news--2020-02-25--Coronavirus: Minister who heads outbreak clampdown in Iran has COVID-19

The man tasked with tackling the new coronavirus in Iran has himself tested positive for the virus .
The authorities ' announcement about Iraj Harirchi came a day after he was seen sweating and appeared uncomfortable at a news conference about the outbreak .
Mr Harirchi , deputy health minister and head of Iran 's anti-coronavirus taskforce , posted a video online confirming he had the virus and was self-isolating at home .
He promised that officials would bring the outbreak of COVID-19 - the disease caused by novel coronavirus - under control .
Meanwhile , an MP for Tehran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected .
Iran has the highest number of virus-related deaths outside China - at least 16 - and has urged people in many provinces to stay at home .
Concerts and football matches have been cancelled , and schools and universities were closed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Iranian government has rejected claims that 50 have been killed by virus .
That number was quoted by Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani , a politician from the holy Shia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the epicentre of the virus in the country .
There have been 95 confirmed infections in the country - but 900 cases were suspected .
And the head of the Medical Science University in Qom , Mohammad Reza Ghadir , has expressed concern over `` the spread of those people infected by the virus across the city '' .
He claimed the health ministry had banned releasing figures linked to the coronavirus .
In a speech , Iranian president Hassan Rouhani has tried to reassure the nation , calling the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But he declared : `` We will get through corona .
We will get through the virus . ''
The United Arab Emirates , which has long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad , has banned all flights to and from Iran over the outbreak .
And a top official at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , said it was no longer a question of if the virus would become a global pandemic .
Dr Anne Schuchat said : `` It 's a question of when and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The man tasked with tackling the new coronavirus in Iran has himself tested positive for the virus.
The authorities' announcement about Iraj Harirchi came a day after he was seen sweating and appeared uncomfortable at a news conference about the outbreak.
Mr Harirchi, deputy health minister and head of Iran's anti-coronavirus taskforce, posted a video online confirming he had the virus and was self-isolating at home.
He promised that officials would bring the outbreak of COVID-19 - the disease caused by novel coronavirus - under control.
Meanwhile, an MP for Tehran, Mahmoud Sadeghi, has also been infected.
Iran has the highest number of virus-related deaths outside China - at least 16 - and has urged people in many provinces to stay at home.
Concerts and football matches have been cancelled, and schools and universities were closed.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Iranian government has rejected claims that 50 have been killed by virus. That number was quoted by Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani, a politician from the holy Shia city of Qom, which has been at the epicentre of the virus in the country.
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There have been 95 confirmed infections in the country - but 900 cases were suspected.
And the head of the Medical Science University in Qom, Mohammad Reza Ghadir, has expressed concern over "the spread of those people infected by the virus across the city".
He claimed the health ministry had banned releasing figures linked to the coronavirus.
In a speech, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani has tried to reassure the nation, calling the new coronavirus an "uninvited and inauspicious passenger".
But he declared: "We will get through corona. We will get through the virus."
The United Arab Emirates, which has long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, has banned all flights to and from Iran over the outbreak.
And a top official at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said it was no longer a question of if the virus would become a global pandemic.
Dr Anne Schuchat said: "It's a question of when and how many people will be infected."


news--2020-02-25--Engineering firm Meggitt warns of hit from Boeing crisis and coronavirus

A FTSE 100 engineering firm has warned that the Boeing 737 MAX and coronavirus crises will knock sales this year , sending its shares down .
Meggitt , whose interests include ammunition handling systems to aerospace components , said it expected revenue growth to fall to between 2 % and 4 % in 2020 .
The Bournemouth-based company told investors : `` Sector-specific factors including the production halt of the 737 MAX and supply chain disruption , as well as the wider macroeconomic impact of COVID-19 , are expected to hold back margin progression in the short-term . ''
Meggitt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the mid-single digits the following year .
The firm said that the coronavirus was likely to soften global air traffic growth , hurting its business supplying parts and services to existing , rather than new jets .
The company also cited supply chain disruption from efforts to control the spread .
Meggitt supplies the 737 MAX with parts including a fire protection system for the engine and auxiliary power units .
The global fleet was grounded almost a year ago after two crashes killed 346 people .
Boeing later halted production of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to await regulatory clearance to fly again .
It has been undergoing a series of modifications to its flight control systems - especially anti-stall software .
Meggitt 's revenue warning took the gloss off its annual results for investors as shares fell 5 % .
Its 2019 figures showed an 8 % rise in revenues - helping profits rise by 10 % to £402.8m .
Meggitt also announced that chairman Sir Nigel Rudd would step down ahead of its 2021 AGM .

A FTSE 100 engineering firm has warned that the Boeing 737 MAX and coronavirus crises will knock sales this year, sending its shares down.
Meggitt, whose interests include ammunition handling systems to aerospace components, said it expected revenue growth to fall to between 2% and 4% in 2020.
The Bournemouth-based company told investors: "Sector-specific factors including the production halt of the 737 MAX and supply chain disruption, as well as the wider macroeconomic impact of COVID-19, are expected to hold back margin progression in the short-term."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 British business not immune to COVID-19
Meggitt added that sales growth would likely be in the mid-single digits the following year.
The firm said that the coronavirus was likely to soften global air traffic growth, hurting its business supplying parts and services to existing, rather than new jets.
The company also cited supply chain disruption from efforts to control the spread.
Meggitt supplies the 737 MAX with parts including a fire protection system for the engine and auxiliary power units.
The global fleet was grounded almost a year ago after two crashes killed 346 people.
Boeing later halted production of the passenger jet as the plane continues to await regulatory clearance to fly again.
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It has been undergoing a series of modifications to its flight control systems - especially anti-stall software.
Meggitt's revenue warning took the gloss off its annual results for investors as shares fell 5%.
Its 2019 figures showed an 8% rise in revenues - helping profits rise by 10% to £402.8m.
Meggitt also announced that chairman Sir Nigel Rudd would step down ahead of its 2021 AGM.


news--2020-02-25--Will coronavirus be latest ready-made excuse for poor company performance?

Some executives may not be able to resist blaming the coronavirus for poor trading Say what you like about the advisory community in the City of London – they are a creative bunch .
One thing the Square Mile has never lacked are brokers , bankers and public relations advisors able to concoct , at fairly short notice , any number of plausible excuses for why their client 's latest trading has not been as good as expected .
The weather is a tried-and-tested excuse for disappointing trading - either it is too hot or too cold or too snowy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though it is now 14 years since Stuart Rose , then the chief executive of Marks & Spencer , famously said that retailers should never use it as an excuse with the words `` weather is for wimps '' .
Other classics of the genre include poor sporting performances .
For example , in November 2006 , kit manufacturer Umbro blamed England 's `` early '' exit - the team actually made the quarter-finals - from that summer 's World Cup for disappointing trading .
A year later , Sports Direct issued a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Croatia at Wembley ensured they would not be playing in the following summer 's European championships .
The World Cup can , in fact , be something of a catch-all : in 1998 , the slot machine manufacturer Kunick blamed that summer 's tournament in France for keeping punters out of the pubs and arcades .
The death of Diana , Princess of Wales , in August 1997 was cited in a string of profits warnings that autumn with everyone from furniture retailer DFS , motor dealer Pendragon , fashion retailer Oasis Stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leisure , the owner of the Blackpool Tower , all blaming the mourning that followed for a drop in sales .
Many of the classics of the genre came from just one company , the Manchester-based fruit and vegetable wholesaler Albert Fisher , which at various times in the 1980s and 1990s blamed riots , earthquakes , hurricanes , the El Nino weather system and a poor pea harvest for below-par sales or profits .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though , was when in 1996 it blamed cold seas for wiping out its Dutch cockle beds .
All this needs to be borne in mind when , in coming weeks , companies begin blaming the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus for disappointing trading .
The outbreak looks tailor-made for a chief executive or finance director thrashing around in search of an explanation why they have missed a sales or profit target .
Accordingly , investors will need to be careful when assessing the impact of coronavirus on a particular company .
The coronavirus-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far to date was from Apple which , last week , cautioned that a slower-than-expected return to work at the plants involved in assembling its iPhones would hit sales in March .
Yet it has already begun reopening stores in China that it closed at the beginning of the month .
In Britain , companies issuing the year-end results and trading statements common at this time of the year have found themselves being questioned by investors and analysts about coronavirus .
Business supplies distributor Bunzl dismissed the outbreak but Primark-owner Associated British Foods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production proved prolonged , the risk of supply shortages on some lines stocked by the fashion retailer later this financial year would increase .
It added : `` We are assessing mitigating strategies , including a step up in production from existing suppliers in other regions . ''
Tuesday brought two more results statements from FTSE 100 companies and both , inevitably , were asked about the outbreak .
Meggitt , the aerospace engineer , reported an 11 % rise in full year pre-tax profits , on an underlying basis , to £370.3m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 largely concerns the knock-on effects of the halt to production of Boeing 's 737 MAX aircraft .
But it added : `` The outbreak of COVID-19 is expected to soften air traffic growth in 2020 . ''
This would obviously bad for Meggitt 's work in aircraft maintenance and repairs , although it also employs more than 300 people at a factory in China , which has now resumed production after taking off an extra week at the time of the Chinese New Year celebrations .
Tony Wood , the chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of coronavirus would ultimately play out as did the outbreak of SARS in 2003 .
`` We are assuming the same as we 've seen in previous outbreaks , '' he said .
`` If it was worse than that , then obviously we would be updating on that later on in the year , but we 're assuming essentially it 's a 2020 issue . ''
Also speaking on coronavirus was Croda International , the speciality chemicals company , which has a vast range of products to various industries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers in the beauty and personal care industry such as L'Oreal and Unilever , as well as supplying concrete manufacturers with additives that reduce corrosion .
It supplies drug manufacturers with materials that make capsules more stable and furniture manufacturers with additives that improve the finish of wood products .
And it provides additives to the oil and gas industry which , for example , reduce drag in pipelines .
In other words , it is a company exposed to the fortunes of numerous businesses , as well as depending on numerous suppliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It said its sales offices in China and its two production units in the country had reopened , but warned that there was `` potential for some disruption to customer and consumer demand '' .
Steve Foots , the chief executive , added : `` The bigger issue is around the supply chain into our customers factories . ''
Both Meggitt and Croda , which reported a 3.7 % drop in full year pre-tax profits to £322.1m , offered fairly sober assessments of the potential impact of COVID-19 on their businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 5 % and 3 % respectively although , in the case of the former , that may have had more to do with the 737 MAX issue .
But companies updating the market have been warned .
Investors are anxious about this outbreak and , with so many unknowns surrounding it , are hungry for information .
Executives will need to have answers at the ready .
And some , based on past evidence , will be unable to resist using the outbreak as an excuse for poor performance .

