news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Italy's hardest-hit city wants you to see how COVID-19 is affecting its hospitals

Staff frantically wave us out of the way , pushing gurneys carrying men and women on mobile respirators - it 's not chaos , but it is hectic .
They rush past wards already rammed with beds all filled with people in terrible distress - gasping for air , clutching at their chests and at tubes pumping oxygen into their oxygen-starved lungs .
I 'm in the main hospital in Bergamo , the hardest-hit hospital in Italy in the hardest-hit town in the hardest-hit province , Lombardy - and it 's just plain scary .
Masked , gloved and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I are led through corridors full of gasping people who look terribly ill .
I ask what ward I am in .
`` This is n't really a ward , it 's a waiting room , we just have to use every bit of space , '' my guide , Vanna Toninelli , head of the hospital press office tells me .
The medical teams are fighting a war here and they are losing .
The sheer numbers of people succumbing to the coronavirus is overwhelming every hospital in northern Italy - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country as well .
The staff are working flat out trying to keep their patients from deteriorating further .
They are trying to stop them from dying .
In groups they crowd around the latest patients .
Attaching monitors , drips and most importantly respirators .
Without them the patients will simply go downhill fast .
It looks like an intensive care unit ( ICU ) , but it is actually just an emergency arrivals ward .
The ICU is full .
The people being treated are new arrivals , but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else in the world they would be intensive care cases but here , to qualify , you are actually on the point of death , not just gravely ill .
In this pandemic , gravely ill is considered a reasonable position .
It really is that bad .
The arrival of people here is an absolute constant .
This killer pandemic is virtually out of control .
We have all heard what has been going on here , but no journalist has been allowed in here to see it , until now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show everyone what a catastrophic emergency , that nobody has ever experienced before , looks like .
They want you to see it .
They want the world 's population to question their own governments ' responses .
Because there can be no excuse anymore that nobody knew .
Italy did not .
Now everyone else does .
Through plastic bubbles that fit over the heads of the most ill , staff struggle to communicate with patients .
The weak can barely speak and above the noise of the ward and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pumps , it 's almost impossible to make out what they are saying .
The bubbles are attempting to equalise the air pressure in the lungs .
Nobody expected this , nobody even imagined they would be treating so many so quickly .
And for the record , it is NOT like flu , it is more often than not chronic pneumonia and it is killing hundreds here each day .
The head of emergency care , Dr Roberto Cosentini , says they have never seen anything like it , and he and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially the UK , that they will see it soon .
`` It 's a very severe pneumonia , and so it 's a massive strain for every health system , because we see every day 50 to 60 patients who come to our emergency department with pneumonia , and most of them are so severe they need very high volumes of oxygen .
`` And so we had to reorganise our emergency room and our hospital [ to ] three levels of intensive care . ''
The Papa Giovanni XXII hospital is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but even this gleaming mega hospital is on its knees .
Bergamo is the absolute centre of this epidemic and the hospital is attempting to deal with a crisis that was never imagined .
Many of the medical staff have worked or trained in the UK .
Dr Lorenzo Grazioli worked in Leicester for a year .
He says his friends have been ringing him constantly to get a sense of what it is like .
He told me they are bracing themselves for the same and are very worried .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He , like every other doctor and nurse I spoke to , urged the UK to follow the example of China and Italy , and lock down everything straight away .
It is , they say , the only way to slow the virus down : not beat it , slow it .
`` I have never felt so stressed in my life , I 'm an intensivist , and I am quite used to intense moments , and the choices , and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and you [ usually ] make the difference , '' he told me .
`` But when you are at this point you realise that you are not enough .
`` We are 100 anaesthetists , we are doing our best , but maybe it 's not enough . ''
In labs , staff are continuously testing for the virus and attempting to find something that can beat it .
They say it 's a long way off .
The problem facing health services across the world is that when the infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all resources , all testing , all supplies are used up instantly .
Multiple hospitals all making the same demands at the same time .
It 's crippling - here they call it the apocalypse .
Bergamo wanted us to see this , as I have said , and they want to send a simple message : `` Get ready . ''
In response to our film , the Italian minister of foreign affairs said : `` This film should leave an imprint on the minds of all Italians .
`` It should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a game and that there are people who are dying , and women and men who are risking their lives to save others .
`` I urge you all to watch this report made by Sky News , a video that is being shared around the world .
`` It shows what is happening in Bergamo hospital , one of the hardest hit by this emergency .
I repeat : Stay at home . ''

Staff frantically wave us out of the way, pushing gurneys carrying men and women on mobile respirators - it's not chaos, but it is hectic.
They rush past wards already rammed with beds all filled with people in terrible distress - gasping for air, clutching at their chests and at tubes pumping oxygen into their oxygen-starved lungs.
I'm in the main hospital in Bergamo, the hardest-hit hospital in Italy in the hardest-hit town in the hardest-hit province, Lombardy - and it's just plain scary.
Image: Bergamo is at the epicentre of the epidemic
Masked, gloved and in a hazmat suit, my team and I are led through corridors full of gasping people who look terribly ill.
I ask what ward I am in.
"This isn't really a ward, it's a waiting room, we just have to use every bit of space," my guide, Vanna Toninelli, head of the hospital press office tells me.
The medical teams are fighting a war here and they are losing.
The sheer numbers of people succumbing to the coronavirus is overwhelming every hospital in northern Italy - and it could easily overwhelm the rest of the country as well.
The staff are working flat out trying to keep their patients from deteriorating further. They are trying to stop them from dying.
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Image: Hospital staff are trying to keep patients from deteriorating further
In groups they crowd around the latest patients. Attaching monitors, drips and most importantly respirators. Without them the patients will simply go downhill fast.
Really fast. Deadly fast.
Image: Hospital staff push a gurney carrying a man on a mobile respirator
It looks like an intensive care unit (ICU), but it is actually just an emergency arrivals ward. The ICU is full. The people being treated are new arrivals, but they look far worse than that.
Anywhere else in the world they would be intensive care cases but here, to qualify, you are actually on the point of death, not just gravely ill.
In this pandemic, gravely ill is considered a reasonable position. It really is that bad.
The arrival of people here is an absolute constant. This killer pandemic is virtually out of control.
We have all heard what has been going on here, but no journalist has been allowed in here to see it, until now.
The city of Bergamo invited us in to show everyone what a catastrophic emergency, that nobody has ever experienced before, looks like.
They want you to see it. They want the world's population to question their own governments' responses.
Because there can be no excuse anymore that nobody knew. Italy did not. Now everyone else does.
Image: Staff are working flat out to help patients
Through plastic bubbles that fit over the heads of the most ill, staff struggle to communicate with patients.
The weak can barely speak and above the noise of the ward and the constant bleep of heart monitors and breathing pumps, it's almost impossible to make out what they are saying.
The bubbles are attempting to equalise the air pressure in the lungs.
Nobody expected this, nobody even imagined they would be treating so many so quickly.
And for the record, it is NOT like flu, it is more often than not chronic pneumonia and it is killing hundreds here each day.
The head of emergency care, Dr Roberto Cosentini, says they have never seen anything like it, and he and his staff are warning other countries, especially the UK, that they will see it soon.
"It's a very severe pneumonia, and so it's a massive strain for every health system, because we see every day 50 to 60 patients who come to our emergency department with pneumonia, and most of them are so severe they need very high volumes of oxygen.
"And so we had to reorganise our emergency room and our hospital [to] three levels of intensive care."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 Virus deaths in Italy overtake China
The Papa Giovanni XXII hospital is one of the most advanced in Europe, but even this gleaming mega hospital is on its knees.
Bergamo is the absolute centre of this epidemic and the hospital is attempting to deal with a crisis that was never imagined.
Many of the medical staff have worked or trained in the UK. Dr Lorenzo Grazioli worked in Leicester for a year.
He says his friends have been ringing him constantly to get a sense of what it is like. He told me they are bracing themselves for the same and are very worried.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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He, like every other doctor and nurse I spoke to, urged the UK to follow the example of China and Italy, and lock down everything straight away.
It is, they say, the only way to slow the virus down: not beat it, slow it.
"I have never felt so stressed in my life, I'm an intensivist, and I am quite used to intense moments, and the choices, and people are critical and die without any treatment, and you [usually] make the difference," he told me.
"But when you are at this point you realise that you are not enough.
"We are 100 anaesthetists, we are doing our best, but maybe it's not enough."
Image: 'When you are at this point you realise that you are not enough,' says Dr Grazioli
In labs, staff are continuously testing for the virus and attempting to find something that can beat it. They say it's a long way off.
The problem facing health services across the world is that when the infection curve goes up it rockets, and all resources, all testing, all supplies are used up instantly. Multiple hospitals all making the same demands at the same time.
It's crippling - here they call it the apocalypse.
Bergamo wanted us to see this, as I have said, and they want to send a simple message: "Get ready."
In response to our film, the Italian minister of foreign affairs said: "This film should leave an imprint on the minds of all Italians.
"It should make us understand that this is not a game and that there are people who are dying, and women and men who are risking their lives to save others.
"I urge you all to watch this report made by Sky News, a video that is being shared around the world.
"It shows what is happening in Bergamo hospital, one of the hardest hit by this emergency. I repeat: Stay at home."


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: The Royal Family is having to adjust - just like the rest of us

Coronavirus : The Royal Family is having to adjust - just like the rest of us Coronavirus : The Royal Family is having to adjust - just like the rest of us Many have wondered when we would hear from the Queen - not just as head of state but in some ways more importantly as head of the nation .
Her symbolic role , which for decades has meant she has led the United Kingdom in celebration and mourning , at times of great happiness and despair .
And this is one of those moments , as the Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of great concern and uncertainty '' .
She describes how we are all being advised to change our normal routines , and at 93 years old that means the monarch as well .
Today she left Buckingham palace and arrived at Windsor Castle a week earlier than she was due to .
She always spends Easter there , but it 's now uncertain when she might go back to London .
Her public engagements have been postponed , along with this year 's garden parties at Buckingham Palace being cancelled and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife called off .
Just like the rest of us , the Royal Family are having to adjust , and work around the advice issued by the government , as they still want to carry out the role that is expected of them .
In times of need we usually see them out meeting those affected , thanking the emergency services , but at a time when we 're all being told to keep our distance those public displays of support and thanks just are n't as easy and in many ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The Queen talks proudly of our past to try to encourage us all to heed the advice and look out for each other - especially the most vulnerable , saying : `` at times such as these , I am reminded that our nation 's history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one , concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal '' .
During her 68-year reign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economic uncertainty , traumatic events that have rocked this country and the rest of the world .
She watched her father rally the nation during the Second World War .
The Queen 's first radio broadcast was also during the war , when she was a 14-year-old evacuee at Windsor Castle , addressing other children who had been sent away from home .
I wonder whether we might expect a television address from the Queen soon .
Other monarchs in other European countries have already done broadcasts .
Now back at Windsor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the important role the monarchy has in reassuring the nation , the final line of her message makes a clear commitment : `` You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part . ''

Sky's Rhiannon Mills looks at the significance of the Queen issuing a message of solidarity amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus: The Royal Family is having to adjust - just like the rest of us
Many have wondered when we would hear from the Queen - not just as head of state but in some ways more importantly as head of the nation.
Her symbolic role, which for decades has meant she has led the United Kingdom in celebration and mourning, at times of great happiness and despair.
And this is one of those moments, as the Queen herself acknowledges we are "entering a period of great concern and uncertainty".
She describes how we are all being advised to change our normal routines, and at 93 years old that means the monarch as well.
Today she left Buckingham palace and arrived at Windsor Castle a week earlier than she was due to.
She always spends Easter there, but it's now uncertain when she might go back to London.
Her public engagements have been postponed, along with this year's garden parties at Buckingham Palace being cancelled and the state visit by the Japanese emperor and his wife called off.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 UK can 'turn tide on virus within 12 weeks'
Just like the rest of us, the Royal Family are having to adjust, and work around the advice issued by the government, as they still want to carry out the role that is expected of them.
In times of need we usually see them out meeting those affected, thanking the emergency services, but at a time when we're all being told to keep our distance those public displays of support and thanks just aren't as easy and in many ways simply aren't possible.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The Queen talks proudly of our past to try to encourage us all to heed the advice and look out for each other - especially the most vulnerable, saying: "at times such as these, I am reminded that our nation's history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal".
During her 68-year reign she has witnessed extraordinary change, political and economic uncertainty, traumatic events that have rocked this country and the rest of the world.
Image: The Queen thanked scientists, medical practitioners and emergency services
She watched her father rally the nation during the Second World War.
The Queen's first radio broadcast was also during the war, when she was a 14-year-old evacuee at Windsor Castle, addressing other children who had been sent away from home.
I wonder whether we might expect a television address from the Queen soon. Other monarchs in other European countries have already done broadcasts.
Now back at Windsor, Her Majesty is well aware of the important role the monarchy has in reassuring the nation, the final line of her message makes a clear commitment: "You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part."


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Trump's 'Chinese virus' phrase helps him deflect COVID-19 blame

He has recently and very purposefully ramped up his reference to `` Chinese virus '' .
It 's not a phrase you 'll hear from medical experts or anyone else on the Trump administration 's coronavirus task force .
The US president has disregarded criticism that the term is racially loaded or inaccurate when describing a global pandemic .
In the past couple of days , he 's been repeatedly using the phrase on Twitter .
He addressed those who 've lost their jobs because of the `` onslaught of the Chinese virus '' .
He then tweeted he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese virus '' adding he had `` always treated the Chinese virus very seriously '' despite having repeatedly downplayed what he once called a hoax .
Before Monday , he 'd been calling it the coronavirus - so why the shift ?
There has been another recent change in Mr Trump 's tone .
He is now taking this public health crisis seriously .
He accepted it could cause a recession and its grip on America could last well into the summer which is just a couple of months from November 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Alongside the realisation of how grave this situation is , Mr Trump seems to have reached an awareness that the buck stops with him .
If millions of Americans die , it will be on his watch .
Calling it the 'Chinese virus ' is a way of deflecting blame .
Mr Trump is coaching his supporters into thinking he is just doing his best with a problem someone else created .
He has frequently called it the `` unseen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet at it or fire it - just like for the rest of us it 's an unprecedented challenge and one that could be his undoing .
`` It 's the economy stupid '' is a well-worn political cliche in the US .
The idea that an incumbent president will almost certainly be re-elected if the economy is strong .
But that applied to times when mortality was not under such threat .
The US economy is currently in freefall .
Mr Trump says it will come back `` better than ever '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fail-safe that was supposed to keep him in the White House is in tatters .
Blaming China is his way of taking the heat off himself .
Saying it repeatedly and publicly is his way of coaching voters into seeing it that way too .
But as millions of Americans lose their jobs and fear losing much more , it 's unlikely they 'll look overseas for who to blame .
As he once tweeted , before he was president - `` Leadership : Whatever happens , you 're responsible .
If it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .

Donald Trump loves a nickname.
He has recently and very purposefully ramped up his reference to "Chinese virus". It's not a phrase you'll hear from medical experts or anyone else on the Trump administration's coronavirus task force.
The US president has disregarded criticism that the term is racially loaded or inaccurate when describing a global pandemic.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
In the past couple of days, he's been repeatedly using the phrase on Twitter. He addressed those who've lost their jobs because of the "onslaught of the Chinese virus".
He then tweeted he would be holding a news conference "concerning the Chinese virus" adding he had "always treated the Chinese virus very seriously" despite having repeatedly downplayed what he once called a hoax.
Before Monday, he'd been calling it the coronavirus - so why the shift? There has been another recent change in Mr Trump's tone.
He is now taking this public health crisis seriously. He accepted it could cause a recession and its grip on America could last well into the summer which is just a couple of months from November's election.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Alongside the realisation of how grave this situation is, Mr Trump seems to have reached an awareness that the buck stops with him. If millions of Americans die, it will be on his watch.
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Calling it the 'Chinese virus' is a way of deflecting blame.
Mr Trump is coaching his supporters into thinking he is just doing his best with a problem someone else created.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:50 LA and New York to shut down nightlife as US plays coronavirus catch-up
He has frequently called it the "unseen, invisible enemy". He can't tweet at it or fire it - just like for the rest of us it's an unprecedented challenge and one that could be his undoing.
"It's the economy stupid" is a well-worn political cliche in the US.
The idea that an incumbent president will almost certainly be re-elected if the economy is strong.
But that applied to times when mortality was not under such threat.
The US economy is currently in freefall. Mr Trump says it will come back "better than ever" but he's clearly nervous.
His fail-safe that was supposed to keep him in the White House is in tatters.
Blaming China is his way of taking the heat off himself.
Saying it repeatedly and publicly is his way of coaching voters into seeing it that way too.
But as millions of Americans lose their jobs and fear losing much more, it's unlikely they'll look overseas for who to blame.
As he once tweeted, before he was president - "Leadership: Whatever happens, you're responsible. If it doesn't happen, you're responsible".


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Firms urge government for three-month tax holiday from National Insurance, PAYE, and VA

Coronavirus: Firms urge government for three-month tax holiday from National Insurance, PAYE, and VAT

Major UK businesses including car manufacturers have pressed the government to implement a second wave of urgent financial support to prevent mass lay-offs and company closures as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic .
In a call with business secretary Alok Sharma on Wednesday , business leaders and company representatives urged immediate action to support cash-flow and jobs .
They urged the government to grant an immediate three-month tax holiday from National Insurance , PAYE , and VAT , in addition to relief on business rates .
This would help support cash-flow hit by a sudden and huge decline in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by social distancing measures required to tackle the virus .
There were also calls for the government to provide direct support to pay employee wages , in line with the German model of `` short-time pay '' , in which around 60 % of salaries are funded by the state during periods of unusually low demand .
The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Trades wrote to the Treasury on Wednesday , recommending the measures it believes are necessary to ensure that the car industry and associated trades can bounce back when the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the exception of Jaguar Land Rover has paused production as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak , largely to protect workers and the risk of increasing infection rates .
PSA , which owns Vauxhall , halted production at its Luton and Ellesmere Port plants this week until Friday 27 , with staff retained on full pay .
Honda , BMW and Toyota have taken similar steps .
Industry sources believe that the government is seriously considering the measures they recommended to try and head off the deepening economic crisis .
A host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support , including the hospitality industry in which large scale lay-offs are already underway as people stay away from restaurants , pubs and cafes .
On Tuesday , Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a range of measures to support businesses in addition to those set out in his first Budget just eight days ago .
These were largely based on government backing for up to £330bn of loans to companies struggling because of the coronavirus , and he faced immediate calls to provide direct support rather than committing businesses to indebtedness .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clark urged the government to pay wages if companies agreed to keep workers on .
`` At a stroke this would save jobs , save businesses and put an immediate end to the contagion and help save the economy , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Labour leadership frontrunner Kier Starmer also called for a `` national income support scheme '' , citing Denmark where the state puts in up to three-quarters of workers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament `` we are looking thoroughly at all these options , '' and indicated a further announcement from the Chancellor was imminent .
Stephen Phipson , Chief Executive of Make UK , which represents UK manufacturers , said : `` There are alarm bells going off right across the manufacturing sector with the prospect of substantial lay-offs looming .
`` Order books are collapsing and this is creating immediate cashflow issues for companies which need addressing within days not weeks .
`` The measures already announced by the Chancellor are welcome but , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to go further .
`` As such , we need urgent measures which will have an immediate impact on the ability of companies to stay afloat during this crisis and retain their staff . ''
A Treasury spokesperson said : `` The Chancellor has made clear his determination to do everything we can to keep this country , and our people , healthy and financially secure .
`` That includes ensuring that businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities receive support with their tax affairs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinated and coherent response to what is a serious and evolving economic situation , and will outline the next stage of our response in the coming days . ''

Major UK businesses including car manufacturers have pressed the government to implement a second wave of urgent financial support to prevent mass lay-offs and company closures as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a call with business secretary Alok Sharma on Wednesday, business leaders and company representatives urged immediate action to support cash-flow and jobs.
They urged the government to grant an immediate three-month tax holiday from National Insurance, PAYE, and VAT, in addition to relief on business rates.
This would help support cash-flow hit by a sudden and huge decline in consumer demand, driven in large part by social distancing measures required to tackle the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's new economic measures explained
There were also calls for the government to provide direct support to pay employee wages, in line with the German model of "short-time pay", in which around 60% of salaries are funded by the state during periods of unusually low demand.
The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Trades wrote to the Treasury on Wednesday, recommending the measures it believes are necessary to ensure that the car industry and associated trades can bounce back when the current crisis passes.
Every UK car company with the exception of Jaguar Land Rover has paused production as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak, largely to protect workers and the risk of increasing infection rates.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
PSA, which owns Vauxhall, halted production at its Luton and Ellesmere Port plants this week until Friday 27, with staff retained on full pay. Honda, BMW and Toyota have taken similar steps.
Industry sources believe that the government is seriously considering the measures they recommended to try and head off the deepening economic crisis.
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A host of other sectors have also called for support, including the hospitality industry in which large scale lay-offs are already underway as people stay away from restaurants, pubs and cafes.
On Tuesday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a range of measures to support businesses in addition to those set out in his first Budget just eight days ago.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Sunak lays out huge economic measures
These were largely based on government backing for up to £330bn of loans to companies struggling because of the coronavirus, and he faced immediate calls to provide direct support rather than committing businesses to indebtedness.
In the House of Commons former business secretary Greg Clark urged the government to pay wages if companies agreed to keep workers on.
"At a stroke this would save jobs, save businesses and put an immediate end to the contagion and help save the economy," he said.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Labour leadership frontrunner Kier Starmer also called for a "national income support scheme", citing Denmark where the state puts in up to three-quarters of workers' salaries.
Treasury minister John Glen told parliament "we are looking thoroughly at all these options," and indicated a further announcement from the Chancellor was imminent.
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, which represents UK manufacturers, said: "There are alarm bells going off right across the manufacturing sector with the prospect of substantial lay-offs looming.
"Order books are collapsing and this is creating immediate cashflow issues for companies which need addressing within days not weeks.
"The measures already announced by the Chancellor are welcome but, events are so fast moving that we need to go further.
"As such, we need urgent measures which will have an immediate impact on the ability of companies to stay afloat during this crisis and retain their staff."
A Treasury spokesperson said: "The Chancellor has made clear his determination to do everything we can to keep this country, and our people, healthy and financially secure.
"That includes ensuring that businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities receive support with their tax affairs.
"We have set out a comprehensive, coordinated and coherent response to what is a serious and evolving economic situation, and will outline the next stage of our response in the coming days."


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus homeschooling? Five ways to keep your kids learning, happy and healthy

Families across the UK are scrambling to figure out how they can keep their children 's education going at home .
Sky News asked the experts .
Tom Rose and Jack Pannett are qualified teachers and sports coaches and run an activity business that helps children learn .
They also broadcast their own podcast .
Here , they set out their five top tips on how to keep your kids engaged , learning , healthy and happy while schools are closed because of coronavirus ...
If you 're not a teacher by trade , give yourself some realistic goals - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably going to make you and your child anxious ( especially if you 're juggling your work and this new teaching role ) .
Prioritise the core curriculum - Maths and English .
We are firm believers that your best is enough .
There are lots of ways to cover the rest of the curriculum and you can get creative with these , for example , watching Horrible Histories or Blue Planet is a great way to cover some of the humanities .
And do n't worry , Ofsted wo n't be calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
You do n't need to reinvent the wheel .
There is an abundance of free online resources , as well as those that your child 's school will probably send you .
Instead , prioritise and plan what you 're going to cover , and do your best to execute your plan .
Like any new job , the first few days will be about finding your feet .
Welcome to your new school - make yourself at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet your new pupils .
We find that with the children we work with , starting with 'why ' is key .
It helps the children understand the purpose of the task and enables them to understand why they 're being asked to do it .
Each household 's 'why ' will be different : it could be `` because when we go back to school , we need to be up to date with the learning , '' but just make sure you do n't use `` because I said so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's be honest , we 're all going to be grounded for a bit .
After starting with 'why ' we give the children an element of choice : we 've found this to be a brilliant motivator .
An immediate decision they could make is to give their new school a name and design its badge .
Then , once they 've done this , you can begin to have a discussion with them about what 's going to be included in the curriculum .
Spoiler alert : it 's primarily Maths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discussion around the different topics you cover and when you 're going to do so .
Now you 've managed to get your new class on board , it 's time to set some school rules .
This could include phone use , use of calculators , rules on talking over one another and reinforcing the `` absolutely no children in the staff room '' rule .
Ever !
From our experience , children and adults react well to structure , especially a morning routine .
Heck , maybe even get out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new school uniform ?
Try to design the learning schedule together and if possible , allocate a specific work space for your new class - their new classroom .
This way they can primarily associate this space with their learning , and will find it easier to switch off when in other areas of the house .
To try and maintain some links to their usual school experience , consider setting break and lunch times .
You do n't need to install a bell for this , but if you 're feeling lavish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure you take into consideration any of your work commitments that may affect this if you aim to align your work with their learning time .
There will be ample opportunity in the evening for some downtime and being firm on breaks will help to reinforce the value of learning time .
If you can co-ordinate this time with other 'schools ' ( families ) , the children could regain some of the social elements by communicating with others and having some virtual playtime .
When you were at school , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even if you ca n't , this is your opportunity to be THAT teacher .
Try to see it from your child 's perspective : this will shape a lot of your decision making and allow you to optimise their learning experience .
Champion progress .
Fortunately , your class is small .
This is a great opportunity for your children to not have to compare themselves with their peers .
Instead , they can focus on doing their best and beating their own scores .
A great way to monitor progress and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After you 've covered a topic , swap over the pupil/teacher roles and get the children to teach you what they 've learned .
This is another opportunity to give them choice : they can plan their lesson and teach it however they want .
Additionally , if they use a computer to plan their lesson , without knowing it you 're forging cross-curricular links .
Look at you go !
( No , you can not have a pay-rise ) .
A good teacher is reflective .
Stubbornness is different to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working out , do n't be harsh on yourself or your class .
Try it and then feel free to tweak down the line if need be .
Remember : there are no exams this year , so there 's no need to 'teach for the test ' .
This is your opportunity to inspire your children and foster a love of learning .
5 .
You ca n't pour from an empty cup As you will find out , teaching can be a stressful job .
It 's not the cliche eight-week-holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers adviser .
Staff and pupil well-being is now in your hands .
The school canteen needs to have brain healthy foods where possible , such as fruit and veg , lots of water and avoid sugar .
Exercise is something we 'd advise should place early in the school day to get your class energised , but not fatigued .
If they 've forgotten their PE kit , do n't be too harsh , just do n't forget to bring this up at parent 's evening .
A good teacher also leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans in place to take care of your staff too .
Take time to relax , have a varied and balanced diet and partake in physical exercise .
In the past , we have found journalling , meditation and breathing exercises all to be very useful for reducing stress .
These steps have really helped us to maximise our teaching ability and stay positive when times are tough .
Remember : you ca n't pour from an empty cup .
It 's the dream job you never expected .
Stay positive , do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your class , and remember ... your best will be enough .
: : Tom and Jack have set an English competition for kids to try from home and they 're offering a £100 prize for the winner .
www.tomandjack.co.uk/callwritesharecompetition

With more pupils unable to return to school due to the worsening coronavirus pandemic, some families are working on ways to keep their children's education going at home.
All of London's primary schools and a number in the surrounding areas will remain closed until 18 January - while uncertainty continues across other parts of the country with some switching to online lessons.
Despite government claims schools are safe, unions continue to voice safety concerns and scientists have called on ministers to "look very carefully" at the return of pupils.
Image: Tom Rose and Jack Pannett are teachers and sports coaches with an interest in the psychology of learning
Tom Rose and Jack Pannett are qualified teachers and sports coaches and run an activity business that helps children learn.
Here, they set out their five top tips on how to keep your kids engaged, learning, healthy and happy if they have to remain at home instead of at school because of the coronavirus...
1. Plan and prioritise: The core subjects
If you're not a teacher by trade, give yourself some realistic goals - trying to conquer the whole curriculum is probably going to make you and your child anxious (especially if you're juggling your work and this new teaching role).
Prioritise the core curriculum - maths and English. We are firm believers that your best is enough.
There are lots of ways to cover the rest of the curriculum and you can get creative with these, for example, watching Horrible Histories or Blue Planet is a great way to cover some of the humanities. And don't worry, Ofsted won't be calling anytime soon.
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You don't need to reinvent the wheel. There is an abundance of free online resources, as well as those that your child's school will probably send you.
Instead, prioritise and plan what you're going to cover, and do your best to execute your plan. Like any new job, the first few days will be about finding your feet.
Image: Some pupils are continuing their education at home due to the pandemic
2. Opening your new school
Welcome to your new school - make yourself at home! It's time for you to meet your new pupils.
We find that with the children we work with, starting with "why" is key. It helps the children understand the purpose of the task and enables them to understand why they're being asked to do it.
Each household's "why" will be different: it could be "because when we go back to school, we need to be up to date with the learning," but just make sure you don't use "because I said so, or you're grounded".
After starting with "why" we give the children an element of choice: we've found this to be a brilliant motivator. An immediate decision they could make is to give their new school a name and design its badge.
Then, once they've done this, you can begin to have a discussion with them about what's going to be included in the curriculum. Spoiler alert: it's primarily maths and English.
Include your children in the discussion around the different topics you cover and when you're going to do so.
Now you've managed to get your new class on board, it's time to set some school rules. This could include phone use, use of calculators, rules on talking over one another and reinforcing the "absolutely no children in the staff room" rule. Ever!
3. Fresh start: Establish routines
From our experience, children and adults react well to structure, especially a morning routine. Get out of your PJs and put on your new school uniform.
Try to design the learning schedule together and if possible, allocate a specific work space for your new class - their new classroom. This way they can primarily associate this space with their learning and will find it easier to switch off when in other areas of the house.
To try to maintain some links to their usual school experience, consider setting break and lunch times. You don't need to install a bell for this, but if you're feeling lavish, a whistle will suffice.
Make sure you take into consideration any of your work commitments that may affect this if you aim to align your work with their learning time.
There will be ample opportunity in the evening for some downtime and being firm on breaks will help to reinforce the value of learning time.
If you can co-ordinate this time with other "schools" (families), the children could regain some of the social elements by communicating with others and having some virtual playtime.
Image: Make sure you establish a routine for homeschooling
4. Tips on teaching core subjects
When you were at school, who was your favourite teacher? Remember them? Even if you can't, this is your opportunity to be THAT teacher. Try to see it from your child's perspective: this will shape a lot of your decision-making and allow you to optimise their learning experience.
Champion progress. Fortunately, your class is small. This is a great opportunity for your children to not have to compare themselves with their peers. Instead, they can focus on doing their best and beating their own scores.
A great way to monitor progress and understanding is by flipping the classroom dynamic. After you've covered a topic, swap over the pupil/teacher roles and get the children to teach you what they've learned.
This is another opportunity to give them choice: they can plan their lesson and teach it however they want. Additionally, if they use a computer to plan their lesson, without knowing it you're forging cross-curricular links. Look at you go! (No, you cannot have a pay rise).
A good teacher is reflective. Stubbornness is different to being firm. If things aren't working out, don't be harsh on yourself or your class.
Try it and then feel free to tweak down the line if need be. This is your opportunity to inspire your children and foster a love of learning.
Image: Healthy foods like apples will help the learning experience
5. You can't pour from an empty cup
As you will find out, teaching can be a stressful job. It's not the cliche eight-week-holiday dream that you were mis-sold by the careers adviser. Staff and pupil well-being is now in your hands.
The school canteen needs to have brain healthy foods where possible, such as fruit and veg, lots of water and avoid sugar.
Exercise is something we'd advise should take place early in the school day to get your class energised, but not fatigued. If they've forgotten their PE kit, don't be too harsh, just don't forget to bring this up at parents' evening.
A good teacher also leads by example, so remember to put plans in place to take care of your staff too. Take time to relax, have a varied and balanced diet and partake in physical exercise.
In the past, we have found journaling, meditation and breathing exercises all to be very useful for reducing stress.
These steps have really helped us to maximise our teaching ability and stay positive when times are tough. Remember: you can't pour from an empty cup.
It's the dream job you never expected. Stay positive, don't be too harsh on yourself or your class, and remember... your best will be enough.
Tom Rose and Jack Pannett's website is here
Their Instagram is here


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Playboy publishes last-ever print edition due to coronavirus

Playboy says its current magazine edition will be its last physical publication due to coronavirus .
The famous men 's magazine had been planning to go digital for some time , but publishers day disruption due to the spread of COVID-19 has led them to `` accelerate the conversation '' .
Established by Hugh Hefner in 1953 , the bowtie-wearing bunny mascot has since become one of the most recognisable American brands in history .
Playboy Enterprises chief executive Ben Kohn announced the decision in an open letter on publishing platform Medium .
Kohn wrote : `` Last week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to content production and the supply chain became clearer and clearer , we were forced to accelerate a conversation we 've been having internally : the question of how to transform our US print product to better suit what consumers want today . ''
A `` revamped '' version of the magazine has been published quarterly since 2019. : : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Khon admitted that due to `` changing media consumption habits '' that Playboy printed content `` reaches the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans '' .
He went on to say that the Spring 2020 issue would be Playboy 's last .
Kohn said the magazine will now `` move to a digital-first publishing schedule for all of our content '' .
However , he said limited printed offerings would still be produced for special editions , creative partnerships and select collections .
He wrote : `` Print is how we began and print will always be a part of who we are . ''
The first issue of the magazine in 1953 featured nude photographs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50,000 copies .
As well as nude pictures , the magazine also included articles from writers including Margaret Atwood , Vladimir Nabokov and Kurt Vonnegut , as well as interviews with Fidel Castro , Martin Luther King Jr and John Lennon .
In 2015 , Playboy stopped publishing images of naked women , citing the proliferation of nudity online .
Pamela Anderson stripped off for the final nude edition , however , by 2017 they had reversed the decision .
Hefner , who claimed to have slept with more than 1,000 women died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for change , Khon told Playboy fans : `` Sometimes you have to let go of the past to make room for the future . ''
After opening his letter by sharing his `` deepest wishes for the health and safety of our global community '' , he signed off `` stay safe '' .

Playboy says its current magazine edition will be its last physical publication due to coronavirus.
The famous men's magazine had been planning to go digital for some time, but publishers day disruption due to the spread of COVID-19 has led them to "accelerate the conversation".
Image: Pamela Anderson stripped off for the 2015 final nude edition
Established by Hugh Hefner in 1953, the bowtie-wearing bunny mascot has since become one of the most recognisable American brands in history.
Playboy Enterprises chief executive Ben Kohn announced the decision in an open letter on publishing platform Medium.
Kohn wrote: "Last week, as the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic to content production and the supply chain became clearer and clearer, we were forced to accelerate a conversation we've been having internally: the question of how to transform our US print product to better suit what consumers want today."
A "revamped" version of the magazine has been published quarterly since 2019.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Khon admitted that due to "changing media consumption habits" that Playboy printed content "reaches the hands of only a fraction of our fans".
He went on to say that the Spring 2020 issue would be Playboy's last.
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Kohn said the magazine will now "move to a digital-first publishing schedule for all of our content".
However, he said limited printed offerings would still be produced for special editions, creative partnerships and select collections.
He wrote: "Print is how we began and print will always be a part of who we are."
Image: Hugh Hefner launched Playboy in 1953
The first issue of the magazine in 1953 featured nude photographs of Marilyn Monroe and sold more than 50,000 copies.
As well as nude pictures, the magazine also included articles from writers including Margaret Atwood, Vladimir Nabokov and Kurt Vonnegut, as well as interviews with Fidel Castro, Martin Luther King Jr and John Lennon.
In 2015, Playboy stopped publishing images of naked women, citing the proliferation of nudity online.
Image: Playboy's first issue featured naked pictures of Marilyn Monroe
Pamela Anderson stripped off for the final nude edition, however, by 2017 they had reversed the decision.
Hefner, who claimed to have slept with more than 1,000 women died later that year.
Recognising the need for change, Khon told Playboy fans: "Sometimes you have to let go of the past to make room for the future."
After opening his letter by sharing his "deepest wishes for the health and safety of our global community", he signed off "stay safe".


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Bank of England cuts interest rates again and orders £200bn to be printed

The Bank of England has cut its base rate to a joint-record low of 0.1 % - warning the coronavirus pandemic will result in a `` sharp and large '' economic shock .
Its rate-setting committee , led by new governor Andrew Bailey , also decided at its unscheduled meeting to re-start the post-crisis asset purchase programme , also known as quantitative easing .
The Bank said it would make an extra £200bn in bond purchases , effectively printing new money to push into the financial system , to support activity as the coronavirus crisis threatens to all but shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Term Funding Scheme in support of small businesses was also raised .
The monetary policy committee ( MPC ) had cut Bank rate to 0.25 % from 0.75 % only a week ago .
It said the unanimous decision was part of moves `` to meet the needs of UK businesses and households in dealing with the associated economic disruption . ''
The MPC is due to meet again next Wednesday as governments and central banks globally adjust to the deterioration in business activity as western economies descend into lockdown conditions .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets while the pound has fallen to levels against the US dollar not seen for 35 years .
It has , therefore , proved a baptism of fire for Mr Bailey who only took over from Mark Carney on Monday .
Mr Bailey told Sky News in an interview on Tuesday that `` nothing is off the table '' as the Bank and Treasury add to their plans in support of businesses and households .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ given directly to individuals as measures , aimed at halting the spread of COVID-19 , leave output in limbo and many millions of jobs potentially hanging in the balance .
Thursday 's intervention marked its second emergency announcement of the week and - following close behind fresh action from the European Central Bank - it helped stock markets erase earlier losses .
A sign of how concerned investors are in the UK 's economic response - Sky 's economics editor Ed Conway writes : It is a sign of how concerned investors were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than falling , as a currency usually does when its central bank cuts its interest rate , the pound actually rose .
While most attention will be focused on the interest rate cut , which takes UK borrowing rates down to the lowest level since the Bank was set up in 1694 , the £200bn extra quantitative easing programme may end up proving more important .
That cash being pumped into the economic system may pave the way for the government to spend even more on its crisis response .
However it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last we will hear from the Bank and its governor .
Four days into the job he has already made history - though not perhaps the kind he would have hoped for .
`` Not all that long ago many economists thought the next move in borrowing rates would be up .
Now those rates are at the lowest level since the birth of capitalism . ''

The Bank of England has cut its base rate to a joint-record low of 0.1% - warning the coronavirus pandemic will result in a "sharp and large" economic shock.
Its rate-setting committee, led by new governor Andrew Bailey, also decided at its unscheduled meeting to re-start the post-crisis asset purchase programme, also known as quantitative easing.
The Bank said it would make an extra £200bn in bond purchases, effectively printing new money to push into the financial system, to support activity as the coronavirus crisis threatens to all but shut down the economy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
The new so-called Term Funding Scheme in support of small businesses was also raised.
The monetary policy committee (MPC) had cut Bank rate to 0.25% from 0.75% only a week ago.
It said the unanimous decision was part of moves "to meet the needs of UK businesses and households in dealing with the associated economic disruption."
The MPC is due to meet again next Wednesday as governments and central banks globally adjust to the deterioration in business activity as western economies descend into lockdown conditions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Government pledges to steady the economy
The chaos has sparked panic selling on stock markets while the pound has fallen to levels against the US dollar not seen for 35 years.
It has, therefore, proved a baptism of fire for Mr Bailey who only took over from Mark Carney on Monday.
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Mr Bailey told Sky News in an interview on Tuesday that "nothing is off the table" as the Bank and Treasury add to their plans in support of businesses and households.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
It included the possibility of money being given directly to individuals as measures, aimed at halting the spread of COVID-19, leave output in limbo and many millions of jobs potentially hanging in the balance.
Thursday's intervention marked its second emergency announcement of the week and - following close behind fresh action from the European Central Bank - it helped stock markets erase earlier losses.
Image: Christine Lagarde is president of the European Central Bank
A sign of how concerned investors are in the UK's economic response - Sky's economics editor Ed Conway writes:
It is a sign of how concerned investors were in the UK and its currency that rather than falling, as a currency usually does when its central bank cuts its interest rate, the pound actually rose.
While most attention will be focused on the interest rate cut, which takes UK borrowing rates down to the lowest level since the Bank was set up in 1694, the £200bn extra quantitative easing programme may end up proving more important.
That cash being pumped into the economic system may pave the way for the government to spend even more on its crisis response.
However it seems likely that this is not the last we will hear from the Bank and its governor.
Four days into the job he has already made history - though not perhaps the kind he would have hoped for.
"Not all that long ago many economists thought the next move in borrowing rates would be up. Now those rates are at the lowest level since the birth of capitalism."


news--2020-02-06--Coronavirus: Third patient in UK thought to have caught illness in Singapore

A third person in the UK who has tested positive for coronavirus is being treated in a London hospital .
It has been reported that the third patient is a middle-aged British man who contracted the virus in Singapore - although the Department of Health has not confirmed this .
The patient is thought to have been diagnosed in Brighton and was transferred to St Thomas ' Hospital in London , where there is an infectious disease unit , on Thursday afternoon .
It comes as Chinese state media confirmed the death of a 34-year-old doctor who had tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , it stated Li Wenliang , an opthalmologist working in Wuhan , had died but then corrected the report , before eventually confirming the death .
Professor Chris Whitty , chief medical officer for England , said of the new case in Britain : `` A further patient has tested positive for coronavirus , bringing the total number of cases in the UK to three .
`` The individual did not acquire this in the UK .
`` The patient is being transferred to a specialist NHS centre , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent any possible further spread of the virus .
`` The NHS is well prepared to manage these cases and we are now working quickly to identify any contacts the patient has had . ''
Travellers who have arrived in the UK in the past fortnight from countries including Thailand and Singapore are being advised to self-isolate if they begin feeling unwell .
The government has released new advice for travellers from a list of Asian countries and territories also including Hong Kong , Taiwan , Japan , Malaysia , South Korea and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone arriving from these locations should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people if they develop symptoms such as a cough , fever or shortness of breath , the advice warns .
The first two cases in the UK of novel coronavirus , which originates from Wuhan , central China , were confirmed on 31 January .
Both people were staying at a hotel in York when they fell ill and one of them is a student at the University of York , while the other is related to them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital unit in Newcastle .
A separate person was tested for coronavirus in York on Thursday but does not have the disease , York Council 's director of public health said .
In Germany , another case was also confirmed on Thursday , bringing the country 's total to 13 .
All cases , including two children , have centred on auto parts supplier Webasto , whose headquarters outside Munich were visited by a Chinese trainer .
The latest case is the wife of an employee who was previously diagnosed .
The death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - mostly in Hubei province , state television has said - with 31,161 infections inside the world 's second largest economy .
Hong Kong has had 22 cases , including one death , while the Chinese autonomous region of Macau has had 10 cases .
Japan has had the most cases outside China , with 86 , while Singapore , Thailand and South Korea follow behind with 30 , 25 and 23 respectively .
Outside mainland China , at least 260 cases have been confirmed , with Europe 's total rising to 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , which declared a global public health emergency on 30 January , said on Thursday it was too soon to say the outbreak was peaking , however Wednesday was the first day the overall number of cases in China dropped since it started in early January .

A third person in the UK who has tested positive for coronavirus is being treated in a London hospital.
It has been reported that the third patient is a middle-aged British man who contracted the virus in Singapore - although the Department of Health has not confirmed this.
The patient is thought to have been diagnosed in Brighton and was transferred to St Thomas' Hospital in London, where there is an infectious disease unit, on Thursday afternoon.
It comes as Chinese state media confirmed the death of a 34-year-old doctor who had tried to warn others about the outbreak in December.
Earlier, it stated Li Wenliang, an opthalmologist working in Wuhan, had died but then corrected the report, before eventually confirming the death.
Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said of the new case in Britain: "A further patient has tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to three.
"The individual did not acquire this in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
"The patient is being transferred to a specialist NHS centre, and we are using robust infection control measures to prevent any possible further spread of the virus.
"The NHS is well prepared to manage these cases and we are now working quickly to identify any contacts the patient has had."
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Travellers who have arrived in the UK in the past fortnight from countries including Thailand and Singapore are being advised to self-isolate if they begin feeling unwell.
The government has released new advice for travellers from a list of Asian countries and territories also including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Macau, as well as mainland China.
Anyone arriving from these locations should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people if they develop symptoms such as a cough, fever or shortness of breath, the advice warns.
The first two cases in the UK of novel coronavirus, which originates from Wuhan, central China, were confirmed on 31 January.
Image: The StayCity apartment-hotel in York was put on lockdown after two people who stayed there were confirmed to have coronavirus. Credit: Ben Lack
Both people were staying at a hotel in York when they fell ill and one of them is a student at the University of York, while the other is related to them.
They are being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle.
A separate person was tested for coronavirus in York on Thursday but does not have the disease, York Council's director of public health said.
In Germany, another case was also confirmed on Thursday, bringing the country's total to 13.
All cases, including two children, have centred on auto parts supplier Webasto, whose headquarters outside Munich were visited by a Chinese trainer.
The latest case is the wife of an employee who was previously diagnosed.
The death toll from mainland China stands at 636 - mostly in Hubei province, state television has said - with 31,161 infections inside the world's second largest economy.
Hong Kong has had 22 cases, including one death, while the Chinese autonomous region of Macau has had 10 cases.
Japan has had the most cases outside China, with 86, while Singapore, Thailand and South Korea follow behind with 30, 25 and 23 respectively.
Outside mainland China, at least 260 cases have been confirmed, with Europe's total rising to 30 on Thursday with the UK and Germany cases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), which declared a global public health emergency on 30 January, said on Thursday it was too soon to say the outbreak was peaking, however Wednesday was the first day the overall number of cases in China dropped since it started in early January.


news--2020-02-06--China cuts tariffs on $75bn of US goods amid coronavirus pressure

China has cut tariffs on $ 75bn ( £57.5bn ) worth of imports from the US .
The move comes as trade tensions ease and Beijing tries to cushion the economic shock caused by the coronavirus outbreak .
Asian stock markets surged higher on the announcement , which follows a similar reduction by the Trump administration last month .
Markets in Europe also enjoyed a positive day with the FTSE 100 gaining 0.3 % while , in New York , the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S & P 500 hit record highs .
The tariffs - targeting American goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last September as part of the dispute between the world 's two biggest economies .
The tit-for-tat measures came after the two sides fell out over China 's trade surplus , and allegations that it was stealing technology from foreign companies .
After a year and a half of wrangling , the two sides signed a `` phase one '' trade deal last month , with Washington cancelling planned additional tariff hikes and Beijing committing to buy more US farm exports .
Most of the tariff hikes imposed by both sides during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods , remain in place .
Now , China is coming under additional pressure from the coronavirus outbreak that has closed factories , stores and other businesses .
It has already sought to calm financial markets by injecting 1.2tn yuan ( £130bn ) into the system and analysts also see the timing of the latest tariff move as a bid to boost confidence .
The announcement will see two sets of tariffs cut by half , from 15 % to 7.5 % , and from 10 % to 5 % .
A statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The next steps depend on the development of the Chinese-US economic and trade situation .
`` We hope to work with the United States towards the elimination of all tariff increases . ''
The tariff move added to hopes that the global economy may be able to avoid a major shock from China 's rapidly spreading coronavirus , which has battered financial markets in recent weeks .
Hong Kong 's Hang Seng index and Japan 's Nikkei climbed more than 2 % , while China 's Shanghai composite added 1.7 % @

China has cut tariffs on $75bn (£57.5bn) worth of imports from the US.
The move comes as trade tensions ease and Beijing tries to cushion the economic shock caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Asian stock markets surged higher on the announcement, which follows a similar reduction by the Trump administration last month.
Markets in Europe also enjoyed a positive day with the FTSE 100 gaining 0.3% while, in New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 hit record highs.
Image: Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signed a 'phase one' US-China trade deal in January
The tariffs - targeting American goods such as car parts - were imposed last September as part of the dispute between the world's two biggest economies.
The tit-for-tat measures came after the two sides fell out over China's trade surplus, and allegations that it was stealing technology from foreign companies.
After a year and a half of wrangling, the two sides signed a "phase one" trade deal last month, with Washington cancelling planned additional tariff hikes and Beijing committing to buy more US farm exports.
Most of the tariff hikes imposed by both sides during the dispute, affecting billions of dollars of goods, remain in place.
Now, China is coming under additional pressure from the coronavirus outbreak that has closed factories, stores and other businesses.
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It has already sought to calm financial markets by injecting 1.2tn yuan (£130bn) into the system and analysts also see the timing of the latest tariff move as a bid to boost confidence.
The announcement will see two sets of tariffs cut by half, from 15% to 7.5%, and from 10% to 5%.
A statement from China's Ministry of Finance said: "The next steps depend on the development of the Chinese-US economic and trade situation.
"We hope to work with the United States towards the elimination of all tariff increases."
The tariff move added to hopes that the global economy may be able to avoid a major shock from China's rapidly spreading coronavirus, which has battered financial markets in recent weeks.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index and Japan's Nikkei climbed more than 2%, while China's Shanghai composite added 1.7%.


news--2020-02-06--Coronavirus: UK sees rise in racism targeting Asian people after outbreak in China

Asian people in the UK say the coronavirus outbreak has led to a rise in racism - such as people appearing to avoid them on public transport .
It comes as China 's UK ambassador warned against `` rumours and panic '' over the virus .
Three cases have been identified in Britain so far - with one more diagnosed on Thursday .
However , a Myanmese food writer from London posted photos of a Tube journey which showed people choosing to stand rather than sit next to her .
`` I got on to the Victoria line at Highbury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Oxford Circus .
Platform was full , carriage was full , '' said MiMi Aye .
`` I noticed that no-one had sat down either side of me and I thought 'Huh , that 's weird ' ...
I decided to take photos of the empty seats around me .
`` People around me looked very uncomfortable and would n't catch my eye . ''
She said she believes the incident may have been down to `` stupidity and paranoia '' rather than racism .
Others have posted on social media about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Do n't you just love to see it when a man sits in the empty seat next to you on the Tube and immediately gets back up muttering 'errr , not sitting next to coronavirus ' . ''
In Sheffield , a Chinese student was reportedly pushed and abused for wearing a face mask .
South Yorkshire Police said they were `` liaising with both universities and representatives from the Chinese community in the city to offer reassurance and establish further details '' .
Ken Chung , a British-Chinese comedian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Chinese people have coronavirus yet more than 99.999 % have already experienced coronaracism . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has spoken out against racist attitudes over the outbreak .
`` I deplore any attacks on the Chinese community .
This is not about one part of the world , '' he said on Thursday .
`` It 's about making sure that we have the proper response .
We have plans in place , we 're working through those plans . ''
Liu Xiaoming , China 's UK ambassador , urged Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay level-headed .
`` It is of hope that governments of all countries , including the UK , should understand and support China 's efforts , avoid overreaction , avoid creating panic , and ensure normal co-operation and exchanges between countries , '' he said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There have also been instances of racism reported around the world since the outbreak began - a little over a month ago .
Twitter users in France have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am not a virus '' to fight back against prejudice .
A group of Chinese tourists were also allegedly spat at in Venice , while US beauty blogger Michelle Phan tweeted : `` Why are some of you telling me to go back to eating bats ?
I 'm American you ignorant f**** . ''
Another tweet seeking to put the virus into context has been liked by nearly 200,000 people .
@ catcontentonly wrote : `` Your racist jokes about dying of coronavirus are all so tired .
The flu killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone , but I guess you 're not worried about that since it 's not racialized as carried by dirty orientals the way coronavirus is . ''
There were also reports in Australia 's Daily Telegraph last week that people had avoided doing CPR on a man who collapsed and died in Sydney 's Chinatown over fears he could have the virus .
A police spokesperson did not comment on the claims .
However , a video is also being shared that shows people with a more compassionate approach .
People hugged a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre of Florence with a sign reading : `` I 'm not a virus , I 'm a human , eradicate the prejudice . ''
Italy last week suspended all flights from China , Hong Kong , Macau and Taiwan until the end of April .
Outside mainland China , at least 240 cases of the virus have been confirmed , with 28 cases in Europe , according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control .
In China , 563 people have died , but the daily jump in cases is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the number of confirmed cases there had increased 3,694 to 28,018 .

Asian people in the UK say the coronavirus outbreak has led to a rise in racism - such as people appearing to avoid them on public transport.
It comes as China's UK ambassador warned against "rumours and panic" over the virus.
Three cases have been identified in Britain so far - with one more diagnosed on Thursday.
However, a Myanmese food writer from London posted photos of a Tube journey which showed people choosing to stand rather than sit next to her.
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"I got on to the Victoria line at Highbury and Islington and was on my way to Oxford Circus. Platform was full, carriage was full," said MiMi Aye.
"I noticed that no-one had sat down either side of me and I thought 'Huh, that's weird' ... I decided to take photos of the empty seats around me.
"People around me looked very uncomfortable and wouldn't catch my eye."
She said she believes the incident may have been down to "stupidity and paranoia" rather than racism.
Others have posted on social media about similar experiences.
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Writer Angela Hui tweeted: "Don't you just love to see it when a man sits in the empty seat next to you on the Tube and immediately gets back up muttering 'errr, not sitting next to coronavirus'."
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In Sheffield, a Chinese student was reportedly pushed and abused for wearing a face mask.
South Yorkshire Police said they were "liaising with both universities and representatives from the Chinese community in the city to offer reassurance and establish further details".
Ken Chung, a British-Chinese comedian, posted: "Less than 0.001% of Chinese people have coronavirus yet more than 99.999% have already experienced coronaracism."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has spoken out against racist attitudes over the outbreak.
"I deplore any attacks on the Chinese community. This is not about one part of the world," he said on Thursday.
"It's about making sure that we have the proper response. We have plans in place, we're working through those plans."
Liu Xiaoming, China's UK ambassador, urged Britain to support his country and warned people to stay level-headed.
"It is of hope that governments of all countries, including the UK, should understand and support China's efforts, avoid overreaction, avoid creating panic, and ensure normal co-operation and exchanges between countries," he said.
Listen to "How dangerous is the coronavirus?" on Spreaker. :: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker :: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There have also been instances of racism reported around the world since the outbreak began - a little over a month ago.
Twitter users in France have been using the hashtag #JeNeSuisPasUnVirus - "I am not a virus" to fight back against prejudice.
A group of Chinese tourists were also allegedly spat at in Venice, while US beauty blogger Michelle Phan tweeted: "Why are some of you telling me to go back to eating bats? I'm American you ignorant f****."
Another tweet seeking to put the virus into context has been liked by nearly 200,000 people.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
@catcontentonly wrote: "Your racist jokes about dying of coronavirus are all so tired. The flu killed 80,000 ppl in the US in 2018 alone, but I guess you're not worried about that since it's not racialized as carried by dirty orientals the way coronavirus is."
There were also reports in Australia's Daily Telegraph last week that people had avoided doing CPR on a man who collapsed and died in Sydney's Chinatown over fears he could have the virus.
A police spokesperson did not comment on the claims.
However, a video is also being shared that shows people with a more compassionate approach.
People hugged a masked Asian man who stood in the centre of Florence with a sign reading: "I'm not a virus, I'm a human, eradicate the prejudice."
Italy last week suspended all flights from China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan until the end of April.
Outside mainland China, at least 240 cases of the virus have been confirmed, with 28 cases in Europe, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
In China, 563 people have died, but the daily jump in cases is getting bigger.
Figures early on Thursday said the number of confirmed cases there had increased 3,694 to 28,018.


news--2020-02-06--Coronavirus: Meet the 'virus hunters' working 24/7 in the fight against the outbreak

They call them Thailand 's `` virus hunters '' - a team of specialist scientists who identify emerging diseases .
Since January , the group of 20 experts from the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Disease Health Science Centre have had one main mission - to help the government detect the new coronavirus .
It 's a 24/7 operation and 1,500 specimens have already been analysed at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok since last month .
They range from repeat screenings of positive cases to any of the people patients may have been in contact with .
So far , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive for the virus , nine have already been discharged from hospital .
As we stand outside one of the dedicated laboratories , more samples arrive in white boxes with bright biohazard labels .
They are carefully unpacked and catalogued before being brought into another lab where the scientists are dressed in hazmat suits .
Goggles and masks protect their faces , while blue plastic sleeves cover their shoes and gloves shield their hands .
The virus they are receiving is still live and potentially deadly , so they need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DNA and confirm whether it is the new coronavirus or a different infection .
Their expertise means they 've already managed to cut the waiting time for results down from almost two days to about three hours .
`` The early detection and the fast reporting of the results is not just good for patients , it 's also good for the government so if it is positive they can find the other contacts and not make the disease spread , '' virologist Dr Supaporn Watcharaprueksadee told Sky News .
An expert in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bats , monkeys and rodents for the sources of coronaviruses , influenzas and ebola .
In January , Dr Watcharaprueksadee identified Thailand 's first case of the new coronavirus .
The lab is one of only two in the country testing positive samples , while others screen potential sufferers .
The Thai government has said it is confident it is able to control the situation in Thailand .
Some of the measures taken to stop coronavirus include thermal scanners and screening at airports , a public awareness campaign and a deep clean of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus does n't recognise borders - and to stop its global spread , authorities say countries need to work together and share information and expertise .
The virus hunters ' work not only detects new cases but could also help with future treatments .
`` We also characterised the genome of the coronavirus and right now the genome can be used to design the medicines , the drugs and the vaccines more correctly and we also use this genome to monitor the mutation , '' she says .
This is important because if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to any vaccine which is later developed .
It may also cause the illness to become more or less severe .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The central role the team plays in combating the virus means there are no days off and little rest .
`` It 's very busy , '' says medical scientist Teerada Ponpinnit .
`` After the outbreak I 've only had four or five hours to take a nap . ''
That 's a gruelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis left to run - but she and the rest of the team say they 're proud of their work .
They know the research here is n't just adding to local knowledge but can be shared with experts around the world as Thailand plays its part in the global fight against this new threat .

They call them Thailand's "virus hunters" - a team of specialist scientists who identify emerging diseases.
Since January, the group of 20 experts from the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Disease Health Science Centre have had one main mission - to help the government detect the new coronavirus.
It's a 24/7 operation and 1,500 specimens have already been analysed at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok since last month.
They range from repeat screenings of positive cases to any of the people patients may have been in contact with.
Image: The Thai government has said it is confident it is able to control the situation in Thailand. Pic: Montakan Tanchaisawat/USAID
So far, of the 25 people in the country who have tested positive for the virus, nine have already been discharged from hospital.
As we stand outside one of the dedicated laboratories, more samples arrive in white boxes with bright biohazard labels.
They are carefully unpacked and catalogued before being brought into another lab where the scientists are dressed in hazmat suits.
Goggles and masks protect their faces, while blue plastic sleeves cover their shoes and gloves shield their hands.
The virus they are receiving is still live and potentially deadly, so they need to kill it before they can extract the DNA and confirm whether it is the new coronavirus or a different infection.
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Their expertise means they've already managed to cut the waiting time for results down from almost two days to about three hours.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
"The early detection and the fast reporting of the results is not just good for patients, it's also good for the government so if it is positive they can find the other contacts and not make the disease spread," virologist Dr Supaporn Watcharaprueksadee told Sky News.
An expert in her field, she's previously examined bats, monkeys and rodents for the sources of coronaviruses, influenzas and ebola.
In January, Dr Watcharaprueksadee identified Thailand's first case of the new coronavirus.
The lab is one of only two in the country testing positive samples, while others screen potential sufferers.
The Thai government has said it is confident it is able to control the situation in Thailand.
Some of the measures taken to stop coronavirus include thermal scanners and screening at airports, a public awareness campaign and a deep clean of public transport and taxis.
But the virus doesn't recognise borders - and to stop its global spread, authorities say countries need to work together and share information and expertise.
The virus hunters' work not only detects new cases but could also help with future treatments.
"We also characterised the genome of the coronavirus and right now the genome can be used to design the medicines, the drugs and the vaccines more correctly and we also use this genome to monitor the mutation," she says.
This is important because if the virus mutates it may react differently to any vaccine which is later developed.
It may also cause the illness to become more or less severe.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The central role the team plays in combating the virus means there are no days off and little rest.
"It's very busy," says medical scientist Teerada Ponpinnit. "After the outbreak I've only had four or five hours to take a nap."
That's a gruelling schedule given there are potentially months of this crisis left to run - but she and the rest of the team say they're proud of their work.
They know the research here isn't just adding to local knowledge but can be shared with experts around the world as Thailand plays its part in the global fight against this new threat.


news--2020-02-06--Chinese doctor Li Wenliang who was punished for early coronavirus warning dies of disease

A doctor who tried to warn others about the coronavirus outbreak in December has died from the infection , according to Chinese state media .
Li Wenliang , a 34-year-old opthalmologist working in Wuhan , died at 3am local time on Friday , the Global Times said .
There was confusion earlier as the Wuhan hospital which treated Dr Li contradicted state media and said the opthalmologist was in a critical condition , but the state-run Global Times confirmed his death .
The hospital has since said it `` deeply regrets and mourns '' Dr Li 's death .
Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 30 December when he sent a message to his medical school alumni group warning them to wear protective clothing .
Dr Li told them seven patients from a local seafood market had been diagnosed with a SARS-like illness and were quarantined in hospital .
A screenshot of the message went viral on Weibo , China 's version of Twitter , and he and seven others were accused of `` rumour-mongering '' by Wuhan police who tried to silence him .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was told to sign a letter that accused him of `` making false comments '' that had `` severely disturbed public order '' .
China did not alert the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) about the new illness until the end of December , then scientists determined it was a coronavirus and was spreading rapidly .
Dr Li fell ill in early January after treating a woman with glaucoma and was confirmed to have the coronavirus on 1 February .
In blog posts he wrote covering the length of his illness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be passed through eyes as his first symptoms were like conjunctivitis .
He wrote last Thursday : `` Today nucleic acid testing came back with a positive result , the dust has settled , finally diagnosed . ''
Reporting on his death , state media hailed him as a `` whistleblower '' , having originally said he was `` rumour-mongering '' .
On hearing of his death , the WHO tweeted : `` We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Li Wenliang .
We all need to celebrate work that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been an outpouring of grief on Weibo , with many calling him `` a hero who was willing to speak the truth '' and thanking him , saying he is owed an apology and hoping the Chinese government will learn from him .
`` Light a candle and pay tribute to the hero , '' said one Weibo commentator .
`` You were the beam of light in the night . ''
The death toll from mainland China jumped by 93 people on Friday to 636 - mostly in Hubei province - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's second largest economy .
Hong Kong has had 22 cases , including one death , while the Chinese autonomous region of Macau had had 10 cases .
Japan has had the most cases outside China , with 86 , while Singapore , Thailand and South Korea follow behind with 30 , 25 and 23 respectively .
Outside mainland China , at least 260 cases have been confirmed , with Europe 's total rising to 30 on Thursday after the UK reported a third case and Germany its 13th .
The WHO , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 30 January , said it is too soon to say the outbreak is peaking , however Wednesday was the first day the overall number of cases in China dropped since it started in early January .

A doctor who tried to warn others about the coronavirus outbreak in December has died from the infection, according to Chinese state media.
Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old opthalmologist working in Wuhan, died at 3am local time on Friday, the Global Times said.
There was confusion earlier as the Wuhan hospital which treated Dr Li contradicted state media and said the opthalmologist was in a critical condition, but the state-run Global Times confirmed his death.
The hospital has since said it "deeply regrets and mourns" Dr Li's death.
Image: Dr Li Wenliang had been treating patients at his hospital
Dr Li raised the alarm about novel coronavirus on 30 December when he sent a message to his medical school alumni group warning them to wear protective clothing.
Dr Li told them seven patients from a local seafood market had been diagnosed with a SARS-like illness and were quarantined in hospital.
A screenshot of the message went viral on Weibo, China's version of Twitter, and he and seven others were accused of "rumour-mongering" by Wuhan police who tried to silence him.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The doctor was told to sign a letter that accused him of "making false comments" that had "severely disturbed public order".
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Local authorities later apologised to Dr Li.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
China did not alert the World Health Organisation (WHO) about the new illness until the end of December, then scientists determined it was a coronavirus and was spreading rapidly.
Dr Li fell ill in early January after treating a woman with glaucoma and was confirmed to have the coronavirus on 1 February.
In blog posts he wrote covering the length of his illness, he said he thought the virus could be passed through eyes as his first symptoms were like conjunctivitis.
He wrote last Thursday: "Today nucleic acid testing came back with a positive result, the dust has settled, finally diagnosed."
Reporting on his death, state media hailed him as a "whistleblower", having originally said he was "rumour-mongering".
Image: Dr Li Wenliang tried to warn others about coronavirus. Pic: Dr Li Wenliang
On hearing of his death, the WHO tweeted: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Li Wenliang. We all need to celebrate work that he did on #2019nCoV."
There has been an outpouring of grief on Weibo, with many calling him "a hero who was willing to speak the truth" and thanking him, saying he is owed an apology and hoping the Chinese government will learn from him.
"Light a candle and pay tribute to the hero," said one Weibo commentator. "You were the beam of light in the night."
Image: The newly completed Huoshenshan Hospital
The death toll from mainland China jumped by 93 people on Friday to 636 - mostly in Hubei province - with 31,161 confirmed infections inside the world's second largest economy.
Hong Kong has had 22 cases, including one death, while the Chinese autonomous region of Macau had had 10 cases.
Japan has had the most cases outside China, with 86, while Singapore, Thailand and South Korea follow behind with 30, 25 and 23 respectively.
Outside mainland China, at least 260 cases have been confirmed, with Europe's total rising to 30 on Thursday after the UK reported a third case and Germany its 13th.
The WHO, which declared a global public health emergency on 30 January, said it is too soon to say the outbreak is peaking, however Wednesday was the first day the overall number of cases in China dropped since it started in early January.