bbc--2020-04-03--Premier League clubs to consult players on 30% wage cut as resumption delayed

Premier League clubs will ask players to take a 30 % pay cut in order to protect jobs as it was announced the season will not resume until `` it is safe and appropriate to do so '' .
All clubs have agreed to put the proposed `` combination of conditional reductions and deferrals '' to players .
The Premier League will advance £125m to the EFL and National League , and give £20m towards the NHS .
Clubs still intend on completing all league and cup fixtures .
The EFL , Women 's Super League and Women 's Championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target return date , meaning the entirety of English football is on hold indefinitely .
`` It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May - and that the 2019-20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so , '' a Premier League statement said .
`` Any return to play will only be with the full support of government and when medical guidance allows . ''
• What are Premier League and English football 's options amid coronavirus ?
• Hearts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 30 % cut - Ann Budge Players had faced scrutiny , notably from health secretary Matt Hancock , to take a cut in wages and `` play their part '' in offering support during the coronavirus pandemic .
Some clubs had furloughed non-playing staff as a result of the shutdown of the sport .
Before the Premier League statement was released , club captains - led by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson - held discussions over the creation of a charitable fund which could benefit the NHS .
The Professional Footballers ' Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its members urging them not to agree any reduction or deferral in wages until they have spoken to the union .
After a meeting of clubs on Friday , the Premier League proposed a cut in wages in order to `` protect employment throughout the professional game '' .
`` This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change , '' the Premier League said .
`` The league will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow ( Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club representatives . ''
Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend had spoken of his frustration with Hancock `` deflecting blame on to footballers '' , stating players were an `` easy target '' and often supported charities .
The Premier League said it was aware of `` severe difficulties '' throughout the football pyramid and with clubs unable to play fixtures , moved to help `` immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow '' at EFL and National League clubs .
Julian Knight , chair of the government 's Digital , Culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the financial help for smaller clubs but said as the wage cut had not yet been agreed by players , the situation was `` not much further along '' .
Knight had previously said clubs that furlough non-playing staff without imposing cuts on player wages should be subjected to a windfall tax if they do not change their approach by Tuesday .
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said : `` It is absolutely right that a reduction of players ' wages is on the table when there are lower-paid staff at some clubs being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all be aware of the strength of public feeling on this and I expect them to show leadership on the matter .
`` It is important that the Premier League helps the national effort in response to the coronavirus pandemic and I will continue to work closely with the football authorities . ''
The league 's statement also expressed `` huge appreciation for the heroic efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers who are carrying out critical jobs in such difficult circumstances '' with £20m immediately committed `` to support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups during the Covid-19 pandemic '' .
Analysis - what now for football ?
England 's football bodies decided they had little option other than to extend the current suspension .
It means the FA Cup will be stuck at the quarter-final stage for a bit longer , promotion and relegation issues are unresolved and Liverpool nervously await the chance to complete their first league title triumph since 1990 .
But while nothing seems to be happening , plenty of conversations are occurring and scenarios for concluding the historic 2019-20 season are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the five options on the table : Read more from Simon here .

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Some clubs have furloughed non-playing staff before any reduction to players' wages
Premier League clubs will ask players to take a 30% pay cut in order to protect jobs as it was announced the season will not resume until "it is safe and appropriate to do so".
All clubs have agreed to put the proposed "combination of conditional reductions and deferrals" to players.
The Premier League will advance £125m to the EFL and National League, and give £20m towards the NHS.
Clubs still intend on completing all league and cup fixtures.
The EFL, Women's Super League and Women's Championship have all suspended play without setting a target return date, meaning the entirety of English football is on hold indefinitely.
"It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May - and that the 2019-20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so," a Premier League statement said.
"Any return to play will only be with the full support of government and when medical guidance allows."
Players had faced scrutiny, notably from health secretary Matt Hancock, to take a cut in wages and "play their part" in offering support during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some clubs had furloughed non-playing staff as a result of the shutdown of the sport.
Before the Premier League statement was released, club captains - led by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson - held discussions over the creation of a charitable fund which could benefit the NHS.
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has previously written to its members urging them not to agree any reduction or deferral in wages until they have spoken to the union.
After a meeting of clubs on Friday, the Premier League proposed a cut in wages in order to "protect employment throughout the professional game".
"This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change," the Premier League said. "The league will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow (Saturday) between the league, players and club representatives."
Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend had spoken of his frustration with Hancock "deflecting blame on to footballers", stating players were an "easy target" and often supported charities.
The Premier League said it was aware of "severe difficulties" throughout the football pyramid and with clubs unable to play fixtures, moved to help "immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow" at EFL and National League clubs.
Julian Knight, chair of the government's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, welcomed the financial help for smaller clubs but said as the wage cut had not yet been agreed by players, the situation was "not much further along".
Knight had previously said clubs that furlough non-playing staff without imposing cuts on player wages should be subjected to a windfall tax if they do not change their approach by Tuesday.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "It is absolutely right that a reduction of players' wages is on the table when there are lower-paid staff at some clubs being furloughed.
"The football authorities must all be aware of the strength of public feeling on this and I expect them to show leadership on the matter.
"It is important that the Premier League helps the national effort in response to the coronavirus pandemic and I will continue to work closely with the football authorities."
The league's statement also expressed "huge appreciation for the heroic efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers who are carrying out critical jobs in such difficult circumstances" with £20m immediately committed "to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the Covid-19 pandemic".
Analysis - what now for football?
BBC Sport football reporter Simon Stone
England's football bodies decided they had little option other than to extend the current suspension.
It means the FA Cup will be stuck at the quarter-final stage for a bit longer, promotion and relegation issues are unresolved and Liverpool nervously await the chance to complete their first league title triumph since 1990.
But while nothing seems to be happening, plenty of conversations are occurring and scenarios for concluding the historic 2019-20 season are being discussed.
Fundamentally though, these are the five options on the table:
1. Null and void the season
2. End the season now
3. Set a deadline for completion
4. Play behind closed doors
5. Wait to complete the season
Read more from Simon here.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Europe's care homes struggle as deaths rise

As nursing and care homes across Europe battle to stop the spread of Covid-19 among the elderly , France has revealed 1,416 residents have succumbed to the virus since the epidemic began .
Alarming cases have emerged in the Spanish capital Madrid , with reports of dozens of deaths in two nursing homes .
Residents were taken to hospital in the Italian city of Naples after a care home outbreak claimed several lives .
Cases have also been reported in 100 care homes around the Swedish capital .
Although authorities in the Stockholm region have not given figures , public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been infected and about 50 have died .
What is happening in France ?
For some time , French health officials have made clear the number of cases and fatalities they report every evening does not include nursing and care homes .
Top health official Jérôme Salomon first revealed on Thursday that at least 884 people in such homes had died since the start of the pandemic , and then on Friday the number rose to 1,416 .
Even that figure is incomplete , as not all homes have passed on details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France have died of coronavirus .
• How deadly is the coronavirus ?
The area worst affected is the Grand Est region near the German border , where two-thirds of care homes have been caught up in the pandemic .
Regional health agency ARS says 570 elderly residents have died in the Grand Est .
While it is unclear how many deaths were caused by coronavirus or if it is was a contributing factor , one care home director in the Bas Rhin area told French TV that he would normally see 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen five in March alone .
What is happening in Madrid ?
In Spain , where 10,905 people have died in the pandemic , the Madrid region has been worst affected with 4,483 deaths .
The president of the Madrid region , Isabel Díaz Ayuso , estimates that 3,000 people died in care homes in March and says that figure is 2,000 higher than normal .
Care homes have seen appalling outbreaks leading to a collapse in staffing .
Last month the military was called in to help at retirement homes and found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , dead in their beds .
In two facilities alone there are reports of almost 90 deaths linked to the crisis .
The Vitalia home in Leganés , on the outskirts of the capital , has had a reported 43 deaths , while another 46 have died in the Reina Sofía de Las Rozas home .
Coffins were removed from the home in Leganés on Thursday .
Of the 150 residents there , 99 have tested positive for the virus , Efe news agency reports .
'If only they had n't wasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reported earlier on in the crisis in northern Italy , and infections have spread in homes further south in Naples .
Health workers in protective gear on Thursday moved elderly residents to hospital from La Casa Di Mela rest home , in an attempt to curb the spread of Covid-19 .
The sister of one resident told local media that the home 's managers had been pleading for tests to be carried out and it was only after someone died that they took notice .
`` If only the ASL ( local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time perhaps this outbreak could have been avoided , '' said a relative of one of the residents .
`` My sister has mild symptoms , I hope they stay that way . ''

While it is unclear how many deaths were caused by coronavirus or if it is was a contributing factor, one care home director in the Bas Rhin area told French TV that he would normally see 10 deaths a year, and he had seen five in March alone.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Chinese explorers start Everest climb amid pandemic

A group of Chinese mountaineers has begun an expedition on Everest while the site is closed to foreign climbers because of coronavirus .
Only Chinese climbers are permitted this spring season because of the pandemic , operators told the BBC .
The highest peak of the world stands on the border of China and Nepal and can be climbed from both sides .
China has closed its side to foreign climbers while Nepal has cancelled all expeditions in response to Covid-19 .
The disease first emerged in central China three months ago .
Around 3,300 people have so far died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China says it has now all but stopped the spread of the disease and the authorities have started to allow some access to Wuhan , the city in Hubei province where the outbreak began .
The more than two dozen Chinese climbers tackling Mount Everest were expected to reach the advanced base camp at an altitude of 6,450 metres ( four miles ) on Friday , expedition operators in touch with the China Tibet Mountaineering Association ( CTMA ) said .
CTMA officials could not be reached for comment .
Mountaineering record-keepers say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summit , it would be a very rare case of only Chinese climbers at the peak .
`` In Spring 1960 , only the Chinese reached the summit .
The Indians tried , but failed , '' said Richard Salisbury , with the Himalayan Database , an organisation that keeps records of all expeditions in the Himalayas .
`` There were various Chinese recon , research and training climbs from 1958 through 1967 when nobody else was on the mountain , but no ascents by any of them . ''
Western expedition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to climb this spring season due to fears over a new outbreak of the virus .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak '' It is reasonable that they do not want to take the risk to let people from all over the world , where the coronavirus crisis is in full swing , into Tibet to gather in base camp , '' said Lukas Furtenbach , an Austrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposed to climb from the Chinese side .
`` As long as there is no quick and reliable antibody testing available , it is a wise decision to minimise risk and only have their own people that they can take into quarantine before climbing . ''
Some expedition teams , including Mr Furtenbach 's , were preparing to switch over to the Nepalese side but Nepal too cancelled all expedition permits .
The Chinese mountaineers will now be climbing up and down the mountain between camps to acclimatise themselves with the high altitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summit .
It will take them at least one month .
Climbers wait for the right weather window for the summit climb .
Summiting usually happens before the end of May , when the south-west Indian Monsoon arrives in the region .
The Chinese side of Everest sees fewer climbers compared to the southern side in Nepal .
Climbers can drive right up to the base camp on the Chinese side , whereas in Nepal it is a 10-day trek through the Khumbu valley .
`` Even from the base camp , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp , '' says Ang Thsering Sherpa , a veteran mountaineer in Nepal .
`` It 's a very different experience of climbing on the northern side , compared to the Nepalese side . ''
In recent years , avalanches , fast melting glaciers , and other global warming-related changes are said to have made climbing more challenging .
You might also be interested in :

"It is reasonable that they do not want to take the risk to let people from all over the world, where the coronavirus crisis is in full swing, into Tibet to gather in base camp," said Lukas Furtenbach, an Austrian climber and guide whose team was initially supposed to climb from the Chinese side.


bbc--2020-04-03--UK PM stays in isolation with coronavirus symptoms

Boris Johnson will carry on self-isolating after continuing to display mild symptoms of the coronavirus including having a temperature .
The prime minister tested positive for the virus last Friday and had been due to come out of self-isolation today .
Mr Johnson continues to work from home and chaired a coronavirus meeting on Friday morning .
He was seen on Thursday applauding the NHS and other key workers from his flat in Downing Street .
Speaking in a video posted on Twitter , Mr Johnson said : `` Although I am feeling better and I 've done my seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the minor symptoms .
`` I still have a temperature .
So in accordance with government advice I must continue my self isolation until that symptom itself goes .
`` But we 're working clearly the whole time on our programme to beat the virus . ''
• Hancock : 'Huge work ' to achieve virus test goal'Stay at home ' plea as Easter holiday looms He also added with expected good weather over the weekend that people may be tempted to ignore the advice and spend more time outside .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that , '' he said .
`` Please , please stick with the guidance . ''
He added : `` This country has made a huge effort , a huge sacrifice and done absolutely brilliantly well in delaying the spread of the virus .
`` Let 's stick with it now and remember that incredible clapping last night for our fantastic NHS .
We are doing it to protect them and save lives . ''
It 's been more than a week since the prime minister stood at the podium in Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since announcing he 'd tested positive for the virus seven days ago his public appearances have been limited to video clips filmed on his phone from inside his flat , above 11 Downing Street .
He did venture on to the doorstep of No 11 last night to join the national clap for keyworkers and NHS staff - picked up by TV cameras notably stood some distance away .
In his latest self-shot message , he said he was still showing mild symptoms of the virus and would therefore stay in isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct plea to the public , he urged people to stick to social distancing guidelines this weekend .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock had also tested positive for the virus and returned from self-isolation on Thursday , to host the daily Downing Street news conference .
The prime minister 's spokesman said Mr Johnson was following official guidance which states that you should continue to self-isolate if a temperature persists beyond the advised seven days .
He said he was not aware of any more cabinet members who had been infected .
Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty , who has also tested positive for the virus .
It is not known if Mr Whitty is still in isolation .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Mr Hancock has said the government has `` a huge amount of work to do '' to meet its target 100,000 coronavirus tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news conference .
He said he was not relying on new antibody blood tests to meet the goal , which was announced after criticism of the UK 's testing strategy .
`` It 's got to happen .
I 've got a plan to get us there , I 've set it as a goal and it 's what the nation needs , '' he said .
Labour has called for more details on what kind of tests will be involved .
It came as the Prince of Wales officially opened London 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video link from his Scottish home .

Mr Johnson spokesman said the PM was continuing to work with Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, who has also tested positive for the virus. It is not known if Mr Whitty is still in isolation.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: India doctors 'spat at and attacked'

Several healthcare workers in India have been attacked as they battle to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Reports say doctors have been spat at and chased away from homes , and that in one case patients directed abusive and vulgar language towards female nurses .
Some physicians and their families have also been ostracised by their neighbours because of their exposure to patients infected with Covid-19 .
India has reported more than 2,300 cases and at least 50 people have died .
One video , which has gone viral , showed a mob throwing stones at two female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central city of Indore .
The doctors had gone to a densely-populated area to check on a woman suspected of having Covid-19 when they came under attack .
Despite being injured , one of the doctors seen in the video , Zakiya Sayed , said the incident `` wo n't deter me from doing my duty '' .
`` We were on our usual round to screen suspected cases , '' she told the BBC .
`` We never thought that we would be attacked . ''
`` I had never seen scenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We somehow fled from the mob .
I am injured but not scared at all . ''
Dr Sayed added : `` We had no reason to suspect that people would be agitated against medical teams . ''
`` We are working to keep people safe .
We had information about a person coming in contact with a Covid-19 patient .
We were talking to the person when residents got agitated and attacked us . ''
Seven people have been arrested in connection with the incident .
Dr Anand Rai , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Indore , told the BBC : `` Nothing can justify the attack against medical team .
But it happened in a Muslim-dominated area where there is general distrust against the government . ''
He said the area had recently witnessed protests against a controversial new citizenship law .
`` So that anger spilled over and took the form of this attack .
But whatever maybe the reason , nothing can justify violence , especially against doctors during a national health emergency , '' he added .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Meanwhile , a hospital in the northern city of Ghaziabad also witnessed unruly scenes on Thursday .
The hospital put at least 21 people in quarantine after they attended a religious event that has been linked to hundreds of positive cases across the country .
Thousands who attended the gathering in Delhi , organised by Islamic preaching group Tablighi Jamaat , have been put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
It is believed that the infections were caused by preachers who attended the event from Indonesia .
At the Ghaziabad hospital , some of the quarantined attendees allegedly used abusive and vulgar language against members of staff .
`` Some were walking naked in the hospital ward and harassing women doctors and nurses , '' a doctor who works at the hospital told the BBC .
`` They kept asking for cigarettes and tobacco . ''
A senior police officer in the city told the BBC that cases had been registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaint .
`` Registering cases was the last resort .
Police are still trying to make them understand the severity of the situation , '' he said .
Similar incidents have been reported in neighbouring Delhi .
Some attendees of the Tablighi Jamaat event who are being held in a quarantine facility run by the railways are said to have spat at doctors and misbehaved .
Deepak Kumar , spokesman for Northern Railways , said the situation there was now under control .
`` The attendees have been counselled and they are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Delhi 's state government has reportedly written to the police , requesting more security for medical staff .
Reports of attacks on doctors and nurses have also come from the southern city of Hyderabad and the western city of Surat .
A doctor who was treating coronavirus patients is Hyderabad 's Gandhi Hospital was attacked on Wednesday .
Police have promised the doctor that `` strict action will be taken against the culprits '' .
But it is not just a work where medical workers are facing discrimination .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who did not wish to be identified , said she felt `` extremely disheartened when I learnt that even my neighbours think that me and my family should n't be allowed to live in the building '' .
`` We want our families to be safe .
But we are being discriminated for doing our job . ''
`` A number of doctors have tested positive across India and that shows how tough our job is at the moment .
And that is why we need everybody 's support to win this war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are following all safety protocols .
We are not meeting even our families and that is stressful . ''
`` But seeing this open discrimination just breaks my heart .
But we will go on because there is really no other option . ''

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


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Slovakia to test Roma community

Slovakia is to begin testing members of the Roma community for coronavirus on Friday .
The government announced the measures on Monday , saying that around 1,500 Roma had returned to the sites from abroad .
The testing will be carried out by military doctors until 9 April .
Authorities have said that the communities could be subject to quarantine should the tests show that the virus is spreading .
• In pictures : Roma slums in Romania and Slovakia Prime Minister Igor Matovic denied on Wednesday that the decision was `` a demonstration of power '' against the marginalised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website .
`` We just want to make use of doctors in uniform to start fast testing in the settlements without further overloading the regular health system , '' he was quoted as saying .
Last week , local news websites reported that a Roma settlement in the east of the country was placed under quarantine after a resident failed to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from the UK .
According to the 2011 census , the Roma community is estimated to make up around two per cent of Slovakia 's population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights groups say the true figure could be much higher .
A report by rights organisation Minority Rights Group International in 2018 found that Roma in Slovakia still confront deep and prevalent discrimination '' , with many still living in slum conditions .

According to the 2011 census, the Roma community is estimated to make up around two per cent of Slovakia's population, comprising over 100,000 people, although rights groups say the true figure could be much higher.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus in Africa: Debunking fake news and myths around Covid-19

How prepared is Africa for coronavirus ?
Africa is yet to suffer a major outbreak of the coronavirus Covid 19 @ @ @ @ @ strike the consequences could be catastrophic .
BBC correspondents around the continent explain .

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, an outbreak of false information is spreading online.
Whether it's via WhatsApp messages or rogue Facebook posts, fake news always has a way of reaching people.
Keeping track of what’s real and what’s fake isn’t always easy, so BBC Africa’s Joice Etutu has debunked some of the most widely shared myths so you don't have to.


bbc--2020-04-03--The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson shows her characters social distancing

The makers of the children 's book The Gruffalo have drawn their characters practising social distancing to help children understand the regulations .
Author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler created the panels as a `` light-hearted '' way of spreading the message .
They feature The Gruffalo , Stickman and The Smeds and The Smoos - all keeping a safe distance from one another .
The characters are also seen helping the vulnerable with their shopping .
• When am I allowed to go outside ?
The Gruffalo was first published in 1999 , and tells the story of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woods - where he out-smarts a terrifying creature with terrible teeth and a `` posionous wart on the end of his nose '' .
It went on to sell 13 million copies , and had been turned into a stage play and an Oscar-nominated animation .
One of the new sketches shows the Gruffalo walking behind the mouse , accompanied by the couplet : '' Alright said The Gruffalo bursting with laughter / You go ahead , I 'll follow two metres after . ''
`` Axel had this idea of doing some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our books and each kind of incorporating a tip about coronavirus , '' Donaldson told BBC Breakfast on Friday .
Scheffler started the process by saying to himself , `` what can I do as an illustrator ? ''
during these troubled times .
`` I 'm currently working on a digital , free non-fiction book about coronavirus , which is serious and informative and probably more important than this and is coming out next week , '' he said .
`` [ But ] I wanted to do something light-hearted and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'what if I imagine our characters in corona situations ? '
'' `` It 's really more about entertainment than serious information , '' he added .
As well as social distancing , the characters stress the importance of exercise and making video calls to their family members .
Donaldson hopes the images will emphasise best practices and help with home schooling , without being seen as `` preaching '' .
While on lockdown , the author is also producing a weekly broadcast on The Gruffalo Facebook page , reading stories , poems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"I'm currently working on a digital, free non-fiction book about coronavirus, which is serious and informative and probably more important than this and is coming out next week," he said.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: 'Not smart' memo shows Amazon's union stance

Leaked notes from an internal Amazon meeting throw light on how executives are dealing with increased worker unrest during the Covid-19 crisis .
A lawyer suggested focusing on a sacked worker , who had organised a protest about safety in his New York warehouse .
Christian Smalls was described as `` not smart , or articulate . ''
He should be the story , rather than the wider questions about conditions , the lawyer said .
According to the memo , seen by technology news website Vice and not disputed by Amazon , general counsel David Zapolsky advised : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to the extent the press wants to focus on us versus him , we will be in a much stronger PR position than simply explaining for the umpteenth time how we 're trying to protect workers . ''
Amazon claims that Mr Smalls , who led a walkout of a number of workers at the Staten Island distribution warehouse , was fired because he violated a 14-day quarantine after he came into contact with an employee who tested positive for Covid-19 .
`` We should spend the first part of our response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organiser 's conduct was immoral , unacceptable , arguably illegal , in detail , and only then follow with our usual talking points about worker safety , '' wrote Mr Zapolsky .
`` Make him the most interesting part of the story , and if possible make him the face of the entire union/organising movement . ''
Later he defended himself to Vice saying his `` comments were personal and emotional '' .
`` I was frustrated and upset that an Amazon employee would endanger the health and safety of other Amazonians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having been warned to quarantine himself after exposure to the virus Covid-19 .
`` I let my emotions draft my words and get the better of me . ''
The BBC has contacted Mr Smalls for comment but has not yet received a response .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Amazon has long resisted calls to recognise unions , claiming it prefers to speak to employees directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week workers in a warehouse in Chicago also walked out in protest at working conditions .
They laid out the issues they wanted bosses to deal with , including more timely updates on when colleagues had been diagnosed with coronavirus .
`` They told us on Friday there was a confirmed case from two weeks ago ... and they let us finish our night shift before telling us , '' claimed one worker , in the filmed protest .
`` We do n't have enough time to wash our hands .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This company makes so much money off the back of us and they ca n't clean it , '' claimed another .
In response , Amazon said : `` These accusations are simply unfounded .
Of the over 600 employees at our Chicago delivery station , a small group participated in the demonstration , on April 30th .
`` Like all businesses grappling with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , we are working hard to keep employees safe while serving communities and the most vulnerable .
We have taken extreme measures to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaning , procuring safety supplies that are available and changing processes to ensure those in our buildings are keeping safe distances .
The truth is the vast majority of employees continue to show up and do the heroic work of delivering for customers every day . ''
The protesters also called on Amazon to stop processing non-essential items , which workers say are still being shipped .
`` We 've seen computer chairs , tables , weights .
They say they are moving only essential items but they are not .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shifting these luxury items . ''
In Detroit , workers have also walked out , demanding that the warehouse be shut down for cleaning .
In response to the claims , Amazon told the BBC : `` We 're providing a vital service to people everywhere , especially to those , like the elderly , who are most vulnerable .
We know that people are depending on us .
`` To serve our customers while also helping to ensure the safety of our associates , we 've changed our logistics , transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third-party seller processes to prioritise stocking and delivering items that are a higher priority for our customers .
`` Since the early days of this situation , we have worked closely with health authorities to proactively respond , ensuring we continue to serve customers while taking care of our associates and teams .
`` We have implemented proactive measures at our facilities to protect employees , including increased cleaning at all facilities , maintaining social distance , and adding distance between drivers and customers when making deliveries . ''
In the leaked memo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned to give away surplus masks to hospitals and supermarkets .

"Like all businesses grappling with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we are working hard to keep employees safe while serving communities and the most vulnerable. We have taken extreme measures to keep people safe, tripling down on deep cleaning, procuring safety supplies that are available and changing processes to ensure those in our buildings are keeping safe distances. The truth is the vast majority of employees continue to show up and do the heroic work of delivering for customers every day."


bbc--2020-04-03--Joshua's world title defence against Pulev postponed

British heavyweight Anthony Joshua ’ s defence of his IBF , WBA , WBO and IBO world titles against Bulgaria 's Kubrat Pulev has been postponed .
The fight was scheduled to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday , 20 June .
A statement from Joshua ’ s promoter Matchroom Boxing said a new date for the fight `` was being worked on '' .
Matchroom added it was `` continuing to explore the possibility '' of hosting the bout at the same venue at a later date .
Joshua , 30 , has not fought since December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory over Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia to regain his belts after losing to the American-Mexican in New York last June .
Pulev , 38 , is the mandatory challenger to Joshua 's IBF belt .
He was scheduled to fight Joshua in October 2017 at Cardiff 's Principality Stadium but had to withdraw less than two weeks before the bout because of a shoulder injury .
All fights overseen by the British Boxing Board of Control until the end of May have been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Promoter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pulev could be moved to July because of the uncertainty of when Tottenham 's remaining home Premier League matches would be played .
The statement from Matchroom Boxing comes shortly after the Premier League announced that the football season would be suspended indefinitely .
Britain 's Tyson Fury , the holder of the WBC heavyweight belt - the only one Joshua does not hold - is contractually obliged to have a third match with American Deontay Wilder .
Fury beat Wilder with a seventh-round technical knockout in Las Vegas in February and promoter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again in October .

Last updated on .From the section Boxing
Anthony Joshua (left) has won 23 of his 24 professional fights, while Kubrat Pulev has a record of 28 victories and one loss
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua’s defence of his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO world titles against Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev has been postponed.
The fight was scheduled to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 20 June.
A statement from Joshua’s promoter Matchroom Boxing said a new date for the fight "was being worked on".
Matchroom added it was "continuing to explore the possibility" of hosting the bout at the same venue at a later date.
Joshua, 30, has not fought since December, when he gained a unanimous points victory over Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia to regain his belts after losing to the American-Mexican in New York last June.
Pulev, 38, is the mandatory challenger to Joshua's IBF belt. He was scheduled to fight Joshua in October 2017 at Cardiff's Principality Stadium but had to withdraw less than two weeks before the bout because of a shoulder injury.
Boxer Anthony Joshua sends message of support to those affected by coronavirus
All fights overseen by the British Boxing Board of Control until the end of May have been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Promoter Eddie Hearn had previously said Joshua v Pulev could be moved to July because of the uncertainty of when Tottenham's remaining home Premier League matches would be played.
The statement from Matchroom Boxing comes shortly after the Premier League announced that the football season would be suspended indefinitely.
Britain's Tyson Fury, the holder of the WBC heavyweight belt - the only one Joshua does not hold - is contractually obliged to have a third match with American Deontay Wilder.
Fury beat Wilder with a seventh-round technical knockout in Las Vegas in February and promoter Frank Warren has said they could fight again in October.


bbc--2020-04-03--'Coronavirus crisis shows need for radical overhaul of rugby union on global scale'

The coronavirus crisis has shown the need for a radical overhaul of rugby union on a global scale , says RFU boss Bill Sweeney .
With unions and clubs thrown into financial turmoil , Sweeney believes the pandemic has highlighted the `` fault lines '' that exist in the game .
He says greater co-operation will lead to a more prosperous sport .
`` I really do believe that coming out of this you will see a different structure and a different shape , '' Sweeney said .
Australia and the USA are among the rugby union nations plunged into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the RFU in England - considered the richest rugby nation in the world - is braced for revenue losses of around £50m .
Sweeney says the grave impact of Covid-19 has forced unions to help each other like never before .
`` What 's coming out of this is another level of co-operation and collaboration that is going on , '' Sweeney told BBC Sport .
`` Everyone knows where the issues and problems lie , but we have n't had a degree of co-operation and collaboration previously to be able to solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are talking to World Rugby and we are talking to the southern hemisphere almost daily at the moment , which is a good thing .
`` We all want them to survive this , and they are slightly more exposed than us because they are at the very start of their season . ''
Streamlining rugby union 's calendar , while balancing up the need for revenue generation as well as focusing on player welfare , has long been a conundrum facing the sport .
A summit in San Francisco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues at hand , while World Rugby 's revolutionary Nations Championship plans were scuppered last year .
But Sweeney is confident major changes are afoot as and when the various unions emerge from the current predicament .
`` What this crisis has highlighted is the fault lines that exist in the global game , '' he explained .
`` It would make no sense to come out of this and just carry on as before .
We are looking at things now in terms of all bets are off , and a blank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we work together so we come out of this with a much stronger international game , a more rationalised calendar , that makes more sense to the fans and makes more sense to the commercial partners .
How do we come out of it so everyone can benefit ?
`` Maybe that is optimistic , but I really do believe that coming out of this you will see a different structure and a different shape . ''

Bristol against Harlequins was the last Premiership match to be played on 8 March
The coronavirus crisis has shown the need for a radical overhaul of rugby union on a global scale, says RFU boss Bill Sweeney.
With unions and clubs thrown into financial turmoil, Sweeney believes the pandemic has highlighted the "fault lines" that exist in the game.
He says greater co-operation will lead to a more prosperous sport.
"I really do believe that coming out of this you will see a different structure and a different shape," Sweeney said.
Australia and the USA are among the rugby union nations plunged into crisis by the outbreak, while even the RFU in England - considered the richest rugby nation in the world - is braced for revenue losses of around £50m.
Sweeney says the grave impact of Covid-19 has forced unions to help each other like never before.
"What's coming out of this is another level of co-operation and collaboration that is going on," Sweeney told BBC Sport.
"Everyone knows where the issues and problems lie, but we haven't had a degree of co-operation and collaboration previously to be able to solve that. I think that is changing.
"We are talking to World Rugby and we are talking to the southern hemisphere almost daily at the moment, which is a good thing.
"We all want them to survive this, and they are slightly more exposed than us because they are at the very start of their season."
Streamlining rugby union's calendar, while balancing up the need for revenue generation as well as focusing on player welfare, has long been a conundrum facing the sport.
A summit in San Francisco in 2017 failed to suitably address the issues at hand, while World Rugby's revolutionary Nations Championship plans were scuppered last year.
But Sweeney is confident major changes are afoot as and when the various unions emerge from the current predicament.
"What this crisis has highlighted is the fault lines that exist in the global game," he explained.
"It would make no sense to come out of this and just carry on as before. We are looking at things now in terms of all bets are off, and a blank sheet of paper.
"How do we work together so we come out of this with a much stronger international game, a more rationalised calendar, that makes more sense to the fans and makes more sense to the commercial partners. How do we come out of it so everyone can benefit?
"Maybe that is optimistic, but I really do believe that coming out of this you will see a different structure and a different shape."


bbc--2020-04-03--England cricket teams make coronavirus contributions

England men ’ s centrally contracted players will make an “ initial donation ” of £500,000 to the England and Wales Cricket Board and selected good causes amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis , the Professional Cricketers ’ Association has announced .
In addition , centrally contracted members of the England women ’ s team will take a voluntary salary reduction in April , May and June .
The reduction is in line with those taken by coaches and support staff .
`` All the players felt like it was the right response in the current climate , '' said England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know how the current situation is affecting the game and we want to help as much as we can .
We will be discussing with the ECB further ways we can help the game in the coming weeks.
” The announcement comes after several days of discussions over how the country ’ s leading cricketers might respond to the pandemic .
A statement from the PCA said the donation from the men ’ s team “ is the equivalent of all of the England centrally contracted players taking a 20 % reduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months ” .
The details of the charitable donation are to be determined over the next week .
The 2020 cricket season has been put on hold until at least 28 May because of the coronavirus crisis .

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
The 2020 cricket season has been put on hold until at least 28 May
England men’s centrally contracted players will make an “initial donation” of £500,000 to the England and Wales Cricket Board and selected good causes amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Professional Cricketers’ Association has announced.
In addition, centrally contracted members of the England women’s team will take a voluntary salary reduction in April, May and June.
The reduction is in line with those taken by coaches and support staff.
"All the players felt like it was the right response in the current climate," said England women's captain Heather Knight.
“We know how the current situation is affecting the game and we want to help as much as we can. We will be discussing with the ECB further ways we can help the game in the coming weeks.”
The announcement comes after several days of discussions over how the country’s leading cricketers might respond to the pandemic.
A statement from the PCA said the donation from the men’s team “is the equivalent of all of the England centrally contracted players taking a 20% reduction in their monthly retainers for the next three months”.
The details of the charitable donation are to be determined over the next week.
The 2020 cricket season has been put on hold until at least 28 May because of the coronavirus crisis.


bbc--2020-04-03--Premier League captains discuss potential charity move

Captains of Premier League clubs have held talks over several days about possible moves to give money to charity during the coronavirus pandemic .
The talks , led by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson , took place shortly before the Premier League announced it would ask players to take a 30 % pay cut in order to protect jobs .
Players across the league have faced calls to take a pay cut .
Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend has said players are `` an easy target '' .
During the call , Premier League captains discussed wage deferrals or cuts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charitable cause .
They also discussed ongoing talks involving the Professional Footballers ' Association , the players ' union .
It is understood players are in advanced talks to set up a collective fund which will offer a `` seriously significant '' amount , with the NHS the likely beneficiary .
It is not yet known how much will be contributed or if a flat amount from each club will be put forward .
• What are top clubs doing to help in coronavirus fight ?
During the enforced break from action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not looked at players ' wages .
Hancock has called on players `` to do more and play their part '' and his comments were echoed by Julian Knight , who is chair of the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport committee .
Knight has written to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters calling for action on player wages , saying clubs that furlough non-playing staff but do not impose cuts on player wages should be subjected to a windfall tax if they do not change their approach by Tuesday , 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LMA ) , which represents managers across the English game , said the financial position of clubs varied widely across the leagues as a result of the pandemic .
The LMA said : `` The approach has varied from club to club with some clubs placing all staff on furlough , and others excluding key personnel such as managers , club doctors and physios , allowing them to continue working remotely with players so that they are ready to play once it is deemed safe for football to resume .
`` In some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furloughed , they have already agreed pay cuts or agreed to defer part of their salaries . ''
In the Premier League , Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy , who earned £7m last year , is one of those to give up a fifth of their earnings and called on English top-flight players to `` do their bit for the football eco-system '' .
But Palace winger Townsend was unhappy with the demands of Hancock and told Talksport : `` Football is trying to do a lot of good .
To wake up yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a bit of a surprise .
`` The health secretary , deflecting blame on to footballers : I do n't think that is right .
His job is the responsibility of NHS workers .
NHS workers have been underpaid for years . ''

Last updated on .From the section Football
Jordan Henderson is understood to have come up with the idea to establish a charitable fund
Captains of Premier League clubs have held talks over several days about possible moves to give money to charity during the coronavirus pandemic.
The talks, led by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, took place shortly before the Premier League announced it would ask players to take a 30% pay cut in order to protect jobs.
Players across the league have faced calls to take a pay cut.
Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend has said players are "an easy target".
During the call, Premier League captains discussed wage deferrals or cuts, or a move to help fund a charitable cause.
They also discussed ongoing talks involving the Professional Footballers' Association, the players' union.
It is understood players are in advanced talks to set up a collective fund which will offer a "seriously significant" amount, with the NHS the likely beneficiary.
It is not yet known how much will be contributed or if a flat amount from each club will be put forward.
'Footballers painted as villains'
During the enforced break from action, some clubs have furloughed non-playing staff but not looked at players' wages.
Hancock has called on players "to do more and play their part" and his comments were echoed by Julian Knight, who is chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.
Knight has written to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters calling for action on player wages, saying clubs that furlough non-playing staff but do not impose cuts on player wages should be subjected to a windfall tax if they do not change their approach by Tuesday, 7 April.
The League Managers Association (LMA), which represents managers across the English game, said the financial position of clubs varied widely across the leagues as a result of the pandemic.
The LMA said: "The approach has varied from club to club with some clubs placing all staff on furlough, and others excluding key personnel such as managers, club doctors and physios, allowing them to continue working remotely with players so that they are ready to play once it is deemed safe for football to resume.
"In some clubs, where staff have not been furloughed, they have already agreed pay cuts or agreed to defer part of their salaries."
In the Premier League, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, who earned £7m last year, is one of those to give up a fifth of their earnings and called on English top-flight players to "do their bit for the football eco-system".
But Palace winger Townsend was unhappy with the demands of Hancock and told Talksport: "Football is trying to do a lot of good. To wake up yesterday and see footballers being painted as villains was a bit of a surprise.
"The health secretary, deflecting blame on to footballers: I don't think that is right. His job is the responsibility of NHS workers. NHS workers have been underpaid for years."


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: LPGA Tour on hold until majority can play

The LPGA Tour will not resume after the coronavirus pandemic until the majority of international players are able to compete in tournaments , said commissioner Mike Whan .
On Friday it was announced that the US Women 's Open , scheduled to take place in June , had been moved to December .
The next five LPGA events have been postponed or cancelled .
`` I could n't see us running an event where half of our players could n't play , ” said Whan .
He added : “ Could I see us playing an event where our international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't think I could call that official .
“ We feel we 've got to be in the 75 % kind of range of players eligible for the event who could play.
” Whan also said the sweeping changes announced to the LPGA schedule were designed to provide clarity for players and caddies .
`` We 've got players that are n't sure if they should go home , and if they went home they are n't sure if they can come back , '' he said .
`` So by establishing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the plan - not just for players but caddies too - it gave them some freedom to say ' I do n't have to think about that part of it ' .
`` Eight weeks from now is going to be quite a bit different .
Checking in every two weeks , we were adding to anxiety rather than relieving it for a lot of athletes .
”

Inbee Park won the most recent LPGA Tour event - the Australian Open in February
The LPGA Tour will not resume after the coronavirus pandemic until the majority of international players are able to compete in tournaments, said commissioner Mike Whan.
On Friday it was announced that the US Women's Open, scheduled to take place in June, had been moved to December.
The next five LPGA events have been postponed or cancelled.
"I couldn't see us running an event where half of our players couldn't play,” said Whan.
He added: “Could I see us playing an event where our international players can't attend? I don't think I could call that official.
“We feel we've got to be in the 75% kind of range of players eligible for the event who could play.”
Whan also said the sweeping changes announced to the LPGA schedule were designed to provide clarity for players and caddies.
"We've got players that aren't sure if they should go home, and if they went home they aren't sure if they can come back," he said.
"So by establishing a line in the sand and saying this is the plan - not just for players but caddies too - it gave them some freedom to say 'I don't have to think about that part of it'.
"Eight weeks from now is going to be quite a bit different. Checking in every two weeks, we were adding to anxiety rather than relieving it for a lot of athletes.”


bbc--2020-04-03--Amir Khan denies he is considering retirement - and still wants Pacquiao

Britain 's former two-time world champion Amir Khan says `` retirement is not on my radar , '' insisting he still has `` one or two more '' fights left .
Some reports on Friday suggested the 33-year-old was considering walking away from the sport .
`` Obviously with this coronavirus it sends us a bit loopy at times and you say things you do n't really mean , '' Khan told BBC Sport .
`` I still feel good , I feel strong .
I do n't want to call it a day just yet . ''
Khan 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fourth-round stoppage win against Australian Billy Dib in Saudi Arabia .
The Bolton fighter , a former light-welterweight world champion with the WBA and IBF , says although he would like to go straight into a world title fight , he may first take a tune-up bout against a top-10 contender .
`` Because of the coronavirus lockdown , I would n't mind a fight to get back into the groove of things , before a big fight against someone like Manny Pacquiao , '' the 2004 Olympic silver medallist added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current WBA 'super ' welterweight champion and the only eight-weight champion in history , many times before .
The two know each other well , having sparred countless rounds together when they trained under the tutelage of Freddie Roach in the Los Angeles ' Wildcard Gym , before Khan split from Roach in September 2012 .
`` The Manny fight is something I 've always wanted , '' Khan said .
`` If it happens , great , but if not we 'll look at other options . ''
'Brook hated me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those options are unlikely to include long-time rival Kell Brook , with Khan blaming the Sheffield fighter 's decision to move up to light-middleweight in 2018 .
`` The fight was close to happening when we were at the same weight and both under Eddie Hearn 's Matchroom Boxing .
But he decided to move up .
That 's not my fault .
`` People are saying it 's me not taking the fight but he moved up 154lbs - what do you want me to do ?
`` I made that mistake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight Saul 'Canelo ' Alvarez and lost . ''
As both boxers near the end of their careers , demand for the all-British fight is not as strong as it once was .
But Khan admits there is still genuine animosity between him and Brook , which he says stems from their amateur days .
`` I 've never been the person to hate him first , he hated me first , '' he said .
`` I used to beat him up in sparring when I was training for the Olympics .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ give him a beating .
I remember one of the coaches told me to take it easy on him and only use one hand .
`` I beat him up and was always picked before him in the amateurs .
`` Since then , as he 's got older , that 's always hurt him . ''
Brook , 33 , is reportedly in line to face WBO welterweight champion Terrence Crawford next .
Khan , who lost to Crawford in April 2019 , can only see one outcome .
`` Crawford is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world and he 'll walk through Brook without any issues '' While retirement may not be an immediate option for Khan , he has welcomed the chance the current lockdown has provided to spend more time with his family and children .
He has also offered one of the buildings he owns to the NHS in Bolton .
`` I kept seeing reports on the TV saying they needed support and help .
I have a 60,000 square foot building which is water-tight and a roof on top of it .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that into a hospital .
`` The NHS said the numbers in Bolton are low at the moment but if they need it , they 'll get back to me . ''
Once Khan does hang up the gloves , he has set his sights on managing promising fighters , particularly those from South Asian backgrounds .
`` I think young Asian fighters will want to sign with me , '' he said .
`` A bit like when Oscar de la Hoya retired and became a promoter and manager , he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
I think I can do that with the young Asian fighters . ''
And although he would like to remain involved with the sport in some capacity , shouting orders from the corner is not something that appeals to Khan .
`` I do n't want to be a trainer , forget that .
Too much effort and energy . ''

Last updated on .From the section Boxing
Khan is still fighting - nearly 16 years after winning an Olympic silver medal
Britain's former two-time world champion Amir Khan says "retirement is not on my radar," insisting he still has "one or two more" fights left.
Some reports on Friday suggested the 33-year-old was considering walking away from the sport.
"Obviously with this coronavirus it sends us a bit loopy at times and you say things you don't really mean," Khan told BBC Sport.
"I still feel good, I feel strong. I don't want to call it a day just yet."
A tune-up fight then Manny Pacquiao
Khan's last outing was in July 2019, a fourth-round stoppage win against Australian Billy Dib in Saudi Arabia.
The Bolton fighter, a former light-welterweight world champion with the WBA and IBF, says although he would like to go straight into a world title fight, he may first take a tune-up bout against a top-10 contender.
"Because of the coronavirus lockdown, I wouldn't mind a fight to get back into the groove of things, before a big fight against someone like Manny Pacquiao," the 2004 Olympic silver medallist added.
Khan has called out Filipino Pacquiao, the current WBA 'super' welterweight champion and the only eight-weight champion in history, many times before.
The two know each other well, having sparred countless rounds together when they trained under the tutelage of Freddie Roach in the Los Angeles' Wildcard Gym, before Khan split from Roach in September 2012.
"The Manny fight is something I've always wanted," Khan said.
"If it happens, great, but if not we'll look at other options."
'Brook hated me, I beat him up in sparring'
Those options are unlikely to include long-time rival Kell Brook, with Khan blaming the Sheffield fighter's decision to move up to light-middleweight in 2018.
"The fight was close to happening when we were at the same weight and both under Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing. But he decided to move up. That's not my fault.
"People are saying it's me not taking the fight but he moved up 154lbs - what do you want me to do?
"I made that mistake when I moved up in weight to fight Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and lost."
As both boxers near the end of their careers, demand for the all-British fight is not as strong as it once was. But Khan admits there is still genuine animosity between him and Brook, which he says stems from their amateur days.
"I've never been the person to hate him first, he hated me first," he said.
"I used to beat him up in sparring when I was training for the Olympics. I used to school him and literally give him a beating. I remember one of the coaches told me to take it easy on him and only use one hand.
"I beat him up and was always picked before him in the amateurs.
"Since then, as he's got older, that's always hurt him."
Brook, 33, is reportedly in line to face WBO welterweight champion Terrence Crawford next.
Khan, who lost to Crawford in April 2019, can only see one outcome.
"Crawford is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and he'll walk through Brook without any issues"
Khan offers four-storey Bolton building to NHS
Khan outside the building he is offering to the health service
While retirement may not be an immediate option for Khan, he has welcomed the chance the current lockdown has provided to spend more time with his family and children.
He has also offered one of the buildings he owns to the NHS in Bolton.
"I kept seeing reports on the TV saying they needed support and help. I have a 60,000 square foot building which is water-tight and a roof on top of it. I said they can take that and make that into a hospital.
"The NHS said the numbers in Bolton are low at the moment but if they need it, they'll get back to me."
'I want to manage Asian fighters'
Once Khan does hang up the gloves, he has set his sights on managing promising fighters, particularly those from South Asian backgrounds.
"I think young Asian fighters will want to sign with me," he said.
"A bit like when Oscar de la Hoya retired and became a promoter and manager, he had all the young Mexicans that went with him. I think I can do that with the young Asian fighters."
And although he would like to remain involved with the sport in some capacity, shouting orders from the corner is not something that appeals to Khan.
"I don't want to be a trainer, forget that. Too much effort and energy."


bbc--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: US tourist towns telling visitors to stay away

The US state of New Hampshire , with its mountains , lakes and foliage , is used to being a tourist destination for urbanites from nearby Boston and New York .
But as out-of-towners flock to their summer homes to escape coronavirus in the cities , locals are begging them to stay away .
It 's the start of Mud Season in New Hampshire .
The temperature is rising and the snow drifts are melting rapidly leaving piles of dirt and road sand in their place .
In normal times tourism would also be on the wane , the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter .
But while the threat of coronavirus has ended commercial tourism in the region , people are still travelling to the state hoping to ride out the pandemic in their holiday homes and take advantage of the region 's outdoor activities .
`` Do n't come to New Hampshire , '' says Dot Seybold , general manager of OVP Management which oversees the Settlers Green retail centres in North Conway .
`` I see it in my own neighbourhood where normally I do n't see people in these [ holiday ] homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all full now .
I get it .
What would you do for your family ?
But they 're not thinking about our little community and how we will struggle to help people if this thing gets as bad as New York . ''
Many people seem confused by conflicting advice to get fresh air and exercise while adhering to official orders to stay at home .
The Appalachian Mountain Club said popular locations have been overrun with visitors while other organisations in New Hampshire have reported hundreds of cars with out-of-state license @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many facilities and trails have now been closed .
• New York : The city that never sleeps on lockdown '' We 're all trying to process this on a day to day basis , '' says Janice Crawford , executive director of the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce .
`` I have a mission to support the business community and keep them viable .
This is a challenge during this time .
[ In mid-March ] we sent out a press release inviting people to come and enjoy the outdoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was done honestly and we corrected it immediately . ''
At the end of March , New Hampshire had recorded 367 cases of coronavirus and three deaths compared to thousands in New York .
With its state slogan `` live free or die '' , New Hampshire is known for its libertarian values and it was the last state in the northeast to officially tell residents to stay at home .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• US v ITALY v CHINA : How do death rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The US governor who saw it coming early • ON FRONTLINE : 'Nurses prepare for the worst but not this' • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this crisis But many businesses were already closing in an effort to slow the rate of infections and discourage visitors .
Most businesses - for now - appear to support the economic pain if it means containing the pandemic .
`` It 's coming , and if you do n't stop to flatten the curve it 's going to be that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , owner of two restaurants - Wicked Fresh and Fire by Wicked Fresh .
`` As a business owner who 's responsible for multiple people , I ca n't do it .
I ca n't bring my people in here and put them at risk .
It makes it hard but at the end of the day if we all do it , we 're all going to be on the same boat economically .
Gary Sullivan , owner of the White Mountain Hotel says laying off his staff has been the hardest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but he hopes the hotel can reopen in the summer .
`` I 'm looking at our summer bookings and they 're not cancelling .
We have strong summer bookings and super strong bookings for the Fall .
`` At least [ the shutdown ] is keeping most people healthy and if people remain healthy , we will remain positive , '' he says .
Dick Delaney , owner of Delaney 's Hole in the Wall restaurant , also worries more about his 60 employees .
`` The bulk of them are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an indefinite period , '' he says .
`` We tried to get ahead of it and get everyone signed up - because we knew it was only a matter of time before it happened . ''
Some smaller establishments had already closed , but in an effort to stave off the economic blow to his staff Mr Delaney stayed open until 16 March when New Hampshire ordered restaurants to close their seating areas and offer only takeout meals .
`` I felt like we were doing the wrong thing by staying open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my staff . ''
He thinks the restrictions are necessary but is concerned about the long-term consequences .
`` If this thing goes to June it will be catastrophic .
There will be places that definitely wo n't make it .
It 's a tough ethical question professionally and personally , '' he says .
Other New England states are imposing even tougher measures to combat coronavirus .
Massachusetts , which is one of the worst affected states in the nation , has declared a state of emergency .
Rhode Island has ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , with police checkpoints on the southern border .
Maine has banned short-term rentals in the city of Portland and closed its beaches .
New Hampshire 's Governor Chris Sununu has resisted calls to close his state 's border with Massachusetts .
A legal challenge against his ban on large gatherings failed in March .
In the Mount Washington Valley , visitors who were once the economic life blood are now a source of anxiety .
The Chamber of Commerce is urging people to be kind and stay positive .
And while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in North Conway are keeping the lights on at night as a beacon of hope in dark times .

"I see it in my own neighbourhood where normally I don't see people in these [holiday] homes except during holidays - and they're all full now. I get it. What would you do for your family? But they're not thinking about our little community and how we will struggle to help people if this thing gets as bad as New York."


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: What does ‘from Russia with love’ really mean?

Russia 's latest gesture in the coronavirus crisis came in the form of medical supplies arriving in New York - part of an operation dubbed `` from Russia with love '' by the Kremlin .
In late March a similar cargo was flown to Italy - the worst-hit country in the crisis - along with 100 Russian military medics .
Russian media speak of widespread gratitude for this generosity , but how much of that is fact , how much fiction ?
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the US had paid for the Russian supplies , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defeat # COVID19 '' .
The US says the delivery was agreed in a phone conversation between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin a few days ago .
The Russian foreign ministry says the US paid for half of the supplies , and the other half was donated by Russia .
But Russian TV channels call the cargo `` aid '' and make no reference to payment .
A report by Gazprom Media 's NTV described how excited JFK airport staff filmed the Russian plane , took selfies next to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New York is a coronavirus hotspot and the US death toll has risen above 5,000 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Russia has imposed a lockdown similar to those in the US and Europe , to limit the spread of Covid-19 disease .
In the past 24 hours , Russia registered 771 new infections - its highest figure so far - bringing the total to 3,548 current cases and 30 deaths .
Russians have been sent home from work , but will still be paid - a measure now extended by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical aid for Italy certainly received official thanks , but there was some scepticism too about Russia 's intentions .
Italian newspaper La Stampa said , according to its sources , the aid had little practical value and was more like a geopolitical opportunity for Mr Putin .
It went so far as to brand 80 % of the delivery `` useless '' .
When asked about that , Russia 's ambassador to the US , Anatoly Antonov , reacted angrily , saying `` groundless criticism and lack of trust for the assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , immoral and cruel to those who are fighting for their lives '' .
Russia 's defence ministry also hit back , saying the article was fuelling anti-Russian fake news and its authors were hiding behind the ideals of free speech .
Back in Russia , the media have applauded the aid to Italy with headlines like `` Thank you for extending a helping hand '' and `` USA and Europe should learn a lesson '' .
Cold War tensions , like those in the 1963 James Bond spy movie From Russia With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian media have applauded the aid to Italy with headlines like `` Thank you for extending a helping hand '' and `` USA and Europe should learn a lesson '' .
Italian Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini did thank Russia officially as did , unofficially , former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi , a friend of Vladimir Putin .
An Italian pop singer spoke a few words of Russian , when interviewed by Tass news agency .
Another one sang a popular Russian song in a Facebook video .
But Russian state media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia in Italy .
State channels , pro-Kremlin websites and Telegram channels talked about ordinary Italians replacing EU flags with Russian ones and singing the Russian anthem on balconies .
To prove that , however , there was just one video and one man : Federico Cane .
BBC Russian spoke to Mr Cane .
He is an engineer , who says he is personally fond of Russia and of President Putin .
He has done some business with Russian companies and he put up a Russian flag as personal thanks for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : What are the symptoms ?
• US v ITALY v CHINA : How do death rates compare ?
• LEADING THE WAY : The US governor who saw it coming early • ON FRONTLINE : 'Nurses prepare for the worst but not this' • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this crisis Another claim in Russian state media was about widespread singing of the Russian national anthem in Italy .
Interestingly , Chinese media had earlier faked Italian balcony-singing of the Chinese anthem .
An Italian media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many showing Italians crowding on their balconies in the lockdown .
Russian state media used two videos of a recording of the Russian anthem being played ( not sung ) .
In one instance , it was linked to Italian trade union UGL .
The anthem seems to blast from a building housing the neo-fascist CasaPound organisation in Rome .
The UGL trade union is historically linked to CasaPound , and the head of UGL has visited Russia several times .
Another video was filmed from inside a flat , with the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was initially posted by Alena Sivkova , head of Daily Storm , a Russian news website .
The video was widely used by Russian news channels and online media such as RenTV , Izvestia , TV Tsentr and Russia-1 .
BBC Russian found out that the video was filmed by one of the journalist 's relatives , who lives in Italy and is married to an Italian .
He apparently played a recording of the anthem .
Sivkova insisted that this was not a one-off occurrence and that other Italians joined in regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no independent proof of that and BBC Russian was unable to get any comment from the Imola mayor 's office .
Ilya Shepelin runs a project called Fake News on Russia 's opposition TV Rain channel .
For him , the manipulation of fact and fiction in this instance is a perfect example of hybrid fake news .
When fact and fiction are so tightly intertwined they can hardly be separated , he says .
Yet Russian authorities themselves are now warning about fake news .
Under new emergency laws , anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia can face up to five years in prison .

When asked about that, Russia's ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, reacted angrily, saying "groundless criticism and lack of trust for the assistance that Russia provides to Italy is cynical, immoral and cruel to those who are fighting for their lives".


bbc--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Trump to defy 'voluntary' advice for Americans to wear masks

US President Donald Trump has said he will not wear a face mask despite new medical guidance advising Americans to do so .
He could not see himself greeting `` presidents , prime ministers , dictators , kings , queens '' in the Oval Office while wearing one , he said .
He stressed that the guidance released on Friday was `` voluntary '' .
`` You do not have to do it , '' he said .
`` I do n't think I 'm going to be doing it . ''
The guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health advisory agency , came as the US reported more than 1,100 deaths in a single day - the highest total for a 24-hour period anywhere in the world .
The US has so far confirmed 278,458 cases of Covid-19 and more than 7,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
New York state remains the worst affected area , with nearly 3,000 deaths , and state governor Andrew Cuomo has appealed for help from other parts of the country .
Until now , US health authorities had said that only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients of coronavirus , should wear masks , but newer studies suggest that covering up one 's face is important to prevent inadvertent transmission .
`` From recent studies we know that the transmission from individuals without symptoms is playing a more significant role in the spread of the virus than previously understood , '' Mr Trump said on Friday .
However , he told reporters after announcing the CDC 's new guidance : `` I just do n't want to do it myself . ''
`` Sitting in the Oval Office ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself . ''
Americans are now advised to use clean cloth or fabric to cover their faces whilst in public .
Officials have stressed that medical masks remain in short supply , and should be left for healthcare workers .
The guidance comes as the number of cases globally climbs past one million .
• Should more of us wear face masks ?
• Why some countries wear face masks and others don't What else did the president say ?
Mr Trump announced the CDC 's guidance at the White House daily coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisory was `` voluntary '' .
`` You do n't have to do it , '' he said .
`` I 'm choosing not to do it , but some people may want to do it and that 's OK .
It may be good .
Probably will . ''
Asked why , he said : `` I just do n't want to be doing [ that ] , somehow sitting in the Oval Office behind that beautiful resolute desk , the great Resolute Desk . ''
`` I think wearing a face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers , dictators , kings , queens , I do n't know somehow I do n't see it for myself .
I just do n't .
Maybe I 'll change my mind . ''
The president was pressed on US disease readiness , the federal government stimulus package , and whether the pandemic will disrupt the 2020 presidential election on 3 November .
Mr Trump insisted that his government 's response has saved lives , and that the election will not be delayed .
That 's what I wanted to know - especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) officials during a briefing : people should wear cloth masks when they go outside .
The CDC recommendations , a list that ranges from social distancing to hand-washing , help flatten the curve , according to members of the White House task force on coronavirus .
Yet the president said he would not put on a mask : he said it would not look right for him to wear one in the Oval Office .
I thought that sounded vain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , asking him to explain more fully why he would not wear a mask in the midst of a pandemic .
He smiled .
`` I was just tested , '' he said .
`` I assume I do n't have the virus so I do n't have to worry about spreading it . ''
For him , the matter has been resolved .
For many others , it has not been .
They want to do everything they can to stop the disease and , unlike the president , they will put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airborne droplets from people coughing or sneezing , but there is some dispute over how far people should distance themselves from each other , and whether masks are useful when used by the public .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) advises that ordinary face masks are only effective if combined with careful hand-washing and social distancing , and so far it does not recommend them generally for healthy people .
However , more and more health experts now say there are benefits .
They argue that the public use of masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - people who have been infected with Covid-19 but are not aware , and not displaying any symptoms - from unknowingly spreading the virus to others .
• Trump 'wants to stop mask exports to Canada' Masks may also help lower the risk of individuals catching the virus through the droplets from another person 's sneeze or a cough - and people can be taught how put masks on and take them off correctly , they argue .
Speaking at Friday 's briefing , Surgeon General Jerome Adams acknowledged that the US guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Covid-19 can be transmitted by asymptomatic people `` coughing , sneezing or speaking '' .
Local officials in New York City and Los Angeles had already urged residents to cover their faces when outside and near others .
And on Thursday , officials in Laredo , Texas , issued an emergency ordinance which means residents will face a $ 1,000 ( £815 ) fine if they fail to cover their noses and mouths while outside .
However , there is also disagreement among experts over the benefits of using cloth masks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not recommended and may even increase the chance of infection .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

That's what I wanted to know - especially after he had laid out new guidelines by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials during a briefing: people should wear cloth masks when they go outside. The CDC recommendations, a list that ranges from social distancing to hand-washing, help flatten the curve, according to members of the White House task force on coronavirus.


bbc--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: China mourns Covid-19 victims with three-minute silence

China has mourned the victims of the coronavirus outbreak by observing a three-minute silence , bringing the nation to a halt .
A day of remembrance was declared in China on Saturday to honour the more than 3,300 people who died of Covid-19 .
At 10:00 local time ( 03:00 GMT ) , people stood still nationwide for three minutes in tribute to the dead .
Cars , trains and ships then sounded their horns , air raid sirens rang as flags were flown at half-mast .
The first cases of coronavirus were detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since then , the virus has swept the globe , infecting more than one million people and killing nearly 60,000 in 181 countries .
In Wuhan , the epicentre of China 's outbreak , all traffic lights in urban areas were turned red at 10:00 , ceasing traffic for three minutes .
China 's government said the event was a chance to pay respects to `` martyrs '' , a reference to the 14 medical workers who died battling the virus .
They include Li Wenliang , a doctor in Wuhan who died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities for attempting to warn others about the disease .
`` I feel a lot of sorrow about our colleagues and patients who died , '' a Chinese nurse who treated coronavirus patients told AFP news agency .
`` I hope they can rest well in heaven . ''
Wearing white flowers pinned to their chest , Chinese President Xi Jinping and other government officials paid silent tribute in Beijing .
Saturday 's commemorations coincide with the annual Qingming festival , when millions of Chinese families pay respects to their ancestors .
China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO ) about cases of pneumonia with unknown causes on 31 December last year .
By 18 January , the confirmed number of cases had risen to around 60 - but experts estimated the real figure was closer to 1,700 .
Just two days later , as millions of people prepared to travel for the lunar new year , the number of cases more than tripled to more than 200 and the virus was detected in Beijing , Shanghai and Shenzhen .
From that point , the virus began to spread rapidly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every corner of the globe .
In the past few weeks , China has started to ease travel and social-distancing restrictions , believing it has brought the health emergency under control .
Last weekend , Wuhan partially re-opened after more than two months of isolation .
On Saturday , China reported 19 new confirmed cases of coronavirus , down from 31 a day earlier .
China 's health commission said 18 of those cases involved travellers arriving from abroad .
As it battles to control cases coming from abroad , China temporarily banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have visas or residence permits .
What is the latest worldwide ?
As the coronavirus crisis in China abates , the rest of the world remains firmly in the grip of the disease .
In the US , now the global epicentre of the outbreak , the number of deaths from the disease jumped to 7,152 on Friday , according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University .
The deaths increased by 1,480 in 24 hours , the highest daily death toll since the pandemic began , AFP news agency reported , citing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak As of Friday , there were 277,953 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the US , a rise of more than 32,000 in 24 hours .
Meanwhile , deaths continue to climb in Italy and Spain , the second and third worst-affected countries in the world .
In Italy , deaths increased by 766 on Friday , bringing the total to 14,681 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 10,935 , a rise of 932 in the past day .
However , there was a glimmer of hope for both countries , as the downward trend in the rate of new cases continued .
• South Korea is extending social distancing measures until at least 19 April , saying that although the outbreak is slowing it is still spreading • US President Trump said the US Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) had recommended that face coverings should be worn in public to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing one • New York state had its highest increase in deaths for one day - 562 , bringing the total to 2,935 • The US was accused of `` modern piracy '' for redirecting 200,000 Germany-bound masks for its own use • The head of the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) said the pandemic has bought the global economy to a standstill , causing a recession `` way worse than the global financial crisis '' of 2008 • The United Nations appealed to governments around the world not to use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The UK government urged people to stay at home over the weekend , with warm weather expected • The Queen will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday night in the UK

Just two days later, as millions of people prepared to travel for the lunar new year, the number of cases more than tripled to more than 200 and the virus was detected in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.


bbc--2020-04-03--US threatens to halt mask exports to Canada

A major US mask manufacturer , 3M , says the government has asked it to stop exporting US-made N95 respirator masks to Canada and Latin America .
The request had `` significant humanitarian implications '' , it warned , and could prompt other countries to act in kind .
On Thursday , the US invoked the Korean War-era Defence Production Act to demand that 3M provide more masks .
Canada 's prime minister said stopping 3M 's exports would be a `` mistake '' .
President Donald Trump said he had used the Defence Production Act to `` hit 3M @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The law dates back to 1950 and allows a president to force companies to make products for national defence .
In a statement on Friday , 3M said the government had invoked the act `` to require 3M to prioritise orders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( Fema ) for our N95 respirators '' , and had also requested that 3M import more respirators made in its overseas factories into the US .
It said it supported both moves .
However , 3M added that the government also requested that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Canada and Latin America .
`` There are significant humanitarian implications of ceasing respirator supplies to healthcare workers in Canada and Latin America , where we are a critical supplier of respirators , '' it said .
3M added that such a move `` would likely cause other countries to retaliate and do the same '' , which would lead to the overall number of respirators being made available to the US decreasing .
The company says it manufactures about 100 million N95 masks per month - about a third are made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced overseas .
The Trump administration has not provided details on its communications with 3M .
On Thursday night , Mr Trump tweeted : `` We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their masks ... Big surprise to many in government as to what they were doing - will have a big price to pay ! ''
Meanwhile , White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said on Thursday : `` We 've had issues making sure that all of the production that 3M does around the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Canada does not manufacture any N95 masks domestically , and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Friday that `` it would be a mistake to create blockages or reduce trade '' .
`` There are thousands of nurses in Windsor who work in Detroit every single day , and Americans depend on them .
There are medical products and other essential goods that move across the border in both directions ... these are things Americans rely on . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

The Trump administration has not provided details on its communications with 3M. On Thursday night, Mr Trump tweeted: "We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their masks... Big surprise to many in government as to what they were doing - will have a big price to pay!"


bbc--2020-04-04--China comes to a standstill

China comes to a standstill

Why does China ’ s economy matter to you ?
As China struggles to cope with the ongoing coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ scale and importance of its financial might .

A day of remembrance has been held in China to honour those who have died of coronavirus.
The Qingming festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, is usually a time when people visit the graves of friends and family.
But amid fears of another Covid-19 outbreak, the government has advised people to stay away and maintain social distancing as Stephen McDonell reports.


bbc--2020-04-04--Michael Atkinson: Trump fires intelligence chief involved in impeachment

US President Donald Trump has fired a senior official who first alerted Congress to a whistleblower complaint that led to his impeachment trial .
Mr Trump said he no longer had confidence in Michael Atkinson , the inspector general of the intelligence community .
Democrats said the president was settling scores during a national emergency caused by the coronavirus .
They also accused him of trying to undermine the intelligence community .
Last year , Mr Atkinson informed Congress of the complaint that President Trump had allegedly abused his office by pressuring Ukraine to open an investigation into Democratic presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In letters to Congress , Mr Atkinson described the complaint as `` urgent '' and `` credible '' .
The Democratic-majority House of Representatives voted to impeach the president , but a trial in the Republican-led Senate later acquitted him of all charges .
On Friday , Mr Trump notified Congress that Mr Atkinson would be removed from his post within 30 days .
Sources told the Associated Press the official had been placed on administrative leave and would not serve out his 30 days .
`` It is vital that I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as inspectors general , '' Mr Trump wrote .
`` This is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general . ''
He said he would name a successor `` at a later date '' .
Officials quoted by Reuters said Thomas Monheim , a career intelligence professional , would serve as acting inspector general in the meantime .
`` In the midst of a national emergency , it is unconscionable that the president is once again attempting to undermine the integrity of the intelligence community by firing yet another intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Senator Mark Warner , the most senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee .
Congressman Adam Schiff , who chaired the House impeachment hearings , said `` the president 's dead of night decision puts our country and national security at even greater risk . ''
`` President Trump 's decision to fire intelligence community inspector General Michael Atkinson is yet another blatant attempt by the president to gut the independence of the intelligence community and retaliate against those who dare to expose presidential wrongdoing , '' he said .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of staff , Mick Mulvaney , who was perceived to have implicated the president in the impeachment inquiry with an off-the-cuff remark at the White House podium .
Mr Trump has recently come under fire for his handling of the coronavirus outbreak in the US which has so far claimed more than 7,000 lives .

"In the midst of a national emergency, it is unconscionable that the president is once again attempting to undermine the integrity of the intelligence community by firing yet another intelligence official simply for doing his job," said Senator Mark Warner, the most senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee.


bbc--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: US accused of ‘piracy’ over mask ‘confiscation’

The US has been accused of redirecting 200,000 Germany-bound masks for its own use , in a move condemned as `` modern piracy '' .
The local government in Berlin said the shipment of US-made masks was `` confiscated '' in Bangkok .
The FFP2 masks , which were ordered by Berlin 's police force , did not reach their destination , it said .
Andreas Geisel , Berlin 's interior minister , said the masks were presumably diverted to the US .
The US company that makes the masks , 3M , has been prohibited from exporting its medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law invoked by President Donald Trump .
• Should more of us wear face masks ?
• Why some countries wear face masks and others don't On Friday , Mr Trump said he was using the Defence Production Act to demand that US firms provide more medical supplies to meet domestic demand .
`` We need these items immediately for domestic use .
We have to have them , '' Mr Trump said at the daily Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House .
He said US authorities had taken custody of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks and 600,000 gloves .
He did not say where they were taken into US hands .
Mr Geisel said the diversion of masks from Berlin amounted to an `` act of modern piracy '' , urging the Trump administration to adhere to international trading rules .
`` This is not how you deal with transatlantic partners , '' the minister said .
`` Even in times of global crisis , there should be no wild-west methods . ''
Mr Geisel 's comments echo the sentiments of other European officials , who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the US .
In France , for example , regional leaders say they are struggling to secure medical supplies as American buyers outbid them .
The president of the Île-de-France region , Valérie Pécresse , compared the scramble for masks to a `` treasure hunt '' .
`` I found a stock of masks that was available and Americans - I 'm not talking about the American government - but Americans , outbid us , '' Ms Pécresse said .
`` They offered three times the price and they proposed to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worsens , demand for crucial medical supplies , such as masks and respirators , has surged worldwide .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Earlier this week , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said it was considering changing its guidance on whether people should wear face masks in public .
At present , the WHO advises that masks do not provide sufficient protection from infection to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have taken a different view , including the US .
On Friday , Mr Trump announced that the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) will now recommend that Americans use non-medical , cloth face coverings to help prevent the spread of the virus .
The US has 273,880 recorded cases of Covid-19 , the highest number in the world by a large margin .
Covid-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , has affected more than one million people and killed almost 60,000 globally , the latest figures show .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration had asked it to stop exporting US-made N95 respirator masks to Canada and Latin America .
• READ MORE : US 'wants 3M to end mask exports to Canada and Latin America' The request had `` significant humanitarian implications '' , the company warned , and could prompt other countries to act in kind .
The company says it manufactures about 100 million N95 masks per month - about a third are made in the US , and the rest produced overseas .
President Trump said he had used the Defence Production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , without providing additional details .
The law dates back to 1950 and allows a president to force companies to make products for national defence .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Friday that `` it would be a mistake to create blockages or reduce trade '' .

He said US authorities had taken custody of nearly 200,000 N95 respirators, 130,000 surgical masks and 600,000 gloves. He did not say where they were taken into US hands.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Russia uses facial recognition to tackle Covid-19

As Russian cities go into lockdown to try to contain coronavirus , Moscow is using the latest technology to keep @ @ @ @ @ officials are using a giant network of tens of thousands of cameras - installed with @ @ @ @ @ they plan to couple with digital passes on people ’ s mobile phones .
It @ @ @ @ @ whether such widespread surveillance will ever be rolled back .
Sarah Rainsford explains how the @ @ @ @ @ Moscow neighbourhood .

As Russian cities go into lockdown to try to contain coronavirus, Moscow is using the latest technology to keep track of residents.
City officials are using a giant network of tens of thousands of cameras - installed with facial recognition software - which they plan to couple with digital passes on people’s mobile phones. It’s prompted concern about whether such widespread surveillance will ever be rolled back.
Sarah Rainsford explains how the system works in her own Moscow neighbourhood.