From the weather to the World Cup, there is a long history of companies blaming factors beyond their control for missed targets.
Some executives may not be able to resist blaming the coronavirus for poor trading
Say what you like about the advisory community in the City of London – they are a creative bunch.
One thing the Square Mile has never lacked are brokers, bankers and public relations advisors able to concoct, at fairly short notice, any number of plausible excuses for why their client's latest trading has not been as good as expected.
The weather is a tried-and-tested excuse for disappointing trading - either it is too hot or too cold or too snowy for the time of year - even though it is now 14 years since Stuart Rose, then the chief executive of Marks & Spencer, famously said that retailers should never use it as an excuse with the words "weather is for wimps".
Other classics of the genre include poor sporting performances.
For example, in November 2006, kit manufacturer Umbro blamed England's "early" exit - the team actually made the quarter-finals - from that summer's World Cup for disappointing trading.
A year later, Sports Direct issued a profits warning after England's defeat against Croatia at Wembley ensured they would not be playing in the following summer's European championships.
Image: Umbro blamed England's 'early' exit from the 2006 for disappointing trading
The World Cup can, in fact, be something of a catch-all: in 1998, the slot machine manufacturer Kunick blamed that summer's tournament in France for keeping punters out of the pubs and arcades.
The death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in August 1997 was cited in a string of profits warnings that autumn with everyone from furniture retailer DFS, motor dealer Pendragon, fashion retailer Oasis Stores, telephone promotions firm IMS and First Leisure, the owner of the Blackpool Tower, all blaming the mourning that followed for a drop in sales.
Many of the classics of the genre came from just one company, the Manchester-based fruit and vegetable wholesaler Albert Fisher, which at various times in the 1980s and 1990s blamed riots, earthquakes, hurricanes, the El Nino weather system and a poor pea harvest for below-par sales or profits.
Advertisement
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Its all-time greatest excuse, though, was when in 1996 it blamed cold seas for wiping out its Dutch cockle beds.
All this needs to be borne in mind when, in coming weeks, companies begin blaming the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus for disappointing trading.
The outbreak looks tailor-made for a chief executive or finance director thrashing around in search of an explanation why they have missed a sales or profit target.
Accordingly, investors will need to be careful when assessing the impact of coronavirus on a particular company.
The coronavirus-related warning that has most rattled markets so far to date was from Apple which, last week, cautioned that a slower-than-expected return to work at the plants involved in assembling its iPhones would hit sales in March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 British business not immune to COVID-19
Yet it has already begun reopening stores in China that it closed at the beginning of the month.
In Britain, companies issuing the year-end results and trading statements common at this time of the year have found themselves being questioned by investors and analysts about coronavirus.
Business supplies distributor Bunzl dismissed the outbreak but Primark-owner Associated British Foods warned that, if delays to factory production proved prolonged, the risk of supply shortages on some lines stocked by the fashion retailer later this financial year would increase.
It added: "We are assessing mitigating strategies, including a step up in production from existing suppliers in other regions."
Tuesday brought two more results statements from FTSE 100 companies and both, inevitably, were asked about the outbreak.
Meggitt, the aerospace engineer, reported an 11% rise in full year pre-tax profits, on an underlying basis, to £370.3m.
Its main concern for growth in 2020 largely concerns the knock-on effects of the halt to production of Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft.
But it added: "The outbreak of COVID-19 is expected to soften air traffic growth in 2020."
This would obviously bad for Meggitt's work in aircraft maintenance and repairs, although it also employs more than 300 people at a factory in China, which has now resumed production after taking off an extra week at the time of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Image: The death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997 was cited in a string of profits warnings
Tony Wood, the chief executive, insisted that the company was assuming the spread of coronavirus would ultimately play out as did the outbreak of SARS in 2003.
"We are assuming the same as we've seen in previous outbreaks," he said.
"If it was worse than that, then obviously we would be updating on that later on in the year, but we're assuming essentially it's a 2020 issue."
Also speaking on coronavirus was Croda International, the speciality chemicals company, which has a vast range of products to various industries.
For instance, it supplies ingredients to customers in the beauty and personal care industry such as L'Oreal and Unilever, as well as supplying concrete manufacturers with additives that reduce corrosion.
Image: Primark has warned of the risk of supply shortages
It supplies drug manufacturers with materials that make capsules more stable and furniture manufacturers with additives that improve the finish of wood products.
And it provides additives to the oil and gas industry which, for example, reduce drag in pipelines.
In other words, it is a company exposed to the fortunes of numerous businesses, as well as depending on numerous suppliers. Some of these are in China.
It said its sales offices in China and its two production units in the country had reopened, but warned that there was "potential for some disruption to customer and consumer demand".
Steve Foots, the chief executive, added: "The bigger issue is around the supply chain into our customers factories."
Both Meggitt and Croda, which reported a 3.7% drop in full year pre-tax profits to £322.1m, offered fairly sober assessments of the potential impact of COVID-19 on their businesses.
Image: Apple's warning on the impact of the virus rattled markets
Both saw their shares fall today - by 5% and 3% respectively although, in the case of the former, that may have had more to do with the 737 MAX issue.
But companies updating the market have been warned. Investors are anxious about this outbreak and, with so many unknowns surrounding it, are hungry for information.
Executives will need to have answers at the ready.
And some, based on past evidence, will be unable to resist using the outbreak as an excuse for poor performance.


news--2020-02-25--Coronavirus: Three schools shut down after students return from Italy ski trips

Two schools have closed and another has shut its sixth form after students returned from half-term ski trips in Italy .
The shuttered schools , in Cheshire and Middlesbrough , made the decision as Italian authorities continued to struggle to control an outbreak of COVID-19 .
They have both closed for the remainder of the week to carry out a `` deep clean '' on each of the premises , the schools said in separate statements .
A message to parents from Richard Pollock , the headteacher of Cransley School in Northwich , Cheshire , said the closure would `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It comes after 29 students and five members of staff visited Bormio , northern Italy , last week , and had since been advised to self-isolate .
A further statement from the school said a `` small number '' of those who went on the trip began showing `` mild flu-like symptoms yesterday '' .
`` Regardless of the current Public Health England advice ( that the school should remain open to all other pupils ) I have decided ... to completely minimise possible spread of infection and close the school for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Pollock wrote .
He added : `` During this time , the school will be able to conduct a deep clean , and monitor the results of tests amongst those pupils who are currently showing flu-like symptoms . ''
Meanwhile , Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough said it had closed after some of its students and staff had also returned from a northern Italy trip with `` mild flu-like symptoms '' .
In a statement , it said : `` We appreciate that there will be many views on this action amongst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing fluidity of the situation .
`` There are a number of pupils and staff who have vulnerable family members and it is the school 's duty of care to put in place the most secure of measures to minimise any possible infection . ''
Brine Leas School in Nantwich , Cheshire , said on Twitter it had also decided to close its sixth form `` due to staff shortages '' .
The message followed an earlier tweet which said the facility would be `` following government advice regarding travel to Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the UK have also sent students and staff home .
England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has said more schools could be shut and public transport reduced if coronavirus became a global pandemic .
He said : `` There 's no secret there 's a variety of things you need to look at at , you look at things like school closures , you look at things like reducing transport .
`` The expectation is not that we will do all these things , the expectation is we will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at all the building blocks and balancing the effects against costs to society . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Six Nations rugby match between Ireland and Italy in Dublin this weekend is in doubt over coronavirus fears .
Ireland 's Health Minister Simon Harris told Sky News : `` Nobody wants to see mass events cancelled but at the end of the day we have to prioritise public health .
`` We 're in a containment stage .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 , we 've seen that in recent days .
`` But we do need to take all reasonable measures in Ireland and abroad to try and minimise the impact and minimise the spread .
`` The national public health emergency team today was very strongly of the view that the Ireland Italy rugby match would be a very high risk event . ''
The Ireland national side has said it is seeking an urgent meeting with Mr Harris as to the specific reasoning behind calling for the cancellation of the match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief medical officer said anyone returning from parts of northern Italy on lockdown because of coronavirus must self-isolate .
The British government has updated its travel advice as Italy scrambles to contain an outbreak that has now spread south , after the first positive case was confirmed in Sicily .
Travellers - even those without symptoms - coming home to Britain from specific areas have been told to stay indoors , avoid contact with other people and call NHS 111 .
People returning from the wider region - anywhere north of but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do have flu-like symptoms must also self-isolate .
The latest advice is likely impacting families returning from half-term skiing holidays In Italy , ten people have died and more than 300 suspected and confirmed cases of the coronavirus have been recorded in what has become Europe 's biggest outbreak of the illness .
A dozen towns in northern Italy have been placed on lockdown to control the spread of infection , and neighbouring Austria has assembled a special taskforce to consider border controls .
France , which covers part of Italy 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current plans for controls but has called the situation `` worrying '' .
Public Health England has said it will launch a new surveillance strategy to detect the virus by testing hospital patients with severe respiratory infections who are not believed to have COVID-19 .
This strategy is `` a preparatory step '' in spotting early patterns of transmitting the illness , according to PHE .
Yvonne Doyle , PHE 's medical director , said : `` There is no change in risk for the public but taking this preparatory step now will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the virus .
`` The UK 's infection control procedures are world-leading , and the system we are announcing today further strengthens our response .
`` This process will not apply to patients meeting the current COVID-19 case definition , who will continue to be isolated and tested as appropriate , and test result times will not be affected . ''

Two schools have closed and another has shut its sixth form after students returned from half-term ski trips in Italy.
The shuttered schools, in Cheshire and Middlesbrough, made the decision as Italian authorities continued to struggle to control an outbreak of COVID-19.
They have both closed for the remainder of the week to carry out a "deep clean" on each of the premises, the schools said in separate statements.
A message to parents from Richard Pollock, the headteacher of Cransley School in Northwich, Cheshire, said the closure would "completely minimise" the risk of infection.
It comes after 29 students and five members of staff visited Bormio, northern Italy, last week, and had since been advised to self-isolate.
A further statement from the school said a "small number" of those who went on the trip began showing "mild flu-like symptoms yesterday".
"Regardless of the current Public Health England advice (that the school should remain open to all other pupils) I have decided... to completely minimise possible spread of infection and close the school for the remainder of the week," Mr Pollock wrote.
He added: "During this time, the school will be able to conduct a deep clean, and monitor the results of tests amongst those pupils who are currently showing flu-like symptoms."
Meanwhile, Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough said it had closed after some of its students and staff had also returned from a northern Italy trip with "mild flu-like symptoms".
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In a statement, it said: "We appreciate that there will be many views on this action amongst parents, and hope that everyone understands the ongoing fluidity of the situation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
"There are a number of pupils and staff who have vulnerable family members and it is the school's duty of care to put in place the most secure of measures to minimise any possible infection."
Brine Leas School in Nantwich, Cheshire, said on Twitter it had also decided to close its sixth form "due to staff shortages".
The message followed an earlier tweet which said the facility would be "following government advice regarding travel to Italy".
At least nine other schools across the UK have also sent students and staff home.
They are:
Banbridge Academy, Co Down
Cambridge House Grammar School, Ballymena
Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School, West Derby, Liverpool
Cleeve Park, Sidcup
Limavady Grammar School, Co Londonderry
Newquay Tretherras, Newquay
Penair School, Truro
Salendine Nook High School Academy, Huddersfield
Sandbach High School, Cheshire
St Christopher's School, Accrington
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has said more schools could be shut and public transport reduced if coronavirus became a global pandemic.
He said: "There's no secret there's a variety of things you need to look at at, you look at things like school closures, you look at things like reducing transport.
"The expectation is not that we will do all these things, the expectation is we will be looking systematically, using the science, at all the building blocks and balancing the effects against costs to society."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Six Nations rugby match between Ireland and Italy in Dublin this weekend is in doubt over coronavirus fears.
Ireland's Health Minister Simon Harris told Sky News: "Nobody wants to see mass events cancelled but at the end of the day we have to prioritise public health.
"We're in a containment stage. It's impossible to stop every single case of COVID-19, we've seen that in recent days.
"But we do need to take all reasonable measures in Ireland and abroad to try and minimise the impact and minimise the spread.
"The national public health emergency team today was very strongly of the view that the Ireland Italy rugby match would be a very high risk event."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Britons leave virus-hit ship and return to UK
The Ireland national side has said it is seeking an urgent meeting with Mr Harris as to the specific reasoning behind calling for the cancellation of the match.
It comes as the UK's chief medical officer said anyone returning from parts of northern Italy on lockdown because of coronavirus must self-isolate.
The British government has updated its travel advice as Italy scrambles to contain an outbreak that has now spread south, after the first positive case was confirmed in Sicily.
Travellers - even those without symptoms - coming home to Britain from specific areas have been told to stay indoors, avoid contact with other people and call NHS 111.
People returning from the wider region - anywhere north of but not including Pisa, Florence and Rimini - who do have flu-like symptoms must also self-isolate.
The latest advice is likely impacting families returning from half-term skiing holidays
In Italy, ten people have died and more than 300 suspected and confirmed cases of the coronavirus have been recorded in what has become Europe's biggest outbreak of the illness.
A dozen towns in northern Italy have been placed on lockdown to control the spread of infection, and neighbouring Austria has assembled a special taskforce to consider border controls.
France, which covers part of Italy's northwestern border, has said there no current plans for controls but has called the situation "worrying".
Public Health England has said it will launch a new surveillance strategy to detect the virus by testing hospital patients with severe respiratory infections who are not believed to have COVID-19.
This strategy is "a preparatory step" in spotting early patterns of transmitting the illness, according to PHE.
Yvonne Doyle, PHE's medical director, said: "There is no change in risk for the public but taking this preparatory step now will enable us to better detect and contain the spread of the virus.
"The UK's infection control procedures are world-leading, and the system we are announcing today further strengthens our response.
"This process will not apply to patients meeting the current COVID-19 case definition, who will continue to be isolated and tested as appropriate, and test result times will not be affected."


news--2020-02-25--Coronavirus: Britons in Tenerife told to 'stay in rooms' as hotel in Adeje is quarantined

A four-star seafront hotel in Tenerife is in lockdown with hundreds of tourists being tested for coronavirus after an Italian doctor who was staying there was diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Officials from the town of Adeje , which is popular with British holidaymakers , say the H10 Costa Adeje Palace is in quarantine - and around 1,000 guests are being told to stay in their rooms .
Medical teams are taking guests ' temperatures in the resort , which has nearly 500 rooms , four swimming pools and a gym .
Images from inside the hotel in the Canary Islands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reception desk , and others loading a table in the foyer with bottled water .
The quarantine comes after an Italian doctor was admitted to hospital on the island and has since tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The doctor , who had travelled with his wife , had a fever for six days before he went to a clinic , and was then admitted to University Hospital Nuestra Senora de Candelaria where the test was carried out , according to El Dia .
His wife has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It comes as Spanish officials confirmed a woman , who recently visited northern Italy where there have been around 280 confirmed coronavirus cases , has tested positive for the disease in Barcelona .
A top official at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , said it was no longer a question of if the virus would become a global pandemic .
Dr Anne Schuchat said : `` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people will be infected . ''
Footage from outside showed the Tenerife building cordoned off and holidaymakers wearing face masks .
Marked police cars were on the street .
Travel firms Tui and Jet2holidays are among those who use use the hotel for package holidays , with Tui having around 200 guests there from different countries , including a small number from the UK .
One Briton staying at the hotel said she was enduring the `` holiday from hell '' .
Hannah Green , 27 , from Hertfordshire , said she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her boyfriend and one-year-old son twice since they arrived on Sunday - first because of the Saharan sandstorm that swept the Canary Islands , and now because of the positive coronavirus test at the hotel .
She said : `` We 're in our room with the baby .
We 're worried for the baby .
`` We do n't want to be here .
We 're fed up now ... Holiday from hell , honestly . ''
A British guest , who did not want to be named , told Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told is to stay in our rooms . ''
Another Briton , whose wife is nearly seven months pregnant , said : `` We 've not been given any information other than a piece of paper under the door .
We ca n't get through to reception . ''
He added : `` Without the internet we would n't have a clue what was going on . ''
The note distributed to guests said : `` We regret to inform you that for healthy reasons , the hotel has been closed down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ must remain in your rooms . ''
The man later said a packed lunch had been delivered to their room - and it was the only food and water the couple have had all day .
He said : `` Apparently this is all we are getting today .
The doctors have just been to our room to take our temperatures .
They could n't tell us much .
The doctors have only seen three floors so far and still have another four floors to go .
`` They are letting people out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose but have to wear a mask .
No news on what the longer term plan is . ''
He added : `` It was our last peaceful , relaxing holiday before the baby comes '' H10 Hotels told Sky News in a statement that measures recommended by health officials were in force `` to ensure the safety and well-being of customers and employees '' .
It added it was providing customers and hotel staff with `` all the necessary care and attention '' to ensure `` they are taken care of in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK Foreign Office spokesman said : `` Our staff are offering advice and support to a number of British people in a hotel in Tenerife and their families .
`` We are in close contact with the hotel management and the Spanish authorities , and are seeking further information . ''
• People returning to the UK from parts of northern Italy that are on lockdown have been told by the UK 's chief medical officer that they must self-isolate • Three schools in Cheshire have shut down after students return from Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have died from COVID-19 in Iran , and people there are being urged to stay at home • A Korean Air flight attendant has tested positive for the coronavirus • Croatia and Switzerland have confirmed their first cases of COVID-19 .
There are two in Austria • South Korean officials are investigating a possible link between a Christian sect and a spike of infections • Bahrain has cancelled all flights with Dubai airport - one of the busiest in the world • 132 passengers and crew on a Turkish Airlines plane from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tested for the virus at a hospital in Ankara • A health adviser has suggested coronavirus could be feared `` Disease X '' • Global stock markets have started to slide further after Monday saw the biggest one-day falls for several years • The United Arab Emirates has banned all flights to and from Iran • Iran 's deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi has tested positive for the virus , according to state media .
Checks are also being carried out on those who may have come into contact with the tourist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , parts of which are on lockdown because of a coronavirus outbreak .
The president of the Canary Islands , Angel Victor Torres , confirmed the case on Twitter , and said the patient had been `` isolated '' and the test results sent to Madrid for further analysis .
It is the third confirmed case in Spain .
A German tourist was quarantined earlier this month on the island of La Gomera and a British man in Majorca .
Both were released after recovering and showing no further symptoms of the illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hotel at the centre of the Tenerife coronavirus scare - which comes after thousands of British holidaymakers will have returned to the UK from the Canary Islands at the weekend after the half-term school holidays .
Both companies said their package holiday timetables would remain unchanged .
A TUI UK spokesperson said : `` We 're aware of a reported case of COVID-19 ( Coronavirus ) at the H10 Palace Hotel in Costa Adeje , Tenerife .
`` All guests have been asked to remain in their rooms and are being looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday programme to Tenerife continue to operate as planned for all other hotels . ''
A spokesman for the firm Jet2 said : `` We are aware of reports that a non-Jet2holidays customer staying at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife has tested positive for coronavirus .
`` Under the advice of the regional and the Spanish government authorities , the hotel has been placed under quarantine .
`` The health and safety of our customers is our absolute priority , and we will release more information as it becomes available .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) advice , our flying programme remains unchanged . ''

A four-star seafront hotel in Tenerife is in lockdown with hundreds of tourists being tested for coronavirus after an Italian doctor who was staying there was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Officials from the town of Adeje, which is popular with British holidaymakers, say the H10 Costa Adeje Palace is in quarantine - and around 1,000 guests are being told to stay in their rooms.
Medical teams are taking guests' temperatures in the resort, which has nearly 500 rooms, four swimming pools and a gym.
Images from inside the hotel in the Canary Islands showed staff in face masks at the reception desk, and others loading a table in the foyer with bottled water.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Tenerife hotel in lockdown over coronavirus
The quarantine comes after an Italian doctor was admitted to hospital on the island and has since tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The doctor, who had travelled with his wife, had a fever for six days before he went to a clinic, and was then admitted to University Hospital Nuestra Senora de Candelaria where the test was carried out, according to El Dia.
His wife has also tested positive for COVID-19.
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It comes as Spanish officials confirmed a woman, who recently visited northern Italy where there have been around 280 confirmed coronavirus cases, has tested positive for the disease in Barcelona.
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A top official at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said it was no longer a question of if the virus would become a global pandemic.
Dr Anne Schuchat said: "It's a question of when and how many people will be infected."
Image: The hotel is on lockdown. Pic: Furupeter
Image: Workers at the hotel put out bottled water for guests
Footage from outside showed the Tenerife building cordoned off and holidaymakers wearing face masks. Marked police cars were on the street.
Travel firms Tui and Jet2holidays are among those who use use the hotel for package holidays, with Tui having around 200 guests there from different countries, including a small number from the UK.
One Briton staying at the hotel said she was enduring the "holiday from hell".
Image: Staff in face masks talk to guests at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife
Hannah Green, 27, from Hertfordshire, said she had been told to remain inside the building with her boyfriend and one-year-old son twice since they arrived on Sunday - first because of the Saharan sandstorm that swept the Canary Islands, and now because of the positive coronavirus test at the hotel.
She said: "We're in our room with the baby. We're worried for the baby.
"We don't want to be here. We're fed up now... Holiday from hell, honestly."
Image: Spanish officials say the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife is in quarantine and has been cordoned off by police
A British guest, who did not want to be named, told Sky News: "All we have been told is to stay in our rooms."
Another Briton, whose wife is nearly seven months pregnant, said: "We've not been given any information other than a piece of paper under the door. We can't get through to reception."
He added: "Without the internet we wouldn't have a clue what was going on."
The note distributed to guests said: "We regret to inform you that for healthy reasons, the hotel has been closed down. Until the sanitary authorities warn, you must remain in your rooms."
Image: The hotel has given packed lunches to the guests in their rooms
The man later said a packed lunch had been delivered to their room - and it was the only food and water the couple have had all day.
He said: "Apparently this is all we are getting today. The doctors have just been to our room to take our temperatures. They couldn't tell us much. The doctors have only seen three floors so far and still have another four floors to go.
"They are letting people out on to the hotel grounds if they choose but have to wear a mask. No news on what the longer term plan is."
He added: "It was our last peaceful, relaxing holiday before the baby comes"
Image: Guests in the hotel have been given a note telling them to stay in their rooms
H10 Hotels told Sky News in a statement that measures recommended by health officials were in force "to ensure the safety and well-being of customers and employees".
Image: H10 Hotels describes the Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife as 'iconic' on its website
It added it was providing customers and hotel staff with "all the necessary care and attention" to ensure "they are taken care of in the best way possible".
A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: "Our staff are offering advice and support to a number of British people in a hotel in Tenerife and their families.
"We are in close contact with the hotel management and the Spanish authorities, and are seeking further information."
In other developments:
People returning to the UK from parts of northern Italy that are on lockdown have been told by the UK's chief medical officer that they must self-isolate
Three schools in Cheshire have shut down after students return from Italy ski trips
after students return from Italy ski trips A total of 15 people have died from COVID-19 in Iran, and people there are being urged to stay at home
A Korean Air flight attendant has tested positive for the coronavirus
Croatia and Switzerland have confirmed their first cases of COVID-19. There are two in Austria
South Korean officials are investigating a possible link between a Christian sect and a spike of infections
Bahrain has cancelled all flights with Dubai airport - one of the busiest in the world
132 passengers and crew on a Turkish Airlines plane from Tehran have been quarantined for 14 days and tested for the virus at a hospital in Ankara
A health adviser has suggested coronavirus could be feared "Disease X"
Global stock markets have started to slide further after Monday saw the biggest one-day falls for several years
after Monday saw the biggest one-day falls for several years The United Arab Emirates has banned all flights to and from Iran
Iran's deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi has tested positive for the virus, according to state media.
Checks are also being carried out on those who may have come into contact with the tourist, who was travelling from northern Italy, parts of which are on lockdown because of a coronavirus outbreak.
The president of the Canary Islands, Angel Victor Torres, confirmed the case on Twitter, and said the patient had been "isolated" and the test results sent to Madrid for further analysis.
It is the third confirmed case in Spain. A German tourist was quarantined earlier this month on the island of La Gomera and a British man in Majorca. Both were released after recovering and showing no further symptoms of the illness.
Tour operators TUI and Jet2holidays use the hotel at the centre of the Tenerife coronavirus scare - which comes after thousands of British holidaymakers will have returned to the UK from the Canary Islands at the weekend after the half-term school holidays.
Both companies said their package holiday timetables would remain unchanged.
A TUI UK spokesperson said: "We're aware of a reported case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at the H10 Palace Hotel in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.
"All guests have been asked to remain in their rooms and are being looked after by the hotel.
"Our holiday programme to Tenerife continue to operate as planned for all other hotels."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
A spokesman for the firm Jet2 said: "We are aware of reports that a non-Jet2holidays customer staying at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife has tested positive for coronavirus.
"Under the advice of the regional and the Spanish government authorities, the hotel has been placed under quarantine.
"The health and safety of our customers is our absolute priority, and we will release more information as it becomes available.
"In line with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice, our flying programme remains unchanged."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus lockdown: UK sees big drop in man-made seismic noise

