bbc--2020-03-04--Teams formally object to Ferrari engine settlement

Seven of the 10 Formula 1 teams have formally objected to the handling of Ferrari 's engine controversy last year .
Last week , governing body the FIA said it `` reached a settlement '' with Ferrari after investigating their engine .
Ferrari 's rivals have issued a collective response expressing their `` strong objection '' to the confidential deal .
They say they will `` pursue full and proper disclosure '' and `` reserve our rights to seek legal redress '' .
Mercedes , Red Bull , McLaren , Renault , Racing Point , Alpha Tauri and Williams all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday morning .
The only teams not to sign other than Ferrari are Haas and Alfa Romeo , who use Ferrari engines .
The statement from the other seven teams said they were `` surprised and shocked '' by the FIA 's statement concluding its investigation into the Ferrari power-unit in 2019 .
It added : `` An international sporting regulator has the responsibility to act with the highest standards of governance , integrity and transparency .
`` After months of investigations that were undertaken by the FIA only following queries raised by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FIA reaching a confidential settlement agreement with Ferrari to conclude this matter .
`` Therefore , we hereby state publicly our shared commitment to pursue full and proper disclosure in this matter , to ensure that our sport treats all competitors fairly and equally .
We do so on behalf of the fans , the participants and the stakeholders of Formula 1 .
`` In addition , we reserve our rights to seek legal redress , within the FIA 's due process and before the competent courts . ''
Ferrari and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The teams are concerned that the FIA 's attempt to draw a line under the matter does not make it clear whether Ferrari 's engine was legal at all times last year or not .
An FIA statement issued on Friday said it had concluded a `` thorough technical investigation '' into the Ferrari engine and said that `` the specifics of the agreement ( reached ) remain between the parties '' .
The statement added that `` the FIA and Scuderia Ferrari have agreed to a number of technical commitments that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 power-units for forthcoming championship seasons '' .
Teams believe fundamental questions are raised by the way the FIA has chosen to end the Ferrari investigation : • Does the lack of punitive action against Ferrari mean that the car was legal at all times in 2019 ?
• If so , why not say so ?
Why the need for a `` settlement '' , and what was that settlement ?
• What confidence can teams have in F1 if the FIA is not able to conclude a technical investigation without saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not ?
The issue arose during last season when rivals - particularly Red Bull and Mercedes - began to have doubts about the level of superiority of the Ferrari car in straight-line speed .
Discontent rumbled throughout much of the season and the issue came to a head at the US Grand Prix in October when the FIA issued a rules clarification in response to a detailed series of questions from Red Bull .
These centred on whether it was possible to interfere with the mandatory fuel-flow meter in ways that made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per hour .
The FIA clarification made it clear that any intervention with the mandatory fuel-flow meter that could lead it to exceed the maximum permitted fuel flow would be against the rules .
In F1 's complex turbo-hybrid engines , the fuel-flow limit works to promote efficiency and is effectively a ceiling on the amount of power an engine can produce .
It means teams can not increase power simply by increasing the rate of fuel flow through the engine , and must do so instead via efficiency savings , in other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the available fuel by advances in the engine/hybrid system .
The FIA clarification was issued on the morning of qualifying in Austin , and later that day a run of six consecutive Ferrari pole positions came to an end .
The team did not set a pole position in any of the remaining two races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi either .
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said the two matters were not related , and that apparent differences in the car 's straight-line performance seen by rivals were caused by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and adding more downforce and therefore drag .

Ferrari's run of six pole positions came to and end last year following questions by Red Bull
Seven of the 10 Formula 1 teams have formally objected to the handling of Ferrari's engine controversy last year.
Last week, governing body the FIA said it "reached a settlement" with Ferrari after investigating their engine.
Ferrari's rivals have issued a collective response expressing their "strong objection" to the confidential deal.
They say they will "pursue full and proper disclosure" and "reserve our rights to seek legal redress".
Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Renault, Racing Point, Alpha Tauri and Williams all released identical statements to that effect on Wednesday morning.
The only teams not to sign other than Ferrari are Haas and Alfa Romeo, who use Ferrari engines.
The statement from the other seven teams said they were "surprised and shocked" by the FIA's statement concluding its investigation into the Ferrari power-unit in 2019.
It added: "An international sporting regulator has the responsibility to act with the highest standards of governance, integrity and transparency.
"After months of investigations that were undertaken by the FIA only following queries raised by other teams, we strongly object to the FIA reaching a confidential settlement agreement with Ferrari to conclude this matter.
"Therefore, we hereby state publicly our shared commitment to pursue full and proper disclosure in this matter, to ensure that our sport treats all competitors fairly and equally. We do so on behalf of the fans, the participants and the stakeholders of Formula 1.
"In addition, we reserve our rights to seek legal redress, within the FIA's due process and before the competent courts."
Ferrari declined to comment. The FIA said it would issue a statement on the matter.
The teams are concerned that the FIA's attempt to draw a line under the matter does not make it clear whether Ferrari's engine was legal at all times last year or not.
An FIA statement issued on Friday said it had concluded a "thorough technical investigation" into the Ferrari engine and said that "the specifics of the agreement (reached) remain between the parties".
The statement added that "the FIA and Scuderia Ferrari have agreed to a number of technical commitments that will improve the monitoring of all Formula 1 power-units for forthcoming championship seasons".
Teams believe fundamental questions are raised by the way the FIA has chosen to end the Ferrari investigation:
Does the lack of punitive action against Ferrari mean that the car was legal at all times in 2019?
If so, why not say so? Why the need for a "settlement", and what was that settlement?
What confidence can teams have in F1 if the FIA is not able to conclude a technical investigation without saying whether the car in question was legal or not?
The issue arose during last season when rivals - particularly Red Bull and Mercedes - began to have doubts about the level of superiority of the Ferrari car in straight-line speed.
Discontent rumbled throughout much of the season and the issue came to a head at the US Grand Prix in October when the FIA issued a rules clarification in response to a detailed series of questions from Red Bull.
These centred on whether it was possible to interfere with the mandatory fuel-flow meter in ways that made it bypass the regulation limit of 100kg per hour.
The FIA clarification made it clear that any intervention with the mandatory fuel-flow meter that could lead it to exceed the maximum permitted fuel flow would be against the rules.
In F1's complex turbo-hybrid engines, the fuel-flow limit works to promote efficiency and is effectively a ceiling on the amount of power an engine can produce.
It means teams cannot increase power simply by increasing the rate of fuel flow through the engine, and must do so instead via efficiency savings, in other words increasing the amount of power extracted from the available fuel by advances in the engine/hybrid system.
The FIA clarification was issued on the morning of qualifying in Austin, and later that day a run of six consecutive Ferrari pole positions came to an end. The team did not set a pole position in any of the remaining two races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi either.
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said the two matters were not related, and that apparent differences in the car's straight-line performance seen by rivals were caused by the team changing the way they ran it and adding more downforce and therefore drag.


bbc--2020-03-04--'They literally took my face off during surgery' - blinded in one eye, Ward plots Olympic return

`` I have four metal plates and 31 screws holding my face together .
I 'm now near blind in one eye and I know that vision will never come back . ''
On 3 November 2019 , Sam Ward had scored twice and was hovering in hope of a hat-trick against Malaysia in Great Britain 's Olympic hockey qualifier when a team-mate took a shot and the ball - travelling at about 50mph - hit him directly in his left eye .
The impact shattered the forward 's eye socket , caused seven facial fractures and tore his retina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye .
For months afterwards , just hearing the sound of a hockey ball being struck would trigger `` painful '' flashbacks for Ward , who has scored 72 international goals in 126 caps for Great Britain and England .
And the Rio Olympian still experiences `` night terrors '' in his sleep in which people try to attack his 'good ' eye .
The 29-year-old thought his career was over , but last month he made an incredible return to the sport and capped his domestic comeback with a dramatic late equaliser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would n't wish what I 've been through on anyone , but to score after everything was probably the greatest moment of my life , '' he told BBC Sport .
Ward now hopes to convince Tokyo 2020 selectors he can still compete at an Olympic level despite his `` devastating '' visual impairment .
'They literally took my face off during surgery' Although he was floored by the blow , Ward was adamant he should return to the field of play and help GB qualify for the Olympics .
Team officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after glancing in a window , he understood why .
`` I could n't see out of my left eye , it was swollen , bleeding and then I realised I had no real facial structure down that side of my face , '' he said .
`` The roof of my mouth also felt like it was moving up and down , which was because the bone in my face was fractured , and that 's when the pain hit .
`` It was like severe , aggressive pins and needles in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Because of the extent of the injury and facial swelling , it was 10 days before extensive corrective surgery could begin .
`` They basically took my face off , '' said Ward with a nervous smile .
`` They cut me from ear to ear across the top of my head , peeled back my face and put four plates and 31 screws inside my face , then stapled me back together .
`` The pictures look gruesome , but they did an incredible job . ''
'Surgery was a success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days later Ward went for a check-up and , although the medical team were happy with his recovery , he had an issue .
`` The surgeon went 'yeah you 're done , great ' and I was like 'erm , but I still ca n't see ' , which they were n't expecting . ''
A specialist in London later delivered the `` devastating '' news he had irreparable retina damage .
`` That was a tough day , '' reflects Ward .
`` I broke down on the phone to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Hockey had been my life and at that point I could n't see a future for me in the sport . ''
Over the following weeks some of his physical wounds began to heal , but the psychological scars took longer to fade .
`` I 've always been a worrier and had problems with anxiety , but to begin with the sound of a hockey ball being hit was horrendous and caused flashbacks , '' he revealed .
`` I actually had a lot of 'night terrors ' , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to shoot at my good eye with darts .
`` I 've worked a lot with psychologists and understand it 's concern about protecting my right eye and part of the grieving process . ''
' I did n't want to be a car salesman again' He retains some peripheral vision in his left eye , but sees nothing other than a `` large grey blob '' centrally .
A hockey comeback carried obvious risks and challenges , but after deciding a return to his previous career as a car salesman did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hockey .
Following two weeks of intense physical rehabilitation Ward began training , with a new - functional , rather than fashionable - accessory .
`` My left eye is what it is , but I play in glasses or a mask now because my right eye is the world and I have to do everything to protect it , '' stated Ward , who used 'secret ' brain-training apps to aid recovery before his first game back on 22 February .
`` I 've never been more nervous for a game of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the forward .
`` It was five times worse than my international debut . ''
With five minutes remaining Old Georgians were trailing high-flying Surbiton 3-2 when they won a penalty corner .
`` It was almost written for me and I just knew I 'd score , '' said the Commonwealth bronze medallist .
`` There 's never been a moment quite like it in my career and even though crowds can be hostile in hockey it felt like everyone was supporting me . ''
Ward shared an emotional embrace with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` proud '' of his return , but has set himself even bigger targets .
'Reaching the Olympics would be a dream' He hopes to return to the international stage in time for Tokyo 2020 .
`` I do n't think there 's anything in the world that would mean more to me , it 'd be incredible , '' says Ward .
`` I 'm better than I thought I 'd be coming back , but it 's a long way to go from club hockey to the international game and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best version of me now . ''
If you are feeling emotionally distressed and would like details of organisations which offer advice and support , visit the BBC Action Line .

Last updated on .From the section Hockey
I had night terrors after losing sight in hockey injury - Sam Ward
"I have four metal plates and 31 screws holding my face together. I'm now near blind in one eye and I know that vision will never come back."
On 3 November 2019, Sam Ward had scored twice and was hovering in hope of a hat-trick against Malaysia in Great Britain's Olympic hockey qualifier when a team-mate took a shot and the ball - travelling at about 50mph - hit him directly in his left eye.
The impact shattered the forward's eye socket, caused seven facial fractures and tore his retina, leaving him effectively blind in one eye.
For months afterwards, just hearing the sound of a hockey ball being struck would trigger "painful" flashbacks for Ward, who has scored 72 international goals in 126 caps for Great Britain and England.
And the Rio Olympian still experiences "night terrors" in his sleep in which people try to attack his 'good' eye.
The 29-year-old thought his career was over, but last month he made an incredible return to the sport and capped his domestic comeback with a dramatic late equaliser for his team Old Georgians.
"I wouldn't wish what I've been through on anyone, but to score after everything was probably the greatest moment of my life," he told BBC Sport.
Ward now hopes to convince Tokyo 2020 selectors he can still compete at an Olympic level despite his "devastating" visual impairment.
'They literally took my face off during surgery'
It was only after he saw his face in a window that Ward realised the extent of his injuries
Although he was floored by the blow, Ward was adamant he should return to the field of play and help GB qualify for the Olympics.
Team officials insisted his game was over and, after glancing in a window, he understood why.
"I couldn't see out of my left eye, it was swollen, bleeding and then I realised I had no real facial structure down that side of my face," he said.
"The roof of my mouth also felt like it was moving up and down, which was because the bone in my face was fractured, and that's when the pain hit.
"It was like severe, aggressive pins and needles in my face, and absolute agony."
Because of the extent of the injury and facial swelling, it was 10 days before extensive corrective surgery could begin.
"They basically took my face off," said Ward with a nervous smile.
"They cut me from ear to ear across the top of my head, peeled back my face and put four plates and 31 screws inside my face, then stapled me back together.
"The pictures look gruesome, but they did an incredible job."
'Surgery was a success - but I couldn't see'
Eleven days later Ward went for a check-up and, although the medical team were happy with his recovery, he had an issue.
"The surgeon went 'yeah you're done, great' and I was like 'erm, but I still can't see', which they weren't expecting."
A specialist in London later delivered the "devastating" news he had irreparable retina damage.
"That was a tough day," reflects Ward. "I broke down on the phone to my dad and couldn't tell my mum.
"Hockey had been my life and at that point I couldn't see a future for me in the sport."
Over the following weeks some of his physical wounds began to heal, but the psychological scars took longer to fade.
"I've always been a worrier and had problems with anxiety, but to begin with the sound of a hockey ball being hit was horrendous and caused flashbacks," he revealed.
"I actually had a lot of 'night terrors', which are basically really bad nightmares where people tried to shoot at my good eye with darts.
"I've worked a lot with psychologists and understand it's concern about protecting my right eye and part of the grieving process."
'I didn't want to be a car salesman again'
He retains some peripheral vision in his left eye, but sees nothing other than a "large grey blob" centrally.
A hockey comeback carried obvious risks and challenges, but after deciding a return to his previous career as a car salesman did not appeal he reached out to England Hockey.
Following two weeks of intense physical rehabilitation Ward began training, with a new - functional, rather than fashionable - accessory.
"My left eye is what it is, but I play in glasses or a mask now because my right eye is the world and I have to do everything to protect it," stated Ward, who used 'secret' brain-training apps to aid recovery before his first game back on 22 February.
"I've never been more nervous for a game of hockey in my entire life," said the forward. "It was five times worse than my international debut."
With five minutes remaining Old Georgians were trailing high-flying Surbiton 3-2 when they won a penalty corner.
"It was almost written for me and I just knew I'd score," said the Commonwealth bronze medallist.
"There's never been a moment quite like it in my career and even though crowds can be hostile in hockey it felt like everyone was supporting me."
Ward shared an emotional embrace with his father immediately after the game and is "proud" of his return, but has set himself even bigger targets.
'Reaching the Olympics would be a dream'
He hopes to return to the international stage in time for Tokyo 2020.
"I don't think there's anything in the world that would mean more to me, it'd be incredible," says Ward.
"I'm better than I thought I'd be coming back, but it's a long way to go from club hockey to the international game and I have to keep working to be the best version of me now."
If you are feeling emotionally distressed and would like details of organisations which offer advice and support, visit the BBC Action Line.


bbc--2020-03-04--Chris Ashton: Harlequins sign former England winger after Sale exit

Former England winger Chris Ashton has joined Harlequins two days after leaving Premiership rivals Sale Sharks .
The 32-year-old had @ @ @ @ @ mutual consent on Monday , with director of rugby Steve Diamond saying `` a difference @ @ @ @ @ led to the player 's departure .
Ashton , who has scored 86 Premiership tries @ @ @ @ @ move will see him become the first past the 100 mark .
`` I know @ @ @ @ @ a lot to give on the pitch , '' he said .

Chris Ashton is just seven tries short of becoming the Premiership's all-time top try scorer
Former England winger Chris Ashton has joined Harlequins two days after leaving Premiership rivals Sale Sharks.
The 32-year-old had his Sharks contract terminated by mutual consent on Monday, with director of rugby Steve Diamond saying "a difference of opinion" with Ashton led to the player's departure.
Ashton, who has scored 86 Premiership tries, says he hopes the move will see him become the first past the 100 mark.
"I know that I have still got a lot to give on the pitch," he said.
"I can't wait to get started at Quins. It is a club filled with incredibly experienced and talented players.
"When I spoke to Gussy (head of rugby Paul Gustard) and heard more about the direction the club is going in, and what it means to be a Harlequin, I knew that this was the right move for me."
Ashton is third in the Premiership's all-time list of top try-scorers, behind only former Wasps and Leicester flyer Tom Varndell (92) and ex-Sale winger Mark Cueto (90).
All-time Premiership top try-scorers Tom Varndell Leicester, Wasps, Bristol 92 Mark Cueto Sale 90 Chris Ashton Northampton, Saracens Sale 86 Christian Wade Wasps 82 Steve Hanley Sale 75
While still with Sale, Aston spoke about his desire to be the first to hit three figures.
"I am confident that being at Quins will enable me to continue scoring tries and help me with my aspirations of reaching 100 Premiership tries, beating the current record," he added.
'Mysterious ways'
Gustard is delighted to bring Ashton, who he called "without doubt one of the most competitive, professional and dedicated athletes" he has ever come across, to The Stoop.
"His drive to succeed and win is exceptional, allied to his desire to improve and be the best version of himself he can be has always been clear," added Gustard, who said Quins first tried to bring Ashton to London after he left French Top 14 side Toulon in July 2018.
"Unfortunately we were not in a position to compete 28 months ago. However, circumstances change and timings can sometimes work in mysterious ways, meaning we were able to get our man.
"We have four of our senior back-three players currently unavailable with injury and therefore to bring Chris to the club is a big boost to the squad."
Ashton's move comes just a day after his now Quins team-mate Danny Care told BBC Radio 5 Live's Rugby Union Weekly Podcast about the winger's search for a new club and how he "ruffled a few feathers" by posting a picture of the two of them with an invite to join him in London.
It is a return to the capital for the winger, who won two Premiership titles and two European Champions Cups with Saracens.
Earlier this year, Ashton, also a regular on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast with Care, was named in a leaked report into relegated Saracens' salary cap breaches, having invested in a property with the club's former chairman Nigel Wray.


bbc--2020-03-04--Coronavirus outbreak hits Beijing small businesses

Do I need to worry about my pet and the coronavirus ?
The coronavirus has been in the news a @ @ @ @ @ have some concerns about what to do when its comes to their pets .
Sam @ @ @ @ @ some useful advice .

