news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: Italian nurses share the startling reality of fighting the pandemic

One nurse was bruised after using a face mask and said she could not go to the toilet or drink for six hours .
Another collapsed asleep on a laptop at the end of a relentless 10-hour shift .
Along with doctors and other medical staff , nurses have been on the frontline of Italy 's fight against coronavirus - sharing stories of exhaustion and heroism in the face of a disease that has killed more than 800 people in the country and infected over 12,400 .
Young nurse Alessia Bonari , who shared a photo showing the marks on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said she was afraid to go to work every day .
In an Instagram post , she wrote : `` I am afraid because the mask might not stick properly to the face , or I might have accidentally touched myself with dirty gloves , or maybe the lenses do n't cover my eyes fully and something slipped by .
`` I am physically tired because the protective devices hurt , the lab coat makes me sweat and once I 'm dressed I can no longer go to the bathroom or drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychologically tired , like all my colleagues who have been in the same situation for weeks , but this wo n't stop us doing our job . ''
In the past days , a photo of another nurse , Elena Pagliarini , has become a symbol of the medical profession 's fight against coronavirus .
Ms Pagliarini works at a hospital in Cremona .
The city is in northern Lombardy , the country 's hardest-hit region .
Fellow nurse Francesca Mangiatordi , who took the photo , told Nurse Times : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I looked at her and I wanted to hug her , but I preferred to immortalise that moment . ''
Ms Bonari , from Grosseto in Tuscany , urged Italians to respect a lockdown imposed on the country to curb the spread of the disease .
Otherwise , she warned all the medical staff 's efforts would be in vain .
She added : `` We young people are not immune to coronavirus , we too can get sick - worse yet , we can make somebody else sick .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going back to a house under quarantine .
I have to go to work and do my part .
You do yours , please . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The appeal from Ms Bonari , who is listed on Facebook as working at a Milan hospital , came after doctors have offered dramatic accounts of the challenges faced by frontline staff .
Some have likened coronavirus to war , or to a tsunami .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak outside China , doctors and nurses have a long way to go .
Virus Outbreak : Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm on weekdays

One nurse was bruised after using a face mask and said she could not go to the toilet or drink for six hours. Another collapsed asleep on a laptop at the end of a relentless 10-hour shift.
Along with doctors and other medical staff, nurses have been on the frontline of Italy's fight against coronavirus - sharing stories of exhaustion and heroism in the face of a disease that has killed more than 800 people in the country and infected over 12,400.
Young nurse Alessia Bonari, who shared a photo showing the marks on her face after wearing a protective mask, said she was afraid to go to work every day.
In an Instagram post, she wrote: "I am afraid because the mask might not stick properly to the face, or I might have accidentally touched myself with dirty gloves, or maybe the lenses don't cover my eyes fully and something slipped by.
"I am physically tired because the protective devices hurt, the lab coat makes me sweat and once I'm dressed I can no longer go to the bathroom or drink for six hours.
"I am psychologically tired, like all my colleagues who have been in the same situation for weeks, but this won't stop us doing our job."
In the past days, a photo of another nurse, Elena Pagliarini, has become a symbol of the medical profession's fight against coronavirus.
Ms Pagliarini works at a hospital in Cremona. The city is in northern Lombardy, the country's hardest-hit region.
Image: 'Moment of truce': A nurse collapses from exhaustion. Pic: Nurse Times
Fellow nurse Francesca Mangiatordi, who took the photo, told Nurse Times: "We had been working relentlessly for 10 hours.
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"I looked at her and I wanted to hug her, but I preferred to immortalise that moment."
Ms Bonari, from Grosseto in Tuscany, urged Italians to respect a lockdown imposed on the country to curb the spread of the disease. Otherwise, she warned all the medical staff's efforts would be in vain.
She added: "We young people are not immune to coronavirus, we too can get sick - worse yet, we can make somebody else sick.
"I can't afford the luxury of going back to a house under quarantine. I have to go to work and do my part. You do yours, please."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The appeal from Ms Bonari, who is listed on Facebook as working at a Milan hospital, came after doctors have offered dramatic accounts of the challenges faced by frontline staff.
Some have likened coronavirus to war, or to a tsunami.
As Italy continues to grapple with the worst outbreak outside China, doctors and nurses have a long way to go.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm on weekdays


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: Dow enters bear market territory as virus continues to scare investors

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has entered bear market territory after a volatile day of trading in the US .
The market index confirmed a bear market for the first time since the 2008-09 financial crisis , after finishing more than 20 % below its 12 February record close .
It came after the World Health Organization declared that the coronavirus was now being treated as a pandemic .
On Tuesday , US markets had surged on US President Donald Trump 's promises of aid to help business through the outbreak , the Dow Jones soaring by more than 1,100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave up most of their gains as investors realised no details had been forthcoming , sending the index into reverse , falling more than 1,400 points or 5.86 % .
The Nasdaq was down 4.4 % and the S & P 500 , which set a record high just three weeks ago , was down by 4.6 % .
In the past three weeks the Dow Jones has had six days where it has swung by more than 1,000 points , not including Wednesday , something it has done only three other times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market strategist at TD Ameritrade , said the expectation was for `` a month of volatility as the coronavirus plays out '' .
Mr Trump had hinted at tax cuts and other economic relief but his proposal for a cut to payroll taxes has not been welcomed in Congress .
He tweeted on Wednesday : `` I am fully prepared to use the full power of the Federal Government to deal with our current challenge of the coronavirus ! ''
But , again , there were no details .
Louis Wong , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Investors are still worried that those fiscal stimulus packages may not be able to contain the virus outbreak as well as to mitigate the impact on the economy . ''
In the UK , the FTSE 100 closed down after a volatile day where it swung between positive and negative territory .
The FTSE had risen 2 % in the morning on news of the Bank of England 's emergency rate cut from 0.75 % to 0.25 % , coming after a similar move by the US Federal Reserve last week .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
But Chancellor Rishi Sunak 's first budget , which included poor growth figures for the UK economy , sent the FTSE 100 downwards .
It finished 1.4 % in the red with the FTSE 250 down 1.18 % .
The falls in global markets are mainly due to fears that coronavirus could take a sizeable toll on the world economy .
The outbreak began in the world 's second-largest economy of China late last year .
Many millions of people were placed under severe travel restrictions , with the initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and luxury stocks , which rely heavily on Chinese consumers .
The fear is that the virus could hurt the global economy from two ends - on the supply side as factories shut down and businesses struggle to continue because workers are quarantined ; and on the demand side , where companies will see fewer customers because they are staying at home rather than risking the crowds out shopping or at restaurants .
COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus , has steadily spread to most countries in the world - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world 's largest economy , the US , has confirmed more than 1,000 cases .
Worldwide , there are more than 121,000 cases and 4,300 deaths .

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has entered bear market territory after a volatile day of trading in the US.
The market index confirmed a bear market for the first time since the 2008-09 financial crisis, after finishing more than 20% below its 12 February record close.
It came after the World Health Organization declared that the coronavirus was now being treated as a pandemic.
On Tuesday, US markets had surged on US President Donald Trump's promises of aid to help business through the outbreak, the Dow Jones soaring by more than 1,100 points.
But on Wednesday, they gave up most of their gains as investors realised no details had been forthcoming, sending the index into reverse, falling more than 1,400 points or 5.86%.
The Nasdaq was down 4.4% and the S&P 500, which set a record high just three weeks ago, was down by 4.6%.
In the past three weeks the Dow Jones has had six days where it has swung by more than 1,000 points, not including Wednesday, something it has done only three other times in history.
JJ Kinahan, chief market strategist at TD Ameritrade, said the expectation was for "a month of volatility as the coronavirus plays out".
Mr Trump had hinted at tax cuts and other economic relief but his proposal for a cut to payroll taxes has not been welcomed in Congress.
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He tweeted on Wednesday: "I am fully prepared to use the full power of the Federal Government to deal with our current challenge of the coronavirus!" But, again, there were no details.
Louis Wong, of Philip Capital Management, warned: "Investors are still worried that those fiscal stimulus packages may not be able to contain the virus outbreak as well as to mitigate the impact on the economy."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Coronavirus: The financial system is 'part of solution'
In the UK, the FTSE 100 closed down after a volatile day where it swung between positive and negative territory.
The FTSE had risen 2% in the morning on news of the Bank of England's emergency rate cut from 0.75% to 0.25%, coming after a similar move by the US Federal Reserve last week. The European Central Bank is expected to follow on Thursday.
But Chancellor Rishi Sunak's first budget, which included poor growth figures for the UK economy, sent the FTSE 100 downwards. It finished 1.4% in the red with the FTSE 250 down 1.18%.
The falls in global markets are mainly due to fears that coronavirus could take a sizeable toll on the world economy.
The outbreak began in the world's second-largest economy of China late last year.
Many millions of people were placed under severe travel restrictions, with the initial pain felt by travel and leisure stocks, and luxury stocks, which rely heavily on Chinese consumers.
The fear is that the virus could hurt the global economy from two ends - on the supply side as factories shut down and businesses struggle to continue because workers are quarantined; and on the demand side, where companies will see fewer customers because they are staying at home rather than risking the crowds out shopping or at restaurants.
COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, has steadily spread to most countries in the world - the UK has 460 cases and the world's largest economy, the US, has confirmed more than 1,000 cases.
Worldwide, there are more than 121,000 cases and 4,300 deaths.


