news--2020-03-02--Peter Andre denies refusing to touch fans over coronavirus fears

Peter Andre has denied that he refused to touch fans over coronavirus fears at a recent event - insisting he `` hugged everyone '' he met .
The singer appeared at a Q & A event in Southampton on Saturday , and said he was surprised to learn signs had been posted warning fans not to take selfies or have physical contact with him .
It comes as Boris Johnson warned the coronavirus outbreak is `` likely to become more significant '' across the UK in the coming days and weeks .
Several celebrities have been sharing advice - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , and artists including Stormzy , BTS and Avril Lavigne have also cancelled gigs in Asia due to the virus .
But Andre , famous for hits including Mysterious Girl and Insania , does n't seem to be worrying about it just yet .
Speaking about the event in Southampton , he wrote on Twitter : `` Ok this must be a wind up because I hugged Everyone I met .
`` People were saying to me that they had been told not to touch me and that there were signs.I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am now officially a diva without being a diva .
`` On a serious note though do n't touch me 😂 . ''
A picture of a sign , apparently posted at Southampton Central Hall at the An Evening With Peter Andre event , was shared on Twitter , reading : `` Due to recent cases of the coronavirus please DO NOT have any physical contact with Peter Andre .
`` Please DO NOT take any selfies with Peter Andre .
After pictures of the poster circulated on social media , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
Various cultural and sporting events have so far been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak , including Six Nations rugby matches and the Tokyo marathon .
Stars including Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson have also shared pictures of themselves wearing masks while travelling .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A spokesman for the Southampton venue did not want to comment on Andre 's post .
Sky News has contacted representatives for Andre for comment .

Peter Andre has denied that he refused to touch fans over coronavirus fears at a recent event - insisting he "hugged everyone" he met.
The singer appeared at a Q&A event in Southampton on Saturday, and said he was surprised to learn signs had been posted warning fans not to take selfies or have physical contact with him.
It comes as Boris Johnson warned the coronavirus outbreak is "likely to become more significant" across the UK in the coming days and weeks.
Several celebrities have been sharing advice - and selfies - as the outbreak continues across the world, and artists including Stormzy, BTS and Avril Lavigne have also cancelled gigs in Asia due to the virus.
But Andre, famous for hits including Mysterious Girl and Insania, doesn't seem to be worrying about it just yet.
Speaking about the event in Southampton, he wrote on Twitter: "Ok this must be a wind up because I hugged Everyone I met.
"People were saying to me that they had been told not to touch me and that there were signs.I thought they were joking. Brilliant.
"I am now officially a diva without being a diva.
"On a serious note though don't touch me 😂."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 Coronavirus: How to contain a global pandemic
A picture of a sign, apparently posted at Southampton Central Hall at the An Evening With Peter Andre event, was shared on Twitter, reading: "Due to recent cases of the coronavirus please DO NOT have any physical contact with Peter Andre.
"Please DO NOT take any selfies with Peter Andre.
"Apologies for any inconvenience."
After pictures of the poster circulated on social media, Peter Andre started trending on Twitter in the UK.
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Various cultural and sporting events have so far been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, including Six Nations rugby matches and the Tokyo marathon.
Stars including Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson have also shared pictures of themselves wearing masks while travelling.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A spokesman for the Southampton venue did not want to comment on Andre's post.
Sky News has contacted representatives for Andre for comment.


news--2020-03-02--Hand sanitiser sales rose 255% last month amid coronavirus concerns

Sales of hand sanitiser rose by 255 % in February amid concerns about the coronavirus outbreak , according to latest supermarket industry figures .
Kantar also said that other kinds of liquid soap saw sales increase by 7 % while 10 % more was spent on household cleaners as well as painkillers .
Fraser McKevitt , head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar , said : `` Given the media focus around the outbreak of COVID-19 in February , it 's unsurprising to see shoppers prudently protecting themselves from illness . ''
The figures come a day after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales of hand sanitiser had risen `` as individuals and businesses make sensible precautions to reduce the spread of coronavirus '' .
It also said that retailers were `` taking necessary steps to meet the rise in demand for certain hygiene products '' .
The BRC added : `` Disruption to supply chains has been limited , and the availability of products remains good .
`` Retailers are working closely with their suppliers and monitoring consumer behaviour to anticipate changes in future demand . ''
Waitrose also said it had seen higher demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hand sanitisers and was working closely with suppliers to ensure stock was available .
Meanwhile , online retailer Ocado has told some customers that it was seeing `` exceptionally high demand '' - and advised them to place orders further in advance than they normally would .
In an email sent on Friday , the company said : `` More people than usual seem to be placing particularly large orders .
`` As a result , delivery slots are selling out quicker than expected . ''
Tesco , Sainsbury 's , Asda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked if they had seen an upturn in demand amid worries about the outbreak .
It emerged over the weekend that Tesco had sold out of most of its range of antibacterial hand sanitisers online .

Sales of hand sanitiser rose by 255% in February amid concerns about the coronavirus outbreak, according to latest supermarket industry figures.
Data company Kantar confirmed the trend previously reported by a retail industry body.
Kantar also said that other kinds of liquid soap saw sales increase by 7% while 10% more was spent on household cleaners as well as painkillers.
Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar, said: "Given the media focus around the outbreak of COVID-19 in February, it's unsurprising to see shoppers prudently protecting themselves from illness."
Image: Ocado emailed customers on Friday about 'exceptionally high demand'
The figures come a day after the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said sales of hand sanitiser had risen "as individuals and businesses make sensible precautions to reduce the spread of coronavirus".
It also said that retailers were "taking necessary steps to meet the rise in demand for certain hygiene products".
The BRC added: "Disruption to supply chains has been limited, and the availability of products remains good.
"Retailers are working closely with their suppliers and monitoring consumer behaviour to anticipate changes in future demand."
Waitrose also said it had seen higher demand for certain products such as cleaning products and hand sanitisers and was working closely with suppliers to ensure stock was available.
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Image: Supermarket Tesco has sold out of several anti-bacterial hand sanitisers online
Meanwhile, online retailer Ocado has told some customers that it was seeing "exceptionally high demand" - and advised them to place orders further in advance than they normally would.
In an email sent on Friday, the company said: "More people than usual seem to be placing particularly large orders.
"As a result, delivery slots are selling out quicker than expected."
Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons did not immediately respond when asked if they had seen an upturn in demand amid worries about the outbreak.
It emerged over the weekend that Tesco had sold out of most of its range of antibacterial hand sanitisers online.


news--2020-03-02--Coronavirus: The desperate dilemma at the heart of the COVID-19 outbreak

