news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: 'Not responsible' to reveal lockdown exit plan - and no vaccine this year, says foreign

Coronavirus: 'Not responsible' to reveal lockdown exit plan - and no vaccine this year, says foreign secretary

The UK is in a `` delicate and dangerous '' stage of the coronavirus outbreak and it is `` not responsible '' to lay out how the lockdown could be eased , Dominic Raab has said .
On his final day filling in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson , the foreign secretary also told Sky News that Britain will not get a vaccine until at least next year .
It comes after a further 413 people were confirmed to have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total number to 20,732 .
The figures do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as in care homes , and Liberal Democrats ' acting leader Sir Ed Davey said he suspected the actual number of coronavirus deaths to be about 40,000 .
He has now called for a public inquiry into the government 's response to the crisis so far , which he branded a `` national calamity '' .
The government is also coming under intense pressure from senior Tory donors to relax the strict social-distancing measures , amid concern at the damage they are doing to the economy .
Labour 's new leader Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exit strategy and follow other countries ' lead in `` having honest conversations with the public about what new arrangements might look like '' .
But Mr Raab dismissed the suggestion , saying : `` We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed , which is why we are proceeding very cautiously .
`` We are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time , whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for the next phase . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He added that when the lockdown is eventually lifted , people `` wo n't just be going back - it will be a new normal '' .
NHS England 's medical director , Professor Stephen Powis , said there was a `` definite trend in a reduced number of people in hospitals '' , but this could reverse if restrictions are eased too quickly .
`` My fear is that those curves wo n't continue to be on a downward trend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upward trend , '' he told the daily Downing Street briefing on coronavirus .
`` We are not at a point where any of us can be absolutely confident that that 's not going to be the case . ''
Earlier , Mr Raab told Sky News that a COVID-19 vaccine is `` not likely to come to fruition this year '' - after £41m was poured into two university research trials .
Professor Gina Radford , a former deputy chief medical officer for England , said `` we have n't got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ... family of viruses '' , adding : `` I think those who are very used to the process of developing vaccines are saying they are not anticipating it being available until well into next year . ''
Coronavirus home testing kits for key workers in England have been booked up within hours through the government 's website .
As of 10am on Sunday they were listed as `` unavailable '' - two hours after booking slots reopened .
Mr Raab also offered an update on Mr Johnson 's health .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go '' ahead of his expected arrival back at Downing Street on Monday after two weeks of recovery from COVID-19 at his countryside residence of Chequers .
“ He 's taken the time and taken the doctors ' advice to rebuild his strength , ” Mr Raab said .
`` I 've spoken to him every day this week - we 've made sure he 's abreast of everything that 's been going on . ''
The UK 's current lockdown measures are in place until at least Thursday 7 May .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britons have become sadder and more anxious since the coronavirus crisis - but strongly support the lockdown remaining at least in the short term .
Over half the population would not support key parts of society and the economy being reopened in the next few weeks , including 51 % wanting primary schools to stay shut , 53 % wanting secondary schools to stay shut , 67 % wanting to keep people working from home and 72 % wanting to keep older people indoors .

The UK is in a "delicate and dangerous" stage of the coronavirus outbreak and it is "not responsible" to lay out how the lockdown could be eased, Dominic Raab has said.
On his final day filling in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary also told Sky News that Britain will not get a vaccine until at least next year.
It comes after a further 413 people were confirmed to have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number to 20,732.
Image: A police officer speaks to people relaxing in London's Hyde Park over the weekend
The figures do not include deaths in the community, such as in care homes, and Liberal Democrats' acting leader Sir Ed Davey said he suspected the actual number of coronavirus deaths to be about 40,000.
He has now called for a public inquiry into the government's response to the crisis so far, which he branded a "national calamity".
The government is also coming under intense pressure from senior Tory donors to relax the strict social-distancing measures, amid concern at the damage they are doing to the economy.
Labour's new leader Sir Keir Starmer wants ministers to publish an exit strategy and follow other countries' lead in "having honest conversations with the public about what new arrangements might look like".
But Mr Raab dismissed the suggestion, saying: "We need to make sure that the next steps are sure-footed, which is why we are proceeding very cautiously.
"We are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time, whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for the next phase."
Advertisement
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He added that when the lockdown is eventually lifted, people "won't just be going back - it will be a new normal".
NHS England's medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, said there was a "definite trend in a reduced number of people in hospitals", but this could reverse if restrictions are eased too quickly.
"My fear is that those curves won't continue to be on a downward trend, but will start to go on an upward trend," he told the daily Downing Street briefing on coronavirus.
"We are not at a point where any of us can be absolutely confident that that's not going to be the case."
Image: Mr Raab said a vaccine won't be available until at least 2021
Earlier, Mr Raab told Sky News that a COVID-19 vaccine is "not likely to come to fruition this year" - after £41m was poured into two university research trials.
Professor Gina Radford, a former deputy chief medical officer for England, said "we haven't got a hugely good track record with vaccines for this... family of viruses", adding: "I think those who are very used to the process of developing vaccines are saying they are not anticipating it being available until well into next year."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 Could cloth masks reduce coronavirus spread?
Coronavirus home testing kits for key workers in England have been booked up within hours through the government's website.
As of 10am on Sunday they were listed as "unavailable" - two hours after booking slots reopened.
Image: Boris Johnson is said to be 'raring to go'
Mr Raab also offered an update on Mr Johnson's health.
He said the prime minister is "raring to go" ahead of his expected arrival back at Downing Street on Monday after two weeks of recovery from COVID-19 at his countryside residence of Chequers.
“He's taken the time and taken the doctors' advice to rebuild his strength,” Mr Raab said.
"I've spoken to him every day this week - we've made sure he's abreast of everything that's been going on."
The UK's current lockdown measures are in place until at least Thursday 7 May.
An exclusive poll for Sky News found Britons have become sadder and more anxious since the coronavirus crisis - but strongly support the lockdown remaining at least in the short term.
Over half the population would not support key parts of society and the economy being reopened in the next few weeks, including 51% wanting primary schools to stay shut, 53% wanting secondary schools to stay shut, 67% wanting to keep people working from home and 72% wanting to keep older people indoors.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Trump says press briefings 'not worth the effort' after criticism over disinfectant com

Coronavirus: Trump says press briefings 'not worth the effort' after criticism over disinfectant comment

Donald Trump has said his news conferences are `` not worth the time and effort '' after he faced condemnation for suggesting disinfectant could be injected into COVID-19 patients to kill the disease .
He made the suggestion on Thursday , cut short his coronavirus news conference on Friday by walking out when he would normally take questions , and then refused to hold one last night as the criticism continued .
Having called off Saturday 's briefing , the US president lashed out at what he labels `` the lamestream media '' - and indicated he may not hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been stung by the amount of criticism levelled at him for indicating that injecting disinfectant could combat COVID-19 , saying that it `` knocks it out in a minute '' .
His remarks sparked criticism by doctors , who branded the idea `` irresponsible '' and `` dangerous '' , while Dettol maker Reckitt Benckiser said that `` under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body ( through injection , ingestion or any other route ) '' .
The White House initially claimed his comments had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump later said it was an attempt at sarcasm .
On Saturday evening , he tweeted : `` What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions , & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately .
`` They get record ratings , & the American people get nothing but Fake News .
Not worth the time & effort ! ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The president was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a possible cure for COVID-19 , which has been shown to provide no benefit and possibly a higher risk of death .
The Food and Drug Administration in the US on Friday also warned people against the drug because of possible heart complications .
Meanwhile , the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) on Saturday reported 895,766 cases of coronavirus , while the number of deaths stood at 50,439 .

Donald Trump has said his news conferences are "not worth the time and effort" after he faced condemnation for suggesting disinfectant could be injected into COVID-19 patients to kill the disease.
He made the suggestion on Thursday, cut short his coronavirus news conference on Friday by walking out when he would normally take questions, and then refused to hold one last night as the criticism continued.
Having called off Saturday's briefing, the US president lashed out at what he labels "the lamestream media" - and indicated he may not hold any such briefings again.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Lights and disinfectant: Trump's cure suggestions
Mr Trump has been stung by the amount of criticism levelled at him for indicating that injecting disinfectant could combat COVID-19, saying that it "knocks it out in a minute".
His remarks sparked criticism by doctors, who branded the idea "irresponsible" and "dangerous", while Dettol maker Reckitt Benckiser said that "under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route)".
The White House initially claimed his comments had been taken out of context, while Mr Trump later said it was an attempt at sarcasm.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
On Saturday evening, he tweeted: "What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately.
"They get record ratings, & the American people get nothing but Fake News. Not worth the time & effort!"
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 US Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr Deborah Birx observes as the president muses over ultraviolet light and disinfectant virus treatment.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Advertisement
The president was already facing criticism for championing the old anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a possible cure for COVID-19, which has been shown to provide no benefit and possibly a higher risk of death.
The Food and Drug Administration in the US on Friday also warned people against the drug because of possible heart complications.
Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday reported 895,766 cases of coronavirus, while the number of deaths stood at 50,439.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: 'Too soon' to end lockdown but health secretary 'comfortable' with some businesses reop

Coronavirus: 'Too soon' to end lockdown but health secretary 'comfortable' with some businesses reopening

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News it is still too soon for UK lockdown measures to be relaxed , but says he is `` comfortable '' with some businesses reopening .
Mr Hancock said that while the daily number of UK deaths due to coronavirus meant the country was not yet ready to start easing some social-distancing rules , he was not opposed to building sites and hardware stores resuming work .
Companies including hardware chain B & Q , house builders Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon , and car makers Jaguar Land Rover , Nissan , Aston Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking staff to return to work or re-started in a limited capacity .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And Mr Hancock told Sky News he endorsed their decisions as long as guidance was followed .
`` The things that are restarting are things that we never required to close in the first place , but what the companies have been doing is working out how they can have safe working following the social distancing rules whilst people are at work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've allowed hardware stores to stay open , and the construction industry , but what businesses have been doing is taking the last couple of weeks to work out 'ok how do you stay open and stay within the social-distancing rules at work ? '
`` So it 's absolutely fine for those businesses to stay open because they were never required to close by the social-distancing rules .
`` I 'm comfortable with what they 're doing '' .
It came as the AA said car use in the UK had increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown began .
According analysis of data from 5,000 drivers with a tracker in their vehicle , average car trips rose to 0.47 on Wednesday - the highest it has been since mid-March - having fallen as low as 0.4 on weekdays and 0.2 on Sundays .
While some businesses are preparing to reopen , The Sun is reporting that hairdressers will be forced to remain closed for up to six months because government scientists believe there is no safe way of them operating without the risk of spreading the virus .
Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the nation would eventually look to begin relaxing its lockdown measures , but Mr Hancock said the UK as a whole was not yet ready to implement such changes .
`` The truth is , it 's still too soon , safely , to change those measures , '' he said .
`` Although the number of people who died yesterday was lower , it was still over 600 , so it 's still too high .
`` I just urge people to continue sticking to those rules , because it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we need to see it coming down . ''
He added that Boris Johson was in `` good shape '' as he continues his recovery after contracting COVID-19 .
`` I 'm sure he 'll come back as soon as his doctors recommend it , '' he said .
`` That decision is for the prime minister in consultation with his doctors .
I spoke to him yesterday , he 's on very good form and is clearly recovering . ''

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky News it is still too soon for UK lockdown measures to be relaxed, but says he is "comfortable" with some businesses reopening.
Mr Hancock said that while the daily number of UK deaths due to coronavirus meant the country was not yet ready to start easing some social-distancing rules, he was not opposed to building sites and hardware stores resuming work.
Companies including hardware chain B&Q, house builders Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon, and car makers Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, Aston Martin and Bentley have announced plans to begin asking staff to return to work or re-started in a limited capacity.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
And Mr Hancock told Sky News he endorsed their decisions as long as guidance was followed.
"The things that are restarting are things that we never required to close in the first place, but what the companies have been doing is working out how they can have safe working following the social distancing rules whilst people are at work," he said.
Image: This B&Q store in Sutton In Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, opened its doors yesterday. Pic: SWNS
"Throughout we've allowed hardware stores to stay open, and the construction industry, but what businesses have been doing is taking the last couple of weeks to work out 'ok how do you stay open and stay within the social-distancing rules at work?'
"So it's absolutely fine for those businesses to stay open because they were never required to close by the social-distancing rules.
"I'm comfortable with what they're doing".
Advertisement
It came as the AA said car use in the UK had increased to its highest level since before the lockdown began.
According analysis of data from 5,000 drivers with a tracker in their vehicle, average car trips rose to 0.47 on Wednesday - the highest it has been since mid-March - having fallen as low as 0.4 on weekdays and 0.2 on Sundays.
While some businesses are preparing to reopen, The Sun is reporting that hairdressers will be forced to remain closed for up to six months because government scientists believe there is no safe way of them operating without the risk of spreading the virus.
Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday outlined how the nation would eventually look to begin relaxing its lockdown measures, but Mr Hancock said the UK as a whole was not yet ready to implement such changes.
"The truth is, it's still too soon, safely, to change those measures," he said.
"Although the number of people who died yesterday was lower, it was still over 600, so it's still too high.
"I just urge people to continue sticking to those rules, because it's working and we're flattening that curve but we need to see it coming down."
He added that Boris Johson was in "good shape" as he continues his recovery after contracting COVID-19.
"I'm sure he'll come back as soon as his doctors recommend it," he said.
"That decision is for the prime minister in consultation with his doctors. I spoke to him yesterday, he's on very good form and is clearly recovering."


news--2020-04-26--Kim Jong Un's 'train seen in satellite images' amid conflicting reports about his health

A train believed to belong to the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has been spotted amid conflicting accounts about his health and whereabouts .
38 North , a Washington-based project that monitors North Korea , has released satellite images of the vehicle in the resort town of Wonsan .
The group said in a report on Saturday that the train was parked at the `` leadership station '' in the town on 21 and 23 April .
The station is reserved for the use of the Kim family , the monitoring project said .
Though the group has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this has not been confirmed independently .
It is also not clear if Kim , who is believed to be 36 , is in Wonsan .
Speculation about the dictator 's health first arose on 15 April when he was absent from the anniversary of the birthday of his grandfather Kim Il Sung who founded the country .
Daily NK , a South Korea-based website that reports on North Korea , cited one unnamed source in the secretive state on Monday as saying Kim had undergone medical treatment in the resort county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure on 12 April .
Multiple South Korean media reports have since then cited unnamed sources as saying Kim might be staying in the Wonsan area .
CNN reported earlier this week that Kim was in `` grave danger '' following the surgical procedure , citing an anonymous US official .
China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on the situation , according to three people familiar with the situation .
Speculation about Kim 's health has been fanned by his heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power and family history of cardiovascular problems .
News agency Newsis cited South Korean intelligence sources on Friday as reporting that a special train for Kim 's use had been seen in Wonsan , while the dictator 's private plane remained in Pyongyang .
The agency reported that Kim may be sheltering from COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus .
38 North 's report said : `` The train 's presence does not prove the whereabouts of the North Korean leader or indicate anything about his health but it does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staying at an elite area on the country 's eastern coast . ''
Professor Robert Kelly , a political scientist at Pusan National University , told Sky News : `` My guess is there is probably something wrong with him - whether he 's dead or incapacitated or in a coma .
`` There 's a lot of stuff out there in the rumour mill but at this point given how much talk there has been and how quiet North Korea and China have been , my guess is there 's probably something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be surprising .
`` He 's morbidly obese , he smokes , he 's had gout in the past .
But I think if he was dead I do n't know if they would come forward and tell us yet .
`` There would probably be some sort of shuffling behind the scenes to figure out who 's in charge but I would imagine probably in the next couple of weeks we 'll hear something formal about this . ''
Professor Kelly said Kim 's sister , Kim Yo Jong , would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the country 's old guard accepted a change in gender at the top .
Reporting from inside North Korea is notoriously difficult because of tight controls on information .
Kim , a third-generation hereditary leader who came to power after his father 's death in 2011 , has no clear successor in his nuclear-armed country .
North Korea 's state media last reported on Kim 's whereabouts when he presided over a meeting on 11 April .
Kim has disappeared from coverage in North Korean state media before .
He vanished for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Korean state TV later showed him walking with a limp .

A train believed to belong to the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has been spotted amid conflicting accounts about his health and whereabouts.
38 North, a Washington-based project that monitors North Korea, has released satellite images of the vehicle in the resort town of Wonsan.
The group said in a report on Saturday that the train was parked at the "leadership station" in the town on 21 and 23 April.
The station is reserved for the use of the Kim family, the monitoring project said.
Though the group has said it was probably the dictator's train, this has not been confirmed independently.
It is also not clear if Kim, who is believed to be 36, is in Wonsan.
Image: A satellite image shows the train was not present on 15 April. Pic: Airbus Defence & Space and 38 North/Pleiades © CNES 2020, Distribution Airbus DS
Speculation about the dictator's health first arose on 15 April when he was absent from the anniversary of the birthday of his grandfather Kim Il Sung who founded the country.
Daily NK, a South Korea-based website that reports on North Korea, cited one unnamed source in the secretive state on Monday as saying Kim had undergone medical treatment in the resort county of Hyangsan.
It said Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure on 12 April.
Advertisement
Multiple South Korean media reports have since then cited unnamed sources as saying Kim might be staying in the Wonsan area.
Image: A train believed to belong to Kim Jong Un was photographed in Wonsan on 23 April. Pic: Airbus Defence & Space and 38 North/Pleiades © CNES 2020, Distribution Airbus DS
CNN reported earlier this week that Kim was in "grave danger" following the surgical procedure, citing an anonymous US official.
China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on the situation, according to three people familiar with the situation.
Speculation about Kim's health has been fanned by his heavy smoking, apparent weight gain since taking power and family history of cardiovascular problems.
News agency Newsis cited South Korean intelligence sources on Friday as reporting that a special train for Kim's use had been seen in Wonsan, while the dictator's private plane remained in Pyongyang.
Image: Satellite images have offered an aerial view of the resort town of Wonsan. Pic: Airbus Defence & Space and 38 North/Pleiades © CNES 2020, Distribution Airbus DS
The agency reported that Kim may be sheltering from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.
38 North's report said: "The train's presence does not prove the whereabouts of the North Korean leader or indicate anything about his health but it does lend weight to reports that Kim is staying at an elite area on the country's eastern coast."
Professor Robert Kelly, a political scientist at Pusan National University, told Sky News: "My guess is there is probably something wrong with him - whether he's dead or incapacitated or in a coma.
"There's a lot of stuff out there in the rumour mill but at this point given how much talk there has been and how quiet North Korea and China have been, my guess is there's probably something wrong with his health which would not be surprising.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 'China would like to see N Korea more docile' - Professor Kelly
"He's morbidly obese, he smokes, he's had gout in the past. But I think if he was dead I don't know if they would come forward and tell us yet.
"There would probably be some sort of shuffling behind the scenes to figure out who's in charge but I would imagine probably in the next couple of weeks we'll hear something formal about this."
Professor Kelly said Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, would be most likely to take over as long as the country's old guard accepted a change in gender at the top.
Reporting from inside North Korea is notoriously difficult because of tight controls on information.
Kim, a third-generation hereditary leader who came to power after his father's death in 2011, has no clear successor in his nuclear-armed country.
This could present a major international risk.
North Korea's state media last reported on Kim's whereabouts when he presided over a meeting on 11 April.
Kim has disappeared from coverage in North Korean state media before.
He vanished for more than a month in 2014 and North Korean state TV later showed him walking with a limp.


news--2020-04-26--Coronavirus: Key workers should get PPE but health staff must not suffer, says BMA chief

Key workers need to be given PPE to shield themselves from coronavirus - but not at the expense of health workers , the head of the British Medical Association has said .
Chaand Nagpaul , chair of the BMA Council , said essential workers who can not socially distance `` need to have protection '' but that it could not come at the expense of supplies for health and social care workers .
Many frontline medical staff have complained there is not enough personal protective equipment , such as gowns and masks , to go around .
It comes as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Physicians has found that a third of doctors treating patients in high-risk COVID-19 settings are often still unable to access adequate PPE , including long-sleeved disposable gowns and full-face visors .
Mr Nagpaul told Sky News : `` Those key workers who can not social distance - the bus drivers , the shopkeepers , the supermarket cashiers - also need to have protection because they are in close proximity to other people , too .
`` However , it is vital that this must not mean that there is a reduction in essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including masks , for health and care workers . ''
Citing other countries that found `` cloth coverings '' could slightly reduce the rate of infection , he said : `` Now if that is the case , the government needs to be clear about its message on that because this is a virus that is highly deadly ... '' If you can reduce any deaths through a measure that will not reduce the provision of masks to the health and social care sector , then the government needs to make a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this . ''
It is not mandatory for people to wear masks in public settings in the UK - unlike in some other European countries such as Germany where it will soon become a requirement on public transport .
However , ministers are keeping it under review after recent advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) .
Current guidance has emphasised an importance for doctors and nurses to wear masks but does not suggest wider use .
Mr Nagpaul warned that any change in the government 's advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a replacement to regular hand washing and the usual social distancing measures .
He said : `` Those measures must continue .
`` And what we would not want is the public to have a false sense of security and start to mix more readily than socially distancing . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker On Sunday , another 413 coronavirus-related deaths were reported in UK hospitals , bringing the total to 20,732 .
It comes after Foreign Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reveal an exit strategy to the lockdown , telling Sky News that it was `` not responsible '' to disclose what an easing of restrictions could look like .
He said any easing of restrictions would need to be `` sure-footed '' , and explained that that was the reason why the government was treading `` very cautiously '' .
`` We are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time , whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Key workers need to be given PPE to shield themselves from coronavirus - but not at the expense of health workers, the head of the British Medical Association has said.
Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the BMA Council, said essential workers who cannot socially distance "need to have protection" but that it could not come at the expense of supplies for health and social care workers.
Many frontline medical staff have complained there is not enough personal protective equipment, such as gowns and masks, to go around.
It comes as a survey by the Royal College of Physicians has found that a third of doctors treating patients in high-risk COVID-19 settings are often still unable to access adequate PPE, including long-sleeved disposable gowns and full-face visors.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:10 'Government must be clear on mask advice' - BMA boss
Mr Nagpaul told Sky News: "Those key workers who cannot social distance - the bus drivers, the shopkeepers, the supermarket cashiers - also need to have protection because they are in close proximity to other people, too.
"However, it is vital that this must not mean that there is a reduction in essential and vital supplies of protective equipment, including masks, for health and care workers."
Citing other countries that found "cloth coverings" could slightly reduce the rate of infection, he said: "Now if that is the case, the government needs to be clear about its message on that because this is a virus that is highly deadly...
"If you can reduce any deaths through a measure that will not reduce the provision of masks to the health and social care sector, then the government needs to make a decision as other nations have made a decision on this."
Image: Many health workers have complained of a shortage of PPE
It is not mandatory for people to wear masks in public settings in the UK - unlike in some other European countries such as Germany where it will soon become a requirement on public transport.
Advertisement
However, ministers are keeping it under review after recent advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Current guidance has emphasised an importance for doctors and nurses to wear masks but does not suggest wider use.
Mr Nagpaul warned that any change in the government's advice on face coverings should not be interpreted as a replacement to regular hand washing and the usual social distancing measures.
He said: "Those measures must continue.
"And what we would not want is the public to have a false sense of security and start to mix more readily than socially distancing."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
On Sunday, another 413 coronavirus-related deaths were reported in UK hospitals, bringing the total to 20,732.
It comes after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab refused to bow to pressure to reveal an exit strategy to the lockdown, telling Sky News that it was "not responsible" to disclose what an easing of restrictions could look like.
He said any easing of restrictions would need to be "sure-footed", and explained that that was the reason why the government was treading "very cautiously".
"We are sticking to the scientific advice with the social-distancing measures at this time, whilst doing all the homework to make sure that we are prepared in due course for the next phase," he said.


news--2020-02-12--Coronavirus: Formula One's Chinese Grand Prix postponed along with other big events

Formula One 's Chinese Grand Prix has been postponed due to coronavirus , organisers say .
The fourth round of the F1 Championship in Shanghai on 19 April is the latest sporting event in China to be cancelled or delayed .
The virus , now named COVID-19 , has killed more than 1,100 people in China .
Race organisers said while the Chinese Grand Prix is `` an important part of the F1 calendar with many passionate fans '' , they have decided it can no longer go ahead as planned .
F1 's governing body , the Federation Internationale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had accepted a request from the promoter of the Chinese race to postpone the event .
In a statement , the FIA said : `` As a result of continued health concerns and with the World Health Organisation declaring the coronavirus as a global health emergency , the FIA and Formula 1 have taken these measures in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff , championship participants and fans , which remains of primary concern . ''
The FIA said it would continue to work closely with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to monitor the situation as it develops .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It added : `` All parties will take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for the Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve .
`` The Chinese Grand Prix has long been an important part of the F1 calendar with many passionate fans .
The FIA F1 community looks forward to racing in China as soon as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best during this difficult time . ''
The decision means there will be no race in the F1 calendar between the Grand Prix in Vietnam on 5 April and the Netherlands race on 3 May .
There have now been more than 44,000 cases worldwide of the new coronavirus strain , which the World Health Organisation has officially named COVID-19 - CO for corona , VI for virus , D for disease and 19 for the year it emerged .
The last F1 race to be postponed was in 2011 , when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arab Spring uprisings .
The Mobile World Congress - the biggest annual get-together in the telecoms industry - has also been cancelled due to the outbreak .
Organiser GSMA announced the move on Wednesday after major companies including BT , Vodafone and Nokia said they were pulling out .
The conference had been due to take place in Barcelona later this month .
It typically draws more than 100,000 visitors to the city .
GSMA said : `` The global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak , travel concern and other circumstances , make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event . ''
Which other sporting events have been called off , postponed or moved due to coronavirus ?
• The World Athletics Indoor Championships from 13-15 March in Nanjing , China , has been postponed until 2021 • The Hong Kong Marathon which was due to take place on 8 February has been cancelled • The HSBC Women 's World Championships was set for Singapore at the end of February , but has been called off • The Honda LPGA Thailand , a women 's professional gold tournament , in Pattaya , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LPGA , scheduled for the start of March on the southern Chinese island of Hainan , is now also not taking place • The Chinese Football Association has postponed domestic matches , with the Chinese Super League supposed to start on 22 February • Asian Champions League fixtures involving Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG have been rescheduled • Sydney will now host an Asian Olympics women 's qualifying tournament between Australia , China , Taiwan and Thailand , which had already been moved from Wuhan to Nanjing • The Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held in Dongguan , China has been cancelled after Kazakhstan refused to host it • The Chinese Formula E Grand Prix in Sanya on 21 March has been cancelled • Amman in Jordan is set to host the Asia and Oceania International Olympic Committee boxing qualifiers instead of Wuhan • The China Open in Beijing has been called off • The FIS World Cup in Yanqing , China , on 15-16 February has been cancelled • The Women 's basketball Olympics qualifiers have been switched from Foshan in China to Belgrade , Serbia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker • India women 's hockey tour of China has been cancelled • The FIH Hockey Pro League matches between Australia and China , set to be played on March 14 and 15 in Chengdu , have been put on hold • The China Masters in Hainan has been cancelled after several players pulled out of the competition

Formula One's Chinese Grand Prix has been postponed due to coronavirus, organisers say.
The fourth round of the F1 Championship in Shanghai on 19 April is the latest sporting event in China to be cancelled or delayed.
The virus, now named COVID-19, has killed more than 1,100 people in China.
Race organisers said while the Chinese Grand Prix is "an important part of the F1 calendar with many passionate fans", they have decided it can no longer go ahead as planned.
F1's governing body, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), said it had accepted a request from the promoter of the Chinese race to postpone the event.
In a statement, the FIA said: "As a result of continued health concerns and with the World Health Organisation declaring the coronavirus as a global health emergency, the FIA and Formula 1 have taken these measures in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans, which remains of primary concern."
The FIA said it would continue to work closely with all those involved in staging the race and to monitor the situation as it develops.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It added: "All parties will take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for the Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.
Advertisement
"The Chinese Grand Prix has long been an important part of the F1 calendar with many passionate fans. The FIA F1 community looks forward to racing in China as soon as possible and wishes everyone in the country the best during this difficult time."
The decision means there will be no race in the F1 calendar between the Grand Prix in Vietnam on 5 April and the Netherlands race on 3 May.
There have now been more than 44,000 cases worldwide of the new coronavirus strain, which the World Health Organisation has officially named COVID-19 - CO for corona, VI for virus, D for disease and 19 for the year it emerged.
The last F1 race to be postponed was in 2011, when the Bahrain Grand Prix was affected by the Arab Spring uprisings.
The Mobile World Congress - the biggest annual get-together in the telecoms industry - has also been cancelled due to the outbreak.
Organiser GSMA announced the move on Wednesday after major companies including BT, Vodafone and Nokia said they were pulling out.
The conference had been due to take place in Barcelona later this month.
It typically draws more than 100,000 visitors to the city.
GSMA said: "The global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for GSMA to hold the event."
Which other sporting events have been called off, postponed or moved due to coronavirus?
Athletics:
The World Athletics Indoor Championships from 13-15 March in Nanjing, China, has been postponed until 2021
The Hong Kong Marathon which was due to take place on 8 February has been cancelled
Golf:
The HSBC Women's World Championships was set for Singapore at the end of February, but has been called off
The Honda LPGA Thailand, a women's professional gold tournament, in Pattaya, has been cancelled
The Blue Bay LPGA, scheduled for the start of March on the southern Chinese island of Hainan, is now also not taking place
Football:
The Chinese Football Association has postponed domestic matches, with the Chinese Super League supposed to start on 22 February
Asian Champions League fixtures involving Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG have been rescheduled
Sydney will now host an Asian Olympics women's qualifying tournament between Australia, China, Taiwan and Thailand, which had already been moved from Wuhan to Nanjing
Tennis:
The Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Group I event which was due to be held in Dongguan, China has been cancelled after Kazakhstan refused to host it
Motor Sport:
The Chinese Formula E Grand Prix in Sanya on 21 March has been cancelled
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 Coronavirus: How many people are at risk?
Boxing:
Amman in Jordan is set to host the Asia and Oceania International Olympic Committee boxing qualifiers instead of Wuhan
Snooker:
The China Open in Beijing has been called off
Skiing:
The FIS World Cup in Yanqing, China, on 15-16 February has been cancelled
Basketball:
The Women's basketball Olympics qualifiers have been switched from Foshan in China to Belgrade, Serbia.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Hockey:
India women's hockey tour of China has been cancelled
The FIH Hockey Pro League matches between Australia and China, set to be played on March 14 and 15 in Chengdu, have been put on hold
Badminton:


news--2020-02-12--Coronavirus: How to avoid catching it - and whether you can touch handrails

