thetelegraph--2020-04-16--How much statutory sick pay can I get if coronavirus stops me working?

As the number of coronavirus cases in Britain ramps up , more people are being forced to take time out of their jobs .
Even those who have not contracted the virus , including parents whose children can not go to school and people considered to be high-risk , are finding they 're unable to work .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a raft of measures to protect the incomes of people having to take time off because of coronavirus in his Budget speech .
However some workers will still fall through the cracks and critics have said the measures did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be paid and , if so , how much ?
Here Telegraph Money outlines your rights .
Will I still be paid ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that workers who are self-isolating because they have developed symptoms should not be penalised for doing the right thing .
He said that those self-isolating should receive sick pay from day one .
They will immediately be entitled to £94.25 per week , the current rate of statutory sick pay , which is usually only paid from the fourth consecutive day of illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are already eligible for statutory sick pay .
The statutory amount is around one sixth of the average pay of a full-time employee , meaning that many will be left worse off .
Some employers will pay workers their full salary during periods of illness .

Who is eligible for statutory sick pay?
If you are employed and earn on average at least £120 per week before tax you are legally entitled to statutory sick pay.
This means that the self-employed and those working on low-paid zero-hour contracts are excluded. Agricultural workers, those in the armed forces and women who are already receiving maternity pay are also not eligible for statutory sick pay.
The Trades Union Congress, a federation of unions, has warned that workers in these kinds of roles may feel they have no choice but to work, even if they are advised not to.
Nearly two million workers, including a third of zero-hours contract workers, do not qualify for statutory sick pay. It also includes over half of workers aged 65 and over – a group which has been identified by the Government as one of the most vulnerable to coronavirus.
The TUC also warned statutory weekly sick pay was now worth £3 less, in real terms, than prior to the pandemic, because of the soaring cost of living.
Struggling freelancers could previously apply for support under the Government's Self-employed Income Support Scheme, but this ended at the end of September.
It means many freelancers have had to turn to the benefits system instead, but could find themselves waiting for weeks before they receive their first pay cheque because of the time taken to process applications for Universal Credit.
What if I can't get childcare?
The omicron variant has wreaked havoc in schools across the country, with predictions they will likely face disruption until Easter next year.
On top of pupils with the virus needing to self-isolate, dozens of schools have closed early this year because of staff sickness. The upheaval means parents are having to juggle caring for sick or self-isolating children whilst working.
Michael Legge, an employment lawyer at JMW Solicitors, said that some employers may allow employees working from home to arrange this to accommodate caring for children too.
If this isn't possible parents will have to look at taking emergency dependent leave, unpaid leave or using some of their annual leave entitlement, impacting either their pay or their holiday plans for the rest of the year.
“It all depends how generous your employer is so it is always worth making your case given the unusual circumstances,” Mr Legge explained.
If you're still unsure about your rights the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has some useful guidelines for both employees and employers.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Upside down banana caramel cake recipe

Upside down banana caramel cake recipe

In this recipe an indulgent caramel sauce offers a scrumptious twist on a classic banana cake .
The upside down element adds a little excitement too .
• For the caramel , heat the sugar and water together , stirring only until dissolved .
Once clear , allow to boil on its own , avoiding stirring to prevent crystallisation .
Once golden brown and even in colour ( don ’ t over-boil or take it too dark ) , remove from the heat and add the cream .
The sugar will bubble and splutter for a bit but don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mix becomes lumpy return to a low heat and stir until melted fully .
Once smooth add the butter and a pinch of salt and mix again .
Set aside to cool a little .
• Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4 .
Grease and line a 23x23cm , 8cm-deep baking tin .
• In a bowl , roughly mash two of the bananas with a fork .
Add the oil and caster sugar , and use the fork to mix again .
Once smooth , add the brown sugar and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about lumps – add the rest of the ingredients and mix again with the fork until all the flour is combined .
• Slice the third banana lengthways and arrange on the base of the tin .
• Pour a little warm caramel , roughly three tablespoons , over the base and spread level .
Pour the batter into the tin .
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until springy to touch and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean .
• Allow to cool for five minutes before removing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Remove the greaseproof paper then allow to cool completely .
Brush a little warm caramel ( you might need to heat it up again ) on the top and allow to drip down the edges a little .
• I like to serve this with a dollop of yogurt and a little date molasses but it is equally good on its own .
The loaf will keep in an airtight tin for up to three days .

In this recipe an indulgent caramel sauce offers a scrumptious twist on a classic banana cake. The upside down element adds a little excitement too.
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes
SERVES
Eight
INGREDIENTS
For the caramel:
100g caster sugar
50ml water
100g double cream
50g butter
For the cake:
3 large overripe bananas
150g sunflower or vegetable oil
75g caster sugar
100g dark brown sugar
200g self-raising flour
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
METHOD


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Captain Tom Moore completes 100-lap challenge for NHS as donations top £12 million

A 99-year-old veteran raising funds for the NHS by completing 100 lengths of his garden has completed his challenge and @ @ @ @ @ generosity as donations topped a staggering £12 million .
Captain Tom Moore had resolved to @ @ @ @ @ before he turned 100 at the end of April .
The World War Two hero @ @ @ @ @ family in Bedfordshire , had originally hoped to raise just £1,000 for the NHS when @ @ @ @ @ week but by Thursday morning , he had raised a total of more than £12million @ @ @ @ @ 650,000 supporters .
After reaching his target , completed with a guard of honour from @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire Regiment , as pictured below , he said he felt `` fine '' and @ @ @ @ @ be `` surrounded by the right sort of people '' , He has received multiple @ @ @ @ @ workers , sports personalities and politicians .

A 99-year-old veteran raising funds for the NHS by completing 100 laps of his garden has completed his challenge and hailed the public for their generosity as donations topped a staggering £17 million.
Captain Tom Moore had resolved to complete 100 25-metre laps before he turns 100 at the end of this month.
The World War Two veteran, who lives with his family in Bedfordshire, had originally hoped to raise £1,000 for the NHS when he started the challenge last week – but by Friday morning he had raised a total of more than £17 million, donated by more than 650,000 supporters.
After reaching his target, completed with a guard of honour from the 1st Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment (pictured below), he said he felt "fine" and was glad to be "surrounded by the right sort of people".
He has received multiple messages of thanks from NHS workers, sports personalities and politicians.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--How to pause your Sky Sports subscription due to coronavirus: can you also cancel BT Sport?

With millions of people across the country preparing to spend weeks at home , many will be relying on television to provide them with information and entertainment during the coronavirus crisis .
However , sports fans will have a limited choice of viewing as most of the world ’ s major sports leagues have announced that they will suspend their competitions to help limit the spread of the virus .
In football , the Premier League , Champions League , Football League and National League have all been placed on a hiatus .
Other sports such as Formula 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halted their seasons .
But with sports fans paying hundreds of pounds a year for subscriptions to Sky Sports and rival BT Sport , many are asking whether it is possible to cancel a subscription as no live action is being shown .
At present , those who are currently locked into a contract with Sky Sports or BT Sport are unable to cancel their subscription without paying a hefty exit penalty .
Only those who are out of contract after their initial term has ended will be able to cancel , usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Refunds are not available to those who have missed out on sporting action since the virus outbreak started .
While customers can not cancel , Sky has said it will allow customers to pause their sports subscription until live sport is resumed .
Customers should call 0800 151 2747 to do so , but are warned that there could be significant waiting times .
BT customers are also unable to claim refunds .
However , the firm has announced that it will offer account credit equivalent to one month 's subscription fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed through the BT website or app .
It is asking customers not to call unless absolutely necessary .
Both Sky and BT said they hoped to show any cancelled events when they are rearranged for later in the year .
BT Sport said it expected to broadcast the remainder of the season over the coming months .
Some events , such as WWE wrestling , are still taking place behind closed doors .

The Premier League is set to restart on Wednesday June 17, ending months without sporting action for television subscribers.
Sky Sports and BT Sport, the country’s two biggest premium football channels, will soon resume charging customers their full monthly subscriptions.
At the start of the coronavirus outbreak, Sky announced that it was allowing customers to pause their subscription until top-flight sport returned. Now, with Premier League returning, football subscribers will be required to pay their usual monthly bills from Friday June 19.
Sky Sports will show the 39 exclusive matches it originally had scheduled. It will also broadcast an additional 25 live games for free to everyone, including Everton v Liverpool on the opening weekend, using Sky’s free-to-air Pick TV channel.
As well as football returning to the airwaves, Sky Sports said that PGA Tour golf would return on June 11 and Formula 1 is expected to start soon after. Customers with motorsport-only packages will be charged once action resumes and do not need to take any action to resume their subscription.
BT Sport did not allow customers to pause their subscriptions while no live sport was being broadcast. However, customers have been offered account credit. BT said it would offer credit worth 50pc of their monthly subscription to users during June.
Customers must apply for credit using the BT Sport website from June 1. Bundesliga football from Germany has already resumed and Premier League football will follow next month. BT will show 20 games from England’s top flight during the remainder of the season.
Four games will be broadcast free-to-air on the BBC, with a further four available on Amazon Prime.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--The best things to see and do in Grenada, from waterfalls to wildlife

For a small island , Grenada offers plenty to see and do .
First off , there 's the historic capital St George 's to explore – a jumble of brightly-coloured buildings rising above a deep , natural harbour that 's one of the prettiest ports in the Caribbean .
You should also head off into the island 's mountainous and incredibly lush interior , and take a hike through the rainforest and discover impressive waterfalls .
Do journey up to the untouristy north of Grenada too , where you can learn about different aspects of the island 's heritage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estate and factory , a centuries-old rum distillery or a nutmeg processing station .
Begin with a wander along the Carenage , where red-brick Georgian buildings overlook fishing boats and ferries .
Then make your way up to the handsome Anglican church and Catholic cathedral , both restored to their former glory after massive damage from Hurricane Ivan in 2004 .
Finally , for superb views down the coast and over the town , climb up to Fort George , a dilapidated colonial-era complex at the mouth of the harbour that is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Insider 's tip : On the Carenage , look out for the Christ of the Deep bronze statue .
It commemorates the loss in 1961 in St George 's Harbour of the Italian cruise liner Bianca C , and the help provided by Grenadians .

For a small island, Grenada offers plenty to see and do. First off, there's the historic capital St George's to explore – a jumble of brightly-coloured buildings rising above a deep, natural harbour that's one of the prettiest ports in the Caribbean. You should also head off into the island's mountainous and incredibly lush interior, and take a hike through the rainforest and discover impressive waterfalls. Do journey up to the untouristy north of Grenada too, where you can learn about different aspects of the island's heritage and culture – perhaps visiting a cocoa estate and factory, a centuries-old rum distillery or a nutmeg processing station.
St George's
Stroll around the hilly town
Begin with a wander along the Carenage, where red-brick Georgian buildings overlook fishing boats and ferries. Then make your way up to the handsome Anglican church and Catholic cathedral, both restored to their former glory after massive damage from Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Finally, for superb views down the coast and over the town, climb up to Fort George, a dilapidated colonial-era complex at the mouth of the harbour that is now the HQ for Grenada's police force.
Insider's tip: On the Carenage, look out for the Christ of the Deep bronze statue. It commemorates the loss in 1961 in St George's Harbour of the Italian cruise liner Bianca C, and the help provided by Grenadians.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Salmon fillets with Indian spices and coconut recipe

Make sure you marinate your salmon fillets really well – this dish is all about the spices .
The coconut sauce is fragrant and bursting with Indian flavours .
• juice of ½ lime , or as needed • Put the salmon in a dish with the spices , some salt and pepper , the lime juice and ½ tbsp of the oil , turning the fish over to coat .
Cover and put in the fridge , bringing it out about 20 minutes before you want to cook it .
• To make the sauce , heat the oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onion with a pinch of salt until soft , but not coloured .
Add the garlic , ginger , chilli and spices and cook for another 2 minutes .
• Add the coconut cream and bring to just under the boil .
Simmer until the sauce is a bit thicker than double cream , then add the lime , sugar and coriander .
Simmer for a minute or so , then check the seasoning .
• For the salmon , heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan and , when really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cook until it has a gorgeous golden , crisp skin – but don ’ t move the fillet too soon or you could tear the skin .
Then turn each piece over and reduce the heat .
I like it when the fillets are still just a touch raw right in the centre .
You can see how the salmon is doing by looking at the sides .
It should take about 9 minutes in all for thick fillets .
• Gently reheat the sauce .
You can add the salmon to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or serve it on the side .

Make sure you marinate your salmon fillets really well – this dish is all about the spices. The coconut sauce is fragrant and bursting with Indian flavours.
Prep time: 10 minutes, plus 20 minutes marinating time | Cooking time: 20 minutes
SERVES
Four
INGREDIENTS
4 salmon fillets, about 175g-200g each
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground cumin
juice of 2 limes
1½ tbsp coconut oil or groundnut oil
For the sauce:
½ tbsp coconut oil or groundnut oil
½ onion, very finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, grated to a purée
2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated
1 green chilli, halved, deseeded and chopped
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp ground turmeric
400ml tin coconut cream (not milk)
juice of ½ lime, or as needed
½ tsp sugar (optional)
leaves from a small bunch of coriander, chopped
METHOD


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Apple iPhone SE: UK price, release date, screen size and everything you need to know

Apple has revealed its updated iPhone SE , a smaller version of its flagship smartphones with a starting price of @ @ @ @ @ features Apple 's latest microchip - the A13 Bionic - as well as a single @ @ @ @ @ Retina HD display .
Unlike current Apple flagship phones , the new SE also features @ @ @ @ @ 's Touch ID fingerprint sensor .
Here is everything you need to know : The @ @ @ @ @ on sale online from April 17 .
Customers will be able to order it directly @ @ @ @ @ through phone networks .
The phone will be released on April 24 .
The iPhone @ @ @ @ @ which Apple sells .
It ’ s available for £419 for the 64GB model , @ @ @ @ @ and £569 for the 256GB model .

Apple has revealed its updated iPhone SE, a smaller version of its flagship smartphones with a starting price of £419.
The new phone features Apple's latest microchip - the A13 Bionic - as well as a single rear camera and a 4.7in Retina HD display.
Unlike current Apple flagship phones, the new SE also features a Home button and Apple's Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Here is everything you need to know:
iPhone SE release date
The new iPhone SE will go on sale online from April 17. Customers will be able to order it directly from Apple as well as through phone networks.
The phone will be released on April 24.
iPhone SE price
The iPhone SE is the cheapest iPhone which Apple sells. It’s available for £419 for the 64GB model, £469 for the 128GB model and £569 for the 256GB model.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--How to set up a Zoom meeting safely

How to set up a Zoom meeting safely

It is generally easier to share a link to those you want to Zoom with , but do not spread it widely , by posting on social media , for example .
The second security measure is a feature known as `` waiting room '' , a staging area where people must wait when they join the call .
They must be admitted by the host , meaning that if a stranger invades the call , they would not get past the waiting room without permission from the host .
This is now turned on by default .
Zoom also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be displayed on the title toolbar .
The company said this was to prevent others seeing active meeting IDs when `` Zoom screenshots are posted publicly '' , and using the information to crash meetings .
A new security menu now allows to update security settings while live in a call for the first time , rather than making meeting hosts set security settings before a call - something critics said was leading to gaps in meeting security and privacy .
How to set up a secure Zoom meeting on your phone or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Personal Meeting ID ( PMI ) should be toggled off .
A PMI is your unique account number : it means that if you 're holding regular meetings with the same group , you 're easier to find , but if you 're holding a lot of meetings with different people , they may enter at the wrong moment .
Toggling it off generates a random ID that only serves for the purposes of that meeting .
• Once you press `` Start a Meeting '' you will be in the call .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Make sure neither `` Mute '' or `` Stop Video '' is selected if you want people to see and hear you .
• Tap `` More '' and then `` Meeting Settings '' to check your security measures .
Make sure that `` Put Participant in Waiting room on Entry '' is switched on so you can screen who enters .
Tap `` Done '' .
• To invite people , press `` Participants '' and `` Invite '' .
You can choose to send emails , texts or contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ link '' if you want to send in an app such as WhatsApp .
• When your invitees click the link , they will arrive in the Waiting Room .
Press `` Participants '' again to move them to the call .
You can also switch on the “ Play chime for Enter/Exit ” in Settings so you know when someone is arriving in the meeting .
• When everybody is in the call , you can select `` Lock meeting '' to allow no more participants How to set up a secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into your Zoom account , either at zoom.us or through the desktop app if you have downloaded it .
• Click on `` Host a meeting '' on the web , or on `` New meeting '' on the desktop app .
• Select `` Call using Internet Audio '' .
Once in the call , make sure neither `` Mute '' or `` Stop Video '' is selected if you want people to see and hear you .
• Tap `` Security '' to check your security measures .
Make sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on so you can screen who enters .
• To invite people , press `` Manage Participants '' and `` Invite '' .
You can choose to send an email , or to a Zoom contact .
Alternatively you can choose `` Copy URL '' if you want to share the meeting in another way by pasting it in another app .
send in an app such as WhatsApp .
• When your invitees click the link , they will arrive in the Waiting Room .
Press `` Manage Participants '' again to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also switch on the “ Play chime for Enter/Exit ” in Settings so you know when someone is arriving in the meeting .
• When everybody is in the call , you can select `` Lock meeting '' to allow no more participants • If you want to set up a meeting ahead of time , you can schedule one , allowing you to choose your security settings in advance .
• On either smartphone , desktop or tablet , click `` Schedule '' instead of starting a meeting .
This generates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tweaked .
The default security settings will be switched on , so the main thing you have to do is pick a time .
• Once you select `` Schedule '' or `` Done '' you will see a box with a big chunk of text , or a calendar event on mobile .
That can then be copied and shared as above .
• When you want to start the meeting , go to `` Meetings '' in your app , and select start .
How worried should you be ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidential business should think twice about using Zoom , it is proving to be a useful way for everyday communication and normal business operations .
“ There is always risk associated with using closed source software , Ted Kim , chief executive of Private Internet Access says .
Closed-source means that only the company knows how the software works or if there are hidden back-doors that could allow third parties to intercept calls or recordings made on the app .
Mr Kim adds : `` Companies and other organisations need to evaluate whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convenience of using Zoom .
`` For those that decide the convenience is worth the risk , following security advice will minimise the chance of unwanted interruptions to the call .
”

It is generally easier to share a link to those you want to Zoom with, but do not spread it widely, by posting on social media, for example.
The second security measure is a feature known as "waiting room", a staging area where people must wait when they join the call. They must be admitted by the host, meaning that if a stranger invades the call, they would not get past the waiting room without permission from the host. This is now turned on by default.
Zoom also recently said meeting IDs would no longer be displayed on the title toolbar.
The company said this was to prevent others seeing active meeting IDs when "Zoom screenshots are posted publicly", and using the information to crash meetings.
A new security menu now allows to update security settings while live in a call for the first time, rather than making meeting hosts set security settings before a call - something critics said was leading to gaps in meeting security and privacy.
How to set up a secure Zoom meeting on your phone or tablet
Tap “new meeting” with the camera icon. For most people, the Personal Meeting ID (PMI) should be toggled off. A PMI is your unique account number: it means that if you're holding regular meetings with the same group, you're easier to find, but if you're holding a lot of meetings with different people, they may enter at the wrong moment. Toggling it off generates a random ID that only serves for the purposes of that meeting. Once you press "Start a Meeting" you will be in the call. Then select "Call using Internet Audio". Make sure neither "Mute" or "Stop Video" is selected if you want people to see and hear you. Tap "More" and then "Meeting Settings" to check your security measures. Make sure that "Put Participant in Waiting room on Entry" is switched on so you can screen who enters. Tap "Done". To invite people, press "Participants" and "Invite". You can choose to send emails, texts or contacts. Alternatively you can choose "Copy link" if you want to send in an app such as WhatsApp. When your invitees click the link, they will arrive in the Waiting Room. Press "Participants" again to move them to the call. You can also switch on the “Play chime for Enter/Exit” in Settings so you know when someone is arriving in the meeting. When everybody is in the call, you can select "Lock meeting" to allow no more participants
How to set up a secure Zoom meeting on your computer
Sign into your Zoom account, either at zoom.us or through the desktop app if you have downloaded it. Click on "Host a meeting" on the web, or on "New meeting" on the desktop app. Select "Call using Internet Audio". Once in the call, make sure neither "Mute" or "Stop Video" is selected if you want people to see and hear you. Tap "Security" to check your security measures. Make sure that "Enable Waiting Room" is switched on so you can screen who enters. To invite people, press "Manage Participants" and "Invite". You can choose to send an email, or to a Zoom contact. Alternatively you can choose "Copy URL" if you want to share the meeting in another way by pasting it in another app. send in an app such as WhatsApp. When your invitees click the link, they will arrive in the Waiting Room. Press "Manage Participants" again to move them to the call. You can also switch on the “Play chime for Enter/Exit” in Settings so you know when someone is arriving in the meeting. When everybody is in the call, you can select "Lock meeting" to allow no more participants
Scheduling a Zoom meeting
If you want to set up a meeting ahead of time, you can schedule one, allowing you to choose your security settings in advance. On either smartphone, desktop or tablet, click "Schedule" instead of starting a meeting. This generates a menu of settings, which can be tweaked. The default security settings will be switched on, so the main thing you have to do is pick a time. Once you select "Schedule" or "Done" you will see a box with a big chunk of text, or a calendar event on mobile. That can then be copied and shared as above. When you want to start the meeting, go to "Meetings" in your app, and select start.
How worried should you be? While governments and businesses conducting classified or confidential business should think twice about using Zoom, it is proving to be a useful way for everyday communication and normal business operations.
“There is always risk associated with using closed source software, Ted Kim, chief executive of Private Internet Access says.
Closed-source means that only the company knows how the software works or if there are hidden back-doors that could allow third parties to intercept calls or recordings made on the app.
Mr Kim adds: "Companies and other organisations need to evaluate whether or not this risk is worth the convenience of using Zoom.
"For those that decide the convenience is worth the risk, following security advice will minimise the chance of unwanted interruptions to the call.”


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Is the Houseparty app safe? How it works – and how to delete your account

In the space of a few weeks , the Houseparty app has become nothing short of a sensation .
As millions have locked themselves away at home in self-isolation , Houseparty has emerged as a viral success , with a surge in downloads from an average of 130,000 a week in February to more than two million a week in March , according to data firm Apptopia .
But as the app has risen in popularity , concerns have been raised about its safety .
On March 31 , after reports emerged from users of their accounts being hacked , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indications that the recent hacking rumours were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign ” .
The company is offering a $ 1m ( £810,000 ) bounty to the first person who can provide proof for such a campaign , but as millions continue to use the app during the coronavirus outbreak , how exactly does the app work , is it safe to use and how do you delete it ?
The free to use app , owned by the developer of Fortnite , allows users to play in-app games and quizzes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make video calls with contacts in what has been designed to feel like a real house party .
When contacts come online , a push notification is sent to let others know so a “ room ” can be organised for friends to join .
Rooms can be locked to limit conversations to people who know each other , or can be left open for strangers to join .
• Read more : the best video calling apps to download now

In the space of a few weeks, the Houseparty app has become nothing short of a sensation.
As millions have locked themselves away at home in self-isolation, Houseparty has emerged as a viral success, with a surge in downloads from an average of 130,000 a week in February to more than two million a week in March, according to data firm Apptopia.
But as the app has risen in popularity, concerns have been raised about its safety.
On March 31, after reports emerged from users of their accounts being hacked, Houseparty tweeted that it was “investigating indications that the recent hacking rumours were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign”.
The company is offering a $1m (£810,000) bounty to the first person who can provide proof for such a campaign, but as millions continue to use the app during the coronavirus outbreak, how exactly does the app work, is it safe to use and how do you delete it?
How it works
The free to use app, owned by the developer of Fortnite, allows users to play in-app games and quizzes, as well as allowing them to make video calls with contacts in what has been designed to feel like a real house party.
When contacts come online, a push notification is sent to let others know so a “room” can be organised for friends to join. Rooms can be locked to limit conversations to people who know each other, or can be left open for strangers to join.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Coronavirus cases in Birmingham and the Midlands, mapped

While London has continually topped lists of coronavirus cases in the UK , Birmingham has the highest number outside of the Capital , with the West Midlands emerging as a hotspot for transmissions last month .
The government has said it is investigating reasons why that might be the case , amid suggestions that people 's religious convictions are contributing to the spread .
Khalid Mahmood , Birmingham Perry Barr MP , has said older Muslim and Sikh people in the area may be struggling to adhere to government guidelines about physical distancing because of their desire to continue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services being cancelled , some older people have allegedly attempted to attend mosques and gurdwaras to pray , said Mahmood .
In a bid to free up resources , the Accident and Emergency department at Coventry 's University Hospital is no longer treating minor injuries or illness for adults , while Birmingham 's NEC is preparing in case it is required to double as a field hospital .
Elsewhere , Birmingham Airport could serve as a mortuary if the need for the facility arose .
Sandwell Council said it was working `` with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the West Midlands and Warwickshire `` on mortuary provision across the region '' .
It confirmed Birmingham Airport as one of the agencies it had approached .
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals .
Seven , including the new virus , have made the jump to humans , but most just cause cold-like symptoms .
Two other coronaviruses – Middle East respiratory syndrome ( Mers ) and severe acute respiratory syndrome ( Sars ) – have killed more than 1,500 people between them since 2002 .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The new virus , officially called Covid-19 , is also dangerous - so far , around 20 per cent of confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical .
Around 15 to 20 per cent of hospital cases have been classed as `` severe '' , and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and , crucially , access to good hospital care .
This is much lower than fatality rates for Mers ( 30 per cent ) and Sars ( 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant threat .
Scientists in China believe that Covid-19 has mutated into two strains , one more aggressive than the other , which could make developing a vaccine more complicated .
• How many coronavirus cases are in my area ?

Situation in the Midlands
While London has continually topped lists of coronavirus cases in the UK, Birmingham has the highest number outside of the Capital, with the West Midlands emerging as a hotspot for transmissions last month.
The government has said it is investigating reasons why that might be the case, amid suggestions that people's religious convictions are contributing to the spread.
Khalid Mahmood, Birmingham Perry Barr MP, has said older Muslim and Sikh people in the area may be struggling to adhere to government guidelines about physical distancing because of their desire to continue with their religious practices.
Despite most religious services being cancelled, some older people have allegedly attempted to attend mosques and gurdwaras to pray, said Mahmood.
In a bid to free up resources, the Accident and Emergency department at Coventry's University Hospital is no longer treating minor injuries or illness for adults, while Birmingham's NEC is preparing in case it is required to double as a field hospital.
Elsewhere, Birmingham Airport could serve as a mortuary if the need for the facility arose. Sandwell Council said it was working "with and on behalf of" local authorities in the West Midlands and Warwickshire "on mortuary provision across the region". It confirmed Birmingham Airport as one of the agencies it had approached.
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals. Seven, including the new virus, have made the jump to humans, but most just cause cold-like symptoms.
Two other coronaviruses – Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) – have killed more than 1,500 people between them since 2002.
The new virus, officially called Covid-19, is also dangerous - so far, around 20 per cent of confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical. Around 15 to 20 per cent of hospital cases have been classed as "severe", and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and, crucially, access to good hospital care.
This is much lower than fatality rates for Mers (30 per cent) and Sars (10 per cent), but still a significant threat.
Scientists in China believe that Covid-19 has mutated into two strains, one more aggressive than the other, which could make developing a vaccine more complicated.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Coronavirus cases in Scotland, mapped

Coronavirus cases in Scotland, mapped

Parts of Scotland where the coronavirus is less widespread could enjoy fewer restrictions than the rest of the country and England , the country 's chief medical officer has said .
Although supporting a UK-wide approach now , Dr Catherine Calderwood said it may `` not be appropriate to have all of the suppression measures in all of the country '' later on .
Speaking at a press briefing alongside Nicola Sturgeon , she noted that Scotland is currently `` behind '' the situation in London and argued a `` bespoke '' response could be introduced .
Ms Sturgeon announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisory group to supplement the official advice given to the UK-wide Cobra meetings .
Dr Calderwood said this could be used `` to apply our own Scottish data to some of these advisory measures '' , allowing for less stringent measures in some parts of the country .
• Where else in the UK have coronavirus cases been confirmed ?
On March 25 , Clarence House confirmed the Prince of Wales had tested positive for coronavirus .
`` He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days as usual , '' the statement said .
He came out of isolation on March 30 .
Prince Charles ' wife Camilla has not contracted the virus , tests have shown .
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals .
Seven , including the new virus , have made the jump to humans , but most just cause cold-like symptoms .
Two other coronaviruses – Middle East respiratory syndrome ( Mers ) and severe acute respiratory syndrome ( Sars ) – have killed more than 1,500 people between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK lockdown means for you The new virus , officially called Covid-19 , is also dangerous - so far , around 20 per cent of confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical .
Around 15 to 20 per cent of hospital cases have been classed as `` severe '' , and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and , crucially , access to good hospital care .
This is much lower than fatality rates for Mers ( 30 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , but still a significant threat .
Scientists in China believe that Covid-19 has mutated into two strains , one more aggressive than the other , which could make developing a vaccine more complicated .

Situation in Scotland
Parts of Scotland where the coronavirus is less widespread could enjoy fewer restrictions than the rest of the country and England, the country's chief medical officer has said.
Although supporting a UK-wide approach now, Dr Catherine Calderwood said it may "not be appropriate to have all of the suppression measures in all of the country" later on.
Speaking at a press briefing alongside Nicola Sturgeon, she noted that Scotland is currently "behind" the situation in London and argued a "bespoke" response could be introduced.
Ms Sturgeon announced she has set up her own scientific advisory group to supplement the official advice given to the UK-wide Cobra meetings.
Dr Calderwood said this could be used "to apply our own Scottish data to some of these advisory measures", allowing for less stringent measures in some parts of the country.
On March 25, Clarence House confirmed the Prince of Wales had tested positive for coronavirus.
"He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual," the statement said. He came out of isolation on March 30.
Prince Charles' wife Camilla has not contracted the virus, tests have shown.
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause disease in animals. Seven, including the new virus, have made the jump to humans, but most just cause cold-like symptoms.
Two other coronaviruses – Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) – have killed more than 1,500 people between them since 2002.
The new virus, officially called Covid-19, is also dangerous - so far, around 20 per cent of confirmed cases have been classed as severe or critical. Around 15 to 20 per cent of hospital cases have been classed as "severe", and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and, crucially, access to good hospital care.
This is much lower than fatality rates for Mers (30 per cent) and Sars (10 per cent), but still a significant threat.
Scientists in China believe that Covid-19 has mutated into two strains, one more aggressive than the other, which could make developing a vaccine more complicated.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Can I go to work? The list of key workers and essential roles, explained

As part of an unprecedented lockdown of British life , Boris Johnson announced that schools will close except for the children of “ key workers ” .
It also announced that people should only leave their homes to go to work where it is absolutely necessary .
But who is classed a key worker ?
The Department of Education has published a full list of roles that the Government considers to be “ key ” .
So here ’ s everything you need to know .
Key workers are people whose jobs are vital to public health and safety during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so vital , the Government is keen to ensure that they are able to carry out their jobs with as little restriction as possible , which means being able to put their children in school and use necessary transport links .
All NHS staff , including administrative and cleaning workers .
Frontline health and social care staff such as doctors , nurses , midwives , paramedics , plus support and specialist staff in the health and social care sector .
In addition it includes those working in supply chains including producers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Food and other necessary goods Food chain workers , including those involved in production , processing , distribution , sale and delivery of goods .
Postal workers , those required to run the justice system , religious staff , and those responsible for managing the deceased , and journalists providing public service broadcasting .
Local and national government workers in admin roles “ essential to the effective delivery ” of the Covid-19 response or delivering essential public services , including payment of benefits .
Staff needed to keep oil , gas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Staff in the civil nuclear , chemical and telecommunications sectors .
Those in postal services and those working to provide essential financial services .
Police and support staff , Ministry of Defence civilian staff and armed forces personnel , fire and rescue staff , and workers responsible for border security , prisons and probation .
Those keeping air , water , road , and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating .
Read the full list on the Department 's website .

England is currently in its third lockdown, after the Prime Minister instructed the country to stay at home, once again, during a speech on Jan 4.
The lockdown became law on Jan 6, meaning that people can only leave their homes for specific reasons, such as to exercise or to shop for essential items. You are also permitted to go to work if you cannot work from home, which is the case if you are a key worker.
But, who is classed a key worker? Here’s everything you need to know.
Am I a key worker?
Key workers are people whose jobs are vital to public health and safety during the lockdowns. Because their work is so vital, the Government is keen to ensure that they are able to carry out their jobs with as little restriction as possible, which means being able to put their children in school and use necessary transport links.
The list includes:
Health and social care
All NHS staff, including administrative and cleaning workers. Frontline health and social care staff such as doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, plus support and specialist staff in the health and social care sector.
In addition it includes those working in supply chains including producers and distributors of medicines and personal protective equipment.
Education and childcare
Nursery, teachers – including teaching assistants – and social workers.
Schools are currently closed for the vast majority of pupils, and the Prime Minister announced on Jan 27 that schools will remain closed following the February half-term.
However, Mr Johnson has stated that schools may be able to reopen on Monday, Mar 8, should the top four priority groups receive a vaccination by mid-February.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--From Boris Johnson to Sir Kenny Dalglish, coronavirus hits celebrities, royals and politicians

On April 3 , singer Pink said she had tested positive for Covid-19 and announced she was donating $ 500,000 each to two emergency funds .
In a pair of tweets , she said she and her three-year-old son were displaying symptoms two weeks ago , and she tested positive after accessing tests through a primary care physician .
Former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko revealed on March 15 that she had tested positive .
The 40-year-old , who starred in Quantum of Solace , said she had been `` ill for almost a week '' with fever and fatigue before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died on April 7 at the age of 73 due to complications from coronavirus , his management said .
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter , one of the most influential figures in US folk and country music , had been in a critical condition after contracting Covid-19 .
Kristofer Hivju , the actor best known for his role as Tormund Giantsbane in Game of Thrones , self-isolated at home with minor symptoms after testing positive for the virus .
On April 14 , he said that he is `` fully recovered and in good health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and his wife had spent `` several weeks in quarantine , and also a couple more indoors after being free of all symptoms '' .
`` We were lucky to only have mild symptoms of the Covid-19 , '' the 41-year-old added .
`` We send our love and thoughts to all of the people where the virus has hit much harder , and to everyone who has lost their loved ones due to the coronavirus . ''
Former GMTV host Fiona Phillips told fans she had symptoms including a sore throat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` not suffering '' .
Phillips , 59 , tweeted : `` I am in bed with coronavirus .
It 's not a very pleasant bedfellow , but nothing more than sore throat , dry cough , headache and tiredness .
As long as it stays that way , do n't panic . ''
Former movie producer Harvey Weinstein , who is serving a prison sentence for sexual assault and rape , tested positive for coronavirus , according to the head of the state corrections officers union .
He has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 68 , was placed in isolation at Wende Correctional Facility , and several staff , who allegedly lacked proper protective equipment , were quarantined .
Weinstein arrived at Wende Correctional Facility , a maximum-security prison east of Buffalo , New York , on March 18 after being housed at New York City 's Rikers Island jail .
He was sentenced to 23 years in prison on March 11 for sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi and raping Jessica Mann , a one-time aspiring actress .

Placido Domingo
Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo said he had tested positive for coronavirus and had gone into self-isolation with his family.
"We are currently all in good health but I developed a cough and a fever and decided to get tested, and the result came back positive," Domingo wrote on Facebook.
Previously one of the opera world's most feted artists, Domingo's reputation is now in tatters after an investigation by the American Guild of Musical Artists concluded he had behaved inappropriately with female performers.
The singer has publicly apologised to the women who accused him of sexual harassment.
Fred the Godson
The Bronx-born rapper died on April 23 after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
Fred the Godson, whose real name was Fredrick Thomas, had been updating fans about his fight with the illness and shared a selfie from his hospital bed.
He had worked with artists including Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar and Pusha T.
Andrew Jack
The Star Wars actor died on March 31 at the age of 76 after being diagnosed with coronavirus, according to his agent.
He had appeared in Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi as General Ematt, as well as Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.
Jack was also a dialect coach.
Terrence McNally
A world renowned playwright, McNally's career spanned six decades and earned him four competitive Tony awards, as well as a lifetime achievement award last year.
His works included the plays Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class as well as the books for musicals Ragtime and Kiss Of The Spider Woman.
He died due to complications from coronavirus on March 24 in a hospital in Sarasota, Florida, at the age of 81, his publicist said.
Linda Lusardi
Dancing On Ice star Linda Lusardi returned home on March 29 after a stay in hospital with Covid-19, her husband Sam Kane has said.
Lusardi, 61, and Kane, 51, were admitted to hospital with the disease around March 19.
While Kane was discharged a few days later, Lusardi's condition was considerably worse.
Kane provided updates on her status to worried fans, revealing she was breathing with the help of oxygen equipment, while Lusardi herself tweeted she had "never felt this ill".
However, Kane tweeted on Sunday night that Lusardi had recovered sufficiently to be sent home, saying: "So blessed to be spending tonight with my beautiful girl at home by my side. God bless the NHS. So happy to have her home."
Lusardi, whose TV appearances include Emmerdale, Dancing On Ice and Loose Women, found fame in the 1970s and 80s, and in a 2005 poll was voted the UK's most popular Page 3 girl ever.
Ty
Mercury Prize-nominated rapper Ty died aged 47 after contracting coronavirus, according to a fundraising page set up to support him.
The musician, whose real name is Ben Chijioke, had been in hospital after testing positive for Covid-19, the page said, and had been placed in an induced coma to help his body fight the infection.
Ty's condition improved and he was awake in mid-April, according to the GoFundMe site.
However, page organiser Diane Laidlaw has now said he died on May 7.
Roy Horn
Magician Roy Horn, best known as part of the Las Vegas performing duo of Siegfried & Roy, has died at the age of 75 after contracting coronavirus.
The entertainer tested positive for the illness last month and was said to have been "responding well to treatment".
Sport
Sir Kenny Dalglish
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish is being treated in hospital with the coronavirus, it was revealed on April 10.
Sir Kenny was admitted for treatment for another condition a few days earlier, at which point he was tested for Covid-19. Despite being asymptomatic, the result was positive.
In a statement issued by the Dalglish family via the Liverpool website, they said Sir Kenny attended hospital voluntarily. He returned home on April 12.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--'I was just lost' - Coco Gauff reveals year of depression due to added hype

`` I realised I needed to start playing for myself and not other people .
For about a year I was really depressed .
That was the toughest year for me so far . ''
Gauff said she felt friendless due to her `` dark mindset '' and considered taking a year off just to focus on life .
`` Choosing not to obviously was the right choice but I was close to not going in that direction .
I was just lost , '' she said .
`` I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took many moments sitting , thinking and crying .
I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever . ''
Gauff has been already touted as a long-term successor to Serena Williams at the top of U.S. women 's tennis and while she said she was getting used to people viewing her as a role model she did not like being compared to Serena or her sister Venus .
`` First , I am not at their level yet .
I always feel like it 's not fair to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is just coming up , '' she added .
`` It just does n't feel right yet , I still look at them as my idols .
`` Of course I hope to get to where they are but they are the two women that set the pathway for myself , which is why I can never be them .
`` I would never have even thought about joining tennis , without them a part of it , since there were very few African Americans in the sport . ''

"I realised I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year I was really depressed. That was the toughest year for me so far."
Gauff said she felt friendless due to her "dark mindset" and considered taking a year off just to focus on life.
"Choosing not to obviously was the right choice but I was close to not going in that direction. I was just lost," she said. "I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted or what others did.
"It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying. I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever."
Gauff has been already touted as a long-term successor to Serena Williams at the top of U.S. women's tennis and while she said she was getting used to people viewing her as a role model she did not like being compared to Serena or her sister Venus.
"First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it's not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up," she added. "It just doesn't feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols.
"Of course I hope to get to where they are but they are the two women that set the pathway for myself, which is why I can never be them.
"I would never have even thought about joining tennis, without them a part of it, since there were very few African Americans in the sport."


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Clap For Our Carers: what time is the NHS applause tonight?

In what has become a weekly tradition , the nation comes together each Thursday as part of the Clap For Our Carers campaign , to publicly recognise the efforts of the NHS workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic every day .
The last two weeks have seen hundreds of thousands of people join in across the UK , showing their appreciation for health staff at this unprecedented time .
Here is everything you need to know , and how you can show your support by getting involved tonight .
What is Clap For Our Carers ?
Clap For Our Carers is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the country applauding National Health Service doctors , nurses , cleaners , and other healthcare staff on the front line of the battle against coronavirus .
The movement was launched by Dutch Londoner Annemarie Plas , who felt inspired after seeing a similar tribute to health workers take place in her homeland of the Netherlands .
Clap For Our Carers has already provided a much-needed morale boost to the nation , with communities using it as a way to unite at a time of social distancing measures , and show support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the NHS .

In what has become a weekly tradition, the nation comes together each Thursday as part of the Clap For Our Carers campaign, to publicly recognise the efforts of the NHS workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic every day.
The last eight weeks have seen hundreds of thousands of people join in across the UK, showing their appreciation for health staff at this unprecedented time.
Here is everything you need to know, and how you can show your support by getting involved tonight.
What is Clap For Our Carers?
Clap For Our Carers is a campaign that involves Britons up and down the country applauding National Health Service doctors, nurses, cleaners, and other healthcare staff on the front line of the battle against coronavirus.
The movement was launched by Dutch Londoner Annemarie Plas, who felt inspired after seeing a similar tribute to health workers take place in her homeland of the Netherlands.
Clap For Our Carers has already provided a much-needed morale boost to the nation, with communities using it as a way to unite at a time of social distancing measures, and show support for the estimated 1.3 million Britons who work for the NHS.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Thursday morning news briefing: Virus 'reaching the peak'

Outbreak is slowing - but lockdown will continue There is some light , but is it from the end of the tunnel ?
The Chief Medical Officer has said coronavirus may be reaching its peak in the UK - as ministers come under fresh pressure to disclose their plan for ending Britain 's lockdown .
Acting prime minister Dominic Raab is expected to announce today that social restrictions will stay in place for at least another three weeks .
Other European countries have gone public with their exit strategies even before they have gone past the peak of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working in other countries .
So just how can we emerge from this situation ?
This reader Q & A has everything we know .
Cambridge University has come up with 275 suggestions for reducing the spread of coronavirus after the lockdown - including shopping with tongs and keeping cats inside .
And face masks provide the joke for Matt 's hilarious cartoon today .
Last night , health minister Nadine Dorries said the only way Britain can end `` full lockdown… is when we have a vaccine '' .
We examine how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The latest UK face of the disease is a pregnant nurse who died with coronavirus after doctors saved her baby .
Use our Coronavirus Live Tracker to follow the disease 's spread where you live .
PS - News you can trust is more important than ever .
Stay informed with our liveblog , daily Global Health Bulletin , WhatsApp group , coronavirus podcast and index page with all our articles .
We have a special offer when you take out a new Telegraph subscription that allows you to access all our newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sign up for a free one-month trial - then save 50pc on your first three months .
Testing is the key , we are told .
But it has been claimed that Public Health England has not taken up an offer from a British company that can deliver a million coronavirus tests a week .
Berkshire-based Apacor gained regulatory approval to supply coronavirus antigen tests and said the first 150,000 could be flown to the UK overnight .
But the PHE laboratory at Colindale has still not sent for a sample so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Knapton reports on growing concerns the Government 's 100,000-a-day target is now unreachable .
It lacks the lustre of the Olympics , Wimbledon or a Premier League finale , but a living room-based darts competition launching this Friday will at least give Britain a long-awaited sporting fix .
Players going head-to-head at home on makeshift oches might yet become a highlight of a sporting calendar that has been all but obliterated by the lockdown .
Read how the pub sport has found a novel way to beat the restrictions .
• 'Devoted ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on same day • Knock-on | Cancer referrals drop by as much as 80pc • Football | Premier League clubs want to finish by July 1 • Allister Heath | True cost of this ruinous new economic Ice Age • James Bartholomew | The NHS is not the envy of the world You Are Not Alone : Surviving coronavirus lockdown • Strain on relationships | Why I 've signed up for an online marriage therapy course • The most vulnerable | What it is like caring for a parent with dementia during lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William Sitwell on the best 'low-level ' lockdown puddings Exclusive | The Treasury is expected to unveil a sweeping rescue package for start-up businesses within days as criticism mounts over the emergency support on offer for firms battling through the lockdown .
Hannah Boland reports that ministers are rushing ahead with a bailout plan for loss-making companies .
• Wetherspoon 's | Chain could be forced to tap investors for £250m China | After Wuhan 's most severe lockdown restrictions were lifted , patients who have become severely ill with non-virus conditions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispatch on how medics are becoming overwhelmed .
View more pictures from around the world .

Outbreak is slowing - but lockdown will continue
There is some light, but is it from the end of the tunnel? The Chief Medical Officer has said coronavirus may be reaching its peak in the UK - as ministers come under fresh pressure to disclose their plan for ending Britain's lockdown. Acting prime minister Dominic Raab is expected to announce today that social restrictions will stay in place for at least another three weeks. Other European countries have gone public with their exit strategies even before they have gone past the peak of the virus. Dominic Gilbert examines how lockdowns are working in other countries. So just how can we emerge from this situation? This reader Q&A has everything we know. Cambridge University has come up with 275 suggestions for reducing the spread of coronavirus after the lockdown - including shopping with tongs and keeping cats inside. And face masks provide the joke for Matt's hilarious cartoon today.
Last night, health minister Nadine Dorries said the only way Britain can end "full lockdown… is when we have a vaccine". We examine how close we are to finding one. The latest UK face of the disease is a pregnant nurse who died with coronavirus after doctors saved her baby. Use our Coronavirus Live Tracker to follow the disease's spread where you live.
PS - News you can trust is more important than ever. Stay informed with our liveblog, daily Global Health Bulletin, WhatsApp group, coronavirus podcast and index page with all our articles. We have a special offer when you take out a new Telegraph subscription that allows you to access all our newspaper and online articles without leaving home. Sign up for a free one-month trial - then save 50pc on your first three months.
British firm's offer of million tests a week is spurned
Testing is the key, we are told. But it has been claimed that Public Health England has not taken up an offer from a British company that can deliver a million coronavirus tests a week. Berkshire-based Apacor gained regulatory approval to supply coronavirus antigen tests and said the first 150,000 could be flown to the UK overnight. But the PHE laboratory at Colindale has still not sent for a sample so it can be verified. Science Editor Sarah Knapton reports on growing concerns the Government's 100,000-a-day target is now unreachable.
Darts to host living room spectacular in live event
It lacks the lustre of the Olympics, Wimbledon or a Premier League finale, but a living room-based darts competition launching this Friday will at least give Britain a long-awaited sporting fix. Players going head-to-head at home on makeshift oches might yet become a highlight of a sporting calendar that has been all but obliterated by the lockdown. Read how the pub sport has found a novel way to beat the restrictions.
At a glance: More coronavirus headlines
Comment and analysis
You Are Not Alone: Surviving coronavirus lockdown
Business and money briefing
Exclusive | The Treasury is expected to unveil a sweeping rescue package for start-up businesses within days as criticism mounts over the emergency support on offer for firms battling through the lockdown. Hannah Boland reports that ministers are rushing ahead with a bailout plan for loss-making companies.
Gallery: Virus fightback around the world
China | After Wuhan's most severe lockdown restrictions were lifted, patients who have become severely ill with non-virus conditions are flooding hospitals. Read Sophia Yan moving dispatch on how medics are becoming overwhelmed. View more pictures from around the world.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--What’s on TV tonight: The Truth About Traveller Crime, Fauda, Devs and more

In a report that seems certain to garner headlines , Anja Popp investigates the controversial issue of Traveller sites and crime .
She attempts to uncover the truth about crime rates , visiting the areas that claim to be the victims of a disproportionate amount of Traveller crime , meeting the locals and the police – most of whom are only willing to talk if their identity is hidden .
She hears galling stories of theft , damage , violence and intimidation , with police struggling to tackle the problem .
Popp also examines the statistics , finding that around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no rise in crime rates .
But in the area around 27 per cent of them , it ’ s a third higher .
Yet criminologist Elizabeth Yardley stresses the importance of poverty and deprivation being a factor in high crime rates , rather than merely ethnic groups .
Meanwhile , Paddy Doherty , a Traveller who has appeared on shows such as Celebrity Big Brother , admits some sites have a crime problem , but says it ’ s down to just a few families on those sites , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What ’ s clear is that , with Travellers being one of the worst affected ethnic groups when it comes to poverty and discrimination , this is a complex issue with no easy answers .
CG The makers of this fast-paced Israeli drama about a counter-terrorism unit headed up by the world ’ s angriest man , Doron Kavillio ( Lior Raz ) , certainly know how to raise the tension , which is just one reason it has become a global word-of-mouth hit .
This third season , shifting the action to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it aired in Israel at the end of last year .
A slow-burning opener sees Kavillio working undercover in a West Bank boxing gym .
SH Zoe Laughlin turns her attention to headphones for the final part of this informative series about the technology and manufacture behind everyday products .
Beginning with the first ever ( incredibly expensive ) headphones and continuing through the invention of the Sony Walkman to noise cancellers , Bluetooth , all the way to Apple air pods , Laughlin looks at the key components before trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s fascinating tech thriller continues with a slow but intriguing episode which sees a grief-stricken Lily ( Sonoya Mizuno ) uncover at least one of Sergei ’ s ( Karl Glusman ) secrets .
Nick Offerman steals the show as the creepy but compelling Forest .
SH The gang head to San Francisco where love is very much not in the air for Gordon Ramsay , who is even grumpier than usual .
Meanwhile , fellow travellers Gino D ’ Acampo and Fred Sirieix throw caution to the wind and sample a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first of two eye-opening programmes , the former soap star-turned-Bafta-winning investigative journalist reports from Milton Keynes Hospital Trust to give us an insight into what daily life is like for those working in our NHS .
CG With isolation forcing shows to get innovative , the opening episode of the new series of Front Row Late , hosted by Mary Beard from her study , sees an exclusive puppet production of an Edgar Allen Poe short story created by none other than Margaret Atwood and her sister Ruth .
SH Those Magnificent Men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ★★★★ Terry-Thomas is as splendid as ever in Ken Annakin ’ s cheery , award-winning comedy , set in the early days of air travel .
A big reward is on offer to the winner of an air race from London to Paris ; Terry-Thomas ’ s crafty Sir Percival Ware-Armitage is among the pilots that take to the skies .
His rivals – all zany period stereotypes – include Gert Fröbe , Sarah Miles and Jean-Pierre Cassel .
Close Encounters of the Third Kind ( 1977 ) ★★★★★ Steven Spielberg directs this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who are drawn to make contact with aliens .
Richard Dreyfuss gives a memorable performance as a father who becomes obsessed by the image of a mountain which turns out to be a landing site .
Still today it is an eerily hypnotic , effects-driven wonder , with a five-note musical motif from John Williams .
No Country for Old Men and True Grit were more successful Coen Brothers films at the box office , but this one is their best .
Brutal , quirky and hilarious , it ’ s about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macy ) who plans to clear his debts by hiring two crooks ( Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare ) to kidnap his wife , then keeping her father ’ s ransom .
Frances McDormand excels as the pregnant police officer on his tail .

Wednesday 16 August
Colosseum
BBC Four, 9pm & 9.50pm
All roads lead to Rome as BBC Four celebrates a series devoted to one of the most famous architectural remnants of the ancient world. If eight episodes (boxsetted on iPlayer and previously shown on Sky History) seems too much to devote to a single building, even one as spectacular as the largest amphitheatre of its age, it’s really not. As one contributor says, the Colosseum “is the Roman Empire distilled to its essence… a symbol of conquest, dominance and imperial power”. As such, it enables the producers to dig deep into Roman culture’s wider obsession with violence, and to straddle the whole of the Roman empire at its height, exploring politics, society and power at the time of Vespasian, Domitian and Trajan.
Tonight’s double bill looks first at Roman society’s obsession with gladiators (via an enduringly famous contest between fan favourite Verus and the barbarian Priscus), before tracking back to the building’s construction through the eyes of its master Haterius. For context there’s a repeat of Meet the Romans with Mary Beard, 8pm, beforehand; plus a rerun of the enduringly wonderful I, Claudius, from 10.50pm, preceded by Sir Derek Jacobi Remembers… at 10.35pm. GO
At Home with the Furys
Netflix
Another celebrity-family reality series, this one is focused on Morecambe-based boxer Tyson Fury. With the former heavyweight champion struggling with retirement, his wife Paris, their six children and his Love Island-stars brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Molly-Mae, are among those drawn into the chaos.
The Chosen One
Netflix
Adapted from Mark Millar’s comic American Jesus, a series blending superhero and Second Coming tropes. In Baja, California, 12-year-old Jodie (Bobby Luhnow) finds that he has Jesus-like powers after surviving a freak accident. He can turn water into wine and make the disabled walk – but can he help mankind defeat the antichrist?
Celebrity MasterChef
BBC One, 9pm
In the penultimate heats week, John Torode and Gregg Wallace welcome five more celebrities to the MasterChef kitchen. Putting their taste buds to the test are singers Jamelia and Sam Fox, drag artist Cheryl Hole, American rapper Locksmith and opera singer Wynne Evans.
Kate Garraway’s Life Stories
ITV1, 9pm
Concluding another short but headline-dominating run, Garraway interviews Iranian-British actor, comedian and writer Omid Djalili. During an enlightening chat she hears how his career flourished – from the Edinburgh Fringe and Hollywood films to the theatres of the West End – despite an unpromising start in life that saw him take his A-levels six times and get turned down by 16 drama schools.
The 1970s Supermarket
Channel 5, 9pm
A surprisingly engaging three-parter exploring how a revolution in how people shopped, cooked and ate transformed the British way of life in the Seventies. The entertainment factor gets ramped up through a recreation of trolley-must-haves from the past (Fray Bentos pies, Findus crispy pancakes), ready to be enjoyed (or not) by modern consumers.
Annika
Alibi, 9pm
A trip to Edinburgh beckons for DI Annika Strandhed (Nicola Walker) and her Glasgow-based Marine Homicide Unit when a recently released prisoner is found dead in a cage in the Firth of Forth. A link to Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley holds the key to the investigation but only after Annika shares with Michael (Jamie Sives) something she’s been hiding for years.
The Godfather (1972) ★★★★★
Film4, 9pm
Endlessly quoted and copied, the first instalment of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic mob trilogy is an all-time high watermark of American cinema. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino play American-Italian mafia boss Don Vito and his son and reluctant heir, Michael Corleone, caught up in the struggle for power. The Godfather: Part II follows on Thursday at 9pm, with Part III on Friday at the same time.
Central Intelligence (2016) ★★★
ITV4, 10pm
This meat-and-potatoes buddy comedy about two estranged schoolmates who’ve ended up in jobs against their youthful type drifts into formulaic chaos. Nevertheless, there’s no denying how well the leads take to their task: Dwayne Johnson’s secret agent is ripely self-parodic, while Kevin Hart (as an accountant) makes for a surprisingly good straight man. Amy Ryan and Jason Bateman co-star.
King of New York (1990) ★★★★
Sky Cinema Greats, 10.20pm
Abel Ferrara’s neo-noir gangster film is a stone-cold classic. Ruthless mob boss Frank White (Christopher Walken) is released from prison after a long stint inside and looks to regain control of New York City by taking out rival gangs. When fellow leaders start turning up dead, however, a group of policemen headed by David Caruso’s DI Dennis decide to take the law into their own hands to bring him down.
Thursday 17 August


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Last night’s TV: what Telegraph reviewers thought of Quiz, Run and more

Having directed the original stage production of Fleabag and worked on series one of Killing Eve , Vicky Jones , @ @ @ @ @ friend and long-time collaborator , has arrived with her own shiny comedy-drama .
And there @ @ @ @ @ or a hamster café in sight .
Run ( Sky Comedy ) has an ingenious @ @ @ @ @ Ruby ( Merritt Wever ) and Billy ( Domhnall Gleeson ) made a pact 17 @ @ @ @ @ of them ever texted “ RUN ” to the other – and the other responded @ @ @ @ @ drop everything and travel across the US together .
Billy texts .
Ruby responds .
@ @ @ @ @ rest of Chris Bennion 's review here .

Here is your morning round-up of the best Telegraph reviews of the latest TV shows. For all the latest TV news, reviews and upcoming episode guides, including interviews and features with your favourite celebrities, click here.
Undercover Police: Hunting Paedophiles, Channel 4
★★★★☆
Sitting through 90 minutes of Undercover Police: Hunting Paedophiles (Channel 4) was gruelling. For the officers involved in this kind of work, the toll it must take is unimaginable. “Simon” spends his days in an online chat room talking to paedophiles, posing as a father who wants other men to join him in abusing his daughter. It is grim stuff.
Other officers wade through the material found on the computers and phones of offenders. Posters on the wall of the operations room warn of the need to take regular breaks – “a maximum of four hours grading/viewing indecent images”. Simon described it as the best job in the world, because it results in convictions. But he has seen some things that he can’t bear to describe.
Read the rest of Anita Singh's review here
Darcey Bussell's Wild Coasts of Scotland, More4
★★★☆☆


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Coronavirus to bring Asia's economic growth to a halt for the first time in 60 years

Asia 's economic growth this year will grind to a halt for the first time in 60 years , as the coronavirus crisis takes an `` unprecedented '' toll on the region 's service sector and major export destinations , the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday .
Policymakers must offer targeted support to households and firms hardest-hit by travel bans , social distancing policies and other measures aimed at containing the pandemic , said Changyong Rhee , director of the IMF 's Asia and Pacific Department .
`` These are highly uncertain and challenging times for the global economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The impact of the coronavirus on the region will be severe , across the board , and unprecedented , '' he told a virtual news briefing conducted with live webcast .
`` This is not a time for business as usual .
Asian countries need to use all policy instruments in their toolkits . ''
Asia 's economy is likely to suffer zero growth this year for the first time in 60 years , the IMF said in a report on the Asia-Pacific region released on Thursday .
While Asia is set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic contractions , the projection is worse than the 4.7 % average growth rates throughout the global financial crisis , and the 1.3 % increase during the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s , the IMF said .
The IMF expects a 7.6 % expansion in Asian economic growth next year on the assumption that containment policies succeed , but added the outlook was highly uncertain .
Unlike the global financial crisis triggered by the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers , the pandemic was directly hitting the region 's service sector by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shut down , the IMF said .
The region 's export powerhouses were also taking a battering from slumping demand for their goods by key trading partners such as the United States and European countries , it said .
China 's economy is expected to grow by 1.2 % this year , down from 6 % growth in the IMF 's January forecast , on weak exports and losses in domestic activity due to social distancing steps .
The world 's second-largest economy is expected to see a rebound in activity later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to 9.2 % next year , the IMF said .
But there were risks even to China 's growth outlook as the virus could return and delay normalization , the IMF said .
`` Chinese policymakers have reacted very strongly to the outbreak of the crisis ...
If the situation becomes aggravated , they have more room to use fiscal , monetary policies , '' Rhee said .
`` Whether that would be needed will really depend on progress in containing the virus . ''
Asian policymakers must offer targeted support to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , the IMF said , calling also for efforts to provide ample liquidity to markets and ease financial stress faced by small and midsize firms .
Rhee warned that direct cash transfers to citizens , part of the US stimulus package , may not be the best policy for many Asian countries which should focus on preventing small firms from going under to stop a sharp increase in unemployment .
Emerging economies in the region should tap bilateral and multilateral swap lines , seek financial support from multilateral institutions , and use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disruptive capital outflows caused by the pandemic , the IMF said .

Asia's economic growth this year will grind to a halt for the first time in 60 years, as the coronavirus crisis takes an "unprecedented" toll on the region's service sector and major export destinations, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday.
Policymakers must offer targeted support to households and firms hardest-hit by travel bans, social distancing policies and other measures aimed at containing the pandemic, said Changyong Rhee, director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department.
"These are highly uncertain and challenging times for the global economy. The Asia-Pacific region is no exception. The impact of the coronavirus on the region will be severe, across the board, and unprecedented," he told a virtual news briefing conducted with live webcast.
"This is not a time for business as usual. Asian countries need to use all policy instruments in their toolkits."
Asia's economy is likely to suffer zero growth this year for the first time in 60 years, the IMF said in a report on the Asia-Pacific region released on Thursday.
While Asia is set to fare better than other regions suffering economic contractions, the projection is worse than the 4.7% average growth rates throughout the global financial crisis, and the 1.3% increase during the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s, the IMF said.
The IMF expects a 7.6% expansion in Asian economic growth next year on the assumption that containment policies succeed, but added the outlook was highly uncertain.
Unlike the global financial crisis triggered by the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers, the pandemic was directly hitting the region's service sector by forcing households to stay home and shops to shut down, the IMF said.
The region's export powerhouses were also taking a battering from slumping demand for their goods by key trading partners such as the United States and European countries, it said.
China's economy is expected to grow by 1.2% this year, down from 6% growth in the IMF's January forecast, on weak exports and losses in domestic activity due to social distancing steps.
The world's second-largest economy is expected to see a rebound in activity later this year, with growth to bounce back to 9.2% next year, the IMF said.
But there were risks even to China's growth outlook as the virus could return and delay normalization, the IMF said.
"Chinese policymakers have reacted very strongly to the outbreak of the crisis ... If the situation becomes aggravated, they have more room to use fiscal, monetary policies," Rhee said. "Whether that would be needed will really depend on progress in containing the virus."
Asian policymakers must offer targeted support to households and firms hit hardest by the pandemic, the IMF said, calling also for efforts to provide ample liquidity to markets and ease financial stress faced by small and midsize firms.
Rhee warned that direct cash transfers to citizens, part of the US stimulus package, may not be the best policy for many Asian countries which should focus on preventing small firms from going under to stop a sharp increase in unemployment.
Emerging economies in the region should tap bilateral and multilateral swap lines, seek financial support from multilateral institutions, and use capital controls as needed to battle any disruptive capital outflows caused by the pandemic, the IMF said.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Gates calls for ‘united front’ and donates an extra $150 million in fight against coronavirus

As the US president declared he was withdrawing the country ’ s support for the World Health Organization ( WHO ) on Tuesday , the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation invested a further $ 150m in the global response to COVID-19 .
The latest donation brings the total the philanthropic organisation has given to $ 250m .
No small sum considering the Gates Foundation is also the second biggest supporter of the WHO , following the United States .
“ We have a responsibility to meet this global crisis with global solidarity.
” said Foundation co-chair Melinda Gates ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributing to the development of diagnostics , therapeutics , and vaccines , these funds will support efforts against Covid-19 in low-and-middle-income countries , where local leaders and healthcare workers are doing heroic work to protect vulnerable communities and slow the spread of the disease , ” she said .
Four areas are included in the Gates Foundation ’ s latest pledge , but perhaps the most pressing is the need to develop products , such as vaccines and reliable treatments .
“ It 's very clear that this is a global pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are globally applied , ” Mark Suzman , CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation told The Telegraph .
“ In the end game , we need everyone on the planet to be vaccinated .
But that is more than a year away .
So in the meantime we ’ re looking at what we can do to minimise the loss of life and socio-economic destruction.
” A vaccine for the coronavirus is still 12 and 18 months away , according to most estimates .
But some experts are concerned that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may take much longer to roll out , and that some countries are failing to prepare sustainable solutions in the meantime .

As the US president declared he was withdrawing the country’s support for the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation invested a further $150m in the global response to COVID-19.
The latest donation brings the total the philanthropic organisation has given to $250m.
No small sum considering the Gates Foundation is also the second biggest supporter of the WHO, following the United States.
“We have a responsibility to meet this global crisis with global solidarity.” said Foundation co-chair Melinda Gates ahead of the announcement.
“In addition to contributing to the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, these funds will support efforts against Covid-19 in low-and-middle-income countries, where local leaders and healthcare workers are doing heroic work to protect vulnerable communities and slow the spread of the disease,” she said.
Four areas are included in the Gates Foundation’s latest pledge, but perhaps the most pressing is the need to develop products, such as vaccines and reliable treatments.
“It's very clear that this is a global pandemic and the only solutions will work if they are globally applied,” Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation told The Telegraph.
“In the end game, we need everyone on the planet to be vaccinated. But that is more than a year away. So in the meantime we’re looking at what we can do to minimise the loss of life and socio-economic destruction.”
A vaccine for the coronavirus is still 12 and 18 months away, according to most estimates.
But some experts are concerned that the actual implementation of a global inoculation programme may take much longer to roll out, and that some countries are failing to prepare sustainable solutions in the meantime.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Viagogo's £3.2bn deal for eBay's Stubhub investigated by competition watchdog

The competition watchdog has launched an investigation into ticket reseller Viagogo 's $ 4.05bn ( £3.2bn ) acquisition of eBay @ @ @ @ @ The Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ) had flagged concerns in December about whether @ @ @ @ @ completed in February , was `` expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition @ @ @ @ @ in the United Kingdom for goods or services '' .
`` The deadline for the @ @ @ @ @ whether to refer the merger for a Phase 2 investigation is therefore 11 June 2020 @ @ @ @ @ , adding that it issued a notice to the parties on the launch of the @ @ @ @ @ The Guardian had earlier reported that the CMA could launch a second inquiry that may @ @ @ @ @ of the deal being blocked altogether .
Viagogo and eBay did not respond to a @ @ @ @ @ Reuters .

The competition watchdog has launched an investigation into ticket reseller Viagogo's $4.05bn (£3.2bn) acquisition of eBay's ticketing unit Stubhub.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had flagged concerns in December about whether the deal, which was completed in February, was "expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services".
"The deadline for the CMA to announce its decision whether to refer the merger for a Phase 2 investigation is therefore 11 June 2020," the regulator said, adding that it issued a notice to the parties on the launch of the merger inquiry on Tuesday.
The Guardian had earlier reported that the CMA could launch a second inquiry that may lead to the UK element of the deal being blocked altogether.
A spokesperson for Viagogo said,"we welcome the formal start of the phase 1 review by the CMA. We will continue to work closely with them and demonstrate the benefits of the merger for consumers.”
eBay did not respond to a request for a comment by Reuters.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Iranian vessels come dangerously close to American military ships

Eleven vessels from Iran 's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy ( IRGCN ) came dangerously close to US Navy and @ @ @ @ @ Gulf , the US military said on Wednesday , calling the moves `` dangerous and @ @ @ @ @ interactions had occurred occasionally a few years ago , they had stopped , and this @ @ @ @ @ of increased tensions between the two countries .
According to the statement , the Iranian @ @ @ @ @ ships while they were conducting integration operations with Army helicopters in international waters .
At @ @ @ @ @ vessels came within 10 yards of the US Coast Guard cutter Maui .
The US @ @ @ @ @ bridge-to-bridge radio , blasts from the ships ' horns and long-range acoustic noise maker devices @ @ @ @ @ after about an hour , the statement added .

Eleven vessels from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) came dangerously close to US Navy and Coast Guard ships in the Gulf, the US military said on Wednesday, calling the moves "dangerous and provocative."
While such interactions had occurred occasionally a few years ago, they had stopped, and this incident comes at a time of increased tensions between the two countries.
According to the statement, the Iranian vessels approached six US military ships while they were conducting integration operations with Army helicopters in international waters.
At one point, the Iranian vessels came within 10 yards of the US Coast Guard cutter Maui.
The US ships issued several warnings through bridge-to-bridge radio, blasts from the ships' horns and long-range acoustic noise maker devices.
The Iranian ships left after about an hour, the statement added.


thetelegraph--2020-04-16--Mike Pompeo tells China to 'come clean' over coronavirus spread

President Donald Trump said the US government is trying to find out if the coronavirus emanated from a laboratory in @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pompeo said Beijing `` needs to come clean '' over the outbreak .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday that the US wants `` the Chinese government to open up '' and help @ @ @ @ @ virus spread '' after pointing out that the virus originated in Wuhan , where the @ @ @ @ @ is located .
`` There is still lots to learn , '' Mr Pompeo said @ @ @ @ @ government is working diligently to figure it out . ''
Fox News claimed to have @ @ @ @ @ the virus was created in a Wuhan laboratory not as a bioweapon , but as @ @ @ @ @ to demonstrate that its efforts to identify and combat viruses are equal to or greater @ @ @ @ @ United States .
This report suggested that lax safety standards at the Wuhan lab led @ @ @ @ @ appearing at a nearby wet market , where the virus began to spread .

Analysis by scientists have largely pointed to wildlife as the source of the virus, somehow jumping from an animal to humans. Such findings have been published in the Lancet, a peer-reviewed journal.
A study published in highly-reputed scientific journal Nature has also poured cold water on lab theory claims, with researchers stating: "We do not believe that any type of laboratory-based scenario is plausible".
The coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than two million people and killed nearly 140,000, has strained US-China relations to a new low coming on the back of difficult trade negotiations last year.
Mr Trump came under fire from Beijing earlier this year after calling coronavirus the “Chinese virus.” He has also accused Beijing of concealing the outbreak when it first emerged, a move that exacerbated how infections spread globally.
Mr Trump and other US officials have also expressed deep scepticism of China's officially declared death toll from the virus of around 3,000 people, when the United States has a death toll of more than 20,000 and rising.
He said on Wednesday that the United States has more cases "because we do more reporting".
“Do you really believe those numbers in this vast country called China, and that they have a certain number of cases and a certain number of deaths; does anybody really believe that?” he said.
That’s since extended to criticisms of the World Health Organisation, which he said this week was complicit in withholding key information.
Beijing has hit back as well, expelling US journalists in a tit-for-tat war that authorities say began as a way to lodge a complaint against a column in the Wall Street Journal with the headline, “China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia,” which criticised the country’s public health response.
Meanwhile the US State Department claimed China may be secretly conducting low-yield underground nuclear tests, in a new arms-control report which is likely to further inflame tensions between the two nations.


thetelegraph--2020-04-15--Megan Nicholls on business as usual: 'The horses still have to be ridden out every day just as a far

Megan Nicholls on business as usual: 'The horses still have to be ridden out every day just as a farmer still has to milk his cows'

The traditional migration of jockeys is usually from the north to the south where there tends to be more and slightly better racing but , having landed a job riding for leading owner John Dance , apprentice Megan Nicholls is going against the normal flow of traffic .
Having spent her previous winters helping out with her father Paul ’ s jumpers in Ditcheat , Nicholls , 22 , returned from her first winter in Dubai earlier this spring and moved to a base in Thirsk to begin the process of getting to know the horses owned by Dance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among trainers in the north .
However , flitting between trainers in the north and occasionally back to Ditcheat where her father has a dozen Flat horses became impractical after the coronavirus lockdown and she is now riding out locally for Kevin Ryan , ironically not one of Dance ’ s trainers yet although she says it is one of her ‘ projects.
’ “ I was just starting to get to know the horses with Jedd O ’ Keefe , Karl Burke ( who trained the Group One winning Laurens for Dance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Richard Fahey but the current situation has put a stop to that , ” she explained .
“ You need to stick with one yard and Kevin kindly said I could ride out for him .
He is only five minutes up the road so it also meant I could cut down on the driving.
” She added : “ PJ McDonald ( who rode Laurens ) is still a massive part of the team but he has more of a free rein now and they wanted someone who could ride out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home.
” With 16 winners to ride before she comes out of her claim , the opportunity to ride for Dance comes at a good time for Nicholls who was brought up with Kauto Star , Denman , Master Minded and Neptune Collonges as neighbours and progressed through pony racing and point-to-pointing before turning Flat apprentice as she turned 18 .

The traditional migration of jockeys is usually from the north to the south where there tends to be more and slightly better racing but, having landed a job riding for leading owner John Dance, apprentice Megan Nicholls is going against the normal flow of traffic.
Having spent her previous winters helping out with her father Paul’s jumpers in Ditcheat, Nicholls, 22, returned from her first winter in Dubai earlier this spring and moved to a base in Thirsk to begin the process of getting to know the horses owned by Dance and his syndicate Titanium Racing which are spread among trainers in the north.
However, flitting between trainers in the north and occasionally back to Ditcheat where her father has a dozen Flat horses became impractical after the coronavirus lockdown and she is now riding out locally for Kevin Ryan, ironically not one of Dance’s trainers yet although she says it is one of her ‘projects.’
“I was just starting to get to know the horses with Jedd O’Keefe, Karl Burke (who trained the Group One winning Laurens for Dance), John Quinn, Mark Johnston and Richard Fahey but the current situation has put a stop to that,” she explained. “You need to stick with one yard and Kevin kindly said I could ride out for him. He is only five minutes up the road so it also meant I could cut down on the driving.”
She added: “PJ McDonald (who rode Laurens) is still a massive part of the team but he has more of a free rein now and they wanted someone who could ride out and get to know the horses at home.”
With 16 winners to ride before she comes out of her claim, the opportunity to ride for Dance comes at a good time for Nicholls who was brought up with Kauto Star, Denman, Master Minded and Neptune Collonges as neighbours and progressed through pony racing and point-to-pointing before turning Flat apprentice as she turned 18.


thetelegraph--2020-01-07--National Trust set to make £1.8m from second-hand books as sales triple in two years

The National Trust is expected to make £1.8m from second-hand books by April , as sales triple in two years @ @ @ @ @ “ eco-friendly ” reading .
Income from sales has surged from £573,000 in 2017 to @ @ @ @ @ financial year , with tens of thousands of books sold every week at the charity @ @ @ @ @ World of Books , the UK 's largest second-hand book retailer , estimates the market @ @ @ @ @ as 10 percent , as the popularity of e-books continues to decline .
Experts have @ @ @ @ @ of the impact of deforestation on animal habits and printing waste is contributing to the @ @ @ @ @ .
Studies have previously suggested that printed books took three times more raw materials , @ @ @ @ @ , than e-books to produce .
The National Trust , which increasingly relies on book @ @ @ @ @ funding , has shared numerous stories of staff and customers unwittingly finding valuable second-hand books @ @ @ @

The National Trust is expected to make £1.8m from second-hand books by April, as sales triple in two years amid a growing trend for “eco-friendly” reading.
Income from sales has surged from £573,000 in 2017 to over £1.4m so far this financial year, with tens of thousands of books sold every week at the charity's 185 second-hand stores.
World of Books, the UK's largest second-hand book retailer, estimates the market is growing by as much as 10 percent, as the popularity of e-books continues to decline.
Experts have said that a greater awareness of the impact of deforestation on animal habits and printing waste is contributing to the rise in second-hand book purchases.
Studies have previously suggested that printed books take three times more raw materials, and 78 times more water, than e-books to produce.
The National Trust, which increasingly relies on book sales as a source of funding, has shared numerous stories of staff and customers unwittingly finding valuable second-hand books in their stores.