news--2020-01-31--Coronavirus: Virologist reveals the science behind fight to find vaccine for global outbreak

Scientists around the world are grappling with how to halt the new coronavirus which has been declared a global public health emergency .
Professor Paul Kellam is a virologist who is part of a team at Imperial College in London working on a vaccine for the new coronavirus , which has infected tens of thousands and killed more than 1,000 .
The team is one of several around the world trying to find a vaccine .
Prof Kellam and British colleagues developed the first genetic analysis of the Middle East respiratory virus ( MERS ) - also a coronavirus - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which led to camels being pinpointed as the source .
The professor of virus genomics spoke to Sky News about the science behind the new illness and how their knowledge of two previous coronavirus epidemics is helping them find a vaccine .
The new coronavirus , which originated in Wuhan , China , is closely linked to MERs and severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) , Prof Kellam said .
`` It 's a close relative to SARS and MERS but not genetically identical , '' he told Sky News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's genetically distinct but sufficiently related to viruses and infections so we 're prepared as we can be scientifically and clinically to bring it under control .
`` We can learn things about the virus by looking at its genome .
It looks like a standard coronavirus in terms of gene content .
`` We know the virus can infect cells through the ACE2 receptor ( a converter enzyme ) on the cell surface , the same as SARS , so that means you can test for it if you can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So , we can look at that to assess treatments and determine whether that needs to be anti-viral or a vaccine . ''
Although the new coronavirus is closely related to SARS , Prof Kellam said by analysing its genome there is `` always a chance we will learn different things '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker How fast can a vaccine be produced ?
Vaccines usually take years to develop , but as this new type of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , scientists are having to work around the clock to find one .
After the SARS outbreak in 2003 it took researchers about 20 months to get a vaccine ready for human trials .
Luckily , it was never needed as the disease was eventually contained .
But , because scientists developed that vaccine ( one for MERS is still in development ) , Prof Kellam believes human testing could begin as early as this summer .
`` If everything moves smoothly , it takes three to six weeks to get to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then you look to see if they can raise an immune response , normally in an animal .
`` You wo n't start to get human studies until about the beginning of the summer , probably July .
But , it 's a bit of a moveable feast . ''
By using genome modelling methods - based on the new coronavirus ' amino acid sequence - Prof Kellam and his team can compare them to MERS and SARS proteins to figure out how quickly the new virus can spread .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already know , we can screen them for new drug models and you can use the genetics that we know to start to give us computational screening models to create a vaccine .
`` You start to understand its biological properties , how does it replicate , does it tell us it is roughly the same as MERS and SARS ?
`` At this stage , what we can tell is coming from the genomes and the rate of accumulation in the genome .
`` It seems typical so the estimation is you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month of the virus . ''
The virologist said China is releasing data on the new coronavirus `` in a really timely way '' and has been very open and transparent in reporting cases , severe cases and deaths , which helps scientists to determine how quickly it will spread .
`` From past experience with viruses like MERS , what you see initially and the patterns of spread and disease tend to hold true , '' he added .
`` But you have to be aware of anything that changes - which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese authorities confirmed on 23 January that the new coronavirus can be transmitted between humans , with several cases since stemming from contact with people who have the virus .
While data is still coming through about how fast the coronavirus could spread between humans , Prof Kellam said by assessing those numbers scientists can get an indication of how many new infections can arise from one person .
`` Over time you keep assessing those numbers , so the more infection control you have the less people one person will infect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre will then be able to create a model of the likely trajectory of the virus from one person .
Tens of millions of people in cities across China have been placed on lockdown .
Masks and antibacterial gel have become a necessity across Asia and airports around the world as people try to protect themselves - measures Prof Kellam said are essential .
He said : `` It 's all about trying to decrease exposure .
The masks decrease exposure to droplets from an infected individual and act as a physical barrier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do hundreds of times a day without realising .
`` Those infection control procedures are really important . ''
As the coronavirus has an established two-week incubation period , Prof Kellam said self-isolating , as the UK government is advising , is crucial to control the spread , especially in countries with only one or two cases .
He said tracing where people who potentially may have the virus have been and who they have had contact with is also crucial - even though it is incredibly time-consuming .
`` It is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the health authorities are set up to do , '' he said .
`` In the UK , that 's what the NHS and Public Health England ( PHE ) are designed to do and will be doing that .
`` It 's a lot of work but it 's the right thing to do and it 's proven to work in the past . ''
He admitted that getting people who may have been in contact with virus carriers is based on a degree of compliance and trust and accepting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that people are generally `` very receptive '' and want to help prevent the spread .
How did the virus transmit from animals ?
Prof Kellam said his team is working on Chinese scientists ' theory that the virus was transmitted by bats after the World Health Organisation said it presumes it originated from an animal .
He said : `` With the genetic history of this virus , a group in China has said it 's related to a bat coronavirus .
`` The chance of it coming from a bat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` However , what we can start to see from MERS , SARS and this coronavirus is the proximity of humans to wild animals either in wet markets or in animal husbandry , and that proximity where you do n't always know what the infection is in the animals .
`` There is a higher chance of zoonotics - transfer from animal to human . ''
He added that scientists have not yet established exactly how this virus transmits from animals , however it could be the same way that humans do @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Scientists around the world are grappling with how to halt the new coronavirus which has been declared a global public health emergency.
Professor Paul Kellam is a virologist who is part of a team at Imperial College in London working on a vaccine for the new coronavirus, which has infected tens of thousands and killed more than 1,000. The team is one of several around the world trying to find a vaccine.
Prof Kellam and British colleagues developed the first genetic analysis of the Middle East respiratory virus (MERS) - also a coronavirus - with Saudi Arabia's department of health, which led to camels being pinpointed as the source.
The professor of virus genomics spoke to Sky News about the science behind the new illness and how their knowledge of two previous coronavirus epidemics is helping them find a vaccine.
Close relation to SARS
The new coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, is closely linked to MERs and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Prof Kellam said.
"It's a close relative to SARS and MERS but not genetically identical," he told Sky News.
"It is a new virus, it's genetically distinct but sufficiently related to viruses and infections so we're prepared as we can be scientifically and clinically to bring it under control.
Image: The ultrastructural morphology exhibited by the new coronavirus
"We can learn things about the virus by looking at its genome. It looks like a standard coronavirus in terms of gene content.
Advertisement
"We know the virus can infect cells through the ACE2 receptor (a converter enzyme) on the cell surface, the same as SARS, so that means you can test for it if you can get through to a human ACE2 receptor point.
"So, we can look at that to assess treatments and determine whether that needs to be anti-viral or a vaccine."
Although the new coronavirus is closely related to SARS, Prof Kellam said by analysing its genome there is "always a chance we will learn different things".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
How fast can a vaccine be produced?
Vaccines usually take years to develop, but as this new type of coronavirus is spreading rapidly around the world, scientists are having to work around the clock to find one.
After the SARS outbreak in 2003 it took researchers about 20 months to get a vaccine ready for human trials. Luckily, it was never needed as the disease was eventually contained.
But, because scientists developed that vaccine (one for MERS is still in development), Prof Kellam believes human testing could begin as early as this summer.
"If everything moves smoothly, it takes three to six weeks to get to the point where you can start testing, then you look to see if they can raise an immune response, normally in an animal.
"You won't start to get human studies until about the beginning of the summer, probably July. But, it's a bit of a moveable feast."
The spread rate
By using genome modelling methods - based on the new coronavirus' amino acid sequence - Prof Kellam and his team can compare them to MERS and SARS proteins to figure out how quickly the new virus can spread.
He said: "When using these homology models we already know, we can screen them for new drug models and you can use the genetics that we know to start to give us computational screening models to create a vaccine.
"You start to understand its biological properties, how does it replicate, does it tell us it is roughly the same as MERS and SARS?
Image: People are being told to self-isolate if they have been in China
"At this stage, what we can tell is coming from the genomes and the rate of accumulation in the genome.
"It seems typical so the estimation is you will accumulate one new mutation for every month of the virus."
The virologist said China is releasing data on the new coronavirus "in a really timely way" and has been very open and transparent in reporting cases, severe cases and deaths, which helps scientists to determine how quickly it will spread.
"From past experience with viruses like MERS, what you see initially and the patterns of spread and disease tend to hold true," he added.
"But you have to be aware of anything that changes - which could be for the better."
Human-to-human infection
Chinese authorities confirmed on 23 January that the new coronavirus can be transmitted between humans, with several cases since stemming from contact with people who have the virus.
While data is still coming through about how fast the coronavirus could spread between humans, Prof Kellam said by assessing those numbers scientists can get an indication of how many new infections can arise from one person.
"Over time you keep assessing those numbers, so the more infection control you have the less people one person will infect."
He said Imperial's medical research centre will then be able to create a model of the likely trajectory of the virus from one person.
Controlling the virus
Tens of millions of people in cities across China have been placed on lockdown.
Masks and antibacterial gel have become a necessity across Asia and airports around the world as people try to protect themselves - measures Prof Kellam said are essential.
Image: Many in China are covering up to reduce the risk of contracting the virus
He said: "It's all about trying to decrease exposure. The masks decrease exposure to droplets from an infected individual and act as a physical barrier to touching your face, something we do hundreds of times a day without realising.
"Those infection control procedures are really important."
As the coronavirus has an established two-week incubation period, Prof Kellam said self-isolating, as the UK government is advising, is crucial to control the spread, especially in countries with only one or two cases.
He said tracing where people who potentially may have the virus have been and who they have had contact with is also crucial - even though it is incredibly time-consuming.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 WHO chief: We don't know what damage virus could do
"It is a lot of hard work but it's what the health authorities are set up to do," he said.
"In the UK, that's what the NHS and Public Health England (PHE) are designed to do and will be doing that.
"It's a lot of work but it's the right thing to do and it's proven to work in the past."
He admitted that getting people who may have been in contact with virus carriers is based on a degree of compliance and trust and accepting the advice of health officials.
Prof Kellam added that people are generally "very receptive" and want to help prevent the spread.
How did the virus transmit from animals?
Prof Kellam said his team is working on Chinese scientists' theory that the virus was transmitted by bats after the World Health Organisation said it presumes it originated from an animal.
He said: "With the genetic history of this virus, a group in China has said it's related to a bat coronavirus.
"The chance of it coming from a bat directly to a human is not high.
"However, what we can start to see from MERS, SARS and this coronavirus is the proximity of humans to wild animals either in wet markets or in animal husbandry, and that proximity where you don't always know what the infection is in the animals.
"There is a higher chance of zoonotics - transfer from animal to human."
He added that scientists have not yet established exactly how this virus transmits from animals, however it could be the same way that humans do, through droplets and respiratory infection.


