - in several places in Guinea over the issue, and Mr Condé is attempting to organise a referendum which would allow him to run again, even though he is in what is currently his second and final term.


bbc--2020-03-18--'It was never my plan to be the boss of a huge company'

When Vasant Narasimhan was told he was being considered for the top job at Swiss drugs giant Novartis , he thought there had been a mistake .
`` It did n't seem plausible , at the time I was only 40 , '' he says .
Vasant , a US citizen , had been with the Swiss firm for 10 years , and while he was global head of drug development , he was still a long way down the pecking order .
Yet in 2018 , soon after turning 41 , he became chief executive of the drugs giant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 50bn ( £41bn ) that year and 125,000 employees around the world .
`` I was shocked , '' says Vasant .
`` At first I did n't really know what to make of it ... it was never in my plan to become the CEO of a huge company .
`` And then I felt exhilarated .
Yes , it was scary as well but I was motivated to tackle this challenge .
And then I dived right into thinking 'OK , what can we do with Novartis under new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might think that putting someone relatively young in charge of a global firm is a bit unusual - Vasant 's life story makes things become a lot clearer .
Born in Pittsburgh in 1976 , to parents who had emigrated to the US from India , Vasant had the benefit of a pretty good scientific background - his dad was a chemist , and his mother was a nuclear scientist .
At school in Pittsburgh and then near Philadelphia , he says he was `` relatively shy and reserved , and very , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was probably focused on trying to fit in as well , '' he says .
`` At the schools I went to there were n't many other children of Indian origin , so I grew up always trying to figure out how to fit in . ''
Excelling at sciences and maths , he then did a degree in biological sciences at Chicago University .
He also did a course in philosophy , which would be a significant influence on his subsequent leadership style .
Aiming to be a doctor , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School of Medicine .
And if that was n't enough of a stretch on his time , he also enrolled on a parallel degree in public health policy at the Harvard Kennedy School .
`` I did n't really do much drinking at college , '' he says .
`` And I made do with just five or six hours sleep . ''
There was also no let up in his summer holidays , as he was always volunteering overseas ; helping to fight malaria in Gambia , tackling tuberculosis in Peru and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his doctorate in medicine from Harvard in 2003 , Vasant says he thought of practicing medicine , but instead joined the World Health Organisation , where he spent a year working on its efforts to boost public health around the globe .
He then spent two years at management consultancy McKinsey , to boost his `` knowledge of the business world '' , before joining Novartis .
As he rose through the ranks at the Swiss firm , one of his key roles was leading the firm 's former vaccines division , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His work saw him appointed to the US National Academy of Medicine , the prestigious organisation for American healthcare leaders .
While Novartis no longer has a vaccines business , Vasant - who was interviewed for this article on 10 Feb - says the industry is working as hard and as quickly as it can to develop a vaccine for coronavirus .
`` It will take time though , '' he says .
`` And then any vaccine will have to go through clinical trials before production .
It will take time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership approach , Vasant leans on his student interest in philosophy .
He says he is particularly influenced by two books : The classic 6th Century BC Chinese text , Tao Te Ching , and Daniel Pink 's 2009 work , Drive : The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us .
He say that both have taught him that being a good leader is not about bossing people around but instead giving them more power - and making them happy .
`` One thing we know about human motivation is that people feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of purpose and a sense of autonomy , '' he says .
In practical terms at Novartis , he says this means he has cut out unnecessary bureaucracy , and `` eliminated tens of thousands of approvals , which have pushed down decision-making across the organisation '' .
`` You would be surprised at how few emails I get these days , '' he adds .
`` I get the emails that matter , but the rest are now tackled at the appropriate level . ''
Barbara Obstoj-Cardwell , editor of The Pharma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis on the pharmaceutical sector , says that Vasant has a `` charismatic presence '' .
`` Vas Narasimhan appears to have brought plenty of energy , dynamism and ambition since taking over at Novartis - and so far , the results have largely been impressive . ''
Based at the firm 's head office in Basel , there has never been a language barrier for Vasant , because the company switched from using German to English back in the 1990s .
Married with children , he says that staff quickly got over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed to the top job .
And back in the US , his parents were also pleased .
`` They have stopped asking me when I 'm going to finally become a doctor , '' he jokes .

"I think I was probably focused on trying to fit in as well," he says. "At the schools I went to there weren't many other children of Indian origin, so I grew up always trying to figure out how to fit in."


bbc--2020-03-18--USTA 'assessing options' for US Open after French Open switch

The United States Tennis Association ( USTA ) says it has not ruled out the possibility of switching the US Open to a later date , after the French Open was moved back to September .
USTA says it is assessing all options but is not currently implementing any changes to its schedule .
The US Open , which is played in New York , is due to begin on 31 August .
USTA also criticised the French Tennis Federation 's unilateral decision to move the dates of Roland Garros .
The event in Paris was due to be played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but instead will take place from 20 September to 4 October .
That means it will begin just one week after the completion of the US Open .
`` At a time when the world is coming together , we recognise that such a decision should not be made unilaterally , '' the statement said .
`` Therefore the USTA would only [ act ] in full consultation with the other Grand Slam tournaments , the WTA and ATP , the ITF and our partners , including the Laver Cup . ''
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your phone

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Flushing Meadows traditionally hosts the final Grand Slam of the year
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) says it has not ruled out the possibility of switching the US Open to a later date, after the French Open was moved back to September.
USTA says it is assessing all options but is not currently implementing any changes to its schedule.
The US Open, which is played in New York, is due to begin on 31 August.
USTA also criticised the French Tennis Federation's unilateral decision to move the dates of Roland Garros.
The event in Paris was due to be played from 24 May to 7 June, but instead will take place from 20 September to 4 October.
That means it will begin just one week after the completion of the US Open.
"At a time when the world is coming together, we recognise that such a decision should not be made unilaterally," the statement said.
"Therefore the USTA would only [act] in full consultation with the other Grand Slam tournaments, the WTA and ATP, the ITF and our partners, including the Laver Cup."
The new dates for the French Open mean it will clash with a string of ATP and WTA events, including the start of the traditional Asian leg of the season.
It is also scheduled at the same time as the Laver Cup - the annual men's team event between Europe and the Rest of the World.
The competition was the brainchild of Roger Federer's Team8 agency, and is supported by the US Open, the Australian Open and the ATP Tour.
This year's event is already sold out, and the response from the Laver Cup to the French Federation's decision was curt.
"This announcement came as a surprise to us and our partners," it said in a statement. "It raises many questions and we are assessing the situation.
"At this time, we want our fans, sponsors, broadcasters, staff, volunteers, players and the great city of Boston to know that we intend to hold Laver Cup 2020 as currently scheduled."
The French Federation said on Thursday that the "current confinement measures have made it impossible for us to continue with our preparations".
In a conference call with reporters, it said it would be unthinkable for the season's only clay-court Grand Slam not to go ahead.
It said it chose the fortnight that would cause the least inconvenience to the other tours, but admitted it simply informed them - rather than consulted them - about the decision.
Britain's Jamie Murray was among a group of players to express his surprise.
"Strong move by French Open/FFT to move to end of Sept," the Scot posted on Twitter.
"I thought the powers that be in tennis were supposed to be all about working together these days?
"The frustration will be that the FFT acted on its own with no regard for any of the other stakeholders in tennis."
There is already friction between the Grand Slams and some of the players, who do not feel they receive a large enough share of the profits generated.
Meanwhile, the All England Club says it "continues to plan" for Wimbledon and the grass-court season - albeit it with a limited onsite team.
But chief executive Richard Lewis said in a statement that "it remains a continuously evolving situation and we will act responsibly, in the best interests of wider society".
This year's Wimbledon is due to take place between 29 June and 12 July.


