news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Emergency package to help workers with jobs and wages to be revealed

The chancellor is set to unveil an emergency package today to help workers whose jobs and wages could be hit by the coronavirus outbreak .
Treasury officials are working on plans to support people who find they can not work and those who have lost their jobs because of the virus .
Wage subsidies for some workers are being discussed after businesses called on Boris Johnson to pause a range of taxes , including National Insurance and income tax , to help employers and staff over the worst of the financial disruption .
The Times has reported the Treasury is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggesting the government could effectively underwrite 60 % of the average national wage for each worker .
It follows another emergency interest rate cut by the Bank of England to an historic 0.1 % .
Rishi Sunak has been under pressure from Labour , unions and senior Tory MPs to do more to protect workers .
Earlier this week , he revealed a £330bn package of government-backed loans aimed at helping businesses struggling because of the coronavirus .
But he has faced calls to offer more direct support to workers as ministers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop redundancies .
Former business secretary Greg Clark urged the government to pay wages if companies agreed to keep workers on .
Speaking in the House of Commons , he said : `` At a stroke this would save jobs , save businesses and put an immediate end to the contagion and help save the economy . ''
The prime minister has said the government will `` stand by the workers of this country '' .
`` I 'm all too aware of the difficulties and worries they face , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we come through this difficult economic phase you remember what happened in 2008 - everyone said we bailed out the banks and did n't look after the people who really suffered .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' This time we 're going to make sure that we look after the people who really suffer from the economic consequences of what we are asking them to do .
`` We are going to be directing our support to them first , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During his daily press conference , Boris Johnson also said he was confident we could `` turn the tide '' on the spread of the virus within 12 weeks .
He urged the public to follow advice on social distancing and said the UK would be ramping up COVID-19 testing .
Britons have been told to avoid unnecessary travel and stop going to bars , restaurants and other places .
Working from home has been encouraged where possible .
Schools are also closing from the end of lessons today , although the children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be allowed to attend school .

The chancellor is set to unveil an emergency package today to help workers whose jobs and wages could be hit by the coronavirus outbreak.
Treasury officials are working on plans to support people who find they cannot work and those who have lost their jobs because of the virus.
Wage subsidies for some workers are being discussed after businesses called on Boris Johnson to pause a range of taxes, including National Insurance and income tax, to help employers and staff over the worst of the financial disruption.
Image: Rishi Sunak is under pressure to protect workers further
The Times has reported the Treasury is considering these measures, with one source suggesting the government could effectively underwrite 60% of the average national wage for each worker.
It follows another emergency interest rate cut by the Bank of England to an historic 0.1%.
Rishi Sunak has been under pressure from Labour, unions and senior Tory MPs to do more to protect workers.
Earlier this week, he revealed a £330bn package of government-backed loans aimed at helping businesses struggling because of the coronavirus.
But he has faced calls to offer more direct support to workers as ministers were warned the current package was failing to stop redundancies.
Former business secretary Greg Clark urged the government to pay wages if companies agreed to keep workers on.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's new economic measures explained
Speaking in the House of Commons, he said: "At a stroke this would save jobs, save businesses and put an immediate end to the contagion and help save the economy."
The prime minister has said the government will "stand by the workers of this country".
"I'm all too aware of the difficulties and worries they face," he said.
Mr Johnson continued: "As we come through this difficult economic phase you remember what happened in 2008 - everyone said we bailed out the banks and didn't look after the people who really suffered.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"This time we're going to make sure that we look after the people who really suffer from the economic consequences of what we are asking them to do.
"We are going to be directing our support to them first, looking after the people first."
During his daily press conference, Boris Johnson also said he was confident we could "turn the tide" on the spread of the virus within 12 weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 UK can 'turn tide on virus within 12 weeks'
He urged the public to follow advice on social distancing and said the UK would be ramping up COVID-19 testing.
Britons have been told to avoid unnecessary travel and stop going to bars, restaurants and other places.
Working from home has been encouraged where possible.
Schools are also closing from the end of lessons today, although the children of key workers and vulnerable children will still be allowed to attend school.


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Social distancing needs to be in place for 'most of a year', say government advisers

Social distancing restrictions need to be in place for `` at least most of a year '' to control the spread of coronavirus , according to experts advising the government about the pandemic .
Evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , which is advising ministers on the UK 's response to the coronavirus pandemic , has been published by the government .
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the UK could `` turn the tide '' against COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , in 12 weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell you that by the end of June we will be on the downward slope , '' he said .
`` It 's possible but I simply ca n't say that for certain .
`` Of course not , we do n't know where we are , we do n't know how long this thing will go on for but what I can say is that this is going to be finite , we will turn the tide and I can see how to do it within the next 12 weeks . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some doubt on this claim .
It said that while the severity of the social distancing measures could alternate during the period , the `` stricter '' provisions would need to be enforced for at least half of the year .
A report by the scientific pandemic influenza group on modelling states : `` It was agreed that the addition of both general social distancing and school closures to case isolation , household isolation and social distancing of vulnerable groups would be likely to control the epidemic when kept in place for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a policy of alternating between periods of more and less strict social distancing measures could plausibly be effective at keeping the number of critical care cases within capacity .
`` These would need to be in place for at least most of a year .
`` Under such a policy , at least half of the year would be spent under the stricter social distancing measures . ''
The advice , dated Monday , says that the triggers for the controls to be imposed or lifted could be set at a level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stringent measures could be enforced in London , where the disease is most prevalent , it adds .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The measures that would need to remain in force for a `` long period '' include general social distancing , school closures and household isolation , the advice says .
It would take two to three weeks for the impact of the measures to be felt in intensive care units , it added .
The document also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public to follow the government 's advice on social distancing , saying critical care facilities will likely be `` overwhelmed '' otherwise .
However , the scientists still said it was `` unclear '' if the action taken so far would `` curtail the epidemic '' by halting its spread .
Meanwhile , separate advice from the Scientific Group on Behaviour and Communications has set out the weight of pressure on the PM .
The group said that public disorder in epidemics is `` usually triggered by perceptions about the government response '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large-scale rioting is unlikely '' and there is a greater chance of acts of altruism predominating , which they said the government could `` promote and guide '' .
The police should take the role of `` support rather than control '' , the experts advise , removing the risk to order if police actions were deemed to be excessive .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ministers have been told to `` provide clear and transparent reasons for different strategies '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response will develop '' in order to minimise the chances of this happening .
The government is advised to cultivate a sense of collectivism , with messaging reinforcing a sense of community and that `` we are all in this together '' .
But they warned that household isolation and school closures will have a greater impact on poorer families .
`` For poorer families , loss of income and increased household bills ( heating , electricity , food delivery etc ) , will occur concurrently with loss of social services provided through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school clubs etc ) , '' they said .

Social distancing restrictions need to be in place for "at least most of a year" to control the spread of coronavirus, according to experts advising the government about the pandemic.
Evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which is advising ministers on the UK's response to the coronavirus pandemic, has been published by the government.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the UK could "turn the tide" against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in 12 weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 UK can 'turn tide on virus within 12 weeks'
"I cannot stand here and tell you that by the end of June we will be on the downward slope," he said.
"It's possible but I simply can't say that for certain.
"Of course not, we don't know where we are, we don't know how long this thing will go on for but what I can say is that this is going to be finite, we will turn the tide and I can see how to do it within the next 12 weeks."
However, evidence from SAGE has cast some doubt on this claim.
It said that while the severity of the social distancing measures could alternate during the period, the "stricter" provisions would need to be enforced for at least half of the year.
A report by the scientific pandemic influenza group on modelling states: "It was agreed that the addition of both general social distancing and school closures to case isolation, household isolation and social distancing of vulnerable groups would be likely to control the epidemic when kept in place for a long period.
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"It was agreed that a policy of alternating between periods of more and less strict social distancing measures could plausibly be effective at keeping the number of critical care cases within capacity.
"These would need to be in place for at least most of a year.
"Under such a policy, at least half of the year would be spent under the stricter social distancing measures."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:02 Your COVID-19 questions answered
The advice, dated Monday, says that the triggers for the controls to be imposed or lifted could be set at a level of UK nations and regions.
More stringent measures could be enforced in London, where the disease is most prevalent, it adds.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The measures that would need to remain in force for a "long period" include general social distancing, school closures and household isolation, the advice says.
It would take two to three weeks for the impact of the measures to be felt in intensive care units, it added.
The document also emphasises the need for members of the public to follow the government's advice on social distancing, saying critical care facilities will likely be "overwhelmed" otherwise.
However, the scientists still said it was "unclear" if the action taken so far would "curtail the epidemic" by halting its spread.
Meanwhile, separate advice from the Scientific Group on Behaviour and Communications has set out the weight of pressure on the PM.
The group said that public disorder in epidemics is "usually triggered by perceptions about the government response".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:29 Pubs should stay open
But they did say that "large-scale rioting is unlikely" and there is a greater chance of acts of altruism predominating, which they said the government could "promote and guide".
The police should take the role of "support rather than control", the experts advise, removing the risk to order if police actions were deemed to be excessive.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ministers have been told to "provide clear and transparent reasons for different strategies" with "clear expectations on how the response will develop" in order to minimise the chances of this happening.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:01 Health secretary calls on people to continue social distancing
The government is advised to cultivate a sense of collectivism, with messaging reinforcing a sense of community and that "we are all in this together".
But they warned that household isolation and school closures will have a greater impact on poorer families.
"For poorer families, loss of income and increased household bills (heating, electricity, food delivery etc), will occur concurrently with loss of social services provided through schools (free school meals, after school clubs etc)," they said.


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Can we really 'turn the tide' on the outbreak in 12 weeks?

It was but seven days ago that Boris Johnson delivered a news conference in Downing Street telling us all to carry on our business as normal , unless we had a fever or cough .
Now our schools are closing , the elderly and vulnerable are about to be asked to stay at home for three months , and London is all but shutting down .
People are losing their jobs , fretting about how to pay their bills .
Businesses are going under as families worry about getting in enough food .
It takes just a week to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past few days have felt bewildering , overwhelming , frightening , which is perhaps why Mr Johnson decided at his daily briefing that he needed to give us all a little bit of hope .
`` I do think looking at it all , we can turn the tide in the next 12 weeks , '' the prime minister told the nation at his weekly press conference .
`` I 'm confident we can send this virus packing in this country , but only if we all take steps we have outlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weapons in the fight against coronavirus : mass testing for the disease , and stringent adherence to the rules on social distancing from all of us .
On testing , the prime minister said he hoped to get from 25,000 tests to 250,000 quickly .
This would be a mix of COVID-19 testings and the rapid rollout of a new antibodies test to show if you 've had the disease which is `` as simple as a pregnancy test '' .
Such tests would be critical in managing the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disruption by getting key workers back to their jobs .
A genuine gamechanger .
And then for all us , a plea again to follow the advice on social distancing , working from home , avoiding pubs , clubs and restaurants .
Turning the tide appears predicated on human behaviour and the speed of scientific breakthroughs .
It 's little wonder then that the prime minister rowed back on his perhaps more bullish predictions during the course of the press conference when pressed again on our 12-week 'exit ' date .
`` At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a way that does not seem yet to be responding to our interventions , '' he said .
`` I believe that a combination of the measures asking the public to take and better testing - scientific progress - will enable us to get on top of it and turn the tide .
`` I can not stand here and tell you by the end of June we will be on a downward slope .
It 's possible , but I simply ca n't say that for certain . ''
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker When it comes to the science , the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallace acknowledged at the press conference on Thursday there was still an `` if '' around whether the antibody test can be applied - and he shied away from repeating the prime minister 's quarter of a million figure .
As for the social measures , the prime minister himself admitted at the briefing that the success of such endeavours depended on `` collective resolute action '' .
He conceded that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were ignoring the government 's advice .
`` There is some evidence in some parts of the capital , that it 's very patchy , that people are not perhaps following [ the advice ] in the way we need them to do it , '' he said .
Over half of the 29 coronavirus deaths today were in the capital .
And if you look at the mortality trajectories tracker , the UK remains on a steeper mortality curve than Italy , while also remaining far from lockdown .
More measures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Londoners do n't shut themselves down .
Over this weekend , millions of Britons will have to retreat from society and human contact .
It is an incredible ask .
The prime minister has tried to sugar coat a bitter pill with the promise that the end is in sight .
But he ca n't really know that , and neither can we .

It was but seven days ago that Boris Johnson delivered a news conference in Downing Street telling us all to carry on our business as normal, unless we had a fever or cough.
Now our schools are closing, the elderly and vulnerable are about to be asked to stay at home for three months, and London is all but shutting down.
People are losing their jobs, fretting about how to pay their bills.
Businesses are going under as families worry about getting in enough food.
It takes just a week to build dystopia.
For millions of Britons, the past few days have felt bewildering, overwhelming, frightening, which is perhaps why Mr Johnson decided at his daily briefing that he needed to give us all a little bit of hope.
"I do think looking at it all, we can turn the tide in the next 12 weeks," the prime minister told the nation at his weekly press conference.
"I'm confident we can send this virus packing in this country, but only if we all take steps we have outlined - that is vital."
His two weapons in the fight against coronavirus: mass testing for the disease, and stringent adherence to the rules on social distancing from all of us.
Advertisement
Image: The prime minister plans to ramp up testing
Image: A doctor poses with bacteria containing COVID-19 DNA
On testing, the prime minister said he hoped to get from 25,000 tests to 250,000 quickly.
This would be a mix of COVID-19 testings and the rapid rollout of a new antibodies test to show if you've had the disease which is "as simple as a pregnancy test".
Such tests would be critical in managing the spread of the disease and also reducing social and economic disruption by getting key workers back to their jobs. A genuine gamechanger.
And then for all us, a plea again to follow the advice on social distancing, working from home, avoiding pubs, clubs and restaurants.
Turning the tide appears predicated on human behaviour and the speed of scientific breakthroughs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 UK can 'turn tide on virus within 12 weeks'
It's little wonder then that the prime minister rowed back on his perhaps more bullish predictions during the course of the press conference when pressed again on our 12-week 'exit' date.
"At the moment, the disease is proceeding in a way that does not seem yet to be responding to our interventions," he said.
"I believe that a combination of the measures asking the public to take and better testing - scientific progress - will enable us to get on top of it and turn the tide.
"I cannot stand here and tell you by the end of June we will be on a downward slope. It's possible, but I simply can't say that for certain."
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When it comes to the science, the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallace acknowledged at the press conference on Thursday there was still an "if" around whether the antibody test can be applied - and he shied away from repeating the prime minister's quarter of a million figure.
As for the social measures, the prime minister himself admitted at the briefing that the success of such endeavours depended on "collective resolute action".
He conceded that in pockets of the capital, some Londoners were ignoring the government's advice.
"There is some evidence in some parts of the capital, that it's very patchy, that people are not perhaps following [the advice] in the way we need them to do it," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'It's an emergency' - BoE governor on virus
Over half of the 29 coronavirus deaths today were in the capital.
And if you look at the mortality trajectories tracker, the UK remains on a steeper mortality curve than Italy, while also remaining far from lockdown.
More measures are likely to come in the capital of Londoners don't shut themselves down.
Over this weekend, millions of Britons will have to retreat from society and human contact.
It is an incredible ask.
The prime minister has tried to sugar coat a bitter pill with the promise that the end is in sight.
But he can't really know that, and neither can we.


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Dame Vera Lynn's birthday message to 'keep smiling, keep singing'

Dame Vera Lynn has urged fans to `` keep smiling and keep singing '' in the coming months as coronavirus continues to spread .
The Forces Sweetheart shared her uplifting message on her official Twitter page as she celebrated her 103rd birthday .
As a nod to the `` difficult times '' the nation is currently facing due to coronavirus , she posted a short burst of the new video for her signature wartime tune , We 'll Meet Again .
Originally recorded in 1939 , the song is credited with boosting British morale through World War II .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vera and a special voiceover from the singer , which she recorded at home .
As the nation embraces social distancing measures , and with many in self-isolation in a bid to avoid COVID-19 , the song 's theme of `` meeting again '' can be seen to take on a new relevance .
Dame Vera has said she hopes the nation will also take hope from the song 's positive message : `` Keep smiling through ; Just like you always do ; 'Til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant for the older generation , especially those who are 70-plus and considered to be at greater risk .
A raft of events celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day have been cancelled or postponed amid the outbreak as the government advises the public to avoid mass gatherings and self-isolate .
Comparing the current crisis with the hardships of wartime , Dame Vera said : `` All around the world , people are facing extremely difficult times .
It is likely that we will all have to make hard decisions in the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am reminded of World War II , when our country faced the darkest of times and yet , despite our struggles , pulled together for the common good and we faced the common threat together as a country , and as a community of countries that joined as one right across the world . ''
Her message to fans was simple : `` Music is so good for the soul ... keep smiling and keep singing '' .
In 2010 Dame Vera made history as the oldest living artist to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also the only recording artist in the world to have spanned the pop charts from the 1940s to the 21st century .

