bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Google reveals travel habits during the pandemic

Google is to publicly track people 's movements over the course of the coronavirus pandemic .
The tech firm will publish details of the different types of places people are going to on a county-by-county basis in the UK , as well as similar data for 130 other countries .
The plan is to issue a regular updates with the figures referring back to activity from two or three days prior .
The company has promised that individuals ' privacy will be preserved .
The readings are based on location data gathered via the Google Maps app or one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The firm typically uses this to reveal when specific museums , shops and other places are busiest as well as to revise driving routes to help motorists avoid traffic .
In this case , the readings will be broken down to reveal how busy the following types of places are compared to a period earlier in the year before lockdowns were introduced : • office buildings and other places of work Google said it hoped the information could be used by public health chiefs and others to help manage the outbreak .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in essential trips that can shape recommendations on business hours or inform delivery service offerings , '' it blogged .
`` Similarly , persistent visits to transportation hubs might indicate the need to add additional buses or trains in order to allow people ... room to spread out for social distancing . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The company says it has both anonymised the records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safeguard individual users ' histories , device owners can also decide not to supply data .
`` The data may prove startling to people who are unaware of just how much information Google collects , '' remarked the BBC 's technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones .
`` It will also provide fascinating insights into how the lockdown is working - or was working 48 hours earlier .
`` And there could be unintended consequences .
People could decide to avoid busy locations or they may be surprised at just how many people are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The first report covers data for 29 March and compares it to a median reading for the five-week period covering 3 January to 6 February .
It indicates that for the UK as a whole , trips to : • retail and recreation sites were 85 % down • grocery and pharmacies were 46 % down By comparison , the figures for France indicate trips to : • retail and recreation sites were 88 % down • grocery and pharmacies were 72 % down Google 's launch comes a day after EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech giants to share more data with scientists trying to combat the virus .
She also criticised them for not doing more to crack down on false information .
`` We still see that the major platforms continue to monetise and incentivise disinformation and harmful content about the pandemic by hosting online ads , '' said the commissioner .
`` This should be stopped .
The financial disincentives from clickbait disinformation and profiteering scams also should be stopped . ''

"And there could be unintended consequences. People could decide to avoid busy locations or they may be surprised at just how many people are going outside and decide to join them."


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Ultra-Orthodox Israeli town of Bnei Brak under lockdown

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish town with one of the highest rates of coronavirus cases in Israel has been placed under effective lockdown .
Residents of Bnei Brak , just outside Tel Aviv , will only be allowed out in exceptional circumstances .
Only some key workers will be allowed in .
A senior health official said almost 40 % of the town 's 200,000 inhabitants probably had the virus .
Overall , more than 7,000 Israelis have been infected and 37 have died .
Across the country , people have been told to stay within a 100-metre ( 330 ft ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been banned ; and anyone going outdoors has been told to cover their face with a mask or scarf .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , who is in voluntary self-isolation despite testing negative for the disease , has warned that further restrictions might be imposed to try to curb the spread of the virus .
Bnei Brak was declared a `` restricted zone '' at a cabinet meeting on Thursday night .
Earlier , police set up cordons around the town to reduce the flow of traffic moving in and out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed out of the town on a case-by-case basis .
Non-residents - other than security forces , essential services workers and journalists - will not be allowed in .
About 4,500 elderly residents - those deemed most at risk - will be evacuated from the town and quarantined in specially designated hotels , according to the Jerusalem Post newspaper .
Soldiers from the Israeli military 's Paratroopers Brigade were being deployed to help the Homefront Command , the paper said .
Bnei Brak is only second to the much larger city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus cases .
On Thursday , the head of a health service used by about half the population of Bnei Brak said about 38 % of residents were likely to have the virus , and that there were probably tens of thousands of cases which had not been officially confirmed .
There has been growing disquiet in Israel about the slowness of some ultra-Orthodox communities to adopt official measures to reduce the spread of the virus .
Many ultra-Orthodox live within large families in crowded neighbourhoods .
Their access to the internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious reasons , meaning news and information from the outside world is comparatively poor .
In some strictly religious communities , gatherings for prayer and celebrations including weddings have continued to take place , despite the nationwide ban .
However , two days ago Prime Minister Netanyahu noted that there had been a `` very positive shift '' in the attitude of the ultra-Orthodox towards the seriousness of the virus .

On Thursday, the head of the Maccabi health service used by about half the 200,000-strong population of Bnei Brak told a parliamentary committee that about 38% of residents were likely to have the virus, and that there were probably tens of thousands of cases which had not been officially confirmed.


bbc--2020-04-03--A visual guide to the outbreak

A visual guide to the outbreak

There are now more than one million confirmed cases of coronavirus in 181 countries and at least 53,100 people have died .
The United States has more confirmed cases than any other single country and more than half of all the cases have been in Europe , with Italy and Spain worst affected .
This series of maps and charts tracks the spread of the virus since it emerged in China in December 2019 .
How many deaths and recoveries have there been ?
The virus is spreading rapidly in many countries and the death toll is still climbing - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the infection .
The country with the highest number of cases is the US , according to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University .
With more than 245,500 confirmed cases , the US is approaching three times the official number recorded in China .
Around 3,300 people have died in China - but the US , Italy , Spain and France now have higher death tolls .
The outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) on 11 March .
This is when an infectious disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in many parts of the world at the same time .
The WHO said it took more than three months to reach the first 100,000 confirmed cases worldwide , but it took less than a week for the number to double from 500,000 to a million .
The true figure for the number of people with coronavirus is thought to be much higher as many of those with milder symptoms have not been tested and counted .
China says it has now all but stopped the spread of the disease and the authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan , the city in Hubei province where the outbreak began .
South Korea , where a major outbreak began in February , has also seen its number of cases fall in the last couple of weeks .
But badly affected countries like Italy , Spain and the US are still ramping up measures to try to slow down the spread of the virus .
Governments across the world have halted flights , locked down towns and cities and urged people to stay at home .
India and Saudi Arabia have begun strict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement of people have been put into place across Europe .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health European countries have seen steep rises in infections and deaths .
Italy has the highest toll of any single country in the world , with more than 13,900 deaths .
Spain has reported more than 10,300 deaths - the second highest of any country .
There are now 112,000 confirmed cases , but data shows the rate of new cases is falling .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of emergency on 14 March , has further tightened its lockdown telling non-essential workers to stay at home for two weeks .
Spain saw 932 people die in the 24 hours up to 19:00 BST on Thursday , the second day in a row that the toll has been above 900 .
In Italy , there are cautious hopes that the country may have started to turn a corner , with data in recent days suggesting that the infection rate is slowing .
The majority of deaths have occurred in the northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Milan .
Hospitals there are reportedly at breaking point and retired doctors and nurses have been asked to return to work .
In Germany , where there have been more than 84,700 cases and 1,100 deaths , a leading health scientist has suggested that `` immunity certificates '' could be given to people who have recovered .
In the UK , there have been more than 34,000 confirmed cases and more than 2,900 deaths .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a clampdown on 23 March , urging people to stay at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johnson is self-isolating after testing positive for the virus on 27 March .
• UK outbreak in graphics : How many cases are in your area ?
In Spain and the UK , deaths grew rapidly at first , doubling faster than every two days .
That rate of increase has now slowed to doubling between every second and third day .
Italy 's death rate has also slowed , while that of the US is continuing in roughly a straight line , doubling about every three days at present .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 245,000 cases - more than 92,000 in New York state alone - the US has more confirmed infections than any other country .
At around 6,000 deaths , the US toll is now far higher than China 's official figure of around 3,320 .
More than 80 % of Americans are now living under some form of lockdown as states increase efforts to curb the outbreak .
There are only five states where restrictions are not in effect .
President Donald Trump has said federal coronavirus guidelines , such as social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until at least 30 April .
He had previously said they could be relaxed in mid-April .
Nationwide measures mean people must continue to avoid non-essential travel , going to work , and eating at restaurants or bars .
Gatherings are limited to groups of under 10 people .
Stricter restrictions apply to millions in some of the worst-hit states .
The outbreak is having a major economic impact , with figures showing the number of people without jobs surging to a record high of nearly 6.6 million in the week ending 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week earlier , which was also a new record .
The previous record was set in 1982 , when unemployment claims hit 695,000 .
American Airlines , one of the world 's richest carriers , has said it will apply for $ 12bn ( £9.7bn ) in government aid .
• A visual guide to the economic impact of coronavirus India is one of the latest countries to enforce a lockdown , meaning its 1.3 billion residents are now forbidden from leaving their homes for a few weeks at least .
That means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion people in the world are now living under some form of restrictions on their movement and social contact due to the coronavirus .
People in major cities like London , Barcelona and New York are now moving around far less than they were a few weeks ago , according to data from the travel app Citymapper .
The data also shows that while Milan in northern Italy has been locked down for several weeks now , many other cities have only been restricting movement in recent days .
While movement is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the city has n't ground to a halt like European capitals despite facing huge numbers of coronavirus cases - a sign of the country 's decision to focus on widespread testing and contact tracing rather than social distancing .
In Russia , the Kremlin had insisted that there was `` de facto no epidemic '' in the country but earlier this week President Putin urged people to stay at home , which explains the significant drop in movement in Moscow .

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


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: North Korea claims to be 'totally free' of virus

North Korea 's claim that `` not a single person '' in the country has been infected with the coronavirus is facing growing scepticism .
It has credited strict containment measures and the shutting down of its borders for this success .
But the top US military commander in South Korea has said this is `` untrue '' , calling it an `` impossible claim '' .
A North Korean expert told the BBC it was likely there were cases but unlikely a mass outbreak had happened .
There are currently more than one million coronavirus cases across the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins University tally .
Pak Myong-su , a director at North Korea 's Central Emergency Anti-epidemic headquarters , told news agency AFP on Friday : `` Not one single person has been infected with the novel coronavirus in our country so far . ''
`` We have carried out pre-emptive and scientific measures such as inspections and quarantine for all personnel entering our country and thoroughly disinfecting all goods , as well as closing borders and blocking sea and air lanes . ''
Could this be true ?
US General Robert Abrams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in South Korea , has said it is untrue that North Korea has no virus cases .
`` I can tell you that is an impossible claim based on all of the intel that we have seen , '' he said in a joint interview with news sites CNN and VOA .
However , he said he could not say exactly how many cases there were , not confirm where the information came from .
Oliver Hotham , managing editor of specialist news site NK News , agreed that North Korea has probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely that it has seen no cases because it borders China and South Korea .
[ Especially with China ] , given the amount of cross border trade and the economic relationship I really do n't see how its possible they could have prevented it , '' he said .
However , he adds that it is `` unlikely '' there is a full scale outbreak .
`` They really did take precautions early .
I think it 's possible they 've prevented a full on outbreak . ''
How has North Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has indeed moved much more quickly against the virus than many other countries in the region .
In late January , it sealed off its borders and later quarantined hundreds of foreigners in the capital Pyongyang .
During that time , the number of cases in China were growing exponentially .
An NK News report also suggests that up to 10,000 citizens had been placed under isolation in the country - around 500 still remain in quarantine .
Are those in North Korea even aware of the virus ?
Most people in North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what 's going on , says Mr Hotham .
`` There 's been so much media coverage .
Almost every day you have a whole page about the efforts the country is taking domestically and also the international situation , '' he told the BBC .
Fyodor Tertitskiy , a senior researcher at Kookmin University , also adds the country is currently running an `` ongoing propaganda campaign teaching people how to prevent the spread of the virus '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• US v @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates compare ?
• LEADING THE WAY : The US governor who saw it coming early • ON FRONTLINE : 'Nurses prepare for the worst but not this' • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this crisis What is North Korea 's healthcare system like ?
The answer is , according to experts - better than you would think - depending on where in North Korea you are .
Mr Tertitsky says the North 's healthcare system is `` much , much better than other countries with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What they did was to train a large number of doctors who , although less qualified and infinitely paid less than their colleagues in the West , can still provide basic healthcare to the population , '' he told the BBC .
Mr Hotham agrees , but says that the number of doctors in North Korea enables the country to deal with basic illnesses , but perhaps not so much more serious illnesses which also need more healthcare equipment .
Sanctions have also restricted North Korea 's ability to obtain advanced medical equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you receive largely depends on where you are .
The capital , Pyongyang , for example , has various medical facilities , but those in rural areas might not be so lucky .
`` Some provinces are desperately underfunded , where you 'll have hospitals with no running water or stable power . ''
Why might North Korea be trying to cover up cases ?
For North Korea to admit they have cases now could be a sign of `` defeat '' .
`` The state has put a lot of stock into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much propaganda about how well they 're doing , '' said Mr Hotham .
`` I think for them to admit now that there were cases is essentially to admit defeat .
I think it would also cause panic and people would freak out .
If you have large movements of people trying to get away , that could create instability and even more infections . ''
Mr Tertitskiy also puts this down to North Korea trying to preserve its self-image .
`` The country is very paranoid about giving away any information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their basic rule is to say nothing unless there is a good reason to do otherwise . ''

Coronavirus: North Korea claims to be 'totally free' of virus Published 3 April 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, North Korea says not a single person has the virus
North Korea's claim that "not a single person" in the country has been infected with the coronavirus is facing growing scepticism.
It has credited strict containment measures and the shutting down of its borders for this success.
But the top US military commander in South Korea has said this is "untrue", calling it an "impossible claim".
A North Korean expert told the BBC it was likely there were cases but unlikely a mass outbreak had happened.
There are currently more than one million coronavirus cases across the world and 53,069 deaths, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally.
Pak Myong-su, a director at North Korea's Central Emergency Anti-epidemic headquarters, told news agency AFP on Friday: "Not one single person has been infected with the novel coronavirus in our country so far."
"We have carried out pre-emptive and scientific measures such as inspections and quarantine for all personnel entering our country and thoroughly disinfecting all goods, as well as closing borders and blocking sea and air lanes."
Could this be true?
US General Robert Abrams, head of the US military forces in South Korea, has said it is untrue that North Korea has no virus cases.
"I can tell you that is an impossible claim based on all of the intel that we have seen," he said in a joint interview with news sites CNN and VOA.
However, he said he could not say exactly how many cases there were, not confirm where the information came from.
Oliver Hotham, managing editor of specialist news site NK News, agreed that North Korea has probably had cases.
"It's very unlikely that it has seen no cases because it borders China and South Korea. [Especially with China], given the amount of cross border trade and the economic relationship I really don't see how its possible they could have prevented it," he said.
However, he adds that it is "unlikely" there is a full scale outbreak.
"They really did take precautions early. I think it's possible they've prevented a full on outbreak."
How has North Korea reacted to the crisis?
North Korea has indeed moved much more quickly against the virus than many other countries in the region.
In late January, it sealed off its borders and later quarantined hundreds of foreigners in the capital Pyongyang. During that time, the number of cases in China were growing exponentially.
An NK News report also suggests that up to 10,000 citizens had been placed under isolation in the country - around 500 still remain in quarantine.
Are those in North Korea even aware of the virus?
Most people in North Korea are "really aware" of what's going on, says Mr Hotham.
"There's been so much media coverage. Almost every day you have a whole page about the efforts the country is taking domestically and also the international situation," he told the BBC.
Fyodor Tertitskiy, a senior researcher at Kookmin University, also adds the country is currently running an "ongoing propaganda campaign teaching people how to prevent the spread of the virus".
What is North Korea's healthcare system like?
The answer is, according to experts - better than you would think - depending on where in North Korea you are.
Mr Tertitskiy says the North's healthcare system is "much, much better than other countries with a similar GDP per capita".
"What they did was to train a large number of doctors who, although less qualified and infinitely paid less than their colleagues in the West, can still provide basic healthcare to the population," he told the BBC.
Mr Hotham agrees, but says that the number of doctors in North Korea enables the country to deal with basic illnesses, but perhaps not so much more serious illnesses which also need more healthcare equipment.
Sanctions have also restricted North Korea's ability to obtain advanced medical equipment.
Mr Hotham adds that the care you receive largely depends on where you are. The capital, Pyongyang, for example, has various medical facilities, but those in rural areas might not be so lucky.
"Some provinces are desperately underfunded, where you'll have hospitals with no running water or stable power."
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Some international experts say North Korea's health system is appalling
Why might North Korea be trying to cover up cases?
For North Korea to admit they have cases now could be a sign of "defeat".
"The state has put a lot of stock into its response and there has been so much propaganda about how well they're doing," said Mr Hotham.
"I think for them to admit now that there were cases is essentially to admit defeat. I think it would also cause panic and people would freak out. If you have large movements of people trying to get away, that could create instability and even more infections."
Mr Tertitskiy also puts this down to North Korea trying to preserve its self-image.
"The country is very paranoid about giving away any information that may make it look bad. Their basic rule is to say nothing unless there is a good reason to do otherwise."


bbc--2020-04-03--China's Luckin Coffee slumps on 'fake' data news

Shares in Luckin Coffee have slumped after the company said one of its top executives and other employees had faked sales figures .
The Chinese coffee chain has now suspended its chief operating officer Jian Liu and staff reporting to him .
It comes after the company appointed a special committee to investigate issues in its financial statements for 2019 .
Luckin , which competes with Starbucks , had been one of China 's few successful US stock market listings last year .
The Nasdaq-listed company said its investigation had found that fabricated sales from the second quarter of last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 2.2bn yuan ( $ 310m ; £250m ) .
That equates to about 40 % of its estimated annual sales .
It also said that it still needed to investigate and verify other costs and expenses that were substantially inflated during the same period .
At the same time Luckin warned investors that they should no longer rely on its previous financial statements that had showed the company 's rapid growth .
The company had 3,680 stores as of the end of September , according to its third quarter 2019 earnings release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since June 2018 .
Did Luckin 's sky-high ambitions cause its current problems ?
Luckin has been open about wanting to take on the likes of Starbucks and other big coffee chains .
The trouble is that , once you make such a declaration , for many that can become the standard you are measured by and have an impact on the buying and selling of shares .
For some time , critics have questioned the financial data coming out of Luckin , especially in terms of how much revenue could be raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's because the proportion of coffee sold at its advertised price is thought to be small .
Luckin offers sales discounts so regularly ( like pretty much every day ) that many customers have claimed on social media that they have never paid full-price for one of their coffees .
In one way that does n't matter .
If you 're selling your coffee for more than it costs to make it there 's profit to be made .
However , Luckin has set the bar higher than that by saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe it 's this self-applied pressure which has steered it into these rough seas .
Luckin 's US stock market value had almost tripled since its debut in New York in May , topping $ 50 a share earlier this year .
Mr Liu has been Luckin 's chief operating officer since May 2018 .
• Coffee war brews in the land of tea In recent months though investors had begun to become wary that there may be some serious issues at the company after an anonymous report alleging that it had made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year the high-profile short-seller Muddy Waters Research started betting against the company 's shares , citing a report that alleged that Luckin had fabricated financial and operating figures from the third quarter of last year .
At the time , Luckin strongly denied the allegations , describing them as `` misleading and false '' .
Luckin 's shares ended Thursday 's trading session down by more than 75 % at $ 6.40 after hitting a record low of $ 4.90 earlier in the day .

Luckin has been open about wanting to take on the likes of Starbucks and other big coffee chains. The trouble is that, once you make such a declaration, for many that can become the standard you are measured by and have an impact on the buying and selling of shares.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Peru limits movement by gender to stem spread

Peru has begun enforcing strict new measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease , restricting public movement by gender .
Men can only leave home on Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays ; women can do so on Tuesdays , Thursdays and Saturdays .
On Sundays , no-one is allowed out .
Peru has recorded more than 1,400 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 55 related deaths .
President Martín Vizcarra said on Thursday that previous control measures had given good results `` but not what was hoped for '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Calling for an `` extra effort to control this disease '' , he said the new gender-based restrictions should halve the number of people circulating in public at any one time .
`` We have to get fewer people on the streets every day , '' he added .
The new rules came into effect on Friday and will last until 12 April , when a nationwide lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be lifted .
Interior Minister Carlos Morán warned that the police and armed forces would be enforcing the new measures .
“ On Sunday everyone has to be at home , '' he said .
`` Banks will not work and supermarkets , markets and shops will be closed .
There will also be no pharmacies .
No-one has justification for leaving . ''

“On Sunday everyone has to be at home," he said. "Banks will not work and supermarkets, markets and shops will be closed. There will also be no pharmacies. No-one has justification for leaving."


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Dressing up for bin night 'brings a smile' in Australia

Australians have started dressing up to take their bins out , bringing some light relief to the stresses of lockdown @ @ @ @ @ viral - and those involved say it 's much-needed fun .

Australians have started dressing up to take their bins out, bringing some light relief to the stresses of lockdown.
The trend is going viral - and those involved say it's much-needed fun.
Produced and edited by Isabelle Rodd


bbc--2020-04-03--Dr William Frankland, allergy scientist pioneer, dies aged 108

Dr William Frankland , a British immunologist who transformed the world 's understanding of allergies , has died aged 108 .
His pioneering work included developing the idea of a pollen count to help hay fever sufferers .
Dr Frankland , whose medical career spanned 70 years , was known as `` the grandfather of allergy '' .
As a British army doctor in World War Two , he spent three-and-a-half years in Japanese prisoner of war camps .
Historian Dan Snow tweeted he would never forget meeting Dr Frankland , who he called `` one of the greatest Britons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology , said he was `` an enormous inspiration to many '' , adding that he would be `` sorely missed but very fondly remembered '' .
Dr Frankland , known as Bill , gave an interview ahead of his 108th birthday on 19 March , saying his longevity was down to luck .
He said : `` I ’ ve come close to death so many times – from the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic , three-and-a-half years spent as a Japanese prisoner of war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insect bite – but somehow I ’ ve always managed to miss it and that 's why I ’ m still here . ''
He also revealed that his birthday celebrations were being affected by the coronavirus outbreak as his care home had closed its doors to visitors .
`` My birthday this year will be quite different , '' he said .
`` I ’ ve been given a special request to have two of my children visit for a short while , but they will have to keep at a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was made an MBE in 2015 for his services to allergy research , is survived by four children .
His wife Pauline died in 2002 .
Born in Battle , Sussex , in 1912 , Dr Frankland grew up in Cumbria .
He went on to study medicine at the University of Oxford and worked at St Mary 's Hospital in Paddington , London , before World War Two intervened .
He signed up to the Royal Army Medical Corps ( RAMC ) , but spent over three of the six years he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of war in Singapore .
During his 70-year long career in medicine , based mostly at St Mary ’ s Hospital , he worked for Sir Alexander Fleming , who discovered penicillin .
His career in immunology began in the 1950s at St Mary 's , where he worked with patients who suffered from seasonal hay fever .
He set up a pollen trap on the roof of the hospital to identify different types of pollen in the air and , along with his team , created a pollen count system that led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

"My birthday this year will be quite different," he said. "I’ve been given a special request to have two of my children visit for a short while, but they will have to keep at a safe distance."


bbc--2020-04-03--Solomon Islands: Dozens missing after ferry defies cyclone warning

Dozens of people are missing and feared dead after a ferry in the Solomon Islands set sail despite warnings not @ @ @ @ @ .
The MV Taimareho was travelling on Thursday night from the capital Honiara , on @ @ @ @ @ to West Are'are , on Malaita island .
The vessel hit choppy seas whipped up @ @ @ @ @ to 60 people are reported to have been on board .
Rescue efforts are under @ @ @ @ @ by the bad weather .
Cyclone Harold has brought flooding and run boats aground in @ @ @ @ @ country 's national disaster agency has issued several warnings of landslides and rough seas .
@ @ @ @ @ extreme caution .
Emergency officials there are already on high alert over the threat of @ @ @ @ @ Islands is one of a dwindling number of countries not to have reported any cases @

Dozens of people are missing and feared dead after a ferry in the Solomon Islands set sail despite warnings not to embark during a cyclone.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Health Secretary Matt Hancock describes his illness

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has spoken to the BBC about his coronavirus symptoms and his recovery .
He described a @ @ @ @ @ '' in his throat and said that he had lost half a stone .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has spoken to the BBC about his coronavirus symptoms and his recovery.
He described a feeling of "having glass" in his throat and said that he had lost half a stone.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Tekashi 6ix9ine leaves prison early because of asthma fears

Tekashi 6ix9ine has left prison early as part of a nationwide effort in America to stem the coronavirus outbreak in US jails .
A judge confirmed the rapper , whose real name is Daniel Hernandez , does not have the virus but is considered high risk because of his asthma and previous hospital treatment for bronchitis .
According to 6ix9ine 's legal team , he 'll complete the remaining four months of his two-year sentence under home arrest wearing a GPS ankle monitor .
Last year , the 23-year-old pleaded guilty to a series of gang robberies and shootings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally sentenced him , suggested the current pandemic presented `` extraordinary and compelling reasons '' for a compassionate release .
He also said Daniel Hernandez `` will no longer present a meaningful danger to the community '' .
Lisa Evers , a US journalist who has been covering the trial for local station Fox 5 News , claimed she had spoken to the rapper 's legal team who said he will be allowed to return to social media and plans to work on two new albums .
In October 2019 it was reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 million ( £8 million ) record deal .
At his 2019 trial , the rapper initially denied the charges against him but entered a plea bargain , giving evidence against other gang members in order to get a reduced sentence after potentially facing a maximum of life in prison .
He testified against former members of Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods .
The offences 6ix9ine was charged with include racketeering , carrying a firearm , assault with a dangerous weapon , and conspiracy murder charges .
Racketeering is when people use criminal actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often associated with protection rackets .
It all came from his association with a violent US gang Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods - also known as TreyWay - which 6ix9ine had spoken about on Twitter .
He joined the gang in 2017 but left less than a year later .
The inner workings of the gang was exposed by 6ix9ine - and another ex-gang member , Kristian Cruz .
Nine Trey Bloods committed robberies , dealt drugs and were violent against rivals and each other according to their testimonies .
6ix9ine gave information on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men have since been convicted .
Ellison was also found guilty of kidnapping 6ix9ine , maiming and assault - while Mack was also found guilty on drug dealing charges .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

Lisa Evers, a US journalist who has been covering the trial for local station Fox 5 News, claimed she had spoken to the rapper's legal team who said he will be allowed to return to social media and plans to work on two new albums.


bbc--2020-04-02--MI6: World War Two workers in rare 'forbidden' footage

The work that Bletchley Park and MI6 did during World War Two , was instrumental in the allies ’ victory @ @ @ @ @ there has n't been any video showing what life was like on the sites dedicated @ @ @ @ @ all changed when a piece of film was anonymously donated to Bletchley Park Trust , @ @ @ @ @ the lives of those there .

The work that Bletchley Park and MI6 did during World War Two, was instrumental in the allies’ victory.
But until now, there hasn't been any video showing what life was like on the sites dedicated to this work.
This all changed when a piece of film was anonymously donated to Bletchley Park Trust, providing an unprecedented insight into the lives of those there.
Produced by Gordon Corera and Olivia Lace-Evans


bbc--2020-04-02--The staff battling coronavirus in a Barcelona ICU

The head of the intensive care unit at one of Spain 's biggest hospitals show us what staff are facing @ @ @ @ @ .
The Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Catalonia says the overcrowding of patients in the @ @ @ @ @ biggest problem in the fight against Covid-19 .

The head of the intensive care unit at one of Spain's biggest hospitals show us what staff are facing in the battle against coronavirus.
The Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Catalonia says the overcrowding of patients in the ICU unit will be their biggest problem in the fight against Covid-19.


bbc--2020-04-02--Quiz of the week: Who joined James Corden's lockdown show?

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

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


bbc--2020-04-02--Africa's week in pictures: 27 March-2 April 2020

In Ivory Coast 's main city of Abidjan , a woman makes liquid soap on Wednesday .
One of the @ @ @ @ @ is to wash one 's hands with soap and water .

Image caption,
In Ivory Coast's main city of Abidjan, a woman makes liquid soap on Wednesday. One of the best preventative measures against coronavirus is to wash one's hands with soap and water.


bbc--2020-04-02--South Africa's ruthlessly efficient fight against coronavirus

One week into South Africa 's nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus , and it is tempting - dangerously tempting - to breathe a sigh of relief .
After all , look at how much has already been achieved .
More than 47,000 people have been tested , and 67 mobile testing units have been organised .
There are even drive-through testing centres .
Soon the country will be able to test 30,000 people every day .
To date , only five deaths from the virus have been confirmed .
About 1,400 have tested positive for Covid-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more efficiently , and more ruthlessly than many other countries around the world .
Heading the fight here against Covid-19 , President Cyril Ramaphosa has emerged as a formidable leader - composed , compassionate , but seized by the urgency of the moment and wasting no time in imposing tough restrictive steps and galvanising crucial support from the private sector .
And one rung below the president , Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has likewise garnered near universal praise for his no-nonsense , energetic performance , and his sober , deeply knowledgeable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been mistakes , and worse .
The police and army have , at times , acted with thuggish abandon in their attempts to enforce the three-week-long lockdown , humiliating , beating , and even shooting civilians on the streets of the commercial capital , Johannesburg , and elsewhere .
There has been confusion about some of the regulations , clumsy messaging and U-turns from some of the country 's less impressive ministers .
Above all , there has been the struggle to impose social distancing and effective hygiene in South Africa 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many fear the virus could yet wreak havoc .
But overall , as South Africans mark their first week under one of the strictest lockdowns introduced anywhere in the world - no jogging outside , no sales of alcohol or cigarettes , no dog-walking , no leaving home except for essential trips and prison or heavy fines for law-breaking - there is an argument to be made that a government so often attacked as corrupt and inefficient , and a private sector so often seen as aloof and greedy , are rising to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the greatest challenge this young democracy has ever seen .
It is fitting that the man now loudly warning the nation against any hint of complacency - indeed about the profound dangers of such complacency - is the health minister himself .
`` What we may currently be experiencing is the calm before a heavy and devastating storm , '' said Dr Mkhize , gravely , at Wednesday 's official launch of a new batch of mobile laboratories .
`` Unless we move fast we will soon be swarmed .
There will therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ descends upon us .
`` There will not be time to prepare what we will not have put in place in the next seven days , '' Dr Mkhize said , noting that the virus has already begun to spread inside the country and that `` we do n't as yet have a true picture of the size of the problem '' .
In other words , for all South Africa 's impressive early steps , the real battle lies ahead and the real test of the country 's health system has yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the world 's most unequal societies , it is already clear that the battle will be fought , lost , or won , in the country 's poorest communities .
It is also clear that - for all the impressive , skilled leadership available at the highest levels of the South African state , government , and private sector - years of cronyism , corruption and economic stagnation have damaged key institutions .
`` We are not well prepared and positioned as a country… after a decade of the hollowing out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Enthoven , a prominent businessman now helping to run a solidarity fund set up to collect and administer private contributions to the fight against the coronavirus .
`` We were in a much stronger position going into the global financial crisis [ of 2008 ] than we are today . ''
Those same concerns apply in provincial health departments , sometimes led by incompetent political appointees .
`` The clinicians are getting on with it .
But the senior management is overwhelmed .
It 's always been a shambles .
They 're mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They 're completely out of their depth and very anti any co-operation with the private sector , '' said one senior figure in a provincial department , speaking to me on condition of anonymity .
More on Africa and the virus : A walk through the township of Alexandra , on the edge of Johannesburg , is another sobering reminder of how difficult it may yet prove to contain the virus .
Despite the new presence of army patrols , constant messaging about social distancing in the media , pick-up trucks dispensing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of testing units trying to track down those who might be exposed to the first confirmed case there , the dirt streets and narrow alleys remain crowded with children playing football and friends strolling to visit each other .
There is concern about the virus in Alexandra , but for now that feels eclipsed by the more pressing issues of lost jobs , unaffordable food , and the near impossibility of isolating yourself or your family for any extended period when home is a single room with no running water or toilet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's systemic challenges - and its enduring inequalities - into sharp relief .
But a sudden , extreme crisis - like a war or similar emergency - offers the tantalising possibility of radical change , of forging new alliances , of disrupting failing systems and patterns , of exposing bad leadership in the most unforgiving manner , and of bringing the most talented and dynamic people to the fore .
Some of those changes are already under way .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• US v ITALY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compare ?
• LEADING THE WAY : The US governor who saw it coming early • ON FRONTLINE : 'Nurses prepare for the worst but not this' • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this crisis

But overall, as South Africans mark their first week under one of the strictest lockdowns introduced anywhere in the world - no jogging outside, no sales of alcohol or cigarettes, no dog-walking, no leaving home except for essential trips and prison or heavy fines for law-breaking - there is an argument to be made that a government so often attacked as corrupt and inefficient, and a private sector so often seen as aloof and greedy, are rising to meet what is widely anticipated to be the greatest challenge this young democracy has ever seen.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: India's bailout may not be enough to save economy

Mohammad Alam is one of thousands of workers standing in a food queue in India 's capital , Delhi .
The factory where he worked shut down after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus .
A daily-wage labourer , he has no other source of income , so he has been forced to come to a government centre for food .
`` I do n't know how I will survive , I will have to borrow to feed my family , '' he says .
He and his family joined a throng @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown announcement was made .
Public transport systems were stopped , leaving people with no choice but to walk .
Mr Kumar , his wife , and their 10-year-old daughter had already walked more than 40km ( 24 miles ) when we spoke to him .
`` There is no work here , that is why we are running away .
There are no buses , I have to walk another 260km to get to my village , '' he said .
India has announced a $ 23bn ( £18bn ) relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mr Kumar who are part of India 's unorganised , informal industry which employs 94 % of the population and contributes 45 % to its overall output .
This industry is already bearing the brunt of the lockdown with thousands finding themselves unemployed overnight .
`` No-one will be allowed to go hungry , '' Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while announcing the package - a combination of direct cash transfer benefits and food security measures .
• ‘ Beaten and abused for doing my job in lockdown ’ But the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dire .
Businesses have closed , unemployment has risen and productivity has fallen .
India 's growth engine was actually sputtering well before the threat of outbreak arrived .
Once one of the fastest growing economies in the world , its growth slowed to 4.7 % last year - the slowest level in six years .
Unemployment was at a 45-year high last year .
Industrial output from the eight core sectors at the end of last year fell by 5.2 % - the worst in 14 years .
Small businesses had only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 currency ban that came as a body blow to the cash-consuming informal economy .
Now , experts say the coronavirus outbreak is likely to further cripple the already frail economy .
So while most welcome the government 's measures , they feel much more needs to be done to minimise the economic impact .
`` While free extra rations have been sanctioned , how will the poor access what is due to them ? ''
wonders economist Arun Kumar .
`` The government should devise a way of using the army and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the poor . ''
With thousands of migrant workers stuck miles away from their homes , the seamless distribution of cash and food needs to be the government 's top priority , he adds .
And it 's not just migrant workers at risk .
Farmers are also vulnerable to a potential economic shock from the lockdown - the agriculture industry contributes nearly $ 265bn to GDP .
The government says it will give farmers 2,000 rupees ( $ 30 ) in April as an advance payment from an $ 80 annual pay-out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This money will be inadequate because exports have stopped .
Prices in cities will rise because of profiteering and in rural areas they will drop because farmers wo n't be able to sell their crop , '' says economist Arun Kumar .
The outbreak has happened at a critical farming time - the new crop is ready , waiting to be sold .
Economists warn India 's challenge will be in transporting this food from villages to cities in the midst of the lockdown .
If supply chains do n't work properly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lead to massive losses for Indian farmers .
Experts warn that India is also at the brink of a major unemployment crisis .
Economist Vivek Kaul says people who work for small businesses may end up with job and salary losses .
`` I know of places where companies are actively discussing how many people they need to fire , '' he says .
And that 's not all .
With flights suspended until mid-April , the shutdown is also bound to push India 's fast-growing aviation industry into peril .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) has assessed that the Indian aviation industry will post losses worth nearly $ 4bn this year .
This will likely have a cascading effect , affecting the hospitality and tourism industries .
Hotels and restaurant chains across the country are empty and are likely to remain so for several months , sparking worries of large-scale layoffs .
The automobile industry , a key indicator of a country 's economic growth , has also been forced to hit the brakes - experts are estimating losses of nearly $ 2bn .
So , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say it 's a drop in the ocean compared to bailouts in countries such as the US , China and Singapore .
They say India now also needs a larger stimulus package soon to help businesses weather this extraordinary crisis .

Mr Kumar, his wife, and their 10-year-old daughter had already walked more than 40km (24 miles) when we spoke to him. "There is no work here, that is why we are running away. There are no buses, I have to walk another 260km to get to my village," he said.


bbc--2020-04-02--Coronavirus threatens the next generation of smartphones

Every Autumn , Mazen Kourouche heads to the biggest Apple Store in Sydney , Australia , and queues up for hours to be one of the first people in the world to get his hands on the latest iPhone .
`` Since the iPhone 7 came out I 've been lining up for the new Apple devices for a few reasons : firstly the hype associated with them , secondly because of the resale value , and thirdly because Australia is the first country to get access to the devices , so people are interested in hearing about it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kourouche , who develops software for the iPhone operating system ( iOS ) , many people would usually travel from overseas to get their hands on the iPhone in Australia .
The nation 's time zone means its Apple stores are the first to open around the world on launch day .
This year could be different though .
Like most other retailers , Apple has closed its shops around the world in response to the coronavirus outbreak .
It 's still too early to say whether the shops will be back open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new devices in the autumn .
But in some countries the picture is not encouraging .
In the UK , the government has said that it could be between three to six months before normal life will resume and that includes re-opening non-essential shops .
In the case of Apple , it has its iPhone 12 waiting in the wings .
It 's a particularly important phone , as it 's the first to incorporate 5G technology , allowing it to connect with the new generation of faster phone networks .
Sources have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is weighing up whether to delay that launch .
The same may be true for devices manufactured by Samsung and other rivals that use the Android operating system .
• 'The phone slipped into the bath ' : Conference call horrors • Reducing brain damage in sport without losing the thrills • Could female urinals end queues for the loos ?
Production of phones has already been disrupted , '' Approximately 70 % of smartphones are manufactured in China - so as the pandemic hit China , there has been significant disruption to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Razat Gaurav , chief executive of Llamasoft , a supply chain analytics company .
Many smartphone makers rely on components that are made in China and South Korea , two nations that have been hardest hit by the outbreak .
The South Korean city of Daegu , where most of the country 's coronavirus cases are clustered , is only 20 minutes away from the area where many of those components are produced .
And it 's not just supply , demand has fallen dramatically .
Shipments of smartphones in China tumbled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 , compared with the same period last year , according to research firm IDC .
The company suggests that Chinese consumers will buy 33 million fewer phones in the first three months of the year .
`` We 're likely to see significant drops in Western Europe and the US as well , '' Gaurav adds .
The effect on existing devices will be a worry for device manufacturers , but it will be the impact on their new devices which will be of greater concern , particularly as fans of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific times of the year when they can buy a new device , while manufacturers rely on this as one of the biggest revenue streams every year .
`` The smartphone is a complicated product , and there are so many components that go into it .
In order to source all of those different parts , you 're getting materials and parts from about 40 different countries , '' says Gaurav .
Different parts of the production process will be affected in different ways .
`` Much of the design work does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do n't have to be in physical proximity to people , '' says Frank Gillett , an analyst at research firm Forrester .
But there may be some research and development work which requires specialised equipment that employees ca n't take home .
A lot of this work would have already been carried out for devices set to launch this year , but it could hinder device launches in 2021 , which companies are already working on ahead of time .
According to Emile Naus , partner at consultancy BearingPoint , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the hardware , it 's the software , and this can be developed remotely .
However , testing the device may be harder to carry out .
`` Testing may be hard as the industry is very tight on security and they would probably struggle with the concept of people taking home prototypes of the phone to test - as these are usually shrouded in secret , '' he says .
The other issue is around shipping ; with many airlines suspending flights and delays with ocean freight , there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to assembly plants , and that the finished product does not get to retail outlets .
The effects of this and the China factory shutdowns are only now starting to ripple down into the smartphone industry , and the impact could be bigger than expected .
Mr Gillett believes that the likes of Apple and Samsung are more likely to hold back on certain features for new devices than delay launches .
The time to get certain features tested , or for software developers to be able to work on applications that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical .
Much obviously depends on what happens in the coming months .
Restrictions on delivery and shipping might force firms to delay product launches , and possibly launches may even be held back until 2021 .
If shops stay closed then this could be a particular problem for Apple , which has an important retail network .
`` We know that the first weeks and months of these new devices ' sales life are very important because they 're sold at the highest levels , '' says Mr Naus .
Demand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as spending serious amounts of money on the latest model may not be an option for householders going through financial difficulties .
But Forrester does not see brands making big changes to the price of their new handsets .
Instead it thinks they may cut prices further on their older models , and perhaps bolster the number of entry-level priced-models available .
Prices may not come down - but if the demand is not there , then perhaps new strategies could be put into place .
`` What you might also see are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel more affordable and responsive to people 's situations .
Perhaps there will be a temporary promotion to help people out at a lower price if they can show an unemployment cheque or an emergency services ID , '' says Mr Gillett .
However , Apple 's biggest fans are likely to remain loyal .
`` I do n't think [ the pandemic ] will impact interest , especially amongst consumers because we 're always buying new things : right now the big thing is toilet paper but eventually it 'll go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kourouche .

The effect on existing devices will be a worry for device manufacturers, but it will be the impact on their new devices which will be of greater concern, particularly as fans of Apple and Android devices are accustomed to specific times of the year when they can buy a new device, while manufacturers rely on this as one of the biggest revenue streams every year.


bbc--2020-04-03--Premier League restart date to be pushed back

The restart date for the Premier League will be pushed back on Friday .
All 20 Premier League clubs will meet via video and it is accepted by all that there is no hope of professional games being played immediately after the current 30 April deadline .
The Premier League could shift the date back into May or opt to follow Spain and France , who have shut down their leagues for an indefinite period .
Italy have talked of Serie A returning in late May , but that seems optimistic .
European governing body Uefa has written a joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the European Leagues urging domestic bodies not to abandon their competitions .
Leagues across Europe have been told that ending competitions early could result in them forfeiting Champions League and Europa League places .
• Check out BBC Sport 's five things to do today Pushing the date back would allow Premier League clubs the chance to offer their stadiums and medical staff to the National Health Service , knowing they would not be required in the short term .
That would at least correct some of the negative publicity that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tottenham , are already using the government 's furlough scheme to compensate laid-off workers by up to £2,500-a-month , despite their players and manager Jose Mourinho , some of whom earn in excess of £100,000-a-week , remaining on full pay .
Talks between the Premier League , Football League and both the Professional Footballers ' Association ( PFA ) and League Managers ' Association ( LMA ) are continuing , with clubs expected to be updated on this at Friday 's meeting .
Explanation for the delay in players accepting pay cuts or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the fact they are financial assets of their clubs in addition to employees and have watertight contracts which , in some cases , expire on 30 June - has cut little ice with many within the general public and also some politicians , who have made their displeasure clear .
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and Brighton counterpart Graham Potter have both taken the personal decision to accept significant cuts without waiting for any central directive from the LMA .
• What are Premier League clubs doing to plug the coronavirus cashflow gap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipated , when the prospect of games being played behind closed doors , potentially in a limited number of locations , will be discussed .
Training grounds have been mentioned as potentially hosting games , although it is difficult to work out how this would be a safer environment than stadiums , which , evidently , are built to host matches that , by definition , need to be broadcast in order to avoid the £750m repayment to TV companies that would be triggered by a failure to complete the current season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed underlines the overwhelming desire among Premier League clubs , which remains to complete the season in its entirety .
However , Premier League sources are equally adamant nothing will be agreed that places any unnecessary strain on medical resources at a time of national crisis .
Even in a sterile environment it is acknowledged how bad it would look for the game if a player needed hospital treatment for a broken leg at a time when significant numbers of the general population were dying of coronavirus .
So , alternative options are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe .
Insiders at European football 's governing body Uefa have confirmed that places reserved in next season 's Europa League for domestic cup winners would revert to league positions if those tournaments were not completed .
The Belgian League has become the first to declare its season over , although with 29 games out of 30 in the regular league programme already played , effectively it has abandoned the play-off system that should have followed and is seen as a special case .
Of more consequence for the major leagues is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after their domestic rights holders Canal+ and beIN Sports confirmed an intention to withhold the latest payment , which was due on 5 April .
Should France , Italy or Spain close their leagues down for the season , that is likely to have far reaching consequences for the game given , together with England , 16 out of the 28 teams remaining in the Champions or Europa Leagues come from one of those four countries .

The last Premier League game took place on 9 March
The restart date for the Premier League will be pushed back on Friday.
All 20 Premier League clubs will meet via video and it is accepted by all that there is no hope of professional games being played immediately after the current 30 April deadline.
The Premier League could shift the date back into May or opt to follow Spain and France, who have shut down their leagues for an indefinite period.
Italy have talked of Serie A returning in late May, but that seems optimistic.
European governing body Uefa has written a joint letter with the European Clubs' Association and the European Leagues urging domestic bodies not to abandon their competitions.
Leagues across Europe have been told that ending competitions early could result in them forfeiting Champions League and Europa League places.
Pushing the date back would allow Premier League clubs the chance to offer their stadiums and medical staff to the National Health Service, knowing they would not be required in the short term.
That would at least correct some of the negative publicity that has accompanied news that four clubs, including Tottenham, are already using the government's furlough scheme to compensate laid-off workers by up to £2,500-a-month, despite their players and manager Jose Mourinho, some of whom earn in excess of £100,000-a-week, remaining on full pay.
Talks between the Premier League, Football League and both the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) and League Managers' Association (LMA) are continuing, with clubs expected to be updated on this at Friday's meeting.
Explanation for the delay in players accepting pay cuts or, more likely, wage deferrals - including the fact they are financial assets of their clubs in addition to employees and have watertight contracts which, in some cases, expire on 30 June - has cut little ice with many within the general public and also some politicians, who have made their displeasure clear.
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and Brighton counterpart Graham Potter have both taken the personal decision to accept significant cuts without waiting for any central directive from the LMA.
Talks about a resumption are also anticipated, when the prospect of games being played behind closed doors, potentially in a limited number of locations, will be discussed.
Training grounds have been mentioned as potentially hosting games, although it is difficult to work out how this would be a safer environment than stadiums, which, evidently, are built to host matches that, by definition, need to be broadcast in order to avoid the £750m repayment to TV companies that would be triggered by a failure to complete the current season.
That such a scenario has even been discussed underlines the overwhelming desire among Premier League clubs, which remains to complete the season in its entirety.
However, Premier League sources are equally adamant nothing will be agreed that places any unnecessary strain on medical resources at a time of national crisis.
Even in a sterile environment it is acknowledged how bad it would look for the game if a player needed hospital treatment for a broken leg at a time when significant numbers of the general population were dying of coronavirus.
So, alternative options are being discussed, in England and across Europe.
Insiders at European football's governing body Uefa have confirmed that places reserved in next season's Europa League for domestic cup winners would revert to league positions if those tournaments were not completed.
The Belgian League has become the first to declare its season over, although with 29 games out of 30 in the regular league programme already played, effectively it has abandoned the play-off system that should have followed and is seen as a special case.
Of more consequence for the major leagues is the massive financial hit taken by Ligue 1 after their domestic rights holders Canal+ and beIN Sports confirmed an intention to withhold the latest payment, which was due on 5 April.
Should France, Italy or Spain close their leagues down for the season, that is likely to have far reaching consequences for the game given, together with England, 16 out of the 28 teams remaining in the Champions or Europa Leagues come from one of those four countries.


bbc--2020-04-03--BBC Sport's five things to do today

BBC Sport's five things to do today

We 're giving you the chance to rank the Premier League 's major summer signings .
From the ICC archives @ @ @ @ @ takes a brilliant one-handed catch to dismiss India 's Robin Uthappa at the 2007 World @ @ @ @ @ Quiz ' from BBC Sport takes place later .
• Head here to find out @ @ @ @ @ the first of a new series , Sara Orchard talks to Saracens and Wales scrum-half @ @ @ @ @ also a midwife working on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus .
There are @ @ @ @ @ but how well do you know your famous moments , multiple champions and big-servers ?
@ @ @ @ @ find out Sign up for BBC Sport notifications sent straight to your device

Last updated on .From the section Sport
Read this...
We're giving you the chance to rank the Premier League's major summer signings.
Watch this...
From the ICC archives, Bermuda's Dwayne Leverock takes a brilliant one-handed catch to dismiss India's Robin Uthappa at the 2007 World Cup.
Try this...
The first 'Quarantine Quiz' from BBC Sport takes place later.
Listen to this...
In the first of a new series, Sara Orchard talks to Saracens and Wales scrum-half Jade Knight, who is also a midwife working on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus.
Take this...
There are always great matches at Wimbledon but how well do you know your famous moments, multiple champions and big-servers?
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bbc--2020-04-03--Big quiz: Can you name every Premier League top scorer?

Missing football ?
Yes , we 're with you .
As football continues to be suspended indefinitely because of the @ @ @ @ @ to keep you entertained in these days of self-isolation and quarantine .
So , in @ @ @ @ @ BBC football quizzes of the week , we want you to name the top scorer @ @ @ @ @ - remember , there might be more than one some campaigns .
You 've got @ @ @ @ @ and do n't forget to let us know how you get on via # bbcfootball @

Last updated on .From the section Football
Can you guess every Premier League top scorer?
Missing football? Yes, we're with you.
As football continues to be suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic, we want to keep you entertained in these days of self-isolation and quarantine.
So, in the first of our weekly BBC football quizzes of the week, we want you to name the top scorer for every Premier League season - remember, there might be more than one some campaigns.
You've got 10 minutes to achieve perfection and don't forget to let us know how you get on via #bbcfootball.


bbc--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: What does ‘from Russia with love’ really mean?

Russia 's latest gesture in the coronavirus crisis came in the form of medical supplies arriving in New York - part of an operation dubbed `` from Russia with love '' by the Kremlin .
In late March a similar cargo was flown to Italy - the worst-hit country in the crisis - along with 100 Russian military medics .
Russian media speak of widespread gratitude for this generosity , but how much of that is fact , how much fiction ?
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the US had paid for the Russian supplies , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defeat # COVID19 '' .
The US says the delivery was agreed in a phone conversation between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin a few days ago .
The Russian foreign ministry says the US paid for half of the supplies , and the other half was donated by Russia .
But Russian TV channels call the cargo `` aid '' and make no reference to payment .
A report by Gazprom Media 's NTV described how excited JFK airport staff filmed the Russian plane , took selfies next to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New York is a coronavirus hotspot and the US death toll has risen above 5,000 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Russia has imposed a lockdown similar to those in the US and Europe , to limit the spread of Covid-19 disease .
In the past 24 hours , Russia registered 771 new infections - its highest figure so far - bringing the total to 3,548 current cases and 30 deaths .
Russians have been sent home from work , but will still be paid - a measure now extended by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical aid for Italy certainly received official thanks , but there was some scepticism too about Russia 's intentions .
Italian newspaper La Stampa said , according to its sources , the aid had little practical value and was more like a geopolitical opportunity for Mr Putin .
It went so far as to brand 80 % of the delivery `` useless '' .
When asked about that , Russia 's ambassador to the US , Anatoly Antonov , reacted angrily , saying `` groundless criticism and lack of trust for the assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , immoral and cruel to those who are fighting for their lives '' .
He added : `` Those who politicise our readiness to provide assistance to people in the Apennines do n't know history very well .
They should be reminded about Russian sailors who landed in Sicily in 1908 after the devastating earthquake there . ''
Russian media have applauded the aid to Italy with headlines like `` Thank you for extending a helping hand '' and `` USA and Europe should learn a lesson '' .
Cold War tensions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spy movie From Russia With Love , have clearly not gone away .
Italian Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini did thank Russia officially as did , unofficially , former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi , a friend of Vladimir Putin .
An Italian pop singer spoke a few words of Russian , when interviewed by Tass news agency .
Another one sang a popular Russian song in a Facebook video .
But Russian state media conveyed the impression of mass support for Russia in Italy .
State channels , pro-Kremlin websites and Telegram channels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Russian ones and singing the Russian anthem on balconies .
To prove that , however , there was just one video and one man : Federico Cane .
BBC Russian spoke to Mr Cane .
He is an engineer , who says he is personally fond of Russia and of President Putin .
He has done some business with Russian companies and he put up a Russian flag as personal thanks for the medical aid .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• US v ITALY v CHINA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • LEADING THE WAY : The US governor who saw it coming early • ON FRONTLINE : 'Nurses prepare for the worst but not this' • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this crisis Another claim in Russian state media was about widespread singing of the Russian national anthem in Italy .
Interestingly , Chinese media had earlier faked Italian balcony-singing of the Chinese anthem .
An Italian media outlet debunked the video - one of many showing Italians crowding on their balconies in the lockdown .
Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording of the Russian anthem being played ( not sung ) .
In one instance , it was linked to Italian trade union UGL .
The anthem seems to blast from a building housing the neo-fascist CasaPound organisation in Rome .
The UGL trade union is historically linked to CasaPound , and the head of UGL has visited Russia several times .
Another video was filmed from inside a flat , with the Russian anthem heard in the background .
It was initially posted by Alena Sivkova , head of Daily Storm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was widely used by Russian news channels and online media such as RenTV , Izvestia , TV Tsentr and Russia-1 .
BBC Russian found out that the video was filmed by one of the journalist 's relatives , who lives in Italy and is married to an Italian .
He apparently played a recording of the anthem .
Sivkova insisted that this was not a one-off occurrence and that other Italians joined in regularly in the town of Imola .
There is no independent proof of that and BBC Russian was unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office .
Ilya Shepelin runs a project called Fake News on Russia 's opposition TV Rain channel .
For him , the manipulation of fact and fiction in this instance is a perfect example of hybrid fake news .
When fact and fiction are so tightly intertwined they can hardly be separated , he says .
Yet Russian authorities themselves are now warning about fake news .
Under new emergency laws , anyone spreading false information about the coronavirus crisis in Russia can face up to five years in prison .

When asked about that, Russia's ambassador to the US, Anatoly Antonov, reacted angrily, saying "groundless criticism and lack of trust for the assistance that Russia provides to Italy is cynical, immoral and cruel to those who are fighting for their lives".


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: New York forced to redistribute ventilators

Ventilators will be taken from certain New York hospitals and redistributed to the worst-hit parts of the state under an order to be signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo .
New York saw its highest single-day increase in deaths , up by 562 to 2,935 - nearly half of all virus-related US deaths recorded yesterday .
The White House may advise those in virus hotspots to wear face coverings in public to help stem the spread .
The US now has 245,658 Covid-19 cases .
A shortage of several hundred ventilators in New York City , the epicentre of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say that he will order the machines be taken from various parts of the state and give them to harder-hit areas .
Amid a deepening crisis , top health official Dr Anthony Fauci has said he believes all states should issue stay-at-home orders .
`` I do n't understand why that 's not happening , '' Dr Fauci told CNN on Thursday .
`` If you look at what 's going on in this country , I just do n't understand why we 're not doing that . ''
`` You 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerator to bring that number down , '' he added , referring to infection and death rates .
• Should more of us wear face masks ?
• Why some countries wear face masks and others don't The comments from Dr Fauci , who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , appeared to contradict those of President Trump , who has consistently dismissed the notion of a nationwide lockdown .
`` It 's awfully tough to say , 'close it down . '
We have to have a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
New York state remains the epicentre of the US coronavirus outbreak with at least 102,863 positive cases .
The more than 500 person spike in deaths state-wide over the past day is more than half of that reported in a single day in both Spain and Italy , the countries with greatest fatalities .
New York City is the worst-hit area of the state , with 1,562 deaths , Johns Hopkins University reports .
Mr Cuomo warned on Friday that people would die unnecessarily because of a lack of equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
The governor said he would deploy the National Guard to enforce a new executive order giving the state authority to take and redistribute ventilators from hospitals and other healthcare institutions to facilities in parts of the state most urgently in need .
These institutions will either receive their supplies back or be reimbursed , he said .
`` I 'm not going to let people die , '' Mr Cuomo said of the order .
Mr Cuomo said this week that New York will need nearly 37,000 ventilators for the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , expected to hit at the end of April .
Bill de Blasio , the New York City mayor , said the metropolis needs 400 additional ventilators by Sunday .
Both the US Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) are reassessing their guidance on face masks , as experts race to find ways to fight the highly contagious virus .
Covid-19 is carried in airborne droplets from people coughing or sneezing , but there is some dispute over how far people should distance themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are useful when used by the public .
The WHO advises that ordinary face masks are only effective if combined with careful hand-washing and social-distancing , and so far it does not recommend them generally for healthy people .
However , more and more health experts now say there are benefits .
They argue that the public use of masks can primarily help by preventing asymptomatic patients - people who have been infected with Covid-19 but are not aware , and not displaying any symptoms - from unknowingly spreading the virus to others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of individuals catching the virus through the droplets from another person 's sneeze or a cough - and people can be taught how put masks on and take them off correctly , they argue .
On Thursday New York mayor Bill de Blasio urged all New Yorkers to cover their faces when outside and near others , but not to use surgical masks , which are in short supply .
`` It could be a scarf .
It could be something you create yourself at home .
It could be a bandana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weighed in on Friday , saying `` I think it 's fair to say that the masks could n't hurt unless they gave you a false sense of security . ''
Meanwhile , residents in Laredo , Texas will now face a $ 1,000 ( £816 ) fine if they fail to cover their noses and mouths while outside , after city officials issued an emergency ordinance to its approximately 250,000 residents this week .
Dr Deborah Birx , one of President Trump 's coronavirus advisers , expressed caution about general mask-wearing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ get an artificial sense of protection , '' she said .
`` They 're an additive . ''
There is also disagreement among experts over the benefits of using cloth masks .
European advisers say reusable cloth masks are not recommended and may even increase the chance of infection .
Which states are not in lockdown ?
At least 297 million Americans in 38 states , the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have been told to stay home .
But the governors of 10 states have so far stopped short of asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dakota , South Dakota , Arkansas , Iowa and Nebraska so far have no state-wide order urging people inside .
`` A targeted approach is what is working for us in Arkansas , '' said Governor Asa Hutchinson this week .
`` People are misled by this idea that this stay at home order is magical . ''
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has argued : `` I ca n't lock the state down ...
I ca n't lock everybody in their home . ''
Other states have left the decision to local officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Residents in parts of Alabama , Missouri , Oklahoma , South Carolina , Texas , Utah and Wyoming face some degree of stay home orders , issued by local authorities .
`` Our state is so diverse , every segment of the state is different , '' said Missouri Governor Mike Parsons this week , defending his reticence to take such action .
`` It 's very difficult sometimes to just put a blanket order in place . ''
`` Y'all , we are not California , '' said Alabama Governor Kay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York , we are n't even Louisiana . ''
How serious is the pandemic in the US ?
In global terms the US has the most Covid-19 cases - more than 245,000 .
And on Thursday the US authorities said more than 1,000 had died in the past 24 hours - the highest daily toll so far in the world .
Hospitals and morgues in New York are struggling to cope with the pandemic , and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has warned that New York risks running out of ventilators for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field hospital now stands in Central Park , and another makeshift hospital is to be set up in the city 's Javits Center , a conference venue .
The White House has ordered car firms to switch rapidly to ventilator production .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak More than a million cases of coronavirus have been registered globally , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Nearly 53,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have recovered .
• Spain 's official death toll is 932 for the past 24 hours - just below Thursday 's figure .
Spain , with 10,932 deaths so far , is the worst-hit country after Italy for fatalities • The commander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt was dismissed after saying the US Navy was not doing enough to halt a coronavirus outbreak on board the aircraft carrier • The Zaandam cruise ship , with dozens of ill passengers on board , docked in Florida after several South American countries refused to accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to disburse $ 160bn ( £130bn ) in emergency aid over 15 months to help countries stricken by the pandemic • The French authorities have boosted police checks to prevent anyone trying to go on holiday this weekend ahead of Easter • UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has called for volunteers to take part in clinical trials for Covid-19 treatments How have you been affected by the issues relating to coronavirus ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

However, more and more health experts now say there are benefits. They argue that the public use of masks can primarily help by preventing asymptomatic patients - people who have been infected with Covid-19 but are not aware, and not displaying any symptoms - from unknowingly spreading the virus to others.


bbc--2020-04-03--Robert F Kennedy: Search for granddaughter and her young son

Authorities are searching for Maeve Kennedy McKean , 41 - granddaughter of assassinated presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy - and her young son .
Mrs McKean and her son , eight-year-old Gideon , were last seen on Thursday evening in a canoe off Chesapeake Bay .
`` They just got farther out than they could handle and could n't get back in , '' said Ms McKean 's husband , David McKean , to the Washington Post newspaper .
The Coast Guard has reportedly covered 2,275 square miles in its search .
The agency is joined by the Maryland Natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire Department in looking for the pair .
Crews on boats and in helicopters have all been engaged in the search .
• What if Robert Kennedy had not been killed ?
• JFK assassination : Questions that wo n't go away • A new Kennedy in the political spotlight Ms McKean is the daughter of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend , the former Maryland lieutenant governor .
She works as a public health and human rights lawyer and is executive director of Georgetown University 's Global Health Initiative .
`` At this time our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep Maeve and Gideon in their prayers , '' the family said in a statement .
Mr McKean told the Washington Post that his family was staying at a waterfront home in Maryland owned by his wife 's mother .
While playing by the water at 16:00 local time ( 20:00 GMT ) on Thursday , Mrs McKean and Gideon `` popped into a canoe '' to chase after a ball that had rolled away , Mr McKean said .
Two people - unnamed - were seen drifting several miles off shore 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release from a local fire department .
The wind in that part of the bay was around 30 miles per hour on Thursday night , with waves reaching three feet high , the Coast Guard said .
Mr McKean did not disclose whether or not the canoe had been found , but the Maryland Department of Natural Resources told US media that an overturned canoe matching the description of the McKean 's boat had been found on Thursday evening .
The Kennedy family , an American political dynasty , has been beset by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ F Kennedy was followed just five years later by the murder of his brother - and Mrs McKean 's grandfather - Robert F Kennedy .
In August , 22-year-old Saoirse Kennedy Hill - granddaughter to Robert - was found dead at the famed family compound in Hyannis Port , Massachusetts .

Mr McKean told the Washington Post that his family was staying at a waterfront home in Maryland owned by his wife's mother. While playing by the water at 16:00 local time (20:00 GMT) on Thursday, Mrs McKean and Gideon "popped into a canoe" to chase after a ball that had rolled away, Mr McKean said.


bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: US 'wants 3M to end mask exports to Canada and Latin America'

A major US mask manufacturer , 3M , says the government has asked it to stop exporting US-made N95 respirator masks to Canada and Latin America .
The request had `` significant humanitarian implications '' , it warned , and could prompt other countries to act in kind .
On Thursday , the US invoked the Korean War-era Defence Production Act to demand that 3M provide more masks .
Canada 's prime minister said stopping 3M 's exports would be a `` mistake '' .
President Donald Trump said he had used the Defence Production Act to `` hit 3M @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The law dates back to 1950 and allows a president to force companies to make products for national defence .
In a statement on Friday , 3M said the government had invoked the act `` to require 3M to prioritise orders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( Fema ) for our N95 respirators '' , and had also requested that 3M import more respirators made in its overseas factories into the US .
It said it supported both moves .
However , 3M added that the government also requested that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Canada and Latin America .
`` There are significant humanitarian implications of ceasing respirator supplies to healthcare workers in Canada and Latin America , where we are a critical supplier of respirators , '' it said .
3M added that such a move `` would likely cause other countries to retaliate and do the same '' , which would lead to the overall number of respirators being made available to the US decreasing .
The company says it manufactures about 100 million N95 masks per month - about a third are made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced overseas .
The Trump administration has not provided details on its communications with 3M .
On Thursday night , Mr Trump tweeted : `` We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their masks ... Big surprise to many in government as to what they were doing - will have a big price to pay ! ''
Meanwhile , White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said on Thursday : `` We 've had issues making sure that all of the production that 3M does around the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Canada does not manufacture any N95 masks domestically , and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Friday that `` it would be a mistake to create blockages or reduce trade '' .
`` There are thousands of nurses in Windsor who work in Detroit every single day , and Americans depend on them .
There are medical products and other essential goods that move across the border in both directions ... these are things Americans rely on . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

The Trump administration has not provided details on its communications with 3M. On Thursday night, Mr Trump tweeted: "We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their masks... Big surprise to many in government as to what they were doing - will have a big price to pay!"


bbc--2020-04-03--Lean On Me singer Bill Withers dies at 81

Bill Withers , the acclaimed 1970s soul singer behind hits Ai n't No Sunshine and Lean On Me has died from heart complications aged 81 , his family said .
The singer died on Monday in Los Angeles , the family told the Associated Press .
They described him in a statement as a `` solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world '' .
`` He spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other , '' the statement said .
Known for his smooth baritone vocals and sumptuous soul arrangements , he wrote some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just The Two Of Us , Lovely Day and Use Me .
On Lovely Day , he set the record for the longest sustained note on a US chart hit , holding a high E for 18 seconds .
Although he stopped recording in 1985 , his songs remained a major influence on R & B and hip-hop .
His track Grandma 's Hands was sampled on Blackstreet 's No Diggity , and Eminem reinterpreted Just The Two Of Us on his hit 1997 Bonnie And Clyde .
Lean On Me has recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with many people posting their own versions to support health workers .
`` We are devastated by the loss of our beloved , devoted husband and father , '' said Withers ' family in a statement .
`` With his poetry and music , he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other .
`` As private a life as he lived , close to intimate family and friends , his music forever belongs to the world .
In this difficult time , we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
US musician Chance the Rapper led tributes , describing the singer as `` the greatest '' and recalling some of his own personal memories .
Rock star and actor Lenny Kravitz posted that his `` voice , songs , and total expression gave us love , hope , and strength '' .
Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson said he was `` very sad to hear about Bill Withers passing '' - calling him `` a songwriter 's songwriter '' - while John Legend added that `` life would n't be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And BBC Radio 2 's Trevor Nelson wrote the star 's music was `` a remedy for these nonsensical times '' .
`` He was a genius singer/songwriter .
Ca n't listen to Bill without feeling emotional . ''
Born in 1938 , Withers was the youngest of six children .
His father died when he was a child and he was raised by his mother and grandmother .
His entry to the music world came late - at the age of 29 - after a nine-year stint in the Navy He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at his job making toilet seats for the Boeing aircraft company , and used his wages to pay for studio sessions in LA .
`` I figured out that you did n't need to be a virtuoso to accompany yourself , '' he told Rolling Stone magazine in 2015 .
He recorded his first album , Just As I Am , with Booker T Jones in 1970 .
It included the mournful ballad Ai n't No Sunshine , which earned him his first Grammy award the subsequent year .
He scored another million-selling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gospel-tinged and inspirational , the song was based on his experiences growing up in a West Virginia coal mining town : When times were hard , neighbours would lend each other help and assistance , and the memory stuck with the singer .
It was later performed at the inaugurations of both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton .
But Withers quit at the top , walking away from his career after scoring a pop hit with Just The Two Of Us , although he occasionally toured with Grover Washington Jr in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he suffered with a debilitating stutter , and in 2015 , he and fellow stutterer Ed Sheeran put on a benefit concert for the Stuttering Association For The Young .
The same year , Withers was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame , and when asked how it felt by US TV show CBS Good Morning , he joked , `` It 's like a pre-obituary ! ''
Despite his influence on generations of musicians , he did not keep track of music after his career ended .
`` These days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would n't know a pop chart from a Pop-Tart . ''
But he was aware that his compositions had become part of the fabric of music .
`` What few songs I wrote during my brief career , there ai n't a genre that somebody did n't record them in , '' he told Rolling Stone in 2014 .
`` I 'm not a virtuoso , but I was able to write songs that people could identify with . ''
`` The hardest thing in songwriting is to be simple and yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill , a documentary about Wither 's career , `` and Bill seemed to understand , intrinsically and instinctively , how to do that , '' He is survived by his wife , Marcia , and children , Todd and Kori .
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bbc--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Tunisia deploys police robot on lockdown patrol

A police robot has been deployed to patrol areas of Tunisia 's capital , Tunis , to ensure that people are observing a coronavirus lockdown .
If it spies anyone walking in the largely deserted streets , it approaches them and asks why they are out .
They must then show their ID and other papers to the robot 's camera , so officers controlling it can check them .
This is the second week of a nationwide lockdown to contain the virus , which has killed 14 people .
• BBC Africa Live : Updates from around the continent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but people are allowed out for medical reasons or to purchase necessities .
The North African nation currently has 436 people being treated for Covid-19 , the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus .
How does the robot work ?
It is not clear how many of the Tunisian-built surveillance robots , called PGuards , have been deployed by the interior ministry .
The manufacturer , Enova Robotics , told the BBC it was a confidential matter .
It also refused to reveal the price tag .
A four-wheeled PGuard has a thermal-imaging camera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) technology , which works like radar but uses light instead of radio waves .
The interior ministry posted a video on Facebook about its futuristic mission to impose the restrictions not long after the lockdown started .
Some welcomed the move , while others said the robot `` moved too slowly '' to be effective .
But several videos have since appeared on social media showing people being stopped by a PGuard .
In one a man , who is asked if he knows there is an ongoing lockdown , explains that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robot replies : `` OK buy your tobacco , but be quick and go home . ''
Before coronavirus swept the world , Enova 's clients were largely private firms , its chief sales officer Radouhane Ben Farhat told me .
The firm , which has its headquarters in the coastal city of Sousse , also produces a `` healthcare '' robot , he said .
It can give a preliminary visual diagnosis and use its sensors to measure certain things - and one will be soon be working at a hospital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact between medics and patients with Covid-19 , Mr Farhat said .
Robotic technology and artificial intelligence ( AI ) are increasingly being used during these exceptional times as has been seen in China , which has used disinfecting robots and thermal camera-equipped drones amongst other gadgets to fight coronavirus .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health