Coronavirus : The desperate dilemma at the heart of the COVID-19 outbreak Coronavirus : The desperate dilemma at the heart of the COVID-19 outbreak Here is the desperate dilemma at the heart of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Solving the outbreak and saving people 's lives means inflicting damage on your economy - economic damage that could also harm people 's lives .
Confining people at home , shutting down workplaces and schools , encouraging people not to go out to pubs and restaurants and shopping malls : it is a surefire way to dampen both supply and demand of activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address one crisis , it provokes another one altogether : an economic crisis where people potentially run short of money and face worse life outcomes as a direct result .
It is worth bearing this in mind when considering the impact of the outbreak .
Of course : lives being lost and people 's health being at risk is the primary worry here .
But the economic knock-on consequences are just as real .
And , ironically enough , when it comes to the economic toll the behaviour of healthy people could cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic damage than the behaviour of those who are infected with the disease .
This is why the outbreak has caused the biggest weekly dent on share prices since the financial crisis .
It is why , today , the Paris-based OECD has slashed its forecasts for global ( and for that matter UK ) economic growth .
And there was an ominous nuance buried in the OECD 's forecasts .
When their Economic Outlook was sent to the publishers last week the central set of forecasts was described as their `` base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OECD is describing those central forecasts as a `` best case scenario '' .
That is how fast this is moving .
What does that `` best case '' look like ?
Well for one thing , the UK 's nascent economic recovery is over .
The OECD was planning to upgrade UK growth until coronavirus came along .
Now it expects this country 's economy to grow by only 0.8 % this year - the weakest since the financial crisis .
The rest of the world is similarly affected : nearly every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecasts slashed .
One or two countries had unchanged forecasts - but this was primarily Southern Hemisphere nations which , as of yet , have n't had major outbreaks and have n't had to impose containment measures .
Again : it 's the containment measures that cause most of the economic damage .
Damage to tourism ; to computer and electronic equipment manufacturers as they shut down factories ; to car factories doing likewise , either because their workers are at risk or because the parts they rely on are no longer arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; to the entertainment and leisure sector , where activity is expected to plummet as concerts and events are cancelled ; to education ; to everything , says the OECD 's chief economist Laurence Boone , `` with collective meetings '' .
The OECD also published what they called a `` domino scenario '' and it 's considerably more scary .
It entails recessions across almost all of Europe , including the UK .
It implies a global slump that gets close to what we saw in the financial crisis .
And this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it still assumes most of the Southern Hemisphere escapes unaffected .
And here is the awkward thing : much of the ammunition used by policymakers during the financial crisis is already spent .
Interest rates are still near rock bottom in many economies , including the UK .
Even if central bankers cut rates , it 's not altogether clear that would make all that much difference .
And were governments to step in with tax cuts , that might help a bit - but not necessarily .
There are some obvious areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money : on health facilities , on testing and on ensuring everyone who gets infected with COVID-19 can have the best available treatment .
But beyond this , what 's actually most needed is not money but time .
Households who are n't able to work because of the outbreak will need time and forbearance from their mortgage , energy and food bills .
Businesses unable to produce will need time to get back up and running without facing unnecessary tax bills .
Expect a lot of special measures such as the above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , which will be far more focused on coronavirus than is currently expected .
The good news is that even following a severe outbreak , the damage should only last months rather than years , and that much of it should bounce back afterwards .
But there is a more extreme scenario , in which COVID-19 proves to be the final nail in the coffin for the current era of hyperglobalisation .
Globalisation - whereby the world is interconnected at various levels - is already under threat .
From Donald Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic diplomacy ; from Brexit which will involve the erection of trade barriers between Britain and Europe ; from the rise of national movements which rail against `` citizens of the world '' .
Now comes the coronavirus , itself an agent of deglobalisation , forcing companies to localise their supply chains ( because those in China and other countries are themselves shut down ) , forcing tourists to stay home and preventing workers from doing business travel , forcing people to reconsider whether `` just in time '' manufacturing , whereby you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before you assemble them into a product , is really the best way to run their businesses .
This is more than a trivial concern .
The world 's collective economic model relies on the relatively free movement of goods and people from one place to another .
Yet this model is under threat at every turn - you only need look at the scenes on Greece 's border with Turkey for further vivid examples .
COVID-19 has the potential to accelerate this process , with far more lasting effects for the way @ @ @ @ @ @

Sky's economics editor Ed Conway sees COVID-19 threatening the way the world does business in the long term.
Coronavirus: The desperate dilemma at the heart of the COVID-19 outbreak
Here is the desperate dilemma at the heart of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Solving the outbreak and saving people's lives means inflicting damage on your economy - economic damage that could also harm people's lives.
Confining people at home, shutting down workplaces and schools, encouraging people not to go out to pubs and restaurants and shopping malls: it is a surefire way to dampen both supply and demand of activity.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:17 Coronavirus market crash: Behind the numbers
So while containment might well help address one crisis, it provokes another one altogether: an economic crisis where people potentially run short of money and face worse life outcomes as a direct result.
It is worth bearing this in mind when considering the impact of the outbreak.
Of course: lives being lost and people's health being at risk is the primary worry here.
But the economic knock-on consequences are just as real. And, ironically enough, when it comes to the economic toll the behaviour of healthy people could cause as much, if not more, economic damage than the behaviour of those who are infected with the disease.
This is why the outbreak has caused the biggest weekly dent on share prices since the financial crisis.
Image: Officials have been keeping a close eye on the spread of the coronavirus
It is why, today, the Paris-based OECD has slashed its forecasts for global (and for that matter UK) economic growth.
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And there was an ominous nuance buried in the OECD's forecasts.
When their Economic Outlook was sent to the publishers last week the central set of forecasts was described as their "base case".
On Monday, the OECD is describing those central forecasts as a "best case scenario". That is how fast this is moving.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:46 'UK could face economic downgrade'
What does that "best case" look like? Well for one thing, the UK's nascent economic recovery is over.
The OECD was planning to upgrade UK growth until coronavirus came along.
Now it expects this country's economy to grow by only 0.8% this year - the weakest since the financial crisis.
The rest of the world is similarly affected: nearly every country in the world saw its growth forecasts slashed.
One or two countries had unchanged forecasts - but this was primarily Southern Hemisphere nations which, as of yet, haven't had major outbreaks and haven't had to impose containment measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:16 Are coronavirus fears justified?
Again: it's the containment measures that cause most of the economic damage.
Damage to tourism; to computer and electronic equipment manufacturers as they shut down factories; to car factories doing likewise, either because their workers are at risk or because the parts they rely on are no longer arriving from elsewhere; to the pharmaceutical sector; to the entertainment and leisure sector, where activity is expected to plummet as concerts and events are cancelled; to education; to everything, says the OECD's chief economist Laurence Boone, "with collective meetings".
The OECD also published what they called a "domino scenario" and it's considerably more scary.
It entails recessions across almost all of Europe, including the UK. It implies a global slump that gets close to what we saw in the financial crisis. And this is not even their worst-case scenario since it still assumes most of the Southern Hemisphere escapes unaffected.
And here is the awkward thing: much of the ammunition used by policymakers during the financial crisis is already spent.
Interest rates are still near rock bottom in many economies, including the UK. Even if central bankers cut rates, it's not altogether clear that would make all that much difference. And were governments to step in with tax cuts, that might help a bit - but not necessarily.
There are some obvious areas where governments can spend a bit of money: on health facilities, on testing and on ensuring everyone who gets infected with COVID-19 can have the best available treatment.
But beyond this, what's actually most needed is not money but time.
Households who aren't able to work because of the outbreak will need time and forbearance from their mortgage, energy and food bills.
Image: Chancellor Rishi Sunak is due to outline his first budget next week
Businesses unable to produce will need time to get back up and running without facing unnecessary tax bills.
Expect a lot of special measures such as the above in Rishi Sunak's first Budget next week, which will be far more focused on coronavirus than is currently expected.
The good news is that even following a severe outbreak, the damage should only last months rather than years, and that much of it should bounce back afterwards.
But there is a more extreme scenario, in which COVID-19 proves to be the final nail in the coffin for the current era of hyperglobalisation.
Globalisation - whereby the world is interconnected at various levels - is already under threat.
From Donald Trump, who uses tariffs as a tool of economic diplomacy; from Brexit which will involve the erection of trade barriers between Britain and Europe; from the rise of national movements which rail against "citizens of the world".
Now comes the coronavirus, itself an agent of deglobalisation, forcing companies to localise their supply chains (because those in China and other countries are themselves shut down), forcing tourists to stay home and preventing workers from doing business travel, forcing people to reconsider whether "just in time" manufacturing, whereby you rely on parts to be delivered minutes before you assemble them into a product, is really the best way to run their businesses.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 IAG can't give profit guidance for 2020 due to unpredictable issues related to coronavirus.
This is more than a trivial concern.
The world's collective economic model relies on the relatively free movement of goods and people from one place to another.
Yet this model is under threat at every turn - you only need look at the scenes on Greece's border with Turkey for further vivid examples.
COVID-19 has the potential to accelerate this process, with far more lasting effects for the way we live our lives today.


news--2020-03-02--Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe yet to be tested for coronavirus, husband says

Jailed British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has yet to be tested for coronavirus , despite showing symptoms of the illness , her husband has said .
Richard Ratcliffe said the Iranian ministry of foreign affairs had told the Foreign Office ( FCO ) that his wife had been tested and confirmed negative for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
But Mr Ratcliffe said she had confirmed this had not happened and he had told the FCO about this .
He hit out at a government minister over his `` disingenuous '' update to MPs on Monday .
Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I think things may have moved on a little bit today in terms of the testing with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe .
`` Clearly we are unable to comment on any medical assessments without the permission of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe . ''
Mr Adams said the government had been in touch with Mr Ratcliffe , who was in the public gallery with their daughter Gabriella , and was in `` close contact '' with Tehran to lobby for a `` temporary release on medical grounds '' .
But speaking afterwards to the Press Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adams ' words as `` disingenuous '' .
`` It is irresponsible of the minister to hint at something he knows not to be true , '' he said , referring to comments from Mr Adams on the testing .
The comments from the minister came during an urgent question asked by Labour 's Tulip Siddiq .
She said Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe 's life `` hangs in the balance '' and called on the government to act urgently to help her .
Mr Adams reiterated that she should be released and outlined the humanitarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to the outbreak of COVID-19 .
Jeremy Hunt , the former foreign secretary , said the situation demonstrated the `` moral bankruptcy of Iran 's position '' , with a British citizen being held `` hostage '' in a prison where she is `` subject to catching potentially a very dangerous disease '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He asked if Boris Johnson or Dominic Raab , his successor as foreign secretary , had been in contact with Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be tested alongside other dual nationals .
`` It is absolutely essential , if they have not , that they start to do that , '' Mr Hunt added .
Mr Adams said in response : `` We have been engaging in fact today with the deputy foreign minister and I can assure him that our ambassador is working on behalf of all our dual nationals in that country . ''
There are currently no confirmed cases at the Iranian prison where Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe is being held .
But the virus has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 1,000 people and killing 54 .
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at Tehran 's Imam Khomeini airport while travelling to introduce Gabriella to her parents in 2016 .
She was sentenced to five years in jail over claims of plotting to overthrow Iran 's government , which she denies .
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was later given diplomatic protection by the British government , which argues that Iran has failed to meet its obligations under international law .

