thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Government want 60% of population to get infected to build 'herd immunity'

The UK 's chief scientific adviser said that Britain will tackle the coronavirus when 60 % of the country get infected to create a `` herd immunity '' to the disease .
Sir Patrick Vallance said that the advice the Government is following is not looking to `` suppress '' the disease entirely but to help create a `` herd immunity in the UK '' while protecting the most vulnerable from it .
He told Sky News that at least 60 % of the population needs to contract COVID-19 in order to develop `` herd immunity '' to prevent further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said some of the social distancing measures put in place by the Government , including self-isolating for seven days if symptoms develop , are `` actually quite extreme '' .
His comments come after former health secretary Jeremy Hunt questioned the Government 's decision not to cancel large gatherings after Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned many more families would `` lose loved ones before their time '' .
Sir Patrick told the BBC that the advice the Government is following is not looking to `` suppress '' the disease entirely but to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK '' while protecting the most vulnerable from it .
Asked if there is a fear that clamping down too hard on its spread could see it return , Sir Patrick said : `` That is exactly the risk you would expect from previous epidemics .
`` If you suppress something very , very hard , when you release those measures it bounces back and it bounces back at the wrong time .
`` Our aim is to try and reduce the peak , broaden the peak , not suppress it completely ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people get a mild illness , to build up some kind of herd immunity so more people are immune to this disease and we reduce the transmission , at the same time we protect those who are most vulnerable to it .
`` Those are the key things we need to do . ''
Mr Hunt , chair of the House of Commons Health select committee , was asked on BBC Newsnight what he thought about the decision not to cancel large gatherings , and he said : `` I think it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing any of it at all when we have just four weeks before we get to the stage that Italy is at .
`` You would have thought that every single thing we do in that four weeks would be designed to slow the spread of people catching the virus . ''
Mr Hunt said the UK is in a `` national emergency '' and that many people `` will be surprised and concerned '' that the UK is not moving sooner .
He said other countries that have taken tougher action appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tide of the virus .
It comes as France became one of the latest European countries to close all schools , universities and nurseries , while in the US , all major sport has been suspended and Broadway performances have been stopped for a month .
On Thursday , Ireland announced the closure of all schools and childcare facilities and other public spaces such as museums , while Scotland banned gatherings of more than 500 people .
The UK Government said it would not move to close schools yet as the evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this will be kept under review .
Sir Patrick said school closures now would see educational establishments shut down for `` many months '' .
He told LBC : `` Because of the nature of this disease and the way it spreads and its duration , we would have to close schools for many months , not just a few weeks .
`` Schools would need to be shut for a very prolonged period .
`` Children , of course , are n't going to separate for long periods , they are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And they may go and stay with grandma , one of those in the most vulnerable group . ''
Mr Johnson has said the latest Government approach is aimed at protecting the elderly and those most vulnerable to the disease , but said precautions would mean severe disruption across the country `` for many months '' .
Between 5,000 and 10,000 people in the UK are thought to be infected with Covid-19 already .
Mr Johnson told reporters at a press conference on Thursday : `` We 've all got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health crisis for a generation .
`` It is going to spread further and I must level with you , I must level with the British public : many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time . ''
He said that people with even mild coronavirus symptoms , including a continuous cough or high temperature , must stay at home for at least seven days .
School trips abroad should be stopped , people over 70 with serious medical conditions are being told not to go on cruises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to develop so that entire households could be told to self-isolate .
Sir Patrick said it is `` eye-catching '' to order the cancellation of mass gatherings and sporting events but that the chances of contracting the disease by attending such occasions are slim .
He told the BBC : `` Mass gatherings do have some impact , it is not that they do n't do anything if you stop them .
`` But they are very much more minor than the other ones .
`` The most likely place you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a family member , a friend , someone very close in a small space , not in the big space . ''
High-profile people to be diagnosed with Covid-19 include Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and BT boss Philip Jansen .
Chelsea 's full squad has also gone into self-isolation after winger Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for coronavirus .
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau , wife of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau , has tested positive for Covid-19 and the couple are in isolation .
Mr Trudeau 's office said he is feeling well and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Cabinet minister said that International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan has tested negative for coronavirus .
She was tested on Thursday and will now remain at home .
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , said the peak of the outbreak is most likely still 10 to 14 weeks away .
He said it is feared people will become `` fatigued '' by more stringent measures if they are brought in too soon and therefore they would lose their maximum effect .
The number of people who have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rose to 596 while the death toll in British hospitals is 10 , while the FTSE 100 closed down by more than 10 % on Thursday as fears over Covid-19 sparked the index 's worst bloodbath since 1987 , while markets fell in Asia on Friday .

Government wants 60% of population to get coronavirus to build up 'herd immunity'
Government wants 60% of population to get coronavirus to build up 'herd immunity'
He also said some of the social distancing measures put in place by the Government, including self-isolating for seven days if symptoms develop, are 'actually quite extreme'
Coronavirus: Government want 60% of population to get infected to build 'herd immunity'
The UK's chief scientific adviser said that Britain will tackle the coronavirus when 60% of the country get infected to create a "herd immunity" to the disease.
Sir Patrick Vallance said that the advice the Government is following is not looking to "suppress" the disease entirely but to help create a "herd immunity in the UK" while protecting the most vulnerable from it.
He told Sky News that at least 60% of the population needs to contract COVID-19 in order to develop "herd immunity" to prevent further transmission in the future.
He also said some of the social distancing measures put in place by the Government, including self-isolating for seven days if symptoms develop, are "actually quite extreme".
His comments come after former health secretary Jeremy Hunt questioned the Government's decision not to cancel large gatherings after Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned many more families would "lose loved ones before their time".
Sir Patrick told the BBC that the advice the Government is following is not looking to "suppress" the disease entirely but to help create a "herd immunity in the UK" while protecting the most vulnerable from it.
Image: PA) PA)
Asked if there is a fear that clamping down too hard on its spread could see it return, Sir Patrick said: "That is exactly the risk you would expect from previous epidemics.
"If you suppress something very, very hard, when you release those measures it bounces back and it bounces back at the wrong time.
"Our aim is to try and reduce the peak, broaden the peak, not suppress it completely; also, because the vast majority of people get a mild illness, to build up some kind of herd immunity so more people are immune to this disease and we reduce the transmission, at the same time we protect those who are most vulnerable to it.
"Those are the key things we need to do."
Mr Hunt, chair of the House of Commons Health select committee, was asked on BBC Newsnight what he thought about the decision not to cancel large gatherings, and he said: "I think it is surprising and concerning that we're not doing any of it at all when we have just four weeks before we get to the stage that Italy is at.
"You would have thought that every single thing we do in that four weeks would be designed to slow the spread of people catching the virus."
Mr Hunt said the UK is in a "national emergency" and that many people "will be surprised and concerned" that the UK is not moving sooner.
He said other countries that have taken tougher action appear to have been successful in turning back the tide of the virus.
It comes as France became one of the latest European countries to close all schools, universities and nurseries, while in the US, all major sport has been suspended and Broadway performances have been stopped for a month.
On Thursday, Ireland announced the closure of all schools and childcare facilities and other public spaces such as museums, while Scotland banned gatherings of more than 500 people.
The UK Government said it would not move to close schools yet as the evidence for its effectiveness is lacking, though this will be kept under review.
Sir Patrick said school closures now would see educational establishments shut down for "many months".
He told LBC: "Because of the nature of this disease and the way it spreads and its duration, we would have to close schools for many months, not just a few weeks.
"Schools would need to be shut for a very prolonged period.
"Children, of course, aren't going to separate for long periods, they are going to go and do other things together.
"And they may go and stay with grandma, one of those in the most vulnerable group."
Mr Johnson has said the latest Government approach is aimed at protecting the elderly and those most vulnerable to the disease, but said precautions would mean severe disruption across the country "for many months".
Between 5,000 and 10,000 people in the UK are thought to be infected with Covid-19 already.
Mr Johnson told reporters at a press conference on Thursday: "We've all got to be clear: this is the worst public health crisis for a generation.
"It is going to spread further and I must level with you, I must level with the British public: many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time."
He said that people with even mild coronavirus symptoms, including a continuous cough or high temperature, must stay at home for at least seven days.
Image: Leon Neal) Leon Neal)
School trips abroad should be stopped, people over 70 with serious medical conditions are being told not to go on cruises, and officials warned the advice is likely to develop so that entire households could be told to self-isolate.
Sir Patrick said it is "eye-catching" to order the cancellation of mass gatherings and sporting events but that the chances of contracting the disease by attending such occasions are slim.
He told the BBC: "Mass gatherings do have some impact, it is not that they don't do anything if you stop them.
"But they are very much more minor than the other ones.
"The most likely place you are going to get an infection from is a family member, a friend, someone very close in a small space, not in the big space."
High-profile people to be diagnosed with Covid-19 include Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and BT boss Philip Jansen.
Chelsea's full squad has also gone into self-isolation after winger Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for coronavirus.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, has tested positive for Covid-19 and the couple are in isolation.
Mr Trudeau's office said he is feeling well and will continue to work.
A spokesman for the Cabinet minister said that International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan has tested negative for coronavirus.
She was tested on Thursday and will now remain at home.
England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the peak of the outbreak is most likely still 10 to 14 weeks away.
He said it is feared people will become "fatigued" by more stringent measures if they are brought in too soon and therefore they would lose their maximum effect.
The number of people who have tested positive for the virus in the UK rose to 596 while the death toll in British hospitals is 10, while the FTSE 100 closed down by more than 10% on Thursday as fears over Covid-19 sparked the index's worst bloodbath since 1987, while markets fell in Asia on Friday.


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Sleep expert shares top tips for getting a decent night's rest in a hotel room

Hotel rooms are created with guests ' rest and relaxation at the forefront , from comfortable beds to ambient lighting .
However , when you 're away from home , sometimes getting a good night 's sleep is n't easy , even if you have all the tools you could possibly need .
New research commissioned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts revealed that 82 per cent of Brits do n't sleep any better in a hotel room than they normally would .
It 's not ideal , when you consider that one in three Brits admits booking trips just to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hand , the hotel group has teamed up with Russell Foster , Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at the University of Oxford - who happens to be a sleep expert too .
He 's shared his top tips on how to get a good night 's sleep when you 're in a hotel - although some of the tips apply generally if you 're away from home too !
• Make the room your own : comfort and familiarity are important for sleep .
• Leave your phone charging across the room and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an alarm .
• Keep your typical daily routine , eating and exercising at the same times as normal .
• Keep your room temperature between 18C-22C .
• Pull the curtains back and enjoy natural sunlight as soon as you can after waking .
• Don ’ t panic if you wake up , stay calm and you ’ ll likely fall back to sleep .
• Avoid the excessive consumption of caffeine-rich drinks or use of sedatives like alcohol .
• Stop stress from accumulating and stop all work and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Don ’ t worry about sleep apps or take their information too seriously .
• Work out what works best for you and stick to it .
Russell Foster said : `` Often our emotional or mental state can be the most important factor in how well we sleep .
`` A change in surroundings can be make us feel more anxious and make sleep even worse , even if we ’ re on a relaxing trip or holiday .
`` Despite this , there are simple practices we can do ourselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleep , wherever we are in the world . ''

Sleep expert shares top tips for getting a decent night's sleep in a hotel room if you usually struggle to get some rest
Hotel rooms are created with guests' rest and relaxation at the forefront, from comfortable beds to ambient lighting.
However, when you're away from home, sometimes getting a good night's sleep isn't easy, even if you have all the tools you could possibly need.
New research commissioned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts revealed that 82 per cent of Brits don't sleep any better in a hotel room than they normally would. It's not ideal, when you consider that one in three Brits admits booking trips just to catch up on sleep.
To lend a hand, the hotel group has teamed up with Russell Foster, Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at the University of Oxford - who happens to be a sleep expert too.
Image: Getty) Getty)
He's shared his top tips on how to get a good night's sleep when you're in a hotel - although some of the tips apply generally if you're away from home too!
Russell's top tips for decent sleep
Make the room your own: comfort and familiarity are important for sleep.
Leave your phone charging across the room and use the hotel wake up call for an alarm.
Keep your typical daily routine, eating and exercising at the same times as normal.
Keep your room temperature between 18C-22C.
Pull the curtains back and enjoy natural sunlight as soon as you can after waking.
Don’t panic if you wake up, stay calm and you’ll likely fall back to sleep.
Avoid the excessive consumption of caffeine-rich drinks or use of sedatives like alcohol.
Stop stress from accumulating and stop all work and social media half an hour before bed.
Don’t worry about sleep apps or take their information too seriously.
Work out what works best for you and stick to it.
Russell Foster said: "Often our emotional or mental state can be the most important factor in how well we sleep.
"A change in surroundings can be make us feel more anxious and make sleep even worse, even if we’re on a relaxing trip or holiday.
"Despite this, there are simple practices we can do ourselves to ensure a good night’s sleep, wherever we are in the world."


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Painkillers rocket in price as shops struggle with soaring demand

Paracetamol , ibuprofen and aspirin have all risen in price amid the coronavirus outbreak as manufacturers struggle to access ingredients from China .
Drugmakers have demanded price increases on the back of raw material shortages triggered by the killer bug - in a move that could impact consumers .
High street retailers and pharmacies have warned that the cost of sourcing paracetamol , ibuprofen and aspirin have all risen sharply in recent weeks , in some cases by as much as 30 % , as drugs wholesalers sought to pass on higher costs .
Christian Jakobsson , managing director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now charging 85p for 32 capsules of 500mg paracetamol - 21p more than in February .
`` We have seen similar price increases for ibuprofen , '' he added .
However beauty chain Boots has insisted its prices will not fluctuate despite the crisis .
`` Customers can be reassured that the cost of their regular brands , including Boots own brand paracetamol , has not and will not go up .
The same is true for our antibacterial products , '' a statement explained .
Last week India , the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the export of certain medicines , including paracetamol .
The country sources many of its ingredients from China , where exporting has been largely frozen due to coronavirus .
Some suppliers have also placed limits on the volume of pain relief products they will provide to retailers and pharmacies , to ensure stock is distributed evenly around the country .
In turn , many retailers are limiting the number of boxes of pain relief and children ’ s medication shoppers can purchase .
Boots said it had seen an increase in sales of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain relief medication .
On Tuesday it imposed a limit of two items per customer on cough and cold medication , pain relief , children ’ s medicines , thermometers and tissues , in addition to baby sterilising and antibacterial products , hand sanitiser and handwash .
`` Given current demand , we are exploring new avenues of supply and alternative brands , '' said a Boots spokeswoman .
`` We will endeavour to price appropriately , to reflect costs within our control . ''
Phoenix , the owner of the Rowlands pharmacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerable increase in demand for medicines such as paracetamol and Calpol .
It said it had put order restrictions in place on some products to “ ensure equitable supply across the UK '' .
Phoenix confirmed that prices for some medicines had increased , but said : `` This is beyond the control of medicine distributors like Phoenix . ''
McKesson , the pharmaceuticals supplierthat owns the Lloyds pharmacy chain , said it had processes in place with suppliers and manufacturers `` designed to help minimise the impact of shortages and ensure we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of critical products '' .
A spokesperson said : `` We are experiencing an unprecedented demand for over-the-counter pain relief and are doing everything we can to ensure we provide a consistent supply of medicines .
This includes sourcing from multiple providers and putting commitments in place with manufacturers to secure supply . ''
In the past week , several supermarkets have imposed restrictions on popular items such as soap and pasta in a bid to help prevent panic-buying .
Tesco has introduced a five-item limit on a number of items including pasta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and long-life milk until further notice .
Waitrose has also put restrictions on certain anti-bacterial soaps and wipes online .
A spokeswoman told Mirror Money : `` In-store , we are currently not putting a cap on any products .
We have introduced a temporary cap on certain products on Waitrose.com including some antibacterial soaps and wipes , to ensure our customers have access to the products they need .
We continue to work with suppliers to help meet demand . ''

High street retailers and pharmacies have warned that the cost of sourcing paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin have all risen sharply in recent weeks, in some cases by as much as 30%, as drugs wholesalers sought to pass on higher costs
Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin have all risen in price amid the coronavirus outbreak as manufacturers struggle to access ingredients from China.
Drugmakers have demanded price increases on the back of raw material shortages triggered by the killer bug - in a move that could impact consumers.
High street retailers and pharmacies have warned that the cost of sourcing paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin have all risen sharply in recent weeks, in some cases by as much as 30%, as drugs wholesalers sought to pass on higher costs.
Christian Jakobsson, managing director of online pharmacy Medino, said its supplier is now charging 85p for 32 capsules of 500mg paracetamol - 21p more than in February. "We have seen similar price increases for ibuprofen," he added.
However beauty chain Boots has insisted its prices will not fluctuate despite the crisis.
"Customers can be reassured that the cost of their regular brands, including Boots own brand paracetamol, has not and will not go up. The same is true for our antibacterial products," a statement explained.
Last week India, the world's largest supplier of painkillers, limited the export of certain medicines, including paracetamol. The country sources many of its ingredients from China, where exporting has been largely frozen due to coronavirus.
Image: Getty) Getty)
Some suppliers have also placed limits on the volume of pain relief products they will provide to retailers and pharmacies, to ensure stock is distributed evenly around the country. In turn, many retailers are limiting the number of boxes of pain relief and children’s medication shoppers can purchase.
Boots said it had seen an increase in sales of hand sanitisers and cold, flu and pain relief medication.
On Tuesday it imposed a limit of two items per customer on cough and cold medication, pain relief, children’s medicines, thermometers and tissues, in addition to baby sterilising and antibacterial products, hand sanitiser and handwash.
"Given current demand, we are exploring new avenues of supply and alternative brands," said a Boots spokeswoman. "We will endeavour to price appropriately, to reflect costs within our control."
Phoenix, the owner of the Rowlands pharmacy chain, said it had seen a considerable increase in demand for medicines such as paracetamol and Calpol. It said it had put order restrictions in place on some products to “ensure equitable supply across the UK".
Phoenix confirmed that prices for some medicines had increased, but said: "This is beyond the control of medicine distributors like Phoenix."
McKesson, the pharmaceuticals supplierthat owns the Lloyds pharmacy chain, said it had processes in place with suppliers and manufacturers "designed to help minimise the impact of shortages and ensure we are able to provide a consistent supply of critical products".
A spokesperson said: "We are experiencing an unprecedented demand for over-the-counter pain relief and are doing everything we can to ensure we provide a consistent supply of medicines. This includes sourcing from multiple providers and putting commitments in place with manufacturers to secure supply."
In the past week, several supermarkets have imposed restrictions on popular items such as soap and pasta in a bid to help prevent panic-buying .
Tesco has introduced a five-item limit on a number of items including pasta, anti-bacterial wipes, gels and sprays, and long-life milk until further notice.
Waitrose has also put restrictions on certain anti-bacterial soaps and wipes online.
A spokeswoman told Mirror Money: "In-store, we are currently not putting a cap on any products. We have introduced a temporary cap on certain products on Waitrose.com including some antibacterial soaps and wipes, to ensure our customers have access to the products they need. We continue to work with suppliers to help meet demand."


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Plans for 'funerals by phone' and 24-hour cremations for victims

A UK funeral directors is preparing for ‘ funeral broadcasts ’ and 24 hour cremations to deal with a potential spike in coronavirus deaths .
Plans could be put in place by William Purves - who have already doubled their coffin supplies The Scottish firm , based in Edinburgh , revealed measures they had taken after the number of cases confirmed in Scotland rose to 60 .
Tim Purves , chairman of William Purves , said his firm are well prepared for the outbreak .
A provision for ‘ funeral by phone ’ broadcasts if loved ones are not allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cremations could also be put into practice .
Mr Purves , whose business has offices in Edinburgh , said : “ We ’ re experienced funeral directors and even in the face of a virus like this we have confidence we can continue our service in the coming months .
“ We ’ ll take our advice from the Scottish Government .
“ If they make the decision that people are not to attend funerals then obviously we have to go along with that .
“ We have been told by the crematoriums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they ’ d work through the night , they ’ d do 24-hour cremations if they have to .
“ So , I don ’ t think cremations would stop - we would still be taking the deceased to the crematorium .
“ All the crematory have facilities where they would allow families to watch the service on a live stream and they have 28-day recording .
“ It could be the case the family wouldn ’ t watch it live - they would watch it within 28 days and I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible.
” A City of Edinburgh Council spokesman said : `` The rapidly evolving Coronavirus situation is a worrying and uncertain time for everyone and we are working closely with our partners to make sure Edinburgh is ready however things develop in the coming days , weeks and months .
“ Our Bereavement and Registration Services have well-developed pandemic plans in place to manage any rise in the number of deaths above the seasonal norm .
“ At Mortonhall Crematorium we have a state-of-the-art live webcasting and 28-day playback facility in both chapels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a service if they are unable to attend in person .
”

Coronavirus plans have been put in place by funeral directors William Purves - who have already doubled their coffin supplies ahead of a potential spike in the number of deaths
Coronavirus: Plans for 'funerals by phone' and 24-hour cremations for victims
A UK funeral directors is preparing for ‘funeral broadcasts’ and 24 hour cremations to deal with a potential spike in coronavirus deaths.
Plans could be put in place by William Purves - who have already doubled their coffin supplies
The Scottish firm, based in Edinburgh, revealed measures they had taken after the number of cases confirmed in Scotland rose to 60.
Tim Purves, chairman of William Purves, said his firm are well prepared for the outbreak.
A provision for ‘funeral by phone’ broadcasts if loved ones are not allowed to attend in person and 24 hour cremations could also be put into practice.
Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Mr Purves, whose business has offices in Edinburgh, said: “We’re experienced funeral directors and even in the face of a virus like this we have confidence we can continue our service in the coming months.
“We’ll take our advice from the Scottish Government.
“If they make the decision that people are not to attend funerals then obviously we have to go along with that.
“We have been told by the crematoriums that they would work much longer hours, they’d work through the night, they’d do 24-hour cremations if they have to.
Image: Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS) Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS)
“So, I don’t think cremations would stop - we would still be taking the deceased to the crematorium.
“All the crematory have facilities where they would allow families to watch the service on a live stream and they have 28-day recording.
“It could be the case the family wouldn’t watch it live - they would watch it within 28 days and I’m sure that could be extended if possible.”
A City of Edinburgh Council spokesman said: "The rapidly evolving Coronavirus situation is a worrying and uncertain time for everyone and we are working closely with our partners to make sure Edinburgh is ready however things develop in the coming days, weeks and months.
“Our Bereavement and Registration Services have well-developed pandemic plans in place to manage any rise in the number of deaths above the seasonal norm.
“At Mortonhall Crematorium we have a state-of-the-art live webcasting and 28-day playback facility in both chapels, which will allow families to participate in a service if they are unable to attend in person.”


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Laurence Fox returns to Twitter after three weeks as actors' union apologises

Laurence Fox has returned to social media after actors ' union Equity issued an apology for branding him a disgrace .
The row first erupted when the actor fired back calling a Question Time audience member `` racist '' for branding him a `` privileged white male '' in January .
Following his Question Time appearance , organiser Equity called Laurence a `` disgrace '' in a number of tweets in January .
By February , the 41-year-old announced he would be taking a break from Twitter after he was `` shocked '' and `` depressed '' at messages he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been three weeks of radio silence before Laurence made his comeback to social media coinciding with Equity 's apology .
The actor shared a chirpy tweet telling fans he had an update on the fight and bid them to have a lovely day .
He wrote : `` Good morning .
I ’ m not sure if 19 days off Twatter really qualifies as an extended break , but I thought I ’ d let you know that I have an update in regards to my situation that I will share with you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lovely Friday .
Loz . ''
It was then announced Equity had done a U-turn to apologise for lashing out at the Inspector Lewis star on social media .
The statement read : `` We are sorry that in the tweets he was called a 'disgrace ' by Equity .
`` It was a mistake for Equity as an organisation to criticise him in this way .
`` Nothing in Equity 's later statement was intended as a slur on his character or views or to suggest that he should be denied the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make that clear .
`` Equity and Laurence Fox condemn prejudice unequivocally in all its forms . ''
Lauren was welcomed back by his 179.8K loyal following .
Social media was awash with comments saying they missed the star as his followers offered up their unwavering support .
`` Welcome back Loz ! ''
One fan wrote , leading the troops .
Others added : `` Great to see you back !
Was thinking only last night how missed you are . ''
`` Nice to see you back . ''

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
Laurence Fox was given unwavering support by his fans as they were delighted he had returned to social media with an apology from the actors' union
Laurence Fox returns to Twitter after three weeks as actors' union apologises
Laurence Fox has returned to social media after actors' union Equity issued an apology for branding him a disgrace.
The row first erupted when the actor fired back calling a Question Time audience member "racist" for branding him a "privileged white male" in January.
Following his Question Time appearance, organiser Equity called Laurence a "disgrace" in a number of tweets in January.
By February, the 41-year-old announced he would be taking a break from Twitter after he was "shocked" and "depressed" at messages he was being bombarded with.
It's been three weeks of radio silence before Laurence made his comeback to social media coinciding with Equity's apology.
The actor shared a chirpy tweet telling fans he had an update on the fight and bid them to have a lovely day.
Image: BBC) BBC)
He wrote: "Good morning. I’m not sure if 19 days off Twatter really qualifies as an extended break, but I thought I’d let you know that I have an update in regards to my situation that I will share with you at around 9 am. Have a lovely Friday. Loz."
It was then announced Equity had done a U-turn to apologise for lashing out at the Inspector Lewis star on social media.
The statement read: "We are sorry that in the tweets he was called a 'disgrace' by Equity.
Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX) Ken McKay/ITV/REX)
"It was a mistake for Equity as an organisation to criticise him in this way.
"Nothing in Equity's later statement was intended as a slur on his character or views or to suggest that he should be denied the ability to work. We would like to make that clear.
"Equity and Laurence Fox condemn prejudice unequivocally in all its forms."
Image: BBC) BBC)
Lauren was welcomed back by his 179.8K loyal following.
Social media was awash with comments saying they missed the star as his followers offered up their unwavering support.
"Welcome back Loz!" One fan wrote, leading the troops.
Others added: "Great to see you back! Was thinking only last night how missed you are."
"Nice to see you back."


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Tom Hanks shares selfie from isolation as he thanks Aussies for their help

Tom Hanks has shared a selfie from coronavirus isolation and thanked the people of Australia for all their help .
The Hollywood actor and his wife Rita Wilson have tested positive for Covid-19 , during a trip Down Under and they are now self-isolating for 14 days .
Hanks , 63 , returned to Twitter today to share a snap of the pair from behind closed doors and give fans an update on their condition .
The Big star tweeted : `` Hello folks .
Rita Wilson and I want to thank everyone here Down Under who are taking such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have Covid-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else .
`` There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness .
`` We are taking it one day at a time .
There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other , no ?
`` Remember , despite all of the current events , there is no crying in baseball .
Hanks . ''
The picture shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rita , 63 , make-up-free and smiling for the camera .
It comes after Hanks released a statement confirming both he and Rita had tested positive , admitting he felt like he had a cold , while his wife had been suffering from chills .
In a statement shared on social media , the Hollywood actor wrote : `` 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , 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 ? ''
Tom signed off the statement with : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Hollywood actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have tested positive for the coronavirus ona trip to Australia and are currently self-isolating for two weeks. He's now shared a snap of the couple from behind closed doors as they recover
Coronavirus: Tom Hanks shares selfie from isolation as he thanks Aussies for their help
Tom Hanks has shared a selfie from coronavirus isolation and thanked the people of Australia for all their help.
The Hollywood actor and his wife Rita Wilson have tested positive for Covid-19, during a trip Down Under and they are now self-isolating for 14 days.
Hanks, 63, returned to Twitter today to share a snap of the pair from behind closed doors and give fans an update on their condition.
The Big star tweeted: "Hello folks. Rita Wilson and I want to thank everyone here Down Under who are taking such good care of us.
"We have Covid-19 and are in isolation so we do not spread it to anyone else.
"There are those for whom it could lead to a very serious illness.
"We are taking it one day at a time. There are things we can all do to get through this by following the advice of experts and taking care of ourselves and each other, no?
"Remember, despite all of the current events, there is no crying in baseball. Hanks."
Image: Tom Hanks/Instagram) Tom Hanks/Instagram)
The picture shows the couple wearing baseball caps, with Rita, 63, make-up-free and smiling for the camera.
It comes after Hanks released a statement confirming both he and Rita had tested positive, admitting he felt like he had a cold, while his wife had been suffering from chills.
In a statement shared on social media, the Hollywood actor wrote: "Hello, folks.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"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.
"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?"
Tom signed off the statement with: "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--2020-03-13--Mum, 42, fell for son's best friend when he was just 18 and says he's a great stepdad

A mum has revealed how she fell in love with her son 's best friend who is 22 years her junior .
Dawn Northey , 42 , from Wolverhampton , was instantly attracted to Takhari Aldridge , 20 , when her son introduced the pair .
Dawn 's son , Callum Northey , 18 , and Takhari had been online gaming friends for three years before finally meeting in June 2017 .
Seven months later , Dawn and Takhari , then 18 , kissed after she dropped him home one afternoon and they 've been a couple ever since .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the union , but others have n't been as accepting .
Dawn , who is unemployed , says : `` When I first met Takhari , I could n't believe I found an 18-year-old attractive .
`` Thankfully he fancied me too in the end and now we 're head over heels in love .
`` A lot of people condemn our relationship but we just ignore it . ''
In July 2014 , Dawn 's son , Callum , met Takhari , who is unemployed , online while playing Xbox games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they spoke every day until Takhari invited Callum to his house in June 2017 .
Dawn , who was married at the time , then drove her son 300 miles from their home Glasgow to Wolverhampton so he could stay with his gaming pal .
She said : `` As we pulled up to the house , I saw Takhari standing in the driveway .
`` He was tall , dark and handsome .
`` I went inside and chatted with Takhari 's mum while the boys played video games upstairs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sons speak about each other over the years and how nice it was that they were finally meeting . ''
A week later , Dawn returned to Takhari 's house to pick up Callum .
She said : `` After the boys said goodbye , I told Takhari he was more than welcome to visit him whenever he liked .
`` Takhari then gave me his number and told me to let him know if I ever got lost in the area . ''
Back at home , Dawn 's 15-year marriage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And in January 2018 , the couple spilt up .
Dawn , Callum and her daughter , Addison , 8 , moved out of their family home to Blentyre , South Lanarkshire .
Seven weeks later , Callum invited Takhari to stay with them .
Dawn says : `` When Takhari came to visit , I was excited to see him .
`` I kept stealing glances at him around the house .
`` Every day I had to tell myself I was too old for him and to stop being daft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a silly crush . ''
The next week , Dawn drove Takhari back home to Wolverhampton .
She says : `` As we chatted away about our lives , I had no idea how mature he was .
`` When we arrived , Takhari suddenly leaned in and kissed me in the car .
`` I could n't believe it .
I had no idea he fancied me too .
`` I was over the moon .
`` Later that night he texted me saying he 'd been dying to kiss me from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , Dawn and Takhari texted each other in secret .
But within six days , Takhari 's mum discovered their text messages and kicked Takhari out of the house .
`` Takhari had nowhere to live so I told him to come stay with us .
`` Next , I needed to come clean to my son , but I was terrified .
`` That night , I told Callum that Takhari and I had romantic feelings for each other .
`` I explained that if he did n't accept us then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neither of us wanted to sacrifice our relationship with him .
`` Callum shrugged his shoulders and told me he was fine with it .
With Callum 's blessing , Dawn and Takhari moved in together that day became a couple .
But it was n't long until the couple faced criticism .
Dawn says : `` Whenever I held Takhari 's hand in public , strangers gave me dirty looks .
`` Then one day Takhari injured his knuckle and we had to go the hospital .
`` The nurse said ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now . '
`` I felt so embarrassed and told her I was his partner , not his mum .
`` She apologised and said it was because I looked so much older .
`` Even someone from my family accused me of grooming Takhari and threatened to call the police .
`` We were both horrified .
`` Takhari was a full grown adult when we met , not a child . ''
Despite their whopping 22 year age gap , the couple insist they are happier than ever .
Dawn says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new lease of life .
`` He and Callum are still best friends and it has n't affected their friendship .
`` Addison even calls Takhari Dad now , it 's adorable .
`` Although Takhari 's mum has n't given us her blessing , we really hope she will one day .
`` I do n't see why people judge our relationship when we are simply happy and in love .
`` Most of the time we forget we have an age gap anyway . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Candice Fernandez, Jamie Hawkins)

Dawn Northey, from Wolverhampton, says she was instantly attracted to Takhari Aldridge when he just 18 after being introduced to him by her son
Mum, 42, fell for son's best friend when he was just 18 and says he's a great stepdad
A mum has revealed how she fell in love with her son's best friend who is 22 years her junior.
Dawn Northey, 42, from Wolverhampton, was instantly attracted to Takhari Aldridge, 20, when her son introduced the pair.
Dawn's son, Callum Northey, 18, and Takhari had been online gaming friends for three years before finally meeting in June 2017.
Seven months later, Dawn and Takhari, then 18, kissed after she dropped him home one afternoon and they've been a couple ever since.
The mum-of-two claims her son is happy about the union, but others haven't been as accepting.
Image: HotSpot Media) HotSpot Media)
Dawn, who is unemployed, says: "When I first met Takhari, I couldn't believe I found an 18-year-old attractive.
"Thankfully he fancied me too in the end and now we're head over heels in love.
"A lot of people condemn our relationship but we just ignore it."
In July 2014, Dawn's son, Callum, met Takhari, who is unemployed, online while playing Xbox games.
Over the next three years, they spoke every day until Takhari invited Callum to his house in June 2017.
Dawn, who was married at the time, then drove her son 300 miles from their home Glasgow to Wolverhampton so he could stay with his gaming pal.
Image: HotSpot Media) HotSpot Media)
She said: "As we pulled up to the house, I saw Takhari standing in the driveway.
"He was tall, dark and handsome.
"I went inside and chatted with Takhari's mum while the boys played video games upstairs.
"We said how we'd heard our sons speak about each other over the years and how nice it was that they were finally meeting."
A week later, Dawn returned to Takhari's house to pick up Callum.
She said: "After the boys said goodbye, I told Takhari he was more than welcome to visit him whenever he liked.
"Takhari then gave me his number and told me to let him know if I ever got lost in the area."
Image: HotSpot Media) HotSpot Media)
Back at home, Dawn's 15-year marriage to Callum's dad came to an end.
And in January 2018, the couple spilt up.
Dawn, Callum and her daughter, Addison, 8, moved out of their family home to Blentyre, South Lanarkshire.
Seven weeks later, Callum invited Takhari to stay with them.
Dawn says: "When Takhari came to visit, I was excited to see him.
"I kept stealing glances at him around the house.
"Every day I had to tell myself I was too old for him and to stop being daft.
"I thought it was just a silly crush."
Image: HotSpot Media) HotSpot Media)
The next week, Dawn drove Takhari back home to Wolverhampton.
She says: "As we chatted away about our lives, I had no idea how mature he was.
"When we arrived, Takhari suddenly leaned in and kissed me in the car.
"I couldn't believe it. I had no idea he fancied me too.
"I was over the moon.
"Later that night he texted me saying he'd been dying to kiss me from the moment we met."
After that, Dawn and Takhari texted each other in secret.
But within six days, Takhari's mum discovered their text messages and kicked Takhari out of the house.
Dawn says: "I was heart broken.
Image: HotSpot Media) HotSpot Media)
"Takhari had nowhere to live so I told him to come stay with us.
"Next, I needed to come clean to my son, but I was terrified.
"That night, I told Callum that Takhari and I had romantic feelings for each other.
"I explained that if he didn't accept us then we would end it immediately, as neither of us wanted to sacrifice our relationship with him.
"Callum shrugged his shoulders and told me he was fine with it.
"I'd never felt so relieved."
With Callum's blessing, Dawn and Takhari moved in together that day became a couple. But it wasn't long until the couple faced criticism.
Dawn says: "Whenever I held Takhari's hand in public, strangers gave me dirty looks.
Image: HotSpot Media) HotSpot Media)
"Then one day Takhari injured his knuckle and we had to go the hospital.
"The nurse said 'I'll check your son's hand now.'
"I felt so embarrassed and told her I was his partner, not his mum.
"She apologised and said it was because I looked so much older.
"Even someone from my family accused me of grooming Takhari and threatened to call the police.
"We were both horrified.
"Takhari was a full grown adult when we met, not a child."
Despite their whopping 22 year age gap, the couple insist they are happier than ever.
Dawn says: "Takhari has given me a new lease of life.
"He and Callum are still best friends and it hasn't affected their friendship.
"Addison even calls Takhari Dad now, it's adorable.
"Although Takhari's mum hasn't given us her blessing, we really hope she will one day.
"I don't see why people judge our relationship when we are simply happy and in love.
"Most of the time we forget we have an age gap anyway."


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Disneyland Paris and Florida park closing as iconic resorts shut worldwide

Disney theme parks in Florida , California and Paris are being shut due to the coronavirus outbreak , the company has announced .
Three employees at Disneyland Paris have tested positive for COVID-19 .
In a statement The Walt Disney Company said the move was being made `` in an abundance of caution '' .
Hotels will remain open to give guests time to make alternative arrangements .
The company said : “ In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees , we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disneyland Paris Resort , beginning at the close of business on Sunday , March 15 , through the end of the month .
“ Disney Cruise Line will suspend all new departures beginning Saturday , March 14 , through the end of the month .
” The Walt Disney Company will pay its cast members during that closure period . ''
Yesterday California Governor Gavin Newsom recommended against gatherings of more than 250 people to help contain the spread of coronavirus .
Disney decided to close both of its Southern California parks after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best interest of our guests and employees , '' its statement said .
The statement continued : “ The hotels at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain open until further notice '' The retail and dining complexes , Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and Disney Village at Disneyland Paris , will remain open .
“ Domestic Walt Disney Company employees who are able to work from home are being asked to do so , including those at The Walt Disney Studios , Walt Disney Television , ESPN , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Products .
“ We will continue to stay in close contact with appropriate officials and health experts.
” Disney will pay its employees during the shutdown and refund payments for hotel bookings , it added .
It comes after Disney announced it was delaying the release of live action blockbuster Mulan , originally scheduled for March 27 .
Disney has now delayed its release until an unspecified date later in the year , along with horror films The New Mutants and Antlers .
The news came hours after A Quiet Place II and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another of 2020 's biggest films , James Bond movie No Time To Die , has already been pushed back to November , having originally been set to arrive in April .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
In a statement The Walt Disney Company said the decision was made "in an abundance of caution" following the coronavirus outbreak. Theme parks in California, Paris and Florida will temporary close
Disney theme parks in Florida, California and Paris are being shut due to the coronavirus outbreak, the company has announced.
Three employees at Disneyland Paris have tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement The Walt Disney Company said the move was being made "in an abundance of caution".
Hotels will remain open to give guests time to make alternative arrangements.
The company said: “In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort, beginning at the close of business on Sunday, March 15, through the end of the month.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
“Disney Cruise Line will suspend all new departures beginning Saturday, March 14, through the end of the month.
”The Walt Disney Company will pay its cast members during that closure period."
Yesterday California Governor Gavin Newsom recommended against gatherings of more than 250 people to help contain the spread of coronavirus.
Disney decided to close both of its Southern California parks after reviewing Newsom's guidelines "and in the best interest of our guests and employees," its statement said.
Image: Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag) Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag)
The statement continued: “The hotels at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain open until further notice
"The retail and dining complexes, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and Disney Village at Disneyland Paris, will remain open.
“Domestic Walt Disney Company employees who are able to work from home are being asked to do so, including those at The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Direct-to-Consumer, and Parks, Experiences and Products.
“We will continue to stay in close contact with appropriate officials and health experts.”
Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Disney will pay its employees during the shutdown and refund payments for hotel bookings, it added.
It comes after Disney announced it was delaying the release of live action blockbuster Mulan, originally scheduled for March 27.
Disney has now delayed its release until an unspecified date later in the year, along with horror films The New Mutants and Antlers.
The news came hours after A Quiet Place II and Fast & Furious 9 were both postponed. Another of 2020's biggest films, James Bond movie No Time To Die, has already been pushed back to November, having originally been set to arrive in April.


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Sport Relief's Line Of Duty spoof stars hilarious Lee Mack as bumbling lawyer

BBC 's Sport Relief delighted viewers with its Line Of Duty spoof where Lee Mack joined the cast as a useless lawyer who ends up implicating his client .
Alongside the usual cast of Vicky McClure , Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar who play Detective Inspector Kate Fleming , Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott , and Superintendent Ted Hastings .
He was also joined by Jason Isaacs , who played a man accused of murder , with Lee 's character as his lawyer , who does a terrible job of proving his client is innocent .
In fact , he ends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fury of his client , corrupt cop DC Taylor .
He then tries to bribe the unit with a measly £5 , which does not work .
DC Taylor eventually confesses after a blunder sees his lawyer link his phone to the projector , and he receives a call from `` H '' , who he is trying to prove he does n't know .
But at the very end , Lee 's lawyer character reveals he is H - not realising he is still being recorded .
Viewers loved the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
`` That was fun to see @ jasonsfolly on Sport Relief in the Line Of Duty sketch .
Very funny .
Great cause ... How much fun was that to film I wonder ?
! ''
wrote one .
`` That was so funny ... but making me sad because I want the new series to hurry up and air !
! ''
exclaimed a third .
Another spoof on the show was Killing Steves - based on Killing Eve .
A mystery assassin slaughtered several famous Steves before finally being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pink dress with blonde hair murdering the celebrities .
Stephen Mulhern gets shot with an arrow by his `` glamorous assistant '' while performing magic on stage .
Steve McDonald from Coronation Street gets poisoned in the Rover 's Return - but not before reminding the assassin that his real name is n't even Steve , he 's just playing a character .
The actor Simon Gregson falls to the ground after sipping a beer that the villain had got to first .
The mystery killer even murders Stephen Fry by tempting him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corridor leads into a room that is booby-trapped by `` Villainelle '' , who is revealed to be David Walliams dressed as a woman in make up and a wig .

Lee Mack is bumbling lawyer in Sport Relief's Line Of Duty spoof
Lee Mack is bumbling lawyer in Sport Relief's Line Of Duty spoof
The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
Lee Mack delighted viewers as a bumbling lawyer on BBC's Sport Relief in a Line Of Duty spoof which starred the original beloved cast
BBC's Sport Relief delighted viewers with its Line Of Duty spoof where Lee Mack joined the cast as a useless lawyer who ends up implicating his client.
Alongside the usual cast of Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar who play Detective Inspector Kate Fleming ,Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott, and Superintendent Ted Hastings.
He was also joined by Jason Isaacs, who played a man accused of murder, with Lee's character as his lawyer, who does a terrible job of proving his client is innocent.
In fact, he ends up proving he is guilty, much to the fury of his client, corrupt cop DC Taylor.
Image: BBC) BBC)
He then tries to bribe the unit with a measly £5, which does not work.
DC Taylor eventually confesses after a blunder sees his lawyer link his phone to the projector, and he receives a call from "H", who he is trying to prove he doesn't know.
But at the very end, Lee's lawyer character reveals he is H - not realising he is still being recorded.
Image: BBC) BBC)
Viewers loved the sketch and took to Twitter to discuss it.
"That was fun to see @jasonsfolly on Sport Relief in the Line Of Duty sketch. Very funny. Great cause ... How much fun was that to film I wonder?!" wrote one.
"Fantastic sketch on #sportrelief ... #h " added another.
Image: BBC) BBC)
"That was so funny ... but making me sad because I want the new series to hurry up and air!!" exclaimed a third.
Another spoof on the show was Killing Steves - based on Killing Eve .
A mystery assassin slaughtered several famous Steves before finally being unmasked, with a figure wearing a pink dress with blonde hair murdering the celebrities.
Image: BBC) BBC)
Stephen Mulhern gets shot with an arrow by his "glamorous assistant" while performing magic on stage.
Steve McDonald from Coronation Street gets poisoned in the Rover's Return - but not before reminding the assassin that his real name isn't even Steve, he's just playing a character.
The actor Simon Gregson falls to the ground after sipping a beer that the villain had got to first.
The mystery killer even murders Stephen Fry by tempting him across a corridor with encyclopedias.
The corridor leads into a room that is booby-trapped by "Villainelle", who is revealed to be David Walliams dressed as a woman in make up and a wig.


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Doctor's heartbreak as she shares final moments of dying patients

A doctor in Italy has described the heartbreaking final moments of her patients dying from coronavirus .
Italy is under a dramatic lockdown as leaders try to fight the spread of the deadly virus .
Italy ’ s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte took the extreme measures as the Covid-19 death toll in the country approaches 500 , and other countries look set to follow suit as the pandemic 's epicentre moves from China to Europe .
Doctor Francesca Cortellaro , from the San Carlo Borromeo hospital in Milan has given a heartbreaking insight into life on the front-line treating patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Star reports .
Tragically , Italy 's overwhelmed hospitals are struggling to save everyone- and Dr Cortellaro has had to watch her patients die in front of her .
She told Italian newspaper Il Giornale : “ You know what ’ s most dramatic ?
Seeing patients dying alone , listening to them as they beg you to say goodbye to their children and grandchildren.
” Dr Cortellaro went on to say how coronavirus patients arrive on their own , and “ when they are about to die , they sense it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do not go into narcolepsy .
It is as if they were drowning , but with time to understand it , ” she said .
She described how a dying grandmother had recently asked her to see her granddaughter .
`` I pulled out the phone and called her on video .
They said goodbye .
Soon after she was gone .
`` By now I have a long list of video calls .
I call it a farewell list . ''
As of Friday , a further 208 people have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , bringing the total number of cases in the country to 798 .
The Department of Health updated figure on Friday afternoon , hours after Sir Patrick Vallance said at least 60 % of the population needs to contact COVID-19 in order to develop `` heard immunity . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned `` many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time '' on Thursday afternoon as the UK moved from `` contain '' to the `` delay '' phase over the coronavirus outbreak .

Doctor Francesca Cortellaro, from the San Carlo Borromeo hospital in Milan, described devastating scenes as dying Covid-19 patients were forced to bid farewell to love ones over the phone
A doctor in Italy has described the heartbreaking final moments of her patients dying from coronavirus.
Italy is under a dramatic lockdown as leaders try to fight the spread of the deadly virus.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte took the extreme measures as the Covid-19 death toll in the country approaches 500, and other countries look set to follow suit as the pandemic's epicentre moves from China to Europe.
Doctor Francesca Cortellaro, from the San Carlo Borromeo hospital in Milan has given a heartbreaking insight into life on the front-line treating patients struck down by the virus, the Daily Star reports.
Tragically, Italy's overwhelmed hospitals are struggling to save everyone- and Dr Cortellaro has had to watch her patients die in front of her.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
She told Italian newspaper Il Giornale: “You know what’s most dramatic? Seeing patients dying alone, listening to them as they beg you to say goodbye to their children and grandchildren.”
Dr Cortellaro went on to say how coronavirus patients arrive on their own, and “when they are about to die, they sense it”.
“They are lucid, they do not go into narcolepsy. It is as if they were drowning, but with time to understand it,” she said.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
She described how a dying grandmother had recently asked her to see her granddaughter.
"I pulled out the phone and called her on video. They said goodbye. Soon after she was gone.
"By now I have a long list of video calls. I call it a farewell list."
As of Friday, a further 208 people have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus in the UK, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 798.
The Department of Health updated figure on Friday afternoon, hours after Sir Patrick Vallance said at least 60% of the population needs to contact COVID-19 in order to develop "heard immunity."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned "many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time" on Thursday afternoon as the UK moved from "contain" to the "delay" phase over the coronavirus outbreak.


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Connor Durman and Sophie Piper's relationship 'on the rocks' as they chat about future

Love Island ’ s Sophie Piper and Connor Durman are reportedly struggling to keep their relationship afloat amid pressures in the outside world .
The stunning couple have been yet to make things official , but are said to have had a serious talk over their future .
Coffee bean salesman Connor , 25 , and medical PA Sophie , 21 , are said to have chatted about their future together , a source told The Sun .
“ Connor and Sophie spent the night together at a hotel in London on Monday where they discussed the future of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the publication .
`` They ’ ve both found it hard since coming out of the villa and are keen to keep things private while they figure out what direction things are going in.
” A representative for Connor has since confirmed to the Mirror Online that they were having ‘ crisis talks ’ .
The duo met in South Africa on the Love Island set but were forced apart when the contestants had to ditch one Islander from the villa , sending Connor packing .
Much to viewers ' surprise , Sophie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not follow her partner out at the same time .
Although Sophie was eventually reunited with her beau outside of the villa , their reunion got off to a slow start .
According to earlier reports the pair , who live one and a half hour away from each other , didn ’ t have much time to see each other because of the distance .
The duo were also forced to snap back at rumours they had already cut ties following the show because they have rarely been seen together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in fact going ‘ really well ’ and both were actually happy with the direction their romance was heading in .
The last time Connor shared a picture with Sophie on social media was February 15 , where he shared a cute snap in which they both cast beaming smiles .
He caption the shot ‘ My valentine , ’ alongside a simple red heart emoji , but it appears that Sophie didn ’ t even like the photograph herself .
On her social media , Sophie hasn ’ t shared any photographs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mirror Online have also contacted Sophie 's representative for comment .
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

The Love Island couple continued to date after they left the villa but a representative for Connor has since confirmed that they had to have 'crisis talks' over the future of their relationship
Connor Durman and Sophie Piper's relationship 'on the rocks' as they chat about future
Love Island ’s Sophie Piper and Connor Durman are reportedly struggling to keep their relationship afloat amid pressures in the outside world.
The stunning couple have been yet to make things official, but are said to have had a serious talk over their future.
Coffee bean salesman Connor, 25, and medical PA Sophie, 21, are said to have chatted about their future together, a source told The Sun .
“Connor and Sophie spent the night together at a hotel in London on Monday where they discussed the future of their relationship,” the insider explained to the publication.
"They’ve both found it hard since coming out of the villa and are keen to keep things private while they figure out what direction things are going in.”
A representative for Connor has since confirmed to the Mirror Online that they were having ‘crisis talks’.
The duo met in South Africa on the Love Island set but were forced apart when the contestants had to ditch one Islander from the villa, sending Connor packing.
Image: @connordurman/Instagram) @connordurman/Instagram)
Much to viewers' surprise, Sophie decided to stay on in the villa and not follow her partner out at the same time.
Although Sophie was eventually reunited with her beau outside of the villa, their reunion got off to a slow start.
According to earlier reports the pair, who live one and a half hour away from each other, didn’t have much time to see each other because of the distance.
Image: @connordurman/Instagram) @connordurman/Instagram) Image: @sophpiper/Instagram) @sophpiper/Instagram)
The duo were also forced to snap back at rumours they had already cut ties following the show because they have rarely been seen together.
Connor later insisted that their dating was in fact going ‘really well’ and both were actually happy with the direction their romance was heading in.
The last time Connor shared a picture with Sophie on social media was February 15, where he shared a cute snap in which they both cast beaming smiles.
Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock) ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
He caption the shot ‘My valentine,’ alongside a simple red heart emoji, but it appears that Sophie didn’t even like the photograph herself.
On her social media, Sophie hasn’t shared any photographs of Connor since they left the villa.
Mirror Online have also contacted Sophie's representative for comment.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: UK on lockdown with mass gatherings and sports games to be banned

Mass gatherings will be banned across Britain in a bid to ease the impact of coronavirus .
Sports fixtures , music concerts and business conferences all face the axe amid mounting efforts to tackle Covid-19 .
The Government believes the move , which is set to come into force next weekend , will help free-up emergency services rather than curb the spread of the disease , a Whitehall source said .
Ministers have faced criticism for failing to act earlier , but Boris Johnson has repeatedly insisted he is following experts ' advice .
Earlier this week , Scottish First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 500 people would be banned as the virus took hold .
* Follow our LIVE blog for updates on the coronavirus outbreak A Whitehall source declined to say how many people meant a “ mass gathering ” , but said tonight : “ Ministers are working with the Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer on our plan to stop various types of public event , including mass gatherings , beginning next week .
“ We are also talking to businesses and other bodies about the timing of moving towards much more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are many complex considerations to make all these measures as effective as possible .
“ We will make the right decisions at the right time based on the best scientific evidence .
“ For example , we are concerned about the burden large events put on public services - including the health service and the police - from dealing with coronavirus .
“ Officials are working with industry bodies to identify how to support businesses that will be affected by this decision .
“ We have drafted emergency legislation to give the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , including powers to stop mass gatherings and compensate organisations .
“ We will publish this legislation next week.
” Meanwhile , a major crackdown on visitors to Parliament was announced last night ( FRI ) as authorities try to tackle the outbreak .
Tours will be banned , passholders were urged not to invite guests to Westminster , and no new banqueting bookings will be accepted .
MPs were also urged not to carry out official visits abroad .
In a joint statement , Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In order to preserve the operation of Parliament , it is our duty to take proportionate and reasonable measures to reduce the risk to those who work on the parliamentary estate and those who have to visit .
“ We are clear that now is the time to be pragmatic ; everyone in the country is being asked to strike a balance and it is right that we do the same .
“ It is in this spirit that we have decided to implement a number of restrictions relating to overseas travel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to watch debates from public galleries .

Sports matches, music concerts and conferences all face the axe as the Government clamps down on mass gatherings in a bid to tackle the UK's coronavirus outbreak
Coronavirus: UK on lockdown with mass gatherings and sports games to be banned
Mass gatherings will be banned across Britain in a bid to ease the impact of coronavirus.
Sports fixtures, music concerts and business conferences all face the axe amid mounting efforts to tackle Covid-19.
The Government believes the move, which is set to come into force next weekend, will help free-up emergency services rather than curb the spread of the disease, a Whitehall source said.
Ministers have faced criticism for failing to act earlier, but Boris Johnson has repeatedly insisted he is following experts' advice.
Earlier this week, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced gatherings of more than 500 people would be banned as the virus took hold.
* Follow our LIVE blog for updates on the coronavirus outbreak
A Whitehall source declined to say how many people meant a “mass gathering”, but said tonight: “Ministers are working with the Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer on our plan to stop various types of public event, including mass gatherings, beginning next week.
“We are also talking to businesses and other bodies about the timing of moving towards much more widespread working from home.
“There are many complex considerations to make all these measures as effective as possible.
“We will make the right decisions at the right time based on the best scientific evidence.
“For example, we are concerned about the burden large events put on public services - including the health service and the police - from dealing with coronavirus.
“Officials are working with industry bodies to identify how to support businesses that will be affected by this decision.
“We have drafted emergency legislation to give the Government the powers it needs to deal with coronavirus, including powers to stop mass gatherings and compensate organisations.
“We will publish this legislation next week.”
Meanwhile, a major crackdown on visitors to Parliament was announced last night(FRI) as authorities try to tackle the outbreak.
Tours will be banned, passholders were urged not to invite guests to Westminster, and no new banqueting bookings will be accepted.
MPs were also urged not to carry out official visits abroad.
In a joint statement, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and his Lords counterpart Lord Fowler said: “In order to preserve the operation of Parliament, it is our duty to take proportionate and reasonable measures to reduce the risk to those who work on the parliamentary estate and those who have to visit.
“We are clear that now is the time to be pragmatic; everyone in the country is being asked to strike a balance and it is right that we do the same.
“It is in this spirit that we have decided to implement a number of restrictions relating to overseas travel and visitor access.”
The public will still be able to watch debates from public galleries.


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Coronavirus statement sees Jurgen Klopp hit the right note but resume date looks like fantasy

They are just two wins from the title but still put the health of the nation first .
Jurgen Klopp issued a moving and heartfelt message to supporters in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping through football .
And amid all of the chaos engulfing the beautiful game , it was a reminder that lives are more important than football during the biggest health crisis for a generation .
Klopp even insisted that even if they have to end up playing behind closed doors to win their first title in 30 years that it would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances .
Liverpool boss Klopp said : “ I ’ ve said before that football always seems the most important of the least important things .
`` Today , football and football matches really aren ’ t important at all .
“ Of course , we don ’ t want to play in front of an empty stadium and we don ’ t want games or competitions suspended , but if doing so helps one individual stay healthy - just one - we do it no questions asked .
“ If it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good of the wider society , it ’ s no contest .
Really , it isn ’ t. ” Klopp ’ s words were the perfect antidote to one of the most remarkable days in English football as all top flight games were put on hold until at least April 4 .
The Premier League , EFL and Football Association put out a joint statement as the virus swept through football - and health experts predict the peak will not even kick in for another 12 to 14 weeks .
It was Arsenal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the catalyst for the Premier League doing a remarkable U-turn from insisting on Thursday night games would be on this weekend… to then calling an emergency meeting the following morning .
But that was the tipping point as clubs immediately knew the likelihood would be that fixtures would be postponed almost allowed teams to go public on players testing positive , showing symptoms and also being put into self isolation .
The knock-on effects are also huge with staff at clubs at all levels from those in the box office to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted a video revealing he is now recovering after having the virus and the club , like Arsenal , has put its squad in self isolation .
Everton , West Ham , Watford , Bournemouth and Leicester City have also had issues while Wolves and Manchester United had to play their Europa League games behind closed doors .
Everton have put a player in self isolation , Leicester have had two players , Watford sent players home from training after three players were believed to be showing symptoms , West Ham are testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bournemouth also have concerns .
It has highlighted that once one player tests positive then the whole club will have to shut down for two weeks - and the knock-on effects are huge .
The notion that football will be able to just restart on April 4 is complete fantasy .
It also led to UEFA postponing Europa League and Champions League games this coming week and the possibility is there for quarter and semi finals to be played as one-off ties to try and get the finals completed on time .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard-up clubs rely on regular gate money to pay players and they are holding a crisis meeting next week to put plans in place .
No-one could have predicted the virus would sweep through football so quickly but it has been so severe that the FA , Premier League ad EFL felt the need to take matters into their own hands and call off games even after the Government said there was no need .
The Premier League meeting was done by a video call - only Aston Villa and Tottenham were present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postpone the fixtures .
They must hope the Euros gets put back a year .
But even then , there is still no plan in place to get the season finished - because nobody knows what will happen next .

Friday March 13, 2020, will go down as one of the most remarkable days in the history of English football, when the game shut down amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus statement sees Jurgen Klopp hit the right note but resume date looks like fantasy
They are just two wins from the title but still put the health of the nation first.
Jurgen Klopp issued a moving and heartfelt message to supporters in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping through football.
And amid all of the chaos engulfing the beautiful game, it was a reminder that lives are more important than football during the biggest health crisis for a generation.
Klopp even insisted that even if they have to end up playing behind closed doors to win their first title in 30 years that it would be a small price to pay in the heartbreaking circumstances.
Liverpool boss Klopp said: “I’ve said before that football always seems the most important of the least important things.
"Today, football and football matches really aren’t important at all.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
“Of course, we don’t want to play in front of an empty stadium and we don’t want games or competitions suspended, but if doing so helps one individual stay healthy - just one - we do it no questions asked.
“If it’s a choice between football and the good of the wider society, it’s no contest. Really, it isn’t.”
Klopp’s words were the perfect antidote to one of the most remarkable days in English football as all top flight games were put on hold until at least April 4.
The Premier League, EFL and Football Association put out a joint statement as the virus swept through football - and health experts predict the peak will not even kick in for another 12 to 14 weeks.
It was Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta testing positive which proved to be the catalyst for the Premier League doing a remarkable U-turn from insisting on Thursday night games would be on this weekend… to then calling an emergency meeting the following morning.
But that was the tipping point as clubs immediately knew the likelihood would be that fixtures would be postponed almost allowed teams to go public on players testing positive, showing symptoms and also being put into self isolation.
The knock-on effects are also huge with staff at clubs at all levels from those in the box office to coaches.
Image: Darren Walsh) Darren Walsh)
Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi posted a video revealing he is now recovering after having the virus and the club, like Arsenal, has put its squad in self isolation.
Everton, West Ham, Watford, Bournemouth and Leicester City have also had issues while Wolves and Manchester United had to play their Europa League games behind closed doors.
Image: UEFA via Getty Images) UEFA via Getty Images)
Everton have put a player in self isolation, Leicester have had two players, Watford sent players home from training after three players were believed to be showing symptoms, West Ham are testing players after playing Arsenal last weekend and Bournemouth also have concerns.
It has highlighted that once one player tests positive then the whole club will have to shut down for two weeks - and the knock-on effects are huge. The notion that football will be able to just restart on April 4 is complete fantasy.
It also led to UEFA postponing Europa League and Champions League games this coming week and the possibility is there for quarter and semi finals to be played as one-off ties to try and get the finals completed on time.
The EFL is facing a huge crisis as hard-up clubs rely on regular gate money to pay players and they are holding a crisis meeting next week to put plans in place.
No-one could have predicted the virus would sweep through football so quickly but it has been so severe that the FA, Premier League ad EFL felt the need to take matters into their own hands and call off games even after the Government said there was no need.
The Premier League meeting was done by a video call - only Aston Villa and Tottenham were present - and everyone was in agreement to postpone the fixtures. They must hope the Euros gets put back a year.
But even then, there is still no plan in place to get the season finished - because nobody knows what will happen next.


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Coronavirus wipes out sport with fears of major job losses as bug cases leap

The mass suspension of football games and sports events has sparked fears of big job losses and clubs being driven to the wall .
All elite football in England has been called off until April 3 in a bid to tackle the worsening outbreak of the coronavirus .
Wales ’ s planned Six Nations match against Scotland in Cardiff today has been postponed .
Others sports , from cricket and golf to motor racing , have also either been ditched or delayed .
And next month ’ s Virgin Money London Marathon has been postponed until Sunday , October 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the coronavirus outbreak The Government finally decided mass gatherings will be banned across Britain in the fight against the deadly virus – which has so far killed 11 people in Britain .
The number of confirmed cases leapt from 590 to 798 .
And ministers also pushed for more people to work from home .
The unprecedented delay of so many sports event could prove a crippling blow to clubs ’ finances , and the countless firms that rely on sports for their livelihood .
Swathes of businesses , from food stalls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach firms , merchandise sellers and printers will be hammered .
Many others , including airlines , cinemas and restaurants , have either suffered a slump in sales or are braced for the worst as the virus spreads across the UK .
Dale Vince , chairman of League Two club Forest Green Rovers , feared the suspension will mean the rest of the season being axed .
He said : “ It will blow a hole in our finances .
It won ’ t sink us but it may be more devastating for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with.
” Shrewsbury Town ’ s chief executive Brian Caldwell warned it could cost the League One club between £200,000 and £250,000 in lost ticket sales , with conference bookings at the ground also hit .
He said : “ I look at some of the others in League One and Two who haven ’ t paid their wages on time and it will have a devastating effect.
” The Football Association , Premier League , EFL , Barclays FA Women ’ s Super League and FA Women ’ s Championship collectively agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UEFA has put off next week ’ s Champions League and Europa League fixtures .
England ’ s March friendlies with Italy and Denmark are also off .
Top-flight clubs , benefitting from vast sums of TV rights money will not be affected as badly .
Sky and BT Sports confirmed they would not be refunding customers as a result of the delays .
But both outfits revealed they would broadcast any postponed games when they are rescheduled .
Which ?
consumer rights expert Adam French said fans with tickets for games will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not make the fixture ’ s new date .
But he added : “ It could be harder to get a refund on any travel or accommodation booked for the match , unless it was purchased as part of a package.
” The devolved government in Scotland has advised against gatherings of more than 500 , meaning football will be played behind closed doors from Monday .
Grassroots football has been left to make a decision at local level whether to play matches .
It is the first time there has been such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend of Princess Diana ’ s funeral in 1997 .
No10 , which has faced criticism for its slow response to the virus crisis , announced mass gatherings such as sports events , gigs and conferences , will be banned from next week .
A Whitehall source said the move will help free up emergency services rather than curb the virus spread .
The insider declined to say how many constituted a mass gathering but added : “ Ministers are working with the Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer on our plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are also talking to businesses and other bodies about the timing of moving towards much more widespread working from home .
“ We are concerned about the burden large events put on public services , including the NHS and police , from dealing with coronavirus .
“ We drafted emergency legislation to give the Government the powers to deal with coronavirus , including powers to stop mass gatherings and compensate organisations.
” Public tours of Parliament will be banned and MPs were also urged not to invite guests into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trade body UK Hospitality warned coronavirus “ could put millions of jobs at risk ” in the sector .
Chief executive Kate Nicholls said the numbers of people using pubs and restaurants plummet 26 % in the past 10 days .
And hotel bookings for the next two months have crashed by 50 % .
Kate added : “ Some of the firms affected will not survive .
I have been through economic crashes and foot-and-mouth , but I have never seen anything like this in terms of its severity and suddenness.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ night kicked off this year ’ s event by declaring the country is going through “ extraordinarily and unprecedented times ” .
He promised “ a chunk ” of the money raised from the charity telethon will go to help victims of the coronavirus pandemic .
Former rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall yesterday called for calm as sporting events across the country were being cancelled .
As he arrived at the Cheltenham festival , which went ahead , he said : “ Do I feel that cancelling everything is going to solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure .
“ Keep calm and carry on , that ’ s what British do , don ’ t they ?
”

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Graham Hiscott, Ben Glaze)

Coronavirus: WHO says Europe now 'the epicentre of the pandemic'
Coronavirus: WHO says Europe now 'the epicentre of the pandemic'
Coronavirus crisis has sparked fears over sports clubs going to the wall and big job losses while the banning of large gatherings and a push for people to work from home could impact businesses hard
Coronavirus wipes out sport with fears of major job losses as bug cases leap
The mass suspension of football games and sports events has sparked fears of big job losses and clubs being driven to the wall.
All elite football in England has been called off until April 3 in a bid to tackle the worsening outbreak of the coronavirus.
Wales’s planned Six Nations match against Scotland in Cardiff today has been postponed.
Others sports, from cricket and golf to motor racing, have also either been ditched or delayed.
And next month’s Virgin Money London Marathon has been postponed until Sunday, October 4.
Follow our LIVE blog for updates on the coronavirus outbreak
Image: Getty) Getty)
The Government finally decided mass gatherings will be banned across Britain in the fight against the deadly virus – which has so far killed 11 people in Britain.
The number of confirmed cases leapt from 590 to 798.
And ministers also pushed for more people to work from home.
The unprecedented delay of so many sports event could prove a crippling blow to clubs’ finances, and the countless firms that rely on sports for their livelihood.
Swathes of businesses, from food stalls at venues to pubs, hotels, coach firms, merchandise sellers and printers will be hammered.
Image: PA) PA)
Many others, including airlines, cinemas and restaurants, have either suffered a slump in sales or are braced for the worst as the virus spreads across the UK.
Dale Vince, chairman of League Two club Forest Green Rovers, feared the suspension will mean the rest of the season being axed.
He said: “It will blow a hole in our finances. It won’t sink us but it may be more devastating for some of the other clubs to deal with.”
Shrewsbury Town’s chief executive Brian Caldwell warned it could cost the League One club between £200,000 and £250,000 in lost ticket sales, with conference bookings at the ground also hit.
Image: Reuters) Reuters)
He said: “I look at some of the others in League One and Two who haven’t paid their wages on time and it will have a devastating effect.”
The Football Association, Premier League, EFL, Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship collectively agreed to postpone their games in England.
UEFA has put off next week’s Champions League and Europa League fixtures.
England’s March friendlies with Italy and Denmark are also off. Top-flight clubs, benefitting from vast sums of TV rights money will not be affected as badly.
Image: PA) PA)
Sky and BT Sports confirmed they would not be refunding customers as a result of the delays.
But both outfits revealed they would broadcast any postponed games when they are rescheduled.
Which? consumer rights expert Adam French said fans with tickets for games will be entitled to refunds if they cannot make the fixture’s new date. But he added: “It could be harder to get a refund on any travel or accommodation booked for the match, unless it was purchased as part of a package.”
The devolved government in Scotland has advised against gatherings of more than 500, meaning football will be played behind closed doors from Monday.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Grassroots football has been left to make a decision at local level whether to play matches.
It is the first time there has been such a widespread suspension of sport since the weekend of Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997. No10, which has faced criticism for its slow response to the virus crisis, announced mass gatherings such as sports events, gigs and conferences, will be banned from next week.
A Whitehall source said the move will help free up emergency services rather than curb the virus spread.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The insider declined to say how many constituted a mass gathering but added: “Ministers are working with the Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer on our plan to stop various types of public event.
“We are also talking to businesses and other bodies about the timing of moving towards much more widespread working from home.
“We are concerned about the burden large events put on public services, including the NHS and police, from dealing with coronavirus.
“We drafted emergency legislation to give the Government the powers to deal with coronavirus, including powers to stop mass gatherings and compensate organisations.”
Public tours of Parliament will be banned and MPs were also urged not to invite guests into the building and to axe official visits abroad.
Trade body UK Hospitality warned coronavirus “could put millions of jobs at risk” in the sector. Chief executive Kate Nicholls said the numbers of people using pubs and restaurants plummet 26% in the past 10 days. And hotel bookings for the next two months have crashed by 50%.
Kate added: “Some of the firms affected will not survive. I have been through economic crashes and foot-and-mouth, but I have never seen anything like this in terms of its severity and suddenness.” Sport Relief host Gary Lineker last night kicked off this year’s event by declaring the country is going through “extraordinarily and unprecedented times”. He promised “a chunk” of the money raised from the charity telethon will go to help victims of the coronavirus pandemic.
Former rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall yesterday called for calm as sporting events across the country were being cancelled.
As he arrived at the Cheltenham festival, which went ahead, he said: “Do I feel that cancelling everything is going to solve it, I’m not entirely sure.
“Keep calm and carry on, that’s what British do, don’t they?”


thedailymirror--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Premier League clubs fear for season as 'no chance' of April 4 return

Premier League clubs fear the season will not be completed .
And fixtures could end up being played as late as July with teams privately admitting there is no chance of top flight football resuming on April 4 because of the coronavirus .
When asked whether the season would be finished , Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow said : “ We have no idea , let ’ s hope so.
” FA chairman Greg Clarke also attended Friday ’ s Premier League crisis meeting and is understood to have expressed several options , including the nightmare scenario that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The EFL , FA and Premier League all put out a joint statement saying football will be postponed until April 4 .
The 20 top flight clubs will meet again next Thursday to try and devise a more detailed contingency plan .
It would be impossible to imagine runaway leaders Liverpool not being crowned champions but they may have to look at alternatives when it comes to relegation and Champions League places if games are not completed .
They are counting on UEFA rubber stamping the proposal to postpone Euro 2020 by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while European football ’ s governing body are also likely to make the Champions League and Europa League quarter and semi finals one-off ties .
That would at least give the Premier League some breathing space to complete their season but one senior executive insisted they expected games to resume in May “ at the earliest ” and it was “ laughable ” to think it can start again on April 4 .
Behind-closed-doors is still the most likely option but will not solve anything when players or staff become infected and games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League is ready to explore all options but there is a feeling it will cause the season to finish into July , have a knock-on effect by causing next season to start late and even have ramifications for the 2021/22 season and the build up to the World Cup .
The biggest problem is that once any player or member of staff at a club tests positive then the whole club goes into lockdown for 14 days and health experts do not expect the virus to peak in England for another 12 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FA Cup to squeeze into the fixture schedule and the EFL is facing potential financial meltdown if many hard-up clubs have to go weeks without regular turnover and gate receipts .
There is a determination to get the season completed - but a genuine fear it might not be possible .

Fixtures could end up being played as late as July, leaving Premier League chiefs to fear that the season won't be completed
Premier League clubs fear the season will not be completed.
And fixtures could end up being played as late as July with teams privately admitting there is no chance of top flight football resuming on April 4 because of the coronavirus.
When asked whether the season would be finished, Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow said: “We have no idea, let’s hope so.”
FA chairman Greg Clarke also attended Friday’s Premier League crisis meeting and is understood to have expressed several options, including the nightmare scenario that the domestic season would not be completed.
The EFL, FA and Premier League all put out a joint statement saying football will be postponed until April 4.
The 20 top flight clubs will meet again next Thursday to try and devise a more detailed contingency plan.
Image: EMPICS Sport) EMPICS Sport)
It would be impossible to imagine runaway leaders Liverpool not being crowned champions but they may have to look at alternatives when it comes to relegation and Champions League places if games are not completed.
They are counting on UEFA rubber stamping the proposal to postpone Euro 2020 by a year at their crisis meeting on Tuesday while European football’s governing body are also likely to make the Champions League and Europa League quarter and semi finals one-off ties.
That would at least give the Premier League some breathing space to complete their season but one senior executive insisted they expected games to resume in May “at the earliest” and it was “laughable” to think it can start again on April 4.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Behind-closed-doors is still the most likely option but will not solve anything when players or staff become infected and games will be called off.
The Premier League is ready to explore all options but there is a feeling it will cause the season to finish into July, have a knock-on effect by causing next season to start late and even have ramifications for the 2021/22 season and the build up to the World Cup.
The biggest problem is that once any player or member of staff at a club tests positive then the whole club goes into lockdown for 14 days and health experts do not expect the virus to peak in England for another 12 to 14 weeks.
They also have the FA Cup to squeeze into the fixture schedule and the EFL is facing potential financial meltdown if many hard-up clubs have to go weeks without regular turnover and gate receipts.
There is a determination to get the season completed - but a genuine fear it might not be possible.