news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Briton, 21, with no apparent pre-existing health conditions dies after contracting COVI

Coronavirus: Briton, 21, with no apparent pre-existing health conditions dies after contracting COVID-19

A 21-year-old woman is believed to be the youngest person with no apparent pre-existing health conditions to have died after contracting coronavirus in the UK .
Chloe Middleton , from High Wycombe , Buckinghamshire , is believed to have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , on 21 March .
Her mother , Diane Middleton , wrote on Facebook : `` To all the people out there that thinks it 's just a virus please think again .
`` Speaking from a personal experience this so-called virus has taken the life of my 21-year-old daughter . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miss Middleton had `` no underlying health issues '' .
She wrote on social media : `` My beautiful , kind-hearted niece , Chloe , has passed away from COVID-19 .
`` She had no underlying health issues .
My loved ones are going through the most unimaginable pain .
We are shattered beyond belief .
`` Please , please adhere to government guidelines .
The virus is n't spreading , people are spreading the virus . ''
Miss Middleton is believed to be the youngest person in the UK with no apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
An 18-year-old boy died from the virus on 23 March , but he was being treated for `` significant underlying health issues '' , said Professor Kiran Patel , chief medical officer for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust .
Miss Middleton 's sister , Amy Louise Middleton , posted pictures of Chloe and said : `` My kids could n't have had a more loving crazy nutcase for a auntie and we would n't have had it any other way !
!
She adored them and they certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chloe went `` above and beyond '' for her and was her best friend , as she added : `` Please do n't take this virus lightly because you never know what 's around the corner . ''
About 1.5 million people across England who are considered `` extremely vulnerable '' have been sent letters by the NHS advising them to stay at home for at least 12 weeks to avoid contracting COVID-19 .
Scientists around the world have warned elderly people , generally over the age of 70 , and people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most at risk of getting coronavirus .
Early data from China , where the disease originated , suggested the majority of those who died from coronavirus were aged 60 and older or had serious underlying health conditions .
However , over the past two weeks , there have been more cases of younger people getting the disease .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A report from the United States ' Centres for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in hospital after contracting coronavirus were aged 20-44-years-old and 18 % were 45-54-years-old .
Of those admitted to intensive care , 12 % were in the younger age bracket while 36 % were in the 45-54-year-old range .
`` Clinicians who care for adults should be aware that COVID-19 can result in severe disease among persons of all ages , '' said the report , published on 18 March .
`` Social distancing is recommended for all ages to slow the spread of the virus . ''

A 21-year-old woman is believed to be the youngest person with no apparent pre-existing health conditions to have died after contracting coronavirus in the UK.
Chloe Middleton, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, is believed to have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, on 21 March.
Her mother, Diane Middleton, wrote on Facebook: "To all the people out there that thinks it's just a virus please think again.
"Speaking from a personal experience this so-called virus has taken the life of my 21-year-old daughter."
Image: Hospitals across the UK are preparing for a surge in coronavirus cases
Her aunt, Emily Mistry, claimed Miss Middleton had "no underlying health issues".
She wrote on social media: "My beautiful, kind-hearted niece, Chloe, has passed away from COVID-19.
"She had no underlying health issues. My loved ones are going through the most unimaginable pain. We are shattered beyond belief.
"Please, please adhere to government guidelines. The virus isn't spreading, people are spreading the virus."
Miss Middleton is believed to be the youngest person in the UK with no apparent pre-existing health conditions to have died from the virus.
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An 18-year-old boy died from the virus on 23 March, but he was being treated for "significant underlying health issues", said Professor Kiran Patel, chief medical officer for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 Health worker: Commute is 'stressful'
Miss Middleton's sister, Amy Louise Middleton, posted pictures of Chloe and said: "My kids couldn't have had a more loving crazy nutcase for a auntie and we wouldn't have had it any other way!! She adored them and they certainly adored her back."
She said Chloe went "above and beyond" for her and was her best friend, as she added: "Please don't take this virus lightly because you never know what's around the corner."
About 1.5 million people across England who are considered "extremely vulnerable" have been sent letters by the NHS advising them to stay at home for at least 12 weeks to avoid contracting COVID-19.
Scientists around the world have warned elderly people, generally over the age of 70, and people of any age with pre-existing health conditions are the most at risk of getting coronavirus.
Early data from China, where the disease originated, suggested the majority of those who died from coronavirus were aged 60 and older or had serious underlying health conditions.
However, over the past two weeks, there have been more cases of younger people getting the disease.
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A report from the United States' Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found 20% of those who had to be in hospital after contracting coronavirus were aged 20-44-years-old and 18% were 45-54-years-old.
Of those admitted to intensive care, 12% were in the younger age bracket while 36% were in the 45-54-year-old range.
"Clinicians who care for adults should be aware that COVID-19 can result in severe disease among persons of all ages," said the report, published on 18 March.
"Social distancing is recommended for all ages to slow the spread of the virus."


news--2020-01-25--Coronavirus: China's history of building hospitals in times of crisis

China 's Wuhan city , the centre of the outbreak of the new coronavirus , will build a second dedicated hospital to treat patients .
Construction has already started on the first facility , with enough space for 1,000 patients , which is expected to be completed by 3 February .
The second , which is designed to have 1,300 beds , is due to be finished within three weeks .
This may seem like an unrealistic time frame , however , China has a history of quickly building hospitals at times of crisis .
During the SARS outbreak in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night in Beijing , taking just seven days to build the Xiaotangshan facility .
It is believed to hold the world record for the fastest construction of a hospital and is thought to have treated one-seventh of China 's SARS patients at the time .
China 's Peoples Daily newspaper called the building `` a miracle in the history of medicine '' .
That building is believed to be the template for the two prefabricated hospitals being built in Wuhan .
Dozens of diggers and bulldozers arrived at the 25,000 sq metre site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
To speed construction and keep costs down , the hospital is being built with prefabricated buildings around a holiday complex originally intended for local workers .
With coronavirus cases rising , the construction ca n't come soon enough .
President Xi Jinping told a politburo meeting China was facing a `` grave situation '' where the coronavirus is `` accelerating its spread '' .
A report on state TV said resources and experts are being concentrated at designated hospitals for treatment of severe cases , with no treatment delayed due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hubei province and its capital Wuhan to be guaranteed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker China 's National Health Commission has said the death toll had risen to 56 and a jump in the number of people infected to 1,975 .
All the deaths have been in China .

China's Wuhan city, the centre of the outbreak of the new coronavirus, will build a second dedicated hospital to treat patients.
Construction has already started on the first facility, with enough space for 1,000 patients, which is expected to be completed by 3 February.
The second, which is designed to have 1,300 beds, is due to be finished within three weeks.
Image: Workers building the Xiaotangshan hospital in 2003
This may seem like an unrealistic time frame, however, China has a history of quickly building hospitals at times of crisis.
During the SARS outbreak in 2003, 7,000 people worked day and night in Beijing, taking just seven days to build the Xiaotangshan facility.
It is believed to hold the world record for the fastest construction of a hospital and is thought to have treated one-seventh of China's SARS patients at the time.
China's Peoples Daily newspaper called the building "a miracle in the history of medicine".
That building is believed to be the template for the two prefabricated hospitals being built in Wuhan.
Dozens of diggers and bulldozers arrived at the 25,000 sq metre site on the outskirts of the city on Thursday.
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To speed construction and keep costs down, the hospital is being built with prefabricated buildings around a holiday complex originally intended for local workers.
With coronavirus cases rising, the construction can't come soon enough.
President Xi Jinping told a politburo meeting China was facing a "grave situation" where the coronavirus is "accelerating its spread".
A report on state TV said resources and experts are being concentrated at designated hospitals for treatment of severe cases, with no treatment delayed due to cost, and supplies of materials to Hubei province and its capital Wuhan to be guaranteed.
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China's National Health Commission has said the death toll had risen to 56 and a jump in the number of people infected to 1,975.
All the deaths have been in China.


news--2020-01-25--Coronavirus: President Xi warns of 'grave situation' as China infection spreads

