bbc--2020-09-28--Uber spared from London ban despite 'historical failings'

Uber has secured its right to continue operating in London after a judge upheld its appeal against Transport for London ( TfL ) .
The ride-hailing giant has been granted a new licence to work in the capital , nearly a year after TfL rejected its application over safety concerns .
It ends uncertainty for the 45,000 drivers who use the taxi app in London .
Westminster Magistrates ' Court said Uber was now a `` fit and proper '' operator `` despite historical failings '' .
One of the main concerns raised by TfL was a flaw in Uber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upload their photographs to legitimate drivers ' accounts , which then allowed them to pick up passengers .
Westminster Magistrates ' Court heard that 24 drivers shared their accounts with 20 others which led to 14,788 rides .
• Want an Uber ?
Send a selfie proving you are wearing a mask Uber 's regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe , Jamie Heywood , said : `` It was not what we would do now .
It was inadequate , we could have done better . ''
Mayor of London Sadiq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' not to renew Uber licence last year but acknowledged the company had `` made improvements '' .
However , he added : `` I can assure Londoners that TfL will continue to closely monitor Uber and will not hesitate to take swift action should they fail to meet the strict standards required to protect passengers . ''
Deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram said he took Uber 's `` track-record of regulation breaches '' into account but said it had made efforts to address failings and had improved standards .
`` Despite their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , to be a fit and proper person to hold a London PHV [ private hire vehicle ] operator 's licence , '' he said .
The judge said Uber `` does not have a perfect record but it has been an improving picture '' .
`` The test as to whether [ Uber ] are a 'fit and proper person ' does not require perfection .
I am satisfied that they are doing what a reasonable business in their sector could be expected to do , perhaps even more . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , said the judge .
It is not clear yet if any conditions have been imposed .
Uber 's Mr Heywood said : `` This decision is a recognition of Uber 's commitment to safety and we will continue to work constructively with TfL . ''
TfL originally refused to renew Uber 's licence in September 2017 .
The company then won a 15-month licence by a judge in June 2018 after taking the case to court .
Uber was granted a two-month extension to its licence in September last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant it a new licence .
At the time , TfL said it had `` identified a pattern of failures by the company including several breaches that placed passengers and their safety at risk '' .
Uber appealed against the decision and was allowed to keep operating throughout the process .
Business campaign group London First said Monday 's decision was `` good news for millions of Londoners and visitors who rely on Uber to get around the capital '' .
However , the Licensed Taxi Drivers ' Association said it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uber has demonstrated time and time again that it simply ca n't be trusted to put the safety of Londoners , its drivers and other road users above profit , '' it said .
`` Sadly , it seems that Uber is too big to regulate effectively but too big to fail . ''

Uber was granted a two-month extension to its licence in September last year, but in November TfL decided not to grant it a new licence. At the time, TfL said it had "identified a pattern of failures by the company including several breaches that placed passengers and their safety at risk".


bbc--2020-09-28--Dreamworld accident: Australian theme park fined over four deaths

The operator of Australia 's Dreamworld theme park has been fined A $ 3.6m ( £2m ; $ 2.5m ) over the deaths of four people on a malfunctioning water ride .
Kate Goodchild , Luke Dorsett , Roozbeh Araghi and Cindy Low died in October 2016 when their raft crashed into another and overturned , crushing them .
The company said it accepted responsibility and had worked to improve safety standards .
The four victims - all adults - died almost instantly after the Thunder River Rapids Ride rafts collided , an inquiry heard in 2018 .
Two children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The accident at Australia 's biggest theme park was caused by a pump that malfunctioned near the end of the ride .
On Monday , a court said the company had failed in its duty of care and should have taken steps to make the ride safer .
`` Steps were not that complex or burdensome and only mildly inconvenient and really were inexpensive , '' Magistrate Pamela Dowse said .
`` They operated the most iconic amusement park in the country , which targeted and attracted families .
`` There was complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by every guest who rode the Thunder River Rapids Ride . ''
The size of the fine reflected the severity of the company 's failure , she added .
Ardent had been facing a maximum A $ 4.5m fine .
Chief executive John Osborne said : `` Ardent accepts responsibility for this tragedy , and we fully accept the consequences . ''
Families of the victims also delivered statements to the sentencing court on Monday , expressing grief and anger over their loss .
`` That Cindy died violently is unacceptable to us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ms Low .
`` Knowing her death could have been avoided is unacceptable and infuriating . ''
In February , a coroner found the accident had been `` only a matter of time '' as the theme park had not properly assessed the ride 's safety risk in over 30 years .
Dreamworld briefly shut down for six weeks after the accident in 2016 , during which it demolished the ride .
The company has reported operating losses every year since the accident , including more than A $ 260m in losses @ @ @ @ @ @

The four victims - all adults - died almost instantly after the Thunder River Rapids Ride rafts collided, an inquiry heard in 2018. Two children were also on board but survived.


bbc--2020-09-28--Boris Johnson promises to protect 30% of UK's land by 2030

An extra 400,000 hectares of English countryside will be protected to support the recovery of nature under plans to be announced by Boris Johnson .
The prime minister will make the commitment at a virtual United Nations event later .
He is joining a global pledge from 65 leaders to reverse losses in the natural world by the same date .
National parks , areas of outstanding natural beauty and other protected areas make up 26 % of land in England .
Mr Johnson will promise that the government will increase the amount of protected land in the UK to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a devolved matter but the government has said it will work with Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland , as well as landowners , to increase the amount of protected land across the UK .
The prime minister will sign the Leaders ' Pledge for Nature , which includes commitments to prioritise a green recovery following the coronavirus pandemic , deliver ambitious biodiversity targets and increase financing for nature .
Mr Johnson will say countries must turn `` words into action '' and `` agree ambitious goals and binding targets '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay because biodiversity loss is happening today and it is happening at a frightening rate , '' he will say .
`` Left unchecked , the consequences will be catastrophic for us all .
`` Extinction is forever - so our action must be immediate . ''
World leaders have often come together to strike deals over climate change , but a top level commitment on nature is much more rare .
Environmentalists are delighted - they say nature is in freefall and urgently needs protection as roads , railways , housing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say Boris Johnson must lead by example .
They point out that around half of existing Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the UK are in poor condition , many through lack of funding .
What 's more , measures to protect wildlife in the Environment Bill are becalmed in the Commons for want of parliamentary time .
Campaigners say if the UK is really taking nature seriously it must avoid trade deals that damage wildlife .
It must also clamp down on imports of food that have caused environmental destruction overseas - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Martin Harper , the RSPB 's director of global conservation , said the 30 % commitment could be a `` huge step towards addressing the crisis our wildlife is facing '' .
`` However , targets on paper wo n't be enough , '' he said .
`` Those set a decade ago failed because they were n't backed up by action . ''
Mr Harper said the pledge must be put into domestic law `` as part of a suite of goals to restore the abundance and diversity of our wildlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Craig Bennett , chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts , said it was a `` good start '' but `` a much greater level of urgent action '' was needed to put nature into recovery , including rescuing wildlife sites currently in decline .
He said many National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty were `` severely depleted of wildlife because of overgrazing , poor management or intensive agricultural practices '' , while around half of sites of special scientific interest were `` in a poor state and suffering wildlife @ @ @

But they say Boris Johnson must lead by example. They point out that around half of existing Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the UK are in poor condition, many through lack of funding.


bbc--2020-09-28--Britons face up to £10,000 fine for not self-isolating

Refusing to self-isolate when told to is now illegal in England from Monday , with fines of up to £10,000 .
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 , or has been told they have been in contact with someone who has , now has a legal duty to quarantine .
It comes as a study commissioned by the government found just 18 % of people who had symptoms went into isolation .
Meanwhile , the government has promised an `` uninterrupted supply '' of PPE for front-line workers over the winter .
Four-month stockpiles of PPE - personal protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - will be available from November , the Department of Health has said .
• What are the self-isolation rules ?
From Monday , it will be a punishable offence not to comply with an official instruction to self-isolate , with fines starting at £1,000 and rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders or serious breaches .
Police officers can check that people are complying with the rules in virus hotspots and among high-risk groups based on `` local intelligence '' , the government said .
The law applies to people who have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been told by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate because they have been in close contact with someone with the virus .
And if someone tests positive , it is illegal to knowingly give false information about their close contacts to NHS Test and Trace .
People on low incomes who can not work and are losing income while self isolating will be able to get a £500 payment .
Nearly four million people who receive benefits in England will be eligible for the money , and it will be backdated once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council area , the Department of Health said .
The Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) said the NHS Test and Trace App , which launched on Thursday , had been downloaded by 10m people by midday on Sunday .
If the app tells you to self-isolate , you 're supposed to , but it is not a legal requirement in the same way as when you test positive for the virus or are contacted directly by NHS test and trace .
Home Secretary Priti Patel added the new fines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not allow those who break the rules to reverse the hard-won progress made by the law-abiding majority '' .
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government would `` not hesitate '' to introduce further measures if case numbers continued to rise .
NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopson told BBC Breakfast that NHS Test and Trace `` has now become as important in a sense as catching criminals , fighting fires and treating heart attacks '' .
`` It 's a key public service and if it does n't work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We 've all got a role to play in making this service work - if you 've got symptoms you need to get a test quickly ; if the test turns out positive you 've got to self-isolate , you 've then got to pass your contacts on to Test and Trace . ''
He said that going into winter the country would need `` probably four times as many tests as we 've currently got '' and he said there was a need to build testing facilities much closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of the last week of August , more than 19,000 fines had been issued in England and Wales for alleged breaches of coronavirus laws , a letter from the attorney general said .
The UK government hopes the new fines will be replicated in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland - which all have powers to set their own coronavirus rules .
Earlier this month , the Scottish health secretary said the issue would be under discussion .
Meanwhile , Wales is the latest part of the UK to bring in further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Neath Port Talbot , Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan from 18:00 BST on Monday .
It will mean nearly two-thirds of Wales ' population will be under lockdown - with people not allowed to enter or leave their county unless for a limited number of reasons and banned from meeting other households indoors .
Men and young 'less likely to follow rules' The government 's self-isolation rules mean a person can not leave their house - even to buy food or other essentials , or to exercise .
It requires anyone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolate for 10 days , while members of their household or people who have been contacted by Test and Trace must quarantine for 14 days .
The crackdown on self-isolating comes as research carried out for the Department of Health found that the number of people with symptoms following the self-isolation rules was low .
Although people 's intention to self-isolate was high - about 70 % - only 11 % of people went into quarantine after being asked to by NHS Test and Trace .
The most common reasons that people gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to the shops for groceries or a pharmacy or because their symptoms got better .
Men and younger people were also less likely to follow the test , trace and isolate guidance , the research added .
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : We answer your queries • GLOBAL SPREAD : How many worldwide cases are there ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • VACCINE : How close are we to finding one ?
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social care workers will get enough PPE , as the number of UK coronavirus cases rises again .
He said it had been a `` massive challenge '' to get enough at the start of the pandemic - when health and care staff warned of widespread shortages .
`` That 's why we have worked every day since to ensure we have an uninterrupted supply to meet the challenges in the coming months and protect those who are protecting us , '' he said .
The Department of Health said 70 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met by UK manufacturers from December .
• PANDEMIC PERSPECTIVE : How lockdown has changed the way I think about my career • THE ASK MARTIN LEWIS PODCAST : Is there a silver lining to a Covid Christmas ?

He said that going into winter the country would need "probably four times as many tests as we've currently got" and he said there was a need to build testing facilities much closer to where people live and work.


bbc--2020-09-28--Brexit: Gove in Brussels as EU trade talks resume

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove is in Brussels at the start of a week of talks about the UK 's future relationship with the European Union .
Mr Gove is meeting European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic to discuss implementation of the Brexit divorce deal .
And on Tuesday formal negotiations will resume as the two sides attempt to agree a post-Brexit trade deal .
Last week the UK said a lot of work remains before a deal can be reached .
An EU spokesman said their chief negotiator Michel Barnier was neither optimistic nor pessimistic but determined to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK need another Brexit deal ?
• What are the sticking points in Brexit trade talks ?
• Seven things that will change on 1 January The Brexit transition period , in which the UK has kept to EU trading rules , ends on 31 December .
The UK and EU are yet to agree a deal that will govern their future trade .
The last set of talks between the two sides ended acrimoniously when the UK government introduced the Internal Market Bill , which would allow the UK to override parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as the withdrawal agreement .
Mr Sefcovic said that if the bill were to be adopted , it would constitute an `` extremely serious violation '' of the withdrawal agreement and of international law .
He urged the government to withdraw the bill `` by the end of the month '' , adding that the withdrawal agreement `` contains a number of mechanisms and legal remedies to address violations of the legal obligations contained in the text - which the European Union will not be shy in using '' .
The UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treaty obligations in good faith '' , but added that `` it is important to remember the fundamental principle of parliamentary sovereignty . ''
The bill has not been withdrawn and is set to be debated by MPs on Tuesday .
Other long-running sticking points that could stymie negotiations include state aid and fishing access .
During this week 's talks , negotiators will also discuss law enforcement and transport .
The two chief negotiators - the EU 's Mr Barnier and the UK 's David Frost will meet on Friday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in government say that while progress is being made , there are `` fundamental gaps '' between the two sides and talk of `` optimism '' in recent days has been overstated .
Time is tight and there is no breakthrough ... yet .
A sentence you may just have heard before in these Brexit negotiations .
The chief negotiators on both sides - Lord Frost for the UK , Michel Barnier for the EU - will oversee this week 's discussions , before meeting formally on Friday morning .
Whatever happens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The deadline for a deal is two and a half weeks away .
Like lots of Brexit deadlines it could slip a bit ... but not by much .
If the sides fail to reach a deal by the end of the year , the UK would trade with the EU on World Trade Organization ( WTO ) rules .
This would mean tariffs would be applied to most goods which UK businesses send to the EU , making UK goods more expensive and harder to sell in Europe .
The UK could @ @ @ @ @ @ @

He added: "We want to reach agreement in the joint committee, we want to make sure position of Northern Ireland is secure in UK, we want to make sure the withdrawal agreement is implemented in full. But those clauses are there, they are in legislation, supported by the House of Commons...and those clauses will remain in that bill."


bbc--2020-09-28--Robots in a flat - testing tech for independent living

Smart devices have been helping make homes more accessible for people with disabilities , care needs and older people for @ @ @ @ @ National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University is collaborating with care providers and users of assisted living @ @ @ @ @ solutions together .
BBC Click 's Paul Carter visits the Ambient Assisted Living Lab to @ @ @ @ @ more at Click 's website and @ BBCClick

Smart devices have been helping make homes more accessible for people with disabilities, care needs and older people for awhile.
But now the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University is collaborating with care providers and users of assisted living services to create technology and solutions together.
BBC Click's Paul Carter visits the Ambient Assisted Living Lab to find out more.
See more at Click's website and @BBCClick


bbc--2020-09-27--Meng Wanzhou: The PowerPoint that sparked an international row

When Meng Wanzhou 's flight landed in Vancouver on 1 December 2018 , she was expecting to make only a brief stopover .
But nearly two years on , the chief financial officer of Huawei and daughter of the telecoms giant 's founder looks set for a prolonged stay - placing considerable strain on relations between Canada and China .
The next round of hearings in a protracted legal battle over her extradition to the US begin on Monday .
Those involved say the whole process could drag on for as long as a decade , leaving Canada caught in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , focused on one of China 's most prominent companies .
At the centre of the story is a sixteen-page corporate PowerPoint presentation .
When her plane from Hong Kong landed , Meng Wanzhou planned to go to a house she owned in the Canadian city to collect some luggage before catching another flight to Mexico for a corporate meeting .
But instead she was questioned by Canadian border security agents for three hours as her phone was seized and luggage searched .
When that was over , she was formally admitted into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police moved in and arrested her because of an extradition request filed by the US .
The US wants Ms Meng to stand trial on charges including fraud linked to the alleged violation of US sanctions against Iran , allegations she denies .
A PowerPoint at the heart of the case The PowerPoint was used by Ms Meng at a meeting with the bank HSBC on 22 August 2013 , and is seen as key evidence against her .
Reuters news reports in the preceding months had raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breach of trade sanctions on Iran by Hong Kong-based firm Skycom .
At issue was whether Skycom , a telecoms equipment seller , was simply a business partner of Huawei 's - or a front for it to conceal its activities in Iran .
The US alleges that in the meeting - the one with the PowerPoint presentation - Ms Meng misled HSBC over the true nature of Huawei 's relationship with Skycom and this , in turn , put the bank at risk of violating sanctions against Iran .
Her lawyers say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular about the PowerPoint , by omitting key information on two slides which showed HSBC was not , in fact , being kept in the dark about the true nature of the Skycom/Huawei relationship .
The extradition hearings are ongoing , and Ms Meng 's lawyers have launched a multi-pronged attack on the US extradition request itself .
An initial attempt to claim that the crime for which she is charged in the US is not a crime in Canada failed ( although that can be appealed ) .
Another challenge centres on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim that comments by US President Donald Trump , which indicated a willingness to use the case as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with China , constitute an abuse of process .
A further challenge relates to her treatment at the airport in Vancouver .
Her lawyers argue there was an abuse of process in the way she was treated .
They are fighting to have certain documents disclosed , including from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service , a national intelligence service , and are seeking to uncover what role US officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
A judge has already turned down requests for some documents , which could in turn be appealed .
The result of all this is a legal process which will keep lawyers busy but is unlikely to move quickly .
Ms Meng 's lawyers ' preference would clearly be for them to win and get her back to China as soon as possible .
But if that does not look likely and they suffer a series of defeats , they could shift to preventing her being sent to the US , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
With so many different strands to a case that is already highly unusual , and the possibility of appeals , the best estimate from some close to the case is that this could take at least five and up to 10 years .
While the legal process plays out , the impact of the case has rippled far and wide .
The arrest of such a high-profile business figure led to anger in China , and this month the country 's ambassador said Canada had been `` taken advantage of '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America as Washington carried out a `` barbaric act of bullying '' .
HSBC has been put in a difficult position with Chinese media questioning how far the bank co-operated with the US in building a case they describe as a politically driven trap .
The bank , already caught between the West and China over its stance on Hong Kong , has maintained it only did what it was legally required to do and that there was no entrapment .
The case also raises broader questions over which countries might arrest business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the US .
That may worry Huawei executives and limit their travel and also concern governments who could find themselves caught between the US and China .
• Canadians held for a year by China are 'resilient' And it has led to concern that Western businessmen and other travellers could find themselves detained by China to be used as bargaining chips .
Two Canadians were detained days after Ms Meng 's arrest .
Michael Kovrig , a former diplomat , and Michael Spavor , a businessman , were later charged with spying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pair 's detention has been widely interpreted as a direct response to Ms Meng 's arrest .
This month a group of former Canadian diplomats called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to negotiate a swap of Ms Meng for the two men .
Mr Trudeau has previously criticised the use of `` arbitrary detention as a tool to achieve political goals '' and has said that halting her extradition could place more Canadians at risk .
Canada is wary of being seen as pushed into short-circuiting a legal process , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ire of the Trump administration , which is set on a tougher line on China .
Washington seems unlikely at the moment to drop its case as its fights a multi-pronged offensive against Huawei specifically and China more generally .
It is possible the political dynamics could change over time , including after November 's US presidential election .
But for the moment , Ms Meng 's stay in Canada shows no sign of ending soon - or of becoming any less controversial .

And then on Friday, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it had reached a deferred prosecution agreement. This means that the DOJ will hold off from prosecuting Ms Meng until late next year and if she complies with conditions set by the court, the case will eventually be dropped.


bbc--2020-09-28--Nagorno-Karabakh: What's behind the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict?

Fighting has erupted once more between Armenia and Azerbaijan , two former Soviet Union republics in the Caucasus region .
At the heart of the decades-old conflict is the Nagorno-Karabakh region .
It is recognised as part of Azerbaijan , but it is controlled by ethnic Armenians .
The countries fought a bloody war over the region in the late 1980s and early 1990s .
Although they declared a ceasefire , they have never managed to agree a peace treaty .
Armenia and Azerbaijan were part of the Soviet Union , a communist nation that existed between 1922 and 1991 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area of south-east Europe called the Caucasus .
The countries border Turkey to the west , Iran to the south , and Georgia to the north .
Russia also borders Azerbaijan to the north .
During the Soviet era , Nagorno-Karabakh was an ethnic-majority Armenian region controlled by Azerbaijan 's authorities .
As the Soviet Union began to collapse in the late 1980s , Nagorno-Karabakh 's regional parliament voted to become part of Armenia .
This led to ethnic clashes , and - after Armenia and Azerbaijan declared independence from Moscow - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and up to a million were displaced amid reports of ethnic cleansing by both sides .
Armenian forces gained full control of Nagorno-Karabakh before a Russian-brokered ceasefire was declared in 1994 .
After that deal Nagorno-Karabakh remained part of Azerbaijan , but has been governed by ethnic Armenians backed by the Armenian government .
Peace talks have taken place since then mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group - a body set up in 1992 and chaired by France , Russia and the United States .
But so far , they have not agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the past three decades , with the last serious flare up in 2016 killing dozens of troops on both sides .
The conflict is further complicated by geopolitics .
Nato member Turkey was the first nation to recognise Azerbaijan 's independence in 1991 .
Former Azeri President Heydar Aliyev once described the countries as `` one nation with two states '' Armenia meanwhile has good relations with Russia .
There is a Russian military base in Armenia , and the two countries are members of a military alliance , the Collective Security @ @ @ @ @ @

The conflict is further complicated by geopolitics. Nato member-state Turkey was the first nation to recognise Azerbaijan's independence in 1991. Former Azeri President Heydar Aliyev once described the two as "one nation with two states". Both share a Turkic culture and populations.


bbc--2020-09-27--Why India should worry about post-Covid-19 care

He spent the next few days feeling constantly breathless and weak .
When he did n't start to feel better , he contacted Dr Lancelot Pinto at Mumbai 's PD Hinduja hospital , where he had been treated .
Fragments can break off and move up the body into the lungs , blocking blood vessels and , said Dr Pinto , this can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated in time .
Mr Ketkar spent the next month confined to his flat , taking tablets for his condition .
`` I was not able to move much .
My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do even daily chores .
It was a nightmare , '' he says .
Awareness around post-Covid care is crucial , but it is not the focus in India , which is still struggling to control the spread of the virus .
It has the world 's second-highest caseload and has been averaging 90,000 cases daily in recent weeks .
Post-Covid complications are more common among those who were seriously ill , but Dr Lambert says an increasing number of moderately ill patients - even those who did n't need to be admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Getting Covid-19 was shocking enough but I did n't realise at the time that I will be dealing with it for months to come , '' he adds .
But not everybody has this option , he says , especially not working-class people .
`` They have to get back to work to put food on the table , '' he says .
He kept working - until one day he fainted after a long day of work .
His wife took him to a nearby clinic and he was given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I was so surprised .
I thought I had managed to beat Covid-19 .
I had to rest for four weeks and I lost my job .
I still feel weak but thankfully I have managed to get another job that does n't require travelling . ''
Mr Kumar 's story is common in India , which has a massive workforce in the informal sector .
Millions work as daily-wagers , which often involves hard physical labour and little rest , making it especially hard to live with post-Covid complications .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulties even after they test negative , he adds , because Covid seriously compromises lung capacity .
`` And the threat of clotting is always there . ''
He argues that patients who have dengue and malaria also take a long time to recover , but the difference is that scientists and doctors are still learning about Covid-19 and its long-term effects .

Awareness around post-Covid care is crucial, but it is not the focus in India, which is still struggling to control the spread of the virus. It has the world's second-highest caseload and has been averaging 90,000 cases daily in recent weeks.


bbc--2020-09-28--The South African cleric taking on the church over a rapist priest

' I was willing to die' She says the reaction she got from the church was further silence , prompting @ @ @ @ @ first hunger strike in 2016 .
Only then , she says , did the church @ @ @ @ @ seventh day of her hunger strike , the church administration promised to look into the @ @ @ @ @ however , says nothing came of the promise .
`` It 's sad that as @ @ @ @ @ go to such extremes and put your body in danger , but I needed to @ @ @ @ @ what he would do about it [ the rape case ] and demand an internal @ @ @ @ @ justice , '' she says .
What the church says You may also be interested @ @ @ @ @ had often considered pursuing the matter through the courts , rather than the church `` @ @ @ @ @ on my life in the Anglican Church and that is where I believe He still @ @ @ @ @ service as His humble servant . ''

She says the reaction she got from the church was further silence, prompting her to go on her first hunger strike in 2016. Only then, she says, did the church react - on the the seventh day of her hunger strike, the church administration promised to look into the matter. Rev Major, however, says nothing came of the promise.


bbc--2020-09-27--'Man City have bigger problems than defence' - Darren Fletcher analysis

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has got a lot to sort out .
His side had an awful afternoon against Leicester City on Sunday and that was as poor as I 've seen them play in a long time .
When things have gone wrong for City under Pep in the past , it has been easy to criticise their defence for being unable to deal with counter-attacks or for making individual mistakes .
We saw both of those things happen again against Leicester , but I think the whole team has to take responsibility for this defeat - not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of them did not put enough pressure on the ball and got played around too easily .
They were n't staying with runners or getting up to the ball .
That , as well as the fact they seemed unable to create any chances when they came forward , was the worst thing about the performance , and most unlike what we are used to seeing from them .
• None 'They were lucky ' - Rodri says 'football was not fair ' to Man City in Leicester defeat Why were City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without injured forwards Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus , who could both be out for several weeks .
Being without a recognised striker on Sunday was obviously going to be a problem , but it was the knock-on effect of dealing with that which had a bigger impact on their performance .
Pep usually goes with a single pivot as part of a 4-3-3 but , with the players he had available , he went with two holding midfielders in Fernandinho and Rodri and moved Kevin de Bruyne to more of a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was playing as a central striker .
Sterling is far more dangerous when he cuts in from the left and De Bruyne is usually at his best when he can go down the right - a central right rather than wide right - and put in his trademark crosses .
We did see the Belgian do that a little bit in the second half , but before the break it was all central and he could n't really influence the game like he usually does .
Also , Phil Foden stayed out wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle , where he sees more of the ball and is more effective .
So , arguably , City had three , four or even five players out of position - or at least not playing in their best position - and , on top of that , their full-backs never offered anything attacking-wise down the flanks .
No wonder they were so short of ideas .
'City failed to protect their back four too' City 's struggles in attack were made worse by their mistakes at the back .
The three penalties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Each time , they let the Leicester player get on the wrong side of them inside the area , then made a clumsy challenge .
It is just basic defending , but the gaps between each member of the back four were too big and there was a lack of communication .
It looked like a back four that had never played together before - which it was - but it also looked like a back four that was lacking experience - which it definitely was n't .
That was only half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't there in front of them either .
For all the great football we are used to seeing City play under Pep , they have always been one of the best pressing teams .
Usually , they do n't give you a second on the ball , even when you are deep in your own half .
On Sunday , though , they let Leicester get through them far too easily .
That was especially noticeable when Fernandinho went off early in the second half .
I can understand why Pep decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teenager Liam Delap , but it left his team far too open .
City had dominated possession in the first half but there were times in the second period when they were all over the place , even when they were n't outnumbered on Leicester counter-attacks .
As bad as Manchester City were , Leicester deserve lots of credit because their gameplan worked perfectly .
Jamie Vardy did not just get his hat-trick , he dropped back and stopped Rodri getting on the ball to build attacks and left City 's two centre-halves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two central midfielders , Youri Tielemans and Nampalys Mendy , were fantastic - aggressive and tenacious in the tackle , but also showing great quality on the ball when they looked to start a counter-attack .
At the back , Jonny Evans and Calgary Soyuncu are a top-class centre-back pairing - as good as anyone else in the Premier League .
If you compare them to what Pep has got , they would start for his team , no doubt about it .
They played in a three with Daniel Amartey at Etihad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his suspension played a massive part in the Foxes ' success .
He was everything Manchester City were missing - a leader , a talker and good on the ball too .
It looks like Pep sees Benfica centre-half Ruben Dias as the answer to his side 's problems there , with him and Aymeric Laporte becoming City 's first-choice centre-back pairing .
Whoever it is they bring in , though , City will need to improve in front of them too .
It does n't matter who your defenders are - if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Harvey Barnes get at your defence , they are going to cause you problems .
• None Has it gone too far ?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has got a lot to sort out. His side had an awful afternoon against Leicester City on Sunday and that was as poor as I've seen them play in a long time.
It was more than just the fact they conceded some bad goals - what was really worrying was how lost they looked, from front to back.
When things have gone wrong for City under Pep in the past, it has been easy to criticise their defence for being unable to deal with counter-attacks or for making individual mistakes.
We saw both of those things happen again against Leicester, but I think the whole team has to take responsibility for this defeat - not just their defenders.
The players in front of them did not put enough pressure on the ball and got played around too easily. They weren't staying with runners or getting up to the ball.
That, as well as the fact they seemed unable to create any chances when they came forward, was the worst thing about the performance, and most unlike what we are used to seeing from them.
Why were City so short of ideas?
City were without injured forwards Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, who could both be out for several weeks.
Being without a recognised striker on Sunday was obviously going to be a problem, but it was the knock-on effect of dealing with that which had a bigger impact on their performance.
Pep usually goes with a single pivot as part of a 4-3-3 but, with the players he had available, he went with two holding midfielders in Fernandinho and Rodri and moved Kevin de Bruyne to more of a number 10 position, behind Raheem Sterling who was playing as a central striker.
Sterling is far more dangerous when he cuts in from the left and De Bruyne is usually at his best when he can go down the right - a central right rather than wide right - and put in his trademark crosses.
We did see the Belgian do that a little bit in the second half, but before the break it was all central and he couldn't really influence the game like he usually does.
Also, Phil Foden stayed out wide on the left rather than in the middle, where he sees more of the ball and is more effective.
So, arguably, City had three, four or even five players out of position - or at least not playing in their best position - and, on top of that, their full-backs never offered anything attacking-wise down the flanks.
No wonder they were so short of ideas.
'City failed to protect their back four too'
Man City were nervous and anxious - Guardiola
City's struggles in attack were made worse by their mistakes at the back. The three penalties they conceded were all very similar too.
Each time, they let the Leicester player get on the wrong side of them inside the area, then made a clumsy challenge.
It is just basic defending, but the gaps between each member of the back four were too big and there was a lack of communication.
It looked like a back four that had never played together before - which it was - but it also looked like a back four that was lacking experience - which it definitely wasn't.
That was only half the problem, though, because protection wasn't there in front of them either. For all the great football we are used to seeing City play under Pep, they have always been one of the best pressing teams.
Usually, they don't give you a second on the ball, even when you are deep in your own half. On Sunday, though, they let Leicester get through them far too easily.
That was especially noticeable when Fernandinho went off early in the second half. I can understand why Pep decided to bring on a recognised striker in teenager Liam Delap, but it left his team far too open.
City had dominated possession in the first half but there were times in the second period when they were all over the place, even when they weren't outnumbered on Leicester counter-attacks.
Leicester gameplan was spot on
Manchester City 2-5 Leicester City: Rodgers delighted with 'sensational' second half
As bad as Manchester City were, Leicester deserve lots of credit because their gameplan worked perfectly.
Jamie Vardy did not just get his hat-trick, he dropped back and stopped Rodri getting on the ball to build attacks and left City's two centre-halves to have the ball.
Leicester's two central midfielders, Youri Tielemans and Nampalys Mendy, were fantastic - aggressive and tenacious in the tackle, but also showing great quality on the ball when they looked to start a counter-attack.
At the back, Jonny Evans and Calgary Soyuncu are a top-class centre-back pairing - as good as anyone else in the Premier League.
If you compare them to what Pep has got, they would start for his team, no doubt about it.
They played in a three with Daniel Amartey at Etihad Stadium, but Evans coming back after his suspension played a massive part in the Foxes' success. He was everything Manchester City were missing - a leader, a talker and good on the ball too.
It looks like Pep sees Benfica centre-half Ruben Dias as the answer to his side's problems there, with him and Aymeric Laporte becoming City's first-choice centre-back pairing.
Whoever it is they bring in, though, City will need to improve in front of them too.
It doesn't matter who your defenders are - if you keep letting attacking players like Vardy and Harvey Barnes get at your defence, they are going to cause you problems.
Darren Fletcher was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.


bbc--2020-09-28--Heat see off Celtics to reach NBA Finals against Lakers

Last updated on .From the section Basketball The Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014 as a 125-113 win over the Boston Celtics wrapped up a 4-2 series victory .
Bam Adebayo top-scored for the Heat with a career-high 32 points and 14 rebounds , while Jimmy Butler added 22 .
Defeat was the Celtics ' third Eastern Conference finals loss in four years .
Adebayo had shouldered the blame for the Heat 's loss in game five but `` left it all on the court '' to redeem himself on Sunday .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really want to become and I showed that tonight , '' he said .
`` Being in that moment and embracing it and taking over as we win the conference finals is a great thing for me . ''
Head coach Erik Spoelstra led the Heat to back-to-back NBA titles in 2012 and 2013 when LeBron James starred for the franchise .
James will be on the opposite side of the court this time around having led 16-time champions the Lakers to their first NBA Finals in 10 years .
`` The main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this for a very long time , if you want to win , you 're going to have to go through a LeBron James-led team , '' said Butler .
`` At the end of the day , that 's what it normally comes down to , and that 's what we got to focus in on .
Honestly , we ca n't just focus in on him because he has so many really good players around him .
`` But you 're going to get the same test over and over again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is LeBron James . ''

Last updated on .From the section Basketball
Bam Adebayo scored an average of 21.8 points per game during the series
The Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014 as a 125-113 win over the Boston Celtics wrapped up a 4-2 series victory.
The three-time NBA champions will play Western Conference winners Los Angeles Lakers in the best-of-seven finals, with game one on Wednesday.
Bam Adebayo top-scored for the Heat with a career-high 32 points and 14 rebounds, while Jimmy Butler added 22.
Defeat was the Celtics' third Eastern Conference finals loss in four years.
Adebayo had shouldered the blame for the Heat's loss in game five but "left it all on the court" to redeem himself on Sunday.
"I had to realign myself with who I really want to become and I showed that tonight," he said.
"Being in that moment and embracing it and taking over as we win the conference finals is a great thing for me."
Head coach Erik Spoelstra led the Heat to back-to-back NBA titles in 2012 and 2013 when LeBron James starred for the franchise.
James will be on the opposite side of the court this time around having led 16-time champions the Lakers to their first NBA Finals in 10 years.
"The main key, and it's been like this for a very long time, if you want to win, you're going to have to go through a LeBron James-led team," said Butler.
"At the end of the day, that's what it normally comes down to, and that's what we got to focus in on. Honestly, we can't just focus in on him because he has so many really good players around him.
"But you're going to get the same test over and over again until you pass it. That test is LeBron James."


bbc--2020-09-28--Gonzalo Higuain misses debut penalty as Inter Miami lose to Philadelphia Union

Last updated on .From the section United States Major League Soccer Gonzalo Higuain missed a penalty on his Inter Miami debut as David Beckham 's side lost 3-0 to Philadelphia Union .
The Argentine then reacted angrily as Philadelphia defender Jakob Glesnes appeared to celebrate right in front of him , leading to a confrontation .
Miami head coach Diego Alonso said the club were `` happy with his work '' .
`` I think that he showed he was in good condition , '' Alonso added .
`` Logically , he was going to need more games and with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more comfortable , he 's going to feel better .
He was very eager to play .
`` The penalty is a situation that could happen to any player - it could have been him , it could have been another player .
We 're happy with his work and the work of the team and we need to continue to aim to perform better and minimise mistakes . ''
Anthony Fontana had opened the scoring for Philadelphia in the first half before second-half goals from Ilsinho and Brenden Aaronson wrapped up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the MLS ' Eastern Conference , level on points with bottom club DC United .
Philadelphia are second , two points behind Columbus Crew .

Last updated on .From the section United States Major League Soccer
Higuain was visibly angry after Philadelphia Union players appeared to celebrate his penalty miss in front of him
Gonzalo Higuain missed a penalty on his Inter Miami debut as David Beckham's side lost 3-0 to Philadelphia Union.
The 32-year-old, who joined Miami earlier this month after his Juventus contract was mutually terminated, sent his 77th-minute spot-kick over the bar.
The Argentine then reacted angrily as Philadelphia defender Jakob Glesnes appeared to celebrate right in front of him, leading to a confrontation.
Miami head coach Diego Alonso said the club were "happy with his work".
"I think that he showed he was in good condition," Alonso added.
"Logically, he was going to need more games and with those games he's going to prove more comfortable, he's going to feel better. He was very eager to play.
"The penalty is a situation that could happen to any player - it could have been him, it could have been another player. We're happy with his work and the work of the team and we need to continue to aim to perform better and minimise mistakes."
Anthony Fontana had opened the scoring for Philadelphia in the first half before second-half goals from Ilsinho and Brenden Aaronson wrapped up the win.
Inter Miami are currently 13th in the MLS' Eastern Conference, level on points with bottom club DC United. Philadelphia are second, two points behind Columbus Crew.


bbc--2020-09-28--Trump taxes are 'national security' issue, Nancy Pelosi says

The top-ranked Democrat in Washington has called President Donald Trump 's alleged tax avoidance a question of `` national security '' .
Nancy Pelosi , Speaker of the House of Representatives , asked whether Mr Trump owed money to foreign interests , following an article on his financial records by the New York Times .
It alleges Mr Trump paid only $ 750 ( £580 ) in federal income tax in both 2016 and 2017 .
Speaking on NBC , Ms Pelosi said the report showed that `` this president appears to have over $ 400m in debt '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ What is the leverage they have ? ''
she asked , adding : `` So for me , this is a national security question . ''
`` The fact that you could have a sitting president who owes hundreds of millions of dollars that he 's personally guaranteed to lenders , and we do n't know who these lenders are , '' she said , and suggested that Mr Trump may be indebted to Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` What does Putin have on the president politically ?
Personally ?
Financially ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to know • How is Donald Trump doing in the polls ?
According to the explosive report in the New York Times - which says it obtained tax records for Mr Trump and his companies over two decades - Mr Trump paid no income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years .
It adds that the president is personally responsible for more than $ 300m in loans , which will come due in the next four years .
It does not suggest Mr Trump received any previously unknown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the president had earned some money from foreign sources .
The records reveal `` chronic losses and years of tax avoidance '' , it says .
In a tweet on Monday , the president accused the media of bringing up his taxes and `` other nonsense with illegally obtained information & only bad intent '' .
He said he had `` paid many millions of dollars in taxes '' but received tax credits as well .
Responding to the accusations of losses , Mr Trump added he had `` very little debt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assets .
Mr Trump has faced legal challenges for refusing to share documents concerning his fortune and business .
He is the first president since the 1970s not to make his tax returns public , though this is not required by law .
The New York Times said the information scrutinised in its report was `` provided by sources with legal access to it '' .
The report came just days before Mr Trump 's first presidential debate with his Democratic rival , Joe Biden , and weeks before the 3 November election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times said it reviewed tax returns relating to President Trump and companies owned by the Trump Organization going back to the 1990s , as well as his personal returns for 2016 and 2017 .
It said the president paid just $ 750 in income taxes in both 2016 and 2017 , while he paid no income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years , `` largely because he reported losing much more money than he made '' .
The newspaper also claims that `` most '' of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as his golf courses and hotels - `` report losing millions , if not tens of millions , of dollars year after year '' .
The report also alleges that some of President Trump 's businesses have received money from `` lobbyists , foreign officials and others seeking face time , access or favour '' from the president .
He is alleged to have made $ 73m in revenue from abroad in his first two years at the White House .
Much of that came from his golf courses in Ireland and Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money `` from licensing deals in countries with authoritarian-leaning leaders or thorny geopolitics '' , according to the New York Times .
Licensing deals allegedly netted Mr Trump $ 3m from the Philippines , $ 2.3m from India and $ 1m from Turkey .
The report says there is evidence that Mr Trump reduced his taxable income in 2017 by paying $ 747,622 in consulting fees to Ivanka Trump , his daughter and senior adviser .
He is also reported to have written off more than $ 70,000 in hair-styling costs as business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show , The Apprentice .
Before becoming president , Mr Trump was known as a celebrity businessman and property mogul , building an image of a hugely successful self-made billionaire which could be dented by the latest revelations , observers say .
According to the US Bureau on Labor Statistics , the average American household paid $ 9,302 in federal income tax in 2018 , on an average earnings figure of $ 78,635 .
In an annual financial disclosure that he is required to make as president , President Trump said he made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The newspaper disputes this , alleging that his tax returns show the president had instead gone into the red , with $ 47.4m in losses .
What has the reaction been ?
Mr Trump and the Trump Organization denied the allegations in the report , but the president 's critics condemned his tax arrangements .
Ms Pelosi described the alleged tax avoidance as an insult to America 's working families , as well as raising the national security question .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has not commented so far , but his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , firefighters and nurses all paid much more than $ 750 in tax .
Unwanted distraction for Trump or more ?
So this is what Donald Trump has been keeping out of public view for all these years ?
The president 's tax returns , according to the New York Times , do not provide evidence of a nefarious connection to Russian mobsters or other shady figures , as some have speculated .
Instead , they show that the real estate and reality television mogul 's financial empire is built on sand - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollars in debt , and arranged to pay almost nothing in federal taxes .
These arrangements will be closely scrutinised in the coming weeks , with moves of questionable legality making their own headlines .
Mr Trump has boasted in the past of his ability to take advantage of every loophole in what he says is a corrupt tax system .
When he 's not denying this report , he may offer a similar defence - and his supporters will probably find that sufficient .
The Americans who are outraged that they paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president are probably already against him .
The Times story , however , is yet another unwanted distraction for the president .
Every day spent on it is one the Trump campaign ca n't focus on changing the dynamic in a race that appears tilted against him .
• A simple guide to the US election • Where does Donald Trump stand on key issues ?
• How you can be US president without winning most votes

According to the explosive report in the New York Times - which says it obtained tax records for Mr Trump and his companies over two decades - Mr Trump paid no income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years. It adds that the president is personally responsible for more than $300m in loans, which will come due in the next four years.


bbc--2020-09-28--Can Trump release his tax returns under audit?

US President Donald Trump says his tax returns are currently being audited , and that he wo n't release them while an inspection is continuing .
But there is no legal reason why the president ca n't release his returns while an audit is taking place , and he would be the first in almost 50 years not to make them available .
We do not know this definitively because it 's confidential .
Only the person being audited or their lawyer can release that information publicly .
The Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ) - which conducts the review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an individual 's finances are under inspection .
It has been common practice since the 1970s for US presidents to be audited by the IRS .
It is therefore likely that President Trump 's accounts have been under audit since he took office in 2017 .
Even before he took office , one of Mr Trump 's lawyers released a letter saying his tax returns had been under `` continuous examination '' since 2002 .
The letter said an audit of his returns since 2009 was ongoing , but it also pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's accounts from 2002 to 2008 .
President Trump has not published his tax returns from any of these years .
Before running to become president , Mr Trump said : `` If I decide to run for office , I 'll produce my tax returns , absolutely . ''
But he has since said he will only do this once any audit is complete .
Can Trump release his tax returns if under audit ?
Despite it being regular practice for sitting presidents to be under audit , every president since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while in office .
Presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush both did so during their tenures , and there is no law stopping President Trump from doing the same .
But he is n't legally obliged to release his tax returns publicly .
There is however a law stating the president must hand over his tax returns to the US Congress to be reviewed confidentially if requested .
Democratic lawmakers have requested this , but Republicans have questioned whether they can demonstrate `` a legitimate legislative purpose '' as the law requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , President Trump said : `` No , there is no law .
As you know , I got elected last time with this same issue .
And while I 'm under audit , I wo n't do it . ''
There is also an ongoing legal battle over the president 's tax returns - but even if his financial records are turned over to prosecutors , they are likely to remain hidden from public view unless he decides to disclose them .
• A simple guide to the US election • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues ?
• How you can be US president without winning most votes

But there is no legal reason why the president can't release his returns while an audit is taking place, and he would be the first in almost 50 years not to make them available.


bbc--2020-09-28--Coronavirus: New global test will give results 'in minutes'

A test that can diagnose Covid-19 in minutes will dramatically expand the capacity to detect cases in low- and middle-income countries , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has said .
The $ 5 ( £3.80 ) test could transform tracking of Covid-19 in less wealthy countries , which have shortages of healthcare workers and laboratories .
A deal with manufacturers will provide 120 million tests over six months .
Lengthy gaps between taking a test and receiving a result have hampered many countries ' attempts to control the spread of coronavirus .
In some countries with high infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts have said that low testing rates are disguising the true spread of their outbreaks .
The `` new , highly portable and easy-to-use test '' will provide results in 15-30 minutes instead of hours or days , WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference on Monday .
Drugs manufacturers Abbott and SD Biosensor have agreed with the charitable Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to produce 120 million of the tests , Dr Tedros explained .
The deal covers 133 countries , including many in Latin America which is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of fatality and infection rates .
• Is low testing in South Asia hiding the scale of the outbreak ?
• How much testing do European countries do ?
• Where are the global coronavirus hotspots ?
`` This is a vital addition to their testing capacity and especially important in areas of high transmission , '' Dr Tedros added .
`` This will enable the expansion of testing , particularly in hard-to-reach areas that do not have laboratory facilities or enough trained health workers to carry out tests , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main developments ?
• New restrictions have been announced in the Netherlands , where the health minister says authorities are struggling to keep the virus under control .
The new rules say no more than three adult guests will be allowed inside homes ; bars and restaurants must close by 22:00 and a shopping hour will be made exclusively for vulnerable individuals • In other European countries new rules came into force .
One million residents in Madrid will not be able to leave their area except to go to school or work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 12 areas of France including Paris , bars must close between 22 :00-06:00 and in Brussels , cafes and bars must close by 23:00 • The hotel quarantine system in Victoria , Australia , was responsible for the deaths of 768 people and 18,418 infections , an inquiry has heard .
It was also told that the scheme , which began on 29 March and was supposed to protect residents from the virus , was `` hastily assembled '' in less than two days • India 's Covid-19 caseload has crossed six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may get worse because of the upcoming festive season , especially during the festival of Diwali when people go out to shop • Pubs will be allowed to reopen in Kenya on Tuesday , six months after they were shut to curb the spread of coronavirus .
But President Uhuru Kenyatta has extended a night-time curfew for 60 more days , and schools will stay closed • Medical whistleblowers in the Chinese capital , Beijing , will receive greater protection under a new law passed on Sunday .
The new rules follow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ophthalmologist in the city of Wuhan , where coronavirus first emerged late last year • There are fears of an Autumn surge in the US , where infections are growing in 21 states , according to analysis of Johns Hopkins University data by broadcaster CNN .
Those states make up almost half of the country , and the number of cases last week increased by at least 10 % compared to the week before .
The US has reported more than seven million confirmed cases and last week surpassed 200,000 deaths • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held virtually , according to an announcement by authorities in Saudi Arabia , which currently hold the presidency of the group

"This will enable the expansion of testing, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that do not have laboratory facilities or enough trained health workers to carry out tests," he said.


bbc--2020-09-28--Armenia and Azerbaijan fight over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region

It is recognised as part of Azerbaijan , but has been controlled by ethnic Armenians since a war ended in 1994 .
On Monday night authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh reported that another 26 of its servicemen had been killed in the fighting , bringing its total losses to more than 80 .
Other countries are concerned that the latest fighting could spill out of the region and draw in neighbouring powers , including Turkey , Russia and Iran .
The fighting is the heaviest seen in the conflict since 2016 , when at least 200 people were killed in clashes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has declared its support for Azerbaijan , while Russia - which has military bases in Armenia but is also friendly with Azerbaijan - called for an immediate ceasefire .
On Monday , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Armenia to immediately end its `` occupation '' of the region and withdraw , saying this was the only course of action that would secure peace .
Mr Erdogan 's chief adviser , Ilnur Cevik , also said Turkey had told its Azeri allies to go as far as they wanted .
What do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest from the battlefield ?
As well as the deaths reported on Monday , the authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh had on Sunday reported 16 fatalities and more than 100 people wounded .
Azerbaijan said two Azeri civilians were killed on Monday , following the deaths of five people from the same family died on Sunday .
It added that 30 civilians were wounded .
In 1988 , towards the end of Soviet rule , Azerbaijani troops and Armenian secessionists began a bloody war which left Nagorno-Karabakh in the hands of ethnic Armenians when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia , France and the US co-chair the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 's Minsk Group , which has been attempting to broker an end to the dispute .

On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Armenia to immediately end its "occupation" of the region and withdraw, saying this was the only course of action that would secure peace.


bbc--2020-09-28--Yara Shahidi: Who is Disney's new Tinkerbell?

US actress Yara Shahidi has been cast as Tinkerbell in Disney 's new live-action Peter Pan film .
The forthcoming movie , called Peter Pan and Wendy , will also star Jude Law as villain Captain Hook .
It is the latest in Disney 's live-action remakes of animated classics , following on from Aladdin , The Lion King and Mulan .
Shahidi 's casting marks the latest move in Disney 's ongoing efforts to improve diversity .
Where have we seen Yara Shahidi before ?
She may only be 20 years old , but Yara Shahidi has been acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actress had a guest appearance in US TV series Entourage at the age of seven and has since appeared in films alongside Samuel L Jackson , Angelina Jolie and Eddie Murphy .
Her biggest role to date , however , came in 2013 , when she was cast in the hugely popular US comedy series Black-ish .
Shahidi played Zoey , the daughter of Andre ( Anthony Anderson ) and Rainbow ( Tracee Ellis Ross ) , and was one of the main characters for the first three seasons of the show .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America , and was a commercial and critical success , with Ross winning the Golden Globe for best comedy actress in 2017 .
The series was so popular , it prompted a spin-off named Grown-ish , which centred on Zoey .
Shahidi has starred in every series since , while continuing to appear occasionally in Black-ish .
Why does Oprah want her to be president ?
Shahidi has become as well known for her political activism as she has for her acting .
She founded the Eighteen x 18 organisation , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with politics .
The group is currently campaigning for young people to register to vote ahead of the US Presidential election in November .
Shahidi is a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and previously donated to a fund for Colin Kaepernick , the NFL player who sparked a fierce debate across the US by kneeling during the national anthem in protest against social injustice and police brutality .
Oprah Winfrey has previously said she hopes she lives long enough to see Shahidi become president , while Michelle Obama wrote her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Even if being vaguely progressive is now the celebrity norm , by Hollywood standards Shahidi is practically a radical , '' said Megan Nolan in The Guardian .
Shahidi told the newspaper : `` I come from a lineage of entertainers who put their careers on the line to speak about politics .
And that 's the only reason I can have this space .
`` I would n't be here if it were n't for the Harry Belafontes and Eartha Kitts , the Sidney Poitiers and many others who jeopardised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their activism .
I feel an immense privilege to be able to do the same . ''
What can we expect from Tinkerbell ?
Shahidi will be the first black actress to play Tinkerbell in a major production of Peter Pan , a story which was first written in 1911 by JM Barrie and tells the story of a boy who never grows up .
The role of Tinkerbell has traditionally been played by a white actor - Julia Roberts and Ludivine Sagnier are among the stars who have previously played the fairy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Wendy , which will be directed by David Lowery , is the latest move in Disney 's commitment to diversity in their live-action remakes .
Actors from BAME backgrounds being cast in roles previously played by white actors has become far more common in recent years .
Disney previously announced Halle Bailey is set to play Ariel in the forthcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid .
Elsewhere , the role of Hermione Grainger in Harry Potter , played by Emma Watson in the films , was filled by Noma Dumezweni in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cursed Child .
After her casting was announced , Shahidi wrote on Instagram : `` Thank you for all of the love .
It , truly , means so much to me .
I 'm excited for this next adventure ! ''
The story of Peter Pan , Wendy and Tinkerbell has been brought to the big screen several times before , in films such as 2003 's Peter Pan and Seven Spielberg 's Hook , released in 1991 .
More recently , an origin story , Pan , was released in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told from her point of view , was released this year .
However , Walt Disney 's Peter Pan , an animated film released in 1953 , remains perhaps the best known version .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Yara Shahidi: Who is Disney's new Tinkerbell? Published 28 September 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Yara Shahidi is as well known for her political activism as she is for her acting
US actress Yara Shahidi has been cast as Tinkerbell in Disney's new live-action Peter Pan film.
The forthcoming movie, called Peter Pan and Wendy, will also star Jude Law as villain Captain Hook.
It is the latest in Disney's live-action remakes of animated classics, following on from Aladdin, The Lion King and Mulan.
Shahidi's casting marks the latest move in Disney's ongoing efforts to improve diversity.
Where have we seen Yara Shahidi before?
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Yara Shahidi (fourth left) pictured with the cast of Black-ish in 2017
She may only be 20 years old, but Yara Shahidi has been acting for more than a decade.
The actress had a guest appearance in US TV series Entourage at the age of seven and has since appeared in films alongside Samuel L Jackson, Angelina Jolie and Eddie Murphy.
Her biggest role to date, however, came in 2013, when she was cast in the hugely popular US comedy series Black-ish.
Shahidi played Zoey, the daughter of Andre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross), and was one of the main characters for the first three seasons of the show.
Black-ish explored issues of class and race in America, and was a commercial and critical success, with Ross winning the Golden Globe for best comedy actress in 2017.
The series was so popular, it prompted a spin-off named Grown-ish, which centred on Zoey. Shahidi has starred in every series since, while continuing to appear occasionally in Black-ish.
Why does Oprah want her to be president?
Image source, Getty Images
Shahidi has become as well known for her political activism as she has for her acting.
She founded the Eighteen x 18 organisation, which encourages young people to become more engaged with politics.
The group is currently campaigning for young people to register to vote ahead of the US Presidential election in November.
Shahidi is a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and previously donated to a fund for Colin Kaepernick, the NFL player who sparked a fierce debate across the US by kneeling during the national anthem in protest against social injustice and police brutality.
Oprah Winfrey has previously said she hopes she lives long enough to see Shahidi become president, while Michelle Obama wrote her letter of recommendation for admission to Harvard.
"Even if being vaguely progressive is now the celebrity norm, by Hollywood standards Shahidi is practically a radical," said Megan Nolan in The Guardian.
Shahidi told the newspaper: "I come from a lineage of entertainers who put their careers on the line to speak about politics. And that's the only reason I can have this space.
"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the Harry Belafontes and Eartha Kitts, the Sidney Poitiers and many others who jeopardised their careers and combined their art with their activism. I feel an immense privilege to be able to do the same."
What can we expect from Tinkerbell?
Image source, LMPC Image caption, Walt Disney's Peter Pan, released in 1953, is still the best-known film adaptation of JM Barrie's children's story
Shahidi will be the first black actress to play Tinkerbell in a major production of Peter Pan, a story which was first written in 1911 by JM Barrie and tells the story of a boy who never grows up.
The role of Tinkerbell has traditionally been played by a white actor - Julia Roberts and Ludivine Sagnier are among the stars who have previously played the fairy.
Shahidi's casting in Peter Pan and Wendy, which will be directed by David Lowery, is the latest move in Disney's commitment to diversity in their live-action remakes.
Actors from BAME backgrounds being cast in roles previously played by white actors has become far more common in recent years.
This Instagram post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on Instagram The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Skip instagram post by yarashahidi Allow Instagram content? This article contains content provided by Instagram. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Meta’s Instagram cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’. Accept and continue The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. End of instagram post by yarashahidi
Disney previously announced Halle Bailey is set to play Ariel in the forthcoming live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
Elsewhere, the role of Hermione Grainger in Harry Potter, played by Emma Watson in the films, was filled by Noma Dumezweni in the stage production, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
After her casting was announced, Shahidi wrote on Instagram: "Thank you for all of the love. It, truly, means so much to me. I'm excited for this next adventure!"
The story of Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinkerbell has been brought to the big screen several times before, in films such as 2003's Peter Pan and Steven Spielberg's Hook, released in 1991. More recently, an origin story, Pan, was released in 2015, while Wendy, a film told from her point of view, was released this year.
However, Walt Disney's Peter Pan, an animated film released in 1953, remains perhaps the best known version.


bbc--2020-09-28--France's most tattooed man told not to teach nursery children

France 's most tattooed man has said he was told not to teach nursery school children after a parent complained about his looks .
Sylvain Helaine has tattoos on his body , face and tongue , and has had his eyeballs surgically inked black .
He said the child whose parent complained was not taught by him , and that his own pupils were `` cool '' with his appearance because they knew him .
`` It 's only when people see me from far away that they can assume the worst , '' he told Reuters news agency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` Freaky Hoody '' , said he was teaching at a school in Palaiseau , near Paris , last year when a three-year-old child told their parents that they had nightmares after seeing him .
Almost two months later , officials told him that he could no longer teach that age group - a decision Mr Helaine said was `` quite sad '' .
His tattoos , Mr Helaine said , could help teach pupils to accept people who did not look like them .
He told BFM TV : `` Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When they are adults , they may be less likely to be racist or homophobic , and they will not look at disabled people as if they were something from a circus . ''
Mr Helaine estimates that he has spent about 460 hours under the tattooist 's needle .
This includes the procedure on his eyes , which he had to travel to Switzerland for because it is illegal to have it done in France .

He told BFM TV: "Children who see me learn tolerance of others. When they are adults, they may be less likely to be racist or homophobic, and they will not look at disabled people as if they were something from a circus."


bbc--2020-09-28--Coronavirus: New rules in Netherlands to cope with virus surge

Many residents in the Netherlands will for the first time be advised to wear a face mask in shops as the country introduces a range of measures to control a second coronavirus wave .
Compared to its neighbours , the Netherlands had largely avoided strict restrictions until now .
This week nearly 3,000 infections daily are being recorded in the nation of 17 million people .
The new measures will start on Tuesday and last for at least three weeks .
`` We are doing our best , but the virus is doing better , '' Health Minister Hugo de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ televised press conference Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte explained that the situation in the country 's three largest cities , Amsterdam , Rotterdam and The Hague had become `` serious '' and required urgent action .
From Tuesday people should avoid non-essential travel between the three cities , he said .
Restaurants and bars will be required to close by 22:00 - a move that echoes other European countries including the UK , Spain and France which have introduced similar earlier closing times .
People will be advised to work from home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not exceed three people , and fans will no longer be allowed to attend sports events .
Mask-wearing was already compulsory on public transport , but the Dutch government had so far avoided suggesting customers to wear one inside shops .
The new measures advise that shoppers in the three largest cities should cover their face from Tuesday .
Shops will be allowed to deny entry to those who do not wear a mask .
`` Naturally these measures will have negative economic consequences , '' the prime minister said .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have even bigger consequences , including damage to the economy . ''
On Monday the National Institute for Health reported 2,914 new cases , after the country broke its record for new infections on Sunday with 2,995 cases .
Earlier in the year the Dutch government adopted a strategy of `` intelligent lockdown '' that avoided strict national restrictions and did not shut down as much of public life as in many other countries .
At the time Mr Rutte described the Netherlands as a `` grown-up country '' where people were glad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What 's happening in the rest of Europe ?
You might also be interested in :

The new measures advise that shoppers in the three largest cities should cover their face from Tuesday. Shops will be allowed to deny entry to those who do not wear a mask.


bbc--2020-09-28--BTS to become multi-millionaires after label goes public

All seven members of South Korean K-pop group BTS are set to become multi-millionaires , when their label Big Hit Entertainment goes public in October .
Soaring demand for shares in Big Hit has given it a market valuation of £3.2bn ( $ 4.1bn ) , with shares priced at the top of the expected price range .
Big Hit boss Bang Si-hyuk , who owns 43 % of the management label , will become a billionaire .
In August , he gave each BTS member 68,385 shares , worth £6.2m in total .
Currently priced at between 105,000-135,000 won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hit expects to raise about £638.3m with the sale of 7.13 million new shares when it is listed on Korea 's Stock Exchange , the KOSPI , on 15 October .
BTS set a new record on Monday when it took just hours for underwriters to find investors to take a stake in the firm when order books opened , with demand 1,000 times higher than the available stock .
• BTS tell fans to 'stay strong ' during difficult year • BTS 's Dynamite shatters YouTube records - and heads for UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BTS fans in South Korea are hoping to buy at least one share in the management label to support their favourite members .
What is even more striking is that this is South Korea 's largest IPO in three years .
It 's a sign that BTS ' popularity has not waned , despite the group being forced to cancel their world tour due to the coronavirus pandemic , and the risk that some of the members may soon have to do two years of compulsory military service .
In 2019 , BTS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales last year , and 88 % this year .
BTS has repeatedly broken records in their seven-year history .
In August , its single Dynamite became the most viewed YouTube video in 24 hours , amassing 101.1 million views in a day .
The K-pop band also became the first Korean artists to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with that single , drawing praise from South Korea 's President Moon Jae-in , who said were writing a `` new chapter in K-pop history '' .
And an online concert held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most viewed music concert live stream , with 756,000 fans joining from over 100 countries .
The group is made up of Kim Tae-hyung ( known as V ) , Jung Ho-seok ( J-Hope , Kim Nam-joon ( RM ) , Kim Seok-kin ( Jin ) , Park Ji-min , Jeon Jung-kook and Min Yoon-gi ( Suga ) .
They have credited much of their success to their loyal international fan base , known as ARMY , who have helped make BTS the most tweeted-about music group from March to September this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the upcoming release of BE , BTS ' second album of the year , on 20 November .

It's a sign that BTS' popularity has not waned, despite the group being forced to cancel their world tour due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the risk that some of the members may soon have to do two years of compulsory military service.


bbc--2020-09-28--Two beluga whales have their first swim in their new open water sanctuary

Two beluga whales have had their first swim in their open water sanctuary after leaving a marine park in China @ @ @ @ @ to a sanctuary off the Westman Islands in Iceland in August and have been acclimatising @ @ @ @ @ thought to be the first two captive belugas to move to an open water sanctuary @ @ @ @ @ will ever be able to fully return to the wild .

Two beluga whales have had their first swim in their open water sanctuary after leaving a marine park in China.
The whales were moved to a sanctuary off the Westman Islands in Iceland in August and have been acclimatising since then.
They are thought to be the first two captive belugas to move to an open water sanctuary.
It is unlikely they will ever be able to fully return to the wild.


bbc--2020-09-28--Belarus: Svetlana Alexievich, Nobel winner and opposition figure, goes to Germany

Belarusian Nobel Prize-winning author and key opposition figure Svetlana Alexievich has left the country for treatment in Germany , her aide says .
She says the trip is not linked to politics and Ms Alexievich will return .
Mr Macron is beginning a two-day trip to Lithuania , where Ms Tikhanovskaya took refuge after the disputed 9 August presidential election , which she says she won .
Svetlana Alexievich won the 2015 Nobel Prize for Literature `` for her polyphonic writings , a monument to suffering and courage in our time '' .
She was also the last leading member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus who had not been detained .
Speaking to Reuters , her aide , Tatiana Tyurina , said Ms Alexievich had left the country for treatment and also work reasons .
`` She will return , '' the aide said .
Ms Tyurina said the writer would take part in a book fair in Sweden and an award ceremony in Sicily .
`` Of course , the return will also depend on whether the authorities will allow her to return , '' Ms Tyurina added .
Earlier this month , European diplomats were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capital , Minsk , after she said masked men had tried to break in .
What are the protests about ?
The mass rally held on Sunday was the 50th day of protest over the election .
The electoral commission says Mr Lukashenko - in power since 1994 - won a sixth term with more than 80 % of votes .
Last week , he was inaugurated at an unannounced ceremony in Minsk .
But the opposition says he cheated and that it won the election with at least 60 % of @ @ @

The electoral commission says Mr Lukashenko - in power since 1994 - won a sixth term with more than 80% of votes. Last week, he was inaugurated at an unannounced ceremony in Minsk.


bbc--2020-09-28--About 40 UK universities report coronavirus cases

About 40 universities around the UK have had reports of coronavirus cases and thousands of students are self-isolating as the new term begins .
The University of Aberystwyth is the latest to suspend face-to-face teaching because of Covid-19 .
But the prime minister 's spokesman said students would be able to go home for the Christmas break .
In Scotland , Nicola Sturgeon said ensuring students could go home at Christmas would be a priority .
On whether students in England should receive a fees refund , the prime minister 's spokesman said universities were autonomous and would make their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Students , the watchdog for higher education in England , indicated that universities would have to seriously consider requests for a partial refund and must not `` adopt a blanket policy that refunds are not available '' .
• Tips and tricks for coping at uni in a pandemic • Can students get their money back this year ?
• Join the debate in our BBC News Students group on Facebook Manchester Metropolitan University has offered a two-week rent rebate and £50 supermarket voucher for students in two halls of residence affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were told to leave home and pay for accommodation when most teaching is being done remotely .
There has also been uncertainty about when students can visit their homes .
Labour says pausing the return of universities should be considered , rather than risk further Covid outbreaks and self-isolation for students .
There are no official figures on university Covid outbreaks from the government , the Office for Students or Universities UK - but a tracking of local reports suggests more than 40 universities have had Covid cases so far , out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the absence of official information , websites such as Unicovid , run by academics , have gathered data .
In Wales , the University of Aberystwyth said that from Monday in-person teaching would be temporarily suspended and courses would be taught online .
At Manchester Metropolitan University , all classes for first year and foundation year students will be online for the next 14 days .
At the University of Essex a cluster of cases has been linked to sports teams .
• Manchester Metropolitan University - where about 1,700 students have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 127 tested positive for the virus • Glasgow University - where 600 students were told to self-isolate after 172 tested positive • Queen 's University Belfast - 100 students have been told to self-isolate after 30 positive cases Many universities had promised students a mix of in-person and online teaching .
But with more switching to online there have been questions about students getting a refund or if they should be paying for university accommodation if lessons are delivered remotely .
Labour shadow education secretary Kate Green said the option of student fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the table '' .
'They told us to come here ... ' Students contacting the BBC have reported confusion and uncertainty about Covid outbreaks .
`` A lot of people we know just left because they did n't want to get stuck here , '' said Eve , a first year at Manchester Metropolitan University .
`` I ca n't go home because I live with my grandad and I do n't want to risk him getting sick , '' she said .
`` They 're turning round and blaming us and telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the uni that told us to come here in the first place . ''
Parents have concerns too .
Lluis Borrell has twin sons starting at Warwick and Nottingham and is worried about the risk of Covid and the negative impact of restricting students to staying within a small group of people .
`` I understand the rules are needed but it makes any socialising very difficult , '' said Mr Borrell from Cambridge .
`` Is this fair ?
Should he have gone in the first instance ?
`` It feels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get Covid . ''
Another student at the University of Leeds , who wanted her name withheld , was so unhappy that she is planning to leave .
She said that she did not get on with the her neighbouring students , but is not allowed to meet students from other halls .
`` We do not want to be stuck in our small bedroom in a space we have only just come to .
`` We are paying so much money for this , '' she said .
Joe Ward at Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was made aware that this is how things would be and things would only be online then I definitely would have reconsidered going to university this year . ''
`` I would definitely like to think that there might be some sort of compensation , '' he said .
His flatmate Natasha Kutscheruk said the initial lockdown `` caused a lot of panic '' , saying the university `` should have been prepared and organised before sending out an email saying we are locked down '' .
Almost a third of universities have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new term is only getting underway , with more students still returning .
So the number of outbreaks is only likely to increase - raising urgent questions for university bosses , watchdogs and ministers about what should happen next .
It 's not exactly the university experience that students imagined .
First years might be worried about going away from home , but they might now also be worried about not being able to get back , if they end up in an outbreak and are forced to self-isolate .
They were promised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have paid for accommodation - but the balance seems to be shifting more towards online lessons .
This means even less in-person time with other students and staff and more hours cooped up in their room with online recordings and academic versions of Zoom meetings .
So should universities just press on with this online-but-on-campus approach ?
Is it realistic for the rest of term ?
Or will it mean a loop tape of outbreaks and lockdowns ?
Or do ministers or health officials step in and urge more students to study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their autonomy , but in this case it feels as though they 're waiting for someone else to make a decision for them .
For students in England , the prime minister 's spokesman said on Monday that students should follow health advice just like the wider public .
If they have tested positive or have symptoms they do need to self isolate - and should follow any local restrictions in place , said the spokesman .
But it was expected that all students would be able to return home at Christmas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestions that students might have to remain in their student accommodation .
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• SOCIAL LIFE : Is it safe to go to the pub ?
In Scotland , a briefing from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon offered reassurance that students could return home for the Christmas break .
There has been new guidance issued by the Scottish government which allows short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable excuse '' such as a bereavement or family emergency .
Students can also move home and study from there permanently , but the default advice is to stay in university accommodation where possible .
Are you a student ?
How are the rules affecting you ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also get in touch in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.


bbc--2020-09-28--Quim Torra: Spain's top court bans Catalonia leader from office

The case stems from Mr Torra 's refusal to take down a pro-independence symbol from a government building ahead of last year 's general election .
He was found guilty of disobeying a court order to remove the banner , and will now be forced to stand down .
It is not yet clear when the ban will take effect , but Catalonia 's high court is expected to rule on this imminently .
Catalonia , home to Barcelona , is a semi-autonomous region in north-eastern Spain with about 7.5 million people .
Its drive for independence plunged Spain into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 .
The region had its autonomy suspended for almost seven months by Madrid after a failed bid to break away .
`` [ Mr Torra ] repeatedly and stubbornly disobeyed the orders of the Central Electoral Board to remove certain symbols from public buildings belonging to the [ regional government ] during the electoral process , '' the Supreme Court judges said in their ruling on Monday .
The 57-year-old defended himself on the grounds of freedom of expression and had been appealing against an earlier verdict in a lower court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defied a constitutional body and rejected his appeal .
It is believed deputy Catalan leader Pere Aragones will become the region 's acting head .
Mr Torra , a staunch separatist , was elected in May 2018 as a relative newcomer to politics .
He pledged that his new government would `` build an independent state in the form of a republic '' In October last year , the Supreme Court sentenced nine Catalan politicians and activists to jail terms of between nine and 13 years over the 2017 independence bid .

Its drive for independence plunged Spain into its biggest political crisis in 40 years in 2017. The region had its autonomy suspended for almost seven months by Madrid after a failed bid to break away.


bbc--2020-09-28--‘We’ve overrun the planet’ - Attenborough

BBC Breakfast 's Louise Minchin spoke to Sir David Attenborough ahead of his new documentary A Life on Our Planet @ @ @ @ @ 94 years exploring Planet Earth ’ s wildest places .
Attenborough spoke on climate change @ @ @ @ @ Trump administration and weighed in on Extinction Rebellion .
He also revealed what prompted him @ @ @ @ @ Attenborough 's new book and documentary series is called A Life On Our Planet - @ @ @ @ @ for the future .

BBC Breakfast's Louise Minchin spoke to Sir David Attenborough ahead of his new documentary A Life on Our Planet which looks back at his 94 years exploring Planet Earth’s wildest places.
Attenborough spoke on climate change, hit out at the Trump administration and weighed in on Extinction Rebellion.
He also revealed what prompted him to join Instagram.
David Attenborough's new book and documentary series is called A Life On Our Planet - a witness statement and vision for the future.


bbc--2020-09-28--Fashion brands design 'waist-up' clothing for video calls

`` Fashion is about reacting to reality , '' said Miuccia Prada , head designer of Prada , at its virtual Milan fashion show .
`` During lockdown , I realised how important technology is and how it is impactful for us , and in some ways , an extension of ourselves . ''
`` The tunic tops and roll necks , with the brand 's famous triangle logo blown up and placed directly below the neckline , will certainly catch the eye of your fellow Zoomers , '' Jane McFarland , fashion director at The Sunday Times , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been all about 'waist-up dressing ' .
Having spent a lot of time on video conference calls , the top half of our outfit has become significantly more important than our bottom half . ''
`` Designers are thinking about how we are living our lives .
That 's why you see logos appearing in places you have n't seen before , '' she added .
`` Moving the logo up to the neck is a good way of keeping your brand out there and making a fashion statement , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finest , which represents emerging designer labels during London Fashion Week , '' People still want to appear professional , when working from home especially , but now we see a shift towards a more casual relaxed look . ''
`` I 've never seen so many elastic and drawstring waists in my life , '' said Lauren Indvik , fashion editor at the Financial Times .
`` All the stylists are talking about 'waist-up ' dressing , because that 's all everyone sees these days .
`` They have to inspire people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't social occasions to dress up for , so maybe luxury at home is the new focus . ''
`` I realised over the pandemic a lot more people were doing a lot more self-care , but still wanted to be stylish for their work or social calls . ''
`` Clothing has always been used to signify status and social standing , which is difficult to manifest now that we have moved much of our interaction online , '' said Sonal Keay , founder of fashion brand This Is Silk .

"Fashion is about reacting to reality," said Miuccia Prada, head designer of Prada, at its virtual Milan fashion show. "During lockdown, I realised how important technology is and how it is impactful for us, and in some ways, an extension of ourselves."


bbc--2020-09-28--Nigeria's Boko Haram crisis: 'Bomb on donkey' used to ambush Borno governor

Militants linked to the Islamic State group ( IS ) have used a donkey strapped with explosives to ambush the convoy of the governor of Nigeria 's north-eastern Borno state .
Governor Babagana Zulum was returning to the state capital , Maiduguri , from Baga town when they were ambushed .
Sunday 's attack came two days after he had survived another attack while travelling to an area near Lake Chad .
Among them were 14 police officers and soldiers and four civilians .
Islamic State West Africa Province ( Iswap ) militants , who were behind the attack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group that launched its insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria a decade ago .
The group 's campaign of violence has spread to neighbouring countries , killing more than 30,000 people and forcing two million from their homes , according to the UN .
Governor Zulum was returning from Baga where he had accompanied hundreds of residents who returned to the town they fled in 2014 following deadly jihadist attacks .
When soldiers saw the donkey on the road , they shot at it .
Explosives then went off and the militants immediately came out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the convoy , an official who was in one of the vehicles in Governor Zulum 's convoy told the BBC .
A number of insurgents were killed in the ensuing shoot-out .
No-one in the convoy - including the governor - was injured but some vehicles were damaged by bullets , the official said .
Governor Zulum said last week that feeding people displaced by violence in the state was not financially sustainable , insisting that the only option was for them to return and rebuild their homes in order to live a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AFP reports .
Despite regional efforts to end Boko Haram 's campaign of violence , the group has stepped up its attacks in recent months .

When soldiers saw the donkey on the road, they shot at it. Explosives then went off and the militants immediately came out from their hide-out to open fire on the convoy, an official who was in one of the vehicles in Governor Zulum's convoy told the BBC.