Scientists monitoring the Earth 's surface have said they have seen a notable reduction in the sound of ground vibrations in the UK since it went into lockdown .
Experts at the British Geological Survey found that the noise generated by people going about their daily lives has dropped by between 20 % and 50 % during the last five weeks .
This compares with noise levels before the coronavirus shutdown and restrictions came into force .
Seismometers are normally used to record earthquakes and volcanic activity , but they also track the vibrations in the planet 's upper crust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humans such as air and road traffic and industrial work .
The biggest falls in seismic noise were recorded at airports , train stations , busy roads and construction sites , as well as schools and universities .
Dr Brian Baptie , head of seismology at the British Geological Survey in Nottingham , said : `` We have got a network of around 100 sensors all across the UK measuring seismic activity .
`` What we have since lockdown is that noise levels at nearly all of our stations have gone down by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Dr Paula Koelemeijer , a global seismologist at Royal Holloway , University of London , said a seismometer located near King 's Cross station in the capital recorded a 30 % drop in seismic noise while a 25 % fall was recorded by a device at her home in Twickenham in west London .
She said : `` This suggests more people are in their houses , there is less car traffic , and fewer trains are running . ''
Dr David Cornwell , a geophysicist at the University of Aberdeen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus have dropped by 65 % since students were sent home in the middle of March .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said this meant some of his seismometers are able to pick up natural noises , like those generated by the wind and the sea .
`` Globally , other seismologists have reported noise levels in cities to be between 20 % and 50 % lower compared to the noise levels recorded before lockdown , but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as one in Nepal , where the reduction has been as large as 80 % , '' he said .
He said the drop in human-generated noise meant scientists have been able to spot smaller earthquakes and other seismic events from around the world .
`` If a minor earthquake happened in Japan , I would be able to record it in my office or in our instruments across the UK , '' he said .
Meanwhile , Reuben Peckham , director of 24 Acoustics , a consultancy firm which helps architects design @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has definitely been more prevalent in our monitors since lockdown . ''

Scientists monitoring the Earth's surface have said they have seen a notable reduction in the sound of ground vibrations in the UK since it went into lockdown.
Experts at the British Geological Survey found that the noise generated by people going about their daily lives has dropped by between 20% and 50% during the last five weeks.
This compares with noise levels before the coronavirus shutdown and restrictions came into force.
Image: An empty Covent Garden in London after COVID-19 restrictions came into force in mid-March
Seismometers are normally used to record earthquakes and volcanic activity, but they also track the vibrations in the planet's upper crust, or seismic noise, caused by humans such as air and road traffic and industrial work.
The biggest falls in seismic noise were recorded at airports, train stations, busy roads and construction sites, as well as schools and universities.
Dr Brian Baptie, head of seismology at the British Geological Survey in Nottingham, said: "We have got a network of around 100 sensors all across the UK measuring seismic activity.
"What we have since lockdown is that noise levels at nearly all of our stations have gone down by somewhere between 20% to 50%."
Image: Motorways are deserted as people heed the official advice and stay home
Dr Paula Koelemeijer, a global seismologist at Royal Holloway, University of London, said a seismometer located near King's Cross station in the capital recorded a 30% drop in seismic noise while a 25% fall was recorded by a device at her home in Twickenham in west London.
She said: "This suggests more people are in their houses, there is less car traffic, and fewer trains are running."
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Dr David Cornwell, a geophysicist at the University of Aberdeen, said noise levels at his university campus have dropped by 65% since students were sent home in the middle of March.
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He said this meant some of his seismometers are able to pick up natural noises, like those generated by the wind and the sea.
"Globally, other seismologists have reported noise levels in cities to be between 20% and 50% lower compared to the noise levels recorded before lockdown, but there have been a few cases, such as one in Nepal, where the reduction has been as large as 80%," he said.
Image: British Airways aircraft parked at Bournemouth Airport. Pic: National Police Air Service
He said the drop in human-generated noise meant scientists have been able to spot smaller earthquakes and other seismic events from around the world.
"If a minor earthquake happened in Japan, I would be able to record it in my office or in our instruments across the UK," he said.
Meanwhile, Reuben Peckham, director of 24 Acoustics, a consultancy firm which helps architects design noise-sensitive buildings, said: "Birdsong has definitely been more prevalent in our monitors since lockdown."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Tom Hanks writes letter to bullied boy named Corona

Tom Hanks has sent a letter and a Corona brand typewriter to an Australian boy who wrote to him telling him he was being bullied because of his name - Corona .
Corona De Vries , from the Gold Coast in Queensland state , wrote to the Hollywood star and his actress wife , Rita .
The couple were in Australia last month when they were confirmed as having COVID-19 .
The eight-year-old schoolboy wrote to Hanks , saying : `` I heard on the news you and your wife had caught the coronavirus .
Are you ok ?
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people call me the coronavirus .
`` I get very sad and angry when people call me this . ''
Corona sent the letter to the Forrest Gump star earlier this month , and received Hanks ' response this week .
The actor replied in a letter typed on a Corona typewriter , saying : `` Your letter made my wife and I feel so wonderful !
`` Thank you for being such a good friend .
Friends make their friends feel good when they are down .
`` I saw you on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the USA already - and all healthy .
`` Even though I was no longer sick , getting your letter made me feel even better . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The two-time Oscar winner said : `` You know , you are the only person I 've ever known to have the name Corona - like the ring around the sun , a crown .
`` I thought this typewriter would suit you .
Ask a grown up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to write me back . ''
The Toy Story star wrote with a pen at the end : `` P.S .
You got a friend in ME ! ''
Hanks and Wilson , both 63 , tested positive for COVID-19 last month .
They went into self-quarantine at their home in Australia after receiving treatment at the Gold Coast University Hospital .
Hanks had been in Australia to work on Baz Luhrmann 's Elvis Presley biopic , but filming was shut down after he and his wife were diagnosed .
The pair kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .

Tom Hanks has sent a letter and a Corona brand typewriter to an Australian boy who wrote to him telling him he was being bullied because of his name - Corona.
Corona De Vries, from the Gold Coast in Queensland state, wrote to the Hollywood star and his actress wife, Rita.
The couple were in Australia last month when they were confirmed as having COVID-19.
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The eight-year-old schoolboy wrote to Hanks, saying: "I heard on the news you and your wife had caught the coronavirus. Are you ok?
"I love my name but at school people call me the coronavirus.
"I get very sad and angry when people call me this."
Corona sent the letter to the Forrest Gump star earlier this month, and received Hanks' response this week.
The actor replied in a letter typed on a Corona typewriter, saying: "Your letter made my wife and I feel so wonderful!
"Thank you for being such a good friend. Friends make their friends feel good when they are down.
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"I saw you on TV, even though I was back in the USA already - and all healthy.
"Even though I was no longer sick, getting your letter made me feel even better."
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The two-time Oscar winner said: "You know, you are the only person I've ever known to have the name Corona - like the ring around the sun, a crown.
"I thought this typewriter would suit you. Ask a grown up how it works. And use it to write me back."
The Toy Story star wrote with a pen at the end: "P.S. You got a friend in ME!"
Hanks and Wilson, both 63, tested positive for COVID-19 last month.
They went into self-quarantine at their home in Australia after receiving treatment at the Gold Coast University Hospital.
Hanks had been in Australia to work on Baz Luhrmann's Elvis Presley biopic, but filming was shut down after he and his wife were diagnosed.
The pair kept fans updated on their recovery on social media.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Branson chips in for £20m Virgin Active crisis loan

Sir Richard Branson 's holding company is to inject millions of pounds into the fitness clubs group it part-owns , in a further sign of the strain being inflicted by coronavirus on his Virgin empire .
Sky News has learnt that Virgin Group and Brait , a South African investor which owns a majority stake in Virgin Active , have injected £20m in new loans into the gym chain to shore up its finances .
The injection has emerged days after Virgin Australia was forced into voluntary administration , and as Sir Richard seeks a £500m rescue deal to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the billionaire tycoon said he was seeking to raise capital from his Necker Island home to plough back into his portfolio of companies .
Sources said on Friday that Sir Richard and Brait were providing the £20m loan to Virgin Active on a pro rata basis , meaning Virgin 's direct contribution is just £4m by virtue of its 20 % equity stake .
However , they added that Virgin Enterprises Limited , the UK-based entity which manages Virgin 's brand licensing activities , had also agreed to defer royalty fees owed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be more than £10m a year .
Virgin Active operates 43 clubs in the UK , employing just under 3,000 staff .
Virtually all of them are furloughed under the government 's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , with Virgin Active topping up employees ' salaries to ensure that they are on full pay during the lockdown .
The company also trades in seven other countries , including Australia , Italy and Singapore .
Last month , Sir Richard said he was investing $ 250m into various Virgin-branded companies around the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been injected into Virgin Atlantic .
The airline has asked ministers for a £500m bailout in the form of a commercial loan and guarantees against money being held back by credit card companies .
It is also in the preliminary stages of talks with a range of potential private investors into the company , although EU airline ownership requirements will place limitations on the nature of those investors .
Peter Norris , the chairman of Virgin Group , recently urged Boris Johnson to establish an industry-wide bailout strategy worth up to £7.5bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dashed by Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , who has signalled that only `` bespoke '' aid will be available `` as a last resort '' .
In an open letter to staff at Virgin-branded companies this week , Sir Richard said he was `` working day and night to look after our people and protect as many jobs as possible '' .
`` We are operating in many of the hardest hit sectors , including aviation , leisure , hotels and cruises , and we have more than 70,000 people in 35 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` We 're doing all we can to keep those businesses afloat and I am so thankful to all of you who have continued to work so hard in these difficult times .
We have already committed a quarter of a billion dollars to help our businesses and protect jobs , and will continue to invest all we can . ''
Sir Richard insisted that he had not based himself in Necker for tax reasons , and said : `` As with other Virgin assets , our team will raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible to save as many jobs as possible around the group . ''
In total , VEL has agreed to defer tens of millions of pounds in fees owed by the hardest-hit Virgin-branded companies as the coronavirus pandemic decimates revenues across his leisure and travel operations .
Those talks also involve Virgin Cruises and Virgin Holidays , which will now not be required to hand over fees they pay to VEL for use of the Virgin brand until next year at the earliest .
Companies in Sir Richard 's portfolio which have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Media , the pay-TV broadcaster and mobile phone network operator .
His group 's paper value has been dented , though , by the sharp fall in the value of Virgin Money during the last 12 months , with banks suffering from rock-bottom interest rates .
Virgin Group typically owns minority stakes in companies which use the brand , although Virgin Atlantic is an exception , with the billionaire continuing to control its equity .
Virgin Active and Virgin Group both declined to comment .

Sir Richard Branson's holding company is to inject millions of pounds into the fitness clubs group it part-owns, in a further sign of the strain being inflicted by coronavirus on his Virgin empire.
Sky News has learnt that Virgin Group and Brait, a South African investor which owns a majority stake in Virgin Active, have injected £20m in new loans into the gym chain to shore up its finances.
The injection has emerged days after Virgin Australia was forced into voluntary administration, and as Sir Richard seeks a £500m rescue deal to keep Virgin Atlantic aloft.
Earlier this week, the billionaire tycoon said he was seeking to raise capital from his Necker Island home to plough back into his portfolio of companies.
Sources said on Friday that Sir Richard and Brait were providing the £20m loan to Virgin Active on a pro rata basis, meaning Virgin's direct contribution is just £4m by virtue of its 20% equity stake.
However, they added that Virgin Enterprises Limited, the UK-based entity which manages Virgin's brand licensing activities, had also agreed to defer royalty fees owed by the fitness chain that are understood to be more than £10m a year.
Virgin Active operates 43 clubs in the UK, employing just under 3,000 staff.
Virtually all of them are furloughed under the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with Virgin Active topping up employees' salaries to ensure that they are on full pay during the lockdown.
The company also trades in seven other countries, including Australia, Italy and Singapore.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 'This is not the end for Virgin Australia'
Last month, Sir Richard said he was investing $250m into various Virgin-branded companies around the world, with roughly half of that said to have been injected into Virgin Atlantic.
The airline has asked ministers for a £500m bailout in the form of a commercial loan and guarantees against money being held back by credit card companies.
It is also in the preliminary stages of talks with a range of potential private investors into the company, although EU airline ownership requirements will place limitations on the nature of those investors.
Peter Norris, the chairman of Virgin Group, recently urged Boris Johnson to establish an industry-wide bailout strategy worth up to £7.5bn.
That request appears to have been dashed by Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, who has signalled that only "bespoke" aid will be available "as a last resort".
In an open letter to staff at Virgin-branded companies this week, Sir Richard said he was "working day and night to look after our people and protect as many jobs as possible".
"We are operating in many of the hardest hit sectors, including aviation, leisure, hotels and cruises, and we have more than 70,000 people in 35 countries working in Virgin companies," he said.
"We're doing all we can to keep those businesses afloat and I am so thankful to all of you who have continued to work so hard in these difficult times. We have already committed a quarter of a billion dollars to help our businesses and protect jobs, and will continue to invest all we can."
Sir Richard insisted that he had not based himself in Necker for tax reasons, and said: "As with other Virgin assets, our team will raise as much money against the island as possible to save as many jobs as possible around the group."
In total, VEL has agreed to defer tens of millions of pounds in fees owed by the hardest-hit Virgin-branded companies as the coronavirus pandemic decimates revenues across his leisure and travel operations.
Those talks also involve Virgin Cruises and Virgin Holidays, which will now not be required to hand over fees they pay to VEL for use of the Virgin brand until next year at the earliest.
Companies in Sir Richard's portfolio which have been relatively unaffected by the crisis include Virgin Media, the pay-TV broadcaster and mobile phone network operator.
His group's paper value has been dented, though, by the sharp fall in the value of Virgin Money during the last 12 months, with banks suffering from rock-bottom interest rates.
Virgin Group typically owns minority stakes in companies which use the brand, although Virgin Atlantic is an exception, with the billionaire continuing to control its equity.
Virgin Active and Virgin Group both declined to comment.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Fatboy Slim on swapping Ibiza for isolation amid lockdown