China has confirmed 1,372 people have been infected with coronavirus and 54 people have died .
It comes as President Xi Jinping told a politburo meeting the country was facing a `` grave situation '' where the virus is `` accelerating its spread '' .
A report on state TV said resources and experts are being concentrated at designated hospitals for treatment of severe cases , with no treatment delayed due to cost , and supplies of materials to Hubei province and its capital Wuhan to be guaranteed .
The latest tally comes from 29 provinces and cities across China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All 54 deaths have been in China , including 52 in Hubei province , the epicentre of the outbreak , one each in Hebei and Heilongjiang provinces .
China added three cities to those cut off from transportation , bringing the total to 16 in Hubei province and covering a population greater than that of New York , London , Paris and Moscow combined .
Authorities are trying to limit further spread of the disease by preventing people from leaving Wuhan , the city of 11 million where the outbreak originated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military dispatched 450 medical staff , some with experience in past outbreaks including SARS and Ebola , who arrived in Wuhan late on Friday night to help treat the many patients hospitalised with viral pneumonia .
Two new dedicated hospitals are being built in the city to cope with rising numbers of cases .
Construction has already started on the first facility , with enough space for 1,000 patients , which is expected to be completed by 3 February .
The second , which is designed to have 1,300 beds , is due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Ministry of Commerce is co-ordinating an effort to supply more than two million masks and other products from elsewhere in the country .
An unprecedented national lockdown that has kept people from travelling has been expanded to more than 50 million residents , and authorities have cancelled a host of Lunar New Year events .
Temples locked their doors , Beijing 's Forbidden City , Shanghai Disneyland and other major tourist destinations closed , and people cancelled restaurant reservations ahead of the holiday .
The vast majority of cases have been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visited the city or had personal connections to those infected .
About two dozen cases in all have been confirmed outside mainland China , nearly all of them in Asia : Hong Kong , Macao , South Korea , Japan , Singapore , Thailand , Taiwan , Vietnam , Nepal , Australia , Malaysia and Canada .
Canada declared on Saturday that Toronto had identified its first coronavirus case - a resident who recently returned from Wuhan .
`` The individual is stable and is hospitalised '' the government said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US and France .
While most of the deaths have been older patients , a 36-year-old man in Hubei died on Thursday .
State-run China Global Television Network also confirmed that a doctor who had been treating patients in Wuhan , 62-year-old Liang Wudong , had died from the virus .
The UK Foreign Office is advising against `` all travel to Wuhan city '' .
It said : `` If you are in this area and able to leave , you should do so . ''
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

China has confirmed 1,372 people have been infected with coronavirus and 54 people have died.
It comes as President Xi Jinping told a politburo meeting the country was facing a "grave situation" where the virus is "accelerating its spread".
A report on state TV said resources and experts are being concentrated at designated hospitals for treatment of severe cases, with no treatment delayed due to cost, and supplies of materials to Hubei province and its capital Wuhan to be guaranteed.
The latest tally comes from 29 provinces and cities across China and includes 237 patients in serious condition.
Image: Work on Wuhan's first new hospital begins
All 54 deaths have been in China, including 52 in Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak, one each in Hebei and Heilongjiang provinces.
China added three cities to those cut off from transportation, bringing the total to 16 in Hubei province and covering a population greater than that of New York, London, Paris and Moscow combined.
Authorities are trying to limit further spread of the disease by preventing people from leaving Wuhan, the city of 11 million where the outbreak originated, and the surrounding area.
The Chinese military dispatched 450 medical staff, some with experience in past outbreaks including SARS and Ebola, who arrived in Wuhan late on Friday night to help treat the many patients hospitalised with viral pneumonia.
Two new dedicated hospitals are being built in the city to cope with rising numbers of cases.
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Construction has already started on the first facility, with enough space for 1,000 patients, which is expected to be completed by 3 February.
The second, which is designed to have 1,300 beds, is due to be finished within three weeks.
The Ministry of Commerce is co-ordinating an effort to supply more than two million masks and other products from elsewhere in the country.
An unprecedented national lockdown that has kept people from travelling has been expanded to more than 50 million residents, and authorities have cancelled a host of Lunar New Year events.
Temples locked their doors, Beijing's Forbidden City, Shanghai Disneyland and other major tourist destinations closed, and people cancelled restaurant reservations ahead of the holiday.
The vast majority of cases have been in and around Wuhan or involved people who visited the city or had personal connections to those infected.
About two dozen cases in all have been confirmed outside mainland China, nearly all of them in Asia: Hong Kong, Macao, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Nepal, Australia, Malaysia and Canada.
Canada declared on Saturday that Toronto had identified its first coronavirus case - a resident who recently returned from Wuhan.
"The individual is stable and is hospitalised" the government said in a statement.
Image: Liang Wudong (Pic: People's Daily)
The virus has also been detected in the US and France.
While most of the deaths have been older patients, a 36-year-old man in Hubei died on Thursday.
State-run China Global Television Network also confirmed that a doctor who had been treating patients in Wuhan, 62-year-old Liang Wudong, had died from the virus.
The UK Foreign Office is advising against "all travel to Wuhan city".
It said: "If you are in this area and able to leave, you should do so."
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news--2020-01-25--Coronavirus deaths rise to 41 in China as outbreak spreads to 11 other countries

The number of people killed by the coronavirus has risen to 41 , with the outbreak now having spread from China to 11 other countries .
China 's National Health Commission reported a jump in the number of people infected to 1,287 .
On Saturday , Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting of his party to talk about measures to fight the outbreak , saying that the country is facing a `` grave situation '' and that the virus is `` accelerating its spread '' .
All 41 coronavirus deaths have been in China , including 39 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , one in Hebei and one in Heilongjiang .
The virus has also been detected in Thailand , Vietnam , Singapore , Japan , South Korea , Taiwan , Nepal , France , the US , Australia and Malaysia .
Health authorities across the world are scrambling to prevent a global pandemic .
Australia announced three confirmed cases on Saturday .
One , a Chinese man in his 50s who returned from Wuhan on 19 January , is in a stable condition in hospital .
France said that three people had fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's first appearance in Europe .
The US reported its second case , involving a Chicago woman in her 60s who was hospitalised after returning from China .
Malaysia has also confirmed three cases .
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the people infected were Chinese nationals related to a 66-year-old man who was confirmed by Singapore health authorities to have tested positive for the virus .
Mr Dzulkefly said the individuals were the man 's 65-year-old wife and his two grandsons , aged 11 and 12 .
Medics are trying to trace 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK in the weeks since the coronavirus outbreak .
Liang Wudong , a 62-year-old doctor at Hubei Xinhua Hospital who had been at the front-line of the coronavirus outbreak , died from the virus , according to China Global Television Network .
It is unclear if his death has been counted in the official toll of 41 .
Transportation was shut down in Wuhan , the city with a population of 11 million where the outbreak originated , along with 12 other cities in central Hubei province .
The unprecedented lockdown kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's most festive holiday , the Lunar New Year , began on Saturday , with authorities cancelling a host of events .
Carrie Lam , Hong Kong 's leader , has also cancelled all official new year celebrations in the province amid the outbreak .
Airports across the world have stepped up screening of passengers from China , though some health experts have questioned their effectiveness .
Hospitals in Wuhan struggled with a flood of patients and a lack of supplies , while videos circulating online showed throngs of people in chaos as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complained that family members had been turned away at hospitals that were at capacity .
Authorities in Wuhan and elsewhere have put out calls for medicine , disinfection equipment , masks , goggles , gowns and other protective gear .
Officials are also rapidly constructing two new 1,000-bed hospitals to deal with the crisis , which will be completed by 3 February .
Hubei 's health authority said on Saturday there were 658 patients affected by the virus in medical care , with 57 in a critical condition .
A TV report said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospitals in the area , and that the ruling party have agreed that finances will not get in the way of treatment .
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said it had 63 patients under investigation , with two confirmed cases - both in individuals who had travelled to Wuhan .
Human-to-human transmission has been observed in the virus , leading health authorities to believe it originated in a market in Wuhan which traded illegally in wildlife .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) declared coronavirus an `` emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not declare it of international concern .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The virus has sparked concerns over the many unknowns surrounding it , such as how dangerous it is and how easily it spreads between people .
It can cause pneumonia , which can be deadly in some cases , and symptoms include fever , difficulty breathing and coughing .
The WHO said most of the fatalities have been in elderly patients , with many having pre-existing conditions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some sections of the Great Wall near Beijing will be closed as well as other tourist attractions across the country , including Shanghai Disneyland .

