bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: More universities halt teaching and exams

Salford , Bristol , Edinburgh , Nottingham and Southampton universities are among the latest to rearrange teaching and exams to limit the spread of Covid-19 .
The moves came as six Oxford students were diagnosed with the virus , while St Andrew 's and Bristol universities have each reported a case .
`` I recognise many of you are understandably anxious , '' Nottingham 's vice-chancellor told students .
Prof Shearer West said in a letter , which she asked students to share with friends and family : `` I am writing to let you know what measures we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your health and ensure that your learning can continue . ''
Nottingham will put all teaching online from 23 March and is cancelling all trips overseas and residential trips within the UK .
However , the letter stresses the university - including its libraries - will remain open .
Salford University has announced all teaching - except for final-year students - will be suspended from Monday , but the campus and student accommodation will remain open .
`` This will give us time and space to plan for what may be necessary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
Edinburgh is also transferring teaching online .
Exams are cancelled for first- and second-year students , with those in their third year and beyond taking them online .
Again , the university stressed it was still open , with libraries , counselling , research and study spaces operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assured that they will achieve their qualifications on time and an Edinburgh degree will still hold the same value , '' said a spokesperson .
The University of West of Scotland has asked students not to attend its campuses from Monday , although it , too , says it will remain open .
It intends to move to remote learning `` to reduce the number of individuals on campus at any one time '' .
Meanwhile , the University of Southampton has decided to bring its spring holiday forward by a week so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will keep any impact to the absolute minimum and ensure all students can successfully complete their term 's learning , '' it said in a statement .
Summer term is scheduled to start as normal next month .
In a similar move , the University of Bristol has announced it will end face-to-face teaching earlier this term , on 18 March .
Online teaching will begin after the holidays and all overseas fieldtrips are cancelled .
Bristol vice-chancellor Hugh Brady , said he believed the measures were `` balanced and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very worrying time for us all - professionally and personally - but I am confident that we can harness our collective ingenuity , resolve and passion for our institution to navigate the choppy waters ahead , '' he said .
Across the city , University of West of England took a different approach , tweeting : `` It is currently business as usual here but please rest assured we 're monitoring the situation very closely and are able to act quickly if it changes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A number of universities had previously announced moves to online teaching , including Durham , Manchester Metropolitan , the London School of Economics and Loughborough , where one student has tested positive for the virus .

Across the city, University of West of England took a different approach, tweeting: "It is currently business as usual here but please rest assured we're monitoring the situation very closely and are able to act quickly if it changes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and visitors."


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Westminster knifeman shot dead by police named as Hassan Yahya

A man shot dead by police in Westminster has been named by the watchdog investigating the killing .
Hassan Yahya , 30 , was carrying two knives and said to be `` acting suspiciously '' before he died on Sunday night .
The Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) said he is thought to have run over Hungerford Bridge and into Northumberland Avenue .
Three Tasers were fired before Mr Yahya was shot by City of London police .
The armed officers had been responding to an emergency call , but police have said the incident was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IOPC said its investigators `` have obtained accounts from officers on the scene and gathered CCTV and body-worn video footage '' .
It added : `` The investigation is at an early stage and we are still gathering information .
The coroner has been informed , a post-mortem examination carried out and we are awaiting the results . ''
Mr Yahya 's next of kin has been informed , the watchdog said .
Following the shooting , investigators said two Ministry of Defence police officers , who were on patrol , were told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Festival Hall on London 's Southbank .
He failed to stop and , after they fired a Taser , they radioed for back-up warning he was carrying knives .
A second Taser was fired by Met Police officers in Northumberland Avenue , and a third Taser was fired before the victim was shot dead by a City of London officer after two armed response vehicles arrived on the scene .
Two knives were recovered from Great Scotland Yard , a road that connects Whitehall and Northumberland Avenue , near Trafalgar Square .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out an independent investigation when the police fatally shoot a member of the public .

It added: "The investigation is at an early stage and we are still gathering information. The coroner has been informed, a post-mortem examination carried out and we are awaiting the results."


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: London Marathon postponed until October

April 's London Marathon has been postponed and rearranged for 4 October because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The event was scheduled to take place around the streets of the city on Sunday , 26 April .
It is the first time the race has been postponed since its launch in 1981 .
`` The world is in an unprecedented situation , grappling with a global pandemic of Covid-19 , and public health is everyone 's priority , '' said event director Hugh Brasher .
• Coronavirus information : What should I do ?
The Manchester Marathon , scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been postponed , with organisers hoping to hold the race on an alternative date in the autumn .
And the Brighton Marathon , due to take place on Sunday , 19 April , has been rescheduled for 20 September .
London Marathon organisers say every runner with a marathon place will be eligible for the new October date , but they can claim a refund if they want to .
Nearly 43,000 runners competed in 2019 , with £66.4m raised for charity .
The decision comes on a day of widespread sporting postponements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been suspended until 3 April .
• Uefa has postponed next week 's Champions League and Europa League fixtures .
• In rugby union , Saturday 's Six Nations match between Wales and Scotland has been postponed , as has Sunday 's Premiership Cup final between Sale and Harlequins .
• Cycling 's Giro d'Italia , scheduled to start in Hungary in May , has been called off .
• England 's Test cricket series in Sri Lanka has been cancelled .
• Golf 's opening major of the year , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Formula 1 has called off the Vietnam Grand Prix on 5 April .
• Formula E is suspended for two months , affecting races in Paris , Seoul and Jakarta .
• Will I get a refund if my event is cancelled ?
`` We know how disappointing this news will be for so many - the runners who have trained for many months , the thousands of charities for which they are raising funds and the millions who watch the race every year , '' added Brasher .
`` We know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from runners , charities and others and we ask you to please bear with us as we work through the detailed planning process to deliver the 2020 London Marathon on its new scheduled date . ''
The event was also scheduled to incorporate Team GB trials for this summer 's Olympic Games in Tokyo .
British Athletics says it hopes to organise a separate marathon trial specifically for the Olympics for the end of April , likely to be in a closed location with limited numbers .
It is the latest sporting event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit the spread of the virus .
On Friday , all elite football in Britain , including the Premier League , EFL , FA Women 's Super League and Scottish Premiership , was suspended until at least April 3 .
Golf 's PGA Tour cancelled all events until 16 April including the Players Championship , which began in Florida on Thursday , and next month 's Masters in Augusta .
The England cricket team 's two-Test series in Sri Lanka has also been called off .
At the time of publication ( 17:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been diagnosed with Covid-19 in 123 countries around the world , according to the World Health Organization .
The total number of deaths worldwide is nearly 5,000 .

Last updated on .From the section Athletics
Nearly 43,000 runners competed in the 2019 London Marathon
April's London Marathon has been postponed and rearranged for 4 October because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The event was scheduled to take place around the streets of the city on Sunday, 26 April.
It is the first time the race has been postponed since its launch in 1981.
"The world is in an unprecedented situation, grappling with a global pandemic of Covid-19, and public health is everyone's priority," said event director Hugh Brasher.
The Manchester Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, 5 April, has also been postponed, external-link with organisers hoping to hold the race on an alternative date in the autumn.
And the Brighton Marathon, due to take place on Sunday, 19 April, has been rescheduled for 20 September. external-link
London Marathon organisers say every runner with a marathon place will be eligible for the new October date, but they can claim a refund if they want to.
Nearly 43,000 runners competed in 2019, with £66.4m raised for charity.
The decision comes on a day of widespread sporting postponements worldwide.
"We know how disappointing this news will be for so many - the runners who have trained for many months, the thousands of charities for which they are raising funds and the millions who watch the race every year," added Brasher.
"We know that there will be many, many questions from runners, charities and others and we ask you to please bear with us as we work through the detailed planning process to deliver the 2020 London Marathon on its new scheduled date."
The event was also scheduled to incorporate Team GB trials for this summer's Olympic Games in Tokyo.
British Athletics says it hopes to organise a separate marathon trial specifically for the Olympics for the end of April, likely to be in a closed location with limited numbers.
It is the latest sporting event to be cancelled as authorities seek to limit the spread of the virus.
On Friday, all elite football in Britain, including the Premier League, EFL, FA Women's Super League and Scottish Premiership, was suspended until at least April 3.
Golf's PGA Tour cancelled all events until 16 April including the Players Championship, which began in Florida on Thursday, and next month's Masters in Augusta.
The England cricket team's two-Test series in Sri Lanka has also been called off.
At the time of publication (17:00 GMT) more than 132,500 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in 123 countries around the world, according to the World Health Organization. The total number of deaths worldwide is nearly 5,000.


