news--2020-02-03--China shares tumble on coronavirus fears

China 's main share index has fallen sharply on fears about the impact of the coronavirus - as trading resumed following the lunar new year break .
The Shanghai composite index was down by 8 % - losing nearly £300bn of its value - even as China 's central bank injected 1.2tr yuan ( £130bn ) to try to stabilise markets .
China 's yuan also fell - losing more than 1 % against the US dollar .
The extent of the stock market fall in China was largely because it was playing catch-up with the rest of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed since 23 January .
Other global stock indices have already seen big declines over the period , as they reacted to the widening extent of the coronavirus outbreak which has spread to more than 20 countries .
As of Sunday , the number of deaths in China from the illness stood at 361 , up from 17 when Chinese markets last traded .
The reaction in other Asian markets was more muted on Monday , with Japan 's Nikkei off 1 % and South Korea 's Kospi little changed , while Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
European markets also reacted relatively calmly when they opened later , with the FTSE 100 closing 0.6 % higher .
Its gains were largely the result of a weaker pound - reflecting renewed worries of a no-deal Brexit following speeches in which the UK and EU set out their trade deal demands .
Analysts have been cutting their forecasts for growth in China , the world 's second biggest economy , with airlines cancelling hundreds of flights to the country and many cities effectively on lockdown as Beijing tries to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourism related businesses are already beginning to suffer .
Outside China , the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are keeping a close eye on what impact the spread of the virus will have on the wider global economy .
But worries about the damage caused have already dented travel stocks and mining companies - whose fortunes are closely linked to China 's resource-hungry expansion - in both New York and London .
Some sectors have bucked the trend .
In China , a number of big pharmaceutical companies saw shares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , official figures from Hong Kong saw its economy shrink for a third quarter in a row - with GDP contracting by 0.4 % in the three months to the end of 2019 .
The territory 's recession is blamed on the impact of violent anti-government protests as well as the US-China trade war , with its performance at the start of this year expected to worsen as the impact of the coronavirus bites .

China's main share index has fallen sharply on fears about the impact of the coronavirus - as trading resumed following the lunar new year break.
The Shanghai composite index was down by 8% - losing nearly £300bn of its value - even as China's central bank injected 1.2tr yuan (£130bn) to try to stabilise markets.
China's yuan also fell - losing more than 1% against the US dollar.
The extent of the stock market fall in China was largely because it was playing catch-up with the rest of the world, with trading in Shanghai having been closed since 23 January.
Other global stock indices have already seen big declines over the period, as they reacted to the widening extent of the coronavirus outbreak which has spread to more than 20 countries.
As of Sunday, the number of deaths in China from the illness stood at 361, up from 17 when Chinese markets last traded.
The reaction in other Asian markets was more muted on Monday, with Japan's Nikkei off 1% and South Korea's Kospi little changed, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose by 0.2%.
European markets also reacted relatively calmly when they opened later, with the FTSE 100 closing 0.6% higher.
Its gains were largely the result of a weaker pound - reflecting renewed worries of a no-deal Brexit following speeches in which the UK and EU set out their trade deal demands.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 Coronavirus: The sectors at risk of exposure
Analysts have been cutting their forecasts for growth in China, the world's second biggest economy, with airlines cancelling hundreds of flights to the country and many cities effectively on lockdown as Beijing tries to bring the outbreak under control.
Retailers and tourism related businesses are already beginning to suffer.
Outside China, the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are keeping a close eye on what impact the spread of the virus will have on the wider global economy.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
But worries about the damage caused have already dented travel stocks and mining companies - whose fortunes are closely linked to China's resource-hungry expansion - in both New York and London.
Some sectors have bucked the trend.
In China, a number of big pharmaceutical companies saw shares rise by 10% on Monday.
Meanwhile, official figures from Hong Kong saw its economy shrink for a third quarter in a row - with GDP contracting by 0.4% in the three months to the end of 2019.
The territory's recession is blamed on the impact of violent anti-government protests as well as the US-China trade war, with its performance at the start of this year expected to worsen as the impact of the coronavirus bites.


news--2020-02-03--Thai fears over impact of coronavirus on tourism and travel

It 's peak holiday season in Thailand but Zifan Yang 's guide business has dried up .
He usually makes around £750 a week from Chinese tourists but then the new coronavirus hit China and the government banned tour groups from heading overseas .
Facing a sudden drop in clients and losing money from cancelled flights and hotels , the tour company he works for closed .
`` Last year at the same time we had 340 tourist guides in one day and everybody would have 60 to 70 people so you can imagine in two weeks how many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Haemorrhaging cash , some of his fellow guides have packed up and returned to China to help with the crisis there .
Almost 11 million Chinese residents travelled to Thailand last year , accounting for around a third of international visitors , more than any other nationality .
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has already said two million fewer Chinese visitors are expected in 2020 , while the Tourism Ministry is warning of a possible 50 billion baht ( £1.2bn ) cut in Thai revenue due to reduced travel .
Thailand is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's second-largest economy and a manufacturing powerhouse , so a sustained slow down in growth would likely have global ramifications .
This week , stocks around the world have been shaken by coronavirus but Thai experts predict a long-term hit to the tourist industry could be very damaging to the already weakened economy .
Dr Tim Leelahaphan , an economist at Standard Chartered Bank Thai , said : `` Currently this is the only sector that is the bright spot for the Thai economy .
`` The economy has been already weak since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade war .
This is the only sector left for the country .
If it 's affected by coronavirus it could drag down the economy further in 2020 . ''
Nineteen cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Thailand , including the country 's first person-to-person transmission in a taxi driver who had n't visited China .
The government is determined to show the country is still safe to visit .
Extra protection measures have been rolled out .
Thermal scanners screen arriving airline passengers while extra teams clean and disinfect Bangkok 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to commuters .
Director General of the Department of Railways , Sorapong Paitoonphong , told Sky News : `` You do n't have to worry in Thailand because I think the government tries to make people feel safe .
`` Travellers , if you come to Thailand we can control the situation . ''
On Friday , ministers backed urgent aid plans to support the tourism sector and efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus have been stepped up .
After all , this is an illness which could not only threaten lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rely on .

It's peak holiday season in Thailand but Zifan Yang's guide business has dried up.
He usually makes around £750 a week from Chinese tourists but then the new coronavirus hit China and the government banned tour groups from heading overseas.
Facing a sudden drop in clients and losing money from cancelled flights and hotels, the tour company he works for closed.
Image: With fewer Chinese tourists in Thailand, there is little work for tour guide Zifan
Image: Zifan says some of his colleagues have left Thailand to return to China
"Last year at the same time we had 340 tourist guides in one day and everybody would have 60 to 70 people so you can imagine in two weeks how many people you would have," he says.
Haemorrhaging cash, some of his fellow guides have packed up and returned to China to help with the crisis there.
Almost 11 million Chinese residents travelled to Thailand last year, accounting for around a third of international visitors, more than any other nationality.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has already said two million fewer Chinese visitors are expected in 2020, while the Tourism Ministry is warning of a possible 50 billion baht (£1.2bn) cut in Thai revenue due to reduced travel.
Thailand isn't alone, China is the world's second-largest economy and a manufacturing powerhouse, so a sustained slow down in growth would likely have global ramifications.
Image: Thailand relies on tourism from countries such as China
This week, stocks around the world have been shaken by coronavirus but Thai experts predict a long-term hit to the tourist industry could be very damaging to the already weakened economy.
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Dr Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered Bank Thai, said: "Currently this is the only sector that is the bright spot for the Thai economy.
"The economy has been already weak since last year, affected by the US-China trade war. This is the only sector left for the country. If it's affected by coronavirus it could drag down the economy further in 2020."
Nineteen cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Thailand, including the country's first person-to-person transmission in a taxi driver who hadn't visited China.
The government is determined to show the country is still safe to visit.
Extra protection measures have been rolled out.
Thermal scanners screen arriving airline passengers while extra teams clean and disinfect Bangkok's public transport and hand out face masks to commuters.
Image: Thermal scanners screen arriving airline passengers in Thailand
Director General of the Department of Railways, Sorapong Paitoonphong, told Sky News: "You don't have to worry in Thailand because I think the government tries to make people feel safe.
"Travellers, if you come to Thailand we can control the situation."
On Friday, ministers backed urgent aid plans to support the tourism sector and efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus have been stepped up.
After all, this is an illness which could not only threaten lives, but also the livelihoods many Thais rely on.


news--2020-02-02--Coronavirus: Briton 'taken ill' during evacuation flight from Wuhan

One of 11 British nationals on the second evacuation flight from Wuhan has been taken to hospital after becoming unwell on the plane .
The patient will be tested for Coronavirus as the other 10 continue their journey to join 83 others at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral , according to an email from its chief executive , Janelle Holmes .
All those who have returned from Wuhan in Hubei province will be quarantined in staff accommodation blocks on the site for 14 days .
An internal email from Ms Holmes said the unwell passenger `` immediately self-isolated '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital when the flight landed at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire late on Sunday .
It read : `` We expect test results in the coming days , and will keep you updated .
`` None of the other 10 patients have shown any symptoms , but as a precautionary measure the 10 new guests were allocated rooms in a separate area of the facility , isolated from those already here .
`` As we have previously said , staff supporting those in the accommodation block are following strict clinical guidance and protocols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The British Embassy in Beijing has tweeted to say the last flights from China to the UK for British nationals are set to leave this week .
The latest group to arrive in the UK , made up of seven British nationals and four family members , will join 83 people already under observation after they were flown back from Wuhan on Friday .
Kharn Lambert , a teacher who works in Wuhan , is among the first group to arrive in Wirral , and has told Sky News that it is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said : `` It 's quite weird being home but not being home , and also being sort of locked in , almost like being back in Wuhan really , where we ca n't get inside certain parameters and go further , so it 's a bit of a weird feeling really . ''
He also revealed he had not seen the second group who arrived at the facility last night and that he was `` not sure what the protocol is on having contact with them '' .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate area in the building , but we 've had no information on that yet .
I 'm pretty sure we 'll receive that information today , '' he continued .
He also revealed that staff at the hospital had been told to wear masks and gloves when in communal areas .
`` They do have their own office where we 're not allowed and that then allows them to take off their equipment and breathe normally , '' he said .
Mr Lambert also said he would probably go back to Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I have a job over there , so it 's not easy to just up and leave the job .
`` But obviously I will follow the advice of our government and the advice of the Chinese government , and I will follow the situation closely as to when and what time I 'll go back . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that £20m of UK government investment will be used to develop a vaccine to combat the deadly virus .
The investment will go to the Coalition for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a global body that is aiming to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine within six to eight months .
CEPI chief executive Dr Richard Hatchett said : `` This is an extremely ambitious timeline - indeed , it would be unprecedented in the field of vaccine development .
`` It is important to remember that even if we are successful - and there can be no guarantee - there will be further challenges to navigate before we can make vaccines more broadly available . ''
It comes after a UK-wide campaign was launched offering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the deadly virus following Britain 's first two confirmed cases .
The pair - who fell ill while staying at a hotel in York - are members of the same family , and one of them is a student at the University of York .
The two patients are being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle and health authorities are urgently trying to trace anyone who has come into contact with them .
The university has confirmed the affected student did not attend the recent graduation ceremonies or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city .
Reports that a third person in the UK was being treated for coronavirus in Walsall were a false alarm , Sky News understands .
More than 240 calls have been made to a dedicated helpline set up by the University of York after the student was confirmed as having the virus .
Of the 266 tests so far carried out in the UK , two have been positive .
The 11 UK citizens arrived back from China on Sunday on board a Maltese plane arranged by France .
Sky News understands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday : `` They will go to the Arrowe Park facility and all of the protections , the support during the 14-day period will be put in place .
`` So they will be treated very well , and of course the reason we need to do that is on the one hand we want to get the UK nationals that want to leave China out , on the other hand we need to make sure we control and prevent the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would have . ''
Yvonne Griffiths , a British lecturer who is among the 83 people already at the facility , spoke to Sky News from her room in quarantine , saying they are being treated well but are unsure whether their isolation will be extended because of the arrival of the new group of Britons .
She said : `` It 's a little bit strange to be home , and not home .
`` I 'm feeling really grateful to have managed to be on that evacuation flight the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warm welcome from all the staff here at Arrowe Park and really could n't have asked for more .
`` We 're being well looked after and I think it 's a matter now of just being patient and waiting day by day , ticking each day off . ''
Public Health England have also moved to give assurances about why the drivers of coaches used to transport those in quarantine to the isolation facility were not required to wear protective suits , unlike the medics on board .
A letter sent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen by Sky News , said none of the passengers had displayed symptoms of infection on arrival and the medical teams had worn the special clothing as a precaution , should they need to treat anyone in transit .
The drivers had also been kept separate from the quarantined passengers and were the last to board the vehicle .
PHE incident director Susan Hopkins wrote : `` The drivers do not pose a risk to public health as a result of driving these passengers to their accommodation and should go about their daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that `` people should have no concerns about using these vehicles '' .
Meanwhile , a man in the Philippines has become the first person outside China to die from the outbreak .
The outbreak has so far claimed the lives of 361 people in China while the number of confirmed cases of infection has now topped 17,205 .
The rapid spread of the virus in two months prompted the World Health Organisation to declare it a global emergency last month .
It has called on governments to prepare for `` domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Around 150 cases have been reported across at least 25 other countries including the US , Russia , France , Australia and the United Arab Emirates .
Despite the WHO insisting travel restrictions are not needed , the US and Australia are among a number of countries to ban entry to foreign internationals who have recently been in China .
A growing number of international airlines has also suspended all or some flights to China .
Efforts to contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world 's second largest economy .

One of 11 British nationals on the second evacuation flight from Wuhan has been taken to hospital after becoming unwell on the plane.
The patient will be tested for Coronavirus as the other 10 continue their journey to join 83 others at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, according to an email from its chief executive, Janelle Holmes.
Image: 11 British nationals arrived in the UK from Wuhan late on Sunday
All those who have returned from Wuhan in Hubei province will be quarantined in staff accommodation blocks on the site for 14 days.
An internal email from Ms Holmes said the unwell passenger "immediately self-isolated" and was taken to a separate NHS hospital when the flight landed at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire late on Sunday.
It read: "We expect test results in the coming days, and will keep you updated.
"None of the other 10 patients have shown any symptoms, but as a precautionary measure the 10 new guests were allocated rooms in a separate area of the facility, isolated from those already here.
"As we have previously said, staff supporting those in the accommodation block are following strict clinical guidance and protocols to ensure everyone remains safe."
The British Embassy in Beijing has tweeted to say the last flights from China to the UK for British nationals are set to leave this week.
Image: Eleven people who did not make it onto the first evacuation flight from China arrived back in the UK on Sunday
The latest group to arrive in the UK, made up of seven British nationals and four family members, will join 83 people already under observation after they were flown back from Wuhan on Friday.
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Kharn Lambert, a teacher who works in Wuhan, is among the first group to arrive in Wirral, and has told Sky News that it is "very strange" being in isolation.
Image: Kharn Lambert is in isolation at the Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral
He said: "It's quite weird being home but not being home, and also being sort of locked in, almost like being back in Wuhan really, where we can't get inside certain parameters and go further, so it's a bit of a weird feeling really."
He also revealed he had not seen the second group who arrived at the facility last night and that he was "not sure what the protocol is on having contact with them".
"I do believe they have been put into a separate area in the building, but we've had no information on that yet. I'm pretty sure we'll receive that information today," he continued.
Image: Kharn Lambert is among dozens of people being kept in isolation in Wirral
He also revealed that staff at the hospital had been told to wear masks and gloves when in communal areas.
"They do have their own office where we're not allowed and that then allows them to take off their equipment and breathe normally," he said.
Image: Kharn Lambert is being isolated for 14 days
Mr Lambert also said he would probably go back to Wuhan if and when he could, saying: "I have a job over there, so it's not easy to just up and leave the job.
"But obviously I will follow the advice of our government and the advice of the Chinese government, and I will follow the situation closely as to when and what time I'll go back."
Image: Kharn Lambert revealed what the facilities are like where he is being isolated
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that £20m of UK government investment will be used to develop a vaccine to combat the deadly virus.
The investment will go to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), a global body that is aiming to fast-track a coronavirus vaccine within six to eight months.
CEPI chief executive Dr Richard Hatchett said: "This is an extremely ambitious timeline - indeed, it would be unprecedented in the field of vaccine development.
"It is important to remember that even if we are successful - and there can be no guarantee - there will be further challenges to navigate before we can make vaccines more broadly available."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 Life inside the UK's coronavirus quarantine
It comes after a UK-wide campaign was launched offering the public advice on how to stop the spread of the deadly virus following Britain's first two confirmed cases.
The pair - who fell ill while staying at a hotel in York - are members of the same family, and one of them is a student at the University of York.
The two patients are being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle and health authorities are urgently trying to trace anyone who has come into contact with them.
The university has confirmed the affected student did not attend the recent graduation ceremonies or the student-organised Chinese New Year celebration in the city.
Reports that a third person in the UK was being treated for coronavirus in Walsall were a false alarm, Sky News understands.
Image: The British nationals were flown from China back to the UK on a Maltese plane arranged by France
More than 240 calls have been made to a dedicated helpline set up by the University of York after the student was confirmed as having the virus.
Of the 266 tests so far carried out in the UK, two have been positive.
The 11 UK citizens arrived back from China on Sunday on board a Maltese plane arranged by France. Sky News understands the group of Britons includes children.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "They will go to the Arrowe Park facility and all of the protections, the support during the 14-day period will be put in place.
"So they will be treated very well, and of course the reason we need to do that is on the one hand we want to get the UK nationals that want to leave China out, on the other hand we need to make sure we control and prevent the spread of the coronavirus because of the implications that that would have."
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Yvonne Griffiths, a British lecturer who is among the 83 people already at the facility, spoke to Sky News from her room in quarantine, saying they are being treated well but are unsure whether their isolation will be extended because of the arrival of the new group of Britons.
She said: "It's a little bit strange to be home, and not home.
"I'm feeling really grateful to have managed to be on that evacuation flight the other day. We've had an amazingly warm welcome from all the staff here at Arrowe Park and really couldn't have asked for more.
"We're being well looked after and I think it's a matter now of just being patient and waiting day by day, ticking each day off."
Public Health England have also moved to give assurances about why the drivers of coaches used to transport those in quarantine to the isolation facility were not required to wear protective suits, unlike the medics on board.
A letter sent to the head of the coach firm, seen by Sky News, said none of the passengers had displayed symptoms of infection on arrival and the medical teams had worn the special clothing as a precaution, should they need to treat anyone in transit.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
The drivers had also been kept separate from the quarantined passengers and were the last to board the vehicle.
PHE incident director Susan Hopkins wrote: "The drivers do not pose a risk to public health as a result of driving these passengers to their accommodation and should go about their daily lives as normal."
She also said that "people should have no concerns about using these vehicles".
Meanwhile, a man in the Philippines has become the first person outside China to die from the outbreak.
The outbreak has so far claimed the lives of 361 people in China while the number of confirmed cases of infection has now topped 17,205.
The rapid spread of the virus in two months prompted the World Health Organisation to declare it a global emergency last month.
It has called on governments to prepare for "domestic outbreak control".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Around 150 cases have been reported across at least 25 other countries including the US, Russia, France, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite the WHO insisting travel restrictions are not needed, the US and Australia are among a number of countries to ban entry to foreign internationals who have recently been in China.
A growing number of international airlines has also suspended all or some flights to China.
Efforts to contain the virus threatens to slow growth of the world's second largest economy.


