bbc--2020-05-14--Premiership Rugby auditing suitable grounds for restart

Premiership Rugby is auditing its clubs ' grounds to look for suitable venues to host rugby union 's restart .
Following government guidance , rugby 's governing bodies are continuing to plan for the sport 's safe return .
With nine rounds of the season left , the preference remains to stage whole rounds of games at one venue for safety and logistical reasons .
However , Twickenham and Wasps ' Ricoh Arena - while not ruled out - do not meet all the criteria .
The BBC understands these criteria are : • Safety : a venue that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space for the extra medical facilities required .
• A pitch that can withstand a series of matches in one weekend .
• Room for more than two teams to change and prepare .
While Twickenham was initially considered to be the best option to host the games , it is costly to run and is currently being used by the NHS .
Meanwhile the Ricoh Arena in Coventry lacks nearby training facilities .
Hosting the matches at a neutral ground outside of the 12 Premiership venues has been considered , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rugby authorities want control of the venue throughout the week for safety reasons .
The power-brokers of the English game meet on Thursday for further discussions , with the RFU warning there is `` still significant work to do '' and that player and staff welfare will `` be at the heart '' of decision-making .
The Rugby Players ' Association added that `` no players , coaches or support staff will be at significant risk when rugby returns '' while Premiership Rugby boss Darren Childs said `` our job is now to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our greatest national sports to thrive '' .
A return date in early July remains the target , although the BBC has learned that the weekend of 27 June has also been mooted .
Some Premiership clubs are set to begin a phased return to training next week , with Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care telling the Rugby Union Weekly podcast that the players are `` desperate '' to get back playing if safe to do so , and that `` rugby needs to come back '' given the perilous financial predicament many clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have pushed through a 25 % wage cut on their players , which is set to stay in place for the foreseeable future , with full crowds - and therefore full revenues - not expected potentially until 2021 .
However , there is concern over how the return to training affects players who are out of contract at their current clubs at the end of June .
Even though the season is yet to be completed , players are still set to move clubs by 1 July , opening up the possibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a short period while knowing they wo n't play for them again .

Twickenham is currently being used by the NHS
Premiership Rugby is auditing its clubs' grounds to look for suitable venues to host rugby union's restart.
Following government guidance, rugby's governing bodies are continuing to plan for the sport's safe return.
With nine rounds of the season left, the preference remains to stage whole rounds of games at one venue for safety and logistical reasons.
However, Twickenham and Wasps' Ricoh Arena - while not ruled out - do not meet all the criteria.
The BBC understands these criteria are:
Safety: a venue that is as bio-secure as possible and has enough space for the extra medical facilities required.
A pitch that can withstand a series of matches in one weekend.
Training facilities in the vicinity.
Room for more than two teams to change and prepare.
While Twickenham was initially considered to be the best option to host the games, it is costly to run and is currently being used by the NHS. Meanwhile the Ricoh Arena in Coventry lacks nearby training facilities.
Hosting the matches at a neutral ground outside of the 12 Premiership venues has been considered, but it is understood this is unlikely as the rugby authorities want control of the venue throughout the week for safety reasons.
The power-brokers of the English game meet on Thursday for further discussions, with the RFU warning there is "still significant work to do" and that player and staff welfare will "be at the heart" of decision-making.
The Rugby Players' Association added that "no players, coaches or support staff will be at significant risk when rugby returns" while Premiership Rugby boss Darren Childs said "our job is now to find a safe way for one of our greatest national sports to thrive".
A return date in early July remains the target, although the BBC has learned that the weekend of 27 June has also been mooted.
Some Premiership clubs are set to begin a phased return to training next week, with Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care telling the Rugby Union Weekly podcast that the players are "desperate" to get back playing if safe to do so, and that "rugby needs to come back" given the perilous financial predicament many clubs are facing.
The majority of clubs have pushed through a 25% wage cut on their players, which is set to stay in place for the foreseeable future, with full crowds - and therefore full revenues - not expected potentially until 2021.
However, there is concern over how the return to training affects players who are out of contract at their current clubs at the end of June.
Even though the season is yet to be completed, players are still set to move clubs by 1 July, opening up the possibility of players returning to train at a club for a short period while knowing they won't play for them again.


bbc--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Inside a reopened primary school in the time of Covid-19

Primary children in Denmark have been back at school for a month now .
It was the first country in @ @ @ @ @ schools , after containing the virus early on .
There have been fewer than 550 @ @ @ @ @ Europe correspondent Jean Mackenzie has spent the day at the Lynghøj primary school .
From @ @ @ @ @ , this is how they ’ re making it work .
• Sean Coughlan looks @ @ @ @ @ re-opening England 's schools

Primary children in Denmark have been back at school for a month now.
It was the first country in Europe to reopen its primary schools, after containing the virus early on. There have been fewer than 550 deaths so far.
Our Europe correspondent Jean Mackenzie has spent the day at the Lynghøj primary school.
From hourly handwashing to small playgroups, this is how they’re making it work.
Produced by Sara Monetta; Camera/editing by Andy Smythe


bbc--2020-05-14--Coronavirus puts spotlight on landmark year for nature

The pandemic has disrupted conservation work and funding , with potential repercussions for years to come , according to conservation groups .
But we can seize the opportunity to push for stronger action to protect the natural world , say Dr Diogo Veríssimo and Dr Nisha Owen from campaign group On The Edge Conservation .
The pandemic struck in what was meant to be a landmark year for biodiversity .
New goals for protecting the natural world are due to be agreed in October .
While lockdown has been linked to a number of positive environmental changes , including wildlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little about how large areas of the world that host vast quantities of biodiversity have been faring , said Dr Owen .
• Climate change and coronavirus : Five charts about the biggest carbon crash • Fears of spike in poaching as pandemic poverty strikes • India 's carbon emissions fall for first time in four decades '' There 's reports coming in of illegal activities happening on the ground that are not being patrolled for or monitored or counted because of the effects of coronavirus lockdown or reduced staff or reduced funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not going to know the scale of what that impact may have been on wildlife and biodiversity until we 're able to systematically assess that , and that 's probably not going to be until we come out of lockdown . ''
Loss of funding for conservation work is a growing concern , particularly for lesser-known endangered species , such as pangolins , which already receive a `` smaller slice of the cake '' .
`` It is not just the case that organisations in far flung places are feeling difficulties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also a scientist at the University of Oxford .
`` It is also right here in the UK where environmental charities are being gravely affected by all the changes that Covid-19 is producing . ''
The Wildlife and Countryside Link , a coalition of more than 50 environment and wildlife groups in England , recently warned in a report that UK environment charities are facing a dramatic loss of income , which will have an impact on their ability to care for our land , protect wildlife and tackle climate change and nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It comes in what was set to be a `` Super Year for Biodiversity '' , as coined by the UN , culminating in a global biodiversity conference in October , where new goals for tackling biodiversity over the next decade were due to be drawn up .
Though the timetable has changed , this is a key opportunity for world leaders to set strong goals and highlight that biodiversity is integral to human health and well-being , and the planet that we live on , said Dr Owen .
Dr Veríssimo added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source in a wild animal .
It 's about our relationship with nature , and how we have now put animals in contexts and situations where these types of diseases are more likely to not only cross species within wildlife but also cross to humans . ''

"We're not going to know the scale of what that impact may have been on wildlife and biodiversity until we're able to systematically assess that, and that's probably not going to be until we come out of lockdown."


bbc--2020-05-14--Wristband helps workers maintain social distancing

A wristband which notifies the wearer with a vibration if they get too close to maintain safe social distancing has @ @ @ @ @ of Antwerp .
See more at Click 's website and @ BBCClick

A wristband which notifies the wearer with a vibration if they get too close to maintain safe social distancing has been introduced at the port of Antwerp.
BBC Click finds out more.
See more at Click's website and @BBCClick


bbc--2020-05-14--Jorge Masvidal: UFC fighter's rise from Miami street fighting scene

The atmosphere at UFC 239 in Las Vegas was subdued when the referee called for the welterweight bout between Masvidal and Ben Askren to get under way last July .
Only murmurs of conversation and the odd whistle of support for the two American fighters could be heard from fans watching at ringside .
That all changed in seconds , as a brutal smacking sound ripped throughout the arena That sound was Masvidal 's flying knee knocking Askren out , sending him falling to the canvas as stiff and motionless as a toppled statue .
More than 18,000 spectators erupted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roars and expressions of shock .
At five seconds , Jorge Masvidal had delivered the fastest knockout in UFC history .
It was a career-defining moment which has elevated the 35-year-old from Miami to the height of his sport .
Masvidal is now one of the biggest MMA stars in the world .
And yet , up until that night in Vegas his life and career had largely been defined by a very different type of fighting , in a vastly distant scene .
The story of that transformation begins outside a sun-baked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 years ago .
Masvidal is just waiting .
The yard where he 's standing is usually empty , but on this day it 's brimming with people .
There 's an eager crowd gathered around two shirtless men about to engage in a mutual combat bare-knuckle fight .
One of the fighters is known as 'Ray ' .
He 's built up a fearsome reputation street fighting in this Florida city .
He 's six feet tall and weighs around 200 pounds .
The fight gets started , and Ray soon clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge right hand .
The crowd bellows in excitement , the bout is quickly over .
Ray has won , but he 's not finished yet .
He looks over towards the ponytailed Masvidal and demands for him to step inside the yard .
The main event is on .
`` There was never any animosity , '' Masvidal tells BBC Sport .
`` It was just fierce competition and two guys going at it .
If I 'd lost , I would have gone over to him , shook his hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sat in a McDonalds drive-through when he got the phone call asking if he wanted to fight Ray .
The call came from the late Kimbo Slice , a former MMA fighter and boxer who rose to popularity in 2003 by uploading his mutual combat street fights to YouTube .
Masvidal drove to the other side of Miami to face Ray that very same day .
`` Me and Kimbo , rest in peace , we used to train at the same gym , '' says Masvidal .
`` He 'd already seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit of a connection after talking a couple of times .
That 's when he asked if I 'd like to fight in his backyard .
The rest is history . ''
Masvidal started competing in mutual combat street fights from the age of 14 .
He was 18 when he took that fight with Ray , in 2004 , and he beat him again in a rematch around a year later .
Mutual combat is when two people consensually engage in a fight while not hurting bystanders or damaging property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida forbidding it , but it remains a grey area and participants could be charged with various crimes on a case-by-case basis .
Masvidal was hyperactive as a child and so full of energy that his mother banned him from attending his cousins ' birthday parties because he caused too much trouble .
He says he fought because it was a way to expend that energy , he loved to compete and it was the only sport he was interested in .
Looking back , he remembers the incident that led to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine years old riding a bike with some friends when we got stopped by a group of guys who were three or four years older than us , '' he recalls .
`` One of the guys leans over , grabs my shirt , pulls out a knife and tells me to give him my bike .
I was scared .
He had a knife .
But there was a fence between us so I pulled back , assessed the situation , then took off .
`` Then , five or six months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my friend got slapped at school , and I asked who 's the guy that slapped you ?
He pointed to the kid and just by luck , I realised it was the same guy who pulled a knife on me .
`` We started going at it by the side of the cafeteria .
I knew how to throw punches by watching kung-fu movies , and I landed a flurry , plus a head butt which busted his nose . ''
By the time he was 14 , Masvidal had started properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was also attending karate classes and wrestling at high school .
In wrestling , Masvidal was good enough for the starting spot on his school team , but he did n't achieve the grades needed to qualify .
At 18 , he took his first professional mixed martial arts fight and won via a first round knockout .
It was around this time that he met one of the most influential people in his life , Paulino Hernandez .
Masvidal was mixing unsanctioned street fights with professional fights and Hernandez , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his potential .
He told Masvidal he should put the street fighting scene behind him and focus solely on being a professional fighter .
In 2003 , MMA was a long way from the mainstream exposure it has today .
It was a niche sport , often perceived as 'too violent ' for people outside of its fan base .
The biggest-selling UFC pay-per-view that year was UFC 44 , where 90,000 people paid to watch Tito Ortiz against Randy Couture .
Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone 's fight in January had more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ striking coach Hernandez trains him to this day and lives with him at his home in Florida .
`` Paulino told me 'this street fighting , it can only take you so far and I do n't want to take part in that journey ' , '' says Masvidal .
`` He said : 'If you stick to the pro lifestyle and compete in sanctioned fights , you can be champion and I 'll back you and stand by your side the whole way . '
`` It was one of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seventeen years later , Masvidal is a veteran of nearly 50 professional fights in countless promotions .
He joined the UFC in 2012 where he has a record of 12 wins and six defeats .
He 's currently on a three-fight win streak which started with another stunning knockout victory over Britain 's Darren Till in London in March 2019 .
His most recent fight was a headline bout at UFC 244 in New York against Nate Diaz in November for the inaugural 'BMF ' title , which Masvidal won , pocketing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking to BBC Sport now , relaxing outside his sun-drenched home in Florida in a lavish pink gown , you sense that Masvidal is enjoying being in the spotlight .
He appears confident , but not arrogant .
He 's yet to win the UFC welterweight title , but has the swagger of a champion .
He is in a luxurious position now where , to a large extent , he can name the price of his fights and choose the opponents he wants to face .
It 's a position only the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Masvidal believes he might have got here sooner .
`` For most of my career , I 've carried this stigma of being a street fighter , '' he says .
`` Now the UFC is all over me but let 's be honest , they were promoting nothing of me when I first joined .
Now , everyone is saying say 'Oh wow you were a street fighter ' , but back then promotions just did n't like it .
`` The stigma meant promotions were always hesitant to promote me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisations and promoters , who never wanted to pay you or give you a chance .
`` When I started fighting professionals , there was always 'oh he 's a street fighter , will he be late for the weigh-in ?
Maybe he 'll miss weight .
I 've never missed weight .
I 've never pulled out of a fight .
`` Things that uncivilised street fighters have done , I 've never done .
In a fight for instance , I 've never committed a foul that meant I had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Dhafir Harris , known as Dada 5000 , was a kingpin of Miami 's underground street fighting scene and set up hundreds of mutual combat fights in his back yard .
Masvidal never fought under Harris , but he did attend some backyard fights as a spectator .
Harris says that , for most of those involved , fighting represented a chance to escape the city 's poorer neighbourhoods .
`` It was a way out for them , '' he says .
`` They 'd seen Kimbo Slice do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he can do it , you can do it . '
`` We were n't born with a silver spoon inside our mouths , we were individuals that did n't have the opportunities that other parts of the US had .
The backyard was an environment we could work in . ''
Harris argues that despite the dangers involved in mutual combat fights , like serious injury or going to jail , reward outweighed risk because lives were being saved .
He believes it provided people with a way to settle disputes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Once you get that gun out there 's no pulling back that bullet - it 's done , '' says Harris .
`` And that 's what we focused on - being a solution to people 's problems .
Everybody has problems but not all of us have problem-solving skills . ''
Harris takes pride in Masvidal 's success in the UFC .
`` I 've always said , if you ever see Jorge Masvidal in a fight with a bear , help the bear , '' he says .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get out there and be the great warrior he is today .
`` A guy from the back yard got the fastest knockout in UFC history .
That states value . ''

Masvidal began competing in Miami street fights at the age of 14
Jorge Masvidal relaxed and leaned back against the cage wall, his hands placed nonchalantly behind him. He smiled across at his opponent, calm and quiet. It was in complete contrast to what was about to happen.
The atmosphere at UFC 239 in Las Vegas was subdued when the referee called for the welterweight bout between Masvidal and Ben Askren to get under way last July.
Only murmurs of conversation and the odd whistle of support for the two American fighters could be heard from fans watching at ringside. That all changed in seconds, as a brutal smacking sound ripped throughout the arena
That sound was Masvidal's flying knee knocking Askren out, sending him falling to the canvas as stiff and motionless as a toppled statue. More than 18,000 spectators erupted, united in an outpouring of deafening roars and expressions of shock.
At five seconds, Jorge Masvidal had delivered the fastest knockout in UFC history.
It was a career-defining moment which has elevated the 35-year-old from Miami to the height of his sport. Masvidal is now one of the biggest MMA stars in the world.
And yet, up until that night in Vegas his life and career had largely been defined by a very different type of fighting, in a vastly distant scene.
The story of that transformation begins outside a sun-baked yard behind a laundrette in Miami, 16 years ago.
Masvidal is just waiting. The yard where he's standing is usually empty, but on this day it's brimming with people. There's an eager crowd gathered around two shirtless men about to engage in a mutual combat bare-knuckle fight.
One of the fighters is known as 'Ray'. He's built up a fearsome reputation street fighting in this Florida city. He's six feet tall and weighs around 200 pounds. The fight gets started, and Ray soon clubs his opponent to the concrete ground with a huge right hand.
The crowd bellows in excitement, the bout is quickly over. Ray has won, but he's not finished yet. He looks over towards the ponytailed Masvidal and demands for him to step inside the yard. The main event is on.
"There was never any animosity," Masvidal tells BBC Sport. "It was just fierce competition and two guys going at it. If I'd lost, I would have gone over to him, shook his hand and hugged him."
Masvidal was sat in a McDonalds drive-through when he got the phone call asking if he wanted to fight Ray. The call came from the late Kimbo Slice, a former MMA fighter and boxer who rose to popularity in 2003 by uploading his mutual combat street fights to YouTube. Masvidal drove to the other side of Miami to face Ray that very same day.
"Me and Kimbo, rest in peace, we used to train at the same gym," says Masvidal.
"He'd already seen me working out and we built up a little bit of a connection after talking a couple of times. That's when he asked if I'd like to fight in his backyard. The rest is history."
Masvidal started competing in mutual combat street fights from the age of 14. He was 18 when he took that fight with Ray, in 2004, and he beat him again in a rematch around a year later.
Mutual combat is when two people consensually engage in a fight while not hurting bystanders or damaging property. There is no official law in Florida forbidding it, but it remains a grey area and participants could be charged with various crimes on a case-by-case basis.
Masvidal says he never had any concerns about the legalities around street fighting and mutual combat. He was more than aware, however, of its unpredictable nature.
"I never worried about getting in trouble - we'd both signed up for the same thing," he says.
"I never wanted to seriously hurt anybody, but a backyard fight, you can't control it at all and the things that can happen after the fight are scary. Somebody's friend might get mad, and they might have a knife, or a gun, and there's no doctors or nurses around.
"A professional fight is much safer because your mind is in a totally different place."
Masvidal (pictured here bottom left) has often paid tribute to Kimbo Slice (top picture, left) in social media posts
Masvidal was born in November 1984, in Miami, to two immigrant parents.
His mother had moved to the United States from Peru. His father arrived from Cuba at the age of 14, travelling 90 miles at sea over five days on a makeshift raft made out of a tractor tyre.
Growing up, Masvidal lived and moved around a lot with his mother, but he spent most of his youth in Miami. He saw little of his dad, who was imprisoned for 18 years for drug trafficking offences when Masvidal was only four years old. His mother told him he was away in the army and for nine years their only contact was over the phone. It wasn't until the age of 13 that he found out the truth and started to regularly visit his father in jail.
Despite this, Masvidal says he was close to his family, and he looks back on his childhood with fond memories.
"It was fun man, I had a great childhood," he says. "Maybe we didn't have as much money as the other kids at my schools, but it didn't matter. I had a blast growing up."
Masvidal was hyperactive as a child and so full of energy that his mother banned him from attending his cousins' birthday parties because he caused too much trouble.
He says he fought because it was a way to expend that energy, he loved to compete and it was the only sport he was interested in. Looking back, he remembers the incident that led to his first fight.
"I was about nine years old riding a bike with some friends when we got stopped by a group of guys who were three or four years older than us," he recalls.
"One of the guys leans over, grabs my shirt, pulls out a knife and tells me to give him my bike. I was scared. He had a knife. But there was a fence between us so I pulled back, assessed the situation, then took off.
"Then, five or six months later, there's this incident where my friend got slapped at school, and I asked who's the guy that slapped you? He pointed to the kid and just by luck, I realised it was the same guy who pulled a knife on me.
"We started going at it by the side of the cafeteria. I knew how to throw punches by watching kung-fu movies, and I landed a flurry, plus a head butt which busted his nose."
By the time he was 14, Masvidal had started properly training at a boxing gym after school. He was also attending karate classes and wrestling at high school. In wrestling, Masvidal was good enough for the starting spot on his school team, but he didn't achieve the grades needed to qualify.
At 18, he took his first professional mixed martial arts fight and won via a first round knockout. It was around this time that he met one of the most influential people in his life, Paulino Hernandez.
Masvidal was presented with his 'BMF' title after victory over Nate Diaz in November
Masvidal was mixing unsanctioned street fights with professional fights and Hernandez, a trainer, thought this could damage his potential. He told Masvidal he should put the street fighting scene behind him and focus solely on being a professional fighter.
In 2003, MMA was a long way from the mainstream exposure it has today. It was a niche sport, often perceived as 'too violent' for people outside of its fan base.
The biggest-selling UFC pay-per-view that year was UFC 44, where 90,000 people paid to watch Tito Ortiz against Randy Couture. Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone's fight in January had more than one million pay-per-views.
Masvidal's striking coach Hernandez trains him to this day and lives with him at his home in Florida.
"Paulino told me 'this street fighting, it can only take you so far and I don't want to take part in that journey'," says Masvidal.
"He said: 'If you stick to the pro lifestyle and compete in sanctioned fights, you can be champion and I'll back you and stand by your side the whole way.'
"It was one of the most important days of my life."
Seventeen years later, Masvidal is a veteran of nearly 50 professional fights in countless promotions. He joined the UFC in 2012 where he has a record of 12 wins and six defeats.
He's currently on a three-fight win streak which started with another stunning knockout victory over Britain's Darren Till in London in March 2019. His most recent fight was a headline bout at UFC 244 in New York against Nate Diaz in November for the inaugural 'BMF' title, which Masvidal won, pocketing a reported $500,000 (£405,000).
Speaking to BBC Sport now, relaxing outside his sun-drenched home in Florida in a lavish pink gown, you sense that Masvidal is enjoying being in the spotlight. He appears confident, but not arrogant. He's yet to win the UFC welterweight title, but has the swagger of a champion.
He is in a luxurious position now where, to a large extent, he can name the price of his fights and choose the opponents he wants to face. It's a position only the hardest-working and durable fighters get to enjoy.
Masvidal believes he might have got here sooner.
"For most of my career, I've carried this stigma of being a street fighter," he says.
"Now the UFC is all over me but let's be honest, they were promoting nothing of me when I first joined. Now, everyone is saying say 'Oh wow you were a street fighter', but back then promotions just didn't like it.
"The stigma meant promotions were always hesitant to promote me. I fought for so many different organisations and promoters, who never wanted to pay you or give you a chance.
"When I started fighting professionals, there was always 'oh he's a street fighter, will he be late for the weigh-in? Maybe he'll miss weight. I've never missed weight. I've never pulled out of a fight.
"Things that uncivilised street fighters have done, I've never done. In a fight for instance, I've never committed a foul that meant I had to get a point taken away from me."
Dhafir Harris, known as Dada 5000, was a kingpin of Miami's underground street fighting scene and set up hundreds of mutual combat fights in his back yard.
Masvidal never fought under Harris, but he did attend some backyard fights as a spectator.
Harris says that, for most of those involved, fighting represented a chance to escape the city's poorer neighbourhoods.
"It was a way out for them," he says. "They'd seen Kimbo Slice do it, so my motto was 'Hey, if he can do it, you can do it.'
"We weren't born with a silver spoon inside our mouths, we were individuals that didn't have the opportunities that other parts of the US had. The backyard was an environment we could work in."
Harris argues that despite the dangers involved in mutual combat fights, like serious injury or going to jail, reward outweighed risk because lives were being saved. He believes it provided people with a way to settle disputes which might otherwise have concluded in bloodshed.
"Once you get that gun out there's no pulling back that bullet - it's done," says Harris.
"And that's what we focused on - being a solution to people's problems. Everybody has problems but not all of us have problem-solving skills."
Harris takes pride in Masvidal's success in the UFC.
"I've always said, if you ever see Jorge Masvidal in a fight with a bear, help the bear," he says.
"Jorge armed himself with the necessary skills to get out there and be the great warrior he is today.
"A guy from the back yard got the fastest knockout in UFC history. That states value."


bbc--2020-05-15--Rick Bright: 'Ousted' vaccine expert says US is facing its 'darkest winter'

A former top US health official has told Congress the country could face its `` darkest winter in modern history '' because of the coronavirus .
Rick Bright led the government agency trying to develop a vaccine , but was removed from his post last month .
He has previously said he was ousted from the job for raising concern over a treatment being touted by President Donald Trump .
The US leader dismissed him as a `` disgruntled '' employee .
• How the pandemic is relaxing US drinking laws Mr Bright also told the House of Representatives subcommittee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of government `` inaction '' in the early stages of the outbreak .
He said he first spoke out about a medical equipment shortage in January , raising the issue to the `` highest levels '' of the Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) , but `` got no response '' .
In other US developments : • A total of 85,807 people have now died with the coronavirus in the US .
New York state continues to have the highest death toll in the US , with 27,607 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman of the US Senate intelligence committee , has said he will step down while an investigation into allegations of insider trading is carried out .
Mr Burr is accused of using inside information to avoid market losses from the coronavirus pandemic • Michigan 's state legislature cancelled its Thursday session after receiving death threats and facing more armed protests from right-wing groups campaigning against lockdown measures • Almost a quarter of US workers are now claiming unemployment benefits , after the number of people seeking unemployment jumped by almost three million last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mar-a-Lago will partially re-open this weekend , but guests will need to maintain social distancing , US broadcaster CNN reports .
What else did Mr Bright say ?
During his testimony , Mr Bright warned that the US 's `` window of opportunity '' to deal with the coronavirus was `` closing '' .
`` If we fail to improve our response now , based on science , I fear the pandemic will get worse and be prolonged , '' he said .
`` Without better planning , 2020 could be the darkest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bright also told the subcommittee that in January he received an email he would `` never forget '' , from a supplier of medical-grade face masks , warning of a severe shortage .
`` He said ... we need to act .
And I pushed that forward to the highest level that I could of HHS - and got no response . ''
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • VACCINE : How close are we to finding one ?
• STRESS : How to look after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removal from his post was the result of his insisting that money allocated by Congress to deal with the virus should be put `` into safe and scientifically vetted solutions , and not in drugs , vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit '' .
`` I spoke out then , and I am testifying today , because science - not politics or cronyism - must lead the way to combat this deadly virus , '' he added .
Why was Rick Bright removed from his post ?
A whistleblower complaint , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bright was removed from his post as director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority ( Barda ) for political reasons .
Mr Bright says he was removed shortly after the publication of an article on chloroquine , for which he says he was a source .
President Trump had referred to hydroxychloroquine , an antimalarial drug , as a potential `` game-changer '' in the treatment of Covid-19 - although many experts have cautioned that it could be ineffective , or even dangerous .
Mr Bright 's complaint alleges that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government officials `` refused to listen '' to his warnings .
He said he had an obligation to try and protect the public `` from drugs which he believed constituted a substantial and specific danger to public health and safety '' .

Mr Bright said his removal from his post was the result of his insisting that money allocated by Congress to deal with the virus should be put "into safe and scientifically vetted solutions, and not in drugs, vaccines and other technologies that lack scientific merit".


bbc--2020-05-14--US Senate intelligence chief steps down for FBI probe

The Republican chairman of the US Senate intelligence committee will step down while an insider trading inquiry is carried out .
Richard Burr of North Carolina said he had decided to do so because he did not want the investigation to distract the committee from its work .
Mr Burr 's phone has been seized by the FBI as part of the inquiry .
The senator , who denies wrongdoing , allegedly used inside information to avoid market losses from coronavirus .
Mr Burr and his wife sold as much as $ 1.7m ( £1.4m ) of equities in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an economic crisis .
It is illegal for members of Congress to trade based on non-public information gathered during their official duties .
Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler of Georgia and James Inhofe of Oklahoma , as well as Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California , also reportedly sold holdings before the downturn , but are not confirmed to be under investigation .
Ms Feinstein said she had answered questions from the FBI regarding trades made by her husband , however .
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Mr Burr had contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step aside temporarily .
`` We agreed that this decision would be in the best interests of the committee and will be effective at the end of the day tomorrow [ Friday ] , '' Mr McConnell said in a statement .
Mr Burr said : `` The work the Intelligence Committee and its members do is too important to risk hindering in any way .
I believe this step is necessary to allow the Committee to continue its essential work free of external distractions . ''
He turned over his mobile phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executed a search warrant at his Washington , DC , home .
What are the allegations exactly ?
Public disclosures first investigated by ProPublica show the senator sold more than 30 stocks between late January and mid-February .
Some of the stocks were in sectors now devastated by the coronavirus outbreak , such as the hotel , restaurant and shipping industries .
As chairman of the Senate intelligence committee , Mr Burr receives nearly daily briefings on threats to US national security .
He defended the transactions , saying he had `` relied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruct his decision to sell .
However , he was criticised for publicly downplaying the seriousness of the virus , even as he privately sold equities and warned a private North Carolina business group of the stark risks it posed .
Mr Burr 's lawyer , Alice Fisher , said in March the senator welcomed the justice department investigation because it would `` establish that his actions were appropriate '' .
`` The law is clear that any American - including a Senator - may participate in the stock market based on public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
The bulk of Mr Burr 's sales occurred on 13 February , just before his speech to the wealthy business constituent group about the dire economic impact of the coronavirus , at a time when the Trump administration was publicly downplaying the threat .
In an audio recording , obtained by US outlet National Public Radio ( NPR ) he also told the group to curtail their travel .
Mr Burr has accused NPR of `` misrepresenting '' his speech .
First elected to the Senate in 2004 , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigated Russian election interference in the 2016 presidential election .
The committee endorsed intelligence community findings that Russia had interfered on Donald Trump 's behalf .
Mr Burr 's six-year term ends in 2023 and he does not plan to run for re-election , the Associated Press reports .
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?

Mr Burr said: "The work the Intelligence Committee and its members do is too important to risk hindering in any way. I believe this step is necessary to allow the Committee to continue its essential work free of external distractions."


bbc--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: How exposed is your job?

Coronavirus: How exposed is your job?

Millions of workers are doing their day jobs from makeshift set-ups in their living rooms and kitchens , while those in England who ca n't work from home are now encouraged to go back in if they can do so safely .
But how exposed to coronavirus might you be in your job ?
And how does that compare to others ?
Data from the UK 's Office for National Statistics , based on a US survey , puts into context the risk of exposure to disease , as well as the amount of close human contact workers had before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced .
See how your job ranks by using the search below .
While most jobs require people to work relatively closely to others - somewhere in the range between arm 's length and a shared office environment - there are very few that typically involve exposure to disease more than once a year .
It 's important to note that the data on both exposure to disease at work and how close people are to others is based on interviews that took place with US workers before the pandemic broke out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs may find it easier to adjust than others and there may be slightly different working practices and conditions in the US for certain occupations .
The results can be expected to be broadly the same in most developed countries .
Almost all the jobs that have a high exposure to both disease and other people are healthcare professions , while those who scored low on both measures include artists , lawyers and those in more typical office jobs like marketing , HR and financial advisers .
Cleaners , prison officers and undertakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure to disease without so much close interaction with other people .
But the people who might be most at risk to a new infectious disease like Covid-19 , are those who have lots of close contact with people , but are n't used to being exposed to disease .
Bar staff , hairdressers and actors fall into this category , as well as taxi drivers and bricklayers .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• STAYING SAFE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or face covering ?
• DO IT FROM HOME : How to make your own face mask • AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise Other figures released by the ONS this week showed that deaths in the healthcare sector in the UK are no higher on average than those in the wider community , although social care workers were dying at higher rates .
Given that these healthcare occupations are so exposed to both disease and other people , why have there not been more deaths ?
This could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be using personal protective equipment ( PPE ) like masks and gloves , says Ben Humberstone , deputy director for health analysis at the ON .
They also follow regular hygiene measures like washing hands .
One of the jobs which had many more coronavirus deaths than the average was taxi drivers .
That 's a job which scores highly in terms of closeness to other people , particularly among those jobs which are still actually possible to do at the moment .
Bar staff , hairdressers and fitness instructors all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gyms and hair salons shut , most of these people will be isolating .
As taxi drivers are less exposed to disease in normal times , there may not be an existing culture of regular hand-washing and wearing PPE .
Some firms are trialling partition screens and distributing gloves and masks to protect their drivers and customers .
The data in the look-up comes from this release by the ONS .
The figures on proximity to others and exposure to disease come from a survey carried out by the Occupational Information Network ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US to place themselves on a 1-5 scale for the following two questions .
1 .
How physically close to other people are you when you perform your current job ?
2 .
How often does your current job require you to be exposed to diseases or infection ?
For exposure to disease , a score of one means they are never exposed , while a score of five means they are exposed daily .
It 's referring to any disease , not coronavirus specifically .
For the physical closeness question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100ft away from the nearest other person , while five means they need to touch or be near to touching other people at work .
The responses for people in the same jobs were averaged together and extrapolated to form a score of 100 .
We 've looked at these scores out of of 100 and given each job a ranking .
If any two jobs had the same score we 've given them a tied ranking .

One of the jobs which had many more coronavirus deaths than the average was taxi drivers. That's a job which scores highly in terms of closeness to other people, particularly among those jobs which are still actually possible to do at the moment. Bar staff, hairdressers and fitness instructors all score higher, but with bars, gyms and hair salons shut, most of these people will be isolating.


bbc--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: How the pandemic is relaxing US drinking laws

Coronavirus has Americans picking up two new summer accessories : a mask and an alcoholic to-go drink .
After weeks of sheltering in place , many Americans are looking for ways to cut loose .
With bars and restaurants closed to the public in most states , and summer weather approaching , that means that many are heading outdoors to relax and socialise .
And for some , that means having a drink - sometimes in spite of the law .
Veteran drinks writer Amanda Schuster says that in her neighbourhood of Brooklyn , New York , `` it seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public drinking .
`` It 's as if people have the attitude that 'no one 's going to arrest us for this when they have other things to do , ' '' Ms Schuster , who is the editor-in-chief for online magazine Alcohol Professor , told the BBC .
This laissez-faire approach is something Americans used to have to go abroad to experience .
While an 18-year-old can walk into a London pub and order a pint , the national minimum age to purchase alcohol in the US has been 21 since 1984 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Age Act , in part over concerns about drink-driving fatalities .
In many countries in Europe like Germany , it is perfectly fine to go for a stroll with a beer or bring wine to a picnic .
But in the US , carrying open alcohol in public is largely forbidden , except in a handful of municipalities .
A notable exception in the US is New Orleans , Louisiana , a city that proudly boasts its relaxed open container laws , giving it the feel of a European town .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries in regard to liquor laws , '' Ms Schuster says .
When the 21st Amendment repealed national prohibition in 1933 , states were given the ultimate power to decide who could manufacture , sell and drink alcohol .
That means that most states exercise tight control over who can sell alcohol , when , and where .
• S Africa banned alcohol in lockdown - is it working ?
But as the realities of the coronavirus pandemic transform many aspects of American social life , many states are relaxing their rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and closing non-essential businesses , many states rescinded laws that previously restricted restaurants from selling alcohol to-go .
Others loosened rules around online liquor sales , or made it easier for customers to buy directly from breweries and wineries .
In most jurisdictions , the sale of alcohol was deemed `` essential '' , with the exception of the US state of Pennsylvania , which closed all liquor stores .
`` It 's about creating revenue and helping these poor businesses , '' said Ms Schuster .
In addition to helping bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping their citizens buying booze .
Taxes on alcohol serve as a large source of revenue for many states .
And as the lockdown drags on , and coronavirus stress continues , the data shows that alcohol sales show no signs of dropping .
The week that New York announced the shelter-in-place , Nielsen reported alcohol sales had gone up significantly since the same time the previous year .
And last week , they reported that the US saw the largest growth of alcohol sales since the pandemic shutdowns started in March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in times of disaster , says Dr George Koob , the Director of the National Abuse of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism ( NIAAA ) .
`` We know historically that during 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina there was an upswing in alcohol consumption , '' he told the BBC .
• Why we are drinking more in lockdown With more people drinking and to-go alcohol laws being loosened to protect businesses , many local governments have issued warnings that allowing to-go alcohol sales at restaurants and bars does not change open container laws .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Authority has temporarily allowed licensed restaurants and bars to sell beer , wine and mixed drinks for carryout and delivery , the Alexandria City Code still prohibits carrying open containers of alcohol in public . ''
But in certain areas , there 's some indication that police are n't focusing on people drinking in public .
Just over an hour north , Baltimore , Maryland has said it will dismiss pending criminal charges for people arrested for many non-violent crimes , including breaking open container laws .
The Baltimore City State 's Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to curb the number of people in jails that are proving to be a potential `` breeding ground '' of the virus .
Dr Koob says it 's still too soon to tell how the new to-go cup policies will change alcohol behaviour , but the NIAAA is in the process of tracking it .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• POST-COVID WORLD : Will we ever shake hands again ?
• THE LOST SIX WEEKS : Missed chances for US to contain outbreak However , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more people drinking , the loss of inhibition could lead to more people drinking outside .
`` Alcohol 's effect on the body is disinhibition .
Some of these individuals who are drinking a little more because of the isolation and the stress are disinhibited so they might think it 's okay to go outside for a walk and take their beverage with them . ''
Whether or not alcohol to-go laws will remain the norm in the US after coronavirus passes remains to be seen , but Ms Schuster thinks it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genie back in the bottle '' .
She may be right .
On 28 April , Texas governor Greg Abbott tweeted that the state would be extending the temporary rule that allowed restaurants to serve alcohol to-go to continue past 1 May , when it was initially set to expire .
And he implied that this rule may be here to stay .
`` From what I hear from Texans , we may just let this keep on going forever , '' Governor Abbott tweeted .
In New York State , bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home right now .
And every time we get takeout from one of our great local restaurants , we make sure to grab a few pints for the road , something unthinkable 8 weeks ago .
No one cares suddenly and there 's no true harm in it .
I suspect the new economy in America will be far more tolerant of such things .
In Fort Lauderdale the bars have opened the pavement outside their premises to clientele .
This has led to a street party atmosphere and in some cases the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the customers are enjoying the freedom of drinking outside .
While this is a Florida Beach Resort City , and it was already legal to walk the streets with an open container , I would say that it is even more relaxed , and Restaurants which are still selling only take-away food are also selling take-away package liquors as well .
So you can get your coconut shrimp basket with a Rum Runner in a to-go cup .
This is legal ON FOOT , but it runs afoul of the states open container @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying any attention to that at this time .

While this is a Florida beach resort city, and it was already legal to walk the streets with an open container, I would say that it is even more relaxed, and restaurants which are still selling only take-away food are also selling take-away package liquors as well. So you can get your coconut shrimp basket with a rum runner in a to-go cup. This is legal ON FOOT, but it runs afoul of the states open container laws in a vehicle. Nobody is paying any attention to that at this time. Bob Gassert, Madeira Beach, Florida


bbc--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: Are states reopening ahead of White House guidelines?

After more than 40 state-wide lockdowns were put in place across the US throughout March and April , many states are now easing restrictions - but some are going against White House guidelines , worrying public health experts .
Dr Anthony Fauci , the White House 's top infectious disease adviser , has said he 's concerned some states are opening up too soon and risk triggering `` an outbreak that you may not be able to control '' .
Dr Fauci said : `` I 've been very clear in my message to try , to the best extent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have been very well thought out and very well delineated . ''
What are the guidelines ?
The reopening guidelines laid out by the Trump administration in April propose that states should have a `` downward trajectory '' of reported cases , or a falling share of positive tests , over a 14-day period before beginning a gradual reopening .
They also say states should have a robust testing programme in place and hospitals should n't be overwhelmed .
These are only guidelines and the decision is ultimately down to state governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states to open up , seemingly going against his administration 's guidance .
Since the guidelines were announced on 16 April , more than 30 states have partially reopened .
Have states seen a downward trend in daily cases ?
Daily coronavirus cases are increasing in a handful of states , but most are seeing a plateau , with neither a significant rise nor fall in reported daily cases .
Far fewer states are seeing a sustained decline - or a `` downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period '' as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But as testing expands , the government guidelines allow for an increase in daily cases if there 's a decrease in the proportion of positive tests - as more testing is likely to produce more cases overall .
But some states did n't meet these criteria before reopening either .
For example , in Missouri , gyms , restaurants , bars , retail stores , hairdressers and theatres reopened with limited capacity on 4 May .
This was despite the state 's daily coronavirus cases and share of positive tests rising over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopened restaurants and retail stores on 4 May without seeing a two-week fall in either daily cases or in the proportion of positive tests .
Many other states saw a rise in daily cases in the two weeks prior to reopening , but are testing more widely so the proportion of positive tests dropped .
For example , in the US 's second most populous state , Texas , retail stores , restaurants and theatres reopened with limited capacity on 1 May .
This was despite daily coronavirus cases rising over the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered more than 1,000 new daily cases nine times in the first two weeks of May , compared with just once in the last two weeks of April .
Dr Tom Tsai , a public health expert at Harvard University , says that `` for lots of states we are in the period where there 's a lot of noise - there 's no true trajectory because we have n't had a substantial 14-day decrease in cases '' .
Is there enough testing to reopen ?
The White House guidelines call on states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' testing programme , as well as contact tracing capabilities , before reopening .
`` Robust '' is open to interpretation - the guidelines prioritise healthcare workers , but also recommend having the ability to test all people showing symptoms .
Experts at Harvard University have said 900,000 tests a day are needed in the US to reopen the economy .
That 's about 275 tests per 100,000 people per day - only nine states are around this level of testing currently .
Many other states which have already begun to reopen fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Florida and Colorado .
Dr Fauci says he is concerned that if some areas `` jump over those various checkpoints and prematurely open up without having the capability to be able to respond effectively and efficiently '' the US could `` start to see little spikes that might turn into outbreaks '' .
President Trump has promised to work with state governors to expand testing , and says he 's `` confident that we have enough testing to begin reopening and the reopening process '' .
But medical experts are not so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tracing capabilities were not in place before many states reopened .
Dr Tsai says : `` As you move on to the next stage you need the infrastructure in place - you need the contact tracing programme up and running as well as testing .
My worry is that we are n't getting the infrastructure right now while we have a little breathing room . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the outbreak

Dr Fauci says he is concerned that if some areas "jump over those various checkpoints and prematurely open up without having the capability to be able to respond effectively and efficiently" the US could "start to see little spikes that might turn into outbreaks".


bbc--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: Bamboo shortage forces Canadian zoo to return pandas to China

Two Pandas are expected to be returned to China from a zoo in Canada because of a shortage of bamboo @ @ @ @ @ bamboo which the zoo had been importing from China until coronavirus grounded most flights .
@ @ @ @ @ in 2014 and were due to stay for 10 years .
Listen to more stories @ @ @

Two Pandas are expected to be returned to China from a zoo in Canada because of a shortage of bamboo.
Pandas only eat fresh bamboo which the zoo had been importing from China until coronavirus grounded most flights.
The pandas arrived in Canada in 2014 and were due to stay for 10 years.
Video produced by Trystan Young.
Listen to more stories from Newshour.


bbc--2020-05-14--US church sues after bible study 'Zoombombed' by child abuse

A California church is suing video chat company Zoom after a hacker allegedly hijacked a virtual Bible study class to post graphic images of child abuse .
A hacker took over users ' computers and played `` sick and disturbing videos '' , according to the lawsuit filed by Saint Paulus Lutheran Church .
The San Francisco church 's leaders contacted Zoom for help , but the company `` did nothing '' , the suit says .
`` Our hearts go out to those impacted , '' the company said , `` On the same day we learned of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took action to block their access to the platform and reported them to the relevant authorities . ''
The company pointed to its `` recently updated security features '' , adding that Zoom users should not widely share meeting access and passwords `` as appeared to be the case '' with the church group .
The popularity of the Zoom video chat app has soared in recent months for work and leisure as virus lockdown measures have kept millions at home .
• Things the US has got right - and got wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room - how safe is it ?
The inflated use has come with heightened scrutiny over its security and privacy measures , with reports of so-called `` Zoombombing '' - where uninvited guests hack into meetings , sometimes posting racist , abusive or explicit content .
Saint Paulus Church - one of the oldest churches in San Francisco - said in the suit , filed to a federal court in San Jose on Wednesday , that its 6 May bible study class was hacked by a `` known offender - one who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The eight Bible study students , mostly pensioners , had their computers ' control systems disabled while the hacker played pornographic videos .
`` The footages were sick and sickening - portraying adults engaging in sex acts with each other and performing sex acts on infants and children , in addition to physically abusing them , '' the suit alleges .
When the students tried to end the video session and start again , the hacker attacked again , the suit says .
The church has filed a proposed class action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is seeking unspecified damages for claims of negligence , breach of implied contract , unjust enrichment and unfair business practices .
The teleconferencing giant post an updated to its security measures this week in a blog post , which promised more security features to come , including plans to build end-to-end encryption .
It has been criticised previously for wrongly claiming the app already had the feature - meaning that only the participating users can access the messages and video .

The teleconferencing giant post an updated to its security measures this week in a blog post, which promised more security features to come, including plans to build end-to-end encryption. It has been criticised previously for wrongly claiming the app already had the feature - meaning that only the participating users can access the messages and video.


bbc--2020-05-14--One in four US workers claiming jobless benefits

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits jumped by almost 3 million last week as virus shutdowns continue to weigh on the US economy .
The filings brought the total number of new jobless claims since the middle of March to more than 36 million .
That amounts to nearly a quarter of the American workforce .
The weekly figures have been falling since the end of March but remain massive by historic standards , eclipsing the prior record of 700,000 .
`` Today 's unemployment claims continue their epic ascent on a cumulative weekly basis ; not since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in such a sorry state , '' said Richard Flynn , UK managing director at Charles Schwab .
The head of America 's central bank warned this week that the economic recovery is likely to be slower than initially hoped .
In April , employers cut more than 20 million jobs , sending the unemployment rate to 14.7 % and erasing nearly a decade of job gains .
While the losses have fallen hardest on minority and low-income households , they have touched every part of the economy .
However , economists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick up as more states ease restrictions on activity .
The increase in the number of people receiving unemployment benefits in the week ended 9 May was `` relatively modest '' , noted Paul Ashworth , chief US economist at Capital Economics .
`` With most states only beginning to ease their lockdowns over the last 10 days , we expect a much bigger swing in hiring versus firing over the next couple of weeks , which suggests the unemployment rate will begin to drop back , '' he said .
`` Being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue This is the first time I 've been unemployed since I was 14 .
Being laid off kind of hit me out of the blue - in my company we thought we were all safe .
Applying for unemployment has been frustrating .
You have to fax your notice in to the Department of Labour - but I do n't have a fax machine .
And then the receiving fax machine also needs to have paper - with government offices mostly closed , it took me five times to send something through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've always saved money , since I started working as a babysitter as a teenager , so I 've socked away enough money to be OK for now .
But if I catch Covid-19 and go to hospital , that whole plan would be disrupted .
My biggest concern is how things are going to work if I have no health insurance anymore .
I 'm job hunting right now - everyone 's very excited to talk , but unfortunately no one knows what 's going to happen so there are n't any @ @ @ @

I'm very lucky - I've always saved money, since I started working as a babysitter as a teenager, so I've socked away enough money to be OK for now. But if I catch Covid-19 and go to hospital, that whole plan would be disrupted. My biggest concern is how things are going to work if I have no health insurance anymore.


bbc--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: State of emergency lifted in most of Japan

Japan has lifted a state of emergency imposed due to the coronavirus in 39 out of 47 prefectures , after a sharp fall in new infections .
The order still applies in Tokyo , Osaka and on the northern island of Hokkaido , where new cases are emerging daily .
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan 's rate of infection had reduced to one seventh of the country 's peak .
He urged the public to be vigilant , wear masks , and keep following distancing guidance .
`` If possible , before 31 May , we would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other regions as well , '' Mr Abe said .
• Why is there so little coronavirus testing in Japan ?
Japan faced early criticism for its handling of a mass outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship , docked off the city of Yokohama , but appears to have avoided an epidemic on the scale of those seen in the US or Russia .
There have been 16,049 confirmed infections in the country and 678 people have died with the virus , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
Doctors ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system could collapse under a wave of new Covid-19 cases have not come to pass .
The country 's low level of testing has raised questions , but Mr Abe said its strategy of tracking virus clusters had worked in many areas .
`` We were able to contain ( the spread of infections ) to the level at which it can be prevented with a thorough cluster-focused approach , '' he told reporters .
Unlike governments elsewhere , Japan 's leaders have no legal power to enforce a lockdown .
While local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed and suggest people stay at home , there are no punishments if they choose not to do so .
Despite this , mobility data has shown a striking drop in public movement .
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE @ @ @ @ @ @

Unlike governments elsewhere, Japan's leaders have no legal power to enforce a lockdown. While local governors can call on businesses to stay closed and suggest people stay at home, there are no punishments if they choose not to do so. Despite this, mobility data has shown a striking drop in public movement.


bbc--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: Surge in deaths reported in southern Yemen

A dramatic rise has been reported in the number of people dying with coronavirus-like symptoms in the southern Yemeni city of Aden .
Citing official figures , Save the Children said there had been at least 380 deaths in the past week .
It is feared the number of coronavirus cases may be far higher than the few dozen that have been confirmed .
The health system has been damaged by years of civil war and ventilators are in short supply .
• Yemen crisis : Why is there a war ?
• Five of the countries most at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Aden ?
Save the Children said some health professionals lacking personal protective equipment were refusing to go to work .
Several hospitals have closed , and people are dying because they ca n't get treatment , it said in a statement .
Mohammed Alshamaa , Save the Children 's director of programmes in Yemen , said they were hearing of families who have lost two or three members in recent weeks .
`` Our teams on the ground are seeing how people are being sent away from hospitals , breathing heavily or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ca n't get treatment that would normally save their lives , '' he said .
`` There are patients who go from hospital to hospital and yet can not get admitted . ''
The rise in people dying after showing symptoms such as respiratory issues , fever and weakness raises concerns that Covid-19 infections might be considerably higher than reported in Aden , the group said .
What 's the health system like in Yemen ?
There are fears that a coronavirus outbreak could be disastrous in Yemen , a country already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are only 500 ventilators in the country , and just four labs that can test for the virus , says Save the Children .
So far , the World Health Organization puts the number of confirmed infections at just 72 , with 13 deaths , but the latest reports suggest the actual number could be far higher .

"Our teams on the ground are seeing how people are being sent away from hospitals, breathing heavily or even collapsing. People are dying because they can't get treatment that would normally save their lives," he said.


bbc--2020-05-14--France gives online firms one hour to pull 'terrorist' content

Social media and other websites will have just one hour to delete offending content under a new law passed by France 's parliament .
The one-hour deadline applies to content that French authorities consider to be related to terrorism or child sexual abuse .
Failing to act could result in fines of up to 4 % of global revenue - billions of euros for the largest online firms .
But critics say the new law could restrict freedom of expression .
The new rules apply to all websites , whether large or small .
But there are concerns that only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually have the resources to remove content as quickly as required .
Digital rights group La Quadrature du Net said the requirement to take down content that the police considered `` terrorism '' in just one hour was impractical .
`` Except the big companies , nobody can afford to have a 24/7 watch to remove the content when requested , '' a spokesman for the group said .
`` Hence , they will have to rely on censorship before receiving a request from the police . ''
That might be in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the largest companies , giving them `` more power on what can exist on the web or not '' .
But there are also fears that such tech could be used against groups such as protesters .
`` Since 2015 , we already had such a law that allowed the police to ask for the removal of some content if they deemed it to be terrorist ... this has been used multiple times in France to censor political content , '' the spokesman said .
`` Giving the police such a power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us an infringement on the freedom of speech . ''
France 's new law reflects one proposed at the European Union level , where law-makers last year suggested a one-hour deadline for the removal of content .
But that proposal proved controversial and is currently in limbo .
France pushed ahead with its own version of the law despite the concerns in Europe .
Under the new French law , content judged to be illegal - but not relating to terrorism or child sexual abuse - will have to be taken down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remove content could attract a fine of up to €1.25m ( £1.1m ) .
France 's regulator , the Superior Council of the Audiovisual ( CSA ) , will have the power to impose heftier fines of up to 4 % of global turnover for continuous and repeated violations .
• More powers for Ofcom to police social media firms Laetitia Avia , the MP from President Macron 's LREM party who proposed the bill , said the law would protect victims , while reaffirming the country 's commitment to freedom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party voted against the measure .
Member Constance Le Grip told the National Assembly that fighting online hatred could not come at the expense of freedom of expression .
Her colleague in the Senate Bruno Retailleau tweeted that the new law was `` incompatible with respect for public freedoms '' .
Facebook said it was working closely with French regulator CSA and others `` on the implementation of this law '' .
YouTube said it already tackled illegal content and welcomed any new partnership with governments .
Twitter 's head of public affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters that the company would continue to work with the government to fight illegal content and hate speech .

"Since 2015, we already had such a law that allowed the police to ask for the removal of some content if they deemed it to be terrorist... this has been used multiple times in France to censor political content," the spokesman said.


bbc--2020-05-14--Coronavirus: Amsterdam trials 'Covid-safe' restaurant

As countries in Europe start to emerge from lockdown , they ’ re experimenting with ways to get people dining @ @ @ @ @ solution in Amsterdam is currently being trialled and tested .
It hopes it will provide @ @ @ @ @ adjust from isolation to a degree of social contact .
From 1 June , Dutch @ @ @ @ @ with restrictions in place .
Restaurants , bars , cinemas , theatres and museums will @ @ @ @ @ under strict conditions ; only with reservations and people must maintain a 1.5m distance .

As countries in Europe start to emerge from lockdown, they’re experimenting with ways to get people dining out again.
An innovative solution in Amsterdam is currently being trialled and tested. It hopes it will provide a way to help people adjust from isolation to a degree of social contact.
From 1 June, Dutch bars can reopen their terraces with restrictions in place. Restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres and museums will also start operating again, under strict conditions; only with reservations and people must maintain a 1.5m distance.
Video produced by Maarten Willems and Kate Vandy


bbc--2020-05-14--UK government 'opens door' for football's return

The government says it is `` opening the door '' for the return of professional football in England in June .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said Thursday 's meeting with the Football Association , Premier League and English Football League had `` progressed plans '' .
He added that plans for the sport to resume should `` include widening access for fans to view live coverage '' .
Meanwhile , England 's deputy chief medical officer said any return would be `` slow '' and `` measured '' .
The Premier League met on Monday to discuss `` Project Restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action on 12 June , with matches played behind closed doors .
`` We all agreed that we will only go ahead if it is safe to do so and the health and welfare of players , coaches and staff comes first , '' said Dowden .
`` It is now up to the football authorities to agree and finalise the detail of their plans , and there is combined goodwill to achieve this for their fans , the football community and the nation as a whole .
`` The government and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support . ''
He added that plans to return should `` ensure finances from the game 's resumption supports the wider football family '' .
The next meeting of Premier League clubs will take place on Monday , when top-flight players may return to initial group training under social distancing protocols .
Footballers have so far been limited to individual training but Premier League bosses hope a first phase of team training , under strict guidelines and restricted to 75 minutes , can begin next week .
• Restrictions in place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy chief medical officer , Jonathan Van-Tam , said : `` There will be small , carefully measured , step-wise approaches to see what can be achieved safely .
The first of those is to return safely to training , still observing social distancing .
`` We will have to see how that goes before we can even think about moving on to the return of competitive football matches . ''
Monday 's meeting will come after a weekend when the Bundesliga , Germany 's top flight , becomes the first major league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to know about this season The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of the Covid-19 pandemic and most teams have nine fixtures left to play .
Brighton had a third player test positive for coronavirus earlier in May and boss Graham Potter is wary about a return to action .
`` We are in uncharted territory .
It 's a hugely complex situation , '' he said .
`` It 's very difficult to call one day to the next .
The general will from all the clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to the format as possible .
Whatever date that is remains to be seen .
`` We are sanitising the environment .
The players are not coming in for any length of time .
`` It will be as safe as it is made to be .
The challenge will be when [ we have ] contact , larger groups and different teams .
We need to see where we are on Monday and then Tuesday . ''
He added : `` There are concerns , of course .
We have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not totally resolved .
`` I have a young family .
My wife 's family has health issues .
We are human beings . ''
Meanwhile , the Premier League confirmed clubs had decided that short-term contract extensions could be agreed with players whose deals run out on 30 June , with the season set to go beyond that date .
Club and players will now have until 23 June to agree extensions which run until whenever the campaign is scheduled to finish .
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible that clubs complete the season with the same squad they had available prior to the suspension of the campaign '' .
Elsewhere , six League One clubs have united to express their determination to finish the season .
Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has released a statement on behalf of Posh , Oxford , Sunderland , Fleetwood , Portsmouth and Ipswich .
League One clubs are due to meet with the EFL board on Friday to discuss options for completing the season .
The fact the government summoned the three football bodies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ministers want football to think collectively during this crisis , and act in the interests of the whole game .
And to understand that any government financial bailouts for the sport are highly unlikely .
The Premier League was reminded that if its season does resume next month , it will be expected to do what it can for clubs in the EFL and for grassroots football .
And to ensure that , while honouring contracts with its broadcast partners , as many matches as possible are shown free to air , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can watch them .
With the Premier League lobbying government to scrap the idea of neutral stadiums to keep their clubs happy , ministers are now asking for something in return .
It was significant today that despite continued police concerns over the risk of fans gathering outside grounds once matches resume , the government reinforced its support for the resumption of matches .
But it also warned that games will only take place if the phased return to training goes to plan , and the sense is that 'Project Restart ' still @ @ @ @ @

The Premier League hopes to resume again on 12 June
The government says it is "opening the door" for the return of professional football in England in June.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said Thursday's meeting with the Football Association, Premier League and English Football League had "progressed plans".
He added that plans for the sport to resume should "include widening access for fans to view live coverage".
Meanwhile, England's deputy chief medical officer said any return would be "slow" and "measured".
The Premier League met on Monday to discuss "Project Restart" and hopes for a return to action on 12 June, with matches played behind closed doors.
"We all agreed that we will only go ahead if it is safe to do so and the health and welfare of players, coaches and staff comes first," said Dowden.
"It is now up to the football authorities to agree and finalise the detail of their plans, and there is combined goodwill to achieve this for their fans, the football community and the nation as a whole.
"The government and our medical experts will continue to offer guidance and support."
He added that plans to return should "ensure finances from the game's resumption supports the wider football family".
The next meeting of Premier League clubs will take place on Monday, when top-flight players may return to initial group training under social distancing protocols.
Footballers have so far been limited to individual training but Premier League bosses hope a first phase of team training, under strict guidelines and restricted to 75 minutes, can begin next week.
England's deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, said: "There will be small, carefully measured, step-wise approaches to see what can be achieved safely. The first of those is to return safely to training, still observing social distancing.
"We will have to see how that goes before we can even think about moving on to the return of competitive football matches."
Monday's meeting will come after a weekend when the Bundesliga, Germany's top flight, becomes the first major league to restart.
The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of the Covid-19 pandemic and most teams have nine fixtures left to play.
Brighton had a third player test positive for coronavirus earlier in May and boss Graham Potter is wary about a return to action.
"We are in uncharted territory. It's a hugely complex situation," he said.
"It's very difficult to call one day to the next. The general will from all the clubs is to play out the season as close to the format as possible. Whatever date that is remains to be seen.
"We are sanitising the environment. The players are not coming in for any length of time.
"It will be as safe as it is made to be. The challenge will be when [we have] contact, larger groups and different teams. We need to see where we are on Monday and then Tuesday."
He added: "There are concerns, of course. We have come out of lockdown. The situation is not totally resolved.
"I have a young family. My wife's family has health issues. We are human beings."
Meanwhile, the Premier League confirmed clubs had decided that short-term contract extensions could be agreed with players whose deals run out on 30 June, with the season set to go beyond that date.
Clubs and players will now have until 23 June to agree extensions which run until whenever the campaign is scheduled to finish.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said it was decided "to ensure as far as possible that clubs complete the season with the same squad they had available prior to the suspension of the campaign".
Elsewhere, six League One clubs have united to express their determination to finish the season.
Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has released a statement on behalf of Posh, Oxford, Sunderland, Fleetwood, Portsmouth and Ipswich.
League One clubs are due to meet with the EFL board on Friday to discuss options for completing the season.
Analysis
Dan Roan, BBC sports editor
The fact the government summoned the three football bodies to a meeting together tells its own story. Ministers want football to think collectively during this crisis, and act in the interests of the whole game. And to understand that any government financial bailouts for the sport are highly unlikely.
The Premier League was reminded that if its season does resume next month, it will be expected to do what it can for clubs in the EFL and for grassroots football. And to ensure that, while honouring contracts with its broadcast partners, as many matches as possible are shown free to air, so that as many people as possible can watch them.
With the Premier League lobbying government to scrap the idea of neutral stadiums to keep their clubs happy, ministers are now asking for something in return.
It was significant today that despite continued police concerns over the risk of fans gathering outside grounds once matches resume, the government reinforced its support for the resumption of matches.
But it also warned that games will only take place if the phased return to training goes to plan, and the sense is that 'Project Restart' still hangs in the balance.


bbc--2020-05-14--Appalachian Trail: Covid postpones the great American adventure

As America grows restless after months of Covid lockdown , there is a yearning for the beauty of the great outdoors - and there is no communion with nature like hiking the Appalachian Trail .
Nestled between trees of a thick wood and the cascading waterfalls on the side of a Georgia mountain , there is an iconic stone archway that marks the entrance to an adventure .
The southern head of the Appalachian Trail , the world 's longest continuous footpath , begins there , on Springer Mountain , and cuts its way nearly 2,200 miles ( 3,540 km @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending at another summit - the rocky , bare top of Mount Katahdin in Maine .
When travelling along the way , there is loneliness , hardship , fear and sometimes even death to face - yet each year , some 3,000 people attempt to hike the full length of the trail , beginning the trek in spring .
Two-thirds of would-be trail conquerors , the `` thru-hikers '' , take this north-bound route , making it to New England before the late autumnal northern chill ends the hiking season .
But like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Covid-19 pandemic , this season the best-laid plans ( which can take as much as three years to prepare ) to tackle this stretch of American wilderness have been scuppered by the disease .
With the country under lock-down , there are those dreaming of the day when they can come back to the great outdoors , says Larry Luxenberg of the Appalachian Trail Museum , which was forced to postpone plans to induct members to its 2020 Hall of Fame this month .
The great trek lies waiting , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It may well be that there is no time to wish to shrug off cares more than after a calamity .
The idea for the Appalachian Trail originated in 1921 after a tragedy .
Benton MacKaye , an American conservationist , conceived of a `` sanctuary and a refuge from the scramble of every-day worldly commercial life '' that would run through the Eastern US as he was grieving the death of his wife .
The first person to complete the journey , Earl Shaffer , completed it in 1948 , after serving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` walk the army out of [ his ] system , '' he said .
In the decades since , the trail has been expanded , maintained and kept up by affiliations of local outing clubs that look after bits of the trail , loosely overseen by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy ( ATC ) charity .
Volunteers help hikers along the way , look after shelters and cleaning up the paths that cut through wood , mountain , field and road .
Today , hiking the trail has become 'the quintessential American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bryson , the travel writer , rediscovered his lost America and wrote a book ; Mark Sanford , a former Republican governor , only pretended to - though he claimed to have gone on the hike in 2009 , he was on an adventure of a rather different sort .
People are drawn to the `` A.T. '' for much the same reason as before - because they want a challenge , an adventure , to have a break from modern life , especially in times , as now , of trial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There 's this real hankering to reconnect with nature , '' says Mr Luxenberg .
However , hundreds have been forced to abandon their journeys of a lifetime since 31 March , when the ATC urged all hikers to go home .
Lodges and food stops along the route are shuttered , volunteers have cut back and locals in `` trail towns '' along the route , on whom hikers must rely for inevitable help , have gone indoors .
The ATC has said it will not recognise hikers who undertake trips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty much just killed our northbound season , '' Vickey Kelley , whose hotel , the Doyle , in Duncannon , Pennsylvania is a famed spot for hikers , told The Inquirer newspaper .
She was forced to close as the hotel was due to celebrate its 115th year .
In Franklin , North Carolina - another `` trail town '' - dozens of hikers were left stranded in April when orders came to go home and the local hiking festival was cancelled .
Warren Doyle , a naturalist , was to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame this month .
He has walked the full length of the trail 18 times since 1973 - the record for the most `` thru-hikes '' along the `` A.T. '' Ironically , even when there was n't a global pandemic , `` I 've never encouraged anyone to do the trail- people might find that surprising , '' Mr Doyle says `` [ but it 's ] because i do n't want to be responsible for their pain and suffering , '' However , he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , because the journey is the closest thing in modern day America to the great explorations of the past - like Lewis and Clark , perhaps .
The first time he set off in 1973 , he had been in the midst of completing a doctoral programme at the Highlander Folk School , an alternative education institution in Tennessee that taught social justice and trained leaders of the American civil rights movement , including Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King , Jr. '' My first hike was a pilgrimage , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go do something that no one was telling me to do , had no extrinsic reward- no trophies , no cheerleaders .
It was going to have to be done alone , and it was going to have to be difficult .
It was to see not how much I could take , but how much I could give up .
It was quite the journey . ''
The Lotus Eaters and Lord Tennyson were on his mind when he went , thinking of ancient wandering philosophies , from the Homeric journey to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days when he cried from sheer loneliness , he says .
It was the only time he undertook the trip alone - for the next 17 , he served as a guide for groups on expeditions .
He reckons he has led over a hundred people to complete the trek .
Those who sign up to go on the expeditions with him must pledge to finish .
They begin the trip forming a circle atop Springer Mountain to mark its start , and months later , all re-form it again when they reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they finish that the most poignant feeling is that of experiencing `` more than they could have ever expected- more discomfort , more beauty , more adventure , more challenge ... just more . ''
He added : `` I would say to the hundreds of people who gave up their AT dreams this spring : 'the freedom and simplicity of the trail itself will never be closed ' . ''

"My first hike was a pilgrimage," he says, "I was going to go do something that no-one was telling me to do, had no extrinsic reward- no trophies, no cheerleaders. It was going to have to be done alone, and it was going to have to be difficult. It was to see not how much I could take, but how much I could give up. It was quite the journey."


bbc--2020-05-14--How the super-rich spent lockdown

How the super-rich spent lockdown

As the UK headed for lockdown , reports flew in of wealthy homeowners rushing to the countryside , to their @ @ @ @ @ out of the country .
But where were they headed ?
From castles and private @ @ @ @ @ with pools and home cinemas , we take a look at how the super-rich have @ @ @

As the UK headed for lockdown, reports flew in of wealthy homeowners rushing to the countryside, to their yachts or to private jets out of the country.
But where were they headed?
From castles and private islands to luxury underground bunkers with pools and home cinemas, we take a look at how the super-rich have spent lockdown.
Produced and Edited by: Ashni Lakhani
Executive Producer: Ben Bryant
Commissioning Editor: Nisha Diu


bbc--2020-05-14--Quiz of the Week: Little Richard, Project Restart and more

It 's the weekly news quiz - how closely have you been paying attention to what 's been going on @ @ @ @ @ past seven days ?
If you can not see the quiz , follow this link @ @ @ @ @ quiz via this link .

It's the weekly news quiz - how closely have you been paying attention to what's been going on in the world during the past seven days?


bbc--2020-05-14--Australia Fires: Rescue dog Bear saves scores of koalas

An Australian Koolie dog who was abandoned by his family has been rescued and retrained to detect koalas .
Bear @ @ @ @ @ of Australia 's bushfires since January , finding sick , injured or starving koalas that @ @ @ @ @ He has now rescued more than 100 .

An Australian Koolie dog who was abandoned by his family has been rescued and retrained to detect koalas.
Bear has been following the aftermath of Australia's bushfires since January, finding sick, injured or starving koalas that otherwise would have perished. He has now found more than 100.
Produced and edited by Isabelle Rodd


bbc--2020-05-14--Spectacular demolition at German nuclear site

Longannet Power Station in Fife was closed in 2016 as part of a commitment to rely less on fossil fuels @

Two cooling towers have been demolished in spectacular controlled explosions at a disused nuclear power plant in south-western Germany.


bbc--2020-05-14--Africa's week in pictures: 8 - 14 May 2020

Over on the other side of the continent , on the same day , worshippers pray together for the first @ @ @ @ @ Senegal .

Image caption,
Over on the other side of the continent, on the same day, worshippers pray together for the first time as mosques reopen in Senegal.


bbc--2020-05-14--Joy as friends and relatives meet again in NZ

New Zealand has eased its coronavirus restrictions after moving to Level 2 , described as a `` safer new normal @ @ @ @ @ reported no new cases of the virus in the past three days and thousands of @ @ @ @ @ are allowed to start seeing their friends and families again , with a limit of @ @ @

New Zealand has eased its coronavirus restrictions after moving to Level 2, described as a "safer new normal".
The country has reported no new cases of the virus in the past three days and thousands of businesses have reopened.
People are allowed to start seeing their friends and families again, with a limit of 10 people.


bbc--2020-05-14--South African minister embraces 'zol' meme that mocks her cannabis slang

A viral song sampling a verbal warning about the dangers of cannabis during the pandemic has been embraced by the politician who said it .
South Africans were tickled by the outdated slang word `` zol '' , meaning a joint or blunt , that Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma used in a speech .
`` When people zol they put saliva on the paper , '' one snippet of her speech goes .
`` And when they share that zol ... they are moving saliva from one to the other , '' it continues .
DJ Max Hurrell then laid these vocal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC as `` house and afro with a driving and powerful bassline '' : That was at the start of May , and since then the song has been shared widely on social media : Then on Wednesday Dr Dlamini-Zuma , whose official title is Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs , responded on Twitter .
`` Who is this Max Hurrell fellow ?
We just need to talk , '' she tweeted .
It was n't something the DJ expected to see .
`` I honestly made [ the song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tough time , '' Max Hurrell told the BBC .
`` I 've gotten loads of thank yous from people saying they needed the 'mood-lifter ' and so I am grateful that I was able to help people feel better , '' the DJ adds .
He told the BBC he had a `` brief conversation '' with Dr Dlamini-Zuma later that day , and that `` nothing will stop the lockdown anthem '' .
`` The minister has no problem with the creativity of artists and she knows that it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman Lungi Mtshali told the BBC .
The BBC 's Pumza Fihlani in Johannesburg says the politician 's use of the word `` zol '' was seen as endearing , and a genuine attempt to relate to a different audience while trying to explain a government health message .
South Africa has broadly won praise for how it has handled the pandemic .
It has one of the world 's strictest lockdowns , which bans the sale of cigarettes and alcohol .
Though official guidance from the World Health Organization does not specifically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does say `` small droplets from the nose or mouth , which are expelled when a person with Covid-19 coughs , sneezes , or speaks '' causes the virus to spread from person to person .
On video-sharing site TikTok alone , clips tagged # whenpeoplezol have so far attracted a total of 1.5m views .

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