news--2020-03-02--Coronavirus cases, recoveries and deaths: Could outbreak really kill millions?

People from government officials to armchair experts have been attempting to play down the danger from coronavirus .
Claims that COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , will kill millions of people have been accused of being alarmist and `` overblown '' .
But are they right ?
Is the virus that is currently paralysing China as dangerous as has been made out ?
How bad is it ?
It is worth saying that the new strain of coronavirus that has hit the headlines , called 2019-nCov by some health experts , is not as deadly or as contagious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , is capable of spreading much more rapidly through a community that has not been vaccinated against it .
As far as its deadliness is concerned , even in the early days of the outbreak in China - the country first affected - the proportion of people dying from the disease was smaller than illnesses that have caused some recent health scares .
Ebola , for example , has a case fatality rate - the percentage of people who are confirmed to have the disease who die - averaging about 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been as high as 90 % .
That 's nine out of 10 people dying .
Novel coronavirus , which causes the disease COVID-19 , killed as many as 15 % of people in the first 10 days of January but has now decreased to an average of 0.7 % in many countries outside of China .
The reason the fatality rate has fallen sharply in China is because of a number of things .
As well as using a series of measures to contain the disease , experts in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount about the virus and its effects that have allowed them to save lives .
Part of the reason the case fatality rate is much lower outside of China is because doctors are now tackling the disease more effectively .
The biggest impact on death rates though is age .
In an early study of the first 44,000 Chinese cases of the virus , experts found 14.8 % of cases aged 80 and over died , but only two out of every thousand 20-29-year-olds and no under 10s .
Whether someone already suffers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on how likely they are to die .
It has been widely publicised that older people with pre-existing conditions are more at risk .
The study found more than 10 % of people who already had cardiovascular disease died , compared with an overall case fatality rate of 2.3 % .
Scientists have also learned that the disease appears to be more dangerous for men than for women .
It is thought that this is because the study looked at the impact on Chinese men , who may be generally less healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count does indicate , however , is how many cases are likely to be occurring .
Imperial College Professor Neil Ferguson , an adviser of epidemics to several governments , says that during the early phase of an epidemic , for every death , there are probably about 1,000 cases in a community .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker How bad is it going to get ?
The government 's own worst case scenario is that up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the new coronavirus and up to 500,000 people could die .
A team from universities in Basel and Stockholm predicted that , worldwide , there could be hundreds of millions of cases , with a peak occurring around January next year , about six months after a sub-peak ahead of a small dip over the summer .
The team 's modelling , however , varied depending on the value of R0 , which itself depended on many things .
The reason why there is uncertainly is because , even if a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depend on factors like government intervention .
In an model done exclusively for Sky News , Lancaster University showed how so-called social distancing measures would impact on the spread of the virus in an English county .
This is how an epidemic of a virus similar to COVID-19 can look like in a single county in the UK without any social distancing measure .
If we start adopting moderate social distance measures and keep them for four weeks… …the outbreak would slow down and the peak delayed until the summer , reducing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the measures for eight weeks instead ... ... the peak could be reduced by half - avoiding an acute pressure on the NHS and tailing off before autumn .
And if we made the social distancing measures more strict ... ... it would suppress the epidemic even more until… … the measures are lifted and the peak will be pushed to the autumn and winter , coinciding with the flu season .
Let ’ s put all the model together to draw some conclusions .
Social distance can have a positive effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reduce the number of peak cases .
A longer period is more beneficial .
This could alleviate pressure on the health services , but will have an impact on other sectors like the economy .
But these measures can not be indefinite , and there is a risk of delaying the epidemic to winter when the NHS is under more strain .
It needs stressing at this stage that a pandemic is only one of many possibilities .
At this stage , experts say it is not certain that it will become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measures that are being employed .
This is because most of the confirmed cases that have been reported so far have come from outside the UK .
Dr Robin Thompson , a University of Oxford junior research fellow in mathematical epidemiology , told Sky News : `` There are two plausible scenarios .
`` The first is that we 're able to isolate imported cases quickly and chase up any contacts and do contact tracing very quickly , and then none of those imported cases lead on to sustained person-to-person transmission and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK .
`` We just get a series of imported cases without any subsequent person-to-person spread .
`` And then scenario two is that in a situation where we missed some of those contacts or we 've missed cases coming into the UK and then what we see is sustained person-to-person transmission and then we see large numbers of cases .
`` The chance of anything happening in between those two things is pretty small . ''
Dr Thompson says while many teams around the country are working towards a model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be infected and die , it is too early to say what is going to happen because the virus has such a wide variety of effect - a quality called heterogeneity .
He added : `` Heterogeneity leads to a huge amount of uncertainty in terms of things of probabilities , but also things like when the outbreak is going to peak , how large is the outbreak going to be .
The heterogeneity around this virus is n't fully understood yet .
It could be anywhere in an absolutely massive range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible to say how many will die is because , even in China , there may be many cases that are not yet known about .
An infection spectrum pyramid for coronavirus shows how , while health authorities may know large numbers of people who are showing symptoms , including those who are severe and those who have died , they do not know how many may have experienced very mild symptoms - because they will not have sought medical attention - and those who have shown no symptoms , but are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death rate will not be that calculated by the Chinese from the first 44,000 cases - it will be the number who have died divided by the total number of cases ( including those who are asymptomatic ) - probably a much smaller number .
Why we need to take it seriously Modellers work on the principle that most epidemics follow a similar pattern - starting off slowly and then gaining speed - at a consistent rate - before peaking after a certain point , as increasing numbers become immune .
The rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hubei before it hit its peak was roughly every six to seven days .
If the UK can not prevent an epidemic , it raises the possibility that the number of cases would continue to spiral until it reaches tens of thousands of new cases every day .
It has happened before - when flu hit in 1918-19 , in 1957-58 , in 1968-69 and in 2009 - outbreaks that affected between 10 % and 35 % of the population and are used in the UK 's pandemic modelling .
If coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put a severe strain on the economy and a health system where bed occupancy rates are already above the 85 % threshold , which NICE says can lead to shortages .
It is why several experts have spoken of the need to delay the progress of the disease in the UK until after the worst of the winter - when more hospital beds will be free .
Dr Mike Tildesley , Warwick University associate professor in infectious disease modelling , said : `` If we look at Wuhan , there were very draconian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have is we just do n't have the resources .
For instance , we do n't have 10,000 workers that can come and build a hospital in a few days , which is what happened ( in Wuhan ) .
`` If we start see significant numbers of infected people ... at some point we 're going to have issues in the NHS .
Certain hospitals do have isolation facilities that they 've put in place .
But at some point we 're going to have an issue that potentially we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Rowland Kao , professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science at the University of Edinburgh , said government advisers have to model for the worst case scenario because they do not know how bad it will get .
He said : `` If you lock down things more tightly , it does give the healthcare system more opportunity to respond .
`` One of the crucial things is , how do we make it through to the summer ?
We do n't know what 's going to happen , but there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease will slow down for various reasons - mixing of schools is over ; people are home more ; they do n't have to travel so much ; plus the things that they can be confused with , like seasonal flu ; there will be fewer or no cases to confuse them with .
`` All those things means the longer you can delay the spread of the disease , the more likely there is more time to control it .
`` And if we can get over the hump until next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all those things start hopefully to come into play , maybe better diagnostics as well . ''
Consequently , he added , it is wise to listen when the government offers advice .
Prof Kao said : `` Individuals may find that their individual circumstance makes them think that they 're not at risk , or are different .
It is almost certainly a bad thing to ignore the advice that 's given . ''
This is an SEIR model developed by Jessica Bridgen , PhD student at Lancaster University .
The model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the current best estimated characteristics of Covid-19 in a single county of the UK , with a population size of approximately 1.1 million , and starting with 100 people infected .
The model assumes a R0 of 2.2 , an average latent period of 5 days ( similar to the incubation period ) and an average infectious period of 5 days .
Moderate social distancing aims to reduce transmission by up to 30 % ; extreme social distancing aims to transmission by up to 60 % .
Why not plot the y-axis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an intervention could affect the number of cases during an epidemic , but it is not a predictive tool .
To avoid misunderstanding , we have decided not to show the total number of cases predicted by the model , but instead how social distancing can shift the dynamics of an epidemic .

People from government officials to armchair experts have been attempting to play down the danger from coronavirus.
Claims that COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, will kill millions of people have been accused of being alarmist and "overblown".
But are they right? Is the virus that is currently paralysing China as dangerous as has been made out?
How bad is it?
It is worth saying that the new strain of coronavirus that has hit the headlines, called 2019-nCov by some health experts, is not as deadly or as contagious as many infectious diseases.
Measles, for example, is capable of spreading much more rapidly through a community that has not been vaccinated against it.
As far as its deadliness is concerned, even in the early days of the outbreak in China - the country first affected - the proportion of people dying from the disease was smaller than illnesses that have caused some recent health scares.
Ebola, for example, has a case fatality rate - the percentage of people who are confirmed to have the disease who die - averaging about 50%. But, in the past it has been as high as 90%. That's nine out of 10 people dying.
Novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, killed as many as 15% of people in the first 10 days of January but has now decreased to an average of 0.7% in many countries outside of China.
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The reason the fatality rate has fallen sharply in China is because of a number of things.
As well as using a series of measures to contain the disease, experts in the health care system have learned a huge amount about the virus and its effects that have allowed them to save lives.
Part of the reason the case fatality rate is much lower outside of China is because doctors are now tackling the disease more effectively.
The biggest impact on death rates though is age.
In an early study of the first 44,000 Chinese cases of the virus, experts found 14.8% of cases aged 80 and over died, but only two out of every thousand 20-29-year-olds and no under 10s.
Whether someone already suffers from another illness also has a major impact on how likely they are to die.
It has been widely publicised that older people with pre-existing conditions are more at risk.
The study found more than 10% of people who already had cardiovascular disease died, compared with an overall case fatality rate of 2.3%.
Scientists have also learned that the disease appears to be more dangerous for men than for women.
It is thought that this is because the study looked at the impact on Chinese men, who may be generally less healthy than Chinese women.
What the death count does indicate, however, is how many cases are likely to be occurring.
Imperial College Professor Neil Ferguson, an adviser of epidemics to several governments, says that during the early phase of an epidemic, for every death, there are probably about 1,000 cases in a community.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
How bad is it going to get?
The government's own worst case scenario is that up to 80% of the UK population could get the new coronavirus and up to 500,000 people could die.
A team from universities in Basel and Stockholm predicted that, worldwide, there could be hundreds of millions of cases, with a peak occurring around January next year, about six months after a sub-peak ahead of a small dip over the summer.
The team's modelling, however, varied depending on the value of R0, which itself depended on many things.
The reason why there is uncertainly is because, even if a pandemic occurs, the rate of spread will depend on factors like government intervention.
In an model done exclusively for Sky News, Lancaster University showed how so-called social distancing measures would impact on the spread of the virus in an English county.
This is how an epidemic of a virus similar to COVID-19 can look like in a single county in the UK without any social distancing measure. If we start adopting moderate social distance measures and keep them for four weeks… …the outbreak would slow down and the peak delayed until the summer, reducing it by 25%. But if we keep the measures for eight weeks instead... ...the peak could be reduced by half - avoiding an acute pressure on the NHS and tailing off before autumn. And if we made the social distancing measures more strict... ...it would suppress the epidemic even more until… … the measures are lifted and the peak will be pushed to the autumn and winter, coinciding with the flu season. Let’s put all the model together to draw some conclusions. Social distance can have a positive effect when trying to slow down an epidemic and reduce the number of peak cases. A longer period is more beneficial. This could alleviate pressure on the health services, but will have an impact on other sectors like the economy. But these measures cannot be indefinite, and there is a risk of delaying the epidemic to winter when the NHS is under more strain.
It needs stressing at this stage that a pandemic is only one of many possibilities.
At this stage, experts say it is not certain that it will become an epidemic in Britain, especially with the measures that are being employed.
This is because most of the confirmed cases that have been reported so far have come from outside the UK.
Dr Robin Thompson, a University of Oxford junior research fellow in mathematical epidemiology, told Sky News: "There are two plausible scenarios.
"The first is that we're able to isolate imported cases quickly and chase up any contacts and do contact tracing very quickly, and then none of those imported cases lead on to sustained person-to-person transmission and therefore we don't get an outbreak in the UK.
"We just get a series of imported cases without any subsequent person-to-person spread.
"And then scenario two is that in a situation where we missed some of those contacts or we've missed cases coming into the UK and then what we see is sustained person-to-person transmission and then we see large numbers of cases.
"The chance of anything happening in between those two things is pretty small."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:48 COVID-19: Who are the most vulnerable?
Dr Thompson says while many teams around the country are working towards a model which is going to predict how many will be infected and die, it is too early to say what is going to happen because the virus has such a wide variety of effect - a quality called heterogeneity.
He added: "Heterogeneity leads to a huge amount of uncertainty in terms of things of probabilities, but also things like when the outbreak is going to peak, how large is the outbreak going to be. The heterogeneity around this virus isn't fully understood yet. It could be anywhere in an absolutely massive range."
Another reason why it is impossible to say how many will die is because, even in China, there may be many cases that are not yet known about.
Image: A pyramid showing how coronavirus affects a community
An infection spectrum pyramid for coronavirus shows how, while health authorities may know large numbers of people who are showing symptoms, including those who are severe and those who have died, they do not know how many may have experienced very mild symptoms - because they will not have sought medical attention - and those who have shown no symptoms, but are still carriers of the virus.
The true death rate will not be that calculated by the Chinese from the first 44,000 cases - it will be the number who have died divided by the total number of cases (including those who are asymptomatic) - probably a much smaller number.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Why we need to take it seriously
Modellers work on the principle that most epidemics follow a similar pattern - starting off slowly and then gaining speed - at a consistent rate - before peaking after a certain point, as increasing numbers become immune.
The rate at which the number of cases doubled in Hubei before it hit its peak was roughly every six to seven days.
If the UK cannot prevent an epidemic, it raises the possibility that the number of cases would continue to spiral until it reaches tens of thousands of new cases every day.
It has happened before - when flu hit in 1918-19, in 1957-58, in 1968-69 and in 2009 - outbreaks that affected between 10% and 35% of the population and are used in the UK's pandemic modelling.
If coronavirus spreads at that rate, it would put a severe strain on the economy and a health system where bed occupancy rates are already above the 85% threshold, which NICE says can lead to shortages.
It is why several experts have spoken of the need to delay the progress of the disease in the UK until after the worst of the winter - when more hospital beds will be free.
Dr Mike Tildesley, Warwick University associate professor in infectious disease modelling, said: "If we look at Wuhan, there were very draconian measures put in place. The challenge we have is we just don't have the resources. For instance, we don't have 10,000 workers that can come and build a hospital in a few days, which is what happened (in Wuhan).
"If we start see significant numbers of infected people... at some point we're going to have issues in the NHS. Certain hospitals do have isolation facilities that they've put in place. But at some point we're going to have an issue that potentially we could be exceeding those current resources."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
Professor Rowland Kao, professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science at the University of Edinburgh, said government advisers have to model for the worst case scenario because they do not know how bad it will get.
He said: "If you lock down things more tightly, it does give the healthcare system more opportunity to respond.
"One of the crucial things is, how do we make it through to the summer? We don't know what's going to happen, but there's a chance that the spread of the disease will slow down for various reasons - mixing of schools is over; people are home more; they don't have to travel so much; plus the things that they can be confused with, like seasonal flu; there will be fewer or no cases to confuse them with.
"All those things means the longer you can delay the spread of the disease, the more likely there is more time to control it.
"And if we can get over the hump until next year, things like antivirals, vaccines, all those things start hopefully to come into play, maybe better diagnostics as well."
Consequently, he added, it is wise to listen when the government offers advice.
Prof Kao said: "Individuals may find that their individual circumstance makes them think that they're not at risk, or are different. It is almost certainly a bad thing to ignore the advice that's given."
Methodology for the social distancing county spread model:
This is an SEIR model developed by Jessica Bridgen, PhD student at Lancaster University. The model shows an epidemic of an infectious disease with the current best estimated characteristics of Covid-19 in a single county of the UK, with a population size of approximately 1.1 million, and starting with 100 people infected. The model assumes a R0 of 2.2, an average latent period of 5 days (similar to the incubation period) and an average infectious period of 5 days.
Moderate social distancing aims to reduce transmission by up to 30%; extreme social distancing aims to transmission by up to 60%.
Why not plot the y-axis? The model illustrates how social distancing as an intervention could affect the number of cases during an epidemic, but it is not a predictive tool. To avoid misunderstanding, we have decided not to show the total number of cases predicted by the model, but instead how social distancing can shift the dynamics of an epidemic.


news--2020-03-02--Madonna, The Who, Coachella: The gigs and festivals cancelled over coronavirus

Restrictions on travel and large public events in some parts of the world mean more and more music stars are cancelling gigs due to coronavirus .
As the number of worldwide cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , continues to rise , it is likely there will be more to come as efforts are made to contain the spread .
Here are music events and acts that have cancelled gigs so far .
Rock band The Who are the first musicians to cancel a major tour in the UK and Ireland , saying the decision was made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans ' safety is paramount '' .
Due to start in Manchester on 16 March and finish at Wembley on 8 April , all 10 shows are now set to be rescheduled for later in the year .
They have also called off a planned show at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust , which was set to take place on 28 March , but say they plan to reschedule this as well .
In a statement sent to Sky News , singer Roger Daltrey assured fans that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it may be the last time we do a tour of this type , so keep those tickets , as the shows will be fantastic '' .
Pete Townshend said the band `` have n't reached this decision easily , but given the concerns about public gatherings , we could n't go ahead '' .
Coachella The Californian festival and its country music cousin Stagecoach were due to take place next month but have now been pushed back until October .
Coachella will now go ahead on the weekends of October 9 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 and 18 .
Stagecoach will take place on October 23 , 24 and 25 .
Coachella organisers Goldenvoice said : `` While this decision comes at a time of universal uncertainty , we take the safety and health of our guests , staff and community very seriously .
`` We urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials . ''
The singer , 27 , has cancelled a trip to Australia for the country 's bushfire relief concert three days ahead of the show , citing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was set to be the headline act for the gig in Melbourne on 13 March , which has now been called off .
Posting on Twitter , she said : `` Due to the recommendations of local , state , federal and international government authorities , including the Center for Disease Control , to reduce potential health risks in response to the current global health crisis , we are no longer traveling to Aus for the show .
`` I am so disappointed to not be there , but I have to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and safety of my band and crew .
I will still be making a donation to help the victims of the Australian bush fire .
I 'm sorry to miss everyone in Australia , but I will be back soon . ''
Cyrus later posted a hand-washing technique poster , saying : `` Wash your damn hands . ''
Madonna announced she was cancelling gigs in France due to coronavirus on Monday .
Shows due to take place in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday ( 10-11 March ) have been called off , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed over the outbreak .
It comes after France on Sunday banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people .
Last week , major US festival SXSW was cancelled for the first time in 34 years .
Organisers said they were `` devastated to share this news '' , and added that they are now `` working through the ramifications of this unprecedented situation '' .
The statement added : `` 'The show must go on ' is in our DNA , and this is the first time in 34 years that the March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to do our part to help protect our staff , attendees , and fellow Austinites .
`` We are exploring options to reschedule the event and are working to provide a virtual SXSW online experience as soon as possible for 2020 participants . ''
The US rock band is postponing the North American leg of their Gigaton world tour `` with deep frustration and regret '' .
Seventeen performances in the US and Canada - from 18 March through to 19 April - were put on hold indefinitely .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The levels of risk to our audience and their communities is simply too high for our comfort level .
`` Add to that we also have a unique group of passionate fans who travel far and wide .
We 've always been humbled by this and respect their energies and devotion .
However in this case , travel is something to avoid . ''
The band said new dates would be figured out and current tickets would be used for those new dates .
The rapper is currently in the middle of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest to date .
In February , he announced that gigs in Asia scheduled for this month would not be going ahead .
Writing on Twitter , he said : `` I was seriously looking forward to bringing the # HITH World tour to Asia and playing some epic sold out shows but due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the coronavirus , I 'm regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the tour . ''
The affected shows are in Malaysia , Singapore , Japan , China and South Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Zurich , Switzerland - where the government has put a ban on any events with more than 1,000 people in attendance - has also been called off .
The chart-topping singer has blamed `` international travel restrictions '' for pushing a concert in Hawaii due to take place on 10 March back to November .
Writing on Instagram , Carey , 49 , said : `` Aloha Hawaii !
!
I 'm so so sad to have to announce that I 'm postponing my show to November .
`` I was so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my 'anniversary month ' but evolving international travel restrictions force us to consider everyone 's safety and well being . ''
The star said she is `` super excited '' to appear in Honolulu for a Christmas-themed performance in November , adding : `` I ca n't wait to see you !
Stay safe !
! ''
The US singer announced on Friday that she had called off a show due to be held in Zurich on 13 March .
The following day , she announced the cancellation of several shows in Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philippines , which were scheduled for May , saying she was `` completely bummed out '' at having to make the decision .
`` I am so sad to announce that we are unable to tour the Asian markets due to the continuous outbreak of the coronavirus , '' she wrote on social media .
`` My band , crew and I have been working so hard to bring this tour worldwide and are completely bummed out .
`` Please everybody take care of yourselves and stay healthy .
You 're in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to announce rescheduled shows soon . ''
In South Korea , which has the largest outbreak outside mainland China , K-Pop stars BTS have cancelled concerts due to take place in Seoul in April .
The seven-piece South Korean boyband are promoting their new album , Map Of The Soul : 7 , but at a press conference last week , fans were urged to stay away .
Band member Jimin said : `` Health is always on our minds these days , and our messages of facing your inner self and loving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're healthy .
`` Especially since it is very risky outside these days .
I hope you take care of yourself . ''
The band 's management , Big Hit Entertainment , put out a statement saying : `` We have decided to fully co-operate with the government 's policy to refrain from holding events with a massive number of participants in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus . ''
The punk band called off March shows due to take place in Singapore , Thailand , the Philippines , Taipei , Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcing the news at the end of February .
Posting on social media , they said : `` We have unfortunately made the difficult decision to postpone our upcoming shows in Asia due to the health + travel concerns with coronavirus .
`` We know it sucks , as we were looking forward to seeing you all , but hold on to your tickets we 'll be announcing the new dates very soon . ''
The heavy-metal band have pushed back all their gigs in Asia which were due to take place at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Knotfest festival , which they set up in 2012 .
Posting on Twitter on 5 March , the band said : `` In light of global health concerns , Slipknot have decided to postpone their upcoming Asian tour , including Knotfest Japan .
While decisions like this are not easy , the safety and wellbeing of the band 's fans always comes first .
`` Furthermore in this case , the bands and artists , crew and local employees are also equally effected , and as such , this was the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Slipknot and Knotfest will both return to Asia very soon , and at such time that everyone can be ensured of the best experience possible . ''
A separate statement about Knotfest , which was due to be held in Japan on 20 and 21 March , and is also due to take place in the UK later in the year , said the decision had been made `` due to the current situation with the coronavirus mandates in Japan '' .
The Brit Award-winner cancelled a show planned for Milan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country has seen a high number of cases of the disease .
`` Due to recent events concerning the coronavirus in Italy , we 've been advised by the minister of health and the president of the Lombardy region not to go ahead with [ the ] show in Milan , '' she posted on social media .
`` So sad to have to write this , but safety is the absolute priority here !
Hoping to reschedule soon .
Love M x . ''
The band had been due to play three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement , they said they realised many fans would no longer be able to attend due to the outbreak , and wanted to make sure all their fans who bought tickets get to see them play live .
`` Due to the uncertainty around the Covid 19 virus we have taken the difficult decision to postpone our Japanese tour dates to later this year .
We hope to announce the new dates very soon , '' the band said .
`` We are so sorry that we wo n't be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has purchased a ticket to be able to attend & it has been clear through the messages we are receiving that many of you were not going to be able to be at the shows as scheduled .
`` We will be back to honour these engagements , so will just be seeing you a little later than expected .
In the meantime , please hang on to your tickets .
The band were due to play two shows in Tokyo on 17 and 18 March but say they have had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Much to our disappointment , in the interest of public safety our March 17+18 dates in Tokyo have been cancelled , '' they said in a statement .
Refunds will be available at the point of purchase from March 3 to March 31 , 2020 .
`` We look forward to returning in the future and performing for our friends in Japan . ''
The Brit nominee 's show in Zurich , set for 1 March , has been rescheduled for September due to the country 's national cancellation of 1,000+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled all events over 1,000 capacity due to the Corona Virus !
, '' the singer tweeted on Saturday .
`` Tomorrow 's Zurich show will now take place in September , all tickets remain valid x . ''
The band cancelled several concerts in Japan and China due to the outbreak and are due to resume their current tour in New Zealand on 6 March .
No details about rescheduling the shows have been released .
The band announced at the end of February that they were postponing gigs in Tokyo and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be back as soon as we can '' .
`` We always love our time in Japan , however we are going to put our upcoming shows in Tokyo and Osaka on hold for the time being , '' a statement posted on Twitter said .
`` With the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak , we are concerned about the potential quarantine we may face affecting further shows and appearances .
`` We would also hate to risk our fan 's health or the of risk spreading the virus on our return .
We promise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can . ''
The annual alpine music festival , which would have been in its 21st year , was due to take place in the west Austrian town of Mayrhofen fror a week starting April 13 .
But on Wednesday it released a statement saying it had to cancel the event `` with a heavy heart '' .
`` Today , the Austrian authorities placed a ban on all outdoor events above 500 people and indoor events above 100 .
This ban is in place from now until April 3rd and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement read .
Liam Gallagher , who was headlining at the event , tweeted about his disappointment .

Restrictions on travel and large public events in some parts of the world mean more and more music stars are cancelling gigs due to coronavirus.
As the number of worldwide cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, continues to rise, it is likely there will be more to come as efforts are made to contain the spread.
Here are music events and acts that have cancelled gigs so far.
The Who
Rock band The Who are the first musicians to cancel a major tour in the UK and Ireland, saying the decision was made with "much regret" but "fans' safety is paramount".
Due to start in Manchester on 16 March and finish at Wembley on 8 April, all 10 shows are now set to be rescheduled for later in the year.
They have also called off a planned show at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, which was set to take place on 28 March, but say they plan to reschedule this as well.
In a statement sent to Sky News, singer Roger Daltrey assured fans that the shows will "definitely happen and it may be the last time we do a tour of this type, so keep those tickets, as the shows will be fantastic".
Pete Townshend said the band "haven't reached this decision easily, but given the concerns about public gatherings, we couldn't go ahead".
Coachella
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Image: Coachella will now take place in October
The Californian festival and its country music cousin Stagecoach were due to take place next month but have now been pushed back until October.
Coachella will now go ahead on the weekends of October 9, 10 and 11 and October 16, 17 and 18. Stagecoach will take place on October 23, 24 and 25.
Coachella organisers Goldenvoice said: "While this decision comes at a time of universal uncertainty, we take the safety and health of our guests, staff and community very seriously.
"We urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials."
Miley Cyrus
The singer, 27, has cancelled a trip to Australia for the country's bushfire relief concert three days ahead of the show, citing recommendations that travel be curtailed.
Cyrus was set to be the headline act for the gig in Melbourne on 13 March, which has now been called off.
Posting on Twitter, she said: "Due to the recommendations of local, state, federal and international government authorities, including the Center for Disease Control, to reduce potential health risks in response to the current global health crisis, we are no longer traveling to Aus for the show.
"I am so disappointed to not be there, but I have to do what is right to protect the health and safety of my band and crew. I will still be making a donation to help the victims of the Australian bush fire. I'm sorry to miss everyone in Australia, but I will be back soon."
Cyrus later posted a hand-washing technique poster, saying: "Wash your damn hands."
Madonna
Madonna announced she was cancelling gigs in France due to coronavirus on Monday.
Shows due to take place in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday (10-11 March) have been called off, promoter Live Nation said, citing restrictions imposed over the outbreak.
It comes after France on Sunday banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
SXSW
Last week, major US festival SXSW was cancelled for the first time in 34 years.
Organisers said they were "devastated to share this news", and added that they are now "working through the ramifications of this unprecedented situation".
The statement added: "'The show must go on' is in our DNA, and this is the first time in 34 years that the March event will not take place.
"We are committed to do our part to help protect our staff, attendees, and fellow Austinites.
"We are exploring options to reschedule the event and are working to provide a virtual SXSW online experience as soon as possible for 2020 participants."
Pearl Jam
The US rock band is postponing the North American leg of their Gigaton world tour "with deep frustration and regret".
Seventeen performances in the US and Canada - from 18 March through to 19 April - were put on hold indefinitely.
In a statement, they said: "The levels of risk to our audience and their communities is simply too high for our comfort level.
"Add to that we also have a unique group of passionate fans who travel far and wide. We've always been humbled by this and respect their energies and devotion. However in this case, travel is something to avoid."
The band said new dates would be figured out and current tickets would be used for those new dates.
Stormzy
The rapper is currently in the middle of his Heavy Is The Head tour, his biggest to date. In February, he announced that gigs in Asia scheduled for this month would not be going ahead.
Writing on Twitter, he said: "I was seriously looking forward to bringing the #HITH World tour to Asia and playing some epic sold out shows but due to the ongoing health and travel concerns surrounding the coronavirus, I'm regrettably having to reschedule this leg of the tour."
"I promise I'll be back," he added.
The affected shows are in Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea.
A gig planned for 5 March in Zurich, Switzerland - where the government has put a ban on any events with more than 1,000 people in attendance - has also been called off.
Mariah Carey
The chart-topping singer has blamed "international travel restrictions" for pushing a concert in Hawaii due to take place on 10 March back to November.
Writing on Instagram, Carey, 49, said: "Aloha Hawaii!! I'm so so sad to have to announce that I'm postponing my show to November.
"I was so excited to come back to Hawaii on my 'anniversary month' but evolving international travel restrictions force us to consider everyone's safety and well being."
The star said she is "super excited" to appear in Honolulu for a Christmas-themed performance in November, adding: "I can't wait to see you! Stay safe!!"
Avril Lavigne
The US singer announced on Friday that she had called off a show due to be held in Zurich on 13 March.
The following day, she announced the cancellation of several shows in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines, which were scheduled for May, saying she was "completely bummed out" at having to make the decision.
"I am so sad to announce that we are unable to tour the Asian markets due to the continuous outbreak of the coronavirus," she wrote on social media. "My band, crew and I have been working so hard to bring this tour worldwide and are completely bummed out.
"Please everybody take care of yourselves and stay healthy. You're in my thoughts and prayers and we are hoping to announce rescheduled shows soon."
BTS
In South Korea, which has the largest outbreak outside mainland China, K-Pop stars BTS have cancelled concerts due to take place in Seoul in April.
The seven-piece South Korean boyband are promoting their new album, Map Of The Soul: 7, but at a press conference last week, fans were urged to stay away.
Band member Jimin said: "Health is always on our minds these days, and our messages of facing your inner self and loving yourself are ultimately only possible when you're healthy.
"Especially since it is very risky outside these days. I hope you take care of yourself."
The band's management, Big Hit Entertainment, put out a statement saying: "We have decided to fully co-operate with the government's policy to refrain from holding events with a massive number of participants in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus."
Green Day
The punk band called off March shows due to take place in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Taipei, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan, announcing the news at the end of February.
Posting on social media, they said: "We have unfortunately made the difficult decision to postpone our upcoming shows in Asia due to the health + travel concerns with coronavirus.
"We know it sucks, as we were looking forward to seeing you all, but hold on to your tickets we'll be announcing the new dates very soon."
Slipknot
The heavy-metal band have pushed back all their gigs in Asia which were due to take place at the end of March. That includes the Knotfest festival, which they set up in 2012.
Posting on Twitter on 5 March, the band said: "In light of global health concerns, Slipknot have decided to postpone their upcoming Asian tour, including Knotfest Japan. While decisions like this are not easy, the safety and wellbeing of the band's fans always comes first.
"Furthermore in this case, the bands and artists, crew and local employees are also equally effected, and as such, this was the only responsible decision that could be made.
"Slipknot and Knotfest will both return to Asia very soon, and at such time that everyone can be ensured of the best experience possible."
A separate statement about Knotfest, which was due to be held in Japan on 20 and 21 March, and is also due to take place in the UK later in the year, said the decision had been made "due to the current situation with the coronavirus mandates in Japan".
Mabel
The Brit Award-winner cancelled a show planned for Milan, Italy, on 24 February. The country has seen a high number of cases of the disease.
"Due to recent events concerning the coronavirus in Italy, we've been advised by the minister of health and the president of the Lombardy region not to go ahead with [the] show in Milan," she posted on social media.
"So sad to have to write this, but safety is the absolute priority here! Hoping to reschedule soon. Love M x."
Foals
The band had been due to play three dates in Japan starting on 3 March. In a statement, they said they realised many fans would no longer be able to attend due to the outbreak, and wanted to make sure all their fans who bought tickets get to see them play live.
"Due to the uncertainty around the Covid 19 virus we have taken the difficult decision to postpone our Japanese tour dates to later this year. We hope to announce the new dates very soon," the band said.
"We are so sorry that we won't be there next week. We want everyone who has purchased a ticket to be able to attend & it has been clear through the messages we are receiving that many of you were not going to be able to be at the shows as scheduled.
"We will be back to honour these engagements, so will just be seeing you a little later than expected. In the meantime, please hang on to your tickets.
"Big big love, Foals."
The National
The band were due to play two shows in Tokyo on 17 and 18 March but say they have had to cancel in the interest of public safety.
"Much to our disappointment, in the interest of public safety our March 17+18 dates in Tokyo have been cancelled," they said in a statement. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase from March 3 to March 31, 2020.
"We look forward to returning in the future and performing for our friends in Japan."
Sam Fender
The Brit nominee's show in Zurich, set for 1 March, has been rescheduled for September due to the country's national cancellation of 1,000+ events.
"The Swiss government have cancelled all events over 1,000 capacity due to the Corona Virus!," the singer tweeted on Saturday.
"Tomorrow's Zurich show will now take place in September, all tickets remain valid x."
The Pixies
The band cancelled several concerts in Japan and China due to the outbreak and are due to resume their current tour in New Zealand on 6 March.
No details about rescheduling the shows have been released.
New Order
The band announced at the end of February that they were postponing gigs in Tokyo and Osaka, but have promised to "be back as soon as we can".
"We always love our time in Japan, however we are going to put our upcoming shows in Tokyo and Osaka on hold for the time being," a statement posted on Twitter said.
"With the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak, we are concerned about the potential quarantine we may face affecting further shows and appearances.
"We would also hate to risk our fan's health or the of risk spreading the virus on our return. We promise we will be back as soon as we can."
Snowbombing
The annual alpine music festival, which would have been in its 21st year, was due to take place in the west Austrian town of Mayrhofen fror a week starting April 13. But on Wednesday it released a statement saying it had to cancel the event "with a heavy heart".
"Today, the Austrian authorities placed a ban on all outdoor events above 500 people and indoor events above 100. This ban is in place from now until April 3rd and is likely to be extended," the statement read.
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Liam Gallagher, who was headlining at the event, tweeted about his disappointment.


news--2020-03-03--James Bond fans call for No Time To Die release to be delayed due to coronavirus

James Bond fans have called for the release of the latest film No Time To Die to be delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The movie , which will feature Daniel Craig in his final outing as 007 , will be shown in UK cinemas from 2 April this year .
But the fan site MI6 , which claims to be the world 's most visited unofficial James Bond website , has said the film should be not released until the summer .
In an open letter on the site signed off by the page 's co-founder James Page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies MGM , Eon and Universal to `` put public health above marketing release schedules '' .
The movie is due to have its world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 31 March .
The letter states : `` Hundreds of fans and celebrities from around the world will be flying to the UK to attend .
`` The Royal Albert Hall capacity is above the 5,000 limit that affected countries are banning for public gatherings .
`` Just one person , who may not even show symptoms , could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is not the type of publicity anyone wants . ''
There have so far been 39 confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK , with the prospect of large gatherings of people being banned to contain the disease .
France has banned all public gatherings with more than 5,000 people in a confined space as the number of cases there rises .
Serie A football games have been postponed in Italy as the country struggles to contain a rapid spread in cases .
Switzerland has banned events of more than 1,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The James Bond fan group 's letter continues : `` Delay the release of No Time To Die until the summer when experts expect the epidemics have peaked and to be under control .
`` The health and well-being of fans around the world , and their families , is more important .
`` We have all waited over four years for this film .
Another few months will not damage the quality of the film and only help the box office for Daniel Craig 's final hurrah . ''
There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world , according to the Johns Hopkins University which is tracking the virus .
There have also been 3,117 deaths , with the vast majority in Hubei province where the virus originated .
Bond fans have already endured an extended wait for the latest 007 film , with the release date pushed back after director Danny Boyle quit in 2018 .

James Bond fans have called for the release of the latest film No Time To Die to be delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The movie, which will feature Daniel Craig in his final outing as 007, will be shown in UK cinemas from 2 April this year.
But the fan site MI6, which claims to be the world's most visited unofficial James Bond website, has said the film should be not released until the summer.
In an open letter on the site signed off by the page's co-founder James Page, the fan group calls on production companies MGM, Eon and Universal to "put public health above marketing release schedules".
The movie is due to have its world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 31 March.
The letter states: "Hundreds of fans and celebrities from around the world will be flying to the UK to attend.
"The Royal Albert Hall capacity is above the 5,000 limit that affected countries are banning for public gatherings.
"Just one person, who may not even show symptoms, could infect the rest of the audience.
"This is not the type of publicity anyone wants."
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There have so far been 39 confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK, with the prospect of large gatherings of people being banned to contain the disease.
France has banned all public gatherings with more than 5,000 people in a confined space as the number of cases there rises.
Serie A football games have been postponed in Italy as the country struggles to contain a rapid spread in cases.
Switzerland has banned events of more than 1,000 people in response to the global outbreak.
The James Bond fan group's letter continues: "Delay the release of No Time To Die until the summer when experts expect the epidemics have peaked and to be under control.
"It's a just movie.
"The health and well-being of fans around the world, and their families, is more important.
"We have all waited over four years for this film. Another few months will not damage the quality of the film and only help the box office for Daniel Craig's final hurrah."
Image: Commuters have been seen wearing masks during the coronavirus outbreak
There have been at least 90,937 cases of the coronavirus around the world, according to the Johns Hopkins University which is tracking the virus.
There have also been 3,117 deaths, with the vast majority in Hubei province where the virus originated.
Bond fans have already endured an extended wait for the latest 007 film, with the release date pushed back after director Danny Boyle quit in 2018.


news--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: British woman in virus-hit Tenerife hotel tests positive for COVID-19

A British woman who was staying at the Tenerife hotel hit by the coronavirus has been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Health officials have confirmed that she had arrived at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace on 23 February , and was not part of the initial group of 10 Italians where the first case was identified .
Sky News understands that the British woman was not isolated inside the hotel because she never showed symptoms , and that the positive test came as a result of regular testing .
Authorities are now trying to track down anyone who may have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Office said : `` We are supporting a British woman who has been admitted to hospital in Tenerife .
`` Our staff are in close contact with her family and the Spanish medical staff treating her . ''
Seven people have now been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Tenerife .
Some British tourists who were staying at the quarantined hotel were allowed to leave on Monday after testing negative , and were due to fly back to the UK .
In light of the diagnosis , Public Health England has now said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolate at home for two weeks .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Jet2 had said it would not fly any customers who had stayed at the hotel back to the UK until tests confirmed that they were free of the coronavirus .
Travel firm Tui said it had flown back 17 of its customers from the hotel on Monday - some on a flight to Newcastle and the others heading to Bristol .
Another 19 Tui customers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK on Tuesday .
There are now 51 confirmed cases in the UK .
• Ireland has confirmed its second case - a woman who had recently travelled to northern Italy • The number of cases in France has risen to 212 - and Argentina has confirmed its first case • World Health Organisation ( WHO ) director general Tedros Adhanom says about 3.4 % of reported cases have died • The World Bank has announced an initial $ 12bn ( £9.3bn ) to assist countries grappling with the health and economic impacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is working with the US Congress to deliver an $ 8.5bn emergency funding bill to tackle coronavirus in the country • The president also says he is considering banning travel to coronavirus hotspots after the Washington state department of health confirmed 27 cases and nine deaths - up from 18 and six on Monday • There are concerns the virus may disrupt voting in today 's Super Tuesday US presidential primaries , with the possibility that someone could spread false information about the disease to keep voters away .
• Spain has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister announced Valencia 's Champions League clash with Italian side Atlanta will be held without fans • The IMF and World Bank will hold their spring meetings online rather than in person because of the coronavirus .
• But the IOC insists the Tokyo Olympics will go ahead as planned this summer The number of confirmed cases in Italy rose from 2,036 to 2,052 on Tuesday , and the death toll went up to 79 .
It remains the biggest outbreak in Europe and the UK Foreign Office is advising against all but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several towns across the Lombardy and Veneto regions remain in lockdown , but officials say it could be another two weeks before it is known whether this has helped to halt the spread of the disease .
The country 's national health institute has also said it is considering setting up a new quarantine `` red zone '' near the northern city of Bergamo because of a high number of positive cases there .
Italians have reportedly been told to stand at least a metre away from each other when in public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how far saliva droplets travel when people speak .
Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported that Pope Francis , who had cancelled a Lent retreat for the first time in his papacy due to a cold , tested negative for the illness .
The Vatican said Francis only has a cold and is `` without any symptoms related to other pathologies '' - but did not say whether he had been tested for COVID-19 .
Pope Francis , 83 , had part of one lung removed due to an illness decades ago - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
WHO experts have finally arrived to help local health workers and Iranian authorities say they plan to mobilise 300,000 soldiers and volunteers to deal with the virus .
Dr Michael Ryan , the WHO 's executive director for its health emergencies programme , said Iranian doctors and nurses were lacking supplies of respirators and ventilators .
France , Germany and the UK have also promised testing supplies , protective body suits and gloves , and are also offering funds to help .
Iran 's chief justice , Ebrahim Raisi , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profit , urging prosecutors to show `` no mercy for hoarders '' who were `` playing with people 's lives '' .
Iran 's deputy health minister Alireza Raisi said on Tuesday that 77 people have died from more than 2,300 confirmed cases of the disease .
According to Iranian politician Abdolreza Mesri , 23 members of the country 's parliament have been infected .
Another 600 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in South Korea on Tuesday .
Seoul said more hospital beds and face masks were on order as the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
South Korean president Moon Jae-in said : `` The entire country has entered war against the infectious disease as the crisis in Daegu and Gyeongbuk province has reached the highest point . ''
He also apologised for the shortage of face masks , saying : `` I am very sorry to the people that we are not able to supply masks swiftly and sufficiently , and have caused inconvenience . ''
South Korea , one of Asia 's largest economies , has the highest number of COVID-19 cases outside China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about whether the Tokyo Olympics will be able to go ahead this summer .
Other sports events in Japan have already been affected , including J-League football matches being postponed and the prestigious Spring Grand Sumo Tournament being held behind closed doors for the very first time .
Schools nationwide have been shut until April and popular tourist and visitor attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan have also closed their doors for the next few weeks .
But the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) remains confident that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is urging athletes to prepare `` full steam '' .
IOC spokesman Mark Adams told Sky News ' sports correspondent Martha Kelner : `` All the advice we 're getting from all the competent authorities , most importantly the WHO , is that the games can and will go ahead .
`` There 's not even an international travel ban and still not a pandemic announced .
`` We are working , moving ahead , and expecting the games to begin on 24 July . ''
The Olympics are due to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A British woman who was staying at the Tenerife hotel hit by the coronavirus has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Health officials have confirmed that she had arrived at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace on 23 February, and was not part of the initial group of 10 Italians where the first case was identified.
Sky News understands that the British woman was not isolated inside the hotel because she never showed symptoms, and that the positive test came as a result of regular testing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 A walk through the Tenerife hotel in lockdown
Authorities are now trying to track down anyone who may have come into close contact with her.
The Foreign Office said: "We are supporting a British woman who has been admitted to hospital in Tenerife.
"Our staff are in close contact with her family and the Spanish medical staff treating her."
Image: Tourists with masks in the pool of H10 Costa Adeje Palace
Image: People have tried to enjoy the weather despite the lockdown
Seven people have now been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Tenerife.
Some British tourists who were staying at the quarantined hotel were allowed to leave on Monday after testing negative, and were due to fly back to the UK.
In light of the diagnosis, Public Health England has now said that those flying back will be asked to self-isolate at home for two weeks.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Jet2 had said it would not fly any customers who had stayed at the hotel back to the UK until tests confirmed that they were free of the coronavirus.
Travel firm Tui said it had flown back 17 of its customers from the hotel on Monday - some on a flight to Newcastle and the others heading to Bristol.
Another 19 Tui customers were due to be flown back to the UK on Tuesday.
There are now 51 confirmed cases in the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
In other worldwide developments:
Ireland has confirmed its second case - a woman who had recently travelled to northern Italy
The number of cases in France has risen to 212 - and Argentina has confirmed its first case
World Health Organisation (WHO) director general Tedros Adhanom says about 3.4% of reported cases have died
Tedros Adhanom says about 3.4% of reported cases have died The World Bank has announced an initial $12bn (£9.3bn) to assist countries grappling with the health
and economic impacts of the outbreak
and economic impacts of the outbreak Donald Trump says he is working with the US Congress to deliver an $8.5bn emergency funding bill to tackle coronavirus in the country
The president also says he is considering banning travel to coronavirus hotspots after the Washington state department of health confirmed 27 cases and nine deaths - up from 18 and six on Monday
There are concerns the virus may disrupt voting in today's Super Tuesday US presidential primaries, with the possibility that someone could spread false information about the disease to keep voters away.
Spain has had its first death and its health minister announced Valencia's Champions League clash with Italian side Atlanta will be held without fans
The IMF and World Bank will hold their spring meetings online rather than in person because of the coronavirus.
But the IOC insists the Tokyo Olympics will go ahead as planned this summer
Image: Tourists wear protective masks in Venice
Italy
The number of confirmed cases in Italy rose from 2,036 to 2,052 on Tuesday, and the death toll went up to 79.
It remains the biggest outbreak in Europe and the UK Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to badly affected northern areas.
Several towns across the Lombardy and Veneto regions remain in lockdown, but officials say it could be another two weeks before it is known whether this has helped to halt the spread of the disease.
The country's national health institute has also said it is considering setting up a new quarantine "red zone" near the northern city of Bergamo because of a high number of positive cases there.
Image: Tourists outside Rome's coliseum
Italians have reportedly been told to stand at least a metre away from each other when in public spaces, based on a study of how far saliva droplets travel when people speak.
Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported that Pope Francis, who had cancelled a Lent retreat for the first time in his papacy due to a cold, tested negative for the illness.
The Vatican said Francis only has a cold and is "without any symptoms related to other pathologies" - but did not say whether he had been tested for COVID-19.
Pope Francis, 83, had part of one lung removed due to an illness decades ago - and also cancelled most of his audiences last week.
Image: Italy has suffered Europe's worst coronavirus outbreak so far
Iran
WHO experts have finally arrived to help local health workers and Iranian authorities say they plan to mobilise 300,000 soldiers and volunteers to deal with the virus.
Dr Michael Ryan, the WHO's executive director for its health emergencies programme, said Iranian doctors and nurses were lacking supplies of respirators and ventilators.
France, Germany and the UK have also promised testing supplies, protective body suits and gloves, and are also offering funds to help.
Image: Iranian people wear protective masks to prevent contracting coronavirus as they walk in the street in Tehran
Iran's chief justice, Ebrahim Raisi, said some people were stockpiling medical supplies for profit, urging prosecutors to show "no mercy for hoarders" who were "playing with people's lives".
Iran's deputy health minister Alireza Raisi said on Tuesday that 77 people have died from more than 2,300 confirmed cases of the disease.
According to Iranian politician Abdolreza Mesri, 23 members of the country's parliament have been infected.
Image: Authorities in Iran have been sanitising landmarks in Iran
South Korea
Another 600 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in South Korea on Tuesday.
Seoul said more hospital beds and face masks were on order as the number of cases rose to 5,186, with 34 deaths.
Image: Ambulances wait to transport infected patients from Daegu, South Korea
South Korean president Moon Jae-in said: "The entire country has entered war against the infectious disease as the crisis in Daegu and Gyeongbuk province has reached the highest point."
He also apologised for the shortage of face masks, saying: "I am very sorry to the people that we are not able to supply masks swiftly and sufficiently, and have caused inconvenience."
South Korea, one of Asia's largest economies, has the highest number of COVID-19 cases outside China, where the virus originated.
Image: South Korea has the most cases of the virus after China
Japan
There remain concerns about whether the Tokyo Olympics will be able to go ahead this summer.
Other sports events in Japan have already been affected, including J-League football matches being postponed and the prestigious Spring Grand Sumo Tournament being held behind closed doors for the very first time.
Schools nationwide have been shut until April and popular tourist and visitor attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan have also closed their doors for the next few weeks.
But the International Olympic Committee (IOC) remains confident that this summer's spectacle will still happen, and is urging athletes to prepare "full steam".
IOC spokesman Mark Adams told Sky News' sports correspondent Martha Kelner: "All the advice we're getting from all the competent authorities, most importantly the WHO, is that the games can and will go ahead.
"There's not even an international travel ban and still not a pandemic announced.
"We are working, moving ahead, and expecting the games to begin on 24 July."
The Olympics are due to take place between 24 July and 9 August.
Image: There are concerns the 2020 Olympics could be cancelled
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.


news--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Millions face 'impossible choice' if outbreak gets worse, govt warned

The government is being urged to act to prevent millions of workers being faced with an `` impossible choice '' if the coronavirus outbreak gets worse .
Citizens Advice says more than five million self-employed workers and at least 1.5 million others in low-income jobs could be pushed into financial hardship because of the government 's advice to self-isolate .
The charity said that some may resort to ignoring such advice and continuing to work while having COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
It comes after the government unveiled its plan to tackle COVID 19 , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed 50 .
According to the blueprint , up to one in five workers could be off sick during a coronavirus peak .
Citizens Advice is now calling on the government to `` promote and clarify '' people 's rights on sick pay , in particular for agency workers , those on zero-hours contracts and those who have to self-isolate .
It also wants Downing Street to ensure that people can quickly access financial support if they are not eligible for statutory sick pay , for example if they are self-employed .
Dame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` No one should fear getting ill or risk their health because they wo n't be able to pay their bills , but this will be the reality for millions of workers if the coronavirus outbreak worsens .
`` Problems with our system for sick pay are long-standing .
`` Even for those eligible for statutory sick pay , at just £400 a month it may not be enough to cover essential living costs , leaving them with the impossible choice of ignoring advice to self isolate or continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must clarify sick pay rights for workers and ensure the benefits system can respond flexibly so that people have enough to make ends meet if they do fall ill. '' When asked what the government would be doing to make sure that those who are ill do not suffer financial hardship , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said `` all options '' would remain under review .
`` On the issue of statutory sick pay and the risks that the workforce could conceivably run in that reasonable worst case scenario , we 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are well aware of the issue , '' he said .
In the Commons on Tuesday , Business Secretary Alok Sharma told MPs that workers affected by coronavirus who are not eligible for sick pay may be able to claim Universal Credit instead .
He added that they may also be able to access employment and support allowance .
The issue has been raised in recent days by the GMB and Unison unions .
The latter has written to Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey , calling on ministers to guarantee all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they self-isolate .
General secretary Dave Prentis said employers should recognise this as sick leave and provide wages from the off .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The union is also calling on employers to pay their workers regardless of how much they earn or what kind of contract they are on .
The GMB has called for a statutory right to normal pay during self-isolation , by amending the Employment Rights Act 1996 .
National secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay is woefully inadequate at the best of times , but the outbreak of Covid-19 has highlighted the risks posed to workers and the public at large .
`` Ministers already have the emergency powers to stem this crisis by forcing employers to pay full sick pay from day one - and to offer financial assistance to smaller companies where required . ''

The government is being urged to act to prevent millions of workers being faced with an "impossible choice" if the coronavirus outbreak gets worse.
Citizens Advice says more than five million self-employed workers and at least 1.5 million others in low-income jobs could be pushed into financial hardship because of the government's advice to self-isolate.
The charity said that some may resort to ignoring such advice and continuing to work while having COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 PM on shaking hands and paternity leave
It comes after the government unveiled its plan to tackle COVID 19, as the number of cases in the UK passed 50.
According to the blueprint, up to one in five workers could be off sick during a coronavirus peak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:48 'The NHS has been preparing for a pandemic'
Citizens Advice is now calling on the government to "promote and clarify" people's rights on sick pay, in particular for agency workers, those on zero-hours contracts and those who have to self-isolate.
It also wants Downing Street to ensure that people can quickly access financial support if they are not eligible for statutory sick pay, for example if they are self-employed.
Dame Gillian Guy, Citizens Advice chief executive, said: "No one should fear getting ill or risk their health because they won't be able to pay their bills, but this will be the reality for millions of workers if the coronavirus outbreak worsens.
"Problems with our system for sick pay are long-standing.
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"Even for those eligible for statutory sick pay, at just £400 a month it may not be enough to cover essential living costs, leaving them with the impossible choice of ignoring advice to self isolate or continuing to work while unwell.
"The government must clarify sick pay rights for workers and ensure the benefits system can respond flexibly so that people have enough to make ends meet if they do fall ill."
When asked what the government would be doing to make sure that those who are ill do not suffer financial hardship, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "all options" would remain under review.
"On the issue of statutory sick pay and the risks that the workforce could conceivably run in that reasonable worst case scenario, we're going to keep all options under review but we are well aware of the issue," he said.
In the Commons on Tuesday, Business Secretary Alok Sharma told MPs that workers affected by coronavirus who are not eligible for sick pay may be able to claim Universal Credit instead.
He added that they may also be able to access employment and support allowance.
The issue has been raised in recent days by the GMB and Unison unions.
The latter has written to Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey, calling on ministers to guarantee all staff get statutory sick pay as soon as they self-isolate.
General secretary Dave Prentis said employers should recognise this as sick leave and provide wages from the off.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The union is also calling on employers to pay their workers regardless of how much they earn or what kind of contract they are on.
The GMB has called for a statutory right to normal pay during self-isolation, by amending the Employment Rights Act 1996.
National secretary Rehana Azam said: "Statutory sick pay is woefully inadequate at the best of times, but the outbreak of Covid-19 has highlighted the risks posed to workers and the public at large.
"Ministers already have the emergency powers to stem this crisis by forcing employers to pay full sick pay from day one - and to offer financial assistance to smaller companies where required."
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.


news--2020-03-02--Coronavirus: UK supermarkets 'draw up emergency plans for major outbreak'

Supermarkets are thought to be drawing up `` feed-the-nation '' plans to cope with potential panic buying caused by the coronavirus outbreak , with one already warning its customers to order early due to `` exceptionally high demand '' .
Online food retailer Ocado is asking for orders to be placed further in advance than normal and for weekend delivery bookings to be avoided as `` more people than usual seem to be placing particularly large orders '' .
In an email sent to customers on Friday night , the company said delivery slots `` are selling out quicker than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for between Mondays and Thursdays instead .
Ocado , which is Britain 's fastest growing grocer according to industry data , has declined to comment on the email , and some of its main competitors have refused to reveal if they have experienced an upturn in demand .
But one analyst says the likes of Tesco , Sainsbury 's , Asda and Morrisons will all have drawn up contingency plans because of growing concerns about the coronavirus , with the number of cases in the UK having hit 51 .
Food retail expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director at Tesco , said : `` With tight supply chains , if a major outbreak happens , that will quickly lead to panic buying , empty shelves and food riots . ''
Mr Monteyne , now of investment analyst firm Alliance Bernstein , said the supermarket industry would be drawing up plans for key product ranges and transition to something known as `` feed-the-nation '' status .
It would see supermarkets work with suppliers to ensure a laser-focus on ensuring shelves are well stocked with staple products like cereals , rice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge varieties .
According to The Guardian , Tesco confirmed it carried out such preparations and said they were part of being a `` responsible retailer '' .
Ratula Chakraborty , professor of business management at the University of East Anglia , has also warned that the stockpiling in UK homes `` may become rife '' over fears parts of the country could be quarantined .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on Sunday that he could not rule out cities being put on lockdown .
Professor Chakraborty said : `` With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ramped up , then inevitably some anxious households will begin stocking piling food , medicines and other storable essentials . ''
Andrew Opie , director of food and sustainability policy at the British Retail Consortium , said disruption to supply chains has been `` limited '' so far - but noted a sharp rise in demand for hygiene products .
Last week Sky News reported on how some retailers were struggling to keep brands of hand sanitiser in stock , while the spread of COVID-19 has also led to demand for face masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other countries including badly affected regions of northern Italy have already seen huge queues develop at stores as people desperately try to stock up on food and hygiene products because of the outbreak .
In Hong Kong last month , knife-wielding thieves stole 600 toilet rolls from outside a supermarket amid shortages .
But while supermarkets may enjoy a boom due to panic buying , the airline industry is experiencing anything but .
British Airways and Ryanair have cancelled hundreds of flights between the UK and parts of Europe and the US due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to and from both Heathrow and Gatwick .
Both airlines said the downscaling of their timetables this month was down to reduced demand from passengers .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will likely move to reassure the public on Tuesday when he finally unveils a new government action plan to tackle COVID-19 .
He has been criticised for being slow to respond to the rate at which the infection has grown in the UK , with the first school pupil to be diagnosed among the new cases confirmed on Monday .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker After chairing a COBRA meeting of senior ministers , Mr Johnson will announce a six-point plan at a Downing Street news conference alongside the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser .
Emergency measures to be unveiled include a Cabinet Office war room , more home working and curbs on travel , bringing NHS staff out of retirement and bigger class sizes in schools .
Ahead of his announcement , Mr Johnson said : `` It is highly likely coronavirus will spread more widely in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why we 're making every possible preparation . ''
In the worst-case scenario , it is feared 80 % of the population could contract the virus , with up to 500,000 deaths .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is also pledging more funds to fight the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , and has promised a big injection of cash in next week 's budget .
For the time being , the prime minister has repeated his go-to health tip of making sure we all wash our hands with soap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice .
• G7 finance ministers and central bank governors will hold a conference call on Tuesday morning to discuss measures to deal with the widening coronavirus outbreak and its economic impact • Italy 's death toll from the virus rose by 18 to 52 on Monday , with more than 2,000 confirmed cases • The risk of coronavirus in the EU was raised to its second highest level • South Korea confirmed another 600 infections , taking its tally to more than 4,800 cases and 34 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Leader died after contracting COVID-19 • The US confirmed six people in the country have now died from the disease • British guests at a quarantined hotel in Tenerife are being flown back after testing negative More than 9,000 confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 have now been recorded globally , and there have also been more than 3,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .

Supermarkets are thought to be drawing up "feed-the-nation" plans to cope with potential panic buying caused by the coronavirus outbreak, with one already warning its customers to order early due to "exceptionally high demand".
Online food retailer Ocado is asking for orders to be placed further in advance than normal and for weekend delivery bookings to be avoided as "more people than usual seem to be placing particularly large orders".
In an email sent to customers on Friday night, the company said delivery slots "are selling out quicker than expected" and suggested they book deliveries for between Mondays and Thursdays instead.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
Ocado, which is Britain's fastest growing grocer according to industry data, has declined to comment on the email, and some of its main competitors have refused to reveal if they have experienced an upturn in demand.
But one analyst says the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons will all have drawn up contingency plans because of growing concerns about the coronavirus, with the number of cases in the UK having hit 51.
Food retail expert Bruno Monteyne, a former supply chain director at Tesco, said: "With tight supply chains, if a major outbreak happens, that will quickly lead to panic buying, empty shelves and food riots."
Mr Monteyne, now of investment analyst firm Alliance Bernstein, said the supermarket industry would be drawing up plans for key product ranges and transition to something known as "feed-the-nation" status.
It would see supermarkets work with suppliers to ensure a laser-focus on ensuring shelves are well stocked with staple products like cereals, rice, meat and dairy, rather than on huge varieties.
According to The Guardian, Tesco confirmed it carried out such preparations and said they were part of being a "responsible retailer".
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Image: Panicked shoppers were quick to strip supermarket shelves in northern Italy
Image: Demand for groceries has also shot up in affected countries like Hong Kong
Ratula Chakraborty, professor of business management at the University of East Anglia, has also warned that the stockpiling in UK homes "may become rife" over fears parts of the country could be quarantined.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on Sunday that he could not rule out cities being put on lockdown.
Professor Chakraborty said: "With coronavirus cases increasing and quarantine measures being ramped up, then inevitably some anxious households will begin stocking piling food, medicines and other storable essentials."
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability policy at the British Retail Consortium, said disruption to supply chains has been "limited" so far - but noted a sharp rise in demand for hygiene products.
Last week Sky News reported on how some retailers were struggling to keep brands of hand sanitiser in stock, while the spread of COVID-19 has also led to demand for face masks - despite doubts over their usefulness.
Other countries including badly affected regions of northern Italy have already seen huge queues develop at stores as people desperately try to stock up on food and hygiene products because of the outbreak.
In Hong Kong last month, knife-wielding thieves stole 600 toilet rolls from outside a supermarket amid shortages.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
But while supermarkets may enjoy a boom due to panic buying, the airline industry is experiencing anything but.
British Airways and Ryanair have cancelled hundreds of flights between the UK and parts of Europe and the US due to the coronavirus outbreak, affecting journeys to and from both Heathrow and Gatwick.
Both airlines said the downscaling of their timetables this month was down to reduced demand from passengers.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will likely move to reassure the public on Tuesday when he finally unveils a new government action plan to tackle COVID-19.
He has been criticised for being slow to respond to the rate at which the infection has grown in the UK, with the first school pupil to be diagnosed among the new cases confirmed on Monday.
Image: Boris Johnson visited PHE's National Infection Service in north London on Sunday
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
After chairing a COBRA meeting of senior ministers, Mr Johnson will announce a six-point plan at a Downing Street news conference alongside the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser.
Emergency measures to be unveiled include a Cabinet Office war room, more home working and curbs on travel, bringing NHS staff out of retirement and bigger class sizes in schools.
Ahead of his announcement, Mr Johnson said: "It is highly likely coronavirus will spread more widely in the coming days and weeks, which is why we're making every possible preparation."
In the worst-case scenario, it is feared 80% of the population could contract the virus, with up to 500,000 deaths.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is also pledging more funds to fight the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and has promised a big injection of cash in next week's budget.
For the time being, the prime minister has repeated his go-to health tip of making sure we all wash our hands with soap and water for the length of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.
In other coronavirus developments worldwide:
G7 finance ministers and central bank governors will hold a conference call on Tuesday morning to discuss measures to deal with the widening coronavirus outbreak and its economic impact
Italy's death toll from the virus rose by 18 to 52 on Monday, with more than 2,000 confirmed cases
The risk of coronavirus in the EU was raised to its second highest level
South Korea confirmed another 600 infections, taking its tally to more than 4,800 cases and 34 deaths
An aide to Iran's Supreme Leader died after contracting COVID-19
The US confirmed six people in the country have now died from the disease
British guests at a quarantined hotel in Tenerife are being flown back after testing negative
More than 9,000 confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 have now been recorded globally, and there have also been more than 3,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.