news--2020-02-03--Coronavirus: Thousands of abandoned pets 'at risk of starving to death'

Thousands of pets trapped in the epicentre of China 's deadly coronavirus outbreak are at risk of starving to death , according to animal rescuers and activists .
The warning comes as campaigners claim local governments have called for pet dogs and cats to be culled , due to discredited concerns they can be infected with the illness that began in the Hubei province city of Wuhan .
Wuhan 's mayor , Zhou Xianwang , recently told a news conference five million people had left his city ahead of the Chinese New Year .
Based on this figure , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to save abandoned animals has estimated up to 50,000 pets have been left in Wuhan homes .
`` My conservative estimate is that around 5,000 are still trapped , and they may die of starvation in the coming days , '' said Lao Mao , not his real name .
`` The volunteers on our team , me included , have saved more than 1,000 pets since 25 January '' .
Mr Mao told reporters how he broke into one home - at the request of its owners - to feed two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 10 days .
The owners , who had left Wuhan for a three-day holiday but could not get back into the city due to travel restrictions , reportedly cried with relief over news their pets were safe .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sky News understands Mr Mao chose not to reveal his real name as his family did not know he was `` out and about '' in the city .
Coronavirus has caused 425 deaths in China and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of the illness which stemmed from a wildlife market .
Outside China , one person has died - in the Philippines - and there were at least 171 confirmed cases in 24 countries and regions .
The Humane Society International told Sky News it suspects the number of pets at risk of starvation in Wuhan is higher than Mr Mao 's estimate .
HSI spokeswoman Wendy Higgins said the organisation was also concerned about reports that local governments are ordering the culling of street and domestic dogs and cats .
Ms Higgins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welfare groups on the ground in areas including Beijing , Tianjin , Shandong , Heilongjiang , Hebei , Wuhan , Shanxi and Shanghai .
`` We are in regular contact with a network of about 35 or so animal groups through the Chinese social media channel Weibo , and we usually set the net wide , so it 's not a selective small area that 's relaying these reports , '' Ms Higgins said .
`` If the local authorities decide that dogs per say are a threat , I would be concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and home dogs . ''
She said there had been no reports of actual culling , but that it would not be uncommon for China to take the `` knee jerk response '' of killing dogs `` for very little provocation '' for the assumed purpose of public safety .
The World Health Organisation has confirmed there is no evidence that pet dogs or cats can be infected with the virus .
Ms Higgins said animal welfare advocates in China are working to relay this information to the public and to rescue abandoned @ @

Thousands of pets trapped in the epicentre of China's deadly coronavirus outbreak are at risk of starving to death, according to animal rescuers and activists.
The warning comes as campaigners claim local governments have called for pet dogs and cats to be culled, due to discredited concerns they can be infected with the illness that began in the Hubei province city of Wuhan.
Wuhan's mayor, Zhou Xianwang, recently told a news conference five million people had left his city ahead of the Chinese New Year.
Based on this figure, one man on the frontline of the rescue effort to save abandoned animals has estimated up to 50,000 pets have been left in Wuhan homes.
Image: These puppies were rescued in Zhengzhou, Henan province. Pic: Humane Society International
"My conservative estimate is that around 5,000 are still trapped, and they may die of starvation in the coming days," said Lao Mao, not his real name.
"The volunteers on our team, me included, have saved more than 1,000 pets since 25 January".
Mr Mao told reporters how he broke into one home - at the request of its owners - to feed two starving cats that had been trapped inside for 10 days.
The owners, who had left Wuhan for a three-day holiday but could not get back into the city due to travel restrictions, reportedly cried with relief over news their pets were safe.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Advertisement
Sky News understands Mr Mao chose not to reveal his real name as his family did not know he was "out and about" in the city.
Coronavirus has caused 425 deaths in China and there have been more than 20,000 confirmed cases of the illness which stemmed from a wildlife market.
Outside China, one person has died - in the Philippines - and there were at least 171 confirmed cases in 24 countries and regions.
Image: The World Health Organisation has refuted 'rumours' that dogs and cats can catch the coronavirus
The Humane Society International told Sky News it suspects the number of pets at risk of starvation in Wuhan is higher than Mr Mao's estimate.
HSI spokeswoman Wendy Higgins said the organisation was also concerned about reports that local governments are ordering the culling of street and domestic dogs and cats.
Ms Higgins said these reports were coming from animal welfare groups on the ground in areas including Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Heilongjiang, Hebei, Wuhan, Shanxi and Shanghai.
"We are in regular contact with a network of about 35 or so animal groups through the Chinese social media channel Weibo, and we usually set the net wide, so it's not a selective small area that's relaying these reports," Ms Higgins said.
"If the local authorities decide that dogs per say are a threat, I would be concerned for the welfare of both street dogs and home dogs."
She said there had been no reports of actual culling, but that it would not be uncommon for China to take the "knee jerk response" of killing dogs "for very little provocation" for the assumed purpose of public safety.
The World Health Organisation has confirmed there is no evidence that pet dogs or cats can be infected with the virus.
Ms Higgins said animal welfare advocates in China are working to relay this information to the public and to rescue abandoned pets.