Dame Vera Lynn has urged fans to "keep smiling and keep singing" in the coming months as coronavirus continues to spread.
The Forces Sweetheart shared her uplifting message on her official Twitter page as she celebrated her 103rd birthday.
Image: The Forces Sweetheart is often credited with helping boost morale during the war
As a nod to the "difficult times" the nation is currently facing due to coronavirus, she posted a short burst of the new video for her signature wartime tune, We'll Meet Again.
Originally recorded in 1939, the song is credited with boosting British morale through World War II.
The video features original archive footage of Dame Vera and a special voiceover from the singer, which she recorded at home.
Image: Dame Vera is celebrating her 103rd birthday
As the nation embraces social distancing measures, and with many in self-isolation in a bid to avoid COVID-19, the song's theme of "meeting again" can be seen to take on a new relevance.
Dame Vera has said she hopes the nation will also take hope from the song's positive message: "Keep smiling through; Just like you always do; 'Til the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away."
The message seems particularly relevant for the older generation, especially those who are 70-plus and considered to be at greater risk.
A raft of events celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day have been cancelled or postponed amid the outbreak as the government advises the public to avoid mass gatherings and self-isolate.
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Comparing the current crisis with the hardships of wartime, Dame Vera said: "All around the world, people are facing extremely difficult times. It is likely that we will all have to make hard decisions in the coming months."
She went on: "I am reminded of World War II, when our country faced the darkest of times and yet, despite our struggles, pulled together for the common good and we faced the common threat together as a country, and as a community of countries that joined as one right across the world."
Her message to fans was simple: "Music is so good for the soul... keep smiling and keep singing".
In 2010 Dame Vera made history as the oldest living artist to have a number one album.
She is also the only recording artist in the world to have spanned the pop charts from the 1940s to the 21st century.


news--2020-02-02--Panic buying in Hong Kong amid 'alarming' spread of coronavirus

Almost everyone is wearing a surgical mask in the city now .
Some have even resorted to donning respirator masks once used to counter the effects of police teargas .
Even Hong Kong 's Chief Executive Carrie Lam wears a facial mask during her news conferences .
It 's an astonishing turnaround given Ms Lam once attempted to ban the wearing of masks during the pro-democracy protests in the city because she viewed them as frustrating the identification of demonstrators .
But a city once wracked by weekly violent protests and firebombing is now facing another crisis - and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views .
The coronavirus outbreak is inside the city already , having spilled over from the many boundary crossings and transport links Hong Kong has with mainland China .
And the chief executive is once again being heavily criticised for not taking decisive action ; not taking it quickly enough and being influenced by her political ties with Beijing rather than prioritising the health and safety of Hong Kongers .
`` We just do n't trust the government , '' one woman says .
`` And we do n't trust the 'mainlanders ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any quarantine and go out in Hong Kong and just spread their virus . ''
And that is at the heart of it .
Eight months of fierce protests - which have seen demonstrators rampage through the heart of the city virtually every weekend vandalising government structures - has seen a dramatic erosion of trust and respect in the chief executive 's ability to handle any crisis .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The high-speed rail link with the mainland was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but only about a week after the entire city of Wuhan was quarantined by the Beijing government .
By that time , doctors in Hong Kong estimate about five million people had left the epicentre of the outbreak .
Professor David Hui , from the Chinese University of Hong Kong , says many of those people will have returned to cities and communities within the mainland - but many others will have travelled overseas too , or to Hong Kong .
Prof Hui is one of the foremost virus experts in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organisation , as well as one of four experts who advise Ms Lam .
He described the advance of the coronavirus as `` alarming '' , especially as it was emerging that one in four cases are severe .
`` The infection is still evolving , '' he said .
`` We still have n't identified the source of it is extremely difficult to counter the spread until that is established . ''
He identified the city 's first coronavirus sufferer who reported himself to hospital without any symptoms or fever .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two days later still feeling unwell , but still with no fever .
It was only an MRI which revealed small tuberculosis spots on his lung which led to him being admitted and testing positive for coronavirus .
There 're also early suggestions that the virus can be passed from human to human and possibly linger active on hard surfaces such as door handles , escalators , desks and toilets .
If this is confirmed , it will make tracing any sufferers - and their routes - even more urgent .
A city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and which saw the highest number of deaths outside of mainland China ) , is on red alert - and this explains the panic buying of facemasks and hand sanitisers .
Almost everywhere is sold out in the city and any outlet which has the masks opens up huge long queues .
Some people said they had lined up for six hours to buy a box .
`` We have to , '' one woman says .
`` We have lived through SARS .
You have to do this .
And Carrie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the mainland . ''
Hong Kong is particularly vulnerable to the virus because of the proximity and links to mainland China .
Mix this with its recent political history ; its experience of SARS and its global reach as a major financial hub ... and it becomes dangerously toxic .

Almost everyone is wearing a surgical mask in the city now. Some have even resorted to donning respirator masks once used to counter the effects of police teargas.
Even Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam wears a facial mask during her news conferences.
It's an astonishing turnaround given Ms Lam once attempted to ban the wearing of masks during the pro-democracy protests in the city because she viewed them as frustrating the identification of demonstrators.
Image: Carrie Lam wore a face mask at a recent news conference
But a city once wracked by weekly violent protests and firebombing is now facing another crisis - and this one could unite the most diverging political views.
The coronavirus outbreak is inside the city already, having spilled over from the many boundary crossings and transport links Hong Kong has with mainland China.
And the chief executive is once again being heavily criticised for not taking decisive action; not taking it quickly enough and being influenced by her political ties with Beijing rather than prioritising the health and safety of Hong Kongers.
"We just don't trust the government," one woman says. "And we don't trust the 'mainlanders'.
"We think they will escape any quarantine and go out in Hong Kong and just spread their virus."
And that is at the heart of it.
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Eight months of fierce protests - which have seen demonstrators rampage through the heart of the city virtually every weekend vandalising government structures - has seen a dramatic erosion of trust and respect in the chief executive's ability to handle any crisis.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The high-speed rail link with the mainland was shut down as was the ferry crossing - but only about a week after the entire city of Wuhan was quarantined by the Beijing government.
By that time, doctors in Hong Kong estimate about five million people had left the epicentre of the outbreak.
Professor David Hui, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, says many of those people will have returned to cities and communities within the mainland - but many others will have travelled overseas too, or to Hong Kong.
Prof Hui is one of the foremost virus experts in the world and an adviser to the World Health Organisation, as well as one of four experts who advise Ms Lam.
He described the advance of the coronavirus as "alarming", especially as it was emerging that one in four cases are severe.
"The infection is still evolving," he said.
"We still haven't identified the source of it is extremely difficult to counter the spread until that is established."
Image: Some people have queued for hours to buy facemasks
He identified the city's first coronavirus sufferer who reported himself to hospital without any symptoms or fever.
He was sent home only to return two days later still feeling unwell, but still with no fever.
It was only an MRI which revealed small tuberculosis spots on his lung which led to him being admitted and testing positive for coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
There're also early suggestions that the virus can be passed from human to human and possibly linger active on hard surfaces such as door handles, escalators, desks and toilets.
If this is confirmed, it will make tracing any sufferers - and their routes - even more urgent.
A city which has lived through SARS in 2002-2003 (and which saw the highest number of deaths outside of mainland China), is on red alert - and this explains the panic buying of facemasks and hand sanitisers.
Image: There are fears in Hong Kong about the spread of the coronavirus from China
Almost everywhere is sold out in the city and any outlet which has the masks opens up huge long queues. Some people said they had lined up for six hours to buy a box.
"We have to," one woman says.
"We have lived through SARS. You have to do this. And Carrie Lam has to completely shut the borders with the mainland."
Image: A woman has her temperature checked as she enters a hotel in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is particularly vulnerable to the virus because of the proximity and links to mainland China.
Mix this with its recent political history; its experience of SARS and its global reach as a major financial hub... and it becomes dangerously toxic.


news--2020-02-02--Coronavirus outbreak: More Britons evacuated from infection epicentre

Eleven Britons who did not make it onto the first evacuation flight from China 's coronavirus epicentre have now arrived back in the UK .
They landed at RAF Brize Norton , in Oxfordshire , on Sunday evening and are being taken to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral , where they will spend 14 days in quarantine .
The group - made up of British nationals and family members - will join 83 people already under observation after being flown back from Wuhan on Friday .
It comes as a UK-wide campaign was launched offering the public advice on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly virus after Britain 's first two confirmed cases .
The pair - who fell ill while staying at a hotel in York - are members of the same family , and one of them is a student at the University of York .
The two patients are being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle and health authorities are urgently trying to trace anyone who has come into contact with them .
The university has confirmed the affected student did not attend the recent graduation ceremonies or the student organised Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reports that a third person in the UK was being treated for coronavirus in Walsall were a false alarm , Sky News understands .
More than 240 calls have been made to a dedicated helpline set up by the University of York after the student was confirmed as having the virus .
Of the 266 tests so far carried out in the UK , two have been positive .
The 11 UK citizens arrived back from China on Sunday on board a Maltese plane arranged by France .
Sky News understands the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Raab told Sky 's Sophy Ridge On Sunday : `` They will go to the Arrowe Park facility and all of the protections , the support during the 14-day period will be put in place .
`` So they will be treated very well , and of course the reason we need to do that is on the one hand we want to get the UK nationals that want to leave China out , on the other hand we need to make sure we control and prevent the spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have . ''
Yvonne Griffiths , a British lecturer who is among the 83 people already at the facility , spoke to Sky News from her room in quarantine , saying they are being treated well but are unsure whether their isolation will be extended because of the arrival of the new group of Britons .
She said : `` It 's a little bit strange to be home , and not home .
`` I 'm feeling really grateful to have managed to be on that evacuation flight the other day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from all the staff here at Arrowe Park and really could n't have asked for more .
`` We 're being well looked after and I think it 's a matter now of just being patient and waiting day by day , ticking each day off . ''
Public Health England have also moved to give assurances about why the drivers of coaches used to transport those in quarantine to the isolation facility were not required to wear protective suits , unlike the medics onboard .
A letter sent to the head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News , said none of the passengers had displayed symptoms of infection on arrival and the medical teams had worn the special clothing as a precaution , should they need to treat anyone in transit .
The drivers had also been kept separate from the quarantined passengers and were the last to board the vehicle .
PHE incident director Susan Hopkins wrote : `` The drivers do not pose a risk to public health as a result of driving these passengers to their accommodation and should go about their daily lives as normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should have no concerns about using these vehicles '' .
Meanwhile , a man in the Philippines has become the first person outside China to die from the outbreak .
The outbreak has so far claimed the lives of 361 people in China while the number of confirmed cases of infection has now topped 17,205 .
The rapid spread of the virus in two months recently prompted the World Health Organisation to declare it a global emergency .
It has called on governments to prepare for `` domestic outbreak control '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Around 150 cases have been reported across at least 25 other countries including the US , Russia , France , Australia and the United Arab Emirates .
Despite the WHO insisting travel restrictions are not needed , the US and Australia are among a number of countries to ban entry to foreign internationals who have recently been in China .
A growing number of international airlines has also suspended all or some flights to China .
Efforts to contain the virus threatens to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest economy .

Eleven Britons who did not make it onto the first evacuation flight from China's coronavirus epicentre have now arrived back in the UK.
They landed at RAF Brize Norton, in Oxfordshire, on Sunday evening and are being taken to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, where they will spend 14 days in quarantine.
The group - made up of British nationals and family members - will join 83 people already under observation after being flown back from Wuhan on Friday.
It comes as a UK-wide campaign was launched offering the public advice on how to stop the spread of the deadly virus after Britain's first two confirmed cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 Life inside the UK's coronavirus quarantine
The pair - who fell ill while staying at a hotel in York - are members of the same family, and one of them is a student at the University of York.
The two patients are being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle and health authorities are urgently trying to trace anyone who has come into contact with them.
The university has confirmed the affected student did not attend the recent graduation ceremonies or the student organised Chinese New Year celebration in the city.
Reports that a third person in the UK was being treated for coronavirus in Walsall were a false alarm, Sky News understands.
Image: The British nationals were flown from China back to the UK on a Maltese plane arranged by France
More than 240 calls have been made to a dedicated helpline set up by the University of York after the student was confirmed as having the virus.
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Of the 266 tests so far carried out in the UK, two have been positive.
The 11 UK citizens arrived back from China on Sunday on board a Maltese plane arranged by France. Sky News understands the group of Britons includes children.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "They will go to the Arrowe Park facility and all of the protections, the support during the 14-day period will be put in place.
"So they will be treated very well, and of course the reason we need to do that is on the one hand we want to get the UK nationals that want to leave China out, on the other hand we need to make sure we control and prevent the spread of the coronavirus because of the implications that that would have."
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Yvonne Griffiths, a British lecturer who is among the 83 people already at the facility, spoke to Sky News from her room in quarantine, saying they are being treated well but are unsure whether their isolation will be extended because of the arrival of the new group of Britons.
She said: "It's a little bit strange to be home, and not home.
"I'm feeling really grateful to have managed to be on that evacuation flight the other day. We've had an amazingly warm welcome from all the staff here at Arrowe Park and really couldn't have asked for more.
"We're being well looked after and I think it's a matter now of just being patient and waiting day by day, ticking each day off."
Public Health England have also moved to give assurances about why the drivers of coaches used to transport those in quarantine to the isolation facility were not required to wear protective suits, unlike the medics onboard.
A letter sent to the head of the coach firm, seen by Sky News, said none of the passengers had displayed symptoms of infection on arrival and the medical teams had worn the special clothing as a precaution, should they need to treat anyone in transit.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
The drivers had also been kept separate from the quarantined passengers and were the last to board the vehicle.
PHE incident director Susan Hopkins wrote: "The drivers do not pose a risk to public health as a result of driving these passengers to their accommodation and should go about their daily lives as normal."
She also said that "people should have no concerns about using these vehicles".
Meanwhile, a man in the Philippines has become the first person outside China to die from the outbreak.
The outbreak has so far claimed the lives of 361 people in China while the number of confirmed cases of infection has now topped 17,205.
The rapid spread of the virus in two months recently prompted the World Health Organisation to declare it a global emergency.
It has called on governments to prepare for "domestic outbreak control".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Around 150 cases have been reported across at least 25 other countries including the US, Russia, France, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite the WHO insisting travel restrictions are not needed, the US and Australia are among a number of countries to ban entry to foreign internationals who have recently been in China.
A growing number of international airlines has also suspended all or some flights to China.
Efforts to contain the virus threatens to slow growth of the world's second largest economy.


news--2020-02-02--China facing global isolation as first coronavirus death reported outside country

A man who died from the coronavirus in the Philippines is the first reported death from the illness outside of China , the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has said .
The 44-year-old was a resident of Wuhan , the Chinese city in Hubei province , which is the epicentre of the outbreak .
A 38-year-old woman , who travelled to the Philippines with the man and is also from Wuhan , tested positive for the virus and remains in hospital isolation in Manila .
She was the first confirmed case of coronavirus in the Philippines .
The man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had `` showed signs of improvement '' before his death on 1 February , the WHO said .
Dr Rabi Abeyasinghe said : `` This is the first reported ( death ) outside of China .
However , we need to keep in mind that he came from Wuhan , China .
`` San Lazaro Hospital and the Department of Health assured that infection prevention and control measures are in place , including personal protective equipment to health workers . ''
The death in the Philippines comes as China is facing mounting isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flight suspensions , as the number of dead from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 305 .
The epidemic has led to countries including the UK and the US evacuating their citizens from China , and risks worsening a slowdown in growth in the world 's second largest economy .
New Zealand has said it will bar all foreign nationals arriving from mainland China from Monday - following the US , Singapore and Australia after they took the same action .
South Korea says it will stop people who have visited Hubei province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Vietnam has suspended all flights to and from China .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in China has reached more than 14,411 .
More than 146 cases have also been reported across at least 25 other countries including the UK , US , Russia , France , Australia and the United Arab Emirates .
The US confirmed its eighth case - a student at the Boston campus of the University of Massachusetts - while the Pentagon has said it will provide housing for people arriving from overseas who might need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from Wuhan , bringing the country 's total to 20 cases .
Meanwhile , six officials in the Chinese city of Huanggang , neighbouring Wuhan , have been fired over `` poor performance '' in handling the outbreak , the official Xinhua News Agency reported .
The agency cited the mayor as saying the city 's `` capabilities to treat the patients remained inadequate and there is a severe shortage in medical supplies such as protective suits and medical masks '' .
The WHO , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health emergency last week , has said global trade and travel restrictions are not needed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker But the list of international airlines suspending all or some flights to China is growing .
The latest were the Australian airline Qantas Airways Ltd and Air New Zealand , which said travel bans forced them to suspend their direct flights to China from 9 February .
United Airlines , Delta Air Lines and American Airlines , the three major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would cancel flights to mainland China .
The commander of US forces in the Pacific has banned travel to China for all service members and civilian personnel under his authority and ordered those now in China to leave immediately , officials said .
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has approved a request from the Department of Health and Human Services for the possible use of military facilities to accommodate 1,000 people who may have to be quarantined upon arrival from overseas due to the coronavirus .
The US , from Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seven major airports where passengers can be screened for illness .
Apple Inc said on Saturday it would close all of its official stores and corporate offices in China until 9 February .
German Health Minister Jens Spahn has called for calm and warned against hysteria as more than 100 Germans and family members landed in Frankfurt , with none showing any symptoms of the virus .
Germany had eight confirmed cases as of Saturday evening .
German newspaper Der Spiegel reported on Sunday that a further two people who flew into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain , which has had two confirmed cases , said it was withdrawing some staff from its embassy and consulates in China .
One of the British people infected with the coronavirus is a student at the University of York .
Health authorities are rushing to identify anyone who has come into contact with the pair .
The Russian military will start evacuating Russian citizens from China on Monday and Tuesday , the Interfax and TASS news agencies reported .
Russia , which has already restricted direct flights with its biggest trading partner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel for Chinese visitors and halting work visas .
Most international cases have been in people who had recently travelled to or were visiting from Hubei province , the epicentre of the outbreak .
The province has been under a virtual quarantine for the last week , with roads sealed off and public transport shut down .
Chinese authorities have placed restrictions on travel and business in other parts of the countries .
The provincial government in Hubei has extended a holiday break in the country to 13 February in a bid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
Infections have jumped in two cities flanking Wuhan , where the new virus is believed to have originated , raising concerns that new hot spots are emerging despite strict transport restrictions .
Efforts to contain the virus risk slowing economic growth in China .
The virus impact prompted Goldman Sachs to cut its estimate for first-quarter growth to 4 % from 5.6 % .
China 's central bank has said economic impacts as a result of the virus are temporary and economic fundamentals remained sound , but that it would increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected companies .

