news--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: Millions 'shielding' in England will be able to meet up to six people from 6 July

Millions of people `` shielding '' during the coronavirus outbreak will soon be able to meet six others from outside their home .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the change will apply in England from Monday 6 July for those deemed clinically `` extremely vulnerable '' .
They will no longer have to shield from 1 August - but the government says support from the NHS volunteer scheme and local councils will remain in place .
Similar changes will come into effect in Northern Ireland .
When coronavirus began to take hold of the UK in March , letters were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , due to their health , they would need to stay inside for at least 12 weeks .
They could not even enjoy the albeit limited exceptions enjoyed by the healthy population - exercise away from home or food shopping , for example .
That changed at the start of June , when the group of around 2.2 million were told they could leave home once a day for exercise - or those who lived alone could meet someone from another household .
But as strict `` stay at home '' rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population , charities said people were getting `` confused '' messaging about how much longer they would have to shield .
Now Mr Hancock has confirmed those who have been largely trapped indoors can meet up to six people from outside their household , while maintaining social distancing , in two weeks ' time .
He thanked those shielding and told them `` this sacrifice has been for a purpose '' .
`` We knew it was a difficult ask , but these measures have been vital in saving lives , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` With infection rates continuing to fall in our communities , our medical experts have advised that we can now ease some of these measures , while keeping people safe . ''
The government says people will retain their priority for supermarket delivery slots , and still be able to access help with shopping , medication , phone calls and transport to medical appointments when the shielding programme ends in August .
Those who can not do their job from home will also be encouraged to go back to work , so long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so .
But the Department of Health has cautioned the shielding programme could be rolled out again if there is a second peak of COVID-19 .
It says the NHS will maintain its list of clinically extremely vulnerable people and if cases of the virus rise `` it may be necessary to advise that more restrictive measures should be taken in order for those at highest risk to keep themselves safe '' .
But Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation said while some will welcome the relaxation , for others it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of anxiety '' .
Alison Cook , the two charities ' director of external affairs , said : `` The government has to be clear about the evidence that they are using to calculate risk and share that publicly so people can decide what they are going to do ... '' It is vital that before anyone in the extremely clinically vulnerable group goes back to work that employers can clearly demonstrate how they are going to be able to keep people safe , whether that 's through socially distancing or providing protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the tone of the announcement `` risks creating the impression that the shielding community no longer needs to worry about the coronavirus '' .
It cautioned the news could see vulnerable people `` forced to choose between their financial security and their health '' .
In Wales , the devolved government says shielding will continue until 16 August .
In Scotland , people have been told to shield until at least 31 July - with a further update promised closer to the time .

Millions of people "shielding" during the coronavirus outbreak will soon be able to meet six others from outside their home.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the change will apply in England from Monday 6 July for those deemed clinically "extremely vulnerable".
They will no longer have to shield from 1 August - but the government says support from the NHS volunteer scheme and local councils will remain in place.
Image: Some people have been effectively trapped at home for months
Similar changes will come into effect in Northern Ireland.
When coronavirus began to take hold of the UK in March, letters were sent to millions of people telling them that, due to their health, they would need to stay inside for at least 12 weeks.
They could not even enjoy the albeit limited exceptions enjoyed by the healthy population - exercise away from home or food shopping, for example.
That changed at the start of June, when the group of around 2.2 million were told they could leave home once a day for exercise - or those who lived alone could meet someone from another household.
But as strict "stay at home" rules were loosened for the rest of the population, charities said people were getting "confused" messaging about how much longer they would have to shield.
Now Mr Hancock has confirmed those who have been largely trapped indoors can meet up to six people from outside their household, while maintaining social distancing, in two weeks' time.
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He thanked those shielding and told them "this sacrifice has been for a purpose".
"We knew it was a difficult ask, but these measures have been vital in saving lives," the health secretary explained in a statement.
"With infection rates continuing to fall in our communities, our medical experts have advised that we can now ease some of these measures, while keeping people safe."
Image: The shielding programme began in March
The government says people will retain their priority for supermarket delivery slots, and still be able to access help with shopping, medication, phone calls and transport to medical appointments when the shielding programme ends in August.
Those who cannot do their job from home will also be encouraged to go back to work, so long as it is safe for them to do so.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:55 Shielding MPs face 'discrimination'
But the Department of Health has cautioned the shielding programme could be rolled out again if there is a second peak of COVID-19.
It says the NHS will maintain its list of clinically extremely vulnerable people and if cases of the virus rise "it may be necessary to advise that more restrictive measures should be taken in order for those at highest risk to keep themselves safe".
But Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation said while some will welcome the relaxation, for others it will "understandably lead to a lot of anxiety".
Alison Cook, the two charities' director of external affairs, said: "The government has to be clear about the evidence that they are using to calculate risk and share that publicly so people can decide what they are going to do...
"It is vital that before anyone in the extremely clinically vulnerable group goes back to work that employers can clearly demonstrate how they are going to be able to keep people safe, whether that's through socially distancing or providing protective equipment."
And Blood Cancer UK said the tone of the announcement "risks creating the impression that the shielding community no longer needs to worry about the coronavirus".
It cautioned the news could see vulnerable people "forced to choose between their financial security and their health".
In Wales, the devolved government says shielding will continue until 16 August.
In Scotland, people have been told to shield until at least 31 July - with a further update promised closer to the time.


news--2020-06-22--Coronavirus: World Health Organisation reports record increase in new COVID-19 cases in 24-hour peri

Coronavirus: World Health Organisation reports record increase in new COVID-19 cases in 24-hour period

The World Health Organisation has reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases , with the total rising by 183,020 in a 24-hour period .
The biggest rise - almost two thirds of the new infections - was seen in North and South America with around 116,041 new cases , according to the body 's daily report on Sunday .
The second-highest spike was recorded in South East Asia ( 20,248 ) , then the Eastern Mediterranean ( 18,975 ) , Europe ( 17,922 ) , Africa ( 8,464 ) and Western Pacific ( 1,370 ) .
The previous record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day was 181,232 on 18 June .
There were 54,771 new cases in Brazil ( 1,206 deaths ) , followed by the United States with 36,617 ( 690 deaths ) and India with more than 15,400 infections ( 306 deaths ) , the UN health agency said .
Indian authorities said this was in part due to a backlog in data from Delhi and Mumbai , while officials in Brazil said the significant increase was also partly down to a lag in reporting from three states ( Bahia , Rio de Janeiro and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two days .
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday the last one million cases were reported in just eight days .
He also warned against the `` politicisation '' of the pandemic : `` The greatest threat we face now is not the virus itself , it 's the lack of global solidarity and global leadership .
We can not defeat this pandemic with a divided world . ''
It comes as European Union officials held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and premier Li Keqiang via video conferences .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of running COVID-19 disinformation campaigns sought to cool tensions between the two major trading partners .
Nearly nine million people have been infected and more than 468,000 people have died , according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University which has been tracking the coronavirus outbreak .
Experts have said the actual numbers are much higher than the infections counted by governments across the world , given the limits to testing , the presumed large share of asymptomatic cases as well as unreported cases .
In the US , experts say a spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second wave but a continuation of the first wave .
New cases are falling in some parts of the country , while rising mainly in the the south , west and midwest , swamping hospitals in some areas .
`` When you have 20,000-plus infections per day , how can you talk about a second wave ? ''
said Dr Anthony Fauci , of the National Institutes of Health .
`` We 're in the first wave .
Let 's get out of the first wave before you have a second wave .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first countries in the world to return to near pre-pandemic normality - there are nine new cases after it had none at all for three weeks earlier this month .
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had warned cases could appear as New Zealanders return home from abroad .
It comes after the country lifted all social and economic restrictions last week , except border controls - which have now been strengthened in the wake of the new cases , some of which have been linked to arrivals from the UK , India and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea and China reported signs of progress - after both saw a resurgence of the virus in recent weeks , prompting fresh lockdowns , school closures and travel bans .
South Korea reported 17 new cases , the first time its daily increase fell to under 20 in nearly a month , while in Beijing the increase was in single digits for the first time in eight days .
It reported nine cases .
Thirty new infections were reported in Hong Kong , taking the number of cases there to 1,162 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one to 61 , had travelled from abroad , health officials said .
And in Germany , the R number - which refers to the reproductive rate of the disease - leapt again from 1.79 on Saturday to 2.88 on Sunday , official figures show .
In order to contain the illness , a figure of less than one is required .

The World Health Organisation has reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases, with the total rising by 183,020 in a 24-hour period.
The biggest rise - almost two thirds of the new infections - was seen in North and South America with around 116,041 new cases, according to the body's daily report on Sunday.
The second-highest spike was recorded in South East Asia (20,248), then the Eastern Mediterranean (18,975), Europe (17,922), Africa (8,464) and Western Pacific (1,370).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:58 Dog meat still on sale in China. Warning: Distressing images
The previous record for new COVID-19 cases in a single day was 181,232 on 18 June.
There were 54,771 new cases in Brazil (1,206 deaths), followed by the United States with 36,617 (690 deaths) and India with more than 15,400 infections (306 deaths), the UN health agency said.
Indian authorities said this was in part due to a backlog in data from Delhi and Mumbai, while officials in Brazil said the significant increase was also partly down to a lag in reporting from three states (Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo), compounding data from two days.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday the last one million cases were reported in just eight days.
He also warned against the "politicisation" of the pandemic: "The greatest threat we face now is not the virus itself, it's the lack of global solidarity and global leadership. We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world."
It comes as European Union officials held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and premier Li Keqiang via video conferences.
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The first formal discussions since Brussels accused Beijing of running COVID-19 disinformation campaigns sought to cool tensions between the two major trading partners.
Nearly nine million people have been infected and more than 468,000 people have died, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University which has been tracking the coronavirus outbreak.
Experts have said the actual numbers are much higher than the infections counted by governments across the world, given the limits to testing, the presumed large share of asymptomatic cases as well as unreported cases.
In the US, experts say a spike in infections there is not a so-called second wave but a continuation of the first wave.
New cases are falling in some parts of the country, while rising mainly in the the south, west and midwest, swamping hospitals in some areas.
"When you have 20,000-plus infections per day, how can you talk about a second wave?" said Dr Anthony Fauci, of the National Institutes of Health. "We're in the first wave. Let's get out of the first wave before you have a second wave."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Germany: Rise in virus numbers 'linked to meat industry'
In New Zealand - one of the first countries in the world to return to near pre-pandemic normality - there are nine new cases after it had none at all for three weeks earlier this month.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had warned cases could appear as New Zealanders return home from abroad.
It comes after the country lifted all social and economic restrictions last week, except border controls - which have now been strengthened in the wake of the new cases, some of which have been linked to arrivals from the UK, India and Pakistan.
Image: A woman is tested for COVID-19 at a temporary free testing facility at a school in New Delhi, India
Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea and China reported signs of progress - after both saw a resurgence of the virus in recent weeks, prompting fresh lockdowns, school closures and travel bans.
South Korea reported 17 new cases, the first time its daily increase fell to under 20 in nearly a month, while in Beijing the increase was in single digits for the first time in eight days. It reported nine cases.
Thirty new infections were reported in Hong Kong, taking the number of cases there to 1,162. The 15 males and 15 females, aged one to 61, had travelled from abroad, health officials said.
And in Germany, the R number - which refers to the reproductive rate of the disease - leapt again from 1.79 on Saturday to 2.88 on Sunday, official figures show.
In order to contain the illness, a figure of less than one is required.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Markets stage fightback on hopes of $850bn US stimulus

Stock markets have staged a fightback despite a gradual shutdown in the global economy as coronavirus takes its toll on life as we know it .
Market analysts pegged tentative gains across Europe and the US to hopes of a $ 850bn stimulus programme for the US economy and further support for financial markets from the country 's central bank .
News of £330bn in government-backed loans for UK firms and a pledge of help for airlines , as part of a bolstered package of support from Chancellor Rishi Sunak , came too late in the day for London 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market closed 2.8 % higher at 5,294 after details of the US proposals , also aimed at limiting the financial impact of COVID-19 , became available .
The damage from the outbreak is growing daily .
Among the companies reporting disruption in the UK on Tuesday was Nissan , which said it was ceasing production at its Sunderland plant , while Laura Ashley became the first retailer to stand on the brink of collapse .
Gatwick Airport said it had cut 200 jobs , with bosses taking a pay cut , and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a halt .
Catering firm Compass Group , which has contracts across the world , saw its shares dive 15 % when it forecast half-yearly operating profit would be well below expectations .
The steady feed of negative news prompted the Lloyd 's of London insurance market to ask its members for estimates of their potential current and final losses from coronavirus globally .
On Wall Street , the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed just over 5 % , or 1,048 points higher , after its biggest daily points loss on record in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it emerged the US stimulus package , proposed by Donald Trump 's administration , was being put to political leaders on Capitol Hill .
It was said to include the federal government writing cheques for American households , on a means-tested basis , $ 50bn in support for airlines and additional help for plane-maker Boeing , already reeling from the 737 MAX crisis .
The number of tax payments eligible to be deferred had already been raised , treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters .
He added that he supported financial markets remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospect of trading hours being restricted in the New York Stock Exchange to minimise infection risks .
At a news conference , Donald Trump said the package of measures being considered would be `` big '' and `` bold '' .
ING analysts said of the market mood in a note : `` The main worry seems to be the central banks running out of policy space needed to combat the impact of the virus .
`` And this now calls for a coordinated fiscal response by the governments . ''
Wells Fargo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the April-June quarter and Joel Prakken , chief US economist at IHS Markit , projects the economy will shrink at a 5.4 % annualised rate during the quarter .
A key theme of the announcements from both Mr Sunak and his US counterpart was that concerns about the cost of fiscal help must be placed to one side .
The Chancellor repeatedly pledged to do `` whatever it takes '' while Mr Mnuchin said the US deficit was a matter for tomorrow .
The UK 's measures were widely welcomed though unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do more for workers they they face the prospect of pay cuts or losing their jobs .
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn , the CBI 's director-general , said : `` The Chancellor has taken substantial steps in unprecedented times .
`` Today 's massive increase in government-backed loans , higher cash grants and widened business rates relief for some sectors will help firms protect jobs and businesses. ''
.
She added : `` Urgent decisions are also needed on wages .
An immediate mechanism is needed to top up wages for firms with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower paid staff , so they can keep them employed and get through to the other side . ''

Stock markets have staged a fightback despite a gradual shutdown in the global economy as coronavirus takes its toll on life as we know it.
Market analysts pegged tentative gains across Europe and the US to hopes of a $850bn stimulus programme for the US economy and further support for financial markets from the country's central bank.
News of £330bn in government-backed loans for UK firms and a pledge of help for airlines, as part of a bolstered package of support from Chancellor Rishi Sunak, came too late in the day for London's blue-chip FTSE 100 index.
Image: Many traders are working from home amid efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19
The globally-focused market closed 2.8% higher at 5,294 after details of the US proposals, also aimed at limiting the financial impact of COVID-19, became available.
The damage from the outbreak is growing daily.
Among the companies reporting disruption in the UK on Tuesday was Nissan, which said it was ceasing production at its Sunderland plant, while Laura Ashley became the first retailer to stand on the brink of collapse.
Gatwick Airport said it had cut 200 jobs, with bosses taking a pay cut, and was limiting operations as airline services grind to a halt.
Catering firm Compass Group, which has contracts across the world, saw its shares dive 15% when it forecast half-yearly operating profit would be well below expectations.
The steady feed of negative news prompted the Lloyd's of London insurance market to ask its members for estimates of their potential current and final losses from coronavirus globally.
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On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed just over 5%, or 1,048 points higher, after its biggest daily points loss on record in the previous session.
Gains accelerated when it emerged the US stimulus package, proposed by Donald Trump's administration, was being put to political leaders on Capitol Hill.
It was said to include the federal government writing cheques for American households, on a means-tested basis, $50bn in support for airlines and additional help for plane-maker Boeing, already reeling from the 737 MAX crisis.
The number of tax payments eligible to be deferred had already been raised, treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters.
He added that he supported financial markets remaining open during the crisis but raised the prospect of trading hours being restricted in the New York Stock Exchange to minimise infection risks.
At a news conference, Donald Trump said the package of measures being considered would be "big" and "bold".
ING analysts said of the market mood in a note: "The main worry seems to be the central banks running out of policy space needed to combat the impact of the virus.
"And this now calls for a coordinated fiscal response by the governments."
Wells Fargo Securities forecast a recession for the US in the April-June quarter and Joel Prakken, chief US economist at IHS Markit, projects the economy will shrink at a 5.4% annualised rate during the quarter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Why did the government change its coronavirus response?
A key theme of the announcements from both Mr Sunak and his US counterpart was that concerns about the cost of fiscal help must be placed to one side.
The Chancellor repeatedly pledged to do "whatever it takes" while Mr Mnuchin said the US deficit was a matter for tomorrow.
The UK's measures were widely welcomed though unions and worker-interest groups appealed for Mr Sunak to do more for workers they they face the prospect of pay cuts or losing their jobs.
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, the CBI's director-general, said: "The Chancellor has taken substantial steps in unprecedented times.
"Today's massive increase in government-backed loans, higher cash grants and widened business rates relief for some sectors will help firms protect jobs and businesses.".
She added: "Urgent decisions are also needed on wages. An immediate mechanism is needed to top up wages for firms with no choice but to reduce hours for lower paid staff, so they can keep them employed and get through to the other side."