news--2020-01-31--Coronavirus: Masks 'going for £125' as profiteers take advantage of surging demand in Hong Kong

Profiteers are taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak to make money out of a surge in demand for face masks .
In Hong Kong , where the memory of SARS is still imprinted on many people 's brains , some masks are going for as much as £125 .
Overnight queues have become common when news spreads that a shop has a shipment , but people are often disappointed as the masks get quickly snapped up .
Some are even taking advantage by selling used masks - some marked with stains and ear wax .
The government , already under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing little to help , Hong Kongers told Sky News .
`` People have had to queue through the night to get masks ; I 've spoken to people who 've queued from 8am then get there at 9am .
`` Then they find the first 20 people have taken them all , so there 's a lot of anger , '' says Joanne Bunker , a journalist and founder of the Newsworthy HK Facebook page .
Prices in shops over the past few days have varied wildly , from £8 for one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard 19p price - to a shocking £125 .
Online searches for face masks have increased dramatically , with `` P2 face mask '' rising by 8507 % and `` face protection mask '' soaring by 1340 % since the start of the year .
Artist Pete Ross , 34 , who has lived in Hong Kong his whole life , said : `` I would love to be wearing them all the time but I have n't been able to get them , so I 've been washing a lot .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man came in coughing which was fairly alarming . ''
One Hong Konger told Sky News they saw a man buying about 400 masks from a hospital vending machine and despite people telling him he was selfish , he kept buying them .
Many are having to save up the one single-use mask they have for when they go outside , and with no help from the government they are losing hope .
Chief executive Carrie Lam has been accused of a lack of communication and failing to quell rumours swirling around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has a stockpile of three million masks , others that authorities have ordered up to 32 million to distribute .
However , the government has not commented , and has so far not distributed any masks .
During the SARS outbreak in 2002 , authorities handed out free masks and hand sanitisers across the city - especially to schools and old people 's homes .
Ms Bunker said : `` The last seven months of protests have been the foundation of that mistrust and we 've now moved to the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her ( Carrie Lam ) as we need a strong government , but she 's not doing it . ''
Not only are people selling masks for way over the odds , some are steaming used ones and putting them back in boxes to sell in small convenience stores .
Others are not even bothering to steam clean them - placing stained masks in boxes which people only find out about after queuing and paying exorbitant prices .
Internet sales are also proving risky , with orders either not arriving or being equally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites such as eBay and meeting sellers in underground stations or on the streets .
But among the profiteering there are some good Samaritans ; notably an Indian businessman who runs a small chain of grocery shops in Hong Kong .
Ms Bunker said : `` He 's ordered 200,000 masks and is handing them out to customers .
`` He said he 's been in Hong Kong for 15 years and Hongkongers have been good to him , so as long as the virus continues he will pay out of his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people being kind to me , dropping off masks they 've managed to buy .
`` Some people who have returned from overseas are bringing back suitcases of masks and handing them out or selling them for the normal low price . ''

Profiteers are taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak to make money out of a surge in demand for face masks.
In Hong Kong, where the memory of SARS is still imprinted on many people's brains, some masks are going for as much as £125.
Overnight queues have become common when news spreads that a shop has a shipment, but people are often disappointed as the masks get quickly snapped up.
Image: Long lines outside pharmacies have become commonplace
Some are even taking advantage by selling used masks - some marked with stains and ear wax.
The government, already under pressure after months of protests, is doing little to help, Hong Kongers told Sky News.
"People have had to queue through the night to get masks; I've spoken to people who've queued from 8am then get there at 9am.
"Then they find the first 20 people have taken them all, so there's a lot of anger," says Joanne Bunker, a journalist and founder of the Newsworthy HK Facebook page.
Prices in shops over the past few days have varied wildly, from £8 for one mask - still expensive compared with the standard 19p price - to a shocking £125.
Image: A woman clutches a box of masks after lining up in Hong Kong
Online searches for face masks have increased dramatically, with "P2 face mask" rising by 8507% and "face protection mask" soaring by 1340% since the start of the year.
Advertisement
Artist Pete Ross, 34, who has lived in Hong Kong his whole life, said: "I would love to be wearing them all the time but I haven't been able to get them, so I've been washing a lot.
"I'm running an exhibition and a man came in coughing which was fairly alarming."
Image: This woman in Beijing showed off an inventive way to protect herself
Image: A man wearing a mask, goggles and gloves at a supermarket in Beijing
One Hong Konger told Sky News they saw a man buying about 400 masks from a hospital vending machine and despite people telling him he was selfish, he kept buying them.
Many are having to save up the one single-use mask they have for when they go outside, and with no help from the government they are losing hope.
Chief executive Carrie Lam has been accused of a lack of communication and failing to quell rumours swirling around the city.
Some people have claimed the government has a stockpile of three million masks, others that authorities have ordered up to 32 million to distribute.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:57 How dangerous is the new 'mystery' coronavirus?
However, the government has not commented, and has so far not distributed any masks.
During the SARS outbreak in 2002, authorities handed out free masks and hand sanitisers across the city - especially to schools and old people's homes.
Ms Bunker said: "The last seven months of protests have been the foundation of that mistrust and we've now moved to the coronavirus.
"People are even more infuriated by her (Carrie Lam) as we need a strong government, but she's not doing it."
Not only are people selling masks for way over the odds, some are steaming used ones and putting them back in boxes to sell in small convenience stores.
Others are not even bothering to steam clean them - placing stained masks in boxes which people only find out about after queuing and paying exorbitant prices.
Internet sales are also proving risky, with orders either not arriving or being equally as expensive.
Some are buying from sites such as eBay and meeting sellers in underground stations or on the streets.
But among the profiteering there are some good Samaritans; notably an Indian businessman who runs a small chain of grocery shops in Hong Kong.
Ms Bunker said: "He's ordered 200,000 masks and is handing them out to customers.
Image: A Hong Konger stands next to empty shelves in a supermarket
"He said he's been in Hong Kong for 15 years and Hongkongers have been good to him, so as long as the virus continues he will pay out of his own pocket.
"I've also had people being kind to me, dropping off masks they've managed to buy.
"Some people who have returned from overseas are bringing back suitcases of masks and handing them out or selling them for the normal low price."


news--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Carney warns economic shock 'could prove large'

Mark Carney has said the Bank of England will take steps to help the UK through a coronavirus economic shock `` that could prove large '' .
Mr Carney told MPs that the Bank 's interest rate setting committee was `` considering the policy implications of various possible scenarios '' that could arise from the outbreak of the coronavirus .
He added that officials around the world were working on a `` powerful and timely '' response .
But he said the persistence of the economic hit should be different to that of the `` lasting scarring '' caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus likely to cause `` disruption not destruction '' .
Mr Carney added that the Bank was currently in the process of changing its assessment for the UK economic outlook - having only recently cut its forecast for UK GDP growth in 2020 to 0.8 % .
The comments come a day after the OECD warned that COVID-19 posed the gravest threat to the global economy since the financial crisis and , if not contained , could plunge many countries in Europe - including the UK - into recession .
Hours after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point citing `` evolving risks '' to the country 's economy .
The G7 group of major of economies pledged to use `` all appropriate tools '' to deal with the economic impact of the outbreak but announced no new immediate action as stock markets remained volatile .
Last week , Mr Carney told Sky News that Britain should prepare itself for an economic growth downgrade as a result of the spread of the virus .
On Tuesday , he told MPs on the Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role `` is to help UK businesses and households manage through an economic shock that could prove large but will ultimately be temporary '' .
Mr Carney added : `` The Bank will take all necessary steps to support the UK economy and financial system , consistent with its statutory responsibilities .
`` We are monitoring the situation closely across all our functions and ensuring all necessary contingency plans are in place . ''
He said the Bank 's main committees had met jointly on Monday to assess potential scenarios .
Officials have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have knock-on consequences on the financial system and how they might deal with `` possible constraints '' on financing to UK businesses and households .
They have also looked at the contingency plans of banks , insurers and the financial market infrastructure - including how they might continue to operate with teams split over different sites and some employees working from home .
Mr Carney added that he was in contact with Andrew Bailey , who will succeed him as governor later this month .
He added that he has had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chancellor , Rishi Sunak , while the Bank is also in `` frequent contact '' with the G7 and G20 organisations , as well as the International Monetary Fund .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Airlines have been among the stocks worst hit by investor concerns about the impact of COVID-19 .
Ryanair , easyJet and BA-owner IAG have cut some services and outlined hopes of only a short-term impact .
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary used an interview with Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A raft of other companies provided updates on the impact of the virus on Tuesday .
Insurer Direct Line said it was already facing a £1m bill for travel claims while disruption to markets could affect the speed of claims payouts .
Global recruitment firm Robert Walters warned the outbreak was likely to hit its 2020 profits while even bakery chain Greggs said the virus had created uncertainty over its outlook for the year .
However the market chaos prompted by the outbreak has proved a boon for CMC Markets , the financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Cruddas .
It said that this had led to `` heightened trading activity '' likely to result in better than expected annual profits .

Mark Carney has said the Bank of England will take steps to help the UK through a coronavirus economic shock "that could prove large".
Mr Carney told MPs that the Bank's interest rate setting committee was "considering the policy implications of various possible scenarios" that could arise from the outbreak of the coronavirus.
He added that officials around the world were working on a "powerful and timely" response.
But he said the persistence of the economic hit should be different to that of the "lasting scarring" caused by the financial crisis in 2008 - with the virus likely to cause "disruption not destruction".
Mr Carney added that the Bank was currently in the process of changing its assessment for the UK economic outlook - having only recently cut its forecast for UK GDP growth in 2020 to 0.8%.
The comments come a day after the OECD warned that COVID-19 posed the gravest threat to the global economy since the financial crisis and, if not contained, could plunge many countries in Europe - including the UK - into recession.
:: Surprise US interest rate cut to combat "evolving risks'
Hours after the governor's remarks the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point citing "evolving risks" to the country's economy.
The G7 group of major of economies pledged to use "all appropriate tools" to deal with the economic impact of the outbreak but announced no new immediate action as stock markets remained volatile.
Advertisement
Last week, Mr Carney told Sky News that Britain should prepare itself for an economic growth downgrade as a result of the spread of the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:58 'Coronavirus is having economic consequences'
On Tuesday, he told MPs on the Commons Treasury select committee that the Bank's role "is to help UK businesses and households manage through an economic shock that could prove large but will ultimately be temporary".
Mr Carney added: "The Bank will take all necessary steps to support the UK economy and financial system, consistent with its statutory responsibilities.
"We are monitoring the situation closely across all our functions and ensuring all necessary contingency plans are in place."
He said the Bank's main committees had met jointly on Monday to assess potential scenarios.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:31 Coronavirus: How worried should we be?
Officials have been considering how damage to supply chains could have knock-on consequences on the financial system and how they might deal with "possible constraints" on financing to UK businesses and households.
They have also looked at the contingency plans of banks, insurers and the financial market infrastructure - including how they might continue to operate with teams split over different sites and some employees working from home.
Mr Carney added that he was in contact with Andrew Bailey, who will succeed him as governor later this month.
He added that he has had a "series of discussions" with the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, while the Bank is also in "frequent contact" with the G7 and G20 organisations, as well as the International Monetary Fund.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Airlines have been among the stocks worst hit by investor concerns about the impact of COVID-19.
Ryanair, easyJet and BA-owner IAG have cut some services and outlined hopes of only a short-term impact.
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary used an interview with Sky News to appeal for a calm approach.
A raft of other companies provided updates on the impact of the virus on Tuesday.
Insurer Direct Line said it was already facing a £1m bill for travel claims while disruption to markets could affect the speed of claims payouts.
Global recruitment firm Robert Walters warned the outbreak was likely to hit its 2020 profits while even bakery chain Greggs said the virus had created uncertainty over its outlook for the year.
However the market chaos prompted by the outbreak has proved a boon for CMC Markets, the financial spread-betting firm run by former Conservative treasurer Peter Cruddas.
It said that this had led to "heightened trading activity" likely to result in better than expected annual profits.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-03--Greggs: Profits surge but bakery chain warns of coronavirus 'uncertainty'

Greggs has reported a big rise in annual profits helped by the launch of its new vegan ranges but warned of uncertainty ahead because of the potential impact of the coronavirus .
The bakery chain also said strong growth at the start of 2020 had been held back by storms affecting the UK in February .
Pre-tax profits for the year ending 28 December rose 31.1 % to £108.3m during what chief executive Roger Whiteside described as an `` exceptional year of progress '' for the company .
Sales rose 13.5 % to £1.17bn as it opened 97 new stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to more than 2,000 .
Mr Whiteside said : `` We made a very strong start to 2020 in January , but in February saw a significant slowdown in sales growth as a result of the storms that have affected the UK .
`` There is some uncertainty in the outlook , particularly given the potential impact of coronavirus .
`` This aside we expect to make year-on-year progress and will do so from a strong financial position . ''
Mr Whiteside said Greggs had enjoyed rising customer visits during 2018 , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the successful launch of our new vegan product lines '' .
The chain launched a vegan sausage roll in January last year , followed earlier this year with a vegan steak bake .
Mr Whiteside said that while market conditions for general retailers , under pressure from rising costs and fragile consumer confidence , remained `` very challenging '' , the `` food-on-the-go '' sector was benefiting from high employment levels and growth in disposable incomes .
He added that Greggs was becoming less dependent on `` shopping catchments '' such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more exposure to workplace and travel locations '' .

Greggs has reported a big rise in annual profits helped by the launch of its new vegan ranges but warned of uncertainty ahead because of the potential impact of the coronavirus.
The bakery chain also said strong growth at the start of 2020 had been held back by storms affecting the UK in February.
Pre-tax profits for the year ending 28 December rose 31.1% to £108.3m during what chief executive Roger Whiteside described as an "exceptional year of progress" for the company.
Sales rose 13.5% to £1.17bn as it opened 97 new stores, taking the total number of sites to more than 2,000.
Image: The chain's vegan steak bake was launched earlier this year
Mr Whiteside said: "We made a very strong start to 2020 in January, but in February saw a significant slowdown in sales growth as a result of the storms that have affected the UK.
"There is some uncertainty in the outlook, particularly given the potential impact of coronavirus.
"This aside we expect to make year-on-year progress and will do so from a strong financial position."
Mr Whiteside said Greggs had enjoyed rising customer visits during 2018, which then stepped up again last year "with the successful launch of our new vegan product lines".
Image: Greggs launched its vegan sausage last year
The chain launched a vegan sausage roll in January last year, followed earlier this year with a vegan steak bake.
Advertisement
Mr Whiteside said that while market conditions for general retailers, under pressure from rising costs and fragile consumer confidence, remained "very challenging", the "food-on-the-go" sector was benefiting from high employment levels and growth in disposable incomes.
He added that Greggs was becoming less dependent on "shopping catchments" such as high streets and instead was seeing "more exposure to workplace and travel locations".


news--2020-03-03--Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is in 'good health', says Iran after coronavirus fears

Jailed British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is `` in good health '' and does not have coronavirus , says Iran - as a British MP claimed she could be released from a Tehran prison shortly on a temporary basis .
Her husband , Richard Ratcliffe , has been calling for his wife to be tested for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , after she showed symptoms including a `` cough , temperature , body pain all over and fatigue . ''
He also claimed there was a lack of hygiene material for inmates at the prison in the capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple 's MP , Labour 's Ms Siddiq , said she had `` still not been tested '' for the illness as Iran 's judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili later said the aid worker has been checked on amid the virus concerns .
`` Mrs Nazanin Zaghari , we looked into it and she is in good health , '' Mr Esmaili said .
`` Yesterday , she had contact with her family and told them about her good health . ''
Ms Siddiq raised the prospect she could be temporarily released , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambassador [ Hamid Baeidinejad ] that my constituent Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe may be released on furlough today or tomorrow from prison in Iran .
`` If this is true , Nazanin would welcome leaving Evin jail , but we 've been here before . ''
Ms Siddiq urged the government to make her potential release `` permanent '' , adding : `` If this furlough happens , the British government have an obligation to make it permanent , and not let her be used as a bargaining chip in the weeks to come .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told her family that she has still not been tested for coronavirus . ''
But there later was confusion about if she would be freed as the ambassador to the UK , Hamid Baeidinejad , said Mr Esmaili had not named the person being temporarily released .
The Foreign Office says it is seeking clarification from Iran on what the ambassador 's comments actually mean for her situation .
Yesterday Ms Siddiq raised an urgent question in the House of Commons , calling for the government to help her constituent .
In response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commons : `` I think things may have moved on a little bit today in terms of the testing with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe .
`` Clearly we are unable to comment on any medical assessments without the permission of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe . ''
But Mr Ratcliffe rejected his comments , saying Mr Adams was being `` disingenuous '' .
`` It is irresponsible of the minister to hint at something he knows not to be true , '' he told reporters afterwards .
It comes as Iran 's health ministry confirmed there had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,336 people infected in the country since the outbreak .
Iran has so far had the highest number of deaths from coronavirus outside of China , where the virus originated .
Officials have expressed concerns about a possible outbreak in prisons .
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested in Iran in 2016 after flying over to the country to introduce her parents to the couple 's young daughter , Gabriella .
She was sentenced to five years in jail over claims of plotting to overthrow Iran 's government , which she denies .
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British government , which argues that Iran has failed to meet its obligations under international law .

Jailed British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is "in good health" and does not have coronavirus, says Iran - as a British MP claimed she could be released from a Tehran prison shortly on a temporary basis.
Her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, has been calling for his wife to be tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, after she showed symptoms including a "cough, temperature, body pain all over and fatigue."
He also claimed there was a lack of hygiene material for inmates at the prison in the capital, where she is detained.
The couple's MP, Labour's Ms Siddiq, said she had "still not been tested" for the illness as Iran's judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili later said the aid worker has been checked on amid the virus concerns.
"Mrs Nazanin Zaghari, we looked into it and she is in good health," Mr Esmaili said.
"Yesterday, she had contact with her family and told them about her good health."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Ms Siddiq raised the prospect she could be temporarily released, saying on Twitter: "News from Iranian Ambassador [Hamid Baeidinejad] that my constituent Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe may be released on furlough today or tomorrow from prison in Iran.
"If this is true, Nazanin would welcome leaving Evin jail, but we've been here before."
Ms Siddiq urged the government to make her potential release "permanent", adding: "If this furlough happens, the British government have an obligation to make it permanent, and not let her be used as a bargaining chip in the weeks to come.
Advertisement
"I remain concerned that Nazanin has told her family that she has still not been tested for coronavirus."
But there later was confusion about if she would be freed as the ambassador to the UK, Hamid Baeidinejad, said Mr Esmaili had not named the person being temporarily released.
The Foreign Office says it is seeking clarification from Iran on what the ambassador's comments actually mean for her situation.
Image: Mr Ratcliffe has criticised the conditions his wife has been kept in
Yesterday Ms Siddiq raised an urgent question in the House of Commons, calling for the government to help her constituent.
In response, Foreign Office minister Nigel Adams told the Commons: "I think things may have moved on a little bit today in terms of the testing with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
"Clearly we are unable to comment on any medical assessments without the permission of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe."
But Mr Ratcliffe rejected his comments, saying Mr Adams was being "disingenuous".
Image: Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe with her daughter. File pic
"It is irresponsible of the minister to hint at something he knows not to be true," he told reporters afterwards.
It comes as Iran's health ministry confirmed there had been 77 deaths due to COVID-19 and 2,336 people infected in the country since the outbreak.
Iran has so far had the highest number of deaths from coronavirus outside of China, where the virus originated.
Officials have expressed concerns about a possible outbreak in prisons.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 Richard Ratcliffe: Iran prison 'won't test Nazanin for coronavirus'
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested in Iran in 2016 after flying over to the country to introduce her parents to the couple's young daughter, Gabriella.
She was sentenced to five years in jail over claims of plotting to overthrow Iran's government, which she denies.
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was later given diplomatic protection by the British government, which argues that Iran has failed to meet its obligations under international law.


news--2020-03-03--Student attacked on London's Oxford Street told by gang: 'I don't want your coronavirus'

Police are investigating after a student said he was repeatedly punched on London 's Oxford Street by attackers who said they `` do n't want your coronavirus '' .
Jonathan Mok , who is from Singapore and currently studying in the UK , said he was left with facial fractures that may need reconstructive surgery after he was attacked .
The 23-year-old recounted the ordeal in a Facebook post , where he said a group of men and a woman walked past him on the busy shopping street at 9.15pm on Monday last week , when he overheard one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he turned round at the comment to see one member of the group staring at him , who shouted : `` Do n't you dare look at me ... '' '' Within 3 seconds , he was in my face , together with 3/4 other young men , and a young lady , '' Mr Mok wrote , adding : `` All of a sudden , the first punch was swung at my face and took me by surprise .
`` When I was still shocked by the first hit , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` By then , a few passers-by had stopped and one of them tried to reason with them that 4 on 1 was not fair .
`` The attacker 's friend tried to swing a kick at me as I was explaining to the passer-by that I had n't done anything at all . ''
Mr Mok said the man who tried to kick him told him : `` I do n't want your coronavirus in my country '' before swinging another punch .
He added that it `` resulted in my face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , where the blood was splattered all across the pavement '' .
Mr Mok said he was `` still in daze and shock , '' adding : `` The group left promptly from the scene before the police arrived . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The student shared pictures of his injuries which showed a black eye and bloodied nose .
He said he had gone to hospital after the incident and was told he had sustained several fractures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgery .
The Metropolitan Police said it was investigating a racially aggravated assault and was looking into CCTV to identify suspects .
No arrests have been made .
The attack on Mr Mok is the latest in a flurry of reported racially-motivated incidents following the outbreak of coronavirus .
Trainee lawyer Meera Solanki , 29 , was punched unconscious in Birmingham after defending a friend who was told : `` Take your coronavirus back home ! ''
Meanwhile , tax consultant Pawat Silawattakun , 24 , told the Observer that teenagers in Fulham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while shouting `` coronavirus '' .
Other members of the Asian community in the UK have also shared their experiences , which include reports of people refusing to sit next to them on public transport or receiving abuse in the street .
Speaking to Sky News , Chinese students in Cardiff recalled being abused while walking to their lectures .
Robin Zhang , a postgraduate , said : `` Four guys , standing next to the door , shouting at me and my friend Lucy , we were walking together , saying : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were doing the gesture covering their nose and their mouth with the collar of their shirt and then laughing out loud . ''
The National Police Chiefs ' Council said recent weeks have seen steady levels of reported hate crimes , and that there was no obvious increases with links to the virus .
However , Mr Mok said racism posed an `` ugly problem '' that was `` once again rearing its ugly head in light of the COVID-19 crisis '' .

Police are investigating after a student said he was repeatedly punched on London's Oxford Street by attackers who said they "don't want your coronavirus".
Jonathan Mok, who is from Singapore and currently studying in the UK, said he was left with facial fractures that may need reconstructive surgery after he was attacked.
The 23-year-old recounted the ordeal in a Facebook post, where he said a group of men and a woman walked past him on the busy shopping street at 9.15pm on Monday last week, when he overheard one of them say "coronavirus".
Image: The 23-year-old said he may need reconstructive surgery
He said he turned round at the comment to see one member of the group staring at him, who shouted: "Don't you dare look at me..."
"Within 3 seconds, he was in my face, together with 3/4 other young men, and a young lady," Mr Mok wrote, adding: "All of a sudden, the first punch was swung at my face and took me by surprise.
"When I was still shocked by the first hit, the guy delivered the second sucker punch.
"By then, a few passers-by had stopped and one of them tried to reason with them that 4 on 1 was not fair.
"The attacker's friend tried to swing a kick at me as I was explaining to the passer-by that I hadn't done anything at all."
Mr Mok said the man who tried to kick him told him: "I don't want your coronavirus in my country" before swinging another punch.
Advertisement
He added that it "resulted in my face exploding with blood (from my nose), where the blood was splattered all across the pavement".
Mr Mok said he was "still in daze and shock," adding: "The group left promptly from the scene before the police arrived."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The student shared pictures of his injuries which showed a black eye and bloodied nose.
He said he had gone to hospital after the incident and was told he had sustained several fractures to his face that may require reconstructive surgery.
The Metropolitan Police said it was investigating a racially aggravated assault and was looking into CCTV to identify suspects.
No arrests have been made.
The attack on Mr Mok is the latest in a flurry of reported racially-motivated incidents following the outbreak of coronavirus.
Trainee lawyer Meera Solanki, 29, was punched unconscious in Birmingham after defending a friend who was told: "Take your coronavirus back home!"
Meanwhile, tax consultant Pawat Silawattakun, 24, told the Observer that teenagers in Fulham had broken his nose and robbed him while shouting "coronavirus".
Other members of the Asian community in the UK have also shared their experiences, which include reports of people refusing to sit next to them on public transport or receiving abuse in the street.
Speaking to Sky News, Chinese students in Cardiff recalled being abused while walking to their lectures.
Robin Zhang, a postgraduate, said: "Four guys, standing next to the door, shouting at me and my friend Lucy, we were walking together, saying: 'Hey! Coronavirus!'
"They were doing the gesture covering their nose and their mouth with the collar of their shirt and then laughing out loud."
The National Police Chiefs' Council said recent weeks have seen steady levels of reported hate crimes, and that there was no obvious increases with links to the virus.
However, Mr Mok said racism posed an "ugly problem" that was "once again rearing its ugly head in light of the COVID-19 crisis".


news--2020-03-21--Trump congratulates Kim Jong Un on managing coronavirus in North Korea

US President Donald Trump has written to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un offering help to fight the coronavirus pandemic .
Details of the letter came from the North Korean leadership , which welcomed it as a sign of `` the special and very firm personal relations '' between Mr Kim and Mr Trump .
The letter reportedly contained praise for Mr Kim 's efforts to defend his people from the disease , which has killed thousands of people around the world .
The secretive nation claims it has been spared from the outbreak that originated in neighbouring China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be true .
Mr Trump `` expressed his intent to render cooperation in the anti-epidemic work , saying that he was impressed by the efforts made by the chairman to defend his people from the serious threat of the epidemic '' , according to North Korean state news agency KCNA .
It also said that , despite good personal relations between the leaders , `` if impartiality and balance are not provided and unilateral and greedy intention is not taken away , the bilateral relations will continue to aggravate '' .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A senior Trump administration official confirmed Mr Trump had sent the letter , adding that it was `` consistent with his efforts to engage global leaders during the ongoing ( COVID-19 ) pandemic '' .
The official added that Mr Trump was looking forward to continued communication with the North Korean dictator .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The two leaders have met at three summits , the most recent in June last year , but there has been little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up its nuclear weapons , one of the US 's main goals .
North Korea 's aim is to get the US to lift economic sanctions .
Meanwhile , it continues to conduct weapons tests , the latest being the launch of a series of missiles in the past few days .

US President Donald Trump has written to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un offering help to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Details of the letter came from the North Korean leadership, which welcomed it as a sign of "the special and very firm personal relations" between Mr Kim and Mr Trump.
The letter reportedly contained praise for Mr Kim's efforts to defend his people from the disease, which has killed thousands of people around the world.
The secretive nation claims it has been spared from the outbreak that originated in neighbouring China, but some observers have questioned whether that can be true.
Mr Trump "expressed his intent to render cooperation in the anti-epidemic work, saying that he was impressed by the efforts made by the chairman to defend his people from the serious threat of the epidemic", according to North Korean state news agency KCNA.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Trump: 'Virus is invisible, horrible enemy'
It also said that, despite good personal relations between the leaders, "if impartiality and balance are not provided and unilateral and greedy intention is not taken away, the bilateral relations will continue to aggravate".
It is unclear when the letter was received.
A senior Trump administration official confirmed Mr Trump had sent the letter, adding that it was "consistent with his efforts to engage global leaders during the ongoing (COVID-19) pandemic".
The official added that Mr Trump was looking forward to continued communication with the North Korean dictator.
Advertisement
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The two leaders have met at three summits, the most recent in June last year, but there has been little progress towards getting North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, one of the US's main goals.
North Korea's aim is to get the US to lift economic sanctions.
Meanwhile, it continues to conduct weapons tests, the latest being the launch of a series of missiles in the past few days.


news--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: 'Dreams and aspirations' at risk as Olympic future decided

These are tough times for professional athletes four months out from an Olympic Games .
With warm-up and qualifying events postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic , the likes of two-time taekwondo Olympic medallist Lutalo Muhammad feel they are all training in limbo - even if they are lucky enough to still be able to train .
`` Mentally it 's been very difficult these last few days , '' he said .
`` I feel like the rug has been pulled from under me .
`` It 's not just me - I 'm in contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different sports and a lot of people feel a bit lost right now .
To train without an obvious goal you feel like you 're training in limbo .
`` Things have been cancelled , you 're not sure about rescheduling , it 's a bit strange .
I 've ever experienced anything like this .
`` We 've been training for four years - everything is geared up to the Olympics , there 's definitely a feeling of uncertainty but we have to trust that the IOC [ International Olympic Committee ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's see . ''
A bronze medallist in 2012 and a silver medallist in Rio , he is British taekwondo 's most successful ever male athlete , famous for breaking down in tears after missing out on the gold medal in the very last second of the 2016 final .
But four years of injury means he is n't an automatic selection this time for the one heavyweight ( 87kg plus ) spot on the team .
Instead it 's between him and Mahama Cho .
Returning to winning ways before Christmas with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the 28-year-old needed the warm-up events and the postponed European Championships to pick up points , prove himself to the selectors , and get competition sharp .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I was upset .
We were literally just preparing to go to the Belgium Open when we heard it was cancelled two days before .
`` It 's definitely an annoying feeling to do all that preparation and work , and to get myself back in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear now , it 's a matter of life and death and we can all see that sport can take a back seat . ''
The athletes have been told by the sports governing body , like everyone else , that they need to wash their hands frequently and be mindful of personal hygiene .
`` As professional athletes we have to be extra careful with this kind of thing , a potential illness this close to the Games could completely sideline your preparation anyway '' , the IOC advice states .
Muhammad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed back even though the IOC has said the Games will go ahead as planned and on Thursday Tokyo 2020 organisers received the Olympic flame in a ceremony at Athens Panathenaic stadium .
But many athletes ca n't train or compete as they normally would in an Olympic build-up period , meaning most would go to the Games under-prepared .
Gold medal favourites such as heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson , who is based in France , said on social media : `` The information of the IOC and local government are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IOC advice 'encourages athletes to continue to prepare for the Olympic Games as best they can ' , but government legislation is enforcing isolation at home , with tracks , gyms and public spaces closed . ''
Even so , Muhammad ca n't bear the thought that the Games could be cancelled .
`` It would be a major disappointment .
How many thousands of athletes have prepared for this for four years , you say four years but really it 's a lifetime of training , '' he said .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were little boys and girls to go to the Olympics and represent our country and hopefully win a medal .
With just a couple of months to go , if it were to get cancelled it would be devastating . ''
He is one of the lucky ones : GB Taekwondo in Manchester remains open , allowing athletes to at least carry on training for an Olympics that may , or may not , happen .

These are tough times for professional athletes four months out from an Olympic Games.
With warm-up and qualifying events postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, the likes of two-time taekwondo Olympic medallist Lutalo Muhammad feel they are all training in limbo - even if they are lucky enough to still be able to train.
"Mentally it's been very difficult these last few days," he said.
"I feel like the rug has been pulled from under me.
"It's not just me - I'm in contact with lots of athletes from a lot of different sports and a lot of people feel a bit lost right now. To train without an obvious goal you feel like you're training in limbo.
"Things have been cancelled, you're not sure about rescheduling, it's a bit strange. I've ever experienced anything like this.
"We've been training for four years - everything is geared up to the Olympics, there's definitely a feeling of uncertainty but we have to trust that the IOC [International Olympic Committee] will make the best decision - let's see."
Image: The Olympics is meant to be in Tokyo this year but coronavirus might put a stop to that
A bronze medallist in 2012 and a silver medallist in Rio, he is British taekwondo's most successful ever male athlete, famous for breaking down in tears after missing out on the gold medal in the very last second of the 2016 final.
But four years of injury means he isn't an automatic selection this time for the one heavyweight (87kg plus) spot on the team. Instead it's between him and Mahama Cho.
Advertisement
Returning to winning ways before Christmas with a big victory at the French Open, the 28-year-old needed the warm-up events and the postponed European Championships to pick up points, prove himself to the selectors, and get competition sharp.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I was upset. We were literally just preparing to go to the Belgium Open when we heard it was cancelled two days before.
"It's definitely an annoying feeling to do all that preparation and work, and to get myself back in a winning position but I think it's clear now, it's a matter of life and death and we can all see that sport can take a back seat."
The athletes have been told by the sports governing body, like everyone else, that they need to wash their hands frequently and be mindful of personal hygiene.
"As professional athletes we have to be extra careful with this kind of thing, a potential illness this close to the Games could completely sideline your preparation anyway", the IOC advice states.
Image: Muhammad in action against Cheick Sallah Cisse of Cote d'Ivoire in 2016
Muhammad suspects the Olympics will have to be pushed back even though the IOC has said the Games will go ahead as planned and on Thursday Tokyo 2020 organisers received the Olympic flame in a ceremony at Athens Panathenaic stadium.
But many athletes can't train or compete as they normally would in an Olympic build-up period, meaning most would go to the Games under-prepared.
Gold medal favourites such as heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who is based in France, said on social media: "The information of the IOC and local government are at odds with one another.
"The IOC advice 'encourages athletes to continue to prepare for the Olympic Games as best they can', but government legislation is enforcing isolation at home, with tracks, gyms and public spaces closed."
Even so, Muhammad can't bear the thought that the Games could be cancelled.
Image: Most of the world's countries compete in the Olympics, making it the sporting event of the year
"It would be a major disappointment. How many thousands of athletes have prepared for this for four years, you say four years but really it's a lifetime of training," he said.
"We've had these dreams and aspirations since we were little boys and girls to go to the Olympics and represent our country and hopefully win a medal. With just a couple of months to go, if it were to get cancelled it would be devastating."
He is one of the lucky ones: GB Taekwondo in Manchester remains open, allowing athletes to at least carry on training for an Olympics that may, or may not, happen.


news--2020-03-21--Man in court accused of trying to sell fake coronavirus treatment kits around world

A man has appeared in court after being charged with making dozens of fake coronavirus treatment kits and trying to sell them around the world .
Frank Ludlow , 59 , was arrested by City of London Police on Friday allegedly in the act of sending kits from a post office near his home in West Sussex .
Two days earlier , US customs officers in Los Angeles intercepted a package containing 60 fake kits labelled `` Anti-Pathogenic treatment '' and sent from the UK .
Officers from the Intellectual Property Crime Unit ( PIPCU ) launched an investigation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud by false representation , possession of articles for use in fraud and unlawfully manufacturing a medicinal product .
After appearing at Brighton Magistrates ' Court on Saturday , he was remanded in custody until 20 April .
Police and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA ) launched a joint investigation after being alerted by the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) .
Ludlow was arrested less than four hours later after allegedly attempting to send 60 more fake kits to France , the US and other parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kits are believed to contain potassium thiocyanate and hydrogen peroxide which are extremely harmful chemicals when the user is instructed to wash and rinse their mouth with them .
And officers are warning anyone who bought one of the kits not to use them .
Following a search of Ludlow 's home , police said 300 more kits and an estimated 20 litres of chemicals used in the production of the fake kits were discovered .
Detective Chief Superintendent Clinton Blackburn said : `` Fraudsters are constantly looking for ways in which they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergencies , and times of uncertainty for many , to defraud people out of their money .
`` While police have taken swift action to arrest this individual , we believe some of these kits may still be in circulation .
`` If you have purchased one of these kits , it 's important you do not use it .
Instead , report it to Action Fraud via their website www.actonafraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040 and quoting 'Trinity CV19 treatment kits ' . ''
Tariq Sarwar , of the MHRA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with health concerns to seek advice from a registered healthcare professional and only purchase medicines they need from an authorised seller .
`` You should ensure you are buying your medicines and medical devices from a registered pharmacy or website only .
`` When buying online , beware of illegitimate websites , suspicious URLs and remember that claims like '100 % safe , no side effects ' or 'quick results ' , are often warning signs .
Cut prices and speedy deliveries can expose you to fake medicines , identity theft and fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centre , praised the swift response of police in London and added that people attempting to profit from the virus crisis will be held `` accountable for their criminal and dangerous acts '' .

A man has appeared in court after being charged with making dozens of fake coronavirus treatment kits and trying to sell them around the world.
Frank Ludlow, 59, was arrested by City of London Police on Friday allegedly in the act of sending kits from a post office near his home in West Sussex.
Two days earlier, US customs officers in Los Angeles intercepted a package containing 60 fake kits labelled "Anti-Pathogenic treatment" and sent from the UK.
Officers from the Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) launched an investigation and charged Ludlow with one count each of fraud by false representation, possession of articles for use in fraud and unlawfully manufacturing a medicinal product.
After appearing at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Saturday, he was remanded in custody until 20 April.
Police and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) launched a joint investigation after being alerted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ludlow was arrested less than four hours later after allegedly attempting to send 60 more fake kits to France, the US and other parts of the UK.
Police said the kits are believed to contain potassium thiocyanate and hydrogen peroxide which are extremely harmful chemicals when the user is instructed to wash and rinse their mouth with them.
And officers are warning anyone who bought one of the kits not to use them.
Advertisement
Following a search of Ludlow's home, police said 300 more kits and an estimated 20 litres of chemicals used in the production of the fake kits were discovered.
Image: Police said chemicals were found at Frank Ludlow's home
Detective Chief Superintendent Clinton Blackburn said: "Fraudsters are constantly looking for ways in which they can exploit people, including using global emergencies, and times of uncertainty for many, to defraud people out of their money.
"While police have taken swift action to arrest this individual, we believe some of these kits may still be in circulation.
"If you have purchased one of these kits, it's important you do not use it. Instead, report it to Action Fraud via their website www.actonafraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040 and quoting 'Trinity CV19 treatment kits'."
Tariq Sarwar, of the MHRA, said: "We are encouraging people with health concerns to seek advice from a registered healthcare professional and only purchase medicines they need from an authorised seller.
"You should ensure you are buying your medicines and medical devices from a registered pharmacy or website only.
"When buying online, beware of illegitimate websites, suspicious URLs and remember that claims like '100% safe, no side effects' or 'quick results', are often warning signs. Cut prices and speedy deliveries can expose you to fake medicines, identity theft and fraud."
Steve Francis, director of the US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centre, praised the swift response of police in London and added that people attempting to profit from the virus crisis will be held "accountable for their criminal and dangerous acts".


news--2020-03-20--Coronavirus: Inside Bergamo - the epicentre of the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the world

The bridge takes you across the Po river and into Lombardy , another hour or so through the now deserted streets of the fashion and industry power house of Milan , and on to the medieval city of Bergamo .
It is an easy drive on deserted roads .
Just one thing niggles on your brain and makes you twitch as you touch your face or sanitise your hands - you are driving in to the epicentre of the worst coronavirus outbreak in the world at the moment where more people have died than anywhere else , even in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood and was n't controlled .
What is less clear is why so many people are dying .
It is probably because they have an old population and a culture of close contact .
But as a punter driving into the storm that is n't exactly science .
It 's more a feeling .
It 's definitely not awfully comforting .
I 've been tasked with trying to see how this country , this region , this city is dealing with this deadly pandemic .
In Bergamo , the sound of ambulance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The drivers and the medics are always in full hazmat suits .
There is a lockdown , there are no traffic accidents or day to day injuries to speak of , the emergencies are all to do with the outbreak .
They are rushing to pick up the latest victims and to rush them to already over flowing hospitals to try and save lives .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
It is often a losing battle .
The old walled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most beautiful of the many I have visited in northern Italy .
But the virus swept through here in days .
The ancient narrow roads are absolutely empty .
It probably looks very much as it did when the plague visited this region centuries ago .
It feels like the plague , or how I always imagined it would , as a history student decades ago .
Few people venture outside .
They do to buy essential supplies .
Mainly they stay at home .
Everyone here knows someone who has died or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called out to Francesca Cassinelli as she scuttled towards her home , nervous , tired and strung-out .
She told me that the lockdown was hard but that everyone accepted it had to take place .
Like so many people here she said she had seen the TV and asked why people in Britain are not doing the same as her and indeed all of Italy .
She was cheerful and stoic until I asked her if she knew people who were ill. '' Unfortunately yes , it is painful you can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are on their own .
I feel very sad .
There is sadness everywhere , '' she paused , apologising , as tears welled up in her eyes .
`` Seeing friends and relatives dying slowly , seeing people that are doing such an important job saving peoples ' lives , and seeing that they can not be saved anyway , it 's heartbreaking , '' she told me before continuing on her way to continue self-isolation .
Here they believe that the only way to stop the speed of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential shops are open .
All acknowledge it is hard but it is , according to the experts here , the only solution .
The man tasked with dealing with this crisis , while protecting his family and leading his community , is the Mayor of Bergamo , Giorgio Gori .
He paused to speak to me in the central courtyard of one the cities magnificent public buildings .
He is handsome and dignified - and exhausted .
He imposed the lockdown and stands by it .
He told me he wants the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to learn from it .
They do not want to be guinea pigs of experience learned .
But they accept that they are .
What he is in absolute incredulous exasperation about is the failure of countries , and he singles out Britain , for failing to use the time they have had to see what has happened in Bergamo and put in all the measures necessary to make sure it is n't replicated again .
`` I have two daughters , they are studying in England , one in Taunton in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she 's doing a Masters , '' he told me .
`` And when I saw what the English government was thinking about this problem , I decided to bring them back because I think that even if we are at the centre of the epidemic probably they are more secure here than in England , because I do n't understand why the government did n't decide in time to protect their citizens . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in the high risk elderly group .
We bought one of the local papers and turned to the obituaries page .
Usually it 's barely a page .
Now the obituaries fill over 10 pages of single photograph portraits .
And that is every day .
Getting some sun having ventured out for the first time in days , I met a couple both aged 73 , Serena and Michele .
They never leave each other and they meet no-one .
They told me to step away as I approached , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears .
I asked if they were scared .
`` Still now , '' said Serena .
`` Because we are in a place where the infection and deaths are increasing at the moment . ''
Michele added : `` We are trying not to panic . ''
We asked them for a still photograph .
Standing a metre apart they posed for us .
`` It is so odd not being able to touch my husband , '' Serena said smiling .
The number of dead here continues to rise .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peak yet .
At the city cemetery , times are strictly allocated for the funerals of loved ones to take place .
There is a huge backlog .
We watched as a family gathered , most in masks , waiting to be allowed inside .
They walked behind a hearse into the burial gardens watched on by staff all in masks and wearing gloves .
They are allowed to break the curfew to pay their last respects .
I could n't help but think that this is a family and a funeral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us will likely experience what they are going through as well , and very soon .

The bridge takes you across the Po river and into Lombardy, another hour or so through the now deserted streets of the fashion and industry power house of Milan, and on to the medieval city of Bergamo.
It is an easy drive on deserted roads.
Just one thing niggles on your brain and makes you twitch as you touch your face or sanitise your hands - you are driving in to the epicentre of the worst coronavirus outbreak in the world at the moment where more people have died than anywhere else, even in China.
The initial outbreak here wasn't understood and wasn't controlled.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:52 Italian mayor's warning to UK over COVID-19
What is less clear is why so many people are dying. It is probably because they have an old population and a culture of close contact.
But as a punter driving into the storm that isn't exactly science. It's more a feeling. It's definitely not awfully comforting.
I've been tasked with trying to see how this country, this region, this city is dealing with this deadly pandemic.
In Bergamo, the sound of ambulance and emergency vehicle sirens is a constant.
Image: The city has been in lockdown for days as the number dead continues to rise
The drivers and the medics are always in full hazmat suits.
Advertisement
There is a lockdown, there are no traffic accidents or day to day injuries to speak of, the emergencies are all to do with the outbreak.
They are rushing to pick up the latest victims and to rush them to already over flowing hospitals to try and save lives.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
It is often a losing battle.
The old walled city of Bergamo is one of the most beautiful of the many I have visited in northern Italy.
But the virus swept through here in days.
Image: Residents in masks in Bergamo
The ancient narrow roads are absolutely empty. It probably looks very much as it did when the plague visited this region centuries ago. It feels like the plague, or how I always imagined it would, as a history student decades ago.
Few people venture outside. They do to buy essential supplies. Mainly they stay at home.
Everyone here knows someone who has died or is ill. Everyone is scared.
I called out to Francesca Cassinelli as she scuttled towards her home, nervous, tired and strung-out.
Image: The region has a large older population
She told me that the lockdown was hard but that everyone accepted it had to take place. Like so many people here she said she had seen the TV and asked why people in Britain are not doing the same as her and indeed all of Italy.
She was cheerful and stoic until I asked her if she knew people who were ill.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:13 Sky News goes to the town at the centre of the COVID-19 crisis in Italy.
"Unfortunately yes, it is painful you cannot say goodbye. It is painful that they are on their own. I feel very sad. There is sadness everywhere," she paused, apologising, as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Seeing friends and relatives dying slowly, seeing people that are doing such an important job saving peoples' lives, and seeing that they cannot be saved anyway, it's heartbreaking," she told me before continuing on her way to continue self-isolation.
Here they believe that the only way to stop the speed of the virus is to close everything down. Only essential shops are open. All acknowledge it is hard but it is, according to the experts here, the only solution.
Image: Mayor of Bergamo Giorgio Gori has been tasked with dealing with the crisis
The man tasked with dealing with this crisis, while protecting his family and leading his community, is the Mayor of Bergamo, Giorgio Gori.
He paused to speak to me in the central courtyard of one the cities magnificent public buildings.
He is handsome and dignified - and exhausted.
Image: In Bergamo, the sound of ambulance and emergency vehicle sirens is a constant.
He imposed the lockdown and stands by it.
He told me he wants the world to see what has happened here and to learn from it.
They do not want to be guinea pigs of experience learned. But they accept that they are.
What he is in absolute incredulous exasperation about is the failure of countries, and he singles out Britain, for failing to use the time they have had to see what has happened in Bergamo and put in all the measures necessary to make sure it isn't replicated again.
"I have two daughters, they are studying in England, one in Taunton in college and the other in Canterbury, she's doing a Masters," he told me.
"And when I saw what the English government was thinking about this problem, I decided to bring them back because I think that even if we are at the centre of the epidemic probably they are more secure here than in England, because I don't understand why the government didn't decide in time to protect their citizens."
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The vast majority of those dying here are in the high risk elderly group.
We bought one of the local papers and turned to the obituaries page. Usually it's barely a page. Now the obituaries fill over 10 pages of single photograph portraits. And that is every day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Italy: Obituaries show huge surge in virus deaths
Getting some sun having ventured out for the first time in days, I met a couple both aged 73, Serena and Michele. They never leave each other and they meet no-one.
They told me to step away as I approached, but were prepared to tell me of their fears. I asked if they were scared.
"Still now," said Serena.
"Because we are in a place where the infection and deaths are increasing at the moment."
Michele added: "We are trying not to panic."
We asked them for a still photograph. Standing a metre apart they posed for us.
"It is so odd not being able to touch my husband," Serena said smiling.
The number of dead here continues to rise. The authorities do not believe they have reached the peak yet.
At the city cemetery, times are strictly allocated for the funerals of loved ones to take place. There is a huge backlog.
We watched as a family gathered, most in masks, waiting to be allowed inside. They walked behind a hearse into the burial gardens watched on by staff all in masks and wearing gloves. They are allowed to break the curfew to pay their last respects.
I couldn't help but think that this is a family and a funeral we know nothing about. But many of us will likely experience what they are going through as well, and very soon.


news--2020-03-22--Children stick rainbow drawings in their windows to boost morale during coronavirus crisis

Children across the country are placing rainbows in the windows of their houses to help keep others entertained during the coronavirus outbreak .
The youngsters have been asked to colour in templates of rainbows or draw their own and display them by their schools .
The rainbows are then used as a tool to entertain children as they go on their daily walks with their parents .
The movement has been dubbed `` The Rainbow Trail '' .
Donna Corcoran , 40 , from Coventry , praised the movement and said it was a real highlight for her sons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter , Pearl .
She told Sky News : `` It started with one of the reception teachers at my kid 's school .
She sent home a template with every child in our school so all them have been playing rainbow I-Spy with their parents on their walks .
`` There 's 450 children in our school .
I know from our class WhatsApp groups everyone 's been trying to get involved and I think it 's been quite a popular incentive . ''
She added : `` I think it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do to make the children still be in touch with their classmates and anything that we can do to show them is really important .
`` We show them the Twitter feed and then our PTA page for our school and also point them out on their walks . ''
Deputy City Mayor for Leicester , Adam Clarke , has also placed two rainbows in his front window for the children in his ward .
They were created by his daughters Amelie , 17 , and Isobel , 11 .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a parent posted about it on social media .
I thought it was a fantastic idea to spread rainbows rather than the virus , and spread a little happiness in our community .
`` Wellbeing is important at all times but I think at the moment we really have to look out for one another 's wellbeing .
A city like Leicester is really good at pulling together and we 're really good at looking out for each other in normal times , so now we 're trying to look for ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages from the right authorities and stick to them . ''
The UK 's coronavirus death toll has risen further as Boris Johnson urged people not to visit family on Mother 's Day , and for those at highest risk to stay at home for at least 12 weeks .
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said people need to realise it `` is n't a game '' , after reports of crowds flocking to seaside resorts at the weekend .
He told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme : `` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' People need to follow that ( medical ) advice .
If people do n't follow that advice then clearly we 'll have to consider other options , but none of us want to go down that route . ''
Mr Jenrick said people can still go out for walks and take exercise , but they should stay away from others .

Children across the country are placing rainbows in the windows of their houses to help keep others entertained during the coronavirus outbreak.
The youngsters have been asked to colour in templates of rainbows or draw their own and display them by their schools.
The rainbows are then used as a tool to entertain children as they go on their daily walks with their parents.
The movement has been dubbed "The Rainbow Trail".
Image: Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor for Leicester, has displayed two rainbows in his window
Donna Corcoran, 40, from Coventry, praised the movement and said it was a real highlight for her sons, seven-year-old Rourke, six-year-old Quinn and two-year-old daughter, Pearl.
She told Sky News: "It started with one of the reception teachers at my kid's school. She sent home a template with every child in our school so all them have been playing rainbow I-Spy with their parents on their walks.
"There's 450 children in our school. I know from our class WhatsApp groups everyone's been trying to get involved and I think it's been quite a popular incentive."
She added: "I think it's really cute. Anything that we can do to make the children still be in touch with their classmates and anything that we can do to show them is really important.
"We show them the Twitter feed and then our PTA page for our school and also point them out on their walks."
Advertisement
Deputy City Mayor for Leicester, Adam Clarke, has also placed two rainbows in his front window for the children in his ward.
They were created by his daughters Amelie, 17, and Isobel, 11.
He said: "I first became aware of it after a parent posted about it on social media. I thought it was a fantastic idea to spread rainbows rather than the virus, and spread a little happiness in our community.
"Wellbeing is important at all times but I think at the moment we really have to look out for one another's wellbeing. A city like Leicester is really good at pulling together and we're really good at looking out for each other in normal times, so now we're trying to look for ways to keep ourselves positive, recognise the messages from the right authorities and stick to them."
The UK's coronavirus death toll has risen further as Boris Johnson urged people not to visit family on Mother's Day, and for those at highest risk to stay at home for at least 12 weeks.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said people need to realise it "isn't a game", after reports of crowds flocking to seaside resorts at the weekend.
He told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme: "It is very serious.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"People need to follow that (medical) advice. If people don't follow that advice then clearly we'll have to consider other options, but none of us want to go down that route."
Mr Jenrick said people can still go out for walks and take exercise, but they should stay away from others.


news--2020-04-03--Coronavirus support charities receive £5m funding boost

A further £5m of funding will be distributed to frontline charities helping those most impacted by the coronavirus outbreak , the National Emergencies Trust has announced .
Around half of the £16m total pledged to the Coronavirus Appeal so far has already been given out ( £7.5m in total ) .
The National Emergencies Trust ( NET ) was set up last year to coordinate disaster fundraising in the UK .
But so soon after its inception , it is now helping to deal with the economic and social impact of the devastating coronavirus .
One of the organisations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lincolnshire which has seen a 300 % increase in demand for food and hygiene parcels .
The group has also stepped in to help combat child poverty , by providing food for those children no longer receiving free school meals and are now also distributing hot meals for vulnerable people currently in isolation .
Sue Fortune , joint CEO of the Lincolnshire Community Foundation , said : `` It 's hugely important for people to donate to this appeal where they are able to .
`` The fund will be distributed by local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enable charities to make sure people stay safe , connected and healthy during this pandemic . ''
The chair of the NET , Lord Richard Dannatt , said : `` We would like to raise as much as possible because the needs will be huge .
`` In many ways we would like this spirit of British helpfulness to become a virus - if you like - that 's more contagious than coronavirus itself . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duke of Cambridge who said : `` Now more than ever I 'm glad the National Emergencies Trust exists .
`` It will ensure that support reaches those across the UK who need it most as quickly and efficiently as possible . ''

A further £5m of funding will be distributed to frontline charities helping those most impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, the National Emergencies Trust has announced.
Around half of the £16m total pledged to the Coronavirus Appeal so far has already been given out (£7.5m in total).
The National Emergencies Trust (NET) was set up last year to coordinate disaster fundraising in the UK.
But so soon after its inception, it is now helping to deal with the economic and social impact of the devastating coronavirus.
One of the organisations to benefit is the Horncastle Food Bank in Lincolnshire which has seen a 300% increase in demand for food and hygiene parcels.
Image: The funds are being distributed to local community foundations
The group has also stepped in to help combat child poverty, by providing food for those children no longer receiving free school meals and are now also distributing hot meals for vulnerable people currently in isolation.
Sue Fortune, joint CEO of the Lincolnshire Community Foundation, said: "It's hugely important for people to donate to this appeal where they are able to.
"The fund will be distributed by local community foundations like the one in Lincolnshire to enable charities to make sure people stay safe, connected and healthy during this pandemic."
The chair of the NET, Lord Richard Dannatt, said: "We would like to raise as much as possible because the needs will be huge.
Advertisement
"In many ways we would like this spirit of British helpfulness to become a virus - if you like - that's more contagious than coronavirus itself."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The NET is supported by the Duke of Cambridge who said: "Now more than ever I'm glad the National Emergencies Trust exists.
"It will ensure that support reaches those across the UK who need it most as quickly and efficiently as possible."