Coronavirus has caused the Chinese economy to slow, with small businesses being affected the most.
The BBC's Stephen McDonell takes a walk around what are usually busy shopping streets, to see how people are coping.
Filmed and edited by Ed Lawrence


bbc--2020-03-04--Coronavirus panic: Why are people stockpiling toilet paper?

Perhaps the worst doomsday scenario is this : being stuck on the toilet and finding you 're down to the last square .
At least that appears to be the nightmare prospect scaring many Australians right now , who have become the latest group to respond to coronavirus fears by buying toilet paper en masse .
This is despite authorities stressing there is no shortage - given most of the nation 's rolls are made locally .
However in Sydney , the nation 's largest city , supermarket shelves have been cleared in minutes , forcing one chain to enforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even called to a dispute on Wednesday , with reports saying a knife was pulled out in an argument over toilet roll between panic buying shoppers .
On social media , # toiletpapergate and # toiletpapercrisis were top trending on Wednesday .
Rolls were being flogged for hundreds of dollars online , while listeners were calling into radio stations to win packs of 3-ply loo roll .
The situation in the past 48 hours has unravelled so much there are also reports of people stealing from public loos .
Just what is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this way ?
The toilet paper problem is not unique to Australia - a similar situation besieged places worse-affected by the virus , such as Singapore , Japan and Hong Kong .
Last month , armed robbers stole pallets in Hong Kong following panic-buying induced shortages there .
There are reports of toilet paper buy-ups in the US as well .
In Australia , the frenzy began on the weekend after new cases of Covid-19 emerged and the first local death was reported .
Australia 's infection numbers had initially plateaued in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strict travel ban on visitors from China .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts Reports then on the weekend of an uptick in cases sparked renewed alarm .
As of Wednesday , Australia had recorded 41 cases of Covid-19 , and one death .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other nations .
Official guidance advised people to practice good hygiene and wash their hands .
It was also suggested that people could prepare two weeks worth of food and water , as well as other household goods , if they felt it necessary .
The demand for toilet paper surged - ahead of long-life food and other non-perishable goods .
Posts on social media showed customers seizing rolls and piling packets on trolleys .
Amid these reports , authorities have urged the public to stop panic buying .
Australia 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week : `` We are trying to reassure people that removing all of the lavatory paper from the shelves of supermarkets probably is n't a proportionate or sensible thing to do at this time . ''
Supermarkets Coles and Woolworths have stated there is plenty of stock , while the manufacturer of Kleenex toilet paper in the nation said it was now operating 24hr production lines to meet demand .
The government has said that the nation is well-prepared , and taking all active measures to contain the virus .
Local cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far .
• Coronavirus travel ban : Spending $ 20,000 to get to class The buy-up has provoked a collective cringe in some areas .
Online , commentators are flummoxed over the need for an item which , were it to run out , does have rougher substitutes .
Some have called it the `` dumbest '' crisis drummed up by Australians so far .
Others have pointed out , that compared to medicines or face masks or hand sanitiser , it 's not even an item that helps to combat the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the behaviour is `` obviously irrational '' , and a clear example of herd mentality whipped up by social media and news coverage .
`` What you 've got to remember is that when 50 packs of toilet paper rolls disappear off shelves , you really notice it because they take up so much room , '' says Prof Debra Grace from Griffith University .
`` It 's much more noticeable than say 50 cans of baked beans or hand sanitiser disappearing . ''
FOMO syndrome - or Fear Of Missing Out - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Nitika Garg from the University of New South Wales .
`` They think if this person is buying it , if my neighbour is buying there 's got to be a reason and I need to get in too , '' she told the BBC .
Prof Garg compares the rush to what occurred in many Asian nations .
She notes that in China for example , there was a greater motivation to stock up on white ply because `` there 's a thinking that toilet paper can be substituted for tissues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Using toilet paper as a medical resource is n't fuelling the Australian demand so far , she says .
The local buy-up is driven by fear .
She suggests the situation is unprecedented .
Australians have stocked up on household goods before but it 's been due to a natural disaster like a bushfire or cyclone , and restricted to certain communities .
`` But when it comes to coronavirus , people are n't certain as to how things are going to pan out , or how much worse it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` They want to be prepared because it 's the one thing they can do to get some sense of control . ''
Another consumer expert , Dr Rohan Miller from the University of Sydney , believes it is a reflection of an urbanised society and lifestyle where modern convenience reigns supreme .
`` We 're not used to shortages and scarcity , we 're used to being able to pick and choose what we want , when we want .
So the rush to get toilet paper is just this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he says .
Soft , white squares of toilet roll - marketed with pictures of puppies and pure snow - are a daily `` luxury '' that Australians and others just are n't willing to mentally part with .
`` I think people want to make sure they have some comforts in their lives if they 're going to be shacked up with their family for a long time , '' he says .
`` Toilet paper does n't really matter - it 's just so far down the survival list compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but it 's just something people cling to as a minimum standard . ''

"We're not used to shortages and scarcity, we're used to being able to pick and choose what we want, when we want. So the rush to get toilet paper is just this sheep mentality to maintain that status," he says.


bbc--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: Eight charts on how it has shaken economies

The coronavirus outbreak , which originated in China , has infected tens of thousands of people .
Its spread has left businesses around the world counting costs .
Here are eight key maps and charts to help you understand the impact seen on different economies and industries so far .
If the economy is growing , that generally means more wealth and more new jobs .
It 's measured by looking at the percentage change in gross domestic product , or the value of goods and services produced , typically over three months or a year .
The world 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2009 this year due to the coronavirus outbreak , according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ) .
The think tank has forecast growth of just 2.4 % in 2020 , down from 2.9 % in November .
It also said that a `` longer lasting and more intensive '' outbreak could halve growth to 1.5 % in 2020 as factories suspend their activity and workers stay at home to try to contain the virus .
Investors have been worried about the impact of the coronavirus as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in stock markets , where shares in companies are bought and sold , can affect investments in some types of pension or individual savings accounts ( Isas ) .
The last week of February saw the worst performance for major stock markets since the 2008 financial crisis .
European and US stock markets have seen a slight uptick since then as it 's hoped that countries will intervene to protect economies from the coronavirus outbreak .
The US central bank , for example , slashed interest rates in response to mounting concerns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ borrowing cheaper and encourage spending to boost the economy .
China makes up a third of manufacturing globally , and is the world 's largest exporter of goods .
But activity has decreased in the so-called `` workshop of the world '' as factories pause their operations to try to contain the spread of Covid-19 .
Nasa said pollution-monitoring satellites had detected a significant drop in nitrogen dioxide over the country .
Evidence suggests that 's `` at least partly '' due to the economic slowdown caused by the outbreak .
Restrictions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Diageo , JCB and Nissan , who rely on China 's production and its 300 million migrant workers .
Jaguar Land Rover even said it had flown car parts in suitcases as some factories run out of parts for vehicles .
Fear of the coronavirus outbreak means that some people are choosing to avoid activities that might expose them to the risk of infection , such as going out shopping .
Restaurants , car dealerships and shops have all reported a fall in customer demand .
Chinese car sales , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first half of February .
More carmakers , like Tesla or Geely , are now selling cars online as customers stay away from showrooms .
Shipments of smartphones are also expected to take a big hit in the first half of 2020 , before seeing a recovery later on .
Apple was one tech giant who said sales had been affected by low customer demand .
The number of cases diagnosed is increasing around the world every day .
Many countries have introduced travel restrictions to try to contain the virus 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government advises against all travel to the Hubei province in China , where the virus originated .
It 's also issued special travel advice for Italy , which was the first European country to report a major surge in cases .
The travel industry has been massively impacted , with airlines cutting flights and tourists cancelling business trips and holidays .
Data from analytics firm ForwardKeys shows international flights booked from China are behind by 55.9 % in comparison with the same period in 2019 .
UK travel industry experts have expressed concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There were 415,000 visits from China to the UK in the 12 months to September 2019 , according to VisitBritain .
Chinese travellers also spend three times more on an average visit to the UK at £1,680 each .
As more large-scale events are cancelled and the number of flight cancellations increases , there are fears the industry could take a bigger hit .
It can be hard to find positives when people 's jobs are affected , or - as in the case of the coronavirus outbreak - lives are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are some bright spots .
Consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser , for example , has seen a boost in sales for its Dettol and Lysol products .
The disinfectant is seen as providing protection against the spread of the disease , although its effectiveness has not yet been scientifically proven .
The price of gold - which is often considered a `` safe haven '' in times of uncertainty - has also increased .
Its spot price hit a seven-year high of $ 1,682.35 per ounce in February .
Investors are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread outside of China will further hit the global economy and demand .

Moderna, Novavax and AstraZeneca have seen significant rises. But Pfizer has seen its share price fall. The partnership with BioNTech, the high cost of production and management of the vaccine, and the growing number of same-size competitors have reduced the investors' trust in the company to have bigger revenue in 2021.


bbc--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: South Africa's economic victims

We know many of you have had lots of questions about the coronavirus so we put your questions to Dr @ @ @ @ @ Ouch .

The spread of coronavirus around the world is massively damaging business.
With so many countries relying on exports to China, the economic impact has been huge.
In South Africa, parts of the fishing industry are battling to survive, as Andrew Harding reports.
Filmed by: Stuart Phillips
Edited by Christian Parkinson


bbc--2020-03-04--Michael Bloomberg ends US presidential campaign

After spending millions on his own campaign , Michael Bloomberg is dropping out of the 2020 presidential race .
`` Three months ago , I entered the race for president to defeat Donald Trump .
Today , I am leaving the race for the same reason , '' he said in a statement .
Mr Bloomberg , a former mayor of New York City , spent at least $ 409m ( £313m ) of his own money in the race to become the Democratic Party 's nominee .
He said he would now support former Vice-President Joe Biden .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump starts with uniting behind the candidate with the best shot to do it .
After yesterday 's vote , it is clear that candidate is my friend and a great American , Joe Biden , '' Mr Bloomberg said in his statement .
He spent $ 409m up to the end of January , according to filings with the Federal Election Commission , but is believed to have also spent heavily during February ahead of Super Tuesday .
• Where did Bloomberg 's money go ?
Out of the 14 states and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billionaire only managed to win in American Samoa .
Joe Biden won 10 of the states , a remarkable rebound for his campaign .
The former US vice-president overturned predictions to narrowly take the key state of Texas from his main challenger , Bernie Sanders .
However , Mr Sanders is projected to win California - the biggest prize of the night - as well as three other states .
They lead the race to face Republican President Donald Trump in November .
Where did it go wrong ?
Michael Bloomberg 's unconventional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states and spending heavily on Super Tuesday just ran head-first into cold , hard reality .
1 ) While most of the candidates in the race were liked by Democrats , Bloomberg was underwater .
In Virginia , for instance , 56 % of primary voters viewed him unfavourably .
Hundreds of millions of dollars in slick television adverts and glossy mailers wo n't do any good if voters do n't trust you .
2 ) Bloomberg spent $ 34m in television and radio advertisements in Alabama , North Carolina and Virginia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount - and won all three .
The early warning signs - empty campaign offices , sparsely attended voter canvassing events - turned out to be harbingers of doom .
3 ) He was surging in the polls just a few weeks ago .
Then the Las Vegas debate , and his evisceration at the hands of Elizabeth Warren , happened .
While many of the debates this campaign have had negligible effects , that one mattered .
What happens with the Democratic race now ?
Super Tuesday awards more than 1,300 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic White House nomination in July .
As things stand , Mr Biden is in the lead , though full results from California , which has 415 delegates , could change that .
Senator Elizabeth Warren , once the frontrunner in the race , suffered a humiliating defeat to Mr Biden in her home state of Massachusetts .
The next primaries take place on 10 March in Michigan , Washington state , Idaho , Mississippi , Missouri and North Dakota , with 352 delegates available .
The front-runners are hoping to clinch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The party is at a crossroads as its voters decide which candidate has the best chance of denying Mr Trump a second term in office this autumn .
• A simple guide to US primaries and caucuses Once a crowded field of more than two dozen , celebrated for its women and candidates of colour , the Democratic contest now increasingly looks like a two-man race between two white male septuagenarians .
Mr Biden , a moderate , and Mr Sanders , a liberal firebrand , offer starkly different visions for America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself as an electable pragmatist who will bring incremental change and restore `` decency '' after the Trump presidency .
• Match the A-lister to their favoured 2020 Democrat But critics say his campaign is uninspiring , and that he brings too much political baggage from his lifelong career as a Washington insider .
Mr Sanders ' detractors say a self-described democratic socialist can not win over the swing voters needed to capture the White House .
He is planning to transform the American economy with a multi-trillion dollar , higher taxation blueprint @ @ @ @ @ @ @

3) He was surging in the polls just a few weeks ago. Then the Las Vegas debate, and his evisceration at the hands of Elizabeth Warren, happened. While many of the debates this campaign have had negligible effects, that one mattered.


bbc--2020-03-04--White House expands coronavirus testing as death toll rises

US Vice-President Mike Pence has said that any American can be tested for the coronavirus if ordered by a doctor , as the country 's death toll rises to 11 .
Mr Pence , asked by President Donald Trump to lead the US outbreak response , also said that the White House will begin on-camera briefings on the virus .
Some health officials have cast doubts on the government 's response , asking how they could accelerate testing .
There are now at least 147 US patients with Covid-19 in 16 states .
On Wednesday , California announced its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underlying health conditions .
• How worried should US be over coronavirus ?
The US outbreak has seen concentrations in California , Washington state , Texas and Nebraska .
Mr Pence said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would lift existing restrictions on tests and provide new guidelines for speeding up exams for those who fear they are infected .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts '' When I talked to some state officials , there was a sense that the tests would not be administered to people that were mildly symptomatic , '' Mr Pence said .
`` We 're issuing clear guidance that , subject to doctors ' orders , any American can be tested . ''
But some question how this promise will be kept , as public health laboratories insist their capacity for processing the tests is restricted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , amid reports of uninsured Americans paying upwards of $ 1,000 ( £780 ) for a test .
The US House of Representatives approved $ 8.3bn in emergency aid on Wednesday to combat the coronavirus .
One congressman , Matt Gaetz of Florida , took to the chamber floor for the vote wearing a gas mask , for reasons that remain unclear .
Since February , the US government has prohibited entry from foreign nationals who have visited China - the epicentre of the outbreak - in the past 14 days .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it expected international inbound travel to the country to drop 6 % between now and May - the largest dip in global visits since the 2008 financial crisis .
About 79.3 million international visitors travelled to the US last year .
Authorities have confirmed more than 92,000 cases of the virus worldwide , of which more than 80,000 are in China .
More than 3,000 people have died globally , the vast majority in China .
The worst-hit country outside China is South Korea , which on Wednesday reported 516 new confirmed infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The country 's death toll stands at 35 .
The World Bank has committed $ 12bn in aid for developing nations grappling with the spread of the coronavirus , following warnings that economic slowdowns from the outbreak could push countries into recession .

Coronavirus: California declares emergency after death Published 5 March 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Pence outlines new measures to combat coronavirus
California has declared a state of emergency after announcing its first coronavirus death, bringing the US death toll from the disease to 11.
The 71-year-old man had underlying health conditions and had been on a cruise ship, said officials.
Eleven passengers and 10 crew members are potentially infected on board the Grand Princess now being held off the coast of California.
There are now at least 150 reported US patients with Covid-19 in 16 states.
Worldwide, authorities have confirmed more than 92,000 cases of the virus, of which more than 80,000 are in China.
More than 3,000 people have died globally, the vast majority in China where the virus originated.
Ten of the 11 US deaths were in Washington state.
Meanwhile Washington and Florida both declared states of emergency over the weekend to help prevent the coronavirus.
Such a declaration gives cities and counties the ability to ask the state or other municipalities for aid if and when their own resources are depleted. Officials have said that a state of emergency is meant to expedite the distribution of resources and should not be cause for panic.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
What do we know about the cruise ship?
It is believed that the deceased California man became infected aboard the Grand Princess, a cruise ship which made a round trip from San Francisco to Mexico last month.
After the ship docked in San Francisco on 21 February, thousands more passengers boarded and thousands disembarked. The vessel then began a round-trip to Hawaii.
Image source, AFP Image caption, The Grand Princess is one of the world's largest cruise ships (file photo)
Some 62 passengers were on both the Mexico and the Hawaii trips. They have been restricted to their rooms for testing.
The Coast Guard will deliver sampling kits to the ship by helicopter on Thursday and a medical team on board will administer the tests. Fewer than 100 passengers and crew have been identified for testing, Princess Cruises said in a statement.
Mark Pace and his wife Beth are on the ship and told CNN they are among passengers allowed to roam around. They said they had noticed some changes on board. In order to get a plate for the buffet, they have to wash their hands and use hand gel. They are also not allowed to serve themselves.
"We are a little nervous about it. We knew it was a possibility. We came prepared with two weeks of extra medication and my laptop so that I could work if we were confined," Mr Pace said.
The ship is operated by Carnival, whose Diamond Princess cruise ship was quarantined last month after dozens of passengers tested positive for Covid-19 as it docked in Japan.
What other action is the US taking?
The US government currently prohibits entry to foreign nationals who have visited China - the epicentre of the outbreak - during the past 14 days.
US Vice-President Mike Pence said on Wednesday that any American can be tested for the coronavirus if ordered by a doctor.
Mr Pence, who is leading the US outbreak response, also said that the White House will begin on-camera briefings on the virus.
In addition, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will lift existing restrictions on tests and provide new guidelines for speeding up exams for those who fear they are infected.
But some question how this promise will be kept, as public health laboratories insist their capacity for processing the tests is restricted.
There is also a question of cost, amid reports of uninsured Americans paying upwards of $1,000 (£780) for a test. The US House of Representatives approved $8.3bn in emergency aid on Wednesday to combat the coronavirus.
Some health officials have accused the Trump administration of a slow-footed response to the outbreak, and concerns have been raised about a nationwide shortage of test kits.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, More coronavirus cases in the United States "likely"
In response, President Trump blamed the shortage on regulations adopted by his predecessor, Democratic President Barack Obama. The administration claims it has lifted these regulations by allowing local labs to create their own tests.
Outside of government, United Airlines and Delta have announced cuts to their US flight schedules due to a drop in demand caused by worries over the virus.
What are the latest developments elsewhere?
The worst-hit country outside China is South Korea, which on Wednesday reported 516 new confirmed infections, bringing the total to 5,766. The country's death toll stands at 35.
In an effort to curb the outbreak, South Korea's Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has announced a ban on face mask exports.
Australia has meanwhile banned entry for all foreign nationals from South Korea. Two people have died from coronavirus in Australia, and another 53 cases have been reported.
Meanwhile, China has reported 139 new cases and 31 deaths, all in Hubei province.
Schools have been closed for at least 10 days in Italy, which is grappling with the worst outbreak outside Asia.
On Thursday, the International Monetary Fund announced $50bn (£39bn) of support for countries hit by the coronavirus. The organisation also warned that global economic growth was now expected to be below the 2.9% rate for 2019.
How have you been affected by the spread of Covid-19? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbc--2020-03-04--Survivors from Tennessee tornado share their stories

Footage of tornado damage in the US south A school in Louisiana was flattened after dozens of tornadoes tore through @ @ @ @ @

'We honestly didn't think we were going to make it' Video, 00:00:51'We honestly didn't think we were going to make it'


bbc--2020-03-04--Release of James Bond film No Time To Die delayed amid coronavirus fears

The release of the new James Bond film has been put back by seven months as coronavirus continues to spread .
The producers said they had moved the release of No Time To Die from April to November after `` careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace '' .
The announcement comes days after the founders of two 007 fan sites called on the film studios to delay its release .
It will now come out in the UK on 12 November , and in the US on 25 November .
No Time To Die , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final appearance as the British secret service agent , had been due for release on 3 April .
The world premiere had been scheduled to take place on 31 March at the Royal Albert Hall in London .
`` Just one person , who may not even show symptoms , could infect the rest of the audience , '' wrote the founders of MI6 Confidential and The James Bond Dossier , in an open letter on Monday .
`` This is not the type of publicity that anyone wants . ''
At present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or large public gatherings in the UK .
However , France has called a temporary halt to all indoor events with more than 5,000 people in attendance , while Switzerland has banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people until 15 March .
The last Bond film , Spectre , took almost $ 900m ( £690m ) at worldwide box offices in 2015 .
Some film analysts have suggested the coronavirus could wipe $ 5bn ( £3.8bn ) off the global box office , with many of China 's cinemas already closed and revenues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The news comes amid increased concerns about people gathering together , but it is the first major film to change its schedule as a result .
The Hollywood Reporter editorial director Matthew Belloni wrote that it was `` a huge and very costly move , and a sign of what 's likely to come with Hollywood 's big summer movies '' .
Screen International deputy editor Louise Tutt told BBC News the decision was `` about mitigating the financial risk '' .
She said : `` I think they 're doing it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most of them have already closed in China , so even if not another single cinema closed in the world they 'd lose the world 's second-biggest box office [ market ] for what 's anticipated to be the biggest US release of the year . ''
Monday 's fan letter said : `` It 's just a movie .
The health and wellbeing of fans around the world , and their families , is more important .
`` We have all waited over four years for this film .
Another few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the film and only help the box office for Daniel Craig 's final hurrah . ''
• What we learned from the first James Bond trailer • James Bond 's mission to survive in the # MeToo age The 25th Bond film co-stars Oscar winner Rami Malek as `` a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology '' .
Its release had already been pushed back from October 2019 after original director Danny Boyle dropped out .
The movie 's Beijing premiere and Chinese promotional tour , which had been scheduled for April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese cinema releases of the new Mulan and Sonic the Hedgehog films were also delayed after the virus spread .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts • WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY HOLIDAY ?
Your rights as a traveller Earlier on Wednesday , film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Paris and Poland offices out of what it described as `` an abundance of caution '' .
Disney has cancelled a red carpet gala - due to have taken place on Thursday - to launch its streaming service Disney+ in the UK .
MIPTV , a gathering of the television and entertainment industries , in Cannes , France , was scrapped less than four weeks before it was due to open .
The London Book Fair was also called off on Wednesday , while the fallout from the virus has caused a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the Chinese Grand Prix , the Ireland v Italy 's Six Nations game , and the World Athletics Indoor Championships .
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

She said: "I think they're doing it in anticipation of cinemas closing around the world. Most of them have already closed in China, so even if not another single cinema closed in the world they'd lose the world's second-biggest box office [market] for what's anticipated to be the biggest US release of the year."


bbc--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: Italy to close all schools as deaths rise

Italy has confirmed that it will shut all schools from Thursday for 10 days as it battles to contain the coronavirus outbreak .
And all professional sport , including Serie A football matches , will be played behind closed doors for a month .
A total of 107 people have now been killed by the coronavirus in Italy , which has the most serious outbreak in Europe .
PM Giuseppe Conte said the health service risked being overwhelmed .
Most of the more than 3,000 cases are in the north but others have been confirmed in 19 of Italy 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Updates from across the globe • Eight charts on how coronavirus has hit the global economy Globally about 3,200 people have died and more than 90,000 have been infected , the vast majority in China , where the virus emerged late last year .
The World Health Organization has so far stopped short of declaring a pandemic - an epidemic spreading across the world through local transmission - but on Wednesday Germany 's health minister said the coronavirus now met the definition .
`` The situation is changing very quickly ... What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet reached the peak of the outbreak , '' Jens Spahn said .
Confirmed cases have been reported in 81 countries , with Italy , Iran and South Korea emerging as hotspots outside China .
Italy is suffering : with cafes and hotels half-empty , the tourism sector here is predicted to lose £6.5bn ( 8.5bn ) .
Another town north of Milan could be placed in quarantine as cases there grow .
But the containment measures so far have failed to halt the spread - there 's now been the first death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister sounded a reassuring note in an address last night , fear of this crisis is deepening .
What else is happening ?
• The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved an $ 8.3bn ( £6.5bn ) funding bill to combat the spread of coronavirus .
The emergency legislation now goes to the Senate • California has recorded the first death in the US outside Washington state .
Los Angeles has declared a public health emergency • Israel is imposing new travel restrictions on five European countries - France , Germany , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia has suspended the lesser Muslim pilgrimage , or Umra , for Saudi citizens and residents of the Gulf kingdom • Iraq has announced two deaths .
The country is to suspend all trade with Iran and Kuwait for a week .
The northern Kurdistan region said religious ceremonies at mosques , churches and temples were banned until further notice • Australians have been stockpiling toilet paper after the country 's first two deaths were reported • German airline Lufthansa says it is grounding 150 of its 770 aircraft amid `` extraordinary circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned of the growing economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak , predicting a drop in global growth below last year 's modest level • But International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach insisted this summer 's Games in Tokyo would go ahead as planned What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• HOW IS THE UK PLANNING FOR AN OUTBREAK : How prepared are we ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • HOW TO SELF-ISOLATE : What you need to know • WHERE ARE WE WITH A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts What is Italy doing ?
Mr Conte called on all Italians to `` do their part '' .
`` We are in the same boat , whoever has the helm has the duty to indicate the route , we must make an extra effort , we must do it together , '' he said .
Education Minister Lucia Azzolina said she hoped students would be able to resume classes as soon as possible .
`` My commitment is to ensure that the essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is provided to all our students , '' she said .
Local media said health experts and Italy 's health ministry had been in favour of closing schools .
Italy 's death toll from the virus had jumped by 28 to 107 , the Civil Protection Agency said on Wednesday .
Most of the deaths have been in the Lombardy region around Milan , and in northern areas near Bologna and Venice .
Earlier measures including the quarantine of 11 towns near Milan with a combined population of 50,000 have failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now also considering closing cinemas and theatres and banning public events , Reuters news agency reported , quoting a draft government decree .
The decree also tells Italians to avoid hugging and shaking hands as much as possible .
Which other countries have closed schools ?
Mainland China and Hong Kong , Japan , Iraq and the United Arab Emirates have already closed schools or are about to do so - affecting millions of schoolchildren .
France has also closed about 120 schools in areas with the largest numbers of coronavirus infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been shut in an area north of Paris where the main cluster of French cases has emerged and where two people who have died of the virus lived .
How have you been affected by coronavirus ?
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

Coronavirus: Italy to close all schools as deaths rise Published 4 March 2020
Image source, EPA Image caption, Italy has the most serious outbreak in Europe
Italy has confirmed that it will shut all schools from Thursday for 10 days as it battles to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
A total of 107 people have now been killed by the coronavirus in Italy, which has the most serious outbreak in Europe.
PM Giuseppe Conte said the health service risked being overwhelmed.
Most of the more than 3,000 cases are in the north but others have been confirmed in 19 of Italy's 20 regions.
Globally about 3,200 people have died and more than 90,000 have been infected, the vast majority in China, where the virus emerged late last year.
The World Health Organization has so far stopped short of declaring a pandemic - an epidemic spreading across the world through local transmission - but on Wednesday Germany's health minister said the coronavirus now met the definition.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Steps the NHS says you should take to protect yourself from Covid-19
"The situation is changing very quickly... What's clear is that we have not yet reached the peak of the outbreak," Jens Spahn said.
Confirmed cases have been reported in 81 countries, with Italy, Iran and South Korea emerging as hotspots outside China.
Fear is deepening
Mark Lowen, BBC Rome correspondent
Italy is suffering: with cafes and hotels half-empty, the tourism sector here is predicted to lose £6.5bn (8.5bn).
Another town north of Milan could be placed in quarantine as cases there grow.
But the containment measures so far have failed to halt the spread - there's now been the first death south of Rome.
And while the prime minister sounded a reassuring note in an address last night, fear of this crisis is deepening.
What else is happening?
The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved an $8.3bn (£6.5bn) funding bill to combat the spread of coronavirus. The emergency legislation now goes to the Senate
California has recorded the first death in the US outside Washington state. Los Angeles has declared a public health emergency
Israel is imposing new travel restrictions on five European countries - France, Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland
Saudi Arabia has suspended the lesser Muslim pilgrimage, or Umra, for Saudi citizens and residents of the Gulf kingdom
Iraq has announced two deaths. The country is to suspend all trade with Iran and Kuwait for a week. The northern Kurdistan region said religious ceremonies at mosques, churches and temples were banned until further notice
Australians have been stockpiling toilet paper after the country's first two deaths were reported
German airline Lufthansa says it is grounding 150 of its 770 aircraft amid "extraordinary circumstances"
The International Monetary Fund has warned of the growing economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, predicting a drop in global growth below last year's modest level
But International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach insisted this summer's Games in Tokyo would go ahead as planned
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
What is Italy doing?
Mr Conte called on all Italians to "do their part".
"We are in the same boat, whoever has the helm has the duty to indicate the route, we must make an extra effort, we must do it together," he said.
Education Minister Lucia Azzolina said she hoped students would be able to resume classes as soon as possible.
"My commitment is to ensure that the essential public service, albeit from a distance, is provided to all our students," she said.
Local media said health experts and Italy's health ministry had been in favour of closing schools.
Italy's death toll from the virus had jumped by 28 to 107, the Civil Protection Agency said on Wednesday. Most of the deaths have been in the Lombardy region around Milan, and in northern areas near Bologna and Venice.
Earlier measures including the quarantine of 11 towns near Milan with a combined population of 50,000 have failed to stop the spread of infections.
Italy is now also considering closing cinemas and theatres and banning public events, Reuters news agency reported, quoting a draft government decree.
The decree also tells Italians to avoid hugging and shaking hands as much as possible.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Quiet on Venice streets amid coronavirus fears
Which other countries have closed schools?
Mainland China and Hong Kong, Japan, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates have already closed schools or are about to do so - affecting millions of schoolchildren.
France has also closed about 120 schools in areas with the largest numbers of coronavirus infections.
Both primary and secondary schools have been shut in an area north of Paris where the main cluster of French cases has emerged and where two people who have died of the virus lived.
Ask me
How have you been affected by coronavirus? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbc--2020-03-05--Kim Kardashian visits White House with prisoners she helped free

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West tweeted pictures of her visit to the White House on Wednesday with three women recently freed from prison .
US President Donald Trump cut short the jail sentences of Crystal Munoz , Judith Negron and Tynice Hall in February .
The women were jailed for drug-related and white collar crimes , and all had young children when imprisoned .
In 2018 Kardashian West lobbied the White House on behalf of a grandmother jailed for life .
Mr Trump is believed to have met the three women who visited on Wednesday , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commuted the sentences of three really deserving women .
I did n't hear much about it in the news so I wanted to share with you their stores ! ''
Kardashian West tweeted .
`` I have the pleasure of spending the day with these women today along with @ AliceMarieFree [ Alice Johnson ] who helped to pick these women . ''
The women 's names were suggested by Alice Johnson , a 63-year-old grandmother who was granted clemency in a high-profile decision by Mr Trump in 2018 .
Kardashian West had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Johnson was given a life sentence for a non-violent drugs conviction in 1996 , and became a symbol for many of harsh sentencing in the US .
It was Kardashian West who called Ms Johnson to say she was free , her lawyers said .
US presidents have the power to cut short sentences of criminals or even pardon them .
In February Mr Trump granted clemency to eleven people in total , including former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich .
The women had also appealed to President Barack Obama for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office , but the requests were denied .
Kardashian West , who announced last year that she was training to be a lawyer , is campaigning for changes to the US justice system .
She shares concerns about long sentences handed down to first-time offenders and the disproportionate effect on ethnic minority communities .
The US leads the world in the number of jailed citizens .
Crystal Munoz was pregnant when she was jailed .
She gave birth in shackles .
Her experience was highlighted in the 2018 bill the First Step Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banned shackling of female prisoners in labour .
Donald Trump 's daughter Ivanka also tweeted a picture of the group of women in the West Wing .
Who are the freed women ?
• Crystal Munoz was found guilty of drug conspiracy in 2008 and given an 18-year sentence .
She drew a map for friends that was used in trafficking drugs from the US to Mexico , but she says she was unaware of its purpose , according to Rolling Stone .
She left a five-month-old baby at home and gave birth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentenced to 35 years for conspiracy to commit health care fraud in 2011 .
She was found guilty of orchestrating a $ 205 million Medicare fraud scheme .
It was her first offence .
She left two sons at home .
• Tynice Hall was convicted on drug charges in 2006 when she was 22 .
Her boyfriend was the main target of the investigation , and large amounts of drugs were found in their homes .
She left her three-year-old son at home .

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bbc--2020-03-04--US defence department linguist charged with espionage

A US defence department linguist has been charged with transmitting `` highly sensitive classified '' information to a foreign national linked to the Lebanese Islamist militant group Hezbollah .
Mariam Thompson , 61 , is accused of endangering the lives of US military personnel and others on `` active '' duty by revealing their real names .
Her alleged actions were a `` threat to national security '' , US officials said .
Ms Thompson was arrested by FBI agents at an overseas US base on 27 February .
Formerly of Rochester , Minnesota , she worked as a contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government security clearance '' , the US justice department said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` While in a war zone , the defendant allegedly gave sensitive national defence information , including the names of individuals helping the United States , to a Lebanese national located overseas , '' the justice department 's assistant attorney general for national security , John Demers , said .
`` If true , this conduct is a disgrace , especially for someone serving as a contractor with the United States military .
This betrayal of country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
The statement says that an investigation into Ms Thompson established `` a notable shift '' in her network activity on the department 's classified systems , including accessing `` information she had no reason to access '' .
Then , on 19 February , an authorised search of her living quarters led to the discovery of a handwritten note in Arabic hidden under her mattress .
The note contained information `` identifying human assets by name '' , while warning a person of interest affiliated with Hezbollah that these individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the statement adds .
Ms Thompson allegedly shared the classified information with a `` co-conspirator in whom she had a romantic interest '' .
The FBI investigation revealed that she knew this person was a foreign national whose relative worked for the Lebanese government .
Ms Thompson is due to make an initial court appearance on Wednesday .
If she is later convicted , she faces a maximum sentence of life in prison .

"If true, this conduct is a disgrace, especially for someone serving as a contractor with the United States military. This betrayal of country and colleagues will be punished," he added.


bbc--2020-03-04--Venezuela's Maduro urges women to have six children

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has urged women to have six children `` for the good of the country '' .
The country is facing an economic crisis which has resulted in severe food and medicine shortages .
Between 2013 and 2018 , 13 % of Venezuelan children were malnourished , says UN children 's agency Unicef .
A bitter power struggle between the government and the opposition has exacerbated the country 's trials .
Opposition leader Juan Guaidó is considered the legitimate leader of Venezuela by more than 50 countries .
But President Maduro , the country 's left-wing leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military , has remained in power .
`` May God bless you for having given life to six little girls and boys '' , Mr Maduro told a woman who attended the healthcare event .
`` Every woman should have six children for the good of the country '' , he said , adding that it was `` women 's week '' , a reference to International Women 's Day on 8 March .
Supporters of Mr Guaidó responded angrily on Twitter .
Manuela Bolivar , a member of the opposition-controlled National Assembly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not functioning , vaccines are scarce , women can not breastfeed because they are malnourished or buy baby formula because it is unaffordable , and the country faces forced migration due to the humanitarian emergency .
`` Maduro and all of his regime who say this have psychological dissociation . ''
What is the situation like for families in Venezuela ?
One in three Venezuelans is struggling to put enough food on the table to meet minimum nutrition requirements , according to a study by the UN World Food Programme .
Amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 that it had seen the number of babies abandoned in the streets or left at the entrances of public buildings increase by 70 % .
The Venezuelan government has not released any official figures in recent years .


bbc--2020-03-04--New Jersey police race to pull driver from burning lorry

A driver has escaped with minor injuries after New Jersey police pulled him from his truck cab seconds before it @ @ @ @ @ State Police troopers worked to pull him from the vehicle , which caught fire after @ @ @ @ @ of Interstate 287 in Somerset County .

A driver has escaped with minor injuries after New Jersey police pulled him from his truck cab seconds before it exploded.
Two New Jersey State Police troopers worked to pull him from the vehicle, which caught fire after crashing in the fast lane of Interstate 287 in Somerset County.


bbc--2020-03-04--Jeff Sessions heads into run-off in his Senate bid

US former Attorney General Jeff Sessions has failed to secure a majority in his efforts to reclaim his old Senate seat in Alabama .
Mr Sessions , who was often criticised by President Donald Trump before being sacked in 2018 , is trailing former football coach Tommy Tuberville .
Another former Trump aide , his White House doctor Ronny Jackson , is also facing a run-off in Texas .
Mr Jackson , a retired Navy rear admiral , has Mr Trump 's support in his bid to be elected to the House of Representatives .
He trails Josh Winegarner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary in Texas .
Mr Sessions , 73 , had held the reliably Republican Senate seat in Alabama for 20 years before joining Mr Trump 's team as the president 's first attorney general .
He has often come under fire from Democrats over his hard-line views on immigration and allegations of racist remarks .
But the early Trump supporter fell foul of the president when he refused to oversee the investigation into allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
Mr Trump has not endorsed Mr Sessions - or his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the run-off due on 31 March .
The winner will face Senator Doug Jones , who won the seat Mr Sessions vacated amid backlash for his Republican opponent , Roy Moore , who was accused of sexually assaulting underage girls .
Many say Mr Jones is the most endangered Democrat up for re-election in November .
What about Mr Trump 's former personal physician ?
Mr Jackson , 52 , worked as White House physician from 2006 to 2018 .
He was famously known for his report on the president 's health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump 's `` incredible genes '' .
Mr Jackson told reporters that the president could live to the age of 200 if his diet improved .
He came under more scrutiny in 2018 when he was nominated by President Trump to lead the US Department of Veterans Affairs .
His name was withdrawn shortly afterwards , amid accusations of questionable drug prescriptions , drunkenness and wrecking a government vehicle - allegations the doctor condemned as `` baseless '' .
The 26 May primary run-off will decide the candidate to replace retiring Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the House in 1994 .

The winner will face Senator Doug Jones, who won the seat Mr Sessions vacated amid backlash for his Republican opponent, Roy Moore, who was accused of sexually assaulting underage girls. Many say Mr Jones is the most endangered Democrat up for re-election in November.


bbc--2020-03-04--Greta Thunberg brands EU's new climate law 'surrender'

Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg has rebuked the EU 's plan for tackling climate change , telling MEPs it amounts to `` surrender '' .
Ms Thunberg spoke in Brussels on Wednesday as the EU unveiled a proposed law for reducing carbon emissions .
If passed , the law would make it a legal requirement for the EU to be carbon neutral by 2050 .
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the law as the `` heart of the European Green Deal '' .
But 17-year-old Ms Thunberg dismissed the law as `` empty words '' , accusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a leader on climate change .
• EU aims to be 'climate neutral ' by 2050 '' When your house is on fire , you do n't wait a few more years to start putting it out .
And yet this is what the Commission is proposing today , '' Thunberg told the European Parliament 's environment committee .
She said the law , which would give the EU Commission more powers to set tougher carbon reduction goals , did not go far enough .
The law , Ms Thunberg said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` giving up '' on the Paris agreement - a deal which committed 197 nations to greenhouse gas reductions .
`` This climate law is surrender .
Nature does n't bargain , and you can not make deals with physics , '' the activist said .
She said its Green Deal package of measures would give the world `` much less than a 50 % chance '' to limit global warming to 1.5C .
• What is in the Paris climate agreement ?
Countries signed up to the Paris climate deal have agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperatures below 1.5C .
What is the EU 's Green Deal ?
• A €100bn ( £86m ) Just Transition Mechanism to help countries still heavily dependent on fossil fuels and `` carbon-intensive processes '' to move to renewable energy sources • Proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 50 % of 1990 levels or even lower by 2030 - instead of the current target of a 40 % cut • A law that would set the EU `` on an irreversible path to climate neutrality '' by 2050 • A plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system designed to eliminate waste - that would address more sustainable products as well as a `` farm to fork '' strategy to improve the sustainability of food production and distribution Read more about the deal on the EU Commission 's website '' Your distant targets will mean nothing if high emissions continue like today , even for just a few more years , because that will use up our remaining carbon budget before we even have the chance to deliver on your 2030 or 2050 goals , '' Ms Thunberg said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ms Thunberg has become a figurehead for the global climate change movement .
• What does Greta Thunberg want ?
• Why are young climate activists facing so much hate ?
Her solo protest outside Sweden 's parliament in 2018 inspired millions of young people to join her school climate strike campaign , Fridays for Future .
She appeared in front of a 15,000-strong crowd in Bristol in western England last week .
She warned `` those in power '' she would `` not be silenced when the world is on fire @ @

"Your distant targets will mean nothing if high emissions continue like today, even for just a few more years, because that will use up our remaining carbon budget before we even have the chance to deliver on your 2030 or 2050 goals," Ms Thunberg said.


bbc--2020-03-04--China demands US response over CIA hacking claims

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has asked the US for a `` clear explanation '' after claims the CIA had been hacking targets in China for at least 11 years .
The allegations were made by Qihoo , a well-known cyber-security firm based in Beijing .
The company said it had found evidence in malware suggesting the CIA had targeted airlines , petrol companies and government agencies .
The BBC has contacted the CIA for comment .
Qihoo said it had analysed malicious code and found similarities between it and information about alleged CIA hacking tools which was published three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hacking campaign were internet firms , scientific institutions and energy companies .
`` We speculate that in the past 11 years of infiltration attacks , CIA may have already grasped the most classified business information of China , even of many other countries in the world , '' added Qihoo .
In recent years , we have become used to private cyber-security companies , and then Western governments , calling out espionage by other states - with China often in the firing line .
Many private cyber-security companies , though , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hacking group to a foreign state .
This new report is a sign that Chinese companies are willing to hit back at the US and the CIA .
One thing making it easier for them is the fact that the CIA lost control of some of its most sensitive hacking tools , which were leaked onto the web .
That allowed others to recognise them being used by the CIA - or , perhaps , by people using them to falsely implicate the US .
At times , reports by US cyber-security companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The same might be true in this case , as China seeks to push back .
China has urged the US to give a clear explanation of any hacking activities , and make cyber-space peaceful and safe .
In March 2017 , a trove of documents was published by WikiLeaks , that appeared to reveal a number of CIA hacking tools .
• CIA hacking tools : Should we be worried ?
The documents suggested the agency had developed ways of eavesdropping on smartphones and smart devices with built-in microphones .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has an offensive cyber-capability , '' said James Sullivan at the London-based Royal United Services Institute .
`` Whether this particular example is true or not , it still raises questions about the ethics of offensive cyber and the licence to operate . ''

"We speculate that in the past 11 years of infiltration attacks, CIA may have already grasped the most classified business information of China, even of many other countries in the world," added Qihoo.


bbc--2020-03-04--Struggling airline Flybe 'set to collapse within hours'

Airline Flybe is set to collapse within hours , putting 2,000 jobs at risk after a bid for fresh financial support failed , the BBC has learned .
The struggling carrier narrowly avoided going bust in January .
Exeter-based Flybe said the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on demand for air travel was partly to blame .
Its final airborne flights are expected to touch down at airports across the UK late on Wednesday evening .
Passengers who had boarded a flight in Glasgow bound for Birmingham on Wednesday evening had to disembark after `` a fuel issue '' meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who runs a vehicle rental business in Glasgow but lives in Oxfordshire and had been due to take that flight , said the airline had improved over the last six months but was still dubbed `` Fly Maybe '' by regular customers .
Passengers booked on flights for Thursday are awaiting confirmation that they wo n't be able to fly .
That includes Brandon Freeman and his wife Danielle from Dudley who had booked `` a trip of a lifetime '' to visit family in Germany for the first time .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Manchester Airport at 01:00 GMT but were `` instead sat wondering what to do '' .
Flybe , which serves many parts of the UK from the Channel Islands to Aberdeen , had been hoping for a £100m lifeline and changes to Air Passenger Duty taxes .
The carrier ran into difficulties last year and was bought by a consortium which includes Virgin Atlantic .
In January , the new owners said they would pump £30m into the business to keep it afloat , but appealed to the government for additional support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regional market was extremely challenging for any airline , but that Flybe had made matters worse some years ago through over-ambitious expansion .
`` It 's not surprising that Flybe has faced significant financial difficulties .
The airline has struggled for a number of years , it 's really too big for what it 's trying to do , '' he said .
Although the airline is small compared to the likes of British Airways , Ryanair or EasyJet , the loss of the operator for the UK 's regions would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's small in the scale of the UK market as a whole , but if you 're flying out of Exeter , Newquay or specifically Southampton it really is one of the only airline choices , indeed in Southampton it accounts for about 95 % of the activity at that airport , so a number of regional groups will risk not being served . ''
While its financial problems were already apparent , a company insider told the BBC the impact of the coronavirus on the travel industry had `` made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said this week its chief executive will take a 20 % pay cut for four months , and the airline is freezing recruitment and offering employees unpaid leave as the coronavirus saps demand for air travel .
Following last December 's general election , Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to `` level up '' the UK 's regions , after the Conservatives won seats in previous Labour strongholds .
In January Mr Johnson appeared ready to intervene to prop up the airline , considered a vital transport link to many parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demise of Flybe would cause anxiety in many regions of the UK .
Shadow transport secretary Andy Macdonald said the airline had provided `` critical connectivity for many locations '' and its collapse would be `` disastrous news for passengers and employees alike . ''
`` The government has to answer how those vital links will be maintained following Flybe 's collapse .
Communities will be concerned about what this will mean for their local economies and the Secretary of State has to come up with answers to these questions as a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brian Strutton , general secretary of the pilots ' union Balpa , said that while pilots , cabin crew and ground staff had done their jobs `` brilliantly '' , government had `` connived to walk away '' from the problem .
Rory Boland , travel editor for consumer group Which ?
said Flybe 's passengers were unlikely to have Atol protection , which would mean they would not be automatically flown home , as they would not have booked their flights as part of a package .
`` Many popular travel insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going into administration , so many travellers may find they are not covered , '' Mr Boland said .
However some customers would be covered by their credit or debit cards .
Customers whose flight was with a codeshare partner can claim the cost of their flight through that airline , he added .
Are you a Flybe passenger ?
Are you affected by Flybe 's expected collapse ?
Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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In response to the collapse, the UK government said it was ready to help Flybe's workers find new jobs and would work with other airlines to replace services: "We are working closely with industry to minimise any disruption to routes operated by Flybe, including by looking urgently at how routes not already covered by other airlines can be re-established by the industry. "


bbc--2020-03-04--Climate change boosted Australia bushfire risk by at least 30%

Scientists have published the first assessment quantifying the role of climate change in the recent Australian bushfires .
Global warming boosted the risk of the hot , dry weather that 's likely to cause bushfires by at least 30 % , they say .
But the study suggests the figure is likely to be much greater .
It says that if global temperatures rise by 2C , as seems likely , such conditions would occur at least four times more often .
The analysis has been carried out by the World Weather Attribution consortium .
• Climate change : Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jan van Oldenborgh of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute in De Bilt , The Netherlands , told the BBC even the study 's very conservative estimates were troubling .
`` Last year the fire prevention system in Australia , which is extremely well prepared for bushfires , was straining .
It was at the limits of what it could handle , with volunteers working for weeks on end , '' said Prof van Oldenborgh .
`` As the world warms , these events will become more likely and more common .
And it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for . ''
During the 2019-2020 fire season in Australia , record-breaking temperatures and months of severe drought fuelled a series of massive bushfires across the country .
At least 33 people were killed and more than 11 million hectares ( 110,000 sq km or 27.2 million acres ) of bush , forest and parks across Australia burned .
Although it makes sense that human-induced global warming is likely to have led to more bushfires , assigning a figure to that increased risk is complex .
That is because other factors not directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant role .
These include increased water use making the land drier , urban heating effects or unknown local factors .
Nevertheless , Prof Jan van Oldenborgh and 17 fellow climate scientists from six countries gave it their best shot .
`` It was by far the most complex study we have undertaken , '' he told the BBC .
Read more about the bushfires : • Australia fires were far worse than any prediction • How the blazes 'will be normal ' in warmer world • What is Australia doing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burnt through half of Kangaroo Island The researchers found the climate models consistently underestimated the observed increase in temperatures in south-east Australia and so could not pinpoint a figure for the increased risk from climate change .
They were , however , able to tease out a minimum risk .
`` We show that climate change definitely increases the risk of the extreme weather that makes the catastrophic bush fires ( that south-east Australia has experienced ) in the past few months more likely by at least 30 % .
`` But we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do n't know how much more .
It could be a lot more . ''
Prof van Oldenborgh is among those attempting to find out if the current climate computer models really are underestimating the influence of global warming - and if they are , working out how to correct them .
His co-author Prof Friederike Otto , from the University of Oxford , said such work was needed to build a more accurate picture of the risk of bush fires .
`` We have only given a lower bound in answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change is indeed an important driver - also locally - and that we need to continue to test our models in the real world , '' she explained .
This would `` improve them so we can provide higher-confidence risk information at the scales where people live and make decisions '' .

"We have only given a lower bound in answer to that question, confirming that climate change is indeed an important driver - also locally - and that we need to continue to test our models in the real world," she explained.


bbc--2020-03-04--Illicit wildlife products 'slipping through the net'

A study has called into question the effectiveness of measures to clamp down on the illegal wildlife trade .
Critically endangered eels have been sold recently in Hong Kong stores , despite bans on their international trade , according to DNA evidence .
The discovery raises concerns about the scale at which illegal wildlife products are entering the supply chain , say scientists in Hong Kong .
There are growing calls for global action to end wildlife trafficking .
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak , China has moved to ban the wildlife trade and consumption , while governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-operation to curb illegal wildlife trade .
Dr Mark Jones of the Born Free Foundation is among international experts calling for a new global agreement on wildlife crime .
Exploitation in all its forms has been identified as a key driver of wildlife and biodiversity decline , he said , which could see the extinction of a million species over the coming decades , unless we transform the way we interact with the natural world .
`` While there has typically been a focus on trade in and trafficking of wildlife between Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affecting all corners of the world , and the dire plight of the European eel , the illegal trade in which is threatening the future existence of this species , is a very good example , '' he said .
The European eel was once common in rivers but is now in rapid decline .
The creature 's epic migration extends from its Caribbean breeding grounds in the Sargasso Sea to the rivers of Europe , North Africa and parts of Asia .
But its status as a delicacy has attracted the attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the eel is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species ( Cites ) , except where a permit is issued .
Yet , according to the new study , the eel was available in Hong Kong stores in 2017 and 2018 , despite the fact that no imports were declared .
• Looks virtually identical to similar eels , making it easy to launder with legal products • As the Japanese eel has declined , European eels are being sourced to meet demand • Commercial harvesting has added to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barriers to migration , pollution , parasites , and changing ocean conditions .
DNA testing of eel products available at 49 retail outlets in Hong Kong identified 45 % as European eel .
Of 13 brands tested , nine were found to contain the critically endangered species .
University of Hong Kong scientists say their research , published in the journal Science Advances , raises urgent concerns about the enforcement of international Cites trade regulations .
Commenting on the study , Dr Jones said `` remarkably '' , there is currently no global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the degree to which countries prioritise and criminalise the illegal exploitation of wildlife `` varies enormously '' .
`` We are calling for the development of an international agreement under the United Nations ' Convention on Transnational Organised Crime , in order to ensure all countries recognise the scale and serious nature of wildlife crime and the devastating impact it is having on so many species , and prioritise it through their law enforcement , prosecutorial and judicial mechanisms , '' he said .
Speaking in London on Tuesday to mark UN World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cites Secretary General , said that while some significant gains have been made in the past decade in tackling wildlife crime , `` serious environment-related crimes are slipping through the net '' .
He said recent evidence of the scale of the impacts on ecosystems , economies and public health , reflect the need for a comprehensive legally-binding regime to tackle wildlife crime , embedded within the framework of international criminal law .

"While there has typically been a focus on trade in and trafficking of wildlife between Africa and Asia, this is a problem affecting all corners of the world, and the dire plight of the European eel, the illegal trade in which is threatening the future existence of this species, is a very good example," he said.


bbc--2020-03-04--Syria war: Satellite images reveal Idlib destruction and displacement

Analysis of satellite images in the south and east of Syria 's Idlib province suggests large parts of the area are now uninhabitable .
A report by Harvard University , Save the Children and World Vision said almost a third of the buildings in two towns had been damaged or destroyed in government offensives on the opposition 's last stronghold .
Other images showed fields filling up with camps for displaced people .
Almost a million civilians have fled their homes since December alone .
Hundreds have also been killed during that period , the vast majority of them victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its allies , according to the United Nations .
On Tuesday , the UN 's emergency relief co-ordinator warned that the displaced were `` struggling to survive in horrific conditions '' , with many forced to sleep in the open .
Idlib is the last region still controlled by the jihadists and Turkey-backed rebels who have been trying to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since 2011 .
In recent years an influx of displaced people has doubled the province 's population to about three million , including one million children .
A series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Signal Program at Harvard Humanitarian Initiative , show the impact in two areas of Idlib since 2017 of the offensives launched by the government with the help of Russian air strikes and Iran-backed militiamen .
In the areas examined , the researchers estimated that nearly one-third of buildings had been entirely or partially destroyed by aerial bombardment and ground fighting .
With inhabitants having fled before or during the government offensive , aid organisations believe the destruction of homes and vital civilian infrastructure will make it almost impossible for families to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the report .
Other images show two displacement camps in northern Idlib that have almost doubled and tripled in area since September 2017 and February 2020 , according to the report .
The camps are seen spreading over what was previously agricultural land .
In both , population density appears to grow acutely between 2018 and 2019 , with significant increases over the past year .
`` Relentless bombardment has all but emptied out large parts of Idlib in a matter of weeks , with catastrophic consequences for hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sonia Khush , Syria country director for Save the Children .
`` Half a million children are crammed in camps and shelters at the border with Turkey , with no access to the basics of a decent life : a warm place to sleep , clean water , nutritious food and education .
Families are being squeezed beyond breaking point and our partners on the ground are overwhelmed by the scale of the needs .
`` The world can not continue to watch and wait while children are killed , injured and displaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she added .
In recent weeks , Turkey has sent thousands of troops into Idlib to support the Syrian opposition , triggering deadly clashes with pro-government forces .
On Thursday , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hold talks in Moscow with his Russian counterpart , Vladimir Putin .
Mr Erdogan has said he aims to broker a ceasefire .

With inhabitants having fled before or during the government offensive, aid organisations believe the destruction of homes and vital civilian infrastructure will make it almost impossible for families to return to the areas in the near future, according to the report.