news--2020-03-06--FTSE takes biggest hit of coronavirus crisis amid global panic sell-off

London 's FTSE-100 of top listed companies has seen its biggest fall of the coronavirus crisis to date as stock markets around the world felt the heat .
The worsening outbreak has fuelled fears of a global recession causing shares to tumble .
The UK 's bluechip index experienced its largest daily percentage drop since the epidemic began .
It fell 3.6 % , or 243 points , wiping £61bn off the combined value of the leading companies .
The sell-off is the biggest in percentage terms since 24 August 2015 .
It came as the number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total number to 164 .
The increase comes as a second person in the UK died after contracting coronavirus .
Globally , the number of confirmed and suspected cases passed 100,000 , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,400 deaths .
Stocks tumbled into the red across Europe , with Germany 's DAX sliding 3.4 % and France 's CAC 40 falling 4 % .
Meanwhile , the US Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 500 points - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
But it later clawed back losses to end the day down about 1 % and was higher than last Friday 's close - as were the S & P 500 and Nasdaq Composite .
Businesses involved in almost any public activity , such as cinemas , hotels , airlines and amusement parks , have lost billions in value as investors seek out safer assets like government bonds , despite the minimal return offered .
Connor Campbell , financial analyst at Spreadex , said : `` With no signs of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a near unshakeable panic , the week 's various central bank rate cuts only serving to reinforce the seriousness of the situation . ''
Russ Mould , investment director at AJ Bell , added that investors are worried about the possibility of a global recession caused by coronavirus .
He said : `` Non-stop news headlines about the spread of coronavirus have caused investors to be very concerned about a global recession .
`` This tension is likely to remain front and centre until we get some evidence that the virus can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks were once again among the worst hit in the latest leg of the coronavirus sell-off , with Holiday Inn owner InterContinental Hotels and Premier Inn group Whitbread both seeing falls on the FTSE-100 .
Tour operator Tui was 2 % lower , with cruise ship giant Carnival tumbling 7 % as demand for bookings slumps amid a wave of cancellations from worried holidaymakers .
Carnival 's woes were compounded by news of another cruise liner , the Grand Princess , being stranded off San Francisco .
: : Listen to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker Airlines have also been badly impacted , with the collapse of Flybe raising fears that other vulnerable players may go bust in the fallout from coronavirus .
In London , British Airways owner International Airlines Group and low-cost rival easyJet both saw shares drop .
Oil giants BP and Royal Dutch Shell were also suffered share losses - each falling more than 5 % - as the cost of crude extended recent declined , with Brent down another 4 % at just under $ 48 a barrel .

London's FTSE-100 of top listed companies has seen its biggest fall of the coronavirus crisis to date as stock markets around the world felt the heat.
The worsening outbreak has fuelled fears of a global recession causing shares to tumble.
The UK's bluechip index experienced its largest daily percentage drop since the epidemic began.
It fell 3.6%, or 243 points, wiping £61bn off the combined value of the leading companies.
The sell-off is the biggest in percentage terms since 24 August 2015.
It came as the number of confirmed cases in the UK rose again, taking the total number to 164.
The increase comes as a second person in the UK died after contracting coronavirus.
Globally, the number of confirmed and suspected cases passed 100,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,400 deaths.
Stocks tumbled into the red across Europe, with Germany's DAX sliding 3.4% and France's CAC 40 falling 4%.
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Meanwhile, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 500 points - a 2% fall - during trading on Friday.
But it later clawed back losses to end the day down about 1% and was higher than last Friday's close - as were the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite.
Businesses involved in almost any public activity, such as cinemas, hotels, airlines and amusement parks, have lost billions in value as investors seek out safer assets like government bonds, despite the minimal return offered.
Connor Campbell, financial analyst at Spreadex, said: "With no signs of the outbreak slowing down... investors remain gripped with a near unshakeable panic, the week's various central bank rate cuts only serving to reinforce the seriousness of the situation."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, added that investors are worried about the possibility of a global recession caused by coronavirus.
He said: "Non-stop news headlines about the spread of coronavirus have caused investors to be very concerned about a global recession.
"This tension is likely to remain front and centre until we get some evidence that the virus can be contained."
Hotel and travel stocks were once again among the worst hit in the latest leg of the coronavirus sell-off, with Holiday Inn owner InterContinental Hotels and Premier Inn group Whitbread both seeing falls on the FTSE-100.
Tour operator Tui was 2% lower, with cruise ship giant Carnival tumbling 7% as demand for bookings slumps amid a wave of cancellations from worried holidaymakers.
Carnival's woes were compounded by news of another cruise liner, the Grand Princess, being stranded off San Francisco.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Airlines have also been badly impacted, with the collapse of Flybe raising fears that other vulnerable players may go bust in the fallout from coronavirus.
In London, British Airways owner International Airlines Group and low-cost rival easyJet both saw shares drop.
Oil giants BP and Royal Dutch Shell were also suffered share losses - each falling more than 5% - as the cost of crude extended recent declined, with Brent down another 4% at just under $48 a barrel.


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: 'Large spike in demand' for toilet paper over COVID-19 outbreak

Britain 's coronavirus outbreak has seen a `` large spike in demand '' for toilet paper , the UK 's largest supplier has told Sky News .
It is further evidence that householders are stockpiling as the infection continues to spread .
However , paper manufacturer WEPA UK says it has so far met all its orders and was `` geared up '' to meet the higher volumes .
It follows a surge in hand sanitiser sales that has led to shortages and the introduction of rationing .
In response to panic-buying of store cupboard essentials in some areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is working with supermarkets to ensure food supplies .
Latest figures show there have been 163 cases of COVID-19 in the UK , with the biggest daily jump in patients on Friday .
Meanwhile , a second person in the UK feared to have the virus has died , Sky News understands .
Environment Secretary George Eustice has said that retailers have reassured him `` they have well-established contingency plans and are taking all the nevessary steps to ensure consumers have the food and supplies they need '' .
Adding that government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together , he said : `` Retailers are continuing to monitor their supply chains and have robust plans in place to minimise disruption . ''
Mike Docker , managing director of WEPA UK , said : `` The ongoing coronavirus situation means we have seen a large spike in demand over the last week and sales continue to be very strong .
`` Our excellent supply chain team has met all our sales orders so far and our manufacturing is geared up to meet these higher volumes .
`` We are continually monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales patterns of the experiences our colleagues had in Italy a number of weeks ago to anticipate how this will develop . ''
He added : `` Our careful planning helps us to respond to any spike in demand for our products .
So , while the current situation around coronavirus is highly unusual , we are well equipped to deal with it .
`` When there is a spike in demand from consumers for a product , we work closely with our retail partners and distribution network to manage it effectively .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ logistics teams to mobilise more transport in order to get products where they need to be , quickly and efficiently .
`` At WEPA UK , we have close links with our retailers , which enable us to monitor consumer demand in real-time .
We receive daily updates on how products are selling and broader consumer habits .
Using this data , we work jointly with them to forecast when to dial up or down production . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs ( DEFRA ) had regular meetings with the food industry to discuss risks to the supply chain , with a working group due to meet on Friday .
Helen Dickinson , chief executive of the British Retail Consortium , has said the group was `` working constructively with government officials to ensure that supermarkets remain stocked and supply chains continue to function as normal for the foreseeable future '' .
She added : `` While coronavirus has increased the demand of certain products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident that any disruption will remain limited , and consumers will continue to be able to choose from a wide selection of foods and other products in stores across the country . ''
A spokesman for the Food and Drink Federation said : `` The FDF is in regular dialogue with the government and its agencies on how the food and drink industry should react to the spread of COVID-19 . ''

