news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: UK schools to close from Friday until further notice

Schools across the UK will close from Friday until further notice , the education secretary has announced .
Speaking in the House of Commons , Gavin Williamson also confirmed that exams and assessments would not be held this academic year .
It comes after a further 32 coronavirus-related deaths in England , taking the total number in the UK to 104 .
Mr Williamson told MPs : `` I want to provide parents , students and staff with the certainty they need .
`` After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon , they will remain closed until further notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children , except for those of key workers and children who are most vulnerable .
`` The scientific advice shows that the settings are safe for this small number of children attending , but asking others to stay will just go towards helping us slow the spread of this virus . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Mr Williamson said examples of key workers include NHS staff , police and supermarket delivery drivers .
Schools will also be encouraged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable children during the upcoming Easter holidays .
The education secretary added nurseries , sixth forms , further education colleges , independent schools and boarding schools were expected to follow the same approach .
Schools will be given the flexibility to provide meals or vouchers to children who are eligible for free school meals , Mr Williamson also announced .
On the cancellation of exams and assessments , the education secretary said he would be working to `` ensure that children get the qualifications that they need '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available for social care workers .
At a Downing Street news conference , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government 's measures aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus - now including the closure of schools - were already working .
`` We believe that the steps we have already taken , together with those I am announcing today , are already slowing the spread of the disease , '' he said .
`` But we will not hesitate to go further and faster in the days and weeks ahead and we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat it together . ''
Mr Johnson did not rule out putting London on lockdown , with coronavirus at its most widespread in the capital .
But he described how a `` game-changer '' test to determine whether an individual has developed antibodies to tackle the coronavirus is `` coming down the track '' .
Earlier , it was announced that Scotland and Wales would be closing all schools by Friday because of coronavirus .
The Welsh government said all schools will close for an early Easter break by Friday at the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish schools will also close by the end of the week .
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed that schools would be shut on Monday and could be closed until summer in `` unprecedented '' action .
Kevin Courtney , joint general secretary of the National Education Union , welcomed Mr Williamson 's announcement on Wednesday .
He said : `` It is better for this to take place in an ordered way than the chaotic pattern of closures that was developing .
`` We also welcome the clarity that SATs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be cancelled .
`` Now , more than anything else the government needs to concentrate on ensuring that children in food poverty are fed properly - these children are not just those on free school meals . ''
Paul Whiteman , general secretary of school leaders ' union NAHT , said : `` This is part of the state-wide response to this crisis .
`` I know that the education sector wants to do all that it can to support the country .
But he added : `` The situation is moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions than answers at the moment . ''
Purnima Tanuku , chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association , described the government 's announcement as `` absolutely devastating news '' .
She said : `` How can the private nursery sector remain sustainable in the face of mass closures and expensive overheads ?
`` We must have reassurance from government that as well as continuing to pay the early years entitlement funding , they will support the sector in the same way they have promised for other sectors badly affected by this catastrophe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions had warned that many schools are so short-staffed that they are struggling to remain open .
More than 600,000 people had signed a parliamentary petition calling for schools and colleges to be closed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
There will be a question and answer session on what the schools closure will mean for students and parents on Kay Burley @ Breakfast this morning at 7.45am on Sky News

Schools across the UK will close from Friday until further notice, the education secretary has announced.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Gavin Williamson also confirmed that exams and assessments would not be held this academic year.
It comes after a further 32 coronavirus-related deaths in England, taking the total number in the UK to 104.
Mr Williamson told MPs: "I want to provide parents, students and staff with the certainty they need.
"After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice.
"This will be for all children, except for those of key workers and children who are most vulnerable.
"The scientific advice shows that the settings are safe for this small number of children attending, but asking others to stay will just go towards helping us slow the spread of this virus."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Mr Williamson said examples of key workers include NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers.
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Schools will also be encouraged to look after key workers' children and vulnerable children during the upcoming Easter holidays.
The education secretary added nurseries, sixth forms, further education colleges, independent schools and boarding schools were expected to follow the same approach.
Schools will be given the flexibility to provide meals or vouchers to children who are eligible for free school meals, Mr Williamson also announced.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 PM confirms school closures across UK
On the cancellation of exams and assessments, the education secretary said he would be working to "ensure that children get the qualifications that they need".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that childcare support would also be available for social care workers.
At a Downing Street news conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government's measures aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus - now including the closure of schools - were already working.
"We believe that the steps we have already taken, together with those I am announcing today, are already slowing the spread of the disease," he said.
"But we will not hesitate to go further and faster in the days and weeks ahead and we will do whatever it takes so that we beat it together."
Mr Johnson did not rule out putting London on lockdown, with coronavirus at its most widespread in the capital.
But he described how a "game-changer" test to determine whether an individual has developed antibodies to tackle the coronavirus is "coming down the track".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Coronavirus: Which groups are most at risk?
Earlier, it was announced that Scotland and Wales would be closing all schools by Friday because of coronavirus.
The Welsh government said all schools will close for an early Easter break by Friday at the latest, while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scottish schools will also close by the end of the week.
Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed that schools would be shut on Monday and could be closed until summer in "unprecedented" action.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, welcomed Mr Williamson's announcement on Wednesday.
He said: "It is better for this to take place in an ordered way than the chaotic pattern of closures that was developing.
"We also welcome the clarity that SATs, GCSE, AS- and A-Level exams are to be cancelled.
"Now, more than anything else the government needs to concentrate on ensuring that children in food poverty are fed properly - these children are not just those on free school meals."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Scottish schools to shut Friday - Sturgeon
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said: "This is part of the state-wide response to this crisis.
"I know that the education sector wants to do all that it can to support the country.
But he added: "The situation is moving very quickly, and we have more questions than answers at the moment."
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association, described the government's announcement as "absolutely devastating news".
She said: "How can the private nursery sector remain sustainable in the face of mass closures and expensive overheads?
"We must have reassurance from government that as well as continuing to pay the early years entitlement funding, they will support the sector in the same way they have promised for other sectors badly affected by this catastrophe."
Teachers, head teachers and unions had warned that many schools are so short-staffed that they are struggling to remain open.
More than 600,000 people had signed a parliamentary petition calling for schools and colleges to be closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
There will be a question and answer session on what the schools closure will mean for students and parents on Kay Burley@Breakfast this morning at 7.45am on Sky News


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: How families in the UK are coping with self-isolation

Life is changing fast and the UK is entering a period never before seen in modern times , where whole families are shutting out the world for 14 days in an effort to contain COVID-19 .
But many isolated families feel the lack of testing means lives are being turned upside down unnecessarily - and that it also leaves the impression the government is losing a handle on the scale of the problem .
The Bullocks , who live in west London , were enjoying relatively normal lives until Monday evening , when the prime minister announced all families with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should isolate the entire household for 14 days .
TV producer Rob Bullock had suffered from night sweats the week before , but over the weekend it turned into a fever .
Speaking from his bedroom window , he told Sky News : `` I find it extraordinary that I 'm not being tested , partly because I 'm wondering how the government is making any decisions about their response to this if they do n't really know how many people have contracted this virus , because they 're not testing for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's hard because I 'm taking my children out of school .
My eldest daughter has got her GCSEs coming up , I 'm taking her out of school at a critical time and it all might be because I got the common cold virus .
`` Not knowing for sure makes it harder . ''
Downstairs , speaking through the living room window , Rob 's wife Charlotte says the new advice came as a shock .
She said : `` Well , it seems a bit late .
The kids went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night they said we were under lockdown .
`` So , if I 've given it to anyone , I apologise , it was a bit late . ''
Charlotte is also frustrated that the lack of testing means they wo n't know whether they have had the virus and therefore have immunity in the future .
`` If we all get through this , and we 're better , I 'd like to get out and help people , '' she added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker .
Myroslava Coates is in isolation in Manchester .
The family member suspected to have COVID-19 is her nine-month-old baby , Cassian .
With a child that young , she can not follow government advice to separate herself from the infected person within the household .
She says : `` We took him to the doctor and thought it was the chest infection which he 'd had before .
`` The room had a big sign saying suspected case and my husband and I went 'oh my God ' .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - that 's you guys .
The doctor came in wearing a mask - did basic checks and said yes , it 's the coronavirus .
`` They do n't do an actual test with children of this age , so it 's done on symptoms . ''
James Thellusson , 58 , lives with his wife , two children and his 95-year-old mother .
The guidance is that over 70s should self-isolate for up to four months .
That leaves questions over whether the family should somehow try to rent somewhere for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of her current family environment .
Mr Thellusson told Sky News he is conflicted over what to do , but access to testing would make life easier .
He said : `` Number one , we ca n't take a test so we do n't know whether we 've got it .
`` Number two , if we have got it and we have to self-isolate with her for an extended period of time , then she 's going to get it and if she gets it - that 's pretty close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When times are tough , we talk about coming together as a nation , or pulling together as a family , but what families are already beginning to realise is the way to combat this threat is counter-intuitive .
To beat it , we have to separate and that makes it all the more frightening and , for many people , incredibly tough .
Nina Ozdemir has spent nearly a week in a one bed flat with two children , aged two and four , and her sick husband .
The children sleep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pull-out bed in the living room .
She said : `` This is day six now .
The kids have so much energy and they just need to release it and they ca n't really run around in here , so they are fighting a lot .
`` You ca n't explain to a two-year-old why we have to stay indoors .
It 's completely impossible . ''
Cabin fever , potential lost earnings , illness and the threat of death ; this bug is going to take its toll on all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus could relieve them of anxiety and frustrations .
But it seems we do n't have the resources to do them on a large scale .
At the moment , the priority for testing is patients in hospital in intensive care and those with respiratory conditions .
But the government does hope to increase testing to other groups .
The government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance said : `` The next group of people that Public Health England want to go is to get to key workers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity ramps up , that 's where you 'd go next , that is the plan . ''
He also told MPs the social distancing measures put in place by the government last night would have to last at least `` months '' .

