bbc--2020-05-03--Daniel Pearl: Parents of murdered journalist launch appeal in Pakistan

The parents of murdered US journalist Daniel Pearl have filed an appeal with Pakistan 's Supreme Court to reverse a ruling overturning the convictions of four men in the case .
Pearl was kidnapped and beheaded in 2002 while investigating Islamist militants in Karachi , Pakistan .
Last month a court in Karachi overturned the death sentence of the man convicted of masterminding the killing , and acquitted three others .
Pearl was the Wall Street Journal 's Asia bureau chief when he was abducted and killed .
A graphic video of his killing was sent to the US consulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , his father Judea Pearl said : `` We have filed an appeal of this decision to the Pakistan Supreme Court .
`` We are standing up for justice not only for our son , but for all our dear friends in Pakistan so they can live in a society free of violence and terror and raise their children in peace and harmony . ''
Their petition adds to one already filed by prosecutors .
The accused mastermind of the 9/11 attacks , Khalid Sheikh Mohammed , who is being held at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he personally beheaded Pearl .
Mohammed told US interrogators he killed the journalist with his `` blessed right hand '' , according to the Pentagon .
The confession was made under torture and Mohammed - whose trial date for the 11 September 2001 attacks has been set for next year - has not been charged with Pearl 's murder .
• No release for man acquitted of Daniel Pearl murder Shortly after their acquittal the four men - including the convicted mastermind Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh - were re-arrested .
They will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the appeals play out .
Sheikh 's death sentence had been reduced to seven years in prison for kidnapping .
The Committee to Protect Journalists voiced its support for the appeal , and said that releasing the four men in the case `` would only add to the threats facing journalists in Pakistan and deepen Pakistan 's reputation as a haven for terrorists '' .
He had been researching links between Islamist militant activity in Karachi and Richard Reid , who tried to blow up a passenger plane using bombs hidden in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lured him to a meeting with an Islamic cleric .
The two had built up a relationship discussing concerns about their wives , who were both pregnant at the time .
Almost a month later , a video showing the 38-year-old 's beheading was sent to the US consulate in Karachi .
Pearl 's son , Adam , was born in May 2002 .
Sheikh was convicted of Pearl 's murder in July 2002 by an anti-terrorism court , and has been on death row since .
Sheikh was born in London in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before going on to study at the London School of Economics .
He did not graduate , failing to return after driving aid to conflict-wracked Bosnia after his first year .
He was arrested for involvement in the kidnapping of four tourists - three British and one American - in Delhi in 1994 .
Sheikh was released from prison as part of demands by militants who hijacked a plane in 1999 .
According to news agency Reuters , police in India later accused him of transferring money to one of the militants who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center on 9/11 .

Mohammed told US interrogators he killed the journalist with his "blessed right hand", according to the Pentagon. The confession was made under torture and Mohammed - whose trial date for the 11 September 2001 attacks has been set for next year - has not been charged with Pearl's murder.


bbc--2020-05-02--How do you cope when everyone in your family is infected with Covid-19?

Coronavirus : What is a vaccine and how is one made ?
We look at the work needed to create @ @ @ @ @ might be ready for the coronavirus .

Karolina Padolskyte from east London contracted coronavirus, along with her husband, Steve, and their baby daughter Amaya.
They kept a video diary during that time, showing how they coped.


bbc--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: 'Covid toe' and other rashes puzzle doctors

Five rashes , including Covid toe , are affecting some hospital patients diagnosed with Covid-19 , a small study by Spanish doctors has found .
The rashes tended to appear in younger people and lasted several days .
It is not uncommon for a rash to be a symptom of a virus , such as the spots that indicate chicken pox .
But the researchers said they were surprised to see so many varieties of rash with Covid-19 .
Rashes are not currently included in the list of symptoms of the illness .
There have been many reports about `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Covid patients ' feet even in the absence of other symptoms - but lead researcher Dr Ignacio Garcia-Doval said the most common form of rash in the study was maculopapules - small , flat and raised red bumps that tend to appear on the torso .
`` It is strange to see several different rashes - and some of them are quite specific , '' Dr Garcia-Doval told the BBC .
`` It usually appears later on , after the respiratory manifestation of the disease - so it 's not good for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All the patients in the study were already in hospital and had respiratory symptoms .
The peer-reviewed paper was published this week in the British Journal of Dermatology .
All dermatologists in Spain were asked to share details of Covid patients they had seen who had developed rashes in the previous two weeks .
There were 375 in total .
The five rashes were : • Asymmetrical , chilblain-like lesions around the hands and feet , which could be itchy or painful .
Generally found in younger patients , lasted on average 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of the disease , and were associated with mild infections .
Accounted for 19 % of cases .
• Outbreaks of small blisters , often itchy , found on the trunk and limbs .
These were found in middle-aged patients , lasted around 10 days , and appeared before other symptoms .
( 9 % ) • Pink or white raised areas of skin that looked liked nettle rash , and often itchy .
Mostly on the body but sometimes on the palms of the hands .
( 19 % ) • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red bumps .
These accounted for 47 % of cases .
They lasted around seven days and appeared at the same time as other symptoms but tended to be seen in patients with more severe infections .
• Livedo ( also known as necrosis ) was present in 6 % of cases .
The skin looked blotchy red or blue , with a net-like pattern .
It 's a sign of poor blood circulation .
This appeared in older patients with severe illness .
However , the researchers stressed that rashes can have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult to differentiate between them without medical expertise .
`` The relevance of this study is not so much in helping people self-diagnose , but rather to help build our wider understanding of how the infection can affect people , '' said Dr Ruth Murphy , president of the British Association of Dermatologists .
Dr Michael Head at the University of Southampton said that rashes were a well-known side effect of many viral infections , including pneumonia .
`` With Covid-19 , rashes and skin ulcers have been noted in a few per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't yet know the extent of these links , or precisely why this inflammation occurs in some patients but not others . ''
The American Academy of Determatology is also compiling a register of skin symptoms seen by its members .

There have been many reports about "Covid toe" - a rash appearing on Covid patients' feet even in the absence of other symptoms - but lead researcher Dr Ignacio Garcia-Doval said the most common form of rash in the study was maculopapules - small, flat and raised red bumps that tend to appear on the torso.


bbc--2020-05-03--Warren Buffett's company Berkshire Hathaway sells US airline shares

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett says his company Berkshire Hathaway has sold all of its shares in the four largest US airlines .
Speaking at the annual shareholders ' meeting , Mr Buffett said `` the world has changed '' because of the coronavirus .
He then said he had been wrong to invest in the airline industry .
Mr Buffett 's comments came just hours after Berkshire Hathaway announced a record $ 50bn ( £40bn ) net first quarter loss , Reuters news agency reports .
The conglomerate had an 11 % stake in Delta Air Lines , 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southwest Airlines , and 9 % of United Airlines , according to its annual report and company filings .
The firm began investing in the four airlines in 2016 , after avoiding the aviation industry for years .
What did Warren Buffett say ?
Mr Buffett told the meeting , which was held virtually : `` We made that decision in terms of the airline business .
We took money out of the business basically even at a substantial loss .
`` We will not fund a company that ... where we think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money in the future . ''
The US travel industry has almost collapsed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic , with airlines cutting hundreds of thousands of flights and taking thousands of planes out of service .
Mr Buffett said he had been considering investing in additional airlines before the pandemic hit .
`` It is a blow to have , essentially , your demand dry up , '' he said .
`` It is basically that we shut off air travel in this country . ''
• What travel may look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How will airlines get flying again ?
In a statement , Delta said it was aware of the sale and has `` tremendous respect for Mr Buffett and the Berkshire team '' .
The airline added that it remains `` confident '' in its strengths .

Mr Buffett told the meeting, which was held virtually: "We made that decision in terms of the airline business. We took money out of the business basically even at a substantial loss.


bbc--2020-05-03--Algerian singer Hamid Cheriet - Idir - dies in France at 70

Algerian singer Hamid Cheriet , better known as Idir , has died in France at the age of 70 .
@ @ @ @ @ Kabyle and Berber cultures died of pulmonary disease .
Idir became internationally famous with his @ @ @ @ @ in the 1970s and made a comeback in 1993 .
In a tribute to the @ @ @ @ @ Tebboune called him an icon of Algerian art and said : `` Algeria loses one @ @ @ @ @ A post on his official Facebook page announced the death .
`` We regret to @ @ @ @ @ father ( to all ) , Idir on Saturday 2 May at 2130 .
Rest @ @ @ @ @ it read .
Idir grew up surrounded by the songs and rhythms of the Kabyle @ @ @ @ @ become a geologist until a chance appearance on state radio in 1973 .
He stepped @ @ @ @ @ for another singer and his performance was widely praised .
A recording career , however @ @ @ @ @ he had completed his military service .