Britain's coronavirus outbreak has seen a "large spike in demand" for toilet paper, the UK's largest supplier has told Sky News.
It is further evidence that householders are stockpiling as the infection continues to spread.
However, paper manufacturer WEPA UK says it has so far met all its orders and was "geared up" to meet the higher volumes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Race for loo roll getting nasty in Oz
It follows a surge in hand sanitiser sales that has led to shortages and the introduction of rationing.
In response to panic-buying of store cupboard essentials in some areas, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the government is working with supermarkets to ensure food supplies.
Latest figures show there have been 163 cases of COVID-19 in the UK, with the biggest daily jump in patients on Friday.
Meanwhile, a second person in the UK feared to have the virus has died, Sky News understands.
Environment Secretary George Eustice has said that retailers have reassured him "they have well-established contingency plans and are taking all the nevessary steps to ensure consumers have the food and supplies they need".
Adding that government and retailers have agreed to work closely together, he said: "Retailers are continuing to monitor their supply chains and have robust plans in place to minimise disruption."
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Mike Docker, managing director of WEPA UK, said: "The ongoing coronavirus situation means we have seen a large spike in demand over the last week and sales continue to be very strong.
"Our excellent supply chain team has met all our sales orders so far and our manufacturing is geared up to meet these higher volumes.
"We are continually monitoring the situation very carefully and are studying sales patterns of the experiences our colleagues had in Italy a number of weeks ago to anticipate how this will develop."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
He added: "Our careful planning helps us to respond to any spike in demand for our products. So, while the current situation around coronavirus is highly unusual, we are well equipped to deal with it.
"When there is a spike in demand from consumers for a product, we work closely with our retail partners and distribution network to manage it effectively.
"This can involve calling on our logistics teams to mobilise more transport in order to get products where they need to be, quickly and efficiently.
"At WEPA UK, we have close links with our retailers, which enable us to monitor consumer demand in real-time. We receive daily updates on how products are selling and broader consumer habits. Using this data, we work jointly with them to forecast when to dial up or down production."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, Downing Street has said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) had regular meetings with the food industry to discuss risks to the supply chain, with a working group due to meet on Friday.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, has said the group was "working constructively with government officials to ensure that supermarkets remain stocked and supply chains continue to function as normal for the foreseeable future".
She added: "While coronavirus has increased the demand of certain products in the short term, we are confident that any disruption will remain limited, and consumers will continue to be able to choose from a wide selection of foods and other products in stores across the country."
A spokesman for the Food and Drink Federation said: "The FDF is in regular dialogue with the government and its agencies on how the food and drink industry should react to the spread of COVID-19."
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: One of the first British sufferers describes his ordeal

Connor Reed , a 25-year-old from Llandudno in North Wales , was working at a school in the Chinese city of Wuhan when he began to feel `` a bit sniffly '' .
He would soon face a painful ordeal and become the first known British man to catch the coronavirus .
It was 25 November , 2019 , when he first felt unwell .
He told Sky News : `` I was feeling like I just had a normal cold and the problem with this virus is it progresses in stages .
It started with a cold . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was unconnected with the virus and he just happened to catch it several days before he was struck by coronavirus .
For a while he continued to work and was feeling relatively normal , but just as the cold was tailing-off , in early December , he was struck by flu .
`` I woke up and I was just feeling really bad .
I was coughing a lot and subsequently I lost my voice .
`` One of my Irish friends mentioned that hot whisky and honey really helps with symptoms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and honestly , it did help .
It really did .
But in no way am I condoning that whisky and honey will cure the virus .
I mean , it definitely does n't . ''
At this point , in early December , Connor decided he was n't going to go back to work for a while .
He had a fever and he did n't want to pass the illness onto his colleagues .
Despite living in what was the epicentre of the virus , as yet , the local authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incubating a nasty new disease that would spread across the globe .
`` I was feeling achy , '' says Connor `` I just wanted to curl up into a ball and I had ear problems and sinus problems where it felt like there was a balloon being blown up in my face .
And that was probably the worst symptom .
It really bothered me .
`` I also had a raking cough .
It was terrible .
And it was happening so much , I lost my voice .
Sometimes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all .
Sometimes , I sounded like a frog . ''
For most people who catch the virus , it wo n't get any worse than this , it may not even get that bad , but for Connor the scariest part was still to come .
He actually felt like he was recovering from the flu and was feeling optimistic about going back to work when one morning he woke up struggling to breathe .
`` It scared me because breathing is a necessity of life , like if you have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going to die , but you 're really not .
But when your lungs get affected , that 's where it scared me .
And I could n't take a full breath .
And the breaths I did take , it sounded like I was breathing through a bag .
It was very crackly , and I could only take half breaths .
If I walked to the kitchen , for instance , I 'd be breathing really shallow and really fast . ''
Connor continued drinking hot water to try and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later when things did n't improve , he went to hospital .
On 5 December he had a day of blood tests , x-rays and breathing tests .
The next day , two weeks after he 'd first caught the cold , the results came back that he had pneumonia .
He said : `` At no point was I thinking that I 'm going to die .
I mean , it was n't that serious .
I 'm a young person .
I do n't smoke .
I do n't drink .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad as if I was elderly or I had pre-existing health problems . ''
Connor recovered from his illness and a few weeks later doctors realised he had suffered from the virus that was now spreading across the province , which would become known as COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Wuhan is still under quarantine .
Connor recalls getting an alert on his phone at 3am announcing the quarantine for the city .
`` Luckily , I was awake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I bolted out of the house and went to the 24-hour supermarket downstairs .
I knew that it was going to be bad and I knew that shops were going be sold out . ''
He stocked up .
But weeks later the city continues to maintain strict rules .
Connor said : `` As more and more new cases came , and it started spreading , the government sanctioned harsher penalties and a lot harsher quarantine .
For instance , at the moment , one person is allowed to leave their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's just to purchase necessities . ''
He said when going out there is `` no atmosphere '' , and very few people on the streets .
`` If you go to a shop , there are some shops that are open that have blocked the door off .
You tell them what you want .
They put it into a bag and then they pass the bag to you on a long stick just to avoid personal contact . ''
Connor said the national government had dealt with the crisis well and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SARS .
He believes the numbers for infected people that the authorities are releasing are accurate .
He added : `` There are not many Western countries that can build a hospital in 10 days .
China is one of the most efficient countries at getting stuff done .
In regard to this outbreak , they 've got it done .
They had to .
They had to take the drastic measures , that many other countries would n't have taken . ''

Connor Reed, a 25-year-old from Llandudno in North Wales, was working at a school in the Chinese city of Wuhan when he began to feel "a bit sniffly".
He would soon face a painful ordeal and become the first known British man to catch the coronavirus.
It was 25 November, 2019, when he first felt unwell. He told Sky News: "I was feeling like I just had a normal cold and the problem with this virus is it progresses in stages. It started with a cold."
Image: Mr Reed was working at a school in the Chinese city of Wuhan when he got coronavirus
It's possible that Connor's cold was unconnected with the virus and he just happened to catch it several days before he was struck by coronavirus. For a while he continued to work and was feeling relatively normal, but just as the cold was tailing-off, in early December, he was struck by flu.
"I woke up and I was just feeling really bad. I was coughing a lot and subsequently I lost my voice.
"One of my Irish friends mentioned that hot whisky and honey really helps with symptoms. So, that's what I tried and honestly, it did help. It really did. But in no way am I condoning that whisky and honey will cure the virus. I mean, it definitely doesn't."
At this point, in early December, Connor decided he wasn't going to go back to work for a while. He had a fever and he didn't want to pass the illness onto his colleagues. Despite living in what was the epicentre of the virus, as yet, the local authorities were unaware that Wuhan in China was incubating a nasty new disease that would spread across the globe.
"I was feeling achy," says Connor "I just wanted to curl up into a ball and I had ear problems and sinus problems where it felt like there was a balloon being blown up in my face. And that was probably the worst symptom. It really bothered me.
"I also had a raking cough. It was terrible. And it was happening so much, I lost my voice. Sometimes, I couldn't make any sound at all. Sometimes, I sounded like a frog."
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Image: Wuhan is the Chinese city where the coornavirus was first seen
For most people who catch the virus, it won't get any worse than this, it may not even get that bad, but for Connor the scariest part was still to come. He actually felt like he was recovering from the flu and was feeling optimistic about going back to work when one morning he woke up struggling to breathe.
"It scared me because breathing is a necessity of life, like if you have the flu, you really feel like you're going to die, but you're really not. But when your lungs get affected, that's where it scared me. And I couldn't take a full breath. And the breaths I did take, it sounded like I was breathing through a bag. It was very crackly, and I could only take half breaths. If I walked to the kitchen, for instance, I'd be breathing really shallow and really fast."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:19 China depicts heroic fight against coronavirus - this is the reality
Connor continued drinking hot water to try and clear it up but, a day later when things didn't improve, he went to hospital.
On 5 December he had a day of blood tests, x-rays and breathing tests. The next day, two weeks after he'd first caught the cold, the results came back that he had pneumonia.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:45 Calls from inside Wuhan reveal life at the centre of the COVID-19 outbreak
He said: "At no point was I thinking that I'm going to die. I mean, it wasn't that serious. I'm a young person. I don't smoke. I don't drink. It really didn't affect me as bad as if I was elderly or I had pre-existing health problems."
Connor recovered from his illness and a few weeks later doctors realised he had suffered from the virus that was now spreading across the province, which would become known as COVID-19.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Wuhan is still under quarantine. Connor recalls getting an alert on his phone at 3am announcing the quarantine for the city. "Luckily, I was awake to read that text message. So, I bolted out of the house and went to the 24-hour supermarket downstairs. I knew that it was going to be bad and I knew that shops were going be sold out."
He stocked up. But weeks later the city continues to maintain strict rules. Connor said: "As more and more new cases came, and it started spreading, the government sanctioned harsher penalties and a lot harsher quarantine. For instance, at the moment, one person is allowed to leave their house every three days, and that's just to purchase necessities."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
He said when going out there is "no atmosphere", and very few people on the streets. "If you go to a shop, there are some shops that are open that have blocked the door off. You tell them what you want. They put it into a bag and then they pass the bag to you on a long stick just to avoid personal contact."
Connor said the national government had dealt with the crisis well and learned lessons from previous outbreaks such as SARS. He believes the numbers for infected people that the authorities are releasing are accurate.
He added: "There are not many Western countries that can build a hospital in 10 days. China is one of the most efficient countries at getting stuff done. In regard to this outbreak, they've got it done. They had to. They had to take the drastic measures, that many other countries wouldn't have taken."