The risk to the UK public posed by the new coronavirus has been raised from low to moderate by chief medical officers , although they stress the risk to individuals remains low .
Both the NHS and World Health Organisation ( WHO ) have issued guidance on how to protect yourself and others from getting the disease , now officially named COVID-19 - CO for corona , VI for virus , D for disease and 19 for the year it emerged .
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water - or a hand sanitiser gel as an alternative - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands .
`` The best thing people can do is make sure they can wash their hands for 20 seconds or more ... with soap and hot water , '' Health Secretary Matt Hancock says .
He recommends telling children to wash their hands for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday .
England 's chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , also urged the public not to touch their faces after touching bus or train handrails .
He said there is `` some risk of transmission '' from touching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72 hours .
`` Just touching it will not give you the virus : it is if you touch it and then touch your face , having not washed your hands between them , '' he said .
`` So , if you go on to the Tube and touch the rail , that 's fine , but just be aware of what you do with your hands - do n't touch your face .
Wash your hands , and then you can do what you like . ''
Prof Whitty said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be `` largely gone '' within 48 hours in most cases .
Do n't cough or sneeze into your hands If you have a virus and you sneeze or cough into your hands , the droplets in your sneeze or cough then contaminate your hands , and you will then contaminate objects or people that you touch .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker You are advised to instead cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve , or to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tissues should be discarded immediately into a closed bin and hands cleaned with soap and water or a hand sanitiser gel .
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell .
The WHO recommends maintaining at least one metre ( three feet ) between yourself and other people , particularly those who are coughing , sneezing and have a fever .
If you are too close , you can breathe in the virus if an infected person coughs or sneezes .
Do n't touch your eyes , nose or mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands may touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus .
If you touch your eyes , nose or mouth with your contaminated hands , you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself .
If you experience any symptoms such as a fever , cough and difficulty breathing , seek medical attention and call in advance .
The WHO advises to follow the directions of your local health authority .
Take care with animals or animal products when visiting markets The WHO recommends regular hand washing with soap and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when visiting markets , as well as to avoid touching eyes , nose or mouth with your hands .
They also say to avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products and to avoid contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids .
Avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked animal products is also recommended , as well as following good food safety practices .
However , at present , there is no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with coronavirus .
Nevertheless , it is always a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soap and water after contact with pets to protect against common bacteria .
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 To help protect yourself and helping prevent the spread of coronavirus , follow advice given by your local healthcare provider , your national and local public health authority or employer .
Does it matter where you sit on an aeroplane ?
Howard Weiss , a professor of biology and mathematics at Penn State University in the US , has previously led a team to study the behaviour of passengers on flights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sit on a flight was a window seat , as - if the passenger stayed put - this led to far fewer close encounters with other people than for those in other seats .
However , his team 's work also revealed all passengers had a fairly low probability of getting infected with an illness .
Professor Weiss told National Geographic : `` If you 're seated in an aisle seat , certainly there will be quite a few people moving past you , but they 'll be moving quickly .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's quite a low probability of transmission to any particular passenger . ''
He also highlighted how it is not yet known how coronavirus is spread .
What if you 've travelled to China ?
The Foreign Office is advising against all travel to China 's Hubei province due to the outbreak .
They are also advising against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China , not including Hong Kong and Macau .
If you have been to Hubei province in the last two weeks , even if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advised to call 111 .
You are also advised to call 111 if you have been to other parts of China - including Hong Kong and Macau - or Thailand , Japan , Taiwan , Singapore , Republic of Korea or Malaysia in the last 14 days , and have a cough , high temperature or shortness of breath , even if it 's mild .
You should also call 111 if you have been in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus .
If any of the above applies to you , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or hospital .
Stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people .
What are the symptoms of coronavirus ?
The disease caused by coronavirus has now been named COVID-19 .
There is not yet a specific treatment for COVID-19 , although scientists are working on a vaccine .

The risk to the UK public posed by the new coronavirus has been raised from low to moderate by chief medical officers, although they stress the risk to individuals remains low.
Both the NHS and World Health Organisation (WHO) have issued guidance on how to protect yourself and others from getting the disease, now officially named COVID-19 - CO for corona, VI for virus, D for disease and 19 for the year it emerged.
They are:
Wash your hands
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water - or a hand sanitiser gel as an alternative - will remove viruses and bacteria from your hands.
"The best thing people can do is make sure they can wash their hands for 20 seconds or more... with soap and hot water," Health Secretary Matt Hancock says.
He recommends telling children to wash their hands for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday.
England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, also urged the public not to touch their faces after touching bus or train handrails.
He said there is "some risk of transmission" from touching handrails and hard surfaces for up to 72 hours.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Medical officer coughs during cough advice
"Just touching it will not give you the virus: it is if you touch it and then touch your face, having not washed your hands between them," he said.
"So, if you go on to the Tube and touch the rail, that's fine, but just be aware of what you do with your hands - don't touch your face. Wash your hands, and then you can do what you like."
Prof Whitty said the droplets that lead to the COVID-19 infection would be "largely gone" within 48 hours in most cases.
Don't cough or sneeze into your hands
If you have a virus and you sneeze or cough into your hands, the droplets in your sneeze or cough then contaminate your hands, and you will then contaminate objects or people that you touch.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
You are advised to instead cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve, or to cough or sneeze into a flexed elbow.
Tissues should be discarded immediately into a closed bin and hands cleaned with soap and water or a hand sanitiser gel.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 Coronavirus: How many people are at risk?
Keep your distance
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
The WHO recommends maintaining at least one metre (three feet) between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.
If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus if an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Your hands may touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus.
If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.
Stay home if you feel unwell
If you experience any symptoms such as a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. The WHO advises to follow the directions of your local health authority.
Take care with animals or animal products when visiting markets
The WHO recommends regular hand washing with soap and water after touching animals and animal products when visiting markets, as well as to avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.
They also say to avoid contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products and to avoid contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids.
Avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked animal products is also recommended, as well as following good food safety practices.
However, at present, there is no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with coronavirus.
Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets to protect against common bacteria.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Coronavirus: The issue with face masks
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19
To help protect yourself and helping prevent the spread of coronavirus, follow advice given by your local healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or employer.
Does it matter where you sit on an aeroplane?
Howard Weiss, a professor of biology and mathematics at Penn State University in the US, has previously led a team to study the behaviour of passengers on flights.
His 2018 study suggested the safest place to sit on a flight was a window seat, as - if the passenger stayed put - this led to far fewer close encounters with other people than for those in other seats.
However, his team's work also revealed all passengers had a fairly low probability of getting infected with an illness.
Professor Weiss told National Geographic: "If you're seated in an aisle seat, certainly there will be quite a few people moving past you, but they'll be moving quickly.
"In aggregate, what we show is there's quite a low probability of transmission to any particular passenger."
He also highlighted how it is not yet known how coronavirus is spread.
What if you've travelled to China?
The Foreign Office is advising against all travel to China's Hubei province due to the outbreak.
They are also advising against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China, not including Hong Kong and Macau.
If you have been to Hubei province in the last two weeks, even if you do not have symptoms, you are advised to call 111.
You are also advised to call 111 if you have been to other parts of China - including Hong Kong and Macau - or Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Republic of Korea or Malaysia in the last 14 days, and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath, even if it's mild.
You should also call 111 if you have been in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus.
If any of the above applies to you, do not go to a GP surgery or hospital.
Stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
The disease caused by coronavirus has now been named COVID-19.
Its main symptoms are:
A cough
A high temperature
Shortness of breath
There is not yet a specific treatment for COVID-19, although scientists are working on a vaccine.


news--2020-02-12--Coronavirus: Ninth case diagnosed in UK as virus spreads to London

The first coronavirus case has been confirmed in London - the ninth person to be diagnosed with the illness in the UK .
The patient - believed to be a Chinese national who flew into London - is being treated at a specialist NHS centre at Guy 's and St Thomas ' in the capital .
Confirming the UK 's ninth case , Professor Chris Witty , chief medical officer for England , said the virus had been passed on in China .
• Deaths from the disease caused by the coronavirus , named COVID-19 , passed 1,100 ; with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two prisoners being tested for coronavirus in Oxfordshire - including one who had recently transferred from a Thai jail - have come back negative • The Chinese Grand Prix due to take place in Shanghai on 19 April has been cancelled • The Mobile World Congress tech conference in Barcelona has also been cancelled after several major companies pulled out • The only two deaths outside mainland China remain one in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines A businessman at the centre of the UK outbreak of coronavirus has said he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being discharged from hospital .
Steve Walsh , thought to be a `` superspreader '' of the disease , was treated at the specialist infectious diseases unit at Guy 's and St Thomas ' NHS Foundation Trust in London , but has now been given the all-clear .
The 53-year-old scout leader , from Hove in East Sussex , contracted coronavirus on a business trip to Singapore - and is linked to five other people diagnosed with it in the UK .
Meanwhile , the quarantine of 83 people being held in Arrowe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to be lifted amid reports they have all tested negative for the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus .
All of those in quarantine were flown back from China and taken directly to the hospital after arriving in the UK on 31 January .
A spokesman for the Department of Health said the `` quarantine is expected to end tomorrow '' but declined to comment on the test results of the patients .
In Brighton , pupils at several schools have been told they could stay at home after reports that some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into contact with the virus .
Of the nine people so far diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK , two are GPs .
Officials know that the pair worked at a nursing home , Worthing Hospital A & E and two GP practices between them .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Public Health England ( PHE ) confirmed on Wednesday it has traced and advised all close contacts of the two GPs , including about 12 patients .
Meanwhile , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of newly confirmed cases reported in China has stabilised , it remains a threat .
`` This outbreak could still go in any direction , '' director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a briefing on Wednesday .
A vaccine could be ready for human trials in three months from now , the briefing was told .

The first coronavirus case has been confirmed in London - the ninth person to be diagnosed with the illness in the UK.
The patient - believed to be a Chinese national who flew into London - is being treated at a specialist NHS centre at Guy's and St Thomas' in the capital.
Confirming the UK's ninth case, Professor Chris Witty, chief medical officer for England, said the virus had been passed on in China.
In other developments:
Deaths from the disease caused by the coronavirus, named COVID-19 , passed 1,100; with more than 45,000 people infected worldwide
, passed 1,100; with more than 45,000 people infected worldwide Two prisoners being tested for coronavirus in Oxfordshire - including one who had recently transferred from a Thai jail - have come back negative
- have come back negative The Chinese Grand Prix due to take place in Shanghai on 19 April has been cancelled
due to take place in Shanghai on 19 April has been cancelled The Mobile World Congress tech conference in Barcelona has also been cancelled after several major companies pulled out
The only two deaths outside mainland China remain one in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines
A businessman at the centre of the UK outbreak of coronavirus has said he is "happy to be home" after being discharged from hospital.
Steve Walsh, thought to be a "superspreader" of the disease, was treated at the specialist infectious diseases unit at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London, but has now been given the all-clear.
The 53-year-old scout leader, from Hove in East Sussex, contracted coronavirus on a business trip to Singapore - and is linked to five other people diagnosed with it in the UK.
Image: Steve Walsh has been discharged from hospital. Pic: Servomex
Meanwhile, the quarantine of 83 people being held in Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, Merseyside, is expected to be lifted amid reports they have all tested negative for the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus.
All of those in quarantine were flown back from China and taken directly to the hospital after arriving in the UK on 31 January.
Advertisement
A spokesman for the Department of Health said the "quarantine is expected to end tomorrow" but declined to comment on the test results of the patients.
In Brighton, pupils at several schools have been told they could stay at home after reports that some teachers and families feared they had come into contact with the virus.
Of the nine people so far diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK, two are GPs.
Officials know that the pair worked at a nursing home, Worthing Hospital A&E and two GP practices between them.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Public Health England (PHE) confirmed on Wednesday it has traced and advised all close contacts of the two GPs, including about 12 patients.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has cautioned that while the number of newly confirmed cases reported in China has stabilised, it remains a threat.
"This outbreak could still go in any direction," director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a briefing on Wednesday.
A vaccine could be ready for human trials in three months from now, the briefing was told.


news--2020-02-12--Coronavirus outbreak: The real reason why COVID-19 got its name

Spanish Flu , MERS , Ebola - names of diseases which have struck fear into people around the world because of their ability to cause death and misery .
But no more .
In naming the latest widespread outbreak COVID-19 , the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has attempted to end the stigmatising impact of diseases being named after places or animals .
All major outbreaks , such as coronavirus , will from now on have neutral `` scientific '' names , without reference to the location where the disease took hold or how it was transferred to humans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese city of Wuhan , after apparently making the leap to the general population from a creature in the city 's seafood market .
It has led to some organisations dubbing the outbreak the `` Wuhan virus '' .
But WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was clear in his comments on Tuesday about the reason his organisation had acted to name the disease .
`` We now have a name for the disease , '' he said .
`` Under agreed guidelines between WHO , the World Organisation for Animal Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Nations , we had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location , an animal , an individual or group of people , and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease .
`` Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatising . ''
Spanish Flu - a worldwide epidemic that is believed to have killed at least 40-50 million people between 1918 and 1920 - was named with racist undertones by a jingoistic press at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actual fact , Spain was cited as the source of the flu because wartime reporting restrictions prohibited mention of the trenches , where the outbreak first took hold in Europe .
Being diagnosed with MERS , which stands for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome , has led to survivors being labelled `` dirty '' , according to some scientific studies .
Swine Flu and Bird Flu have captured the public imagination but their associations have led to the mass slaughter of animals .
Meanwhile , Ebola has left the river in the Democratic Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified permanently tainted , despite the true origin of the illness that killed tens of thousands in Africa being unknown .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker COVID-19 is not the name of the virus , which remains the rather technical 2019-nCov , and is often still called the novel coronavirus .
Instead , COVID-19 describes the disease itself - or the symptoms patients present with - rather than what causes it .
Most people come for testing only after coming down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever .
In naming the disease , WHO is signalling it is taking COVID-19 extremely seriously , after marking it a global health emergency nearly two weeks ago .
Dr Tedros indicated on Tuesday that WHO experts were working fast to find a solution to the threat posed by the disease - which is so far killing around 2 % of those infected - saying that a vaccine could be ready in 18 months .

Spanish Flu, MERS, Ebola - names of diseases which have struck fear into people around the world because of their ability to cause death and misery.
But no more.
In naming the latest widespread outbreak COVID-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has attempted to end the stigmatising impact of diseases being named after places or animals.
All major outbreaks, such as coronavirus, will from now on have neutral "scientific" names, without reference to the location where the disease took hold or how it was transferred to humans.
COVID-19 first took hold in the Chinese city of Wuhan, after apparently making the leap to the general population from a creature in the city's seafood market.
It has led to some organisations dubbing the outbreak the "Wuhan virus".
But WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was clear in his comments on Tuesday about the reason his organisation had acted to name the disease.
"We now have a name for the disease," he said.
"Under agreed guidelines between WHO, the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, we had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease.
Advertisement
"Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatising."
Spanish Flu - a worldwide epidemic that is believed to have killed at least 40-50 million people between 1918 and 1920 - was named with racist undertones by a jingoistic press at the end of the First World War.
In actual fact, Spain was cited as the source of the flu because wartime reporting restrictions prohibited mention of the trenches, where the outbreak first took hold in Europe.
Being diagnosed with MERS, which stands for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, has led to survivors being labelled "dirty", according to some scientific studies.
Swine Flu and Bird Flu have captured the public imagination but their associations have led to the mass slaughter of animals.
Meanwhile, Ebola has left the river in the Democratic Republic of Congo where that disease was first identified permanently tainted, despite the true origin of the illness that killed tens of thousands in Africa being unknown.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
COVID-19 is not the name of the virus, which remains the rather technical 2019-nCov, and is often still called the novel coronavirus.
Instead, COVID-19 describes the disease itself - or the symptoms patients present with - rather than what causes it.
Most people come for testing only after coming down with symptoms like breathing difficulties and a fever.
In naming the disease, WHO is signalling it is taking COVID-19 extremely seriously, after marking it a global health emergency nearly two weeks ago.
Dr Tedros indicated on Tuesday that WHO experts were working fast to find a solution to the threat posed by the disease - which is so far killing around 2% of those infected - saying that a vaccine could be ready in 18 months.


news--2020-02-12--Coronavirus 'superspreader' is 'happy to be home' after being discharged

The man who is linked to 11 cases of coronavirus in the UK and dubbed a `` superspreader '' has said he is `` happy to be home '' after being discharged from hospital .
Businessman Steve Walsh left the specialist infectious diseases unit at Guy 's and St Thomas ' NHS Foundation Trust in London having made a full recovery .
He was given two tests for the virus , named COVID-19 , which both came back negative .
• 2,015 new cases confirmed on 11 February - the fewest since 30 January • An A & E worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed UK cases • Two prisoners being tested in Oxfordshire - one had recently transferred from a Thai jail • Another 39 test positive on Diamond Princess ship off Japan , bringing total to 169 • The only two deaths outside mainland China remain one in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines • Bank of England governor says virus `` already bigger than SARS '' from economic perspective • The Chinese Grand Prix due to take place in Shanghai on 19 April has been cancelled The 53-year-old contracted the virus in Singapore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the French Alps for a ski holiday , then returning to his home in Hove , East Sussex .
He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brighton on 6 February .
In a statement after leaving hospital , the father of two thanked those involved in his treatment and recovery .
`` I 'm happy to be home and feeling well , '' he said .
`` I want to give a big thank you to the NHS who have been great throughout and my thoughts are with everyone around the world who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's good to be back with my family and I would ask you please to respect our privacy from this point on . ''
Professor Keith Willett , NHS strategic incident director , said Mr Walsh had been discharged following two negative tests for coronavirus , 24 hours apart , having made a full recovery after treatment .
`` Mr Walsh 's symptoms were mild and he is no longer contagious and poses no risk to the public , '' he said .
`` He is keen to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his family out of the media spotlight , '' Prof Willett added .
Mr Walsh , who is also a scout leader , is suspected of unwittingly infecting 11 other Britons who were in France with him .
Five of those Britons are now in the UK , five are in France and one is in Majorca .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Eight people have so far been diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK .
They include two GPs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Dr Catriona Greenwood , who owns the French chalet with her husband where others caught coronavirus from Mr Walsh .
All patients and those in close contact with the GPs have now been traced , Public Health England has said , and two practices which were shut have reopened .
Meanwhile in Brighton , pupils at several schools have been told they could stay at home after reports that some teachers and families feared they had come into contact with the virus .
And two prisoners at HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being held in isolation .
One of the inmates had been transferred to the jail from Thailand .
Thai authorities named the 31-year-old as Mark John Rumble , who was brought back to the UK on a flight two weeks ago .

The man who is linked to 11 cases of coronavirus in the UK and dubbed a "superspreader" has said he is "happy to be home" after being discharged from hospital.
Businessman Steve Walsh left the specialist infectious diseases unit at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London having made a full recovery.
He was given two tests for the virus, named COVID-19, which both came back negative.
In other developments:
Deaths from COVID-19 pass 1,100; total cases near 45,000
2,015 new cases confirmed on 11 February - the fewest since 30 January
An A&E worker at Worthing Hospital is among the eight confirmed UK cases
Two prisoners being tested in Oxfordshire - one had recently transferred from a Thai jail
Another 39 test positive on Diamond Princess ship off Japan, bringing total to 169
The only two deaths outside mainland China remain one in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines
Bank of England governor says virus "already bigger than SARS" from economic perspective
The Chinese Grand Prix due to take place in Shanghai on 19 April has been cancelled
The 53-year-old contracted the virus in Singapore while at a business conference before going to the French Alps for a ski holiday, then returning to his home in Hove, East Sussex.
He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brighton on 6 February.
In a statement after leaving hospital, the father of two thanked those involved in his treatment and recovery.
"I'm happy to be home and feeling well," he said.
"I want to give a big thank you to the NHS who have been great throughout and my thoughts are with everyone around the world who continues to be affected by the virus.
Advertisement
"It's good to be back with my family and I would ask you please to respect our privacy from this point on."
Professor Keith Willett, NHS strategic incident director, said Mr Walsh had been discharged following two negative tests for coronavirus, 24 hours apart, having made a full recovery after treatment.
"Mr Walsh's symptoms were mild and he is no longer contagious and poses no risk to the public," he said.
"He is keen to return to his normal life and spend time with his family out of the media spotlight," Prof Willett added.
Mr Walsh, who is also a scout leader, is suspected of unwittingly infecting 11 other Britons who were in France with him. Five of those Britons are now in the UK, five are in France and one is in Majorca.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Eight people have so far been diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK.
They include two GPs, one of them who has been named as Dr Catriona Greenwood, who owns the French chalet with her husband where others caught coronavirus from Mr Walsh.
All patients and those in close contact with the GPs have now been traced, Public Health England has said, and two practices which were shut have reopened.
Meanwhile in Brighton, pupils at several schools have been told they could stay at home after reports that some teachers and families feared they had come into contact with the virus.
And two prisoners at HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire are being tested for the illness and are being held in isolation.
One of the inmates had been transferred to the jail from Thailand.
Thai authorities named the 31-year-old as Mark John Rumble, who was brought back to the UK on a flight two weeks ago.


news--2020-02-12--Coronavirus poses greater global threat than terrorism, leading doctors warn

The coronavirus is `` the worst enemy you can ever imagine '' and poses a greater global threat than terrorism , the World Health Organisation has warned .
Urging the world to `` wake up '' and be as aggressive as possible in tackling the outbreak , the UN health agency has given a new name to the disease that has sickened more than 44,600 people .
It is now going to be officially known as COVID-19 - CO stands for corona , VI for virus , D for disease and 19 for the year it emerged .
Chinese health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be over in April , but the head of the World Health Organisation was far less optimistic .
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned the first vaccine for COVID-19 was 18 months away , adding : `` To be honest , a virus is more powerful in creating political , social and economic upheaval than any terrorist attack .
It 's the worst enemy you can imagine . ''
WHO officials added that they have gone to great lengths to ensure the name did not refer to a geographical location , animal or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases confirmed on 11 February - the fewest since 30 January • An A & E worker at Worthing Hospital is among the eight confirmed UK cases • Two prisoners being tested in Oxfordshire - one had recently transferred from a Thai jail • Another 39 test positive on Diamond Princess ship off Japan , bringing total to 169 • British man believed to be a `` superspreader '' identified as businessman Steve Walsh • The only two deaths outside mainland China remain one in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already bigger than SARS '' from economic perspective The Department of Health has stressed that all services at Worthing Hospital - including surgeries and outpatient appointments - are continuing normally despite an A & E worker being diagnosed with COVID-19 .
It is understood this is not the same person as the locum doctor working in Brighton , who is also one of the eight confirmed cases in the UK .
Two GP surgeries in Brighton that were closed due to the virus have now re-opened .
: : Listen to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spotify , Spreaker Meanwhile , two prisoners at HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire are being held in isolation as they are tested for the coronavirus - and access to that wing has been restricted .
The prison , which has capacity for 1,114 inmates , remains operational .
Thai officials have told Sky News that they do not believe prisoner Mark John Rumble , who was transferred to the UK , had coronavirus when he left the country .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that anyone concerned about the coronavirus should `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS .
He added : `` We are a great country , we have got a fantastic NHS , we have got fantastic doctors . ''
The British man believed to be a `` superspreader '' of the coronavirus has said he has fully recovered after being diagnosed in Brighton on 6 February with COVID-19 .
Steve Walsh contracted the virus while at a business conference in Singapore before going to the French Alps for a ski holiday , and then returning to his home in Hove , East Sussex .
The 53-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britons who were in France with him .
Five of those Britons are now in the UK , five are in France and one is in Majorca .
He is still in quarantine at St Thomas ' Hospital in London , and said in a statement : `` I would like to thank the NHS for their help and care - whilst I have fully recovered , my thoughts are with others who have contracted coronavirus . ''
Japan 's health ministry has said that 39 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coast of Yokohama .
Foreign nationals are among the latest people to be diagnosed .
A total of 174 cases have now been identified aboard the Diamond Princess - a British man who was on his honeymoon is among them .
Health officials have been conducting medical checks on all of the ship 's 3,700 passengers and crew - but a quarantine officer is among those who have now fallen ill. A total of 78 British passport holders are on board the luxury cruise liner , and a 14-day quarantine continues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been refused entry into several ports but does not have any cases of the virus among those on board , has now been given permission to dock in Cambodia .
Stock markets around the world surged to record highs on Tuesday after Zhong Nanshan , a Chinese medical adviser who played a role in combating the SARS outbreak in 2003 , predicted that COVID-19 cases will peak this month .
But even if the epidemic ends soon , the coronavirus will have a lasting impact on China 's economy .
Some companies have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while others say they will need loans running into billions of dollars if they are going to stay afloat .
There is another dilemma .
The virus could further spread if businesses start reopening in China - but if they do n't , there are fears that medical supplies could run low .
Postal operators in the US , China and elsewhere have also said that the suspension of flights is having a major impact on global flows of letters and parcels .
Reports suggest that top health officials in Hubei province , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have been relieved of their duties following criticism their response to the crisis was too slow and ineffecive .
Analysis : 'Too early to say epidemic is in decline' By Thomas Moore , science correspondent It 's far too soon to say that the COVID-19 epidemic in China is in decline .
Figures released by the country 's health ministry show there were 2,015 new cases in the last 24 hours , down from 2,478 the previous day and 3,062 the day before that .
But two days of declining numbers is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend .
New cases have been fluctuating up and down from day to day for the last week : 3,694 to 3,143 to 3,399 to 2,656 to 3,062 to 2,478 to 2,015 .
It may be that the travel restrictions extended Chinese New Year holiday and factory closures have interrupted the transmission , as they were designed to do .
But it may also be that reports of new cases take longer to filter through from some parts of China , so they are coming in batches .
Diseases also have a habit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wildfire .
Some factories are beginning to reopen , which will give the virus new opportunities to spread .
Epidemiologists are extremely cautious about claiming victory over a disease .
With the Ebola epidemic in West Africa the World Health Organisation waited 42 days with no cases - twice the incubation period - before declaring it over .

The coronavirus is "the worst enemy you can ever imagine" and poses a greater global threat than terrorism, the World Health Organisation has warned.
Urging the world to "wake up" and be as aggressive as possible in tackling the outbreak, the UN health agency has given a new name to the disease that has sickened more than 44,600 people.
It is now going to be officially known as COVID-19 - CO stands for corona, VI for virus, D for disease and 19 for the year it emerged.
Image: Leading doctors say the coronavirus must be treated as 'public enemy number one'
Chinese health officials have expressed hope that the outbreak will be over in April, but the head of the World Health Organisation was far less optimistic.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned the first vaccine for COVID-19 was 18 months away, adding: "To be honest, a virus is more powerful in creating political, social and economic upheaval than any terrorist attack. It's the worst enemy you can imagine."
WHO officials added that they have gone to great lengths to ensure the name did not refer to a geographical location, animal or group of people.
Image: A restaurant worker has his temperature taken in Hong Kong
In other developments:
Deaths from COVID-19 pass 1,100; total cases near 45,000
2,015 new cases confirmed on 11 February - the fewest since 30 January
An A&E worker at Worthing Hospital is among the eight confirmed UK cases
Two prisoners being tested in Oxfordshire - one had recently transferred from a Thai jail
being tested in Oxfordshire - one had recently transferred from a Thai jail Another 39 test positive on Diamond Princess ship off Japan, bringing total to 169
British man believed to be a "superspreader" identified as businessman Steve Walsh
identified as businessman Steve Walsh The only two deaths outside mainland China remain one in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines
Bank of England governor says virus "already bigger than SARS" from economic perspective
Image: A sign on the front door of a surgery in Brighton closed over coronavirus fears
Details of British cases emerge
The Department of Health has stressed that all services at Worthing Hospital - including surgeries and outpatient appointments - are continuing normally despite an A&E worker being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Advertisement
It is understood this is not the same person as the locum doctor working in Brighton, who is also one of the eight confirmed cases in the UK.
Two GP surgeries in Brighton that were closed due to the virus have now re-opened.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Meanwhile, two prisoners at HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire are being held in isolation as they are tested for the coronavirus - and access to that wing has been restricted.
The prison, which has capacity for 1,114 inmates, remains operational.
Thai officials have told Sky News that they do not believe prisoner Mark John Rumble, who was transferred to the UK, had coronavirus when he left the country.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that anyone concerned about the coronavirus should "simply take the advice" of the NHS.
He added: "We are a great country, we have got a fantastic NHS, we have got fantastic doctors."
Image: Steve Walsh has been named as the coronavirus superspreader in the UK. Pic: Servomex
The British man believed to be a "superspreader" of the coronavirus has said he has fully recovered after being diagnosed in Brighton on 6 February with COVID-19.
Steve Walsh contracted the virus while at a business conference in Singapore before going to the French Alps for a ski holiday, and then returning to his home in Hove, East Sussex.
The 53-year-old appears to have unwittingly infected 11 other Britons who were in France with him. Five of those Britons are now in the UK, five are in France and one is in Majorca.
He is still in quarantine at St Thomas' Hospital in London, and said in a statement: "I would like to thank the NHS for their help and care - whilst I have fully recovered, my thoughts are with others who have contracted coronavirus."
Image: About 3,600 people are quarantined aboard the Diamond Princess off the coast of Japan
New cases confirmed on cruise ship
Japan's health ministry has said that 39 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed on the cruise ship currently quarantined off the coast of Yokohama.
Foreign nationals are among the latest people to be diagnosed.
Image: A quarantine worker is among the 39 who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 aboard the Diamond Princess
A total of 174 cases have now been identified aboard the Diamond Princess - a British man who was on his honeymoon is among them.
Health officials have been conducting medical checks on all of the ship's 3,700 passengers and crew - but a quarantine officer is among those who have now fallen ill.
A total of 78 British passport holders are on board the luxury cruise liner, and a 14-day quarantine continues.
A second cruise ship, which has been refused entry into several ports but does not have any cases of the virus among those on board, has now been given permission to dock in Cambodia.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:15 Coronavirus: How many people are at risk?
Economic impact
Stock markets around the world surged to record highs on Tuesday after Zhong Nanshan, a Chinese medical adviser who played a role in combating the SARS outbreak in 2003, predicted that COVID-19 cases will peak this month.
But even if the epidemic ends soon, the coronavirus will have a lasting impact on China's economy.
Some companies have already begun to lay off workers, while others say they will need loans running into billions of dollars if they are going to stay afloat.
There is another dilemma. The virus could further spread if businesses start reopening in China - but if they don't, there are fears that medical supplies could run low.
Postal operators in the US, China and elsewhere have also said that the suspension of flights is having a major impact on global flows of letters and parcels.
Reports suggest that top health officials in Hubei province, where the city of Wuhan is based, have been relieved of their duties following criticism their response to the crisis was too slow and ineffecive.
Analysis: 'Too early to say epidemic is in decline'
By Thomas Moore, science correspondent
It's far too soon to say that the COVID-19 epidemic in China is in decline.
Figures released by the country's health ministry show there were 2,015 new cases in the last 24 hours, down from 2,478 the previous day and 3,062 the day before that.
But two days of declining numbers isn't long enough to point to a trend.
New cases have been fluctuating up and down from day to day for the last week: 3,694 to 3,143 to 3,399 to 2,656 to 3,062 to 2,478 to 2,015.
It may be that the travel restrictions extended Chinese New Year holiday and factory closures have interrupted the transmission, as they were designed to do.
But it may also be that reports of new cases take longer to filter through from some parts of China, so they are coming in batches.
Diseases also have a habit of flaring up again, just like a wildfire.
Some factories are beginning to reopen, which will give the virus new opportunities to spread.
Epidemiologists are extremely cautious about claiming victory over a disease.
With the Ebola epidemic in West Africa the World Health Organisation waited 42 days with no cases - twice the incubation period - before declaring it over.


news--2020-02-12--Non-alcoholic beer sales help Heineken to strongest growth in a decade

Heineken sales have enjoyed their biggest annual growth for a decade last year , helped by demand for its no-alcoholic lager .
The Dutch brewing giant said the volume of sales of its flagship brand rose 8.3 % in 2019 - including its Heineken 0.0 line , which is now available in 57 countries .
Sales for the wider Heineken group - which also owns lagers such as Amstel , Sol and Strongbow cider - were up by 3.1 % , helping underlying operating profits rise 3.9 % to €4.02bn .
The group 's sales of no and low alcohol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hectolitres - about 2.5 billion pints - though that was only about 6 % of all the group 's sales by volume .
Within this , no alcohol drinks saw double-digit growth , driven by Heineken 0.0 .
The group said it expected mid single-digit percentage earnings growth in 2020 , as consumers choose more expensive premium brands , and easing cost growth .
But there was a note of caution over the impact of the coronavirus , COVID-19 , which is threatening to damage Chinese and global economic activity .
Heineken said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not possible to assess the extent and duration of the impact of coronavirus on the economy and on our business . ''
The results come after the family-controlled company announced on Tuesday that chairman and chief executive Jean-Francois van Boxmeer would step down in the summer after 15 years in charge .
He will be succeeded by Dolf van den Brink , president of Heineken 's Asia-Pacific business , in June .

Heineken sales have enjoyed their biggest annual growth for a decade last year, helped by demand for its no-alcoholic lager.
The Dutch brewing giant said the volume of sales of its flagship brand rose 8.3% in 2019 - including its Heineken 0.0 line, which is now available in 57 countries.
Sales for the wider Heineken group - which also owns lagers such as Amstel, Sol and Strongbow cider - were up by 3.1%, helping underlying operating profits rise 3.9% to €4.02bn.
The group's sales of no and low alcohol drinks climbed 7.6% to 14.1 million hectolitres - about 2.5 billion pints - though that was only about 6% of all the group's sales by volume.
Within this, no alcohol drinks saw double-digit growth, driven by Heineken 0.0.
The group said it expected mid single-digit percentage earnings growth in 2020, as consumers choose more expensive premium brands, and easing cost growth.
But there was a note of caution over the impact of the coronavirus, COVID-19, which is threatening to damage Chinese and global economic activity.
Heineken said: "It is at this stage not possible to assess the extent and duration of the impact of coronavirus on the economy and on our business."
The results come after the family-controlled company announced on Tuesday that chairman and chief executive Jean-Francois van Boxmeer would step down in the summer after 15 years in charge.
Advertisement
He will be succeeded by Dolf van den Brink, president of Heineken's Asia-Pacific business, in June.