news--2020-05-04--Coronavirus: Labour's Sir Keir Starmer urges PM to form 'national consensus' on easing lockdown

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has urged the prime minister to form a `` national consensus '' on the next phase of the UK 's response to the coronavirus .
Sir Keir has set out seven principles he wants Boris Johnson to consider as the PM works on plans to ease the lockdown .
The restrictions were introduced at the end of March to slow the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The government is required by law to review the lockdown by Thursday , with Mr Johnson set to detail a `` roadmap '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
Ahead of that , Labour has set out some key issues and concerns it wants the government to address in the next phase of its response to the outbreak .
The party is calling for a `` national safety standard '' for businesses and schools , an `` ambitious target '' for contact tracing and the introduction of bespoke support for individuals and industries facing huge challenges , like the hospitality sector .
Labour is also urging ministers to devise a national plan to make sure supply chains for protective equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` structured approach to easing and tightening restrictions '' .
Speaking ahead of further talks with the PM this week , the Labour leader backed an extension of the measures to halt the spread of the virus and promised to work `` constructively '' with Downing Street .
But Sir Keir reprised his criticism of the government 's handling of the outbreak , saying ministers had been too slow on increasing testing , providing protective equipment and introducing the lockdown .
`` Mistakes were made at the beginning of this crisis , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to learn from those mistakes . ''
He continued : `` We want to support the government to get this right and that is why we need a national consensus on what happens next , '' he said .
`` Our priority is protecting the public 's health and saving lives .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' That is why we supported the lockdown and again support the restrictions staying in place at this time .
`` However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public about the challenges ahead .
`` We are in this for the long haul .
It is imperative that the government is properly planning for what happens next and properly supporting our NHS and social care services . ''
The Labour leader acknowledged there will be concerns among members of the public after more than six weeks of being told to stay at home .
`` People rightly need confidence it 's safe before they go back out to work , travel or use public services , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a live Q & A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News .
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary @ sky.uk

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has urged the prime minister to form a "national consensus" on the next phase of the UK's response to the coronavirus.
Sir Keir has set out seven principles he wants Boris Johnson to consider as the PM works on plans to ease the lockdown.
The restrictions were introduced at the end of March to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 Government plans roadmap out of lockdown
The government is required by law to review the lockdown by Thursday, with Mr Johnson set to detail a "roadmap" for the UK's next steps on Sunday.
Ahead of that, Labour has set out some key issues and concerns it wants the government to address in the next phase of its response to the outbreak.
The party is calling for a "national safety standard" for businesses and schools, an "ambitious target" for contact tracing and the introduction of bespoke support for individuals and industries facing huge challenges, like the hospitality sector.
Labour is also urging ministers to devise a national plan to make sure supply chains for protective equipment are guaranteed, as well as a "structured approach to easing and tightening restrictions".
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Speaking ahead of further talks with the PM this week, the Labour leader backed an extension of the measures to halt the spread of the virus and promised to work "constructively" with Downing Street.
But Sir Keir reprised his criticism of the government's handling of the outbreak, saying ministers had been too slow on increasing testing, providing protective equipment and introducing the lockdown.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Pensioners express frustration over lockdown
"Mistakes were made at the beginning of this crisis," Sir Keir said, adding: "We need to learn from those mistakes."
He continued: "We want to support the government to get this right and that is why we need a national consensus on what happens next," he said.
"Our priority is protecting the public's health and saving lives.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"That is why we supported the lockdown and again support the restrictions staying in place at this time.
"However, we need to be honest with the public about the challenges ahead.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Businesses fear lockdown lifting
"We are in this for the long haul. It is imperative that the government is properly planning for what happens next and properly supporting our NHS and social care services."
The Labour leader acknowledged there will be concerns among members of the public after more than six weeks of being told to stay at home.
"People rightly need confidence it's safe before they go back out to work, travel or use public services," he added.
This week Kay Burley will be hosting a live Q&A with Health Secretary Matt Hancock. You can put your questions to Mr Hancock about the coronavirus and its impact on your life live on Sky News.
Email us your questions - or you can record a video clip of your question on your phone - and send it to AskTheHealthSecretary@sky.uk


news--2020-03-04--Coronavirus could shut down parliament for months under emergency plans

Parliament could shut its doors for months under emergency government plans to tackle the spread of the coronavirus .
It follows the UK 's biggest day-on-day increase in cases , with 87 people now confirmed to have the disease .
MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee committee are due to question England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty on Thursday as to how well prepared the UK is to deal with the impact of a possible global pandemic .
Downing Street has confirmed that Boris Johnson is in talks with the parliamentary authorities about a possible shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One option is for parliament 's Easter recess , due to start on March 31 , to be brought forward .
Another is for MPs and peers not to return after Easter , with the Commons and Lords suspended until September .
• British beleaguered regional airline Flybe collapsed on Thursday , blaming coronavirus for its final demise • Italy shut down all schools and universities and banned fans from sporting events after 3,089 people tested positive and 107 have died - the largest number of deaths outside China • Eleven people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US , as California declared a state of emergency with 53 cases • Some passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship have been quarantined at sea off the Mexico coast after a group of patients in California who had been on the ship contracted the virus • Australia has banned foreign arrivals from South Korea to slow the spread as it recorded its second illness • In Iran , 77 people have died , including Iran 's former ambassador to the Vatican • In China , deaths and cases have lowered substantially .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer than the day before - and 139 were infected Sky News has learned that Professor Whitty briefed the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Monday about the risks of coronavirus in the Palace of Westminster .
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg is certain to be quizzed about a potential shutdown of Parliament when he gives his regular Thursday morning statement to MPs on next week 's Commons business .
And it is understood that the commissions of both Houses , made up of some of parliament 's most senior MPs and peers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Commons , when they meet next Monday .
Sir Lindsay , who succeeded John Bercow as Speaker last October , is said to be concerned about the spread of coronavirus , not only for the staff working in parliament , but also because the Palace of Westminster is a major tourist attraction .
Sir Lindsay 's office has confirmed that he had held talks with Professor Whitty and is being kept updated by the chief medical officer 's team and the Clerk of the Commons .
The possibility of a shutdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was bombed in the Second World War , emerged after the prime minister hinted to MPs that an announcement was imminent .
Mr Johnson said the chief medical officer , chief scientific adviser and Health Secretary Matt Hancock would be setting out the government 's plans for dealing with `` large gatherings '' such as in parliament , in the next 48 hours .
`` We are still at the containment stage , '' said the PM .
`` When we come to the delay phase you 'll be hearing a lot more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about large gatherings and places such as parliament . ''
Later , a spokesman for the prime minister said : `` Discussions are already taking place with parliamentary authorities and scientific and medical advisers .
`` I 'm sure parliament will be led by the advice of the experts in terms of taking the steps it needs in order to protect the people who work there . ''
A parliamentary spokesman added : `` We are monitoring the situation closely and continue to work with the Department for Health and Public Health England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of precautionary measures including placing information posters across the parliamentary estate encouraging thorough hand-washing .
`` We have been reassured by Public Health England that the steps we are taking to reduce the risk of transmission are proportionate and reasonable . ''
Mr Johnson 's hint came in response to a question during PMQs from SNP MP Carol Monaghan , who said : `` Every week 650 of us come here from every part of the UK , spend several days operating in close proximity and meeting people from all over the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constituencies , potentially becoming the very vectors that we are trying to shut down .
`` Parliament must stay open , but what plans does the prime minister have to utilise systems such as conference calls and electronic voting to ensure that we do not become part of the problem ? ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In the House of Lords , where the average age of peers is 70 , fears have also been expressed for the health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom are in the age group worst-affected by the virus .
The leader of the Liberal Democrats peers , Lord Newby , said there were older peers with health issues who were considering not coming into the Lords , where peers ' daily allowance is rising by an inflation-busting 3.1 % to £323 a day in April .
`` At this moment I do n't think they are running to the hills but if there are more cases in London and they rose significantly then perhaps this could happen but I 'm not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Lord Newby .

Parliament could shut its doors for months under emergency government plans to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.
It follows the UK's biggest day-on-day increase in cases, with 87 people now confirmed to have the disease.
MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee committee are due to question England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty on Thursday as to how well prepared the UK is to deal with the impact of a possible global pandemic.
Downing Street has confirmed that Boris Johnson is in talks with the parliamentary authorities about a possible shutdown if the outbreak continues to get worse.
One option is for parliament's Easter recess, due to start on March 31, to be brought forward. Another is for MPs and peers not to return after Easter, with the Commons and Lords suspended until September.
Other coronavirus developments:
British beleaguered regional airline Flybe collapsed on Thursday, blaming coronavirus for its final demise
collapsed on Thursday, blaming coronavirus for its final demise Italy shut down all schools and universities and banned fans from sporting events after 3,089 people tested positive and 107 have died - the largest number of deaths outside China
shut down all schools and universities and banned fans from sporting events after 3,089 people tested positive and 107 have died - the largest number of deaths outside China Eleven people have now died from coronavirus in the US, as California declared a state of emergency with 53 cases
Some passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship have been quarantined at sea off the Mexico coast after a group of patients in California who had been on the ship contracted the virus
Australia has banned foreign arrivals from South Korea to slow the spread as it recorded its second illness
In Iran, 77 people have died, including Iran's former ambassador to the Vatican
In China, deaths and cases have lowered substantially. 31 people died on Thursday - seven fewer than the day before - and 139 were infected
Sky News has learned that Professor Whitty briefed the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Monday about the risks of coronavirus in the Palace of Westminster.
Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg is certain to be quizzed about a potential shutdown of Parliament when he gives his regular Thursday morning statement to MPs on next week's Commons business.
And it is understood that the commissions of both Houses, made up of some of parliament's most senior MPs and peers, will discuss plans including suspending the Lords and Commons, when they meet next Monday.
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Sir Lindsay, who succeeded John Bercow as Speaker last October, is said to be concerned about the spread of coronavirus, not only for the staff working in parliament, but also because the Palace of Westminster is a major tourist attraction.
Sir Lindsay's office has confirmed that he had held talks with Professor Whitty and is being kept updated by the chief medical officer's team and the Clerk of the Commons.
The possibility of a shutdown, which would be the first since parliament was bombed in the Second World War, emerged after the prime minister hinted to MPs that an announcement was imminent.
Mr Johnson said the chief medical officer, chief scientific adviser and Health Secretary Matt Hancock would be setting out the government's plans for dealing with "large gatherings" such as in parliament, in the next 48 hours.
"We are still at the containment stage," said the PM. "When we come to the delay phase you'll be hearing a lot more detail about what we propose to do about large gatherings and places such as parliament."
Later, a spokesman for the prime minister said: "Discussions are already taking place with parliamentary authorities and scientific and medical advisers.
"I'm sure parliament will be led by the advice of the experts in terms of taking the steps it needs in order to protect the people who work there."
A parliamentary spokesman added: "We are monitoring the situation closely and continue to work with the Department for Health and Public Health England.
"We have taken a range of precautionary measures including placing information posters across the parliamentary estate encouraging thorough hand-washing.
"We have been reassured by Public Health England that the steps we are taking to reduce the risk of transmission are proportionate and reasonable."
Mr Johnson's hint came in response to a question during PMQs from SNP MP Carol Monaghan, who said: "Every week 650 of us come here from every part of the UK, spend several days operating in close proximity and meeting people from all over the world, and we then return to our constituencies, potentially becoming the very vectors that we are trying to shut down.
"Parliament must stay open, but what plans does the prime minister have to utilise systems such as conference calls and electronic voting to ensure that we do not become part of the problem?"
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In the House of Lords, where the average age of peers is 70, fears have also been expressed for the health and wellbeing of elderly members, most of whom are in the age group worst-affected by the virus.
The leader of the Liberal Democrats peers, Lord Newby, said there were older peers with health issues who were considering not coming into the Lords, where peers' daily allowance is rising by an inflation-busting 3.1% to £323 a day in April.
"At this moment I don't think they are running to the hills but if there are more cases in London and they rose significantly then perhaps this could happen but I'm not aware of anybody taking that step yet," said Lord Newby.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-05--Facebook closes offices after worker diagnosed with coronavirus

Facebook has confirmed that one of its workers in Seattle has been diagnosed with COVID-19 , the first confirmed infection within the company .
To handle the risks posed to other employees the company has closed its offices , forbidding anybody to enter until the end of the week - with some staff set to work from home until the end of the month .
There have now been 159 confirmed infections as part of the coronavirus outbreak in the US , with 11 deaths confirmed .
According to the company the contractor was last in the office on 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night that the Seattle office would be closed until 9 March .
In a statement , a Facebook spokesperson confirmed : `` A contractor based in our Stadium East office has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 .
`` We 've notified our employees and are following the advice of public health officials to prioritize everyone 's health and safety . ''
There were 95,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the strain of coronavirus that started in China , as of Thursday .
Although China has been the most severely affected , the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thousands of cases have been detected in South Korea , Italy and Iran .
At the weekend President Donald Trump announced an extension of travel restrictions banning foreign nationals from entering the US from Iran , and warned citizens against going to badly affected areas of Italy and South Korea .
Mr Trump also said officials were discussing bringing in travel restrictions across the southern border of the US .
He said : `` We 've taken the most aggressive actions to confront the coronavirus .
They are the most aggressive taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number one travel destination anywhere in the world .
Yet we have far fewer cases of the disease than even countries with much less travel or a much smaller population . ''

Facebook has confirmed that one of its workers in Seattle has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the first confirmed infection within the company.
To handle the risks posed to other employees the company has closed its offices, forbidding anybody to enter until the end of the week - with some staff set to work from home until the end of the month.
There have now been 159 confirmed infections as part of the coronavirus outbreak in the US, with 11 deaths confirmed.
According to the company the contractor was last in the office on 21 February and employees were alerted on Wednesday night that the Seattle office would be closed until 9 March.
In a statement, a Facebook spokesperson confirmed: "A contractor based in our Stadium East office has been diagnosed with the COVID-19.
"We've notified our employees and are following the advice of public health officials to prioritize everyone's health and safety."
There were 95,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the strain of coronavirus that started in China, as of Thursday.
Although China has been the most severely affected, the World Health Organisation has declared a global emergency and thousands of cases have been detected in South Korea, Italy and Iran.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Trump: US 'ahead' on Coronavirus
At the weekend President Donald Trump announced an extension of travel restrictions banning foreign nationals from entering the US from Iran, and warned citizens against going to badly affected areas of Italy and South Korea.
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Mr Trump also said officials were discussing bringing in travel restrictions across the southern border of the US.
He said: "We've taken the most aggressive actions to confront the coronavirus. They are the most aggressive taken by any country. And we're the number one travel destination anywhere in the world. Yet we have far fewer cases of the disease than even countries with much less travel or a much smaller population."


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: What are the four stages of the UK's response plan?

The UK has moved from the `` contain '' to the `` delay '' phase in its fight against the spread of the coronavirus outbreak .
Boris Johnson announced the step-up to the delay phase on 12 March as he said the pandemic was the worst public health crisis in a generation and `` many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time '' .
Here is what each phase means : The containment stage involves trying to catch cases early and trace all contacts to avoid the spread of the disease .
It was hoped such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the healthcare system , which would struggle to cope with the demand caused by a massive influx of COVID-19 cases .
This is important as vulnerable patients may need to stay in hospital for a long time , adding to pressure facing an already-stretched NHS .
As part of the overall plan , hospitals are planning for a potential influx .
Healthcare staff have been given extra medical supplies and personal protective equipment .
Authorities gained powers to detain and isolate infected people , as well as ensure high-risk people flying into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The plan states that the goal of the containment stage is to `` prevent the disease taking hold in this country for as long as is reasonably possible '' .
If containment did not work and the number of cases rose dramatically , the country was going to enter the delay stage - which it now has .
This means the government will ramp up efforts to delay the spread of the illness .
Boris Johnson said anyone with coronavirus symptoms , such as a continuous cough or high temperature , must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The PM also said school trips abroad should be stopped , while people over 70 with serious medical conditions should not go on cruises .
It comes amid calls to close schools , cancel large-scale gatherings like sporting events and festivals , and encourage people to work from home .
These are all `` social distancing '' tactics which are tools available to try to prevent accelerated transmission when no vaccine is yet available .
They are also widely understood to have been behind slowing the spread in China , where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this stage will be balancing the plight to eradicate the virus , while minimising impact on society and the economy .
If delaying the spread fails , the government will intensify its focus on finding out more about how the virus spreads and how those who are infected can be treated most effectively .
The UK hopes to delay the peak of a coronavirus outbreak until the summer months , when there is more time for this research and less winter pressures on the NHS .
The government has put £40m into finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is undergoing clinical testing and is likely still several months off .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that there is `` more optimism '' about treatments to lessen the effect of the virus on those who are infected .
Another useful tool being developed is a blood test which can help reveal how the disease spreads by testing if someone has been cleared of it .
The current swab exam can only test if the infection is present .
The government 's plan implies this is essentially the worst-case scenario , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on services and wider society may start to become significant and clearly noticeable '' .
At this stage , the virus would be considered widespread .
Police could be reduced to just dealing with very serious crimes and maintaining public order if officer numbers drop .
The NHS could be closed to all but critical care and retired NHS staff could be called `` back to duty '' .
This stage aims to ensure the most vulnerable people are protected and health workers are supported with the inevitable surge in demand .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is difficult to tell , but Boris Johnson said advice received from the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) was that some of the measures aimed at delaying the spread were `` slightly counter-intuitive '' .
`` Things like closing schools and stopping big gatherings do n't work as well perhaps as people think in stopping the spread , '' he said .
The most-circulated piece of advice that is likely to endure as the plan develops is simple : wash your hands thoroughly and often .

The UK has moved from the "contain" to the "delay" phase in its fight against the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
Boris Johnson announced the step-up to the delay phase on 12 March as he said the pandemic was the worst public health crisis in a generation and "many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time".
Here is what each phase means:
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:54 How do you make a misinformation vaccine?
Phase one - containment
The containment stage involves trying to catch cases early and trace all contacts to avoid the spread of the disease.
It was hoped such measures would prevent a heavy burden on the healthcare system, which would struggle to cope with the demand caused by a massive influx of COVID-19 cases.
This is important as vulnerable patients may need to stay in hospital for a long time, adding to pressure facing an already-stretched NHS.
As part of the overall plan, hospitals are planning for a potential influx.
Healthcare staff have been given extra medical supplies and personal protective equipment.
Advertisement
Authorities gained powers to detain and isolate infected people, as well as ensure high-risk people flying into the country have been cleared by a doctor.
The plan states that the goal of the containment stage is to "prevent the disease taking hold in this country for as long as is reasonably possible".
Phase two - delay
If containment did not work and the number of cases rose dramatically, the country was going to enter the delay stage - which it now has.
This means the government will ramp up efforts to delay the spread of the illness.
Boris Johnson said anyone with coronavirus symptoms, such as a continuous cough or high temperature, must now stay at home for seven days.
The PM also said school trips abroad should be stopped, while people over 70 with serious medical conditions should not go on cruises.
It comes amid calls to close schools, cancel large-scale gatherings like sporting events and festivals, and encourage people to work from home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:34 PM reacts to UK coronavirus-related death
These are all "social distancing" tactics which are tools available to try to prevent accelerated transmission when no vaccine is yet available.
They are also widely understood to have been behind slowing the spread in China, where the outbreak began. A key challenge at this stage will be balancing the plight to eradicate the virus, while minimising impact on society and the economy.
Phase three - research
If delaying the spread fails, the government will intensify its focus on finding out more about how the virus spreads and how those who are infected can be treated most effectively.
The UK hopes to delay the peak of a coronavirus outbreak until the summer months, when there is more time for this research and less winter pressures on the NHS.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Medical officer coughs during cough advice
The government has put £40m into finding a vaccine for the virus, which is undergoing clinical testing and is likely still several months off.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News that there is "more optimism" about treatments to lessen the effect of the virus on those who are infected.
Another useful tool being developed is a blood test which can help reveal how the disease spreads by testing if someone has been cleared of it. The current swab exam can only test if the infection is present.
Image: The UK hopes to delay the spread of the disease until the summer months
Phase four - mitigate
The government's plan implies this is essentially the worst-case scenario, saying "during this phase the pressures on services and wider society may start to become significant and clearly noticeable". At this stage, the virus would be considered widespread.
Police could be reduced to just dealing with very serious crimes and maintaining public order if officer numbers drop.
The NHS could be closed to all but critical care and retired NHS staff could be called "back to duty". This stage aims to ensure the most vulnerable people are protected and health workers are supported with the inevitable surge in demand.
Image: Washing hands is the best way to prevent spread, health officials say
So, will the plan work?
This is difficult to tell, but Boris Johnson said advice received from the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) was that some of the measures aimed at delaying the spread were "slightly counter-intuitive".
"Things like closing schools and stopping big gatherings don't work as well perhaps as people think in stopping the spread," he said.
The most-circulated piece of advice that is likely to endure as the plan develops is simple: wash your hands thoroughly and often.


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus leaves 290 million children out of school, UNESCO says

Coronavirus fears have caused a record number of students to miss school , causing what UNESCO has called an `` unparalleled '' disruption to global education .
School closures in 22 countries had left 290 million students staying home around the world as of 4 March , the UN education agency said .
UNESCO released the figures in its first worldwide analysis of the threat COVID-19 poses to global education .
Thirteen countries had nationwide closures affecting students from pre-primary to upper-secondary schools , while nine other countries saw schools shut down in certain areas .
The report found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected if those nine countries closed all schools .
UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay said : `` The global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is unparalleled and , if prolonged , could threaten the right to education . ''
`` We are working with countries to assure the continuity of learning for all , especially disadvantaged children and youth who tend to be the hardest hit by school closures . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker UNESCO found consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe for disadvantaged communities - include interrupted learning , missed meals and unequal access to digital learning tools .
Parents may also be unprepared or unable to teach at home , face financial burden if they need to skip work or leave children at home unattended .
In an urgent effort to minimise these risks , UNESCO announced it will help set up large-scale distance learning programmes and hold an emergency meeting of education ministers from several countries next week .
There are more than 95,000 cases of COVID-19 around the world - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 3,200 deaths .
Italy is the latest country to announce it was shutting all schools and universities , joining others including Japan , South Korea , Hong Kong and China , with the latter having kept cities in lockdown for months .
At least a handful of schools have closed in the UK , many due to students or staff returning from skiing in Northern Italy .
Kuwait , Iran , Bahrain and Lebanon have also had some closures .
The decision on whether to shut schools , and how many to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been infected with coronavirus at high rates .
A study from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention found less than 2 % of 44,672 cases were in people under the age of 19 and no one younger than age 10 had died .
But , despite the many measures taken across the world to limit the spread of COVID-19 , cases continue to grow outside its birthplace of China at an alarming rate .

Coronavirus fears have caused a record number of students to miss school, causing what UNESCO has called an "unparalleled" disruption to global education.
School closures in 22 countries had left 290 million students staying home around the world as of 4 March, the UN education agency said.
UNESCO released the figures in its first worldwide analysis of the threat COVID-19 poses to global education.
Thirteen countries had nationwide closures affecting students from pre-primary to upper-secondary schools, while nine other countries saw schools shut down in certain areas.
The report found that a further 180 million children would be affected if those nine countries closed all schools.
Country-wide school closures (290,509,228 pupils affected in 13 countries)
China [including Hong Kong and Macao]: 233,169,621
Japan: 16,496,928
Iran: 14,561,998
Italy: 9,039,741
Iraq: 7,010,788
South Korea: 4,229,170
Azerbaijan: 1,783,390
United Arab Emirates: 1,170,565
Lebanon: 1,132,178
Mongolia: 870,962
Armenia: 437,612
Kuwait: 358,786
Bahrain: 247,489
UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay said: "The global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is unparalleled and, if prolonged, could threaten the right to education."
"We are working with countries to assure the continuity of learning for all, especially disadvantaged children and youth who tend to be the hardest hit by school closures."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Advertisement
UNESCO found consequences of the disruption - which are more severe for disadvantaged communities - include interrupted learning, missed meals and unequal access to digital learning tools.
Image: Some student at St Christopher's Prep School have adopted foot-tapping to protect from the virus
Parents may also be unprepared or unable to teach at home, face financial burden if they need to skip work or leave children at home unattended.
In an urgent effort to minimise these risks, UNESCO announced it will help set up large-scale distance learning programmes and hold an emergency meeting of education ministers from several countries next week.
There are more than 95,000 cases of COVID-19 around the world - the majority in China - and more than 3,200 deaths.
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Italy is the latest country to announce it was shutting all schools and universities, joining others including Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and China, with the latter having kept cities in lockdown for months.
At least a handful of schools have closed in the UK, many due to students or staff returning from skiing in Northern Italy.
Kuwait, Iran, Bahrain and Lebanon have also had some closures.
Image: A school in Derbyshire closed after a confirmed case of coronavirus "amongst its parent population"
The decision on whether to shut schools, and how many to close, poses challenges as children have not been infected with coronavirus at high rates.
A study from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention found less than 2% of 44,672 cases were in people under the age of 19 and no one younger than age 10 had died.
But, despite the many measures taken across the world to limit the spread of COVID-19, cases continue to grow outside its birthplace of China at an alarming rate.


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Banks could offer overdraft increases and mortgage relief

Banks could increase overdrafts or allow repayment relief for mortgages to helped those `` directly or indirectly '' impacted by coronavirus .
Lenders will also offer support to small and medium sized businesses that are affected , industry body UK Finance said .
Bank of England governor Mark Carney has said the economic shock to the UK caused by the outbreak `` could be large '' and figures out earlier this week suggest it is already putting the brakes on growth .
Andrew Bailey , who will succeed him at the Bank later this month , has told MPs that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact .
UK Finance , which represents more than 250 firms across the financial sector , has now outlined how lenders could support people affected .
Chief executive Stephen Jones said : `` Banks , building societies and credit card providers understand that some of their customers may be worried about the effect that contracting the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) could have on their finances , for example due to a drop in income or because of unexpected expenses or bills to pay .
`` All providers are ready and able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impacted directly or indirectly by COVID-19 , which could include offering or increasing an overdraft or allowing repayment relief for loan or mortgage repayments : asking for help early is key . ''
He added that banks and other finance providers also `` recognise that the cashflow of small and medium sized businesses may be disrupted by the coronavirus impacts '' , Mr Jones said lenders were `` committed to supporting viable businesses in continuing to trade while they implement their contingency plans '' .
The intervention comes a day after an announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-isolate due to the virus will be eligible for sick pay from the first day they are off - rather than from the fourth day as in normal cases .
On Thursday the CBI , the business lobby , called for further reforms to statutory sick pay , among them that it should be extended to all workers - including agency staff and those on zero-hours contracts - who self-isolate in accordance with public health guidance .
Meanwhile , financial markets continue to suffer turbulence as a result of the outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst falls since the financial crisis on fears about the virus 's economic impact .
Shares have shown some recovery in recent days , bolstered by the decision of the US Federal Reserve to implement an emergency interest rate cut in the world 's biggest ecoonomy .
But on Thursday there were further declines on the FTSE 100 , which was down by more than 100 points , or 1.5 % , in late morning trading .

Banks could increase overdrafts or allow repayment relief for mortgages to helped those "directly or indirectly" impacted by coronavirus.
Lenders will also offer support to small and medium sized businesses that are affected, industry body UK Finance said.
Bank of England governor Mark Carney has said the economic shock to the UK caused by the outbreak "could be large" and figures out earlier this week suggest it is already putting the brakes on growth.
Andrew Bailey, who will succeed him at the Bank later this month, has told MPs that companies could soon expect help to mitigate the impact.
UK Finance, which represents more than 250 firms across the financial sector, has now outlined how lenders could support people affected.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 Does joint action by Bank and Treasury loom?
Chief executive Stephen Jones said: "Banks, building societies and credit card providers understand that some of their customers may be worried about the effect that contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) could have on their finances, for example due to a drop in income or because of unexpected expenses or bills to pay.
"All providers are ready and able to offer support to their customers who are impacted directly or indirectly by COVID-19, which could include offering or increasing an overdraft or allowing repayment relief for loan or mortgage repayments: asking for help early is key."
He added that banks and other finance providers also "recognise that the cashflow of small and medium sized businesses may be disrupted by the coronavirus impacts",
Mr Jones said lenders were "committed to supporting viable businesses in continuing to trade while they implement their contingency plans".
Advertisement
The intervention comes a day after an announcement by Boris Johnson that workers who need to self-isolate due to the virus will be eligible for sick pay from the first day they are off - rather than from the fourth day as in normal cases.
On Thursday the CBI, the business lobby, called for further reforms to statutory sick pay, among them that it should be extended to all workers - including agency staff and those on zero-hours contracts - who self-isolate in accordance with public health guidance.
Meanwhile, financial markets continue to suffer turbulence as a result of the outbreak.
Last week, global stocks suffered their worst falls since the financial crisis on fears about the virus's economic impact.
Shares have shown some recovery in recent days, bolstered by the decision of the US Federal Reserve to implement an emergency interest rate cut in the world's biggest ecoonomy.
But on Thursday there were further declines on the FTSE 100, which was down by more than 100 points, or 1.5%, in late morning trading.


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Funerals 'could be streamed online' if COVID-19 becomes pandemic

Funerals could be streamed online if the coronavirus outbreak becomes a pandemic .
The National Association of Funeral Directors ( NAFD ) told Sky News that should a pandemic be declared because of COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - services could be done over the internet .
In a statement , it said it was in `` dialogue with the government and local authorities to seek early guidance on steps funeral directors may need to take in the event of a pandemic . ''
NAFD added that the steps it would take would be `` determined by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether funerals would need to be `` adapted in the event of a ban on public gatherings and other changes '' .
`` As well as supporting the government and local authorities in managing the impact of the additional deaths , funeral directors would be focused on helping families who lose a loved one during that time in finding meaningful ways to say goodbye - even if the funeral they would have preferred is n't possible .
`` One option might include the webcasting of funeral services , as many crematoria now have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memorial service at a later date . ''
The Department of Health and Social Care has told Sky News : `` Our action plan sets out measures to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak that are reasonable , proportionate and based on the latest scientific evidence .
`` They will be continually kept under review and the impact of all measures will be carefully considered . ''
According to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) website , a pandemic is defined as the worldwide spread of a new disease , and it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevalent over a whole country .
It says it will not declare one as it no longer uses this as an official term with new virus outbreaks - but COVID-19 remains an international emergency .
A WHO spokeswoman said : `` We could start describing it as a pandemic , but at the moment we are saying it is clusters and outbreaks in some countries . ''
There are more than 95,700 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases have now been confirmed in the UK and one person has died .
Britain is moving into the next stage of its response to COVID-19 , England 's chief medical officer told MPs on Thursday .
Professor Chris Whitty said the UK was `` mainly '' in the `` delay '' phase of the government 's four-stage approach to the disease .
As time goes by , there would be measures that involved `` changes to society '' , added Prof Whitty .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Prime Minister Boris Johnson stressed the `` overwhelming majority of people '' who are infected with coronavirus would suffer only a `` mild to moderate illness '' .
`` We are still at the stage where the single best thing we can do ... is just wash our hands , '' he told ITV 's This Morning .

Funerals could be streamed online if the coronavirus outbreak becomes a pandemic.
The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) told Sky News that should a pandemic be declared because of COVID-19 - the disease caused by coronavirus - services could be done over the internet.
In a statement, it said it was in "dialogue with the government and local authorities to seek early guidance on steps funeral directors may need to take in the event of a pandemic."
Image: A pandemic is defined as the worldwide spread of a new disease
NAFD added that the steps it would take would be "determined by the severity of the outbreak" - and whether funerals would need to be "adapted in the event of a ban on public gatherings and other changes".
"As well as supporting the government and local authorities in managing the impact of the additional deaths, funeral directors would be focused on helping families who lose a loved one during that time in finding meaningful ways to say goodbye - even if the funeral they would have preferred isn't possible.
"One option might include the webcasting of funeral services, as many crematoria now have these facilities - or holding a separate memorial service at a later date."
The Department of Health and Social Care has told Sky News: "Our action plan sets out measures to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak that are reasonable, proportionate and based on the latest scientific evidence.
"They will be continually kept under review and the impact of all measures will be carefully considered."
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) website, a pandemic is defined as the worldwide spread of a new disease, and it can also refer to a disease which is prevalent over a whole country.
Advertisement
It says it will not declare one as it no longer uses this as an official term with new virus outbreaks - but COVID-19 remains an international emergency.
A WHO spokeswoman said: "We could start describing it as a pandemic, but at the moment we are saying it is clusters and outbreaks in some countries."
There are more than 95,700 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. There have been more than 3,280 deaths.
Some 116 cases have now been confirmed in the UK and one person has died.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Britain is moving into the next stage of its response to COVID-19, England's chief medical officer told MPs on Thursday.
Professor Chris Whitty said the UK was "mainly" in the "delay" phase of the government's four-stage approach to the disease.
contain the virus
the virus delay its transmission
its transmission research its origins
its origins mitigate its impact
As time goes by, there would be measures that involved "changes to society", added Prof Whitty.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Prime Minister Boris Johnson stressed the "overwhelming majority of people" who are infected with coronavirus would suffer only a "mild to moderate illness".
"We are still at the stage where the single best thing we can do... is just wash our hands," he told ITV's This Morning.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Price controls considered in UK to stop hikes in virus essentials

The competition regulator is considering whether to advise the government that price controls may be needed to prevent coronavirus outbreak profiteering .
The Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ) made its announcement hours after the banking sector revealed it was offering help to customers as growing virus disruption threatens payment deadlines .
Meanwhile , the governor of the Bank of England has reiterated that collective action being planned with the Treasury to support the economy would have `` maximum impact '' if deployed .
The CMA said it was urging retailers `` to behave responsibly '' in their pricing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 situation .
The statement threatened enforcement action against firms charging excessive prices - adding that those making `` misleading claims about the efficacy of protective equipment '' would also be targeted .
Members of the public selling on online marketplaces were also warned against charging inflated prices and urged to act responsibly .
Price controls have not been contemplated in the country since the 1960s .
It was earlier revealed that banks could increase overdrafts or allow repayment relief for mortgages to help those `` directly or indirectly '' impacted by COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small and medium sized businesses that are affected , industry body UK Finance said .
Bank of England governor Mark Carney had already said that the economic shock to the UK caused by the outbreak `` could be large '' and figures out earlier this week suggest it is already putting the brakes on growth .
He built on those remarks in a speech at University College London on Thursday evening , saying the Bank 's rate-setting committee was assessing various scenarios and considering the policy implications .
In other words , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who will succeed him at the Bank later this month , told MPs on Wednesday that companies could soon expect help to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruption through coordinated action with the Treasury .
UK Finance , which represents more than 250 firms across the financial sector , outlined how lenders could support people affected .
Chief executive Stephen Jones said : `` Banks , building societies and credit card providers understand that some of their customers may be worried about the effect that contracting the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example due to a drop in income or because of unexpected expenses or bills to pay .
`` All providers are ready and able to offer support to their customers who are impacted directly or indirectly by COVID-19 , which could include offering or increasing an overdraft or allowing repayment relief for loan or mortgage repayments : asking for help early is key . ''
He added that banks and other finance providers also `` recognise that the cashflow of small and medium sized businesses may be disrupted by the coronavirus impacts '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to supporting viable businesses in continuing to trade while they implement their contingency plans '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The intervention comes a day after an announcement by Boris Johnson that workers who need to self-isolate due to the virus will be eligible for sick pay from the first day they are off - rather than from the fourth day as in normal cases .
On Thursday the CBI , the business lobby , called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , among them that it should be extended to all workers - including agency staff and those on zero-hours contracts - who self-isolate in accordance with public health guidance .
Meanwhile , financial markets continue to suffer turbulence as a result of the outbreak .
Last week , global stocks suffered their worst falls since the financial crisis on fears about the virus 's economic impact .
Shares have shown some recovery in recent days , bolstered by the decision of the US Federal Reserve to implement an emergency interest rate cut in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday there were further declines on the FTSE 100 , which was down by 110 points or 1.6 % at the the close - ending the day at 6705 .
It means it is almost 10 % down over the last 10 days .
Other European markets and US stocks endured similar losses .
Financial analysts cited a new round of jitters over the speed of COVID-19 's spread .

The competition regulator is considering whether to advise the government that price controls may be needed to prevent coronavirus outbreak profiteering.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) made its announcement hours after the banking sector revealed it was offering help to customers as growing virus disruption threatens payment deadlines.
Meanwhile, the governor of the Bank of England has reiterated that collective action being planned with the Treasury to support the economy would have "maximum impact" if deployed.
The CMA said it was urging retailers "to behave responsibly" in their pricing of goods and not exploit the evolving COVID-19 situation.
The statement threatened enforcement action against firms charging excessive prices - adding that those making "misleading claims about the efficacy of protective equipment" would also be targeted.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:33 Ad launched to stop the spread of COVID-19
Members of the public selling on online marketplaces were also warned against charging inflated prices and urged to act responsibly.
Price controls have not been contemplated in the country since the 1960s.
It was earlier revealed that banks could increase overdrafts or allow repayment relief for mortgages to help those "directly or indirectly" impacted by COVID-19.
Lenders will also offer support to small and medium sized businesses that are affected, industry body UK Finance said.
Advertisement
Bank of England governor Mark Carney had already said that the economic shock to the UK caused by the outbreak "could be large" and figures out earlier this week suggest it is already putting the brakes on growth.
He built on those remarks in a speech at University College London on Thursday evening, saying the Bank's rate-setting committee was assessing various scenarios and considering the policy implications.
In other words, no decisions have been taken.
Andrew Bailey, who will succeed him at the Bank later this month, told MPs on Wednesday that companies could soon expect help to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruption through coordinated action with the Treasury.
UK Finance, which represents more than 250 firms across the financial sector, outlined how lenders could support people affected.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 Does joint action by Bank and Treasury loom?
Chief executive Stephen Jones said: "Banks, building societies and credit card providers understand that some of their customers may be worried about the effect that contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) could have on their finances, for example due to a drop in income or because of unexpected expenses or bills to pay.
"All providers are ready and able to offer support to their customers who are impacted directly or indirectly by COVID-19, which could include offering or increasing an overdraft or allowing repayment relief for loan or mortgage repayments: asking for help early is key."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:28 RBS 'proactive' in work with firms on virus
He added that banks and other finance providers also "recognise that the cashflow of small and medium sized businesses may be disrupted by the coronavirus impacts".
Mr Jones said lenders were "committed to supporting viable businesses in continuing to trade while they implement their contingency plans".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The intervention comes a day after an announcement by Boris Johnson that workers who need to self-isolate due to the virus will be eligible for sick pay from the first day they are off - rather than from the fourth day as in normal cases.
On Thursday the CBI, the business lobby, called for further reforms to statutory sick pay, among them that it should be extended to all workers - including agency staff and those on zero-hours contracts - who self-isolate in accordance with public health guidance.
Meanwhile, financial markets continue to suffer turbulence as a result of the outbreak.
Last week, global stocks suffered their worst falls since the financial crisis on fears about the virus's economic impact.
Shares have shown some recovery in recent days, bolstered by the decision of the US Federal Reserve to implement an emergency interest rate cut in the world's biggest economy.
But on Thursday there were further declines on the FTSE 100, which was down by 110 points or 1.6% at the the close - ending the day at 6705.
It means it is almost 10% down over the last 10 days.
Other European markets and US stocks endured similar losses.
Financial analysts cited a new round of jitters over the speed of COVID-19's spread.


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Britons stranded on cruise ship off California coast after COVID-19 death

More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California 's coast after a former passenger died from coronavirus and several people on board fell ill .
The Grand Princess , which has more than 3,500 passengers and crew , was due to dock in San Francisco on Wednesday but remains at sea while tests for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , are carried out .
Eleven passengers and 10 crew members on the voyage between Hawaii and San Francisco had reported symptoms that could turn out to be coronavirus , California Governor Gavin Newsom said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to the ship and flown back with samples that will be analysed at a laboratory in the San Francisco Bay area , he added .
A total of 142 UK nationals - including 121 passengers and 21 crew - are on board the ship , the cruise 's operator said .
It comes after three passengers who travelled on the Grand Princess on a previous voyage tested positive for COVID-19 .
One of those passengers - an elderly man with underlying health conditions - died earlier this week in the first coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 remains seriously ill , Mr Newsom said .
A third passenger who had travelled on the ship 's journey between San Francisco and Mexico was confirmed to have the virus on Thursday , Authorities are trying to contact some 2,500 passengers who were on that voyage .
Mr Newsom said the manifest for the Grand Princess ' Hawaii cruise included 50 to 60 passengers who were also on board the Mexico voyage .
The death of the former cruise passenger in California marked the first coronavirus fatality in the United States outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died .
The Grand Princess is being held after more than 3,700 passengers and crew spent nearly a month in quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan due to coronavirus .
A British man in his 70s who was on board the ship died from the virus - the first UK fatality of the global outbreak .
Meanwhile , passengers on the MSC Opera cruise ship were told not to leave the vessel after docking in Greece due to a case of coronavirus .
The Austrian national had stayed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling through northern Italy , which is facing Europe 's biggest outbreak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker More than 2,300 passengers and crew were kept on board the MSC Opera for several hours while officials conducted a review of the ship 's full medical records .
It was then allowed to leave the port city of Piraeus and sail to Corfu as planned , with no passengers and crew reporting illness , MSC Cruises said .

More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California's coast after a former passenger died from coronavirus and several people on board fell ill.
The Grand Princess, which has more than 3,500 passengers and crew, was due to dock in San Francisco on Wednesday but remains at sea while tests for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, are carried out.
Eleven passengers and 10 crew members on the voyage between Hawaii and San Francisco had reported symptoms that could turn out to be coronavirus, California Governor Gavin Newsom said.
Coronavirus testing kits are being flown out to the ship and flown back with samples that will be analysed at a laboratory in the San Francisco Bay area, he added.
A total of 142 UK nationals - including 121 passengers and 21 crew - are on board the ship, the cruise's operator said.
It comes after three passengers who travelled on the Grand Princess on a previous voyage tested positive for COVID-19.
One of those passengers - an elderly man with underlying health conditions - died earlier this week in the first coronavirus fatality in California.
Another passenger with COVID-19 remains seriously ill, Mr Newsom said.
A third passenger who had travelled on the ship's journey between San Francisco and Mexico was confirmed to have the virus on Thursday,
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Image: California Governor Gavin Newsom said the ship would remain at sea while tests are carried out
Authorities are trying to contact some 2,500 passengers who were on that voyage.
Mr Newsom said the manifest for the Grand Princess' Hawaii cruise included 50 to 60 passengers who were also on board the Mexico voyage.
The death of the former cruise passenger in California marked the first coronavirus fatality in the United States outside of Washington state, where 10 people have died.
The Grand Princess is being held after more than 3,700 passengers and crew spent nearly a month in quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan due to coronavirus.
A British man in his 70s who was on board the ship died from the virus - the first UK fatality of the global outbreak.
Meanwhile, passengers on the MSC Opera cruise ship were told not to leave the vessel after docking in Greece due to a case of coronavirus.
The Austrian national had stayed on the ship during a previous voyage before travelling through northern Italy, which is facing Europe's biggest outbreak.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
More than 2,300 passengers and crew were kept on board the MSC Opera for several hours while officials conducted a review of the ship's full medical records.
It was then allowed to leave the port city of Piraeus and sail to Corfu as planned, with no passengers and crew reporting illness, MSC Cruises said.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: UK moving to 'delay' phase of COVID-19 response, says chief medical officer

The UK is moving into the next stage of its response to the coronavirus outbreak , England 's chief medical officer has told MPs .
Professor Chris Whitty said the UK was `` mainly '' in the `` delay '' phase of the government 's four-stage approach to COVID-19 .
Efforts had initially been made to try and contain the spread of the disease , but Prof Whitty - who is helping to coordinate the UK 's response - said it was now `` optimistic '' to believe this could be a success .
`` We have moved from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with some delay built in , to we are now mainly delay , '' he told the House of Commons health committee .
The UK is now hoping to push back the peak of a coronavirus outbreak until the summer months , when there will be less winter pressures on the NHS and will allow more time to research the disease .
However , the prime minister 's spokesman later sought to clarify that the UK was still in the contain phase and , if a decision is made to move to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be announced publicly .
After hearing from Prof Whitty , former Conservative leadership contender and now health committee chair Jeremy Hunt told Sky News : `` The virus has now moved from contain to delay stage .
`` There are very active preparations for the final stage , the mitigate stage . ''
Prof Whitty also outlined how there could possibly be a seasonal element to COVID-19 , which means the rate of transmission slows down in warmer weather .
As the government moves through the various stages of its coronavirus response , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could include closing schools , reducing large scale gatherings and encouraging working from home .
Non-urgent NHS operations could be postponed , retired doctors might be called back to work , and police could be told to concentrate on only serious crime , the government has also said .
The four stages of UK 's coronavirus response : As time goes by , there would be measures that involved `` changes to society '' , Prof Whitty said .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson stressed the `` overwhelming majority of people '' who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` mild to moderate illness '' .
`` We are still at the stage where the single best thing we can do ... is just wash our hands , '' he told ITV 's This Morning .
Mr Johnson said the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) was on Thursday considering a range of options to delay the spread of the disease .
`` At the moment what they are telling me is , actually , slightly counter-intuitively , things like closing schools and stopping big gatherings do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in stopping the spread , '' he said .
The prime minister denied the government was witholding information about the virus following criticism of a move away from providing daily updates on the locations of new UK cases .
He said : `` Let me clear that up immediately because it is very important that we are transparent , people understand that we are transparent .
`` Public Health England needs to be absolutely sure about the diagnosis of these cases so what they are doing is they are immediately identifying the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then within 24 hours confirming the exact location to be sure that we have got the right thing . ''
The prime minister suggested there would be help for businesses impacted by coronavirus in next week 's budget .
Prof Whitty admitted there had been a `` communications fumble '' over the reporting of information of the location of each new COVID-19 case .
`` We are intending to provide geographical information - in fact , in the medium term we will provide a lot more information with maps and other things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gradually move into a phase where there are many more cases , '' he said .
`` What we are , though , intending to do is have some delay - about 24 hours - to be absolutely sure we 've got the details right . ''
• Flybe collapses amid a steep fall in bookings due to the coronavirus outbreak • England 's Six Nations game against Italy in Rome on 14 March has been postponed • HSBC has evacuated its entire research department and parts of its trading floor at its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff tested positive for coronavirus .
• The coronavirus death toll in the worst-affected Italian region of Lombardy has risen to 98 from 73 the day before , according to officials • Bedelsford School in Kingston has become the latest school to close for deep cleaning as a precaution after a staff member was tested for coronavirus following a trip abroad .
• Italy shuts down all schools and universities until 15 March and confirms 107 people have now died from the virus • The Church of the Nativity in the biblical city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears , according to Palestinian authorities .
• There are more than 95,700 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,280 deaths The current number of COVID-19 cases in the UK stands at 90 , but Prof Whitty is `` expecting the number only to go up '' later on Thursday and over the coming weeks .
`` There are now several , not large numbers but several cases where we ca n't see where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear transmission - either because someone 's come directly from overseas , or they 've had close contact with someone who 's recently returned from overseas , '' he added .
`` That makes it highly likely , therefore , there is some level of community transmission of this virus in the UK now . ''
Prof Whitty said he had a `` reasonably high degree of confidence '' that 1 % is at the `` upper limit '' of the death rate for coronavirus .
But , although the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number '' as a proportion , it might be a `` large absolute number '' depending on how many are infected , he added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker MPs were told there are plans in place if mortuaries struggle for space amid an increase in deaths , but Prof Whitty stressed that , even for high-risk age groups , contracting COVID-19 did not mean you would be `` a goner '' .
There is about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus and the onset of symptoms , he said .
Prof Whitty said there was `` no need '' for Britons to stockpile food or medicine , saying the impact of the virus would be `` a marathon not a sprint '' , but he suggested now `` is a very good moment '' for smokers to quit .

The UK is moving into the next stage of its response to the coronavirus outbreak, England's chief medical officer has told MPs.
Professor Chris Whitty said the UK was "mainly" in the "delay" phase of the government's four-stage approach to COVID-19.
Efforts had initially been made to try and contain the spread of the disease, but Prof Whitty - who is helping to coordinate the UK's response - said it was now "optimistic" to believe this could be a success.
"We have moved from a situation where we are mainly in contain, with some delay built in, to we are now mainly delay," he told the House of Commons health committee.
The UK is now hoping to push back the peak of a coronavirus outbreak until the summer months, when there will be less winter pressures on the NHS and will allow more time to research the disease.
However, the prime minister's spokesman later sought to clarify that the UK was still in the contain phase and, if a decision is made to move to the delay stage, then it would be announced publicly.
After hearing from Prof Whitty, former Conservative leadership contender and now health committee chair Jeremy Hunt told Sky News: "The virus has now moved from contain to delay stage.
"There are very active preparations for the final stage, the mitigate stage."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
Prof Whitty also outlined how there could possibly be a seasonal element to COVID-19, which means the rate of transmission slows down in warmer weather.
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As the government moves through the various stages of its coronavirus response, it will take increasing action.
This could include closing schools, reducing large scale gatherings and encouraging working from home.
Non-urgent NHS operations could be postponed, retired doctors might be called back to work, and police could be told to concentrate on only serious crime, the government has also said.
The four stages of UK's coronavirus response:
contain the virus
the virus delay its transmission
its transmission research its origins
its origins mitigate its impact
As time goes by, there would be measures that involved "changes to society", Prof Whitty said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson stressed the "overwhelming majority of people" who are infected with coronavirus would suffer only a "mild to moderate illness".
"We are still at the stage where the single best thing we can do... is just wash our hands," he told ITV's This Morning.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:06 What the UK can learn from China and Italy
Mr Johnson said the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) was on Thursday considering a range of options to delay the spread of the disease.
"At the moment what they are telling me is, actually, slightly counter-intuitively, things like closing schools and stopping big gatherings don't work as well perhaps as people think in stopping the spread," he said.
The prime minister denied the government was witholding information about the virus following criticism of a move away from providing daily updates on the locations of new UK cases.
He said: "Let me clear that up immediately because it is very important that we are transparent, people understand that we are transparent.
"Public Health England needs to be absolutely sure about the diagnosis of these cases so what they are doing is they are immediately identifying the region where they think there's an incidence and then within 24 hours confirming the exact location to be sure that we have got the right thing."
The prime minister suggested there would be help for businesses impacted by coronavirus in next week's budget.
Image: Professor Chris Whitty is helping to coordinate the UK's response
Prof Whitty admitted there had been a "communications fumble" over the reporting of information of the location of each new COVID-19 case.
"We are intending to provide geographical information - in fact, in the medium term we will provide a lot more information with maps and other things, with a proper dashboard as we gradually move into a phase where there are many more cases," he said.
"What we are, though, intending to do is have some delay - about 24 hours - to be absolutely sure we've got the details right."
In other developments:
Flybe collapses amid a steep fall in bookings due to the coronavirus outbreak
amid a steep fall in bookings due to the coronavirus outbreak England's Six Nations game against Italy in Rome on 14 March has been postponed
against Italy in Rome on 14 March has been postponed HSBC has evacuated its entire research department and parts of its trading floor at its Canary Wharf offices after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.
The coronavirus death toll in the worst-affected Italian region of Lombardy has risen to 98 from 73 the day before, according to officials
Bedelsford School in Kingston has become the latest school to close for deep cleaning as a precaution after a staff member was tested for coronavirus following a trip abroad.
Italy shuts down all schools and universities until 15 March and confirms 107 people have now died from the virus
Switzerland reports its first coronavirus death
The Church of the Nativity in the biblical city of Bethlehem has closed indefinitely over COVID-19 fears, according to Palestinian authorities.
There are more than 95,700 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,280 deaths
The current number of COVID-19 cases in the UK stands at 90, but Prof Whitty is "expecting the number only to go up" later on Thursday and over the coming weeks.
"There are now several, not large numbers but several cases where we can't see where this has come from in terms of a clear transmission - either because someone's come directly from overseas, or they've had close contact with someone who's recently returned from overseas," he added.
"That makes it highly likely, therefore, there is some level of community transmission of this virus in the UK now."
Prof Whitty said he had a "reasonably high degree of confidence" that 1% is at the "upper limit" of the death rate for coronavirus.
But, although the number of deaths could be a "very small number" as a proportion, it might be a "large absolute number" depending on how many are infected, he added.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
MPs were told there are plans in place if mortuaries struggle for space amid an increase in deaths, but Prof Whitty stressed that, even for high-risk age groups, contracting COVID-19 did not mean you would be "a goner".
There is about a five-day period between being infected by the virus and the onset of symptoms, he said.
Prof Whitty said there was "no need" for Britons to stockpile food or medicine, saying the impact of the virus would be "a marathon not a sprint", but he suggested now "is a very good moment" for smokers to quit.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-01-24--Coronavirus outbreak: First confirmed cases in Europe as France declares three infections

The new strain of coronavirus has reached Europe after France confirmed three cases .
A 48-year-old man is being treated in a Bordeaux hospital in the southwest of the country after testing positive .
He had passed through the Chinese city of Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak - before arriving in France on Wednesday .
Two other people are in hospital in Paris .
They also travelled to China and are believed to belong to the same family .
Health minister Agnes Buzyn said France has developed a test doctors can use to quickly diagnose patients and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first European nation to confirm cases .
Ms Buzyn predicted there would probably be more positive tests in her country .
It comes as the United States announced a second case after a woman was found to have contracted the strain .
She is in her 60s and is being treated in a Chicago hospital where she is reportedly doing well .
She had travelled to Wuhan in December before flying home to Illinois .
China announced today it is building a new 1,000-bed hospital in just six days to treat victims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the structure in Wuhan in the style of a facility Beijing constructed during the SARS epidemic 17 years ago .
Machinery including 35 diggers and 10 bulldozers arrived at the site on Thursday night , with the aim of the hospital being operational by 3 February .
It comes as the coronavirus death toll in China increased to 41 and the number of confirmed cases around the world was 1,287 .
Lockdowns to contain the new virus have been extended to at least 10 cities - including nine in Hubei province - effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspension of public transport services , while some cities have also shut public venues such as temples and cinemas .
Authorities have warned of more stringent and targeted measures .
`` The spread of the virus has not been cut off .
Local authorities should take more responsibility and have a stronger sense of urgency , '' state broadcaster CCTV said .
Veronica Theobald , from Lancaster , is visiting her grandson , Kharn Lambert , who has lived in the city for five years .
The 81-year-old has chronic obstructive pulmonary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where she is staying in over a week .
She was due to fly back to England on Monday - but she is unable to with the city in lockdown .
Mr Lambert , a PE teacher , said : `` There is no knowing how long she will have to stay here , and I 'm worried about her running out of the medication she needs for her health so I 'm in constant contact with the British embassy .
`` I do worry if I have to go out for whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the house and she will become infected and fall ill. '' My family at home are extremely concerned about her , but I 'm trying hard to reassure them that I am taking the best care of her as I can . ''
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has declared the outbreak an emergency but said it was `` too early '' to consider it a `` public health emergency of international concern '' given `` its restrictive and binary nature '' .
WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is an emergency in China .
`` But it has not yet become a global health emergency .
It may yet become one . ''
What do we know about the new virus ?
There is no vaccine for the new viral infection , which can cause pneumonia and can be passed from person to person .
Though the origin of the virus has yet to be identified , the WHO has said the primary source is probably an animal .
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SARS - which killed nearly 800 people during the 2002-03 outbreak .
When a new strain emerges that has not yet been identified , as with the current outbreak , it becomes known as a novel coronavirus ( nCoV ) .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker What about the rest of the world ?
Overseas , five cases have been found in Thailand , three in Singapore and Taiwan , two in the US , Hong Kong , Japan , South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Macau , and one in Nepal .
In Singapore , schools have asked parents to declare their overseas holiday plans as authorities screen travellers at air , land and sea checkpoints to combat the spread of the deadly virus .
Airports around the world - including in Dubai , Australia and South Africa - have stepped up screening of travellers arriving from affected regions .
In the UK , 14 people have been checked for coronavirus - all have tested negative , Public Health England said .
Measures are also in force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , including taking aircraft to a special designated area of Heathrow 's Terminal 4 .

The new strain of coronavirus has reached Europe after France confirmed three cases.
A 48-year-old man is being treated in a Bordeaux hospital in the southwest of the country after testing positive.
He had passed through the Chinese city of Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak - before arriving in France on Wednesday.
Two other people are in hospital in Paris. They also travelled to China and are believed to belong to the same family.
Image: The deadly virus has killed 41 people in China
Health minister Agnes Buzyn said France has developed a test doctors can use to quickly diagnose patients and this was one reason why it was the first European nation to confirm cases.
Ms Buzyn predicted there would probably be more positive tests in her country.
It comes as the United States announced a second case after a woman was found to have contracted the strain.
She is in her 60s and is being treated in a Chicago hospital where she is reportedly doing well. She had travelled to Wuhan in December before flying home to Illinois.
China announced today it is building a new 1,000-bed hospital in just six days to treat victims of the virus.
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Work has started on the structure in Wuhan in the style of a facility Beijing constructed during the SARS epidemic 17 years ago.
Machinery including 35 diggers and 10 bulldozers arrived at the site on Thursday night, with the aim of the hospital being operational by 3 February.
It comes as the coronavirus death toll in China increased to 41 and the number of confirmed cases around the world was 1,287.
Lockdowns to contain the new virus have been extended to at least 10 cities - including nine in Hubei province - effectively isolating 33 million people.
Restrictions include the suspension of public transport services, while some cities have also shut public venues such as temples and cinemas.
Authorities have warned of more stringent and targeted measures.
"The spread of the virus has not been cut off. Local authorities should take more responsibility and have a stronger sense of urgency," state broadcaster CCTV said.
British grandmother trapped in Wuhan
Veronica Theobald, from Lancaster, is visiting her grandson, Kharn Lambert, who has lived in the city for five years.
The 81-year-old has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and has not left the house where she is staying in over a week.
Image: Kharn Lambert says he is worried about his grandmother running out of her medication
She was due to fly back to England on Monday - but she is unable to with the city in lockdown.
Mr Lambert, a PE teacher, said: "There is no knowing how long she will have to stay here, and I'm worried about her running out of the medication she needs for her health so I'm in constant contact with the British embassy.
"I do worry if I have to go out for whatever reason that I will bring something back into the house and she will become infected and fall ill.
"My family at home are extremely concerned about her, but I'm trying hard to reassure them that I am taking the best care of her as I can."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 City of Wuhan in China is 'like a ghost town'
Is it a global health emergency?
Not yet.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak an emergency but said it was "too early" to consider it a "public health emergency of international concern" given "its restrictive and binary nature".
WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Make no mistake, though, this is an emergency in China.
"But it has not yet become a global health emergency. It may yet become one."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
What do we know about the new virus?
There is no vaccine for the new viral infection, which can cause pneumonia and can be passed from person to person.
The symptoms include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.
Though the origin of the virus has yet to be identified, the WHO has said the primary source is probably an animal.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as SARS - which killed nearly 800 people during the 2002-03 outbreak.
When a new strain emerges that has not yet been identified, as with the current outbreak, it becomes known as a novel coronavirus (nCoV).
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
What about the rest of the world?
Overseas, five cases have been found in Thailand, three in Singapore and Taiwan, two in the US, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the autonomous region of Macau, and one in Nepal.
In Singapore, schools have asked parents to declare their overseas holiday plans as authorities screen travellers at air, land and sea checkpoints to combat the spread of the deadly virus.
Image: People have been wearing masks in affected regions, including Thailand, where cases of coronavirus have been confirmed
Airports around the world - including in Dubai, Australia and South Africa - have stepped up screening of travellers arriving from affected regions.
In the UK, 14 people have been checked for coronavirus - all have tested negative, Public Health England said.
Measures are also in force in the UK to guard against the virus, including taking aircraft to a special designated area of Heathrow's Terminal 4.


news--2020-01-24--Coronavirus: China faces economic hit from deadly outbreak

Beijing 's Forbidden City , part of the Great Wall and Shanghai Disneyland are among the attractions to close as China moves to contain a deadly virus that threatens to take an economic as well as a human toll .
The country has introduced travel restrictions affecting more than 30 million people across 10 of its cities in Hubei province , including Wuhan , the epicentre of the infection .
So far 26 people have died in China , with more than 800 infected .
In response to the crisis , McDonald 's has temporarily shut outlets in five cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and airlines are offering refunds to people travelling to the country .
The owner of Uniqlo has closed 17 of its shops in Wuhan , with the Swedish flat-pack giant Ikea following suit with its superstore at the request of authorities .
Film premieres have also been postponed .
With parts of the country in virtual lockdown at the start of the usually busy week-long holiday to mark the Lunar New Year , the virus is expected to damage China 's growth after months of economic worries over trade tensions with the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first quarter could be hit by about one percentage point , with tourism , retail and hospitality all set to take an impact .
Shares in luxury goods firms have suffered from the anticipated drop in demand from China , and French spirits group Remy Cointreau said it was `` clearly concerned '' about the potential impact .
However , global stock markets , including London 's top-flight FTSE 100 , rose after the outbreak was not declared a global emergency .
Gareth Leather from the research consultancy Capital Economics told Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) , which also began in China and killed nearly 800 people , may give an indication on the likely impact of the latest virus .
Speaking to the Ian King Live programme , he said : `` If you look at 2003 , the sectors of the economy in China that were hardest hit and also across the rest of Asia were things such as tourism , retail sales , restaurants .
`` People were afraid to go out shopping , go out to the movies ... and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But as soon as SARS stopped and was brought under control they rebounded again quite strongly .
`` The chances are if its a similar kind of outbreak you will get a short , sharp downturn and then rebounding pretty quickly . ''
But given it coinciding with celebrations to mark the Year of the Rat , he added : `` In terms of the timing it could n't really be worse . ''
Mr Leather also warned it was not just China which would take an economic hit , with Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to feel the impact from the drop in tourism .
Meanwhile , Gloria Guevara , president of the London-based World Travel and Tourism Council ( WTTC ) , said transparent communication was vital to `` contain panic and mitigate negative economic losses '' .
The group had estimated the previous SARS outbreak of 2003 cost the global travel and tourism sector up to £38bn .
Ms Guevara said : `` The most effective management of a crisis requires rapid activation of effective emergency plans , and we can see that in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese government has acted rapidly .
`` However , quick , accurate and transparent communication is also crucial in order to contain panic and mitigate negative economic losses .
Containing the spread of unnecessary panic is as important as stopping the virus itself . ''

Beijing's Forbidden City, part of the Great Wall and Shanghai Disneyland are among the attractions to close as China moves to contain a deadly virus that threatens to take an economic as well as a human toll.
The country has introduced travel restrictions affecting more than 30 million people across 10 of its cities in Hubei province, including Wuhan, the epicentre of the infection.
So far 26 people have died in China, with more than 800 infected.
Image: Shanghai Disneyland is closed to the public during what is usually a busy holiday period
In response to the crisis, McDonald's has temporarily shut outlets in five cities following the coronavirus outbreak, while hotels and airlines are offering refunds to people travelling to the country.
The owner of Uniqlo has closed 17 of its shops in Wuhan, with the Swedish flat-pack giant Ikea following suit with its superstore at the request of authorities.
Film premieres have also been postponed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
With parts of the country in virtual lockdown at the start of the usually busy week-long holiday to mark the Lunar New Year, the virus is expected to damage China's growth after months of economic worries over trade tensions with the US.
Economists estimate China's GDP for the first quarter could be hit by about one percentage point, with tourism, retail and hospitality all set to take an impact.
Shares in luxury goods firms have suffered from the anticipated drop in demand from China, and French spirits group Remy Cointreau said it was "clearly concerned" about the potential impact.
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However, global stock markets, including London's top-flight FTSE 100, rose after the outbreak was not declared a global emergency.
Gareth Leather from the research consultancy Capital Economics told Sky News the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which also began in China and killed nearly 800 people, may give an indication on the likely impact of the latest virus.
Speaking to the Ian King Live programme, he said: "If you look at 2003, the sectors of the economy in China that were hardest hit and also across the rest of Asia were things such as tourism, retail sales, restaurants.
"People were afraid to go out shopping, go out to the movies... and so all those sectors plummeted.
"But as soon as SARS stopped and was brought under control they rebounded again quite strongly.
"The chances are if its a similar kind of outbreak you will get a short, sharp downturn and then rebounding pretty quickly."
But given it coinciding with celebrations to mark the Year of the Rat, he added: "In terms of the timing it couldn't really be worse."
Mr Leather also warned it was not just China which would take an economic hit, with Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia all set to feel the impact from the drop in tourism.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:51 China faces 'short, sharp downturn'
Meanwhile, Gloria Guevara, president of the London-based World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), said transparent communication was vital to "contain panic and mitigate negative economic losses".
The group had estimated the previous SARS outbreak of 2003 cost the global travel and tourism sector up to £38bn.
Ms Guevara said: "The most effective management of a crisis requires rapid activation of effective emergency plans, and we can see that in the early days of this outbreak, the Chinese government has acted rapidly.
"However, quick, accurate and transparent communication is also crucial in order to contain panic and mitigate negative economic losses. Containing the spread of unnecessary panic is as important as stopping the virus itself."