The number of people killed by the coronavirus has risen to 41, with the outbreak now having spread from China to 11 other countries.
China's National Health Commission reported a jump in the number of people infected to 1,287.
On Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting of his party to talk about measures to fight the outbreak, saying that the country is facing a "grave situation" and that the virus is "accelerating its spread".
Image: Many people in China are now wearing masks
Image: A disinfection worker wearing protective gear sprays anti-septic solution on a train in Seoul, South Korea
All 41 coronavirus deaths have been in China, including 39 in the Hubei province, the centre of the outbreak, one in Hebei and one in Heilongjiang.
The virus has also been detected in Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Nepal, France, the US, Australia and Malaysia.
Health authorities across the world are scrambling to prevent a global pandemic.
Australia announced three confirmed cases on Saturday. One, a Chinese man in his 50s who returned from Wuhan on 19 January, is in a stable condition in hospital.
France said that three people had fallen ill with the virus - the disease's first appearance in Europe.
The US reported its second case, involving a Chicago woman in her 60s who was hospitalised after returning from China.
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Malaysia has also confirmed three cases. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the people infected were Chinese nationals related to a 66-year-old man who was confirmed by Singapore health authorities to have tested positive for the virus.
Mr Dzulkefly said the individuals were the man's 65-year-old wife and his two grandsons, aged 11 and 12.
Medics are trying to trace 2,000 people who have flown from Wuhan to the UK in the weeks since the coronavirus outbreak.
Liang Wudong, a 62-year-old doctor at Hubei Xinhua Hospital who had been at the front-line of the coronavirus outbreak, died from the virus, according to China Global Television Network.
It is unclear if his death has been counted in the official toll of 41.
Transportation was shut down in Wuhan, the city with a population of 11 million where the outbreak originated, along with 12 other cities in central Hubei province.
The unprecedented lockdown kept 36 million people from travelling as China's most festive holiday, the Lunar New Year, began on Saturday, with authorities cancelling a host of events.
Image: A hospital is being built in Wuhan amid the outbreak
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Drone footage shows hospital construction
Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's leader, has also cancelled all official new year celebrations in the province amid the outbreak.
Airports across the world have stepped up screening of passengers from China, though some health experts have questioned their effectiveness.
Hospitals in Wuhan struggled with a flood of patients and a lack of supplies, while videos circulating online showed throngs of people in chaos as they lined up for examinations.
Some complained that family members had been turned away at hospitals that were at capacity.
Image: Chinese tourists wearing masks walk through the Ginza shopping district in Tokyo, Japan
Authorities in Wuhan and elsewhere have put out calls for medicine, disinfection equipment, masks, goggles, gowns and other protective gear.
Officials are also rapidly constructing two new 1,000-bed hospitals to deal with the crisis, which will be completed by 3 February.
Hubei's health authority said on Saturday there were 658 patients affected by the virus in medical care, with 57 in a critical condition.
A TV report said on Saturday that experts will be deployed to hospitals in the area, and that the ruling party have agreed that finances will not get in the way of treatment.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said it had 63 patients under investigation, with two confirmed cases - both in individuals who had travelled to Wuhan.
Human-to-human transmission has been observed in the virus, leading health authorities to believe it originated in a market in Wuhan which traded illegally in wildlife.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus an "emergency in China" this week, however did not declare it of international concern.
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The virus has sparked concerns over the many unknowns surrounding it, such as how dangerous it is and how easily it spreads between people.
It can cause pneumonia, which can be deadly in some cases, and symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing and coughing.
The WHO said most of the fatalities have been in elderly patients, with many having pre-existing conditions.
As China works to contain the outbreak, some sections of the Great Wall near Beijing will be closed as well as other tourist attractions across the country, including Shanghai Disneyland.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Downing Street slams Russian 'disinformation' over Boris Johnson ventilator claim

Downing Street has slammed Russian `` disinformation '' , after a state-run news agency claimed Boris Johnson would soon be put on a ventilator because of the coronavirus .
The prime minister was first admitted to hospital on Sunday , before being moved to intensive care on Monday evening after his condition worsened .
He confirmed on 27 March that he has COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Downing Street said Mr Johnson remains conscious and was moved to intensive care as a precaution should he require ventilation .
Russia 's RIA-Novosti earlier reported he would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim to a `` source close to the leadership '' of the NHS .
Speaking before the prime minister went into intensive care , his spokesman said : `` That is disinformation .
Our specialist government units have seen a rise in false and misleading narratives since the coronavirus pandemic started .
`` It 's vital that any disinformation is knocked down quickly . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
He added that the government is continuing to work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further action to stem the further spread of falsehood and rumours '' .
Downing Street has also hit out at the `` crazed conspiracy theory '' that 5G masts spread the coronavirus and warned that any vandals who destroy them are endangering lives .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden will hold talks with social media giants this week to press the need to stop the nonsense theory spreading .
`` You 've seen reports of criminal vandalism against 5G masts ; people need to understand that by destroying these masts they 're actually putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that emergency responders rely upon , '' the spokesman added .

Downing Street has slammed Russian "disinformation", after a state-run news agency claimed Boris Johnson would soon be put on a ventilator because of the coronavirus.
The prime minister was first admitted to hospital on Sunday, before being moved to intensive care on Monday evening after his condition worsened.
He confirmed on 27 March that he has COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:51 PM spends the night in hospital
Downing Street said Mr Johnson remains conscious and was moved to intensive care as a precaution should he require ventilation.
Russia's RIA-Novosti earlier reported he would be put on a ventilator, attributing the claim to a "source close to the leadership" of the NHS.
Speaking before the prime minister went into intensive care, his spokesman said: "That is disinformation. Our specialist government units have seen a rise in false and misleading narratives since the coronavirus pandemic started.
"It's vital that any disinformation is knocked down quickly."
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He added that the government is continuing to work with social media companies to "press for further action to stem the further spread of falsehood and rumours".
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Downing Street has also hit out at the "crazed conspiracy theory" that 5G masts spread the coronavirus and warned that any vandals who destroy them are endangering lives.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:05 Gove: 5G conspiracy theory 'dangerous nonsense'
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden will hold talks with social media giants this week to press the need to stop the nonsense theory spreading.
"You've seen reports of criminal vandalism against 5G masts; people need to understand that by destroying these masts they're actually putting lives at risk because these are masts that emergency responders rely upon," the spokesman added.


news--2020-04-06--Coronavirus: Dominic Raab will deputise for Boris Johnson after he is moved to intensive care

Dominic Raab has said government business will continue after Boris Johnson was moved to intensive care with worsening coronavirus symptoms .
The foreign secretary - who Downing Street said would `` deputise where necessary '' - told reporters the prime minister was in `` safe hands '' and has been receiving `` excellent care '' .
Mr Raab said : `` The government 's business will continue and the prime minister is in safe hands with that brilliant team at St Thomas ' hospital .
`` The focus of the government will continue to be on making sure that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for making sure that we can defeat coronavirus and can pull the country through this challenge - will be taken forward . ''
Mr Johnson , 55 , was admitted to St Thomas ' Hospital in London on Sunday night - 10 days after testing positive - due to continuing `` persistent '' symptoms of COVID-19 .
He was initially admitted for further tests but his health deteriorated , Downing Street said .
He is understood to be conscious and was moved to intensive care at about 7pm on Monday as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Raab , who has spent much of the last month trying to get Britons repatriated from various corners of the globe , said he had been asked to deputise `` where necessary '' .
Sky News political editor Beth Rigby said Mr Raab `` deputises for the prime minister when he is unable to carry out his job '' and will take over responsibilities including the day-to-day running of the coronavirus response .
Mr Raab said there was an `` incredibly strong spirit behind the prime minister '' .
He said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get all of the plans that the prime minister instructed us to deliver , to get them implemented as soon as possible '' .
He said Mr Johnson 's condition had worsened through Monday and that he was moved to a critical care unit on the advice of medical staff at St Thomas ' Hospital .
During the Number 10 news conference on Monday , Mr Raab faced repeated questions about how Mr Johnson could cope with demands of his job if he was sick enough to need hospital treatment .
Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` mild '' , now says they are `` persistent '' with symptoms including a cough as well as a continuing high temperature .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Responding to the news , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted : `` Terribly sad news .
All the country 's thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time . ''
And Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted : `` My thoughts tonight are with @ BorisJohnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll be getting the best care possible and will come out of this even stronger . ''
Meanwhile , the latest official figures showed a further 439 patients have died in the UK after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 5,373 .

Dominic Raab has said government business will continue after Boris Johnson was moved to intensive care with worsening coronavirus symptoms.
The foreign secretary - who Downing Street said would "deputise where necessary" - told reporters the prime minister was in "safe hands" and has been receiving "excellent care".
Mr Raab said: "The government's business will continue and the prime minister is in safe hands with that brilliant team at St Thomas' hospital.
"The focus of the government will continue to be on making sure that the prime minister's direction - all the plans for making sure that we can defeat coronavirus and can pull the country through this challenge - will be taken forward."
Image: Mr Johnson was moved to intensive care on Monday night after his symptoms worsened
Mr Johnson, 55, was admitted to St Thomas' Hospital in London on Sunday night - 10 days after testing positive - due to continuing "persistent" symptoms of COVID-19.
He was initially admitted for further tests but his health deteriorated, Downing Street said.
He is understood to be conscious and was moved to intensive care at about 7pm on Monday as a precaution in case he needs ventilation.
Mr Raab, who has spent much of the last month trying to get Britons repatriated from various corners of the globe, said he had been asked to deputise "where necessary".
Sky News political editor Beth Rigby said Mr Raab "deputises for the prime minister when he is unable to carry out his job" and will take over responsibilities including the day-to-day running of the coronavirus response.
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Mr Raab said there was an "incredibly strong spirit behind the prime minister".
He said the government is "making sure that we get all of the plans that the prime minister instructed us to deliver, to get them implemented as soon as possible".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 PM in intensive care: what we know
He said Mr Johnson's condition had worsened through Monday and that he was moved to a critical care unit on the advice of medical staff at St Thomas' Hospital.
During the Number 10 news conference on Monday, Mr Raab faced repeated questions about how Mr Johnson could cope with demands of his job if he was sick enough to need hospital treatment.
Downing Street, which had previously described his symptoms as "mild", now says they are "persistent" with symptoms including a cough as well as a continuing high temperature.
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Responding to the news, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "Terribly sad news. All the country's thoughts are with the Prime Minister and his family during this incredibly difficult time."
And Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: "My thoughts tonight are with @BorisJohnson and @carriesymonds. I know he'll be getting the best care possible and will come out of this even stronger."
Meanwhile, the latest official figures showed a further 439 patients have died in the UK after contracting the coronavirus - bringing the total to 5,373.