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: 21 people stranded on Grand Princess cruise ship test positive for COVID-19

Passengers on a cruise ship that has been quarantined off the US coast were only told 21 people had tested positive for coronavirus after Vice President Mike Pence announced it on TV .
Mike Pence said all 3,500 passengers and crew on board the Grand Princess , which includes more than 140 Britons , will now be tested for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
He said 19 crew members on the vessel , which has been held off San Francisco , were among those that had tested positive .
US President Donald Trump has said he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but would listen to experts if their advice is for people to be taken off .
Before the test results were released , he said allowing passengers back onto US soil who might become sick later would end up increasing the number of coronavirus cases in the country .
`` I do n't need to have the numbers double because of one ship that was n't our fault , '' he said .
He has signed a bill to provide $ 8.3bn ( £6.4bn ) to bolster the capacity to test for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US .
At least one passenger expressed anger that the captain relayed the information 20 minutes after Mr Pence 's announcement .
`` Why did we not know before the vice president announced it on TV ? ''
Kari Kolstoe , a retired teacher from Grand Forks , North Dakota , said .
The 60-year-old , who has a rare form of cancer , went on the cruise ahead of more planned treatment .
She is now concerned she will miss her appointment .
She told Reuters news agency : `` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not get back . ''
It is not the first cruise ship to be affected by coronavirus .
Experts have criticised Japanese bureaucrats ' handling of the Diamond Princess , where ultimately about 700 people were infected and six died after it was quarantined off the coast of Japan .
There have been claims the large number of infections occurred because the situation was mismanaged .
A British man in his 70s who was on board the ship died from the virus - the first UK fatality of the global outbreak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with California officials on a plan to bring the Grand Princess - a sister ship to the Diamond Princess - to a non-commercial port this weekend where all passengers will be tested .
He added that it is likely the crew members caught the virus on two different voyages of the ship and he expects 1,110 members of staff on the vessel to be quarantined .
Passengers on the ship have been told to stay in their cabins , and a military helicopter has been seen lowering testing kits on to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship had been due to dock in San Francisco on Wednesday but has been held at sea .
British couple Neil and Victoria Hanlon are also among those on the boat .
They told Sky News : `` There is a very ill passenger on board and they are hopefully going to airlift this passenger off some time this evening . ''
Mr and Mrs Hanlon said they have not been tested yet and the captain is getting annoyed about the lack of information he has to pass on to passengers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship on today and arrive back in the UK tomorrow .
Mr Hanlon , from Somerset , continued : `` Spirits are still pretty high but it 's still early days .
`` We 're a bit fed up just sitting and lying around and getting no exercise .
We 're waiting for an update to tell us where we 're going . ''
It comes after seven passengers on a previous voyage of the ship became infected with the virus , including one man who died in California 's first coronavirus fatality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico stayed aboard for the Grand Princess 's current voyage , which was returning to San Francisco after visiting Hawaii .
Samples from the coronavirus tests on board the ship were analysed at a laboratory in the San Francisco Bay area .
Passenger Michele Smith said she had been told that only people who had been on the previous Mexico voyage or those showing flu-like symptoms had to isolate themselves .
`` Spirits are as high as can be under these circumstances , '' she said .
`` We are blessed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Second person in UK dies after contracting coronavirus • UK Sports authorities and broadcasters are to meet officials for discussions on UK coronavirus contingency plans • Premier League in UK to consider empty stadiums and over-70s ban • Iran says there have been 1,000 new coronavirus cases and a further 21 people have died after contracting the virus , taking the total number of deaths in the country to 145 and cases to 5,823 • South Korea reports 448 new cases which takes its total to 7,041 • The number of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rises by 45 overnight to 684 • Malta reports its first case : a 12-year-old Italian girl who lives on island • 15 Americans are quarantined in a Bethlehem hotel over coronavirus fears • The lender Intesa Sanpaolo says it is ready to donate up to €100m to Italy to tackle the outbreak and grant up to €5bn in loans to affected firms • Cases are up from 30 to 45 in the United Arab Emirates , its health ministry says • Globally , the number of coronavirus cases has passed 100,000 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States is said to be considering ways to discourage people from taking cruises as part of its effort to limit the spread of coronavirus .
The proposals are being discussed ahead of a meeting between the cruise industry and US Vice President Mike Pence , who is leading America 's response to the coronavirus outbreak .
The US could advise Americans to temporarily avoid travelling on cruise ships or potentially impose travel restrictions related to cruises , officials told Reuters .
Shares in Royal Caribbean Cruises , Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January .
A cruise ship was forced to abandon its planned stop in Malta after doctors reportedly threatened industrial action if it was allowed to dock over coronavirus fears .
The MSC Opera , which is carrying more than 2,300 passengers and crew , will no longer stop in Malta `` to avoid unnecessary public unrest '' , its operator MSC Cruises said .
It comes after the Medical Association of Malta and the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses insisted they would order industrial action if the ship was allowed to berth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cruises said `` this unfortunate situation was caused locally by misinformation that had circulated regarding the medical conditions of the ship '' .
Earlier this week , passengers and crew on the ship were told not to leave the vessel when it docked in Greece after a former passenger contracted coronavirus .
They were kept on board the MSC Opera for several hours while officials conducted a review of the ship 's full medical records .
It was then allowed to leave the port city of Piraeus and sail to Corfu as planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has insisted there are no passengers or crew members on board the ship with any flu-like symptoms .
It is now sailing to Messina in Italy , the country facing Europe 's biggest coronavirus outbreak , where it is due to arrive on Sunday .
Twelve cases of coronavirus have been recorded on board a cruise ship on the River Nile , Egypt 's health ministry said .
All of the cases were asymptomatic , meaning they carry the virus but display no symptoms of illness such as fever .
The patients were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been on the cruise , tested positive for COVID-19 after she returned home .
The 12 people with the virus will be transferred to an isolation facility and those who had contact with them will be placed under a 14-day quarantine , Egypt 's health ministry said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The cruise ship was towed to an area about 12 miles away from Luxor and placed under quarantine , according to local media .
The ship had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , passing tourist sites such as the Kom Ombo temple and Edfu .
Before the ship 's cases , Egypt had only diagnosed three people with the virus , one of whom it said had fully recovered after receiving treatment .
COVID-19 surfaced in China late last year and has spread to over 90 countries , with more than 100,000 infections and 3,400 deaths .

Passengers on a cruise ship that has been quarantined off the US coast were only told 21 people had tested positive for coronavirus after Vice President Mike Pence announced it on TV.
Mike Pence said all 3,500 passengers and crew on board the Grand Princess, which includes more than 140 Britons, will now be tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
He said 19 crew members on the vessel, which has been held off San Francisco, were among those that had tested positive.
Image: A helicopter delivered coronavirus testing kits to the Grand Princess
US President Donald Trump has said he would prefer the passengers to stay on board, but would listen to experts if their advice is for people to be taken off.
Before the test results were released, he said allowing passengers back onto US soil who might become sick later would end up increasing the number of coronavirus cases in the country.
"I don't need to have the numbers double because of one ship that wasn't our fault," he said.
He has signed a bill to provide $8.3bn (£6.4bn) to bolster the capacity to test for coronavirus and fund other measures in the US.
Image: Mike Pence confirmed 21 people on board the Grand Princess had tested positive for coronavirus
At least one passenger expressed anger that the captain relayed the information 20 minutes after Mr Pence's announcement.
"Why did we not know before the vice president announced it on TV?" Kari Kolstoe, a retired teacher from Grand Forks, North Dakota, said.
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The 60-year-old, who has a rare form of cancer, went on the cruise ahead of more planned treatment. She is now concerned she will miss her appointment.
She told Reuters news agency: "It's still a worry that I'm going to not get back."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 Singing to pass the time on coronavirus-hit ship
It is not the first cruise ship to be affected by coronavirus.
Experts have criticised Japanese bureaucrats' handling of the Diamond Princess, where ultimately about 700 people were infected and six died after it was quarantined off the coast of Japan.
There have been claims the large number of infections occurred because the situation was mismanaged.
A British man in his 70s who was on board the ship died from the virus - the first UK fatality of the global outbreak.
Mr Pence said the US government is working with California officials on a plan to bring the Grand Princess - a sister ship to the Diamond Princess - to a non-commercial port this weekend where all passengers will be tested.
He added that it is likely the crew members caught the virus on two different voyages of the ship and he expects 1,110 members of staff on the vessel to be quarantined.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 'We're a bit fed up': UK pair stuck on ship
Passengers on the ship have been told to stay in their cabins, and a military helicopter has been seen lowering testing kits on to the vessel via a 950-ft rope.
The ship had been due to dock in San Francisco on Wednesday but has been held at sea.
British couple Neil and Victoria Hanlon are also among those on the boat.
They told Sky News: "There is a very ill passenger on board and they are hopefully going to airlift this passenger off some time this evening."
Image: A military helicopter hovers over the Grand Princess cruise ship
Mr and Mrs Hanlon said they have not been tested yet and the captain is getting annoyed about the lack of information he has to pass on to passengers.
The couple were to due to disembark the ship on today and arrive back in the UK tomorrow.
Mr Hanlon, from Somerset, continued: "Spirits are still pretty high but it's still early days.
"We're a bit fed up just sitting and lying around and getting no exercise. We're waiting for an update to tell us where we're going."
Image: The helicopter crew lowered the coronavirus testing kits on a 950ft rope
It comes after seven passengers on a previous voyage of the ship became infected with the virus, including one man who died in California's first coronavirus fatality.
Some passengers from that trip to Mexico stayed aboard for the Grand Princess's current voyage, which was returning to San Francisco after visiting Hawaii.
Samples from the coronavirus tests on board the ship were analysed at a laboratory in the San Francisco Bay area.
Image: Passengers on board the cruise ship have been tested for coronavirus
Passenger Michele Smith said she had been told that only people who had been on the previous Mexico voyage or those showing flu-like symptoms had to isolate themselves.
"Spirits are as high as can be under these circumstances," she said.
"We are blessed to be healthy, comfortable and well-fed."
Image: The ship is stranded of the coast of California
In other developments:
Second person in UK dies after contracting coronavirus
after contracting coronavirus UK Sports authorities and broadcasters are to meet officials for discussions on UK coronavirus contingency plans
Premier League in UK to consider empty stadiums and over-70s ban
in UK to consider empty stadiums and over-70s ban Iran says there have been 1,000 new coronavirus cases and a further 21 people have died after contracting the virus, taking the total number of deaths in the country to 145 and cases to 5,823
South Korea reports 448 new cases which takes its total to 7,041
The number of people to test positive for COVID-19 in Germany rises by 45 overnight to 684
Malta reports its first case: a 12-year-old Italian girl who lives on island
15 Americans are quarantined in a Bethlehem hotel over coronavirus fears
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte declares a national emergency
The lender Intesa Sanpaolo says it is ready to donate up to €100m to Italy to tackle the outbreak and grant up to €5bn in loans to affected firms
Cases are up from 30 to 45 in the United Arab Emirates, its health ministry says
Globally, the number of coronavirus cases has passed 100,000 and there have been 3,400 deaths worldwide
US considers advising against cruise holidays
The United States is said to be considering ways to discourage people from taking cruises as part of its effort to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The proposals are being discussed ahead of a meeting between the cruise industry and US Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading America's response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The US could advise Americans to temporarily avoid travelling on cruise ships or potentially impose travel restrictions related to cruises, officials told Reuters.
Shares in Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have fallen around 50% since January.
Cruise ship avoids Malta to prevent 'public unrest'
A cruise ship was forced to abandon its planned stop in Malta after doctors reportedly threatened industrial action if it was allowed to dock over coronavirus fears.
The MSC Opera, which is carrying more than 2,300 passengers and crew, will no longer stop in Malta "to avoid unnecessary public unrest", its operator MSC Cruises said.
It comes after the Medical Association of Malta and the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses insisted they would order industrial action if the ship was allowed to berth, according to Malta Today.
MSC Cruises said "this unfortunate situation was caused locally by misinformation that had circulated regarding the medical conditions of the ship".
Image: The MSC Opera cruise ship was forced to abandon its planned stop in Malta
Earlier this week, passengers and crew on the ship were told not to leave the vessel when it docked in Greece after a former passenger contracted coronavirus.
They were kept on board the MSC Opera for several hours while officials conducted a review of the ship's full medical records.
It was then allowed to leave the port city of Piraeus and sail to Corfu as planned, MSC Cruises said.
The company has insisted there are no passengers or crew members on board the ship with any flu-like symptoms.
It is now sailing to Messina in Italy, the country facing Europe's biggest coronavirus outbreak, where it is due to arrive on Sunday.
12 coronavirus cases on Nile cruise
Twelve cases of coronavirus have been recorded on board a cruise ship on the River Nile, Egypt's health ministry said.
All of the cases were asymptomatic, meaning they carry the virus but display no symptoms of illness such as fever.
The patients were diagnosed after a Taiwanese-American woman, who had been on the cruise, tested positive for COVID-19 after she returned home.
The 12 people with the virus will be transferred to an isolation facility and those who had contact with them will be placed under a 14-day quarantine, Egypt's health ministry said.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The cruise ship was towed to an area about 12 miles away from Luxor and placed under quarantine, according to local media.
The ship had reportedly been on a two-day Nile voyage, passing tourist sites such as the Kom Ombo temple and Edfu.
Before the ship's cases, Egypt had only diagnosed three people with the virus, one of whom it said had fully recovered after receiving treatment.
COVID-19 surfaced in China late last year and has spread to over 90 countries, with more than 100,000 infections and 3,400 deaths.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays
Virus Outbreak: Your questions answered #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm weekdays


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Stopping flights to UK would only delay virus spread 'by a matter of days'

The government is not considering stopping flights into the UK to limit the spread of the coronavirus , the health secretary has said .
Matt Hancock said he was speaking after advice from the government 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty , who had told him that stopping flights would only delay the spread of the disease `` by a matter of days '' .
He told the BBC : `` If this virus becomes established around the world , there is no way in stopping it from getting to Britain eventually .
`` Do you try to shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , and if it does go pandemic in the rest of the world it is inevitable that it would come here ?
`` Or do you try to keep as much normal life as possible and tackle it by finding those who do come in to the country ? ''
He also said that stopping flights coming in to the UK would make it `` much harder '' to get medicines , because many are made abroad .
His words follow the death of the first person in the UK as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her 70s was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading on Wednesday evening and had tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
She had underlying health conditions and had caught coronavirus in the UK .
A statement released by the hospital on Thursday said : `` The patient has previously been in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons , but on this occasion was admitted and last night tested positive for coronavirus .
`` The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of coronavirus cases in the UK more than doubled in the last 48 hours , with Downing Street warning it is `` highly likely '' the virus will now spread in a `` significant way '' .
Some 116 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK , including 105 in England , three in Wales , six in Scotland and three in Northern Ireland .
Just two days ago there were 51 UK cases .
Officials confirmed 18 people diagnosed with coronavirus have since recovered , while 45 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
The NHS has urged anyone returning to the UK from any part of Italy - which is facing Europe 's biggest outbreak - to self-isolate if they develop symptoms .
However , anyone returning to the UK from `` lockdown '' areas in the north of Italy in the past two weeks has been told to self-isolate even if they do not have symptoms .
More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California 's coast after a former passenger died from coronavirus and several people on board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has more than 3,500 passengers and crew , was due to dock in San Francisco on Wednesday but remains at sea while tests are carried out .
It comes as one of the first Britons to suffer from coronavirus told Sky News how he went from `` a bit sniffly '' to being unable to breathe .
Connor Reed , a 25-year-old from Llandudno in North Wales , was working at a school in the Chinese city of Wuhan , the epicentre of the outbreak , when he caught the virus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker • Religious groups have issued guidance for worshippers on practices including hand-shaking , sharing hymn books and taking communion wine • Prof Whitty told a committee of MPs it would be `` lucky '' to get a vaccine for COVID-19 in the next year , adding that half of all coronavirus cases in the UK are most likely to occur in just a three-week period , with 95 % of them over a nine-week period • The competition watchdog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to `` exploit '' the coronavirus outbreak by selling protective products at inflated prices • Bank HSBC said an employee at its Canary Wharf offices in London had been diagnosed and it is `` deep-cleaning '' areas he worked • Starbucks said it was `` pausing the use of personal cups '' in its UK stores due to coronavirus fears

The government is not considering stopping flights into the UK to limit the spread of the coronavirus, the health secretary has said.
Matt Hancock said he was speaking after advice from the government's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, who had told him that stopping flights would only delay the spread of the disease "by a matter of days".
He told the BBC: "If this virus becomes established around the world, there is no way in stopping it from getting to Britain eventually.
"Do you try to shut ourselves off as a nation and delay it, and if it does go pandemic in the rest of the world it is inevitable that it would come here?
"Or do you try to keep as much normal life as possible and tackle it by finding those who do come in to the country?"
He also said that stopping flights coming in to the UK would make it "much harder" to get medicines, because many are made abroad.
His words follow the death of the first person in the UK as a result of coronavirus.
Image: The woman who died from COVID-19 had been at Royal Berkshire Hospital
The woman in her 70s was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading on Wednesday evening and had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
She had underlying health conditions and had caught coronavirus in the UK.
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A statement released by the hospital on Thursday said: "The patient has previously been in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons, but on this occasion was admitted and last night tested positive for coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
"The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."
Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases in the UK more than doubled in the last 48 hours, with Downing Street warning it is "highly likely" the virus will now spread in a "significant way".
Some 116 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK, including 105 in England, three in Wales, six in Scotland and three in Northern Ireland.
Just two days ago there were 51 UK cases.
Officials confirmed 18 people diagnosed with coronavirus have since recovered, while 45 of the confirmed cases are being treated at home.
The NHS has urged anyone returning to the UK from any part of Italy - which is facing Europe's biggest outbreak - to self-isolate if they develop symptoms.
However, anyone returning to the UK from "lockdown" areas in the north of Italy in the past two weeks has been told to self-isolate even if they do not have symptoms.
More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California's coast after a former passenger died from coronavirus and several people on board fell ill.
The Grand Princess, which has more than 3,500 passengers and crew, was due to dock in San Francisco on Wednesday but remains at sea while tests are carried out.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:06 As the situation in Italy worsens, the effort there and around the world to try and contain the virus is intensifying.
It comes as one of the first Britons to suffer from coronavirus told Sky News how he went from "a bit sniffly" to being unable to breathe.
Connor Reed, a 25-year-old from Llandudno in North Wales, was working at a school in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, when he caught the virus in November last year.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In other developments:
Religious groups have issued guidance for worshippers on practices including hand-shaking, sharing hymn books and taking communion wine
Prof Whitty told a committee of MPs it would be "lucky" to get a vaccine for COVID-19 in the next year, adding that half of all coronavirus cases in the UK are most likely to occur in just a three-week period, with 95% of them over a nine-week period
The competition watchdog warned retailers they could be prosecuted for trying to "exploit" the coronavirus outbreak by selling protective products at inflated prices
warned retailers they could be prosecuted for trying to "exploit" the coronavirus outbreak by selling protective products at inflated prices Bank HSBC said an employee at its Canary Wharf offices in London had been diagnosed and it is "deep-cleaning" areas he worked
Starbucks said it was "pausing the use of personal cups" in its UK stores due to coronavirus fears
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Woman is first UK patient to die after testing positive for COVID-19

A woman in her 70s has become the first person in the UK to die after being diagnosed with coronavirus - as it was revealed she caught the virus in Britain .
The patient was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading on Wednesday evening and had tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
A statement released by the hospital on Thursday said : `` Sadly , we can confirm that an older patient with underlying health conditions has died .
`` The patient has previously been in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and last night tested positive for coronavirus .
`` The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time . ''
England 's Chief Medical Officer , Professor Chris Whitty , said the `` older patient '' who died is believed to have contracted the virus in the UK `` and contact tracing is already under way '' .
It comes after the number of coronavirus cases in the UK more than doubled in 48 hours , with Downing Street warning it is `` highly likely '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant way '' .
On the prospect of fatalities rising , clinical lecturer at King 's College London Dr Nathalie MacDermott told Sky News `` we have to be realistic that if the virus continues to spread in the UK there may be more '' .
Some 116 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK , including 105 in England , three in Wales , six in Scotland and three in Northern Ireland .
Just two days ago there were 51 UK cases .
Officials confirmed 18 people diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the confirmed cases are being treated at home .
The NHS has urged anyone returning to the UK from any part of Italy - which is facing Europe 's biggest outbreak - to self-isolate if they develop symptoms .
However anyone returning to the UK from `` lockdown '' areas in the north of Italy in the past two weeks has been told to self-isolate even if they do not have symptoms .
Last week , the Foreign Office confirmed a British man in his 70s who had been on board the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantined in Japan , had died from the virus .
Of the new UK coronavirus cases announced on Thursday , 17 people had recently travelled from countries or clusters already under investigation , while eight people contracted the virus in the UK and are being investigated .
Out of the overall cases identified in England , 25 of them are in London .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The North West and South East each have 17 cases , the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight , the Midlands nine and the North East and Yorkshire 10 cases .
Four other cases are still to be determined .
England 's chief medical officer told MPs earlier that the UK is now in the second phase of its response to the outbreak .
Professor Whitty said Britain was `` mainly '' in the `` delay '' phase of the government 's four-stage approach to COVID-19 .
But he said he was expecting the number of UK cases to go up over the coming weeks due to evidence of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also warned that critical care beds in the NHS could come under intense pressure during a coronavirus epidemic .
Prof Whitty said people with `` very minimal '' symptoms should stay at home because it would be `` safer and more pleasant '' for them .
He added that it would be `` lucky '' to get a vaccine for COVID-19 in the next year , but it would `` not get us out of a hole now '' , although other treatments may work .
• Airline Flybe fell into administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steep fall in bookings due to coronavirus • England rugby team 's Six Nations game against Italy in Rome was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak • The Premier League said it will scrap handshakes before matches in an effort to prevent the spread of the disease • The competition watchdog warned retailers they could be prosecuted for trying to `` exploit '' the coronavirus outbreak by selling protective products at inflated prices • Bank HSBC said an employee at its Canary Wharf offices in London had been diagnosed and it is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was `` pausing the use of personal cups '' in its UK stores due to coronavirus fears

A woman in her 70s has become the first person in the UK to die after being diagnosed with coronavirus - as it was revealed she caught the virus in Britain.
The patient was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading on Wednesday evening and had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
A statement released by the hospital on Thursday said: "Sadly, we can confirm that an older patient with underlying health conditions has died.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 PM reacts to UK coronavirus-related death
"The patient has previously been in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons, but on this occasion was admitted and last night tested positive for coronavirus.
"The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."
England's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the "older patient" who died is believed to have contracted the virus in the UK "and contact tracing is already under way".
It comes after the number of coronavirus cases in the UK more than doubled in 48 hours, with Downing Street warning it is "highly likely" the virus will now spread in a "significant way".
On the prospect of fatalities rising, clinical lecturer at King's College London Dr Nathalie MacDermott told Sky News "we have to be realistic that if the virus continues to spread in the UK there may be more".
Some 116 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK, including 105 in England, three in Wales, six in Scotland and three in Northern Ireland.
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Just two days ago there were 51 UK cases.
Officials confirmed 18 people diagnosed with coronavirus have since recovered, while 45 of the confirmed cases are being treated at home.
The NHS has urged anyone returning to the UK from any part of Italy - which is facing Europe's biggest outbreak - to self-isolate if they develop symptoms.
However anyone returning to the UK from "lockdown" areas in the north of Italy in the past two weeks has been told to self-isolate even if they do not have symptoms.
Last week, the Foreign Office confirmed a British man in his 70s who had been on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined in Japan, had died from the virus.
Of the new UK coronavirus cases announced on Thursday, 17 people had recently travelled from countries or clusters already under investigation, while eight people contracted the virus in the UK and are being investigated.
Out of the overall cases identified in England, 25 of them are in London.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The North West and South East each have 17 cases, the South West 15, the East of England eight, the Midlands nine and the North East and Yorkshire 10 cases.
Four other cases are still to be determined.
England's chief medical officer told MPs earlier that the UK is now in the second phase of its response to the outbreak.
Professor Whitty said Britain was "mainly" in the "delay" phase of the government's four-stage approach to COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Medical officer coughs during cough advice
But he said he was expecting the number of UK cases to go up over the coming weeks due to evidence of "some level of community transmission".
He also warned that critical care beds in the NHS could come under intense pressure during a coronavirus epidemic.
Prof Whitty said people with "very minimal" symptoms should stay at home because it would be "safer and more pleasant" for them.
He added that it would be "lucky" to get a vaccine for COVID-19 in the next year, but it would "not get us out of a hole now", although other treatments may work.
In other developments:
Airline Flybe fell into administration after struggling to raise funds amid a steep fall in bookings due to coronavirus
fell into administration after struggling to raise funds amid a steep fall in bookings due to coronavirus England rugby team's Six Nations game against Italy in Rome was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak
against Italy in Rome was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak The Premier League said it will scrap handshakes before matches in an effort to prevent the spread of the disease
The competition watchdog warned retailers they could be prosecuted for trying to "exploit" the coronavirus outbreak by selling protective products at inflated prices
warned retailers they could be prosecuted for trying to "exploit" the coronavirus outbreak by selling protective products at inflated prices Bank HSBC said an employee at its Canary Wharf offices in London had been diagnosed and it is "deep-cleaning" areas he worked
Starbucks said it was "pausing the use of personal cups" in its UK stores due to coronavirus fears
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: Dozens more people have disease in UK – here are where the cases are