A man who died from the coronavirus in the Philippines is the first reported death from the illness outside of China, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
The 44-year-old was a resident of Wuhan, the Chinese city in Hubei province, which is the epicentre of the outbreak.
A 38-year-old woman, who travelled to the Philippines with the man and is also from Wuhan, tested positive for the virus and remains in hospital isolation in Manila.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:31 Disinfecting China as isolation grows
She was the first confirmed case of coronavirus in the Philippines.
The man who died had developed severe pneumonia and had "showed signs of improvement" before his death on 1 February, the WHO said.
Dr Rabi Abeyasinghe said: "This is the first reported (death) outside of China. However, we need to keep in mind that he came from Wuhan, China.
"San Lazaro Hospital and the Department of Health assured that infection prevention and control measures are in place, including personal protective equipment to health workers."
The death in the Philippines comes as China is facing mounting isolation in the face of increasing travel restrictions and flight suspensions, as the number of dead from the coronavirus outbreak rose to 305.
The epidemic has led to countries including the UK and the US evacuating their citizens from China, and risks worsening a slowdown in growth in the world's second largest economy.
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New Zealand has said it will bar all foreign nationals arriving from mainland China from Monday - following the US, Singapore and Australia after they took the same action.
South Korea says it will stop people who have visited Hubei province from entering the country from Tuesday, while Vietnam has suspended all flights to and from China.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in China has reached more than 14,411. More than 146 cases have also been reported across at least 25 other countries including the UK, US, Russia, France, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
The US confirmed its eighth case - a student at the Boston campus of the University of Massachusetts - while the Pentagon has said it will provide housing for people arriving from overseas who might need to be quarantined.
Japan confirmed an additional three cases of the new coronavirus among evacuees from Wuhan, bringing the country's total to 20 cases.
Meanwhile, six officials in the Chinese city of Huanggang, neighbouring Wuhan, have been fired over "poor performance" in handling the outbreak, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.
The agency cited the mayor as saying the city's "capabilities to treat the patients remained inadequate and there is a severe shortage in medical supplies such as protective suits and medical masks".
The WHO, which declared the outbreak a global public health emergency last week, has said global trade and travel restrictions are not needed.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
But the list of international airlines suspending all or some flights to China is growing.
The latest were the Australian airline Qantas Airways Ltd and Air New Zealand, which said travel bans forced them to suspend their direct flights to China from 9 February.
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, the three major US carriers, said on Friday that they would cancel flights to mainland China.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Hong Kongers angry that border with China remains open
The commander of US forces in the Pacific has banned travel to China for all service members and civilian personnel under his authority and ordered those now in China to leave immediately, officials said.
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has approved a request from the Department of Health and Human Services for the possible use of military facilities to accommodate 1,000 people who may have to be quarantined upon arrival from overseas due to the coronavirus.
The US, from Sunday, will begin directing all flights from China to seven major airports where passengers can be screened for illness.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
Apple Inc said on Saturday it would close all of its official stores and corporate offices in China until 9 February.
German Health Minister Jens Spahn has called for calm and warned against hysteria as more than 100 Germans and family members landed in Frankfurt, with none showing any symptoms of the virus.
Germany had eight confirmed cases as of Saturday evening. German newspaper Der Spiegel reported on Sunday that a further two people who flew into the country from Wuhan were infected.
Image: German and foreign nationals are seen being evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan
Britain, which has had two confirmed cases, said it was withdrawing some staff from its embassy and consulates in China.
One of the British people infected with the coronavirus is a student at the University of York.
Health authorities are rushing to identify anyone who has come into contact with the pair.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 Life inside the UK's coronavirus quarantine
The Russian military will start evacuating Russian citizens from China on Monday and Tuesday, the Interfax and TASS news agencies reported.
Russia, which has already restricted direct flights with its biggest trading partner, also said it was suspending visa-free travel for Chinese visitors and halting work visas.
Most international cases have been in people who had recently travelled to or were visiting from Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak.
The province has been under a virtual quarantine for the last week, with roads sealed off and public transport shut down.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:05 Undercover in HK hospital struggling with coronavirus
Chinese authorities have placed restrictions on travel and business in other parts of the countries.
The provincial government in Hubei has extended a holiday break in the country to 13 February in a bid to contain the outbreak, the Hubei Daily reported.
Infections have jumped in two cities flanking Wuhan, where the new virus is believed to have originated, raising concerns that new hot spots are emerging despite strict transport restrictions.
Efforts to contain the virus risk slowing economic growth in China.
The virus impact prompted Goldman Sachs to cut its estimate for first-quarter growth to 4% from 5.6%.
China's central bank has said economic impacts as a result of the virus are temporary and economic fundamentals remained sound, but that it would increase credit support, lowering lending costs for affected companies.


news--2020-02-01--Coronavirus: 'We can all play our part' - UK public health campaign offers advice to stop spread

A UK-wide campaign has been launched offering the public advice on how to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus after Britain 's first two confirmed cases .
The advice - in radio and print media as well as on social media - promotes the importance of hygiene practices in a similar way to the Catch it , Bin it , Kill it campaign used for flu and norovirus .
The public have been told : • Always carry a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes and bin it after use • Wash hands with soap and water or use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back from China within 14 days , follow the specific advice for returning travellers Anyone who has travelled from anywhere else in China to the UK ( not including Macao or Hong Kong ) in the last 14 days , and develops symptoms of cough , fever or shortness of breath , is being told to immediately self-isolate , even if symptoms are minor , and call NHS 111 .
Those in Northern Ireland should call their GP .
Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever , a cough , or difficulty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government said the current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government is `` doing everything we can to protect the public '' - but added that `` we can all play our part '' .
He said : `` Our highly trained and experienced clinicians are working round the clock to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the UK .
`` The government has detailed plans for how to deal with an outbreak like this .
Lots of people are asking what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus .
`` Basic hygiene such as washing our hands regularly and using tissues when we cough and sneeze can play an important role in minimising the spread of viruses like this .
`` While two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK , our world-class NHS is well prepared to manage these types of incidents .
`` The UK is extremely well prepared for any potential outbreak of an infectious disease - we are one of the first countries in the world to develop a test for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's first two confirmed cases of coronavirus are members of the same family and fell ill while staying at a hotel in York .
One of them is a student at the University of York .
They are being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle and health authorities are urgently trying to trace anyone who has come into contact with them .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker More than 300 people have died from the coronavirus and more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as China , where the deadly outbreak began , at least 25 other countries have reported cases including the US , Russia , France , Australia and the United Arab Emirates .

A UK-wide campaign has been launched offering the public advice on how to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus after Britain's first two confirmed cases.
The advice - in radio and print media as well as on social media - promotes the importance of hygiene practices in a similar way to the Catch it, Bin it, Kill it campaign used for flu and norovirus.
The public have been told:
Always carry a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes and bin it after use
Wash hands with soap and water or use sanitiser gel
If you have arrived back from China within 14 days, follow the specific advice for returning travellers
Anyone who has travelled from anywhere else in China to the UK (not including Macao or Hong Kong) in the last 14 days, and develops symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath, is being told to immediately self-isolate, even if symptoms are minor, and call NHS 111.
Those in Northern Ireland should call their GP.
Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms including a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing, but in a statement, the government said the current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government is "doing everything we can to protect the public" - but added that "we can all play our part".
Image: The nationwide campaign targets radio, newspapers and social media
He said: "Our highly trained and experienced clinicians are working round the clock to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the UK.
"The government has detailed plans for how to deal with an outbreak like this. Lots of people are asking what they can do to help stop the spread of the virus.
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"Basic hygiene such as washing our hands regularly and using tissues when we cough and sneeze can play an important role in minimising the spread of viruses like this.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 Life inside the UK's coronavirus quarantine
"While two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK, our world-class NHS is well prepared to manage these types of incidents.
"The UK is extremely well prepared for any potential outbreak of an infectious disease - we are one of the first countries in the world to develop a test for the new virus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
The UK's first two confirmed cases of coronavirus are members of the same family and fell ill while staying at a hotel in York. One of them is a student at the University of York.
They are being treated at a specialist hospital unit in Newcastle and health authorities are urgently trying to trace anyone who has come into contact with them.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
More than 300 people have died from the coronavirus and more than 14,000 people have been infected.
As well as China, where the deadly outbreak began, at least 25 other countries have reported cases including the US, Russia, France, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Government to air first TV adverts with advice for Britons

The government will tomorrow air its first TV adverts as part of the public awareness campaign on the coronavirus pandemic .
The adverts are a ramping up of ministers ' efforts to inform Britons about how they should respond to coronavirus .
They build upon existing adverts already on radio , online and on billboards .
In the 40-second TV adverts , England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty explains the government 's latest advice for those who suspect they might be infected .
• Individuals should self-isolate for seven days from the onset of a high temperature or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Any individuals in the same household should self-isolate for 14 days from that moment as well ; • If other members of the household develop symptoms , however mild , at any time during the 14 days they must not leave the home for seven days from when symptoms started ; • Do n't go to the GP or hospital , but instead check your symptoms at NHS.uk and follow the advice ; Only call the NHS 111 helpline if you ca n't get online or your symptoms worsen .
In the adverts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's important we all protect older people and those with existing health conditions from coronavirus . ''
Actor Mark Strong also features and tells Britons to `` protect yourself , protect others , protect the NHS '' .
On Monday , the prime minister ordered Britons to avoid pubs , clubs , restaurants and theatres and to only make essential journeys , as part of social distancing measures .
On Wednesday , the government announced it was rapidly increasing the number of coronavirus tests .
As many as 25,000 people within NHS hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Thirty-two more people have died in England after testing positive for coronavirus - taking the total number of UK deaths to 104 .
It follows the biggest daily leap in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK after 676 infections were diagnosed in the last 24 hours .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK now stands at 2,626 .
The prime minister also called on companies to work with the government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have developed immunity , in order to help get NHS staff back to work as quickly as possible .
The World Health Organisation recently criticised national governments for not conducting enough tests on their populations .
In new laws to be introduced to the House of Commons this week , the government is also seeking widespread powers to tackle the public health crisis caused by COVID-19 - the prevalent strain of coronavirus .

The government will tomorrow air its first TV adverts as part of the public awareness campaign on the coronavirus pandemic.
The adverts are a ramping up of ministers' efforts to inform Britons about how they should respond to coronavirus.
They build upon existing adverts already on radio, online and on billboards.
In the 40-second TV adverts, England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty explains the government's latest advice for those who suspect they might be infected.
The advice is:
Individuals should self-isolate for seven days from the onset of a high temperature or a new and persistent cough;
Any individuals in the same household should self-isolate for 14 days from that moment as well;
If other members of the household develop symptoms, however mild, at any time during the 14 days they must not leave the home for seven days from when symptoms started;
Don't go to the GP or hospital, but instead check your symptoms at NHS.uk and follow the advice;Only call the NHS 111 helpline if you can't get online or your symptoms worsen.
In the adverts, Prof Whitty says: "It's important we all protect older people and those with existing health conditions from coronavirus."
Actor Mark Strong also features and tells Britons to "protect yourself, protect others, protect the NHS".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 '20,000 virus deaths would be good outcome'
On Monday, the prime minister ordered Britons to avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres and to only make essential journeys, as part of social distancing measures.
On Wednesday, the government announced it was rapidly increasing the number of coronavirus tests.
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As many as 25,000 people within NHS hospitals will be tested for coronavirus every day.
:: Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Thirty-two more people have died in England after testing positive for coronavirus - taking the total number of UK deaths to 104.
It follows the biggest daily leap in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK after 676 infections were diagnosed in the last 24 hours.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK now stands at 2,626.
The prime minister also called on companies to work with the government to rapidly develop a test to establish whether people have developed immunity, in order to help get NHS staff back to work as quickly as possible.
The World Health Organisation recently criticised national governments for not conducting enough tests on their populations.
In new laws to be introduced to the House of Commons this week, the government is also seeking widespread powers to tackle the public health crisis caused by COVID-19 - the prevalent strain of coronavirus.


news--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: Superdry, Zara and Wagamama count cost of lost sales

Superdry , Zara and Wagamama have become the latest high street names to warn that sales and profits are being crushed by the coronavirus crisis .
Fashion retailer Superdry said it has closed most of its European stores .
In the US and UK - where their outlets remain open - shopping visits were down by a quarter .
The company warned that a target for the already struggling business to eke out profits of between zero and £10m this year would be missed because of the pandemic .
Chief executive Julian Dunkerton said it was seeking additional financing as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertain '' situation .
Elsewhere , the owner of the Spanish fashion giant Zara said sales were down 24 % in the first two weeks of March with nearly 4,000 stores around the world temporarily closed .
It said it would take a €287m ( £265m ) hit as it writes down the value of its spring/summer ranges .
The warnings come a day after Laura Ashley became the first high street casualty of the coronavirus crisis , calling in administrators after being hit by a sharp drop-off in trade .
Pubs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under significant strain as social distancing and self-isolation measures become the norm .
The Restaurant Group - owner of chains including Wagamama and Frankie & Benny 's - said it was planning for a 45 % plunge in sales for the first half of the year .
It is slashing capital spending by £45m as well as seeking rent reductions from landlords and flexibility from its lenders .
The group , which operates 650 sites in the UK , said there was `` no certainty around the severity and duration of the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a resilient business '' .
Mitchells and Butlers , owner of pub chains including Harvester , O'Neills and All Bar One , said it had been `` severely impacted by COVID-19 and the containment measures taken by the government '' .
It said it was `` working hard '' to limit losses over coming weeks to be able to meet conditions set by its lenders - and was encouraged by a business rates relief package announced by the chancellor .
Revolution Bars , which operates 74 sites across the UK , said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the foreseeable future '' .
It said it would seek to slash payroll costs , reduce opening hours , cut back on entertainment and door staff , and push back rent and tax payments .
The company said that the government 's business rates holiday `` does not go nearly far enough '' and it would need help to pay for staff .
Meanwhile in the motor trade , already struggling car dealership group Pendragon reported a pre-tax loss of £114m and warned the virus would `` likely influence the willingness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Outside the UK , BMW became the latest car maker to announce factory shutdowns as it warned of `` significantly lower '' profits for this year .

Superdry, Zara and Wagamama have become the latest high street names to warn that sales and profits are being crushed by the coronavirus crisis.
Fashion retailer Superdry said it has closed most of its European stores. In the US and UK - where their outlets remain open - shopping visits were down by a quarter.
The company warned that a target for the already struggling business to eke out profits of between zero and £10m this year would be missed because of the pandemic.
Chief executive Julian Dunkerton said it was seeking additional financing as it faced the "very fluid and uncertain" situation.
Elsewhere, the owner of the Spanish fashion giant Zara said sales were down 24% in the first two weeks of March with nearly 4,000 stores around the world temporarily closed.
It said it would take a €287m (£265m) hit as it writes down the value of its spring/summer ranges.
The warnings come a day after Laura Ashley became the first high street casualty of the coronavirus crisis, calling in administrators after being hit by a sharp drop-off in trade.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:37 Coronavirus: UK's new economic measures explained
Pubs, restaurants and other leisure venues are also under significant strain as social distancing and self-isolation measures become the norm.
The Restaurant Group - owner of chains including Wagamama and Frankie & Benny's - said it was planning for a 45% plunge in sales for the first half of the year.
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It is slashing capital spending by £45m as well as seeking rent reductions from landlords and flexibility from its lenders.
The group, which operates 650 sites in the UK, said there was "no certainty around the severity and duration of the impact" but that it was "fundamentally a resilient business".
Mitchells and Butlers, owner of pub chains including Harvester, O'Neills and All Bar One, said it had been "severely impacted by COVID-19 and the containment measures taken by the government".
It said it was "working hard" to limit losses over coming weeks to be able to meet conditions set by its lenders - and was encouraged by a business rates relief package announced by the chancellor.
Image: Zara is taking a £259m hit
Revolution Bars, which operates 74 sites across the UK, said it expected trading to be "very challenging for the foreseeable future".
It said it would seek to slash payroll costs, reduce opening hours, cut back on entertainment and door staff, and push back rent and tax payments.
The company said that the government's business rates holiday "does not go nearly far enough" and it would need help to pay for staff.
Meanwhile in the motor trade, already struggling car dealership group Pendragon reported a pre-tax loss of £114m and warned the virus would "likely influence the willingness of customers to visit our dealerships".
Outside the UK, BMW became the latest car maker to announce factory shutdowns as it warned of "significantly lower" profits for this year.


news--2020-03-08--Coronavirus: How many cases are there where you live?

A total of 590 cases of coronavirus have so far been confirmed in the UK .
Nearly 30,000 people have @ @ @ @ @ in the UK , with six patients dying inside the country .
The government has @ @ @ @ @ cases have been reported , by 9am on each reporting day , in every upper @ @ @ @ @ ( county councils , unitary authorities , London and metropolitan boroughs ) .
Sky News @ @ @ @ @ for each of those authority areas , per 100,000 population .
The list immediately below @ @ @ @ @ .
Search to find how many cases have been reported in each local authority : @ @ @ @ @ figures broken down by health authority , rather than local authority .
Worldwide , China @ @ @ @ @ most cases of COVID-19 , followed by Italy and South Korea .
Tap or click @ @ @ @ @ find out which countries have been affected and how badly :

A total of 590 cases of coronavirus have so far been confirmed in the UK.
Nearly 30,000 people have been tested for the virus in the UK, with six patients dying inside the country.
The government has provided figures showing how many cases have been reported, by 9am on each reporting day, in every upper tier local authority in England (county councils, unitary authorities, London and metropolitan boroughs).
Sky News has also calculated the rate for each of those authority areas, per 100,000 population. The list immediately below orders the authorities by rate.
Search to find how many cases have been reported in each local authority:
The Scottish government has provided figures broken down by health authority, rather than local authority.
Worldwide, China has recorded by far the most cases of COVID-19, followed by Italy and South Korea. Tap or click through the chart below to find out which countries have been affected and how badly:


news--2020-03-08--Coronavirus: NHS will get 'whatever it needs' to fight outbreak of COVID-19

The government `` stands ready to give the NHS whatever it needs '' as Britain deals with the coronavirus outbreak , the chancellor has told Sky News .
Rishi Sunak said he was `` working hard '' to ensure that ministers `` have the interventions required to help anyone through a difficult period '' .
There are currently 209 cases in the UK and two people have died after testing positive for coronavirus .
The outbreak of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , has raised fears about the impact on workers who have to self-isolate , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a change to rules on sick pay earlier this week - and Mr Sunak said the government stood ready to go further .
`` I 'm working hard with the team to make sure that we have the interventions required to help anyone through a difficult period , '' the chancellor told Sophy Ridge on Sunday .
`` First and foremost , supporting public services but also helping vulnerable people and also businesses to get through anything that might be coming our way ... we stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs . ''
Mr Sunak also said that he would set out measures in Wednesday 's budget to support businesses that may face `` cash flow '' problems due to the coronavirus .
`` I take my responsibilities seriously to make sure we do what we need to do to ease the burden on business over that temporary period of time , to make sure that they have access to the cash flow that they need to bridge through a difficult period , so that they can emerge on the other side strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` There are policy levers we can take to ease the short-term burden on businesses ' cash flow and these are businesses that we think are viable , sustainable , that have a bright future but have a temporary period of disruption , and that 's where our interventions should be focused . ''
The government has also said that millions of volunteers could be given four weeks off work to help take the strain off the NHS in the event the outbreak becomes a pandemic .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit-down since he became chancellor in the PM 's reshuffle last month , having previously been chief secretary to the Treasury .
The 39-year-old 's surprise promotion came after predecessor Sajid Javid walked out of Number 11 .
Mr Javid 's shock resignation came after Mr Johnson demanded he sack his advisers .
The former chancellor said this was something that `` no self-respecting '' minister could have accepted .
Asked about his predecessor 's remarks , Mr Sunak said : `` He was in a different spot , he had an existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it fresh , so for me to be able to build my own team , which is what I 'm doing , but have that team work closely with the prime minister 's team , is absolutely a good thing . ''
He described Mr Javid as a `` good friend and mentor '' and said his old boss had been in touch in recent weeks to give him advice .
Mr Sunak refused to say whether he would stick to the fiscal rules contained in the recent Conservative manifesto , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of sound and responsible management of public finances '' .
Similarly , he declined to comment on speculation he could raise fuel duty , which has been frozen since 2010 .
`` I 'm not going to be able to go through every measure with you before the budget , '' Mr Sunak said .
: : Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In a wide-ranging interview , the chancellor also : • Defended cabinet colleague Priti Patel , amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Sunak said she is `` doing a fantastic job and I enjoy working with her '' ; • Reiterated Downing Street 's insistence that coronavirus would not delay the end of the Brexit transition period in December ; • Announced the government will double its spending on flood defences to just over £5bn ; • Said the government will set up an `` economic campus '' in the North , `` where about a fifth of our headcount over time will move '' .

The government "stands ready to give the NHS whatever it needs" as Britain deals with the coronavirus outbreak, the chancellor has told Sky News.
Rishi Sunak said he was "working hard" to ensure that ministers "have the interventions required to help anyone through a difficult period".
There are currently 209 cases in the UK and two people have died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:52 Options for reducing impact of virus on NHS
The outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has raised fears about the impact on workers who have to self-isolate, as well as the potential financial hit on businesses.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a change to rules on sick pay earlier this week - and Mr Sunak said the government stood ready to go further.
"I'm working hard with the team to make sure that we have the interventions required to help anyone through a difficult period," the chancellor told Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
"First and foremost, supporting public services but also helping vulnerable people and also businesses to get through anything that might be coming our way... we stand ready to give the NHS whatever it needs."
Mr Sunak also said that he would set out measures in Wednesday's budget to support businesses that may face "cash flow" problems due to the coronavirus.
"I take my responsibilities seriously to make sure we do what we need to do to ease the burden on business over that temporary period of time, to make sure that they have access to the cash flow that they need to bridge through a difficult period, so that they can emerge on the other side strong and ready to get back to normal," he said.
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"There are policy levers we can take to ease the short-term burden on businesses' cash flow and these are businesses that we think are viable, sustainable, that have a bright future but have a temporary period of disruption, and that's where our interventions should be focused."
The government has also said that millions of volunteers could be given four weeks off work to help take the strain off the NHS in the event the outbreak becomes a pandemic.
Mr Sunak's interview was his first television sit-down since he became chancellor in the PM's reshuffle last month, having previously been chief secretary to the Treasury.
The 39-year-old's surprise promotion came after predecessor Sajid Javid walked out of Number 11.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 PM announces sick pay change
Mr Javid's shock resignation came after Mr Johnson demanded he sack his advisers.
The former chancellor said this was something that "no self-respecting" minister could have accepted.
Asked about his predecessor's remarks, Mr Sunak said: "He was in a different spot, he had an existing set of advisers.
"I come to it fresh, so for me to be able to build my own team, which is what I'm doing, but have that team work closely with the prime minister's team, is absolutely a good thing."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:01 New chancellor speaks about Javid's departure
He described Mr Javid as a "good friend and mentor" and said his old boss had been in touch in recent weeks to give him advice.
Mr Sunak refused to say whether he would stick to the fiscal rules contained in the recent Conservative manifesto, but said he believes "strongly in the importance of sound and responsible management of public finances".
Similarly, he declined to comment on speculation he could raise fuel duty, which has been frozen since 2010.
"I'm not going to be able to go through every measure with you before the budget," Mr Sunak said.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In a wide-ranging interview, the chancellor also:


news--2020-03-08--Coronavirus: Italy deaths jump to 463, with 300 in just one region

The number of people to have died from coronavirus in Italy has jumped by almost 100 - to a total of 463 .
More than 300 of the fatalities are in Lombardy - one of five regions in the north and centre of the country which are under lockdown , effectively putting 16 million people , a quarter of the population , in quarantine .
According to officials , the amount of cases confirmed to be COVID-19 in Italy - the nation worst-hit by the virus in Europe - now stands at 9,172 .
Confirmation of the figures comes after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resorts and Italy 's prime minister said he will use `` massive shock therapy '' to battle the outbreak .
Italy 's top sports body , National Olympic Committee , has called for all sports events to be suspended until 3 April , and asked the government to issue a decree to enforce the measure .
Three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in have been confirmed in Ireland , including a healthcare worker .
Two case are in the south and one in the west - all had close contact with a confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of Covid-19 in Ireland .
Earlier , a worker at Disneyland Paris tested positive for the virus .
A spokesman said the maintenance person had not come into contact with visitors and other staff were being checked .
The park remains open .
Prime minister Giuseppe Conte has said he will significantly increase spending on coronavirus measures as a form of `` massive shock therapy '' to try to slow the disease .
`` We will not stop here .
We will use a massive shock therapy .
To come out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economic resources , '' Mr Conte told newspaper la Repubblica .
He also said he would decide in the coming days whether to further extend the closure of schools - and confirmed he had tested negative for the virus .
Italy 's economy minister last week pledged 7.5 billion euros ( £6.6bn ) in measures to help the economy deal with Europe 's largest outbreak .
Despite the lockdown , dozens of flights reportedly landed in the UK from the affected areas on Sunday .
Seventeen came from Milan Malpensa airport alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which said passengers were not tested or quarantined .
It comes as easyJet said it expected to reduce some flights to Milan , Venice and Verona until 3 April , with British Airways `` reviewing our schedule '' and offering passengers the chance to change their booking .
Worldwide repercussions continue to bite , with global stock markets crashing amid uncertainty over the virus .
• Mainland China , outside Hubei , reports no new locally transmitted cases for a second day • Formula One 's Bahrain Grand Prix to go ahead without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ireland postponed • The US state of Oregon declares emergency as cases double to 14 • France reports three new deaths , bringing total to 19 as cases rise to 1,209 • Gatherings of more than 1,000 people also been banned in France • The UK Foreign Office `` working intensively '' to arrange a flight for Britons on cruise ship off California The UK 's Foreign Office has warned against `` all but essential travel '' to regions in northern Italy - including Lombardy , Emilia Romagna , Marche , Piemonte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the north have also been told to to `` turn your cars around '' and not return home .
There are worries people could return to their family homes to sit out the four-week shutdown , which forbids anyone from leaving or entering new `` red zones '' except for in exceptional circumstances .
About two million people left underdeveloped parts of the south in the past 15 years in search of work and hundreds of thousands of them now live in the north .
The governor of Puglia - the heel of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay where they were in an impassioned plea on Facebook .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I speak to you as if you were my children , my brothers , my nephews and nieces : stop and go back , '' wrote Michele Emiliano .
`` Get off at the first train station , do not catch planes ... turn your cars around , get off your buses .
Do not bring the Lombard , Veneto and Emilia epidemic to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases , as well as the deaths , were diagnosed in northern regions .
In the south , Puglia , Basilicata , Calabria , Campania and Molise have seen just dozens of cases between them and a handful of deaths .
In a bid to deter a mass influx , southern regions issued decrees on Sunday telling people who do arrive from northern red zones that they had to go into quarantine for two weeks .
The president of Calabria Jole Santelli said : `` The government must block an exodus to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bomb .
`` Calabria is not in a position to manage a serious health emergency ... .
Returning from the north in an uncontrolled manner endangers our land and our loved ones .
Do n't do it .
Stop . ''
The government appears to have given people a day before formally enacting the lockdown , with hundreds of people seen trying to catch trains out of Milan on Sunday , and airports and roads all still open .
Are you a British citizen stuck in northern Italy ?
Get in touch with @ @ @

The number of people to have died from coronavirus in Italy has jumped by almost 100 - to a total of 463.
More than 300 of the fatalities are in Lombardy - one of five regions in the north and centre of the country which are under lockdown, effectively putting 16 million people, a quarter of the population, in quarantine.
According to officials, the amount of cases confirmed to be COVID-19 in Italy - the nation worst-hit by the virus in Europe - now stands at 9,172.
Confirmation of the figures comes after the country shut all of its ski resorts and Italy's prime minister said he will use "massive shock therapy" to battle the outbreak.
Italy's top sports body, National Olympic Committee, has called for all sports events to be suspended until 3 April, and asked the government to issue a decree to enforce the measure.
Three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in have been confirmed in Ireland, including a healthcare worker.
Two case are in the south and one in the west - all had close contact with a confirmed case.
There are now 24 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
Earlier, a worker at Disneyland Paris tested positive for the virus. A spokesman said the maintenance person had not come into contact with visitors and other staff were being checked. The park remains open.
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Prime minister Giuseppe Conte has said he will significantly increase spending on coronavirus measures as a form of "massive shock therapy" to try to slow the disease.
"We will not stop here. We will use a massive shock therapy. To come out of this emergency we will use all human and economic resources," Mr Conte told newspaper la Repubblica.
He also said he would decide in the coming days whether to further extend the closure of schools - and confirmed he had tested negative for the virus.
Italy's economy minister last week pledged 7.5 billion euros (£6.6bn) in measures to help the economy deal with Europe's largest outbreak.
Despite the lockdown, dozens of flights reportedly landed in the UK from the affected areas on Sunday.
Seventeen came from Milan Malpensa airport alone, according to the Daily Telegraph, which said passengers were not tested or quarantined.
Image: Venice is normally packed with tourists but is now comparatively deserted
It comes as easyJet said it expected to reduce some flights to Milan, Venice and Verona until 3 April, with British Airways "reviewing our schedule" and offering passengers the chance to change their booking.
Worldwide repercussions continue to bite, with global stock markets crashing amid uncertainty over the virus.
In other coronavirus developments:
Mainland China, outside Hubei, reports no new locally transmitted cases for a second day
Saudi Arabia suspends schools and universities
Formula One's Bahrain Grand Prix to go ahead without spectators
Six Nations match between France and Ireland postponed
The US state of Oregon declares emergency as cases double to 14
France reports three new deaths, bringing total to 19 as cases rise to 1,209
Gatherings of more than 1,000 people also been banned in France
The UK Foreign Office "working intensively" to arrange a flight for Britons on cruise ship off California
The UK's Foreign Office has warned against "all but essential travel" to regions in northern Italy - including Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, Marche, Piemonte and Veneto.
Southern Italians living in the north have also been told to to "turn your cars around" and not return home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:32 Uneasy calm in Milan during virus lockdown
There are worries people could return to their family homes to sit out the four-week shutdown, which forbids anyone from leaving or entering new "red zones" except for in exceptional circumstances.
About two million people left underdeveloped parts of the south in the past 15 years in search of work and hundreds of thousands of them now live in the north.
The governor of Puglia - the heel of Italy's boot - told people to stay where they were in an impassioned plea on Facebook.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I speak to you as if you were my children, my brothers, my nephews and nieces: stop and go back," wrote Michele Emiliano.
"Get off at the first train station, do not catch planes... turn your cars around, get off your buses. Do not bring the Lombard, Veneto and Emilia epidemic to Puglia."
Most of Italy's confirmed cases, as well as the deaths, were diagnosed in northern regions.
In the south, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania and Molise have seen just dozens of cases between them and a handful of deaths.
In a bid to deter a mass influx, southern regions issued decrees on Sunday telling people who do arrive from northern red zones that they had to go into quarantine for two weeks.
The president of Calabria Jole Santelli said: "The government must block an exodus to Calabria, which risks triggering a disastrous bomb.
"Calabria is not in a position to manage a serious health emergency.... Returning from the north in an uncontrolled manner endangers our land and our loved ones. Don't do it. Stop."
The government appears to have given people a day before formally enacting the lockdown, with hundreds of people seen trying to catch trains out of Milan on Sunday, and airports and roads all still open.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays
Your questions answered #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm weekdays
Are you a British citizen stuck in northern Italy? Get in touch with your story:
:: WhatsApp - 07583 000853
:: Email - news@sky.com
:: 'Your Report' on Sky News apps