Idir grew up surrounded by the songs and rhythms of the Kabyle people but was studying to become a geologist until a chance appearance on state radio in 1973.


bbc--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Which African countries are ahead on testing?

Testing plays a major role in the response to the coronavirus , as it helps us understand how far the disease has spread .
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention , which co-ordinates pandemic responses across the continent , says there is a large gap in testing rates between nations .
So which countries are succeeding in testing , and which are lagging behind ?
Who is testing most and least ?
Some of the Africa 's smaller nations have achieved significantly better rates of testing than their larger neighbours .
Mauritius and Djibouti , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per capita .
Ghana has also been praised for its level of testing , which its government says will help contain the spread of the virus once the lockdown is lifted .
South Africa has also pursued a relatively aggressive testing strategy , and has so far managed over 200,000 tests .
But this is way behind the numbers in countries like South Korea , Italy and Germany .
• The different approaches to lockdowns in Africa There are concerns that Africa 's most populous country , Nigeria , is not testing nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's focusing on `` clusters '' of positive cases .
The BBC 's Nigeria-based correspondent Chi Chi Izundu says the authorities are scaling up testing .
`` The aim is to be at 5,000 a day - but they 've not even got to 1,000 . ''
It 's worth adding that there are some countries on the continent where testing data is not available , such as Eritrea and Algeria .
Some do n't have testing capacity , while others for various reasons wo n't give out data .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such data creates fear .
His country has only released information intermittently , sometimes just giving out the numbers of people who have recovered from the virus .
What are the obstacles to more testing ?
Getting hold of the chemical reagents needed to process tests can be difficult , as African countries do n't produce their own and need to compete for limited global supplies .
John Nkengasong of Africa 's Centres for Disease Control says `` the collapse of global co-operation and a failure of international solidarity has shoved Africa out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says African countries might have funds , but `` 70 countries imposing restrictions on exports of medical materials '' has made it difficult to buy necessary goods .
There are also other barriers to increasing testing , including the lockdown measures to restrict movement , which can make it difficult for people to get to test sites .
However , Ngozi Erondu , assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , says the bigger issue is the equipment .
`` It is not having enough kits and reagents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Disease Control currently has 18 testing laboratories which can process tests that tell you if you have the disease .
But it has put out an urgent plea for essential testing equipment .
Kenya has also admitted to facing challenges in getting testing kits , swabs and reagents , and its overall testing figure has fallen recently as a result .
The head of one of Kenya 's regional governments said recently that there were only 5,000 testing kits in the country , and that they were expecting 24,000 more .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which could be barriers to greater testing .
`` In some communities there could be a stigma attached to having the coronavirus , '' says Ngozi Erondu .
`` It 's also the case that local leaders may push back against testing if they are up for an election . ''
The African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control have launched an initiative , the Partnership to Accelerate COVID-19 Testing ( PACT ) , which focuses on tracking , testing and tracing .
The initiative aims to roll out about one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole continent .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The earlier coronavirus outbreaks in Asia and Europe gave African states time to consider their responses , and the experience of handling epidemics such as Ebola has also helped them .
But acquiring testing kits in a competitive global market , getting tests to where they need to be and setting up the labs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task for countries with less economic clout and weaker healthcare systems .

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bbc--2020-05-03--Dimitar Berbatov: 'Lazy? No, I was smart', says ex-Tottenham & Man Utd striker

Dimitar Berbatov was often viewed as lazy during his time playing in England .
What his critics didn ’ t know was that this was all a part of the striker ’ s plan .
In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Radio 5 Live , the former Tottenham and Manchester United forward revealed that his languid playing style was in fact a ploy to lull defenders into a false sense of security .
With 94 goals in 229 Premier League games , it would be fair to say that it often worked .
During his conversation with former team-mate Jermaine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ one of the best players I ’ ve played with ” , Berbatov also touched on his time at Bayer Leverkusen , Tottenham and Manchester United , why Harry Kane could have a similar transfer dilemma to the one he faced and his potential plans to move into coaching .
• Listen to the interview on BBC Radio 5 Live 's Football Daily He was known for his technical ability and composure , but not for his bustling physical style - qualities that often led to people suggesting he did not work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way they see the game and play .
My difference was that sometimes you would see I might not be into the game but at the same time I was scanning the pitch to see where to position myself at the right moment , at the right time in a pocket of space , and you can give me the ball so that I have more time to myself and not have someone on my back .
When I have that time and space I have more time to think about where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't understand it , but if you are clever in your head , even if you are slow in speed , you can still be quick .
You can position yourself better and be even more use to your team .
If you were to put it into order of the players who would run in my Tottenham team I would say Jermaine , Keane ( Robbie Keane ) and then probably everybody else , with me behind .
But I was running in my head .
And when I see someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always give the ball .
No selfishness .
In the end we win and lose together .
It seems a bit strange but in every team I have been in , you see my style of play , and sometimes fans and payers do n't understand that and they become a bit afraid of it - like I am not helping and not good for the team .
But after a while you get used to it because this style can bring results .
Berbatov on ... moving to the Premier League He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levekusen in the summer of 2006 for a fee of £10.9m ...
When you are a young boy you think you know everything so I am expecting big teams like Barcelona or Real Madrid to come after me .
My agent he says to me 'well , none of these teams are coming after you at the moment so cool down ' .
He tells me Spurs want me .
Honestly , I did not know a lot about the Premier League and Spurs then because I was concentrating in my own world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spurs to see how good they are .
And my agent tells me , this is the time now to leave and join them .
I needed to adjust myself for the speed of the Premier League and the physicality of it .
I saw players I had never seen in the Bundesliga , like body building , and I was thinking 'what is going on ? '
I knew I needed to use my brain even more .
It was a challenge .
I needed a few months to feel ready and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was a bit shy , not talking too much .
My relationship with Keano ( his strike-partner ) ... we did n't speak much but our understanding on the pitch , I ca n't really explain but it just clicked .
His move to Old Trafford was a controversial one , coming very late on deadline day in September 2008 , although the fee of £30.75m did net Spurs a tidy profit ...
I am coming from a small country , from Bulgaria .
I am hoping to play my whole career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not the case .
I needed to work , to sign my letter of success , starting from back home , then in Germany and England .
Spurs gave me the opportunity to show what I can do .
The final step on my mountain of success was United .
When they came I knew I would make people disappointed , especially the Spurs fans .
But I was following my own path and I know that if I miss that chance another will not come like that .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so welcoming and even if you do n't speak much you can still learn .
They had players that had been champions and won the treble and I was like 'Berbs , I have finally made it ' .
This is what I had worked to all my life .
I was happy , but I was 'what am I doing here ? '
.
Like a kid .
This can sometimes stop you showing what you can really do .
Sir Alex [ Ferguson , the then United manager ] was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stick with everybody individually - some you have to be gentle with , some tough with .
He knew how to do that .
Even he never told me that I needed to change .
This was a good thing .
He trusted me in his own way .
The success of current Spurs striker Kane means he has been linked with moves away from the club in a situation that Berbatov feels is very similar to his back in 2008 ...
The sad thing in football is that , because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the big clubs are , you will always have that situation with teams like Spurs where their best players have to decide if they stay here or move to a big club .
It is exactly the same with Harry Kane at the moment .
He is going to be at a crossroad , thinking 'what do I do now ? '
.
The situation is maybe difficult now because of coronavirus and the money , but he is in exactly the same situation I was in .
In his head sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
My head was not in the right place at times .
How can it be ?
I do n't want to put my team in a position where I go late in the window and leave them without a replacement .
But it will happen after me many times , with many players .
The most painful part is that Spurs ' last trophy was when me and Jermaine where there .
It will be stated over and over again and make people angry that the lack of trophies is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is captain of England and not getting younger .
But when he gets older he wants to say to his kids : 'Look what I won ' .
He retired last year following spells with Fulham , Monaco , POAK and Kerala Blasters in India and now , aged 39 , is considering his next career move ...
It is not going to be easy .
As all football players think , we are all going to be great coaches , which is of course far away from the truth .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to go for my pro licence later this year hopefully .
You never know .
I would at least like to be prepared for the future , whatever that may be .
If that is as a coach I know I will be prepared .
At the moment though I am spending more time with my kids and family .

Dimitar Berbatov during his time at Bayer Leverkusen (left), Tottenham (centre) and Manchester United
Dimitar Berbatov was often viewed as lazy during his time playing in England. What his critics didn't know was that this was all a part of the striker's plan.
In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Tottenham and Manchester United forward revealed that his languid playing style was in fact a ploy to lull defenders into a false sense of security.
With 94 goals in 229 Premier League games, it would be fair to say that it often worked.
During his conversation with former team-mate Jermaine Jenas, who described the Bulgarian as "one of the best players I’ve played with", Berbatov also touched on his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham and Manchester United, why Harry Kane could have a similar transfer dilemma to the one he faced, and his potential plans to move into coaching.
Berbatov on... being lazy
He was known for his technical ability and composure, but not for his bustling physical style - qualities that often led to people suggesting he did not work hard enough...
Everybody is different in the way they see the game and play. My difference was that sometimes you would see I might not be into the game, but at the same time I was scanning the pitch to see where to position myself at the right moment, at the right time in a pocket of space - and you can give me the ball so that I have more time to myself and not have someone on my back.
When I have that time and space I have more time to think about where to put the ball.
Some people don't understand it, but if you are clever in your head, even if you are slow in speed, you can still be quick. You can position yourself better and be even more use to your team.
If you were to put it into order of the players who would run in my Tottenham team I would say Jermaine, [Robbie] Keane and then probably everybody else - with me behind.
But I was running in my head. And when I see someone in a better position than me I always give the ball. No selfishness. In the end we win and lose together.
It seems a bit strange, but in every team I have been in, you see my style of play and sometimes fans and players don't understand that and they become a bit afraid of it, like I am not helping and not good for the team.
But after a while you get used to it because this style can bring results.
Berbatov on... moving to the Premier League
He made the move to Tottenham from Bayer Levekusen in the summer of 2006 for a fee of £10.9m...
When you are a young boy, you think you know everything, so I am expecting big teams like Barcelona or Real Madrid to come after me. My agent says to me: 'Well, none of these teams are coming after you at the moment so cool down.'
He tells me Spurs want me. Honestly, I did not know a lot about the Premier League and Spurs then because I was concentrating in my own world in Germany. I started following Spurs to see how good they are. And my agent tells me, this is the time now to leave and join them.
I needed to adjust myself for the speed of the Premier League, and the physicality of it. I saw players I had never seen in the Bundesliga - like body builders - and I was thinking: 'What is going on?' I knew I needed to use my brain even more. It was a challenge.
I needed a few months to feel ready and for my team-mates to accept me. I was a bit shy, not talking too much.
My relationship with [strike partner] Keano... we didn't speak much. I can't really explain, but our understanding on the pitch just clicked.
Berbatov on... Manchester United
His move to Old Trafford was a controversial one, coming very late on deadline day in September 2008, although the fee of £30.75m did net Spurs a tidy profit...
I am coming from a small country, from Bulgaria. I am hoping to play my whole career in England with just one team, but it is not the case.
Spurs gave me the opportunity to show what I can do; the final step on my mountain of success was United.
When they came I knew I would make people disappointed, especially the Spurs fans. But I was following my own path and I knew that if I missed that chance another will not come like that. This is how it is in football.
Everybody was so welcoming, and even if you don't speak much you can still learn. They had players that had been champions and won the treble and I was like: 'Berbs, I have finally made it.' This is what I had worked to all my life.
I was happy, but I was thinking: 'What am I doing here?' Like a kid. This can sometimes stop you showing what you can really do.
Sir Alex [Ferguson, then United manager] was great to everybody. He knew how to stick with everybody individually - some you have to be gentle with, some tough with. He knew how to do that.
Even he never told me that I needed to change. This was a good thing. He trusted me in his own way.
Berbatov on... Harry Kane
The success of current Spurs striker Kane means he has been linked with moves away from the club, and Berbatov feels the situation is very similar to his back in 2008...
Because it has been established a long time ago which the big clubs are, you will always have that situation with teams like Spurs - where their best players have to decide if they stay here or move to a big club.
It is exactly the same with Harry Kane at the moment. He is going to be at a crossroad, thinking: 'What do I do now?'
The situation is maybe difficult now because of coronavirus and the money, but he is in exactly the same situation I was in. In his head sometimes he is maybe not in the right place.
My head was not in the right place at times. How could it be? I didn't want to put my team in a position where I go late in the window and leave them without a replacement. But it will happen after me many times, with many players.
The most painful part is that Spurs' last trophy was when me and Jermaine were there. It will be stated over and over again and make people angry that the lack of trophies is the main problem for players like Kane, who is captain of England and not getting younger.
But when he gets older, he wants to say to his kids: 'Look what I won.'
Berbatov on... coaching
He retired last year following spells with Fulham, Monaco, POAK and Kerala Blasters in India, and now, aged 39, is considering his next career move...
It is not going to be easy. All football players think we are going to be great coaches, which is of course far from the truth.
I have my A licence already and am going to go for my pro licence later this year hopefully.
You never know. I would at least like to be prepared for the future, whatever that may be. If that is as a coach, I know I will be prepared.
At the moment, though, I am spending more time with my kids and family.


bbc--2020-05-03--'A lot of EFL players are desperate to come here' - the English influx to USA's second tier

It has been nearly 13 years since David Beckham stunned the football world when he swapped Real Madrid for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy .
Since then , a number of British stars , such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard , have had high-profile spells with clubs on the other side of the Atlantic .
But what about the surprisingly long list of English footballers - and coaches - who are pursuing their careers in the USL Championship , the league below MLS ?
Keanu Marsh-Brown and Jose Baxter tasted life in the Premier League , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now at Memphis 901 FC , a club formed two years ago and whose co-owners include former Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard .
The USL has only managed one round of games this season because of coronavirus , and both Marsh-Brown and Baxter are in lockdown .
`` I saw coming over here as an opportunity to try something different , '' Marsh-Brown , who moved to Memphis in January , tells BBC Sport .
`` I found out about the move in December , as my agent had a contact who knew Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived I had an apartment waiting for me and my family , and we met the president , manager and coaches .
`` The facilities are Championship to Premier League quality - I think the standard here would surprise quite a few people . ''
A Guyana international , Marsh-Brown made his debut under Roy Hodgson at Fulham , before spells at various League One and League Two clubs , including Barnet and Forest Green Rovers .
Although there is no promotion to MLS - or relegation to the USL - the 27-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
Marsh-Brown says : `` It is every footballer 's dream to reach the highest level they can , so if I do well here and there is an opportunity for me to play in MLS , it would definitely be something I 'd consider . ''
Baxter 's move to Memphis has seen him link up with former Everton team-mate Howard who , as well as being the club 's sporting director , is also its goalkeeper .
The Liverpudlian views his move as a fresh start , having left Plymouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ranks at the Toffees , before moves to Oldham Athletic and Sheffield United , where he received two suspensions in nine months for drug use .
`` I had always wanted to play abroad , but I did n't know much about Memphis , apart from Elvis Presley , '' Baxter says .
`` It is good having Tim here to talk to - he regularly calls me to see how I am getting on , especially as we are in lockdown . ''
He has , however , found it difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool .
`` It is tough not being with them , but we keep in touch through FaceTime , '' Baxter , who signed a 12-month deal with the Tennessee side , adds .
`` Some of the away games here involve three-day round trips , so I felt it would be selfish of me to leave them in my apartment for so long , thousands of miles from home .
`` I am not on my own too much - most of my team-mates live in the same complex , so we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is good for camaraderie . ''
Jack Barmby never made a first-team appearance at Manchester United or Leicester City and headed to the US in 2016 , initially on loan with MLS team Portland Timbers .
The forward , whose father is ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool midfielder Nick Barmby , later made the move permanent , staying for two years before signing for USL side San Antonio last year .
He joined Phoenix Arizona , whose co-owners include Chelsea legend Didier Drogba , in December .
`` I felt disillusioned with life at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to get a chance under Claudio Ranieri , who was the manager back then , '' Barmby , 25 , says .
`` I would not be surprised if , in the next few years , Phoenix ends up in MLS , so I signed because I want to be part of that journey , even if I only experience the beginning of it . ''
Also in lockdown in Arizona , Barmby , who holds permanent residence status in the United States , has no plans to return to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard and every team wants to play football , '' he adds .
`` If a team is 1-0 up in the EFL , most of them would shut up shop , but here it stays really open and the majority of goals are scored in the last 15-20 minutes .
`` I know a lot of players in League One and League Two are desperate to come to the States because it is a good life here , especially in Arizona . ''
The USL is divided into an Eastern and Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former and Phoenix in the latter .
Joining Arizona are Sacramento Republic , whose manager is Wolverhampton-raised Mark Briggs .
The Californian club will join MLS in 2022 , as its 29th team .
`` We are probably the biggest club in the USL - we had around 12,000 for first game of the season against FC Tulsa , '' Briggs , 38 , says .
`` We have put together a good roster , and we are building a new stadium and training facility with MLS on the horizon . ''
Briggs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bromwich Albion , had his first taste of football in the US in 2008 when he joined Kalamazoo Outrage .
He signed for Wilmington Hammerheads four years later , where he became assistant coach , before taking charge of Real Monarchs , in Salt Lake City .
Briggs , whose wife is American , became Sacramento 's academy director in 2019 and took over the first team in December .
`` It is an exciting time to be involved in football here because the game is growing exponentially , '' he adds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was hardly any live football on TV , but now I watch more Premier League games than my friends do in the UK .
`` I feel at home here , but that is not to say I would n't like to return to England some day to pit my wits against managers at the highest level . ''

Last updated on .From the section Football
The second tier in the United States could provide a route to the glamour and riches of the top-flight MLS
It has been nearly 13 years since David Beckham stunned the football world when he swapped Real Madrid for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.
Since then, a number of British stars, such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, have had high-profile spells with clubs on the other side of the Atlantic.
But what about the surprisingly long list of English footballers - and coaches - who are pursuing their careers in the USL Championship, the league below MLS?
Keanu Marsh-Brown and Jose Baxter tasted life in the Premier League, with Fulham and Everton respectively.
They are now at Memphis 901 FC, a club formed two years ago and whose co-owners include former Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.
The USL has only managed one round of games this season because of coronavirus, and both Marsh-Brown and Baxter are in lockdown.
"I saw coming over here as an opportunity to try something different," Marsh-Brown, who moved to Memphis in January, tells BBC Sport.
"I found out about the move in December, as my agent had a contact who knew Tim Howard.
"As soon as I arrived I had an apartment waiting for me and my family, and we met the president, manager and coaches.
"The facilities are Championship to Premier League quality - I think the standard here would surprise quite a few people."
A Guyana international, Marsh-Brown made his debut under Roy Hodgson at Fulham, before spells at various League One and League Two clubs, including Barnet and Forest Green Rovers.
Although there is no promotion to MLS - or relegation to the USL - the 27-year-old believes he can excel in his new home.
Marsh-Brown says: "It is every footballer's dream to reach the highest level they can, so if I do well here and there is an opportunity for me to play in MLS, it would definitely be something I'd consider."
Baxter's move to Memphis has seen him link up with former Everton team-mate Howard who, as well as being the club's sporting director, is also its goalkeeper.
The Liverpudlian views his move as a fresh start, having left Plymouth Argyle in December.
He came through the ranks at the Toffees, before moves to Oldham Athletic and Sheffield United, where he received two suspensions in nine months for drug use.
"I had always wanted to play abroad, but I didn't know much about Memphis, apart from Elvis Presley," Baxter says.
"It is good having Tim here to talk to - he regularly calls me to see how I am getting on, especially as we are in lockdown."
He has, however, found it difficult leaving his partner and two-year-old daughter in Liverpool.
"It is tough not being with them, but we keep in touch through FaceTime," Baxter, who signed a 12-month deal with the Tennessee side, adds.
"Some of the away games here involve three-day round trips, so I felt it would be selfish of me to leave them in my apartment for so long, thousands of miles from home.
"I am not on my own too much - most of my team-mates live in the same complex, so we cook together or watch Netflix, which is good for camaraderie."
Jack Barmby never made a first-team appearance at Manchester United or Leicester City and headed to the US in 2016, initially on loan with MLS team Portland Timbers.
Jack Barmby (wearing 23) is at his third club in the United States
The forward, whose father is ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool midfielder Nick Barmby, later made the move permanent, staying for two years before signing for USL side San Antonio last year.
He joined Phoenix Rising, whose co-owners include Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, in December.
"I felt disillusioned with life at Leicester and I knew I was not going to get a chance under Claudio Ranieri, who was the manager back then," Barmby, 25, says.
"I would not be surprised if, in the next few years, Phoenix ends up in MLS, so I signed because I want to be part of that journey, even if I only experience the beginning of it."
Also in lockdown in Arizona, Barmby, who holds permanent residence status in the United States, has no plans to return to the UK.
"The USL is a good standard and every team wants to play football," he adds.
"If a team is 1-0 up in the EFL, most of them would shut up shop, but here it stays really open and the majority of goals are scored in the last 15-20 minutes.
"I know a lot of players in League One and League Two are desperate to come to the States because it is a good life here, especially in Arizona."
The USL is divided into an Eastern and Western Conference, with Memphis part of the former and Phoenix in the latter.
Joining Arizona are Sacramento Republic, whose manager is Wolverhampton-raised Mark Briggs.
The Californian club will join MLS in 2022, as its 29th team.
"We are probably the biggest club in the USL - we had around 12,000 for first game of the season against FC Tulsa," Briggs, 38, says.
"We have put together a good roster, and we are building a new stadium and training facility with MLS on the horizon."
Briggs, who began his career at West Bromwich Albion, had his first taste of football in the US in 2008 when he joined Kalamazoo Outrage.
He signed for Wilmington Hammerheads four years later, where he became assistant coach, before taking charge of Real Monarchs, in Salt Lake City.
Briggs, whose wife is American, became Sacramento's academy director in 2019 and took over the first team in December.
"It is an exciting time to be involved in football here because the game is growing exponentially," he adds.
"When I first came here, there was hardly any live football on TV, but now I watch more Premier League games than my friends do in the UK.
"I feel at home here, but that is not to say I wouldn't like to return to England some day to pit my wits against managers at the highest level."


bbc--2020-05-03--More Premier League clubs open to neutral venues if relegation is removed

A growing number of Premier League clubs are open to playing the remaining fixtures at neutral venues but with the threat of relegation removed .
Top-flight clubs have been told that using up to 10 neutral stadiums will be the only way to complete the season .
Brighton say they are `` not in favour '' of using neutral venues because it may affect the `` integrity '' of the league .
Clubs near the bottom of the table feel it is unfair to play in such different conditions when at risk of relegation .
The Premier League has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic but all clubs are committed to playing the 92 remaining fixtures of the 2019-20 season if and when safe to do so .
Clubs accept matches may need to be played behind closed doors for an extended period and that it may well not be financially viable to wait until normal playing conditions , such as having fans attending , can resume .
However , those near the bottom are concerned playing matches at neutral stadiums , behind closed doors and with the ongoing uncertainty over the availability of players whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vastly different situation to that in which their first 28 or 29 fixtures this season were played .
They argue it is impossible to uphold the integrity of the competition under these circumstances .
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said the club `` fully appreciate why playing behind closed doors is very likely to be a necessary compromise to play our remaining games '' .
However , he added : `` At this critical point in the season , playing matches in neutral venues has , in our view , potential to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the competition . ''
Clubs who risk losing large amounts of money if relegated are also worried their finances could take a further hit if they still have to play matches behind closed doors in next year 's Championship .
If there was no relegation from the Premier League , two or three teams could still be promoted from this year 's Championship and a 22- or 23-team top flight run next season .
A major factor in the decision to require neutral venues is reducing the chance of fans congregating , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely based on a rating from the police and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority .
Not all of the proposed eight to 10 neutral venues will necessarily be Premier League grounds , although the vast majority will be .
Premier League clubs will discuss these issues again after the government 's review of the lockdown restrictions on 7 May .
'Obvious disadvantages ' to not playing at home - Barber Brighton are 15th in the league , two points above the relegation zone , with nine games left to play - including home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool and Manchester City .
`` The disadvantages of us not playing the league 's top teams in our home stadium and in familiar surroundings , even with 27,000 Albion fans very unlikely to be present at the Amex , are very obvious , '' said Barber .
`` Clearly , we must accept there may also be some benefit from playing our remaining four away matches at neutral venues but the fixture list simply is n't equally balanced at this stage of the season , and we did n't play our first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
So , in our opinion , one thing does n't cancel out the other . ''
West Ham , who are 16th in the table and only clear of the relegation zone on goal difference , want to play their remaining five home games at London Stadium but feel this does not set them apart from other clubs with major goals still to play for .
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parrish says football needs to `` at least contemplate whether it 's possible '' to resume using measures such as neutral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Parrish said playing the remaining games would give every club `` a fair crack at the best league position they can achieve '' .
Palace are 11th in the league on 39 points , 12 points clear of relegation and nine points behind Chelsea in fourth , with nine games to play .
`` I 've seen all the proposals for training and travel and , while there are challenges , those proposals offer a level of protection to players , staff and officials that I believe will render Premier League football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to co-exist , much safer than a journey to the supermarket at present , '' said Parrish .
He added that the issues facing football could be in place for months and affect next season so `` the more we can work out now , the better chance we have of coming out of this with the game we all love in position to recover over time '' .
However , Parrish said that football would not unnecessarily occupy NHS resources or `` take testing capacity from one person in greater need '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of player and staff welfare has to be treated with the utmost seriousness '' .
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has said players are `` scared '' about returning to action amid the pandemic .
Southampton chief executive Martin Semmens told BBC Radio Solent that it would not be appropriate for the Premier League to plan for an immediate return .
However , he said the league and clubs `` must plan for how we will bring our business back , otherwise there will be no business and there will be no football @ @ @

Five of Brighton's remaining nine Premier League fixtures are due to be played at the Amex Stadium
A growing number of Premier League clubs are open to playing the remaining fixtures at neutral venues but with the threat of relegation removed.
Top-flight clubs have been told that using up to 10 neutral stadiums will be the only way to complete the season.
Brighton say they are "not in favour" of using neutral venues because it may affect the "integrity" of the league.
Clubs near the bottom of the table feel it is unfair to play in such different conditions when at risk of relegation.
The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of the coronavirus pandemic but all clubs are committed to playing the 92 remaining fixtures of the 2019-20 season if and when safe to do so.
Clubs accept matches may need to be played behind closed doors for an extended period and that it may well not be financially viable to wait until normal playing conditions, such as having fans attending, can resume.
However, those near the bottom are concerned playing matches at neutral stadiums, behind closed doors and with the ongoing uncertainty over the availability of players whose contracts expire on 30 June makes for a vastly different situation to that in which their first 28 or 29 fixtures this season were played.
They argue it is impossible to uphold the integrity of the competition under these circumstances.
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said the club "fully appreciate why playing behind closed doors is very likely to be a necessary compromise to play our remaining games".
However, he added: "At this critical point in the season, playing matches in neutral venues has, in our view, potential to have a material effect on the integrity of the competition."
Clubs who risk losing large amounts of money if relegated are also worried their finances could take a further hit if they still have to play matches behind closed doors in next year's Championship.
If there was no relegation from the Premier League, two or three teams could still be promoted from this year's Championship and a 22- or 23-team top flight run next season.
A major factor in the decision to require neutral venues is reducing the chance of fans congregating, and the selection of grounds will be largely based on a rating from the police and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority.
Not all of the proposed eight to 10 neutral venues will necessarily be Premier League grounds, although the vast majority will be.
Premier League clubs will discuss these issues again after the government's review of the lockdown restrictions on 7 May.
'Obvious disadvantages' to not playing at home - Barber
Project Restart: Glenn Murray says teams 'put under pressure' to return to football
Brighton are 15th in the league, two points above the relegation zone, with nine games left to play - including home fixtures against Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.
"The disadvantages of us not playing the league's top teams in our home stadium and in familiar surroundings, even with 27,000 Albion fans very unlikely to be present at the Amex, are very obvious," said Barber.
"Clearly, we must accept there may also be some benefit from playing our remaining four away matches at neutral venues but the fixture list simply isn't equally balanced at this stage of the season, and we didn't play our first 29 matches of the season in this way. So, in our opinion, one thing doesn't cancel out the other."
West Ham, who are 16th in the table and only clear of the relegation zone on goal difference, want to play their remaining five home games at London Stadium but feel this does not set them apart from other clubs with major goals still to play for.
Proposals will make games 'safer' than supermarket - Parish
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish says football needs to "at least contemplate whether it's possible" to resume using measures such as neutral grounds.
Writing in the Sunday Times, external-link Parish said playing the remaining games would give every club "a fair crack at the best league position they can achieve".
Palace are 11th in the league on 39 points, 12 points clear of relegation and nine points behind Chelsea in fourth, with nine games to play.
"I've seen all the proposals for training and travel and, while there are challenges, those proposals offer a level of protection to players, staff and officials that I believe will render Premier League football one of the safest places in society to co-exist, much safer than a journey to the supermarket at present," said Parish.
He added that the issues facing football could be in place for months and affect next season so "the more we can work out now, the better chance we have of coming out of this with the game we all love in position to recover over time".
However, Parish said that football would not unnecessarily occupy NHS resources or "take testing capacity from one person in greater need".
He added that the "issue of player and staff welfare has to be treated with the utmost seriousness". Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has said players are "scared" about returning to action amid the pandemic.
Southampton chief executive Martin Semmens told BBC Radio Solent that it would not be appropriate for the Premier League to plan for an immediate return.
However, he said the league and clubs "must plan for how we will bring our business back, otherwise there will be no business and there will be no football club".
Former Liverpool and Newcastle defender Jose Enrique, who now works as a football agent, said many players were concerned about the current situation, especially those whose contracts expire on 30 June, which is likely to be before the season ends.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's a worrying time for everyone.
"We're looking after our players. They are scared, but at the moment there's nothing we can say. We're all waiting to see what are the decisions and see what the next step is.
"It's going to be a very difficult decision and we have to see what happens."


bbc--2020-05-03--Sunday's gossip: Real prepare £70m Pogba bid

Real Madrid are preparing a £70m bid for 27-year-old Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba .
The France international has told the Premier League club he will not sign a contract extension .
( Sunday Express ) Bayern Munich and Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho , 27 , will be a target for Newcastle United if they make former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino their new manager .
( Sunday Mirror ) The Magpies and West Ham United are among a number of Premier League clubs to have enquired about Real Madrid and Serbia striker Luka Jovic , 22 .
( 90min ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their biggest names , including 29-year-old France forward Antoine Griezmann , this summer in order to raise funds .
( Daily Star Sunday ) Roma want to sign Manchester United and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez on loan .
The 31-year-old is at Inter Milan on a temporary basis this sason .
( Sky Sport Italia , via Goal - in Italian ) Roma also want to keep on-loan United and England defender Chris Smalling , 30 , for at least another season , says manager Paulo Fonseca .
( ESPN ) Real Madrid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players this summer , including Wales winger Gareth Bale , 30 .
( AS - in Spanish ) Leicester City and Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi , 23 , is a target for Paris St-Germain .
( ESPN ) The Foxes will make a move for Arsenal and Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney , 22 , if England defender Ben Chilwell , 23 , is sold .
( Sunday Express ) Lille have received an 85m euros ( £75m ) bid from an unnamed club for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen .
The 21-year-old is wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French ) Barcelona could sell Uruguay striker Luis Suarez this summer with several Major League Soccer teams said to be interested in the 33-year-old .
( Marca ) Newcastle , Everton , West Ham and Leicester are all monitoring the situation of Manchester United and England midfielder Jesse Lingard , 27 .
( 90min ) The Hammers are considering selling 25-year-old French striker Sebastien Haller - their record signing - after just one season to fund the purchase of 26-year-old Belgium forward Michy Batshuayi , who Chelsea want £40m for .
( Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make 20-year-old French goalkeeper Illan Meslier 's loan deal from Lorient permanent if they win promotion to the Premier League .
( Sunday Telegraph )

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Real Madrid are preparing a £70m bid for 27-year-old Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. The France international has told the Premier League club he will not sign a contract extension. (Sunday Express) external-link
Bayern Munich and Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 27, will be a target for Newcastle United if they make former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino their new manager. (Sunday Mirror) external-link
The Magpies and West Ham United are among a number of Premier League clubs to have enquired about Real Madrid and Serbia striker Luka Jovic, 22. (90min) external-link
Barcelona are willing to sell some of their biggest names, including 29-year-old France forward Antoine Griezmann, this summer in order to raise funds. (Daily Star Sunday) external-link
When Leeds United almost conquered Europe, via Barca, Milan and Lazio... As told by those involved...
Roma want to sign Manchester United and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez on loan. The 31-year-old is at Inter Milan on a temporary basis this sason. (Sky Sport Italia, via Goal - in Italian) external-link
Roma also want to keep on-loan United and England defender Chris Smalling, 30, for at least another season, says manager Paulo Fonseca. (ESPN) external-link
Real Madrid are planning to sell at least five players this summer, including Wales winger Gareth Bale, 30. (AS - in Spanish) external-link
Leicester City and Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, 23, is a target for Paris St-Germain. (ESPN) external-link
The Foxes will make a move for Arsenal and Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney, 22, if England defender Ben Chilwell, 23, is sold. (Sunday Express) external-link
Lille have received an 85m euros (£75m) bid from an unnamed club for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen. The 21-year-old is wanted by Liverpool. (Telefoot - in French) external-link
Barcelona could sell Uruguay striker Luis Suarez this summer with several Major League Soccer teams said to be interested in the 33-year-old. (Marca) external-link
Newcastle, Everton, West Ham and Leicester are all monitoring the situation of Manchester United and England midfielder Jesse Lingard, 27. (90min) external-link
The Hammers are considering selling 25-year-old French striker Sebastien Haller - their record signing - after just one season to fund the purchase of 26-year-old Belgium forward Michy Batshuayi, who Chelsea want £40m for. (Sunday Express) external-link
Southampton hope to sign Reims' French defender Axel Disasi, 22. (Mail on Sunday) external-link
Leeds United will look to make 20-year-old French goalkeeper Illan Meslier's loan deal from Lorient permanent if they win promotion to the Premier League. (Sunday Telegraph) external-link


bbc--2020-04-30--Ramadan and Coronavirus: Breaking my fast on Zoom

Many Muslims around the world are fasting for the holy month of Ramadan during the Coronavirus lockdown .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ also togetherness and community .
For many , being in a tight-knit network is what @ @ @ @ @ difficult , long fast .
But coronavirus has forced mosques to shut down and many @ @ @ @ @ avoid the spread of the virus .
BBC 's Sodaba Haidare shares her experience of @ @ @ @ @ about what it 's like fasting in lockdown .

Many Muslims around the world are fasting for the holy month of Ramadan during the Coronavirus lockdown. It's a time of reflection but also togetherness and community.
For many, being in a tight-knit network is what keeps them going during a difficult, long fast. But coronavirus has forced mosques to shut down and many are spending Ramadan apart to avoid the spread of the virus.
BBC's Sodaba Haidare shares her experience of Ramadan and talks to others about what it's like fasting in lockdown.
Produced and Edited by: Nalini Sivathasan, BBC Asian Network
Co-Producer: Ahmen Khawaja and Sodaba Haidare
Commissioning Editor: Kimberley Rowell


bbc--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: New lows for deaths in France, Spain and Italy

France , Italy and Spain have registered the lowest daily death tolls for weeks as they prepare to ease restrictions .
France reported 135 deaths ; Spain 's 164 were the lowest since mid-March ; and Italy 's 174 was a two-month low .
Meanwhile French doctor has claimed new tests on samples from patients show the virus was present in the country last year - weeks before the first officially recorded case .
In Russia the virus appears to be advancing , with 10,000 new infections .
But Russia 's mortality rate remains low relative to other countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking its total to 1,280 .
The UK recorded 315 new deaths and has the third-highest number of deaths behind the US and Italy .
However British officials say the outbreak has peaked and the number of new hospital admissions is declining .
• What travel may look like ahead of a virus vaccine • Coronavirus : Three continents , four lives , one day Globally the pandemic has seen nearly 3.5 million people infected and nearly 250,000 people have died .
Was the virus in France last year ?
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late March , when only deaths in hospitals were being recorded .
The new figures include deaths in care homes and have been declining for several days .
Meanwhile an intensive care chief in the Paris region has told local media that the virus was present in France on 27 December - a month before the first cases were confirmed .
Yves Cohen told BFMTV that his team had revisited negative tests for flu and other coronaviruses on 24 patients who had been in hospital with respiratory symptoms in December and January .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had one positive result for Covid-19 on 27 December when he was in hospital with us , '' he said , adding that the test had been repeated several times to confirm the result .
Dr Cohen said he had reported the case to the regional health authorities and called for other negative tests from the same period to be retested .
France is planning to lift its lockdown on 11 May , when children will return to school in phases , some businesses will reopen and people will be able to travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their homes without the need for a document giving a reason for their movement .
However on Sunday Health Minister Olivier Veran said this would depend on further falls in the number of new infections , particularly in the worst-affected areas like the Paris region and northeast France .
France also clarified that a rule requiring anyone entering the country to go into isolation for two weeks did not apply to people arriving from EU countries , the Schengen area or the UK .
Spain 's death toll of 164 was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a hundred down on Saturday 's figure .
On Saturday adults were able to exercise outdoors on Saturday for the first time in seven weeks .
The lockdown was eased for children under 14 a week ago .
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain was reaping the rewards of the sacrifices made during the lockdown , one of Europe 's strictest .
On Monday masks will become compulsory on public transport and some small businesses such as hairdressers will open for individual customer appointments .
What about in Italy ?
Italy registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since just after its lockdown started two months ago .
Both the numbers of new infections and patients in intensive care have continued to fall .
The country is relaxing its lockdown from Monday , when Italians will be able to exercise as long as they respect rules on maintaining physical distance .
They will also be able to visit relatives - but not friends - within their region .
However schools , cinemas and most shops will stay shut .
Bars and restaurants are due to start allowing customers to sit at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll stands at 28,884 - second only to the US where more than 68,000 people have died .
The UK 's death toll is 28,446 while in Spain and France 25,100 people and 24,729 people respectively have died .
The UK government is expected to announce the next steps in its response to the pandemic next Sunday .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• ON FRONTLINE : The young doctors being asked to play god • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this @

France is planning to lift its lockdown on 11 May, when children will return to school in phases, some businesses will reopen and people will be able to travel within 100km (60 miles) of their homes without the need for a document giving a reason for their movement.


bbc--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Russia's cases rise by 10,000 in one-day record

Russia has recorded 10,633 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours , the highest daily rise since the outbreak began in the country .
The increase brings Russia 's total number of coronavirus cases to 134,686 , the seventh highest tally in the world .
But Russia 's mortality rate remains low relative to other countries , such as the US , Italy and Spain .
On Sunday , a further 58 coronavirus-related deaths were announced , bringing the total to 1,280 in Russia .
Moscow has been hit particularly hard by the virus , leaving its healthcare system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sergei Sobyanin on Saturday cautioned against complacency , saying the capital was not past the peak of its coronavirus epidemic .
The mayor said around 2 % of residents in the city - around 250,000 people - had tested positive for coronavirus .
On Sunday , Moscow 's total number of cases jumped by 5,948 to a total of 68,606 .
A strict lockdown has been imposed in Moscow , where its 12 million residents have been ordered to stay at home with few exceptions .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russians to brace for a `` gruelling phase of the pandemic '' in the weeks ahead .
Earlier in the week Russian Prime Minister , Mikhail Mishustin , confirmed he had been diagnosed with Covid-19 , the first senior minister in the country to do so .
Mr Mishustin , who was appointed as PM in January , was still being treated in hospital on Sunday .
His spokesman said he was feeling fine , enabling him to work from hospital .
On Friday , Russia 's housing minister , Vladimir Yakushev , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed to have Covid-19 .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases here is rising steadily each day .
The Russian authorities put that down to a big increase in testing - over 40,000 people a day , in Moscow alone .
They also say up to half of the new cases are people without symptoms - including those detected through screening , like healthcare workers .
Still , the virus is spreading more quickly now in Russia 's regions - where hospital facilities are far worse than in the capital and where medics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the masks and protective clothing to keep them safe .
And even here , in Moscow , some 1,700 people are being admitted to hospital each day , increasing the strain on the system .
President Putin has extended a nationwide non-working period until 11 May , saying `` the peak is not behind us '' .
Beyond that , the president said his government will consider gradually lifting coronavirus restrictions from 12 May , depending on the region .
Last week , Mr Putin admitted there was a shortage of protective kit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• ON FRONTLINE : The young doctors being asked to play god • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this crisis

Still, the virus is spreading more quickly now in Russia's regions - where hospital facilities are far worse than in the capital and where medics have been complaining they don't have the masks and protective clothing to keep them safe.


bbc--2020-05-03--Venezuela accuses Colombia of attempting 'terrorist' sea invasion

The Venezuelan government has said it foiled an attempted sea incursion by `` terrorist mercenaries '' from Colombia .
In a televised address , Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said the group arrived on speedboats at the coastal state of La Guaira early on Sunday .
President Nicolás Maduro often accuses adversaries of attempting to overthrow him with the backing of the US .
Venezuela 's opposition dismissed the allegations , saying the apparent incursion was staged .
Colombia described the government 's assertion as unfounded .
Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations with Colombia last year .
In the Venezuelan government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group had landed in the town of Macuto , about 21 miles ( 34km ) north of the capital Caracas .
• Why coronavirus could be catastrophic for Venezuela '' They tried to carry out an invasion by sea , a group of terrorist mercenaries from Colombia , in order to commit terrorist acts in the country , murdering leaders of the revolutionary government , '' he said .
Diosdado Cabello , leader of the ruling Socialist Party , said eight people were killed and two were detained , while Defence Minister Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military vessels were searching the coast for survivors .
But Juan Guaidó , who is recognised by more than 50 countries as Venezuela 's legitimate leader , accused President Maduro 's administration of trying to distract people from recent outbreaks of violence - including a deadly prison riot on Friday , and a gang battle in Caracas on Saturday night .
`` The regime is seeking to divert attention with a supposed incident plagued with inconsistencies , doubts and contradictions , '' his press team said .
Mr Guaidó has the backing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough sanctions to force President Maduro and the Socialist Party out of office .

"They tried to carry out an invasion by sea, a group of terrorist mercenaries from Colombia, in order to commit terrorist acts in the country, murdering leaders of the revolutionary government," he said.


bbc--2020-05-03--Pole vault champions compete in their gardens

Last updated on .From the section Athletics The Frenchman conceived the Ultimate Garden Clash - Pole Vault Edition , in which he , world champion Sam Kendricks and world record holder Armand Duplantis streamed efforts live on YouTube on Sunday .
`` I got the same feeling as if I was going for the World Championship , '' said 2012 Olympic champion Lavillenie .
`` Honestly , I was really missing the competition feeling , and I 'm really happy to be part of it . ''
Lavillenie and Duplantis both cleared their bars 36 times , while Kendricks could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event , watched live online by around 20,000 people , the three pole vaulters aimed to complete as many jumps as they could in 30 minutes with the bar at 5m .
Lavillenie took part on a runway at the side of his home in Clermont-Ferrand , France , watched by his wife and daughter .
Duplantis used the same kit in his parents ' garden in Louisiana , United States , on which he started vaulting aged four years old .
And Kendricks had set up his runway at home in Mississippi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he usually keeps horses .
`` It was just supposed to be fun ; something to eat up some time on a Sunday , '' said Kendricks .
`` Not everybody has the means to do something like this , which is why we got the call .
`` We are professional competitors and we have to find a way to do what we do - and it was a great workout . ''
Lavillenie said he would aim for one jump per minute before realising he was behind Duplantis .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the maximum and put the jumps into automatic mode , '' the 33-year-old said .
`` It was really hard .
I 'm not going to do it every week but once a year is OK. '' Duplantis , 20 , was denied outright victory in extra time when Lavillenie declined as a precaution against injury .
The Swede broke the world record twice indoors in one week in February , setting a new height of 6.18m .

Last updated on .From the section Athletics
Champion pole vaulters compete in garden challenge
Former Olympic champion Renaud Lavillenie says he felt like he was in a World Championship after finishing joint-winner of a pole vault competition from his garden.
The Frenchman conceived the Ultimate Garden Clash - Pole Vault Edition, in which he, world champion Sam Kendricks and world record holder Armand Duplantis streamed efforts live on YouTube on Sunday.
"I got the same feeling as if I was going for the World Championship," said 2012 Olympic champion Lavillenie.
"Honestly, I was really missing the competition feeling, and I'm really happy to be part of it."
Lavillenie and Duplantis both cleared their bars 36 times, while Kendricks could only manage 26 efforts.
In the event, watched live online by around 20,000 people, the three pole vaulters aimed to complete as many jumps as they could in 30 minutes with the bar at 5m.
Lavillenie took part on a runway at the side of his home in Clermont-Ferrand, France, watched by his wife and daughter.
Duplantis used the same kit in his parents' garden in Louisiana, United States, on which he started vaulting aged four years old.
And Kendricks had set up his runway at home in Mississippi, United States, on land where he usually keeps horses.
"It was just supposed to be fun; something to eat up some time on a Sunday," said Kendricks.
"Not everybody has the means to do something like this, which is why we got the call.
"We are professional competitors and we have to find a way to do what we do - and it was a great workout."
The event was streamed on YouTube on Sunday
Lavillenie said he would aim for one jump per minute before realising he was behind Duplantis.
"The last five minutes I had to push to the maximum and put the jumps into automatic mode," the 33-year-old said.
"It was really hard. I'm not going to do it every week but once a year is OK."
Duplantis, 20, was denied outright victory in extra time when Lavillenie declined as a precaution against injury.
The Swede broke the world record twice indoors in one week in February, setting a new height of 6.18m.
"[Coronavirus has] been tough for everyone all over the world and having this fun little competition has been something to look forward to over the last month," said Duplantis.
"Right now and the future is pretty unknown - what competitions we'll all have altogether again.
"I miss the feeling of competing and being out there with the other guys, so it was fun."


bbc--2020-05-03--Afghanistan investigates reports Iran guards forced migrants into river

Afghanistan is investigating reports Afghan migrants drowned after being tortured and pushed into a river by Iranian border guards .
The migrants were caught trying to enter Iran illegally from the western Herat province on Friday , according to local media .
The migrants were beaten and forced to jump into a river by Iranian border guards , the reports said .
Some of them are said to have died .
A foreign ministry spokesman said the incident took place on Afghan territory , not Iranian , and security guards denied any involvement .
The number involved in the incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrants crossed the border , and at least seven people died with more still missing .
A search party has been sent to retrieve the bodies of migrants from the river .
The Afghan Human Rights Commission ( AHRC ) said local officials told it `` Iranian security forces arrested a number of Afghan migrants seeking work who wanted to enter Iran '' .
`` They were made to cross the Harirud river [ at the Afghan-Iranian border ] , as a result a number of them drowned and some survived , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrant who witnessed the incident , told Reuters the Iranian guards `` warned us that if we do not throw ourselves into the water , we will be shot '' .
Another Afghan migrant , Shah Wali , alleged that the Iranian guards `` beat us , then made us do hard work '' .
`` They then took us by minibus near to the river , and when we got there , they threw us into the river , '' he added .
About three million Afghans live in Iran , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghans cross into Iran every day to find work .
There was a mass exodus of migrants returning to Afghanistan after the coronavirus outbreak in Iran , which has recorded almost 100,000 cases of the disease to date .
Many are suspected to have brought coronavirus back across the border with them .
• The porous borders where the virus can not be controlled But as Iran seeks to ease restrictions , Afghan migrants in search of work are crossing the country 's border in greater numbers again .
Afghan officials have expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , risking a diplomatic row at a time of already strained relations over the coronavirus pandemic .
In a tweet to Iranian officials , Herat 's governor Sayed Wahid Qatali wrote : `` Our people are not just some names you threw into the river .
One day we will settle accounts . ''
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There was a mass exodus of migrants returning to Afghanistan after the coronavirus outbreak in Iran, which has recorded almost 100,000 cases of the disease to date. Many are suspected to have brought coronavirus back across the border with them.


