news--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: FTSE 100 loses £200bn in worst week for global shares since 2008

Fears over the coronavirus crisis have wiped more than £200bn in value from the FTSE 100 in the worst week for global stock markets since the 2008 financial crash .
Amid mounting concerns the outbreak will derail trade , travel and industry , the FTSE 100 hit levels not seen since the aftermath of the Brexit vote in 2016 on Friday after the US Dow Jones suffered the biggest one-day drop in its history , falling almost 1,200 points on Thursday .
The Dow lost a further 356 points at the US market close on Friday - down 1.39 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no sign of an end to the worldwide slump .
It was the worst week for US stocks since October 2008 , although losses were cut at the end of Friday 's trading .
Global stock market values are down by a total of $ 5trn ( £3.9trn ) for the whole week .
In London , airlines and travel stocks continued to endure the bulk of the losses , with BA-owner IAG and easyJet updating the market on their responses to COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , with flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was down by almost 5 % in mid-afternoon trade but ended the session 3.2 % or 215 points lower at 6580 .
It meant the collective market value of its constituent companies had fallen by £54bn over the course of the day and £206bn over the week as a whole .
The biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 this week in percentage terms : • Travel firm TUI lost 30 % as investors worried about potential disruption to its peak summer holiday schedule • EasyJet was 27 % lower for similar reasons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Europe • Rival IAG , the owner of British Airways , has also seen a slowdown in bookings and ended the week down 24 % • WPP , the global advertising giant , saw a 22 % decline as it divulged a tougher ad market • The cruise operator Carnival saw its shares sink 19 % over the week The week has seen a growing list of major firms warn on sales and profits - mostly the result , so far , of factory shutdowns in China disrupting supply chains as countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
Oil prices have slumped on expectations industrial activity and demand will shrink drastically - with a barrel of Brent crude oil costing just $ 50 on Friday .
It had been trading at almost $ 70 last month .
The number of new infections being reported around the world now surpass those in China - shattering hopes that the epidemic would be short-lived and economic activity would return to normal .
Apple and Microsoft , two of the world 's largest businesses , are among those who have said their sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fujito , an investment strategist , said : `` The coronavirus now looks like a pandemic .
Markets can cope even if there is big risk as long as we can see the end of the tunnel .
`` But at the moment , no one can tell how long this will last and how severe it will get . ''
Ipek Ozkardeskaya , senior analyst at Swissquote Bank , said : `` It is important for investors to understand that the actual sell-off is amplified by a general panic .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paranoia grows . ''
But she added : `` To us , it appears that the market has gone ahead of itself and a rebound should be around the corner .
`` The coronavirus outbreak has certainly hit businesses , and it might have a longer-than-expected negative impact on company earnings and global growth .
`` Yet the extension of the sell-off we are seeing may be a bit too dramatic , even compared with the significant downshift in valuations .
`` Market calamity will certainly leave its place to recovery at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world have now fallen by more than 10 % from their recent highs , putting them into correction territory .
There are analysts who believe such a slump was long overdue .
Gold , which investors often flock to during times of uncertainty , is trading close to the seven-year high of $ 1,688.90 hit earlier this month .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In his final interview before he steps down as Bank of England governor later this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain should prepare itself for an economic growth downgrade as the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak deepens .
However , he said it is too early to tell exactly how the UK will be affected .

Fears over the coronavirus crisis have wiped more than £200bn in value from the FTSE 100 in the worst week for global stock markets since the 2008 financial crash.
Amid mounting concerns the outbreak will derail trade, travel and industry, the FTSE 100 hit levels not seen since the aftermath of the Brexit vote in 2016 on Friday after the US Dow Jones suffered the biggest one-day drop in its history, falling almost 1,200 points on Thursday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Coronavirus delays IAG profit guidance
The Dow lost a further 356 points at the US market close on Friday - down 1.39% - with analysts on Wall Street seeing no sign of an end to the worldwide slump.
It was the worst week for US stocks since October 2008, although losses were cut at the end of Friday's trading.
Global stock market values are down by a total of $5trn (£3.9trn) for the whole week.
In London, airlines and travel stocks continued to endure the bulk of the losses, with BA-owner IAG and easyJet updating the market on their responses to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, with flights to Italy cut.
The FTSE 100 was down by almost 5% in mid-afternoon trade but ended the session 3.2% or 215 points lower at 6580.
It meant the collective market value of its constituent companies had fallen by £54bn over the course of the day and £206bn over the week as a whole.
The biggest fallers on the FTSE 100 this week in percentage terms:
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Travel firm TUI lost 30% as investors worried about potential disruption to its peak summer holiday schedule
EasyJet was 27% lower for similar reasons and reported on Friday a weakening of demand in Europe
was 27% lower for similar reasons and reported on Friday a weakening of demand in Europe Rival IAG, the owner of British Airways, has also seen a slowdown in bookings and ended the week down 24%
WPP, the global advertising giant, saw a 22% decline as it divulged a tougher ad market
The cruise operator Carnival saw its shares sink 19% over the week
Image: There was a sea of red on screens in the New York Stock Exchange yesterday
The week has seen a growing list of major firms warn on sales and profits - mostly the result, so far, of factory shutdowns in China disrupting supply chains as countries around the world try to contain the outbreak.
Oil prices have slumped on expectations industrial activity and demand will shrink drastically - with a barrel of Brent crude oil costing just $50 on Friday. It had been trading at almost $70 last month.
The number of new infections being reported around the world now surpass those in China - shattering hopes that the epidemic would be short-lived and economic activity would return to normal.
Apple and Microsoft, two of the world's largest businesses, are among those who have said their sales this quarter will be affected.
Norihiro Fujito, an investment strategist, said: "The coronavirus now looks like a pandemic. Markets can cope even if there is big risk as long as we can see the end of the tunnel.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 'Coronavirus is having economic consequences'
"But at the moment, no one can tell how long this will last and how severe it will get."
Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said: "It is important for investors to understand that the actual sell-off is amplified by a general panic.
"This is the worst week since 2008 and the paranoia grows."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
But she added: "To us, it appears that the market has gone ahead of itself and a rebound should be around the corner.
"The coronavirus outbreak has certainly hit businesses, and it might have a longer-than-expected negative impact on company earnings and global growth.
"Yet the extension of the sell-off we are seeing may be a bit too dramatic, even compared with the significant downshift in valuations.
"Market calamity will certainly leave its place to recovery at some point."
Some markets around the world have now fallen by more than 10% from their recent highs, putting them into correction territory. There are analysts who believe such a slump was long overdue.
Gold, which investors often flock to during times of uncertainty, is trading close to the seven-year high of $1,688.90 hit earlier this month.
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In his final interview before he steps down as Bank of England governor later this month, Mark Carney told Sky News that Britain should prepare itself for an economic growth downgrade as the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak deepens.
However, he said it is too early to tell exactly how the UK will be affected.


news--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: Top doctor explains how COVID-19 outbreak could affect life in the UK

It is `` just a matter of time '' until coronavirus spreads in the UK , England 's chief medical officer has warned .
Professor Chris Whitty said there could be a `` social cost '' if the virus intensifies and becomes `` out of control '' .
He warned mass gatherings such as sporting events may need to be cancelled , and schools could be forced to shut for more than two months .
Speaking at the Nuffield Trust summit , Prof Whitty warned : `` If this becomes a global epidemic then the UK will get it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ global epidemic , the UK is perfectly capable of containing and getting rid of individual cases leading to onward transmission . ''
At present , there are 16 cases in the UK - the latest of which was confirmed in Northern Ireland on Thursday .
In other developments around the world : • Mark Carney has told Sky News that Britain should prepare itself for an economic growth downgrade if the impact of COVID-19 deepens • The Dow Jones index in the US tumbled by almost 1,200 points on Thursday - the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cyclists Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish are being tested for coronavirus after the UAE Tour was cancelled • Officials in California are trying to retrace the movements of a woman who could be the first to contract COVID-19 with no known connection to travel abroad • The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea has exceeded 2,000 after 256 new diagnoses were confirmed • The sharp downwards trend of new COVID-19 cases has continued in China , where there were 327 new cases and 44 deaths on Thursday .
More than 160 Britons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palace in the Canary Islands after four of the hotel 's guests were diagnosed with COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
It is believed that about 50 of them will be able to leave the hotel because they arrived on Monday , which is after infected guests had already left .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But they are facing a setback because the Jet2 airline says it will not fly any of the hotel 's customers back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested negative for the coronavirus .
Some of those staying at the hotel in Adeje no longer require isolation , and they are being permitted to leave their rooms as long as they wear face masks , practise `` adequate hand hygiene '' , and take their temperature twice a day .
On Thursday evening , the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Northern Ireland .
The patient , an adult , had returned from northern Italy - travelling from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland .
Officials are now `` working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into contact with the patient .
People who were sat within two rows of the patient on the plane from Italy to Dublin are being contacted .
Dr Michael McBride , Northern Ireland 's chief medical officer , has stressed that the risk to the public is low .
He added : `` We have been planning for the first positive case in Northern Ireland and have made clear that it was a question of when not if .
`` We have robust infection control measures in place which enable us to respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to managing infections and would assure the public that we are prepared . ''
A school in Derbyshire is going to remain closed for a second day over concerns about the coronavirus .
A parent of a pupil at Burbage primary school in Buxton was confirmed as having COVID-19 after contracting the disease in Tenerife .
The school is expected to reopen on Monday , and it is not believed that the parent had visited the premises upon returning back from their holiday .
Buxton Medical Practice , a two-minute drive from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today after undergoing a deep clean .
Yesterday , patients were being urged not to attend appointments following the confirmed COVID-19 case .
Prince George and Princess Charlotte 's primary school , Thomas 's Battersea , is one of several that have sent pupils home as a precautionary measure following trips to northern Italy .

It is "just a matter of time" until coronavirus spreads in the UK, England's chief medical officer has warned.
Professor Chris Whitty said there could be a "social cost" if the virus intensifies and becomes "out of control".
He warned mass gatherings such as sporting events may need to be cancelled, and schools could be forced to shut for more than two months.
Image: England's chief medical officer says schools may have to close for more than two months if the coronavirus outbreak gets worse
Speaking at the Nuffield Trust summit, Prof Whitty warned: "If this becomes a global epidemic then the UK will get it.
"If it does not become a global epidemic, the UK is perfectly capable of containing and getting rid of individual cases leading to onward transmission."
At present, there are 16 cases in the UK - the latest of which was confirmed in Northern Ireland on Thursday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
In other developments around the world:
Mark Carney has told Sky News that Britain should prepare itself for an economic growth downgrade if the impact of COVID-19 deepens
has told Sky News that Britain should prepare itself for an economic growth downgrade if the impact of COVID-19 deepens The Dow Jones index in the US tumbled by almost 1,200 points on Thursday - the biggest one-day drop in its history
- the biggest one-day drop in its history British cyclists Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish are being tested for coronavirus after the UAE Tour was cancelled
for coronavirus after the UAE Tour was cancelled Officials in California are trying to retrace the movements of a woman who could be the first to contract COVID-19 with no known connection to travel abroad
The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea has exceeded 2,000 after 256 new diagnoses were confirmed
The sharp downwards trend of new COVID-19 cases has continued in China, where there were 327 new cases and 44 deaths on Thursday.
Image: Guests at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace wear face masks as they lounge around the pool
Setback for Britons in Tenerife
More than 160 Britons remain confined to the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in the Canary Islands after four of the hotel's guests were diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
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It is believed that about 50 of them will be able to leave the hotel because they arrived on Monday, which is after infected guests had already left.
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But they are facing a setback because the Jet2 airline says it will not fly any of the hotel's customers back to the UK until they have been tested negative for the coronavirus.
Some of those staying at the hotel in Adeje no longer require isolation, and they are being permitted to leave their rooms as long as they wear face masks, practise "adequate hand hygiene", and take their temperature twice a day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Health sec 'pretty worried' about COVID-19
Northern Ireland on alert
On Thursday evening, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Northern Ireland.
The patient, an adult, had returned from northern Italy - travelling from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland.
Officials are now "working rapidly" to identify anyone who came into contact with the patient.
People who were sat within two rows of the patient on the plane from Italy to Dublin are being contacted.
Dr Michael McBride, Northern Ireland's chief medical officer, has stressed that the risk to the public is low.
He added: "We have been planning for the first positive case in Northern Ireland and have made clear that it was a question of when not if.
"We have robust infection control measures in place which enable us to respond immediately.
"Our health service is used to managing infections and would assure the public that we are prepared."
Image: Burbage primary school in Buxton will be closed until Monday
Schools affected
A school in Derbyshire is going to remain closed for a second day over concerns about the coronavirus.
A parent of a pupil at Burbage primary school in Buxton was confirmed as having COVID-19 after contracting the disease in Tenerife.
The school is expected to reopen on Monday, and it is not believed that the parent had visited the premises upon returning back from their holiday.
Buxton Medical Practice, a two-minute drive from the school, is expected to reopen today after undergoing a deep clean.
Yesterday, patients were being urged not to attend appointments following the confirmed COVID-19 case.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte's primary school, Thomas's Battersea, is one of several that have sent pupils home as a precautionary measure following trips to northern Italy.


news--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson says 'best advice' to stop COVID-19 is to wash your hands

Boris Johnson has said people are `` right to be concerned '' about the spread of the coronavirus in the UK , but says the `` best advice '' to prevent a wider outbreak is to wash your hands with hot water and soap .
The prime minister has been criticised for failing to hold a meeting of the government 's emergency COBRA committee over the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Britain , but insisted it was Downing Street 's `` top priority '' .
Mr Johnson will finally hold a COBRA meeting on Monday and said the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are going to respond '' to the coronavirus , which has now infected 20 people in the UK .
In the meantime , he said the `` best advice we can give '' is for people to ensure good personal hygiene .
Speaking from Number 10 , the PM said : `` The most valuable thing we can all do to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is to wash our hands for 20 seconds or more with hot water and soap .
`` People are right to be concerned and right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Johnson was speaking after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Wales - plus two more in England .
A third was later confirmed in England .
The chief medical officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton said the patient in Wales had returned to the country from northern Italy , which has become the centre of the outbreak in Europe with 888 confirmed cases and 21 deaths .
Two of the new patients in England contracted the virus in Iran , which has reported 388 cases and 34 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialist NHS infection centres at the Royal Free Hospital in London .
A third patient contracted COVID-19 in the UK .
The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 18 - and there has also been one case in Northern Ireland .
Mr Johnson has also expressed his sympathy for the family of the first British person to die from the coronavirus .
The victim , a man , had been receiving treatment in hospital in Japan after testing positive for the illness during his quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Japanese health ministry and the UK 's Foreign Office , but he has not been named .
Six people from the ship have now died , with the British man the first foreign passenger to lose their life .
He was one of at least four Britons who had to remain in Japan after dozens more , who had tested negative , were evacuated to the UK last week following a fortnight in isolation on the coronavirus-stricken cruise liner , which first docked in Yokohama on 3 February .
Of the 3,711 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have been confirmed as having COVID-19 .
Regarding criticism that the British man was not repatriated , Mr Johnson said : `` We were following the best medical advice and we very much regret the loss of life .
`` The best thing to do is not to move people around too much in the current situation - and not to repatriate unless you can be absolutely sure there 's not going to be a spread to this country . ''
The Japanese government has been criticised for the way it handled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors saying it acted like an incubator .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker • There have been 83,867 confirmed cases worldwide , with 2,867 deaths • Mexico , Iceland and Nigeria among nations to confirm first case/cases on Friday • Schools in the UK could be closed for more than two months if the outbreak intensifies • Two Britons among eight people being monitored on a cruise ship turned away by the Dominican Republic • Some British tourists are being allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of COVID-19 - but Jet2 says it will not fly them home until testing confirms they are not infected • EasyJet and the owner of British Airways are to cancel European flights as a result of the coronavirus crisis • World markets have tumbled , with the Dow Jones suffering its biggest one-day drop in its history • A spokesman for Iran 's Health Ministry says 34 people have been killed by COVID-19 in the country and 388 people have been infected • The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed • The sharp downwards trend of new COVID-19 cases has continued in China , where there were 327 new cases and 44 deaths on Thursday • The Japanese island of Hokkaido is declaring a state of emergency after a rapid increase in cases .
The governor has urged residents to stay at home this weekend

Boris Johnson has said people are "right to be concerned" about the spread of the coronavirus in the UK, but says the "best advice" to prevent a wider outbreak is to wash your hands with hot water and soap.
The prime minister has been criticised for failing to hold a meeting of the government's emergency COBRA committee over the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Britain, but insisted it was Downing Street's "top priority".
Mr Johnson will finally hold a COBRA meeting on Monday and said the government would "issue further advice about how we are going to respond" to the coronavirus, which has now infected 20 people in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:52 How UK might deal with coronavirus
In the meantime, he said the "best advice we can give" is for people to ensure good personal hygiene.
Speaking from Number 10, the PM said: "The most valuable thing we can all do to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is to wash our hands for 20 seconds or more with hot water and soap.
"People are right to be concerned and right to want to take every possible precaution."
Image: Passengers wear face masks at Heathrow's Terminal 5
Mr Johnson was speaking after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Wales - plus two more in England. A third was later confirmed in England.
The chief medical officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton said the patient in Wales had returned to the country from northern Italy, which has become the centre of the outbreak in Europe with 888 confirmed cases and 21 deaths.
Two of the new patients in England contracted the virus in Iran, which has reported 388 cases and 34 deaths, and they have been transferred to specialist NHS infection centres at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
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A third patient contracted COVID-19 in the UK.
The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 18 - and there has also been one case in Northern Ireland.
Image: Italy has suffered Europe's worst coronavirus outbreak so far
Mr Johnson has also expressed his sympathy for the family of the first British person to die from the coronavirus.
The victim, a man, had been receiving treatment in hospital in Japan after testing positive for the illness during his quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
His death was confirmed by the Japanese health ministry and the UK's Foreign Office, but he has not been named.
Six people from the ship have now died, with the British man the first foreign passenger to lose their life.
He was one of at least four Britons who had to remain in Japan after dozens more, who had tested negative, were evacuated to the UK last week following a fortnight in isolation on the coronavirus-stricken cruise liner, which first docked in Yokohama on 3 February.
Of the 3,711 passengers and crew on board, 705 people have been confirmed as having COVID-19.
Image: People in protective suits walk from the Diamond Princess
Regarding criticism that the British man was not repatriated, Mr Johnson said: "We were following the best medical advice and we very much regret the loss of life.
"The best thing to do is not to move people around too much in the current situation - and not to repatriate unless you can be absolutely sure there's not going to be a spread to this country."
The Japanese government has been criticised for the way it handled the ship's isolation, with some doctors saying it acted like an incubator.
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In other coronavirus developments:


news--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: 'Crucial' to trace origin of latest UK case to keep outbreak under control

It is `` crucial '' to find out how the first person who caught the coronavirus within the UK was exposed to it , say experts , as authorities race to piece together their movements .
News of the infection came on Friday evening and is a significant moment in the country 's battle to stop the coronavirus spreading from the current 20 cases .
Previous UK cases had all been infected overseas .
It comes amid reports the government is to use a Cobra meeting on Monday to agree emergency powers to ensure COVID-19 does not get out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
`` Contact tracing '' has started on the latest coronavirus patient , said England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty .
He said it was not clear whether the patient had contracted it `` directly or indirectly '' from someone who had recently returned from abroad .
The patient , who lives in Surrey , has been taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and St Thomas ' in London .
Haslemere Health Centre was closed yesterday , 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 .
Sky News ' Enda Brady , who is at Guy 's and St Thomas ' , said : `` Of the 20 cases in the UK , medical experts are really fascinated by this one man because they want to find out just how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he has not been on holidays , he has not travelled abroad , he has not left the UK .
He has got the virus this week , somewhere in England . ''
Health minister Edward Agar has refused to comment on reports that the patient has passed the virus on to their doctor .
He said that `` we are still looking into the details of that case '' adding : `` I have not been briefed on anything beyond the detail that the chief medical officer and others have given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And he told Sky News there is no plan to put on a plane to bring home British people released from quarantine at a hotel in Tenerife .
The total number of cases in England is now 18 , plus one each in Wales and Northern Ireland .
Jonathan Ball , professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham , said the latest case marked a `` new chapter '' as there was `` no known link to an affected area or known case '' .
`` It will be crucial 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 ability to identify , isolate and care for infected individuals , and to trace their recent contacts , '' said Dr Stephen Griffin .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK in coming weeks - but it 's 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 • South Korea warns of `` critical moment '' and tells people to stay indoors this weekend • 85,406 suspected and confirmed cases worldwide , with 2,924 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is tracking the disease • Mexico , Iceland and Nigeria among nations to confirm first cases on Friday • Some UK tourists allowed to leave locked-down Tenerife hotel but Jet2 will not yet fly them home • California confirms second case in person who had not travelled or had contact with an infected patient Four new cases in the UK were confirmed yesterday .
Two new patients in England were revealed to have contracted the virus in Iran and were transferred to the Royal Free Hospital in London .
The first case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patient had returned from northern Italy .
Boris Johnson , who will chair a COBRA meeting on Monday has been accused of being slow to act over the outbreak , but he insisted it was Downing Street 's `` top priority '' .
The PM 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 .
Mr Argar told Sky News that it wo n't be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but previous meetings had been chaired by Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
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 victim had been receiving treatment in hospital .
He has so far not been named .
: : Listen to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker Six people from the ship have now died , with the British man , who was not a resident of the UK , being the first foreign passenger to lose their life .
The Foreign Office is advising against travel to China , South Korea , Iran and northern Italy , locations where the epidemic is most severe .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
On Saturday it reported 427 new cases and 47 deaths over the past 24 hours .
Most were confined to the city of Wuhan and the surrounding province .
But South Korea - the second worst-hit country - reported its biggest daily jump so far with 594 new cases .
Officials warned of a `` critical moment '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay indoors on Saturday as total cases hit 2,931 .
`` Please stay at home and refrain from going outside and minimise contact with other people , '' said vice health minister Kim Kang-lip .
World Health Organisation spokesman Christian Lindmeier also said it was looking into reports of some people getting re-infected , which would include reviewing how tests were taken .

It is "crucial" to find out how the first person who caught the coronavirus within the UK was exposed to it, say experts, as authorities race to piece together their movements.
News of the infection came on Friday evening and is a significant moment in the country's battle to stop the coronavirus spreading from the current 20 cases.
Previous UK cases had all been infected overseas.
It comes amid reports the government is to use a Cobra meeting on Monday to agree emergency powers to ensure COVID-19 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.
"Contact tracing" has started on the latest coronavirus patient, said England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty.
He said it was not clear whether the patient 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.
Image: The latest case in England is being treated at Guys and St Thomas'
Image: The sign posted outside Haslemere Health Centre on Friday
Haslemere Health Centre was closed yesterday, 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."
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The surgery has since re-opened.
Sky News' Enda Brady, who is at Guy's and St Thomas', said: "Of the 20 cases in the UK, medical experts are really fascinated by this one man because they want to find out just how he has ended up with coronavirus given that he has not been on holidays, he has not travelled abroad, he has not left the UK. He has got the virus this week, somewhere in England."
Health minister Edward Agar has refused to comment on reports that the patient has passed the virus on to their doctor.
He said that "we are still looking into the details of that case" adding: "I have not been briefed on anything beyond the detail that the chief medical officer and others have given me about this individual case."
And he told Sky News there is no plan to put on a plane to bring home British people released from quarantine at a hotel in Tenerife.
The total number of cases in England is now 18, plus one each in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Jonathan Ball, professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, said the latest case 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.
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 coming weeks - but it's 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.
Image: World markets have been dramatically affected by the epidemic
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
85,406 suspected and confirmed cases worldwide, with 2,924 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the disease
Mexico, Iceland and Nigeria among nations to confirm first cases on Friday
Some UK tourists allowed to leave locked-down Tenerife hotel but Jet2 will not yet fly them home
California confirms second case in person who had not travelled or had contact with an infected patient
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:22 Coronavirus is govt's top priority, says PM
Four new cases in the UK were confirmed yesterday.
Two new patients in England were revealed to have contracted the virus in Iran and were transferred to the Royal Free Hospital in London.
The first case in Wales was also confirmed yesterday - the patient had returned from northern Italy.
Boris Johnson, who will chair a COBRA meeting on Monday has been accused of being slow to act over the outbreak, but he insisted it was Downing Street's "top priority".
The PM 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.
Mr Argar told Sky News that it won't be the first Cobra meeting to focus on coronavirus, but previous meetings had been chaired by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
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.
Image: A British citizen is confirmed to have died on the Diamond Princess cruise ship
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 victim had been receiving treatment in hospital.
He has so far not been named.
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Six people from the ship have now died, with the British man, who was not a resident of the UK, being the first foreign passenger to lose their life.
The Foreign Office is advising against travel to China, South Korea, Iran and northern Italy, locations where the epidemic is most severe.
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.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:46 'UK could face economic downgrade'
On Saturday it reported 427 new cases and 47 deaths over the past 24 hours. Most were confined to the city of Wuhan and the surrounding province.
But South Korea - the second worst-hit country - reported its biggest daily jump so far with 594 new cases.
Officials warned of a "critical moment" in the coronavirus battle and urged citizens to stay indoors on Saturday as total cases hit 2,931.
"Please stay at home and refrain from going outside and minimise contact with other people," said vice health minister Kim Kang-lip.
World Health Organisation spokesman Christian Lindmeier also said it was looking into reports of some people getting re-infected, which would include reviewing how tests were taken.


news--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: China depicts heroic fight against COVID-19 - but the reality is very different

On Chinese state media , the only permitted narrative is one of heroic struggle ; of undoubtedly brave doctors working long hours treating COVID-19 patients ; of hospitals built in days ; of people anonymously donating money and supplies .
Interviews with people in Hubei , the province that is still the centre of the coronavirus epidemic , show a more complicated story - one of grief , boredom , despair .
The father of Mr Peng , a Wuhan resident , was taken ill at the end of January .
His family begged the authorities for help .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told me over the phone .
`` We had to contact different places for help from the very beginning .
It might sound horrible but letting a very sick person stay at an isolation point without any medical care means letting the person wait for his own death . ''
There was no hospital bed available and Mr Peng 's father fell into a coma at the isolation point .
He lay there unattended for three days .
On 10 February , an ambulance eventually came but it was too late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on him and `` found my father 's hands and feet cold '' .
He called for a doctor but Mr Peng 's father had died .
He does n't know what has happened to his body .
Mr Peng said : `` [ The government ] ca n't just shout out slogans and say positive things like 'leave no one behind ' in the news without actually doing anything .
`` We just want some sort of explanation .
It does n't matter if it 's financial compensation or consolation .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all my father was only 60 .
He had not reached the age to enjoy the bliss of our big family . ''
Maya is confined to her flat with her mother and young child ; a guard is at the compound door .
Her daughter has n't left the house since 20 January - more than five weeks .
Yet she does n't resent the lockdown , just how long it took for authorities to act .
She said : `` By the end of December , or the beginning of January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major , I had some friends there working in a hospital .
`` I asked them , they were telling me that this is not good .
But they did n't want to tell me more .
So I 'm thinking , this is definitely something serious . ''
I asked why they could n't tell her more .
She replied : `` I can only guess that maybe they can not say anything about it .
In China sometimes it 's very hard to talk about this kind of crisis .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we did n't realise how serious it was .
Because we did n't receive any warning , like you should definitely wear a mask on the street .
`` That you can not go to certain places .
So life was quite normal for us for basically the whole of January . ''
She and her family are simply trying to stay healthy , and she is more concerned about others .
She added : `` For my friends who are working in the hospital , working on the frontline , we worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the working pressure is very big .
And they can not back off . ''
The lockdown has also left many who were just visiting Wuhan stranded .
Mr Li drove 1000km ( 621 miles ) from Hebei province to visit his grandmother for Lunar New Year .
Then the travel ban was put in place .
His street is now physically barricaded .
He said : `` So seven of us have to sleep in two rooms .
Actually , it 's only one room and there 's a small wall between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleep in one room and the others sleep in another room .
All the beds are temporary .
Two people share a single bed .
So the living conditions are very uncomfortable . ''
He 's nearly run out of supplies like toothpaste and soap , and the family is living off rice alone .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Rice is enough , we wo n't starve , '' he said .
`` But as for meat , vegetables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingredients , we do n't have any . ''
His family are not taking baths for fear of catching a cold - and being sent to a quarantine centre .
And the longer Mr Li is stuck in Hubei , the longer he is away from his job .
He said : `` I work in Hebei .
My company opens very soon .
So I 'm very worried .
I 'm worried if it 's a long time that I do n't go to work then I will be laid off .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay attention to people trapped in Hubei .
We 're stuck between a rock and a hard place .
Hubei does n't let us leave and Hebei does n't accept us either .

On Chinese state media, the only permitted narrative is one of heroic struggle; of undoubtedly brave doctors working long hours treating COVID-19 patients; of hospitals built in days; of people anonymously donating money and supplies.
Interviews with people in Hubei, the province that is still the centre of the coronavirus epidemic, show a more complicated story - one of grief, boredom, despair.
The father of Mr Peng, a Wuhan resident, was taken ill at the end of January. His family begged the authorities for help.
Image: Mr Peng pictured with his father
"I feel very powerless and helpless," he told me over the phone.
"We had to contact different places for help from the very beginning. It might sound horrible but letting a very sick person stay at an isolation point without any medical care means letting the person wait for his own death."
There was no hospital bed available and Mr Peng's father fell into a coma at the isolation point. He lay there unattended for three days.
On 10 February, an ambulance eventually came but it was too late.
His brother went upstairs to check on him and "found my father's hands and feet cold". He called for a doctor but Mr Peng's father had died.
He doesn't know what has happened to his body.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Mr Peng said: "[The government] can't just shout out slogans and say positive things like 'leave no one behind' in the news without actually doing anything.
"We just want some sort of explanation. It doesn't matter if it's financial compensation or consolation. It will make us feel better. After all my father was only 60. He had not reached the age to enjoy the bliss of our big family."
Image: Chinese state media shows a medic fist-bumping with a patient
Wuhan remains in total lockdown.
Maya is confined to her flat with her mother and young child; a guard is at the compound door.
Her daughter hasn't left the house since 20 January - more than five weeks. Yet she doesn't resent the lockdown, just how long it took for authorities to act.
Image: Sky's Tom Cheshire spoke to Maya who is confined to her flat in Wuhan
She said: "By the end of December, or the beginning of January, because I studied nursing as my major, I had some friends there working in a hospital.
"I asked them, they were telling me that this is not good. But they didn't want to tell me more. So I'm thinking, this is definitely something serious."
I asked why they couldn't tell her more.
Image: A cyclist wears a protective suit in Wuhan
She replied: "I can only guess that maybe they cannot say anything about it. In China sometimes it's very hard to talk about this kind of crisis.
"Even us people living in Wuhan, we didn't realise how serious it was. Because we didn't receive any warning, like you should definitely wear a mask on the street. "That you cannot go to certain places. So life was quite normal for us for basically the whole of January."
She and her family are simply trying to stay healthy, and she is more concerned about others.
She added: "For my friends who are working in the hospital, working on the frontline, we worry about their families as well. Because the working pressure is very big. And they cannot back off."
The lockdown has also left many who were just visiting Wuhan stranded.
Mr Li drove 1000km (621 miles) from Hebei province to visit his grandmother for Lunar New Year. Then the travel ban was put in place. His street is now physically barricaded.
Image: Streets have been emptied as Wuhan remains locked down
He said: "So seven of us have to sleep in two rooms. Actually, it's only one room and there's a small wall between them.
"Me and my wife sleep in one room and the others sleep in another room. All the beds are temporary. Two people share a single bed. So the living conditions are very uncomfortable."
He's nearly run out of supplies like toothpaste and soap, and the family is living off rice alone.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"Rice is enough, we won't starve," he said. "But as for meat, vegetables, and other food, including cooking ingredients, we don't have any."
His family are not taking baths for fear of catching a cold - and being sent to a quarantine centre. And the longer Mr Li is stuck in Hubei, the longer he is away from his job.
He said: "I work in Hebei. My company opens very soon. So I'm very worried. I'm worried if it's a long time that I don't go to work then I will be laid off.
"I just want more people to pay attention to people trapped in Hubei. We're stuck between a rock and a hard place. Hubei doesn't let us leave and Hebei doesn't accept us either.
"I feel I'm an orphan."


news--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: Italian cyclists confirmed to have COVID-19 - now British stars are being tested

Tour de France winner Chris Froome and fellow cycling star Mark Cavendish are being tested for the coronavirus after two people on the UAE Tour were confirmed to have COVID-19 .
Organisers said `` two Italian participants '' had tested positive and that the race was being scrapped because safety was `` top of all priorities '' .
Froome , a four-time victor of cycling 's biggest event , said all the riders were all getting tested .
He tweeted : `` It 's a shame that the # UAETour has been cancelled but public health must come first .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain at the hotel until further notice .
I hope those affected make a speedy recovery and there are n't any further cases # coronavirus . ''
All riders and staff were confined to their rooms at the Crowne Royal Plaza hotel in Abu Dhabi .
The final two stages of the Middle East event were due to take place on Friday and Saturday .
• Mark Carney told Sky News that Britain should prepare for an economic growth downgrade if the impact of COVID-19 deepens • The Dow Jones shares index @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday - its biggest ever one-day drop • UK schools could be closed for more than two months if the outbreak intensifies , said England 's chief medical officer • Northern Ireland has its first case of the coronavirus as three new cases confirmed in UK • Some British tourists are being allowed to leave a Tenerife hotel on lockdown - but Jet2 says it will not fly them home until testing confirms they are okay .
With fears high that the virus could accelarate further , the Dominican Republic turned away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people - including two Britons - showed potential symptoms of the virus .
`` We have ordered that it returns to its destination , '' said public health minister Rafael Sanchez Cardenas .
The country 's health ministry said it had taken the decision after the captain reported people were under observation after displaying symptoms such as coughing , fever and breathing problems .
The ship carrying 1,128 passenger and 384 crew is operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus , Chinese authorities reported another significant fall in new cases with 327 infections in the mainland and 44 deaths in the 24 hours to Friday morning .
The virus is believed to have started in the city of Wuhan and there are now nearly 79,000 cases in the country and 2,788 deaths .
Some 3,600 infections have so far been reported outside China .
South Korea - the second worst-affected country - reported another 256 cases in the last day , bringing its total to 2,022 .
The country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their shows in Seoul .
With many schools across Asia shutting , nearly 13 million students in Japan are also set to stay at home .
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for schools across the country to close until later March to `` avoid the risk of possible large-scale infections '' .
As parts of northern Italy stay in lockdown as it deals with 650 cases and 15 deaths , Iran - the worst-affected Middle East country - has loosened the rules on foreign-made items to allow in things such as masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has 254 cases and 26 deaths - has also removed overhead rails on Tehran 's subway to try to stop the spread of germs .
Also in the Middle East , Saudi Arabia has closed the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to pilgrims raising concerns over the huge annual hajj pilgrimage that begins in July .
America has only recorded 60 cases so far , but in California officials are urgently trying to trace the steps of a woman they believe is the first person in the US to be infected without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with an infected person .
Authorities say it marks a turning point in the virus 's spread in America .
Ten experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were heading to the area to trace her movements , interview family members and work out how she became infected - and who else she may have passed the virus on to .
She first went for treatment at NorthBay VacaValley Hospital in Vacaville , a city of more than 100,000 people about 59 miles ( 95km ) from San Francisco , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials have sought to reassure the public , saying such a scenario was inevitable and the risk remained low .
Virus Outbreak : Global Emergency - Watch a special programme on the coronavirus at 2pm today

Tour de France winner Chris Froome and fellow cycling star Mark Cavendish are being tested for the coronavirus after two people on the UAE Tour were confirmed to have COVID-19.
Organisers said "two Italian participants" had tested positive and that the race was being scrapped because safety was "top of all priorities".
Froome, a four-time victor of cycling's biggest event, said all the riders were all getting tested.
Image: British rider Mark Cavendish was also competing in the race
He tweeted: "It's a shame that the #UAETour has been cancelled but public health must come first.
"We are all awaiting testing and will remain at the hotel until further notice. I hope those affected make a speedy recovery and there aren't any further cases #coronavirus."
All riders and staff were confined to their rooms at the Crowne Royal Plaza hotel in Abu Dhabi.
The final two stages of the Middle East event were due to take place on Friday and Saturday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
In other developments:
Mark Carney told Sky News that Britain should prepare for an economic growth downgrade if the impact of COVID-19 deepens
The Dow Jones shares index in the US tumbled almost 1,200 points on Thursday - its biggest ever one-day drop
UK schools could be closed for more than two months if the outbreak intensifies, said England's chief medical officer
Northern Ireland has its first case of the coronavirus as three new cases confirmed in UK
Some British tourists are being allowed to leave a Tenerife hotel on lockdown - but Jet2 says it will not fly them home until testing confirms they are okay.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 'Coronavirus is having economic consequences'
Caribbean island bars cruise ship
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With fears high that the virus could accelarate further, the Dominican Republic turned away a ship carrying 1,500 people after eight people - including two Britons - showed potential symptoms of the virus.
"We have ordered that it returns to its destination," said public health minister Rafael Sanchez Cardenas.
The country's health ministry said it had taken the decision after the captain reported people were under observation after displaying symptoms such as coughing, fever and breathing problems.
The ship carrying 1,128 passenger and 384 crew is operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 China practises COVID-19 takedown procedure
China cases fall sharply again
At the epicentre of the virus, Chinese authorities reported another significant fall in new cases with 327 infections in the mainland and 44 deaths in the 24 hours to Friday morning.
The virus is believed to have started in the city of Wuhan and there are now nearly 79,000 cases in the country and 2,788 deaths.
Some 3,600 infections have so far been reported outside China.
South Korea - the second worst-affected country - reported another 256 cases in the last day, bringing its total to 2,022. The country's K-pop megastars BTS also announced the cancellation of their shows in Seoul.
With many schools across Asia shutting, nearly 13 million students in Japan are also set to stay at home.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for schools across the country to close until later March to "avoid the risk of possible large-scale infections".
As parts of northern Italy stay in lockdown as it deals with 650 cases and 15 deaths, Iran - the worst-affected Middle East country - has loosened the rules on foreign-made items to allow in things such as masks and sanitisers.
The country - which has 254 cases and 26 deaths - has also removed overhead rails on Tehran's subway to try to stop the spread of germs.
Also in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has closed the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to pilgrims raising concerns over the huge annual hajj pilgrimage that begins in July.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 Pence to run coronavirus response
US at virus "turning point"
America has only recorded 60 cases so far, but in California officials are urgently trying to trace the steps of a woman they believe is the first person in the US to be infected without having travelled abroad or being in close contact with an infected person.
Authorities say it marks a turning point in the virus's spread in America.
Ten experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were heading to the area to trace her movements, interview family members and work out how she became infected - and who else she may have passed the virus on to.
She first went for treatment at NorthBay VacaValley Hospital in Vacaville, a city of more than 100,000 people about 59 miles (95km) from San Francisco, and was diagnosed on Wednesday.
State health officials have sought to reassure the public, saying such a scenario was inevitable and the risk remained low.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special programme on the coronavirus at 2pm today


news--2020-02-28--UK should prepare for schools closing and 'other social trade-offs' over coronavirus - Jeremy Hunt

People should prepare for schools to close down to stop the spread of coronavirus , a former health secretary has warned .
Jeremy Hunt said the public might have to brace for `` social and economic trade-offs '' and cautioned the NHS will not function `` business-as-normal '' if a pandemic breaks out .
On the prospect of emergency hospitals being built like in China , he said : `` I know all that thinking is happening . ''
So far the number of people who have been infected by the virus in the UK is 19 , with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed and suspected cases that have killed 2,859 people , according to the respected global medical researcher Johns Hopkins hospital .
Britain 's response will be discussed on Monday at a COBRA meeting convened by Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
Mr Hunt , who now chairs parliament 's health select committee , told Sky News ' All Out Politics : `` Hundreds of thousands of lives could depend on whether we can keep the infection levels down at below 10-5 % . ''
But `` we have to prepare for the situation where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 % of people end up getting COVID , Mr Hunt added .
The national response so far has been `` pretty sensible '' , he said , but warned upheaval to people 's daily lives might be necessary .
`` We are now at the stage where the government is rightly starting to spell out some of the social and economic trade-offs that will be necessary if we want to contain the virus to a small proportion of the population , if it takes hold , '' Mr Hunt explained .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do start to spell out those trade-offs .
`` Yesterday the chief medical officer talked about the possibility of closing schools and those kinds of things we do need to start getting our head around . ''
He added : `` We are never going to do what they did in China because we 're a different society .
We 're a democracy .
`` But you look at what fellow democracies are doing - in Japan where the schools have been closed for March , and Italy where certain towns and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And you can see that even democracies are capable of taking measures with the consent of the public because lives are at stake . ''
China built an emergency hospital in eight days reportedly helped by a 7,000-member crew of carpenters , plumbers , electricians and other specialists .
Coronavirus continues to spread across the UK - with the first confirmed cases now reported in Northern Ireland and Wales .
A jump in European cases - including the four people whose condition led a hotel in Tenerife , Spain , to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traced back to Italy .
Towns in northern Italy were put into lockdown by authorities with 50,000 residents thought to be trapped inside the so-called `` red zone '' for up to two weeks .
Three UK schools have already shut down after some of their students returned from ski trips in the region .
Former chancellor George Osborne tweeted : `` The British government now needs to go onto a 'war footing ' with the coronavirus : daily NHS press briefings , regular COBRA meetings chaired by the PM , ministers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public is fearful , wants information and needs to know their leaders have got a grip . ''

People should prepare for schools to close down to stop the spread of coronavirus, a former health secretary has warned.
Jeremy Hunt said the public might have to brace for "social and economic trade-offs" and cautioned the NHS will not function "business-as-normal" if a pandemic breaks out.
On the prospect of emergency hospitals being built like in China, he said: "I know all that thinking is happening."
So far the number of people who have been infected by the virus in the UK is 19, with no fatalities.
Worldwide, there are 83,704 confirmed and suspected cases that have killed 2,859 people, according to the respected global medical researcher Johns Hopkins hospital.
Britain's response will be discussed on Monday at a COBRA meeting convened by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Mr Hunt, who now chairs parliament's health select committee, told Sky News' All Out Politics: "Hundreds of thousands of lives could depend on whether we can keep the infection levels down at below 10-5%."
But "we have to prepare for the situation where we can't" and up to 70% of people end up getting COVID, Mr Hunt added.
The national response so far has been "pretty sensible", he said, but warned upheaval to people's daily lives might be necessary.
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Image: 19 people have so far tested positive for coronavirus in the UK
"We are now at the stage where the government is rightly starting to spell out some of the social and economic trade-offs that will be necessary if we want to contain the virus to a small proportion of the population, if it takes hold," Mr Hunt explained.
"I think it's absolutely right that we do start to spell out those trade-offs.
"Yesterday the chief medical officer talked about the possibility of closing schools and those kinds of things we do need to start getting our head around."
Image: A spike in cases in Europe have stemmed from northern Italy
He added: "We are never going to do what they did in China because we're a different society. We're a democracy.
"But you look at what fellow democracies are doing - in Japan where the schools have been closed for March, and Italy where certain towns and villages have been put on lockdown.
"And you can see that even democracies are capable of taking measures with the consent of the public because lives are at stake."
China built an emergency hospital in eight days reportedly helped by a 7,000-member crew of carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other specialists.
Coronavirus continues to spread across the UK - with the first confirmed cases now reported in Northern Ireland and Wales.
A jump in European cases - including the four people whose condition led a hotel in Tenerife, Spain, to be put into quarantine - have mostly been traced back to Italy.
Towns in northern Italy were put into lockdown by authorities with 50,000 residents thought to be trapped inside the so-called "red zone" for up to two weeks.
Three UK schools have already shut down after some of their students returned from ski trips in the region.
Former chancellor George Osborne tweeted: "The British government now needs to go onto a 'war footing' with the coronavirus: daily NHS press briefings, regular COBRA meetings chaired by the PM, ministers on all major media shows.
"The public is fearful, wants information and needs to know their leaders have got a grip."


news--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: New Zealand has all but eradicated COVID-19 - but now comes the hard part

New Zealand has all but eradicated the coronavirus , with just one person known to still be infected .
The Pacific nation of almost five million people recorded just 22 deaths from COVID-19 , which has killed more than 360,000 worldwide .
There were 1,504 infections recorded and all but one of the survivors has recovered .
New Zealand avoided the worst of the virus with an early and strict lockdown , along with tough border controls and its natural isolation .
Only citizens and a small number of exceptions were allowed in before having to spend two weeks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month , schools were able to reopen and people are now allowed to gather in groups of up to 100 and to travel outside their local area .
New Zealand 's death toll is in stark contrast to the number of US fatalities , which has now passed 100,000 , and the number of deaths in the UK - more than 37,000 .
However , the country faces a huge challenge in terms of its post-pandemic future , so long as there is no vaccine or reliable treatment for the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ word from the government on when this might change - instead , the tourism sector , which is a large part of the economy , is relying on New Zealanders visiting other parts of their own country .
It is hoped a `` trans-Tasman travel bubble '' will allow New Zealanders and Australians to travel between each other 's countries without restrictions - but this could be months away .
Usually , tourism contributes directly to around 5.8 % of New Zealand 's GDP and indirectly to another 4 % , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April it was estimated that the economic impact on the island nation would see the unemployment rate leap to nearly 10 % by June - up from 4 % .
Earlier this month , the government unveiled a NZ $ 50bn ( £25bn ) fund to save jobs and reduce unemployment , but also warned that GDP for 2020 is expected to shrink by 4.6 % before a gradual recovery by 2022 .
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been praised internationally for her leadership during the virus outbreak , but a successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial when she runs for re-election in September .
Despite her popularity ( a poll at the beginning of May had 65 % saying she was their preferred prime minister , according to TV station Newshub ) , critics say she has not delivered on promises regarding affordable housing and cutting child poverty .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

New Zealand has all but eradicated the coronavirus, with just one person known to still be infected.
The Pacific nation of almost five million people recorded just 22 deaths from COVID-19, which has killed more than 360,000 worldwide.
There were 1,504 infections recorded and all but one of the survivors has recovered.
Image: This barber shop was among the businesses to have reopened in recent weeks
New Zealand avoided the worst of the virus with an early and strict lockdown, along with tough border controls and its natural isolation.
Only citizens and a small number of exceptions were allowed in before having to spend two weeks in supervised quarantine at airport hotels.
Earlier this month, schools were able to reopen and people are now allowed to gather in groups of up to 100 and to travel outside their local area.
New Zealand's death toll is in stark contrast to the number of US fatalities, which has now passed 100,000, and the number of deaths in the UK - more than 37,000.
However, the country faces a huge challenge in terms of its post-pandemic future, so long as there is no vaccine or reliable treatment for the coronavirus.
The borders remain closed, with no word from the government on when this might change - instead, the tourism sector, which is a large part of the economy, is relying on New Zealanders visiting other parts of their own country.
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Image: New Zealand's isolation played a big role in its ability to avoid the worst of the virus
It is hoped a "trans-Tasman travel bubble" will allow New Zealanders and Australians to travel between each other's countries without restrictions - but this could be months away.
Usually, tourism contributes directly to around 5.8% of New Zealand's GDP and indirectly to another 4%, according to the country's tourism board.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Jacinda Ardern was praised for the way she communicated with New Zealanders, including children
Late in April it was estimated that the economic impact on the island nation would see the unemployment rate leap to nearly 10% by June - up from 4%.
Earlier this month, the government unveiled a NZ$50bn (£25bn) fund to save jobs and reduce unemployment, but also warned that GDP for 2020 is expected to shrink by 4.6% before a gradual recovery by 2022.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 'We're just having a bit of an earthquake here'
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been praised internationally for her leadership during the virus outbreak, but a successful recovery from its economic impact will be crucial when she runs for re-election in September.
Despite her popularity (a poll at the beginning of May had 65% saying she was their preferred prime minister, according to TV station Newshub), critics say she has not delivered on promises regarding affordable housing and cutting child poverty.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-29--Kylie Jenner hits back after Forbes accuses her of 'web of lies' over billionaire status

Kylie Jenner has hit back at Forbes after it stripped her of billionaire status and accused her of constructing a `` web of lies '' surrounding her fortune .
The US business magazine estimated Jenner 's net worth at $ 1bn ( £806m ) and claimed she was the world 's youngest `` self-made '' billionaire at the age of 21 in March 2019 .
On Friday , Forbes released a statement accusing the makeup mogul of forging tax documents so she would appear to be a billionaire , and claimed she fabricated revenue figures for her cosmetics business , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the claims and tweeted that the magazine had published `` inaccurate statements and unproven assumptions '' - and denied forging any documents .
In a piece titled Inside Kylie Jenner 's Web Of Lies , the publication said its understanding of Jenner 's billionaire status stemmed partly from her sale of a 51 % stake of Kylie Cosmetics to Coty - with the deal said to be worth $ 1.2bn ( £972m ) .
But `` a less flattering truth emerged '' from the deal 's fine print , Forbes claims .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed that Jenner 's business is `` significantly smaller , and less profitable '' , than her family , the Kardashian-Jenners , had led media outlets to believe .
Forbes also claims that `` white lies , omissions and outright fabrications '' are to be expected from the family `` that perfected - then monetised - the concept of 'famous for being famous ' '' .
The statement concludes : `` Based on this new information - plus the impact of COVID-19 on beauty stocks and consumer spending - Forbes now thinks that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated $ 340m ( £275m ) after tax from the sale , is not a billionaire . ''
The magazine adds that a more `` realistic accounting of her personal fortune '' puts it at just under $ 900m ( £729m ) .
It estimates that more than a third of that is the estimated $ 340m in post-tax cash from selling the majority of her company .
The magazine says that Kylie Cosmetics is also worth less now than it was when the deal was announced in November due to the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked the Kardashian-Jenners for answers `` on the many discrepancies '' , it said : `` The typically chatty family did something out of character : They stopped answering questions . ''
The detail in the magazine 's statement appears to have come as a shock to Jenner , who posted a series of strong denials on Twitter on Friday morning .
She posted : `` What am i even waking up to .
i thought this was a reputable site.. all i see are a number of inaccurate statements and unproven assumptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any title or tried to lie my way there EVER .
period . ''
Jenner also took issue with Forbes ' claims that tax returns may have been forged , posting `` like actually what am i reading '' .
`` I can name a list of 100 things more important right now than fixating on how much money i have , '' she added .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Jenner first launched her first lipstick line as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kylie Lip Kit .
She renamed the cosmetic company Kylie Cosmetics in 2016 and the number of kits produced increased from an initial 15,000 to 500,000 .

Kylie Jenner has hit back at Forbes after it stripped her of billionaire status and accused her of constructing a "web of lies" surrounding her fortune.
The US business magazine estimated Jenner's net worth at $1bn (£806m) and claimed she was the world's youngest "self-made" billionaire at the age of 21 in March 2019.
On Friday, Forbes released a statement accusing the makeup mogul of forging tax documents so she would appear to be a billionaire, and claimed she fabricated revenue figures for her cosmetics business, Kylie Cosmetics.
Jenner seemed taken aback by the claims and tweeted that the magazine had published "inaccurate statements and unproven assumptions" - and denied forging any documents.
In a piece titled Inside Kylie Jenner's Web Of Lies, the publication said its understanding of Jenner's billionaire status stemmed partly from her sale of a 51% stake of Kylie Cosmetics to Coty - with the deal said to be worth $1.2bn (£972m).
Image: Kylie Cosmetics are displayed at Ulta beauty in New York City
But "a less flattering truth emerged" from the deal's fine print, Forbes claims.
It said filings released publicly by Coty revealed that Jenner's business is "significantly smaller, and less profitable", than her family, the Kardashian-Jenners, had led media outlets to believe.
Forbes also claims that "white lies, omissions and outright fabrications" are to be expected from the family "that perfected - then monetised - the concept of 'famous for being famous'".
The statement concludes: "Based on this new information - plus the impact of COVID-19 on beauty stocks and consumer spending - Forbes now thinks that Kylie Jenner, even after pocketing an estimated $340m (£275m) after tax from the sale, is not a billionaire."
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The magazine adds that a more "realistic accounting of her personal fortune" puts it at just under $900m (£729m).
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It estimates that more than a third of that is the estimated $340m in post-tax cash from selling the majority of her company.
The magazine says that Kylie Cosmetics is also worth less now than it was when the deal was announced in November due to the economic effects of the coronavirus.
When Forbes asked the Kardashian-Jenners for answers "on the many discrepancies", it said: "The typically chatty family did something out of character: They stopped answering questions."
The detail in the magazine's statement appears to have come as a shock to Jenner, who posted a series of strong denials on Twitter on Friday morning.
She posted: "What am i even waking up to. i thought this was a reputable site.. all i see are a number of inaccurate statements and unproven assumptions lol. i've never asked for any title or tried to lie my way there EVER. period."
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Jenner also took issue with Forbes' claims that tax returns may have been forged, posting "like actually what am i reading".
"I can name a list of 100 things more important right now than fixating on how much money i have," she added.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Jenner first launched her first lipstick line as part of her self-titled lip kit under the name Kylie Lip Kit.
She renamed the cosmetic company Kylie Cosmetics in 2016 and the number of kits produced increased from an initial 15,000 to 500,000.


news--2020-05-28--Man dies after 'rocks thrown' in grounds of Lullingstone Castle in Kent

A man has died after rocks were thrown in the grounds of a castle in Kent .
Police were called to a disturbance at the grounds of Lullingstone Castle in Eynsford at 5.21pm on Thursday .
The force said : `` It was reported that rocks were being thrown .
`` A man later died at the scene and officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are investigating . ''
A police cordon has been put in place at the scene and a police helicopter was seen flying near the castle .
A Kent Police statement said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody who was in the area , including dog walkers , anglers and golfers , who witnessed the incident or saw two young people in the vicinity of the lake between 12pm and 7pm .
`` They are also keen to obtain video footage from any vehicles that travelled along Castle Road or Shoreham Road , and any cyclists or joggers in the area between these times . ''
Lullingstone Castle is a tourist attraction which features a 15-acre lake and several gardens .
It was built in 1497 and has been owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century .
The castle usually opens for three days a week during spring to autumn , but has been shut during the coronavirus pandemic .
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 , quoting 28-1127 .

A man has died after rocks were thrown in the grounds of a castle in Kent.
Police were called to a disturbance at the grounds of Lullingstone Castle in Eynsford at 5.21pm on Thursday.
The force said: "It was reported that rocks were being thrown.
"A man later died at the scene and officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are investigating."
A police cordon has been put in place at the scene and a police helicopter was seen flying near the castle.
A Kent Police statement said: "Investigators are appealing for information from anybody who was in the area, including dog walkers, anglers and golfers, who witnessed the incident or saw two young people in the vicinity of the lake between 12pm and 7pm.
"They are also keen to obtain video footage from any vehicles that travelled along Castle Road or Shoreham Road, and any cyclists or joggers in the area between these times."
Lullingstone Castle is a tourist attraction which features a 15-acre lake and several gardens.
It was built in 1497 and has been owned by the same family since the 15th century.
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The castle usually opens for three days a week during spring to autumn, but has been shut during the coronavirus pandemic.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting 28-1127.


news--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: No further action over death of Belly Mujinga from COVID-19 after 'spitting attack'

British Transport Police ( BTP ) say no further action will be taken after a train ticket collector who was allegedly spat at died with coronavirus .
The force said it had interviewed a man and established that the death of Belly Mujinga `` was not a consequence '' of such an incident .
`` There is no evidence to substantiate any criminal offences having taken place , '' officers added .
Ms Mujinga was working on the concourse at London 's Victoria Station when a member of the public claiming to have coronavirus allegedly assaulted her and a colleague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had an 11-year-old daughter , died in hospital in Barnet on 5 April - and more than £43,000 has been donated to a fundraising page since her death .
BTP said they had `` conducted extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened on 21 March '' , including detectives `` reviewing CCTV footage of the incident and speaking to key witnesses '' .
The force continued : `` Following a review of all the information , senior detectives have concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate any criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tragic death of Belly Mujinga was not a consequence of this incident .
`` As a result , the matter will not be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service . ''
There will be no further action against a 57-year-old man from London who was interviewed .
Ms Mujinga 's family have been told about the result of the investigation and will continue to be supported by specialist officers , BTP said .
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn said : `` I know the loss of Belly has moved so many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done everything we can to provide answers for her family .
`` As a result of our enquiries , we can now be confident that this incident did not lead to Belly 's tragic death .
`` Our thoughts remain with her family and we will continue to support them as they come to terms with the loss of their much-loved mother and wife . ''

British Transport Police (BTP) say no further action will be taken after a train ticket collector who was allegedly spat at died with coronavirus.
The force said it had interviewed a man and established that the death of Belly Mujinga "was not a consequence" of such an incident.
"There is no evidence to substantiate any criminal offences having taken place," officers added.
Image: Belly Mujinga and her daughter Ingrid
Ms Mujinga was working on the concourse at London's Victoria Station when a member of the public claiming to have coronavirus allegedly assaulted her and a colleague on 21 March.
The 47-year-old, who had an 11-year-old daughter, died in hospital in Barnet on 5 April - and more than £43,000 has been donated to a fundraising page since her death.
BTP said they had "conducted extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened on 21 March", including detectives "reviewing CCTV footage of the incident and speaking to key witnesses".
The force continued: "Following a review of all the information, senior detectives have concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate any criminal offences having taken place, and that the tragic death of Belly Mujinga was not a consequence of this incident.
"As a result, the matter will not be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service."
There will be no further action against a 57-year-old man from London who was interviewed.
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Image: Belly Mujinga with her husband Lusamba Gode Katalay
Ms Mujinga's family have been told about the result of the investigation and will continue to be supported by specialist officers, BTP said.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn said: "I know the loss of Belly has moved so many people, and I can assure you we have done everything we can to provide answers for her family.
"As a result of our enquiries, we can now be confident that this incident did not lead to Belly's tragic death.
"Our thoughts remain with her family and we will continue to support them as they come to terms with the loss of their much-loved mother and wife."


news--2020-05-29--Williams F1 team owner puts sale plan on starting grid

The owner of the Williams Formula One team is considering a sale of the company that could lead to its eponymous founder , Sir Frank Williams , relinquishing majority ownership after more than four decades .
Confirming a plan to sell the business - revealed by Sky News on Thursday night - Williams Grand Prix Holdings ( WGPH ) said it was the `` right and prudent thing to do in order to take time to consider a full range of options and put the Formula 1 team in the best possible position for the future '' .
The move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Liberty Media , agreed the introduction of a budget cap from next year to ease the strain on teams which have seen revenues slump since the coronavirus outbreak .
The prospective sale of WGPH could involve `` raising new capital for the business , a divestment of a minority stake in WGPH , or a divestment of a majority stake in WGPH including a potential sale of the whole company '' , it said in a stock exchange announcement on Friday .
Williams said it had a made a full-year loss last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - of £13m , driven by the poor on-track performance of its once-dominant F1 team .
Late last year , it sold a big stake in its Advanced Engineering arm to a private equity firm in an effort to bolster its balance sheet .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Williams was set up by Sir Frank in 1977 , and enjoyed enormous success in ensuing decades with drivers including Nigel Mansell , Alain Prost and Damon Hill .
It has struggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finding itself unable to compete financially with rival constructors such as Ferrari and Mercedes .
`` The company is not in receipt of any approaches at the time of this announcement and confirms that it is in preliminary discussions with a small number of parties regarding a potential investment in the company , '' WGPH said .
The formal sale process is being overseen by Lazard and Allen & Company .
Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The owner of the Williams Formula One team is considering a sale of the company that could lead to its eponymous founder, Sir Frank Williams, relinquishing majority ownership after more than four decades.
Confirming a plan to sell the business - revealed by Sky News on Thursday night - Williams Grand Prix Holdings (WGPH) said it was the "right and prudent thing to do in order to take time to consider a full range of options and put the Formula 1 team in the best possible position for the future".
Image: Williams was set up by Sir Frank in 1977, and enjoyed enormous success with drivers, including Nigel Mansell
The move comes just days after F1's owner, Liberty Media, agreed the introduction of a budget cap from next year to ease the strain on teams which have seen revenues slump since the coronavirus outbreak.
The prospective sale of WGPH could involve "raising new capital for the business, a divestment of a minority stake in WGPH, or a divestment of a majority stake in WGPH including a potential sale of the whole company", it said in a stock exchange announcement on Friday.
Williams said it had a made a full-year loss last year - before the COVID-19 pandemic struck - of £13m, driven by the poor on-track performance of its once-dominant F1 team.
Late last year, it sold a big stake in its Advanced Engineering arm to a private equity firm in an effort to bolster its balance sheet.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Williams was set up by Sir Frank in 1977, and enjoyed enormous success in ensuing decades with drivers including Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost and Damon Hill.
It has struggled during the last decade, however, finding itself unable to compete financially with rival constructors such as Ferrari and Mercedes.
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"The company is not in receipt of any approaches at the time of this announcement and confirms that it is in preliminary discussions with a small number of parties regarding a potential investment in the company," WGPH said.
The formal sale process is being overseen by Lazard and Allen & Company.
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


news--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: Writer who inspired Netflix's Unorthodox on her ex-community's battle with COVID-19

The writer whose life inspired hit Netflix series Unorthodox says the ultra-orthodox Jewish community she grew up in could n't react quickly enough to COVID-19 because of its herd mentality .
Deborah Feldman 's 2012 memoir Unorthodox : The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots is the basis for the mini-series about a woman who flees an arranged marriage .
She joined Dermot Murnaghan on the Sky News Daily podcast to discuss the changes she has gone through since moving to Berlin in 2014 .
The 33-year-old said since moving from New York to the German capital , she has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past without ever forgetting or ignoring it , while also be in the present moment '' .
Listen to the full interview on today 's Sky News Daily podcast .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Next week from Monday to Thursday , Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic : Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over .
We 'll be joined by some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of culture , politics , economics , science and technology .
And you can take part too .
If you 'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts , email afterthepandemic @ sky.uk

The writer whose life inspired hit Netflix series Unorthodox says the ultra-orthodox Jewish community she grew up in couldn't react quickly enough to COVID-19 because of its herd mentality.
Deborah Feldman's 2012 memoir Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots is the basis for the mini-series about a woman who flees an arranged marriage.
She joined Dermot Murnaghan on the Sky News Daily podcast to discuss the changes she has gone through since moving to Berlin in 2014.
The 33-year-old said since moving from New York to the German capital, she has learned that you can "consistently honour the past without ever forgetting or ignoring it, while also be in the present moment".
Listen to the full interview on today's Sky News Daily podcast.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After the Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk