news--2020-02-20--Coronavirus: Britons stuck on Diamond Princess cruiser in Japan to be evacuated on Friday

British tourists stuck on a coronavirus-hit cruise ship quarantined in Japan will be evacuated on Friday .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the flight would leave from Tokyo and that information had been provided to those on the Diamond Princess , docked in Yokohama for the past two weeks , who have registered for it .
He urged `` other British nationals still seeking to leave to contact us '' .
`` We will continue to support British nationals who wish to stay in Japan , '' Mr Raab added .
Four out of the 78 British passengers onboard have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease caused by the coronavirus .
They are among 621 passengers to have been diagnosed with the virus , with an elderly Japanese couple dying on Thursday after they were taken off the ship .
There were originally 3,700 passengers and crew on the cruiser and more than 620 tested positive for COVID-19 .
It is understood only healthy passengers with no symptoms of the virus will be allowed on the British evacuation plane and they will all be quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral in the North West for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flight will be taken to hospital for treatment and any infected Britons on the ship will be treated in Japan .
The ship 's quarantine was lifted on Wednesday , but it is understood any Britons who have left the ship will not be allowed on the charter flight .
Infected British passengers 'in the best place' Two of the infected British passengers are David and Sally Abel , from Northamptonshire , who have been transferred to hospital which they said was `` lovely '' .
In a Facebook post , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I came over a bit weird and nearly passed out .
Every pore on my body opened and I was wheelchaired to our room .
`` Full health inspection and now we know what 's going on .
We both contracted a cold [ unaware of ] and it has not yet turned into pneumonia .
[ We do have coronavirus . ]
`` We are both in the best place !
They do know what they are doing and our two nurses are gorgeous .
Sally likes the Dr too . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be financing the repatriation of citizens from any of its 27 member states still stuck on the Diamond Princess .
Other governments have already evacuated their nationals from the Diamond Princess , including the US which flew more than 300 Americans back on Monday .
South Korea flew six of its citizens and one Japanese spouse back on Wednesday .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Canada will evacuate nationals onboard on either Thursday or Friday but it is not clear if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 34 have tested positive .
Australia will evacuate 169 nationals , while 36 will remain on the ship and another 15 have chosen to stay onboard .
Taiwan said it plans to send a chartered flight on Friday to evacuate more than 20 citizens from the ship and Hong Kong will also send an aircraft .
As of Wednesday afternoon , the latest data available , 5,216 people in the UK had been tested for coronavirus , with nine testing positive .
A total of 74,578 cases have been confirmed in mainland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus was detected in December .
Around the world 1,149 cases have been confirmed in every continent , apart from South America and Antarctica .
Eight people have died from the virus outside mainland China .
Two people have died in Hong Kong , two in Iran , one in France , one in the Philippines , one in Taiwan and one in Japan , not including the two from the ship .

British tourists stuck on a coronavirus-hit cruise ship quarantined in Japan will be evacuated on Friday.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the flight would leave from Tokyo and that information had been provided to those on the Diamond Princess, docked in Yokohama for the past two weeks, who have registered for it.
He urged "other British nationals still seeking to leave to contact us".
Image: A passenger leaves the Diamond Princess after spending two weeks in quarantine
"We will continue to support British nationals who wish to stay in Japan," Mr Raab added.
Four out of the 78 British passengers onboard have been confirmed as having COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
They are among 621 passengers to have been diagnosed with the virus, with an elderly Japanese couple dying on Thursday after they were taken off the ship.
There were originally 3,700 passengers and crew on the cruiser and more than 620 tested positive for COVID-19.
It is understood only healthy passengers with no symptoms of the virus will be allowed on the British evacuation plane and they will all be quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral in the North West for a fortnight.
Anybody who develops symptoms during the flight will be taken to hospital for treatment and any infected Britons on the ship will be treated in Japan.
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The ship's quarantine was lifted on Wednesday, but it is understood any Britons who have left the ship will not be allowed on the charter flight.
Image: David and Sally Abel have been quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Pic: David Abel/Facebook
Infected British passengers 'in the best place'
Two of the infected British passengers are David and Sally Abel, from Northamptonshire, who have been transferred to hospital which they said was "lovely".
Image: Mr Abel was one of four British passengers to be diagnosed with COVID-19 from the ship
Image: British passenger David Abel in hospital in Japan
In a Facebook post, Mr Abel said: "Outside the hospital I came over a bit weird and nearly passed out. Every pore on my body opened and I was wheelchaired to our room.
"Full health inspection and now we know what's going on. We both contracted a cold [unaware of] and it has not yet turned into pneumonia. [We do have coronavirus.]
"Tomorrow the big tests commence. Chest x-rays, ECG, chest scan, urine + more.
"We are both in the best place! They do know what they are doing and our two nurses are gorgeous. Sally likes the Dr too."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Briton describes cruise quarantine
Other countries evacuating passengers
The European Commission announced the EU will be financing the repatriation of citizens from any of its 27 member states still stuck on the Diamond Princess.
Other governments have already evacuated their nationals from the Diamond Princess, including the US which flew more than 300 Americans back on Monday.
South Korea flew six of its citizens and one Japanese spouse back on Wednesday.
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Canada will evacuate nationals onboard on either Thursday or Friday but it is not clear if all 251 will be on the flight as 34 have tested positive.
Australia will evacuate 169 nationals, while 36 will remain on the ship and another 15 have chosen to stay onboard.
Taiwan said it plans to send a chartered flight on Friday to evacuate more than 20 citizens from the ship and Hong Kong will also send an aircraft.
Latest COVID-19 figures
As of Wednesday afternoon, the latest data available, 5,216 people in the UK had been tested for coronavirus, with nine testing positive.
A total of 74,578 cases have been confirmed in mainland China where 2,029 people have died since the virus was detected in December.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 Passenger's guide to quarantine
Around the world 1,149 cases have been confirmed in every continent, apart from South America and Antarctica.
Eight people have died from the virus outside mainland China.
Two people have died in Hong Kong, two in Iran, one in France, one in the Philippines, one in Taiwan and one in Japan, not including the two from the ship.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: 11 more deaths take UK total to 244

Eleven more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland - taking the UK total to 244 .
There have been seven fatalities in Wales over the last 24 hours , taking its total to 12 and a further three in Scotland , where the number of deaths overall now stands at 10 .
Meanwhile , an elderly patient with an underlying medical condition has become the second person to die in Northern Ireland after testing positive for coronavirus .
An update on confirmed coronavirus cases and casualties for England is expected later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had tested positive for coronavirus in Wales , bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 347 .
In Scotland , 416 have now tested positive for the virus .
The chief medical officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton , said : `` It is with deep sadness I can confirm a further seven deaths of patients in Wales who tested positive for coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
`` This takes the number of deaths in Wales to 12 . ''
He added : `` My thoughts are with their families and friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is respected at this very sad time . ''
The Welsh government said five people had died in the Royal Gwent Hospital , Newport , one in Nevill Hall , Abergavenny , and one in Prince Charles Hospital , Merthyr Tydfil .
All were in the high-risk category , either over 70 or with underlying health conditions , according to the authorities .
London continues to account for more than a third of all UK deaths - an increase of 19 on Saturday , eight of which were at the London North West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen 90 fatalities , followed by 42 in the South East , 32 in the West Midlands , 19 in the North West , 12 in the South West , nine in the East Midlands , eight in Yorkshire and the Humber and four in the North East .
There are now more than 300,000 confirmed cases worldwide , according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University .
There have also been about 13,000 deaths globally .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has refused to rule out a UK lockdown if the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 and ease pressure on the NHS , warning that it `` is n't a game '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn , also appearing on Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday , argued that a decade of austerity had left society `` a bit vulnerable '' .
It came after Boris Johnson told people that the best present they could give their mother for Mother 's Day was to stay away and so avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The prime minister warned that unless there was a national collective effort , the NHS would be overwhelmed like the health service in Italy , which has been hard-hit by the pandemic .
The government and health officials have also urged the 1.5 million people in England considered most at risk from COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - because of their health conditions to begin `` shielding '' themselves by staying at home .
Letters will go out this week `` strongly advising '' them not to go out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elsewhere , there has been criticism of people travelling to the countryside to avoid the outbreak .
There are concerns about an influx of people into rural communities , putting even greater pressure on local health and social care services .