news--2020-02-03--Coronavirus outbreak: Hong Kong announces first death

Hong Kong has confirmed its first coronavirus death .
Hospital staff said the victim was a 39-year-old male who had been suffering from an underlying illness and had visited China 's Wuhan city in January .
It is the second death outside mainland China .
The total number of deaths in China has risen to 425 , China 's National Health Commission has said , with 20,438 confirmed cases overall .
On Monday Hong Kong 's leader Carrie Lam announced the closure of 10 out of 13 land and sea border crossings with mainland China in a bid to curb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed some border operations , including cross-border ferries and high-speed rail services .
Only two border checkpoints - at Shenzhen Bay and the bridge to Macau and Zhuhai - will remain open , as well as the airport .
But she added she could not rule out further measures should the situation change .
Doctors , nurses and medical personnel in Hong Kong had threatened a five-day strike this week in an attempt to force the city leaders to close down the multiple border crossings with the mainland .
The strike plans emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had tested positive for coronavirus .
`` We feel this is a war time , '' one doctor told Sky News on condition of anonymity .
`` We are not running away from our duty .
We want to help our patients but we do n't feel like the Hong Kong government is doing enough to safeguard the people of Hong Kong . ''
Ms Lam said the suspension of border crossings had `` absolutely nothing '' to do with the pressure from medical workers .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Spreaker New Zealand joined a number of other countries including America , Australia , Singapore and Japan who have barred all those coming from China .
They have so far stopped short of banning those from Hong Kong .
A 25,000 square metre , 1,000-bed hospital in Wuhan , which has been built in just eight days , opened its doors to its first coronavirus patients on Monday .
There appears to be no sign of the virus abating .
Rather medics across the world are bracing themselves for a spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors return from the extended Lunar New Year holidays .
None more so than those in Hong Kong where medics feel especially vulnerable because of their cross-boundary links with mainland China and the refusal by the authorities to completely seal off the territory .
Many of the territory 's pharmacies and shopping outlets have run out of surgical face masks and hand sanitisers .
Those which have managed to secure batches of masks sell out within no time .
Hong Kong 's position as a major financial hub is likely to be doubly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes a grip in the territory , and secondly , if the borders with the mainland are completely sealed off stifling a raft of international trade , movement and businesses .

Hong Kong has confirmed its first coronavirus death.
Hospital staff said the victim was a 39-year-old male who had been suffering from an underlying illness and had visited China's Wuhan city in January.
It is the second death outside mainland China. The total number of deaths in China has risen to 425, China's National Health Commission has said, with 20,438 confirmed cases overall.
On Monday Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam announced the closure of 10 out of 13 land and sea border crossings with mainland China in a bid to curb the coronavirus outbreak.
She had already closed some border operations, including cross-border ferries and high-speed rail services.
Only two border checkpoints - at Shenzhen Bay and the bridge to Macau and Zhuhai - will remain open, as well as the airport. But she added she could not rule out further measures should the situation change.
Doctors, nurses and medical personnel in Hong Kong had threatened a five-day strike this week in an attempt to force the city leaders to close down the multiple border crossings with the mainland.
The strike plans emerged as the city confirmed a 15th person had tested positive for coronavirus.
"We feel this is a war time," one doctor told Sky News on condition of anonymity.
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"We are not running away from our duty. We want to help our patients but we don't feel like the Hong Kong government is doing enough to safeguard the people of Hong Kong."
Ms Lam said the suspension of border crossings had "absolutely nothing" to do with the pressure from medical workers.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
New Zealand joined a number of other countries including America, Australia, Singapore and Japan who have barred all those coming from China. They have so far stopped short of banning those from Hong Kong.
A 25,000 square metre, 1,000-bed hospital in Wuhan, which has been built in just eight days, opened its doors to its first coronavirus patients on Monday.
There appears to be no sign of the virus abating. Rather medics across the world are bracing themselves for a spike of cases in the coming weeks as visitors return from the extended Lunar New Year holidays.
None more so than those in Hong Kong where medics feel especially vulnerable because of their cross-boundary links with mainland China and the refusal by the authorities to completely seal off the territory.
Many of the territory's pharmacies and shopping outlets have run out of surgical face masks and hand sanitisers. Those which have managed to secure batches of masks sell out within no time.
Hong Kong's position as a major financial hub is likely to be doubly threatened: first, if the coronavirus takes a grip in the territory, and secondly, if the borders with the mainland are completely sealed off stifling a raft of international trade, movement and businesses.


news--2020-02-02--Coronavirus outbreak: Patients arrive at China's new hospital as death toll reaches 425

The first patients have arrived at a 1,000-bed hospital built in eight days as part of China 's efforts to fight the coronavirus , according to state media .
The total number of deaths in China has risen to 425 , China 's National Health Commission has said , with 20,438 confirmed cases overall .
There had been a further 2,345 cases detected in Hubei , the epicentre of the outbreak , taking the total in the province to 13,522 .
A specially built Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan , Hubei province , has been equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients ' identities or conditions have been released .
The facility was reportedly built by a 7,000-member crew of carpenters , plumbers , electricians and other specialists , and has 30 intensive care units .
A second hospital with 1,500 beds is also under construction in the city and is due to open soon .
Leading Chinese epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan , who played a major role in overcoming China 's 2002-03 outbreak of SARS , told state broadcaster CCTV the additional beds and space were crucial to stopping the spread of new infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital rather than being sent home .
The flu-like virus has spread to at least 25 outside of China , affecting around 150 people , with the first death outside of China reported on Sunday , that of a 44-year-old Chinese man who died in the Philippines after travelling from Wuhan .
Early on Tuesday , Hong Kong reported a man there had died of the virus .
In a sign of the economic toll of the outbreak , China 's Shanghai Composite index plunged 8.7 % , wiping almost $ 370bn ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as financial markets reopened on Monday following the Lunar New Year holiday .
The yuan opened at its weakest level this year and slid 1 % , past the symbolic 7-per-dollar level in onshore trade .
China 's central bank sent a powerful message about its intent to support the economy , with a larger than expected injection of funds into markets , and Beijing also said it would help firms that produce vital goods resume work as soon as possible , CCTV reported .
Lian Weiliang of China 's National Development and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak would be short term and that China was fully capable of minimising the economic impact from the outbreak .
China cut off from the world It comes as China is facing mounting isolation in the face of increasing travel restrictions and flight suspensions .
The epidemic has led to countries including the UK and US evacuating their citizens from China .
New Zealand is barring all foreign nationals arriving from mainland China from Monday - following the US , Singapore and Australia after they took the same action .
South Korea says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hubei province from entering the country from Tuesday , while Vietnam has suspended all flights to and from China .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The US confirmed its eighth case - a student at the Boston campus of the University of Massachusetts - while the Pentagon has said it will provide housing for 1,000 people arriving from overseas who might need to be quarantined .
Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from Wuhan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
Vietnam has confirmed an additional three cases of coronavirus , bringing the country 's total to eight cases .
The WHO , which declared the outbreak a global public health emergency last week , has said global trade and travel restrictions are not needed .
But the list of international airlines suspending all or some flights to China is growing .
The latest were the Australian airline Qantas Airways Ltd and Air New Zealand , which said travel bans forced them to suspend their direct flights to China from 9 February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and American Airlines , the three major US carriers , said on Friday that they would cancel flights to mainland China .
The commander of US forces in the Pacific has banned travel to China for all service members and civilian personnel under his authority and ordered those now in China to leave immediately , officials said .
The US , from Sunday , began directing all flights from China to seven major airports where passengers can be screened for illness .
German health minister Jens Spahn has called for calm and warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and family members landed in Frankfurt , with none showing any symptoms of the virus .
Germany had eight confirmed cases as of Saturday evening .
German newspaper Der Spiegel reported on Sunday that a further two people who flew into the country from Wuhan were infected .
The Russian military will start evacuating Russian citizens from China on Monday and Tuesday , the Interfax and TASS news agencies reported .
Russia , which has already restricted direct flights with its biggest trading partner , also said it was suspending visa-free travel for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain , which has had two confirmed cases , said it was withdrawing some staff from its embassy and consulates in China .
One of the British people infected with the coronavirus is a student at the University of York .
Health authorities are rushing to identify anyone who has come into contact with the pair .
A second evacuation flight carrying 11 British nationals arrived at RAF Brize Norton via France on Sunday after the first flight landed on Friday with 83 Britons .
One of the latest evacuees , Anthony May-Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on Tuesday after he was isolated from other passengers because he felt unwell on the flight .
He told Sky News : `` We went through a load of checks at the airport in Wuhan , I had a bit of a cough and a sore throat there .
`` Then there was 30 of us on that flight to France that were put in a quarantine section on the flight .
`` When we boarded the plane in France to come to the UK , the nurse asked if any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China .
`` I made myself known to her and she told me to sit away from anybody else on the flight .
`` There were people with babies on the flight and I obviously just did n't want to be anywhere near them , just in case .
`` I feel fine now , I think it 's probably the stress of getting back and being run down more than anything . ''
On Monday , the British government donated £20m to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations ( CEPI ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vaccine within six to eight months - a timeline its chief executive said was `` unprecedented '' .
Most international cases have been in people who had recently travelled to or were visiting from Hubei province .
The province has been under a virtual quarantine for the last week , with roads sealed off and public transport shut down .
Six officials in the city of Huanggang , which is in the same province and neighbours Wuhan , have been fired over `` poor performance '' in handling the outbreak , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency cited the mayor as saying the city 's `` capabilities to treat the patients remained inadequate and there is a severe shortage in medical supplies such as protective suits and medical masks '' .
Chinese authorities have placed restrictions on travel and business in other parts of the countries .
The provincial government in Hubei has extended a holiday break in the country to 13 February in a bid to contain the outbreak , the Hubei Daily reported .
Infections have jumped in two cities flanking Wuhan , where the new virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns that new hot spots are emerging despite strict transport restrictions .

The first patients have arrived at a 1,000-bed hospital built in eight days as part of China's efforts to fight the coronavirus, according to state media.
The total number of deaths in China has risen to 425, China's National Health Commission has said, with 20,438 confirmed cases overall.
There had been a further 2,345 cases detected in Hubei, the epicentre of the outbreak, taking the total in the province to 13,522.
A specially built Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, Hubei province, has been equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and ventilation systems.
No details about the patients' identities or conditions have been released.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:31 Disinfecting China as isolation grows
The facility was reportedly built by a 7,000-member crew of carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other specialists, and has 30 intensive care units.
A second hospital with 1,500 beds is also under construction in the city and is due to open soon.
Leading Chinese epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan, who played a major role in overcoming China's 2002-03 outbreak of SARS, told state broadcaster CCTV the additional beds and space were crucial to stopping the spread of new infections because sick patients could now stay in hospital rather than being sent home.
The flu-like virus has spread to at least 25 outside of China, affecting around 150 people, with the first death outside of China reported on Sunday, that of a 44-year-old Chinese man who died in the Philippines after travelling from Wuhan.
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Early on Tuesday, Hong Kong reported a man there had died of the virus.
In a sign of the economic toll of the outbreak, China's Shanghai Composite index plunged 8.7%, wiping almost $370bn (£256bn) off the market value, as financial markets reopened on Monday following the Lunar New Year holiday.
The yuan opened at its weakest level this year and slid 1%, past the symbolic 7-per-dollar level in onshore trade.
China's central bank sent a powerful message about its intent to support the economy, with a larger than expected injection of funds into markets, and Beijing also said it would help firms that produce vital goods resume work as soon as possible, CCTV reported.
Lian Weiliang of China's National Development and Reform Commission said the impact from the outbreak would be short term and that China was fully capable of minimising the economic impact from the outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:01 Fear and anger grows over the coronavirus in Hong Kong
China cut off from the world
It comes as China is facing mounting isolation in the face of increasing travel restrictions and flight suspensions.
The epidemic has led to countries including the UK and US evacuating their citizens from China.
New Zealand is barring all foreign nationals arriving from mainland China from Monday - following the US, Singapore and Australia after they took the same action.
South Korea says it will stop people who have visited Hubei province from entering the country from Tuesday, while Vietnam has suspended all flights to and from China.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The US confirmed its eighth case - a student at the Boston campus of the University of Massachusetts - while the Pentagon has said it will provide housing for 1,000 people arriving from overseas who might need to be quarantined.
Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from Wuhan, bringing the country's total to 20 cases.
Vietnam has confirmed an additional three cases of coronavirus, bringing the country's total to eight cases.
The WHO, which declared the outbreak a global public health emergency last week, has said global trade and travel restrictions are not needed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Hong Kongers angry that border with China remains open
But the list of international airlines suspending all or some flights to China is growing.
The latest were the Australian airline Qantas Airways Ltd and Air New Zealand, which said travel bans forced them to suspend their direct flights to China from 9 February.
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, the three major US carriers, said on Friday that they would cancel flights to mainland China.
The commander of US forces in the Pacific has banned travel to China for all service members and civilian personnel under his authority and ordered those now in China to leave immediately, officials said.
The US, from Sunday, began directing all flights from China to seven major airports where passengers can be screened for illness.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
German health minister Jens Spahn has called for calm and warned against hysteria as more than 100 Germans and family members landed in Frankfurt, with none showing any symptoms of the virus.
Germany had eight confirmed cases as of Saturday evening. German newspaper Der Spiegel reported on Sunday that a further two people who flew into the country from Wuhan were infected.
The Russian military will start evacuating Russian citizens from China on Monday and Tuesday, the Interfax and TASS news agencies reported.
Russia, which has already restricted direct flights with its biggest trading partner, also said it was suspending visa-free travel for Chinese visitors and halting work visas.
Image: German and foreign nationals are seen being evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan
British evacuations
Britain, which has had two confirmed cases, said it was withdrawing some staff from its embassy and consulates in China.
One of the British people infected with the coronavirus is a student at the University of York.
Health authorities are rushing to identify anyone who has come into contact with the pair.
A second evacuation flight carrying 11 British nationals arrived at RAF Brize Norton via France on Sunday after the first flight landed on Friday with 83 Britons.
One of the latest evacuees, Anthony May-Smith, is waiting for tests to come back on Tuesday after he was isolated from other passengers because he felt unwell on the flight.
Image: Anthony May-Smith was isolated from other passengers because he had a cold and sore throat
He told Sky News: "We went through a load of checks at the airport in Wuhan, I had a bit of a cough and a sore throat there.
"Then there was 30 of us on that flight to France that were put in a quarantine section on the flight.
"When we boarded the plane in France to come to the UK, the nurse asked if any of us had had any sort of symptoms in China.
"I made myself known to her and she told me to sit away from anybody else on the flight.
"There were people with babies on the flight and I obviously just didn't want to be anywhere near them, just in case.
"I feel fine now, I think it's probably the stress of getting back and being run down more than anything."
On Monday, the British government donated £20m to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), a global body aiming to fast-track a vaccine within six to eight months - a timeline its chief executive said was "unprecedented".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 Life inside the UK's coronavirus quarantine
Chinese province on lockdown
Most international cases have been in people who had recently travelled to or were visiting from Hubei province.
The province has been under a virtual quarantine for the last week, with roads sealed off and public transport shut down.
Six officials in the city of Huanggang, which is in the same province and neighbours Wuhan, have been fired over "poor performance" in handling the outbreak, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.
The agency cited the mayor as saying the city's "capabilities to treat the patients remained inadequate and there is a severe shortage in medical supplies such as protective suits and medical masks".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:05 Undercover in HK hospital struggling with coronavirus
Chinese authorities have placed restrictions on travel and business in other parts of the countries.
The provincial government in Hubei has extended a holiday break in the country to 13 February in a bid to contain the outbreak, the Hubei Daily reported.
Infections have jumped in two cities flanking Wuhan, where the new virus is believed to have originated, raising concerns that new hot spots are emerging despite strict transport restrictions.


news--2020-02-02--Brad Pitt, Bridget Jones and royal jokes in front of Prince William: 12 stand out BAFTA moments

The BAFTAs were nearly overshadowed by a diversity row thanks to the all-white acting line-up and lack of female directors - but there were plenty of other talking points on the night .
There were tears and laughter at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards , hosted by Graham Norton at the iconic Royal Albert Hall .
As 1917 swept the board , we take a look at some of the best moments of the night .
History came full-circle for best supporting actress BAFTA winner Laura Dern , who took us back to her childhood in her acceptance speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she looked on in wonder as her mother ( actress Diane Ladd ) brought home the very same award .
She said her mother had explained to her : `` This is what friends give you to congratulate you for having the job you love '' .
She also thanked Britain - `` a country she loves '' - and gave a shout out to her drama school RADA in central London - who knew !
Accepting the prize for best adapted screenplay , New Zealander Taika Waititi gave a nod to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joking that he 's `` from colonies '' , and ca n't wait to get the statuette `` back home where it belongs '' .
The 44-year-old filmmaker also thanked his mother for introducing him to the book Caging Skies ( on which his film Jojo Rabbit is based ) and for making him read in general .
The most agile actor in London , Andy Serkis , won outstanding British contribution to cinema… after walking the red carpet with crutches .
Serkis was treated to a standing ovation as he took to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most important person in his life '' ( his wife Lorraine ) and his three children Sonny , Ruby and Louis .
He said he was particularly happy they let him `` gallivant around the world without disowning him '' .
He also gave a shout to his long-time collaborator , Lord Of The Rings director Peter Jackson , and his `` extended family '' in New Zealand .
He thanked his `` ape family '' too , referencing Planet Of The Apes .
Finally , he thanked all the CGI and visual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ define such acting as `` real '' and helped it gain recognition across the world .
'Let them hear your voice' For Sama was crowned best documentary , telling the story of Waad al-Kateab 's life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo , Syria .
Described as `` a love letter to her young daughter '' , al-Kateab took her family onto the stage to accept her award , with young Sama held aloft in her father 's arms .
Renee Zellweger was among those pictured tearful in the audience .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Kateab said : `` We should have been here in a moment , but we were hiding in a basement in Aleppo .
We even discussed where we would bury our footage if we did n't make it… '' People are being bombed right now , the people in Aleppo should hear our voices .
The Syrian people need to hear the voices here from this great country , let them hear your voice . ''
Parasite took home two awards - best original screenplay and film not in the English language .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience through an interpreter that when he was writing the script in a coffee shop he had no idea he 'd one day end up accepting a prize at The Royal Albert Hall .
Brad Pitt disappointed everyone by not turning up to collect his best supporting actor prize , but quickly made up for it with his bare-faced cheek .
Once again Pitt brought the funnies with his acceptance speech , leaving a detailed note for his Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood co-star Margot Robbie to deliver ( which she did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could n't be there in person due to `` a family commitment '' , the-father-of-six kicked off with : `` Hey Britain , I heard you just became single '' .
His speech went on : `` Welcome to the club , hope the divorce settlement goes well . ''
Giving special thanks to director Quentin Tarantino , he went on to say he would be naming the gong `` Harry '' because he 's excited to take it back to the States with him .
The cheeky nod to Prince Harry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down a treat .
Thanks for the LOLs , Brad .
If you did n't already love actor Stephen Graham , you will now .
The Liverpudlian star presented the prize for film not in the English language , alongside statuesque Atlanta actress Zazie Beetz .
Not one to worry about being outshone by a beautiful lady , he joked about his suitability for presenting the foreign film prize : `` I 'm a Scouser - I 'm used to people looking at me and saying , 'He 's not speaking English .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national treasure ?
Diversity was the buzzword going into these awards but one category that got it right was the rising star award .
Interestingly , this is the only one to be voted for by the public , with past winners including John Boyega , Tom Hardy and Juno Temple .
The fifteenth recipient was Top Boy and Blue Story star Michael Ward .
Accepting his award , he admitted he 'd planned a speech , but it had all gone from his head .
An emotional Ward then thanked his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him from above , and his mother in the audience .
A close-up of his mum in the crowd showed her crying with pride .
Ward said he hoped to inspire people at home , who can look at him and realise they too can achieve their vision .
Ward is very clearly a man to watch and the public can give themselves a pat on the back for spotting his talent early-doors .
If anyone thought Brad Pitt 's royal joke was a little risque , they will definitely have had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stage armed with jokes about her vagina .
The Australian actress absolutely floored the crowd with a barrage of jokes that were close to the bone , but funny .
She kicked off with a gag about Prince Andrew not being at the event ( BAFTA president Prince William and wife Kate looked like royal rabbits in the headlights ) .
She went on to say that her dress was a homage to her latest film Cats as she 'd `` worn it to the movie 's funeral '' .
Finally moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ category , she said she enjoyed holding the BAFTA ( which she said could be used as a face-mask to ward off the coronavirus ) , but admitted she could never win one as she `` did n't have the balls '' .
The nod to the complete lack of female directors in the category was well received by the audience .
Royals , gynaecology , balls and disease outbreak - Wilson 's speech really did have it all .
'That 's on us' Joaquin Phoenix gave a heartfelt acceptance speech as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gave the industry a telling off to boot .
Phoenix , who had used his platform earlier in the day to urge people to `` go vegan '' , said he was `` conflicted '' that so many actors did n't have the same privilege as him .
He went on to criticise what he called `` a strong message in the industry '' to actors of colour `` that they 're not welcome here '' .
Phoenix clarified that `` no one wants preferential treatment , just recognition for their work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` part of the problem '' , going on to say : `` We have to do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism… People who have benefited from oppression need to dismantle it .
`` That 's on us . ''
Renee Zellweger gave a shout to Irish actress Jessie Buckley as she accepted her leading actress award for biopic Judy , saying how excited she was at their `` collaboration '' .
`` I love you , Jessie , '' she said , before embarking on a long , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star said the BAFTA was all the more special as she was accepting it in London , the town which Judy Garland loved and performed in .
Zellweger said : `` Judy Garland , you loved London , and this shows that London still loves you back . ''
As Renee Zellweger stepped from the podium , Hugh Grant stepped up to present the biggest prize - and he was channelling Daniel Cleaver .
Grant made sure he got in plenty of Bridget Jones references , saying Zellweger was `` wearing a particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and admitting he does n't normally rush to the stage unless it 's to `` beat Collin Firth to a prize '' .
Mark Darcy , unfortunately , was n't there to make up the trio , and the topic of `` big knickers '' was n't broached , but the unexpected mention of Bridget Jones at the 2020 BAFTAs could be just the nostalgia hit we all need to keep us going until the Oscars in a week 's time .
Whether Renee will pick up best actress on Hollywood 's biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Bridget would say , in her cut-glass English accent , that would be `` v.good '' .

The BAFTAs were nearly overshadowed by a diversity row thanks to the all-white acting line-up and lack of female directors - but there were plenty of other talking points on the night.
There were tears and laughter at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards, hosted by Graham Norton at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
As 1917 swept the board, we take a look at some of the best moments of the night.
Like mother like daughter
History came full-circle for best supporting actress BAFTA winner Laura Dern, who took us back to her childhood in her acceptance speech.
Image: Laura Dern took best supporting actress for her role in Marriage Story
Dern explained how as a six-year-old she looked on in wonder as her mother (actress Diane Ladd) brought home the very same award.
She said her mother had explained to her: "This is what friends give you to congratulate you for having the job you love".
She also thanked Britain - "a country she loves" - and gave a shout out to her drama school RADA in central London - who knew!
What diversity problem?
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Accepting the prize for best adapted screenplay, New Zealander Taika Waititi gave a nod to the lack of diversity in the nominations, joking that he's "from colonies", and can't wait to get the statuette "back home where it belongs".
Image: Taika Waititi thanked his mum for his Jojo Rabbit win
The 44-year-old filmmaker also thanked his mother for introducing him to the book Caging Skies (on which his film Jojo Rabbit is based) and for making him read in general.
Good work, mum.
Gollum gets gold
The most agile actor in London, Andy Serkis, won outstanding British contribution to cinema… after walking the red carpet with crutches.
Image: Andy Serkis won the outstanding British contribution to cinema prize
Serkis was treated to a standing ovation as he took to the stage. He thanked "the most important person in his life" (his wife Lorraine) and his three children Sonny, Ruby and Louis. He said he was particularly happy they let him "gallivant around the world without disowning him".
He also gave a shout to his long-time collaborator, Lord Of The Rings director Peter Jackson, and his "extended family" in New Zealand. He thanked his "ape family" too, referencing Planet Of The Apes.
Finally, he thanked all the CGI and visual effects artists who he said had helped define such acting as "real" and helped it gain recognition across the world.
'Let them hear your voice'
For Sama was crowned best documentary, telling the story of Waad al-Kateab's life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria.
Image: It was a very special moment For Sama
Described as "a love letter to her young daughter", al-Kateab took her family onto the stage to accept her award, with young Sama held aloft in her father's arms.
Renee Zellweger was among those pictured tearful in the audience.
Thanking the academy for the prize, al-Kateab said: "We should have been here in a moment, but we were hiding in a basement in Aleppo. We even discussed where we would bury our footage if we didn't make it…
"People are being bombed right now, the people in Aleppo should hear our voices. The Syrian people need to hear the voices here from this great country, let them hear your voice."
Parasite
Parasite took home two awards - best original screenplay and film not in the English language.
Image: South Korean director Bong Joon-ho with his BAFTA
Director Bong Joon Ho explained to the audience through an interpreter that when he was writing the script in a coffee shop he had no idea he'd one day end up accepting a prize at The Royal Albert Hall.
'I'll call it Harry'
Brad Pitt disappointed everyone by not turning up to collect his best supporting actor prize, but quickly made up for it with his bare-faced cheek.
Image: Brad, we missed you, but thank-you for the LOLs all the same
Once again Pitt brought the funnies with his acceptance speech, leaving a detailed note for his Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood co-star Margot Robbie to deliver (which she did with aplomb).
Explaining that he couldn't be there in person due to "a family commitment", the-father-of-six kicked off with: "Hey Britain, I heard you just became single".
His speech went on: "Welcome to the club, hope the divorce settlement goes well."
Giving special thanks to director Quentin Tarantino, he went on to say he would be naming the gong "Harry" because he's excited to take it back to the States with him. The cheeky nod to Prince Harry and Meghan's move to North America went down a treat.
Thanks for the LOLs, Brad.
'I'm a Scouser'
If you didn't already love actor Stephen Graham, you will now. The Liverpudlian star presented the prize for film not in the English language, alongside statuesque Atlanta actress Zazie Beetz.
Image: Graham felt he had something in common with Bong Joon-ho's Parasite cast
Not one to worry about being outshone by a beautiful lady, he joked about his suitability for presenting the foreign film prize: "I'm a Scouser - I'm used to people looking at me and saying, 'He's not speaking English.'"
Surely now he qualifies as a national treasure?
For his dad
Diversity was the buzzword going into these awards but one category that got it right was the rising star award.
Interestingly, this is the only one to be voted for by the public, with past winners including John Boyega, Tom Hardy and Juno Temple.
Image: Man of the moment Michael Ward
The fifteenth recipient was Top Boy and Blue Story star Michael Ward. Accepting his award, he admitted he'd planned a speech, but it had all gone from his head.
An emotional Ward then thanked his father, who he said was watching him from above, and his mother in the audience.
A close-up of his mum in the crowd showed her crying with pride. Ward said he hoped to inspire people at home, who can look at him and realise they too can achieve their vision.
Ward is very clearly a man to watch and the public can give themselves a pat on the back for spotting his talent early-doors.
Rebel with a cause
If anyone thought Brad Pitt's royal joke was a little risque, they will definitely have had to look away when Rebel Wilson took to the stage armed with jokes about her vagina.
The Australian actress absolutely floored the crowd with a barrage of jokes that were close to the bone, but funny.
Image: And the prize for most risque joke of the night goes to... Rebel Wilson
She kicked off with a gag about Prince Andrew not being at the event (BAFTA president Prince William and wife Kate looked like royal rabbits in the headlights).
She went on to say that her dress was a homage to her latest film Cats as she'd "worn it to the movie's funeral".
Image: Cats didn't win an award, but did get an honorary mention
Finally moving on to the nominees in the directing category, she said she enjoyed holding the BAFTA (which she said could be used as a face-mask to ward off the coronavirus), but admitted she could never win one as she "didn't have the balls".
The nod to the complete lack of female directors in the category was well received by the audience.
Royals, gynaecology, balls and disease outbreak - Wilson's speech really did have it all.
'That's on us'
Joaquin Phoenix gave a heartfelt acceptance speech as he took his gong for leading actor, and gave the industry a telling off to boot.
Phoenix, who had used his platform earlier in the day to urge people to "go vegan", said he was "conflicted" that so many actors didn't have the same privilege as him.
Image: Joaquin Phoenix is never one to shy away from controversy
He went on to criticise what he called "a strong message in the industry" to actors of colour "that they're not welcome here".
Phoenix clarified that "no one wants preferential treatment, just recognition for their work".
He concluded that he too was "part of the problem", going on to say: "We have to do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism… People who have benefited from oppression need to dismantle it.
"That's on us."
Renee Zellweger fangirls Jessie Buckley
Renee Zellweger gave a shout to Irish actress Jessie Buckley as she accepted her leading actress award for biopic Judy, saying how excited she was at their "collaboration".
"I love you, Jessie," she said, before embarking on a long, long list of thank-yous.
Image: Judy star Renee Zellweger at the BAFTAs
The American star said the BAFTA was all the more special as she was accepting it in London, the town which Judy Garland loved and performed in.
Zellweger said: "Judy Garland, you loved London, and this shows that London still loves you back."
And Hugh Grant fangirls Bridget Jones
As Renee Zellweger stepped from the podium, Hugh Grant stepped up to present the biggest prize - and he was channelling Daniel Cleaver.
Image: Bridget Jones at the BAFTAs?! Whatever next?
Grant made sure he got in plenty of Bridget Jones references, saying Zellweger was "wearing a particularly silly little dress" that evening, and admitting he doesn't normally rush to the stage unless it's to "beat Collin Firth to a prize".
Mark Darcy, unfortunately, wasn't there to make up the trio, and the topic of "big knickers" wasn't broached, but the unexpected mention of Bridget Jones at the 2020 BAFTAs could be just the nostalgia hit we all need to keep us going until the Oscars in a week's time.
Whether Renee will pick up best actress on Hollywood's biggest night remains to be seen, but as Bridget would say, in her cut-glass English accent, that would be "v.good".


news--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: How COVID-19 spread across the whole UK

In the past week COVID-19 has spread across the whole of the United Kingdom , with cases reported in all but a few places .
Scroll through the map below to see how far it has spread .
The first person to become infected in the UK , instead of abroad , was a man from Haslemere .
It 's not known how he came into contact with the disease .
A London underground driver , who was based at a North Greenwich depot , has also tested positive for the virus after returning from Vietnam .
Health Minister Nadine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other Westminster staff and politicians are in self-isolation after meeting her .
Among the confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Hertfordshire is a paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Service .
Five students at the University of Oxford have also tested positive for the disease , according to Public Health England .
A police officer in South Wales became infected with the virus , causing his police station to be temporarily shut while it was deep-cleaned .
A surgeon and another staff member at the Aintree University Hospital in Merseyside have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student at Queen ’ s University in Belfast tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from North Italy .
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Newcastle has shut until the end of March after a congregation member tested positive .
The disease has even reached the far north of Scotland , with at least six confirmed cases in the Shetland Islands .

In the past week COVID-19 has spread across the whole of the United Kingdom, with cases reported in all but a few places.
Scroll through the map below to see how far it has spread.
Key Points


news--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: Mount Everest shut ahead of climbing season

Nepal 's government has suspended climbing permits for Mount Everest and all other peaks due to concern over the spread of the coronavirus .
Despite only one COVID-19 case being confirmed in the country , the government has closed all of its Himalayan peaks , prohibiting foreign tourists from climbing during the spring season .
`` Climbing this season has been closed , '' Nepal 's tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai said , adding that the government was shutting the peaks as a `` precaution '' to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
Nepal earns more than $ 4m ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to scale the mountain .
The suspension of expeditions comes during a window of good weather at the end of the winter season and before the rainy season , which starts in June .
Everest sits on the border between Nepal and the Chinese region of Tibet .
China has announced it will be closing its side of the mountain .
Nepal has also announced it will temporarily stop issuing on-arrival tourist visas to all countries .
`` The visa suspension , which excludes diplomatic and official visas , will come into effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 , '' a government official told local media .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A high-level meeting , led by Nepal 's deputy prime minister and minister of defence Ishwar Pokhrel , also restricted travel to and from India , with strict quarantine measures at the countries ' border , The Kathmandu Post reports .
A decision on whether to close schools and colleges in the country has not been made .
This is not the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last February , China closed its base camp because of the amount of rubbish being dumped by tourists .
Expeditions were also stopped in 2015 after an avalanche triggered by a major earthquake killed eighteen people at the Everest base camp .

Nepal's government has suspended climbing permits for Mount Everest and all other peaks due to concern over the spread of the coronavirus.
Despite only one COVID-19 case being confirmed in the country, the government has closed all of its Himalayan peaks, prohibiting foreign tourists from climbing during the spring season.
"Climbing this season has been closed," Nepal's tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai said, adding that the government was shutting the peaks as a "precaution" to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Nepal earns more than $4m (£3.1m) each year from charging climbers to scale the mountain.
The suspension of expeditions comes during a window of good weather at the end of the winter season and before the rainy season, which starts in June.
Everest sits on the border between Nepal and the Chinese region of Tibet. China has announced it will be closing its side of the mountain.
Nepal has also announced it will temporarily stop issuing on-arrival tourist visas to all countries.
"The visa suspension, which excludes diplomatic and official visas, will come into effect on March 14 and last until April 30," a government official told local media.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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A high-level meeting, led by Nepal's deputy prime minister and minister of defence Ishwar Pokhrel, also restricted travel to and from India, with strict quarantine measures at the countries' border, The Kathmandu Post reports.
A decision on whether to close schools and colleges in the country has not been made.
This is not the first time climbing has been restricted on Everest.
Last February, China closed its base camp because of the amount of rubbish being dumped by tourists.
Expeditions were also stopped in 2015 after an avalanche triggered by a major earthquake killed eighteen people at the Everest base camp.


news--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: First death of COVID-19 patient in Scotland as UK cases reach 798

A patient in Scotland has died after testing positive for coronavirus - the country 's first fatality linked to the virus .
Their death brings the total number of people with COVID-19 to have died across the UK to 11 .
On Friday , the number of confirmed cases in the UK reached 798 - an increase of 208 over the last 24 hours .
In Wales , where there are 38 confirmed cases , all non-urgent surgical procedures and outpatient appointments have been suspended as preparations are made for an increase in people being treated for COVID-19 .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 9am on Friday a total of 32,771 people in the UK have been tested for COVID-19 , with 97.6 % found not to have the disease .
Scotland 's chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood confirmed the latest death , saying the patient was `` an older person who had underlying health conditions '' .
The patient died in a hospital covered by NHS Lothian , which includes Edinburgh , Midlothian , East Lothian and West Lothian .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced new measures on Thursday as the government 's coronavirus response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from trying to contain the virus to delaying its spread .
Anyone with a new persistent cough or a high temperature will now have to self-isolate and stay at home for seven days , and schools are being urged to cancel planned trips abroad .
The London Marathon , which was due to take place on 26 April , has been postponed until 4 October because of the coronavirus .
The event 's director Hugh Brasher said : `` The world is in an unprecedented situation grappling with a global pandemic of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
English football authorities have also suspended top level fixtures until 3 April , although the government has not yet ordered the banning of mass gatherings .
In other developments in the spread of COVID-19 in the UK : • The Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to the Spanish regions of Madrid , La Rioja and the municipalities of La Bastida , Vitoria and Miranda de Ebro • Wales v Scotland Six Nations rugby match was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak • England 's cricket tour of Sri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week 's Champions League and Europa League matches have been postponed • London 's St Patrick 's Day parade and celebrations this Sunday were cancelled • The first cases of community transmission of COVID-19 not linked to travel were detected in Northern Ireland The developments came as experts defended the government 's response to the virus amid criticism from former health secretary Jeremy Hunt and others over the decision not to cancel large gatherings .
The UK 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , said the government was not looking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help create a `` herd immunity in the UK '' while protecting the most vulnerable from it .
He told Sky News around 60 % of the UK population will need to become infected with coronavirus in order for society to have such immunity .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sir Patrick said some of the social distancing measures put in place , including self-isolating for seven days if symptoms develop , were `` actually quite extreme '' .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all schools and childcare facilities and other public spaces like museums , while Scotland banned gatherings of more than 500 people .
But the UK government said it would not close schools at the moment as the evidence for its effectiveness was lacking , though this would be kept under review .
The World Health Organisation has designated the global coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic .

A patient in Scotland has died after testing positive for coronavirus - the country's first fatality linked to the virus.
Their death brings the total number of people with COVID-19 to have died across the UK to 11.
On Friday, the number of confirmed cases in the UK reached 798 - an increase of 208 over the last 24 hours.
In Wales, where there are 38 confirmed cases, all non-urgent surgical procedures and outpatient appointments have been suspended as preparations are made for an increase in people being treated for COVID-19.
According to the Department of Health, as of 9am on Friday a total of 32,771 people in the UK have been tested for COVID-19, with 97.6% found not to have the disease.
Scotland's chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood confirmed the latest death, saying the patient was "an older person who had underlying health conditions".
The patient died in a hospital covered by NHS Lothian, which includes Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced new measures on Thursday as the government's coronavirus response escalated to the second phase - moving from trying to contain the virus to delaying its spread.
Anyone with a new persistent cough or a high temperature will now have to self-isolate and stay at home for seven days, and schools are being urged to cancel planned trips abroad.
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The London Marathon, which was due to take place on 26 April, has been postponed until 4 October because of the coronavirus.
The event's director Hugh Brasher said: "The world is in an unprecedented situation grappling with a global pandemic of COVID-19 and public health is everyone's priority."
English football authorities have also suspended top level fixtures until 3 April, although the government has not yet ordered the banning of mass gatherings.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
In other developments in the spread of COVID-19 in the UK:
The Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to the Spanish regions of Madrid, La Rioja and the municipalities of La Bastida, Vitoria and Miranda de Ebro
Wales v Scotland Six Nations rugby match was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak
England's cricket tour of Sri Lanka was also called off
Next week's Champions League and Europa League matches have been postponed
A London Underground tube driver tested positive for the virus
London's St Patrick's Day parade and celebrations this Sunday were cancelled
The first cases of community transmission of COVID-19 not linked to travel were detected in Northern Ireland
The developments came as experts defended the government's response to the virus amid criticism from former health secretary Jeremy Hunt and others over the decision not to cancel large gatherings.
The UK's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said the government was not looking to "suppress" the disease entirely but to help create a "herd immunity in the UK" while protecting the most vulnerable from it.
He told Sky News around 60% of the UK population will need to become infected with coronavirus in order for society to have such immunity.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sir Patrick said some of the social distancing measures put in place, including self-isolating for seven days if symptoms develop, were "actually quite extreme".
On Thursday, Ireland announced the closure of all schools and childcare facilities and other public spaces like museums, while Scotland banned gatherings of more than 500 people.
But the UK government said it would not close schools at the moment as the evidence for its effectiveness was lacking, though this would be kept under review.
The World Health Organisation has designated the global coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic.


news--2020-03-13--Coronavirus deaths in Italy up by 250 in a day to 1,266

The number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy has risen to 1,266 - an increase of 250 in a day , officials say .
The 25 % hike is the largest rise in absolute terms since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak , Italy 's Civil Protection Agency has said .
The total number of cases in the country , the worst hit in Europe , has gone up by 17 % , from 15,113 to 17,660 .
On Friday , the World Health Organisation said Europe was now the epicentre of the world 's coronavirus pandemic .
Director-General , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Geneva that `` more cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic '' .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to his Italian counterpart , Giuseppe Conte , on Friday afternoon .
In a statement , Number 10 said that Mr Johnson `` expresses his solidarity and sympathy with Italy '' .
`` He stressed that this was a hugely testing time for countries around the world and that the UK would support Italy in any way possible , '' Number 10 added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Conte for his help ensuring British tourists were able to depart Italy following the outbreak , and for the support the Italian authorities continued to provide to British people who live in Italy .
`` The two leaders discussed the importance of taking a transparent and science led approach in response to the virus .
`` They also agreed on the need for international coordination , including through the G7 , and they agreed a call between G7 leaders would be a good opportunity to do that . ''
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The Italian government has imposed the most severe controls placed on a Western nation since World War Two .
As part of a nationwide lockdown , only food shops , pharmacies and essential stores are allowed to remain open as the country struggles to contain the outbreak .
The Italian prime minister announced the new restrictions in an address on Facebook Live on Wednesday evening .
In his broadcast , Mr Conte thanked the public for following the restrictions already in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another step '' to try and stop the spread of the virus .
He said essential public services such as transport , utilities , agriculture , finance , mail and banking would remain operational .

The number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy has risen to 1,266 - an increase of 250 in a day, officials say.
The 25% hike is the largest rise in absolute terms since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, Italy's Civil Protection Agency has said.
The total number of cases in the country, the worst hit in Europe, has gone up by 17%, from 15,113 to 17,660.
Image: Piazza Navona in Rome has been deserted deserted
On Friday, the World Health Organisation said Europe was now the epicentre of the world's coronavirus pandemic.
Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, told reporters in Geneva that "more cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:59 Inside Rome on lockdown
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to his Italian counterpart, Giuseppe Conte, on Friday afternoon.
In a statement, Number 10 said that Mr Johnson "expresses his solidarity and sympathy with Italy".
Image: Giuseppe Conte (L) and Boris Johnson spoke over the phone on Friday. File pic
"He stressed that this was a hugely testing time for countries around the world and that the UK would support Italy in any way possible," Number 10 added.
"The prime minister thanked Prime Minister Conte for his help ensuring British tourists were able to depart Italy following the outbreak, and for the support the Italian authorities continued to provide to British people who live in Italy.
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"The two leaders discussed the importance of taking a transparent and science led approach in response to the virus.
"They also agreed on the need for international coordination, including through the G7, and they agreed a call between G7 leaders would be a good opportunity to do that."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The Italian government has imposed the most severe controls placed on a Western nation since World War Two.
As part of a nationwide lockdown, only food shops, pharmacies and essential stores are allowed to remain open as the country struggles to contain the outbreak.
Image: The centre of Rome has been completely deserted
Image: In Venice, police officers enforce the lockdown
Image: The whole of Italy has been placed on lockdown
The Italian prime minister announced the new restrictions in an address on Facebook Live on Wednesday evening.
In his broadcast, Mr Conte thanked the public for following the restrictions already in place, but said Italy must "go another step" to try and stop the spread of the virus.
He said essential public services such as transport, utilities, agriculture, finance, mail and banking would remain operational.