news--2020-01-23--How Coronavirus has spread around world

How Coronavirus has spread around world

The new strain of coronavirus identified in China is spreading rapidly in one of the most densely populated parts of the world .
The virus shows signs it is moving around the world in a similar way to SARS in 2002-03 .
The first case was traced back to 10 December but it was not until 10 January when the Chinese authorities admitted they had isolated and identified the new strain , when 41 people were confirmed as being infected and one person had already died .
TAP OR CLICK ON THE ARROWS TO SEE HOW CORONAVIRUS SPREAD : Within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Japan and Thailand , in each case from Chinese people who had come from Wuhan , in China 's central Hubei province , where the disease broke out .
By 23 January , 13 days after the disease - dubbed Wuhan Virus - was publicly identified , more than 600 people were confirmed as infected around the world in nine countries and 18 had died .
Worryingly for the Chinese authorities , by that day , the first case of a death outside of Hubei - where the disease started - had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases and deaths kept climbing by the day , with 132 deaths and 5,974 cases confirmed on 29 January - a jump of 1,459 cases from the day before .
On that day , the new virus had infected more people than SARS , which infected 5,327 people but killed nearly 800 around the world between November 2002 and July 2003 .
By 30 January the death toll had risen to 170 , with 7,711 cases reported just in China .
On 10 February , 49,171 people had been diagnosed in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been confirmed outside mainland China .
By that date , 910 people had died from coronavirus , with all but two in China , meaning the total exceeded the 774 people killed by the 2002/3 SARS outbreak .
On 11 February , the China death toll went over 1,000 , with 1,016 cases , and the daily deaths topped 100 for the first time , with 109 people dying .
No more people had died outside China , but the virus had spread to 27 countries , with 462 confirmed on that day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organisation ( WHO ) for being transparent about the spread of the new coronavirus .
WHO first began publishing data on SARS on 17 March 2003 , by which point there were 167 cases in six countries , excluding mainland China .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker At the time , the Chinese authorities refused to go public with information about the extent of SARS - another coronavirus - parking patients in hotels and driving them around in ambulances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and avoid WHO experts .
In the latest outbreak of the new coronavirus , China has appeared to learn its lesson by sharing information rapidly , something President Xi Jinping has emphasised is a priority .
That was in contrast with the SARS outbreak , where 13 days after the WHO began publishing statistics 1,622 people had been confirmed as infected , 67 people had died and 14 countries were involved .
The Chinese are attempting to limit the spread by taking urgent action , locking down Wuhan and more than a dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement of an unprecedented 56 million people .

The new strain of coronavirus identified in China is spreading rapidly in one of the most densely populated parts of the world.
The virus shows signs it is moving around the world in a similar way to SARS in 2002-03.
The first case was traced back to 10 December but it was not until 10 January when the Chinese authorities admitted they had isolated and identified the new strain, when 41 people were confirmed as being infected and one person had already died.
TAP OR CLICK ON THE ARROWS TO SEE HOW CORONAVIRUS SPREAD:
Within a few days, cases were identified in Japan and Thailand, in each case from Chinese people who had come from Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province, where the disease broke out.
By 23 January, 13 days after the disease - dubbed Wuhan Virus - was publicly identified, more than 600 people were confirmed as infected around the world in nine countries and 18 had died.
Worryingly for the Chinese authorities, by that day, the first case of a death outside of Hubei - where the disease started - had been reported in Beijing.
The number of cases and deaths kept climbing by the day, with 132 deaths and 5,974 cases confirmed on 29 January - a jump of 1,459 cases from the day before.
On that day, the new virus had infected more people than SARS, which infected 5,327 people but killed nearly 800 around the world between November 2002 and July 2003.
By 30 January the death toll had risen to 170, with 7,711 cases reported just in China.
On 10 February, 49,171 people had been diagnosed in China, while more than 360 cases had been confirmed outside mainland China.
By that date, 910 people had died from coronavirus, with all but two in China, meaning the total exceeded the 774 people killed by the 2002/3 SARS outbreak.
On 11 February, the China death toll went over 1,000, with 1,016 cases, and the daily deaths topped 100 for the first time, with 109 people dying.
No more people had died outside China, but the virus had spread to 27 countries, with 462 confirmed on that day.
China has been praised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for being transparent about the spread of the new coronavirus.
WHO first began publishing data on SARS on 17 March 2003, by which point there were 167 cases in six countries, excluding mainland China.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At the time, the Chinese authorities refused to go public with information about the extent of SARS - another coronavirus - parking patients in hotels and driving them around in ambulances to conceal the true number of cases and avoid WHO experts.
In the latest outbreak of the new coronavirus, China has appeared to learn its lesson by sharing information rapidly, something President Xi Jinping has emphasised is a priority.
That was in contrast with the SARS outbreak, where 13 days after the WHO began publishing statistics 1,622 people had been confirmed as infected, 67 people had died and 14 countries were involved.
The Chinese are attempting to limit the spread by taking urgent action, locking down Wuhan and more than a dozen other cities across Hubei province, restricting movement of an unprecedented 56 million people.


news--2020-01-30--How will UK quarantine 150 Britons being flown back from Wuhan?

The government is evacuating around 150 British nationals from Wuhan and the surrounding Hubei province and will quarantine them for 14 days to safeguard against the possible spread of the new coronavirus .
How is the coronavirus quarantine going to work ?
Nick Gibb , the school standards minister , told Sky News the plan is for the UK citizens to be taken to an NHS facility on their return where they will be kept for 14 days .
They will initially land at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire at about 10.45am on Friday before being taken to a facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Wirral in northwest England .
It is thought the passengers will have to agree to whatever treatment is recommended by experts .
People who have already recently returned to the UK from Wuhan have been told to `` self-isolate '' even if they have no symptoms .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said in a statement to the House of Commons last week : `` Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people - and contact NHS 111 .
If you are in Northern Ireland , you should phone your GP .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 days of travel to the area , and are now in the UK , call your GP or ring 111 informing them of your symptoms and your recent travel to the city .
`` Do not leave your home until you have been given advice by a clinician . ''
Has anyone been quarantined in the UK in the past ?
Yes .
Pauline Cafferkey contracted Ebola in December 2014 after treating patients in Sierra Leone at the height of the outbreak which killed more than 11,000 people .
The nurse was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood from a survivor of the virus .
She spent almost a month being treated in an isolation unit at the Royal Free Hospital in London and was discharged in January 2015 after it was thought she had recovered from the virus .
But months later , in October 2015 , she was flown from Glasgow back to the hospital by a military plane after an `` unusual late complication '' caused her to fall ill again , with meningitis caused by Ebola .
She was taken back for a third stay by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a late complication from her previous infection '' .
The hospital has a high level isolation unit ( HLIU ) which is used for treating infectious diseases - and is always fully prepared to admit a patient at very short notice .
Sky News has not been able to uncover evidence of any mass UK quarantine programmes in the modern era .
What are the current quarantine laws ?
Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 , the secretary of state has the power to make `` health protection regulations '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and provide a public health response to an incident or to the spread of infection or contamination , even if the threat originated from outside the country .
This includes enforcing special requirements and restrictions - if there is a serious and imminent threat to public health - including `` medical examinations , removal to or detention in a hospital or other establishment , or isolation or quarantine '' .
And it includes powers to create new offences and enable courts to order that anyone convicted of an offence under the regulations take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To prevent the spread of infection or contamination , the Public Health ( Control of Disease ) Act allows magistrates to impose restrictions and requirements on individuals , premises , groups , and objects through orders , known as `` Part 2A Orders '' , which only councils can apply for .
Orders may require an individual to : • Be removed to a hospital or other suitable establishment • Be detained in a hospital or other suitable establishment ( unless otherwise stated , for a maximum period of 28 days ) • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless otherwise stated , for a maximum period of 28 days ) • Provide information or answer questions about their health or other circumstances • Have their health monitored and the results reported • Attend training or advice sessions on how to reduce the risk of infecting or contaminating others • Be subject to restrictions on where they go or with whom they have contact • Provide information about the identity and location of other individuals that may be infected or contaminated who pose a risk to others , so they can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders if they are satisfied that a person may be infected or contaminated , could present significant harm to human health , and there is a risk the person may infect or contaminate others .
What action are other countries taking ?
Australia , South Korea , Singapore , New Zealand and Indonesia have said they will also quarantine evacuees for at least two weeks .
The US and Japan are planning shorter periods of voluntary isolation .
Australia has said it will put its evacuees on Christmas Island , which is situated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which had been used to hold thousands of refugees between 2002 and 2018 .
Some health officials have criticised the decision but the country 's home affairs minister Peter Dutton said there was no other choice .
`` The reality is people need to be accommodated for somewhere for up to 14 days .
I ca n't clear out a hospital in Sydney , Melbourne or Brisbane , '' he said .
`` I do n't have a facility otherwise that we can quickly accommodate for what might be many hundreds of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this scenario . ''
An Indian official has said bringing citizens home is not the best option because of the risk of infection but pressure from citizens , most of them students , and their families , has forced the government to put an aircraft on standby .