Eleven more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - taking the UK total to 244.
There have been seven fatalities in Wales over the last 24 hours, taking its total to 12 and a further three in Scotland, where the number of deaths overall now stands at 10.
Meanwhile, an elderly patient with an underlying medical condition has become the second person to die in Northern Ireland after testing positive for coronavirus.
An update on confirmed coronavirus cases and casualties for England is expected later.
Health officials said another 71 people had tested positive for coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 347.
In Scotland, 416 have now tested positive for the virus.
The chief medical officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton, said: "It is with deep sadness I can confirm a further seven deaths of patients in Wales who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
"This takes the number of deaths in Wales to 12."
He added: "My thoughts are with their families and friends, and I ask that their privacy is respected at this very sad time."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Coronavirus: You will not be alone, vulnerable told
The Welsh government said five people had died in the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, one in Nevill Hall, Abergavenny, and one in Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil.
All were in the high-risk category, either over 70 or with underlying health conditions, according to the authorities.
London continues to account for more than a third of all UK deaths - an increase of 19 on Saturday, eight of which were at the London North West Healthcare NHS Trust.
The capital has seen 90 fatalities, followed by 42 in the South East, 32 in the West Midlands, 19 in the North West, 12 in the South West, nine in the East Midlands, eight in Yorkshire and the Humber and four in the North East.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:19 Inside Italy's virus crisis wards
There are now more than 300,000 confirmed cases worldwide, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University.
There have also been about 13,000 deaths globally.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has refused to rule out a UK lockdown if the public ignores advice aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 and ease pressure on the NHS, warning that it "isn't a game".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, also appearing on Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday, argued that a decade of austerity had left society "a bit vulnerable".
It came after Boris Johnson told people that the best present they could give their mother for Mother's Day was to stay away and so avoid the risk of them catching the infection.
The prime minister warned that unless there was a national collective effort, the NHS would be overwhelmed like the health service in Italy, which has been hard-hit by the pandemic.
The government and health officials have also urged the 1.5 million people in England considered most at risk from COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - because of their health conditions to begin "shielding" themselves by staying at home.
Letters will go out this week "strongly advising" them not to go out for at least 12 weeks from Monday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:53 'Please do not travel to Cornwall'
Elsewhere, there has been criticism of people travelling to the countryside to avoid the outbreak.
There are concerns about an influx of people into rural communities, putting even greater pressure on local health and social care services.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: 18-year-old 'youngest' to die in UK as fatalities rise by 48 to 281

An 18-year-old is understood to have become the youngest person to die in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus .
The number of people who have died after contracting the highly contagious respiratory disease rose by 48 in a day to 281 on Sunday .
COVID-19 infections in the UK have increased by 665 to 5,683 , the Department of Health said .
In England , 37 more people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died , bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 257 .
The patients were aged between 18 and 102 years old - thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far .
They were all were in vulnerable groups , with underlying health conditions .
Boris Johnson said in his daily news conference on Sunday that the government is ready to impose tougher restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus if people do not follow the guidance on social distancing .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
There have been seven fatalities in Wales over the last 24 hours , taking its total to 12 and a further three in Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now stands at 10 .
Meanwhile , an elderly patient with an underlying medical condition has become the second person to die in Northern Ireland after testing positive for coronavirus .
Health officials said another 71 people had tested positive for coronavirus in Wales , bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 347 .
In Scotland , 416 have now tested positive .
The chief medical officer for Wales , Dr Frank Atherton , said : `` It is with deep sadness I can confirm a further seven deaths of patients in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 ) .
`` This takes the number of deaths in Wales to 12 . ''
He added : `` My thoughts are with their families and friends , and I ask that their privacy is respected at this very sad time . ''
The Welsh government said five people had died in the Royal Gwent Hospital , Newport , one in Nevill Hall , Abergavenny , and one in Prince Charles Hospital , Merthyr Tydfil .
All were in the high-risk category - either over 70 or with underlying health conditions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now been more than 328,000 cases worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins University , and more than 14,300 deaths .

An 18-year-old is understood to have become the youngest person to die in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus.
The number of people who have died after contracting the highly contagious respiratory disease rose by 48 in a day to 281 on Sunday.
COVID-19 infections in the UK have increased by 665 to 5,683, the Department of Health said.
In England, 37 more people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 257.
The patients were aged between 18 and 102 years old - thought to be the youngest and oldest so far.
They were all were in vulnerable groups, with underlying health conditions.
Boris Johnson said in his daily news conference on Sunday that the government is ready to impose tougher restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus if people do not follow the guidance on social distancing.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
There have been seven fatalities in Wales over the last 24 hours, taking its total to 12 and a further three in Scotland, where the number of deaths overall now stands at 10.
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Meanwhile, an elderly patient with an underlying medical condition has become the second person to die in Northern Ireland after testing positive for coronavirus.
Health officials said another 71 people had tested positive for coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 347.
In Scotland, 416 have now tested positive.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:55 An in-depth look at UK coronavirus deaths
The chief medical officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, said: "It is with deep sadness I can confirm a further seven deaths of patients in Wales who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
"This takes the number of deaths in Wales to 12."
He added: "My thoughts are with their families and friends, and I ask that their privacy is respected at this very sad time."
The Welsh government said five people had died in the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, one in Nevill Hall, Abergavenny, and one in Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil.
All were in the high-risk category - either over 70 or with underlying health conditions, according to the authorities.
There have now been more than 328,000 cases worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University, and more than 14,300 deaths.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: Nearly one in four Americans told to stay home

Nearly one in four Americans are under instructions to stay home , as a fifth US state imposes restrictions on residents .
The curbs are aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus which is sweeping the world .
A major disaster has also been declared in New York , freeing up access to billions of dollars in relief funding .
Already more than 300,000 people globally have been infected and almost 13,000 have died .
In the US the number of confirmed cases is more than 25,000 , with more than 300 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New York , Illinois and Connecticut in telling residents to stay home , while many other states have urged people to avoid large gatherings .
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice warned residents to take the threat seriously , adding : `` It 's like we are all lost in a movie that we ca n't relate to in any way . ''
Some 84 million people in the US can now leave their homes only to visit grocery stores , pharmacies , petrol stations and other `` essential businesses '' .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimal in many cases .
In New York , governor Andrew Cuomo said businesses could be fined and forced to close , while Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot said police would `` admonish '' people .
The Trump administration is still struggling to get enough tests for the disease , masks to protect those trying to treat it , and medical equipment to help those suffering as a result of it .
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said : `` We 've gotten no help from the federal government , or limited help . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Cuomo said New York needs 30,000 more ventilators , adding : `` We 're literally scouring the globe for medical supplies '' .
Some 6,000 cases have been diagnosed in New York City alone , including at least 38 in the city 's jails .
At least another 58 people in the prison system are being monitored .
Two members of the US House of Representatives have tested positive for the disease but Vice President Mike Pence and his wife have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed as having the illness .
Meanwhile , US politicians are edging closer to approving $ 1trn ( £860bn ) economic stimulus aimed at supporting the world 's largest economy through the crisis .
Despite the pleas of airlines , however , they are likely to have to make do with loans , rather than grants .

Nearly one in four Americans are under instructions to stay home, as a fifth US state imposes restrictions on residents.
The curbs are aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus which is sweeping the world.
A major disaster has also been declared in New York, freeing up access to billions of dollars in relief funding.
Already more than 300,000 people globally have been infected and almost 13,000 have died. In the US the number of confirmed cases is more than 25,000, with more than 300 people dead.
New Jersey has joined California, New York, Illinois and Connecticut in telling residents to stay home, while many other states have urged people to avoid large gatherings.
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice warned residents to take the threat seriously, adding: "It's like we are all lost in a movie that we can't relate to in any way."
Some 84 million people in the US can now leave their homes only to visit grocery stores, pharmacies, petrol stations and other "essential businesses".
But the consequences of breaching the rules appear minimal in many cases.
Image: The normally busy streets of Chicago have gone quiet
In New York, governor Andrew Cuomo said businesses could be fined and forced to close, while Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot said police would "admonish" people.
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The Trump administration is still struggling to get enough tests for the disease, masks to protect those trying to treat it, and medical equipment to help those suffering as a result of it.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said: "We've gotten no help from the federal government, or limited help."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Mr Cuomo said New York needs 30,000 more ventilators, adding: "We're literally scouring the globe for medical supplies".
Some 6,000 cases have been diagnosed in New York City alone, including at least 38 in the city's jails. At least another 58 people in the prison system are being monitored.
Two members of the US House of Representatives have tested positive for the disease but Vice President Mike Pence and his wife have tested negative after one of his aides was diagnosed as having the illness.
Meanwhile, US politicians are edging closer to approving $1trn (£860bn) economic stimulus aimed at supporting the world's largest economy through the crisis.
Despite the pleas of airlines, however, they are likely to have to make do with loans, rather than grants.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: New York State accounts for 5% of global cases

Confirmed coronavirus cases in New York State have risen by nearly a third in one day to more than 15,700 , as authorities warn of widespread medical supply shortages .
New York governor Andrew Cuomo revealed the new statistics on Sunday , suggesting cases in the state now account for about 5 % of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally .
There have been 117 recorded deaths due to coronavirus - and the state is one of several to have ordered residents to stay indoors .
Mr Cuomo said the government was `` literally scouring the globe looking for medical supplies '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases confirmed in New York City alone , causing mayor Bill de Blasio to echo calls to the federal government for help .
He urged US President Donald Trump to use the military to move ventilators and medical equipment to crisis areas .
`` It 's bad and only getting worse , '' Mr de Blasio told NBC , begging for Washington to step in .
Mr de Blasio accused the president of `` not lifting a finger '' to help his hometown .
`` If the president does n't act , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Negotiators from Congress and the White House resumed top-level talks on a ballooning $ 1trn-plus ( £864bn ) economic rescue package , as President Trump tries to save the nation from the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Trump appeared confident about the nation 's ability to defeat the pandemic soon , even as health leaders acknowledged the US was nowhere near the peak of the outbreak .
Nationwide , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US overtook Spain as the country with the third-highest number of cases , according to Johns Hopkins University .
New Jersey and St Louis were added to a growing list of areas where residents were told not to go to work .
President Trump has defiantly pushed back against criticism he was slow to respond to the crisis , though he continues to send mixed messages as to what the federal government is doing .
In recent days , he invoked the Defense Protection Act , a rarely used , decades-old measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector .
But on Sunday , officials said it had not actually been used to compel the private sector to manufacture supplies like masks and ventilators .

Confirmed coronavirus cases in New York State have risen by nearly a third in one day to more than 15,700, as authorities warn of widespread medical supply shortages.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo revealed the new statistics on Sunday, suggesting cases in the state now account for about 5% of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally.
There have been 117 recorded deaths due to coronavirus - and the state is one of several to have ordered residents to stay indoors.
Image: Andrew Cuomo has asked the federal government for urgent help
Mr Cuomo said the government was "literally scouring the globe looking for medical supplies".
There have been more than 8,000 cases confirmed in New York City alone, causing mayor Bill de Blasio to echo calls to the federal government for help.
He urged US President Donald Trump to use the military to move ventilators and medical equipment to crisis areas.
"It's bad and only getting worse," Mr de Blasio told NBC, begging for Washington to step in.
Mr de Blasio accused the president of "not lifting a finger" to help his hometown.
"If the president doesn't act, people will die who could have lived otherwise," he said.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Negotiators from Congress and the White House resumed top-level talks on a ballooning $1trn-plus (£864bn) economic rescue package, as President Trump tries to save the nation from the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Trump appeared confident about the nation's ability to defeat the pandemic soon, even as health leaders acknowledged the US was nowhere near the peak of the outbreak.
Image: New York City is a COVID-19 hotspot
Nationwide, there were 32,717 cases and 409 deaths as the US overtook Spain as the country with the third-highest number of cases, according to Johns Hopkins University.
New Jersey and St Louis were added to a growing list of areas where residents were told not to go to work.
Image: President Trump has dismissed criticism he acted too slow in ramping up testing
President Trump has defiantly pushed back against criticism he was slow to respond to the crisis, though he continues to send mixed messages as to what the federal government is doing.
In recent days, he invoked the Defense Protection Act, a rarely used, decades-old measure that allows him to marshal the private sector.
But on Sunday, officials said it had not actually been used to compel the private sector to manufacture supplies like masks and ventilators.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: London Stock Exchange leads push for virtual AGMs

The London Stock Exchange Group ( LSE ) and other City institutions are pushing for emergency legislation to allow companies to stage virtual shareholder meetings as the coronavirus pandemic threatens a wave of key corporate events .
Sky News has learnt that the LSE is among the parties which want the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) to amend the Companies Act ahead of widespread disruption to this year 's AGM season .
Several law firms and major listed companies are also lobbying the government to take urgent action .
The COVID-19 crisis has raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deluge of AGMs will be either postponed or damage shareholder democracy by attracting a negligible attendance .
AGMs provide the most significant annual opportunity for investors to hold company boards to account , and with many businesses in a state of turmoil because of the outbreak , the meetings will be of particular importance this year .
The government 's advice to restrict in-person gatherings , with `` social distancing '' now a requirement , has led to boards questioning the logic of proceeding with a physical meeting .
A substantial proportion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meaning that their age places them among those at highest risk of contracting coronavirus .
Similarly , corporate boards are frequently populated by people in their 70s , further underlining the risks .
HSBC Holdings , Europe 's biggest lender , has already warned of potential disruption to its AGM in April , although it is understood to have taken legal advice that it can hold a 'hybrid ' meeting , where physical and online voting take place simultaneously .
Many companies , however , are not permitted to hold virtual AGMs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the law firm , said earlier this month that hybrid meetings were `` unusual in practice so far '' .
`` A minority of companies may have articles which allow them to hold general meetings that are entirely electronic .
`` These 'virtual-only ' meetings are even more unusual in UK practice and the standard investor guidance recommends that a physical place of meeting should always be provided . ''
It was unclear this weekend how the government would respond to calls to amend the Companies Act .
A spokeswoman for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The London Stock Exchange Group (LSE) and other City institutions are pushing for emergency legislation to allow companies to stage virtual shareholder meetings as the coronavirus pandemic threatens a wave of key corporate events.
Sky News has learnt that the LSE is among the parties which want the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to amend the Companies Act ahead of widespread disruption to this year's AGM season.
Several law firms and major listed companies are also lobbying the government to take urgent action.
The COVID-19 crisis has raised fears that many of next month's deluge of AGMs will be either postponed or damage shareholder democracy by attracting a negligible attendance.
AGMs provide the most significant annual opportunity for investors to hold company boards to account, and with many businesses in a state of turmoil because of the outbreak, the meetings will be of particular importance this year.
The government's advice to restrict in-person gatherings, with "social distancing" now a requirement, has led to boards questioning the logic of proceeding with a physical meeting.
A substantial proportion of people attending AGMs are retired private investors, meaning that their age places them among those at highest risk of contracting coronavirus.
Similarly, corporate boards are frequently populated by people in their 70s, further underlining the risks.
HSBC Holdings, Europe's biggest lender, has already warned of potential disruption to its AGM in April, although it is understood to have taken legal advice that it can hold a 'hybrid' meeting, where physical and online voting take place simultaneously.
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Many companies, however, are not permitted to hold virtual AGMs under their articles of association.
Linklaters, the law firm, said earlier this month that hybrid meetings were "unusual in practice so far".
"A minority of companies may have articles which allow them to hold general meetings that are entirely electronic.
"These 'virtual-only' meetings are even more unusual in UK practice and the standard investor guidance recommends that a physical place of meeting should always be provided."
It was unclear this weekend how the government would respond to calls to amend the Companies Act.
A spokeswoman for the LSE declined to comment on Friday.


news--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Backpackers infected in Australia's Bondi Beach area

Coronavirus has infected `` several '' backpackers near Australia 's famous Bondi Beach .
The news comes a day after the beach was closed following the gathering of hundreds of people in defiance of `` social distancing '' rules brought in by the Australian government .
New South Wales Health said : `` Several new diagnoses of COVID-19 have been made in backpackers in the Bondi area .
`` There were two recent parties that some of the cases attended where the cases may have acquired their infections .
`` People who also attended these parties should be on alert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves if any symptoms develop .
`` They should then seek testing via a GP or COVID clinic , and tell the medical service that they had attended one of the parties . ''
Both parties were a week ago at venues near the popular Sydney beach .
The nationalities of the backpackers were not confirmed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier many people had reacted angrily to scenes of crowds at the beach just after Prime Minister Scott Morrison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups of more than 500 outdoors , while an indoor limit was set at 100 .
It was also advised that people stay at least 1.5m away from each other .
Australia 's health minister Greg Hunt had said : `` What happened in Bondi was unacceptable , and the local council must take steps to stop that from occurring .
`` This is all of our responsibility , each of us .
`` I would say to everybody , we are all in this together . ''
Australia has more than 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness caused by the coronavirus .
Seven people have died .

