bbc--2020-03-24--Man City manager Guardiola donates 1m euros to coronavirus fight

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has donated 1m euros ( £920,000 ) to fight the coronavirus outbreak in Spain .
Guardiola , who is at his home in Barcelona , has been working with his lawyers over the past few days to work out the best way of using the money .
It will go to a campaign being promoted by the Medical College of Barcelona and the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation .
Spain is one of the worst affected countries in Europe .
Official figures on Tuesday showed that 2,696 people had died in the country and close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be used to help purchase medical equipment and protective material for the hospital staff involved in treating those admitted to hospital .
The Catalan region is one of the areas in Spain which has the most concentrated number of cases .
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both reportedly donated 1m euros to coronavirus campaigns this week .
Mundo Deportivo reported that Barcelona forward Messi has donated a total of 1m euros to two hospitals , one in Barcelona and the other in his native Argentina .
Juventus and Portugal star Ronaldo and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euros to three intensive care units for patients suffering from coronavirus at hospitals in Lisbon and Porto .
Last week Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski donated 1m euros to fight the coronavirus pandemic in Germany .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Pep Guardiola won 14 trophies in four years as Barcelona manager between August 2008 and May 2012
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has donated 1m euros (£920,000) to fight the coronavirus outbreak in Spain.
Guardiola, who is at his home in Barcelona, has been working with his lawyers over the past few days to work out the best way of using the money.
It will go to a campaign being promoted by the Medical College of Barcelona and the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation.
Spain is one of the worst affected countries in Europe.
Official figures on Tuesday showed that 2,696 people had died in the country and close to 40,000 are infected.
The money will be used to help purchase medical equipment and protective material for the hospital staff involved in treating those admitted to hospital.
The Catalan region is one of the areas in Spain which has the most concentrated number of cases.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both reportedly donated 1m euros to coronavirus campaigns this week.
Mundo Deportivo reported external-link that Barcelona forward Messi has donated a total of 1m euros to two hospitals, one in Barcelona and the other in his native Argentina.
Juventus and Portugal star Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes have donated 1m euros external-link to three intensive care units for patients suffering from coronavirus at hospitals in Lisbon and Porto.
Last week Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski donated 1m euros to fight the coronavirus pandemic in Germany.


bbc--2020-03-24--'This is about protecting lives' - IOC chief says costs of Tokyo 2020 delay not discussed

The cost of postponing Tokyo 2020 was not discussed with Japan 's Prime Minister , says International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach .
The IOC and Games organisers announced on Tuesday the Olympics and Paralympics would be delayed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic , following a phone call between Bach and Shinzo Abe .
`` This is about protecting lives , '' the German said when asked about cost .
Preparations for the Games have already cost at least £10bn .
• 'Tokyo Olympics will be a carnival unleashed that no-one will take for granted ever again' • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how athletes reacted to Olympic delay • How coronavirus has impacted sporting events around the world • The latest news on the coronavirus crisis Earlier in March , Bach said postponing would `` come at a cost '' .
Toshiro Muto , the chief executive of Tokyo 2020 , said he was unsure about what losses would be incurred as a result of the delay .
`` The basic policy of postponement was decided today , '' he said .
`` How exactly are we going to achieve the postponement ?
That will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Tokyo .
I am sure it will be very difficult . ''
The IOC 's former head of commercial has suggested the body should not suffer major losses .
“ Provided the event takes place , the broadcast partners get their three weeks of programming , ” said Michael Payne .
“ You may be dealing with a little bit of re-engineering on the margin , but nothing of substance . ''

Last updated on .From the section Olympics
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach says the organisation remains "fully committed" to Tokyo 2020
The cost of postponing Tokyo 2020 was not discussed with Japan's Prime Minister, says International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach.
The IOC and Games organisers announced on Tuesday the Olympics and Paralympics would be delayed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, following a phone call between Bach and Shinzo Abe.
"This is about protecting lives," the German said when asked about cost.
Preparations for the Games have already cost at least £10bn.
Earlier in March, Bach said postponing would "come at a cost".
Toshiro Muto, the chief executive of Tokyo 2020, external-link said he was unsure about what losses would be incurred as a result of the delay.
"The basic policy of postponement was decided today," he said.
"How exactly are we going to achieve the postponement? That will be discussed among the IOC, us and Tokyo. I am sure it will be very difficult."
The IOC's former head of commercial has suggested the body should not suffer major losses.
“Provided the event takes place, the broadcast partners get their three weeks of programming,” said Michael Payne.
“You may be dealing with a little bit of re-engineering on the margin, but nothing of substance."


bbc--2020-03-24--Brady avoids criticism of Patriots after end of 20-year relationship

Quarterback Tom Brady backed New England Patriots chiefs after he was asked whether they could have done more to prevent the end of their 20-year relationship .
The 42-year-old helped Patriots to six Super Bowls , but became a free agent in this off-season and signed for Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week .
`` No , I have a great deal of respect , '' responded Brady .
`` I 'm so grateful to Robert Kraft [ owner ] and coach [ Bill ] Belichick . ''
He added : `` I do n't want to get into any [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision I was making at the time .
`` But there were a lot of things that were really intriguing to me about the [ Tampa Bay ] organisation - the players and the coaches and the willingness of everyone to try to accomplish what the goal of football is , which is to win . ''
Brady said he is counting on his experience to help him transition to a new way of playing at a franchise run by the Glazer family , who also own Manchester United .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have got to get up to speed on - obviously , learning different terminology - and that 's a unique challenge that I have n't faced , but it is one that I am looking forward to also .
`` I am not going to make a bunch of predictions to where I have been .
I go in looking for an opportunity to learn from the new coaches and the new players that I will be playing with - and I 'm going to give it everything I have got .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear as to when American athletes will be able to train together , with most sport in the country in lockdown .
NFL spring workouts have also been affected .
Brady added : `` I do n't know how the next few months are going to go , in terms of access to the team facilities .
`` I am doing the best I can to have conversations with guys .
Technology is an amazing thing and we are going to try to use that as best we can .
`` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our world .
It presents different challenges for all of us .
`` So as soon as we have the opportunity to all be together in one place , we can really start working toward that , and that is what I am going to do . ''

Tom Brady was Super Bowl MVP on four occasions
Quarterback Tom Brady backed New England Patriots chiefs after he was asked whether they could have done more to prevent the end of their 20-year relationship.
The 42-year-old helped Patriots to six Super Bowls, but became a free agent in this off-season and signed for Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.
"No, I have a great deal of respect," responded Brady.
"I'm so grateful to Robert Kraft [owner] and coach [Bill] Belichick."
He added: "I don't want to get into any [details about] the process of the decision I was making at the time.
"But there were a lot of things that were really intriguing to me about the [Tampa Bay] organisation - the players and the coaches and the willingness of everyone to try to accomplish what the goal of football is, which is to win."
Brady said he is counting on his experience to help him transition to a new way of playing at a franchise run by the Glazer family, who also own Manchester United.
He said: "There are a lot of things I have got to get up to speed on - obviously, learning different terminology - and that's a unique challenge that I haven't faced, but it is one that I am looking forward to also.
"I am not going to make a bunch of predictions to where I have been. I go in looking for an opportunity to learn from the new coaches and the new players that I will be playing with - and I'm going to give it everything I have got."
Because of coronavirus concerns it remains unclear as to when American athletes will be able to train together, with most sport in the country in lockdown. NFL spring workouts have also been affected.
Brady added: "I don't know how the next few months are going to go, in terms of access to the team facilities.
"I am doing the best I can to have conversations with guys. Technology is an amazing thing and we are going to try to use that as best we can.
"It is unfortunate what we are going through in our world. It presents different challenges for all of us.
"So as soon as we have the opportunity to all be together in one place, we can really start working toward that, and that is what I am going to do."


bbc--2020-03-24--Cam Newton: Quarterback released by Carolina Panthers

Quarterback Cam Newton has been released by the Carolina Panthers after nine years with the franchise .
Newton , 30 , was named the NFL 's most valuable player for 2015 after leading the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 where they lost to the Denver Broncos .
He has struggled with shoulder and foot injuries in recent seasons , playing just two games in 2019 .
Last week the Panthers gave Newton permission to seek a trade but a deal was not agreed .
`` Cam has meant a lot to this organisation and the Carolinas , '' general manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Everyone saw his performances on the field .
I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field , and his commitment to this team when no one was watching .
`` He willed this team to victory on many occasions and will always be considered one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise . ''
NFL doctors are not currently conducting physicals on potential signings until the coronavirus crisis has passed .
In an Instagram comment to a Panthers post announcing his potential trade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try and play me or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this : You forced me into this . ''
• Tom Brady joins Tampa Bay : What now for Patriots & Bill Belichick ?
Jason Bell Q & A Carolina are set to announce the signing of Teddy Bridgewater , who is a free agent after being the league 's highest-paid back-up quarterback last season with the New Orleans Saints .
They are the latest quarterbacks to move at the start of free agency , with the biggest deal seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the New England Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
Philip Rivers has joined the Indianapolis Colts after ending a 16-year spell with the Los Angeles Chargers while the Jacksonville Jaguars are trading Nick Foles , the Super Bowl 52 MVP , to the Chicago Bears .

Last updated on .From the section American Football
As recently as January, Newton said he "absolutely" believed he would be in Carolina in the coming season
Quarterback Cam Newton has been released by the Carolina Panthers after nine years with the franchise.
Newton, 30, was named the NFL's most valuable player for 2015 after leading the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 where they lost to the Denver Broncos.
He has struggled with shoulder and foot injuries in recent seasons, playing just two games in 2019.
Last week the Panthers gave Newton permission to seek a trade but a deal was not agreed.
"Cam has meant a lot to this organisation and the Carolinas," general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement.
"Everyone saw his performances on the field. I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field, and his commitment to this team when no one was watching.
"He willed this team to victory on many occasions and will always be considered one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise."
NFL doctors are not currently conducting physicals external-link on potential signings until the coronavirus crisis has passed.
In an Instagram comment external-link to a Panthers post announcing his potential trade, Newton said: "Please do not try and play me or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this: You forced me into this."
Carolina are set to announce the signing of Teddy Bridgewater, who is a free agent after being the league's highest-paid back-up quarterback last season with the New Orleans Saints.
They are the latest quarterbacks to move at the start of free agency, with the biggest deal seeing six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady leave the New England Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Philip Rivers has joined the Indianapolis Colts after ending a 16-year spell with the Los Angeles Chargers while the Jacksonville Jaguars are trading Nick Foles, the Super Bowl 52 MVP, to the Chicago Bears.


bbc--2020-03-24--'I'd normally hope to be back with the team in two or three weeks' - Kane recovery 'at good stage'

Tottenham striker Harry Kane says he is likely to be back to full fitness once the Premier League season resumes .
It was previously suggested the England captain was ahead of schedule in his recovery from surgery on a hamstring injury he suffered on 1 January .
Football in the UK is suspended until at least 30 April because of the coronavirus pandemic , while Euro 2020 has been postponed for a year .
`` I 'm not too far away , '' Kane , 26 , told the Spurs website .
`` I 'd normally hope to be back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ' time . ''
Kane had scored 17 goals for Tottenham this season before being injured during the 1-0 loss at Southampton .
Jose Mourinho 's side , who also lost forward Son Heung-min to injury , have since fallen from sixth to eighth in the table , and are four points behind fifth-place Manchester United .
Kane added : `` I 'm at a good stage , pretty much doing everything .
Now it 's about building up my fitness .
So from my personal point of view , I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Tottenham
Harry Kane, right, is recovering after having surgery on a hamstring injury
Tottenham striker Harry Kane says he is likely to be back to full fitness once the Premier League season resumes.
It was previously suggested the England captain was ahead of schedule in his recovery from surgery on a hamstring injury he suffered on 1 January.
Football in the UK is suspended until at least 30 April because of the coronavirus pandemic, while Euro 2020 has been postponed for a year.
"I'm not too far away," Kane, 26, told the Spurs website. external-link
"I'd normally hope to be back with the team in two or three weeks' time."
Kane had scored 17 goals for Tottenham this season before being injured during the 1-0 loss at Southampton.
Jose Mourinho's side, who also lost forward Son Heung-min to injury, have since fallen from sixth to eighth in the table, and are four points behind fifth-place Manchester United.
Kane added: "I'm at a good stage, pretty much doing everything. Now it's about building up my fitness. So from my personal point of view, I'm in a good place."


bbc--2020-03-24--Stranded abroad as coronavirus closes borders

With the coronavirus spreading at a rapid pace , many governments have introduced strict controls on domestic and foreign travel .
But this has left many people trapped abroad .
Some governments are working to repatriate those facing difficulty .
For others though it is uncertain when they ’ ll see home again .
We spoke to three of them .
Les Monkman began his holiday in Torremolinos , Spain in the early days of the outbreak .
“ But things got bad very quickly , ” he told the BBC .
In recent weeks , Spain has become one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting more than 2,000 deaths .
The government has extended a state of emergency and is enforcing a nation-wide lockdown to contain any further spread .
Les , a 68-year-old retiree , tried to book a flight home to the UK last week , earlier than he had planned , but his flight was eventually cancelled .
He says the airline told him to contact the British embassy - the embassy told him to contact the airline .
“ I have no idea what to do .
I ’ m not saying there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus is awful .
But what do I do ?
” More pressing for Les is getting access to insulin .
As a type-one diabetic , he will die unless he takes it daily .
The supply he brought with him will last just under two weeks , but he needs more medication to assist with blood pressure and kidney disease .
“ This is life and death , ” he said .
“ I try not to think about it because I get very upset and I start trembling.
” After consulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure a 10-day course of insulin from a pharmacist costing him nearly €90 , but he is concerned about the financial blow if he has to stay in Spain for much longer .
“ It feels like I ’ ve been dumped , like I don ’ t exist , ” he said .
“ I used to be on the other side of the fence , I was a firefighter , so I helped .
All my life I ’ ve helped .
Now I ’ m asking for a touch and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting any.
” Jo Tovee quit her marketing job last year , and after visiting family in her native New Zealand , she ’ d planned to spend five weeks travelling around Peru .
But the government there has declared a lockdown , and Jo is holed up at a hostel in Lima , banned from leaving except to buy food or medicine .
“ It ’ s really eerie right now , the streets are empty except for armed police , ” she said .
“ The situation is constantly evolving and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going around I don ’ t know what is fact.
” With her travel plans scuppered , Jo has been trying to secure a flight to London – where she has been living for three years – or back to New Zealand .
But no planes are allowed to enter or leave Peru except with government permission .
“ The embassies , insurance companies , travel agencies and airlines have been impossible to contact and offered little to no assistance , ” she said .
“ Because I ’ m travelling on my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the New Zealand embassy just doesn ’ t want to help me.
” Jo , 38 , spent a week in one Lima hostel until it was raided by police and told to close all its communal areas .
She has since been forced to stay in another hostel that has ramped up its prices .
“ It ’ s getting pretty scary .
I don ’ t trust what the Peruvian government officials are going to do next , they ’ re just changing things at the drop of a hat.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK permission to repatriate around 400 stranded British nationals .
The sick and elderly are being prioritised for the first flights , and Jo says it ’ s unclear when she ’ ll be on a plane .
Once back in Britain , she wants to move back home to New Zealand .
“ Being [ there ] is the safer and more certain option for me right now as employment opportunities in the UK will be minimal , ” she said .
“ I just want to get back home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not thinking about my dream , but my life ’ Last week , when India announced it would be banning all UK flights from 19 March , Habeeb Qureshi began to wonder when he ’ d see home again .
Two days later , after it introduced another ban on international flights – this time from 22 March – he booked the first plane he could .
“ I ’ m worried , anything can happen , ” he said .
“ [ Coronavirus ] cases in the UK are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationals living in Britain , Habeeb believed the second ban was an extension of the first , giving people more time to travel .
He packed his bags and moved out of the London flat where he ’ d been living as a law student .
But when he arrived at Gatwick Airport on 20 March , his airline said it was too late : the ban was already in place .
Now homeless , Habeeb slept at India ’ s High Commission in London last weekend .
Embassy officials told him the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they are waiting for more information from authorities in India .
Habeeb says he was quarantined at the embassy with over 40 other Indian nationals , most of them students and the group were only given one meal a day .
On Monday , they were moved to a hotel paid for by the embassy but is unclear how long they can stay .
He is determined to return to India , no matter the effect on his studies .
“ The reason we feel safer over there is because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have less chance than the UK of being infected ” he said .
“ We ’ ve got our loved ones there who care for us .
We ’ ve got our homes , our hope.
” • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Like many other Indian nationals living in Britain, Habeeb believed the second ban was an extension of the first, giving people more time to travel. He packed his bags and moved out of the London flat where he’d been living as a law student. But when he arrived at Gatwick Airport on 20 March, his airline said it was too late: the ban was already in place.


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Prince Charles tests positive but 'remains in good health'

The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus , Clarence House has confirmed .
Prince Charles , 71 , @ @ @ @ @ but otherwise remains in good health '' , a spokesman said .
The Duchess of @ @ @ @ @ also been tested but does not have the virus .
Clarence House said Charles and @ @ @ @ @ Balmoral , adding the prince `` has been working at home throughout the last few @ @ @ @ @ statement read : `` In accordance with government and medical advice , the prince and @ @ @ @ @ at home in Scotland .
`` The tests were carried out by the NHS in @ @ @ @ @ the criteria required for testing .
`` It is not possible to ascertain from whom @ @ @ @ @ owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect @ @ @ @ @ AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

The palace added that the Duke of Edinburgh was not present at that meeting, and that the Queen was now "following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare".


bbc--2020-03-25--US politicians agree huge stimulus package

US President Donald Trump and the Senate have agreed a massive economic relief package worth more than $ 1.8 trillion ( £1.5tn ) .
The package includes money to bail out industries that have been affected by the coronavirus crisis .
Republican Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell described it as a `` wartime level of investment '' in the economy .
Markets surged in the US on Tuesday in anticipation of a deal , and shares rose in Europe and Asia on Wednesday .
On Wall Street , the Dow Jones jumped by 11.4 % on Tuesday - its biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan 's benchmark Nikkei 225 index closed 8 % higher on Wednesday following news of the relief deal .
Markets in Europe were also trading higher , with London 's FTSE 100 index up 3.5 % .
Full details of the deal agreed in the US will not be published until later on Wednesday .
However , it is expected to contain measures to help people pay bills if they are laid off because of the virus , expand unemployment assistance by $ 250bn and get $ 350bn in emergency loans to small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also `` stabilise '' key industrial sectors and give money to hospitals and other healthcare providers which were having difficulty getting equipment .
`` We 're going to pass this legislation later today , '' Mr McConnell added .
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called the package `` the largest rescue package in American history '' .
He said it was a `` Marshall Plan '' for hospitals .
`` Help is on the way , big help and quick help . ''
Separately on Tuesday , President Trump said he wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Easter .
He said he was speaking to the Coronavirus Taskforce about when to open the US for business and that the Easter weekend -12 April - presented a `` beautiful time , a beautiful timeline '' and that he hoped to be able to open at least some sections of the country .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health Reacting to news of the stimulus package , Tom Stevenson , investment director at fund manager Fidelity International , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but we 're not out of the woods yet .
`` When markets are falling , you get these big rallies but you should n't get stuck on that .
They do bounce around in these situations . ''
The latest swing in share prices continues a period of unprecedented volatility as markets react wildly to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
This month alone has seen the Dow having the five biggest daily gains and five biggest falls of its 135-year history .
Many countries are now working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but these plans have received mixed responses from investors .
The US rescue package follows five days of intense negotiations to try to agree a deal that will provide aid for American workers and businesses .
Before it becomes law the deal must get through the Republican-controlled Senate , the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives and be signed by President Trump .
The US central bank , the Federal Reserve has already announced $ 4tn in extra lending to help stimulate the economy in the face of the coronavirus .
Last week , Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could reach 20 % .
On Thursday , the Treasury Department will release last week 's new jobless claims , and the numbers are expected to be in the millions .
A Goldman Sachs report estimated that the nation 's gross domestic product in the second quarter could shrink by 24 % , dwarfing the previous 10 % record decline in 1958 .
America is more than midway through a 15-day attempt to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing .
Nearly 19,000 people have died with coronavirus across the planet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province in January , and more than 420,000 infections have been confirmed .
Southern Europe is now at the centre of the pandemic , with Italy and Spain recording hundreds of new deaths every day .
Governments around the world have responded by locking down societies in the hope of slowing the spread of the virus .
President Donald Trump and the US Senate have agreed an economic relief package worth more than $ 1.8 trillion ( £1.5tn ) , sending Asian shares higher .
Markets had rocketed on Wall Street and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal being struck .
On Wednesday , Japan 's benchmark Nikkei 225 index was up 7.9 % following news of the relief deal .
The stimulus package includes money to bail out industries that have been affected by the crisis .

Full details of the deal agreed in the US will not be published until later on Wednesday. However, it is expected to contain measures to help people pay bills if they are laid off because of the virus, expand unemployment assistance by $250bn and get $350bn in emergency loans to small firms.


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: How to go for a walk safely, without getting shamed

There 's now a new phenomenon - known as `` quarantine shaming '' - to try to keep people indoors .
Over the weekend , photos of busy parks , markets and beaches in the US , UK and Canada caused uproar , as officials described people who ignored social distancing guidelines as selfish , arrogant or self-destructive .
On social media , some have been even more critical - the hashtag # COVIDIOTS has been trending , and people have criticised individuals seen at public gatherings , or posted that they `` deserve to get the virus '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an expletive-laden rant as he live streamed people walking on the seafront by his house - in a video that went viral .
Social psychologists say that shaming plays a significant role in enforcing social norms - especially at a time when norms are rapidly changing as a result of coronavirus .
But social distancing outdoors can also be difficult - especially when there is contradictory advice about where to go , and you ca n't predict how others will behave .
• How to exercise while staying at home • When elderly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what 's the best way to stay safe - and avoid a public shaming - while exercising outdoors ?
Can I still go for a walk ?
The official advice can be confusing .
On one hand , we 've been told to stay home as much as possible .
On the other hand , we 've also been told that it 's important to keep exercising - and that a walk or run in the park is OK .
In New York , the city parks commissioner Mitchell Silver encouraged residents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parks , pointing out that spending time outdoors can reduce stress and boost the immune system .
Similarly , UK PM Boris Johnson has stressed that parks and open spaces are `` crucial for our country and for our society '' , and urged people to use them responsibly .
But when the parks become too popular - or people start gathering there in groups - it gets problematic .
Over the weekend , police in Seattle had to use loudspeakers at a park to remind people to keep 2m ( 6.5ft ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , some parks , beaches and open spaces were packed over the weekend , leading to the government announcing greater restrictions on Monday .
The Stranger , a news site in Seattle , published a blog post with woodland trails for solo hikers - but decided to take down the post a day later , after learning that people were hiking and gathering at some of the trails in large groups .
And in Canada , beaches in Vancouver and Toronto were busy - even as some of the streets were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to warn people were `` putting everyone else at risk '' .
Brian Labus , a professor in public health at the University of Nevada , Las Vegas , stresses that you have to treat `` going outside as a risk every time you do it '' .
But , he adds , there are ways to reduce the risk to close to zero if you plan your trip carefully .
`` If you 're outside walking by yourself , you 're not exposed ; if you 're out walking the dog by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's when you have contact with other people that you need to be concerned . ''
Running or cycling as a group - and running past others - is a no-go , due to the need to maintain a 2m distance at all times .
`` If you 're running past somebody and they sneeze , that 's going to land on you .
It does n't matter how fast you 're running - you ca n't outrun a sneeze , '' says Prof Labus .
Instead , he recommends runners and cyclists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves where necessary , so they can work out how to keep a distance between themselves and others on the street .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health It 's also important to think carefully about where you go - and prioritise avoiding crowds .
`` As soon as there are large numbers in a park the risks go up , '' he says , as it becomes harder to maintain a 2m distance with everyone .
`` Just having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tougher to keep that distance , '' especially as entry points , like park gates , could get busy .
Instead , he recommends individuals `` do n't go where people tend to congregate '' , but walk through quieter places , like their own neighbourhoods .
What 's the etiquette for social distancing when you leave home ?
The outbreak has also thrown up all sorts of new social dilemmas .
If you pass someone when you 're going for a walk , how do you greet them ?
What do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrow path ?
And what about if someone wants to get into a lift with you ?
Lizzie Post is co-president of the Emily Post Institute , which has recently published guidelines on the etiquette of social distancing for coronavirus .
She says `` our manners look really different right now '' , but the core principles of `` consideration , respect and honesty '' are still the same .
`` When I walk my dog in my neighbourhood , if someone 's coming and I do n't see them moving , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or I 'll wait in the driveway for them to pass . ''
She acknowledges that this would feel rude in normal circumstances - but urges people to overcome any feelings of awkwardness .
`` The big way to communicate you 're not trying to be rude is to still make eye contact or smile - or explain you 're 'just social distancing ' . ''
`` All the experts say that the more you can respect the idea of physical distancing , the better off you 'll be . ''
On narrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your face away from someone if you have to pass them in close quarters . ''
Alternatively , she recommends treating it like a single lane bridge , and waiting for the other person to pass before you go through .
And if someone tries to follow you into a lift ?
Ms Post admits she would `` probably just hop out and let them take the lift '' , or try to explain `` I 'm trying to social distance , do you mind waiting for the next one ? ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I think over time , they 'll realise that you were just trying to practise good habits . ''
Public shaming can be complicated - and controversial .
In recent years , some people who have been subjected to public shaming online have faced what 's been described as digital `` mob justice '' , even losing their jobs or receiving death threats .
While there have n't been widespread reports of extreme online shaming over coronavirus , some individuals who have come under fire have said they felt unfairly targeted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , faced heavy criticism for opening his bar on St Patrick 's Day , attracting a crowd - and the ire of local residents .
Joseph Griffin told the LA Times that he had asked customers to only order takeaway or deliveries , and that he was not aware that the city had ordered all bars to close the day before .
`` To have people call me and my business out online so viciously - in some cases , to have people screaming at me and the employees of this bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts say that shame can also be effective in establishing new social norms - and that the coronavirus outbreak is a particularly good example of where it is needed .
`` Shaming should not be used for a problem that does not concern the audience , '' says Jennifer Jacquet , an environmental studies professor at New York University .
However , `` coronavirus is a problem that affects all of us - a problem with severe and immediate repercussions , where we 're all expected to make sacrifices… it 's a true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has written a book about the use of shame in encouraging co-operation , thinks this tactic has been used effectively to discourage people from hoarding supplies or flouting social distancing rules .
She believes shame can even be deployed effectively against institutions - for example , if governments are failing to enforce social distancing rules , or behind on providing coronavirus tests and protecting healthcare workers .
`` I hope shame will really shine as a tool that can be used for social good . ''
• America is humbled - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why Trump wants US open for business despite pandemic Meanwhile , Daniel Sznycer , a social psychologist at the University of Montreal , says that shame can deter certain behaviours - but cautions that there are limits .
Shame is essentially about `` reputational damage '' and social norms , he says , which means that some individuals could feel ashamed about a particular behaviour - but continue to carry it out in secret .
Going outdoors is an `` inherently public '' act , so people who have been shamed are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he argues .
However , shame might be less effective with behaviours that can take place behind closed doors - for example , if someone uses online shopping to stockpile supplies they do n't need .
Prof Sznycer argues that `` guilt - an emotion when you realise you 've harmed people you love '' - tends to lead to `` more stable , benign and reliable '' behaviour change .
`` It may be that a government prompt about caring about the welfare of others could be more effective than shame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for guilt to work , you need to value the welfare of others to begin with . ''

The outbreak has also thrown up all sorts of new social dilemmas. If you pass someone when you're going for a walk, how do you greet them? What do you do if you meet someone on a narrow path? And what about if someone wants to get into a lift with you?


bbc--2020-03-25--Celebrating a birthday party by video chat

With social distancing in full swing and some states enforcing mandated lockdowns , people have found creative ways to adjust @ @ @ @ @ .
The BBC spoke with Americans passing the time with virtual movie nights , digital @ @ @ @ @ video messaging platforms .

With social distancing in full swing and some states enforcing mandated lockdowns, people have found creative ways to adjust to the new normal online.
The BBC spoke with Americans passing the time with virtual movie nights, digital happy hours and birthdays on video messaging platforms.
Video by Shrai Popat and Caché McClay


bbc--2020-03-25--Cho Ju-bin: South Korea chatroom sex abuse suspect named after outcry

A man accused of leading a group that blackmailed girls into sharing sexual videos - which were then posted in pay-to-view chatrooms - has been named after an outcry in South Korea .
At least 10,000 people used the chatrooms , with some paying up to $ 1,200 ( £1,000 ) for access .
A police committee took the unusual step of naming Cho Ju-bin , 24 , after five million people signed petitions .
`` I apologise to those who were hurt by me , '' Cho said as he was led away from a Seoul police station on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brake on the life of a devil that could not be stopped . ''
He did not respond when reporters asked if he admitted the charges .
He is accused of abuse , threats and coercion , and of violating the child protection act , the privacy act and the sexual abuse act .
How did the chatrooms work ?
As reported by Quartz , customers paid to access the so-called `` nth rooms '' , where extorted content from underage girls was uploaded .
Fees ranged from $ 200 to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ilbo , each of the eight `` nth rooms '' hosted videos from three to four girls who had been blackmailed by chatroom operators .
The girls were active on chat apps , or Twitter , and engaged in prostitution or sexting for money .
The chatroom operators contacted the girls , promising modelling or escort jobs .
They were then directed to a Telegram account where the operator extracted personal details which were used to blackmail them .
Who were the victims ?
One schoolgirl - speaking to Kim Hyun Jung on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was approached online after looking for work .
After being promised money and a phone , she was told to send pictures of herself , followed by sexual abuse videos .
The victim said there were at least 40 videos in total .
`` He already had my face , my voice , my personal information , '' the victim said .
`` I was afraid that he would threaten me with that information if I said I would quit . ''
'The fury will not stop here' Angry South Koreans do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now know the face of the man who allegedly called himself `` The Doctor '' .
His comments outside the Seoul police station will have done nothing to quell the deep wave of anger sweeping through supporters of women 's rights in the country .
More than two million signed a petition to have Cho 's identity made public .
They got their wish .
But the fury will not stop there .
Over and over again women have told me they feel the justice system does not adequately punish sex crimes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And over and over again tens of thousands of women have urged the current administration to act .
This became apparent during South Korea 's so called spy camera demonstrations .
Large-scale protests were held over several weeks at the authorities ' lack of action over illicit videos - taken in places such as public toilets and changing rooms - and posted online .
The Minister for Gender Equality Lee Jung-ok has vowed to revise the laws governing sex crimes including online grooming and the blackmail of children and teenagers .
But will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country where being drunk is a defence for rape ?
The level of outrage at this case should be a warning to the current administration that women in this country are watching closely - and will not wait forever for well overdue reforms .
What was the public reaction ?
Details emerged via a newspaper report in November , followed by another report in March .
The story caused outrage in a country where another abuse scandal - the Burning Sun case - dominated headlines last year .
A petition on the presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be named , was signed 2.6m times .
Another petition on the same site , calling for all chatroom users to be named , was signed almost 2m times .
President Moon Jae-in regarded the chatrooms as a `` cruel act that destroyed lives '' , according to a spokesman .
`` The fact that more than three million people signed the petition ... is a serious plea to the government from the people , especially women , requesting a stop to such malicious digital sex crimes , '' the spokesman added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The National Police Agency told reporters that 124 suspects had been arrested - with 18 chat room operators in custody - since September .
Cho is one of the 18 .
A user called GodGod , who is suspected of first creating the chat room , remains at large .
`` Through strict investigation , the police will entirely transform the social apathy to digital sex crime and strongly root out such crime from our society , '' said Min Gap-ryong , commissioner general of the Korean National Police Agency .

The level of outrage at this case should be a warning to the current administration that women in this country are watching closely - and will not wait forever for well overdue reforms.


bbc--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Reopening the US by Easter 'a beautiful timeline'

President Trump said he was speaking to the Coronavirus Taskforce about when to open the US for business .
He @ @ @ @ @ of 12 April - presented a `` beautiful time , a beautiful timeline '' and @ @ @ @ @ able to open at least some sections of the country .
The US began a @ @ @ @ @ to encourage all Americans to work from home when possible and limit gatherings of more @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , the governor for New York , Andrew Cuomo , urged other states @ @ @ @ @ happening there as an example of what could follow .
With 25,665 cases in New @ @ @ @ @ for more than half of all US infections .

President Trump said he was speaking to the Coronavirus Taskforce about when to open the US for business.
He thought Easter - the weekend of 12 April - presented a "beautiful time, a beautiful timeline" and said he hoped to be able to open at least some sections of the country.
The US began a 15-day period on 16 March to encourage all Americans to work from home when possible and limit gatherings of more than 10 people.
Earlier on Tuesday, the governor for New York, Andrew Cuomo, urged other states to look at what has happening there as an example of what could follow.
With 25,665 cases in New York, the state accounts for more than half of all US infections.


bbc--2020-03-25--Afghanistan conflict: Militants storm Sikh temple in Kabul

Afghan security forces are battling militants who stormed a busy temple belonging to the Sikh religious minority in central Kabul .
At least one person died and a number were wounded after suicide bombers and gunmen attacked the temple in the Shorbazar area at 07:45 ( 03:15 GMT ) .
Some 150 people were inside and a number of them have been rescued .
The Islamic State ( IS ) group , which has targeted Sikhs before in Afghanistan , says it is behind Wednesday 's attack .
What do we know about the attack ?
An interior ministry spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of people in the temple had been rescued , and two attackers had been killed .
About 150 people were inside the temple which houses families and regularly hosts morning prayers , said Anarkali Kaur Honaryar , a Sikh MP in the Afghan parliament .
People switched off their phones and tried to hide when the attack began , he said .
A health ministry spokesman quoted by Reuters said one child had been killed and 15 people had been wounded , adding that the toll could rise .
Another Sikh MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had information that four people had been killed and he put the number of people inside at 200 .
`` Three suicide bombers entered a dharamsala [ sanctuary area ] , '' he said .
`` The gunmen started their attack at a time when the dharamsala was full of worshippers . ''
Photos from the scene show security forces carrying people away on stretchers .
How vulnerable are Sikhs in Afghanistan ?
Afghanistan 's dwindling Sikh population , now said to number fewer than 10,000 , has long complained of discrimination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In July 2018 , IS said it had bombed a gathering of Sikhs and Hindus in the eastern city of Jalalabad , killing 19 people and injuring 20 .
Awtar Singh Khalsa , one of the country 's best-known Sikh politicians at the time , was among those killed .

Afghanistan conflict: Militants in deadly attack on Sikh temple in Kabul Published 25 March 2020
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Afghan Sikhs grieved for their relatives near the site of the attack
At least 25 people have been killed in a militant attack on a Sikh temple in the Afghan capital Kabul.
The interior ministry said a gunman had burst into the complex early in the morning, firing on worshippers.
He was killed in an exchange of fire lasting six hours with security forces. Earlier reports said a group of assailants had carried out the attack.
About 150 people were trapped in the complex in the Shorbazar area. The Islamic State group claimed the attack.
IS has targeted Sikhs and other religious minorities before in Afghanistan. The country's main militant group, the Taliban, denied any involvement.
Nato in Afghanistan called it an outrage.
IS is less powerful than the Taliban in Afghanistan and has lost much of the territory it once controlled - but it has not been part of recent negotiations with the US and retains the ability to carry out deadly attacks, reports the BBC's Secunder Kermani.
What do we know about the attack?
About 150 people were inside the temple, which houses families and regularly hosts morning prayers, said Anarkali Kaur Honaryar, a Sikh MP in the Afghan parliament.
People switched off their phones and tried to hide when the attack began, she said.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Security forces surrounded the scene of the attack
Another Sikh MP, Narender Singh Khalsa, put the number of people inside at 200.
"Three suicide bombers entered a dharamsala [sanctuary area]," he told Reuters. "The gunmen started their attack at a time when the dharamsala was full of worshippers."
Photos from the scene show security forces carrying people away on stretchers.
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How vulnerable are Sikhs in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan's dwindling Sikh population, now said to number fewer than 10,000, has long complained of discrimination and harassment by the Muslim majority.
In July 2018, IS said it had bombed a gathering of Sikhs and Hindus in the eastern city of Jalalabad, killing 19 people and injuring 20.


bbc--2020-03-25--Jamal Khashoggi: Turkey charges 20 Saudis over journalists' murder

Turkey has charged 20 suspects over the murder of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in October 2018 .
Prosecutors said an indictment accused former Saudi Deputy Intelligence Chief Ahmad Asiri and former royal aide Saud al-Qahtani with instigating the murder .
The 18 others are accused of carrying out the `` deliberate and monstrous killing '' inside the Saudi consulate .
Western intelligence agencies believe it was ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – something he denies .
• Jamal Khashoggi : All you need to know about his death A United Nations special rapporteur says Khashoggi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , premeditated execution , an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible '' .
At the time of his death the 59-year-old worked for the Washington Post and had become a prominent critic of the Saudi government .
Saudi authorities blamed a “ rogue operation ” for Khashoggi ’ s death .
In December , a court in the kingdom sentenced five unnamed people to death and jailed three more over the murder .
What are the charges ?
According to the indictments , announced by prosecutors in Istanbul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Qahtani were charged with `` instigating the deliberate and monstrous killing , causing torment '' .
The prosecutors ' statement accused 18 others of carrying out the killing - including a member of the Saudi Royal Guard , a forensics expert , and a Saudi intelligence official who has travelled with Crown Prince Mohammed in the past .
The charges were based on witness statements , an analysis of Khashoggi ’ s digital devices , and records of the people entering and leaving Turkey , the statement said .
Saudi Arabia has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indictments .
The journalist – who had gone into self-imposed exile in the US in 2017 – went to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018 , seeking papers to marry his fiancée Hatice Cengiz .
Investigators believe that as she waited outside , the 59-year-old was murdered and then dismembered .
Khashoggi ’ s remains have never been found .
The gruesome killing shocked the world and UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard said there was credible evidence that Crown Prince Mohammed and other high-level Saudi officials were individually liable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ international inquiry .

The journalist – who had gone into self-imposed exile in the US in 2017 – went to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018, seeking papers to marry his fiancée Hatice Cengiz.


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Indians panic buy supplies ahead of lockdown

People in India rushed to stockpile supplies on Tuesday night after its prime minister announced the entire country was going @ @ @ @ @ .
People panicked after Narendra Modi said , in a televised address , everyone should @ @ @ @ @ their homes for any reason – and did not mention the status of essential supplies @ @ @ @ @ over the country , people flooded shops , looking to stock up on groceries and @ @ @ @ @ tweeted 40 minutes later , clarifying that the lockdown would not impact essential services and @ @ @ @ @ but it was too late by then .
Read more : India goes quiet as @ @ @ @ @

On Tuesday night people in India rushed to stockpile supplies, after its prime minister announced the entire country was going into lockdown for 21 days.
People panicked after Narendra Modi said, in a televised address, everyone should "forget about" leaving their homes for any reason – and did not mention the status of essential supplies and food items.
All over the country, people flooded shops, looking to stock up on groceries and other items.
Mr Modi tweeted 40 minutes later, clarifying that the lockdown would not impact essential services and asking people not to panic, but it was too late by then.
Read more: India goes quiet as 1.3bn told to stay home


bbc--2020-03-25--Facebook group calls soar 1,000% during Italy's lockdown

Facebook has seen usage across its platforms surge in countries that have brought in virus lockdowns .
Italy - with some of the toughest restrictions - has seen the biggest rise , with group calls rocketing by more than 1,000 % in the last month .
The social media giant said total messaging traffic on all its platforms had increased 50 % on average across the hardest hit countries .
But the company said the higher usage wo n't protect it from expected falls in digital advertising across the world .
`` We do n't monetize many of the services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Facebook wrote in a post on Tuesday .
• Facebook will pay contract staff to work from home Italy has a death toll now above 6,000 people from the virus .
Along with the huge rise in time in group calls ( three or more users ) , the country has seen a 70 % rise in time spent on Facebook-owned apps .
Facebook outlined steps it is taking to increase capacity during the heightened traffic as people are stuck indoors and working from home .
`` We 're monitoring usage patterns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and adding capacity as required , '' the post from Alex Schultz , vice president of analytics , and Jay Parikh , vice president of engineering wrote .
But it admitted this could become harder .
`` Maintaining stability throughout these spikes in usage is more challenging than usual now that most of our employees are working from home .
We are experiencing new records in usage almost every day . ''
Facebook has lowered video quality in Europe to help reduce demand on internet service providers .
Amazon , Apple TV+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The changes mean each video will use less data , putting less strain on networks already struggling with increased traffic as people stream more content while self-isolating at home .

But it admitted this could become harder. "Maintaining stability throughout these spikes in usage is more challenging than usual now that most of our employees are working from home. We are experiencing new records in usage almost every day."


bbc--2020-03-25--There's treasure in your toilet and it can help the planet

The waste that we flush down the toilet contains a valuable nutrient .
And in the Netherlands they are finding @ @ @ @ @ use it as a fertiliser .
A video for People Fixing the World by Richard @ @ @ @ @

The waste that we flush down the toilet contains a valuable nutrient. And in the Netherlands they are finding ways to extract it and use it as a fertiliser.
A video for People Fixing the World by Richard Kenny and William Kremer.
Additional footage: Getty


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: How Covid-19 is denying dignity to the dead in Italy

Italy has banned funerals because of the coronavirus crisis .
For many , the virus is now robbing families of the chance to say a final goodbye .
`` This pandemic kills twice , '' says Andrea Cerato , who works in a funeral home in Milan .
`` First , it isolates you from your loved ones right before you die .
Then , it does n't allow anyone to get closure . ''
`` Families are devastated and find it hard to accept . ''
'They have no choice but to trust us' In Italy , many victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without any family or friends .
Visits are banned because the risk of contagion is too high .
While health authorities say the virus can not be transmitted posthumously , it can still survive on clothes for a few hours .
This means corpses are being sealed away immediately .
`` So many families ask us if they can see the body one last time .
But it 's forbidden , '' says Massimo Mancastroppa , an undertaker in Cremona .
The dead can not be buried in their finest and favourite clothes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymity of a hospital gown .
But Massimo is doing what he can .
`` We put the clothes the family gives us on top of the corpse , as if they were dressed , '' he says .
`` A shirt on top , a skirt below . ''
In this unprecedented situation undertakers are suddenly finding themselves acting as replacement families , replacement friends , even replacement priests .
People close to those who die from the virus will often be in quarantine themselves .
`` We take on all responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We send the loved ones a photo of the coffin that will be used , we then pick up the corpse from the hospital and we bury it or cremate it .
They have no choice but to trust us . ''
The hardest thing for Andrea is not being able to ease the suffering of the bereaved .
Instead of telling families all the things he can do , he is now forced to list everything he is no longer allowed to do .
`` We ca n't dress them up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ca n't put make up on them .
We ca n't make them look nice and peaceful .
It is very sad . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MEASURES : What are countries doing ?
• HOPE : Five reasons to be positive • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Andrea has been an undertaker for 30 years , just like his father before him .
He says small things are usually important for the bereaved .
`` Caressing their cheek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and seeing them look dignified .
Not being able to do that is so traumatic . ''
In this time of virus , undertakers are often forced to meet grieving families either side of a closed door .
Relatives still try to pass on handwritten notes , family heirlooms , drawings and poems in the hope they will buried alongside their mother or father , brother or sister , son or daughter .
But not one of these things will be put in the coffins .
Burying personal items is now illegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop the spread of the disease .
If someone dies at home , undertakers are still allowed inside - but they have to come in wearing full protective gear : glasses , masks , gloves , coats .
It is a deeply distressing sight for someone who 's just seen a loved one die .
But many undertakers are now in quarantine themselves .
Some have had to close their business .
A big worry is that those who handle the dead do n't have sufficient masks or gloves .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going for another week , '' says Andrea .
`` But when we run out , we will not be able to operate .
And we are one of the biggest funeral homes in the country .
I ca n't even imagine how the rest are coping . ''
An emergency national law has now banned funeral services in Italy to prevent the spread of the virus .
This is unprecedented for a country with such strong Roman Catholic values .
At least once a day , Andrea buries a body and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goodbye - because everyone is in quarantine .
`` One or two people are allowed to be there during burial , but that 's all , '' Massimo says .
`` No-one feels able to say a few words , and so it is just silence . ''
Whenever he can , he tries to avoid that .
So he drives to a church with the coffin in the car , opens the boot , and asks a priest to perform a blessing there and then .
It is often done in seconds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Italy 's mortuary industry is overwhelmed and the number of dead keeps rising .
Almost 7,000 people have been killed by the virus so far ( 24 March ) - more than any other country in the world .
`` There 's a queue outside our funeral home in Cremona , '' says Andrea .
`` It 's almost like a supermarket . ''
`` The chapel at the hospital in Cremona looks more like a warehouse , '' says Massimo .
Caskets are piling up in churches .
In Bergamo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Italy , the military has had to step in because the city 's cemeteries are now full .
One night last week , locals watched in silence as a convoy of army trucks slowly drove more than 70 coffins through the streets .
Each one contained the body of a friend or neighbour being taken to a nearby city to be cremated .
Few images have been more shocking or poignant since the outbreak began .
Doctors and nurses across the country have been hailed as heroes , saviours in Italy 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not received recognition for what they too are doing .
`` Many people see us as merely transporters of souls , '' Massimo sighs .
He says many Italians look at their work in the way they view that of Charon , the sinister mythological ferryman of the underworld who carries the souls of the newly deceased across a river dividing the world of the living from the world of the dead .
A thankless and unthinking task in the eyes of many .
`` But I can assure you that all we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead . ''
# Andratuttobene - `` everything is going to be ok '' - is a hashtag that has been trending in Italy since the crisis erupted .
It 's accompanied with a rainbow emoji .
But at the moment there is no sunshine in sight .
And although all pray for it , no-one knows exactly when everything will indeed be ok once again .

"We take on all responsibility for them," says Andrea. "We send the loved ones a photo of the coffin that will be used, we then pick up the corpse from the hospital and we bury it or cremate it. They have no choice but to trust us."


bbc--2020-03-25--India's poorest 'fear hunger may kill us before coronavirus'

India has been put in lockdown to halt the spread of the coronavirus outbreak .
People have been told to stay indoors , but for many daily-wage earners this is not an option .
The BBC 's Vikas Pandey finds out how they were coping in the days leading up to Tuesday 's announcement .
Labour Chowk in Noida is usually brimming with hundreds of men looking for jobs as construction labourers .
The small intersection of roads in this suburban area of Delhi is a hotspot where builders come to hire workers .
But it was eerily quiet when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial lockdown .
Everything was still - one could never imagine listening to the sound of birds chirping in such a busy area .
But I did - almost in disbelief .
I soon spotted a group of men huddled in a corner .
I stopped and asked them , from a safe distance , if they were following the lockdown .
Ramesh Kumar , who comes from Banda district in Uttar Pradesh state , said that he knew `` there wo n't be anybody to hire us , but we still took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 rupees ( $ 8 ; £6.50 ) every day and I have five people to feed .
We will run out of food in a few days .
I know the risk of coronavirus , but I ca n't see my children hungry , '' he said .
Millions of other daily-wage earners are in a similar situation .
The lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening means they are now facing no prospect of income for the next three weeks .
The likelihood is , some will run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
India has reported more than 500 confirmed cases and at least 10 people have died .
Several state governments , including Uttar Pradesh in the north , Kerala in the south and the national capital Delhi , have promised direct cash transfers into the accounts of workers like Mr Kumar .
Prime Minister Modi 's government has also promised to help daily-wage earners affected by the lockdown .
But there are logistical challenges .
• What India can learn from 1918 flu to fight Covid-19 At least 90 % of India 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the International Labour Organization , working in roles like security guards , cleaners , rickshaw pullers , streets vendors , garbage collectors and domestic helps .
Most do not have access to pensions , sick leave , paid leave or any kind of insurance .
Many do not have bank accounts , relying on cash to meet their daily needs .
Lots are migrant workers , which means that they are technically residents of a different state to the one where they work .
Then there is the problem of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not live in any state for a long period as they move around to find work .
Akhilesh Yadav , the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh , admits these challenges are huge , acknowledging that `` nobody in any government has faced them before '' .
`` All governments need to act lightning fast because the situation is changing every day .
We need to activate big community kitchens and deliver food to people who need it .
We need to hand out cash or rice and wheat - irrespective of who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Mr Yadav is particularly worried about his state , which is India 's most populous , with an estimated 220m residents .
`` We have got to stop people from travelling to one city from another to avoid community transmission .
And one way of doing is to ensure food security .
People rush to their villages in times of crisis , '' he added .
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has said that a team of workers was tracking those who have arrived from other states and everybody who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .
Indian Railways has now suspended all passenger services until 31 March .
But just days before the suspension kicked in on 23 March , hundreds of thousands of migrant workers travelled in packed trains from outbreak-hit cities like Delhi , Mumbai and Ahmedabad to their villages in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states .
That has heightened the risk of community transmission and experts fear that the coming two weeks are the most challenging for India .
However , not everybody could afford to travel to their villages .
Kishan Lal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northern city of Allahabad , said he had not made any money in the past four days .
`` I need to earn to feed my family .
I have heard that the government is going to give us money - though I have no idea when and how , '' he said .
His friend Ali Hasan , who works as a cleaner in a shop , said he had run out of money to buy food .
`` The shop shut down two days ago and I have n't been paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will open .
I am very scared .
I have a family , how am I going to feed them ? ''
he asked .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Millions of Indians also earn money as street entrepreneurs - people who own small businesses and employ people like themselves .
Mohammed Sabir , who runs a tiny stall selling yogurt-based drinks in Delhi , says he had hired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the summers .
`` Now I ca n't pay them .
I do n't have any money .
My family earns some money from farming in my village .
But their crops were damaged this year due to hailstorms , so they were looking at me for support .
`` I feel so helpless .
I fear that hunger may kill many like us before coronavirus , '' he said .
All monuments are also shut in the country and that has had an impact on many who make money from tourism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a photographer at the iconic India Gate in Delhi , said he had never seen such a sharp drop in business .
`` Last two weeks were bad - even when there was no lockdown .
There were hardly any tourists .
Now I ca n't even go back to my village and I ca n't even work .
I am stuck here in Delhi and constantly worried about my family in my village in Uttar Pradesh , '' he said .
Drivers of ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola are also suffering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxi for the employees of an airline in Delhi , says the government needs to give `` some relief to people like me '' .
`` I understand the importance of the lockdown .
Coronavirus is dangerous and we need to protect ourselves .
But I ca n't help but think how I will support my family if the lockdown continues for weeks , '' he said .
And some have n't even heard about coronavirus .
A cobbler , who did n't want to give his name , said he had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ railway station in Allahabad for years , but nobody is showing up now '' .
He said he does n't even know why people have stopped travelling .
`` I do n't know what is happening .
Not many people are coming to the station these days .
I know that some curfew is going on , but I do n't know why , '' he said .
Vinod Prajapati , who sells water bottles in the same area , intervenes in the conversation .
`` I know everything about coronavirus .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is struggling .
Most people who can afford and have a place to stay are indoors .
But for people like us , the choice is between safety and hunger .
What should we pick ? ''
he asks .
Additional reporting and pictures by Vivek Singh in Allahabad

"Last two weeks were bad - even when there was no lockdown. There were hardly any tourists. Now I can't even go back to my village and I can't even work. I am stuck here in Delhi and constantly worried about my family in my village in Uttar Pradesh," he said.


bbc--2020-03-24--Coronavirus in South America: How it became a class issue

Brazil got its first case of coronavirus just after carnival .
The man , who had visited Italy , returned with symptoms and went straight to Albert Einstein hospital , a world-class institution in the southern hemisphere 's biggest city , São Paulo .
In the beginning , many of the cases followed a similar pattern , affecting Brazilians who can afford to travel abroad and pay for treatment in private hospitals .
And it is a pattern that is replicated across the region too .
The first case in Ecuador was somebody returning from Spain .
In Uruguay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's coronavirus cases could be traced back to a single guest at a glamorous party who had just come back from Spain .
This has not escaped the notice of poorer Brazilians either , many of whom share the view that the virus is coming over from wealthier people who have been on holiday abroad .
Maria do Rosario Silva is a 50-year-old housekeeper who lives and works in the south of São Paulo .
She was alarmed by the pattern of transmission she was hearing about on the news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her employer on full pay to stay safe .
`` I 'm not just a bit scared , '' she says .
`` I 'm terrified , especially for older people and those who are who are vulnerable .
If we do n't control it , it will end in panic . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The story of the first person to die of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear .
Just a few days ago , the investigative journalism website Publica reported that a 63-year-old housekeeper 's employer had gone to Italy and came back with symptoms - and did n't tell her housekeeper she was ill. Fast forward a month , and the housekeeper is dead .
The speed of transmission is something that worries medics here , who fear the public health system will not be able to cope .
`` The social class who is ill at the moment are the upper-middle and upper classes , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sustained transmission rate , '' says Dr Beatriz Perondi , who heads the disaster and emergency committee at São Paulo 's Hospital das Clinicas , the largest public hospital in Latin America .
`` Once they start spreading the virus to the middle and lower classes , that 's when we are going to have issues with quarantine .
With lots of people living in the same room , that could cause huge transmission problems . ''
It has already started - there are now cases in Rio 's shantytowns , known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preparing , opening up an entire floor to receive critical patients .
In the next week or so , it is expecting half of the ward to be full , and in less than a month that every bed will be occupied .
It 's community transmission that reveals the deep inequalities in the region - poorer people serving wealthier ones .
Cooks , housekeepers and nannies will have to rely on a public health service that is already over-subscribed - and that 's without the onslaught of coronavirus .
And while decent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regardless of whether they will work or not , not everyone has been decent .
I have been asked whether it is reasonable to pay a cleaner half a salary if they are no longer working - short answer , no , these are the people who need the money more than ever .
In a country where 40 % of the workforce is estimated to work in the informal economy , millions of poor people are going to bear the brunt of coronavirus .
The government has introduced emergency measures .
Informal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month ( £33 ; $ 40 ) .
But Brazil 's currency is plummeting each and every day .
It is not enough to buy food for a month for a family , let alone cover rent and bills .
This is a menacing virus , but just as menacing is the threat of hunger - how can these families live like this , and for how long ?
As the health minister here said last week , we are at the foot of the mountain and we are about to start climbing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top will be far harder for some in this , the most unequal region in the world .

And while decent employers will continue to pay their staff regardless of whether they will work or not, not everyone has been decent. I have been asked whether it is reasonable to pay a cleaner half a salary if they are no longer working - short answer, no, these are the people who need the money more than ever. In a country where 40% of the workforce is estimated to work in the informal economy, millions of poor people are going to bear the brunt of coronavirus.


bbc--2020-03-25--Marini Naturals: The haircare business that reaches 12 countries

They say that when a woman gets a new hairstyle it means that there is something big going on in her life .
For Michelle Ntalami back in 2013 , the big thing was sadly that her father was gravely ill with cancer .
And when his chemotherapy treatment made him lose all his hair , she decided to shave hers off in solidarity .
Michelle , now 35 , also vowed that she would start to `` live more healthily and naturally '' to try to reduce her own future risk of being diagnosed with the condition .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she decided that she would stop using the chemical treatments that most women in Kenya 's capital Nairobi use to straighten their hair .
Instead , she would only buy naturally-made haircare products for natural afro hair .
Unfortunately these were n't available to buy in Kenya at the time , so Michelle started to order them from the US and Europe .
As this was very expensive , she started to make her own shampoos , conditioners , and other products , in her bathroom , using ingredients such as avocado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aloe vera .
`` When I gave them to friends to test , they just loved them , '' she says .
`` I realised that selling natural hair products could become a viable business . ''
Today her Nairobi-based company - Marini Naturals - sells 50,000 bottles and tubs a month across 12 countries , 10 in Africa , plus Turkey and France .
While Michelle says that her parents taught her the importance of `` working hard and following your dreams '' , they were also able to give her an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy .
Her father , who passed away in 2014 , was a businessman , and the boss of Kenya 's financial regulator , the Capital Markets Authority .
Meanwhile , her mother worked for the United Nations .
`` My parents were always very driven in terms of career and education , '' she says .
After school , Michelle got a degree in design and communications from the University of Nairobi , and then spent time in Italy where she got a master 's in interior design from the Florence Design @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she first worked for an IT company .
She then joined the pan-African advertising agency Sanad Africa .
However , she had long wanted to set up her own business , and while at Sanad she launched her own branding agency , called Brandvine Group .
She ran this together with her best friend Niyati Patel , who would become her co-founder at Marini .
`` I always wanted to start my own company , because I love to build something up from scratch , '' says Michelle .
Launching Marini in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she faced `` a heck of a job '' to convince Kenyan woman to give up their chemical hair straighteners , and instead embrace their natural curls .
She says that she was fighting against the accepted wisdom .
`` Most cosmetic scientists claimed that the African market was n't ready for natural hair products , as most African women were still convinced that their natural hair could n't be beautiful , '' she says .
But determined to both change matters , and make a success of Marini , Michelle decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a campaign on YouTube .
Using 30 models she showcased more than 50 natural hairstyles created using the company 's products .
`` It became a huge success , '' she says .
`` People all over the continent shared our videos on social media , and our YouTube tutorials became an important part of our marketing strategy . ''
What helped to boost sales was that Michelle was able to say that all the ingredients were made in Africa , such as coconut oil from Kenya , shea butter from Uganda , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the packaging is from China , as Michelle says that , disappointingly , she was not able to find bottles and tubs of sufficient quality within Africa .
Already selling Marini Naturals outside of Africa in France and Turkey , Michelle now has her eye on further global expansion .
She says that there is growing interest in her products as more men and women of African descent decide to give up straightening their hair .
`` Thanks to this increasing global demand we now want to scale Marini [ more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , '' she says .
The company also plans to start exporting its new range of skincare products .
Michelle says that while she gets her biggest satisfaction from positive customer feedback , her late father is often in her thoughts .
`` I miss him very much , '' she says .
`` Maybe Marini Naturals was his gift to me before he left .
`` To be able to translate that into a product that is changing lives of millions of women , men and children around the world is @ @ @ @

What helped to boost sales was that Michelle was able to say that all the ingredients were made in Africa, such as coconut oil from Kenya, shea butter from Uganda, and natural fragrances from South Africa. However, the packaging is from China, as Michelle says that, disappointingly, she was not able to find bottles and tubs of sufficient quality within Africa.


bbc--2020-03-24--'The Olympics in 2021 will be a carnival unleashed that no-one will take for granted ever again'

There is a moment at an Olympic Games , some point after the opening ceremony and around the time where everything around you is drama and smashed records and new heroes , when you look around and think : there is no other square mile or so of the planet that has as many people staring at it as this .
That 's what the summer Games do .
They make you feel like you 're at the centre of the world .
And it 's why it took the International Olympic Committee so long to realise that Tokyo 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there could be no other decision .
The IOC has the history , the power and the self-regard to pull off something as complicated , expensive and vainglorious as an Olympics .
Those same characteristics can also leave it out of touch with wider forces at play around it .
It is used to nations wooing it and coming in supplication , not the other way round • How coronavirus has impacted sporting events around the world • The latest news on the coronavirus crisis Olympics and Paralympics have taken place in financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments in meltdown .
They have been able to march on regardless because of the corporate money behind them but also the enduring purity of their central appeal : that they will bring the young people of the world together , and they will bring their families and friends and compatriots along with them for the ride .
Only when it became clear that there could be no gathering of the brightest and the best did the Olympic machine creak to a halt .
When half the globe is under curfew in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assembly of athletes and spectators no longer makes any sense .
The world has changed and so must the Olympics too .
You ca n't wait another four weeks to see where the coronavirus pandemic is , because every day matters to the athletes at this stage .
A pole-vaulter can not prepare for an Olympics with star-jumps in the back garden .
A rowing eight can not train independently in their garages .
Boxers need sparring partners , tennis players need opponents .
All of them need coaches , and medical staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracks , and gyms , and velodromes .
They need swimming pools , open roads and changing rooms .
They need Olympic selection races , and bouts , and contests .
They need to be watched by judges and dope-tested by officials .
There must be a crowd to watch so all the effort and strain and practice makes some sort of sense , and there must be broadcasters and writers and cameraman and press officers so any else can hear about it all .
It is not a cheap decision to push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Olympic and Paralympic Games bring something special to every host city but they come at an eye-watering price .
Those costs escalate rapidly when finished stadiums are operating but empty , when contracts to make transport work and security function and logistics take place have to be extended months after they were designed to end .
It has a seismic effect on the athletes who have spent almost four years building to one three-week period in midsummer .
Not all will be able to peak again next year .
Some will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives are structured around Olympic years .
Families are put on hold .
Babies are delayed .
Weddings and engagements are forced to wait for the autumn or the empty winter beyond .
And they dictate how you pay the bills .
Even in the UK National Lottery funding only touches a select group .
When you exist on prize money and appearance fees , the obliteration of your year 's competition schedule is about more than just racing .
When you supplement that with speaking engagements and school visits , the greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the part-closure of the education system has a direct effect on your ability to compete .
This is not an existential crisis like the African boycott of 1976 , the US-led boycott of Moscow in 1980 or the tit-for-tat Eastern Bloc boycott of the Los Angeles Olympics four years later .
The Olympics as an idea retains its allure .
There are no breakaways or rival circuits coming .
Japan has the finances to keep this vast operation going for another 12 months in a way that would have been beyond the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Greek government in 2004 and its aftermath .
It may even , perversely , be the making of the Tokyo Games .
• 'Heartbreaking ' but a 'relief ' - how athletes reacted to Olympic delay • 'This is about protecting lives ' - IOC chief says costs of Tokyo 2020 delay not discussed Olympics have been beset by scandal for as long as they 've been going on - bribery here , doping there , venues left empty and rotting .
For all that you leave a summer Games uplifted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you also wonder at what cost it has all come .
What really has been the legacy of those profligate three weeks , when the sponsors are mainly fast-food and soft drinks companies and most of those watching will disengage as soon as they are done , let alone ever contemplate taking up those sports themselves ?
Tokyo , when it happens , will be the first global celebration in the aftermath of the pandemic .
After months when we have lived apart , when we have done nothing as part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event , and a narrative , that pulls each nation with it .
You sit in the main Olympic stadium and look around at the flags of almost 200 competing nations hanging from the roof and only then do you truly appreciate the truly collective nature of what is happening on the track and field below .
You see thousands of athletes pouring in to the closing ceremony , some winners , most losers , and you see the smiles and the dancing and feel the culmination of so many discrete journeys .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the final night and see all the myriad body shapes and sizes and play 'guess the sport ' , and you see a small , skinny distance runner chatting up a volleyball player twice their size , or a Bulgarian weightlifter swapping pin badges with a Paraguayan modern pentathlete , and you ca n't imagine all this happening any other way .
Tokyo will be all that and more .
The world emerging from its darkest period in 70 years .
A celebration of all we still have in common , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ granted ever again .

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were due to start on 24 July
There is a moment at an Olympic Games, some point after the opening ceremony and around the time where everything around you is drama and smashed records and new heroes, when you look around and think: there is no other square mile or so of the planet that has as many people staring at it as this.
That's what the summer Games do. They make you feel like you're at the centre of the world. And it's why it took the International Olympic Committee so long to realise that Tokyo 2020 had to be postponed, and why there could be no other decision.
The IOC has the history, the power and the self-regard to pull off something as complicated, expensive and vainglorious as an Olympics. Those same characteristics can also leave it out of touch with wider forces at play around it. It is used to nations wooing it and coming in supplication, not the other way round
Olympics and Paralympics have taken place in financial crises, after terrorist atrocities, with governments in meltdown. They have been able to march on regardless because of the corporate money behind them but also the enduring purity of their central appeal: that they will bring the young people of the world together, and they will bring their families and friends and compatriots along with them for the ride.
Only when it became clear that there could be no gathering of the brightest and the best did the Olympic machine creak to a halt. When half the globe is under curfew in their own homes the idea of a vast assembly of athletes and spectators no longer makes any sense. The world has changed and so must the Olympics too.
You can't wait another four weeks to see where the coronavirus pandemic is, because every day matters to the athletes at this stage. A pole-vaulter cannot prepare for an Olympics with star-jumps in the back garden. A rowing eight cannot train independently in their garages. Boxers need sparring partners, tennis players need opponents.
All of them need coaches, and medical staff, and proper nutrition. They need tracks, and gyms, and velodromes. They need swimming pools, open roads and changing rooms.
They need Olympic selection races, and bouts, and contests. They need to be watched by judges and dope-tested by officials. There must be a crowd to watch so all the effort and strain and practice makes some sort of sense, and there must be broadcasters and writers and cameraman and press officers so any else can hear about it all.
It is not a cheap decision to push the biggest gathering in sport back a year. Olympic and Paralympic Games bring something special to every host city but they come at an eye-watering price. Those costs escalate rapidly when finished stadiums are operating but empty, when contracts to make transport work and security function and logistics take place have to be extended months after they were designed to end.
It has a seismic effect on the athletes who have spent almost four years building to one three-week period in midsummer. Not all will be able to peak again next year. Some will be too old, others injured.
Lives are structured around Olympic years. Families are put on hold. Babies are delayed. Weddings and engagements are forced to wait for the autumn or the empty winter beyond.
And they dictate how you pay the bills. Even in the UK National Lottery funding only touches a select group.
When you exist on prize money and appearance fees, the obliteration of your year's competition schedule is about more than just racing. When you supplement that with speaking engagements and school visits, the greatest squeeze on private finances in a generation and the part-closure of the education system has a direct effect on your ability to compete.
This is not an existential crisis like the African boycott of 1976, the US-led boycott of Moscow in 1980 or the tit-for-tat Eastern Bloc boycott of the Los Angeles Olympics four years later.
The Olympics as an idea retains its allure. There are no breakaways or rival circuits coming. Japan has the finances to keep this vast operation going for another 12 months in a way that would have been beyond the Brazilian government four years ago and certainly the Greek government in 2004 and its aftermath.
It may even, perversely, be the making of the Tokyo Games.
Olympics have been beset by scandal for as long as they've been going on - bribery here, doping there, venues left empty and rotting.
For all that you leave a summer Games uplifted by much of what you have witnessed, you also wonder at what cost it has all come. What really has been the legacy of those profligate three weeks, when the sponsors are mainly fast-food and soft drinks companies and most of those watching will disengage as soon as they are done, let alone ever contemplate taking up those sports themselves?
Tokyo, when it happens, will be the first global celebration in the aftermath of the pandemic. After months when we have lived apart, when we have done nothing as part of a larger group, there will be an event, and a narrative, that pulls each nation with it.
You sit in the main Olympic stadium and look around at the flags of almost 200 competing nations hanging from the roof and only then do you truly appreciate the truly collective nature of what is happening on the track and field below.
You see thousands of athletes pouring in to the closing ceremony, some winners, most losers, and you see the smiles and the dancing and feel the culmination of so many discrete journeys.
You go out in the host city on the final night and see all the myriad body shapes and sizes and play 'guess the sport', and you see a small, skinny distance runner chatting up a volleyball player twice their size, or a Bulgarian weightlifter swapping pin badges with a Paraguayan modern pentathlete, and you can't imagine all this happening any other way.
Tokyo will be all that and more. The world emerging from its darkest period in 70 years. A celebration of all we still have in common, a carnival unleashed that no-one will take for granted ever again.


bbc--2020-03-24--'Heartbreaking' but a 'release' - how athletes reacted to Olympic delay

For most , Tuesday ’ s news that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been postponed until 2021 was merely a formality .
It seemed inevitable , given the global coronavirus pandemic which has claimed the lives of almost 17,000 people worldwide .
But what about the athletes , those who have targeted these Games for many years .
Heptathlete and world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson said it was “ heartbreaking ” , while Olympic track cycling champion Elinor Barker has been left “ devastated ” .
• 'Tokyo Olympics will be a carnival unleashed that no-one will take for granted ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' - IOC chief says costs of Tokyo 2020 delay not discussed All of a sudden , training regimes need to be rewritten and peak performances need to be rescheduled .
For some , it means waiting that bit longer for their Olympic debut , and for others , it means delaying retirement by another year .
But all agree it is the right decision .
And it means , according to Olympic 100m breaststroke champion Adam Peaty , they can relax .
“ A lot of athletes can breathe , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under pressure to train and compete .
“ The decision from the IOC lifts that release that we don ’ t have to be in shape over summer and we don ’ t have to put unnecessary risk on others.
” Writing on social media , long jumper Jazmin Sawyers said : “ For now we have to stay home to protect ourselves and everyone else .
“ Look after each other , sport will be here when this is over , and we will be ready to give you all the greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Tokyo Games this year would have represented the end of the road ; the peak after which they would bow out from their sport .
Many will now be left wondering whether they can carry on for another 12 months .
But not gymnast Becky Downie .
She planned to retire after the Games this summer , but told BBC Sport staying in the game for another year is not an “ impossible task ” .
“ It ’ s going to be a task to manage the body , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m thankful to have down-time now .
We just know there 's a decision and we can relax to an extent and ride this out and then continue planning after that.
” Hockey player Susannah Townsend , who was part of Team GB ’ s gold medal-winning team at Rio 2016 , was also considering retirement after Tokyo and says the Games postponement is like “ dangling a carrot and taking it away from you ” .
“ I know my body was hanging on by a bit of a thread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m going to have to talk to the coaches and figure out my training plan so I can peak at the right time.
” But the postponement of the Olympics doesn ’ t just mean another year of physical training .
It means another year of maintaining motivation , ensuring psychological preparation as well as physiological , and of incredible focus .
`` I 'm truly gutted - you give your heart and soul to something for four years , then for it not to go ahead is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold medallist Jade Jones .
`` Obviously health comes first , and my biggest priority right now is protecting my family and my loved ones , and doing everything I can do help save the lives of others .
`` But as an elite athlete , it is very demotivating and mentally tough .
`` I 'm a very positive person but the idea , right now , of having to devote myself to another year 's slog is a very difficult one . ''
During a time in which the numbers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerate in all corners of the globe , perhaps Team GB themselves summed it up best : “ The Olympic Games is a symbol of hope for us all and we are sure that we will be in Tokyo at the right and appropriate time as the world re-emerges from this dark period .
”

Hockey player Susannah Townsend planned to retire after the Olympics this summer
For most, Tuesday’s news that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been postponed until 2021 was merely a formality.
It seemed inevitable, given the global coronavirus pandemic which has claimed the lives of almost 17,000 people worldwide.
But what about the athletes, those who have targeted these Games for many years.
Heptathlete and world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson said it was “heartbreaking”, while Olympic track cycling champion Elinor Barker has been left “devastated”.
All of a sudden, training regimes need to be rewritten and peak performances need to be rescheduled. For some, it means waiting that bit longer for their Olympic debut, and for others, it means delaying retirement by another year.
But all agree it is the right decision. And it means, according to Olympic 100m breaststroke champion Adam Peaty, they can relax.
“A lot of athletes can breathe,” he told BBC Sport. “We felt under pressure to train and compete.
Olympics postponement a 'release' for athletes - Peaty
“The decision from the IOC lifts that release that we don’t have to be in shape over summer and we don’t have to put unnecessary risk on others.”
Writing on social media, long jumper Jazmin Sawyers said: “For now we have to stay home to protect ourselves and everyone else.
“Look after each other, sport will be here when this is over, and we will be ready to give you all the greatest show on earth.”
For many athletes, a Tokyo Games this year would have represented the end of the road; the peak after which they would bow out from their sport. Many will now be left wondering whether they can carry on for another 12 months.
But not gymnast Becky Downie. She planned to retire after the Games this summer, but told BBC Sport staying in the game for another year is not an “impossible task”.
“It’s going to be a task to manage the body,” the 28-year-old said.
“If anything I’m thankful to have down-time now. We just know there's a decision and we can relax to an extent and ride this out and then continue planning after that.”
Hockey player Susannah Townsend, who was part of Team GB’s gold medal-winning team at Rio 2016, was also considering retirement after Tokyo and says the Games postponement is like “dangling a carrot and taking it away from you”.
“I know my body was hanging on by a bit of a thread,” the 30-year-old told BBC Sport. “I’m going to have to talk to the coaches and figure out my training plan so I can peak at the right time.”
But the postponement of the Olympics doesn’t just mean another year of physical training. It means another year of maintaining motivation, ensuring psychological preparation as well as physiological, and of incredible focus.
"I'm truly gutted - you give your heart and soul to something for four years, then for it not to go ahead is just horrible,” said double Olympic taekwondo gold medallist Jade Jones.
"Obviously health comes first, and my biggest priority right now is protecting my family and my loved ones, and doing everything I can do help save the lives of others.
"But as an elite athlete, it is very demotivating and mentally tough.
"I'm a very positive person but the idea, right now, of having to devote myself to another year's slog is a very difficult one."
During a time in which the numbers of those testing positive for coronavirus continues to accelerate in all corners of the globe, perhaps Team GB themselves summed it up best:
“The Olympic Games is a symbol of hope for us all and we are sure that we will be in Tokyo at the right and appropriate time as the world re-emerges from this dark period.”