bbc--2020-03-17--Reducing brain damage in sport without losing the thrills

When Olympic gold medallist Shona McCallin was hit on the side of her head by a seemingly innocuous shoulder challenge , she suffered what was originally thought to be a concussion .
However , headaches and other symptoms would not go away and brain scans revealed damage to her vestibular system - the part of the brain responsible for processing movement and motion .
It was seventeen months before she was able to play competitively again , but she made it back into the Great Britain hockey team .
`` You know , unfortunately , injuries in sport and outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she says .
From football to F1 , professional sport has become more aware of the impact it has on the brains of athletes .
The US National Football League ( NFL ) has acknowledged that it concealed the dangers of concussion from players , leading to a settlement with ex-players that is expected to cost the NFL more than $ 1bn ( £800m ) over a 65-year period .
But damage to the brain is difficult to manage because it 's difficult to measure .
Often the effects are not felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here is where new technology might help .
`` In the NFL , they 've put strain gauges into helmets to see what impacts are sustained - and they 've been able to see the high amount of g-force exerted onto the helmet when two big players collide at speed , '' says Mr Ian Sabin , a consultant neurosurgeon from the Wellington Hospital in London who has worked with various sporting bodies , including the NFL .
To help assess the impact of those collisions , the NFL , which runs American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon Web Services ( AWS ) .
The organisations are working together on a digital platform that is fed by huge data inputs - including video analysis and sensor data from helmets .
The idea is to be able to create a digital representation of a player in a virtual on-field environment .
The NFL can then simulate changes in the environment to see what would improve the safety of players .
• Could female urinals end queues for the loos ?
• Tricks and tools for better working at home • Electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Why has n't AI changed the world yet ?
• Protecting whales from the noise made by us The NFL makes the data available to firms that make helmets , and it says this has enabled improvements in one year that had previously taken a decade .
It has also launched a $ 3bn helmet challenge for companies to design better helmets .
The platform could also be used in other sports such as soccer .
This is where companies like ANSYS are pitching for business .
It provides simulation technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when creating a helmet for sports .
`` We can create a computer model of your brain .
As the geometry of the brain is so complex , we are using medical imaging and transforming that into a 3D model , '' Thierry Marchal , global industry director at ANSYS , explains .
Then the organisation can test and quantify the impact of certain actions , as well as validating these models with trained clinicians to ensure that the computer model represents and predicts accurately what 's happening in a player 's head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a virtual player 's head you can change a component such as the material to see if it will reduce the impact .
Eventually we 'll be able to have a helmet customised for specific athletes , '' he says .
Other technologies are being used for rehabilitation .
For example , McLaren Racing uses MindMaze technology inside the helmets of F1 racing drivers to provide more accurate neurological data to improve diagnosis and treatments of brain injuries .
Despite the promise of these new technologies , Mr Sabin emphasises that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can either confirm a concussion , or tell the athlete whether they should stop playing their sport .
Having an extensive data set , such as the one NFL is putting together , could provide insight that had n't been possible before , suggests Dr Willie Stewart .
He is the consultant neuropathologist who led the study commissioned by the Football Association ( FA ) and the Professional Footballer 's Association into the link between neurodegenerative diseases and ex-football players .
`` We might consider something that had n't been thought of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GPS tracking when players are accelerating , and how the brain functioning changes during that , '' he says .
Although technology is advancing at pace , it will take time to use these to prevent and reduce concussions and impacts to the head in sport .
In the meantime , sports bodies are taking action .
In a joint announcement in February , the FA , Scottish FA and Irish FA , advised that there should be no heading in training for primary school children , or under-11 teams and below .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranges up until 18 , with headers being kept a `` low priority '' and gradually becoming more frequent in training until the age of 16 .
While much worthy research and development is going on , sports are often operating under financial pressure .
Will Carling , who captained England to three Grand Slams in the 1990s , says rugby union authorities are taking safety more seriously , but perhaps the biggest contribution to safety would be to play fewer games .
`` I think sometimes we are still mistaking more games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profile , and we are abdicating a little bit of responsibility about player welfare .
`` Exactly how much can the players at the very top of the game take ?
How much can their bodies and their minds actually sustain ? ''
Professional athletes like Ms McCallin have to accept the risks of their sport .
`` For me , the benefits of sport , both on a spiritual , mental and emotional capacity really do outweigh the potential risks of injury , '' she says .

"In the NFL, they've put strain gauges into helmets to see what impacts are sustained - and they've been able to see the high amount of g-force exerted onto the helmet when two big players collide at speed," says Mr Ian Sabin, a consultant neurosurgeon from the Wellington Hospital in London who has worked with various sporting bodies, including the NFL.


bbc--2020-03-17--Japan still planning 'complete' Tokyo Olympics

Japan 's Olympic minister says the country is still planning for a `` complete '' hosting of the Tokyo Olympics that will be held on time , with spectators in attendance .
On Saturday Japan 's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the Olympics would still go ahead despite coronavirus .
The IOC is meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Olympics and in particular qualifying events that have been hit .
`` A complete Olympics is what we are aiming for , '' said Seiko Hashimoto .
`` We will do our utmost to prepare [ to hold the Olympics ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee will be convinced we are capable of hosting the games , '' she added .
She said a complete Olympics meant an event that `` started on time and with spectators in attendance '' .
Japan has had more than 1,400 cases and 28 deaths resulting from coronavirus .
• Coronavirus wipes out most of world 's major sports events The Japan section of the Olympic Torch relay is due to start in Fukushima on 26 March .
On Tuesday , Toshiro Muto , the Tokyo 2020 chief executive , told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Olympic torch relay because of coronavirus , but that spectators would still be allowed to watch from the roadside .
Welcome and departure ceremonies for the flame along the relay route will be scrapped , he added .
The recent torch-lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia was held without spectators , before the rest of the relay in Greece was suspended to avoid attracting crowds .
Chef de Mission for Team GB Mark England says athletes are still working on the basis the Games will be going ahead .
However , England says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance '' from the relevant organisers and federations concerning qualification events , which he says may take some time .
`` It is a very difficult time and a very worrying time , not just for our athletes but in general for everyone concerned , '' England told BBC Sport .
`` Clearly it is not just a sporting decision , it is a global health decision that will be made and for sure that is more important at the moment . ''

Last updated on .From the section Olympics
Toshiro Muto (left), the Tokyo 2020 chief executive, held a news conference on Tuesday morning
Japan's Olympic minister says the country is still planning for a "complete" hosting of the Tokyo Olympics that will be held on time, with spectators in attendance.
On Saturday Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the Olympics would still go ahead despite coronavirus.
The IOC is meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Olympics and in particular qualifying events that have been hit.
"A complete Olympics is what we are aiming for," said Seiko Hashimoto.
"We will do our utmost to prepare [to hold the Olympics] as scheduled so that the International Olympic Committee will be convinced we are capable of hosting the games," she added.
She said a complete Olympics meant an event that "started on time and with spectators in attendance".
Japan has had more than 1,400 cases and 28 deaths external-link resulting from coronavirus.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says itdoes not plan any "drastic" decisions and remains fully committed the Games.
In a statement after discussions with international sports federations, it said changes would need to be made to Olympic qualifiers but that 57% of the 11,000 athletes have already secured their spot.
"For the remaining 43% of places, the IOC will work with the international federations to make any necessary and practical adaptations to their respective qualification systems for Tokyo 2020," the IOC said, adding qualification could also be based on ranking or historical results.
Chef de Mission for Team GB Mark England says athletes are still working on the basis the Games will be going ahead.
However, England says Team GB are waiting for "clear guidance" from the relevant organisers and federations concerning qualification events, which he says may take some time.
"It is a very difficult time and a very worrying time, not just for our athletes but in general for everyone concerned," England told BBC Sport.
"Clearly it is not just a sporting decision, it is a global health decision that will be made and for sure that is more important at the moment."
The Japan section of the Olympic Torch relay is due to start in Fukushima on 26 March. On Tuesday, Toshiro Muto, the Tokyo 2020 chief executive, told reporters that they were scaling back parts of the Olympic torch relay because of coronavirus, but that spectators would still be allowed to watch from the roadside.
Welcome and departure ceremonies for the flame along the relay route will be scrapped, he added.
The recent torch-lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia was held without spectators, before the rest of the relay in Greece was suspended to avoid attracting crowds.


bbc--2020-03-17--Nemanja Matic: Manchester United trigger extension in midfielder's contract

Manchester United have triggered a clause to extend midfielder Nemanja Matic 's contract by one year .
The 31-year-old , @ @ @ @ @ to expire this summer , is also in talks with the club over lengthening the @ @ @ @ @ 's recent form has encouraged United to extend his stay to 2021 and the Serb @ @ @ @ @ Matic has made 109 appearances for the Old Trafford club since joining from Chelsea in @ @ @ @ @ .