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: Nursing chief outlines problems NHS faces in event of large coronavirus outbreak

The government 's plans to increase the number of acute critical care beds in response to the coronavirus outbreak will be a `` problem '' , a nursing chief has said .
Nicki Credland , the chair of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses , has told Sky 's Kay Burley @ Breakfast programme that the NHS is `` already working at full capacity '' and that a rise in COVID-19 cases in the UK would `` put a huge strain on the system '' .
The Health Secretary , Matt Hancock MP , had previously revealed plans on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month for the government to increase the number of high acute critical care beds to 5,000 .
But Ms Credland indicated that the current number of intensive care nurses meant this would be a challenge for the health service .
`` Every intensive care bed that we open will require four fully qualified intensive care nurses to staff it .
`` [ Mr Hancock ] has commented that there will be 5,000 new intensive care beds .
That will require 20,000 fully qualified intensive care nurses , which we will simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
Ms Credland also warned of a potential drop in patient safety standards due to the changes COVID-19 would bring to the NHS .
`` Due to the increased scale , and complexity , and speed at which we need to deliver this service , that is without doubt going to compromise the quality and safety of care that we can provide to patients .
`` From a nursing point of view , we 've got 40,000 nursing vacancies nationwide .
So as you can imagine that will put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole , certainly from an intensive care perspective . ''
• The UK 's interest rate has been cut to help economy during outbreak • A sixth person has died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK ; confirmed cases rise to 382 • NHS in England to `` ramp up '' testing facilities so 10,000 tests can be done each day • Manchester City 's game against Arsenal tonight is postponed and players are self-isolating • A man is pulled from the rubble of a quarantine hotel in China nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the coronavirus crisis added to `` a huge problem in terms of recruitment and retention of critical care nurses '' .
Mr Hancock will chair a COBRA meeting on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing issue of COVID-19 .
The Health Secretary told fellow MPs in the Commons on Tuesday that members of the public should begin to access GP services digitally `` with immediate effect '' because of the virus outbreak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Wherever clinically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the House , `` people can access and should access primary care through phones and digital means .
`` This is especially important in the current coronavirus outbreak .
`` Already there is a rollout that 's started , but we will make this across the country with immediate effect . ''
Mr Hancock also revealed that in a new effort to tackle COVID-19 , the government had reserved a hotel by Heathrow airport for foreign nationals arriving in the UK that need to self-isolate .
Former staff from the now-defunct Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been working on no-deal Brexit contingency plans , are now supporting the government in its response to the coronavirus .

The government's plans to increase the number of acute critical care beds in response to the coronavirus outbreak will be a "problem", a nursing chief has said.
Nicki Credland, the chair of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses, has told Sky's Kay Burley@Breakfast programme that the NHS is "already working at full capacity" and that a rise in COVID-19 cases in the UK would "put a huge strain on the system".
The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock MP, had previously revealed plans on Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme earlier this month for the government to increase the number of high acute critical care beds to 5,000.
Image: Ms Credland says 20,000 more nurses need to be found to staff the acute care beds the government has promised
But Ms Credland indicated that the current number of intensive care nurses meant this would be a challenge for the health service.
"Every intensive care bed that we open will require four fully qualified intensive care nurses to staff it.
"[Mr Hancock] has commented that there will be 5,000 new intensive care beds. That will require 20,000 fully qualified intensive care nurses, which we will simply not be able to mobilise as quickly," she said.
Ms Credland also warned of a potential drop in patient safety standards due to the changes COVID-19 would bring to the NHS.
Image: Matt Hancock MP has previously promised more than 5,000 acute care beds will be available if necessary
"Due to the increased scale, and complexity, and speed at which we need to deliver this service, that is without doubt going to compromise the quality and safety of care that we can provide to patients.
"From a nursing point of view, we've got 40,000 nursing vacancies nationwide. So as you can imagine that will put a huge strain on the system as a whole, certainly from an intensive care perspective."
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In other coronavirus developments:
Health minister Nadine Dorries has tested positive for COVID-19
The UK's interest rate has been cut to help economy during outbreak
A sixth person has died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK; confirmed cases rise to 382
after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK; confirmed cases rise to 382 NHS in England to "ramp up" testing facilities so 10,000 tests can be done each day
Manchester City's game against Arsenal tonight is postponed and players are self-isolating
and players are self-isolating US festival Coachella pushed back until October
pushed back until October A man is pulled from the rubble of a quarantine hotel in China nearly three days after it collapsed
Ms Credland said the coronavirus crisis added to "a huge problem in terms of recruitment and retention of critical care nurses".
Mr Hancock will chair a COBRA meeting on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing issue of COVID-19.
The Health Secretary told fellow MPs in the Commons on Tuesday that members of the public should begin to access GP services digitally "with immediate effect" because of the virus outbreak.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"Wherever clinically and practically possible," Mr Hancock told the House, "people can access and should access primary care through phones and digital means.
"This is especially important in the current coronavirus outbreak.
"Already there is a rollout that's started, but we will make this across the country with immediate effect."
Mr Hancock also revealed that in a new effort to tackle COVID-19, the government had reserved a hotel by Heathrow airport for foreign nationals arriving in the UK that need to self-isolate.
Former staff from the now-defunct Department for Exiting the European Union, who had been working on no-deal Brexit contingency plans, are now supporting the government in its response to the coronavirus.


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: PM set to escalate UK's response in a matter of hours