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Amazon to pause restocking of non-essential items

Amazon is suspending deliveries of non-essential goods to its warehouses in the UK and US to free up space for crucial household and medical supplies There are currently believed to be over 4,660 coronavirus cases in the US and more than 1,900 in the UK - but experts say the true figure could be many times more .
In a note to sellers , Amazon said it was seeing increased demand and that household essentials and medical supplies were being depleted .
It said it was being forced to prioritise particular categories of goods in order to `` quickly receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to customers '' .
The essential categories include baby products , health and household , beauty and personal care , grocery , industrial and scientific , and pet supplies .
The measures will be in place until 5 April .
It does not mean it will stop selling other items , but that some products are more likely to run out of stock in the next few weeks and third-party sellers may have to directly send the items themselves .
Third-party sellers , which account for more than half of the goods for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stockpile goods in the company 's warehouses and take part in Amazon 's own delivery systems .
It enables them to deliver goods more quickly without having to store the stock themselves .
Now any of these sellers whose products are outside of the essential categories will be unable to restock with Amazon , although they could use other methods to deliver their products .
The company said the new system would apply to first-party as well as third-party sellers , suggesting it is not protecting its own products .
`` We understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partners and appreciate their understanding as we temporarily prioritize these products for customers , '' Amazon said in a statement .

Amazon is suspending deliveries of non-essential goods to its warehouses in the UK and US to free up space for crucial household and medical supplies
There are currently believed to be over 4,660 coronavirus cases in the US and more than 1,900 in the UK - but experts say the true figure could be many times more.
In a note to sellers, Amazon said it was seeing increased demand and that household essentials and medical supplies were being depleted.
It said it was being forced to prioritise particular categories of goods in order to "quickly receive, restock, and ship these products to customers".
The essential categories include baby products, health and household, beauty and personal care, grocery, industrial and scientific, and pet supplies.
The measures will be in place until 5 April.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 London landmarks deserted amid outbreak
It does not mean it will stop selling other items, but that some products are more likely to run out of stock in the next few weeks and third-party sellers may have to directly send the items themselves.
Third-party sellers, which account for more than half of the goods for sale on Amazon, are able to stockpile goods in the company's warehouses and take part in Amazon's own delivery systems.
It enables them to deliver goods more quickly without having to store the stock themselves.
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Now any of these sellers whose products are outside of the essential categories will be unable to restock with Amazon, although they could use other methods to deliver their products.
The company said the new system would apply to first-party as well as third-party sellers, suggesting it is not protecting its own products.
"We understand this is a change for our selling partners and appreciate their understanding as we temporarily prioritize
these products for customers," Amazon said in a statement.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: The city that never sleeps is having an early night

New York feels weird .
The flashing lights in Times Square are on , but everyone 's at home .
A few tourists are still here , some taking selfies in face masks .
The Naked Cowboy is withstanding the cold and the coronavirus but few are in the mood for a song .
`` The bar is closed , the gym is closed , the restaurant is closed and the spa is closed , '' the receptionist told me .
If I want breakfast , it will have to be in my room .
`` I 'd stock up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the advice from the concierge .
Everyone is getting used to what this means .
I must n't exaggerate .
This is nothing compared to what we 've seen in Madrid and Rome in recent days , and I doubt it will ever be like that .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker New Yorkers are a resilient bunch .
They 've been through 9/11 and other tough times , but this has an air of the unknown , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded more than 4,600 COVID-19 cases and 85 deaths linked to the virus .
As I write this , I read on Twitter that the satirical Saturday Night Live will not return until further notice .
The New York based show is a master at taking apart the establishment .
There 's nothing funny about this situation , but I 'm sure many of us could do with some comic relief at this time .
New York is epicentre for the coronavirus in America now - it has overtaken Washington State in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases but no-one believes that 's an accurate figure .
The true number will be far , far higher .
The city 's mayor has asked for sites to be identified as potential hospitals .
Non-emergency operations are being cancelled to free up extra beds .
These are extraordinary times , they 're preparing for the worst .
The mood is lowering as the numbers are rising , day-by-day here .
It 's just gone 8pm here and the new measures have kicked in .
The bars are shut , the restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quiet outside , that New York hum has gone .
The city that never sleeps is having an early night .
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm , with experts answering your questions # AskSkyNews at 12.30pm

New York feels weird. The flashing lights in Times Square are on, but everyone's at home.
A few tourists are still here, some taking selfies in face masks. The Naked Cowboy is withstanding the cold and the coronavirus but few are in the mood for a song.
Image: Times Square fixture the Naked Cowboy has been defying the cold and coronavirus
Checking into my hotel felt pretty depressing.
"The bar is closed, the gym is closed, the restaurant is closed and the spa is closed," the receptionist told me.
If I want breakfast, it will have to be in my room.
"I'd stock up if I were you sir," was the advice from the concierge. Everyone is getting used to what this means.
I mustn't exaggerate. This is nothing compared to what we've seen in Madrid and Rome in recent days, and I doubt it will ever be like that.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
New Yorkers are a resilient bunch. They've been through 9/11 and other tough times, but this has an air of the unknown, and that itself is daunting.
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US officials have recorded more than 4,600 COVID-19 cases and 85 deaths linked to the virus.
As I write this, I read on Twitter that the satirical Saturday Night Live will not return until further notice. The New York based show is a master at taking apart the establishment.
There's nothing funny about this situation, but I'm sure many of us could do with some comic relief at this time.
New York is epicentre for the coronavirus in America now - it has overtaken Washington State in the number of sufferers. There are 950 confirmed cases but no-one believes that's an accurate figure. The true number will be far, far higher.
The city's mayor has asked for sites to be identified as potential hospitals. Non-emergency operations are being cancelled to free up extra beds. These are extraordinary times, they're preparing for the worst.
The mood is lowering as the numbers are rising, day-by-day here.
It's just gone 8pm here and the new measures have kicked in. The bars are shut, the restaurants are turning people away. It's quiet outside, that New York hum has gone. The city that never sleeps is having an early night.
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: 'Rising sense of panic' in schools over pandemic, union warns

A teachers ' union has hit out at the government over the coronavirus pandemic , warning that a lack of advice is creating `` chaos and confusion '' for schools .
The NASUWT , which represents teachers and headteachers , said there is a `` rising sense '' of panic in the education sector over COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
It has called for a definitive decision on how to protect staff and pupils .
On Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a raft of unprecedented measures to try and control the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among them .
The government has not ruled out closing schools at a later stage , but has said it is not the right measure to take at this moment in time .
On Monday , guidance was issued by Public Health England to schools and other education settings .
It said that pupils who are continuously coughing or have a fever should be sent home with suspected coronavirus .
According to the government , school closures will not be necessary in most cases .
But its guidance states that this will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factors like the size of the educational establishment and the risk of further spread of COVID-19 .
Despite this , the NASUWT has criticised Mr Johnson for failing to give `` clear and definitive directions '' to schools .
Acting general secretary Chris Keates said : `` All of the announcements continue to be couched as guidance or advice , which is simply serving to increase anxiety and uncertainty .
`` The NASUWT has to date been advising our members in the context of the advice issued by governments and administrations and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the lack of clear information with regard to the steps to protect teachers , headteachers and other staff working in schools in the context of commentators constantly referring to the threats posed by children carrying COVID-19 is causing chaos and confusion and placing intolerable pressure on all staff in schools and their families . ''
It added : `` The NASUWT has consistently raised a series of concerns with ministers since this national crisis began to unfold and whilst we have sought not to second-guess the science and medical advice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult situation , the lack of specific information for schools understandably has created a rising sense of panic . ''
The union said schools are struggling with diminishing staff levels - and warned that changes to working conditions have the potential to compromise the health and safety of both staff and pupils .
`` This situation can not be allowed to continue , '' Ms Keates said .
`` The UK government , working with governments and administrations across the UK , must now make a definitive decision about the steps being taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closure of schools . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
They have warned it is `` likely '' a number of schools will be forced to close due to a lack of staff .
The Association of School and College Leaders ( ASCL ) , the NAHT school leaders ' union and the Confederation of School Trusts ( CST ) held talks with Mr Williamson to discuss the ramifications of schools being closed and exams being postponed @

