bbc--2020-04-23--Syria civil war: Germany holds unprecedented state torture trial

Two men accused of committing crimes against humanity for the Syrian state have gone on trial in Germany .
It is thought to be the first case worldwide examining the use of torture under President Bashar al-Assad 's rule .
The two - identified as Anwar R and Eyad A - allegedly worked as government intelligence officers .
Both fled Syria in the midst of its ongoing civil war and applied for asylum in Germany , where they were arrested in 2019 .
Lawyers for the two men declined to talk to reporters before the case opened in Koblenz on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have repeatedly denied the use of torture .
But a report by UN human rights experts in March 2018 said the government was detaining tens of thousands of people and subjecting them to `` various forms of brutal torture '' .
• 'How I was tortured in a Syrian jail' Balkees Jarrah at the NGO Human Rights Watch called the trial a `` watershed moment '' .
`` Today 's proceedings should serve as an important reminder that more is needed to ensure accountability for the conflict 's horrific atrocities , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are investigating dozens of former Syrian officials under the principle of `` universal jurisdiction '' - which allows any country to prosecute those accused of war crimes , crimes against humanity and genocide .
The German Association of Judges says cases are also being investigated in Iraq , Libya , Afghanistan , Mali and other countries .
`` War criminals get no shelter in Germany , '' association head Sven Rebehn told the DPA news agency .
What are the men accused of ?
The pair allegedly worked for the General Intelligence Directorate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful civilian intelligence agency .
It has been accused of playing a key role in the violent suppression of peaceful protests against Bashar al-Assad 's rule that erupted in March 2011 .
German prosecutors say that Anwar R , 57 , was a high-ranking officer in charge of the GID 's Al-Khatib prison in the capital Damascus .
He is suspected of being involved in the torture of at least 4,000 people in 2011-12 , and has been charged with 58 counts of murder as well as rape and sexual assault .
Eyad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have worked for Anwar R 's department and has been charged with torture in at least 30 cases .
Key evidence against the pair came from the tens of thousands of photos taken by a military defector known as Caesar , who fled Syria in 2013 .
Anwar R and Eyad A reportedly entered Germany as asylum seekers in July 2014 and April 2018 , respectively .
If convicted , the 57-year-old faces life in prison , while Eyad A could get up to 15 years behind bars .
Protests erupted against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years later , Syria is still engaged in a savage civil war .
Idlib in the northwest is the last part of the country still held by opposition forces .
• The other big stories eclipsed by coronavirus • Why is there a war in Syria ?
Russia and Turkey brokered a truce in March after weeks of intense fighting between Turkish-backed rebels and Syrian forces supported by Russia .
Syria officially reported its first case of coronavirus last month .
Idlib province has yet to announce any infections , but humanitarian groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

German prosecutors say that Anwar R, 57, was a high-ranking officer in charge of the GID's Al-Khatib prison in the capital Damascus. He is suspected of being involved in the torture of at least 4,000 people in 2011-12, and has been charged with 58 counts of murder as well as rape and sexual assault.


bbc--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson was 'just another patient' - New Zealand nurse

Boris Johnson was just `` another patient we were trying to do our best for , '' the New Zealand nurse credited with helping to save his life has said .
Jenny McGee was praised by the PM for standing by his bedside `` when things could have gone either way '' while he was in intensive care with coronavirus .
She said she had n't expected him to mention her , saying it was a `` shock '' .
She insisted Mr Johnson received no special treatment and `` absolutely needed '' to be in intensive care .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specifically thanked by the PM , said it felt `` quite strange '' looking after Mr Johnson , as he had never cared for someone so high profile before .
Speaking to Television New Zealand ( TVNZ ) , Ms McGee said she was not `` fazed '' by treating the prime minister , adding it was `` just another day at the office '' .
`` As a unit he was just another patient we were trying to do our best for , '' she said .
`` We take it very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these patients who come into us , it 's a very scary thing for them so we do n't take it lightly . ''
She said the pair `` chatted away '' and that Mr Johnson was `` interested in where I came from and what my story was '' .
Ms McGee , who has worked in intensive care for 10 years , said it is `` heartbreaking '' to watch some patients pass away without their families , calling it the `` saddest part '' of her job .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to these patients by `` holding their hand '' , when the virus makes it `` unsafe '' for some loved ones to visit .
Nurses also have to keep a `` cool head '' in stressful situations and prioritise getting patients `` through the night '' , she added .
• Boris Johnson : 'It could have gone either way' • Caring for PM in hospital 'surreal ' for nurse After being singled out by Mr Johnson in a video thanking NHS staff , Ms McGee , from Invercargill on the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jenny from New Zealand '' .
She said the PM 's praise came `` totally out of the blue '' , adding her first reaction was that her friends were playing a `` joke '' on her .
`` I could n't believe what he said on TV , '' she added .
She later received a message of thanks from her `` hero '' New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern .
Ms McGee said : `` I think she 's amazing , she just said how proud she was of me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so heart-warming and that 's something I will never forget . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Asked why she chose not to return home to New Zealand in the wake of the pandemic , despite being on holiday there as the virus began to strike around the world , she said she felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help fight it in the UK .
She said : `` I have lived here for 10 years and I have worked in NHS for that amount of time and I 'm one of the sisters on the unit , a leader on the unit .
`` It was n't an option not to come back and I think by being over here and helping over here I 'm hoping one day to get back to New Zealand . ''
Mr Johnson was discharged from St Thomas ' Hospital in London on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted to be treated for coronavirus .
He spent several nights in the intensive care unit where he was given oxygen .
In a video message after he was discharged , he said the NHS had `` saved my life , no question '' and specifically thanked Ms McGee and another nurse , Luis Pitarma from Portugal .
He said the reason he was able to get enough oxygen was due to the pair keeping watch by his bedside for 48 hours `` thinking ... caring and making the interventions I needed '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has worked at St Thomas 's for nearly four years , revealed he was nervous after being told he would be caring for the prime minister , but said his first conversation with Mr Johnson put him at ease .
In a statement , he said : `` I asked how he would like to be addressed and he said to call him Boris . ''
He said this made him `` less nervous '' because `` he took away any formality '' .
`` He just wanted to be looked after like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big responsibility and I gave it the same respect as I would with any other patient '' , he added .
Mr Pitarma , who is originally from Aveiro in Portugal but lives in west London , said he told Mr Johnson he had been inspired by Florence Nightingale , who established the first professional nursing school in the world at St Thomas ' Hospital in 1860 .
`` I told him how I 'd dreamed about working at St Thomas ' since my first day of training in Portugal in 2009 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her connection to the hospital .
`` He said it was amazing that I wanted to work here for so long and was glad I was there when he needed our care .
It was a pleasure to look after him . ''
Mr Pitarma said he was `` extremely proud '' when Mr Johnson thanked him in person for `` saving his life '' , adding he felt `` so happy '' when the prime minister mentioned him in his video .
Hours later , he received a message of thanks from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling it `` surreal '' .
`` I could n't really believe what was happening .
Apparently I 'm a celebrity in Portugal now !
It 's great to get more recognition for nurses there . ''
The prime minister continues to recover at his country residence , Chequers .

Asked why she chose not to return home to New Zealand in the wake of the pandemic, despite being on holiday there as the virus began to strike around the world, she said she felt a "real sense of duty" to help fight it in the UK.


bbc--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Trump signs order on immigration green card suspension

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to temporarily suspend the approval of some green cards .
The measure , which contains a number of exemptions , is to last for 60 days and then could be extended , he said .
Mr Trump says the order is designed to protect American workers ' jobs in an economy pummelled by the coronavirus .
Critics have accused him of using the pandemic as cover to ram through long-sought hardline immigration policies in an election year .
`` This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopens , '' Mr Trump said during Wednesday 's coronavirus briefing at the White House .
• The new house rules of my life under lockdown Who will lose out and who is exempt ?
The measure is expected to stop the practice of green card holders sponsoring their extended families for permanent US residency , which the president calls chain migration .
But it makes an exception for American citizens ' spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 .
The order also suspends the Diversity Visa Lottery , which issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exempt are the hundreds of thousands of green card applicants already living and working in the US , and those seeking entry to work as doctors , nurses or other healthcare professionals .
Another exception is the hundreds of thousands of temporary guest visas issued each year to such applicants as farm labourers and skilled workers in the H-1B visa programme .
What will be the impact ?
The pandemic has blunted the immediate effect of the order because almost all visa processing by the state department has been halted for weeks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute , Mr Trump 's order could block more than 20,000 applicants per month from obtaining a green card .
Omar Jadwat , director of the American Civil Liberties Union 's Immigrants ' Rights Project , said the policy `` will cause real pain for families and employers across the country '' .
The president 's move is likely to face legal challenges .
• They give immigrants legal permanent residence and the opportunity to apply for American citizenship • In a typical year , nearly one million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The majority - roughly 70 % - go to those with relatives living in the US , according to a 2018 report from the US Senate • For employment-based green cards , a common form of the residency status , roughly 80 % are issued to those already in the country , shifting from a temporary visa to permanent residence How did we get here ?
The president vowed to suspend `` all immigration '' to the US on in a tweet on Monday night .
Like many other nations , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain the pandemic .
The Trump administration has limited visitors from China and most of Europe , while closing its borders to all but `` essential '' travel from Mexico and Canada .
The president has also invoked a 1944 law aimed at preventing the spread of communicable diseases to turn away asylum seekers at US borders .
Why is Trump doing this ?
The president says he is seeking to protect American jobs .
More than 20 million Americans have lost their jobs amid the coronavirus outbreak , and the president has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty '' to ensure they regain work .
Mr Trump , a Republican , came into office partly because of his hardline stance on immigration , and has made the issue central to his presidency .
In November 's election , he is expected to be challenged by former Vice-President Joe Biden , a Democrat who is much more in favour of immigration .
Others have accused the president of trying to distract attention from his response to the coronavirus .
The US has seen more than 46,000 deaths and 840,000 infections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , Mr Trump said he disagreed with moves from some southern states to ease restrictions and reopen their economies .
South Carolina has allowed shops including department stores to reopen , and Georgia 's Governor Brian Kemp has said gyms , hairdressers and some other services will be free to operate from Friday .
Most businesses in Tennessee will reopen on May 1 .
The Republican governors of all three states have said social distancing measures will remain in place .
`` It 's just too soon .
I think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said of Georgia 's decision .
`` They can wait a little bit longer , just a little bit - not much .
Because safety has to predominate . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• LEADING THE WAY : How California kept ahead of the curve • ON FRONTLINE : The young doctors being asked to play god • REASON TO HOPE : The good that may come out of this crisis

Coronavirus: Trump signs order on immigration green card suspension Published 23 April 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, "We want Americans to have the jobs," says President Trump
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to temporarily suspend the approval of some green cards.
The measure, which contains a number of exemptions, is to last for 60 days and then could be extended, he said.
Mr Trump says the order is designed to protect American workers' jobs in an economy pummelled by the coronavirus.
Critics have accused him of using the pandemic as cover to ram through long-sought hardline immigration policies in an election year.
"This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens," Mr Trump said during Wednesday's coronavirus briefing at the White House.
Who will lose out and who is exempt?
The measure is expected to stop the practice of green card holders sponsoring their extended families for permanent US residency, which the president calls chain migration.
But it makes an exception for American citizens' spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21.
The order also suspends the Diversity Visa Lottery, which issues about 50,000 green cards annually.
Also exempt are the hundreds of thousands of green card applicants already living and working in the US, and those seeking entry to work as doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals.
Another exception is the hundreds of thousands of temporary guest visas issued each year to such applicants as farm labourers and skilled workers in the H-1B visa programme.
What will be the impact?
The pandemic has blunted the immediate effect of the order because almost all visa processing by the state department has been halted for weeks with consulates closed.
Nevertheless, according to the the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute, Mr Trump's order could block more than 20,000 applicants per month from obtaining a green card.
Omar Jadwat, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Immigrants' Rights Project, said the policy "will cause real pain for families and employers across the country".
The president's move is likely to face legal challenges.
What are green cards?
They give immigrants legal permanent residence and the opportunity to apply for American citizenship
In a typical year, nearly one million green cards are issued in the US
The majority - roughly 70% - go to those with relatives living in the US, according to a 2018 report from the US Senate
For employment-based green cards, a common form of the residency status, roughly 80% are issued to those already in the country, shifting from a temporary visa to permanent residence
How did we get here?
The president vowed to suspend "all immigration" to the US on in a tweet on Monday night.
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on Twitter The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Skip twitter post by Donald J. Trump Allow Twitter content? This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’. Accept and continue The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. End of twitter post by Donald J. Trump
Like many other nations, the US has imposed sweeping travel restrictions to contain the pandemic.
The Trump administration has limited visitors from China and most of Europe, while closing its borders to all but "essential" travel from Mexico and Canada.
The president has also invoked a 1944 law aimed at preventing the spread of communicable diseases to turn away asylum seekers at US borders.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, WATCH: 'I'm happy, happy, happy', man says after beating coronavirus
Why is Trump doing this?
The president says he is seeking to protect American jobs.
More than 20 million Americans have lost their jobs amid the coronavirus outbreak, and the president has said the government had a "solemn duty" to ensure they regain work.
Mr Trump, a Republican, came into office partly because of his hardline stance on immigration, and has made the issue central to his presidency.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Trump on Georgia reopening: 'I think it's too soon'
In November's election, he is expected to be challenged by former Vice-President Joe Biden, a Democrat who is much more in favour of immigration.
Others have accused the president of trying to distract attention from his response to the coronavirus. The US has seen more than 46,000 deaths and 840,000 infections, the most in the world.
Also on Wednesday, Mr Trump said he disagreed with moves from some southern states to ease restrictions and reopen their economies.
South Carolina has allowed shops including department stores to reopen, and Georgia's Governor Brian Kemp has said gyms, hairdressers and some other services will be free to operate from Friday.
Most businesses in Tennessee will reopen on May 1. The Republican governors of all three states have said social distancing measures will remain in place.


bbc--2020-04-23--Wildfires rip through Poland's biggest national park

Around 6,000 hectares of the Biebrza National Park - roughly 10 % - are currently in flames as hundreds of firefighters attempt to get the blazes under control .
The Environment Ministry said the fire was most likely caused by farmers illegally burning grass .
The situation is worsened due to the fact Poland is currently experiencing its worst droughts in decades. ''
It is not possible now for fire to ignite itself - this is not the middle of summer , there is no heat or storms , '' said park director Andrzej Grygoruk .
`` I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Irresponsibility ? ''
`` Spring is an abrupt explosion of life .
It is impossible to calculate the loss .
This is a tragedy , it can not be described , '' Janina Agnieszka Zach , a tour guide at the park , told TVN broadcaster .
`` We may have to fight this fire for months . ''
Biebrza National Park is located in the north-east of the country , near the border with Belarus .
A low-lying area , it is known for its peat bogs and wetlands , inhabited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

" It is not possible now for fire to ignite itself - this is not the middle of summer, there is no heat or storms," said park director Andrzej Grygoruk. "I don't know what to call it. Stupidity? Irresponsibility?"


bbc--2020-04-23--Musk says SpaceX is 'fixing' brightness from satellites

SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk said the company was `` fixing '' the brightness of his company 's satellites .
Stargazers around the world and including many Britons have witnessed unusual constellations made up of the low earth orbit spacecraft .
SpaceX has been launching large batches of satellites as part of its Starlink project to improve global internet coverage .
The most recent launch took place on Wednesday .
Responding to a question about the brightness of the Starlink satellites on Twitter , Mr Musk said it was due to the angle of the satellites solar panels and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A fix could make them less visible from Earth .
SpaceX 's Starlink project aims to eventually create a network of 12,000 satellites that beam broadband internet access back to Earth .
Many of the satellites that are visible now were sent up in March but their current orbital position has made them easier to see over the past few days .
These satellites are also particularly bright because of their size and the proximity to Earth .
Large satellites are usually sent into higher orbit .
Low orbit satellites are usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flat panels , which reflect light .
SpaceX is working on a `` sunshade '' that will reduce reflection of satellites sent in future launches .
According to astronomers , the visibility of the satellites now is less of a problem for them than it will be as the constellation grows and becomes operational .
Currently , the spacecraft are in a parked orbit , but over the next few months , the craft will use on-board engines to move slighter further from the Earth and rotate their solar panels towards the Sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the naked eye but could mean they cause light pollution for astronomers trying to take pictures of the farther reaches of space .
`` Astronomers ' cameras are designed to take pictures of really faint thing and bright light could ruin data , '' explained Dr Jonathan McDowell an astronomer at the Centre for Astrophysics , a research centre at Harvard University .
`` I applaud the fact that [ SpaceX ] has really been trying to find ways to make them less bright , '' he said .
But Dr McDowell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the launch of so many new low orbit satellites - increased traffic .
The growing number of low orbit craft increases the possibility of crashes between objects which could damage machines or send materials falling back to earth .
SpaceX launches have continued despite Covid-19 lockdown across the United States , where SpaceX is based .
Wednesday 's launch from Cape Canaveral , Florida was the fourth for Starlink this year and the seventh time it has sent a large batch of the spacecraft into orbit .

Currently, the spacecraft are in a parked orbit, but over the next few months, the craft will use on-board engines to move slighter further from the Earth and rotate their solar panels towards the Sun. That will make them less visible to the naked eye but could mean they cause light pollution for astronomers trying to take pictures of the farther reaches of space.


bbc--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Australia urges G20 action on wildlife wet markets

The Australian government is calling for the G20 countries to take action on wildlife wet markets , calling them a `` biosecurity and human health risk '' .
Australia is not yet calling for a ban - but says its own advisers believe they may need to be `` phased out '' .
`` Wet markets '' are marketplaces that sell fresh food such as meat and fish .
But some also sell wildlife - and it 's thought the coronavirus may have emerged at a wet market in Wuhan that sold live , `` exotic '' animals .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of animals including foxes , wolf cubs , civets , turtles , and snakes .
What did Australia say ?
The Australian government called for an investigation into wildlife wet markets after a meeting of G20 agriculture ministers .
Speaking to the ABC on Thursday , agriculture minister David Littleproud said he was not targeting all food markets .
`` A wet market , like the Sydney fish market , is perfectly safe , '' he said .
`` But when you add wildlife , live wildlife , exotic wildlife - that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the extent we have seen .
`` And in fact , China themselves reported this to the World Organisation for Animal Health , that that was the cause of Covid-19 . ''
Mr Littleproud said he wanted to `` get the science '' first , but said : `` Even our chief veterinary officer is telling us that he believes they [ wildlife wet markets ] may need to be phased out . ''
What is the risk of wildlife wet markets ?
The exact origin of the new coronavirus is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came from an animal .
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health , Covid-19 is a `` close relative '' of other viruses found in horseshoe bats .
So the virus could have passed from bat to human , or via an `` intermediate host '' - one theory is bat , to pangolin , to human .
The Sars coronavirus is thought to have emerged in bats before passing to civets and then humans .
The Mers coronavirus passed from camels to humans , after probably emerging in bats .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January , China issued a temporary ban in the trade in wild animals , as it did during the Sars outbreak .
A month later , the government `` thoroughly banned the illegal trading of wildlife '' and `` eliminated the consumption of wild animals to safeguard people 's lives and health '' .
But since then , a number of reports have said wildlife is still being sold in markets in China and elsewhere .
• How the pandemic is putting the spotlight on wildlife trade More recently , the head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must `` rigorously enforce bans on the sale and trade of wildlife for food '' .
WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said : `` When these markets are allowed to reopen , it should only be on the condition that they conform to stringent food safety and hygiene standards . ''

Mr Littleproud said he wanted to "get the science" first, but said: "Even our chief veterinary officer is telling us that he believes they [wildlife wet markets] may need to be phased out."


bbc--2020-04-23--'Zoombombing' targeted with new version of app

Zoom has said it will release an improved version of its hugely popular video conferencing app this week .
It comes after issues with the company 's data security and privacy measures have come under intense scrutiny .
The firm said Zoom 5.0 will include upgraded encryption features to help protect data and fend off so-called `` Zoombombing '' .
The platform is now being used by hundreds of millions of people for work and leisure , as lockdowns are imposed around the world .
`` We will earn our customers ’ trust and deliver them happiness with our unwavering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Zoom 's chief executive Eric Yuan said in a statement .
Zoom has been criticised for a range of privacy issues , including sending users ' device data to Facebook , wrongly claiming the app had end-to-end encryption , and allowing meeting hosts to track attendees .
• New York couples can now tie the knot over Zoom • Zoom is in everyone 's living room - how safe is it ?
One of the app ’ s most high-profile issues has been “ Zoombombing ” incidents , where uninvited guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several companies , schools and governments stopping the use of the platform .
In the UK there has been debate about whether the government should be using Zoom for cabinet meetings , after Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted a picture which included the ID number of the latest meeting .
It has also been reported that Elon Musk has banned the use of Zoom for SpaceX meetings over security concerns .
Nasa , which is one of Space X 's biggest customers , also prevents employees from using it .
Meanwhile , Singapore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by its teachers , after a `` very serious incident '' during a home-based lesson .
Singapore 's Ministry of Education has since announced that teaching over Zoom was now resuming , with enhanced security measures .
Earlier this month Zoom said it would pause the development of any new features to concentrate on safety and privacy issues .
Mr Yuan apologised for `` falling short '' on security issues and promised to address concerns , saying that the use of Zoom had soared in ways he could never have foreseen prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily user numbers have soared to 300 million from 10 million in less than three months .
At the same time New York 's attorney general has written to the firm raising concerns over its ability to cope with the rise in users .
The letter from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James asked Zoom whether it had reviewed its security measures since its popularity surged .
It also pointed out that in the past the app had been slow to address issues .
In response to a request from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson said : `` Zoom takes its users ' privacy , security , and trust extremely seriously . ''

The letter from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James asked Zoom whether it had reviewed its security measures since its popularity surged. It also pointed out that in the past the app had been slow to address issues.


bbc--2020-04-22--'I'm happy, happy, happy' after beating Covid-19

Guillermo Usme spent a week at Mount Sinai Queens hospital in New York City suffering with Covid-19 .
His doctors @ @ @ @ @ treatment and was able to recover without the use of a ventilator .
Medical staff @ @ @ @ @ left the hospital .

Guillermo Usme spent a week at Mount Sinai Queens hospital in New York City suffering with Covid-19.
His doctors say he responded well to treatment and was able to recover without the use of a ventilator.
Medical staff cheered for him as he left the hospital.


bbc--2020-04-23--Saudi tribe challenges crown prince's plans for tech city

A Saudi human rights activist living in London alleges that she has received death threats from people she believes are supporters of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .
Alya Abutayah Alhwaiti told the BBC the threats were made in a phone call and on Twitter after she raised international awareness about a Saudi government plan to evict members of her tribe to make way for a 21st Century high-tech city on the shores of the Red Sea .
`` We can get you in London , '' Ms Alhwaiti said she was warned in the call .
`` You think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not . ''
Ms Alhwaiti added that she was also threatened with `` the same fate that happened to Jamal Khashoggi '' .
She has reported the threats to the British police .
Khashoggi , a Saudi journalist and prominent critic of the crown prince , was murdered and dismembered by government agents inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 .
Western intelligence agencies believe his murder was carried out on the prince 's orders , which the Saudi government denies .
On 13 April , a man named Abdul Rahim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Saudi security forces were trying to evict him and other members of the Huwaitat tribe from their historic homeland in the far north-west of the country to clear the way for a new development called Neom .
Alya Alhwaiti , who is from the same tribe , circulated the videos .
In the videos , Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti vowed to defy the government 's eviction order .
In one , he said he expected the authorities to plant weapons in his house to incriminate him .
He was later killed by Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Security confirmed his death , alleging that he had opened fire on security forces and that they had been forced to retaliate .
This version of events was vigorously denied by Ms Alhwaiti , who insisted that Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti did not have any firearms .
On Wednesday , she posted photographs and video footage from his funeral near the village of al-Khoraibah , which was apparently well-attended despite the presence of Saudi security personnel .
The Huwaitat are a proud , ancient and traditionally nomadic Bedouin tribe that have lived on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of years .
Revered in history as fearless warriors , they fought alongside T E Lawrence in the Arab Revolt of 1917 and he mentioned them in his epic memoir , Seven Pillars of Wisdom .
I spent several weeks living with them in my 20s in the desert dunes east of Jordan 's Wadi Rum , catching a glimpse of a traditional way of life that was fast disappearing .
Today , much of the tribe has forsaken the nomadic desert life for a settled existence in houses and villages .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Neom , '' said Ms Alhwaiti .
`` They just do n't want to be forcibly evicted from a land their families have lived in for generations . ''
She said eight of Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti 's cousins had been arrested for protesting against the eviction order , but that together with human rights activists in the West they were hoping to mount a legal challenge .
The violent death of the protester is not the first problem to beset Crown Prince Mohammed 's ambitious plans to build this futuristic city intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on oil revenue .
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi shook international investor confidence in the kingdom and cast a pall of suspicion over the prince , its de facto ruler .
More recently , the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the global economy and the oil price has plummeted to historic lows .
If it does not recover dramatically over time then it is hard to see how Riyadh is going to finance this project , which was originally budgeted at around $ 500bn ( £407bn ) .
Neom is part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project to provide meaningful jobs for Saudis beyond the oil sector .
Officially , it is still on track .
`` Work continues , '' said a press release on Sunday , `` the project remains on schedule and we continue to make progress as we plan to build Neom 's first new cities by 2023 . ''
Contracts were being awarded , it added , including for three residential areas that are intended to house up to 30,000 people .
`` This project is our moon shot , '' confided a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it work . ''
But forced evictions , a dead protester and sinister threats will do little to improve the international standing of a project some believe may now be in serious doubt .

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bbc--2020-04-23--Women's European Championship: Uefa move tournament to July 2022

The postponed 2021 Women 's European Championship will take place from 6-31 July 2022 , Uefa has confirmed .
The @ @ @ @ @ in England , has been pushed back after the men 's European Championship and the @ @ @ @ @ until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The intention is to use the same @ @ @ @ @ .
Uefa president Aleksander Čeferin says the move ensures the competition will get the `` @ @ @ @ @ He added : `` By moving to the following year , we are ensuring that @ @ @ @ @ will be the only major football tournament of the summer . ''

Last updated on .From the section Women's Football
Wembley Stadium will host the Women's European Championship final
The postponed 2021 Women's European Championship will take place from 6-31 July 2022, Uefa has confirmed.
The tournament, to be held in England, has been pushed back after the men's European Championship and the Tokyo Olympics were both postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The intention is to use the same venues as the original tournament.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin says the move ensures the competition will get the "spotlight it deserves".
He added: "By moving to the following year, we are ensuring that our flagship women's competition will be the only major football tournament of the summer."
Uefa's chief of women's football, Nadine Kessler, said: "This decision puts us in a position to deliver a tournament that attracts global attention, maximises media coverage and increases stadium attendances, and is therefore helping us to meet our core objective of inspiring the next generation of footballers.
"2022 also allows for further promotion and partner activation, which would have been much more difficult in what is now a crowded summer in 2021."
England are set to open the tournament Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium on 7 July, one of 10 venues used across the country, with Wembley hosting the final.
Moving the Euros to 2022 will avoid two women's tournaments in the same summer.
Three European teams - Great Britain, the Netherlands and Sweden - have already qualified for the Olympics.
As it stands, the finale of the Women's Euros will coincide with the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which are held from 27 July-7 August.
Uefa says there were "extensive discussions" with Birmingham 2022 organisers.
The Football Association's director of women's football, Baroness Sue Campbell said: "We are also grateful to the Commonwealth Games Federation for its collaboration as we sought to confirm these new dates, and look forward to working together to showcase the best of women's sport across both of our events."


bbc--2020-04-23--'This is it, this is the biggest moment of my life' - what's it like to go through the NFL draft?

`` You go through a mixed bag of emotions .
You 're excited , anxious , frustrated .
Then once you get that call the disappointment , the anguish , the nerves all just disappear . ''
That 's how Menelik Watson describes the NFL draft , yet those words could well have been uttered by fellow British-born players Osi Umenyiora and Jack Crawford .
Umenyiora could even add `` relaxed '' as , when he entered the 2003 draft , he was enjoying it like one of the 11m fans that will be watching the 2020 draft this weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL Combine , where the best college players showcase their talents before the draft , Umenyiora was convinced he would not get picked until the fourth or fifth round and told his family and friends not to join him until day two .
So the former defensive end was home alone in Atlanta , `` laying on the couch , enjoying the whole experience , seeing who the teams picked and which schools they were from . ''
`` Then all of a sudden my phone rings , '' he told BBC Sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says ' I think something crazy 's happening .
I think the New York Giants are about to draft you ' .
`` Two minutes later I get a call from the Giants and I watch them go up to announce my name .
It was surreal .
I had no clue they were going to pick me . ''
Umenyiora was selected late in the second round , 56th overall , but draft day was far from enjoyable for Watson .
• NFL draft 2020 : From Vegas to video calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
'It was like a fairytale , then I fell back to reality' Watson 's journey was one of the stories of the 2013 draft .
After an impoverished upbringing in Manchester , he moved to the US on a basketball scholarship and just two years after switching to American football entered the NFL draft .
And it was n't just media that were interested .
The offensive tackle was invited to the Combine and `` virtually all '' 32 teams interviewed him .
The draft took place at New York 's Radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family were invited to the green room , where the top prospects wait backstage for their name to be called .
And they waited , and waited .
`` I had teams saying 'if he goes here , we 'll take you there ' , '' said Watson .
`` Baltimore Ravens had the 32nd pick and told me 'if you 're still there , we 'll definitely take you ' . ''
They did n't .
The first round was done .
So instead of being presented with his new team 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fans , Watson had to head back home to Atlanta to `` wait his turn '' in the second round .
`` I did n't really want to be in New York , to walk across the stage and shake the commissioner 's hand , '' he added .
`` It turned into this big spectacle - I 'm there in my suit , my family had come over from England .
It was like living in a fairytale for a moment , then I fell back to reality .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd gone to all this effort for nothing .
My family were bewildered , they did n't really know what was going on .
After the 32nd pick was announced , we all got up and walked straight out .
There were no camera crews following us , no drama .
I just wanted to go home . ''
Watson treated the next day like any other .
He and his brother went for a workout , grabbed a sandwich , and were driving home when Watson got a call .
With the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Oakland Raiders , where he 'd see an old rival , Jack Crawford .
`` I 'd actually forgotten the draft had restarted , '' said Watson .
`` But I was happy to feel valued again .
All the other emotions just went away . ''
Watson and Crawford actually played basketball against each other in England before Crawford left for the US even earlier , aged just 16 .
After two weeks he wanted to go back home , but his new friend Peter Dandrea asked his family if Crawford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week turned into three years , during which the Londoner also switched to American football .
Come 2012 , he was back at the Dandreas ' New Jersey home during the draft .
The Raiders were one of just three teams to speak with Crawford at the Combine so he `` did n't really follow '' the first two days .
On day three , as the fourth round went by , he started to `` feel more pressure '' .
`` It was tense , '' he said .
`` I remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest moment of my life .
Will I get drafted or not ? '
You see other guys go before you and at one point I did n't want to watch anymore because I thought I was n't going to get drafted . ''
Then he got a call .
But it was n't from a team , it was one of his mates .
`` I was not happy , '' said Crawford .
`` I was like 'man , what the heck are you calling me for ? '
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ text , do n't call ! ''
The defensive end did n't have to wait much longer , the Raiders picked him in the fifth round , 158th overall .
`` It was a great feeling , '' he said .
`` I 'd put a lot of work into it and it all came down to that one point .
In the space of 10 seconds , I went from one of the most anxious moments in my life to the most relieved .
`` And it was great to share it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'll never forget .
They were so excited for me .
They took me in and treated me like one of their own so I consider them family , and I 'm still best friends with Pete . ''
' I had to perform , I knew I could mess it up for everybody else' Umenyiora , Watson and Crawford said the celebrations were short-lived though .
They knew that the real work was about to begin .
Many draft picks fail to live up to expectations while undrafted players still manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL career , and Umenyiora was determined not to become a 'bust ' .
`` I was happy to get drafted but I soon felt a tremendous amount of pressure , '' said the 38-year-old .
`` I was like ' I went high , man .
I need to go out there and live up to that now ' .
`` I 'd come from a small school ( Troy ) and I knew I could mess it up for everybody else from a small school so I had to go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did , winning two Super Bowls with the Giants , while Watson and Crawford , both 31 , have spent longer than average in the NFL .
Crawford signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans earlier this month and Watson still hopes to return to the league after leaving the Denver Broncos in 2017 .
The NFL hopes more overseas players can make it to the league and there 's now a clear pathway via the NFL Academy , which opened in London last year and will launch an online recruitment process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of student athletes .
Becoming a draft prospect would be an emotional rollercoaster , but it 'll be worth it for a shot at living the NFL fairytale .

NFL draft 2020: Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell look ahead to unique occasion
NFL draft 2020 Coverage: The BBC Sport website will run a live text commentary from 23:30 BST on 23 April. The first round begins at 01:00 BST on 24 April.
"You go through a mixed bag of emotions. You're excited, anxious, frustrated. Then once you get that call the disappointment, the anguish, the nerves all just disappear."
That's how Menelik Watson describes the NFL draft, yet those words could well have been uttered by fellow British-born players Osi Umenyiora and Jack Crawford.
Umenyiora could even add "relaxed" as, when he entered the 2003 draft, he was enjoying it like one of the 11m fans that will be watching the 2020 draft this weekend.
Having not been invited to the NFL Combine, where the best college players showcase their talents before the draft, Umenyiora was convinced he would not get picked until the fourth or fifth round and told his family and friends not to join him until day two.
So the former defensive end was home alone in Atlanta, "laying on the couch, enjoying the whole experience, seeing who the teams picked and which schools they were from."
"Then all of a sudden my phone rings," he told BBC Sport. "It's my agent, he says 'I think something crazy's happening. I think the New York Giants are about to draft you'.
"Two minutes later I get a call from the Giants and I watch them go up to announce my name. It was surreal. I had no clue they were going to pick me."
Umenyiora was selected late in the second round, 56th overall, but draft day was far from enjoyable for Watson.
How does the draft work? The draft takes places over three days with round one on Thursday, two-three on Friday and four-seven on Saturday - with 255 picks The 32 NFL teams have one pick each round - but teams can trade and some get extra 'compensatory' picks The worst team last season the Cincinnati Bengals get the first pick in each round and Super Bowl winners the Kansas City Chiefs select last in each round
'It was like a fairytale, then I fell back to reality'
Watson's journey was one of the stories of the 2013 draft. After an impoverished upbringing in Manchester, he moved to the US on a basketball scholarship and just two years after switching to American football entered the NFL draft.
And it wasn't just media that were interested. The offensive tackle was invited to the Combine and "virtually all" 32 teams interviewed him.
The draft took place at New York's Radio City Music Hall and Watson and his family were invited to the green room, where the top prospects wait backstage for their name to be called. And they waited, and waited.
"I had teams saying 'if he goes here, we'll take you there'," said Watson. "Baltimore Ravens had the 32nd pick and told me 'if you're still there, we'll definitely take you'."
They didn't. The first round was done. So instead of being presented with his new team's hat and jersey in front of thousands of fans, Watson had to head back home to Atlanta to "wait his turn" in the second round.
"I didn't really want to be in New York, to walk across the stage and shake the commissioner's hand," he added. "It turned into this big spectacle - I'm there in my suit, my family had come over from England. It was like living in a fairytale for a moment, then I fell back to reality.
British NFL star Menelik Watson proposes to girlfriend mid-game
"It did hurt. It felt like we'd gone to all this effort for nothing. My family were bewildered, they didn't really know what was going on. After the 32nd pick was announced, we all got up and walked straight out. There were no camera crews following us, no drama. I just wanted to go home."
Watson treated the next day like any other. He and his brother went for a workout, grabbed a sandwich, and were driving home when Watson got a call. With the 42nd pick, he was selected by the Oakland Raiders, where he'd see an old rival, Jack Crawford.
"I'd actually forgotten the draft had restarted," said Watson. "But I was happy to feel valued again. All the other emotions just went away."
The number one rule - text, don't call!
Watson and Crawford actually played basketball against each other in England before Crawford left for the US even earlier, aged just 16. After two weeks he wanted to go back home, but his new friend Peter Dandrea asked his family if Crawford could stay for a week.
That week turned into three years, during which the Londoner also switched to American football. Come 2012, he was back at the Dandreas' New Jersey home during the draft.
The Raiders were one of just three teams to speak with Crawford at the Combine so he "didn't really follow" the first two days. On day three, as the fourth round went by, he started to "feel more pressure".
"It was tense," he said. "I remember thinking 'this is it, this is the biggest moment of my life. Will I get drafted or not?' You see other guys go before you and at one point I didn't want to watch anymore because I thought I wasn't going to get drafted."
Then he got a call. But it wasn't from a team, it was one of his mates. "I was not happy," said Crawford. "I was like 'man, what the heck are you calling me for?' The number one rule during the draft is text, don't call!"
The defensive end didn't have to wait much longer, the Raiders picked him in the fifth round, 158th overall.
"It was a great feeling," he said. "I'd put a lot of work into it and it all came down to that one point. In the space of 10 seconds, I went from one of the most anxious moments in my life to the most relieved.
"And it was great to share it with the Dandreas. It was something I'll never forget. They were so excited for me. They took me in and treated me like one of their own so I consider them family, and I'm still best friends with Pete."
'I had to perform, I knew I could mess it up for everybody else'
Umenyiora, Watson and Crawford said the celebrations were short-lived though. They knew that the real work was about to begin.
Many draft picks fail to live up to expectations while undrafted players still manage to get signed and enjoy a successful NFL career, and Umenyiora was determined not to become a 'bust'.
"I was happy to get drafted but I soon felt a tremendous amount of pressure," said the 38-year-old. "I was like 'I went high, man. I need to go out there and live up to that now'.
"I'd come from a small school (Troy) and I knew I could mess it up for everybody else from a small school so I had to go out there and perform."
That he did, winning two Super Bowls with the Giants, while Watson and Crawford, both 31, have spent longer than average in the NFL. Crawford signed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans earlier this month and Watson still hopes to return to the league after leaving the Denver Broncos in 2017.
The NFL hopes more overseas players can make it to the league and there's now a clear pathway via the NFL Academy, which opened in London last year and will launch an online recruitment process in May to find its next intake of student athletes.
Becoming a draft prospect would be an emotional rollercoaster, but it'll be worth it for a shot at living the NFL fairytale.


bbc--2020-04-23--Drive-through test centres & 20,000 tests - how Bundesliga plans to start playing in May

Football has been halted across the globe by the coronavirus pandemic with all major leagues and competitions suspended .
The Bundesliga is now eager to return to action with plans to play spectator-free games in May .
Germany has led the way in its approach to combating the coronavirus pandemic .
The country 's intense programme of consistent testing from early on has resulted in far fewer deaths than the worst affected countries .
The German Football League ( DFL ) , responsible for operating the Bundesliga and the second division , is determined to finish the current season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday to discuss a restart of the season next month .
But Germany 's football authorities still face some huge questions before they get the green light to resume football in the country behind closed doors .
What challenges do they face and how are they planning to combat them ?
What will Germany 's government say ?
German politics has recently decided that large events with crowds will be banned at least until the end of August .
That rules out the Bundesliga being played in front of spectators until the scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to work around regulations is to stage spectator-free games , with only players , coaching staff , medics , referees , ball boys and ball girls , ground staff , technicians , safety officers , and production staff for television and VAR being present inside the stadiums .
League officials estimate that up to 300 people are needed per match .
In Germany , the 16 federal states determine the maximum number of people allowed for public gatherings and a decision about that number will be made by the end of April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to any plans from the DFL , but they are aware of the economic struggles of professional football and are expected to grant the wish of the clubs .
`` A weekend with football is much more bearable than a weekend without football .
That 's why I could picture to have matches behind closed doors '' , Markus Soder , state premier of Bavaria , said at a recent online talk show hosted by German newspaper Bild .
He and Armin Laschet , state premier of North Rhine-Westphalia , have said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restart as soon as 9 May .
Soder and Laschet rushed ahead with their statements , knowing the federal government and the 16 state governments meet on 30 April , with the likely outcome that football matches are allowed to be staged in the following months .
The DFL , however , does not think that it will be ready by 9 May , feeling that it needs more time for preparation .
They believe 16 or 23 May are more likely dates for the restart .
Staging professional football games even with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a logistical challenge .
A few weeks ago , the DFL set up a task force to define the necessary medical and hygiene protocols which would be required .
According to plans of the task force , the stadiums will be divided into three zones .
Only a maximum of 100 people can be in each of these sections .
The inner section belongs to the 22 players , 18 bench players , five referees and around 53 others .
The stands are considered the second section , and the area directly surrounding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The plans also include regular testing of players and coaches between training sessions and before every match .
Alexander Kekule , a biochemist from Martin Luther University in Halle , estimates that the DFL would need up to 20,000 detection tests and exceptional organisational measures .
He said : `` Players have to be shielded under specific safety rules to prevent infections , because they are not able to avoid contact on the pitch . ''
Regular testing could create a headache from a practical standpoint , because it is impossible to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he takes to the pitch .
`` It takes a couple of days before someone , who has contracted the virus , tests positive , '' Martin Eichner , an epidemiologist from University of Tubingen , explains .
He dismisses the option of faster detection tests that have been in development , as they are not fully reliable yet .
Others have expressed concerns about the moral implications .
`` Tens of thousands of tests would be needed that are missing in nursing facilities '' , Karl Lauterbach , health expert for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently tweeted .
The DFL disputes these concerns .
`` Any assumption that possible continuous testing will cause a shortage of supplies for the general public ignores the facts .
Testing capacity has been increased massively in recent weeks , '' the DFL executive committee stated in a press release on Tuesday .
There are currently 640,000 tests available per week in Germany .
The Bundesliga and second division would require about 0.5 percent of these tests .
While political backlash and criticism from influential fan groups is inevitable , various club officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their current plans .
They argue that a continuation of the season , even without spectators in the stands , is the only way to guarantee the immediate survival of Germany 's professional football industry .
According to an internal DFL report from late March , at least 13 of the 36 Bundesliga and second-division sides face insolvency by May or June , if the season does not restart soon .
Twelve of these 13 clubs have already guaranteed the fourth and last instalment of this season 's television rights money to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights holders , Sky , DAZN and the public broadcasters ARD and ZDF , have not paid that instalment of a total of €304m ( £265m ) .
The remaining nine matchdays equal exactly a quarter of the season worth that fourth instalment .
The payment to the DFL was initially scheduled for 10 April .
The DFL has now reached an agreement with Sky , ARD and ZDF about 2 May being the new day of payment , shortly after the restart of the season gets the go ahead .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the current crisis .
Most players have returned to training .
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich came back to their training ground on 6 April , with players practicing in small groups and keeping distance at all times .
RB Leipzig returned on 2 April , while Borussia Dortmund started with individual workouts two days earlier .
This week , the DFL sent its clubs a paper including 31 instructions for training sessions .
Among other things , the clubs have to arrange coronavirus drive-through test centres for symptomatic players and staff members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only allowed if players enter in small groups and stay two metres apart from one another .
Team meals are generally prohibited .
The clubs promise to obey these rules in the hopes that they are able to return to the pitch and finish the season .

May return for German clubs? Mbappe only worth 40m? Latest European news
Despite football being halted across the globe by the coronavirus pandemic with all major leagues and competitions suspended, the Bundesliga is now eager to return to action with plans to play spectator-free games in May.
Germany has led the way in its approach to combating the coronavirus pandemic. The country's intense programme of consistent testing from early on has resulted in far fewer deaths than the worst-affected countries.
The German Football League (DFL), responsible for operating the Bundesliga and the second division, is determined to finish the current season. Its 36 professional clubs met on Thursday to discuss a restart of the season next month.
However, Germany's football authorities still face some huge questions before they get the green light to resume football in the country behind closed doors.
"If we start on 9 May, we are ready. If it is later, we will be ready again," DFL chief executive Christian Seifert said on Thursday.
"For us, what is decisive is what the politicians will decide. It is not for us to decide when.
"Games without spectators are not what we want - but at the moment the only thing that seems feasible."
So, what challenges do they face and how are they planning to combat them?
The last Bundesliga match, Borussia Monchengladbach v Cologne on 11 March, was played behind closed doors
What will Germany's government say?
German politics has recently decided that large events with crowds will be banned at least until 24 October. That rules out the Bundesliga being played in front of spectators until the scheduled start of next season.
The only way to work around regulations is to stage spectator-free games, with only players, coaching staff, medics, referees, ball boys and ball girls, ground staff, technicians, safety officers, and production staff for television and VAR being present inside the stadiums. League officials estimate that up to 300 people are needed per match.
In Germany, the 16 federal states determine the maximum number of people allowed for public gatherings and a decision about that number will be made by the end of April.
The governments could put a stop to any plans from the DFL, but they are aware of the economic struggles of professional football and are expected to grant the wish of the clubs.
"A weekend with football is much more bearable than a weekend without football. That's why I could picture to have matches behind closed doors", Markus Soder, state premier of Bavaria, said at a recent online talk show hosted by German newspaper Bild.
He and Armin Laschet, state premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, have said they think it's conceivable the Bundesliga would restart as soon as 9 May.
Soder and Laschet rushed ahead with their statements, knowing the federal government and the 16 state governments meet on 30 April, with the likely outcome that football matches are allowed to be staged in the following months.
Borussia Monchengladbach fans show support with cut-outs
20,000 tests required
Staging professional football games even with only a few hundred people present becomes a logistical challenge. A few weeks ago, the DFL set up a task force to define the necessary medical and hygiene protocols which would be required.
According to plans of the task force, the stadiums will be divided into three zones. Only a maximum of 100 people can be in each of these sections. The inner section belongs to the 22 players, 18 bench players, five referees and around 53 others. The stands are considered the second section, and the area directly surrounding the stadium is the third one.
The plans also include regular testing of players and coaches between training sessions and before every match. Alexander Kekule, a biochemist from Martin Luther University in Halle, estimates that the DFL would need up to 20,000 detection tests and exceptional organisational measures.
He said: "Players have to be shielded under specific safety rules to prevent infections, because they are not able to avoid contact on the pitch."
Regular testing could create a headache from a practical standpoint, because it is impossible to know whether a player is already infected when he takes to the pitch.
"It takes a couple of days before someone, who has contracted the virus, tests positive," Martin Eichner, an epidemiologist from University of Tubingen, explains. He dismisses the option of faster detection tests that have been in development, as they are not fully reliable yet.
Others have expressed concerns about the moral implications. "Tens of thousands of tests would be needed that are missing in nursing facilities", Karl Lauterbach, health expert for the Social Democratic Party (SPD), recently tweeted. external-link
The DFL disputes these concerns. "Any assumption that possible continuous testing will cause a shortage of supplies for the general public ignores the facts. Testing capacity has been increased massively in recent weeks," the DFL executive committee stated in a press release on Tuesday.
There are currently 640,000 tests available per week in Germany. The Bundesliga and second division would require about 0.5% of these tests.
Clubs face insolvency
While political backlash and criticism from influential fan groups is inevitable, various club officials have indicated they want to go ahead with their current plans. They argue that a continuation of the season, even without spectators in the stands, is the only way to guarantee the immediate survival of Germany's professional football industry.
According to an internal DFL report from late March, at least 13 of the 36 Bundesliga and second-division sides face insolvency by May or June, if the season does not restart soon. Twelve of these 13 clubs have already guaranteed the fourth and last instalment of this season's television rights money to creditors.
However, the main television rights holders, Sky, Eurosport and the public broadcasters ARD and ZDF, have not paid that instalment of a total of €304m (£265m). The remaining nine matchdays equal exactly a quarter of the season worth that fourth instalment.
The payment to the DFL was initially scheduled for 10 April. The DFL has now reached an agreement with Sky, ARD and ZDF about 2 May being the new day of payment, shortly after the restart of the season gets the go ahead.
Players keep distance in training
In the meantime, the teams try to cope with the current crisis. Most players have returned to training.
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich came back to their training ground on 6 April, with players practising in small groups and keeping distance at all times. RB Leipzig returned on 2 April, while Borussia Dortmund started with individual workouts two days earlier.
This week, the DFL sent its clubs a paper including 31 instructions for training sessions. Among other things, the clubs have to arrange coronavirus drive-through test centres for symptomatic players and staff members. The use of locker rooms is only allowed if players enter in small groups and stay two metres apart from one another. Team meals are generally prohibited.
The clubs promise to obey these rules in the hopes that they are able to return to the pitch and finish the season.


bbc--2020-04-23--'Merge tennis' governing bodies,' says Roger Federer

Roger Federer says `` now is the time '' for the men 's and women 's governing bodies to merge while tennis is in limbo because of the coronavirus .
The 20-time Grand Slam champion floated the idea in a series of Twitter posts .
He said a merger of the Women 's Tennis Association ( WTA ) and the men 's Association of Tennis Professionals ( ATP ) `` probably should have happened '' .
`` We can come out of this with two weakened bodies or one stronger body , '' Federer said .
Later on Wednesday ATP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea saying : `` Our sport has a big opportunity if we can come together in the spirit of collaboration and unity .
`` Recent cooperation between governing bodies has only strengthened my belief that a unified sport is the surest way to maximise our potential and to deliver an optimal experience for fans on site , on television and online .
To that end , I welcome the views of our players . ''
WTA chairman and chief executive Steve Simon said the organisation had been `` regular contact with the ATP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I have long stated that we are at our best as a sport when we can work together , and the recent weeks have highlighted that fact .
`` We look forward to continuing discussions on how we can effectively work together to deliver the greatest value to our fans and to our many stakeholders . ''
BBC Sport understands preliminary discussions have taken place between the two tours about greater collaboration in certain areas .
While many high-profile tennis players have backed Federer 's plan , Australia 's Nick Kyrgios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We should n't merge . ''
On Wednesday , the world number 40 had posted : `` Did anyone ask the majority of the ATP what they think about merging with the WTA and how it is good for us ? ''
In a series of social media posts on Wednesday , Federer added : `` I am not talking about merging competition on the court but merging the two governing bodies that oversee the men 's and women 's professional tours .
`` It 's too confusing for the fans when there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , different websites , different tournament categories . ''
American tennis legend Billie Jean King , one of the prime movers behind the founding of the WTA , said a merger `` has long been my vision for tennis '' .
`` The WTA on its own was always Plan B , '' added King .
`` I 'm glad we are on the same page .
Let 's make it happen . ''
Spanish 19-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal added : `` It would be great to get out of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's and women 's tennis in only one organisation . ''
Reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep , two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova , Argentine Diego Schwartzman and two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza are among the other high-profile tennis players to voice their agreement on social media .
All tennis has been abandoned until at least 13 July , with Wimbledon cancelling its grass court tournament for the first time since World War Two because of the coronavirus pandemic .
It followed the postponement of the French Open , which was due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take place in Paris from 20 September to 4 October .
With all sports facing up to an alarming financial future , one strengthened and unified governing body certainly has a ring of appeal .
There would also be marketing and scheduling advantages .
They would n't need to change the net to change the logo between matches at combined events , for example .
And maybe all televised tennis would be found in the same place , and no longer require several subscriptions to access .
Women could gain financially as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prize funds , but how would men react to the potential dilution of their income and a brand , which for the moment , is significantly stronger ?
How likely is a merger to happen ?
Very unlikely in the short term , but not impossible in the longer term - although perhaps only in certain mutually beneficial areas .
I understand preliminary discussions have taken place - which , in itself , is a sign of the sport 's new found spirit of co-operation in the age of Covid-19 .

Roger Federer has won eight Wimbledon titles
Roger Federer says "now is the time" for the men's and women's governing bodies to merge while tennis is in limbo because of the coronavirus.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion floated the idea in a series of Twitter posts.
He said a merger of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the men's Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) "probably should have happened".
"We can come out of this with two weakened bodies or one stronger body," Federer said.
Later on Wednesday ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi appeared to back the idea saying: "Our sport has a big opportunity if we can come together in the spirit of collaboration and unity.
"Recent cooperation between governing bodies has only strengthened my belief that a unified sport is the surest way to maximise our potential and to deliver an optimal experience for fans on site, on television and online. To that end, I welcome the views of our players."
WTA chairman and chief executive Steve Simon said the organisation had been "regular contact with the ATP" during the coronavirus pandemic, adding: "I have long stated that we are at our best as a sport when we can work together, and the recent weeks have highlighted that fact.
"We look forward to continuing discussions on how we can effectively work together to deliver the greatest value to our fans and to our many stakeholders."
BBC Sport understands preliminary discussions have taken place between the two tours about greater collaboration in certain areas.
While many high-profile tennis players have backed Federer's plan, Australia's Nick Kyrgios tweeted on Thursday to say: "We shouldn't merge."
On Wednesday, the world number 40 had posted: "Did anyone ask the majority of the ATP what they think about merging with the WTA and how it is good for us?"
In a series of social media posts external-link on Wednesday, Federer added: "I am not talking about merging competition on the court but merging the two governing bodies that oversee the men's and women's professional tours.
"It's too confusing for the fans when there are different ranking systems, different logos, different websites, different tournament categories."
American tennis legend Billie Jean King, one of the prime movers behind the founding of the WTA, said a merger external-link "has long been my vision for tennis".
"The WTA on its own was always Plan B," added King. "I'm glad we are on the same page. Let's make it happen."
Spanish 19-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal added external-link : "It would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in only one organisation."
Reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, Argentine Diego Schwartzman and two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza are among the other high-profile tennis players to voice their agreement on social media.
All tennis has been abandoned until at least 13 July, with Wimbledon cancelling its grass court tournament for the first time since World War Two because of the coronavirus pandemic.
It followed the postponement of the French Open, which was due to begin in May but has been rescheduled to take place in Paris from 20 September to 4 October.
Analysis
Russell Fuller, BBC Sport tennis correspondent
With all sports facing up to an alarming financial future, one strengthened and unified governing body certainly has a ring of appeal.
There would also be marketing and scheduling advantages.
They wouldn't need to change the net to change the logo between matches at combined events, for example. And maybe all televised tennis would be found in the same place, and no longer require several subscriptions to access.
Women could gain financially as most of their standalone events have lower prize funds, but how would men react to the potential dilution of their income and a brand, which for the moment, is significantly stronger?
How likely is a merger to happen? Very unlikely in the short term, but not impossible in the longer term - although perhaps only in certain mutually beneficial areas.
I understand preliminary discussions have taken place - which, in itself, is a sign of the sport's new found spirit of co-operation in the age of Covid-19.


bbc--2020-04-23--'I want to put a smile on people's faces' - Leclerc on being a lockdown sim racing star

`` Training , simulator , cooking - that is basically my days , '' says Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of his life during lockdown .
The cooking is not going that well , it seems .
`` I am still very bad at it .
Pasta , chicken .
I am not taking too much risk . ''
The simulator , though , is another matter .
Leclerc is quite new to online racing , but he has proved as annoyingly talented at it as he is at the real thing - he has won his first four major e-races @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one Formula 1 's official virtual Chinese Grand Prix last weekend .
Not only that , but he has proved a hit with the fans , streaming his races live on Twitch , causing a comedy moment when unable to end his feed properly , and just generally coming over like an all-round good guy , along with his F1 racer mates Alex Albon and George Russell , with whom his friendship and rivalry goes back to their childhoods .
`` Streaming on Twitch is something I did not expect to enjoy but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` For the people who follow me , it is the closest you can get to the real me .
On an F1 track there is a lot of pressure and so it is a bit different , but playing with people I have known for ages it is more natural . ''
' I want to put a smile on people 's faces' Leclerc emerged fully into the limelight last season - his first at Ferrari and only his second in F1 - as one of the brightest stars of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone else and winning two races .
He is clearly abundantly talented - but as with all the biggest sports stars , the ability is backed up by a lot of hard work .
And he has transferred that approach to his virtual racing as well .
`` It is quite a lot of practice , '' Leclerc says .
`` I did not have the simulator for a long time but now I have it I am playing quite a lot - probably five hours a day .
I am training to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do we want to be competitive as drivers .
There is a bit of a competition starting and we want to win .
`` There is a lot of fun but there are some races when we take it quite seriously .
The official F1 races we want to win .
Other races we are doing together it is mostly for fun .
We will organise some other races in the next few days . ''
More than the sporting competitiveness , though , Leclerc says he sees streaming his online races @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fans and provide the public with a bit of light at this dark time .
`` At the moment my main priority is to try to entertain the people at home and to keep myself entertained and to try to train on the simulator , '' Leclerc says .
`` So I am thinking of some ideas I can come up with to help the people who are at home bored who do not have a simulator like me and put a smile on their face .
I think it has worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modest to mention that he also raised more than $ 71,000 ( £58,000 ) for the World Health Organization 's Covid-19 relief fund at the weekend .
Why is he so concerned about entertaining the public ?
`` Just because I see how my mum and brothers are here in Monaco ; also speaking with all my friends , '' he says .
`` It is tough times for people being at home who do n't have much to do .
`` So to be able to race in a different way and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a lot of positive reactions to what I have been doing on Twitch and saying it helps them go through this tough time .
`` That cheered me up massively and I am just happy to do it still .
And it helps me to be closer to the people who are supporting me and they can see me in a more natural way . ''
Natural is how Leclerc comes across , whether it be racing online or during an online news conference with journalists across Europe .
The call is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as with his team-mate Sebastian Vettel last week - and Leclerc laughs when someone brings up his 'bed head ' .
His hair is messy and unkempt , just as you might expect of someone on lockdown at home , Ferrari shirt notwithstanding .
He describes the world 's present situation as `` not very fun '' but says he is coping well so far , spending lockdown in his Monaco home with his girlfriend .
`` I am more enjoying than struggling , '' he says .
`` Sometimes we get angry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't happen often . ''
Is he doing anything that would surprise people ?
`` I am playing piano and guitar , '' he says .
`` I am not very good at it .
Apart from that , not really .
I am spending time with my girlfriend , ( physical ) training , playing the simulator and playing music .
I am also reading a few books about the history of Ferrari , watching TV .
There is not much more to do . ''
He admits he is finding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sim racing is helping him `` stay focused on the [ real ] goal and remembering that I am going racing . ''
Looking forward to racing again F1 's current hope is to start the season with two races in Austria in early July followed by two at Silverstone , before continuing with the rest of the season , a handful of events in Europe , then on around the rest of the world .
If the plan comes off , the drivers will be going into the season 'cold ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leclerc thinks such a long break could liven up the races .
`` It is going to be strange , '' Leclerc says .
`` The first time for any drivers not to be driving for a long time and then to go straight into first practice , second practice , qualifying and the race .
It is going to be very tricky .
Maybe it will mix up things a little bit for us drivers to adapt in a different way .
I am definitely looking forward to it , anyway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not especially keen on the idea of racing without spectators , but he accepts that F1 needs to do what it can to get the season going as soon as possible .
`` It will definitely not feel like a normal race because during a normal race weekend you could really feel the support of the fans , '' he says .
`` It would cheer you up when you had bad times and even more when you had good times .
`` It is going to be different but it is better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this in a safe way , it is good .
It will entertain people at home and help us get back to the car , which we are all missing the most . ''
He rejects any thought of the season or eventual winner being devalued because the championship is shorter than intended - and says the shorter season might even bring benefits .
`` Mercedes and Lewis [ Hamilton ] are still the favourites even if it is an eight-race championship .
Maybe we will risk it more on track with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will pay off and maybe not .
As for having multiple races at single tracks , and the question of whether that is fair , as it might suit one team more than another , he says : `` You can always [ talk about ] the fairness but we mostly have to look at the situation and try to make the most out of it .
`` If we have to race twice on the same track , we should look at this possibility to have the most races possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ which may not be realistic - of racing the other way around on certain circuits .
`` This would be very , very cool , '' Leclerc says , mentioning Silverstone in particular .
Training and keeping the right mindset It might still be months before the season can start , but Leclerc says he is already preparing for it .
`` It is going to be difficult - the mindset and to find the bubble you need to be in to get into the car , '' he says .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time you do it and it is difficult to get back into it .
`` But at home I am trying to do this , to put myself in 'the zone ' .
Even if it is not to get into the car , to train myself to be in the zone - every time I go training , try to be as focused as possible to keep me working on this . ''
As for Ferrari 's chances , he does not expect to start the real season as successfully as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still believe we have been struggling a bit during testing , so we need to catch up .
Last year we had a good progression throughout the year .
We need to keep working and I am pretty sure the results will come .
`` It will be a difficult season because as soon as it is started there will be no breaks .
The work on track will be more important than ever .
It is going to be important to be focused straight away . ''

"Training, simulator, cooking - that is basically my days," says Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of his life during lockdown.
The cooking is not going that well, it seems. "I am still very bad at it. Pasta, chicken. I am not taking too much risk."
The simulator, though, is another matter. Leclerc is quite new to online racing, but he has proved as annoyingly talented at it as he is at the real thing - he has won his first four major e-races in a row, the most recent one Formula 1's official virtual Chinese Grand Prix last weekend.
Not only that, but he has proved a hit with the fans, streaming his races live on Twitch, causing a comedy moment when unable to end his feed properly, and just generally coming over like an all-round good guy, along with his F1 racer mates Alex Albon and George Russell, with whom his friendship and rivalry goes back to their childhoods.
"Streaming on Twitch is something I did not expect to enjoy but I did," Leclerc says. "For the people who follow me, it is the closest you can get to the real me. On an F1 track there is a lot of pressure and so it is a bit different, but playing with people I have known for ages it is more natural."
'I want to put a smile on people's faces'
Leclerc emerged fully into the limelight last season - his first at Ferrari and only his second in F1 - as one of the brightest stars of the new generation, taking more pole positions than anyone else and winning two races.
He is clearly abundantly talented - but as with all the biggest sports stars, the ability is backed up by a lot of hard work. And he has transferred that approach to his virtual racing as well.
"It is quite a lot of practice," Leclerc says. "I did not have the simulator for a long time but now I have it I am playing quite a lot - probably five hours a day. I am training to try to be competitive, and everything we do we want to be competitive as drivers. There is a bit of a competition starting and we want to win.
"There is a lot of fun but there are some races when we take it quite seriously. The official F1 races we want to win. Other races we are doing together it is mostly for fun. We will organise some other races in the next few days."
More than the sporting competitiveness, though, Leclerc says he sees streaming his online races as a way to give back to his fans and provide the public with a bit of light at this dark time.
"At the moment my main priority is to try to entertain the people at home and to keep myself entertained and to try to train on the simulator," Leclerc says.
"So I am thinking of some ideas I can come up with to help the people who are at home bored who do not have a simulator like me and put a smile on their face. I think it has worked quite well."
Beating Vettel is a great challenge - Leclerc
He is too modest to mention that he also raised more than $71,000 (£58,000) for the World Health Organization's Covid-19 relief fund at the weekend.
Why is he so concerned about entertaining the public?
"Just because I see how my mum and brothers are here in Monaco; also speaking with all my friends," he says. "It is tough times for people being at home who don't have much to do.
"So to be able to race in a different way and to see people smile; I have had a lot of positive reactions to what I have been doing on Twitch and saying it helps them go through this tough time.
"That cheered me up massively and I am just happy to do it still. And it helps me to be closer to the people who are supporting me and they can see me in a more natural way."
Coping with lockdown
Natural is how Leclerc comes across, whether it be racing online or during an online news conference with journalists across Europe.
The call is held early in the morning - just as with his team-mate Sebastian Vettel last week - and Leclerc laughs when someone brings up his 'bed head'. His hair is messy and unkempt, just as you might expect of someone on lockdown at home, Ferrari shirt notwithstanding.
He describes the world's present situation as "not very fun" but says he is coping well so far, spending lockdown in his Monaco home with his girlfriend. "I am more enjoying than struggling," he says. "Sometimes we get angry with each other, but that doesn't happen often."
Is he doing anything that would surprise people?
"I am playing piano and guitar," he says. "I am not very good at it. Apart from that, not really. I am spending time with my girlfriend, (physical) training, playing the simulator and playing music. I am also reading a few books about the history of Ferrari, watching TV. There is not much more to do."
He admits he is finding the situation a mental challenge, but says the sim racing is helping him "stay focused on the [real] goal and remembering that I am going racing."
Leclerc managed to crash competing in esports in exactly the same place he came to grief in Baku during qualifying last year
Looking forward to racing again
F1's current hope is to start the season with two races in Austria in early July followed by two at Silverstone, before continuing with the rest of the season, a handful of events in Europe, then on around the rest of the world.
If the plan comes off, the drivers will be going into the season 'cold' after four months out of their cars. Leclerc thinks such a long break could liven up the races.
"It is going to be strange," Leclerc says. "The first time for any drivers not to be driving for a long time and then to go straight into first practice, second practice, qualifying and the race. It is going to be very tricky. Maybe it will mix up things a little bit for us drivers to adapt in a different way. I am definitely looking forward to it, anyway."
Like Vettel, Leclerc is not especially keen on the idea of racing without spectators, but he accepts that F1 needs to do what it can to get the season going as soon as possible.
"It will definitely not feel like a normal race because during a normal race weekend you could really feel the support of the fans," he says. "It would cheer you up when you had bad times and even more when you had good times.
"It is going to be different but it is better than nothing and if we can start like this in a safe way, it is good. It will entertain people at home and help us get back to the car, which we are all missing the most."
He rejects any thought of the season or eventual winner being devalued because the championship is shorter than intended - and says the shorter season might even bring benefits.
"Mercedes and Lewis [Hamilton] are still the favourites even if it is an eight-race championship. Maybe we will risk it more on track with risky strategies and risky overtakes. Maybe it will pay off and maybe not.
As for having multiple races at single tracks, and the question of whether that is fair, as it might suit one team more than another, he says: "You can always [talk about] the fairness but we mostly have to look at the situation and try to make the most out of it.
"If we have to race twice on the same track, we should look at this possibility to have the most races possible."
And he likes the idea - which may not be realistic - of racing the other way around on certain circuits. "This would be very, very cool," Leclerc says, mentioning Silverstone in particular.
Leclerc at the Italian X-Factor last year with Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi. When in Milan... and all that
Training and keeping the right mindset
It might still be months before the season can start, but Leclerc says he is already preparing for it.
"It is going to be difficult - the mindset and to find the bubble you need to be in to get into the car," he says. "It is something you get better at every time you do it and it is difficult to get back into it.
"But at home I am trying to do this, to put myself in 'the zone'. Even if it is not to get into the car, to train myself to be in the zone - every time I go training, try to be as focused as possible to keep me working on this."
As for Ferrari's chances, he does not expect to start the real season as successfully as he has the virtual one.
"I still believe we have been struggling a bit during testing, so we need to catch up. Last year we had a good progression throughout the year. We need to keep working and I am pretty sure the results will come.
"It will be a difficult season because as soon as it is started there will be no breaks. The work on track will be more important than ever. It is going to be important to be focused straight away."


bbc--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Ischgl resort at heart of Europe’s outbreak reopens

Austria has lifted the strict quarantine on three ski resorts in Tyrol which were coronavirus hotspots .
The three include Ischgl , known as the `` Ibiza of the Alps '' , where hundreds of tourists from across Europe are believed to have become infected .
The resorts of St Anton am Arlberg , Sölden and the Paznaun valley - which surrounds Ischgl - have been sealed off since the middle of March .
They will now be subject to the same lockdown rules as the rest of Austria .
Earlier this month , Austria 's public health agency said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's biggest cluster of coronavirus cases , infecting more than 800 Austrians and up to twice as many people abroad , particularly in Germany and Scandinavian countries .
Foreign skiers took the coronavirus home with them .
The Tyrolean provincial government said in a statement on Tuesday there had only been 10 positive cases in the last 12 days .
In general , Austria has n't fared too badly during this pandemic .
It says it has managed to flatten the curve of infections , and has reported around 500 deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a single day .
As a result , it is slowly easing restrictions .
Small shops are already open again , and there are plans to open all shops by the beginning of May , followed by restaurants in the middle of the month .
• Austria and Italy ease lockdown for some shops • Why you now have to wear a mask in Austrian shops But local politicians admit mistakes were made in the ski resorts in Tyrol .
Local authorities in Tyrol have been accused of responding too slowly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars in February and March : • 5 March : Iceland put Ischgl on a list of coronavirus risk areas , after a group of skiers apparently picked up the infection there • 7 March : A waiter at an après-ski bar called Kitzloch tested positive for Covid-19 .
Kitzloch was ordered to close two days later • 13 March : The Paznaun valley , including Ischgl , and the resort of St Anton am Arlberg were quarantined , followed a couple of days later by Sölden • Foreign tourists were still allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Who was Patient Zero ?
At a news conference earlier this month , Franz Allerberger from the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety ( Ages ) said that it was clear that the virus was around in the ski resorts before the waiter at Kitzloch tested positive in March .
He said Patient Zero was believed to have been an Austrian waitress who started showing symptoms on 8 February .
Authorities in Tyrol dispute this , saying the first case appeared on 7 March .
They say they took radical action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has promised an investigation into what happened in Tyrol .
Meanwhile the Austrian Consumer Protection Association , the VSV , is gathering signatures for a possible class action lawsuit , on the grounds that the ski resorts in Tyrol were kept open for commercial reasons , despite the outbreak of Covid-19 .
It says it has a sent a description of the facts to the Public Prosecutor 's Office in Vienna `` against the Tyrolean authorities '' .
Peter Kolba from the VSV says almost 5,000 people have signed up .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Germany , and the list also includes almost 400 Dutch people and over 120 Britons .
You may also be interested in : • A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

As a result, it is slowly easing restrictions. Small shops are already open again, and there are plans to open all shops by the beginning of May, followed by restaurants in the middle of the month.