bbc--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: They grabbed my breasts and said, 'You're not a woman'

Lockdown in Panama is strictly enforced , with men allowed out one day and women the next .
But this has been used by some as an excuse to harass members of the trans community .
Monica is an excellent cook .
Like a lot of people , during the coronavirus lockdown she has been making elaborate meals to distract herself during the long hours spent inside .
One Wednesday last month , Monica fancied making some marinated chicken in a rich spicy tomato sauce with rice .
She had most of the ingredients already , but needed the chicken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house near Panama City airport that she shares with her extended family to go to the local corner shop .
She passed groups of women on her way , some of them linking arms with their children .
It was quieter than usual in the neighbourhood , as the government had just introduced a new measure to curb the spread of coronavirus , allowing women to leave their homes to buy necessities on Monday , Wednesday and Friday , and men on Tuesday , Thursday and Saturday .
On Sundays , everyone has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the shop .
She knew the Chinese family who ran it well .
They adored her .
But as she entered , the atmosphere changed .
The owner approached her silently , his face not breaking into the smile she was used to seeing .
`` We ca n't serve you , Monica , '' he said .
`` The police said we can only serve women today .
They said , 'No maricon . '
'' The transphobic term made Monica shudder , but at the same time , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her neighbourhood had targeted her before for being a trans woman .
Monica started going to school dressed as a girl from the age of 12 .
She had never felt like a boy , and now she wanted to be open about her identity .
Coming out as a girl would n't have an impact on her home life - it was hard enough already .
`` My father was a macho man , '' Monica says .
`` He needed no excuse to beat me , my two sisters or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Monica gradually began feminising her hair , and wearing closer-fitting clothing .
At school she was mocked for her feminine appearance , so she kept to herself .
At least she had the friendship of her sisters and the warmth of her mother 's love .
Then , when she was 14 , her father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only source of income .
Monica felt she had to support the family .
She 'd heard that there was an appetite in Panama City for transgender sex workers , and that the money was good .
Monica , still a child , decided that would be the best way to provide for her family .
At the corner shop , the apologetic owner explained to Monica that it was not his wish to ask her to leave at all .
It had come directly from the police .
While sex work is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean it comes without stigma , and Monica says the neighbourhood police have taunted her for years , driving past on their motorbikes shouting homophobic and transphobic words as she goes out to work .
At 38 , she has now been putting up with this for 24 years .
`` Many trans people work as sex workers here in the city , '' Monica says .
`` Is it our first option ?
No , but it 's regular and it means I can look after my family . ''
Since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to a halt , and money is increasingly tight .
Eight family members share the home .
Her two sisters have children , four between them .
They 're both single , one recently having left an abusive relationship , and are n't working .
Neither is Monica 's mother .
Arriving home from the shop , Monica 's phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message .
It was the shopkeeper .
He said he felt bad he had sent her home empty-handed , and not to worry about sending her sisters out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring it over himself .
Monica smiled .
There was kindness in her community and that would help during the lockdown .
But she did n't want to rely on handouts during the pandemic .
She wanted to keep looking after her family .
She made a decision to go out the following day - men 's day , the day of her biological sex .
But this time her experience was even worse .
She decided to go to a larger supermarket and get all the supplies they would need for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she joined the queue to get in , but it was worryingly long .
Under the rules of Panama 's lockdown each person is allowed out three days per week , but even on those days they can only leave the house for two hours at a time , depending on the number on their identity card .
Monica waited in the queue of men , who smirked as they saw her .
Time was ticking down .
Then the two hours were up .
Almost at that very moment , six police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the long queue .
`` They told me that I was now outside my time limit for going to the shops , '' she says .
`` They began to do a body search on me .
One of them squeezed my breasts in the search and said , laughing , 'You 're not a woman , ' and repeated a transphobic slur . ''
Everyone looked away and did nothing .
Monica had never felt more alone .
`` The gendered days in Panama mean the trans community are damned if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't , '' says Cristian González Cabrera of Human Rights Watch .
`` We have spoken to more cases like Monica 's .
It sadly is n't an isolated incident . ''
The Panamanian Association of Trans People says that since the gendered days have begun , more than 40 people have got in touch with them to say they have been harassed when going to supermarkets or buying medicine .
In early May , authorities in Colombia 's capital Bogotá , decided to lift gender-based restrictions , after LGBT groups said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an open letter by Human Rights Watch to the Panama presidency , citing mistreatment of trans people by Panama police , Panama 's Ministry of Public Security released a statement this week saying that it had `` instructed the security forces to avoid any type of discrimination against the LGBTI population '' during lockdown .
`` This is a welcome step that should be commended , '' says Cristian González Cabrera .
However , he says it 's unclear what `` avoiding discrimination '' means - and when exactly trans people are allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are dealing with a historically marginalised population in the country and so the statement is not clear enough . ''
Monica is n't convinced she can trust the ministry 's assurances .
She went out to the bank after the statement was released - on a day that women were allowed to leave home - and a police officer approached her .
`` I would go home if I were you , '' he told her .
`` I 'm saying this out of love , but you are not supposed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Panama 's Ministry of Public Security to comment , but they did n't respond .
`` I do n't know what to do .
When do I go out ? ''
Monica asks .
`` I 'm not trying to fool anyone .
I just want to be able to take care of my family . ''
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The Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in fear

She passed groups of women on her way, some of them linking arms with their children. It was quieter than usual in the neighbourhood, as the government had just introduced a new measure to curb the spread of coronavirus, allowing women to leave their homes to buy necessities on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and men on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Sundays, everyone has to stay at home.


bbc--2020-05-17--Afghan maternity ward attack: The woman nursing the babies of murdered mothers

Firooza Omar was at home when she heard about last week 's deadly attack .
Militants had stormed the maternity ward of the Dasht-e-Barchi hospital in the Afghan capital Kabul , killing at least 24 people , including newborns , mothers and nurses .
`` I was breastfeeding my own child and I got emotional .
I could see the suffering of these other babies , '' the 27-year-old psychiatrist says .
As the mother of a four-month-old boy , she decided to help in a way she was uniquely placed to , and volunteered to nurse babies whose mothers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support of her husband , who agreed to look after their child while she was away , Firooza travelled to the nearby Ataturk Children 's Hospital , where around 100 rescued women and children had been taken .
Although the hospital is 2km ( a mile-and-a-quarter ) from her home , the journey remained risky in a city left traumatised and fearful by the brutal attack .
`` When I went to the hospital , I saw about 20 babies , '' Firooza says .
`` Some of them were injured .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ feed the babies with powdered milk , she explains , but some infants were refusing to drink .
`` I spoke to the nurses and they told me to feed the babies who were crying a lot . ''
On the first night , she was able to breastfeed four babies , one after another .
`` It had a calming effect on me .
I was happy I could help them . ''
Over the following days , she continued to nurse her own son at home , while also returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ward .
Keen to raise awareness about the situation , Firooza wrote about her experience on social media and urged other mothers to follow her example .
She says a number of women came forward to help .
Firooza also contacted a number of her friends to raise money to buy nappies and powdered milk for babies who could not be breastfed .
• The Afghan war : The short and long story Afghanistan has witnessed many atrocities during the conflict of the past four decades .
But Tuesday 's attack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their newborn babies were shot , has shocked the world .
While many of the newborns are now being discharged , Firooza is still distressed by the impact of the seemingly neverending cycle of violence in her city .
`` Instead of being held by their mothers , these babies are in a hospital , fed by strangers , '' she says .

With the support of her husband, who agreed to look after their child while she was away, Firooza travelled to the nearby Ataturk Children's Hospital, where around 100 rescued women and children had been taken.


bbc--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: Why Africans should take part in vaccine trials

There have been numerous scare stories about trials for a coronavirus vaccine being carried out on people in Africa .
However , scientists say that it is vital that Africans take part in these trials , arguing it could jeopardise efforts to find a vaccine that works worldwide - and not just for richer nations .
In March , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , head of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , announced a global `` solidarity trial '' looking at finding promising treatments for Covid-19 , the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus .
As there are no known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play a critical role in preventing and controlling the pandemic , the WHO says .
It would train people 's immune systems to fight the virus stopping them becoming sick .
• They help develop immunity by imitating infections • This helps the body 's defences to recognise them and learn how to fight them • If the body is then ever exposed for real , it already knows what to do • A vaccine would normally take years , if not decades , to develop • A Covid-19 vaccine would allow lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing to be relaxed Read : How close are we to finding a Covid-19 vaccine ?
So far one vaccine trial has begun in South Africa - and one is one waiting approval in Kenya .
Yet the issue has been plagued by controversy .
And while vocal opposition to vaccinations of any kind is not new , the current debate in Africa centres on a race row .
It was sparked by two French doctors discussing a trial in Europe and Australia looking into whether a tuberculosis vaccine would prove effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they both agreed it should be tested in Africa too , one saying : `` If I can be provocative , should n't we be doing this study in Africa , where there are no masks , no treatments , no resuscitation ?
The tone of the comments caused a backlash .
`` It was a disgrace , appalling , to hear during the 21st Century , to hear from scientists that kind of remark , '' said Dr Tedros , who is Ethiopian .
`` We condemn this in the strongest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this will not happen .
The hangover from a colonial mentality has to stop . ''
Unsurprisingly prominent African personalities added their voice to the outrage , including former footballers Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto ' o - both of whom have been victims of racial abuse on and off the pitch during their careers in Europe .
`` Do not take African people as human guinea pigs !
It 's absolutely disgusting , '' Drogba tweeted .
Such anger is well founded as it has been documented that racism and economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence that pharmaceutical companies have carried out trials in parts of Africa , with little regard to ethics or even simple respect for human life .
An infamous drug trial was carried out by Pfizer in Nigeria 's northern state of Kano in 1996 .
A long legal battle ensued leading to the pharmaceutical giant paying compensation to some parents whose children took part in the trial during a meningitis outbreak .
Eleven children died and dozens were left disabled after being given an experimental antibiotic .
It raised serious questions around consent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parents .
More than two decades on , scientists like Ugandan researcher Catherine Kyobutungi say things have changed and the process is more rigorous and transparent .
`` There are safeguards at the individual level , '' Dr Kyobutungi , head of the African Population and Research Center ( APHRC ) , told the BBC .
`` If you are a scientist involved in vaccine development , you do n't want your vaccine to be the one that a few years down the line , [ is ] killing people .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have invested a lot of their careers . ''
She says there are now also safeguards at institutional and national levels - countries have regulatory bodies such as Uganda 's National Council of Science and Technology ( UNCST ) .
`` You ca n't do vaccine trials without approvals to see that all the right safety procedures are being followed . ''
You may also be interested in : • Have African countries been able to ramp up testing ?
• Why lockdowns may not be the answer in Africa Richard Mihigo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the WHO in Africa , agrees .
`` Within the system there are safeguards and also incentives that make it unlikely that Africans will be exposed to unhealthy products . ''
Those who conduct the research are not allowed to be involved in the marketing and production of any subsequent drug or vaccine , he explains .
Such assurances are often deafened by a slew of fake news on social media with theories about a plot to carry out harmful vaccinations on black people with the aim of killing them .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death of seven children in Senegal after they were given a supposed Covid-19 vaccine caused uproar on Facebook .
It began circulating in early April around the same time as the French doctors ' controversial comments - which gave the fake story even more potency .
The WHO has termed the circulation of fake information an `` infodemic '' , deserving serious attention .
But what has not had serious attention over the years is healthcare systems in Africa .
This is despite a pledge in 2001 by African heads of state to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual budget to improving their health sectors .
So far the target has only been reached in five of the continent 's 54 countries - which has repercussions for scientific research .
Africa has a wealth of expertise , but their scientists often go to work elsewhere because of this lack of investment - meaning that research into the African dynamics of health issues are often not addressed .
Those that stay find it difficult to organise partnerships , as sponsors opt for countries with a reliable healthcare infrastructure , meaning most trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
Also many licensed drugs come out of clinical trials done in wealthier countries , in North America and Europe , meaning their suitability for use in Africa goes unchecked .
Eastern Europe , Asia and the Middle East are also rarely involved in trials - although numbers have increased marginally over the last two decades .
Experts agree that to get a handle on this pandemic , any Covid-19 vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continent distances itself from trials , it will continue its legacy of exclusion .
`` It is not OK that the vaccine is tested in the UK for instance and then brought to Africa because we have different circumstances , different genetic make-up that may affect how the vaccine works , '' says Dr Kyobutungi .
`` We may have different strains ; we have other disease profiles as well .
For instance , we have a big population of people with HIV . ''
But her biggest worry is that Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because the continent already has problems when it comes to doing coronavirus tests as `` countries have retreated inwards , they are hoarding their supplies '' .
`` So the largest danger that Africa faces is that the vaccine is out there and the rich countries buy all of it and there is none left for the Africans , '' she says .
With trials ongoing worldwide , world leaders and experts have written an open letter calling for a `` people 's vaccine '' .
Cyril Ramaphosa , South Africa 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union , is quoted in the letter as saying the continent wanted a vaccine that was `` patent-free , rapidly made and distributed , and free for all '' .
`` Nobody should be pushed to the back of the vaccine queue because of where they live or what they earn , '' he said .

"So the largest danger that Africa faces is that the vaccine is out there and the rich countries buy all of it and there is none left for the Africans," she says.


bbc--2020-05-17--Coronavirus: Health workers face violent attacks in Mexico

Mexican nurse Ligia Kantun says that in 40 years of work , she has never witnessed such a poisonous reaction to health workers .
While in many countries doctors and nurses are being praised for their work on the coronavirus front line , in Mexico dozens have been attacked .
Ligia , 59 , says that she has worked during the swine flu pandemic in 2009 and an outbreak of cholera in 2013 , but some people are `` behaving psychotically in response to this virus .
It is terrible '' .
She was attacked on 8 April after leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yucatan .
Someone drove past her and threw hot coffee down her back .
`` Infected ! ''
they yelled through the car window before speeding away .
She says that luckily she was not badly injured but recognises it could have been worse .
As of 28 April , there have been at least 47 attacks against health workers , particularly nurses , in the country , the Mexican government says .
And the authorities recognise the true figure may be higher - reports on social media of discrimination range from nurses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assaulted by relatives of Covid-19 patients .
`` It made me sad… to see how people are attacking us , '' says Ligia .
`` That hurt me more - the psychological damage . ''
Some of the attacks appear to have been motivated by a misguided attempt to disinfect health workers .
Alondra Torres , an ear , nose and throat specialist , had diluted bleach thrown over her on 13 April while walking her dogs in the city of Guadalajara .
She does not see Covid-19 patients in her clinic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a target .
Alondra , who suffered conjunctivitis and contact dermatitis on her neck and shoulder as a result , says she was `` disappointed '' that some people seem to believe she needs to be bathed in bleach .
`` My eye was burning a lot , I could n't see well . ''
Doctors and nurses have not been the only frontline targets .
Daniel ( not his real name ) was getting off a bus a few blocks from the Guadalajara hospital where he works as a cleaner when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other passengers .
`` When I got on the bus I noticed that three people became aggressive .
They kept repeating the word `` dirty '' , which they then repeated while they were beating me , '' he says .
`` I felt it was never going to end . ''
He suffered bruises to his head and face .
Police suspect the assault was triggered by his hospital cleaner 's uniform .
Nurse Melody Rodríguez , 25 , has even felt compelled to move house for the time being .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lo de Marcos , in Nayarit state , on 8 April , when she came face to face with a group of residents blocking her path .
`` They said if I entered the village I would n't be allowed to leave again .
And they said that it would be better if I did n't enter at all because I came from a source of infection , '' she says .
A colleague filmed the incident and shared it on social media .
The municipal authorities intervened to ensure Melody could get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect some belongings and rent a room in another town .
She was too frightened to go home .
`` The fact that I had to get out and the way I had to get out , I still feel awful because they really made me feel like I was plague-ridden . ''
`` This is discrimination , and it is really detestable .
We give our support to all workers in the health sector , everyone .
They are our heroes , our heroines , '' said Mexican President Andrés Manuel López @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has subsequently deployed members of the National Guard in hospitals and some states have offered medical workers private transport and even hotel rooms so they can avoid long commutes home .
The World Health Organization says up to 38 % of health workers experience physical violence at some point in their careers , but the coronavirus pandemic seems to have exacerbated this threat in Mexico .
Experts think the attacks reflect the public 's conflicted feelings about what the medical workers represent in a country which had recorded 40,186 cases and 4,220 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They ( the health workers ) symbolically represent the disease itself and the cure , '' says María del Carmen Montenegro , from the Faculty of Psychology at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México And she says that unlike other traumatic events , the virus is impossible to run away from , `` and that generates more fear '' .
Alondra , the doctor doused with bleach , agrees that the attacks are motivated by `` a mixture of ignorance and fear '' .
`` What if [ the attack involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
But she is determined to keep working , returning to her clinic just a few days after the attack .
`` This is not going to make me doubt about my work , my profession or my dreams of continuing to help people '' .
Ligia is also adamant she will continue to work .
`` My country and my people need me and I will give everything I have . ''
Mexico 's health workers say they are not expecting applause , just respect .
`` We do n't need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us do our job… That 's why we are there for you , '' says Melody .
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?

As of 28 April, there have been at least 47 attacks against health workers, particularly nurses, in the country, the Mexican government says. And the authorities recognise the true figure may be higher - reports on social media of discrimination range from nurses stopped from getting on buses to doctors assaulted by relatives of Covid-19 patients.


bbc--2020-05-18--Surprise inspections planned for Premier League clubs as training resumes from Tuesday

Surprise inspections , GPS tracking and video analysis are methods that could be used to ensure clubs adhere to new safety guidance as they prepare for the resumption of the Premier League .
Teams agreed to start non-contact training in small groups from Tuesday .
`` Gradually , we aim to ramp that up so we can have an inspector at every training ground , '' said Richard Garlick , the league 's director of football .
`` That will enable us to give confidence the protocols are being complied with . ''
He added : `` We are looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspection team that we 'll scale up over the next few days which will give us the ability to have inspections at training grounds to start with on a no-notice basis . ''
After Monday 's 'Project Restart ' meeting with clubs , Richard Masters , Premier League 's chief executive , also revealed that a trophy presentation for the title winners , likely to be Liverpool , remains part of the plans .
He said : `` We would try to do it unless it was n't possible because of safety concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League clubs agreed to stage one of the return-to-training protocols .
As well as training in small groups of no more than five , sessions must last no longer than 75 minutes for each player .
Social distancing must be adhered to .
The first stage `` has been agreed in consultation with players , managers , club doctors , independent experts and the government '' .
The league had previously identified 12 June for matches to possibly start again , but there is now an expectation this will need to be pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible .
`` The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League 's priority , and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process .
`` Full consultation will now continue with players , managers , clubs , the PFA [ Professional Footballers ' Association ] and LMA [ League Managers ' Association ] as protocols for full-contact training are developed . ''
All Premier League clubs carried out coronavirus tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League will announce on Tuesday how many , if any , positive tests were recorded .
On Monday , the Premier League 's medical adviser Mark Gillett said that discussions will take place in the coming weeks over whether clubs would have to isolate in a hotel for 14 days before play resumes , as happened in Germany before the Bundesliga restart .
Also on Monday , a survey of 138 Premier League and English Football League doctors and physiotherapists found more than half `` do not fully understand their roles , responsibilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training .
• Restrictions in place for team training under 'Project Restart' Masters suggested that any proposal of a new date could hinge upon when teams begin contact training , with further talks expected to take place , `` in the next week to 10 days '' .
He said : `` 12 June was a staging post ; it was n't a firm commitment and what we do n't want to do is continue to move it around .
`` We know there 's a discussion to be had .
It really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact training and we have a process to go through before we can get to that stage .
Of course we 've got to be flexible . ''
Regarding the safety of players and staff , Masters added : `` Clearly we can not de-risk the entire thing .
But I think what we have created is an extremely safe environment that is the first stage of a return to training .
`` So hopefully we have reassured all players and managers on that basis . ''
Gillett suggested that the safety measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the new normal for the foreseeable future .
`` They 've made it very clear that the social situation , the public health situation is not going to change over the next six to 12 months , '' he told BBC Sport .
`` Regardless of the timing of this type of conversation , we 're going to be looking at making the same kind of cultural changes at training grounds and in footballers ' behaviours whether we have this conversation now or at any point this year .
It is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League is likely to be given extra time to decide when it hopes to restart the 2019-20 season , after Uefa moved its executive committee meeting from 27 May to 17 June .
Uefa had previously said it wanted leagues to tell it what their plans were by 25 May , as these can only be signed off by the executive committee .
It took the Bundesliga nearly five weeks from starting non-contact training to playing matches .
After Monday 's announcement by the Premier League , that would leave them looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Official protocols sent to players and managers last week and obtained by the BBC revealed corner flags , balls , cones , goalposts and even playing surfaces will be disinfected after each training session .
Ongoing measures included in further guidance include twice-weekly testing and a daily pre-training questionnaire and temperature check .
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce said the return to training will be `` as safe as it can be '' , with players arriving in kit and wearing snoods during training .
`` It 's been a really difficult time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that phase one is about to start - and I must stress that phase one looks as if it 's as safe as it can be - I 'm sure everyone will be delighted that we 're trying to make that effort , '' he told NUFC TV .
`` Everything is in place in the safety aspect .
I 've got no issues and I can tell the supporters the players and the staff are as safe as we possibly can be . ''
'Half of PL doctors do not understand' The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said half of Premier League doctors and physiotherapists that responded to their survey did not feel they had been `` fully and effectively '' consulted regarding returning to training .
Half also said they do not fully understand their `` roles , responsibilities and potential liabilities '' regarding return to training .
The figure is even greater among their counterparts in the EFL , with 68 % of those who responded to the survey raising concern .
In total , 138 club medics across the top four divisions in England responded to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association .
A Premier League spokesman said : `` We have actively engaged and consulted with a wide range of medical experts throughout this process to agree the first phase of our return to training protocols which include all Premier League club doctors , Public Health England , the Government and a cross-sport medical working group . ''
What happens next ?
• 19 May : Players may return to group training under social distancing protocols • 25 May : Uefa deadline for leagues to have finalised plan for restarting seasons • 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of elite sport behind closed doors • 12 June : Premier League initially aiming to return with first fixture Championship clubs are of the view today 's Premier League decision also clears them to return to training under the same conditions .
They are planning to test players on Thursday and Friday before an anticipated return to training next Monday , which is the date outlined in the story .
The key difference is clubs are now working to a restart date of 20 June .
The idea is to play on five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between , meaning the final league games would be 18/19 July , followed by the play-offs , the format for which is still to be decided .

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Players have been training individually
Surprise inspections, GPS tracking and video analysis are methods that could be used to ensure clubs adhere to new safety guidance as they prepare for the resumption of the Premier League.
Teams agreed to start non-contact training in small groups from Tuesday.
"Gradually, we aim to ramp that up so we can have an inspector at every training ground," said Richard Garlick, the league's director of football.
"That will enable us to give confidence the protocols are being complied with."
He added: "We are looking at bringing in our own independent audit inspection team that we'll scale up over the next few days which will give us the ability to have inspections at training grounds to start with on a no-notice basis."
After Monday's 'Project Restart' meeting with clubs, Richard Masters, Premier League's chief executive, also revealed that a trophy presentation for the title winners, likely to be Liverpool, remains part of the plans.
He said: "We would try to do it unless it wasn't possible because of safety concerns."
At the meeting, Premier League clubs agreed to stage one of the return-to-training protocols. As well as training in small groups of no more than five, sessions must last no longer than 75 minutes for each player. Social distancing must be adhered to.
However, BBC Sport revealed that a survey of 138 Premier League and English Football League doctors and physiotherapists found more than half "do not fully understand their roles, responsibilities and potential liabilities" regarding return to training.
The Premier League said the first stage "has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, club doctors, independent experts and the government".
The league had previously identified 12 June for matches to possibly start again, but there is now an expectation this will need to be pushed back.
A Premier League statement added: "Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.
"The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League's priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process.
"Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] and LMA [League Managers' Association] as protocols for full-contact training are developed."
All Premier League clubs carried out coronavirus tests on Sunday and Monday and the Premier League will announce on Tuesday how many, if any, positive tests were recorded.
On Monday, the Premier League's medical adviser Mark Gillett said that discussions will take place in the coming weeks over whether clubs would have to isolate in a hotel for 14 days before play resumes, as happened in Germany before the Bundesliga restart.
12 June 'wasn't a firm commitment'
Masters suggested that any proposal of a new date could hinge upon when teams begin contact training, with further talks expected to take place, "in the next week to 10 days".
He said: "12 June was a staging post; it wasn't a firm commitment and what we don't want to do is continue to move it around.
"We know there's a discussion to be had. It really depends on when we can start full contact training and we have a process to go through before we can get to that stage. Of course we've got to be flexible."
Regarding the safety of players and staff, Masters added: "Clearly we cannot de-risk the entire thing. But I think what we have created is an extremely safe environment that is the first stage of a return to training.
"So hopefully we have reassured all players and managers on that basis."
Gillett suggested that the safety measures in place for clubs are expected to be the new normal for the foreseeable future.
"They've made it very clear that the social situation, the public health situation is not going to change over the next six to 12 months," he told BBC Sport.
"Regardless of the timing of this type of conversation, we're going to be looking at making the same kind of cultural changes at training grounds and in footballers' behaviours whether we have this conversation now or at any point this year. It is important that people understand that."
The Premier League is likely to be given extra time to decide when it hopes to restart the 2019-20 season, after Uefa moved its executive committee meeting from 27 May to 17 June.
Uefa had previously said it wanted leagues to tell it what their plans were by 25 May, as these can only be signed off by the executive committee.
It took the Bundesliga nearly five weeks from starting non-contact training to playing matches. After Monday's announcement by the Premier League, that would leave them looking at either 19 or 26 June.
Official protocols sent to players and managers last week and obtained by the BBC revealed corner flags, balls, cones, goalposts and even playing surfaces will be disinfected after each training session.
Ongoing measures included in further guidance include twice-weekly testing and a daily pre-training questionnaire and temperature check.
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce said the league had "done everything they possibly can to make sure that everything is safe" for the return to training.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme he said: "The attention to detail has been quite fantastic.
"So I think everything has been put in place and they've been meticulous in that plan. The vast majority of our squad are satisfied (with the first phase training protocols). Let's get up and going and see where it takes us. I think all of us want to get it started and finished."
Magpies players will arrive in kit and wear snoods during training.
'Half of PL doctors do not understand'
The body that represents medical practitioners in football said half of Premier League doctors and physiotherapists that responded to their survey did not feel they had been "fully and effectively" consulted regarding returning to training.
Half also said they do not fully understand their "roles, responsibilities and potential liabilities" regarding return to training.
The figure is even greater among their counterparts in the EFL, with 68% of those who responded to the survey raising concern.
In total, 138 club medics across the top four divisions in England responded to the survey from the Football Medicine and Performance Association.
A Premier League spokesman said: "We have actively engaged and consulted with a wide range of medical experts throughout this process to agree the first phase of our return to training protocols which include all Premier League club doctors, Public Health England, the Government and a cross-sport medical working group."
What happens next?
19 May: Players may return to group training under social distancing protocols
25 May: Uefa deadline for leagues to have finalised plan for restarting seasons
1 June: Government date for possible return of elite sport behind closed doors
12 June: Premier League initially aiming to return with first fixture
Championship clubs set to follow suit
Simon Stone, BBC football reporter
Championship clubs are of the view today's Premier League decision also clears them to return to training under the same conditions.
They are planning to test players on Thursday and Friday before an anticipated return to training next Monday, which is the date outlined in the story.
The key difference is clubs are now working to a restart date of 20 June.
The idea is to play on five consecutive weekends and the four midweeks in between, meaning the final league games would be 18/19 July, followed by the play-offs, the format for which is still to be decided.


bbc--2020-05-18--Bundesliga players reminded to respect social distancing guidelines

Bundesliga players will be reminded of the return-to-play guidelines before next weekend 's matches after Hertha Berlin 's players ignored them during Saturday 's 3-0 win at Hoffenheim .
The DFL [ German football league ] has already said Hertha will not be punished for their celebrations .
However , Bundesliga International chief executive Robert Klein says the guidelines need to be followed .
`` [ There are ] clear guidelines .
We need everyone to respect them , '' he said .
`` In the hygiene concept , the guideline is to celebrate within social distancing rules .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal being scored that maybe , sometimes , the players get closer .
`` The clubs are working actively with the players .
They speak to them every day to remind them of what needs to be done to ensure we earn the right to a second match-day and a third and to finish the season . ''
Klein regards the opening weekend of post-Covid-19 top-flight football in Germany as a success .
Despite concerns , he has not been informed of any groups of fans gathering in significant numbers at stadiums or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was a big sense of relief , '' he said .
`` The fans understand the times we are living in are unusual .
Sometimes these requests are difficult for them but everything has gone smoothly . ''
Klein has not been informed of any positive Covid-19 tests around games and while the weekly meeting with clubs will go ahead as normal , he is not aware of any issue that would threaten the next round of matches and the midweek games after that , which include Borussia Dortmund 's encounter with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As none of the other major European leagues are due to restart until next month , Klein understands 'the eyes of the world ' are on Germany .
And early figures suggest there has been unprecedented global interest in the Bundesliga .
A record six million viewers watched Sky Germany 's goals programme on Saturday , which was shown for free .
The precise international audience numbers will not be known until later in the week but Klein noted 'quite incredible ' interest , and that 'Bundesliga ' was trending in South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others , on Saturday .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Hertha Berlin players broke social distancing rules when they celebrated their goals in the win over Hoffenheim
Bundesliga players will be reminded of the return-to-play guidelines before next weekend's matches after Hertha Berlin's players ignored them during Saturday's 3-0 win at Hoffenheim.
The DFL [German football league] has already said Hertha will not be punished for their celebrations.
However, Bundesliga International chief executive Robert Klein says the guidelines need to be followed.
"[There are] clear guidelines. We need everyone to respect them," he said.
"In the hygiene concept, the guideline is to celebrate within social distancing rules. One can imagine at the height of a goal being scored that maybe, sometimes, the players get closer.
"The clubs are working actively with the players. They speak to them every day to remind them of what needs to be done to ensure we earn the right to a second match-day and a third and to finish the season."
Successful return
Klein regards the opening weekend of post-Covid-19 top-flight football in Germany as a success.
Despite concerns, he has not been informed of any groups of fans gathering in significant numbers at stadiums or city centres to watch matches.
"It was a big sense of relief," he said.
"The fans understand the times we are living in are unusual. Sometimes these requests are difficult for them but everything has gone smoothly."
Klein has not been informed of any positive Covid-19 tests around games and while the weekly meeting with clubs will go ahead as normal, he is not aware of any issue that would threaten the next round of matches and the midweek games after that, which include Borussia Dortmund's encounter with Bayern Munich on Tuesday, 26 May.
As none of the other major European leagues are due to restart until next month, Klein understands 'the eyes of the world' are on Germany.
And early figures suggest there has been unprecedented global interest in the Bundesliga.
A record six million viewers watched Sky Germany's goals programme on Saturday, which was shown for free.
The precise international audience numbers will not be known until later in the week but Klein noted 'quite incredible' interest, and that 'Bundesliga' was trending in South Africa, Colombia and Ghana, among others, on Saturday.


bbc--2020-05-18--Now Celtic can go for 10 in a row, says manager Lennon

Manager Neil Lennon says leading Celtic to their ninth title in a row is his best achievement in football - and he wants to top it with an unprecedented 10th consecutive championship .
The Glasgow side were crowned champions on a points-per-game average on Monday when the SPFL ended the season .
Lennon says the title is `` fully deserved '' as he eyes further glory .
`` Even when I took over and we got to eight , people were talking about 10 , '' said Lennon .
`` We had to get the nine first and thankfully that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can go for 10 now , because I know that 's been on the tip of a lot of our supporters ' tongues .
`` The supporters are talking about 10 , and we can now go for the 10 . ''
• How does the final Premiership table look ?
Lennon 's men have matched the nine-in-a-row achievement of Jock Stein 's Celtic in the 1960s and 70s and Rangers ' run from 1989-97 .
The former captain started Celtic 's current streak by leading the club to three successive titles during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since replacing Brendan Rodgers in February last year , he has now helped to deliver the last two .
Asked how it ranks among his achievements , Lennon said : `` It 's the best , just the magnitude of it .
It means everything to me .
`` I grew up on stories of that [ Jock Stein 's Celtic ] team .
So to be here as the manager when we 've won our ninth title in a row is very special .
`` When I got the job a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny .
It has taken a lot of hard work , a lot of pain at times , a lot of pressure , but it 's all worth it .
`` It probably wo n't sink in for a few days until the magnitude of it all grabs me . ''
Lennon admits it is `` surreal '' not being able to celebrate with his players and staff as Scotland is still in coronavirus-enforced lockdown .
And while the club urged supporters not to come to Celtic Park to celebrate , that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stadium 's main entrance .
Celtic had eight matches left and a 13-point lead over second-place Rangers , who had played a game fewer , when play was halted in March .
That gap had been just two points at the turn of the year following Old Firm defeat by an Ibrox side who held a game in hand .
But while Rangers faltered after the winter break , Celtic surged clear with 28 points from 30 .
And Lennon insists there can be no doubt that Celtic have been `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course it 's fully deserved , '' he said .
`` We won 26 out of 30 games , scored 89 goals , we were absolutely rampant throughout the season .
`` We were so consistent , played brilliant football .
Even at the turn of the year when questions were being asked , they found the answers and smashed the second half of the season .
As a squad they 've been magnificent . ''
Chief executive Peter Lawwell echoed those sentiments and paid tribute to Lennon , who has extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 consecutive trophies after also winning the League Cup this season .
`` Under Neil 's guidance , we have produced performances of the highest quality .
We have produced exciting , attacking , winning football .
We have played the Celtic way and won the Celtic way . ''
Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie told BBC Radio 5 Live 's Monday Night Club : `` It 's a bit frustrating to not celebrate with the fans and with your team-mates but it does n't feel like any less of an achievement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will get the chance to celebrate in the proper style with everybody .
`` Nobody can dispute that it was fair to crown us as the champions when you look at how commanding we were .
Crowning us as champions was the right thing to do .
`` We look back at the hard work and how well we performed from the start of the season .
After getting beaten in the Old Firm game , on the [ winter break ] trip to Dubai we pressed the reset button - after that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cope with that .
`` Maybe we missed out on a really good trophy day .
We were playing some brilliant stuff , it 's frustrating for everyone that the season has finished .
`` But there 's definitely a relief at not having to play the games .
Watching the games [ in Germany ] it 's very strange watching it without fans and it looks like a training set-up .
These are unprecedented times and we 're lucky that the decision has been taken out of our hands . ''

Celtic suffered most from season halting - Lennon
Manager Neil Lennon says leading Celtic to their ninth title in a row is his best achievement in football - and he wants to top it with an unprecedented 10th consecutive championship.
The Glasgow side were crowned champions on a points-per-game average on Monday when the SPFL ended the season.
Lennon says the title is "fully deserved" as he eyes further glory.
"Even when I took over and we got to eight, people were talking about 10," said Lennon.
"We had to get the nine first and thankfully that's been accomplished now.
"We can go for 10 now, because I know that's been on the tip of a lot of our supporters' tongues.
"The supporters are talking about 10, and we can now go for the 10."
Lennon's men have matched the nine-in-a-row achievement of Jock Stein's Celtic in the 1960s and 70s and Rangers' run from 1989-97.
The former captain started Celtic's current streak by leading the club to three successive titles during his initial stint in charge. And since replacing Brendan Rodgers in February last year, he has now helped to deliver the last two.
Asked how it ranks among his achievements, Lennon said: "It's the best, just the magnitude of it. It means everything to me.
"I grew up on stories of that [Jock Stein's Celtic] team. So to be here as the manager when we've won our ninth title in a row is very special.
"When I got the job a second time I was under a lot of scrutiny. It has taken a lot of hard work, a lot of pain at times, a lot of pressure, but it's all worth it.
"It probably won't sink in for a few days until the magnitude of it all grabs me."
Some fans gathered at Celtic Park to celebrate despite the club asking them not to
Lennon admits it is "surreal" not being able to celebrate with his players and staff as Scotland is still in coronavirus-enforced lockdown.
And while the club urged supporters not to come to Celtic Park to celebrate, that was ignored by some who were pictured outside the stadium's main entrance.
Celtic had eight matches left and a 13-point lead over second-place Rangers, who had played a game fewer, when play was halted in March.
That gap had been just two points at the turn of the year following Old Firm defeat by an Ibrox side who held a game in hand. But while Rangers faltered after the winter break, Celtic surged clear with 28 points from 30.
And Lennon insists there can be no doubt that Celtic have been "the best team by far".
"Of course it's fully deserved," he said. "We won 26 out of 30 games, scored 89 goals, we were absolutely rampant throughout the season.
"We were so consistent, played brilliant football. Even at the turn of the year when questions were being asked, they found the answers and smashed the second half of the season. As a squad they've been magnificent."
Chief executive Peter Lawwell echoed those sentiments and paid tribute to Lennon, who has extended the club's domestic winning run to 11 consecutive trophies after also winning the League Cup this season.
"Under Neil's guidance, we have produced performances of the highest quality. We have produced exciting, attacking, winning football. We have played the Celtic way and won the Celtic way."
Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club: "It's a bit frustrating to not celebrate with the fans and with your team-mates but it doesn't feel like any less of an achievement.
"Hopefully when everything calms down, we will get the chance to celebrate in the proper style with everybody.
"Nobody can dispute that it was fair to crown us as the champions when you look at how commanding we were. Crowning us as champions was the right thing to do.
"We look back at the hard work and how well we performed from the start of the season. After getting beaten in the Old Firm game, on the [winter break] trip to Dubai we pressed the reset button - after that we were frightening and Rangers could not cope with that.
"Maybe we missed out on a really good trophy day. We were playing some brilliant stuff, it's frustrating for everyone that the season has finished.
"But there's definitely a relief at not having to play the games. Watching the games [in Germany] it's very strange watching it without fans and it looks like a training set-up. These are unprecedented times and we're lucky that the decision has been taken out of our hands."


bbc--2020-05-18--Callum Hudson-Odoi: Chelsea and England winger arrested and bailed

Chelsea and England winger Callum Hudson-Odoi was arrested on suspicion of rape in the early hours of Sunday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ called to an address in London at 03:53 BST to a report of an unwell @ @ @ @ @ attended , a woman reported that she was raped .
She was taken to hospital @ @ @ @ @ was arrested at the scene and has since been released from custody .
He has @ @ @ @ @ a date in mid-June as enquiries continue .
Hudson-Odoi , who has three England caps @ @ @ @ @ new five-year contract with Chelsea , was the first Premier League player to test positive @ @ @ @ @ a full recovery and , like other Chelsea players , is waiting to return to @ @ @ @ @ to the season .
Some reports have suggested the woman involved visited Hudson-Odoi from another @ @ @ @ @ that only one person from each household may meet as long as they remain outdoors @ @ @ @ @ .

Last updated on .From the section Chelsea
Callum Hudson-Odoi made his senior England debut in March 2019
Chelsea and England winger Callum Hudson-Odoi was arrested on suspicion of rape in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police and an ambulance were called to an address in London at 03:53 BST to a report of an unwell woman.
When emergency services attended, a woman reported that she was raped. She was taken to hospital.
Hudson-Odoi, 19, was arrested at the scene and has since been released from custody.
He has been bailed to return on a date in mid-June as enquiries continue.
Chelsea have declined to comment.
Hudson-Odoi, who has three England caps and in September signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, was the first Premier League player to test positive for coronavirus.
He made a full recovery and, like other Chelsea players, is waiting to return to training before any proposed restart to the season.
Some reports have suggested the woman involved visited Hudson-Odoi from another address.
Lockdown rules in England specify that only one person from each household may meet as long as they remain outdoors and keep two metres apart.


bbc--2020-05-18--Seven reasons we're still obsessed with Michael Jordan

We 're having a Michael Jordan moment .
Still .
It 's strange in a way that one of the biggest sports narratives of the past two months has been that of a Chicago Bulls basketball team of the late eighties and nineties .
In the absence of live sport , documentary series The Last Dance has gone a long way to scratching that itch for us and we 're still hooked on Michael Jordan , over 20 years after he retired .
In the final episode of the series , Barack Obama says `` he became an important ambassador @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jordan and the Bulls changed the culture '' .
Why are we all still so obsessed with Jordan ?
Some thoughts… If you learn anything about Michael Jordan from The Last Dance it 's that , not only does he love winning , but he ca n't not win .
We see him defy everything from club doctors to alleged food poisoning to get out on court and win and even invent personal vendettas to get himself stoked .
He punched team-mate Steve Kerr in training once to motivate him .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at the end of the Last Dance , after having won six NBA Championships , he mostly seems really annoyed that he did n't get an opportunity , at 35 , to win a seventh because the team were n't offered one year contracts .
`` It 's maddening to leave at your peak , '' he says , `` I feel like we could have won seven .
Not to be able to try , I just ca n't accept that . ''
The Air Jordan is , arguably , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first came out in 1985 .
By 1986 , Nike had sold $ 100m worth of Air Jordan shoes and products .
A pair of autographed sneakers from 1985 just sold for a record $ 560,000 ( £463,000 ) in an online auction .
Jordan initially did n't want to sign a deal with Nike when he started out .
At that time , they were mostly known for running shoes .
However , his former agent , David Falk , says in the series that the strategy with Nike was , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player and treat him more like a golfer , boxer or tennis player , and the very first deal was shoes '' .
It worked .
Incredibly .
Spike Lee directed ads for them !
3 .
He influenced a whole generation of players One of the biggest players to talk about Jordan 's influence on him is the late , great Kobe Bryant .
In the Last Dance , he talks about playing against Jordan in the 1998 All-Star Game .
`` I grew up watching Michael on TV , and now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face-to-face with him , '' he said .
He says that Jordan was `` like a big brother '' in providing guidance .
`` What you get from me is from him .
I do n't get five championships here without him , because he guided me so much and gave me so much great advice , '' added Bryant .
4 .
He retired at his peak .
And then came back to do it all over again In 1993 , on the back of three consecutive NBA Championship wins with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and play professional baseball with the Birmingham Barons .
He cited a lack of desire to continue with basketball at the time and there are suggestions that he was deeply affected by the death of his father ( who had always encouraged him to play baseball ) .
Either way , after a brief , but promising stint in minor league baseball , he returned to the Bulls in March 1995 and led them to three more Championships from 1996-1998 .
5 .
He was the first billionaire athlete In a pre-digital age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to think about the celebrity that Michael Jordan created .
Forbes estimates his net worth to be $ 2.1bn ( £1.72bn ) .
His playing salary during his career was $ 90m ( £74m ) , but he 's earned another $ 1.7bn ( £1.4bn ) from corporate partners .
We 're very excited about Space Jam II , with LeBron James , but it will have to do a lot to top the 1996 original in our estimations .
Michael Jordan teams up with Bugs Bunny , Daffy Duck et al , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an evil , alien gang of cartoons who want to enslave the Looney Tunes .
What more entertainment do you want ?
7 .
The Bulls were pretty average without him We think of the Bulls now as a great basketball dynasty , but , the truth is , they were a fairly mediocre outfit when Michael Jordan joined in 1984 , and they 've failed to win another NBA Championship since he retired in 1998 .
The fact that they did n't win the NBA Championship during his baseball hiatus also tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an extent , is the Chicago Bulls .

Michael Jordan toasts the second three-peat, 1998
We're having a Michael Jordan moment. Still.
It's strange in a way that one of the biggest sports narratives of the past two months has been that of a Chicago Bulls basketball team of the late eighties and nineties.
In the absence of live sport, documentary series The Last Dance has gone a long way to scratching that itch for us and we're still hooked on Michael Jordan, over 20 years after he retired.
In the final episode of the series, Barack Obama says "he became an important ambassador for basketball around the world. Michael Jordan and the Bulls changed the culture".
NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller calls Jordan "black Jesus".
Why are we all still so obsessed with Jordan? Some thoughts…
1. His 'win-no-matter-what' mentality
If you learn anything about Michael Jordan from The Last Dance it's that, not only does he love winning, but he can't not win.
We see him defy everything from club doctors to alleged food poisoning external-link to get out on court and win and even invent personal vendettas to get himself stoked. He punched team-mate Steve Kerr in training once to motivate him.
It's an insight into Jordan's attitude that, at the end of the Last Dance, after having won six NBA Championships, he mostly seems really annoyed that he didn't get an opportunity, at 35, to win a seventh because the team weren't offered one year contracts.
"It's maddening to leave at your peak," he says, "I feel like we could have won seven. Not to be able to try, I just can't accept that."
2. The Air Jordan brand launched sneaker culture
An original 1985 pair of Air Jordans
The Air Jordan is, arguably, the shoe that launched trainer culture. They first came out in 1985. By 1986, Nike had sold $100m external-link worth of Air Jordan shoes and products.
A pair of autographed sneakers from 1985 just sold for a record $560,000 (£463,000) in an online auction.
Jordan initially didn't want to sign a deal with Nike when he started out. At that time, they were mostly known for running shoes.
However, his former agent, David Falk, says in the series that the strategy with Nike was, "to try and take a team sport player and treat him more like a golfer, boxer or tennis player, and the very first deal was shoes".
It worked. Incredibly. Spike Lee directed ads for them!
3. He influenced a whole generation of players
One of the biggest players to talk about Jordan's influence on him is the late, great Kobe Bryant. In the Last Dance, he talks about playing against Jordan in the 1998 All-Star Game.
"I grew up watching Michael on TV, and now you've got a chance to go face-to-face with him," he said.
He says that Jordan was "like a big brother" in providing guidance.
"What you get from me is from him. I don't get five championships here without him, because he guided me so much and gave me so much great advice," added Bryant.
4. He retired at his peak. And then came back to do it all over again
Michael Jordan, during his brief affair with another sport
In 1993, on the back of three consecutive NBA Championship wins with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan decided to go and play professional baseball with the Birmingham Barons.
He cited a lack of desire to continue with basketball at the time and there are suggestions that he was deeply affected by the death of his father (who had always encouraged him to play baseball).
Either way, after a brief, but promising stint in minor league baseball, external-link he returned to the Bulls in March 1995 and led them to three more Championships from 1996-1998.
5. He was the first billionaire athlete
In a pre-digital age, it's perhaps even more impressive to think about the celebrity that Michael Jordan created.
Forbes estimates external-link his net worth to be $2.1bn (£1.72bn). His playing salary during his career was $90m (£74m), but he's earned another $1.7bn (£1.4bn) from corporate partners.
Wedged.
6. Space Jam is a banger of a film
We're very excited about Space Jam II, with LeBron James, but it will have to do a lot to top the 1996 original in our estimations.
Michael Jordan teams up with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck et al, plus Bill Murray, to take on an evil, alien gang of cartoons who want to enslave the Looney Tunes. What more entertainment do you want?
7. The Bulls were pretty average without him
A young MJ in 1984, about to tear up the NBA
We think of the Bulls now as a great basketball dynasty, but, the truth is, they were a fairly mediocre outfit when Michael Jordan joined in 1984, and they've failed to win another NBA Championship since he retired in 1998.
The fact that they didn't win the NBA Championship during his baseball hiatus also tells its own story.
Michael Jordan, to an extent, is the Chicago Bulls.


bbc--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: What are President Trump's charges against the WHO?

US President Donald Trump says the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has mismanaged and helped to cover up the spread of the coronavirus after it emerged in China .
But the WHO has defended its handling of the early stages of the pandemic .
We 've been looking at some of the charges President Trump has levelled against the WHO .
`` The WHO failed to adequately obtain , vet and share information in a timely and transparent fashion . ''
The WHO says it acted properly in accordance with the information it was given by China , sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , including from the US .
But the WHO does not have the power to enforce or compel countries to hand over information .
It was told by China of `` a pneumonia of an unknown cause '' on 31 December 2019 , it says .
And this was flagged on WHO social-media accounts on 4 January .
Then , on 5 January , the WHO put out an official statement saying it had asked for more information about the illness from the Chinese authorities .
On 12 January , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus .
• Timeline of the outbreak in China On 20 and 21 January , a regional WHO team visited Wuhan .
And on 22 January , a detailed public statement was issued about what they had discovered .
On 28 January , WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus went to Beijing to discuss the outbreak with China 's leaders .
And by the end of January , the WHO had declared the outbreak a public-health emergency of global concern .
Although , one report says WHO experts ( drawn from 15 countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss whether to issue a global alert but could not agree among themselves .
`` Through the middle of January , it parroted ... the idea that there was no human-to-human transmission happening despite ... clear evidence to the contrary . ''
On 14 January , the WHO tweeted : `` Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission . ''
But the same day , WHO emerging diseases unit acting head Maria van Kerkhove told journalists Wuhan had seen `` limited '' human-to-human transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` sustained '' human-to-human transmission .
But there was the potential for the virus to spread wider .
And `` we need to prepare ourselves '' .
Then , in its public statement on 22 January , the WHO confirmed there was clear evidence of human-to-human transmission in Wuhan .
And it denies allegations , published by the German magazine Der Spiegel , it held back information about human-to-human transmission at China 's request .
`` The WHO [ is ] funded largely by the United States , yet is very China-centric .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest contributors to the WHO , accounting for just under 15 % of its funding in the past financial year .
But the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is also a major contributor , as are the UK and Germany .
The WHO did publicly praise China 's response to the coronavirus and its `` commitment to transparency '' .
Dr Michael Ryan , of the WHO , says the organisation wanted to keep the lines of communication open with China as it battled to contain the virus .
And President Trump himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 January .
But public health expert Lawrence Gostin told BBC News : `` Constructive criticism of the WHO 's effusive praise for China is warranted . ''
The WHO has also been accused of being unduly influenced by Beijing over the issue of Taiwan .
Taiwan is not a WHO member , as the island is not recognised by the UN .
But , the WHO says , it does share information with it .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How to look after your mental health Taiwan says it raised the alarm about the possible spread of the virus at the end of December after some of its scientists had visited Wuhan .
But the evidence published so far shows Taiwan 's exchanges with the WHO did not specifically mention human-to-human transmission .
Taiwan says its warnings were ignored or not taken seriously .
But the WHO denies this .
`` One of the most dangerous decisions ... from the WHO was ... to oppose travel restrictions .
They actually fought us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China and other countries from 2 February .
But there is no record of the WHO publicly criticising this move .
And it would have been highly unusual for it to do so .
But it had , on 10 January , put out advice recommending no international travel restrictions in response to the virus .
And this was reconfirmed in a statement at the end of February , saying travel bans were not usually that effective and could have an adverse social and economic impact , although they might be justified for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of an outbreak .

And this was reconfirmed in a statement at the end of February, saying travel bans were not usually that effective and could have an adverse social and economic impact, although they might be justified for a short period of time at the start of an outbreak.


bbc--2020-05-18--South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa jokes about arrest for breaking coronavirus rules

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been criticised for posing for photos with strangers despite telling people to keep their distance to reduce the spread of coronavirus .
A video shows Mr Ramaphosa joking about breaking social distancing rules after two women asked him for the photo .
He is heard saying `` come , before we get arrested '' , prompting laughter .
On Sunday the country reported 1,160 new coronavirus infections - the highest daily numbers yet .
South Africa has had some of the strictest lockdown measures in the world , including a ban on cigarettes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions .
The country has the highest number of cases of Covid-19 in Africa - 15,515 , with 264 deaths .
However , Egypt and Algeria have had more fatalities , with more than 500 each .
• Get the latest updates from across Africa The video was posted on Twitter on Sunday by journalist Nwabisa Makunga who said the incident happened outside her window .
It appears Mr Ramaphosa , known for his love of outdoor exercise , was going for a walk or a jog when the women approached him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but bump elbows , the two women then posed for a photo standing right next to the president , disregarding official advice to keep at least two metres away from people from different households .
An article reproduced on a government website about social distancing explains that `` one needs to avoid handshakes , hugs and other forms of direct contact as well as keeping a distance of at least two metres from others '' .
After joking about being arrested , Mr Ramaphosa says : `` I 'd rather be arrested with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces have been accused of brutality while enforcing the lockdown restrictions .
• 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 Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air .
These can be breathed in , or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on , then your eyes , nose or mouth .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus could have been spread in this one interaction between the president and the women : But others were more forgiving : In April Mr Ramaphosa struggled while demonstrating how to put on a mask , leading to widespread mockery on social media and the hashtags # MaskOnChallenge and # CyrilMaskChallenge trending on Twitter :

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bbc--2020-05-18--Coronavirus: What's the risk on public transport?

Since the UK went into lockdown , there have been reduced services on trains , buses and planes , and the government has advised against all but essential travel .
Now , with restrictions being eased in England , more people are being encouraged back to work .
The government says they should avoid public transport and walk , cycle or drive instead .
But if they ca n't , what are the risks of taking the bus or train ?
How safe are train and bus travel ?
A lot of the potential risk of infection on trains and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and so how far away you can keep from other people .
This applies both on the vehicles and at stops and stations , and will vary in different parts of the country and on different routes .
Ventilation also plays an important role as fresh air can help droplets containing the virus dissipate faster , so being able to open a window can be an advantage .
• How will transport need to change ?
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs , sneezes or exhales small droplets packed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can enter the body through the eyes , nose and mouth , either directly or after touching a contaminated object .
The government 's consistent message has been to stay 2m ( more than 6ft ) apart from people outside your household .
Previous research has suggested a link between commuting on the London Underground and the likelihood of catching respiratory illnesses .
Dr Lara Gosce , at the Institute of Global Health , says her research ( published in 2018 ) showed people who used the Underground regularly were more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it shows that boroughs served by fewer lines - where inhabitants are forced to change line one or more times when travelling on the Underground - have higher rates of influenza-like diseases , compared to well-served boroughs where passengers reach their destination by one direct trip , '' she said .
If you 're travelling on a relatively empty train or bus , though , your risks would be different .
How long you spend on transport will also play a role - spending more time in contact , and coming into contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , `` limiting the number of close contacts with potentially infected individuals and objects is important , '' according to Dr Gosce .
`` In terms of travel , avoid peak hours if possible , '' she says , suggesting , where viable , passengers should choose routes involving only one means of transport .
What is the advice for passengers ?
The government says people should `` consider all other forms of transport before using public transport '' .
If they ca n't walk , cycle or drive to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Take a less busy route and reduce the number of changes • Wait for other passengers to get off before boarding • Keep 2m away from people `` where possible '' • Wash their hands for at least 20 seconds after completing their journey The government acknowledges that there may be situations where people ca n't keep 2m away from each other , such as at busy times or getting on or off public transport .
In these cases , the advice is to avoid physical contact and face away from others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland have also recommended people wear face coverings on public transport .
The Welsh government has said people can choose to wear them , but adds the evidence is `` not strong enough '' to make them mandatory .
Face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances .
In particular , they are to stop the wearer passing on coronavirus , rather than protecting them from others .
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
Transport networks around the country are enhancing their safety measures to protect staff and passengers .
Arriva Buses is only accepting contactless payment and will no longer give change for cash payments .
Transport for London is installing hand sanitisers at all tube , rail and bus stations and has introduced a rigorous cleaning schedule .
It says it will only be able to carry 13-15 % of its normal number of passengers on the Underground and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rail reported a 10 % rise in passengers compared with the same time last week .
London 's Tube saw a 7.3 % rise , with 83,293 journeys by 10am .
But this was a fraction of normal passenger volume , which saw 1.2m journeys by 10am on the same day last year .
Network Rail , which owns Britain 's rail infrastructure , introduced a new timetable on Monday 18 May , which added about 3,000 trains per day .
But the company said passenger capacity was still only between 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security guards trained in crowd control have been put on duty at some major railway stations while some intercity services are only allowing passengers with reservations onto trains .
What is the situation around the UK ?
People in England who are allowed to return to work have been asked not to use public transport if possible .
People in Wales have been told to avoid it where possible .
Limited public transport services are running in Scotland for people who absolutely need to get to work and the situation is similar in @ @ @

This is a significant number of people who are less likely to become seriously ill if they catch coronavirus. There's also increasing evidence vaccinated people are less likely to pass the virus on.


bbc--2020-05-18--Tracking the outbreak in maps and charts

Coronavirus is continuing its spread across the world , with more than 4.7 million confirmed cases in 188 countries .
More than 300,000 people have lost their lives .
This series of maps and charts tracks the global outbreak of the virus since it emerged in China in December last year .
How many cases and deaths have there been ?
The virus , which causes the respiratory infection Covid-19 , was first detected in the city of Wuhan , China , in late 2019 .
It then spread quickly across the globe in the first months of 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this page use a different source for figures for France from that used by Johns Hopkins University , which results in a slightly lower overall total .
The US has by far the largest number of cases , according to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University .
With more than 89,000 fatalities , it also has the world 's highest death toll .
France , Italy , Spain and the UK - the worst-hit European countries - have all recorded more than 27,000 deaths .
In China , the official death toll is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although critics have questioned whether the country 's official numbers can be trusted .
The outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) on 11 March .
This is when an infectious disease is passing easily from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
The true number of cases is thought to be much higher than the reported figures , as many of those with milder symptoms have not been tested and counted .
Globally , more than 4.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population - have been living under social distancing measures , according to the AFP news agency 's estimates .
Those restrictions have had a big impact on the global economy , with the International Monetary Fund warning the world faces the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
The United Nations World Food Programme has also warned that the pandemic could almost double the number of people suffering acute hunger .
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The pitfalls of doing so • R0 , FURLOUGH : The language of the outbreak • RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
Where are coronavirus cases still rising ?
While some countries are starting to see confirmed cases and deaths fall following the introduction of strict lockdown restrictions , others are only now seeing them rise .
A sharp increase in cases in Latin America has led the WHO to say the Americas are currently at the centre of the pandemic .
These charts show four countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - as shown by the red lines .
Brazil now has the fourth highest number of infections in the world - overtaking Spain and Italy .
However , the country 's health experts have warned that the real number of confirmed infections could be far higher , due to a lack of testing .
Bruno Covas , mayor of Brazil 's largest city , São Paulo , has warned its health system could collapse because of the growing demand for emergency beds .
Mexico has also seen a spike in new infections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April .
Outside South America , Russia has seen infections rise rapidly and now has the second highest number worldwide , according to official data .
It has been reporting around 10,000 new cases a day for over a week .
In Africa , Lesotho confirmed its first cases on 13 May , which means coronavirus is now present in all countries on the continent , mainly in urban populations .
Worst-hit are South Africa , Egypt and Algeria .
Europe continues to see cases and deaths fall After being labelled the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO in March , Europe is now slowly beginning to ease restrictions brought in to slow the spread of the virus .
The UK , Italy , Spain and France , along with others , now appear to have passed the peak , with the number of new confirmed cases and deaths falling .
The UK and Italy have seen more than 30,000 deaths , while France and Spain have recorded more than 28,000 and 27,000 respectively .
However , differences in population size and how countries report their figures , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or deaths of those suspected but not confirmed of having the virus , means international comparisons are complicated .
European countries have varied in their plans to ease lockdowns , but the WHO has urged all nations to adopt a `` slow , steady '' approach .
• What are the new lockdown rules in the UK ?
New York the worst-hit in US outbreak With more than 1.4 million cases , the US has the highest number of confirmed infections in the world .
It has also recorded more than 89,000 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been particularly badly affected , with more than 28,000 deaths , but the number of new cases there has been on a downward trend in recent weeks .
At one point , more than 90 % of the US population was under mandatory lockdown orders , but many states have now begun to loosen their stay-at-home restrictions and allowed some businesses to reopen - a move health officials fear could further spread the virus .
Only 14 US states have met the federal recommended guidelines for reopening - which suggest a decline in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a study by Reuters .
• Are US states reopening too soon ?
The top US infectious diseases doctor Anthony Fauci has cautioned against opening up public life too soon , warning of further `` little spikes '' which would become outbreaks .
President Trump , who disagrees with Dr Fauci 's advice , has made it clear he is keen to reopen the US economy `` vaccine or no vaccine '' .
He was speaking on Friday at the launch of a project aiming to deliver a coronavirus jab by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman of the Federal Reserve , Jerome Powel , has warned the US economy could `` easily '' contract by 20-30 % amid the pandemic and the downturn might last until late 2021 .
The latest figures show more than 36 million people have lost their jobs since the outbreak hit the US .
That 's nearly a quarter of the American workforce .
The rise means the jobless rate is now worse than at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
The data used on this page comes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures collated by Johns Hopkins University , data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control , national governments and health agencies , as well as UN data on populations .
When comparing figures from different countries it is important to bear in mind that not all governments are recording coronavirus cases and deaths in the same way .
This makes like for like comparisons between countries difficult .
Other factors to consider include : different population sizes , the size of the a country 's elderly population or whether a particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people living in densely populated areas .
In addition , countries may be in different stages of the pandemic .

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


bbc--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: How long does it take to recover?

More than one million people around the world are known to have recovered from coronavirus , according to Johns Hopkins University .
But the road back to full health is not the same for everyone .
Recovery time will depend on how sick you became in the first place .
Some people will shrug off the illness quickly , but for others it could leave lasting problems .
Age , gender and other health issues all increase the risk of becoming more seriously ill from Covid-19 .
• Are ethnic minorities being hit hardest by coronavirus ?
• Coronavirus : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 ?
The more invasive the treatment you receive , and the longer it is performed , the longer recovery is likely to take .
What if I have only mild symptoms ?
Most people who get Covid-19 will develop only the main symptoms - a cough or fever .
But they could experience body aches , fatigue , sore throat and headache .
The cough is initially dry , but some people will eventually start coughing up mucus containing dead lung cells killed by the virus .
These symptoms are treated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain relief such as paracetamol .
People with mild symptoms should make a good and speedy recovery .
The fever should settle in less than a week , although the cough may linger .
A World Health Organization ( WHO ) analysis of Chinese data says it takes two weeks on average to recover .
What if I have more serious symptoms ?
The disease can become much more serious for some .
This tends to happen about seven to 10 days into the infection .
The transformation can be sudden .
Breathing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is because although the body 's immune system is trying to fight back - it 's actually overreacting and the body experiences collateral damage .
Some people will need to be in hospital for oxygen therapy .
GP Sarah Jarvis says : `` The shortness of breath may take some considerable time to improve ... the body is getting over scarring and inflammation . ''
She says it could take two to eight weeks to recover , with tiredness lingering .
What if I need intensive care ?
The WHO estimates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care treatment , which can include being sedated and put on a ventilator .
It will take time to recover from any spell in an intensive or critical care unit ( ICU ) , no matter what the illness .
Patients are moved to a regular ward before going home .
Dr Alison Pittard , Dean of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine , says it can take 12 to 18 months to get back to normal after any spell in critical care .
Spending a long time in a hospital bed leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be weak and muscle will take time to build up again .
Some people will need physiotherapy to walk again .
Because of what the body goes through in ICU , there 's also the possibility of delirium and psychological disorders .
`` There does seem to be an added element with this disease - viral fatigue is definitely a huge factor , '' says Paul Twose , critical care physiotherapist at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board .
There have been reports from China and Italy of whole-body weakness , shortness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persistent coughing and irregular breathing .
Plus needing a lot of sleep .
`` We do know patients take a considerable period , potentially months , to recover . ''
But it is hard to generalise .
Some people spend relatively short periods in critical care , while others are ventilated for weeks .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure as there is no long-term data , but we can look at other conditions .
Acute respiratory distress syndrome ( called Ards ) develops in patients whose immune systems go into overdrive , causing damage to the lungs .
`` There is really good data that , even five years down the line , people can have ongoing physical and psychological difficulties , '' says Mr Twose .
Dr James Gill , a GP and lecturer at Warwick Medical School , says people also need mental health support to improve recovery .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ then the doctor says 'We need to put you on a ventilator .
We need to put you to sleep .
Do you want to say goodbye to your family ? '
.
`` PTSD [ post-traumatic stress disorder ] in these most severe patients is not unsurprising .
There will be significant psychological scars for many . ''
There remains the possibility that even some mild cases may leave patients with long-term health problems - such as fatigue .
How many people have recovered ?
Getting an accurate figure is difficult .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ University reported more than 1,021,000 people had recovered out of 3.2 million people known to have been infected around the world .
But countries use different recording methods .
Some are not publishing recovery figures and many mild infections will be missed .
Mathematical models have estimated between 99-99.5 % of people recover .
There has been much speculation , but little evidence , on how durable any immunity is .
If patients have successfully fought off the virus , they must have built up an immune response .
Reports of patients being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests incorrectly recording they were free of the virus .
The immunity question is vital for understanding whether people can be reinfected and how effective any vaccine may be .

More than one million people around the world are known to have recovered from coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University. But the road back to full health is not the same for everyone.


bbc--2020-05-17--New York Governor Andrew Cuomo takes coronavirus test live on TV

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has taken a coronavirus test during a live briefing in front of reporters .
He @ @ @ @ @ how `` fast and easy '' the test is , before a doctor put a @ @ @ @ @ The state of New York has been the epicentre of the US coronavirus outbreak .

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has taken a coronavirus test during a live briefing in front of reporters.
He said he wanted to demonstrate how "fast and easy" the test is, before a doctor put a swab up his nose.
The state of New York has been the epicentre of the US coronavirus outbreak.


bbc--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Trump gives WHO ultimatum over Covid-19 handling

US President Donald Trump has sent a letter to the head of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) threatening to pull US funding permanently over Covid-19 .
The letter outlines a 30-day deadline for the body to commit to `` substantive improvements '' or risk losing millions and US membership altogether .
Addressed to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , it criticises stages of the body 's response since December .
Earlier on Monday , Mr Trump called the UN 's health body a `` puppet of China '' .
The president , who faces re-election this year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic , has blamed China for trying to cover up the outbreak and has accused the WHO of failing to hold Beijing to account .
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Mr Trump was trying to mislead the public , smear China and `` shift the blame for [ the US 's ] own incompetent response '' .
The US has more than 1.5 million of the world 's 4.8 million confirmed cases of coronavirus so far , with more than 90,000 deaths .
• Things the US has got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost weeks the US failed to contain the outbreak Mr Trump 's ultimatum also comes at a time of pressure for the WHO .
On Monday Dr Tedros backed a review of the agency 's handling of the pandemic .
He said an independent evaluation would take place `` at the earliest appropriate moment '' .
What does the letter say ?
Mr Trump published the letter on Twitter on Monday night , following a day of heavy US criticism of the health agency .
Health Secretary Alex Azar spoke at the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisation of letting Covid-19 spin `` out of control '' at the cost of `` many lives '' .
In his letter to Dr Tedros , the US president accuses the WHO of having an `` alarming lack of independence '' from China .
Among his assertions , Mr Trump accuses the agency of having `` consistently ignored '' what he describes as `` credible reports '' of the virus spreading in Wuhan at the start of December or even earlier .
The US president has repeatedly accused China of failings in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denies the allegation .
Earlier this month , the Chinese foreign ministry said the country had `` all along been in good communication and co-operation '' with the WHO and had `` never attempted to manipulate the organisation '' .
Also in the letter , Mr Trump : • Cites reports that the WHO delayed an emergency declaration under pressure from President Xi Jinping • Criticises the agency 's praise of China 's `` transparency '' amid its censorship and lack of international co-operation • Accuses the WHO of failing to comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Says Dr Tedros could have saved `` many lives '' if he had acted more like Dr Harlem Brundtland , the WHO chief during the Sars outbreak of 2003 Mr Trump , in his conclusion , alleges that `` repeated missteps '' by Dr Tedros and the WHO had been `` extremely costly for the world '' .
`` The only way forward for the World Health Organization is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China , '' his letter says .
• Why Taiwan wo n't have a seat at meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy on China ?
Mr Trump then calls for the organisation to commit to `` major substantive improvements '' within 30 days , without clarifying what this means .
Without these changes , the president says , the US will make his temporary freeze of US funding permanent and `` reconsider our membership in the organisation '' altogether .
Mr Trump announced the halting of US payments last month .
The country is the largest single contributor to the WHO , accounting for just less than 15 % of its funding in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking a second presidential term in November , and his attacks on China are seen as part of his re-election strategy .
Why is the WHO facing criticism ?
President Trump is not alone in criticising the WHO 's response .
The organization has been accused of being too trusting of China , and overly praising the country for its approach to the outbreak as it punished whistleblowers who tried to raise the alarm .
One WHO tweet from January quoted Chinese investigators saying there was `` no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement the following week saying this did in fact seem to be taking place in Wuhan .
The UN agency has also been criticised for the time it took to declare coronavirus a global health emergency .
Dr Tedros strongly defended the organization told reporters earlier this month that `` did n't waste time '' .
On Monday , however .
he agreed to an independent review of the WHO 's actions .
These issues have dominated the two-day World Health Assembly in Geneva - the annual meeting of member states reviewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to end on Tuesday .
Also at issue is a resolution which would allow poorer countries access to any coronavirus vaccines or treatments that could be developed by private manufacturers .
President Xi said on Monday that any vaccine developed in China would `` be made a global public good '' .
The Financial Times newspaper reports that the US is planning to publicly distance itself from some of the wording in the resolution .
It is expected to pass despite any US objections .


bbc--2020-05-19--China abductions: Parents find son snatched in hotel 32 years ago

A Chinese couple whose son was abducted in a hotel in 1988 have been reunited with him after 32 years .
Mao Yin was snatched aged two , while his father stopped to get him some water on the way home from nursery .
His parents searched the country for him and his mother distributed more than 100,000 flyers .
The family were reunited at a police news conference on Monday , and the son - now aged 34 - said he planned to spend time with his parents .
`` I would like to thank the tens of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Li Jingzhi , the boy 's mother .
He was born on 23 February , 1986 .
In an interview with the South China Morning Post in January - before he was found - his mother called him a `` very clever , cute , and healthy '' baby .
On 17 October 1988 , his father , Mao Zhenjing , was bringing him home from nursery in the city of Xian in Shaanxi province .
The boy asked for a drink of water , so they stopped in the entrance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down some hot water , he looked away briefly , and the boy was taken .
The family searched in and around Xian , putting up posters .
At one point , they thought they had found him , but it was a false dawn .
Mrs Li quit her job to search for her son - handing out some 100,000 flyers in more than 10 provinces and municipalities - without success .
Over the years she appeared on numerous Chinese television shows to appeal for help , including The X Factor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , but no match was found , In 2007 , Mrs Li started volunteering with a group called `` Baby Come Back Home '' , to help other parents look for their missing children .
According to state media , she helped reunite 29 children with their families , while her own son was still missing .
She intends to keep working with the group .
In April , state media said , police received a tip about a man from Sichuan Province in south-west China - about 1,000km ( 620 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a baby years earlier .
Police found the adoptee , now a 34-year-old man , and a DNA test was carried out to see if he was related to Mao Zhenjing and Li Jingzhi .
It came back positive .
Mao Yin - who had been renamed Gu Ningning - now runs a home decoration business .
He said he was `` not sure '' about the future , but would spend time with his parents .
Police said he had been sold as a boy to a childless couple for 6,000 yuan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's money ) .
Mrs Li was told the good news on 10 May - Mother 's Day in China .
`` This is the best gift I have ever got , '' she said .
The investigation into the 1988 disappearance is still ongoing .
How common is child trafficking in China ?
The abduction and trafficking of babies has been a problem in China for decades .
There are no official figures , but on Baby Come Back Home 's website there are 14,893 posts looking for missing boys , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father searching for his abducted son • Snatched at five , reunited at 28 In 2015 , it was estimated that 20,000 children were being abducted each year in China .
In 2009 , China 's Ministry of Public Security set up a DNA database which has since helped to find more than 6,000 missing children .
And in May 2016 , the ministry launched a system called `` Reunion '' , which by June 2019 had led to more than 4,000 children finding their families .
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The boy asked for a drink of water, so they stopped in the entrance of a hotel. As the father cooled down some hot water, he looked away briefly, and the boy was taken.