A teachers' union has hit out at the government over the coronavirus pandemic, warning that a lack of advice is creating "chaos and confusion" for schools.
The NASUWT, which represents teachers and headteachers, said there is a "rising sense" of panic in the education sector over COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
It has called for a definitive decision on how to protect staff and pupils.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:11 Government ramps up its coronavirus measures
On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a raft of unprecedented measures to try and control the spread of the virus.
But school closures were not among them.
The government has not ruled out closing schools at a later stage, but has said it is not the right measure to take at this moment in time.
On Monday, guidance was issued by Public Health England to schools and other education settings.
It said that pupils who are continuously coughing or have a fever should be sent home with suspected coronavirus.
According to the government, school closures will not be necessary in most cases.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Why did the government change its stance?
But its guidance states that this will be a local decision, taking into consideration factors like the size of the educational establishment and the risk of further spread of COVID-19.
Despite this, the NASUWT has criticised Mr Johnson for failing to give "clear and definitive directions" to schools.
Acting general secretary Chris Keates said: "All of the announcements continue to be couched as guidance or advice, which is simply serving to increase anxiety and uncertainty.
"The NASUWT has to date been advising our members in the context of the advice issued by governments and administrations and public health bodies across the UK.
"However, the lack of clear information with regard to the steps to protect teachers, headteachers and other staff working in schools in the context of commentators constantly referring to the threats posed by children carrying COVID-19 is causing chaos and confusion and placing intolerable pressure on all staff in schools and their families."
It added: "The NASUWT has consistently raised a series of concerns with ministers since this national crisis began to unfold and whilst we have sought not to second-guess the science and medical advice and worked to support members in the increasingly difficult situation, the lack of specific information for schools understandably has created a rising sense of panic."
The union said schools are struggling with diminishing staff levels - and warned that changes to working conditions have the potential to compromise the health and safety of both staff and pupils.
"This situation cannot be allowed to continue," Ms Keates said.
"The UK government, working with governments and administrations across the UK, must now make a definitive decision about the steps being taken to protect the school workforce and the closure of schools."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Unions representing teachers held talks with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson on Monday.
They have warned it is "likely" a number of schools will be forced to close due to a lack of staff.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the NAHT school leaders' union and the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) held talks with Mr Williamson to discuss the ramifications of schools being closed and exams being postponed.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Argentina felt like a virus-free bubble - before panic set in

There must be places around the world that are 'coronavirus free ' bubbles .
Places where not only are there no infections , but where people are n't worried , where it 's not the immediate first topic of conversation , where loo roll is plentiful and there is n't a face mask in sight .
Until just a few days ago I felt I was in such a bubble .
`` Where were you ?
! ''
I hear you cry .
The Sahara Desert ?
The Mongolian Plains ?
An Antarctic laboratory ?
Well no , I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populous and regularly visited countries in South America .
I was lucky enough to have been in Argentina and Chile for four weeks on my honeymoon and from there you 'd have been forgiven for simply not realising a global crisis was unfolding .
Despite being from a comparatively highly affected country , no one questioned where we had been or where we 'd come from on entry to tourist sites , national parks or even crowded youth hostel dorm rooms .
The local press largely wrote it up as something happening 'over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought up as a topic of conversation in the back of taxis , at restaurants or even among tourists .
We twice drove across the border between Argentina and Chile , our most recent crossing was only one week ago .
Virus prevention there amounted to one lacklustre sign about symptoms ; there were no facemasks , no temperature checks , no hand sanitiser , no questions , no worries .
With our tent on our backs off up into the mountains , we felt we were in the safest place on earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Latin American authorities encouraging anyone to feel otherwise .
As of the weekend , while European nationals battled thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths , Argentina had just 56 cases , Peru 71 and Chile , the worst affected per capita , still just 156 .
It 's led to what some have described as a delayed or even 'defiant ' reaction .
While LATAM Airlines , the largest regional carrie , r did suspend some routes in early March , internally barely anything changed .
Brazil 's populist president Jair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fantasy '' .
As recently as Sunday he was out meeting crowds despite being told by doctors he should quarantine himself because he 'd been in contact with infected staff .
But then , very suddenly , things changed .
It was Friday afternoon when there were a few nervous whispers in our hotel , we were taken aback when the restaurant where we ate lunch presented us with a list of 'banned ' nationalities ; the Chinese , Japanese , Koreans , Iranian , Spanish , Italians , French , Germans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ door .
By Saturday morning it was literally as if someone had flicked a switch and overnight panic had set in .
Tour companies that had less than 12 hours earlier jokingly reassured fellow tourists that their holidays would continue , cancelled all itineraries , restaurants shut their doors to all , face masks were suddenly a feature , our hotel receptionist sat working her way through a huge pile of cancellation notices .
`` I do n't know how we will survive this '' , she said .
Argentina had published a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those coming from countries highly affected by the virus .
By Sunday , it had announced a full border closure starting in just two days ' time .
Other South American countries took equally aggressive measures , Peru declared a national emergency and put military personnel on the streets , Chile , Colombia and Costa Rica , amongst others , announced border closures and social curfews are now widespread .
In the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas , locals protested about cruise ships of tourists being allowed to disembark , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call to plan , analyse and coordinate .
Latin America , it seems , woke with a start and a realisation it has a chance to prevent a Europe-style outbreak .
We were fortunately due to be travelling home on Sunday anyway , our flight was one of the very leaving Argentina for Europe .
On boarding a bus back to Buenos Aires there were nervous moments as we were grilled on where we had been and for how long .
The airport was packed .
Hundreds of people queued to get on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one British mother with a baby and a toddler , in tears over how she 'd get home , and an NHS worker , bitterly disappointed at the cancellation of her long awaited trip , but more anxious about what lay ahead back at work .
We learnt too that the British Airways crew , returning following a two-day layover in Buenos Aires , had been quarantined in their hotel by police .
As we made one last dash to duty free before boarding , the shops began lowering their shutters .
Everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The response had gone from zero to one hundred and it had all happened in the space of less than 36 hours .

There must be places around the world that are 'coronavirus free' bubbles.
Places where not only are there no infections, but where people aren't worried, where it's not the immediate first topic of conversation, where loo roll is plentiful and there isn't a face mask in sight.
Until just a few days ago I felt I was in such a bubble.
"Where were you?!" I hear you cry. The Sahara Desert? The Mongolian Plains? An Antarctic laboratory? Well no, I was in Argentina, one of the most populous and regularly visited countries in South America.
Image: The response had gone from zero to one hundred in the space of less than 36 hours
I was lucky enough to have been in Argentina and Chile for four weeks on my honeymoon and from there you'd have been forgiven for simply not realising a global crisis was unfolding.
Despite being from a comparatively highly affected country, no one questioned where we had been or where we'd come from on entry to tourist sites, national parks or even crowded youth hostel dorm rooms.
The local press largely wrote it up as something happening 'over there' and it just wasn't brought up as a topic of conversation in the back of taxis, at restaurants or even among tourists.
We twice drove across the border between Argentina and Chile, our most recent crossing was only one week ago.
Virus prevention there amounted to one lacklustre sign about symptoms; there were no facemasks, no temperature checks, no hand sanitiser, no questions, no worries. With our tent on our backs off up into the mountains, we felt we were in the safest place on earth.
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Indeed, there was little from the Latin American authorities encouraging anyone to feel otherwise.
As of the weekend, while European nationals battled thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths, Argentina had just 56 cases, Peru 71 and Chile, the worst affected per capita, still just 156.
It's led to what some have described as a delayed or even 'defiant' reaction. While LATAM Airlines, the largest regional carrie,r did suspend some routes in early March, internally barely anything changed.
Brazil's populist president Jair Bolsonaro described the virus as a "fantasy". As recently as Sunday he was out meeting crowds despite being told by doctors he should quarantine himself because he'd been in contact with infected staff.
The Mexican president made similar appearances, a Brazilian congressman tweeted: "Pandemic my arse".
But then, very suddenly, things changed. It was Friday afternoon when there were a few nervous whispers in our hotel, we were taken aback when the restaurant where we ate lunch presented us with a list of 'banned' nationalities; the Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Iranian, Spanish, Italians, French, Germans and Americans were being turned away at the door.
Image: Virus prevention initially amounted to one lacklustre sign about symptoms
By Saturday morning it was literally as if someone had flicked a switch and overnight panic had set in.
Tour companies that had less than 12 hours earlier jokingly reassured fellow tourists that their holidays would continue, cancelled all itineraries, restaurants shut their doors to all, face masks were suddenly a feature, our hotel receptionist sat working her way through a huge pile of cancellation notices. "I don't know how we will survive this", she said.
Argentina had published a decree establishing a 30-day ban on entry to those coming from countries highly affected by the virus. By Sunday, it had announced a full border closure starting in just two days' time.
Other South American countries took equally aggressive measures, Peru declared a national emergency and put military personnel on the streets, Chile, Colombia and Costa Rica, amongst others, announced border closures and social curfews are now widespread.
In the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas, locals protested about cruise ships of tourists being allowed to disembark, while leaders across the region spoke via conference call to plan, analyse and coordinate.
Latin America, it seems, woke with a start and a realisation it has a chance to prevent a Europe-style outbreak.
We were fortunately due to be travelling home on Sunday anyway, our flight was one of the very leaving Argentina for Europe.
On boarding a bus back to Buenos Aires there were nervous moments as we were grilled on where we had been and for how long.
The airport was packed. Hundreds of people queued to get on earlier flights out. We chatted to one British mother with a baby and a toddler, in tears over how she'd get home, and an NHS worker, bitterly disappointed at the cancellation of her long awaited trip, but more anxious about what lay ahead back at work.
Image: The press coverage suggested it was a problem elsewhere
We learnt too that the British Airways crew, returning following a two-day layover in Buenos Aires, had been quarantined in their hotel by police.
As we made one last dash to duty free before boarding, the shops began lowering their shutters. Everything was quite literally closing around us.
The response had gone from zero to one hundred and it had all happened in the space of less than 36 hours.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: MPs slam government over delay in tackling disinformation

MPs have written to the government to ask why it has only now established a counter disinformation unit despite lies being spread about the coronavirus since January .
The specialist unit was announced earlier this month to work with social media companies to limit false claims spreading online which could impact attempts to keep people safe from COVID-19 .
Even the National Cyber Security Centre ( NCSC ) made a rare announcement to warn the public about criminals who are using the coronavirus outbreak to launch online attacks .
In a letter to the Oliver Dowden , the secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sport ( DCMS ) , the chair of parliament 's DCMS committee asked why it had taken the government so long to establish the unit .
`` We 've known since January about deliberate attempts to spread fear and falsehoods on social media about coronavirus , with potentially serious outcomes , '' wrote Julian Knight MP .
`` We support the government 's decision to tackle disinformation and misinformation about COVID -19 at this critical time but question why it has taken so long for ministers to set this up .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unit will be working closely with social media companies to ensure that people receive vitally important and accurate information and can trust what they see online . ''
He asked for an explanation of how the unit was being staffed and what its expertise was in tackling disinformation , purposefully misleading information , and misinformation , which is mistakenly misleading .
Sky News understands there are several units across government which track disinformation in the UK , many receiving greater focus following the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal in Salisbury , although pre-existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These units detected 47 false narratives spread by Russian authorities and state-owned media organisations following the use of the novichok poison , all seeking to undermine claims that Russian military intelligence operatives were behind the attack .
The NHS has also teamed up with web companies to tackle coronavirus misinformation , including dealing with fake Twitter accounts and misleading claims about homeopathic treatments .
Google , Twitter , Instagram and Facebook are working with the health service to help the public get accurate information and avoid myths and misinformation .

MPs have written to the government to ask why it has only now established a counter disinformation unit despite lies being spread about the coronavirus since January.
The specialist unit was announced earlier this month to work with social media companies to limit false claims spreading online which could impact attempts to keep people safe from COVID-19.
Even the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) made a rare announcement to warn the public about criminals who are using the coronavirus outbreak to launch online attacks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 PM gives fresh coronavirus advice
In a letter to the Oliver Dowden, the secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS), the chair of parliament's DCMS committee asked why it had taken the government so long to establish the unit.
"We've known since January about deliberate attempts to spread fear and falsehoods on social media about coronavirus, with potentially serious outcomes," wrote Julian Knight MP.
"We support the government's decision to tackle disinformation and misinformation about COVID -19 at this critical time but question why it has taken so long for ministers to set this up.
"We want reassurance that the Counter Disinformation Unit will be working closely with social media companies to ensure that people receive vitally important and accurate information and can trust what they see online."
He asked for an explanation of how the unit was being staffed and what its expertise was in tackling disinformation, purposefully misleading information, and misinformation, which is mistakenly misleading.
Sky News understands there are several units across government which track disinformation in the UK, many receiving greater focus following the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, although pre-existing units had tackled Islamic State propaganda.
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These units detected 47 false narratives spread by Russian authorities and state-owned media organisations following the use of the novichok poison, all seeking to undermine claims that Russian military intelligence operatives were behind the attack.
The NHS has also teamed up with web companies to tackle coronavirus misinformation, including dealing with fake Twitter accounts and misleading claims about homeopathic treatments.
Google, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are working with the health service to help the public get accurate information and avoid myths and misinformation.


news--2020-03-01--Coughing Pope Francis pulls out of spiritual retreat

A coughing Pope Francis will skip a week-long spiritual retreat with senior Vatican officials because of a cold .
The 83-year-old pontiff , who lost part of his lung to a respiratory illness as a young man , paused twice while addressing pilgrims on Sunday .
At the end , he asked for prayers for the Lenten retreat , adding `` unfortunately a cold prevents me from participating this year ...
I will be following the meditation from here '' .
The Vatican described Francis ' condition as `` a slight illness '' without giving further details .
It comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak , which has infected more than 1,100 people , mostly in northern Italy .
There have been just six cases reported in Lazio , where Rome is located .
The pope 's weekly appearance from a window high above St Peter 's Square was the first time he had been seen publicly since Ash Wednesday , when he was coughing and blowing his nose during mass .
It is the first instance in the pope 's seven-year papacy that he has missed the spiritual exercises that he initiated early in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lenten season .
The pope has cancelled several official engagements this week - including two planned official audiences - over the illness .
However , the Vatican press office said he was continuing to work from his residence at the Vatican 's Santa Marta hotel and was receiving people in private .
On Saturday , he had private meetings with the head of the Vatican 's bishops ' office , his ambassadors to Lebanon and France and a Ukrainian archbishop .
He was due to leave on Sunday for the retreat in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Society of Jesus - a religious order to which he belongs - are typical .

A coughing Pope Francis will skip a week-long spiritual retreat with senior Vatican officials because of a cold.
The 83-year-old pontiff, who lost part of his lung to a respiratory illness as a young man, paused twice while addressing pilgrims on Sunday.
At the end, he asked for prayers for the Lenten retreat, adding "unfortunately a cold prevents me from participating this year... I will be following the meditation from here".
The Vatican described Francis' condition as "a slight illness" without giving further details.
It comes amid general alarm in Italy over the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected more than 1,100 people, mostly in northern Italy.
There have been just six cases reported in Lazio, where Rome is located.
The pope's weekly appearance from a window high above St Peter's Square was the first time he had been seen publicly since Ash Wednesday, when he was coughing and blowing his nose during mass.
It is the first instance in the pope's seven-year papacy that he has missed the spiritual exercises that he initiated early in his pontificate to mark the start of each Lenten season.
The pope has cancelled several official engagements this week - including two planned official audiences - over the illness.
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However, the Vatican press office said he was continuing to work from his residence at the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel and was receiving people in private.
On Saturday, he had private meetings with the head of the Vatican's bishops' office, his ambassadors to Lebanon and France and a Ukrainian archbishop.
He was due to leave on Sunday for the retreat in the Roman countryside.
Such retreats for members of the Society of Jesus - a religious order to which he belongs - are typical.


news--2020-03-01--'I had my throat scraped': What it's like to be tested for COVID-19

By the time I got back on Valentine 's Day from a 30th birthday surprise trip to Bologna , I felt like I had a bad cold , writes Sky News producer Nick Stylianou .
I have been producing some of our coronavirus outbreak coverage and I knew that - at the time - Europe 's most serious cases were limited to a handful in France .
Five days after I got back I felt considerably sicker .
But I struggled through the tiredness at work and spent a weekend sleeping off the heavy feeling on my chest .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's `` red zone '' , a temperature that would n't go away and , as I spoke to our European teams and checked the latest figures , I found the region I 'd been travelling in - Emilia-Romagna - had almost 20 new cases .
Public Health England and NHS 111 did not feel I needed to be concerned - Italy was not yet on their list of `` high-risk '' countries .
Our corporate advice , however , was clear .
I immediately drove myself home to await a call-back from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours until I could speak to a nurse who did not sound much healthier than I did .
She apologised for the delay but said the advice had not changed .
Northern Italy was not yet high-risk .
Advice was to be updated at 2pm the next day .
Paracetamol and bed .
At 8am on Tuesday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock was on Kay Burley 's breakfast programme to announce new advice for those who have travelled to northern Italy .
Returning from the 11 quarantined towns after 19 February meant immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Anyone returning from anywhere north of Pisa after 19 February and showing cold and flu-like symptoms should self-isolate for 14 days and call 111 to be tested .
My symptoms did not arrive until 18 February , so I rang 111 and had to explain what had just been said on Sky News by the health secretary and asked for their clarification .
Their systems had not reflected this latest advice , so I had to wait for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I spoke to someone in the COVID-19 team in London : I was to strictly self-isolate and needed to be `` swabbed '' .
They had been inundated with calls .
Luckily , there was a community health team that could visit me , but they were so busy that I would have to wait another two days for them to be available .
In other areas , people have had to make their own way to community hospitals .
On Thursday lunchtime I was called and instructed to open my front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nurse was put into a hazmat protective suit by another medic outside .
Some people have had swabs taken of both their nose and throat , but I only had the back of my throat scraped .
It was brief , but unpleasant .
Imagine someone taking a straw to where your tonsils are .
I asked if the team was busy .
`` You have no idea - we 've seen half of London , '' I was told .
People returning from ski trips , no doubt ?
`` Oh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holidays to Thailand and Malaysia seem to have been very popular lately . ''
I was left with a three-page printout catchily-titled `` Action Card 11 v1.0 Advice for individuals under home care and isolation '' containing all expected hygiene advice in detail .
The results of my swab could take `` up to three days '' , so I was in for another agonising wait , counting the walls and wondering what food I had left or how I 'd negotiate a takeaway delivery I had a few masks left from covering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year so I left one for each of my two housemates as realistically nothing more than a cosmetic symbol at this point .
Friday was 14 days since I returned to the UK and should have been the end of a belated self-isolation , but I was still waiting .
Sunday evening brought the all-clear .
Six days spent in my bedroom wondering how many people I would have infected if I had the virus .
The train to and from Modena , the plane home , my birthday party , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mum , the school she works in , the cinema , the newsroom .
And an even more worrying thought : if someone nearby in the UK tests positive , I might have to go through this all over again .

By the time I got back on Valentine's Day from a 30th birthday surprise trip to Bologna, I felt like I had a bad cold, writes Sky News producer Nick Stylianou.
I have been producing some of our coronavirus outbreak coverage and I knew that - at the time - Europe's most serious cases were limited to a handful in France.
Five days after I got back I felt considerably sicker. But I struggled through the tiredness at work and spent a weekend sleeping off the heavy feeling on my chest.
Image: Official advice on what to do if you suspect you have the virus
Image: Potential patients are told not to have visitors
But Monday morning brought the tale of Italy's "red zone", a temperature that wouldn't go away and, as I spoke to our European teams and checked the latest figures, I found the region I'd been travelling in - Emilia-Romagna - had almost 20 new cases.
Public Health England and NHS 111 did not feel I needed to be concerned - Italy was not yet on their list of "high-risk" countries. Our corporate advice, however, was clear. I immediately drove myself home to await a call-back from a 111 clinician.
It took 11 hours until I could speak to a nurse who did not sound much healthier than I did. She apologised for the delay but said the advice had not changed. Northern Italy was not yet high-risk. Advice was to be updated at 2pm the next day. Paracetamol and bed.
At 8am on Tuesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock was on Kay Burley's breakfast programme to announce new advice for those who have travelled to northern Italy. Returning from the 11 quarantined towns after 19 February meant immediate self-isolation and testing.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Anyone returning from anywhere north of Pisa after 19 February and showing cold and flu-like symptoms should self-isolate for 14 days and call 111 to be tested.
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My symptoms did not arrive until 18 February, so I rang 111 and had to explain what had just been said on Sky News by the health secretary and asked for their clarification. Their systems had not reflected this latest advice, so I had to wait for another call back.
Four hours later, I spoke to someone in the COVID-19 team in London: I was to strictly self-isolate and needed to be "swabbed". They had been inundated with calls.
Luckily, there was a community health team that could visit me, but they were so busy that I would have to wait another two days for them to be available. In other areas, people have had to make their own way to community hospitals.
On Thursday lunchtime I was called and instructed to open my front door and walk into another room while the nurse was put into a hazmat protective suit by another medic outside.
Some people have had swabs taken of both their nose and throat, but I only had the back of my throat scraped. It was brief, but unpleasant. Imagine someone taking a straw to where your tonsils are.
Image: The medical team arrive at Nick's home to carry out a swab
I asked if the team was busy. "You have no idea - we've seen half of London," I was told.
People returning from ski trips, no doubt? "Oh, we've had all sorts. Holidays to Thailand and Malaysia seem to have been very popular lately."
I was left with a three-page printout catchily-titled "Action Card 11 v1.0 Advice for individuals under home care and isolation" containing all expected hygiene advice in detail.
The results of my swab could take "up to three days", so I was in for another agonising wait, counting the walls and wondering what food I had left or how I'd negotiate a takeaway delivery
I had a few masks left from covering the bushfires in Australia at the start of the year so I left one for each of my two housemates as realistically nothing more than a cosmetic symbol at this point.
Friday was 14 days since I returned to the UK and should have been the end of a belated self-isolation, but I was still waiting.
Sunday evening brought the all-clear. Six days spent in my bedroom wondering how many people I would have infected if I had the virus. The train to and from Modena, the plane home, my birthday party, the pub, the Tube, my mum, the school she works in, the cinema, the newsroom.
And an even more worrying thought: if someone nearby in the UK tests positive, I might have to go through this all over again.


news--2020-03-01--'Family cluster' among 13 new UK coronavirus cases - including first in Scotland

Thirteen new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK - including the first one in Scotland .
It is the biggest jump in COVID-19 cases the UK has seen in one day - and means all four home nations have now been affected .
The Scottish patient , who is receiving treatment after being placed in isolation , is a resident of the Tayside area and has recently returned from Italy .
The other 12 cases are in England - including a `` family cluster '' .
Three of the new patients caught coronavirus in England from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
They are members of his family and are all adults .
One is also from Surrey and two are from West Sussex .
Health officials are still trying to find out how the original Surrey patient caught the illness in the UK without having travelled abroad .
Another of the new cases , from Essex , has not been abroad and it is not clear where they picked up the virus .
The eight other new cases in England are believed to have caught the virus abroad : • One is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Greater Manchester and had been to Italy • One is from Gloucestershire • Three are from West Yorkshire : one from Bradford who had been to Italy and two from Leeds who have visited Iran • Two are from Hertfordshire The 13 new cases join three that were reported yesterday : one from Hertfordshire , one from Gloucestershire ( linked to today 's ) and one from Berkshire .
One of those three is a staff member at St Mary 's School in Tetbury and another works at Willow Bank Infant School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are carrying out a deep clean .
Burford ( Day & Boarding ) School in the Cotswolds , Oxfordshire , is among schools to have been temporarily closed after pupils returned from half-term holidays in northern Italy .
The new cases bring the total number of confirmed in the UK to 36 , including one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will join Monday 's COBRA meeting , chaired by Boris Johnson , following the confirmation of a case in Scotland .
Ms Sturgeon told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unexpected '' and that Scotland had to be prepared for the `` possibility of a significant outbreak '' .
There were `` well-established procedures and protocols to plan for that '' , she said .
Scottish authorities are trying to trace anyone who may have come into `` close contact '' with the patient .
That involves `` either face to face contact or spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of an infected person '' , a statement said .
Earlier , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that in the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , all options to contain the virus would be on the table , including banning large events and locking down cities .
It comes as the government announced it has a `` battle plan '' to tackle coronavirus including bringing retired doctors back to work .
It is understood new emergency powers will be brought in to give schools , councils and other parts of the public sector powers to suspend laws - including rowing back on health and safety measures like allowing larger class sizes - to cope with a pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ encourage more home working and discourage unnecessary travel .
The strategy is based on its existing contingency plans for responding to a flu pandemic , but has been adapted to take into account the differences with COVID-19 .
Worst-case-scenario plans show 80 % of the population could contract the virus , with up to 500,000 deaths .
Cemeteries and crematoriums have been told to make sure plans are in place to deal with a pandemic .
Fears over coronavirus have sparked a rush on items such as hand gel - and , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few days on Amazon are instead being pitched with a delivery date of between several weeks to over a month .
Supermarket Tesco has sold out of most of its range of anti-bacterial hand sanitisers online .
Health officials in Scotland are to begin testing people with flu-like symptoms for coronavirus , even if they have not visited affected areas .
NHS Lothian has introduced a `` drive-through '' testing centre at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh .
It is for some patients who have been assessed by a specialist team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be tested for the virus in their cars .
On Friday , a British man who was on board a quarantined cruise ship in Japan became the first UK fatality of the coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Public Health England has concluded more than 11,715 tests so far , and all but 36 have been negative .
Expert teams are actively tracing those who have come into contact with a suspected case .
The government has said unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or has travelled to an affected area , they should be reassured it is not necessary for them to take any further action .
Meanwhile , several British holidaymakers who had been in lockdown at an outbreak-hit hotel in Tenerife have been cleared to return home after testing negative for the illness .
• World Health Organisation ( WHO ) says people over 60 or with long-term illnesses should try to avoid crowded places • World famous Louvre art gallery in Paris has shut its doors while staff called a meeting to raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record their first deaths from the virus • Tokyo marathon goes ahead but is cut from 38,000 to about 200 elite runners • More than 86,992 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
The university says there have been almost 3,000 deaths .