The number of coronavirus cases in the UK has reached 163 after 47 more people tested positive for the disease in the last 24 hours .
The government has warned a `` significant '' spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , is now `` highly likely '' .
A second person in the UK is feared to have died from the virus , Sky News understands .
The man was understood to be in his late 80s , had underlying health conditions and died at Milton Keynes Hospital .
It comes after a woman in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK to die after testing positive for coronavirus .
Here is where the UK cases of COVID-19 are : • Twenty one cases in the North West of England • Thirteen cases in the North East and Yorkshire • Eleven cases in the East of England Bristol has had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 after a person who lives in the city became infected while in northern Italy .
On Thursday , seven new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the Republic of Ireland , taking the total in the country to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of `` community transmission '' after a man linked to Cork University Hospital caught the virus .
As a result , the hospital cancelled all outpatient appointments on Friday and said strict visiting restrictions are in place .
Four men who had travelled to northern Italy and two women who had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 were also among the new cases .
In the UK , local regions reported on Thursday that two new coronavirus cases were in Staffordshire , one was linked to the University of Sussex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one in Rotherham , two in Liverpool , and one in Birmingham .
HSBC evacuated its entire research department and parts of its trading floor at its Canary Wharf offices in London after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus .
Scotland 's chief medical officer , Dr Catherine Calderwood , said three new Scottish patients confirmed on Thursday were from the Forth Valley , Greater Glasgow & Clyde , and Grampian areas .
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : `` We will continue to try to contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly likely that the virus is going to spread in a significant way . ''
England 's chief medical officer told MPs the UK is now in the second phase of its response to the coronavirus outbreak .
Professor Chris Whitty said Britain was `` mainly '' in the `` delay '' phase of the government 's four-stage approach to COVID-19 .
But he said he was expecting the number of UK cases to go up over the coming weeks due to evidence of `` some level of community transmission '' .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major outbreak , the government has said up to one in five workers could be off sick during a peak in coronavirus cases .
In a worst case scenario , it said up to 80 % of the population could become infected , with people hospitalised with pneumonia and a relatively high death rate among the elderly and frail .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , the government has launched an advertising campaign - featuring across print , radio , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight against COVID-19 .
Hand-washing remains the central advice - but the government has also said it would consider closing schools , encourage working from home and the reduction of large-scale gatherings to slow the spread of the disease .
People should wash their hands for 20 seconds and use soap and water or hand sanitiser .
The adverts also stress the importance of coughing or sneezing into tissues .
There is no vaccine yet for the new viral infection , which health officials think spreads mainly from droplets when an infected person @ @ @ @

The number of coronavirus cases in the UK has reached 163 after 47 more people tested positive for the disease in the last 24 hours.
The government has warned a "significant" spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, is now "highly likely".
A second person in the UK is feared to have died from the virus, Sky News understands.
The man was understood to be in his late 80s, had underlying health conditions and died at Milton Keynes Hospital.
It comes after a woman in her 70s became the first person in the UK to die after testing positive for coronavirus.
Here is where the UK cases of COVID-19 are:
Twenty nine cases in London
Twenty four cases in South East England
Twenty two cases in South West England
Twenty one cases in the North West of England
Thirteen cases in the North East and Yorkshire
Twelve cases in the Midlands
Eleven cases in the East of England
Eleven cases in Scotland
Three cases in Northern Ireland
Two cases in Wales
Fifteen cases are undetermined
Bristol has had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 after a person who lives in the city became infected while in northern Italy.
On Thursday, seven new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the Republic of Ireland, taking the total in the country to 13.
The new patients included a case of "community transmission" after a man linked to Cork University Hospital caught the virus.
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As a result, the hospital cancelled all outpatient appointments on Friday and said strict visiting restrictions are in place.
Four men who had travelled to northern Italy and two women who had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 were also among the new cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:48 COVID-19: Who are the most vulnerable?
In the UK, local regions reported on Thursday that two new coronavirus cases were in Staffordshire, one was linked to the University of Sussex in Brighton, two were in Wigan, one in Rotherham, two in Liverpool, and one in Birmingham.
HSBC evacuated its entire research department and parts of its trading floor at its Canary Wharf offices in London after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.
Scotland's chief medical officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, said three new Scottish patients confirmed on Thursday were from the Forth Valley, Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and Grampian areas.
Image: A woman wears a mask on the London Underground
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We will continue to try to contain this virus. However it's now highly likely that the virus is going to spread in a significant way."
England's chief medical officer told MPs the UK is now in the second phase of its response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Professor Chris Whitty said Britain was "mainly" in the "delay" phase of the government's four-stage approach to COVID-19.
But he said he was expecting the number of UK cases to go up over the coming weeks due to evidence of "some level of community transmission".
In its 27-page plan to deal with a major outbreak, the government has said up to one in five workers could be off sick during a peak in coronavirus cases.
In a worst case scenario, it said up to 80% of the population could become infected, with people hospitalised with pneumonia and a relatively high death rate among the elderly and frail.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, the government has launched an advertising campaign - featuring across print, radio, online, and billboards - in the fight against COVID-19.
Hand-washing remains the central advice - but the government has also said it would consider closing schools, encourage working from home and the reduction of large-scale gatherings to slow the spread of the disease.
People should wash their hands for 20 seconds and use soap and water or hand sanitiser.
The adverts also stress the importance of coughing or sneezing into tissues.
There is no vaccine yet for the new viral infection, which health officials think spreads mainly from droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The symptoms include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: 48 new cases confirmed in UK's biggest daily jump - taking total to 164

Forty-eight new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK over the last 24 hours , taking the total number to 164 .
Health officials said 20,338 people have now been tested in Britain , with 20,175 confirmed as being negative .
The increase in cases comes as a second person in the UK has died after contracting coronavirus .
And the number released by the Department of Health was 47 new cases on Friday - but another case has since been confirmed in Northern Ireland .
Five new cases have also been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of confirmed and suspected cases globally passed 100,000 , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,400 deaths .
The government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said ministers were considering `` more extreme '' action including the isolation of whole households during the coronavirus outbreak .
Sir Patrick , who is helping to coordinate the UK 's response to the COVID-19 virus , told Sky News : `` Self-isolation is possibly usually within houses , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you get things delivered to it and stay there for 14 days .
`` Household isolation would mean the household - that 's obviously a more extreme move . ''
But he stressed it is `` important these measures are n't taken too early '' .
Sir Patrick confirmed the government is preparing to move to the `` delay '' stage of its four-phase approach to tackling the disease , adding a UK outbreak would likely take 12 weeks to peak and maybe `` another 12 weeks to go away again '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus response : In its 27-page plan to deal with a major outbreak , the government said in a worst case scenario up to 80 % of the population could become infected , with people hospitalised with pneumonia and a relatively high death rate among the elderly and frail .
However , Sir Patrick said he expected it `` to be less than that '' .
He described coronavirus as `` very infectious '' and `` more dangerous than flu '' , but added it was a `` million miles '' from diseases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of people , this is going to be a mild illness , '' he said .
`` For a smaller number this can turn into a serious pneumonia .
And for a smaller number again this can lead to death , particularly in the elderly and those who have got other co-existing medical problems , '' he added .
On Thursday , a woman in her 70s became the first person in the UK to die after testing positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
A church in Devon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed with coronavirus , while the Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple , near Watford , closed its doors after a member tested positive .
Also , Facebook is closing its London offices until Monday and telling staff to work from home after an employee was diagnosed with COVID-19 .
The worker who was diagnosed with the virus was normally based in Singapore , the company told Sky News , but had visited the London offices between 24-26 February .
Hand-washing remains the central advice - but the government has also said it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and the reduction of large-scale gatherings to slow the spread of the disease .
People should wash their hands for 20 seconds and use soap and water or hand sanitiser - and cough or sneeze into tissues .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker • Italy is the worst affected country in Europe , with more than 4,636 cases , a rise of 778 in a day , and a death toll of 197 , an increase of 49 • The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Slovakia confirmed their first cases on Friday , and the Netherlands its first coronavirus death • South Korea has reported 505 new cases , taking its total to 6,593 • South Korea is using drive-thru testing centres - inspired by the fast food counters used by McDonald 's - to identify new cases • Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK • In the US , 57 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed .
Some 230 people have been infected and there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking the national death toll to 14 • The US has admitted there are not enough coronavirus testing kits for Americans who want them • More than 2,000 people are stranded on the Grand Princess cruise ship after it was barred from returning to port in San Francisco because 35 on board developed flu-like symptoms • The head of UN 's food agency has warned of the potential for `` absolute devastation '' as the outbreak 's effects ripple through Africa and the Middle East

Forty-eight new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK over the last 24 hours, taking the total number to 164.
Health officials said 20,338 people have now been tested in Britain, with 20,175 confirmed as being negative.
The increase in cases comes as a second person in the UK has died after contracting coronavirus.
And the number released by the Department of Health was 47 new cases on Friday - but another case has since been confirmed in Northern Ireland.
Five new cases have also been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland, taking the number there to 18.
The number of confirmed and suspected cases globally passed 100,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,400 deaths.
The government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said ministers were considering "more extreme" action including the isolation of whole households during the coronavirus outbreak.
Sir Patrick, who is helping to coordinate the UK's response to the COVID-19 virus, told Sky News: "Self-isolation is possibly usually within houses, it means that you stay in your room, you get things delivered to it and stay there for 14 days.
"Household isolation would mean the household - that's obviously a more extreme move."
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But he stressed it is "important these measures aren't taken too early".
Sir Patrick confirmed the government is preparing to move to the "delay" stage of its four-phase approach to tackling the disease, adding a UK outbreak would likely take 12 weeks to peak and maybe "another 12 weeks to go away again".
The four stages of UK's coronavirus response:
Contain the virus
Delay its transmission
Research its origins
Mitigate its impact
In its 27-page plan to deal with a major outbreak, the government said in a worst case scenario up to 80% of the population could become infected, with people hospitalised with pneumonia and a relatively high death rate among the elderly and frail.
However, Sir Patrick said he expected it "to be less than that". He described coronavirus as "very infectious" and "more dangerous than flu", but added it was a "million miles" from diseases such as ebola.
"For 98-99% of people, this is going to be a mild illness," he said.
"For a smaller number this can turn into a serious pneumonia. And for a smaller number again this can lead to death, particularly in the elderly and those who have got other co-existing medical problems," he added.
On Thursday, a woman in her 70s became the first person in the UK to die after testing positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
A church in Devon has been closed after a parishioner was diagnosed with coronavirus, while the Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple, near Watford, closed its doors after a member tested positive.
Also, Facebook is closing its London offices until Monday and telling staff to work from home after an employee was diagnosed with COVID-19.
The worker who was diagnosed with the virus was normally based in Singapore, the company told Sky News, but had visited the London offices between 24-26 February.
Hand-washing remains the central advice - but the government has also said it would consider closing schools, encourage working from home and the reduction of large-scale gatherings to slow the spread of the disease.
People should wash their hands for 20 seconds and use soap and water or hand sanitiser - and cough or sneeze into tissues.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In other developments:
Italy is the worst affected country in Europe, with more than 4,636 cases, a rise of 778 in a day, and a death toll of 197, an increase of 49
The Vatican, Cameroon, Peru, Serbia and Slovakia confirmed their first cases on Friday, and the Netherlands its first coronavirus death
South Korea has reported 505 new cases, taking its total to 6,593
South Korea is using drive-thru testing centres - inspired by the fast food counters used by McDonald's - to identify new cases
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK
In the US, 57 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed. Some 230 people have been infected and there have been two more deaths in Washington State, taking the national death toll to 14
The US has admitted there are not enough coronavirus testing kits for Americans who want them
More than 2,000 people are stranded on the Grand Princess cruise ship after it was barred from returning to port in San Francisco because 35 on board developed flu-like symptoms
The head of UN's food agency has warned of the potential for "absolute devastation" as the outbreak's effects ripple through Africa and the Middle East
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson warns of 'substantial period of disruption' due to COVID-19

Boris Johnson has warned there will be `` a substantial period of disruption '' due to a coronavirus outbreak in the UK .
As he announced the government is ploughing an extra £46m into efforts to combat coronavirus , the prime minister admitted a need to be `` realistic '' about the effects of COVID-19 .
`` It looks to me as though there will be a substantial period of disruption when we have to deal with this outbreak , '' he said .
`` How big that will be , how long that will be , I think , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But , clearly , it is something we are going to have to deal with for quite a while in the UK . ''
Mr Johnson visited a research laboratory in Bedfordshire on Friday to meet scientists working on ways to diagnose those suffering from COVID-19 , the disease that develops from coronavirus , much faster .
The new government cash , which will also be spent on helping to develop a vaccine , is coming from the UK 's multi-billion pound foreign aid budget .
: : Listen to All Out Politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker However , it comes after the government 's chief scientific adviser claimed a working coronavirus vaccine would not be produced in time for the current outbreak .
`` I do n't think we will get the vaccine for this outbreak , '' Sir Patrick Vallance told the BBC .
`` I do n't think we 'll get something in time or at scale for this outbreak . ''
Latest figures show there have been 163 cases of COVID-19 in the UK , with an increase of 47 announced on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is believed to have died from coronavirus , according to reports on Friday .
The prime minister said developing a vaccine or rapid test for the virus would be `` life changing and life saving '' .
The UK has now invested £65m into research for a COVID-19 vaccine , while Mr Johnson said investment was also being made into drugs to help prevent the transmission of coronavirus from person to person .
`` If we can get a test kit , of the kind they are producing here in the next few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we can get a vaccine as well , then humanity is going to push back the legions of disease thanks to breakthroughs taking place here , '' Mr Johnson added .
The work by Mologic scientists in Bedfordshire is aimed at allowing health workers , or even people themselves at home , to identify COVID-19 quickly without relying on specialist facilities .
It is hoped this will allow those infected to be treated more quickly , as well as reducing the risk of them passing the virus on to others .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help poorer countries that are currently not able to diagnose COVID-19 at all .
Around one-third of the £46m sum will be handed to humanitarian groups , such as the Red Cross and UNICEF , to help the most vulnerable countries with coronavirus preparations .
Mr Johnson hailed next week 's Budget , to be delivered by new Chancellor Rishi Sunak , as a `` big opportunity '' for the UK , especially in the face of the coronavirus outbreak .
He said : `` You will be seeing in the Budget next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we want to be using this moment , the UK coming out of the EU .
`` All the opportunities that we have - but also dealing with this particular challenge , coronavirus , and set in the general low growth the world is seeing - to make some fantastic investments in the long term . ''
Sir Patrick earlier told Sky News the government is `` looking at '' the isolation of whole households in the face of the coronavirus outbreak .
• Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California 's coast • One of the first Britons to suffer from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from `` a bit sniffly '' to being unable to breathe • The Vatican confirms its first case of coronavirus in Vatican City • Germany reports 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours • Cameroon and Serbia confirm their first cases of the disease • Indian carmaker Tata Motors issues a profit warning at its British luxury car brand Jaguar Land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hit over coronavirus • South Korea reports 309 new cases , taking the country 's total to nearly 6,600 • Shops in Australia are rationing toilet roll , while armed robbers carried out a heist of a delivery in Hong Kong • There are more than 98,690 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,380 deaths

Boris Johnson has warned there will be "a substantial period of disruption" due to a coronavirus outbreak in the UK.
As he announced the government is ploughing an extra £46m into efforts to combat coronavirus, the prime minister admitted a need to be "realistic" about the effects of COVID-19.
"It looks to me as though there will be a substantial period of disruption when we have to deal with this outbreak," he said.
"How big that will be, how long that will be, I think, is still an open question.
"But, clearly, it is something we are going to have to deal with for quite a while in the UK."
Image: The UK has so far reported 163 cases of the virus
Mr Johnson visited a research laboratory in Bedfordshire on Friday to meet scientists working on ways to diagnose those suffering from COVID-19, the disease that develops from coronavirus, much faster.
The new government cash, which will also be spent on helping to develop a vaccine, is coming from the UK's multi-billion pound foreign aid budget.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
However, it comes after the government's chief scientific adviser claimed a working coronavirus vaccine would not be produced in time for the current outbreak.
Advertisement
"I don't think we will get the vaccine for this outbreak," Sir Patrick Vallance told the BBC.
"I don't think we'll get something in time or at scale for this outbreak."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 Coronavirus has 'higher death rate than flu'
Latest figures show there have been 163 cases of COVID-19 in the UK, with an increase of 47 announced on Friday.
A second person in the UK is believed to have died from coronavirus, according to reports on Friday.
The prime minister said developing a vaccine or rapid test for the virus would be "life changing and life saving".
The UK has now invested £65m into research for a COVID-19 vaccine, while Mr Johnson said investment was also being made into drugs to help prevent the transmission of coronavirus from person to person.
"If we can get a test kit, of the kind they are producing here in the next few months, in a realistic timescale... if we can get a vaccine as well, then humanity is going to push back the legions of disease thanks to breakthroughs taking place here," Mr Johnson added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Corona virus Spread: 10 January - 6 March
The work by Mologic scientists in Bedfordshire is aimed at allowing health workers, or even people themselves at home, to identify COVID-19 quickly without relying on specialist facilities.
It is hoped this will allow those infected to be treated more quickly, as well as reducing the risk of them passing the virus on to others.
The development of a rapid test will also help poorer countries that are currently not able to diagnose COVID-19 at all.
Around one-third of the £46m sum will be handed to humanitarian groups, such as the Red Cross and UNICEF, to help the most vulnerable countries with coronavirus preparations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
Mr Johnson hailed next week's Budget, to be delivered by new Chancellor Rishi Sunak, as a "big opportunity" for the UK, especially in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
He said: "You will be seeing in the Budget next week all sorts of ways in which we want to be using this moment, the UK coming out of the EU.
"All the opportunities that we have - but also dealing with this particular challenge, coronavirus, and set in the general low growth the world is seeing - to make some fantastic investments in the long term."
Sir Patrick earlier told Sky News the government is "looking at" the isolation of whole households in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
In other developments:
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK
More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California's coast
One of the first Britons to suffer from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from "a bit sniffly" to being unable to breathe
to suffer from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from "a bit sniffly" to being unable to breathe The Vatican confirms its first case of coronavirus in Vatican City
Germany reports 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours
Cameroon and Serbia confirm their first cases of the disease
Indian carmaker Tata Motors issues a profit warning at its British luxury car brand Jaguar Land Rover due to sales in China taking a hit over coronavirus
South Korea reports 309 new cases, taking the country's total to nearly 6,600
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declares a state of emergency over coronavirus
Shops in Australia are rationing toilet roll, while armed robbers carried out a heist of a delivery in Hong Kong
There are more than 98,690 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,380 deaths
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: Government 'looking at' isolating whole households amid COVID-19 outbreak

The government is `` looking at '' the isolation of whole households during the coronavirus outbreak , its chief scientific adviser has told Sky News .
Sir Patrick Vallance said the `` more extreme '' action was being modelled by the government as it considers options to deal with COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
Latest figures show there have been 116 cases of COVID-19 in the UK , which has more than doubled in the last 48 hours .
This is out of nearly 18,000 people tested .
One woman in her 70s with underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sir Patrick , who is helping to coordinate the UK 's response to the virus as the government 's chief scientific adviser , offered his `` sincere condolences '' to the woman 's relatives and friends .
He confirmed the government is preparing to move to the `` delay '' stage of its four-phase approach to coronavirus , which involves attempting to suppress the peak of a mass outbreak in the UK .
On Thursday night , the government updated travel advice for those who have returned from Italy within the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from the country and develop symptoms , however mild , should self-isolate and call the NHS on 111 .
And those who have returned from specific lockdown areas in Italy should self-isolate and call 111 even if they do n't have symptoms .
Sir Patrick described self-isolation as `` really critical '' and `` a very key part of what can be done '' .
Describing what further action might be taken by the government , Sir Patrick told Sky News : `` There are then more extreme versions when you think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Self-isolation is possibly usually within houses , it means that you stay in your room , you get things delivered to it and stay there for 14 days .
`` Household isolation would mean the household - that 's obviously an more extreme move .
`` Again , we 're modelling that we 're looking at that in terms of what the options might be . ''
But Sir Patrick stressed it is `` important these measures are n't taken too early '' .
`` It 's difficult , if you go too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are n't effective for too long , by which time it becomes difficult to get the right motivation to do it , '' he said .
`` If you do it too late , then obviously you 've missed the chance to make the big difference .
`` So the timing of this is really , really important . ''
• Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK • More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California 's coast • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from `` a bit sniffly '' to being unable to breathe • The Vatican confirms its first case of coronavirus in Vatican City • Germany reports 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours • Cameroon and Serbia confirm their first cases of the disease • Indian carmaker Tata Motors issues a profit warning at its British luxury car brand Jaguar Land Rover due to sales in China taking a hit over coronavirus • South Korea reports 309 new cases , taking the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Australia are rationing toilet roll , while armed robbers carried out a heist of a delivery in Hong Kong • There are more than 98,690 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,380 deaths The government 's planning for a worst-case scenario suggests 80 % of the UK population will be infected with coronavirus , with a death rate of around 1 % .
However , Sir Patrick said he expected it `` to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlighted how Wuhan , the capital of China 's Hubei province where the global coronavirus outbreak began , had an infection rate of less than 80 % and a death rate of less than 1 % .
Sir Patrick described coronavirus as `` very infectious '' and `` more dangerous than flu '' , but added it was a `` million miles '' from diseases such as ebola .
`` For 98-99 % of people , this is going to be a mild illness , '' he said '' For a smaller number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And for a smaller number again this can lead to death , particularly in the elderly and those who have got other co-existing medical problems . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sir Patrick said a coronavirus outbreak in the UK was likely to take 12 weeks to reach a peak and maybe `` another 12 weeks to go away again '' .
He reiterated that the best thing for people to do is to wash their hands more regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelled to affected areas .

The government is "looking at" the isolation of whole households during the coronavirus outbreak, its chief scientific adviser has told Sky News.
Sir Patrick Vallance said the "more extreme" action was being modelled by the government as it considers options to deal with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Latest figures show there have been 116 cases of COVID-19 in the UK, which has more than doubled in the last 48 hours.
This is out of nearly 18,000 people tested.
One woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions has died after catching coronavirus.
Sir Patrick, who is helping to coordinate the UK's response to the virus as the government's chief scientific adviser, offered his "sincere condolences" to the woman's relatives and friends.
He confirmed the government is preparing to move to the "delay" stage of its four-phase approach to coronavirus, which involves attempting to suppress the peak of a mass outbreak in the UK.
On Thursday night, the government updated travel advice for those who have returned from Italy within the last two weeks.
Those who have come back from the country and develop symptoms, however mild, should self-isolate and call the NHS on 111.
Advertisement
And those who have returned from specific lockdown areas in Italy should self-isolate and call 111 even if they don't have symptoms.
Sir Patrick described self-isolation as "really critical" and "a very key part of what can be done".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
Describing what further action might be taken by the government, Sir Patrick told Sky News: "There are then more extreme versions when you think about households isolating as well.
"Self-isolation is possibly usually within houses, it means that you stay in your room, you get things delivered to it and stay there for 14 days.
"Household isolation would mean the household - that's obviously an more extreme move.
"Again, we're modelling that we're looking at that in terms of what the options might be."
But Sir Patrick stressed it is "important these measures aren't taken too early".
"It's difficult, if you go too early you ask people to do things which aren't effective for too long, by which time it becomes difficult to get the right motivation to do it," he said.
"If you do it too late, then obviously you've missed the chance to make the big difference.
"So the timing of this is really, really important."
In other developments:
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK
More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California's coast
One of the first Britons to suffer from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from "a bit sniffly" to being unable to breathe
to suffer from coronavirus tells Sky News how he went from "a bit sniffly" to being unable to breathe Religious groups issue guidance on hand-shaking, sharing hymn books and taking communion wine
The Vatican confirms its first case of coronavirus in Vatican City
Germany reports 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours
Cameroon and Serbia confirm their first cases of the disease
Indian carmaker Tata Motors issues a profit warning at its British luxury car brand Jaguar Land Rover due to sales in China taking a hit over coronavirus
South Korea reports 309 new cases, taking the country's total to nearly 6,600
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declares a state of emergency over coronavirus
Shops in Australia are rationing toilet roll, while armed robbers carried out a heist of a delivery in Hong Kong
There are more than 98,690 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,380 deaths
The government's planning for a worst-case scenario suggests 80% of the UK population will be infected with coronavirus, with a death rate of around 1%.
However, Sir Patrick said he expected it "to be less than that".
He highlighted how Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province where the global coronavirus outbreak began, had an infection rate of less than 80% and a death rate of less than 1%.
Sir Patrick described coronavirus as "very infectious" and "more dangerous than flu", but added it was a "million miles" from diseases such as ebola.
"For 98-99% of people, this is going to be a mild illness," he said
"For a smaller number this can turn into a serious pneumonia. And for a smaller number again this can lead to death, particularly in the elderly and those who have got other co-existing medical problems."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sir Patrick said a coronavirus outbreak in the UK was likely to take 12 weeks to reach a peak and maybe "another 12 weeks to go away again".
He reiterated that the best thing for people to do is to wash their hands more regularly and to self-isolate if they had recently travelled to affected areas.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays