bbc--2020-03-23--South Africa: 'Our children are dying, but President Ramaphosa doesn't care'

In our series of letters from African journalists , South African filmmaker and writer Serusha Govender reports on the growing anger fuelled by a spate of child murders .
Passing by Cape Town 's Parliament Square earlier this month , I caught sight of Fadiel Adams camped outside on the final days of a hunger strike .
This was a father making a desperate stand against what he felt was the government 's lack of interest in combating the recent spate of child murders in the Western Cape province .
The child murder rate has been high for some time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning of the year , several killings close to Cape Town have drawn nationwide fury and calls for immediate action .
The murder of seven-year-old Tazne van Wyk in early February was the spark .
Tazne went missing on 7 February .
Her body was found two weeks later after her suspected murderer led police to the storm drain where he said he had disposed of it .
The suspect , a violent multiple offender had been released on parole .
He was in prison for the kidnapping and murder of another child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after six days , once he had handed a memorandum to President Cyril Ramaphosa 's secretary , but his campaign is far from over .
'We are dying here' He is not convinced that the president will do anything .
He accused the president of not caring , adding that `` this government has failed all of us '' .
`` We are dying here , our children are dying , '' said Mr Adams .
`` If Ramaphosa really cared he would have made an immediate directive… I do n't condone violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't stop raising this [ issue ] .
If we have to shut down this whole city to make our point next time then we will . ''
After Tazne 's body was found , Mr Ramaphosa visited her community in Elsies River and apologised .
He said that the accused should never have been given parole , adding that he knew how the community felt and that urgent action would be taken .
His words were reminiscent of his speech to protesting crowds outside parliament after a 19-year-old student , Uyinene Mrwetyana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year .
This triggered nationwide protests against the high levels of violence against women and children , which in turn prompted the president to promise immediate targeted action .
Then , too , Mr Ramaphosa told the crowds that this should never have happened , that he would take action , and that he knew how they felt .
But following Tazne 's killing , his audience had had enough of platitudes , with many saying that they wanted less smooth-talking and more real action being taken to keep their children safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned as Cape Town does seem to have a high number of child murders , and it appears to be getting worse .
Crime statistics released last year showed that four children are murdered every week in the Western Cape Province alone and , overall , child murders have increased across the country by almost 30 % over a decade .
On the same day that Tazne went missing , seven-year-old Reagan Gertse disappeared .
His body was discovered on a farm in the Western Cape a week later .
The man accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal released on parole .
And there have been other cases of people on parole committing murder .
When the president promises to fix the problem by pouring more money into a criminal justice system that is releasing violent criminals into communities without any warning , the government should not be too surprised when those communities lose faith and lash out .
When the man accused of killing Tazne appeared in court , community members revolted .
They attempted to storm the court building and , when that failed , they torched nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminals , including the accused .
Community Activist Mr Adams said that no-one wanted to mete out vigilante justice .
`` To be honest their reaction was mild in comparison to the violence this community has already faced… How else did you expect them to express their anger and frustration at what 's been happening ? ''
he asked .
You may also be interested in : • ' I was raped , now I fear for my daughters' • Can South Africa be compared to a 'war zone ' ?
Albert Frtiz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety in the Western Cape , acknowledges that the criminal justice system has failed its residents , and the parole system faces profound issues .
At the national level , Justice Minister Ronald Lomola has defended parole , saying that most of the people released are reintegrated safely back into society .
While he admitted that there were flaws in the system , he said it was not entirely broken .
Perhaps the level of child murder here is symptomatic of a much deeper malaise and arguing over the parole issue is missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain is that there are too many children dying here and the government is not doing enough to protect them .
• Where coronavirus prejudice spreads before the disease • Mugabe and Moi : The legacy of a dying African generation • Where toilets have become a constitutional right Follow us on Twitter @ BBCAfrica , on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

"If Ramaphosa really cared he would have made an immediate directive… I don't condone violence or burning things, but we won't stop raising this [issue]. If we have to shut down this whole city to make our point next time then we will."


bbc--2020-03-23--'I thought he was going to tear chunks out of my skin'

Lisa is one of a number of young women who have told the BBC they have been pressured into acts of violence in the bedroom .
She says she willingly `` got together '' with a guy she `` kind of knew '' at a house party but was shocked when he began repeatedly biting down on her body .
`` When he pulled his mouth away , his teeth were still clenched .
I thought he was going to tear chunks out of my skin , '' she says .
Lisa , which is not her real name , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether she wanted to be bitten and she was physically shocked by it .
She says she was crying and asked him to stop `` but there 's only so much you can do when somebody is a lot larger and stronger than you are '' .
Online culture is changing behaviour in the bedroom and what was once regarded as strictly fetish is rapidly becoming the norm .
BBC Disclosure and BBC 5Live commissioned a survey of 2,049 UK men aged 18 to 39 to assess how so-called `` rough sex '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 71 % of the men who took part said they had slapped , choked , gagged or spat on their partner during consensual sex .
One-third ( 33 % ) of the men who had done this said they would not ask verbally whether their partner would like them to do it either before or during sexual activity .
What is driving this interest in so-called `` rough sex '' ?
Our survey of young men pointed to a big factor - pornography .
More than half of the men ( 57 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slapped , choked , gagged and spat on partners said pornography had influenced their desire to do so .
One in five ( 20 % ) said it had influenced them a `` great deal '' .
A man called George - not his real name - told the BBC Disclosure programme A Question of Consent that he had tried choking and slapping during sex .
`` You see it in porn and think , 'oh , that looks class ' and you try it , '' he says .
However , George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what you watch on free pornography sites .
`` It never turns out the way it looks in porn , '' he says .
`` Obviously , they are actors , even though you watch and you like it , when you try it in real life you are disappointed quite a lot . ''
Dr Fiona Vera-Gray , from Durham University , researches the clips , titles and thumbnails found on the front pages of the world 's most popular free pornography sites .
She says she found evidence on the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of videos that would not be allowed to be uploaded under their stated terms and conditions .
Dr Vera-Gray says she even found evidence of videos that `` promote , endorse or glorify sexual violence , such as rape '' .
She says : `` Porn has changed the landscape of what 's going on for kids and so if you think your 12-year-old has n't seen pornography , I 'd really question that . ''
BBC Disclosure approached the most popular free pornography sites for an interview .
None agreed .
Lisa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the programme how she felt after her encounter .
`` I was just in shock , '' she says .
She says she felt a bit guilty because she had `` gotten with him '' .
`` Could I have done more ?
Could I have said more ?
Could I have left ? ''
she says .
She asks herself : `` Did you do enough to stop it ? ''
Brenna Jessie , from Rape Crisis Scotland , says that feelings of guilt are really common among victims of abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of women who have consented to sex but who have not consented to violence who wo n't necessarily recognise their experience or understand their experience to be sexual violence , '' she says .
Ms Jessie believes that society is to blame for those feelings .
`` We live in a society that really shames victims and blames them for not doing more to keep themselves safe rather than asking the perpetrators - or the people , who have committed these acts - why they have done that ? ''
Disclosure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC1 Scotland at 22:45 on Monday 23 March and on the iPlayer .

"It never turns out the way it looks in porn," he says. "Obviously, they are actors, even though you watch and you like it, when you try it in real life you are disappointed quite a lot."


bbc--2020-03-23--'I bought a winery and it caused a US-French row'

The BBC 's weekly The Boss series profiles different business leaders from around the world .
This week we speak to Michael Baum , US software multimillionaire and vineyard owner .
When American tech entrepreneur Michael Baum bought a prestigious winery in France 's Burgundy region it caused a trans-Atlantic spat .
`` [ French newspaper ] Le Figaro covered the announcement on its website , and there were about 2,500 comments on the article , '' says Michael , 57 .
`` You could split the comments right down the middle .
Half of them were 'damn foreigners stealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 'if it was n't for Americans you 'd all be eating sauerkraut right now ' .
`` So you can say it was pretty divisive . ''
This was back in 2014 , when Michael purchased Chateau de Pommard and its 25 hectares ( 62 acres ) of vines for an undisclosed sum in the many millions .
He could afford the price because he had made a fortune in Silicon Valley , most notably as the founder and former chief executive of a software company hardly any of us have heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff , but in simple terms , its software allows firms to monitor their data and security systems .
With annual revenues of $ 1.8bn ( £1.6bn ) , Splunk 's customers are many of the world 's largest companies .
They include 92 of the Fortune 100 list of the biggest 100 businesses in the US by annual turnover .
Michael and his two co-founders launched Splunk back in 2003 , and today it is a listed company with a market capitalisation ( the combined value of all its shares ) of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael retired from day-to-day involvement in the business in 2009 , he says that he remains the largest individual shareholder .
Today , in addition to running his French winery , or domaine , he sits on the board of eight other companies in the US and Europe , and he has a multitude of additional business investments .
He is also the founder of a mentoring and funding scheme for young entrepreneurs called Founder.org .
`` I like to keep busy , '' he says .
`` Certain people , call them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wired that way .
For me work is about creativity , it is about building things .
That is what is exciting to me . ''
Born and raised in Philadelphia , Michael says he had little interest in computers until his second year at the city 's Drexel University in the early 1980s .
Then , following a visit to the college by the late Steve Jobs , everyone purchased an Apple computer .
`` All of a sudden my brain went 'how do these work ? '
, '' says Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ software . ''
Switching his main university course from electrical engineering to computer science , it set him on an entrepreneurial career path in tech sector .
After graduating , Michael 's first business venture was a software system for investors that studied past stock market conditions to try to predict future performance .
Called Reality Online , it was ultimately purchased by the Reuters business information company .
Then armed with a master of business qualification from the University of Pennsylvania 's Wharton School , he moved to Silicon Valley .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a software system for early handheld computer devices , called Pensoft , and online money exchange firm Dotbank .
However , living in California , America 's main wine growing state , he did n't like American wine .
`` I did n't think I liked wine when I was a younger man , because I did n't like the American stuff , '' he says .
`` It is more often too heavy , too sweet , too alcoholic .
`` Then I went to Europe for the first time when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time .
And it was a huge revelation .
`` French wine is far more elegant , far more mineral , far more traditionally made .
It is night and day .
`` Then in 2012 we [ my wife and I ] moved to Paris for a year , just to take a hiatus , and I started looking more intensely at doing something in wine in France .
We went to Burgundy , and I was like 'this is it , this is ground zero , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Burgundy wines . ''
Home to some of the most expensive , and highly-prized wines in the world , Burgundy predominately produces white wines made from chardonnay grapes , and reds made from pinot noir .
The wineries and vineyards are often very small , with some producers owning just a few rows or plots of vines here and there .
Located some 300km ( 180 miles ) south east of Paris , the region was until recent years informally closed off to foreign investment because the existing French owners get first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and plots that come up for sale .
And they are mostly snapped up .
For this reason , overseas investment in French wine has historically been focused on the far larger Bordeaux area , near the Atlantic coast in the south west of the country .
Michael was able to buy Chateau de Pommard , and become the first American to buy a winery in Burgundy , thanks to a bit of luck - the previous owner had based the firm that controlled it in Luxembourg rather than France .
He now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valley .
`` It is fun to go back and forth , and experience two dramatically different worlds , '' he says .
Since Michael invested in Burgundy , another American has followed suite - sports billionaire Stan Kroenke , the owner of the LA Rams American football team , and England 's Arsenal FC .
Tom Ashworth , chief executive of UK wine merchants Yapp Brothers , says there is growing international interest in buying top Burgundy wineries , because the wines they produce have surged in global popularity in recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that as wine investors have turned their attention from buying bottles of Bordeaux to bottles of Burgundy over the past decade , so billionaires are pocketing the domaines themselves , '' says Mr Ashworth .
He adds that it also helps that the most prestigious sub region of Burgundy - the Cote d'Or - is far more picturesque than the main vineyard area of Bordeaux .
But if Michael had to pick just one region - Silicon Valley or Burgundy - which would it be ?
`` They are like chocolate and peanut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he says .

"Then in 2012 we [my wife and I] moved to Paris for a year, just to take a hiatus, and I started looking more intensely at doing something in wine in France. We went to Burgundy, and I was like 'this is it, this is ground zero, this is the benchmark'. I fell hard for Burgundy wines."


bbc--2020-03-23--World Athletics boss Coe calls for Tokyo 2020 postponement

World Athletics president Lord Coe has called for this summer 's Olympic Games in Tokyo to be postponed .
In a letter to International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) president Thomas Bach , Coe says that an Olympics in July 2020 is `` neither feasible or desirable '' because of the coronavirus crisis .
The IOC has given itself four weeks to decide on the future of the 2020 Games .
Options include a delay of several months or , more probably , a year from the scheduled start on 24 July .
Cancellation is `` not on the agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` scaled-down '' Games will also be considered .
Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe told his country 's parliament on Monday that a postponement of Tokyo 2020 would be unavoidable if they can not be held in a complete way .
On Sunday , Canada became the first major country to withdraw from this summer 's Olympics and Paralympics .
The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committee said it had taken `` the difficult decision '' to pull out after consulting athletes , sports groups , and the government .
It then `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the International Paralympic Committee and the World Health Organization to postpone the games for a year .
In his letter to Bach , which followed a conference call between himself and area presidents of the Olympic federations , Briton Coe said : `` No-one wants to see the Olympic Games postponed but as I have said publicly , we can not hold the event at all costs , certainly not at the cost of athlete safety , and a decision on the Olympic Games must become very obvious very quickly .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owe it to our athletes to give them respite where we can . ''
In his letter , the double Olympic 1500m champion listed three main reasons for delaying the 2020 Games : • Competition fairness - `` Every one of my area presidents believes that we can no longer expect a fair and level playing field in our sport given the number of athletes who are struggling to train in various countries due to measures put in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus . ''
• Risk of injury - `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now we both know , as we have both been there , they will push themselves even harder closer to an Olympic Games , which will increase the propensity for injury . ''
• Emotional wellbeing of athletes - `` The uncertainty of the Olympic Games happening in July and the inherent desire and motivation to excel that resides in all our athletes is causing real anguish that we can , collectively , put a stop to . ''
The subject of athlete welfare was also highlighted by Japanese Olympic Committee president Yasuhiro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that too long of a delay to Tokyo 2020 would be a burden to athletes preparing for the games .
In his own letter , addressed to athletes and published on Sunday , Bach said the IOC is `` in a dilemma '' and `` a final decision about the date of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 now would still be premature '' .
The German added that to postpone the Games `` is an extremely complex challenge '' and that a cancellation would `` destroy the Olympic dream of 11,000 athletes '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bach warned : `` A number of critical venues needed for the Games could potentially not be available any more .
`` The situations with millions of nights already booked in hotels is extremely difficult to handle , and the international sports calendar for at least 33 Olympic sports would have to be adapted .
These are just a few of many , many more challenges . ''
UK Athletics , its US counterpart , and several national Olympic governing bodies have urged the IOC in recent days to delay the Games .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world • The latest news on the coronavirus crisis

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are due to take placed from 24 July to 9 August
The 2020 Olympic Games will be postponed by one year because of coronavirus, says International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound.
It comes after the chairman of the British Olympic Association said Great Britain would be unlikely to send a team to Tokyo this summer.
Australia and Canada have already said they will not compete in Japan.
"On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided," Pound told USA today external-link .
"The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on 24 July, that much I know."
The International Olympic Committee has given itself four weeks to decide on the future of this summer's Games, but veteran IOC member Pound says a decision will be announced soon.
"It will come in stages," he said.
"We will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense."
'We will be joining Canada and Australia'
Canada and Australia had already announced their decision to withdraw from this summer's Games when the chairman of the British Olympic Association, Hugh Robertson, said he expected Britain to be "joining shortly".
"We can't see any way that this can go ahead as things are constituted," said Robertson. "I expect we will be joining Canada and Australia shortly."
As of Sunday, there had been 5,683 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United Kingdom, with 281 deaths.
The UK government has urged the public to follow advice on social distancing, with MPs debating stricter measures to ensure people comply.
"I think it is very simple. If the virus continues as predicted by the government, I don't think there is any way we can send a team," Robertson told Sky Sports News.
"First, I don't see any way that the athletes and Team GB could be ready by then. Elite training facilities are perfectly understandably and quite correctly closed around the country, so there is no way they could undertake the preparation they need to get ready for a Games.
"Secondly, there is the appropriateness of holding an Olympic Games at a time like this. We are actually in a process where we are talking to all our sports. We will complete that over the next couple of days.
"We have already said to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) that we think their four-week pause is absolutely the right thing to do."
On Sunday, Canada became the first major country to withdraw from this summer's Olympics and Paralympics.
The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committee said it had taken "the difficult decision" to pull out after consulting athletes, sports groups, and the government.
It then "urgently called" on the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee and the World Health Organization to postpone the Games for a year.
"It's clear the Games can't be held in July," Australia chef de mission Ian Chesterman said on Monday.
"Our athletes have been magnificent in their positive attitude to training and preparing, but the stress and uncertainty has been extremely challenging for them."
The IOC has said postponement is in its "scenario planning". The cancellation of the Tokyo 2020, due to run from 24 July to 9 August, is "not on the agenda", but a "scaled-down" Games is also being considered.
Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe told his country's parliament on Monday that a postponement would be unavoidable if the event cannot be held in a complete way.
'Neither feasible or desirable'
The 2020 Summer Olympic Games are still scheduled to start in July.
World Athletics president Lord Coe has called for this summer's Olympic Games in Tokyo to be postponed.
In a letter to IOC president Thomas Bach, Coe says an Olympics in July 2020 is "neither feasible or desirable" because of the coronavirus crisis.
In his letter to Bach, which followed a conference call between himself and area presidents of the Olympic federations, Briton Coe said: "No-one wants to see the Olympic Games postponed but, as I have said publicly, we cannot hold the event at all costs, certainly not at the cost of athlete safety.
"A decision on the Olympic Games must become very obvious very quickly. I believe that time has come and we owe it to our athletes to give them respite where we can."
In his letter, the double Olympic 1500m champion listed three main reasons for delaying the 2020 Games:
Competition fairness - "Every one of my area presidents believes that we can no longer expect a fair and level playing field in our sport given the number of athletes who are struggling to train in various countries due to measures put in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus."
Risk of injury - "If athletes are unable to train properly now we both know, as we have both been there, they will push themselves even harder closer to an Olympic Games, which will increase the propensity for injury."
Emotional wellbeing of athletes - "The uncertainty of the Olympic Games happening in July and the inherent desire and motivation to excel that resides in all our athletes is causing real anguish that we can, collectively, put a stop to."
The subject of athlete welfare was also highlighted by Japanese Olympic Committee president Yasuhiro Yamashita, who told reporters on Monday that too long of a delay to Tokyo 2020 would be a burden to athletes preparing for the games.
In his own letter, addressed to athletes and published on Sunday, Bach said the IOC is "in a dilemma" and "a final decision about the date of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 now would still be premature".
The German added that to postpone the Games "is an extremely complex challenge" and that a cancellation would "destroy the Olympic dream of 11,000 athletes".
In terms of a postponement, Bach warned: "A number of critical venues needed for the Games could potentially not be available any more.
"The situations with millions of nights already booked in hotels is extremely difficult to handle, and the international sports calendar for at least 33 Olympic sports would have to be adapted. These are just a few of many, many more challenges."
UK Athletics, its US counterpart, and several national Olympic governing bodies have urged the IOC in recent days to delay the Games.


bbc--2020-03-23--'Totally irresponsible and selfish' - Hamilton criticises people ignoring social-distancing advice

Lewis Hamilton has described people who are ignoring advice on social distancing during the coronavirus crisis as `` irresponsible and selfish '' .
The UK government advises against large gatherings and wants people to stay at least two metres away from others .
Hamilton , who has been self-isolating but shown no symptoms , said he was `` so sad '' about lives being lost .
`` I 'm praying for my family 's safety each day but I 'm also praying for you out there , '' said the world champion .
• What are self-isolating and social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are people out there still going to clubs and bars and large gatherings , which I feel is totally irresponsible and selfish .
`` There is nothing we can do about it either way except try to isolate ourselves , stop ourselves from catching it and spreading it .
`` I 'm praying for those working at the local store , deliverers , doctors and nurses who put their own health at risk to help others and keep the countries running .
`` Those are the heroes .
Please stay safe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Formula 1 season has been thrown into disarray as a result of the impact of coronavirus .
The first seven races have been postponed , with the Monaco Grand Prix , F1 's most famous race , cancelled .
F1 and governing body the FIA say they `` expect to begin the 2020 championship season as soon as it is safe to do so after May , and will continue to regularly monitor the ongoing Covid-19 situation '' .
• Delayed start or no season at all ?
What happens next in F1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events around the world • The latest news on the coronavirus crisis

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
The first seven races, including the Australian Grand Prix, have been postponed
Lewis Hamilton has described people who are ignoring advice on social distancing during the coronavirus crisis as "irresponsible and selfish".
The UK government advises against large gatherings and wants people to stay at least two metres away from others.
Hamilton, who has been self-isolating but shown no symptoms, said he was "so sad" about lives being lost.
"I'm praying for my family's safety each day but I'm also praying for you out there," said the world champion.
The 35-year-old Briton added: "There are people out there still going to clubs and bars and large gatherings, which I feel is totally irresponsible and selfish.
"There is nothing we can do about it either way except try to isolate ourselves, stop ourselves from catching it and spreading it.
"I'm praying for those working at the local store, deliverers, doctors and nurses who put their own health at risk to help others and keep the countries running.
"Those are the heroes. Please stay safe, people."
The start of the Formula 1 season has been thrown into disarray as a result of the impact of coronavirus.
The first seven races have been postponed, with the Monaco Grand Prix, F1's most famous race, cancelled.
F1 and governing body the FIA say they "expect to begin the 2020 championship season as soon as it is safe to do so after May, and will continue to regularly monitor the ongoing Covid-19 situation".


bbc--2020-03-22--Ex-Man Utd midfielder Fellaini tests positive for coronavirus

Former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has confirmed that he has tested positive for coronavirus .
In a post on @ @ @ @ @ who is now at Chinese club Shandong Luneng said he hopes `` to return to @ @ @ @ @ possible '' .
Chinese media reports say Fellaini is in isolation at Jinan hospital , @ @ @ @ @ .
The Belgium international moved to China in 2019 after 11 seasons in England with @ @ @ @ @ , who had recently returned to the country to resume training , is reportedly the @ @ @ @ @ to have contracted the illness .
A statement from his club read : `` The @ @ @ @ @ player Fellaini has tested positive for coronavirus during the quarantine observation period .
`` During @ @ @ @ @ 's body temperature has been normal and there are no other discomforts .
He has @ @ @ @ @ at a designated medical institution . ''

Last updated on .From the section Football
Marouane Fellaini scored 55 goals across all competitions for Everton and Manchester United
Former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has confirmed that he has tested positive for coronavirus.
In a post on Twitter, external-link the 32-year-old, who is now at Chinese club Shandong Luneng said he hopes "to return to the game as soon as possible".
Chinese media reports say Fellaini is in isolation at Jinan hospital, which specialises in infectious diseases.
The Belgium international moved to China in 2019 after 11 seasons in England with United and Everton.
Fellaini, who had recently returned to the country to resume training, is reportedly the only Chinese Super League player to have contracted the illness.
A statement from his club read: "The official test confirmed that the player Fellaini has tested positive for coronavirus during the quarantine observation period.
"During this period, the player's body temperature has been normal and there are no other discomforts. He has received further observation and treatment at a designated medical institution."


bbc--2020-03-22--Kipchoge's training from home diary - part two

A message of optimism over lunch from Kenya 's superstar marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge - and his family - as @ @ @ @ @ his home in Kenya .

A message of optimism over lunch from Kenya's superstar marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge - and his family - as they eat in isolation at his home in Kenya.
Part 1: The lonely run
Part 3: Down on the farm


bbc--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: More myths to ignore

Coronavirus: More myths to ignore

What exactly is social distancing ?
Governments are advising people to socially distance to reduce the pressure on health services @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 .

How to wash your hands - in 20 seconds. Video, 00:00:23How to wash your hands - in 20 seconds


bbc--2020-03-23--The volunteer army helping self-isolating neighbours

The coronavirus outbreak has left many people feeling trapped indoors - but tens of thousands of volunteers have offered to help them out .
It was late at night on Thursday 12 March when Aviah Sarah Day realised things were serious .
Five days earlier she 'd thought nothing of going to a nightclub packed with sweaty revellers .
Now , as the latest news about the coronavirus outbreak came in , it began to dawn on her just how difficult life was about to become for the millions of British people who would end up stuck inside their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her sofa looking at the newsfeed on her phone , she saw something that gave her hope .
In Lewisham , across the river in south London , a Facebook group had been set up for people who wanted to offer their services to neighbours who might be confined to their homes as a result of the outbreak - to fetch their groceries , walk their dogs , pick up prescriptions or simply have a chat over the phone or Skype if they were feeling lonely or frightened .
So Day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , set up a Facebook group for Hackney too .
By the time she went to bed , no-one had joined : `` I thought no-one was interested , '' she recalls .
But when she woke up in the morning , the group had hundreds of members .
Today it has nearly 7,000 .
Since it became clear just how widespread self-isolation would become , tens of thousands of people have been thinking the same way as Day .
Lewisham was the first , but by the end of the weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
WhatsApp and Nextdoor proved popular tools as well as Facebook .
Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK , an umbrella organisation for these spontaneous community groups from Caithness to Cornwall , says there are now over 1,000 .
The community organising group , Acorn , has a web page connecting volunteers with people in need too .
Others are focused on individual streets , estates or a single block of flats .
The motivation among volunteers is broadly the same - to do what they can to help their neighbours , especially those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person who 's not at a high risk of dying , you feel responsible , '' says 17-year-old student Eleanor Anrade May , who helped set up the Devon Mutual Aid Group .
And for many volunteers , at a time of widespread panic and unease , the ability to do something - anything - provides at least a tiny measure of control over the situation .
A week on , Day - who helped set up groups covering the Redbridge local authority area ( where she lives ) and Barking and Dagenham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hand .
Throughout the day her phone pings with messages and updates , and there are virtual meetings on the Zoom app ( which people who are self-isolating can also take part in ) .
In east London , there are Facebook groups for each borough and WhatsApp groups at ward and sometimes street level .
Signing up as a volunteer is one thing , finding a system that matches all the jobs that need doing - leafleting homes with offers of support , delivering groceries , fetching vital medicines - is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out leafleting , there 's people doing Facebook admin roles , '' Day says .
Not all generate equal levels of enthusiasm : `` There are some more popular tasks than others , and dog-walking is definitely up there , '' she adds .
But so far at least there are still enough bodies to go around .
• EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HOW IS THE UK PREPARING ?
The government 's plans • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about making sure households are stocked up with milk and bread , either .
Ensuring people have some kind of connection to the outside world is a priority , too .
One of the cases that has affected Day most was an older man with HIV , who was self-isolating .
`` He was feeling a bit lonely and just wanted to chat to somebody . ''
He was put in touch with volunteers who spoke to him by phone .
Some of those who 've volunteered have already seen their good deed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was keen to help out in any way she could .
She signed up to her local WhatsApp group in Denmark Hill , South London , and her phone number was added to a leaflet delivered through the doors of nearby streets offering support to anyone who needed it .
Then she started coughing .
Her partner developed a fever .
Neither of them had a thermometer , so they asked the group for one .
`` Lo and behold a thermometer was dropped at the door , '' she says .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly vulnerable person , she valued the sense of feeling cared for as she began her self-isolation .
`` It 's a really nice feeling , being looked after by your neighbours . ''
• How can you still celebrate Mother 's Day ?
• How to help kids cope with life without school The benefits of setting up a group like this might be obvious , but anyone who does so quickly encounters countless practical difficulties .
For instance , what does data protection law say about maintaining databases of volunteers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safeguarding them if they 're vulnerable ?
Do you need to carry out a criminal record check ?
What 's the most hygienic way of delivering a leaflet or a bag of groceries ?
These are issues the groups have had to get to grips with quickly , and all at once .
It 's compounded by the fact that they 've grown exponentially in just a few days .
Jamie Haxby , 31 , is an outreach worker for a church in Lancaster .
When it set up the Lancaster Coronavirus Response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attracted more than 1,000 members .
He found himself speaking to a woman who lived hundreds of miles away in Kent - her parents , both in their 80s , live in Lancaster and it reassured her to know they had a source of support .
Haxby was able to draw on his own experience of working closely with local authorities and voluntary sector organisations , as well the specialist skills of other church members .
One was a software engineer ; he set up a platform which allows volunteers to submit an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background check , and once they are cleared , allocates them to a particular job and alerts them by text .
The Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK umbrella group has guidance for things like hygiene , safeguarding , data protection and running meetings online .
Haxby warns that smaller groups with less experience and wherewithal could quickly find themselves out of their depth , facing a host of unforeseen problems .
The most important thing to remember , he says , is keeping it simple : `` We 're a bit limited in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff , pick stuff up , speak to them on the phone . ''
Given the widespread use of Facebook as an organising tool , there is also unease about the capacity for the social media platform and others like it to spread false rumours and misinformation .
It 's a big concern for John Morris , 27 , who set up Nottingham Covid-19 Mutual Aid on Saturday and found himself `` running a small NGO within two days '' - its Facebook page now has over 15,000 members .
A crucial early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moderators to enforce one of the page 's key rules - any health advice shared on it can only come from reputable sources such as the NHS , the government or the World Health Organization .
Photos of empty shelves were banned too : `` So no toilet roll posts , '' he says .
`` We do n't want to get people panicking . ''
And for Day , one of the most important functions of the groups has been to deepen her faith in human nature .
The footage of panic-buying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says .
`` This has shown me that people want to help each other . ''

And then, as she sat on her sofa looking at the newsfeed on her phone, she saw something that gave her hope. In Lewisham, across the river in south London, a Facebook group had been set up for people who wanted to offer their services to neighbours who might be confined to their homes as a result of the outbreak - to fetch their groceries, walk their dogs, pick up prescriptions or simply have a chat over the phone or Skype if they were feeling lonely or frightened.


bbc--2020-03-23--Johnson announces strict new curbs on life in UK

Strict new curbs on life in the UK to tackle the spread of coronavirus have been announced by the prime minister .
From this evening people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities , daily exercise , any medical need and travelling to and from essential work .
Shops selling non-essential goods are being told to shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together are to be prohibited .
If people do not follow the rules police will have the powers to enforce them , including through fines and dispersing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ televised statement from Downing Street .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Other premises including libraries , playgrounds and outdoor gyms , and places of worship must also close immediately .
Parks will remain open for exercise but gatherings will be dispersed .
The government is also stopping all social events , including weddings , baptisms and other ceremonies - but funerals will be allowed .
Mr Johnson said the country faced a `` moment of national emergency '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the NHS and save lives .
He said the restrictions would be kept under constant review .
`` We will look again in three weeks , and relax them if the evidence shows we are able to , '' he added .
Martin Hewitt , chair of the National Police Chiefs ' Council , said they were `` working with the government and other agencies to consider how these new rules can be most effectively enforced '' .
But Ken Marsh , chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation , said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' among officers across London and enforcing the new restrictions would be `` a real , real challenge '' .
`` We will be dealing with it , but I 'm not sure we will have the resources to be able to see it through , '' he added .
Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a tweet : `` I know that the coming weeks will be testing for our front-line police officers .
`` I will do everything I can to ensure that they have the resources they need to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the new restrictions `` amount to a lockdown '' and are `` not done lightly '' .
`` I am not going to sugarcoat it in any way , '' she said .
`` Coronavirus is the biggest challenge of our lifetime . ''
In a tweet , First Minister of Northern Ireland Arlene Foster urged people to follow the restrictions `` to save lives and protect our hospitals '' .
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said `` these are really big changes for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them because of the speed the virus is continuing to spread , '' he added .
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the measures were `` the right response '' .
`` There now needs to be clear guidance to employers and workers about which workplaces should close - and the government must close the loopholes to give security to all workers , including the self-employed , as well as renters and mortgage holders , '' he added .
• Five things that will now be banned • This is a lockdown , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' in NI if social distancing not followed The prime minister said the measures were necessary to tackle `` the biggest threat this country has faced for decades '' .
`` Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus , there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope ; because there wo n't be enough ventilators , enough intensive care beds , enough doctors and nurses , '' he said .
`` And as we have seen elsewhere , in other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that is the moment of real danger .
`` To put it simply , if too many people become seriously unwell at one time , the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die , not just from coronavirus but from other illnesses as well . ''
Ministers and officials have become concerned about reports of people failing to observe the advice about social distancing .
The sunny weather at the weekend led to people flocking to parks and other outdoor places to enjoy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commuters packed on to trains and tubes have also raised alarm .
The figures show the number of positive cases are beginning to rise quickly and there is a desire - now we have gone down this route - that the gains from reducing social contact are maximised .
If we halve exposure , new infections could fall by more than 95 % .
Scientists currently believe that each person with coronavirus infects 2.5 people and that takes about five days .
Thirty days after that first infection , that means more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we all reduce our exposure by half , after 30 days , that first infection would have led to only 15 infections .
The prime minister said he knew the `` damage '' the restrictions were causing to people 's lives , businesses and jobs but at present there were `` no easy options '' .
`` The way ahead is hard , and it is still true that many lives will sadly be lost , '' he said .
However , Mr Johnson said there was `` a clear way through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former clinicians returning to work , accelerating the search for treatments and a vaccine and buying millions of testing kits .
A further 46 people have died in England since Sunday - aged between 47 and 105 and all with underlying health conditions - while there were four deaths in Scotland and four in Wales .
There have been 83,945 tests to date , with 6,650 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK .
Meanwhile , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Britons travelling abroad should return to the UK as soon as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the closure of borders and the suspension of flights .
And people in the most at-risk groups have begun receiving an NHS text urging them to stay at home for 12 weeks .
It seems hard to overstate how huge an impact this will have on the country , and what a massive decision this is for the government to have taken - whose effect will last at least for a period of three weeks at the shortest , potentially for very much longer .
Remember this though is not quite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other countries - at least not yet .
Despite tonight 's enormous announcement , there are steps that other places have taken - curfews or total travel bans for example - that the UK is not pursuing .
The government is not triggering the Civil Contingencies Act , designed for the most serious emergencies which gives ministers draconian powers .
Not surprisingly , there is already therefore enormous controversy about whether the UK has been acting fast enough .
Later on Monday night , following Mr Johnson 's address , emergency legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleared the House of Commons and will now go to the Lords for further debate .
Under the legislation , airports could shut and police would be able to force people with virus symptoms to isolate .
The powers , which would have to be renewed every six months , are expected to be approved by MPs .
Elsewhere , the British Olympic Association said Great Britain will not send a team to Tokyo 2020 if the spread of coronavirus continues as predicted .
The International Olympic Committee has given itself four weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Games , but Australia and Canada have already announced they will not compete this summer .
• The government has announced a package of measures to help the UK rail industry and promised commuters with season tickets that they will receive a refund if they choose to stay at home • Germany has expanded curbs on social interactions , banning public gatherings of more than two people • The number of worldwide cases has reached 340,000 , with nearly 15,000 deaths • Italy reported 602 new deaths on Monday , bringing the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reported the lowest number of new cases since infections peaked • Thousands of retired medics answered the government 's call to return to work to help with the outbreak - including 4,000 nurses and 500 doctors • All new jury trials in England and Wales have been halted until they can be conducted safely , the Lord Chief Justice has announced

It seems hard to overstate how huge an impact this will have on the country, and what a massive decision this is for the government to have taken - whose effect will last at least for a period of three weeks at the shortest, potentially for very much longer.


bbc--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Pandemic is 'accelerating', WHO warns as cases pass 300,000

The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has warned that the coronavirus disease pandemic is `` accelerating '' , with more than 300,000 cases now confirmed .
It took 67 days from the first reported of Covid-19 to reach 100,000 cases , 11 days for the second 100,000 , and just four days for the third 100,000 .
But WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was still possible to `` change the trajectory '' .
He urged countries to adopt rigorous testing and contact-tracing strategies .
`` What matters most is what we do .
You ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You have to attack as well , '' he told a joint news conference with Fifa president Gianni Infantino to launch a `` kick out coronavirus '' campaign featuring footballers .
Dr Tedros said asking people to stay at home and other physical-distancing measures were an important way of slowing down the spread of the virus , but described them as `` defensive measures that will not help us to win '' .
`` To win , we need to attack the virus with aggressive and targeted tactics - testing every suspected case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case , and chasing and quarantining every close contact . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Dr Tedros expressed alarm at reports from around the world of large numbers of infections among health workers , which appeared to be the result of a shortage of adequate personal protective equipment .
`` Health workers can only do their jobs effectively when they can do their jobs safely , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything else right , if we do n't prioritise protecting health workers many people will die because the health worker who could have saved their life is sick . ''
He said the WHO has been working with its partners to rationalise and prioritise the use of protective equipment , and to address the global shortage of it .
But he noted : `` Measures put in place to slow the spread of the virus may have unintended consequences of exacerbating shortages of essential protective gear and the materials needed to make them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` political commitment and political co-ordination at the global level '' and said he would ask leaders of the G20 group of nations this week to work together to boost production of protective equipment , avoid export bans and ensure equity of distribution on the basis of need .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday night that , with immediate effect , `` people will only be allowed to leave their home ... for very limited purposes '' .
They include shopping for basic necessities , taking one form of exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or travelling to work if working from home is impossible .
The number of people who have died in the UK rose to 335 on Monday .
• PM announces strict new curbs on life in UK In Italy , the worst-hit country in the world , the authorities said 602 people with Covid-19 had died in the past 24 hours , bringing the total death toll there to 6,077 .
But the daily increase was the smallest since Thursday , raising hope that the stringent restrictions imposed by the government were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , said its death toll had risen by 462 to 2,182 - a 27 % increase .
France reported 186 new deaths , bringing its total to 860 .
The government will tighten the lockdown there from Tuesday , strictly limiting physical exercise and closing most open-air markets .
Meanwhile , International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound said the 2020 Tokyo Olympics would be postponed by one year because of coronavirus .
However , the IOC has not yet formally announced a decision on the future of the Games .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide on the future of the games , but Australia and Canada have said they will not compete in Japan this summer and Great Britain has said it is unlikely that it would be able to send a team .
• In the United States , where 481 people have died , state governors and city mayors pleaded for help from the federal government • President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard troops in the three hardest-hit states - California , New York and Washington • The Indian government said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early hours of Wednesday as it ramped up its measures to contain the virus • South Africa 's government said a 21-day lockdown would be imposed from Thursday • Brazil 's President , Jair Bolsonaro , bowed to fierce criticism in Congress and withdrew measures that would have allowed companies to put employees on unpaid work for up to four months • The United Nations called for a `` global ceasefire '' to allow the world to tackle the pandemic .
Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the most vulnerable people - `` women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the marginalized and the displaced '' - would pay the highest price if conflicts continued

"Health workers can only do their jobs effectively when they can do their jobs safely," he warned. "Even if we do everything else right, if we don't prioritise protecting health workers many people will die because the health worker who could have saved their life is sick."


bbc--2020-03-23--Trump says coronavirus not Asian Americans' fault

US President Donald Trump - under fire for labelling Covid-19 the `` Chinese virus '' - has said Asian Americans should not be blamed for the outbreak .
He said it is `` very important that we totally protect '' Asian Americans , whom he praised as `` amazing people '' .
Mr Trump spoke out amid rising reports of verbal and physical attacks on the community amid the pandemic .
Coronavirus is still spreading in the US , which currently has over 42,000 confirmed cases and 533 deaths .
At a White House coronavirus task force news conference on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is very important that we totally protect our Asian American community in the United States and all around the world .
`` They 're amazing people and the spreading of the virus is not their fault in any way , shape or form .
`` They 're working closely with us to get rid of it - we will prevail together . ''
A recent study from San Francisco State University found a 50 % rise in news articles reporting coronavirus-related discrimination against Asian Americans .
Mr Trump also signed an executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price gouging of essential goods .
Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham wrote on Twitter : `` We will not let those hoarding vital supplies & price gougers to harm the health of America in this hour of need . ''
• Strict new curbs on life in UK announced by PM • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Asked by a reporter why he had spoken out, Mr Trump said: "It seems that there could be a little bit of nasty language toward the Asian Americans in our country and I don't like that at all.


bbc--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Is Trump going cold on lockdown strategy?

As a growing number of states issue `` shelter in place '' orders , businesses shutter and Americans everywhere are told to limit outings and practise social distancing , Donald Trump may be having second thoughts .
For more than a week , Trump administration officials and state leaders have been talking of the need to `` bend the curve '' of the coronavirus outbreak , limiting the spread of the illness to prevent the American healthcare system from being overwhelmed .
The steep economic toll , however , is becoming increasingly apparent .
Last week Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
On Thursday the Treasury Department will release last week 's new jobless claims , and the numbers are sure to be in the millions .
A Goldman Sachs report estimated that the nation 's gross domestic product in the second quarter could shrink by 24 % , dwarfing the previous 10 % record decline in 1958 .
In the late hours of Sunday night , the president tweeted - in all caps - that he has some concerns .
`` WE CAN NOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the all-caps he reserves for matters of apparent urgency .
`` AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD , WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO ! ''
The 15-day period the president referenced began on 16 March , when the White House announced new Centers for Disease Control guidelines encouraging all Americans to work from home when possible and limit gatherings of more than 10 people .
As is often the case , the president 's tweet may have been prompted by watching a segment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , host ( and former advisor to then-British PM David Cameron ) Steve Hilton warned that an economic collapse would itself result in avoidable deaths and other hardships - that the `` cure '' could be worse than the `` disease '' .
`` Our ruling class and their TV mouthpieces whipping up fear over this virus , they can afford an indefinite shutdown , '' Hilton said .
`` Working Americans ca n't .
They 'll be crushed by it . ''
Trump 's faithful may be inching back to the view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus is being used by the president 's political enemies to damage his political standing by damaging the economy .
On Monday morning the president continued on this theme , with a flurry of retweets of accounts ( some with only a few hundred followers ) who were calling for Americans to be allowed to return to work after the 15-day period ended .
Former top Trump economic advisor Gary Cohn also joined the chorus , albeit somewhat obliquely .
`` Is it time to start discussing the need for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ? ''
he asked on Twitter .
`` Policymakers have taken bold public health and economic actions to address the coronavirus , but businesses need clarity .
Otherwise they will assume the worst and make decisions to survive . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak This conclusion among conservatives is not universal , however .
On Sunday Steve Bannon , a former senior Trump campaign and White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of favour with the president , advocated for a `` hammer '' style imposition of rigorous separation .
`` Drop the hammer , do n't mitigate the virus , do n't spread the curve , shatter the curve , '' he said during a Fox News morning interview .
`` Go full hammer on the virus right now with a full shutdown , use the stimulus to bridge the economic crisis . ''
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham , who frequently has the president 's ear , issued his own warning , garnished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump 's best decision was stopping travel from China early on , '' he writes .
`` I hope we will not undercut that decision by suggesting we back off aggressive containment policies within the United States . ''
Graham somewhat misrepresented the administration 's 31 January order that only limited entry by non-US-resident foreign nationals who had been in China in the previous two weeks , but the move has been touted by the president as evidence that he acted early to deal with the spread of the virus .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stress the need for rigorous social distancing - which suggests that there could be growing divisions between medical professionals in the administration and those whose focus on the economic impact .
• US plans to pay Americans as part of $ 1tn stimulus • A visual guide to the economic impact of coronavirus On Monday morning , for instance , Surgeon General Jerome Adams warned that the worst was yet to come .
`` I want America to understand , this week , it 's going to get bad , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And right now there are not enough people out there who are taking this seriously . ''
Any move by the administration to ease guidelines could also set up a clash with state governors , a growing number of whom are moving toward greater , not lesser , restrictions on movement and gatherings .
One of the much-touted strengths of the US federalist system of government is it allows states - the so-called `` laboratories of democracy '' - freedom to devise their own policies and solutions to pressing political concerns .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , however , as some governors warn of the risks of a patchwork response to a national health crisis The president underlined this potential for conflict in a tweet on Sunday afternoon swiping at Illinois Governor JB Pritzker , who had earlier criticised the administration 's coronavirus response .
@ JBPritzker , Governor of Illinois , and a very small group of certain other Governors , together with Fake News @ CNN & Concast ( MSDNC ) , should n't be blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back you up should you fail , and always will be ! ''
The president , it appears , is being pulled in multiple directions and , as he often does , is airing his internal dialogue on Twitter .
He has described himself as a `` wartime president '' doing battle against the spread of this virus , but he 's also spent much of the past year building a November re-election campaign around the claim that he has presided over record economic growth and low unemployment - both of which seem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deploy National Guard in three states And not only is Trump looking at this as a president whose re-election could hinge on an economic rebound , he is also a businessman watching his life 's work - his empire of resorts , hotels and golf courses , some of which were reportedly already in financial trouble - face an existential crisis .
The three-plus years of Trump 's administration have already had enough turmoil and drama - much of it self-created - to fill an entire two terms .
The coronavirus outbreak is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , barring the kind of miracle treatment Trump has at times hoped for , appears to offer options that range from bad to worse .

One of the much-touted strengths of the US federalist system of government is it allows states - the so-called "laboratories of democracy" - freedom to devise their own policies and solutions to pressing political concerns. That system has never been tested quite like this, however, as some governors warn of the risks of a patchwork response to a national health crisis


bbc--2020-03-23--A visual guide to the pandemic

A visual guide to the pandemic

Coronavirus has been spreading rapidly across the world , affecting more than 160 countries and claiming more than 16,000 lives .
There are more than 360,000 confirmed cases worldwide .
Europe is now at the epicentre of the crisis and the US is facing a surge in cases .
This series of maps and charts will help you understand what is going on .
The virus is spreading rapidly in many countries , with more than 270,000 confirmed cases outside China , according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University .
The true figure for the number of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher as many of those with milder symptoms have not been tested and counted .
Italy has the highest death toll of any single country in the world with more than 6,000 deaths , many in the worst-hit region of Lombardy .
The US , Spain , France and Germany also have a large number of confirmed cases .
The US now has the third highest figure globally , and almost 100 deaths recorded in New York City , according to John Hopkins data .
President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries , including the UK and Ireland , as well as China and Iran .
Mr Trump has also ordered the deployment of National Guard troops in New York , California and Washington - the three states hardest hit by the virus outbreak .
They will help deliver medical aid and set up medical stations as the number of infections and deaths continues to rise .
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has described his country as being `` at war '' as the number of cases there also escalates .
The coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization ( WHO ) on 11 March .
This is when an infectious disease is passing easily from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
The WHO said it took more than three months to reach the first 100,000 confirmed cases worldwide , but only 12 days to reach the next 100,000 .
More than 80,000 people in China were diagnosed with the infection after its emergence in the city of Wuhan , Hubei province , in December .
China says it has now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease , and that all new recorded cases are imported infections from other countries .
Countries around the world are ramping up measures to try to slow the virus down .
Governments have halted flights , locked down towns and cities and urged people to stay at home .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health 2 .
The virus has killed more people in Italy than China Italy currently has the most confirmed cases outside China , where the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases compared with China 's 81,000 , its death toll of 6,000 exceeds China 's by several hundred .
However , Italy 's daily confirmed deaths from the virus have dropped for two consecutive days .
The majority of Italy 's deaths have occurred in the northern Lombardy region , which contains the city of Milan .
Hospitals there are reportedly at breaking point and retired doctors and nurses have been asked to return to work .
Italian authorities have imposed stringent restrictions , closing nearly all shops , bars , hairdressers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gyms , museums , nightclubs and other venues have been shut , and people have been ordered to stay at home and seek permission for essential travel in a bid to slow the virus 's spread .
The lockdown , imposed on 12 March , has now been extended beyond the original 25 March end date .
A number of airlines , including British Airways , EasyJet and Ryanair , have cancelled Italy flights until the start of April .
Other European countries have seen steep rises in infections and deaths , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the crisis .
As well as Italy , Spain , France , Germany and the UK now have thousands of confirmed cases each .
Germany 's Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that up to 70 % of its population - some 58 million people - could contract coronavirus .
However , some German virologists dispute the high figure , suggesting a worst-case scenario of 40,000 cases .
Spain , which now has the fourth highest number of cases outside China , after Italy and the US , brought in a state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , confirmed cases stand at 6,650 and 335 people have died .
On 16 March Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a shift in strategy , urging everyone in the UK to avoid unnecessary social contact and work from home where possible .
On 20 March he said that pubs , restaurants , theatres , leisure centres and gyms should all close .
• UK outbreak in graphics : How many cases are in your area ?

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


bbc--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Austria investigates Ischgl ski resort business for 'hiding case'

Austria is investigating a bar at a popular ski resort for allegedly not reporting a case of coronavirus .
The inquiry focuses on reports that a worker fell ill at the Ischgl resort , in the province of Tyrol , in February .
The resort has been linked to hundreds of cases in Austria , Germany and Scandinavian countries .
Despite this , the slopes and bars at the resort stayed open for weeks .
On Monday Austria said it had confirmed 3,611 cases , a 19 % rise in one day .
Europe is the current epicentre of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are confirmed to have been infected across the Continent , with Italy the worst-affected country .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The resort in Ischgl - a small town of about 1,500 people in the Austrian Alps - is known for its nightlife and annual concerts after the close of its ski season .
Reports suggest a worker at one popular bar , Kitzloch , fell ill at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been officially confirmed .
Visitors from Iceland , Denmark , Norway , Germany and Austria all began testing positive for coronavirus after returning from the town early in March .
Governments started listing the town as an at-risk area , although local authorities played down the concerns .
Kitzloch was not shut until 10 March , and the town was finally closed on 13 March .
Werner Kurz , the mayor of Ischgl , told German newspaper Der Spiegel the shut down was `` a catastrophe '' for the town , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a timely manner '' .
Austria 's Health Minister Rudolf Anschober announced the number of tests would `` massively '' rise , with more regular checks for hospital staff .
`` The number of tests is increasing and will continue to increase dramatically over the next two to three weeks , '' he said in a statement .
In other developments across Europe : • The death toll in Spain reached 2,182 , the government announced , after 462 people passed away in the past 24 hours • The UK 's health secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very selfish '' and warned that further action could be taken aimed at tackling the pandemic • Italy has banned people from travelling outside the municipality they are currently in , even to return to their normal place of residence , except for urgent work or health reasons • Russian military transport planes began delivering desperately needed ventilators , disinfection equipment and medical teams to Italy , which has the highest death toll in the world

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bbc--2020-03-23--Alex Salmond cleared of all sexual assault charges

Alex Salmond has been cleared of sexually assaulting nine women while he was Scotland 's first minister .
A jury found the former SNP leader not guilty on 12 of the sexual assault charges facing him , while another was found not proven .
A further charge of sexually assaulting a 10th woman had previously been dropped by prosecutors .
Mr Salmond had said he was innocent of all the charges against him throughout the two-week trial .
The women who made the allegations against Mr Salmond included an SNP politician , a party worker and several current and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During his evidence to the court , he said the claims made about his alleged conduct were `` deliberate fabrications for a political purpose '' or `` exaggerations '' .
• Behind the scenes of the Alex Salmond trial • Follow @ bbcphilipsim for live updates from the trial And he said he had `` never attempted to have non-consensual sexual relations with anyone in my entire life '' .
Mr Salmond 's defence team had claimed during the trial that a senior Scottish government official known as Woman A , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the other complainers before Mr Salmond was charged .
Defence lawyer Gordon Jackson QC told the jury : `` That stinks .
It absolutely stinks '' .
Mr Jackson also said his client had not always behaved well and could have been `` a better man on occasions '' - but had never sexually assaulted anyone .
Speaking outside court after his acquittal , Mr Salmond said : `` As many of you will know , there is certain evidence I would have liked to have seen led in this trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not able to do so .
`` At some point , that information , that facts and that evidence will see the light of day . ''
He also said his faith in the Scottish legal system had been `` much reinforced '' , and thanked his legal team and everyone else who had supported him .
Mr Salmond added : `` Whatever nightmare I have been through over the last two years it is as nothing compared to the situation we are all going through .
`` If you can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , God help us all . ''
After a political career crossing four decades , Alex Salmond has spent more time than most sitting nervously waiting for a result to come in .
Never , though , one quite like this .
As the foreman of the jury read out verdicts clearing the former first minister of sexual assault , it was like the air had gone out of the room .
After six total hours of pacing and speculation , the inhabitants of court three were utterly silenced .
For two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the dock as his future and freedom were debated in front of him .
Giving evidence , there was little evidence of the political showman of old - this was a reserved Alex Salmond , acutely aware of the difficulty of the situation facing him .
Outside the court too , there was little in the way of triumphalism .
He thanked the jury and his supporters , and voiced fears about the coronavirus crisis .
But he also spoke about how `` certain evidence '' was yet to come to light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case is over , there are many matters which are far from settled .
There will now be myriad questions directed at the Scottish government , the SNP , and Nicola Sturgeon .
But these will be debated in the political arena , not the legal one .
Nicola Sturgeon , who replaced Mr Salmond as first minister and SNP leader in 2014 , told BBC Scotland that the jury 's verdict must be respected and that she will welcome the parliamentary inquiries that are to be held into her government 's handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added : `` I am a strong believer in a rigorous , robust independent judicial process where complaints of this nature , if they come forward , are properly and thoroughly investigated , due process takes its course and a court reaches a decision .
`` I have no doubt that there will be further discussion around this issue in due course , and I will welcome that , but that time is not now .
`` This country faces a crisis right now that is bigger than anything we 've ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my duty to the public is to focus 100 % on steering us through that crisis - and that is what I intend to do . ''
The Scottish government admitted during a judicial review in January of last year that it had acted unlawfully while investigating sexual harassment complaints made against Mr Salmond by appointing an investigating officer who had `` prior involvement '' in the case .
Mr Salmond , who hosts a TV show on controversial Russian broadcaster RT , was arrested by the police and formally charged later the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SNP in August 2018 , but made clear at the time that he intended to apply to rejoin the party that he led for a total of 20 years once he had cleared his name .
Mr Salmond remains an iconic figure for many within the party and the wider independence movement , and raised more than £100,000 in just three days from an online crowdfunder to pay for his judicial review against the Scottish government .
The jury 's verdict was welcomed by SNP MP Joanna Cherry QC , who said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the background to these cases '' .
Ms Cherry added : `` Some of the evidence that has come to light both in the judicial review and at this trial raise very serious questions over the process that was employed within the Scottish government to investigate the alleged complaints against Mr Salmond .
`` I am sorry to say some of the evidence also raises serious question marks over how these complaints were handled by the SNP . ''
Another SNP MP , Kenny MacAskill , tweeted that he was `` delighted '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Some resignations now required . ''
Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw said : `` This remains a national political scandal with profound questions of integrity for the first minister and her SNP government . ''
But he said everyone 's efforts must be focused , for now , on tackling the coronavirus crisis .
What did the jury decide ?
The jury returned not guilty verdicts on 12 of the sexual assault charges , including one of attempted rape , and returned a not proven verdict on a charge of sexual assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proven verdict is an unusual and highly controversial feature of the Scottish legal system which in practice is exactly the same as a verdict of not guilty .
The charges were all alleged to have happened while Mr Salmond was serving as Scotland 's first minister , with several alleged to have happened at the first minister 's official Bute House residence in Edinburgh .
Mr Salmond was first minister between May 2007 and November 2014 , when he stood down in the wake of the Scottish independence referendum and was replaced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear ?
• Woman claims former first minister gave her 'very sloppy ' kisses • Woman says former first minister 'apologised ' for behaviour • Woman says Salmond kissed her after 'zombie walk' • Witness says Salmond accuser did not attend dinner

Speaking outside court after his acquittal, Mr Salmond said: "As many of you will know, there is certain evidence I would have liked to have seen led in this trial but for a variety of reasons we were not able to do so.


bbc--2020-03-23--Global stocks fall again despite virus rescue efforts

Financial markets in Europe and the US have continued to fall despite fresh action by the Federal Reserve to support the American economy .
The US central bank said it would buy as much government debt as needed to soothe markets , while providing new financing for households and firms .
Shares in Europe and the US rose on the news , but soon fell back as Congress remained divided over further relief .
Investors are worried about economic damage due to the coronavirus .
In making its announcement , the Federal Reserve said the pandemic was `` causing tremendous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world '' .
`` Aggressive efforts must be taken across the public and private sectors to limit the losses to jobs and incomes to promote a swift recovery once the disruptions abate , '' it said .
However , a broader US bailout bill worth almost $ 2tn being debated in Congress failed to advance for a second time , after Democrats said proposed financial relief for industries such as airlines would not do enough to help workers .
The Dow Jones and S & P 500 fell about 3 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
The Dow and S & P have now lost more than three years of gains made since US President Donald Trump became president .
In London , the FTSE 100 closed nearly 3.8 % lower , while Germany 's Dax dropped 2 % and France 's CAC 40 fell 3.3 % .
Earlier , Asian stock markets closed sharply lower .
Russ Mould , investment director at AJ Bell , said : `` We really are in the thick of a global crisis and markets are showing little sign of optimism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Events are moving so fast that it is difficult for investors to truly understand what 's going on with businesses . ''
US stocks have already fallen by around a third since the middle of last month , while even areas of investment normally seen as safe havens , such as the bond market , are under stress as hard-hit funds are forced to sell good assets to cover losses elsewhere .
The declines come as countries around the world , including the UK , have announced new measures to slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordering people to stay at home and closing down bars and restaurants .
In the UK , fast food chains McDonald 's and Nando 's are among the firms closing their doors .
As activity slows , numerous companies have announced job cuts or furloughs .
On Monday , those firms included Boeing , which said it would suspend production at its factories in Washington state and General Electric , which said it would cut 10 % of its aviation workforce .
Kristalina Georgieva , managing director of the International Monetary Fund , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce `` a recession at least as bad as during the global financial crisis or worse '' .
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has warned that the world will take years to recover from the coronavirus pandemic .
Angel Gurría , OECD secretary general , told the BBC the economic shock was already bigger than the financial crisis and it was `` wishful thinking '' to believe that countries would bounce back quickly .
• Will government rescue package be enough for firms ?
In the US , the Federal Reserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stabilise debt markets , in an effort to cushion the blow to the economy .
On Monday , it said it would expand its holdings of government-backed debt as needed to keep financial markets working smoothly .
It also announced plans to loosen requirements for banks to encourage them to keep lending , while taking steps that would provide up to $ 300bn more financing for employers and consumers .
It is working on a lending programme for small and medium sized businesses as well .
In Asia , the Hang Seng @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 % , while China 's Shanghai Composite lost 2.4 % .
New Zealand 's main share index started the day down by more than 10 % , but recovered some ground to close 7.6 % lower .
The ASX 200 in Sydney dropped more than 7 % in early trading and closed down 5.6 % at the end of the trading session .
In India , where a 14-hour curfew was announced , its Sensex index fell 10 % , triggering a `` circuit breaker '' and a 45-minute trading halt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
“ It would be a brave , or foolish , man to call the bottom in equities without a dramatic medical breakthrough , ” said Alan Ruskin from Deutsche Bank .
Policymakers around the world have been unveiling ever larger emergency rescue packages - but America 's central bank has gone further than any other .
The announcement aims to ease fears on the financial markets that a financial crisis amongst over-indebted companies could be looming .
It said it would not limit the amount of assets it buys on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure there are sufficient funds in the system .
But its separate programme , announced simultaneously - to directly provide aid to smaller businesses and struggling households - is just as important .
For it is their financial woes that could turn a recession into a lasting depression .
These are massive amounts but as the crisis intensifies , so too will the further measures all policymakers - not just central banks - may have to provide in the coming days .

On Monday, it said it would expand its holdings of government-backed debt as needed to keep financial markets working smoothly. It also announced plans to loosen requirements for banks to encourage them to keep lending, while taking steps that would provide up to $300bn more financing for employers and consumers. It is working on a lending programme for small and medium sized businesses as well.


bbc--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Trump boosts National Guard funding to fight virus

US President Donald Trump has approved federal funding for National Guard troops in the three states hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak .
Troops will be used in New York , California and Washington to deliver medical aid and set up medical stations after the number of deaths nationwide rose to 573 and infections to 41,708..
There are fears of a shortage of key medical supplies in New York City .
A bill to fund national relief efforts has been blocked in the Senate .
Opposition Democrats want the emergency stimulus bill , which is worth almost $ 1.4 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more money for state and local governments and hospitals , while Mr Trump 's Republicans are pushing for quick action to reassure financial markets .
• The head of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) says the coronavirus pandemic is `` accelerating '' • South Korea reports the lowest number of new coronavirus cases since infection rates peaked four weeks ago • London Underground passengers crowded on to packed trains despite warnings to minimise travel • Death toll in Spain passes 2,000 and globally nearly 15,000 • The Indian government said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early hours of Wednesday as it ramped up its measures to contain the virus • South Africa 's government said a 21-day lockdown would be imposed from Thursday • Brazil 's President , Jair Bolsonaro , bowed to fierce criticism in Congress and withdrew measures that would have allowed companies to put employees on unpaid work for up to four months • Strict new curbs on life in UK announced by PM • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak What 's the latest in the US ?
The US now has the third highest number of cases in the world , below Italy and China .
On Monday , the top US public health official , Surgeon General Dr Jerome Adams , cautioned that there `` are not enough people out there who are taking this seriously '' .
`` I want America to understand this week it 's going to get bad , '' Dr Adams told NBC morning show Today .
He noted that young people especially were ignoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone needs to be taking the right steps , right now : stay home . ''
Michigan , Indiana and Massachusetts on Monday became the latest states to issue a stay at home order for residents .
Critical services , like pharmacies and grocery stores , will remain open .
Louisiana 's governor has reported his state is experiencing the fastest rise in Covid-19 cases in the world .
Louisiana saw a spike from less than 100 cases to over 800 in the last week .
National Guard troops are also helping distribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The head of the US National Guard , General Joseph Lengyel , described the situation as having `` 54 different hurricanes hitting every state '' .
`` All 50 states , three territories & DC are engaged in combating Covid-19 , '' Gen Lengyel said .
`` This morning 7,300 National Guardsman & women are providing critical skills support . ''
Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Monday said the US military `` ca n't meet everybody 's needs '' as multiple state officials have requested aid .
Mr Esper said the Pentagon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the cities of New York and Seattle .
Covid-19 has also reached top US lawmakers .
Republican Senator Rand Paul , 57 , said on Sunday he had tested positive for Covid-19 , prompting fellow party members Senators Mitt Romney , 73 , and Mike Lee , 48 , to also self-quarantine as they had been in direct contact with him .
Neither Mr Romney nor Mr Lee have shown symptoms so far , local media report .
Why are troops being deployed ?
Mr Trump said he had approved requests to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states of New York and Washington , and would do the same for California `` very shortly '' .
Such declarations make federal funds available for relief work .
He described the crisis facing the US as a `` war '' , saying : `` I want to assure the American people that we 're doing everything we can each day to confront and ultimately defeat this horrible invisible enemy . ''
The National Guard troops will remain under state authority - meaning the governors will continue to direct deployments in their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard will set up have a capacity of 4,000 beds , 2,000 of which will go to California , 1,000 to New York and 1,000 to Washington state .
In addition , Mr Trump said he had approved requests to issue a major disaster declaration for the states of New York and Washington , and would do the same for California `` very shortly '' .
Such declarations make federal funds available for relief work .
Earlier , several state governors and local authorities pleaded with the federal government to make more medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we 'll have enough equipment for next week , the week after ?
I ca n't say , '' said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday as he renewed his plea for the federal government to nationalise equipment production .
New York state accounts for almost half of the country 's cases and 5 % of cases worldwide .
In California , officials have instructed hospitals to restrict coronavirus testing because of a shortage of medical supplies .
Meanwhile , a hospital in Washington state - once the centre of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of ventilators by April .
Why is the funding bill blocked ?
It again failed to pass the Senate on Monday , getting 49 votes and thus falling short of the 60 needed in the 100-member chamber .
An initial attempt to pass the package failed on Sunday , receiving 47 supporting votes .
Republicans hold a slim 53-47 majority in the upper chamber , but several senators are currently in self-quarantine and unable to vote .
They must sway some Democrats to their side in order to pass the nearly $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the legislation , including a lack of protections for workers and too-few restrictions for companies receiving the stimulus money .
On Monday , Tensions were high on the Senate floor , with Republicans accusing Democrats of playing political games while Democrats say Republicans want to bail out big businesses .
Talks between Democrats and the White House are continuing .
Meanwhile , the president of the St Louis US Federal Reserve Bank , James Bullard , told Bloomberg that US unemployment in a coronavirus-induced recession could reach 30 % - higher than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Depression .

In recent days, many US students have been criticised for ignoring social distancing advice to travel for spring break - and now some are testing positive for the virus. The University of Tampa said at least five students who travelled had Covid-19.


bbc--2020-03-23--People 'selfish' for ignoring UK coronavirus advice

Boris Johnson is to address the UK on new measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic , amid concerns people have been ignoring government advice .
The UK has been under growing pressure to follow other countries by ordering the closure of more shops , and enforcing rules on social distancing .
The PM will make a statement at 20:30 GMT .
Meanwhile , people in the most at-risk groups have begun getting an NHS text urging them to stay at home for 12 weeks .
A further 46 people have died in England since Sunday - aged between 47 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - while there were four deaths in Scotland and four in Wales .
There have been 83,945 tests to date , with 6,650 confirmed cases .
The NHS in England has announced it has identified 1.5 million of the most at-risk people , while there are 200,000 in Scotland , 70,000 in Wales and 40,000 in Northern Ireland .
A text message from NHS England tells people in the most at-risk group : `` Please remain at home for a minimum of 12 weeks .
Home is the safest place for you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will help the NHS too . ''
The government 's emergency committee Cobra has met and emergency legislation introducing measures to respond to the outbreak has cleared its first Commons hurdle with MPs giving it an unopposed second reading .
Meanwhile , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says Britons travelling abroad should return to the UK as soon as possible because international travel is becoming more difficult with the closure of borders and the suspension of flights .
Elsewhere , the British Olympic Association said Great Britain will not send a team to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues as predicted .
The International Olympic Committee has given itself four weeks to decide on the future of the Games , but Australia and Canada have already announced they will not compete this summer .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Speaking on BBC Radio 4 , Mr Hancock said he did n't know why some people were ignoring the government 's advice .
`` It 's very selfish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The NHS is doing everything it can and preparing for the spread of this virus .
`` If people go within two metres of others who they do n't live with then they 're helping to spread the virus - and the consequences of that costs lives and it means that , for everyone , this will go on for longer . ''
• Seven more deaths in Wales The health secretary said the government advice on social distancing was `` really clear '' and people should stay two metres apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
The BBC 's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the government is considering closing all non-essential retail stores and introducing fines for people who ignore the current coronavirus advice .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has stressed that everyone should stay at home if possible , adding that `` life should not be carrying on as normal right now '' and that shops not providing essential items should shut .
Labour has called on the government to increase lockdown measures to keep people safe .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have taken further far-reaching social distancing measures . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said companies should not pressure people , who are not key workers , to travel into work .
The warning followed crowded scenes on parts of the London Underground during Monday morning 's rush hour following a reduction in the number of services in response to the outbreak .
Paul Whiteman , head of school leaders ' union the NAHT , said schools are struggling with staff numbers due to the coronavirus outbreak .
`` My appeal to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not business as usual .
Keep your family at home if at all possible , '' he said .
The government has said it is setting up `` hubs '' around the country to arrange deliveries of groceries and medicines to people with specific cancers , severe respiratory conditions and people who have received organ transplants .
Councils , pharmacists and members of the Armed Forces will help and there will be opportunities for members of the public to volunteer .
The Excel conference centre in east London could potentially be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Ministry of Defence said .
A team of military planners has visited the site to determine how it might `` benefit '' the NHS .
The MoD said 250 personnel from its 20,000-strong Covid Support Force are beginning duties - including being trained to drive oxygen tankers and distributing protective equipment for the NHS .
Under the emergency legislation airports could shut and police would be able to force people with virus symptoms to isolate .
The proposals - set out last week - also include enabling recently retired NHS staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on their pensions ; fast-tracking funeral arrangements ; and allowing more court hearings to take place by phone or video .
The powers would have to be renewed every six months .
The government is also taking steps to address tax and pensions disincentives that could prevent retired police officers rejoining the service during the outbreak , Home Secretary Priti Patel said .
But , speaking in the Commons , she rejected calls for a police presence inside supermarkets , amid incidents of panic-buying , Downing Street has said Boris Johnson would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stricter measures were needed to enforce social distancing .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said : `` Our message is clear , people should stay at home if possible .
`` This will save lives , protect the vulnerable and support the NHS . ''
He said ministers will be looking at data on how much social interaction was continuing and if the information shows it has not stopped then the government would `` need to take further measures '' .
The spokesman would not say whether extra controls could be brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added Tuesday 's cabinet meeting will see a `` very significant '' number of ministers taking part remotely .
• The government has announced a package of measures to help the UK rail industry and promised commuters with season tickets that they will receive a refund if they choose to stay at home • Germany has expanded curbs on social interactions , banning public gatherings of more than two people • The number of worldwide cases has reached 340,000 , with nearly 15,000 deaths • Italy reported 602 new deaths on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but South Korea has reported the lowest number of new cases since infections peaked • Thousands of retired medics answered the government 's call to return to work to help with the outbreak - including 4,000 nurses and 500 doctors • All new jury trials in England and Wales have been halted until they can be conducted safely , the Lord Chief Justice has announced • At least three more prisoners have tested positive for coronavirus - with new cases confirmed at Oakwood jail in the West Midlands , HMP Birmingham and Wymott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in single figures • Bakery chain Greggs is to close its stores from end of business on Tuesday , saying a takeaway-only operation was not enough to maintain social distancing

"If people go within two metres of others who they don't live with then they're helping to spread the virus - and the consequences of that costs lives and it means that, for everyone, this will go on for longer."


bbc--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Teens held for 'coughing in face' of elderly couple

Three teenagers were arrested after an elderly couple were allegedly coughed at in the street .
The couple were approached @ @ @ @ @ , one of whom is said to have coughed in their faces .
A passer-by @ @ @ @ @ an altercation '' which left a woman in her 70s with a black eye , @ @ @ @ @ aged 16 , 18 and 19 were questioned on suspicion of actual bodily harm , @ @ @ @ @ the incident on Friday afternoon .
Hertfordshire Police said the elderly woman was taken to @ @ @ @ @ later discharged .
Her vehicle was also damaged in the incident in Paynes Park .
@ @ @ @ @ suffered bruising , police said .
The suspects were questioned and released under investigation .
@ @ @ @ @ with information to contact them and asked people not to post details of those they @ @ @ @ @ footage on social media as it could hamper the investigation .

The force called for anyone with information to contact them and asked people not to post details of those they believe are involved or share footage on social media as it could hamper the investigation.