news--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: UK cases rise again as chief medic warns of 'some deaths'

A serious coronavirus outbreak in the UK is `` almost certain '' with `` some deaths '' expected , England 's chief medical officer has told Sky News .
Professor Chris Whitty , who has been helping to coordinate the government 's planning for a potential COVID-19 epidemic , highlighted a six-week window in which the UK 's action could be stepped up .
It comes as two new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Scotland - taking the UK 's total to 53 .
The patients were from the Grampian and Ayrshire areas .
One had travelled to northern Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a person who was known to have already tested positive for the disease .
On Wednesday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced statutory sick pay would be available to workers staying at home with possible coronavirus infections from the first day of illness .
He said payments would be moved forward from the fourth day of sickness under current rules - under emergency legislation to stem the spread of the disease .
`` Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing , '' he said .
Prof Whitty told Sky News ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` may well '' be required to take `` more extreme action '' in the longer term , but - for the moment - `` we do not think people need to change what they 're doing in terms of their normal behaviour '' .
`` With all epidemics , what happens is they start off very slowly and then they gradually gather momentum and then they suddenly go up relatively fast , '' Prof Whitty said .
The government and health officials are currently attempting to contain the spread of coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak into the summer months , when there is less pressure on NHS services .
Ministers are considering bringing retired doctors back to work in the event of an epidemic .
Several medical staff have in recent weeks tested positive for the virus .
A spokesman for the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said a member of hospital staff had tested `` presumptive positive for COVID-19 following a trip to northern Italy '' and had `` sensibly self-isolated and did not come into work '' on their return .
Prof Whitty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus could accelerate .
`` If we get established transmission in the UK , which I think at this time is more likely than not , then there will be a number of weeks - about six weeks - until we start to see a significant amount of transmission in the UK , '' he said .
`` The key thing is we will need to do a variety of interventions , but we do not want to do them too early because we 'll then need to sustain them through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to do is plan to do them at exactly the right point to minimise social disruption but still manage to reduce the impact of this epidemic . ''
With coronavirus spreading across many countries , including in Europe , it is `` fairly unlikely '' the UK will escape a serious outbreak , Prof Whitty said .
He added : `` It is almost certain there will be more cases in the UK , probably a lot more cases ... and we would expect some deaths . ''
Based on current data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 1 % among all those who are infected with coronavirus , although this rate is lower among younger age groups and higher among the elderly .
But Prof Whitty stressed the `` great majority '' of elderly people or those with pre-existing health conditions - the two groups considered most at-risk - would not die if infected with coronavirus .
He also said the government is not advising people to wear face masks if they do not have the virus , as it does not significantly reduce the risk of being infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with hot water and soap , he added .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , a spokesman for the health and social care system in Manchester said a patient who was admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital had tested positive for the virus , while Cumbria City Council said two residents of Carlisle who had returned from a trip to northern Italy were also confirmed cases .
The government will formally register @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will help companies claim for compensation through insurance policies if they are affected by the virus .
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said : `` We want to ensure any steps taken to protect the public during the COVID-19 outbreak are proportionate and do not come at an unnecessary social or economic cost .
`` To mitigate the impact on businesses , we will register COVID19 as a notifiable disease .
`` This will help companies seek compensation through their insurance policies in the event of any cancellations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of the spread of the virus . ''
• Iran 's health ministry says there have been 586 new infections since Tuesday , and the number of coronavirus deaths has risen to 92 amid 2,922 confirmed COVID-19 cases • Italy says the number of deaths in the country has risen to 80 and it is considering closing all schools and universities from tomorrow until mid-March • World Health Organisation ( WHO ) director-general , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , says about 3.4 % of those diagnosed with COVID-19 have died • The World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £9.3bn ) to assist countries grappling with the health and economic impacts of the outbreak • The London Book Fair due to take place from 10 to 12 March has been cancelled • Indian media reports 16 Italian citizens have tested positive for COVID-19 in India • Japan 's Takeda Pharmaceutical Co says it is developing a drug for high-risk patients infected with the disease • Tajikistan shuts its borders to nationals of 35 countries including Britain , China , Japan , Iran and the US • France and Switzerland 's health ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyday greeting of kissing each other on the cheek • There are than 93,450 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,190 deaths

A serious coronavirus outbreak in the UK is "almost certain" with "some deaths" expected, England's chief medical officer has told Sky News.
Professor Chris Whitty, who has been helping to coordinate the government's planning for a potential COVID-19 epidemic, highlighted a six-week window in which the UK's action could be stepped up.
It comes as two new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Scotland - taking the UK's total to 53.
The patients were from the Grampian and Ayrshire areas. One had travelled to northern Italy and the other had had contact with a person who was known to have already tested positive for the disease.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced statutory sick pay would be available to workers staying at home with possible coronavirus infections from the first day of illness.
He said payments would be moved forward from the fourth day of sickness under current rules - under emergency legislation to stem the spread of the disease.
"Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
Prof Whitty told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast show that Britons "may well" be required to take "more extreme action" in the longer term, but - for the moment - "we do not think people need to change what they're doing in terms of their normal behaviour".
"With all epidemics, what happens is they start off very slowly and then they gradually gather momentum and then they suddenly go up relatively fast," Prof Whitty said.
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The government and health officials are currently attempting to contain the spread of coronavirus and hope to push the worst of an outbreak into the summer months, when there is less pressure on NHS services.
Ministers are considering bringing retired doctors back to work in the event of an epidemic. Several medical staff have in recent weeks tested positive for the virus.
A spokesman for the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said a member of hospital staff had tested "presumptive positive for COVID-19 following a trip to northern Italy" and had "sensibly self-isolated and did not come into work" on their return.
Image: Professor Chris Whitty is helping to coordinate the government's response
Prof Whitty highlighted a six-week window before the spread of coronavirus could accelerate.
"If we get established transmission in the UK, which I think at this time is more likely than not, then there will be a number of weeks - about six weeks - until we start to see a significant amount of transmission in the UK," he said.
"The key thing is we will need to do a variety of interventions, but we do not want to do them too early because we'll then need to sustain them through the epidemic.
"So what we're trying to do is plan to do them at exactly the right point to minimise social disruption but still manage to reduce the impact of this epidemic."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 PM on shaking hands and paternity leave
With coronavirus spreading across many countries, including in Europe, it is "fairly unlikely" the UK will escape a serious outbreak, Prof Whitty said.
He added: "It is almost certain there will be more cases in the UK, probably a lot more cases... and we would expect some deaths."
Based on current data, there is a death rate of about 1% among all those who are infected with coronavirus, although this rate is lower among younger age groups and higher among the elderly.
But Prof Whitty stressed the "great majority" of elderly people or those with pre-existing health conditions - the two groups considered most at-risk - would not die if infected with coronavirus.
He also said the government is not advising people to wear face masks if they do not have the virus, as it does not significantly reduce the risk of being infected.
The "most important" thing is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with hot water and soap, he added.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the health and social care system in Manchester said a patient who was admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital had tested positive for the virus, while Cumbria City Council said two residents of Carlisle who had returned from a trip to northern Italy were also confirmed cases.
The government will formally register COVID-19 as a "notifiable" disease, which will help companies claim for compensation through insurance policies if they are affected by the virus.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We want to ensure any steps taken to protect the public during the COVID-19 outbreak are proportionate and do not come at an unnecessary social or economic cost.
"To mitigate the impact on businesses, we will register COVID19 as a notifiable disease.
"This will help companies seek compensation through their insurance policies in the event of any cancellations they may have to make as a result of the spread of the virus."
Other global developments:
Iran's health ministry says there have been 586 new infections since Tuesday, and the number of coronavirus deaths has risen to 92 amid 2,922 confirmed COVID-19 cases
Italy says the number of deaths in the country has risen to 80 and it is considering closing all schools and universities from tomorrow until mid-March
World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, says about 3.4% of those diagnosed with COVID-19 have died
The World Bank announces an initial $12bn (£9.3bn) to assist countries grappling with the health and economic impacts of the outbreak
The London Book Fair due to take place from 10 to 12 March has been cancelled
Indian media reports 16 Italian citizens have tested positive for COVID-19 in India
Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical Co says it is developing a drug for high-risk patients infected with the disease
Tajikistan shuts its borders to nationals of 35 countries including Britain, China, Japan, Iran and the US
France and Switzerland's health ministers have asked citizens to consider dropping the everyday greeting of kissing each other on the cheek
There are than 93,450 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,190 deaths
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: Cruise passengers told not to leave ship after COVID-19 case

