news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: 10,000 may have COVID-19 in UK as measures ramped up to contain spread

Coronavirus is the worst public health crisis in a generation and `` many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time '' , Boris Johnson has said .
The prime minister said measures that cause `` severe disruption across our country for many months '' will be rolled out but it is vital they are not introduced too early .
He declared the government is entering its second phase of the response to COVID-19 , moving from trying to contain the virus to delaying its spread .
Anyone with a new persistent cough or a high temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Downing Street 's latest advice .
So far , 10 people in the UK have died who had COVID-19 - the prevalent strain of coronavirus - and the World Health Organisation has declared a global pandemic .
The number of confirmed cases in the UK reached 590 on Thursday - up by 134 in the last 24 hours .
But Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , said the actual number of people infected in the UK at the moment could be between 5,000 and 10,000 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ COBRA meeting , Mr Johnson said all school trips overseas should be cancelled and people over 70-years-old with serious medical conditions should not to go on cruises .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ministers are `` considering '' banning major public events such as sporting fixtures , he added .
But the prime minister said schools should not close unless they are specifically told to .
Mr Johnson defended his decision not to go further and copy countries like Ireland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was being guided by the science and the measures were right for the present phase of the pandemic .
He warned that the most dangerous period was still weeks away as he stressed that the `` lines of defence '' must be deployed at the right time to maximise their effect .
`` The most important task will be to protect our elderly and most vulnerable people during the peak weeks when there is the maximum risk of exposure to the disease and when the NHS will be under the most pressure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So the most dangerous period is not now but some weeks away depending on how fast it spreads . ''
He added : `` There is no escaping the reality that these measures will cause severe disruption across our country for many months .
The best scientific advice is that this will help us slow the disease and save lives . ''
Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , said up to 80 % of all people in the UK could at some point get COVID-19 but cautioned that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New government advice published online said people should visit the NHS111 website rather than calling the helpline if possible .
And all those self-isolating at home should try to sleep alone and ask friends and family to help order food and other supplies online or drop them off - but only outside the door .
In Scotland , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced gatherings of more than 500 people will be cancelled to ease pressure on the NHS .
The next phase of Whitehall 's response plan - `` research '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn more about how the virus spreads and how those who are infected can be treated most effectively .
And the fourth and final stage `` mitigate '' - would see public services including the police and NHS scaled back to a minimum to ensure vulnerable people are protected and health workers are supported in a surge of demand .
Discussion between ministers and the opposition are already under way about emergency legislation .
The laws are likely to give the government power to relax lots of regulations , including allowing larger class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes and allowing retired medical professionals to return to work .
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg indicated they could start to be debated in the week beginning 23 March .
The Electoral Commission has meanwhile called for mayoral , council and police and crime commissioner elections due to take place in May to be pushed back to the autumn .
And the next round of Brexit trade talks will not go ahead as planned , UK and EU negotiators announced , saying they may now be done over video conference .

Coronavirus is the worst public health crisis in a generation and "many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time", Boris Johnson has said.
The prime minister said measures that cause "severe disruption across our country for many months" will be rolled out but it is vital they are not introduced too early.
He declared the government is entering its second phase of the response to COVID-19, moving from trying to contain the virus to delaying its spread.
Anyone with a new persistent cough or a high temperature should now self-isolate for seven days, according to Downing Street's latest advice.
So far, 10 people in the UK have died who had COVID-19 - the prevalent strain of coronavirus - and the World Health Organisation has declared a global pandemic.
Image: Phase four could see the police and NHS scaled back to a minimum
The number of confirmed cases in the UK reached 590 on Thursday - up by 134 in the last 24 hours.
But Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said the actual number of people infected in the UK at the moment could be between 5,000 and 10,000.
In a sombre address following a lunchtime COBRA meeting, Mr Johnson said all school trips overseas should be cancelled and people over 70-years-old with serious medical conditions should not to go on cruises.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Ministers are "considering" banning major public events such as sporting fixtures, he added.
But the prime minister said schools should not close unless they are specifically told to.
Image: Schools should not close unless they are specifically told to, said the PM
Mr Johnson defended his decision not to go further and copy countries like Ireland, which is shutting schools, saying he was being guided by the science and the measures were right for the present phase of the pandemic.
He warned that the most dangerous period was still weeks away as he stressed that the "lines of defence" must be deployed at the right time to maximise their effect.
Image: Up to 80% of people could get COVID-19, said Prof Whitty
"The most important task will be to protect our elderly and most vulnerable people during the peak weeks when there is the maximum risk of exposure to the disease and when the NHS will be under the most pressure," the prime minister explained.
"So the most dangerous period is not now but some weeks away depending on how fast it spreads."
He added: "There is no escaping the reality that these measures will cause severe disruption across our country for many months. The best scientific advice is that this will help us slow the disease and save lives."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, said up to 80% of all people in the UK could at some point get COVID-19 but cautioned that was currently an "entirely speculative number".
New government advice published online said people should visit the NHS111 website rather than calling the helpline if possible.
And all those self-isolating at home should try to sleep alone and ask friends and family to help order food and other supplies online or drop them off - but only outside the door.
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced gatherings of more than 500 people will be cancelled to ease pressure on the NHS.
Image: 10 people in the UK have died from COVID-19
The next phase of Whitehall's response plan - "research" - would see the government pivot to learn more about how the virus spreads and how those who are infected can be treated most effectively.
And the fourth and final stage "mitigate" - would see public services including the police and NHS scaled back to a minimum to ensure vulnerable people are protected and health workers are supported in a surge of demand.
Discussion between ministers and the opposition are already under way about emergency legislation.
The laws are likely to give the government power to relax lots of regulations, including allowing larger class sizes, changes to rules on care homes and allowing retired medical professionals to return to work.
Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg indicated they could start to be debated in the week beginning 23 March.
Image: Emergency legislation on tackling coronavirus will be debated in parliament
The Electoral Commission has meanwhile called for mayoral, council and police and crime commissioner elections due to take place in May to be pushed back to the autumn.
And the next round of Brexit trade talks will not go ahead as planned, UK and EU negotiators announced, saying they may now be done over video conference.


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: Scientific opinion divided on how cautious at-risk age groups should be

It 's well-known that the risk of dying from coronavirus increases greatly with age , but opinion is divided on what measures should be taken to protect people over the age of 60 .
Britons in this age group should reconsider attending mass gatherings such as sporting events and concerts amid the coronavirus spread , according to an expert on national disease responses .
But that claim is strenuously refuted by a cellular microbiology professor , who says there is not enough evidence to warrant these measures .
And the government 's chief medical adviser has not given this advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to self-isolate .
The official advice is that those in at-risk age groups should seek medical attention if they show symptoms and wash their hands often .
People should also check on their elderly loved ones regularly .
Research has shown that people over the age of 60 make up roughly more than 80 % of coronavirus deaths in China .
A major study in the Journal of the American Medical Association analysed data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and calculated the following mortality rates via age , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` frightening '' data released last month had not hit home for the UK public , one disease control consultant told Sky News .
Dr Bharat Pankhania , from the University of Exeter , has devised both national and international communicable disease control action plans .
He said the government was not doing enough to try to protect those above the age of 60 from coronavirus - and should be placing stronger restrictions such as advising them against going to crowded public places .
`` I am not saying they should self-isolate but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many people they 're around in public , because a 4 % risk is unbelievable - especially when you compare that the risk of dying from influenza is 0.8 % for any age group . ''
`` As a scientist my eternal regret would be not enough people are being told that they could get seriously ill - particularity if they have a co-existing medical condition . ''
He said the government should be taking a more `` targeted approach '' based on age groups .
But Dr Simon Clarke , associate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Reading , strongly disagrees .
He said health authorities `` had not been shy '' in informing the public that people become more susceptible to contracting and dying from the disease with age , especially if they had respiratory illnesses .
`` This is potentially fear mongering , '' he said .
`` My parents are in their sixties and I would not advise them not to go to public events . ''
`` Maybe it will change when the infection gets more commonplace , but right now in the UK ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you meet someone with coronavirus . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker While scientific opinion is divided on how best to protect at-risk age groups from the coronavirus , the World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared it a pandemic , expressing increasing concern about the spread of the disease and `` alarming levels of inaction '' .
Eight people have died in the UK after catching coronavirus , with 456 people having tested positive for the disease .
The UK is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's response plan to `` contain '' the virus .
This involves contact-tracing , using self-isolation powers and advising people to wash their hands to prevent the virus from spreading .
But it is on the brink of moving on to the `` delay '' phase , where it could consider measures such as closing schools , postponing or cancelling large-scale gatherings and encouraging people to work from home .
There is no indication the restrictions will differ among age groups .

It's well-known that the risk of dying from coronavirus increases greatly with age, but opinion is divided on what measures should be taken to protect people over the age of 60.
Britons in this age group should reconsider attending mass gatherings such as sporting events and concerts amid the coronavirus spread, according to an expert on national disease responses.
But that claim is strenuously refuted by a cellular microbiology professor, who says there is not enough evidence to warrant these measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
And the government's chief medical adviser has not given this advice, saying that pensioners currently do not need to self-isolate.
The official advice is that those in at-risk age groups should seek medical attention if they show symptoms and wash their hands often. People should also check on their elderly loved ones regularly.
Research has shown that people over the age of 60 make up roughly more than 80% of coronavirus deaths in China.
A major study in the Journal of the American Medical Association analysed data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and calculated the following mortality rates via age, from more than 77,000 cases:
10-19: 0.2%
20-29: 0.2%
30-39: 0.2%
40-49: 0.4%
50-59: 1.3%
60-69: 3.6%
70-79: 8%
80 and older: 14.8%
This "frightening" data released last month had not hit home for the UK public, one disease control consultant told Sky News.
Dr Bharat Pankhania, from the University of Exeter, has devised both national and international communicable disease control action plans.
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He said the government was not doing enough to try to protect those above the age of 60 from coronavirus - and should be placing stronger restrictions such as advising them against going to crowded public places.
"I am not saying they should self-isolate but I am saying they should think about how many people they're around in public, because a 4% risk is unbelievable - especially when you compare that the risk of dying from influenza is 0.8% for any age group."
Image: Washing hands is still the number one piece of advice
"As a scientist my eternal regret would be not enough people are being told that they could get seriously ill - particularity if they have a co-existing medical condition."
He said the government should be taking a more "targeted approach" based on age groups.
But Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, strongly disagrees.
He said health authorities "had not been shy" in informing the public that people become more susceptible to contracting and dying from the disease with age, especially if they had respiratory illnesses.
"This is potentially fear mongering," he said.
"My parents are in their sixties and I would not advise them not to go to public events."
"Maybe it will change when the infection gets more commonplace, but right now in the UK... you need to meet 160,000 people before you meet someone with coronavirus."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
While scientific opinion is divided on how best to protect at-risk age groups from the coronavirus, the World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared it a pandemic, expressing increasing concern about the spread of the disease and "alarming levels of inaction".
Eight people have died in the UK after catching coronavirus, with 456 people having tested positive for the disease.
The UK is currently in the first stage of the government's response plan to "contain" the virus.
This involves contact-tracing, using self-isolation powers and advising people to wash their hands to prevent the virus from spreading.
But it is on the brink of moving on to the "delay" phase, where it could consider measures such as closing schools, postponing or cancelling large-scale gatherings and encouraging people to work from home.
There is no indication the restrictions will differ among age groups.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Ireland to close all schools and colleges until end of March over COVID-19

All schools , colleges and childcare facilities in Ireland will close tomorrow until the end of the month , the country 's leader has said .
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar made the announcement , saying the measures to combat the spread of coronavirus will remain in place until 29 March .
He made a live statement to the nation from Washington DC , where he is due to meet President Donald Trump as part of the annual St Patrick 's Day programme of events .
Mr Varadkar said the action had to be taken to try to prevent the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
`` We are a great nation and we have overcome many trials in the past with our determination , and we will prevail again , '' he said .
Mr Varadakar said that acting as one nation could save lives and that the economy will suffer , but `` we can bounce back '' .
He added : `` I know that some of this is coming as a real shock and it 's going to involve big changes in the way we live our lives , and I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacrifices .
`` But we are doing it for each other - together we can slow the virus in its tracks and push it back . ''
He told the nation that many more people in Ireland would get coronavirus and would get sick , adding : `` Unfortunately we must face the tragic reality that some people will die , '' he said .
• A UK paramedic has tested positive for the coronavirus • Greece has reported its first death from the illness - a 66-year-old man with underlying health problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatality after a 69-year-old man died in Vienna • Iran has said there have been 75 more deaths in the country , bringing the total to 429 • Poland has reported its first death from the coronavirus , authorities in the country have said • All schools , universities and nurseries will close for two weeks in Lithuania • South Africa , where there are 17 cases , has reported its first case of locally transmitted coronavirus • There are now 2,078 cases of the virus in Germany • Slovakia will close all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament has extended its suspension for 15 days • Spain has suspended all its La Liga football games , according to reports in the country • The Real Madrid football team is in quarantine after a member of its basketball team tested positive for the virus • Norway is considering closing several of its airports , according to airport operator Avinor • The Czech Republic is set to bring in controls on its borders with Germany and Austria • Kenya 's athletics authority has barred its athletes from travelling to international events • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been banned in California While schools and colleges are closed , teaching will be done online or remotely .
In addition , indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor meetings of more than 500 will be cancelled .
Cultural institutions will also be shut .
However , public transport will operate as normal and shops will remain open .
Restaurants and cafes likewise , although they should try to implement official advice on social distancing .
Mr Varadkar said that people would be encouraged to work from home , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break times should be `` staggered '' .
Meetings should be done remotely but restaurants , cafes and other businesses can stay open , he added .
`` People should seek to reduce social interactions as much as possible , '' Mr Varadkar said .
People entering the country will be told about the new measures and asked to self-isolate if they begin displaying symptoms .
Mr Varadkar said he was acting on new advice from the country 's National Public Health Emergency Team .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
He said the government had a duty to protect those most at risk from coronavirus , such as older people and those with underlying conditions .
Health minister Simon Harris said the government was asking older people to reduce their contacts outside their homes .
He added that Ireland had officially moved to the `` delay '' phase of its response to COVID-19 , which aims to reduce the peak impact of the virus and slow its spread .
`` We have not witnessed a pandemic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is uncharted territory for us , '' Mr Varadkar said .
`` We said we would take the right actions at the right time and we have to move now to have the greatest impact . ''
Experts have warned that the UK should not blindly follow the approach taken in Ireland as it could reduce the number of NHS workers available to tackle the outbreak as well as increase the risk of infections to the elderly .
Keith Neal , emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adopt UK-appropriate measures and not give in to the demand for something to be done '' .
He added : `` Different countries are at different stages of the epidemic so what one country should do will not apply to others , we need to be guided by the local epidemiology and the science . ''
He said health and social care workers will be forced to look after their own children if schools and universities were closed .
It could also lead to a rise in childcare being delivered by grandparents - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a `` much greater risk '' , Prof Neal said .

All schools, colleges and childcare facilities in Ireland will close tomorrow until the end of the month, the country's leader has said.
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar made the announcement, saying the measures to combat the spread of coronavirus will remain in place until 29 March.
He made a live statement to the nation from Washington DC, where he is due to meet President Donald Trump as part of the annual St Patrick's Day programme of events.
Mr Varadkar said the action had to be taken to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
"We are a great nation and we have overcome many trials in the past with our determination, and we will prevail again," he said.
Mr Varadakar said that acting as one nation could save lives and that the economy will suffer, but "we can bounce back".
He added: "I know that some of this is coming as a real shock and it's going to involve big changes in the way we live our lives, and I know I am asking people to make enormous sacrifices.
"But we are doing it for each other - together we can slow the virus in its tracks and push it back."
He told the nation that many more people in Ireland would get coronavirus and would get sick, adding: "Unfortunately we must face the tragic reality that some people will die," he said.
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Other key coronavirus developments include:
A UK paramedic has tested positive for the coronavirus
Greece has reported its first death from the illness - a 66-year-old man with underlying health problems
Austria has recorded its first coronavirus fatality after a 69-year-old man died in Vienna
Iran has said there have been 75 more deaths in the country, bringing the total to 429
Poland has reported its first death from the coronavirus, authorities in the country have said
All schools, universities and nurseries will close for two weeks in Lithuania
South Africa, where there are 17 cases, has reported its first case of locally transmitted coronavirus
There are now 2,078 cases of the virus in Germany
Slovakia will close all schools for 14 days
Spain's parliament has extended its suspension for 15 days
Spain has suspended all its La Liga football games, according to reports in the country
The Real Madrid football team is in quarantine after a member of its basketball team tested positive for the virus
Norway is considering closing several of its airports, according to airport operator Avinor
The Czech Republic is set to bring in controls on its borders with Germany and Austria
Kenya's athletics authority has barred its athletes from travelling to international events
Mass gatherings of 250 people or more have been banned in California
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:51 Coronavirus: How bad will it get?
While schools and colleges are closed, teaching will be done online or remotely.
In addition, indoor gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor meetings of more than 500 will be cancelled.
Cultural institutions will also be shut.
However, public transport will operate as normal and shops will remain open. Restaurants and cafes likewise, although they should try to implement official advice on social distancing.
Mr Varadkar said that people would be encouraged to work from home, but where people do congregate in offices, break times should be "staggered".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
Meetings should be done remotely but restaurants, cafes and other businesses can stay open, he added.
"People should seek to reduce social interactions as much as possible," Mr Varadkar said.
People entering the country will be told about the new measures and asked to self-isolate if they begin displaying symptoms.
Mr Varadkar said he was acting on new advice from the country's National Public Health Emergency Team.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
He said the government had a duty to protect those most at risk from coronavirus, such as older people and those with underlying conditions.
Health minister Simon Harris said the government was asking older people to reduce their contacts outside their homes.
He added that Ireland had officially moved to the "delay" phase of its response to COVID-19, which aims to reduce the peak impact of the virus and slow its spread.
"We have not witnessed a pandemic of this nature in living memory and this is uncharted territory for us," Mr Varadkar said.
"We said we would take the right actions at the right time and we have to move now to have the greatest impact."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:54 'We're still being responsible': UK Chancellor defends budget
Experts have warned that the UK should not blindly follow the approach taken in Ireland as it could reduce the number of NHS workers available to tackle the outbreak as well as increase the risk of infections to the elderly.
Keith Neal, emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, said "the UK should adopt UK-appropriate measures and not give in to the demand for something to be done".
He added: "Different countries are at different stages of the epidemic so what one country should do will not apply to others, we need to be guided by the local epidemiology and the science."
He said health and social care workers will be forced to look after their own children if schools and universities were closed.
It could also lead to a rise in childcare being delivered by grandparents - people in an age group that are at a "much greater risk", Prof Neal said.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Anxiety will fuel recession fears until government can contain the outbreak

Coronavirus : Anxiety will fuel recession fears until government can contain the outbreak Coronavirus : Anxiety will fuel recession fears until government can contain the outbreak Another day of vertiginous falls on global stock markets tells us two things .
The markets are terrified , dragged into uncharted territory by COVID-19 and unable to put a price on the financial damage it will eventually wreak .
And nothing they have seen from central banks , governments and political leaders during four days of aggressive fiscal and monetary interventions has made any difference .
The steepling drops on the markets have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London saw a bigger fall than any day during the financial crisis more than a decade ago and the worst since Black Monday in 1987 .
Wall Street opened with the Dow Jones , S & P 500 & Nasdaq all down more than 7 % , triggering an automatic 15-minute pause , known as a circuit breaker .
The time-out only delayed the sell off .
The sea of red was an eloquent judgement on the total failure of a late-night intervention from President Donald Trump intended to ease public anxiety and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a travel ban for anyone ( except US citizens ) who has spent time in the 26 European countries in the Schengen zone ( not including the UK ) spread confusion that has not yet cleared .
Medically the announcement seems flawed , given that a US passport does not provide immunity from coronavirus .
More damaging was the message it sent .
Rather than demonstrating an administration in control , observers saw a commander-in-chief apparently without a clear plan to tackle the spread of infection .
The response from European leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and purposeful but the net result has been similar .
An emergency 0.5 % rate cut by the Bank of England and a £12bn package of budget measures on Wednesday was welcomed by small and medium-sized businesses fearing cash-flow crises , but it did n't ease the corona-crisis in the markets .
Equally toothless was the announcement of further quantitative easing , but no rate cut , from Christine Lagarde , new president of the European Central Bank .
Some indexes even fell during her press conference .
The contrast with the 2008 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contagion was in the banking system , a patient that could be treated with fiscal medicine .
A virus is another matter .
Some sectors are probably beyond bolstering .
Airlines had already been hammered by the slowdown in global travel even before Mr Trump effectively announced a ban on trans-Atlantic flights .
Finablr , owner of Travelex , said it was taking urgent steps to assess its liquidity after a dramatic reduction on foreign exchange business , and was even encountering trouble moving physical cash around the world .
Other fallers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what areas will be most dramatically hit by `` social isolation '' measures - staying in , if you prefer .
In many cases even the companies they are betting on have no idea .
Cineworld , which owns more than 700 cinemas in 11 countries , issued a warning in its half-year results that , in its worst-case modelling they may lose up to three months ' revenue , an admission that wiping 25 % off its share price .
`` There can be no certainty as to the future impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That lack of certainty is writ large across the markets , in part because it applies to governments and civil society too .
Just as traders try to judge the bottom of a slump so government scientists are trying to call the top of the outbreak .
Until they do , anxiety in populations at large will grow , and markets will continue to fear the worst , and bet on a global recession .

Just as traders try to judge the bottom of a slump so government scientists are trying to call the top of the outbreak.
Coronavirus: Anxiety will fuel recession fears until government can contain the outbreak
The FTSE 100 has suffered badly during the COVID-19 outbreak
Another day of vertiginous falls on global stock markets tells us two things.
The markets are terrified, dragged into uncharted territory by COVID-19 and unable to put a price on the financial damage it will eventually wreak.
And nothing they have seen from central banks, governments and political leaders during four days of aggressive fiscal and monetary interventions has made any difference.
The steepling drops on the markets have some parallels, but not many. London saw a bigger fall than any day during the financial crisis more than a decade ago and the worst since Black Monday in 1987.
Wall Street opened with the Dow Jones, S&P 500 & Nasdaq all down more than 7%, triggering an automatic 15-minute pause, known as a circuit breaker. The time-out only delayed the sell off.
The sea of red was an eloquent judgement on the total failure of a late-night intervention from President Donald Trump intended to ease public anxiety and bolster market confidence.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:54 Johnson: 'Worst public health crisis for a generation'
The cack-handed announcement of a travel ban for anyone (except US citizens) who has spent time in the 26 European countries in the Schengen zone (not including the UK) spread confusion that has not yet cleared.
Medically the announcement seems flawed, given that a US passport does not provide immunity from coronavirus. More damaging was the message it sent.
Rather than demonstrating an administration in control, observers saw a commander-in-chief apparently without a clear plan to tackle the spread of infection.
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The response from European leaders and institutions has been far more composed and purposeful but the net result has been similar.
An emergency 0.5% rate cut by the Bank of England and a £12bn package of budget measures on Wednesday was welcomed by small and medium-sized businesses fearing cash-flow crises, but it didn't ease the corona-crisis in the markets.
Equally toothless was the announcement of further quantitative easing, but no rate cut, from Christine Lagarde, new president of the European Central Bank. Some indexes even fell during her press conference.
The contrast with the 2008 financial crisis is stark. Then the contagion was in the banking system, a patient that could be treated with fiscal medicine. A virus is another matter.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:48 Coronavirus: How have the markets suffered?
Some sectors are probably beyond bolstering. Airlines had already been hammered by the slowdown in global travel even before Mr Trump effectively announced a ban on trans-Atlantic flights.
Finablr, owner of Travelex, said it was taking urgent steps to assess its liquidity after a dramatic reduction on foreign exchange business, and was even encountering trouble moving physical cash around the world.
Other fallers are guided by markets' best guess at what areas will be most dramatically hit by "social isolation" measures - staying in, if you prefer. In many cases even the companies they are betting on have no idea.
Cineworld, which owns more than 700 cinemas in 11 countries, issued a warning in its half-year results that, in its worst-case modelling they may lose up to three months' revenue, an admission that wiping 25% off its share price. "There can be no certainty as to the future impact of COVID-19," they told investors.
That lack of certainty is writ large across the markets, in part because it applies to governments and civil society too. Just as traders try to judge the bottom of a slump so government scientists are trying to call the top of the outbreak.
Until they do, anxiety in populations at large will grow, and markets will continue to fear the worst, and bet on a global recession.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Parliament tours could be halted - but MPs will stay to pass emergency laws

