bbc--2020-04-19--Coronavirus pandemic: Tracking the global outbreak

Coronavirus has been spreading rapidly around the world , with more than 2.3 million cases now confirmed in 185 countries .
At least 161,000 people have died .
The United States has seen more than three times as many confirmed cases as any other country .
This series of maps and charts tracks the global outbreak of the virus since it emerged in China in December last year .
Cases and deaths are still climbing While more than 2.3 million people are known to have been infected worldwide , the true figure is thought to be much higher as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been tested and counted .
The virus , which causes the respiratory infection Covid-19 , was first detected in the city of Wuhan , China , in late 2019 .
The US has by far the largest number of cases , with more than 735,000 confirmed infections , according to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University .
This is more than eight times the number reported by China .
The US also has the world 's highest death toll with more than 39,000 fatalities including more than 13,000 in New York City alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit European countries - have each recorded more than 20,000 deaths , while France and the UK have suffered more than 19,000 and 15,000 respectively .
In Latin America , Ecuador 's official coronavirus death toll is 456 .
But the government says 6,700 people died in Guayas province alone in the first two weeks of April , far more than the usual 1,000 deaths there in the same period .
Guayas is home to Guayaquil - the nation 's largest city .
And in Japan , where the number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that hospitals risk being overwhelmed , amid reports that some are turning sick patients away .
China 's official death toll from the outbreak is just over 4,600 from some 83,700 confirmed cases .
Numbers for deaths jumped on Friday after what officials called `` a statistical review '' .
Critics of the Chinese government have questioned whether the country 's official numbers can be trusted .
China has now lifted many of the stringent measures it took to bring the disease under control , including a ban on all travel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) on 11 March .
This is when an infectious disease is passing easily from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
The WHO said it took more than three months to reach the first 100,000 confirmed cases worldwide , but it took less than a week for the number to double from 500,000 to a million .
It then took two weeks to top two million .
Governments across the world have halted flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged people to stay at home .
More than 4.5 billion people - half the world 's population - are estimated to be now living under social distancing measures to slow the pandemic , according to the AFP news agency .
The global economy faces the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s , the International Monetary Fund has said .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health Although slowing of infection rates appears to show the success of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst affected countries after the US .
Spain has more than 194,000 confirmed cases - the second highest global figure - while Italy has the second highest death toll of more than 23,000 .
Both countries have been in lockdown since early March , however some quarantine measures are starting to be relaxed .
Spanish children , who have been kept indoors at home since 14 March , are expected to be allowed outside on 27 April .
In the UK , there have been more than 120,000 confirmed cases and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in the UK grew rapidly at first , doubling faster than every two days .
That rate of increase has now slowed , but on Thursday the government said that lockdown restrictions would not be lifted for at least another three weeks .
Germany 's health minister Jens Spahn says the country 's month-long lockdown has brought the outbreak there under control - although the number of deaths is still rising .
The country will start easing its lockdown from 20 April , with smaller shops allowed to re-open and schools to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German government has warned that its economy - Europe 's largest - could contract by almost 10 % as a result of the crisis .
Other countries such as Denmark have begun opening up schools for under-11s , while Norway is set to reopen kindergartens on Monday .
New York is epicentre of US outbreak With more than 735,000 cases , the US has the highest number of confirmed infections in the world .
The number of deaths now stands at more than 39,000 .
The state of New York has more confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and there have been more than 13,000 deaths in New York City alone .
Despite these grim statistics , New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo says cases are starting to level off as the effect of social-distancing measures begins to be seen .
On Saturday President Trump announced that state governors have been given three-phase plans to allow a gradual easing of lockdowns .
`` America wants to be open and Americans want to be open , '' Mr Trump said .
`` A national shutdown is not a sustainable long-term solution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major economic impact , with figures showing the number of people making a new claim for unemployment benefits surging to a record high .
On Thursday , the US government said that it had received 20 million claims for unemployment benefits over the preceding four weeks .
• A visual guide to the economic impact of coronavirus Much of the planet is on lockdown Strict lockdowns were imposed around the world as the outbreak took hold .
Confinement measures are now thought to be affecting more than half the global population .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia to South Africa , cities were shut down , restricting how often people could leave their homes and for what reason .
India told the country 's 1.3 billion residents to stay at home .
In Paris , authorities banned exercise during the day to reduce the number of people out on the streets .
Singapore , where authorities were initially praised for containing the virus , has also now imposed a `` semi-lockdown '' as it faces a surge of infections linked to industrial worksites and tightly-packed worker dormitories .
Data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the travel app Citymapper , shows how people in places like London , Madrid , Istanbul and New York are now moving around far less than they were a few weeks ago .
The data shows that while Milan in northern Italy has been locked down for several weeks , many other cities have been restricting movement for a much shorter period .
While movement is also down in the South Korean capital Seoul , the city has n't ground to a halt like European capitals , despite facing huge numbers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indication of the country 's decision to focus on testing and contact tracing , rather than imposing a lockdown .
In Sweden , the government has so far avoided strict measures , issuing guidelines rather than rules .
And Stockholm 's chart shows people are taking the advice - with passenger numbers on subway and commuter trains far below normal levels .

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


bbc--2020-04-19--India coronavirus: Should people pay for their own Covid-19 tests?

Thyrocare , a private diagnostic laboratory in India , had just started testing for Covid-19 , when the Supreme Court ordered all tests to be carried out free .
“ We thought the order would say the rich would pay , and the government would pay for the poor , ” says Arokiaswamy Velumani , Thyrocare ’ s founder .
At 4,500 rupees ( $ 59 ; £47 ) , it ’ s not a cheap test .
But the court did not clarify if and how private labs would be reimbursed .
Panic stricken , some , including Thyrocare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxious federal government petitioned the court to reconsider - which it did .
According to the new order , issued on 13 April , the government will reimburse private labs for testing the 500 million people covered by a flagship public health insurance scheme .
The rest would have to pay .
But the volte-face sparked a bigger question : can India scale up testing for Covid-19 if it ’ s not free ?
India 's numbers - 15,712 active cases and 507 deaths - are relatively low for a country of 1.3bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's still testing too little - as of Sunday there had been 3,86,791 .
But scaling up is a challenge .
The Indian Council of Medical Research ( ICMR ) has approved only one homegrown testing kit so far , imports are delayed because of a global surge in demand , and the protective gear and medical staff required to conduct tests are in short supply .
Also the sheer size of India ’ s population , and the resources needed to reach every corner of the country , is daunting .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s free at government hospitals and labs - and for months they were the only ones permitted to even test for coronavirus .
But soon private players were roped in to support India ’ s underfunded and struggling public health system .
The government capped the price of a test at 4,500 rupees at home , or 3,500 rupees in a hospital , based on the recommendations of an expert committee including heads of private health firms .
But the figure , says Malini Aisola , from the All India Drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is `` arbitrary '' .
One virologist said when he calculated the cost , it worked out to around 700 rupees .
`` If the private sector was part of the process of deciding the cost , the government should release the breakdown , ” argues Ms Aisola .
But private lab owners say it ’ s a fair price .
“ The supply chains are clogged - everyone is working on advance payments , ” says Zoya Brar , founder and CEO of Core Diagnostics .
She says that the basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnose HIV and influenza - costs around 1,200 rupees .
And this is supplemented with an extraction kit , used to pull DNA and RNA , another kind of genetic code , from the sample .
“ This is in short supply and when it ’ s available , we ’ re getting it for around 1,000 rupees , which is a blessing.
” And then , she adds , there are the overheads - personal protective equipment ( PPE ) for staff ; employees ’ salaries ; and the cost of running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Velumani says he is also paying higher salaries than usual because staff are being pressured to stop working by their families who are scared they may contract the virus .
Right now , Indians are getting tested only if a doctor advises them to do so .
But the long wait at government hospitals , and the prohibitive cost at private ones , could deter even those with symptoms from showing up .
“ If you want to contain a pandemic , you can ’ t have testing determined by cost , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Delhi ’ s Jawaharlal Nehru University .
And making it free only for the poorest Indians doesn ’ t help either , according to some economists .
“ There ’ s a big chunk of people just above the poverty line that are also struggling and there are middle-class workers who have been laid off and can ’ t afford to pay for their families to get tested , ” says Vivek Dehejia , an economist .
More importantly , the asymptomatic nature of the virus in many people means that India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin mass testing .
“ If you really want to push up testing rates across the country , you can ’ t expect everyone to pay out of their pockets - for themselves and their families - especially if they ’ re not showing any symptoms , ” Mr Dehejia says .
Singapore and South Korea have both been lauded for their aggressive testing , which is funded by the government .
Vietnam , perhaps more comparable to India , has focused more on isolating infected people , but the government still foots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not contain the virus unless you know who has it , ” says Prof Ghosh .
“ So it ’ s in your interest to make sure there is universal access [ to testing ] .
” Economists who spoke to the BBC made a range of suggestions - including employers chipping in , and insurance covering it - but all seemed to agree the government should do more .
Already , it is paying for the lion ’ s share of testing , however , Mr Dehejia says it should `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You can not rely on private charity to get you out of an international public health emergency.
” But India 's health sector is poorly funded - it receives just about 1.3 % of GDP - and is largely unregulated .
Health insurance is not mandatory , and the market is fragmented - most policies cover hospitalisation but not diagnosis or medicines .
And now with private hospitals in the mix , it ’ s going to be harder for the government to retain control of its testing strategy .
A prominent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time of admission , which runs counter to current guidelines , recommending testing only for those with symptoms or who have come in contact with a positive case .
Of course , testing could become cheaper as more homegrown kits are approved , and supply outstrips demand .
Some states are also experimenting with standardised collection points - such as mobile centres or kiosks - which means fewer PPE suits and lower transport costs .
India is also considering pool testing , which involves collecting a large number of samples and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the test is negative , nobody has the virus but if it ’ s positive , everyone who gave a sample has to be tested individually .
“ It ’ s definitely a good way to reduce costs - as long as it ’ s done efficiently and smartly , ” Dr Brar says .
But the more immediate solution , she says , is to perhaps regulate prices .
“ If you can fix the price of the raw materials , you can fix the overall price.
” • A SIMPLE GUIDE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

But scaling up is a challenge. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved only one homegrown testing kit so far, imports are delayed because of a global surge in demand, and the protective gear and medical staff required to conduct tests are in short supply. Also the sheer size of India’s population, and the resources needed to reach every corner of the country, is daunting.


bbc--2020-04-19--Coronavirus: The fear of being sentenced to a Kenyan quarantine centre

Like people around the world , Rachel Gachuna is extremely worried about catching coronavirus .
But she is just as fearful about being locked up in a Kenyan quarantine centre .
If the single mother of one-year-old twins is to believe those already held at some of these government-assigned facilities , living conditions are not much better than at a prison .
`` The toilets are just messy , dirty… even the cleaners who clean the toilets once a day complain how messy the toilets , '' one woman in quarantine told the BBC .
`` It 's because there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touching the same taps when you want to wash your hands , if there is even water… it 's just a mess . ''
People who arrived in Kenya from countries affected by the virus before it closed its borders and those found to have been in contact with a coronavirus patient have been sent to these centres for 14 days .
However , the quarantine period has been extended twice for everyone at centres where someone has shown symptoms of the virus - and they have had to keep paying the bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing is impossible at some centres because of overcrowding .
`` You pray to God that it never happens because I honestly do not know what I would do , '' Ms Gachuna told the BBC .
She is now on leave after first choosing to work from her home in the capital , Nairobi - even though the city 's residents are able to go out during the day .
To protect her family from infection , she only goes out to the shops when essential - and would rather not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now have to wear face masks in public and buses are carrying fewer passengers , but social distancing can be difficult .
`` I try to be careful .
When I get into the house , I have to take a shower before I touch my kids .
You ca n't guarantee what your clothes have picked from outside , '' she said .
She has also let go of one her nannies , who came in to help look after the twins during the week , because she was worried that her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family vulnerable to infection .
• Weddings , births and deaths in the age of Covid-19 And her fears were heightened last week after dozens of people attempted to storm out of an isolation centre at Kenyatta University in Nairobi , citing unbearable conditions .
`` First on our inability to pay and secondly because it does not make any scientific sense for our continued stay at the centre , '' Simon Mugambi , one of the would-be escapees , said .
Others spoke of their psychological and mental anguish after the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the group was forced to return .
In the words of another quarantine complainant : `` It 's like you are condemned… it 's like you are at the mercy of the government . ''
• No travel to or from the capital Nairobi and parts of the city 's neighbouring counties .
Such measures also apply to some coastal counties • Everyone required to wear face masks in public and face arrest for not doing so • Employers encouraged to allow staff to work from home • All places of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soap and water or approved hand sanitiser By the end of March , the government had more than 50 quarantine facilities at hotels , hostels at schools and universities , which cost between $ 20 ( £16 ) and $ 100 a night .
Some of these have now closed - but at least five are subject to a third period of quarantine .
Out of 2,336 people put into quarantine , 425 remain there .
Some have fared better than others .
Gituma Nturibi , a Kenya Airways pilot who arrived from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC the airline was paying the hotel bill for him and his crew - and had offered them counselling sessions .
Being confined for so long away from one 's family was mentally tough , he said .
A group of human rights organisations , Kelin , has raised concerns over the conditions and lack of information being given to those in quarantine .
`` The government has not been clear on who is paying for the cost ; the government has not been clear on when people are supposed to be tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health ministry has said it is aware of the inconvenience , but maintains the practice is being done in the interest of protecting the public as some of those quarantined have tested positive for Covid-19 , the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus .
Patrick Amoth , who is in charge of public health at the ministry , also pointed to five centres when a second extension was announced where people `` did not maintain optimal social distance and instead had close contact and interactions '' .
The head of Kenyatta National Hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that falls under the health ministry , also criticised the behaviour of some of those in quarantine .
`` They are becoming so hostile even to the workers ; even some of my workers have had to be physically abused , '' Evanson Kamuri said .
`` They are putting their lives at stake , the least you can do as Kenyans is to give them some little , basic support and even show some level of etiquette , '' the doctor said .
But the extensions have , according to one person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre at Lenana School in Nairobi , meant that people have lost their jobs as well as being faced with crippling bills .
For Ms Gachuna , a logistics manager , this would be a disaster .
She 's already concerned about finances given that her firm that has now had to pause operations because of the coronavirus restrictions - and she has had to take on more child care herself .
The Kenya Airways pilot , who is now required to self-isolate at home for a further week , advises others to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mandatory quarantine facility .
`` Quarantine is not a good place to be , so if you can avoid being there , just practise personal hygiene and social distancing to avoid all this trouble , '' he said .
It is advice that Ms Gachuna and others like her have taken to heart .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• STRESS : How to look after your mental health

She has also let go of one her nannies, who came in to help look after the twins during the week, because she was worried that her use of public transport would leave the family vulnerable to infection.


bbc--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Here's how you can stop bad information from going viral

Coronavirus : Here 's how you can stop bad information from going viral Coronavirus misinformation is flooding the internet and experts are calling on the public to practise `` information hygiene '' .
What can you do to stop the spread of bad information ?
You want to help family and friends and keep them in the loop .
So when you receive fresh advice - whether by email , WhatsApp , Facebook or Twitter - you might quickly forward it on to them .
But experts say the number one thing you can do to halt misinformation is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any doubts , pause , and check it out further .
Before you forward it on , ask some basic questions about where the information comes from .
It 's a big red flag if the source is `` a friend of a friend '' or `` my aunt 's colleague 's neighbour '' .
We recently tracked how a misleading post from someone 's `` uncle with a master 's degree '' went viral .
Some of the details in the post were accurate - some versions , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus .
But other details were potentially harmful , making unproven claims about how to diagnose the illness .
`` The most reliable sources of information remain public health bodies like the NHS , the World Health Organisation , or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA . ''
says Claire Milne , deputy editor of UK-based fact-checking organisation Full Fact .
Experts are not infallible .
But they are much more reliable than a stranger 's distant relative on WhatsApp .
• Who do you trust for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a fake ?
It is possible to impersonate official accounts and authorities , including BBC News and the government .
Screenshots can also be changed to make it look like information has come from a trusted public body .
Check known and verified accounts and websites .
If you ca n't easily find the information , it might be a hoax .
And if a post , video or a link looks fishy - it probably is .
Capital letters and mismatched fonts are something fact-checkers use as an indicator a post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milne from Full Fact .
Do n't forward things on `` just in case '' they might be true .
You might be doing more harm than good .
Often we post things into places where we know there are experts - like doctors or medical professionals .
That might be OK , but make sure you 're very clear about your doubts .
And beware - that photo or text you share might later be stripped of its context .
There 's a voice note that has been circulating on WhatsApp .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ she 's translating advice from a `` colleague who has a friend '' working at a hospital .
It 's been sent to the BBC by dozens of people around the world .
But it 's a mix of accurate and inaccurate advice .
When you get sent long lists of advice , it 's easy to believe everything in them just because you know for certain that one of the tips ( say , about hand washing ) is true .
But that 's not always the case .
• What misinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stuff that gets us fearful , angry , anxious , or joyful that tends to really go viral .
`` Fear is one of the biggest drivers that allows misinformation to thrive , '' says Claire Wardle of First Draft , an organisation that helps journalists tackle online misinformation .
Urgent calls for action are designed to ramp up anxiety - so be careful .
`` People want to help their loved ones stay safe , so when they see 'Tips for preventing the virus ! '
or 'Take this health supplement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can to help , '' she says .
Are you sharing something because you know it 's true - or just because you agree with it ?
Carl Miller , research director of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at think tank Demos , says we 're more likely to share posts that reinforce our existing beliefs .
`` It 's when we 're angrily nodding our head that we 're most vulnerable , '' he says .
`` That 's when , above everything else , we just need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online . ''
Have you seen misleading information - or something you have doubts about ?
Email us .
Follow BBC Trending on Twitter @ BBCtrending , find us on Facebook or subscribe to the BBC Trending podcast .
All our stories are at bbc.com/trending .

Often we post things into places where we know there are experts - like doctors or medical professionals. That might be OK, but make sure you're very clear about your doubts. And beware - that photo or text you share might later be stripped of its context.


bbc--2020-04-20--Canada shooting: Gunman kills at least 16 in Nova Scotia

A gunman disguised as a policeman killed at least 16 people , including a female police officer , in the worst mass shooting in Canada 's modern history .
The 12-hour rampage started late on Saturday and ended with a car chase .
Police said the suspect shot people at different locations in Nova Scotia , many of them randomly .
He was killed in a confrontation with police .
He was reported to have been driving what looked like a police car .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the attack as `` a terrible situation '' , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was `` one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province 's history '' .
What do we know about what happened ?
Police began receiving calls about shots being fired at a home in Portapique about 22:00 local time ( 01:00 GMT on Sunday ) , the Globe and Mail reports .
Royal Canadian Mounted Police ( RCMP ) officers arrived to find `` several casualties '' inside and outside the home , but did not find the suspect .
The alleged attacker , who was later identified by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wortman , owned two large properties in the village , the Globe says .
At 23:30 , RCMP tweeted that officers were responding to a firearms complaint in the area , and advised residents to lock themselves indoors .
While officers descended on the scene , a series of fires broke out around the community , and then later at homes about 40km ( 25 miles ) north , the Globe reports .
Neighbours told the newspaper that Mr Wortman set fire to his home and several buildings on the property , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homes .
RCMP continued pursuing Mr Wortman for hours , following a series of crime scenes that police said were `` scattered across the province '' and which police are still working to piece together .
During the attack , police said Gabriel Wortman was not employed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police , but `` may be wearing a RCMP uniform '' .
`` There 's one difference between his car and our Royal Canadian Mounted Police vehicles : the car # [ registration plate ] .
The suspect 's car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you see 28B11 , call 911 immediately , '' they tweeted on Sunday .
The gunman later changed cars to drive a `` small silver Chevrolet SUV '' , police added .
What do we know about the victims ?
RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson , who had served in the force for 23 years , was among those killed .
`` Heidi answered the call of duty and lost her life while protecting those she served , '' Nova Scotia RCMP Commanding Officer , Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost their mother and a husband his wife .
Parents lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague , '' Commissioner Bergerman said .
Lisa McCully , a teacher at Debert Elementary School , was also killed in the attack , according to a statement from the Nova Scotia Teachers Union .
It said union members - along with colleagues , students , family and friends - were heartbroken , adding that Ms McCully was known `` not only as a passionate teacher but as a shining love in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Globe and Mail included Jamie Blair and Greg Blair ; and Heather O'Brien , a nurse from Truro .
Authorities were still trying to establish the final death toll on Sunday .
They warned that there may be more victims .
What do we know about the gunman ?
Neighbours say Mr Wortman owned a successful denture clinic in Dartmouth , and had a strong interest in RCMP and RCMP memorabilia , the Globe reports .
Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said he was not aware that Mr Wortman had a history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that there did not appear to be anything linking the victims to each other .
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki said she believed the gunman had an initial `` motivation '' that `` turned to randomness '' , according to CBC News .
The police provided few details about how the suspected gunman died .
Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada where gun ownership laws are stricter than in the neighbouring United States .
Last year , two fugitive teenagers confessed to killing three people , including an Australian-US couple on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2017 , university student Alexandre Bissonnette shot dead six worshippers at a Quebec City mosque .
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been targeted in a number of shootings , including in an attack that left three officers dead in Moncton , New Brunswick , in 2014 .
In 1989 , a college shooting in Quebec left 14 women dead after the killer sent all the men out of the classroom and opened fire .

Canada shooting: Gunman kills at least 18 in Nova Scotia Published 20 April 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) tactical unit confer after the hours-long shooting rampage
A gunman disguised as a policeman killed at least 18 people, including a female Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer, in the worst mass shooting in Canada's modern history.
The 12-hour rampage started late on Saturday and ended with a car chase.
Police said the suspect shot people at different locations in Nova Scotia, many of them randomly. He was killed in a confrontation with police.
He was reported to have been driving what looked like a police car.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the attack as "a tragedy".
"Violence of any kind has no place in Canada. We stand with you and we grieve with you," he said, addressing the nation on Monday.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil told reporters this was "one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province's history".
The RCMP said on Monday that they believe there may be more victim within the remains of homes torched as part of the weekend's attacks.
Mr Trudeau said that his government was "on the verge" of introducing bans to assault style weapons before parliament was dissolved amid the coronavirus outbreak.
"We have every intention of moving forward", once the outbreak is curbed, he said.
What do we know about what happened?
At about 23:32 local time on Saturday (02:32 GMT on Sunday), the RCMP said officers were responding to a "firearms complaint" at a home in the small town of Portapique and advised residents to lock themselves indoors.
The officers found "several casualties" inside and outside the home, but did not find the suspect.
A neighbour told CBC News that he saw three properties were also on fire in the area at the time.
At 08:54 on Sunday, the RCMP said there was an "active shooter investigation" and that there were several victims. It identified the suspect as 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, who owned three properties in Portapique.
RCMP officers continued pursuing Wortman for hours, following a series of crime scenes that police said were "scattered across the province" and which they are still working to piece together.
Wortman was later seen in the Glenholme and Debert areas, east of Portapique, driving what the appeared to be an RCMP vehicle and possibly wearing an RCMP uniform.
"There's one difference between his car and our Royal Canadian Mounted Police vehicles: the car # [registration plate]. The suspect's car is 28B11, behind rear passenger window. If you see 28B11, call 911 immediately," the force tweeted.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Royal Canadian Mounted Police tweeted that they believed a police car was being used by the gunman
Wortman then changed cars and was seen driving southbound along on Highway 102 from the Brookfield area in a silver Chevrolet Tracker, according to the RCMP.
At 11:40, the RCMP said that Mr Wortman had been taken into custody.
It later emerged that he was killed after being intercepted by officers at a petrol station in Enfield, about 92km south of Portapique. Witnesses reported seeing a body lying on the ground.
Sense of the 'incomprehensible'
By Jessica Murphy, BBC News, Toronto
You could hear it in the voices of the RCMP officers on Sunday as they spoke to the media - a weary disbelief, a sense of the "incomprehensible".
The update came after a long 12-hour manhunt - and at the beginning of what will be a complex investigation over multiple crime scenes.
Only now is the full scope of the tragedy beginning to be revealed.
Like many countries, Canada has experienced mass killings before.
Canadians would usually gather to commemorate the victims at vigils and funerals, seeking solace in community.
That this happened during the coronavirus pandemic means Canadians will not be able to come together in the same way to heal.
What do we know about the victims?
Image source, RCMP in Nova Scotia Image caption, RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson was killed responding to the attack
RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson, who had served in the force for 23 years, was among those killed.
"Heidi answered the call of duty and lost her life while protecting those she served," Nova Scotia RCMP Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman said in a Facebook post.
"Two children have lost their mother and a husband his wife. Parents lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague," Commissioner Bergerman said.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau on 'terrible situation'
Lisa McCully, a teacher at Debert Elementary School, was also killed in the attack, according to a statement from the Nova Scotia Teachers Union.
It said union members - along with colleagues, students, family and friends - were heartbroken, adding that Ms McCully was known "not only as a passionate teacher but as a shining love in their lives".
Other victims listed by the Globe and Mail newspaper included Jamie Blair and Greg Blair; and Heather O'Brien, a nurse from Truro, east of Portapique.
A male RCMP officer suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Authorities are still trying to establish the final death toll.
After learning about the shooting, Mr Trudeau said his "first thought" was for Nova Scotians, "such a connected group".
"I know the vast majority of Nova Scotians will have a direct link with one or more of the victims," he said.
What do we know about the gunman?
Image source, RCMP Nova Scotia Image caption, Police said the suspect, Gabriel Wortman, may have been dressed in police uniform
Neighbours say Wortman owned a successful denture clinic in Dartmouth, and had a strong interest in RCMP and RCMP memorabilia, the Globe reports.
Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said he was not aware that Wortman had a history of violence, or extremist political views, and that there did not appear to be anything linking the victims to each other.
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki said she believed the gunman had an initial "motivation" that "turned to randomness", according to CBC News.
The police provided few details about how the suspected gunman died.
At a press conference on Monday, Mr Trudeau celebrated the first responders at the scene in Nova Scotia but did not name Wortman.
"Do not give him the infamy" he so wanted, the prime minister said.
Are mass shootings common in Canada?
Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada where gun ownership laws are stricter than in the neighbouring United States.
Last year, two fugitive teenagers confessed to killing three people, including an Australian-US couple on holiday, in northern British Columbia.
In 2017, university student Alexandre Bissonnette shot dead six worshippers at a Quebec City mosque.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been targeted in a number of shootings, including in an attack that left three officers dead in Moncton, New Brunswick, in 2014.


bbc--2020-04-20--Coronavirus journey: The 'last cruise ship on Earth' finally comes home

The three last cruise ships still sailing with passengers will dock today - and one has had quite the odyssey .
The MSC Magnifica left Europe in January , and was in the other corner of the world when ports began to close .
With nowhere to go , the Swiss-owned ship started the long journey home .
Its passengers , used to a new port every few days , last felt land six weeks ago .
On Monday those passengers will finally get off in Marseille , having last disembarked in Wellington .
Their voyage has included political storms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and - despite it all - plenty of fun .
When the Magnifica left Genoa , Italy , on 5 January , the world looked very different .
The `` unknown pneumonia '' , as it was called , did not have a name .
No one had died , the World Health Organization said , and just 59 people were infected , all in Wuhan .
It is safe to say most of the Magnifica 's 1,760 passengers - mainly Italian , French , and German - had not heard of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched the sunset from the boat 's Bar del Sole , or ate in the Quattro Venti restaurant , spirits were high .
At the helm was Captain Roberto Leotta , from the small town of Riposto in Sicily .
Captain Leotta has worked on cruises for 32 years , after three years on tankers and one in the Italian navy .
Like many people from Riposto , his father and grandfathers were sailors .
`` It is something that is in my DNA , '' he tells the BBC .
After leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Verde , off the west coast of Africa , before heading across the Atlantic .
By the time they docked in Brazil on 19 January , the virus had left China , and Captain Leotta had noticed .
`` We were always in contact with all the local authorities , '' he says .
`` [ But it was ] after South America the situation became more concerning . ''
The ship left Chile on 21 February , reaching Pitcairn in the South Pacific three days later .
By now , cruise ships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing their doors .
Passengers from quarantined ships were dying .
And the Pacific island of Aitutaki - just east of the International Date Line , population 2,000 - was worried .
• Westerdam : How did it end up in Cambodia ?
The Magnifica was due in Aitutaki , famed for its turquoise lagoon and white sand , on 2 March .
But as the coronavirus crept closer , local concerns grew .
The island relies on cruise money but they asked the national government - the Cook Islands - to ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was virus-free , was allowed to dock in the capital , Rarotonga , but not Aitutaki .
For the first time , Covid-19 had changed the plans of the MSC Magnifica 's passengers .
One of those passengers was Andy Gerber , then aged 69 , from Bern in Switzerland .
The Magnifica was his 20th cruise .
In Auckland - the next stop after the Cook Islands - he enjoyed a beer in the sunshine ; in Napier he admired the art deco ; in Wellington he rode the cable car .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week after Wellington , where he would turn 70 .
`` A long time ago I reserved a steakhouse to celebrate with a bunch of friends , '' he tells the BBC .
Until Australia , the Magnifica 's itinerary was a blessing .
In January , as the coronavirus emerged in Asia , the ship was far away in South America - where the virus was n't recorded until late February .
When it visited New Zealand , just five cases had been confirmed - all of them travellers , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Magnifica approached Tasmania on 14 March , the coronavirus had caught up with the cruise ship .
The island had six cases , and things were getting worse .
The ship had permission to dock in Hobart , but Captain Leotta knew passengers may return with more than souvenirs .
`` We decided it was much better for our passengers to remain safely on board , '' he says .
The world - which seemed so big when they left Genoa in January - was suddenly much smaller .
`` It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` that there was basically nowhere to go . ''
And so , in Sydney , the captain confirmed the news : the world cruise was over .
They were heading home .
The trip of a lifetime had become half the trip of a lifetime .
Instead of the steakhouse , Andy Gerber celebrated his long-awaited 70th on board the ship , as the sights of Sydney were tantalisingly in view .
How did he feel ?
`` At first - terrible ! ''
he says .
`` But after the shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to let us ashore , as this meant we were 99.999 % clean [ of the virus ] . ''
When the cruise was cancelled , passengers were allowed off - under strict conditions - in Sydney and Melbourne , if they wished to make their own way home .
A few hundred did so , but most settled down for the ride : five weeks , 12,000 miles [ 19,000km ] , and a whole new meaning to long-haul .
The ship was supposed to head north to New Caledonia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south , and sailed straight into a political storm .
When a cruise ship wants to dock , it must provide the port with medical records , to show there are no contagious diseases on board .
As the Magnifica approached Fremantle in Western Australia , the records showed around 250 people had visited the medical room in the past two weeks .
Many were for painkillers , or dressings - routine visits .
Crucially , there was no sign of Covid-19 on board .
The Magnifica wanted only to refuel and resupply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as he sailed up the coast , Captain Leotta was surprised to see the news conference from Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan .
`` Currently more than 250 passengers [ on the Magnifica ] have reported upper respiratory illnesses , '' Mr McGowan announced .
`` This morning I have contacted the prime minister…I will not allow what happened in Sydney to happen here .
`` We will not allow passengers or crew to wander the streets .
This is a non-negotiable position . ''
Somehow , Mr McGowan had the wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Magnifica was leading the news , when its passengers were healthy - and did n't want to get off anyway .
The company insisted there were no respiratory diseases or flu symptoms on board .
But Western Australia then accused MSC of `` inconsistent advice '' - something MSC denied .
Either way , when it arrived in Fremantle , the ship was greeted by the police and border force - to make sure no one got off - and a handful of protesters .
`` Let 's say that was not nice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was disappointing , first of all because it was fake news .
It was wrong .
And you can imagine , this news went all around the world immediately . ''
Despite the disagreement , the Magnifica was allowed to resupply in Fremantle , before heading onwards .
But it would soon be in the headlines again .
As the TV crews filmed the Magnifica in Fremantle , and the politicians gave their news conferences , Anura Herath was below decks , out of sight , working hard as usual .
Being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard enough .
It 's even harder when the passengers are n't disembarking for meals .
But Anura , from Kandy in Sri Lanka , is used to hard work .
The 31-year-old has been a chef for seven years , since graduating from a hotel school in Sri Lanka .
After working in his home country , he moved to hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai , before joining MSC in August 2017 .
`` In Dubai , the salary is enough , but I could not save much , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join the cruise line , because I can save , and I can travel the world . ''
After Australia , the Magnifica 's plan was to sail to Dubai for a `` technical stop '' .
But that , too , became impossible so they decided on Colombo , capital of Sri Lanka .
By now , Anura did n't want to sail back to Europe .
Would he be quarantined , and if so , for how long ?
How would he get home ?
And so , he went to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me off in Colombo .
Although it seemed to make sense , Sri Lanka would not allow anyone to disembark .
He would have to see his homeland appear , and then disappear , from below deck .
So , on 4 April - two days before Colombo - Anura , while wearing his chef 's whites , recorded a 94-second video message for the Sri Lankan president and prime minister .
Let me off , he said in Sinhalese .
I am the only Sri Lankan on board .
It will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After publishing the message , Anura went to work .
He shared it with a journalist friend in Sri Lanka , but did n't expect much .
After finishing work in the small hours , he went back to his cabin .
`` I tried to sleep , but my family called me and told me to look on Facebook , '' he says .
`` So I looked - and so many people were sharing this message . ''
On Ape Rata - the Sri Lankan site that picked it up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million times .
Now everyone wanted to speak to the chef from Kandy .
`` Politicians , navy , army , so many people called , '' he says .
`` It was like a dream .
Everything was very fast . ''
The Sri Lankan president decided to relax the rules and so , as the Magnifica arrived in Colombo to refuel , the navy brought Anura ashore .
`` I prayed for it , but I did n't believe it would come , '' he says `` Everybody helped me - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Captain Leotta - who had the final say - it was another first in a journey full of them .
`` We were proud of him , '' he says .
`` He really did the impossible to get off the ship . ''
As it turned out , Anura was n't the only one to get off in Colombo .
A 75-year-old German woman , who needed urgent ( non-Covid ) care , was also taken ashore and , sadly , later died .
As for Anura , he is still in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but hopes to see his mother in Kandy soon .
As it pulls into Marseille on Monday , the Magnifica will be one of three cruises still sailing with passengers , the Cruise Lines International Association says .
The other two are also due to disembark today : the Pacific Princess in Los Angeles , and the Costa Deliziosa in Barcelona ( it will also drop off passengers in Genoa afterwards ) .
For Andy Gerber , who turned 70 in Sydney harbour , life on board `` the last cruise ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the lack of shore visits .
`` There is still plenty to do if you want , '' he says .
`` Gym , games , shows , dance classes… '' We have two pools and perfect weather , plenty to eat and drink , and we have made a lot of friends - especially during all these sea days . ''
A Facebook forum is also upbeat .
Covid-19 never reached the Magnifica and neither , it seems , did cabin fever .
What do I need to know about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life get back to normal ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak While there are some complaints - mainly about other passengers - there are plenty of pictures of singing and dancing .
A picture of one performance on 10 April is captioned : `` Maybe this is the only theatre in the world still open . ''
And - despite it all - the man at the helm also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We found ourselves [ globally ] in a situation where Covid-19 has been isolating people , and distancing people , '' says Captain Leotta .
`` Here was the opposite .
We became like a family - our guests and our crew together .
The spirit has been beautiful . ''
But what of the cruise industry ?
Can it recover from the bad press , the cancelled bookings , and all the other problems Covid-19 brought ?
`` We will return to cruising , and we will return better prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are learning a lot , we will be there stronger than ever before . ''

While there are some complaints - mainly about other passengers - there are plenty of pictures of singing and dancing. A picture of one performance on 10 April is captioned: "Maybe this is the only theatre in the world still open."


bbc--2020-04-20--Australia coronavirus lockdown: Kangaroo hops through empty Adelaide streets

'We all need a laugh ' : Dressing up for bin night Australians are having fun with fancy dress videos @ @ @ @ @ the stresses of lockdown .

South Australia Police have captured the moment a kangaroo hopped through the heart of downtown Adelaide during coronavirus lockdown.


bbc--2020-04-20--Prince Harry and Meghan tell tabloids: No more co-operation

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have told the UK 's tabloid press they are ending all co-operation with them .
In a letter to editors of all the Sun , Mirror , Mail and Express titles and websites , a representative said the pair had taken the step due to `` distorted , false or invasive '' stories .
Harry and Meghan said they refused to `` offer themselves up as currency for an economy of click bait and distortion '' .
The couple have relocated to California after stepping back as senior royals .
• In pictures : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How Meghan ‘ tripped and fell ’ into Harry ’ s life In the letter , the couple 's public relations representative wrote it was `` gravely concerning that an influential slice of the media '' has printed `` distorted , false or invasive '' articles .
`` There is a real human cost to this way of doing business and it affects every corner of society , '' the letter said .
`` The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have watched people they know - as well as complete strangers - have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good reason , other than the fact that salacious gossip boosts advertising revenue . ''
The BBC was told that the letter had been sent to the editors of the Sun , the Daily Mail , the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express newspapers .
The new policy will apply to the four newspapers , their Sunday editions and associated websites , the Guardian 's media editor Jim Waterson reported .
The Daily Star , which was not specifically mentioned , is published by the same group that publishes the Mirror and Express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the papers will mean that the couple 's PR team will no longer even answer calls from the papers asking them to confirm whether claims made about the couple are true or not .
Outlining the new policy of `` no corroboration and zero engagement '' with all the publications that received it , the letter said the measure would also protect the couple 's communications team `` from the side of the industry that readers never see '' .
`` This policy is not about avoiding criticism , '' the letter continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down public conversation or censoring accurate reporting .
Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex , good or bad .
But it ca n't be based on a lie . ''
The letter said the couple will continue to work with other media and `` young , up-and-coming journalists '' to raise awareness of the issues and causes they care about .
• Why the Royal Family rarely go to court In recent days , photographs of the Sussexes delivering food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been published by two of the newspapers to receive the letter .
And it comes ahead of a court hearing this week in a legal case Meghan has brought against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday over the publication of a letter written to the duchess by her estranged father .
The couple officially stepped back as senior working members of the Royal Family at the end of March as part of a transition following an announcement of their intention to become financially independent in January.. As The Duke and Duchess of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their lives and no longer receive any publicly funded support , we are writing to set a new media relations policy , specifically as it pertains to your organisation .
Like you , The Duke and Duchess of Sussex believe that a free press is a cornerstone to any democracy— particularly in moments of crisis .
At its best , this free press shines light on dark places , telling stories that would otherwise go untold , standing up for what 's right , challenging power , and holding those who abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been said that journalism 's first obligation is to the truth .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex agree wholeheartedly .
It is gravely concerning that an influential slice of the media , over many years , has sought to insulate themselves from taking accountability for what they say or print—even when they know it to be distorted , false , or invasive beyond reason .
When power is enjoyed without responsibility , the trust we all place in this much-needed industry is degraded .
There is a real human cost to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every corner of society .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have watched people they know—as well as complete strangers—have their lives completely pulled apart for no good reason , other than the fact that salacious gossip boosts advertising revenue .
With that said , please note that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be engaging with your outlet .
There will be no corroboration and zero engagement .
This is also a policy being instated for their communications team , in order to protect that team from the side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This policy is not about avoiding criticism .
It 's not about shutting down public conversation or censoring accurate reporting .
Media have every right to report on and indeed have an opinion on The Duke and Duchess of Sussex , good or bad .
But it ca n't be based on a lie .
They also want to be very clear : this is not in any way a blanket policy for all media .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to working with journalists and media organisations all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , regional and local media , and young , up-and-coming journalists , to spotlight issues and causes that so desperately need acknowledging .
And they look forward to doing whatever they can to help further opportunities for more diverse and underrepresented voices , who are needed now more than ever .
What they wo n't do is offer themselves up as currency for an economy of click bait and distortion .
We are encouraged that this new approach will be heard and respected .

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to working with journalists and media organisations all over the world, engaging with grassroots media, regional and local media, and young, up-and-coming journalists, to spotlight issues and causes that so desperately need acknowledging. And they look forward to doing whatever they can to help further opportunities for more diverse and underrepresented voices, who are needed now more than ever.


bbc--2020-04-20--Richard Wadani: Austrian Nazi deserter dies aged 97

An Austrian who deserted Nazi Germany 's armies and switched to the Allied side in World War Two has died aged 97 .
Richard Wadani was drafted into the German army but escaped on his second attempt in 1944 , going on to serve in a British-led unit .
After the end of the conflict he campaigned for justice for all those who refused to fight for the Nazis .
`` Through his death our country loses a great Austrian , '' President Alexander Van der Bellen said .
`` Richard Wadani stood for bravery , moral courage and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement read .
Nazi Germany annexed Austria in 1938 - the birth place of the regime 's leader , Adolf Hitler .
Hundreds of thousands of Austrian men served in German forces during the war .
• Hitler 's old home to become police station It was only in 2009 that the country decided to rehabilitate thousands of men who were punished for desertion and seen as traitors .
Justice for the Victims of the Nazi 's Military Judiciary , a group co-founded by Wadani , said it was thanks to his `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been rehabilitated .
Wadani was born in Prague in 1922 .
He moved to Vienna in 1938 - his mother 's hometown .
After the German annexation of Austria that year , known as the Anschluss , Wadani was drafted into the Nazi forces .
Talking to the BBC in 2014 , Wadani said his mother gave him a white handkerchief shortly afterwards .
`` She said this regime must go , and she supported me when we spoke about me deserting from the army .
She gave me a white cloth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had it with me for years . ''
Wadani served as a lorry driver on the Eastern Front following the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 .
As he was not on the front lines , he saw `` a lot of things that people on the front did n't necessarily see : genocide , mass murder , terrible situations .
And it became obvious that I could n't keep on being part of it . ''
He tried and failed to desert in 1942 while serving in Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ escape , crawling through barbed wire in northern France to surrender to Allied forces .
He soon after joined the British-organised Czechoslovak Army in exile .
• Why Russia is still fighting world 's biggest tank battle • How Auschwitz became centre of Nazi Holocaust The soldier said he faced discrimination when he returned to Vienna after the war , and says he was turned away from an employment office when he arrived in his British uniform .
In 2002 , he helped set up the organisation campaigning for those Austrians who refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quashed all the remaining convictions of those who had refused to fight in 2009 .
And in 2014 , the country inaugurated its first monument to honour 1,500 Austrians executed for desertion by the Nazi regime .
Though the memorial was controversial , when it was unveiled Wadani told the BBC it represented `` reparation '' .
`` We waited many decades for this and now we have it , '' he said .
`` It is a kind of liberation . ''
You may also be interested in :

"She said this regime must go, and she supported me when we spoke about me deserting from the army. She gave me a white cloth, for safety, when I surrendered. I had it with me for years."


bbc--2020-04-20--Coronavirus blood treatment to be tried in UK

The UK is gearing up to use the blood of coronavirus survivors to treat hospital patients ill with the disease .
NHS Blood and Transplant is asking some people who recovered from Covid-19 to donate blood so they can potentially assess the therapy in trials .
The hope is that the antibodies they have built up will help to clear the virus in others .
The US has already started a major project to study this , involving more than 1,500 hospitals .
• No date for when schools will reopen , says minister When a person has Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which attack the virus .
Over time these build up and can be found in the plasma , the liquid portion of the blood .
NHSBT is now approaching patients who have recovered from Covid-19 to see if plasma from them can be given to people who are currently ill with the virus .
A statement from the organisation said : `` We envisage that this will be initially used in trials as a possible treatment for Covid-19 .
`` If fully approved , the trials will investigate whether convalescent plasma transfusions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of recovery and chances of survival .
`` All clinical trials have to follow a rigorous approval process to protect patients and to ensure robust results are generated .
We are working closely with the government and all relevant bodies to move through the approvals process as quickly as possible . ''
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• ENDGAME : When will life get back to normal ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak Are other groups doing this ?
Several groups in the UK have been looking into using blood plasma .
University Hospital of Wales ( UHW ) in Cardiff announced this week that it wanted to trial the technology .
Professor Sir Robert Lechler , president of the Academy of Medical Sciences and executive director of King 's Health Partners , which includes King 's College London and three major London hospitals , is also hoping to set up another small-scale trial .
He wants to use plasma for seriously ill patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while a larger national trial is getting under way .
He said : `` I would be disappointed if we were n't able to see some patients given this form of therapy within a couple of weeks .
Let 's hope that the NHSBT national trial gets into gear really quickly . ''
He said the UK had moved slowly to test the treatment .
`` I think there are many aspects of this pandemic we 'll look back on and say , I wonder why we did n't move a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of those '' .
What is the situation in the rest of the world ?
Around the world , trials are now under way to look at using plasma .
In just three weeks , scientists in the US have organised a nationwide project and about 600 patients have been treated so far .
Prof Michael Joyner , from the Mayo Clinic , is leading the work .
He said : `` The thing we 've learned in the first week of administration is that no major safety signals have emerged and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be causing a whole lot of unanticipated side effects .
`` There are anecdotal reports of oxygenation improving and other patient improvements .
Those are certainly heartening , but they need to be rigorously evaluated . ''
He said the therapy was `` rough and ready '' .
`` There 's a lot we do n't understand about the plasma .
We 're going to learn more about what 's in the plasma , the components , the antibody levels , and other factors that may be there as the weeks go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a physician , you just have to try to take a shot on goal when you have a shot . ''
How has this approach helped in previous pandemics ?
Harnessing the blood of recovered patients is not a new idea in medicine .
It was used more than 100 years ago during the Spanish Flu epidemic , and more recently for Ebola and Sars .
So far , only small studies have looked at its efficacy , and there is a great deal of research that needs to be done to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But in the US , they say they have no shortage of people who want to help .
Bruce Sachais , chief medical officer at the New York Blood Center , said : `` People have been amazing .
They keep coming out in droves .
`` We have hundreds and hundreds of donors and we 've been able to collect over 1,000 units already .
It 's really heart-warming to see that for people who have gone through the infection , in various degrees , their main concern is 'how can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But while our options for treating coronavirus are so limited , the hope is it could help until a vaccine is found .

Coronavirus: Plasma treatment to be trialled Published 20 April 2020
comments Comments
Image source, PA
The UK is gearing up to use the blood of coronavirus survivors to treat hospital patients ill with the disease.
NHS Blood and Transplant is asking some people who recovered from Covid-19 to donate blood so they can potentially assess the therapy in trials.
The hope is that the antibodies they have built up will help to clear the virus in others.
The US has already started a major project to study this, involving more than 1,500 hospitals.
When a person has Covid-19, their immune system responds by creating antibodies, which attack the virus.
Over time these build up and can be found in the plasma, the liquid portion of the blood.
NHSBT is now approaching patients who have recovered from Covid-19 to see if plasma from them can be given to people who are currently ill with the virus.
A statement from the organisation said: "We envisage that this will be initially used in trials as a possible treatment for Covid-19.
"If fully approved, the trials will investigate whether convalescent plasma transfusions could improve a Covid-19 patient's speed of recovery and chances of survival.
"All clinical trials have to follow a rigorous approval process to protect patients and to ensure robust results are generated. We are working closely with the government and all relevant bodies to move through the approvals process as quickly as possible."
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
Are other groups doing this?
Several groups in the UK have been looking into using blood plasma.
University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff announced this week that it wanted to trial the technology.
Image source, Getty Images
Professor Sir Robert Lechler, president of the Academy of Medical Sciences and executive director of King's Health Partners, which includes King's College London and three major London hospitals, is also hoping to set up another small-scale trial.
He wants to use plasma for seriously ill patients that have no other treatment options, while a larger national trial is getting under way.
He said: "I would be disappointed if we weren't able to see some patients given this form of therapy within a couple of weeks. Let's hope that the NHSBT national trial gets into gear really quickly."
He said the UK had moved slowly to test the treatment.
"I think there are many aspects of this pandemic we'll look back on and say, I wonder why we didn't move a little bit faster. I think this could be one of those".
What is the situation in the rest of the world?
Around the world, trials are now under way to look at using plasma.
In just three weeks, scientists in the US have organised a nationwide project and about 600 patients have been treated so far.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A cough is one of the symptoms of Covid-19
Prof Michael Joyner, from the Mayo Clinic, is leading the work.
He said: "The thing we've learned in the first week of administration is that no major safety signals have emerged and administration of the product does not appear to be causing a whole lot of unanticipated side effects.
"There are anecdotal reports of oxygenation improving and other patient improvements. Those are certainly heartening, but they need to be rigorously evaluated."
He said the therapy was "rough and ready".
"There's a lot we don't understand about the plasma. We're going to learn more about what's in the plasma, the components, the antibody levels, and other factors that may be there as the weeks go on.
"But sometimes, as a physician, you just have to try to take a shot on goal when you have a shot."
How has this approach helped in previous pandemics?
Harnessing the blood of recovered patients is not a new idea in medicine. It was used more than 100 years ago during the Spanish Flu epidemic, and more recently for Ebola and Sars.
So far, only small studies have looked at its efficacy, and there is a great deal of research that needs to be done to see how effective it will be against coronavirus.
But in the US, they say they have no shortage of people who want to help.
Bruce Sachais, chief medical officer at the New York Blood Center, said: "People have been amazing. They keep coming out in droves.
"We have hundreds and hundreds of donors and we've been able to collect over 1,000 units already. It's really heart-warming to see that for people who have gone through the infection, in various degrees, their main concern is 'how can I now help others?'"
Scientists say plasma won't be a magic bullet.


bbc--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: US faced with protests amid pressure to reopen

Protesters have taken to the streets in states across the US , demanding that governors reopen economies shut by the coronavirus pandemic .
Rallies in Arizona , Colorado , Montana and Washington state took place on Sunday , following earlier protests in half a dozen states .
Agitation for easing restrictions has grown , despite the risk of a Covid-19 resurgence posed by reopening too soon .
US President Donald Trump has signalled support for the protests .
The US has become the centre of the Covid-19 crisis , with over 735,000 cases and some 40,000 deaths - but signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apex of the outbreak and that infection rates are slowing in some states .
• The daunting reality of getting US back to normal • How California kept ahead of the curve In Washington state , an early US virus hotspot , hundreds of people gathered in the state capital , Olympia , to demand the governor relax rules restricting the economy .
Police estimated the crowd at 2,500 , making it one of the largest protests in US states against lockdowns over the past week , Reuters news agency reports .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as pleas from rally organisers to wear masks .
Montana saw a few hundred protesters at a rally held in Helena , the Associated Press news agency reports .
There was a similar-sized protest in Denver , Colorado , where protesters descended upon the state capitol building to demonstrate against the social distancing orders .
As protesters clogged streets with cars , healthcare workers in scrubs and face masks stood at crossroads in counter-protest .
Dozens of cars circled the capitol , local media report , while roughly 200 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flags .
In Arizona , protesters also took to their cars - estimated to be about 100 - and drove in circles around the state capitol in Phoenix to create gridlock , reports say .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Governors in several states have begun discussions to plan reopening amid signs of the slowdown , but other regions remain under strict lockdown .
California Governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation to issue a state-wide stay-at-home order , shuttering the country 's most populous state since 19 March .
Neighbouring west coast states Washington and Oregon followed suit days later , putting their combined 11.5 million residents under a stay-at-home order since 23 March .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced this week that the state would extend its stay home measures until 15 May .
Speaking at his daily virus briefing on Sunday , Mr Cuomo urged caution to residents , beset with `` cabin fever '' and desperate for their state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make sure we keep that beast under control , '' Mr Cuomo said .
`` As we all get very eager to get on with life and move on . ''
`` This is only halftime in this entire situation . ''
Mr Trump , a Republican , appeared to endorse protests against strict lockdown measures , which are needed to curb the spread of the virus .
He said on Friday that orders in place in Minnesota , Michigan and Virginia were `` too tough '' .
Washington Governor Jay Inslee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters `` dangerous '' , tantamount to encouraging `` insubordination '' to state laws .
`` To have an American president encourage people to violate the law , I ca n't remember any time in my time in America we have seen such a thing , '' he said on ABC news on Sunday .
Nancy Pelosi , the Democratic Speaker of the House , accused Mr Trump of endorsing the protests as a `` distraction '' .
`` The president 's embrace of it as a distraction from the fact that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , contact tracing and quarantine , '' she told ABC .
On Saturday , protesters gridlocked the streets of Annapolis , Maryland , honking car horns in protest of lockdown measures .
More than 200 people rallied outside the residence of the Indiana governor , while about 200 gathered in Austin , Texas .
New York state also saw disruption .
Further protests are expected on Monday .

The US has become the centre of the Covid-19 crisis, with over 735,000 cases and some 40,000 deaths - but signs have emerged that it is reaching the apex of the outbreak and that infection rates are slowing in some states.


bbc--2020-04-20--Coronavirus lockdown: NZ to ease restrictions after 'stopping explosion'

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern has thanked people for `` stopping an uncontrolled explosion of Covid-19 '' , as she announced an easing of lockdown .
The country has been praised for its quick and strict response to the virus , and will move from `` Level 4 '' lockdown to `` Level 3 '' late next Monday .
It means some businesses can reopen , along with some schools , while rules on local travel will be relaxed .
`` We have done what very few countries have been able to do , '' Ms Ardern said .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country introduced a state of national emergency on 25 March , and went to `` Level 4 '' later that day .
That was four days before the first virus-related death in the country was confirmed .
The Level 4 lockdown meant people had to stay at home , except for `` essential personal movement '' .
Exercise was allowed locally , but travel was `` severely limited '' .
Businesses closed - except for essential services - as did schools and public venues .
All gatherings were cancelled .
Level 3 allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schools can open with `` limited capacity '' , and businesses can open but not `` physically interact with customers '' .
Gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed but only for weddings , funerals and tangihanga ( Maori funeral rites ) .
Level 3 will last for at least two weeks , with a new decision on 11 May .
Separately , New Zealand closed its borders to almost all foreign travellers on 19 March - but that policy remains unchanged .
What did Jacinda Ardern say ?
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and going early , gave us the very best chance of stamping out the virus .
And it has , '' she said .
`` We have done what very few countries have been able to do - we have stopped a wave of devastation . ''
Ms Ardern said the transmission rate - the number of cases each person with the virus passes it onto - is now less than half a person each .
When the transmission rate is below one , cases will decline and eventually die out .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped the uncontrolled explosion of Covid-19 in New Zealand , '' she said .
`` I could n't feel prouder of the start that we have made together . ''
What is the Covid-19 situation in New Zealand ?
New Zealand , which has a population of five million , has had 1,440 confirmed cases and 12 deaths .
Just nine new cases were announced on Monday .
Seven of the deaths are linked to a care home in Christcurch .

"We believe that decisive action, going hard and going early, gave us the very best chance of stamping out the virus. And it has," she said.


bbc--2020-04-20--Exam students back at school in Germany

Exam students back at school in Germany

Germany has reopened small shops , car dealerships and bicycle stores , in a tentative easing of the coronavirus lockdown imposed nearly a month ago .
The country has flattened the curve of new infections and last week said it had got the spread under control .
But social distancing remains in force .
In Saxony it is mandatory for people to wear face masks in public - and that is strongly recommended elsewhere .
The only students back in school are those sitting leaving exams .
Germany 's mortality rate from Covid-19 is significantly lower than for many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing by diagnostic labs , and tracing of carriers , is seen as a major factor in that .
The country on Monday recorded 1,775 new cases for the past day , while the number of deaths linked to Covid-19 rose by 110 to 4,404 , according to official figures .
Spain registered 399 more Covid-19 deaths in the past 24 hours , pushing its total to 20,852 .
That is the second-highest in Europe after Italy .
In both countries the daily death toll is declining .
More than 200,000 are infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80,587 have recovered , according to the latest official figures .
What is happening in Germany ?
There are significant regional differences in how Germany 's 16 states are implementing the partial relaxation of the lockdown .
For instance , the densely populated state of North Rhine-Westphalia has reopened large shops as well as small .
Elsewhere only those with an area of less than 800sq m ( 8,611sq ft ) are allowed to start operating again .
The government imposed the lockdown on 22 March , shutting schools and banning gatherings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hotels , restaurants and cafes are to remain shut , as are sports and leisure facilities .
For most German businesses , the lockdown will remain in place until at least 3 May , the government says .
Other school pupils will also begin to return to classes after that .
What is the situation elsewhere in Europe ?
In Austria , garden centres , DIY stores and small shops reopened last week , but with strict rules on social distancing .
Customers have to wear masks , as they do in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Denmark reopened kindergartens and primary schools last week .
A range of small businesses , including hairdressers and beauty salons , are reopening on Monday .
Meanwhile , despite France 's strict curfew , there were brief clashes between angry local residents and police on Sunday night in two suburbs of Paris : Villeneuve-la-Garenne and Aulnay-sous-Bois .
Some cars were set ablaze .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a police car and a motorcyclist .
In other developments on Monday : • The Czech Republic will allow open-air markets to trade , but President Milos Zeman said the borders should remain closed for the rest of 2020

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is a reference point for many in Europe: calm, authoritative and very careful about over-promising. Her chosen way forward is to test widely, then trace and quarantine those who've been in contact with newly infected individuals. The European Commission and Council presidents agree, but they've played a pretty backstage role so far.


bbc--2020-04-20--US oil prices drop to 21-year low as demand dries up

The price of US oil has fallen to a level not seen since 1999 , as demand dries up and storage runs out .
The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) , the benchmark for US oil , dropped 19.3 % to $ 14.74 a barrel on Monday .
The oil market has come under intense pressure during the coronavirus pandemic with a huge slump in demand .
US storage facilities are now struggling to cope with the glut of oil , weakening prices further .
• Coronavirus : Who is still flying ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tumbling demand and in-fighting among producers about reducing output .
Earlier this month , Opec members and its allies finally agreed a record deal to slash global output by about 10 % .
The deal was the largest cut in oil production ever to have been agreed .
But some analysts said the cuts were not big enough to make a difference .
`` It has n't taken long for the market to recognise that the Opec+ deal will not , in its present form , be enough to balance oil markets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market strategist at Axicorp .
The leading exporters - Opec and allies such as Russia - have already agreed to cut production by a record amount .
In the United States and elsewhere , oil-producing businesses have made commercial decisions to cut output .
But still the world has more crude oil than it can use .
And it 's not just about whether we can use it .
It 's also about whether we can store it until the lockdowns are eased enough to generate some additional demand for oil products .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at sea .
As that process continues it 's likely to bear down further on prices .
It will take a recovery in demand to really turn the market round and that will depend on how the health crisis unfolds .
There will be further supply cuts as private sector producers respond to the low prices , but it 's hard to see that being on a sufficient scale to have a fundamental impact on the market .
Meanwhile , concern continues to mount that storage facilities in the US will run out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the main delivery point in the US for oil , rising almost 50 % since the start of March , according to ANZ Bank .
`` We hold some hope for a recovery later this year , '' the bank said in its research note .
Mr Innes said : `` It 's a dump at all cost as no one , and I mean no one , wants delivery of oil with Cushing storage facilities filling by the minute . ''
The drop was also driven by a technicality of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its future price and May futures contracts are due to expire on Tuesday .
Traders will be keen to offload those holdings to avoid having to take delivery of the oil and incurring storage costs .
Brent oil , the benchmark used by Europe and the rest of the world , was also weaker , down 2.6 % to $ 27.35 a barrel .

"The silver lining is, if you for various reason actually need to be on the roads, you're filling up for far less than you would have been even four months ago," Mr Glickman said. "The problem for most of us is even if you could fill up, where are you going to go?"


bbc--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Three Sydney beaches re-open for exercise

Most beaches in Sydney , Australia remain closed during the ongoing lockdown , including the world-famous Bondi beach , but @ @ @ @ @ is now allowed at the Coogee , Maroubra and Clovelly beaches , but social distancing @ @ @ @ @ .
Local officials say this will make a big difference to people 's mental health @

Most beaches in Sydney, Australia remain closed during the ongoing lockdown, including the world-famous Bondi beach, but three have re-opened.
Exercise is now allowed at the Coogee, Maroubra and Clovelly beaches, but social distancing rules are still in place.
Local officials say this will make a big difference to people's mental health.


bbc--2020-04-20--Disney stops paying 100,000 workers during downturn

Walt Disney will stop paying more than 100,000 employees from this week as it struggles with coronavirus closures .
The world 's biggest entertainment group operates theme parks and hotels in the US , Europe and Asia .
Stopping pay for almost half of its workforce will save Disney up to $ 500m ( £400m ) a month , according to the Financial Times .
Disney made operating income of $ 1.4bn for its parks , experiences and products in the last three months of 2019 .
The company said it will provide full healthcare benefits for staff placed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to apply for government benefits through the $ 2tn coronavirus stimulus package .
Disney Plus racks up 50m subscribers in five months US jobless claims surge for third week The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits has been surging since its national lockdown , rising above six million .
Protesters have taken to the streets in the US , demanding the reopening of economies .
The travel and leisure sectors were the first to be hit financially from coronavirus shutdowns .
Airlines have been struggling to survive with many asking for financial assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its online streaming site Disney Plus are much better , with more than 50m subscribers in just five months since it was launched .
Last month Walt Disney said its executive chairman Bob Iger would give up his entire salary during the pandemic while chief executive Bob Chapek will take a 50 % pay cut .
Mr Iger is one of highest paid executives in the entertainment sector , earning $ 47.5m last year as chairman and chief executive .
When the theme parks reopen , Mr Iger has forecast that temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its normal routine along with bag checks .

Last month Walt Disney said its executive chairman Bob Iger would give up his entire salary during the pandemic while chief executive Bob Chapek will take a 50% pay cut. Mr Iger is one of highest paid executives in the entertainment sector, earning $47.5m last year as chairman and chief executive.


bbc--2020-04-20--David Miliband: Too much denialism over coronavirus

With a few exceptions the world 's response to coronavirus pandemic has been handled badly , the head of the @ @ @ @ @ Miliband , has said .
The former UK foreign secretary told Hardtalk 's Stephen Sackur @ @ @ @ @ far too much , what I would call 'denialism ' , too much 'head-in-the-sandism ' @ @ @ @ @ the best and not enough of the kind of grip and unified action that 's @ @ @ @ @ said there had been very little leadership internationally .
`` We are facing the biggest @ @ @ @ @ health terms with a very weak governmental response where it really matters , '' he @ @ @ @ @ interview on BBC iPlayer ( UK only )

With a few exceptions the world's response to coronavirus pandemic has been handled badly, the head of the International Rescue Committee, David Miliband, has said.
The former UK foreign secretary told Hardtalk's Stephen Sackur: "There has been far too much, what I would call 'denialism', too much 'head-in-the-sandism', too much hoping for the best and not enough of the kind of grip and unified action that's important."
Mr Miliband said there had been very little leadership internationally.
"We are facing the biggest crisis in 100 years in health terms with a very weak governmental response where it really matters," he said.
Watch the full interview on BBC iPlayer (UK only)


bbc--2020-04-20--Coronavirus: Damien Hirst’s rainbow giveaway

Damien Hirst has created two new artworks in response to the coronavirus .
One is to raise money for charity @ @ @ @ @ raise spirits .
Damien explains how the current situation has inspired him .
You can @ @ @ @ @ Rainbow poster here .

Damien Hirst has created two new artworks in response to the coronavirus.
One is to raise money for charity and the other is to raise spirits.
Damien explains how the current situation has inspired him.
You can download Damien Hirst's Butterfly Rainbow poster here.


bbc--2020-04-20--World Rugby investigates Fiji chairman over homophobia allegations

World Rugby has begun an investigation into the chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union ( FRU ) , which has backed Sir Bill Beaumont 's bid for re-election as boss of the world game .
Francis Kean is under pressure to stand down amid accusations of homophobia and discrimination , as revealed by the Sunday Times .
The allegations against Kean , who was convicted of manslaughter in 2007 , are being taken `` extremely seriously '' by World Rugby , the sport 's governing body .
The FRU seconded Beaumont 's nomination to stand again as World Rugby chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a place on World Rugby 's executive committee , but is now under pressure to withdraw from that process .
World Rugby has stressed that Beaumont 's nomination came from the Fiji Rugby Union , rather than from the chairman individually .
However this development threatens to disrupt his campaign , with Beaumont and rival Agustin Pichot entering their final week of campaigning before the vote opens on 27 April .
`` World Rugby notes allegations in the UK Sunday Times about Fiji Rugby Union chairman Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean and takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said a statement from the governing body .
`` Rugby is a sport built on strong and inclusive values and World Rugby does not in any way condone abusive or discriminatory behaviour as enshrined within its bye-laws .
`` It would be inappropriate to comment further until we have discussed the matter fully with the Fiji Rugby Union and have established all the facts . ''
Kean currently represents Fiji on the World Rugby council .
World Rugby say a place on the council is awarded to the Union - in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any individual , and that Fiji met the relevant criteria under the revised governance process launched in November 2015 .
Beaumont has pledged a full governance review if he is re-elected , including a 'fit and proper persons ' test .
The election result will be confirmed at a World Rugby council meeting on 12 May .

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
The Fiji Rugby Union has backed Sir Bill Beaumont's bid for re-election as boss of the world game.
World Rugby has begun an investigation into the chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), which has backed Sir Bill Beaumont's bid for re-election as boss of the world game.
Francis Kean is under pressure to stand down amid accusations of homophobia and discrimination, as revealed by the Sunday Times. external-link
The allegations against Kean, who was convicted of manslaughter in 2007, are being taken "extremely seriously" by World Rugby, the sport's governing body.
The FRU seconded Beaumont's nomination to stand again as World Rugby chairman.
Kean is also attempting to secure a place on World Rugby's executive committee, but is now under pressure to withdraw from that process.
World Rugby has stressed that Beaumont's nomination came from the Fiji Rugby Union, rather than from the chairman individually.
However this development threatens to disrupt his campaign, with Beaumont and rival Agustin Pichot entering their final week of campaigning before the vote opens on 27 April.
"World Rugby notes allegations in the UK Sunday Times about Fiji Rugby Union chairman Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean and takes them extremely seriously," a statement said.
"Rugby is a sport built on strong and inclusive values and World Rugby does not in any way condone any abusive or discriminatory behaviour, as outlined within its bye-laws.
"World Rugby is currently in dialogue with the Fiji Rugby Union about the nature of the allegations and it would be inappropriate to further comment at this time."
Kean currently represents Fiji on the World Rugby council.
World Rugby say a place on the council is awarded to the Union - in this case the FRU - rather than any individual, and that Fiji met the relevant criteria under the revised governance process launched in November 2015.
Beaumont has pledged a full governance review if he is re-elected, including a 'fit and proper persons' test.
The election result will be confirmed at a World Rugby council meeting on 12 May.