news--2020-02-14--Coronavirus: World Health Organisation mission heads to China as COVID-19 death toll passes 1,500

The World Health Organisation will lead a mission to China this weekend to start investigating the COVID-19 outbreak .
The group of 12 Chinese and 12 international members will focus on how the new coronavirus is spreading and its severity .
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said : `` The goal of the joint mission is to rapidly inform the next steps in the COVID-19 response and preparedness activities in China and globally . ''
COVID-19 is the medical name for the acute respiratory disease caused by the virus .
`` Particular attention will be paid to understanding transmission of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the impact of ongoing response measures , '' Mr Tedros added .
• A total of 1,525 people have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus - most in mainland China but one each in Hong Kong , the Philippines and Japan • 67,079 cases have been confirmed since the virus started in mid-December in Wuhan , with 63,866 in mainland China , according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University and the World Health Organisation • There were 5,090 suspected new cases recorded in mainland China , Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people returning to Beijing were told they would be punished if they did not isolate themselves for two weeks to stop the spread of the virus .
City authorities , quoted in the Beijing Daily newspaper , said : `` From now on , all those who have returned to Beijing should stay at home or submit to group observation for 14 days after arriving .
`` Those who refuse to accept home or centralised observation and other prevention and control measures will be held accountable under law . ''
Anybody returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel plans to their community in advance , the notice said .
It was unclear how this would affect foreign visitors arriving from outside China .
• The first case in Africa was confirmed on Friday after a `` foreigner '' tested positive in Egypt • Two British Labour MPs cancelled all engagements after they were among 250 people at the UK Bus Summit on 6 February which was also attended by a patient with COVID-19 • A North Sea oil rig worker was placed in isolation as he was tested for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person in the UK was confirmed as having the virus on Sunday .
The Chinese woman had flown from China and walked into a London hospital 's A & E • All 2,257 passengers and crew on the MS Westerdam cruise ship were at last allowed to dock in Cambodia , having been stranded for two weeks after ports in Thailand , Japan , Taiwan , the Philippines and Guam turned them away over fears they would spread the new virus , despite nobody on board testing positive : : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker About 500 million people in China are affected by travel restrictions , as more cities , including Beijing and Shanghai , imposed lockdowns this week in an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19 .
Last week President Xi Jinping warned top officials efforts to contain the virus had gone too far and were threatening the economy .
People returned from the Chinese New Year holiday on Monday , but cities remain empty , with Shanghai and Beijing 's streets and subways largely deserted , with many shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the city of 11 million people where the outbreak began , is under the most severe lockdown , with all public transport , taxis and ride-hailing services shut down .
Volunteer drivers are risking their own health by secretly ferrying medical staff and those in vital jobs to and from work after responding to requests on messaging groups .
Others are desperately trying to find accommodation for medical workers , many who have come from across China .

The World Health Organisation will lead a mission to China this weekend to start investigating the COVID-19 outbreak.
The group of 12 Chinese and 12 international members will focus on how the new coronavirus is spreading and its severity.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "The goal of the joint mission is to rapidly inform the next steps in the COVID-19 response and preparedness activities in China and globally."
COVID-19 is the medical name for the acute respiratory disease caused by the virus.
"Particular attention will be paid to understanding transmission of the virus, the severity of disease and the impact of ongoing response measures," Mr Tedros added.
Image: Su, 28 (L) and Jia, 29, got married - wearing face masks - at a registry office on Valentine's Day in Shanghai
Image: Anybody arriving in Beijing will have to self-isolate for two weeks
A total of 1,525 people have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus - most in mainland China but one each in Hong Kong, the Philippines and Japan
, the disease caused by the virus - most in mainland China but one each in Hong Kong, the Philippines and Japan 67,079 cases have been confirmed since the virus started in mid-December in Wuhan, with 63,866 in mainland China, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University and the World Health Organisation
There were 5,090 suspected new cases recorded in mainland China, Chinese authorities said on Friday
It comes as people returning to Beijing were told they would be punished if they did not isolate themselves for two weeks to stop the spread of the virus.
City authorities, quoted in the Beijing Daily newspaper, said: "From now on, all those who have returned to Beijing should stay at home or submit to group observation for 14 days after arriving.
"Those who refuse to accept home or centralised observation and other prevention and control measures will be held accountable under law."
Anybody returning to the Chinese capital will have to submit travel plans to their community in advance, the notice said.
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It was unclear how this would affect foreign visitors arriving from outside China.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Patient celebrates his release from quarantine
Other major coronavirus updates:
The first case in Africa was confirmed on Friday after a "foreigner" tested positive in Egypt
Two British Labour MPs cancelled all engagements after they were among 250 people at the UK Bus Summit on 6 February which was also attended by a patient with COVID-19
cancelled all engagements after they were among 250 people at the UK Bus Summit on 6 February which was also attended by a patient with COVID-19 A North Sea oil rig worker was placed in isolation as he was tested for COVID-19 after returning from Thailand
A ninth person in the UK was confirmed as having the virus on Sunday. The Chinese woman had flown from China and walked into a London hospital's A&E
hospital's A&E All 2,257 passengers and crew on the MS Westerdam cruise ship were at last allowed to dock in Cambodia, having been stranded for two weeks after ports in Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and Guam turned them away over fears they would spread the new virus, despite nobody on board testing positive
Image: Residents are tested and registered on a housing estate in Wuhan
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About 500 million people in China are affected by travel restrictions, as more cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, imposed lockdowns this week in an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Last week President Xi Jinping warned top officials efforts to contain the virus had gone too far and were threatening the economy.
People returned from the Chinese New Year holiday on Monday, but cities remain empty, with Shanghai and Beijing's streets and subways largely deserted, with many shops and restaurants empty or shut.
Image: Passengers on the MS Westerdam waved their towels on arrival in Cambodia
Image: Labour MPs Alex Sobel and Lilian Greenwood have cancelled their engagements
Wuhan, the city of 11 million people where the outbreak began, is under the most severe lockdown, with all public transport, taxis and ride-hailing services shut down.
Volunteer drivers are risking their own health by secretly ferrying medical staff and those in vital jobs to and from work after responding to requests on messaging groups.
Others are desperately trying to find accommodation for medical workers, many who have come from across China.


news--2020-02-14--Coronavirus: Two MPs axe engagements after attending same conference as COVID-19 patient

One of the people diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK attended a conference near parliament last week along with about 250 other delegates - including two Labour MPs who have now cancelled all their public engagements .
The patient , who has not been named , attended the UK Bus Summit at Westminster 's QEII Centre in central London on 6 February .
The event was described as the `` premier bus event covering all parts of the UK '' .
Labour MP Alex Sobel revealed he was among the attendees after hearing about the presence of a coronavirus patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been informed that I am at very low risk , I have called 111 to be formally assessed , '' he posted on Twitter .
A spokesman for Mr Sobel said the politician spent the afternoon in isolation in a room in his office away from staff .
He added : `` After receiving advice from 111 and being established as low risk , Alex will not remain in isolation , but will stay away from public engagements as a precautionary measure . ''
She tweeted : `` I 'm feeling completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelling my public engagements until 20th February .
Sorry for any inconvenience . ''
Speakers and attendees at the London event included `` key decision makers in government from around the UK '' as well as bus and coach industry representatives .
Among the speakers listed were buses minister , Baroness Vere ; junior transport minister , Nusrat Ghani - who lost her job in this week 's government reshuffle ; and various managing directors of bus firms .
The summit was organised by Transport Times , which emailed attendees on Thursday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 - the disease which is caused by the coronavirus - had been at the event .
The Financial Times reported Transport Times sent the email on the instruction of Public Health England ( PHE ) .
It also included a letter from PHE which told conference attendees to take no action if they were well but to stay indoors , avoid contact with others and call NHS 111 if they developed symptoms such as a fever or cough .
`` While the degree of contact you may have had with the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been significant , we are taking a precautionary approach and informing you , '' the letter said , as reported by the newspaper .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Yimmy Chow , consultant in health protection at PHE , said : `` One of our main priorities has been to identify any people who we think have been in close contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19 to provide public health advice , as they may be at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` While the degree of contact conference delegates may have had with the case is unlikely to have been significant , we have taken a precautionary approach and informed them of the situation . ''
It is said the case is not linked to the ninth patient with coronavirus in the UK - a woman from China who took an Uber to A & E after she developed symptoms .
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said on Thursday many more people in the UK may need to self-isolate to stop the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea oil rig worker on the Tern Alpha platform off Scotland was placed in isolation on Friday as he was tested for COVID-19 after returning from holiday in Thailand with `` minor symptoms '' .
A Channel 4 employee is among those being tested in the UK for coronavirus after feeling unwell following a trip to Asia within the last month .
`` As a precautionary measure they decided to seek medical advice and , in line with the latest public health advice regarding the coronavirus , they were taken to hospital for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 spokesperson said .
`` We have informed our staff of this and continue to follow all the latest public health guidance . ''
There is now a total of 64,456 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide .
Of these cases , 63,862 are in mainland China .
There have been 1,384 deaths from COVID-19 .
The figures have been collated by Johns Hopkins University 's Center for Systems Science and Engineering .
More than 1,700 Chinese medical workers have been infected by the virus .
Six of the workers have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of China 's National Health Commission .
Vietnam is monitoring more than 5,000 Chinese workers - who returned to the country after the Lunar New Year holiday - for signs of coronavirus , state media reported .
The southeast Asian country , which neighbours China , declared a public health emergency over the epidemic at the beginning of the month and has banned all flights to and from China .
Sixteen people in Vietnam have tested positive for the virus .

