bbc--2020-03-14--The actor who was really stabbed on stage

When he was cast as Hamlet at age 24 , Conor Madden thought his stage career was about to take off - but then an accident during a sword-fighting scene left him with serious injuries .
No-one knew whether he would ever act again .
A piercing silence filled the theatre as Conor lay on the floor of the stage , listening to his surroundings .
His body was frozen .
He knew he was hurt .
Despite his youth , Conor had been playing the lead role in a modern production of Shakespeare 's Hamlet - a role usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than him .
It was a huge honour .
The cast had already performed the play many times , but they had just moved to a new theatre in a different city .
Conor remembers the clang of a metal sword falling to the floor beside him , and a fellow actor cradling him and asking , `` Are you OK ? ''
The 800-strong audience remained still , assuming this was part of the play .
Then the silence was broken by the hurried footsteps of the company 's artistic director walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience and said the show must end .
There was a round of applause , and the curtain fell .
Conor had always wanted to be an actor .
`` Initially I did n't know why I wanted to do it .
I just knew that I wanted to do it , '' he says .
Most of his relatives worked in manual professions such as building and painting .
Conor was the first in the family to pursue a creative career .
At 15 , he got his break in a play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he studied acting at Trinity College Dublin for three years , constantly developing his skills and gaining connections throughout the industry .
And then he was offered the most prestigious role he could imagine - Hamlet .
`` It was a great challenge .
And I revelled in it and I really looked forward to it .
`` There is this weight of history behind it , the fact that lots and lots of famous actors have played Hamlet throughout the years .
It 's made and broken careers , and broken actors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks Conor rehearsed and then performed in Dublin .
`` Everything was perfect .
I was having an amazing time .
Audiences loved it , the rest of the cast loved it , I loved it - it was all great , '' he says .
They then moved to the Everyman Palace Theatre in Cork , the Irish Republic 's second biggest city .
Although the same set footprint was used , the stage was slightly smaller .
The actors had some time to get used to it , but the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the final scene , in which Hamlet is mortally wounded .
Given the success of their previous performances , the actors confidently made their way on stage , and everything went well until swords were drawn in the play 's climactic final moments .
Conor and another actor found themselves standing closer to each other than usual - too close , it turned out .
A rapier struck Conor just below the eye .
As he fell back `` it was like someone had hit slow motion on the video of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the way to the floor , the first thought I had was : 'Uh-oh , something 's not right here . '
The second thought I had was , 'We are totally , totally alone when we die . '
'' The sword did not go through Conor 's skull , but it fractured the orbital bone of his eye , and left him unable to move .
`` I could n't stand up .
I could n't talk .
I could n't really move .
I just kept saying 'Ambulance !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking to Outlook , on the BBC World Service Conor was immediately taken to hospital but it took some time for doctors to work out what was wrong .
After three days he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury .
At first he was under the impression that it was a short-term problem , and that he would be back on stage in about a week .
But over that first week , Conor 's condition deteriorated .
Soon he was n't even able to feed himself , and his father had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 24 , very fit , was used to doing everything for myself , and suddenly I 'm kind of put in this position ... My dad had to shower me , it was really unpleasant for a young man .
It felt very emasculating , '' he says .
It took him seven months to re-learn how to walk and talk .
`` I remember saying to one of the therapists , ' I was able to walk a month ago , and I 'm in a wheelchair now - that means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt really bad .
It felt really final , actually .
It just felt like , 'Wow , this is my life . '
'' But Conor 's determination paid off .
Although his brain injury had permanent effects on his speech and mobility , he was able to return to work within a year .
Back on the streets of Dublin , though , Conor experienced difficulties moving around .
With his limited mobility - including balance and co-ordination problems and permanent double vision - he realised how crowded the city was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footpaths were .
Using public transport was extremely difficult .
So Conor and his wife moved back to his home town , Newmarket on Fergus in County Clare , and he began travelling back to Dublin for work .
But even acting did n't feel like it had before .
`` There were lots of really stressful jobs , things I did n't enjoy doing , and I did n't know why I did n't enjoy doing them , '' he says .
`` I was n't able to explain to anybody what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what was going on .
I spent three or four years just hoping everything would go back to normal and it did n't . ''
Conor later found out that he was experiencing post-traumatic stress .
He experienced a loss of identity when he was injured , he says , and his abrupt return to work left him unable to process this .
`` I did n't have time to grieve , '' he says .
`` You grieve for who you were .
I did n't fully realise the gravity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or four years to get what it meant . ''
Nine years later , Conor is still coming to terms with his injury .
It 's been `` traumatic , literally and figuratively '' , he says .
`` There are things you do to accommodate it or to make yourself live with it , but there are no positives .
I still grieve ; I still miss who I was . ''
It 's his passion for acting that keeps him going .
`` I love telling stories .
I love communing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bizarre quasi-spiritual experience with each other in a dark room in the middle of Dublin , '' he says .
`` It 's what I trained to do and it 's what I want to do .
So I do it . ''
To accommodate his needs , the theatre company Conor works with allows him to take regular breaks and prints scripts for him in a larger font .
Conor has played the character of Hamlet since the accident , in a play called The Rehearsal , Playing the Dane .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - which he has taken on tour internationally - three actors audition for the role of Hamlet on stage .
The decision is made in the interval .
Conor tells the audience about his accident , but he says they often have a hard time believing the story .
`` None of the audience believes this is true .
It 's just like this is just an actor talking about how he ca n't do what he would like to do , rather than this is actually an actor who was stabbed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` I guess it is positive feedback but it 's also incredibly hurtful , because it really did happen . ''
If there is an upside to having an invisible disability , Conor says , it 's that it has made him a more compassionate person .
`` It 's made me think a lot deeper and more carefully about other people .
It 's made me consider , 'People do n't see my injury , so maybe I ca n't see theirs ? '
'' he says .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going through . ''
You may also be interested in : He spent his early life in and out of jail - then Michael Balogun decided he wanted to study to become an actor at one of the world 's most prestigious drama schools .
Could this seemingly impossible ambition be the catalyst he needed to turn his life around ? '
I acted my way out of prison '

"None of the audience believes this is true. It's just like this is just an actor talking about how he can't do what he would like to do, rather than this is actually an actor who was stabbed in the face playing Hamlet," he says.


bbc--2020-03-14--France's Macron defies coronavirus lockdown with elections

Elections are usually risky for leaders , not for voters .
But France 's local elections this weekend have raised fears of a health crisis , not just a political one .
There has been feverish speculation here about whether holding the poll during an epidemic would be sensible .
The government has banned gatherings of more than 100 people , shut schools and universities and suspended big sporting events .
But despite labelling coronavirus France 's `` biggest health crisis in a century '' , President Emmanuel Macron confirmed this week that Sunday 's vote would go ahead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an hour 's drive north of Paris , mayor Nicolas Moula is upbeat .
`` Information is the number one key , '' he says , opening the door to the polling station , in a low modern building behind the town hall .
Inside , it looks as if Lamorlaye is preparing for an agricultural show .
There are metal railings creating closed lanes inside the room , and copious amounts of black-and-yellow striped tape on the floor .
`` This is where we 'll have the hand gel and gloves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these markers are to show voters where to wait in the queue , to stop them getting too close to the person in front . ''
• Man arrested after releasing sex video that brought down Macron ally • Why France is resisting Macron 's push on pensions The French government has issued guidelines to polling stations across the country , asking that people are kept at least a metre away from each other at all times .
The interior minister even asked voters to bring their own pens , to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in the Oise region , one of the worst-hit by the virus so far .
All social gatherings here have been banned , schools are closed , and people have been told to stay at home as much as possible .
Will people really want to come and vote ?
`` That 's why we 're reassuring everyone , '' says Mayor Moula , `` by sending out leaflets explaining the procedures .
There really is n't any risk . ''
One of France 's biggest polling agencies suggested this month that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid the election , for fear of catching the virus .
The government reportedly came close to calling it off .
But President Macron appeared convinced that the poll could be held safely - at least , when it comes to public health .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
How safe his party will be in the nation 's polling stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest political duel between the liberal president and his far-right nationalist rival , Marine Le Pen .
Ms Le Pen 's party , National Rally , is hoping to hold on to the eight town halls it currently holds , and also has its eye on winning its first big city , Perpignan .
Mr Macron 's party , La République En Marche ( LREM ) , was newly-created four years ago and is contesting local seats here for the first time .
It 's locked in a headline race for Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hidalgo , and a centre-right candidate , Rachida Dati .
The original candidate for the president 's party , Benjamin Griveaux , was forced to quit last month after a sex scandal .
He was replaced by France 's former health minister , Agnès Buzyn .
Out of the frying-pan of coronavirus , into the fire of local politics , some might say .
Anne Hidalgo is currently ahead in the polls by a few points , despite her divisive strategy for an eco-revolution in Paris , which has already seen roads dug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the riverside in Paris closed to vehicles .
Paris has been left-wing for almost 20 years , but the conservative Rachida Dati is thought to be a real challenge this time , with her promise of a cleaner , safer city , with more housing and better transport .
Many believe LREM could be heading for a loss in Paris , predicted by one French paper as `` modest at best , humiliating at worst '' .
France 's two-round voting system means LREM should have a second chance at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting question will be whom the party aligns with between the two rounds .
An alliance with Rachida Dati could play into the president 's image as a centre-right liberal who 's abandoned the left-wing part of his base .
Away from Paris , this election is a chance for the president 's party to begin putting down roots across the country .
The fear is that it 'll be a chance for coronavirus to do the same .
Second chances are part and parcel of French politics .
Not so much global @ @