Jailed British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has yet to be tested for coronavirus, despite showing symptoms of the illness, her husband has said.
Richard Ratcliffe said the Iranian ministry of foreign affairs had told the Foreign Office (FCO) that his wife had been tested and confirmed negative for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
But Mr Ratcliffe said she had confirmed this had not happened and he had told the FCO about this.
Image: Richard Ratcliffe, with his five-year-old daughter Gabriella Zaghari-Ratcliffe
He hit out at a government minister over his "disingenuous" update to MPs on Monday.
Foreign Office minister Nigel Adams told the Commons: "I think things may have moved on a little bit today in terms of the testing with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
"Clearly we are unable to comment on any medical assessments without the permission of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe."
Mr Adams said the government had been in touch with Mr Ratcliffe, who was in the public gallery with their daughter Gabriella, and was in "close contact" with Tehran to lobby for a "temporary release on medical grounds".
But speaking afterwards to the Press Association, Mr Ratcliffe said he viewed Mr Adams' words as "disingenuous".
"It is irresponsible of the minister to hint at something he knows not to be true," he said, referring to comments from Mr Adams on the testing.
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The comments from the minister came during an urgent question asked by Labour's Tulip Siddiq.
She said Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's life "hangs in the balance" and called on the government to act urgently to help her.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Iran prison 'won't test Nazanin for coronavirus'
Mr Adams reiterated that she should be released and outlined the humanitarian support Britain has given to Iran to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Jeremy Hunt, the former foreign secretary, said the situation demonstrated the "moral bankruptcy of Iran's position", with a British citizen being held "hostage" in a prison where she is "subject to catching potentially a very dangerous disease".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He asked if Boris Johnson or Dominic Raab, his successor as foreign secretary, had been in contact with Iran's president to call for Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe to be tested alongside other dual nationals.
"It is absolutely essential, if they have not, that they start to do that," Mr Hunt added.
Mr Adams said in response: "We have been engaging in fact today with the deputy foreign minister and I can assure him that our ambassador is working on behalf of all our dual nationals in that country."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Iranian minister with COVID-19 sweats on stage
There are currently no confirmed cases at the Iranian prison where Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe is being held.
But the virus has spread rapidly across the country, infecting almost 1,000 people and killing 54.
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport while travelling to introduce Gabriella to her parents in 2016.
She was sentenced to five years in jail over claims of plotting to overthrow Iran's government, which she denies.
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was later given diplomatic protection by the British government, which argues that Iran has failed to meet its obligations under international law.


news--2020-03-02--Coronavirus 'likely to become more significant' across UK, Boris Johnson warns

Boris Johnson has warned the coronavirus outbreak is `` likely to become more significant '' across the UK in the coming days and weeks .
After chairing his first emergency COBRA meeting about COVID-19 , the prime minister said : `` We 've agreed a plan so that if and when it starts to spread , as I 'm afraid it looks likely it will , we are in a position to take the steps that will be necessary . ''
He added it was important that people `` go about business as usual '' for the time being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very well-prepared '' .
It comes as Public Health England ( PHE ) said Britain needs to be prepared for `` more widespread transmission '' of the coronavirus - including cases that might be `` quite challenging '' .
The number of Britons who have tested positive for the disease has climbed to 36 , with cases now in all four UK countries .
Monday 's emergency meeting was attended by senior ministers including Health Secretary Matt Hancock , as well as chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Nicola Sturgeon also took part via a conference call .
Speaking from Edinburgh after the talks , Ms Sturgeon said a `` four-nation action plan '' would be published on Tuesday setting out the different phases to tackle `` an infection of this nature '' .
But she stressed the UK was still in the `` contain '' phase of dealing with the virus .
`` Wash your hands is the national anthem , '' said Leader of the House of Commons , Jacob Rees-Mogg , outside the Cabinet Office .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OECD ) has warned the coronavirus is the gravest threat to the global economy since the 2008 financial crisis .
Sky News understands Chancellor Rishi Sunak and the Governor of the Bank of England , Mark Carney , have held discussions and work is under way on both the short-term needs and long-term preparedness in the event of economic disruption .
Professor Paul Cosford , PHE 's emeritus medical director , told Sky 's Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` With the increasing numbers that we are seeing in a range of different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is more likely now that we will see more widespread transmission .
`` We have to be prepared for that , and a range of different eventualities , and it 's right to say that some of those might be quite challenging for us .
But we will have the best preparations that we can possibly have in place for them . ''
Prof Cosford said there is a `` limit '' to what people can do to slow the spread and intensity of the infection .
However , he added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or coughing into a tissue , self-isolating if unwell , and `` being wise in our use of our health services '' would help .
Asked if a `` tipping point '' had been reached , he said : `` Not yet , but we are constantly monitoring what 's happening to see whether we will get more widespread community transmission . ''
Prof Cosford said : `` I think it is likely that we will , we are not there yet , but we must be prepared for that .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do and it is important that we continue with our normal day-to-day lives .
`` There may be circumstances when we ask people to reduce the amount of social contact they have outside of work and going to school in order to try to slow the spread of infection , and reduce the intensity of the peak of any wave of infection that might arise so that we can all deal with it more straightforwardly .
`` It might be that if an individual is ill , we might ask the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorts of things are being considered .
As soon as we need to give different advice we will do and we will make that clear . ''
Thirteen new cases were confirmed in the UK on Sunday - including the first one in Scotland .
The other 12 cases are in England - including a `` family cluster '' .
The Scottish patient , who is receiving treatment after being placed in isolation , is a resident of the Tayside area and had recently returned from Italy .
Ms Sturgeon said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a precautionary measure .
She added Scotland 's Six Nations rugby union game against France is still scheduled to take place in Edinburgh this weekend , and there has been no change to plans for the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow later in the year .
Wimbledon College in London is among schools to have been temporarily closed after staff and pupils returned from half-term holidays in northern Italy .
It said in a tweet on Monday that the school is shut until 10 March for a deep clean after a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy tested positive for the virus , adding those who had come into contact with them are self-isolating .
London Mayor Sadiq Khan was excluded from the COBRA meeting .
He is meeting senior officials and health specialists from across the capital to review preparations for dealing with an outbreak .
A City Hall source told Sky News that people might feel `` it is a bit strange '' he was not invited `` given the size of London , its status as a global travel hub , its large transport network and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust confirmed a clinician from its Mount Vernon Cancer Centre - which remains open - is among the recent cases .
In a statement , the trust said : `` All individuals who were in contact with the clinician have been identified and the appropriate measures taken .
`` The risk to patients and staff at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre is very low and we are working with individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We would like to offer assurance that it remains safe for patients to attend Mount Vernon Cancer Centre as normal and ask patients to attend scheduled outpatient appointments . ''
The government 's `` battle plan '' to tackle coronavirus includes bringing retired doctors back to work .
It is understood new emergency powers will be brought in to give schools , councils and other parts of the public sector powers to suspend laws - including rowing back on health and safety measures such as allowing larger class sizes - to cope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considering whether to encourage more home working and discourage unnecessary travel .
The strategy is based on its existing contingency plans for responding to a flu pandemic , but has been adapted to take into account the differences with COVID-19 .
In the worst-case scenario , it is feared 80 % of the population could contract the virus , with up to 500,000 deaths .
• British guests at a quarantined hotel in Tenerife on a Jet2holidays break are being flown back , the firm said • European Commission President , Ursula von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the EU from moderate to high • An aide to Iran 's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died • A cult leader at the centre of the South Korea outbreak begs for forgiveness • Portugal confirms its first two coronavirus cases , and Andorra its first • The United States confirms its second COVID-19 death • India reports two more cases , taking its total to five • OECD warns the coronavirus is the gravest threat to the global economy since the 2008 financial crisis • France 's Louvre museum in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day • The first two races of the MotoGP season in Qatar and Thailand have been cancelled • Nike 's European headquarters in the Netherlands is closed until Wednesday after an employee was infected • There are than 89,000 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,000 deaths

Boris Johnson has warned the coronavirus outbreak is "likely to become more significant" across the UK in the coming days and weeks.
After chairing his first emergency COBRA meeting about COVID-19, the prime minister said: "We've agreed a plan so that if and when it starts to spread, as I'm afraid it looks likely it will, we are in a position to take the steps that will be necessary."
He added it was important that people "go about business as usual" for the time being, and said the country is "very, very well-prepared".
It comes as Public Health England (PHE) said Britain needs to be prepared for "more widespread transmission" of the coronavirus - including cases that might be "quite challenging".
The number of Britons who have tested positive for the disease has climbed to 36, with cases now in all four UK countries.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock (L) and chief medical officer Chris Whitty arrive at Downing Street for the emergency Cobra meeting on coronavirus
Monday's emergency meeting was attended by senior ministers including Health Secretary Matt Hancock, as well as chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also took part via a conference call.
Speaking from Edinburgh after the talks, Ms Sturgeon said a "four-nation action plan" would be published on Tuesday setting out the different phases to tackle "an infection of this nature".
But she stressed the UK was still in the "contain" phase of dealing with the virus.
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"Wash your hands is the national anthem," said Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, outside the Cabinet Office.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has warned the coronavirus is the gravest threat to the global economy since the 2008 financial crisis.
Sky News understands Chancellor Rishi Sunak and the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, have held discussions and work is under way on both the short-term needs and long-term preparedness in the event of economic disruption.
Professor Paul Cosford, PHE's emeritus medical director, told Sky's Kay Burley@Breakfast: "With the increasing numbers that we are seeing in a range of different countries and beginning to see here, it is more likely now that we will see more widespread transmission.
"We have to be prepared for that, and a range of different eventualities, and it's right to say that some of those might be quite challenging for us. But we will have the best preparations that we can possibly have in place for them."
Prof Cosford said there is a "limit" to what people can do to slow the spread and intensity of the infection.
However, he added that collective action including washing hands, sneezing or coughing into a tissue, self-isolating if unwell, and "being wise in our use of our health services" would help.
Asked if a "tipping point" had been reached, he said: "Not yet, but we are constantly monitoring what's happening to see whether we will get more widespread community transmission."
Prof Cosford said: "I think it is likely that we will, we are not there yet, but we must be prepared for that.
"There is a limit to exactly what we can do and it is important that we continue with our normal day-to-day lives.
"There may be circumstances when we ask people to reduce the amount of social contact they have outside of work and going to school in order to try to slow the spread of infection, and reduce the intensity of the peak of any wave of infection that might arise so that we can all deal with it more straightforwardly.
"It might be that if an individual is ill, we might ask the family to self-isolate alongside the individual - those sorts of things are being considered. As soon as we need to give different advice we will do and we will make that clear."
Thirteen new cases were confirmed in the UK on Sunday - including the first one in Scotland.
The other 12 cases are in England - including a "family cluster".
The Scottish patient, who is receiving treatment after being placed in isolation, is a resident of the Tayside area and had recently returned from Italy.
Ms Sturgeon said he was not seriously ill and is in hospital as a precautionary measure.
She added Scotland's Six Nations rugby union game against France is still scheduled to take place in Edinburgh this weekend, and there has been no change to plans for the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow later in the year.
Wimbledon College in London is among schools to have been temporarily closed after staff and pupils returned from half-term holidays in northern Italy.
It said in a tweet on Monday that the school is shut until 10 March for a deep clean after a member of staff who had recently been to Italy tested positive for the virus, adding those who had come into contact with them are self-isolating.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan was excluded from the COBRA meeting. He is meeting senior officials and health specialists from across the capital to review preparations for dealing with an outbreak.
A City Hall source told Sky News that people might feel "it is a bit strange" he was not invited "given the size of London, its status as a global travel hub, its large transport network and sports and entertainment venues".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust confirmed a clinician from its Mount Vernon Cancer Centre - which remains open - is among the recent cases.
In a statement, the trust said: "All individuals who were in contact with the clinician have been identified and the appropriate measures taken.
"The risk to patients and staff at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre is very low and we are working with individual patients to appropriately manage their care.
"We would like to offer assurance that it remains safe for patients to attend Mount Vernon Cancer Centre as normal and ask patients to attend scheduled outpatient appointments."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
The government's "battle plan" to tackle coronavirus includes bringing retired doctors back to work.
It is understood new emergency powers will be brought in to give schools, councils and other parts of the public sector powers to suspend laws - including rowing back on health and safety measures such as allowing larger class sizes - to cope with a pandemic.
Ministers are also considering whether to encourage more home working and discourage unnecessary travel.
The strategy is based on its existing contingency plans for responding to a flu pandemic, but has been adapted to take into account the differences with COVID-19.
In the worst-case scenario, it is feared 80% of the population could contract the virus, with up to 500,000 deaths.
In other global developments:
British guests at a quarantined hotel in Tenerife on a Jet2holidays break are being flown back, the firm said
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, upgrades the coronavirus risk in the EU from moderate to high
An aide to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died
A cult leader at the centre of the South Korea outbreak begs for forgiveness
Portugal confirms its first two coronavirus cases, and Andorra its first
The United States confirms its second COVID-19 death
India reports two more cases, taking its total to five
OECD warns the coronavirus is the gravest threat to the global economy since the 2008 financial crisis
Pakistan's largest city Karachi shuts schools for two weeks
France's Louvre museum in Paris is closed for a second consecutive day
The first two races of the MotoGP season in Qatar and Thailand have been cancelled
Nike's European headquarters in the Netherlands is closed until Wednesday after an employee was infected
There are than 89,000 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,000 deaths
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.


news--2020-03-02--Coronavirus outbreak: Cruise ship met with violent protests on Reunion Island

A cruise ship has reportedly been denied entry to two countries and met with protests at a third , in the latest unrest to come during fears about the global coronavirus outbreak .
More than 2,000 Australians and New Zealanders were on the Sun Princess when it docked at Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean , the New Zealand Herald reports .
Protesters are said to have screamed abuse and hurled rocks at the first shuttle buses of passengers that arrived in Pointe des Gallets port on Sunday .
The demonstrations erupted despite there being no recorded coronavirus cases on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottles at police , according to the Imaz Press Reunion news agency on the island .
The news service added that officers responded by firing tear gas .
Rod Pascoe , a holidaymaker on the ship , told the New Zealand Herald : `` Some passengers were very distressed and others ( were ) absolutely steaming , fuming when they got back .
Mr Pascoe said that only the main gates were affected and so passengers were able to make it on to the main part of the island through another gate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than staying overnight after local authorities said they could n't guarantee the vessel 's safety .
The Sun Princess is then said to have headed to its next stop Mauritius , where it was later told it was not allowed to dock .
It is reported to have earlier been refused entry to Madagascar in mid-February .
The Reunion Island clashes came after weeks of unrest across the world as the coronavirus spread to every continent except Antarctica .
Dozens of people pushed aside police barriers in Cyprus on Saturday in a protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ethnically divided island 's capital Nicosia .
Protesters chanted and raised placards opposing the closure , which the Cypriot government said it had ordered to prevent the coronavirus spread .
The government shut four of nine such crossings along the 120-mile ( 180km ) length of the United Nations-controlled buffer zone , which separates a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north from an internationally recognised Greek Cypriot south .
There have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus found on either side of the divide so far .
Cyprus ' justice minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate reports that protesters attacked a Greek Cypriot soldier at the crossing point .
Coronavirus fears triggered violence in the Ukraine where protesters hurled stones at buses carrying evacuees .
Demonstrators in the village of Novi Sanzhary in the central Poltava region clashed with police and burned tyres , as the convoy led 70 evacuees to a quarantine centre in the area .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Hundreds of helmeted officers , police vans and an armoured personnel carrier were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waited for evacuees to arrive .
Nine officers and one civilian needed hospital treatment as a result of the wider clashes , regional police said in a statement .
Riot police descended on parts of Hong Kong to clear crowds of protesters who opposed the building of quarantine sites in their areas , according to news reports .
Police are said to have tackled demonstrators in Tseung Kwan O , Sai Kung , Tai Po and Fo Tan on 8 February .
Around 60 people are said to have been arrested over the @ @

A cruise ship has reportedly been denied entry to two countries and met with protests at a third, in the latest unrest to come during fears about the global coronavirus outbreak.
More than 2,000 Australians and New Zealanders were on the Sun Princess when it docked at Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, the New Zealand Herald reports.
Protesters are said to have screamed abuse and hurled rocks at the first shuttle buses of passengers that arrived in Pointe des Gallets port on Sunday.
The demonstrations erupted despite there being no recorded coronavirus cases on board.
Protesters also threw rocks and bottles at police, according to the Imaz Press Reunion news agency on the island.
The news service added that officers responded by firing tear gas.
Rod Pascoe, a holidaymaker on the ship, told the New Zealand Herald: "Some passengers were very distressed and others (were) absolutely steaming, fuming when they got back.
"People feared for their safety."
Mr Pascoe said that only the main gates were affected and so passengers were able to make it on to the main part of the island through another gate.
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Image: Protesters clashed with police on Reunion Island
The ship reportedly left the island rather than staying overnight after local authorities said they couldn't guarantee the vessel's safety.
The Sun Princess is then said to have headed to its next stop Mauritius, where it was later told it was not allowed to dock.
It is reported to have earlier been refused entry to Madagascar in mid-February.
The Reunion Island clashes came after weeks of unrest across the world as the coronavirus spread to every continent except Antarctica.
Image: The Sun Princess is said to have been refused entry from Reunion Island
Soldier 'attacked in Cyprus'
Dozens of people pushed aside police barriers in Cyprus on Saturday in a protest against the closing of a crossing point in the ethnically divided island's capital Nicosia.
Protesters chanted and raised placards opposing the closure, which the Cypriot government said it had ordered to prevent the coronavirus spread.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
The government shut four of nine such crossings along the 120-mile (180km) length of the United Nations-controlled buffer zone, which separates a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north from an internationally recognised Greek Cypriot south.
There have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus found on either side of the divide so far.
Cyprus' justice minister said he instructed the chief of police to investigate reports that protesters attacked a Greek Cypriot soldier at the crossing point.
Image: Cypriot protesters showed their opposition to the crossing point closures
Image: Crossing points were closed across the divided island of Cyprus
Police officers need treatment after Ukraine clashes
Coronavirus fears triggered violence in the Ukraine where protesters hurled stones at buses carrying evacuees.
Demonstrators in the village of Novi Sanzhary in the central Poltava region clashed with police and burned tyres, as the convoy led 70 evacuees to a quarantine centre in the area.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Hundreds of helmeted officers, police vans and an armoured personnel carrier were dispatched to keep order as the villagers waited for evacuees to arrive.
Nine officers and one civilian needed hospital treatment as a result of the wider clashes, regional police said in a statement.
Image: Ukrainian protesters hurled stones at evacuees from China
Image: Police officers are seen detaining a man during the violence
Protests against quarantine locations in Hong Kong
Riot police descended on parts of Hong Kong to clear crowds of protesters who opposed the building of quarantine sites in their areas, according to news reports.
Police are said to have tackled demonstrators in Tseung Kwan O, Sai Kung, Tai Po and Fo Tan on 8 February.
Officers reportedly fired tear gas after protesters threw objects at police vehicles.
Around 60 people are said to have been arrested over the demonstrations.


news--2020-03-02--Coronavirus: Do masks protect you? Will summer save us? Busting COVID-19 myths

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to escalate , many are seeking comfort wherever they can find it .
From wearing surgical face masks on public transport , to dismissing COVID-19 as no more of a threat than the flu , people are understandably keen to put their mind at ease while the number of cases grows .
But with disinformation finding a welcome home on many corners of social media , it can be difficult to know just how concerned we should be - and how best we can keep ourselves safe .
Here Sky News examines some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no worse than the flu' Stroll into the replies of any major news organisation 's tweets about the coronavirus and you will no doubt encounter plenty of armchair experts convinced that it 's no worse than the winter flu .
`` Hundreds of thousands of people die from flu every year , '' they say , in a bid to dismiss COVID-19 's death toll .
Indeed , the US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention ( CDC ) estimate there have been upwards of 45 million seasonal flu cases between October 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 18,000 and 46,000 deaths .
Those numbers are certainly far larger than those associated with the new coronavirus ( see the infection numbers in real time ) , but even at the top end of the scale that 's a death rate of under 0.1 % .
Professor Steven Riley , of Imperial College London 's Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis , told Sky News the death rate looks set to be `` considerably higher '' than flu .
`` As more data becomes available , we are able to estimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he told Sky News .
`` Using a variety of data , and correcting for known biases , we estimate that approximately 1 % of people infected with this virus will die as a result of that infection .
`` Although this is lower than diseases such as Ebola or SARS , it is considerably higher than seasonal influenza . ''
Face masks are becoming an increasingly common sight all around the world , and the UK is no exception - especially when it comes to public transport in London .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public - the flimsy surgical kind used in hospital operating theatres - are not going to do much to protect you from COVID-19 .
Dr Nathalie MacDermott , a clinical lecturer at King 's College London , told Sky News : `` Surgical masks are not designed with a very decent filter on them so they 're not able to really filter out finer particles such as viruses .
`` They also do n't always fit ideally around the face to provide enough protection for someone .
`` We breathe out humidified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and once that mask becomes moist , it 's really no longer very effective . ''
Dr Ben Killingley , consultant in acute medicine and infectious diseases at UCL Hospital , said wearing masks can also give people a `` false sense of reassurance '' that may lead to them ignoring other infection control practices .
'Rinsing my nose with salt water could help' There is only limited evidence that it actually helps , but some swear by rinsing their nose with salt water as a way of recovering more quickly from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been shown to prevent respiratory infections .
The NHS says `` there is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with salt water protects you from coronavirus '' .
Some workplaces are already encouraging people not to come into the office because of the coronavirus , and football clubs including Newcastle United and West Ham have banned players and staff from shaking hands .
France has banned gatherings of more than 5,000 people , prompting the Louvre to shut its doors .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it 's not only human contact you need to be concerned about - the virus can live on hard surfaces for days .
Professor William Keevil , professor of environmental healthcare at the University of Southampton , said : `` Our published human coronavirus work showed these viruses can survive three to four days on common touch surfaces such as plastics , ceramics , glass and stainless steel . ''
These could include things like door handles , chair arms , work tops and stair railings .
Professor Keevil said the lifespan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly and cleaning work surfaces especially important - and you should avoid touching your eyes , nose and mouth .
One national newspaper recently featured a front page story about the first dog to have been infected .
But while there are ways to catch the coronavirus without direct human contact , pets are not something you need to worry about for the time being .
The NHS says there is `` currently no evidence that companion animals or pets can be infected with coronavirus '' , although people are advised that washing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always a good idea anyway .
On the topic of things you ca n't catch coronavirus from - it 's highly unlikely you 'll receive it in the post .
The NHS says you can rest easy about receiving letters and parcels sent from affected areas .
While viruses can live outside the body , they ca n't last as long as it takes for mail to be sent from China to the UK .
'The summer heat will kill the virus' US President Donald Trump suggested last month that `` a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes away in April with the heat , as the heat comes in , typically that will go away in April '' .
He later said : `` There 's a theory that , in April , when it gets warm ... historically , that has been able to kill the virus . ''
Mr Trump appears to be conflating the potential demise of COVID-19 with why and when the winter flu peters out .
There are a number of theories as to why that is , from people spending less time packed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to warmer temperatures killing off respiratory droplets much faster .
However , it is worth noting that the new coronavirus has made its presence felt in countries like Singapore , where it is extremely hot all year round .
Previous coronavirus outbreaks have also not suggested much seasonality , with SARS lasting into July in 2003 .
Middle East respiratory syndrome ( MERS ) was first identified in Saudi Arabia , which is generally very hot .
The CDC has already contradicted the US president , with Dr Nancy Messionnier telling reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say the coronavirus was seasonal .
She said : `` I think it 's premature to assume that .
We have n't been through even a single year with this pathogen . ''
'Only older people are really at risk' The World Health Organisation has issued advice specific to people over 60 or with long-term illnesses , telling them to avoid crowded places as they are most at risk of developing severe symptoms .
The vast majority of deaths worldwide have been older people and those with pre-existing health conditions .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be wary of the illness - while being infected may only lead to mild symptoms in a healthy younger person , they could end up passing it on to someone far more vulnerable .
With that in mind , none of us should take the risks of infection lightly .

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to escalate, many are seeking comfort wherever they can find it.
From wearing surgical face masks on public transport, to dismissing COVID-19 as no more of a threat than the flu, people are understandably keen to put their mind at ease while the number of cases grows.
But with disinformation finding a welcome home on many corners of social media, it can be difficult to know just how concerned we should be - and how best we can keep ourselves safe.
Here Sky News examines some of the myths surrounding this coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
'COVID-19 is no worse than the flu'
Stroll into the replies of any major news organisation's tweets about the coronavirus and you will no doubt encounter plenty of armchair experts convinced that it's no worse than the winter flu.
"Hundreds of thousands of people die from flu every year," they say, in a bid to dismiss COVID-19's death toll.
Indeed, the US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) estimate there have been upwards of 45 million seasonal flu cases between October 2019 and the end of February - with between 18,000 and 46,000 deaths.
Those numbers are certainly far larger than those associated with the new coronavirus (see the infection numbers in real time), but even at the top end of the scale that's a death rate of under 0.1%.
Advertisement
Professor Steven Riley, of Imperial College London's Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, told Sky News the death rate looks set to be "considerably higher" than flu.
"As more data becomes available, we are able to estimate the severity of this novel coronavirus," he told Sky News.
"Using a variety of data, and correcting for known biases, we estimate that approximately 1% of people infected with this virus will die as a result of that infection.
"Although this is lower than diseases such as Ebola or SARS, it is considerably higher than seasonal influenza."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
'Wearing a face mask will protect me'
Face masks are becoming an increasingly common sight all around the world, and the UK is no exception - especially when it comes to public transport in London.
But most of the masks being used by the public - the flimsy surgical kind used in hospital operating theatres - are not going to do much to protect you from COVID-19.
Image: A woman wears a face mask on the London Underground
Dr Nathalie MacDermott, a clinical lecturer at King's College London, told Sky News: "Surgical masks are not designed with a very decent filter on them so they're not able to really filter out finer particles such as viruses.
"They also don't always fit ideally around the face to provide enough protection for someone.
"We breathe out humidified air which essentially moistens the mask over time and once that mask becomes moist, it's really no longer very effective."
Dr Ben Killingley, consultant in acute medicine and infectious diseases at UCL Hospital, said wearing masks can also give people a "false sense of reassurance" that may lead to them ignoring other infection control practices.
Image: A man sits in a Paris cafe wearing a face mask as indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 were banned
'Rinsing my nose with salt water could help'
There is only limited evidence that it actually helps, but some swear by rinsing their nose with salt water as a way of recovering more quickly from the common cold.
But it has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
The NHS says "there is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with salt water protects you from coronavirus".
Image: Authorities in Iran have been sanitising landmarks
'Avoiding human contact means I won't get it'
Some workplaces are already encouraging people not to come into the office because of the coronavirus, and football clubs including Newcastle United and West Ham have banned players and staff from shaking hands.
France has banned gatherings of more than 5,000 people, prompting the Louvre to shut its doors.
Image: People line up outside the Louvre in Paris as staff closed the museum during a staff meeting over coronavirus
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But it's not only human contact you need to be concerned about - the virus can live on hard surfaces for days.
Professor William Keevil, professor of environmental healthcare at the University of Southampton, said: "Our published human coronavirus work showed these viruses can survive three to four days on common touch surfaces such as plastics, ceramics, glass and stainless steel."
These could include things like door handles, chair arms, work tops and stair railings.
Professor Keevil said the lifespan of the virus makes washing your hands regularly and cleaning work surfaces especially important - and you should avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Image: Italy has suffered Europe's worst coronavirus outbreak so far
'Pets can be infected'
One national newspaper recently featured a front page story about the first dog to have been infected.
But while there are ways to catch the coronavirus without direct human contact, pets are not something you need to worry about for the time being.
The NHS says there is "currently no evidence that companion animals or pets can be infected with coronavirus", although people are advised that washing your hands after contact with pets is always a good idea anyway.
Image: A women wearing a face mask at Leicester Square tube station, London
'Post could be infectious'
On the topic of things you can't catch coronavirus from - it's highly unlikely you'll receive it in the post.
The NHS says you can rest easy about receiving letters and parcels sent from affected areas.
While viruses can live outside the body, they can't last as long as it takes for mail to be sent from China to the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
'The summer heat will kill the virus'
US President Donald Trump suggested last month that "a lot of people think that (coronavirus) goes away in April with the heat, as the heat comes in, typically that will go away in April".
He later said: "There's a theory that, in April, when it gets warm... historically, that has been able to kill the virus."
Mr Trump appears to be conflating the potential demise of COVID-19 with why and when the winter flu peters out.
There are a number of theories as to why that is, from people spending less time packed inside to escape the cold weather outdoors, to warmer temperatures killing off respiratory droplets much faster.
Image: Donald Trump is confident the US will beat the coronavirus
However, it is worth noting that the new coronavirus has made its presence felt in countries like Singapore, where it is extremely hot all year round.
Previous coronavirus outbreaks have also not suggested much seasonality, with SARS lasting into July in 2003.
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) was first identified in Saudi Arabia, which is generally very hot.
The CDC has already contradicted the US president, with Dr Nancy Messionnier telling reporters last month that it was too early to say the coronavirus was seasonal.
She said: "I think it's premature to assume that. We haven't been through even a single year with this pathogen."
Image: Airports around the world have introduced screening
'Only older people are really at risk'
The World Health Organisation has issued advice specific to people over 60 or with long-term illnesses, telling them to avoid crowded places as they are most at risk of developing severe symptoms.
The vast majority of deaths worldwide have been older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.
But the rest of us still need to be wary of the illness - while being infected may only lead to mild symptoms in a healthy younger person, they could end up passing it on to someone far more vulnerable.
With that in mind, none of us should take the risks of infection lightly.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.


news--2020-03-02--Coronavirus: Cult leader at centre of South Korea outbreak begs for forgiveness

The founder of a controversial cult at the centre of South Korea 's coronavirus outbreak has apologised after one of its members infected many others .
Cult leader Lee Man-hee bowed low twice in a traditional sign of humility and regret at a news conference .
The self-proclaimed messiah , who founded and heads the Shincheonji Church of Jesus , said : `` We did our best but were not able to stop the spread of the virus . ''
The reclusive cult leader , speaking outside a church facility in Gapyeong , added : `` I 'm really grateful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgiveness .
I never thought this would happen , even in my dreams . ''
The 54-year-old also called the epidemic a `` great calamity '' .
Followers of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus believe their founder will take them to heaven , and they had visited the Chinese city of Wuhan - where the virus originated - late last year .
A branch member of the church , known as Patient 31 , was the first of a wave of infections to hit South Korea in recent weeks .
The church 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant public anger , with several protesters shouting slurs at the cult leader as he asked for forgiveness .
Tensions had simmered ahead of the briefing outside the fortress-like venue , dubbed the Palace of Peace , which was guarded by hundreds of police officers .
Prosecutors are now being asked to consider a murder investigation amid allegations Mr Lee 's organisation refused to co-operate with efforts to stop the disease .
South Korea , where there are now more than 4,300 coronavirus cases , is dealing with one of the biggest outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's cases have been linked to the cult leader 's secretive church .
South Korea reported 599 new cases on Monday , taking its national tally to 4,335 , according to Reuters .
At least 26 people have died .
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus faces unprecedented scrutiny from authorities and the public , with all of its 310,000 known followers and `` trainees '' being tested for the virus .
A church spokesman showed documents saying Mr Lee tested negative for the virus .
Mr Lee said many people had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not elaborate .
The church issued a statement late on Sunday saying it was complying with government measures and reiterating calls for an end to `` stigmatisation , hatred and slander '' against its followers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A church official told reporters after the news conference : `` Our priority is to co-operate with authorities to combat the coronavirus as soon as possible . ''
The deaths in South Korea come as Public Health England warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` widespread transmission '' of the coronavirus , including cases that might be `` quite challenging '' .
Meanwhile , the risk of coronavirus in the European Union has risen from moderate to high .
The president of the European Commission confirmed the news after the illness had spread to most of western Europe , with Portugal having reported its first two cases .

The founder of a controversial cult at the centre of South Korea's coronavirus outbreak has apologised after one of its members infected many others.
Cult leader Lee Man-hee bowed low twice in a traditional sign of humility and regret at a news conference.
The self-proclaimed messiah, who founded and heads the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, said: "We did our best but were not able to stop the spread of the virus."
Image: Lee Man-hee apologises for the spread of coronavirus
The reclusive cult leader, speaking outside a church facility in Gapyeong, added: "I'm really grateful, but at the same time asking forgiveness. I never thought this would happen, even in my dreams."
The 54-year-old also called the epidemic a "great calamity".
Followers of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus believe their founder will take them to heaven, and they had visited the Chinese city of Wuhan - where the virus originated - late last year.
A branch member of the church, known as Patient 31, was the first of a wave of infections to hit South Korea in recent weeks.
The church's suspected role in the outbreak has caused significant public anger, with several protesters shouting slurs at the cult leader as he asked for forgiveness.
Image: The cult leader apologised outside a church facility in Gapyeong
Tensions had simmered ahead of the briefing outside the fortress-like venue, dubbed the Palace of Peace, which was guarded by hundreds of police officers.
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Prosecutors are now being asked to consider a murder investigation amid allegations Mr Lee's organisation refused to co-operate with efforts to stop the disease.
South Korea, where there are now more than 4,300 coronavirus cases, is dealing with one of the biggest outbreaks outside mainland China.
Image: Medical workers in South Korea visit the home of someone with suspected symptoms of the coronavirus
Most of the country's cases have been linked to the cult leader's secretive church.
South Korea reported 599 new cases on Monday, taking its national tally to 4,335, according to Reuters. At least 26 people have died.
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus faces unprecedented scrutiny from authorities and the public, with all of its 310,000 known followers and "trainees" being tested for the virus.
A church spokesman showed documents saying Mr Lee tested negative for the virus.
Mr Lee said many people had "misunderstandings" about the church, but did not elaborate.
The church issued a statement late on Sunday saying it was complying with government measures and reiterating calls for an end to "stigmatisation, hatred and slander" against its followers.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A church official told reporters after the news conference: "Our priority is to co-operate with authorities to combat the coronavirus as soon as possible."
The deaths in South Korea come as Public Health England warned Britain needs to be prepared for more "widespread transmission" of the coronavirus, including cases that might be "quite challenging".
Meanwhile, the risk of coronavirus in the European Union has risen from moderate to high.
The president of the European Commission confirmed the news after the illness had spread to most of western Europe, with Portugal having reported its first two cases.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.


news--2020-03-02--Brexit: UK and EU negotiators agree not to shake hands amid coronavirus outbreak

Talks between Britain and the EU on a post-Brexit trade deal have got under way in Brussels , with officials on both sides agreeing not to shake hands because of the coronavirus outbreak .
The two teams agreed to the step amid the continuing global spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Hand sanitisers and NHS advice have also been placed throughout the UK 's mission in the Belgian capital .
The number of cases in the UK has risen to 39 , while the EU has raised its risk level .
The first set of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berlaymont headquarters - comes just over a month after Britain left the EU at the end of January .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's chief Europe negotiator David Frost was joined by the UK 's ambassador to the EU Sir Tim Barrow and a group of aides .
Mr Frost chatted and posed for photos with EU negotiator Michel Barnier ahead of the talks .
Mr Barnier said : `` We approach these negotiations in a constructive spirit .
We want to agree an ambitious and fair partnership .
`` We will respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frost said he was `` delighted to start talks on a constructive basis today '' with his EU counterpart .
The discussions are expected to continue until Thursday , with further rounds of talks set to take place in London later this month .
Both sides have already set out their red lines in the negotiations .
There are major differences on issues such as fishing rights , the EU 's demand for a `` level playing field '' to ensure fair competition , and the role of the European Court of Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December .
Mr Johnson has ruled out extending the talks beyond the end of this year , with the PM saying he is prepared to walk away without a deal if it comes to it .
A meeting to take stock is scheduled for June , by which point it should be clear if Mr Johnson 's preferred Canada-style deal is possible .
It is the UK 's position that the `` broad outline '' of any deal should be apparent by then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September .
If not , its negotiating mandate says `` the government will need to decide whether the UK 's attention should move away from negotiations and focus solely on continuing domestic preparations to exit the transition period in an orderly fashion '' .

Talks between Britain and the EU on a post-Brexit trade deal have got under way in Brussels, with officials on both sides agreeing not to shake hands because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The two teams agreed to the step amid the continuing global spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Hand sanitisers and NHS advice have also been placed throughout the UK's mission in the Belgian capital.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:56 COVID-19 'to become more significant'
The number of cases in the UK has risen to 39, while the EU has raised its risk level.
The first set of negotiations - at the European Commission's Berlaymont headquarters - comes just over a month after Britain left the EU at the end of January.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's chief Europe negotiator David Frost was joined by the UK's ambassador to the EU Sir Tim Barrow and a group of aides.
Mr Frost chatted and posed for photos with EU negotiator Michel Barnier ahead of the talks.
Mr Barnier said: "We approach these negotiations in a constructive spirit. We want to agree an ambitious and fair partnership.
"We will respect our prior joint commitments."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 UK prepared to ditch EU trade talks in June
Mr Frost said he was "delighted to start talks on a constructive basis today" with his EU counterpart.
The discussions are expected to continue until Thursday, with further rounds of talks set to take place in London later this month.
Both sides have already set out their red lines in the negotiations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Gove: Fishing waters a 'sovereign resource'
There are major differences on issues such as fishing rights, the EU's demand for a "level playing field" to ensure fair competition, and the role of the European Court of Justice.
The deadline for a deal is currently the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December.
Mr Johnson has ruled out extending the talks beyond the end of this year, with the PM saying he is prepared to walk away without a deal if it comes to it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:48 EU ministers agree UK trade talks mandate
A meeting to take stock is scheduled for June, by which point it should be clear if Mr Johnson's preferred Canada-style deal is possible.
It is the UK's position that the "broad outline" of any deal should be apparent by then, which could then be finalised by September.
If not, its negotiating mandate says "the government will need to decide whether the UK's attention should move away from negotiations and focus solely on continuing domestic preparations to exit the transition period in an orderly fashion".


news--2020-03-02--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson to reveal government plan to tackle outbreak of COVID-19

Boris Johnson is fighting back against criticism that he has been slow to respond to coronavirus by unveiling a government action plan to tackle the spread of the disease .
After chairing a COBRA meeting of senior ministers , he will announce a six-point plan at a Downing Street news conference alongside the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser .
Following the COBRA meeting , Chancellor Rishi Sunak is also pledging more funds to fight the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , and has promised a big injection of cash in next week 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of confirmed cases in the UK hit 39 .
The latest confirmed by a school in Devon after a pupil travelled from northern Italy .
Emergency measures in the PM 's plan include a Cabinet Office war room , more home working and curbs on travel , bringing NHS staff out of retirement and bigger class sizes in schools .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted some of the planned action would be `` uncomfortable '' but insisted the government was `` quite prepared to do that if it 's necessary '' .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burley @ Breakfast show , he said ministers had n't yet ruled out `` succeeding in containing the disease '' at its current relatively low level .
Mr Hancock said the government was seeking `` as targeted as an approach as possible '' with the focus on elderly and vulnerable people , who are likely to see the biggest impact from the virus .
Despite the prospect of large gatherings of people being banned - including the cancellation of sports events - as well as schools being closed , Mr Hancock said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as not to underreact '' .
It follows reports Britons are stockpiling food from supermarkets .
It would `` not help '' at the moment to cancel big gatherings or close schools where there has n't been a positive case of coronavirus , with Mr Hancock saying the government would `` follow the science '' in issuing advice .
`` The plan for now is really clear ; which is wash your hands and if you have a cough or a sneeze to catch it , and to follow the public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most affected areas , '' the health secretary added .
`` Other than that carry on your normal business . ''
Mr Hancock said the government was not advising people to cease shaking hands with others , as the risk was `` negligible '' if people wash their hands regularly .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ahead of his announcement , the prime minister said : `` It is highly likely coronavirus will spread more widely in the coming days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're making every possible preparation .
`` We have agreed a plan , which I will set out in detail , so if the virus should spread , we are ready to take necessary steps to contain it and protect the most vulnerable .
`` But we can all continue to do our bit to fight this virus - by washing our hands with soap and water for the length of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice . ''
Mr Johnson will announce that later this week a major public information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps the public can take to limit the spread of the virus , including washing hands regularly with soap and water .
He will also say emergency legislation will be published in the coming weeks to ensure government has all the necessary powers to prepare for and tackle the coronavirus outbreak .
And the prime minister will declare that measures already set out as part of the plan include : • Every government department having a designated minister to oversee the response to the global threat of the virus , for instance on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up in the Cabinet Office , bringing together communications experts and scientists from across government and the NHS to roll out the public information campaign • Coronavirus being a standing item on the weekly cabinet agenda , with the PM continuing to oversee the government approach • The option , should the virus spread , to encourage more home working and discourage unnecessary travel as part of a `` social distancing '' strategy that could delay the peak of the outbreak until later in the year , potentially helping combat the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency registration of health professionals who have retired , the introduction of emergency indemnity coverage for health care workers to provide care or diagnostic services and relaxation of rules around staff to pupil ratios in education and childcare settings • After being accused by Jeremy Corbyn of being a `` part-time prime minister '' Mr Johnson has in recent days visited Kettering General Hospital where he met NHS frontline staff and saw their new coronavirus pod , a special sterile cabin outside the hospital , where people can go to be checked • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's laboratory in Colindale , north London , one of a number of labs across the UK where tests are carried out to confirm or rule out coronavirus , and the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead , where he met staff treating patients with the virus Promising the NHS and scientists the resources they need to respond to the virus , Mr Sunak said : `` The whole of government is working closely together to tackle the spread of COVID-19 .
`` We understand that people across the country are worried , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm action to support your families , your businesses and the public services on which you rely .
`` We are well prepared for this global threat and , as the wider economic picture becomes clearer , we stand ready to announce further support where needed . ''

Boris Johnson is fighting back against criticism that he has been slow to respond to coronavirus by unveiling a government action plan to tackle the spread of the disease.
After chairing a COBRA meeting of senior ministers, he will announce a six-point plan at a Downing Street news conference alongside the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser.
Following the COBRA meeting, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is also pledging more funds to fight the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and has promised a big injection of cash in next week's budget.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:56 COVID-19 'to become more significant'
It comes as the number of confirmed cases in the UK hit 39. The latest confirmed by a school in Devon after a pupil travelled from northern Italy.
Emergency measures in the PM's plan include a Cabinet Office war room, more home working and curbs on travel, bringing NHS staff out of retirement and bigger class sizes in schools.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:18 Government to reveal its coronavirus plan
Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted some of the planned action would be "uncomfortable" but insisted the government was "quite prepared to do that if it's necessary".
However, speaking to Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast show, he said ministers hadn't yet ruled out "succeeding in containing the disease" at its current relatively low level.
Mr Hancock said the government was seeking "as targeted as an approach as possible" with the focus on elderly and vulnerable people, who are likely to see the biggest impact from the virus.
Image: Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted some measures could be 'uncomfortable'
Despite the prospect of large gatherings of people being banned - including the cancellation of sports events - as well as schools being closed, Mr Hancock said it was "important not to overreact as well as not to underreact".
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It follows reports Britons are stockpiling food from supermarkets.
It would "not help" at the moment to cancel big gatherings or close schools where there hasn't been a positive case of coronavirus, with Mr Hancock saying the government would "follow the science" in issuing advice.
"The plan for now is really clear; which is wash your hands and if you have a cough or a sneeze to catch it, and to follow the public health advice if you travel to one of the most affected areas," the health secretary added.
"Other than that carry on your normal business."
Mr Hancock said the government was not advising people to cease shaking hands with others, as the risk was "negligible" if people wash their hands regularly.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ahead of his announcement, the prime minister said: "It is highly likely coronavirus will spread more widely in the coming days and weeks, which is why we're making every possible preparation.
"We have agreed a plan, which I will set out in detail, so if the virus should spread, we are ready to take necessary steps to contain it and protect the most vulnerable.
"But we can all continue to do our bit to fight this virus - by washing our hands with soap and water for the length of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice."
Mr Johnson will announce that later this week a major public information campaign will be launched setting out clear steps the public can take to limit the spread of the virus, including washing hands regularly with soap and water.
He will also say emergency legislation will be published in the coming weeks to ensure government has all the necessary powers to prepare for and tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:48 COVID-19: Who are the most vulnerable?
And the prime minister will declare that measures already set out as part of the plan include:
Every government department having a designated minister to oversee the response to the global threat of the virus, for instance on schools or businesses
A war room set up in the Cabinet Office, bringing together communications experts and scientists from across government and the NHS to roll out the public information campaign
Coronavirus being a standing item on the weekly cabinet agenda, with the PM continuing to oversee the government approach
The option, should the virus spread, to encourage more home working and discourage unnecessary travel as part of a "social distancing" strategy that could delay the peak of the outbreak until later in the year, potentially helping combat the virus in warmer weather conditions
Looking at emergency registration of health professionals who have retired, the introduction of emergency indemnity coverage for health care workers to provide care or diagnostic services and relaxation of rules around staff to pupil ratios in education and childcare settings
After being accused by Jeremy Corbyn of being a "part-time prime minister" Mr Johnson has in recent days visited Kettering General Hospital where he met NHS frontline staff and saw their new coronavirus pod, a special sterile cabin outside the hospital, where people can go to be checked
He has also visited Public Health England's laboratory in Colindale, north London, one of a number of labs across the UK where tests are carried out to confirm or rule out coronavirus, and the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, where he met staff treating patients with the virus
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 Coronavirus: Why are older people most at risk?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Promising the NHS and scientists the resources they need to respond to the virus, Mr Sunak said: "The whole of government is working closely together to tackle the spread of COVID-19.
"We understand that people across the country are worried, but I assure you that we are taking firm action to support your families, your businesses and the public services on which you rely.
"We are well prepared for this global threat and, as the wider economic picture becomes clearer, we stand ready to announce further support where needed."
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.


news--2020-03-02--Coronavirus: British Airways and Ryanair cancel hundreds of flights due to COVID-19 outbreak

British Airways and Ryanair have cancelled hundreds of flights between the UK and parts of Europe and the US due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The BA cancellations include journeys between Heathrow and Italy , France , Austria , Belgium , Germany , Ireland and Switzerland - plus New York 's JFK .
The airline has also cancelled flights between Gatwick and Italy , France and Albania - and London City flights to and from Italy and Germany - after another spike in COVID-19 cases in the UK .
BA said the changes to its timetable as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of flights merged between 16 March and 28 March '' .
A spokesman for the airline said : `` We will be contacting customers on cancelled flights so we can discuss their travel options , including re-booking on to other carriers where possible , full refunds or booking with BA for a later date of travel .
`` Customers can also find the latest information and options on BA.com . ''
Ryanair is reducing frequencies on some routes by up to 25 % , particularly affecting flights to and from Italy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reduced schedule between 17 March and 8 April because of a `` significant drop in bookings '' over the period caused by concern over COVID-19 .
Other measures being introduced by Ryanair include `` rolling schedule cuts '' allocating leave or paid leave to pilots and cabin crew , working with suppliers to cut costs , and freezing recruitment , promotion and pay .
BA said it is cancelling 12 round-trips from Heathrow to JFK from 17 March to 28 March .
It is also scrapping 171 short-haul roundtrip flights from Heathrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Austria , Belgium , Germany , Ireland , Switzerland over the same dates .
The cancellations affect seven short-haul BA roundtrip flights from Gatwick to Italy , France and Albania from 16 March to 25 March .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And BA is cancelling 26 short-haul roundtrip flights from London City Airport to Germany and Italy from 17 March to 28 March .
More than 89,000 confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally and there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .

British Airways and Ryanair have cancelled hundreds of flights between the UK and parts of Europe and the US due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The BA cancellations include journeys between Heathrow and Italy, France, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland and Switzerland - plus New York's JFK.
The airline has also cancelled flights between Gatwick and Italy, France and Albania - and London City flights to and from Italy and Germany - after another spike in COVID-19 cases in the UK.
BA said the changes to its timetable as a result of the coronavirus outbreak would see "a number of flights merged between 16 March and 28 March".
A spokesman for the airline said: "We will be contacting customers on cancelled flights so we can discuss their travel options, including re-booking on to other carriers where possible, full refunds or booking with BA for a later date of travel.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
"Customers can also find the latest information and options on BA.com."
Ryanair is reducing frequencies on some routes by up to 25%, particularly affecting flights to and from Italy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:56 COVID-19 'to become more significant'
The Dublin-based carrier said it would operate a reduced schedule between 17 March and 8 April because of a "significant drop in bookings" over the period caused by concern over COVID-19.
Other measures being introduced by Ryanair include "rolling schedule cuts" allocating leave or paid leave to pilots and cabin crew, working with suppliers to cut costs, and freezing recruitment, promotion and pay.
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BA said it is cancelling 12 round-trips from Heathrow to JFK from 17 March to 28 March.
Image: Ryanair cancellations especially affect flights to Italy
It is also scrapping 171 short-haul roundtrip flights from Heathrow to countries including Italy, France, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland over the same dates.
The cancellations affect seven short-haul BA roundtrip flights from Gatwick to Italy, France and Albania from 16 March to 25 March.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
And BA is cancelling 26 short-haul roundtrip flights from London City Airport to Germany and Italy from 17 March to 28 March.
More than 89,000 confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally and there have been more than 3,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.