Boris Johnson is set to escalate the country 's coronavirus response to the next phase , which will see more people encouraged to stay at home .
The prime minister will chair an emergency COBRA meeting on Thursday where he is expected to declare that the UK will switch from trying to contain COVID-19 to delaying its spread .
This comes the day after the World Health Organisation designated COVID-19 a pandemic .
Moving to the delay phase will mean social distancing measures could be brought in .
People with even the slightest symptoms may be asked to remain at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vulnerable is expected soon as part of the change to the `` delay '' phase .
Draconian measures such as mass school closures , banning public gatherings and mass testing of the public are not set to be deployed at this stage , although the government has said they remain an option .
The UK is not copying the drastic action in countries such as Italy , where the entire population has been quarantined and football matches played behind closed doors .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs there are `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools '' , although individual schools might be told to close .
Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday night , he said : `` There are significant downsides [ to closing schools ] especially because of the knock-on consequences it has on the number of staff available for critical public services , including the NHS and social care . ''
Until now , the government has been focused on trying to stop coronavirus from being transmitted inside the country .
On Monday , Mr Johnson suggested an escalation was likely - admitting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work on its own '' .
He went on to say that `` extensive preparations '' were under way to move to the `` delay '' phase to slow the virus ' spread .
• Containment - Trying to catch cases early and trace all contacts to avoid the spread of the disease • Delay - Using `` social distancing '' tactics such as closing schools and postponing or cancelling large-scale gatherings to delay the spread of the virus while a vaccine is not available • Research - Learning more about how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected can be treated most effectively • Mitigate - Public services including police and NHS scaled back to a minimum to ensure vulnerable people are protected and health workers are supported in surge of demand Now , Mr Johnson is expected to confirm Britain has entered that second stage , without following every suggestion contained in that action plan .
The prime minister is likely to come under pressure to explain why he does not take all the measures in the action plan available during the `` delay '' phase .
The action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay phase : `` Action that would be considered could include population distancing strategies , ( such as school closures , encouraging greater home working , reducing the number of large scale gatherings ) to slow the spread of hte disease throughout the population , whilst ensuring the country 's ability to continue to run as normally as possible .
`` The UK governments ' education departments ' planning assumptions include the possibility of having to close educational settings in order to reduce the spread of infection '' .
• A UK paramedic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greece has reported its first death from the illness - a 66-year-old man with underlying health problems • Austria has recorded its first coronavirus fatality after a 69-year-old man died in Vienna • Iran has said there have been 75 more deaths in the country , bringing the total to 429 • Poland has reported its first death from the coronavirus , authorities in the country have said • South Africa , where there are 17 cases , has reported its first case of locally transmitted coronavirus • There are now 2,078 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will close all schools for 14 days • Spain 's parliament has extended its suspension for 15 days • All schools , universities and nurseries will close for two weeks in Lithuania • The NBA basketball season has been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic • Spain has suspended all its La Liga football games , according to reports in the country • The Real Madrid football team is in quarantine after a member of its basketball team tested positive for the virus • Norway is considering closing several of its airports , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Czech Republic is set to bring in controls on its borders with Germany and Austria • Kenya 's athletics authority has barred its athletes from travelling to international events • Mass gatherings of 250 people or more have been banned in California • Kazakhstan has suspended all public events in a bid to stop the spread of the virus • Thailand 's health ministry has reported 11 new cases of the coronavirus , bringing the total to 70 • Denmark has shut all schools and universities after a 10-fold rises in cases since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parade in New York City has been cancelled • China 's coronavirus adviser has said he expects the global pandemic to be over by June • WHO chief Tedros Adhanom has said he fears some countries are not taking the virus seriously enough Discussion between ministers and the opposition are also being held about emergency legislation which could be passed next week .
The emergency legislation is likely to give the power to government to relax lots of regulations , including allowing larger class sizes , changes to rules on care homes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
New figures published on Wednesday showed that 460 people now have COVID-19 - a rise of 87 cases in 24 hours .
These `` social distancing '' tactics are the main tools available try to prevent accelerated transmission when no vaccine is yet available Meanwhile , Mr Hancock has confirmed parliament will not close , despite health minister Nadine Dorries being diagnosed with COVID-19 and another MP going into self-isolation as a precaution .
The health secretary admitted the House of Commons `` may have to function differently '' but insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tackle the outbreak and scrutinise the government was `` vital '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

Boris Johnson is set to escalate the country's coronavirus response to the next phase, which will see more people encouraged to stay at home.
The prime minister will chair an emergency COBRA meeting on Thursday where he is expected to declare that the UK will switch from trying to contain COVID-19 to delaying its spread.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
This comes the day after the World Health Organisation designated COVID-19 a pandemic.
Moving to the delay phase will mean social distancing measures could be brought in.
People with even the slightest symptoms may be asked to remain at home.
More guidance for over-65s and the vulnerable is expected soon as part of the change to the "delay" phase.
Draconian measures such as mass school closures, banning public gatherings and mass testing of the public are not set to be deployed at this stage, although the government has said they remain an option.
The UK is not copying the drastic action in countries such as Italy, where the entire population has been quarantined and football matches played behind closed doors.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs there are "no plans for a mass closure of schools", although individual schools might be told to close.
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Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday night, he said: "There are significant downsides [to closing schools] especially because of the knock-on consequences it has on the number of staff available for critical public services, including the NHS and social care."
Until now, the government has been focused on trying to stop coronavirus from being transmitted inside the country.
On Monday, Mr Johnson suggested an escalation was likely - admitting the containment strategy was "extremely unlikely to work on its own".
He went on to say that "extensive preparations" were under way to move to the "delay" phase to slow the virus' spread.
Four phases of UK's response plan:
Containment - Trying to catch cases early and trace all contacts to avoid the spread of the disease
- Trying to catch cases early and trace all contacts to avoid the spread of the disease Delay - Using "social distancing" tactics such as closing schools and postponing or cancelling large-scale gatherings to delay the spread of the virus while a vaccine is not available
- Using "social distancing" tactics such as closing schools and postponing or cancelling large-scale gatherings to delay the spread of the virus while a vaccine is not available Research - Learning more about how the virus spreads and how those who are infected can be treated most effectively
- Learning more about how the virus spreads and how those who are infected can be treated most effectively Mitigate - Public services including police and NHS scaled back to a minimum to ensure vulnerable people are protected and health workers are supported in surge of demand
Now, Mr Johnson is expected to confirm Britain has entered that second stage, without following every suggestion contained in that action plan.
The prime minister is likely to come under pressure to explain why he does not take all the measures in the action plan available during the "delay" phase.
The action plan published last week says of the delay phase: "Action that would be considered could include population distancing strategies, (such as school closures, encouraging greater home working, reducing the number of large scale gatherings) to slow the spread of hte disease throughout the population, whilst ensuring the country's ability to continue to run as normally as possible.
"The UK governments' education departments' planning assumptions include the possibility of having to close educational settings in order to reduce the spread of infection".
Other key coronavirus developments include:
A UK paramedic has tested positive for the coronavirus
Greece has reported its first death from the illness - a 66-year-old man with underlying health problems
Austria has recorded its first coronavirus fatality after a 69-year-old man died in Vienna
Iran has said there have been 75 more deaths in the country, bringing the total to 429
Poland has reported its first death from the coronavirus, authorities in the country have said
South Africa, where there are 17 cases, has reported its first case of locally transmitted coronavirus
There are now 2,078 cases of the virus in Germany
Slovakia will close all schools for 14 days
Spain's parliament has extended its suspension for 15 days
All schools, universities and nurseries will close for two weeks in Lithuania
The NBA basketball season has been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic
Spain has suspended all its La Liga football games, according to reports in the country
The Real Madrid football team is in quarantine after a member of its basketball team tested positive for the virus
Norway is considering closing several of its airports, according to airport operator Avinor
The Czech Republic is set to bring in controls on its borders with Germany and Austria
Kenya's athletics authority has barred its athletes from travelling to international events
Mass gatherings of 250 people or more have been banned in California
Kazakhstan has suspended all public events in a bid to stop the spread of the virus
Thailand's health ministry has reported 11 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total to 70
Denmark has shut all schools and universities after a 10-fold rises in cases since Monday
The St Patrick's Day parade in New York City has been cancelled
China's coronavirus adviser has said he expects the global pandemic to be over by June
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom has said he fears some countries are not taking the virus seriously enough
Discussion between ministers and the opposition are also being held about emergency legislation which could be passed next week.
The emergency legislation is likely to give the power to government to relax lots of regulations, including allowing larger class sizes, changes to rules on care homes, allowing retired medical professionals to return to work.
New figures published on Wednesday showed that 460 people now have COVID-19 - a rise of 87 cases in 24 hours.
These "social distancing" tactics are the main tools available try to prevent accelerated transmission when no vaccine is yet available
Meanwhile, Mr Hancock has confirmed parliament will not close, despite health minister Nadine Dorries being diagnosed with COVID-19 and another MP going into self-isolation as a precaution.
The health secretary admitted the House of Commons "may have to function differently" but insisted MPs' ability to create new laws to tackle the outbreak and scrutinise the government was "vital".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: UK deaths rise by 185 to 769

Another 185 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK , taking the total to 769 .
The new figures were recorded between 5pm on Wednesday and 5pm on Thursday .
NHS England announced there had been 168 more deaths in England , up from 521 , taking its tally to 689 .
The patients who died in England were aged between 29 and 98 , and all but four - who were aged between 82 and 91 - had underlying health conditions .
The number of confirmed cases in England stands at 12,324 .
Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wales , taking its death count from 28 to 34 .
There have also been 180 new positive tests for the coronavirus in Wales - taking the total to 921. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
It came after another eight deaths in Scotland were confirmed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon .
The total number of coronavirus patients to have died in Scotland now stands at 33 , while the number of people who have tested positive in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1,059 .
Ms Sturgeon added that 72 patients with COVID-19 symptoms are in intensive care units .
Northern Ireland 's Public Health Agency was the last to update its figures , confirming that three more people had died there after testing positive for the disease - taking its total to 13 .
There have also been another 34 cases reported , bringing the total number there to 275 .
Due to the time-frame used by NHS England , the latest figures will not include Prime Minister Boris Johnson or Health Secretary Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive on Friday morning .
The government has said that figures for all four home nations should be announced by around 2pm each day .
According to Johns Hopkins University , the UK remains sixth on the list of countries ranked by how many people have died after testing positive for the coronavirus .
Italy leads the way with 8,215 , followed by Spain on 4,858 and China 's Hubei province on 3,174 .
Following Hubei is Iran on 2,378 , France on 1,696 and then the UK .
But it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of confirmed cases worldwide after overtaking China on Thursday .

Another 185 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK, taking the total to 769.
The new figures were recorded between 5pm on Wednesday and 5pm on Thursday.
NHS England announced there had been 168 more deaths in England, up from 521, taking its tally to 689.
The patients who died in England were aged between 29 and 98, and all but four - who were aged between 82 and 91 - had underlying health conditions.
The number of confirmed cases in England stands at 12,324.
Public Health Wales said another six people had died in Wales, taking its death count from 28 to 34.
There have also been 180 new positive tests for the coronavirus in Wales - taking the total to 921.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
It came after another eight deaths in Scotland were confirmed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
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The total number of coronavirus patients to have died in Scotland now stands at 33, while the number of people who have tested positive in the country has risen by 165 - from 894 to 1,059.
Ms Sturgeon added that 72 patients with COVID-19 symptoms are in intensive care units.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Cheers ring out for NHS workers battling coronavirus
Northern Ireland's Public Health Agency was the last to update its figures, confirming that three more people had died there after testing positive for the disease - taking its total to 13.
There have also been another 34 cases reported, bringing the total number there to 275.
The regional totals stand at:
England - 689 deaths
Wales - 34 deaths
Scotland - 33 deaths
Northern Ireland - 13 deaths
Due to the time-frame used by NHS England, the latest figures will not include Prime Minister Boris Johnson or Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who both announced they had tested positive on Friday morning.
The government has said that figures for all four home nations should be announced by around 2pm each day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM: 'I can continue' with COVID-19
According to Johns Hopkins University, the UK remains sixth on the list of countries ranked by how many people have died after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Italy leads the way with 8,215, followed by Spain on 4,858 and China's Hubei province on 3,174.
Following Hubei is Iran on 2,378, France on 1,696 and then the UK.
But it is the US that has the most number of confirmed cases worldwide after overtaking China on Thursday.


news--2020-03-27--Harry and Meghan have 'moved to California' to set up new home

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have left Canada to set up their new home in California , according to reports .
Harry and Meghan , with their 10-month-old son Archie , are understood to be living in lockdown close to Hollywood in accordance with the state 's coronavirus containment measures .
The family left their rented home in Vancouver last week and took a private flight to the US before the border between the two countries closed , The Sun reported .
The report came hours after it was revealed Meghan will narrate a Disney documentary in her first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have left Canada now for good '' , a source told the Sun .
`` The borders were closing and the flights were stopping .
They had to get out . ''
The source added that the move was `` planned for some time '' and the couple realised Canada would `` not work out for various reasons '' and that they wanted to be based in Los Angeles .
`` They have a big support network there .
It 's where their new team of Hollywood agents and PRs and business managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of friends there and , of course , her mum Doria . ''
The couple are set to officially step down as senior royals on 31 March and will no longer be able to use their HRH styles or use Sussex Royal as their brand .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The couple said they wanted to be financially independent as they announced they were stepping down as senior royals .
The Disney documentary Meghan has worked on is called Elephant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service Disney+ from 3 April .
Meanwhile , Harry has recorded a charity single with Jon Bon Jovi and the Invictus Games Choir which will be released today .
Bon Jovi , whose parents both served in the US Marine Corps , originally wrote and released the track , called Unbroken , last year as a tribute to veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder .
Harry , who founded the international sporting event for injured or sick military personnel , urged members of the Invictus Games Choir to use their experiences on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference '' to the public 's mental health .
It emerged earlier this week that Prince Charles tested positive for coronavirus but has only experienced mild symptoms .
He is now self-isolating at his Scottish home Birkhall , in Aberdeenshire , while his wife the Duchess of Cornwall is living separately from her husband in the property after she tested negative for COVID-19 .
The Queen , 93 , is staying at Windsor Castle with the Duke of Edinburgh , 98 , and the pair are in good health , Buckingham Palace said @ @ @

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have left Canada to set up their new home in California, according to reports.
Harry and Meghan, with their 10-month-old son Archie, are understood to be living in lockdown close to Hollywood in accordance with the state's coronavirus containment measures.
The family left their rented home in Vancouver last week and took a private flight to the US before the border between the two countries closed, The Sun reported.
The report came hours after it was revealed Meghan will narrate a Disney documentary in her first post-royal job.
Image: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their son Archie are said to have left Canada before borders closed last week
"Harry and Meghan have left Canada now for good", a source told the Sun.
"The borders were closing and the flights were stopping. They had to get out."
The source added that the move was "planned for some time" and the couple realised Canada would "not work out for various reasons" and that they wanted to be based in Los Angeles.
"They have a big support network there. It's where their new team of Hollywood agents and PRs and business managers are based.
"Meghan has lots of friends there and, of course, her mum Doria."
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The couple are set to officially step down as senior royals on 31 March and will no longer be able to use their HRH styles or use Sussex Royal as their brand.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The couple said they wanted to be financially independent as they announced they were stepping down as senior royals.
The Disney documentary Meghan has worked on is called Elephant, and will be available on streaming service Disney+ from 3 April.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 Harry and Meghan bid farewell to royal duties
Meanwhile, Harry has recorded a charity single with Jon Bon Jovi and the Invictus Games Choir which will be released today.
Bon Jovi, whose parents both served in the US Marine Corps, originally wrote and released the track, called Unbroken, last year as a tribute to veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Harry, who founded the international sporting event for injured or sick military personnel, urged members of the Invictus Games Choir to use their experiences on the front line to make a "massive difference" to the public's mental health.
It emerged earlier this week that Prince Charles tested positive for coronavirus but has only experienced mild symptoms.
Image: Charles and Camilla joined the nation in a round of applausefor the NHS. Pic: Instagram
He is now self-isolating at his Scottish home Birkhall, in Aberdeenshire, while his wife the Duchess of Cornwall is living separately from her husband in the property after she tested negative for COVID-19.
The Queen, 93, is staying at Windsor Castle with the Duke of Edinburgh, 98, and the pair are in good health, Buckingham Palace said on Wednesday.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Temporary mortuary for up to 12,000 bodies being built at Birmingham Airport

A temporary mortuary site that will be able to hold up to 12,000 bodies is being built at Birmingham Airport in preparation for an expected rise in coronavirus deaths .
It comes as NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens confirmed Birmingham 's National Exhibition Centre and Manchester 's Central Convention Centre are set to be converted into temporary hospitals .
London 's ExCel centre is already being turned into a temporary hospital due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Work has begun on the mortuary site in Birmingham which will initially be able to accommodate 1,500 deaths before expanding to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenario .
It is expected the temporary site could ultimately accommodate all deaths across the West Midlands , including those not related to the coronavirus , as regional mortuaries may close due to staffing the new facility .
West Midlands Police has said it is `` vital that the right facilities are in place to ensure we give the utmost dignity and respect at all times to those who die as a result of this illness '' .
The force added it will do everything it can to accommodate religious requirements .
Senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We understand that it is a very difficult time for everyone and we will do all that we can to make sure bereaved families understand what is happening to their loved ones and to release them for funeral as soon as we can . ''
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said : `` Birmingham Airport can confirm that it is working with the authorities to provide land and a hangar for a temporary mortuary site at the Elmdon side of Birmingham Airport , to support with the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` This mortuary is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region , including those not related to coronavirus .
Birmingham Airport will do its utmost to support this multi-agency response during these difficult times . ''
Birmingham 's NEC could hold as many as 5,000 beds for patients if it is turned into a temporary hospital , while the facility in Manchester could hold 1,000. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The armed forces are helping the Department of Health and Social Care in planning to expand hospital bed capacity across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in coronavirus patients .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who is himself self-isolating after contracting the coronavirus , announced earlier this week that a temporary hospital will open at London 's ExCel Centre .
The Nightingale Hospital , which has been set up with the help of the military , is due to open next week with an initial capacity of 500 beds but with plans to expand to 4,000 beds if needed .
Another eight sites on top of Birmingham , Manchester and the ExCel Centre in London are being considered , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Glasgow .
The military is also expanding its ability to provide helicopters to transport patients , equipment and personnel around the country in support of the NHS during the coronavirus crisis .
Two helicopter hubs are being created - one to cover Scotland and Northern England , the other for the Midlands and Southern England , the Ministry of Defence said .
Three Royal Air Force Puma helicopters will be stationed at Kinloss Barracks in Moray .
They will work closely with a Chinook and a Wildcat helicopter based at RAF Leeming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for assistance from NHS boards and trusts across Scotland and Northern England .
A second helicopter facility - comprising RAF and Royal Navy Air Service aircraft - for the Midlands and the south will operate out of The Aviation Task Force Headquarters at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Friday he will be self-isolating after testing positive for the coronavirus .
Just hours later the prime minister 's chief medical officer Chris Witty confirmed he is also self-isolating after experiencing coronavirus symptoms .
Downing Street confirmed on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver food and medicines , and perform other supportive tasks , for the 1.4 million vulnerable people isolated at home .

A temporary mortuary site that will be able to hold up to 12,000 bodies is being built at Birmingham Airport in preparation for an expected rise in coronavirus deaths.
It comes as NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens confirmed Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre and Manchester's Central Convention Centre are set to be converted into temporary hospitals.
London's ExCel centre is already being turned into a temporary hospital due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: London's ExCel Centre is to become the NHS Nightingale hospital
Work has begun on the mortuary site in Birmingham which will initially be able to accommodate 1,500 deaths before expanding to hold up to 12,000 bodies in a worst-case scenario.
It is expected the temporary site could ultimately accommodate all deaths across the West Midlands, including those not related to the coronavirus, as regional mortuaries may close due to staffing the new facility.
West Midlands Police has said it is "vital that the right facilities are in place to ensure we give the utmost dignity and respect at all times to those who die as a result of this illness".
The force added it will do everything it can to accommodate religious requirements.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Does COVID-19 affect men or women worse?
Senior Birmingham Coroner Louise Hunt said: "We understand that it is a very difficult time for everyone and we will do all that we can to make sure bereaved families understand what is happening to their loved ones and to release them for funeral as soon as we can."
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: "Birmingham Airport can confirm that it is working with the authorities to provide land and a hangar for a temporary mortuary site at the Elmdon side of Birmingham Airport, to support with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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"This mortuary is anticipated to accommodate the deceased from across the region, including those not related to coronavirus. Birmingham Airport will do its utmost to support this multi-agency response during these difficult times."
Birmingham's NEC could hold as many as 5,000 beds for patients if it is turned into a temporary hospital, while the facility in Manchester could hold 1,000.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The armed forces are helping the Department of Health and Social Care in planning to expand hospital bed capacity across the country in anticipation of a spike in coronavirus patients.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who is himself self-isolating after contracting the coronavirus, announced earlier this week that a temporary hospital will open at London's ExCel Centre.
The Nightingale Hospital, which has been set up with the help of the military, is due to open next week with an initial capacity of 500 beds but with plans to expand to 4,000 beds if needed.
Another eight sites on top of Birmingham, Manchester and the ExCel Centre in London are being considered, with additional locations thought to include Newcastle and Glasgow.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Inside London's coronavirus super-hospital
The military is also expanding its ability to provide helicopters to transport patients, equipment and personnel around the country in support of the NHS during the coronavirus crisis.
Two helicopter hubs are being created - one to cover Scotland and Northern England, the other for the Midlands and Southern England, the Ministry of Defence said.
Three Royal Air Force Puma helicopters will be stationed at Kinloss Barracks in Moray.
They will work closely with a Chinook and a Wildcat helicopter based at RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, responding to requests for assistance from NHS boards and trusts across Scotland and Northern England.
A second helicopter facility - comprising RAF and Royal Navy Air Service aircraft - for the Midlands and the south will operate out of The Aviation Task Force Headquarters at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Friday he will be self-isolating after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Just hours later the prime minister's chief medical officer Chris Witty confirmed he is also self-isolating after experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
Downing Street confirmed on Friday that 702,000 volunteers have signed up to deliver food and medicines, and perform other supportive tasks, for the 1.4 million vulnerable people isolated at home.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Ex-Interserve chief to oversee COVID-19 testing network

The former boss of Interserve , the outsourcing giant , has been drafted in by ministers to help test thousands of key workers for COVID-19 .
Sky News understands that Debbie White , who recently stepped down from her executive role at the company , has been asked to set up a network of testing centres across the UK .
The network will exclude NHS staff but be open to other key workers such as police and prison officers , according to people briefed on the plans .
New centres are expected to be situated in locations such as university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will be unpaid , has been created to help the government coordinate what is likely to be a vast and prolonged programme to expand coronavirus testing as the pandemic grows .
Insiders said that the proposed network for testing key workers was currently being led by the Department for Education , although the Department of Health is also likely to play an important role in its administration .
Ms White is a former executive at ICI , and then AstraZeneca , the pharmaceutical giant .
She also held a string of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management group Sodexo before joining Interserve in 2017 .
Interserve emerged last year from a brief spell in administration under the control of its lenders - a restructuring that salvaged tens of thousands of British jobs .
Ms White could not be reached for comment on Friday .

The former boss of Interserve, the outsourcing giant, has been drafted in by ministers to help test thousands of key workers for COVID-19.
Sky News understands that Debbie White, who recently stepped down from her executive role at the company, has been asked to set up a network of testing centres across the UK.
The network will exclude NHS staff but be open to other key workers such as police and prison officers, according to people briefed on the plans.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 NHS worker thanks public for support
New centres are expected to be situated in locations such as university car parks.
Ms White's role, which will be unpaid, has been created to help the government coordinate what is likely to be a vast and prolonged programme to expand coronavirus testing as the pandemic grows.
Insiders said that the proposed network for testing key workers was currently being led by the Department for Education, although the Department of Health is also likely to play an important role in its administration.
Ms White is a former executive at ICI, and then AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical giant.
She also held a string of senior roles at the catering and facilities management group Sodexo before joining Interserve in 2017.
Image: Debbie White had recently stepped down from her role at Interserve
Interserve emerged last year from a brief spell in administration under the control of its lenders - a restructuring that salvaged tens of thousands of British jobs.
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Ms White could not be reached for comment on Friday.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Grandfather, 87, beats COVID-19 as his family thank NHS

An 87-year-old grandfather has left hospital after coming through a two-week battle against coronavirus .
A photograph of Ewart Lockton leaving North Manchester General Hospital was posted on Facebook by his granddaughter Sophie Edwards .
Mr Lockton was pictured arm-in-arm with a smiling NHS worker while wearing a mask and using a walking frame .
He had been diagnosed with pneumonia after testing positive for COVID-19 .
Ms Edwards said : `` We all need to hear some positive stories ... '' This is my 87-year-old grandpa saying goodbye to staff at North Manchester Hospital where he 's been for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He 's now finishing his recovery where he belongs , at home with my grandma !
`` Thank you to everyone for all their kindness and support through a difficult time and most of all ... ..thanks to the NHS !
! ''
The Facebook post has been shared more than 80,000 times and liked nearly 100,000 times .
One Facebook user wrote : `` What a refreshing start to my day , to see this horrible virus can be beaten . ''
Another simply added : `` WELL DONE NHS .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery at home with his wife Phyllis .
On Friday , ministers asked local authorities to find homes for all rough sleepers by the weekend , as the Metropolitan Police asked recently retired officers to re-join during the crisis .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
More than 580 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus , with the number of recorded cases now at 11,658 .