Thirteen new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK - including the first one in Scotland.
It is the biggest jump in COVID-19 cases the UK has seen in one day - and means all four home nations have now been affected.
The Scottish patient, who is receiving treatment after being placed in isolation, is a resident of the Tayside area and has recently returned from Italy.
The other 12 cases are in England - including a "family cluster".
Three of the new patients caught coronavirus in England from a man in Surrey who tested positive on Friday.
They are members of his family and are all adults. One is also from Surrey and two are from West Sussex.
Health officials are still trying to find out how the original Surrey patient caught the illness in the UK without having travelled abroad.
Another of the new cases, from Essex, has not been abroad and it is not clear where they picked up the virus.
The eight other new cases in England are believed to have caught the virus abroad:
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One is from London
One is from Bury in Greater Manchester and had been to Italy
One is from Gloucestershire
Three are from West Yorkshire: one from Bradford who had been to Italy and two from Leeds who have visited Iran
Two are from Hertfordshire
The 13 new cases join three that were reported yesterday: one from Hertfordshire, one from Gloucestershire (linked to today's) and one from Berkshire.
One of those three is a staff member at St Mary's School in Tetbury and another works at Willow Bank Infant School in Woodley. Both schools have said they are carrying out a deep clean.
Burford (Day & Boarding) School in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, is among schools to have been temporarily closed after pupils returned from half-term holidays in northern Italy.
The new cases bring the total number of confirmed in the UK to 36, including one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:19 Johnson: We're prepared for coronavirus
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will join Monday's COBRA meeting, chaired by Boris Johnson, following the confirmation of a case in Scotland.
Ms Sturgeon told Sky News the diagnosis was "not unexpected" and that Scotland had to be prepared for the "possibility of a significant outbreak".
There were "well-established procedures and protocols to plan for that", she said.
Scottish authorities are trying to trace anyone who may have come into "close contact" with the patient.
That involves "either face to face contact or spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of an infected person", a statement said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Sturgeon: We could get 'significant'outbreak
Earlier, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that in the event of a widespread outbreak in the UK, all options to contain the virus would be on the table, including banning large events and locking down cities.
It comes as the government announced it has a "battle plan" to tackle coronavirus including bringing retired doctors back to work.
It is understood new emergency powers will be brought in to give schools, councils and other parts of the public sector powers to suspend laws - including rowing back on health and safety measures like allowing larger class sizes - to cope with a pandemic.
The government is also considering whether to encourage more home working and discourage unnecessary travel.
The strategy is based on its existing contingency plans for responding to a flu pandemic, but has been adapted to take into account the differences with COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Worst-case-scenario plans show 80% of the population could contract the virus, with up to 500,000 deaths.
Cemeteries and crematoriums have been told to make sure plans are in place to deal with a pandemic.
Fears over coronavirus have sparked a rush on items such as hand gel - and, as a result, products usually dispatched within a few days on Amazon are instead being pitched with a delivery date of between several weeks to over a month.
Image: Supermarket Tesco has sold out of several anti-bacterial hand sanitisers online
Supermarket Tesco has sold out of most of its range of anti-bacterial hand sanitisers online.
Health officials in Scotland are to begin testing people with flu-like symptoms for coronavirus, even if they have not visited affected areas.
NHS Lothian has introduced a "drive-through" testing centre at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. It is for some patients who have been assessed by a specialist team and who have an appointment so they can be tested for the virus in their cars.
On Friday, a British man who was on board a quarantined cruise ship in Japan became the first UK fatality of the coronavirus.
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Public Health England has concluded more than 11,715 tests so far, and all but 36 have been negative.
Expert teams are actively tracing those who have come into contact with a suspected case.
The government has said unless an individual has been contacted already, or has travelled to an affected area, they should be reassured it is not necessary for them to take any further action.
Meanwhile, several British holidaymakers who had been in lockdown at an outbreak-hit hotel in Tenerife have been cleared to return home after testing negative for the illness.
In other global developments:


news--2020-03-01--Coronavirus: WHO warns elderly and sick to avoid crowds as Louvre shuts doors for crisis talks

People over 60 or with long-term illnesses should try to avoid crowded places to cut the risk of catching coronavirus , the head of the World Health Organisation has said .
The latest advice by director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus came as countries around the globe ramped up restrictions in the face of the escalating crisis .
Another five people have died in Italy , where cases have reached almost 1,700 .
The world famous Louvre art gallery in Paris shut its doors for the day after staff raised health concerns , leaving queues of visitors outside in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , British holidaymakers in lockdown at a virus-hit hotel in Tenerife have been cleared to return home if they test negative for the illness .
The US and Australia have also recorded their first deaths from COVID-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Latest figures show there are more than 86,900 confirmed and suspected cases of the virus globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the epidemic .
There have so far been more than 2,900 deaths , most of them in China , where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the global risk of the epidemic to `` very high '' - the top category .
In a Twitter post , Dr Tedros said : `` If you are 60+ , or have an underlying condition like cardiovascular disease , a respiratory condition or diabetes , you have a higher risk of developing severe # COVID19 .
`` Try to avoid crowded areas , or places where you might interact with people who are sick . ''
Here is the latest from around the world : South Korea - A woman has apparently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full recovery .
Churches were closed on Sunday with many holding online services instead , as the authorities battle the largest virus outbreak outside China , with more than 3,700 cases .
For the first time in its 236-year history , South Korea 's Catholic church decided to cancel masses at more than 1,700 venues nationwide .
The South Korean outbreak has been linked to the large Shincheonji religious sect , some of whose members in January visited the central Chinese city of Wuhan , where the disease emerged late last year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the highest number of deaths from coronavirus outside of China .
So far 54 people have died , while the number of people infected has soared to nearly 1,000 , including a number of government officials .
The health ministry has called on Iranians to avoid any unnecessary trips and stay at home .
Some neighbouring states have closed their borders with Iran and several countries have stopped flights .
Meanwhile , the husband of British-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe believes she has contracted coronavirus at the prison where she is being held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly asked to be tested for the virus at the jail in Tehran after suffering from a `` strange cold '' .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) has called on the Iranian government to `` immediately allow '' health professionals into the prison to assess British-Iranian dual nationals .
The FCO has withdrawn all but essential staff from the embassy in Tehran .
France - The Louvre in Paris , which attracts visitors from around the world , was shut as staff met to raise their fears of contamination .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We are very worried because we have visitors from everywhere .
`` The risk is very , very , very great . ''
Although there are no known infections among the museum 's 2,300 workers , he said : `` It 's only a question of time . ''
The museum has apologised and is offering reimbursements for Sunday 's visitors .
It is not known when it will next open but bosses have promised to keep the public up to date .
France has also banned all public gatherings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people avoid handshakes and `` la bise '' - the customary French double-kiss greeting .
The Paris half-marathon was called off and the Annecy carnival abandoned .
Germany - More than 100 people have been infected .
The latest cases have cropped up in Lower Saxony , Hamburg , Bremen , Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein .
There are increasing numbers of virus cases in North Rhine-Westphalia - reaching about 70 .
Among those identified are a teaching assistant and four children .
Czech Republic - The country has joined the growing number of nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - A package of measures worth £3.1bn are to be introduced by the government aimed at helping the economy weather the largest outbreak in Europe , with almost 1,700 cases and at least 34 deaths .
The highest concentrations are in the areas of Veneto , Treviso and Venice .
The country is working to create more beds in isolated intensive care blocks .
Entire towns are on lockdown in the north of the country and many schools are having to conduct lessons online .
The French community church in Rome - St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a priest was thought to have been infected .
The church , in the city 's historic centre , is famous for housing three paintings by the Baroque master Caravaggio , making it a destination for tourists .
Serie A football games were postponed this weekend and are now said to be rowing about when the games should be held .
Meanwhile , Pope Francis has cancelled a further official engagement because of a cold , although his spokesman has played down concerns , described the 83-year-old pontiff 's condition as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Dominican Republic has confirmed its first case - an Italian tourist who is visiting the country .
Ireland - The public have been urged not to panic after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the Republic , with a senior health official insisting the risk posed remained low .
A school in the east of the country has been closed after authorities discovered the confirmed case had been in contact with staff or pupils there .
It will remain closed for 14 days - the incubation period - and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their movements .
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said the authorities were prepared if the outbreak worsened and could involve contingency measures , including more school closures .
Spain - Around 160 Britons being held in quarantine at a Tenerife hotel after cases of coronavirus were detected among some of the guests have been told they can fly home , if they test negative for the illness .
Spanish authorities have since said the risk of infection for any Britons staying at the hotel was low , although Public Health England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-isolate until 10 March .
There are at least 73 cases across the country , with epicentres in Madrid , Valencia and the southern Andalusia region popular with British holidaymakers .
Officials say they are still trying to work out whether all of the cases were imported or if some were spread within Spain .
There are cases in Marbella , Madrid , the Basque country and Catalonia that do not seem to have come from abroad .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Events that draw over 1,000 people are banned until 15 March .
The country has fewer than 20 cases but the health minister has said people should stop kissing other on the cheek as a greeting .
More guidelines are expected in coming days and they are likely to include recommendations to avoid handshaking .
Japan - Sumo wrestling is the latest sport to be hit by the global crisis , with a major tournament going ahead this month in Osaka without spectators .
The decision follows a similar move made by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-season exhibition games at empty stadiums .
Japan has taken extensive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 , with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to open on 24 July .
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has urged schools nationwide to close until late March to help control the spread of the virus .
The Tokyo Marathon , one of the world 's largest races which usually attracts an estimated 38,000 runners , went ahead but was restricted to about 200 elite athletes .
Australia - The country has recorded its first COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 78-year-old man in a Perth hospital , after he was evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship , which had been quarantined in Japan .
The man 's widow is also infected but is in a stable condition , according to health officials .
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a tweet he was saddened to hear of the death and said the government would continue to do all it could to protect the population .
United States - America has also seen its first virus death - a man in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had underlying health conditions .
Officials said two of the state 's three cases had links to a nursing home with dozens of residents showing disease symptoms .
The home has been placed on lockdown .
Researchers who studied two cases say that the virus may have been spreading there for weeks , suggesting the possibility that up to 1,500 people in the state may have been infected .
President Donald Trump has sought to reassure the public saying there was `` no reason to panic '' , but while acknowledging it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complained the threat was being exaggerated and accused critics of a `` hoax '' .
The White House has also announced fresh travel restrictions , including an Iran travel ban .
Americans are being urged not to travel to regions of Italy and South Korea , while Mr Trump is also considering closing the US border with Mexico .

