bbc--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: How lockdown is being lifted across Europe

After almost seven weeks of lockdown in the UK , Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to announce the next phase of the country 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The government has repeatedly stressed the UK must not risk a `` second spike '' and says it aims to proceed with `` extreme caution '' .
Across Europe , people are already seeing an easing of lockdown measures , as businesses reopen and children start going back to school .
Here is how Europeans are emerging from life under lockdown .
Germany has begun opening up and control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hands of Germany 's 16 federal states .
But Chancellor Angela Merkel has stressed that an `` emergency brake '' will be applied anywhere that sees a surge in new infections .
• Shops of all sizes are now allowed to reopen , with extra hygiene and social distancing measures • Shops smaller than 800 m2 have been allowed to open since 20 April , alongside car dealerships , bicycle shops and bookshops • Schools have been partially reopened for young children and those taking exams .
All other classes will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bundesliga football matches resume behind closed doors on Saturday 16 May - the first big European league to do so • Two different households are now allowed to meet up with each other • Big public events like festivals are banned until at least the end of August • Germany says football can resume and shops reopen France 's strict lockdown was imposed on 17 March and residents were required to provide a travel permit justifying any trips outside .
From 11 May , those restrictions will be eased and after three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Residents will no longer have to provide travel certificates , and car journeys of up to 100km ( 62 miles ) will be permitted .
Longer trips will require a certificate and during the rush-hour in Paris you will still need your employer 's authorisation or a compelling reason to travel • France will be split in two , with four `` red zones '' including Paris keeping parks , gardens and schools for 11 to 18-year-olds shut • Primary schools and nurseries will start to reopen from 11 May , while schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) in `` green zones '' open on 18 May .
A limit of 15 pupils will be put on classrooms and masks will be compulsory for older children .
Schools for 15 to 18-year-olds ( lycées ) are not opening before June • All shops ( bar Paris shopping centres ) will be able to reopen ; leisure centres and cemeteries can reopen but bars and restaurants will remain closed • Gatherings of fewer than 10 people will also be permitted ; the elderly and vulnerable will be allowed out but must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stricter lockdown than the UK , with residents only allowed to exercise within 2km ( 1.2 miles ) of their homes .
But a five-stage roadmap to re-open the country starts on 18 May , with restrictions eased every three weeks .
• Schools will remain shut until September , while outdoor workers such as construction workers and gardeners will be allowed to resume activities from May 18 • Creches and nurseries will open for the children of essential workers from 29 June , and this will be extended to the children of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers will be sent to the homes of 5,000 essential workers from 18 May • Social visits will be permitted to other households from 8 June , and from 29 June , people will be allowed to travel within a 20km radius of their homes • Weddings , baptisms and small social gatherings will be allowed from 20 July , but only for family and close friends • Shops selling non-essential items can open from 8 June if the number of staff and customers remain small , and larger premises can open from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your social bubble Restrictions are slowly being lifted in a country that has seen a high number of deaths in care homes .
`` We will have to resume our social life very gradually , '' said Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès as she detailed Belgium 's exit road-map .
• As of 10 May , people living in the same household are being allowed to receive visits from a group of up to four people .
But these people will not be allowed to visit anywhere else • Fabric shops reopened on 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belgians aged 12 or over to wear masks on public transport • Other shops reopen from 11 May subject to strict adherence to social distancing guidelines • Schools will resume classes from 18 May , but no more than 10 children will be allowed in each classroom • Cafes and restaurants will start to open from 8 June • Why so many people are dying in Belgium The Netherlands imposed a far less strict lockdown than its northern neighbour .
Prime Minister Mark Rutte has unveiled a five-phase plan for easing lockdown restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Libraries will open to visitors and hairdressers , nail bars , beauticians , masseuses and occupational therapists will be able to go back to work from 11 May .
Primary schools will also partially reopen • Bars and restaurants will be able to open their outdoor spaces to customers from 1 June ; secondary schools will also reopen • Campsites and holiday parks can reopen from 1 July , as can theatres , restaurants and cinemas with up to 100 customers with social distancing • Larger events and contact sports may resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and saunas Austria was one of the first countries to ease its lockdown .
The health minister says the reopening of small shops in the middle of April has n't caused a spike in cases , with new infections increasing by just 0.2 % .
But he said May would be the `` decisive month '' .
• Larger shops , shopping centres and hairdressers reopened in early May • Public parks , small shops , DIY stores and garden centres have been allowed to open since 14 April • Outdoor sport that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tennis , golf and athletics is now allowed • Gatherings of up to 10 people have been allowed since the start of May • Restaurants and cafes will open from the mid-May , while hotels , zoos , swimming pools and tourist attractions will open from the end of the month • Pupils in their final year of school returned to classes at the beginning of May .
Other years will start returning from the middle of the month Denmark , one of the first European countries to announce a lockdown , started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is moving ahead with the second phase of its road map .
• Day care centres and primary schools returned on 14 April , although parents and visitors are not allowed on school premises and children arrive and leave school at different times .
Childrenaged 12-16 will return from 18 May , as will exam students • Hairdressers , beauty and massage salons , optometrists , podiatrists and chiropractors reopened on 20 April • Professional sport is allowed behind closed doors , along with amateur sport under guidelines • Shopping centres , cafes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 May with social distancing guidelines • Phase 3 starts on 8 June and covers museums , cinemas , zoos , indoor sports and colleges • Phase 4 in early August will include gyms , swimming pools and nightclubs Spain outlined a four-stage plan on 4 May to start rolling back one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe , which saw children under 14 confined to their homes for six weeks .
Restrictions will be eased in two week blocks until 10 June , subject to review if cases spike .
• Schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This will allow for revision classes and state exams but a full reopening is not expected until September • From 11 May , customers can order a beer in a terrace bar but bars and restaurants will not fully reopen until 10 June , adhering to strict social distancing guidelines and only at 50 % capacity • Cinemas , theatres and exhibitions will be allowed to open from 26 May , but will only be allowed to operate at 30 % capacity .
Outdoor concerts of up to 400 people will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance from each other • Churches and mosques will be allowed to reopen from 11 May , but only at partial capacity Italy imposed a strict and lengthy lockdown , with a ban on walking or exercising more than 200m away from home .
In early May , some restrictions were relaxed and people are now able to travel for longer distances , as well as visit their relatives in small numbers .
Visits to other regions of the country are still banned .
• Bars and restaurants , which can offer takeaway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for dine-in service from 1 June • Hairdressers and beauty salons are due to reopen from 1 June • More shops will reopen on 18 May along with museums and libraries • Sports teams will also be able to hold group training from 18 May • Funerals are now allowed with a maximum of 15 people attending , ideally outdoors • Schools will not reopen until September • The Catholic Church will be allowed to hold masses from 18 May Greece recorded its first Covid-19 case on 26 February and the government acted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were relaxed on 28 April , when people were allowed to go outside for the first time without notifying local authorities .
• Churches opened for individual prayer on 4 May and religious services will be allowed from 17 May • Schools and universities are due to reopen on 10 May , with special measures including students attending classes on different days .
University exams will resume on 15 June • Shops are to reopen on 11 May and indoor shopping centres on 1 June • Cafes and restaurants will be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with outdoor seating and clear distance between chairs Greek scientists are working on rules on cleaning , social distancing and testing to open the country to tourists this summer .
Beaches re-opened on 4 May .
Poland : Parks and forests first to reopen In Poland , Covid-19 numbers are lower than in many Western European countries - 15,000 confirmed infections and more than 700 deaths , according to America 's Johns Hopkins University .
It began lifting restrictions on 20 April , when parks and forests were allowed to reopen .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ museums and galleries reopened on 4 May , with one customer per 15 sq m of space allowed • Nurseries were given the option to reopen from 6 May • Face coverings in public will remain obligatory until a vaccine is available Strictly speaking , there was no real lockdown so Sweden does not have much to remove .
It never imposed measures like those seen across the rest of the continent .
• Restaurants , bars , schools and businesses remained opened .
But it did ban gatherings of more than 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elderly • Sweden has recorded over 3,000 deaths , the highest per capita number compared with the rest of the Nordic countries • Most of the population have taken to voluntary social distancing .
many are working from home , keeping at least a metre away from other people at least some of the time and refraining from travelling .
Has Sweden got its science right ?
Unlike other European countries , Russia 's outbreak is yet to peak and at least 10,000 new infections were reported daily last week .
There will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet .
• President Vladimir Putin has left it to local governors to decide on the best policy • Moscow , as the worst-hit city , has imposed the most stringent set of restrictions which will continue until at least 31 May • From 12 May it will be compulsory to wear gloves and masks in shops and on public transport in Moscow • Only food shops and pharmacies are open .
Moscow mayor Sergey Sobyanin says it is too early to open non-essential shops and shopping centres • Schools are shut and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is currently no plan in place as to how to re-open them .
Travel within Moscow and also between cities is discouraged .
Many cities have police cordons and only those with residential registration are allowed in .

In Poland, Covid-19 numbers are lower than in many Western European countries. Although it largely escaped the worst pandemic, there was an outbreak at coal mines in the industrial heartland of Upper Silesia in early June. Poland began lifting restrictions on 20 April, when parks and forests were allowed to reopen.


bbc--2020-05-09--India coronavirus: Children portray Covid-19 and lockdown

India has been under a grinding lockdown since 24 March to curb the spread of the coronavirus .
The move @ @ @ @ @ hours notice , has been a sudden adjustment for many children , who are now @ @ @ @ @ .
Many miss school and their friends and are anxious about what is happening in @ @ @ @ @ Telugu spoke to some children who have been using art as a means of portraying @ @ @ @ @ time .

India has been under a grinding lockdown since 24 March to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The move, made with just four hours notice, has been a sudden adjustment for many children, who are now at home all the time. Many miss school and their friends and are anxious about what is happening in the world outside.
BBC Telugu spoke to some children who have been using art as a means of portraying their experiences during this unprecedented time.


bbc--2020-05-10--Cameroon's deadly mix of war and virus

Cameroon's deadly mix of war and virus

Prominent Cameroonian human rights activist Beatrice Titanji leapt for joy when a major secessionist group declared a ceasefire on 29 March to protect people from the `` fury '' of coronavirus in the central African state 's English-speaking heartlands , but her hopes have since been dashed as fighting continues to rage .
`` It 's a scary situation .
Thousands are trapped in the bushes , '' Dr Titanji told the BBC .
`` How do we tell them about Covid-19 ? ''
she added .
The Southern Cameroons Defence Forces ( SCDF ) unilaterally declared the ceasefire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guterres for conflict to end across the world .
`` The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war , '' he said .
`` It is time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives , '' Mr Guterres added .
However , none of Cameroon 's other secessionist groups , estimated to number at least 15 , have heeded the appeal .
The Ambazonia Governing Council , which is one of the biggest groups , said a unilateral ceasefire would open the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into territory under its control .
Cameroon 's government , led by the French-speaking President Paul Biya , has not declared a truce either and , to the dismay of aid workers , has banned humanitarian flights , along with commercial flights , in its efforts to curb the spread of the virus .
`` If we do n't have the means to reach out to people and give them food and medication , many of them are going to suffer .
They will die of hunger and illnesses , '' said Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Women 's Guild for Empowerment and Development , a non-governmental organisation involved in peace initiatives in Cameroon .
Both English and French are official languages in Cameroon following a complicated colonial history but in practice , the Francophone majority dominates , leading the Anglophone minority to complain of discrimination .
About 3,000 people have already died since protests over the increasing use of French in courts and schools in the English-speaking heartlands of the North-West and South-West regions morphed into violence in 2017 .
Nearly a million people have also been displaced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into bushes , where they built huts and villages as they started life afresh after their once-peaceful cites and towns turned into battle zones .
• British and French troops force Germans to leave in 1916 • Cameroon is split three years later - 80 % goes to the French and 20 % to the British • Following a referendum , the ( British ) Southern Cameroons join Cameroon , while Northern Cameroons join English-speaking Nigeria The UN children 's agency , Unicef , estimates that about 255 , or 34 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North-West and South-West are either non-functional or only partially functional because of the conflict .
Some of the facilities have been attacked and burnt down , forcing medics to flee .
This has increased fears about treating people in the event of a major outbreak of Covid-19 .
Cameroon has so far recorded more than 2,200 cases and 100 coronavirus-related deaths since March , the highest in central Africa .
However , few of them have been in the North-West and South-West , either because of little testing or because conflict has heavily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rural areas on lockdown long before the outbreak of coronavirus .
Like most civilians , soldiers are now seen wearing mass-produced protective masks , and using hand sanitizer , as they patrol cities and towns in the North-West and South-West .
However , there is little indication that the armed militias have taken any protective measures against coronavirus , or that they are medically equipped to deal with infections in their forest hideouts - where they sometimes hold abducted government officials .
About 300 government troops carried out a six-day operation against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military said it had killed 15 fighters , and destroyed two of their military camps outside the town of Bafut in the North-West .
The security forces are still searching for three government officials , including a court registrar , after they were seized by separatists in Boyo , another town in the North-West , late last month .
Lamenting the continuing conflict , Dr Titanji said : `` It 's a great challenge getting aid to the suffering masses .
We do n't need war at this time , with Covid-19 raging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the secessionist crisis : • 'We live in fear in Bamenda' • Burning Cameroon : Images you 're not meant to see

"If we don't have the means to reach out to people and give them food and medication, many of them are going to suffer. They will die of hunger and illnesses," said Dr Titanji, an academic who leads the Women's Guild for Empowerment and Development, a non-governmental organisation involved in peace initiatives in Cameroon.


bbc--2020-05-09--Tracking the global outbreak

Tracking the global outbreak

Coronavirus is continuing its spread across the world , with nearly four million confirmed cases in 187 countries .
About 275,000 people have lost their lives .
The United States alone has more than 1.2 million confirmed cases - five times as many as any other country .
This series of maps and charts tracks the global outbreak of the virus since it emerged in China in December last year .
How many cases and deaths have there been ?
The virus , which causes the respiratory infection Covid-19 , was first detected in the city of Wuhan , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading rapidly in many countries and the number of deaths is still climbing .
Note : The map and table in this page use a different source for figures for France from that used by Johns Hopkins University , which results in a slightly lower overall total .
The US has by far the largest number of cases , according to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University .
With more than 77,000 fatalities , it also has the world 's highest death toll .
France , Italy , Spain and the UK - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded more than 25,000 deaths .
In China , the official death toll is some 4,600 from about 84,000 confirmed cases , although critics have questioned whether the country 's official numbers can be trusted .
The outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the 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 .
Nearly four million people are known to have been infected worldwide , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher as many of those with milder symptoms have not been tested and counted .
Globally , more than 4.5 billion people - half the world 's population - have been living under social distancing measures , according to the AFP news agency 's estimates .
Those restrictions have had a big impact on the global economy , with the International Monetary Fund saying the world faces the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
The United Nations World Food Programme has also warned that the pandemic could almost double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the UN has appealed for $ 6.7bn ( £5.4bn ) in funding .
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock said : `` Unless we take action now , we should be prepared for a significant rise in conflict , hunger and poverty .
The spectre of multiple famines looms . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to protect your mental health • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW : How to understand UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising ?
While some regions are starting to see confirmed cases and deaths fall following the introduction of strict lockdown restrictions , others are only now seeing them rise .
Russia 's latest official data shows it now has the fifth highest number of infections worldwide .
The country has reported more than 10,000 new cases for six consecutive days and Moscow 's mayor has suggested the number of cases in his city is far higher than the official figure .
These charts show four countries where deaths are on an upward trajectory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each follow a similar pattern .
Across Latin America , where many economies are already struggling and millions live on what they can earn day-to-day , there are concerns about the strain coronavirus could put on health care systems .
Ecuador has already seen its health system collapse - thousands have died from the virus and other conditions that could not be treated because of the crisis .
The country 's official number of coronavirus deaths is around 1,700 but the death toll is thought to be much higher .
The growing threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe and other regions are slowly beginning to ease lockdown measures brought in to slow the spread of the virus .
Despite a rise in the number of coronavirus cases , Pakistan is to allow shops and small businesses in the capital Islamabad to re-open .
New Zealand says it has effectively eliminated the threat posed by the virus after fewer than 1,500 confirmed cases and just 20 deaths .
Its authorities had brought in some of the toughest restrictions on travel and activity early in the pandemic .
• Three continents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll starve to death if this continues' In Europe , the UK became the first country to record more than 30,000 coronavirus deaths earlier this week .
It surpassed Italy , which was the first country in the region to see a rapid increase in deaths in early March .
Spain and France have also recorded more than 25,000 deaths .
Differences in population size and how countries report their figures , with some including deaths in care homes , or deaths of those suspected but not confirmed of having the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , all four countries appear to have passed through the peak of the virus and the number of new reported cases and deaths is falling .
Germany and Belgium have also recorded a relatively high number of deaths and are now seeing those numbers decrease , though as Belgium has a far smaller population than Germany the number of deaths per capita there has been higher .
How countries across Europe are planning to move out of lockdown varies , with the EU saying there is `` no one-size-fits-all approach '' to lifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four-phase plan to lift its lockdown and return to a `` new normality '' by the end of June .
In Italy , some shops and factories have now reopened and bars and cafes are being allowed to offer takeaway services .
Germany has announced that all shops will be allowed to reopen , schools will begin to open again over the summer term and , in some regions , bars and restaurants could begin to reopen from this weekend .
In France , non-essential shops and markets are to open again from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schools will also be reopened gradually .
However , stricter restrictions will remain in Paris and the neighbouring regions .
Other European countries easing restrictions include Austria , Denmark , Switzerland and the Czech Republic .
In the UK , lockdown measures are still in full effect .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to reveal a `` comprehensive plan '' on Sunday for how the country will get moving again .
New York remains epicentre of US outbreak With more than 1.2 million cases , the US has the highest number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has also recorded more than 77,000 deaths .
The state of New York has been particularly badly affected , with more than 25,000 deaths in New York City alone .
At one point , more than 90 % of the US population was under mandatory lockdown orders , but around half of the states have now begun to loosen their stay-at-home restrictions and allowed some businesses to reopen .
The US unemployment rate has risen to 14.7 % , with 20.5 million jobs lost in April , as the coronavirus pandemic devastated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobless rate is now worse than at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
On Friday President Trump said the virus would `` go away without a vaccine '' , despite days earlier launching a major drive to accelerate production of one .
US health officials have said that a vaccine is still a year to 18 months away from being made available to the public .

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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--2020-05-10--UK to launch Covid-19 alert system

UK to launch Covid-19 alert system

An alert system to rank the threat level of coronavirus in England is set to be launched by the government .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to unveil the system , which will use a scale of one to five , as part of an address broadcast to the nation at 19:00 BST .
Mr Johnson will also explain any changes to the UK 's lockdown measures .
It comes after he introduced a new slogan telling the public to `` stay alert , control the virus , save lives '' .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broaden '' the message .
However , the devolved governments in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have said the `` stay at home '' advice will remain in place .
Mr Johnson is not expected to provide exact dates for when the strict curbs on daily life - which have been in place for seven weeks - might change .
• What to watch for in the PM 's coronavirus speech The threat level system will apply to England only but the government is working with the devolved administrations as they develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system - with alerts ranging from green ( level one ) to red ( level five ) - will be similar to the one used to keep the public informed about the terror threat level .
Mr Johnson is expected to say England is currently at stage four but moving towards stage three .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show it was the right time to `` update and broaden '' the message to the public from `` stay at home '' to `` stay alert '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by staying home as much as possible , but stay alert when you do go out by maintaining social distancing , washing your hands , respecting others in the workplace and the other settings that you 'll go to , '' he said .
But shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said the government must clarify what the new slogan means .
`` When you 're dealing with a public health crisis of this nature you need absolute clarity from government about what the advice is .
There is no room for nuance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem with the new message is that many people will be puzzled by it , '' he added .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • FACE MASKS : Should I be wearing one ?
The alert tool - to be administered by a new `` joint biosecurity centre '' - will reflect the virus threat in different parts of the country , meaning the threat level in one city could differ quite widely from another .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England .
A meeting of the government 's Cobra emergency committee involving the cabinet , devolved nations and the mayor of London will be held before Mr Johnson 's televised address on Sunday evening , with the plans to be put before Parliament on Monday .
Mr Jenrick said the UK government 's `` strong preference '' was for the devolved nations `` to move as one '' .
The UK government 's new slogan is part of moving into the next phase of the response to coronavirus .
Staying at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy , but ministers want to `` broaden the message '' .
Some are worried the new campaign is ambiguous and muddies the water .
In Wales and Scotland , the devolved governments have made clear they will keep the original slogan - `` stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' .
So from tomorrow , messaging will be different in different parts of the UK .
And I understand there are real concerns in the Scottish government about how people will react - with fears it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their advice to stay at home unless essential .
The communities secretary also told Marr a contact tracing app being trialled on the Isle of Wight had been downloaded by about 50,000 people .
Asked about reports a second app was being developed , Mr Jenrick said : `` We are learning lessons from the other apps that exist elsewhere in the world and if we need to change our app , we will do .
That 's the point of piloting this before we take it national . ''
'Best protection is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national clinical director for the Scottish government , told BBC Breakfast he `` ca n't explain '' what the prime minister 's revised message of `` stay alert '' means .
Prof Leitch reiterated what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said earlier this week - that the key message for Scotland `` remains 'stay at home ' '' - and added : `` I think the messaging is really important ... .
the best protection for this virus is your front door .
There is n't any question about that . ''
On Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government would proceed with `` extreme caution '' when lifting lockdown measures .
Mr Ashworth said while the lockdown remains important , it is `` fundamentally a blunt tool '' with `` huge societal problems '' building the longer it continues .
Meanwhile , a model of protective goggles is being withdrawn from hospitals and care providers because they do not meet standards for coronavirus settings , the government has said .
A Department of Health and Social Care spokeswoman told the BBC it had issued an alert advising against the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings related to Covid-19 .
The goggles were bought in 2009 and are now being removed from the supply chain , the spokeswoman added .
`` The safety of health , care and all frontline staff is our top priority ... we are arranging replacement stock for trusts who need immediate supply , '' she said .
Some 15 million goggles have been recalled , according to the Sunday Telegraph .
• The Department of Health has confirmed 50,000 coronavirus test samples were sent to the US earlier this week after problems in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government failed to hit the 100,000 daily testing target for the seventh day running • More than 70 public figures - including Baroness Doreen Lawrence and author Malorie Blackman - are calling for a full independent public inquiry into deaths from Covid-19 among people from ethnic minority backgrounds • The Prince of Wales has hailed the `` dedication , resilience and hard work '' of Britain 's postal workers during the pandemic .
Charles left a letter addressed to `` Everyone at Royal Mail '' outside his home in Birkhall , Aberdeenshire • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be based on safety , not their size or business type , a retail chief has told the BBC • Religious leaders have warned that social distancing will be impossible in some places of worship if government ministers allow them to reopen - with one leader saying churches might not return to normal services before the end of the year • Another 346 UK coronavirus deaths were recorded on Saturday , taking the total to 31,587 How have you been affected by the pandemic ?
Tell us about your experience by emailing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Or Upload your pictures/video here • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

It is understood the system - with alerts ranging from green (level one) to red (level five) - will be adjusted according to data and will be similar to the one used to keep the public informed about the terror threat level.


bbc--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: Germany infection rate rises as lockdown eases

Coronavirus infections are rising in Germany , official data shows , just days after the country eased its lockdown restrictions .
According to the Robert Koch Institute ( RKI ) , Germany 's reproduction rate - the number of people each confirmed patient infects - is now above 1 .
This means the number of infections is now rising in the country .
The report came as thousands of Germans gathered on Saturday calling for a total end to the lockdown .
Chancellor Angela Merkel announced a broad relaxation of national restrictions on Wednesday after talks with the leaders of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are allowed to reopen , pupils will gradually return to class and the Bundesliga - Germany 's top football league - will restart as soon as next weekend .
• How lockdown is being lifted across Europe • Do n't rule out summer in Majorca : German official But there were protests across the country on Saturday , as some called for measures to be lifted even quicker .
Germany has the seventh-highest number of confirmed cases in the world , with latest RKI data on Sunday showing the reported infected tally at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7,395 .
What did the report say ?
The report from the public health agency released on Saturday said the reproduction rate was estimated at 1.1 .
While this estimate involves `` a degree of uncertainty '' , the rise in the number requires `` a close monitoring of the situation in the coming days '' .
Germany has won praise for its response to the outbreak .
Mass testing and effective lockdown restrictions have helped keep the death toll far lower than in other European countries .
But some have criticised Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after speaking with the heads of the 16 states on Wednesday .
The chancellor imposed an `` emergency break '' , requiring local authorities to reimpose restrictions if cases rise above a threshold of 50 per 100,000 people .
Outbreaks at meat processing plants in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein have already reportedly breached that line , and forced district officials to act .
And one district in the state of Thuringia reportedly recorded more than 80 infections per 100,000 people , thought to be due to outbreaks at care facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
While some worry that the country is easing its restrictions too soon , others in Germany are protesting against the continued lockdown .
Small numbers of people have taken to the streets in recent weeks but on Saturday this swelled to thousands of people who gathered in cities across the country - including Berlin , Frankfurt , Munich and Stuttgart .
• How to open a hairdresser 's after lockdown Officers in Berlin arrested about 30 people outside the Reichstag on Saturday for not obeying social distancing measures .
Authorities say some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Right-wing groups and conspiracy theorists also took part in some of the protests .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • CRISIS BAILOUTS : What countries are doing • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

At the same time though the daily death toll in Germany is the lowest it's been in more than a month. Fewer than 40 people here died of Covid-19 in the 24 hours until Sunday. In other large European countries this level has at times risen to almost 1,000.


bbc--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: White House task force members self-isolate

Three members of the White House coronavirus task force are self-isolating for two weeks after possible exposure to the illness .
Dr Anthony Fauci , who has become the public face of the fight against the virus in the US , is one of those who will go into quarantine .
His agency , the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said he was at `` relatively low risk '' due to the degree of his exposure .
The 79-year-old will work from home for the time being and will be regularly tested , the institute said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ US Vice President Mike Pence 's press secretary Katie Miller , the wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller , tested positive for the virus on Friday .
Her diagnosis came after a valet for US President Donald Trump was also confirmed to have the illness .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) director Dr Robert Redfield and Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) commissioner Stephen Hahn are also self-isolating .
In a statement , the CDC said Dr Redfield , 68 , had no symptoms and was not feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for two weeks after `` low risk exposure '' to someone at the White House .
It is unclear who this person is .
And an FDA spokesman told Reuters news agency on Friday that 60-year-old Stephen Hahn was also self-isolating .
He has also tested negative , the spokesman said .
The three men were due to address a Senate committee on Tuesday .
Before the news about Dr Fauci became public , committee chairman Senator Lamar Alexander said Dr Redfield and Dr Hahn would be allowed to testify by videolink .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
According to Johns Hopkins University data , the US has 1.3 million confirmed cases and has recorded 78,794 deaths - by far the highest total in the world .
Many states brought in lockdown measures in March to try to contain the outbreak .
But now some have lifted restrictions to allow people to return to work , a move health officials fear could further spread the virus .
Former US President Barack Obama has sharply criticised his successor 's response to the crisis .
During a private phone call to former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` an absolute chaotic disaster '' .
Last week Mr Trump said he would refocus the White House task force on kickstarting the US economy , a day after suggesting he would disband it .

In a statement, the CDC said Dr Redfield, 68, had no symptoms and was not feeling unwell, but would also be teleworking for two weeks after "low risk exposure" to someone at the White House. It is unclear who this person is.


bbc--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: Obama says US response a 'chaotic disaster'

Former US President Barack Obama has strongly criticised his successor Donald Trump over his response to the coronavirus crisis .
In a private conference call , he called the US handling of the pandemic `` an absolute chaotic disaster '' .
His remarks were made while encouraging former staff to work for Joe Biden 's presidential election team , CNN says .
The White House said in response that President Trump 's `` unprecedented '' action had `` saved Americans ' lives '' .
During the call , Mr Obama said his Republican successor 's approach to government was partly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
`` It would have been bad even with the best of government , '' he was quoted as saying in the call .
`` It has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset of 'what 's in it for me ' and 'to heck with everybody else ' , when that mindset is operationalised in our government . ''
Mr Obama also strongly criticised the decision to drop criminal charges against former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn .
What is the coronavirus situation in the US ?
More than 77,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has 1.2m confirmed cases - both by far the highest in the world .
Many states introduced lockdown measures in March but have now lifted restrictions , allowing people to return to work .
But health officials warn this may lead the virus to spread further .
Mr Trump 's approach to the pandemic has oscillated .
In February he dismissed the threat , saying it would disappear , but by mid-March he acknowledged its severity .
In April he suggested that ingesting disinfectant could be a preventative - something experts immediately rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close down his government 's coronavirus task force , but later said it would continue - but focusing on reopening the economy .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • CRISIS BAILOUTS : What countries are doing • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

"It would have been bad even with the best of government," he was quoted as saying in the call. "It has been an absolute chaotic disaster when that mindset of 'what's in it for me' and 'to heck with everybody else', when that mindset is operationalised in our government."


bbc--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: Number of global cases rises above four million

More than four million confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported around the world , according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University .
The global death toll has also risen to above 277,000 .
The US remains the worst-hit country , accounting for over a quarter of confirmed cases and a third of deaths .
Experts warn the true number of infections is likely to be far higher , with low testing rates in many countries skewing the data .
Daily death tolls are continuing to drop in some nations , including Spain , but there is concern that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` second wave '' of infections .
In addition , governments are bracing for economic fallout as the pandemic hits global markets and supply chains .
A senior Chinese official has told local media that the pandemic was a `` big test '' that had exposed weaknesses in the country 's public health system .
The rare admission , from the director of China 's National Health Commission , Li Bin , comes after sustained criticism abroad of China 's early response .
• The UK government will proceed with `` extreme caution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the country 's transport secretary .
• China 's president has expressed concern about the threat of the coronavirus to North Korea and offered help .
• Former US President Barack Obama has strongly criticised Donald Trump over his response to the coronavirus crisis , calling it `` an absolute chaotic disaster '' .
• Billionaire Tesla boss Elon Musk has said he will move the electric carmaker 's headquarters out of California because of local coronavirus restrictions .
• Three senior officials in the US are self-isolating after coming into contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus - Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Stephen Hahn , head of the Food and Drug Administration , and top infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci • Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been criticised for riding a jetski on a lake as the national Congress announced three days of official mourning for victims of the pandemic • Health officials in Ghana say more than 500 workers at an industrial facility have tested positive for coronavirus , while the total number of daily cases in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - just a day after authorities said infections had reached its peak .
This week , some lockdown measures have begun easing in Italy , once the global epicentre of the pandemic .
Italians have been able to exercise outdoors and visit family members in their region .
France has recorded its lowest daily number of coronavirus deaths for more than a month , with 80 deaths over the past 24 hours .
Authorities are preparing to ease restrictions from Monday , as is the government in neighbouring Spain .
Meanwhile lockdowns are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite calls from opposition parties for it to end .
In South Korea , renewed restrictions are being imposed on bars and clubs after a series of transmissions linked to Seoul 's leisure district .
Russia also cancelled a military parade in Moscow , planned as part of the country 's Victory Day celebrations .
Instead , President Vladimir Putin hosted a subdued event on Saturday , laying roses at the Eternal Flame war memorial .
But despite scientific evidence , leaders of several countries have continued to express scepticism about the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus , thousands of soldiers marched to celebrate Victory Day , as President Alexander Lukashenko rejected calls for tougher measures .
British medical journal The Lancet has written a scathing editorial about Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , calling him the biggest threat to his country 's ability to contain the spread of coronavirus .
Brazil is currently reporting the highest number of cases in Latin America - over 10,000 more on Saturday , bringing the national total to nearly 156,000 .
But despite the outbreak , President Bolsonaro continues to dismiss the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over lockdown measures .
Frustrations about the outbreak turned violent in Afghanistan , and at least six people died during clashes between protesters and security forces .
The violence started after demonstrators gathered in Firozkoh , the capital of Ghor province , to complain about the government 's perceived failure to help the poor during the pandemic .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • CRISIS BAILOUTS : What countries are doing • TESTING : Can I get @ @ @ @

British medical journal The Lancet has written a scathing editorial about Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, calling him the biggest threat to his country's ability to contain the spread of coronavirus. Brazil is currently reporting the highest number of cases in Latin America - over 10,000 more on Saturday, bringing the national total to nearly 156,000. But despite the outbreak, President Bolsonaro continues to dismiss the virus' severity and has clashed with governors over lockdown measures.


bbc--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: UK sent 50,000 Covid-19 samples to US for testing

The government has admitted sending about 50,000 coronavirus tests to the US last week for processing after `` operational issues '' in UK labs .
The Department of Health said sending swabs abroad are among the contingencies to deal with `` teething problems '' .
The samples were airlifted to the US in chartered flights from Stansted Airport , the Sunday Telegraph said .
Results will be validated in the UK and sent to patients as soon as possible .
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) said expanding Britain 's virus testing network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new '' lab network to process tests , adding `` contingencies '' - such as sending swabs abroad - were in place for when `` problems arise '' .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick defended the kits being sent to the US , telling the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show that the move `` shows our determination to get the job done '' .
• Why did the UK need 100,000 tests a day ?
Meanwhile , the government has sent an urgent alert to hospitals recalling 15.8m protective goggles due to safety concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protectors , purchased in 2009 during the swine flue pandemic , were in CE marked boxes - meaning they should have met European Union safety requirements - the goggles have since been retested and do not provide proper splash protection .
Commenting on the recall , which was first reported in the Sunday Telegraph , a DHSC spokeswoman said the safety of frontline staff was `` our top priority '' .
She added that hospital trusts should have enough goggles to `` immediately stop '' using the `` Tiger Eye '' protectors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in quarantine , she added .
The revelations come as the government failed to hit the 100,000 daily tests target set by Health Secretary Matt Hancock for the seventh day in a row .
There were 96,878 tests delivered in the 24 hours up to 09:00 BST on Friday , down from 97,029 the day before .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said his `` ambition '' was to hit 200,000 tests `` by the end of this month - and then go even higher '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • FACE MASKS : Should I be wearing one ?
But health leaders said they expected `` fluctuations '' in the figures , and that testing was still much higher than it was at the start of the outbreak .
Speaking at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing , deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van-Tam said he expected `` fluctuation '' in the day-to-day figures .
He said : `` We are now really at a high plateau , in the region of 100,000 tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think we can read too much into day-to-day variations , but the macro picture is this is now at a much , much higher level than it ever was at the beginning of this crisis . ''
BBC health reporter Rachel Schraer said the UK did not start with the resources to do mass testing , unlike some other countries .
But it also took several weeks to expand from an initial eight public health laboratories to a wider network of private and university labs .
Unlike the UK , countries like Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the test available to a larger number of labs .
Prof Van-Tam also told the briefing that the test-and-trace strategy of finding people with the virus and tracking people they have been in contact with was `` part of the solution '' needed to ease the lockdown .
When asked if the rate of new infections had to be down to hundreds a day for the strategy to be effective - when it is currently in the thousands - Prof Van-Tam said it was entirely appropriate for it to be part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
Stressing it was not the total solution , he said it would give more room for steps to ease social distancing .

"I don't think we can read too much into day-to-day variations, but the macro picture is this is now at a much, much higher level than it ever was at the beginning of this crisis."


bbc--2020-05-10--Coronavirus: Elon Musk vows to move Tesla factory in lockdown row

Billionaire Tesla boss Elon Musk has said he will move the electric carmaker 's headquarters out of California , after he was ordered to keep its only US vehicle plant closed .
`` Tesla will now move its HQ and future programs to Texas/Nevada immediately , '' the CEO tweeted .
The company was filing a lawsuit against Alameda County , he added .
The county 's health department had refused to let the Tesla factory reopen on Friday , citing lockdown measures .
According to figures from John 's Hopkins University , 2,632 people in California have died with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but `` basic operations '' have been suspended at Tesla 's Fremont plant , near San Francisco , because of `` shelter in place '' orders enacted in Alameda County .
The factory employs more than 10,000 workers , and makes about 415,000 vehicles every year .
California 's government has eased some restrictions around the state this week , allowing businesses to resume operations .
But several Bay Area counties have issued their own criteria for which businesses may reopen , which take precedence .
In Alameda , all but essential businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May .
Mr Musk suggested the factory 's future could now be in doubt , tweeting : `` If we even retain Fremont manufacturing activity at all , it will be dependent on how Tesla is treated in the future . ''
• New dad Elon Musk puts luxury homes up for sale In a statement released before Mr Musk 's tweets , Alameda County said : `` We welcome Tesla 's proactive work on a reopening plan , so that once they fit the criteria to reopen , they can do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the community at large . ''
Mr Musk , 48 , who welcomed a baby with Canadian singer Grimes earlier this week , wiped $ 14bn ( £11bn ) off Tesla 's value on 1 May after tweeting that its share price was too high .
He has donated over 1,200 ventilators to hospitals in the US to assist with treating coronavirus patients .
The tech billionaire has also poked fun at the mass purchasing of toilet paper when the pandemic began .
But he has also sparked controversy for promoting an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for asserting , falsely , that children are `` essentially immune '' .
Mr Musk has continually voiced his opposition to `` fascist '' lockdown measures , tweeting `` FREE AMERICA NOW '' last month .
Tesla has suspended operations at its plant in the Chinese city of Shanghai , according to Bloomberg .
It had previously closed the factory as a temporary measure when the virus was at its peak in China .
The company reported a net profit in the first three months of this year , and its stock has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; €756 ) .
But analysts expect the coronavirus pandemic will adversely affect its earnings in 2020 .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • CRISIS BAILOUTS : What countries are doing • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

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bbc--2020-05-09--Khashoggi fiancee urges 'moral' reply to Saudi EPL move

Newcastle United and the Premier League must put moral values ahead of financial gains , says the fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi .
Saudi Arabia 's Public Investment Fund looks set to finance 80 % of a £300m takeover of the club .
Khashoggi was killed in 2018 with Western intelligence agencies believing that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder - which he denies .
`` My message would be to the management of Newcastle United and to the decision makers .
`` We should consider ethical values , not just financial or political ones .
Money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So the message that will be given to people like Crown Prince is extremely important .
`` There should be no place in English football for those credibly accused of atrocities and murder '' .
• Fans vow to raise Saudi issues despite support for deal Khashoggi - a dissident Saudi columnist living in self-exile in the United States - had gone to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018 , seeking papers to marry Cengiz .
Investigators believe that as she waited outside , the 59-year-old was murdered and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been found .
UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard said there was credible evidence that Crown Prince Mohammed and other high-level Saudi officials were individually liable .
A court in Saudi Arabia last year sentenced five people to death and jailed three others over his murder , while Turkey has separately charged 20 suspects over the murder .
`` We do n't want this deal to go ahead , '' Cengiz added .
`` We are not just talking about the murder of a human being but the efforts to keep all hopes regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive , to support justice and to start a transformation in the Middle East .
`` This deal seems to be about buying something .
But there is a wider picture .
Saudi Arabia shows the world its face of reform .
But it has another face where the reality is far from what is shown to the world .
This is why we want this ( deal ) to be stopped and not be completed . ''
What do we know about the takeover ?
Mike Ashley has owned Newcastle since 2007 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 .
The proposed Saudi takeover is thought to be worth some £300 million .
But it has already caused much controversy .
• Who are the main people involved in the potential deal ?
The Saudi government has been accused of facilitating the theft of Premier League commercial rights , while Amnesty International has criticised the potential deal due to the country 's dire human rights record .
The country has also been accused of `` sportswashing '' , a term used to describe countries that try to improve their international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosting big sporting events .
But these accusations have been rebuffed by the Saudi government , which claims it wants to get more of its people engaged in sport .
Cengiz has written to the Premier League to state the takeover should be blocked .
In a reply to her letter from chief executive Richard Masters , seen by BBC Sport , he says the Premier League are following `` due processes required by UK law and by the Premier League 's own rules '' , which `` go beyond those required by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied with rigour '' .
But he says he `` appreciates the strength of feeling '' from her and reiterated his condolences .
Last month , the Premier League was urged by one of its largest overseas broadcast partners to `` fully interrogate '' Newcastle United 's proposed £300m takeover .
The chief executive of the Qatar-based TV giant beIN Sport , Yousef al-Obaidly , has written to the chairs of top-flight clubs about the deal , which could see the Magpies bought by a Saudi-backed consortium .
In the letter , Al-Obaidly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` facilitation of the near three-year theft of the Premier League 's commercial rights - and in turn your club 's commercial revenues - through its backing of the huge-scale beoutQ pirate service '' .

Newcastle United sat 13th in the Premier League when the season was suspended in March
Newcastle United and the Premier League must put moral values ahead of financial gains, says the fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund looks set to finance 80% of a £300m takeover of the club.
Khashoggi was killed in 2018 with Western intelligence agencies believing that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder - which he denies.
"Moral values should prevail," Hatice Cengiz told BBC 5 Live.
"My message would be to the management of Newcastle United and to the decision makers.
"We should consider ethical values, not just financial or political ones. Money cannot buy everything in the world. So the message that will be given to people like Crown Prince is extremely important.
"There should be no place in English football for those credibly accused of atrocities and murder".
The Premier League declined to comment.
Background
Khashoggi - a dissident Saudi columnist living in self-exile in the United States - had gone to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018, seeking papers to marry Cengiz.
Investigators believe that as she waited outside, the 59-year-old was murdered and then dismembered. His remains have never been found.
UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard said there was credible evidence that Crown Prince Mohammed and other high-level Saudi officials were individually liable.
A court in Saudi Arabia last year sentenced five people to death and jailed three others over his murder, while Turkey has separately charged 20 suspects over the murder.
"We don't want this deal to go ahead," Cengiz added. "We are not just talking about the murder of a human being but the efforts to keep all hopes regarding the future, to keep human rights alive, to support justice and to start a transformation in the Middle East.
"This deal seems to be about buying something. But there is a wider picture. Saudi Arabia shows the world its face of reform. But it has another face where the reality is far from what is shown to the world. This is why we want this (deal) to be stopped and not be completed."
What do we know about the takeover?
Mike Ashley has owned Newcastle since 2007 and put the club up for sale in 2017. The proposed Saudi takeover is thought to be worth some £300 million.
But it has already caused much controversy.
The Saudi government has been accused of facilitating the theft of Premier League commercial rights, while Amnesty International has criticised the potential deal due to the country's dire human rights record.
The country has also been accused of "sportswashing", a term used to describe countries that try to improve their international reputation by investing in major teams or hosting big sporting events.
But these accusations have been rebuffed by the Saudi government, which claims it wants to get more of its people engaged in sport.
Hatice Cengiz has called on the Premier League to block the takeover
Complaints to the Premier League
Cengiz has written to the Premier League to state the takeover should be blocked. In a reply to her letter from chief executive Richard Masters, seen by BBC Sport, he says the Premier League are following "due processes required by UK law and by the Premier League's own rules", which "go beyond those required by UK company law" and are "applied with rigour". But he says he "appreciates the strength of feeling" from her and reiterated his condolences.
Last month, the Premier League was urged by one of its largest overseas broadcast partners to "fully interrogate" Newcastle United's proposed £300m takeover.
The chief executive of the Qatar-based TV giant beIN Sport, Yousef al-Obaidly, has written to the chairs of top-flight clubs about the deal, which could see the Magpies bought by a Saudi-backed consortium.
In the letter, Al-Obaidly accused the Saudi Arabian government of the "facilitation of the near three-year theft of the Premier League's commercial rights - and in turn your club's commercial revenues - through its backing of the huge-scale beoutQ pirate service".
Analysis
Dan Roan, BBC sports editor
It should be decided soon, possibly this week, and yes it will go through. Certainly speak to those close to the consortium and they don't sound too concerned.
They can point to the fact that Britain's been happy to do billions of pounds-worth of arms deals with the Saudis over recent years and I think it's significant that the British government the other day did make it clear that it wouldn't stand in the way of this deal, saying it was a matter for the Premier League.
The PIF, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, has declined to comment but it's understood its position is that although the Crown Prince is chair of the organisation, he is not involved with it in the day-to-day running so the accusations against him are not directly relevant to this bid.
And the owners' and directors' tests the Premier League will be looking at now doesn't appear to have much to say about character. It refers to unspent convictions, but unless there is an obvious and clear link between a person and an offence or that person has been convicted in a court of law, it's difficult to see how they could fail the test.


bbc--2020-05-09--Dynamo Dresden squad placed in isolation

Dynamo Dresden , who play in the second tier of German football , have put their entire squad and coaching staff into two-week isolation after two players tested positive for coronavirus .
The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are due to restart on Saturday , 16 May .
It is set to be the first European league to restart following the coronavirus shutdown .
`` The fact is that we can neither train nor participate in a game in the next 14 days , '' said Dynamo .
On Thursday , the German Football Association ( DFB ) said the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban fans from the stadium and require players to have Covid-19 testing .
About 300 people , including players , staff and officials , will be in or around the stadiums during match days .
The league has been suspended since 13 March .
Clubs returned to training in mid-April , with players working in groups .
But on Saturday Dresden , who are bottom of Bundesliga 2 , said they would be unable to fulfil the initial fixtures .
`` In the past few weeks , we have made enormous efforts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strictly implement all the prescribed medical and hygienic measures , `` said Dynamo sports manager Ralf Minge .
`` We are in contact with the responsible health authority and the DFL ( German Football League ) to coordinate all further steps . ''
Dresden were due to resume the season on 17 May at Hannover 96 .
The Dynamo Dresden situation proves that any league will be balanced on a knife edge when football resumes , even with all the planning and all the expertise that has gone into the Bundesliga restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much on Friday when he said that they are `` playing under probation '' .
The truth for football authorities everywhere is that there are no certainties at the moment and there will be setbacks .
The only good news is that although there are a lot of fixtures to pack in , time is relatively on German football 's side compared to the other big European leagues , who are still wondering if and when they 'll be able to return .
Now the DFL will be hoping that this will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postpone on their high profile re-opening weekend .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Dresden won their last match before the league's shutdown - 2-1 on 8 March against Erzgebirge Aue
Dynamo Dresden, who play in the second tier of German football, have put their entire squad and coaching staff into two-week isolation after two players tested positive for coronavirus.
The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are due to restart on Saturday, 16 May.
It is set to be the first European league to restart following the coronavirus shutdown.
"The fact is that we can neither train nor participate in a game in the next 14 days," said Dynamo.
On Thursday, the German Football Association (DFB) said the season would resume under strict health protocols that ban fans from the stadium and require players to have Covid-19 testing.
About 300 people, including players, staff and officials, will be in or around the stadiums during match days.
The league has been suspended since 13 March. Clubs returned to training in mid-April, with players working in groups.
But on Saturday Dresden, who are bottom of Bundesliga 2, said they would be unable to fulfil the initial fixtures.
"In the past few weeks, we have made enormous efforts in terms of personnel and logistics in order to strictly implement all the prescribed medical and hygienic measures, "said Dynamo sports manager Ralf Minge .
"We are in contact with the responsible health authority and the DFL (German Football League) to coordinate all further steps."
Dresden were due to resume the season on 17 May at Hannover 96.
Analysis
John Bennett, BBC World Service
The Dynamo Dresden situation proves that any league will be balanced on a knife edge when football resumes, even with all the planning and all the expertise that has gone into the Bundesliga restart.
DFL boss Christian Seifert admitted as much on Friday when he said that they are "playing under probation".
The truth for football authorities everywhere is that there are no certainties at the moment and there will be setbacks.
The only good news is that although there are a lot of fixtures to pack in, time is relatively on German football's side compared to the other big European leagues, who are still wondering if and when they'll be able to return.
Now the DFL will be hoping that this will be the only fixture they'll have to postpone on their high profile re-opening weekend.


bbc--2020-05-10--World War Two: The 'slave labourer' who made Jersey his home

Around 16,000 slave and forced workers were brought to Jersey during World War Two , during the German occupation of @ @ @ @ @ Perez Slim 's father was brought to Jersey from Spain , but ended up staying @ @ @ @

Around 16,000 slave and forced workers were brought to Jersey during World War Two, during the German occupation of the Channel Islands.
Andrew Lopez Rubio's father was brought to Jersey from Spain, but ended up staying on the island.


bbc--2020-05-10--Third Brighton player tests positive for coronavirus

A third Brighton player has tested positive for coronavirus .
The unnamed player , who will now self isolate for 14 days , was tested on Saturday - two other players tested positive earlier in the pandemic .
Brighton players have been training individually at the training ground and the club say this will be allowed to continue .
Premier League clubs are due to meet on Monday for more discussions about their proposed Project Restart plan .
`` It is a concern , '' Brighton chief executive Paul Barber told Sky Sports .
`` Despite all of the measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past few weeks , where the players have n't been involved in any significant training at all , we 've still suffered another player testing positive for the virus . ''
The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March but is aiming to resume behind closed doors in June with most teams faced with nine fixtures left to play .
• Project restart may prove beyond us - Parish Barber has been vocal in his opposition to the league 's plans of playing matches at neutral venues with Watford and Aston Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is understood Premier League clubs are not planning to vote on whether to use neutral venues at Monday 's meeting .
The vote looks likely to be held later in May and 14 of the 20 clubs must vote in favour for it to be adopted .
Before voting , league bosses are also awaiting government guidance on the criteria for bio-security at events and ground-safety licensing , which is expected later next week .
Monday 's Premier League meeting will feature a vote on whether player contracts are to be extended until @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Brighton
Three players from Brighton have now tested positive during the pandemic
A third Brighton player has tested positive for coronavirus.
The unnamed player, who will now self isolate for 14 days, was tested on Saturday - two other players tested positive earlier in the pandemic.
Brighton players have been training individually at the training ground and the club say this will be allowed to continue.
Premier League clubs are due to meet on Monday for more discussions about their proposed Project Restart plan.
"It is a concern," Brighton chief executive Paul Barber told Sky Sports. external-link "Despite all of the measures that we've been taking over the past few weeks, where the players haven't been involved in any significant training at all, we've still suffered another player testing positive for the virus."
Responding to news of the Brighton player, Norwich's 22-year-old midfielder Todd Cantwell tweeted: "We are just people too."
The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March but is aiming to resume behind closed doors in June with most teams faced with nine fixtures left to play.
Barber has been vocal in his opposition to the league's plans of playing matches at neutral venues with Watford and Aston Villa also objecting to the proposal.
It is understood Premier League clubs are not planning to vote on whether to use neutral venues at Monday's meeting.
The vote looks likely to be held later in May and 14 of the 20 clubs must vote in favour for it to be adopted.
Before voting, league bosses are also awaiting government guidance on the criteria for bio-security at events and ground-safety licensing, which is expected later next week.
Monday's Premier League meeting will feature a vote on whether player contracts are to be extended until the end of the rescheduled season.
In Germany, Bundesliga 2 side Dynamo Dresden announced on Saturday they have put their entire squad and coaching staff into two-week isolation after two players tested positive for coronavirus.
The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are due to restart on Saturday, 16 May.
Analysis - 'Precarious nature of Project Restart'
This latest development underlines the precarious nature of the whole concept Project Restart - and how bitter the debate around it has become.
It didn't take long for the conspiracy theorists to point out Brighton have been vocal in their opposition to games being played on neutral venues and wonder if there was a connection between that and the positive Covid-19 test.
This pays no account to the professionalism of the medical staff involved - who have been communicating with each other across the Premier League to discuss the prospect of a restart.
Given events at Dynamo Dresden over the weekend, it is impossible to imagine there won't be further positive tests before England's top flight reaches its intended start date in the middle of June, each one doubtless bringing fresh calls for the 2019-20 season to be scrapped.
As they continue discussions around the detail of how football should be played - the reality, as Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said on the Andrew Marr Programme on Sunday, is that we are still very much in the position of if it starts, rather than when.


bbc--2020-05-10--Premier League's Project Restart 'may prove beyond us'

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish says that unless Premier League clubs can find a way to stage matches soon , it may be a “ very , very extended period ” before the top flight returns .
Speaking on BBC One ’ s Andrew Marr Show , Parish said that initial plans for league matches to be staged again from June may prove unfeasible .
“ We would be derelict in our duty if we didn ’ t find a way to try and bring the game back , ” he said .
At least three clubs – Watford , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the plan to stage matches at neutral venues under ‘ Project Restart ’ , while club doctors have raised concerns over aspects of the proposals .
Parish will be part of a meeting of Premier League club officials on Monday where discussions will continue over how they could get their teams back on the pitch .
In Germany , where the top two divisions are set to restart on 16 May , second-tier side Dinamo Dresden have placed their entire squad and coaching staff into isolation for two weeks after two players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave of 1,724 tests carried out last week by the Bundesliga returned 10 positive results .
“ The German example could provide a blueprint for us and clearly we can see some of the early challenges , ” added Parish .
“ They may prove insurmountable , but the concern for us is that if they prove insurmountable now then we may be in for a very , very extended period of not being able to play and that has huge ramifications for the game.
” Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least £1bn '' if the Premier League fails to complete the 2019-20 campaign .
Parish believes that deciding the final league positions on the pitch , rather than relying on points per game or taking the current table as the final outcome , is preferable , even if conditions are far from ideal .
“ Deciding it competitively would be best , obviously if we can play in our own stadiums that would be preferable for everybody , but for the moment that situation is with government and the authorities and not with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The police have made it clear that they don ’ t think they can police every ground .
“ I have enormous sympathy with [ Watford chief executive ] Scott Duxbury ’ s position .
Having said that , I think it may well prove to be the least worst option .
“ There are no easy answers , we have to work through it as a collective and I think we will come out with a consensus in the end.
” Parish also underlined that he and his colleagues are keeping football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as of 11:30 BST on 10 May , at least 31,587 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the United Kingdom .
“ Football is entirely unimportant in the context of the public health crisis , that has to come first , ” he said .
“ We will want assurances as clubs that we are not taking resources away from anyone .
We simply can ’ t take tests away from anyone who is more needful than us .
`` We have been told so far that these are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this particular public health crisis .
We will all want more clarity on that , it is essential that that is the case .
”

Crystal Palace's last match was a 1-0 home win over Watford on 7 March
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish says that unless Premier League clubs can find a way to stage matches soon, it may be a “very, very extended period” before the top flight returns.
Speaking on BBC One’s Andrew Marr Show, Parish said that initial plans for league matches to be staged again from June may prove unfeasible.
“We would be derelict in our duty if we didn’t find a way to try and bring the game back,” he said.
“It may prove beyond us.”
At least three clubs – Watford, Brighton and Aston Villa – are opposed to the plan to stage matches at neutral venues under ‘Project Restart’, while club doctors have raised concerns over aspects of the proposals.
Parish will be part of a meeting of Premier League club officials on Monday where discussions will continue over how they could get their teams back on the pitch.
In Germany, where the top two divisions are set to restart on 16 May, second-tier side Dinamo Dresden have placed their entire squad and coaching staff into isolation for two weeks after two players tested positive for coronavirus.
A previous wave of 1,724 tests carried out last week by the Bundesliga returned 10 positive results.
“The German example could provide a blueprint for us and clearly we can see some of the early challenges,” added Parish.
“They may prove insurmountable, but the concern for us is that if they prove insurmountable now then we may be in for a very, very extended period of not being able to play and that has huge ramifications for the game.”
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously predicted a loss of "at least £1bn" external-link if the Premier League fails to complete the 2019-20 campaign.
Parish believes that deciding the final league positions on the pitch, rather than relying on points per game or taking the current table as the final outcome, is preferable, even if conditions are far from ideal.
“Deciding it competitively would be best, obviously if we can play in our own stadiums that would be preferable for everybody, but for the moment that situation is with government and the authorities and not with us," he said.
“The police have made it clear that they don’t think they can police every ground.
“I have enormous sympathy with [Watford chief executive ] Scott Duxbury’s position. Having said that, I think it may well prove to be the least worst option.
“There are no easy answers, we have to work through it as a collective and I think we will come out with a consensus in the end.”
Parish also underlined that he and his colleagues are keeping football in perspective during an outbreak in which, as of 11:30 BST on 10 May, at least 31,587 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the United Kingdom.
“Football is entirely unimportant in the context of the public health crisis, that has to come first,” he said.
“We will want assurances as clubs that we are not taking resources away from anyone. We simply can’t take tests away from anyone who is more needful than us.
"We have been told so far that these are private facilities that are not being utilised for this particular public health crisis. We will all want more clarity on that, it is essential that that is the case.”


bbc--2020-05-10--Messi or Ronaldo? Your best Ballon d'Or winner of Premier League era revealed

It came down to the question it always comes down to - Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo ?
This week the Match of the Day : Top 10 podcast team of Gary Lineker , Alan Shearer and Ian Wright attempted to rank the best Ballon d'Or winners of the Premier League era - and we asked you to do the same .
The Ballon d'Or has been football 's most prestigious individual award since its inception in 1956 .
Initially open to Europeans , all players at European clubs became eligible in 1995 , before all players from around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been 18 different winners in the Premier League era , with Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi winning it five times apiece between 2008 and 2017 .
And perhaps unsurprisingly - and even with the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Brazilian Ronaldo thrown into the mix - it all came down to Messi v CR7 .
Here 's how you ranked them - and if you still have n't picked your order yet you can do so at the bottom of the page .
• Match of the Day : Top 10 podcast - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Day : Top 10 podcast - Premier League 's best managers Messi succeeded Ronaldinho as Barcelona 's biggest attacking threat and the first season he was top scorer ( 2008-09 ) they won La Liga and the Champions League , earning the Argentine forward his first Ballon d'Or .
He won it again the next three years , scoring 73 in 60 in 2011-12 , and regained it after a fourth Champions League win in 2015 .
Messi went clear of Ronaldo for a record sixth Ballon d'Or after winning his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pair now have over 700 career goals each - and they 're not done yet .
Shearer : `` The standard that these two have set , they 've taken goalscoring to a different level .
Look at how many appearances and goals they 've had , it 's bonkers .
`` We 're so lucky to live in this era where we 're seeing the football these two produce .
To get to the top is one thing , but to stay there and have that hunger to keep on performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dedication they must have to keep doing it year in , year out . ''
Real Madrid signed two Ballon d'Or winners for world-record fees in the space of three days as Cristiano Ronaldo joined Kaka at the Bernabeu in 2009 .
The Portuguese forward had scored 42 in 49 in 2007-08 as United won the Premier League and Champions League .
And so began a personal duel with Lionel Messi , breaking all sorts of goalscoring records along the way , with Ronaldo winning the Ballon d'Or again in 2013 and helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of five years .
He joined Juventus in 2018 , winning Serie A in his first season .
Wright : `` He 's done it in different leagues and continually pushes himself .
His work-rate , his total drive for perfection , to get where he is , I think he pips it as the top man .
Even at 35 , there 's no resting on his laurels .
He 's an unbelievable role model . ''
Shearer : `` Ronaldo 's made himself as good as he is .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's probably been more natural for Messi in terms of skill , but they 're both staggering . ''
After winning Serie A and reaching the Champions League final in his first two seasons with Juventus , Zidane helped France win the 1998 World Cup , scoring twice as the hosts upset Brazil in the final .
The midfielder made a world-record move in 2001 , scoring a picture-book volley in the final as Real Madrid won the Champions League in his first season , and retired after an eventful 2006 World Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent off as France lost in the final .
Wright : `` When people say poetry in motion , you watch Zidane and you get it . ''
Shearer : `` He was the best player I ever played against .
His balance stood out to me , and his ability to control the ball with either foot .
The way he went past people and caressed or 'loved ' the ball , was just incredible . ''
The Brazilian striker spent one scintillating season with Barcelona , scoring 47 in 49 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1996-97 , before making a world-record move to Inter Milan and winning the Golden Ball at the 1998 World Cup .
Ronaldo recovered from a serious knee injury to be top scorer as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup and became one of Real Madrid 's Galactico signings in 2002 before playing for AC MIlan .
Shearer : `` Look at the clubs he 's played for , and his goalscoring record at PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona .
When Bobby Robson came to Newcastle he said he enquired about me going to Barcelona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sale so they signed Ronaldo instead .
I think they got a good deal ! ''
The forward had already helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup while with Paris St-Germain and then joined Barca in 2003 .
In 2004-05 he helped them win La Liga for the first time in six years and in 2005-06 they retained the title and became champions of Europe for the first time since 1992 .
Ronaldinho later won Serie A with AC Milan ( 2010-11 ) and returned to Brazil to win the Copa Libertadores with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first man to win both the Ballon d'Or and the South American Footballer of the Year awards .
Shearer : `` He had that step-over , where he could go both ways .
The whip and bend he put on free-kicks , his balance , ball control and the no-look pass . ''
Wright : `` I remember that game at the Bernabeu , everything he did worked , and they gave him a standing ovation .
He is the kind of player that makes the game beautiful . ''
The Dutch striker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and won the Ballon d'Or three times in the next five years .
During 1991-92 he scored 29 goals in 38 games in all competitions as Milan won Serie A while going through the league season unbeaten , but a year later an ankle injury ended his playing career at just 28 .
Wright : `` Fabio Capello said he was the best player he ever coached , he was 'the Swan ' ( of Utrecht ) .
He was quick , could hold it up , head it , and use both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a complete centre forward .
There was n't anything he was n't brilliant at .
And let 's talk about that volley - the connection , the technique - it was sensational ! ''
Merely a squad member as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup , the forward went on to win Serie A in his first season at AC Milan ( 2003-04 ) before becoming Milan 's top scorer after Andriy Shevchenko 's move to Chelsea in 2006 .
Kaka scored 10 goals during the 2006-07 Champions League , with Milan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2009 he made a world-record move to Real Madrid , winning La Liga in 2011-12 while playing a supporting role to a certain Cristiano Ronaldo .
Wright : `` That game against Manchester United ( first leg ) was almost the perfect performance .
He scored twice and his overall play was exemplary . ''
Shearer : `` He was so quick , elegant and smooth .
He had great vision and scored some unbelievable goals . ''
The Portuguese winger left Sporting Lisbon in 1995 to establish himself as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching team-mates Ronaldo and Rivaldo win the Ballon d'Or , it was Figo 's turn after coming to the fore during 1999-2000 .
Like Ronaldo , his Ballon d'Or form led to a world-record move , but Figo angered Barca fans by joining bitter rivals Real Madrid to become the original Galactico .
His Real stint was equally successful and he ended his career by winning Serie A in each of his four seasons with Inter Milan .
Shearer : `` We were comfortable against Portugal at Euro 2000 .
Then he stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He went past players like it was easy , effortless .
And he had the balls to go from Barca to Real . ''
'The Divine Ponytail ' introduced himself to the world as hosts Italy reached the 1990 World Cup semi-finals .
That summer the forward made a world-record move to Juventus and scored 30 in 43 in 1992-93 as Juve won the Uefa Cup .
After scoring five goals at the 1994 World Cup , Baggio missed the decisive spot-kick as Brazil won the final on penalties , before winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shearer : `` He could play anywhere across the front .
He had quick feet and was great travelling with the ball . ''
Wright : `` Toto Schillaci got the goals in 1990 but at that tournament , along with Paul Gascoigne , Baggio was outstanding .
He dealt with the pressure of playing in his own country and being their creative player . ''
The Brazilian forward joined Barcelona from Deportivo La Coruna in 1997 and won the Spanish double in his first season .
He then scored 29 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league title before helping Brazil win the Copa America that summer .
Rivaldo scored 130 goals in five seasons with Barca , plus another five as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup , before beginning a nomadic end to his journey by winning the Champions League in his only season with AC Milan ( 2002-03 ) .
Wright : `` He was really slight but I thought he was magnificent in the 2002 World Cup final and scored some unbelievable goals at Barca - like that overhead kick against Valencia . ''

It came down to the question it always comes down to - Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?
This week the Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast team of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright attempted to rank the best Ballon d'Or winners of the Premier League era - and we asked you to do the same.
The Ballon d'Or has been football's most prestigious individual award since its inception in 1956.
Initially open to Europeans, all players at European clubs became eligible in 1995, before all players from around the world were considered from 2007.
There have been 18 different winners in the Premier League era, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi winning it five times apiece between 2008 and 2017.
And perhaps unsurprisingly - and even with the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Brazilian Ronaldo thrown into the mix - it all came down to Messi v CR7.
Here's how you ranked them - and if you still haven't picked your order yet you can do so at the bottom of the page.
1. Lionel Messi
Messi succeeded Luka Modric last year to make it a record six Ballon d'Or wins for the Argentine forward
Ballon d'Or (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019), Champions League (4), La Liga (10)
Messi succeeded Ronaldinho as Barcelona's biggest attacking threat and the first season he was top scorer (2008-09) they won La Liga and the Champions League, earning the Argentine forward his first Ballon d'Or.
He won it again the next three years, scoring 73 in 60 in 2011-12, and regained it after a fourth Champions League win in 2015. Messi went clear of Ronaldo for a record sixth Ballon d'Or after winning his 10th La Liga title last year. The pair now have over 700 career goals each - and they're not done yet.
Shearer: "The standard that these two have set, they've taken goalscoring to a different level. Look at how many appearances and goals they've had, it's bonkers.
"We're so lucky to live in this era where we're seeing the football these two produce. To get to the top is one thing, but to stay there and have that hunger to keep on performing - I can't emphasise enough the dedication they must have to keep doing it year in, year out."
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
After seeing Messi win the Ballon d'Or four years running, Ronaldo was emotional as he won it for a second time in 2013
Ballon d'Or (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), European Championship, Champion League (5), Premier League (3), La Liga (2), Serie A.
Real Madrid signed two Ballon d'Or winners for world-record fees in the space of three days as Cristiano Ronaldo joined Kaka at the Bernabeu in 2009. The Portuguese forward had scored 42 in 49 in 2007-08 as United won the Premier League and Champions League.
And so began a personal duel with Lionel Messi, breaking all sorts of goalscoring records along the way, with Ronaldo winning the Ballon d'Or again in 2013 and helping Real win the Champions League in four out of five years. He joined Juventus in 2018, winning Serie A in his first season.
Wright: "He's done it in different leagues and continually pushes himself. His work-rate, his total drive for perfection, to get where he is, I think he pips it as the top man. Even at 35, there's no resting on his laurels. He's an unbelievable role model."
Shearer: "Ronaldo's made himself as good as he is. He's had to work hard, it's probably been more natural for Messi in terms of skill, but they're both staggering."
3. Zinedine Zidane
Zidane was sent off in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup but returned to score twice in the final
Ballon d'Or (1998), World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, Serie A (2), La Liga
After winning Serie A and reaching the Champions League final in his first two seasons with Juventus, Zidane helped France win the 1998 World Cup, scoring twice as the hosts upset Brazil in the final.
The midfielder made a world-record move in 2001, scoring a picture-book volley in the final as Real Madrid won the Champions League in his first season, and retired after an eventful 2006 World Cup, winning the Golden Ball and being sent off as France lost in the final.
Wright: "When people say poetry in motion, you watch Zidane and you get it."
Shearer: "He was the best player I ever played against. His balance stood out to me, and his ability to control the ball with either foot. The way he went past people and caressed or 'loved' the ball, was just incredible."
4. Ronaldo
Bobby Robson paid a world-record fee to sign Ronaldo for Barcelona in 1996 - before Newcastle broke the record again that summer to sign Shearer from Blackburn
Ballon d'Or (1997, 2002), World Cup (2), Copa America (2), Cup Winners' Cup, Uefa Cup, La Liga
The Brazilian striker spent one scintillating season with Barcelona, scoring 47 in 49 to win the Cup Winners' Cup in 1996-97, before making a world-record move to Inter Milan and winning the Golden Ball at the 1998 World Cup.
Ronaldo recovered from a serious knee injury to be top scorer as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup and became one of Real Madrid's Galactico signings in 2002 before playing for AC MIlan.
Shearer: "Look at the clubs he's played for, and his goalscoring record at PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona. When Bobby Robson came to Newcastle he said he enquired about me going to Barcelona but Blackburn said I wasn't for sale so they signed Ronaldo instead. I think they got a good deal!"
5. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho received a standing ovation after scoring twice as Barca won 3-0 at Real Madrid in November 2005
Ballon d'Or (2005), World Cup, Copa America, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, La Liga (2), Serie A
The forward had already helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup while with Paris St-Germain and then joined Barca in 2003. In 2004-05 he helped them win La Liga for the first time in six years and in 2005-06 they retained the title and became champions of Europe for the first time since 1992.
Ronaldinho later won Serie A with AC Milan (2010-11) and returned to Brazil to win the Copa Libertadores with Atletico Mineiro in 2013, becoming the first man to win both the Ballon d'Or and the South American Footballer of the Year awards.
Shearer: "He had that step-over, where he could go both ways. The whip and bend he put on free-kicks, his balance, ball control and the no-look pass."
Wright: "I remember that game at the Bernabeu, everything he did worked, and they gave him a standing ovation. He is the kind of player that makes the game beautiful."
6. Marco van Basten
Van Basten was the top scorer at Euro 1988 with five goals, including this volley as the Netherlands beat the USSR in the final
Ballon d'Or (1988, 1989, 1992), European Championship, European Cup (2), Cup Winners' Cup, Eredivisie (3), Serie A (3)
The Dutch striker joined AC Milan from Ajax in 1987 and won the Ballon d'Or three times in the next five years.
During 1991-92 he scored 29 goals in 38 games in all competitions as Milan won Serie A while going through the league season unbeaten, but a year later an ankle injury ended his playing career at just 28.
Wright: "Fabio Capello said he was the best player he ever coached, he was 'the Swan' (of Utrecht). He was quick, could hold it up, head it, and use both feet."
Shearer: "He was a complete centre forward. There wasn't anything he wasn't brilliant at. And let's talk about that volley - the connection, the technique - it was sensational!"
7. Kaka
Kaka scored three goals as Milan beat Manchester United 5-3 on aggregate in the 2006-07 Champions League semi-finals
Ballon d'Or (2007), World Cup, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A
Merely a squad member as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup, the forward went on to win Serie A in his first season at AC Milan (2003-04) before becoming Milan's top scorer after Andriy Shevchenko's move to Chelsea in 2006.
Kaka scored 10 goals during the 2006-07 Champions League, with Milan beating Liverpool in the final, and in 2009 he made a world-record move to Real Madrid, winning La Liga in 2011-12 while playing a supporting role to a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Wright: "That game against Manchester United (first leg) was almost the perfect performance. He scored twice and his overall play was exemplary."
Shearer: "He was so quick, elegant and smooth. He had great vision and scored some unbelievable goals."
8. Luis Figo
A pig's head was among the objects thrown at Figo when he returned to Barcelona with Real Madrid in November 2002
Ballon d'Or (2000), Champions League, Cup Winners' Cup, La Liga (4), Serie A (4)
The Portuguese winger left Sporting Lisbon in 1995 to establish himself as part of Barcelona's star-studded attack and, after watching team-mates Ronaldo and Rivaldo win the Ballon d'Or, it was Figo's turn after coming to the fore during 1999-2000.
Like Ronaldo, his Ballon d'Or form led to a world-record move, but Figo angered Barca fans by joining bitter rivals Real Madrid to become the original Galactico. His Real stint was equally successful and he ended his career by winning Serie A in each of his four seasons with Inter Milan.
Shearer: "We were comfortable against Portugal at Euro 2000. Then he stepped on the gas and they won 3-2. He went past players like it was easy, effortless. And he had the balls to go from Barca to Real."
9. Roberto Baggio
Baggio (right) joined Toto Schillaci at Juventus after the pair helped Italy reach the 1990 World Cup semi-finals
Ballon d'Or (1993), Uefa Cup, Serie A (2).
'The Divine Ponytail' introduced himself to the world as hosts Italy reached the 1990 World Cup semi-finals. That summer the forward made a world-record move to Juventus and scored 30 in 43 in 1992-93 as Juve won the Uefa Cup.
After scoring five goals at the 1994 World Cup, Baggio missed the decisive spot-kick as Brazil won the final on penalties, before winning Serie A with Juve and AC Milan.
Shearer: "He could play anywhere across the front. He had quick feet and was great travelling with the ball."
Wright: "Toto Schillaci got the goals in 1990 but at that tournament, along with Paul Gascoigne, Baggio was outstanding. He dealt with the pressure of playing in his own country and being their creative player."
10. Rivaldo
Rivaldo scored a hat-trick on the last day of 2000-01, including a last-minute overhead kick, to ensure Barca beat Valencia and qualified for the Champions League
Ballon d'Or (1999), World Cup, Copa America, Champions League, La Liga (2).
The Brazilian forward joined Barcelona from Deportivo La Coruna in 1997 and won the Spanish double in his first season. He then scored 29 in 48 in 1998-99 as Barca defended the league title before helping Brazil win the Copa America that summer.
Rivaldo scored 130 goals in five seasons with Barca, plus another five as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup, before beginning a nomadic end to his journey by winning the Champions League in his only season with AC Milan (2002-03).
Wright: "He was really slight but I thought he was magnificent in the 2002 World Cup final and scored some unbelievable goals at Barca - like that overhead kick against Valencia."