With most festivals and music concerts cancelled over the next few months , what 's next for music in the post-pandemic world ?
Not much , according to Fatboy Slim .
Or rather , not yet .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker The international celebrity DJ says he thinks parties and raves will be the `` last thing '' allowed after coronavirus restrictions are lifted .
Speaking to Sky 's Sarah-Jane Mee on the In This Together Podcast , he spoke of his concerns around his work plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My job involves the opposite of social distancing - so that was the first casualty .
`` Before we got locked down , I got my head around the fact I would n't be working this summer , which is one of those things you have to deal with . ''
He added : `` One thing I 'm sure of… is the shutters will come up slowly and in increments… and I 'm figuring what I do will be the last thing that 's allowed and that 's appropriate again . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Fatboy Slim - whose real name is Norman Cook - is busy planning his latest project .
The 56-year-old 's hosting a free party for NHS frontline staff in his hometown Brighton once it 's `` safe to do so '' .
Tickets sold out in less than three minutes .
It all started from a video he initially meant as a light-hearted thank you gesture .
But NHS workers , he told Mee , were keen to hold him to account and encouraged him to put on a party .
Cook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing gratitude towards `` the real humans behind the NHS '' .
He says during `` desperate times '' people look for a sense of community - and he wanted to help people , particularly health care workers - feel connected through music .
Cook told Mee he 's always supported the NHS - especially after how well they took care of his father who was in intensive care years ago .
He said : `` I 've always been a big fan of the NHS and always tried to be as vocal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand how much we should be looking after the NHS .
`` An awful lot of politicians who did n't think the NHS was that important , now realise how important it can be in our lives… some of them very , very directly . ''
Cook says that aside from the positive message of Clap for our Carers , he hopes the COVID-19 outbreak will reinforce to the public and politicians alike the true value of the NHS .
The In This Together focuses on the good news emerging from the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and local heroes .

With most festivals and music concerts cancelled over the next few months, what's next for music in the post-pandemic world?
Not much, according to Fatboy Slim. Or rather, not yet.
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The international celebrity DJ says he thinks parties and raves will be the "last thing" allowed after coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Speaking to Sky's Sarah-Jane Mee on the In This Together Podcast, he spoke of his concerns around his work plans this summer.
He said: "My job involves the opposite of social distancing - so that was the first casualty.
"Before we got locked down, I got my head around the fact I wouldn't be working this summer, which is one of those things you have to deal with."
He added: "One thing I'm sure of… is the shutters will come up slowly and in increments… and I'm figuring what I do will be the last thing that's allowed and that's appropriate again."
Image: The DJ hopes the oubreak will increase respect for the NHS
But, rather than sit and mope, Fatboy Slim - whose real name is Norman Cook - is busy planning his latest project.
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The 56-year-old's hosting a free party for NHS frontline staff in his hometown Brighton once it's "safe to do so".
Tickets sold out in less than three minutes.
It all started from a video he initially meant as a light-hearted thank you gesture.
But NHS workers, he told Mee, were keen to hold him to account and encouraged him to put on a party.
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Cook says the party is his way of showing gratitude towards "the real humans behind the NHS".
He says during "desperate times" people look for a sense of community - and he wanted to help people, particularly health care workers - feel connected through music.
Cook told Mee he's always supported the NHS - especially after how well they took care of his father who was in intensive care years ago.
He said: "I've always been a big fan of the NHS and always tried to be as vocal as possible in helping the government to understand how much we should be looking after the NHS.
"An awful lot of politicians who didn't think the NHS was that important, now realise how important it can be in our lives… some of them very, very directly."
Cook says that aside from the positive message of Clap for our Carers, he hopes the COVID-19 outbreak will reinforce to the public and politicians alike the true value of the NHS.
The In This Together focuses on the good news emerging from the coronavirus pandemic, community projects, uplifting moments and local heroes.


news--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Wales is changing its lockdown rules to make people go home quicker

Coronavirus lockdown measures are being tightened in Wales from Saturday .
The Welsh government is tweaking its rules to make it clear that people who go out for essential reasons must return straight home afterwards .
One target is to stop people venturing to a second property , with Welsh ministers asking four police forces to investigate whether the rules here need tightening .
Other rules are being relaxed slightly to help vulnerable people .
Businesses that offer a `` click and collect '' service will be allowed to open from the weekend - so long as they ensure all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the definition of `` vulnerable people '' is being expanded to include people who could benefit from more support - such as those with dementia .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker From Saturday , those with health conditions or disabilities will be allowed to leave home to exercise more than once a day .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said : `` The changes we are introducing supplement the rules already in force but they respond to some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country and by families throughout Wales .
`` Our message has not changed - anyone can get coronavirus , anyone can spread it .
So please , stay home , protect the NHS , and save lives . ''
On Friday , Mr Drakeford will reveal the seven tests that must be passed before any parts of the lockdown in Wales can be lifted .
Sky News understands they will include making sure that any move has a positive impact on the economy , wellbeing and equality .
The UK government - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has revealed its own five tests for lifting lockdown measures .
And in Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon laid out plans for redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices to help slowly ease restrictions .
Britons are facing lockdown until at least Thursday 7 May - when the four governments will again review and decide whether to strengthen , extend or loosen the stay-at-home rules .
So far more than 18,000 hospital patients have died across the UK with COVID-19 .
Once those who have died in care homes and the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantially higher .
As questions turn to how parts of society and the economy can re-open , Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed plans to adopt contact tracing - which involves tracking people who have been near or in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 .
He added that from Friday all those deemed `` key workers '' and their households will be able to get coronavirus tests on the gov.uk website .

Coronavirus lockdown measures are being tightened in Wales from Saturday.
The Welsh government is tweaking its rules to make it clear that people who go out for essential reasons must return straight home afterwards.
One target is to stop people venturing to a second property, with Welsh ministers asking four police forces to investigate whether the rules here need tightening.
Image: Some firms that offer 'click and collect' will be allowed to re-open
Image: The definition of 'vulnerable people' is being expanded
Other rules are being relaxed slightly to help vulnerable people.
Businesses that offer a "click and collect" service will be allowed to open from the weekend - so long as they ensure all customers and staff remain two metres apart.
And the definition of "vulnerable people" is being expanded to include people who could benefit from more support - such as those with dementia.
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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From Saturday, those with health conditions or disabilities will be allowed to leave home to exercise more than once a day.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "The changes we are introducing supplement the rules already in force but they respond to some challenges being faced in parts of the country and by families throughout Wales.
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"Our message has not changed - anyone can get coronavirus, anyone can spread it. So please, stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives."
On Friday, Mr Drakeford will reveal the seven tests that must be passed before any parts of the lockdown in Wales can be lifted.
Sky News understands they will include making sure that any move has a positive impact on the economy, wellbeing and equality.
The UK government - which has jurisdiction over health in England - has revealed its own five tests for lifting lockdown measures.
And in Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon laid out plans for redesigned classrooms and changed working practices in offices to help slowly ease restrictions.
Britons are facing lockdown until at least Thursday 7 May - when the four governments will again review and decide whether to strengthen, extend or loosen the stay-at-home rules.
So far more than 18,000 hospital patients have died across the UK with COVID-19. Once those who have died in care homes and the community are included, the figure could be substantially higher.
As questions turn to how parts of society and the economy can re-open, Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed plans to adopt contact tracing - which involves tracking people who have been near or in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
He added that from Friday all those deemed "key workers" and their households will be able to get coronavirus tests on the gov.uk website.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: No COVID-19 screening of passengers arriving in the UK - for now

The idea of screening arrivals at UK airports for coronavirus will be kept `` under review '' , the transport secretary has said .
Grant Shapps was responding to concerns raised that , despite strict rules on the movement of people within the UK , there are no limitations on passengers arriving from outside .
Speaking at the government 's daily coronavirus briefing , Grant Shapps said : `` As we come out of any of this and into the next phase at a future point , we will continue to keep the excellent medical and scientific advice we receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at airports should change . ''
However , he said countries that had closed to arrivals earlier in the outbreak `` have not necessarily weathered the storm of the coronavirus any better '' .
`` Although it must be part of the plan going forward , I think it is probably more useful during the phase of test , track and trace that the health secretary was talking about yesterday , '' he added .
England 's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries added that quarantining people returning from abroad becomes `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease balances across the world .
She said : `` What may well become an opportunity is when our rates are very tightly controlled and individuals are coming into the country .
`` Even then it may not be quite as simple . ''
Earlier it was reported that Heathrow 's chief executive John Holland Kaye had called on ministers to introduce mass screening at airports .
In a letter sent to Health Secretary Matt Hancock , Mr Holland Kaye called for an internationally-agreed standard of measures which could include temperature checks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers carry health passports to prove they are medically fit .
The government has previously said that temperature checks would be ineffective against a virus that has an incubation period of up to 14 days but Heathrow has called for evidence on this to be made public .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker While the number of flights arriving at UK airports is a fraction of what was seen before the COVID-19 shutdown , the ones still operating include those from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - all countries seeing major outbreaks of the virus .
Despite this , the only instructions given to passengers arriving in the UK is that they should go `` straight home '' , avoiding public transport `` where possible '' .
The policy is very different to those in other countries , many of which are closed to all but citizens , have screening on arrival , or enforce mandatory quarantine for all arrivals - or all three .
Australia and New Zealand , for example , are all closed to foreign travellers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens are required to do 14 days in quarantine before continuing their journey within the country .
Both countries have been described as having had some success in keeping the number of cases low .

The idea of screening arrivals at UK airports for coronavirus will be kept "under review", the transport secretary has said.
Grant Shapps was responding to concerns raised that, despite strict rules on the movement of people within the UK, there are no limitations on passengers arriving from outside.
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, Grant Shapps said: "As we come out of any of this and into the next phase at a future point, we will continue to keep the excellent medical and scientific advice we receive under review to say whether those procedures at airports should change."
Image: Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 departure area is almost empty due to travel restrictions
However, he said countries that had closed to arrivals earlier in the outbreak "have not necessarily weathered the storm of the coronavirus any better".
"Although it must be part of the plan going forward, I think it is probably more useful during the phase of test, track and trace that the health secretary was talking about yesterday," he added.
England's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries added that quarantining people returning from abroad becomes "less effective" once the prevalence of the disease balances across the world.
She said: "What may well become an opportunity is when our rates are very tightly controlled and individuals are coming into the country.
"Even then it may not be quite as simple."
Earlier it was reported that Heathrow's chief executive John Holland Kaye had called on ministers to introduce mass screening at airports.
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Image: John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport
In a letter sent to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Mr Holland Kaye called for an internationally-agreed standard of measures which could include temperature checks, antibody tests and a requirement that passengers carry health passports to prove they are medically fit.
The government has previously said that temperature checks would be ineffective against a virus that has an incubation period of up to 14 days but Heathrow has called for evidence on this to be made public.
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While the number of flights arriving at UK airports is a fraction of what was seen before the COVID-19 shutdown, the ones still operating include those from Spain, the US, and France - all countries seeing major outbreaks of the virus.
Despite this, the only instructions given to passengers arriving in the UK is that they should go "straight home", avoiding public transport "where possible".
The policy is very different to those in other countries, many of which are closed to all but citizens, have screening on arrival, or enforce mandatory quarantine for all arrivals - or all three.
Australia and New Zealand, for example, are all closed to foreign travellers, and in most cases even returning citizens are required to do 14 days in quarantine before continuing their journey within the country.
Both countries have been described as having had some success in keeping the number of cases low.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Former monk on lockdown alone in one of UK's most beautiful gardens

A former Buddhist monk has said coronavirus is a warning to mankind - but that he is grateful to have the `` heaven '' of one of the UK 's most spectacular gardens during the lockdown .
Buddha Maitreya has devoted himself to meditation for the last 50 years - 44 of which he has used to lovingly create his two-acre Japanese garden in rural Nottinghamshire .
In normal times , the 79-year-old has hundreds of visitors in the spring , with people coming from across the country to learn about meditation and enjoy the garden .
But like thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meditation Centre and Japanese Garden has been forced to close due to coronavirus .
`` Hundreds of people come at this time of year because it 's at its most beautiful .
But now there 's nobody , '' Buddha Maitreya said .
`` It 's sad people can not share the peace and the beauty but I 'm happy to be here .
It 's heaven .
`` After 44 years , the garden is absolutely established now , it 's complete and it 's glorious . ''
Born Koji Takeuchi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan , Buddha Maitreya said he believed the the virus was a lesson to the world about how humans deal with nature .
`` I see the present coronavirus as a grave warning from nature to mankind that we have to change the way we live now on this planet , '' he said .
`` The human race has created materialistic civilisation that has brought massive prosperity and wealth to the world , especially to the industrialised nations , but it is with a huge price - catastrophic exploitation , devastation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And finally , nature turns against us , forcing us to stop economic , industrial and social activities altogether and locking down the world through the pandemic . ''

A former Buddhist monk has said coronavirus is a warning to mankind - but that he is grateful to have the "heaven" of one of the UK's most spectacular gardens during the lockdown.
Buddha Maitreya has devoted himself to meditation for the last 50 years - 44 of which he has used to lovingly create his two-acre Japanese garden in rural Nottinghamshire.
In normal times, the 79-year-old has hundreds of visitors in the spring, with people coming from across the country to learn about meditation and enjoy the garden.
But like thousands of other attractions, the Pure Land Meditation Centre and Japanese Garden has been forced to close due to coronavirus.
"Hundreds of people come at this time of year because it's at its most beautiful. But now there's nobody," Buddha Maitreya said.
"It's sad people cannot share the peace and the beauty but I'm happy to be here. It's heaven.
"After 44 years, the garden is absolutely established now, it's complete and it's glorious."
Born Koji Takeuchi, in Handa, near Nagoya, in Japan, Buddha Maitreya said he believed the the virus was a lesson to the world about how humans deal with nature.
"I see the present coronavirus as a grave warning from nature to mankind that we have to change the way we live now on this planet," he said.
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"The human race has created materialistic civilisation that has brought massive prosperity and wealth to the world, especially to the industrialised nations, but it is with a huge price - catastrophic exploitation, devastation of the environment, destruction of nature.
"And finally, nature turns against us, forcing us to stop economic, industrial and social activities altogether and locking down the world through the pandemic."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Dublin pub delivers pints and Sunday roast to customers during lockdown

Despite pubs being forced to close because of the lockdown , one in Dublin is ensuring its customers can still enjoy their favourite tipple by delivering them straight to their doors .
Richard Grainger , who owns family-run Graingers Hanlons Corner , was forced to shut just days before St Patrick 's Day because of the COVID-19 pandemic , and says he has been inundated with orders for his dial-a-pint service .
He explained the doorstep service emerged after customers said they were going to miss a beer and that `` some asked me if I could bring a pint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started bringing a few to them and then it snowballed from there , '' he continued .
`` The customers ring the off licence and give their address and phone number and how many pints they want .
`` The pints go into a container and we put tops on them so they 're sealed , then we put them into the back of the jeep and bring it to their house . ''
The service runs from 10am until 10pm all week , but Mr Grainger said they stay local .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we want to keep it limited .
We like to keep it small . ''
He says they have received orders from people living in America , Australia , Dubai and Turkey who have family living near the pub and want to send a drink to their home .
He said : `` Times are hard , so when people get the drink they really appreciate it .
`` We also do a food service , and on a Sunday people order a roast beef and a pint .
`` We look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't get out of their house . ''
Mr Grainger says they do n't just deliver pints , but `` everything from , spirits , wine , cans and cocktails - it 's very full on '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Some people order a pint of Guinness and a bottle of Jameson because they ca n't get out and we bring it to them , '' he explained .
`` We have n't had any bad comment @ @ @ @

Despite pubs being forced to close because of the lockdown, one in Dublin is ensuring its customers can still enjoy their favourite tipple by delivering them straight to their doors.
Richard Grainger, who owns family-run Graingers Hanlons Corner, was forced to shut just days before St Patrick's Day because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and says he has been inundated with orders for his dial-a-pint service.
He explained the doorstep service emerged after customers said they were going to miss a beer and that "some asked me if I could bring a pint over to them".
Image: Richard Grainger observes social distancing when delivering pints
"I started bringing a few to them and then it snowballed from there," he continued.
"The customers ring the off licence and give their address and phone number and how many pints they want.
"The pints go into a container and we put tops on them so they're sealed, then we put them into the back of the jeep and bring it to their house."
The service runs from 10am until 10pm all week, but Mr Grainger said they stay local.
"We've been hounded with calls, but we want to keep it limited. We like to keep it small."
He says they have received orders from people living in America, Australia, Dubai and Turkey who have family living near the pub and want to send a drink to their home.
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He said: "Times are hard, so when people get the drink they really appreciate it.
"We also do a food service, and on a Sunday people order a roast beef and a pint.
"We look after people who are cocooning and can't get out of their house."
Mr Grainger says they don't just deliver pints, but "everything from, spirits, wine, cans and cocktails - it's very full on".
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"Some people order a pint of Guinness and a bottle of Jameson because they can't get out and we bring it to them," he explained.
"We haven't had any bad comment about it."