theweekuk--2020-03-23--Aubameyang wanted: Man Utd, Barcelona and PSG all interested in Arsenal star

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ’ s future at Arsenal remains a major talking point with the striker ’ s contract expiring in the summer of 2021 .
Reports suggest that the Gunners are working hard behind the scenes to get their skipper to agree to a new deal .
However , should the Gabon star not sign he would then be available on a free transfer .
In February Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed he was delighted with the 30-year-old ’ s contribution since taking over in December .
Aubameyang has scored 20 goals in 32 games this season for the Gunners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of European clubs .
Arteta said of his captain : “ Before I took over I had my questions about him but he has shown his commitment .
I wanted him to show if he wanted to do it and do it physically .
“ I ’ m so happy with him .
He is scoring important goals and as a captain he is giving a great example to everyone else with the way he is working defensively.
” Arsenal are currently ninth in the Premier League table with 40 points from 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind Chelsea , who sit in the fourth Champions League qualification spot .
It ’ s Aubameyang ’ s Champions League ambitions that could have a major impact on where his future lies .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Barcelona have regularly been linked with the frontman and the Daily Mail reports that the Spanish giants , French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal ’ s Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Aubameyang ’ s form in front of goal helped Arsenal win three matches in a row before the Premier League was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic .
In fact without Aubameyang ’ s 17 top-flight goals this season the Gunners would be 19th in the Premier League table and facing a relegation battle .
The Mail ’ s Jordan Seward says : “ He has single-handedly won 16 points for Arsenal this season and scored 43 % of all of their goals in the Premier League - it ’ s hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their team than Aubameyang.
” `` They are crying out for someone who is going to score them 20 to 25 goals , and that 's what Aubameyang can bring .
Add a Grealish if they can get him and then you 've got Bruno Fernandes as well playing in behind a striker , Manchester United will be a major force . ''
Merson : just what United are missing Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has risked the wrath of the Gooners by suggesting that Aubameyang is “ just what Manchester United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the weekend that United are “ circling ” around Aubameyang and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to take advantage of the contract situation .
The paper adds that the Old Trafford club are plotting a sensational £50m swoop .
Sky Sports pundit Merson believes United could be a “ major force ” if they sign Aubameyang and Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish .
Merson said : “ Aubameyang is what Manchester United are missing .
He is a goal scorer and goal scorers are priceless .
“ They are crying out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 to 25 goals , and that ’ s what Aubameyang can bring .
He gets you 25 goals without even breaking sweat .
“ Add a [ Jack ] Grealish if they can get him and then you ’ ve got Bruno Fernandes as well playing in behind a striker , Manchester United will be a major force.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at Arsenal remains a major talking point with the striker’s contract expiring in the summer of 2021.
Reports suggest that the Gunners are working hard behind the scenes to get their skipper to agree to a new deal. However, should the Gabon star not sign he would then be available on a free transfer.
In February Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed he was delighted with the 30-year-old’s contribution since taking over in December.
Aubameyang has scored 20 goals in 32 games this season for the Gunners and has attracted interest from a number of European clubs.
Arteta said of his captain: “Before I took over I had my questions about him but he has shown his commitment. I wanted him to show if he wanted to do it and do it physically.
“I’m so happy with him. He is scoring important goals and as a captain he is giving a great example to everyone else with the way he is working defensively.”
Arsenal are currently ninth in the Premier League table with 40 points from 28 matches. That’s eight points behind Chelsea, who sit in the fourth Champions League qualification spot.
It’s Aubameyang’s Champions League ambitions that could have a major impact on where his future lies.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Trio lead chase
Barcelona have regularly been linked with the frontman and the Daily Mail reports that the Spanish giants, French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Manchester United are all interested.
Aubameyang’s form in front of goal helped Arsenal win three matches in a row before the Premier League was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In fact without Aubameyang’s 17 top-flight goals this season the Gunners would be 19th in the Premier League table and facing a relegation battle.
The Mail’s Jordan Seward says: “He has single-handedly won 16 points for Arsenal this season and scored 43% of all of their goals in the Premier League - it’s hard to think of any player more pivotal to their team than Aubameyang.”
"They are crying out for someone who is going to score them 20 to 25 goals, and that's what Aubameyang can bring. Add a Grealish if they can get him and then you've got Bruno Fernandes as well playing in behind a striker, Manchester United will be a major force." — Sky Sports (@SkySports) March 20, 2020
Merson: just what United are missing
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has risked the wrath of the Gooners by suggesting that Aubameyang is “just what Manchester United are missing”.
The Sun reported at the weekend that United are “circling” around Aubameyang and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to take advantage of the contract situation. The paper adds that the Old Trafford club are plotting a sensational £50m swoop.
Sky Sports pundit Merson believes United could be a “major force” if they sign Aubameyang and Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish.
Merson said: “Aubameyang is what Manchester United are missing. He is a goal scorer and goal scorers are priceless.
“They are crying out for someone who is going to score them 20 to 25 goals, and that’s what Aubameyang can bring. He gets you 25 goals without even breaking sweat.
“Add a [Jack] Grealish if they can get him and then you’ve got Bruno Fernandes as well playing in behind a striker, Manchester United will be a major force.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Instant Opinion: Is Boris Johnson a ‘war leader’?

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
1 .
The editorial board in The Times “ The coming weeks will be critical to preserving public confidence .
The death toll will rise and many will fall sick .
If the NHS is overwhelmed , forcing doctors to deny potentially lifesaving treatment to those who need it , the public may come to ask why schools , pubs and restaurants were not forced to close sooner .
They may ask why there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment two months ago rather than waiting until last weekend .
And if the government is forced to introduce even more stringent restrictions to halt an escalating epidemic , they may ask why they weren ’ t introduced sooner , as they have been in much of the rest of the world .
The country needs to know that Mr Johnson has a coherent strategy .
Otherwise the prime minister who dreamt of being Churchill may find himself cast as Neville Chamberlain.
” on community and the coronavirus From work to education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same again “ We are , in different ways , showing that we understand that we depend on one another and , while we are all individuals with our own wants and needs , we are also members of something bigger .
We are remembering that national life is not about the individual stories of some 60-odd million people , but the challenges we meet together .
We are rediscovering the importance of community , institutions and the state .
When this is over – or more accurately , when we are over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue to live with – there will be no going back .
And not just because , after bailing out business on an unbelievable scale , taxpayers will demand a different future .
It will simply be impossible for ministers to return to the politics and economics of individualism after exhorting us to play our parts in a collective national effort.
” This virus is ravaging rich countries .
What happens when it hits the poor ones ?
“ If we are concerned about the failure to contain the virus in western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that horror await in the developing world .
With few means of medical intervention , and several other risk factors such as malnutrition , high population densities , communal living and lack of access to water and washing facilities , the rates of mortality could dwarf what has been seen so far in the west .
And economically , the virus risks ushering in an ice age .
There are no war chests , no stimulus packages , no insurance payouts.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– on the role of government “ As governments attempt to address the pandemic , we are beginning to witness a twofold approach characterised by governmental overreach on the one hand and by insufficient governmental reach on the other .
Both approaches are likely to have a dramatic effect on basic human rights for hundreds of millions of people .
Indeed , it is no hyperbole to say that more people will suffer and even die as a result of the way governments choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus.
” 5 .
Ivan Krastev in the New Statesman The seven early lessons of the global coronavirus crisis “ It is still early days in speculating about the long political impact of Covid-19 .
But it is already clear that it is an anti-globalisation virus , and that the opening of borders and mixing of peoples will be blamed for the catastrophe .
Historically , one dramatic aspect of epidemics is the desire to assign responsibility .
From Jews in medieval Europe to meat mongers in Chinese markets , someone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploits existing social divisions of religion , race , ethnicity , class , or gender identity .
The coronavirus crisis has justified the fears of the anti-globalists : closed airports and the self-isolated individuals appear to be the ground zero of globalisation .
It is ironic that the best way to contain the crisis of individualistic societies was to ask people to wall themselves in their apartment .
Social distancing has become the new name for solidarity .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. The editorial board in The Times
on Boris Johnson and coronavirus
War Leader
“The coming weeks will be critical to preserving public confidence. The death toll will rise and many will fall sick. If the NHS is overwhelmed, forcing doctors to deny potentially lifesaving treatment to those who need it, the public may come to ask why schools, pubs and restaurants were not forced to close sooner. They may ask why there was no action to order new ventilators and protective equipment two months ago rather than waiting until last weekend. And if the government is forced to introduce even more stringent restrictions to halt an escalating epidemic, they may ask why they weren’t introduced sooner, as they have been in much of the rest of the world. The country needs to know that Mr Johnson has a coherent strategy. Otherwise the prime minister who dreamt of being Churchill may find himself cast as Neville Chamberlain.”
2. Nick Timothy in The Telegraph
on community and the coronavirus
From work to education to politics, nothing will be the same again
“We are, in different ways, showing that we understand that we depend on one another and, while we are all individuals with our own wants and needs, we are also members of something bigger. We are remembering that national life is not about the individual stories of some 60-odd million people, but the challenges we meet together. We are rediscovering the importance of community, institutions and the state. When this is over – or more accurately, when we are over the worst of something we might need to continue to live with – there will be no going back. And not just because, after bailing out business on an unbelievable scale, taxpayers will demand a different future. It will simply be impossible for ministers to return to the politics and economics of individualism after exhorting us to play our parts in a collective national effort.”
3. Nesrine Malik in The Guardian
on a ticking time-bomb
This virus is ravaging rich countries. What happens when it hits the poor ones?
“If we are concerned about the failure to contain the virus in western Europe and the US, multiples of that horror await in the developing world. With few means of medical intervention, and several other risk factors such as malnutrition, high population densities, communal living and lack of access to water and washing facilities, the rates of mortality could dwarf what has been seen so far in the west. And economically, the virus risks ushering in an ice age. There are no war chests, no stimulus packages, no insurance payouts.”


theweekuk--2020-03-23--‘Not afraid to die’: Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao leads from the front in coronavirus battle

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao says he is “ not afraid to die ” and will risk his health by leading from the front in the Philippines ’ s battle with coronavirus .
The 41-year-old WBA super welterweight champion - who is also a senator in his home country - has paid for 50,000 testing kits , 700,000 face masks , and donated five buses to transport health workers in the capital city Manila .
He is also touring the streets to boost people ’ s morale .
The Manila Bulletin newspaper says Pacquiao “ remains to be the most visible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight-division boxing champion insists he won ’ t lower his guard .
Pacquiao said : “ If you are a leader , you have to be a front-liner .
You have to lead people and let people see that you are with them .
I grew up poor .
I know what they feel.
” After defeating the previously unbeaten Keith Thurman in Las Vegas last year , Pacquiao had planned a return to the ring in July .
However , with boxing and sport shut down because of the virus , Pacquiao @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service rather than training for his next bout .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sky Sports reports that Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk has vowed to break Britain ’ s dominance in the heavyweight division by taking the titles from Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury .
Usyk , who is the mandatory challenger for Joshua ’ s WBO belt , is set to fight Derek Chisora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set his sights on the two champions .
He said : “ I work hard on it .
I want to fight both.
” Joshua vs. Pulev could be moved The coronavirus pandemic could see Anthony Joshua ’ s title fight against Kubrat Pulev moved to July .
Joshua is set to defend his WBA , WBO and IBF belts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 20 June but promoter Eddie Hearn says alternative dates have been discussed in case of a postponement .
Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn told Sky Sports : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July but , right now , we are hoping 20 June can remain the date .
“ We know we have the same strategy moving forward .
Obviously the Premier League decision will play a big part in a number of sports.
” Flame flickers on Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Joe Cole says the Premier League should start from scratch ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao says he is “not afraid to die” and will risk his health by leading from the front in the Philippines’s battle with coronavirus.
The 41-year-old WBA super welterweight champion - who is also a senator in his home country - has paid for 50,000 testing kits, 700,000 face masks, and donated five buses to transport health workers in the capital city Manila. He is also touring the streets to boost people’s morale.
The Manila Bulletin newspaper says Pacquiao “remains to be the most visible lawmaker” during the pandemic and the eight-division boxing champion insists he won’t lower his guard.
Pacquiao said: “If you are a leader, you have to be a front-liner. You have to lead people and let people see that you are with them. I grew up poor. I know what they feel.”
After defeating the previously unbeaten Keith Thurman in Las Vegas last year, Pacquiao had planned a return to the ring in July.
However, with boxing and sport shut down because of the virus, Pacquiao’s focus is now on public service rather than training for his next bout.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Usyk eyes Joshua and Fury titles
Sky Sports reports that Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk has vowed to break Britain’s dominance in the heavyweight division by taking the titles from Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
Usyk, who is the mandatory challenger for Joshua’s WBO belt, is set to fight Derek Chisora on 23 May. But has already set his sights on the two champions.
He said: “I work hard on it. I want to fight both.”
Joshua vs. Pulev could be moved
The coronavirus pandemic could see Anthony Joshua’s title fight against Kubrat Pulev moved to July.
Joshua is set to defend his WBA, WBO and IBF belts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 20 June but promoter Eddie Hearn says alternative dates have been discussed in case of a postponement.
Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn told Sky Sports: “We do have a potential date in July but, right now, we are hoping 20 June can remain the date.
“We know we have the same strategy moving forward. Obviously the Premier League decision will play a big part in a number of sports.”
Today’s back pages
Flame flickers on Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Joe Cole says the Premier League should start from scratch
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Dominic Cummings: No. 10 denies ‘let old people die’ claim

To keep reading The Week ’ s concise , refreshing and balanced take on the world , please register your @ @ @ @ @ use the details you have shared to manage your registration.You agree to the processing , @ @ @ @ @ of this information for the purpose of managing your registration as described in our Privacy @ @ @ @ @ the details you have shared to manage your newsletter subscription.You agree to the processing , @ @ @ @ @ of this information for the purpose of managing your subscription as described in our Privacy @ @ @ @ @ the information you have shared for carefully considered and specific purposes , where we believe @ @ @ @ @ to do so , for example to send you communications about similar products and services @ @ @ @ @ more about our legitimate interest activity in our privacy policy .
‘ We ’ includes @ @ @ @ @ Publishing ( UK ) Ltd brands as detailed here

We will use the details you have shared to manage your registration. You agree to the processing, storage, sharing and use of this information for the purpose of managing your registration as described in our Privacy Policy.
Would you like to receive The WeekDay newsletter ?
The WeekDay newsletter provides you with a daily digest of news and analysis.
We will use the details you have shared to manage your newsletter subscription. You agree to the processing, storage, sharing and use of this information for the purpose of managing your subscription as described in our Privacy Policy.
We will use the information you have shared for carefully considered and specific purposes, where we believe we have a legitimate case to do so, for example to send you communications about similar products and services we offer. You can find out more about our legitimate interest activity in our Privacy Policy.
If you wish to object to the use of your data in this way, please tick here.
'We' includes The Week and other Future Publishing Limited brands as detailed here.


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 23 Mar 2020

Boris Johnson has warned that Britain may face a total lockdown unless members of the public follow rules for social @ @ @ @ @ that saw many ignoring pleas to stay two metres apart .
The prime minister said @ @ @ @ @ yesterday that he would “ think about this very actively in the next 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ of local authorities closed parks after they filled with people .

UK citizens ‘must respect social distancing’
Boris Johnson has warned that Britain may face a total lockdown unless members of the public follow rules for social distancing, after a weekend that saw many ignoring pleas to stay two metres apart. The prime minister said at his daily coronavirus briefing yesterday that he would “think about this very actively in the next 24 hours”, as a number of local authorities closed parks after they filled with people.


theweekuk--2020-03-23--IOC urged to make decision as Team Canada withdraws from Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Canada has become the first major nation to withdraw from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games .
In a statement issued overnight the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee said it had been a “ difficult decision ” to make , but after consulting athletes , sports groups , and the government the county said it would not be sending a team to Japan this summer .
“ While we recognise the inherent complexities around a postponement , nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community , ” said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about athlete health - it is about public health .
With COVID-19 and the associated risks , it is not safe for our athletes , and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these games .
“ In fact , it runs counter to the public health advice which we urge all Canadians to follow.
” Team Canada later posted a message on Twitter , confirming the decision and declaring : “ Postpone today .
Conquer tomorrow.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Canada ’ s announcement was made shortly after Japan ’ s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe admitted publicly for the first time that the games were in jeopardy .
Abe said cancelling the event is “ not an option ” but in Japan ’ s parliament today he added : “ If the IOC ’ s decision means it becomes impossible to hold [ the Olympics ] in a ‘ complete form , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then a decision may have to be made to postpone them.
” Australia has said it is “ clear ” that the Olympics can not begin on 24 July and according to BBC Sport the Australian Olympic Committee has “ told its athletes to prepare for a 2021 games ” .
Unlike other sports and events , the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) has dragged its feet in making a decision on the summer games , creating frustration among many nations and athletes .
In announcing their withdrawal , Canada “ urgently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more decisive leadership and end the uncertainty .
Canada ’ s decision may have been prompted by the vague statement released by the IOC after the executive board met on Sunday to discuss the crisis .
Despite growing calls last week to postpone the Tokyo mega-event , the IOC declared : “ In light of the worldwide deteriorating situation ... the executive board has initiated the next step in the IOC ’ s scenario-planning .
“ These scenarios relate to modifying existing operational plans for the games to go ahead on 24 July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start date of the games.
” BBC Sport says that the games will definitely not be cancelled and the most likely “ scenarios ” will be either a “ scaled-down ” Olympics , or a postponement .
Some of today ’ s newspapers claim that the games will be pushed back from a start date of 24 July to 24 October , but the BBC claims that the games could be rescheduled for 2021 .
Either way , the world is looking to the IOC for strong and bold leadership , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks before a decision is taken will only add to the frustration of many .
“ We welcome the IOC executive board decision to review the options in respect of a postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games , ” said British Olympic Association ( BOA ) chairman Sir Hugh Robertson .
“ However , we urge rapid decision-making for the sake of athletes who still face significant uncertainty.
” Flame flickers on Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Joe Cole says the Premier League should start from scratch ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Canada has become the first major nation to withdraw from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In a statement issued overnight the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee said it had been a “difficult decision” to make, but after consulting athletes, sports groups, and the government the county said it would not be sending a team to Japan this summer.
“While we recognise the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community,” said the statement.
“This is not solely about athlete health - it is about public health. With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these games.
“In fact, it runs counter to the public health advice which we urge all Canadians to follow.”
Team Canada later posted a message on Twitter, confirming the decision and declaring: “Postpone today. Conquer tomorrow.”
More than a performance, a record, or a medal. It’s about being part of something bigger. #TeamCanada pic.twitter.com/93vvTRzDfE — Team Canada (@TeamCanada) March 23, 2020
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Japan’s dream in jeopardy
Canada’s announcement was made shortly after Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe admitted publicly for the first time that the games were in jeopardy.
Abe said cancelling the event is “not an option” but in Japan’s parliament today he added: “If the IOC’s decision means it becomes impossible to hold [the Olympics] in a ‘complete form,’ as I have previously said, then a decision may have to be made to postpone them.”
Australia has said it is “clear” that the Olympics cannot begin on 24 July and according to BBC Sport the Australian Olympic Committee has “told its athletes to prepare for a 2021 games”.
Unlike other sports and events, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has dragged its feet in making a decision on the summer games, creating frustration among many nations and athletes.
In announcing their withdrawal, Canada “urgently called” on the IOC to show more decisive leadership and end the uncertainty.
Indecisive IOC
Canada’s decision may have been prompted by the vague statement released by the IOC after the executive board met on Sunday to discuss the crisis.
Despite growing calls last week to postpone the Tokyo mega-event, the IOC declared: “In light of the worldwide deteriorating situation... the executive board has initiated the next step in the IOC’s scenario-planning.
“These scenarios relate to modifying existing operational plans for the games to go ahead on 24 July 2020, and also for changes to the start date of the games.”
Tokyo 2021?
BBC Sport says that the games will definitely not be cancelled and the most likely “scenarios” will be either a “scaled-down” Olympics, or a postponement.
Some of today’s newspapers claim that the games will be pushed back from a start date of 24 July to 24 October, but the BBC claims that the games could be rescheduled for 2021.
Either way, the world is looking to the IOC for strong and bold leadership, but the announcement that it could be four weeks before a decision is taken will only add to the frustration of many.
“We welcome the IOC executive board decision to review the options in respect of a postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” said British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Sir Hugh Robertson.
“However, we urge rapid decision-making for the sake of athletes who still face significant uncertainty.”
Today’s back pages
Flame flickers on Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Joe Cole says the Premier League should start from scratch
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Stopping coronavirus: a global analysis of what is working

Claudia Abreu Lopes and Sanae Okamoto, researchers from United Nations University, analyse the best measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic in an article originally written for The Conversation.
The new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has been spreading rapidly but at a different rate in different countries. A variety of emergency responses and policy strategies have been implemented with varying outcomes so far.
The Asian countries and territories that were first hit by the outbreak have built on responses to previous epidemics such as Sars. Other countries are learning from this but also adopting their own strategies.
It’s possible there is no best strategy that works for everyone, as measures will have different results in countries with different political and health systems, social norms or operating procedures. There also seems to be a lack of consensus between various experts and governments as to what will work best, partly thanks to the limited evidence. However, there have been a number of new studies that give us some indications.
One of the first measures many countries try to prevent the disease reaching them but also to limit its spread after it is established, is to ban travel in and/or out of a region. A study on restrictions in Italy showed they reduced travel by 50% in affected regions after three weeks.
A global analysis that modelled how travel restrictions have affected transmission revealed that a travel ban in Wuhan delayed the inevitable epidemic progression by only three to five days in mainland China. But travel restrictions were effective in reducing international transmission by nearly 80%, suggesting that such bans can be effective when paired with other interventions.
Social distancing
One strategy that does seem to be effective at interrupting the transmission of the virus is social distancing, minimising social contact by limiting public gatherings and getting people to stay in their homes unless necessary. We have seen evidence for this in the slowdown of new cases in China and South Korea, as well as the relatively low numbers of cases in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
European countries have learned the hard lessons from the rapid spread of the virus in Italy and are implementing social distancing measures in the first stages of the outbreak. This includes the UK, which has ramped up the limited measures it introduced initially. But there are ongoing debates over whether social distancing should be encouraged or enforced, and whether social isolation should apply to the whole population or the groups most at risk.


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Today’s back pages: flame flickers on Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Joe Cole says the Premier League shoul

Today’s back pages: flame flickers on Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Joe Cole says the Premier League should start from scratch

“ The flame flickers ” is the headline in the Independent , one of several papers to devote its back page to the fate of this summer ’ s Olympic Games .
The paper says that the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) will make a decision on whether to scrub the Tokyo 2020 games within the next four weeks .
The Times says the discussions will be extensive , and various scenarios are on the table , including rescheduling the games for a start date of 24 October instead of 24 July .
The overnight news that Canada has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the games will only increase the pressure on the IOC to make a decisive announcement as soon as possible with some wanting the event to be staged in 2021 .
IOC urged to make decision as Team Canada withdraws from Tokyo 2020 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Premier League last week vowed to finish the season in the summer , despite the current shutdown of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ papers report the comments of Joe Cole , who believes it would be in the best interests of everyone if football shut down until September .
“ If we can ’ t finish the season , and it ’ s getting close to the following season , the only situation which I think is fair is to just restart it , ” said Cole , who is now employed as an academy coach with Chelsea .
His words - reported by the Daily Mirror , Daily Star and the Daily Express - will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 points clear at the top of the table , but Cole - a former Red himself - believes that they may have to sacrifice their ambition in the greater interest .
He added : “ We ’ re in a situation where people have to be selfless in their lives and in football we need to lead the way .
It ’ s going to benefit some clubs and others are going to be very upset but bigger things than football are at stake.
” Daily Star and the Daily Express report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by example in the Philippines ’ s battle with coronavirus .
The WBA super welterweight champion , now 41 , is also a senator and in an interview with the Manila Bulletin newspaper he said he is “ not afraid to die ” in helping his people overcome the disease .
Pacquiao has paid for 50,000 testing kits , 700,000 face masks , and donated five buses to transport health workers around Manila .
He is also touring the streets to boost people ’ s morale .
“ If you are a leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ You have to lead people and let people see that you are with them .
I grew up poor .
I know what they feel.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Olympics under threat
“The flame flickers” is the headline in the Independent, one of several papers to devote its back page to the fate of this summer’s Olympic Games.
The paper says that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will make a decision on whether to scrub the Tokyo 2020 games within the next four weeks.
The Times says the discussions will be extensive, and various scenarios are on the table, including rescheduling the games for a start date of 24 October instead of 24 July.
The overnight news that Canada has become the first nation to withdraw from the games will only increase the pressure on the IOC to make a decisive announcement as soon as possible with some wanting the event to be staged in 2021.
IOC urged to make decision as Team Canada withdraws from Tokyo 2020
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Cole: restart the Prem
The Premier League last week vowed to finish the season in the summer, despite the current shutdown of international sport, but many of the papers report the comments of Joe Cole, who believes it would be in the best interests of everyone if football shut down until September.
“If we can’t finish the season, and it’s getting close to the following season, the only situation which I think is fair is to just restart it,” said Cole, who is now employed as an academy coach with Chelsea.
His words - reported by the Daily Mirror, Daily Star and the Daily Express - will alarm Liverpool fans, whose club are 25 points clear at the top of the table, but Cole - a former Red himself - believes that they may have to sacrifice their ambition in the greater interest.
He added: “We’re in a situation where people have to be selfless in their lives and in football we need to lead the way. It’s going to benefit some clubs and others are going to be very upset but bigger things than football are at stake.”
Manny’s the man
Daily Star and the Daily Express report that boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is leading by example in the Philippines’s battle with coronavirus.
The WBA super welterweight champion, now 41, is also a senator and in an interview with the Manila Bulletin newspaper he said he is “not afraid to die” in helping his people overcome the disease.
Pacquiao has paid for 50,000 testing kits, 700,000 face masks, and donated five buses to transport health workers around Manila. He is also touring the streets to boost people’s morale.
“If you are a leader, you have to be a front-liner,” he said. “You have to lead people and let people see that you are with them. I grew up poor. I know what they feel.”
Today’s sport headlines
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-23--New York calls for federal help as coronavirus cases soar

The mayor of New York City has said that the coronavirus outbreak will only get worse in the state due to shortages of key medical supplies .
New York has around half the U.S ’ s 30,000 coronavirus cases and 5 % of cases worldwide .
With the death toll from the virus hitting 99 on Sunday evening , the city went into lockdown as all New Yorkers were ordered to stay indoors from 8pm .
The state governor , Andrew Cuomo , and Mayor Bill de Blasio , are both increasing pressure on the White House to provide urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If the president does not act , people will die who could have lived otherwise , ” de Blasio said .
“ If we don ’ t get more ventilators in the next 10 days people will die who don ’ t have to die.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Guard to help provide an additional 1,000 beds and extra face masks “ within 48 hours ” .
But the city ’ s authorities say more is needed .
Cuomo has also attacked New Yorkers who ignore social distance in parks and on streets as “ insensitive ” and “ arrogant ” , adding : “ I don ’ t know what I ’ m saying that people don ’ t get.
” Meanwhile , de Blasio , yesterday described the city as the “ epicenter of this crisis in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am not happy to tell you that .
You ’ re not happy to hear it ” , de Blasio said , adding : “ The worst is yet to come .
April is going to be a lot worse than March .
And I fear May could be worse than April.
” “ At least tonight , for the first time in weeks , I heard a response that showed focus and acceptance of the sheer scope of the problem , ” he said of a phone conversation with Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CNN describes New York governor Andrew Cuomo ’ s press conferences as “ appointment viewing ” , noting that they form a “ contrast ” to President Donald Trump ’ s briefings .
The broadcaster reports that where Cuomo projects “ competence and authority , with a dash of his idiosyncratic humour , ” Trump is “ meandering ” .
As the virus sweeps the city , the New York Post says Brooklyn has seen the most cases with 3,154 .
Queens has 3,050 , Manhattan has 2,324 , the Bronx has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 666 cases .


theweekuk--2020-03-23--OECD: global economy will suffer for ‘years to come’


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Online calculator tells you how long your toilet paper will last

An online toilet roll calculator will tell you how long your stocks of the precious paper will last during coronavirus isolation .
Howmuchtoiletpaper.com is a website created by two Londoners , student software developer Ben Sassoon and artist Sam Harris .
If you use the Advanced Options section , you can really even more precise information , for example inputing the average number of wipes per trip , the number of sheets per wipe and more .
You 'll never walk alone ... but maybe you should The football anthem You ’ ll Never Walk Alone was played on radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The stations included Slovenia ’ s Val 202 , which was ironic because the country ’ s government had just issued official coronavirus advice telling people they should walk alone if they go outside .
A man has admitted to having a sexual relationship with a bottlenose dolphin and insists she came on to him .
Malcolm Brenner , 68 , was in his 20s when he says he was “ seduced ” by the dolphin , called Dolly .
He says : “ At first I discouraged her , I was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ if this was a woman would I come up with these rationalisations and excuses ’ ?
” –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– – For more outlandish tales and news to make you smile , sign up for our Tall Tales email ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

An online toilet roll calculator will tell you how long your stocks of the precious paper will last during coronavirus isolation. Howmuchtoiletpaper.com is a website created by two Londoners, student software developer Ben Sassoon and artist Sam Harris. If you use the Advanced Options section, you can really even more precise information, for example inputing the average number of wipes per trip, the number of sheets per wipe and more.
You'll never walk alone...but maybe you should
The football anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone was played on radio stations in 180 countries last week. The stations included Slovenia’s Val 202, which was ironic because the country’s government had just issued official coronavirus advice telling people they should walk alone if they go outside.
Man says a dolphin seduced him
A man has admitted to having a sexual relationship with a bottlenose dolphin and insists she came on to him. Malcolm Brenner, 68, was in his 20s when he says he was “seduced” by the dolphin, called Dolly. He says: “At first I discouraged her, I wasn't interested. After some time I thought ’if this was a woman would I come up with these rationalisations and excuses’?”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For more outlandish tales and news to make you smile, sign up for our Tall Tales email–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-22--1.5m Brits told to stay indoors to protect against Covid-19


theweekuk--2020-03-22--Self-employed call for coronavirus help

Self-employed call for coronavirus help

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is facing mounting pressure to extend his coronavirus wage bailout scheme to the UK ’ s five million self-employed workers .
The calls come amid fears that many will be left financially stranded by the outbreak and forced to keep working even if they have symptoms .
On Friday , Rishi Sunak announced the government would step in and pay 80 % of salaries for staff kept on by employers , up to a limit of £2,500 a month .
However , this does not extend to freelancers , contractors and sole traders who will only be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit .
Treasury minister Stephen Barclay has said the self-employed will be helped through additional measures such as the deferral of self-assessment tax requirements , payment holidays for mortgage payers and the strengthening of the welfare “ safety net ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important business stories and tips for the week ’ s best shares - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– However , former Brexit Secretary David Davis has warned the economy faces a “ fatal seizure ” if the self-employed are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting that “ trades including bricklayers , plumbers and creative industries will be struck by immense hardship if no urgent action is taken ” .
“ It is great for those who have got jobs but it does miss out a pretty important sector of the economy – namely the self-employed – and [ Sunak ] is going to have to find a way of replicating this for the self-employed as well ” , Davis told the BBC .
The Guardian says the chancellor “ is being lobbied to go further in coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-employed taxi drivers , couriers and other gig economy workers and zero-hours contractors to keep working while ill ” .
According to a Populus survey for the Royal Society of Arts carried out last week , 47 % of the self-employed and 51 % of people in “ atypical ” work - such as those on zero-hours contracts - would feel obliged to work even if they had the virus .
TUC general secretary , Frances O ’ Grady , said the union movement would now be “ pushing really hard ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chancellor is “ being lobbied to mirror the approach of Norway ” , where the government has said that it will pay self-employed workers grants equating to 80 % of their average income over the past three years .
A big problem for the government is that Britain ’ s self-employed , who account for 15 % of the workforce , “ are a disparate group ” says the Financial Times .
Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies showed that about a third had taxable income of less than £10,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in professional firms rank among the UK ’ s top 1 % by income .
Because of this “ extending Sunak ’ s retention scheme to self-employed workers would be logistically difficult ” , the FT reports .
“ It could be easier to relax the rules on means-testing under universal credit , or to make contributory benefits that might be open to some self-employment people more generous , ” the paper adds .


theweekuk--2020-03-22--Cabinet fights over ‘designated survivor’ role

Infighting has erupted over who will lead the government ’ s response to the coronavirus in the event that the prime minister is taken ill .
The Sunday Times reports that the “ designated survivor ” plan , so-named because it echoes the plot of the television series in which Kiefer Sutherland ’ s character becomes president after the rest of the cabinet is killed , has “ unleashed a bout of infighting among cabinet ministers over the chain of command ” .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , as first Secretary of State and officially Boris Johnson ’ s de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister if he was forced to self-isolate .
However , other senior cabinet members are vying to be named “ chief executive ” on coronavirus .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Raab , Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove , Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Matt Hancock each chair a committee coordinating response to the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaged in a turf war over who is in charge of the domestic strategy ” , according to The Sunday Times .
The Daily Mail reports that “ Hancock ’ s responsibilities on the health committee extend to critical decisions about boosting NHS capacity before the peak of the epidemic hits , while Gove is focusing on the rest of the public sector ’ s preparedness ” .
One source told the paper that it was “ obvious that Michael is vying with Matt and itching to take over ” , saying : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet Office , which is the natural place to pull all the different strands of a crisis like this together.
” Another source said : “ Both Michael and Matt seem to be listening for the first cough from Boris – and wondering which of them will step up when he is self-isolating.
” The plan to establish a chain-of-command “ comes after a Tory MP repeated calls for Johnson to set out a formal procedure for what happens if the prime minister is incapacitated or killed ” , according to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Wellingborough , has been trying to have a line of succession laid out in law for almost a decade without success , says the paper .
Bone has called on the government to back his bill currently going through the Commons so it could be in place in case the prime minister falls ill with coronavirus .


theweekuk--2020-03-20--Which celebrities have coronavirus?

Which celebrities have coronavirus?

Coronavirus has infected more than 345,000 people worldwide - including some high-profile figures .
As entertainment news site Vulture notes , a growing number of celebrities , “ who often have access to testing through private physicians ” , are announcing that they are self-isolating after catching the virus , and are urging fans to follow suit .
Here are some of the stars and other well-known names who have tested positive for coronavirus so far .
Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has tested positive for coronavirus in prison , where he is beginning a 23-year sentence for rape and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be one of two infected prisoners at the Wende Correctional Facility , near Buffalo in upstate New York .
Weinstein is now in isolation , according to Michael Powers , president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association .
Shortly before all professional football in England - and further afield - was indefinitely put on hold , the Premier League was rudely awakened to the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak when Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the virus , which causes Covid-19 disease , on 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Everton and Manchester City player is now on the road to recovery .
“ We ’ re pleased to say Mikel is feeling much better , ” reads part of an open letter to fans in the name of directors , players and staff of Arsenal .
“ He ’ s in good spirits , doing detailed planning with the coaches and speaking to the players regularly.
” The first Hollywood A-lister confirmed to be infected was Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson , who announced their diagnoses on 11 March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Australia , where Hanks was preparing to begin filming for director Baz Luhrmann ’ s highly anticipated Elvis Presley biopic when he began feeling unwell .
The Telegraph reports that the actor said he felt like he had a cold , while Wilson suffered chills .
“ Well , now .
What to do next ?
The medical officials have protocols that must be followed , ” Hanks said on Instagram .
“ We Hanks will be tested , observed , and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a one-day-at-a-time approach , no ?
We ’ ll keep the world posted and updated .
Take care of yourselves !
” Last week , Hanks ’ sister Sandra told People magazine : “ Tom and Rita are doing very well and continue to recover .
Their recovery is very much on course for healthy adults with this virus .
They are feeling better each day.
” Norwegian actor Kristofer Hivju revealed last week that he had caught the virus .
Hivju , best known as wildling Tormund Giantsbane in HBO ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Instagram alongside a picture of him and his wife , Gry Molvær Hivju .
“ Greetings from Norway !
Sorry to say that I , today , have tested positive for Covid-19 , ” he wrote .
“ My family and I are self-isolating at home for as long as it takes .
We are in good health - I only have mild symptoms of a cold - there are people at higher risk for who this virus might be a devastating diagnosis.
” UK public health officials announced earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has been in contact with junior health minister Nadine Dorries , after she tested positive for coronavirus .
The Telegraph reports that Dorries , who has “ met hundreds of people as part of her duties ” , began feeling unwell on Friday 6 March but was not confirmed to have the virus until the following Monday evening .
This week , the MP tweeted : “ A side effect of # coronavirus for me is the fact that I have lost 100 % of taste and smell .
Absolutely zero of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drinking warm or cold that ’ s all I can tell .
No point in putting a tea bag in the water.
” The Palace of Monaco confirmed last Thursday that Prince Albert II has tested positive for Covid-19 , but said that his health “ is not worrying at all ” .
The 62-year-old is the first reigning monarch or head of state to publicly announce a diagnosis for the coronavirus-caused respiratory disease .
The Palace said Albert was being treated by specialists from London ’ s Princess Grace Hospital , named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grace Kelly .
US News reports that the Prince is “ continuing to work from his home office in the palace and is in constant contact with members of his government ” .
The wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on 12 March that she had tested positive for coronavirus after returning from a brief trip to the UK .
According to an official statement from the PM ’ s office , Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and her husband are in self-isolation for a period of two weeks .
British actor Idris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 March to announce that he had become infected .
The Luther star said that he was asymptomatic but had decided to go for testing after discovering that he had exposed to someone who had been diagnosed with the virus - widely speculated to be Sophie Trudeau , whom he met during a charity event in London on 4 March .
“ This morning I got some test results back for coronavirus , and it came back positive , and it sucks , ” Elba said in the clip , before adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is in self-isolation after getting a positive diagnosis last week .
In a statement on Twitter , the French politician said : “ I would like to inform you that I have tested positive [ for ] Covid-19 .
I ’ m fine , morale is good .
I naturally follow all the instructions , just like my team.
” “ For all those affected already , and for all those currently in isolation , we will get through this together , ” he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible and I am strictly confined to my home .
”


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Immunity tests: how do they work and when will they be ready?

Millions of tests that can detect whether a person has ever been infected with coronavirus will be available “within weeks”, according to The Times.
Robert Jenrick, the housing and communities secretary, said: “It will be a very simple one to use and it will be similar to taking a pregnancy test.”
Jenrick’s comments came as the government announced a £20m investment to study and better understand the spread of Covid-19.
Last week, the Prime Minister said that a “game-changing” test that can identify people who have been infected and consequently now have immunity was close to being developed.
How does the test work?
According to The Sun, the new test “goes further than the current method which only diagnoses those who are currently infected with the disease”.
The existing test “detects the virus’ genetic material in oral or nasal swabs”, says Wired. This means that it is highly effective, but “only returns a positive result when the virus is still present in the body”.
The magazine adds that the new test uses “serological testing”, meaning it will tell doctors if a person crossed paths with the coronavirus weeks or even months ago – sometimes without knowing.
This, Wired reports, will mean we can start to collect figures “modelling the spread of Covid-19”, so the government can “make accurate public health decisions”.
Lack of testing is said to be hampering efforts to free up beds for coronavirus patients, with some hospitals reporting that care homes are refusing to accept discharged patients unless they have been tested for the virus, according to Health Service Journal.
Commenting on the new test, Boris Johnson said: “The great thing about having a test to see whether you’ve had it, is suddenly a green light goes on above your head and you can go back to work safe and confident in the knowledge that you are most unlikely to get it again.”
When will the new tests arrive?
Wired reports that dozens of prospective serological test kits for Covid-19 have been developed all around the globe since the start of February.
Details on the latest test, the magazine says, from Icahn School of Medicine in New York City, were published just two days ago.
In Singapore and South Korea, serological tests have already been used on a large scale in national surveillance programmes that are likely to give scientists the first population data on just how widespread Covid-19 has been within a particular nation.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference last Thursday, Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser, said Public Health England’s work on the antibody test is “progressing very fast”, said ITV.
Following the Prime Minister’s promise last week to ramp up testing in hospitals to 25,000 a day, Jenrick told the BBC that the government had ordered “millions” of the serological testing kits, adding that they will be available “in the coming weeks”.


theweekuk--2020-03-23--PE with Joe and #StayInWorkOut: videos to help you keep fit and active at home

Staying indoors should not be an excuse for a lack of exercise .
That ’ s the advice given by health experts and sporting bodies during the coronavirus pandemic .
With gyms closed and millions of adults and kids being advised to stay at home , there ’ s a risk of many people slobbing out in front of the TV , laptop or games console .
For this reason Sport England is launching its # StayInWorkOut campaign designed to encourage people to keep active in and around their homes .
Speaking to the BBC , Sport England chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social isolation means being inside - if you feel well , it is easier than ever to get active .
“ We all know that right now what matters most is listening to what the official advice is telling us to do , so we can save lives and protect the NHS .
What that doesn ’ t mean is that we stop being active , which we believe is now more important than ever .
“ From the Prime Minister down , everyone recognises the vital benefit that being active can have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means of building and retaining your physical wellbeing , but also crucially it ’ s a way of supporting your mental health and battling back against some of the worst moments of isolation and fear that the coronavirus has instilled in all of us .
“ I believe , however , that we will also see a profound change in the relationship in our communities to sport and the need for physical activity , realising more than ever how much it matters to our own sense of wellbeing , and more importantly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the connectivity of communities and in bringing people together.
” REMINDER : If you % u2019re going outside to get active , like going for a run , a walk or a cycle , it % u2019s vital you follow social distancing guidelines .
That means staying more than 2 metres from others .
pic.twitter.com/hMu2N3BxFM If you are heading outside to walk , run or cycle , remember to follow the government guidance on social distancing .
Sport England said : “ Advice for people who are going outside to get active : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your home and avoiding going to places where it might be difficult to follow the guidelines .
“ If you don ’ t think that ’ s possible - there are loads of great ways you can get active inside your home or out in your garden if you have one !
” Joe Wicks , The Body Coach , has this week launched his “ PE with Joe ” live video exercise class for kids and parents .
The live stream of Monday ’ s first fitness class was watched 1.7m times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids ) started their day with a morning workout .
The free online classes will take place Monday to Friday at 9am .
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph Wicks said that he wanted to become a “ PE teacher for the nation ” .
The 33-year-old added : “ When things started to get bad , I had lots of parents asking me how they could keep their children active while they were home schooling , or if they were self-isolating .
I started to feel quite emotional .
“ So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PE teacher for the nation and do 30-minute live kids ’ workouts every weekday .
The free workouts will be very similar to what I did on my school fitness tour , with a mix of HIIT workouts , including jumping jacks , ‘ climb the ropes ’ and squats .
“ The exercises are fun , easy , and aimed at toddlers through to teenagers .
My daughter Indie is nearly two and she tries to copy me when I do them .
The whole family can do my PE lessons together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it while they catch up on work.
” There ’ s hours of videos on YouTube to get you active when at home .
This Girl Can and Fitness Blender are two channels which give top tips , plus we pick some other great fitness classes for the home and garden ...

Staying indoors should not be an excuse for a lack of exercise. That’s the advice given by health experts and sporting bodies during the coronavirus pandemic.
With gyms closed and millions of adults and kids being advised to stay at home, there’s a risk of many people slobbing out in front of the TV, laptop or games console.
For this reason Sport England is launching its #StayInWorkOut campaign designed to encourage people to keep active in and around their homes.
Speaking to the BBC, Sport England chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said: “Even if social isolation means being inside - if you feel well, it is easier than ever to get active.
“We all know that right now what matters most is listening to what the official advice is telling us to do, so we can save lives and protect the NHS. What that doesn’t mean is that we stop being active, which we believe is now more important than ever.
“From the Prime Minister down, everyone recognises the vital benefit that being active can have. It’s not just a means of building and retaining your physical wellbeing, but also crucially it’s a way of supporting your mental health and battling back against some of the worst moments of isolation and fear that the coronavirus has instilled in all of us.
“I believe, however, that we will also see a profound change in the relationship in our communities to sport and the need for physical activity, realising more than ever how much it matters to our own sense of wellbeing, and more importantly, how powerful it can be in ensuring the connectivity of communities and in bringing people together.”
REMINDER: If you’re going outside to get active, like going for a run, a walk or a cycle, it’s vital you follow social distancing guidelines. That means staying more than 2 metres from others. pic.twitter.com/hMu2N3BxFM — Sport England (@Sport_England) March 23, 2020
Social distancing when outside
If you are heading outside to walk, run or cycle, remember to follow the government guidance on social distancing.
Sport England said: “Advice for people who are going outside to get active: do it locally, staying close to your home and avoiding going to places where it might be difficult to follow the guidelines.
“If you don’t think that’s possible - there are loads of great ways you can get active inside your home or out in your garden if you have one!”
PE with Joe Wicks
Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, has this week launched his “PE with Joe” live video exercise class for kids and parents.
The live stream of Monday’s first fitness class was watched 1.7m times on YouTube as kids (and bigger kids) started their day with a morning workout. The free online classes will take place Monday to Friday at 9am.
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph Wicks said that he wanted to become a “PE teacher for the nation”.
The 33-year-old added: “When things started to get bad, I had lots of parents asking me how they could keep their children active while they were home schooling, or if they were self-isolating. I started to feel quite emotional.
“So I decided I’d become the PE teacher for the nation and do 30-minute live kids’ workouts every weekday. The free workouts will be very similar to what I did on my school fitness tour, with a mix of HIIT workouts, including jumping jacks, ‘climb the ropes’ and squats.
“The exercises are fun, easy, and aimed at toddlers through to teenagers. My daughter Indie is nearly two and she tries to copy me when I do them. The whole family can do my PE lessons together, or parents can leave older children to it while they catch up on work.”
Feeling inspired? Watch these videos...
There’s hours of videos on YouTube to get you active when at home. This Girl Can and Fitness Blender are two channels which give top tips, plus we pick some other great fitness classes for the home and garden...


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: how Britain will be forever changed

The coronavirus outbreak is having a drastic effect on everything from the healthcare sector to flexible working and how we socialise – and many of these effects are likely to far outlast the current crisis .
The virus has already reached every corner of the British Isles , impacting not only infected patients but everyone else too as we are asked to change our daily habits and behaviour to slow its spread .
As history professor and writer Yuval Noah Harari and others have noted , the past suggests that some of the emergency policies launched to respond to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So how could Covid-19 change Britain for ever ?
As George Eaton wrote in the New Statesman last week , “ the coronavirus crisis shows the era of big government is back ” .
Boris Johnson ’ s Conservatives are is unrecognisable from the austerity-first Tory Party of the early 2010s .
Last week , Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £350bn economic stimulus package , as well as a wage bailout plan that is in stark contrast to the spending cuts of the David Cameron/George Osborne years .
The Times reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued that the multibillion-pound spending plan was “ simply not going to be enough ” , adding that Tory MPs “ are lining up for far more radical measures ” .
In the same paper , deputy business editor Graham Ruddick says : “ The government is offering support for businesses on a scale unimaginable even a week ago.
” Pointing to the support for the package from Len McCluskey , general secretary of Unite , Ruddick adds : “ A trade union leader praising a Tory government – truly , we live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the debate about government intervention in business has traditionally been divided along political lines – the British left being generally in favour and the right against .
However , Johnson ’ s administration – backed by supporters on the right such as Thatcherite economist Patrick Minford – have shown “ a greater willingness to intervene ” .
As Eaton notes in the New Statesman : “ As the world contends with multiple threats , only the much-maligned state can guarantee prosperity and security ” .
The coronavirus , while not understood to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , has highlighted the huge strain under which the NHS operates .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has today admitted that there have been “ challenges ” with the supply of personal protective equipment to NHS staff in England .
“ I am determined to ensure that the right kit gets to the right hospital , the right ambulance service , the right doctors ’ surgery , right across the country , ” Hancock says on the BBC .
“ There have been challenges and I can see that .
We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the problems.
” The statement followed Dr Rinesh Parmar , chair of the Doctors ’ Association , telling the BBC ’ s The Andrew Marr Show that healthcare professionals feel like “ cannon fodder ” owing to shortages of protective equipment needed to treat coronavirus patients .
The Chancellor announced an additional £5bn to help the healthcare system in his budget , but calls for greater healthcare spending are growing and are unlikely to go away .
As Mariana Mazzucato , professor of economics at University College London , writes in The Guardian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the government to “ invest in… institutions that help to prevent crises , and make us more capable to handle them when they arise ” .
With the threat of a global financial crisis akin to the 2008 crash looming , the government has also taken “ unprecedented ” steps to secure people ’ s income .
Aside from Sunak ’ s wage bailout plan , governments around the world are considering the idea of sending direct cash payments to their citizens to support them during the period of self-isolation that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking in the Commons last week , the Prime Minister said such payments – known as universal basic income ( UBI ) in the UK – would “ certainly be considered ” .
Long considered a fringe idea spoken about on both the right and left of politics , the idea was popularised by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang .
It is similar to working tax credits in the UK , but avoids the costly administrative burden and complexity of applications and potential tax return-based clawbacks .
Daniel Susskind , an economist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Telegraph that a temporary UBI in Britain would be the best way of “ supporting small businesses , such as pubs and restaurants , that would not benefit from a top-down financial stability package from the Government or Bank of England ” .
Johnson has stressed that he is putting the government on a “ wartime footing ” , however , as The Guardian ’ s economics editor Larry Elliott notes , the financial shock of the Second World War triggered a string of unexpected consequences .
This , Elliott writes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including “ enhanced power for trade unions , more progressive taxation and the expansion of welfare states ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Working from home used to be a rare opportunity for employees with progressive employers , but in recent weeks it has become the new normal .
As the Financial Times reports , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working , with “ many of Britain ’ s businesses are going beyond government guidance on the pandemic ” .
Ann Francke , head of the Chartered Management Institute , told the paper that this is an “ unprecedented ” shift , one that could “ change the workplace forever ” .
Disability campaigners have also noted that the shift towards remote working is something they have been pushing for since well before the virus .
Campaigns and mobilisations manager for Scope , Jessica Leigh , told The i : “ It shouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address these failings.
” Writing on The Conversation , Volodymyr Bilotkach , senior lecturer in economics at Newcastle University Business School and associate editor of the Journal of Air Transport Management , says the “ airline industry will wear the scars of the coronavirus pandemic for a very long time ” .
Flights have ceased all around the world , with travel bans leading UK airlines to appeal to the government for a multibillion-pound emergency bailout to stop the industry being destroyed .
Bilotkach notes that the industry has “ never before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that “ governments will have to make hard decisions ” about how to support the ailing carriers .
These decisions , he suggests , include whether to let the companies fail ( resulting in widespread job losses ) , provide them with a bailout to “ help weather the storm ” , or nationalise them – as has already happened in Italy – in a further example of the state flexing its muscles .
As The Guardian reports , the coronavirus pandemic has shut down industrial activity , temporarily slashing air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imagery from the European Space Agency shows a dramatic reduction in levels of nitrogen dioxide ( NO2 ) over cities and industrial clusters in Europe and Asia , in what one expert described to the paper as the “ largest-scale experiment ever ” in terms of the reduction of industrial emissions .
Paul Monks , professor of air pollution at the University of Leicester , told the paper : “ We are now , inadvertently , conducting the largest-scale experiment ever seen .
“ Are we looking at what we might see in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a low-carbon economy ?
Not to denigrate the loss of life , but this might give us some hope from something terrible .
To see what can be achieved.
” Roadside monitors already show significantly reduced levels of pollution at hotspots such as Marylebone in London , with Monks adding that the virus has shown “ there is considerable potential to change working practices and lifestyles ” .


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Sport shorts: Lewis Hamilton hits out at ‘irresponsible’ lack of social distancing and Hearts captai

Sport shorts: Lewis Hamilton hits out at ‘irresponsible’ lack of social distancing and Hearts captain agrees 50% pay cut

Six-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has criticised people for ignoring the UK government ’ s advice over social distancing .
At the weekend there were many reports of the public crowding in parks and beaches despite warnings they should be least two metres apart .
British driver Hamilton , who is self-isolating after coming into contact with people who have tested positive for the coronavirus , said : “ I ’ m so sad to hear of the amount of deaths happening around the world .
“ I know most of us are limited with the knowledge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There is nothing we can do about it either way except to try to isolate ourselves , stop ourselves from catching it and spreading it .
“ There are people out there still going to clubs and bars and large gatherings which I personally feel is totally irresponsible and selfish .
“ I ’ m praying for those working at the local store , deliverers , doctors and nurses who put their own health at risk to help others and keep the countries running .
Those are the heroes .
Please stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix have today confirmed that the 2020 race has been postponed .
The Azerbaijan GP , which was due to be held at the Baku City Circuit from 5-7 June , is the eighth F1 race to be called off .
With Azerbaijan making its announcement , the 2020 F1 season will now not start until the Canadian GP on 14 June .
However , the race at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal is also a major doubt .
The Premier League last week vowed to finish the season in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of international sport , but former England star Joe Cole believes it would be in the best interests of everyone if football shut down until September .
“ If we can ’ t finish the season , and it ’ s getting close to the following season , the only situation which I think is fair is to just restart it , ” said Cole , who is now employed as an academy coach with Chelsea .
His words will alarm Liverpool fans , whose club are 25 points clear at the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former Red himself - believes that they may have to sacrifice their ambition in the greater interest .
He added : “ We ’ re in a situation where people have to be selfless in their lives and in football we need to lead the way .
It ’ s going to benefit some clubs and others are going to be very upset but bigger things than football are at stake.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 4 .
Manny on the frontline in the Philippines Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao says he is “ not afraid to die ” and will risk his health by leading from the front in the Philippines ’ s battle with coronavirus .
The 41-year-old WBA super welterweight champion - who is also a senator in his home country - has paid for 50,000 testing kits , 700,000 face masks , and donated five buses to transport health workers in the capital city Manila .
He is also touring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
‘ Not afraid to die ’ : Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao leads from the front in coronavirus battle Sport England is launching a national campaign - # StayInWorkOut - to encourage people to remain active even if they are at home .
Chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said : “ Even if social isolation means being inside - if you feel well , it is easier than ever to get active .
“ We all know that right now what matters most is listening to what the official advice is telling us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives and protect the NHS .
What that doesn ’ t mean is that we stop being active , which we believe is now more important than ever.
” Hearts striker Steven Naismith has agreed to take a 50 % wage cut in order to help the club survive .
BBC Sport reports that Hearts captain Steven Naismith has agreed to a 50 % cut in his wages in a bid to help the Scottish Premiership club during the shutdown .
“ My family and I feel that , through a long career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , ” said Naismith .
“ Therefore , I personally feel that I can and should accept the 50 % reduction in wages .
“ I hope this can contribute in some way to the long-term survival of the club at a challenging time and save jobs , especially those that are the lowest earners and hence those who will be struggling the most at this time .
“ I know every one of my team-mates have unique circumstances with their finances , homes and families .
I can assure everyone they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ’ s future at Arsenal remains a major talking point with the striker ’ s contract expiring in the summer of 2021 .
Barcelona have regularly been linked with the frontman and the Daily Mail reports that the Spanish giants , French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal ’ s Premier League rivals Manchester United are all interested .
Merson : Aubameyang is just what United are missing ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sky Sports reports that Arsenal have cancelled plans to resume training tomorrow and urged players , staff and fans to “ stay at home and save lives ” .
The north London club has also pledged to continue paying matchday and non-matchday casual workers until 30 April - when the Premier League is scheduled to return .
Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham said : “ These are challenging times for everyone , but in particular our casual workers .
This gesture is intended to ease their financial uncertainty while football is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to welcoming football back to Emirates Stadium as soon as possible.
” 9 .
Farah back in the spotlight over report row Mo Farah is back in the headlines , The Times reports , after UK Anti-Doping accused the body in charge of British athletics of withholding important parts of a report into the Olympic champion ’ s American coach , which include the athlete ’ s sensitive medical data .
The independent review examined the handling by UK Athletics of the row surrounding the Nike Oregon Project , where Farah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salazar .
“ The flame flickers ” is the headline in the Independent , one of several papers to devote its back page to the fate of this summer ’ s Olympic Games .
The paper says that the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) will make a decision on whether to scrub the Tokyo 2020 games within the next four weeks .
Overnight Canada became the first nation to withdraw from the games and this will only increase the pressure on the IOC to make a decisive announcement as soon as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staged in 2021 .
IOC urged to make decision as Team Canada withdraws from Tokyo 2020 Flame flickers on the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Lewis: it’s irresponsible and selfish
Six-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has criticised people for ignoring the UK government’s advice over social distancing.
At the weekend there were many reports of the public crowding in parks and beaches despite warnings they should be least two metres apart.
British driver Hamilton, who is self-isolating after coming into contact with people who have tested positive for the coronavirus, said: “I’m so sad to hear of the amount of deaths happening around the world.
“I know most of us are limited with the knowledge of why and how this has happened.
“There is nothing we can do about it either way except to try to isolate ourselves, stop ourselves from catching it and spreading it.
“There are people out there still going to clubs and bars and large gatherings which I personally feel is totally irresponsible and selfish.
“I’m praying for those working at the local store, deliverers, doctors and nurses who put their own health at risk to help others and keep the countries running. Those are the heroes. Please stay safe, people.”
2. Azerbaijan GP is postponed
Organisers of the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix have today confirmed that the 2020 race has been postponed. The Azerbaijan GP, which was due to be held at the Baku City Circuit from 5-7 June, is the eighth F1 race to be called off.
With Azerbaijan making its announcement, the 2020 F1 season will now not start until the Canadian GP on 14 June. However, the race at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal is also a major doubt.
3. Cole: restart the Prem in September
The Premier League last week vowed to finish the season in the summer, despite the current shutdown of international sport, but former England star Joe Cole believes it would be in the best interests of everyone if football shut down until September.
“If we can’t finish the season, and it’s getting close to the following season, the only situation which I think is fair is to just restart it,” said Cole, who is now employed as an academy coach with Chelsea.
His words will alarm Liverpool fans, whose club are 25 points clear at the top of the table, but Cole - a former Red himself - believes that they may have to sacrifice their ambition in the greater interest.


theweekuk--2020-03-23--How long might the UK coronavirus lockdown really last?


theweekuk--2020-03-23--Policing a pandemic: coronavirus restrictions ‘may fuel gang wars’


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Real Madrid striker search: Erling Braut Haaland and Sadio Mane the top targets?

Despite it being nearly two years since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus Real Madrid have still yet to find a striker to replace the Portuguese superstar .
Ronaldo ’ s departure left Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale as Real ’ s top attacking talent while Eden Hazard arrived in a big-money deal from Chelsea .
However , Benzema is now 32 , Bale is out of favour and Hazard has suffered injuries .
There ’ s also Brazilian youngsters Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo in Real ’ s attacking ranks .
The 19-year-olds are no doubt talented , but do they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ La Liga glory or reclaim the club ’ s place as the best in Europe ?
After an impressive two-year loan at Eintracht Frankfurt , Benfica ’ s Luka Jovic arrived in the Spanish capital in June 2019 and it was hoped the Serbian could find the net in La Liga like he had done in the Bundesliga .
With only two goals in 15 games the “ Jovic experiment hasn ’ t worked out at all ” , says Spanish newspaper Marca , and this means Real head coach Zinedine Zidane may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transfer market in a bid to boost his side ’ s firepower .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Erling Braut Haaland only signed for Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in the January transfer window and already he ’ s being linked with another big move .
Like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo , Haaland is also 19-years-old , but the Norwegian already possesses the strength @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world ’ s most-feared forwards .
Since arriving at Dortmund he has scored 12 goals in 11 games and this form has made him Real ’ s primary target this summer , Marca reports .
Even though La Liga and European football is suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic Real have already started their summer transfer plans .
Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe is also a “ dream ” signing for Zidane , but Marca says any move this summer “ looks impossible ” .
This means Haaland has emerged as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernabeu .
Another forward who has regularly been linked with Real Madrid in recent seasons is Liverpool ’ s Sadio Mane .
The 27-year-old Senegal international has scored 59 goals in 118 games at Anfield since signing from Southampton in 2016 .
Along with strike partners Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino the trio have helped Liverpool win the Champions League and put the Reds on the verge of their first Premier League title in 30 years .
Former Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has tipped Mane to join Real Madrid and he believes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a huge success in Spain .
Sissoko was asked by Europa Calcio if Salah or Mane could end up at the Bernabeu and he replied : “ I think Sadio Mane is likelier to , because he has the characteristics that Zidane wants - he really rates him .
“ I think Sadio Mane will go to Real Madrid.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Despite it being nearly two years since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus Real Madrid have still yet to find a striker to replace the Portuguese superstar.
Ronaldo’s departure left Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale as Real’s top attacking talent while Eden Hazard arrived in a big-money deal from Chelsea. However, Benzema is now 32, Bale is out of favour and Hazard has suffered injuries.
There’s also Brazilian youngsters Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo in Real’s attacking ranks. The 19-year-olds are no doubt talented, but do they have enough experience to fire Real to La Liga glory or reclaim the club’s place as the best in Europe?
After an impressive two-year loan at Eintracht Frankfurt, Benfica’s Luka Jovic arrived in the Spanish capital in June 2019 and it was hoped the Serbian could find the net in La Liga like he had done in the Bundesliga.
With only two goals in 15 games the “Jovic experiment hasn’t worked out at all”, says Spanish newspaper Marca, and this means Real head coach Zinedine Zidane may be getting ready to go back to the transfer market in a bid to boost his side’s firepower.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Haaland the primary target
Erling Braut Haaland only signed for Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in the January transfer window and already he’s being linked with another big move.
Like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, Haaland is also 19-years-old, but the Norwegian already possesses the strength and goal ratio to make him one of the world’s most-feared forwards.
Since arriving at Dortmund he has scored 12 goals in 11 games and this form has made him Real’s primary target this summer, Marca reports.
Even though La Liga and European football is suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic Real have already started their summer transfer plans.
Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe is also a “dream” signing for Zidane, but Marca says any move this summer “looks impossible”.
This means Haaland has emerged as the favourite to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Sissoko tips Mane to join Real
Another forward who has regularly been linked with Real Madrid in recent seasons is Liverpool’s Sadio Mane.
The 27-year-old Senegal international has scored 59 goals in 118 games at Anfield since signing from Southampton in 2016. Along with strike partners Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino the trio have helped Liverpool win the Champions League and put the Reds on the verge of their first Premier League title in 30 years.
Former Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has tipped Mane to join Real Madrid and he believes the forward has the “characteristics” to become a huge success in Spain.
Sissoko was asked by Europa Calcio if Salah or Mane could end up at the Bernabeu and he replied: “I think Sadio Mane is likelier to, because he has the characteristics that Zidane wants - he really rates him.
“I think Sadio Mane will go to Real Madrid.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Mapping coronavirus: how to track cases in the UK

The UK has recorded 335 coronavirus-related deaths and a total of 6,650 cases , according to latest figures - although the true number of infections is believed to be much higher .
Public Health England ( PHE ) has been tracking the spread of the virus across the nation .
Here ’ s what you need to know .
Where are the worst-affected areas in the UK ?
According to PHE , the county of Hampshire has recorded the highest number of coronavirus cases , at 171 .
The London boroughs of Southwark and Brent follow closely behind , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham is the next worst-affected region , with 137 cases .
You can get a breakdown of the UK cases by upper tier local authories ( UTLA ) and NHS regions here .
How does the UK compare with other countries ?
The UK is the tenth worst-affected country in the world in terms of coronavirus cases , according to the latest figures from real-time statistics website Worldometer .
When it comes to the death toll , however , the UK rises to seventh place , behind Italy , China , Spain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– When was the worst day for new cases ?
Data from PHE shows how the number of UK cases has increased daily , with the highest daily total of new patients reported on 21 March , when 1,000 new cases were confirmed , followed closely by 23 March , at 967 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work out when the number of UK cases might peak , but “ the worst is almost certainly still to come ” , says The Telegraph .
Almost 84,000 people in the UK have been tested so far , with 6,650 testing positive .
But as the BBC notes , “ the true number of cases will be far higher as tests are primarily done on hospital patients with symptoms of the virus ” .


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Why everyone’s talking about Ikaria wariootia

The earliest organism that could be the ancestor of all animal life has been found in fossil deposits in Australia .
This tiny , worm-like creature , measuring between two and seven millimetres long , lived more than 555 million years ago .
Named Ikaria wariootia , it is the earliest known bilaterian – meaning an organism with a front and back , two symmetrical sides , and openings at both ends connected by a gut , says The Times .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For 15 years , scientists agreed that 555 million-year-old Ediacaran Period fossilised burrows in Nilpena , South Australia , were made by bilaterians , reports Science Daily .
However , there was no sign of the creature that made them until a team led by University of California , Riverside ( UCR ) geologists noticed tiny , oval impressions near the burrows .
The organism is important in evolutionary biology because “ a multitude of animals , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are organised around this same basic bilaterian body plan ” , reports UCR .
Being bilaterian , or possessing bilateral symmetry , allows organisms to move purposefully .
Ikaria was a complex organism , compared to others from the period , and burrowed in sand layers on the seabed to find food , “ indicating rudimentary sensory abilities ” , says Science Daily .
The burrows also show V-shaped ridges , “ suggesting Ikaria moved by contracting muscles across its body like a worm ” .
The genus name Ikaria comes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting place in the language of the local people , says the Times .
The nearby Warioota Creek supplies the species name .
What has the reaction been ?
Palaeontologist and lead author of the study , Scott Evans of the Smithsonian Institution ’ s National Museum of Natural History in Washington , told Science Daily : “ Once we had the 3D scans , we knew that we had made an important discovery.
” “ This is what evolutionary biologists predicted , ” said Mary Droser , co-author and professor of geology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that what we have found lines up so neatly with their prediction .
”