theweekuk--2020-03-24--‘15 to 18 races’: F1 chief Chase Carey is hopeful of a revised calendar in 2020

Going into the 2020 season Formula 1 fans were looking forward to a grand prix calendar featuring a record 22 races .
However , the rapid spread of the coronavirus has not just wiped the opening eight races off the schedule but has also thrown the 2020 campaign into disarray with no clear indication on when , or if , racing will resume .
The postponement of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix means the next scheduled event on the 2020 calendar is the Canadian GP on 14 June .
But according to reports the race at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada will not be sending any athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics if the games are held this summer and GP Fans says this has “ prompted fresh doubts ” over the Canadian GP .
Officials in Canada have issued a statement to confirm preparations are going ahead for the Montreal race , but the situation is “ evolving rapidly ” .
The Canadian GP said : “ The preparations for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix 2020 slated in the Formula 1 World Championship for June 12 , 13 and 14 are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is a situation that we are constantly monitoring and that is evolving rapidly .
“ Please note that we are in constant communication with members of Formula 1 , the FIA and public authorities .
“ Our priority remains to host a safe event for both spectators and personnel .
Should the situation continue to evolve we will lean on the expertise of public health professionals and will keep you updated.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Carey : we will be ready to go racing again Following Monday ’ s postponement of the Azerbaijan GP , Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey provided another update on the 2020 season .
He hopes that the revised calendar can feature 15 to 18 races and that the season will start in the summer .
Carey said : “ Over the past week , Formula 1 , the ten F1 teams and the FIA have come together and taken rapid , decisive action as part of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ While at present no-one can be certain of exactly when the situation will improve , it will improve and when it does , we will be ready to go racing again .
We are all committed to bringing our fans a 2020 championship season .
“ We recognise there is significant potential for additional postponements in currently scheduled events , nonetheless we and our partners fully expect the season to start at some point this summer , with a revised calendar of between 15-18 races .
“ As previously announced we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to March/April to race during the normal summer break period , and anticipate the season end date will extend beyond our original end date of 27-29 November , with the actual sequence and schedule dates for races differing significantly from our original 2020 calendar .
“ It is not possible to provide a more specific calendar now due to the fluidity of the current situation but we expect to gain clearer insights to the situation in each of our host countries , as well as the issues related to travel to these countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re confident we ’ ll all get through this and see better days , ahead , and , when we do , we will ensure that everyone invested in this sport at every level feels rewarded.
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Going into the 2020 season Formula 1 fans were looking forward to a grand prix calendar featuring a record 22 races.
However, the rapid spread of the coronavirus has not just wiped the opening eight races off the schedule but has also thrown the 2020 campaign into disarray with no clear indication on when, or if, racing will resume.
The postponement of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix means the next scheduled event on the 2020 calendar is the Canadian GP on 14 June. But according to reports the race at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal is also a major doubt.
Team Canada will not be sending any athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics if the games are held this summer and GP Fans says this has “prompted fresh doubts” over the Canadian GP.
Officials in Canada have issued a statement to confirm preparations are going ahead for the Montreal race, but the situation is “evolving rapidly”.
The Canadian GP said: “The preparations for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix 2020 slated in the Formula 1 World Championship for June 12, 13 and 14 are going well and are following their course. This is a situation that we are constantly monitoring and that is evolving rapidly.
“Please note that we are in constant communication with members of Formula 1, the FIA and public authorities.
“Our priority remains to host a safe event for both spectators and personnel. Should the situation continue to evolve we will lean on the expertise of public health professionals and will keep you updated.”
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Carey: we will be ready to go racing again
Following Monday’s postponement of the Azerbaijan GP, Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey provided another update on the 2020 season. He hopes that the revised calendar can feature 15 to 18 races and that the season will start in the summer.
Carey said: “Over the past week, Formula 1, the ten F1 teams and the FIA have come together and taken rapid, decisive action as part of our initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While at present no-one can be certain of exactly when the situation will improve, it will improve and when it does, we will be ready to go racing again. We are all committed to bringing our fans a 2020 championship season.
“We recognise there is significant potential for additional postponements in currently scheduled events, nonetheless we and our partners fully expect the season to start at some point this summer, with a revised calendar of between 15-18 races.
“As previously announced we will utilise the summer break being brought forward to March/April to race during the normal summer break period, and anticipate the season end date will extend beyond our original end date of 27-29 November, with the actual sequence and schedule dates for races differing significantly from our original 2020 calendar.
“It is not possible to provide a more specific calendar now due to the fluidity of the current situation but we expect to gain clearer insights to the situation in each of our host countries, as well as the issues related to travel to these countries, in the coming month.
“We’re confident we’ll all get through this and see better days, ahead, and, when we do, we will ensure that everyone invested in this sport at every level feels rewarded.”
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theweekuk--2020-03-24--UK lockdown: who can go out to work?

UK lockdown: who can go out to work?

Boris Johnson has ordered people across the UK to stay at home as part of strict new measures to curb the coronavirus outbreak .
Under the raft of new lockdown restrictions , people may only go to work where “ absolutely necessary ” , with potential fines for those caught flouting the rules .
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has warned that the police “ have the tools ” to ensure anyone can be “ penalised and punished if they put others ’ lives at risk ” by ignoring the social distancing measures .
But exactly who is allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and when ?
What has the government said ?
Travelling to and from work is one of the few reasons that people are still permitted to go out , “ but only where this absolutely can not be done from home ” , according to government guidelines .
Libraries , playgrounds , outdoor gyms and places of worship have been ordered to close , as have all non-essential shops - including clothing and electronics stores ; hair , beauty and nail salons ; and outdoor and indoor markets , excluding food markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caravan parks “ must also close unless key workers need to stay there , or if others staying there can not get back home ” , says the BBC .
People who do still need to go out to work are being told to minimise the amount of time they spend outside their homes , and to maintain a distance of at least two metres from people other than those with whom they live .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Who is classified as a ‘ key worker ’ ?
There is still some confusion about who can leave their home to go to work , but key workers are among those who definitely can .
They can also continue to send their children to school .
This category of key workers includes but is not limited to doctors , nurses , midwives , paramedics , social workers , care workers and other front-line health and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialist staff required to maintain the UK ’ s broader health and social care sector are on the list .
Also included are those working as part of the health and social care supply chain , including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment , such as masks .
Key workers in this sector includes childcare , support and teaching staff , social workers and specialist education professionals .
These key workers include those essential to the running of the justice system , as well as religious staff , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services .
Those responsible for the management of the deceased , and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting , are included as well .
Administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the coronavirus response will continue to be allowed to leave their homes to work if necessary , as will those delivering essential public services , such as the payment of benefits , including in government agencies and so-called arm ’ s-length bodies ( ALBs ) .
Key workers in this area include those involved in food production , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods ( for example hygienic and veterinary medicines ) .
Police and support staff , National Crime Agency employees and those maintaining border security are all categorised as key workers , as are prison and probation staff and those who perform other national security roles , including overseas .
The list also includes Ministry of Defence civilians , contractors and Armed Forces personnel - those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rescue service employees ( including support staff ) .
This category of key workers includes those who will keep the air , water , road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the coronavirus response , including staff working on transport systems through which supply chains pass .
Also on the list of key workers are people needed for essential financial services provision , such as those working in banks , building societies and financial market infrastructure .
In additional , this category includes those needed for the oil , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including sewerage ) , the information technology and data infrastructure sector , and for primary industry supplies to continue during the coronavirus response .
Key staff working in the civil nuclear and chemicals sectors , and in telecommunications - including but not limited to network operations , field engineering , call centre staff , IT and data infrastructure , 999 and 111 critical services - are also on the government list , as are those in postal services and delivery , payments providers and waste disposal sectors .

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theweekuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Freemasons invite public to take part in centuries-old tradition

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theweekuk--2020-03-24--Champions League: what is Uefa’s plan after postponing final?

Uefa has postponed the finals of all this season ’ s major competitions but European football ’ s governing body remains optimistic that the Champions League and Europa League will be decided this summer .
In line with all international sport , football in Europe has been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and currently the continent ’ s two showpiece competitions are in limbo .
But BBC Sport reports that “ it is still hoped to play the respective finals on 24 June and 27 June ” , although to accomplish that task it may mean tinkering with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League final had originally been slated for 30 May in the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul , Turkey .
Four round of 16 ties have been completed in the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain , Atletico Madrid , RB Leipzig and Atalanta all through to the quarter-finals .
But the Manchester City vs. Real Madrid , Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea , Juventus vs. Lyon and Barcelona vs. Napoli ties still have the return legs to finish .
In the Europa League , six first-leg ties have been completed but two are outstanding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– According to the BBC , “ work is now being undertaken to try to work out a formula that would allow the competitions to reach a conclusion ” .
Two of the Europa League last 16 matches - Sevilla vs. Roma and Inter vs. Getafe - have not even had their first leg completed and it ’ s believed Uefa may decide these games on the toss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 16 games have not been completed places Uefa in a quandary as does the possibility that domestic leagues will resume at different times .
Britain , for example , has just gone into a national lockdown , while Italy is in its third week of confinement and Spain and France the second week .
Completing the outstanding round of 16 ties of the Champions League and Europa League is Uefa ’ s priority and then the quarter-finals and semi-finals could also be played over a single game , perhaps in a mini-tournament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tokyo Olympics ‘ set for 2021 ’ and football players ‘ revolt ’ against matches behind closed doors ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Uefa has postponed the finals of all this season’s major competitions but European football’s governing body remains optimistic that the Champions League and Europa League will be decided this summer.
In line with all international sport, football in Europe has been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and currently the continent’s two showpiece competitions are in limbo.
But BBC Sport reports that “it is still hoped to play the respective finals on 24 June and 27 June”, although to accomplish that task it may mean tinkering with the format of the tournaments.
The Champions League final had originally been slated for 30 May in the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.
Four round of 16 ties have been completed in the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig and Atalanta all through to the quarter-finals. But the Manchester City vs. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea, Juventus vs. Lyon and Barcelona vs. Napoli ties still have the return legs to finish.
In the Europa League, six first-leg ties have been completed but two are outstanding.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Toss of a coin
According to the BBC, “work is now being undertaken to try to work out a formula that would allow the competitions to reach a conclusion”.
Two of the Europa League last 16 matches - Sevilla vs. Roma and Inter vs. Getafe - have not even had their first leg completed and it’s believed Uefa may decide these games on the toss of a coin.
Turkish delight?
The fact that the last 16 games have not been completed places Uefa in a quandary as does the possibility that domestic leagues will resume at different times.
Britain, for example, has just gone into a national lockdown, while Italy is in its third week of confinement and Spain and France the second week.
Completing the outstanding round of 16 ties of the Champions League and Europa League is Uefa’s priority and then the quarter-finals and semi-finals could also be played over a single game, perhaps in a mini-tournament in the host city of Istanbul.
Today’s back pages
Tokyo Olympics ‘set for 2021’ and football players ‘revolt’ against matches behind closed doors
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theweekuk--2020-03-24--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 24 Mar 2020

Boris Johnson last night announced strict new curbs on life in the UK to slow the spread of coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ the prime minister said people may only leave home to exercise once a day , @ @ @ @ @ work where “ absolutely necessary ” , to shop for essential items , and to @ @ @ @ @ needs .
Shops selling non-essential goods have been told to shut , while police will @ @ @ @ @ two people who do not live together and may impose fines .

Britons ‘under house arrest’ as coronavirus restrictions tightened
Boris Johnson last night announced strict new curbs on life in the UK to slow the spread of coronavirus. Addressing the nation directly, the prime minister said people may only leave home to exercise once a day, to travel to and from work where “absolutely necessary”, to shop for essential items, and to fulfil any medical or care needs. Shops selling non-essential goods have been told to shut, while police will disperse gatherings of more than two people who do not live together and may impose fines.


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Today’s back pages: Tokyo Olympics ‘set for 2021’ and football players ‘revolt’ against matches behi

Today’s back pages: Tokyo Olympics ‘set for 2021’ and football players ‘revolt’ against matches behind closed doors

Olympics off until 2021
Most of the papers are united in declaring that the Olympic Games will now not take place but will be rescheduled for 2021 - which is shaping up to be the busiest summer of sport in history.
Football’s European Championships have already been moved back a year, and there is the existing British and Irish Lions rugby tour to South Africa, not to mention the usual cricket, tennis and golf events. Now the Olympics in Japan are also set to be rearranged.
“Torched” is the headline on the back of the Daily Express, which claims that the decision has already been taken.
The paper quotes International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound, who told USA Today: “On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided.
“The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on 24 July, that much I know.”
The Times says that the games will be rescheduled for 2021, possibly in September, a month after the World Athletics Championship, which “could still go ahead, as planned, on 6 August next year”.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Footballers revolt
The Daily Mirror leads on its back page with a story headlined “No fans… no way” in which it claims that players from “all levels are against games being resumed without any fans”.
The proposal was mooted last week by the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) as one way of finishing the season in the face of the coronavirus crisis which has now become a national lockdown following the Prime Minister’s statement last night.
The Mirror says that the Premier League has “mapped out a plan to return behind closed doors as early as 2/3 May” in order to complete the remaining ten rounds of matches, and satisfy broadcasters who have paid “hundreds of millions in multi-billion pound TV contracts”.
The Mirror says that players are concerned first and foremost for their own wellbeing, and that of their families, but also feel it would be unfair on the fans to play behind closed doors.


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Is Donald Trump preparing to end coronavirus containment measures?


theweekuk--2020-03-24--‘Stay at home': Reaction as PM imposes strictest UK lockdown ‘in living memory’

Boris Johnson has received widespread support after last night announcing a nationwide lockdown in a bid to stem the coronavirus outbreak .
In a televised statement , the prime minister told the British public that they “ must stay at home ” , announcing a raft of lockdown restrictions to limit the spread of the virus .
Describing this as a “ moment of national emergency ” , Johnson said people may only leave home to exercise once a day , to travel to and from work where “ absolutely necessary ” , to shop for essential items and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that if people do not follow the rules , police will have the power to enforce the measures through fines and dispersing gatherings .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 .
Get your first six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The move has received support from across the political spectrum , with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeting : “ This is the right response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have been calling for.
” London Mayor Sadiq Khan also backed the move , saying in a statement : “ Anyone who knows me , knows my liberal instincts , and I do not take this lightly - but these unprecedented circumstances require extraordinary measures.
” Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats , Ed Davey , added that while many would be “ anxious ” about the measures : “ It is the right decision to restrict our normal way of life to tackle this crisis.
” The director general of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , noted that the “ latest measures will of course present great challenges , disrupting daily lives and the normal run of business ” , but also backed the lockdown , adding : “ Protecting the public will protect businesses in the long run.
” Within minutes of the prime minister ’ s announcement , Marin Hewitt , the chair of the National Police Chiefs Council , said the force was working “ with the government and other agencies to consider how these new rules can be most effectively enforced ” .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some officers were unhappy at the prospect of enforcing strict measures , describing it as “ a total change of policing style ” .
Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens , who has railed against lockdown measures for some days , offered a dissenting voice .
Hitchens tweeted that anyone who welcomes the measures are “ complacent fools , who do not deserve the liberty they inherited ” .
However , Quentin Letts of The Times gave a more measured verdict on the prime minister ’ s announcement .
“ The pace of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accentuated that this was a leader working in overdrive , ” Letts wrote .
“ There was no time to lose .
The absence of melodrama , paradoxically , made it all the more striking and urgent.
” As the UK death toll reaches 335 , there may be more strict measures to come .
The BBC ’ s political editor , Laura Kuenssberg , pointed out that Johnson could have gone further - and may yet do so .
“ Remember this though , is not quite the kind of total crackdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least not yet , ” she writes .
“ Despite tonight ’ s enormous announcement , there are steps that other places have taken - curfews or total travel bans for example - that the UK is not pursuing.
” Kuenssberg also highlights that the government is not triggering the Civil Contingencies Act , which is designed for the most serious emergencies and gives ministers more wide-ranging executive powers .


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: priest pours holy water over Russian streets

A priest in Russia has poured holy water over streets in a bid to protect against the coronavirus. The holy man was sent to Svaliava Raion in the south-western Russian region of Zakarpattia Oblast, to carry out the ritual. A second priest rang a bell as he delivered a blessing.
Woman gives birth in toilet paper aisle
A woman gave birth in the toilet paper aisle of a Walmart in Missouri, according to a report. As luck would have it, a nurse happened to be in the store and assisted the mother while a worker held up a sheet for privacy. Customers cheered as the mother and baby left the store.
Two winning lottery tickets bought at same store
A pair of winning lottery tickets were sold at the same convenience store in New Jersey. The two lucky tickets for the state's Lottery's Jersey Cash 5 game were both purchased at Morlot Food & News in the city of Fairlawn. Each was worth $24,147 (£20,500), as the two winners shared the $54,294 (£46,299) from the draw on Saturday.
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theweekuk--2020-03-23--Data shows UK lagging behind in social distancing


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: which UK businesses will today close their doors?


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: will the UK government release prisoners?

Campaigners are calling for prison inmates who are old , infirm or not considered a threat , to be released immediately due to the threat of the coronavirus .
The Prisoners ’ Advice Service has told the Ministry of Justice that these measures will have “ no discernible effect on the crime rate ” , but will “ allow prisons to implement strategies for safely managing and caring ” for prisoners who remain behind bars .
Campaigners say such a release would save lives of both inmates and also prison officers and other staff , with The Guardian reporting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become infected with coronavirus .
The prison population in the UK is currently 83,500 , the highest in western Europe , meaning that more than 50,000 people could become infected in Britain ’ s prison system .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 .
Get your first six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Two people in UK prisons have so far tested positive for the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another at HMP High Down , Surrey .
Last week , the BBC reported that around 75 officers at HMP Berwyn in Wales were either off-work or self-isolating due to coronavirus , while 22 prisoners showing symptoms were also isolated .
In 2018 , a report by MPs found 15 % of the prison population had respiratory conditions , which makes people more vulnerable to dying of coronavirus .
Ex-Conservative MP David Gauke , a former justice secretary , has called for the suspension of short sentences and the early release of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ reduces the churn ” of inmates in and out of prisons , which would avoid transmission both ways .
He added : “ There is a strong case for releasing some of those coming towards the end of their sentence a few months earlier .
One should not overstate how significant that could be in reducing risks.
” Eric Allison , The Guardian ’ s prisons correspondent , writes that “ local jails may become charnel houses if nothing is done to release those who represent at worst a nuisance to society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who say criminals deserve what they get should bear in mind that , in life , as in prisons , there is a pecking order .
The poor and disadvantaged , who have committed no crimes , will be the next in the line of fire of this disease.
” The Times says that an outbreak among prison staff could force the hand of the government , reporting that a secret Ministry of Justice blueprint shows that thousands of low-risk prisoners would be released early if the coronavirus outbreak creates a shortage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already taken steps to release prisoners in the face of the coronavirus .
In Iran , the Middle Eastern country worst affected by the pandemic , 85,000 prisoners have been granted temporary parole .
This includes Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe , the British mother who was found guilty in September 2016 of attempting to stage a “ soft overthrow ” of the Islamic republic and is now serving a five-year jail term after being convicted of spying There have been similar releases in Spain and some are planned in the US , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC says that at least 23 people have died in a Colombian jail , after what authorities are calling a mass breakout attempt amid rising tensions over coronavirus .

Campaigners are calling for prison inmates who are old, infirm or not considered a threat, to be released immediately due to the threat of the coronavirus.
The Prisoners’ Advice Service has told the Ministry of Justice that these measures will have “no discernible effect on the crime rate”, but will “allow prisons to implement strategies for safely managing and caring” for prisoners who remain behind bars.
Campaigners say such a release would save lives of both inmates and also prison officers and other staff, with The Guardian reporting that up to 60% of prisoners could become infected with coronavirus.
The prison population in the UK is currently 83,500, the highest in western Europe, meaning that more than 50,000 people could become infected in Britain’s prison system.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Two people in UK prisons have so far tested positive for the virus, one at Strangeways in Manchester and another at HMP High Down, Surrey.
Last week, the BBC reported that around 75 officers at HMP Berwyn in Wales were either off-work or self-isolating due to coronavirus, while 22 prisoners showing symptoms were also isolated.
In 2018, a report by MPs found 15% of the prison population had respiratory conditions, which makes people more vulnerable to dying of coronavirus.
Ex-Conservative MP David Gauke, a former justice secretary, has called for the suspension of short sentences and the early release of some prisoners. He said cutting short sentences “reduces the churn” of inmates in and out of prisons, which would avoid transmission both ways.
He added: “There is a strong case for releasing some of those coming towards the end of their sentence a few months earlier. One should not overstate how significant that could be in reducing risks.”
Eric Allison, The Guardian’s prisons correspondent, writes that “local jails may become charnel houses if nothing is done to release those who represent at worst a nuisance to society”.
Allison says: “Those who say criminals deserve what they get should bear in mind that, in life, as in prisons, there is a pecking order. The poor and disadvantaged, who have committed no crimes, will be the next in the line of fire of this disease.”
The Times says that an outbreak among prison staff could force the hand of the government, reporting that a secret Ministry of Justice blueprint shows that thousands of low-risk prisoners would be released early if the coronavirus outbreak creates a shortage of staff in jails.
Other countries have already taken steps to release prisoners in the face of the coronavirus. In Iran, the Middle Eastern country worst affected by the pandemic, 85,000 prisoners have been granted temporary parole.
This includes Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British mother who was found guilty in September 2016 of attempting to stage a “soft overthrow” of the Islamic republic and is now serving a five-year jail term after being convicted of spying
There have been similar releases in Spain and some are planned in the US, according to the New York Post.
Meanwhile, the BBC says that at least 23 people have died in a Colombian jail, after what authorities are calling a mass breakout attempt amid rising tensions over coronavirus.


theweekuk--2020-03-24--The best shows and movies on Disney+

The best shows and movies on Disney+

Whether you need a break from home schooling or a comforting retreat into childhood , Disney+ has arrived in the UK at just the right time .
The new platform brings together content from Disney , Pixar , Marvel , Star Wars and National Geographic , so you ’ ll be able to meet everyone ’ s preferences .
You can stream on up to four screens – including TV , laptop , phone and tablet – simultaneously , or download to watch without wi-fi .
Its UK launch was brought forward by a week .
The subscription video on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or £59.99 a year , but there ’ s a seven-day free trial .
Here are The Week ’ s top picks .
Slotting in between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens , this original series been eagerly awaited because it introduces the wise jedi Yoda as a baby .
But more than the cuteness , “ it ’ s cool ” , says Jack Seale in The Guardian .
“ The monsters are cool , the spaceships are cool , the robots are cool .
The landscapes : whoa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ .
” The only drawback is that UK viewers currently have to wait for new instalments to come out weeky .
Belt out Let it Go in the privacy of your own home , as you succumb to this “ wide-eyed charmer of a film with terrific musical numbers ” , as Peter Bradshaw puts it in The Guardian .
Follow the epic search of one sister for another , in this twist on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen , released in 2013 .
Frozen 2 is due out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African country , this 18th Marvel instalment , released in 2018 , stars Chadwick Boseman as King T ’ Challa , facing a threat to the country ’ s precious-metal deposits from Michael B Jordan and Andy Serkis as part of a “ wildly appealing ensemble cast without a weak link ” , said Robbie Collin in The Telegraph .
It picked up three Oscars - in a first for Marvel Studios .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Setting eight segments of animation to classical pieces of music , this was Disney ’ s third film , and seen as truly ground-breaking back in 1940 .
The New York Times review of the day enthused “ Mr Disney and the boys have fashioned with music and colours and animated figures a creation so throughly delightful and exciting in its novelty that one ’ s senses are captivated by it.
” The first Pixar film to win an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success in 2003 , starring fishy friends , Marlin the clownfish and Dory the blue tang , on an epic adventure to find Marlin ’ s son , Nemo .
“ A perfectly family-oriented pitch of adventure , humour and thinly veiled life lessons , ” said Angie Errigo in Empire .
Based , loosely , on Rudyard Kipling ’ s Mowgli stories of a child being brought up by wild animals , this animation hit the big screen in 1967 , since when many of its songs have become classics .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perch in the studio 's history , repaying repeated releases in all formats , and ageing not a jot , ” said Andrew Collins in the Radio Times .
Walt Disney never saw the finished film as he died during its production .

Whether you need a break from home schooling or a comforting retreat into childhood, Disney+ has arrived in the UK at just the right time.
The new platform brings together content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, so you’ll be able to meet everyone’s preferences. You can stream on up to four screens – including TV, laptop, phone and tablet – simultaneously, or download to watch without wi-fi.
Its UK launch was brought forward by a week. The subscription video on demand streaming service costs £5.99 a month, or £59.99 a year, but there’s a seven-day free trial. Here are The Week’s top picks.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The Mandalorian
Slotting in between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, this original series been eagerly awaited because it introduces the wise jedi Yoda as a baby. But more than the cuteness, “it’s cool”, says Jack Seale in The Guardian. “The monsters are cool, the spaceships are cool, the robots are cool. The landscapes: whoa. The interspecies bar fights: crackin’.” The only drawback is that UK viewers currently have to wait for new instalments to come out weeky.
Frozen
Belt out Let it Go in the privacy of your own home, as you succumb to this “wide-eyed charmer of a film with terrific musical numbers”, as Peter Bradshaw puts it in The Guardian. Follow the epic search of one sister for another, in this twist on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, released in 2013. Frozen 2 is due out in July.
Black Panther
Set in a fictional east African country, this 18th Marvel instalment, released in 2018, stars Chadwick Boseman as King T’Challa, facing a threat to the country’s precious-metal deposits from Michael B Jordan and Andy Serkis as part of a “wildly appealing ensemble cast without a weak link”, said Robbie Collin in The Telegraph. It picked up three Oscars - in a first for Marvel Studios.
Fantasia
Setting eight segments of animation to classical pieces of music, this was Disney’s third film, and seen as truly ground-breaking back in 1940. The New York Times review of the day enthused “Mr Disney and the boys have fashioned with music and colours and animated figures a creation so throughly delightful and exciting in its novelty that one’s senses are captivated by it.”
Finding Nemo
The first Pixar film to win an Oscar, this was a huge box-office success in 2003, starring fishy friends, Marlin the clownfish and Dory the blue tang, on an epic adventure to find Marlin’s son, Nemo. “A perfectly family-oriented pitch of adventure, humour and thinly veiled life lessons,” said Angie Errigo in Empire.
The Jungle Book
Based, loosely, on Rudyard Kipling’s Mowgli stories of a child being brought up by wild animals, this animation hit the big screen in 1967, since when many of its songs have become classics. “This barnstorming classic occupies a truly rewarding perch in the studio's history, repaying repeated releases in all formats, and ageing not a jot,” said Andrew Collins in the Radio Times. Walt Disney never saw the finished film as he died during its production.
Doug
This is the “perfect animated show if you’re a child growing up with anxiety”, says Collider. Doug, a favourite from the 1990s, follows the day-to-day life of Doug Funnie, a daydreaming schoolboy who has a crush on his classmate Patty Mayonnaise and tries to avoid the bully Roger Klotz.


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: nine ways to help the most vulnerable


theweekuk--2020-03-24--‘The only decision we can support’: reactions to the postponement of Tokyo 2020

British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Anson says the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games is accepted with “ profound sadness ” , but delaying the event by one year was the “ only decision we could support ” .
This year ’ s international sports events calendar has been decimated due to the global coronavirus pandemic and many major events have been postponed or cancelled .
European football ’ s governing body Uefa announced last week that this summer ’ s Euro 2020 tournament would now take place in 2021 and the International Olympic Committee ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tokyo 2020 postponed until next year .
Following Canada ’ s decision not to send a team to the games this summer and concerns from athletes and associations over health and training , Japan ’ s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe confirmed that he and IOC president Thomas Bach had agreed to a one-year delay to the Tokyo mega-event .
Abe said : “ I proposed to postpone for a year and [ IOC ] president Thomas Bach responded with 100 % agreement.
” The Olympics , which were due to start on 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 despite now being scheduled to take place “ no later than summer 2021 ” .
The Paralympics were set to begin in Japan ’ s capital city on 25 August .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To safeguard the health of the athletes and everyone involved in the Tokyo 2020 Games .
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will now take place no later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the postponement In a joint statement , the IOC and Tokyo 2020 organising committee said : “ The unprecedented and unpredictable spread of the outbreak has seen the situation in the rest of the world deteriorating .
“ Yesterday , the Director General of the World Health Organization [ WHO ] , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , said that the Covid-19 pandemic is ‘ accelerating ’ .
There are more than 375,000 cases now recorded worldwide and in nearly every country , and their number is growing by the hour .
“ In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided by the WHO today , the IOC president and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021 , to safeguard the health of the athletes , everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community .
“ The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the world finds itself at present .
“ Therefore , it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan .
It was also agreed that the Games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.
” “ It is with profound sadness that we accept the postponement , but in all consciousness it is the only decision we can support , in light of the devastating impact Covid-19 is having on our nation , our communities and our families .
“ Alongside UK Sport and the BPA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bodies of summer Olympic and Paralympic sports and with athlete representative groups , including our Athletes ’ Commissions and the British Athletes ’ Commission .
“ It is with their input and support that we have a unanimous view that the impact of Covid-19 on athletes ’ training and preparation means their regimes are now compromised irreparably .
It is time for them to stop thinking about Tokyo 2020 for now and be home and safe with their families .
“ It would have been unthinkable for us to continue to prepare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation and the world no less is enduring great hardship .
A postponement is the right decision .
“ We have incredible sympathy for the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and indeed our colleagues at the IOC , who are working tirelessly to seek a positive outcome to this difficult scenario .
The Olympic Games is a symbol of hope for us all and we are sure that we will be in Tokyo at the right and appropriate time as the world re-emerges from this dark period.
” All in all a very wise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I look forward to come back to Japan to defend my Olympic title next year and look forward to witness a wonderful event .
I wish everybody good health in these challenging times .
pic.twitter.com/jrhsFEe545 “ We welcome the clarity this now gives Paralympic athletes throughout the world who have had their training and qualification plans severely disrupted but also recognise it will still be a deeply unsettling time for athletes who have worked for years focussed on delivering their best possible performance in Tokyo this summer .
“ The British Paralympic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure ParalympicGB athletes have everything in place to be best prepared for the Games when they are staged in 2021.
” “ Given the unprecedented global challenge we face , today ’ s news means that athletes , their coaches and support staff can now fully focus on what really matters at this terribly difficult time , keeping themselves and their families safe .
“ I ’ d like to thank all our athletes who are playing a role in so many different ways in these challenging times , from supporting their local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our own homes .
I ’ d also like to reassure the public that whilst the games are postponed , we strongly believe the power of sport will inspire the nation again.
” Waited 8 years for this , what % u2019s another 1 in the grand scheme of things ?
% uD83D % uDE05 % uD83D % uDCC8 % uD83D % uDCAA % uD83C % uDFFD As an athlete , it % u2019s heartbreaking news about the olympics being postponed until 2021 , but it % u2019s for all the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hope everyone keeps safe and stay indoors x pic.twitter.com/z0JlgV2efI “ The only logical option .
The health and wellbeing of human life must always be our number-one priority and staging a sporting event of any kind during this pandemic is simply not possible .
Sport is not the most important thing right now , preserving human life is .
It is essential , therefore , that all steps are taken to try to limit the spread of this disease .
“ By taking this decision now , everyone involved in the Paralympic movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on their own health and wellbeing and staying safe during this unprecedented and difficult time.
” The 4 times @ Olympics have been canceled + reason : “ It is what athletes want and we believe this decision will give all athletes , technical officials and volunteers some respite and certainty in these unprecedented and uncertain times .
“ Athletics will continue to do whatever it can to preserve and create an outdoor season of one-day meetings in 2020 , starting and ending later than usual , so athletes , when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will have access to competitions in every region .
This will help them benchmark their performances and adjust their training accordingly for an Olympic Games in 2021 .
“ In light of this announcement , we will also expedite our current review of the Olympic qualification system , in cooperation with the IOC , and release any changes to the process as soon as possible so athletes know where they stand .
“ World Athletics stands ready to work with the IOC and all sport on an alternative date for the Olympic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in discussion with the Organising Committee of the World Athletics Championships Oregon 21 regarding the possibility of moving the dates of this highly popular worldwide event .
“ They have reassured us that they will work with all of their partners and stakeholders to ensure that Oregon is able to host the World Athletics Championships on alternative dates , including dates in 2022.
” “ The health and safety of the athletes , fans , and everyone involved is our shared priority and responsibility and we believe the right decision has been taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We look forward to working closely together in a spirit of partnership with the IOC , the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and all other stakeholders towards the rescheduling of the Games and our belief from the outstanding Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan , is that the hosts will come out of this adversity stronger and more committed than ever before to deliver an exceptional Games.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Anson says the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games is accepted with “profound sadness”, but delaying the event by one year was the “only decision we could support”. This year’s international sports events calendar has been decimated due to the global coronavirus pandemic and many major events have been postponed or cancelled. European football’s governing body Uefa announced last week that this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament would now take place in 2021 and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has now followed suit with Tokyo 2020 postponed until next year. Following Canada’s decision not to send a team to the games this summer and concerns from athletes and associations over health and training, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe confirmed that he and IOC president Thomas Bach had agreed to a one-year delay to the Tokyo mega-event. Abe said: “I proposed to postpone for a year and [IOC] president Thomas Bach responded with 100% agreement.” The Olympics, which were due to start on 24 July, will still be called Tokyo 2020 despite now being scheduled to take place “no later than summer 2021”. The Paralympics were set to begin in Japan’s capital city on 25 August. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To safeguard the health of the athletes and everyone involved in the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will now take place no later than summer 2021. — #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) March 24, 2020 Official statement on the postponement In a joint statement, the IOC and Tokyo 2020 organising committee said: “The unprecedented and unpredictable spread of the outbreak has seen the situation in the rest of the world deteriorating. “Yesterday, the Director General of the World Health Organization [WHO], Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the Covid-19 pandemic is ‘accelerating’. There are more than 375,000 cases now recorded worldwide and in nearly every country, and their number is growing by the hour. Skip advert “In the present circumstances and based on the information provided by the WHO today, the IOC president and the Prime Minister of Japan have concluded that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community.
“The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present. “Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan. It was also agreed that the Games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.” Reactions to the postponement Andy Anson, chief executive of the British Olympic Association “It is with profound sadness that we accept the postponement, but in all consciousness it is the only decision we can support, in light of the devastating impact Covid-19 is having on our nation, our communities and our families. “Alongside UK Sport and the BPA, we have consulted with the National Governing Bodies of summer Olympic and Paralympic sports and with athlete representative groups, including our Athletes’ Commissions and the British Athletes’ Commission. “It is with their input and support that we have a unanimous view that the impact of Covid-19 on athletes’ training and preparation means their regimes are now compromised irreparably. It is time for them to stop thinking about Tokyo 2020 for now and be home and safe with their families. “It would have been unthinkable for us to continue to prepare for an Olympic Games at a time the nation and the world no less is enduring great hardship. A postponement is the right decision. “We have incredible sympathy for the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and indeed our colleagues at the IOC, who are working tirelessly to seek a positive outcome to this difficult scenario. The Olympic Games is a symbol of hope for us all and we are sure that we will be in Tokyo at the right and appropriate time as the world re-emerges from this dark period.” All in all a very wise decision to postpone the Olympics until 2021. I look forward to come back to Japan to defend my Olympic title next year and look forward to witness a wonderful event. I wish everybody good health in these challenging times. pic.twitter.com/jrhsFEe545 — Eliud Kipchoge - EGH🇰🇪 (@EliudKipchoge) March 24, 2020 Mike Sharrock, CEO of the British Paralympic Association “We welcome the clarity this now gives Paralympic athletes throughout the world who have had their training and qualification plans severely disrupted but also recognise it will still be a deeply unsettling time for athletes who have worked for years focussed on delivering their best possible performance in Tokyo this summer. Skip advert “The British Paralympic Association is already implementing contingency plans to ensure ParalympicGB athletes have everything in place to be best prepared for the Games when they are staged in 2021.” Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport “Given the unprecedented global challenge we face, today’s news means that athletes, their coaches and support staff can now fully focus on what really matters at this terribly difficult time, keeping themselves and their families safe.


What is hantavirus?

A man who died while on a bus journey in China is reported to have tested positive for hantavirus , prompting the authorities to test 32 of his fellow passengers .
According to the English-language newspaper Global Times , a mouthpiece for the government in Beijing , the man was travelling from the southern province of Yunnan to Shandong on the northeast coast .
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , hantaviruses are “ a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents ” that “ can cause varied disease syndromes in people worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as “ New World ” hantaviruses , CDC says , and may cause “ hantavirus pulmonary syndrome ( HPS ) ” .
Other “ Old World ” hantaviruses are found mostly in Europe and Asia and may cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome ( HFRS ) .
Hantavirus is fairly rare , with CDC reporting in January 2017 that there had been 728 cases of the infection since surveillance in the US began in 1993 .
According to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , the last known outbreak was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including 11 deaths , were reported in Patagonia in southern Argentina .
What is the difference between HPS and HFRS ?
HPS is a severe , sometimes fatal , respiratory disease .
To date , there are no reported cases of HPS in the US in which the virus was transmitted from one person to another .
In Chile and Argentina , rare cases of person-to-person transmission have occurred among close contacts of a person who was ill with a specific type of hantavirus .
HFRS is actually the name of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hantaviruses .
The viruses that cause these illnesses are called Hantaan , Dobrava , Saaremaa , Seoul and Puumala .
According to CDC , Haantan virus is distributed in eastern Asia , particularly in China , Russia and Korea .
Puumala virus , meanwhile , is found in Scandinavia , western Europe and western Russia .
Dobrava virus is found primarily in the Balkans , and Seoul virus is found worldwide .
Saaremaa is found in central Europe and Scandinavia .
Hantaviruses are carried and transmitted by rodents .
According to the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ECDC ) , transmission of the virus to humans occurs through the inhalation of infected rodent urine , droppings or saliva .
There is no curative treatment for hantavirus infection , ECDC says , and eliminating or minimising contact with rodents is the best way to prevent infection .
Occupations such as forestry workers and farmers , where workers may come into contact with rodents , have an increased , though still small , risk of exposure .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– What are the symptoms ?
According to the American Lung Association ( ALA ) , symptoms include : • A dry cough followed by rapid onset of breathing difficulty “ Diagnosing [ hantavirus ] can be challenging because early symptoms mimic the flu , ” the ALA notes .
Some of the symptoms are also similar to Covid-19 .


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Instant Opinion: What Covid-19 tells us about tackling the climate crisis

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
Delay is deadly : what Covid-19 tells us about tackling the climate crisis “ Like global warming , but in close-up and fast-forward , the Covid-19 outbreak shows how lives are lost or saved depending on a government ’ s propensity to acknowledge risk , act rapidly to contain it , and share the consequences ...
Instead of deferring risks to future generations , weaker populations and natural systems , governments need to transform risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer we hesitate , the fewer resources we will have at our disposal , and the more risk we will have to divide.
” Crisis gives Tories a chance to show they care “ Margaret Thatcher famously said : ‘ There ’ s no such thing as society .
There are individual men and women and there are families .
And no government can do anything except through people.
’ Mr Johnson is realising that sometimes people have to be made to do the right thing , and that there is such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tory champions of capitalism , who understood the cost of everything but the value of nothing , have concluded that at a time of global emergency the state may be the only possible safety net ...
The political Rubik ’ s cube had already been scrambled by Brexit , with the traditional red and blue sides muddled up at the last general election .
Now the cube has been entirely dismantled and it is not clear how it will ever be put back together.
” Supporters of draconian action must bear in mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson announced a much fiercer clampdown to deal with [ the failure to maintain social distance last weekend ] .
The public are now extremely restricted in where they can go .
His argument is one from dire necessity , and it would be bold to say it is wrong .
But those calling for draconian action also need to remember its unintended effects .
If , for example , the Government had suddenly ‘ locked down ’ London last week – as was rumoured – such a measure would itself have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of thousands of people into refugees , overcrowding road and trains , increasing infection risks as it did so ... We , the herd , do need guidance , but if we become blindly dependent on rigid orders , we might panic blindly too.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad , try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– “ The pandemic has hit Iran hard .
As of this week there are around 1,800 fatalities , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , Italy and Spain .
Iranians I speak to tell me they suspect things are much worse .
The government , they say , is lying , like it always does .
They are bitter .
But their bitterness is tinged with weariness and a weird kind of black humour that is borne of long experience .
Times are tough .
But then they always are ... What do you do when those you are compelled to rely on to keep you safe are those you trust the least ?
” 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times on the US president ’ s real values Trump thinks he knows better than the doctors about coronavirus “ We aren ’ t quite flying blind , but without more tests we can ’ t see very clearly either .
What we do know is that we have a fast-growing caseload that implies that there are many more infections than what ’ s in the official numbers so far .
To relax restrictions in this environment is to guarantee greater spread of the disease and higher death tolls ... Trump will sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market and his prospects for re-election .
Which is to say that given the choice between solidarity and barbarism , Trump will choose barbarism .
We ’ ll see , in November , if the rest of the country follows suit .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Jonathan Watts in The Guardian
on saving lives
Delay is deadly: what Covid-19 tells us about tackling the climate crisis
“Like global warming, but in close-up and fast-forward, the Covid-19 outbreak shows how lives are lost or saved depending on a government’s propensity to acknowledge risk, act rapidly to contain it, and share the consequences... Instead of deferring risks to future generations, weaker populations and natural systems, governments need to transform risks into responsibilities we all bear. The longer we hesitate, the fewer resources we will have at our disposal, and the more risk we will have to divide.”
2. Rachel Sylvester in The Times
on compassion and competence
Crisis gives Tories a chance to show they care
“Margaret Thatcher famously said: ‘There’s no such thing as society. There are individual men and women and there are families. And no government can do anything except through people.’ Mr Johnson is realising that sometimes people have to be made to do the right thing, and that there is such a thing as the common good. The Tory champions of capitalism, who understood the cost of everything but the value of nothing, have concluded that at a time of global emergency the state may be the only possible safety net... The political Rubik’s cube had already been scrambled by Brexit, with the traditional red and blue sides muddled up at the last general election. Now the cube has been entirely dismantled and it is not clear how it will ever be put back together.”
3. Charles Moore in The Telegraph
on rigid orders
Supporters of draconian action must bear in mind its unintended effects
“Last night, Boris Johnson announced a much fiercer clampdown to deal with [the failure to maintain social distance last weekend]. The public are now extremely restricted in where they can go. His argument is one from dire necessity, and it would be bold to say it is wrong. But those calling for draconian action also need to remember its unintended effects. If, for example, the Government had suddenly ‘locked down’ London last week – as was rumoured – such a measure would itself have caused chaos. It could have turned hundreds of thousands of people into refugees, overcrowding road and trains, increasing infection risks as it did so... We, the herd, do need guidance, but if we become blindly dependent on rigid orders, we might panic blindly too.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad, try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. David Patrikarakos in The Spectator
on Iran failing its citizens
Iran’s coronavirus tragedy is depressingly predictable
“The pandemic has hit Iran hard. As of this week there are around 1,800 fatalities, the fourth highest number of COVID-19 deaths after China, Italy and Spain. Iranians I speak to tell me they suspect things are much worse. The government, they say, is lying, like it always does. They are bitter. But their bitterness is tinged with weariness and a weird kind of black humour that is borne of long experience. Times are tough. But then they always are... What do you do when those you are compelled to rely on to keep you safe are those you trust the least?”
5. Jamelle Bouie in The New York Times
on the US president’s real values
Trump thinks he knows better than the doctors about coronavirus
“We aren’t quite flying blind, but without more tests we can’t see very clearly either. What we do know is that we have a fast-growing caseload that implies that there are many more infections than what’s in the official numbers so far. To relax restrictions in this environment is to guarantee greater spread of the disease and higher death tolls... Trump will sacrifice Americans to coronavirus if it will save the market and his prospects for re-election. Which is to say that given the choice between solidarity and barbarism, Trump will choose barbarism. We’ll see, in November, if the rest of the country follows suit.”


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Sport shorts: Arsenal support community in Covid-19 crisis and Lionel Messi is the world’s highest-p

Sport shorts: Arsenal support community in Covid-19 crisis and Lionel Messi is the world’s highest-paid footballer

Arsenal have announced a number of initiatives to support their local and international communities during the Covid-19 crisis .
The Premier League club ’ s Foundation will donate £100,000 to local charities and organisations supporting those in need while a further £50,000 has been redirected to Islington Giving ’ s Crisis Fund as part of the community response to the coronavirus pandemic .
From today the club will also make all Arsenal in the Community cars available to transport frontline NHS mental health workers .
The cars , which are driven on a voluntary basis by Arsenal in the Community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivering medication and emergency supplies .
Managing director Vinai Venkatesham said : “ Arsenal Football Club exists to make our fans proud and create a sense of community for people in Islington , across the UK and around the world .
“ During these uncertain and unprecedented times , we will endeavour to ensure that remains the case.
” Remember who you are , what you are and who you represent .
pic.twitter.com/ZmvTtHxPCt The Daily Mirror leads on its back page with a story headlined “ no fans… no way ” in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels are against games being resumed without any fans ” .
The proposal was mooted last week by the Premier League and English Football League ( EFL ) as one way of finishing the season in the face of the coronavirus crisis , which has now become a national lockdown following the Prime Minister ’ s statement last night .
The Mirror says that the Premier League has “ mapped out a plan to return behind closed doors as early as 2/3 May ” in order to complete the remaining ten rounds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid “ hundreds of millions in multi-billion pound TV contracts ” .
The Mirror says that players are concerned first and foremost for their own wellbeing , and that of their families , but also feel it would be unfair on the fans to play behind closed doors .
Another sport anxious to fulfil its television obligations is rugby union , reports The Times , with the paper claiming that Premiership Rugby “ wants its competition to be the first sport back on television and is determined to finish this season ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ England until 20 April with nine rounds of the regular season and the play-offs remaining but Premiership Rugby ( PRL ) chief executive Darren Childs has declared his intention to complete the season come what may .
He said : “ If that means playing over the summer , then we will do that , as long as it is safe to do so.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finals to be played in June ?
Uefa has postponed the finals of all this season ’ s major competitions but European football ’ s governing body remains optimistic that the Champions League and Europa League will be decided this summer .
BBC Sport reports that “ it is still hoped to play the respective finals on 24 June and 27 June ” , although to accomplish that task it may mean tinkering with the format of the tournaments .
Completing the outstanding round of 16 ties of the Champions League and Europa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then the quarter-finals and semi-finals could also be played over a single game , perhaps in a mini-tournament in the host city of Istanbul .
A study by France Football magazine has revealed that Barcelona star Lionel Messi is the world ’ s highest-paid player .
The publication reports that Argentina captain Messi will have a total annual income this year of €131m ( £121m ) and that puts him top of the list ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar .
Juventus and Portugal star Ronaldo is second with €118m ( £109m ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is third with €95m ( £87.8m ) .
6 .
... but will he take a pay cut ?
Despite bringing in potential earnings of £121m this year , the coronavirus pandemic could hit Lionel Messi hard in the pocket .
The Sun , citing Spanish newspaper Marca , reports that Barcelona are “ locked in talks ” with senior players - including Messi - to try and reduce their wage bill because of the economic impact of the coronavirus .
According to reports the Catalan giants ’ s annual wage bill of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Messi earns a staggering £1.15m a week .
Marca said : “ The Barcelona board are in discussions with the captains of the club over a possible reduction to the players ’ salaries due to the economic impact of the coronavirus .
“ One of the measures that was discussed at a board meeting on Wednesday was to discuss the possibility of a wage cut until the end of the season .
“ The reaction from the players has been positive , but no agreement can currently be reached without knowing for how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 .
F1 : we will be ready to go racing again Following yesterday ’ s postponement of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix , Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey has provided another update on the 2020 season .
He hopes that the revised calendar can feature 15 to 18 races and that the season will start in the summer .
Carey said : “ We recognise there is significant potential for additional postponements in currently scheduled events , nonetheless we and our partners fully expect the season to start at some point this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15-18 races.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane may look to boost his attacking options this summer .
According to reports Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland is Real ’ s primary target while Liverpool ’ s Sadio Mane is also being tipped to join the Spanish giants .
Former Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko said : “ He has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates him .
I think Sadio Mane will go to Real Madrid.
” Following the UK government ’ s emergency measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus the BBC reports that golf courses in England , Wales and Northern Ireland will shut while Scotland has asked players to “ refrain from golfing until further notice ” .
England Golf said : “ Keeping golf courses open is simply no longer compatible with the updated policy of government which is designed to save lives in a time of national emergency.
” Most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declaring that the Olympic Games in Tokyo would not take place this summer and be rescheduled for 2021 .
And today Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe confirmed that the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) had agreed to a one-year delay .
Abe said : “ I proposed to postpone for about a year and [ IOC ] president Thomas Bach responded with 100 % agreement.
” Tokyo Olympics set for 2021 and football players ‘ revolt ’ against matches behind closed doors ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Arsenal launch Covid-19 support
Arsenal have announced a number of initiatives to support their local and international communities during the Covid-19 crisis.
The Premier League club’s Foundation will donate £100,000 to local charities and organisations supporting those in need while a further £50,000 has been redirected to Islington Giving’s Crisis Fund as part of the community response to the coronavirus pandemic.
From today the club will also make all Arsenal in the Community cars available to transport frontline NHS mental health workers. The cars, which are driven on a voluntary basis by Arsenal in the Community staff, will support NHS workers in delivering medication and emergency supplies.
Managing director Vinai Venkatesham said: “Arsenal Football Club exists to make our fans proud and create a sense of community for people in Islington, across the UK and around the world.
“During these uncertain and unprecedented times, we will endeavour to ensure that remains the case.”
Remember who you are, what you are and who you represent. pic.twitter.com/ZmvTtHxPCt — Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 24, 2020
2. Footballers revolt
The Daily Mirror leads on its back page with a story headlined “no fans… no way” in which it claims that players from “all levels are against games being resumed without any fans”.
The proposal was mooted last week by the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) as one way of finishing the season in the face of the coronavirus crisis, which has now become a national lockdown following the Prime Minister’s statement last night.
The Mirror says that the Premier League has “mapped out a plan to return behind closed doors as early as 2/3 May” in order to complete the remaining ten rounds of matches, and satisfy broadcasters who have paid “hundreds of millions in multi-billion pound TV contracts”.
The Mirror says that players are concerned first and foremost for their own wellbeing, and that of their families, but also feel it would be unfair on the fans to play behind closed doors.
3. Premiership Rugby aims to finish season
Another sport anxious to fulfil its television obligations is rugby union, reports The Times, with the paper claiming that Premiership Rugby “wants its competition to be the first sport back on television and is determined to finish this season”.
The RFU has shut down rugby in England until 20 April with nine rounds of the regular season and the play-offs remaining but Premiership Rugby (PRL) chief executive Darren Childs has declared his intention to complete the season come what may. He said: “If that means playing over the summer, then we will do that, as long as it is safe to do so.”


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus job losses: what can you claim?

Boris Johnson ’ s announcement of a national lockdown came with a warning that people should travel to and from work only if “ absolutely necessary ” .
The government rules have caused some confusion , with BBC Newsnight ’ s policy editor Lewis Goodall reporting that MPs are being inundated with enquiries from members of the public as to whether they can go to work .
This comes alongside warnings that the shutdown of many businesses will result in widespread job losses , with Chancellor Rishi Sunak announcing a wage bailout plan to incentivise employers to retain their staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you go , are you entitled to claim compensation ?
How many job losses are expected ?
According to The Telegraph , Sunak ’ s wage subsidy scheme to preserve jobs could “ face a mighty headwind ” .
The paper reports that almost a million jobs could be lost as a result of the shutdown of businesses , pushing the unemployment rate from the current 3.9 % closer to the 8 % seen following the 2008 financial crisis .
According to the Office for National Statistics , the number of unemployed people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and peaked at 2.5 million in early 2010 .
John Philpott , from the Jobs Economist consultancy , told The Telegraph : “ A million job losses looks virtually certain but I worry it won ’ t be much lower even with some kind of generous wage subsidy .
“ As each day goes by , the scale of the demand hit starts to look worse , so I fear that even a good policy response will face a mighty headwind.
” However , the BBC reports that supermarket chains including Tesco , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would hire thousands of staff after hugely increased demand saw shoppers clearing shelves .
Johnson also urged businesses to “ stand by your employees ” , following the announcement of a £350bn economic stimulus package by the Chancellor .
What can you claim if your employer temporarily closes ?
The government has announced it will pay wages through the “ coronavirus job retention scheme ” if the business you work for is forced to temporarily close because of coronavirus .
This will be available to anyone on the PAYE scheme and your employer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join the scheme .
The scheme will pay 80 % of your salary , up to £2,500 a month .
If your employer can afford to top up your salary on top of this , they can choose to .
The Money Advice Service says that wages under the scheme will be backdated to 1 March and the scheme will be open for at least three months .
This scheme does not cover the self-employed or freelancers , who at the moment are only able to apply for the ‘ New Style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about the 'New Style ' Employment and Support Allowance can be found on the gov.uk website here .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– What about if you lose your job ?
If your employer does not retain you during the shutdown period and you permanently lose your job , you can not apply for the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to get Universal Credit if you fit the following criteria : • You are on a low income or out of work • You are 18 or over ( there are some exceptions if you ’ re 16 to 17 ) • You are under State Pension age ( this is calculated based on your gender and date of birth ) • You and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you • You live in the UK The application process for Universal Credit can be longer than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if your claim is successful , you will have to wait at least five weeks for the first payment .
More information about Universal Credit can be found on the gov.uk website here .
If you are employed but are laid off or put on short-time hours for either four weeks in a row or six weeks in a 13-week period , you may be eligible to apply for redundancy .
According to the gov.uk website , you will normally be entitled to statutory redundancy pay if you ’ re an employee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your current employer for two years or more .
You will normally get : • Half a week ’ s pay for each full year you were under 22-years-old • One week ’ s pay for each full year you were 22-years-old or older , but under 41 • One and a half week ’ s pay for each full year you were 41-years-old or older More information about applying for redundancy can be found on the gov.uk website here .
If you suddenly find yourself without a job , you can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the costs entailed in applying for jobs from the Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Service .


theweekuk--2020-03-24--The pros and cons of the UK coronavirus lockdown

Boris Johnson has introduced drastic new measures to curb the spread of coronavirus , including banning public meetings of more than two people who do not live together .
In a televised address on Monday , the prime minister said the UK was facing a “ moment of national emergency ” and that a total lockdown was vital to save lives .
“ To put it simply , if too many people become seriously unwell at one time , the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die , not just from coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
As people across the country adapt to their new way of living , experts are predicting that the tightened restrictions will have a wide range of both positive and negative long-term effects for the UK .
The global economy will suffer for “ years to come ” as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ) .
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned last week that a global recession , “ perhaps of record dimensions ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face losing their jobs or significant portions of their incomes as a result of lockdowns , with fears that many small companies may not survive .
The UK government has introduced sweeping economic measures in a bid to soften the financial impact of the outbreak , with Chancellor Rishi Sunak pledging to do “ whatever it takes ” to support the nation ’ s economy .
Sunak last week unveiled an “ unprecedented ” £330bn loan scheme to support businesses , alongside a raft of “ direct support ” measures including tax cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortgage holidays ” .
UK schools are closed to any children apart from those who are considered vulnerable or whose parents are categorised as key workers .
Early snapshot surveys suggest schools now have between 1 % and 20 % of pupils attending , reports the BBC .
Although closing schools and universities will help contain the virus , it will also stall the education of children and adults .
And plans to use predicted grades to award exams results this year are controversial , with many experts warning that black and minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be unfairly disadvantaged , reports The Guardian .
Professor Kalwant Bhopal , director of the centre for research in race and education at Birmingham University , said : “ There ’ s a lot of evidence to show that there are stereotypes around particular types of students , so their predicted grades are lower , and when they do the exam they do better than their predicted grade.
” Education Secretary Gavin Williamson last week said that he had “ asked exam boards to work closely with the teachers who know their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dedication is rewarded and fairly recognised ” .
Experts are warning that the mental health of many people will suffer as a result of restrictions on social interaction and exercise opportunities , in addition to the inevitable anxiety triggered by the global pandemic .
“ A lot of anxiety is rooted in worrying about the unknown and waiting for something to happen - coronavirus is that on a macro scale , ” Rosie Weatherley , spokesperson for mental health charity Mind , told the BBC .
In an article for Metro , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ve been facing an uphill battle with mental health for some time , but Covid-19 has exacerbated this significantly .
An increased number of patients present daily with symptoms that indicate that they are stressed , anxious and becoming increasingly depressed.
” The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has issued guidance for protecting mental health during what the UN agency describes as “ this time of crisis ” .
For many people , having the minutiae of daily life coming under government rule is an alien and confusing experience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus by giving government and police new powers is being nodded through by MPs , but would be unthinkable in ordinary times .
“ At this stage , the threat of contagion is very high , which means that measures to limit the movement of people are legitimised , ” writes columnist and author Cas Mudde in The Guardian .
But “ we should not let our fear be used to drag us into yet another false ‘ war ’ , ” he continues .
“ Because if we do , politicians will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already far too strong repressive powers of our surveillance states.
” A lockdown should curb the spread of the virus , but that means much of the population will not build up immunity and will remain susceptible to infection .
Indeed , with Covid-19 cases now reported in countries worldwide , some scientific models suggest that the epidemic could return within weeks of restrictions being lifted , says The Economist .
“ To avoid this , countries must suppress the disease each time it resurfaces , spending at least half their time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeated until either the disease has worked through the population or there is a vaccine which could be months away , if one works at all , ” adds the magazine .
Experts say social distancing can save lives , and a lockdown is an extreme version of social distancing .
The fewer people who get infected , the fewer people they can go on to infect - and so on .
Intensive care specialist professor Hugh Montgomery explained to Channel 4 ’ s Dispatches why staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very infectious .
Every person passes it to three ... if each of those three passes it to three and that happens at ten layers , I have been responsible for infecting 59,000 people , ” he says in a clip that is trending online .
% u201CIf you are irresponsible enough to think that you don % u2019t mind if you get the flu , remember it % u2019s not about you - it % u2019s about everybody else.
% u201D Intensive care specialist Professor Hugh Montgomery explains why this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
pic.twitter.com/h9sQorHQUv Johnson was clear in his televised address on Monday that the NHS faces a struggle to cope with the influx of patients suffering from coronavirus .
“ Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus , there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope , because there won ’ t be enough ventilators , enough intensive care beds , enough doctors and nurses , ” he said .
Intensive care unit ( ICU ) doctor Tim Cook says the magnitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ decisions about which patients to treat in ICU when not all can be ” .
“ When resources are overwhelmed and not all patients can be fully treated , doctors may instead have to focus on what is in the best interests of society , ” writes Cook in an article for The Guardian .
“ If this comes to pass in the UK , doctors will be making some of the hardest decision we have ever had to make.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Levels of air pollution and warming gases have fallen in many cities and regions around the world where the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in reduced travel and industrial production .
Researchers in New York told the BBC last week that readings of carbon monoxide - mainly from cars - were down by nearly 50 % year-on-year in the city .
“ New York has had exceptionally high carbon monoxide numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Professor Roisin Commane , from Columbia University , who carried out the New York air monitoring study .
“ And this is the cleanest I have ever seen it .
It is less than half of what we normally see in March.
” Meanwhile , an analysis by climate news and policy website Carbon Brief last month indicated that reduced output across China ’ s key industrial sectors had “ wiped out a quarter or more of the country ’ s CO2 emissions over the past four weeks ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on travel too , cities including London are also expected to enjoy a similar boost to air quality .


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Today’s back pages: Tokyo Olympics set for 2021 and footballers ‘revolt’ against games with no fans


theweekuk--2020-03-25--Premier League: Juventus may turn to Gabriel Jesus and Harry Kane gives injury update

Juventus could target Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus as part of a squad overhaul this summer.
The Italian champions were linked with the Brazilian in January and according to Calciomercato.com the club’s chief football officer, Fabio Paratici, is ready to make another move.
Gonzalo Higuain’s future in Turin is in doubt and reports suggest that he will be sold.
ESPN says Juve will be keen to land a “marquee signing”, and Jesus “fits the bill”. This season the No.9 has scored 18 goals in all competitions for City.
Transfer ‘free-for-all’ as summer window could stay open until January
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Sterling: Liverpool are always in my heart
Despite leaving Liverpool for Manchester City in a controversial transfer in 2015 Raheem Sterling admits that the Anfield club are “always in my heart”.
England striker Sterling spent five years at Anfield and in a live social media Q&A he was asked if he would ever return to the Reds.
On the Colossal Sports Management Instagram account, Sterling said: “Would I ever go back to Liverpool? To be honest with you, I love Liverpool.
“Don’t get it twisted, they are always in my heart, do you know what I mean? It’s a team that [has] done a lot for me growing up.”
Kane ‘doing really well’
No one knows when the Premier League season will resume but should fixtures start again in May Harry Kane could be ready for the run-in.
The Tottenham and England striker has been sidelined since January with a hamstring injury and there were fears - before the coronavirus crisis - that he would be out until the summer.
But the Three Lions skipper has revealed that he could be fully fit by the end of April, meaning he’ll be able to help Tottenham push for a top four finish if the Premier League returns.
Kane said: “I’m good. From a rehab point of view and personal point of view, I’m doing really well. I’m at a good stage now and just working hard, doing a lot of recovery, a lot of rehab and just waiting to see what happens to the season.”
Today’s back pages
Olympic flame will continue to burn in Tokyo, football’s transfer window of opportunity, Kane on the mend
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theweekuk--2020-03-25--Transfer ‘free-for-all’ as summer window could stay open until January

The suspension of football because of the coronavirus pandemic could force a major change in the dates of this summer ’ s transfer window .
In February Premier League clubs had agreed to adopt a change to the summer window closing date by reverting back to the traditional point at the end of August/early September .
It was confirmed by the Premier League that the 2020 summer closing date would be at 5pm ( BST ) on 1 September due to 31 August being a UK bank holiday .
However , those plans are now up in the air with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertainty of when matches will resume .
With football in an historic limbo , and no matches envisaged before May , there is confusion about how the summer transfer market will work for Premier League and English Football League ( EFL ) clubs .
The Daily Mirror reports that if the season does start again in May and go until the start of July that will “ cause havoc for the transfer market ” .
As a result talks are underway between the relevant bodies to reach a solution , and one option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until January 2021 , instead of closing it on 1 September .
The Mirror understands that EFL clubs have already discussed extending the window until next year with the Premier League also looking at alternatives .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– With no clear idea when fixtures will be completed , the Mirror says that big-money deals are likely to be put on hold and players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June face uncertain futures .
This could then lead to “ one giant long transfer window and a free-for-all on transfers ” .
The Premier League and football agents are bound by Fifa rules and the coronavirus crisis has led the governing body to set up a working group to look at the transfer window , player contracts and keep in touch with leagues and associations .
Speaking to the Mirror a Fifa spokesperson said : “ On 18 March the Bureau of the Fifa Council decided to establish a Fifa-Confederations Working Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Working Group will assess the need for amendments or temporary dispensations to the Fifa Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players ’ to protect contracts for both players and clubs and adjusting player registration periods .
“ This work has already started and will be conducted in consultation with all key stakeholders , including confederations , member associations , clubs , leagues and players.
” Citing a report in German publication Sport Bild , ESPN says that Jadon Sancho could stay at Borussia Dortmund for another season because the Bundesliga club are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winger at a bargain price amid a collapsing transfer market as a result of the coronavirus crisis ” .
Sancho , 20 , has been linked with big-money moves to a number of clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea .
Dortmund are holding out for a fee of around €130m ( £118m ) for the forward but ESPN says they are not willing to negotiate a lower deal .
Olympic flame will continue to burn in Tokyo , football ’ s transfer window of opportunity , Kane on the mend ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The suspension of football because of the coronavirus pandemic could force a major change in the dates of this summer’s transfer window.
In February Premier League clubs had agreed to adopt a change to the summer window closing date by reverting back to the traditional point at the end of August/early September.
It was confirmed by the Premier League that the 2020 summer closing date would be at 5pm (BST) on 1 September due to 31 August being a UK bank holiday.
However, those plans are now up in the air with the 2019-20 season currently on hold and uncertainty of when matches will resume.
Summer window to close in January?
With football in an historic limbo, and no matches envisaged before May, there is confusion about how the summer transfer market will work for Premier League and English Football League (EFL) clubs.
The Daily Mirror reports that if the season does start again in May and go until the start of July that will “cause havoc for the transfer market”.
As a result talks are underway between the relevant bodies to reach a solution, and one option is to extend the summer transfer window until January 2021, instead of closing it on 1 September.
The Mirror understands that EFL clubs have already discussed extending the window until next year with the Premier League also looking at alternatives.
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Free-for-all on transfers
With no clear idea when fixtures will be completed, the Mirror says that big-money deals are likely to be put on hold and players who are out of contract on 30 June face uncertain futures.
This could then lead to “one giant long transfer window and a free-for-all on transfers”.
Fifa sets up Covid-19 working group
The Premier League and football agents are bound by Fifa rules and the coronavirus crisis has led the governing body to set up a working group to look at the transfer window, player contracts and keep in touch with leagues and associations.
Speaking to the Mirror a Fifa spokesperson said: “On 18 March the Bureau of the Fifa Council decided to establish a Fifa-Confederations Working Group in response to Covid-19.
“This Working Group will assess the need for amendments or temporary dispensations to the Fifa Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players’ to protect contracts for both players and clubs and adjusting player registration periods.
“This work has already started and will be conducted in consultation with all key stakeholders, including confederations, member associations, clubs, leagues and players.”
Sancho to stay at Dortmund?
Citing a report in German publication Sport Bild, ESPN says that Jadon Sancho could stay at Borussia Dortmund for another season because the Bundesliga club are “not prepared to sell the England winger at a bargain price amid a collapsing transfer market as a result of the coronavirus crisis”.
Sancho, 20, has been linked with big-money moves to a number of clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea.
Dortmund are holding out for a fee of around €130m (£118m) for the forward but ESPN says they are not willing to negotiate a lower deal.
Today’s back pages
Olympic flame will continue to burn in Tokyo, football’s transfer window of opportunity, Kane on the mend
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