news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: Cambridge Police checks no one is in non-essential aisles at supermarket

Cambridge Police has had to clarify its social distancing guidelines after an officer posted on social media they were monitoring `` non-essential '' supermarket aisles .
The force said in a now-deleted tweet that they had been to a local branch of Tesco in the village of Bar Hill , north of Cambridge , as part of visits to supermarkets and green spaces across Easter weekend .
Cambridge Police said it was `` good to see everyone was abiding by social distancing measures and the non essential aisles were empty '' .
But the post has attracted backlash from users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` non-essential '' .
One user , @ setoacnna , asked : `` What are 'non essential ' aisles in a supermarket ?
If my kettle is bust for example that 's pretty essential to replace . ''
Another , @ BeccadT , said : `` If I 'm in the supermarket for essentials , why ca n't I pick up , I do n't know , some nice moisturiser or some chocolate ?
Not essential but they will help me through stay at home life . ''
@ MattBirdLabour tweeted : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to judge what is an essential purchase .
Nor are non-essential purchases illegal .
This is an outrageous power grab by the police , and we must stand against it . ''
Cambridge Police said in follow-up tweets that the officer who had made the post had been spoken to .
They said : `` While the majority of people in our communities are abiding by the social distancing measures we have had to issue a small number of fines to those who are flouting the rules .
`` None of these have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits . ''
Some users have in turn criticised the force for accepting the `` generous donation '' of `` chocolate goodies '' from a local business .
`` Are they essential items ? ''
one user asked .
Downing Street said shops that are allowed to remain open during the lockdown are free to sell `` whatever they have in stock '' .
South Yorkshire Police have also apologised after a video circulating on social media appears to show an officer reprimanding a man for using his front lawn .
The video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shows an officer telling a man `` you can not come on your front garden '' .
The force said on Twitter , where the video has so far been viewed almost 300,000 times , that the officer in the video had good intentions but was `` ill-informed '' .
`` We 've spoken to the officer concerned and made our approach absolutely clear .
Again , we apologise for any inconvenience caused . ''
It comes a day after Northamptonshire Police were forced to reassure the public they would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief constable Nick Adderley apologised after saying his force was `` only a few days away '' from `` marshalling supermarkets and checking the items in baskets and trolleys to see whether it 's a legitimate , necessary item '' .
Chief Constable Adderley said he may have been `` clumsy '' in his language .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In her first interview since the coronavirus pandemic , Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked officers to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She told talkRADIO that police checking supermarket trolleys was `` not appropriate '' and the approach was not part of government guidance .
Ms Patel also said the government was `` absolutely not '' considering tougher lockdown measures .
`` This is not about heavy-handed law enforcement .
I think I really must emphasise that .
There 's a balance to this .
`` I do pay credit to the police because these are extraordinary times .
They exercise their judgement . ''
Under current rules , police have the powers to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel .
If members of the public do not comply , police may : • Instruct them to go home , leave an area or disperse ; • Ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking the rules ; • Issue a fixed penalty notice of £60 , which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days ; • Issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second time offenders , doubling on each further repeat offence .
If a fine is not paid , a person could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be able to impose unlimited fines .
And , if an individual continues to refuse to comply , police may arrest them .

Cambridge Police has had to clarify its social distancing guidelines after an officer posted on social media they were monitoring "non-essential" supermarket aisles.
The force said in a now-deleted tweet that they had been to a local branch of Tesco in the village of Bar Hill, north of Cambridge, as part of visits to supermarkets and green spaces across Easter weekend.
Cambridge Police said it was "good to see everyone was abiding by social distancing measures and the non essential aisles were empty".
But the post has attracted backlash from users asking what police would define as a "non-essential".
Image: Police have now deleted the tweet, which described some supermarket aisles as 'non essential'. Pic: @CambridgeCops/Twitter
One user, @setoacnna, asked: "What are 'non essential' aisles in a supermarket? If my kettle is bust for example that's pretty essential to replace."
Another, @BeccadT, said: "If I'm in the supermarket for essentials, why can't I pick up, I don't know, some nice moisturiser or some chocolate? Not essential but they will help me through stay at home life."
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@MattBirdLabour tweeted: "Cambridge police do not have the authority to judge what is an essential purchase. Nor are non-essential purchases illegal. This is an outrageous power grab by the police, and we must stand against it."
Cambridge Police said in follow-up tweets that the officer who had made the post had been spoken to.
They said: "While the majority of people in our communities are abiding by the social distancing measures we have had to issue a small number of fines to those who are flouting the rules.
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"None of these have been in relation to shopping or supermarket visits."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Police tell family not to go in garden
Some users have in turn criticised the force for accepting the "generous donation" of "chocolate goodies" from a local business.
"Are they essential items?" one user asked.
Downing Street said shops that are allowed to remain open during the lockdown are free to sell "whatever they have in stock".
South Yorkshire Police have also apologised after a video circulating on social media appears to show an officer reprimanding a man for using his front lawn.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
The video, which was originally posted on Facebook, shows an officer telling a man "you cannot come on your front garden".
The force said on Twitter, where the video has so far been viewed almost 300,000 times, that the officer in the video had good intentions but was "ill-informed".
"We've spoken to the officer concerned and made our approach absolutely clear. Again, we apologise for any inconvenience caused."
It comes a day after Northamptonshire Police were forced to reassure the public they would not be searching their supermarket trolleys.
Northamptonshire Police chief constable Nick Adderley apologised after saying his force was "only a few days away" from "marshalling supermarkets and checking the items in baskets and trolleys to see whether it's a legitimate, necessary item".
Chief Constable Adderley said he may have been "clumsy" in his language.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In her first interview since the coronavirus pandemic, Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked officers to use common sense when enforcing restriction measures.
She told talkRADIO that police checking supermarket trolleys was "not appropriate" and the approach was not part of government guidance.
Ms Patel also said the government was "absolutely not" considering tougher lockdown measures.
Image: Home Secretary Priti Patel has told officers to use common sense when enforcing social distancing restrictions
"This is not about heavy-handed law enforcement. I think I really must emphasise that. There's a balance to this.
"I do pay credit to the police because these are extraordinary times. They exercise their judgement."
Under current rules, police have the powers to ensure people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.
If members of the public do not comply, police may:
Instruct them to go home, leave an area or disperse;
Ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking the rules;
Issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days;
Issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence.
If a fine is not paid, a person could be taken to court, where magistrates will be able to impose unlimited fines.
And, if an individual continues to refuse to comply, police may arrest them.


news--2020-04-10--Coronavirus: India sets up 1,200 'containment zones' as people banned from leaving home

India has intensified its fight against the coronavirus by setting up 1,200 `` containment zones '' in states which have reported more than 100 cases .
The size of the zones varies from apartment complexes , to colonies , and even parts of a district covering many thousands of people These zones are now under a more severe COVID-19 lockdown , with a complete prohibition of movement of residents out of their homes , or for outsiders to enter .
The zones have been sealed with all entry and exits manned by police and watched over by CCTV and drone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers and government officials are allowed inside .
For essential items like food , milk and medicines , residents need to call a designated number so the item can be delivered to their doorstep .
Health workers will conduct house-to-house checks and anyone with symptoms will be identified and tested .
If found positive , they will be isolated at home or at a hospital if required .
A mobile app is also used to monitor movements of people in the zones , including those with no symptoms .
Municipal workers spray disinfectants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The national lockdown of 21 days ends on 14 April but a number of state governments have urged the prime minister to extend it .
As India has a federal structure , chief ministers of states could enforce a shutdown of their own individual states .
Punjab and Odisha have extended their lockdown until 30 April .
The lockdown has created its own complications as hundreds of thousands of migrant workers have been left stranded .
These daily wage earners and contract workers form almost 81 % of India 's working population and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earnings .
They desperately tried to get back to their homes and villages by walking hundreds of miles as all road , air and rail transport was shutdown .
The purpose of a lockdown was defeated when thousands were seen walking across the northern states of Punjab , Haryana and Delhi .
Large crowds converged at border points and there was no social distancing , and most did n't have personal protection .
The prime minister has since apologised and asked for forgiveness for the trouble caused to this labour force .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various states where over 1.4 million migrants caught up in the lockdown have been provided shelter and food .
India has been criticised for carrying out very few tests and has one of the lowest testing rates in the world .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In a briefing , health ministry spokesperson Luv Agarwal said : `` There is no community transmission , there is no need to panic . ''
Over the last 24 hours , 678 new confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number to 6,412 with 199 deaths reported .
Just over 20,000 foreign nationals have been evacuated from India so far .

India has intensified its fight against the coronavirus by setting up 1,200 "containment zones" in states which have reported more than 100 cases.
The size of the zones varies from apartment complexes, to colonies, and even parts of a district covering many thousands of people
These zones are now under a more severe COVID-19 lockdown, with a complete prohibition of movement of residents out of their homes, or for outsiders to enter.
The zones have been sealed with all entry and exits manned by police and watched over by CCTV and drone cameras 24/7.
Only health and sanitation workers and government officials are allowed inside.
Image: People in the zones must have food and other essentials delivered to them
For essential items like food, milk and medicines, residents need to call a designated number so the item can be delivered to their doorstep.
Health workers will conduct house-to-house checks and anyone with symptoms will be identified and tested.
If found positive, they will be isolated at home or at a hospital if required.
A mobile app is also used to monitor movements of people in the zones, including those with no symptoms.
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Municipal workers spray disinfectants at regular intervals throughout the day.
The national lockdown of 21 days ends on 14 April but a number of state governments have urged the prime minister to extend it.
As India has a federal structure, chief ministers of states could enforce a shutdown of their own individual states. Punjab and Odisha have extended their lockdown until 30 April.
Image: Huge numbers of migrant workers have been stranded - here some line up for food in Chennai
The lockdown has created its own complications as hundreds of thousands of migrant workers have been left stranded.
These daily wage earners and contract workers form almost 81% of India's working population and were left with no work and no earnings.
They desperately tried to get back to their homes and villages by walking hundreds of miles as all road, air and rail transport was shutdown.
Image: Police have been asking drivers why they need to be out on the roads
The purpose of a lockdown was defeated when thousands were seen walking across the northern states of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.
Large crowds converged at border points and there was no social distancing, and most didn't have personal protection.
The prime minister has since apologised and asked for forgiveness for the trouble caused to this labour force.
The government has set up 37,978 camps across various states where over 1.4 million migrants caught up in the lockdown have been provided shelter and food.
India has been criticised for carrying out very few tests and has one of the lowest testing rates in the world.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In a briefing, health ministry spokesperson Luv Agarwal said: "There is no community transmission, there is no need to panic."
Over the last 24 hours, 678 new confirmed cases have been detected, taking the number to 6,412 with 199 deaths reported.
Just over 20,000 foreign nationals have been evacuated from India so far.


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus questions: You asked, we answered

You asked about coronavirus , we answered .
A panel of experts addressed a series of questions about the illness , of which there are now more than 100,000 cases worldwide , on a special Sky News programme .
On the panel was Simon Clarke , a microbiologist at the University of Reading ; Lisa Minot , travel editor at The Sun and chief economic adviser to the Centre for Economics and Business Research , Vicky Pryce .
These were their insights : Q : The first two stages of the government 's response to coronavirus are to contain it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realistically in the delay stage ?
A : Sky News ' science correspondent Thomas Moore described the government 's four-stage response plan as a scheme devised `` to make it looks like it was doing something '' .
He said the government has not yet figured out when it will ban mass gatherings or encourage more people to work from home , and that they 're `` buying themselves time '' to figure it out .
Q : There is confusion about how long people should self-quarantine for .
What is the lifespan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does it die ?
A : Dr Simon Clarke says the virus could live on a surface anywhere from minutes to several hours and that it thrives more on hard surfaces .
Heat and UV rays would kill the virus `` pretty quickly , '' so summer months could help .
But there are certain viruses that survive through warmer months - and could even be stronger then - so we should n't be complacent .
Q .
We both work at the NHS and have just returned from a two-week cruise around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we do now is confusing .
Can you clarify ?
A : The fact that government could n't even be clear on what steps NHS staff should take concerned travel editor of The Sun , Lisa Minot , who said : `` There 's something really wrong here '' .
She said the government must come up with a clear strategy for people who may have the virus and be contagious but not show any symptoms .
Q .
We 've booked a cruise to Rome and back that 's still going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
A. Ms Minot was not surprised .
She pointed to how all Diamond Princess passengers were made to isolate , which `` basically became an incubator for the disease , '' and questioned whether they should 've been tested on the ground .
She said the government had only advised against all but essential travel to China and that holidaymakers to other countries should take normal precautions - washing their hands thoroughly and often .
Q .
Will coronavirus cause the whole world to go into recession ?
A. Vicky Price said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected it would .
But the question for them was how long it would last .
She said China had suffered a serious economic hit since the start of the outbreak and this would continue to trickle down into the global economy .
But after the peak of the illness had passed , she expected the economy would bounce back .
Q .
Can you get the virus more than once ?
A. Dr Clarke said there were `` reports '' of this happening but it could have been a case of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This would pose serious challenges for vaccine development .
Q .
My 95-year-old mother-in-law is in hospital .
We do n't have any symptoms and have n't been to any hard hit areas .
But given this incubates for days , is it fair that we visit , or given her age , should we stay away ?
A : Dr Clarke said advice should be taken from the hospital , but that he does not avoid visiting his own 97-year-old grandmother .
But he did go on to explain that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of 40 was 1 in 500 , and this was significantly higher for older people .
Q. I 'm currently seven months pregnant .
Is there any data to say how this could impact a pregnant woman and her baby ?
A : Thomas Moore said the chief medical officer had told him that although the immune system of pregnant women is altered , there is no evidence that it would make them more vulnerable to the virus .
He said this was based on 100,000 cases worldwide .
Q .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you more at risk ?
You have about a 5-10 % higher risk of dying from coronavirus if you have a underlying health condition , Moore explained .
A Chinese study of the first 44,000 patients found that people older than 70 have the highest fatality rate , but if you are younger and have a condition affecting the lung , heart or kidneys you would still roughly have a 95 % chance of survival .

You asked about coronavirus, we answered.
A panel of experts addressed a series of questions about the illness, of which there are now more than 100,000 cases worldwide, on a special Sky News programme.
On the panel was Simon Clarke, a microbiologist at the University of Reading; Lisa Minot, travel editor at The Sun and chief economic adviser to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, Vicky Pryce.
These were their insights:
Image: Elderly people have a far higher mortality rate from coronavirus
Q: The first two stages of the government's response to coronavirus are to contain it and delay its spread. Are we realistically in the delay stage?
A: Sky News' science correspondent Thomas Moore described the government's four-stage response plan as a scheme devised "to make it looks like it was doing something". He said the government has not yet figured out when it will ban mass gatherings or encourage more people to work from home, and that they're "buying themselves time" to figure it out.
Q: There is confusion about how long people should self-quarantine for. What is the lifespan of the virus and at what temperature does it die?
A: Dr Simon Clarke says the virus could live on a surface anywhere from minutes to several hours and that it thrives more on hard surfaces. Heat and UV rays would kill the virus "pretty quickly," so summer months could help. But there are certain viruses that survive through warmer months - and could even be stronger then - so we shouldn't be complacent.
Image: The government has only issued advice against travelling to China
Q. We both work at the NHS and have just returned from a two-week cruise around Asia, but the government advice on what we do now is confusing. Can you clarify?
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A: The fact that government couldn't even be clear on what steps NHS staff should take concerned travel editor of The Sun, Lisa Minot, who said: "There's something really wrong here". She said the government must come up with a clear strategy for people who may have the virus and be contagious but not show any symptoms.
Q. We've booked a cruise to Rome and back that's still going ahead. Are you surprised at this?
A. Ms Minot was not surprised. She pointed to how all Diamond Princess passengers were made to isolate, which "basically became an incubator for the disease," and questioned whether they should've been tested on the ground. She said the government had only advised against all but essential travel to China and that holidaymakers to other countries should take normal precautions - washing their hands thoroughly and often.
Image: Around 3,600 people were quarantined on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship
Q. Will coronavirus cause the whole world to go into recession?
A. Vicky Price said "there were many people" who expected it would. But the question for them was how long it would last. She said China had suffered a serious economic hit since the start of the outbreak and this would continue to trickle down into the global economy. But after the peak of the illness had passed, she expected the economy would bounce back.
Q. Can you get the virus more than once?
A. Dr Clarke said there were "reports" of this happening but it could have been a case of the initial infection not healing fully and re-emerging. This would pose serious challenges for vaccine development.
Q. My 95-year-old mother-in-law is in hospital. We don't have any symptoms and haven't been to any hard hit areas. But given this incubates for days, is it fair that we visit, or given her age, should we stay away?
A: Dr Clarke said advice should be taken from the hospital, but that he does not avoid visiting his own 97-year-old grandmother. But he did go on to explain that the risk of dying for people under the age of 40 was 1 in 500, and this was significantly higher for older people.
Image: It's not known if you can catch the virus more than once
Q. I'm currently seven months pregnant. Is there any data to say how this could impact a pregnant woman and her baby?
A: Thomas Moore said the chief medical officer had told him that although the immune system of pregnant women is altered, there is no evidence that it would make them more vulnerable to the virus. He said this was based on 100,000 cases worldwide.
Q. If you have mild or severe asthma are you more at risk?
You have about a 5-10% higher risk of dying from coronavirus if you have a underlying health condition, Moore explained. A Chinese study of the first 44,000 patients found that people older than 70 have the highest fatality rate, but if you are younger and have a condition affecting the lung, heart or kidneys you would still roughly have a 95% chance of survival.


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: Worldwide COVID-19 cases top 100,000 with 700 new infections in Italy

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has passed 100,000 , according to Johns Hopkins University , as the outbreak intensifies .
The university , which is tracking the outbreak , says the coronavirus has caused the deaths of more than 3,400 people .
It comes amid signs of the virus 's shift away from its origins in China , with Italy , Iran and South Korea emerging as the other countries hardest hit by the deadly disease .
Italy is the worst affected country in Europe , with more than 4,636 cases , a rise of 778 in a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an increase of 49 .
In South Korea , the second hardest-hit country behind China , nearly 6,600 people have tested positive for the virus , with 40 deaths recorded .
The number of infections from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , has risen to 4,747 in Iran , where 124 people have died .
Just a month ago , China was reporting several thousand new cases a day , outnumbering infections elsewhere in the world by about 120 to one .
China 's central province of Hubei , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epicentre of the outbreak ) , has reported no new cases of coronavirus over 24 hours for the first time .
There were 126 new cases in Wuhan .
Three months since the first cases were recorded in Wuhan in December - linked to a seafood market - the virus has now spread to every continent except Antarctica .
In France , there are now 613 confirmed cases and nine deaths .
In two of the worst-hit regions - Oise , north of Paris , and Haut-Rhin in eastern France - all nurseries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
Austria is introducing `` spot '' health checks at its border with Italy for a fortnight in response to the outbreak .
In the UK , a second person has died after being diagnosed with COVID-19 .
The Vatican , Cameroon , Peru , Serbia and Slovakia confirmed their first cases on Friday , and the Netherlands its first coronavirus death .
Cases in Belgium have doubled to more than 109 , while Germany reported 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours .
Governments are ramping up their moves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ globally .
The British government is considering the isolation of whole households , encouraging people to work from home , and is also looking at cutting large-scale gatherings .
Measures including restricting people from visiting the elderly in nursing homes are in force in Italy , where older people have been urged to stay at home , while schools and universities have been shut down across the country .
Eleven northern towns remain under quarantine , but officials say it could be another two weeks before it is known whether this has helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Twenty one people stranded on a cruise ship off the coast of California have tested positive for coronavirus .
US vice president Mike Pence - who has been tasked by President Donald Trump to coordinate the US government 's response to the outbreak of COVID-19 - has admitted there are not enough coronavirus testing kits for Americans who want them .
The number of dead in the US rose to 15 on Friday .
The head of the UN 's food agency , the World Food Programme , has warned of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak 's effects ripple through Africa and the Middle East .
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem , the site revered as the birthplace of Jesus , has been closed indefinitely over fears of the coronavirus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , EU27 health ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss what they can do to co-ordinate a response to the outbreak as it spreads across Europe and the rest of the globe .
Ministers have expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , face masks and protective gear for health workers .
• South Korea has reported 505 new cases , taking its total to 6,593 • South Korea is using drive-thru testing centres - inspired by the fast food counters used by McDonald 's - to identify new cases • Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK • The head of UN 's food agency has warned of the potential for `` absolute devastation '' as the outbreak 's effects ripple through Africa and the Middle @

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has passed 100,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, as the outbreak intensifies.
The university, which is tracking the outbreak, says the coronavirus has caused the deaths of more than 3,400 people.
It comes amid signs of the virus's shift away from its origins in China, with Italy, Iran and South Korea emerging as the other countries hardest hit by the deadly disease.
Italy is the worst affected country in Europe, with more than 4,636 cases, a rise of 778 in a day, and a death toll of 197, an increase of 49.
In South Korea, the second hardest-hit country behind China, nearly 6,600 people have tested positive for the virus, with 40 deaths recorded.
The number of infections from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has risen to 4,747 in Iran, where 124 people have died.
Just a month ago, China was reporting several thousand new cases a day, outnumbering infections elsewhere in the world by about 120 to one.
China's central province of Hubei, excluding the provincial capital Wuhan (the epicentre of the outbreak), has reported no new cases of coronavirus over 24 hours for the first time.
There were 126 new cases in Wuhan.
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Three months since the first cases were recorded in Wuhan in December - linked to a seafood market - the virus has now spread to every continent except Antarctica.
In France, there are now 613 confirmed cases and nine deaths.
In two of the worst-hit regions - Oise, north of Paris, and Haut-Rhin in eastern France - all nurseries and schools will be shut for two weeks.
Austria is introducing "spot" health checks at its border with Italy for a fortnight in response to the outbreak.
In the UK, a second person has died after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Vatican, Cameroon, Peru, Serbia and Slovakia confirmed their first cases on Friday, and the Netherlands its first coronavirus death.
Cases in Belgium have doubled to more than 109, while Germany reported 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Governments are ramping up their moves to contain the disease as it spreads globally.
The British government is considering the isolation of whole households, encouraging people to work from home, and is also looking at cutting large-scale gatherings.
Measures including restricting people from visiting the elderly in nursing homes are in force in Italy, where older people have been urged to stay at home, while schools and universities have been shut down across the country.
Eleven northern towns remain under quarantine, but officials say it could be another two weeks before it is known whether this has helped to halt the spread of the disease.
Twenty one people stranded on a cruise ship off the coast of California have tested positive for coronavirus.
US vice president Mike Pence - who has been tasked by President Donald Trump to coordinate the US government's response to the outbreak of COVID-19 - has admitted there are not enough coronavirus testing kits for Americans who want them.
The number of dead in the US rose to 15 on Friday.
The head of the UN's food agency, the World Food Programme, has warned of the potential of "absolute devastation" as the outbreak's effects ripple through Africa and the Middle East.
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the site revered as the birthplace of Jesus, has been closed indefinitely over fears of the coronavirus.
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Meanwhile, EU27 health ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss what they can do to co-ordinate a response to the outbreak as it spreads across Europe and the rest of the globe.
Ministers have expressed concerns about shortages of sanitisers, drugs, face masks and protective gear for health workers.
In other developments:
South Korea has reported 505 new cases, taking its total to 6,593
South Korea is using drive-thru testing centres - inspired by the fast food counters used by McDonald's - to identify new cases
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK
The head of UN's food agency has warned of the potential for "absolute devastation" as the outbreak's effects ripple through Africa and the Middle East
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: US does not have enough test kits to meet demand

There are not enough coronavirus testing kits for Americans who want them , US vice president Mike Pence has admitted .
He said : `` We do n't have enough tests today to meet what we anticipate will be the demand going forward '' , before adding : `` We 've made real progress on that in the last several days . ''
Mr Pence was asked by president Donald Trump in February to coordinate the US government 's response to the outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
US health officials say they expect to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test around 400,000 people .
Anne Schuchat , principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , said her agency would also supply kits by the end of the week for a further 75,000 people .
Meanwhile , President Trump was warning that the outbreak `` certainly might have an impact '' on the economy .
His words came a week after New York 's Dow Jones recorded its biggest one-day points fall in history - down 4.4 % , putting US markets on course for their worst week since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker There were some gains the following day but on Thursday the Dow Jones fell another 3.6 % .
, extending two weeks of wild swings in the market , with stocks fluctuating 2 % or more for the fourth day in a row .
When asked about whether the outbreak has hurt the economy , Mr Trump said on Thursday : `` It certainly might have an impact .
At the same time , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States spending their money in the US , and I like that . ''
He also praised Mr Pence for `` working 20 hours a day or more '' on the coronavirus response .
Some 233 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in 18 states , with 12 people having died , nine of them residents of Life Care Center , a nursing home in Kirkland , Seattle , in the state of Washington .
A cruise ship is stranded off the coast of California after a former passenger died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill .
The Grand Princess , which has more than 3,500 passengers and crew ( including more than 140 Britons ) , was due to dock in San Francisco on Wednesday but remains at sea while tests are carried out .
Testing equipment have been lowered onto the ship 's deck by a military helicopter and officials said results were expected on Friday .
Princess Cruise Lines said fewer than 100 people aboard had been identified for testing .
The centre of Europe 's worst outbreak has started a 10-day shutdown of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all closed .
The government has also urged people to stay at least one metre apart , placed restrictions on visiting relatives in nursing homes , and told elderly people not to go outside unless it is absolutely necessary .
According to data being collated by Johns Hopkins University in the US , Italy has 148 deaths from 3,858 cases .
Iran has 107 deaths from 3,513 confirmed cases and the country has also closed schools and universities .
There are new checkpoints limiting travel between major cities and President Hassan Rouhani has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheer up those quarantined at home .
He said state television should show `` happier '' programmes , adding : `` I urge all artists , scientists , psychologists and all who can bring smiles to people 's faces , come into the social media . ''
A shortage of face masks has seen new rules banning them being exported and limiting each shopper to buying two masks a week .
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a letter to South Korean President Moon Jae-in to express condolences over the health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 5 March , up slightly from the 139 announced the previous day .
It also said 31 more people had died .
China still has the overwhelming majority of COVID-19 cases - more than 80,500 of the world 's 98,000 , and 3,012 deaths .
Around 6,000 people are still in a serious condition in hospital .
China 's president Xi Jinping had been due for a state visit to Japan - the first for a Chinese leader since 2008 - but it was postponed due to virus fears .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

There are not enough coronavirus testing kits for Americans who want them, US vice president Mike Pence has admitted.
He said: "We don't have enough tests today to meet what we anticipate will be the demand going forward", before adding: "We've made real progress on that in the last several days."
Mr Pence was asked by president Donald Trump in February to coordinate the US government's response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
US health officials say they expect to get enough coronavirus tests this week to test around 400,000 people.
Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said her agency would also supply kits by the end of the week for a further 75,000 people.
Image: US Vice President Mike Pence is overseeing the country's virus response
Image: Markets have been extremely volatile due to fears of coronavirus
Meanwhile, President Trump was warning that the outbreak "certainly might have an impact" on the economy.
His words came a week after New York's Dow Jones recorded its biggest one-day points fall in history - down 4.4%, putting US markets on course for their worst week since the height of the 2008 financial crisis.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
There were some gains the following day but on Thursday the Dow Jones fell another 3.6%., extending two weeks of wild swings in the market, with stocks fluctuating 2% or more for the fourth day in a row.
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When asked about whether the outbreak has hurt the economy, Mr Trump said on Thursday: "It certainly might have an impact. At the same time, I have to say people are now staying in the United States spending their money in the US, and I like that."
Image: Iran's president has appealed for 'happier' TV programmes to cheer the population up
He also praised Mr Pence for "working 20 hours a day or more" on the coronavirus response.
Some 233 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in 18 states, with 12 people having died, nine of them residents of Life Care Center, a nursing home in Kirkland, Seattle, in the state of Washington.
A cruise ship is stranded off the coast of California after a former passenger died from the virus and several others fell ill.
The Grand Princess, which has more than 3,500 passengers and crew (including more than 140 Britons), was due to dock in San Francisco on Wednesday but remains at sea while tests are carried out.
Testing equipment have been lowered onto the ship's deck by a military helicopter and officials said results were expected on Friday.
Princess Cruise Lines said fewer than 100 people aboard had been identified for testing.
Italy
The centre of Europe's worst outbreak has started a 10-day shutdown of its education system, with schools and universities all closed.
The government has also urged people to stay at least one metre apart, placed restrictions on visiting relatives in nursing homes, and told elderly people not to go outside unless it is absolutely necessary.
According to data being collated by Johns Hopkins University in the US, Italy has 148 deaths from 3,858 cases.
Image: Italy's tourism market is suffering due to coronavirus fears
Iran
Iran has 107 deaths from 3,513 confirmed cases and the country has also closed schools and universities.
There are new checkpoints limiting travel between major cities and President Hassan Rouhani has called for artists and academics to help cheer up those quarantined at home.
He said state television should show "happier" programmes, adding: "I urge all artists, scientists, psychologists and all who can bring smiles to people's faces, come into the social media."
South Korea
South Korea has confirmed 6,482 cases with 40 deaths.
A shortage of face masks has seen new rules banning them being exported and limiting each shopper to buying two masks a week.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a letter to South Korean President Moon Jae-in to express condolences over the health crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:06 What the UK can learn from China and Italy
China
Mainland China reported 143 new cases on 5 March, up slightly from the 139 announced the previous day. It also said 31 more people had died.
China still has the overwhelming majority of COVID-19 cases - more than 80,500 of the world's 98,000, and 3,012 deaths.
Around 6,000 people are still in a serious condition in hospital.
China's president Xi Jinping had been due for a state visit to Japan - the first for a Chinese leader since 2008 - but it was postponed due to virus fears.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: Starbucks bans reusable cups over outbreak fears

Starbucks has temporarily banned the use of reusable personal cups in its UK stores in the face of the coronavirus outbreak .
The coffee chain said customers bringing in their own mugs would still get a 25p discount , but their drinks will be served in paper cups , as a precaution against the spread of infection .
The 5p charge for disposable cups is also to be suspended .
Branches are also to step up the cleaning of in-store crockery such as ceramic mugs and plates .
Latest figures show there have been 116 cases of COVID-19 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last 48 hours .
This is out of nearly 18,000 people tested .
One woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions has died after catching coronavirus .
Starbucks ' vice president of retail for Europe , Robert Lynch , said : `` Out an abundance of caution , we are pausing the use of personal cups or tumblers in our stores across the UK .
`` However , we will continue to honour our 25p discount for anyone who brings in a personal cup .
`` As a result , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for paper cups as well , given this decision prevents customers from opting for reusables .
`` In addition , we are introducing increased cleaning measures for stores as well as for all 'for here ' ware ( ceramic mugs , plates , etc . )
'' Starbucks stores in the US have already taken similar measures .
Other UK coffee stores have said they have `` no plans '' to change their own policies on reusable cups .
A spokesman for Costa Coffee said : `` We have no plans to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our stores , but like all retailers we are monitoring the situation closely and are following government advice and guidance . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Greggs also confirmed there would be no changes in its own policy , and that customers bringing their own cups would still receive a 20p discount on drinks .

Starbucks has temporarily banned the use of reusable personal cups in its UK stores in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
The coffee chain said customers bringing in their own mugs would still get a 25p discount, but their drinks will be served in paper cups, as a precaution against the spread of infection.
The 5p charge for disposable cups is also to be suspended.
Image: Drinks will be served in paper cups as a precaution against the spread of infection
Branches are also to step up the cleaning of in-store crockery such as ceramic mugs and plates.
Latest figures show there have been 116 cases of COVID-19 in the UK, which has more than doubled in the last 48 hours.
This is out of nearly 18,000 people tested.
One woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions has died after catching coronavirus.
Starbucks' vice president of retail for Europe, Robert Lynch, said: "Out an abundance of caution, we are pausing the use of personal cups or tumblers in our stores across the UK.
"However, we will continue to honour our 25p discount for anyone who brings in a personal cup.
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"As a result, we are suspending our 5p... charges for paper cups as well, given this decision prevents customers from opting for reusables.
"In addition, we are introducing increased cleaning measures for stores as well as for all 'for here' ware (ceramic mugs, plates, etc.)"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Coronavirus: UK's strategy explained
Starbucks stores in the US have already taken similar measures.
Other UK coffee stores have said they have "no plans" to change their own policies on reusable cups.
A spokesman for Costa Coffee said: "We have no plans to stop allowing the use of reusable cups in our stores, but like all retailers we are monitoring the situation closely and are following government advice and guidance."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Greggs also confirmed there would be no changes in its own policy, and that customers bringing their own cups would still receive a 20p discount on drinks.
Pret a Manger did not comment.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: Vatican City confirms first case days after Pope skipped Mass

The Vatican has confirmed its first coronavirus case after a patient tested positive for COVID-19 at a clinic within the city-state .
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters on Friday all non-essential services at the clinic had been suspended while the premises are disinfected .
No details about the identity of the person were disclosed .
The clinic is open to staff and family members of people who work at the Vatican .
It comes just days after Pope Francis cancelled Mass and a spiritual retreat due to a cold .
A Vatican spokesperson would not confirm or deny reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but said he was recovering from the cold and has no other pathologies .
Pope Francis , 83 , had part of one lung removed due to an illness decades ago and has cancelled most of his audiences in recent weeks .
Italy is facing Europe 's biggest outbreak , with more than 3,800 cases , and a death toll of 148 .
The country now has the highest number of deaths from coronavirus outside of mainland China , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
Eleven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials say it could be another two weeks before it is known whether this has helped to halt the spread of the disease .
Schools and universities have been shut down across the country .
Measures including restricting people from visiting elderly friends and family in nursing homes have also been enforced , and older people urged to stay at home .
Sky 's Europe correspondent Michelle Clifford , in Rome , said : `` Some are arguing that what the Italian government is doing is too little too late - they should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the virus . ''
EU27 health ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss what they can do to co-ordinate a response to the outbreak as it spreads across Europe and the rest of the globe .
Ministers have expressed concerns about shortages of sanitisers , drugs , face masks and protective gear for health workers .
Clifford added : `` The European Union was founded on the principle in part of free movement of people , and I think a lot of people are now wondering whether people are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks at the borders and more checks at airports . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker • The British government is considering the isolation of whole households during a coronavirus outbreak • Thailand says a British man has tested positive for COVID-19 in the country • Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK • More than 140 Britons are stranded on a cruise ship off California 's coast • One of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News how he went from `` a bit sniffly '' to being unable to breathe • The Netherlands reports its first coronavirus death • Germany reports 134 new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours • Cameroon and Serbia confirm their first cases of the disease • Cases in Belgium double to more than 109 • South Korea reports 309 new cases , taking the country 's total to nearly 6,600 • Shops in Australia are rationing toilet roll , while armed robbers carried out a heist of a delivery in Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,380 deaths

The Vatican has confirmed its first coronavirus case after a patient tested positive for COVID-19 at a clinic within the city-state.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told reporters on Friday all non-essential services at the clinic had been suspended while the premises are disinfected.
No details about the identity of the person were disclosed.
Image: There were concerns that Pope Francis might have been struck down by the virus
The clinic is open to staff and family members of people who work at the Vatican.
It comes just days after Pope Francis cancelled Mass and a spiritual retreat due to a cold.
A Vatican spokesperson would not confirm or deny reports the pontiff had tested negative for coronavirus, but said he was recovering from the cold and has no other pathologies.
Pope Francis, 83, had part of one lung removed due to an illness decades ago and has cancelled most of his audiences in recent weeks.
Italy is facing Europe's biggest outbreak, with more than 3,800 cases, and a death toll of 148.
The country now has the highest number of deaths from coronavirus outside of mainland China, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak.
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Eleven northern towns remain under quarantine, but officials say it could be another two weeks before it is known whether this has helped to halt the spread of the disease.
Schools and universities have been shut down across the country.
Measures including restricting people from visiting elderly friends and family in nursing homes have also been enforced, and older people urged to stay at home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Sky's Europe correspondent Michelle Clifford, in Rome, said: "Some are arguing that what the Italian government is doing is too little too late - they should have done this much earlier to prevent the spread of the virus."
EU27 health ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss what they can do to co-ordinate a response to the outbreak as it spreads across Europe and the rest of the globe.
Ministers have expressed concerns about shortages of sanitisers, drugs, face masks and protective gear for health workers.
Clifford added: "The European Union was founded on the principle in part of free movement of people, and I think a lot of people are now wondering whether people are going to have to be prepared to see checks at the borders and more checks at airports."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In other developments:


news--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: How peak of cases could be cut by 'social distancing'

Research carried out exclusively for Sky News suggests 'social distancing ' could slow the spread of coronavirus in the UK - and reduce the peak number of cases by up to a half .
Health officials want to avoid large numbers of people in hospital at the same time - as the UK moves into a `` delay '' phase of tackling the outbreak rather than just trying to `` contain '' it .
And one of the strategies they are looking at is 'social distancing ' , which means reducing people 's physical contact .
Moderate examples include working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and concerts , as well as school closures .
More extreme ones could be quarantining towns or stopping public transport , like what happened in China 's Hubei province - the epicentre of the outbreak .
This is how an epidemic of a virus similar to COVID-19 can look like in a single county in the UK without any social distancing measure .
If we start adopting moderate social distance measures and keep them for four weeks… …the outbreak would slow down and the peak delayed until the summer , reducing it by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measures for eight weeks instead ... ... the peak could be reduced by half - avoiding an acute pressure on the NHS and tailing off before autumn .
And if we made the social distancing measures more strict ... ... it would suppress the epidemic even more until… … the measures are lifted and the peak will be pushed to the autumn and winter , coinciding with the flu season .
Let ’ s put all the model together to draw some conclusions .
Social distance can have a positive effect when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the number of peak cases .
A longer period is more beneficial .
This could alleviate pressure on the health services , but will have an impact on other sectors like the economy .
But these measures can not be indefinite , and there is a risk of delaying the epidemic to winter when the NHS is under more strain .
So how effective could such measures be as the government tries to cut down on person-to-person transmissions ?
Lancaster University has carried out modelling which suggests whether officials take a moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be the timing .
Academics estimated how the epidemic might spread without any social distancing measure and then modelled the potential impact of three different scenarios on a county in the UK .
The first scenario - a moderate approach which aimed to reduce the spread by 30 % over a four-week period - suggested the peak could be cut by 25 % and delayed to the summer .
A second scenario took a similar approach but this time over a longer , eight-week period .
It could reduce the peak by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the NHS and tailing off before autumn .
Finally academics looked at a more extreme approach like China 's quarantining of Hubei province .
This aimed to reduce the spread by 60 % over eight weeks .
While initially effective , once the measures were lifted , the model suggested a second wave of cases and a higher peak to coincide with the start of the winter flu season , when traditionally the NHS is under more pressure .
This research explains why some experts worry that cases will rise in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For Public Health England , moderate measures are probably better and they need optimal time to have an impact .
This is an SEIR model developed by Jessica Bridgen , PhD student at Lancaster University .
The model shows an epidemic of an infectious disease with the current best estimated characteristics of Covid-19 in a single county of the UK , with a population size of approximately 1.1 million , and starting with 100 people infected .
The model assumes a R0 of 2.2 , an average latent period of 5 days ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an average infectious period of 5 days .
Why not plot the y-axis ?
The model illustrates how social distancing as an intervention could affect the number of cases during an epidemic , but it is not a predictive tool .
To avoid misunderstanding , we have decided not to show the total number of cases predicted by the model , but instead how social distancing can shift the dynamics of an epidemic .

Research carried out exclusively for Sky News suggests 'social distancing' could slow the spread of coronavirus in the UK - and reduce the peak number of cases by up to a half.
Health officials want to avoid large numbers of people in hospital at the same time - as the UK moves into a "delay" phase of tackling the outbreak rather than just trying to "contain" it.
And one of the strategies they are looking at is 'social distancing', which means reducing people's physical contact.
Moderate examples include working from home and cancelling large sporting events and concerts, as well as school closures.
More extreme ones could be quarantining towns or stopping public transport, like what happened in China's Hubei province - the epicentre of the outbreak.
This is how an epidemic of a virus similar to COVID-19 can look like in a single county in the UK without any social distancing measure. If we start adopting moderate social distance measures and keep them for four weeks… …the outbreak would slow down and the peak delayed until the summer, reducing it by 25%. But if we keep the measures for eight weeks instead... ...the peak could be reduced by half - avoiding an acute pressure on the NHS and tailing off before autumn. And if we made the social distancing measures more strict... ...it would suppress the epidemic even more until… … the measures are lifted and the peak will be pushed to the autumn and winter, coinciding with the flu season. Let’s put all the model together to draw some conclusions. Social distance can have a positive effect when trying to slow down an epidemic and reduce the number of peak cases. A longer period is more beneficial. This could alleviate pressure on the health services, but will have an impact on other sectors like the economy. But these measures cannot be indefinite, and there is a risk of delaying the epidemic to winter when the NHS is under more strain.
So how effective could such measures be as the government tries to cut down on person-to-person transmissions?
Lancaster University has carried out modelling which suggests whether officials take a moderate or extreme approach could be crucial as could be the timing.
Academics estimated how the epidemic might spread without any social distancing measure and then modelled the potential impact of three different scenarios on a county in the UK.
The first scenario - a moderate approach which aimed to reduce the spread by 30% over a four-week period - suggested the peak could be cut by 25% and delayed to the summer.
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A second scenario took a similar approach but this time over a longer, eight-week period. It could reduce the peak by 50% - avoiding an acute pressure on the NHS and tailing off before autumn.
Image: The number of coronavirus cases in the UK is rising
Finally academics looked at a more extreme approach like China's quarantining of Hubei province. This aimed to reduce the spread by 60% over eight weeks.
While initially effective, once the measures were lifted, the model suggested a second wave of cases and a higher peak to coincide with the start of the winter flu season, when traditionally the NHS is under more pressure.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
This research explains why some experts worry that cases will rise in China when restrictions on Hubei are lifted.
For Public Health England, moderate measures are probably better and they need optimal time to have an impact.
Methodology:
This is an SEIR model developed by Jessica Bridgen, PhD student at Lancaster University. The model shows an epidemic of an infectious disease with the current best estimated characteristics of Covid-19 in a single county of the UK, with a population size of approximately 1.1 million, and starting with 100 people infected. The model assumes a R0 of 2.2, an average latent period of 5 days (similar to the incubation period) and an average infectious period of 5 days.
Why not plot the y-axis? The model illustrates how social distancing as an intervention could affect the number of cases during an epidemic, but it is not a predictive tool. To avoid misunderstanding, we have decided not to show the total number of cases predicted by the model, but instead how social distancing can shift the dynamics of an epidemic.


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: Seven essential tips if you have to work from home

You may find yourself regularly working from home over the coming weeks as employers attempt to limit staff exposure to the coronavirus outbreak .
Not going into the office is an effective way of preventing the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , because it minimises the risk of you coming into contact with someone carrying the disease .
Many companies are suggesting workers who can get the job done from home do just that .
Some technology companies which produce software used by remote workers , including Zoom and Slack , have subsequently received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
But working from home comes with negatives which you may need to prepare for : Group meetings in-person can be difficult , but over the phone they can be absolute chaos .
Without any visual cues to signal where attention is focused , participants on group calls can end up speaking over each other for minutes on end .
This can be compounded by any lag on the line which amplifies misunderstandings about who is speaking and who is listening .
It is absolutely vital that someone is chairing the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking order and call people to speak , as well as pick up again when the speaking is finished .
Ideally the call can be done using software which allows people to signal to the chair that they would like to speak without interrupting someone else , but if that is n't the case then the chair needs to set up a system to let people ask to speak without the line descending into chaos - asking people who want to speak to state their names and then calling on them to talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the other participants need to join the call at the right time , and most crucially - their phones need to be on mute when they 're not talking .
Have a space to work in I 'm sorry to say you will need to get dressed and get out of bed .
Maybe not as early as usual - the lack of a commute is always something to rejoice over - but having a space to work in is crucial for your state of mind , and not just in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mindset but also so you 're able to turn off when the working day is over .
If you have children then you will need to realise that you can not both parent and work at the same time .
Working from home is not a cheap alternative to getting a babysitter , you simply wo n't manage to get any work done .
Most of the essentials for working from home are things people have already ; a desk , a laptop , a work phone - you do n't want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you need to make an international call - but take stock of what is available in the office and what is n't .
If you need access to your company 's intranet , figure out how to access it securely .
External connections in without security precautions could mean that hackers go unnoticed too .
If there are software packages on your work terminal then you 'll need to see if you can access them at home or if you will need to find some way to do without them .
Have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clock in and clock out .
The working day for anyone in an office has commutes either side of it , but these are n't there if you 're working from home and the risk is that the time between when you 're on-shift and when you 're off will merge into each other .
Whatever kind of communications system you 're using to keep in touch with your team , turn it on when you start and turn it off when you stop .
Working outside of these hours will just grind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This takes planning if you 're not going to find yourself dipping into the biscuit tin .
Usually we do n't do much planning when it comes to our meals at the office .
We have canteens or we 're near to some shops , but working from home can disrupt the most considerately stocked larder .
If the food in the fridge is meant to cover tonight 's dinner then you 're going to find yourself caught very short for lunch , as NBC News tech investigations editor Olivia Solon found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have mastered the skill of forward-planning their meals , but the interruption to normal plans by working from home can undo that for even the most competent .
Get ready to have something healthy for lunch .
We can worry that we 're not being seen as productive when we 're working from home , but nobody is productive when they 're hungry .
Without access to a canteen , shops or market stalls selling something nutritious you 're almost certainly going to have to make yourself something for lunch .
This means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a longer break to make the lunch .
That is perfectly reasonable , and because you 've planned your lunch in advance it 's not going to take as long as you thought .
But at the same time , you need to ...
Although you really should n't put yourself under ridiculous pressures , you are still working .
Working from home is n't an opportunity for friends to come round .
You do n't have the time to run errands during the day that you would n't be able to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short bursts in order to maintain your sanity , this means regular breaks but it requires working too .
Keep in contact with your managers , and ask them to keep in contact with you The worst aspect of remote working can be feeling ignored .
Hopefully there will be lines of communication open to your managers , colleagues and subordinates , but to make sure these are there requires forward-planning .
There should be clear expectations about how performance will differ from a normal day , whether because the office processes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to be delegated to different teams .
One of the tactics to avoid loneliness ( although some workers could well crave it ) is to set up a video call with a colleague while you 're working on a shared project .
You might spend the majority of your time working in silence , but the tele-presence of a colleague and the familiar taps of their fingers on the keyboard might offer some pleasant companionship .

You may find yourself regularly working from home over the coming weeks as employers attempt to limit staff exposure to the coronavirus outbreak.
Not going into the office is an effective way of preventing the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, because it minimises the risk of you coming into contact with someone carrying the disease.
Many companies are suggesting workers who can get the job done from home do just that. Some technology companies which produce software used by remote workers, including Zoom and Slack, have subsequently received a bump in share prices in recent days.
But working from home comes with negatives which you may need to prepare for:
How to handle conference calls
Image: Prepare ahead of the conference calls
Group meetings in-person can be difficult, but over the phone they can be absolute chaos.
Without any visual cues to signal where attention is focused, participants on group calls can end up speaking over each other for minutes on end.
This can be compounded by any lag on the line which amplifies misunderstandings about who is speaking and who is listening.
It is absolutely vital that someone is chairing the meeting. This person needs to determine the speaking order and call people to speak, as well as pick up again when the speaking is finished.
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Ideally the call can be done using software which allows people to signal to the chair that they would like to speak without interrupting someone else, but if that isn't the case then the chair needs to set up a system to let people ask to speak without the line descending into chaos - asking people who want to speak to state their names and then calling on them to talk afterwards is a good tactic.
All of the other participants need to join the call at the right time, and most crucially - their phones need to be on mute when they're not talking.
Have a space to work in
Image: You need to get out of bed for a working day
I'm sorry to say you will need to get dressed and get out of bed. Maybe not as early as usual - the lack of a commute is always something to rejoice over - but having a space to work in is crucial for your state of mind, and not just in terms of being in a "working" mindset but also so you're able to turn off when the working day is over.
If you have children then you will need to realise that you cannot both parent and work at the same time. Working from home is not a cheap alternative to getting a babysitter, you simply won't manage to get any work done.
Most of the essentials for working from home are things people have already; a desk, a laptop, a work phone - you don't want to be running up your own phone bill if you need to make an international call - but take stock of what is available in the office and what isn't.
Image: You can't work and parent at the same time
If you need access to your company's intranet, figure out how to access it securely. External connections in without security precautions could mean that hackers go unnoticed too.
If there are software packages on your work terminal then you'll need to see if you can access them at home or if you will need to find some way to do without them.
Have time to work in
Image: Plan your lunch ahead of time
You need to clock in and clock out. The working day for anyone in an office has commutes either side of it, but these aren't there if you're working from home and the risk is that the time between when you're on-shift and when you're off will merge into each other.
Whatever kind of communications system you're using to keep in touch with your team, turn it on when you start and turn it off when you stop. Working outside of these hours will just grind you down.
Remember to eat
Remember to eat properly. This takes planning if you're not going to find yourself dipping into the biscuit tin.
Usually we don't do much planning when it comes to our meals at the office. We have canteens or we're near to some shops, but working from home can disrupt the most considerately stocked larder.
If the food in the fridge is meant to cover tonight's dinner then you're going to find yourself caught very short for lunch, as NBC News tech investigations editor Olivia Solon found out on Thursday.
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Most adults should have mastered the skill of forward-planning their meals, but the interruption to normal plans by working from home can undo that for even the most competent. Get ready to have something healthy for lunch.
Remember to take breaks
Image: Remember to take breaks
We can worry that we're not being seen as productive when we're working from home, but nobody is productive when they're hungry.
Without access to a canteen, shops or market stalls selling something nutritious you're almost certainly going to have to make yourself something for lunch.
This means you need to take a bit of a longer break to make the lunch. That is perfectly reasonable, and because you've planned your lunch in advance it's not going to take as long as you thought.
But at the same time, you need to...
Remember to work
Image: Don't forget you're still working
Although you really shouldn't put yourself under ridiculous pressures, you are still working.
Working from home isn't an opportunity for friends to come round. You don't have the time to run errands during the day that you wouldn't be able to do normally.
Some experts suggest working in short bursts in order to maintain your sanity, this means regular breaks but it requires working too.
Keep in contact with your managers, and ask them to keep in contact with you
Image: Try and keep in touch with colleagues
The worst aspect of remote working can be feeling ignored.
Hopefully there will be lines of communication open to your managers, colleagues and subordinates, but to make sure these are there requires forward-planning.
There should be clear expectations about how performance will differ from a normal day, whether because the office processes are a bit different or because particular jobs are going to be delegated to different teams.
One of the tactics to avoid loneliness (although some workers could well crave it) is to set up a video call with a colleague while you're working on a shared project.
You might spend the majority of your time working in silence, but the tele-presence of a colleague and the familiar taps of their fingers on the keyboard might offer some pleasant companionship.


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: Second person in UK dies as panic buyers empty shelves

The chief medical officer has confirmed the second person to die after contracting coronavirus is a man in his early 80s .
The man was understood to have underlying health conditions and died at Milton Keynes Hospital .
`` I am very sorry to report a second patient in England who tested positive for COVID-19 has sadly died , '' Professor Chris Whitty said .
He added : `` I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends and ask that their request for privacy is respected . ''
Professor Whitty said contact tracing was under way to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the days before his death .
Hospital staff who nursed the patient have gone into isolation .
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the man died shortly after testing positive for the virus .
The trust said all services and appointments at the hospital were `` running normally '' and that it was following advice to minimise the risk of the virus spreading .
Forty-eight new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the UK over the past 24 hours , taking the total to 164 .
On Thursday , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became the first person in the UK to die after being diagnosed with coronavirus .
The Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading said the woman had been `` in and out of hospital '' for other reasons but was admitted on Wednesday evening and tested positive .
Meanwhile , two British Airways staff , believed to be baggage handlers , tested positive for coronavirus on Friday and are recovering at home in isolation .
Also , Facebook is closing its London offices until Monday and telling staff to work from home after an employee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was diagnosed with the virus was normally based in Singapore , the company told Sky News , but had visited the London offices between 24-26 February .
The UK 's deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries told Sky News : `` The UK has planned for pandemic flu for many many years , and the NHS can flex its system up and down to manage large numbers of cases .
`` That 's exactly what we 'll do here . ''
She added : `` It 's important at any time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you have elderly relatives and are particularly unwell yourselves , you should avoid visiting them . ''
The government is working with supermarkets to ensure food supplies as the number of people self-isolating with the virus continues to rise , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said .
He sought to reassure the public following panic-buying in some areas , saying the government is `` working to makes sure that if people are self isolating , they will be able to get the food and supplies that they need '' .
He added there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals `` to go round buying more than they need . ''
Health chiefs said people diagnosed with coronavirus who show only `` very minimal '' symptoms should self-isolate at home rather than in hospital .
Travellers returning to the UK from anywhere in Italy have also been advised to self-isolate if they develop symptoms .
• The Vatican says Pope Francis will not give his Sunday address from a window overlooking St Peter 's Square and it will instead be streamed online from inside the Vatican • Twenty-one people stranded on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive for coronavirus • A former passenger ( non-Japanese male ) of the Diamond Princess cruise ship who tested positive for coronavirus has died , says Japanese public broadcaster NHK , taking the ship 's death toll to seven • Sports authorities and broadcasters are to meet officials for discussions on UK coronavirus contingency plans • Premier League to consider empty stadiums and over-70s ban • Iran says there have been 1,000 new coronavirus cases and a further 21 people have died after contracting the virus , taking the total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cases to 5,823 • South Korea reports 448 new cases which takes its total to 7,041 • The number of people to test positive for COVID-19 in Germany rises by 45 overnight to 684 , and by 60 in the Netherlands to 188 • Malta reports its first case : a 12-year-old Italian girl who lives on island • The first Cambodian tests positive for the virus • 15 Americans are quarantined in a Bethlehem hotel over coronavirus fears • The leader of Italy 's co-ruling Democratic Party , Nicola Zingaretti , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intesa Sanpaolo says it is ready to donate up to €100m to Italy to tackle the outbreak and grant up to €5bn in loans to affected firms • Cases are up from 30 to 45 in the United Arab Emirates , its health ministry says • Globally , the number of coronavirus cases has passed 100,000 and there have been 3,400 deaths worldwide : : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .

The chief medical officer has confirmed the second person to die after contracting coronavirus is a man in his early 80s.
The man was understood to have underlying health conditions and died at Milton Keynes Hospital.
Test results confirmed he had COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Watch the first few months of the coronavirus outbreak as countries around the world report their first infected.
"I am very sorry to report a second patient in England who tested positive for COVID-19 has sadly died," Professor Chris Whitty said.
He added: "I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends and ask that their request for privacy is respected."
Professor Whitty said contact tracing was under way to find anyone who came into contact with him in the days before his death.
Image: A commuter is seen wearing a mask on a London bus
Hospital staff who nursed the patient have gone into isolation.
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the man died shortly after testing positive for the virus.
The trust said all services and appointments at the hospital were "running normally" and that it was following advice to minimise the risk of the virus spreading.
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Forty-eight new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the UK over the past 24 hours, taking the total to 164.
Image: Milton Keynes Hospital says all services and appointments are 'running normally'
On Thursday, a woman reported to be in her 70s became the first person in the UK to die after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
The Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading said the woman had been "in and out of hospital" for other reasons but was admitted on Wednesday evening and tested positive.
Meanwhile, two British Airways staff, believed to be baggage handlers, tested positive for coronavirus on Friday and are recovering at home in isolation.
Also, Facebook is closing its London offices until Monday and telling staff to work from home after an employee was diagnosed with COVID-19.
The employee who was diagnosed with the virus was normally based in Singapore, the company told Sky News, but had visited the London offices between 24-26 February.
The UK's deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries told Sky News: "The UK has planned for pandemic flu for many many years, and the NHS can flex its system up and down to manage large numbers of cases.
"That's exactly what we'll do here."
She added: "It's important at any time of year, particularly in winter, that if you have elderly relatives and are particularly unwell yourselves, you should avoid visiting them."
The government is working with supermarkets to ensure food supplies as the number of people self-isolating with the virus continues to rise, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.
He sought to reassure the public following panic-buying in some areas, saying the government is "working to makes sure that if people are self isolating, they will be able to get the food and supplies that they need".
He added there was "absolutely no need" for individuals "to go round buying more than they need."
Image: Panic buying has left many shelves empty
Health chiefs said people diagnosed with coronavirus who show only "very minimal" symptoms should self-isolate at home rather than in hospital.
Travellers returning to the UK from anywhere in Italy have also been advised to self-isolate if they develop symptoms.
In other developments:
The Vatican says Pope Francis will not give his Sunday address from a window overlooking St Peter's Square and it will instead be streamed online from inside the Vatican
Twenty-one people stranded on a cruise ship off the coast of California have tested positive for coronavirus
A former passenger (non-Japanese male) of the Diamond Princess cruise ship who tested positive for coronavirus has died, says Japanese public broadcaster NHK, taking the ship's death toll to seven
Sports authorities and broadcasters are to meet officials for discussions on UK coronavirus contingency plans
Premier League to consider empty stadiums and over-70s ban
to consider empty stadiums and over-70s ban Iran says there have been 1,000 new coronavirus cases and a further 21 people have died after contracting the virus, taking the total number of deaths in the country to 145 and cases to 5,823
South Korea reports 448 new cases which takes its total to 7,041
The number of people to test positive for COVID-19 in Germany rises by 45 overnight to 684, and by 60 in the Netherlands to 188
Malta reports its first case: a 12-year-old Italian girl who lives on island
The first Cambodian tests positive for the virus
15 Americans are quarantined in a Bethlehem hotel over coronavirus fears
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte declares a national emergency
The leader of Italy's co-ruling Democratic Party, Nicola Zingaretti, tests positive for COVID-19
The lender Intesa Sanpaolo says it is ready to donate up to €100m to Italy to tackle the outbreak and grant up to €5bn in loans to affected firms
Cases are up from 30 to 45 in the United Arab Emirates, its health ministry says
Globally, the number of coronavirus cases has passed 100,000 and there have been 3,400 deaths worldwide
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays
Virus Outbreak: Your questions answered #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm weekdays
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: Facebook closes London offices after employee diagnosed

Facebook is closing its three London offices and telling staff to work from home after an employee was diagnosed with COVID-19 .
The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has now passed 100,000 , according to Johns Hopkins University , as the outbreak intensifies .
There have been 47 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in the UK over the last 24 hours , taking the total number to 163 , with two deaths .
A Facebook employee who was normally based in Singapore was diagnosed with the virus after visiting the company 's London offices between 24-26 February , a spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 3,000 employees in London .
Sky News was unable to learn how many individuals had been in direct contact with the person who was diagnosed , but Facebook said that the company had been in contact with them all .
These individuals are being asked to self-isolate and be vigilant in monitoring whether they develop symptoms .
COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , is believed to gestate for up to two weeks before symptoms develop .
The company is now also reaching out to any employees and contingent workers based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past few days to warn them .
In a statement , a spokesperson for Facebook told Sky News : `` An employee based in our Singapore office who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 visited our London offices 24-26 February 2020 .
`` We are therefore closing our London offices until Monday for deep cleaning and employees are working from home until then . ''
It follows another diagnosis of a Facebook worker in Seattle , prompting the company to close its offices there in order to handle the risk posed to other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported to be in her 70s became the first person in the UK to die after being diagnosed with coronavirus .
The Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading said the woman had been `` in and out of hospital '' for other reasons but was admitted on Wednesday evening and tested positive .
Meanwhile , two British Airways staff tested positive for coronavirus on Friday and are recovering at home in isolation .
`` Public Health England ( PHE ) has confirmed that two members of our staff have tested positive for the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .

Facebook is closing its three London offices and telling staff to work from home after an employee was diagnosed with COVID-19.
The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has now passed 100,000, according to Johns Hopkins University, as the outbreak intensifies.
There have been 47 new cases of coronavirus confirmed in the UK over the last 24 hours, taking the total number to 163, with two deaths.
A Facebook employee who was normally based in Singapore was diagnosed with the virus after visiting the company's London offices between 24-26 February, a spokesperson told Sky News.
Facebook has just over 3,000 employees in London. Sky News was unable to learn how many individuals had been in direct contact with the person who was diagnosed, but Facebook said that the company had been in contact with them all.
These individuals are being asked to self-isolate and be vigilant in monitoring whether they develop symptoms. COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, is believed to gestate for up to two weeks before symptoms develop.
The company is now also reaching out to any employees and contingent workers based in other offices that visited London over the past few days to warn them.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Facebook told Sky News: "An employee based in our Singapore office who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 visited our London offices 24-26 February 2020.
"We are therefore closing our London offices until Monday for deep cleaning and employees are working from home until then."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 PM announces £46m funding to tackle outbreak
It follows another diagnosis of a Facebook worker in Seattle, prompting the company to close its offices there in order to handle the risk posed to other staff.
On Thursday, a woman reported to be in her 70s became the first person in the UK to die after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
The Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading said the woman had been "in and out of hospital" for other reasons but was admitted on Wednesday evening and tested positive.
Meanwhile, two British Airways staff tested positive for coronavirus on Friday and are recovering at home in isolation.
"Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed that two members of our staff have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus," it said in a statement.


news--2020-03-06--Coronavirus: South Korea uses drive-thru stations to test for COVID-19

South Korea is using drive-thru testing centres - inspired by the fast food counters used by McDonald 's - to identify new cases of coronavirus .
Drivers can pull into car parks , where medical staff have set up stations to register motorists , take samples from their throats and check their temperatures .
Cars are also sprayed with disinfectant .
Officials have said the test is quicker and safer for patients than visiting a hospital or health centre .
The drivers do not have to leave their cars and the test is reported to take about 10 minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ within three days .
Two of the stations have been set up at Yeungnam University Medical Centre and Kyungpook National University Hospital in Daegu .
According to Korean news agency Yonhap News , the station at Yeungnam University Medical Centre is visited by about 350 cars a day .
South Korea has confirmed a total of 6,593 coronavirus cases as of Friday , with 40 deaths .
Most of the cases are in and around Daegu , the country 's fourth-largest city .
Almost all of these are related to a cult whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with efforts to stop the outbreak .
• Italy is the worst affected country in Europe , with more than 4,636 cases , a rise of 778 in a day , and a death toll of 197 , an increase of 49 • The Vatican , Cameroon , Peru , Serbia and Slovakia confirmed their first cases on Friday , and the Netherlands its first coronavirus death • Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is not considering stopping flights into the UK • In the US , 57 new cases of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been infected and there have been two more deaths in Washington State , taking the national death toll to 14 • The US has admitted there are not enough coronavirus testing kits for Americans who want them • More than 2,000 people are stranded on the Grand Princess cruise ship after it was barred from returning to port in San Francisco because 35 on board developed flu-like symptoms • The head of UN 's food agency has warned of the potential for `` absolute devastation '' as the outbreak 's effects ripple through @ @ @ @ @

South Korea is using drive-thru testing centres - inspired by the fast food counters used by McDonald's - to identify new cases of coronavirus.
Drivers can pull into car parks, where medical staff have set up stations to register motorists, take samples from their throats and check their temperatures.
Cars are also sprayed with disinfectant.
Image: A man has his throat swabbed
Image: Medical staff wear protective gear as they test drivers
Officials have said the test is quicker and safer for patients than visiting a hospital or health centre.
The drivers do not have to leave their cars and the test is reported to take about 10 minutes.
The results are sent via text message within three days.
Two of the stations have been set up at Yeungnam University Medical Centre and Kyungpook National University Hospital in Daegu.
Image: A drive-thru station in Seoul, South Korea
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
According to Korean news agency Yonhap News, the station at Yeungnam University Medical Centre is visited by about 350 cars a day.
South Korea has confirmed a total of 6,593 coronavirus cases as of Friday, with 40 deaths.
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Most of the cases are in and around Daegu, the country's fourth-largest city.
Almost all of these are related to a cult whose leader apologised for allegedly refusing to co-operate with efforts to stop the outbreak.
In other developments: