thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Ozzy Osborne's producer Andrew Watts tests positive for coronavirus

Andrew Watts is the latest celebrity to be diagnosed with the coronavirus outbreak .
The 29-year-old - who worked as a producer and a guitarist for Ozzy Osborne 's - took to social media to share the shocking news .
Andrew is a good friend of the former Black Sabbath singer and got close to the 71-year-old while working on his new album 'Ordinary Man ' .
Taking to Instagram , Andrew , who is Rita Ora 's ex-boyfriend , made the announcement with the intention of spreading awareness of the symptoms which many people have appeared to have overlooked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twelve days ago , early morning of March 6 , I started feeling like I was hit by a bus .
`` I could n't move out of my bed for days and started to run a fever . ''
Andrew went on to divulge that after he was told by a doctor that he could n't possibly have the coronavirus , he nevertheless decided to quarantine himself .
He said when his symptoms began to get increasingly worse , he went to an emergency room and `` begged '' to be tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was denied and turned away because of regulations .
He was instead diagnosed with viral pneumonia .
`` A private doctor was finally able to test me himself .
Yesterday afternoon it came back positive for COVID-19 . ''
Ozzy 's pal then explained to his followers that his fever has now gone down , and his appetite has returned , but he 's still having trouble breathing as a result of the painful pneumonia .
`` I am a healthy young man , and I am going to get through this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But there are so many people in my life and in the world that could possibly not get through this due to their age and/or a compromised immune system .
Andrew then pleaded with his followers to take notice of the safety guidelines put in place , before urging people to stay inside .
`` This is why I am writing this post .
I ca n't stress this enough .
This is not a joke .
Stay inside , stay sanitized .
Please stop everything and take care of yourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until we are all through this .
`` To have the mentality , ' I 'm young , this ca n't affect me , ' is just straight-up stupid and so dangerous to everyone around you .
Andrew explained that social distancing is a selfless act , and if someone is taking it as a joke , then they are beyond selfish .
`` Social distancing is to protect someone 's mom and dad , someone 's grandmother ... it 's not about you .
It 's about everyone together fighting this as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a growing list of celebrities who have all tested positive for the virus including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson and Luther star Idris Elba .
Andrew received nothing but love after sharing the honest post , with stars such as Katy Perry and Gigi Hadid sending their best wishes to the music mogul .
Newly pregnant Katy told Andrew `` he 's got this '' as she penned : `` You got this Andrew !
Love you and gon na pray for you , ' .
Sofia Richie also shared her own message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Thank you so much for sharing what your going through !
Sending you so much love ! ''
.
And supermodel Gigi Hadid wrote : `` Sending u strength & love Andy , hope u feel better soon brother '' .

The 29-year-old has shared his diagnosis in order to raise awareness for the symptoms of the deadly coronavirus outbreak
Andrew Watts is the latest celebrity to be diagnosed with the coronavirus outbreak.
The 29-year-old - who worked as a producer and a guitarist for Ozzy Osborne's - took to social media to share the shocking news.
Andrew is a good friend of the former Black Sabbath singer and got close to the 71-year-old while working on his new album 'Ordinary Man'.
Taking to Instagram, Andrew, who is Rita Ora's ex-boyfriend, made the announcement with the intention of spreading awareness of the symptoms which many people have appeared to have overlooked.
The music star began: "Twelve days ago, early morning of March 6, I started feeling like I was hit by a bus.
Image: WireImage) WireImage)
"I couldn't move out of my bed for days and started to run a fever."
Andrew went on to divulge that after he was told by a doctor that he couldn't possibly have the coronavirus, he nevertheless decided to quarantine himself.
He said when his symptoms began to get increasingly worse, he went to an emergency room and "begged" to be tested for the virus.
Unfortunately, Andrew was denied and turned away because of regulations.
He was instead diagnosed with viral pneumonia.
"A private doctor was finally able to test me himself. Yesterday afternoon it came back positive for COVID-19."
Ozzy's pal then explained to his followers that his fever has now gone down, and his appetite has returned, but he's still having trouble breathing as a result of the painful pneumonia.
"I am a healthy young man, and I am going to get through this, no matter what," he concluded.
"But there are so many people in my life and in the world that could possibly not get through this due to their age and/or a compromised immune system.
Image: Getty Images for iHeartMedia) Getty Images for iHeartMedia) Image: Getty Images for IMDb) Getty Images for IMDb)
Andrew then pleaded with his followers to take notice of the safety guidelines put in place, before urging people to stay inside.
"This is why I am writing this post. I can't stress this enough. This is not a joke. Stay inside, stay sanitized. Please stop everything and take care of yourselves and the people you love around you until we are all through this.
"To have the mentality, 'I'm young, this can't affect me,' is just straight-up stupid and so dangerous to everyone around you.
Andrew explained that social distancing is a selfless act, and if someone is taking it as a joke, then they are beyond selfish.
Image: Getty Images for SiriusXM) Getty Images for SiriusXM)
"Social distancing is to protect someone's mom and dad, someone's grandmother ... it's not about you. It's about everyone together fighting this as a team.
"Stay safe".
The producer now joins a growing list of celebrities who have all tested positive for the virus including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson and Luther star Idris Elba.
Andrew received nothing but love after sharing the honest post, with stars such as Katy Perry and Gigi Hadid sending their best wishes to the music mogul.
Newly pregnant Katy told Andrew "he's got this" as she penned: "You got this Andrew! Love you and gonna pray for you,'.
Sofia Richie also shared her own message of encouragement, as she wrote: "Thank you so much for sharing what your going through! Sending you so much love!".
And supermodel Gigi Hadid wrote: "Sending u strength & love Andy, hope u feel better soon brother".


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Key differences between common cold and coronavirus -and how Covid-19 will feel

Coronavirus is known to have several nasty symptoms , ranging from a fever to breathing difficulties .
However , COVID-19 also shares many characteristics with the common cold , making it tricky to know if you have it .
After studying 138 patients , scientists at the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University have been able to produce a day-by-day breakdown of the typical symptoms .
They found that approximately 99 % of patients develop a high temperature , while more than half experience fatigue and a dry cough .
About a third also have muscle pain and difficulty in breathing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two main phases - phase one , which typically lasts seven days , and phase two , which lasts a further two weeks .
Do you have a coronavirus story to share ?
Email webnews @ mirror.co.uk Thankfully , 85 % of patients will only experience phase one with just one in seven reaching phase two .
Here ’ s a day-to-day breakdown of coronavirus symptoms , including when they appear and what you should do .
The first signs for most patients is a fever but you may also experience fatigue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A very small minority may also have nausea or diarrhoea for one or two days .
By day two , it ’ s likely that fatigue will start to kick in , leaving you feeling very tired .
Day 7 marks the end of phase one , meaning that for 85 % of patients , your symptoms will start to diminish .
If you live alone and feel better , and your fever has gone , you can return to work .
If you live with others , you may be advised to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure that they are also clear of the virus .
However , if you ’ ve developed breathing problems by day seven , you may be one of the few patients to enter phase two .
Log on to NHS 111 , or if your condition is rapidly deteriorating , call 999 .
Some people may need to be hospitalised at this point .
Death from coronavirus usually occurs by around day 17 .
But it ’ s important to note that the death rate is currently just 1-2 % .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be under control , and you should be able to return to work .

After studying 138 patients, scientists at the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University have been able to produce a day-by-day breakdown of the typical symptoms of coronavirus
Coronavirus: How you can tell the difference between a common cold and COVID-19
Coronavirus is known to have several nasty symptoms, ranging from a fever to breathing difficulties.
However, COVID-19 also shares many characteristics with the common cold, making it tricky to know if you have it.
After studying 138 patients, scientists at the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University have been able to produce a day-by-day breakdown of the typical symptoms.
They found that approximately 99% of patients develop a high temperature, while more than half experience fatigue and a dry cough. About a third also have muscle pain and difficulty in breathing.
The illness can be split into two main phases - phase one, which typically lasts seven days, and phase two, which lasts a further two weeks.
Do you have a coronavirus story to share? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
Image: Getty) Getty)
Thankfully, 85% of patients will only experience phase one with just one in seven reaching phase two.
Here’s a day-to-day breakdown of coronavirus symptoms, including when they appear and what you should do.
Day 1
The first signs for most patients is a fever but you may also experience fatigue, muscle pain and a dry cough.
A very small minority may also have nausea or diarrhoea for one or two days.
Image: Getty) Getty)
Day 2
By day two, it’s likely that fatigue will start to kick in, leaving you feeling very tired.
Day 7
Day 7 marks the end of phase one, meaning that for 85% of patients, your symptoms will start to diminish.
If you live alone and feel better, and your fever has gone, you can return to work.
If you live with others, you may be advised to continue your isolation for another seven days to ensure that they are also clear of the virus.
However, if you’ve developed breathing problems by day seven, you may be one of the few patients to enter phase two.
Log on to NHS 111, or if your condition is rapidly deteriorating, call 999. Some people may need to be hospitalised at this point.
Day 17
Death from coronavirus usually occurs by around day 17. But it’s important to note that the death rate is currently just 1-2%.
Day 21
By day 21, even severe coronavirus cases should be under control, and you should be able to return to work.


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Sarah Michelle Gellar answers Buffy's calling as she 'prepares for apocalypse'

Sarah Michelle Gellar joked she was answering Buffy 's calling in real life as she prepared for the apocalypse .
The actress , 43 , played Buffy Summers in hit 90s TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer .
Every season , she battled some huge evil , from demons to vampires and 'The First ' in a bid to stop the apocalypse and save the world .
And it seems like the slayer could be getting called into action once more , 17 years after the show ended .
Sarah posed up with a huge wooden stake that she 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's similar - although a lot larger - that the pointy wooden stakes she used to kill vampires on the show .
She wrote : `` Hmmmm ... ... .. found this on my walk today '' Her pal and Cruel Intentions co-star Selma Blair commented : `` And the adventures begin .
Can I be your sidekick ? ''
While Michelle Trachtenberg , who played her little sister Dawn , asked : `` Buffy , what are we going to do now ? ''
Olympian Michelle Kwan told her : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from vampires '' Sarah also joked on her Instagram story that she was ready and willing to fend off the coming apocalypse .
Sharing a snap of her character holding a pager , she wrote : `` If the apocalypse comes , beep me . ''
She followed it up with a close-up shot of the wooden stake , writing : `` Found this on my walk '' '' Somebody beep this woman !
, '' she captioned a closer shot of her face .
She ended it with the shot of herself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beeped '' Sarah , who shares kids Charlotte and Rocky with husband Freddie Prinze Jr , rose to fame on the show , playing the Chosen One , called on to battle demons and protect humanity .
She went on to star in a number of movies , including horrors The Grudge and I Know What You Did Last Summer .
She also brought cartoon character Daphne to life in the live action adaptations of Scooby-Doo .
Sarah 's last on-screen appearance was in a cameo role , playing herself in the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She currently has three TV series in pre-production - Other People 's Houses , Masters of the Universe : Revelation and Sometimes I Lie .
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033

It's hard to believe Buffy is 20 years old!
It's hard to believe Buffy is 20 years old!
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The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star chose her weapon in the fight against evil after stumbling across a giant wooden stake - just like the ones Buffy used to kill vampires
Sarah Michelle Gellar answers Buffy's calling in real life as she 'prepares for apocalypse'
Sarah Michelle Gellar joked she was answering Buffy's calling in real life as she prepared for the apocalypse.
The actress, 43, played Buffy Summers in hit 90s TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Every season, she battled some huge evil, from demons to vampires and 'The First' in a bid to stop the apocalypse and save the world.
And it seems like the slayer could be getting called into action once more, 17 years after the show ended.
Sarah posed up with a huge wooden stake that she'd found while out on a walk.
It's similar - although a lot larger - that the pointy wooden stakes she used to kill vampires on the show.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
She wrote: "Hmmmm........ found this on my walk today"
Her pal and Cruel Intentions co-star Selma Blair commented: "And the adventures begin. Can I be your sidekick?"
While Michelle Trachtenberg, who played her little sister Dawn, asked: "Buffy, what are we going to do now?"
Olympian Michelle Kwan told her: "Glad you’re saving the world from vampires"
Image: Instagram) Instagram) Image: Publicity Picture) Publicity Picture)
Sarah also joked on her Instagram story that she was ready and willing to fend off the coming apocalypse.
Sharing a snap of her character holding a pager, she wrote: "If the apocalypse comes, beep me."
She followed it up with a close-up shot of the wooden stake, writing: "Found this on my walk"
"Somebody beep this woman!," she captioned a closer shot of her face.
Image: Daily Record) Daily Record)
She ended it with the shot of herself holding the stake, writing: "Beeped"
Sarah, who shares kids Charlotte and Rocky with husband Freddie Prinze Jr, rose to fame on the show, playing the Chosen One, called on to battle demons and protect humanity.
She went on to star in a number of movies, including horrors The Grudge and I Know What You Did Last Summer.
She also brought cartoon character Daphne to life in the live action adaptations of Scooby-Doo.
Sarah's last on-screen appearance was in a cameo role, playing herself in the season finale of The Big Bang Theory.
She currently has three TV series in pre-production - Other People's Houses, Masters of the Universe: Revelation and Sometimes I Lie.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Arsenal furious with Barcelona over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer pursuit

Arsenal are said to be furious with Barcelona over their pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang .
According to Spanish media , Aubameyang is reportedly keen to join Barca this summer so he can play with star forward Lionel Messi .
However , the 30-year-old has always insisted he ’ s happy in north London .
And club officials aren ’ t best pleased about the persistent rumours linking their skipper with the La Liga champions .
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta doesn ’ t want the Gabon striker to leave .
The Spaniard does want his future sorted before the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to expire in the summer of 2021 , meaning this could be the last chance to get a big fee for him .
Should the Premier League resume following the coronavirus crisis , Arsenal look set to miss out on the Champions League once again next term .
But the forward seems to be content with life at the Emirates .
Speaking earlier this month , he said : `` I love the fans here and when I was younger I used to watch Arsenal because they had always great players , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So I think it 's really a pleasure to be here , I 'm really happy .
I think that 's the feeling . ''
After Granit Xhaka was stripped of the captaincy , Aubameyang was given the captain ’ s armband in November .
He 's shone since joining the club in 2018 and is their leading scorer this campaign with 20 goals .
He shared the Premier League ’ s Golden Boot last year along with Liverpool pair Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah , and he ’ s on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With 17 goals already , he ’ s just two behind Jamie Vardy in the race to finish as top scorer .
The Gunners will therefore be desperate to keep hold of their star man as they bid to return to former glories in the coming years .

There have been persistent rumours that Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is keen to join Barcelona so he can play alongside star forward Lionel Messi
Arsenal are said to be furious with Barcelona over their pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
According to Spanish media, Aubameyang is reportedly keen to join Barca this summer so he can play with star forward Lionel Messi.
However, the 30-year-old has always insisted he’s happy in north London.
And club officials aren’t best pleased about the persistent rumours linking their skipper with the La Liga champions.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta doesn’t want the Gabon striker to leave.
The Spaniard does want his future sorted before the end of the season though as his contract is due to expire in the summer of 2021, meaning this could be the last chance to get a big fee for him.
Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Should the Premier League resume following the coronavirus crisis, Arsenal look set to miss out on the Champions League once again next term.
But the forward seems to be content with life at the Emirates.
Speaking earlier this month, he said: "I love the fans here and when I was younger I used to watch Arsenal because they had always great players, and yeah they won trophies as well.
Image: Action Images via Reuters) Action Images via Reuters)
"So I think it's really a pleasure to be here, I'm really happy. I think that's the feeling."
After Granit Xhaka was stripped of the captaincy, Aubameyang was given the captain’s armband in November.
He's shone since joining the club in 2018 and is their leading scorer this campaign with 20 goals.
He shared the Premier League’s Golden Boot last year along with Liverpool pair Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, and he’s on track to repeat the feat again.
With 17 goals already, he’s just two behind Jamie Vardy in the race to finish as top scorer.
The Gunners will therefore be desperate to keep hold of their star man as they bid to return to former glories in the coming years.


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Katarina Johnson-Thompson heads home frustrated over conflicting Olympic advice

Katarina Johnson-Thompson last night voiced her frustration at being caught between conflicting advice from Olympic chiefs and politicians .
The world champion heptathlete has left her training base in Montpellier and is heading home to Liverpool as France is in “ complete lockdown ” and she is unable to train .
“ We 're trying to follow information with how to continue safely whilst reducing the risk to everyone around us , ” she tweeted .
“ And the information of the IOC , and the local government are at odds with one another .
“ The IOC advice ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Olympic Games as best as they can ’ with the Olympics only four months away , but the government legislation is enforcing isolation at home with tracks , gyms and public spaces closed .
“ I feel under pressure to train and keep the same routine , which is impossible .
“ I 'm in a very fortunate place given the circumstances .
I ’ m healthy , well supported and I have already qualified for the Olympics .
`` But at this moment , it 's difficult to approach the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead up , apart from the ultimate deadline .
”

“The IOC advice ‘encourages athletes to continue to prepare for the Olympic Games as best as they can’ with the Olympics only four months away, but the government legislation is enforcing isolation at home with tracks, gyms and public spaces closed"
Katarina Johnson-Thompson last night voiced her frustration at being caught between conflicting advice from Olympic chiefs and politicians.
The world champion heptathlete has left her training base in Montpellier and is heading home to Liverpool as France is in “complete lockdown” and she is unable to train.
“We're trying to follow information with how to continue safely whilst reducing the risk to everyone around us,” she tweeted. “And the information of the IOC, and the local government are at odds with one another.
“The IOC advice ‘encourages athletes to continue to prepare for the Olympic Games as best as they can’ with the Olympics only four months away, but the government legislation is enforcing isolation at home with tracks, gyms and public spaces closed.
Image: YAHYA ARHAB/EPA-EFE/REX) YAHYA ARHAB/EPA-EFE/REX)
“I feel under pressure to train and keep the same routine, which is impossible.
“I'm in a very fortunate place given the circumstances. I’m healthy, well supported and I have already qualified for the Olympics.
"But at this moment, it's difficult to approach the season, when everything has changed in the lead up, apart from the ultimate deadline.”


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Brits on coronavirus lockdown and told not to fly abroad for a month

Mother 's Day and Easter were shelved today as travel curbs to fight the coronavirus hammered family get-togethers .
Britons were told not to travel anywhere in the world unless it is essential as the world continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab imposed the tightest possible restrictions on people ’ s travel plans , telling citizens not to leave the country , as other nations shut their borders .
Staycations were also restricted as travel within the UK was cut back , and holiday firms shut parks and campsites .
Tens of thousands of British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights across the globe grounded amid serious fears for many airlines ’ futures .
The RAF and Royal Navy could be drafted in as a last resort to help repatriate stranded UK nationals , Mr Raab said .
He told the Commons today : “ UK travellers abroad now face widespread international border restrictions and lockdowns in various countries .
The speed and range of those measures across other countries is unprecedented .
“ So I have taken the decision to advise British nationals against all non-essential international travel.
” The travel advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Britons who are already overseas are being told to plan their return to the UK now .
Britons who decide they still need to travel abroad despite the advice should beware of the increased risk of being stranded overseas , Mr Raab said .
He added : “ What we do is provide the clearest guidance and unless there is a very good reason , an essential reason to travel , we ’ re saying don ’ t take the risk now because you ’ re at a heightened risk of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in official advice is likely to help Britons claim on their travel insurance .
It is thought to be the first time the Foreign Office has taken the step of advising against all non-essential travel to all parts of the world since the travel advisory system was introduced in 1990 .
The Government will help companies to maintain the flow of goods to the UK , while also protecting staff in the sector , he added .
Mr Raab continued : “ We do regard this kind of travel as essential and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice which maintains the flow of goods whilst protecting the wellbeing of staff who are working on those routes.
” Meanwhile , Easter has been cancelled for tens of thousands of holidaymakers as emergency measures hit the nation ’ s staycation hotspots .
With Britons advised to avoid all non-essential travel within the UK , holiday camps , bed and breakfasts , and theme parks are likely to suffer major financial losses over the upcoming long weekend .
Center Parcs was the first of the UK resorts to announce it will be closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leaving many people ’ s holiday plans in tatters .
All five of its villages will shut from Friday until April 16 , including its Aqua Sana spas at the centres in Sherwood Forest , Notts ; Elveden Forest , Suffolk ; Longleat Forest , Wilts ; Whinfell Forest , Cumbria ; and Woburn Forest , Beds .
The firm said : “ We will be in contact with guests due to arrive during the closure period to move their break to a different date or arrange a full refund as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this will be disappointing news for anyone looking forward to their break .
“ We would like to thank our guests for their patience and understanding in these exceptional circumstances and look forward to welcoming them back later in the year.
” The National Trust will lock the doors of all its stately homes from Friday , with cafes , restaurants and shops also closing .
But it plans to keep open parks and gardens open for families who need to get some air .
Director general Hilary McGrady said : “ While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help fight the spread of coronavirus , we recognise that people are likely to need access to open space and to nature , beauty and history.
” David Weston , of the Bed and Breakfast Association , said the £2billion sector is struggling as guests cancel breaks .
He said : “ B & Bs rely on Easter as the start of the main season , but bookings have dried up .
Cities have been hit hardest , but we are trying to carry on the best we can.
” The British Holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000 caravan and campsites , as well as self-catering chalets , said it there were “ a few reports of parks closing temporarily as a result of the coronavirus outbreak ” .
And Mother ’ s Day is also off as families axe plans for Sunday lunch and afternoon tea , following Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s advice to avoid pubs , bars and restaurants .
Danni Parker , manager of the William Walker pub in Winchester , Hants , said the business has taken a hit : “ Mother ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell-out like it usually is.
” Ryan Sims-Atkins , manager of the Stanhope Arms , near Ilkeston , Derbs , said there had been a drop in bookings .
He said : “ It ’ ll get worse before it gets better .
It ’ s worrying , really.
” Trade body UK Hospitality said the sector has suffered a 50 % slump in bookings for events , conferences and hotel rooms for the next two to three weeks .
Boss Kate Nicholls said : “ The hospitality sector is facing a unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advised to stay away.
” Last night , staycation giant Butlin ’ s said it was “ watching and following the latest Government advice ” .
While its seaside resorts at Minehead , Somerset , Bognor Regis , West Sussex and Skegness remained open , the firm said it is “ working hard on what this means for your holiday ” .
On the Butlin ’ s website , it said it would “ be posting an update as soon as possible ” .
But the firm told the Mirror that it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage on whether it would close over Easter .
With London said to be the epicentre of the epidemic , several museums have closed with the Tate , V & A , British Museum and Natural History Museum all affected .
And the Campaign for Real Ale , which runs over 180 local beer festivals across the country , has cancelled all events planned between now and the end of June , including the Great Welsh Beer Festival which was to have made its debut on April 22 .
Sunday services will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church of England banned all communal worship to fight the virus .
Services like Mothering Sunday and Easter - the holiest day for Christians - will be suspended .
Churches can still stay open for private prayer and vicars are being encouraged to livestream services .
Weddings and funerals will still be allowed to go ahead .
Candles at Westminster Cathedral , central London , were removed yesterday at the news .
In a statement , the Church of England said : “ Being a part of the Church of England is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead.
” Catholic Church chiefs are expected to unveil similar measures today .
The Muslim Council of Britain has already advised mosques to halt Friday prayers .

Flights are grounded, trains and buses are limiting services, as measures to limit travel to contain the Covid-19 outbreak dash British families' hopes of Easter breaks
Brits on coronavirus lockdown and told not to fly abroad for a month
Mother's Day and Easter were shelved today as travel curbs to fight the coronavirus hammered family get-togethers.
Britons were told not to travel anywhere in the world unless it is essential as the world continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab imposed the tightest possible restrictions on people’s travel plans, telling citizens not to leave the country, as other nations shut their borders.
Staycations were also restricted as travel within the UK was cut back, and holiday firms shut parks and campsites.
Tens of thousands of British citizens could be stranded overseas,with flights across the globe grounded amid serious fears for many airlines’ futures.
The RAF and Royal Navy could be drafted in as a last resort to help repatriate stranded UK nationals, Mr Raab said.
He told the Commons today: “UK travellers abroad now face widespread international border restrictions and lockdowns in various countries. The speed and range of those measures across other countries is unprecedented.
Image: Getty) Getty)
“So I have taken the decision to advise British nationals against all non-essential international travel.”
The travel advice will last at least 30 days, and Britons who are already overseas are being told to plan their return to the UK now.
Britons who decide they still need to travel abroad despite the advice should beware of the increased risk of being stranded overseas, Mr Raab said.
He added: “What we do is provide the clearest guidance and unless there is a very good reason, an essential reason to travel, we’re saying don’t take the risk now because you’re at a heightened risk of being stranded in the future.”
Image: PA) PA)
The change in official advice is likely to help Britons claim on their travel insurance.
It is thought to be the first time the Foreign Office has taken the step of advising against all non-essential travel to all parts of the world since the travel advisory system was introduced in 1990.
The Government will help companies to maintain the flow of goods to the UK, while also protecting staff in the sector, he added.
Mr Raab continued: “We do regard this kind of travel as essential and we will work with industry to issue detailed advice which maintains the flow of goods whilst protecting the wellbeing of staff who are working on those routes.”
Image: Getty) Getty)
Meanwhile, Easter has been cancelled for tens of thousands of holidaymakers as emergency measures hit the nation’s staycation hotspots.
With Britons advised to avoid all non-essential travel within the UK, holiday camps, bed and breakfasts, and theme parks are likely to suffer major financial losses over the upcoming long weekend.
Center Parcs was the first of the UK resorts to announce it will be closing its doors over the prime break period, leaving many people’s holiday plans in tatters.
All five of its villages will shut from Friday until April 16, including its Aqua Sana spas at the centres in Sherwood Forest, Notts; Elveden Forest, Suffolk; Longleat Forest, Wilts; Whinfell Forest, Cumbria; and Woburn Forest, Beds.
Image: PA) PA)
The firm said: “We will be in contact with guests due to arrive during the closure period to move their break to a different date or arrange a full refund as soon as we can. We recognise that this will be disappointing news for anyone looking forward to their break.
“We would like to thank our guests for their patience and understanding in these exceptional circumstances and look forward to welcoming them back later in the year.”
The National Trust will lock the doors of all its stately homes from Friday, with cafes, restaurants and shops also closing. But it plans to keep open parks and gardens open for families who need to get some air.
Director general Hilary McGrady said: “While we will close our indoor areas to help fight the spread of coronavirus, we recognise that people are likely to need access to open space and to nature, beauty and history.”
David Weston, of the Bed and Breakfast Association, said the £2billion sector is struggling as guests cancel breaks.
He said: “B&Bs rely on Easter as the start of the main season, but bookings have dried up. Cities have been hit hardest, but we are trying to carry on the best we can.”
The British Holiday and Home Parks Association, which represents 3,000 caravan and campsites, as well as self-catering chalets, said it there were “a few reports of parks closing temporarily as a result of the coronavirus outbreak”.
Image: Getty) Getty)
And Mother’s Day is also off as families axe plans for Sunday lunch and afternoon tea, following Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’s advice to avoid pubs, bars and restaurants.
Danni Parker, manager of the William Walker pub in Winchester, Hants, said the business has taken a hit: “Mother’s Day is not looking to be a sell-out like it usually is.”
Ryan Sims-Atkins, manager of the Stanhope Arms, near Ilkeston, Derbs, said there had been a drop in bookings. He said: “It’ll get worse before it gets better. It’s worrying, really.”
Trade body UK Hospitality said the sector has suffered a 50% slump in bookings for events, conferences and hotel rooms for the next two to three weeks.
Boss Kate Nicholls said: “The hospitality sector is facing a unique short-term cash flow catastrophe as customers are advised to stay away.”
Last night, staycation giant Butlin’s said it was “watching and following the latest Government advice”.
Image: Getty) Getty)
While its seaside resorts at Minehead, Somerset, Bognor Regis, West Sussex and Skegness remained open, the firm said it is “working hard on what this means for your holiday”.
On the Butlin’s website, it said it would “be posting an update as soon as possible”.
But the firm told the Mirror that it was “unable to comment” at this stage on whether it would close over Easter.
With London said to be the epicentre of the epidemic, several museums have closed with the Tate, V&A, British Museum and Natural History Museum all affected.
And the Campaign for Real Ale, which runs over 180 local beer festivals across the country, has cancelled all events planned between now and the end of June, including the Great Welsh Beer Festival which was to have made its debut on April 22.
Church of England cancels services
Sunday services will be scrapped for the time being after the Church of England banned all communal worship to fight the virus.
Services like Mothering Sunday and Easter - the holiest day for Christians - will be suspended.
Churches can still stay open for private prayer and vicars are being encouraged to livestream services.
Weddings and funerals will still be allowed to go ahead.
Candles at Westminster Cathedral, central London, were removed yesterday at the news.
In a statement, the Church of England said: “Being a part of the Church of England is going to look very different in the days ahead.”
Catholic Church chiefs are expected to unveil similar measures today. The Muslim Council of Britain has already advised mosques to halt Friday prayers.


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Coronavirus - Olivia Bowen donates 100% of In The Style profits to charity

Olivia Bowen has done her part to help ease the pain of the coronavirus .
The former Love Island star launched her brand new collection with fashion brand In The Style yesterday .
And just a few hours later , the 26-year-old has announced that all profits made from the chic collection will go straight to a charitable cause .
Taking to Instagram to share the honourable news , Olivia insinuated that she was over the moon to be able to do her part in battling the highly contagious sickness , and the lasting effects it is leaving on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lengthy and inspiring statement from In The Style explain where the proceeds were going , Olivia simply posted the love heart emoji to spread the love at such a strange and stagnant time .
The statement read : `` In light of the evolving global situation surrounding COVID-19 and in response to Age UK 's call to the government today for further support , In The Style pledges to donate 100 % of all profits from In The Style X Olivia Bowen sales to Age UK '' .
It continued : `` Age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting elderly people across the UK who find themselves in a more vulnerable situation and facing uncertainty '' .
Praising both Olivia and the popular fashion brand , followers and fans flocked in their hundreds to thank the former Love Island star for her 'selfless ' actions at such a turbulent time in the UK .
One delighted follower commented : `` So proud of you and how the edit looks and so happy people have supported it !
Lots of love '' .
While another voiced : `` I work for Age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support they offer to the most vulnerable .
You do n't even know how much this will mean to all those old people .
Thank you from the bottom of my heart ! ''
.
`` This is so selfless and inspiring of you Olivia .
Well done you ! ''
a third echoed .
`` Amazing .
So proud and so emotional ! ''
another commented .
Olivia took to her Instagram on Monday to reveal a big announcement that she ’ s been keeping under wraps .
The former Love Islander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islander Alex Bowen , 28 - shared a stunning snap of herself in a brightly coloured floral dress to announce the big news that she was bringing out a collection with In The Style .
Alongside the sweet snap of herself holding a gigantic pink candy cake , the blonde beauty wrote : `` OLIVIA BOWEN X IN THE STYLE is a thing !
`` How bloody exciting is this ?
!
My brand new beautiful edit with @ inthestyle is LAUNCHING TOMORROW at 6PM !
`` Guys it ’ s been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t wait for you all to have a nosey & we can all inject some colour back into our wardrobes !
Olivia continued : `` In The Style are absolutely one of my fave places to shop , they stand for girl power & confidence & that is my thingggg !
I ’ ve handpicked every single piece ; the best , most gorgeous pieces that represent my style & what I think you guys will love.
” [ sic ] The blonde bombshell then addressed the current climate and coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the harsh issues by taking a look through her colourful and fun new collection .
She penned : `` There ’ s a lot going on right now & I know this doesn ’ t fix that .
`` But I am hoping this will at least brighten our days with a ton of gorgeous shapes , a lot of pretty patterns & endless self love . ''

The former Love Island star launched her collection with In The Style just yesterday, and she has already made the decision to put it towards a great cause amid the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus
Coronavirus: Olivia Bowen donates 100% of profits with In The Style range to charity
Olivia Bowen has done her part to help ease the pain of the coronavirus.
The former Love Island star launched her brand new collection with fashion brand In The Style yesterday.
And just a few hours later, the 26-year-old has announced that all profits made from the chic collection will go straight to a charitable cause.
Taking to Instagram to share the honourable news, Olivia insinuated that she was over the moon to be able to do her part in battling the highly contagious sickness, and the lasting effects it is leaving on the people of the UK.
Re-sharing a lengthy and inspiring statement from In The Style explain where the proceeds were going , Olivia simply posted the love heart emoji to spread the love at such a strange and stagnant time.
Image: Emma Smith) Emma Smith)
The statement read: "In light of the evolving global situation surrounding COVID-19 and in response to Age UK's call to the government today for further support, In The Style pledges to donate 100% of all profits from In The Style X Olivia Bowen sales to Age UK".
It continued: "Age UK is a registered charity dedicated to supporting elderly people across the UK who find themselves in a more vulnerable situation and facing uncertainty".
Praising both Olivia and the popular fashion brand, followers and fans flocked in their hundreds to thank the former Love Island star for her 'selfless' actions at such a turbulent time in the UK.
One delighted follower commented: "So proud of you and how the edit looks and so happy people have supported it! Lots of love".
While another voiced: "I work for Age UK, so see first hand the support they offer to the most vulnerable. You don't even know how much this will mean to all those old people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!".
"This is so selfless and inspiring of you Olivia. Well done you!" a third echoed.
"Amazing. So proud and so emotional!" another commented.
Image: DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK) DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK)
Olivia took to her Instagram on Monday to reveal a big announcement that she’s been keeping under wraps.
The former Love Islander - who is married to fellow Love Islander Alex Bowen, 28 - shared a stunning snap of herself in a brightly coloured floral dress to announce the big news that she was bringing out a collection with In The Style.
Alongside the sweet snap of herself holding a gigantic pink candy cake, the blonde beauty wrote: "OLIVIA BOWEN X IN THE STYLE is a thing!
"How bloody exciting is this?! My brand new beautiful edit with @inthestyle is LAUNCHING TOMORROW at 6PM!
Image: DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK) DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK)
"Guys it’s been a long time coming, I honestly can’t wait for you all to have a nosey & we can all inject some colour back into our wardrobes!
Olivia continued: "In The Style are absolutely one of my fave places to shop, they stand for girl power & confidence & that is my thingggg! I’ve handpicked every single piece; the best, most gorgeous pieces that represent my style & what I think you guys will love.” [sic]
The blonde bombshell then addressed the current climate and coronavirus pandemic urging her fans to take their minds off the harsh issues by taking a look through her colourful and fun new collection.
She penned: "There’s a lot going on right now & I know this doesn’t fix that.
"But I am hoping this will at least brighten our days with a ton of gorgeous shapes, a lot of pretty patterns & endless self love."


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--'Poorest are abandoned in Government's £330bn coronavirus rescue plan'

Alarm bells are finally ringing in Downing Street as coronavirus threatens to cause economic mayhem .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak ’ s rescue package to save stricken employers includes wider business rates relief and up to £330billion in loans guaranteed by the Government .
But , vast as it is , there are glaring holes in his response to this unprecedented crisis .
What about workers and renters , Mr Chancellor ?
The lack of a direct employment protection and support packages is deeply concerning as grafters lose their jobs .
Countries such as Denmark and Sweden , and even Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real financial support .
That there is no three-month rent holiday for tenants – alongside a promised three-month mortgage holiday for buyers – is an insight into Tory priorities .
The low earners , the poorest and most insecure are being abandoned to unemployment and possible eviction .
Boris Johnson ’ s wartime rhetoric is shaping up to be yet another con .
In 1945 , nobody was left behind .
Full employment and rationing in a country that pulled together produced the generation who created the National Health Service , the modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunak ’ s talks with trade union leaders must be more than window dressing , an attempt to make it appear he ’ s listening to everyone .
Urgent , immediate assistance to sustain the jobs and livelihoods of jeopardised workers is a bottom line .
Betray them and this Tory Government will deserve damnation .
Amid the coronavirus gloom the temporary release of unfairly imprisoned British-Iranian citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in Tehran is a ray of hope .
Under the regime ’ s measures to combat the virus in prisons , she ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alas , may find herself back behind bars .
But to be out of jail is a tiny step in the right direction and husband Richard and daughter Gabriella can dream of being reunited as a family back here at home in Britain .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Voice of the Mirror)

The rescue package announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak has some glaring omissions as the country's low earners are being abandoned to unemployment and possible eviction
Voice of the Mirror: Poorest are abandoned in Government's £330bn rescue package
Alarm bells are finally ringing in Downing Street as coronavirus threatens to cause economic mayhem.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s rescue package to save stricken employers includes wider business rates relief and up to £330billion in loans
guaranteed by the Government.
But, vast as it is, there are glaring holes in his response to this unprecedented crisis.
What about workers and renters, Mr Chancellor? The lack of a direct employment protection and support packages is deeply concerning as grafters lose their jobs.
Countries such as Denmark and Sweden, and even Donald Trump’s US, are providing real financial support.
Image: PA) PA)
That there is no three-month rent holiday for tenants – alongside a promised three-month mortgage holiday for buyers – is an insight into Tory priorities.
The low earners, the poorest and most insecure are being abandoned to unemployment and possible eviction.
Boris Johnson’s wartime rhetoric is shaping up to be yet another con.
In 1945, nobody was left behind. Full employment and rationing in a country that pulled together produced the generation who created the National Health Service, the modern welfare state and mass council housing.
Sunak’s talks with trade union leaders must be more than window dressing, an attempt to make it appear he’s listening to everyone.
Urgent, immediate assistance to sustain the jobs and livelihoods of jeopardised workers is a bottom line. Betray them and this Tory Government will deserve damnation.
Image: PA) PA)
Hope for Nazanin
Amid the coronavirus gloom the temporary release of unfairly imprisoned British-Iranian citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in Tehran is a ray of hope.
Under the regime’s measures to combat the virus in prisons, she’s free for a fortnight but, alas, may find herself back behind bars.
But to be out of jail is a tiny step in the right direction and husband Richard and daughter Gabriella can dream of being reunited as a family back here at home in Britain.


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--One UK ticketholder scoops huge EuroMillions £57million jackpot prize

A lucky EuroMillions ticketholder from the UK has scooped a massive £57m jackpot .
Camelot ’ s Andy Carter , Senior Winners ’ Advisor at The National Lottery , said : `` It ’ s a brilliant result for a UK ticket-holder who has scooped tonight 's massive £57M jackpot .
`` Players are urged to check their tickets to see if their wildest dreams have come true .
“ For the last 25 years , National Lottery players have made a huge difference to Good Causes .
`` On average , around £30M a week is raised for everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schemes preserving wildlife habitats . ''
Earlier today it was announced that a lucky ticket holder claimed a huge £40million jackpot - four months after the draw .
The ticket was bought at a shop in Dorset ahead of the EuroMillions draw on December 3 , 2019 .
No further details about the winner are available at this stage .
Camelot renewed an appeal to trace them weeks after they matched all five main numbers and the two Lucky Star numbers in the draw .
The winning numbers were 18 , 31 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lucky Stars 04 and 12 .
They had until May 31 this year to claim the cash .
If they choose to talk to the media , the winner 's identity will be revealed at a press conference in their area .
It 'll make them one of the biggest winners of EuroMillions since it began .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
The winner of tonight's draw has banished money trouble forever - and their win comes just hours after another ticket holder came forward to claim a huge £40million jackpot from December 3, 2019
A lucky EuroMillions ticketholder from the UK has scooped a massive £57m jackpot.
Camelot’s Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at The National Lottery, said: "It’s a brilliant result for a UK ticket-holder who has scooped tonight's massive £57M jackpot.
"Players are urged to check their tickets to see if their wildest dreams have come true.
“For the last 25 years, National Lottery players have made a huge difference to Good Causes.
"On average, around £30M a week is raised for everything from projects helping people overcome loneliness to schemes preserving wildlife habitats."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The winning main EuroMillions numbers are: 05, 07, 08, 16, 20
The winning EuroMillions Lucky Star numbers are: 02, 12
Earlier today it was announced that a lucky ticket holder claimed a huge £40million jackpot - four months after the draw.
The ticket was bought at a shop in Dorset ahead of the EuroMillions draw on December 3, 2019.
No further details about the winner are available at this stage.
Camelot renewed an appeal to trace them weeks after they matched all five main numbers and the two Lucky Star numbers in the draw.
The winning numbers were 18, 31, 32, 38 and 48, with Lucky Stars 04 and 12.
They had until May 31 this year to claim the cash.
If they choose to talk to the media, the winner's identity will be revealed at a press conference in their area.
It'll make them one of the biggest winners of EuroMillions since it began.


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Grace Millane killer appeals murder conviction and jail sentence

The killer of British backpacker Grace Millane is appealing his murder conviction and sentence in New Zealand .
The 28-year-old , who still has name suppression , has reportedly entered a notice of appeal after being sentenced to life in prison .
Gracewas strangled to death the day before her 22nd birthday after going on a Tinder date with the man in Auckland in December 2018 .
At his trial last year the man denied murder and tried to claim the young Essex backpacker 's death was an accident after the pair had 'rough sex ' at his apartment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 21-year-old Grace for between five to ten minutes , before taking intimate photographs , and watching hardcore pornography before trying to cover up his crime .
Stuff.co.nz reported New Zealand 's Crown Law prosecution service had confirmed the appeal had been served .
The Court of Appeal has reportedly not yet provided the notice of appeal to New Zealand media , as a judge had declined an application .
The grounds of the appeal are not yet known , and a date for the hearing has not yet been set , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed a new lawyer to deal with the appeal case with the assistance of his former lawyers , Stuff reports .
It comes after he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years following a three-week-long trial .
Grace 's grieving parents were forced to listen in court to the devastating details of her death .
Her killer had folded Grace 's body into a suitcase and buried her in a shallow grave in the Waitakere Ranges , on the outskirts of Auckland city .
His trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tinder date with another woman while marketing graduate Grace 's body lay in his room .
Grace from Wickford in Essex , was six weeks into a backpacking `` trip of a lifetime '' when she was killed .
Grace 's mum Gillian , directly addressed the killer following the trial .
She said her loss made her want to take her own life .
`` On a daily basis I torment myself over what you did , '' Gillian said , during the killer 's sentencing .
`` The tears I shed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having the chance to kiss my Grace goodbye . ''

The man who strangled 21-year-old Grace Millane to death then buried her body in a shallow grave is attempting to challenge his conviction and life sentence in New Zealand's court of appeal
The killer of British backpacker Grace Millane is appealing his murder conviction and sentence in New Zealand.
The 28-year-old, who still has name suppression, has reportedly entered a notice of appeal after being sentenced to life in prison.
Gracewas strangled to death the day before her 22nd birthday after going on a Tinder date with the man in Auckland in December 2018.
At his trial last year the man denied murder and tried to claim the young Essex backpacker's death was an accident after the pair had 'rough sex' at his apartment.
However the prosecution said he had strangled 21-year-old Grace for between five to ten minutes, before taking intimate photographs, and watching hardcore pornography before trying to cover up his crime.
Stuff.co.nz reported New Zealand's Crown Law prosecution service had confirmed the appeal had been served.
The Court of Appeal has reportedly not yet provided the notice of appeal to New Zealand media, as a judge had declined an application.
The grounds of the appeal are not yet known, and a date for the hearing has not yet been set, according to local reports.
Grace's killer has appointed a new lawyer to deal with the appeal case with the assistance of his former lawyers, Stuff reports.
It comes after he was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years following a three-week-long trial.
Grace's grieving parents were forced to listen in court to the devastating details of her death.
Her killer had folded Grace's body into a suitcase and buried her in a shallow grave in the Waitakere Ranges, on the outskirts of Auckland city.
Image: Facebook) Facebook)
His trial was told how he went on a Tinder date with another woman while marketing graduate Grace's body lay in his room.
Grace from Wickford in Essex, was six weeks into a backpacking "trip of a lifetime" when she was killed.
Grace's mum Gillian, directly addressed the killer following the trial.
She said her loss made her want to take her own life.
"On a daily basis I torment myself over what you did," Gillian said, during the killer's sentencing.
"The tears I shed are never-ending at the thought of never having the chance to kiss my Grace goodbye."


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Corrie bosses ban kissing scenes as coronavirus fears lead to storyline changes

Bosses of the ITV soap are trying to minimise contact between actors so that production is n't shut down because of the outbreak .
Any scenes involving two characters getting intimate or having a smooch are being re-written so there is `` limited physical contact '' .
Corrie producers are desperate to keep the soap up and running so they are not taken off air - causing a major schedule shake-up .
They concede that changes to storylines are inevitable but it is a sacrifice they are willing to make to stop the spread of coronavirus .
A soap source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the soaps are desperate to keep running .
If they disappear out of the schedules there ’ s huge gaps which is a major headache .
“ Coronation Street shoots about six to eight weeks in advance , so viewers might see some kissing in the next month or so , but the scenes they ’ re shooting right now will have nothing of the sort in .
They are taking no chances .
“ The longer they can keep cast and crew well , the better , and if a storyline has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so be it.
” ITV bosses will be using their soaps to remind viewers on important issues at this time such as hand-washing .
Speaking about Coronation Street and Emmerdale , ITV Studios creative director John Whiston said : `` Because we script and shoot so far in advance we do n't generally reflect contemporary issues .
`` However we are going to use the soaps to remind people of important public health issues such as the need to wash their hands .
We 'll try and do more such messages going forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday night 's episode where Geoff made a comment about Yasmeen washing her hands was a `` complete coincidence '' .
The twisted pensioner reminded wife Yasmeen , who he had forced to clean the bathroom , to wash her hands thoroughly .
Before eating breakfast , Geoff said : `` Hey , wash your hands first you ’ ve just had your arm jammed up a u-bend . ''
On today 's This Morning , soap expert Sharon Marshall revealed the scene was written in December before the coronavirus outbreak reached the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night in Corrie , because I was watching it , I saw Yasmeen washing her hands and Geoff go to her , ' I hope you 're singing Happy Birthday while you 're doing that ' .
`` So I thought , wow , how did they manage to get that in ?
Complete coincidence .
That was written back in December , it was filmed in January . ''
* Coronation Street airs Mondays , Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV

Coronation Street bosses are trying to minimise contact between actors so that production isn't shut down because of the coronavirus outbreak
Coronation Street have banned kissing scenes over coronavirus fears.
Bosses of the ITV soap are trying to minimise contact between actors so that production isn't shut down because of the outbreak.
Any scenes involving two characters getting intimate or having a smooch are being re-written so there is "limited physical contact".
Corrie producers are desperate to keep the soap up and running so they are not taken off air - causing a major schedule shake-up.
They concede that changes to storylines are inevitable but it is a sacrifice they are willing to make to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Image: PA) PA) Image: ITV) ITV)
A soap source told The Sun : “All of the soaps are desperate to keep running. If they disappear out of the schedules there’s huge gaps which is a major headache.
“ Coronation Street shoots about six to eight weeks in advance, so viewers might see some kissing in the next month or so, but the scenes they’re shooting right now will have nothing of the sort in. They are taking no chances.
“The longer they can keep cast and crew well, the better, and if a storyline has to suffer slightly by losing a kiss so be it.”
Image: ITV) ITV)
ITV bosses will be using their soaps to remind viewers on important issues at this time such as hand-washing.
Speaking about Coronation Street and Emmerdale, ITV Studios creative director John Whiston said: "Because we script and shoot so far in advance we don't generally reflect contemporary issues.
"However we are going to use the soaps to remind people of important public health issues such as the need to wash their hands. We'll try and do more such messages going forward."
Image: ITV) ITV) Image: ITV) ITV)
But a spooky scene on Monday night's episode where Geoff made a comment about Yasmeen washing her hands was a "complete coincidence".
The twisted pensioner reminded wife Yasmeen, who he had forced to clean the bathroom, to wash her hands thoroughly.
Before eating breakfast, Geoff said: "Hey, wash your hands first you’ve just had your arm jammed up a u-bend."
Image: ITV) ITV)
On today's This Morning, soap expert Sharon Marshall revealed the scene was written in December before the coronavirus outbreak reached the UK.
She said: "Last night in Corrie, because I was watching it, I saw Yasmeen washing her hands and Geoff go to her, 'I hope you're singing Happy Birthday while you're doing that'.
"So I thought, wow, how did they manage to get that in? Complete coincidence. That was written back in December, it was filmed in January."
* Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--UEFA believe Premier League's coronavirus crisis is worst of all Euro leagues

The Premier League is facing potentially the biggest crisis of all the major leagues .
That was the warning made loud and clear during the crisis summit on Tuesday in the video conference calls with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin .
It is understood the European Clubs ’ Association tried to put into place a uniform football calendar but it was made clear that English football is potentially behind the curve in the spread of coronavirus and the worst is yet to come with fear games may not be played again for MONTHS .
Serie A could even restart much quicker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hardest hit country .
They believe they may be ahead of the curve and there is a genuine concern about English football being able to finish the season .
UEFA took the unprecedented step of postponing Euro 2020 by 12 months , putting back the Champions League and Europa League finals by at least a month while publicly stating they want all domestic leagues by June 30 .
But they are already braced for a much reduced and reshaped Champions League for next season because the fear is some leagues - including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished in order to start European qualifiers in July and August .
It comes as English Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham - who was part of a unanimous vote to put back the Euros - admitted they can not guarantee the FA Cup , the oldest cup competition in the world .
The FA Cup is at the quarter final stage and Bullingham admitted : “ Within the context of that , clearly from our point of view , the FA Cup is incredibly important .
“ We are talking the priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played again , to complete the domestic season , we are talking about both the league and the FA Cup .
“ In terms of the domestic season finishing , I ’ ll start by saying there are more important things in the world than football right now .
“ Although from a football administrator ’ s point of view , both domestically and internationally , everyone is of the view that we want to get the domestic season finish and whatever point is possible .
“ That ’ s the starting point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Clearly , things get a lot harder post June 30 but honestly we are in such unprecedented times that nothing is off the table right now in terms of solutions being looked at.
” Bullingham also suggested that the Government could step in to save smaller clubs with National League club Barnet making staff redundant and many EFL teams facing financial ruin .
He added : “ There are some clubs particularly at the lower end of the pyramid that are going to struggle .
`` I think there are many different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next few weeks and months .
“ I think we are having lots of conversations with both government and other football stakeholders about that .
“ From our point of view we ’ re a not for profit ; clearly the money we raise goes back into the game , we are definitely going to take a big financial hit , and we will therefore be able to put less back into the game at all levels .
“ I think it will be looked at by both the government and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into any more detail on that at the moment .
”

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc across Europe but there is a worry that the worst is yet to come in England and that the Premier League will subsequently suffer further
The Premier League is facing potentially the biggest crisis of all the major leagues.
That was the warning made loud and clear during the crisis summit on Tuesday in the video conference calls with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
It is understood the European Clubs’ Association tried to put into place a uniform football calendar but it was made clear that English football is potentially behind the curve in the spread of coronavirus and the worst is yet to come with fear games may not be played again for MONTHS.
Serie A could even restart much quicker than the Premier League despite Italy being the hardest hit country.
They believe they may be ahead of the curve and there is a genuine concern about English football being able to finish the season.
Image: PA) PA)
UEFA took the unprecedented step of postponing Euro 2020 by 12 months, putting back the Champions League and Europa League finals by at least a month while publicly stating they want all domestic leagues by June 30.
But they are already braced for a much reduced and reshaped Champions League for next season because the fear is some leagues - including the Premier League - will not be finished in order to start European qualifiers in July and August.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
It comes as English Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham - who was part of a unanimous vote to put back the Euros - admitted they cannot guarantee the FA Cup, the oldest cup competition in the world.
The FA Cup is at the quarter final stage and Bullingham admitted: “Within the context of that, clearly from our point of view, the FA Cup is incredibly important.
“We are talking the priority being that, whenever football can be played again, to complete the domestic season, we are talking about both the league and the FA Cup.
“In terms of the domestic season finishing, I’ll start by saying there are more important things in the world than football right now.
“Although from a football administrator’s point of view, both domestically and internationally, everyone is of the view that we want to get the domestic season finish and whatever point is possible.
“That’s the starting point for every scenario being mapped out.
"Clearly, things get a lot harder post June 30 but honestly we are in such unprecedented times that nothing is off the table right now in terms of solutions being looked at.”
Image: FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
Bullingham also suggested that the Government could step in to save smaller clubs with National League club Barnet making staff redundant and many EFL teams facing financial ruin.
He added: “There are some clubs particularly at the lower end of the pyramid that are going to struggle.
"I think there are many different businesses that are going to struggle over the next few weeks and months.
“I think we are having lots of conversations with both government and other football stakeholders about that.
“From our point of view we’re a not for profit; clearly the money we raise goes back into the game, we are definitely going to take a big financial hit, and we will therefore be able to put less back into the game at all levels.
“I think it will be looked at by both the government and the football family but can’t go into any more detail on that at the moment.”


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Coronavirus can remain in the air for up to three hours after cough or sneeze

The coronavirus can survive in the air and on surfaces for several hours - suggesting people can contract the deadly virus through the air and by touching contaminated surfaces .
Scientists found that COVID-19 , known in medical circles as SARS-CoV-2 ) was present in aerosols for up to three hours , up to four hours on copper , up to 24 hours on cardboard and between two to three days on plastic and stainless steel .
While the virus remained in the air for up to three hours , it became less infectious overtime .
It was more robust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ copper and cardboard , with the virus being detected up to 72 hours after it was applied to the surfaces .
The findings , published in The New England Journal of Medicine , were made by the National Institutes of Health , CDC , UCLA and Princeton University scientists .
Meanwhile Leo Varadkar , an Irish Gael politician , praised the efforts of healthworkers .
He said : `` I am so proud of all of them .
Not all superheroes wear capes - some wear scrubs and gowns .
`` All of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right thing in the weeks ahead .
`` Our community services and hospitals are being tooled up .
`` Essential equipment is on the way .
Retired staff are returning to service .
People are training for changed roles . ''
And Britain 's prime minister Boris Johnson said that if the UK follows scientific advice , it will beat the coronavirus which has so far claimed 71 lives in the UK with number expected to rise into the hundreds in the coming weeks .
In other news , the Government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not lose out on maternity leave due to the coronavirus .
The SNP 's economy spokeswoman Alison Thewliss called for the Government to `` back '' pregnant women , many of whom have been asked to take their maternity leave early which will affect how long they can have off .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he will `` reflect '' on the matter with Work and Pensions Secretary Theresa Coffey .
Ms Thewliss said : `` I want to ask the Chancellor what protection is being given to pregnant women around maternity entitlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take their maternity leave early , which will then affect how long they can stay off at the end of that .
`` They need to know that the Government will back them on that as well and that they will not lose out on maternity leave due to the coronavirus . ''
He added : `` I welcome her question on maternity pay which I will go away and talk to my right honourable friend the work and pensions secretary about and reflect on that . ''
Responding to Mr Sunak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposals to aid businesses in the wake of coronavirus , many MPs also stressed the need for greater support for renters .

COVID-19 can remain in the air and on surfaces for several hours, indicating it can be caught through the air and by touching contaminated surfaces, study finds
Coronavirus can remain in the air for up to three hours and can last a day on cardboard
The coronavirus can survive in the air and on surfaces for several hours - suggesting people can contract the deadly virus through the air and by touching contaminated surfaces.
Scientists found that COVID-19, known in medical circles as SARS-CoV-2) was present in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and between two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.
While the virus remained in the air for up to three hours, it became less infectious overtime.
It was more robust on plastic and stainless steel than on copper and cardboard, with the virus being detected up to 72 hours after it was applied to the surfaces.
The findings, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, were made by the National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Meanwhile Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar praised the efforts of healthworkers. He said: "I am so proud of all of them. Not all superheroes wear capes - some wear scrubs and gowns.
"All of our healthcare workers need us to do the right thing in the weeks ahead.
"Our community services and hospitals are being tooled up.
"Essential equipment is on the way. Retired staff are returning to service. People are training for changed roles."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
And Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson said that if the UK follows scientific advice, it will beat the coronavirus which has so far claimed 71 lives in the UK with number expected to rise into the hundreds in the coming weeks.
In other news, the Government has been urged to ensure pregnant women do not lose out on maternity leave due to the coronavirus.
The SNP's economy spokeswoman Alison Thewliss called for the Government to "back" pregnant women, many of whom have been asked to take their maternity leave early which will affect how long they can have off.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he will "reflect" on the matter with Work and Pensions Secretary Theresa Coffey.
Ms Thewliss said: "I want to ask the Chancellor what protection is being given to pregnant women around maternity entitlement because lots of women have been asked to take their maternity leave early, which will then affect how long they can stay off at the end of that.
"They need to know that the Government will back them on that as well and that they will not lose out on maternity leave due to the coronavirus."
He added: "I welcome her question on maternity pay which I will go away and talk to my right honourable friend the work and pensions secretary about and reflect on that."
Responding to Mr Sunak's statement on the Government's financial proposals to aid businesses in the wake of coronavirus, many MPs also stressed the need for greater support for renters.


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Tom Hanks jokes he brought coronavirus to Australia with him as he gives update

Tom Hanks joked that he brought coronavirus with him when he travelled to Australia .
The beloved Hollywood actor was Down Under filming a new Elvis biopic when he and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for the deadly bug .
And the 63-year-old quipped that he 'd accidentally taken the virus there with him in the form of his typewriter .
Giving an update from quarantine with his wife , he wrote on Twitter : `` Hey folks .
Good news : One week after testing Positive , in self-isolation , the symptoms are much the same .
No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the laundry and doing the dishes leads to a nap on the couch .
`` Bad news : My wife has won 6 straight hands of Gin Rummy and leads by 201 points .
But I have learned not to spread my Vegemite so thick . ''
Making a joke about his typewriter , which has the brand name Corona printed on it , he added : `` I travelled here with a typewriter , one I used to love .
We are all in this together .
Flatten the curve .
Hanx @ @ @ @ @ @ @ i the only one freaked out by the typewriters company name '' Another wrote : `` It gave me a wry ironic grin . ''
While one told him : `` Just stay alive Forrest Gump '' And another posted : `` We love you , Tom & Rita ! ''
Last night it was reported that Tom and Rita had been released from hospital but were remaining in self-isolation in Australia .
Tom announced last week that he and his wife had tested positive .
He said in a statement : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are down here in Australia .
We felt a bit tired , like we had colds , and some body aches .
Rita had some chills that came and went .
Slight fevers too .
`` To play things right , as is needed in the world right now , we were tested for Coronavirus , and were found to be positive .
`` Well , now .
What to do next ?
The Medical Officials have protocols that must be followed .
`` We Hanks ’ will be tested , observed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety requires .
Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach , no ?
`` We ’ ll keep the world posted and updated .
Take care of yourselves !
Hanx ! ''
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033

Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have contracted coronavirus, becoming two of the most well-known people to have caught the disease.
Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have contracted coronavirus, becoming two of the most well-known people to have caught the disease.
The beloved Hollywood actor and his singer wife were the first celebrities to announce they had tested positive for the deadly virus
Tom Hanks jokes he brought coronavirus to Australia with him as he gives update
Tom Hanks joked that he brought coronavirus with him when he travelled to Australia.
The beloved Hollywood actor was Down Under filming a new Elvis biopic when he and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for the deadly bug.
And the 63-year-old quipped that he'd accidentally taken the virus there with him in the form of his typewriter.
Giving an update from quarantine with his wife, he wrote on Twitter : "Hey folks. Good news: One week after testing Positive, in self-isolation, the symptoms are much the same. No fever but the blahs.
"Folding the laundry and doing the dishes leads to a nap on the couch.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
"Bad news: My wife has won 6 straight hands of Gin Rummy and leads by 201 points. But I have learned not to spread my Vegemite so thick."
Making a joke about his typewriter, which has the brand name Corona printed on it, he added: "I travelled here with a typewriter, one I used to love. We are all in this together. Flatten the curve. Hanx"
One fan responded: "Am i the only one freaked out by the typewriters company name"
Another wrote: "It gave me a wry ironic grin."
While one told him: "Just stay alive Forrest Gump"
And another posted: "We love you, Tom & Rita!"
Last night it was reported that Tom and Rita had been released from hospital but were remaining in self-isolation in Australia.
Tom announced last week that he and his wife had tested positive.
He said in a statement: "Hello, folks. Rita and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too.
Image: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Splash News / SplashNews.com) Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Splash News / SplashNews.com)
"To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for Coronavirus, and were found to be positive.
"Well, now. What to do next? The Medical Officials have protocols that must be followed.
"We Hanks’ will be tested, observed, and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires. Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach, no?
"We’ll keep the world posted and updated. Take care of yourselves! Hanx!"
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Ryder Cup set to be delayed as USPGA becomes latest postponed Major

The Ryder Cup is set to be delayed until next year after the US PGA in May became the latest Major tournament to be postponed .
The next four PGA Tour events , as well as the Masters next month , were called off last week during The Players Championship .
And now the cancellation of the US PGA in San Francisco is set to extend the shutdown until mid-May – and cause chaos for the golf calendar and Ryder Cup qualification .
The biennial clash between the USA and Europe is scheduled to be played at Whistling Straits in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cup was put back a year in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks .
The US PGA was scheduled to be held from May 14-17 at Harding Park .
But a three-week , European-style curfew has been imposed in San Francisco with people only allowed to leave their houses for shopping , medical appointments or if you work in `` essential businesses . ''
PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh said : “ Throughout our evaluation process , we have been committed to following the guidance of public health authorities and given the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , postponement is the best decision for all involved .
“ We are all very hopeful for a great outcome and look forward to hopefully bringing the 2020 PGA Championship to TPC Harding Park at a date this summer when it is once again safe and responsible to do so.
” The four upcoming events to have been called off on the PGA Tour include the RBC Heritage , the Zurich Classic of New Orleans , the Wells Fargo Championship and the Byron Nelson event .
It means that American men ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week of May 18 at the earliest .
Meanwhile , five European Tour tournaments have also been postponed as the coronavirus crisis continues to decimate the sporting calendar .
A spokesperson for Ryder Cup Europe has said however : `` Reports today that the 2020 Ryder Cup is expected to be postponed are inaccurate . ''

The Ryder Cup looks set to take place next year as the US PGA in May became the latest Major to be postponed due to the coronavirus crisis
Coronavirus: Ryder Cup set to be delayed as US PGA becomes latest postponed Major
The Ryder Cup is set to be delayed until next year after the US PGA in May became the latest Major tournament to be postponed.
The next four PGA Tour events, as well as the Masters next month, were called off last week during The Players Championship.
And now the cancellation of the US PGA in San Francisco is set to extend the shutdown until mid-May – and cause chaos for the golf calendar and Ryder Cup qualification. The biennial clash between the USA and Europe is scheduled to be played at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin from September 25-27.
The Ryder Cup was put back a year in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks.
Image: Getty Images,) Getty Images,)
The US PGA was scheduled to be held from May 14-17 at Harding Park.
But a three-week, European-style curfew has been imposed in San Francisco with people only allowed to leave their houses for shopping, medical appointments or if you work in "essential businesses."
PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh said: “Throughout our evaluation process, we have been committed to following the guidance of public health authorities and given the coronavirus shelter-in-place order in effect in San Francisco, postponement is the best decision for all involved.
Image: PA) PA)
“We are all very hopeful for a great outcome and look forward to hopefully bringing the 2020 PGA Championship to TPC Harding Park at a date this summer when it is once again safe and responsible to do so.”
The four upcoming events to have been called off on the PGA Tour include the RBC Heritage, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Wells Fargo Championship and the Byron Nelson event.
It means that American men’s golf has been called off until the week of May 18 at the earliest.
Meanwhile, five European Tour tournaments have also been postponed as the coronavirus crisis continues to decimate the sporting calendar.
A spokesperson for Ryder Cup Europe has said however: "Reports today that the 2020 Ryder Cup is expected to be postponed are inaccurate."


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Dominic Cummings 'pinned political rival against wall and threatened him'

Chief adviser to No10 Dominic Cummings once pinned a political rival to a wall and threatened him , it is claimed in a new documentary .
Colin Perry , formerly of the Confederation of British Industry , clashed with Cummings in 1999 during a fiery late-night radio interview and said they almost came to blows afterwards .
His allegation comes as a friend said Cummings “ might have fancied himself a bit of a gangster ” after we obtained a picture of him “ trying to look cool ” while at Oxford in the 1990s .
Cummings ’ friend said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the height of a Quentin Tarantino obsession .
His Reservoir Dogs phase , if you like.
” In Taking Control : The Dominic Cummings Story , to be shown tonight , Mr Perry told Emily Maitlis of his encounter with Cummings .
He said : “ We had to come down a rather narrow flight of steps from the studio .
Suddenly I felt he ’ d grabbed my shoulders from behind and was trying to push me down the steps .
I managed to keep my footing and make my way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to confront him and he seized me by the tie , pushed me against the wall and raised his fist .
“ My main feeling was one of self-preservation , to get out of his clutches.
” Despite a formal complaint made against him , Cummings kept his then job with an anti-Euro campaign group .
Mr Perry said : “ If somebody in my business had assaulted somebody from a rival organisation , you ’ d have been summarily dismissed.
” Cummings , 48 , did not respond to a BBC request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time that he and Mr Perry had simply “ stumbled into each other ” .
Adam Dixon , who hired Cummings to set up an airline , described him as a “ football hooligan with an Oxford First ” .
Former PM David Cameron labelled him a “ career psychopath ” .

EXCLUSIVE: Colin Perry has revealed he clashed with Boris Johnson's top adviser Dominic Cummings - who was said to 'fancy himself a bit of a gangster'
Chief adviser to No10 Dominic Cummings once pinned a political rival to a wall and threatened him, it is claimed in a new documentary.
Colin Perry, formerly of the Confederation of British Industry, clashed with Cummings in 1999 during a fiery late-night radio interview and said they almost came to blows afterwards.
His allegation comes as a friend said Cummings “might have fancied himself a bit of a gangster” after we obtained a picture of him “trying to look cool” while at Oxford in the 1990s.
Cummings’ friend said: “This picture is taken at the height of a Quentin Tarantino obsession. His Reservoir Dogs phase, if you like.”
In Taking Control: The Dominic Cummings Story, to be shown tonight, Mr Perry told Emily Maitlis of his encounter with Cummings.
He said: “We had to come down a rather narrow flight of steps from the studio. Suddenly I felt he’d grabbed my shoulders from behind and was trying to push me down the steps. I managed to keep my footing and make my way to the bottom.
“I turned around to confront him and he seized me by the tie, pushed me against the wall and raised his fist.
“My main feeling was one of self-preservation, to get out of his clutches.”
Despite a formal complaint made against him, Cummings kept his then job with an anti-Euro campaign group.
Mr Perry said: “If somebody in my business had assaulted somebody from a rival organisation, you’d have been summarily dismissed.”
Cummings, 48, did not respond to a BBC request for comment, but claimed at the time that he and Mr Perry had simply “stumbled into each other”.
Adam Dixon, who hired Cummings to set up an airline, described him as a “football hooligan with an Oxford First”. Former PM David Cameron labelled him a “career psychopath”.


thedailymirror--2020-03-17--Inside the hunt for the coronavirus cure - and why it's going to take so long

There ’ s a small glimmer of hope that at some time in the coming months we might be able to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak by trying out drugs that are already in use against other viruses .
All of these drugs are experimental for use in Covid-19 , but they give reason for modified optimism .
But first , some information about the virus we ’ re confronting .
The Covid-19 virus is extremely small and tricky .
It ’ s only a millionth the size of the human cells it invades , but persuades them to supply it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1,000 new viruses .
Then it bursts the cell to liberate its progeny around our bodies .
The virus has an outer membrane which disintegrates on contact with soap and water and this is the reason we ’ re being encouraged to wash our hands for 20 seconds – to give the virus the time to die .
The virus usually enters through the mouth , nose and eyes and , once inside , the spikes on the surface of the virus make contact with a human cell .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a key into a protein , ACE2 , found on the surface of some human cells , particularly those in the respiratory tract .
Hence the classic symptoms of covid infection : continuous cough and shortness of breath , high temperature and pneumonia .
ACE2 also plays a part in controlling blood pressure , and early data from a hospital in Wuhan suggest someone with high blood pressure is vulnerable to infection .
The fact that the virus ’ s entry point is linked to blood-pressure regulation may be significant .
Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While we ’ re waiting up to a year for a vaccine , a search is going on for an antidote drug that might combat coronavirus .
To start off , researchers are sifting through drugs already being used against other viruses , including HIV .
A superb editorial in the Economist illustrates the possibilities .
Following the lead of those first HIV drugs , some of the most promising Covid-19 treatments are molecules known as “ nucleotide analogues ” .
They look like building blocks to a virus but if it tries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re stopped from reproducing .
One nucleotide-analogue drug that shows promise in fighting Covid-19 is remdesivir .
It was originally developed by Gilead Sciences , an American biotechnology firm , as a treatment for Ebola fever .
There are now various trials of remdesivir going on in Covid-19 patients .
Gilead is organising two in Asia encompassing 1,000 infected people in all .
The trials are expected to give us preliminary results in mid-to late-April .
Other nucleotide analogues are also under investigation .
When seven drugs were screened for activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Key Laboratory of Virology in Wuhan isolated ribavirin , an antiviral drug used to treat hepatitis C , and it ’ s already on the World Health Organisation ’ s list of essential medicines .
What other drugs could work ?
Nucleotide analogues aren ’ t the only antiviral drugs .
Second generation anti-HIV drugs , the “ protease inhibitors ” , when added to nucleotide analogues , revolutionised the treatment of AIDS .
Could they do the same for Covid-19 ?
Kaletra is a mixture of two protease inhibitors , ritonavir and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients in 2003 with some benefit .
Will it be effective against Covid-19 ?
Another drug , Favipiravir ( favilavir ) , was developed to treat the flu virus and also might have some effect on Covid-19 .
Then there ’ s chloroquine , a drug mostly used to treat malaria , shown in the 2000s to curb the ability of SARS to get into cells and once inside them , to reproduce .
That ’ s a promising line of enquiry we ’ re pursuing .
Even some cancer treatments are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the obvious first step to take , but there are other radical approaches available .
What about trying to boost the immune system so we can better fight the infection ?
Interferons are one option to try out this strategy .
They work by stimulating the immune system to attack cells infected with a virus and stop viral replication .
Interferons might be a useful for halting the progress of Covid-19 , possibly used with other drugs .
But , then again , sometimes the immune system can overreact to Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The virus often kills by overstimulating the immune system ’ s inflammatory response , precipitating organ failure .
This over-reaction is mediated by a molecule called interleukin-6 , which has previously been targeted in autoimmune disease .
And we already have a drug to do that .
An antibody called Actemra ( tocilizumab ) stops interleukin-6 from working , so damping down the response of the immune system to an acceptable level .
It was developed for use in rheumatoid arthritis and China has just approved it for use against Covid-19 , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out these experimental drugs what we need is thousands of patients in multiple trials .
International trials are therefore a high priority because they ’ re the only way we ’ ll get enough numbers to evaluate new drugs .
Soumya Swaminathan , chief scientist at the WHO , has in mind a “ master protocol ” for trials in many countries so that patients from around the world could be studied .
That way we could pick up small , but still significant , benefits .
However , a worry is we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around to everyone who needs them if the pandemic explodes .
But even now generic drug makers are working together to scale up to millions of doses of ritonavir and lopinavir for use against Covid-19 while still supplying the HIV-positive patients who rely on the drugs .
One of our best bets is that a couple of these existing drugs will come up trumps to fill the gap between now and the advent of a vaccine .

In the fight against the coronavirus, hope lies in existing medicines as medical researchers try to transform drugs for diseases like HIV and malaria
Coronavirus: Inside the hunt for the cure to Covid-19 which has shocked the world
There’s a small glimmer of hope that at some time in the coming months we might be able to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak by trying out drugs that are already in use against other viruses.
All of these drugs are experimental for use in Covid-19, but they give reason for modified optimism. But first, some information about the virus we’re confronting.
What’s it like?
The Covid-19 virus is extremely small and tricky.
It’s only a millionth the size of the human cells it invades, but persuades them to supply it with the building blocks to make up to 1,000 new viruses. Then it bursts the cell to liberate its progeny around our bodies.
The virus has an outer membrane which disintegrates on contact with soap and water and this is the reason we’re being encouraged to wash our hands for 20 seconds – to give the virus the time to die.
The virus usually enters through the mouth, nose and eyes and, once inside, the spikes on the surface of the virus make contact with a human cell.
Image: Getty) Getty)
There’s a place on the spike that fits like a key into a protein, ACE2, found on the surface of some human cells, particularly those in the respiratory tract. Hence the classic symptoms of covid infection: continuous cough and shortness of breath, high temperature and pneumonia.
ACE2 also plays a part in controlling blood pressure, and early data from a hospital in Wuhan suggest someone with high blood pressure is vulnerable to infection. The fact that the virus’s entry point is linked to blood-pressure regulation may be significant.
Is there a way to overcome it?
While we’re waiting up to a year for a vaccine, a search is going on for an antidote drug that might combat coronavirus.
To start off, researchers are sifting through drugs already being used against other viruses, including HIV.
A superb editorial in the Economist illustrates the possibilities. Following the lead of those first HIV drugs, some of the most promising Covid-19 treatments are molecules known as “nucleotide analogues”.
Image: Getty) Getty)
They look like building blocks to a virus but if it tries to use them to build into viruses they’re stopped from reproducing.
One nucleotide-analogue drug that shows promise in fighting Covid-19 is remdesivir. It was originally developed by Gilead Sciences, an American biotechnology firm, as a treatment for Ebola fever.
There are now various trials of remdesivir going on in Covid-19 patients. Gilead is organising two in Asia encompassing 1,000 infected people in all. The trials are expected to give us preliminary results in mid-to late-April.
Other nucleotide analogues are also under investigation.
When seven drugs were screened for activity against Covid-19, researchers at the State Key Laboratory of Virology in Wuhan isolated ribavirin, an antiviral drug used to treat hepatitis C, and it’s already on the World Health Organisation’s list of essential medicines.
Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Getty Images/iStockphoto)
What other drugs could work?
Nucleotide analogues aren’t the only antiviral drugs. Second generation anti-HIV drugs, the “protease inhibitors”, when added to nucleotide analogues, revolutionised the treatment of AIDS. Could they do the same for Covid-19?
Kaletra is a mixture of two protease inhibitors, ritonavir and lopinavir. It was tried in SARS patients in 2003 with some benefit. Will it be effective against Covid-19?
Another drug, Favipiravir (favilavir), was developed to treat the flu virus and also might have some effect on Covid-19.
Then there’s chloroquine, a drug mostly used to treat malaria, shown in the 2000s to curb the ability of SARS to get into cells and once inside them, to reproduce.
That’s a promising line of enquiry we’re pursuing. Even some cancer treatments are being considered.
Drugs that would kill Covid-19 is the obvious first step to take, but there are other radical approaches available.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images) Image: Getty) Getty)
What about trying to boost the immune system so we can better fight the infection?
Interferons are one option to try out this strategy. They work by stimulating the immune system to attack cells infected with a virus and stop viral replication.
Interferons might be a useful for halting the progress of Covid-19, possibly used with other drugs. But, then again, sometimes the immune system can overreact to Covid-19, doing untold damage to the body.
The virus often kills by overstimulating the immune system’s inflammatory response, precipitating organ failure. This over-reaction is mediated by a molecule called interleukin-6, which has previously been targeted in autoimmune disease.
And we already have a drug to do that. An antibody called Actemra (tocilizumab) stops interleukin-6 from working, so damping down the response of the immune system to an acceptable level.
It was developed for use in rheumatoid arthritis and China has just approved it for use against Covid-19, with promising results so far.
Image: Press Association Images) Press Association Images)
We need drugs trials
To roll out these experimental drugs what we need is thousands of patients in multiple trials. International trials are therefore a high priority because they’re the only way we’ll get enough numbers to evaluate new drugs.
Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist at the WHO, has in mind a “master protocol” for trials in many countries so that patients from around the world could be studied.
That way we could pick up small, but still significant, benefits.
However, a worry is we may not have enough drugs to go around to everyone who needs them if the pandemic explodes.
But even now generic drug makers are working together to scale up to millions of doses of ritonavir and lopinavir for use against Covid-19 while still supplying the HIV-positive patients who rely on the drugs.
One of our best bets is that a couple of these existing drugs will come up trumps to fill the gap between now and the advent of a vaccine.