Life is changing fast and the UK is entering a period never before seen in modern times, where whole families are shutting out the world for 14 days in an effort to contain COVID-19.
But many isolated families feel the lack of testing means lives are being turned upside down unnecessarily - and that it also leaves the impression the government is losing a handle on the scale of the problem.
The Bullocks, who live in west London, were enjoying relatively normal lives until Monday evening, when the prime minister announced all families with one member displaying symptoms of the virus should isolate the entire household for 14 days.
Image: Rob Bullock spoke to Sky News from his bedroom window
TV producer Rob Bullock had suffered from night sweats the week before, but over the weekend it turned into a fever.
Speaking from his bedroom window, he told Sky News: "I find it extraordinary that I'm not being tested, partly because I'm wondering how the government is making any decisions about their response to this if they don't really know how many people have contracted this virus, because they're not testing for it."
"But personally, it's hard because I'm taking my children out of school. My eldest daughter has got her GCSEs coming up, I'm taking her out of school at a critical time and it all might be because I got the common cold virus.
"Not knowing for sure makes it harder."
Downstairs, speaking through the living room window, Rob's wife Charlotte says the new advice came as a shock.
She said: "Well, it seems a bit late. The kids went to school on Monday and then Monday night they said we were under lockdown.
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Image: Charlotte Bullock has been frustrated by the lack of testing
"So, if I've given it to anyone, I apologise, it was a bit late."
Charlotte is also frustrated that the lack of testing means they won't know whether they have had the virus and therefore have immunity in the future.
"If we all get through this, and we're better, I'd like to get out and help people," she added.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Myroslava Coates is in isolation in Manchester.
The family member suspected to have COVID-19 is her nine-month-old baby, Cassian.
Image: Myroslava and Callum Coates' baby Cassian had a fever which turned out to be coronavirus
With a child that young, she cannot follow government advice to separate herself from the infected person within the household.
She says: "We took him to the doctor and thought it was the chest infection which he'd had before.
"The room had a big sign saying suspected case and my husband and I went 'oh my God'.
Image: The couple are in isolation with Cassian, but have shown no symptoms
Image: Cassian is only nine-months-old
"And then a nurse came and said yes - that's you guys. The doctor came in wearing a mask - did basic checks and said yes, it's the coronavirus.
"They don't do an actual test with children of this age, so it's done on symptoms."
James Thellusson, 58, lives with his wife, two children and his 95-year-old mother.
The guidance is that over 70s should self-isolate for up to four months.
Image: James Thellusson is worried about his 95-year-old mother
That leaves questions over whether the family should somehow try to rent somewhere for Mr Thellusson's mother and move her out of her current family environment.
Mr Thellusson told Sky News he is conflicted over what to do, but access to testing would make life easier.
He said: "Number one, we can't take a test so we don't know whether we've got it.
"Number two, if we have got it and we have to self-isolate with her for an extended period of time, then she's going to get it and if she gets it - that's pretty close to being a death sentence."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 PM: We must stop NHS from getting overwhelmed
When times are tough, we talk about coming together as a nation, or pulling together as a family, but what families are already beginning to realise is the way to combat this threat is counter-intuitive.
To beat it, we have to separate and that makes it all the more frightening and, for many people, incredibly tough.
Nina Ozdemir has spent nearly a week in a one bed flat with two children, aged two and four, and her sick husband.
The children sleep in bunk beds and the adults on a pull-out bed in the living room.
Image: Nina Ozdemir has been sleeping on a pull-out bed
She said: "This is day six now. The kids have so much energy and they just need to release it and they can't really run around in here, so they are fighting a lot.
"You can't explain to a two-year-old why we have to stay indoors. It's completely impossible."
Cabin fever, potential lost earnings, illness and the threat of death; this bug is going to take its toll on all of us.
Many feel that tests for the virus could relieve them of anxiety and frustrations. But it seems we don't have the resources to do them on a large scale.
At the moment, the priority for testing is patients in hospital in intensive care and those with respiratory conditions.
But the government does hope to increase testing to other groups.
The government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance said: "The next group of people that Public Health England want to go is to get to key workers to make sure they are tested. As capacity ramps up, that's where you'd go next, that is the plan."
He also told MPs the social distancing measures put in place by the government last night would have to last at least "months".


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Why the pound is taking a pummelling as crisis deepens

The pound has endured a rocky time ever since the EU referendum in June 2016 The convulsions in equity and bond markets have naturally grabbed most of the financial headlines as the COVID-19 outbreak has widened .
Yet there have been some equally eye-catching movements in currency markets .
Today saw the pound fall sharply against the US dollar and the euro .
The decline against the greenback was particularly stark .
At one point , the pound hit just $ 1.1539 , a fall of more than 4 % - which is a rout in foreign exchange ( FX @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level the pound has hit against the dollar since 1985 .
It is the continuation of a brutal trend .
The pound has now fallen by more than 12 % against the US dollar since the beginning of the year while , against the Euro , it has fallen by more than 9 % .
There are a number of possible explanations why .
One is that , at times of financial stress , the US dollar attracts safe-haven buying .
This is undoubtedly a factor in the pound 's precipitous fall against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this respect , is the pound alone .
Several other currencies have also today hit their lowest level against the US dollar for many years .
The Australian dollar , for example , fell to its lowest level against the US dollar since January 2003 .
The New Zealand dollar has not been this low against its American equivalent since March 2009 .
The Canadian dollar also slumped to a four-year low against the dollar .
And the Norwegian krone , which has been battered by the sharp falls in oil and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of all-time against the dollar .
Even other renowned safe-haven currencies , such as the Japanese yen and the Swiss franc , have been on the back foot today against the dollar .
So strength in the dollar and demand for dollars is one reason for the dramatic fall in the sterling-dollar exchange rate which , in market jargon , is known as 'cable ' after the transatlantic cable that was first used to relay exchange rates between London and New York in the mid-19th century .
Yet that explanation only goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for what is known as 'liquidity ' - the ease with which assets can be bought and sold .
At times of financial stress , investors and traders seek the most liquid assets , those assets that can easily be turned into cash in an emergency .
The most liquid assets of them all are US Treasury bonds - US government IOUs - and that explains why US dollars are always sought after .
The Euro , as the world 's second most heavily-traded currency after the US dollar , has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking liquidity and , accordingly , it too is higher against the pound .
A third factor is the way that foreign exchange investors were positioned going into the coronavirus emergency .
The market was 'long ' of the pound - in other words , investors had bought it in anticipation of further gains - following the decisive general election result in December , which had raised hope of clarity over the UK 's departure from the EU .
Accordingly , when the sell-off in sterling gathered pace , there will have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who prefer to trade on a relatively short-term basis , to unwind some of those positions .
The latest data suggests , however , that the market still remains 'long ' of the pound .
A fourth explanation being suggested in some quarters is that the UK government 's response to the coronavirus crisis , in particular the £330bn fiscal stimulus programme announced on Tuesday by Chancellor Rishi Sunak , will lead to a huge increase in UK government borrowing .
More UK government borrowing means more issuance of UK government IOUs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave of sterling-denominated assets hitting the market .
Under those circumstances , all other things being equal , one would expect the pound to fall .
The UK 's persistent current account deficit , the difference in value between the goods and services Britain exports and the goods and services Britain imports , means a constant need for foreign investment - what Mark Carney , the former Bank of England Governor , famously described as `` the kindness of strangers '' .
Elsa Lignos , global head of foreign exchange strategy at RBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a note : `` The question we 've been discussing with clients is where will fiscal stimulus be currency-positive and where might it not .
`` While G10 countries [ the countries that use the 10 most actively-traded currencies around the world ] have varying debt levels , with rates this low most have enough fiscal room to act .
The issue may be external deficits - and we 've highlighted the UK before as being a case where the large private sector deficit and current account deficit puts the pound more at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this , in some quarters , is a suggestion that the chances of the UK achieving a trade deal with the EU , before its post-Brexit transition period at the end of the year expires , are receding as governments everywhere are pre-occupied with the coronavirus outbreak .
In other words , the chances of a so-called 'cliff edge ' Brexit are increasing , which is perceived by investors as bad for the pound .
Richard Falkenhall , senior foreign-exchange strategist at the Swedish bank SEB , told the Wall Street Journal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the British government has not changed at all on the importance of this date . ''
For others , though , this is mainly a story about the dollar 's strength .
Ranko Berich , head of market analysis at the brokerage Monex Europe , said : `` Idiosyncratic factors such as the UK 's monetary and fiscal response [ to coronavirus ] or Brexit are beside the point : this is about the US dollar , which is proving unstoppable as global financial markets stare into the abyss of crisis-like conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market who think the pound has been oversold .
Thomas Flury , strategist at UBS investment bank , said this was certainly true with regard to the euro .
He said in a note to clients : `` The pound seems to be exposed for now , as many fundamental investors had built up long positions in the pound that are now being cleared .
This position-clearing should , in our view , have no fundamental long-term impact given that the European economy is as much exposed to the global pandemic as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK reacted early , with monetary and fiscal stimulus , in a way that Europe has not yet been able to do .
We think the initiative should eventually support the pound . ''
Could the pound fall further ?
It is certainly possible and , particularly , against the US dollar .
The greenback at the moment feels like a runaway train .

Sky's Ian King explains why he sees a runaway train threat to sterling as the currency bleeds value against the dollar and euro.
Coronavirus: Why the pound is taking a pummelling as crisis deepens
The pound has endured a rocky time ever since the EU referendum in June 2016
The convulsions in equity and bond markets have naturally grabbed most of the financial headlines as the COVID-19 outbreak has widened.
Yet there have been some equally eye-catching movements in currency markets.
Today saw the pound fall sharply against the US dollar and the euro.
The decline against the greenback was particularly stark. At one point, the pound hit just $1.1539, a fall of more than 4% - which is a rout in foreign exchange (FX) markets.
It is the lowest level the pound has hit against the dollar since 1985.
It is the continuation of a brutal trend. The pound has now fallen by more than 12% against the US dollar since the beginning of the year while, against the Euro, it has fallen by more than 9%.
Image: Sterling hit levels against the dollar not seen since 1985
There are a number of possible explanations why.
One is that, at times of financial stress, the US dollar attracts safe-haven buying.
This is undoubtedly a factor in the pound's precipitous fall against the greenback on Wednesday.
Advertisement
Nor, in this respect, is the pound alone. Several other currencies have also today hit their lowest level against the US dollar for many years.
The Australian dollar, for example, fell to its lowest level against the US dollar since January 2003.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
The New Zealand dollar has not been this low against its American equivalent since March 2009. The Canadian dollar also slumped to a four-year low against the dollar.
And the Norwegian krone, which has been battered by the sharp falls in oil and gas prices, fell to its lowest level of all-time against the dollar.
Even other renowned safe-haven currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the Swiss franc, have been on the back foot today against the dollar.
So strength in the dollar and demand for dollars is one reason for the dramatic fall in the sterling-dollar exchange rate which, in market jargon, is known as 'cable' after the transatlantic cable that was first used to relay exchange rates between London and New York in the mid-19th century.
Yet that explanation only goes so far.
Another explanation is a need for what is known as 'liquidity' - the ease with which assets can be bought and sold.
At times of financial stress, investors and traders seek the most liquid assets, those assets that can easily be turned into cash in an emergency.
The most liquid assets of them all are US Treasury bonds - US government IOUs - and that explains why US dollars are always sought after.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Government pledge to steady the economy
The Euro, as the world's second most heavily-traded currency after the US dollar, has taken on certain safe haven qualities for those seeking liquidity and, accordingly, it too is higher against the pound.
A third factor is the way that foreign exchange investors were positioned going into the coronavirus emergency.
The market was 'long' of the pound - in other words, investors had bought it in anticipation of further gains - following the decisive general election result in December, which had raised hope of clarity over the UK's departure from the EU.
Accordingly, when the sell-off in sterling gathered pace, there will have been plenty of traders and investors, particularly those who prefer to trade on a relatively short-term basis, to unwind some of those positions. The latest data suggests, however, that the market still remains 'long' of the pound.
A fourth explanation being suggested in some quarters is that the UK government's response to the coronavirus crisis, in particular the £330bn fiscal stimulus programme announced on Tuesday by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, will lead to a huge increase in UK government borrowing.
More UK government borrowing means more issuance of UK government IOUs, or gilts, meaning a fresh wave of sterling-denominated assets hitting the market. Under those circumstances, all other things being equal, one would expect the pound to fall.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'We're going big' - Trump on virus stimulus
The UK's persistent current account deficit, the difference in value between the goods and services Britain exports and the goods and services Britain imports, means a constant need for foreign investment - what Mark Carney, the former Bank of England Governor, famously described as "the kindness of strangers".
Elsa Lignos, global head of foreign exchange strategy at RBC Capital Markets in London, said in a note: "The question we've been discussing with clients is where will fiscal stimulus be currency-positive and where might it not.
"While G10 countries [the countries that use the 10 most actively-traded currencies around the world] have varying debt levels, with rates this low most have enough fiscal room to act. The issue may be external deficits - and we've highlighted the UK before as being a case where the large private sector deficit and current account deficit puts the pound more at risk than other currencies."
Added to this, in some quarters, is a suggestion that the chances of the UK achieving a trade deal with the EU, before its post-Brexit transition period at the end of the year expires, are receding as governments everywhere are pre-occupied with the coronavirus outbreak. In other words, the chances of a so-called 'cliff edge' Brexit are increasing, which is perceived by investors as bad for the pound.
Richard Falkenhall, senior foreign-exchange strategist at the Swedish bank SEB, told the Wall Street Journal: "It seems like the position from the British government has not changed at all on the importance of this date."
For others, though, this is mainly a story about the dollar's strength.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's new economic measures explained
Ranko Berich, head of market analysis at the brokerage Monex Europe, said: "Idiosyncratic factors such as the UK's monetary and fiscal response [to coronavirus] or Brexit are beside the point: this is about the US dollar, which is proving unstoppable as global financial markets stare into the abyss of crisis-like conditions."
There are also some in the market who think the pound has been oversold.
Thomas Flury, strategist at UBS investment bank, said this was certainly true with regard to the euro.
He said in a note to clients: "The pound seems to be exposed for now, as many fundamental investors had built up long positions in the pound that are now being cleared. This position-clearing should, in our view, have no fundamental long-term impact given that the European economy is as much exposed to the global pandemic as the UK economy is.
"The UK reacted early, with monetary and fiscal stimulus, in a way that Europe has not yet been able to do. We think the initiative should eventually support the pound."
Could the pound fall further?
It is certainly possible and, particularly, against the US dollar. The greenback at the moment feels like a runaway train.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: All schools in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to close by Friday

All schools in Scotland , Wales are set to close on Friday and immediately in Northern Ireland in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
There is speculation that similar measures could be announced in England over COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Commons during Prime Minister 's Questions that further decisions on school closures were `` to be taken imminently '' .
Pupils in Northern Ireland will not go into school from Thursday , while staff will not work from Friday afternoon after preparing for online learning , Sky News understands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that people should not assume that they will open again until the end of the summer term .
She said the move was necessary because schools have now lost too many staff to continue as normal .
Ms Sturgeon said she wanted to reassure teachers and school staff that the government would work with them as they know what is best for children .
The Scottish government is still working out the finer details of what the closures will mean , she added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker .
Welsh education minister Kirsty Williams said schools in the country would be re-purposed to help people `` involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak '' .
She said : `` I can announce we are bringing forward the Easter break for schools in Wales .
Schools across Wales will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on 20 March 2020 .
`` I have been clear up to now that the continuity of education and the wellbeing of our learners has been at the heart of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the case .
`` From next week , schools will have a new purpose .
`` They will help support those most in need , including people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak . ''
Northern Ireland 's education minister said on Wednesday that he could not give a date for when schools will be closed .
Peter Weir said that when schools close over COVID-19 , it will not be short term measure , but potentially until the end of August .
The Department of Education has denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The PM will address the schools situation in his daily coronavirus press conference later .
At the same time , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will update MPs in the Commons .
The government has so far resisted calls to close schools , because NHS workers are among those who may need to stay home and look after their children .
Some schools could stay open for the pupils of key workers , which would include staff in the health service .

All schools in Scotland, Wales are set to close on Friday and immediately in Northern Ireland in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
There is speculation that similar measures could be announced in England over COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Commons during Prime Minister's Questions that further decisions on school closures were "to be taken imminently".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Analysis: Just how serious could COVID-19 cases be?
Pupils in Northern Ireland will not go into school from Thursday, while staff will not work from Friday afternoon after preparing for online learning, Sky News understands.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned that people should not assume that they will open again until the end of the summer term.
She said the move was necessary because schools have now lost too many staff to continue as normal.
Ms Sturgeon said she wanted to reassure teachers and school staff that the government would work with them as they know what is best for children.
The Scottish government is still working out the finer details of what the closures will mean, she added.
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Welsh education minister Kirsty Williams said schools in the country would be re-purposed to help people "involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak".
She said: "I can announce we are bringing forward the Easter break for schools in Wales. Schools across Wales will close for statutory provision of education at the latest on 20 March 2020.
"I have been clear up to now that the continuity of education and the wellbeing of our learners has been at the heart of my decision making. This will always be the case.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:40 The nine-month-old with coronavirus
"From next week, schools will have a new purpose.
"They will help support those most in need, including people involved in the immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak."
Northern Ireland's education minister said on Wednesday that he could not give a date for when schools will be closed.
Peter Weir said that when schools close over COVID-19, it will not be short term measure, but potentially until the end of August.
The Department of Education has denied several schools permission for exceptional closures.
The PM will address the schools situation in his daily coronavirus press conference later.
At the same time, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will update MPs in the Commons.
The government has so far resisted calls to close schools, because NHS workers are among those who may need to stay home and look after their children.
Some schools could stay open for the pupils of key workers, which would include staff in the health service.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Italy and France have highest daily deaths from COVID-19

Italy and France have had their highest numbers of deaths from coronavirus in a day , with 475 and 89 more fatalities respectively .
The deaths in Italy - an increase of 19 % in the last 24 hours - bring the country 's total to 2,978 .
Italy also had a large rise in coronavirus cases , with 4,207 confirmed on Wednesday , bringing the total to 35,713 , the Civil Protection Agency said .
The 89 deaths in France took its total to 264 , an increase of almost 51 % .
Confirmed cases in France rose by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - an increase of 18 % - bringing the total to 9,134 .
Health agency director Jerome Salomon said 931 people were in serious condition , needing life support .
China sent medical supplies to France on Wednesday , returning a favour done by the French weeks ago .
Specialist doctors and medical equipment were sent to Italy by China on Monday as the country struggled to cope with the numbers affected .
Italy is the hardest hit nation outside China and has been on total lockdown since 9 March .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died from coronavirus in China , which as of Wednesday was 3,241 - although at 81,102 China has far more confirmed cases .
Experts are warning the peak of the spread in Italy may not arrive until mid-April in the north , so far the country 's hardest hit area , and possibly later in other regions .
`` Citizens must know that this is not about changing their lifestyle just for one or two weeks , '' said the head of the Italian national centre for epidemiology , Stefania Salmaso .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restrictions `` will likely have to be kept for a long time '' .
• More than 214,000 globally have been confirmed as having COVID-19 and more than 8,700 have died • The UK is closing all schools from Friday • The US is deploying hospital ships to New York to help deal with the outbreak • Canada and the United States agree to ban non-essential travel between the countries • The European Union has agreed to close its external borders for 30 days • Holidaymakers in Spain told to return home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A small town in northern Italy began a trial of blanket testing its 3,300 residents and imposing strict quarantines on those infected , and their contacts , when the pandemic started in Europe .
On Wednesday the mayor of Vo , near Venice , said the town had not registered any new cases since Friday .
`` Testing was vital , it has saved many lives , '' mayor Giuliano Martini was quoted by the country 's media .
Andrea Crisanti , an infections expert at Imperial College London , who has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat the virus told Italy 's broadcast media that continuous testing and retesting of the whole population made the difference .
Professor Crisanti said : `` In Vo Euganeo we tested all the inhabitants , even those who were asymptomatic .
`` All citizens were put in isolation , so they could not transmit the disease .
`` On the second testing that was carried out , we recorded a 90 % drop in the rate of positive cases .
And of all the ones who were positive in the second testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Heath Organisation ( WHO ) this week called on all countries to ramp up testing programmes as the best way to slow the advance of the pandemic .
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said : `` We have a simple message to all countries - test , test , test .
`` All countries should be able to test all suspected cases .
They can not fight this pandemic blindfolded . ''

Italy and France have had their highest numbers of deaths from coronavirus in a day, with 475 and 89 more fatalities respectively.
The deaths in Italy - an increase of 19% in the last 24 hours - bring the country's total to 2,978.
Italy also had a large rise in coronavirus cases, with 4,207 confirmed on Wednesday, bringing the total to 35,713, the Civil Protection Agency said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Isolated Italians applaud doctors and nurses
The 89 deaths in France took its total to 264, an increase of almost 51%.
Confirmed cases in France rose by 1,404 on Wednesday from the day before - an increase of 18% - bringing the total to 9,134.
Health agency director Jerome Salomon said 931 people were in serious condition, needing life support.
China sent medical supplies to France on Wednesday, returning a favour done by the French weeks ago.
Image: French police enforce a night-time curfew
Specialist doctors and medical equipment were sent to Italy by China on Monday as the country struggled to cope with the numbers affected.
Italy is the hardest hit nation outside China and has been on total lockdown since 9 March.
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It is fast approaching the number of victims who have died from coronavirus in China, which as of Wednesday was 3,241 - although at 81,102 China has far more confirmed cases.
Experts are warning the peak of the spread in Italy may not arrive until mid-April in the north, so far the country's hardest hit area, and possibly later in other regions.
"Citizens must know that this is not about changing their lifestyle just for one or two weeks," said the head of the Italian national centre for epidemiology, Stefania Salmaso.
She told the ANSA news agency that the restrictions "will likely have to be kept for a long time".
Image: French ski resorts closed down on Saturday night with four hours notice
Other global coronavirus developments:
More than 214,000 globally have been confirmed as having COVID-19 and more than 8,700 have died
The UK is closing all schools from Friday
from Friday The US is deploying hospital ships to New York to help deal with the outbreak
Canada and the United States agree to ban non-essential travel between the countries
The European Union has agreed to close its external borders for 30 days
Holidaymakers in Spain told to return home as the country shuts all its hotels
A small town in northern Italy began a trial of blanket testing its 3,300 residents and imposing strict quarantines on those infected, and their contacts, when the pandemic started in Europe.
On Wednesday the mayor of Vo, near Venice, said the town had not registered any new cases since Friday.
"Testing was vital, it has saved many lives," mayor Giuliano Martini was quoted by the country's media.
Image: Italian soldiers patrol by a check-point at the entrance of the small town of Vo Vecchio, situated in the red zone
Andrea Crisanti, an infections expert at Imperial College London, who has been involved in the village's efforts to combat the virus told Italy's broadcast media that continuous testing and retesting of the whole population made the difference.
Professor Crisanti said: "In Vo Euganeo we tested all the inhabitants, even those who were asymptomatic.
"All citizens were put in isolation, so they could not transmit the disease.
"On the second testing that was carried out, we recorded a 90% drop in the rate of positive cases. And of all the ones who were positive in the second testing, eight people were asymptomatic."
Image: A man wearing a protective mask on an empty Rialto Bridge in Venice during the lockdown
The World Heath Organisation (WHO) this week called on all countries to ramp up testing programmes as the best way to slow the advance of the pandemic.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "We have a simple message to all countries - test, test, test.
"All countries should be able to test all suspected cases. They cannot fight this pandemic blindfolded."


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Thousands of Britons stranded abroad as travel bans kick in

Thousands of Britons have been left stranded abroad as travel restrictions take hold amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Countries around the world have closed their borders and locked down their airspace due to the COVID-19 outbreak , meaning holidaymakers and tourists face a nervous wait to get back home .
In Turkey , the coronavirus has meant British nationals have been left stranded after the Turkish government banned all flights between the country and the UK - including me .
Outside the British consulate in Istanbul over 30 British nationals gathered to get answers and find a route home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mustafa Javed , from Greater Manchester , has been in the city for five days - but it was only meant to be three .
His flight back to Manchester Airport was n't allowed to take off and the two tickets for flights he bought afterwards have also been cancelled .
Speaking to Sky News , he said : `` We had nowhere to stay after we checked out of our hotel before our flight was cancelled .
I had about £10 left .
We ca n't speak the language , so we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booked another flight , and 10 minutes later that was cancelled .
`` My friend then suggested we should go to the British embassy . ''
Jeremy , who is trying to get back to Gatwick airport , told Sky News : `` I 'm trying to be pragmatic about it , but I do n't think our friends inside the consulate are doing much to help us .
`` There 's no information , the FCO website is not very clear and they say they will only repatriate in exceptional circumstances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , we could be trapped in Turkey , stuck , without any means of getting home . ''
Elsewhere in Turkey there are more British tourists succumbing to a cocktail of frustration and fear .
British student Adele , who was on a university placement in Ankara , is now being asked by her university to come back to the UK , but she is stranded with no flights to take her home .
She told Sky News : `` It 's quite nerve-wracking and frustrating because of the lack of clarity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't really given us good enough advice , other than what 's on the Foreign and Commonwealth website .
`` I was on hold to the British embassy for an hour and still have n't had a response from them . ''
In a statement , an Foreign Office spokesperson said : `` We recognise that any British people currently overseas may be nervous about the impact of coronavirus on their travel and their health .
`` We are in close contact with travel providers and our international partners to provide support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 . ''
Sky News tried to speak to someone at the consulate in Istanbul but was told nobody was available .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Turkey is fairly low , but Istanbul - which is usually buzzing - is quiet and testing is taking place in what should be busy tourist spots .
There is also trouble in Morocco , where long queues of British travellers are waiting in Marrakesh to see if they can get home .
It comes as the Moroccan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders .
Photos from the airport in Marrakesh show hordes of travellers , with many queuing anywhere they can in an attempt to find out when they will get home .
According to the tourist board , 100 repatriation flights have been authorised for international travellers .
The British embassy in the country is advising people to head to their airline 's desk to be transferred to an alternative flight .

Thousands of Britons have been left stranded abroad as travel restrictions take hold amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Countries around the world have closed their borders and locked down their airspace due to the COVID-19 outbreak, meaning holidaymakers and tourists face a nervous wait to get back home.
In Turkey, the coronavirus has meant British nationals have been left stranded after the Turkish government banned all flights between the country and the UK - including me.
Image: A worker disinfects areas of Istanbul's Taksim Square
Outside the British consulate in Istanbul over 30 British nationals gathered to get answers and find a route home, but the response has been limited.
Mustafa Javed, from Greater Manchester, has been in the city for five days - but it was only meant to be three.
His flight back to Manchester Airport wasn't allowed to take off and the two tickets for flights he bought afterwards have also been cancelled.
Image: Mustafa Javed from Greater Manchester is stranded in Istanbul
Speaking to Sky News, he said: "We had nowhere to stay after we checked out of our hotel before our flight was cancelled. I had about £10 left. We can't speak the language, so we're basically in limbo.
"We booked another flight, and 10 minutes later that was cancelled.
"My friend then suggested we should go to the British embassy."
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Jeremy, who is trying to get back to Gatwick airport, told Sky News: "I'm trying to be pragmatic about it, but I don't think our friends inside the consulate are doing much to help us.
Image: Jeremy says he wants more help from the consulate
"There's no information, the FCO website is not very clear and they say they will only repatriate in exceptional circumstances. But me and the 30 other people here, we could be trapped in Turkey, stuck, without any means of getting home."
Elsewhere in Turkey there are more British tourists succumbing to a cocktail of frustration and fear.
British student Adele, who was on a university placement in Ankara, is now being asked by her university to come back to the UK, but she is stranded with no flights to take her home.
She told Sky News: "It's quite nerve-wracking and frustrating because of the lack of clarity around the situation.
Image: Student Adele says there is a lack of clarity about what to do
"The government hasn't really given us good enough advice, other than what's on the Foreign and Commonwealth website.
"I was on hold to the British embassy for an hour and still haven't had a response from them."
In a statement, an Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We recognise that any British people currently overseas may be nervous about the impact of coronavirus on their travel and their health.
"We are in close contact with travel providers and our international partners to provide support to those British people affected by ongoing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19."
Sky News tried to speak to someone at the consulate in Istanbul but was told nobody was available.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Turkey is fairly low, but Istanbul - which is usually buzzing - is quiet and testing is taking place in what should be busy tourist spots.
There is also trouble in Morocco, where long queues of British travellers are waiting in Marrakesh to see if they can get home.
It comes as the Moroccan government decided to shut the country's borders.
Image: Travellers in Morocco face a nervous wait to get back home
Photos from the airport in Marrakesh show hordes of travellers, with many queuing anywhere they can in an attempt to find out when they will get home.
According to the tourist board, 100 repatriation flights have been authorised for international travellers.
The British embassy in the country is advising people to head to their airline's desk to be transferred to an alternative flight.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Glastonbury and Eurovision latest events to be cancelled

Glastonbury Festival and the Eurovision Song Contest have both been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak .
A 50th anniversary Glastonbury event was being planned , and the cancellation is being described as a `` terrible blow to our incredible crew and volunteers '' .
The music festival 's organisers have sent their `` sincere apologies '' to the 135,000 who had paid deposits .
They also announced 2020 will now be an `` enforced fallow year '' for the world-famous event .
Sir Paul McCartney , Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar were due to headline at the festival , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday legend 's slot .
Other music acts on the line-up include Dua Lipa , Camila Cabello and Pet Shop Boys , as well as rockers Sam Fender , Blossoms , Haim and Noel Gallagher 's High Flying Birds .
The event 's co-founder Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily said in a Twitter post : `` We are so sorry to announce this , but we are going to have to cancel Glastonbury 2020 .
`` Tickets for this year will roll over to next year . ''
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Part of a full statement accompanying the post reads : `` Clearly this was not a course of action we hoped to take for our 50th anniversary event , but following the new government measures announced this week - and in times of such unprecedented uncertainty - this is now our only viable option .
`` We very much hope that the situation in the UK will have improved enormously by the end of June .
`` But even if it has , we are no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months with thousands of crew on the farm , helping us with the enormous job of building the infrastructure and attractions needed to welcome more than 200,000 people to a temporary city in these fields . ''
Glastonbury , which draws around 200,000 people to farmland in Somerset , was due to take place from 24 to 28 June .
It comes as the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 has also been cancelled due to the disease outbreak .
Organisers said in a statement : `` It is with deep regret that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam .
`` Over the past few weeks we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead .
`` However , the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe - and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities - means the European Broadcasting Union has taken the difficult decision that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned . ''
The cancellations follow updated guidance from the government calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , clubs and theatres and to avoid all non-essential contacts and travel .
The Who , Madonna and Miley Cyrus have cancelled live dates due to the COVID-19 outbreak , while festivals such as Coachella and Stagecoach in the US have been postponed or called off .
Radio 1 's Big Weekend is among the other big music events called off by organisers in the UK .
The festival , which had Biffy Clyro , Harry Styles and Cabello on the line-up , was due to take place in Dundee from 22 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced it was shutting down production on many of its live-action films , including The Little Mermaid .
The studio has also delayed the release of a blockbuster remake of Mulan , which had been due to arrive in UK cinemas on 27 March .
Other film releases postponed include A Quiet Place II and Fast And Furious 9 .
The release of the upcoming James Bond movie No Time To Die has been pushed back to November , having originally been set to arrive in April .

Glastonbury Festival and the Eurovision Song Contest have both been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.
A 50th anniversary Glastonbury event was being planned, and the cancellation is being described as a "terrible blow to our incredible crew and volunteers".
The music festival's organisers have sent their "sincere apologies" to the 135,000 who had paid deposits.
They also announced 2020 will now be an "enforced fallow year" for the world-famous event.
Sir Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar were due to headline at the festival, with Diana Ross due to play the Sunday legend's slot.
Other music acts on the line-up include Dua Lipa, Camila Cabello and Pet Shop Boys, as well as rockers Sam Fender, Blossoms, Haim and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.
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The event's co-founder Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily said in a Twitter post: "We are so sorry to announce this, but we are going to have to cancel Glastonbury 2020.
"Tickets for this year will roll over to next year."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Advertisement
Part of a full statement accompanying the post reads: "Clearly this was not a course of action we hoped to take for our 50th anniversary event, but following the new government measures announced this week - and in times of such unprecedented uncertainty - this is now our only viable option.
"We very much hope that the situation in the UK will have improved enormously by the end of June.
"But even if it has, we are no longer able to spend the next three months with thousands of crew on the farm, helping us with the enormous job of building the infrastructure and attractions needed to welcome more than 200,000 people to a temporary city in these fields."
Glastonbury, which draws around 200,000 people to farmland in Somerset, was due to take place from 24 to 28 June.
It comes as the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 has also been cancelled due to the disease outbreak.
Organisers said in a statement: "It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam.
"Over the past few weeks we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead.
"However, the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe - and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities - means the European Broadcasting Union has taken the difficult decision that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
The cancellations follow updated guidance from the government calling on people to stay away from pubs, clubs and theatres and to avoid all non-essential contacts and travel.
The Who, Madonna and Miley Cyrus have cancelled live dates due to the COVID-19 outbreak, while festivals such as Coachella and Stagecoach in the US have been postponed or called off.
:: Listen to Backstage on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Radio 1's Big Weekend is among the other big music events called off by organisers in the UK.
The festival, which had Biffy Clyro, Harry Styles and Cabello on the line-up, was due to take place in Dundee from 22 to 24 May.
In Hollywood, Disney announced it was shutting down production on many of its live-action films, including The Little Mermaid.
The studio has also delayed the release of a blockbuster remake of Mulan, which had been due to arrive in UK cinemas on 27 March.
Other film releases postponed include A Quiet Place II and Fast And Furious 9.
The release of the upcoming James Bond movie No Time To Die has been pushed back to November, having originally been set to arrive in April.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Scientists reveal how the body fights back against infection

Scientists in Australia say they have for the first time mapped how the body 's immune system responds to coronavirus , an important step in the possible creation of an effective vaccine .
Researchers at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne were able to test blood samples at four different time points in an otherwise healthy woman in her 40s , who presented with COVID-19 and had mild-to-moderate symptoms .
The report , published in the journal Nature Medicine , focused on a 47-year-old woman from Wuhan , Hubei province , China who had travelled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ display symptoms .
She turned up at a Melbourne A & E complaining of lethargy , sore throat , dry cough , pleuritic chest pain , shortness of breath and fever .
She was otherwise healthy and was a non-smoker taking no medications .
Her condition was managed through intravenous fluid rehydration without supplemental oxygenation .
No antibiotics , steroids or antiviral agents were used .
The research team was able to use her blood samples to map the response of her immune system to the virus .
One of the authors of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nguyen said this was the first time that broad immune responses to COVID-19 have been reported .
`` We looked at the whole breadth of the immune response in this patient using the knowledge we have built over many years of looking at immune responses in patients hospitalised with influenza , '' Dr Nguyen said .
`` Three days after the patient was admitted , we saw large populations of several immune cells , which are often a tell-tale sign of recovery during seasonal influenza infection , so we predicted that the patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what happened . ''
Working together with Professor Katherine Kedzierska , a leading influenza immunology researcher at the University of Melbourne , the team was able to dissect the immune response leading to successful recovery from COVID-19 , which might be the secret to finding an effective vaccine .
`` We showed that even though COVID-19 is caused by a new virus , in an otherwise healthy person , a robust immune response across different cell types was associated with clinical recovery , similar to what we see in influenza , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
`` This is an incredible step forward in understanding what drives recovery of COVID-19 .
People can use our methods to understand the immune responses in larger COVID-19 cohorts , and also understand what 's lacking in those who have fatal outcomes . ''
• The Chinese city of Wuhan - the original epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak - has reported just one new case of the virus for the second day in a row , as China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Canada and the US are considering a mutual ban on non-essential travel between the two countries , according to a Canadian government official • Tunisia has announced a nationwide curfew , with citizens in lockdown from 6pm to 6am • At least 17 elderly people from a Madrid nursing home have died in the last five days , the Spanish city 's regional authorities have said • The youngest UK victim has been named as 45-year-old Craig Ruston , a father-of-two with motor neurone disease ( MND ) • UK Chancellor Rishi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in government-backed loans to businesses struggling in the face of the coronavirus pandemic • Nevada 's governor has ordered the closure of the casinos in Las Vegas for a month , along with other non-essential businesses in the state Dr Thevarajan said that current estimates show more than 80 per cent of COVID-19 cases are mild-to-moderate , and understanding the immune response in these mild cases is very important research .
`` We hope to now expand our work nationally and internationally to understand why some people die from COVID-19 , and build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response of COVID-19 and future emerging viruses , '' she said .

Scientists in Australia say they have for the first time mapped how the body's immune system responds to coronavirus, an important step in the possible creation of an effective vaccine.
Researchers at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne were able to test blood samples at four different time points in an otherwise healthy woman in her 40s, who presented with COVID-19 and had mild-to-moderate symptoms.
The report, published in the journal Nature Medicine, focused on a 47-year-old woman from Wuhan, Hubei province, China who had travelled to Australia 11 days before she began to display symptoms.
She turned up at a Melbourne A & E complaining of lethargy, sore throat, dry cough, pleuritic chest pain, shortness of breath and fever.
She was otherwise healthy and was a non-smoker taking no medications. Her condition was managed through intravenous fluid rehydration without supplemental oxygenation. No antibiotics, steroids or antiviral agents were used.
The research team was able to use her blood samples to map the response of her immune system to the virus.
One of the authors of the paper, research fellow Dr Oanh Nguyen said this was the first time that broad immune responses to COVID-19 have been reported.
"We looked at the whole breadth of the immune response in this patient using the knowledge we have built over many years of looking at immune responses in patients hospitalised with influenza," Dr Nguyen said.
"Three days after the patient was admitted, we saw large populations of several immune cells, which are often a tell-tale sign of recovery during seasonal influenza infection, so we predicted that the patient would recover in three days, which is what happened."
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Image: The team mapped the progress of the immune response Pic: Doherty Institute
Working together with Professor Katherine Kedzierska, a leading influenza immunology researcher at the University of Melbourne, the team was able to dissect the immune response leading to successful recovery from COVID-19, which might be the secret to finding an effective vaccine.
"We showed that even though COVID-19 is caused by a new virus, in an otherwise healthy person, a robust immune response across different cell types was associated with clinical recovery, similar to what we see in influenza," Professor Kedzierska said.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
"This is an incredible step forward in understanding what drives recovery of COVID-19. People can use our methods to understand the immune responses in larger COVID-19 cohorts, and also understand what's lacking in those who have fatal outcomes."
In other developments:
The Chinese city of Wuhan - the original epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak - has reported just one new case of the virus for the second day in a row, as China reported only 13 new cases on Wednesday
Canada and the US are considering a mutual ban on non-essential travel between the two countries, according to a Canadian government official
Tunisia has announced a nationwide curfew, with citizens in lockdown from 6pm to 6am
At least 17 elderly people from a Madrid nursing home have died in the last five days, the Spanish city's regional authorities have said
The youngest UK victim has been named as 45-year-old Craig Ruston , a father-of-two with motor neurone disease (MND)
, a father-of-two with motor neurone disease (MND) UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled plans to offer £330bn in government-backed loans to businesses struggling in the face of the coronavirus pandemic
has unveiled plans to offer £330bn in government-backed loans to businesses struggling in the face of the coronavirus pandemic Nevada's governor has ordered the closure of the casinos in Las Vegas for a month, along with other non-essential businesses in the state
Dr Thevarajan said that current estimates show more than 80 per cent of COVID-19 cases are mild-to-moderate, and understanding the immune response in these mild cases is very important research.
"We hope to now expand our work nationally and internationally to understand why some people die from COVID-19, and build further knowledge to assist in the rapid response of COVID-19 and future emerging viruses," she said.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: 32 more COVID-19 patients die in England - taking UK total to 104

Thirty-two more people have died in England after testing positive for coronavirus - taking the total number of UK deaths to 104 .
It follows the biggest daily leap in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK after 676 infections were diagnosed in the last 24 hours .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK now stands at 2,626 .
Ninety-nine patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in England have now died .
The latest 32 patients to die were aged between 59 and 94 and had underlying health conditions , NHS England said .
The youngest person to die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus has been named as 45-year-old Craig Rushton , from Kettering , who had been fighting motor neurone disease .
Nearly a third of the new deaths in England ( 10 ) were at hospitals in London - the worst-affected part of the UK .
Earlier , the death of a third patient with COVID-19 in Scotland was confirmed .
Two people with the virus have died in Wales so far .
In other developments in the spread of coronavirus in the UK : • All schools in England , Scotland , Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday in response to the pandemic • A `` radical '' money printing plan is being considered by the Bank of England , its new governor tells Sky News • This year 's Glastonbury festival and the Eurovision Song Contest have been cancelled • Major supermarket chains including Tesco , Sainsbury 's , Asda and Morrisons have enforced new rules to stop panic buying • An inmate at HMP Manchester has tested positive for COVID-19 - the first confirmed UK prisoner case • The Foreign Office has urged British holidaymakers to leave Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will close there from Tuesday • Filming on EastEnders and other BBC dramas Casualty , Doctors and Holby City has been suspended until further notice • Princess Beatrice has cancelled her planned wedding reception because of coronavirus More than 200,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is monitoring the outbreak .
The government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , has suggested there could be as many as 55,000 coronavirus cases already in the UK and 20,000 deaths or below would be a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , 56,221 people had been tested for the virus in the UK , of which 53,595 were negative .
There are now 227 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 across Scotland , while the number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland has risen by six to 68 .
In Wales , a further 13 people have been diagnosed with the virus , bringing the total number of confirmed cases there to 149 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a significant escalation of UK measures in response to coronavirus earlier this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid pubs , clubs , restaurants and theatres and to only make essential journeys .
What is the latest coronavirus advice ?
• If you live alone and have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough , you should self-isolate for seven days • If you live in a household with others and have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough , both yourself and all others in your household should stay isolated together for 14 days • Everyone , including if you are not displaying symptoms yourself and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is displaying symptoms , should stop all unnecessary contact with others and all unnecessary travel • You should work from home where possible and avoid venues such as pubs , clubs , theatres and restaurants • Pay particular attention to the advice if you are over 70 , pregnant , have underlying health problems or live in London • Do n't call the NHS 111 helpline if you have mild or moderate illness and instead seek advice online .
But do call if your illness becomes more severe

Thirty-two more people have died in England after testing positive for coronavirus - taking the total number of UK deaths to 104.
It follows the biggest daily leap in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK after 676 infections were diagnosed in the last 24 hours.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK now stands at 2,626.
Ninety-nine patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in England have now died.
The latest 32 patients to die were aged between 59 and 94 and had underlying health conditions, NHS England said.
The youngest person to die in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus has been named as 45-year-old Craig Rushton, from Kettering, who had been fighting motor neurone disease.
Image: Craig Ruston died aged 45 after testing positive for COVID-19
Nearly a third of the new deaths in England (10) were at hospitals in London - the worst-affected part of the UK.
Earlier, the death of a third patient with COVID-19 in Scotland was confirmed.
Two people with the virus have died in Wales so far.
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In other developments in the spread of coronavirus in the UK:
All schools in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are to close from Friday in response to the pandemic
from Friday in response to the pandemic A "radical" money printing plan is being considered by the Bank of England, its new governor tells Sky News
This year's Glastonbury festival and the Eurovision Song Contest have been cancelled
and the Eurovision Song Contest have been cancelled Major supermarket chains including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons have enforced new rules to stop panic buying
to stop panic buying An inmate at HMP Manchester has tested positive for COVID-19 - the first confirmed UK prisoner case
The Foreign Office has urged British holidaymakers to leave Spain as soon as possible as all hotels will close there from Tuesday
Filming on EastEnders and other BBC dramas Casualty, Doctors and Holby City has been suspended until further notice
and other BBC dramas Casualty, Doctors and Holby City has been suspended until further notice Princess Beatrice has cancelled her planned wedding reception because of coronavirus
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 Coronavirus: Central London deserted
More than 200,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is monitoring the outbreak.
The government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, has suggested there could be as many as 55,000 coronavirus cases already in the UK and 20,000 deaths or below would be a "good outcome".
As of 9am on Wednesday, 56,221 people had been tested for the virus in the UK, of which 53,595 were negative.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
There are now 227 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 across Scotland, while the number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland has risen by six to 68.
In Wales, a further 13 people have been diagnosed with the virus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases there to 149.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a significant escalation of UK measures in response to coronavirus earlier this week, including advising everyone in the country to avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres and to only make essential journeys.
What is the latest coronavirus advice?


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Have a mortgage? Own a business? Here's how to get government help

Measures have been unveiled to help people and businesses survive the coronavirus pandemic - but how can you access them ?
What has the chancellor offered to businesses ?
• £330bn of loan guarantees to businesses , with more to be made available if needed • Interest-free business interruption loans will be increased to £5m , up from £1.2m announced at last week 's budget .
No interest will be due for the first six months • A 12-month business rates holiday for all shops , pubs , theatres , music venues , restaurants and any other hospitality or leisure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £25,000 for businesses with a rateable value less than £51,000 • Cash grants of £10,000 to 700,000 of the smallest businesses • Local authorities will be fully compensated for the cost of these measures , with at least £3.5bn going to devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland • A potential support package for airlines and airports in the face of worldwide travel bans The budget already devoted money to fighting coronavirus .
How is this different ?
During the budget last week , Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced £30bn of support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £12bn to target the impact and £18bn of spending to stimulate the economy .
This included investing in public services , increasing support for vulnerable people and giving businesses tax reliefs and loans .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
He had announced £3,000 cash grants to 700,000 of the country 's smallest businesses .
This has been increased to £10,000 .
The business interruption loan scheme announced in the budget is being extended to small and medium-sized businesses .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no interest due for the first six months - up from £1.2m .
The business interruption loan sounds like what my business needs .
How can I get it ?
Mr Sunak told MPs that these would be delivered not by the `` British business bank '' but by individual retail banks on high streets .
He told the House of Commons that businesses would be able to `` walk into their local branches '' by early next week and request a business interruption loan backed by the government .
If I run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or leisure , how do I claim the cash grant of up to £25,000 ?
The Treasury has not yet confirmed this .
Stay tuned .
But the Federation of Small Businesses has said this must happen in the coming days , without any delays at banks , local authorities or central government .
What help is there for homeowners and tenants ?
Mr Sunak announced on Tuesday that there would be a three-month mortgage holiday for homeowners struggling to make repayments due to the effects of coronavirus .
On Wednesday evening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private tenants was also announced .
Banking industry body UK Finance also said lenders had agreed to the option of a payment holiday of up to three months for buy-to-let landlords with tenants experiencing financial difficulties .
The group added that , starting on Thursday , no homes or buy-to-let properties would be repossessed for at least three months .
The PM has promised further measures to protect the vulnerable and those who face job losses .
If I have a mortgage and I 'm struggling what do I do ?
The advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with mortgage repayments , regardless of the reason : contact your lender .
Do this as soon as possible and preferably before missing a payment .
Mortgage broker SPF Private Clients said that , while lenders may ask for evidence that you are unwell , they are usually `` sympathetic '' to illnesses that affect a borrower 's ability to pay .
If you 're a tenant , speak to your landlord ( again , preferably before missing a payment ) .
What next for renters ?
Speaking to Kay Burley @ Breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There are millions of renters across the country and some of them will be facing this anxiety .
`` The chancellor was very clear yesterday that the housing secretary will be coming forward very shortly to set out a statement on how we will make sure there is protection for renters as well . ''
Mr Sunak has said measures to help renters will be announced in the `` coming days '' and that an employment package is being urgently worked on .
Why might we need this help ?
Pubs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other travel and hospitality firms are most likely to be affected by coronavirus disruption .
But even if your business does not come under these categories , you are likely to be affected .
One in every five workers could be off sick with what is thought to be the virus at any one time , according to estimates , and recovery could take weeks for some .
This means companies having to get by with fewer staff .
People with a new and continuous cough and high temperature have been told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone who lives with someone who gets ill must also stay home for 14 days .
But without testing everyone , it is impossible to know how many will be off work despite having an illness that is n't coronavirus - so the number of absent employees could be even higher than one in five .

Measures have been unveiled to help people and businesses survive the coronavirus pandemic - but how can you access them?
What has the chancellor offered to businesses?
£330bn of loan guarantees to businesses , with more to be made available if needed
, with more to be made available if needed Interest-free business interruption loans will be increased to £5m, up from £1.2m announced at last week's budget. No interest will be due for the first six months
A 12-month business rates holiday for all shops, pubs, theatres, music venues, restaurants and any other hospitality or leisure business
A cash grant up to £25,000 for businesses with a rateable value less than £51,000
Cash grants of £10,000 to 700,000 of the smallest businesses
Local authorities will be fully compensated for the cost of these measures, with at least £3.5bn going to devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
A potential support package for airlines and airports in the face of worldwide travel bans
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's new economic measures explained
The budget already devoted money to fighting coronavirus. How is this different?
During the budget last week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced £30bn of support to deal with the coronavirus crisis: £12bn to target the impact and £18bn of spending to stimulate the economy. This included investing in public services, increasing support for vulnerable people and giving businesses tax reliefs and loans.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
He had announced £3,000 cash grants to 700,000 of the country's smallest businesses. This has been increased to £10,000.
The business interruption loan scheme announced in the budget is being extended to small and medium-sized businesses. This means loans of up to £5m with no interest due for the first six months - up from £1.2m.
The business interruption loan sounds like what my business needs. How can I get it?
Mr Sunak told MPs that these would be delivered not by the "British business bank" but by individual retail banks on high streets.
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He told the House of Commons that businesses would be able to "walk into their local branches" by early next week and request a business interruption loan backed by the government.
If I run a smaller business in retail, hospitality or leisure, how do I claim the cash grant of up to £25,000?
The Treasury has not yet confirmed this. Stay tuned.
But the Federation of Small Businesses has said this must happen in the coming days, without any delays at banks, local authorities or central government.
What help is there for homeowners and tenants?
Mr Sunak announced on Tuesday that there would be a three-month mortgage holiday for homeowners struggling to make repayments due to the effects of coronavirus.
On Wednesday evening, a three-month ban on all evictions of private tenants was also announced.
Banking industry body UK Finance also said lenders had agreed to the option of a payment holiday of up to three months for buy-to-let landlords with tenants experiencing financial difficulties.
The group added that, starting on Thursday, no homes or buy-to-let properties would be repossessed for at least three months.
The PM has promised further measures to protect the vulnerable and those who face job losses.
If I have a mortgage and I'm struggling what do I do?
The advice is the same given to anyone struggling with mortgage repayments, regardless of the reason: contact your lender.
Do this as soon as possible and preferably before missing a payment.
Mortgage broker SPF Private Clients said that, while lenders may ask for evidence that you are unwell, they are usually "sympathetic" to illnesses that affect a borrower's ability to pay.
If you're a tenant, speak to your landlord (again, preferably before missing a payment).
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 PM: We must stop NHS from getting overwhelmed
What next for renters?
Speaking to Kay Burley@Breakfast, Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: "There are millions of renters across the country and some of them will be facing this anxiety.
"The chancellor was very clear yesterday that the housing secretary will be coming forward very shortly to set out a statement on how we will make sure there is protection for renters as well."
Mr Sunak has said measures to help renters will be announced in the "coming days" and that an employment package is being urgently worked on.
Why might we need this help?
Pubs, hotels, theatres, airlines, restaurants and other travel and hospitality firms are most likely to be affected by coronavirus disruption.
But even if your business does not come under these categories, you are likely to be affected.
One in every five workers could be off sick with what is thought to be the virus at any one time, according to estimates, and recovery could take weeks for some.
This means companies having to get by with fewer staff.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 London landmarks deserted amid outbreak
People with a new and continuous cough and high temperature have been told to stay home for seven days. Everyone who lives with someone who gets ill must also stay home for 14 days.
But without testing everyone, it is impossible to know how many will be off work despite having an illness that isn't coronavirus - so the number of absent employees could be even higher than one in five.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Willie Walsh takes pay cut as ministers draw up airline bailout plan

Willie Walsh , the veteran boss of British Airways ' parent company , has become the latest prominent aviation executive to take a pay cut as the industry tries to fend off the prospect of widespread bankruptcies .
Sky News has learnt that Mr Walsh , who delayed his retirement this week because of the COVID-19 outbreak , has volunteered to reduce his salary by 20 % for the remainder of his contract at International Airlines Group ( IAG ) .
The disclosure of his revised pay arrangements , which were not included in a stock exchange announcement about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government progresses a bailout package for the UK aviation industry .
Industry sources said the Treasury was working on a proposal to guarantee the sums affected by 'credit card holdbacks ' - payments made by customers when booking flight tickets but which have not yet been passed to airlines by credit card companies .
Such payments were a major factor in the rapid collapse of Flybe earlier this month , when Europe 's largest regional airline called in administrators while it was owed £50m by payment providers .
Ministers are also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embattled airlines during the coronavirus crisis following talks on Wednesday between company executives and Grant Shapps , the transport secretary .
Some airlines in need of financial support because of the ongoing closure of much of the world 's airspace , however , will not be eligible to use the new emergency loan guarantee scheme being set up by the Treasury and the Bank of England .
A letter from Andrew Bailey , the BoE governor , to Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , said that companies participating in the £330bn programme needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which many British airlines do not .
Further details of government support for the industry are expected to emerge before the weekend .
Mr Shapps said on Wednesday evening : `` Coronavirus is having a crippling impact on the aviation industry and we can not allow it to force world-leading , well-run , profitable firms out of business .
`` We are extremely grateful to airport and airline teams who are continuing to help passengers get home safely .
`` We stand firmly behind the sector and expect to announce a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has insisted that IAG would have no need for state aid because of the strength of its balance sheet .
The Irishman had been preparing to step down from the parent company of BA , Iberia and Vueling towards the end of this month .
Sources said Mr Walsh 's roughly £71,000-a-month salary would be cut by around £14,000 for the duration of his tenure at IAG .
His reduced remuneration underlines the difficult period facing IAG , which has become a robust financial performer under his stewardship .
BA staff were recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bonuses for last year , despite reporting a near-record financial performance .
One insider said that that decision had been the result of the cost of the pilots ' strike that triggered the cancellation of thousands of flights last September .
IAG did , however , pay bonuses to its executives , including Mr Walsh , for last year , it recently disclosed in its annual report .
A number of other aviation industry executives have also taken pay cuts in the last fortnight as the scale of the coronavirus pandemic has become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic chief executive , initially volunteered a three-month reduction to his salary , which has since been extended .
John Holland-Kaye , the Heathrow Airport boss , is to work for several months without any salary as a result of the crisis .

Willie Walsh, the veteran boss of British Airways' parent company, has become the latest prominent aviation executive to take a pay cut as the industry tries to fend off the prospect of widespread bankruptcies.
Sky News has learnt that Mr Walsh, who delayed his retirement this week because of the COVID-19 outbreak, has volunteered to reduce his salary by 20% for the remainder of his contract at International Airlines Group (IAG).
The disclosure of his revised pay arrangements, which were not included in a stock exchange announcement about the extension of his tenure, comes as the government progresses a bailout package for the UK aviation industry.
Industry sources said the Treasury was working on a proposal to guarantee the sums affected by 'credit card holdbacks' - payments made by customers when booking flight tickets but which have not yet been passed to airlines by credit card companies.
Such payments were a major factor in the rapid collapse of Flybe earlier this month, when Europe's largest regional airline called in administrators while it was owed £50m by payment providers.
Ministers are also said to be preparing further measures to support embattled airlines during the coronavirus crisis following talks on Wednesday between company executives and Grant Shapps, the transport secretary.
Some airlines in need of financial support because of the ongoing closure of much of the world's airspace, however, will not be eligible to use the new emergency loan guarantee scheme being set up by the Treasury and the Bank of England.
Image: Willie Walsh has delayed his retirement to lead IAG's handling of the coronavirus outbreak
A letter from Andrew Bailey, the BoE governor, to Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, said that companies participating in the £330bn programme needed to have an investment-grade credit rating - which many British airlines do not.
Further details of government support for the industry are expected to emerge before the weekend.
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Mr Shapps said on Wednesday evening: "Coronavirus is having a crippling impact on the aviation industry and we cannot allow it to force world-leading, well-run, profitable firms out of business.
"We are extremely grateful to airport and airline teams who are continuing to help passengers get home safely.
"We stand firmly behind the sector and expect to announce a series of support measures shortly."
Mr Walsh has insisted that IAG would have no need for state aid because of the strength of its balance sheet.
The Irishman had been preparing to step down from the parent company of BA, Iberia and Vueling towards the end of this month.
Sources said Mr Walsh's roughly £71,000-a-month salary would be cut by around £14,000 for the duration of his tenure at IAG.
His reduced remuneration underlines the difficult period facing IAG, which has become a robust financial performer under his stewardship.
BA staff were recently informed that they would not be paid bonuses for last year, despite reporting a near-record financial performance.
One insider said that that decision had been the result of the cost of the pilots' strike that triggered the cancellation of thousands of flights last September.
IAG did, however, pay bonuses to its executives, including Mr Walsh, for last year, it recently disclosed in its annual report.
A number of other aviation industry executives have also taken pay cuts in the last fortnight as the scale of the coronavirus pandemic has become apparent.
Shai Weiss, the Virgin Atlantic chief executive, initially volunteered a three-month reduction to his salary, which has since been extended.
John Holland-Kaye, the Heathrow Airport boss, is to work for several months without any salary as a result of the crisis.
IAG declined to comment.