bbc--2020-02-28--Coronavirus maps and charts: A visual guide to the outbreak

A fast-moving virus originating in China and known as the `` new coronavirus '' has infected tens of thousands of Chinese citizens and spread to about 50 countries .
It has claimed nearly 3,000 lives so far .
Here are 11 maps and charts that will help you understand what is going on .
1 .
New infections outside China top those within Almost 80,000 people in China have been infected with the coronavirus - known officially as Covid-19 - since the virus 's discovery in the city of Wuhan , Hubei province , in December .
Although the vast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which causes pneumonia-like symptoms , remain in China , the virus is now spreading faster outside the country than inside .
Coronavirus has infected more than 4,300 people across the globe , according to World Health Organization ( WHO ) figures .
However , infectious disease specialists at Imperial College London estimate about two thirds of COVID-19 cases originating in mainland China remain undetected worldwide .
This could mean `` multiple chains of as yet undetected human-to-human transmission '' internationally , they say .
The three biggest international outbreaks detected so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 2,000 cases , on board the British-registered Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama , Japan , which has seen more than 700 people infected , and Italy , with more than 640 confirmed cases .
In a sign the disease is spreading further afield , Brazil announced Latin America 's first case on Thursday and the first cases in Africa have been confirmed in Algeria , Egypt and Nigeria .
New Zealand has also confirmed its first case .
Within Europe , Austria , Croatia , Greece , Norway , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported their first cases , while more infections have been announced in Spain , France and Germany .
On the Spanish island of Tenerife , up to 1,000 guests have been locked down in a hotel after an Italian doctor and his wife tested positive .
Governments across Europe are stepping up preparations , as more cases are detected .
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that a coronavirus epidemic in France is inevitable .
• What are the symptoms ?
• How worried should we be ?
The jump in the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears the outbreak could become a pandemic - when an infectious disease spreads easily from person to person in many parts of the world .
The spread has reached a `` decisive point '' and has `` pandemic potential '' , WHO head Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus says .
Dr Tedros urged governments to act swiftly to contain the virus .
`` This is not a time for fear , '' he said .
`` This is a time for taking action to prevent infection and save lives now . ''
Countries around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to battle the disease 's spread .
Many have advised their citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to China and other affected countries , while others have announced screening measures for passengers arriving from places with outbreaks .
Stock markets around the world have fallen sharply amid fears that such increased travel restrictions will prevent business activity .
A number of international conferences and sporting events have also been cancelled , including Six Nations rugby matches with Italy in Dublin that were to be held on 7 and 8 March .
The US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency , the UK has deemed it a `` serious and imminent threat '' to public health and Japan has closed all its schools .
The WHO declared the crisis a global health emergency on 30 January .
The organisation has confirmed it will not formally `` declare '' a pandemic for the new coronavirus , though the term may still be used `` colloquially '' .
• How close are we to a pandemic ?
3 .
South Korea , Italy and Iran are among the worst-affected countries South Korea , Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases in recent days , with South Korea the worst-affected country after China .
South Korea 's biggest virus clusters have been linked to a religious group near the south-eastern city of Daegu , which has a population of around 2.5m .
Meanwhile in Italy , the country 's authorities have announced a series of measures to try to halt the virus 's spread .
It is not yet clear how it entered the country .
Eleven towns in northern Italy at the centre of the outbreak - home to a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schools , universities and cinemas have been closed and several public events cancelled .
The UK has advised against travelling to the region .
Several countries including Algeria , Denmark , Romania and Spain have reported infections linked to Italy .
Iran confirmed it has seen a number of cases of the virus , most of them in the holy city of Qom , south of Tehran .
Iranian officials have asked people not to go to Qom , but have not shut a shrine in the city that attracts millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said it had no plans to quarantine any cities and towns .
despite fears of a regional epidemic .
Note : Map based on Iran 's Ministry of Health figures , given on state TV , which may differ from WHO numbers Iran has been the source of dozens of cases in neighbouring countries , including Afghanistan , Bahrain , Iraq , Kuwait , Oman and Pakistan .
In response , many of Iran 's neighbours have announced the temporary closure of their borders with the country .
Saudi Arabia has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to visit the holy sites of Mecca and Medina and suspended visas for tourists from countries with confirmed cases of the virus .
4 .
China still has by far the most cases The number of overall coronavirus cases in China has been rising since January .
The country accounts for almost 79,000 of the global 83,000 cases - and thousands more Chinese citizens are under medical observation .
Government and regional officials have introduced a number of tight restrictions in a bid to reduce infections , including cancelling flights , closing schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go into lockdown .
Authorities also postponed the country 's annual parliamentary gathering - the National People 's Congress .
Hubei province - the centre of the outbreak - remains the worst affected , seeing by far the biggest number of cases of the virus .
Its capital city of Wuhan , home to 11 million people , has been under lockdown since 23 January , with transport links into and out of the city closed .
The origins of the new coronavirus have been linked to illegally traded wildlife at Wuhan 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including bats , rabbits and marmots .
However , the exact source of the outbreak has not been identified .
Hundreds of foreign nationals have been evacuated from Wuhan by several governments including the US , France and Britain .
• How China is keeping busy during quarantine 5 .
Daily infections and deaths in China have been comparatively low recently New cases announced in China have remained low over recent days , compared with numbers seen in early-mid February , according to official figures .
Figures have stayed in the hundreds rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , following a spike in mid-February .
Officials in Hubei province have come under fire for their handling of the virus outbreak , including causing confusion by changing the criteria used to count the number of cases .
Changes to the way patients were diagnosed half way through February caused a brief spike in the number of confirmed cases , but this change was later reversed , causing a later dip .
The number of deaths announced each day by the Chinese authorities have been dropping for most of the last few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily death figures saw a spike caused by the change in diagnosis criteria in mid-February .
Wuhan continues to account for the majority of new cases and deaths in China .
Despite the drop in deaths , the new coronavirus has overtaken the 2003 Sars epidemic in both confirmed cases and deaths .
The Sars - severe acute respiratory syndrome - outbreak lasted around eight months and killed 774 people out of around 8,100 confirmed cases .
A study of 44,000 coronavirus cases by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild , with the sick and elderly most at risk , while 4.7 % had been critical .
A report on the early stages of the outbreak by the Lancet medical journal said most patients who died from the virus had had pre-existing conditions .
Medical researchers and scientists say it is too early to accurately predict how the virus will spread or calculate the death rate , partly due to mild cases remaining untested and unrecorded and a time lag of reporting infections .
As there is not yet a specific anti-viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection are currently being treated for their symptoms .

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


bbc--2020-02-27--Coronavirus: Where are we with a vaccine?

As cases of coronavirus increase around the globe , the focus is turning to finding a vaccine .
We 've answered some of the big questions about vaccines and how soon one for coronavirus could be ready .
Vaccines are like teachers - their pupil is the immune system and their lesson is how to fight infection .
Vaccines harmlessly show viruses or bacteria ( or even small parts of them ) to the immune system .
The body 's defences recognise it as an invader and then learn how to fight it .
Then if the body is ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to fight the infection .
What different types are there ?
The main method of vaccination for decades has been to use the original virus .
So the measles , mumps and rubella vaccine is made by using weakened versions of those viruses that can not cause a full-blown infection .
The seasonal flu jab is made by taking the main strains of flu doing the rounds and completely disabling them .
The work on a new coronavirus vaccine is using newer , and less tested , approaches called `` plug and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the genetic code of the new coronavirus , Sars-CoV-2 , we now have the complete blueprint for building that virus .
Some vaccine scientists are lifting small sections of the coronavirus 's genetic code and putting it into other , completely harmless , viruses .
Now you can `` infect '' someone with the harmless bug and in theory give some immunity to the coronavirus .
Other groups are using pieces of raw genetic code ( either DNA or RNA depending on the approach ) which once injected into the body should start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune system again can learn to fight .
What 's the progress so far on finding one for coronavirus ?
Researchers have developed vaccines and are starting to test them on animals .
If one is found , how quickly could it be made available ?
Realistically it is going to be mid-way through next year at best .
So there are vaccines being tested in animals , if that goes well there could be human trials later in the year .
But even if scientists can celebrate having developed a vaccine before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being able to mass-produce it .
All of this is happening on a unprecedented timescale and using new approaches to vaccines so there are no guarantees everything will go smoothly .
Remember there are four coronaviruses that already circulate in human beings .
They cause the common cold and we do n't have vaccines for any of them .
Would it protect people of all ages ?
It will , almost inevitably , be less successful in older people .
This is not due to the vaccine itself , but aged immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immunisation .
We see this every year with the flu jab .
Could there be any side effects ?
All medicines , even paracetamol , have side-effects .
But without clinical trials it is impossible to know what the side-effects of an experimental vaccine may be .
Until a vaccine is developed , what treatments are available ?
Vaccines prevent infections and the best way of doing that at the moment is good hygiene .
If you are infected , then for most people it would be mild .
There are some anti-viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we can not say for sure any of these work .

Covid vaccine update: Those that work - and the others on the way Published 28 May 2021
Image source, Getty Images
Covid vaccination campaigns are under way in the UK and across the world.
A range of vaccines are being used to reduce people's chances of getting sick, needing hospital treatment or dying.
Why do we need a vaccine?
It is more than a year since the virus first emerged, yet many people are still vulnerable.
The restrictions on our lives help keep the virus in check as they reduce opportunities for the virus to spread.
Vaccines teach our bodies to fight the infection and are "the" exit strategy from the pandemic.
The big three - Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca
The three vaccine frontrunners are those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford-AstraZeneca.
Pfizer and Moderna both developed RNA vaccines - a new approach that is incredibly quick to design.
They inject a tiny fragment of the virus's genetic code into the body, which starts producing part of the coronavirus and pushes the body to mount a defence.
These have been approved for use in the UK, Europe and the US.
The Oxford vaccine is subtly different as it uses a harmless virus to carry the same genetic material into the body. This has been approved in the UK and Europe.
It is the easiest of the three to use as it can be stored in a fridge, rather than needing very cold temperatures.
All three are supposed to be given as two doses.
Janssen and Novavax
A single-dose Covid vaccine made by Janssen has now been approved for use in the UK.
Twenty million doses of the jab, which was 85% effective in stopping severe illness from Covid-19 in trials, will arrive later this year.
Because only one dose is needed - and the vaccine can be stored in a fridge - it could have a significant impact around the world. A billion doses are planned this year.
Another jab, Novavax, is also being reviewed by drugs regulators.
It uses a different, old-school, approach to vaccines - proteins from the virus and a chemical to prime the immune system are injected into the body.
What is the rest of the world doing?
There are other noteworthy vaccines, even if they are not being used in Europe and the US.
The Sinovac, CanSino and Sinopharm vaccines have been developed by scientists in China and deals have signed with other countries in Asia and South America. Around one million people in China are reported to have been given the Sinopharm injection.
The Sputnik V vaccine, developed by Russia's Gamaleya Research Centre, is also effective according to late stage trial results published in The Lancet. Some people have been immunised.
The vaccine, which works in a similar way to the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines has also been deemed to be safe - and offer complete protection against hospitalisation and death.
Are they all equally effective?
It is hard to compare one company's results with another as their trials will have been conducted in slightly different ways and at different points in the pandemic.
However, all the main vaccines seem to have a large impact on your chances of needing hospital treatment or dying from Covid.
Nonetheless, one of the most important questions - do they stop you spreading the virus - remains unknown.
Understanding which method produces the best results will be explored in challenge trials where people are deliberately infected with the virus.
What about variants?
New versions of the coronavirus are emerging in countries around the world.
However, there is a warning sign from Janssen and Novavax, which have the first "real-world" data on the new variants.
Both showed a dip in their overall effectiveness in South Africa, where a new and worrying variant has been spreading.
The results were still good and clearly better than no vaccine at all, but they emphasise how coronavirus is a moving target.
We may need to change the vaccines we use in the future.
What still needs to be done?
Huge-scale manufacturing to produce billions of doses and distribute them around the world
Research to find out how long protection lasts
Research to discover what effect vaccine have on the spread of the virus


bbc--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: Watch how germs spread

Coronavirus: Watch how germs spread

Coronavirus has been seen in more than 30 countries .
The virus can spread from person to person and officials @ @ @ @ @ becoming infected .
Dr Adele McCormick from the University of Westminster demonstrated how germs spread @ @ @ @ @ are to avoid catching a virus .

Coronavirus has been seen in more than 30 countries. The virus can spread from person to person and officials recommend simple steps to avoid becoming infected.
Dr Adele McCormick from the University of Westminster demonstrated how germs spread and what the best methods are to avoid catching a virus.


bbc--2020-02-28--Paris Fashion Week: Facemasks on show amid coronavirus concern

One show at Paris Fashion Week proved to be unintentionally timely as models wore a range of outfits complete with matching facemasks .
The outfits were shown earlier this week by French designer Marine Serre .
The catwalk show took place amid rising concern about the outbreak of coronavirus , which caused markets to fall around the world on Friday .
But Serre 's collection was designed before the outbreak , and she has used facemasks in her collections before .
Her previous show in September also saw models cover their faces with veils or facemasks as part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serre uses have previously been described by her fashion house as `` anti-pollution masks '' .
The 28-year-old has been praised in the fashion press for the practicality of many of her designs .
`` Serre 's energy has dynamised the fashion industry , '' Vogue said last year .
`` Her hybrid garments , each a radical cocktail of century-flitting references , utilitarian practicalities , plus a sporting streak , are never so complicated as to miss the contemporary mark . ''
At her showcase this week , Serre also showed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facemasks in obscuring models ' faces .
But in addition to the designs appearing as part of Paris Fashion Week shows , facemasks were also being worn by some audience members at catwalk shows .
Several people attending Dries Van Noten 's autumn/winter collection showcase this week were seen wearing facemasks .
The entertainment industry has been significantly affected by coronavirus , with several events and tours being postponed or cancelled .
On Thursday , Green Day announced they would postpone their forthcoming Asian tour `` due to the health and travel concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sucks , as we were looking forward to seeing you all , but hold on to your tickets we 'll be announcing the new dates very soon , '' the band added in their statement .
Korean pop group BTS cancelled several live shows due to take place in April at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul amid health concerns .
`` It is unavoidable that the concert must be cancelled without further delay , '' said a statement , originally written in Korean , which was posted on the group 's mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this decision was made after extensive and careful consideration . ''
South Korea has been heavily impacted by coronavirus - the country has more than 2,300 confirmed cases so far , making it the biggest outbreak outside of China .
Other artists who have cancelled tour dates in Asia include UK grime star Stormzy , R & B singer Khalid .
and a-ha , who have cancelled their show in Singapore .
Earlier this week , Brit Award-winning singer Mabel cancelled a scheduled show in Milan after a wider coronavirus outbreak in Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"We know it sucks, as we were looking forward to seeing you all, but hold on to your tickets we'll be announcing the new dates very soon," the band added in their statement.


bbc--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: On the front line in Wuhan

Coronavirus: On the front line in Wuhan

How to cope when you ca n't go to school because of coronavirus As some schools in the UK close @ @ @ @ @ in China and Hong Kong - where schools have been shut down for weeks - @ @ @ @ @ ve been managing .

In China the vast majority of deaths from Coronavirus have been in Hubei - the province where the outbreak began.
The BBC's China Correspondent, John Sudworth, has been speaking to one doctor who was on the front line in Wuhan.


bbc--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: Livestreaming karaoke and reality TV in virus-hit China

China has the world 's largest livestreaming industry and Wuhan - the epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak - was already something of a livestreaming hub .
So when the new virus emerged , confining millions of people to their homes , the industry responded quickly , with new programming genres emerging and a shift in the formats of popular TV reality shows .
Audiences have been watching livestreams of both celebrities and ordinary people singing , cooking and exercising in their own homes .
Programmes that usually feature live audiences have instead come to resemble video conferences - but have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite these changing programming trends , vloggers - of which there are more than 524 million in China - still need to be extremely cautious about what they post , especially within Wuhan .
In late January , livestreams of two hospitals being built in Wuhan proved unusually popular with online audiences .
Recognising the appeal that unconventional livestreams have had among audiences while Chinese have been in self-quarantine , some new shows quickly sprang up on online streaming services .
The Guangzhou Daily newspaper noted the rise of a new genre of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artists only needed a mobile phone or a computer and a good network to be part of a show .
There has been no limit to the range of sub-genres .
Since 8 February , an hour-long cookery programme called Eat Well has sprang up on the YouTube-like Youku , which takes viewers inside different peoples ' homes and shows a different person each day cooking a homemade meal .
Similarly , in mid-February , the popular iQiyi website hosted a new `` at home '' reality shows .
In Karaoke at Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media users send requests for singers to perform songs of their choice , from their own home .
Games at Home shows different stars compete in certain challenges within their homes , like `` who can do the most press-ups '' .
These new shows , along with Chinese government restrictions on people 's movements as a result of the coronavirus threw a spanner in the works for reality TV producers .
Some 780 million people in China - more than half of the population - have experienced some form of lockdown since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been inescapable .
In late January , China 's top media regulator called on the revision of TV schedules to `` reduce entertainment programming '' and step up special reports on the coronavirus .
As viewing audiences have increasingly turned online , many linear TV programmes have swiftly adapted their formats to continue running , even though their stars have needed to remain off-site .
The popular reality show Singer normally shows performers in front of a live audience , with a panel of judges on a stage .
However , on 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other contestants calling in from their homes .
Popular talk show Day Day Up has similarly come to resemble a video conference , as guests have kept the show running by filming within their homes .
The Sixth Tone news website adds that an upcoming show Street Dance of China has had to ask auditioning contestants to submit videos of themselves dancing in their homes .
Nowhere has actually been better equipped to respond to this new trend , than Wuhan .
Before the outbreak of the coronavirus , the city was gaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Chinese livestreamers .
The South China Morning Post newspaper noted in November 2019 that companies were investing millions of dollars developing in the city , which was `` eager to boost innovation and cultivate the next big technology unicorns '' .
So much so , that in December 2017 , Wuhan built a livestreaming `` village '' with rooms for around 100 livestreaming hosts , complete with `` European style architecture '' .
Wuhan is home to some of China 's largest live-streaming services including industry leader Douyu .
And its rapidly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government actually set the precedent for livestreaming regulations across the country .
In February 2018 , it set China 's first standards for livestreaming platforms and hosts .
It issued guidance on `` content , account supervision , platform inspection and how hosts should dress '' , the official China Daily reported .
Wuhan-based livestreamers , therefore , should be better equipped than anywhere else to know what the guidelines are on what people can say and do .
But Chinese live streaming applications have a strict and extensive list of guidelines so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is deemed subversive towards the state .
After Wuhan went into lockdown on 23 January , video diaries proved popular as residents began detailing their daily lives in quarantine .
• Coronavirus Wuhan diary : Living alone in a city gone quiet • Coronavirus Wuhan diary : 'He got a hospital bed three hours before he died' • Coronavirus : Why have two reporters in Wuhan disappeared ?
But those that have challenged the government 's lines on the coronavirus have seemingly been deemed unacceptable .
Fang Bin and Chen Qiushi had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan which questioned the government 's reporting .
Their videos claiming to show `` what is really happening '' received thousands of views .
In February , Chen told the BBC the censorship was `` very strict and people 's accounts are being closed down if they share my content '' .
Shortly after , both he and Fang went quiet and have n't been heard from since .
BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV , radio , web and print media around the world .
You can follow BBC Monitoring @ @ @ @ @

Audiences have been watching livestreams of both celebrities and ordinary people singing, cooking and exercising in their own homes. Programmes that usually feature live audiences have instead come to resemble video conferences - but have still proven an unusual hit.


bbc--2020-02-27--Coronavirus in Europe: Epidemic or 'infodemic'?

France must prepare for a coronavirus epidemic , President Emmanuel Macron says , but Italy - the worst-affected country in Europe - says misleading news is creating an `` infodemic '' .
Mr Macron is due to discuss the crisis with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in Naples .
In Italy 528 people are infected and 14 have died , officials say , amid global efforts to stop the virus spreading .
Germany is also facing an epidemic , Health Minister Jens Spahn has said .
Italy registered a 25 % surge in coronavirus cases in 24 hours , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two northern regions - Lombardy and Veneto .
But a few cases have turned up now in southern Italy too .
Thirty-seven people have now recovered in Lombardy , civil protection chief Angelo Borrelli said .
Italy 's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told reporters that an `` infodemic '' of misleading news abroad was damaging Italy 's economy and reputation .
He said all the infections in Italy could be traced back to the two outbreaks in the north , and just 0.1 % of towns in Italy were affected .
Lombardy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a member of his team tested positive .
On Facebook he said he and the rest of his team had tested negative so far , but would remain in quarantine for 14 days .
Italy 's tourism association Assoturismo says March accommodation bookings are down by at least €200m ( £170m ; $ 219m ) because of the virus .
On Wednesday the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said that for the first time the virus was spreading faster outside China , where it originated .
• How close are we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to know Globally , more than 80,000 people in more than 40 countries have been infected with the new coronavirus , which emerged in December .
The vast majority remain in China .
Covid-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the virus , has killed more than 2,700 people so far .
On a surprise hospital visit on Thursday , President Macron warned : `` We are facing a crisis , an epidemic , that is coming . ''
He was at La Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital in Paris , where a 60-year-old man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There has been one other fatality in France - a Chinese tourist .
Two more patients have tested positive in England , bringing the number of UK cases to 15 .
Italy 's government is in fightback mode , trying a concerted approach to lessen the coronavirus panic .
`` It 's time to stop the panic '' , said Prime Minister Conte , asking the national broadcaster Rai to `` tone down '' .
On the front pages of Italian newspapers , the top story is no longer the rising number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The mayor of Milan , where many hotels and restaurants are half-empty , has called for some museums to reopen .
A new video released by the authorities shows vibrant scenes from the city with the message : we 're not afraid and we 're open for business .
But this is a story driven by perceptions .
And with President Donald Trump mentioning possible future travel restrictions to Italy , Israel barring foreigners arriving on flights from Italy , and Kuwait evacuating its nationals from Milan , the Italian government faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Spain , a sudden rise in infections has triggered concern , but not panic , the BBC 's Guy Hedgecoe reports .
A man in Seville got infected without having travelled abroad recently , suggesting that the virus has been present in Spain longer than thought .
In Tenerife , in the Canary Islands , a hotel with nearly 1,000 guests in it remains in quarantine .
There are fears that Easter Week holiday events in Spain will be affected by coronavirus .
In Romania , the first coronavirus case was confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county in the south .
He had been in contact with an Italian visitor , who was later confirmed ill with the virus .
The Romanian authorities are trying to trace and quarantine everyone he met in Romania .
The BBC 's Nick Thorpe reports that 91 people are now in quarantine , and 7,174 in isolation at home .
One million Romanians work in Italy , and there are many direct flights .
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has urged Romanians not to panic , after anxious shoppers emptied some supermarket shelves and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Hungary , the Honved Budapest football team has temporarily suspended its Italian coach Giuseppe Sannino and his assistant Alessandro Recenti , fearing they might have had contact with Italian virus carriers .
There is growing concern and some panic-buying of face masks and hand disinfectants , but no confirmed cases in Hungary , Nick Thorpe reports .
In Switzerland , hand sanitiser has sold out in Bern and popular cafes are quieter than usual , the BBC 's Imogen Foulkes reports .
The Geneva watch fair , hugely lucrative to the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China is down 50 % ; tourist resorts report a loss already of more than 20m Swiss francs ( £16m ; $ 20m ) .
Four cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Switzerland , which shares a long border with Italy : tens of thousands of people cross it daily to work .
Borders will not be closed , but border guards are issuing health advice .
Ten new laboratories have been set up , to analyse 1,000 possible cases a day .
A nationwide campaign with the slogan `` This affects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
In Germany 26 people have been infected , 14 of whom work for an equipment manufacturer in Bavaria , and were infected by a colleague returning from China .
Several hundred people are quarantined in their homes .
These countries have also reported coronavirus cases : Austria , Croatia , Denmark , Estonia , Georgia , Greece , Norway , North Macedonia .
Many of those infected returned from Italy recently .
Have you been affected by the spread of coronavirus ?
You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms of use and privacy policy

In Romania, the first coronavirus case was confirmed on Wednesday - a man from Gorj county in the south. He had been in contact with an Italian visitor, who was later confirmed ill with the virus. The Romanian authorities are trying to trace and quarantine everyone he met in Romania.


bbc--2020-02-26--'How do I convince the Home Office I'm a lesbian?'

Angel fled Zimbabwe in fear of her life after police found her in bed with another woman five years ago .
It 's taken most of the time since then for her to convince the Home Office that she is gay and will be persecuted if she returns .
But how do you prove something you spent your life trying to hide ?
In 2015 , Angel found herself in an interview room in the north of England with a Home Office official whose job was to work out whether she was lying .
`` How do I know I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I when I knew ?
Who did I tell ? ''
Angel recalls being asked .
`` It is as if the Home Office expect a date and time . ''
For seven hours , the interviewer picked at the threads of her life story .
The secret relationship with a girl at high-school and the betrayal of a family member she confided in about it .
Her forced marriage to an abusive husband in her 20s and the young daughter she had left behind in Zimbabwe .
Being raped by two men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straighten her up '' .
And then , a few years later , the brutality from police when they discovered her in bed with a woman at a house-party .
All of it questioned and discussed as starkly as it is typed here .
The interviewer asked about her religion too .
What does the Bible teach about being a lesbian ?
Did being a lesbian conflict with being a Christian ?
It seemed to Angel that her religion was being used against her .
The annotations in Angel 's interview notes make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as she was , Angel 's testimony lacked colourful brush strokes .
She gave short and literal answers to the interviewer 's questions .
Then the interviewer moved on to her relationships with women .
She 'd had very few in Zimbabwe , but there it had been impossible to be openly gay .
But since arriving in the UK there had been nothing to stop her - why had n't she taken the opportunity to have relationships with women here , the interviewer asked ?
She explained that she was still scared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she still carried the stigma of being a lesbian heavy in her heart .
The interviewer did n't seem satisfied and tried again .
Just a handful of encounters with women , no long-term relationships , no attempts at meeting women in the UK .
Why then did Angel identify as a lesbian ?
She struggled to find the words .
`` It is because of the feelings that I feel , '' she said .
`` I have not been given a free platform to practise my sexuality . ''
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on sexuality grounds every year .
The Home Office 's decision on whether to grant or refuse it depends on whether the interviewer finds the asylum-seeker 's account authentic and believable - but each interviewer may have his or her own assumptions about what an authentic and believable account should look like .
In the past interviewers had a tendency to ask intrusive questions about sexual behaviour , says Zofia Duszynska , a solicitor with Duncan Lewis , the UK 's biggest provider of legal aid .
`` Now rather than physical descriptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for applicants to describe how they discovered they were gay and the emotional impact on them , '' she says .
Karen Smith , a volunteer at the Lesbian Immigration Support Group ( LISG ) , agrees .
She says the Home Office has a `` fixation '' with the idea that the asylum-seeker should take the interviewer `` on a journey '' when answering questions about how or when they realised they were a lesbian .
But as Angel experienced herself , pinpointing the start of this journey may not be easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'know ' she is a lesbian until years after she first 'felt different ' and instinctively knew that she had to hide that difference , '' Smith says .
She says she knows of many cases in which a lesbian woman has been penalised for giving short answers , as Angel did , and failing to tell a colourful and moving story - sometimes as a result of traumatic experiences .
`` The Home Office needs to have a better awareness of the effects of trauma on memory and on how someone will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that trauma , '' she says .
Interviewers can respond in different ways to accounts of previous lesbian activity , Smith adds .
`` Sometimes someone is given a refusal because they have not shown enough evidence of being involved in LGBT activities here in the UK , but when they do they are usually told that they are only involved for the purposes of seeking asylum .
`` They are often disbelieved if they have n't had relationships with women in their home countries , but also disbelieved if they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that risk ? ''
Smith says she has even seen refusal documents that suggest an asylum-seeker is not a lesbian because they `` do n't look like one '' .
The Home Office said : `` The UK has a proud record of providing protection for asylum seekers fleeing persecution because of their sexual orientation .
`` Each case is considered on its individual merits , with all available evidence carefully and sensitively considered in light of published country information .
`` Decisions on claims based on sexual orientation are reviewed by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Duncan Lewis Solicitors provided the following examples from refusal letters they have received on behalf of clients .
The decision to refuse asylum was overturned in all these cases : • `` It is considered you failed to provide any emotive language or feelings and thoughts that led to a realisation of your sexuality . ''
• `` It is noted that despite your claim that you realised you were gay at the age of 19 [ the applicant was 38 ] you failed to provide a detailed account of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were vague and evasive in describing your emotional journey and unable to state what made you realise you were gay . ''
• `` All your responses concentrate on physical feelings and lack emotional detail . ''
By asking questions like `` How did you feel about yourself when you realised you were gay ? ''
the implication is that an applicant should feel shame and panic at coming to terms with their sexuality , Zofia Duszynska says .
`` None of this approach reflects the published Home Office policy , which although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for sensitivity in dealing with difficulties in disclosure . ''
Angel tried to explain to the interviewer that she had known from an early age that she liked girls , but had tried to suppress the feeling .
She had largely got by like this until 2015 , when she went to a house-party and met Kim .
The two women , both in their 30s , instantly hit it off .
`` With us it 's difficult to tell if a person is a lesbian or straight because it is n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Angel .
After talking for a while she carefully tested the waters .
`` I do n't have a boyfriend and I do n't intend to have one , '' she told Kim .
They danced and got tipsy .
Such a rare encounter made Angel feel happy and heady and her inhibitions began to slip away from her .
Eventually they went to one of the bedrooms together .
Angel would later be questioned about this at her asylum interview .
If she knew what she was doing was dangerous , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We both knew it was dangerous , but when you meet someone who knows how you feel and it is something you 've been longing for… '' She pauses .
`` I had controlled how I felt for a long time and I just could n't any more .
It gets to a point where it overwhelms you and you let it happen .
Neither of us thought things would end as they did . ''
In the early hours there was a fight downstairs and the police were called .
Angel still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened , but once they arrived the police went room to room and found Angel and Kim in bed together .
They were both naked , the situation was obvious .
`` There was no way I could deny that I was a lesbian when they found us naked , '' she says .
The first police to arrive yanked back the bedsheets and prevented the two women from getting dressed .
They called for others down the hall to come and have a look .
Sex between two men is a criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lesbian is not an arrestable offence .
Instead , the police will mete out `` instant justice '' , says Angel .
`` We have witnessed what happens to lesbians .
We knew what would happen to us , '' she says .
She remembers seeing a student at her high school being beaten for being a suspected ngochani - a derogatory word for a lesbian .
When passers-by learned why she was being attacked they stopped to throw a punch at her bloodied body themselves .
The police stood idly by and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were scrutinising how people reacted and felt she had no choice but to walk past stony-faced , screaming on the inside .
Amnesty International says that LGBT stigma and discrimination continues to be widespread in Zimbabwe .
It is dangerous to live openly as a gay person .
As Angel and Kim struggled to get dressed , the police kicked the women with their heavy boots and beat them with their batons .
Kim was the most vocal and shielded Angel from the brunt of the violence that came at them in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are the man ?
We will show you , '' the police said .
Kim was knocked unconscious , which caused the officers to panic , Angel says .
`` Go and get your husband some water , '' they shouted at her .
That 's when she ran out into the night .
She does n't know what became of Kim .
She ran home and threw some things into a rucksack .
Terrified that the police could be right behind her she did n't dare stop to say goodbye to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knocked on the door of a local pastor and family friend , asking for refuge just for the night .
But he did n't want to help her .
`` We do n't have a place for that in society , you ca n't sleep here '' he said , thrusting $ 50 into her hand and closing the door .
A minibus took her across the border to South Africa but with xenophobic attacks against migrants on the rise she was advised to leave .
Angel put herself in the hands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to safe countries .
A charity covered the cost of false documents and arranged her passage to the UK via a flight to France and eventually a lorry from Calais to Dover .
Hiding in the back of the lorry , Angel felt terrified and her resolve began to falter .
She knew nobody in the UK and nothing about the place .
She repeated in her mind the reassurance the smugglers had given her .
`` In the UK they help LGBT people , they will be compassionate . ''
But when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she began to doubt this .
She trudged back to the train station and cried in a toilet cubicle .
Three months later she found out she had been refused asylum .
Home Office statistics point to worsening prospects for asylum seekers making a bid for UK protection on the basis of sexual orientation .
Between 2015 and 2018 , the refusal rate for sexuality-based asylum claims increased from 61 % to 71 % .
But at the same time , the number of successful appeals went up .
Judges overturned 38 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32 % in 2015 .
`` It suggests that more and more initial decisions are flawed or recognised as flawed , '' says a research fellow with the University of Sussex , Moira Dustin .
The university is carrying out a research project into sexual orientation and gender identity-based claims of asylum across Europe ( SOGICA ) and she is focusing on UK experiences .
`` There are specific reasons why LGB asylum claims are often initially refused and claimants have to go to appeal , including the difficulty that people fleeing homophobia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately upon arrival , and the problems that they inevitably experience mustering the kind of concrete evidence the Home Office requires , '' she says .
If someone is refused asylum they have 14 days to appeal against the decision .
Angel 's appeal was heard at a court tribunal in 2016 .
She remembers feeling embarrassed and invisible as the men in the room spoke across her , weighing up whether or not she deserved asylum .
The judge decided that yes , she was a lesbian and yes , she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convinced that the rape was carried out because she was a lesbian - `` corrective rape '' .
Therefore , it would not be `` unduly harsh '' for her to relocate to another part of Zimbabwe , said the judge .
Since coming to the UK , Angel had been having counselling for PTSD and was making good progress but the judge 's decision renewed her sense of despair .
It also meant she lost her housing and the asylum support of £37.75 per week .
On her first night with nowhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a night-bus and ride it back and forth until daylight .
In her mind she replayed her Home Office interview over and over and thought about what she could have said to make them believe her .
`` I felt guilty and angry with myself , I wish I had explained more about my rape .
I felt like I had let my daughter down . ''
Guilt and grief about leaving her daughter behind plagues Angel day and night - she feels it in her stomach .
Not to have said goodbye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at school .
To see WhatsApp photos of her looking skinny and dishevelled .
`` I can imagine how my daughter feels about me now , and I ca n't blame her , '' she says .
Angel worries their mother-daughter bond will fray beyond repair .
After losing her housing Angel spent the next 18 months relying on people from her church for a place to sleep at night .
Often she would look after their children or do domestic work in exchange .
`` Some people would give me £10 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew I was vulnerable and had nowhere to sleep . ''
It was a precarious way of life and sometimes she would end up sleeping rough .
There were moments when Angel wondered whether she was right to escape from Zimbabwe .
At her lowest she contemplated suicide .
But witnessing her first Manchester Pride festival in 2018 helped restore her morale .
`` When I saw Pride , I saw why I 'm fighting and what we are missing in Africa .
`` There were moments where I just stood and watched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were n't even gay come to support .
There was just too much love . ''
Seeing Manchester bathed in rainbows and celebrating people like her made Angel fall in love with the city .
With charity support , Angel revived her asylum claim , slowly gathering as much evidence as she could that Zimbabwe was n't a safe place for her to return to .
After much painstaking work and an agonising wait , she was eventually granted asylum in autumn 2019 .
After such a long road , receiving the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surreal and it was only when her official residence permit arrived a month later that reality began to sink in .
`` Looking at it , I cried just thinking of what I have gone through , '' she says .
She is now working hard to improve her English while helping other lesbian asylum seekers .
Her greatest ambition is to bring her daughter over to the UK so they can be together again .
`` I will have to learn to be a mother again , to get to know her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent . ''
You may also be interested in : The Home Office has denied taking `` arbitrary '' decisions on asylum cases in order to meet deportation targets , but an asylum caseworker says staff have to work so fast that the results are a `` lottery '' - one that could result in people being sent home to their deaths .

Angel fled Zimbabwe in fear of her life after police found her in bed with another woman five years ago. It's taken most of the time since then for her to convince the Home Office that she is gay and will be persecuted if she returns. But how do you prove something you spent your life trying to hide?


bbc--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: Risk of spread upgraded to highest level

The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has upgraded the global risk of the coronavirus outbreak to `` very high '' - its top level of risk assessment .
But the UN body said there was still a chance of containing the virus if its chain of transmission were broken .
WHO head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also stressed that fear and misinformation were the biggest challenges to overcome .
More than 50 countries have now reported cases of coronavirus .
And sources within Iran 's healthcare system told BBC Persian that , as of Thursday evening , at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is more than six times higher than the official government figure .
At a press conference in Geneva , Dr Tedros said that most cases could still be traced , and there was no evidence of the virus `` spreading freely in communities '' .
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
His colleague , Dr Mike Ryan , head of the WHO 's Emergency Health Programme , said that the risk level was intended to serve as a `` reality check '' for governments , since healthcare systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a duty to your citizens , you have a duty to the world to be ready , '' said Dr Ryan .
What are the latest developments ?
• Globally , more than 80,000 people have been infected .
About 2,800 have died - the vast majority in China 's Hubei province .
China confirmed another 327 cases - the lowest daily increase for a month - along with 44 deaths • Switzerland suspended all events with more than 1,000 participants until 15 March , including the Geneva International Motor Show • Iceland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Belarus and the Netherlands all reported their first cases • The first British death from Covid-19 was announced - a passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan • Fear about the virus has continued to hit global markets .
Shares have shed almost 13 % of their value this week on London 's FTSE , wiping £210bn ( $ 267bn ) from the value of companies on the index What else did the WHO say ?
Dr Ryan also stressed that current data information does not suggest the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If we say there 's a pandemic of coronavirus , we 're essentially accepting that every human on the planet will be exposed , '' he said .
`` The data does not support that as yet and China has clearly shown that that 's not necessarily the natural outcome of this event if we take action . ''
Dr Tedros reiterated that the spread had the potential to become a pandemic , but cautioned against unnecessary panic .
`` Our greatest enemy right now is not the virus itself , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
The WHO has said proper containment , with the help of an `` all government , all society approach '' will help slow down rates of infection , break chains of infection and take pressure off healthcare systems around the world .
Have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
Or do you have any information to share ?
Get in touch 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our terms & conditions and privacy policy

"If we say there's a pandemic of coronavirus, we're essentially accepting that every human on the planet will be exposed," he said. "The data does not support that as yet and China has clearly shown that that's not necessarily the natural outcome of this event if we take action."


bbc--2020-02-28--Syria war: Turkey lets refugees exit towards Europe

Groups of refugees and migrants are heading towards the EU after Turkey said it would not abide by a deal to stop them reaching Europe .
Turkey 's communications chief said the country had not received enough support in hosting millions of Syrian refugees .
Its decision followed a deadly attack on Turkish troops by Syrian government forces in northern Syria .
The incident sparked fears of a major escalation involving Turkey and Syria 's military ally , Russia .
Greece and Bulgaria - which border Turkey - have sent reinforcements to prevent people entering .
Greek police have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tear gas , reports say .
• Why does the battle for Idlib matter ?
At least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in a bombardment in Idlib , the last Syrian province where Syrian rebel groups hold significant territory .
Syrian government forces , supported by Russia , have been trying to retake Idlib from jihadist groups and Turkish-backed rebel factions .
The UN Security Council is set to meet later in response to events in Syria .
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned the situation risked `` sliding into a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country is hosting 3.7 million Syrian refugees as well as migrants from other countries such as Afghanistan - but had previously stopped them from leaving for Europe under an aid-linked deal with the EU .
Turkish TV showed migrants making their way on foot to the border with Greece near the Turkish town of Edirne , and further south boarding boats to cross to Lesbos .
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said `` significant numbers '' of migrants had gathered at the border but said `` no illegal entries into Greece will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security was being tightened , he said .
Turkey 's communications director Fahrettin Altun said the migrants were now also Europe and the world 's problem .
He said Turkey had `` no choice '' but to relax border controls because it had not received enough support in hosting Syrian refugees .
However there was confusion over Turkish policy after the EU 's Mr Borrell said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had reassured him that Turkey remained committed to controlling the flow of migrants to the EU .
Mr Altun had earlier said Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entry to the nearly one million Syrians fleeing the fighting in Idlib .
He called for the international community to protect civilians in Idlib from `` genocide '' by imposing a no-fly zone .
At least 465 civilians , including 145 children , have been killed in Idlib since December , the vast majority of them victims of attacks by the Syrian government and its allies , according to the UN .
Children are also dying from the cold .
What has happened since the attack on Turkish troops ?
The Turkish and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin agreed on the need for `` additional measures '' to normalise the situation , with the possibility of a summit in the near future , the Kremlin said .
Russia also says top Russian and US military officials have discussed the situation in Idlib .
• The town with more cats than people Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg promised `` strong political support and ... practical support '' for Turkey while the US said it `` stood by '' Turkey .
Russia says the Turkish troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moscow denies its own forces were involved in the fighting in the Balyun area .
Turkey said it had hit 200 Syrian government targets in retaliation , `` neutralising '' 309 soldiers .
UK-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 20 Syrian troops had been killed .
Russia said it was in constant contact with Turkey to ensure Turkish troops were not targeted in Idlib and had not been informed that Turkish forces were active at Balyun .
But Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar insisted the Russians had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said no armed groups had been present near the soldiers who were attacked .
He also said ambulances had been hit in the attack .
Two Russian warships equipped with cruise missiles have passed through Istanbul 's Bosphorus Strait on their way to the Syrian coast .
What is the context ?
The attack on Turkish troops came after Turkish-backed rebels retook the key town of Saraqeb , north-east of Balyun .
Idlib is the last Syrian province where Syrian rebel groups still control significant territory .
Russia and Turkey are backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey is opposed to the government of Bashar al-Assad and supports some rebel groups .
Syria and Russia have rejected President Erdogan 's demand to pull back to ceasefire lines agreed in 2018 .
Turkey is also actively trying to prevent Syria 's Kurdish community establishing control over the border region , fearing that this would encourage Kurdish separatism within Turkey itself .
It has been accused of seeking to drive Kurds away from the border to establish a safe area within Syria to rehouse two million of the refugees it is hosting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UN Security Council for a humanitarian ceasefire in northern Syria , saying the only solution is to chase what it calls terrorists from the country .
The Syrian government , which has regularly been accused of committing atrocities against civilians , says it is liberating Idlib from `` terrorism '' .

But Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar insisted the Russians had been informed about the locations of Turkish troops and said no armed groups had been present near the soldiers who were attacked. He also said ambulances had been hit in the attack.


bbc--2020-02-28--Asia Bibi: I always believed I would be freed

Asia Bibi , the Pakistani Christian woman who spent years on death row after being convicted of blasphemy , says she always believed she would be freed .
Now living in Canada , she told the BBC that she hoped she would be able to return to Pakistan one day .
In it , she recounts her time in jail and her brutal treatment by guards .
In one of the most disturbing incidents she recounts how she had her neck put in a brace that was tightened with a key , and was pulled about on a chain by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations , saying her claims of torture were `` not plausible '' .
• Asia Noreen - commonly known as Asia Bibi - was accused of blasphemy after an argument with a group of women in June 2009 • A year later she became the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan 's blasphemy laws , causing an international outcry • The death sentence was quashed by the Supreme Court in 2018 , triggering violent protests by religious hardliners Ms Bibi spoke to the BBC during a visit to France where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She recalled how , in 2009 , a longstanding dispute with neighbours culminated in a group of local women accusing her of insulting the Prophet Muhammad .
`` My husband was at work , my kids were in school , I had gone to pick fruit in the orchard , '' she said .
`` A mob came and dragged me away .
They made fun of me , I was very helpless . ''
• Acquitted of blasphemy and living in fear in Pakistan In her book , Ms Bibi tells how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with other inmates calling for her to be hanged .
She also recalled mistreatment at the hands of the prison guards .
`` I ca n't breathe , '' she writes .
`` My neck is compressed by a neck brace that the guard can tighten as much as he wants with a big key .
A long chain drags on the dirty floor ; it links my throat to the guard 's handcuffs that drags me like a dog . ''
Ms Bibi told the BBC that her Christian faith helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said change your faith , and you 'll be freed .
But I said no .
I will live my sentence .
With my faith , '' she said .
`` I found out from my husband that the whole world was praying for me .
And that even the Pope had prayed for me .
That made me happy .
And I found out the whole world was praying for my misery to end .
`` That made me feel that their prayers would definitely free me . ''
Ms Bibi called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to free anyone unjustly accused or convicted of blasphemy and to ensure that the charges are investigated properly .
`` Innocents should not be punished for no reason and people who are innocent , in prison , should be freed , '' she said .
`` During the investigation , both parties should be questioned properly because there are a lot of problems in our investigative procedures .
And it is hard to tell who is on whose side . ''
Despite her ordeal , Ms Bibi said she still felt positively about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
`` It was my country that freed me .
That makes me proud , '' she said .
`` I left of my own volition because I was in danger there .
Anything could have happened to me at any point .
So that 's why I left my country .
But I have the same love for my country in my heart now .
I still respect my country and I want to see the day when I 'm able to go back . ''
She also recalled her sorrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians who tried to help her - Shahbaz Bhatti and Salman Taseer - had been murdered .
`` I cried a lot .
I cried for more than a week for them .
Even today , my heart is full of sadness for them and I miss them , '' she said .
But , she says she feels no bitterness to those who called for her to be killed .
`` I 'm not angry at all , I 've forgiven everyone from my heart and there is no hardness in me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I learned how to be patient after having to leave my children behind , '' she said .
• Majority are descendents of those who converted from Hinduism under the British Raj • Most converted to escape their low-caste status and many are among the poorest in Pakistan • Targeting of Christians fuelled by strong anti-blasphemy laws and anger over US-led war in Afghanistan The vast majority of those convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan are Muslims or members of the Ahmadi community who identify themselves as Muslims but are regarded as heretical by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Christians have also been convicted .
They make up just 1.6 % of the population .
The Christian community has been targeted in numerous attacks in recent years , leaving many feeling vulnerable to a climate of intolerance .
Data provided by the Centre for Social Justice ( CSJ ) shows a total of 720 Muslims , 516 Ahmedis , 238 Christians and 31 Hindus have been accused under various clauses of the blasphemy law from 1987 until 2017 .
Pakistani authorities say blasphemy laws exist in many parts of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are brought before the courts and follow due process .
Ms Bibi says in her book that the Christian community is despised and bullied and discriminated against .
But Pakistan says it attaches high importance to the protection of rights of minorities , which are guaranteed under its constitution .
Enfin Libre !
By Asia Bibi is out now in French and other languages , and an English translation of the book will be available in September .

"I left of my own volition because I was in danger there. Anything could have happened to me at any point. So that's why I left my country. But I have the same love for my country in my heart now. I still respect my country and I want to see the day when I'm able to go back."


bbc--2020-02-28--US court reverses Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' policy

A US federal court has ruled that the Trump administration must halt its policy of requiring Central American asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico pending US approval .
The ruling from the San Francisco-based appeals court temporarily upends Mr Trump 's policy The so-called `` Remain in Mexico '' policy is touted by supporters as key to reducing illegal migration .
Friday 's decision is expected to be challenged in the US Supreme Court .
In the past year , some 60,000 migrants have been sent back to Mexico .
The border cities where migrants wait for months are suffering from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Human Rights First , there have been more than 800 reports of kidnapping , rape and other violent crimes against returned migrants .
• Step into the shoes of a migrant • The US border in seven charts The policy , officially called the Migrant Protection Protocols ( MPP ) , took effect in January 2019 .
It requires migrants entering through the southern border to wait in Mexico as US immigration courts hear their cases .
Asylum-seekers were previously permitted to remain in the US pending the outcome of their case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump has claimed that allowing asylum-seekers to remain in the US made it more likely that they would skip the legal process .
The policy does not apply to Mexican citizens .
What did the court say ?
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Friday that the MPP is `` invalid in its entirety '' due to its inconsistencies with existing laws .
The three-judge panel ruled that a block on the MPP , which was granted by a lower court , was `` not an abuse of discretion '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court agreed to stop another major Trump administration policy denying asylum to anyone caught entering the US illegally from Mexico .
The numbers of migrants entering the US illegally has declined sharply in recent months .
In an October report , the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) called the Remain in Mexico policy `` an indispensible tool in addressing the ongoing crisis at the southern border and restoring integrity to the immigration system '' .
It was unclear whether the decision meant migrants being held in Mexico would immediately be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DHS has not returned a BBC request for comment .

Asylum-seekers were previously permitted to remain in the US pending the outcome of their case, which sometimes takes years to resolve. Mr Trump has claimed that allowing asylum-seekers to remain in the US made it more likely that they would skip the legal process.


bbc--2020-02-28--Garth Brooks faces backlash after Sanders mix-up online

Barry Sanders is an African-American former professional football player known for his stint with the Detroit Lions .
Bernie Sanders is a self-described `` Democratic socialist '' and the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination .
You would think it would be hard to get the two mixed up .
Yet fans of Garth Brooks were confused - and angry - after mistaking one for the other after a performance featuring the country music star .
When Brooks took to the stage in Detroit , Michigan wearing the jersey of one of the Lions ' most famous players , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fans thought the number 20 Barry Sanders jersey stood for something else - that Brooks was backing Bernie Sanders for president in 2020 .
Soon the Instagram account of one of America 's best-selling country music stars was filled with criticism , accusing Brooks of being a `` millionaire socialist '' .
Some commentators attempted to correct the assumption , but it seems that for every person who pointed out that the 200lb ( 14 st ) former football running back , 51 , is not the 78 year-old Vermont senator , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of politics '' .
A tweet highlighting the Instagram row has been liked more than 180,000 times , and expanded the dispute to yet another social media platform .
The mix-up has inspired memes featuring Mr Sanders , the senator , and lyrics from the Brooks hit `` Friends in Low Places '' .
Outside of lighting the internet on fire with his decision to wear an American football jersey , Brooks is known as a successful country singer who has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards and won two .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearing on stage in Detroit - both the player and singer are graduates of Oklahoma State University .
There is an assumed relationship between country music and right-wing politics in the US , where in 2003 , the Dixie Chicks were dropped by several country radio stations after a band member criticised then-President George W. Bush .
Several country music stars were invited to perform on the eve of President Donald Trump 's inauguration in 2017 including Brooks , though he was criticised after declining the invitation in order to play a show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the same day .

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


bbc--2020-02-28--Paris Gare de Lyon: Fire at station amid DR Congo concert protest

Police evacuated Paris 's Gare de Lyon station after protesters started a fire to try to disrupt a concert by a Congolese singer .
Political opponents of the DR Congo government set fire to parked scooters , motorcycles and bins and blocked firefighters from tackling the blaze .
They accuse singer Fally Ipupa of being too close to the Congolese government .
Police had earlier banned protests against the concert , citing a `` tense political context '' .
A large plume of smoke was visible above the station and smoke was also seen inside the Gare de Lyon metro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the UK was in the Gare de Lyon at the time .
`` There was big thick smoke .
People were surging and setting fire to things , '' she said .
`` It just seemed to get very ugly , very quickly .
Traffic was gridlocked in every direction , it was pandemonium .
`` The protesters were throwing anything they could at the police and fire brigade who were just trying to do their job .
They were just setting fire to anything they could and fighting with each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firefighters from reaching the scene as `` scandalous behaviour '' .
Before the concert police had warned of significant calls on social media for protesters to `` clash with concertgoers '' .
One protester told Reuters they had been trying to block people from attending .
They say Fally Ipupa is too close to President Felix Tshisekedi , who took power a year ago .
Congolese media said members of the Congolese diaspora had come from other European cities , including London , Brussels and Vienna , to try to disrupt the concert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diaspora have condemned musicians they view as too close to the political elite they blame for destroying the country .
As a punishment they have used direct action to effectively ban musicians from performing in Europe and thereby prevent them making money .
For about 10 years , some members of the diaspora would try to beat up any musician - and anyone who was part of the regime - whenever they visited Europe .
It happened to some senior officials in the past few years .
Some musicians have had concerts targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artist to perform in Europe since then .
It is a historic moment for Congolese music .
Many people are saying that his concert will pave the way for others to perform .
It is a challenge to members of the diaspora and they do not like it .
Fally Ipupa , who reportedly has a large following in France and has collaborated with several French rappers , was forced to cancel a concert in France in 2011 , RTL reported .
Police said 30 people had been arrested and 54 people had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest .
Are you in the area ?
Did you witness the incident ?
If it is safe to do so email 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

Fally Ipupa is the first Congolese artist to perform in Europe since then. It is a historic moment for Congolese music. Many people are saying that his concert will pave the way for others to perform. It is a challenge to members of the diaspora and they do not like it.


bbc--2020-02-28--NZ and Australian PMs clash over deportations

New Zealand 's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called Australia 's policy of deporting foreign nationals convicted of committing crimes @ @ @ @ @ heated press conference with her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison .
It comes after the Australian @ @ @ @ @ foreign-born criminals in recent months .
The move has seen hundreds of people deported from @ @ @ @ @ a country that some left at a young age and now have few ties to @ @ @ @ @ the policy , saying : `` If you have committed a crime , and you @ @ @ @ @ Australia , then you have no right to stay . ''

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called Australia's policy of deporting foreign nationals convicted of committing crimes "corrosive" in a heated press conference with her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.
It comes after the Australian government stepped up deportations of foreign-born criminals in recent months.
The move has seen hundreds of people deported from Australia to New Zealand, a country that some left at a young age and now have few ties to.
Prime Minister Morrison defended the policy, saying: "If you have committed a crime, and you're not a citizen of Australia, then you have no right to stay."


bbc--2020-02-28--Trump urges Afghans to seize opportunity for peace

President Donald Trump has called on Afghans to embrace prospects for peace , as the US prepares to sign an agreement with the Taliban on Saturday .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is due to attend the signing in Qatar .
The agreement will see thousands of US troops withdraw from Afghanistan in return for security guarantees .
It follows a week-long partial truce with the Taliban .
The accord raises hopes for a wider peace process after 18 years of war .
`` Soon , at my direction , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will witness the signing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' President Trump announced in a statement on Friday .
• The Afghan war : The short and long story • What could peace look like ?
He added that the deal had the potential to create `` a powerful path forward to end the war in Afghanistan and bring our troops home '' .
`` Ultimately it will be up to the people of Afghanistan to work out their future , '' Mr Trump said .
`` We , therefore , urge the Afghan people to seize this opportunity for peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
• Who are the Taliban ?
• The woman who negotiated with the Taliban The agreement would see the Taliban agree to hold talks with the Afghan government , which they have dismissed in the past as American `` puppets '' .
The week-long truce leading up to the signing is judged to have largely held , with only minor incidents .
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper will be in Kabul on Saturday to sign a joint declaration with the Afghan government .
It has taken more than a year of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kabul and many other capitals .
This is a historic moment - a significant step towards ending America 's longest war and the beginning of a process which Afghans hope will end a devastating conflict more than four decades long .
Taliban commanders , in messages to their supporters , boast of winning the war and defeating the American empire .
This agreement will test their pledge to seek peace and to prevent Afghanistan from again becoming a haven for extremist groups .
US officials insist their troop pullout hinges on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , the first contingent of some 5,000 soldiers - out of about 13,000 now serving in Afghanistan - will leave over the next several months .
Afghans , so weary of war , are torn - between cautious hope and profound anxiety .
How did the talks come about ?
In December 2018 , the Taliban announced they would meet US officials to try to find a `` roadmap to peace '' .
But the militants continued to refuse to hold official talks with the government in Kabul .
Following nine rounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two sides seemed close to an agreement .
Washington 's top negotiator announced in September 2019 that the US would withdraw 5,400 troops from Afghanistan within 20 weeks as part of a deal agreed `` in principle '' with Taliban militants .
• How much has the Afghanistan war cost the US ?
But days later , Mr Trump said the talks were `` dead '' , after the militant group admitted to killing a US soldier .
`` They thought that they had to kill people to put themselves in a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters , calling the attack `` a big mistake '' .
• The Afghan women determined not to lose out • Why Afghanistan is more dangerous than ever For months after the deal collapsed , there was no let-up in fighting .
Since 2011 , Qatar has hosted Taliban leaders who have moved there to discuss peace in Afghanistan .
It 's been a chequered process .
A Taliban office was opened in 2013 , and closed the same year amid rows over flags .
Other attempts at talks stalled .
Qatar was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in July that agreed a roadmap for Afghan peace .
Significantly it included both the Taliban and Afghan government officials , though the latter attended in a `` personal capacity '' .
What 's the background to the Afghan war ?
It began when the US launched air strikes one month after the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US .
The Taliban had refused to hand over the man behind them , Osama Bin Laden .
The US was joined by an international coalition and the Taliban were quickly removed from power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurgent force and continued deadly attacks , destabilising subsequent Afghan governments .
The international coalition ended its combat mission in 2014 , staying only to train Afghan forces .
But the US continued its own , scaled-back combat operation , including air strikes .
The Taliban has however continued to gain momentum and in 2018 the BBC found they were active across 70 % of Afghanistan .
Nearly 3,500 members of the international coalition forces have died in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion , more than 2,300 of them American .
The figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces are more difficult to quantify .
In a February 2019 report , the UN said that more than 32,000 civilians had died .
The Watson Institute at Brown University says 58,000 security personnel and 42,000 opposition combatants have been killed .

US officials insist their troop pullout hinges on the Taliban keeping their word. If they do, the first contingent of some 5,000 soldiers - out of about 13,000 now serving in Afghanistan - will leave over the next several months.


bbc--2020-02-28--Greta Thunberg Bristol climate strike: 'The world is on fire'

Greta Thunberg has warned `` those in power '' she will `` not be silenced when the world is on fire '' .
The teenager was welcomed by chants of `` Greta , Greta '' as she addressed some 15,000 people at the Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate ( BYS4C ) event .
She accused politicians and the media of ignoring the climate emergency and `` sweeping their mess under the rug '' .
`` We are the change , and change is coming whether you like it or not , '' the Swedish environmentalist said .
Greta was speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Green , before leading a march through the city .
`` Activism works so I 'm telling you to act , '' she said .
`` We are being betrayed by those in power . ''
Wet weather failed to deter thousands of people turning out for the 17-year-old , who appeared on stage at about 11:45 GMT .
`` Our leaders behave like children so it falls to us to be the adults in the room .
They are failing us but we will not back down , '' Greta told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this way but we have to tell the uncomfortable truth .
They sweep their mess under the rug and ask children to clean up for them .
`` This emergency is being completely ignored by the politicians , the media and those in power .
`` Basically , nothing is being done to halt this crisis despite all the beautiful words and promises from our elected officials .
`` So what did you do during this crucial time ?
I will not be silenced when the world is on fire . ''
Greta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind a green banner reading Skolstrejk for Klimatet , which translates from Swedish as School Strike for Climate .
Protesters of all ages , including youngsters dressed as the activist , waved flags , placards and banners throughout the march .
• As it happened : Greta Thunberg in Bristol for climate strike • What does Greta Thunberg want ?
Annie , a 21-year-old Bristol University student , was of the many people who turned out to hear the headline speaker and took a day off from her studies to participate .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important things that we should be focussing on right now .
Showing support and that you want change will make people higher up realise that as well .
`` One day off school is a good enough sacrifice for what this is standing for .
It 's just one day , it 's not going to do any harm . ''
Jerry and her baby , Leon , were also among those who joined the throng of people .
`` What an absolutely wonderful experience .
Everyone was really respectful and there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Sisters Alannah and Lottie Hoey , 10 and eight , travelled from Henleaze with family to be part of the day .
`` I wanted to go and see Greta because she 's very inspirational and does so much good for the planet , '' said Lana .
Lottie added : `` We want a nice planet when we grow up so it 's important to do things like Greta . ''
Greta had originally intended to visit London , but the area planned for the protest in the capital was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead .
Police said 15,000 are in attendance , although organisers believe the figure is closer to 30,000 .
BYS4C said it had drafted in more than 80 stewards and has a sectioned-off a `` safe zone '' for young children as well as an accessibility area .
• Pressure on big investors to act on climate change Mya-Rose Craig , the youngest person to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol , spoke to the crowd before Greta 's arrival on stage .
She said : `` Greta , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you for being with us today .
We have to engage with all of our communities in order to properly fight climate change .
`` An unequal world can never be a sustainable one . ''
Two years ago , Ms Thunberg started missing lessons on Fridays to protest outside the Swedish parliament building , in what turned out to be the beginning of a huge environmental movement .
She has since become a leading voice for action on climate change , inspiring millions of students to join protests around the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and by the time Greta walked onstage , it was hard to see the floor of College Green .
People were clinging to any vantage point they could find ; the balcony at the front of the Marriott Royal and on tiptoes in front of the cathedral .
The roar when Greta stepped in front of the microphone echoed across the green and her speech was regularly punctuated with roars of approval , especially when she mentioned the decision not to grant Bristol Airport planning permission to expand .
There were plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear Greta speak but the vast majority of the crowd were young and not at school- a reflection , perhaps , of the teenager 's own decision to stop attending school to continue her campaign .
Clutching homemade signs and chanting , the crowd then took over the heart of the shopping quarter .
More than 20 road closures were in operation across the city while the march took place but all routes were reopened at 15:30 GMT .
Meanwhile , Jon Usher from the charity Sustrans has set up a crowdfunding campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College Green , which was left a muddy quagmire after the rally .
Avon and Somerset Police said Greta left Bristol at about 15:00 .

"This is probably one of the most important things that we should be focussing on right now. Showing support and that you want change will make people higher up realise that as well.


bbc--2020-02-28--Post-Brexit talks: France warns UK against 'artificial deadlines'

The EU will not be pressurised by `` artificial deadlines '' in its post-Brexit trade talks with the UK , France 's Europe minister has warned .
Amelie de Montchalin said the EU would not sign just `` any '' deal by the end of the year , saying `` substance was much more important than deadlines '' .
The UK has said it could walk away from the talks in June unless there was the `` broad outline '' of an agreement .
The process , to be conducted in English , will begin on Monday .
Details of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been published , with topics to be covered in the first round of negotiations including trade in goods and services , transport , energy , fisheries and `` fair and open competition '' in future dealings .
Further rounds of negotiations will take place every two to three weeks , alternating between London and Brussels .
• We 'll find out about EU talks , TUC boss warns PM The session in June , in which both sides will `` take stock '' of progress made at that point , is likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out extending the process beyond the end of the year , when the post-Brexit transition period will end .
The UK and EU have agreed a schedule for negotiations based on 11 simultaneous streams , including one on the controversial subject of `` a level playing field for fair and open competition '' .
Eighteen days of talks have been scheduled until mid-May but the UK has not agreed to negotiations on defence or foreign policy , which the EU side wanted .
The document says the working groups do not necessarily reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arrangements could change .
The two sides can also speak to each other outside the formal rounds .
The negotiations in Brussels will take place in a conference centre , not at the headquarters of the European Commission , although the `` plenary sessions '' and meetings between the chief negotiators will be held there .
Friday 's document , which sets out the terms of reference for the talks , says June 's `` high-level '' meeting between chief negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier will aim to `` agree actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future relationship '' .
Speaking at the Chatham House think tank in London , Ms de Montchalin said the EU would `` not accept time pressure '' and was `` not ready to sign any kind of a deal on December 31 at 11pm '' .
`` We can not let our level of ambition be affected by what I would call artificial deadlines , '' she said .
`` If the UK decides to shorten the negotiating period , it will be the UK 's responsibility .
`` It will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that choice will have consequences in terms of the breadth and depth of the relationship we can build ... for us substance is much , much more important than deadlines . ''
The UK officially left the EU at the end of January , but is continuing to abide by many EU rules while talks on a permanent trading relationship take place .
The UK and the EU have both set out their priorities for the talks , with flash points including the UK 's wish to diverge from EU employment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of any role for the European Court of Justice and the level of EU access to UK fishing waters .
The UK has insisted a `` comprehensive '' free trade agreement , modelled on existing EU agreements with the likes of Canada and Japan , is possible within 10 months and it will decide by this summer whether this is achievable .
If the UK decides such a deal is not in prospect , the government has said it will move to World Trade Organization rules from the start of 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the EU has with Australia .
The EU 's 46-page negotiating document , published on Monday , said any trade agreement `` should uphold common high standards , and corresponding high standards over time with Union standards as a reference point '' .
Ms de Montchalin said trust between the two sides was vital to a successful outcome and the EU needed to know that the existing withdrawal agreement and its guarantees on citizens rights and the Northern Irish border would be stuck to .

The UK and the EU have both set out their priorities for the talks, with flash points including the UK's wish to diverge from EU employment and environmental standards in future, its ruling out of any role for the European Court of Justice and the level of EU access to UK fishing waters.


bbc--2020-02-28--White House: 'Media stoking virus fears to take down Trump'

The acting White House chief of staff says US media is stoking a coronavirus panic because they hope it will take down President Donald Trump .
`` The reason they are paying so much attention to it today is that they think this is going to bring down the president , '' Mick Mulvaney said .
Speaking to a group of conservatives on Friday , he added people should ignore the media in order to calm the markets .
Global markets have continued to fall as the virus infects over 50 countries .
There have been 82,000 reported cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease emerged late last year .
All but 3,664 cases and 57 of the deaths have been reported in China .
• How worried should US be The number of Americans infected with the virus stands at 60 .
`` We took extraordinary steps four or five weeks ago , '' Mr Mulvaney said , referring to the Trump administration order to close the border to foreign travelers coming from China , where the virus originated .
The move was widely covered in the media at the time .
`` Why did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going on four or five weeks ago ?
Impeachment .
And that 's all the press wanted to talk about , '' he told a gathering of conservatives outside Washington on Friday .
He said the press was preoccupied by the impeachment of Mr Trump - who was eventually acquitted - because of their belief that `` it would bring down the president '' .
That same belief in Mr Trump 's demise has fuelled coverage of the disease , Mr Mulvaney said .
How is the US handling the outbreak ?
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration came under scrutiny for its early handling of the crisis .
According to an anonymous whistleblower within the US Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) , government workers that were deployed to help a flight of Americans evacuated from Wuhan were `` not properly trained or equipped to operate in a public health emergency situation '' .
• How worried should US be over coronavirus ?
The plane , which was chartered by the state department , arrived in California on 29 January .
The team of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with around 200 evacuees , but were allowed to come and go from the quarantine zone and were not given the same protective equipment as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) workers who treated evacuees in `` full gown , gloves and hazmat attire '' .
The complaint was made by a senior worker , according to whistleblower 's lawyer .
The lawyer is seeking federal whistleblower protection , arguing that his client has faced retaliation from superiors for reporting the concerns .
In testimony on Thursday , HHS Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware of any violation of quarantine or isolation protocols '' .
Cases are being tracked across the country , with thousands of people in mandatory or voluntary quarantine .
The New York health department has asked 700 people to self-isolate .
California 's governor said 8,400 people are being monitored by authorities and 33 have tested positive .
When the Trump administration is under duress , its first instinct is to attack the media .
That should n't come as a huge surprise , given that public trust and support of the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the years .
So as the stock market plummets and concerns grow over the economic impact of the coronavirus , Mick Mulvaney turned to the usual suspects when assigning blame .
The risk for Mulvaney , the president and the rest of the administration , however , is that if the virus does end up becoming a serious problem in the US , their current attempts to shrug off the risks it presents could be particularly damaging .
George W Bush 's response to Hurricane Katrina - the sine qua non of tone-deaf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have been nearly as devastating if it had n't been for his `` heckuva job '' early praise for those handling the matter .
The coronavirus may not end up being the monumental threat some have predicted .
It would n't be the first time breathless predictions turned out to be overblown .
The consequences of treating the outbreak as a political , not a public health , threat , however , could be tragically high .
Which countries have been hit worst ?
China is still seeing the huge majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to climb in other countries that are thousands of miles away .
Iran and Italy have both seen surging numbers of infected patients .
Iran 's official death toll stands at 34 , but sources within the country 's healthcare system tell BBC Persian that the count could be as high as 210 .
Iran has denied that it is withholding information about the number of dead and infected .
There have also been 13 deaths in South Korea and three deaths in Japan .
The World Health Organization director of health emergencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was at highest possible level .
Dr Mike Ryan said it would be `` unhelpful '' to declare the outbreak a pandemic , because doing so is `` essentially accepting that every human on the planet will be exposed to that virus .
`` The data does not support that as yet , '' he said .
Have you been affected by the spread of coronavirus ?
You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following ways : • Please read our terms of use and privacy policy

The team of more than a dozen HHS workers had face-to-face contact with around 200 evacuees, but were allowed to come and go from the quarantine zone and were not given the same protective equipment as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) workers who treated evacuees in "full gown, gloves and hazmat attire".


bbc--2020-02-28--Former Barclays executives cleared of fraud charges

Three former top Barclays executives have been cleared of fraud charges linked to how the bank raised billions from Qatar in the financial crisis .
The Serious Fraud Office ( SFO ) had alleged the bank had given Qatar secret fees that helped it to survive without a UK government bailout in 2008 .
Roger Jenkins , Tom Kalaris , and Richard Boath were found not guilty on all charges by the jury in under six hours .
Former Barclays chief executive John Varley was acquitted in June 2019 .
The acquittal of the three men is a blow to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ambitious seven-and-a-half-year investigation that led to the first criminal charges in Britain against senior financiers at a major bank over credit crisis-era conduct .
An SFO spokesperson said : `` Our prosecution decisions are always based on the evidence that is available , and we are determined to bring perpetrators of serious financial crime to justice .
`` Wherever our evidential and public interest tests are met , we will always endeavour to bring this before a court . ''
Mr Boath , when leaving the Old Bailey on Friday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very relieved about the verdict , particularly given that I was cleared in 2017 by the Financial Conduct Authority . ''
He added that the SFO should never have brought the case .
Mr Boath said the last six years had been tough .
But phone calls recorded during the crisis and played to the jury made clear he was innocent .
`` Obviously there are ups and downs but today is a big up obviously.
`` `` I frankly could n't have done more in 2008 to make sure the bank did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that really comes out on all the tapes and I think that was obvious to the jury . ''
The acquittal of three former Barclays executives is the only time a jury has ruled on criminal allegations against senior bankers for events in the 2008 crisis .
The senior executives in this trial , which began in October - Roger Jenkins , 64 , Tom Kalaris , 64 and Richard Boath , 61 - were not the top bosses of Barclays .
Instead , they were between one and four ranks down from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hierarchical structure .
The allegations centred on a giant fundraising exercise in 2008 which enabled Barclays to escape the nationalisation forced on its competitors , RBS , Lloyds and HBOS .
The defendants were accused by prosecutors of conspiring to commit fraud in connection with that fundraising effort .
They argued that it was not a fraud - and that if , alternatively , it was judged to be a fraud , they were not the ones who should be held accountable for it .
Their actions , their barristers said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the bank and signed off by the banks ' top lawyers .
In the end , the jury took less than six hours to find in their favour .
The decision comes as a setback for the Serious Fraud Office , which took years to launch its prosecution and has now had its case thrown out .
• The inside story of the Barclays trial The three former senior bankers were accused by the SFO of committing a fraud in the midst of the financial crisis - charges they have spent more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2008 , Barclays , like other banks , was running dangerously low on cash .
Roger Jenkins , Tom Kalaris and Richard Boath helped to arrange a £12bn investment by sovereign wealth funds , including the Gulf state of Qatar .
However , the Qataris demanded more than double the fees paid to other investors .
The SFO said the bank decided to disguise their extra fees - £322m in total - by hiding them in what it said were pretend agreements for advisory services .
The defendants said the agreements were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and signed off by its lawyers .
Prosecutors had alleged Mr Jenkins , the head of the Middle East investment bank , Mr Kalaris , who ran Barclays ' wealth unit , and former financial institutions head Mr Boath conspired with former finance director Chris Lucas to disguise a £42m payment to Qatar .
The SFO said the bankers used a so-called `` advisory services agreement '' to mask the fact Barclays was paying Qatar more than twice the fees it was paying other investors that June .
Mr Jenkins , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Qatari relationship , was also charged over a £280m , five-year agreement struck with Qatar four months later .
Mr Lucas was not charged because he was too ill to stand trial .
Qatar , a major investor in the UK and still a significant Barclays shareholder , was neither investigated nor accused of wrongdoing .

In the end, the jury took less than six hours to find in their favour. The decision comes as a setback for the Serious Fraud Office, which took years to launch its prosecution and has now had its case thrown out.