news--2020-02-26--COVID-19: Europe's free movement presents profound challenges amid coronavirus panic

Roadblocks are rare in Europe .
In a continent where the free movement of people is often held as a modern , fundamental right , you get used to going where you want .
But in northern Italy , there are now exceptions .
On the road to the small town of Bertonico , a police car and an army lorry are parked next to a roundabout .
As we approach , the policeman holds up a paddle emblazoned with a big red dot , and tells us to stop .
This is the start of the exclusion zone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves enclosed .
Officially nobody is allowed in or out - in reality , delivery drivers , with the right paperwork , are permitted to make the return journey to bring in food and supplies .
Emergency services , too , can enter this so-called red zone .
As we watch , two ambulances drive out - one quietly but one that passes with flashing lights , its crew of paramedics sitting at the front wearing protective hazmat suits .
What we do n't know , of course , is how many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the roadblocks were put up .
If this collection of towns is the epicentre for Italy 's dramatic surge of infections , how many people have left here and taken the virus with them ?
From Bertonico , I drove across the north-west of Italy , through the Alps into France and then into Switzerland .
At no stage did anybody ask where I 'd been , or screen me in any way .
Contrast that with the flight I took into Milan a couple of days ago .
At the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks greet each visitor by pushing a thermometer to their forehead .
Anyone who shows signs of fever faces the prospect of being quarantined .
But if you 're in a car , you can cross-cross Italy , and much of Europe , with ease .
And far more journeys are completed by car than all of public transport put together .
I stopped off in Chamonix , the French ski resort , which attracts tourists from across the continent .
One Norwegian told me he was worried , but that he felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Frenchman told me the whole thing was hype ; a boy from the same country said he was fine `` because France is safe '' .
Perhaps nobody has told him that the virus has killed people in his country .
Public nonchalance is the default position for many .
It feels like people in Italy , France and beyond do n't want to be seen to be nervous .
But somebody must be buying up all the face masks and antibacterial gel , or emptying shelves in supermarkets .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doors of the World Health Organisation .
There , I 'm told that governments need to spend more , but also that Europe 's health facilities are better than you find in many other countries .
That viruses do n't respect borders , and that they want to avoid the danger of stigmatising people from any one place .
It is calm , emollient language .
But then I see Jeremy Hunt , Britain 's longest-ever serving health secretary , leaving the building after a meeting .
Europe and Britain , he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenario .
And that , he says , could mean `` draconian '' measures and many deaths , even though he says the NHS is `` one of the best prepared health services in the world '' .
The truth is that the UK , like countries across their European continent , still does n't know what it 's dealing with .
Governments are n't sure how to react , and neither are their citizens .
But questions nag at the back of my mind : before the roadblocks , the police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came in and out of those Italian towns in the quarantined area ?
And , thanks to Europe 's love of free movement , how far did they all roam ?
How far , in other words , do the tentacles of that red zone go ?
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Roadblocks are rare in Europe. In a continent where the free movement of people is often held as a modern, fundamental right, you get used to going where you want.
But in northern Italy, there are now exceptions. On the road to the small town of Bertonico, a police car and an army lorry are parked next to a roundabout.
As we approach, the policeman holds up a paddle emblazoned with a big red dot, and tells us to stop.
This is the start of the exclusion zone, in which around 50,000 people have found themselves enclosed.
Image: An officer guards the start of the exclusion zone in northern Italy
Officially nobody is allowed in or out - in reality, delivery drivers, with the right paperwork, are permitted to make the return journey to bring in food and supplies.
Emergency services, too, can enter this so-called red zone. As we watch, two ambulances drive out - one quietly but one that passes with flashing lights, its crew of paramedics sitting at the front wearing protective hazmat suits.
What we don't know, of course, is how many people came in and out of these towns before the roadblocks were put up.
If this collection of towns is the epicentre for Italy's dramatic surge of infections, how many people have left here and taken the virus with them?
Because Europe's beloved principle of free movement presents profound challenges.
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From Bertonico, I drove across the north-west of Italy, through the Alps into France and then into Switzerland. At no stage did anybody ask where I'd been, or screen me in any way.
Contrast that with the flight I took into Milan a couple of days ago. At the city's two international airports, officials in masks greet each visitor by pushing a thermometer to their forehead.
Anyone who shows signs of fever faces the prospect of being quarantined. But if you're in a car, you can cross-cross Italy, and much of Europe, with ease. And far more journeys are completed by car than all of public transport put together.
I stopped off in Chamonix, the French ski resort, which attracts tourists from across the continent. One Norwegian told me he was worried, but that he felt there was nothing he could really do.
A Frenchman told me the whole thing was hype; a boy from the same country said he was fine "because France is safe". Perhaps nobody has told him that the virus has killed people in his country.
Public nonchalance is the default position for many. It feels like people in Italy, France and beyond don't want to be seen to be nervous. But somebody must be buying up all the face masks and antibacterial gel, or emptying shelves in supermarkets.
Our journey ends in Geneva, outside the doors of the World Health Organisation.
There, I'm told that governments need to spend more, but also that Europe's health facilities are better than you find in many other countries. That viruses don't respect borders, and that they want to avoid the danger of stigmatising people from any one place.
It is calm, emollient language. But then I see Jeremy Hunt, Britain's longest-ever serving health secretary, leaving the building after a meeting.
Image: Public nonchalance is the default position for many including some in the French ski resort of Chamonix
Europe and Britain, he says, should be prepared for the worst-case scenario. And that, he says, could mean "draconian" measures and many deaths, even though he says the NHS is "one of the best prepared health services in the world".
The truth is that the UK, like countries across their European continent, still doesn't know what it's dealing with. Governments aren't sure how to react, and neither are their citizens.
But questions nag at the back of my mind: before the roadblocks, the police and the army arrived - how many people came in and out of those Italian towns in the quarantined area?
And, thanks to Europe's love of free movement, how far did they all roam? How far, in other words, do the tentacles of that red zone go?
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news--2020-06-14--6,000 attend illegal raves - man dies of suspected overdose and three stabbed

A man has died of a suspected drug overdose and three others were stabbed as thousands attended two illegal raves in Manchester on Saturday night .
The 20-year-old man had been at a large gathering of about 4,000 people in Oldham , according to Greater Manchester Police .
There were reports of three separate stabbings at another rave in nearby Carrington involving about 2,000 people , police said .
An 18-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries - and two other men , aged 25 and 26 , were also injured .
A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officers said they are also investigating the rape of an 18-year-old woman who attended the Carrington event .
Police were met with violence from participants at the party , with items thrown and a police car vandalised .
No further incidents were reported at the Oldham rave , which took place in Daisy Nook Country Park .
Footage posted on Snapchat showed a large crowd of people crammed around a stage and flouting the two-metre social distancing rules .
And on Sunday morning , the park was littered with an `` atrocious '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who cleaned it .
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said : `` We are aware of two large raves that took place .
`` These raves were illegal and I condemn them taking place - they were clearly a breach of coronavirus legislation and guidelines , and have had tragic consequences . ''
He said the emergency services experienced a `` surge in emergency calls '' , with more than a 60 % increase in demand via 999 calls from 5pm on Saturday night to 4am this morning .
Mr Sykes added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` absolutely not acceptable and will not be tolerated '' .
`` Our officers are working incredibly hard to keep people safe and should never be met with inexcusable violence whilst carrying out their duties , '' he said .
Deputy Labour leader and MP for Ashton-under-Lyne Angela Rayner tweeted : `` Those who attended put themselves and their loved ones at risk .
( Completely ) irresponsible .
`` A lot of effort went into online events this weekend across ( Greater Manchester ) .
Those who attended should be ashamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to deal with the aftermath . ''

A man has died of a suspected drug overdose and three others were stabbed as thousands attended two illegal raves in Manchester on Saturday night.
The 20-year-old man had been at a large gathering of about 4,000 people in Oldham, according to Greater Manchester Police.
There were reports of three separate stabbings at another rave in nearby Carrington involving about 2,000 people, police said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:11 'Quarantine rave' attacked by police
An 18-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries - and two other men, aged 25 and 26, were also injured.
A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, police said.
Officers said they are also investigating the rape of an 18-year-old woman who attended the Carrington event.
Police were met with violence from participants at the party, with items thrown and a police car vandalised.
No further incidents were reported at the Oldham rave, which took place in Daisy Nook Country Park.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Anti-police chants at illegal rave
Footage posted on Snapchat showed a large crowd of people crammed around a stage and flouting the two-metre social distancing rules.
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And on Sunday morning, the park was littered with an "atrocious" amount of rubbish, according to volunteers who cleaned it.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: "We are aware of two large raves that took place.
"These raves were illegal and I condemn them taking place - they were clearly a breach of coronavirus legislation and guidelines, and have had tragic consequences."
He said the emergency services experienced a "surge in emergency calls", with more than a 60% increase in demand via 999 calls from 5pm on Saturday night to 4am this morning.
Image: Snapchat maps showed where one of the raves took place
Mr Sykes added that violence towards police at the Carrington rave was "absolutely not acceptable and will not be tolerated".
"Our officers are working incredibly hard to keep people safe and should never be met with inexcusable violence whilst carrying out their duties," he said.
Deputy Labour leader and MP for Ashton-under-Lyne Angela Rayner tweeted: "Those who attended put themselves and their loved ones at risk. (Completely) irresponsible.
"A lot of effort went into online events this weekend across (Greater Manchester). Those who attended should be ashamed of themselves. My local area now has to deal with the aftermath."


news--2020-06-14--Coronavirus: Metro Bank in talks to buy peer-to-peer lender Ratesetter

Metro Bank , the high street lender which has been beset by problems during a troubled 12-month period , is in advanced talks to buy Ratesetter , one of Britain 's biggest peer-to-peer lenders .
Sky News has learnt that Metro Bank and Ratesetter are in exclusive discussions about a deal , although people close to the negotiations said on Sunday night that there was no guarantee that they would lead to a transaction .
The disclosure of the talks will surprise City analysts and shareholders , who have been expecting Metro Bank to focus on improving the execution of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its newly appointed chief executive .
The price that Metro Bank would pay for Ratesetter was unclear , although one insider said the high street lender would be taking it over at `` a knockdown valuation '' .
If the talks progress satisfactorily , a deal could be struck sometime next month , one source said .
At its peak , Ratesetter had about £1bn of lending on its balance sheet , although its progress has been curtailed sharply by the coronavirus pandemic .
The broader P2P sector has also been hurt by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Funding Circle Holdings have been accredited under some of the government 's emergency coronavirus lending schemes .
When Sky News revealed in April that Ratesetter was exploring a sale or merger , it responded by suggesting that it was primed to act as a consolidator `` rather than potentially being acquired '' .
Sources said a deal would have industrial logic for Metro Bank by giving it a new lending platform and distribution capability .
Nevertheless , the high street bank 's recent travails is likely to mean that some investors will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an uncertain time for the UK economy .
Metro Bank 's shareholders have fallen by more than 80 % during the last 12 months , and it now has a market capitalisation of barely £180m .
It remains the subject of a number of regulatory investigations following a financial misreporting scandal .
Ratesetter , which is being advised by bankers at Lazard on the talks , had been examining a fundraising among its other strategic options .
P2P lenders are being challenged by the growing risk of loan defaults among small businesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers seeking to recover their money .
P2P platforms work by matching individual investors with consumers and SMEs which want to raise money .
Ratesetter launched in 2010 , and has become the UK 's most popular P2P lenders , with more than 700,000 people having invested or borrowed on the platform .
The company is chaired by Sir Paul Manduca , the respected City figure who will shortly step down as chairman of Prudential .
A source close to the company pointed out that none of its investors had lost money .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at more than £800m , and it has attracted £280m in subscriptions to its Innovative Finance ISA .
Both Metro Bank and Ratesetter declined to comment on Sunday .

Metro Bank, the high street lender which has been beset by problems during a troubled 12-month period, is in advanced talks to buy Ratesetter, one of Britain's biggest peer-to-peer lenders.
Sky News has learnt that Metro Bank and Ratesetter are in exclusive discussions about a deal, although people close to the negotiations said on Sunday night that there was no guarantee that they would lead to a transaction.
The disclosure of the talks will surprise City analysts and shareholders, who have been expecting Metro Bank to focus on improving the execution of its core strategy under Dan Frumkin, its newly appointed chief executive.
The price that Metro Bank would pay for Ratesetter was unclear, although one insider said the high street lender would be taking it over at "a knockdown valuation".
If the talks progress satisfactorily, a deal could be struck sometime next month, one source said.
At its peak, Ratesetter had about £1bn of lending on its balance sheet, although its progress has been curtailed sharply by the coronavirus pandemic.
The broader P2P sector has also been hurt by the pandemic, although some players such as Funding Circle Holdings have been accredited under some of the government's emergency coronavirus lending schemes.
When Sky News revealed in April that Ratesetter was exploring a sale or merger, it responded by suggesting that it was primed to act as a consolidator "rather than potentially being acquired".
Sources said a deal would have industrial logic for Metro Bank by giving it a new lending platform and distribution capability.
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Nevertheless, the high street bank's recent travails is likely to mean that some investors will be wary about it diversifying at such an uncertain time for the UK economy.
Metro Bank's shareholders have fallen by more than 80% during the last 12 months, and it now has a market capitalisation of barely £180m.
It remains the subject of a number of regulatory investigations following a financial misreporting scandal.
Ratesetter, which is being advised by bankers at Lazard on the talks, had been examining a fundraising among its other strategic options.
P2P lenders are being challenged by the growing risk of loan defaults among small businesses and individuals, and the accelerating rate of customers seeking to recover their money.
P2P platforms work by matching individual investors with consumers and SMEs which want to raise money.
Ratesetter launched in 2010, and has become the UK's most popular P2P lenders, with more than 700,000 people having invested or borrowed on the platform.
The company is chaired by Sir Paul Manduca, the respected City figure who will shortly step down as chairman of Prudential.
A source close to the company pointed out that none of its investors had lost money.
In April, its loan portfolio stands at more than £800m, and it has attracted £280m in subscriptions to its Innovative Finance ISA.
Both Metro Bank and Ratesetter declined to comment on Sunday.


news--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: Aquariums under threat after being excluded from reopening plans

Many of the country 's aquariums could close for good unless they are given more government support , or allowed to reopen along with zoos .
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums says the public should be allowed to visit aquariums from next week , in the same way indoor retail and zoos have been given permission to reopen .
Many aquariums are spending up to £10,000 a day to feed and run their venues - without getting the usual funding from ticket sales .
The UK 's largest aquarium , the National Marine Aquarium ( NMA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to reopen safely .
Chief executive Roger Maslin said : `` 96 % of our income comes from tickets bought by the generous public .
We 've had no income since the lockdown .
So we 've lost over £1.1m income , but at the same time we 've had over £1m in costs [ food and up-keep ] . ''
`` We ca n't close the aquarium , ca n't furlough animals , it 'd be great if we could but we ca n't , therefore we need to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
The NMA says it has implemented COVID-19 safety measures such as hourly time slots , a `` huge '' reduction in daily ticket availability , more washing areas and increased cleaning of exhibit areas .
But aquariums across England have not been included in the list of venues allowed to reopen from 15 June , unlike indoor retail and zoos .
Dr Christoph Schwitzer , chair of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums ( BIAZA ) , told Sky News aquariums are ready and can adapt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Like zoos , aquariums can also introduce online ticketed systems whereby they can control the numbers of people they let on site - they can also put a one-way system around their sites for visitors , many already have that , which is very easy , the same as zoos . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There is help for aquariums - the government has made grants available of up to £100,000 , but only if they are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money would cover less than two weeks ' running costs .
`` If the situation persists it is imperative the government puts in place additional funding opportunities for aquariums that will help our members get through this crisis so we do n't see a wave of deferred closures in the next winter or spring 2021 when organisations run out of cash , '' added Dr Schwitzer .
As well as zero ticket sales , conservation and education projects have also gone on hold .
The NMA 's head of conservation and education , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a huge education programme here at the NMA - 30,000 children a year come through our doors and take part in curriculum based lessons - all has had to stop . ''
She added : `` But we 're adaptable , we 've done a huge amount of learning on how to do it online . ''
BIAZA hopes its members will be allowed to reopen in July , but warns it will take years for aquariums to recover .

Many of the country's aquariums could close for good unless they are given more government support, or allowed to reopen along with zoos.
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums says the public should be allowed to visit aquariums from next week, in the same way indoor retail and zoos have been given permission to reopen.
Many aquariums are spending up to £10,000 a day to feed and run their venues - without getting the usual funding from ticket sales.
Image: BIAZA hopes aquariums will be allowed to reopen in July, but it will take years to recover
The UK's largest aquarium, the National Marine Aquarium (NMA) in Plymouth, says it is ready to reopen safely.
Chief executive Roger Maslin said: "96% of our income comes from tickets bought by the generous public. We've had no income since the lockdown. So we've lost over £1.1m income, but at the same time we've had over £1m in costs [food and up-keep]."
"We can't close the aquarium, can't furlough animals, it'd be great if we could but we can't, therefore we need to keep the aquarium going and animals cared for," he added.
The NMA says it has implemented COVID-19 safety measures such as hourly time slots, a "huge" reduction in daily ticket availability, more washing areas and increased cleaning of exhibit areas.
But aquariums across England have not been included in the list of venues allowed to reopen from 15 June, unlike indoor retail and zoos.
Dr Christoph Schwitzer, chair of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), told Sky News aquariums are ready and can adapt just like large retail stores have.
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"Like zoos, aquariums can also introduce online ticketed systems whereby they can control the numbers of people they let on site - they can also put a one-way system around their sites for visitors, many already have that, which is very easy, the same as zoos."
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There is help for aquariums - the government has made grants available of up to £100,000, but only if they are at immediate risk.
But for many that money would cover less than two weeks' running costs.
"If the situation persists it is imperative the government puts in place additional funding opportunities for aquariums that will help our members get through this crisis so we don't see a wave of deferred closures in the next winter or spring 2021 when organisations run out of cash," added Dr Schwitzer.
As well as zero ticket sales, conservation and education projects have also gone on hold.
The NMA's head of conservation and education, Nicola Bridge, said: "We have a huge education programme here at the NMA - 30,000 children a year come through our doors and take part in curriculum based lessons - all has had to stop."
She added: "But we're adaptable, we've done a huge amount of learning on how to do it online."
BIAZA hopes its members will be allowed to reopen in July, but warns it will take years for aquariums to recover.


news--2020-06-14--Coronavirus: Bullring-owner to name property veteran as chair

One of Britain 's biggest shopping centre-owners is to replace its chairman with a property industry veteran as it scrambles to reinvent its business for a post-coronavirus retail environment .
Sky News has learnt that Hammerson , which owns Birmingham 's Bullring shopping centre and Brent Cross in London , will say this week that David Tyler is to step down as its chairman .
He is expected to be replaced by Rob Noel , the former chief executive of Land Securities Group .
Sources said the development could be announced as soon as Monday morning - the same day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centres are due to reopen after three months in lockdown .
The boardroom change will come less than three weeks after Hammerson announced that David Atkins , its long-serving chief executive , would leave no later than next spring .
City insiders said this weekend that Mr Noel 's appointment could now mean that Mr Atkins leaves the company significantly earlier .
The decision of Hammerson 's board to replace Mr Tyler , the former chairman of J Sainsbury , so soon after announcing the retirement of its chief executive , underlines the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shareholders about the need for radical change at the company .
Hammerson has been under pressure to accelerate the pace of change since Elliott Advisers , the prominent activist investor , became a shareholder in the company in 2018 , although it is unclear how much of that stake it retains .
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated an existential challenge for companies both in , and exposed to , the retail sector .
Like other landlords , Hammerson will be lucky to see more than a quarter of the rent it is owned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with even some retailers which can afford to pay their bills choosing not to do so .
A voluntary code of conduct between property-owners and retail tenants , drawn up by the government , has been criticised by stakeholders on both sides .
Hammerson has seen its shares slide since well before the coronavirus outbreak began , largely as a result of the escalating crisis facing Britain 's retail industry .
The company owns a stake in the Bicester Village destination shopping development , as well as assets in Bristol , Croydon and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Securities , which is shifting its vast property portfolio away from retail and leisure assets to focus on office developments , said it was discussing with Hammerson when Mr Noel might be allowed to join Hammerson 's board .
Under Mr Noel 's leaving arrangements , he stepped down from Land Securities ' board in March but is `` available '' to its board until July 10 .
He was replaced by Mark Allen .
Land Securities , which owns stakes in retail sites such as Bluewater in Kent , and British Land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been forced to write billions of pounds off their shopping centre-related assets in recent months .
Intu Properties , which Hammerson came close to merging with in 2018 , is battling to survive the COVID-19 pandemic , but could collapse into administration as soon as this week if its lenders refuse a 'standstill ' agreement .
Institutional shareholders in Hammerson have been privately advocating boardroom changes for some time .
Both Mr Tyler , who has been chairman for seven years , and Mr Atkins , who has run Hammerson since 2009 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company as the high street 's turmoil has escalated .
The company suffered a blow last month when Orion European Real Estate pulled out of a deal to buy seven retail parks from it for £400m .
Hammerson also owns centres in France , Ireland and Portugal .
When the company rejected a cash-and-paper offer from Klepierre , a French company , worth 635p-a-share in 2018 , Mr Tyler and his colleagues argued that it significantly undervalued it .
At around the same time , Hammerson - shares in which closed on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ merger with rival Intu .
It now has a market value of just £848m , having been a member of the FTSE-100 index as recently as February 2018 .
Hammerson and Land Securities declined to comment on Sunday .

One of Britain's biggest shopping centre-owners is to replace its chairman with a property industry veteran as it scrambles to reinvent its business for a post-coronavirus retail environment.
Sky News has learnt that Hammerson, which owns Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre and Brent Cross in London, will say this week that David Tyler is to step down as its chairman.
He is expected to be replaced by Rob Noel, the former chief executive of Land Securities Group.
Sources said the development could be announced as soon as Monday morning - the same day that many of Hammerson's UK shopping centres are due to reopen after three months in lockdown.
The boardroom change will come less than three weeks after Hammerson announced that David Atkins, its long-serving chief executive, would leave no later than next spring.
City insiders said this weekend that Mr Noel's appointment could now mean that Mr Atkins leaves the company significantly earlier.
The decision of Hammerson's board to replace Mr Tyler, the former chairman of J Sainsbury, so soon after announcing the retirement of its chief executive, underlines the sense of urgency among its directors and shareholders about the need for radical change at the company.
Hammerson has been under pressure to accelerate the pace of change since Elliott Advisers, the prominent activist investor, became a shareholder in the company in 2018, although it is unclear how much of that stake it retains.
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated an existential challenge for companies both in, and exposed to, the retail sector.
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Like other landlords, Hammerson will be lucky to see more than a quarter of the rent it is owned next week flow into its coffers, with even some retailers which can afford to pay their bills choosing not to do so.
A voluntary code of conduct between property-owners and retail tenants, drawn up by the government, has been criticised by stakeholders on both sides.
Hammerson has seen its shares slide since well before the coronavirus outbreak began, largely as a result of the escalating crisis facing Britain's retail industry.
The company owns a stake in the Bicester Village destination shopping development, as well as assets in Bristol, Croydon and Middlesbrough.
A source close to Land Securities, which is shifting its vast property portfolio away from retail and leisure assets to focus on office developments, said it was discussing with Hammerson when Mr Noel might be allowed to join Hammerson's board.
Under Mr Noel's leaving arrangements, he stepped down from Land Securities' board in March but is "available" to its board until July 10.
He was replaced by Mark Allen.
Land Securities, which owns stakes in retail sites such as Bluewater in Kent, and British Land are among the major property-owners which have been forced to write billions of pounds off their shopping centre-related assets in recent months.
Intu Properties, which Hammerson came close to merging with in 2018, is battling to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, but could collapse into administration as soon as this week if its lenders refuse a 'standstill' agreement.
Institutional shareholders in Hammerson have been privately advocating boardroom changes for some time.
Both Mr Tyler, who has been chairman for seven years, and Mr Atkins, who has run Hammerson since 2009, have faced pressure to shake up the company as the high street's turmoil has escalated.
The company suffered a blow last month when Orion European Real Estate pulled out of a deal to buy seven retail parks from it for £400m.
Hammerson also owns centres in France, Ireland and Portugal.
When the company rejected a cash-and-paper offer from Klepierre, a French company, worth 635p-a-share in 2018, Mr Tyler and his colleagues argued that it significantly undervalued it.
At around the same time, Hammerson - shares in which closed on Friday at just 110.7p - abandoned a planned merger with rival Intu.
It now has a market value of just £848m, having been a member of the FTSE-100 index as recently as February 2018.
Hammerson and Land Securities declined to comment on Sunday.


news--2020-06-13--Portugal: 'Europe's dumping ground' suspends waste imports over landfill concerns