Coronavirus has infected "several" backpackers near Australia's famous Bondi Beach.
The news comes a day after the beach was closed following the gathering of hundreds of people in defiance of "social distancing" rules brought in by the Australian government.
New South Wales Health said: "Several new diagnoses of COVID-19 have been made in backpackers in the Bondi area.
"There were two recent parties that some of the cases attended where the cases may have acquired their infections.
"People who also attended these parties should be on alert for symptoms of COVID-19 and immediately isolate themselves if any symptoms develop.
"They should then seek testing via a GP or COVID clinic, and tell the medical service that they had attended one of the parties."
Both parties were a week ago at venues near the popular Sydney beach.
The nationalities of the backpackers were not confirmed.
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Earlier many people had reacted angrily to scenes of crowds at the beach just after Prime Minister Scott Morrison had asked Australians not to gather in groups of more than 500 outdoors, while an indoor limit was set at 100.
It was also advised that people stay at least 1.5m away from each other.
Australia's health minister Greg Hunt had said: "What happened in Bondi was unacceptable, and the local council must take steps to stop that from occurring.
"This is all of our responsibility, each of us.
"I would say to everybody, we are all in this together."
Australia has more than 1,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus. Seven people have died.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: NHS worker 'evicted from his home over landlady's fears'

An NHS worker claims he has been evicted from his home by text because his landlady is `` super nervous '' about coronavirus .
Bristol paramedic Joseph Hoar said he was told to leave his home and find somewhere else to live because of his job .
He tweeted a screenshot of a message exchange with his landlady , and wrote in the accompanying post that he could no longer work his 12-hour night shift due to the decision .
`` So that means one less paramedic on the road '' , he wrote .
In the message , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' about `` having someone from the NHS here '' .
She ordered him to `` organise an Airbnb and collect your stuff tomorrow '' before adding : `` Sorry I normally would never do this but it 's not worth the risk '' .
Mr Hoar 's tweet was retweeted and liked thousands of times , with many social media users claiming the landlady 's request was illegal .
One person replied : `` That is illegal to do - contact your MP I am sure that we can get you somewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another advised : `` If you have a tenancy then stay put , seek further legal advice . ''
Having announced mortgage breaks for homeowners last week , Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £1bn package for renters by increasing housing benefit and Universal Credit .
He said the welfare payments ' `` generosity '' would be increased to allow the local housing allowance to cover at least 30 % of market rents .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risen further as Boris Johnson urged people not to visit family on Mother 's Day , and for those at highest risk to stay at home for at least 12 weeks .
Eleven more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland - taking the UK total to 244 .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said people need to realise the crisis `` is n't a game '' , after crowds reportedly flocked to seaside resorts at the weekend .
He told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very serious .
`` People need to follow that ( medical ) advice .
If people do n't follow that advice then clearly we 'll have to consider other options , but none of us want to go down that route . ''

An NHS worker claims he has been evicted from his home by text because his landlady is "super nervous" about coronavirus.
Bristol paramedic Joseph Hoar said he was told to leave his home and find somewhere else to live because of his job.
He tweeted a screenshot of a message exchange with his landlady, and wrote in the accompanying post that he could no longer work his 12-hour night shift due to the decision.
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"So that means one less paramedic on the road", he wrote.
In the message, the landlady said she was "super nervous" about "having someone from the NHS here".
She ordered him to "organise an Airbnb and collect your stuff tomorrow" before adding: "Sorry I normally would never do this but it's not worth the risk".
Mr Hoar's tweet was retweeted and liked thousands of times, with many social media users claiming the landlady's request was illegal.
One person replied: "That is illegal to do - contact your MP I am sure that we can get you somewhere to stay in the mean time".
Another advised: "If you have a tenancy then stay put, seek further legal advice."
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Sky News has contacted Mr Hoar for comment.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 More coronavirus deaths in Wales and Scotland
Having announced mortgage breaks for homeowners last week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £1bn package for renters by increasing housing benefit and Universal Credit.
He said the welfare payments' "generosity" would be increased to allow the local housing allowance to cover at least 30% of market rents.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The number of coronavirus deaths in the UK has risen further as Boris Johnson urged people not to visit family on Mother's Day, and for those at highest risk to stay at home for at least 12 weeks.
Eleven more people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - taking the UK total to 244.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said people need to realise the crisis "isn't a game", after crowds reportedly flocked to seaside resorts at the weekend.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 PM: 'Don't visit your mum'
He told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme: "It is very serious.
"People need to follow that (medical) advice. If people don't follow that advice then clearly we'll have to consider other options, but none of us want to go down that route."


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: McDonald's, Nando's and Primark shut UK branches amid outbreak

A growing number of major chains are closing their doors as the coronavirus pandemic takes it toll .
McDonald 's was among the companies taking action , as industry figures published by Springboard revealed a 21.7 % collapse in visits to the shops last week based on the previous seven days .
It said the decline was three times greater than the worst ever recorded as shoppers hunted essentials only amid growing efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 .
Laura Ashley , which called in administrators earlier this month , said 70 of its 147 outlets were to shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs , as a buyer for the fashion-to-homewares retailer continues to be sought .
Rival Next said its 700 stores would be closed from 6pm until further notice .
McDonald 's , which has 135,000 workers in the UK and Ireland , said all its restaurants will close by 7pm - in a move the fast-food company says is to protect the safety of its employees and customers .
The move did not prevented customers flocking to outlets in advance of the deadline .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker .
Greggs said all its shops would be shut for the foreseeable future from the close of business on Tuesday - deciding there was too much risk in a takeaway-only service .
Costa Coffee and Subway were among rivals to also announce they were also temporarily shutting their doors while Primark was also closing .
Hairdressing chain Headmasters has said it will close its salons from 6pm on Monday as the family-run business was assured that Government support meant `` salaries will be paid to all of our team members . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of its shops and delay the opening of any new stores until the second half of the year .
The chicken restaurant chain Nando 's also said it was to close more than 400 of its outlets in the UK until further notice , saying `` the health and safety of our customers and team is our highest priority '' .
The announcements come after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for pubs , clubs and restaurants to shut on Friday amid the coronavirus outbreak , although he stressed they could continue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We will work with local community groups to responsibly distribute food and drink from our restaurants in the coming days .
`` Thank you to our brilliant employees for their hard work during this incredibly challenging time .
`` We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as it is safe for us to reopen . ''
Primark has closed all its shops and ceased all orders with suppliers .
Its owner , Associated British Foods ( ABF ) , said the closures would result in roughly £650m loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement said : `` A variety of work streams have been established to mitigate the effect of the contribution lost from these sales and all expenditure is being reviewed .
`` We currently estimate being able to recover some 50 % of total operating costs . ''
Primark said it took the decision to shut stores , including all 189 sites in the UK , `` the health and welfare of our employees and customers '' in mind .
Some 37,000 workers will be affected by the closures but will be provided with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lewis , Topshop , New Look and key cutting and shoe repair company Timpson have also announced store closures .
ABF earlier shut stores in France , Spain , Italy and Austria - where governments have already put restrictions on non-essential shops opening to try to combat the threat of coronavirus .
Airline Emirates says it will suspend flights to most destinations because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Meanwhile , Dubai-based Emirates has cut flight destinations from 145 locations to just 13 countries as demand for international travel falls and governments across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The airline has described it as a `` painful but pragmatic '' decision , which aims to protect jobs .
The company 's chief executive Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum says they `` can not viably operate passenger services until countries re-open their borders , and travel confidence returns '' .
Emirates Group said it will continue to operate cargo flights through its fleet of Boeing 777 freighters for the transport of essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
It also said the company would reduce salaries for the majority of its employees for three months , but will not cut jobs .
Last week British Airways said its pilots will be taking a 50 % pay cut in April and May .
EasyJet and the pilots ' union have signed an agreement to minimise the risk of pilot lay-offs in the UK over the next 18 months , including a pay freeze and asking all crew to take unpaid leave for three months .

A growing number of major chains are closing their doors as the coronavirus pandemic takes it toll.
McDonald's was among the companies taking action, as industry figures published by Springboard revealed a 21.7% collapse in visits to the shops last week based on the previous seven days.
It said the decline was three times greater than the worst ever recorded as shoppers hunted essentials only amid growing efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Image: Laura Ashley's efforts to secure a buyer were hampered by the COVID-19 outbreak
Laura Ashley, which called in administrators earlier this month, said 70 of its 147 outlets were to shut permanently, with the loss of 721 jobs, as a buyer for the fashion-to-homewares retailer continues to be sought.
Rival Next said its 700 stores would be closed from 6pm until further notice.
McDonald's, which has 135,000 workers in the UK and Ireland, said all its restaurants will close by 7pm - in a move the fast-food company says is to protect the safety of its employees and customers.
The move did not prevented customers flocking to outlets in advance of the deadline.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Greggs said all its shops would be shut for the foreseeable future from the close of business on Tuesday - deciding there was too much risk in a takeaway-only service.
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Costa Coffee and Subway were among rivals to also announce they were also temporarily shutting their doors while Primark was also closing.
Hairdressing chain Headmasters has said it will close its salons from 6pm on Monday as the family-run business was assured that Government support meant "salaries will be paid to all of our team members."
Card Factory has decided to temporarily close all of its shops and delay the opening of any new stores until the second half of the year.
The chicken restaurant chain Nando's also said it was to close more than 400 of its outlets in the UK until further notice, saying "the health and safety of our customers and team is our highest priority".
The announcements come after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for pubs, clubs and restaurants to shut on Friday amid the coronavirus outbreak, although he stressed they could continue with a takeaway service.
McDonald's said: "We will work with local community groups to responsibly distribute food and drink from our restaurants in the coming days.
"Thank you to our brilliant employees for their hard work during this incredibly challenging time.
"We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as it is safe for us to reopen."
Image: Primark has closed all its shops in the UK
Primark has closed all its shops and ceased all orders with suppliers.
Its owner, Associated British Foods (ABF), said the closures would result in roughly £650m loss in net sales a month.
A statement said: "A variety of work streams have been established to mitigate the effect of the contribution lost from these sales and all expenditure is being reviewed.
"We currently estimate being able to recover some 50% of total operating costs."
Primark said it took the decision to shut stores, including all 189 sites in the UK, "the health and welfare of our employees and customers" in mind.
Some 37,000 workers will be affected by the closures but will be provided with full pay for 14 days.
John Lewis, Topshop, New Look and key cutting and shoe repair company Timpson have also announced store closures.
ABF earlier shut stores in France, Spain, Italy and Austria - where governments have already put restrictions on non-essential shops opening to try to combat the threat of coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:08 How the economy will cope with coronavirus?
Airline Emirates says it will suspend flights to most destinations because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, Dubai-based Emirates has cut flight destinations from 145 locations to just 13 countries as demand for international travel falls and governments across the world try to stop the spread of COVID-19.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The airline has described it as a "painful but pragmatic" decision, which aims to protect jobs.
The company's chief executive Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum says they "cannot viably operate passenger services until countries re-open their borders, and travel confidence returns".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 The Bank of England governor says he will consider all measures to protect the economy
Emirates Group said it will continue to operate cargo flights through its fleet of Boeing 777 freighters for the transport of essential goods, including medical supplies across the world.
It also said the company would reduce salaries for the majority of its employees for three months, but will not cut jobs.
Last week British Airways said its pilots will be taking a 50% pay cut in April and May.
EasyJet and the pilots' union have signed an agreement to minimise the risk of pilot lay-offs in the UK over the next 18 months, including a pay freeze and asking all crew to take unpaid leave for three months.


news--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Growing number of UK weddings being cancelled and postponed

Wedding venues say `` enquiries have stopped '' because of the coronavirus - as the multibillion pound industry sees a growing number of ceremonies cancelled and postponed .
Thousands of couples across the UK are monitoring whether the outbreak will affect their day - with many already having to scrap plans and change dates .
It comes after the Church of England said weddings should be limited to no more than five people - the legal minimum .
Amber Clatworthy and her fiance were due to get married in Devon next Saturday .
`` One of my best friends was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so that was cancelled first ... basically it 's just horrendous , '' she told Sky News .
`` We will get married , but it 's not going to be the same . ''
Their venue has allowed them to postpone for free , but it comes as little comfort after more than a year preparing for the big day .
Her husband-to-be , Greg Webb , had to contact suppliers and nearly 200 guests to let them know .
`` I think of myself as being quite in control most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotional I got to explain it ... and to hear them on the phone back to us , '' he said .
The couple have now had to store all their wedding items , from candle holders to chair saches , in their shed .
In 2016 there were nearly 250,000 marriages in England and Wales , according to the Office for National Statistics .
Last Thursday , the Church of England said only the priest , couple and two witnesses should be in attendance at weddings .
The UK wedding industry is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wedding website Hitched .
Bickleigh Castle Wedding Venue in Devon is fully booked for weddings through May to September , but it has already had to cancel one wedding and an event .
Owner Sarah Hay says they are doing all they can to keep weddings on track , but admitted it was worrying .
She said : `` Our housekeeper every other day is cleaning all the rooms all the time - sanitising the door handles , the loos , everything - to make sure it 's spotless .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over and over . ''
`` We have n't got any more enquiries coming in at the moment - hopefully April , May things will start to get better , '' she added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Florists are also being hit .
Nicky 's Flower Studio in Taunton has seen orders cancelled .
Owner Nicky Mark Heal says he 'll likely close the shop next week and just take orders from home .
`` Brides obviously spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what 's going to happen .
Some are postponing till next year , others say they do n't know what 's going to happen , '' he said .
In Holland , growers are destroying millions of flowers every day as demand falls and transporting them becomes ever more difficult .

Wedding venues say "enquiries have stopped" because of the coronavirus - as the multibillion pound industry sees a growing number of ceremonies cancelled and postponed.
Thousands of couples across the UK are monitoring whether the outbreak will affect their day - with many already having to scrap plans and change dates.
It comes after the Church of England said weddings should be limited to no more than five people - the legal minimum.
Amber Clatworthy and her fiance were due to get married in Devon next Saturday.
"One of my best friends was flying to Australia to be a bridesmaid so that was cancelled first... basically it's just horrendous," she told Sky News. "We will get married, but it's not going to be the same."
Their venue has allowed them to postpone for free, but it comes as little comfort after more than a year preparing for the big day.
Her husband-to-be, Greg Webb, had to contact suppliers and nearly 200 guests to let them know.
Image: Amber Clatworthy was due to get married in Devon next weekend
"I think of myself as being quite in control most of the time. It's surprising how emotional I got to explain it... and to hear them on the phone back to us," he said.
The couple have now had to store all their wedding items, from candle holders to chair saches, in their shed.
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In 2016 there were nearly 250,000 marriages in England and Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Last Thursday, the Church of England said only the priest, couple and two witnesses should be in attendance at weddings.
The UK wedding industry is worth around £10bn a year, according to wedding website Hitched.
Bickleigh Castle Wedding Venue in Devon is fully booked for weddings through May to September, but it has already had to cancel one wedding and an event.
Owner Sarah Hay says they are doing all they can to keep weddings on track, but admitted it was worrying.
She said: "Our housekeeper every other day is cleaning all the rooms all the time - sanitising the door handles, the loos, everything - to make sure it's spotless. It's already spotless, but we're going over and over."
"We haven't got any more enquiries coming in at the moment - hopefully April, May things will start to get better," she added.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Florists are also being hit.
Nicky's Flower Studio in Taunton has seen orders cancelled.
Owner Nicky Mark Heal says he'll likely close the shop next week and just take orders from home.
Image: The flower industry is being hit
"Brides obviously spend years planning their weddings they are uncertain what's going to happen. Some are postponing till next year, others say they don't know what's going to happen," he said.
In Holland, growers are destroying millions of flowers every day as demand falls and transporting them becomes ever more difficult.


news--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Lockdown tightens in parts of Italy hardest hit by COVID-19

Lockdown in the Italian region of Lombardy has been tightened as the country confirmed more than 53,500 cases of coronavirus .
Sports and other physical activities outside have been banned , even if a person is exercising alone , and using vending machines is also forbidden .
The number of people in Italy to have died from the disease is approaching 5,000 , just days after it overtook China as the nation to register most deaths from the highly contagious respiratory illness .
Officials said a further 739 coronavirus patients have died in a single day , taking the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19.6 % was by far the biggest daily rise since the outbreak emerged in the country a month ago .
The rise in the number of infections from 47,021 to 53,578 is an increase of 13.9 % , the Civil Protection Agency said .
A team of 65 Cuban doctors and nurses with experience in battling Ebola will arrive in the hard-hit Lombardy town of Cremona on Sunday ready to help .
The Russian military is also to send assistance to Italy 's worst affected areas , after President Vladimir Putin spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus news around the world : • German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to hold a phone conference with the premiers of Germany 's 16 federal states to discuss a full lockdown • The German cities of Freiburg and Leverkusen have already announced lockdown plans , with Freiburg 's having started on Saturday , banning citizens from public places , including parks • The number of cases in Switzerland has risen 25 % • Spain has recorded almost 5,000 new cases in 24 hours , becoming the third most infected country in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curfew and ban on international flights to curb coronavirus spread as 315 people have contracted the disease • Sri Lanka police detained 291 people for breaching a three-day curfew imposed to contain the virus • Thailand reported 188 new infections on Sunday , its largest daily increase , taking the total to 599 cases • Colombia 's health ministry said the country 's first coronavirus death was a 58-year-old taxi driver • The number of sufferers in Africa passed 1,000 , with cases in at least 40 of Africa 's 54 countries • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were a further 112 deaths from coronavirus , bringing the total to 562 • In the Russian capital of Moscow , workers are rushing to build a clinic to treat hundreds of peopleThe pandemic has infected more than 300,000 people worldwide and killed more than 13,000 .
Also known as COVID-19 , the illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people , though severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have recovered from the infection so far , most of them in China .
Italy 's health minister Roberto Speranza said he was concerned that too many people were ignoring lockdown restrictions that were imposed nearly two weeks ago in an attempt to slow down the spread of the virus .
Giuseppe Sala , the mayor of Milan , the capital of Lombardy , attempted to rally Milan 's 1.4 million citizens , tweeting : `` By now , we have understood , this is a marathon , not a sprint .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged over 65 , Italy has the oldest population in the world after Japan .
Medical experts say these demographics could explain why the number of dead in Italy is so much higher than the rest of the world .
The national health institute said the average age of those who died was 78.5 years , with the youngest victim 31 and the oldest 103 in its most complete analysis of the outbreak - which is yet to be published .

Lockdown in the Italian region of Lombardy has been tightened as the country confirmed more than 53,500 cases of coronavirus.
Sports and other physical activities outside have been banned, even if a person is exercising alone, and using vending machines is also forbidden.
The number of people in Italy to have died from the disease is approaching 5,000, just days after it overtook China as the nation to register most deaths from the highly contagious respiratory illness.
Officials said a further 739 coronavirus patients have died in a single day, taking the total number to 4,825.
The increase of 19.6% was by far the biggest daily rise since the outbreak emerged in the country a month ago.
The rise in the number of infections from 47,021 to 53,578 is an increase of 13.9%, the Civil Protection Agency said.
A team of 65 Cuban doctors and nurses with experience in battling Ebola will arrive in the hard-hit Lombardy town of Cremona on Sunday ready to help.
The Russian military is also to send assistance to Italy's worst affected areas, after President Vladimir Putin spoke to his counterpart Giuseppe Conte.
Image: Doctors and nurses of Cuba's Henry Reeve International Medical Brigade are heading to Italy to help
In other coronavirus news around the world:
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to hold a phone conference with the premiers of Germany's 16 federal states to discuss a full lockdown
The German cities of Freiburg and Leverkusen have already announced lockdown plans, with Freiburg's having started on Saturday, banning citizens from public places, including parks
The number of cases in Switzerland has risen 25%
Spain has recorded almost 5,000 new cases in 24 hours, becoming the third most infected country in the world
India has started a 14-hour curfew and ban on international flights to curb coronavirus spread as 315 people have contracted the disease
Sri Lanka police detained 291 people for breaching a three-day curfew imposed to contain the virus
Thailand reported 188 new infections on Sunday, its largest daily increase, taking the total to 599 cases
Colombia's health ministry said the country's first coronavirus death was a 58-year-old taxi driver
The number of sufferers in Africa passed 1,000, with cases in at least 40 of Africa's 54 countries
In France, the health ministry announced there were a further 112 deaths from coronavirus, bringing the total to 562
In the Russian capital of Moscow, workers are rushing to build a clinic to treat hundreds of peopleThe pandemic has infected more than 300,000 people worldwide and killed more than 13,000.
Also known as COVID-19, the illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, though severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
More than 92,000 people have recovered from the infection so far, most of them in China.
Italy's health minister Roberto Speranza said he was concerned that too many people were ignoring lockdown restrictions that were imposed nearly two weeks ago in an attempt to slow down the spread of the virus.
Giuseppe Sala, the mayor of Milan, the capital of Lombardy, attempted to rally Milan's 1.4 million citizens, tweeting: "By now, we have understood, this is a marathon, not a sprint."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:58 'It's a war, it's a disaster' - Lombardy hospital struggles to cope
With around 23% of people aged over 65, Italy has the oldest population in the world after Japan.
Medical experts say these demographics could explain why the number of dead in Italy is so much higher than the rest of the world.
The national health institute said the average age of those who died was 78.5 years, with the youngest victim 31 and the oldest 103 in its most complete analysis of the outbreak - which is yet to be published.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: Plea for restraint as rural areas inundated with visitors escaping COVID-19

Britons are increasingly ignoring advice to stay home and are using the countryside as an escape from coronavirus , with Snowdonia National Park experiencing its `` busiest visitor day in living memory '' .
The Scottish government says people with second homes and campervans have been travelling to the Highlands in search of isolation in recent days .
They issued a travel warning , describing the actions of travellers as `` irresponsible behaviour '' , reiterating the warning of Prime Minister Boris Johnson that people should instead stay home .
Meanwhile in Wales , Snowdonia National Park was inundated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive of the Snowdonia National Park , said : `` On Friday night the prime minister announced new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus .
This included ordering the closure of all pubs , cafes and hotels .
In the 24 hours following this announcement there have been unprecedented scenes in Snowdonia .
`` We have experienced the busiest visitor day in living memory .
`` The area has been overwhelmed with visitors .
More worrying still is the significant crowding on the mountain summits and trails making it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The park is now calling for Boris Johnson and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford to provide `` stronger measures '' on unnecessary travel and social distancing so visitors do not flock to the park again .
A spokesman added : `` Specific guidance is needed on what 'necessary travel ' actually entails .
We also call on all visitor and holiday owners to heed government advice and avoid all but essential travel , and to stay at home to stay safe .
`` If no further steps are taken we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the communities and health services in North Wales , such as shutting down car parks and trails . ''
Mr Drakeford has since urged people to stop socialising to try and combat the spread of the virus .
He said in a statement : `` Self-isolation for those who have symptoms and social distancing by everyone is absolutely essential at this stage if we are to delay the spread of this virus and save lives .
`` We all need to follow this advice now to protect each other and our families and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelmed .
`` Social distancing includes avoiding all but essential travel and if people do n't follow this advice we will have no choice but to use powers to enforce it . ''
Rural economy and tourism secretary for the SNP , Fergus Ewing , said : `` I am furious at the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of some people travelling to the Highland and Islands .
This has to stop now .
`` Let me be crystal clear , people should not be travelling to rural and island communities , full stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not travel .
`` Panic buying will have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of rural shops and potentially puts unwanted pressure on NHS services in our rural communities . ''
Further south , visitors and tourists have been told to stay away from beaches and other holiday areas to stop the spread of coronavirus and to avoid overwhelming health provisions in small towns .
Cumbria Police said the Lake District was among the places experiencing an `` influx '' of visitors and that people who do not live in the area should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut-down of businesses and schools is not an excuse for a holiday , '' they added in a statement .
West Wittering Beach in Chichester was closed after the number of visitors on Saturday `` far exceeded '' expectations .
The estate owners said they had seen `` an unacceptable movement of people '' into the local community .
The MP for Cornwall , Steve Double , has also urged people not to go on holiday to the region amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
He said while he understands people 's reasons for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said it was better to stay at home .
Mr Double told Sky News : `` There are reports that roads into Cornwall are full of people with cars full of suitcases and top boxes .
People are clearly coming down here .
`` Regrettably and sadly some tourist parks are still taking bookings and still urging people to come here . ''
He added : `` I think most reasonable people would consider a holiday at this time , when our country is facing such a huge challenge , as definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board said on Friday that anyone who does not live in the area should postpone their visit .
They added : `` We urge anyone considering travelling to Cornwall in the coming days and weeks to think carefully about the implications of being removed from your normal social network during the coronavirus period , the risk of not being able to travel back home as planned , to be aware that supermarkets are experiencing the same pressures here as elsewhere , and consider the added pressure on public services in a rural area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The warnings come after Mr Johnson ordered the closure of pubs , restaurants , theatres and other leisure places across the UK .
Schools across the UK have also now closed , except for children of key workers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The moves are an effort to stop the spread of the illness , which has infected more than 5,000 people in the UK and more than 300,000 worldwide .
Almost 13,000 have died , including more than @ @ @ @ @

Britons are increasingly ignoring advice to stay home and are using the countryside as an escape from coronavirus, with Snowdonia National Park experiencing its "busiest visitor day in living memory".
The Scottish government says people with second homes and campervans have been travelling to the Highlands in search of isolation in recent days.
They issued a travel warning, describing the actions of travellers as "irresponsible behaviour", reiterating the warning of Prime Minister Boris Johnson that people should instead stay home.
Image: Anti-tourist signs that have been cropping up in North Wales. Pic: Marcin Liberacki
Meanwhile in Wales, Snowdonia National Park was inundated with visitors on Saturday.
Emyr Williams, chief executive of the Snowdonia National Park, said: "On Friday night the prime minister announced new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. This included ordering the closure of all pubs, cafes and hotels. In the 24 hours following this announcement there have been unprecedented scenes in Snowdonia.
Image: Dozens of cars were seen parking ahead of days out in Dovestone Reservoir, Greater Manchester
"We have experienced the busiest visitor day in living memory.
"The area has been overwhelmed with visitors. More worrying still is the significant crowding on the mountain summits and trails making it impossible to maintain effective social distancing."
The park is now calling for Boris Johnson and First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford to provide "stronger measures" on unnecessary travel and social distancing so visitors do not flock to the park again.
A spokesman added: "Specific guidance is needed on what 'necessary travel' actually entails. We also call on all visitor and holiday owners to heed government advice and avoid all but essential travel, and to stay at home to stay safe.
"If no further steps are taken we will need to take drastic measures to protect the communities and health services in North Wales, such as shutting down car parks and trails."
Mr Drakeford has since urged people to stop socialising to try and combat the spread of the virus.
Image: People with second homes have been travelling to the Highlands in recent days
He said in a statement: "Self-isolation for those who have symptoms and social distancing by everyone is absolutely essential at this stage if we are to delay the spread of this virus and save lives.
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"We all need to follow this advice now to protect each other and our families and to help ensure our NHS is not overwhelmed.
"Social distancing includes avoiding all but essential travel and if people don't follow this advice we will have no choice but to use powers to enforce it."
Rural economy and tourism secretary for the SNP, Fergus Ewing, said: "I am furious at the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of some people travelling to the Highland and Islands. This has to stop now.
"Let me be crystal clear, people should not be travelling to rural and island communities, full stop. They are endangering lives. Do not travel.
"Panic buying will have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of rural shops and potentially puts unwanted pressure on NHS services in our rural communities."
Further south, visitors and tourists have been told to stay away from beaches and other holiday areas to stop the spread of coronavirus and to avoid overwhelming health provisions in small towns.
Image: Cars are seen lining up in Dovestone Reservoir, Greater Manchester
Cumbria Police said the Lake District was among the places experiencing an "influx" of visitors and that people who do not live in the area should stay away.
"A national emergency shut-down of businesses and schools is not an excuse for a holiday," they added in a statement.
West Wittering Beach in Chichester was closed after the number of visitors on Saturday "far exceeded" expectations.
The estate owners said they had seen "an unacceptable movement of people" into the local community.
The MP for Cornwall, Steve Double, has also urged people not to go on holiday to the region amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said while he understands people's reasons for wanting to get out of cities, he said it was better to stay at home.
Mr Double told Sky News: "There are reports that roads into Cornwall are full of people with cars full of suitcases and top boxes. People are clearly coming down here.
"Regrettably and sadly some tourist parks are still taking bookings and still urging people to come here."
He added: "I think most reasonable people would consider a holiday at this time, when our country is facing such a huge challenge, as definitely not essential."
Visit Cornwall tourist board said on Friday that anyone who does not live in the area should postpone their visit.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:11 NHS staff struggle with lack of resources
They added: "We urge anyone considering travelling to Cornwall in the coming days and weeks to think carefully about the implications of being removed from your normal social network during the coronavirus period, the risk of not being able to travel back home as planned, to be aware that supermarkets are experiencing the same pressures here as elsewhere, and consider the added pressure on public services in a rural area which this travel may cause."
The warnings come after Mr Johnson ordered the closure of pubs, restaurants, theatres and other leisure places across the UK.
Schools across the UK have also now closed, except for children of key workers.
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The moves are an effort to stop the spread of the illness, which has infected more than 5,000 people in the UK and more than 300,000 worldwide.
Almost 13,000 have died, including more than 230 in the UK.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: BA chief executive hints at job cuts during 'very tough times'

British Airways ' chief executive has hinted at job cuts and says he will waive his salary for the next two months as the airline struggles with the coronavirus crisis .
In a letter to all BA staff seen by Sky News , Alex Cruz said `` of course job security is top of mind '' and that the carrier is doing `` everything we can to protect as many jobs as we can '' during the COVID-19 crisis .
But he added that the company was `` working hand in hand with [ the unions ] to look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance scheme '' .
Mr Cruz said he was not taking a salary for the next two months because `` we are having to act fast to preserve funds '' and it is the `` right thing for me to do '' .
He continued : `` We will all be making sacrifices to help protect our business , just as we are making some sacrifices in how we live our daily lives . ''
In a further hint at possible job cuts to come , the letter said : `` We know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airways will make it through with your support . ''
Last week , pilots at the London Heathrow-based airline were asked to take two weeks unpaid leave in each of the next two months .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Airlines have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak with severe restrictions on travel imposed by governments worldwide .
British Airways has grounded 75 % of its fleet , with other airlines including Virgin Atlantic Airways and easyJet taking similar measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plunged in recent weeks as stock markets were battered by increasing fears over the economic impact of the pandemic .
The UK government has advised against all non-essential travel for 30 days and the US government has restricted travel to and from Europe .
Transatlantic routes , especially between London and New York , are British Airways ' most lucrative market .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the government is working on a rescue deal for the airline sector .
Sky News has reported that city bankers Rothschild have been drafted in by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - which is expected to be finalised in the coming days .
Low cost carrier easyJet has grounded almost all of its fleet and says it is possible that some European carriers will not survive the crisis .
Governments across Europe have imposed draconian movement restrictions on citizens and the European aviation market is grinding to a halt in what is seen as a crisis greater than that of 2008 , or that following the 9/11 attacks in 2001 .

British Airways' chief executive has hinted at job cuts and says he will waive his salary for the next two months as the airline struggles with the coronavirus crisis.
In a letter to all BA staff seen by Sky News, Alex Cruz said "of course job security is top of mind" and that the carrier is doing "everything we can to protect as many jobs as we can" during the COVID-19 crisis.
But he added that the company was "working hand in hand with [the unions] to look at all the options including the government employment assistance scheme".
Image: BA chief executive Alex Cruz is waiving his salary for two months
Mr Cruz said he was not taking a salary for the next two months because "we are having to act fast to preserve funds" and it is the "right thing for me to do".
He continued: "We will all be making sacrifices to help protect our business, just as we are making some sacrifices in how we live our daily lives."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 PM: 'Don't think fresh air provides immunity'
In a further hint at possible job cuts to come, the letter said: "We know there are tough decisions ahead but British Airways will make it through with your support."
Last week, pilots at the London Heathrow-based airline were asked to take two weeks unpaid leave in each of the next two months.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Airlines have been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak with severe restrictions on travel imposed by governments worldwide.
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British Airways has grounded 75% of its fleet, with other airlines including Virgin Atlantic Airways and easyJet taking similar measures.
Shares in all European carriers have plunged in recent weeks as stock markets were battered by increasing fears over the economic impact of the pandemic.
The UK government has advised against all non-essential travel for 30 days and the US government has restricted travel to and from Europe.
Transatlantic routes, especially between London and New York, are British Airways' most lucrative market.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the government is working on a rescue deal for the airline sector.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:55 An in-depth look at UK coronavirus deaths
Sky News has reported that city bankers Rothschild have been drafted in by the Treasury to advise on any deal - which is expected to be finalised in the coming days.
Low cost carrier easyJet has grounded almost all of its fleet and says it is possible that some European carriers will not survive the crisis.
Governments across Europe have imposed draconian movement restrictions on citizens and the European aviation market is grinding to a halt in what is seen as a crisis greater than that of 2008, or that following the 9/11 attacks in 2001.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: Who is being told to start 'shielding' amid COVID-19 outbreak?