One of the people diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK attended a conference near parliament last week along with about 250 other delegates - including two Labour MPs who have now cancelled all their public engagements.
The patient, who has not been named, attended the UK Bus Summit at Westminster's QEII Centre in central London on 6 February.
The event was described as the "premier bus event covering all parts of the UK".
Image: American researchers have produced up-close images of the 2019 coronavirus. Pic: NIAID-RML
Labour MP Alex Sobel revealed he was among the attendees after hearing about the presence of a coronavirus patient through media reports.
"Whilst I have been informed that I am at very low risk, I have called 111 to be formally assessed," he posted on Twitter.
A spokesman for Mr Sobel said the politician spent the afternoon in isolation in a room in his office away from staff.
He added: "After receiving advice from 111 and being established as low risk, Alex will not remain in isolation, but will stay away from public engagements as a precautionary measure."
Fellow Labour MP Lilian Greenwood also attended the conference.
She tweeted: "I'm feeling completely well but to be extra-cautious I'm cancelling my public engagements until 20th February. Sorry for any inconvenience."
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Speakers and attendees at the London event included "key decision makers in government from around the UK" as well as bus and coach industry representatives.
Among the speakers listed were buses minister, Baroness Vere; junior transport minister, Nusrat Ghani - who lost her job in this week's government reshuffle; and various managing directors of bus firms.
The summit was organised by Transport Times, which emailed attendees on Thursday to inform them that a person suffering from COVID-19 - the disease which is caused by the coronavirus - had been at the event.
The Financial Times reported Transport Times sent the email on the instruction of Public Health England (PHE).
It also included a letter from PHE which told conference attendees to take no action if they were well but to stay indoors, avoid contact with others and call NHS 111 if they developed symptoms such as a fever or cough.
"While the degree of contact you may have had with the case at the summit is unlikely to have been significant, we are taking a precautionary approach and informing you," the letter said, as reported by the newspaper.
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Dr Yimmy Chow, consultant in health protection at PHE, said: "One of our main priorities has been to identify any people who we think have been in close contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19 to provide public health advice, as they may be at slightly increased risk of catching the virus.
"While the degree of contact conference delegates may have had with the case is unlikely to have been significant, we have taken a precautionary approach and informed them of the situation."
It is said the case is not linked to the ninth patient with coronavirus in the UK - a woman from China who took an Uber to A&E after she developed symptoms.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said on Thursday many more people in the UK may need to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus.
A North Sea oil rig worker on the Tern Alpha platform off Scotland was placed in isolation on Friday as he was tested for COVID-19 after returning from holiday in Thailand with "minor symptoms".
A Channel 4 employee is among those being tested in the UK for coronavirus after feeling unwell following a trip to Asia within the last month.
"As a precautionary measure they decided to seek medical advice and, in line with the latest public health advice regarding the coronavirus, they were taken to hospital for a precautionary test," a Channel 4 spokesperson said.
"We have informed our staff of this and continue to follow all the latest public health guidance."
There is now a total of 64,456 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide.
Of these cases, 63,862 are in mainland China. There have been 1,384 deaths from COVID-19.
The figures have been collated by Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:17 83 Britons were released from 14-day quarantine
More than 1,700 Chinese medical workers have been infected by the virus.
Six of the workers have died, said Zeng Yixin, vice director of China's National Health Commission.
Vietnam is monitoring more than 5,000 Chinese workers - who returned to the country after the Lunar New Year holiday - for signs of coronavirus, state media reported.
The southeast Asian country, which neighbours China, declared a public health emergency over the epidemic at the beginning of the month and has banned all flights to and from China.
Sixteen people in Vietnam have tested positive for the virus.


news--2020-02-15--Coronavirus: Number of European cases kept low because of China's 'sacrifice', minister says

A minister has suggested the number of cases of coronavirus outside China has remained relatively low because of the `` sacrifice for global health security '' the country has made .
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi made the remark after an 80-year-old tourist in Paris became the first person to die from the illness in Europe .
A total of 1,527 people have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
Most of them have been in mainland China but one each has died in Hong Kong , the Philippines , Japan and France .
Chinese authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strict lockdown , and have instituted controls across the country to fight the spread of the virus .
Restaurants , cinemas and other businesses have been closed nationwide and sports and cultural events have been cancelled to prevent crowds from gathering .
Wang Yi , who appeared to be referring to the lockdown , told Sky News on Saturday : `` All the infections worldwide only account for 1 % of the total number in China .
`` So we are making our sacrifice for global health security . ''
When asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chinese foreign minister said : `` Any assessment needs to be based on facts .
`` The number of people killed has been rising for 15 days , and new infections have been declining for 12 days .
France 's health minister Agnes Buzyn announced the first coronavirus death in Europe on Saturday .
She said : `` I was informed last night of the death of an 80-year-old patient who had been hospitalised ... since 25 January . ''
The patient was a Chinese tourist from Hubei province , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lung infection caused by COVID-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus .
He arrived in France on 16 January and was then hospitalised on 25 January under strict isolation measures .
His daughter was also hospitalised but authorities say she is expected to recover .
Europe has 46 cases of the virus that first emerged in central China in December .
Nine European nations have reported cases , with Germany having the most at 16 .
The virus has infected more than 67,000 people globally .
The World Health Organization has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health .

A minister has suggested the number of cases of coronavirus outside China has remained relatively low because of the "sacrifice for global health security" the country has made.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi made the remark after an 80-year-old tourist in Paris became the first person to die from the illness in Europe.
A total of 1,527 people have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Most of them have been in mainland China but one each has died in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan and France.
Chinese authorities have placed some 60 million people under a strict lockdown, and have instituted controls across the country to fight the spread of the virus.
Restaurants, cinemas and other businesses have been closed nationwide and sports and cultural events have been cancelled to prevent crowds from gathering.
Wang Yi, who appeared to be referring to the lockdown, told Sky News on Saturday: "All the infections worldwide only account for 1% of the total number in China.
"It is a highly infectious disease.
"So we are making our sacrifice for global health security."
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When asked earlier about the spread of the virus, the Chinese foreign minister said: "Any assessment needs to be based on facts.
"The number of people killed has been rising for 15 days, and new infections have been declining for 12 days.
"So isn't that good?"
France's health minister Agnes Buzyn announced the first coronavirus death in Europe on Saturday.
She said: "I was informed last night of the death of an 80-year-old patient who had been hospitalised... since 25 January."
Image: A tourist died at Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital in northern Paris
The patient was a Chinese tourist from Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak, and had a lung infection caused by COVID-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus.
He arrived in France on 16 January and was then hospitalised on 25 January under strict isolation measures.
His condition deteriorated rapidly.
His daughter was also hospitalised but authorities say she is expected to recover.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
Europe has 46 cases of the virus that first emerged in central China in December.
Nine European nations have reported cases, with Germany having the most at 16.
The virus has infected more than 67,000 people globally.
The World Health Organization has called the virus a threat to global health.


news--2020-02-15--Coronavirus: Only one UK patient still in hospital

All but one of the nine patients in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus have been discharged from hospital , the NHS has confirmed .
NHS England and NHS Improvement said that eight people who tested positive for COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - had left hospital following two negative tests .
All 94 people who were being held in quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside have also now left the hospital , they added .
They were kept at the facility for two weeks after returning to the UK on a flight from China - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100 people remain at the Kents Hill Park Hotel , in Milton Keynes .
Professor Keith Willett , NHS strategic incident director , said : `` The last guests have left Arrowe Park hospital and I would once again like to thank them for the calm , patient and responsible way that they have responded to what must have been a trying situation .
`` Over the coming weeks many more of us may need to spend time at home to reduce the spread of the virus and they have set a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thank all those NHS staff and partners , as well as Public Health England , who have worked so hard to make their stay as comfortable as possible , those still caring for guests in Milton Keynes and all the doctors , nurses and healthcare professionals who have successfully treated patients at other hospitals .
`` We must not forget the local residents , council staff , volunteers and numerous others who have rallied round to help our guests in their time of need .
Thank you all . ''
It comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was confirmed in France , where a Chinese tourist died in hospital in Paris .
The 80-year-old man was one of 12 cases in France , which include six British nationals who caught the virus from `` superspreader '' Steve Walsh .
Businessman Mr Walsh contracted the virus in Singapore while at a business conference before going to the French Alps for a ski holiday , then returning to his home in Hove , East Sussex .
He unwittingly infected 12 Britons who were in France with him .
As well as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in Majorca and five are now in the UK .
In a statement , the group of five who were treated at the Royal Free Hospital and St Thomas ' Hospital in London , said : `` All of our group , including the six ( later confirmed to be seven ) in other countries , have recovered quickly from the virus having required minimal medical treatment during our time in isolation .
`` We understand the virus can be dangerous for some , but we also want to share the important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people . ''
Meanwhile health officials have contacted more than 200 people who attended a bus conference in the UK after it emerged one delegate was suffering from coronavirus .
The case is not believed to be linked to the UK 's ninth case of coronavirus who took an Uber to A & E after she developed symptoms .
Two staff from Lewisham Hospital in south London are now in isolation at home after coming into contact with the woman .
The total number of confirmed cases globally now stands at more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus - most in mainland China but one each in Hong Kong , the Philippines , Japan and France • 69,032 cases have been confirmed since the virus started in mid-December in Wuhan , with 66,497 in mainland China , according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University and the World Health Organisation • There were 5,090 suspected new cases recorded in mainland China , Chinese authorities said on Friday

All but one of the nine patients in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus have been discharged from hospital, the NHS has confirmed.
NHS England and NHS Improvement said that eight people who tested positive for COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - had left hospital following two negative tests.
All 94 people who were being held in quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside have also now left the hospital, they added.
They were kept at the facility for two weeks after returning to the UK on a flight from China - the centre of the outbreak.
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More than 100 people remain at the Kents Hill Park Hotel, in Milton Keynes.
Professor Keith Willett, NHS strategic incident director, said: "The last guests have left Arrowe Park hospital and I would once again like to thank them for the calm, patient and responsible way that they have responded to what must have been a trying situation.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 NHS chief: More Britons may be forced to self-isolate
"Over the coming weeks many more of us may need to spend time at home to reduce the spread of the virus and they have set a great example.
"I would like to thank all those NHS staff and partners, as well as Public Health England, who have worked so hard to make their stay as comfortable as possible, those still caring for guests in Milton Keynes and all the doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who have successfully treated patients at other hospitals.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Patient celebrates his release from quarantine
"We must not forget the local residents, council staff, volunteers and numerous others who have rallied round to help our guests in their time of need. Thank you all."
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It comes after the first death from the virus was confirmed in France, where a Chinese tourist died in hospital in Paris.
The 80-year-old man was one of 12 cases in France, which include six British nationals who caught the virus from "superspreader" Steve Walsh.
Image: British nationals were taken by bus from Oxfordshire to Merseyside to be put in quarantine
Businessman Mr Walsh contracted the virus in Singapore while at a business conference before going to the French Alps for a ski holiday, then returning to his home in Hove, East Sussex.
He unwittingly infected 12 Britons who were in France with him. As well as the six who are in France, one is in Majorca and five are now in the UK.
Image: Five British nationals caught the virus at a chalet in the ski resort of Contamines-Montjoie
In a statement, the group of five who were treated at the Royal Free Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital in London, said: "All of our group, including the six (later confirmed to be seven) in other countries, have recovered quickly from the virus having required minimal medical treatment during our time in isolation.
"We understand the virus can be dangerous for some, but we also want to share the important facts of our situation to help reassure people."
Meanwhile health officials have contacted more than 200 people who attended a bus conference in the UK after it emerged one delegate was suffering from coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:02 Coronavirus: Teacher speaks from isolation
The case is not believed to be linked to the UK's ninth case of coronavirus who took an Uber to A&E after she developed symptoms.
Two staff from Lewisham Hospital in south London are now in isolation at home after coming into contact with the woman.
The total number of confirmed cases globally now stands at more than 67,000.


news--2020-02-16--Audit watchdog sounds alarm over coronavirus delays

Accountancy regulators have begun sounding alarm bells over the impact of the coronavirus crisis on auditors ’ ability to scrutinise corporate balance sheets .
Sky News has learnt that the Financial Reporting Council ( FRC ) has opened talks with major audit firms about possible delays to signing off clients ' accounts .
The discussions are focused on multinationals which have substantial operations or subsidiaries in China .
Chinese data protection laws require the auditing of companies to be conducted within the country , rather than remotely .
Its government does not allow audit papers to leave China or to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed on foreign travel to the world 's most populous nation since the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic mean that overseas-based audit professionals may be prevented from going there for several months .
The FRC has now told firms to identify specific audits that may be at risk of delays beyond the statutory deadline , according to insiders .
Sources said the FRC was likely to make a public statement in the coming days about how audit firms and listed companies should deal with the consequences of coronavirus for their accounting work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ appoint a separate auditor for their Chinese subsidiary on a temporary basis .
Mark Babbington , audit director at the FRC , said : `` The group auditor has to decide what alternative ways they can get the necessary evidence to complete the audit . ''
Watchdogs are also considering whether to oblige relevant companies to include a section in their financial results disclosing the possible impact of the outbreak .
The FRC took a similar approach to disclosing financial risks relating to Brexit ahead of the 2016 EU referendum .
One potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that auditors are unable to provide a going concern opinion in certain cases because the audit work is unable to be completed on time .
The impact of coronavirus - which has so far killed more than 1600 people and infected 68,000 more - has been reflected prominently in volatile equity markets as investors seek to discern its possible impact on global economic activity .
To date , however , few large UK companies have highlighted specific risks from the contagion .
Last week , JCB , the industrial machinery manufacturer said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factories because of the impact of coronavirus on its supply chain .
Burberry , the luxury goods manufacturer , said earlier this month that it had been forced to temporarily close more than a third of its 64 mainland Chinese stores .
`` The outbreak of the coronavirus in mainland China is having a material negative effect on luxury demand , '' Burberry chief executive Marco Gobbetti said .
He added that the company `` can not currently predict how long this situation will last '' .
Last week , Relx , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to postpone more than 20 % of the events it is organising in China .
Mobile World Congress , a flagship event in the global telecoms industry 's calendar , was cancelled last week after a string of big corporate participants withdrew , citing their unwillingness to send employees to Barcelona amid the coronavirus crisis .

Accountancy regulators have begun sounding alarm bells over the impact of the coronavirus crisis on auditors’ ability to scrutinise corporate balance sheets.
Sky News has learnt that the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has opened talks with major audit firms about possible delays to signing off clients' accounts.
The discussions are focused on multinationals which have substantial operations or subsidiaries in China.
Chinese data protection laws require the auditing of companies to be conducted within the country, rather than remotely.
Its government does not allow audit papers to leave China or to be viewed online.
However, restrictions placed on foreign travel to the world's most populous nation since the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic mean that overseas-based audit professionals may be prevented from going there for several months.
The FRC has now told firms to identify specific audits that may be at risk of delays beyond the statutory deadline, according to insiders.
Sources said the FRC was likely to make a public statement in the coming days about how audit firms and listed companies should deal with the consequences of coronavirus for their accounting work.
One option could be for companies to appoint a separate auditor for their Chinese subsidiary on a temporary basis.
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Mark Babbington, audit director at the FRC, said: "The group auditor has to decide what alternative ways they can get the necessary evidence to complete the audit."
Watchdogs are also considering whether to oblige relevant companies to include a section in their financial results disclosing the possible impact of the outbreak.
The FRC took a similar approach to disclosing financial risks relating to Brexit ahead of the 2016 EU referendum.
One potential consequence of the coronavirus outbreak may be that auditors are unable to provide a going concern opinion in certain cases because the audit work is unable to be completed on time.
The impact of coronavirus - which has so far killed more than 1600 people and infected 68,000 more - has been reflected prominently in volatile equity markets as investors seek to discern its possible impact on global economic activity.
To date, however, few large UK companies have highlighted specific risks from the contagion.
Last week, JCB, the industrial machinery manufacturer said it would reduce working hours at its UK factories because of the impact of coronavirus on its supply chain.
Burberry, the luxury goods manufacturer, said earlier this month that it had been forced to temporarily close more than a third of its 64 mainland Chinese stores.
"The outbreak of the coronavirus in mainland China is having a material negative effect on luxury demand," Burberry chief executive Marco Gobbetti said.
He added that the company "cannot currently predict how long this situation will last".
Last week, Relx, the FTSE-100 exhibitions group, said it had had to postpone more than 20% of the events it is organising in China.
Mobile World Congress, a flagship event in the global telecoms industry's calendar, was cancelled last week after a string of big corporate participants withdrew, citing their unwillingness to send employees to Barcelona amid the coronavirus crisis.