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd
Matic has played 12 times in the Premier League this season
Manchester United have triggered a clause to extend midfielder Nemanja Matic's contract by one year.
The 31-year-old, whose three-year contract was due to expire this summer, is also in talks with the club over lengthening the deal even further.
Matic's recent form has encouraged United to extend his stay to 2021 and the Serb could remain beyond that.
Matic has made 109 appearances for the Old Trafford club since joining from Chelsea in a £40m deal in 2017.


bbc--2020-03-17--China to restrict US journalists from three major newspapers

China has effectively expelled journalists from three US newspapers in retaliation for restrictions on its news outlets in the US .
Its foreign ministry ordered reporters from the New York Times , the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal to return media passes within 10 days .
The ministry also demanded information about their operations in China .
The measures were in response to “ unwarranted restrictions on Chinese media agencies ” in the US , it said .
China 's action also prohibits the newspapers ' journalists from working in the semi-autonomous regions of Hong Kong and Macau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than on the mainland .
Earlier this month , the Trump administration imposed limits on the number of Chinese citizens who could work as journalists in the US – the latest move in a tit-for-tat row over press freedoms .
“ What the US has done is exclusively targeting Chinese media organisations , and hence driven by a Cold War mentality and ideological bias , ” China ’ s foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Beijing to reconsider its decision , calling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regret China ’ s decision today to further foreclose the world ’ s ability to conduct the free press operations that , frankly , would be really good for the Chinese people in these incredibly challenging global times , where more information , more transparency are what will save lives , ” Mr Pompeo said .
All foreign correspondents in China are required to renew their press credentials annually , which usually happens at the year end .
This means most American reporters of the three US major publications have an expiring visa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new rules .
We do n't know the exact number of affected journalists yet , but it 's believed to be close to a dozen .
The expulsions will lead to a major personnel loss in these three media organisations ' China operation , especially for the Wall Street Journal , which had already seen three reporters expelled from China last month .
Critics say it 's an even greater loss for China , as the draconian measures come at a time when the country and the rest of the world need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's still unclear whether the US publications can send new correspondents , American citizens or not , to fill in the positions in China .
In the midst of a dangerous pandemic , the world 's two superpowers are locked in an escalating war with multiple fronts .
By fighting over media , the origin of the coronavirus , and technology and trade , the US and China are competing to prove the superiority of their own political model .
At the beginning of March , the US state department said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official news agency Xinhua , would be required to reduce their total number of staff to 100 from 160 .
The move was seen as retaliation for China 's expulsion of two US journalists for the Wall Street Journal over a coronavirus editorial in February .
The row over media access is the latest episode in an increasingly acrimonious dispute between China and the US .
Disagreements over trade , intellectual property rights and 5G networks have damaged relations in recent years .
The coronavirus pandemic has been a source of tension too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other of spreading misinformation .
On Tuesday , US President Donald Trump angered China by referring to the coronavirus as “ Chinese ” .
A foreign ministry spokesman accused the US of stigmatising China , where the first cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 .
However , last week a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman shared a conspiracy theory , alleging the US Army had brought it to the region .
The unfounded accusation led Mr Pompeo to demand China stop spreading “ disinformation ” as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the outbreak .

China's action is part of a swiftly escalating row between Beijing and Washington, and correspondents say the departure of the reporters will have a major impact on what the world knows about China as they do some of the most in-depth reporting about the country.


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Will US be ready in the weeks ahead?

Covid-19 's spread across the US has been on a steady rise - and the disease has yet to reach its peak stateside .
What 's to come in the weeks ahead ?
As US infectious diseases chief Dr Anthony Fauci put it recently : `` It 's certainly going to get worse before it gets better . ''
Here 's what public health experts have to say about what the US can expect from the coronavirus .
What 's going to happen next ?
Dr Gregory Poland , director of Mayo Clinic 's Vaccine Research Group , says analysing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pixelated image - when you 've only rendered 30 % , it 's impossible to tell what the photo is .
Once you load 70 % , the picture gets clearer , and so on .
`` We 're in that 30 to 50 % , '' Dr Poland says of Covid-19 .
`` There 's a lot we genetically know about coronaviruses [ and ] a huge amount we do n't know , clinically , epidemiologically and seasonally with regards to this virus . ''
Worst case , Dr Poland says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 to 70 % of the US will be infected .
That 's between 132 and 231 million people .
• US plans to pay Americans as part of $ 1tn stimulus One factor to consider is how Covid-19 is mutating - at a rate about once every other week .
Dr Poland says it could be turning less virulent , as happens with other similar viruses .
The present fatality rate in the US is around 0.03 % , he notes , which appears less than what was observed in China .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenario is that doctors figure out an existing antiviral can be used to treat Covid-19 .
Otherwise , hopefully within the next year , scientists can develop a vaccine or other treatment therapy .
`` Worst case , none of those happen in a timely manner , '' he says .
`` If we do n't do anything ?
Assuming a case fatality rate of 0.01 or 0.03 % - that 's tens of thousands of deaths .
Hundreds of thousands possible hospitalisations . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
• TOUCHING STUFF : How long does it last on surfaces ?
Even if Covid-19 drops to the level of the seasonal flu , if 40-70 % people are infected , it will still cause a high number of deaths and hospital stays , especially among those 60 and older .
`` These next couple of weeks are really going to be critical .
Are we going to start seeing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is it going to be relatively slow ?
I think these next few weeks are critical and all of us in this field are holding our breath to see what happens . ''
Dr Poland says based on the history of similar diseases , Covid-19 may dampen or entirely disappear in the heat of summer , like SARS did in 2003 .
If not , it will probably circulate until it exhausts most susceptible people .
`` It really is speculation , '' he emphasises .
`` What happens in China is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you make your best case and try to add data point-by-point to the pixelation . ''
How prepared is the overall health system ?
Dr Leana Wen , an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University , warns the US healthcare system stands to be `` completely overwhelmed '' by a serious outbreak in its current state .
Dr Wen , who previously served as the city of Baltimore 's Public Health Commissioner , says the US is `` critically short '' of key supplies , like ventilators , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital space .
In a moderate outbreak as predicted by the US health agency , some 200,000 hospital intensive care beds would be required , she explains .
`` There are currently less than 100,000 beds right now and most of them are occupied .
If there were a need for 200,000 beds and they came within a short period of each other , then we would be in a situation like Italy and Wuhan , China , where they had to ration care ... Where healthcare workers had to make difficult decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will go without . ''
Dr Wen says that without any intervention , there will be a sharp escalation in the number of infected individuals - about 5 % of whom will require intensive care .
How to flatten the curve ?
It will be essential to spread the rate of infections over a longer period of time - flattening the curve , as it were - to reduce the number of Americans who need hospital care at one time and thus keep the system from becoming overburdened .
Keeping the spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Wen says , depending on the actions people - and governments - take today .
`` Individual and collective actions are what will make a difference in the trajectory of this illness right now , '' she says .
`` Every single action that is part of social distancing is helpful .
Everything is helpful .
This is not a time to let perfect be the enemy of the good . ''
She adds that the US `` absolutely '' needs a national response .
`` This is a disease that knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' And ideally , officials should ensure everyone can get tested so we know how much the coronavirus has spread in our communities , Dr Wen says .
One US pathologist told the BBC that hospital laboratories across the country were ready to develop test assays five weeks ago but were unable to move forward due to existing FDA regulations .
Now , as these rules have been walked back in recent weeks , labs are able to work on developing tests , a month and a half later .
• Why US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up now ?
What about at the state level ?
Many of the issues in responding to the coronavirus in the US are tied to states ' rights .
Each state has its own specific health policies .
All 50 have the capacity to declare a public health emergency and free up resources , though it may be done through different authorities in each state .
Most states have now done so .
Dr Georges Benjamin , executive director of the American Public Health Association , describes the situation as a partnership at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but one that can have gaps based on funding or differing political views about how involved the government should be .
`` We are not as prepared as we should be , '' Dr Benjamin told the BBC .
`` We have not had a year without a public health emergency since 2011 .
But this is the big one we have been predicting . ''
Among the issues at play are an `` underfunded public health system , a just-in-time healthcare delivery system and an under-practiced preparedness system , '' according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Trust for America 's Health put 25 states and the nation 's capital in the high health preparedness tier .
Twelve were middle and 13 were deemed low .
The study found public health funding , hospital safety and flu vaccination rates had improved overall , but other measures , including clean water supply and paid sick leave had `` stalled or lost ground '' in the last year .
Only 30 % of hospitals on average earned top patient safety grades ; only 55 % of workers reported access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans get a flu jab .
`` The lesson from this must be to improve the infrastructure of the US public health system and sustain it ; use innovation to scale up the health care delivery system and recognise preparedness as a national infrastructure that must be supported , '' Dr Benjamin says .
• Why US could be more at risk from coronavirus So far , 12 states - including Florida , New York , California , and Washington state - have shut or enacted restrictions on bars and restaurants .
Thirty-eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of districts in other states .
As the country enters mitigation mode , Dr Benjamin says he expects to see all kinds of these social distancing measures used at the state-level .
`` No state is yet adequately prepared to completely respond to this pandemic , '' he adds .
`` We are getting better at responding , but it remains a challenge . ''
Last week , the Canadian government ramped up its response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau advised Canadians to postpone or cancel all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada announced a C $ 10bn ( $ 710m ; £580m ) programme to help businesses with a `` significant '' stimulus programme coming next week .
Additionally , the Bank of Canada slashed the central bank 's key lending rate by 50 basis points to 0.75 % , the second cut this month .
All cruise ships carrying over 500 passengers will not be able to dock in Canada until 1 July and the number of airports where international flights can land will be limited to enhance screening .
A number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent days to limit contagion amid some complaints that federal counterparts had not taken an aggressive enough stance .
Ontario and Quebec have closed all public schools for the next two weeks .
British Columbia and Quebec have banned all public gatherings of over 250 people .

"There are currently less than 100,000 beds right now and most of them are occupied. If there were a need for 200,000 beds and they came within a short period of each other, then we would be in a situation like Italy and Wuhan, China, where they had to ration care...Where healthcare workers had to make difficult decisions about who will get lifesaving care and who will go without."


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: US pushes direct payment plan as part of $1tn stimulus

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says he supports sending money directly to Americans as part of a $ 1tn ( £830bn ) stimulus aimed at averting an economic crisis caused by the coronavirus .
`` We 're looking at sending cheques to Americans immediately , '' he said .
The $ 250bn ( £207bn ) in cheques are part of a huge aid package which the White House is discussing with Congress .
It follows widespread school and shop closures as the number of coronavirus cases in the US approached 6,000 .
The US has been debating how to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to curfews and other measures intended to slow the spread of the virus .
Details such as the size of the cheques , and who would qualify for them , are still under discussion .
A $ 1tn aid package - roughly the size of the entire UK budget - would be larger than the US response to the 2008 financial crisis , amounting to nearly a quarter of what the US federal government spent last year .
In addition to the $ 250bn in cheques for families , the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , among other measures .
The proposal must be approved by Congress to move forward .
Wall Street rebounded sharply on Tuesday after the plan was announced , though not nearly enough to make up for the previous day 's heavy losses .
Separate from the $ 1tn package , Mr Mnuchin said the government would also allow companies and individuals to delay their tax payments for 90 days .
`` We look forward to having bipartisan support to pass this legislation very quickly , '' he said .
US President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which would reduce the money the government automatically withholds from worker pay to pay for social programmes .
However , critics said that relief would come too slowly and leave out those without jobs .
Several high-profile economists had urged more direct assistance , including $ 1,000 payments , winning support from lawmakers such as Republican Senator Mitt Romney .
Mr Trump said he had come round to the view that faster , more direct relief is necessary .
`` With this invisible enemy , we do n't want people losing their jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Trump said , adding that he wanted to target the relief to those who need it .
Mr Mnuchin said he hoped to send the cheques within two weeks .
`` Americans need cash now and the president wants to give cash now and I mean now , in the next two weeks . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harvard University who had championed the idea , wrote on Twitter that he was thrilled to see it gain traction .
Speaking to the BBC earlier , he said direct payments would help , even with so many shops closed for business .
`` It would enable people to not work , if that 's what they need to do .
It will prevent some people from not making their rent payments , '' said Mr Furman , who served as a top economic adviser under former President Barack Obama .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money that do n't involve going out . ''
But economist Gabriel Zucman , a professor at the University of California who has advised Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren , said the government should prioritise help to businesses if it wants to avoid mass layoffs and company failures .
`` What the US needs is massive support to small businesses to cover wages and maintenance costs during shutdown , '' he said , adding that lawmakers could opt to do both .
The White House push for relief comes as Republicans and Democrats in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary .
It follows actions by the Federal Reserve to ease financial strains .
The bank on Tuesday said it will use emergency powers to purchase up to $ 1tr in short-term corporate debt directly from companies , reinstating a funding facility that was created during the 2008 financial crisis .
It is also offering another $ 500bn in overnight loans to banks .
It has previously enacted two emergency rate cuts , and other stimulus measures .
US markets rallied about 6 % following Tuesday 's announcements after steep falls a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for weeks , as investors respond to the likelihood that the coronavirus will cause a sharp contraction in the US economy in coming months .

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


bbc--2020-03-17--Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe released from Iran prison

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been temporarily released from prison in Iran because of the coronavirus outbreak , her husband says .
The British-Iranian charity worker will be required to wear an ankle tag and remain within 300m ( 984ft ) of her parents ' home in Tehran .
“ The issue now is to make it permanent , ” her husband Richard Ratcliffe said .
He added : “ It is hard to relax just yet.
” Iran has temporarily released tens of thousands of prisoners in recent weeks in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 85,000 prisoners who had tested negative for the virus and had posted bail .
There had been reports that Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe would be released earlier this month , but she was kept in detention .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
The 41-year-old from London was jailed for five years in 2016 after being convicted of espionage charges that she has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she is innocent .
She was arrested at Tehran airport after visiting her family on holiday .
She insists the visit was to introduce her daughter Gabriella to her relatives .
What has the reaction been ?
`` I am relieved that Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was today temporarily released into the care of her family in Iran , ” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement on Tuesday .
“ We urge the regime to ensure she receives any necessary medical care , ” he added .
• What is the Zaghari-Radcliffe case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Iran as tensions rise “ My feelings today have been all of a mix – pleased at the happiness for Nazanin and Gabriella , but fear this is a new drawn out game of chess , ” Mr Ratcliffe said .
“ It is one feeling to walk out of prison .
It is completely different to walk back in .
No-one should be asked to go and be a hostage again .
So we are watching carefully , ” he said .
In a statement released through the Free Nazanin campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so happy to be out ” .
“ Even with the ankle tag , I am so happy , ” she said .
“ Being out is so much better than being in - if you knew what hell this place is .
It is mental .
Let us hope it will be the beginning of coming home . ''
Earlier this year , Mr Ratcliffe urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to be tougher with Iran .
He said there had been “ no breakthrough ” in efforts to secure her permanent release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would leave `` no stone unturned '' to help free Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe .
The charity worker remains on medication for depression and on beta blockers - medicines which slow down the heart - for the panic attacks she 's been suffering in jail , her husband said at the time .
Her family and the UK government has always maintained her innocence and she has been given diplomatic protection by the Foreign Office - meaning the case is treated as a formal , legal dispute between Britain and Iran .
While he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been in Iran training journalists when she was arrested .
She has always maintained she was in Iran visiting relatives .

“Even with the ankle tag, I am so happy,” she said. “Being out is so much better than being in - if you knew what hell this place is. It is mental. Let us hope it will be the beginning of coming home."


bbc--2020-03-17--Manchester bomber's brother guilty of 22 murders

The brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi has been found guilty of murdering 22 people .
Hashem Abedi had denied helping to plan the `` sudden and lethal '' blast which killed or injured `` nearly 1,000 '' .
The Old Bailey heard the pair worked together to source materials used in the suicide blast after an Ariana Grande show at the venue .
Prosecutors said Hashem was `` jointly responsible '' with his brother for the attack on 22 May 2017 .
The Manchester-born siblings `` stood shoulder to shoulder '' in the plot , with younger sibling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as the bomber himself , the court heard .
• The road to the Manchester Arena bombing Hashem , 22 , was also found guilty of one count of attempted murder , encompassing the remaining injured , and conspiring to cause explosions .
He was not in court for the unanimous verdicts after he dismissed his legal team last week and decided to take no further part in the trial .
Some of the victims ' family members burst into tears as the verdicts were delivered after the seven-week trial .
Figen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said while the verdicts bring her `` comfort to know the British justice system has played its role ... it does n't give us closure '' .
His father , Paul Hett , added that while `` this verdict will not bring back the 22 victims murdered by Salman and Hashem Abedi , '' he said it will provide `` an overwhelming sense of justice to all those affected by this heinous crime '' .
• Manchester attack : Who were the victims ?
Twenty-two men , women and children , aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack while 264 `` were physically injured '' and 670 more have since `` reported psychological trauma as a result of these events '' .
Duncan Penny QC , prosecuting , said the Abedi brothers had spent `` months '' planning the blast and had a `` shared goal [ to ] kill , maim and injure as many people as possible '' .
They worked together to source chemicals and buy screws and nails to use as `` anti-personnel shrapnel '' in experimental improvised bombs , the court was told .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ five months - some for as little as two hours - and used a variety of vehicles , despite neither passing their driving test , to transport components around the city .
Afterwards , police found Hashem 's fingerprints at key addresses and in a car , which still contained traces of explosives .
Although he was in Libya when the device was detonated he was `` just as guilty '' as his brother , Mr Penny said .
Greater Manchester Police said Hashem may have been the senior figure in the plot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloodshed '' around the world .
The former Manchester College electrical installation student held down a series of menial jobs working in restaurants and takeaways , including a £5-an-hour role as a delivery driver .
He was described as `` unreliable '' and `` with the wrong idea of Islam '' by his boss , before he left for his parents ' home country of Libya , 2,000 miles away , a month before the bombing .
Hashem was detained a day after the attack , and claimed he was subjected to torture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years later .
He told police he was `` relieved to be back in the UK '' , adding : `` [ I ] wish to assist in this investigation as much as I can . ''
He then offered `` no comment '' during police interviews .
Det Ch Supt Simon Barraclough said Hashem was `` with his brother throughout the entire process '' of making and building the bomb and that he had taken a four-minute phone call from Salman on the night the device went off .
`` At that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that last-minute inspiration ( from Hashem ) ... and he 's telling him what he 's about to do , '' he said .
`` I believe he provided encouragement right up to the end .
This was all about the sick ideology of Islamic State and this desire for martyrdom . ''
He added : `` These two brothers are literally hand in glove in this process . ''
Following the verdicts , lawyer Victoria Higgins - representing 11 of the bereaved families - said they were relieved that the `` calculating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice .
`` Families have waited a long time to see Hashem Abedi face justice for his crimes and I think the overwhelming emotion for most will be one of relief that he can not hurt anyone else , '' she said .
Sentencing will take place at a later date but the judge Mr Justice Jeremy Baker said it was a `` little way off '' .
A public inquiry into the bombing is due to begin in June .

Afterwards, police found Hashem's fingerprints at key addresses and in a car, which still contained traces of explosives. Although he was in Libya when the device was detonated he was "just as guilty" as his brother, Mr Penny said.


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Britons urged to avoid non-essential travel abroad

British nationals should avoid all non-essential foreign travel to tackle the spread of coronavirus , the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) has advised .
The restrictions will be in place for 30 days initially but could be extended , the foreign secretary said .
Meanwhile the Euro 2020 tournament has been postponed and all Church of England services have been suspended .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to unveil financial measures to ease the burden of the virus on UK businesses .
In another day of fast-changing developments across the globe : • China has reacted angrily to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that described the coronavirus as `` Chinese '' • French residents face a fine if they are outside without good reason • The number of deaths in Italy has passed 2,000 and the total in Spain has reached nearly 500 • The International Olympic Committee is meeting later to discuss the summer games in Tokyo • All horse racing in Great Britain will be suspended from Wednesday until the end of April It is the first time the FCO has advised against foreign travel anywhere in the world .
`` UK travellers abroad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdowns in various countries .
The speed and range of those measures across other countries is unprecedented , '' Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have said all Church of England services and other public worship should be suspended until further notice - although weddings and funerals can still go ahead , a spokesman said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus in the UK has reached 56 , after a second death was confirmed in Scotland .
Some 1,950 people have tested positive for the virus in the UK , according to the latest Department of Health figures - but the actual number of cases could be as high as 55,000 .
The government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance told the health select committee that a death rate of one fatality for every 1,000 cases was a `` reasonable ballpark '' figure , based on scientific modelling .
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus in the UK , but the government is primarily testing people who are in hospital .
This means many people who have mild symptoms may never be diagnosed with the virus .
British people currently abroad do not have to immediately return to the UK - except for those in a few countries detailed in the FCO 's travel advice .
But the FCO said travellers should bear in mind that flights could be cancelled at short notice as foreign countries grapple with restrictions being imposed by their own authorities .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign travel should be `` realistic about the level of disruption they are willing and able to endure '' .
The foreign secretary said the government would issue advice on how the flow of food and goods to the UK can be maintained .
Mr Raab said staff working on shipping routes should continue to do so as their travel was `` essential '' .
The travel advice for British nationals has in part been brought in because of the stringent social distancing measures announced by Boris Johnson on Monday .
The key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Everyone should avoid gatherings with friends and family , as well as large gatherings and crowded places , such as pubs , clubs and theatres • People should avoid non-essential travel and work from home if they can • All `` unnecessary '' visits to friends and relatives in care homes should cease • People should only use the NHS `` where we really need to '' - and can reduce the burden on workers by getting advice on the NHS website where possible • By next weekend , those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks '' • If one person in any household has a persistent cough or fever , everyone living there must stay at home for 14 days • Those people should , if possible , avoid leaving the house `` even to buy food or essentials '' - but they may leave the house `` for exercise and , in that case , at a safe distance from others '' While schools will not be closed for the moment , a union leader has described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under as a result of the lack of clarity about pupil and staff safety .
Businesses have also called for more details about the measures .
Many small firms are unlikely to have insurance cover to compensate them for loss due to the virus , experts have warned .
• 'We have gone from £140,000 a year to nothing' • Laura Ashley collapses as firms demand more help Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to appear at the now daily Downing Street news conference later , where he will unveil more financial plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At a cabinet meeting earlier , Mr Johnson told ministers : `` We are engaged in a war against the disease which we have to win . ''
Downing Street said the prime minister urged the government to support businesses `` through what will be hugely challenging times '' .
Mr Johnson has set up a daily meeting about the virus , which causes the Covid-19 disease , which he will chair .
In other developments in relation to coronavirus : • The Queen will move to Windsor Castle on Thursday - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of year .
She is likely to stay there beyond the Easter period , Buckingham Palace said • Ofsted inspections are being halted to `` remove unnecessary burdens '' on schools , the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said • The Royal Albert Hall is the latest cultural venue to close its doors - following theatres , museums , and most cinemas • Workers at Amazon 's UK warehouses are being told to do overtime to tackle huge demand • And the UK 's mobile networks are experiencing problems as people follow government guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by travel restrictions ?
Are you struggling to get back to the UK from overseas ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

More than 50,000 people have been tested for the virus in the UK, but the government is primarily testing people who are in hospital. This means many people who have mild symptoms may never be diagnosed with the virus.


bbc--2020-03-17--Euro 2020 postponed until next summer

Euro 2020 postponed until next summer

Euro 2020 has been postponed by one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
European football 's governing body made the decision during an emergency video conference involving major stakeholders on Tuesday .
The tournament , due to take place from 12 June-12 July this summer , will now run from 11 June to 11 July next year .
The postponement provides a chance for European leagues that have been suspended to now be completed .
By moving the European Championship , Uefa now has a clash with the Women 's European Championship , which is due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning on 7 July .
The Nations League and the European Under-21 Championships are also scheduled to take place next summer .
Uefa said all three events will be `` rescheduled accordingly '' , but it is currently unclear if that involves minor tweaks to dates , or large-scale postponements .
In delaying Euro 2020 , Uefa said it wanted to avoid `` placing any unnecessary pressure on national public services '' of its 12 host countries , as well as helping allow domestic competitions to be finished .
`` We are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent , '' said Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin .
`` It is at times like these , that the football community needs to show responsibility , unity , solidarity and altruism .
`` The health of fans , staff and players has to be our number one priority and in that spirit , Uefa tabled a range of options so that competitions can finish this season safely and I am proud of the response of my colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real spirit of co-operation , with everyone recognising that they had to sacrifice something in order to achieve the best result . ''
Ceferin said it was important Uefa `` led the process and made the biggest sacrifice '' , adding it comes `` at a huge cost '' but `` purpose over profit has been our guiding principle in taking this decision for the good of European football as a whole '' .
The European Championship qualifying play-offs , scheduled to begin in March , have provisionally been moved to June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Israel , Northern Ireland and Bosnia & Herzegovina , and Republic of Ireland and Slovakia .
Friendly international matches due to be played this month have also been pushed back until June .
Uefa says a working group will examine calendar solutions that would allow for the completion of the current season and any other consequence of Tuesday 's decisions .
Elsewhere , the South American Football Confederation ( Conmebol ) says this year 's Copa America , due to take place from 12 June to 12 July , has been postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the newly-expanded Club World Cup , originally scheduled to take place in China in June 2021 , will be postponed and a new date announced when `` there is more clarity on the situation '' .
The organisation is also going to donate $ 10m ( £8.3m ) to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund .
Many of Europe 's domestic leagues - as well as the Champions League and Europa League - have been suspended following an increasing number of coronavirus cases around the continent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the virus or been told to go into self-isolation , meaning leagues have had to shut down .
• Premier League : All elite football in Britain cancelled until 4 April at the earliest subject to `` conditions at the time '' .
• La Liga : Spain 's top flight suspended until 4 April at the earliest when it will `` revaluate '' the situation .
• Serie A : Italy has the highest number of cases in Europe and the country is in lockdown .
• Bundesliga : Suspended until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Ligue 1 : Games initially played behind closed doors in France but now suspended `` until further notice '' .
European Leagues , which represents football leagues across the continent , says it is committed to completing European and domestic seasons by 30 June at the latest .
A mini-tournament to decide the Champions League and Europa League is expected to be one option put forward to ease fixture congestion caused by the coronavirus crisis .
The scheduling of domestic matches in midweek alongside Champions League games or playing European games at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The qualifying rounds for the 2020-21 Champions League and Europa League tournaments may also be adjusted to take into account the delayed calendar .
What do the nations involved say ?
The Norwegian FA , whose side are yet to qualify for the tournament , were first to announce the news , followed by the French and other FAs .
Mark Bullingham , chief executive of the Football Association , said English football 's governing body supported the decision .
Jonathan Ford , chief executive of the Football Association of Wales , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions taken '' and added that the health and safety of everyone is `` the most important and only factor to consider '' .
French Football Federation president Noel le Graet says the governing body `` fully supports '' Uefa and it was a `` wise and pragmatic decision '' .
What other limitations are there ?
While the big domestic leagues have problems over television contracts to solve if games do not take place , most countries rely on the payments from Uefa that come out of major international tournaments to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These would be at risk from any movement of the European Championship and are likely to form part of any agreement .
An estimated 400 staff are working for Uefa on the Euros .
It is unknown what will happen to them if the tournament does not take place for another 12 months .

Last updated on .From the section European Championship
Uefa president explains Euro 2020 delay
Euro 2020 has been postponed by one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
European football's governing body made the decision during an emergency video conference involving major stakeholders on Tuesday.
The tournament, due to take place from 12 June-12 July this summer, will now run from 11 June to 11 July next year.
The postponement provides a chance for European leagues that have been suspended to now be completed.
By moving the European Championship, Uefa now has a clash with the Women's European Championship, which is due to be held in England in 2021, beginning on 7 July.
The Nations League and the European Under-21 Championships are also scheduled to take place next summer.
Uefa said all three events will be "rescheduled accordingly", but it is currently unclear if that involves minor tweaks to dates, or large-scale postponements.
In delaying Euro 2020, Uefa said it wanted to avoid "placing any unnecessary pressure on national public services" of its 12 host countries, as well as helping allow domestic competitions to be finished.
"We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent," said Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin.
"It is at times like these, that the football community needs to show responsibility, unity, solidarity and altruism.
"The health of fans, staff and players has to be our number one priority and in that spirit, Uefa tabled a range of options so that competitions can finish this season safely and I am proud of the response of my colleagues across European football.
"There was a real spirit of co-operation, with everyone recognising that they had to sacrifice something in order to achieve the best result."
Ceferin said it was important Uefa "led the process and made the biggest sacrifice", adding it comes "at a huge cost" but "purpose over profit has been our guiding principle in taking this decision for the good of European football as a whole".
Euro play-offs moved to June
The European Championship qualifying play-offs, scheduled to begin in March, have provisionally been moved to June.
They include two-legged ties between Scotland and Israel, Northern Ireland and Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Republic of Ireland and Slovakia.
Friendly international matches due to be played this month have also been pushed back until June.
Uefa says a working group will examine calendar solutions that would allow for the completion of the current season and any other consequence of Tuesday's decisions.
Elsewhere, the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) says this year's Copa America, due to take place from 12 June to 12 July, has been postponed until 2021.
World governing body Fifa says the newly-expanded Club World Cup, originally scheduled to take place in China in June 2021, will be postponed and a new date announced when "there is more clarity on the situation".
The organisation is also going to donate $10m (£8.3m) to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
European Leagues committed to completing season by June 30
Many of Europe's domestic leagues - as well as the Champions League and Europa League - have been suspended following an increasing number of coronavirus cases around the continent.
Players and coaches have also been affected by the virus or been told to go into self-isolation, meaning leagues have had to shut down.
How Europe's top leagues have reacted:
Premier League: All elite football in Britain cancelled until 4 April at the earliest subject to "conditions at the time".
La Liga: Spain's top flight suspended until 4 April at the earliest when it will "revaluate" the situation.
Serie A: Italy has the highest number of cases in Europe and the country is in lockdown.
Bundesliga: Suspended until at least 2 April in Germany.
Ligue 1: Games initially played behind closed doors in France but now suspended "until further notice".
European Leagues, which represents football leagues across the continent, says it is committed to completing European and domestic seasons by 30 June at the latest.
A mini-tournament to decide the Champions League and Europa League is expected to be one option put forward to ease fixture congestion caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Poland's representative in the meeting suggested the Champions League final could be played on 27 June and Europa League final on 24 June.
The scheduling of domestic matches in midweek alongside Champions League games or playing European games at weekends is also expected to be approved.
The qualifying rounds for the 2020-21 Champions League and Europa League tournaments may also be adjusted to take into account the delayed calendar.
What do the nations involved say?
The Norwegian FA, whose side are yet to qualify for the tournament, were first to announce the news, followed by the French and other FAs.
Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association, said English football's governing body supported the decision.
Jonathan Ford, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, said his organisation "fully supports the decisions taken" and added that the health and safety of everyone is "the most important and only factor to consider".
French Football Federation president Noel le Graet says the governing body "fully supports" Uefa and it was a "wise and pragmatic decision".
What other limitations are there?
While the big domestic leagues have problems over television contracts to solve if games do not take place, most countries rely on the payments from Uefa that come out of major international tournaments to allow their own leagues to function properly.
These would be at risk from any movement of the European Championship and are likely to form part of any agreement.
An estimated 400 staff are working for Uefa on the Euros. It is unknown what will happen to them if the tournament does not take place for another 12 months.


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Israel enables emergency spy powers

The Israeli government has approved emergency measures for its security agencies to track the mobile-phone data of people with suspected coronavirus .
The new powers will be used to enforce quarantine and warn those who may have come into contact with infected people .
The temporary laws were passed during an overnight sitting of the cabinet , bypassing parliamentary approval .
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel called the move `` a dangerous precedent and a slippery slope '' .
Such powers are usually reserved for counter-terrorism operations .
Details of how the `` cyber-monitoring '' will work were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location data collected through telecommunication companies by Shin Bet , the domestic security agency , will be shared with health officials .
Once an individual is highlighted as a possible coronavirus case , the health ministry will then be able to track whether or not they are adhering to quarantine rules .
It can also send a text message to people who may have come into contact with them before symptoms emerged .
The head of the justice system said the move would save lives , while Israel 's prime minister said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil rights .
Israel is still in the relatively early stages of the pandemic - and many ordinary Israelis are used to complying with measures they see as important for their security .
But this is a public health threat , not a security one .
The ultimate test of bolstering the powers of surveillance agencies will lie in their longer term effectiveness : whether they can slow the spread of the coronavirus .
In an often tense and divided region , increasingly parts of the security infrastructure are doubling up as tools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian authorities .
The scale and duration of the health and economic crises may strain that situation .
Israel has confirmed more than 300 cases of the virus and imposed a series of other measures to stop the spread .
They include closing schools , shopping centres , restaurants and most places of leisure , as well as limiting gatherings to 10 people .
• Is S Korea 's rapid testing the key to coronavirus ?
• Coronavirus : How many cases are there in your area ?
Israel 's Prime Minister Benjamin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 30 days only .
Speaking ahead of the vote , he said : `` Israel is a democracy and we must maintain the balance between civil rights and the public 's needs .
`` These tools will very much assist us in locating the sick and stopping the virus from spreading . ''
Although it is shrouded in secrecy , other countries are believed to collect data from mobile phones to be used in mass-surveillance programmes or in specific criminal investigations that require case-by-case legal permission .
China 's sophisticated mass surveillance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tab on infected individuals .
Tencent , the company behind popular messaging app WeChat , has launched a QR-code-based tracking feature .
The `` close contact detector '' app notifies the user if they have been in close contact with a virus carrier and enforce quarantines .
In South Korea , similar technology has been criticised for an invasion of privacy as some people were accused of having extramarital affairs based on their location data being made public .

Israel is still in the relatively early stages of the pandemic - and many ordinary Israelis are used to complying with measures they see as important for their security.


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: India replaces ringing tone with health info

Several of India 's mobile networks are playing a 30-second information alert about coronavirus before the start of every phone call .
Jio , BSNL and Vodafone are among those to have adopted the move after a request from the government .
The message , in English , begins with a person coughing and is heard instead of a ringing tone by the caller .
However , several websites have published a way to silence it , after complaints it was becoming annoying .
It contains information about the virus and its symptoms , and is heard only by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handset ringtone .
`` It 's been just about a week since we started hearing this ringtone on many calls , '' said Kinjal Pandya-Wagh , a senior journalist in the BBC 's Delhi Bureau .
`` It has helped people understand a bit more about the symptoms and what to do if they have them . ''
However , she also said it was creating `` a bit of panic '' among some of those already very anxious about the virus .
Its introduction from 9 March had not been accompanied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few eyebrows '' , Pandya-Wagh said .
The following day , various websites pointed out that by pressing either the number one or the hashtag key , the ringing sound would return instead .
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

However, she also said it was creating "a bit of panic" among some of those already very anxious about the virus.


bbc--2020-03-17--Samoan chief guilty of slavery in New Zealand

A court in New Zealand has found a Samoan-born chief guilty of more than 20 charges of dealing in slaves and human trafficking .
Joseph Auga Matamata , 65 , was convicted of offences over a 25-year period .
His victims , who were all Samoan , were too scared to alert the authorities because of his status as a matai or chief , the court heard .
Each of the 13 slavery charges on which he was convicted carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison .
Matamata faces up to 20 years in jail or a fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human-trafficking convictions .
Sentencing will take place on 6 May .
Matamata , a horticultural contractor , was convicted of 10 counts of trafficking and 13 counts of slavery which took place between 1994 and 2019 .
He had promised his 13 Samoan victims , the youngest of whom was 12 , a better life , the prosecution told the High Court in Napier , where the five-week trial was held .
Most came on three-month holiday visas and some ended up staying for years .
They worked long hours for no pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them `` big money '' by Samoan standards but ended up taking the cash they earned at orchards and other work sites , prosecutors said .
It is the first time someone has been charged with both slavery and human trafficking in New Zealand .

His victims, who were all Samoan, were too scared to alert the authorities because of his status as a matai or chief, the court heard.


bbc--2020-03-17--Empty streets throughout the world

Empty streets throughout the world

The outbreak of the coronavirus has led to the emptying of public spaces around the world , whether by government @ @ @ @ @ responses .
A woman walks across an empty Millennium Bridge during London 's rush hour @ @ @ @ @ has said everyone in the UK should avoid `` non-essential '' travel and contact with @ @ @ @ @ man looks at the Mediterranean on the Promenade des Anglais in the French Riviera city @ @ @ @ @ lockdown requiring most people in France to remain at home came into effect on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ drone shows an empty beach closed to visitors , in Dubai .
The United Arab @ @ @ @ @ and cultural venues , including parks and beaches , until 30 March , in addition @ @ @ @ @ to foreigners In the town of Alcala de Henares , near Madrid , soldiers patrol @ @ @ @ @ Spain , people are banned from leaving home except for buying essential supplies and medicines @ @ @ @ @ work All photographs copyright of the photographers as marked

Image caption,
A man looks at the Mediterranean on the Promenade des Anglais in the French Riviera city of Nice. A strict lockdown requiring most people in France to remain at home came into effect on Tuesday


bbc--2020-03-17--Cats movie loses big time at the Razzie Awards

Cats was the big loser at this year 's Golden Raspberry Awards , which are given to the year 's worst movies .
The widely derided musical was given six Razzies , including worst picture and worst director for Tom Hooper .
James Corden was named worst supporting actor , while Rebel Wilson was named worst supporting actress .
The gongs were due to be announced at a live LA ceremony but instead took place via video link after the event was cancelled due to coronavirus concerns .
The movie adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber 's hit stage show boasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor Swift and Dame Judi Dench .
But its glitzy line-up could n't save it from its haul of Razzies , which also included worst screen combo and worst screenplay .
• Why Cats may be destined for the litter tray ★★☆☆☆ • Lame opening for Cats at US and UK box office It follows the panning it received from critics .
And that came after Hooper redesigned the characters , following a backlash over its trailer .
The film had an estimated budget of $ 95m ( £77m ) and has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £61m ) at the worldwide box office , according to Box Office Mojo .
Even the cast have since mocked the movie , with Rebel Wilson joking about its failure when presenting awards at the Golden Globes and again when joined by Corden , both in full cat costumes , at the Oscars .
Dame Judi Dench , who played Old Deuteronomy even confessed she had not watched the completed film .
`` I did n't read anything about the response to it , nor have I seen it , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
The Oscar-winner said she was `` only slightly '' aware of the response to the film , adding , `` I think people have been rather kind to me . ''
But she took the news that she 'd been nominated for a Razzie in good spirits .
`` Oh well , that will be good , '' she laughed , `` as far as I know , that 's a first . ''
Hilary Duff 's performance in The Haunting of Sharon Tate earned her the dishonour of being named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named worst actor for Trading Paint and The Fanatic .
Rambo : Last Blood did n't shine either , being named worst remake , rip off or sequel , as well as `` worst reckless disregard for human life and public property '' .
But Eddie Murphy won the Razzie Redeemer award - honouring a past Razzie recipient who has gone on to do better work - for his role in Dolemite is My Name .
• Worst actor : John Travolta for The Fanatic and Trading Paint • Worst actress : Hilary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Worst screen combo : Any Two Half-Feline/Half-Human Hairballs in Cats • Worst reckless disregard for human life and public property : Rambo : Last Blood • Razzie Redeemer : Eddie Murphy for Dolemite Is My Name Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Even the cast have since mocked the movie, with Rebel Wilson joking about its failure when presenting awards at the Golden Globes and again when joined by Corden, both in full cat costumes, at the Oscars.


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Panama Tribal Gathering festival locked down

People attending a festival in Panama have been put on lockdown after the country declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus , organisers say .
The Tribal Gathering festival said officials had taken the `` extraordinary step '' of ordering all guests at the site to remain there until 23 March .
One attendee said some 300 people were there .
The organises said there were no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus among the guests .
Panama , which appears to be the hardest-hit country in Central America , has confirmed 69 cases and one death .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and non-residents , and ordered non-essential shops to close , amid other restrictions .
The Tribal Gathering festival took place between 29 February and 15 March on a remote beach on the country 's north coast .
Its events included presentations from indigenous groups and electronic and psytrance music .
Katie Hughes , who played and worked at the festival , said the event was allowed to continue until its last day on Sunday , when the government was expected to provide transport to take all attendees to the capital , Panama City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after there was a suspected case of coronavirus among the guests , and everybody was forced to stay on site until the result of a test on Monday , which came back negative .
On Monday afternoon , she said she and others had boarded a bus after being tested but the evacuation was interrupted again amid rumours that the government had imposed a lockdown on the festival and that nobody would be allowed to leave .
`` It 's been a complete nightmare , '' Ms Hughes , who lives in Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We were n't really given any information , no authorities or bosses from the festival came to give us any information . ''
After two hours on the bus , they were told to go back to the festival 's site .
`` Luckily , '' she said , `` one of the drivers said he would be able to get back to Panama City and drove us and 10 others who refused to go back . ''
Ms Hughes estimated some 300 people had been unable to leave , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Germany and France .
The nearest town to the festival site , Sabanitas , is some two hours away , according to the event 's website .
`` We do n't really know what 's happening in the festival now , some of our friends are still there but there 's no phone signal and very limited WiFi , '' Ms Hughes said .
`` We do n't know what 's going to happen about them getting food or water as the festival is obviously all closed down , no music , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram , the organisers advised relatives of attendees to contact their respective country 's embassy for information .
On Twitter , the UK embassy in Panama said it had been informed of the situation at the festival and that it was working with the local authorities .
The BBC has contacted Panama 's foreign ministry for comment .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your @ @

"We don't really know what's happening in the festival now, some of our friends are still there but there's no phone signal and very limited WiFi," Ms Hughes said. "We don't know what's going to happen about them getting food or water as the festival is obviously all closed down, no music, nothing."


bbc--2020-03-17--Plans for Olympics to go ahead 'insensitive & irresponsible' - IOC member

International Olympic Committee member Hayley Wickenheiser says that plans for the Tokyo Games to go ahead are `` insensitive and irresponsible '' .
On Tuesday , Japan 's Olympic minister said the nation is still planning for a `` complete '' staging of the Games , despite the coronavirus pandemic .
`` This crisis is bigger than even the Olympics , '' said Wickenheiser .
`` We do n't know what 's happening in the next 24 hours , let alone the next three months . ''
Wickenheiser was part of the Canada team that won four successive ice hockey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter , she added : `` From an athlete perspective , I can only imagine and try to empathise with the anxiety and heartbreak athletes are feeling right now .
`` Athletes ca n't train , attendees ca n't travel pan .
Sponsors and marketers ca n't market with any degree of sensitivity .
`` I think the IOC insisting this will move ahead , with such conviction , is insensitive and irresponsible given the state of humanity . ''
On Saturday , Japan 's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed the Games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was followed by Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto saying : `` We will do our utmost to prepare [ to hold the Olympics ] as scheduled so that the International Olympic Committee will be convinced we are capable of hosting the Games . ''
She added that a `` complete '' Olympics meant that the Games would start on time and with spectators in attendance .
The International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) says it does not plan any `` drastic '' decisions and remains fully committed the Games .
However , Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he would prefer the Games to be postponed in order to give athletes the opportunity to prepare fully .
`` The news that we get every day is uncomfortable for all countries in the world , but for us the most important thing is that our sportspeople can not train and to celebrate the Games as planned would result in unequal conditions , '' he said .
`` We want the Olympics to take place , but with security .
We 're an important country in the world and four months before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrive in equal conditions . ''

Last updated on .From the section Olympics
Hayley Wickenheiser won four Winter Olympic gold medals in ice hockey
International Olympic Committee member Hayley Wickenheiser says that plans for the Tokyo Games to go ahead are "insensitive and irresponsible".
On Tuesday, Japan's Olympic minister said the nation is still planning for a "complete" staging of the Games, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
"This crisis is bigger than even the Olympics," said Wickenheiser.
"We don't know what's happening in the next 24 hours, let alone the next three months."
Wickenheiser was part of the Canada team that won four successive ice hockey golds at the Winter Olympics.
Writing on Twitter, she added: "From an athlete perspective, I can only imagine and try to empathise with the anxiety and heartbreak athletes are feeling right now.
"Athletes can't train, attendees can't travel plan. Sponsors and marketers can't market with any degree of sensitivity.
"I think the IOC insisting this will move ahead, with such conviction, is insensitive and irresponsible given the state of humanity."
On Saturday, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed the Games would still go ahead and on Tuesday that was followed by Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto saying: "We will do our utmost to prepare [to hold the Olympics] as scheduled so that the International Olympic Committee will be convinced we are capable of hosting the Games."
She added that a "complete" Olympics meant that the Games would start on time and with spectators in attendance.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says it does not plan any "drastic" decisions and remains fully committed the Games.
However, Spain's Olympic Committee president Alejandro Blanco has said he would prefer the Games to be postponed in order to give athletes the opportunity to prepare fully.
"The news that we get every day is uncomfortable for all countries in the world, but for us the most important thing is that our sportspeople cannot train and to celebrate the Games as planned would result in unequal conditions," he said.
"We want the Olympics to take place, but with security. We're an important country in the world and four months before the games, our athletes can't arrive in equal conditions."


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: French Open tennis moved to September

The French Open has been moved to September and October as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
The event at Roland Garros was due to be played from 24 May to 7 June , but instead will take place between 20 September and 4 October .
That means it will begin just one week after the completion of the US Open in New York .
All professional tennis across the world is currently suspended until at least 20 April .
The French Open is usually the second Grand Slam tournament of the year , after the Australian Open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the season .
It will now be the final major of the year , and the new dates clash with a number of other events , including the Laver Cup , an annual men 's event between a team from Europe and a team representing the rest of the world .
The French tennis federation said the move was made to `` guarantee the health and safety of all those involved in the preparation of the tournament '' .
It added : `` While no one today can predict what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May [ when qualification was due to start ] , the lockdown measures in force make it impossible to prepare for it and therefore to organise it on the dates initially planned . ''
The announcement that Roland Garros will not take place in May came as no surprise whatsoever .
But the French Federation 's unilateral decision to move the date until late September has caused jaws to drop throughout the sport .
Not only would it clash with the Laver Cup , but also with the start of the traditional Asian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WTA Tour .
It is a bold move ; or an audacious land grab As Britain 's Jamie Murray said on social media : `` The frustration will be that the FFT acted on its own with no regard for any of the other stakeholders in tennis '' .
There is already some rancour between the players and the Grand Slams .
Many professionals feel they are not getting a large enough share of the profits the Slams generate .
When the two tours deliver their response later this week , it will @ @ @ @ @

The French Open is traditionally the second Grand Slam of the year
The French Open has been moved to September and October as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The event at Roland Garros was due to be played from 24 May to 7 June, but instead will take place between 20 September and 4 October.
That means it will begin just one week after the completion of the US Open in New York.
All professional tennis across the world is currently suspended until at least 20 April.
The French Open is usually the second Grand Slam tournament of the year, after the Australian Open, and the finale of the clay court part of the season.
It will now be the final major of the year, and the new dates clash with a number of other events, including the Laver Cup, an annual men's event between a team from Europe and a team representing the rest of the world.
The French tennis federation said the move was made to "guarantee the health and safety of all those involved in the preparation of the tournament".
It added: "While no one today can predict what the health situation will be like on 18 May [when qualification was due to start], the lockdown measures in force make it impossible to prepare for it and therefore to organise it on the dates initially planned."
Analysis
Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent
The announcement that Roland Garros will not take place in May came as no surprise whatsoever.
But the French Federation's unilateral decision to move the date until late September has caused jaws to drop throughout the sport.
Not only would it clash with the Laver Cup, but also with the start of the traditional Asian swing on both the ATP and the WTA Tour.
It is a bold move; or an audacious land grab
As Britain's Jamie Murray said on social media: "The frustration will be that the FFT acted on its own with no regard for any of the other stakeholders in tennis".
There is already some rancour between the players and the Grand Slams. Many professionals feel they are not getting a large enough share of the profits the Slams generate.
When the two tours deliver their response later this week, it will make for interesting reading.


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: PGA Championship in San Francisco in May cancelled

The PGA Championship , one of golf 's four major events , has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The tournament was scheduled to take place at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco , California from 11-17 May .
It comes after The Masters , which was due to begin on 9 April at Augusta National in Georgia , was called off last week .
`` Postponement is the best decision for all involved , '' said PGA of America chief executive officer Seth Waugh .
`` Throughout our evaluation process , we have been committed to following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is a reflection of a thoughtful process .
We are and have been working in concert with [ PGA Tour ] commissioner Jay Monahan and our partners and friends at the PGA Tour to find an alternative date that works for all .
We are all very hopeful for a great outcome .
`` We are also in dialogue with [ San Francisco ] Mayor [ London ] Breed and her team and look forward to hopefully bringing the 2020 PGA Championship to TPC Harding Park at a date this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so . ''
Four more events on the PGA Tour have been called off ; the RBC Heritage - which should have been played the week after the Masters - the Zurich Classic of New Orleans , the Wells Fargo Championship and the Byron Nelson event .
It means there is no American men 's golf scheduled until the week of 18 May at the earliest .
The European Tour 's next event set to be the Andalucia Open on 30 April .
The first ladies major of the year , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .

American Brooks Koepka has won the US PGA Championship in both the past two years, including victory last year at Bethpage in New York
The US PGA Championship, one of golf's four major events, has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The tournament was scheduled to take place at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, California from 11-17 May.
It comes after The Masters, which was due to begin on 9 April at Augusta National in Georgia, was called off last week.
"Postponement is the best decision for all involved," said PGA of America chief executive officer Seth Waugh.
"Throughout our evaluation process, we have been committed to following the guidance of public health authorities.
"This is a reflection of a thoughtful process. We are and have been working in concert with [PGA Tour] commissioner Jay Monahan and our partners and friends at the PGA Tour to find an alternative date that works for all. We are all very hopeful for a great outcome.
"We are also in dialogue with [San Francisco] Mayor [London] Breed and her team and look forward to hopefully bringing the 2020 PGA Championship to TPC Harding Park at a date this summer when it is safe and responsible to do so."
Four more events on the PGA Tour have been called off; the RBC Heritage - which should have been played the week after the Masters - the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Wells Fargo Championship and the Byron Nelson event.
It means there is no American men's golf scheduled until the week of 18 May at the earliest.
The European Tour's next event set to be the Andalucia Open on 30 April. The first ladies major of the year, the ANA Inspiration, was also called off on Friday.


bbc--2020-03-17--Quarterback Brady to leave New England Patriots after 20 years

Quarterback Tom Brady has announced he is leaving the New England Patriots after a 20-year spell with the team , which has seen him win six Super Bowls .
Brady , 42 , was drafted by the Patriots in 2000 and helped them win the Super Bowl in 2001 , 2003 , 2004 , 2014 , 2016 and , at the age of 41 , in 2018 .
He has also been on the losing team in the Super Bowl on three occasions .
`` Pats Nation will always be a part of me , I do n't know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brady .
`` It is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career .
`` Although my football career will take place elsewhere , I appreciate everything we have achieved and am grateful for our team accomplishments . ''
Brady is a free agent this off-season and was able to speak to rival teams from Monday with the full free agency window opening on Wednesday .
In a statement posted on social media , Brady added : `` I wanted to say thank you to all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MA [ Massachusetts ] has been my home for 20 years , it has truly been the happiest two decades I could 've envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England .
`` The support has been overwhelming , I wish every player could experience it . ''
'The greatest quarterback of all time' New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick , who has been at the team throughout Brady 's career , said : `` Tom was not just a player who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of it 's original creators - he lived and perpetuated our culture and on a daily basis he was a tone setter and a bar raiser .
`` He did n't just perform , he did n't just win , he won championships over and over again .
`` Tom and I will always have a great relationship built on love , admiration , respect and appreciation and his success as a player and his character as a person are exceptional .
It has been a privilege to coach Tom Brady for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it takes some time to pass before truly appreciating something or someone but that has not been the case with Tom .
He is a special person and the greatest quarterback of all time . ''
' I had hoped this day would never come' Patriots chairman Robert Kraft also released a statement and said : `` I love Tom like a son and I always will .
He has brought so much happiness to me personally and to all our fans .
`` I had hoped this day would never come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarkable career in a Patriots uniform after yet another Super Bowl championship .
`` Unfortunately the two sides were unable to reach an agreement to allow that dream to become a reality .
`` While sad today , the overwhelming feeling I have is appreciation for his countless contributions to our team and community .
He has been an exemplary team-mate and leader - there simply will never be another Tom Brady . ''
Where could Brady go ?
One place Brady will not be going is New Orleans .
Drew Brees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards and touchdown passes than Brady , has confirmed he will stay with the Saints , whose back-up quarterback Teddy Bridgwater is now a free agent .
But the Los Angeles Chargers need a new QB with veteran Philip Rivers leaving , while Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has named Brady as a potential target after Jameis Winston became the first man to go 30 for 30 - throwing 30 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in the same season .
The Raiders are relocating from Oakland to Vegas and may consider trading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name to help fill their new 65,000-seater stadium and create a buzz around Sin City .
Tennessee was touted as a possible destination until Ryan Tannehill , who took the Titans to within one game of the Super Bowl after becoming the starter mid-season , signed an extension on Sunday .
Rivers and Winston are both free agents , and Andy Dalton could be made available too .
The Cincinnati Bengals have this year 's first draft pick and are expected to choose highly-rated QB Joe Burrow , allowing Dalton to move on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who were less than three minutes from winning Super Bowl 54 , have emerged as a potential suitor for Brady .
It 's been rumoured that Brady 's boyhood club are interested in bringing him home to California and trading his former back-up Jimmy Garoppolo back to the Patriots .
And the likes of Cam Newton , Joe Flacco and Nick Foles , who have all led teams to the Super Bowl in the last seven years , may also be given the chance to start afresh after poor form and injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Quarterback Tom Brady has announced he is leaving the New England Patriots after a 20-year spell with the team, which has seen him win six Super Bowls.
Brady, 42, was drafted by the Patriots in 2000 and helped them win the Super Bowl in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and, at the age of 41, in 2019.
He has also been on the losing team in the Super Bowl on three occasions.
"Pats Nation will always be a part of me, I don't know what my football future holds," said Brady.
"It is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career.
"Although my football career will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything we have achieved and am grateful for our team accomplishments."
Brady is a free agent this off-season and was able to speak to rival teams from Monday with the full free agency window opening on Wednesday.
In a statement posted on social media, Brady added: external-link "I wanted to say thank you to all of the incredible fans and Patriots supporters.
"MA [Massachusetts] has been my home for 20 years, it has truly been the happiest two decades I could've envisioned in my life and I have nothing but love and gratitude for my time in New England.
"The support has been overwhelming, I wish every player could experience it."
'The greatest quarterback of all time'
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who has been at the team throughout Brady's career, said: "Tom was not just a player who bought into our program, he was one of it's original creators - he lived and perpetuated our culture and on a daily basis he was a tone setter and a bar raiser.
"He didn't just perform, he didn't just win, he won championships over and over again.
"Tom and I will always have a great relationship built on love, admiration, respect and appreciation and his success as a player and his character as a person are exceptional. It has been a privilege to coach Tom Brady for 20 years.
"Sometimes in life, it takes some time to pass before truly appreciating something or someone but that has not been the case with Tom. He is a special person and the greatest quarterback of all time."
Tom Brady (pictured with head coach Bill Belichick) was a sixth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots out of the University of Michigan in 2000
'I had hoped this day would never come'
Patriots chairman Robert Kraft also released a statement and said: "I love Tom like a son and I always will. He has brought so much happiness to me personally and to all our fans.
"I had hoped this day would never come, but rather Tom would end his remarkable career in a Patriots uniform after yet another Super Bowl championship.
"Unfortunately the two sides were unable to reach an agreement to allow that dream to become a reality.
"While sad today, the overwhelming feeling I have is appreciation for his countless contributions to our team and community. He has been an exemplary team-mate and leader - there simply will never be another Tom Brady."
Where could Brady go?
One place Brady will not be going is New Orleans. Drew Brees, the only man with more all-time passing yards and touchdown passes than Brady, has confirmed he will stay with the Saints, whose back-up quarterback Teddy Bridgwater is now a free agent.
But the Los Angeles Chargers need a new QB with veteran Philip Rivers leaving, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has named Brady as a potential target after Jameis Winston became the first man to go 30 for 30 - throwing 30 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in the same season.
The Raiders are relocating from Oakland to Vegas and may consider trading Derek Carr in favour of a big name to help fill their new 65,000-seater stadium and create a buzz around Sin City.
Tennessee was touted as a possible destination until Ryan Tannehill, who took the Titans to within one game of the Super Bowl after becoming the starter mid-season, signed an extension on Sunday.
Who would replace Brady?
Rivers and Winston are both free agents, and Andy Dalton could be made available too. The Cincinnati Bengals have this year's first draft pick and are expected to choose highly-rated QB Joe Burrow, allowing Dalton to move on.
Surprisingly, the San Francisco 49ers, who were less than three minutes from winning Super Bowl 54, have emerged as a potential suitor for Brady. It's been rumoured that Brady's boyhood club are interested in bringing him home to California and trading his former back-up Jimmy Garoppolo back to the Patriots.
And the likes of Cam Newton, Joe Flacco and Nick Foles, who have all led teams to the Super Bowl in the last seven years, may also be given the chance to start afresh after poor form and injuries. The speculation is just getting started.


bbc--2020-03-17--Roger Mayweather, uncle and trainer of Floyd Mayweather, dies at 58

Roger Mayweather , uncle and trainer of Floyd Mayweather , has died at the age of 58 .
Before becoming @ @ @ @ @ a world champion in his own right , holding titles at featherweight and welterweight in @ @ @ @ @ working with Floyd in the late 1990s , with the nephew going on to be @ @ @ @ @ earning a reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time .
No @ @ @ @ @ confirmed .
Mayweather Promotions said on Twitter : `` We are saddened with the recent @ @ @ @ @ passing .
`` Our hearts go out to the Mayweather family and we will keep @ @ @ @ @ prayers .
We thank you all for the outpouring of love and support during this @ @ @ @ @ lives on with us forever . ''
It is the second tragedy to hit Floyd @ @ @ @ @ Harris , the mother to three of boxing superstar Floyds children , was found dead @ @ @ @ @ on 11 March .

Last updated on .From the section Boxing
Roger Mayweather (left) was nicknamed 'The Black Mamba' during his in-ring career
Floyd Mayweather says he is mourning the loss of "one of the most important people in my life" after the death of his uncle and former trainer Roger.
Roger Mayweather died on Tuesday, aged 58, following years of ill health.
After being a world champion himself, he helped train his nephew to become one of the greatest boxers in history over an unbeaten 50-fight career.
"Roger was a great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing," said Floyd Mayweather, 43.
"My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring," added Mayweather, who was already grieving after the mother of his three children died on 11 March. external-link
"Unfortunately, his health was failing him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace. Roger meant the world to me, my father Floyd Sr, my uncle Jeff, our whole family, everyone in and around the Mayweather Boxing Gym and the entire boxing world. It is a terrible loss for all of us."
A statement from Mayweather Promotions added: "Roger's spirit lives on with us forever."
No cause of death has been confirmed.
Roger Mayweather held world titles at featherweight and welterweight in the 1980s.
As a trainer, he guided his nephew to wins over Ricky Hatton and Oscar de la Hoya.


bbc--2020-03-17--Trump angers Beijing with 'Chinese virus' tweet

China has reacted angrily after US President Donald Trump referred to the coronavirus as “ Chinese ” .
A foreign ministry spokesman warned the US should “ take care of its own business ” before stigmatising China .
The first cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 .
However , last week a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman shared a conspiracy theory , alleging the US Army had brought it to the region .
The unfounded accusation led US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to demand China stop spreading “ disinformation ” as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak .
• Trump says coronavirus crisis may last all summer So far , more than 170,000 cases have been recorded worldwide , with more than 80,000 in China .
However , on Tuesday , Beijing said it had recorded just one new case caught in China , with all other new cases brought into the country .
What did Donald Trump say ?
The US president sent a tweet on Monday describing the coronavirus - which causes the disease Covid-19 - as the “ Chinese virus ” .
The World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linking the virus to any particular area or group , due to the risk of stigmatisation .
However , a number of US administration officials have referred to it as the Chinese virus .
Meanwhile , Mr Pompeo has repeatedly referred to the “ Wuhan virus ” .
What was the reaction ?
Geng Shuang , a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry , said the tweet amounted to “ stigmatisation of China ” .
`` We urge the US to correct its mistake and stop its groundless accusations against China , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news agency , Xinhua , said Mr Trump ’ s language was “ racist and xenophobic ” and revealed “ politicians ' irresponsibility and incompetence ” , risking increasing fears over the virus .
There was also criticism from within the US , with New York ’ s Mayor Bill de Blasio saying the phrase risked “ fuelling more bigotry ” against Asian-Americans .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
What are China-US relations like now ?
President Trump has long accused China of unfair trading practices and intellectual property theft while , in China , there is a perception that the US is trying to curb its rise as a global economic power .
The two have been engaged in a bitter trade war , which saw the US and China impose hundreds of billions of dollars of tit-for-tat tariffs .
That appeared to be easing earlier this year as the virus outbreak took hold , with a partial resolution reached @ @ @

However, on Tuesday, Beijing said it had recorded just one new case caught in China, with all other new cases brought into the country.