People over 60 or with long-term illnesses should try to avoid crowded places to cut the risk of catching coronavirus, the head of the World Health Organisation has said.
The latest advice by director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus came as countries around the globe ramped up restrictions in the face of the escalating crisis.
Another five people have died in Italy, where cases have reached almost 1,700.
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The world famous Louvre art gallery in Paris shut its doors for the day after staff raised health concerns, leaving queues of visitors outside in the rain while crisis meetings were held.
Meanwhile, British holidaymakers in lockdown at a virus-hit hotel in Tenerife have been cleared to return home if they test negative for the illness.
The US and Australia have also recorded their first deaths from COVID-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Latest figures show there are more than 86,900 confirmed and suspected cases of the virus globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the epidemic.
There have so far been more than 2,900 deaths, most of them in China, where the outbreak started.
The WHO recently upgraded the global risk of the epidemic to "very high" - the top category.
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In a Twitter post, Dr Tedros said: "If you are 60+, or have an underlying condition like cardiovascular disease, a respiratory condition or diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing severe #COVID19.
"Try to avoid crowded areas, or places where you might interact with people who are sick."
Here is the latest from around the world:
South Korea - A woman has apparently been reinfected after having previously made a full recovery.
Churches were closed on Sunday with many holding online services instead, as the authorities battle the largest virus outbreak outside China, with more than 3,700 cases.
For the first time in its 236-year history, South Korea's Catholic church decided to cancel masses at more than 1,700 venues nationwide.
The South Korean outbreak has been linked to the large Shincheonji religious sect, some of whose members in January visited the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where the disease emerged late last year.
Iran - The Middle East country has had the highest number of deaths from coronavirus outside of China.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Iranian minister with COVID-19 sweats on stage
So far 54 people have died, while the number of people infected has soared to nearly 1,000, including a number of government officials.
The health ministry has called on Iranians to avoid any unnecessary trips and stay at home.
Some neighbouring states have closed their borders with Iran and several countries have stopped flights.
Meanwhile, the husband of British-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe believes she has contracted coronavirus at the prison where she is being held.
Richard Ratcliffe said his wife has repeatedly asked to be tested for the virus at the jail in Tehran after suffering from a "strange cold".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Iran prison 'won't test Nazanin for coronavirus'
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has called on the Iranian government to "immediately allow" health professionals into the prison to assess British-Iranian dual nationals.
The FCO has withdrawn all but essential staff from the embassy in Tehran.
France - The Louvre in Paris, which attracts visitors from around the world, was shut as staff met to raise their fears of contamination.
Employee and union representative Andre Sacristin said: "We are very worried because we have visitors from everywhere.
"The risk is very, very, very great."
Although there are no known infections among the museum's 2,300 workers, he said: "It's only a question of time."
The museum has apologised and is offering reimbursements for Sunday's visitors. It is not known when it will next open but bosses have promised to keep the public up to date.
France has also banned all public gatherings of more than 5,000 people and has recommended people avoid handshakes and "la bise" - the customary French double-kiss greeting.
The Paris half-marathon was called off and the Annecy carnival abandoned.
Germany - More than 100 people have been infected. The latest cases have cropped up in Lower Saxony, Hamburg, Bremen, Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein.
There are increasing numbers of virus cases in North Rhine-Westphalia - reaching about 70. Among those identified are a teaching assistant and four children.
Czech Republic - The country has joined the growing number of nations to confirm cases of coronavirus.
Italy - A package of measures worth £3.1bn are to be introduced by the government aimed at helping the economy weather the largest outbreak in Europe, with almost 1,700 cases and at least 34 deaths. The highest concentrations are in the areas of Veneto, Treviso and Venice.
The country is working to create more beds in isolated intensive care blocks.
Entire towns are on lockdown in the north of the country and many schools are having to conduct lessons online.
The French community church in Rome - St Louis of the French - has closed after a priest was thought to have been infected. The church, in the city's historic centre, is famous for housing three paintings by the Baroque master Caravaggio, making it a destination for tourists.
Serie A football games were postponed this weekend and are now said to be rowing about when the games should be held.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis has cancelled a further official engagement because of a cold, although his spokesman has played down concerns, described the 83-year-old pontiff's condition as "a slight illness".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Caribbean - The Dominican Republic has confirmed its first case - an Italian tourist who is visiting the country.
Ireland - The public have been urged not to panic after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the Republic, with a senior health official insisting the risk posed remained low.
A school in the east of the country has been closed after authorities discovered the confirmed case had been in contact with staff or pupils there.
It will remain closed for 14 days - the incubation period - and staff and teachers have been asked to restrict their movements.
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said the authorities were prepared if the outbreak worsened and could involve contingency measures, including more school closures.
Spain - Around 160 Britons being held in quarantine at a Tenerife hotel after cases of coronavirus were detected among some of the guests have been told they can fly home, if they test negative for the illness.
Spanish authorities have since said the risk of infection for any Britons staying at the hotel was low, although Public Health England (PHE) advised anyone travelling back to self-isolate until 10 March.
There are at least 73 cases across the country, with epicentres in Madrid, Valencia and the southern Andalusia region popular with British holidaymakers. Officials say they are still trying to work out whether all of the cases were imported or if some were spread within Spain.
There are cases in Marbella, Madrid, the Basque country and Catalonia that do not seem to have come from abroad.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Switzerland - Events that draw over 1,000 people are banned until 15 March.
The country has fewer than 20 cases but the health minister has said people should stop kissing other on the cheek as a greeting. More guidelines are expected in coming days and they are likely to include recommendations to avoid handshaking.
Image: The Tokyo Marathon, usually one of the world's largest races, was massively scaled back
Japan - Sumo wrestling is the latest sport to be hit by the global crisis, with a major tournament going ahead this month in Osaka without spectators.
The decision follows a similar move made by Japanese professional baseball which is holding its pre-season exhibition games at empty stadiums.
Japan has taken extensive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to open on 24 July.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has urged schools nationwide to close until late March to help control the spread of the virus.
The Tokyo Marathon, one of the world's largest races which usually attracts an estimated 38,000 runners, went ahead but was restricted to about 200 elite athletes.
Australia - The country has recorded its first COVID-19 fatality, with the death of a 78-year-old man in a Perth hospital, after he was evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which had been quarantined in Japan.
The man's widow is also infected but is in a stable condition, according to health officials.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a tweet he was saddened to hear of the death and said the government would continue to do all it could to protect the population.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Trump: No reason to panic about virus
United States - America has also seen its first virus death - a man in his 50s near Seattle in Washington state, who had underlying health conditions.
Officials said two of the state's three cases had links to a nursing home with dozens of residents showing disease symptoms. The home has been placed on lockdown.
Researchers who studied two cases say that the virus may have been spreading there for weeks, suggesting the possibility that up to 1,500 people in the state may have been infected.
President Donald Trump has sought to reassure the public saying there was "no reason to panic", but while acknowledging it was "serious stuff", he complained the threat was being exaggerated and accused critics of a "hoax".
The White House has also announced fresh travel restrictions, including an Iran travel ban.
Americans are being urged not to travel to regions of Italy and South Korea, while Mr Trump is also considering closing the US border with Mexico.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays