theweekuk--2020-08-10--Research row: do schools spread coronavirus?

Health officials have dismissed claims that unpublished research contradicts the government ’ s assertion that there is “ little evidence ” of increased coronavirus transmission among children .
On Sunday , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the decision to accelerate the reopening of schools across England in time for the new academic year in September had been guided by an unpublished study by Public Health England ( PHE ) that found the virus is unlikely to spread in the classroom .
But reports emerged yesterday that while the preliminary results did indicate that young children do not spread the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school children were found to be as likely as adults to spread the virus .
However , in a fresh twist , the latest claims have been rubbished by PHE ’ s chief nurse Viv Bennett , who insists that “ reports that PHE has recommended tougher rules for older children are incorrect ” .
So what does the new data say ?
The new PHE study is due to be published within the next few months and is reportedly based on data from 100 schools across England .
A total of about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been tested to monitor the spread of the disease up to the end of the summer term , after schools partially reopened in June following the nationwide coronavirus lockdown .
At the weekend , Professor Russell Viner , president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) , said the new study would show that there was “ very little evidence that the virus is transmitted ” in schools .
“ We know that children can and do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , but they ’ re very minor players in the transmission overall , particularly younger children , ” Viner said .
“ It ’ s increasingly clear that older children - teenagers , probably - transmit as much as adults , but schools themselves play very little role.
” Repeating that message in the wake of the row over what the study says , Viner told The Guardian that we “ should be reassured ” by the findings so far from schools , rather than focusing on the “ theoretical risks ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newspaper , “ the report is likely to show that most children are infected with coronavirus at home , not at school ” - but “ the unanswered question is to what extent children then transmit the infection to teachers , their families and the wider community ” .
What does this mean for UK schools ?
In a statement on Tuesday , chief nurse Bennett said : “ Parents can be reassured that to maximise safety in schools , an extremely stringent system of controls has been advised by PHE.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the new research are “ likely to heighten concerns among teaching unions that a full return of pupils to school is not safe ” , says Sky News .
Experts had already warned that Boris Johnson ’ s plan for a full reopening of schools next month would depend on the UK having a functional track-and-trace system .
A scientific modelling study published in The Lancet earlier this month concluded that “ if schools and society reopened full time or in a part-time rota system on 1 September 2020 , with sufficiently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second Covid-19 wave could be prevented in the UK ” .
But the paper authors added that “ we also predict that in the absence of sufficiently broad test–trace–isolate coverage , reopening of schools combined with accompanied reopening of society across all scenarios might induce a second Covid-19 wave ” .
And while Professor Viner appears optimistic about low transmission rates in schools , he has also warned that if test-and-trace systems fail to curb a new surge of the virus , the government must close pubs , clubs , some shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future of society ” , as he put it , in order to allow schools , “ which are essential to our future ” , to reopen .
Anne Longfield , the children ’ s commissioner , has also said pubs must shut if necessary to keep schools open .
Calling for “ weekly ” coronavirus testing in all schools , she told Times Radio : “ It should become part and parcel of what a good system around school should look like.
” Can we learn anything from what has happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme that the global consensus appears to be that schools are not significant vectors for coronavirus .
“ There are five studies from around the world - from New South Wales , from Australia , Singapore , from Ireland , from Germany , and from France - and in each of those there appears to be very , very little transmission in schools , ” he said .
These success stories have been the result of significant safeguarding measures and testing and tracing schemes in these countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and contact tracing prioritised , according to The Telegraph .
However , Israel has bucked this trend and is serving as a cautionary tale that returning children to school even with these safeguards in place can still have negative consequences .
On 7 May , the country reopened its schools to some , but not all , age groups , and has enforced two-metre distancing , one-way systems , staggered breaks , smaller groups , enhanced hygiene measures , mandatory face masks and a ban on physical contact and sharing food or pens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopened schools have implemented testing only for symptomatic children , in Israel a positive case results in the whole school being tested .
Despite these efforts to curb the virus , the reopening of schools coincided with a dramatic second spike in Israel , with cases more than doubling in the 50-day period following the reopening .
According to a research paper put together by the Royal Society 's Delve initiative , a group of scientists compiling data on Covid-19 , the increase in cases has “ largely been associated with children between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Nevertheless , other countries also appear keen to push forward with reopening schools , and the Delve initiative suggests that Israel is confounding scientists as something of an outlier .
The New York Times suggests that Israel ’ s spike may be related to the country ’ s widespread use of air-conditioning in schools , something that does not apply to other countries .

Government ministers are launching a new plan to persuade parents that it will be safe for their children to return to the classroom when school restarts in September. According to the BBC, the government will launch the so-called #backtoschoolsafely campaign in the next few weeks in order to highlight the measures being put in place to minimise the risk of coronavirus transmission in the classroom. The campaign will involve newspaper, digital, radio and billboard advertisements and will “emphasise the importance of organised learning to children’s development”, the London Economic says. “It will point to guidance, endorsed by Public Health England, to ensure schools are Covid-secure - including staggered break times, increased hygiene and hand-washing and keeping pupils in consistent groups,” the news site adds. “At the same time, staff and pupils are being encouraged to walk or cycle to school whenever possible.” Last week, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the decision to accelerate the reopening of schools across England in time for the new academic year in September had been guided by an unpublished study by Public Health England (PHE). He said that the PHE study found the virus is unlikely to spread in the classroom, findings that have failed to convince some experts. So what does the new data say? The new PHE study is due to be published within the next few months and is reportedly based on data from 100 schools across England. A total of about 20,000 pupils and teachers are understood to have been tested to monitor the spread of the disease up to the end of the summer term, after schools partially reopened in June following the nationwide coronavirus lockdown. At the weekend, Professor Russell Viner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said the new study would show that there was “very little evidence that the virus is transmitted” in schools. Skip advert “We know that children can and do transmit this virus, of course they do, but they’re very minor players in the transmission overall, particularly younger children,” Viner said. “It’s increasingly clear that older children - teenagers, probably - transmit as much as adults, but schools themselves play very little role.”
Repeating that message in the wake of the row over what the study says, Viner told The Guardian that we “should be reassured” by the findings so far from schools, rather than focusing on the “theoretical risks” highlighted in modelling studies. According to the newspaper, “the report is likely to show that most children are infected with coronavirus at home, not at school” - but “the unanswered question is to what extent children then transmit the infection to teachers, their families and the wider community”. What does this mean for UK schools? In a statement on Tuesday, chief nurse Bennett said: “Parents can be reassured that to maximise safety in schools, an extremely stringent system of controls has been advised by PHE.” All the same, the mixed messages about the new research are “likely to heighten concerns among teaching unions that a full return of pupils to school is not safe”, says Sky News. Experts had already warned that Boris Johnson’s plan for a full reopening of schools next month would depend on the UK having a functional track-and-trace system. A scientific modelling study published in The Lancet earlier this month concluded that “if schools and society reopened full time or in a part-time rota system on 1 September 2020, with sufficiently broad coverage of a test–trace–isolate programme, a second Covid-19 wave could be prevented in the UK”. But the paper authors added that “we also predict that in the absence of sufficiently broad test–trace–isolate coverage, reopening of schools combined with accompanied reopening of society across all scenarios might induce a second Covid-19 wave”. And while Professor Viner appears optimistic about low transmission rates in schools, he has also warned that if test-and-trace systems fail to curb a new surge of the virus, the government must close pubs, clubs, some shops or any businesses “not essential to the future of society”, as he put it, in order to allow schools, “which are essential to our future”, to reopen. Skip advert Anne Longfield, the children’s commissioner, has also said pubs must shut if necessary to keep schools open. Calling for “weekly” coronavirus testing in all schools, she told Times Radio: “It should become part and parcel of what a good system around school should look like.” Can we learn anything from what has happened abroad? On Monday, Viner told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the global consensus appears to be that schools are not significant vectors for coronavirus. “There are five studies from around the world - from New South Wales, from Australia, Singapore, from Ireland, from Germany, and from France - and in each of those there appears to be very, very little transmission in schools,” he said.


theweekuk--2020-08-12--How New Zealand is tackling fresh coronavirus outbreak

New Zealand has reinstated strict lockdown measures after confirming new Covid-19 infections that end a 102-day run with no local transmissions of the virus .
The Oceanic country appeared to have eliminated the coronavirus after implementing what the BBC described as “ some of the toughest restrictions in the world on travel and activity early on in the pandemic , when it only had a few dozen cases ” .
But a three-day lockdown has now been imposed in Auckland , New Zealand ’ s largest city , after four new infections were confirmed .
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic , has also reimposed social distancing measures across the entire country .
Sky News reports that all of the newly reported Covid cases are members of a single family , none of whom had travelled abroad recently .
Reuters adds the source of the outbreak has “ baffled health officials ” .
Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said : “ We are working hard to put together pieces of the puzzle on how this family got infected.
” Health officials are “ now looking into whether the coronavirus may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a different way ” , with suspicions that the virus may have arrived via freight , says Sky News .
The broadcaster adds that one of the people who tested positive works at an Americold food cold-storage facility in Auckland , which was being “ swabbed to check if it was a possible source of the infections ” .
Referring to the possibility that this was the source of the new outbreak , Bloomfield told a news conference that “ we know the virus can survive within refrigerated environments for quite some time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) website states that “ there is currently no evidence that people can catch COVID-19 from food or food packaging ” .
The outbreak has prompted calls from National Party leader Judith Collins for the country ’ s upcoming election - scheduled to take place on 19 September - to be delayed until November or even next year , The New Zealand Herald reports .
Ardern said yesterday that no decision had been made on postponing the vote .

New Zealand has reinstated strict lockdown measures after confirming new Covid-19 infections that end a 102-day run with no local transmissions of the virus.
The Oceanic country appeared to have eliminated the coronavirus after implementing what the BBC described as “some of the toughest restrictions in the world on travel and activity early on in the pandemic, when it only had a few dozen cases”.
But a three-day lockdown has now been imposed in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, after four new infections were confirmed. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who has been praised for her handling of the pandemic, has also reimposed social distancing measures across the entire country.
Sky News reports that all of the newly reported Covid cases are members of a single family, none of whom had travelled abroad recently. Reuters adds the source of the outbreak has “baffled health officials”.
Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said: “We are working hard to put together pieces of the puzzle on how this family got infected.”
Health officials are “now looking into whether the coronavirus may have arrived from outside the country in a different way”, with suspicions that the virus may have arrived via freight, says Sky News.
The broadcaster adds that one of the people who tested positive works at an Americold food cold-storage facility in Auckland, which was being “swabbed to check if it was a possible source of the infections”.
Referring to the possibility that this was the source of the new outbreak, Bloomfield told a news conference that “we know the virus can survive within refrigerated environments for quite some time”.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) website states that “there is currently no evidence that people can catch COVID-19 from food or food packaging”.
The outbreak has prompted calls from National Party leader Judith Collins for the country’s upcoming election - scheduled to take place on 19 September - to be delayed until November or even next year, The New Zealand Herald reports.
Ardern said yesterday that no decision had been made on postponing the vote.


theweekuk--2020-08-12--Exam chaos: how universities will decide who gets a place

The government is urging England ’ s universities to be “ flexible ” about admissions for students who appeal against their A-level grades after getting their results this week .
The request from the Department for Education comes amid warnings that thousands of pupils could miss out on university places as a result of “ exam chaos ” , reports Sky News .
Exam boards are expected to be inundated with appeals following results day on Thursday , after end-of-year exams were cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic and replaced with a partly-automated predicted grade scheme .
The warnings follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 120,000 grades pulled down by moderators are to be reinstated , after “ days of protests by pupils , teachers and opposition parties ” , says The Guardian .
In a letter to all vice-chancellors in England , Universities Minister Michelle Donelan is requesting that the institutions “ hold places ” while contested grades are reassessed .
What is happening on results day ?
Students in England are to receive estimated results using a makeshift system of exam grading .
Although final marks will be based on teachers ’ predictions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 40 % of grades using a computerised marking scheme to ensure results are not significantly higher than previous years ” , says the Daily Mail .
According to the BBC , the “ biggest factors determining the replacement exam grades ” will be “ how students are ranked in ability and the previous exam results of their school or college ” .
What have universities been asked to do ?
The request that universities hold places wherever possible for A-level students contesting grades until they get their final results is intended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on places at their first-choice institutions in the meantime .
As The Telegraph reports , “ there are rising concerns that the English exam regulator ’ s statistical model – which , like the Scottish one , takes into account pupils ’ past performance as well as their school ’ s historic grades – will punish children from poor communities ” .
Appeals have to be submitted by schools and should have been reviewed by 7 September .
“ Nobody should have to put their future on hold because of this virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university vice-chancellors .
“ That is why I am urging universities to be as flexible as possible in their admissions and to hold places for those whose grades are being appealed.
” Education Secretary Gavin Williamson added that he was “ confident the system Ofqual has put in place is fundamentally a fair one ” , but admitted that “ without exams , even the best system is not perfect ” .
Why has the government intervened ?
The government has stepped in following widespread anger over the Scottish Highers exam results , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates for pupils in the most deprived data zones were reduced by 15.2 % , compared with 6.9 % for pupils from the most affluent backgrounds .
After initially attempting to defend the system , Scottish Education Minister John Swinney announced on Tuesday that all the downgraded results would be withdrawn and replaced with teachers ’ recommendations , telling the Scottish parliament : “ We got this wrong .
”

The government is urging England’s universities to be “flexible” about admissions for students who appeal against their A-level grades after getting their results this week.
The request from the Department for Education comes amid warnings that thousands of pupils could miss out on university places as a result of “exam chaos”, reports Sky News. Exam boards are expected to be inundated with appeals following results day on Thursday, after end-of-year exams were cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic and replaced with a partly-automated predicted grade scheme.
The warnings follow an exams row in Scotland, where more than 120,000 grades pulled down by moderators are to be reinstated, after “days of protests by pupils, teachers and opposition parties”, says The Guardian.
In a letter to all vice-chancellors in England, Universities Minister Michelle Donelan is requesting that the institutions “hold places” while contested grades are reassessed.
What is happening on results day?
Students in England are to receive estimated results using a makeshift system of exam grading. Although final marks will be based on teachers’ predictions, “exam boards are expected to lower nearly 40% of grades using a computerised marking scheme to ensure results are not significantly higher than previous years”, says the Daily Mail.
According to the BBC, the “biggest factors determining the replacement exam grades” will be “how students are ranked in ability and the previous exam results of their school or college”.
What have universities been asked to do?
The request that universities hold places wherever possible for A-level students contesting grades until they get their final results is intended to ensure the applicants do not miss out on places at their first-choice institutions in the meantime.
As The Telegraph reports, “there are rising concerns that the English exam regulator’s statistical model – which, like the Scottish one, takes into account pupils’ past performance as well as their school’s historic grades – will punish children from poor communities”.
Appeals have to be submitted by schools and should have been reviewed by 7 September.
“Nobody should have to put their future on hold because of this virus,” Donelan wrote in her letter to university vice-chancellors. “That is why I am urging universities to be as flexible as possible in their admissions and to hold places for those whose grades are being appealed.”
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson added that he was “confident the system Ofqual has put in place is fundamentally a fair one”, but admitted that “without exams, even the best system is not perfect”.
Why has the government intervened?
The government has stepped in following widespread anger over the Scottish Highers exam results, which were released last week. Pass rates for pupils in the most deprived data zones were reduced by 15.2%, compared with 6.9% for pupils from the most affluent backgrounds.
After initially attempting to defend the system, Scottish Education Minister John Swinney announced on Tuesday that all the downgraded results would be withdrawn and replaced with teachers’ recommendations, telling the Scottish parliament: “We got this wrong.”


theweekuk--2020-08-13--Instant Opinion: BLM is ‘disturbing threat to racial progress’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on the invisible hand of the market Recently – as an adult who is thankfully at ease with her dark hue – I visited a toy shop and was shocked : dolls of all races , along with shaved-head Barbies , vitiligo Barbies and Barbies with prosthetic limbs .
The shift is profit-driven .
By the millennium , Mattel was losing market share to more diverse brands , as the latter took a gamble on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bimbo ” dolls , and a rising number of ethnic minority customers .
Mattel jumped on the bandwagon , profits climbed – and , as you read this , millions of non-white girls are happily playing with dolls with dark skin just like theirs .
This is testament to the power of capitalism .
For all the railing against ‘ structural racism ’ , there is a new black British middle class , and brands are responding .
What does Islam say about climate change and climate action ?
“ You would think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be the most eager to stop it .
This is not always the case .
Many Muslim countries are reluctant to impose Western concepts of environmentalism , or to bow to pressure from countries which have already gone through industrialisation without having to address pollution or curb emissions .
Environmental colonialism is not the answer .
What would work , and has been proven to work , is using the principles of Islam to encourage conservation in Muslims .
Islam teaches its followers to take care of the earth .
Muslims believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or khalifah , of the planet , and that they will be held accountable by God for their actions .
This concept of stewardship is a powerful one , and was used in the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change to propel change in environmental policy in Muslim countries.
” on the religious undertones of modern protest Racism is a sin – and we are all sinners “ In the past , moral campaigns were tied to concrete demands for changes in legislation , or government policy .
Ban the bomb , legalise homosexuality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The BLM movement is rooted in frustration : it knows that laws already exist outlawing discrimination , but feels that such laws are hugely inadequate .
For such laws can not uproot systematic racism , which is built into the mindset of the majority .
It declares that liberalism is too vague , too non-judgemental , too laissez-faire .
In some ways , such radicalism seems to revive the absoluteness of Marxism , but it lacks the concrete goal of revolution .
It is unconsciously reviving a more religious worldview : people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their hearts .
If you do not desire racial justice and do not express this desire in the proper pious way , you are complicit.
” Putin is playing Russian Roulette with the coronavirus vaccine “ One only has to look back a little further in Russian history , before Sputnik , to see where the big men of the past looking for easy answers went horribly wrong .
I am talking about Trofim Lysenko , who said he could grow orange trees in Siberia and was put in charge of Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the millions killed deliberately in the Holodomor — Stalin ’ s man-made famine in Ukraine — Lysenko added millions more who perished when the imposition of his policies led to widespread crop failure .
When bad science meets politicians looking for easy answers , you can get a whole lot of trouble.
” Dinesh D ’ Souza ’ s attacks on Kamala Harris are part of a bigger problem in the Indian community “ There are many legitimate critiques to make of Kamala Harris , especially now that she ’ s the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her for being too much of a centrist while young Democratic voters are looking for more progressive representation .
You can go after her for being a pro–law enforcement attorney general whose views don ’ t align with more progressive abolitionist views of the police .
But going after her Blackness , and arguing that she isn ’ t actually Black because some of her ancestors might have been slave owners — as is true for many Black Americans , something beyond their control — is hardly relevant .
It ’ s hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built his career off making ad hominem attacks against Black people .
As a brown man in the media , D ’ Souza gets more cover than his white , conservative counterparts : It ’ s as if he ’ s saying , ‘ Me , a racist ?
That ’ s unpossible !
I ’ m an ethnic !
’ ”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Sherelle Jacobs in The Telegraph
on the invisible hand of the market
Marxist-chic BLM is a disturbing threat to racial progress
Recently – as an adult who is thankfully at ease with her dark hue – I visited a toy shop and was shocked: dolls of all races, along with shaved-head Barbies, vitiligo Barbies and Barbies with prosthetic limbs. The shift is profit-driven. By the millennium, Mattel was losing market share to more diverse brands, as the latter took a gamble on white-middle class parents ambivalent about “blonde bimbo” dolls, and a rising number of ethnic minority customers. Mattel jumped on the bandwagon, profits climbed – and, as you read this, millions of non-white girls are happily playing with dolls with dark skin just like theirs. This is testament to the power of capitalism. For all the railing against ‘structural racism’, there is a new black British middle class, and brands are responding.
2. Ibrahim Ozdemir in Al Jazeera
on religion and reaction
What does Islam say about climate change and climate action?
“You would think that those most affected by climate change would be the most eager to stop it. This is not always the case. Many Muslim countries are reluctant to impose Western concepts of environmentalism, or to bow to pressure from countries which have already gone through industrialisation without having to address pollution or curb emissions. Environmental colonialism is not the answer. What would work, and has been proven to work, is using the principles of Islam to encourage conservation in Muslims. Islam teaches its followers to take care of the earth. Muslims believe that humans should act as guardians, or khalifah, of the planet, and that they will be held accountable by God for their actions. This concept of stewardship is a powerful one, and was used in the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change to propel change in environmental policy in Muslim countries.”
3. Theo Hobson in The Spectator
on the religious undertones of modern protest
Racism is a sin – and we are all sinners
“In the past, moral campaigns were tied to concrete demands for changes in legislation, or government policy. Ban the bomb, legalise homosexuality, overthrow capitalism, and so on. The BLM movement is rooted in frustration: it knows that laws already exist outlawing discrimination, but feels that such laws are hugely inadequate. For such laws cannot uproot systematic racism, which is built into the mindset of the majority. It declares that liberalism is too vague, too non-judgemental, too laissez-faire. In some ways, such radicalism seems to revive the absoluteness of Marxism, but it lacks the concrete goal of revolution. It is unconsciously reviving a more religious worldview: people should be judged according to the desires of their hearts. If you do not desire racial justice and do not express this desire in the proper pious way, you are complicit.”
4. Gregg Gonsalves in The Moscow Times
on rushing salvation
Putin is playing Russian Roulette with the coronavirus vaccine
“One only has to look back a little further in Russian history, before Sputnik, to see where the big men of the past looking for easy answers went horribly wrong. I am talking about Trofim Lysenko, who said he could grow orange trees in Siberia and was put in charge of Soviet agricultural policies by Joseph Stalin. To the millions killed deliberately in the Holodomor — Stalin’s man-made famine in Ukraine — Lysenko added millions more who perished when the imposition of his policies led to widespread crop failure. When bad science meets politicians looking for easy answers, you can get a whole lot of trouble.”
5. Scaachi Koul in BuzzFeed News
on anti-black racism
Dinesh D’Souza’s attacks on Kamala Harris are part of a bigger problem in the Indian community
“There are many legitimate critiques to make of Kamala Harris, especially now that she’s the Democratic vice presidential pick. You can criticize her for being too much of a centrist while young Democratic voters are looking for more progressive representation. You can go after her for being a pro–law enforcement attorney general whose views don’t align with more progressive abolitionist views of the police. But going after her Blackness, and arguing that she isn’t actually Black because some of her ancestors might have been slave owners — as is true for many Black Americans, something beyond their control — is hardly relevant. It’s hard to deny that D’Souza has built his career off making ad hominem attacks against Black people. As a brown man in the media, D’Souza gets more cover than his white, conservative counterparts: It’s as if he’s saying, ‘Me, a racist? That’s unpossible! I’m an ethnic!’”


theweekuk--2020-08-13--Bid to resurrect extinct Sumatran rhino using stem cells

A recently extinct species of Malaysian rhino is to be brought back to life using experimental stem cell technology , scientists hope .
The Southeast Asian country ’ s last Sumatran rhinoceros , Iman , died at the age of 25 in a nature reserve last November , following years of failed breeding attempts .
But researchers are “ pinning their hopes ” on cells taken from skin , eggs and tissue samples from Iman and two other dead rhinos in a bid to resurrect the species , Reuters reports .
The team “ plan to use cells from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will yield test-tube babies to be implanted into a living animal or a closely related species , such as the horse ” , says the news agency .
Lead scientist Muhammad Lokman Md Isa , a molecular biologist at the International Islamic University of Malaysia , insists he is “ very confident ” that the experimental method could work .
“ If everything is functioning , works well and everybody supports us , it ’ s not impossible , ” he said .
Indonesian scientist Arief Boediono , who is helping the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may take five , ten , 20 years , I don ’ t know .
But there has already been some success involving lab rats in Japan , so that means there is a chance.
” The Sumatran rhinoceros , the smallest rhino species in the world , has been extinct in the wild in Malaysia since 2015 .
The species once roamed across Asia , but after decades of hunting and forest clearance , only 80 are left , in Indonesia .
Experts in Malaysia tried without succdess to encourage captive breeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last remaining male rhino , Tam , who passed away six months before Iman died from massive blood loss caused by uterine tumours .
“ He was the equivalent of a 70-year-old man , so of course you don ’ t expect the sperm to be all that good , ” said John Payne of the Borneo Rhino Alliance .
And “ cross-border rivalry ” with Indonesia has reportedly ruled out hopes of using sperm and egg reserves from the remaining Sumatran rhino population there , although the authorities in Jakarta insists talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the neighbouring nation .
News of the stem cell project comes almost exactly a year after the first southern white rhinoceros born via artificial insemination in North America came into the world .
A birthday celebration for the male rhino , Edward , was held at San Diego Zoo Safari Park and “ guests included his mother Victoria , eight-month-old female calf Future , and her mother Amani ” , reports Times of San Diego .

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theweekuk--2020-08-13--Grassroots sport in crisis: ‘protect indoor sport’ or lose a generation of players

Grassroots sport in the UK is facing a major crisis with netball , badminton and basketball among the activities fearing for their future .
Sports that are played indoors are “ still in limbo ” as facilities remain closed due to the coronavirus restrictions , The Guardian reports .
Governing bodies warn there ’ s a possibility the sports could collapse and have called on the UK government to provide support to help stay afloat .
Netball was enjoying a resurgence , with increased participation numbers across the UK , but the damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic could see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost if indoor facilities don ’ t reopen .
Katy Ritchie , England Netball ’ s head of development , said : “ Our participation levels were record breaking , we had 1.6m women and girls playing netball .
Fast forward to after Covid-19 hits and now the sport is at risk in all areas .
“ We could lose 50 % of the game if we don ’ t reopen .
There will be significant ramifications for netball but , also , we ’ re such a key player in participation it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ One of the things we ’ re really passionate about is body confidence in teenage girls and we know that girls don ’ t like to play outside where they can be seen .
“ For Muslim women , their faith doesn ’ t allow them to work out where they can be seen by men so unless we get some indoor facilities open , these women won ’ t resume any form of activity.
” Badminton England chief executive Adrian Christy has also warned that grassroots sport could lose a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
He told The Daily Telegraph : “ Two thirds of leisure facilities are closed and remain shut , with no real clear roadmap as to when they will be open .
Badminton is played by four million people but we have hit a brick wall until this is resolved .
“ There are 232 facilities around the country that are currently not able to open and , for us , there ’ s 24,000 badminton courts in this country so it ’ s about 16,000 courts are currently not open .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see over a period is a generation of players lost to sport .
We don ’ t want to see that habit broken.
” Badminton England , England Netball , Basketball England , Volleyball England and Table Tennis England have issued a joint statement calling on the government to “ protect indoor sports halls from being sacrificed as overflow gyms , or , in some cases , not reopening at all ” .
The statement said : “ If these practices continue it is expected that two in three indoor facilities will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people who play indoors sports regularly .
“ Indoor facilities are vital to sports , such as badminton , which reach into every community irrespective of physical ability , age , gender or ethnicity .
“ These sports provide inclusive environments for a great many , particularly those who can not get involved in other forms of physical activity due to ability or access .
”

Grassroots sport in the UK is facing a major crisis with netball, badminton and basketball among the activities fearing for their future.
Sports that are played indoors are “still in limbo” as facilities remain closed due to the coronavirus restrictions, The Guardian reports. Governing bodies warn there’s a possibility the sports could collapse and have called on the UK government to provide support to help stay afloat.
Netball was enjoying a resurgence, with increased participation numbers across the UK, but the damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic could see “50% of the game” lost if indoor facilities don’t reopen.
Katy Ritchie, England Netball’s head of development, said: “Our participation levels were record breaking, we had 1.6m women and girls playing netball. Fast forward to after Covid-19 hits and now the sport is at risk in all areas.
“We could lose 50% of the game if we don’t reopen. There will be significant ramifications for netball but, also, we’re such a key player in participation it will have a broader impact too.
“One of the things we’re really passionate about is body confidence in teenage girls and we know that girls don’t like to play outside where they can be seen.
“For Muslim women, their faith doesn’t allow them to work out where they can be seen by men so unless we get some indoor facilities open, these women won’t resume any form of activity.”
‘Protect indoor sport’
Badminton England chief executive Adrian Christy has also warned that grassroots sport could lose a “generation of players” because of the pandemic.
He told The Daily Telegraph: “Two thirds of leisure facilities are closed and remain shut, with no real clear roadmap as to when they will be open. Badminton is played by four million people but we have hit a brick wall until this is resolved.
“There are 232 facilities around the country that are currently not able to open and, for us, there’s 24,000 badminton courts in this country so it’s about 16,000 courts are currently not open. What we don’t want to see over a period is a generation of players lost to sport. We don’t want to see that habit broken.”
Badminton England, England Netball, Basketball England, Volleyball England and Table Tennis England have issued a joint statement calling on the government to “protect indoor sports halls from being sacrificed as overflow gyms, or, in some cases, not reopening at all”.
The statement said: “If these practices continue it is expected that two in three indoor facilities will remain unusable into the autumn for the 2.4 million people who play indoors sports regularly.
“Indoor facilities are vital to sports, such as badminton, which reach into every community irrespective of physical ability, age, gender or ethnicity.
“These sports provide inclusive environments for a great many, particularly those who cannot get involved in other forms of physical activity due to ability or access.”


theweekuk--2020-08-13--Flu now killing five times more people than Covid-19

Flu and pneumonia are now killing five times as many people as the coronavirus , according to the most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
In the last week of July , 193 deaths were recorded as a result of coronavirus , a 19-week low , while 928 people died of flu and pneumonia in the same period , The Times reports .
It was the seventh week in a row that more people have died of flu and pneumonia than Covid-19 .
The coronavirus death toll was the lowest since the week ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was enforced , and well below the peak of 8,758 weekly deaths recorded at the height of the pandemic in April .
Overall deaths were also below the average for this time of year for the seventh consecutive week .
“ Some of these deaths would have likely occurred over the duration of the year but occurred earlier because of Covid-19 , ” the ONS explained .
“ These deaths occurring earlier than expected could contribute to a period of deaths below the five-year average.
” Although flu deaths are outpacing coronavirus deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of year .
The July average for the past five years was 50 % higher than this year ’ s figure .
This is “ almost certainly a reflection of how effective social distancing has been in preventing flu deaths ” , The Spectator says .
The UK ’ s official death toll has been “ revised down by more than 5,000 following concerns that over one in ten ” fatalities should not have been included in the official figure , The Guardian reports .
Previously , England included anyone who died after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how long after their test they survived and how they eventually died .
From now on , only patients who die within 28 days of their positive test will be included in the official toll , bringing England into line with Scotland and most other parts of the world .


theweekuk--2020-08-13--France squares up to Turkey in the Mediterranean

President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France ’ s military presence in the eastern Mediterranean is to be boosted , as tensions escalate between Greece and Turkey over oil and gas exploration in disputed waters .
In a phone call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis last night , Macron voiced concern over what he called “ unilateral ” exploration by Turkey in the region , Reuters reports .
Ankara should “ cease ” its operations “ in order to allow a peaceful dialogue ” between the nations , the French leader ’ s office added in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the presence of the French military in order to “ monitor the situation in the region and mark its determination to uphold international law ” .
The move is likely to further sour relations between Paris and Ankara , which came close to breaking point in July when Macron pushed for EU sanctions against Turkey for what he called “ violations ” of Greek and Cypriot sovereignty over their territorial waters .
What are the allegations against Turkey ?
As Al Jazeera reports , fellow Nato members Turkey and Greece “ vehemently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean Sea , with the two countries holding “ conflicting views on the extent of their continental shelves in waters dotted with mostly Greek islands ” .
In July , Macron called on the EU to impose sanctions on Ankara after Turkey ’ s navy began planning seismic surveys in an area of sea between Cyprus and Crete - a move that Greece claimed was part of an attempt to encroach on its continental shelf .
Macron told European leaders that it “ not acceptable for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state to be violated or threatened ” .
Despite the threat of sanctions , however , the dispute has escalated “ to the brink of conflict ” this week , after Ankara dispatched seismic research ship Oruc Reis - accompanied by Turkish naval vessels - to the Greek island of Kastellorizo , says The Times .
The statement from Macron ’ s office warned that France is determined “ to uphold international law ” .
In a Twitter post on Wednesday , the president called the situation “ worrying ” and urged Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have decided to temporarily reinforce the French military presence in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days , in cooperation with European partners , including Greece , ” Macron said .
Relations between France and Turkey have grown increasingly strained in recent years .
Aside from recent gas disputes , the two countries are at loggerheads over whether Nato allies should respect the UN arms embargo for Libya , where France and Turkey are supporting opposite sides in the conflict .
Macron has also “ vowed support ” for Kurds in Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alliance that Turkey believes is tantamount to support for the Kurdistan Workers ’ Party , or PKK .
Ankara has been waging a bloody and controversial war against the radical Kurdish militant organisation , which is designated as a terrorist group by the US , EU and Turkey .

President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France’s military presence in the eastern Mediterranean is to be boosted, as tensions escalate between Greece and Turkey over oil and gas exploration in disputed waters.
In a phone call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis last night, Macron voiced concern over what he called “unilateral” exploration by Turkey in the region, Reuters reports. Ankara should “cease” its operations “in order to allow a peaceful dialogue” between the nations, the French leader’s office added in a statement.
Macron has pledged to “temporarily reinforce” the presence of the French military in order to “monitor the situation in the region and mark its determination to uphold international law”.
The move is likely to further sour relations between Paris and Ankara, which came close to breaking point in July when Macron pushed for EU sanctions against Turkey for what he called “violations” of Greek and Cypriot sovereignty over their territorial waters.
What are the allegations against Turkey?
As Al Jazeera reports, fellow Nato members Turkey and Greece “vehemently disagree over overlapping claims to hydrocarbon resources” in the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean Sea, with the two countries holding “conflicting views on the extent of their continental shelves in waters dotted with mostly Greek islands”.
In July, Macron called on the EU to impose sanctions on Ankara after Turkey’s navy began planning seismic surveys in an area of sea between Cyprus and Crete - a move that Greece claimed was part of an attempt to encroach on its continental shelf.
Macron told European leaders that it “not acceptable for the maritime space of a European Union member state to be violated or threatened”.
Despite the threat of sanctions, however, the dispute has escalated “to the brink of conflict” this week, after Ankara dispatched seismic research ship Oruc Reis - accompanied by Turkish naval vessels - to the Greek island of Kastellorizo, says The Times.
How is France responding?
The statement from Macron’s office warned that France is determined “to uphold international law”.
In a Twitter post on Wednesday, the president called the situation “worrying” and urged Turkey to stop its research operations.
“I have decided to temporarily reinforce the French military presence in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days, in cooperation with European partners, including Greece,” Macron said.
Relations between France and Turkey have grown increasingly strained in recent years. Aside from recent gas disputes, the two countries are at loggerheads over whether Nato allies should respect the UN arms embargo for Libya, where France and Turkey are supporting opposite sides in the conflict.
Macron has also “vowed support” for Kurds in Syria fighting against the Islamic State - an alliance that Turkey believes is tantamount to support for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK. Ankara has been waging a bloody and controversial war against the radical Kurdish militant organisation, which is designated as a terrorist group by the US, EU and Turkey.


theweekuk--2020-08-13--Just Eat to create ‘thousands’ of UK jobs as revenues hit almost £1bn

Hungry Britons were happy to Just Eat during the coronavirus lockdown , according to the food delivery company ’ s latest sales figures .
Just Eat , which delivers from more than 30,000 restaurants in the UK alone , has reported a 44 % increase in global revenues to €1bn ( £905m ) in the first six months of 2020 .
And the UK-based firm ’ s total customer numbers have ballooned from 44 million to 54 million year-on-year .
The half-year results are the first to be released since the £6bn merger of Just Eat and Dutch firm Takeaway.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong sales in the UK , Germany , Canada , the Netherlands , Australia and Brazil , City A.M. reports .
By contrast , the UK hospitality industry is struggling and redundancy numbers are soaring amid the economic fallout of Covid-19 .
But in a ray of hope , Just Eat chief executive Jitse Groen has told Sky News that the company is to invest “ tens of millions of pounds ” in the UK and create “ thousands ” of new jobs .
“ Just Eat Takeaway.com is in the fortunate position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Groen said .
“ On the back of the current momentum , we started an aggressive investment programme , which we believe will further strengthen our market positions.
” Although Just Eat ’ s expansion plan will bring some respite to the hospitality sector , The Telegraph reports that Britain ’ s biggest pub and restaurant chains suffered a 50 % drop in year-on-year sales in July , after reopening for the first time since lockdown measures were eased .
A recent analysis by the Daily Mail suggests that 18,100 jobs in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid an “ economic armageddon ” in the UK .

Hungry Britons were happy to Just Eat during the coronavirus lockdown, according to the food delivery company’s latest sales figures.
Just Eat, which delivers from more than 30,000 restaurants in the UK alone, has reported a 44% increase in global revenues to €1bn (£905m) in the first six months of 2020. And the UK-based firm’s total customer numbers have ballooned from 44 million to 54 million year-on-year.
The half-year results are the first to be released since the £6bn merger of Just Eat and Dutch firm Takeaway.com, and have been boosted by particularly strong sales in the UK, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia and Brazil, City A.M. reports.
By contrast, the UK hospitality industry is struggling and redundancy numbers are soaring amid the economic fallout of Covid-19. But in a ray of hope, Just Eat chief executive Jitse Groen has told Sky News that the company is to invest “tens of millions of pounds” in the UK and create “thousands” of new jobs.
“Just Eat Takeaway.com is in the fortunate position to benefit from continuing tailwinds,” Groen said.
“On the back of the current momentum, we started an aggressive investment programme, which we believe will further strengthen our market positions.”
Although Just Eat’s expansion plan will bring some respite to the hospitality sector, The Telegraph reports that Britain’s biggest pub and restaurant chains suffered a 50% drop in year-on-year sales in July, after reopening for the first time since lockdown measures were eased.
A recent analysis by the Daily Mail suggests that 18,100 jobs in the restaurant sector are set to be axed amid an “economic armageddon” in the UK.


theweekuk--2020-08-13--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 13 Aug 2020

The coronavirus death toll in England will be reduced by more than 5,000 following claims that one in ten fatalities @ @ @ @ @ in the official figure .
Thousands of people in England who may have recovered from @ @ @ @ @ were still counted in the headline number , even if they died of other causes @ @ @ @ @ emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases , said the change was “ sensible @ @

Government reduces Covid-19 death toll by 5,000
The coronavirus death toll in England will be reduced by more than 5,000 following claims that one in ten fatalities should not have been included in the official figure. Thousands of people in England who may have recovered from the virus before they died were still counted in the headline number, even if they died of other causes. Keith Neal, an emeritus professor in the epidemiology of infectious diseases, said the change was “sensible”.


theweekuk--2020-08-13--Emu reported loose in New Jersey

Emu reported loose in New Jersey

The authorities in New Jersey were called into action when an emu was reported as running loose through the streets .
Animal control officers caught the flightless bird and took it to a shelter .
“ I 've seen elephants running down the street .
I 've seen geese , I 've seen just about everything , ” said one .
“ It was hilarious.
” A man was saved by his amply proportioned stomach when it got wedged in a well and stopped him falling down the shaft .
The 28-year-old Chinese man got trapped in his family ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been used to cover it in his hometown of Fuliudian Village in Henan Province .
The fire service said he only survived because he was “ too fat ” to fall down .
A pensioner caused a huge traffic jam after driving his mobility scooter on a busy Spanish motorway .
The 88-year-old was in the fast lane with no lights on , creating a large angry queue behind him .
Police were called and had to drive behind the pensioner with their lights on to escort him out of harm ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The authorities in New Jersey were called into action when an emu was reported as running loose through the streets. Animal control officers caught the flightless bird and took it to a shelter. “I've seen elephants running down the street. I've seen geese, I've seen just about everything,” said one. “It was hilarious.”
Big belly saves a Chinese man
A man was saved by his amply proportioned stomach when it got wedged in a well and stopped him falling down the shaft. The 28-year-old Chinese man got trapped in his family’s well after breaking through wood that had been used to cover it in his hometown of Fuliudian Village in Henan Province. The fire service said he only survived because he was “too fat” to fall down.
Mobility scooter pensioner causes delays
A pensioner caused a huge traffic jam after driving his mobility scooter on a busy Spanish motorway. The 88-year-old was in the fast lane with no lights on, creating a large angry queue behind him. Police were called and had to drive behind the pensioner with their lights on to escort him out of harm’s way.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-08-12--Bentley Bentayga Speed: world’s fastest SUV gets a new look

Speed by name , speedy in all senses - the world ’ s fastest SUV is racing into 2021 with an updated look .
Powered by a 6-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers 626bhp , the new Bentley Bentayga Speed can reach a top speed of 190mph and complete a 0-62mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds .
The newcomer is equipped with four on-road drive dynamics modes - Comfort , Sport , Bentley and Custom - and adopts the completely refreshed design of all the 2021 Bentaygas .
Inside , the Speed balances performance and luxury , with a cutting-edge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the centre fascia , this smart new system features a high-resolution 10.9in touchscreen with an anti-reflection and anti-glare coating and improved touch functionality .
Described by the British luxury car brand as the “ most powerful and performance orientated Bentayga to date ” , the Speed will go on sale early next year in the Americas , Middle East and Asia Pacific regions , with an expected price tag of around $ 245,000 ( £188,000 ) .
The Bentayga family will be welcoming another addition too , reports Automotive World .
Bentley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hallmark said : “ Ahead of the launch of the new Bentayga Hybrid - the world ’ s only definitive luxury hybrid - in the coming months , it ’ s important that we still recognise the customer desire for absolute performance .
“ The new Bentayga Speed remains the fastest SUV in the world , but more that , it ’ s also the most luxurious version of the new Bentayga - the best of both worlds , the pinnacle.
” What the critics think “ With the carry-over mechanicals , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures are unchanged , but still monumentally impressive .
Bentley claimed the fastest production SUV title with the current Bentayga Speed , and provided no competitor throws down a Connolly hide gauntlet , that bragging right shouldn ’ t change for the new one.
” “ The Bentley Bentayga Speed isn ’ t Speedier than the old one .
But with 626bhp and a ridiculous top speed of 190mph , did it really need to be ?
” “ The new look is a good fit for the Bentayga , which has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posh price tag suggests it should .
This one is just that much more purposeful , and that ’ s a very good thing .
”

Speed by name, speedy in all senses - the world’s fastest SUV is racing into 2021 with an updated look.
Powered by a 6-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers 626bhp, the new Bentley Bentayga Speed can reach a top speed of 190mph and complete a 0-62mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds.
The newcomer is equipped with four on-road drive dynamics modes - Comfort, Sport, Bentley and Custom - and adopts the completely refreshed design of all the 2021 Bentaygas.
Inside, the Speed balances performance and luxury, with a cutting-edge infotainment system. Spanning the entire width of the centre fascia, this smart new system features a high-resolution 10.9in touchscreen with an anti-reflection and anti-glare coating and improved touch functionality.
Described by the British luxury car brand as the “most powerful and performance orientated Bentayga to date”, the Speed will go on sale early next year in the Americas, Middle East and Asia Pacific regions, with an expected price tag of around $245,000 (£188,000).
The Bentayga family will be welcoming another addition too, reports Automotive World.
Bentley’s chair and chief executive Adrian Hallmark said: “Ahead of the launch of the new Bentayga Hybrid - the world’s only definitive luxury hybrid - in the coming months, it’s important that we still recognise the customer desire for absolute performance.
“The new Bentayga Speed remains the fastest SUV in the world, but more that, it’s also the most luxurious version of the new Bentayga - the best of both worlds, the pinnacle.”
What the critics think
Alex Kierstein, MotorTrend
“With the carry-over mechanicals, the Speed’s engine output and performance figures are unchanged, but still monumentally impressive. Bentley claimed the fastest production SUV title with the current Bentayga Speed, and provided no competitor throws down a Connolly hide gauntlet, that bragging right shouldn’t change for the new one.”
Ollie Kew, Top Gear
“The Bentley Bentayga Speed isn’t Speedier than the old one. But with 626bhp and a ridiculous top speed of 190mph, did it really need to be?”
Dan Heyman, Motor Illustrated
“The new look is a good fit for the Bentayga, which has always looked a little more futuristic than its posh price tag suggests it should. This one is just that much more purposeful, and that’s a very good thing.”
The Bentley Bentayga Speed in pictures


theweekuk--2020-08-13--Coronavirus: how the UK’s revamped tracking app will work

The UK government ’ s coronavirus contract-tracing app is being trialled in England from today , following months of delays .
The new app is being put to the test after a previous version was scrapped and is intended to support the NHS Test and Trace effort by “ keeping a log of others who come into close contact ” , the London Evening Standard reports .
The rollout will come as a relief to health bosses , whose app plans have been “ marred by constant delays and privacy concerns ” , the newspaper adds .
Pilot schemes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wight - where as the Daily Mail notes , “ the first app was tested and failed ” - along with one other area in England and among a volunteer group .
Users will be asked to scan barcodes at pubs , cafes and restaurants to provide what the newspaper calls a “ virtual diary ” of their recent movements .
If another person present at the same venue at around the same time then tests positive for Covid-19 , the user will be alerted and encouraged to isolate for 14 days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We need the app to help stop transmission by tracing close-proximity contacts as quickly and as comprehensively as possible , capturing those contacts we don ’ t know or don ’ t remember meeting , ” Oxford University professor Christophe Fraser , a scientific adviser to the Department of Health , told the BBC .
“ The app should enable us to return to more normal daily activities with the reassurance that our contacts can be rapidly and anonymously notified if we get infected.
” According to the Daily Mail , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the original app was designed to work ” .
Abandoned by the government in June , the ditched app was based on an alternative system spearheaded by NHSX , the health service ’ s digital innovation unit , that used Bluetooth connections to create a log of other phones nearby .
But this system “ had to deal with restrictions Apple imposes on how Bluetooth is used by third-party apps ” , says the BBC .
“ As a result , it only detected 4 % of iPhones in cases where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two handsets involved had not been in recent active use.
” The failure “ prompted a switch ” to the new software , which “ does not have this problem ” and is based on “ Apple and Google ’ s privacy-centric method of one smartphone detecting another ” , the broadcaster reports .
The new version will store data on individuals ’ phones , rather than in a centralised government database , like similar apps launched in Germany and other European countries earlier this summer .

The UK government’s coronavirus contract-tracing app is being trialled in England from today, following months of delays.
The new app is being put to the test after a previous version was scrapped and is intended to support the NHS Test and Trace effort by “keeping a log of others who come into close contact”, the London Evening Standard reports. The rollout will come as a relief to health bosses, whose app plans have been “marred by constant delays and privacy concerns”, the newspaper adds.
Pilot schemes are due to begin on the Isle of Wight - where as the Daily Mail notes, “the first app was tested and failed” - along with one other area in England and among a volunteer group.
Users will be asked to scan barcodes at pubs, cafes and restaurants to provide what the newspaper calls a “virtual diary” of their recent movements. If another person present at the same venue at around the same time then tests positive for Covid-19, the user will be alerted and encouraged to isolate for 14 days, and to book a coronavirus test.
“We need the app to help stop transmission by tracing close-proximity contacts as quickly and as comprehensively as possible, capturing those contacts we don’t know or don’t remember meeting,” Oxford University professor Christophe Fraser, a scientific adviser to the Department of Health, told the BBC.
“The app should enable us to return to more normal daily activities with the reassurance that our contacts can be rapidly and anonymously notified if we get infected.”
According to the Daily Mail, the new app is “drastically different from how the original app was designed to work”.
Abandoned by the government in June, the ditched app was based on an alternative system spearheaded by NHSX, the health service’s digital innovation unit, that used Bluetooth connections to create a log of other phones nearby.
But this system “had to deal with restrictions Apple imposes on how Bluetooth is used by third-party apps”, says the BBC. “As a result, it only detected 4% of iPhones in cases where the app had gone to sleep because the two handsets involved had not been in recent active use.”
The failure “prompted a switch” to the new software, which “does not have this problem” and is based on “Apple and Google’s privacy-centric method of one smartphone detecting another”, the broadcaster reports.
The new version will store data on individuals’ phones, rather than in a centralised government database, like similar apps launched in Germany and other European countries earlier this summer.


theweekuk--2020-08-14--Cycling revolution: ‘demand for bikes has gone ballistic’

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British folding bike company Brompton is planning to launch its own subscription service next month following a surge in demand for cycling during the lockdown.
To hire a Brompton M3L, which has a retail value of more than £1,000, The Guardian says subscribers will pay £30 a month for a yearly contract or £42 a month for a rolling monthly deal.
Brompton Bike Hire, an existing arm of the business, trades on daily hiring for the price of around £6.50, which can be almost halved with a £25 annual fee. But the new service marks a clear desire to capitalise on the changes in attitudes provoked by the pandemic.
Included in the hire price is insurance, repairs and yearly servicing for the Brompton M3L. If the bike needs repairing the subscription will let customers take out another on loan and also provides a discount on other Brompton products.
According to the London Evening Standard, the UK government is looking to invest around £2bn in walking and cycling infrastructure after cycling increased by almost 300% during the coronavirus outbreak.
Brompton Bike Hire managing director Julian Scriven told CNBC that “demand for bikes has gone ballistic”. And in an interview with YourMoney.com he added: “There is a significant shift towards cycling now more than ever, but not everyone wants to or can afford to buy a bike outright.
“Our pay-as-you-ride schemes are already enormously popular, but we wanted to give the public another option which allows them to keep a bike for longer periods.
“This new subscription service will revolutionise the way people own a bike, giving them a premium product without the upfront price tag. It’s an option to make everyone’s life easier, whether you’re a commuter, student, family or just want to cycle on the weekends but don’t want to commit or have the space to own a bike forever.”
Following the UK launch the company hopes to introduce the same sort of scheme in Germany and the United States.


theweekuk--2020-08-14--Quiz of The Week: 8 - 14 August

Quiz of The Week: 8 - 14 August

It ’ s been a busy week for global diplomacy , with the US hailing its brokering of a deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel as “ historic ” - despite a number of experts expressing some scepticism about the terms of the accord .
Elsewhere , presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden picked senator Kamala Harris as his running mate , marking the first time in US history a woman of colour has appeared on a the ticket of either major party heading into an election .
And Belarus kept Europe in the headlines , with protests erupting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election in which the unfancied incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko extended his long reign amid allegations of voter fraud .
To find out how closely you ’ ve been paying attention to the latest developments in the pandemic , and other global events , put your knowledge to the test with our Quiz of The Week : Need a reminder of some of the other headlines over the past seven days ?
The UK government ’ s coronavirus contract-tracing app began official trials in parts of England from Thursday , following months of delays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerged that flu and pneumonia are now killing five times as many people as the coronavirus .
A leading property think tank warned that first-time buyers hoping to get on the property ladder if house prices drop as a result of the coronavirus crisis are likely to be left disappointed due to stagnant wages and the tightening of restrictions on mortgages .
And France has “ squared up ” to Turkey by increasing its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea following Ankara ’ s attempts to scout oil and gas reserves in @ @ @ @ @ @ @

It’s been a busy week for global diplomacy, with the US hailing its brokering of a deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel as “historic” - despite a number of experts expressing some scepticism about the terms of the accord.
Elsewhere, presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden picked senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, marking the first time in US history a woman of colour has appeared on a the ticket of either major party heading into an election.
And Belarus kept Europe in the headlines, with protests erupting across the country following a highly controversial election in which the unfancied incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko extended his long reign amid allegations of voter fraud.
To find out how closely you’ve been paying attention to the latest developments in the pandemic, and other global events, put your knowledge to the test with our Quiz of The Week:
Need a reminder of some of the other headlines over the past seven days?
The UK government’s coronavirus contract-tracing app began official trials in parts of England from Thursday, following months of delays. At the same time, reports emerged that flu and pneumonia are now killing five times as many people as the coronavirus.
A leading property think tank warned that first-time buyers hoping to get on the property ladder if house prices drop as a result of the coronavirus crisis are likely to be left disappointed due to stagnant wages and the tightening of restrictions on mortgages.
And France has “squared up” to Turkey by increasing its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea following Ankara’s attempts to scout oil and gas reserves in waters disputed with Greece and Cyprus.


theweekuk--2020-08-14--2020-21 English football season: key dates for the Premier League, EFL and cups

The fixtures for the 2020-21 Premier League season have been released and the opening weekend will see champions Liverpool host Championship winners Leeds United at Anfield.
In other games Fulham play at home against Arsenal while West Bromwich Albion host Leicester City at the Hawthorns.
The Burnley vs. Manchester United and Manchester City vs. Aston Villa opening weekend fixtures are postponed due to the Manchester clubs’ involvement in the Europa League and Champions League respectively.
For the full season fixture list see premierleague.com
Premier League matchweek one - Saturday 12 September (3pm)
Crystal Palace vs. Southampton
Fulham vs. Arsenal
Liverpool vs. Leeds Utd
Tottenham vs. Everton
West Brom vs. Leicester City
West Ham vs. Newcastle Utd
Monday 14 September (8pm)
Brighton vs. Chelsea
Sheffield Utd vs. Wolves
Date to be confirmed
Burnley vs. Man Utd
Man City vs. Aston Villa
Here we look at the key dates and details for the Premier League, English Football League (EFL), FA Cup and Carabao Cup in 2020-21.
Premier League
The 2020-21 Premier League season will kick off with matchday one on Saturday 12 September and the season will end on Sunday 23 May. A total of 380 matches will be played.
BBC Sport reports that the Premier League has scrapped the winter break because of the congested 2020-21 schedule.
The new season will be five weeks shorter than normal because of the late end of the 2019-20 campaign and the European Championships which are rescheduled for next summer.
Transfer window
After opening on 27 July the summer transfer window will close at 11pm on Monday 5 October.
The EFL has announced that an agreement is in place with the Premier League for an extended two-week domestic-only window which will close at 5pm on Friday 16 October. During this extended window Premier League clubs will only be able to trade with EFL clubs.
Community Shield double header
Premier League champions Liverpool take on FA Cup winners Arsenal in the 2020 Community Shield. The traditional season curtain-raiser will be held behind closed doors at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 29 August. Kick-off is at 4.30pm (BST) and the game will be broadcast live on BT Sport.
A Community Shield double header at Wembley will see Women’s Super League champions Chelsea play Women’s FA Cup holders Manchester City at 12.30pm on 29 August (live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer).
Carabao Cup
The draw for the first round of the Carabao Cup has been made with teams split into north and south to limit travel requirements, talkSPORT reports.


theweekuk--2020-08-14--Israel and the UAE: a fresh start?

Israel and the UAE: a fresh start?

Israel and the United Arab Emirates are on course to establish full diplomatic ties following the signing of a US-brokered deal under which Israel pledged to “ suspend ” its plans to annex Palestinian territory .
US President Donald Trump announced the deal on Thursday on Twitter , hailing it as a “ huge breakthrough ” for peace talks in the Middle East , while a White House statement praised the “ courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region ” .
However , says The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became quickly apparent ” when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed there would be “ no change ” to his annexation plans .
The agreemenr also caused consternation among Palestine ’ s Arab allies in the Middle East , many of whom have accused the UAE of “ betrayal ” .
What does the deal do ?
Under the deal , which was brokered by Washington , the UAE and Israel agree to establish full diplomatic ties .
The UAE will be the first Gulf Arab state – and only the third Arab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form such ties with Israel .
The two countries will “ join with the United States to launch a Strategic Agenda for the Middle East to expand diplomatic , trade , and security cooperation ” , according to a White House statement .
As well as exchanging embassies and ambassadors , they will also “ expand and accelerate cooperation regarding the treatment of and the development of a vaccine for the coronavirus ” , the statement continued .
The most contentious aspect of the deal is the pledge that Israel will “ suspend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump ’ s ] Vision for Peace ” and will instead “ focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world ” .
The Vision for Peace is an agreement signed in January 2020 which envisages a Palestinian state and recognition of Israeli sovereignty over settlements in the occupied West Bank .
However , it does not place any requirements on Israel to refrain from annexing the Jordan Valley , a fertile strip of land running along the border with Jordan that makes up almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Palestinian-controlled West Bank .
As a result , the phrasing appears to be key .
Despite appearing to prevent Israeli annexation of the West Bank , the deal may be consistent with Netanyahu ’ s insistence that the “ suspension ” is merely a temporary moratorium .
In a televised address , the Israeli PM said he had agreed only to “ delay ” the annexation and would “ never give up our rights to our land ” .
“ There is no change to my plan to extend sovereignty , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] , ” he said .
What has the reaction been ?
The BBC suggests that the deal “ could mean a foreign policy victory for President Trump , who will seek re-election in November ” , and “ give a personal boost to Prime Minister Netanyahu , who is on trial for alleged corruption ” .
Boris Johnson said the deal was “ hugely good news ” , while Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the UK welcomed the “ historic step ” .
Meanwhile Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden called the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ badly needed act of statesmanship ” .
Israeli MPs have also praised the deal , with defence minister Benny Gantz praising the “ alliance ” between countries in the region , while the governments of Jordan , Egypt and Bahrain gave it a tentative welcome .
A number of other Muslim nations , however , have been enraged by the accord , expressing their fury at the UAE for its alleged “ betrayal ” of Palestine .
They accuse Abu Dhabi of turning a blind eye to Israeli annexation efforts in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rival in the region .
A spokesperon for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that the Palestinian leadership “ rejects and denounces the UAE , Israeli and US trilateral , surprising announcement ” , calling it a “ betrayal of Jerusalem , Al-Aqsa and the Palestinian cause ” .
Turkey , which has had diplomatic relations with Israel for decades , has also lashed out against the deal , claiming the peoples of the region “ will never forget and will never forgive this hypocritical behavior ” by the UAE , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deal a “ dagger in the back ” of all Muslims , according to a foreign ministry statement , which added that the deal was an act of “ strategic stupidity ” by the UAE that “ will undoubtedly strengthen the axis of resistance in the region ” .

Israel and the United Arab Emirates are on course to establish full diplomatic ties following the signing of a US-brokered deal under which Israel pledged to “suspend” its plans to annex Palestinian territory.
US President Donald Trump announced the deal on Thursday on Twitter, hailing it as a “huge breakthrough” for peace talks in the Middle East, while a White House statement praised the “courage of the United Arab Emirates and Israel to chart a new path that will unlock the great potential in the region”.
However, says The Guardian, “cracks in the deal became quickly apparent” when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed there would be “no change” to his annexation plans. The agreemenr also caused consternation among Palestine’s Arab allies in the Middle East, many of whom have accused the UAE of “betrayal”.
HUGE breakthrough today! Historic Peace Agreement between our two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2020
What does the deal do?
Under the deal, which was brokered by Washington, the UAE and Israel agree to establish full diplomatic ties. The UAE will be the first Gulf Arab state – and only the third Arab country after Egypt and Jordan – to form such ties with Israel.
The two countries will “join with the United States to launch a Strategic Agenda for the Middle East to expand diplomatic, trade, and security cooperation”, according to a White House statement.
As well as exchanging embassies and ambassadors, they will also “expand and accelerate cooperation regarding the treatment of and the development of a vaccine for the coronavirus”, the statement continued.
The most contentious aspect of the deal is the pledge that Israel will “suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in [Donald Trump’s] Vision for Peace” and will instead “focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world”.
The Vision for Peace is an agreement signed in January 2020 which envisages a Palestinian state and recognition of Israeli sovereignty over settlements in the occupied West Bank. However, it does not place any requirements on Israel to refrain from annexing the Jordan Valley, a fertile strip of land running along the border with Jordan that makes up almost 30% of the current territory of the Palestinian-controlled West Bank.


theweekuk--2020-08-14--Global oil demand forecast lowered for 2020 and 2021

The global oil demand forecast for 2020 and 2021 has been revised down by the International Energy Agency ( IEA ) due to rising Covid-19 cases and weakness in the aviation sector .
In its August market report , the IEA says oil demand forecast for this year is expected to fall by 140,000 barrels per day ( bpd ) to 91.9 million bpd - eight million bpd down year-on-year .
In 2020 demand will be 39 % below the 2019 level .
The oil watchdog has also revised down its 2021 global demand estimate by 240,000 bpd to 97.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aviation sector weakness ” .
In a statement the IEA said : “ For road transport fuels , demand in the first half of 2020 was slightly stronger than anticipated , but for the second half we remain cautious and the upsurge in Covid-19 cases has seen us downgrade our estimates , mainly for gasoline .
“ For diesel , there is evidence that the recovery in business and industrial activity combined with ongoing growth in e-commerce are supporting trucking activity as more goods are delivered to customers .
Jet fuel demand remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Revised data show that in April the number of aviation kilometres travelled was nearly 80 % down on last year and in July the deficit was still 67 % .
With few signs that the picture will improve significantly soon , we have downgraded our estimate for global jet fuel and kerosene demand.
” The Guardian reports that the impact of the coronavirus has “ triggered major downgrades ” for oil price forecasts among the world ’ s biggest oil companies .
BP revised down its own oil forecasts by almost a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barrel between 2020 and 2050 .
Shell cut its oil price forecasts from $ 60 a barrel to an average of $ 35 a barrel this year , rising to $ 40 next year , $ 50 in 2022 and $ 60 from 2023 .

The global oil demand forecast for 2020 and 2021 has been revised down by the International Energy Agency (IEA) due to rising Covid-19 cases and weakness in the aviation sector.
In its August market report, the IEA says oil demand forecast for this year is expected to fall by 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 91.9 million bpd - eight million bpd down year-on-year. In 2020 demand will be 39% below the 2019 level.
The oil watchdog has also revised down its 2021 global demand estimate by 240,000 bpd to 97.1 million bpd, mainly due to “aviation sector weakness”.
In a statement the IEA said: “For road transport fuels, demand in the first half of 2020 was slightly stronger than anticipated, but for the second half we remain cautious and the upsurge in Covid-19 cases has seen us downgrade our estimates, mainly for gasoline.
“For diesel, there is evidence that the recovery in business and industrial activity combined with ongoing growth in e-commerce are supporting trucking activity as more goods are delivered to customers. Jet fuel demand remains the major source of weakness.
“Revised data show that in April the number of aviation kilometres travelled was nearly 80% down on last year and in July the deficit was still 67%. With few signs that the picture will improve significantly soon, we have downgraded our estimate for global jet fuel and kerosene demand.”
The Guardian reports that the impact of the coronavirus has “triggered major downgrades” for oil price forecasts among the world’s biggest oil companies.
BP revised down its own oil forecasts by almost a third to an average of $55 a barrel between 2020 and 2050. Shell cut its oil price forecasts from $60 a barrel to an average of $35 a barrel this year, rising to $40 next year, $50 in 2022 and $60 from 2023.


theweekuk--2020-08-14--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 14 Aug 2020

Donald Trump has suggested that Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris is ineligible for the post , stoking another “ birther @ @ @ @ @ years claiming that Barack Obama had been born in Kenya instead of Hawaii .
“ @ @ @ @ @ does n't qualify because she was n't born in this country , ” Trump told @ @ @ @ @ A right-wing law professor has claimed that Harris , who was born to a Jamaican @ @ @ @ @ Oakland , California , may not be eligible if her parents were on student visas @ @ @ @ @ daughter ’ s birth .

Trump advances ‘birther’ theory about Kamala Harris
Donald Trump has suggested that Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris is ineligible for the post, stoking another “birther” theory after he spent years claiming that Barack Obama had been born in Kenya instead of Hawaii. “They're saying that she doesn't qualify because she wasn't born in this country,” Trump told a rally last night. A right-wing law professor has claimed that Harris, who was born to a Jamaican father and Indian mother in Oakland, California, may not be eligible if her parents were on student visas at the time of their daughter’s birth.


theweekuk--2020-08-14--Michael Jordan trainers fetch $615,000 at auction

A pair of trainers worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan in 1985 have sold for $ 615,000 ( £460,000 ) at an online auction .
The Nike Air Jordan 1 High sneakers were described as the “ rarest of the rare ” by Christies .
Last year , Canadian entrepreneur Miles Nadal bought a collection of Nike , Adidas and Air Jordan sneakers auctioned by Sotheby ’ s for $ 850,000 ( £650,000 ) .
Joke treehouse gets its first booking A man in Wiltshire who listed a treehouse on Airbnb as a joke says it has received its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he had built for his children , as “ equally suitable for a romantic getaway or an adventure with the kids ” .
Speaking of his unexpected booking by a family , he said : “ I ’ m doing home-made pizza and a fry up for them for Sunday breakfast.
” The US Department for Energy has brought forward changes the rules around showerheads in order to maintain the perfection of Donald Trump ’ s hair .
Officials have published proposals that would allow more water to pass through showerheads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flow to 2.5 gallons per minute .
Last month Trump complained about the effects of low water pressure , saying : “ My hair - I do n't know about you , but it has to be perfect .
Perfect.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A pair of trainers worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan in 1985 have sold for $615,000 (£460,000) at an online auction. The Nike Air Jordan 1 High sneakers were described as the “rarest of the rare” by Christies. Last year, Canadian entrepreneur Miles Nadal bought a collection of Nike, Adidas and Air Jordan sneakers auctioned by Sotheby’s for $850,000 (£650,000).
Joke treehouse gets its first booking
A man in Wiltshire who listed a treehouse on Airbnb as a joke says it has received its first booking. His listing described the property, which he had built for his children, as “equally suitable for a romantic getaway or an adventure with the kids”. Speaking of his unexpected booking by a family, he said: “I’m doing home-made pizza and a fry up for them for Sunday breakfast.”
White House to reform water pressure from Trump's hair
The US Department for Energy has brought forward changes the rules around showerheads in order to maintain the perfection of Donald Trump’s hair. Officials have published proposals that would allow more water to pass through showerheads, lifting a 1992 regulation restricting the flow to 2.5 gallons per minute. Last month Trump complained about the effects of low water pressure, saying: “My hair - I don't know about you, but it has to be perfect. Perfect.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-08-13--The Week Unwrapped podcast: Pet pandemic, peak meat and post-Covid gigs

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To get six free issues of The Week magazine and a moleskine notebook visit theweek.co.uk/offer and enter promo code : POD25 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In this week ’ s episode , we discuss : The RSPCA is warning of a predicted surge in abandoned animals as owners who adopted pets during lockdown have second thoughts .
Meanwhile , a new book examines the dark side of our professed love for our animal pals , from health problems caused by selective breeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So who are the true beasts in this scenario ?
Is our appetite for meat finally on the wane ?
A new report suggests we may have reached 'peak meat ' – global meat production fell last year and looks set to do the same in 2020 .
What ’ s behind the trend and who are the winners and losers ?
The UK ’ s first socially-distanced venue opened this week with musician Sam Fender playing at Gosforth Park in Newcastle .
The gig at the new Virgin Money Unity Arena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of five fans watching from their own viewing platforms .
Could this be the future of watching live music concerts ?
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player , Spotify , Apple podcasts , SoundCloud or wherever you get you get your podcasts .

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––To get six free issues of The Week magazine and a moleskine notebook visit theweek.co.uk/offer and enter promo code: POD25–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
In this week’s episode, we discuss:
Pet pandemic
The RSPCA is warning of a predicted surge in abandoned animals as owners who adopted pets during lockdown have second thoughts. Meanwhile, a new book examines the dark side of our professed love for our animal pals, from health problems caused by selective breeding to the wider environmental effects of pet-keeping. So who are the true beasts in this scenario?
Going off meat
Is our appetite for meat finally on the wane? A new report suggests we may have reached 'peak meat' – global meat production fell last year and looks set to do the same in 2020. What’s behind the trend and who are the winners and losers?
Socially-distanced gigs
The UK’s first socially-distanced venue opened this week with musician Sam Fender playing at Gosforth Park in Newcastle. The gig at the new Virgin Money Unity Arena saw 2,500 people attend, with groups of five fans watching from their own viewing platforms. Could this be the future of watching live music concerts?
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player, Spotify, Apple podcasts, SoundCloud or wherever you get you get your podcasts.


theweekuk--2020-08-14--Scotland to hold trials in cinemas with socially distanced juries

Scottish cinemas could be used for jury trials as part of a plan to halt the growing backlog of criminal cases caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
According to the BBC , the most serious criminal trials will go ahead in courtrooms “ while a socially-distanced jury watches a video-link in a cinema ” .
The Law Society of Scotland has said that screens will be divided into four so that jurors can see the judge , counsel and the accused while listening to witnesses or viewing the evidence .
Cameras will “ also face the jury members so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screens placed above the jury box ” , and jurors will be able to send messages to the judge through a member of the court staff as usual .
Lord Justice General Lord Carloway described the plan as “ bold and imaginative ” .
A test involving an Odeon complex in Edinburgh “ worked very well ” , says the Edinburgh Evening News .
Brian McConnachie QC said the scheme could free up space and allow more trials to proceed .
“ If the virtual jury model works – i.e .
the jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that provides much greater flexibility because if that works it doesn ’ t really matter where your jury are at all , ” he said .
“ If there ’ s a line of communication you can have the jury wherever and you can have a situation that frees up more courts .
The BBC reports that “ about 750 outstanding High Court and 1,800 Sheriff Court cases ” are on hold as a result of the courts being closed by the pandemic earlier this year .
English judges “ have been sceptical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , says the Law Society , but there “ have been no dissenting voices as yet in Scotland ” .

Scottish cinemas could be used for jury trials as part of a plan to halt the growing backlog of criminal cases caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the BBC, the most serious criminal trials will go ahead in courtrooms “while a socially-distanced jury watches a video-link in a cinema”.
The Law Society of Scotland has said that screens will be divided into four so that jurors can see the judge, counsel and the accused while listening to witnesses or viewing the evidence.
Cameras will “also face the jury members so that their faces can be seen on video screens placed above the jury box”, and jurors will be able to send messages to the judge through a member of the court staff as usual.
Lord Justice General Lord Carloway described the plan as “bold and imaginative”. A test involving an Odeon complex in Edinburgh “worked very well”, says the Edinburgh Evening News.
Brian McConnachie QC said the scheme could free up space and allow more trials to proceed.
“If the virtual jury model works – i.e. the jury not being in the court – then that provides much greater flexibility because if that works it doesn’t really matter where your jury are at all,” he said. “If there’s a line of communication you can have the jury wherever and you can have a situation that frees up more courts.
The BBC reports that “about 750 outstanding High Court and 1,800 Sheriff Court cases” are on hold as a result of the courts being closed by the pandemic earlier this year.
English judges “have been sceptical about the merits of such an approach”, says the Law Society, but there “have been no dissenting voices as yet in Scotland”.


theweekuk--2020-08-15--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 15 Aug 2020

Bank of England data shows that property sales are up by 20 per cent and average asking prices have risen @ @ @ @ @ weeks since a cut in stamp duty .
However , although asking prices are £30,000 @ @ @ @ @ are being agreed each week , industry experts believe the rise is a bubble and @ @ @ @ @ be felt .

Property sales surge but is it just a bubble?
Bank of England data shows that property sales are up by 20 per cent and average asking prices have risen by £10,000 in the four weeks since a cut in stamp duty. However, although asking prices are £30,000 higher and thousands more sales are being agreed each week, industry experts believe the rise is a bubble and the economic crash will soon be felt.


theweekuk--2020-08-16--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 16 Aug 2020

Newsweek has apologised for an article that questioned the Kamala Harris ’ American citizenship and her eligibility to be Joe @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism @ @ @ @ @ , ” said the editor .
Speaking of the false conspiracy theory , Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ heard ” rumours that Harris does not meet the requirement to serve in the White @ @

Newsweek apologises for op-ed questioning Harris elibility
Newsweek has apologised for an article that questioned the Kamala Harris’ American citizenship and her eligibility to be Joe Biden’s running mate. “This op-ed is being used by some as a tool to perpetuate racism and xenophobia. We apologize,” said the editor. Speaking of the false conspiracy theory, Donald Trump has said he has “heard” rumours that Harris does not meet the requirement to serve in the White House.