The government will be sending letters to 1.5 million people in England urging them to self-isolate for an extended period amid warnings the coronavirus outbreak is `` accelerating ” .
Health officials have urged those considered most at risk from the disease because of their health conditions to begin `` shielding '' themselves by staying at home .
When will the letters go out ?
Letters will go out this week `` strongly advising '' people not to go out for at least 12 weeks from Monday .
Why is it 1.5 million people and who are they ?
Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at risk from COVID-19 because of their health conditions and will need to self-isolate for at least 12 weeks .
Why is it called shielding ?
Shielding is a practice used to protect extremely vulnerable people from coming into contact with coronavirus .
It is designed to ensure people who are clinically extremely vulnerable minimise all interaction between those who are extremely vulnerable and others .
Who is classed as extremely vulnerable ?
According to the new guidance , people falling into this extremely vulnerable group include : • Solid organ transplant recipients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy for lung cancer • People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia , lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment • People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer • People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system , such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors • People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months , or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs • People with severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe asthma and severe COPD .
• People with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism that significantly increase the risk of infections ( such as SCID , homozygous sickle cell ) .
• People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection .
• Women who are pregnant with significant heart disease , congenital or acquired .
If I am shielding what should I avoid ?
The government advice states : • Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus .
These symptoms include high temperature and/or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not leave your house • Do not attend any gatherings .
This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces for example family homes , weddings and religious services .
• Do not go out for shopping , leisure or travel and , when arranging food or medication deliveries , these should be left at the door to minimise contact .
• Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone , internet , and social media .
• Do use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
This advice will be in place for at least 12 weeks from the day you receive your letter .
What does the advice mean if you look after someone who is extremely vulnerable ?
If you care for but do n't actually live with someone who is extremely vulnerable you should still stringently follow guidance on social distancing .
How can you get help with foods and medicines if you are shielding ?
Ask family , friends and neighbours to support you and use online services .
If this is not possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , charities , and the general public are gearing up to help those advised to stay at home .
You can visit gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable from Tuesday 24 March 2020 to register for the support that you need .
This includes help with food , shopping deliveries and additional care you might need .
What about picking up prescriptions ?
The government is helping pharmacies to deliver prescriptions .
Prescriptions will continue to cover the same length of time as usual .
If you do not currently have your prescriptions collected or delivered , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asking someone who can pick up your prescription from the local pharmacy , ( this is the best option , if possible ) .
2 .
Contacting your pharmacy to ask them to help you find a volunteer ( who will have been ID checked ) or deliver it to you .
3 .
You may also need to arrange for collection or delivery of hospital specialist medication that is prescribed to you by your hospital care team .
Can people still visit you , including those who are providing care for you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as friends and family to let them know that you are shielding and that they should not visit you during this time unless they are providing essential care for you .
Essential care includes things like help with washing , dressing , or feeding .
All people coming to your home should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on arrival to your house and often whilst they are there .
What is the advice for parents and schools with extremely vulnerable children ?
The advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainstream and special schools .
If someone else is living with you do they have to also have to participate in shielding ?
If you have someone else living with you , they are not required to adopt these protective shielding measures for themselves .
They should do what they can to support you in shielding and they should stringently follow guidance on social distancing , reducing their contact outside the home .
If this is the case then look at the government advice on shielding which breaks down how you can live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to take the measures advised ?
In the guidance , the government says : `` Shielding is for your personal protection , it is your choice to decide whether to follow the measures we advise .
Individuals who have been given a prognosis of less than six months to live , and some others in special circumstances , could decide not to undertake shielding .
This will be a deeply personal decision .
We advise calling your GP or specialist to discuss this . ''
What if I do n't receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall into one of the categories of extremely vulnerable people listed above and you have not received a letter by Sunday 29 March 2020 or been contacted by your GP , you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

The government will be sending letters to 1.5 million people in England urging them to self-isolate for an extended period amid warnings the coronavirus outbreak is "accelerating”.
Health officials have urged those considered most at risk from the disease because of their health conditions to begin "shielding" themselves by staying at home.
When will the letters go out?
Letters will go out this week "strongly advising" people not to go out for at least 12 weeks from Monday.
Why is it 1.5 million people and who are they?
Health officials believe this group is considered most at risk from COVID-19 because of their health conditions and will need to self-isolate for at least 12 weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Coronavirus: You will not be alone, vulnerable told
Why is it called shielding?
Shielding is a practice used to protect extremely vulnerable people from coming into contact with coronavirus. It is designed to ensure people who are clinically extremely vulnerable minimise all interaction between those who are extremely vulnerable and others.
Who is classed as extremely vulnerable?
According to the new guidance, people falling into this extremely vulnerable group include:
• Solid organ transplant recipients
• People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy for lung cancer
• People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
• People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
• People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
• People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs
• People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe COPD.
• People with rare diseases and inborn errors of metabolism that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as SCID, homozygous sickle cell).
• People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection.
• Women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 PM: 'Don't visit your mum'
If I am shielding what should I avoid?
The government advice states:
• Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus. These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
• Do not leave your house
• Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces for example family homes, weddings and religious services.
• Do not go out for shopping, leisure or travel and, when arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact.
• Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media.
• Do use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:06 Hunt: NHS is funded to deal with crisis
How long will shielding last?
This advice will be in place for at least 12 weeks from the day you receive your letter.
What does the advice mean if you look after someone who is extremely vulnerable?
If you care for but don't actually live with someone who is extremely vulnerable you should still stringently follow guidance on social distancing.
How can you get help with foods and medicines if you are shielding?
Ask family, friends and neighbours to support you and use online services. If this is not possible, then the public sector, business, charities, and the general public are gearing up to help those advised to stay at home. You can visit gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable from Tuesday 24 March 2020 to register for the support that you need. This includes help with food, shopping deliveries and additional care you might need.
What about picking up prescriptions?
The government is helping pharmacies to deliver prescriptions. Prescriptions will continue to cover the same length of time as usual. If you do not currently have your prescriptions collected or delivered, you can arrange this by:
1. Asking someone who can pick up your prescription from the local pharmacy, (this is the best option, if possible).
2. Contacting your pharmacy to ask them to help you find a volunteer (who will have been ID checked) or deliver it to you.
3. You may also need to arrange for collection or delivery of hospital specialist medication that is prescribed to you by your hospital care team.
Can people still visit you, including those who are providing care for you?
Contact regular visitors to your home, such as friends and family to let them know that you are shielding and that they should not visit you during this time unless they are providing essential care for you. Essential care includes things like help with washing, dressing, or feeding. All people coming to your home should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on arrival to your house and often whilst they are there.
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What is the advice for parents and schools with extremely vulnerable children?
The advice also applies to extremely vulnerable children in mainstream and special schools.
If someone else is living with you do they have to also have to participate in shielding?
If you have someone else living with you, they are not required to adopt these protective shielding measures for themselves. They should do what they can to support you in shielding and they should stringently follow guidance on social distancing, reducing their contact outside the home. If this is the case then look at the government advice on shielding which breaks down how you can live together and take part in shielding
Do you have to take the measures advised?
In the guidance, the government says: "Shielding is for your personal protection, it is your choice to decide whether to follow the measures we advise. Individuals who have been given a prognosis of less than six months to live, and some others in special circumstances, could decide not to undertake shielding. This will be a deeply personal decision. We advise calling your GP or specialist to discuss this."
What if I don't receive a letter?
If you think you fall into one of the categories of extremely vulnerable people listed above and you have not received a letter by Sunday 29 March 2020 or been contacted by your GP, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician.
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