The government is evacuating around 150 British nationals from Wuhan and the surrounding Hubei province and will quarantine them for 14 days to safeguard against the possible spread of the new coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
How is the coronavirus quarantine going to work?
Nick Gibb, the school standards minister, told Sky News the plan is for the UK citizens to be taken to an NHS facility on their return where they will be kept for 14 days.
They will initially land at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire at about 10.45am on Friday before being taken to a facility - Sky News understands this will be on the Wirral in northwest England.
It is thought the passengers will have to agree to whatever treatment is recommended by experts.
People who have already recently returned to the UK from Wuhan have been told to "self-isolate" even if they have no symptoms.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said in a statement to the House of Commons last week: "Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people - and contact NHS 111. If you are in Northern Ireland, you should phone your GP.
"If you develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of travel to the area, and are now in the UK, call your GP or ring 111 informing them of your symptoms and your recent travel to the city.
"Do not leave your home until you have been given advice by a clinician."
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Image: Nurse Pauline Cafferkey was quarantined after she contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone in 2014
Has anyone been quarantined in the UK in the past?
Yes. Pauline Cafferkey contracted Ebola in December 2014 after treating patients in Sierra Leone at the height of the outbreak which killed more than 11,000 people.
The nurse was treated with an experimental anti-viral drug and blood from a survivor of the virus.
She spent almost a month being treated in an isolation unit at the Royal Free Hospital in London and was discharged in January 2015 after it was thought she had recovered from the virus.
But months later, in October 2015, she was flown from Glasgow back to the hospital by a military plane after an "unusual late complication" caused her to fall ill again, with meningitis caused by Ebola.
She was taken back for a third stay by a RAF Hercules to be treated for "a late complication from her previous infection".
The hospital has a high level isolation unit (HLIU) which is used for treating infectious diseases - and is always fully prepared to admit a patient at very short notice.
Sky News has not been able to uncover evidence of any mass UK quarantine programmes in the modern era.
Image: British evacuees will be quarantined in an NHS facility for 14 days
What are the current quarantine laws?
Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the secretary of state has the power to make "health protection regulations" to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to an incident or to the spread of infection or contamination, even if the threat originated from outside the country.
This includes enforcing special requirements and restrictions - if there is a serious and imminent threat to public health - including "medical examinations, removal to or detention in a hospital or other establishment, or isolation or quarantine".
And it includes powers to create new offences and enable courts to order that anyone convicted of an offence under the regulations take or pay for any remedial action.
To prevent the spread of infection or contamination, the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act allows magistrates to impose restrictions and requirements on individuals, premises, groups, and objects through orders, known as "Part 2A Orders", which only councils can apply for.
Orders may require an individual to:
Submit to medical examination
Be removed to a hospital or other suitable establishment
Be detained in a hospital or other suitable establishment (unless otherwise stated, for a maximum period of 28 days)
Be kept in isolation or quarantine (unless otherwise stated, for a maximum period of 28 days)
Be disinfected or decontaminated
Wear protective clothing
Provide information or answer questions about their health or other circumstances
Have their health monitored and the results reported
Attend training or advice sessions on how to reduce the risk of infecting or contaminating others
Be subject to restrictions on where they go or with whom they have contact
Abstain from working or trading
Provide information about the identity and location of other individuals that may be infected or contaminated who pose a risk to others, so they can be traced
The magistrate can only issue such orders if they are satisfied that a person may be infected or contaminated, could present significant harm to human health, and there is a risk the person may infect or contaminate others.
Image: Australia plans to quarantine its nationals in immigration detention facilities on Christmas Island
What action are other countries taking?
Australia, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand and Indonesia have said they will also quarantine evacuees for at least two weeks.
The US and Japan are planning shorter periods of voluntary isolation.
Australia has said it will put its evacuees on Christmas Island, which is situated around 1,600 miles off its coast and which had been used to hold thousands of refugees between 2002 and 2018.
Some health officials have criticised the decision but the country's home affairs minister Peter Dutton said there was no other choice.
"The reality is people need to be accommodated for somewhere for up to 14 days. I can't clear out a hospital in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane," he said.
"I don't have a facility otherwise that we can quickly accommodate for what might be many hundreds of people and Christmas Island is purpose-built for exactly this scenario."
An Indian official has said bringing citizens home is not the best option because of the risk of infection but pressure from citizens, most of them students, and their families, has forced the government to put an aircraft on standby.


news--2020-01-30--Shell reports 23% fall in profit blaming weaker oil prices

Royal Dutch Shell has reported a profit of $ 16.5bn ( £12.7bn ) in 2019 , down 23 % from the previous year .
The oil giant also said its fourth quarter profit had fallen by nearly half to $ 2.9bn ( £2.2bn ) , its lowest in more than three years .
Rising tensions in the Middle East and the first stage of a trade deal between the US and China helped oil prices top $ 70 a barrel early in January .
However , that fell below $ 60 earlier this week and on Thursday morning was sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the effect of China 's coronavirus outbreak starts to become clear .
Ben van Beurden , Royal Dutch Shell 's chief executive , said : `` The strength of Shell 's strategy and portfolio has enabled delivery of competitive cash flow performance in 2019 despite challenging macroeconomic conditions in refining and chemicals , as well as lower oil and gas prices . ''
The company 's intention to complete its $ 25bn ( £19bn ) share buyback programme in 2020 remains `` unchanged '' , he added , despite the slowing global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with those at equities broker Redburn saying the end-of-year target looks `` extremely challenging '' .
The share buyback programme was launched in 2018 , following Shell 's assurances it would buy back its own stock once it had paid down its debt accumulated through the $ 54bn acquisition of BG Group in 2016 .
Stuart Lamont , investment manager at Brewin Dolphin , said : `` Investors in Royal Dutch Shell were braced for bad news today and the company 's results are largely worse than expected against a highly challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , is the continuation of the share buyback programme - a cautionary note in the last management statement had shareholders worried it would be slowed .
`` This news will likely be met positively by investors and provide some comfort against Royal Dutch Shell 's fall in profits . ''

Royal Dutch Shell has reported a profit of $16.5bn (£12.7bn) in 2019, down 23% from the previous year.
The oil giant also said its fourth quarter profit had fallen by nearly half to $2.9bn (£2.2bn), its lowest in more than three years.
Rising tensions in the Middle East and the first stage of a trade deal between the US and China helped oil prices top $70 a barrel early in January.
However, that fell below $60 earlier this week and on Thursday morning was sitting around $58.80 (£45.22), as the effect of China's coronavirus outbreak starts to become clear.
Ben van Beurden, Royal Dutch Shell's chief executive, said: "The strength of Shell's strategy and portfolio has enabled delivery of competitive cash flow performance in 2019 despite challenging macroeconomic conditions in refining and chemicals, as well as lower oil and gas prices."
The company's intention to complete its $25bn (£19bn) share buyback programme in 2020 remains "unchanged", he added, despite the slowing global economy.
Analysts were unconvinced, however, with those at equities broker Redburn saying the end-of-year target looks "extremely challenging".
The share buyback programme was launched in 2018, following Shell's assurances it would buy back its own stock once it had paid down its debt accumulated through the $54bn acquisition of BG Group in 2016.
Stuart Lamont, investment manager at Brewin Dolphin, said: "Investors in Royal Dutch Shell were braced for bad news today and the company's results are largely worse than expected against a highly challenging macro-economic backdrop.
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"The good news, however, is the continuation of the share buyback programme - a cautionary note in the last management statement had shareholders worried it would be slowed.
"This news will likely be met positively by investors and provide some comfort against Royal Dutch Shell's fall in profits."
Shell shares closed 3.7% lower on Thursday while rival BP dipped 2.3%.


news--2020-01-30--Coronavirus outbreak declared global public health emergency by WHO

The coronavirus outbreak , which started in China , has now been officially declared a global public health emergency .
The decision by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) comes as the number of people who have died from the virus reached 170 .
So far , they have all occurred in China , where the virus originated in an illegal wildlife market in the city of Wuhan .
Chinese health authorities also said there were a total of 7,736 confirmed cases - and every region of the country has been affected There have also been 98 confirmed infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO .
They include eight cases of human-to-human transmission in Japan , Germany , Vietnam and the US .
The WHO said the spread of the virus outside China was a key factor for declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern ( PHEIC ) .
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also praised Beijing 's response to the outbreak .
He said : `` The main reason for this decision is not because of what is happening in China - but because of what is happening in other countries .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems , and which are ill-prepared to deal with it .
`` Let me be clear .
This declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China .
On the contrary , WHO continues to have confidence in China 's capacity to control the outbreak . ''
He added : `` This is the time for facts , not fear .
This is time for science , not rumours .
This is the time for solidarity , not stigma . ''
So far there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the four chief medical officers of the UK have increased the risk level from low to moderate .
They said they `` do not think the risk to individuals in the UK has changed '' but the government should `` plan for all eventualities '' .
In the early hours of Friday , a chartered flight carrying 83 Britons left Wuhan - considerably fewer than the 150 passengers that the British government were anticipating .
They are expected to be placed in quarantine for a fortnight and monitored at an NHS facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
WHO experts twice last week decided not to declare an emergency while they sought more information from China and evidence of person-to-person spread in other countries .
The declaration triggers recommendations aimed at preventing or reducing cross-border spread of the virus , while avoiding unnecessary interference with trade and travel .
It covers temporary recommendations for national health authorities worldwide , which include stepping up their monitoring , preparedness and containment measures .
A PHEIC is officially defined as a formal declaration of `` an extraordinary event '' which poses a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease which could potentially require an international response .
Since 2009 , there have been five global health emergencies ; the 2009 swine flu pandemic , the 2014 polio declaration , the 2014 outbreak of Ebola in Western Africa , the 2015-16 Zika virus epidemic and the Kivu Ebola epidemic as of July 2019 .
Any new subtype of human influenza are automatically declared a global health emergency - such as SARS ( Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ) , smallpox and wild type poliomyelitis .
The virus has caused alarm because of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 650 people across China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003 .
Unlike SARS , which also originated in China , it is believed the new virus can spread during the incubation period of one to 14 days , possibly before an infected person is showing symptoms .
So far , coronavirus does not appear to be as deadly , but there have been more cases overall .
Around 60 million people are under lockdown in China 's Hubei province - of which Wuhan is the capital .
The city 's transport networks - including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been suspended since 23 January and airport and train stations closed .
Authorities have also imposed lockdown measures on 10 cities , including Huanggang , Ezhou , Chibi and Zhijiang .
A number of foreign governments have begun flying their citizens out of Wuhan and advised against non-essential travel to China .

The coronavirus outbreak, which started in China, has now been officially declared a global public health emergency.
The decision by the World Health Organisation (WHO) comes as the number of people who have died from the virus reached 170.
So far, they have all occurred in China, where the virus originated in an illegal wildlife market in the city of Wuhan.
Chinese health authorities also said there were a total of 7,736 confirmed cases - and every region of the country has been affected
There have also been 98 confirmed infections in 18 other countries, according to the WHO.
They include eight cases of human-to-human transmission in Japan, Germany, Vietnam and the US.
The WHO said the spread of the virus outside China was a key factor for declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:38 Coronavirus present in every region of China
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also praised Beijing's response to the outbreak.
He said: "The main reason for this decision is not because of what is happening in China - but because of what is happening in other countries.
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"Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems, and which are ill-prepared to deal with it.
"Let me be clear. This declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China. On the contrary, WHO continues to have confidence in China's capacity to control the outbreak."
He added: "This is the time for facts, not fear. This is time for science, not rumours. This is the time for solidarity, not stigma."
So far there have been no confirmed cases in Britain but the four chief medical officers of the UK have increased the risk level from low to moderate.
They said they "do not think the risk to individuals in the UK has changed" but the government should "plan for all eventualities".
In the early hours of Friday, a chartered flight carrying 83 Britons left Wuhan - considerably fewer than the 150 passengers that the British government were anticipating.
Image: Around 150 Britons are expected to be quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital
They are expected to be placed in quarantine for a fortnight and monitored at an NHS facility at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral.
WHO experts twice last week decided not to declare an emergency while they sought more information from China and evidence of person-to-person spread in other countries.
The declaration triggers recommendations aimed at preventing or reducing cross-border spread of the virus, while avoiding unnecessary interference with trade and travel.
Image: Passengers wear protective masks as they arrive at Beijing Capital Airport
It covers temporary recommendations for national health authorities worldwide, which include stepping up their monitoring, preparedness and containment measures.
A PHEIC is officially defined as a formal declaration of "an extraordinary event" which poses a public health risk through the international spread of disease which could potentially require an international response.
Since 2009, there have been five global health emergencies; the 2009 swine flu pandemic, the 2014 polio declaration, the 2014 outbreak of Ebola in Western Africa, the 2015-16 Zika virus epidemic and the Kivu Ebola epidemic as of July 2019.
Any new subtype of human influenza are automatically declared a global health emergency - such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), smallpox and wild type poliomyelitis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
The virus has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS - which killed nearly 650 people across China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.
Unlike SARS, which also originated in China, it is believed the new virus can spread during the incubation period of one to 14 days, possibly before an infected person is showing symptoms.
So far, coronavirus does not appear to be as deadly, but there have been more cases overall.
Around 60 million people are under lockdown in China's Hubei province - of which Wuhan is the capital.
The city's transport networks - including bus, subway and ferries - have been suspended since 23 January and airport and train stations closed.
Authorities have also imposed lockdown measures on 10 cities, including Huanggang, Ezhou, Chibi and Zhijiang.
A number of foreign governments have begun flying their citizens out of Wuhan and advised against non-essential travel to China.


news--2020-01-30--Trump official brushes off 'doom and gloom' as GDP growth slows

US economic growth slowed to its lowest level in three years in 2019 - but a senior Trump official brushed off `` doom and gloom '' over the figures .
GDP rose by 2.3 % last year - missing the administration 's 3 % target for a second year in a row - according to data from the commerce department .
It was down from 2.9 % in 2018 .
The figures suggested Mr Trump 's $ 1.5tr tax cut package had provided only a temporary boost to the world 's biggest economy .
The moderate pace of growth appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale of expansion would pay for the tax cuts - which are expected to help push the federal budget deficit to $ 1.02tr this year .
He said : `` Since the beginning of this administration , critics have predicted doom and gloom for the American economy .
`` They were wrong then , and they are wrong now . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He said Mr Trump `` continues to unleash incredible growth in the American economy '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 737 MAX and the strike at car giant General Motors for holding it back .
The data comes a day after the US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged and its chairman Jerome Powell said the central bank expected `` moderate economic growth '' to continue .
That growth has been supported by the Fed 's three rate cuts last year .
But Mr Powell also pointed to emerging risks including the coronavirus outbreak in China .
Meanwhile , the president 's phase-one trade deal with Beijing has eased fears that a trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downturn .
However , economists think the effects will be limited as tariffs remain in effect on $ 360bn of Chinese imports .
The annualised pace of growth in the US in the fourth quarter was 2.1 % , unchanged on the third quarter .
Growth was supported by solid but slower consumer spending and an improvement in the trade deficit .
That offset a further drop in business investment and a slowdown in businesses re-stocking .
Under Mr Trump , GDP growth has fallen well short of his campaign targets but unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @

US economic growth slowed to its lowest level in three years in 2019 - but a senior Trump official brushed off "doom and gloom" over the figures.
GDP rose by 2.3% last year - missing the administration's 3% target for a second year in a row - according to data from the commerce department.
It was down from 2.9% in 2018.
The figures suggested Mr Trump's $1.5tr tax cut package had provided only a temporary boost to the world's biggest economy.
The moderate pace of growth appears to undermine Republicans' claims that the scale of expansion would pay for the tax cuts - which are expected to help push the federal budget deficit to $1.02tr this year.
Image: Mr Trump has targeted a 3% growth rate
Commerce secretary Wilbur Ross brushed off the slowdown.
He said: "Since the beginning of this administration, critics have predicted doom and gloom for the American economy.
"They were wrong then, and they are wrong now."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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He said Mr Trump "continues to unleash incredible growth in the American economy", blaming the Boeing crisis over the 737 MAX and the strike at car giant General Motors for holding it back.
The data comes a day after the US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged and its chairman Jerome Powell said the central bank expected "moderate economic growth" to continue.
That growth has been supported by the Fed's three rate cuts last year.
Image: Commerce secretary Wilbur Ross said critics were 'wrong then and wrong now'
But Mr Powell also pointed to emerging risks including the coronavirus outbreak in China.
Meanwhile, the president's phase-one trade deal with Beijing has eased fears that a trade war could push the US into a downturn.
However, economists think the effects will be limited as tariffs remain in effect on $360bn of Chinese imports.
The annualised pace of growth in the US in the fourth quarter was 2.1%, unchanged on the third quarter.
Growth was supported by solid but slower consumer spending and an improvement in the trade deficit.
That offset a further drop in business investment and a slowdown in businesses re-stocking.
Under Mr Trump, GDP growth has fallen well short of his campaign targets but unemployment has reached a 50-year low.


news--2020-01-30--Tariffs could hit thousands of jobs in whisky industry, Diageo boss warns

When you 're running the biggest company of its kind in the world and a leader in its field , selling your products in 180 countries and employing 28,400 people , there is always going to be the odd local difficulty to negotiate .
Unfortunately for Diageo , the world 's biggest spirits company , two of them appear to have come along at once .
The giant behind Johnnie Walker scotch whisky , Captain Morgan rum , Smirnoff vodka , Tanqueray gin and Guinness stout has just seen the Trump administration slap a tariff of 25 % on Scotch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in retaliation for EU subsidies given to Airbus , the aircraft maker , the main rival to US manufacturing behemoth Boeing .
North America , which comprises 35 % of Diageo 's global sales , is the company 's biggest single market .
So this measure has the potential to hurt Diageo in particular .
Not only does the group produce Johnnie Walker , the world 's favourite blended whisky , it also distils some of the world 's most popular single malts , including The Singleton , Talisker , Lagavulin and Cardhu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diageo , told Sky News : `` We do n't like [ the tariffs ] and we hope the UK , EU and the US will put the matter behind us .
`` The impact for a company like Diageo is more manageable because we have a broad portfolio in the US .
`` However , for the Scotch whisky industry in the UK , we are very concerned about the small distillers , the farmers , people in the supply chain - this could impact thousands of jobs here - and likewise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant owners and the trade , the wholesalers in the business , it 's going to impact them as well .
`` So we hope sense prevails and we get back to removing the tariffs and we 're very much hoping the governments on both sides of the Atlantic get to some sense on this .
`` This is linked to an aerospace dispute - it 's got nothing to do with Scotch whisky ! ''
Mr Menezes said he was happy with the support that the industry was receiving from the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister was a `` huge supporter '' of Scotch whisky .
The other potential issue with which Diageo may have to grapple is the coronavirus outbreak in China .
The Middle Kingdom is not yet one of the company 's biggest markets but , with sales in Greater China rising by 24 % during the six months to the end of 2019 , it is certainly one of its fastest growing .
Diageo 's sales of `` Chinese white spirits '' - it owns Shui Jing Fang , one of the best-known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirit baijiu - rose by 25 % during the period , while Scotch whisky sales in China rose by 17 % .
Accordingly , with a lot of spirits being bought at airports , anything that hits air travel is therefore a potential threat to sales .
Diageo 's rival , the cognac and liqueur maker Remy Cointreau , warned last week that the coronavirus outbreak could hurt sales .
Mr Menezes insisted , though , that it was still too early to say what the impact would be on Diageo .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our people right now , so we 're obviously monitoring the situation very closely and working with our teams in China and I am in touch with them directly to ensure we 're taking all the appropriate measures to keep our people safe .
`` And that 's what we 're really focused on right now .
`` It 's too early to call what the business impact will be , that will play out over time , but our primary focus is ensuring our people in the region are as safe as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the company had put in place `` appropriate travel policies '' , including people working from home , to minimise any risks .
He was speaking as Diageo reported a 0.5 % rise in half year operating profits , to £2.442bn , on sales that were 4 % higher at £7.2bn .
Sales grew most strongly in North America , with Don Julio and Casamigos tequila and Crown Royal Canadian whisky doing particularly well , while the Asia Pacific region also saw strong growth .
Mr Menezes insisted that a 4 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnnie Walker , Diageo 's biggest selling individual brand , was due to very specific factors - notably that sales had been boosted a year earlier by the launch of a one-off limited editions , including one called `` White Walker '' , which were tied in with the hit TV series Game of Thrones .
He pointed out that sales of Johnnie Walker were still growing at more than 10 % in India , Africa , Turkey and China .
Among other key brands , sales of Tanqueray rose by 13 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , while Captain Morgan sales rose by 5 % .
There was also a 1 % rise in sales of Smirnoff , thanks to strong sales in Mexico and Australia , following several difficult years for the brand .
Guinness saw growth of 1.5 % despite a flat performance in Ireland .
The stout enjoyed solid growth in Britain , North America and in Japan , where local sales were lifted by the Rugby World Cup .
But the shares fell by 2.6 % after Mr Menezes warned that , due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment '' , sales growth for the full year was likely to be towards the lower end of the 4-6 % towards which it has been guiding the market .

Ivan Menezes said the drinks giant could manage the impact of the levy but that small distillers and farmers would be badly hit.
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When you're running the biggest company of its kind in the world and a leader in its field, selling your products in 180 countries and employing 28,400 people, there is always going to be the odd local difficulty to negotiate.
Unfortunately for Diageo, the world's biggest spirits company, two of them appear to have come along at once.
The giant behind Johnnie Walker scotch whisky, Captain Morgan rum, Smirnoff vodka, Tanqueray gin and Guinness stout has just seen the Trump administration slap a tariff of 25% on Scotch whisky imports.
The tariff was imposed in retaliation for EU subsidies given to Airbus, the aircraft maker, the main rival to US manufacturing behemoth Boeing.
North America, which comprises 35% of Diageo's global sales, is the company's biggest single market.
So this measure has the potential to hurt Diageo in particular.
Not only does the group produce Johnnie Walker, the world's favourite blended whisky, it also distils some of the world's most popular single malts, including The Singleton, Talisker, Lagavulin and Cardhu.
Ivan Menezes, chief executive of Diageo, told Sky News: "We don't like [the tariffs] and we hope the UK, EU and the US will put the matter behind us.
"The impact for a company like Diageo is more manageable because we have a broad portfolio in the US.
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"However, for the Scotch whisky industry in the UK, we are very concerned about the small distillers, the farmers, people in the supply chain - this could impact thousands of jobs here - and likewise, in America, the bar and restaurant owners and the trade, the wholesalers in the business, it's going to impact them as well.
"So we hope sense prevails and we get back to removing the tariffs and we're very much hoping the governments on both sides of the Atlantic get to some sense on this.
"This is linked to an aerospace dispute - it's got nothing to do with Scotch whisky!"
Image: Mr Menezes said Boris Johnson was a 'huge supporter' of Scotch whisky
Mr Menezes said he was happy with the support that the industry was receiving from the UK government on the issue and said the prime minister was a "huge supporter" of Scotch whisky.
The other potential issue with which Diageo may have to grapple is the coronavirus outbreak in China.
The Middle Kingdom is not yet one of the company's biggest markets but, with sales in Greater China rising by 24% during the six months to the end of 2019, it is certainly one of its fastest growing.
Diageo's sales of "Chinese white spirits" - it owns Shui Jing Fang, one of the best-known and highly regarded brands of the fiery spirit baijiu - rose by 25% during the period, while Scotch whisky sales in China rose by 17%.
Accordingly, with a lot of spirits being bought at airports, anything that hits air travel is therefore a potential threat to sales.
Diageo's rival, the cognac and liqueur maker Remy Cointreau, warned last week that the coronavirus outbreak could hurt sales.
Mr Menezes insisted, though, that it was still too early to say what the impact would be on Diageo.
He said: "Our focus is on our people right now, so we're obviously monitoring the situation very closely and working with our teams in China and I am in touch with them directly to ensure we're taking all the appropriate measures to keep our people safe.
"And that's what we're really focused on right now.
"It's too early to call what the business impact will be, that will play out over time, but our primary focus is ensuring our people in the region are as safe as can be."
Mr Menezes said that the company had put in place "appropriate travel policies", including people working from home, to minimise any risks.
He was speaking as Diageo reported a 0.5% rise in half year operating profits, to £2.442bn, on sales that were 4% higher at £7.2bn.
Sales grew most strongly in North America, with Don Julio and Casamigos tequila and Crown Royal Canadian whisky doing particularly well, while the Asia Pacific region also saw strong growth.
Mr Menezes insisted that a 4% drop in sales during the period of Johnnie Walker, Diageo's biggest selling individual brand, was due to very specific factors - notably that sales had been boosted a year earlier by the launch of a one-off limited editions, including one called "White Walker", which were tied in with the hit TV series Game of Thrones.
He pointed out that sales of Johnnie Walker were still growing at more than 10% in India, Africa, Turkey and China.
Among other key brands, sales of Tanqueray rose by 13% and Bailey's cream liqueur by 8%, while Captain Morgan sales rose by 5%.
There was also a 1% rise in sales of Smirnoff, thanks to strong sales in Mexico and Australia, following several difficult years for the brand.
Guinness saw growth of 1.5% despite a flat performance in Ireland.
The stout enjoyed solid growth in Britain, North America and in Japan, where local sales were lifted by the Rugby World Cup.
But the shares fell by 2.6% after Mr Menezes warned that, due to "ongoing uncertainty in the global trade environment", sales growth for the full year was likely to be towards the lower end of the 4-6% towards which it has been guiding the market.


news--2020-01-30--Coronavirus: How close are we to a global pandemic?

The world has reached a `` tipping point '' in the coronavirus outbreak , an expert has warned , as fears of a global pandemic grow .
Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia said the current spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , outside China is `` extremely concerning '' and the sharp rise in cases in Italy is `` a big worry for Europe '' .
Here , Sky News looks at why experts fear a coronavirus pandemic and what authorities are doing to try to stop it .
According to the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic is defined as the worldwide spread of a new disease .
It can also refer to a disease which is prevalent over a whole country .
The WHO says it will not declare a pandemic as it no longer uses this as an official term with new virus outbreaks - but COVID-19 remains an international emergency .
`` We could start describing it as a pandemic , but at the moment we are saying it is clusters and outbreaks in some countries , '' a WHO spokeswoman said .
In 2009 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared a pandemic but it turned out to be mild , leading to criticism after pharmaceutical companies rushed development of vaccines and drugs .
According to a 2017 report , the WHO has four phases to describe the outbreak of a pandemic .
• Interpandemic phase - this is the period between pandemics • Alert phase - this is when a new virus has been identified and risk assessments are carried out at local , national and global levels • Pandemic phase - this is the period of global spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening with coronavirus .
• Transition phase - this is when the global risk reduces and countries begin to recover In contrast to a pandemic , an epidemic refers to the spread of illness in a `` community or region ... clearly in excess of normal expectancy '' .
Why are we talking about a potential coronavirus pandemic ?
More than 79,000 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified , mostly in China where it originated , with more than 2,600 deaths .
There is now concern about the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ link to China .
Cases in Italy have soared within a few days and the country now has the largest number of cases in Europe , at more than 200 .
Fears are growing that unless the outbreak of the virus is contained within Italy , there could be more rapid spread in other European countries .
Meanwhile , South Korea reported another large jump in new coronavirus cases on Monday , a day after its president called for `` unprecedented , powerful '' steps to combat the outbreak .
The 231 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 833 , with two more deaths raising its toll to seven .
Why has coronavirus been declared a global health emergency ?
The WHO has already declared the coronavirus outbreak `` a public health emergency of international concern '' .
It is defined as `` an extraordinary event '' that poses a public health risk through the international spread of disease which could require an international response .
The WHO 's declaration on 30 January was considered a call to action and a `` last resort '' measure , suggesting a situation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or unexpected '' which may need an immediate response .
However , the virus has continued to spread since then .
How many global health emergencies have there been ?
Since 2009 , there have been five : • The 2014 outbreak of ebola in West Africa • The Kivu ebola epidemic as of July 2019 Any new subtype of human influenza is automatically declared a global health emergency - such as SARS ( Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ) , smallpox , and wild type poliomyelitis .
What happens after a global health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommendations to all countries aimed at preventing or reducing the spread of the virus , while avoiding unnecessary interference with trade and travel .
The WHO said its greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems , who may not be able to contain it .
`` We are all in this together and we can only stop it together , '' said Mr Ghebreyesus .
Didier Houssin , chairman of the emergency committee , said it would hold countries to account over extra measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no legal authority , it can ask governments to provide scientific justification for any trade or travel restrictions .
Is this like SARS ?
Both COVID-19 and SARS are diseases caused by types of coronavirus which originated in China and virologists say they are genetically close .
More than 2,600 people have died from COVID-19 , compared to 774 killed during the 2003 SARS outbreak .
However , the fatality rate is lower for COVID-19 ( at about 3 % ) , compared to the fatality rate for SARS which was 9.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far ?
More than 79,000 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified across more than 30 countries and territories .
The vast majority of cases - more than 77,000 - are in China , followed by about 830 cases in South Korea .
Italy has seen Europe 's biggest outbreak , with more than 150 cases identified and five people killed .
More than 2,600 people have died , mainly in China 's Hubei province , the epicentre of the outbreak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker What are authorities doing ?
Around 60 million people are under lockdown in China 's Hubei province - of which Wuhan is the capital .
Wuhan 's local transport networks - including bus , subway and ferries - have been suspended and airport and train stations closed .
A number of foreign governments - including the UK - have flown their citizens out of Wuhan and advised against non-essential travel to China .
About a dozen towns in Italy are in lockdown as authorities race to contain the biggest outbreak of coronavirus @ @ @

The world has reached a "tipping point" in the coronavirus outbreak, an expert has warned, as fears of a global pandemic grow.
Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia said the current spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, outside China is "extremely concerning" and the sharp rise in cases in Italy is "a big worry for Europe".
Here, Sky News looks at why experts fear a coronavirus pandemic and what authorities are doing to try to stop it.
What is a pandemic?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) website, a pandemic is defined as the worldwide spread of a new disease. It can also refer to a disease which is prevalent over a whole country.
The WHO says it will not declare a pandemic as it no longer uses this as an official term with new virus outbreaks - but COVID-19 remains an international emergency.
"We could start describing it as a pandemic, but at the moment we are saying it is clusters and outbreaks in some countries," a WHO spokeswoman said.
In 2009, the H1N1 swine flu outbreak was declared a pandemic but it turned out to be mild, leading to criticism after pharmaceutical companies rushed development of vaccines and drugs.
Image: A worker in a protective suit disinfects the Dongxinzhuang village in Shandong province
How is a pandemic declared?
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According to a 2017 report, the WHO has four phases to describe the outbreak of a pandemic.
Interpandemic phase - this is the period between pandemics
Alert phase - this is when a new virus has been identified and risk assessments are carried out at local, national and global levels
Pandemic phase - this is the period of global spread of the virus. Some experts say this is obviously happening with coronavirus.
Transition phase - this is when the global risk reduces and countries begin to recover
In contrast to a pandemic, an epidemic refers to the spread of illness in a "community or region...clearly in excess of normal expectancy".
Image: People in Hong Kong have formed enormous queues for protective masks
Why are we talking about a potential coronavirus pandemic?
More than 79,000 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified, mostly in China where it originated, with more than 2,600 deaths.
There is now concern about the spread of the virus between people who have no link to China.
Cases in Italy have soared within a few days and the country now has the largest number of cases in Europe, at more than 200.
Fears are growing that unless the outbreak of the virus is contained within Italy, there could be more rapid spread in other European countries.
Meanwhile, South Korea reported another large jump in new coronavirus cases on Monday, a day after its president called for "unprecedented, powerful" steps to combat the outbreak.
The 231 new cases bring South Korea's total to 833, with two more deaths raising its toll to seven.
Why has coronavirus been declared a global health emergency?
The WHO has already declared the coronavirus outbreak "a public health emergency of international concern".
It is defined as "an extraordinary event" that poses a public health risk through the international spread of disease which could require an international response.
The WHO's declaration on 30 January was considered a call to action and a "last resort" measure, suggesting a situation that is "serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected" which may need an immediate response.
However, the virus has continued to spread since then.
Image: People line up outside a drugstore to buy masks in Shanghai
How many global health emergencies have there been?
Since 2009, there have been five:
The 2009 swine flu pandemic
The 2014 polio declaration
The 2014 outbreak of ebola in West Africa
The 2015-16 Zika virus epidemic
The Kivu ebola epidemic as of July 2019
Any new subtype of human influenza is automatically declared a global health emergency - such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), smallpox, and wild type poliomyelitis.
What happens after a global health emergency is declared?
The declaration triggered recommendations to all countries aimed at preventing or reducing the spread of the virus, while avoiding unnecessary interference with trade and travel.
The WHO said its greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems, who may not be able to contain it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 WHO chief: We don't know what damage virus could do
"We are all in this together and we can only stop it together," said Mr Ghebreyesus.
Didier Houssin, chairman of the emergency committee, said it would hold countries to account over extra measures they may take.
Although the organisation has no legal authority, it can ask governments to provide scientific justification for any trade or travel restrictions.
Is this like SARS?
Both COVID-19 and SARS are diseases caused by types of coronavirus which originated in China and virologists say they are genetically close.
More than 2,600 people have died from COVID-19, compared to 774 killed during the 2003 SARS outbreak.
However, the fatality rate is lower for COVID-19 (at about 3%), compared to the fatality rate for SARS which was 9.6%.
Where has it spread so far?
More than 79,000 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified across more than 30 countries and territories.
The vast majority of cases - more than 77,000 - are in China, followed by about 830 cases in South Korea.
Italy has seen Europe's biggest outbreak, with more than 150 cases identified and five people killed.
More than 2,600 people have died, mainly in China's Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
What are authorities doing?
Around 60 million people are under lockdown in China's Hubei province - of which Wuhan is the capital.
Wuhan's local transport networks - including bus, subway and ferries - have been suspended and airport and train stations closed.
A number of foreign governments - including the UK - have flown their citizens out of Wuhan and advised against non-essential travel to China.
About a dozen towns in Italy are in lockdown as authorities race to contain the biggest outbreak of coronavirus in Europe.


news--2020-01-30--Coronavirus: Britons will be quarantined at NHS facility on the Wirral

Around 150 Britons stranded in Wuhan by the coronavirus outbreak will be quarantined for two weeks in an NHS facility on the Wirral after they are flown back to the UK , Sky News understands .
It is expected they will be kept in isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital in Upton and then monitored - as new details emerged of the plans to be put in place when they return .
The Britons were due to leave the city of Wuhan - the epicentre of the deadly outbreak - on Thursday morning but the plane was not able to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given clearance .
The outbreak was declared a global public health emergency on Thursday night .
And the four chief medical officers of the UK have raised the coronavirus risk level from low to moderate , but said they `` do not think the risk to individuals in the UK has changed '' .
The flight is now expected to depart Wuhan on Friday at 7am local time ( 11pm GMT on Thursday ) and is due to land at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Friday morning - thought to be around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chartered from a Spanish company , will also evacuate around 50 Europeans , and will then fly on to Spain .
The Liverpool Echo reported the Britons would be taken to a former student accommodation block in the grounds of Arrowe Park Hospital .
Janelle Holmes , chief executive of Wirral University Hospital , has told staff : `` Around 100 British citizens will be travelling to the UK from China tomorrow .
We will be welcoming and housing them in the accommodation block at Arrowe Park Hospital .
`` Before arrival they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone becomes unwell after arrival they will be treated following appropriate protocols . ''
• Three military medics and Public Health England ( PHE ) officials will be onboard the plane , but it will be crewed by civilians • The medics will have a script to read out to people letting them know to speak up if they feel unwell • There will be an isolation area onboard • Evacuees will be moved to an isolation unit at the NHS facility on the Wirral to be monitored for 14 days Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to whatever treatment is recommended by experts .
As the details were revealed , British Airways announced it was cancelling all flights to mainland China until the end of February , while some other airlines have suspended flights or are offering refunds or date and destination changes .
Virgin Atlantic is suspending daily flights to Shanghai for 14 days from this Sunday .
In Italy , 6,000 people were kept on board a cruise ship as tests were carried out on a passenger from Macau suspected of having coronavirus .
A spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her partner arrived in Italy on 25 January and boarded the Costa Smeralda in Savona that day before she came down with a fever and breathing difficulties .
The ship docked in Marseilles in France , and the Spanish ports of Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca before docking on Thursday at Civitavecchia , north of Rome .
The Italian health ministry later declared the passenger did not have coronavirus .
Another passenger Liborio Iervolino , who was supposed to leave the ship today , told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is n't working aboard the ship and we ca n't get any news .
`` More importantly we eat our meals all together in the communal areas and we do n't know if somebody has been infected .
There are no single-use dishes .
`` TVs are just showing adverts , we want to watch the news and understand what 's going on . ''
Another passenger , only identified as Alessandro P , told Italian news agency AdnKronos that the only people wearing masks were Asian passengers , and they have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five days .
The number of dead in China increased to 170 people on Thursday , with 7,736 confirmed cases , including the first one in Tibet - meaning all regions and territories are now affected .
The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a global public health emergency on Thursday , after several previous meetings in which they declined to do so .
While there is no vaccine for the coronavirus , which surpassed China 's SARS outbreak of 2002 and 2003 on Wednesday , countries around the world are doing all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most of the confirmed cases are in Hubei , where several cities remain locked down , but the impact of the outbreak has been becoming more widely felt across the country this week .
On Thursday , IKEA said it was closing all 30 of its stores in China and the Chinese Football Association announced domestic matches had been indefinitely postponed .
The World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing have also been postponed until March 2021 .
The Chinese national health committee has reported 26 cases across Hong Kong , Macau , Taiwan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panic setting in .
People in Hong Kong , where 11 cases are confirmed , have been forming enormous queues to buy protective masks , and in Macau a purchase limit is being imposed to ensure they do not sell out too quickly .
While there are relatively few cases outside mainland China and its territories , other countries remain on high alert .
Outside China , there are 98 infections in 18 countries , according to the World Health Organisation .
On Thursday , the Philippines confirmed its first case , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same day , taking the total there to 10 .
There are seven cases in Australia , five in the US , and four each in South Korea , France , Germany and the UAE .
Canada has three confirmed cases , Vietnam has two , and health officials have reported just one case in each of Cambodia , Nepal , Finland , Zambia and Sri Lanka .
With many governments advising their citizens against travel to China , airlines including British Airways and German carrier Lufthansa have started suspending flights to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Anyone who has returned to the UK from Wuhan in recent weeks has been urged to `` self-isolate '' for two weeks , although the Department of Health says 130 tests carried out on potential patients have come back negative .

Around 150 Britons stranded in Wuhan by the coronavirus outbreak will be quarantined for two weeks in an NHS facility on the Wirral after they are flown back to the UK, Sky News understands.
It is expected they will be kept in isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital in Upton and then monitored - as new details emerged of the plans to be put in place when they return.
The Britons were due to leave the city of Wuhan - the epicentre of the deadly outbreak - on Thursday morning but the plane was not able to take off as Chinese authorities had not yet given clearance.
The outbreak was declared a global public health emergency on Thursday night.
And the four chief medical officers of the UK have raised the coronavirus risk level from low to moderate, but said they "do not think the risk to individuals in the UK has changed".
The flight is now expected to depart Wuhan on Friday at 7am local time (11pm GMT on Thursday) and is due to land at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Friday morning - thought to be around 10.45am.
The plane, which was chartered from a Spanish company, will also evacuate around 50 Europeans, and will then fly on to Spain.
The Liverpool Echo reported the Britons would be taken to a former student accommodation block in the grounds of Arrowe Park Hospital.
Janelle Holmes, chief executive of Wirral University Hospital, has told staff: "Around 100 British citizens will be travelling to the UK from China tomorrow. We will be welcoming and housing them in the accommodation block at Arrowe Park Hospital.
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"Before arrival they will be screened for symptoms. If anyone becomes unwell after arrival they will be treated following appropriate protocols."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 How dangerous is the new coronavirus?
Other details that Sky News understands include:
Three military medics and Public Health England (PHE) officials will be onboard the plane, but it will be crewed by civilians
The medics will have a script to read out to people letting them know to speak up if they feel unwell
There will be an isolation area onboard
Evacuees will be moved to an isolation unit at the NHS facility on the Wirral to be monitored for 14 days
Sky News understands the passengers will have to agree to whatever treatment is recommended by experts.
As the details were revealed, British Airways announced it was cancelling all flights to mainland China until the end of February, while some other airlines have suspended flights or are offering refunds or date and destination changes.
Virgin Atlantic is suspending daily flights to Shanghai for 14 days from this Sunday.
Image: The masks are becoming a common sight at airports
Cruise ship on lockdown
In Italy, 6,000 people were kept on board a cruise ship as tests were carried out on a passenger from Macau suspected of having coronavirus.
A spokesman for the Costa Crociere cruise company said she and her partner arrived in Italy on 25 January and boarded the Costa Smeralda in Savona that day before she came down with a fever and breathing difficulties.
The ship docked in Marseilles in France, and the Spanish ports of Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca before docking on Thursday at Civitavecchia, north of Rome.
The Italian health ministry later declared the passenger did not have coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Thousands on ship lockdown over virus fears
Another passenger Liborio Iervolino, who was supposed to leave the ship today, told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: "We have no information, the internet isn't working aboard the ship and we can't get any news.
"More importantly we eat our meals all together in the communal areas and we don't know if somebody has been infected. There are no single-use dishes.
"TVs are just showing adverts, we want to watch the news and understand what's going on."
Another passenger, only identified as Alessandro P, told Italian news agency AdnKronos that the only people wearing masks were Asian passengers, and they have been doing that for at least four or five days.
Image: Some 6,000 passengers were kept on board a cruise ship in Italy over coronavirus fears
The virus spreads
The number of dead in China increased to 170 people on Thursday, with 7,736 confirmed cases, including the first one in Tibet - meaning all regions and territories are now affected.
The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a global public health emergency on Thursday, after several previous meetings in which they declined to do so.
While there is no vaccine for the coronavirus, which surpassed China's SARS outbreak of 2002 and 2003 on Wednesday, countries around the world are doing all they can to limit its spread.
Most of the confirmed cases are in Hubei, where several cities remain locked down, but the impact of the outbreak has been becoming more widely felt across the country this week.
On Thursday, IKEA said it was closing all 30 of its stores in China and the Chinese Football Association announced domestic matches had been indefinitely postponed.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing have also been postponed until March 2021.
Image: Queues for protective masks at a drugs store in Singapore
The Chinese national health committee has reported 26 cases across Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Tibet, prompting a degree of panic setting in.
People in Hong Kong, where 11 cases are confirmed, have been forming enormous queues to buy protective masks, and in Macau a purchase limit is being imposed to ensure they do not sell out too quickly.
While there are relatively few cases outside mainland China and its territories, other countries remain on high alert.
Outside China, there are 98 infections in 18 countries, according to the World Health Organisation.
On Thursday, the Philippines confirmed its first case, while Singapore confirmed three new coronavirus patients on the same day, taking the total there to 10.
There are seven cases in Australia, five in the US, and four each in South Korea, France, Germany and the UAE.
Image: Protective masks spotted in Chinatown in New York
Canada has three confirmed cases, Vietnam has two, and health officials have reported just one case in each of Cambodia, Nepal, Finland, Zambia and Sri Lanka.
With many governments advising their citizens against travel to China, airlines including British Airways and German carrier Lufthansa have started suspending flights to the mainland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:41 Race to develop coronavirus vaccine
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Anyone who has returned to the UK from Wuhan in recent weeks has been urged to "self-isolate" for two weeks, although the Department of Health says 130 tests carried out on potential patients have come back negative.


news--2020-01-30--Coronavirus: Brit evacuation plan risks infecting healthy citizens, former health secretary warns

A government plan to bring back Britons stranded in Wuhan by the coronavirus poses a `` severe potential risk '' of infecting healthy people , a former health secretary has said .
Lord Lansley , who was a Conservative health secretary in the coalition government , told Sky News that putting Britons on a plane `` increases the chance of their transmitting the infection from one to another , then brings them to United Kingdom and , and the transmission starts from it '' .
He said the evacuation was being done not to protect public health but for `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be careful to enforce the 14-day quarantine period .
Lord Lansley said : `` One must be blunt about this .
`` In normal circumstances from a public health point of view , moving any group of people from a place where there is infection to one where there is n't , is not on the face of it a public health measure . ''
He said Britain faces an even bigger challenge with potentially a couple of thousand people having returned to the UK , from Wuhan province in particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The incubation period we seem to be finding with this virus ( is ) that it can have a relatively long incubation period , it could take 10 days or more .
And in the early stages it is without symptoms .
`` We are in truth only dealing with something which has really only been - of which we 've been seriously aware - for about 20 days . ''
Sky News understands the Britons being flown back will be quarantined in a facility on the Wirral .
Lord Lansley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send in planes once other countries , such as America , had pledged to do so .
`` I think it was inevitable that other countries were going to do the same thing , '' said Lord Lansley .
The British nationals were due to leave the Chinese city on Thursday morning but the plane was not able to take off as Chinese authorities had not yet given clearance .
Lord Lansley said the goal of the British government at this stage in a crisis would be to buy time .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win time .
`` And I think that 's what they 're really focusing on at the moment - the containment of the virus for a sufficient period of time that we stand a chance in the development ideally , of a vaccine , and , if necessary , anti-viral agents and other countermeasures to try and limit what would subsequently be the transmission .
A mortality rate of 3 % is significant . ''
He said China had become far easier to deal with than during the SARS outbreak and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` transparent '' .
`` I would say from those I 've talked to who have experienced back in 2003 , where the SARS outbreak is concerned , and what they look at today.They would say that it is a transformed environment , '' said the former health secretary .

A government plan to bring back Britons stranded in Wuhan by the coronavirus poses a "severe potential risk" of infecting healthy people, a former health secretary has said.
Lord Lansley, who was a Conservative health secretary in the coalition government, told Sky News that putting Britons on a plane "increases the chance of their transmitting the infection from one to another, then brings them to United Kingdom and, and the transmission starts from it".
He said the evacuation was being done not to protect public health but for "humanitarian" reasons, and that officials must be careful to enforce the 14-day quarantine period.
Image: Andrew Lansley was health secretary during the coalition government
Lord Lansley said: "One must be blunt about this.
"In normal circumstances from a public health point of view, moving any group of people from a place where there is infection to one where there isn't, is not on the face of it a public health measure."
He said Britain faces an even bigger challenge with potentially a couple of thousand people having returned to the UK, from Wuhan province in particular, in the last two or three weeks.
"The incubation period we seem to be finding with this virus (is) that it can have a relatively long incubation period, it could take 10 days or more. And in the early stages it is without symptoms.
"We are in truth only dealing with something which has really only been - of which we've been seriously aware - for about 20 days."
Sky News understands the Britons being flown back will be quarantined in a facility on the Wirral.
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Lord Lansley said there was a natural tendency to send in planes once other countries, such as America, had pledged to do so.
"I think it was inevitable that other countries were going to do the same thing," said Lord Lansley.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:01 Evacuation of Britons from Wuhan delayed
The British nationals were due to leave the Chinese city on Thursday morning but the plane was not able to take off as Chinese authorities had not yet given clearance.
Lord Lansley said the goal of the British government at this stage in a crisis would be to buy time.
"We want wherever possible with a new virus to win time.
"And I think that's what they're really focusing on at the moment - the containment of the virus for a sufficient period of time that we stand a chance in the development ideally, of a vaccine, and, if necessary, anti-viral agents and other countermeasures to try and limit what would subsequently be the transmission. A mortality rate of 3% is significant."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 Coronavirus: Death toll continues to rise
He said China had become far easier to deal with than during the SARS outbreak and was now "rapid in their response" and "transparent".
"I would say from those I've talked to who have experienced back in 2003, where the SARS outbreak is concerned, and what they look at today.They would say that it is a transformed environment," said the former health secretary.


news--2020-04-28--Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik 'expecting first child'

Gigi Hadid and her boyfriend Zayn Malik are expecting their first child , according to a report by TMZ .
@ @ @ @ @ sources '' as saying that the supermodel is 20 weeks ' pregnant with the 27-year-old @ @ @ @ @ It is not clear whether the couple know the sex of the baby but both @ @ @ @ @ news , the report added .
The news comes days after Hadid celebrated her 25th @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania farm in lockdown , due to restrictions designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ split three years later but were reported to have been together again late last year @ @ @ @ @ officially confirmed the pregnancy .

Gigi Hadid and her boyfriend Zayn Malik are expecting their first child, according to a report by TMZ.
The report quoted "family sources" as saying that the supermodel is 20 weeks' pregnant with the 27-year-old former One Direction singer.
It is not clear whether the couple know the sex of the baby but both families are delighted by the news, the report added.
The news comes days after Hadid celebrated her 25th birthday at her family's Pennsylvania farm in lockdown, due to restrictions designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the US.
Hadid and Malik started dating in 2015.
They split three years later but were reported to have been together again late last year.
Neither of them has officially confirmed the pregnancy.


news--2020-04-29--Steph McGovern's new Channel 4 show taken off air

Steph McGovern 's new Channel 4 show , which has been coming live from her living room , is being taken off air because it `` stretched the patience of neighbours '' .
The former BBC Breakfast presenter had been due to host The Steph Show , a new live daily lunchtime programme , from a studio in Leeds .
Instead , she has been fronting the show from her home in Harrogate for the past month because of the coronavirus lockdown .
The 37-year-old had been sharing ideas with viewers on how to fill time during self-isolation , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping the country going during the COVID-19 outbreak .
McGovern tweeted : `` As much as I 've loved doing a lockdown show at home I never expected it to go on this long .
`` We 've decided it 's time to have a break and give my family our home back . ''
She added that the programme will properly launch when the Leeds studio is safely up and running , but that she `` may still be wearing slippers '' .
The last lockdown version of The Steph Show will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of programmes Ian Katz said the show was taken off air because `` we have stretched the patience of the neighbours a bit too far '' .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said : `` We want to wait until we can get into the studio and produce the show we want to make .
We will be producing the original Steph Show as soon as possible . ''
The programme had been attracting around 160,000 viewers per day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This Morning and Bargain Hunt .
A Channel 4 spokesperson said : `` The Steph Show will be back on air later this year when it will be broadcast live from Leeds Dock as always planned . ''

Steph McGovern's new Channel 4 show, which has been coming live from her living room, is being taken off air because it "stretched the patience of neighbours".
The former BBC Breakfast presenter had been due to host The Steph Show, a new live daily lunchtime programme, from a studio in Leeds.
Instead, she has been fronting the show from her home in Harrogate for the past month because of the coronavirus lockdown.
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The 37-year-old had been sharing ideas with viewers on how to fill time during self-isolation, as well as celebrating everyday heroes that are keeping the country going during the COVID-19 outbreak.
McGovern tweeted: "As much as I've loved doing a lockdown show at home I never expected it to go on this long.
"We've decided it's time to have a break and give my family our home back."
She added that the programme will properly launch when the Leeds studio is safely up and running, but that she "may still be wearing slippers".
The last lockdown version of The Steph Show will air on 7 May.
Channel 4 director of programmes Ian Katz said the show was taken off air because "we have stretched the patience of the neighbours a bit too far".
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He said: "We want to wait until we can get into the studio and produce the show we want to make. We will be producing the original Steph Show as soon as possible."
The programme had been attracting around 160,000 viewers per day - lower than rival shows such as This Morning and Bargain Hunt.
A Channel 4 spokesperson said: "The Steph Show will be back on air later this year when it will be broadcast live from Leeds Dock as always planned."


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Stocks surge on hopes of progress in treatment

Stock markets in the US and Europe have been lifted by encouraging news on a potential coronavirus treatment , as investors seize on any sign of progress in tackling the threat to the global economy .
An update from Gilead Sciences on trials of its closely-watched drug remdesivir tempered worse-than-expected figures which showed the US economy shrank at its worst rate since 2008 in the first quarter of the year as the COVID-19 crisis began .
Preliminary data showed , the company said , that remdesivir improved symptoms in patients given the drug early than among those who were treated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients treated early were discharged from the hospital , compared with 49 % of patients who were treated late .
Market analysts said investors seized on the statement - bolstering not only the company 's Nasdaq-traded share price by more than 9 % - as it was also credited with bolstering optimism on European stock markets .
The FTSE 100 closed the day 2.6 % up - easily overcoming the 6,000 point level for the first time since early March - at 6,115 .
But the blue chip index still remains about 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the collapse in values that began on 21 February when fears of a deep global recession first emerged on financial markets .
Barclays was among the big winners in London , rising almost 15 % , after it reported a strong performance from its investment bank during the first quarter of the year when the market mayhem began .
Travel stocks such as Carnival and easyJet - among those worst hit in the stock slump - were also up sharply .
The CAC in France and DAX in Germany made similar strides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in Wednesday 's session .
US stock markets also built on recent gains , despite official figures showing a 4.8 % slump in output , on an annual basis , in the world 's largest economy during the first three months of the year .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed over 2 % higher despite the recovery coming under pressure later in the session when the Federal Reserve , the country 's central bank , said it would keep its core interest rate near zero for the foreseeable future amid expectations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second quarter output .
Boeing , still reeling from the grounding of the 737 MAX before the coronavirus crisis forced the airline industry into hibernation , was among the big stock market winners after it gained almost 6 % .
Its chief executive told investors he now saw a `` thaw '' ahead for the sector but announced that up to 10 % of its workforce , more than 15,000 staff , would be lost as it sought to save costs and adjust to life after lockdown .
Neil Wilson , chief markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of positive results from Gilead 's drug trials for treating COVID-19 boosted sentiment more widely .
He wrote : `` This is undoubtedly positive for risk - the closer you get to treatment or a vaccine the quicker we reopen the economy and the lower the risk of a second , third wave outbreaks .
`` Rumours of positive results from Gilead a week ago helped lift spirits and this is yet more encouraging news . ''

Stock markets in the US and Europe have been lifted by encouraging news on a potential coronavirus treatment, as investors seize on any sign of progress in tackling the threat to the global economy.
An update from Gilead Sciences on trials of its closely-watched drug remdesivir tempered worse-than-expected figures which showed the US economy shrank at its worst rate since 2008 in the first quarter of the year as the COVID-19 crisis began.
Preliminary data showed, the company said, that remdesivir improved symptoms in patients given the drug early than among those who were treated later.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:40 17 April: Gilead boss discusses COVID-19 drugs trials
It said 62% of patients treated early were discharged from the hospital, compared with 49% of patients who were treated late.
Market analysts said investors seized on the statement - bolstering not only the company's Nasdaq-traded share price by more than 9% - as it was also credited with bolstering optimism on European stock markets.
The FTSE 100 closed the day 2.6% up - easily overcoming the 6,000 point level for the first time since early March - at 6,115.
But the blue chip index still remains about 19% down in the year to date after the collapse in values that began on 21 February when fears of a deep global recession first emerged on financial markets.
Barclays was among the big winners in London, rising almost 15%, after it reported a strong performance from its investment bank during the first quarter of the year when the market mayhem began.
Travel stocks such as Carnival and easyJet - among those worst hit in the stock slump - were also up sharply.
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The CAC in France and DAX in Germany made similar strides to the FTSE, in percentage terms, in Wednesday's session.
US stock markets also built on recent gains, despite official figures showing a 4.8% slump in output, on an annual basis, in the world's largest economy during the first three months of the year.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed over 2% higher despite the recovery coming under pressure later in the session when the Federal Reserve, the country's central bank, said it would keep its core interest rate near zero for the foreseeable future amid expectations of an "unprecedented" collapse in second quarter output.
Image: Boeing 737 MAX planes have been grounded since March last year
Boeing, still reeling from the grounding of the 737 MAX before the coronavirus crisis forced the airline industry into hibernation, was among the big stock market winners after it gained almost 6%.
Its chief executive told investors he now saw a "thaw" ahead for the sector but announced that up to 10% of its workforce, more than 15,000 staff, would be lost as it sought to save costs and adjust to life after lockdown.
Neil Wilson, chief markets analyst at Markets.com, said the indication of positive results from Gilead's drug trials for treating COVID-19 boosted sentiment more widely.
He wrote: "This is undoubtedly positive for risk - the closer you get to treatment or a vaccine the quicker we reopen the economy and the lower the risk of a second, third wave outbreaks.
"Rumours of positive results from Gilead a week ago helped lift spirits and this is yet more encouraging news."


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Sewer blockages up 'almost 20%' during lockdown

A water company has said it has seen sewer blockages rise by almost 20 % in some places as a result of the coronavirus lockdown .
A so-called `` ragberg '' , which is a giant mound of nappies , sanitary products and wet wipes and weighs 40kg , was dragged from a sewer in Maidenhead , in Berkshire .
Thames Water has said it has seen an increase of 10 more sewer blockages than normal a day , as a result of more people staying home due to the coronavirus lockdown .
It also follows the bulk-buying of toilet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning others had to turn to alternatives to loo roll - such as wet wipes , kitchen roll , tissues and even newspapers , the company said .
Those items then combine with fats and oils in the sewer system after they are flushed away to create fatbergs and ragbergs - which end up blocking the system .
The firm wants to encourage people to put those items , even if it may not be pleasant to do so , in the bin , rather than down the toilet .
Stephen Sanderson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Wipes and things like kitchen roll if used instead of toilet paper ca n't go down the loo .
`` As nasty as it sounds , if people do use them as a last resort , they need to be put in a bin and disposed of safely . ''
According to Thames Water , before the lockdown the company was seeing a reduction of about 10 % in blockages , but it has since seen a jump of up to 8 % compared with the average for the same @ @ @ @ @ @

A water company has said it has seen sewer blockages rise by almost 20% in some places as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.
A so-called "ragberg", which is a giant mound of nappies, sanitary products and wet wipes and weighs 40kg, was dragged from a sewer in Maidenhead, in Berkshire.
Thames Water has said it has seen an increase of 10 more sewer blockages than normal a day, as a result of more people staying home due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Image: Sewer blockages have gone up by around 20% since the lockdown began. Pic: Thames Water
It also follows the bulk-buying of toilet paper before the lockdown was implemented, meaning others had to turn to alternatives to loo roll - such as wet wipes, kitchen roll, tissues and even newspapers, the company said.
Those items then combine with fats and oils in the sewer system after they are flushed away to create fatbergs and ragbergs - which end up blocking the system.
The firm wants to encourage people to put those items, even if it may not be pleasant to do so, in the bin, rather than down the toilet.
Stephen Sanderson, area network manager for Thames Water, said: "Wipes and things like kitchen roll if used instead of toilet paper can't go down the loo.
"As nasty as it sounds, if people do use them as a last resort, they need to be put in a bin and disposed of safely."
According to Thames Water, before the lockdown the company was seeing a reduction of about 10% in blockages, but it has since seen a jump of up to 8% compared with the average for the same month in 2017 to 2019.


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: US economy sees biggest quarterly slump since 2008

The US economy shrank at an annual rate of 4.8 % in the first quarter of the year as coronavirus lockdown measures took their toll .
It was the first quarterly decline in GDP for six years and the biggest since the financial crisis in 2008 , according to official figures .
But the number only includes the start of the period during which much of the world 's biggest economy has been shut down due to the pandemic - with worse expected to come .
GDP could shrink at a record-breaking rate of 40 % in the April-June quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congressional Budget Office while chair of the Federal Reserve , Jay Powell , said he expected an `` unprecedented '' decline .
The US bureau of economic analysis , which published the first quarter figures , said : `` The decline in first quarter GDP was , in part , due to the response to the spread of COVID-19 , as governments issued 'stay-at-home ' orders in March .
`` This led to rapid changes in demand , as businesses and schools switched to remote work or cancelled operations , and consumers cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The figures were the latest illustration of the economic calamity created by the pandemic in the US though the Federal Reserve later confirmed its core interest rate would be kept just above zero for the foreseeable future .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker At a news conference , Fed chair Jay Powell said its policy stance , including unlimited asset purchases to boost liquidity , remained appropriate but reiterated it was impossible to predict when activity might pick up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was `` heartbreaking '' to see the risks posed to the low-paid and minority workers .
Weekly jobs data has shown that more than 26.5 million Americans - one in six of the workforce - registered as unemployed over just five weeks .
With shops and factories closed , home sales falling and consumers slashing spending , America looks to be heading into a severe recession .
Some experts are hoping that a rapid recovery will mean it is a `` V-shaped '' dip but there is increasingly a concern that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even after the outbreak has subsided .
That is because some restrictions put persist at local and state level , making it difficult for many businesses to survive , while many Americans could remain worried about travelling and going to restaurants or shops .
There is also a fear that a second flare-up of the pandemic could force businesses to shut down once again .
Donald Trump , who has been building his campaign ahead of this November 's presidential election around his economic record , takes a more optimistic view .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he expects a `` big rise '' in GDP in the third quarter , followed by an `` incredible fourth quarter , and you 're going to have an incredible next year . ''

The US economy shrank at an annual rate of 4.8% in the first quarter of the year as coronavirus lockdown measures took their toll.
It was the first quarterly decline in GDP for six years and the biggest since the financial crisis in 2008, according to official figures.
But the number only includes the start of the period during which much of the world's biggest economy has been shut down due to the pandemic - with worse expected to come.
GDP could shrink at a record-breaking rate of 40% in the April-June quarter according to a recent estimate by the Congressional Budget Office while chair of the Federal Reserve, Jay Powell, said he expected an "unprecedented" decline.
Image: Donald Trump says he expects to see a 'big rise' in GDP in the third quarter
The US bureau of economic analysis, which published the first quarter figures, said: "The decline in first quarter GDP was, in part, due to the response to the spread of COVID-19, as governments issued 'stay-at-home' orders in March.
"This led to rapid changes in demand, as businesses and schools switched to remote work or cancelled operations, and consumers cancelled, restricted, or redirected their spending."
The figures were the latest illustration of the economic calamity created by the pandemic in the US though the Federal Reserve later confirmed its core interest rate would be kept just above zero for the foreseeable future.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
At a news conference, Fed chair Jay Powell said its policy stance, including unlimited asset purchases to boost liquidity, remained appropriate but reiterated it was impossible to predict when activity might pick up because of the continuing lockdown.
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He said it was "heartbreaking" to see the risks posed to the low-paid and minority workers.
Weekly jobs data has shown that more than 26.5 million Americans - one in six of the workforce - registered as unemployed over just five weeks.
With shops and factories closed, home sales falling and consumers slashing spending, America looks to be heading into a severe recession.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 US workers feel the impact of COVID -19
Some experts are hoping that a rapid recovery will mean it is a "V-shaped" dip but there is increasingly a concern that the economy will struggle to regain momentum, even after the outbreak has subsided.
That is because some restrictions put persist at local and state level, making it difficult for many businesses to survive, while many Americans could remain worried about travelling and going to restaurants or shops.
There is also a fear that a second flare-up of the pandemic could force businesses to shut down once again.
Donald Trump, who has been building his campaign ahead of this November's presidential election around his economic record, takes a more optimistic view.
Mr Trump told reporters this week that he expects a "big rise" in GDP in the third quarter, followed by an "incredible fourth quarter, and you're going to have an incredible next year."