Portugal , which traditionally takes in large amounts of rubbish from other countries including the UK because of its low waste management fees , has suspended imports to protect its own landfill capacity .
The COVID-19 crisis has led to more domestic waste being generated and the Portuguese government intends to temporarily ban imports until the end of the year .
Many residents hope that will become permanent as the fight against imported rubbish for domestic landfill gathers pace .
On a hillside in the village of Sobrado in northern Portugal , Marisol Marques looks out over the place she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
But the vista is now interrupted by a giant landfill site .
As she watches , lorries dump more rubbish on to the earth .
She tells me the situation has now become intolerable .
In the warmer months in particular she says the smell and the insects have blighted everyday life for people .
Children do n't play outside and often people have to keep their windows closed .
`` I feel a big sadness for being Portuguese and for Portugal as it 's receiving waste from so many countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become a major activist in the fight to get the site closed .
`` It feels like we 're on sale .
This makes us feel like we 're so small as a country .
Portugal is such a beautiful country and has so much to offer .
Why are we being recognised as Europe 's dumping ground ?
That 's really bad . ''
For now , no foreign waste is coming into the country and the residents want it to stay that way .
Everywhere you go in the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the landfill .
The posters say `` Sobrado wants to breathe , close the landfill . ''
On one street where the signs are pinned to every lamppost I meet Beatriz Lindo .
She was born here and returned to this place she loved after spending years in the UK .
But she says the place has changed because of the landfill site .
And recent months have made things more worrying .
Before the ban on imports , residents were worried about waste coming from Italy - a nation hit particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The way we felt with the trash coming from Italy is that it will be in the air , with the birds , because they take the trash everywhere .
They could bring it to us .
We do n't have to go and meet the virus , it will meet us .
That is the problem . ''
What is a local issue in Sobrado here has become a topic of national debate in Portugal , which according to the latest figures imported over 220,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the UK .
The attraction of Portugal to other nations has been cost .
The low waste management fees means it costs around 11 euros ( £9.80 ) to process a tonne of rubbish compared with the European average of around 80 euros ( £72 ) The fresh waste being deposited in Sobrado sits on top of compacted rubbish going tens of metres down , and the site is not even half full yet .
Close by is a local school where we were told some parents do n't want to send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recivalongo , the company which runs the landfill site , declined our request for an interview but in an email denied residents claims about contamination to water sources and said asbestos only enters the site as stable fibres in construction waste .
It said it is working to limit the odour from the landfill and takes in waste because other nations do n't have the infrastructure to manage it .
But Jose Manuel Ribeiro , the mayor of the Valongo municipality where Sobrado sits , is passionate in his opposition to a form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 21st century .
He says : `` It 's a hole , that 's what we have .
It 's a landfill .
They are putting waste in a hole .
They are not recycling it .
So something is wrong .
It does n't create added value .
There is zero added value . ''
He intends to push for the current ban on imports to be made permanent unless Portugal finds ways to use foreign waste for other uses .
The residents of Sobrado insist they do n't want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their land with waste anymore .

Portugal, which traditionally takes in large amounts of rubbish from other countries including the UK because of its low waste management fees, has suspended imports to protect its own landfill capacity.
The COVID-19 crisis has led to more domestic waste being generated and the Portuguese government intends to temporarily ban imports until the end of the year.
Many residents hope that will become permanent as the fight against imported rubbish for domestic landfill gathers pace.
On a hillside in the village of Sobrado in northern Portugal, Marisol Marques looks out over the place she has called home for most of her life. But the vista is now interrupted by a giant landfill site.
Image: Portugal imports more rubbish than almost any other country in Europe
Image: Sobrado is known for its beautiful countryside, but the vista has been interrupted by a giant landfill site
As she watches, lorries dump more rubbish on to the earth. She tells me the situation has now become intolerable.
In the warmer months in particular she says the smell and the insects have blighted everyday life for people. Children don't play outside and often people have to keep their windows closed.
"I feel a big sadness for being Portuguese and for Portugal as it's receiving waste from so many countries," says Ms Marques, who has become a major activist in the fight to get the site closed.
"It feels like we're on sale. This makes us feel like we're so small as a country. Portugal is such a beautiful country and has so much to offer. Why are we being recognised as Europe's dumping ground? That's really bad."
Image: Around 220,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste was imported by Portugal in 2018
For now, no foreign waste is coming into the country and the residents want it to stay that way.
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Everywhere you go in the village you see signs calling for an end to the landfill. The posters say "Sobrado wants to breathe, close the landfill."
On one street where the signs are pinned to every lamppost I meet Beatriz Lindo.
She was born here and returned to this place she loved after spending years in the UK. But she says the place has changed because of the landfill site. And recent months have made things more worrying. Before the ban on imports, residents were worried about waste coming from Italy - a nation hit particularly hard by COVID-19.
She says: "The way we felt with the trash coming from Italy is that it will be in the air, with the birds, because they take the trash everywhere. They could bring it to us. We don't have to go and meet the virus, it will meet us. That is the problem."
Image: The rubbish at the landfill site is compacted and goes many metres down
What is a local issue in Sobrado here has become a topic of national debate in Portugal, which according to the latest figures imported over 220,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste in 2018.
A third of that waste came from the UK. The attraction of Portugal to other nations has been cost. The low waste management fees means it costs around 11 euros (£9.80) to process a tonne of rubbish compared with the European average of around 80 euros (£72)
The fresh waste being deposited in Sobrado sits on top of compacted rubbish going tens of metres down, and the site is not even half full yet. Close by is a local school where we were told some parents don't want to send their children because of the smell.
Image: Posters around the village say 'Sobrado wants to breathe, close the landfill'
Recivalongo, the company which runs the landfill site, declined our request for an interview but in an email denied residents claims about contamination to water sources and said asbestos only enters the site as stable fibres in construction waste.
It said it is working to limit the odour from the landfill and takes in waste because other nations don't have the infrastructure to manage it.
But Jose Manuel Ribeiro, the mayor of the Valongo municipality where Sobrado sits, is passionate in his opposition to a form of disposal he says makes no sense in the 21st century.
He says: "It's a hole, that's what we have. It's a landfill. They are putting waste in a hole. They are not recycling it. So something is wrong. It doesn't create added value. There is zero added value."
He intends to push for the current ban on imports to be made permanent unless Portugal finds ways to use foreign waste for other uses. The residents of Sobrado insist they don't want the rest of the world simply filling their land with waste anymore.


news--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: Rail services to be cut down from Monday

Train services across the UK will be reduced as the country tackles the coronavirus epidemic .
The measures , agreed by the government and the rail industry , will be gradually introduced from Monday .
Key services will still be running to make sure people can get to work , travel to medical appointments and goods will be transported .
The Department for Transport says demand for rail travel has fallen by up to 69 % on some routes since the prime minister issued advice to stop all non-essential journeys .
People are being advised to check the National Rail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State for Transport Grant Shapps said : `` We are taking decisive action to protect the public which means reducing travel for the time being , whilst still ensuring key worker heroes can get to their jobs to keep this nation running .
`` For passengers in crucial roles , including essential workers in our emergency services and NHS , alongside people who need to attend medical appointments or care for loved ones , these changes protect the services they rely on .
`` Our railways are at the heart of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to work closely with the industry to develop measures that protect operators in these challenging times . ''
Similar measures will be implemented in Scotland and Wales .
It follows a partial shutdown of the London Underground which began on Thursday , with up to 40 stations closed `` until further notice '' .
The Waterloo and City line will be closed and Night Tube services have been suspended .
Transport for London ( TfL ) is also planning to reduce the frequency of services across its network across the capital from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there is `` zero prospect '' of restrictions on travel in and out of London .
Meanwhile , Eurostar has slashed its timetables due to demand collapsing .
The Cross-Channel rail operator is running just 10 trains on Friday , compared with its usual schedule of 56 .
The reduced timetable consists of three trains between London and Paris and two between London and Brussels , in each direction .
No services will operate between London and Amsterdam , Disneyland Paris or the French Alps .
The government has also outlined details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of COVID-19 in its Emergency Coronavirus Bill .
The new measures will only be used when `` absolutely necessary '' and not all of them will come into force immediately .
Among them are plans to allow police and immigration officers the power to detain a person and quarantine them if they are , or might be , infectious .
The legislation will also allow recently-retired doctors or medical students to be registered as regulated healthcare professionals , and for social workers who have recently left the profession to be temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In his daily briefing on Thursday , Boris Johnson said he believed the UK could `` turn the tide '' against the virus in the next 12 weeks .
There have been 144 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK , after the number of confirmed cases rose to more than 3,000 on Thursday .
However , it is believed the actual number of cases could be much higher .

Train services across the UK will be reduced as the country tackles the coronavirus epidemic.
The measures, agreed by the government and the rail industry, will be gradually introduced from Monday.
Key services will still be running to make sure people can get to work, travel to medical appointments and goods will be transported.
Image: Demand for rail services has fallen by up to 69% on some routes
The Department for Transport says demand for rail travel has fallen by up to 69% on some routes since the prime minister issued advice to stop all non-essential journeys.
People are being advised to check the National Rail Enquiries website before they travel.
Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said: "We are taking decisive action to protect the public which means reducing travel for the time being, whilst still ensuring key worker heroes can get to their jobs to keep this nation running.
"For passengers in crucial roles, including essential workers in our emergency services and NHS, alongside people who need to attend medical appointments or care for loved ones, these changes protect the services they rely on.
"Our railways are at the heart of this country's transport links, and we continue to work closely with the industry to develop measures that protect operators in these challenging times."
Similar measures will be implemented in Scotland and Wales.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 UK can 'turn tide on virus within 12 weeks'
It follows a partial shutdown of the London Underground which began on Thursday, with up to 40 stations closed "until further notice".
The Waterloo and City line will be closed and Night Tube services have been suspended.
Transport for London (TfL) is also planning to reduce the frequency of services across its network across the capital from Monday.
However, Downing Street has said there is "zero prospect" of restrictions on travel in and out of London.
Meanwhile, Eurostar has slashed its timetables due to demand collapsing.
The Cross-Channel rail operator is running just 10 trains on Friday, compared with its usual schedule of 56.
The reduced timetable consists of three trains between London and Paris and two between London and Brussels, in each direction.
No services will operate between London and Amsterdam, Disneyland Paris or the French Alps.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:26 COVID-19 'not trivial' for young people
The government has also outlined details of new emergency powers designed to stop the spread of COVID-19 in its Emergency Coronavirus Bill.
The new measures will only be used when "absolutely necessary" and not all of them will come into force immediately.
Among them are plans to allow police and immigration officers the power to detain a person and quarantine them if they are, or might be, infectious.
The legislation will also allow recently-retired doctors or medical students to be registered as regulated healthcare professionals, and for social workers who have recently left the profession to be temporarily added to registers.
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In his daily briefing on Thursday, Boris Johnson said he believed the UK could "turn the tide" against the virus in the next 12 weeks.
There have been 144 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK, after the number of confirmed cases rose to more than 3,000 on Thursday.
However, it is believed the actual number of cases could be much higher.


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: NZ to kick out tourists who failed to self-isolate

Two tourists who travelled from South East Asia to New Zealand and did not self-isolate are to be booted out of the country .
Immigration officials said the pair put New Zealanders at risk with their `` unacceptable behaviour '' .
The move is the result of police gaining powers to check up on people who are supposed to be in self-isolation after some tourists refused to follow mandatory measures .
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern enforced new rules requiring everyone arriving in the country to isolate themselves for 14 days in an effort to stop the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules gave New Zealand the toughest coronavirus-related travel restrictions in the world .
But police are not the only ones ensuring people abide by these new rules .
According to Newshub , a helicopter pilot cut short a glacier tour after realising the two tourists from South East Asia had not followed quarantine guidelines .
The pair were reportedly on a fully packed scenic flight when the pilot asked how long they had been in the country .
When they said they arrived on Monday from Hong Kong , the pilot turned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities to explain themselves .
In another incident reported by Newshub , a French tourist was caught shopping on the Wanaka beachfront .
A staff member at a local clothing store , Jai Jenkins , reportedly said the man was `` super blasé '' .
`` He had said that he was on a working holiday visa and had just returned yesterday from Thailand , '' Mr Jenkins told Newshub .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I then told him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why he was n't and he was basically super blasé about it . ''
Mr Jenkins reportedly tracked the man down later and reported it to police .
New Zealand 's Ministry of Health has set up an email address where members of the public can alert authorities to people with confirmed cases of coronavirus and breaches of rules such as self-isolation and mass gatherings .
The country recorded its biggest increase of COVID-19 cases in one day on Friday , taking the country 's total to 39 .

Two tourists who travelled from South East Asia to New Zealand and did not self-isolate are to be booted out of the country.
Immigration officials said the pair put New Zealanders at risk with their "unacceptable behaviour".
The move is the result of police gaining powers to check up on people who are supposed to be in self-isolation after some tourists refused to follow mandatory measures.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern enforced new rules requiring everyone arriving in the country to isolate themselves for 14 days in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Ms Ardern said the new rules gave New Zealand the toughest coronavirus-related travel restrictions in the world.
But police are not the only ones ensuring people abide by these new rules.
According to Newshub, a helicopter pilot cut short a glacier tour after realising the two tourists from South East Asia had not followed quarantine guidelines.
Image: The new border measures came into effect on Monday
The pair were reportedly on a fully packed scenic flight when the pilot asked how long they had been in the country.
When they said they arrived on Monday from Hong Kong, the pilot turned the helicopter around and took the couple to authorities to explain themselves.
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In another incident reported by Newshub, a French tourist was caught shopping on the Wanaka beachfront.
A staff member at a local clothing store, Jai Jenkins, reportedly said the man was "super blasé".
"He had said that he was on a working holiday visa and had just returned yesterday from Thailand," Mr Jenkins told Newshub.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I then told him he should be self-isolating and asked him why he wasn't and he was basically super blasé about it."
Mr Jenkins reportedly tracked the man down later and reported it to police.
New Zealand's Ministry of Health has set up an email address where members of the public can alert authorities to people with confirmed cases of coronavirus and breaches of rules such as self-isolation and mass gatherings.
The country recorded its biggest increase of COVID-19 cases in one day on Friday, taking the country's total to 39.


news--2020-03-20--Butlin's owner raises spectre of 10,000 layoffs amid virus crisis

The owner of Butlin 's holiday parks has warned that it will be forced to lay off 10,000 workers if it does not receive sufficient state support to pay them during its traditional peak trading period .
Sky News has learnt that Paul Flaum , chief executive of the privately owned Bourne Leisure Group , has told the government in recent days that its entire seasonal workforce may be on the brink of being axed .
Sources said Mr Flaum had yet to make a final decision about the move but that without emergency aid to pay workers ' wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company employing them through the summer .
Bourne owns the Butlin 's and Haven resorts , as well as Warner Leisure Hotels .
During a typical peak trading period , as many as 15,000 people work across more than 50 Bourne-owned sites across the UK .
Earlier this week , the company offered to make its sites available to the NHS as part of its efforts to deal with the outbreak .
The disclosure of Mr Flaum 's concerns about his workforce provides one example of how the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing bosses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take brutal decisions just days after the government announced restrictions on trading activity .
UK Hospitality , the sector 's trade body , has warned repeatedly in the last week that one million jobs or more are at risk without targeted support from the government .
Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , will unveil a further phase of the government 's economic rescue plan later on Friday .
It is expected to include substantial wage subsidies , which would be in addition to at least £350bn of support announced earlier this week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A spokesman for Bourne Leisure said : `` We have taken on circa 10,000 seasonal employees for the summer season but we have now had to temporarily close our three brands to our holidaymakers until 16 April .
`` We value our team very highly and we are committed to paying them until 16 April . ''
He added that the company had `` been very active in communicating with them and talking about the current situation '' .
`` We are hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our team who we value very highly and we are hopeful that they can come up with a package to resolve this challenging issue and help our wonderful team . ''
Bourne highlighted the importance of the government stepping in to help : `` We also need to remember the leisure industry is the fourth largest industry in the UK , representing 11 % of GDP . ''

The owner of Butlin's holiday parks has warned that it will be forced to lay off 10,000 workers if it does not receive sufficient state support to pay them during its traditional peak trading period.
Sky News has learnt that Paul Flaum, chief executive of the privately owned Bourne Leisure Group, has told the government in recent days that its entire seasonal workforce may be on the brink of being axed.
Sources said Mr Flaum had yet to make a final decision about the move but that without emergency aid to pay workers' wages, there was little prospect of the company employing them through the summer.
Bourne owns the Butlin's and Haven resorts, as well as Warner Leisure Hotels.
During a typical peak trading period, as many as 15,000 people work across more than 50 Bourne-owned sites across the UK.
Earlier this week, the company offered to make its sites available to the NHS as part of its efforts to deal with the outbreak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 March 17: Sunak lays out huge economic measures
The disclosure of Mr Flaum's concerns about his workforce provides one example of how the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing bosses in the leisure and hospitality industries to take brutal decisions just days after the government announced restrictions on trading activity.
UK Hospitality, the sector's trade body, has warned repeatedly in the last week that one million jobs or more are at risk without targeted support from the government.
Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, will unveil a further phase of the government's economic rescue plan later on Friday.
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It is expected to include substantial wage subsidies, which would be in addition to at least £350bn of support announced earlier this week.
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A spokesman for Bourne Leisure said: "We have taken on circa 10,000 seasonal employees for the summer season but we have now had to temporarily close our three brands to our holidaymakers until 16 April.
"We value our team very highly and we are committed to paying them until 16 April."
He added that the company had "been very active in communicating with them and talking about the current situation".
"We are hopeful that the government recognises our commitment to our team who we value very highly and we are hopeful that they can come up with a package to resolve this challenging issue and help our wonderful team."
Bourne highlighted the importance of the government stepping in to help: "We also need to remember the leisure industry is the fourth largest industry in the UK, representing 11% of GDP."


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Army to enforce lockdown in Italy's worst-hit region

The army will be used to impose the lockdown in Lombardy - the region of Italy worst hit by the coronavirus outbreak .
`` The request to use the army has been accepted ... and 114 soldiers will be on the ground throughout Lombardy , '' regional president Attilio Fontana told a news conference .
`` It is still too little , but it is positive . ''
Lombardy has also asked the government to further tighten the restrictions already in place , which include the closure of all non-essential commercial activities and a ban on public gatherings .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus is still spreading in Lombardy , which has so far registered the highest number of cases and deaths in Italy .
`` Unfortunately we are not seeing a change of trend in the numbers , which are rising , '' he said .
Sky 's chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay has been reporting from a hospital in Bergamo - the worst-hit town in the province .
`` The medical teams are fighting a war here and they are losing , '' Ramsay said .
`` The sheer numbers of people succumbing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in northern Italy - and it could easily overwhelm the rest of the country as well . ''
The number of coronavirus patients to have died in Italy is now higher than the recorded death toll in China - where the outbreak began .
Some 427 more people with COVID-19 have died in Italy , taking the total number of deaths to 3,405 .
The number of confirmed deaths in China is 3,245 , while Wuhan - the city where the first case emerged - reported no new infections on Thursday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the virus , said over 10,000 people have now died around the world .

The army will be used to impose the lockdown in Lombardy - the region of Italy worst hit by the coronavirus outbreak.
"The request to use the army has been accepted... and 114 soldiers will be on the ground throughout Lombardy," regional president Attilio Fontana told a news conference.
"It is still too little, but it is positive."
Lombardy has also asked the government to further tighten the restrictions already in place, which include the closure of all non-essential commercial activities and a ban on public gatherings.
Mr Fontana, without giving numbers, added that the virus is still spreading in Lombardy, which has so far registered the highest number of cases and deaths in Italy.
"Unfortunately we are not seeing a change of trend in the numbers, which are rising," he said.
Sky's chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay has been reporting from a hospital in Bergamo - the worst-hit town in the province.
"The medical teams are fighting a war here and they are losing," Ramsay said.
"The sheer numbers of people succumbing to the coronavirus is overwhelming every hospital in northern Italy - and it could easily overwhelm the rest of the country as well."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:19 Inside Italy's virus crisis wards
The number of coronavirus patients to have died in Italy is now higher than the recorded death toll in China - where the outbreak began.
Some 427 more people with COVID-19 have died in Italy, taking the total number of deaths to 3,405.
The number of confirmed deaths in China is 3,245, while Wuhan - the city where the first case emerged - reported no new infections on Thursday.
The rise in cases across Europe comes as the Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the virus, said over 10,000 people have now died around the world.


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Italy deaths leap by 627 to 4,032 - biggest rise in 24 hours

Italy 's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has leapt 627 to 4,032 - by far the largest daily rise so far .
The country 's health ministry is imposing stricter measures in an effort to contain the worst coronavirus outbreak in Europe , including closing all parks and public gardens from Saturday .
Soldiers were also drafted in to help enforce a lockdown following the announcement of the new deaths .
On Thursday , Italy overtook China as the country to register the highest number of deaths from the disease .
The national health institute ( ISS ) said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 78.5 years , with the youngest victim 31 and the oldest 103 in its most complete analysis of the outbreak - which is yet to be published .
With around 23 % of people aged over 65 , Italy has the oldest population in the world after Japan .
Medical experts say these demographics could explain why the death toll in Italy is so much higher than the rest of the world .
In efforts to limit people 's movements in the country , parks and public gardens will be shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise only around their homes from the weekend .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Games and recreational activities in the open air will also be banned .
`` We must do even more to contain the contagion , '' Health Minister Roberto Speranza said in a statement .
COVID-19 has infected more than 250,000 people worldwide and killed more than 11,000 according to worldwide tracking from Johns Hopkins university .

Italy's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has leapt 627 to 4,032 - by far the largest daily rise so far.
The country's health ministry is imposing stricter measures in an effort to contain the worst coronavirus outbreak in Europe, including closing all parks and public gardens from Saturday.
Soldiers were also drafted in to help enforce a lockdown following the announcement of the new deaths.
On Thursday, Italy overtook China as the country to register the highest number of deaths from the disease.
The national health institute (ISS) said the average age of those who died was 78.5 years, with the youngest victim 31 and the oldest 103 in its most complete analysis of the outbreak - which is yet to be published.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:19 Sky's Stuart Ramsay visits hospital wards at the centre of the coronavirus crisis in Northern Italy
With around 23% of people aged over 65, Italy has the oldest population in the world after Japan.
Medical experts say these demographics could explain why the death toll in Italy is so much higher than the rest of the world.
In efforts to limit people's movements in the country, parks and public gardens will be shut down and people will be allowed to take exercise only around their homes from the weekend.
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Games and recreational activities in the open air will also be banned.
"We must do even more to contain the contagion," Health Minister Roberto Speranza said in a statement.
COVID-19 has infected more than 250,000 people worldwide and killed more than 11,000 according to worldwide tracking from Johns Hopkins university.


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Seven ways Britons are helping the vulnerable - and how to get involved

When Michael was let go from his job due to cost-cutting measures linked to the coronavirus pandemic , he chose to reach out to others who may be finding it even tougher .
Instead of sitting at home all day feeling anxious about his uncertain future , the young father wrote and dropped off a letter to dozens of homes in the southwest London suburb of Clapham .
He offered to help older or ill people struggling with coronavirus symptoms by dropping off supplies , posting mail , putting out bins , walking dogs or simply making `` a friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` absolutely refuse payment of any kind '' .
Speaking to Sky News , Michael - who chose not to share his last name or a photo to avoid publicity - said he had so far received requests from two older women who needed help with supplies .
`` Some people are just unwilling to ask for help , '' he said .
`` We just need to reach out before this escalates even more and break own these barriers , and say it 's not a pride thing , it 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more vulnerable and if you need to self-isolate please do stay home and ask for help , not risk going outside . ''
If , like Michael , you want to contribute to the humanity arising from this unprecedented crisis - or are looking for some positive news - here are seven ways Britons are helping make things a little easier for those in need .
Many communities across the UK are liaising on social media to co-ordinate running errands for older or vulnerable people .
One East Suffolk community has been creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books , magazines , crafts and books for those self-isolating .
It has also set up a `` buddy system '' where volunteers call up the elderly to check up on them and chat - and some councils have gone as far as organising whole `` neighbourhood response plans '' which divide towns into `` cocoons '' of support and organised activities .
Homeless people already endure many challenges , and charities have warned their exposure makes them more vulnerable to catching coronavirus .
If they do become infected , they face the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address .
To help those experiencing homelessness or at risk of falling into it , businesses across the UK have been employing them in roles such as jewellery making .
As more people swap their gym memberships and theatre outings with at-home workouts and online entertainment , artists and personal trainers are offering free online videos of their performances or workouts .
Several communities have also set up free courses for older people to understand how to video call their loved ones during isolation .
Earlier this month , NHS doctors warned there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgical protection supplies .
With the health system facing rapidly growing demand from coronavirus patients , some community groups are taking it into their own hands to help .
One , called London-Middlesex Medical Mask Makers , says it has received requests from local medical clinics to help make cloth masks in case they exhaust surgical mask supplies .
Although they are not intended to be a replacement , it says `` a fabric mask is better than no mask '' .
Members have also been making masks to deliver to members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Digital food banks set up to prioritise needs Food banks have been running out of basics such as pasta and cereal as people stockpile because of coronavirus fears and some feel less inclined to donate .
In light of this , a number of start-up apps have launched which link up with a long list of food banks in the UK .
They organise their donations via curated bundles with essentials that food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital items .
Not everyone has the means to provide much-needed financial assistance to their employees , but plenty are doing so despite not being legally obligated to .
Employment lawyer Rubel Bashir , from Slater and Gordon , said it was often `` up to the employer 's discretion as they do not have a legal obligation to pay staff on sick leave the full amount '' during self-isolation , and yet many small businesses are dismissing this advice .
One mother tweeted a letter she sent to her self-employed cleaner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to continuing to pay you each week even if coronavirus means you ca n't actually come '' .
The government has announced that all homeowners will be able to claim a three-month holiday from mortgage repayments if they are unable to pay because of coronavirus .
Mortgage owners have no legal obligation to pass down this relief to renters - and many are n't .
However , some are choosing to help out .
Many grateful renters had posted on social media posts to express gratitude for discounted rent they had been @ @ @ @ @ @

When Michael was let go from his job due to cost-cutting measures linked to the coronavirus pandemic, he chose to reach out to others who may be finding it even tougher.
Instead of sitting at home all day feeling anxious about his uncertain future, the young father wrote and dropped off a letter to dozens of homes in the southwest London suburb of Clapham.
He offered to help older or ill people struggling with coronavirus symptoms by dropping off supplies, posting mail, putting out bins, walking dogs or simply making "a friendly phone call" - adding he would "absolutely refuse payment of any kind".
Image: Michael sent this letter to reach out to those vulnerable in his community to coronavirus
Speaking to Sky News, Michael - who chose not to share his last name or a photo to avoid publicity - said he had so far received requests from two older women who needed help with supplies.
"Some people are just unwilling to ask for help," he said.
"We just need to reach out before this escalates even more and break own these barriers, and say it's not a pride thing, it's a community approach.
"They are statistically more vulnerable and if you need to self-isolate please do stay home and ask for help, not risk going outside."
If, like Michael, you want to contribute to the humanity arising from this unprecedented crisis - or are looking for some positive news - here are seven ways Britons are helping make things a little easier for those in need.
Image: The elderly are at heightened risk from coronavirus
"Neighbourhood response plans" and boredom boxes
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Many communities across the UK are liaising on social media to co-ordinate running errands for older or vulnerable people.
One East Suffolk community has been creating "boredom boxes" full of puzzle books, magazines, crafts and books for those self-isolating.
It has also set up a "buddy system" where volunteers call up the elderly to check up on them and chat - and some councils have gone as far as organising whole "neighbourhood response plans" which divide towns into "cocoons" of support and organised activities.
Image: Homeless people are at particular risk of contracting COVID-19
Helping protect the homeless
Homeless people already endure many challenges, and charities have warned their exposure makes them more vulnerable to catching coronavirus.
If they do become infected, they face the difficulty of self-isolating while having no fixed address. To help those experiencing homelessness or at risk of falling into it, businesses across the UK have been employing them in roles such as jewellery making.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:19 Inside Italy's virus crisis wards
Free online courses and training the elderly
As more people swap their gym memberships and theatre outings with at-home workouts and online entertainment, artists and personal trainers are offering free online videos of their performances or workouts.
Several communities have also set up free courses for older people to understand how to video call their loved ones during isolation.
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Making masks for hospitals
Earlier this month, NHS doctors warned there was a shortage of clinical masks and surgical protection supplies.
With the health system facing rapidly growing demand from coronavirus patients, some community groups are taking it into their own hands to help.
One, called London-Middlesex Medical Mask Makers, says it has received requests from local medical clinics to help make cloth masks in case they exhaust surgical mask supplies. Although they are not intended to be a replacement, it says "a fabric mask is better than no mask".
Members have also been making masks to deliver to members of the public who cannot find any to buy.
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Digital food banks set up to prioritise needs
Food banks have been running out of basics such as pasta and cereal as people stockpile because of coronavirus fears and some feel less inclined to donate.
In light of this, a number of start-up apps have launched which link up with a long list of food banks in the UK. They organise their donations via curated bundles with essentials that food banks need to provide vulnerable people with vital items.
Continuing to pay low-income earners
Not everyone has the means to provide much-needed financial assistance to their employees, but plenty are doing so despite not being legally obligated to.
Employment lawyer Rubel Bashir, from Slater and Gordon, said it was often "up to the employer's discretion as they do not have a legal obligation to pay staff on sick leave the full amount" during self-isolation, and yet many small businesses are dismissing this advice.
One mother tweeted a letter she sent to her self-employed cleaner, which said she was "100% committed to continuing to pay you each week even if coronavirus means you can't actually come".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
Easing financial pressure off renters
The government has announced that all homeowners will be able to claim a three-month holiday from mortgage repayments if they are unable to pay because of coronavirus. Mortgage owners have no legal obligation to pass down this relief to renters - and many aren't. However, some are choosing to help out.
Many grateful renters had posted on social media posts to express gratitude for discounted rent they had been offered to ease financial pressure.


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Bear Grylls unveils 100 activities so kids can enjoy 'the great indoors'

Bear Grylls is encouraging children in isolation because of the coronavirus pandemic to try new activities and develop new skills .
Scouts have made more than 100 free activities , games and craft ideas available on their website - keeping young people busy as they while away time at home .
Grylls , who is chief scout , hopes the activities will help children channel their `` huge energy in a positive way '' , with schools across the UK shutting their doors indefinitely as of Friday .
Each of the activities offered by the Scouts has its own goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem-solving .
The resources are accompanied by `` how to '' sessions on Facebook Live where Scout ambassadors such as Steve Backshall and Helen Glover teach the activities .
Grylls said : `` Without a plan , a week stuck at home for a family can be as tough as a week in the mountains .
`` Whether you 're climbing Everest , or just trying to make it through to bedtime , a little planning and positive spirit will make all the difference . ''
Grylls said the activities involved `` something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever .
`` They 'll help families stay busy , focused and cheerful , '' he said .
`` It 's not often you 'll find me talking about the great indoors - but this is the exception .
Try them out , look after each other , and most of all , make this challenging time a safe and positive time - it 's all state of mind . ''
The collection , dubbed The Great Indoors , is suitable for one or two children but can be adapted for three or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Not all children in the UK are going to be staying home indefinitely .
The Department for Education has published a list of `` key workers '' deemed `` essential '' to the COVID-19 response and whose children will continue to be cared for at school .

Bear Grylls is encouraging children in isolation because of the coronavirus pandemic to try new activities and develop new skills.
Scouts have made more than 100 free activities, games and craft ideas available on their website - keeping young people busy as they while away time at home.
Grylls, who is chief scout, hopes the activities will help children channel their "huge energy in a positive way", with schools across the UK shutting their doors indefinitely as of Friday.
Image: The survivor teamed up with scouts to make a range of activities. Pic: sky.org.uk
Each of the activities offered by the Scouts has its own goal, such as improving communication skills or problem-solving.
The resources are accompanied by "how to" sessions on Facebook Live where Scout ambassadors such as Steve Backshall and Helen Glover teach the activities.
Grylls said: "Without a plan, a week stuck at home for a family can be as tough as a week in the mountains.
"Whether you're climbing Everest, or just trying to make it through to bedtime, a little planning and positive spirit will make all the difference."
Grylls said the activities involved "something for everyone" - warding off cabin fever.
"They'll help families stay busy, focused and cheerful," he said.
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"It's not often you'll find me talking about the great indoors - but this is the exception. Try them out, look after each other, and most of all, make this challenging time a safe and positive time - it's all state of mind."
The collection, dubbed The Great Indoors, is suitable for one or two children but can be adapted for three or more.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Not all children in the UK are going to be staying home indefinitely.
The Department for Education has published a list of "key workers" deemed "essential" to the COVID-19 response and whose children will continue to be cared for at school.


news--2020-02-14--Passenger with suspected coronavirus lands at Heathrow

A passenger with suspected coronavirus was on board a flight from San Francisco which landed at Heathrow this morning .
Other passengers on United Airlines Flight 901 have told Sky News the captain told them to stay in their seats after landing because someone had been `` taken ill '' .
Andy West , from Henley-on-Thames , said he knew something was happening when he saw a fire engine had met the plane , which was not allowed to park at the terminal .
He said staff then informed passengers that the individual had suspected coronavirus , or COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials to board the plane .
The passenger was taken to the back of the plane but Mr West said the cabin crew were not wearing any protective clothing , including face masks .
He said everyone was told to fill in a Health England contact form and then after 20-25 minutes they were allowed to disembark .
Mr West , who works in PR , said : `` I 'd be lying if I said I was n't worried .
My reaction was 'wow ' . ''
He added that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been allowed to go .
Sky News spoke to him as he waited for his luggage in the baggage hall in the terminal .
He said they did not receive any advice about what to do and that he was not planning to self-isolate but would take every precaution if he suspected he had any symptoms .
Twitter user Neeraj Malhotra tweeted : `` Just landed @ heathrow T2 and captain has announced that someone on the plane has suspected # coronavirus .
noone allowed to leave the plane !
waiting for doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the back of the plane .
( fingers crossed emoji ) false alarm ! ''
Mr West said the captain had told them seven other planes at Heathrow also had suspected cases of coronavirus on board .
A statement from United Airlines said : `` Our team at London Heathrow Airport is providing assistance related to United flight 901 ( San Francisco-London Heathrow ) today , following reports of an individual becoming unwell on board .
`` The safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority and we continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There are now a total of 64,441 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide .
Of these cases , 63,859 are in mainland China .
There have been 1,383 deaths .

A passenger with suspected coronavirus was on board a flight from San Francisco which landed at Heathrow this morning.
Other passengers on United Airlines Flight 901 have told Sky News the captain told them to stay in their seats after landing because someone had been "taken ill".
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Andy West, from Henley-on-Thames, said he knew something was happening when he saw a fire engine had met the plane, which was not allowed to park at the terminal.
He said staff then informed passengers that the individual had suspected coronavirus, or COVID-19, and they would need to wait for officials to board the plane.
The passenger was taken to the back of the plane but Mr West said the cabin crew were not wearing any protective clothing, including face masks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Special report: How bad could the coronavirus outbreak get?
He said everyone was told to fill in a Health England contact form and then after 20-25 minutes they were allowed to disembark.
Mr West, who works in PR, said: "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried. My reaction was 'wow'."
He added that he was "a bit surprised" they had been allowed to go. Sky News spoke to him as he waited for his luggage in the baggage hall in the terminal.
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He said they did not receive any advice about what to do and that he was not planning to self-isolate but would take every precaution if he suspected he had any symptoms.
Image: This is what COVID-19 looks like under the microscope. Pic: NIAID-RML
Twitter user Neeraj Malhotra tweeted: "Just landed @heathrow T2 and captain has announced that someone on the plane has suspected #coronavirus. noone allowed to leave the plane! waiting for doctor confirmation expected either way. person isolated at the back of the plane. (fingers crossed emoji) false alarm!"
Mr West said the captain had told them seven other planes at Heathrow also had suspected cases of coronavirus on board.
A statement from United Airlines said: "Our team at London Heathrow Airport is providing assistance related to United flight 901 (San Francisco-London Heathrow) today, following reports of an individual becoming unwell on board.
"The safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority and we continue to work closely with local authorities."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
There are now a total of 64,441 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide.
Of these cases, 63,859 are in mainland China. There have been 1,383 deaths.


news--2020-02-12--Japan reports first COVID-19 death to take global total to 1,710

Japan has announced its first death from the ongoing coronavirus outbreak , taking the global total to 1,710 .
Health minister Katsunobu Kato said the victim was a woman in her 80s who had been in hospital since 1 February , when she was diagnosed with pneumonia , with the COVID-19 diagnosis coming after her death .
The woman was a resident of Kanagawa prefecture near Tokyo , but officials have refused to comment on Japanese media reports that she was the mother-in-law of a taxi driver who is also a confirmed case .
There have now been two deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Philippines , with the vast majority of confirmed cases and fatalities still restricted to Hubei province - the epicentre of the outbreak .
On Wednesday night , more than 14,800 new cases of the COVID-19 , the disease which is caused by the coronavirus , were reported in Hubei .
Health officials there also confirmed 242 new deaths from the flu-like virus - the fastest rise since the pathogen was identified in December .
• More than 14,800 new cases and 242 deaths have been confirmed in China 's Hubei province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak • Hubei alone now has 48,206 confirmed cases , most in the city of Wuhan , with 33,693 being treated in hospital , and 5,647 of them said to be critically ill • There have been 60,363 confirmed cases worldwide and 1,370 deaths - all but two in China , with one in Japan and one in the Philippines • Forty-four more people on board the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess , which is docked in Japan , have tested positive for COVID-19 • There are now 218 confirmed cases from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China There had been optimism that the number of infections was beginning to slow down , with China having reported its lowest number of new COVID-19 cases in two weeks on Tuesday .
Despite the apparent spike , the World Health Organisation has played down fears that it represented a major shift in the trajectory of the outbreak .
Officials said the increase was `` largely down to a change in how cases are being diagnosed and reported '' .
Doctors in China can now make clinical diagnoses based on chest imaging , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing for cases to be confirmed more quickly .
It also means suspected cases from previous days and weeks , including some going right back to the end of December , are now being included in the latest updates from Hubei .
It means figures from Hubei - including those from Wednesday night - now include confirmed laboratory cases and suspected cases based on the chest imaging tests .
• The latest UK case took an Uber to hospital and walked into A & E , it has emerged • NHS chief executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many more people in the UK may need to self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus • It came as doctors warned the London Underground could become a hotbed for the illness • Dentists are facing `` imminent disruption '' due to a shortage of face masks amid increased demand • Grime star Stormzy has rescheduled part of his world tour due to the outbreak , moving several Asia gigs • Several other events , including the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona , have been cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Global markets had surged to record highs when 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 .
The latest figures from Hubei province will spark fears that an end to disruption in the world 's second-largest economy is far from over .
One health expert has warned that countries around the world are only at `` the beginning of the outbreak '' .
Hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 20 countries , but only two people have died from COVID-19 outside of China to date .
And Dr Mike Ryan , the head of the WHO 's emergency programme , has cautioned that it is too early `` to predict the beginning , the middle or end of the epidemic '' .
Vaccine could be months away Tests have been taking place to see whether antiviral drugs used to treat HIV are effective against the coronavirus - however , results are only expected in a few weeks .
The WHO has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the development of tests , drugs and vaccines for the new virus , but experts have warned that treatments may be months away .
Across China , more than 60 million people have been affected by an unprecedented lockdown .
A cruise ship turned away by five countries over fears that someone on board has the coronavirus has docked in Cambodia after two weeks at sea .
The MS Westerdam arrived early on Thursday morning - and one passenger on board said `` just seeing land was such a breathtaking moment '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been subjected to regular health checks throughout the troubled journey .
Even though no one on board has fallen ill , the ship was denied permission to dock by Japan , Taiwan , Guam , the Philippines and Thailand .

Japan has announced its first death from the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, taking the global total to 1,710.
Health minister Katsunobu Kato said the victim was a woman in her 80s who had been in hospital since 1 February, when she was diagnosed with pneumonia, with the COVID-19 diagnosis coming after her death.
The woman was a resident of Kanagawa prefecture near Tokyo, but officials have refused to comment on Japanese media reports that she was the mother-in-law of a taxi driver who is also a confirmed case.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 'Coronavirus outbreak could still go in any direction'
There have now been two deaths outside China, with the other coming in the Philippines, with the vast majority of confirmed cases and fatalities still restricted to Hubei province - the epicentre of the outbreak.
On Wednesday night, more than 14,800 new cases of the COVID-19, the disease which is caused by the coronavirus, were reported in Hubei.
Health officials there also confirmed 242 new deaths from the flu-like virus - the fastest rise since the pathogen was identified in December.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Coronavirus: The issue with face masks
The latest global figures:
More than 14,800 new cases and 242 deaths have been confirmed in China's Hubei province, which is the epicentre of the outbreak
Hubei alone now has 48,206 confirmed cases, most in the city of Wuhan, with 33,693 being treated in hospital, and 5,647 of them said to be critically ill
There have been 60,363 confirmed cases worldwide and 1,370 deaths - all but two in China, with one in Japan and one in the Philippines
Forty-four more people on board the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess, which is docked in Japan, have tested positive for COVID-19
There are now 218 confirmed cases from the cruise ship - the biggest cluster outside China
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 'COVID-19 more severe in 40+ men across the world'
There had been optimism that the number of infections was beginning to slow down, with China having reported its lowest number of new COVID-19 cases in two weeks on Tuesday.
Despite the apparent spike, the World Health Organisation has played down fears that it represented a major shift in the trajectory of the outbreak.
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Officials said the increase was "largely down to a change in how cases are being diagnosed and reported".
Doctors in China can now make clinical diagnoses based on chest imaging, rather than wait for laboratory confirmation, allowing for cases to be confirmed more quickly.
It also means suspected cases from previous days and weeks, including some going right back to the end of December, are now being included in the latest updates from Hubei.
It means figures from Hubei - including those from Wednesday night - now include confirmed laboratory cases and suspected cases based on the chest imaging tests.
Image: Health officials have warned that a vaccine for the coronavirus may still be months away
In other developments:
Image: A Chinese worker is tested for the coronavirus on an empty street in Beijing
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Global markets had surged to record highs when 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.
The latest figures from Hubei province will spark fears that an end to disruption in the world's second-largest economy is far from over.
One health expert has warned that countries around the world are only at "the beginning of the outbreak".
Hundreds of infections have been reported in more than 20 countries, but only two people have died from COVID-19 outside of China to date.
And Dr Mike Ryan, the head of the WHO's emergency programme, has cautioned that it is too early "to predict the beginning, the middle or end of the epidemic".
Image: A man stands in front of empty supermarket shelves in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak
Vaccine could be months away
Tests have been taking place to see whether antiviral drugs used to treat HIV are effective against the coronavirus - however, results are only expected in a few weeks.
The WHO has held a two-day meeting aimed at speeding up the development of tests, drugs and vaccines for the new virus, but experts have warned that treatments may be months away.
Across China, more than 60 million people have been affected by an unprecedented lockdown.
Image: A cruise ship denied entry by five countries has arrived in Cambodia
Cruise ship docks
A cruise ship turned away by five countries over fears that someone on board has the coronavirus has docked in Cambodia after two weeks at sea.
The MS Westerdam arrived early on Thursday morning - and one passenger on board said "just seeing land was such a breathtaking moment".
Passengers on board the ship have been subjected to regular health checks throughout the troubled journey.
Even though no one on board has fallen ill, the ship was denied permission to dock by Japan, Taiwan, Guam, the Philippines and Thailand.