bbc--2020-03-18--Euro 2020 postponed until next summer

Euro 2020 postponed until next summer

Euro 2020 has been postponed by one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
European football 's governing body made the decision during an emergency video conference involving major stakeholders on Tuesday .
The tournament , due to take place from 12 June-12 July this summer , will now run from 11 June to 11 July next year .
The postponement provides a chance for European leagues that have been suspended to now be completed .
By moving the European Championship , Uefa now has a clash with the Women 's European Championship , which is due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning on 7 July .
The Nations League and the European Under-21 Championships are also scheduled to take place next summer .
Uefa said all three events will be `` rescheduled accordingly '' , but it is currently unclear if that involves minor tweaks to dates , or large-scale postponements .
In delaying Euro 2020 , Uefa said it wanted to avoid `` placing any unnecessary pressure on national public services '' of its 12 host countries , as well as helping allow domestic competitions to be finished .
`` We are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent , '' said Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin .
`` It is at times like these , that the football community needs to show responsibility , unity , solidarity and altruism .
`` The health of fans , staff and players has to be our number one priority and in that spirit , Uefa tabled a range of options so that competitions can finish this season safely and I am proud of the response of my colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real spirit of co-operation , with everyone recognising that they had to sacrifice something in order to achieve the best result . ''
Ceferin said it was important Uefa `` led the process and made the biggest sacrifice '' , adding it comes `` at a huge cost '' but `` purpose over profit has been our guiding principle in taking this decision for the good of European football as a whole '' .
The European Championship qualifying play-offs , scheduled to begin in March , have provisionally been moved to June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Israel , Northern Ireland and Bosnia & Herzegovina , and Republic of Ireland and Slovakia .
Friendly international matches due to be played this month have also been pushed back until June .
Uefa says a working group will examine calendar solutions that would allow for the completion of the current season and any other consequence of Tuesday 's decisions .
Elsewhere , the South American Football Confederation ( Conmebol ) says this year 's Copa America , due to take place from 12 June to 12 July , has been postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the newly-expanded Club World Cup , originally scheduled to take place in China in June 2021 , will be postponed and a new date announced when `` there is more clarity on the situation '' .
The organisation is also going to donate $ 10m ( £8.3m ) to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund .
Many of Europe 's domestic leagues - as well as the Champions League and Europa League - have been suspended following an increasing number of coronavirus cases around the continent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the virus or been told to go into self-isolation , meaning leagues have had to shut down .
• Premier League : All elite football in Britain cancelled until 4 April at the earliest subject to `` conditions at the time '' .
• La Liga : Spain 's top flight suspended until 4 April at the earliest when it will `` revaluate '' the situation .
• Serie A : Italy has the highest number of cases in Europe and the country is in lockdown .
• Bundesliga : Suspended until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Ligue 1 : Games initially played behind closed doors in France but now suspended `` until further notice '' .
European Leagues , which represents football leagues across the continent , says it is committed to completing European and domestic seasons by 30 June at the latest .
A mini-tournament to decide the Champions League and Europa League is expected to be one option put forward to ease fixture congestion caused by the coronavirus crisis .
Poland 's representative in the meeting suggested the Champions League final could be played on 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June .
The scheduling of domestic matches in midweek alongside Champions League games or playing European games at weekends is also expected to be approved .
The qualifying rounds for the 2020-21 Champions League and Europa League tournaments may also be adjusted to take into account the delayed calendar .
What do the nations involved say ?
The Norwegian FA , whose side are yet to qualify for the tournament , were first to announce the news , followed by the French and other FAs .
Mark Bullingham , chief executive of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governing body supported the decision .
Jonathan Ford , chief executive of the Football Association of Wales , said his organisation `` fully supports the decisions taken '' and added that the health and safety of everyone is `` the most important and only factor to consider '' .
French Football Federation president Noel le Graet says the governing body `` fully supports '' Uefa and it was a `` wise and pragmatic decision '' .
What other limitations are there ?
While the big domestic leagues have problems over television contracts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , most countries rely on the payments from Uefa that come out of major international tournaments to allow their own leagues to function properly .
These would be at risk from any movement of the European Championship and are likely to form part of any agreement .
An estimated 400 staff are working for Uefa on the Euros .
It is unknown what will happen to them if the tournament does not take place for another 12 months .

Last updated on .From the section European Championship
Uefa president explains Euro 2020 delay
Euro 2020 has been postponed by one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
European football's governing body made the decision during an emergency video conference involving major stakeholders on Tuesday.
The tournament, due to take place from 12 June-12 July this summer, will now run from 11 June to 11 July next year.
The postponement provides a chance for European leagues that have been suspended to now be completed.
By moving the European Championship, Uefa now has a clash with the Women's European Championship, which is due to be held in England in 2021, beginning on 7 July.
The Nations League and the European Under-21 Championships are also scheduled to take place next summer.
Uefa said all three events will be "rescheduled accordingly", but it is currently unclear if that involves minor tweaks to dates, or large-scale postponements.
In delaying Euro 2020, Uefa said it wanted to avoid "placing any unnecessary pressure on national public services" of its 12 host countries, as well as helping allow domestic competitions to be finished.
"We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent," said Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin.
"It is at times like these, that the football community needs to show responsibility, unity, solidarity and altruism.
"The health of fans, staff and players has to be our number one priority and in that spirit, Uefa tabled a range of options so that competitions can finish this season safely and I am proud of the response of my colleagues across European football.
"There was a real spirit of co-operation, with everyone recognising that they had to sacrifice something in order to achieve the best result."
Ceferin said it was important Uefa "led the process and made the biggest sacrifice", adding it comes "at a huge cost" but "purpose over profit has been our guiding principle in taking this decision for the good of European football as a whole".
Euro play-offs moved to June
The European Championship qualifying play-offs, scheduled to begin in March, have provisionally been moved to June.
They include two-legged ties between Scotland and Israel, Northern Ireland and Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Republic of Ireland and Slovakia.
Friendly international matches due to be played this month have also been pushed back until June.
Uefa says a working group will examine calendar solutions that would allow for the completion of the current season and any other consequence of Tuesday's decisions.
Elsewhere, the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) says this year's Copa America, due to take place from 12 June to 12 July, has been postponed until 2021.
World governing body Fifa says the newly-expanded Club World Cup, originally scheduled to take place in China in June 2021, will be postponed and a new date announced when "there is more clarity on the situation".
The organisation is also going to donate $10m (£8.3m) to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
European Leagues committed to completing season by June 30
Many of Europe's domestic leagues - as well as the Champions League and Europa League - have been suspended following an increasing number of coronavirus cases around the continent.
Players and coaches have also been affected by the virus or been told to go into self-isolation, meaning leagues have had to shut down.
How Europe's top leagues have reacted:
Premier League: All elite football in Britain cancelled until 4 April at the earliest subject to "conditions at the time".
La Liga: Spain's top flight suspended until 4 April at the earliest when it will "revaluate" the situation.
Serie A: Italy has the highest number of cases in Europe and the country is in lockdown.
Bundesliga: Suspended until at least 2 April in Germany.
Ligue 1: Games initially played behind closed doors in France but now suspended "until further notice".
European Leagues, which represents football leagues across the continent, says it is committed to completing European and domestic seasons by 30 June at the latest.
A mini-tournament to decide the Champions League and Europa League is expected to be one option put forward to ease fixture congestion caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Poland's representative in the meeting suggested the Champions League final could be played on 27 June and Europa League final on 24 June.
The scheduling of domestic matches in midweek alongside Champions League games or playing European games at weekends is also expected to be approved.
The qualifying rounds for the 2020-21 Champions League and Europa League tournaments may also be adjusted to take into account the delayed calendar.
What do the nations involved say?
The Norwegian FA, whose side are yet to qualify for the tournament, were first to announce the news, followed by the French and other FAs.
Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association, said English football's governing body supported the decision.
Jonathan Ford, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, said his organisation "fully supports the decisions taken" and added that the health and safety of everyone is "the most important and only factor to consider".
French Football Federation president Noel le Graet says the governing body "fully supports" Uefa and it was a "wise and pragmatic decision".
What other limitations are there?
While the big domestic leagues have problems over television contracts to solve if games do not take place, most countries rely on the payments from Uefa that come out of major international tournaments to allow their own leagues to function properly.
These would be at risk from any movement of the European Championship and are likely to form part of any agreement.
An estimated 400 staff are working for Uefa on the Euros. It is unknown what will happen to them if the tournament does not take place for another 12 months.


bbc--2020-03-18--New Match of the Day podcast: Top 10 - vote for your greatest Premier League captain

Any great Premier League team needs a great captain , and there have been several legendary players to wear the armband over the years - but who is the greatest ?
That was the subject discussed by Gary Lineker , Alan Shearer and Ian Wright on the new Match of The Day : Top 10 podcast .
Taking themselves out of the studio , the series will be recorded in Lineker 's kitchen and , inspired by the much-debated MOTD television running order , the ex-players will be getting into deep discussion to produce a top 10 on a variety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trio ranked the top 10 Premier League captains from a shortlist drawn up by the BBC Match of the Day commentary team .
To hear their final selections , make sure you listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds .
And you can make your own ranked list at the bottom of the page .
• Listen to the first episode of Match of the Day : Top 10 Wright : `` No matter what he was going through personally , he came in every day and was always the leader , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by example , he looked you in the eye and told you exactly what he wanted from you .
He would tell you home truths .
He was a proper leader . ''
Shearer : `` He was the best centre-half I played against in the English game .
A great leader and organiser .
That back four that he played in was relentless and incredibly tough to play against . ''
Shearer : `` Look at his appearances , more than 500 in the Premier League , and what he gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football club meant to him .
He did it every year , week in , week out . ''
Wright : `` What he did in the Champions League final [ in 2005 ] was a fantastic achievement , one of the greatest I 've seen . ''
Premier League titles : None - although Liverpool are runaway leaders in the 2019-20 season Lineker : `` He 's had to step into the shoes of Steven Gerrard , who is one of the greatest English players of all time .
He 's come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League , they are inevitably going to win the Premier League .
He 's done an unbelievable job . ''
Wright : `` I loved Roy Keane .
He was captain for so many years when Manchester United were absolutely dominating .
He is exactly what you need as a captain .
He was n't someone everybody liked , but you do n't need to like the captain .
He led - and what it means on the pitch is what it is all about . ''
Shearer : `` I had loads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't the only one .
But he was a brilliant player . ''
Shearer : `` He was an excellent player and a leader .
He started in midfield , went back to centre-half and delivered titles .
He was huge with the fans , he got it in terms of what the club was about . ''
Lineker : `` A captain has to be there at the big moments and there is no captain who was there for the big moments more than Vincent Kompany .
Remember the goals he scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season ?
Big-time - big moments and a big leader . ''
Wright : `` With the team he had and the way Leicester did it , it is the miracle of the Premier League .
He had to keep them going through that season .
One of my favourite moments was when Wes was about to lift the Premier League trophy , his eyes closed and it was magic , a moment of fulfilment . ''
Lineker : `` The only reason you 're on the list is because it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you in at the bottom . ''
Shearer : `` He was everything you wanted in a captain .
He had the respect of managers , fans and players .
He was n't liked by other fans , but it did n't affect him - it probably spurred him on if anything , and he delivered . ''
Shearer : `` He was hard as they come .
I ca n't argue with what he delivered .
A fantastic player and captain . ''
Shearer : `` Vieira was horrible to play against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could play if he wanted to play , but if you wanted to have a fight or be physical with him , he was as hard as they come . ''
So you have heard what the pundits think , but what about you ?
Rank your top 10 Premier League captains below :

Where did you rank Roy Keane, Steven Gerrard and Alan Shearer?
Any great Premier League team needs a great captain, and there have been several legendary players to wear the armband over the years - but who has been the greatest leader of all?
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright discussed the topic on the new Match of The Day: Top 10 podcast and we asked you to get involved by ranking your favourites from a shortlist drawn up by the Match of the Day commentary team.
Gary Lineker, Ian Wright and Alan Shearer will be recording the series from Lineker's kitchen
You did exactly that, with more than 120,000 of you taking part. You can see the results below.
To hear the MOTD team's final selections - recorded during a debate held in Lineker's kitchen - make sure you listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds or watch on BBC One at 22:20 GMT on Saturday, 21 March.
1. Roy Keane
Roy Keane won 17 trophies at Manchester United, including the treble in 1999
Premier League appearances: 366
Goals: 39
Clubs: Nottingham Forest, Manchester United
Premier League titles: Seven
Wright: "I loved Roy Keane. He was captain for so many years when Manchester United were absolutely dominating. He is exactly what you need as a captain. He wasn't someone everybody liked, but you don't need to like the captain. He led - and what it means on the pitch is what it is all about."
Shearer: "I had loads of rucks with him and I wasn't the only one. But he was a brilliant player."
2. John Terry
John Terry is Chelsea's most successful captain, winning 17 trophies including five Premier League titles
Premier League appearances: 492
Goals: 41
Clubs: Chelsea
Premier League titles: Five
Shearer: "He was everything you wanted in a captain. He had the respect of managers, fans and players. He wasn't liked by other fans, but it didn't affect him - it probably spurred him on if anything, and he delivered."
3. Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard is the only footballer to score in an FA Cup final, a League Cup final, a Uefa Cup final and a Champions League final, winning on each occasion
Premier League appearances: 504
Goals: 120
Clubs: Liverpool
Premier League titles: None
Shearer: "Look at his appearances, more than 500 in the Premier League, and what he gave to that football club and what that football club meant to him. He did it every year, week in, week out."
Wright: "What he did in the Champions League final [in 2005] was a fantastic achievement, one of the greatest I've seen."
4. Tony Adams
Tony Adams spent his entire career at Arsenal, winning 13 major trophies between 1983 and 2002
Premier League appearances: 255
Goals: 12
Clubs: Arsenal
Premier League titles: Two
Wright: "No matter what he was going through personally, he came in every day and was always the leader, the captain, ready to go. He led by example, he looked you in the eye and told you exactly what he wanted from you. He would tell you home truths. He was a proper leader."
Shearer: "He was the best centre-half I played against in the English game. A great leader and organiser. That back four that he played in was relentless and incredibly tough to play against."
5. Patrick Vieira
Patrick Vieira captained Arsenal during their 'Invincibles' season of 2003-04 when they went the entire Premier League season unbeaten
Premier League appearances: 307
Goals: 31
Clubs: Arsenal, Manchester City
Premier League titles: Three
Shearer: "Vieira was horrible to play against, in a nice way. He could play if he wanted to play, but if you wanted to have a fight or be physical with him, he was as hard as they come."
6. Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany left Manchester City in May 2019 after 11 seasons at Etihad Stadium
Premier League appearances: 265
Goals: 18
Clubs: Manchester City
Premier League titles: Four
Shearer: "He was an excellent player and a leader. He started in midfield, went back to centre-half and delivered titles. He was huge with the fans, he got it in terms of what the club was about."
Lineker: "A captain has to be there at the big moments and there is no captain who was there for the big moments more than Vincent Kompany. Remember the goals he scored against Manchester United in 2012 and Leicester last season? Big-time - big moments and a big leader."
7. Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic won five Premier League titles at Manchester United, two of them as captain
Premier League appearances: 211
Goals: 15
Clubs: Manchester United
Premier League titles: Five
Shearer: "He was hard as they come. I can't argue with what he delivered. A fantastic player and captain."
8. Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer is the Premier League's record goalscorer with 260 goals in 441 appearances
Premier League appearances: 441
Goals: 260
Clubs: Blackburn, Newcastle
Premier League titles: One
Lineker: "The only reason you're on the list is because it is the only topic where we can get you in at the bottom."
9. Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson lifted the Champions League, the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup in 2019
Premier League appearances: 335
Goals: 29
Clubs: Sunderland, Liverpool
Premier League titles: None - although Liverpool are runaway leaders in the 2019-20 season
Lineker: "He's had to step into the shoes of Steven Gerrard, who is one of the greatest English players of all time. He's come in, they've won the Champions League, they are inevitably going to win the Premier League. He's done an unbelievable job."
10. Wes Morgan
Wes Morgan became the third outfield player in Premier League history to play every minute of a title-winning season in 2015-16
Premier League appearances: 164
Goals: 8
Clubs: Leicester
Premier League titles: One
Wright: "With the team he had and the way Leicester did it, it is the miracle of the Premier League. He had to keep them going through that season. One of my favourite moments was when Wes was about to lift the Premier League trophy, his eyes closed and it was magic, a moment of fulfilment."
So you have heard what the pundits think, but what about you? Rank your top 10 Premier League captains below:


bbc--2020-03-17--Mikel leaves Trabzonspor days after expressing coronavirus fears

Former Nigeria captain and ex-Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has left Trabzonspor by mutual consent , days after expressing his concerns about the Turkish Super Lig continuing amid the global coronavirus pandemic .
The Super Lig is one of a handful of leagues continuing to fulfil games , albeit behind closed doors .
Mikel , 32 , posted on social media that he disagreed with that policy .
A club statement released on Tuesday said he had now ended his contract .
It said he had given up his wages in order to become a free agent .
On Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` there is more to life than football '' and added : `` I do not feel comfortable and do not want to play football in this situation .
`` Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones in this critical time .
Season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times . ''
The post , which was made a day before Trabzonspor 's game against Istanbul Basaksehir , received positive responses from two fellow Turkey-based former Chelsea players .
Galatasaray forward Radamel Falcao replied `` you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drogba said they were `` words of wisdom '' .
The number of coronavirus cases in Turkey stood at six at the time of Mikel 's post , though it has now leapt to 47 .
The government has ramped up measures to halt its spread , closing schools and universities , holding sports events without spectators and halting flights to many countries .
Meanwhile , players from Galatasaray 's basketball team released a joint statement urging the Turkish Basketball Super League to suspend games .
`` We appreciate the Turkish government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus however we find it quite bizarre that we keep playing , despite it being behind closed doors , '' they said .
`` We have seen how hesitation to take extreme action has provoked a spike in cases in neighbouring countries and we believe now is the time to take extreme action . ''

Last updated on .From the section Sport Africa
John Mikel Obi has been a key player in Trabzonspor's rise to the top of the Turkish league
Former Nigeria captain and ex-Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has left Trabzonspor by mutual consent, days after expressing his concerns about the Turkish Super Lig continuing amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
The Super Lig is one of a handful of leagues continuing to fulfil games, albeit behind closed doors.
Mikel, 32, posted on social media that he disagreed with that policy.
A club statement released on Tuesday said he had now ended his contract.
It said he had given up his wages in order to become a free agent.
On Saturday, Obi had written on his Instagram "there is more to life than football" and added: "I do not feel comfortable and do not want to play football in this situation.
"Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones in this critical time. Season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times."
The post, which was made a day before Trabzonspor's game against Istanbul Basaksehir, received positive responses from two fellow Turkey-based former Chelsea players.
Galatasaray forward Radamel Falcao replied "you are right John", while Didier Drogba said they were "words of wisdom".
The number of coronavirus cases in Turkey stood at six at the time of Mikel's post, though it has now leapt to 47.
The government has ramped up measures to halt its spread, closing schools and universities, holding sports events without spectators and halting flights to many countries.
Meanwhile, players from Galatasaray's basketball team released a joint statement urging the Turkish Basketball Super League to suspend games.
"We appreciate the Turkish government has taken measures to slow down the spread of the virus however we find it quite bizarre that we keep playing, despite it being behind closed doors," they said.
"We have seen how hesitation to take extreme action has provoked a spike in cases in neighbouring countries and we believe now is the time to take extreme action."


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: How can we stay in virtual touch with older relatives?

As the government encourages `` social distancing '' in the fight against coronavirus , older people are facing the prospect of being told to stay at home for weeks .
But what if a parent or older person in your life , does n't already have access to video calling tech ?
`` You might want to consider getting a specialised device to make video calls to your loved ones , '' says Kate Bevan , editor of computing at Which ?
, the consumer magazine .
`` Once they 're set up , they 're very simple to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings in their apps to connect them and that 's not always as straightforward as it might be , '' she says .
`` Give yourself plenty of time to familiarise yourself with doing that so that you can help your relative through the process . ''
Age UK , the charity for older people , adds that the choice of technology should be as `` user-friendly as possible '' for those unaccustomed to controlling video-chat software .
`` Something integrated like a video call app on a smartphone , tablet or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example will often be more straightforward , '' adds Caroline Abrahams , its charity director .
`` Older people may also prefer physical interfaces like a mouse rather than a touchscreen or trackpad .
`` To protect people 's privacy it will be important to ensure that any new devices are secure and not likely to be hacked , and that anyone using a new device has access to ongoing support to help them learn how to use it and deal with any issues or problems . ''
Integrated kit can be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pounds cheaper than buying a laptop , tablet , or a mid-range smartphone .
Amazon , Google , and Facebook all have smart devices with screens for video calls .
Amazon 's Echo Show range are some of the easiest to use .
The devices have a feature that lets you start a call without the other person even having to answer .
Called `` drop in '' , it can automatically start the call if you set it up with the right permissions .
It works with the Alexa app on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person needs the special device .
Amazon also has some of the cheapest options , with the compact 5in model costing £50 .
It has a screen about the size of a smartphone 's but larger models are available .
And it 's compatible with Skype , the veteran ( and ubiquitous ) video-calling app .
The Facebook Portal might be a better fit for some .
One of its main selling points is the camera pans and zooms around the room , following the person you 're talking to .
It starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for the photo-frame model .
It also integrates its video calls with Facebook-owned Whatsapp and the popular Facebook Messenger , so people who own a smartphone with those apps can easily call the Portal device .
Google 's Nest Hub Max sells itself on the fact it functions as a security camera .
Similar to Amazon 's `` drop in '' , family members with the right permissions can activate the security features and start watching the camera feed at any time .
Some privacy-conscious people may not see that as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Be aware that a smaller Nest Hub model does not have a camera .
One problem with all these devices is their expense and another is their need to be on a stable , decent wi-fi connection at all times .
Sometimes , a smartphone might be the better option .
`` If your family member has a tablet or smartphone , you can also help them get set up with apps such as Skype , Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp , all of which do video calls , '' Bevan says .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Many of these apps are basically smartphone versions of the software on the smart displays - Google Duo , for example , is what Google 's Nest speakers use , while Messenger and Whatsapp integrate with Facebook 's Portal devices .
But a new smartphone , even a mid-range one , can be much more expensive .
And Bevan warns against hand-me-downs past a certain age .
Apart from lower camera quality , there can be security concerns .
`` If you 're considering passing old Android smartphones and tablets on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's still getting security updates , '' she says .
`` We recently found that there are more than a billion Android devices still in use that are at risk from malware and other threats . ''

Amazon's Echo Show range are some of the easiest to use. The devices have a feature that lets you start a call without the other person even having to answer. Called "drop in", it can automatically start the call if you set it up with the right permissions. It works with the Alexa app on smartphones, too, so only one person needs the special device.


bbc--2020-03-18--How do I know if I have coronavirus?

How do I know if I have coronavirus?

People who are showing particular symptoms are being told to self-isolate in order to stop the coronavirus from spreading further @ @ @ @ @ fever or a persistent cough , you should stay at home for seven days .
@ @ @ @ @ should stay at home for 14 days , and have food and medicine delivered .
@ @ @ @ @ if you ’ re just ill , feeling a bit ropey or if you have @ @ @ @ @ What do the symptoms of coronavirus feel like ?

The three main symptoms of coronavirus are a fever, a continuous dry cough, or a loss of smell or taste.
According to the UK National Health Service, anyone with these symptoms should get a Covid test and stay at home to help stop the virus from spreading.
But how do you know if you have Covid-19, or you are ill with something else? What do the symptoms feel like?
And how long do you need to self-isolate for exactly?
BBC health and science journalist Laura Foster explains.
Video by Laura Foster, Megan Fisher, Tobias Chapple and Terry Saunders


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus and ibuprofen: Separating fact from fiction

Stories have been circulating online suggesting it 's dangerous to take ibuprofen if you have coronavirus .
Alongside genuine medical advice , false messages have been spreading , distorting the facts .
Speaking to the BBC , medical professionals said that ibuprofen is not recommended for managing coronavirus symptoms .
Those already taking ibuprofen for other conditions should not stop without consulting a doctor , though .
Both paracetamol and ibuprofen can bring a temperature down and help with flu-like symptoms .
But ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) are not suitable for everyone and can cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , heart and circulatory problems .
The NHS website previously recommended both paracetamol and ibuprofen , but has since changed its advice to say that while `` there is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) worse ... until we have more information , take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus , unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you . ''
The NHS also says that people who are already taking ibuprofen on the advice of a doctor , should not stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do n't yet know whether ibuprofen has a particular effect on the severity or length of illnesses caused by coronavirus - either in healthy people or those with underlying conditions - Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash , of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , says , especially for vulnerable patients , `` it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice '' .
There is also some evidence linking ibuprofen to more severe illness from other respiratory infections .
But whatever the advice , there 's still been a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been circulating on WhatsApp claiming that : • `` There are four young people in an intensive care unit in Cork who have no underlying illnesses - all were taking anti-inflammatories and there are concerns this has caused a more severe illness '' ( false ) • The University of Vienna has sent a memo warning people with coronavirus symptoms not to take ibuprofen , `` because it has been discovered that it increases the speed of reproduction of the coronavirus Covid-19 in the body and this is the reason why people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage and rapid spread '' ( false ) • `` At the university hospital in Toulouse , France , there are four very critical cases of coronavirus in [ young people ] who do not have any health problems .
Their problem is that when they all appeared to have symptoms , they all took painkillers like ibuprofen '' ( false ) These stories circulating on WhatsApp are also appearing on different platforms including Instagram .
Commonly these kinds of copied-and-pasted texts will claim to be from someone the forwarder says they know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All these claims are false The Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland said a WhatsApp message circulating about coronavirus patients in Cork is `` a fake message '' , asking anyone who receives it to `` ignore and delete '' .
Toulouse University Hospital warned that inaccurate information was circulating on social networks , saying it would not have discussed the care of patients due to medical confidentiality .
So what do we know about ibuprofen and Covid-19 ?
There has been no research into ibuprofen and the new coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory infections , suggesting ibuprofen is linked to more complications and more severe illness - although we do n't know that the ibuprofen itself is causing this , according to Paul Little , a professor of primary care research at University of Southampton .
Some experts believe that ibuprofen 's anti-inflammatory properties may `` dampen '' the body 's immune response .
Prof Parastou Donyai at the University of Reading says : `` There are many studies that suggest ibuprofen use during a respiratory infection can result in worsening of the disease or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , `` I have not seen any scientific evidence that clearly shows a totally healthy 25 year old taking ibuprofen for symptoms of COVID-19 is putting themselves at additional risk of complications . ''
The spreading of rumours has led to confusion Worries over the use of ibuprofen appear to have surfaced in France , after Jean-Louis Montastruc , a doctor at Toulouse University Hospital warned on Twitter that : `` In this period of coronavirus , it is necessary to remember the risk of complications of the NSAIDs in case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet by France 's health minister , Olivier Veran , saying that anti-inflammatory drugs `` could be an aggravating factor of the infection '' was shared more than 43,000 times .
But he also said people should consult a doctor before stopping taking them .
Other tweets are also being shared including one saying that ibuprofen `` may cause severe cases of the disease , even in young and middle-aged adults with no underlying conditions '' which has been shared more than 94,000 times on Twitter .
A lack of clear consensus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to mixed messages and rumours spreading online , and the University of Vienna laboratory claim noted earlier seems to have taken on a life of its own in both English and German .
Twitter and Facebook posts - which seem to be cut-and-pasted and adapted by users - all claim to have a `` doctor in the family '' who has information from the Vienna lab that `` the vast majority of people who died of Covid-19 had ibuprofen in their system '' .
Some of the posts go on to claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is no evidence that this is the case .
This online rumour also appeared on German-language WhatsApp as voice message and text messages .
These messages typically claimed to be from a young mother saying that the Vienna lab had researched Covid-19 deaths in Italy and found that the majority had self-medicated with ibuprofen .
The message offers no specific evidence to back up its claims , German aponet.de pharmaceutical news website says .
`` Such a pattern is typical of conspiracy theories , '' it concludes .
• EASY STEPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Coronavirus and ibuprofen: Separating fact from fiction Published 17 March 2020
Image source, Getty Images
Stories have been circulating online suggesting it's dangerous to take ibuprofen if you have coronavirus. Alongside genuine medical advice, false messages have been spreading, distorting the facts.
Speaking to the BBC, medical professionals said that ibuprofen is not recommended for managing coronavirus symptoms.
The NHS says that, while "there is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus (Covid-19) worse, until we have more information take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you."
Those already taking ibuprofen for other conditions should not stop without consulting a doctor, though.
Both paracetamol and ibuprofen can bring a temperature down and help with flu-like symptoms. But ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not suitable for everyone and can cause side-effects - especially for people with asthma, heart and circulatory problems.
The NHS website previously recommended both paracetamol and ibuprofen, but has since changed its advice.
There is also some evidence linking ibuprofen to more severe illness from other respiratory infections.
False stories
But whatever the advice, there's still been a great deal of misinformation online. Bogus messages have been circulating on WhatsApp claiming that:
• "There are four young people in an intensive care unit in Cork who have no underlying illnesses - all were taking anti-inflammatories and there are concerns this has caused a more severe illness" (false)
• The University of Vienna has sent a memo warning people with coronavirus symptoms not to take ibuprofen, "because it has been discovered that it increases the speed of reproduction of the coronavirus Covid-19 in the body and this is the reason why people in Italy have reached the current bad stage and rapid spread" (false)
• "At the university hospital in Toulouse, France, there are four very critical cases of coronavirus in [young people] who do not have any health problems. Their problem is that when they all appeared to have symptoms, they all took painkillers like ibuprofen" (false)
These stories circulating on WhatsApp are also appearing on different platforms including Instagram.
Commonly these kinds of copied-and-pasted texts will claim to be from someone the forwarder says they know, often with a medical background.
All these claims are false
The Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland said a WhatsApp message circulating about coronavirus patients in Cork is "a fake message", asking anyone who receives it to "ignore and delete".
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on Twitter The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Skip twitter post by Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland Allow Twitter content? This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’. Accept and continue The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. End of twitter post by Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland
Toulouse University Hospital warned that inaccurate information was circulating on social networks, saying it would not have discussed the care of patients due to medical confidentiality.
So what do we know about ibuprofen and Covid-19?
There has been no research into ibuprofen and the new coronavirus (Covid-19).
But there has been some for other respiratory infections, suggesting ibuprofen is linked to more complications and more severe illness, according to Paul Little, a professor of primary care research at University of Southampton.
Experts believe that ibuprofen's anti-inflammatory properties may "dampen" the body's immune response.
Prof Parastou Donyai at the University of Reading says: "There are many studies that suggest ibuprofen use during a respiratory infection can result in worsening of the disease or other complications."
But, she says, "I have not seen any scientific evidence that clearly shows a totally healthy 25 year old taking ibuprofen for symptoms of COVID-19 is putting themselves at additional risk of complications."
Although we don't yet know whether ibuprofen has a particular effect on the severity or length of illnesses caused by coronavirus - either in healthy people or those with underlying conditions - Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says, especially for vulnerable patients, "it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice".
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Paracetamol has sold out in many pharmacies
The spreading of rumours has led to confusion
Worries over the use of ibuprofen appear to have surfaced in France, after Jean-Louis Montastruc, a doctor at Toulouse University Hospital warned on Twitter that: "In this period of coronavirus, it is necessary to remember the risk of complications of the NSAIDs in case of fever or infection."
A subsequent tweet by France's health minister, Olivier Veran, saying that anti-inflammatory drugs "could be an aggravating factor of the infection" was shared more than 43,000 times. But he also said people should consult a doctor before stopping taking them.
Other tweets are also being shared including one saying that ibuprofen "may cause severe cases of the disease, even in young and middle-aged adults with no underlying conditions" which has been shared more than 94,000 times on Twitter.
Image source, FACEBOOK Image caption, Many people on social media appeared to have "a doctor in the family" with inside information
A lack of clear consensus on the issue from the medical profession has led to mixed messages and rumours spreading online, and the University of Vienna laboratory claim noted earlier seems to have taken on a life of its own in both English and German.
Twitter and Facebook posts - which seem to be cut-and-pasted and adapted by users - all claim to have a "doctor in the family" who has information from the Vienna lab that "the vast majority of people who died of Covid-19 had ibuprofen in their system". Some of the posts go on to claim that coronavirus "thrives on ibuprofen". There is no evidence that this is the case.
This online rumour also appeared on German-language WhatsApp as voice message and text messages. These messages typically claimed to be from a young mother saying that the Vienna lab had researched Covid-19 deaths in Italy and found that the majority had self-medicated with ibuprofen. The message offers no specific evidence to back up its claims, according to German pharmaceutical news website aponet.de. "Such a pattern is typical of conspiracy theories," it concludes.


bbc--2020-03-18--Italy coronavirus deaths rise by record 475 in a day

The number of people dying from coronavirus in Italy has risen by 475 in one day to nearly 3,000 - the biggest increase since the outbreak .
There are a total of 35,713 confirmed cases in the country , with more than 4,000 having successfully recovered .
Lombardy , the worst-hit region , recorded 319 deaths in one day .
Italy is the world 's worst affected country after China , where the virus originated last year .
At least 8,758 people have died , most in China .
The vast majority of the more than 200,000 confirmed cases - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Western Pacific region , which includes much of Asia , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) says .
Many countries have taken drastic measures , including social distancing and cancelling major events to help slow transmission and reduce pressure on the health systems .
`` But to suppress and control epidemics , countries must isolate , test , treat and trace , '' the WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK advice ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
Italy has been on lockdown for almost two weeks as authorities try to halt the progress of the virus .
People have been asked to stay indoors - but the number of deaths has continued to spiral .
The WHO 's emergencies director , Mike Ryan , said this was probably due to the `` astonishing '' number of cases within the health systems , as well as the high number of elderly people in the population at large .
Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine trial so soon after the emergence of the virus as `` an incredible achievement '' .
The first human trial of a vaccine began in the US at the Kaiser Permanente research facility in Seattle earlier this week .
But experts warn that it will be many months before it is clear if it will work .
How bad is the situation in the rest of Europe ?
Spain now has 598 dead and 13,716 infections .
An inquiry is to be launched into the deaths of at least 17 residents of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dozens of cases of Covid-19 have been reported .
In France , the number of confirmed cases grew by more than 16 % on Tuesday , reaching 7,730 , while the death toll rose to 175 , with 7 % of the dead aged under 65 .
In the UK , the number of dead has reached 104 .
Germany has 12 deaths and 8,198 cases .
In a TV address , Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Germans to abide by restrictions aimed at combating the pandemic .
`` Since German reunification , actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has never been a challenge for our country in which acting in solidarity was so very crucial , '' she said .
Travellers from outside the EU are being turned away from airports and borders after the 27-country bloc imposed a 30-day ban to halt the spread of coronavirus .
EU leaders agreed that internal borders that have been erected in recent days should come down .
The ban will not affect Europeans going home or cross-border workers .
UK citizens are also not affected by it because an interim Brexit deal still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ban specifically covers all EU states as well as countries within the Schengen border-free zone , including Iceland , Switzerland , Norway and Liechtenstein .
All citizens will be given help returning home , and Germany has said it will continue a drive to fly home tens of thousands of tourists stranded abroad , from Morocco and Egypt to the Philippines and Argentina .
In many countries , people have been urged to stay at home as much as possible and only essential travel is allowed .

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bbc--2020-03-18--US-Canada border to close amid virus crisis

US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have agreed to close the US-Canada border to all non-essential travel in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus .
`` We will be , by mutual consent , temporarily closing our northern border with Canada , '' Mr Trump tweeted .
He said trade would not be affected .
Both countries had already issued sweeping travel bans but had maintained exemptions for each other .
Canada relies on the US for approximately 75 % of its exports .
The two leaders discussed the changes on Wednesday , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be clear though that essential travel will still continue , '' he said at a press conference .
`` No matter who you are or what you do , this is a time when you should be focused on your health and that of your neighbours .
Not : are you going to lose your job , are you going to run out of money for food or medications . ''
What is in the agreement ?
Details of the final deal have yet to be released in writing but both leaders have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocked .
Supply chains must be preserved so trucking would not be affected , Mr Trudeau said .
`` That is something we remain committed to , '' he added .
About $ 2bn in goods and services crosses the US-Canada border each day .
Canadians who needed to travel for other `` urgent reasons '' would also not be impacted , Mr Trudeau said .
There is no set timeframe for how long the border closure will last .
Mr Trudeau 's government had previously resisted closing the border to his country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nearly 200,000 people cross that border every day , and that border and that traffic that goes across that border is literally a lifeline for both the Canadians and the Americans on both sides of that border , '' Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Tuesday .
`` We get our groceries thanks to truckers who drive back and forth across that border .
Very urgently needed medical supplies and medicines go back and forth across that border . ''
But both leaders had kept the notion of travel restrictions on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to halt outbreaks of Covid-19 .
Earlier this week , Mr Trump warned against discretionary travel and said that `` we have very strong emergency powers when it comes to something like this , both on the southern and the northern borders '' .
What about the US-Mexico border ?
During a White House press conference on Wednesday , Mr Trump said his administration would launch a new crackdown on migrants or asylum seekers crossing the US-Mexico border illegally in an effort to stem the coronavirus outbreak .
Mr Trump said he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health official , the surgeon general , to block people or goods from certain countries or places to prevent the spread of communicable diseases .
The president said the move could happen as soon as Wednesday , but that his administration did not plan to fully close the border with Mexico .
`` We 're not going to close it , but we are invoking a certain provision that will allow us great latitude as to what we do , '' he said .
The Mexican foreign ministry did not immediately comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the southern border his signature issue in the White House , though deportations under his administration remain lower than during the Obama era .
What 's the latest in the US and Canada ?
The novel coronavirus has maintained a steady march throughout both countries .
The US has nearly 8,000 cases of Covid-19 across all 50 states and has seen 138 deaths so far .
Canada - which has about a ninth of the population of the US - has 598 confirmed cases , with eight deaths .
• EASY STEPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• YOUR THIRD HAND : How do you clean your smartphone ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the US ?
President Trump has announced a stimulus proposal that could include sending a $ 1,000 ( £844 ) cheque to every American .
The president also said that all property foreclosures and tenant evictions were being suspended until the end of April .
He said that his treasury chief 's estimate that 20 % of people could become unemployed due to the pandemic was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenario '' .
On Wednesday , Mr Trudeau announced a C $ 82bn ( US $ 56.4bn ) aid package , including $ 27bn in direct support to workers and businesses .
`` Our government will introduce the emergency care benefit , which will provide money every two weeks to workers who have to stay home , '' he said .
This is designed for Canadians without paid sick leave who do not qualify for employment insurance .
Mr Trudeau has so far stopped short of invoking Canada 's Emergency Measures Act , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the table '' .
Mr Trudeau 's wife , Sophie Grégoire Trudeau , tested positive for the virus last week .
The prime minister has self-isolated in Ottawa , but aides say he has displayed no symptoms .
British actor Idris Elba has also tested positive for the coronavirus after he was photographed hugging Canada 's first lady earlier this month at a charity event in London .

"No matter who you are or what you do, this is a time when you should be focused on your health and that of your neighbours. Not: are you going to lose your job, are you going to run out of money for food or medications."


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Should you let your children play with other children?

As more and more schools close around the world , parents are wrestling with what their children can and ca n't do .
Should your child go out and play with friends ?
Or does social distancing mean an end to their playtime ?
If Katherine Wilson could go back and change anything , she says she would n't have had that family dinner at the neighbours ' home .
Two weeks ago , when Covid-19 was spreading throughout Italy but the government had not yet mandated that people stay in their homes , the mum of two teenagers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dinner party with two other families .
`` My husband and I thought oh we 're in somebody 's apartment , it 's not like it 's some big gathering , '' she tells the BBC .
At the time , Ms Wilson , an American writer who is married to an Italian , says her and many other mums were treating the recent school closures as an extended holiday .
`` It 's like : 'Oh this is great , it 's kind of like a little vacation , let 's go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to . '
'' • Are women and children less affected ?
But in hindsight , after seeing how the virus has ravaged the country , she says she wishes she had been more proactive about putting limits on her family 's movements .
`` It was kind of foolhardy to go .
But it felt like saying no would have been kind of extreme . ''
A few days later , the Italian government issued a total lockdown .
That means no parks , and no playdates .
`` In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the uncertainty of having to make decisions that were challenged by your kids , challenged by your friends , '' she says .
`` There was a good bit of judgement , both for people who were considered too extreme , and people who were considered to be taking this too lightly . ''
Around the world , many parents are finding themselves confused like Ms Wilson was , about what the rules are for playtime and socialisation .
On the one hand , governments may not have imposed lockdowns restricting people 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials say social distancing is necessary to stop the spread of the disease .
Is a game of tennis okay ?
A trip to the local playground ?
A play date at a friend 's house ?
Dr Keri Althoff , a professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore , Maryland , says social distancing requires everyone - children and adults - to stay six feet ( two metres ) apart at all times .
That means no sports like basketball or football .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• YOUR 'THIRD HAND ' : How do you clean your smartphone ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the US ?
While there may be some low-contact games like tennis or hide and seek that children could play together , it 's a tall order to ask young ones to self-regulate during vigorous play time .
`` Nobody keeps space around each other at a playground- that 's not the point of the playground , '' she says .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on surfaces for days , she says , so it is also best to avoid `` high-touch surfaces '' , like playgrounds and sports equipment .
Although children usually only display mild or no symptoms of coronavirus , they can spread the virus to others .
That means that while your child and your child 's friend may appear totally healthy , they could still pass the disease onto others in their community , including adults who may experience more serious symptoms .
`` Parents have to take care of themselves right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local governments need to be clearer about what social distancing really means , says Dr Katherine Semrau , an epidemiologist at AriadneLabs .
`` What we do now impacts what we do in two , three , four weeks . ''
she says .
Even if your community has not gone into lockdown , like they have in Italy , Ms Semrau says now is the time for people to take it upon themselves to `` go to the minimum number of places for the minimum amount of time '' .
Ms Althoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming days , and make a plan with their children about how to handle it .
`` What can be most distressing for families is when it feels like this happens all of a sudden .
So parents , make a plan . ''
Both women say social-distancing does n't mean anti-social , and stressed the importance of going outside and connecting with friends and family online .
How to practise social distancing and still have fun • Follow the guidance of your local health authority in terms of what kinds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other `` high-touch '' areas like toy stores or play areas • Go outside !
Take nature walks and bike rides , and bring activities along that enrich the experience • Interact with friends and family over the internet .
Let children use their imagination with one another by doing arts and crafts or playing pretend over video-chat Angela Pyle , who teaches at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto , says it 's important to let children use their imagination and have unstructured free time so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
`` Often kids like to just play imaginary games , they like to just have little dolls or little animals or things , and they just play through these imaginative scenarios .
And that kind of play works really well through FaceTime . ''
Ms Pyle has had to find ways to keep her own seven-year-old daughter entertained in Toronto , where community officials are advising everyone practice social distancing , and schools and daycare centres are closed .
`` We will play in our home , we will go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scooter rides .
Anything that gets us out of the house and a little bike rides and scooter rides , without going to parks where too many people congregate . ''
She says bringing things along , like clipboards and paper or post-it notes , have helped make these outdoor excursions more engaging for her young daughter .

Even if your community has not gone into lockdown, like they have in Italy, Dr Semrau says now is the time for people to take it upon themselves to "go to the minimum number of places for the minimum amount of time".


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: US home repossessions suspended amid crisis

President Donald Trump has said the US government 's housing agency will stop repossessing homes until the end of April amid the coronavirus emergency .
Evictions will be suspended over the same time frame in a moratorium protecting eight million mortgages .
Mr Trump also invoked a Korean War-era defence act in case the government needs to ramp up production of vital medical supplies .
The US has nearly 8,000 cases of Covid-19 and has seen 138 deaths so far .
Repossessions ( foreclosures ) and evictions will be suspended for at least 60 days , said the Federal Housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgages backed by state-sponsored US mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac .
• Should you let your children play with others ?
Property analysts say the move is designed to avoid a repeat of the foreclosure glut seen during the 2008 financial crisis .
In the US coronavirus task force 's update on Wednesday , Mr Trump said the Federal Emergency Management Agency , which often has a starring role in disaster movies , had been activated at its highest level across the country .
The president said two US Navy hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help alleviate an expected shortage of sick beds .
The USNS Comfort is expected to be sent to New York Harbor , though defence officials said it is currently undergoing maintenance in Virginia .
The other vessel , USNS Mercy , is being prepared to deploy to a location on the West Coast .
Mr Trump also announced the US is working on a self-swab coronavirus test to expand diagnostic capacity .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• YOUR THIRD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smartphone ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the US ?
He has directed the US government 's drug agency to reduce regulatory barriers for testing .
Dr Deborah Birx , co-ordinator for the US coronavirus response , said the caseload would soon soar as laboratories begin running `` tens of thousands of tests per day '' .
`` To every American out there , it will be five to six days worth of tests being run in 24 to 48 hours , '' she said .
`` So our curves will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The White House is asking Americans to postpone any non-essential health or dental procedures to help relieve pressure on the US health system and avoid spreading the virus .
Covid-19 's spread across the US has caused many hotels , restaurants , bars , venues and other businesses to shutter .
In his remarks on Wednesday , the president rejected Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin 's warning to Republican senators that US unemployment could rocket to 20 % because of the pandemic .
Mr Trump said that was only the `` absolute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The US Senate on Wednesday passed legislation 90-8 to provide free coronavirus testing , paid sick leave and expanded safety-net spending for Americans .
It is estimated the sick leave and family leave provisions of the bill alone will cost $ 105bn ( £90bn ) .
Congress and the White House are discussing additional stimulus measures that could cost more than $ 1tn .

"To every American out there, it will be five to six days worth of tests being run in 24 to 48 hours," she said. "So our curves will not be stable until sometime next week."


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Venice canals clearer after lockdown

Residents of Venice are noticing a vast improvement in the quality of the famous canals that run through the city @ @ @ @ @ for the first time in years , and fish can even be seen in the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus lockdown has left Venice streets empty , and a drastic drop in water traffic @ @ @ @ @ has been able to settle .

Residents of Venice are noticing a vast improvement in the quality of the famous canals that run through the city, which are running clear for the first time in years, and fish can even be seen in the usually murky waters.
The coronavirus lockdown has left Venice streets empty, and a drastic drop in water traffic means sediment in the canals has been able to settle.


bbc--2020-03-18--Johnny Depp: Dispute over finger injury at centre of The Sun libel case

How Johnny Depp lost the top of his middle finger is proving key to a libel case he has brought against The Sun .
The actor is suing publisher News Group Newspapers ( NGN ) over a 2018 article that alleged he was violent and abusive towards his ex-wife Amber Heard .
At a preliminary hearing on Wednesday , the newspaper group said he sustained the injury during `` an alcohol and drug-addled rage against Ms Heard '' in 2015 .
But he claims his finger was fractured when she threw a glass bottle at him .
The couple met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settled their divorce out of court in 2017 .
Ms Heard , who is giving evidence in support of The Sun , has accused her ex-husband of grabbing , shoving and strangling her while they were on holiday in Australia .
She claims he `` severely injured his finger , cutting off the top '' while he was smashing a telephone against a wall , according to NGN 's barrister Adam Wolanski QC .
But Mr Depp claims Ms Heard threw a glass bottle at him , which smashed and fractured his finger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on [ Mr Depp 's ] right cheek '' .
Mr Wolanski said the accounts of what happened were `` diametrically opposed '' and claimed Mr Depp 's version of events was undermined by texts he later sent to his doctor .
Penelope Cruz and Winona Ryder have provided written statements that express surprise and shock at seeing him characterised as violent .
According to Mr Wolanski , Ms Heard believes her ex-husband is `` leaking evidence which he thinks supports his case into the press '' .
It will be decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two-week trial will begin on Monday .
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Ms Heard, who is giving evidence in support of The Sun, has accused her ex-husband of grabbing, shoving and strangling her while they were on holiday in Australia.


bbc--2020-03-18--Fossil 'wonderchicken' could be earliest known fowl

A newly discovered fossil bird could be the earliest known ancestor of every chicken on the planet .
Living just before the asteroid strike that wiped out giant dinosaurs , the unique fossil , from about 67 million years ago , gives a glimpse into the dawn of modern birds .
Birds are descended from dinosaurs , but precisely when they evolved into birds like the ones alive today has been difficult to answer .
This is due to a lack of fossil data .
The newly discovered - and well-preserved - fossil skull should help fill in some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique specimen : we 've been calling it the 'wonderchicken ' , '' said Dr Daniel Field of the University of Cambridge .
`` It 's the only nearly complete skull of a modern bird that we have , so far , from the age of dinosaurs and it 's able to tell us quite a lot about the early evolutionary history of birds . ''
The fossil bird has been named Asteriornis maastrichtensis , after Asteria , a Greek goddess of falling stars who turns into a quail .
It was found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The bird weighed in at just under 400g and was an early member of the group that gave rise to modern-day chickens , ducks and other poultry .
At the time , the region was covered by a shallow sea , and conditions were similar to modern tropical beaches .
With its long , slender legs , the bird may have been a shore dweller .
`` Birds are such a conspicuous and important group of living animals , being able to say something new about how modern birds actually arose is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evolutionary biologists , '' said Dr Field .
`` The wonderchicken is going to rank as a truly important fossil for helping clarify the factors that actually gave rise to modern birds . ''
The research is published in the journal Nature .

"It's the only nearly complete skull of a modern bird that we have, so far, from the age of dinosaurs and it's able to tell us quite a lot about the early evolutionary history of birds."