bbc--2020-05-04--Sir Cameron Mackintosh: 'Theatres could be closed until next year'

Theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh has said that West End and Broadway theatres are unlikely to be able to stage musicals until early next year .
Speaking to Michael Ball on BBC Radio 2 , Sir Cameron said it 's impossible for theatres to plan for the future while social distancing is in place .
`` We want the audience to feel safe , and we want the actors to feel safe . ''
Theatres in many countries have been closed indefinitely in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
In the UK , all West End performances have been cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How live theatre is running despite lockdown Sir Cameron is a lauded theatre owner and theatrical producer , who has staged musicals including Cats , Les Miserables and the Phantom of the Opera .
His comments follow calls from other theatre professionals for urgent government bailouts , in order to save the industry from collapse .
What did Sir Cameron say ?
Sir Cameron told Michael Ball it looked as if the West End and Broadway `` are going to be the last to go back '' .
`` For major producers both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is until social distancing does n't exist anymore , we ca n't even plan to reopen , '' he said .
`` We will be back , but we need time to get back .
If we do n't hear [ about lockdowns lifting ] in a few weeks , I think the truth is we wo n't be able to come back until early next year .
I think that 's quite clear .
`` And the longer it is until we can say social distancing is gone , the longer it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back . ''
Last month , playwright James Graham said an `` aggressive government bailout '' would be needed to save UK theatres from the impact of the pandemic .
In several months ' time , `` all of the reserves will have dried up and there will be no money left '' , Graham warned .
`` I do n't even know if there will be a theatre or film industry that we can recognise when this is all over . ''

"We will be back, but we need time to get back. If we don't hear [about lockdowns lifting] in a few weeks, I think the truth is we won't be able to come back until early next year. I think that's quite clear.


bbc--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Tanzanian president promises to import Madagascar's 'cure'

The president of Tanzania says he will send a plane to Madagascar to import a herbal tonic which has been touted as a cure for coronavirus by the country 's president .
Congo-Brazzaville 's president has also promised to import the drink .
It is produced from the artemisia plant - the source of an ingredient used in a malaria treatment .
The World Health Organization has said there is no proof of any cure and has advised people against self-medicating .
The drink was launched as Covid-Organics and was being marketed after being tested on fewer than 20 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president 's chief of staff Lova Hasinirina Ranoromaro told the BBC .
In response to the launch of Covid-Organics , the WHO said in a statement sent to the BBC that the global organisation did not recommend `` self-medication with any medicines ... as a prevention or cure for Covid-19 '' .
It reiterated earlier comments by WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus that there were `` no short-cuts '' to finding effective mediation to fight coronarvirus .
International trials were under way to find an effective treatment , the WHO added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Complementary and Integrative Health warned against purported coronavirus remedies , including herbal therapies and teas - saying the best way to prevent infection was to avoid exposure to the virus .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• STRESS : How to look after your mental health The drink has been picked up in other African countries .
The Malagasy president also tweeted that the special envoy to Equatorial Guinea picked up a shipment of the drink .
Speaking on TV , Tanzania 's President John Magufuli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government of Madagascar and would despatch an aircraft to the island nation to collect the medicine .
`` I am communicating with Madagascar , and they have already written a letter saying they have discovered some medicine .
We will despatch a flight to bring the medicine so that Tanzanians can also benefit .
So as the government we are working day and night , '' he said .
Mr Magufuli has already been widely criticised for his reaction to the coronavirus pandemic .
He has encouraged the public to continue gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world has faced lockdown .
Tanzania 's delay in enforcing stricter measures to prevent further spread of coronavirus in the country could have led to the spike in positive cases , according to the WHO .
The country has 480 confirmed cases of coronavirus but Mr Magufuli said that number may be exaggerated and that he doubted the credibility of the national laboratory .
He said that he had secretly had some animals and fruits tested at the laboratory and that a papaya ( paw-paw ) , a quail and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means there is possibility for technical errors or these imported reagents have issues , '' he said , without giving more detail .
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bbc--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Pompeo accuses Chinese of blocking investigations

The US Secretary of State , Mike Pompeo , has said there is `` enormous evidence '' that the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
Mr Pompeo did not present any facts to @ @ @ @ @ , speaking on ABC television , Mr Pompeo accused the Chinese government of stonewalling any @ @ @ @ @ with experts .

The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has said there is "enormous evidence" that the coronavirus pandemic originated in a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
Mr Pompeo did not present any facts to support his claim.
But, speaking on ABC television, Mr Pompeo accused the Chinese government of stonewalling any investigations and refusing to co-operate with experts.


bbc--2020-05-03--Froome concerned about Tour de France attracting crowds

Last updated on .From the section Cycling Britain ’ s Chris Froome thinks the Tour de France can work without spectators but does not know how organisers can stop large crowds from attending .
No French mass gatherings are allowed before September , but the government has said the Tour could start in August if the first stages were carefully run .
“ Would the organisers be able to keep people from coming and gathering in large crowds ? ''
said Froome .
The four-time Tour champion , speaking on an Instagram Live chat with former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can put on the race and it can be broadcast on television .
`` You 're not going to get the same scenes as you would get going through these tunnels of just people everywhere and all the rest of it .
`` Maybe that 's the version of the race we need to see this year .
I do n't know.
” The 34-year-old Team Ineos rider missed last year 's race after suffering career-threatening injuries in a crash and has been exercising indoors because of the coronavirus lockdown , trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prepare for the Tour .
`` Some days I 'm doing up to six hours sitting on the stationary trainer - big days , '' added Froome .
`` It gets pretty boring at times .
I 've been through every playlist I own about 10 times each , but I ’ m just getting through it and doing the best I can .
“ A lot of the training I 've been doing has been indoors so it 's almost prepared me for this whole lockdown period , and mentally I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit easier . ''

Chris Froome (right) won the Tour de France in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017
Britain’s Chris Froome thinks the Tour de France can work without spectators but does not know how organisers can stop large crowds from attending.
The Tour, originally due to start on 27 June, is now due to begin on 29 August.
No French mass gatherings are allowed before September, but the government has said the Tour could start in August if the first stages were carefully run.
“Would the organisers be able to keep people from coming and gathering in large crowds?" said Froome.
The four-time Tour champion, speaking on an Instagram Live chat with former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen, added: “In theory we can put on the race and it can be broadcast on television.
"You're not going to get the same scenes as you would get going through these tunnels of just people everywhere and all the rest of it.
"Maybe that's the version of the race we need to see this year. I don't know.”
The 34-year-old Team Ineos rider missed last year's race after suffering career-threatening injuries in a crash and has been exercising indoors because of the coronavirus lockdown, trying to replicate what he would usually be doing to prepare for the Tour.
"Some days I'm doing up to six hours sitting on the stationary trainer - big days," added Froome.
"It gets pretty boring at times. I've been through every playlist I own about 10 times each, but I’m just getting through it and doing the best I can.
“A lot of the training I've been doing has been indoors so it's almost prepared me for this whole lockdown period, and mentally I'm able to get through it a bit easier."


bbc--2020-05-03--Man Utd to speak to Rojo over 'lockdown breach'

Manchester United will speak to defender Marcos Rojo about his conduct after apparently flouting Argentina 's coronavirus lockdown rules .
@ @ @ @ @ is on loan at Estudiantes , playing poker and smoking with friends were posted on @ @ @ @ @ 's brother Franco .
They were subsequently deleted .
Argentina 's lockdown rules remain in @ @ @ @ @ May .
Rojo , 30 , is the latest Premier League star to ignore lockdown @ @ @ @ @ Jack Grealish , Manchester City defender Kyle Walker and Everton forward Moise Kean have all @ @ @ @ @ advice since the Premier League was brought to a halt in March .

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd
Rojo has 61 caps for Argentina
Manchester United will speak to defender Marcos Rojo about his conduct after apparently flouting Argentina's coronavirus lockdown rules.
Images of Rojo, who is on loan at Estudiantes, playing poker and smoking with friends were posted on social media by the 30-year-old's brother Franco. They were subsequently deleted.
Argentina's lockdown rules remain in place until at least 10 May.
Rojo, 30, is the latest Premier League star to ignore lockdown demands.
Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish, Manchester City defender Kyle Walker and Everton forward Moise Kean have all be criticised for ignoring governmental advice since the Premier League was brought to a halt in March.