School and college tours to the House of Commons could be rescheduled and visitors prevented from entering parliament under new measures designed to cope with the spread of coronavirus .
Experts met with authorities from the House of Lords and House of Commons earlier in the week to discuss the next steps if the government moves the country into the delay stage of COVID-19 control .
The decision to move to delay is expected to be taken later on Thursday after a meeting of the emergency COBRA committee chaired by the prime minister .
Experts advised parliamentary authorities that closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on preventing the virus from spreading at this stage .
Instead a staged process was proposed , during which visitors would be restricted , events held on the estate reduced and school tours rescheduled for later in the year .
MPs were told at another meeting this week that the virus was already likely to be spreading among staff on the estate and were urged to wash hands regularly .
Hand sanitiser has also been installed in hundreds of locations around parliament .
Jacob Rees-Mogg , the Leader of the House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` of fundamental importance that we keep this place open '' .
`` It is also important that we are treated and we treat ourselves in the same way as the rest of the country , '' he added .
`` And that we go ahead at the same pace as the rest of the country .
`` There should not be a difference in how parliament is behaving from the advice that is being given to our constituents .
`` We should n't try and seek to be a special case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency laws to deal with the coronavirus pandemic could be introduced in the week beginning 23 March , subject to talks between the government and Labour .
`` It is something where the whole nation is coming together as one and I 'm grateful for the support so far being received from the official opposition , '' he added .
Mr Rees-Mogg also dismissed suggestions that MPs could alter their usual practices , such as changing the way they vote , after he revealed Public Health England had found the Commons ' voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spreading coronavirus .
This week health minister Nadine Dorries tested positive for the virus and a Cabinet minister is waiting to be tested , while a number of other MPs have taken the decision to self-isolate .
A parliamentary source said authorities are being guided by advice from a public health expert and are taking necessary steps to avoid the spread of the virus among MPs , peers and staff .
But they also want to avoid worrying the public by closing down parliament and sending a panicked message .
Some MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been taken following confirmation that Ms Dorries has contracted the virus .
However , others warned that closing the Commons and Lords would prevent MPs from passing key pieces of legislation .
This includes emergency measures to bolster the NHS and allow supermarkets to keep food supplies flowing around the country .
The finance bill also needs to be voted through parliament to enact emergency measures set out by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in Wednesday 's budget .

School and college tours to the House of Commons could be rescheduled and visitors prevented from entering parliament under new measures designed to cope with the spread of coronavirus.
Experts met with authorities from the House of Lords and House of Commons earlier in the week to discuss the next steps if the government moves the country into the delay stage of COVID-19 control.
The decision to move to delay is expected to be taken later on Thursday after a meeting of the emergency COBRA committee chaired by the prime minister.
Experts advised parliamentary authorities that closing the estate would not have a significant impact on preventing the virus from spreading at this stage.
Instead a staged process was proposed, during which visitors would be restricted, events held on the estate reduced and school tours rescheduled for later in the year.
MPs were told at another meeting this week that the virus was already likely to be spreading among staff on the estate and were urged to wash hands regularly.
Hand sanitiser has also been installed in hundreds of locations around parliament.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 Coronavirus: What you need to know
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Leader of the House of Commons, told MPs on Thursday it was "of fundamental importance that we keep this place open".
"It is also important that we are treated and we treat ourselves in the same way as the rest of the country," he added.
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"And that we go ahead at the same pace as the rest of the country.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:48 Sunak's three-point plan to tackle coronavirus
"There should not be a difference in how parliament is behaving from the advice that is being given to our constituents.
"We shouldn't try and seek to be a special case for ourselves."
Mr Rees-Mogg indicated emergency laws to deal with the coronavirus pandemic could be introduced in the week beginning 23 March, subject to talks between the government and Labour.
"It is something where the whole nation is coming together as one and I'm grateful for the support so far being received from the official opposition," he added.
Mr Rees-Mogg also dismissed suggestions that MPs could alter their usual practices, such as changing the way they vote, after he revealed Public Health England had found the Commons' voting lobbies to not be a high risk to spreading coronavirus.
This week health minister Nadine Dorries tested positive for the virus and a Cabinet minister is waiting to be tested, while a number of other MPs have taken the decision to self-isolate.
A parliamentary source said authorities are being guided by advice from a public health expert and are taking necessary steps to avoid the spread of the virus among MPs, peers and staff.
But they also want to avoid worrying the public by closing down parliament and sending a panicked message.
Image: Health minister Nadine Dorries has contracted the virus
Some MPs have expressed concern that extra measures have not been taken following confirmation that Ms Dorries has contracted the virus.
However, others warned that closing the Commons and Lords would prevent MPs from passing key pieces of legislation.
This includes emergency measures to bolster the NHS and allow supermarkets to keep food supplies flowing around the country.
The finance bill also needs to be voted through parliament to enact emergency measures set out by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in Wednesday's budget.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Hospital staff admit 'we don't know what we're facing' amid preparations for patient de

Coronavirus: Hospital staff admit 'we don't know what we're facing' amid preparations for patient deaths

As you go into the treatment area at the A & E Department at Heartlands hospital in Birmingham , the first thing you see is a box of protective masks and aprons .
Anyone with a respiratory illness has to be treated as a potential coronavirus patient and staff have to protect themselves .
David Raven , consultant in the department , says they 're expecting the number of cases of COVID-19 to increase exponentially within 5-7 days .
They 've divided the unit , so within the next 24 hours there 'll be a new system for patients .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one entrance , anyone else will go in a separate way .
It 's all about trying to keep the numbers down .
`` We do n't know what we 're facing .
We do n't know what will come through our doors .
We just need to be as ready as we can , '' Mr Raven says .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The truth is , everyone in the hospital knows they 'll be challenged during the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the system can cope .
And what they 're hearing from doctors in other affected countries is n't filling them with confidence .
`` If our resources are stretched we will have to make difficult decisions '' Mr Raven says .
`` From what we 're seeing from Italy we have to be prepared that patients will die from this illness . ''
In the city 's Queen Elizabeth Hospital they 're holding daily meetings to decide how best to free up beds for the anticipated increase in patients .
Staff who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refresher courses .
One big concern is how many staff will need time off if they catch the virus , have to self-quarantine , or need time off to care for children if schools are closed .
It 's business as usual for now in the outpatients department .
But patients due in next week are being contacted to ask if they 're happy to have their appointment over the phone or via video link .
Anyone could be carrying the virus and keeping as many people out of hospital is key to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A & E , anyone who does n't absolutely need to be there is being diverted to other services .
In the event of a surge in coronavirus cases , outpatients and elective surgery will be among the first things to be cancelled .
Chief Nurse , Lisa Stalley-Green is also the director of infection prevention .
She is keen to reassure patients that hospitals plan for pandemics and are constantly monitoring what is happening in other countries so they know what to expect here .
But she accepts that everyone will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of people it 's probably the most significant challenge we 'll face in our careers '' .
Apart from the signs warning about the symptoms of coronavirus , most parts of the hospital are still running as normal .
But behind the scenes there is a sense this is the calm before the storm .

As you go into the treatment area at the A&E Department at Heartlands hospital in Birmingham, the first thing you see is a box of protective masks and aprons.
Anyone with a respiratory illness has to be treated as a potential coronavirus patient and staff have to protect themselves.
David Raven, consultant in the department, says they're expecting the number of cases of COVID-19 to increase exponentially within 5-7 days.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:48 PM: 'Many more families will lose loved ones'
They've divided the unit, so within the next 24 hours there'll be a new system for patients. Ones at risk of coronavirus will use one entrance, anyone else will go in a separate way.
It's all about trying to keep the numbers down.
"We don't know what we're facing. We don't know what will come through our doors. We just need to be as ready as we can," Mr Raven says.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The truth is, everyone in the hospital knows they'll be challenged during the coming weeks and months. They just hope the system can cope.
And what they're hearing from doctors in other affected countries isn't filling them with confidence.
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"If our resources are stretched we will have to make difficult decisions" Mr Raven says.
"From what we're seeing from Italy we have to be prepared that patients will die from this illness."
In the city's Queen Elizabeth Hospital they're holding daily meetings to decide how best to free up beds for the anticipated increase in patients.
Staff who have previously worked in critical care are doing refresher courses. One big concern is how many staff will need time off if they catch the virus, have to self-quarantine, or need time off to care for children if schools are closed.
It's business as usual for now in the outpatients department. But patients due in next week are being contacted to ask if they're happy to have their appointment over the phone or via video link.
Anyone could be carrying the virus and keeping as many people out of hospital is key to protecting staff and vulnerable patients.
In A&E, anyone who doesn't absolutely need to be there is being diverted to other services.
In the event of a surge in coronavirus cases, outpatients and elective surgery will be among the first things to be cancelled.
Chief Nurse, Lisa Stalley-Green is also the director of infection prevention. She is keen to reassure patients that hospitals plan for pandemics and are constantly monitoring what is happening in other countries so they know what to expect here.
But she accepts that everyone will be challenged. "I think for a lot of people it's probably the most significant challenge we'll face in our careers".
Apart from the signs warning about the symptoms of coronavirus, most parts of the hospital are still running as normal.
But behind the scenes there is a sense this is the calm before the storm.


news--2020-02-26--Coronavirus: Naomi Campbell and Kim Kardashian among stars sharing advice

Naomi Campbell has donned a full hazmat suit and Kim Kardashian is sharing hygienic greeting tips in the latest celebrity social media posts on coronavirus .
Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson are the highest profile figures to be diagnosed with COVID-19 , it emerged on Friday , as the virus continues to spread around the world .
Dozens of stars , including Stormzy , Madonna and Mariah Carey , have postponed gigs , and major festivals such as Coachella and SXSW in the US have also been called off .
Of course , celebrities are doing their bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selfies .
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has posted pictures of herself in a full hazmat suit , a mask , goggles and latex gloves at Los Angeles airport .
`` Safety first NEXT LEVEL , '' the 49-year-old wrote alongside the photographs on Instagram .
As fans will know , the star has long been an advocate of keeping germs at bay , having posted about her travelling hygiene in the past , way before the coronavirus outbreak .
At the time , she was mocked on social media for her extreme rituals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And for those looking for more of Campbell 's coronavirus tips , she has said there is a full video to come .
Kim Kardashian West has posted a video featuring a doctor , she says , on her Instagram Stories , showing the best way to greet others if you do n't want to shake hands or cheek kiss .
According to the reality TV star , 39 , we should all be touching feet .
`` You should not do elbows , '' she warned .
`` Because you cough into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Or just do a little bow . ''
She also shared disinfecting videos , saying she is using antibacterial wipes `` every time someone even hands me something '' , and a hand-washing technique poster .
With 162 million followers , if anyone can encourage people to practise good hygiene , maybe it is Kim K. Katy Perry , who recently announced she was pregnant , shared photographs from Australia , where she performed at the free Fight On concert held for for firefighters and communities affected by bushfires on 11 March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show and alongside fire crews , she also posted this photo-shopped sky picture on her Instagram stories , saying `` rn ( right now in Sydney ) '' .
The singer is expecting her first child with fiance Orlando Bloom .
Gwyneth Paltrow shared a photo of herself wearing a large black face mask as she travelled to Europe in February .
The 47-year-old Goop entrepreneur joked about her role in the 2011 film Contagion , which is about a mystery virus that spreads across the world killing tens of millions of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , the star wrote : `` En route to Paris .
Paranoid ?
Prudent ?
Panicked ?
Placid ?
Pandemic ?
Propaganda ?
`` Paltrow 's just going to go ahead and sleep with this thing on the plane .
`` I 've already been in this movie .
Stay safe .
Do n't shake hands .
Wash hands frequently . ''
Actress Kate Hudson also shared a photo of herself on a flight in February , wearing a less heavy-duty green face mask .
She captioned it : `` Travel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ face emoji .
And it appears the virus is still on her mind .
The star , 40 , posted photographs and a video as she was getting her make-up done on 11 March , with some added germ emojis - saying it is `` all I see '' .
In a further post , Hudson said : `` And now ... with every serious bone in my body .
Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria , posted a video on her Instagram page in February , telling her 7.7 million followers : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Italy .
`` I 'm nowhere near the north .
Thank you for your concerns .
`` Everybody was calling and texting me and talking about the coronavirus in the north of Italy .
It 's really sad , but we 're further away . ''
In a previous post , the 44-year-old said she would be in the country for a week .

Naomi Campbell has donned a full hazmat suit and Kim Kardashian is sharing hygienic greeting tips in the latest celebrity social media posts on coronavirus.
Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson are the highest profile figures to be diagnosed with COVID-19, it emerged on Friday, as the virus continues to spread around the world.
Dozens of stars, including Stormzy, Madonna and Mariah Carey, have postponed gigs, and major festivals such as Coachella and SXSW in the US have also been called off.
Of course, celebrities are doing their bit to share coronavirus safety advice - and selfies.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has posted pictures of herself in a full hazmat suit, a mask, goggles and latex gloves at Los Angeles airport.
Instagram Instagram , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"Safety first NEXT LEVEL," the 49-year-old wrote alongside the photographs on Instagram.
As fans will know, the star has long been an advocate of keeping germs at bay, having posted about her travelling hygiene in the past, way before the coronavirus outbreak.
At the time, she was mocked on social media for her extreme rituals, but people are certainly listening now.
And for those looking for more of Campbell's coronavirus tips, she has said there is a full video to come.
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Kim Kardashian West has posted a video featuring a doctor, she says, on her Instagram Stories, showing the best way to greet others if you don't want to shake hands or cheek kiss.
Image: 'No elbows!' Kim Kardashian West has posted a foot-greeting clip on her Instagram page
According to the reality TV star, 39, we should all be touching feet. "You should not do elbows," she warned. "Because you cough into your elbow. So no more elbows. Or just do a little bow."
She also shared disinfecting videos, saying she is using antibacterial wipes "every time someone even hands me something", and a hand-washing technique poster.
With 162 million followers, if anyone can encourage people to practise good hygiene, maybe it is Kim K.
Katy Perry, who recently announced she was pregnant, shared photographs from Australia, where she performed at the free Fight On concert held for for firefighters and communities affected by bushfires on 11 March.
Image: Katy Perry posted this photo-shopped picture from Sydney, Australia, on 12 March as coronavirus continues to spread. Pic: @katyperry/ Instagram
As well as photographs from the show and alongside fire crews, she also posted this photo-shopped sky picture on her Instagram stories, saying "rn (right now in Sydney)".
The singer is expecting her first child with fiance Orlando Bloom.
Gwyneth Paltrow shared a photo of herself wearing a large black face mask as she travelled to Europe in February.
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The 47-year-old Goop entrepreneur joked about her role in the 2011 film Contagion, which is about a mystery virus that spreads across the world killing tens of millions of people.
Speaking about herself in the third person, the star wrote: "En route to Paris. Paranoid? Prudent? Panicked? Placid? Pandemic? Propaganda?
"Paltrow's just going to go ahead and sleep with this thing on the plane.
"I've already been in this movie. Stay safe. Don't shake hands. Wash hands frequently."
Actress Kate Hudson also shared a photo of herself on a flight in February, wearing a less heavy-duty green face mask.
Image: Kate Hudson says germs are 'all I see'. Pic: @katehudson/ Instagram
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She captioned it: "Travel. 2020," along with a flushed face emoji.
And it appears the virus is still on her mind. The star, 40, posted photographs and a video as she was getting her make-up done on 11 March, with some added germ emojis - saying it is "all I see".
In a further post, Hudson said: "And now... with every serious bone in my body.
"Stay safe! Wash hands! Be mindful!"
Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, posted a video on her Instagram page in February, telling her 7.7 million followers: "I am shooting in this small town in Italy.
Instagram Instagram , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Instagram cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Instagram cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Instagram cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"I'm nowhere near the north. Thank you for your concerns.
"Everybody was calling and texting me and talking about the coronavirus in the north of Italy. It's really sad, but we're further away."
In a previous post, the 44-year-old said she would be in the country for a week.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Norwegian Air to temporarily lay off half of employees due to COVID-19

Norwegian Air will cut 4,000 flights and temporarily lay off half of its employees as it struggles to deal with the effects of coronavirus on the travel industry .
The airline 's announcement came amid falling demand for air travel , due to increasing travel restrictions and worried travellers opting to stay at home .
It blamed the `` extraordinary market situation due to the coronavirus '' , adding : `` We must look at all possible measures to reduce costs .
`` This unfortunately also includes temporary layoffs of up to 50 % of our employees , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of restrictions were brought in by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday night , banning travel from the Schengen area of Europe for the next 30 days .
The rules were Mr Trump 's effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 , the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus , which has killed more than 4,000 people and infected more than 127,000 .
The trans-Atlantic route had been where Norwegian had really made its mark , offering budget travel to the New York region and several other US cities since entering that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which employs 11,000 people , has struggled in recent years , suffering big losses and losing cash .
Its response to the virus will see around 40 % of its long haul fleet grounded until the end of May , affecting flights including those from Paris , Barcelona , Amsterdam , Madrid , Athens and Oslo .
Routes from Gatwick will not be affected as the UK is not included in the US restrictions .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights have also been cancelled .
Norwegian 's chief executive Jacob Schram said : `` We urge international governments to act now to ensure that the aviation industry can protect jobs and continue to be a vital part of the global economic recovery . ''
Norway 's Prime Minister Erna Solberg has said that her government would offer financial assistance to hard-hit industries , including airlines , but no details have been given .

Norwegian Air will cut 4,000 flights and temporarily lay off half of its employees as it struggles to deal with the effects of coronavirus on the travel industry.
The airline's announcement came amid falling demand for air travel, due to increasing travel restrictions and worried travellers opting to stay at home.
It blamed the "extraordinary market situation due to the coronavirus", adding: "We must look at all possible measures to reduce costs.
"This unfortunately also includes temporary layoffs of up to 50% of our employees, and the number may increase."
The latest set of restrictions were brought in by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday night, banning travel from the Schengen area of Europe for the next 30 days.
The rules were Mr Trump's effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, which has killed more than 4,000 people and infected more than 127,000.
The trans-Atlantic route had been where Norwegian had really made its mark, offering budget travel to the New York region and several other US cities since entering that market in 2013.
But the airline, which employs 11,000 people, has struggled in recent years, suffering big losses and losing cash.
Its response to the virus will see around 40% of its long haul fleet grounded until the end of May, affecting flights including those from Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Madrid, Athens and Oslo.
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Routes from Gatwick will not be affected as the UK is not included in the US restrictions.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Up to a quarter of short haul flights have also been cancelled.
Norwegian's chief executive Jacob Schram said: "We urge international governments to act now to ensure that the aviation industry can protect jobs and continue to be a vital part of the global economic recovery."
Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg has said that her government would offer financial assistance to hard-hit industries, including airlines, but no details have been given.


news--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Deputy chief medical officer says UK will see 'many thousands of people' contract virus

The UK will see `` many thousands of people '' contract coronavirus , the deputy chief medical officer has told Sky News .
Six people have died in the UK after contracting the virus , with 373 confirmed cases .
This is significantly less than countries such as China , South Korea and Italy - but UK authorities are preparing for a large increase over the coming weeks .
Speaking to Sky 's Kay Burley @ Breakfast , Dr Jenny Harries said : `` We will have significant numbers in a way which I think the country is not used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population will become infected [ with coronavirus ] but because it 's a naive population , nobody has got antibodies to this virus currently .
`` Having said that , 99 % of those will almost certainly get better and most people will have a really quite mild disease and will not need to be in hospital .
[ They ] can be managed very safely and appropriately at home . ''
She added : `` The important thing for us is to make sure that we manage those infections and make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected - our elderly people , particularly those with chronic underlying conditions - get in touch and get treatment , and that we support other people in the home environment . ''
Dr Harries also said that the fatality rate would rise in the early stages of a widespread outbreak before it drops again .
`` That 's all to do with how we count .
It 's not that we count the wrong bit , it 's just that in an early phase it 's easier to find people with coronavirus who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sky News .
`` We have them in hospitals in the healthcare systems and we can count them easily . ''
Dr Harries also doubled down on advice to the public that the best thing people can do to protect themselves is wash their hands and practice `` good respiratory health '' , such as sneezing and coughing into tissues .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker NHS patients should access GP services digitally with `` immediate effect '' because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock has said .
Mr Hancock told the House of Commons : `` We 're taking steps , of course , to improve access by making sure people can access primary care in the best possible way .
`` I can be clear to the House today that we will take a digital-first approach to accessing primary care and outpatient appointments .
`` So that wherever clinically and practically possible , people can access and should access primary care through phones and digital means .
`` This is especially important in the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rollout that 's started , but we will make this across the country with immediate effect . ''
• Prime Minister Boris Johnson says UK is still in `` containment '' phase - but outbreak could get `` much more significant '' • People may be asked to self-isolate for seven days if they have even a mild fever in the coming weeks • Italy has closed down entirely , limiting the movement of citizens as it struggles to contain the disease • Two of this weekend 's Six Nations games have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship carrying more than 140 Britons docks in Los Angeles after at least 21 people contract virus on board • The New York Stock Exchange briefly crashed on Monday after oil prices plummeted due to fall in demand because coronavirus - the markets recovered somewhat on Tuesday .

The UK will see "many thousands of people" contract coronavirus, the deputy chief medical officer has told Sky News.
Six people have died in the UK after contracting the virus, with 373 confirmed cases.
This is significantly less than countries such as China, South Korea and Italy - but UK authorities are preparing for a large increase over the coming weeks.
Speaking to Sky's Kay Burley@Breakfast, Dr Jenny Harries said: "We will have significant numbers in a way which I think the country is not used to. So, large numbers of the population will become infected [with coronavirus] but because it's a naive population, nobody has got antibodies to this virus currently.
"Having said that, 99% of those will almost certainly get better and most people will have a really quite mild disease and will not need to be in hospital. [They] can be managed very safely and appropriately at home."
She added: "The important thing for us is to make sure that we manage those infections and make sure that those individuals who are most affected - our elderly people, particularly those with chronic underlying conditions - get in touch and get treatment, and that we support other people in the home environment."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
Dr Harries also said that the fatality rate would rise in the early stages of a widespread outbreak before it drops again.
"That's all to do with how we count. It's not that we count the wrong bit, it's just that in an early phase it's easier to find people with coronavirus who are very severely ill," she told Sky News.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:13 PM: COVID-19 likely to move to delay stage
"We have them in hospitals in the healthcare systems and we can count them easily."
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Dr Harries also doubled down on advice to the public that the best thing people can do to protect themselves is wash their hands and practice "good respiratory health", such as sneezing and coughing into tissues.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
NHS patients should access GP services digitally with "immediate effect" because of the coronavirus outbreak, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.
Mr Hancock told the House of Commons: "We're taking steps, of course, to improve access by making sure people can access primary care in the best possible way.
"I can be clear to the House today that we will take a digital-first approach to accessing primary care and outpatient appointments.
"So that wherever clinically and practically possible, people can access and should access primary care through phones and digital means.
"This is especially important in the current coronavirus outbreak.
"Already there is a rollout that's started, but we will make this across the country with immediate effect."
Key coronavirus developments:


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: 'My anxiety feels like it has got proof that it's not safe outside'

The coronavirus may be a physical illness but it is also causing a rise in mental health issues as it spreads across the world .
Last week the World Health Organisation said the outbreak was causing stress in the global population and released advice on how to cope .
Among its recommendations were avoiding news that might cause distress , as well as helping others and amplifying the stories of people who have recovered from the disease .
While worries about the virus can affect anyone , for people who are already dealing with mental health challenges it can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Games has a generalised anxiety disorder and is just one of many people who have found that the outbreak has made their symptoms worse .
Leaving the house now causes his heart rate to spike , and his anxiety has left him feeling sick and dizzy .
`` At the moment my anxiety feels like it has got proof that it 's not safe to be outside , because there is something dangerous out there and we should be taking precautions , '' he says .
`` Most nights I wake up dreaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes me very on edge and quick to snap at my partner , even though he 's being really supportive and understanding .
`` I 'm going shopping and to the gym less and I 'm relying on my partner to do things for me .
Previously I would go to the gym four times a week , but at the moment I 'm only managing to make it out around twice a week .
`` Normally I experience short bursts of anxiety and then there 's relief , but at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is n't going anywhere and as a result my anxiety is staying much higher than it normally would .
`` What I am letting myself do is a little bit of over preparation .
I know I do n't need a mask , hand wipes and antibacterial gel but I 'm taking them with me to help calm me down .
If I 'm carrying extra stuff it makes it easier to function as I know I 've got the stuff to act as a crutch .
`` I allow myself to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning of the day and one in the middle of the day .
I 'm really careful about what I watch and I 've turned off all my news notifications .
Otherwise I end up looking at conspiracies online and feeling much worse .
`` It 's so important we talk about the impact of the virus on mental health , because I felt guilty for feeling this way and I think it 's really important that people know that it 's okay to ask for help around this .
`` It would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made more obvious right now so that people like me did n't feel that we were taking resources away from the people who have physical health problems . ''
Counsellor Hansa Pankhania , who is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy , says the best way of dealing with stress about the outbreak is to take practical steps to prepare .
If you are worried about your health she recommends trying to `` be proactive in sustaining your health and building your immune system '' by eating healthily , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you are worried about family members or friends you should reach out and offer to help , and if you need help make sure you ask for it .
However , she also says it 's important not to overreact .
`` The buying spree is one way of feeling in control on a micro level , in an otherwise uncontrollable situation , '' she says .
`` Follow the public health advice .
If you are healthy , it is advised that you will recover in 2-3 weeks so you just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this time . ''
If steps like this do n't help she says some people may need to seek professional help .
Anxiety UK and Mind are just two of the charities offering support to people suffering mentally because of COVID-19 .
Both recommend limiting news access and taking practical steps to help reduce anxiety such as breathing exercises and preparing a checklist of everything you 'd need if you had to self-isolate for two weeks .
They also both run helplines for anyone struggling to cope .
You can contact the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Mind helpline on 0300 123 3393 .
Young Minds also recommends parents speak to their children about the outbreak to check they are coping .
Stevie Goulding , Young Minds parents helpline team leader , said , `` Children and teenagers may understandably be concerned or worried by what they see , read or hear in the news or online .
As a parent or carer , it 's good to talk to them honestly but calmly about what is happening , and to not ignore or shield them from what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' For parents who need additional support the charity can be contacted on 0808 802 5544 from 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday

The coronavirus may be a physical illness but it is also causing a rise in mental health issues as it spreads across the world.
Last week the World Health Organisation said the outbreak was causing stress in the global population and released advice on how to cope.
Among its recommendations were avoiding news that might cause distress, as well as helping others and amplifying the stories of people who have recovered from the disease.
While worries about the virus can affect anyone, for people who are already dealing with mental health challenges it can make already tough situations much harder.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 Rishi Sunak insists the UK is prepared for a major coronavirus outbreak
Finlay Games has a generalised anxiety disorder and is just one of many people who have found that the outbreak has made their symptoms worse.
Leaving the house now causes his heart rate to spike, and his anxiety has left him feeling sick and dizzy.
"At the moment my anxiety feels like it has got proof that it's not safe to be outside, because there is something dangerous out there and we should be taking precautions," he says.
"Most nights I wake up dreaming about coronavirus and because of that it makes me very on edge and quick to snap at my partner, even though he's being really supportive and understanding.
"I'm going shopping and to the gym less and I'm relying on my partner to do things for me. Previously I would go to the gym four times a week, but at the moment I'm only managing to make it out around twice a week.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 Combating coronavirus fake news
"Normally I experience short bursts of anxiety and then there's relief, but at the moment there's no relief because the coronavirus isn't going anywhere and as a result my anxiety is staying much higher than it normally would.
"What I am letting myself do is a little bit of over preparation. I know I don't need a mask, hand wipes and antibacterial gel but I'm taking them with me to help calm me down. If I'm carrying extra stuff it makes it easier to function as I know I've got the stuff to act as a crutch.
"I allow myself to see two news updates - one at the beginning of the day and one in the middle of the day. I'm really careful about what I watch and I've turned off all my news notifications. Otherwise I end up looking at conspiracies online and feeling much worse.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:13 The Department of Health COVID-19 advice video
"It's so important we talk about the impact of the virus on mental health, because I felt guilty for feeling this way and I think it's really important that people know that it's okay to ask for help around this.
"It would be so good if support helplines were made more obvious right now so that people like me didn't feel that we were taking resources away from the people who have physical health problems."
Counsellor Hansa Pankhania, who is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, says the best way of dealing with stress about the outbreak is to take practical steps to prepare.
If you are worried about your health she recommends trying to "be proactive in sustaining your health and building your immune system" by eating healthily, exercising and meditating.
Similarly she says if you are worried about family members or friends you should reach out and offer to help, and if you need help make sure you ask for it.
However, she also says it's important not to overreact. "The buying spree is one way of feeling in control on a micro level, in an otherwise uncontrollable situation," she says.
"Follow the public health advice. If you are healthy, it is advised that you will recover in 2-3 weeks so you just need to ensure you have enough supplies for this time."
If steps like this don't help she says some people may need to seek professional help.
Anxiety UK and Mind are just two of the charities offering support to people suffering mentally because of COVID-19.
Both recommend limiting news access and taking practical steps to help reduce anxiety such as breathing exercises and preparing a checklist of everything you'd need if you had to self-isolate for two weeks.
They also both run helplines for anyone struggling to cope. You can contact the Anxiety UK helpline on 03444 775 774 and the Mind helpline on 0300 123 3393.
Young Minds also recommends parents speak to their children about the outbreak to check they are coping.
Stevie Goulding, Young Minds parents helpline team leader, said, "Children and teenagers may understandably be concerned or worried by what they see, read or hear in the news or online. As a parent or carer, it's good to talk to them honestly but calmly about what is happening, and to not ignore or shield them from what is going on in the world."
For parents who need additional support the charity can be contacted on 0808 802 5544 from 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: BT chief executive Philip Jansen tests positive for COVID-19

The chief executive of BT has been diagnosed with COVID-19 , the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus .
Philip Jansen , 53 , tested positive late on Thursday afternoon and said he is following the Public Health England protocols to isolate himself .
He said he decided to go public because he had attended an event earlier in the week with other figures in the mobile phone industry .
BT said it is now working closely with Public Health England to deep clean relevant parts of its group headquarters and will ensure those employees who have had contact with Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Having felt slightly unwell I decided as a precaution to be tested .
`` As soon as the test results were known I isolated myself at home . ''
`` I 've met several industry partners this week so felt it was the responsible thing to do to alert them to this fact as soon as I could . ''
`` Given my symptoms seem relatively mild , I will continue to lead BT but work with my team remotely over the coming week .
There will be no disruption to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Employees who have been in contact with the chief executive have been advised to self-isolate .
Mr Jansen has been chief executive of the telecoms group for just over a year .
In the outbreak which began in China , 10 people have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 and 590 people have been infected .

The chief executive of BT has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by coronavirus.
Philip Jansen, 53, tested positive late on Thursday afternoon and said he is following the Public Health England protocols to isolate himself.
He said he decided to go public because he had attended an event earlier in the week with other figures in the mobile phone industry.
BT said it is now working closely with Public Health England to deep clean relevant parts of its group headquarters and will ensure those employees who have had contact with Mr Jansen are told.
Mr Jansen said: "Having felt slightly unwell I decided as a precaution to be tested.
"As soon as the test results were known I isolated myself at home."
"I've met several industry partners this week so felt it was the responsible thing to do to alert them to this fact as soon as I could."
"Given my symptoms seem relatively mild, I will continue to lead BT but work with my team remotely over the coming week. There will be no disruption to the business."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Employees who have been in contact with the chief executive have been advised
to self-isolate.
Mr Jansen has been chief executive of the telecoms group for just over a year.
In the outbreak which began in China, 10 people have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 and 590 people have been infected.


news--2020-06-05--Cate Blanchett 'nicks head' in chainsaw accident during lockdown

Cate Blanchett says she has injured her head in an accident with a chainsaw in her home during lockdown .
The actress , who is based in East Sussex , revealed her scrape while talking to former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard on the ex-PM 's podcast .
Blanchett said : `` I had a bit of a chainsaw accident yesterday , which sounds very , very exciting , but it was n't .
Apart from the little nick to the head , I 'm fine . ''
She did n't reveal what she was up to at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gillard replied : `` Be very careful with that chainsaw .
You 've got a very famous head , I do n't think people would like to see any nicks taken out of it . ''
Blanchett lives with her husband , playwright Andrew Upton , and their four children - Dashiell 18 ; Roman , 16 ; Ignatius , 12 and Edith , five - in Tunbridge Wells .
After planning to take most of this year off to help her kids study , Blanchett admitted that additional home-schooling duties during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for teachers .
Her latest project - the psychological thriller Nightmare Alley , in which she will star opposite Bradley Cooper - was halted in March due to coronavirus .
Blanchett called her sudden freedom `` discombobulating '' but admitted it was a `` high-class problem '' .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Gillard , who is the chair of the Global Institute for Women 's Leadership , speaks to influential figures in business , entertainment , media , sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Own , which strives to get more women in top roles .
Two-time Oscar-winner Blanchett was the president of the Cannes Film Festival Jury in 2018 and has been ranked as one of the highest paid actresses in the world .

Cate Blanchett says she has injured her head in an accident with a chainsaw in her home during lockdown.
The actress, who is based in East Sussex, revealed her scrape while talking to former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard on the ex-PM's podcast.
Blanchett said: "I had a bit of a chainsaw accident yesterday, which sounds very, very exciting, but it wasn't. Apart from the little nick to the head, I'm fine."
Image: Kate with her family last summer
She didn't reveal what she was up to at the time of her mishap with the power tool.
Gillard replied: "Be very careful with that chainsaw. You've got a very famous head, I don't think people would like to see any nicks taken out of it."
Blanchett lives with her husband, playwright Andrew Upton, and their four children - Dashiell 18; Roman, 16; Ignatius, 12 and Edith, five - in Tunbridge Wells.
After planning to take most of this year off to help her kids study, Blanchett admitted that additional home-schooling duties during lockdown had given her a new-found respect for teachers.
Her latest project - the psychological thriller Nightmare Alley, in which she will star opposite Bradley Cooper - was halted in March due to coronavirus.
Blanchett called her sudden freedom "discombobulating" but admitted it was a "high-class problem".
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Gillard, who is the chair of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, speaks to influential figures in business, entertainment, media, sport for her series A Podcast Of Ones Own, which strives to get more women in top roles.
Two-time Oscar-winner Blanchett was the president of the Cannes Film Festival Jury in 2018 and has been ranked as one of the highest paid actresses in the world.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus-related deaths of 91 NHS workers could be investigated

The deaths of more than 90 health and care workers could be investigated by the Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) , Sky News has learned .
The HSE has received a growing number of reports of workplace deaths related to COVID-19 .
The reports have been formally submitted under RIDDOR , the `` Reporting of Injuries , Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences '' .
An HSE spokesperson said : `` In these unprecedented times the NHS and front line workers are under immense pressure doing what they need to do to save lives .
We need to put the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the needs of the families who have lost their loved ones .
`` We are committed to getting the most accurate picture possible of all deaths that should be reported to us and are in contact with NHS Trusts . ''
We spoke to one bereaved family who have been contacted by the HSE .
They wanted to remain anonymous , but said they welcome the HSE 's involvement , because they have `` serious concerns '' about the level of protection provided for their relative who worked in a care home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 91 RIDDOR reports relating to the deaths of healthcare and social care workers are currently being looked at .
The HSE is expecting to receive more in the future .
Of these 91 deaths , 26 have occurred in local authority social care settings .
These are big numbers for the HSE .
For the whole of last year a total of 147 workplace deaths were investigated .
Coronavirus deaths alone could easily match that .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , the HSE issued new coronavirus guidance to employers , which states deaths must be reported if they 're connected to `` occupational exposure to coronavirus '' .
The HSE will examine whether the RIDDOR reported deaths meet the criteria for a full investigation .
If they do , the HSE will evaluate whether the workplace did enough to protect staff from the virus .
One private health and safety investigator , Martin Marmoy-Haynes , told Sky News : `` The onus is on the employer to say here is my risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We considered the access , social distancing , the signage , the one way routes .
We did everything that is reasonably practicable . ''
Meanwhile some families are instructing lawyers to start private proceedings against hospital trusts or care providers .
The law firm Irwin Mitchell is handling a number of cases .
One of their personal injury lawyers , David Johnson-Keay said his clients have many unanswered questions .
`` Provision of PPE is a big issue and one of the big questions we are being asked about .
Were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it fit for purpose ?
And if not , why was that the case ? ''
he said .
It will take time for the HSE to consider each of the reported deaths .
But if it decides to investigate it has the power to fine or even prosecute NHS trusts or care providers which break the health and safety rules .
The Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) says it has set up an independent process to ensure deaths of staff are being reported to the HSE .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson said : `` The safety of our NHS and social care staff is paramount and employers should follow their legal duty to report the deaths of any staff who die as a result of exposure to coronavirus from their work to the Health and Safety Executive .
`` In addition , we are introducing a new process for medical examiners to scrutinise the deaths of health and care staff .
`` During this global pandemic we have been working around the clock to ensure PPE is delivered as quickly as possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The deaths of more than 90 health and care workers could be investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Sky News has learned.
The HSE has received a growing number of reports of workplace deaths related to COVID-19.
The reports have been formally submitted under RIDDOR, the "Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences".
An HSE spokesperson said: "In these unprecedented times the NHS and front line workers are under immense pressure doing what they need to do to save lives. We need to put the needs of the NHS first, along with the needs of the families who have lost their loved ones.
"We are committed to getting the most accurate picture possible of all deaths that should be reported to us and are in contact with NHS Trusts."
We spoke to one bereaved family who have been contacted by the HSE.
They wanted to remain anonymous, but said they welcome the HSE's involvement, because they have "serious concerns" about the level of protection provided for their relative who worked in a care home.
Sky News has been told a total of 91 RIDDOR reports relating to the deaths of healthcare and social care workers are currently being looked at. The HSE is expecting to receive more in the future.
Of these 91 deaths, 26 have occurred in local authority social care settings.
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These are big numbers for the HSE. For the whole of last year a total of 147 workplace deaths were investigated. Coronavirus deaths alone could easily match that.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
At the start of the outbreak, the HSE issued new coronavirus guidance to employers, which states deaths must be reported if they're connected to "occupational exposure to coronavirus".
The HSE will examine whether the RIDDOR reported deaths meet the criteria for a full investigation.
If they do, the HSE will evaluate whether the workplace did enough to protect staff from the virus.
One private health and safety investigator, Martin Marmoy-Haynes, told Sky News: "The onus is on the employer to say here is my risk assessment, we carefully looked at this. We considered the access, social distancing, the signage, the one way routes. We did everything that is reasonably practicable."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:08 The moment nurse reunites with daughters
Meanwhile some families are instructing lawyers to start private proceedings against hospital trusts or care providers.
The law firm Irwin Mitchell is handling a number of cases. One of their personal injury lawyers, David Johnson-Keay said his clients have many unanswered questions.
"Provision of PPE is a big issue and one of the big questions we are being asked about. Were they provided with proper PPE? Was it fit for purpose? And if not, why was that the case?" he said.
It will take time for the HSE to consider each of the reported deaths.
But if it decides to investigate it has the power to fine or even prosecute NHS trusts or care providers which break the health and safety rules.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) says it has set up an independent process to ensure deaths of staff are being reported to the HSE.
In a statement, a Department of Health spokesperson said: "The safety of our NHS and social care staff is paramount and employers should follow their legal duty to report the deaths of any staff who die as a result of exposure to coronavirus from their work to the Health and Safety Executive.
"In addition, we are introducing a new process for medical examiners to scrutinise the deaths of health and care staff.
"During this global pandemic we have been working around the clock to ensure PPE is delivered as quickly as possible to those on the front line".