The French government has issued guidelines to polling stations across the country, asking that people are kept at least a metre away from each other at all times. The interior minister even asked voters to bring their own pens, to avoid transmitting the virus that way.


bbc--2020-03-13--All British elite football suspended until at least 3 April

Elite football in Britain has been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus .
All games in England 's Premier League , EFL , Women 's Super League and Women 's Championship , plus in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland , are postponed .
The Premier League said play will start on 4 April subject to `` conditions at the time '' .
But BBC sports editor Dan Roan says resuming on the date is privately deemed `` almost impossible '' .
FA chairman Greg Clarke is known to have expressed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season may have to be abandoned .
England 's international friendly matches against Italy on 27 March and Denmark four days later are off .
The EFL , which hopes to resume play a day earlier than the Premier League on 3 April , said clubs were also advised to suspend `` non-essential activities '' such as `` player appearances , training ground visits and fan meetings '' .
The Euro 2020 play-offs have also moved closer to being postponed after Fifa recommended that all impending internationals should be called off .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are all scheduled to play their semi-finals on 26 March , with the finals five days later .
The suspension comes on a day of widespread sporting postponements worldwide .
• The London Marathon has been moved from 26 April to 4 October , with the Manchester and Brighton Marathons also postponed .
• Uefa has postponed next week 's Champions League and Europa League fixtures .
• In rugby union , Saturday 's Six Nations match between Wales and Scotland has been postponed , as has Sunday 's Premiership Cup final between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giro d'Italia , scheduled to start in Hungary in May , has been called off .
• England 's Test cricket series in Sri Lanka has been cancelled .
• Golf 's opening major of the year , the Masters , has been postponed .
• Formula 1 has called off the Vietnam Grand Prix on 5 April .
• Formula E is suspended for two months , affecting races in Paris , Seoul and Jakarta .
• Will I get a refund if my event is cancelled ?
Late on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had tested positive for the virus , and early on Friday Chelsea striker Callum Hudson-Odoi revealed he had been affected , while Everton say a first-team player has shown symptoms .
Earlier this week , several clubs - including Arsenal , Chelsea , Leicester City , Bournemouth , Manchester City , Juventus and Real Madrid - revealed they have either all or some of their playing staff in self-isolation .
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said : `` In this unprecedented situation , we are working closely with our clubs , government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reassure everyone the health and welfare of players , staff and supporters are our priority . ''
The Premier League said its `` aim is to reschedule the displaced fixtures '' , while the Football Association said `` all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season 's domestic fixture programme '' .
On Thursday Prime Minister Boris Johnson said suspending major public events such as sporting fixtures was being considered by the government but would be a measure primarily to protect public services , rather than delay the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This decision has not been taken lightly , but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players , staff and supporters while also acknowledging the government 's national efforts in tackling this outbreak . ''
Football has also been suspended in Italy , Spain , France , the Netherlands , Portugal and the USA .
These are deeply worrying times for football - and for world sport - which is having to face up to a period of disruption and dislocation unprecedented in peacetime .
Privately , senior football figures admit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early April - when the initial suspension will be reviewed - will be almost impossible .
Their hope is that next week a decision is taken by Uefa to postpone Euro 2020 for a year , thereby freeing up space in the calendar to reschedule outstanding matches , and complete domestic league seasons across the continent at some stage .
The problem is that the outbreak is expected to be at its peak in May and June , so some within the game fear that if the suspension keeps on being extended , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and declared void .
This would obviously be a nightmare scenario for the fans of Liverpool and Leeds United , who both stand on the brink of long-awaited glory .
But it would also have severe financial ramifications for clubs , players , staff and broadcasters , along with the wider sporting industry .
Amid the threat of legal action and demands for refunds from season ticket holders , clubs will now be scrambling to check insurance policies and commercial contracts .
This a crisis no one saw coming .
And one that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's cultural fabric at a tense and troubling time , when many people could do with the welcome distraction that football brings to so many .

Last updated on .From the section Football
Some fans have been seen wearing protective masks at Premier League fixtures
Elite football in Britain has been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus.
All games in England's Premier League, EFL, Women's Super League and Women's Championship, plus in Scotland,Wales and Northern Ireland, are postponed.
The Premier League said play will start on 4 April subject to "conditions at the time".
But BBC sports editor Dan Roan says resuming on the date is privately deemed "almost impossible".
FA chairman Greg Clarke is known to have expressed his fear at Friday's emergency meeting that the season may have to be abandoned.
England's international friendly matches against Italy on 27 March and Denmark four days later are off.
The EFL, which hopes to resume play a day earlier than the Premier League on 3 April, said clubs were also advised to suspend "non-essential activities" such as "player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings".
The Euro 2020 play-offs have also moved closer to being postponed after Fifa recommended that all impending internationals should be called off.
Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic are all scheduled to play their semi-finals on 26 March, with the finals five days later.
The suspension comes on a day of widespread sporting postponements worldwide.
Late on Thursday, it was announced Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had tested positive for the virus, and early on Friday Chelsea striker Callum Hudson-Odoi revealed he had been affected, while Everton say a first-team player has shown symptoms.
Earlier this week, several clubs - including Arsenal, Chelsea, Leicester City, Bournemouth, Manchester City, Juventus and Real Madrid - revealed they have either all or some of their playing staff in self-isolation.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, government, the FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority."
The Premier League said its "aim is to reschedule the displaced fixtures", while the Football Association said "all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season's domestic fixture programme".
On Thursday Prime Minister Boris Johnson said suspending major public events such as sporting fixtures was being considered by the government but would be a measure primarily to protect public services, rather than delay the spread.
The EFL said: "This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the government's national efforts in tackling this outbreak."
Football has also been suspended in Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Portugal and the USA.
'Early April an impossible return' - analysis
Football suspension 'very worrying' for clubs - Rochdale CEO
Dan Roan, BBC sports editor
These are deeply worrying times for football - and for world sport - which is having to face up to a period of disruption and dislocation unprecedented in peacetime.
Privately, senior football figures admit that resuming the English league season in early April - when the initial suspension will be reviewed - will be almost impossible.
Their hope is that next week a decision is taken by Uefa to postpone Euro 2020 for a year, thereby freeing up space in the calendar to reschedule outstanding matches, and complete domestic league seasons across the continent at some stage.
The problem is that the outbreak is expected to be at its peak in May and June, so some within the game fear that if the suspension keeps on being extended, the season will have to be abandoned and declared void.
This would obviously be a nightmare scenario for the fans of Liverpool and Leeds United, who both stand on the brink of long-awaited glory. But it would also have severe financial ramifications for clubs, players, staff and broadcasters, along with the wider sporting industry.
Amid the threat of legal action and demands for refunds from season ticket holders, clubs will now be scrambling to check insurance policies and commercial contracts.
This a crisis no one saw coming.
And one that leaves a gaping hole in the country's cultural fabric at a tense and troubling time, when many people could do with the welcome distraction that football brings to so many.


bbc--2020-03-13--A null and void season? Our Q&A on how the coronavirus suspension will affect football

Elite football in Britain has been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus - but what happens next ?
BBC Sport 's Simon Stone has answered some of your questions about this season and the impact the suspension will have on the sport .
• Uefa to discuss possibility of postponing Euro 2020 by one year • How coronavirus has impacted sporting events around the world If the season is not completed what happens about promotion and relegation ?
Stone : `` You would basically have three options .
Declare the season void @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same teams that started this one in the same division , or have promotion and relegation , either using this season 's positions as they currently are or having play-offs .
`` All of these scenarios are controversial , which is why the preference is to finish the current campaign - it 's just that no-one knows when that will be .
`` There are nine Premier League games to be played , plus three FA Cup rounds , plus Europe .
Given a clear window , you are looking at about six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midweek games . ''
Will Liverpool win the Premier League title no matter what ?
Stone : `` I do n't think we can say 'no matter what ' because the option of scrapping this season does exist .
However , everyone recognises that would be exceptionally harsh on Jurgen Klopp 's men .
`` Scrapping this season is not the option being thought of as preferable at this stage .
The aim is definitely to end the current campaign at some point . ''
What is the likelihood of the season being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is very much the will of all the leagues and the majority of the clubs for that not to happen .
`` There are so many complications that come with making a decision of that magnitude .
Clearly , no-one knows how long the game will be in shut down for .
But whenever it restarts , I would think it will restart by finishing off this season .
`` It is not entirely clear whether players will carry on training .
We are in completely uncharted territory here . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially season tickets - will people get a refund ?
Stone : `` As with any situation , tickets are refundable if matches do n't take place - and generally , clubs will look favourably on fans who ca n't make date changes that could not have been envisaged when the tickets were bought .
`` However , some clubs have just had four or five matches called off , so it may take time .
Season tickets are a different case .
The season has not ended yet .
At this stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered there .
More clarity should come in the next two or three weeks . ''
If coronavirus lasts for the next six months , does that mean no football will be played in that period ?
Stone : `` It is possible , yes .
In theory , matches could be played this weekend .
It is the clubs who have made the decision today - the government said on Thursday that matches could continue for now .
`` No-one , certainly not me , knows how long the current situation will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matches being played until the coronavirus problem has passed its peak point , which the medical experts said yesterday could be between 10 and 14 weeks .
`` Given the medical advice , I do n't think anyone in football seriously expects the situation to have changed in three weeks and therefore the present situation is much more likely to be extended than lifted . ''
What happens about player contracts if the season is not finished by 30 June - as well as other extra fees such as for appearances and goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex area .
Obviously players whose contracts run beyond the end of this season will get bonuses based on the current campaign , whenever it finishes .
`` However , for those whose deals expire on 30 June , it is a different situation entirely .
In addition , the transfer window will be open .
`` These issues will form part of the fall-out from Uefa 's meeting on Tuesday , which is expected to outline the best way forward for the European game as a whole .
The players - as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represented . ''
Could next season be delayed - and if so , to when ?
Stone : `` Yes .
And as long as is required .
If the current season does n't finish until the summer , there will need to be flexibility about when the next campaigns start .
`` A Uefa source told me yesterday that nothing was off the table .
Anything is possible . ''
Will there be any financial assistance to lower league clubs who will have no income for the next month ?
Stone : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EFL has enough money to start handing out bridging loans .
Like most businesses , clubs will have to find a way round their present situation . ''
Will lower leagues be suspended because of the risk of attracting larger crowds from other clubs ?
Stone : `` It is a fair point .
I suspect it falls into the 'cross the bridge when it comes to it ' category .
I ca n't see why a local side that attracts 100 fans should be stopped from playing .
`` Junior matches will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a line drawn somewhere .
It would be illogical to say 'no-one can play football ' .
Why is the National League continuing ?
Stone : `` To repeat , it is the Premier League and EFL clubs plus the Football Association who took Friday 's decision .
Government advice on Thursday was that matches could continue .
`` The National League has taken the option to follow government advice .
Notts County average attendances of more than 5,000 , so there are plenty of fans who follow that level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get overwhelmed by spectators , I guess the National League may have a rethink but for now , for them , it is business as usual . ''
What will happen to TV deals ?
Stone : `` The big unknown is how the broadcasters react to this situation .
BBC , BT , Premier Sports and Sky pay huge amounts of money to screen football .
`` The latter three use football to drive their subscriptions .
If there is no football , what happens to the subscription numbers and , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracts .
`` As with so many things , the length of time this shutdown goes on for will determine what happens next . ''
What about payments given to clubs depending on league position - what will they get ?
Stone : `` If the Premier League has its way , they will get the payments they are supposed to get because the season will finish .
Anything else is guesswork at this stage . ''

There will be no elite football played in Britain for at least three weeks because of the spread of coronavirus
Elite football in Britain has been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus - but what happens next?
BBC Sport's Simon Stone has answered some of your questions about this season and the impact the suspension will have on the sport.
If the season is not completed what happens about promotion and relegation?
Stone: "You would basically have three options. Declare the season void - and restart next season with the same teams that started this one in the same division, or have promotion and relegation, either using this season's positions as they currently are or having play-offs.
"All of these scenarios are controversial, which is why the preference is to finish the current campaign - it's just that no-one knows when that will be.
"There are nine Premier League games to be played, plus three FA Cup rounds, plus Europe. Given a clear window, you are looking at about six weeks to complete the calendar, using midweek games."
Will Liverpool win the Premier League title no matter what?
Stone: "I don't think we can say 'no matter what' because the option of scrapping this season does exist. However, everyone recognises that would be exceptionally harsh on Jurgen Klopp's men.
"Scrapping this season is not the option being thought of as preferable at this stage. The aim is definitely to end the current campaign at some point."
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool team are 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League
What is the likelihood of the season being completely null and void?
Stone: "It is very much the will of all the leagues and the majority of the clubs for that not to happen.
"There are so many complications that come with making a decision of that magnitude. Clearly, no-one knows how long the game will be in shut down for. But whenever it restarts, I would think it will restart by finishing off this season.
"It is not entirely clear whether players will carry on training. We are in completely uncharted territory here."
What happens to tickets for fans, especially season tickets - will people get a refund?
Stone: "As with any situation, tickets are refundable if matches don't take place - and generally, clubs will look favourably on fans who can't make date changes that could not have been envisaged when the tickets were bought.
"However, some clubs have just had four or five matches called off, so it may take time. Season tickets are a different case. The season has not ended yet. At this stage, I can't see refunds being offered there. More clarity should come in the next two or three weeks."
If coronavirus lasts for the next six months, does that mean no football will be played in that period?
Stone: "It is possible, yes. In theory, matches could be played this weekend. It is the clubs who have made the decision today - the government said on Thursday that matches could continue for now.
"No-one, certainly not me, knows how long the current situation will last for. I don't see matches being played until the coronavirus problem has passed its peak point, which the medical experts said yesterday could be between 10 and 14 weeks.
"Given the medical advice, I don't think anyone in football seriously expects the situation to have changed in three weeks and therefore the present situation is much more likely to be extended than lifted."
Wolves' Europa League game against Olympiakos in Greece on Thursday was played behind closed doors
What happens about player contracts if the season is not finished by 30 June - as well as other extra fees such as for appearances and goals?
Stone: "This is a complex area. Obviously players whose contracts run beyond the end of this season will get bonuses based on the current campaign, whenever it finishes.
"However, for those whose deals expire on 30 June, it is a different situation entirely. In addition, the transfer window will be open.
"These issues will form part of the fall-out from Uefa's meeting on Tuesday, which is expected to outline the best way forward for the European game as a whole. The players - as well as the leagues - will be represented."
Could next season be delayed - and if so, to when?
Stone: "Yes. And as long as is required. If the current season doesn't finish until the summer, there will need to be flexibility about when the next campaigns start.
"A Uefa source told me yesterday that nothing was off the table. Anything is possible."
Will there be any financial assistance to lower league clubs who will have no income for the next month?
Stone: "I don't know if the EFL has enough money to start handing out bridging loans. Like most businesses, clubs will have to find a way round their present situation."
Only games in the top four tiers of English football have been suspended, meaning matches in the fifth-tier National League and below are still scheduled to be played
Will lower leagues be suspended because of the risk of attracting larger crowds from other clubs?
Stone: "It is a fair point. I suspect it falls into the 'cross the bridge when it comes to it' category. I can't see why a local side that attracts 100 fans should be stopped from playing.
"Junior matches will still go on also. There has to be a line drawn somewhere. It would be illogical to say 'no-one can play football'.
Why is the National League continuing?
Stone: "To repeat, it is the Premier League and EFL clubs plus the Football Association who took Friday's decision. Government advice on Thursday was that matches could continue.
"The National League has taken the option to follow government advice. Notts County average attendances of more than 5,000, so there are plenty of fans who follow that level of the game anyway.
"If clubs get overwhelmed by spectators, I guess the National League may have a rethink but for now, for them, it is business as usual."
What will happen to TV deals?
Stone: "The big unknown is how the broadcasters react to this situation. BBC, BT, Premier Sports and Sky pay huge amounts of money to screen football.
"The latter three use football to drive their subscriptions. If there is no football, what happens to the subscription numbers and, in turn, their ability to pay the contracts.
"As with so many things, the length of time this shutdown goes on for will determine what happens next."
What about payments given to clubs depending on league position - what will they get?
Stone: "If the Premier League has its way, they will get the payments they are supposed to get because the season will finish. Anything else is guesswork at this stage."


bbc--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Australia v New Zealand one-day and T20 series postponed

Australia 's one-day international series against New Zealand has been postponed because of coronavirus .
The series was already being @ @ @ @ @ with Australia winning the first match on Friday .
However , the visitors have returned @ @ @ @ @ change to travel restrictions there .
Two ODIs in Australia will not take place , @ @ @ @ @ teams in New Zealand , starting on 24 March , have also been postponed .
@ @ @ @ @ in the Black Caps ' team hotel after complaining of a sore throat following Friday @ @ @ @ @ said it would work with New Zealand Cricket to try to reschedule the fixtures in @ @ @ @ @ information - what should I do ?

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Australia's one-day international series against New Zealand was being played behind closed doors before its postponement
Australia's one-day international series against New Zealand has been postponed because of coronavirus.
The series was already being played behind closed doors, with Australia winning the first match on Friday.
However, the visitors have returned to New Zealand after a change to travel restrictions there.
Two ODIs in Australia will not take place, and three Twenty20s between the teams in New Zealand, starting on 24 March, have also been postponed.
Bowler Lockie Ferguson was isolated in the Black Caps' team hotel after complaining of a sore throat following Friday's game.
Cricket Australia said it would work with New Zealand Cricket to try to reschedule the fixtures in both series.


bbc--2020-03-14--What happened this week

What happened this week

It 's been a week of extraordinary developments , as the coronavirus has continued to spread across the world .
The news updates are almost non-stop and at times it 's easy to lose track .
Here 's a summary of what happened in the past seven days .
1 .
This was the week that shutdowns gathered pace Halfway through the week , the World Health Organization declared a pandemic .
( Read what that means here ) .
According to the latest figures , more than 125,000 people have been diagnosed with the virus in 118 countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 4,600 .
On Tuesday , Italy entered a country-wide lockdown , with police patrolling the streets to ensure people stayed indoors - the country 's most restrictive measures since World War Two .
Restaurants , cafes , museums and all shops except pharmacies and food stores closed , and tourists were told to leave immediately .
Elsewhere across the continent , normal life for millions was put on hold as schools and universities closed in Austria , Portugal , France , Denmark and Norway .
Gyms , restaurants , nightclubs , libraries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Spain became Europe 's worst-affected country after Italy , following a steep increase in deaths .
It declared a state of emergency and placed four towns in Catalonia in lockdown .
Even the Real Madrid football team were quarantined .
It 's hard to keep track of travel restrictions , with more and more countries announcing new measures on Friday .
Earlier in the week , President Donald Trump banned travel from 26 European countries for 30 days , although not Britain .
There are fears that in some places , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than is being disclosed .
Iran is one of the worst-hit countries after China , and this week saw distressing images of multiple bodies bag emerge from the city of Qom .
It 's not just travel .
Social and cultural events around the world are being cancelled .
All English professional football leagues are suspended and artists including Madonna and Pearl Jam axed concerts .
And there 's been a staggering knock-on effect on global stock markets , with shares in the UK and US suffering their worst day for 33 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus is changing how people shop , work and interact with friends and family .
The UK government said there was `` no need '' for stockpiling , but it seems people did not take notice .
It was the week when shoppers began seeing empty shelves as people dashed to buy hand sanitiser , pasta , tinned foods - and the big one , toilet roll .
One entrepreneurial schoolboy in Leeds was caught selling hand sanitiser for 50p a shot to classmates - leading to praise on social media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lord Sugar .
In the US , prisoners in New York were tasked with making hand sanitiser to meet shortages .
The state 's governor said the gel , branded NYS Clean , had a `` very nice floral '' scent and would be provided for free to government agencies , schools , public transport and prisons .
Businesses have been sending their employees home , either after confirmed coronavirus cases among their workforce or as a preventative measure .
In day to day life , people - including Prince Charles - are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elbow bumps or foot taps .
More and more people have gone into quarantine and shared their stories of loneliness and fear .
Concern for elderly relatives , considered most at risk , has steadily grown - one journalist has described agreeing with her parents not to visit them for the foreseeable future .
People are finding new ways to cope .
In locked-down Siena in Italy , residents were recorded singing from their windows - something that also happened in Wuhan and , centuries ago , during the plague in Milan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands , wash your hands , wash your hands Much of the advice from public health officials around the world is the same : wash your hands frequently with soap and water , avoid touching your face and if you develop symptoms , self-isolate .
The WHO urges people to keep at least 1m ( 3ft ) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing .
It can be difficult for small children to take it all on .
In London , a mother used magic marker to write on her son 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was washing them while at school .
This week , the UK updated their health advice to say anyone who develops symptoms such as a new continuous cough or a temperature should self-isolate for seven days .
Officials say they believe up to 10,000 people in the UK could already be infected .
Read more about health advice here .
And you can find our latest explainers here .
4 .
If you watch one video There 's a moment in this video where a husband , dressed head to toe in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife 's bed , as she cries under a duvet .
`` Do n't worry , I 'll stay here , '' he says , but her muffled reply comes : `` Do n't stay inside the room . ''
The film follows two local filmmakers in Wuhan from the early stages of the virus until the city is in full-on lockdown .
In China now , things are improving ; this was the week where the number of new cases there continued to fall .
We saw a record number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and comments about coronavirus on Thursday , highlighting how much concern and confusion there is about the virus .
In a world where fake news and misinformation spreads so easily , one of our tweets struck a chord with people on social media : You can read about those fake treatments to avoid here , and read some of the fake news coming out of Italy .

There are fears that in some places, the true scale of the outbreak is worse than is being disclosed. Iran is one of the worst-hit countries after China, and this week saw distressing images of multiple bodies bag emerge from the city of Qom.


bbc--2020-03-14--Do face masks actually work?

Do face masks actually work?

As coronavirus continues to spread around the world , face masks are in high demand as people look for ways @ @ @ @ @ do they really protect most people from contracting the virus ?
Dr Shunmay Yeung from @ @ @ @ @ Tropical Medicine explains .

As coronavirus continues to spread around the world, face masks are in high demand as people look for ways to protect themselves.
But do they really protect most people from contracting the virus?
Dr Shunmay Yeung from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine explains.
Please note: This video was produced on 13 March 2020 and based on the advice available from the World Health Organization and other health groups at the time.
Read more: Coronavirus: What are the symptoms?
Read more: Coronavirus information: What should I do?


bbc--2020-03-14--What it does to the body

What it does to the body

The coronavirus emerged in only December last year , but already the world is dealing with a pandemic of the virus and the disease it causes - Covid-19 .
For most , the disease is mild , but some people die .
So how is the virus attacking the body , why are some people being killed and how is it treated ?
This is when the virus is establishing itself .
Viruses work by getting inside the cells your body is made of and then hijacking them .
The coronavirus , officially called Sars-CoV-2 , can invade your body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone coughs nearby ) or you touch a contaminated surface and then your face .
It first infects the cells lining your throat , airways and lungs and turns them into `` coronavirus factories '' that spew out huge numbers of new viruses that go on to infect yet more cells .
At this early stage , you will not be sick and some people may never develop symptoms .
The incubation period , the time between infection and first symptoms appearing , varies widely , but is five days on average .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Covid-19 is a mild infection for eight out of 10 people who get it and the core symptoms are a fever and a cough .
Body aches , sore throat and a headache are all possible , but not guaranteed .
The fever , and generally feeling grotty , is a result of your immune system responding to the infection .
It has recognised the virus as a hostile invader and signals to the rest of the body something is wrong by releasing chemicals called cytokines .
These rally the immune system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pain and fever .
The coronavirus cough is initially a dry one ( you 're not bringing stuff up ) and this is probably down to irritation of cells as they become infected by the virus .
Some people will eventually start coughing up sputum - a thick mucus containing dead lung cells killed by the virus .
These symptoms are treated with bed rest , plenty of fluids and paracetamol .
You wo n't need specialist hospital care .
This stage lasts about a week - at which point most recover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
However , some will develop a more serious form of Covid-19 .
This is the best we understand at the moment about this stage , however , there are studies emerging that suggest the disease can cause more cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose too .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• WHO 'S AT RISK : Are women and children less affected ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • MAPS AND CHARTS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease progresses it will be due to the immune system overreacting to the virus .
Those chemical signals to the rest of the body cause inflammation , but this needs to be delicately balanced .
Too much inflammation can cause collateral damage throughout the body .
`` The virus is triggering an imbalance in the immune response , there 's too much inflammation , how it is doing this we do n't know , '' said Dr Nathalie MacDermott , from King 's College London .
Inflammation of the lungs is called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel through your mouth down the windpipe and through the tiny tubes in your lungs , you 'd eventually end up in tiny little air sacs .
This is where oxygen moves into the blood and carbon dioxide moves out , but in pneumonia the tiny sacs start to fill with water and can eventually cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing .
Some people will need a ventilator to help them breathe .
This stage is thought to affect around 14 % of people , based on data from China .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become critically ill. By this point the body is starting to fail and there is a real chance of death .
The problem is the immune system is now spiralling out of control and causing damage throughout the body .
It can lead to septic shock when the blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels and organs stop working properly or fail completely .
Acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by widespread inflammation in the lungs stops the body getting enough oxygen it needs to survive .
It can stop the kidneys from cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your intestines .
`` The virus sets up such a huge degree of inflammation that you succumb ... it becomes multi-organ failure , '' Dr Bharat Pankhania said .
And if the immune system can not get on top of the virus , then it will eventually spread to every corner of the body where it can cause even more damage .
Treatment by this stage will be highly invasive and can include ECMO or extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation .
This is essentially an artificial lung that takes blood out of the body through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it back in .
But eventually the damage can reach fatal levels at which organs can no longer keep the body alive .
Doctors have described how some patients died despite their best efforts .
The first two patients to die at Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan , China , detailed in the Lancet Medical journal , were seemingly healthy , although they were long-term smokers and that would have weakened their lungs .
The first , a 61-year-old man , had severe pneumonia by the time he arrived at hospital .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being put on a ventilator , his lungs failed and his heart stopped beating .
He died 11 days after he was admitted .
The second patient , a 69-year-old man , also had acute respiratory distress syndrome .
He was attached to an ECMO machine but this was n't enough .
He died of severe pneumonia and septic shock when his blood pressure collapsed .

And if the immune system cannot get on top of the virus, then it will eventually spread to every corner of the body where it can cause even more damage.


bbc--2020-03-14--Shincheonji and coronavirus: The mysterious 'cult' church blamed for S Korea's outbreak

As South Korea continues to do battle with its coronavirus outbreak , one mysterious religious sect has been singled out @ @ @ @ @ .
Thousands of positive cases have been found in the country , many of which @ @ @ @ @ , a secretive group some say is more like a cult .
The group has @ @ @ @ @ its role in the outbreak , and says it 's been co-operating with authorities .
@ @ @ @ @ still refuse to be tested .
What exactly is this church , and how could @ @ @ @ @ a viral epidemic in the country ?

As South Korea continues to do battle with its coronavirus outbreak, one mysterious religious sect has been singled out and become a public target.
Thousands of positive cases have been found in the country, many of which are linked to Shincheonji Church, a secretive group some say is more like a cult.
The group has in recent weeks apologised for its role in the outbreak, and says it's been co-operating with authorities. But officials say some members still refuse to be tested.
What exactly is this church, and how could its unique practices have caused a viral epidemic in the country?
Video by Tessa Wong.


bbc--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: France and Spain announce sweeping restrictions

Two of the EU 's biggest states , France and Spain , have followed Italy in announcing emergency restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus .
France , a country of 63.5 million , ordered the closure of all non-essential places used by the public from midnight ( 23:00 GMT ) .
Sweeping curbs on citizens ' movements will take effect overnight in Spain , which has a population of 46.7 million .
Spain is the worst-hit country in Europe after Italy .
There are 191 deaths and 6,046 infections in Spain .
Italy , which has recorded more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
The US is to extend its European coronavirus travel ban to include the UK and Republic of Ireland .
The ban will begin at midnight EST on Monday ( 04:00 GMT Tuesday ) , Vice-President Mike Pence announced .
On Friday , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said Europe was now the `` epicentre '' of the pandemic .
Its head , Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , urged countries to use aggressive measures , community mobilisation and social distancing to save lives .
• EASY STEPS : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
How is France shutting down ?
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said the number of people in France in intensive care was growing and earlier guidelines for the public were being ignored .
The closure applies to restaurants , cafes , cinemas and nightclubs as well as non-essential businesses .
It will not , Mr Philippe said , affect essential businesses which he listed as food shops , chemists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations .
Mr Philippe also asked people to reduce their travel , especially between towns .
`` The best way to slow down the epidemic '' , he said , was `` social distancing '' .
`` I say this gravely - we must all together show greater discipline in the application of these measures , '' Mr Philippe added .
Local elections due on Sunday will still go ahead , he said .
Religious buildings will remain open but gatherings and ceremonies should be postponed .
Schools in France will be closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France reported a sharp rise in cases on Saturday , from 3,661 to 4,499 .
It recorded 12 more deaths , bringing the toll to 79 .
The BBC 's Paris correspondent , Hugh Schofield , says the measures amount to a dramatic ratcheting-up of the French response , reflecting growing alarm at the fast spread of the virus .
How will Spain be affected ?
Under a state of emergency , Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is banning Spanish citizens from leaving home , except for buying essential supplies and medicines , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centres and sports venues will be closed .
Restaurants and cafes may only do home deliveries .
Essential services like banks and petrol stations will remain open .
Schools are already shut across the country .
Mr Sánchez appealed for unity , calling on all regions to put ideological differences aside and put citizens first .
`` I want to tell the workers , the self-employed and businesses that the government of Spain is going to do everything in its power to cushion the effects of this crisis , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks - more if deemed necessary and parliament approves .
The authorities have recorded 1,800 more cases since Friday evening - many in the capital Madrid .
This will be the second state of emergency in the country since the transition to democracy began in 1975 , the first being a 2010 air traffic controllers ' strike .
• Germany reported 733 more cases - the national total now stands at 3,795 , with eight deaths .
Berlin has banned all public and private events with more than 50 participants and forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , clubs , gyms , betting halls and brothels .
Similar bans are expected in the western city of Cologne • The number of deaths in the UK doubled in 24 hours to 21 .
Hundreds of scientists have written to the government urging them to introduce tougher measures • New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern said almost all new arrivals in the country must self-isolate for 14 days • A partial economic shutdown will be in place across Israel from Sunday .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said public venues like shopping malls and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , banks and other essentials services will continue to operate .
Pending approval from the government cabinet , anti-terrorism tracking technology will also be used to locate people who have been in contact with those carrying the virus .
• In China , new cases among people arriving in the country outnumbered those by local transmission for the first time • Colombia closed its border with Venezuela and barred any visitors who recently visited Europe or Asia Are you in France or Spain ?
Have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
Share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

"I want to tell the workers, the self-employed and businesses that the government of Spain is going to do everything in its power to cushion the effects of this crisis," he said.


bbc--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: US to extend travel ban to UK and Ireland

The US is to extend its European coronavirus travel ban to include the UK and Republic of Ireland .
The ban will begin at midnight EST on Monday ( 04:00 GMT Tuesday ) , Vice-President Mike Pence announced .
President Trump 's travel ban on 26 European countries - members of the Schengen free movement zone - came into force on Saturday .
Mr Pence also announced that free coronavirus testing would be provided for every American .
`` Now it 's all systems go , '' said National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci on efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same news conference , President Trump said he had been tested himself and expected to get the results in the next 48 hours .
The US has confirmed 51 deaths linked to the pandemic and 2,488 infections .
In the first six weeks of vetting for the virus at US , 17 travellers were placed under quarantine at medical facilities , a senior official at the US Department of Homeland Security told Reuters news agency .
During that period , more than 30,000 travellers were also asked to self-quarantine at home .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
More than 132,500 people have now been diagnosed in 123 countries , according to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
It says Europe is now the epicentre for the virus , which originated in China .
Following Italy 's lead , Spain is poised to declare a 15-day national lockdown on Monday to battle the virus .
How is the US travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , the US had already suspended travel for 30 days from 26 Schengen countries - 22 European Union members and four non-EU .
They are Austria , Belgium , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Iceland , Italy , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , Sweden and Switzerland .
The travel ban was met with anger and confusion in the EU , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision `` without consultation '' .
The UK and Ireland had been exempt but Mr Trump said on Saturday : `` They 've had a little bit of activity , unfortunately . ''
The total number of confirmed cases in the UK has reached 1,140 , with 21 deaths - up from 11 on Friday .
Mr Pence explained that American citizens and legal residents could still return .
Such people would be `` funnelled through specific airports and processed '' , he said .
Why did Trump take a test ?
Speculation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus had grown after he had interactions with least three people who later tested positive .
On Saturday , the 73-year-old told reporters he had had his temperature taken before stepping into the room and it was `` totally normal '' .
The White House is now conducting temperature checks on anyone who is in close contact with the president and Mr Pence .
Cost had been a concern for many ordinary Americans considering a test for coronavirus .
More than 27 million people in America have no medical insurance at all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that often only covers a fraction of the cost of any check-ups or treatment .
• Why the US could be more at risk from coronavirus • Can the US catch up on coronavirus testing ?
The authorities have also been accused of being too slow to supply test kits .
On Thursday , US lawmakers said fewer than 10,000 people had been tested in America .
By contrast , South Korea , with a much smaller population , has tested more than 210,000 people , while the UK has tested more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared a national emergency which allows the federal government to tap up to $ 50bn ( £40bn ) in relief funds .

In the first six weeks of vetting for the virus at US, 17 travellers were placed under quarantine at medical facilities, a senior official at the US Department of Homeland Security told Reuters news agency. During that period, more than 30,000 travellers were also asked to self-quarantine at home.


bbc--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Scientists say UK virus strategy is 'risking lives'

Hundreds of scientists have written to the government urging them to introduce tougher measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19 .
In an open letter , a group of 229 scientists from UK universities say the government 's current approach will put the NHS under additional stress and `` risk many more lives than necessary '' .
The signatories also criticised comments made by Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , about managing the spread of the infection to make the population immune .
The Department of Health said Sir Patrick 's comments had been misinterpreted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioned the government 's view that people will become fed up with restrictions if they were imposed too soon .
Their letter was published on the day it was announced 10 more people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus , bringing the total number of deaths to 21 .
Meanwhile the government 's scientific advisory group for emergencies ( Sage ) advised that measures to protect vulnerable people - including household isolation - `` will need to be instituted soon '' .
Sir Patrick and the UK 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said they intend to publish the computer models on which their strategy is based .
• UK virus measures will have the 'biggest impact' • Why is the UK not shutting schools like other countries ?
• Three reasons why the UK might not follow Italy The UK 's approach to coping with the coronavirus pandemic has been in stark contrast to other countries .
The whole of Italy has been on lockdown since Tuesday , while Poland is set to close its borders for two weeks .
On Saturday the French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public locations from midnight ( 23:00 GMT Saturday ) .
And Spain has declared a 15-day national lockdown on Monday to battle the virus , In the open letter the group of scientists argue that stronger `` social distancing measures '' would `` dramatically '' slow the rate of growth of the disease in the UK , and would spare `` thousands of lives '' .
The group , specialising in a range of disciplines , ranging from mathematics to genetics , though no leading experts in the science of the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` insufficient '' and `` additional and more restrictive measures should be taken immediately '' , as is happening in other countries .
On Friday , Sir Patrick suggested managing the spread of the disease so that the population gains some immunity to the disease was a part of the government strategy .
This idea , known as `` herd immunity '' , means at-risk individuals are protected from infection because they are surrounded by people who are resistant to the disease .
• EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate Rough estimates indicate that herd immunity to Covid-19 would be reached when approximately 60 % of the population has had the disease .
But in the open letter , the scientists said : `` Going for 'herd immunity ' at this point does not seem a viable option . ''
The major downside of herd immunity , according to Birmingham University 's Prof Willem van Schaik , is that this will mean that in the UK alone at least 36 million people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is almost impossible to predict what that will mean in terms of human costs , but we are conservatively looking at tens of thousands of deaths , and possibly at hundreds of thousands of deaths , '' he said .
`` The only way to make this work would be to spread out these millions of cases over a relatively long period of time so that the NHS does not get overwhelmed . ''
Prof van Schaik noted that the UK is the only country in Europe that is following what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the virus '' .
But a Department of Health and Social care spokesperson said that Sir Patrick 's comments had been misinterpreted .
`` Herd immunity is not part of our action plan , but is a natural by-product of an epidemic .
Our aims are to save lives , protect the most vulnerable , and relieve pressure on our NHS , '' he said .
`` We have now moved out of the contain phase and into delay , and we have experts working round the clock .
Every measure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the best scientific evidence .
`` Our awareness of the likely levels of immunity in the country over the coming months will ensure our planning and response is as accurate and effective as possible . ''
In a separate letter to the government , more than 200 behavioural scientists have questioned the government 's argument that starting tougher measures too soon would lead to people not sticking to them just at the point that the epidemic is at its height .
`` While we fully support an evidence-based approach to policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not convinced that enough is known about 'behavioural fatigue ' or to what extent these insights apply to the current exceptional circumstances , '' the letter said .
`` Such evidence is necessary if we are to base a high-risk public health strategy on it . ''
`` In fact , it seems likely that even those essential behaviour changes that are presently required ( e.g.
, handwashing ) will receive far greater uptake the more urgent the situation is perceived to be .
Carrying on as normal for as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
The scientists said `` radical behaviour change '' could have a `` much better '' effect and could `` save very large numbers of lives '' .
`` Experience in China and South Korea is sufficiently encouraging to suggest that this possibility should at least be attempted , '' it added .
The second letter called on the government to reconsider its stance on `` behavioural fatigue '' and to share the evidence on which it based this stance .

"In fact, it seems likely that even those essential behaviour changes that are presently required (e.g., handwashing) will receive far greater uptake the more urgent the situation is perceived to be. Carrying on as normal for as long as possible undercuts that urgency," it added.


bbc--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: UK deaths double in 24 hours

Ten more people in the UK have died in the last 24 hours after testing positive for coronavirus , bringing the total number of deaths to 21 .
The UK government 's chief medical adviser said the patients were all in `` at-risk '' groups from across England .
The total number of confirmed cases in the UK has reached 1,140 while 37,746 people have been tested .
It comes as the government revealed plans to boost the number of NHS beds and ventilators to treat people .
British manufacturing companies are to be tasked with increasing the production of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS could also buy up beds in private hospitals .
In a conference call with manufacturers on Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge them to join a `` national effort '' to tackle the virus .
Downing Street says it has already been working with suppliers in the UK and abroad to increase the nation 's supply of ventilators .
Earlier , the Labour Party and GMB union called for the government to use empty beds in `` plush private hospitals '' to ease the pressure on the NHS .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK government 's chief medical adviser , warned that facilities for people needing oxygen and critical care beds would be the parts of the NHS that will come under pressure first as the scale of the outbreak increases .
Meanwhile , US President Donald Trump decided to suspend all travel between the US and the UK and Ireland .
A No 10 spokesman said Mr Johnson had since spoken to Mr Trump , and set out the `` science-led approach '' the UK is taking .
During their conversation , the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of international collaboration to fast-track the development of a vaccine .
It comes as France ordered non-essential locations used by the public to close , and asked citizens to go out as little as possible .
Several European countries have closed their borders or shut their airports .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
US vice president Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midnight on Monday eastern standard time ( 04:00 GMT ) , following a `` unanimous recommendation '' from health experts .
The US has already banned travel from 26 European countries .
Of the latest deaths in the UK , eight were men aged over 80 and all but one were known to have had underlying health conditions .
They were being treated in hospitals in Buckinghamshire , Birmingham , Wolverhampton , Leicester , London and Chester .
Prof Whitty said : `` I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern for many .
The public should know every measure we are taking is seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable . ''
Most of the confirmed UK cases are in England .
There have been 121 confirmed cases in Scotland , 60 in Wales and 34 in Northern Ireland .
What do I do if I ... Have symptoms : If you are experiencing a new , continuous cough and/or a fever - defined as a temperature of above 37.8C - you should self-isolate at home for at least seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday by Public Health England ( PHE ) .
People with mild symptoms who are self-isolating at home are not currently being tested .
All hospital patients with flu-like symptoms are being tested .
Live with or been in close contact with a positive case : The seven day isolation period now applies to everyone regardless of where you might have travelled or if you have had close contact with a confirmed case .
People who are self-isolating with mild symptoms are no longer being tested for the virus .
The government said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of UK cases to be around 5,000 to 10,000 .
The PM has been meeting with officials at Downing Street to discuss the pandemic .
A mother and her newborn baby are among the latest confirmed to have the virus in England .
Medics are trying to confirm whether the baby , who was tested at North Middlesex Hospital , was infected during birth or before , according to the Sun newspaper .
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said there was no evidence the virus can be passed on from pregnant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that due to how little is known about the new virus it would continue to update its guidance .
Government advice adds there is `` no clinical evidence '' to suggest the virus can be transmitted through breast milk .
`` Infection can be spread to the baby in the same way as to anyone in close contact with you , '' it says .
The increase in deaths is obviously alarming for the public - as well as being a tragedy for the families involved .
What we do n't know is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in their deaths .
We only know they had it when they died .
Every patient death announced in the coronavirus outbreak in the UK has been a person who has had underlying health conditions .
That is a term that covers a range of different illnesses from heart disease and diabetes to asthma .
There is certainly transmission of the virus within hospital - on Thursday three quarters of those patients with coronavirus in intensive care had not been abroad to an affected country .
They may have caught it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed lead to their admission or they could have caught it in hospital when they were already ill .
There are more than 1,500 deaths a day in the UK on average and what is certain is that growing numbers of people who die are going to have tested positive for coronavirus .
People visiting elderly and vulnerable relatives have been reminded to take extra care , after the government released new advice .
Care home providers should ask anyone who is `` generally unwell '' not to visit , the advice says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings might soon be banned in the UK to ease pressure on emergency services .
It is thought a ban could take effect as early as next weekend .
Events still set to go ahead include the Grand National in April , the 75th anniversary VE Day commemorations and Chelsea Flower Show in May , and Glastonbury Festival in June .
The increase in cases in the UK comes as people continue to stockpile food and household items .
The government has said there was `` no need '' for people to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery hours for shops to make sure they remain stocked .
Online supermarket Ocado has taken its app offline due to `` performance issues driven by continued high demand '' while the website has crashed for many users .
Former MP Luciana Berger called for members of the public to `` look out for '' each other after she said she witnessed a man in a London supermarket refusing to give an elderly lady one of his packets of pasta .
She said the incident , which she posted about on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British holidaymakers face being stranded abroad as Spain is set to begin a two-week state of emergency , with bars , restaurants , shops and activities all closed .
Seven Jet2 planes heading to Spain were turned around in mid-air as the airline cancelled all flights to the mainland , Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands .
The firm says it has suspended all holidays and flights to all of Spain for at least a week .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) has advised against all but essential travel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole of Poland .
The Polish government is closing all its borders for 10 days at midnight .
Some non-Polish nationals - such as spouses or children of Polish nationals - will still be allowed to enter the country , All flights to and from Poland by airlines in the Ryanair group have been cancelled from midnight on Saturday to midnight on 31 March .
• Benefit claimants who ca n't attend reassessments or job centre appointments because they are self-isolating or are infected by coronavirus will not be sanctioned provided they make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) says • British couple David and Sally Abel , who both tested positive for the virus on board the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship , have returned to the UK , after recovering in a Japanese hospital • Brittany Ferries is stopping its services from Portsmouth to Le Havre , in France , and to Spain .
Its sailings from Poole will be for freight only and will not take any passengers • All Apple stores outside of what the tech giant calls `` Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macau , Hong Kong and Taiwan - have been closed for two weeks .
The tech giant reopened all 42 of its Chinese stores on Friday after they were closed for a month , causing a huge drop in iPhone sales • Catholic churches are preparing for the possibility they might have to suspend the celebration of Mass • Most of the world 's major sporting events have been postponed or cancelled because of the pandemic , including the Edinburgh Marathon and the London Landmarks Half Marathon .
• Bath 's annual half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local MP Wera Hobhouse saying it should be cancelled .
Organisers said it is `` now too late to cancel or postpone the event '' • The National Education Union has written to the prime minister to ask why the government has decided not to shut schools to help reduce the spread of the virus and asking for `` fuller disclosure '' of the models it has used during its decision-making process Have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said there was no evidence the virus can be passed on from pregnant women to babies before birth, but that due to how little is known about the new virus it would continue to update its guidance.


bbc--2020-03-14--Canadian and Italian kidnapped in Burkina Faso turn up safe in Mali

A Canadian woman and an Italian man kidnapped in Burkina Faso in 2018 are said to be in good health and spirits after arriving in neighbouring Mali .
Édith Blais and Luca Tacchetto , both in their 30s , apparently escaped and were picked up by UN forces before being transferred to Mali 's capital , Bamako .
They appeared bemused when officials greeted them with elbows , before the pair were told of new social etiquette measures to help curb coronavirus .
Mali said no ransom had been paid .
None of the many jihadist groups in the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plans are now being made to repatriate the couple .
In a statement , Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne said that `` Canada is very relieved '' that the pair `` are now free from captivity '' .
He thanked the governments of Burkina Faso and Mali , as well as the UN mission in Mali and other partners for `` their assistance and co-operation over the past year in this matter '' .
The pair were wearing clothes of the regional Tuareg people and apparently stopped a passing car and told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UN post , according to AFP news agency .
However , Ms Blais and Mr Tacchetto have not publicly spoken about how they escaped captivity .
They disappeared on 15 December 2018 in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso .
At the time they were travelling in Western Africa and were making their way to Togo for a humanitarian project .
Canada has issued travel advice for Burkina Faso , due to terrorism and kidnapping .

He thanked the governments of Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as the UN mission in Mali and other partners for "their assistance and co-operation over the past year in this matter".


bbc--2020-03-14--Iraq base attack: Coalition and Iraqi troops hurt as Taji targeted again

Three service personnel from the US-led coalition in Iraq and two Iraqis have been injured in a rocket attack on a military base north of Baghdad , the coalition has said .
The Iraqi military said more than 30 rockets were fired at Camp Taji base .
This is the second attack this week on the base .
On Wednesday , rockets killed two American troops and one British soldier there .
The US responded with air strikes targeting an Iranian-backed militia .
However , Iraqi officials say that Iraqi soldiers and policemen were killed in the strikes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taji must not be used by the US as a pretext for any action without Iraq 's approval .
• UK soldier killed in Iraq was 'larger than life' • What is the future for US troops in Iraq ?
Taji base , about 15km ( nine miles ) north of Baghdad , hosts foreign troops from the US-led coalition , whose mission is to train and advise Iraqi security forces .
Iraq 's Joint Operation Command said 33 Katyusha rockets were launched on the base .
Seven rocket launchers and 24 unused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has yet said they carried out the attack .
Wednesday 's deadly attack on the base prompted US strikes targeting five weapons storage facilities across the country , the US defence department said .
The Iraqi military says three soldiers , two policemen and a civilian were killed in the US counter-strikes .
It said the US had carried out `` a blatant attack '' on Iraqi military sites in Babil province and an airport under construction in Karbala province .
It also said the headquarters of the Popular Mobilisation ( PM ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially part of the Iraqi security forces - had been hit .
Earlier , a US commander said Kataib Hezbollah - one of the most powerful groups in the PM - was likely to have fired the rockets .
The US accuses Iran-backed militias of 13 similar attacks on Iraqi bases hosting coalition forces in the past year .
The killing of an American civilian in one such incident in December triggered a round of violence which ultimately led Mr Trump to order the assassination of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Kataib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
Tensions between arch-foes the US and Iran intensified last year .
In late December , a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base killed a US civilian contractor , prompting retaliatory air strikes .
The US embassy in Baghdad was then attacked by crowds of protesters , and President Trump warned Iran it would `` pay a very big price '' .
On 3 January , Mr Trump authorised a drone strike near Baghdad airport that killed Qasem Soleimani - commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps ' Quds Force and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East - and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis .
Five days later , Iran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases hosting US forces .
The attack left more than 100 US troops with traumatic brain injuries .
There are about 5,000 US personnel and hundreds more from other countries in Iraq .
They are deployed at the request of the government but the parliament passed a bill following Soleimani 's killing demanding the invitation be rescinded .

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


bbc--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Tokyo Olympics will go ahead, says Japan's PM Shinzo Abe

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the Tokyo Olympic Games will go ahead as planned in July , despite coronavirus concerns resulting in the postponement of sporting events .
Abe added the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) would have the final decision whether Tokyo 2020 goes ahead .
`` We will overcome the spread of the infection and host the Olympics without problem , as planned , '' Abe said .
Japan has had more than 1,400 cases and 28 deaths resulting from coronavirus .
• Coronavirus wipes out most of world 's major sports events The Tokyo Games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yen ( £10.26bn ) , organisers said in December .
The Japan section of the Olympic Torch relay is due to start in Fukushima on 26 March .
The recent torch-lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia was held without spectators , before the rest of the relay in Greece was suspended to avoid attracting crowds .
Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike said : `` We 're taking thorough infection measures with regards to the torch relay domestically . ''
Several Olympic trials events in the United States have been postponed , including wrestling , rowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events in London will go ahead on Saturday as scheduled .

Last updated on .From the section Olympics
Shinzo Abe became Prime Minister of Japan in 2012
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the Tokyo Olympic Games will go ahead as planned in July, despite coronavirus concerns resulting in the postponement of sporting events.
Abe added the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would have the final decision whether Tokyo 2020 goes ahead.
"We will overcome the spread of the infection and host the Olympics without problem, as planned," Abe said.
Japan has had more than 1,400 cases and 28 deaths external-link resulting from coronavirus.
The Tokyo Games is expected to cost about 1.35 trillion yen (£10.26bn), organisers said in December. external-link
The Japan section of the Olympic Torch relay is due to start in Fukushima on 26 March. The recent torch-lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia was held without spectators, before the rest of the relay in Greece was suspended to avoid attracting crowds.
Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike said: "We're taking thorough infection measures with regards to the torch relay domestically."
Several Olympic trials events in the United States have been postponed, including wrestling, rowing and diving.
However, the boxing events in London will go ahead on Saturday as scheduled.


bbc--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Jet2 flights to Spain turn round in mid-air over virus fears

Jet2 planes heading to Spain were turned around in mid-air earlier as the airline cancelled all flights to the mainland , Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands because of coronavirus .
Confirmed cases in Spain have risen to 6,046 and thousands of people have been placed in lockdown .
The country 's death toll has reached 191 and it is set to enter a two-week state of emergency .
Jet2 said the health and safety of its customers was its top priority .
The airline flies to destinations including Alicante , Malaga and Lanzarote from nine UK airports .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flights to all of Spain for at least a week after authorities there ordered bars , restaurants , shops and activities to close .
Jet2 has started sending empty planes out to the 14 Spanish destinations it operates to and will run its normal schedule of return flights to the UK for the coming week to bring customers home .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
`` We know these local measures will have a significant impact on our customers ' holidays , which is why we have taken this decision , '' an spokesperson for the airline added .
`` This is a fast-moving and complex situation and we are reviewing our programme as a matter of urgency , so that we can fly customers back to the UK . ''
• Trump 's virus travel ban on Europe comes into force Earlier , flight tracking information showed at least five Jet2 planes travelling to Spain turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dale Dixon , 26 , from Pontefract , West Yorkshire , was due to fly from Alicante to East Midlands Airport at 11:45 GMT .
He said there was a feeling of `` deflation '' at the airport , saying : `` It is overcrowded here .
There are children just lying around bored and bags scattered all over the place .
People are definitely panicking . ''
Holidaymaker Mark Harrison , whose flight home to Manchester was scheduled for this evening , said : `` Jet2 said not to contact them so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
All we 've seen is that which is on social media . ''
Christine Jones from Rochdale , Greater Manchester , was expecting to fly out on a Jet2 plane to Tenerife with her husband at 14:20 GMT .
She said : `` The last message we received last night from the company said they were looking forward to seeing us .
We are fully ready and packed and are surrounded by our suitcases but we are n't going anywhere now .
I 'm just sat here looking at suitcases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chelmsford , Essex , was at Tenerife Airport waiting for his flight to London Stansted .
He praised Jet2 's `` helpful '' staff , but said he did not know when his flight , which was scheduled to depart at 14:30 GMT , would leave .
`` We 've just been turned away from security because we ca n't go through security without a flight to go on , but there are no flights yet , '' Mr Sloman said .
Easyjet said flights between the UK and Spain were currently `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some disruption to those flights because of a shortage of air traffic controllers in Spain .
On Friday , British Airways warned it would need to ground flights `` like never before '' and lay off staff in response to the coronavirus .
Ryanair told staff they might be forced to take leave from Monday .
Travel company Tui has cancelled all holidays in Spain which were due to start between 14 and 16 March .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been meeting officials at Downing Street to discuss the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ died after testing positive for the coronavirus , bringing the total number of deaths to 21 .
The total number of confirmed cases in the UK has reached 1,140 .
But the government 's estimate of the true number of cases was around 5,000 to 10,000 , as of Friday .
Have you been affected by Jet2 's decision to cancel flights ?
Were you turned around mid-air ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

She said: "The last message we received last night from the company said they were looking forward to seeing us. We are fully ready and packed and are surrounded by our suitcases but we aren't going anywhere now. I'm just sat here looking at suitcases."


bbc--2020-03-14--English Catholic churches prepare to suspend Mass

Roman Catholic churches in England are `` preparing for a time '' when the celebration of Mass may have to `` come to an end '' , the Catholic leader in England and Wales has said .
Catholics have an obligation to go to Mass every Sunday .
But large gatherings could be banned in the UK from as early as next weekend , as the coronavirus continues to spread .
The Church of England is also following these procedures , as well as refraining from passing collection plates around .
The Muslim Council of Britain has urged mosques , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the governments hygiene practices .
It also urged mosques to have contingency plans in place for Ramadan - which begins in the second half of April - as it may have to suspend mass gatherings .
The United Synagogue asked its members to refrain from shaking hands and kissing religious artefacts , such as communal siddurim , which is a Jewish prayer book .
Cardinal Vincent Nichols said Catholic churches were `` adjusting '' to minimise the spread of infection .
He said : `` We are preparing for a time when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big numbers of people together , so we might come to an end of the celebration of Mass or other services . ''
Many churches have already brought in measures to avoid exposing congregations to the virus .
In some churches , holy water has been removed from the entrances , the sign of peace - normally a handshake - has been replaced by bowing and churchgoers can no longer drink wine from shared chalices .
Church ministers are also washing their hands before distributing communion .
Speaking to BBC 's Radio 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` These are not the essential parts of mass , '' adding that he hoped everyone will be `` cooperative and calm '' .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
However , he said : `` The presence of the church and the space that it offers will be very important in the coming months , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live-stream services .
`` Even if the priest is there with one helper , we can stream them and people can join in from home and gather if they wish on a Sunday to follow the mass and say their prayers together , '' he said .
He added that , in his view , churches would `` always remain open '' because they were `` places where people can go , they can sit quietly , they can pray there 's , plenty of space in them and there are no @ @ @ @

"Even if the priest is there with one helper, we can stream them and people can join in from home and gather if they wish on a Sunday to follow the mass and say their prayers together," he said.


bbc--2020-03-14--Caster Semenya says she is 'supernatural' as she targets Olympic 200m

Two-time Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya says she is `` supernatural '' as she confidently targets the 200m at Tokyo 2020 .
The 29-year-old can not compete in events between 400m and a mile without taking testosterone-reducing drugs after a World Athletics rule change .
South African Semenya ran 200m in 23.49 seconds - 0.69secs outside the Olympic qualifying time - at an event in Pretoria on Friday .
`` I call myself supernatural , '' she said .
• Tokyo Olympics will go ahead , says Japan PM The three-time world 800m champion , who spoke of her decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram post on Friday , must bring her time down to 22.80secs before 29 June to qualify for the South African Olympic team .
`` We are chopping the times and I call myself supernatural .
I can do anything I want , '' she added .
`` I always challenge myself .
This was not an easy decision to make .
`` I am used to running two laps and then you come and run half a lap .
You have to adjust , which is not easy , but anything is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Olympics - which begin on 24 July - she would be set to compete against Great Britain 's Dina Asher-Smith , who won 200m gold at the 2019 World Championships .
Semenya , who won Olympic gold in the 800m in 2012 and 2016 , missed the chance to defend her world 800m title in Doha last year , having failed in her bid to prevent the governing body 's rule change .
World Athletics argued female athletes with differences of sexual development ( DSD ) - such as Semenya - have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February , Semenya competed in her first track meeting since last June with victory in the 300m in Johannesburg , winning her race in a national record of 36.78secs .

Last updated on .From the section Athletics
Caster Semenya won a 200m event in Pretoria on Friday
Two-time Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya says she is "supernatural" as she confidently targets the 200m at Tokyo 2020.
The 29-year-old cannot compete in events between 400m and a mile without taking testosterone-reducing drugs after a World Athletics rule change.
South African Semenya ran 200m in 23.49 seconds - 0.69secs outside the Olympic qualifying time - at an event in Pretoria on Friday.
"I call myself supernatural," she said.
The three-time world 800m champion, who spoke of her decision to switch to the 200m in an Instagram post on Friday, must bring her time down to 22.80secs before 29 June to qualify for the South African Olympic team.
"We are chopping the times and I call myself supernatural. I can do anything I want," she added.
"I always challenge myself. This was not an easy decision to make.
"I am used to running two laps and then you come and run half a lap. You have to adjust, which is not easy, but anything is possible."
If Semenya qualifies for the Olympics - which begin on 24 July - she would be set to compete against Great Britain's Dina Asher-Smith, who won 200m gold at the 2019 World Championships.
Semenya, who won Olympic gold in the 800m in 2012 and 2016, missed the chance to defend her world 800m title in Doha last year, having failed in her bid to prevent the governing body's rule change.
World Athletics argued female athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) - such as Semenya - have "a competitive advantage".
In February, Semenya competed in her first track meeting since last June with victory in the 300m in Johannesburg, winning her race in a national record of 36.78secs.


bbc--2020-03-13--Sweden abortion: Nurses fail in European court case

Two nurses denied jobs as midwives in Sweden because of their refusal to perform abortions have lost their legal action against Sweden at the European Court of Human Rights .
Swedish-born Ellinor Grimmark and Linda Steen from Norway object to abortion because of their Christian faith .
Swedish law requires midwives to carry out abortions - and several Swedish courts ruled against the two women .
They then went to the ECHR but it declined to take up their case .
They both trained to be midwives , receiving state funding , but were turned down for midwifery jobs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been violated and that they had suffered discrimination .
The nurses got legal assistance from ADF International , part of a US-based Christian group called Alliance Defending Freedom .
It campaigns for what it calls `` religious freedom , the sanctity of life , and marriage and family '' worldwide .
• What 's going on with US abortion rights ?
The nurses can not appeal again to the ECHR , now that it has dismissed their case .
Robert Clarke , deputy director of ADF International , called the court decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professionals should be able to work without being forced to choose between their deeply held convictions and their careers , '' he said .
But Hans Linde , a leading sex education campaigner in Sweden , said it was `` not a human right for nursing staff to refuse to provide care '' .
He told Reuters news agency the ECHR decision would `` help to protect women 's health , the right to good quality care and to be treated with respect when seeking an abortion '' .
The judges ' decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been `` an interference with her freedom of religion under Article Nine '' of the European Convention on Human Rights .
But it went on : `` The interference with the applicant 's freedom of religion was proportionate and justified with the view of achieving a legitimate aim . ''
The judges said that interference `` had a sufficient basis in Swedish law and ... pursued the legitimate aim of protecting the health of women seeking an abortion '' .
`` Sweden provides nationwide abortion services and therefore has a positive obligation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way as to ensure that the effective exercise of freedom of conscience of health professionals in the professional context does not prevent the provision of such services . ''
The ECHR also cited the finding of the Swedish Discrimination Ombudsman , who rejected Ms Grimmark 's case .
The ombudsman found that religious faith was not at issue , because `` another midwife refusing a part of the work other than on religious grounds would not have been treated any differently from the applicant '' .

The ECHR also cited the finding of the Swedish Discrimination Ombudsman, who rejected Ms Grimmark's case. The ombudsman found that religious faith was not at issue, because "another midwife refusing a part of the work other than on religious grounds would not have been treated any differently from the applicant".