news--2020-02-15--Millions of people could be told to self-isolate in UK - report

Millions of people could be told to self-isolate for two weeks if they have flu-like symptoms , according a report .
The Sunday Telegraph said the measure could be taken if the number of coronavirus cases in the UK passes 100 .
The newspaper said senior NHS managers have been told that the service will stop testing for the strain known as COVID-19 `` once around 100 cases have been confirmed '' .
Those with coughs and colds may then have to stay home to limit the chance of them spreading the virus .
Britain 's Pandemic Influenza Response Plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment for the first few 100 cases so that information can be gathered about the virus .
But it says the approach should be changed as soon as there is `` evidence of sustained community transmission of the virus '' , according to the report .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Department of Health and Social Care did not comment when asked about the self-isolation direction .
As of Saturday , 2,992 people in the UK have been tested with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the department said .
NHS England and NHS Improvement said all 94 people who were being held in quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside have also now left the hospital .
They were kept at the facility for two weeks after returning to the UK on a flight from China - the centre of the outbreak .
More than 100 people remain at the Kents Hill Park Hotel , in Milton Keynes .
Professor Keith Willett , NHS strategic incident director , said : `` The last guests have left Arrowe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to thank them for the calm , patient and responsible way that they have responded to what must have been a trying situation .
`` Over the coming weeks many more of us may need to spend time at home to reduce the spread of the virus and they have set a great example . ''
It comes after the first death from the virus was confirmed in France , where a Chinese tourist died in hospital in Paris .
The 80-year-old man was one of 12 cases in France , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus from `` superspreader '' Steve Walsh .
Businessman Mr Walsh contracted the virus in Singapore while at a business conference before going to the French Alps for a ski holiday , then returning to his home in Hove , East Sussex .
He unwittingly infected 12 Britons who were in France with him .
As well as the six who are in France , one is in Majorca and five are now in the UK .
In a statement , the group of five who were treated at the Royal Free Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` All of our group , including the six ( later confirmed to be seven ) in other countries , have recovered quickly from the virus having required minimal medical treatment during our time in isolation . ''
Meanwhile health officials have contacted more than 200 people who attended a bus conference in the UK after it emerged one delegate was suffering from coronavirus .
The case is not believed to be linked to the UK 's ninth case of coronavirus who took an Uber to A & E after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lewisham Hospital in south London are now in isolation at home after coming into contact with the woman .
The total number of confirmed cases globally now stands at more than 69,000 .
• A total of 1,669 people have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus - most in mainland China but one each in Hong Kong , the Philippines , Japan and France • 69,186 cases have been confirmed since the virus started in mid-December in Wuhan , with 66,497 in mainland China , according to data collected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organisation • There were 5,090 suspected new cases recorded in mainland China , Chinese authorities said on Friday

Millions of people could be told to self-isolate for two weeks if they have flu-like symptoms, according a report.
The Sunday Telegraph said the measure could be taken if the number of coronavirus cases in the UK passes 100.
The newspaper said senior NHS managers have been told that the service will stop testing for the strain known as COVID-19 "once around 100 cases have been confirmed".
Those with coughs and colds may then have to stay home to limit the chance of them spreading the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 NHS chief: More Britons may be forced to self-isolate
Britain's Pandemic Influenza Response Plan sets out how to ensure isolation and treatment for the first few 100 cases so that information can be gathered about the virus.
But it says the approach should be changed as soon as there is "evidence of sustained community transmission of the virus", according to the report.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Department of Health and Social Care did not comment when asked about the self-isolation direction.
As of Saturday, 2,992 people in the UK have been tested with 2,983 confirmed as negative and nine positive, the department said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 Patient celebrates his release from quarantine
NHS England and NHS Improvement said all 94 people who were being held in quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside have also now left the hospital.
They were kept at the facility for two weeks after returning to the UK on a flight from China - the centre of the outbreak.
Image: All the Britons quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital have now left
More than 100 people remain at the Kents Hill Park Hotel, in Milton Keynes.
Professor Keith Willett, NHS strategic incident director, said: "The last guests have left Arrowe Park hospital and I would once again like to thank them for the calm, patient and responsible way that they have responded to what must have been a trying situation.
"Over the coming weeks many more of us may need to spend time at home to reduce the spread of the virus and they have set a great example."
It comes after the first death from the virus was confirmed in France, where a Chinese tourist died in hospital in Paris.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:02 Coronavirus: Teacher speaks from isolation
The 80-year-old man was one of 12 cases in France, which include six British nationals who caught the virus from "superspreader" Steve Walsh.
Businessman Mr Walsh contracted the virus in Singapore while at a business conference before going to the French Alps for a ski holiday, then returning to his home in Hove, East Sussex.
He unwittingly infected 12 Britons who were in France with him. As well as the six who are in France, one is in Majorca and five are now in the UK.
Image: A number of British nationals caught the virus at a chalet in the ski resort of Contamines-Montjoie
In a statement, the group of five who were treated at the Royal Free Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital in London, said: "All of our group, including the six (later confirmed to be seven) in other countries, have recovered quickly from the virus having required minimal medical treatment during our time in isolation."
Meanwhile health officials have contacted more than 200 people who attended a bus conference in the UK after it emerged one delegate was suffering from coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Special report: It's been impossible to avoid the headlines but how bad could the coronavirus outbreak really get?
The case is not believed to be linked to the UK's ninth case of coronavirus who took an Uber to A&E after she developed symptoms.
Two staff from Lewisham Hospital in south London are now in isolation at home after coming into contact with the woman.
The total number of confirmed cases globally now stands at more than 69,000.


news--2020-02-15--Coronavirus: China reports drop in new cases for third straight day

China has reported a drop in new coronavirus cases for the third day in a row , as it became clear the country 's leadership was aware of the outbreak 's potential before the dangers were made public .
There were 2,009 new cases in mainland China on Saturday , bringing its total to 68,500 , according to the country 's National Health Commission .
The figures have emerged after a 80-year-old Chinese tourist in Paris became the first person to die from the virus in Europe .
The number of dead in mainland China from COVID-19 , the medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the virus , stands at 1,665 .
China 's fall in new cases follows a spike of more than 15,000 on Thursday , when the central province of Hubei adopted a new diagnostic method that includes clinical diagnoses in its official account .
Chinese President Xi Jinping had played a muted role in the early days of the epidemic , which has been one of the biggest political challenges of his tenure .
But state media published a speech on Saturday which Mr Xi delivered on 3 February , during which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fighting the virus as early as 7 January .
The disclosure indicates top leaders knew about the outbreak 's potential severity weeks before such dangers were made known to the public .
It was not until late January that officials said the virus can spread between humans and public alarm began to rise .
In his speech , the Chinese president also revealed that he ordered a lockdown of the virus epicentre of Wuhan in the Hubei province : `` On January 22 , in light of the epidemic 's rapid spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I made a clear request that Hubei province implement comprehensive and stringent controls over the outflow of people . ''
French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn confirmed the confirmed the first fatality from the infection in Europe on Saturday .
The man , who was from the Chinese province of Hubei , had been receiving treatment in a French hospital since 25 January .
He had been kept in isolation while receiving treatment , but his condition is said to have deteriorated rapidly .
He had arrived in France on 16 January .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the same hospital , but has now recovered according to authorities .
His case is one of 12 French cases of COVID-19 .
Six of those cases are British nationals who caught the virus from `` superspreader '' Steve Walsh after coming into contact with him in the French Alps during a skiing holiday .
Ms Buzyn warned : `` Our health system must be prepared to face a possible virus spreading across the country . ''
She says she will be meeting with medical authorities on Tuesday to discuss the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be reported outside mainland China .
The virus has so far spread to more than two dozen countries .
The World Health Organisation ha sent a team of 24 health experts to China to investigate how the virus is spreading and its severity .
Meanwhile , in Japan , preparations are under way to evacuate American citizens from the Diamond Princess , the cruise ship that has been quarantined off Japan .
Around 400 American passengers have been told to decide by Sunday morning whether they will stay or take chartered aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them home .
The flights are expected on Sunday evening local time .
Those taking the chartered planes will be taken to Travis Air Force Base in California , with some continuing to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas , where they will have to undergo another 14-day quarantine .
So far , 285 people from the ship have tested positive for the virus after 67 new cases were found Saturday .
Those with symptoms such as fever and cough will not be allowed to board the evacuation flights .
The news comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering .
• Most of the deaths have been in mainland China but there has been one each in Hong Kong , the Philippines , Japan and France • 69,186 cases have been confirmed since the virus started in mid-December in Wuhan , according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in gymnasiums and public buildings across the Hubei province of China to facilitate early testing and treatment .
Meanwhile 285 cases of the virus have been confirmed on a quarantined cruise ship in Japan .
The Diamond Princess in Yokohama , near Tokyo , has around 3,700 passengers in total , including tourists from Britain , America and Australia .

China has reported a drop in new coronavirus cases for the third day in a row, as it became clear the country's leadership was aware of the outbreak's potential before the dangers were made public.
There were 2,009 new cases in mainland China on Saturday, bringing its total to 68,500, according to the country's National Health Commission.
The fatality rate remained stable at 142 deaths.
The figures have emerged after a 80-year-old Chinese tourist in Paris became the first person to die from the virus in Europe.
The number of dead in mainland China from COVID-19, the medical name for the acute respiratory disease caused by the virus, stands at 1,665.
Image: Shoppers in protective masks at a supermarket in Wuhan
China's fall in new cases follows a spike of more than 15,000 on Thursday, when the central province of Hubei adopted a new diagnostic method that includes clinical diagnoses in its official account.
Chinese President Xi Jinping had played a muted role in the early days of the epidemic, which has been one of the biggest political challenges of his tenure.
But state media published a speech on Saturday which Mr Xi delivered on 3 February, during which the Chinese president said he gave instructions on the fighting the virus as early as 7 January.
The disclosure indicates top leaders knew about the outbreak's potential severity weeks before such dangers were made known to the public.
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Image: Tourists at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, as France confirms its first coronavirus death. File picture
It was not until late January that officials said the virus can spread between humans and public alarm began to rise.
In his speech, the Chinese president also revealed that he ordered a lockdown of the virus epicentre of Wuhan in the Hubei province: "On January 22, in light of the epidemic's rapid spread and the challenges of prevention and control, I made a clear request that Hubei province implement comprehensive and stringent controls over the outflow of people."
French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn confirmed the confirmed the first fatality from the infection in Europe on Saturday.
Image: The man died at Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital in northern Paris
The man, who was from the Chinese province of Hubei, had been receiving treatment in a French hospital since 25 January.
He had been kept in isolation while receiving treatment, but his condition is said to have deteriorated rapidly.
He had arrived in France on 16 January.
His daughter was also treated for coronavirus in the same hospital, but has now recovered according to authorities.
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His case is one of 12 French cases of COVID-19.
Six of those cases are British nationals who caught the virus from "superspreader" Steve Walsh after coming into contact with him in the French Alps during a skiing holiday.
Ms Buzyn warned: "Our health system must be prepared to face a possible virus spreading across the country."
She says she will be meeting with medical authorities on Tuesday to discuss the issue.
The man was the fourth death to be reported outside mainland China. The virus has so far spread to more than two dozen countries.
The World Health Organisation ha sent a team of 24 health experts to China to investigate how the virus is spreading and its severity.
Meanwhile, in Japan, preparations are under way to evacuate American citizens from the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship that has been quarantined off Japan.
Around 400 American passengers have been told to decide by Sunday morning whether they will stay or take chartered aircraft arranged by the US government to fly them home. The flights are expected on Sunday evening local time.
Those taking the chartered planes will be taken to Travis Air Force Base in California, with some continuing to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where they will have to undergo another 14-day quarantine.
So far, 285 people from the ship have tested positive for the virus after 67 new cases were found Saturday. Those with symptoms such as fever and cough will not be allowed to board the evacuation flights.
The news comes as:
A total of 1,669 people have died from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus, according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering.
, the disease caused by the virus, according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering. Most of the deaths have been in mainland China but there has been one each in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan and France
69,186 cases have been confirmed since the virus started in mid-December in Wuhan,
according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Temporary hospitals have been set up in gymnasiums and public buildings across the Hubei province of China to facilitate early testing and treatment.
Meanwhile 285 cases of the virus have been confirmed on a quarantined cruise ship in Japan.
The Diamond Princess in Yokohama, near Tokyo, has around 3,700 passengers in total, including tourists from Britain, America and Australia.


news--2020-02-16--Coronavirus: Britons in quarantine on cruise ship criticise government over 'inaction'

A British couple in quarantine on board a cruise ship in Japan have begged British authorities to get them home , as coronavirus cases on board the Diamond Princess rise .
David Abel has been documenting his experience on board the ship , which has been docked off the coast of Yokohama in Japan for around three weeks .
According to Johns Hopkins University , which is mapping the outbreak , there have been 355 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , on board the ship - the highest amount outside China .
Speaking in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ship , he said he had not heard `` anything '' from the UK government .
He said : `` All we 've got is a message about an hour ago from the ... embassy based in Tokyo , to say they 've acknowledged the Americans are taking their folk home today .
Canadians are going to be following soon .
The Australians are probably going to be soon after .
`` The UK government , through the ambassador here in Tokyo , has said the World Health Organization acknowledges all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the United Kingdom ... it 's not likely we will be repatriated . ''
US officials have been airlifting its citizens on board the ship back to the country on Sunday , amid the rising number of people being tested positive for COVID-19 , with the Japanese defence ministry saying around 300 US citizens had been allowed off the vessel .
Canadians , Italians and those from Hong Kong have also been told they will be leaving the ship in due course .
Mr Abel adds : `` It leaves us feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK - border control have put the barriers up and are saying 'no ' . ''
He has previously hit out at Prime Minister Boris Johnson , saying he had `` no confidence '' in him , despite being a `` staunch Tory '' .
Mr Abel has also begged billionaire Richard Branson for help , asking him how much it would cost to charter a Virgin plane to fly the UK citizens on board to Brize Norton to allow them to undertake their quarantine back home .
`` Whatever the cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of paying for that plane .
`` Do n't know how but we would n't want you to be out of pocket on that .
`` But this is just how damned desperate some of the passengers are becoming . ''
Another ship , the MS Westerdam , docked in Cambodia on Thursday after being rejected from several other ports .
A woman from the US who had travelled on the ship then flew to Malaysia , and was later found to have contracted COVID-19 .
According to Johns Hopkins University , 1,655 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracting COVID-19 , most of whom are in China .
On Saturday , a man died in France from the illness , marking the first death in Europe .
In the UK , all but one of those who had been hospitalised for the virus have been discharged .

A British couple in quarantine on board a cruise ship in Japan have begged British authorities to get them home, as coronavirus cases on board the Diamond Princess rise.
David Abel has been documenting his experience on board the ship, which has been docked off the coast of Yokohama in Japan for around three weeks.
According to Johns Hopkins University, which is mapping the outbreak, there have been 355 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, on board the ship - the highest amount outside China.
Image: The ship is anchored off Yokohama port
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 7 February: David Abel details his quarantine
Speaking in a YouTube live stream on Sunday morning from the ship, he said he had not heard "anything" from the UK government.
He said: "All we've got is a message about an hour ago from the... embassy based in Tokyo, to say they've acknowledged the Americans are taking their folk home today. Canadians are going to be following soon. The Australians are probably going to be soon after.
"The UK government, through the ambassador here in Tokyo, has said the World Health Organization acknowledges all of this action taking place but with regard to the United Kingdom... it's not likely we will be repatriated."
US officials have been airlifting its citizens on board the ship back to the country on Sunday, amid the rising number of people being tested positive for COVID-19, with the Japanese defence ministry saying around 300 US citizens had been allowed off the vessel.
Canadians, Italians and those from Hong Kong have also been told they will be leaving the ship in due course.
Mr Abel adds: "It leaves us feeling like we are not wanted back in the UK - border control have put the barriers up and are saying 'no'."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 US citizens are being evacuated from the Diamond Princess
Image: Hundreds of people have tested positive for the virus on board
He has previously hit out at Prime Minister Boris Johnson, saying he had "no confidence" in him, despite being a "staunch Tory".
Mr Abel has also begged billionaire Richard Branson for help, asking him how much it would cost to charter a Virgin plane to fly the UK citizens on board to Brize Norton to allow them to undertake their quarantine back home.
"Whatever the cost, we will somehow find a way of paying for that plane.
"Don't know how but we wouldn't want you to be out of pocket on that.
"But this is just how damned desperate some of the passengers are becoming."
Another ship, the MS Westerdam, docked in Cambodia on Thursday after being rejected from several other ports. A woman from the US who had travelled on the ship then flew to Malaysia, and was later found to have contracted COVID-19.
According to Johns Hopkins University, 1,655 people have died as a result of contracting COVID-19, most of whom are in China.
On Saturday, a man died in France from the illness, marking the first death in Europe.
In the UK, all but one of those who had been hospitalised for the virus have been discharged.