bbc--2020-03-18--US election 2020: Sanders 'assessing' campaign after Biden rout

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will `` assess his campaign '' after suffering more losses to Joe Biden in Tuesday 's primary contests .
Mr Biden won in all three states to hold votes , expanding his lead .
Mr Sanders will discuss his options with supporters , his campaign said .
Meanwhile , Mr Biden appealed to Sanders backers to anoint him as the Democrat nominee to face President Donald Trump in November .
What are the results so far ?
Mr Biden , 77 , won a big victory over Mr Sanders , 78 , in Florida , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 219 delegates .
The former vice-president won 62 % of the vote and about 130 delegates .
Mr Sanders , with only 23 % , took some 48 delegates , with the rest still to be distributed .
Mr Trump won that traditional battleground state by 1.2 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election .
In Illinois , Mr Biden trounced the left-wing Vermont senator , with a margin of over 20 % and at least double the number of delegates .
With most votes counted in Arizona , Mr Biden has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south-western state .
A Democratic candidate needs 1,991 delegates to clinch the nomination .
On Wednesday , Mr Sanders 's campaign said the senator , who lost the 2016 Democratic nomination following a surprisingly strong performance , will consider his next steps .
`` The next primary contest is at least three weeks away .
Sen. Sanders is going to be having conversations with supporters to assess his campaign , '' Faiz Shakir , the Sanders campaign manager said .
`` In the immediate term , however , he is focused on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring that we take care of working people and the most vulnerable . ''
• Will Joe Biden 's record come back to haunt him ?
Prior to Tuesday 's vote , Mr Biden had won in 16 of the last 21 state contests .
The former US vice-president 's triumph last month in South Carolina - his first ever primary win over three campaigns for president - resuscitated his faltering campaign .
What issues mattered to voters on Tuesday ?
According to opinion polling , most voters said electability was a priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida voters said Mr Biden would have a better chance of beating Mr Trump , a Republican .
Just one in five said the same of Mr Sanders .
Older voters were more likely to say they supported Mr Biden .
Nearly half of Florida 's voters said Mr Sanders ' stances were too liberal .
How did the two candidates react ?
In a webcam speech from his home in Wilmington , Delaware , to comply with US anti-coronavirus advice against public gatherings , Mr Biden appealed to Mr Sanders ' passionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me say , especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Senator Sanders , I hear you , I know what 's at stake , I know what we have to do . ''
But he focused largely on the outbreak sweeping the US , striking a unifying tone as he said : `` The coronavirus does n't care if you 're a Democrat or a Republican ... we 're all in this together . ''
Mr Sanders hosted an online address from Washington DC , but he did not drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
He instead talked about the coronavirus crisis , outlining proposals to address the pandemic , which he said would cost some $ 2tn .
• How much does Sanders want to spend ?
Democrats in three states have just cemented the presidential nomination for Joe Biden .
Bernie Sanders was soundly defeated in Illinois and Arizona and routed in Florida , where in one county he finished third behind Michael Bloomberg , who dropped out weeks ago .
He will fall even further behind in the national convention delegate count , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heading towards suspended animation , with multiple states delaying their contests until June .
He is going to face growing calls from Democrats to gracefully bow out - something he did not do until the eve of the convention four years ago , much to the consternation of many Hillary Clinton supporters .
The bottom line for Mr Sanders may be evaluating what 's best for the movement he created .
Will staying in the race give him a continuing platform to talk about his issues and buy him time for a potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase the chances that he is relegated to an electoral afterthought ?
How else is the coronavirus affecting election season ?
Ohio was also due to hold a primary on Tuesday , but it cancelled the vote hours before polls were due to open , putting it off till June .
Voters in the three states that did head to polling stations on Tuesday encountered hand sanitiser dispensers and workers in surgical gloves .
Several other states have postponed their Democratic presidential primaries , including Georgia , Louisiana , Maryland and Kentucky .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sowing `` chaos and confusion '' and urged remaining primary states not to follow suit .
But Puerto Rico , which is scheduled to hold the next Democratic primary on 29 March , is also planning to reschedule .
Party grandees are encouraging states and territories instead to extend postal and early voting to reduce public exposure to the virus .
On Tuesday , the US Secret Service said it would this week begin providing full protection for Mr Biden .
His codename will be Celtic , the same as when he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detail after being repeatedly accosted by protesters on the campaign trail .
Two protesters rushed a stage in Los Angeles earlier this month and came within a stride of the candidate as he gave a victory speech .
Mr Sanders has not made a request for Secret Service protection .
• WHO IS HE ?
Third White House run for 'Middle Class Joe Biden' • ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL : Watch Biden on 'No Malarkey ' tour • WHERE HE STANDS : Against other Democrats like Obama • HIS RIVALS : Choose your @ @ @ @ @

He is going to face growing calls from Democrats to gracefully bow out - something he did not do until the eve of the convention four years ago, much to the consternation of many Hillary Clinton supporters.


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Trump grilled on use of term 'Chinese virus'

President Trump said that over the next 15 days , Americans should not gather in groups of more than 10 @ @

Up Next. Covid symptoms: How long should I self-isolate for? Video, 00:01:28Covid symptoms: How long should I self-isolate for?


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Pound plunges to its lowest level in over 30 years

The pound has fallen to its lowest level against the dollar since 1985 , as the spread of the coronavirus pandemic spooks investors .
It is currently trading at $ 1.15 , a fall of almost 5 % in just one day .
It comes as financial markets tumbled again after major stimulus plans failed to quell fears about the economic impact of the virus .
The Dow ended down 6.3 % , while the S & P 500 fell 5.1 % and the Nasdaq dropped 4.7 % .
Earlier the Dow and S & P 500 had plunged more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporary halt to trade , but shares recovered some ground as Congress appeared set to approve a relief bill .
The pound 's weakness could partly stem from questions over how the UK government plans to pay for the emergency economic measures it has introduced , says Neil Wilson , chief analyst for Markets.com .
`` This is the worst sustained period of sterling selling that I can recall , '' he says .
`` The government 's massive fiscal package undoubtedly means more borrowing for the UK economy - how do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the FTSE 100 index of top UK firms closed down 4 % , with aerospace and travel firms among the hardest hit .
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed a £350bn stimulus package for UK firms on Tuesday , including £330bn of business loan guarantees .
It included aid to cover a business rates holiday and grants for retailers and pubs , while help for airlines is also being considered .
Despite this , investors are still flocking to the comparatively safer dollar , says Ranko Berich , head of Market Analysis at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the incoming coronavirus shock has been about as aggressive as possible in terms of monetary and fiscal policy , but this has done nothing to help sterling .
`` Idiosyncratic factors such as the UK 's monetary and fiscal response or Brexit are beside the point : this is about the US dollar , which is proving unstoppable as global financial markets stare into the abyss of crisis-like conditions , '' he said .
Investors say rescue measures can only blunt the pain , as countries close borders and order mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a halt .
The US on Tuesday outlined a $ 1tn ( £830bn ) proposal to support the world 's biggest economy , which is expected to include direct payments to families , small business assistance and bailouts for airlines and other industries .
• US plans to pay Americans as part of $ 1tn stimulus In the US , large companies have already announced more than 3,600 job cuts or furloughs , according to research firm Challenger , Gray & Christmas .
The firm said some nine million other jobs at local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
Car factories in the UK and elsewhere have halted production , while the slowdown has pushed other firms such as Laura Ashley and Flybe into administration .
Concerns about the damage have spurred a widespread sell-off .
France 's CAC 40 fell more than 6 % while Germany 's Dax dropped more than 5 % .
Oil prices also plunged to levels not seen since the early 2000s , as demand contracts sharply , but exporters boost supply .
The declines have even hit gold and government debt , which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets have fared better than the US and Europe in recent days , but were also lower .
Japan 's benchmark Nikkei 225 ended Wednesday 1.7 % lower , the Hang Seng in Hong Kong fell by 3.3 % , and China 's Shanghai Composite lost 1.8 % .
Sterling 's fall to a 35-year low against the dollar is clearly troubling .
It is down 12 % since the beginning of last week , and 5 % today alone .
This is partly down to the strengthening dollar , due to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the inevitable result of global volatility in financial markets amid the Coronavirus pandemic .
But those are n't the only reasons for sterling 's weakness .
The pound has sunk to to just over €1.06 against the euro- its lowest level since the depth of the financial crisis 11 years ago .
The pound is likely to be at a record low on measures of its global value , to be calculated tomorrow .
At the same time , UK government borrowing costs are creeping up , with the presumption these would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being tested in global debt markets .
Traders have raised a range of reasons for why the UK is being particularly singled out for attention .
There is growing expectation of ever bigger fiscal injections to combat the economic impact of the pandemic and the UK is still very dependent on foreign flows of capital .
Its strategy for dealing with the pandemic was seen , say traders , as an outlier amongst the world 's major economies .
Then there is Brexit .
The UK has the extra economic challenge of dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the EU , perhaps on WTO tariffs , in the middle of this pandemic .
It is a very rough market out there , with some markets a little dysfunctional as traders are isolated away from their trading floors .
But the UK is being singled out for especially tough treatment .

"Idiosyncratic factors such as the UK's monetary and fiscal response or Brexit are beside the point: this is about the US dollar, which is proving unstoppable as global financial markets stare into the abyss of crisis-like conditions," he said.


bbc--2020-03-18--China to restrict US journalists from three major newspapers

China has effectively expelled journalists from three US newspapers in retaliation for restrictions on its news outlets in the US .
Its foreign ministry ordered reporters from the New York Times , the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal to return media passes within 10 days .
The papers criticised the move , which will affect at least 13 reporters .
The Times said it was a mistake for China to cut itself off , while the WSJ called it an attack on press freedom .
`` We unequivocally condemn any action by China to expel US reporters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baron .
He said the decision was particularly regrettable because it came during the global crisis over the coronavirus .
At a press briefing in Beijing , the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman called the move a legitimate response to the restrictions placed on Chinese journalists in the US .
China 's action is part of a swiftly escalating row between Beijing and Washington , and correspondents say the departure of the reporters will have a major impact on what the world knows about China as they do some of the most in-depth reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to `` unwarranted restrictions on Chinese media agencies '' in the US , the foreign ministry said .
It also demanded information about the papers ' operations in China .
China 's action also prohibits the newspapers ' journalists from working in the semi-autonomous regions of Hong Kong and Macau , where there is greater press freedom than on the mainland .
Earlier this month , the Trump administration imposed limits on the number of Chinese citizens who could work as journalists in the US – the latest move in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What the US has done is exclusively targeting Chinese media organisations , and hence driven by a Cold War mentality and ideological bias , ” China ’ s foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Beijing to reconsider its decision , calling the move “ unfortunate ” .
“ I regret China ’ s decision today to further foreclose the world ’ s ability to conduct the free press operations that , frankly , would be really good for the Chinese people in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more transparency , are what will save lives , ” Mr Pompeo said .
All foreign correspondents in China are required to renew their press credentials annually , which usually happens at the year end .
This means most American reporters of the three US major publications have an expiring visa and will need to leave China under the new rules .
We do n't know the exact number of affected journalists yet , but it 's believed to be close to a dozen .
The expulsions will lead to a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' China operation , especially for the Wall Street Journal , which had already seen three reporters expelled from China last month .
Critics say it 's an even greater loss for China , as the draconian measures come at a time when the country and the rest of the world need high-quality journalism on China more than ever .
It 's still unclear whether the US publications can send new correspondents , American citizens or not , to fill in the positions in China .
In the midst of a dangerous pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locked in an escalating war with multiple fronts .
By fighting over media , the origin of the coronavirus , and technology and trade , the US and China are competing to prove the superiority of their own political model .
At the beginning of March , the US state department said five media outlets , including China 's official news agency Xinhua , would be required to reduce their total number of staff to 100 from 160 .
The move was seen as retaliation for China 's expulsion of two US journalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus editorial in February .
The row over media access is the latest episode in an increasingly acrimonious dispute between China and the US .
Disagreements over trade , intellectual property rights and 5G networks have damaged relations in recent years .
The coronavirus pandemic has been a source of tension too , with Washington and Beijing both accusing each other of spreading misinformation .
On Tuesday , US President Donald Trump angered China by referring to the coronavirus as “ Chinese ” .
A foreign ministry spokesman accused the US of stigmatising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 were recorded in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 .
However , last week a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman shared an unfounded conspiracy theory , alleging the US Army had brought the virus to the region .
The unfounded accusation led Mr Pompeo to demand China stop spreading “ disinformation ” as it tried “ to shift blame ” for the outbreak .

China's action is part of a swiftly escalating row between Beijing and Washington, and correspondents say the departure of the reporters will have a major impact on what the world knows about China as they do some of the most in-depth reporting about the country.


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: EU entry ban hits travellers as lockdown widens

Travellers from outside the EU are being turned away from airports and borders after the 27-country bloc imposed a 30-day ban to halt the spread of coronavirus .
A group flying in from Turkey was turned away from Germany ’ s biggest airport in Frankfurt late on Tuesday , DPA news agency reports .
EU leaders agreed that internal borders that have been erected in recent days should come down .
At least 8,248 people have died and 205,452 people have been infected worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Europe has been identified by the WHO as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the EEA ( European Economic Area ) , which includes the EU states and the UK , at least 3,426 people have died and 35,329 have been infected , with Italy and Spain hit particularly badly .
Belgium is the latest EU country to introduce a lockdown for its 11.4 million citizens .
People have been urged to stay at home as much as possible and only essential travel will be allowed .
Most shops will close , but physical activity is allowed as long as people respect social distancing .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay at home , while Serbia has told over-65s to stay indoors and imposed a night-time curfew on everyone .
In another blow to the continent 's normal life , the Eurovision Song Contest has been cancelled .
The 64-year-old event , which has a big global following , was due to take place in the Dutch city of Rotterdam in May .
What has the EU agreed ?
The 30-day entry ban will not affect Europeans going home or cross-border workers .
UK citizens are also not affected by it because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK to EU rules .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• NEW MEASURES : What is the UK advice ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
The ban specifically covers all EU states as well as countries within the Schengen border-free zone , including Iceland , Switzerland , Norway and Liechtenstein .
All citizens will be given help returning home , and Germany on Wednesday said it would continue a drive to fly home tens of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Egypt to the Philippines and Argentina .
The Robert Koch Institute ( RKI ) , the scientific body advising the government on health issues , has warned that Germany could see up to 10 million cases of coronavirus infections within the next two to three months unless the current containment measures are strictly followed .
Individual European governments have begun erecting patrols to stop citizens from other countries from entering .
Patrols appeared on Tuesday on the Spanish border with France , and Poland has seen traffic jams of up to 50km @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its crossings as part of its health measures .
“ It is absolutely crucial that we unblock the situation , because we know that too many people are stranded within the European Union and have a problem to go back home , ” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen .
Some people are having to wait for more than 24 hours following the introduction of checks at midnight on Saturday .
Foreigners are temporarily banned from entering the country and returning Polish citizens must be quarantined for 14 days .
Border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are taking the temperature of everyone crossing the border .
Thousands of foreigners are leaving Poland to return home and thousands of Poles are trying to get back in .
And then there are the trucks .
The borders are still open to goods , but the authorities did not create special lanes for truck drivers to cross , so everyone is stuck in one line .
At the crossing in Jedrzychowice on the German border on Wednesday morning , people have been stuck in their vehicles overnight , many with nothing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to toilets .
How bad is the situation in Europe ?
Italy , which has registered the most cases outside China , has reported 2,503 deaths and 31,506 infections .
Spain now has 598 dead and 13,716 infections .
An inquiry is to be launched into the deaths of at least 17 residents of a nursing home in Madrid , where dozens of cases of Covid-19 have been reported .
In France , the number of confirmed cases grew by more than 16 % on Tuesday , reaching 7,730 , while the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the dead aged under 65 .
In the UK , the number of dead has reached 104 .
Germany has 12 deaths and 8,198 cases .
Chancellor Merkel is to make the unusual step of speaking to the nation in a TV address later on Wednesday .
She is not expected to announce new measures , but rather appeal to citizens to help fight the virus .
In an attempt to stop people flouting lockdowns , France 's government has increased the fine to between €135 ( £123 ; $ 144 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the initial fine of €38 .
In Italy , more than a million checks were carried out by police in the week to 17 March .
Almost 43,000 people were found to have breached the lockdown conditions .
The governor of the northern Lombardy region , Attilio Fontana , has begged people to stay at home .
The numbers were so high , he said , that `` soon we 'll be unable to respond to people who fall ill '' .
`` We are asking you for a sacrifice to save human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission leader say ?
Mrs von der Leyen told reporters on Tuesday that she hoped a vaccine could be available by autumn .
Her comments are out of step with health officials elsewhere , but she said there were means to speed up bureaucratic processes that were normally slow and difficult .
The Commission leader has also given an interview with German tabloid Bild , in which she said : “ I think that all of us us who are not experts initially underestimated the coronavirus . ''
She accepted it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not see the fight against it as a war .
Measures that sounded “ drastic , draconian ” two weeks ago , she said , were now accepted as necessary .

The governor of the northern Lombardy region, Attilio Fontana, has begged people to stay at home. The numbers were so high, he said, that "soon we'll be unable to respond to people who fall ill". "We are asking you for a sacrifice to save human life."


bbc--2020-03-18--Glastonbury 2020: Festival axed due to virus concerns

Glastonbury 's famous Pyramid Stage will remain dark in June , as the festival becomes the latest event to be cancelled due to coronavirus .
Taylor Swift , Sir Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar were due to appear , alongside Diana Ross and Dua Lipa .
`` We 're so sorry that this decision has been made , '' a statement said .
`` It was not through choice . ''
Just six days ago , organiser Emily Eavis said she had `` fingers firmly crossed '' the event would go ahead .
But after the government advised people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became increasingly likely .
Organisers took the decision before 1 April , when festival-goers were expected to pay the remaining balance of their £270 tickets .
Fans who had already paid the £50 deposit will be allowed to roll over that sum to next year , guaranteeing `` the opportunity to buy a ticket for Glastonbury 2021 '' , organisers said .
Refunds will also be available for those who want them .
More than 200,000 people , including 135,000 ticket-holders , would have descended on Worthy Farm in Somerset if the festival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June .
• Will I get a refund on my ticket if events are cancelled ?
• How coronavirus could affect your festival plans Other acts on the line-up included Noel Gallagher , Lana Del Rey , Herbie Hancock , the Pet Shop Boys , AJ Tracey and Haim .
`` We very much hope that the situation in the UK will have improved enormously by the end of June , '' said Michael and Emily Eavis in a statement .
`` But even if it has , we are no longer able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of crew here on the farm , helping us with the enormous job of building the infrastructure and attractions . ''
Saying 2020 would now be an `` enforced fallow year '' for the festival , they apologised for letting fans down .
`` We were so looking forward to welcoming you all for our 50th anniversary with a line-up full of fantastic artists and performers that we were incredibly proud to have booked . ''
They added : `` We look forward to welcoming you back to these fields next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love and support to all of you . ''
BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley echoed many fans ' sentiments when she wrote on Twitter : `` This is so devastatingly disappointing for so many people on so many levels .
`` Next year Glastonbury is going to be off the scale , '' she added .
`` But for now much love to Emily Eavis and the Glasto family . ''
Musician Billy Bragg , who is an annual fixture at the festival , also expressed his disappointment .
Meanwhile , pop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call for the BBC to raid its archive of Glastonbury footage to broadcast an `` ultimate Glastonbury line-up '' on the last weekend of June .
`` Am still gon na need a live-music fix & it could bring *such* joy , '' she wrote .
Lorna Clarke , the BBC 's controller of pop music , later said the broadcaster would `` look at providing our audiences with a celebration of Glastonbury in June '' .
• LATEST : Live updates from around the world • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Visual guide to the outbreak Glastonbury 's cancellation comes after BBC Radio 1 cancelled plans to host its Big Weekend festival in Dundee in May .
The announcement also calls into doubt the viability of other UK festivals , including BST Hyde Park , All Points East , Lovebox and Latitude .
The Brighton Festival , the Norfolk & Norwich Festival and the Edinburgh Film Festival were among the other arts events that dropped off the calendar on Wednesday .
The Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam was also cancelled .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southwest festivals have already been postponed or called off , while concert giants Live Nation and AEG have halted all forthcoming concert tours , with acts like Celine Dion , The Who and Billie Eilish among the artists postponing dates .
Live Nation 's share price finished trading at $ 33.92 ( £28.26 ) on Tuesday - less than half of its value at this time last month .
But many artists - including Coldplay , Christine and the Queens and Yungblud - have started to live-stream concerts to keep fans ' spirits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uploaded a full 2009 concert with the E Street Band to YouTube , telling fans to `` practice social distancing and stream '' live music `` from the comfort of your own home '' .
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bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus slowdown seen from space

Coronavirus slowdown seen from space

Satellite images of normally busy locations around the world show how the coronavirus is having an impact on travel and @ @ @ @ @ car parks are empty as skiers keep away from the resort at Killington .
Gatherings @ @ @ @ @ have been banned in the state , bars have been shut down and restaurants restricted @ @ @ @ @ only until 6 April .
Rental cars are clearly not in demand at Phoenix City @ @ @ @ @ images show full car parks , compared with the start of the month .
There @ @ @ @ @ airport in Salt Lake City .
A huge traffic jam is spotted in the centre @ @ @ @ @ Moscow , where officials have closed all schools and banned gatherings of more than 50 @ @ @ @ @ which has seen thousands of cases of the coronavirus , the Imam Reza shrine in @ @ @ @ @ because of the risk of spreading the disease .

Disney is closing its doors until the end of the month - as can be seen by the lack of cars in the car park at Disney World, Florida. The Disney park in California, which is also closed, has said it will donate unsold food to a food bank charity in order to help local people.


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Trudeau grabs coat during live press briefing

While giving an update on Covid-19 measures , Canada 's PM suddenly felt a bit chilly .
Justin Trudeau 's @ @ @ @ @ his wife Sophie tested positive for the coronavirus .
Earlier on Wednesday , US President @ @ @ @ @ prime minister agreed to close the US-Canada border to all non-essential travel in an attempt @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
`` We will be , by mutual consent , temporarily closing our @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Trump tweeted .
Trade will not be affected , he added .

While giving an update on Covid-19 measures, Canada's PM suddenly felt a bit chilly.
Justin Trudeau's family has been self-isolating after his wife Sophie tested positive for the coronavirus.
Earlier on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump and the Canadian prime minister agreed to close the US-Canada border to all non-essential travel in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.
"We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our northern border with Canada," Mr Trump tweeted. Trade will not be affected, he added.


bbc--2020-03-18--Launching the Hubble Space Telescope: 'Our window into the Universe'

In 1990 the Hubble Space Telescope was launched , putting into orbit one of the most remarkable scientific instruments that @ @ @ @ @ initially the mission ran into problems , including a flawed mirror that meant the first @ @ @ @ @ .
Nasa astronaut Kathryn Sullivan was one of the five crew members who launched the @ @ @ @ @ The stories of our times told by the people who were there .

In 1990 the Hubble Space Telescope was launched, putting into orbit one of the most remarkable scientific instruments that has ever existed.
But initially the mission ran into problems, including a flawed mirror that meant the first images from Hubble were blurry.
Nasa astronaut Kathryn Sullivan was one of the five crew members who launched the Hubble.
Witness History: The stories of our times told by the people who were there.


bbc--2020-03-18--Tennis suspension extended until June as entire clay-court season goes

The suspension of the professional tennis tours because of coronavirus has been extended to 7 June , ruling out the entire clay-court season .
The ATP and WTA Tours were already off until 27 April and 2 May respectively .
The extension covers joint tournaments in Madrid and Rome , plus women 's events in Strasbourg and Rabat and men 's events in Munich , Estoril , Geneva and Lyon .
All men 's and women 's rankings have been frozen until further notice .
• US Open could also move after French Open is pushed back On Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 24 May , announced it would move and instead start in September , one week after the end of the US Open .
Announcing the latest suspension , a statement from the Association of Tennis Professionals ( ATP ) and Women 's Tennis Association ( WTA ) said `` now is not a time to act unilaterally , but in unison '' .
`` The challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic to professional tennis demand greater collaboration than ever from everyone in the tennis community in order for the sport to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , tournaments and fans , '' the statement added .
`` We are assessing all options related to preserving and maximising the tennis calendar based on various return dates for the Tours , which remains an unknown at this time .
We are committed to working through these matters with our player and tournament members , and the other governing bodies , in the weeks and months ahead .
`` All decisions related to the impact of the coronavirus require appropriate consultation and review with the stakeholders in the game , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WTA , International Tennis Federation , All England Lawn Tennis Club , Tennis Australia , and United States Tennis Association . ''
Tournaments beginning on 8 June onwards are planning to go ahead as scheduled .
Nottingham is due to host a WTA event that week , with tournaments at Queen 's on 15 June and Eastbourne on 20 June .
Wimbledon is scheduled to take place from 29 June until 12 July .
• Alerts : Get tennis news sent to your phone

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
The Italian Open in Rome is one of the tournaments that will not take place
The suspension of the professional tennis tours because of coronavirus has been extended to 7 June, ruling out the entire clay-court season.
The ATP and WTA Tours were already off until 27 April and 2 May respectively.
The extension covers joint tournaments in Madrid and Rome, plus women's events in Strasbourg and Rabat and men's events in Munich, Estoril, Geneva and Lyon.
All men's and women's rankings have been frozen until further notice.
On Tuesday, the French Open, due to begin on 24 May, announced it would move and instead start in September, one week after the end of the US Open.
Announcing the latest suspension, a statement from the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women's Tennis Association (WTA) said "now is not a time to act unilaterally, but in unison".
"The challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic to professional tennis demand greater collaboration than ever from everyone in the tennis community in order for the sport to move forward collectively in the best interest of players, tournaments and fans," the statement added.
"We are assessing all options related to preserving and maximising the tennis calendar based on various return dates for the Tours, which remains an unknown at this time. We are committed to working through these matters with our player and tournament members, and the other governing bodies, in the weeks and months ahead.
"All decisions related to the impact of the coronavirus require appropriate consultation and review with the stakeholders in the game, a view that is shared by ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation, All England Lawn Tennis Club, Tennis Australia, and United States Tennis Association."
Tournaments beginning on 8 June onwards are planning to go ahead as scheduled. Nottingham is due to host a WTA event that week, with tournaments at Queen's on 15 June and Eastbourne on 20 June.
Wimbledon is scheduled to take place from 29 June until 12 July.


bbc--2020-03-18--Premier League set to push to finish season

The Premier League is expected to reiterate its commitment to completing the season in Thursday 's emergency board meeting held via conference call .
All games have been postponed until at least 4 April because of coronavirus .
But with the pandemic set to continue much longer than that , the league is expected to acknowledge there will be no action for several weeks after that .
The postponement of Euro 2020 has opened up a window for domestic leagues to be completed by the end of June .
But clubs are unlikely to put a definitive date on when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the UK government has effectively banned sports events by advising against mass gatherings .
• Virus 'most serious ' issue in 20 years , says Spurs chairman • Q & A : How will the suspension affect football in Britain ?
It is understood that if those restrictions on mass gatherings are not lifted , officials are open to the idea of staging matches behind closed doors in order to complete fixtures .
But no major decisions are anticipated at this stage if the season can not resume , with one insider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarity meeting .
Nothing concrete will come out of it . ''
There have been signs that the clubs are split on the issue of how the season should end .
Last week , West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady said the campaign should be declared null and void .
Football Association chairman Greg Clarke also expressed his concern that it may prove impossible for the season to be concluded .
However Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber told the BBC that it would be `` unjust '' if runaway leaders Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing the league to 22 teams for 2020-21 .
Club representatives will be shown expert modelling of various end-of-season scenarios at Thursday 's meeting , and what the possible financial and legal ramifications of each would be .
But for now at least , there seems to be a determination to do everything possible to push for the season to be completed .
The Premier League held talks with the FA and the English Football League on Wednesday , and is known to be in dialogue with its broadcast partners and sponsors amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of fronts .
Sky and BT have declined to comment on reports that they could seek compensation totalling £750m if the Premier League breaches its £3bn domestic live television contract by not completing its fixtures .
Meanwhile , top clubs in the Championship are said to be ready to launch a legal bid if the season is abandoned and they are denied the opportunity of promotion .
The issue of players ' contracts - many of which expire at the end of June - and the knock-on effect on next season if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may also be discussed on Thursday , along with the financial impact of the crisis .
The Premier League is also coming under pressure to help support financiallystricken EFL clubs .
Julian Knight , chair of the Department of Culture , Media and Sport ( DCMS ) Select Committee told the BBC : `` The strong rich Premier League clubs should come to the aid , wherever they can , of the grassroots of the game .
`` Lower league clubs are lynchpins of their communities and local employers .
We do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to occur in towns across the country . ''
On Wednesday , the EFL released a £50m short-term relief fund to help clubs with cash-flow issues because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The fund includes the early release of award payments , and an interest-free loan facility .
In a letter to the 72 EFL clubs , seen by the BBC , EFL chief executive Rick Parry said : `` Over the last week , the EFL has been in ongoing dialogue with the Government , through DCMS , aimed at securing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would enable us to centrally co-ordinate support .
`` While we do not have any certainty on this at this point , the Chancellor [ Rishi Sunak ] did at least provide some clarity with regard to professional football clubs . ''
Sunak has said that clubs will be eligible for business rates relief measures and grants that he announced as part of an emergency financial package .
He also said that there are now 2,000 dedicated HM Revenue & Customs officers ready to take the calls of businesses such as football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tax payments , and an agreed schedule for paying them back .

All Premier League matches have been postponed until 3 April at the earliest
The Premier League is expected to reiterate its commitment to completing the season in Thursday's emergency board meeting held via conference call.
All games have been postponed until at least 4 April because of coronavirus.
But with the pandemic set to continue much longer than that, the league is expected to acknowledge there will be no action for several weeks after that.
The postponement of Euro 2020 has opened up a window for domestic leagues to be completed by the end of June.
But clubs are unlikely to put a definitive date on when they hope to resume the season, given the UK government has effectively banned sports events by advising against mass gatherings.
It is understood that if those restrictions on mass gatherings are not lifted, officials are open to the idea of staging matches behind closed doors in order to complete fixtures.
But no major decisions are anticipated at this stage if the season cannot resume, with one insider describing it as an "information-sharing and clarity meeting. Nothing concrete will come out of it."
There have been signs that the clubs are split on the issue of how the season should end.
Last week, West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady said the campaign should be declared null and void. external-link
Football Association chairman Greg Clarke also expressed his concern that it may prove impossible for the season to be concluded.
However Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber told the BBC that it would be "unjust" if runaway leaders Liverpool were denied the title, and suggested increasing the league to 22 teams for 2020-21.
Club representatives will be shown expert modelling of various end-of-season scenarios at Thursday's meeting, and what the possible financial and legal ramifications of each would be.
But for now at least, there seems to be a determination to do everything possible to push for the season to be completed.
The Premier League held talks with the FA and the English Football League on Wednesday, and is known to be in dialogue with its broadcast partners and sponsors amid the threat of legal action on a number of fronts.
Sky and BT have declined to comment on reports that they could seek compensation totalling £750m if the Premier League breaches its £3bn domestic live television contract by not completing its fixtures.
Meanwhile, top clubs in the Championship are said to be ready to launch a legal bid if the season is abandoned and they are denied the opportunity of promotion.
The issue of players' contracts - many of which expire at the end of June - and the knock-on effect on next season if this one is extended by months, may also be discussed on Thursday, along with the financial impact of the crisis.
The Premier League is also coming under pressure to help support financially stricken EFL clubs.
Julian Knight, chair of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee told the BBC: "The strong rich Premier League clubs should come to the aid, wherever they can, of the grassroots of the game.
"Lower league clubs are lynchpins of their communities and local employers. We don't want what happened to Bury last year to occur in towns across the country."
On Wednesday, the EFL released a £50m short-term relief fund to help clubs with cash-flow issues because of the coronavirus outbreak. The fund includes the early release of award payments, and an interest-free loan facility.
In a letter to the 72 EFL clubs, seen by the BBC, EFL chief executive Rick Parry said: "Over the last week, the EFL has been in ongoing dialogue with the Government, through DCMS, aimed at securing a package of measures for our clubs... that would enable us to centrally co-ordinate support.
"While we do not have any certainty on this at this point, the Chancellor [Rishi Sunak] did at least provide some clarity with regard to professional football clubs."
Sunak has said that clubs will be eligible for business rates relief measures and grants that he announced as part of an emergency financial package.
He also said that there are now 2,000 dedicated HM Revenue & Customs officers ready to take the calls of businesses such as football clubs in order to provide a deferral for tax payments, and an agreed schedule for paying them back.


bbc--2020-03-18--F1 moves mid-season break forward to March and April

Formula 1 's summer break has been moved forward from August as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
The new season has been thrown into disarray by the virus and F1 is working on plans to run as long a season as possible once races can be held .
Following unanimous agreement , the 'break ' will be held in March and April , with teams choosing a three-week period in that time to close .
It is normally held in August , when teams shut down for two weeks .
The change , made to facilitate fitting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season starts , was approved by governing body the FIA 's legislative body , the World Motor Sport Council , on Wednesday .
Further changes are expected in due course .
Teams and F1 bosses are working on plans for a reshaped calendar with a reduced number of races from the 22 originally scheduled in 2020 .
The four opening races in Australia , Bahrain , Vietnam and China have all been postponed , and the three next events in the Netherlands , Spain and Monaco are expected to follow in the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutdown on 19 March for three weeks , while Red Bull said in a statement that they were planning to shut down for three weeks from 27 March but `` there may be some flexibility around those dates due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic '' .
The former champions said they `` agreed with the measures being taken to reduce the risk of transmission and will support any further race postponements that are deemed necessary '' .
They said they were `` taking every possible precaution to mitigate the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special working methods , guided by the UK government and medical professionals '' .
F1 bosses are currently working on a plan to start the season with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 7 June but that is dependent on the development of the coronavirus outbreak and related global travel restrictions .
A number of races have been identified as the most likely to be left off a truncated scheduled , with Monaco , Brazil , Spain , China and Australia at the top of the list .
Teams are trying to secure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay until 2022 the introduction of major regulations changes which are scheduled for next season .
Nine of the 10 teams agreed to the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday , with only Ferrari asking for more time to consider it .
The idea behind the plan is to keep costs under control at a time when teams are facing reduced revenue as a result of the expected lower number of races .
A further meeting is scheduled for Thursday to discuss the matter again .

Lewis Hamilton is chasing a record equally seventh drivers championship' this season
Formula 1's summer break has been moved forward from August as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The new season has been thrown into disarray by the virus and F1 is working on plans to run as long a season as possible once races can be held.
Following unanimous agreement, the 'break' will be held in March and April, with teams choosing a three-week period in that time to close.
It is normally held in August, when teams shut down for two weeks.
The change, made to facilitate fitting in as many races as possible once the season starts, was approved by governing body the FIA's legislative body, the World Motor Sport Council, on Wednesday.
Further changes are expected in due course. Teams and F1 bosses are working on plans for a reshaped calendar with a reduced number of races from the 22 originally scheduled in 2020.
The four opening races in Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam and China have all been postponed, and the three next events in the Netherlands, Spain and Monaco are expected to follow in the coming days.
Ferrari are to start their shutdown on 19 March for three weeks, while Red Bull said in a statement that they were planning to shut down for three weeks from 27 March but "there may be some flexibility around those dates due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic".
The former champions said they "agreed with the measures being taken to reduce the risk of transmission and will support any further race postponements that are deemed necessary".
They said they were "taking every possible precaution to mitigate the spread of the virus" and were "implementing special working methods, guided by the UK government and medical professionals".
F1 bosses are currently working on a plan to start the season with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 7 June but that is dependent on the development of the coronavirus outbreak and related global travel restrictions.
A number of races have been identified as the most likely to be left off a truncated scheduled, with Monaco, Brazil, Spain, China and Australia at the top of the list.
Teams are trying to secure the required unanimous agreement on a plan to delay until 2022 the introduction of major regulations changes which are scheduled for next season.
Nine of the 10 teams agreed to the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday, with only Ferrari asking for more time to consider it.
The idea behind the plan is to keep costs under control at a time when teams are facing reduced revenue as a result of the expected lower number of races.
A further meeting is scheduled for Thursday to discuss the matter again.


bbc--2020-03-18--2020 Ryder Cup: European and USA figures say reports of postponement are 'inaccurate'

There are no plans yet to delay this September 's Ryder Cup until next year , despite reports suggesting such a move is likely .
A senior figure at the European Tour has told BBC Sport that the article in the Daily Telegraph `` was inaccurate '' .
The source added : `` At this stage there literally is nothing more for us to say .
It would be wrong to speculate . ''
Ryder Cup USA had earlier tweeted reports the competition `` is expected to be postponed are inaccurate '' .
Padraig Harrington 's European team are due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , led by Steve Stricker , at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin from 25-27 September .
The men 's golf calendar has been thrown into chaos with the postponement of the first two majors of the year ; next month 's Masters and May 's PGA Championship at Harding Park in San Francisco .
Hotel activity in Augusta , Georgia suggests locals are preparing for the Masters to be rescheduled for 8-11 October but there has been no official word from organisers .
The PGA of America is looking at potential August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could be dependant on what happens with the Tokyo Olympics .
Delaying the Ryder Cup would potentially ease inevitable calendar congestion if professional golf is able to resume in the coming months .
It would also return the usually biennial match to odd years in the calendar .
The switch to even years followed the postponement of the 2001 match at the Belfry in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the US .
Ever since the Ryder Cup has been played in the same years as Olympic Games and football World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be attractive because it would mean the matches would not be overshadowed by the biggest sporting competitions on the planet .
The Ryder Cup is golf 's largest event .
It seems a decision on this year 's match has to be made sooner rather than later , given the intensity of the build up to the contest commercially and in playing terms .
Qualifying processes for the two teams are in tatters given the absence of tournaments .
Delaying the Ryder Cup for 12 months would have knock on effects for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is next due to be played in 2021 .
'This is going to be the year of an asterisk' The LPGA , meanwhile , has shut down their season for the foreseeable future .
Commissioner Mike Whan is considering staging events with sponsors doubling up and sharing the backing of events when play resumes .
`` Could you have two sponsors come together in one event , so instead of playing each event for $ 1.5m ( £1.26m ) , you 're playing one event for $ 2.8m ( £2.36m ) ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think you could . ''
The first women 's major of the year , the ANA Inspiration , has already been called off .
Whan is looking at all options to put the women 's schedule back on track as soon as possible .
`` This is going to be the year of an asterisk .
There 's no getting around that .
To say we 've always done something a certain way is no longer an acceptable answer .
`` Everything is on the table . ''

Europe regained the Ryder Cup with a 17½-10½ win over the United States at Le Golf National in 2018
There are no plans yet to delay this September's Ryder Cup until next year, despite reports suggesting such a move is likely.
A senior figure at the European Tour has told BBC Sport that the article in the Daily Telegraph "was inaccurate".
The source added: "At this stage there literally is nothing more for us to say. It would be wrong to speculate."
Ryder Cup USA had earlier tweeted reports the competition "is expected to be postponed are inaccurate".
Padraig Harrington's European team are due to defend the Ryder Cup against the United States, led by Steve Stricker, at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin from 25-27 September.
The men's golf calendar has been thrown into chaos with the postponement of the first two majors of the year; next month's Masters and May's PGA Championship at Harding Park in San Francisco.
Hotel activity in Augusta, Georgia suggests locals are preparing for the Masters to be rescheduled for 8-11 October but there has been no official word from organisers.
The PGA of America is looking at potential August dates to play the US PGA but that could be dependant on what happens with the Tokyo Olympics.
Delaying the Ryder Cup would potentially ease inevitable calendar congestion if professional golf is able to resume in the coming months. It would also return the usually biennial match to odd years in the calendar.
The switch to even years followed the postponement of the 2001 match at the Belfry in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the US. Ever since the Ryder Cup has been played in the same years as Olympic Games and football World Cups.
Breaking free from that cycle must be attractive because it would mean the matches would not be overshadowed by the biggest sporting competitions on the planet.
The Ryder Cup is golf's largest event. It seems a decision on this year's match has to be made sooner rather than later, given the intensity of the build up to the contest commercially and in playing terms.
Qualifying processes for the two teams are in tatters given the absence of tournaments.
Delaying the Ryder Cup for 12 months would have knock on effects for the women's Solheim Cup, which is next due to be played in 2021.
'This is going to be the year of an asterisk'
The LPGA, meanwhile, has shut down their season for the foreseeable future. Commissioner Mike Whan is considering staging events with sponsors doubling up and sharing the backing of events when play resumes.
"Could you have two sponsors come together in one event, so instead of playing each event for $1.5m (£1.26m), you're playing one event for $2.8m (£2.36m)?" Whan said to GolfChannel.com. "Yeah, I think you could."
The first women's major of the year, the ANA Inspiration, has already been called off. Whan is looking at all options to put the women's schedule back on track as soon as possible.
"This is going to be the year of an asterisk. There's no getting around that. To say we've always done something a certain way is no longer an acceptable answer.
"Everything is on the table."


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Le Mans 24 Hours postponed until September

The Le Mans 24 Hours , scheduled to take place on 13-14 June , has been postponed and rearranged for 19-20 September because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Organisers say it is the `` appropriate solution '' in the circumstances .
`` Today it is a question of stopping the spread of this virus , '' Pierre Fillon , president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest ( ACO ) , said on Wednesday .
Fernando Alonso won the race for the second consecutive year in 2019 with Toyota .
The postponement will also mean changes to several other motorsport events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mans Series , the Michelin Le Mans Cup and the Ligier European Series .
The ACO said it would announce further details on those calendar changes , along with a full timetable for Le Mans .
`` It goes without saying that we will make every effort to ensure the safety and quality of our events , `` Fillon added .
`` First of all , I want to ask everyone to take no risk for themselves , their families and others .
I would also like to spare warm thoughts for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .
`` We are more than ever working as one team together with our competitors , partners , fans , media , medical services , organisation teams and marshals . ''
Also in the motorsport world , the IndyCar Grand Prix of Long Beach - scheduled for 19 April - was cancelled because of the pandemic .
The race will return in 2021 .

Last updated on .From the section Motorsport
Fernando Alonso won the 2019 Le Mans 24 Hours with Toyota
The Le Mans 24 Hours, scheduled to take place on 13-14 June, has been postponed and rearranged for 19-20 September because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Organisers say it is the "appropriate solution" in the circumstances.
"Today it is a question of stopping the spread of this virus," Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), said on Wednesday.
Fernando Alonso won the race for the second consecutive year in 2019 with Toyota.
The postponement will also mean changes to several other motorsport events this year - including the European Le Mans Series, the Michelin Le Mans Cup and the Ligier European Series.
The ACO said it would announce further details on those calendar changes, along with a full timetable for Le Mans.
"It goes without saying that we will make every effort to ensure the safety and quality of our events, " Fillon added.
"First of all, I want to ask everyone to take no risk for themselves, their families and others. I would also like to spare warm thoughts for all the medical personnel working to protect our health.
"We are more than ever working as one team together with our competitors, partners, fans, media, medical services, organisation teams and marshals."
Also in the motorsport world, the IndyCar Grand Prix of Long Beach - scheduled for 19 April - was cancelled because of the pandemic. The race will return in 2021.


bbc--2020-03-18--Australian rules football season to go ahead despite coronavirus

The 2020 Australian Football League ( AFL ) season is to begin as planned despite the coronavirus outbreak .
Richmond play Carlton behind closed doors at Melbourne 's MCG on Thursday .
The decision was taken following meetings with club chief executives , Australia 's chief medical officer and government representatives .
`` We do n't know how many games we will get into this 153-game journey before we have to pause , '' said AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan .
• How coronavirus has impacted sporting events around the world Despite banning mass gatherings of 100 or more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was up to the AFL to decide if it proceeded with matches .
The AFL Players Association advised the AFL on Tuesday that its players wanted to start the season .
The commission has already reduced the 2020 season from 22 matches to 17 in a bid to provide more flexibility should games be halted .
`` We embark on this journey with clear instruction from the government that all industry and all parts of society need to keep moving forward and we simply can not stand still , '' said McLachlan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by day listening to the advice and continue to make the best decisions for our industry while balancing well-being , welfare , leadership , and economic and social impacts .
`` But what I do know today is I feel comfortable with the government and medical advice , and the support of our presidents , CEOs , players and coaches . ''

Last updated on .From the section Sport
The traditional AFL season-opener between Richmond and Carlton at the MCG will go ahead on Thursday, but behind closed doors
The 2020 Australian Football League (AFL) season is to begin as planned despite the coronavirus outbreak.
Richmond play Carlton behind closed doors at Melbourne's MCG on Thursday.
The decision was taken following meetings with club chief executives, Australia's chief medical officer and government representatives.
"We don't know how many games we will get into this 153-game journey before we have to pause," said AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan.
Despite banning mass gatherings of 100 or more people, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was up to the AFL to decide if it proceeded with matches.
The AFL Players Association advised the AFL on Tuesday that its players wanted to start the season.
The commission has already reduced the 2020 season from 22 matches to 17 in a bid to provide more flexibility should games be halted.
"We embark on this journey with clear instruction from the government that all industry and all parts of society need to keep moving forward and we simply cannot stand still," said McLachlan.
"We must go forward day by day listening to the advice and continue to make the best decisions for our industry while balancing well-being, welfare, leadership, and economic and social impacts.
"But what I do know today is I feel comfortable with the government and medical advice, and the support of our presidents, CEOs, players and coaches."


bbc--2020-03-18--Online classes: The new normal for US university students

The coronavirus outbreak has pushed many US colleges to move classes to an online format .
While some find the @ @ @ @ @ , others think the change is isolating and frustrating .

The coronavirus outbreak has pushed many US colleges to move classes to an online format.
While some find the adaptation to conference calls fine, others think the change is isolating and frustrating.


bbc--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Craig Ruston 'youngest UK death'

A man in his 40s with motor neurone disease ( MND ) is thought to be the youngest person in the UK to have died having tested positive for coronavirus .
Craig Ruston , died in Kettering , Northamptonshire , on Monday morning and his chest infection was diagnosed as Covid-19 .
In a post on his Facebook page , Me and My MND , his wife Sally paid tribute to a `` wonderfully kind and caring person '' .
In the UK , 104 people with coronavirus have now died .
Mr Ruston 's wife said he was given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was diagnosed with MND in June 2018 and his `` fight with MND was not ready to be over '' .
`` Last Tuesday he was taken unwell and we have since spent the last six days in isolation , '' she said .
`` Craig 's chest infection was confirmed as Covid-19 .
How dare that take Craig who was already facing this , the most vile and evil of diseases . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
In tribute to her husband , she added : `` He welcomed everyone .
There were no airs and graces with Craig .
He loved the world .
He absorbed the world .
`` He was one of the most intelligent people I know that would absorb information and could somehow explain just about anything . ''
Prof Andrew Chilton , medical director from Kettering General Hospital , said : `` Sadly we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Kettering General Hospital , and had tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient who died on 16 March had underlying health conditions .
`` His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time . ''
Globally the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus have passed 200,000 and more than 8,000 people have died .
Find BBC News : East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews @ bbc.co.uk

Mr Ruston's wife said he was given about two years to live when he was diagnosed with MND in June 2018 and his "fight with MND was not ready to be over".


bbc--2020-03-17--Should you use ibuprofen or paracetamol?

Stories have been circulating online suggesting it 's dangerous to take ibuprofen if you have coronavirus .
Alongside genuine medical advice , false messages have been spreading , distorting the facts .
Speaking to the BBC , medical professionals said that ibuprofen is not recommended for managing coronavirus symptoms .
Those already taking ibuprofen for other conditions should not stop without consulting a doctor , though .
Both paracetamol and ibuprofen can bring a temperature down and help with flu-like symptoms .
But ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) are not suitable for everyone and can cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , heart and circulatory problems .
The NHS website previously recommended both paracetamol and ibuprofen , but has since changed its advice to say that while `` there is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) worse ... until we have more information , take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus , unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you . ''
The NHS also says that people who are already taking ibuprofen on the advice of a doctor , should not stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do n't yet know whether ibuprofen has a particular effect on the severity or length of illnesses caused by coronavirus - either in healthy people or those with underlying conditions - Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash , of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , says , especially for vulnerable patients , `` it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice '' .
There is also some evidence linking ibuprofen to more severe illness from other respiratory infections .
But whatever the advice , there 's still been a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been circulating on WhatsApp claiming that : • `` There are four young people in an intensive care unit in Cork who have no underlying illnesses - all were taking anti-inflammatories and there are concerns this has caused a more severe illness '' ( false ) • The University of Vienna has sent a memo warning people with coronavirus symptoms not to take ibuprofen , `` because it has been discovered that it increases the speed of reproduction of the coronavirus Covid-19 in the body and this is the reason why people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage and rapid spread '' ( false ) • `` At the university hospital in Toulouse , France , there are four very critical cases of coronavirus in [ young people ] who do not have any health problems .
Their problem is that when they all appeared to have symptoms , they all took painkillers like ibuprofen '' ( false ) These stories circulating on WhatsApp are also appearing on different platforms including Instagram .
Commonly these kinds of copied-and-pasted texts will claim to be from someone the forwarder says they know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All these claims are false The Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland said a WhatsApp message circulating about coronavirus patients in Cork is `` a fake message '' , asking anyone who receives it to `` ignore and delete '' .
Toulouse University Hospital warned that inaccurate information was circulating on social networks , saying it would not have discussed the care of patients due to medical confidentiality .
So what do we know about ibuprofen and Covid-19 ?
There has been no research into ibuprofen and the new coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory infections , suggesting ibuprofen is linked to more complications and more severe illness - although we do n't know that the ibuprofen itself is causing this , according to Paul Little , a professor of primary care research at University of Southampton .
Some experts believe that ibuprofen 's anti-inflammatory properties may `` dampen '' the body 's immune response .
Prof Parastou Donyai at the University of Reading says : `` There are many studies that suggest ibuprofen use during a respiratory infection can result in worsening of the disease or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , `` I have not seen any scientific evidence that clearly shows a totally healthy 25 year old taking ibuprofen for symptoms of COVID-19 is putting themselves at additional risk of complications . ''
The spreading of rumours has led to confusion Worries over the use of ibuprofen appear to have surfaced in France , after Jean-Louis Montastruc , a doctor at Toulouse University Hospital warned on Twitter that : `` In this period of coronavirus , it is necessary to remember the risk of complications of the NSAIDs in case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet by France 's health minister , Olivier Veran , saying that anti-inflammatory drugs `` could be an aggravating factor of the infection '' was shared more than 43,000 times .
But he also said people should consult a doctor before stopping taking them .
Other tweets are also being shared including one saying that ibuprofen `` may cause severe cases of the disease , even in young and middle-aged adults with no underlying conditions '' which has been shared more than 94,000 times on Twitter .
A lack of clear consensus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to mixed messages and rumours spreading online , and the University of Vienna laboratory claim noted earlier seems to have taken on a life of its own in both English and German .
Twitter and Facebook posts - which seem to be cut-and-pasted and adapted by users - all claim to have a `` doctor in the family '' who has information from the Vienna lab that `` the vast majority of people who died of Covid-19 had ibuprofen in their system '' .
Some of the posts go on to claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is no evidence that this is the case .
This online rumour also appeared on German-language WhatsApp as voice message and text messages .
These messages typically claimed to be from a young mother saying that the Vienna lab had researched Covid-19 deaths in Italy and found that the majority had self-medicated with ibuprofen .
The message offers no specific evidence to back up its claims , according to German pharmaceutical news website aponet.de .
`` Such a pattern is typical of conspiracy theories , '' it concludes .
• EASY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Coronavirus and ibuprofen: Separating fact from fiction Published 17 March 2020
Image source, Getty Images
Stories have been circulating online suggesting it's dangerous to take ibuprofen if you have coronavirus. Alongside genuine medical advice, false messages have been spreading, distorting the facts.
Speaking to the BBC, medical professionals said that ibuprofen is not recommended for managing coronavirus symptoms.
The NHS says that, while "there is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus (Covid-19) worse, until we have more information take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you."
Those already taking ibuprofen for other conditions should not stop without consulting a doctor, though.
Both paracetamol and ibuprofen can bring a temperature down and help with flu-like symptoms. But ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not suitable for everyone and can cause side-effects - especially for people with asthma, heart and circulatory problems.
The NHS website previously recommended both paracetamol and ibuprofen, but has since changed its advice.
There is also some evidence linking ibuprofen to more severe illness from other respiratory infections.
False stories
But whatever the advice, there's still been a great deal of misinformation online. Bogus messages have been circulating on WhatsApp claiming that:
• "There are four young people in an intensive care unit in Cork who have no underlying illnesses - all were taking anti-inflammatories and there are concerns this has caused a more severe illness" (false)
• The University of Vienna has sent a memo warning people with coronavirus symptoms not to take ibuprofen, "because it has been discovered that it increases the speed of reproduction of the coronavirus Covid-19 in the body and this is the reason why people in Italy have reached the current bad stage and rapid spread" (false)
• "At the university hospital in Toulouse, France, there are four very critical cases of coronavirus in [young people] who do not have any health problems. Their problem is that when they all appeared to have symptoms, they all took painkillers like ibuprofen" (false)
These stories circulating on WhatsApp are also appearing on different platforms including Instagram.
Commonly these kinds of copied-and-pasted texts will claim to be from someone the forwarder says they know, often with a medical background.
All these claims are false
The Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland said a WhatsApp message circulating about coronavirus patients in Cork is "a fake message", asking anyone who receives it to "ignore and delete".
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Toulouse University Hospital warned that inaccurate information was circulating on social networks, saying it would not have discussed the care of patients due to medical confidentiality.
So what do we know about ibuprofen and Covid-19?
There has been no research into ibuprofen and the new coronavirus (Covid-19).
But there has been some for other respiratory infections, suggesting ibuprofen is linked to more complications and more severe illness, according to Paul Little, a professor of primary care research at University of Southampton.
Experts believe that ibuprofen's anti-inflammatory properties may "dampen" the body's immune response.
Prof Parastou Donyai at the University of Reading says: "There are many studies that suggest ibuprofen use during a respiratory infection can result in worsening of the disease or other complications."
But, she says, "I have not seen any scientific evidence that clearly shows a totally healthy 25 year old taking ibuprofen for symptoms of COVID-19 is putting themselves at additional risk of complications."
Although we don't yet know whether ibuprofen has a particular effect on the severity or length of illnesses caused by coronavirus - either in healthy people or those with underlying conditions - Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says, especially for vulnerable patients, "it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice".
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Paracetamol has sold out in many pharmacies
The spreading of rumours has led to confusion
Worries over the use of ibuprofen appear to have surfaced in France, after Jean-Louis Montastruc, a doctor at Toulouse University Hospital warned on Twitter that: "In this period of coronavirus, it is necessary to remember the risk of complications of the NSAIDs in case of fever or infection."
A subsequent tweet by France's health minister, Olivier Veran, saying that anti-inflammatory drugs "could be an aggravating factor of the infection" was shared more than 43,000 times. But he also said people should consult a doctor before stopping taking them.
Other tweets are also being shared including one saying that ibuprofen "may cause severe cases of the disease, even in young and middle-aged adults with no underlying conditions" which has been shared more than 94,000 times on Twitter.
Image source, FACEBOOK Image caption, Many people on social media appeared to have "a doctor in the family" with inside information
A lack of clear consensus on the issue from the medical profession has led to mixed messages and rumours spreading online, and the University of Vienna laboratory claim noted earlier seems to have taken on a life of its own in both English and German.
Twitter and Facebook posts - which seem to be cut-and-pasted and adapted by users - all claim to have a "doctor in the family" who has information from the Vienna lab that "the vast majority of people who died of Covid-19 had ibuprofen in their system". Some of the posts go on to claim that coronavirus "thrives on ibuprofen". There is no evidence that this is the case.
This online rumour also appeared on German-language WhatsApp as voice message and text messages. These messages typically claimed to be from a young mother saying that the Vienna lab had researched Covid-19 deaths in Italy and found that the majority had self-medicated with ibuprofen. The message offers no specific evidence to back up its claims, according to German pharmaceutical news website aponet.de. "Such a pattern is typical of conspiracy theories," it concludes.


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Five ways to work well from home

Thousands of people are likely to be working from home for the first time this week due to the coronavirus outbreak .
For others , it 's just like any other week .
About 1.5 million people work from home , and it 's becoming more popular all the time .
So if you 're not self-isolating , but have been told to work remotely , what 's the best way to stay efficient and keep your spirits up ?
For some people , the prospect of staying in their pyjamas all day is the most tantalising aspect of working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dressed will not only improve your state of mind , it will psychologically prepare you to start work .
Whether you need to change into business attire depends on the type of person you are and the nature of the job you have .
Some people find that dressing formally is helpful , and also useful if they need to dial into a video call .
But for many others , the point of getting dressed is being forced to shower and change out of clothes they associate with sleep and rest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a T-shirt and jeans .
Wearing respectable clothes also increases motivation to leave the house .
Likewise , changing out of work clothes when you clock off for the day helps your brain to understand that the working day is over .
• Working from home : What are my rights ?
• ' I turn off the doorbell when I work from home' • Google tells staff to work at home due to coronavirus If you 're employed by a company , you 'll probably have set hours of work , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you 're working from home .
Be ready to start your day at the same time as you would normally arrive in your office or workplace , and finish your day at the same time .
Em Sheldon , a blogger and freelance writer , says she sticks to a routine while working from home .
She advises `` going to bed at a reasonable hour so that you get enough sleep and then wake up at your usual time .
`` I also find things like booking in a workout or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to get up and go , '' she says .
`` Once you do something over and over , it becomes a habit , so the first week may be challenging but eventually it becomes part of your routine . ''
At the end of a working day , it 's best to switch off your computer and tidy away papers and other items .
Space allowing , set aside a specific , separate area in your home where you can set yourself up - ideally with a properly adjusted desk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The NHS advice is that you should adjust your chair so you can use the keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor .
If there are other people in the house , finding a space where you 're not likely to be disturbed is essential , as Prof Robert Kelly found out the hard way in 2017 .
He was being interviewed live by BBC News when his two children burst into the room , creating a now infamous video , which has been viewed more than 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not `` overcompensate '' because you 're anxious about working from home , says Ross Robinson , who manages a team of freelancers at his Ignata Consulting firm .
`` Many people tend to over communicate when working from home - either wanting to 'be seen ' , or overcompensating to ensure people know what they are up to .
That 's fine - but do n't go over the top .
You know if you 're on task and being productive - keep yourself in check . ''
3 .
Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not self-isolating ) Working from home should n't mean you stay cooped up indoors all day .
While you might not miss your daily commute , it does guarantee that you leave the house at least once during the day .
So get your shoes on , get outside and enjoy that fresh air .
A different perspective will also help undo mental blocks and give you a fresh pair of eyes for any tasks you 're struggling with .
Matthew Knight , founder of Leapers , a group that supports self-employed people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing helps him feel like it 's time to work .
`` There 's a mental angle for each individual that makes you feel like you 're working , '' he says .
`` I will leave the house and walk around the block and feel like right now I am at work .
Find ways of putting in those boundaries otherwise it becomes difficult to switch off . ''
If you ca n't go outside , you could even bring the atmosphere of the office to you .
`` I like bustle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use sound to help make a bit of an atmosphere , '' says Gillian Roche-Saunders , whose entire regulatory consultancy firm Adempi Associates work remotely .
She uses an app that plays background sounds such as a train moving along tracks , or the chatter of a coffee shop .
If you 're working from home , the chances are you 'll be alone , so you wo n't get distracted by colleagues ' conversations and other office noise .
When you 're at work , you 're more likely to engage with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home , you could spend the whole day without speaking to anyone which can be isolating .
Make some time to pick up the phone and have a real conversation , rather than relying on email and instant messaging .
`` More and more people hide behind email rather than pick up the phone and talk to colleagues and contacts , '' says Hugo Mortimer-Harvey , who 's worked remotely from Spain as a freelance PR consultant since 2018 .
`` When you spend the day working on your own , actually calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more stimulating and indeed productive than a chain of emails . ''
Jack Evans is lead business psychologist at workplace wellness consultancy Robertson Cooper , which is planning to have all its staff temporarily work from home .
Their plan is to speak to each other for 30 minutes every day via video conferencing .
`` At about lunchtime we will just chat over video message about nothing in particular .
It 's to make sure people do n't just turn into work monkeys .
We will maintain conversation about work but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social connection , which is much easier to get in person . ''
It 's good to have a routine when you 're working from home , but work should n't become monotonous .
And you should n't stay glued to your screen all day .
It 's important to take regular screen breaks and get up from your desk and move around just as you would in an office .
Research has also found that short breaks throughout the day are more beneficial than less frequent , longer breaks .
Many home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ method of time management which breaks your working day into 25 minute chunks .
Each chunk is followed by a five minute break .
Ellie Wilson is co-founder of virtual assistant service , Virtalent , and has a team of more than 50 remote workers .
`` It 's important to stand up , stretch , move around and even go for a short walk to take a break from your work and your screen , '' she says .
`` Being cooped up without stopping for a break can mean your productivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and less motivated to complete what you 're working on . ''

"I also find things like booking in a workout or getting my gym kit ready means I have to get up and go," she says. "Once you do something over and over, it becomes a habit, so the first week may be challenging but eventually it becomes part of your routine."


bbc--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Italy's death toll overtakes China's

Coronavirus has killed more people in Italy than in any other country , after deaths there rose by 427 in a day .
The number of deaths now stands at 3,405 , which is more than in China where the virus originated last year .
There have been 3,245 reported deaths in China , but there have been questions over the reliability of its data .
A lockdown imposed on 12 March in Italy has been extended beyond the original 25 March end date .
Nearly all Italians have been told to stay at home .
Despite these measures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has continued to spiral .
There have been 220,000 cases of the virus worldwide with more than 9,000 deaths .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• NEW MEASURES : What is the UK advice ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
China confirmed it had no new domestic cases on Wednesday for the first time since the outbreak began , a major milestone .
But it reported 34 new cases among people who had recently returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China - more than 81,000 - is still far higher than in Italy , which has 41,035 .
Italy shut down most businesses and banned public gatherings nationwide on 12 March as it tried to halt the spread of the virus .
Bars , restaurants and most shops have closed , as have schools and universities .
The lockdown has been extended , and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said it had helped prevent `` the collapse of the system '' .
But he told the Corriere della Sera newspaper that `` we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to life as it was before '' even when the measures were ended .
A report by the Istituto Superiore di Sanita into the deaths in Italy of 2,003 people confirmed to be positive for coronavirus found that three regions , all in the north , were by far the worst hit .
Some studies point to the large number of elderly in the affected regions , and that a large proportion of 18-34s live at home with them .
Different demographics in other nations may have helped to keep the death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe ?
The European Central Bank ( ECB ) has launched an emergency €750bn ( $ 820bn ; £700bn ) package to ease the impact of the pandemic , with boss Christine Lagarde tweeting `` there are no limits '' to its commitment to the euro .
France began its lockdown on Tuesday morning .
It requires citizens who are in public places to carry official paperwork stating why they are not at home or face a fine .
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told Europe 1 radio on Thursday that the lockdown might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
He said 4,095 fines had been handed out to transgressors and 70,000 control checks made since Wednesday morning .
The fine is €135 ( $ 150 ; £123 ) .
`` Some people think they 're some kind of modern-day hero when they break the rules - but they 're imbeciles , and a danger to themselves , '' Mr Castaner said .
Elsewhere , the number of deaths in Spain rose by 209 in a single day .
The number of infected people there rose by 3,431 , reaching 17,147 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected country and is under nationwide lockdown .
Germany has not imposed stringent measures , although it has closed schools and many businesses and public spaces .
But a speech by Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday appeared to be a final warning to avoid mandatory lockdowns .
`` The situation is serious .
Take it seriously , '' she said .
The UK has also not imposed stringent lockdown measures as yet but has announced schools will close .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he could not give any date for when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area in the UK and has now begun to slim down transport services .
But the prime minister 's spokesman said the government had no plans to bring in blanket travel restrictions for London or shut down the city 's transport system .
`` There is zero prospect of any restriction being placed on travelling in or out of London , '' he told reporters .
• Asian countries such as South Korea , China and Singapore were told to expect a second wave of infections from people returning home • In hard-hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay home for Nowruz ( Persian New Year ) instead of going to public celebrations • Australia and New Zealand closed their borders to non-residents • EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier tested positive for virus , but said he was `` doing well and in good spirits '' • US President Donald Trump signed a $ 100bn ( £85bn ) bill to cover free testing and some paid sick leave , and said he would move to rush the development of treatments `` as fast as it can possibly be done ''

Some studies point to the large number of elderly in the affected regions, and that a large proportion of 18-34s live at home with them. Different demographics in other nations may have helped to keep the death toll lower.


bbc--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Asian nations face second wave of imported cases

South Korea , China and Singapore are among the Asian countries facing a second coronavirus wave , fuelled by people importing it from outside .
China , where the virus first emerged , confirmed it had no new domestic cases on Wednesday for the first time since the outbreak began , a major milestone .
But it reported 34 new cases among people who recently returned to China .
Singapore also reported 47 new cases , of which 33 were imported - 30 of them returned Singapore residents .
South Korea saw a jump in new cases on Thursday with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many were imported .
A new cluster there is centred on a nursing home in Daegu , where 74 patients have tested positive .
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• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Japan reported three new cases on Wednesday .
But Hokkaido , the worst-affected Japanese region with 154 cases , is lifting its state of emergency - in place since late February - after officials said the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have urged people to remain cautious and stay at home , but said there had been `` no surge of infected patients that led to the collapse of the medical environment '' .
`` We 've carried out powerful measures on refraining from going out , but from now on , we will move into a stage of reducing risks of the spread of infection while maintaining social and economic activities , '' governor Naomichi Suzuki said on Wednesday .
• The detectives racing to find coronavirus cases in Singapore China 's National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestically transmitted cases in China for the first time since the virus emerged in late December .
It also said there were no cases at all in Wuhan , the outbreak centre which was essentially locked down earlier this year , but 34 cases arriving from abroad .
Some Wuhan residents who have been shut up inside their homes for six weeks are being allowed out , as long as they do not gather in groups .
Some businesses have also been allowed to resume work .
In districts which have been cleared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and convenience stores are reopening .
As protection against imported infections , a hospital that used to treat Sars patients has been re-opened in the Chinese capital Beijing to quarantine suspected coronavirus cases .
In Hong Kong , new arrivals will have to wear an electronic bracelet to track their movements .
China 's death toll stands at 3,245 , however there have been ongoing questions over the reliability of China 's data .
All four countries had all been showing success in controlling domestic cases , but there is concern that increases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea has been praised for its response to the epidemic , which has involved tracing the infection , testing large amounts of people and isolating patients quickly .
The pace of daily new infections has slowed since the outbreak peaked earlier this month .
Before Wednesday 's increase , the number of people contracting the virus had been in double digits for the last four days .
Health officials have warned there is no room for complacency and are once again urging the public to stay away from large gatherings including in churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ karaoke rooms .
Three people from the national fencing team have tested positive for coronavirus after returning from a competition in Hungary .
All 26 athletes and coaches are now being tested .
Read more from Laura : Is S Korea 's rapid testing the key to coronavirus ?
Much of the focus has now shifted to Europe and the US , but the new numbers signal that the outbreak is far from over in Asia .
Malaysia 's senior health official on Wednesday begged people to `` stay at home and protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Malaysia , which is under a partial lockdown , has tallied 710 people with the virus , the worst in South East Asia .
Many of the cases are linked to one religious event in the capital , Kuala Lumpur , in February .
`` We have a slim chance to break the chain of Covid-19 infections , '' Noor Hisham Abdullah , director general of Health Malaysia , said on Facebook .
`` Failure is not an option here .
If not , we may face a third wave of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tsunami , if we maintain a 'so what ' attitude . ''
According to a tally by Johns Hopkins University in the US , there are 215,955 cases and 8,749 deaths globally .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) says the vast majority - 80 % - have occurred in Europe and the Western Pacific region , which includes much of Asia .
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Some Wuhan residents who have been shut up inside their homes for six weeks are being allowed out, as long as they do not gather in groups. Some businesses have also been allowed to resume work.


bbc--2020-03-19--US jails begin releasing prisoners to stem Covid-19 infections

US jails are to let out inmates as cases of coronavirus infections are being reported in prisons .
New York City is releasing `` vulnerable '' prisoners , the mayor said on Wednesday , days after Los Angeles and Cleveland freed hundreds of inmates .
Prison reform advocates say those in jail are at higher risk of catching and passing on Covid-19 .
There have been more than 9,400 cases of Covid-19 and 152 deaths in the US so far , according to estimates .
Globally there are some 220,000 confirmed cases and over 8,800 deaths .
What happened in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Wednesday that city officials will this week identify individuals for release , including people who were arrested for minor crimes and those most vulnerable to infection due to underlying health problems .
His announcement came hours after a guard and a prisoner tested positive for coronavirus at Rikers Island prison , where disgraced former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein , 68 , is a high-profile inmate .
Weinstein will be moved to a different state prison , an official said on Wednesday .
Other New York prisons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inmates test positive for coronavirus and one employee for the state 's corrections department has died from it .
What have other US jurisdictions done ?
The Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Department reduced it 's inmate population by 600 in the last two weeks , officials said on Tuesday .
`` Our population within our jails is a vulnerable population just by who they are , where they are located , so we 're protecting that population from potential exposure , '' Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva told reporters earlier this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest prison system in the world with an average population of around 22,000 prisoners .
Mr Villaneuva disclosed that arrests in the county are also down , from an average of 300 per weekend to only 60 in mid-March .
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Cuyahoga County , Ohio , where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also released hundreds of prisoners due to coronavirus concerns .
Judges held emergency hearings through the weekend to work out plea deals and other agreements to allow prisoners to be released early or without serving time .
Several states from New York to California are now banning in-person visitors .
A ban on visits led to a deadly prison riot in Italy last week .
Federal agencies will postpone most arrests and deportations during the coronavirus crisis .
What is the danger to prisoners ?
Reform campaigners say prisoners face unique risks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overcrowded cells and hallways .
Handcuffed people can not cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze , sinks often lack soap and hand sanitiser is considered contraband due to its alcohol content .
Iran has already released 85,000 people , including political prisoners , in an effort to combat the pandemic .
The US locks up more of its citizens per capita than any other country , with an estimated 2.3 million people behind bars in federal , state and local prisons .
Some high profile convicts have argued for early release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's former lawyer Michael Cohen , 53 , financial fraudster Bernie Madoff , 81 , and Gilberto Rodriguez-Orejuela , a notorious Colombian drug lord .

"Our population within our jails is a vulnerable population just by who they are, where they are located, so we're protecting that population from potential exposure," Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva told reporters earlier this week.