An 87-year-old grandfather has left hospital after coming through a two-week battle against coronavirus.
A photograph of Ewart Lockton leaving North Manchester General Hospital was posted on Facebook by his granddaughter Sophie Edwards.
Mr Lockton was pictured arm-in-arm with a smiling NHS worker while wearing a mask and using a walking frame.
He had been diagnosed with pneumonia after testing positive for COVID-19.
Ms Edwards said: "We all need to hear some positive stories...
"This is my 87-year-old grandpa saying goodbye to staff at North Manchester Hospital where he's been for two weeks with covid positive pneumonia.
"He's now finishing his recovery where he belongs, at home with my grandma!
"Thank you to everyone for all their kindness and support through a difficult time and most of all.....thanks to the NHS!!"
The Facebook post has been shared more than 80,000 times and liked nearly 100,000 times.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 Royal children salute NHS carers
One Facebook user wrote: "What a refreshing start to my day, to see this horrible virus can be beaten."
Another simply added: "WELL DONE NHS."
Mr Lockton is now completing his recovery at home with his wife Phyllis.
On Friday, ministers asked local authorities to find homes for all rough sleepers by the weekend, as the Metropolitan Police asked recently retired officers to re-join during the crisis.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
More than 580 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus, with the number of recorded cases now at 11,658.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Three-day rally of markets is over as FTSE 100 falls 6%

Stock markets have endured a renewed rout in values as investors fret over the extent of coronavirus damage expected to be inflicted on the global economy .
The brakes were firmly applied on Friday after a three-day rally for major indices in Europe and the United States which had raised hopes , in some quarters , that the worst was over after five weeks of turmoil .
The collapse began as COVID-19 took hold in Europe and losses on Monday , over the year to date , averaged more than 30 % for the likes of the FTSE 100 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend market closure neared , analysts said investors were moving to protect their positions ahead of the two-day shutdown when they are unable to react to the news flow .
The FTSE 100 in London was 6.5 % lower by mid-afternoon , with every constituent company trading in the red .
It closed the day 5.3 % lower at 5,510 .
It meant just shy of £77bn had been erased from the value of the index but it ended the week 300 points above where it had started .
The CAC in France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German DAX was 3.7 % off .
On Wall Street , the Dow was 3 % down having recovered some losses earlier in the session .
Only on Tuesday , the US index had enjoyed its best single day percentage gain since 1933 as the market eagerly awaited details of the $ 2trn relief plan for the US economy agreed between Donald Trump 's White House and Capitol Hill .
The House of Representatives is due to vote on the package later on Friday , allowing the president to sign the bill over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central banks over the past few weeks have helped bolster sentiment but there are fears it will not be enough to offset the damage left behind - given there is so much uncertainty over what is to come .
Craig Erlam , senior market analyst for the UK and Europe at Oanda , said in a note : `` Rallies do n't last forever and clearly investors are happy to call time on this one as we head into another uncertain weekend .
`` We may have had a good run this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long time at moments like this and the numbers we 're getting from the US , which now has more cases than China or Italy , are getting uglier by the day . ''

Stock markets have endured a renewed rout in values as investors fret over the extent of coronavirus damage expected to be inflicted on the global economy.
The brakes were firmly applied on Friday after a three-day rally for major indices in Europe and the United States which had raised hopes, in some quarters, that the worst was over after five weeks of turmoil.
The collapse began as COVID-19 took hold in Europe and losses on Monday, over the year to date, averaged more than 30% for the likes of the FTSE 100 and Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 US jobless benefit claims soar above three million
As the weekend market closure neared, analysts said investors were moving to protect their positions ahead of the two-day shutdown when they are unable to react to the news flow.
The FTSE 100 in London was 6.5% lower by mid-afternoon, with every constituent company trading in the red.
It closed the day 5.3% lower at 5,510. It meant just shy of £77bn had been erased from the value of the index but it ended the week 300 points above where it had started.
The CAC in France lost 4.2% on Friday while the German DAX was 3.7% off.
On Wall Street, the Dow was 3% down having recovered some losses earlier in the session.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 The government's aid for self-employed
Only on Tuesday, the US index had enjoyed its best single day percentage gain since 1933 as the market eagerly awaited details of the $2trn relief plan for the US economy agreed between Donald Trump's White House and Capitol Hill.
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The House of Representatives is due to vote on the package later on Friday, allowing the president to sign the bill over the weekend.
Stimulus from governments and central banks over the past few weeks have helped bolster sentiment but there are fears it will not be enough to offset the damage left behind - given there is so much uncertainty over what is to come.
Craig Erlam, senior market analyst for the UK and Europe at Oanda, said in a note: "Rallies don't last forever and clearly investors are happy to call time on this one as we head into another uncertain weekend.
"We may have had a good run this week but the weekend can feel like a long time at moments like this and the numbers we're getting from the US, which now has more cases than China or Italy, are getting uglier by the day."


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Food worth $35,000 'deliberately' coughed on in supermarket

A supermarket has had to throw away $ 35,000 ( £28,500 ) of groceries after a woman `` deliberately '' coughed on fresh food .
Gerrity 's Supermarket in Pennsylvania described the woman 's actions as a `` very twisted prank '' , and said it had no choice but to discard all of the items she came into contact with .
Co-owner Joe Fasula said the store 's fruit and vegetable aisles - as well as its meat and bakery - were targeted in the incident .
He wrote on Facebook : `` I am also sick to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` While it is always a shame when food is wasted , in these times when so many people are worried about the security of our food supply , it is even more disturbing . ''
On Twitter , the store added : `` It truly saddens us .
We are doing our best to provide everyone a safe environment & the items they need during this time including our seniors & those who are immunocompromised . ''
Shop shelves have now been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected .
Although the woman is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are planning to administer a test .
A 35-year-old called Margaret Cirko has been arrested in connection with the incident .
In a statement , Hanover Township Police Department said : `` Police were called to the business after Cirko entered the store making verbal threats that she was sick while intentionally coughing and spitting saliva/bile on produce/meat/merchandise .
`` Cirko continued this behaviour in several aisles before attempting to steal a 12 pack of beer as she was being ordered to leave the store by employees . ''
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker She has been charged with terrorist threats , threatening to use a `` biological agent '' , criminal mischief , attempting to commit retail theft , and disorderly conduct .
Supermarkets around the world have been struggling to keep up with demand as shoppers stockpile goods .
Mr Fasula says his store 's shelves of fresh produce have now been fully restocked .

A supermarket has had to throw away $35,000 (£28,500) of groceries after a woman "deliberately" coughed on fresh food.
Gerrity's Supermarket in Pennsylvania described the woman's actions as a "very twisted prank", and said it had no choice but to discard all of the items she came into contact with.
Co-owner Joe Fasula said the store's fruit and vegetable aisles - as well as its meat and bakery - were targeted in the incident.
Image: The shop shelves have now been cleaned and disinfected
He wrote on Facebook: "I am also sick to my stomach about the loss of food.
"While it is always a shame when food is wasted, in these times when so many people are worried about the security of our food supply, it is even more disturbing."
On Twitter, the store added: "It truly saddens us. We are doing our best to provide everyone a safe environment & the items they need during this time including our seniors & those who are immunocompromised."
Shop shelves have now been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Although the woman is not believed to have coronavirus, local police are planning to administer a test.
A 35-year-old called Margaret Cirko has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Image: A 35-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident
In a statement, Hanover Township Police Department said: "Police were called to the business after Cirko entered the store making verbal threats that she was sick while intentionally coughing and spitting saliva/bile on produce/meat/merchandise.
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"Cirko continued this behaviour in several aisles before attempting to steal a 12 pack of beer as she was being ordered to leave the store by employees."
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She has been charged with terrorist threats, threatening to use a "biological agent", criminal mischief, attempting to commit retail theft, and disorderly conduct.
Supermarkets around the world have been struggling to keep up with demand as shoppers stockpile goods.
Mr Fasula says his store's shelves of fresh produce have now been fully restocked.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: Theme park becomes coronavirus antibody testing station for NHS staff

Hundreds of frontline NHS staff are being tested this weekend to find out if they have had coronavirus at a drive-through facility at a theme park .
Cabins have been set up in one of the main car parks at Chessington World of Adventures , on the outskirts of southwest London , so NHS staff can drive up to them and get their nose and mouth swabbed by nurses to be sent off for testing .
They started swabbing NHS staff , who have been specifically referred , on Friday as the government announced increased COVID-19 antigen testing , developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutes and universities , will be rolled out immediately to those working in hospitals and social care .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said that the testing would begin this weekend , `` dramatically '' scaling up next week , to allow those working in health and social care to `` have security in the knowledge that they can safely return to work if their test is negative '' .
`` This is absolutely crucial to our response to - and fight against - coronavirus , '' he added .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The first of three new laboratories is expected to start operating this weekend and will initially process about 800 samples from frontline health workers before scaling up every week , with the two other laboratories to open soon , the government said .
Amazon and Royal Mail will help get the tests to NHS workers and back to the labs , while Boots has been supporting the initial trials by supplying volunteer healthcare clinicians to be testers .
NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those working in intensive care , A & E , GP practices and staff running ambulance services .
The government 's announcement comes after increasing criticism for the lack of testing , with a petition started by a nurse asking for frontline NHS staff to be tested attracting more than a million signatures within days .
Antigen testing detects whether there are antigens present in a person 's blood .
Antigens are part of the body 's immune system - they are contained within a virus and are triggered to help the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antigens can be detected in blood before antibodies are made , meaning they are a much quicker way of identifying whether someone has an infection .
These tests are used to detect other viruses such as malaria and flu .
They are different from antibody tests , which can tell you whether you have already had the virus rather than if you are carrying it at the time .
The government said the new testing service `` will help end the uncertainty of whether NHS staff need to stay at home '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to return to work , ending the need for those displaying symptoms but who have not got COVID-19 to self-isolate as a precaution .
Sir Simon said 33,000 hospital beds - the equivalent of 50 new hospitals - across England had been freed up in existing hospitals for COVID-19 patients , with more to come as new makeshift hospitals are opened in major cities .
Work is almost complete on transforming London 's enormous ExCel Centre into the NHS Nightingale Hospital , which will house thousands of beds for coronavirus patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Birmingham 's NEC and Manchester 's Central exhibition centres with up to 2,000 beds available in Birmingham and 1,000 in Manchester , although they will both start with 500 beds .
Sir Simon said the hospital plans were part of an `` unprecedented response '' to the pandemic and will be staffed predominantly by NHS doctors , nurses and other healthcare professionals , with military medics on hand if needed .
More than 18,000 retired doctors , nurses and other former NHS staff have volunteered and will be given a full induction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the ground running '' , Sir Simon said .
Regarding the increase in testing , he said : `` We will be rolling out staff testing across the NHS , starting next week with the critical care nurses , other staff in intensive care , emergency departments , ambulance services , GPs .
`` As testing volumes continue to increase , we want to widen that to essential public service workers , as well as our social care workers , and continue with patient testing that is so vital . ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time in the absence of Boris Johnson , after the prime minister announced earlier in the day he had tested positive for coronavirus and had gone into self-isolation .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has previously stood in for the PM but was also unavailable as he is also self-isolating after testing positive , having experienced `` mild symptoms '' of the disease .
They both revealed that they had been diagnosed in video messages posted on Twitter on Friday morning .
There was also no sign of the government 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who revealed on Friday afternoon that he is self-isolating with symptoms of coronavirus .
The total death count in the UK now stands at 1028 .

Hundreds of frontline NHS staff are being tested this weekend to find out if they have had coronavirus at a drive-through facility at a theme park.
Cabins have been set up in one of the main car parks at Chessington World of Adventures, on the outskirts of southwest London, so NHS staff can drive up to them and get their nose and mouth swabbed by nurses to be sent off for testing.
They started swabbing NHS staff, who have been specifically referred, on Friday as the government announced increased COVID-19 antigen testing, developed in partnership with UK businesses, research institutes and universities, will be rolled out immediately to those working in hospitals and social care.
Image: Testing cabins have been set up in a car park at Chessington World of Adventures
Image: Nurses are taking swabs from NHS staff who remain in their cars at Chessington
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said that the testing would begin this weekend, "dramatically" scaling up next week, to allow those working in health and social care to "have security in the knowledge that they can safely return to work if their test is negative".
"This is absolutely crucial to our response to - and fight against - coronavirus," he added.
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The first of three new laboratories is expected to start operating this weekend and will initially process about 800 samples from frontline health workers before scaling up every week, with the two other laboratories to open soon, the government said.
Amazon and Royal Mail will help get the tests to NHS workers and back to the labs, while Boots has been supporting the initial trials by supplying volunteer healthcare clinicians to be testers.
Image: The swabs will be taken for testing so NHS staff can know wether they have COVID-19 or not
NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the tests would initially be focused on those working in intensive care, A&E, GP practices and staff running ambulance services.
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The government's announcement comes after increasing criticism for the lack of testing, with a petition started by a nurse asking for frontline NHS staff to be tested attracting more than a million signatures within days.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How does the COVID-19 antibody test work?
What is antigen testing?
Antigen testing detects whether there are antigens present in a person's blood.
Antigens are part of the body's immune system - they are contained within a virus and are triggered to help the body fight off infection and develop antibodies.
Antigens can be detected in blood before antibodies are made, meaning they are a much quicker way of identifying whether someone has an infection.
These tests are used to detect other viruses such as malaria and flu.
They are different from antibody tests, which can tell you whether you have already had the virus rather than if you are carrying it at the time.
Image: The new NHS Nightingale Hospital is being built inside London's ExCel exhibition centre
The government said the new testing service "will help end the uncertainty of whether NHS staff need to stay at home".
Those who test negative for coronavirus will be able to return to work, ending the need for those displaying symptoms but who have not got COVID-19 to self-isolate as a precaution.
Sir Simon said 33,000 hospital beds - the equivalent of 50 new hospitals - across England had been freed up in existing hospitals for COVID-19 patients, with more to come as new makeshift hospitals are opened in major cities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Gove: 'Virus does not discriminate'
Work is almost complete on transforming London's enormous ExCel Centre into the NHS Nightingale Hospital, which will house thousands of beds for coronavirus patients.
Two further Nightingale Hospitals will open in Birmingham's NEC and Manchester's Central exhibition centres with up to 2,000 beds available in Birmingham and 1,000 in Manchester, although they will both start with 500 beds.
Sir Simon said the hospital plans were part of an "unprecedented response" to the pandemic and will be staffed predominantly by NHS doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, with military medics on hand if needed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Inside the UK's coronavirus super-hospital
More than 18,000 retired doctors, nurses and other former NHS staff have volunteered and will be given a full induction and online training "to help them hit the ground running", Sir Simon said.
Regarding the increase in testing, he said: "We will be rolling out staff testing across the NHS, starting next week with the critical care nurses, other staff in intensive care, emergency departments, ambulance services, GPs.
"As testing volumes continue to increase, we want to widen that to essential public service workers, as well as our social care workers, and continue with patient testing that is so vital."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM: 'I can continue' with COVID-19
Mr Gove led Friday's news briefing for the first time in the absence of Boris Johnson, after the prime minister announced earlier in the day he had tested positive for coronavirus and had gone into self-isolation.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has previously stood in for the PM but was also unavailable as he is also self-isolating after testing positive, having experienced "mild symptoms" of the disease.
They both revealed that they had been diagnosed in video messages posted on Twitter on Friday morning.
Image: Professor Chris Whitty (left) and Sir Patrick Vallance (right) missed Friday's briefing
There was also no sign of the government's chief medical adviser, Professor Chris Whitty, who revealed on Friday afternoon that he is self-isolating with symptoms of coronavirus.
The total death count in the UK now stands at 1028.


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: How will government work with the prime minister in isolation?

The government will have to adapt to get through the coronavirus crisis now that the prime minister and his health secretary are self-isolating , a former head of the civil service says .
Lord Bob Kerslake told Sky News that Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock - who have both tested positive for COVID-19 - could `` continue to function '' in their roles but warned decisions need to be taken about who steps in if either become incapacitated .
He said Michael Gove , the Cabinet Office minister , will now play a `` critical '' role in coordinating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has resulted in hundreds of deaths in the UK and forced a country-wide lockdown .
To keep government departments functioning , Lord Kerslake said , anyone who has come into contact with Mr Johnson and Mr Hancock recently should be tested for the virus .
He added it was vital to make sure there remains a `` very established system of who does what if there are senior players removed from the scene '' .
Lord Kerslake , a crossbench peer , said : `` It 's worth saying this is a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have been completely sorted before the coronavirus hit us . ''
As long as Mr Johnson is able to , he should carry on leading the response , Lord Kerslake added .
`` The prime minister 's role is crucial at this time , not least because of the visible leadership that the country needs , '' he said .
`` My sense is the government have made big policy calls , and that 's to their credit really - on things like lockdown , employment protection - but there 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If you talk to anyone , there 's still quite a lot of detail to sort out to get all of this fully effective and that requires political oversight .
`` That 's crucial to the process so we must have functioning political oversight over this very , very difficult period . ''
But Lord Kerslake was optimistic that despite the unprecedented crisis facing Whitehall , technology enabling video-calls will keep things running as smoothly as possible .
`` It is new territory ; I doubt if anyone has ever experienced anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And I 'm sure after this period we 'll all think about how we could improve on it .
`` But I get the sense that people are able to operate in this way , they are adapting , there is now reasonably good tech that allows you to hold effective meetings with large numbers of people involved and make clear decisions .
`` So I do think life and the business of government can carry on - notwithstanding the very different way in which it 's taking place .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very good and I think they are responding well to these extraordinary circumstances . ''

The government will have to adapt to get through the coronavirus crisis now that the prime minister and his health secretary are self-isolating, a former head of the civil service says.
Lord Bob Kerslake told Sky News that Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock - who have both tested positive for COVID-19 - could "continue to function" in their roles but warned decisions need to be taken about who steps in if either become incapacitated.
He said Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, will now play a "critical" role in coordinating the response to the coronavirus outbreak, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths in the UK and forced a country-wide lockdown.
Image: Lord Kerslake said Whitehall was in 'new territory'
To keep government departments functioning, Lord Kerslake said, anyone who has come into contact with Mr Johnson and Mr Hancock recently should be tested for the virus.
He added it was vital to make sure there remains a "very established system of who does what if there are senior players removed from the scene".
Lord Kerslake, a crossbench peer, said: "It's worth saying this is a new government so some of this stuff may not have been completely sorted before the coronavirus hit us."
As long as Mr Johnson is able to, he should carry on leading the response, Lord Kerslake added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 PM: 'I can continue' with COVID-19
"The prime minister's role is crucial at this time, not least because of the visible leadership that the country needs," he said.
"My sense is the government have made big policy calls, and that's to their credit really - on things like lockdown, employment protection - but there's a mass of detail in the implementation.
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"If you talk to anyone, there's still quite a lot of detail to sort out to get all of this fully effective and that requires political oversight.
"That's crucial to the process so we must have functioning political oversight over this very, very difficult period."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:26 Health sec announces he has coronavirus
But Lord Kerslake was optimistic that despite the unprecedented crisis facing Whitehall, technology enabling video-calls will keep things running as smoothly as possible.
"It is new territory; I doubt if anyone has ever experienced anything like this," he said.
"And I'm sure after this period we'll all think about how we could improve on it.
"But I get the sense that people are able to operate in this way, they are adapting, there is now reasonably good tech that allows you to hold effective meetings with large numbers of people involved and make clear decisions.
"So I do think life and the business of government can carry on - notwithstanding the very different way in which it's taking place.
"The adaptability of government and the civil service is very good and I think they are responding well to these extraordinary circumstances."


news--2020-03-27--Coronavirus: EU governments bicker over 'Corona bond' to help pay for crisis

David Sassoli looked a little weary , and a little irritated when he sat down .
The president of the European Parliament , a man blessed with eloquence and strong opinions , had been listening to words from the leaders of the world 's most wealthy and powerful nations .
Words about co-operation ; good intentions .
But - clearly in the mind of Mr Sassoli , an Italian who has watched in horror as the north of his country has been devastated by the virus - the focus was still , often , just words rather than determined action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not enough , '' he said .
`` This is a profound crisis .
It will impact on our society , on our economy - on our very social model .
`` It is not enough to just 'open up the debate ' .
We need real leadership .
If we weaken Europe 's internal market , we weaken every country including those we think they are stronger than the others . ''
As he spoke , the leaders of the 27 countries that make up the European Union , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and European Central Bank , were holding a video conference to discuss their response to the crisis .
It was a show of political strength , and it was intended to also be a show of European unity .
The leaders agreed , of course , to endorse such measures as joint procurement of equipment , relaxations on state aid and greater investment into vaccine research .
But then came the crack .
How to pay for all this ?
How to structure debt ?
Do you increase the overall budget of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or just leave it on the shoulders of each country ?
At the heart of this is the idea of creating a form of debt that would be known as a `` Corona bond '' to help finance Europe 's response .
I understand that the German and Dutch governments oppose the idea ; Italy and Spain , the two European countries most severely affected , do n't just support it , but see it as a test of the EU 's commitment to them .
The meeting went on for hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez saying that the `` European project '' is at stake .
Even German Chancellor Angela Merkel admitting that the arguments were damaging to the fabric of Europe .
So , too , did the French president , Emmanuel Macron .
And the answer ?
Well , there is n't one yet .
Instead , the group of European finance ministers , known as Eurogroup , have been given 15 days to come up with some proposals .
In normal times , 15 days would seem reasonable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rushing headlong into big decisions .
But two weeks , in the midst of a pandemic , will stretch painfully into the future .
The repercussions could be significant .
Italy was already a country where euroscepticism rang loud .
The idea that the EU has hesitated in backing Italy , at its hour of profound need , could inspire those doubts further .
The same , perhaps , could happen in Spain .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU breaking up .
It has survived crises before ( although none like this ) and it is much more likely to adapt than to collapse .
But for all the proclamations about unity that have come from the European Commission , the political response so far has been dominated by governments pursuing their own paths , rather than acting as part of a collective .
Mr Sassoli said that `` governments who try selfishness as an answer , '' must understand that `` a stronger EU will allow our countries to recover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now politicians - experienced , sanguine politicians - using combative , confrontational language .
The political effects of this virus could be profound .

David Sassoli looked a little weary, and a little irritated when he sat down.
The president of the European Parliament, a man blessed with eloquence and strong opinions, had been listening to words from the leaders of the world's most wealthy and powerful nations.
Words about co-operation; good intentions. But - clearly in the mind of Mr Sassoli, an Italian who has watched in horror as the north of his country has been devastated by the virus - the focus was still, often, just words rather than determined action.
Image: David Sassoli at a mini plenary session of European Parliament
"The instruments we have now are not enough," he said. "This is a profound crisis. It will impact on our society, on our economy - on our very social model.
"It is not enough to just 'open up the debate'. We need real leadership. If we weaken Europe's internal market, we weaken every country including those we think they are stronger than the others."
As he spoke, the leaders of the 27 countries that make up the European Union, as well as the presidents of the European Commission and European Central Bank, were holding a video conference to discuss their response to the crisis. It was a show of political strength, and it was intended to also be a show of European unity.
The leaders agreed, of course, to endorse such measures as joint procurement of equipment, relaxations on state aid and greater investment into vaccine research.
But then came the crack. How to pay for all this? How to structure debt? Do you increase the overall budget of the EU, or create a centralised facility, or just leave it on the shoulders of each country?
Image: A picture shows a screen of a video conference call between members of the European Council on Thursday
At the heart of this is the idea of creating a form of debt that would be known as a "Corona bond" to help finance Europe's response. I understand that the German and Dutch governments oppose the idea; Italy and Spain, the two European countries most severely affected, don't just support it, but see it as a test of the EU's commitment to them.
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The meeting went on for hours. Diplomats talked of angry exchanges, of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez saying that the "European project" is at stake. Even German Chancellor Angela Merkel admitting that the arguments were damaging to the fabric of Europe. So, too, did the French president, Emmanuel Macron.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:47 How is Europe coping with lockdown?
And the answer? Well, there isn't one yet. Instead, the group of European finance ministers, known as Eurogroup, have been given 15 days to come up with some proposals.
In normal times, 15 days would seem reasonable. The European Union isn't known for rushing headlong into big decisions. But two weeks, in the midst of a pandemic, will stretch painfully into the future.
The repercussions could be significant. Italy was already a country where euroscepticism rang loud. The idea that the EU has hesitated in backing Italy, at its hour of profound need, could inspire those doubts further. The same, perhaps, could happen in Spain.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It is far too early to talk of the EU breaking up. It has survived crises before (although none like this) and it is much more likely to adapt than to collapse.
But for all the proclamations about unity that have come from the European Commission, the political response so far has been dominated by governments pursuing their own paths, rather than acting as part of a collective.
Mr Sassoli said that "governments who try selfishness as an answer," must understand that "a stronger EU will allow our countries to recover".
In Europe, there are now politicians - experienced, sanguine politicians - using combative, confrontational language. The political effects of this virus could be profound.