news--2020-02-29--Coronavirus spread: Three more cases in England

Three more patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus , bringing the total number of UK cases to 23 .
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said two of the patients had recently travelled back from Italy while the other had returned from Asia .
The cases are from Gloucestershire , Hertfordshire and Berkshire .
Prof Whitty said : `` All three are being investigated and contact tracing has begun . ''
Downing Street said Boris Johnson had spoken with Prof Whitty and the Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Saturday afternoon to ensure everything is being done to limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public services are prepared .
Meanwhile the first case of coronavirus in the Irish Republic has been confirmed in the east of the country .
There are reports the government is to use a COBRA meeting on Monday , to agree emergency powers to ensure COVID-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus - does not get out of control .
Schools , councils and other institutions would be able to suspend some laws to cope with a pandemic .
The measures could also include allowing teachers and nursery workers to have larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , experts have said it is `` crucial '' to find out how the first person who caught the coronavirus within the UK was exposed to it , as authorities race to piece together their movements .
News of the domestic infection on Friday is a significant moment in the country 's battle to stop the coronavirus .
All the other UK cases had been infected abroad .
`` Contact tracing '' has started on the patient .
Prof Whitty said it was not clear whether the person had contracted it `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had recently returned from abroad .
The patient , who lives in Surrey , has been taken to a specialist centre at Guy 's and St Thomas ' in London .
Haslemere Health Centre in Surrey was closed on Friday , with a statement on its website saying : `` The surgery is temporarily closed today to enable a clean of the surgery as a routine precautionary measure . ''
The surgery has since re-opened .
Jonathan Ball , professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham , said it marked a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` no known link to an affected area or known case '' .
`` It will be crucial to understand where the infection came from to try to prevent more extensive spread , '' he said .
He warned the virus `` can easily go under the radar '' because its symptoms are very similar to a cold or mild flu .
A virus expert from the University of Leeds said the first person-to person transmission was `` only a matter of time '' .
`` What now becomes critically important is our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for infected individuals , and to trace their recent contacts , '' said Dr Stephen Griffin .
He said that small , localised outbreaks might increase in the UK in the coming weeks - and that it is vital they are contained to keep the situation manageable .
`` If we experience a burgeoning epidemic as seen in South Korea it will represent a significant challenge to our already stretched NHS and public health infrastructure , '' Dr Griffin added .
• More than £200bn wiped off FTSE share index over virus fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment '' and tells people to stay indoors this weekend • France bans all gatherings of more than 5,000 people • 85,406 suspected and confirmed cases worldwide , with 2,924 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the disease • First US death confirmed in Washington state • Mexico , Iceland and Nigeria also among nations to confirm first cases on Friday The prime minister , who will chair Monday 's COBRA meeting , has been accused of being slow to act over the outbreak , but he insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority '' .
He said people are `` right to be concerned '' about the spread of COVID-19 , but the `` best advice '' to prevent wider spread is to wash your hands with hot water and soap .
The UK chief medical officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate but the risk to individuals is said to remain low .
Meanwhile , a British man in his 70s who was on board the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan has become the first UK fatality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is advising against travel to China , South Korea , Iran and northern Italy , locations where the epidemic is most severe .
In Tenerife , hundreds of guests have been confined to the H10 Costa Adeje Palace after at least four tourists , including an Italian doctor , were diagnosed with coronavirus .
However , six Britons were among those who were told they could leave on Friday by Spanish authorities because they arrived at the hotel on Monday - after those who tested positive had been taken to hospital .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has called on the Iranian government to `` immediately allow '' health officials into a prison in Tehran where Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe believes she has contracted coronavirus .
Her husband Richard Ratcliffe had earlier raised concerns at Evin prison 's `` refusal to test her '' for the virus , which has spread rapidly in Iran .
Meanwhile a spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed foreign secretary Dominic Rabb had been tested for coronavirus this week after feeling unwell .
`` He followed NHS advice , was tested for coronavirus and self-isolated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was straight back to work , '' the spokesman added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The World Health Organisation said the outbreak is `` getting bigger '' as more countries report their first cases .
It has now raised the risk level to its maximum of `` very high '' , meaning an `` immediate response '' - within hours - is required as soon as a case is suspected .
However , new cases in China , where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Three more patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of UK cases to 23.
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said two of the patients had recently travelled back from Italy while the other had returned from Asia.
The cases are from Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Berkshire.
Prof Whitty said: "All three are being investigated and contact tracing has begun."
Downing Street said Boris Johnson had spoken with Prof Whitty and the Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Saturday afternoon to ensure everything is being done to limit the spread of the virus and that public services are prepared.
Meanwhile the first case of coronavirus in the Irish Republic has been confirmed in the east of the country.
There are reports the government is to use a COBRA meeting on Monday, to agree emergency powers to ensure COVID-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus - does not get out of control.
Schools, councils and other institutions would be able to suspend some laws to cope with a pandemic.
The measures could also include allowing teachers and nursery workers to have larger classes to cope with staff absences.
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Image: Haslemere Health Centre in Surrey has re-opened after it was closed for cleaning
Meanwhile, experts have said it is "crucial" to find out how the first person who caught the coronavirus within the UK was exposed to it, as authorities race to piece together their movements.
News of the domestic infection on Friday is a significant moment in the country's battle to stop the coronavirus.
All the other UK cases had been infected abroad.
"Contact tracing" has started on the patient.
Prof Whitty said it was not clear whether the person had contracted it "directly or indirectly" from someone who had recently returned from abroad.
The patient, who lives in Surrey, has been taken to a specialist centre at Guy's and St Thomas' in London.
Haslemere Health Centre in Surrey was closed on Friday, with a statement on its website saying: "The surgery is temporarily closed today to enable a clean of the surgery as a routine precautionary measure."
The surgery has since re-opened.
Jonathan Ball, professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, said it marked a "new chapter" as there was "no known link to an affected area or known case".
"It will be crucial to understand where the infection came from to try to prevent more extensive spread," he said.
He warned the virus "can easily go under the radar" because its symptoms are very similar to a cold or mild flu.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:22 Coronavirus is top priority, says PM
A virus expert from the University of Leeds said the first person-to person transmission was "only a matter of time".
"What now becomes critically important is our ability to identify, isolate and care for infected individuals, and to trace their recent contacts," said Dr Stephen Griffin.
He said that small, localised outbreaks might increase in the UK in the coming weeks - and that it is vital they are contained to keep the situation manageable.
"If we experience a burgeoning epidemic as seen in South Korea it will represent a significant challenge to our already stretched NHS and public health infrastructure," Dr Griffin added.
In other coronavirus developments:
More than £200bn wiped off FTSE share index over virus fears
over virus fears South Korea warns of "critical moment" and tells people to stay indoors this weekend
France bans all gatherings of more than 5,000 people
of more than 5,000 people 85,406 suspected and confirmed cases worldwide, with 2,924 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the disease
First US death confirmed in Washington state
Mexico, Iceland and Nigeria also among nations to confirm first cases on Friday
The prime minister, who will chair Monday's COBRA meeting, has been accused of being slow to act over the outbreak, but he insisted it was the government's "top priority".
He said people are "right to be concerned" about the spread of COVID-19, but the "best advice" to prevent wider spread is to wash your hands with hot water and soap.
The UK chief medical officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate but the risk to individuals is said to remain low.
Meanwhile, a British man in his 70s who was on board the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan has become the first UK fatality of the coronavirus.
The Foreign Office is advising against travel to China, South Korea, Iran and northern Italy, locations where the epidemic is most severe.
In Tenerife, hundreds of guests have been confined to the H10 Costa Adeje Palace after at least four tourists, including an Italian doctor, were diagnosed with coronavirus.
However, six Britons were among those who were told they could leave on Friday by Spanish authorities because they arrived at the hotel on Monday - after those who tested positive had been taken to hospital.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has called on the Iranian government to "immediately allow" health officials into a prison in Tehran where Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe believes she has contracted coronavirus.
Her husband Richard Ratcliffe had earlier raised concerns at Evin prison's "refusal to test her" for the virus, which has spread rapidly in Iran.
Meanwhile a spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed foreign secretary Dominic Rabb had been tested for coronavirus this week after feeling unwell.
"He followed NHS advice, was tested for coronavirus and self-isolated. The test was negative and he was straight back to work," the spokesman added.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The World Health Organisation said the outbreak is "getting bigger" as more countries report their first cases.
It has now raised the risk level to its maximum of "very high", meaning an "immediate response" - within hours - is required as soon as a case is suspected.
However, new cases in China, where the virus began, are continuing to slow.


news--2020-02-29--NASA images show coronavirus shutdown has cleared China pollution

NASA has published satellite images which show a dramatic decline in pollution levels over China , which the US space agency says is `` partly related '' to the coronavirus .
It claims there has been a significant decrease in nitrogen dioxide ( NO2 ) - a noxious gas emitted by motor vehicles , power plants and industrial facilities - due to the economic slowdown following the outbreak .
COVID-19 started in the Chinese city of Wuhan , which was placed in lockdown from 23 January , with residents not allowed to leave and businesses ordered to close to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduction in NO2 pollution was first apparent near Wuhan , but eventually spread across the country , according to NASA scientists .
The quarantine there was the first of several put in place across China , and then around the world , in what has become one of the largest such actions in human history .
`` This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event , '' said Fei Liu , an air quality researcher at NASA .
She recalls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries during the economic recession that began in 2008 , but says the decrease was gradual .
There was also a reduction around Beijing during the 2008 Olympics , but scientists claim the effect was mostly localised around the capital , and that pollution levels rose again once the Games ended .
The decrease in NO2 also coincided with the Lunar New Year celebrations in China and much of Asia .
Generally , businesses and factories close from the last week in January into early February to mark the event .
Previous observations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around this period , but then increases once it is over .
But although the Lunar New Year may have played a role in the recent drop-off , researchers believe the decrease is down to more than a holiday effect or weather-related variation .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Liu has not seen a rebound in NO2 after the celebrations .
She said : `` This year , the reduction rate is more significant than in past years and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not surprised because many cities nationwide have taken measures to minimise the spread of the virus . ''
NASA researchers compared NO2 values in 2020 with the average amounts detected at this time of year from 2005-19 .
In 2020 , NO2 levels in eastern and central China were significantly lower ( from 10-30 % lower ) than what is normally observed for this time period .

NASA has published satellite images which show a dramatic decline in pollution levels over China, which the US space agency says is "partly related" to the coronavirus.
It claims there has been a significant decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) - a noxious gas emitted by motor vehicles, power plants and industrial facilities - due to the economic slowdown following the outbreak.
COVID-19 started in the Chinese city of Wuhan, which was placed in lockdown from 23 January, with residents not allowed to leave and businesses ordered to close to reduce the spread of the disease.
Image: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a noxious gas emitted by motor vehicles, power plants and industrial facilities. Pic: NASA
The reduction in NO2 pollution was first apparent near Wuhan, but eventually spread across the country, according to NASA scientists.
The quarantine there was the first of several put in place across China, and then around the world, in what has become one of the largest such actions in human history.
"This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event," said Fei Liu, an air quality researcher at NASA.
She recalls seeing a drop in NO2 over several countries during the economic recession that began in 2008, but says the decrease was gradual.
There was also a reduction around Beijing during the 2008 Olympics, but scientists claim the effect was mostly localised around the capital, and that pollution levels rose again once the Games ended.
The decrease in NO2 also coincided with the Lunar New Year celebrations in China and much of Asia.
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Generally, businesses and factories close from the last week in January into early February to mark the event.
Previous observations have shown that air pollution usually decreases around this period, but then increases once it is over.
But although the Lunar New Year may have played a role in the recent drop-off, researchers believe the decrease is down to more than a holiday effect or weather-related variation.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Liu has not seen a rebound in NO2 after the celebrations.
She said: "This year, the reduction rate is more significant than in past years and it has lasted longer.
"I am not surprised because many cities nationwide have taken measures to minimise the spread of the virus."
NASA researchers compared NO2 values in 2020 with the average amounts detected at this time of year from 2005-19.
In 2020, NO2 levels in eastern and central China were significantly lower (from 10-30% lower) than what is normally observed for this time period.


news--2020-02-29--Coronavirus: First UK infection hikes risk of domestic COVID-19 outbreak

There may now be a significant chain of transmission in the UK The chances of a COVID-19 outbreak in the UK have been significantly raised by the first `` community '' transmission of the virus .
Until now doctors have identified suspected cases by testing people who have returned from certain high-risk countries and have flu-like symptoms .
It will be much harder to identify infected individuals who have not been outside the UK .
There are many other causes of coughs and fevers at this time of year and there simply would not be the capacity to test everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health teams is that there may now be a significant chain of transmission in the UK .
The individual in Surrey is unlikely to have considered that their symptoms were due to the coronavirus , so they may not have sought medical help straight away with a high chance of spreading it in the meantime .
Even more of a worry is the source of the virus has n't been identified .
Who gave it to the patient in Surrey ?
How many others have they infected ?
And have they in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Contact tracing in those circumstances is much more challenging .
Patient 0 - the original source - has never been identified in the Italian outbreak .
It 's likely they only had mild symptoms and kept going with everyday activities , seeding an outbreak that remained below the radar for several days .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Just over a week ago Italy had just three reported cases .
Now it 's over 800 according to official statistics and scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whether there is a similar explosion of cases in the UK depends on the success of public health doctors in shutting down every chain of transmission .
And the longer it takes , the harder it will be .

With the source unidentified, the concern for public health teams is there may be a significant chain of transmission in Britain.
There may now be a significant chain of transmission in the UK
The chances of a COVID-19 outbreak in the UK have been significantly raised by the first "community" transmission of the virus.
Until now doctors have identified suspected cases by testing people who have returned from certain high-risk countries and have flu-like symptoms.
It will be much harder to identify infected individuals who have not been outside the UK.
There are many other causes of coughs and fevers at this time of year and there simply would not be the capacity to test everyone for the virus.
The concern for public health teams is that there may now be a significant chain of transmission in the UK.
The individual in Surrey is unlikely to have considered that their symptoms were due to the coronavirus, so they may not have sought medical help straight away with a high chance of spreading it in the meantime.
Even more of a worry is the source of the virus hasn't been identified.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:22 Coronavirus is top priority, says PM
Who gave it to the patient in Surrey? How many others have they infected? And have they in turn also passed on the virus?
Contact tracing in those circumstances is much more challenging.
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Patient 0 - the original source - has never been identified in the Italian outbreak.
It's likely they only had mild symptoms and kept going with everyday activities, seeding an outbreak that remained below the radar for several days.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Just over a week ago Italy had just three reported cases.
Now it's over 800 according to official statistics and scientists believe there are many more still undetected.
Whether there is a similar explosion of cases in the UK depends on the success of public health doctors in shutting down every chain of transmission.
And the longer it takes, the harder it will be.


news--2020-02-29--Coronavirus: US and Australia record first deaths as Trump takes 'aggressive actions'

The US and Australia have recorded their first deaths from COVID-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus .
In Australia , authorities said a 78-year-old man died in a Perth hospital , and in the US state of Washington a man in his late 50s died .
The Australian victim had been evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship , which had been quarantined in Japan .
The man 's widow is also infected but is in a stable condition , according to health officials .
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a tweet he was saddened to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said the government would continue to do all it could to protect citizens .
He wrote : `` We are monitoring and responding to the information we are receiving every day .
We are not immune , but we are as prepared as any country can be and we will get through this . ''
As fears grow of an escalation in the number of US cases , the country is using a federal defence law to boost the production of gloves , masks and gowns .
President Donald Trump has announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationals from entering the US from Iran , and warned against going to badly affected areas of Italy and South Korea .
Mr Trump also said officials were discussing bringing in travel restrictions across the southern border of the US .
He said : `` We 've taken the most aggressive actions to confront the coronavirus .
They are the most aggressive taken by any country .
And we 're the number one travel destination anywhere in the world .
Yet we have far fewer cases of the disease than even countries with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population .
`` On Monday , I 'll be meeting with the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world .
Actually , they 'll be coming to the White House and we 're talking about a vaccine and developing very quickly and they 've already started working on it , developing very rapidly a vaccine for the virus to combat the virus . ''
Meanwhile , France has banned all public gatherings with more than 5,000 people in a confined space , as the number of coronavirus cases there rises and the list of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sporting events and music concerts could be affected as France raised the number of confirmed cases to 100 .
Five Serie A football games , which were going to be played without fans , have been postponed in Italy , which is struggling to contain a rapid spread in cases .
Officials there said the death toll had risen to 29 with more than 1,100 infected .
In the German city of Bonn a primary school teaching assistant has reportedly tested positive for the virus , forcing around 185 children to be quarantined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive in Germany at a nursery in Heinsberg , North Rhine-Westphalia , after their teacher became unwell .
South Korea has urged its citizens to stay indoors this weekend and warned of a `` critical moment '' in the coronavirus battle .
The country is the worst-hit by the outbreak after China .
On Sunday it reported 376 new infections , taking the total to more than 3,500 .
`` Please stay at home and refrain from going outside and minimise contact with other people , '' urged vice health minister Kim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been linked to a large religious sect based in the city of Daegu .
• Tokyo marathon goes ahead but cut from 38,000 to about 200 elite runners • Switzerland to ban events of more than 1,000 people • Iran extends university closures and sports and concert ban as deaths hit 43 • UK announces `` battleplan '' as three more cases confirmed • More than 86,900 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak Mainland China - where the virus began - reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its most recent 24-hour figures .
Most were confined to the city of Wuhan - the origin of the outbreak in December - and the surrounding province .
Authorities say the number of patients being discharged from hospital is now far more than those being admitted .
In total , nearly 2,900 people have died from the outbreak in China with about 80,000 infected .
As more cases are identified outside Asia - including countries such as Ireland , Ecuador and Qatar recording their first cases - the World Health Organisation ( WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest level .
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom has warned it would be a `` big mistake '' to switch from a public health strategy of containment to mitigation - where authorities accept the coronavirus is spreading .
The United Nations chief , Antonio Guterres , also urged governments to `` do everything possible '' .
`` We know containment is possible , but the window of opportunity is narrowing , '' he told reporters in New York .
Italy is by far Europe 's worst-affected country with a number of areas in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prime minister has warned the outbreak could push the country into recession and schools and universities in the affected regions will remain closed for a second week .
An Italian national staying at a hotel in Tenerife - on lockdown after four cases of the coronavirus were detected - has now tested positive for the virus .
The economic repercussions have also seen a nightmare week on world stock markets .
More than £200bn was wiped from the UK 's FTSE 100 on Friday after the US Dow Jones also suffered its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been fatal in 2 % of reported cases , with the elderly and ill the most vulnerable , according to WHO .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There is no vaccine yet for the new viral infection , which health officials think spreads mainly from droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes .
Advice is for people to wash their hands with soap and water and avoid close contact with people who are sick .

The US and Australia have recorded their first deaths from COVID-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus.
In Australia, authorities said a 78-year-old man died in a Perth hospital, and in the US state of Washington a man in his late 50s died.
The Australian victim had been evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which had been quarantined in Japan.
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The man's widow is also infected but is in a stable condition, according to health officials.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a tweet he was saddened to hear of the elderly man's death and said the government would continue to do all it could to protect citizens.
He wrote: "We are monitoring and responding to the information we are receiving every day. We are not immune, but we are as prepared as any country can be and we will get through this."
As fears grow of an escalation in the number of US cases, the country is using a federal defence law to boost the production of gloves, masks and gowns.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Trump: No reason to panic about virus
President Donald Trump has announced an extension of travel restrictions banning foreign nationals from entering the US from Iran, and warned against going to badly affected areas of Italy and South Korea.
Mr Trump also said officials were discussing bringing in travel restrictions across the southern border of the US.
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He said: "We've taken the most aggressive actions to confront the coronavirus. They are the most aggressive taken by any country. And we're the number one travel destination anywhere in the world. Yet we have far fewer cases of the disease than even countries with much less travel or a much smaller population.
"On Monday, I'll be meeting with the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Actually, they'll be coming to the White House and we're talking about a vaccine and developing very quickly and they've already started working on it, developing very rapidly a vaccine for the virus to combat the virus."
Meanwhile, France has banned all public gatherings with more than 5,000 people in a confined space, as the number of coronavirus cases there rises and the list of countries hit by the illness climbs.
Image: Sporting events and music concerts could be affected in France
Sporting events and music concerts could be affected as France raised the number of confirmed cases to 100.
Five Serie A football games, which were going to be played without fans, have been postponed in Italy, which is struggling to contain a rapid spread in cases.
Officials there said the death toll had risen to 29 with more than 1,100 infected.
In the German city of Bonn a primary school teaching assistant has reportedly tested positive for the virus, forcing around 185 children to be quarantined at home.
Four children have also tested positive in Germany at a nursery in Heinsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, after their teacher became unwell.
Image: China says far more people are now being discharged from hospital than being admitted
South Korea has urged its citizens to stay indoors this weekend and warned of a "critical moment" in the coronavirus battle.
The country is the worst-hit by the outbreak after China.
On Sunday it reported 376 new infections, taking the total to more than 3,500.
"Please stay at home and refrain from going outside and minimise contact with other people," urged vice health minister Kim Kang-lip.
The South Korean outbreak has been linked to a large religious sect based in the city of Daegu.
In other developments:
Tokyo marathon goes ahead but cut from 38,000 to about 200 elite runners
Switzerland to ban events of more than 1,000 people
Iran extends university closures and sports and concert ban as deaths hit 43
UK announces "battleplan" as three more cases confirmed
as three more cases confirmed More than 86,900 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:27 Inside Wuhan: 'People are terrified'
Mainland China - where the virus began - reported 570 new cases and 34 deaths in its most recent 24-hour figures.
Most were confined to the city of Wuhan - the origin of the outbreak in December - and the surrounding province.
Authorities say the number of patients being discharged from hospital is now far more than those being admitted.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
In total, nearly 2,900 people have died from the outbreak in China with about 80,000 infected.
As more cases are identified outside Asia - including countries such as Ireland, Ecuador and Qatar recording their first cases - the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the risk level to the highest level.
Image: Chinese state media depicts the fight against coronavirus as a heroic struggle
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom has warned it would be a "big mistake" to switch from a public health strategy of containment to mitigation - where authorities accept the coronavirus is spreading.
The United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, also urged governments to "do everything possible".
"We know containment is possible, but the window of opportunity is narrowing," he told reporters in New York.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
Italy is by far Europe's worst-affected country with a number of areas in the north of the country on lockdown.
The prime minister has warned the outbreak could push the country into recession and schools and universities in the affected regions will remain closed for a second week.
An Italian national staying at a hotel in Tenerife - on lockdown after four cases of the coronavirus were detected - has now tested positive for the virus.
Image: All British guests at the H10 hotel in Tenerife are being tested for COVID-19
The economic repercussions have also seen a nightmare week on world stock markets.
More than £200bn was wiped from the UK's FTSE 100 on Friday after the US Dow Jones also suffered its biggest one-day drop this week.
COVID-19 has been fatal in 2% of reported cases, with the elderly and ill the most vulnerable, according to WHO.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There is no vaccine yet for the new viral infection, which health officials think spreads mainly from droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The symptoms include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.
Advice is for people to wash their hands with soap and water and avoid close contact with people who are sick.


news--2020-02-29--PM's coronavirus 'battle plan' may force retired doctors back to work

Britain has a `` battle plan '' to tackle coronavirus , including bringing retired doctors back to work , as three more cases were confirmed in the UK .
Boris Johnson will chair his first COBRA meeting on Monday and has ordered a `` war room '' to be convened in the Cabinet Office .
It will feature a cross-Whitehall team of communications experts and scientists ahead of a refreshed public information campaign .
The total number of cases in the UK is now at 23 , after a teacher in Berkshire tested positive for COVID-19 , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Hertfordshire .
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said two of the three new patients had recently travelled back from Italy while the other had returned from Asia .
One of them is a staff member at Willow Bank Infant School in Woodley , Berkshire .
In an email , headteacher Michelle Masters urged parents to `` remain calm and follow the recommended hygiene procedures '' .
`` The school will be shut for some days to allow for a deep clean and to ensure that the risk of infection remain ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Burford ( Day & Boarding ) School in the Cotswolds , Oxfordshire , closed on Wednesday after a pupil returned from a holiday in northern Italy and began to feel unwell .
Headteacher Kathy Haig said the decision to shut the school was taken as a `` precautionary measure of having the whole school deep cleaned '' , adding the premises would reopen on Monday .
Health officials are also continuing to establish how a patient in Surrey became the first to catch the illness within the UK .
Haslemere Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleaned .
It is not known whether the person caught the virus from someone who had been abroad , or if it was a case of 'community spread ' .
It is understood new emergency powers will be brought in to give schools , councils and other parts of the public sector powers to suspend laws - including health and safety measures - to cope with a pandemic .
The battle plan says the following could happen : • Emergency registration of health professionals who have retired • Emergency indemnity coverage for health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services • Relaxation of rules around staff to pupil ratios in education and childcare settings The government is also considering whether to encourage more home working and discourage unnecessary travel .
The strategy is based on its existing contingency plans for responding to a flu pandemic , but has been adapted to take into account the differences with COVID-19 .
The prime minister said the outbreak `` may very well be a challenge in the weeks and months ahead '' , but he is confident `` with the help of the NHS and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get through it - and beat it '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme the focus is still to `` contain '' and `` stop the spread here in the UK '' , and that everyone should continue to `` go about their ordinary business '' for the time being .
The risk to the public has been raised from low to moderate , but the risk to individuals is said to remain low .
Worst-case-scenario plans show 80 % of the population could contract the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cemeteries and crematoriums have been told to make sure plans are in place to deal with a pandemic .
Fears over coronavirus have sparked a rush on items such as hand gel - and as a result , products usually dispatched within a few days on Amazon are instead being pitched with a delivery date of between several weeks to over a month .
Supermarket Tesco has sold out of most of its range of anti-bacterial hand sanitisers online .
Health officials in Scotland are to begin testing people with flu-like symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not visited affected areas .
NHS Lothian has introduced a `` drive-through '' testing centre at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh .
It is for some patients who have been assessed by a specialist team and who have an appointment so they can be tested for the virus in their cars .
On Friday , a British man who was on board a quarantined cruise ship in Japan became the first UK fatality of the coronavirus .
The Foreign Office is advising against travel to China , South Korea , Iran and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the epidemic is most severe .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Public Health England has concluded more than 10,000 tests so far , and all but 23 have been negative .
Expert teams are actively tracing those who have come into contact with a suspected case .
The government has said unless an individual has been contacted already , or has travelled to an affected area , they should be reassured it is not necessary for them to take any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings of more than 5,000 people • The US and Australia record their first deaths from the virus • President Trump considering travel restrictions on the Mexico border • Tokyo marathon goes ahead but cut from 38,000 to about 200 elite runners • More than 86,900 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak

Britain has a "battle plan" to tackle coronavirus, including bringing retired doctors back to work, as three more cases were confirmed in the UK.
Boris Johnson will chair his first COBRA meeting on Monday and has ordered a "war room" to be convened in the Cabinet Office.
It will feature a cross-Whitehall team of communications experts and scientists ahead of a refreshed public information campaign.
The total number of cases in the UK is now at 23, after a teacher in Berkshire tested positive for COVID-19, as well as a person in Gloucestershire, and another from Hertfordshire.
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said two of the three new patients had recently travelled back from Italy while the other had returned from Asia.
One of them is a staff member at Willow Bank Infant School in Woodley, Berkshire.
In an email, headteacher Michelle Masters urged parents to "remain calm and follow the recommended hygiene procedures".
"The school will be shut for some days to allow for a deep clean and to ensure that the risk of infection remain(s) low," Ms Masters said.
Burford (Day & Boarding) School in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, closed on Wednesday after a pupil returned from a holiday in northern Italy and began to feel unwell.
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Headteacher Kathy Haig said the decision to shut the school was taken as a "precautionary measure of having the whole school deep cleaned", adding the premises would reopen on Monday.
Health officials are also continuing to establish how a patient in Surrey became the first to catch the illness within the UK.
Haslemere Health Centre was closed on Friday to be cleaned.
It is not known whether the person caught the virus from someone who had been abroad, or if it was a case of 'community spread'.
It is understood new emergency powers will be brought in to give schools, councils and other parts of the public sector powers to suspend laws - including health and safety measures - to cope with a pandemic.
The battle plan says the following could happen:
Emergency registration of health professionals who have retired
Emergency indemnity coverage for health care workers to provide care or diagnostic services
Relaxation of rules around staff to pupil ratios in education and childcare settings
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
The government is also considering whether to encourage more home working and discourage unnecessary travel.
The strategy is based on its existing contingency plans for responding to a flu pandemic, but has been adapted to take into account the differences with COVID-19.
The prime minister said the outbreak "may very well be a challenge in the weeks and months ahead", but he is confident "with the help of the NHS and its incomparable staff, this country will get through it - and beat it".
Image: Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock have reiterated the importance of washing hands
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme the focus is still to "contain" and "stop the spread here in the UK", and that everyone should continue to "go about their ordinary business" for the time being.
The risk to the public has been raised from low to moderate, but the risk to individuals is said to remain low.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
Worst-case-scenario plans show 80% of the population could contract the virus, with up to 500,000 deaths.
Cemeteries and crematoriums have been told to make sure plans are in place to deal with a pandemic.
Fears over coronavirus have sparked a rush on items such as hand gel - and as a result, products usually dispatched within a few days on Amazon are instead being pitched with a delivery date of between several weeks to over a month.
Supermarket Tesco has sold out of most of its range of anti-bacterial hand sanitisers online.
Image: Tesco has sold out of several anti-bacterial hand sanitisers online
Health officials in Scotland are to begin testing people with flu-like symptoms for coronavirus, even if they have not visited affected areas.
NHS Lothian has introduced a "drive-through" testing centre at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. It is for some patients who have been assessed by a specialist team and who have an appointment so they can be tested for the virus in their cars.
On Friday, a British man who was on board a quarantined cruise ship in Japan became the first UK fatality of the coronavirus.
The Foreign Office is advising against travel to China, South Korea, Iran and affected areas in northern Italy - locations where the epidemic is most severe.
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Public Health England has concluded more than 10,000 tests so far, and all but 23 have been negative.
Expert teams are actively tracing those who have come into contact with a suspected case.
The government has said unless an individual has been contacted already, or has travelled to an affected area, they should be reassured it is not necessary for them to take any further action.
In other global developments:


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: EasyJet founder to quiz board over Airbus links

The founder of easyJet will on Friday seek to establish the extent of the low-cost airline ’ s links to Airbus at a shareholder meeting he has convened to seek the ousting of four board members .
Sky News understands that Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has tabled a series of questions to easyJet , including whether the Toulouse-based aircraft manufacturer controls any shares in the British airline - which on Thursday morning said it would resume flights in mid-June .
The entrepreneur , who along with his family controls 34 % of easyJet 's shares , wants it to cancel a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bankrupt the company he founded in 1995 .
One source close to him said he wanted to know whether any of the airline 's directors since 2013 had had links to three lawyers who have reportedly worked with Airbus or associated companies .
The manufacturer was fined €3.6bn by authorities in the UK , France and the US earlier this year for `` a massive scheme to offer and pay bribes '' , according to authorities .
Sir Stelios has sought to draw a connection between Airbus 's offences and easyJet 's outstanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oust directors including its chairman and chief executive .
The easyJet founder also wants to know whether its board believe the company is `` a 'going concern ' as of today ? ''
`` easyGroup [ Sir Stelio 's company ] would like each director to apply the same test ( that of being able to pay its debts as they fall due for the next 12 months as if the directors had to sign off an audit today .
`` If they are not willing to reply yes or no to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why not . ''
In his submission to the company , the tycoon also questioned whether John Barton , easyJet 's chairman , should be `` chairing a meeting concerning his removal as a director '' .
Friday 's meeting is regarded by some investors as being in the balance , since easyJet needs a majority of voting shareholders to actively oppose easyGroup 's resolutions .
Johan Lundgren , whose position as chief executive is also being voted on , told The Sunday Telegraph that he had spoken to 45 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of those not controlled by Sir Stelios .
Asked whether any of them would be supporting Sir Stelios , Mr Lundgren reportedly said : `` I do n't want to sound complacent , but none .
Nil . ''
It was unclear , however , whether any of those investors might simply abstain or decide not to vote .

The founder of easyJet will on Friday seek to establish the extent of the low-cost airline’s links to Airbus at a shareholder meeting he has convened to seek the ousting of four board members.
Sky News understands that Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has tabled a series of questions to easyJet, including whether the Toulouse-based aircraft manufacturer controls any shares in the British airline - which on Thursday morning said it would resume flights in mid-June.
The entrepreneur, who along with his family controls 34% of easyJet's shares, wants it to cancel a £4.5bn aircraft order that he says will bankrupt the company he founded in 1995.
One source close to him said he wanted to know whether any of the airline's directors since 2013 had had links to three lawyers who have reportedly worked with Airbus or associated companies.
The manufacturer was fined €3.6bn by authorities in the UK, France and the US earlier this year for "a massive scheme to offer and pay bribes", according to authorities.
Sir Stelios has sought to draw a connection between Airbus's offences and easyJet's outstanding aircraft order throughout his two-month campaign to oust directors including its chairman and chief executive.
The easyJet founder also wants to know whether its board believe the company is "a 'going concern' as of today?"
"easyGroup [Sir Stelio's company] would like each director to apply the same test (that of being able to pay its debts as they fall due for the next 12 months as if the directors had to sign off an audit today.
"If they are not willing to reply yes or no to this question, then the follow on question is why not."
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In his submission to the company, the tycoon also questioned whether John Barton, easyJet's chairman, should be "chairing a meeting concerning his removal as a director".
Friday's meeting is regarded by some investors as being in the balance, since easyJet needs a majority of voting shareholders to actively oppose easyGroup's resolutions.
Johan Lundgren, whose position as chief executive is also being voted on, told The Sunday Telegraph that he had spoken to 45% of the company's shareholders - or a majority of those not controlled by Sir Stelios.
Asked whether any of them would be supporting Sir Stelios, Mr Lundgren reportedly said: "I don't want to sound complacent, but none. Nil."
It was unclear, however, whether any of those investors might simply abstain or decide not to vote.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Scotland to set out 'route map' for easing lockdown

Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will today set out a `` route map '' for a four-phased lifting of the COVID-19 lockdown .
Restrictions on outdoor activities like golf and fishing will be lifted , garden centres and recycling centres will be allowed to reopen and people will be able to meet someone from a different household , with social distancing .
Ms Sturgeon will tell the Scottish Parliament today that the changes will come into force on 28th May , assuming continued success in suppression of the coronavirus .
Progress will be assessed every three weeks , before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the announcement , Ms Sturgeon said : `` The enormous sacrifices made by people and businesses across Scotland have had a real impact on the spread of COVID-19 and I would like to thank everybody who has helped to protect themselves , each other and our health and care services .
`` For the time being , the advice on staying at home except for essential purposes remains the same , but we hope to shortly be ready to start easing the lockdown restrictions and today 's route map will outline how we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister said she has been `` guided by the latest scientific advice '' , which listening to the views of the people in Scotland .
The route map will be based on World Health Organisation guidance , as well as the experience of other countries who have eased lockdown .
`` This will be a very gradual process as we monitor how changing behaviour affects the infection rate and we will only be able to move toward easing more restrictions if we continue to work together to suppress the virus , '' Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Protecting lives will continue to be our number one priority - and I am confident that people across Scotland will continue to pull together in this national endeavour as we return to some kind of normality . ''
Scotland 's easing of restrictions has prompted increased preparations for a return to work and play in very different circumstances .
On the Old Course at St Andrews , the home of golf , they have made preparations for a 'no-touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hole pins bear a flag with the warning : `` Do Not Touch Flag or Pin , COVID-19 . ''
Foam has been placed onto the bottom of the pins so the ball does n't drop fully , but comes to rest between the pin and the 'lip ' of the hole .
This means it can be easily lifted and no hands need to delve into the hole to retrieve it .
Sandy Reid , director of green keeping at St Andrews Links , told Sky News : `` For the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's been like a Sunday .
`` The Old Course is closed every Sunday and it 's been like that for us throughout .
It 's certainly been a challenge .
`` We 'll be encouraging golfers not to touch the pins , bins and benches on the course , just to make sure that everyone 's safe - both staff and customers . ''

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will today set out a "route map" for a four-phased lifting of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Restrictions on outdoor activities like golf and fishing will be lifted, garden centres and recycling centres will be allowed to reopen and people will be able to meet someone from a different household, with social distancing.
Ms Sturgeon will tell the Scottish Parliament today that the changes will come into force on 28th May, assuming continued success in suppression of the coronavirus.
Image: Nicola Sturgeon will set out the road map today
Progress will be assessed every three weeks, before lifting restrictions further.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, Ms Sturgeon said: "The enormous sacrifices made by people and businesses across Scotland have had a real impact on the spread of COVID-19 and I would like to thank everybody who has helped to protect themselves, each other and our health and care services.
"For the time being, the advice on staying at home except for essential purposes remains the same, but we hope to shortly be ready to start easing the lockdown restrictions and today's route map will outline how we can do that."
The first minister said she has been "guided by the latest scientific advice", which listening to the views of the people in Scotland.
The route map will be based on World Health Organisation guidance, as well as the experience of other countries who have eased lockdown.
"This will be a very gradual process as we monitor how changing behaviour affects the infection rate and we will only be able to move toward easing more restrictions if we continue to work together to suppress the virus," Ms Sturgeon said.
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"Protecting lives will continue to be our number one priority - and I am confident that people across Scotland will continue to pull together in this national endeavour as we return to some kind of normality."
Scotland's easing of restrictions has prompted increased preparations for a return to work and play in very different circumstances.
On the Old Course at St Andrews, the home of golf, they have made preparations for a 'no-touch' game tweaked by new infection controls.
Image: A flag in place on the Old Course, St Andrews
Hole pins bear a flag with the warning: "Do Not Touch Flag or Pin, COVID-19."
Foam has been placed onto the bottom of the pins so the ball doesn't drop fully, but comes to rest between the pin and the 'lip' of the hole.
This means it can be easily lifted and no hands need to delve into the hole to retrieve it.
Sandy Reid, director of green keeping at St Andrews Links, told Sky News: "For the last two months it's been strange, it's been like a Sunday.
Image: Sandy Reid rakes the Road Hole bunker on the Old Course at St Andrews
"The Old Course is closed every Sunday and it's been like that for us throughout. It's certainly been a challenge.
"We'll be encouraging golfers not to touch the pins, bins and benches on the course, just to make sure that everyone's safe - both staff and customers."


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: New 'on the spot' COVID-19 swab test being trialled

A coronavirus test that can give results in 20 minutes is being trialled , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said .
The swab test , which will tell people if they currently have coronavirus , has proved effective in clinical settings and does not need to be sent to a laboratory to be processed .
Currently , test results should take up to two to three days to be returned , but there has been some criticism that people have waited days or weeks for their results .
The health secretary said the new test , if trialled successfully , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control COVID-19 across the country , getting those with negative results back into society as quickly as possible '' .
During the government 's daily news briefing , Mr Hancock said the new test will be trialled on a smaller scale to `` monitor its effectiveness '' and if it works `` we 'll roll it out as soon as we can '' .
The trial is beginning in Hampshire and will be rolled out in a number of settings , including A & E departments without access to laboratories , GP coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 4,000 people of different ages and backgrounds will take part in the six-week pilot .
The new test , produced by UK company OptiGene , could provide accurate results `` almost on the spot '' , Mr Hancock said .
`` This will enable health and care workers to carry on with their shift or immediately isolate on the same day , and could eventually offer the same benefit to the whole country , '' he added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faster results than the current test as it does not need to be processed at different temperatures , meaning it does not need to be sent to a laboratory .
In A & E departments and GP hubs , patients with symptoms will be prioritised for the new test .
Staff and residents in care homes will be tested regardless of whether they have symptoms or not .
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Alex Whitfield said : `` We are tremendously excited to be able to support the government 's efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing . ''
The health secretary also announced the government has signed contracts to supply 10 million antibody tests from Roche and Abbott , which can tell if someone has previously had COVID-19 and could potentially be immune from the virus .
The tests will first be given to health care workers , patients and care home residents from next week .

A coronavirus test that can give results in 20 minutes is being trialled, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.
The swab test, which will tell people if they currently have coronavirus, has proved effective in clinical settings and does not need to be sent to a laboratory to be processed.
Currently, test results should take up to two to three days to be returned, but there has been some criticism that people have waited days or weeks for their results.
Image: The current tests need to be sent to a lab for processing
The health secretary said the new test, if trialled successfully, could "change the way that we control COVID-19 across the country, getting those with negative results back into society as quickly as possible".
During the government's daily news briefing, Mr Hancock said the new test will be trialled on a smaller scale to "monitor its effectiveness" and if it works "we'll roll it out as soon as we can".
The trial is beginning in Hampshire and will be rolled out in a number of settings, including A&E departments without access to laboratories, GP coronavirus testing hubs and care homes.
Up to 4,000 people of different ages and backgrounds will take part in the six-week pilot.
The new test, produced by UK company OptiGene, could provide accurate results "almost on the spot", Mr Hancock said.
"This will enable health and care workers to carry on with their shift or immediately isolate on the same day, and could eventually offer the same benefit to the whole country," he added.
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The test can offer faster results than the current test as it does not need to be processed at different temperatures, meaning it does not need to be sent to a laboratory.
In A&E departments and GP hubs, patients with symptoms will be prioritised for the new test.
Staff and residents in care homes will be tested regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Alex Whitfield said: "We are tremendously excited to be able to support the government's efforts for ever more accessible, faster coronavirus testing."
The health secretary also announced the government has signed contracts to supply 10 million antibody tests from Roche and Abbott, which can tell if someone has previously had COVID-19 and could potentially be immune from the virus.
The tests will first be given to health care workers, patients and care home residents from next week.


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Darts fired at bankers over Jet2 role amid FCA probe

Two lenders to the owner of Jet2 , the travel and leisure group , have secured roles on a £170m share sale despite not acting as brokers to the company – sparking new questions about banks ’ behaviour amid a probe by the City watchdog .
Sky News can reveal that Barclays and HSBC agreed to a temporary waiver of Dart Group 's lending covenants before being added to the syndicate of investment banks which worked on the emergency placing .
Dart Group , which owns Jet2.com and Jet2Holidays , has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the international travel freeze .
The company also owns Fowler Welch , a distributor of chilled foods .
On Wednesday , it announced an equity-raise arranged by its corporate broker Canaccord Genuity , Barclays and HSBC .
In the accompanying statement , Dart said its existing lending banks were `` supportive and recognise the strength of Dart 's business model '' .
`` The company is in discussions with them to extend debt facilities and agree longer-term covenant resets , which are appropriate for the new outlook , '' it said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dart has already received agreement from the group 's existing lending banks to waive the semi-annual covenant test for September 2020 on its existing debt facility , conditional upon a minimum gross equity raise of £100m . ''
On Thursday morning , the company announced to the stock exchange that it had successfully raised £172m .
Dart has a market value of more than £850m .
The line-up of banks on cash calls by London-listed companies has become an acutely sensitive topic following the Financial Conduct Authority 's ( FCA ) letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that it would examine behaviour which appeared to tie lending relationships to other services .
Megan Butler and Jonathan Davidson , the FCA 's executive directors of supervision , said in the letter : `` We have heard reports that banks may have used their lending relationship to exert pressure on corporate clients to secure roles on equity mandates that the issuer would not otherwise appoint them to .
`` In some cases , these roles may be 'in name only ' , with few or no additional services being provided in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pool . ''
They warned that they would be `` looking into this further , but want any practice of this nature to cease immediately '' .
Sky News revealed at the time that Numis Securities , the independent investment bank , had complained to the FCA about lending banks muscling in on emergency equity-raises on the basis that it was unfairly shrinking the fee pool for corporate brokers .
The Dart fundraising may draw scrutiny as part of the FCA 's investigation , according to some people , because Barclays does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and because the temporary covenant waiver was announced simultaneously with the share placing .
HSBC does cover Dart 's shares through its equity research team .
A person close to Barclays said it was `` hardly surprising '' that Dart would have used it to help sell shares , saying that it was the top-ranked bank for UK equity capital markets activity .
`` Their brokers may not be set up to deliver so much in such a short time frame , '' the source said .
Many billions of pounds have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic as they seek to fortify their balance sheets .
Two of the latest examples - the caterer Compass Group and Whitbread , the hotelier - have announced plans to secure £3bn between them in the form of rights issues .
Others have included estate agent Foxtons , online fashion retailer Asos and the high street retailer WH Smith .
In many cases , the lists of banks credited with those transactions have included lenders to companies which have a scant track record in UK equity fundraising activity .
The FCA 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the City because it has triggered echoes of the banking misconduct which swept through the industry during and after the 2008 financial crisis .
The so-called 'bundling ' of services - where banks make the provision of one product , such as a credit facility , dependent upon the acceptance of others through the signing of restrictive clauses - was banned by the FCA in 2017 .
In last month 's letter to bank chiefs , the FCA warned that they would face further scrutiny over the issue .
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak to the relevant senior manager if you have had both a lending relationship and equity role with any of the issuers who have recently raised significant equity capital , '' the regulator said .
`` We want to understand how you ensured your clients were treated fairly , and inside information was handled appropriately . ''

Two lenders to the owner of Jet2, the travel and leisure group, have secured roles on a £170m share sale despite not acting as brokers to the company – sparking new questions about banks’ behaviour amid a probe by the City watchdog.
Sky News can reveal that Barclays and HSBC agreed to a temporary waiver of Dart Group's lending covenants before being added to the syndicate of investment banks which worked on the emergency placing.
Dart Group, which owns Jet2.com and Jet2Holidays, has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with much of its revenue base stalled by the international travel freeze.
The company also owns Fowler Welch, a distributor of chilled foods.
On Wednesday, it announced an equity-raise arranged by its corporate broker Canaccord Genuity, Barclays and HSBC.
Image: Jet2Holidays is part of the same group
In the accompanying statement, Dart said its existing lending banks were "supportive and recognise the strength of Dart's business model".
"The company is in discussions with them to extend debt facilities and agree longer-term covenant resets, which are appropriate for the new outlook," it said.
"As an indication of that support, Dart has already received agreement from the group's existing lending banks to waive the semi-annual covenant test for September 2020 on its existing debt facility, conditional upon a minimum gross equity raise of £100m."
On Thursday morning, the company announced to the stock exchange that it had successfully raised £172m.
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Dart has a market value of more than £850m.
The line-up of banks on cash calls by London-listed companies has become an acutely sensitive topic following the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) letter to bank chief executives last month, which warned that it would examine behaviour which appeared to tie lending relationships to other services.
Megan Butler and Jonathan Davidson, the FCA's executive directors of supervision, said in the letter: "We have heard reports that banks may have used their lending relationship to exert pressure on corporate clients to secure roles on equity mandates that the issuer would not otherwise appoint them to.
"In some cases, these roles may be 'in name only', with few or no additional services being provided in exchange for a share of the fee pool."
They warned that they would be "looking into this further, but want any practice of this nature to cease immediately".
Sky News revealed at the time that Numis Securities, the independent investment bank, had complained to the FCA about lending banks muscling in on emergency equity-raises on the basis that it was unfairly shrinking the fee pool for corporate brokers.
The Dart fundraising may draw scrutiny as part of the FCA's investigation, according to some people, because Barclays does not employ an analyst who researches the stock, and because the temporary covenant waiver was announced simultaneously with the share placing.
HSBC does cover Dart's shares through its equity research team.
A person close to Barclays said it was "hardly surprising" that Dart would have used it to help sell shares, saying that it was the top-ranked bank for UK equity capital markets activity.
"Their brokers may not be set up to deliver so much in such a short time frame," the source said.
Image: Whitbread is the owner of the Premier Inn hotel chain
Barclays and Dart declined to comment.
Many billions of pounds have been raised by listed companies during the coronavirus pandemic as they seek to fortify their balance sheets.
Two of the latest examples - the caterer Compass Group and Whitbread, the hotelier - have announced plans to secure £3bn between them in the form of rights issues.
Others have included estate agent Foxtons, online fashion retailer Asos and the high street retailer WH Smith.
In many cases, the lists of banks credited with those transactions have included lenders to companies which have a scant track record in UK equity fundraising activity.
The FCA's probe has become a major talking point in the City because it has triggered echoes of the banking misconduct which swept through the industry during and after the 2008 financial crisis.
The so-called 'bundling' of services - where banks make the provision of one product, such as a credit facility, dependent upon the acceptance of others through the signing of restrictive clauses - was banned by the FCA in 2017.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:22 Waterstones plans to quarantine its books
In last month's letter to bank chiefs, the FCA warned that they would face further scrutiny over the issue.
"We will be separately contacting your firm directly to speak to the relevant senior manager if you have had both a lending relationship and equity role with any of the issuers who have recently raised significant equity capital," the regulator said.
"We want to understand how you ensured your clients were treated fairly, and inside information was handled appropriately."


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Clarks to lose 900 jobs under shoe retailer's resizing

Clarks , the 195-year-old UK shoe retailer , says it is to lose 900 jobs as the company adapts to the challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis .
It said an overhaul of the business , first revealed by Sky News in April that is understood to include the permanent closure of some unprofitable stores , was to cut the number of office roles across the business .
It announced the move after its 345 sites were shuttered under the UK 's COVID-19 lockdown - with store assistants furloughed .
Clarks announced 160 redundancies globally , with 108 of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It said roughly 700 more would be lost over the next 18 months but the losses would be partially offset by 200 new roles under its plans , which include a continuing review over its funding options .
The firm , owned by descendants of its founders Cyrus and James Clark , had already been struggling before the COVID-19 pandemic as a slump in consumer confidence took its toll on the high street at the same time as stores faced surging costs .
Chief executive Giorgio Presca said : `` To ignite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have organised Clarks ' brand portfolio across three distinct business units that each represent a unique segment of the shoe market , Clarks Originals , Clarks Collection and Cloudsteppers by Clarks .
`` This is helping us move fast to get ahead of the changes in the ways that our consumers live their lives , so that we are there for them every step of the way .
`` We are a business that walks its own path , and we are evolving to put our brand and consumers at the heart of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure that our organisation is made to last , empowering our people to contribute to a great future for the company . ''

Clarks, the 195-year-old UK shoe retailer, says it is to lose 900 jobs as the company adapts to the challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis.
It said an overhaul of the business, first revealed by Sky News in April that is understood to include the permanent closure of some unprofitable stores, was to cut the number of office roles across the business.
It announced the move after its 345 sites were shuttered under the UK's COVID-19 lockdown - with store assistants furloughed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 March: How is the lockdown affecting the high street?
Clarks announced 160 redundancies globally, with 108 of those positions going at its headquarters in Somerset.
It said roughly 700 more would be lost over the next 18 months but the losses would be partially offset by 200 new roles under its plans, which include a continuing review over its funding options.
The firm, owned by descendants of its founders Cyrus and James Clark, had already been struggling before the COVID-19 pandemic as a slump in consumer confidence took its toll on the high street at the same time as stores faced surging costs.
Chief executive Giorgio Presca said: "To ignite our emotional connection with consumers, we have organised Clarks' brand portfolio across three distinct business units that each represent a unique segment of the shoe market, Clarks Originals, Clarks Collection and Cloudsteppers by Clarks.
Image: The COVID-19 lockdown since March has piled misery on already-struggling high streets
"This is helping us move fast to get ahead of the changes in the ways that our consumers live their lives, so that we are there for them every step of the way.
"We are a business that walks its own path, and we are evolving to put our brand and consumers at the heart of everything we do.
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"This will ensure that our organisation is made to last, empowering our people to contribute to a great future for the company."


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Track and trace system can work without app, minister says

The UK 's track and trace system to stop a second coronavirus peak and help ease the lockdown can work initially without the accompanying app , a minister has told Sky News .
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Security minister James Brokenshire said the app is intended to provide `` extra support '' to the overall system .
Boris Johnson has promised a `` world-beating '' system will be ready by 1 June , the earliest possible date for the beginning of a phased reopening of primary schools .
The prime minister told MPs that 25,000 staff would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next month and they would be able to track the contacts of up to 10,000 new COVID-19 cases a day .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said the aim was to have the whole system up and running by the middle of May .
People who have come into contact with someone who has the virus , or is reporting symptoms , will be told to self-isolate in order to avoid spreading the coronavirus to others .
Downing Street has said the system will be rolled out before the contact tracing app .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday that the app `` is only one part of the system '' and that there is a `` tried and tested '' system for tracing and testing people .
This was echoed by Mr Brokenshire on Thursday , who said that just because the app is not ready yet `` it does not mean that we can not have a good and effective track and trace capability in place from the beginning of June , able to contact 10,000 people '' .
`` It 's important that we put in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as quickly as we can , '' he told Sky News .
`` We want to see that the app is put in place well and effectively , learning from the experience in the Isle of Wight and deal with all of the feedback we 're receiving on some of the technical issues to ensure that it is as strong as we can make it .
`` That should not stand in the way of the track and trace arrangements that I 've explained .
They can be effective . ''
An effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital in the fight against COVID-19 .
The government 's deputy chief scientific adviser , Professor Dame Angela McLean , said on Tuesday that a highly effective version of the programme needs to be off the ground to allow for the lockdown to be altered safely .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The NHS Confederation , which represents health and care leaders , has warned that time is running out to get the system in place and avoid a second spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has written to Mr Hancock , warning there could be `` severe '' consequences to staff and patients if the right system is not put in place quickly .
He said the lockdown should not be relaxed further until there is a clear plan involving local leaders with experience in contact tracing .
The hope is that an effective system will allow health officials to keep the virus under control by keeping transmission of it low and avoiding a second peak in cases .
The contact tracers that have been recruited will manually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have visited and others they have been in contact with .
Contact tracing began in January for every positive coronavirus diagnosis , but the policy was abandoned in March after Public Health England advised the government that the virus was `` more widespread '' .
A contact tracing app developed by NHSx , the health service 's digital technology arm , is currently being piloted on the Isle of Wight .
It uses a bluetooth signal to send automatic , anonymous alerts to anyone the user has recently been in close proximity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registers they have either tested positive for COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms of the virus .

The UK's track and trace system to stop a second coronavirus peak and help ease the lockdown can work initially without the accompanying app, a minister has told Sky News.
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Security minister James Brokenshire said the app is intended to provide "extra support" to the overall system.
Boris Johnson has promised a "world-beating" system will be ready by 1 June, the earliest possible date for the beginning of a phased reopening of primary schools.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 PM quizzed on 'test and trace' as deaths fall
The prime minister told MPs that 25,000 staff would be in place by the start of next month and they would be able to track the contacts of up to 10,000 new COVID-19 cases a day.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said the aim was to have the whole system up and running by the middle of May.
People who have come into contact with someone who has the virus, or is reporting symptoms, will be told to self-isolate in order to avoid spreading the coronavirus to others.
Downing Street has said the system will be rolled out before the contact tracing app.
The prime minister's spokesman told journalists on Wednesday that the app "is only one part of the system" and that there is a "tried and tested" system for tracing and testing people.
This was echoed by Mr Brokenshire on Thursday, who said that just because the app is not ready yet "it does not mean that we cannot have a good and effective track and trace capability in place from the beginning of June, able to contact 10,000 people".
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 Ministers say tracing plan on schedule
"It's important that we put in place all the things that we can, as quickly as we can," he told Sky News.
"We want to see that the app is put in place well and effectively, learning from the experience in the Isle of Wight and deal with all of the feedback we're receiving on some of the technical issues to ensure that it is as strong as we can make it.
"That should not stand in the way of the track and trace arrangements that I've explained. They can be effective."
An effective tracing and tracking system is seen as vital in the fight against COVID-19.
The government's deputy chief scientific adviser, Professor Dame Angela McLean, said on Tuesday that a highly effective version of the programme needs to be off the ground to allow for the lockdown to be altered safely.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The NHS Confederation, which represents health and care leaders, has warned that time is running out to get the system in place and avoid a second spike in cases.
Chief executive Niall Dickson has written to Mr Hancock, warning there could be "severe" consequences to staff and patients if the right system is not put in place quickly.
He said the lockdown should not be relaxed further until there is a clear plan involving local leaders with experience in contact tracing.
The hope is that an effective system will allow health officials to keep the virus under control by keeping transmission of it low and avoiding a second peak in cases.
The contact tracers that have been recruited will manually gather information about the places infected people have visited and others they have been in contact with.
Contact tracing began in January for every positive coronavirus diagnosis, but the policy was abandoned in March after Public Health England advised the government that the virus was "more widespread".
A contact tracing app developed by NHSx, the health service's digital technology arm, is currently being piloted on the Isle of Wight.
It uses a bluetooth signal to send automatic, anonymous alerts to anyone the user has recently been in close proximity to.
This occurs once that phone user registers they have either tested positive for COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms of the virus.


news--2020-05-21--'I could hear the shrieks': witnesses migrants' rescue in Channel

Sky News witnessed multiple rescues of suspected migrants in the Channel .
Amid a reported increase in the number of migrants travelling to the UK by boat , around 65 men and women were spotted and taken in by UK Border Force vessels .
Our team joined in a fishing boat at dawn as the drama unfolded .
I could hear the shrieks as we approached them .
It was a large group of migrants packed tightly onto a tiny , black inflatable dinghy .
One of them waved at us , presumably for help .
Luckily for them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its way .
We arrived at the same time as the UK Border Force .
`` Turn your engine off , '' the officers screamed to the dinghy .
The migrants duly obliged and began cheering .
They had achieved their aim - to cross into UK waters .
The Border Force pulled in the inflatable boat and pulled 13 migrants to safety .
But this was only one of several incidents in the English Channel this morning .
By 7am , there were seven separate boats intercepted carrying more than 65 migrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly rise throughout the day .
Sky News sailed out to the channel with a local fisherman , Matt Coker .
`` Unfortunately what you 've seen today is very typical right now , '' he told me .
`` It 's happening more and more on days like this , when the weather is calm . ''
All of the migrants were taken into Dover Harbour and led to a makeshift immigration processing centre .
We first spotted the dinghy at sunrise - just before 5am .
They were being circled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They seemingly made no attempt to stop the migrants crossing the border .
The French authorities were there when we approached , and shortly after the Border Force patrol boat Speedwell came speeding up behind us .
We must have been within 100 yards when the officers reeled in the migrants , one by one .
After a matter of minutes , all were onboard and the Speedwell vessel set off - but not in the direction of the harbour .
They had been called to another distress signal .
A further six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They too were rescued .
Meanwhile , two other Border Force vessels , along with Dover Lifeboat , were called to intercept separate migrant boats .
At least two of those tiny inflatables were in the middle of the busy shipping lane , with massive container ships and ferries told to look out for the boats and avoid hitting them .
As we headed back to shore I reflected on the drama of a morning I wo n't forget .
And I was left with a sobering feeling - that all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Home Office confirmed there were a total of 9 separate incidents on the English and French sides of the Channel on Thursday .
57 men , women and children were taken to Dover .
The Home Office confirmed 100 were stopped and returned to France , amid growing concern that French maritime authorities have not being doing enough to intercept the boats .
There 's no doubt that the European coronavirus lockdown has led to an increase in migrant channel crossings to the UK by boat .
That 's because there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with vehicle crossings down .
This crisis was going on long before coronavirus began , and for all those involved there 's no end in sight .
Chris Philp , minister for immigration compliance and the courts , said : `` Today , French police stopped around 100 migrants from putting their lives at risk by attempting to cross to the UK using a small boat .
This demonstrates the continued and intensified cooperation between the UK and France as well as the significant efforts of French colleagues .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossings , going after the criminals perpetrating these heinous crimes and prosecuting them for their criminal activity . ''

Sky News witnessed multiple rescues of suspected migrants in the Channel.
Amid a reported increase in the number of migrants travelling to the UK by boat, around 65 men and women were spotted and taken in by UK Border Force vessels.
Our team joined in a fishing boat at dawn as the drama unfolded.
I could hear the shrieks as we approached them.
It was a large group of migrants packed tightly onto a tiny, black inflatable dinghy.
Image: The migrants were taken into harbour
One of them waved at us, presumably for help.
Luckily for them, the help they desperately sought was on its way.
We arrived at the same time as the UK Border Force.
"Turn your engine off," the officers screamed to the dinghy.
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The migrants duly obliged and began cheering. They had achieved their aim - to cross into UK waters.
The Border Force pulled in the inflatable boat and pulled 13 migrants to safety.
But this was only one of several incidents in the English Channel this morning.
By 7am, there were seven separate boats intercepted carrying more than 65 migrants in total. That figure will almost certainly rise throughout the day.
Image: The migrants were taken into harbour
Sky News sailed out to the channel with a local fisherman, Matt Coker.
"Unfortunately what you've seen today is very typical right now," he told me.
"It's happening more and more on days like this, when the weather is calm."
All of the migrants were taken into Dover Harbour and led to a makeshift immigration processing centre.
We first spotted the dinghy at sunrise - just before 5am.
They were being circled by a French vessel for two hours. They seemingly made no attempt to stop the migrants crossing the border.
The French authorities were there when we approached, and shortly after the Border Force patrol boat Speedwell came speeding up behind us.
We must have been within 100 yards when the officers reeled in the migrants, one by one.
After a matter of minutes, all were onboard and the Speedwell vessel set off - but not in the direction of the harbour.
They had been called to another distress signal. A further six migrants were stranded a few miles away. They too were rescued.
Image: The UK Border Force patrols the waters
Meanwhile, two other Border Force vessels, along with Dover Lifeboat, were called to intercept separate migrant boats.
At least two of those tiny inflatables were in the middle of the busy shipping lane, with massive container ships and ferries told to look out for the boats and avoid hitting them.
As we headed back to shore I reflected on the drama of a morning I won't forget.
And I was left with a sobering feeling - that all of this will probably happen again tomorrow.
The Home Office confirmed there were a total of 9 separate incidents on the English and French sides of the Channel on Thursday.
157 suspected illegal immigrants were picked up.
57 men, women and children were taken to Dover.
The Home Office confirmed 100 were stopped and returned to France, amid growing concern that French maritime authorities have not being doing enough to intercept the boats.
There's no doubt that the European coronavirus lockdown has led to an increase in migrant channel crossings to the UK by boat.
That's because there are not many other options at the moment, with vehicle crossings down.
This crisis was going on long before coronavirus began, and for all those involved there's no end in sight.
Chris Philp, minister for immigration compliance and the courts, said: "Today, French police stopped around 100 migrants from putting their lives at risk by attempting to cross to the UK using a small boat. This demonstrates the continued and intensified cooperation between the UK and France as well as the significant efforts of French colleagues.
"We are stepping up action to stop these unacceptable crossings, going after the criminals perpetrating these heinous crimes and prosecuting them for their criminal activity."


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Premier Inn owner to raise £1bn amid nightmare for hospitality

The owner of Premier Inn , Whitbread , is planning to raise £1bn through a rights issue as its brands remain mostly crippled by coronavirus restrictions..
The company , which completed a £2.5bn handout to investors just last summer after the £3.9bn sale of Costa Coffee to Coca-Cola , said it was proposing to offer one new share for every two existing shares to bolster its balance sheet and fund future growth .
Its shares , which have lost half their market value in the year to date amid the crisis facing the wider hospitality sector , were 13 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitbread suspended its dividend and shut all its hotels and restaurants in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak .
It told shareholders on Thursday that the vast majority of its hotels and all its restaurants remained closed , with 27,000 staff furloughed on full pay .
It said it had reopened 16 hotels in Germany and expected most in the UK to remain shut or operate at low occupancy levels until September .
New safety protocols in UK sites that have been open to provide accommodation for NHS workers , Whitbread said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced hygiene standards and specific staff training can be rigorously and consistently enforced across the estate '' .
The company announced the rights issue alongside the publication of its full-year results which showed a boost to profit before tax from the lack of costs associated with the sale of Costa .
It reported a 28 % leap to £280m for the 12 months to the end of February though they were 8 % down on an adjusted basis as UK hotel occupancy was damaged by weaker consumer confidence .
Whitbread chief executive Alison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a resilient financial performance in the full-year 2020 in line with expectations , against a backdrop of low UK business and consumer confidence which particularly impacted the regional hotel market .
`` However , the period after the year-end has been dominated by the impact of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic .
`` In response , the business took rapid and decisive action to protect our teams and our guests , and to secure our business to ensure that we will be in the best possible position to rebound strongly . ''
Emilie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said of the fundraising : `` They 're not the first company to shore up their balance sheet by raising equity capital , but they 're one of a few to do it by a rights issue , which means both institutional and retail shareholders can participate .
`` Whitbread entered the crisis with its balance sheet in reasonably good shape , partly thanks to the sale of Costa Coffee last year , so today 's move highlights just how much pressure the leisure sector is under . ''

The owner of Premier Inn, Whitbread, is planning to raise £1bn through a rights issue as its brands remain mostly crippled by coronavirus restrictions..
The company, which completed a £2.5bn handout to investors just last summer after the £3.9bn sale of Costa Coffee to Coca-Cola, said it was proposing to offer one new share for every two existing shares to bolster its balance sheet and fund future growth.
Its shares, which have lost half their market value in the year to date amid the crisis facing the wider hospitality sector, were 13% down at the close on Thursday.
Image: Whitbread agreed the sale of Costa Coffee in 2019
Whitbread suspended its dividend and shut all its hotels and restaurants in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
It told shareholders on Thursday that the vast majority of its hotels and all its restaurants remained closed, with 27,000 staff furloughed on full pay.
It said it had reopened 16 hotels in Germany and expected most in the UK to remain shut or operate at low occupancy levels until September.
New safety protocols in UK sites that have been open to provide accommodation for NHS workers, Whitbread said, "ensures strict social distancing, significantly enhanced hygiene standards and specific staff training can be rigorously and consistently enforced across the estate".
Image: Whitbread still operates pubs and restaurants but the bulk of its sales come from the Premier Inn budget hotel chain
The company announced the rights issue alongside the publication of its full-year results which showed a boost to profit before tax from the lack of costs associated with the sale of Costa.
It reported a 28% leap to £280m for the 12 months to the end of February though they were 8% down on an adjusted basis as UK hotel occupancy was damaged by weaker consumer confidence.
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Whitbread chief executive Alison Brittain, said: "Whitbread delivered a resilient financial performance in the full-year 2020 in line with expectations, against a backdrop of low UK business and consumer confidence which particularly impacted the regional hotel market.
"However, the period after the year-end has been dominated by the impact of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
"In response, the business took rapid and decisive action to protect our teams and our guests, and to secure our business to ensure that we will be in the best possible position to rebound strongly."
Emilie Stevens, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said of the fundraising: "They're not the first company to shore up their balance sheet by raising equity capital, but they're one of a few to do it by a rights issue, which means both institutional and retail shareholders can participate.
"Whitbread entered the crisis with its balance sheet in reasonably good shape, partly thanks to the sale of Costa Coffee last year, so today's move highlights just how much pressure the leisure sector is under."