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Brexit: EU drafts trade deal ahead of talks with UK

The EU has drafted a post-Brexit trade deal proposal , covering areas such as security , foreign policy and fisheries .
The 441-page draft legal text , seen by the BBC , was sent to the 27 EU states on Thursday night , ahead of being presented to the UK next week .
But the BBC 's Adam Fleming said much of the draft will be rejected by the UK because of references to EU law .
The two negotiating teams were due to meet in London for talks , but that has been cancelled due to coronavirus .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they were `` exploring alternative ways to continue discussions '' , such as video conferencing .
• Brexit negotiator : UK must be able to set own laws • Trade talks : What do the UK and EU want ?
• Brexit : Will it be a Canadian or an Australian ending ?
The UK left the EU at the end of January and entered the so-called transition phase , where the country continues to abide by most of the bloc 's rules while a trade deal is negotiated .
Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by the end of 2020 , the UK will leave without one and go on to World Trade Organisation rules .
But critics said such a move would be the equivalent of a `` no deal '' Brexit and would damage the UK economy .
Cabinet minister Michael Gove has also said the government could walk away from talks as early as June if a `` broad outline '' of a deal has not been agreed .
Asked if that position could change due to the threat of coronavirus outbreak causing delays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition period would still end this year , adding : `` In UK law , a request for an extension is not possible . ''
The draft legal text , called the `` New Partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom '' , was drawn up by the European Commission .
The document includes a lot of blank sections and placeholders .
But it also makes a number of proposals , including : • A joint partnership council with 16 subcommittees , including one dedicated to the so-called `` level playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on competition , taxation , labour and social protection , and the environment • Long term agreements over access to British waters for EU boats , with annual negotiations • Co-operation on data exchange and extradition , if the UK continues to implement the European Convention on Human Rights The EU 's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said the text `` shows [ an ] ambitious and comprehensive future relationship is possible '' , adding : `` We must give ourselves every chance of success . ''
But the UK government has already said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU laws as they are updated .
It has also rejected the EU 's call for `` level playing field '' guarantees - where British companies would be given tariff-free access to the EU market if they do not undercut their rivals within the bloc .
However , the EU has repeatedly warned that the UK can not expect to enjoy continued `` high-quality '' market access if it insists on diverging from EU social and environmental standards .
The British negotiating team will take a red pen to large sections of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of the deal referring to specific European laws .
They do n't want the words `` European Court of Justice '' to appear anywhere .
And the proposal on fishing will be seen as limiting the UK 's control of its own waters .
It will be worth scrutinising the text carefully , as there are lots of more technical areas of agreement that could form the basis of an eventual deal .
However , the two sides disagree on whether there should one big blockbuster deal or several smaller ones - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially unsolvable .

Asked if that position could change due to the threat of coronavirus outbreak causing delays, the PM's spokesman said the transition period would still end this year, adding: "In UK law, a request for an extension is not possible."


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Met Police sacks Supt Robyn Williams over child abuse video

One of the UK 's most senior black female police officers has been sacked after her conviction for possessing a video clip of child abuse .
Supt Robyn Williams was ruled by Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball to have committed gross misconduct .
At a fast-track misconduct hearing , Ms Ball said Williams 's failure to report the matter was `` very grave '' .
She pointed to Williams 's `` lack of truthfulness and judgement '' .
The superintendent was found guilty in November of having footage of child sexual abuse on her phone .
At her trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 54-second video , which was sent by her sister , and did not know it was on her phone .
But Ms Ball said that Williams 's conduct amounted to `` discreditable behaviour '' likely to undermine public confidence and was not a `` trivial lapse '' .
The assistant commissioner said her failure to report the matter could have caused significant further harm to the child .
She said it was `` entirely unacceptable '' for police officers responsible for enforcing the law to break it themselves .
Ms Ball added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part '' in her decision , although the Metropolitan Black Police Association argues Williams has been unfairly targeted because she is black and accuses the force of `` institutional racism '' .
In a statement , the association said the decision to sack Williams was `` outrageous '' .
`` There are guidelines that allow for discretion , however Robyn was not afforded this privilege from start to finish of the process , '' it added .
`` Despite the unprecedented and overwhelming expressions of support from colleagues , communities of London and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve London , their voices were ignored . ''
Williams 's friends and supporters , who were following the hearing on monitors in a separate room , gasped as the decision was read out .
One of them started applauding sarcastically .
During Williams 's trial , Judge Richard Marks QC said she had made a `` grave error of judgement '' in failing to report the video after it was sent to her .
The superintendent , who has been a police officer for 36 years , was ordered to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a sex offender , even though the court accepted there was no sexual element to her offending .
Gerard Boyle QC , for Williams , told the special misconduct hearing that she had spent her entire police career since the age of 18 acting on behalf of victims of crime and abuse and that she was appalled by such abuse imagery .
He added that she was accused of one allegation of one breach of one paragraph of professional standards behaviour .
Mr Boyle told the hearing his client `` poses no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or young people '' .
Williams has lodged an appeal against her conviction but judges have not yet decided whether to grant approval for the case to be heard .

The superintendent was found guilty in November of having footage of child sexual abuse on her phone. At her trial, Williams said she had not viewed the 54-second video, which was sent by her sister, and did not know it was on her phone.


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: British Airways boss tells staff jobs will go

British Airways is to ground flights 'like never before ' and lay off staff in response to the coronavirus .
In a memo to staff titled `` The Survival of British Airways '' , boss Alex Cruz warned that job cuts could be `` short term , perhaps long term '' .
The airline industry was facing a `` crisis of global proportions '' that was worse than that caused by the SARS virus or 9/11 .
Meanwhile , Ryanair told staff they may be forced to take leave from Monday .
An internal memo to Ryanair staff , seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allocated to take unpaid leave due to cancelled flights and schedule changes .
BA boss Mr Cruz said : `` We can no longer sustain our current level of employment and jobs would be lost - perhaps for a short term , perhaps longer term . ''
The airline is in talks with unions but gave no further details about the scale of the likely job losses in the video message transcript seen by the BBC .
The airline boss said that British Airways , which is owned by FTSE 100 company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planes in a way they had `` never had to do before '' .
British Airways would `` continue to do our best for customers and offer them as much flexibility as we can '' , Mr Cruz said in the video .
Although Mr Cruz said the British flag carrier airline had a strong balance sheet and was financially resilient , he told staff `` not to underestimate the seriousness of this for our company '' .
BA and other carriers ' revenues have been hit by the coronavirus response as governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel , conferences and events are cancelled and demand for leisure travel slumps .
IAG shares bounced on Friday after the global share market rout on Thursday .
They closed up 4.8 % to 350p per share , but were trading higher before news of the mass groundings broke .
The International Air Transport Association warned on Friday that global airline revenue losses would be `` probably above '' the figure of $ 113bn ( £90bn ) that it estimated a week ago , before the Trump administration 's announcement of US travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe .
Earlier this month , IAG said flight suspensions to China and cancellations on Italian routes would affect how many passengers it carried this year .
Major US airlines are in talks with the government there over economic relief , as traveller demand plummets .
`` The speed of the demand fall-off is unlike anything we 've seen , '' Delta chief executive Ed Bastian said on Friday in a note to staff , which also said the firm would cut flights by 40 % over the next few months , ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2bn .
On Thursday , Norwegian Air said it was set to cancel 4,000 flights and temporarily lay off about half of its staff because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The increase in flight cancellations comes after the European Union said it would suspend until the end of June a `` use it or lose it '' law that requires airlines to use their allocated runway slots or risk losing the lucrative asset .
The law had led to so-called `` ghost flights '' where airlines were flying near-empty planes in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilot 's union Balpa on Friday called for greater government support for the aviation industry and complained that this week 's Budget had not included a cut to Air Passenger Duty ( APD ) as the industry had lobbied for .
BALPA general secretary , Brian Strutton , said : `` Removing APD is just one step that could help airlines make it through their financial woes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The reality is , with such a loss in forward bookings for the summer - the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the airlines have had to look at ways to save money to keep the companies afloat '' .
Do you work for British Airways ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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"The speed of the demand fall-off is unlike anything we've seen," Delta chief executive Ed Bastian said on Friday in a note to staff, which also said the firm would cut flights by 40% over the next few months, ground 300 aircraft and reduce spending by $2bn.


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Pete Mitchell: Former BBC Radio 2 presenter dies aged 61

Veteran radio DJ Pete Mitchell , who championed a generation of indie bands , has died aged 61 .
The former BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music broadcaster , originally from Crumpsall in Manchester , collapsed while walking near his home in Stockport on Thursday .
Across a 34-year career , Mitchell championed dozens of acts from his home city , as well as The Charlatans .
`` Pete collapsed whilst out walking near his home in Stockport , the cause of his death is still unknown but he was not thought to be displaying any signs of illness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was knowledgeable and passionate about music of all genres , discovering and supporting many bands and was a huge part of the Manchester music scene .
`` His wife Helen and two grown-up sons Adam and Sean are devastated by their loss . ''
The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess tweeted that Mitchell was `` one of the first DJs to play and champion The Charlatans '' .
Mitchell , who began his career as a cricket commentator at Red Rose Radio in Lancashire , held posts at stations including Manchester 's Piccadilly Radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was one half of the duo Pete And Geoff , with Geoff Lloyd , on Virgin Radio .
IQ , his specialist weekend programme on Key 103 in the 1990s , became an important platform for rising acts such as Oasis , 808 State and Happy Mondays .
BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins said : `` Pete Mitchell was not only a brilliant and passionate DJ but a really honest bloke and a lovely , supportive person . ''
A statement from BBC Radio 2 said : `` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the much respected music radio presenter Pete Mitchell . ''

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bbcuk--2020-03-13--Ayia Napa rape case: Teenager's mother promises 'relentless pursuit of justice'

The mother of a British woman found guilty of lying about being gang-raped in Cyprus has told the BBC they will be `` relentless in the pursuit of justice '' , as they appeal against her conviction .
The teenager was given a four-month sentence , suspended for three years .
Her lawyer said he `` expected a full hearing before the [ Cypriot ] Supreme Court '' from May onwards .
He said her initial statement admitting guilt had been taken `` in breach of both EU and European Human Rights Law '' .
Speaking to the BBC 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother said : `` The issues in this case are of such monumental importance for sexually assaulted women around the world that we will be relentless in the pursuit of justice . ''
She added that her daughter was `` doing well and has blended back into society '' since she returned to the UK after being handed her sentence in January .
The woman - whom the BBC is not naming - was put on trial and convicted in December after recanting a claim that she had been raped by a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room in Ayia Napa in July 2019 .
She said Cypriot police had made her falsely confess to lying about the incident - something police have denied .
Her lawyer , Lewis Power QC , told the Victoria Derbyshire programme `` the fight to clear her name forges ahead in earnest '' .
`` She maintains that she was brutally raped but was forced to change her account under pressure and coercion from the Cypriot Police . ''
He said her `` confession '' had been taken `` without access to a lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after hours of questioning .
`` We will also be highlighting a number of key issues such as the District Court 's refusal to hear evidence which supported the teenager 's account , and also the very conduct of the trial and the arguable differential treatment between the defence and the prosecution .
`` Additionally , the court 's apparent disregarding of the array of expert evidence put forward by the defence was a surprising feature of this case , and we hope that when the appeal court views this case as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the young girl was not afforded a fair trial . ''
Shami Chakrabarti , Labour 's Shadow Attorney General , told the BBC : `` This shocking case raises many unanswered questions of both Cyprus and UK governments .
`` Did the Cypriot police contact the British High Commission before the young woman was questioned or pressured about her complaint for eight hours ?
Was she offered any consular support ?
If not , why not ? ''
During the sentencing in January , judge Michalis Papathanasiou told the teenager he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by suspending her sentence - allowing her to fly back to the UK .
He said the woman 's `` psychological state , her youth , that she has been away from her family , her friends and academic studies this year '' , had led him to the decision .
At the time , Boris Johnson 's spokesman said the UK prime minister was `` pleased '' she could now return home .
However , Downing Street said the UK government had highlighted its `` concerns about the judicial process in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fair trial '' to the Cypriot authorities .
The 12 men whom the woman alleges raped her were arrested but later freed , and returned home after she retracted her claims .
Israeli lawyer Nir Islovich , who represented four of the 12 men in the case , welcomed the decision to convict the woman .
`` What was important to us was that she would be convicted of the charges brought against her , '' he said at the time .
`` That happened with full adoption of the facts as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme on Facebook and Twitter - and see more of our stories here .

"Additionally, the court's apparent disregarding of the array of expert evidence put forward by the defence was a surprising feature of this case, and we hope that when the appeal court views this case as a whole they will come to the view that the young girl was not afforded a fair trial."


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: How will the suspension affect football in Britain?

Elite football in Britain has been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus - but what happens next ?
BBC Sport 's Simon Stone has answered some of your questions about this season and the impact the suspension will have on the sport .
• Uefa to discuss possibility of postponing Euro 2020 by one year • How coronavirus has impacted sporting events around the world If the season is not completed what happens about promotion and relegation ?
Stone : `` You would basically have three options .
Declare the season void @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same teams that started this one in the same division , or have promotion and relegation , either using this season 's positions as they currently are or having play-offs .
`` All of these scenarios are controversial , which is why the preference is to finish the current campaign - it 's just that no-one knows when that will be .
`` There are nine Premier League games to be played , plus three FA Cup rounds , plus Europe .
Given a clear window , you are looking at about six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midweek games . ''
Will Liverpool win the Premier League title no matter what ?
Stone : `` I do n't think we can say 'no matter what ' because the option of scrapping this season does exist .
However , everyone recognises that would be exceptionally harsh on Jurgen Klopp 's men .
`` Scrapping this season is not the option being thought of as preferable at this stage .
The aim is definitely to end the current campaign at some point . ''
What is the likelihood of the season being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is very much the will of all the leagues and the majority of the clubs for that not to happen .
`` There are so many complications that come with making a decision of that magnitude .
Clearly , no-one knows how long the game will be in shut down for .
But whenever it restarts , I would think it will restart by finishing off this season .
`` It is not entirely clear whether players will carry on training .
We are in completely uncharted territory here . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially season tickets - will people get a refund ?
Stone : `` As with any situation , tickets are refundable if matches do n't take place - and generally , clubs will look favourably on fans who ca n't make date changes that could not have been envisaged when the tickets were bought .
`` However , some clubs have just had four or five matches called off , so it may take time .
Season tickets are a different case .
The season has not ended yet .
At this stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered there .
More clarity should come in the next two or three weeks . ''
If coronavirus lasts for the next six months , does that mean no football will be played in that period ?
Stone : `` It is possible , yes .
In theory , matches could be played this weekend .
It is the clubs who have made the decision today - the government said on Thursday that matches could continue for now .
`` No-one , certainly not me , knows how long the current situation will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matches being played until the coronavirus problem has passed its peak point , which the medical experts said yesterday could be between 10 and 14 weeks .
`` Given the medical advice , I do n't think anyone in football seriously expects the situation to have changed in three weeks and therefore the present situation is much more likely to be extended than lifted . ''
What happens about player contracts if the season is not finished by 30 June - as well as other extra fees such as for appearances and goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex area .
Obviously players whose contracts run beyond the end of this season will get bonuses based on the current campaign , whenever it finishes .
`` However , for those whose deals expire on 30 June , it is a different situation entirely .
In addition , the transfer window will be open .
`` These issues will form part of the fall-out from Uefa 's meeting on Tuesday , which is expected to outline the best way forward for the European game as a whole .
The players - as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represented . ''
Could next season be delayed - and if so , to when ?
Stone : `` Yes .
And as long as is required .
If the current season does n't finish until the summer , there will need to be flexibility about when the next campaigns start .
`` A Uefa source told me yesterday that nothing was off the table .
Anything is possible . ''
Will there be any financial assistance to lower league clubs who will have no income for the next month ?
Stone : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EFL has enough money to start handing out bridging loans .
Like most businesses , clubs will have to find a way round their present situation . ''
Will lower leagues be suspended because of the risk of attracting larger crowds from other clubs ?
Stone : `` It is a fair point .
I suspect it falls into the 'cross the bridge when it comes to it ' category .
I ca n't see why a local side that attracts 100 fans should be stopped from playing .
`` Junior matches will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a line drawn somewhere .
It would be illogical to say 'no-one can play football ' .
Why is the National League continuing ?
Stone : `` To repeat , it is the Premier League and EFL clubs plus the Football Association who took Friday 's decision .
Government advice on Thursday was that matches could continue .
`` The National League has taken the option to follow government advice .
Notts County average attendances of more than 5,000 , so there are plenty of fans who follow that level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get overwhelmed by spectators , I guess the National League may have a rethink but for now , for them , it is business as usual . ''
What will happen to TV deals ?
Stone : `` The big unknown is how the broadcasters react to this situation .
BBC , BT , Premier Sports and Sky pay huge amounts of money to screen football .
`` The latter three use football to drive their subscriptions .
If there is no football , what happens to the subscription numbers and , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracts .
`` As with so many things , the length of time this shutdown goes on for will determine what happens next . ''
What about payments given to clubs depending on league position - what will they get ?
Stone : `` If the Premier League has its way , they will get the payments they are supposed to get because the season will finish .
Anything else is guesswork at this stage . ''

There will be no elite football played in Britain for at least three weeks because of the spread of coronavirus
Elite football in Britain has been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus - but what happens next?
BBC Sport's Simon Stone has answered some of your questions about this season and the impact the suspension will have on the sport.
If the season is not completed what happens about promotion and relegation?
Stone: "You would basically have three options. Declare the season void - and restart next season with the same teams that started this one in the same division, or have promotion and relegation, either using this season's positions as they currently are or having play-offs.
"All of these scenarios are controversial, which is why the preference is to finish the current campaign - it's just that no-one knows when that will be.
"There are nine Premier League games to be played, plus three FA Cup rounds, plus Europe. Given a clear window, you are looking at about six weeks to complete the calendar, using midweek games."
Will Liverpool win the Premier League title no matter what?
Stone: "I don't think we can say 'no matter what' because the option of scrapping this season does exist. However, everyone recognises that would be exceptionally harsh on Jurgen Klopp's men.
"Scrapping this season is not the option being thought of as preferable at this stage. The aim is definitely to end the current campaign at some point."
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool team are 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League
What is the likelihood of the season being completely null and void?
Stone: "It is very much the will of all the leagues and the majority of the clubs for that not to happen.
"There are so many complications that come with making a decision of that magnitude. Clearly, no-one knows how long the game will be in shut down for. But whenever it restarts, I would think it will restart by finishing off this season.
"It is not entirely clear whether players will carry on training. We are in completely uncharted territory here."
What happens to tickets for fans, especially season tickets - will people get a refund?
Stone: "As with any situation, tickets are refundable if matches don't take place - and generally, clubs will look favourably on fans who can't make date changes that could not have been envisaged when the tickets were bought.
"However, some clubs have just had four or five matches called off, so it may take time. Season tickets are a different case. The season has not ended yet. At this stage, I can't see refunds being offered there. More clarity should come in the next two or three weeks."
If coronavirus lasts for the next six months, does that mean no football will be played in that period?
Stone: "It is possible, yes. In theory, matches could be played this weekend. It is the clubs who have made the decision today - the government said on Thursday that matches could continue for now.
"No-one, certainly not me, knows how long the current situation will last for. I don't see matches being played until the coronavirus problem has passed its peak point, which the medical experts said yesterday could be between 10 and 14 weeks.
"Given the medical advice, I don't think anyone in football seriously expects the situation to have changed in three weeks and therefore the present situation is much more likely to be extended than lifted."
Wolves' Europa League game against Olympiakos in Greece on Thursday was played behind closed doors
What happens about player contracts if the season is not finished by 30 June - as well as other extra fees such as for appearances and goals?
Stone: "This is a complex area. Obviously players whose contracts run beyond the end of this season will get bonuses based on the current campaign, whenever it finishes.
"However, for those whose deals expire on 30 June, it is a different situation entirely. In addition, the transfer window will be open.
"These issues will form part of the fall-out from Uefa's meeting on Tuesday, which is expected to outline the best way forward for the European game as a whole. The players - as well as the leagues - will be represented."
Could next season be delayed - and if so, to when?
Stone: "Yes. And as long as is required. If the current season doesn't finish until the summer, there will need to be flexibility about when the next campaigns start.
"A Uefa source told me yesterday that nothing was off the table. Anything is possible."
Will there be any financial assistance to lower league clubs who will have no income for the next month?
Stone: "I don't know if the EFL has enough money to start handing out bridging loans. Like most businesses, clubs will have to find a way round their present situation."
Only games in the top four tiers of English football have been suspended, meaning matches in the fifth-tier National League and below are still scheduled to be played
Will lower leagues be suspended because of the risk of attracting larger crowds from other clubs?
Stone: "It is a fair point. I suspect it falls into the 'cross the bridge when it comes to it' category. I can't see why a local side that attracts 100 fans should be stopped from playing.
"Junior matches will still go on also. There has to be a line drawn somewhere. It would be illogical to say 'no-one can play football'.
Why is the National League continuing?
Stone: "To repeat, it is the Premier League and EFL clubs plus the Football Association who took Friday's decision. Government advice on Thursday was that matches could continue.
"The National League has taken the option to follow government advice. Notts County average attendances of more than 5,000, so there are plenty of fans who follow that level of the game anyway.
"If clubs get overwhelmed by spectators, I guess the National League may have a rethink but for now, for them, it is business as usual."
What will happen to TV deals?
Stone: "The big unknown is how the broadcasters react to this situation. BBC, BT, Premier Sports and Sky pay huge amounts of money to screen football.
"The latter three use football to drive their subscriptions. If there is no football, what happens to the subscription numbers and, in turn, their ability to pay the contracts.
"As with so many things, the length of time this shutdown goes on for will determine what happens next."
What about payments given to clubs depending on league position - what will they get?
Stone: "If the Premier League has its way, they will get the payments they are supposed to get because the season will finish. Anything else is guesswork at this stage."


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Will I get a refund on my ticket if events are cancelled?

Professional football in England and Scotland has been suspended because of coronavirus .
In future , the UK government could restrict large-scale gatherings to prevent its spread .
So , what are your rights if you have a ticket to something that gets called off ?
What has been cancelled because of coronavirus ?
The government has the power to cancel events if it believes a big crowd could pose a risk to public health .
It is not doing so at the moment , but the Premier League and English Football League have decided to suspend matches until at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several squads have players and staff with coronavirus symptoms .
Matches in Scotland have also been postponed .
Many other European countries have stopped domestic football and European governing body Uefa has suspended its competitions .
Next Tuesday , Uefa , will discuss the possibility of postponing this summer 's Euro 2020 finals until 2021 .
Other events being cancelled include music concerts Six Nations rugby , the England cricket tour of Sri Lanka and Formula 1 races There is doubt over this year 's Tokyo Olympics .
What do I need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IS THE UK PLANNING FOR AN OUTBREAK : What is the UK 's 'delay ' stage ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • HOW TO SELF-ISOLATE : What you need to know • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts What refunds are being issued ?
The football leagues in England and Scotland have not yet announced what will happen about tickets for cancelled matches .
However , the Football Association has said ticket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Denmark , which have also been called off , will be refunded automatically .
The Who are among bands to cancel a major tour in the UK and Ireland .
Singer Roger Daltrey told fans to hold on to their tickets for rearranged dates .
Madonna is another musician to cancel concerts in March - tickets for her shows are refundable .
The London Marathon , which has been postponed from April until October , has offered runners a free place on the new date or a refund of their entry fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ticket for a cancelled event from an official seller , you should be entitled to a refund , often automatically .
However , additional costs , such as postage and booking fees , are unlikely to be reimbursed .
For anyone who purchased a ticket through a ticket-reselling website , refunds will depend on the site 's terms and conditions .
If an event is moved and you can not make the rearranged date , you should be entitled to your money back .
What if I 'm having problems getting my refund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a refund after a couple of weeks , follow it up , says consumer rights journalist Helen Dewdney .
She advises : `` Where possible , do everything in writing so you have a record . ''
If you 're not getting anywhere you can approach your credit card company , says Ms Dewdney .
Using a credit card to buy something costing between £100 and £30,000 means you are legally entitled to a refund if you do not get what you were promised .
Even if the ticket is worth less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used instead , there is still the chance of getting a refund under the chargeback scheme .
This is used to reverse the transaction .
• Coronavirus : What are your travel rights ?
• Timeline : Which sport events have been affected ?
What if the event goes ahead but my hotel shuts ?
If you are unable to attend an event because facilities such as hotels or travel are unavailable , the situation is not so clear-cut .
`` You 've got to hope for a goodwill gesture , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' point of view , they 'll say the event is still going ahead . ''
If you 've booked a package ( with hotel , flight and event entry all included ) , you may be able to claim under your travel insurance - depending on the small print .
Can I get a refund if an event is not as advertised ?
It depends , according to Adam French , from consumer group Which ?
.
`` If you 've bought a ticket for a Taylor Swift gig to headline , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should get your money back '' , he says .
`` But if it 's a festival with multiple acts , that means you have a ticket for the festival and not the individual performer .
In that instance , you ca n't expect a refund . ''
What if I do n't want to go ?
If you decide against going to a music event or sports match because you 're worried about coronavirus , there 's little chance of getting your money back .
The only possible exception is if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ticket .

Coronavirus: Will I get a refund on my ticket if events are cancelled? Published 18 March 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Sir Paul McCartney was due to headline Saturday night at Glastonbury this year
The government has advised against mass gatherings in the UK for the foreseeable future - effectively cancelling all large-scale events, such as concerts, sports fixtures and theatre productions.
The 2020 Glastonbury Festival is the latest in a long list of events that have been cancelled because of coronavirus. Professional football in England and Scotland has already been suspended and all horse racing in Great Britain will stop from Wednesday.
Many events around the world, including the Euro 2020 finals, have also been postponed or cancelled.
So, what are your rights if you have a ticket to something that gets called off?
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The Euro 2020 football finals were due to take place in 12 cities around Europe, including London and Glasgow
Am I entitled to a full refund?
Generally, if you bought your ticket for a cancelled event from an official seller, you should be entitled to a refund, often automatically.
However, additional costs, such as postage and booking fees, are unlikely to be reimbursed.
For anyone who purchased a ticket through a ticket-reselling website, refunds will depend on the site's terms and conditions. Some sites, like Viagogo, have already said customers will get a full refund in the event of a cancellation.
If an event is moved and you cannot make the rearranged date, you should be entitled to your money back. For example, European football's governing body, Uefa, says it will refund all Euro 2020 ticket holders who can't make any rearranged dates in 2021.
The football leagues in England and Scotland have not yet announced what will happen about tickets for cancelled matches. Season ticket holders should check their individual club's terms and conditions.
Organisers of the Glastonbury Festival say that anyone that has paid a £50 deposit can roll it over to next year in order to buy a ticket for the 2021 event. Otherwise, people can ask for their £50 to be refunded.
If you are taking part in something, the same refund rules may apply to entry fees if it is cancelled. But you need to check the event organiser's terms and conditions.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
What if I'm having problems getting my refund?
If you have heard nothing about a refund after a couple of weeks, follow it up, says consumer rights journalist Helen Dewdney.
She advises: "Where possible, do everything in writing so you have a record."
If you're not getting anywhere you can approach your credit card company, says Ms Dewdney.
Using a credit card to buy something costing between £100 and £30,000 means you are legally entitled to a refund if you do not get what you were promised.
Even if the ticket is worth less than £100, or a debit card was used instead, there is still the chance of getting a refund under the chargeback scheme. This is used to reverse the transaction.
Can I make a donation instead of a refund?
Many events are put on to raise money for good causes. Many art, music and theatre groups are charities and rely heavily on ticket sales for income. They say there could be serious financial implications if they have to refund all tickets.
Some, including the BFI (British Film Institute), have asked ticket holders to consider not asking for a refund so that the money can be used as a charitable donation instead.
What if the event goes ahead but my hotel shuts?
If you are unable to attend an event because facilities such as hotels or travel are unavailable, the situation is not so clear-cut.
"You've got to hope for a goodwill gesture," says Ms Dewdney. "From the organisers' point of view, they'll say the event is still going ahead."
If you've booked a package (with hotel, flight and event entry all included), you may be able to claim under your travel insurance - depending on the small print.
Can I get a refund if an event is not as advertised?
It depends, according to Adam French, from consumer group Which?.
"If you've bought a ticket for a Taylor Swift gig to headline, but she didn't perform, you should get your money back", he says.
"But if it's a festival with multiple acts, that means you have a ticket for the festival and not the individual performer. In that instance, you can't expect a refund."
What if I don't want to go?
If you decide against going to a music event or sports match because you're worried about coronavirus, there's little chance of getting your money back.


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: London backpackers quarantined in Vietnam

Three young women being quarantined in an abandoned Vietnamese hospital say they are keeping positive despite language barriers and strange foods .
Lucy Parker flew from London to Hanoi on 2 March before meeting up with her sister Alice and friends in Vietnam .
The women were tracked down by authorities after a passenger on the Vietnamese Airline flight tested positive for coronavirus .
They have been in isolation for seven days .
Lucy , 22 , Alice , 25 , and their friend Hanna Ahlberg , 23 , were traced to their hostel in Ha Long Bay by authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police were deployed to their accommodation to ensure the women did not escape and hostel staff burnt mattresses and other items the women had come into contact with .
Two and a half days after being tested for the virus , it was confirmed the women had not caught it .
They were taken to an abandoned hospital in Ninh Bình , north Vietnam , and ordered to stay isolated for a further 12 days .
Alice said the hospital they were staying in was originally an asylum and could be `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have a toilet but there is no shower .
We do have a bucket to wash with and to wash our clothes in , '' she said .
`` We 're actually quite lucky because we 've heard of people in worse conditions . ''
Language barriers are also proving difficult for the women .
`` Our nurses do n't talk a word of English - not even yes or no - so that has been really difficult , '' Lucy said .
`` But we do have a WhatsApp chat with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The food is also interesting .
They send food to us in a bag .
We even had soup served in a bag - but it is quite nice food .
`` We are trying to look on the bright side of everything but we would rather not be here .
We 'd rather be at home or in another hostel . ''
The virus has infected more than 110,000 people worldwide and killed more than 4,000 .
There are at least 30 confirmed cases in Vietnam , including seven Britons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women , who work as graphic designers , have been documenting their experience on Instagram as well as making coronavirus themed mugs , tote bags and T-shirts .
`` While we were bored in quarantine , we decided to get drawing and doodling to make light of a bad situation , '' Hanna said .
• Coronavirus : What is it like to self-isolate ?
The girls hope their isolation will end on Monday , but are determined to keep positive until then .
`` We are bored .
After seven days in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're not sure when we will eventually be let out but we 're hoping its soon , '' Hanna said .
`` We want to put out a message that quarantine and self isolation can be quite miserable so you just have to keep yourself busy and even maybe re-ignite some of your old passions and interests . ''
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?

"We are bored. After seven days in isolation we are wanting to get out. We're not sure when we will eventually be let out but we're hoping its soon," Hanna said.


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Why is the UK not shutting schools like other countries?

Many countries are taking tough measures to crack down on the spread of coronavirus , including school closures , an end to mass gatherings and severe travel restrictions .
But the UK has adopted relatively modest control measures .
The differences can be partly explained by the fact some of these countries are further into their epidemics .
But it 's clear the UK has adopted a more nuanced approach .
Computer simulations indicate the UK is in the early stages of its epidemic which is expected to rise sharply in four weeks and peak in 10 and 14 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK government 's chief scientific adviser , and chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty have made the judgement call that it is too soon to impose severe restrictions at this stage .
Such restrictions might last several months and risk `` self-isolation fatigue '' , with people leaving their homes just as the epidemic was at its height .
The elderly are particularly at risk of developing severe symptoms .
But many of them are already isolated .
Cutting them off from their communities at this stage , when the risks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulties for them .
Sir Patrick and Prof Whitty have also advised against the suspension of mass gatherings .
Again , their computer models indicate this would be less effective and more disruptive than the measures they have recommended : hand washing and asking people to self-isolate if they show symptoms of the disease .
These measures , if correctly implemented , could cut the peak of cases by 20 % , says Sir Patrick .
`` People are very much more likely to catch the virus from a family member or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a big space [ such as a sporting stadium ] , '' he said .
• Three reasons why the UK might not follow Italy It 's the same with school closures .
While Ireland , France and Denmark are among a host of northern European countries to shut schools , for the moment at least they remain open in the UK .
Closing schools is effective for controlling serious flu epidemics , but Covid-19 seems to affect children less .
There 's still a risk , though , they could transmit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition , school closures would take many much needed NHS staff away from their jobs while they look after their children .
• EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate The British strategy is to delay the onset of the peak of the disease until the summer months , when the NHS is under less pressure , and to spread the peak of the epidemic to make treatment more manageable .
The aim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the infection so that the population builds up some immunity to the virus should it return in successive years .
Efforts to stamp it out too quickly risk leading to the epidemic returning , perhaps during the winter , once the extreme measures have been lifted .
This would be a time when the health service was again under pressure .
It is important to stress that this strategy has been drawn up based on evidence and input from many of the world 's leading scientists and doctors , many of whom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus in China and Singapore .
And it is notable that no scientists have spoken out against the UK government 's approach .
There are undoubtedly some who do disagree with the strategy .
But there is an acceptance by such critics that Sir Patrick and Prof Whitty are the ones in the hot seat , having to make the biggest calls they have made in their professional lives .
So the science community is prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt and not speak out , for now @ @ @

There are undoubtedly some who do disagree with the strategy. But there is an acceptance by such critics that Sir Patrick and Prof Whitty are the ones in the hot seat, having to make the biggest calls they have made in their professional lives. So the science community is prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt and not speak out, for now at least.


bbcuk--2020-03-13--'Metal-morphosis - how rock became my rock'

I was 11 when things started to get difficult .
It began with the move from a mixed primary school to an all girls ' school .
It 's a familiar story : I was bullied a lot , had problems with low self-esteem ; had issues about the way I looked , who I was and what I wanted .
I was not like the other `` girly girls '' at the school , and children can be really , really cruel .
Growing into a teenager , things did not let up .
Along with everything that goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulling away from an interest in science - something which seemed to come as a birthright for everyone in my family .
On top of that , making friends did n't get any easier .
Then I found rock music .
From then on , rock was my rock .
It was a safety blanket - a soundtrack to a time when I felt alone and isolated .
My first contact came from films , and what I could make out coming through my brother 's door .
I soon moved on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foot Krutch to pop-punk bands like blink-182 and Green Day , later venturing into grunge like Nirvana and hard rock like Guns n ' Roses .
Whenever I needed it - which was plenty of times - it was what I turned to .
Putting my headphones on was a way to switch off the thoughts of self-loathing , the anxiety around my appearance and the echoes of unkind words spoken by classmates .
A few short years later , another big change sparked a change in my music taste .
In 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to Downpatrick from Cambridge in England and the culture shock left me stunned .
I had an English accent , I almost felt like people had a predetermined image of what I should be like , like I was stuck up or something like that .
That was until my first group guitar lesson , which my mum had signed me up for in the hope of offering me a gateway to new friends .
There was a boy there with a gorgeous white ESP LTD Snakebyte guitar playing these heavy riffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was when metal came into my life at full volume .
I listened to Master of Puppets by Metallica as soon as I got home , and I was mesmerised .
Within no time , I had an in-depth knowledge of all of their albums and moved onto other bands like Megadeth , Iron Maiden and Slayer .
It is more intense than rock music - and it came at a point in my life when I felt a lot of intense things .
'Not as much misogyny in metal' From the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when I felt isolated and alone , I now felt like I was part of something .
I had found my new identity , spending weekends at local gigs , discovering new bands , and , most importantly , making a lot of wonderful new friends , all of us united through a love of metal .
There is still an element of sexism in heavy metal , as it involves a lot more men than women .
Some people might want to call you a poser and say you are putting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But that has only happened a handful of times and , mostly , people are interested in why I like it .
Something I like about metal is that , despite what you might think , I have not come across a lot of misogynistic lyrics .
Compared to other genres of music , there is not an over-sexualisation of women .
In the scene , you are starting to see a lot more female-fronted groups , so things are changing .
I really look up to all the members of Metallica , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was after seeing Metallica play at Slane that I took up the drums .
A lot of that was down to Lars .
Another person I look to is Dave Mustaine from Megadeth .
He had huge addiction issues to overcome , having to deal with drugs and alcohol , and he never let that hold him back .
To the onlooker , it may seems like a mass of screeching guitars , gruff vocals and aggressive lyrics .
But look past that and you 'll see one of the most open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of passionate and talented musicians and incredibly dedicated fans - all united by their love of possibly the most misunderstood genre of music out there .
So , to metal - thank you for rescuing me and giving all the `` misfits '' a place to call home .
For more stories by BBC Young Reporters from Northern Ireland head to our website and you can follow BBC Young Reporter on Twitter @ BBCYoungReport / # BBCYoungReporter

Along with everything that goes along with puberty, I found myself pulling away from an interest in science - something which seemed to come as a birthright for everyone in my family.


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Grenfell Inquiry: Aesthetics v safety v money

Grenfell was the worst residential fire in UK peacetime history , with 72 people losing their lives .
We now know what happened - the report on phase one of the public inquiry has been published - but the next phase is spending months investigating why it happened , and considering who might be to blame .
Each week , during key sections of the inquiry , we keep you up-to-date with the evidence and what it means .
It was a three-day week - returning after illness , Bruce Sounes , the project manager from Studio E Architects , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the previous three days had been spent grilling Neil Crawford , the programme manager who took over from him on the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower .
The questioning , by lead counsel to the inquiry Richard Millett QC and Kate Grange QC , is technical , and unrelenting .
As well as pursuing their own lines of inquiry , they interrogate witnesses on behalf of the `` core participants '' , including the bereaved , survivors and residents .
This week , there was a particular focus on what the architects knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did to ensure their designs adhered to them .
On Tuesday , Neil Crawford was asked about designs for windows he was sent in 2014 and 2015 .
He responded : `` Architects do n't approve drawings , they comment on them . ''
It was a statement which raises important questions , which the inquiry is clearly thinking about .
Was it the job of architects to make safety-critical decisions ?
Mr Crawford often suggested that his main concern was the `` design intent '' or making sure the concept was being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tower , the concept was to modernise an ageing tower block , improving the layout , making it warmer , and transform its appearance , after all , a gleaming new school and leisure centre were being built next door .
His younger colleague Tomas Rek , who followed him in the witness box , was clear about the priority .
When asked why sleek , zinc cladding had been chosen for the new-look tower , he said : `` Based just on the aesthetics . ''
It looked better , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire - but a third factor got in the way - cost .
Zinc cladding was more expensive and after early pressure to cut the bill , the project decided to switch from zinc to cheaper aluminium in shades of grey .
The panels chosen were the now notorious Reynobond PE ACM , blamed for the rapid spread of the fire .
The inquiry will examine that decision in intense detail .
Should the architects be blamed ?
The inquiry will have to decide whether the Studio E Architects should be blamed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detail of the fire safety regulations .
Some in the business say architects ca n't possibly understand every twist and turn of the rules , when big projects have specialists for that .
Others say understanding the materials they are using is crucial , especially when it comes to safety .
Tomas Rek was forced to admit this week that he had drafted the National Building Specification for Grenfell Tower using software which inserts pre-written phrases detailing how the fire rules will be adhered to .
That is normal , except , under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combustible insulation to the spec , stating it would meet the guidelines , without checking whether it actually would .
`` Retrospectively looking at it , '' he said , `` I think it would help if I had a better understanding ... Neil Crawford clearly felt he had been misled about the materials used on Grenfell Tower , describing the insulation which contributed to the fire as `` horse meat '' masquerading as `` beef lasagne '' .
Its manufacturer Celotex will tell the inquiry it had successfully tested the insulation panels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it was for the architects to use them safely .
Mr Crawford also attacked the official government fire safety guidelines , considered by many in the industry to be so misleading and contradictory that they put lives at risk .
`` The building regs are n't fit for purpose and have led to the regularisation of usage of dangerous and flammable materials , '' he said .
`` Unfortunately , the industry only reacts to the regulations that are in place . ''
Those regulations are so central to what went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allocated them their own `` module '' , due to start later this year .
What have we learned from this week 's evidence ?
A theme is developing in the inquiry as it becomes clear that key decisions fell into the cracks between the companies tasked with redeveloping Grenfell Tower , allowing each to say another was responsible for any failings .
Next week the inquiry expects to hear from Exova , the firm of fire consultants which Studio E believed were assessing whether its designs created any risk .
Exova 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the loop , and could not have advised on designs it never saw .

Grenfell was the worst residential fire in UK peacetime history, with 72 people losing their lives. We now know what happened - the report on phase one of the public inquiry has been published - but the next phase is spending months investigating why it happened, and considering who might be to blame.


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: How Covid-19 could affect your festival plans this summer

Radio 1 's Big Weekend is the first major British festival to be cancelled over coronavirus .
In the last week , two of America 's biggest festivals have also been disrupted because of fears over the virus .
Coachella , set to be headlined by Travis Scott , Rage Against the Machine and Frank Ocean , has been pushed back to October instead of taking place in April , as originally planned .
It follows Texas-based South by Southwest - an important festival for new artists from around the world looking for success in the US - being cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia and Italy at the moment , with gatherings of more than 1,000 people being postponed in Switzerland , France and several major cities in Germany .
Glastonbury 's still planning to celebrate its 50th birthday this year Glastonbury festival organisers have told Radio 1 Newsbeat they 're closely monitoring the situation but the festival is still going ahead .
The festival 's head of event operations Adrian Coombs said they `` thoroughly plan '' each year 's event , and `` put in place all necessary measures to protect the public and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added Kendrick Lamar , Dua Lipa , Lana Del Rey and more big names to its line-up , festival boss Emily Eavis said organisers had `` fingers firmly crossed '' the event would go ahead in June .
`` As things stand we are still working hard to deliver our 50th anniversary festival in June and we are very proud of the bill that we have put together over the last year or so , '' she said .
`` No one has a crystal ball to see exactly where we will all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are keeping our fingers firmly crossed that it will be here at Worthy Farm for the greatest show on Earth ! ''
No other UK festivals have been cancelled The latest update from Festival Republic , which puts on events including Reading and Leeds , Wireless , Download and Latitude , says none of its events will be affected .
Scroll down to see an updated list of major festivals in the UK and their response to the coronavirus spread so far .
• What are the refund rules around cancelled events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertainty for people who 've bought tickets - but cancellations could also have a big impact on the artists booked to perform at them .
`` Everyone 's going to be affected I think ... everyone 's losing money , '' Becky Hill tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
The singer is due to appear at Coachella with Matoma and is currently supporting The Script on their European arena tour .
She says there are concerns of `` potential gigs being cancelled '' in places like Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Brussels and Hamburg .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that insurance wo n't cover it .
`` Festivals and shows are our bread and butter ... it 's the part of our job where you can potentially make some money . ''
Becky stresses it 's not just the artist who misses out on a day 's work , it 's a whole crew .
`` If we lose shows that I 've already booked a tour bus for and a band for and x , y and z ...
I lose that money .
`` Us booking the band means they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't necessarily affected their work . ''
' I hope fans know how awful this is' The impact of cancelled shows ripples through to emerging talent , too .
London 's King Nun had been planning their trip to SXSW for months with five `` incredibly important '' shows lined up as well as meetings with `` a bunch of industry people '' to try to boost their profile in America .
`` That 's unfortunately fallen apart now , '' says frontman Theo Polyzoides , who estimates the band are set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights and accommodation .
`` I hope music fans know how financially awful this is for the band they care about .
`` I also hope it means they 'll involve themselves in local music scenes more than they did before . ''
• EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Here 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - we 'll be updating this as we hear from festival organisers .
Radio 1 's Big Weekend - has been cancelled .
A Radio 1 statement said : `` This decision has been made in conjunction with our event partners , in line with the advice from the Scottish government .
`` While we know fans looking forward to purchasing tickets will be disappointed , it is important that we prioritise the health and safety of all those involved . ''
Isle of Wight Festival - has released a statement saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Glastonbury - `` Glastonbury Festival thoroughly plans each year 's event , and puts in place all necessary measures to protect the public and maximise safety ... with our 2020 Festival still 16 weeks away , we continue to plan and prepare for the event , whilst at the same time closely monitoring developments with the coronavirus situation . ''
Camp Bestival says the festival is going ahead as planned .
It told Newsbeat : `` We are excited to welcome everyone to the event in 20 weeks .
Safety of our artists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our top priority and planned for accordingly . ''
Reading and Leeds - Going ahead as planned .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"No one has a crystal ball to see exactly where we will all be 15 weeks from now, but we are keeping our fingers firmly crossed that it will be here at Worthy Farm for the greatest show on Earth!"


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Driver took heroin and crack before fatal crash

A lorry driver who took crack cocaine and heroin hours before falling asleep at the wheel and causing a crash which killed two men has been jailed .
Wayne Wellington veered off the A34 near Bullington , Hampshire , in 2018 .
His vehicle crashed into Vipin Kumar , 43 , and Kevin Ackrell , 49 , who had been exchanging details at the side of the road after a minor collision .
Wellington was jailed for nine years after being found guilty of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving .
The 41-year-old had previously admitted two lesser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a controlled drug above the specified limit .
Winchester Crown Court heard Wellington 's girlfriend , who was a passenger in his cab at the time of the crash , had urged him not to drive as he had seemed `` dopey '' .
She said he had started taking crack and heroin the night before , finishing it in the early hours .
Wellington 's lorry came off the road at 09:19 BST on 3 July and hit the back of Mr Ackrell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the lorry , which was travelling at 60mph , to come to a stop and no braking had occurred before impact , the court heard .
Father-of-one Mr Kumar , from Reading , died at the scene and Mr Ackrell , from Trowbridge in Wiltshire , who had two sons and a daughter , died in hospital three days later .
Defence barrister James Bloomer said his client wanted to apologise to the victims ' family for his `` dreadful error '' .
Sentencing Wellington , Judge Jane Miller QC told him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his drug-taking caused the `` terrible accident '' .
She said the two victims had been doing the `` sensible thing '' by exchanging details and that his lorry had acted as a `` lethal weapon '' .
Wellington , of Sheepridge Road in Huddersfield , was also banned from driving for 10 years .

Winchester Crown Court heard Wellington's girlfriend, who was a passenger in his cab at the time of the crash, had urged him not to drive as he had seemed "dopey".


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Death of first Scottish patient with Covid-19 confirmed

The first death of a patient after contracting coronavirus in Scotland has been confirmed .
Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood said the individual was elderly and had underlying health conditions .
She said : `` I am saddened to report that a patient in Scotland who has tested positive for coronavirus has died in hospital . ''
Earlier it was announced the number of cases in Scotland had increased to 85 .
In a statement Dr Calderwood added : `` I offer my deepest sympathy to their friends and family at this difficult time .
`` The patient , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an older person who had underlying health conditions .
`` No further information will be available to protect patient confidentiality . ''
The news comes after it was announced the Scottish football season has been suspended indefinitely .
Scotland 's Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday has also been postponed .
Radio 1 's Big Weekend festival , which was due to take place in Dundee from 22-24 May , has also been cancelled .
• On Monday all schools in mainland Shetland will close for a week • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April and May would now be held remotely • The University of the West of Scotland is asking students not to attend its campuses from Monday .
• Some Scottish political parties have announced that their spring conferences have been cancelled due to the pandemic • Aye Right , one of Scotland 's largest book festivals , will also not take place as planned • NHS Lanarkshire has taken the decision to restrict visiting times at all hospitals from 15:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 20:00 • Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should only make `` essential visits '' and that residents should be isolated in their rooms .
• And in New York the annual Tartan Day parade on 6 April has been called off Across Scotland the number of patients testing positive for Covid-19 increase by 25 over the past 24 hours , with the figure for Greater Glasgow and Clyde more than doubling , from 10 to 21 .
A sharp rise was also recorded in Lothian , from 11 to 20 .
To date 3,229 tests have been carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health boards to detail their plans to increase capacity in hospitals ahead of the expected increase in the number of cases .
Ms Freeman said : `` We have been clear from the outset about the challenges our health service is going to face in the weeks and possibly months to come .
`` With our focus very much on seeking to delay the spread to reduce the peak impact and protect the most vulnerable , planning around NHS capacity is vital . ''
She added that non-urgent care would be scaled down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a bid to double intensive care capacity .
Ms Freeman will make a further statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday .
Elsewhere , a student at St Andrews University , who had recently been in Switzerland , has tested positive for coronavirus and is in self-isolation .
A Scottish MP Dr Lisa Cameron is self-isolating after showing symptoms of coronavirus .
She announced the move on Twitter and said she had been forced to cancel her constituency surgeries on medical advice .
The SNP MP for East Kilbride , Strathaven and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate with Tory mental health minister Nadine Dorries - who has tested positive for the virus - reported feeling fatigued and developed a dry cough and swollen glands .
A secondary school in South Lanarkshire has closed temporarily due to a Covid-19 case .
The individual from Lanark Grammar School is self-isolating at home and the school is due to reopen on Monday after a deep clean .
The number of UK cases rose to 798 , up from 590 on Thursday , when it was confirmed Britain had moved into the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak .
All elite football in England has also been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus .
All Camanachd Association shinty has also been postponed .
NHS 24 said the coronavirus helpline took more than 11,000 calls in a 24-hour period .
Over the past week demand for the 111 service and the special helpline has more than doubled its normal call volume to 56,000 .
NHS 24 has asked people to visit the coronavirus section of its website in the first instance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday , is for people with symptoms of the virus - namely a fever or a new , persistent cough - to stay at home for a period of seven days but not to call their GP or NHS 24 unless their condition deteriorates .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Thursday that widespread school closures were not yet necessary - but from next week restrictions would be placed on gatherings of more than 500 people because of the demands these would place on frontline staff such as ambulance crews .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told BBC Scotland the guidance over mass gatherings had been a judgement call in order to ensure `` we have all the staff and equipment we could possibly need '' rather than a bid to halt the virus spreading .
Mr Leitch said there were no current plans to close schools and this would only change , `` when we come to the point when science tells is it is the right thing to do '' .
The NHS executive has urged people to continue attending blood banks , adding , `` if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we need them to continue to give blood '' .
A number of court cases in Scotland have already been disrupted because of coronavirus , including trials at the High Court in Glasgow and Forfar Sheriff Court .
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said witnesses , jurors and lawyers should not attend court if they were displaying symptoms or have come into contact with someone with Covid-19 .
Witnesses who are unfit should , if possible , obtain a `` soul and conscience certificate '' which can be emailed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subject of an arrest warrant .
How else is coronavirus affecting Scotland ?
• A number of operations are being rescheduled at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
• Lloyds Bank has closed one of its Edinburgh sites after a worker tested positive for coronavirus • The Scottish Police Federation said contingency plans for a flu pandemic have been in place for decades .
The full details will not be made public but as part of those plans there is likely to be a `` significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers can attend .
• The Scottish Prison Service said it is trying to operate business as normal and that visits , work parties and leisure access are continuing .
Individual prisoners with symptoms have been asked to self-isolate in their cells for seven days .
• Royal Bank of Scotland/NatWest is asking all office staff to work from home from Monday `` where practical to do so '' to reduce risk of infection .
This does not apply to branches which will remain open .
• Office staff at Grangemouth Refinery are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the site implements `` rigorous '' measures to combat the virus .
• Offshore oil and gas industry says installations will be placed on immediate `` lockdown '' if a worker on board tests positive for coronavirus • Loganair has announced a reduction in its flights after a `` marked drop '' in bookings The Scottish Qualifications Authority has said there will be no changes to the exam timetable `` at present '' .
It urged learners , parents , schools and colleges to `` continue to prepare as normal '' .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain in place and the exam timetable is currently scheduled to run from 27 April until 4 June .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Neil Kilgour, Edinburgh Marathon's race director said "We are devastated to have to make this decision but we believe that this course of action is in the best interests of our participants, our affiliate charities, the event team who deliver the event and the emergency services who support the event."


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Close NI schools, urges Archbishop Eamon Martin

The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland has called on Stormont 's education minister to consider closing all schools because of coronavirus .
Archbishop Eamon Martin made the call in a letter to DUP Education Minister Peter Weir , which said : `` We need to fight this virus together . ''
Earlier Mr Weir said shutting schools now may be `` counterproductive , '' adding that he would follow scientific advice .
Northern Ireland 's leaders are also split on when schools should close .
On Friday morning , Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill called for the immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak This comes a day after she said Northern Ireland was not at the stage where it needed to shut them .
Later , First Minister Arlene Foster said the policy to keep schools open would stay in place .
Schools , colleges and other public facilities in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Northern Ireland has not taken the same steps .
Nine new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Northern Ireland on Friday , bringing total cases to 29 .
It also emerged that three cases were the result of community transmission - the first cases in which a patient had no known contact with a confirmed case and had not travelled from a country badly affected by the pandemic .
In a letter addressed to Mr Weir and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools ( CCMS ) , Archbishop Martin said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear window '' for parents to make childminding arrangements ahead of closures and for schools to make contingency plans .
`` I feel it is important to give very strong consideration to the closure of all schools in the very near future and on a specific defined date , '' he wrote .
Speaking at Stormont on Friday morning , Mrs O'Neill said Northern Ireland should `` err on the side of caution '' and `` now is the time for action '' .
`` Now is the time to ensure that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleges are closed and that needs to be done immediately , '' she said .
However , the first minister said that , while she understood Mrs O'Neill 's concerns that there 's a different policy in the Republic , she had `` to be led by science '' .
`` I ca n't answer as to why Michelle has decided she needs to go in this direction . ''
Speaking after a meeting with UK Health Minister Matt Hancock and the Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride , Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be led by the science '' .
`` At this moment in time , I have no evidence to justify school closures and indeed to do so at this stage may even be counterproductive , '' he said .
Political editor Mark Devenport said Mrs O'Neill 's call for school closures was an `` obvious and incredible u-turn '' following an announcement in Northern Ireland on Thursday that schools would not yet close .
`` They see people are voting with their feet in their own communities and they [ Sinn Féin ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He said such a move would have to be approved by the NI executive , which is meeting again on Monday .
• The Northern Ireland Football League ( NIFL ) followed its counterparts in the UK and Ireland by calling off all their matches until 4 April .
• Health Minister Robin Swann said health services would be `` significantly curtailed '' in the days and weeks ahead to divert care for coronavirus patients • Derry City and Strabane District Council agreed to close council facilities accessible to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland ministers would be meeting with tánaiste ( Irish deputy PM ) Simon Coveney and Irish Health Minister Simon Harris on Saturday .
'We will have no choice' Speaking earlier on Friday , Mrs Foster said : `` We are taking the measures as advised by evidence , advised by science , and it will come a point where we will have to close schools .
`` There will come a point where we will have to say people should social distance themselves from other people , they should stay in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all of these things is where the science comes in and the modelling which has been done and which continues to be done by those scientists will inform the decisions that we have to take both at UK level and indeed at Northern Ireland level . ''
Mrs Foster said : `` Medical officers are telling us that we are probably about 14 weeks out from the peak of this virus .
`` It is our elderly and our vulnerable who are most at risk and therefore we must protect them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the UK approach to coronavirus was `` not only wrong , it is dangerous '' .
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster 's Talkback programme , Ms McDonald added two sets of advice were confusing .
`` An all-Ireland strategy is essential and imperative for public health , '' she said .
Inside Business live on BBC Radio Ulster will have the latest on childcare , working from home and the economic impact of the coronavirus - Saturday at 12:30 .

"But the timing of all of these things is where the science comes in and the modelling which has been done and which continues to be done by those scientists will inform the decisions that we have to take both at UK level and indeed at Northern Ireland level."


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Planned surgery cancelled in Wales

Planned surgery is to be cancelled in Wales as the NHS gears up to tackle the coronavirus outbreak .
Cutting back on so-called `` elective '' operations - those waiting for non-urgent treatment - had been put forward as one of the likely options as the pandemic escalates and more patients with the virus need treating .
Non-urgent outpatient appointments will also be put on hold .
Waiting time targets and monitoring arrangements are also being relaxed .
Meanwhile , Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies has defended the decision to postpone Wales ' Six Nations game with Scotland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cardiff City have confirmed a player and member of staff are self-isolating as a precaution , while a Wrexham FC player has been told to self-isolate after seeking medical advice , with the team 's weekend game against Barrow postponed .
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said : `` I am choosing to act now before we see a significant surge in demand so that our services can be ready to act .
A larger number of people requiring high levels of care is highly likely over the coming weeks . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential treatments such as kidney dialysis would continue .
The minister said the priority was to save as many lives as possible , with 25,000 deaths in Wales possible in a worst case scenario .
Meanwhile , PHW reported 13 new cases , taking the total to 38 , including first cases in Anglesey and Flintshire .
Where are the latest cases ?
• Four more in Caerphilly county • A first positive test in both Anglesey and Flintshire • One each in Cardiff , Carmarthenshire , Monmouthshire , Newport and Powys A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested .
What actions have been outlined ?
• Suspending non-urgent surgical admissions and procedures - but ensuring access for emergency and urgent surgery • Prioritising the use of non-emergency patient transport to focus on hospital discharges and ambulance emergency response • Expediting discharge of vulnerable patients from acute and community hospitals • Relaxing targets and monitoring arrangements across the health and care system • Fast-tracking placements to care homes by suspending the current protocol which gives to right to a choice of home • Giving permission to cancel internal and professional events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up staff for preparations • Relaxing contract and monitoring arrangements for GPs and primary care practitioners • Suspending NHS emergency service and health volunteer support to mass gatherings and events EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak With the peak believed to be 10 to 14 weeks away , First Minister Mark Drakeford said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the right time '' .
Earlier on Friday , the Welsh Government hinted at the move , saying it would need to consider reducing planned activity .
There are currently about 390,000 referrals waiting for hospital treatment in Wales - including some patients on multiple waiting lists .
These include 47,000 orthopaedic referrals .
There were also 3 million outpatient appointments in the past year .
This could mean some quite big operations , including heart surgery , will be postponed for people - particularly if patients require intensive care afterwards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ made if the conditions of patients deteriorate as they wait and they become emergencies .
We are used to seeing the temporary cancellation of planned surgery used as a pressure valve in the NHS by individual health boards , to relieve demand during winter pressures .
But in the wake of this crisis and the anticipated demand , to see this directed centrally by NHS Wales , is unprecedented .
Darren Hughes , director of the Welsh NHS Confederation , said : `` We would ask members of the public to help by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tirelessly .
`` It is important to remember that we all have a responsibility to take precautions to minimise the chances of catching or spreading Covid-19 '' .
On Wednesday , a senior intensive care consultant warned about the supply of beds and staffing , because critical care units normally work at more than 90 % capacity .
Dr Jack Parry-Jones , Welsh board member for the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine , said Wales was `` uniquely at risk '' if there was a surge of very sick people .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and turning operating theatres into extra intensive care facilities .

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: "I am choosing to act now before we see a significant surge in demand so that our services can be ready to act. A larger number of people requiring high levels of care is highly likely over the coming weeks."


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Anastasia Uglow: New York school trip student died of sepsis

A schoolgirl who fell ill during a school trip to New York died of sepsis , American authorities have said @ @ @ @ @ , from Bristol , was found unconscious at the Holiday Inn Express hotel on 19 @ @ @ @ @ School sixth form student was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai hospital .
An investigation in @ @ @ @ @ died of `` bronchopneumonia and sepsis complicating [ an ] influenza upper respiratory infection '' @ @ @ @ @ on a trip to New York and Washington DC .
In a statement at the @ @ @ @ @ said everyone at the school was devastated and support was being provided for those affected @ @ @ @ @ a fee-paying school which was founded in 1532 and has more than 1,300 students aged @ @ @ @ @ are the symptoms of sepsis ?
• Very lethargic or difficult to wake • A @ @ @ @ @ when you press it

In a statement at the time, headmaster Jaideep Barot said everyone at the school was devastated and support was being provided for those affected.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: UK could ban mass gatherings from next week

Mass gatherings could be banned in the UK from as early as next weekend as the outbreak of coronavirus intensifies .
A government source said ministers were now drawing up plans for the move - to ease pressure on emergency services .
It came hours after the government 's chief scientific advisor insisted it was not the right time to shut down big events .
Scores of major sporting and cultural events have already been cancelled in response to the pandemic .
The number of confirmed cases of the virus in the UK rose to 798 on Friday and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the government estimates the true number of cases to be around 5,000 to 10,000 around the UK .
It is understood ministers are working on plans to stop various types of public events .
The source said : `` There are many complex considerations to make all these measures as effective as possible .
`` We will make the right decisions at the right time based on the best scientific evidence . ''
It is thought a ban could start to take effect as early as next weekend , although exact timescales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism of the government 's handling of the crisis , including from former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt , who described its previous decision to hold off cancelling large gatherings as `` concerning '' .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
Acting Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey told BBC Newsnight that the government 's `` rapid change '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested it was `` playing catch-up with the rest of British society '' .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth welcomed the move but urged the government to be `` clear '' about its plans .
`` If that means publishing the scientific modelling so that all the experts can analyse it and peer review it and stress test it , if that maintains public confidence , that 's an important step , '' the Labour MP told Newsnight .
The government 's action plan - published last week - did raise the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the most recent tactics , announced on Thursday , advised people to self-isolate for seven days if they have a cough or fever , with no advice to avoid large gatherings .
Speaking on Friday , the UK 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said shutting down mass events would not have a `` big effect '' on transmission rates - though he did not rule out such a move going forward .
Whitehall sources say the government 's approach has not changed but that there were concerns about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health services and the police .
Prominent events still set to go ahead include the Grand National in April , the 75th anniversary VE Day commemorations and Chelsea Flower Show in May , and Glastonbury Festival in June .
• Virus an 'existential threat ' to cafe and bar jobs Emergency legislation - including compensation for organisations affected by a temporary ban on big events - is due to be published next week .
Many sports bodies did not wait for a government directive and have already suspended competitions .
Football authorities suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Saturday 's Wales v Scotland Six Nations rugby match was suspended and England 's cricket tour of Sri Lanka was called off .
The Scottish government has already advised that gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled from next week .
English local and mayoral elections , planned for May , are being postponed for a year until May 2021 .
Small businesses such as music venues are also starting to feel the squeeze .
Music venue owner Vince Power told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme he had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Portobello Road , but fewer than half of the 550 people who had bought tickets showed up .
`` I think people are scared , '' Mr Power said .
`` I feel sad about the whole thing , '' he added , blaming the `` uncertainty '' and lack of direction given to small businesses .
`` The news keeps changing every day . ''
Bands are also cancelling , he said .
`` They are just saying they are just unsure , they do n't know ... they have got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose venues hold between 100 and about 500 guests , said : `` Venues are sold out but people are not coming . ''
Mr Power warned that his business `` ca n't really last very long '' - just a few weeks .

"If that means publishing the scientific modelling so that all the experts can analyse it and peer review it and stress test it, if that maintains public confidence, that's an important step," the Labour MP told Newsnight.