Cruise passengers were temporarily quarantined after docking in Greece due to a case of coronavirus .
Holidaymakers on the MSC Opera were kept on board the vessel on Wednesday after a former passenger tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
The Austrian national had stayed on the ship during a two-week East Mediterranean cruise in February before travelling through northern Italy , which is facing Europe 's biggest outbreak .
MSC Cruises said it was informed by Austrian health officials on Wednesday that the former passenger had been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
The company said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Opera , which can carry more than 3,300 passengers and crew , arrived in the port city of Piraeus .
A spokesman for MSC Cruises told Sky News : `` We requested at the same time that passengers , as a precautionary measure , remained on board while awaiting guidance from the local authorities . ''
The company said it handed over the ship 's full medical records and the medical and travel history of the former passenger who has COVID-19 to Greek authorities .
It added that Greek health officials had since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Piraeus and continue its journey to its next scheduled port in Corfu .
`` No additional health measures were required to be taken and the ship is currently sailing as planned , '' the spokesman said .
`` There are no passengers or crew members currently on board the ship who have reported any flu-like symptoms .
`` The health and safety of our passengers and crew will always remain our top priority . ''
The ship is due to arrive in Corfu at 11am GMT , MSC Cruises said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and crew spent nearly a month in quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan due to coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A British man in his 70s who was on board the ship died from the virus - the first UK fatality of the global outbreak .
Last year four people were injured after the MSC Opera crashed into a tourist river boat on a busy canal in Venice .

Cruise passengers were temporarily quarantined after docking in Greece due to a case of coronavirus.
Holidaymakers on the MSC Opera were kept on board the vessel on Wednesday after a former passenger tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
The Austrian national had stayed on the ship during a two-week East Mediterranean cruise in February before travelling through northern Italy, which is facing Europe's biggest outbreak.
MSC Cruises said it was informed by Austrian health officials on Wednesday that the former passenger had been diagnosed with COVID-19.
The company said it contacted Greek health authorities after the MSC Opera, which can carry more than 3,300 passengers and crew, arrived in the port city of Piraeus.
A spokesman for MSC Cruises told Sky News: "We requested at the same time that passengers, as a precautionary measure, remained on board while awaiting guidance from the local authorities."
The company said it handed over the ship's full medical records and the medical and travel history of the former passenger who has COVID-19 to Greek authorities.
Image: MSC Cruises said passengers were kept on board 'as a precaution'. File pic
It added that Greek health officials had since given permission to MSC Opera to sail from Piraeus and continue its journey to its next scheduled port in Corfu.
"No additional health measures were required to be taken and the ship is currently sailing as planned," the spokesman said.
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"There are no passengers or crew members currently on board the ship who have reported any flu-like symptoms.
"The health and safety of our passengers and crew will always remain our top priority."
The ship is due to arrive in Corfu at 11am GMT, MSC Cruises said.
The incident comes after more than 3,700 passengers and crew spent nearly a month in quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan due to coronavirus.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A British man in his 70s who was on board the ship died from the virus - the first UK fatality of the global outbreak.
Last year four people were injured after the MSC Opera crashed into a tourist river boat on a busy canal in Venice.


news--2020-03-04--Duchess of Cornwall becomes second senior royal to joke about coronavirus

The Duchess of Cornwall joked about going into self-isolation because of coronavirus during a visit to the London Transport Museum - hours after Prince William was filmed making an awkward joke about `` spreading '' the virus .
Camilla stepped briefly into an old air raid shelter which was on display and quipped , in an apparent reference to coronavirus , `` I 'm self-isolating '' .
She and the Prince of Wales were on a visit to the museum to help mark 20 years of Transport for London .
The duchess wore gloves during the engagement but Charles did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with some of those they met .
Camilla 's comments came on the same day Prince William joked about coronavirus during a reception at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin .
`` By the way , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are spreading coronavirus , sorry , '' he said .
`` We 're keeping an eye on that , so do tell us if we need to stop . ''
William and his wife Kate are on a three-day visit to Ireland .
William spoke about the infection as he chatted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain 's ambassador to Ireland , Robin Barnett , in Dublin .
He asked Joe Mooney , an advance paramedic with the National Ambulance Service : `` I bet everyone 's like ' I 've got coronavirus , I 'm dying , ' and you 're like 'No , you 've just got a cough . '
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Does it seem quite dramatic about coronavirus at the moment ?
Is it being a little bit hyped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media ? ''
It is unclear how the paramedic responded .
Both incidents happened a day after the Queen wore large white gloves at a Buckingham Palace investiture for what was believed to be the first time .
The UK has seen its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases , with 87 people now confirmed to have the virus .
The prime minister announced on Wednesday new sick pay changes so that anyone self-isolating due to coronavirus is paid from day one rather than day four as current rules state .
England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News that a serious coronavirus outbreak in Britain is `` almost certain '' with `` some deaths '' expected .

The Duchess of Cornwall joked about going into self-isolation because of coronavirus during a visit to the London Transport Museum - hours after Prince William was filmed making an awkward joke about "spreading" the virus.
Camilla stepped briefly into an old air raid shelter which was on display and quipped, in an apparent reference to coronavirus, "I'm self-isolating".
She and the Prince of Wales were on a visit to the museum to help mark 20 years of Transport for London.
Image: The quip came hours after Prince William joked that he and Kate were spreading the infection and that the media reaction had been 'a bit hyped up'
The duchess wore gloves during the engagement but Charles did not, and the couple shook hands with some of those they met.
Camilla's comments came on the same day Prince William joked about coronavirus during a reception at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
"By the way, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are spreading coronavirus, sorry," he said.
"We're keeping an eye on that, so do tell us if we need to stop."
William and his wife Kate are on a three-day visit to Ireland.
William spoke about the infection as he chatted to emergency workers at a reception hosted by Britain's ambassador to Ireland, Robin Barnett, in Dublin.
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He asked Joe Mooney, an advance paramedic with the National Ambulance Service: "I bet everyone's like 'I've got coronavirus, I'm dying,' and you're like 'No, you've just got a cough.'
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"Does it seem quite dramatic about coronavirus at the moment? Is it being a little bit hyped up, do you think, in the media?"
It is unclear how the paramedic responded.
Both incidents happened a day after the Queen wore large white gloves at a Buckingham Palace investiture for what was believed to be the first time.
The UK has seen its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases, with 87 people now confirmed to have the virus.
The prime minister announced on Wednesday new sick pay changes so that anyone self-isolating due to coronavirus is paid from day one rather than day four as current rules state.
England's chief medical officer today told Sky News that a serious coronavirus outbreak in Britain is "almost certain" with "some deaths" expected.


news--2020-03-04--James Bond film No Time To Die delayed by seven months due to coronavirus

The release date for new James Bond film No Time To Die has been pushed back seven months due to coronavirus .
The film , which will feature Daniel Craig in his final outing as 007 , was set to be released in UK cinemas from 2 April this year .
Earlier this week , fans had called for the release to be delayed as coronavirus spreads , with fan site MI6 , which claims to be the world 's most visited unofficial Bond website , saying public health should be put `` above marketing release schedules '' .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Bond Twitter account , it has been announced the film will be pushed back to November .
`` MGM , Universal and Bond producers , Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli , announced today that after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace , the release of NO TIME TO DIE will be postponed until November 2020 , '' the tweet said .
It is not the only major entertainment event to be called off , with Disney axing a European launch event in London for its new Disney+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its new live action remake of Mulan , however , is still due to go ahead as planned next week .
Bond stars had been expected to turn out for the world premiere of the film at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 31 March .
It will now be released in the UK on 12 November and the US on 25 November .
Bond fans have already endured an extended wait for the latest 007 film , with the release date pushed back after director Danny Boyle quit in 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fukunaga , Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge was also drafted in to improve the film 's script .
No Time To Die stars Lea Seydoux , Rami Malek , Lashana Lynch and Ana De Armas , alongside Craig , and finds Bond after he has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica - until his old CIA friend Felix Leiter , played by Jeffrey Wright , turns up asking for help .
The Bond franchise is one of the entertainment world 's most lucrative , with 2015 's Spectre bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the box office worldwide , while Skyfall in 2012 grossed more than $ 1bn ( about £779m ) globally .
The delay comes as the UK experienced its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases on Wednesday , with 90 people now confirmed to have the virus .
More than 93,000 people have been diagnosed worldwide , and more than 3,100 have died - the vast majority in China .
The Department of Health said three of the new cases in England contracted the virus in the UK , raising fears that community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No Time To Die 's release is the latest in a string of major events being cancelled or postponed around the world .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Stormzy , Mariah Carey , Avril Lavigne and Green Day are among several music stars who have called off gigs .
Earlier on Wednesday , it was also announced that the London Book Fair , due to take place from 10-12 March , had been called off .
If the UK follows in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings of people could be banned in the fight to contain the disease .
France has banned all public gatherings with more than 5,000 people in a confined space , while Switzerland has banned events of more than 1,000 people .

The release date for new James Bond film No Time To Die has been pushed back seven months due to coronavirus.
The film, which will feature Daniel Craig in his final outing as 007, was set to be released in UK cinemas from 2 April this year.
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Earlier this week, fans had called for the release to be delayed as coronavirus spreads, with fan site MI6, which claims to be the world's most visited unofficial Bond website, saying public health should be put "above marketing release schedules".
Now, in a statement on the official James Bond Twitter account, it has been announced the film will be pushed back to November.
"MGM, Universal and Bond producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, announced today that after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of NO TIME TO DIE will be postponed until November 2020," the tweet said.
It is not the only major entertainment event to be called off, with Disney axing a European launch event in London for its new Disney+ streaming service. The London premiere for its new live action remake of Mulan, however, is still due to go ahead as planned next week.
Bond stars had been expected to turn out for the world premiere of the film at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 31 March.
It will now be released in the UK on 12 November and the US on 25 November.
Bond fans have already endured an extended wait for the latest 007 film, with the release date pushed back after director Danny Boyle quit in 2018.
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After Boyle was replaced by Cary Joji Fukunaga, Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge was also drafted in to improve the film's script.
No Time To Die stars Lea Seydoux, Rami Malek, Lashana Lynch and Ana De Armas, alongside Craig, and finds Bond after he has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica - until his old CIA friend Felix Leiter, played by Jeffrey Wright, turns up asking for help.
The Bond franchise is one of the entertainment world's most lucrative, with 2015's Spectre bringing in $880m (about £685m) at the box office worldwide, while Skyfall in 2012 grossed more than $1bn (about £779m) globally.
Image: Daniel Craig has said this will be his final outing as 007
The delay comes as the UK experienced its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases on Wednesday, with 90 people now confirmed to have the virus.
More than 93,000 people have been diagnosed worldwide, and more than 3,100 have died - the vast majority in China.
The Department of Health said three of the new cases in England contracted the virus in the UK, raising fears that community transmission may now be taking hold.
No Time To Die's release is the latest in a string of major events being cancelled or postponed around the world.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Stormzy, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne and Green Day are among several music stars who have called off gigs.
Earlier on Wednesday, it was also announced that the London Book Fair, due to take place from 10-12 March, had been called off.
If the UK follows in the footsteps of other countries, large gatherings of people could be banned in the fight to contain the disease.
France has banned all public gatherings with more than 5,000 people in a confined space, while Switzerland has banned events of more than 1,000 people.


news--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: New govt ads tell public how they can stop spread of COVID-19

The government is launching an expanded public information campaign as it tries to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
Adverts will reinforce the message that frequent hand-washing is the most important thing the public can do in the fight against COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The government set out its plan to tackle the outbreak on Tuesday , as it was confirmed the number of cases in the UK had passed 50 .
The adverts - which will feature across print , radio , online and on billboards - will hammer home the need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This includes when people come in from home or work , after they blow their nose , cough or sneeze , and before they eat or touch food .
People should wash their hands for 20 seconds and use soap and water or hand sanitiser .
The adverts will also stress the importance of coughing or sneezing into tissues before disposing of them .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` The UK is a world leader in preparing for and managing disease outbreaks and I have every confidence in our nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
`` We all have a role to play in stopping this disease and that 's what this expanded campaign is all about - making sure the public knows exactly what they should be doing to keep themselves and others safe .
`` Washing hands regularly is the single most important thing that an individual can do .
`` Public safety remains our top priority .
The government and the NHS are working 24/7 to fight this virus .
`` It 's imperative that everyone follows clinical advice by contacting NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & E if you develop symptoms . ''
On Tuesday , NHS England declared coronavirus a level four incident - the highest level of emergency preparedness planning .
In its plan to deal with a major outbreak , the government said up to one in five workers could be off sick during a peak in coronavirus cases .
It comes as confirmed cases in the UK rose to 53 .
Under the level four alert , all hospitals in England have been told to `` assume that they will need to look after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A national incident management team and co-ordination centre have been set up for the coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker • World Health Organisation ( WHO ) director-general , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , says about 3.4 % of those diagnosed with COVID-19 have died • The World Bank has announced an initial $ 12bn ( £9.3bn ) to assist countries grappling with the health and economic impacts of the outbreak • Indian media reports 16 Italian citizens have tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its borders to nationals of 35 countries including Britain , China , Japan , Iran and the US • France and Switzerland 's health ministers have asked citizens to consider dropping the everyday greeting of kissing each other on the cheek • Italian officials say the number of deaths of coronavirus patients in the country more than doubled in a 24-hour period to 79 overall , with the total number of confirmed cases of the disease rising to 2,502 • There are than 93,400 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,190 deaths

The government is launching an expanded public information campaign as it tries to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Adverts will reinforce the message that frequent hand-washing is the most important thing the public can do in the fight against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The government set out its plan to tackle the outbreak on Tuesday, as it was confirmed the number of cases in the UK had passed 50.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:51 Coronavirus: How bad will it get?
The adverts - which will feature across print, radio, online and on billboards - will hammer home the need for people to wash their hands more often.
This includes when people come in from home or work, after they blow their nose, cough or sneeze, and before they eat or touch food.
People should wash their hands for 20 seconds and use soap and water or hand sanitiser.
The adverts will also stress the importance of coughing or sneezing into tissues before disposing of them.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 January 2017: Six steps to clean hands
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The UK is a world leader in preparing for and managing disease outbreaks and I have every confidence in our nation's ability to respond to the threat of COVID-19.
"We all have a role to play in stopping this disease and that's what this expanded campaign is all about - making sure the public knows exactly what they should be doing to keep themselves and others safe.
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"Washing hands regularly is the single most important thing that an individual can do.
"Public safety remains our top priority. The government and the NHS are working 24/7 to fight this virus.
"It's imperative that everyone follows clinical advice by contacting NHS 111, and not going to A&E if you develop symptoms."
On Tuesday, NHS England declared coronavirus a level four incident - the highest level of emergency preparedness planning.
In its plan to deal with a major outbreak, the government said up to one in five workers could be off sick during a peak in coronavirus cases.
It comes as confirmed cases in the UK rose to 53.
Under the level four alert, all hospitals in England have been told to "assume that they will need to look after COVID-19 cases in due course".
A national incident management team and co-ordination centre have been set up for the coronavirus.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Other global developments:
World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, says about 3.4% of those diagnosed with COVID-19 have died
The World Bank has announced an initial $12bn (£9.3bn) to assist countries grappling with the health
and economic impacts of the outbreak
and economic impacts of the outbreak Indian media reports 16 Italian citizens have tested positive for COVID-19 in India
Tajikistan shuts its borders to nationals of 35 countries including Britain, China, Japan, Iran and the US
France and Switzerland's health ministers have asked citizens to consider dropping the everyday greeting of kissing each other on the cheek
Italian officials say the number of deaths of coronavirus patients in the country more than doubled in a 24-hour period to 79 overall, with the total number of confirmed cases of the disease rising to 2,502
There are than 93,400 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,190 deaths
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: UK developing new blood test which could reveal undetected spread

A new coronavirus test being developed in the UK could provide crucial insights into how the illness spreads , according to infectious disease experts .
The swab test currently being used around the world to detect COVID-19 determines whether a person carries the virus .
But now a number of countries are in the process of verifying a blood test which can detect if someone has been cleared of coronavirus .
That test detects antibodies that are produced a week or two after someone has become infected with the virus and are part of the immune system 's response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been rolled out for use in China and Singapore , where it has reportedly helped medical researchers track links between coronavirus cases .
Infectious disease expert Dr Katrina Pollock told Sky News the test could identify people who may not have known they had ever caught the disease .
`` These are not new techniques - they are widely used for other diseases - but they are being applied to the new infection , and that is needed , '' she said .
`` With them it 's possible to tell who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they 're not showing symptoms .
It allows you to get a much broader estimate of how many people have been infected and that allows you to detect cases that maybe have mild or anti-symptomatic infections .
`` And that will tell us a lot about how the virus is spreading . ''
Because antibodies help protect the body from a virus , Dr Pollack said it could also reveal which type of people may be resistant to falling ill to the virus and which are more resistant .
This could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children are becoming sick compared to adults , Dr Pollack said .
`` We do need to understand what is happening with children , '' she said .
`` It may be that the number of cases in children is getting underestimated if they 're not getting symptoms . ''
Public Health England has confirmed it is developing a blood test to fight coronavirus , but did not provide further details .
Sky News understands the test is currently being checked for reliability - which Dr Pollack said was important to ensure the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus strain .
She said understanding how the immune system reacts to the virus had also helped her work in developing a vaccine for the disease , which was undergoing clinical trials .
Infectious disease expert John Lamont also praised the new blood test as a useful surveillance tool to better understand COVID-19 .
`` You could monitor people 's antibodies levels over the years and see how long you would have that prevention in the blood to monitor reinfection , '' he said .
Mr Lamont is the head of research and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed its own test that differentiates COVID-19 from nine other respiratory infections .
The blood test being developed in the UK is also on its way to Australia - where the chief medical officer reportedly said it was the only way to work out the true mortality rate of virus .
According to media reports , Professor Brendan Murphy pointed to Iran 's reported infection numbers being far lower than reality , as the initial outbreak of mild cases went undetected .
NHS England has declared coronavirus a level four incident - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It comes as confirmed cases in the UK rose to by 34 to 85 .

A new coronavirus test being developed in the UK could provide crucial insights into how the illness spreads, according to infectious disease experts.
The swab test currently being used around the world to detect COVID-19 determines whether a person carries the virus.
But now a number of countries are in the process of verifying a blood test which can detect if someone has been cleared of coronavirus.
That test detects antibodies that are produced a week or two after someone has become infected with the virus and are part of the immune system's response to the illness.
Image: The blood test will not replace the swab test being used to detect the active virus
The antibody test has been rolled out for use in China and Singapore, where it has reportedly helped medical researchers track links between coronavirus cases.
Infectious disease expert Dr Katrina Pollock told Sky News the test could identify people who may not have known they had ever caught the disease.
"These are not new techniques - they are widely used for other diseases - but they are being applied to the new infection, and that is needed," she said.
"With them it's possible to tell who has come into contact with the virus even if they're not showing symptoms. It allows you to get a much broader estimate of how many people have been infected and that allows you to detect cases that maybe have mild or anti-symptomatic infections.
Image: Experts say the antibodies test will shed light on how the virus spreads among those with mild or no symptoms
"And that will tell us a lot about how the virus is spreading."
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Because antibodies help protect the body from a virus, Dr Pollack said it could also reveal which type of people may be resistant to falling ill to the virus and which are more resistant.
This could be particularly useful for determining why so few children are becoming sick compared to adults, Dr Pollack said.
"We do need to understand what is happening with children," she said.
"It may be that the number of cases in children is getting underestimated if they're not getting symptoms."
Public Health England has confirmed it is developing a blood test to fight coronavirus, but did not provide further details.
Sky News understands the test is currently being checked for reliability - which Dr Pollack said was important to ensure the tests do not risk finding the wrong coronavirus strain.
She said understanding how the immune system reacts to the virus had also helped her work in developing a vaccine for the disease, which was undergoing clinical trials.
Infectious disease expert John Lamont also praised the new blood test as a useful surveillance tool to better understand COVID-19.
"You could monitor people's antibodies levels over the years and see how long you would have that prevention in the blood to monitor reinfection," he said.
Mr Lamont is the head of research and development at Randox Laboratories, which has developed its own test that differentiates COVID-19 from nine other respiratory infections.
The blood test being developed in the UK is also on its way to Australia - where the chief medical officer reportedly said it was the only way to work out the true mortality rate of virus.
According to media reports, Professor Brendan Murphy pointed to Iran's reported infection numbers being far lower than reality, as the initial outbreak of mild cases went undetected.
NHS England has declared coronavirus a level four incident - the highest level of emergency preparedness planning.
It comes as confirmed cases in the UK rose to by 34 to 85.


news--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: Italy closes sports events to fans - including Six Nations match with England

Italy has ordered all sporting events to take place without fans until 3 April , including their upcoming Six Nations match against England , due to the coronavirus outbreak .
It is the second match of Italy 's Six Nations campaign to have been affected by the spread of COVID-19 , as their upcoming clash with Ireland in Dublin this weekend has already been called off .
It has not been decided if the England v Italy match will go ahead without fans or be postponed in the hope that supporters could be allowed to attend at a later date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision is Pro 14 , which will see two matches forced to be played behind closed doors , and dozens of football ties will also be hit .
Thirty-two Serie A fixtures will have to be played in empty stadiums , as will the Coppa Italia semi-finals that need to be rearranged after being postponed earlier this week .
Football authorities in Italy have been left with a large pile-up of delayed fixtures to squeeze in in before the domestic season comes to an end in May , just a month before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The announcement was the second significant measure taken by Italy on Wednesday to curb the coronavirus , after shutting all schools and universities .
Italian authorities say 107 people have died and 3,089 have been infected , making it by some distance the worst-affected European nation .
It comes as the Premier League wrote to all top-flight clubs advising them to raise hygiene levels at their stadiums and training grounds - and `` consider the implications '' of similar restrictions being introduced England .
Should the UK government decide to follow the likes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings , it would lead to matches in England 's top division being played behind closed doors .
Several clubs have already introduced new health and safety measures in light of the coronavirus outbreak , with Newcastle United and West Ham having banned handshakes at their training grounds .
The global spread of the infection is having a growing impact on the world of sport , including the biggest club football tournament in Europe - the Champions League .
Spain 's health minister has recommended that Valencia 's crucial last-16 match against Italian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
Returning to the Six Nations , England rugby star Mako Vunipola will miss the opener against Wales on Saturday because he is in self-isolation after flying back from Tonga via Hong Kong .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The New Zealand-born prop , whose parents are Tongan , was due to link up with the squad on Monday for training , however he has been advised to self-isolate under current NHS guidelines .
The Foreign Office advises that anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cough , temperature or shortness of breath , even if the symptoms are mild , should self-isolate and call 111 .
Concerns remain that the Olympics , due to take place in Tokyo this summer , could be cancelled - but bosses at the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) insist it will go ahead as planned .
IOC President Thomas Bach said he remains `` very confident '' that the games will happen .
If they were cancelled , it would be only the fourth time in history - the other three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events in Japan have already been affected , including J-League football matches being postponed and the prestigious Spring Grand Sumo Tournament being held behind closed doors for the very first time .
Japan has the fifth most cases of any country with 331 , behind China , South Korea , Italy and Iran .
More than 93,000 have been diagnosed worldwide and over 3,100 people have died - the vast majority in China .
In the UK , Wednesday saw the biggest jump so far in daily cases as 36 new cases were @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Italy has ordered all sporting events to take place without fans until 3 April, including their upcoming Six Nations match against England, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
It is the second match of Italy's Six Nations campaign to have been affected by the spread of COVID-19, as their upcoming clash with Ireland in Dublin this weekend has already been called off.
It has not been decided if the England v Italy match will go ahead without fans or be postponed in the hope that supporters could be allowed to attend at a later date.
Image: Italy has already postponed its Six Nations game in Dublin
Another rugby tournament impacted by the decision is Pro 14, which will see two matches forced to be played behind closed doors, and dozens of football ties will also be hit.
Thirty-two Serie A fixtures will have to be played in empty stadiums, as will the Coppa Italia semi-finals that need to be rearranged after being postponed earlier this week.
Football authorities in Italy have been left with a large pile-up of delayed fixtures to squeeze in in before the domestic season comes to an end in May, just a month before the European Championships are due to begin.
The announcement was the second significant measure taken by Italy on Wednesday to curb the coronavirus, after shutting all schools and universities.
Italian authorities say 107 people have died and 3,089 have been infected, making it by some distance the worst-affected European nation.
Image: Italy has suffered Europe's worst coronavirus outbreak so far
It comes as the Premier League wrote to all top-flight clubs advising them to raise hygiene levels at their stadiums and training grounds - and "consider the implications" of similar restrictions being introduced England.
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Should the UK government decide to follow the likes of Italy and France in banning large gatherings, it would lead to matches in England's top division being played behind closed doors.
Several clubs have already introduced new health and safety measures in light of the coronavirus outbreak, with Newcastle United and West Ham having banned handshakes at their training grounds.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
The global spread of the infection is having a growing impact on the world of sport, including the biggest club football tournament in Europe - the Champions League.
Spain's health minister has recommended that Valencia's crucial last-16 match against Italian side Atlanta is played without fans next Tuesday.
Returning to the Six Nations, England rugby star Mako Vunipola will miss the opener against Wales on Saturday because he is in self-isolation after flying back from Tonga via Hong Kong.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The New Zealand-born prop, whose parents are Tongan, was due to link up with the squad on Monday for training, however he has been advised to self-isolate under current NHS guidelines.
The Foreign Office advises that anyone who returns from Hong Kong with a cough, temperature or shortness of breath, even if the symptoms are mild, should self-isolate and call 111.
Image: Mako Vunipola is following NHS guidelines on coronavirus
Concerns remain that the Olympics, due to take place in Tokyo this summer, could be cancelled - but bosses at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) insist it will go ahead as planned.
IOC President Thomas Bach said he remains "very confident" that the games will happen.
If they were cancelled, it would be only the fourth time in history - the other three all being during wartime.
Other sports events in Japan have already been affected, including J-League football matches being postponed and the prestigious Spring Grand Sumo Tournament being held behind closed doors for the very first time.
Image: There are concerns the 2020 Olympics could be cancelled
Japan has the fifth most cases of any country with 331, behind China, South Korea, Italy and Iran.
More than 93,000 have been diagnosed worldwide and over 3,100 people have died - the vast majority in China.
In the UK, Wednesday saw the biggest jump so far in daily cases as 36 new cases were identified - making 87 in all.


news--2020-03-04--Coronavirus: No-deal Brexit prep will be 'dusted off to help businesses deal with outbreak'

The government 's previous preparations for a potential no-deal Brexit stand it in `` incredibly good stead '' to help firms deal with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak , the former business secretary has told Sky News .
Andrea Leadsom told Sky 's political editor Beth Rigby that there was a `` huge amount '' that ministers could do to `` ensure that businesses are protected '' .
Ms Leadsom continued : `` Ironically , I think a lot of the work we did last year preparing for the supposed no-deal Brexit on 31 October has stood the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packages of support and how you might be able to help companies keep going should something dramatic happen .
`` I 'm quite sure that some of that will be being dusted off with a view to looking at how that could be adapted . ''
Ms Leadsom , who lost her job in Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's cabinet reshuffle last month , also said that sick pay should be given to gig economy workers amid the outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
She said she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government will be considering as the number of cases of coronavirus continues to rise .
Ms Leadsom said : `` I 'm sure the government will be looking closely at what further support can be given and whether it is in the form of statutory sick pay which normally is n't available to non-standard employee arrangements .
`` I 'm sure , as I say , there will be measures put in place to try and lend support . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier announced that workers who need to self-isolate because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay from the first day they are off .
The prime minister told MPs that the rules would be changed as part of forthcoming emergency legislation to tackle the outbreak .
At the moment , sick pay is paid from the fourth day someone is absent from work due to illness .
Mr Johnson said those who self-isolate are `` helping to protect all of us by slowing the spread of the virus '' .
`` If they stay at home and if we ask people to self-isolate , they may lose out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commons .
`` So , I can today announce that the health secretary will bring forward , as part of our emergency coronavirus legislation , measures to allow the payment of statutory sick pay from the very first day you are sick instead of four days under the current rules , and I think that 's the right way forward .
`` Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing . ''
Many unions and business groups have welcomed the move , but have called for the government to also help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £118-a-week , both of whom do not get sick pay .
Ms Leadsom sat down with Sky News for a wide-ranging interview , her first since she was sacked by the PM .
She described the day of her dismissal as `` not much fun '' and admitted that it came as a `` personal blow '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Leadsom said she does not know why she was asked to step aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` For me , I always try and focus on the fact that it 's been an amazing six years in government and it 's the greatest privilege to do that .
`` You ca n't knock it . ''
• Defended Priti Patel amid the numerous bullying allegations against the home secretary , saying she has `` never seen any evidence of Priti bullying anybody '' • Called for an independent complaints procedure for civil servants , similar to the system she helped set up for parliament • Said former Speaker John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak for themselves and people will form their own views '' • Hailed a `` much better mood '' in the Commons since his departure • Said her focus on the backbenches would be on `` giving every baby the best start in life '' Analysis : Leadsom will be a powerful voice on the backbenches By Beth Rigby , political editor Not so long ago , Andrea Leadsom hoped she might become prime minister .
But after nearly six years in government - and in cabinet for nearly four - the leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that her services were no longer required in his victory lap reshuffle .
In her first exclusive interview since leaving office , the former business secretary talks candidly about losing her job .
Ms Leadsom said it was a `` a personal blow '' to be asked to leave cabinet and says the prime minister gave no reason for her departure except that he wanted to make space for others in his top team .
`` Being asked to step down , it happens to everyone .
One day everybody is asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon for my liking , '' she said .
An ardent Brexiteer , she stood against Mr Johnson for the Conservative party leadership and was never part of his circle .
As a minister , she was known to speak her mind in cabinet .
Whether these were reasons for her departure , she `` genuinely does n't know '' .
Back on the backbenches , Ms Leadsom is set to be a powerful voice over an issue racing up the agenda again : bullying .
When she was leader of the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with tackling endemic bullying in parliament and was instrumental in setting up an independent complaints procedure to better protect staff .
In our interview , the senior politician is at pains to defend her colleague and friend Priti Patel , saying that she had `` never seen any evidence of Priti bullying anybody . ''
But she also said , like parliament , the civil service needed an independent complaints system to help police the relationship between mandarins and ministers .
This is not her only area of expertise .
As a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about no-deal planning and says it will stand the government in good stead for handling coronavirus .
Support packages are ready to be triggered where necessary .
But she also agrees with those on the opposition benches today who called for more support for workers , and said she believes statutory sick pay should be extended to those working in the gig economy .
In her personal statement she was careful not to take aim at either the prime minister or the advisers around him .
She has been removed from cabinet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close , tasking Ms Leadsom with the job of developing the government 's early years strategy .
Her time in government over but she is still with purpose : another senior politician for Mr Johnson to watch .

The government's previous preparations for a potential no-deal Brexit stand it in "incredibly good stead" to help firms deal with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak, the former business secretary has told Sky News.
Andrea Leadsom told Sky's political editor Beth Rigby that there was a "huge amount" that ministers could do to "ensure that businesses are protected".
Ms Leadsom continued: "Ironically, I think a lot of the work we did last year preparing for the supposed no-deal Brexit on 31 October has stood the government in incredibly good stead - looking at packages of support and how you might be able to help companies keep going should something dramatic happen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 PM announces sick pay change
"I'm quite sure that some of that will be being dusted off with a view to looking at how that could be adapted."
Ms Leadsom, who lost her job in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's cabinet reshuffle last month, also said that sick pay should be given to gig economy workers amid the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
She said she was sure the measure would be something the government will be considering as the number of cases of coronavirus continues to rise.
Ms Leadsom said: "I'm sure the government will be looking closely at what further support can be given and whether it is in the form of statutory sick pay which normally isn't available to non-standard employee arrangements.
"I'm sure, as I say, there will be measures put in place to try and lend support."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier announced that workers who need to self-isolate because of coronavirus will be eligible for sick pay from the first day they are off.
Advertisement
The prime minister told MPs that the rules would be changed as part of forthcoming emergency legislation to tackle the outbreak.
At the moment, sick pay is paid from the fourth day someone is absent from work due to illness.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Gig economy workers face uncertain future if virus outbreak gets worse
Mr Johnson said those who self-isolate are "helping to protect all of us by slowing the spread of the virus".
"If they stay at home and if we ask people to self-isolate, they may lose out financially," he told the House of Commons.
"So, I can today announce that the health secretary will bring forward, as part of our emergency coronavirus legislation, measures to allow the payment of statutory sick pay from the very first day you are sick instead of four days under the current rules, and I think that's the right way forward.
"Nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
Many unions and business groups have welcomed the move, but have called for the government to also help self-employed workers and those who earn less than £118-a-week, both of whom do not get sick pay.
Ms Leadsom sat down with Sky News for a wide-ranging interview, her first since she was sacked by the PM.
She described the day of her dismissal as "not much fun" and admitted that it came as a "personal blow".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Leadsom said she does not know why she was asked to step aside from her role, but added: "For me, I always try and focus on the fact that it's been an amazing six years in government and it's the greatest privilege to do that.
"You can't knock it."
The two-time Tory leadership candidate also:
Defended Priti Patel amid the numerous bullying allegations against the home secretary, saying she has "never seen any evidence of Priti bullying anybody"
against the home secretary, saying she has "never seen any evidence of Priti bullying anybody" Called for an independent complaints procedure for civil servants, similar to the system she helped set up for parliament
Said former Speaker John Bercow's actions in the chair "speak for themselves and people will form their own views"
Hailed a "much better mood" in the Commons since his departure
Said her focus on the backbenches would be on "giving every baby the best start in life"
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays
Analysis: Leadsom will be a powerful voice on the backbenches
By Beth Rigby, political editor
Not so long ago, Andrea Leadsom hoped she might become prime minister. But after nearly six years in government - and in cabinet for nearly four - the leading Brexiteer was told by the prime minister that her services were no longer required in his victory lap reshuffle.
In her first exclusive interview since leaving office, the former business secretary talks candidly about losing her job. Ms Leadsom said it was a "a personal blow" to be asked to leave cabinet and says the prime minister gave no reason for her departure except that he wanted to make space for others in his top team.
"Being asked to step down, it happens to everyone. One day everybody is asked to step down and it just came too soon for my liking," she said.
An ardent Brexiteer, she stood against Mr Johnson for the Conservative party leadership and was never part of his circle. As a minister, she was known to speak her mind in cabinet. Whether these were reasons for her departure, she "genuinely doesn't know".
Back on the backbenches, Ms Leadsom is set to be a powerful voice over an issue racing up the agenda again: bullying. When she was leader of the House of Commons, Ms Leadsom was tasked with tackling endemic bullying in parliament and was instrumental in setting up an independent complaints procedure to better protect staff.
In our interview, the senior politician is at pains to defend her colleague and friend Priti Patel, saying that she had "never seen any evidence of Priti bullying anybody." But she also said, like parliament, the civil service needed an independent complaints system to help police the relationship between mandarins and ministers.
This is not her only area of expertise. As a former business secretary, Ms Leadsom knows plenty about no-deal planning and says it will stand the government in good stead for handling coronavirus. Support packages are ready to be triggered where necessary. But she also agrees with those on the opposition benches today who called for more support for workers, and said she believes statutory sick pay should be extended to those working in the gig economy.
In her personal statement she was careful not to take aim at either the prime minister or the advisers around him. She has been removed from cabinet, but Mr Johnson is still keeping her close, tasking Ms Leadsom with the job of developing the government's early years strategy. Her time in government over but she is still with purpose: another senior politician for Mr Johnson to watch.


news--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Investors join forces for Virgin Atlantic bid

Two investment firms which have been examining offers to help finance a rescue of Virgin Atlantic Airways are in talks to join forces ahead of a crucial fortnight for the carrier founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984 .
Sky News has learnt that Elliott , the US-based hedge fund , and Greybull Capital , the former owner of Monarch Airlines , are discussing submitting a joint offer to provide new funding to Virgin Atlantic .
City sources said that Elliott and Greybull were competing against other funds , thought to include Davidson Kempner Capital Management , to secure a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain unclear , with some investors suggesting that the funding requirement had reduced in size in recent weeks .
Virgin Atlantic is trying to wrap up a financial rescue package worth more than £500m , with the end of June serving as an informal target date for having an outline agreement in place .
The company has been in talks with the government for several months about a series of state-backed guarantees , but Whitehall sources have so far indicated that ministers are not prepared to put taxpayers ' money at risk based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airline .
Sir Richard 's flagship company is also racing to secure concessions from Delta Air Lines , its second-largest shareholder , the Civil Aviation Authority , a syndicate of bank lenders and bondholders which lent money to it in 2015 based on the value of its take-off and landing slots at Heathrow Airport .
Sky News revealed last month that Virgin Atlantic had lined up Alvarez & Marsal , the professional services firm , to act as administrator if a solvent rescue deal proves to be impossible .
The company recently announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third of its workforce redundant in a desperate attempt to position itself for a future in which demand for air travel is likely to be depressed for a considerable length of time .
Like its principal competitors , Virgin Atlantic has warned that the government 's 14-day quarantine policy for passengers flying into the UK will act as a further brake on the industry 's recovery .
EasyJet , International Airlines Group and Ryanair have begun legal action against the government aimed at overturning the policy .
Sir Richard is expected to commit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having raised hundreds of millions of pounds from the sale of part of his shareholding in Virgin Galactic .
Private investors which are in talks with the airline want to know the outcome of talks with the government before committing money to the business .
A pre-pack insolvency process would impact Virgin Atlantic 's current borrowing arrangements , and could complicate its attempts to continue flying because of the conditions of its CAA and ATOL licences .
Its aircraft leasing and take-off and landing slot agreements would also be terminated by an administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the equity of existing shareholders - Sir Richard 's holding company and Delta Air Lines , the US carrier which has itself been rescued by American taxpayers in recent weeks .
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss announced a cost-cutting plan recently that involves axing more than 3000 jobs - joining the likes of British Airways , easyJet and Ryanair in slashing substantial proportions of their workforces .
The company 's plans include ending its 36-year tenure at Gatwick Airport , reducing the size of its fleet and putting its Boeing 747s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already anticipating that customer demand will be at least 40 % lower during 2020 , with only a gradual recovery next year .
It has furloughed thousands of staff and seen its top executives agree substantial pay cuts because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
Fewer than a handful of Virgin Atlantic 's planes have been flying since the UK lockdown began in March , when Peter Norris , Virgin Group 's chairman , urged Mr Johnson to establish an industry-wide support package that could cost in the region of £7.5bn .
Sir Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group 's financial affairs , warning that the transatlantic airline he founded in the 1980s was likely to collapse without government support .
He has already seen Virgin Australia fall into a process called voluntary administration , putting thousands of jobs at risk .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Greybull and Elliott were previously co-investors in Comet , the electrical goods chain which collapsed nearly a decade ago .
The two firms declined to comment .
A Virgin Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explore all available options to secure additional external funding as part of a comprehensive , solvent recapitalisation of the airline .
`` Constructive negotiations with our shareholders , creditors and partners as well as private investors and HM Government are progressing at pace , so that Virgin Atlantic can emerge from the crisis sustainably profitable and with a healthy balance sheet . ''

Two investment firms which have been examining offers to help finance a rescue of Virgin Atlantic Airways are in talks to join forces ahead of a crucial fortnight for the carrier founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984.
Sky News has learnt that Elliott, the US-based hedge fund, and Greybull Capital, the former owner of Monarch Airlines, are discussing submitting a joint offer to provide new funding to Virgin Atlantic.
City sources said that Elliott and Greybull were competing against other funds, thought to include Davidson Kempner Capital Management, to secure a deal.
The terms of any financing remain unclear, with some investors suggesting that the funding requirement had reduced in size in recent weeks.
Virgin Atlantic is trying to wrap up a financial rescue package worth more than £500m, with the end of June serving as an informal target date for having an outline agreement in place.
The company has been in talks with the government for several months about a series of state-backed guarantees, but Whitehall sources have so far indicated that ministers are not prepared to put taxpayers' money at risk based on the business plan proposed by the airline.
Sir Richard's flagship company is also racing to secure concessions from Delta Air Lines, its second-largest shareholder, the Civil Aviation Authority, a syndicate of bank lenders and bondholders which lent money to it in 2015 based on the value of its take-off and landing slots at Heathrow Airport.
Sky News revealed last month that Virgin Atlantic had lined up Alvarez & Marsal, the professional services firm, to act as administrator if a solvent rescue deal proves to be impossible.
The company recently announced that it was making close to a third of its workforce redundant in a desperate attempt to position itself for a future in which demand for air travel is likely to be depressed for a considerable length of time.
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Image: Sir Richard Branson's flagship company is also racing to secure concessions from Delta Air Lines
Like its principal competitors, Virgin Atlantic has warned that the government's 14-day quarantine policy for passengers flying into the UK will act as a further brake on the industry's recovery.
EasyJet, International Airlines Group and Ryanair have begun legal action against the government aimed at overturning the policy.
Sir Richard is expected to commit a substantial sum to Virgin Atlantic, having raised hundreds of millions of pounds from the sale of part of his shareholding in Virgin Galactic.
Private investors which are in talks with the airline want to know the outcome of talks with the government before committing money to the business.
A pre-pack insolvency process would impact Virgin Atlantic's current borrowing arrangements, and could complicate its attempts to continue flying because of the conditions of its CAA and ATOL licences.
Its aircraft leasing and take-off and landing slot agreements would also be terminated by an administration process.
A pre-pack deal would wipe out the equity of existing shareholders - Sir Richard's holding company and Delta Air Lines, the US carrier which has itself been rescued by American taxpayers in recent weeks.
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Shai Weiss announced a cost-cutting plan recently that involves axing more than 3000 jobs - joining the likes of British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair in slashing substantial proportions of their workforces.
The company's plans include ending its 36-year tenure at Gatwick Airport, reducing the size of its fleet and putting its Boeing 747s into early retirement.
Image: Greybull Capital is the former owner of Monarch Airlines
Virgin Atlantic is already anticipating that customer demand will be at least 40% lower during 2020, with only a gradual recovery next year.
It has furloughed thousands of staff and seen its top executives agree substantial pay cuts because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Fewer than a handful of Virgin Atlantic's planes have been flying since the UK lockdown began in March, when Peter Norris, Virgin Group's chairman, urged Mr Johnson to establish an industry-wide support package that could cost in the region of £7.5bn.
Sir Richard recently made an impassioned defence of his group's financial affairs, warning that the transatlantic airline he founded in the 1980s was likely to collapse without government support.
He has already seen Virgin Australia fall into a process called voluntary administration, putting thousands of jobs at risk.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Greybull and Elliott were previously co-investors in Comet, the electrical goods chain which collapsed nearly a decade ago.
The two firms declined to comment.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: "We continue to explore all available options to secure additional external funding as part of a comprehensive, solvent recapitalisation of the airline.
"Constructive negotiations with our shareholders, creditors and partners as well as private investors and HM Government are progressing at pace, so that Virgin Atlantic can emerge from the crisis sustainably profitable and with a healthy balance sheet."


news--2020-06-15--Coronavirus deaths: 38 more COVID-19 fatalities recorded in UK

Another 38 coronavirus deaths have been recorded in the UK , the Department of Health has said .
It comes a day after 36 fatalities were announced on Sunday - the lowest number of daily COVID-19 deaths since before lockdown measures were introduced .
A total of 41,736 people have now died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK .
However the government figures do not include all deaths involving COVID-19 across the UK , which is thought to have passed 52,000 .
Monday 's figures are often lower than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths over the weekend .
There were 93,163 coronavirus tests carried out or dispatched in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Monday - with 1,056 positive results .
No new coronavirus deaths were reported in Scotland on Monday , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced .
A total of 2,448 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus .
It is the third time no coronavirus deaths have been reported in a 24-hour period in Scotland since lockdown began .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland also recorded no further coronavirus deaths on Monday , the sixth occasion in the last 10 days .
The COVID-19 death total recorded by the Department of Health in the region remains at 541 .
NHS England said a further 28 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died in hospitals in England , taking the total to 27,982 .
Meanwhile , Public Health Wales said another four people had died after testing positive for COVID-19 , taking its total number of deaths to 1,448 .
After the UK figures were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock said `` only 36 deaths were recorded with coronavirus '' and `` we are winning the battle against this horrible disease '' .

Another 38 coronavirus deaths have been recorded in the UK, the Department of Health has said.
It comes a day after 36 fatalities were announced on Sunday - the lowest number of daily COVID-19 deaths since before lockdown measures were introduced.
A total of 41,736 people have now died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK.
However the government figures do not include all deaths involving COVID-19 across the UK, which is thought to have passed 52,000.
Monday's figures are often lower than other weekdays due to delays in recording deaths over the weekend.
There were 93,163 coronavirus tests carried out or dispatched in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Monday - with 1,056 positive results.
No new coronavirus deaths were reported in Scotland on Monday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced.
A total of 2,448 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus.
It is the third time no coronavirus deaths have been reported in a 24-hour period in Scotland since lockdown began.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Northern Ireland also recorded no further coronavirus deaths on Monday, the sixth occasion in the last 10 days.
The COVID-19 death total recorded by the Department of Health in the region remains at 541.
NHS England said a further 28 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have died in hospitals in England, taking the total to 27,982.
Meanwhile, Public Health Wales said another four people had died after testing positive for COVID-19, taking its total number of deaths to 1,448.
After the UK figures were released on Sunday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said "only 36 deaths were recorded with coronavirus" and "we are winning the battle against this horrible disease".


news--2020-06-15--Botswana investigates mysterious deaths of at least 154 elephants

The mysterious deaths of at least 154 elephants is being investigated by officials in Botswana .
The exact cause of death is not known but all are believed to have happened in the northwest of the country over the last two months .
Regional wildlife co-ordinator Dimakatso Ntshebe said carcasses were found intact , suggesting they were not poached .
Further investigations have also ruled out poisoning by humans and anthrax , which sometimes hits wildlife in this part of Botswana .
Africa 's overall elephant population is declining due to poaching , but Botswana , home to almost a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has seen numbers grow to 130,000 from 80,000 in the late 1990s .
However , they are seen as a growing nuisance by farmers , whose crops have been destroyed by the animals roaming the southern African country .
Last year , president Mokgweetsi Masisi lifted a five-year ban on big game hunting , imposed by previous president Ian Khama .
But the hunting season failed to take off in April as global travel restrictions meant hunters from many coronavirus-hit countries could not enter Botswana .
Meanwhile , the Wildlife Department has undertaken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rhinos to tackle poaching - mirroring efforts elsewhere in the region .
The Okavango Delta rhino population has been the hardest hit , with 25 reported poached between December and the beginning of May .
That compares with a total of 31 rhinos poached from October 2018 to December last year .

The mysterious deaths of at least 154 elephants is being investigated by officials in Botswana.
The exact cause of death is not known but all are believed to have happened in the northwest of the country over the last two months.
Regional wildlife co-ordinator Dimakatso Ntshebe said carcasses were found intact, suggesting they were not poached.
Further investigations have also ruled out poisoning by humans and anthrax, which sometimes hits wildlife in this part of Botswana.
Africa's overall elephant population is declining due to poaching, but Botswana, home to almost a third of the continent's elephants, has seen numbers grow to 130,000 from 80,000 in the late 1990s.
However, they are seen as a growing nuisance by farmers, whose crops have been destroyed by the animals roaming the southern African country.
Last year, president Mokgweetsi Masisi lifted a five-year ban on big game hunting, imposed by previous president Ian Khama.
But the hunting season failed to take off in April as global travel restrictions meant hunters from many coronavirus-hit countries could not enter Botswana.
Meanwhile, the Wildlife Department has undertaken an operation to relocate and dehorn all rhinos to tackle poaching - mirroring efforts elsewhere in the region.
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The Okavango Delta rhino population has been the hardest hit, with 25 reported poached between December and the beginning of May.
That compares with a total of 31 rhinos poached from October 2018 to December last year.


news--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Imperial College to begin human trials for COVID-19 vaccine

Scientists at Imperial College London are preparing to begin human trials this week on a potential coronavirus vaccine .
A total of 300 healthy people will be given two doses of the vaccine , which has been found during animal testing to cause higher levels of antibodies to COVID-19 than normally produced in those who have the illness .
If it appears to be safe in humans , the trial could be widened to 6,000 people later in the year .
The trial , backed by £41 million of government funding and £5 million in philanthropic donations , is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials after Oxford University .
Rather than using the virus itself , Imperial 's vaccine injects synthetic strands of genetic material into muscle , which prompts the body to create copies of a coronavirus protein that triggers immune system protection .
Robin Shattock , a professor leading the research at Imperial , said a vaccine in the longer term would be `` vital for protecting the most vulnerable '' and for `` enabling restrictions to be eased and helping people get back to normal life . ''
He added that the potential vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an effective immune response '' .
There are currently around a dozen potential vaccines undergoing human studies , including the Oxford vaccine , which has recently started an advanced trial with 10,000 volunteers .
The US is also planning a study involving 30,000 participants to compare various candidates , including Oxford .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Vaccines usually take years to develop , and it is not clear whether any of those currently being tested will ultimately be safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists have also warned that the only way to stop the virus in its tracks would be to find an effective vaccine , leading to the UK , France , Germany , the Netherlands and the US already placing advanced orders on any candidate that proves successful .

Scientists at Imperial College London are preparing to begin human trials this week on a potential coronavirus vaccine.
A total of 300 healthy people will be given two doses of the vaccine, which has been found during animal testing to cause higher levels of antibodies to COVID-19 than normally produced in those who have the illness.
If it appears to be safe in humans, the trial could be widened to 6,000 people later in the year.
The trial, backed by £41 million of government funding and £5 million in philanthropic donations, is the second British vaccine candidate to reach human trials after Oxford University.
Rather than using the virus itself, Imperial's vaccine injects synthetic strands of genetic material into muscle, which prompts the body to create copies of a coronavirus protein that triggers immune system protection.
Robin Shattock, a professor leading the research at Imperial, said a vaccine in the longer term would be "vital for protecting the most vulnerable" and for "enabling restrictions to be eased and helping people get back to normal life."
He added that the potential vaccine had so far shown "encouraging signs of an effective immune response".
There are currently around a dozen potential vaccines undergoing human studies, including the Oxford vaccine, which has recently started an advanced trial with 10,000 volunteers.
Others include AstraZeneca, Pfizer, BioNtech, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Moderna, Sanofi and CanSino Biologics.
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The US is also planning a study involving 30,000 participants to compare various candidates, including Oxford.
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Vaccines usually take years to develop, and it is not clear whether any of those currently being tested will ultimately be safe and effective for use.
But many scientists have also warned that the only way to stop the virus in its tracks would be to find an effective vaccine, leading to the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the US already placing advanced orders on any candidate that proves successful.


news--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Travis Perkins plans to shed 2,500 jobs as virus hits demand

The UK 's largest building materials group has announced plans to cut 2,500 jobs as the coronavirus crisis takes its toll on demand .
Travis Perkins , which has more than 20 businesses including the Wickes DIY chain , said it expected the looming COVID-19 recession to dent its business not only this year but also next .
The company said it planned 165 branch closures - about 8 % of its total network - concentrated in its Travis Perkins General Merchant division .
It said stores most likely to be affected were small branches where it was either difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where profit margins were already thin .
The company said that in addition to the store closures , it had also started a consultation process on roles within its distribution , administrative and sales functions .
It announced the losses while revealing a 40 % plunge in sales volumes during May compared to the same month last year but reported a pick up as more branches have reopened following the lockdown .
It said there had been particularly strong demand at its Wickes stores and at Toolstation , with both businesses showing improving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive Nick Roberts said : `` Whilst we have experienced improving trends more recently , we do not expect a return to pre-COVID trading conditions for some time and consequently we have had to take the very difficult decision to begin consultations on the closure of selected branches and to reduce our workforce to ensure we can protect the group as a whole .
`` This is in no way a reflection on those employees impacted and we will do everything we can to support them during this process .
`` The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liquidity position and I am confident that these proposed changes will enable us to trade successfully through this period of uncertainty with a cost base that better reflects the environment we are operating in . ''

The UK's largest building materials group has announced plans to cut 2,500 jobs as the coronavirus crisis takes its toll on demand.
Travis Perkins, which has more than 20 businesses including the Wickes DIY chain, said it expected the looming COVID-19 recession to dent its business not only this year but also next.
The company said it planned 165 branch closures - about 8% of its total network - concentrated in its Travis Perkins General Merchant division.
It said stores most likely to be affected were small branches where it was either difficult to implement safe social distancing practices or where profit margins were already thin.
The company said that in addition to the store closures, it had also started a consultation process on roles within its distribution, administrative and sales functions.
Image: Travis Perkins employs over 20,000 staff across its businesses
It announced the losses while revealing a 40% plunge in sales volumes during May compared to the same month last year but reported a pick up as more branches have reopened following the lockdown.
It said there had been particularly strong demand at its Wickes stores and at Toolstation, with both businesses showing improving like-for-like sales growth against 2019.
Chief executive Nick Roberts said: "Whilst we have experienced improving trends more recently, we do not expect a return to pre-COVID trading conditions for some time and consequently we have had to take the very difficult decision to begin consultations on the closure of selected branches and to reduce our workforce to ensure we can protect the group as a whole.
"This is in no way a reflection on those employees impacted and we will do everything we can to support them during this process.
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"The group has a robust balance sheet, strong liquidity position and I am confident that these proposed changes will enable us to trade successfully through this period of uncertainty with a cost base that better reflects the environment we are operating in."