news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: How the outbreak is being dealt with around the world

The measures countries around the world are taking to deal with coronavirus varies significantly - often , in a way that has no relation to how badly they are affected .
Here Sky News takes a look at the processes being adopted by some of the countries affected by the outbreak : The Canary Islands was the first place in Europe outside of Italy to see confirmed cases , which resulted in a hotel block of 1,000 people being locked down .
As coronavirus cases spread rapidly , Spain has begun to take similar action to that which Italy took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , in a bid to stem the spread .
For example , Champions League football matches have been played behind closed doors .
There are reports of restaurants and cafeterias being closed in Madrid , where Spanish authorities ordered all schools , nurseries and universities to be shut on Monday .
Schools were also closed in the Basque capital Vitoria and wine growing region La Rioja for two weeks , where some of the worst clusters were centred .
Catalonia has also imposed limits on public events .
All gatherings involving more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all sports events will be held without crowds .
Extra measures have been taken to contain the outbreak in Haro , a La Rioja town of 11,000 residents , which has been hit particularly badly .
Regional authorities warned that breaking a quarantine imposed around the town would be punishable by fines of £2,500-£500,000 .
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said an emergency economic plan had been prepared , so the situation may worsen , but airlines are yet to cut flights .
Israel is requiring anyone arriving from 17 overseas countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-quarantine for 14 days as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus , on entry to Israel .
But anyone , from any foreign country , who is unable to prove they can undergo home quarantine will be denied entry .
Travellers in the country who are unable to prove they can enter home quarantine have 72 hours to leave .
The decision will be reviewed after 14 days .
Several airlines have since cancelled flights .
Israel , which is usually flooded with tourists in the Easter and Passover holiday periods , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 5,000 people , banned people who have travelled internationally from joining gatherings of more than 100 people , banned its healthcare staff from leaving the country for the foreseeable future , and told anyone who has been to a conference overseas anywhere to self-isolate .
Israel is preparing to be flexible , however .
Orders for visitors arriving in Israel to self-isolate for two weeks could be eased if the coronavirus outbreak begins to spread locally en masse , one of the country 's epidemic management team said on Tuesday .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that all nurseries and schools would shut for two weeks in France 's two most affected regions : Oise , just north of Paris , and Haut-Rhin along the German border .
Authorities have issued a ban on all gatherings except those `` essential to social and democratic life '' in those areas , and the most fragile people are advised to stay home .
Health Minister Olivier Veran says people across the whole French territory are advised not to visit the elderly .
Disneyland Paris says a male backstage cast member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the park will remain open for now .
Madonna cancelled shows in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday , after France on Sunday banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people .
The new restrictions on large events expanded on measures previously announced in coronavirus hotspots to apply nationwide , health minister Mr Veran said .
There are reports that tourism numbers are collapsing .
The coronavirus outbreak started in China .
It took authorities some time to recognise the scale of the problem .
As a result , the disease spread quickly before action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese government has clamped down .
The epicentre , Hubei province , has been virtually cut off and measures have been brought in to quarantine anyone coming into contact with those who test positive .
The measures appear to have worked - at least , at this stage .
Hubei province said on Tuesday it would implement a `` health code '' system to allow people in areas at a medium or low risk of contracting coronavirus to start travelling again .
Chinese authorities are now more concerned about people re-introducing the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the risks from foreigners and Chinese nationals travelling to China from viral hot spots abroad such as Iran and Italy .
One case in Beijing on Monday was due to a traveller from Britain ; five on Wednesday had come in from Italy and one from the US .
Significant travel restrictions have been imposed in China as it deals with the epidemic .
Travel between provinces in China is subject to restrictions , with different provinces adopting different approaches .
For example , Beijing requires those travelling to the municipality from another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Within cities , there are some restrictions on public transport and road closures .
Train services are operating at reduced levels and railway stations are conducting temperature checks of incoming passengers .
Scores of flights have been cancelled , but , if you can get in , there is extensive screening of arrivals in some airports , including Shanghai , with reports that getting through the checks can take many hours .
Italy is the European country hit hardest by coronavirus .
After outbreaks in a few clusters in the north , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM Guiseppe Conte moved to lock down the whole country , a day after he imposed a barricade on some northern regions .
People can only move from area to area or enter the country if they have special permission , although reports vary as to how effectively that is being policed .
People at railway stations are being required to sign forms certifying the necessity of their travel and ski lifts have closed .
Borders are also affected .
Austria unilaterally broke with EU rules of free movement of people on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy , and Slovenia followed suit , but there are reports that small amounts of traffic are still flowing into Italy .
So far , airports remain open but BA , Ryanair and Norwegian Air have cancelled all flights to Italy and EasyJet has cut back , after the UK government changed its travel advice advising against all but essential travel to the country .
Further restrictions are possible in some areas .
Lombardy Regional governor Atilio Fontana said on Tuesday that mayors of 12 provincial capitals agreed to request orders that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transportation , in order to slow the virus , after fresh data showed the COVID-19 continues to spread .
Mr Fontana said stricter measures to limit travel and public events `` are justified by the fact that on the one hand , contagion is growing , and by the fact that the ( original ) red zone where they observed the most rigid measures , the trend is reversing '' .
After a slow start , the US is slowly waking up to the need to take action to stem the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday they should assess their personal circumstances when deciding whether to cancel travel plans or avoid public gatherings .
Anthony Fauci , head of infectious diseases at the National Institutes of Health , and other health officials say older Americans , especially those with chronic medical concerns , should avoid big social gatherings , cruise ships and airline flights .
The US has banned foreign nationals who have been to China and Iran in the previous 14 days , but is yet to take action against people from other countries .
US federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit their travel and some politicians are self-isolating , but most administration in the country occurs at the state level .
In Florida , state health officials said everyone returning from China , Iran , South Korea and Italy must isolate for 14 days while travellers from other countries affected by the outbreak should monitor their health , but the response is varying from state to state .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said schools would close and public gatherings be suspended in New Rochelle , a New York City suburb , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard troops were deployed .
At least 35 US states and the District of Columbia have reported cases to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , but , again , action to deal with outbreaks is varying .
In Washington State , where one of the worst local outbreaks has occurred , staff at a care home where more than two dozen residents have died who suspect they are infected have been told they will have to organise tests themselves .
Many commentators have said the US is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an epidemic as its healthcare system is so decentralised and relies on many having private medical insurance .
Donald Trump has been accused of failing to grasp the need to act but has since set up a `` coronavirus team '' .
In response to claims tougher border control would limit the spread of the virus , Mr Trump tweeted on Tuesday : `` We need the Wall more than ever ! ''
So far , Germany has reported far fewer cases than other large European countries Experts have said this is because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has meant Germany has been able to diagnose a much larger proportion of those who have been infected , including younger patients who are less likely to develop serious complications .
That has given Germany a greater ability to contain the virus , and more time to prepare , they say .
Until Tuesday , there were no deaths at all .
It has been suggested that the Germany healthcare system - which has nearly 30 critical care beds per 100,000 people , compared to 6.6 in the UK , has also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate .
The government has focused on helping businesses - many of which are exporters - cope with the downturn in demand , rather than impose controls .
Parties in Chancellor Angela Merkel 's governing coalition have agreed to make it easier for companies to claim subsidies to support workers on reduced working hours until the end of the year .
Officials have also said closing borders is ineffectual .
But they have not ruled out tougher action .
Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that up to 70 % of the country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
South Korea has been one of the worst affected countries in the world so far , after an early outbreak spread rapidly .
The government responded by setting up `` special care zones '' in three of the worst affected cities .
The UK government has since advised against all travel to those cities - Daegu , Cheongdo and Gyeongsan .
Because of the outbreak , the number of flights into and out of South Korea has been reduced , and other countries have imposed entry restrictions on anyone who has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meanwhile , has imposed restrictions on people who have been to China in the last 14 days .
While the South 's government issued the designation , they did not impose the same type of restrictions on movement that the Italian government imposed .
Daegu 's mayor described the situation - which saw military nurses pulled in to help with thousands of patients needing treatment - as being `` like a war '' .
But there are signs the situation is improving .
South Korea reported 165 new cases on Tuesday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Despite this , the country remains guarded , with new clusters of infections emerging from a call centre and a dance class in Seoul on Tuesday .
President Moon Jae-in said South Korea could enter the `` phase of stability '' soon .
A significant amount of attention has been paid to cruises after a move by the Japanese authorities to quarantine the Diamond Princess was blamed for spreading and potentially incubating the virus on the ship , making it worse .
A total of 696 people were infected on the vessel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not get off , but were not forcibly restricted from leaving their cabins .
Since then , several other ships have become affected , including the Grand Princess , which was prevented from docking in San Francisco after cases were found on board , and another was held outside the southern French port of Marseille after two people tested positive .
Singapore said on Tuesday it would allow cruise ship Costa Fortuna to dock after it was turned away from ports in Malaysia and Thailand .
Scores of passengers and crew aboard a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being held under quarantine on Wednesday after a British passenger tested positive for coronavirus .
On Sunday , the Cruise Lines International Association issued a series of guidelines for their members , placing restrictions on ships , with the aim of protecting crew members and their passengers .
They included denying anyone travelling from , visiting , or transiting though South Korea , Iran , China - including Hong Kong and Macau , and Italy the right to board , mandatory screening for everyone boarding , and other measures .
The US Centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , advising many people who might normally consider cruising to reconsider .
Despite being a neighbour of Iran , one of the countries that has been hardest hit by coronavirus so far , the Emirates have yet to take stringent measures , unlike its neighbours .
Around the Emirates , Israel , Saudi Arabia , Qatar and Iran have all placed heavy restrictions on who can enter the country .
But the UAE is a major international hub as well as a major draw for visitors in its own right - with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on people who come to stay .
So far , the extent of the restrictions is screening imposed by local authorities , and the closures of all schools for four weeks .
A number of events have also been cancelled .
Emaar , one of the biggest hotel groups in the tourist centre Dubai , is the only one to have so far taken action .
It said on Monday it would stop taking bookings for more than five months .
Vietnam on Monday suspended visa-free travel from eight European countries : Denmark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Kingdom , Germany , France and Spain .
This effectively prevented anyone from those countries from travelling there in the next few weeks , as generally , visas take several days to arrange .
Airlines have also suspended flights to the more seriously affected countries of China and South Korea .
It has resulted in companies involved in the travel business laying off workers and putting others on enforced unpaid leave .
Vietnam claimed 16 who were previously infected with coronavirus recovered , ridding the country of the virus .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures were on the rise again after the virus was reintroduced by a carrier on a flight from the UK .
Since then , the UK Foreign Office says Vietnamese authorities have announced travel restrictions and quarantine requirements .
British couple Glenys and Eric Holmes have told Sky News they arrived in Vietnam on 1 March for a holiday on a flight unknowingly carrying passengers who had tested positive for coronavirus , and have been hit by strict controls imposed by Vietnam .
Since arriving , they have been quarantined in a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to translators .
Even though it has reported fewer cases than most western European countries , Russia has ramped up screening measures for visitors .
The mayor of Moscow issued a decree putting in place special measures for people travelling from the worst hit countries around the world , which included several in Europe .
Although the UK was not official named , there were media reports saying it would be included , but so far , the UK embassy in Moscow it understands the measures were not being applied to Britons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told they would have to self-isolate for 14 days , and visitors may be forced into quarantine if they do not comply .
Moscow 's government banned public gatherings of more than 5,000 people until 10 April and officials recommended on Tuesday that people avoid public transport , shopping malls and other public places at rush hour .
On Tuesday , president Vladimir Putin vowed the health crisis would not destabilise the country .

The measures countries around the world are taking to deal with coronavirus varies significantly - often, in a way that has no relation to how badly they are affected.
Here Sky News takes a look at the processes being adopted by some of the countries affected by the outbreak:
Spain
Number of UK visitors: 19 million
Image: The skyline in Toledo, Spain
The Canary Islands was the first place in Europe outside of Italy to see confirmed cases, which resulted in a hotel block of 1,000 people being locked down.
As coronavirus cases spread rapidly, Spain has begun to take similar action to that which Italy took before the full lock down on Monday night, in a bid to stem the spread. For example, Champions League football matches have been played behind closed doors.
There are reports of restaurants and cafeterias being closed in Madrid, where Spanish authorities ordered all schools, nurseries and universities to be shut on Monday. Schools were also closed in the Basque capital Vitoria and wine growing region La Rioja for two weeks, where some of the worst clusters were centred.
Catalonia has also imposed limits on public events. All gatherings involving more than 1,000 people are to be
suspended and all sports events will be held without crowds.
Extra measures have been taken to contain the outbreak in Haro, a La Rioja town of 11,000 residents, which has been hit particularly badly. Regional authorities warned that breaking a quarantine imposed around the town would be punishable by fines of £2,500-£500,000.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said an emergency economic plan had been prepared, so the situation may worsen, but airlines are yet to cut flights.
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Israel
Number of UK visitors: 235,000
Image: Jerusalem's wailing wall, looking towards the Temple Mount
Israel is requiring anyone arriving from 17 overseas countries, excluding the UK at present, to self-quarantine for 14 days as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, on entry to Israel.
But anyone, from any foreign country, who is unable to prove they can undergo home quarantine will be denied entry.
Travellers in the country who are unable to prove they can enter home quarantine have 72 hours to leave.
The decision will be reviewed after 14 days.
Several airlines have since cancelled flights.
Israel, which is usually flooded with tourists in the Easter and Passover holiday periods, has also banned all gatherings of more than 5,000 people, banned people who have travelled internationally from joining gatherings of more than 100 people, banned its healthcare staff from leaving the country for the foreseeable future, and told anyone who has been to a conference overseas anywhere to self-isolate.
Israel is preparing to be flexible, however. Orders for visitors arriving in Israel to self-isolate for two weeks could be eased if the coronavirus outbreak begins to spread locally en masse, one of the country's epidemic management team said on Tuesday.
France
Number of UK visitors: 17 million
Image: The Eiffel Tower in Paris
On Friday, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced that all nurseries and schools would shut for two weeks in France's two most affected regions: Oise, just north of Paris, and Haut-Rhin along the German border.
Authorities have issued a ban on all gatherings except those "essential to social and democratic life" in those areas, and the most fragile people are advised to stay home. Health Minister Olivier Veran says people across the whole French territory are advised not to visit the elderly.
Disneyland Paris says a male backstage cast member has tested positive for COVID-19 but that the park will remain open for now.
Madonna cancelled shows in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday, after France on Sunday banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
The new restrictions on large events expanded on measures previously announced in coronavirus hotspots to apply nationwide, health minister Mr Veran said.
There are reports that tourism numbers are collapsing.
China
Number of UK visitors: 600,000
Image: The entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing
The coronavirus outbreak started in China. It took authorities some time to recognise the scale of the problem. As a result, the disease spread quickly before action was taken.
Since then, the Chinese government has clamped down. The epicentre, Hubei province, has been virtually cut off and measures have been brought in to quarantine anyone coming into contact with those who test positive.
The measures appear to have worked - at least, at this stage.
Hubei province said on Tuesday it would implement a "health code" system to allow people in areas at a medium or low risk of contracting coronavirus to start travelling again.
Chinese authorities are now more concerned about people re-introducing the virus.
They have ramped up warnings about the risks from foreigners and Chinese nationals travelling to China from viral hot spots abroad such as Iran and Italy.
One case in Beijing on Monday was due to a traveller from Britain; five on Wednesday had come in from Italy and one from the US.
Significant travel restrictions have been imposed in China as it deals with the epidemic.
Travel between provinces in China is subject to restrictions, with different provinces adopting different approaches. For example, Beijing requires those travelling to the municipality from another region to undergo 14 days of isolation. Within cities, there are some restrictions on public transport and road closures.
Train services are operating at reduced levels and railway stations are conducting temperature checks of incoming passengers.
Scores of flights have been cancelled, but, if you can get in, there is extensive screening of arrivals in some airports, including Shanghai, with reports that getting through the checks can take many hours.
Italy
Number of UK visitors: 3 million
Image: Il Duomo in Milan
Italy is the European country hit hardest by coronavirus.
After outbreaks in a few clusters in the north, it has spread rapidly so that Italian PM Guiseppe Conte moved to lock down the whole country, a day after he imposed a barricade on some northern regions.
People can only move from area to area or enter the country if they have special permission, although reports vary as to how effectively that is being policed.
People at railway stations are being required to sign forms certifying the necessity of their travel and ski lifts have closed.
Borders are also affected. Austria unilaterally broke with EU rules of free movement of people on Tuesday by denying entry to people arriving from Italy, and Slovenia followed suit, but there are reports that small amounts of traffic are still flowing into Italy.
So far, airports remain open but BA, Ryanair and Norwegian Air have cancelled all flights to Italy and EasyJet has cut back, after the UK government changed its travel advice advising against all but essential travel to the country.
Further restrictions are possible in some areas. Lombardy Regional governor Atilio Fontana said on Tuesday that mayors of 12 provincial capitals agreed to request orders that would close non-essential stores and shut down local public transportation, in order to slow the virus, after fresh data showed the COVID-19 continues to spread.
Mr Fontana said stricter measures to limit travel and public events "are justified by the fact that on the one hand, contagion is growing, and by the fact that the (original) red zone where they observed the most rigid measures, the trend is reversing".
USA
Number of UK visitors: 3.8 million
Image: The Statue of Liberty at the entrance to New York City harbour
After a slow start, the US is slowly waking up to the need to take action to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Americans were told on Tuesday they should assess their personal circumstances when deciding whether to cancel travel plans or avoid public gatherings.
Anthony Fauci, head of infectious diseases at the National Institutes of Health, and other health officials say older Americans, especially those with chronic medical concerns, should avoid big social gatherings, cruise ships and airline flights.
The US has banned foreign nationals who have been to China and Iran in the previous 14 days, but is yet to take action against people from other countries.
US federal agencies have told their staff they should limit their travel and some politicians are self-isolating, but most administration in the country occurs at the state level.
In Florida, state health officials said everyone returning from China, Iran, South Korea and Italy must isolate for 14 days while travellers from other countries affected by the outbreak should monitor their health, but the response is varying from state to state.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said schools would close and public gatherings be suspended in New Rochelle, a New York City suburb, where a cluster had broken out. National Guard troops were deployed.
At least 35 US states and the District of Columbia have reported cases to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but, again, action to deal with outbreaks is varying.
In Washington State, where one of the worst local outbreaks has occurred, staff at a care home where more than two dozen residents have died who suspect they are infected have been told they will have to organise tests themselves.
Many commentators have said the US is underprepared for the outbreak to turn into an epidemic as its healthcare system is so decentralised and relies on many having private medical insurance.
Donald Trump has been accused of failing to grasp the need to act but has since set up a "coronavirus team". In response to claims tougher border control would limit the spread of the virus, Mr Trump tweeted on Tuesday: "We need the Wall more than ever!"
Germany
Number of UK visitors: 2 million
Image: Berlin's Brandenburg Gate
So far, Germany has reported far fewer cases than other large European countries
Experts have said this is because of a system of rapid testing which has meant Germany has been able to diagnose a much larger proportion of those who have been infected, including younger patients who are less likely to develop serious complications.
That has given Germany a greater ability to contain the virus, and more time to prepare, they say.
Until Tuesday, there were no deaths at all. It has been suggested that the Germany healthcare system - which has nearly 30 critical care beds per 100,000 people, compared to 6.6 in the UK, has also have been a factor in the low death rate.
The government has focused on helping businesses - many of which are exporters - cope with the downturn in demand, rather than impose controls.
Parties in Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition have agreed to make it easier for companies to claim subsidies to support workers on reduced working hours until the end of the year. Officials have also said closing borders is ineffectual.
But they have not ruled out tougher action.
Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that up to 70% of the country's population could become infected with the virus.
South Korea
Number of UK visitors: 140,000
Image: The back streets of Seoul
South Korea has been one of the worst affected countries in the world so far, after an early outbreak spread rapidly.
The government responded by setting up "special care zones" in three of the worst affected cities. The UK government has since advised against all travel to those cities - Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan.
Because of the outbreak, the number of flights into and out of South Korea has been reduced, and other countries have imposed entry restrictions on anyone who has been to South Korea. South Korea, meanwhile, has imposed restrictions on people who have been to China in the last 14 days.
While the South's government issued the designation, they did not impose the same type of restrictions on movement that the Italian government imposed.
Daegu's mayor described the situation - which saw military nurses pulled in to help with thousands of patients needing treatment - as being "like a war".
But there are signs the situation is improving.
South Korea reported 165 new cases on Tuesday, the lowest rate of increase in 11 days.
Despite this, the country remains guarded, with new clusters of infections emerging from a call centre and a dance class in Seoul on Tuesday.
President Moon Jae-in said South Korea could enter the "phase of stability" soon.
Cruises
Number of UK (and Ireland) visitors: 2 million
Image: The Diamond Princess at anchor in a harbour in Japan
A significant amount of attention has been paid to cruises after a move by the Japanese authorities to quarantine the Diamond Princess was blamed for spreading and potentially incubating the virus on the ship, making it worse.
A total of 696 people were infected on the vessel, after passengers were told they could not get off, but were not forcibly restricted from leaving their cabins.
Since then, several other ships have become affected, including the Grand Princess, which was prevented from docking in San Francisco after cases were found on board, and another was held outside the southern French port of Marseille after two people tested positive.
Singapore said on Tuesday it would allow cruise ship Costa Fortuna to dock after it was turned away from ports in Malaysia and Thailand.
Scores of passengers and crew aboard a river cruise boat in eastern Cambodia were being held under quarantine on Wednesday after a British passenger tested positive for coronavirus.
On Sunday, the Cruise Lines International Association issued a series of guidelines for their members, placing restrictions on ships, with the aim of protecting crew members and their passengers.
They included denying anyone travelling from, visiting, or transiting though South Korea, Iran, China - including Hong Kong and Macau, and Italy the right to board, mandatory screening for everyone boarding, and other measures.
The US Centers for Disease Control has also issued guidance, advising many people who might normally consider cruising to reconsider.
United Arab Emirates
Number of UK visitors: 1.5 million
Image: Aerial view of Dubai Palm Jumeirah island, United Arab Emirates
Despite being a neighbour of Iran, one of the countries that has been hardest hit by coronavirus so far, the Emirates have yet to take stringent measures, unlike its neighbours.
Around the Emirates, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran have all placed heavy restrictions on who can enter the country.
But the UAE is a major international hub as well as a major draw for visitors in its own right - with a large share of Dubai's income relying on people who come to stay.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:40 COVID-19 may spark global recession, says UN
So far, the extent of the restrictions is screening imposed by local authorities, and the closures of all schools for four weeks. A number of events have also been cancelled.
Emaar, one of the biggest hotel groups in the tourist centre Dubai, is the only one to have so far taken action. It said on Monday it would stop taking bookings for more than five months.
Vietnam
Number of UK visitors: 300,000
Image: A street vendor transporting goods in baskets in Hanoi's Old Quarter
Vietnam on Monday suspended visa-free travel from eight European countries: Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain. This effectively prevented anyone from those countries from travelling there in the next few weeks, as generally, visas take several days to arrange.
Airlines have also suspended flights to the more seriously affected countries of China and South Korea.
It has resulted in companies involved in the travel business laying off workers and putting others on enforced unpaid leave.
Vietnam claimed 16 who were previously infected with coronavirus recovered, ridding the country of the virus. But, it went on to claim that figures were on the rise again after the virus was reintroduced by a carrier on a flight from the UK.
Since then, the UK Foreign Office says Vietnamese authorities have announced travel restrictions and quarantine requirements.
British couple Glenys and Eric Holmes have told Sky News they arrived in Vietnam on 1 March for a holiday on a flight unknowingly carrying passengers who had tested positive for coronavirus, and have been hit by strict controls imposed by Vietnam.
Since arriving, they have been quarantined in a "dirty, unhygienic hospital" without access to translators.
Russia
Number of UK visitors: 177,000
Image: Moscow's Kremlin and St Basil's Cathedral
Even though it has reported fewer cases than most western European countries, Russia has ramped up screening measures for visitors.
The mayor of Moscow issued a decree putting in place special measures for people travelling from the worst hit countries around the world, which included several in Europe.
Although the UK was not official named, there were media reports saying it would be included, but so far, the UK embassy in Moscow it understands the measures were not being applied to Britons.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 China battles to boost its battered economy
Anyone arriving from the listed countries was told they would have to self-isolate for 14 days, and visitors may be forced into quarantine if they do not comply.
Moscow's government banned public gatherings of more than 5,000 people until 10 April and officials recommended on Tuesday that people avoid public transport, shopping malls and other public places at rush hour.
On Tuesday, president Vladimir Putin vowed the health crisis would not destabilise the country.


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: Bed advert banned for causing offence over coronavirus

An advert for a bed company has been banned for causing offence over the coronavirus .
The cartoon image used to promote Vic Smith Beds featured an upright mattress with a face mask and a Union Flag , alongside the text : `` British Build Beds Proudly Made In The UK .
No Nasty Imports . ''
It was published in the Enfield and Haringey Independent newspaper on 12 February .
Two readers complained , claiming it was likely to cause serious and widespread offence by linking concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak to nationality and/or race .
Vic Smith Bedding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said it had `` run the ad past its multi-cultural workforce '' , and that no issues had been raised .
It added that it was intended to refer to mould spores that can develop when products are imported , and the chemical smells from damp rolled mattresses .
The company said its intention was not to cause offence or be racist , and that it did not believe it had been .
But the Advertising Standards Authority ( ASA ) disagreed and upheld the complaint , saying the ad breached its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offence ) , and ordered that it must not be published again .
The ruling said : `` News outlets had also reported some groups being physically and verbally targeted because of their nationality and/or race in relation to fears about coronavirus . ''
The ASA also said that `` in particular , a number of Asian people '' had reported being targeted `` as a result of wearing face masks '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The watchdog noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and the image of the Union Flag showed the advertiser 's intention was to draw attention to the fact that its beds were made in the UK .
But it added : `` However , we also considered that the phrase 'No Nasty Imports ' , in combination with the image of the surgical mask , was likely to be taken as a reference to the coronavirus outbreak .
`` We considered that in combination with the image , the reference to 'nasty imports ' was likely to be read as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in particular as associating immigrants with disease . ''

An advert for a bed company has been banned for causing offence over the coronavirus.
The cartoon image used to promote Vic Smith Beds featured an upright mattress with a face mask and a Union Flag, alongside the text: "British Build Beds Proudly Made In The UK. No Nasty Imports."
It was published in the Enfield and Haringey Independent newspaper on 12 February.
Two readers complained, claiming it was likely to cause serious and widespread offence by linking concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak to nationality and/or race.
Vic Smith Bedding Ltd, trading as Vic Smith Beds, said it had "run the ad past its multi-cultural workforce", and that no issues had been raised.
It added that it was intended to refer to mould spores that can develop when products are imported, and the chemical smells from damp rolled mattresses.
The company said its intention was not to cause offence or be racist, and that it did not believe it had been.
But the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) disagreed and upheld the complaint, saying the ad breached its code under rule 4.1 (harm and offence), and ordered that it must not be published again.
The ruling said: "News outlets had also reported some groups being physically and verbally targeted because of their nationality and/or race in relation to fears about coronavirus."
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The ASA also said that "in particular, a number of Asian people" had reported being targeted "as a result of wearing face masks".
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The watchdog noted that the reference to "British build" and the image of the Union Flag showed the advertiser's intention was to draw attention to the fact that its beds were made in the UK.
But it added: "However, we also considered that the phrase 'No Nasty Imports', in combination with the image of the surgical mask, was likely to be taken as a reference to the coronavirus outbreak.
"We considered that in combination with the image, the reference to 'nasty imports' was likely to be read as a negative reference to immigration or race, and in particular as associating immigrants with disease."


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: Gomorrah actor and family trapped at home with infected body

The brother of an Italian woman who reportedly died of COVID-19 said he had been forced to keep her body in the house for more than 24 hours because he got no help from authorities .
Luca Franzese , a gym instructor and actor who has appeared in the mob series Gomorrah , said his sister Teresa had died at home in Naples on Saturday and that she had been diagnosed with COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
He made a series of Facebook videos , including one with his sister 's body visible in the background , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abandoned by the country .
`` My sister died yesterday , probably because of the virus , and I 've been waiting for answers since last night , '' he said .
`` Guys , we are ruined .
Italy has abandoned us '' .
In another video posted on Wednesday , Mr Franzese said three more members of his family had tested positive for coronavirus .
`` The nightmare goes on '' , he said .
Italy is in lockdown as the country is gripped by the worst coronavirus outbreak outside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Mass , funerals and other ceremonies .
Teresa Franzese , 47 , had suffered from epilepsy .
According to her brother , she was tested for the virus only at his request , and was positive .
Now all the family is in self-isolation .
However , another report in Italy , by the news website Open , said a local politician had been in touch about the case since 8 March , when the original video was posted , trying to find a funeral home for the body .
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Another local politician , Francesco Emilio Borrelli , praised Mr Franzese and his family for self-isolating .
`` They are an example of civility and selflessness .
The neighbourhood has not abandoned them , but is supporting them , '' he said , urging garbage collectors to remove rubbish that has been piling in the home .
The case highlights the challenges facing Italy amid the lockdown .
Mr Borrelli told Al Jazeera that it was the first reported case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - leading to confusion as to which procedure to use .
After the video went viral , workers from funeral home went to collect the body , according to the report .
She was buried with no family present .
Italy has had over 10,000 cases of coronavirus , with over 600 deaths .

The brother of an Italian woman who reportedly died of COVID-19 said he had been forced to keep her body in the house for more than 24 hours because he got no help from authorities.
Luca Franzese, a gym instructor and actor who has appeared in the mob series Gomorrah, said his sister Teresa had died at home in Naples on Saturday and that she had been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
He made a series of Facebook videos, including one with his sister's body visible in the background, in which he claimed he had been abandoned by the country.
"My sister died yesterday, probably because of the virus, and I've been waiting for answers since last night," he said.
"Guys, we are ruined. Italy has abandoned us".
In another video posted on Wednesday, Mr Franzese said three more members of his family had tested positive for coronavirus.
"The nightmare goes on", he said.
Italy is in lockdown as the country is gripped by the worst coronavirus outbreak outside of China.
All gatherings have been banned, including Mass, funerals and other ceremonies.
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Teresa Franzese, 47, had suffered from epilepsy. According to her brother, she was tested for the virus only at his request, and was positive.
Now all the family is in self-isolation.
However, another report in Italy, by the news website Open, said a local politician had been in touch about the case since 8 March, when the original video was posted, trying to find a funeral home for the body.
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 with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Another local politician, Francesco Emilio Borrelli, praised Mr Franzese and his family for self-isolating.
"They are an example of civility and selflessness. The neighbourhood has not abandoned them, but is supporting them," he said, urging garbage collectors to remove rubbish that has been piling in the home.
The case highlights the challenges facing Italy amid the lockdown.
Mr Borrelli told Al Jazeera that it was the first reported case of somebody with coronavirus dying at home - leading to confusion as to which procedure to use.
After the video went viral, workers from funeral home went to collect the body, according to the report. She was buried with no family present.
Italy has had over 10,000 cases of coronavirus, with over 600 deaths.
Sky News has contacted Mr Borrelli for comment.


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus could be most contagious before symptoms occur, study suggests

People who have contracted coronavirus are at their most contagious early after becoming infected and potentially before even displaying symptoms , according to a new study .
The research suggests why the coronavirus outbreak and its related disease COVID-19 have spread so quickly around the world since the first cases were detected in December , with now more than 119,000 confirmed cases globally and 4,290 deaths .
Scientists in Berlin and Munich conducted the study , which is still awaiting peer review , by analysing clinical data from patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and checking them with throat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology found that transmissions are likely being driven by the coronavirus ' high rate of viral shedding .
This refers to the process of the virus replicating itself and then spreading into other parts of the host 's body or the environment where they could continue the process , early on in infection .
The highest levels of virus were found in the throats of patients in the earliest stages of infection and before they feel unwell , which is when they are most likely to be walking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A range of samples were taken from patients , including sputum ( saliva and mucus ) , blood , urine and stool to see if it was possible to grow viruses from the resulting cultures - a strong indication of whether the patients were still contagious .
They found that viral shedding had typically stopped for most patients by day five of the infection in milder cases , although much of the spread would have taken place already by then .
In the most serious cases when patients had developed coronavirus-related pneumonia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viral shedding until day 11 .
But the researchers crucially found that with those who had only milder cases of coronavirus , they could not re-grow any virus cells from throat swabs of sputum specimens after the eighth day of the infection .
It takes five days for COVID-19 symptoms to show , according to a new major scientific study which measured how patients developed symptoms .
Scientists are warning that even if coronavirus transmissions dip as we head into the spring and summer , such a reduction should n't be mistaken for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they expect to peak next winter .
The researchers in Berlin and Munich noted that this method of coronavirus spreading is very different from SARS , in which the shedding only took place later after the virus had already infected the lungs .
Because the coronavirus shedding is taking place in the throat , it is proving much harder to contain .
Patients are shedding about 1,000 times more viral debris than they would have during the peak of the SARS outbreak , which in total resulted in 8,000 cases .
The researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @

People who have contracted coronavirus are at their most contagious early after becoming infected and potentially before even displaying symptoms, according to a new study.
The research suggests why the coronavirus outbreak and its related disease COVID-19 have spread so quickly around the world since the first cases were detected in December, with now more than 119,000 confirmed cases globally and 4,290 deaths.
Scientists in Berlin and Munich conducted the study, which is still awaiting peer review, by analysing clinical data from patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and checking them with throat swabs.
Research from the scientists at the Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology found that transmissions are likely being driven by the coronavirus' high rate of viral shedding.
This refers to the process of the virus replicating itself and then spreading into other parts of the host's body or the environment where they could continue the process, early on in infection.
The highest levels of virus were found in the throats of patients in the earliest stages of infection and before they feel unwell, which is when they are most likely to be walking about and coughing, spreading the virus.
A range of samples were taken from patients, including sputum (saliva and mucus), blood, urine and stool to see if it was possible to grow viruses from the resulting cultures - a strong indication of whether the patients were still contagious.
They found that viral shedding had typically stopped for most patients by day five of the infection in milder cases, although much of the spread would have taken place already by then.
In the most serious cases when patients had developed coronavirus-related pneumonia, they continued to display high levels of viral shedding until day 11.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:33 Coronavirus: How to protect yourself and others
But the researchers crucially found that with those who had only milder cases of coronavirus, they could not re-grow any virus cells from throat swabs of sputum specimens after the eighth day of the infection.
It takes five days for COVID-19 symptoms to show, according to a new major scientific study which measured how patients developed symptoms.
Scientists are warning that even if coronavirus transmissions dip as we head into the spring and summer, such a reduction shouldn't be mistaken for an end to the outbreak, which they expect to peak next winter.
The researchers in Berlin and Munich noted that this method of coronavirus spreading is very different from SARS, in which the shedding only took place later after the virus had already infected the lungs.
Because the coronavirus shedding is taking place in the throat, it is proving much harder to contain.
Patients are shedding about 1,000 times more viral debris than they would have during the peak of the SARS outbreak, which in total resulted in 8,000 cases.
The researchers suggest that early self-isolation is appropriate.


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus vs the flu: How they differ and why your winter jab won't help

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 , which is caused by the coronavirus , there has been some confusion as to what it is , how it is different to the flu and what the symptoms are for both .
Here , Sky News explains how they are both similar - yet very different .
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans , according to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) .
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes COVID-19 and on Wednesday , the WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new disease .
What is the flu ?
Influenza , most commonly known as the flu , is a viral infection affecting the lungs and airways , according to Public Health England ( PHE ) .
Both can result in fever , tiredness and a dry cough - although according to Johns Hopkins Medicine , some patients can also suffer with vomiting at times , diarrhoea , aching body , fatigue and pneumonia .
Patients with the flu can also suffer with a headache , muscle and joint pain , sore throat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO .
But with COVID-19 , symptoms can also include a shortness of breath .
Just like the flu , coronaviruses are respiratory diseases and both can be mild , severe and even cause death - and they can spread when an infected patient coughs or sneezes , spraying small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth , which may contain the virus .
Although it is currently unclear how long COVID-19 can survive on hard objects and surfaces , some experts have suggested its lifespan could be upwards of 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a public health risk because of the rate at which they change hands , picking up all manner of bacteria and viruses along the way .
Although the WHO says it is still learning about this new virus , it has said COVID-19 adversely affects elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions , such as high blood pressure , heart disease , lung disease , cancer or diabetes .
It has also warned those over 60 or with long-term illnesses , to try to avoid crowded places to cut the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous for pregnant women , under fives , over 65s , people with chronic medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS , asthma , heart and lung diseases and diabetes .
Neither can be treated with antibiotics , which only work on bacterial infections .
Both can be treated by addressing symptoms , such as reducing fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen , or keeping the body cool by taking tepid baths and using cold compresses .
In both COVID-19 and the flu , most people recover , but in severe cases , both can result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With the flu , antiviral medicines can be prescribed , but they are not a cure - they can only make the patient less infectious to others , and reduce the length of time you are ill. As this is a new virus , there is currently no vaccine available .
However , the WHO says is it co-ordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19 , and that possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are being tested through clinical trials .
The advice widely being given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap , or using hand sanitiser • Remain at least one metre ( 3ft ) away from someone who is coughing and sneezing • Avoid touching your face , as the virus can be enter the body thought the eyes , nose or mouth • Catch It , Bin It , Kill It - the UK government 's advice ( similar for flu ) for anyone who sneezes The WHO says the best way to avoid getting it , is to have the flu vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it will not protect against COVID-19 .
PHE has told Sky News that it is because the flu and COVID-19 are `` completely different viruses '' , and that the flu jab is `` tailored to the specific flu strain predicted to be most dominant that year '' .
Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the COVID-19 outbreak , reported on Wednesday afternoon that there were 121,564 suspected or confirmed cases worldwide , and 4,373 deaths - and that 66,239 people have recovered .
Worldwide , annual epidemics of flu result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe illness , and between 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths , according to the WHO .
On Wednesday , the UK had its biggest rise in cases after a further 83 tested positive for the disease in the last 24 hours Eight people have died in the UK Although the WHO says the true death rate for COVID-19 will take some time to fully understand , the current data it has so far , suggests the crude mortality ratio ( the number of reported deaths divided by the reported cases ) is between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortality rate ( the number of reported deaths divided by the number of infections ) will be lower .
For seasonal flu , it is usually well below 0.1 % , but a big factor is the quality of health care available for some patients ( in different parts of the world ) .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker There are also differences between the common cold and flu , which can be confusing .
Symptoms for both are very similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but flu can come on suddenly and be more severe , while a cold can appear gradually , according to the NHS .
With a cold , the nose is mainly affected - but with the flu , you can also suffer : The flu can also leave the patient feeling exhausted and too unwell to go to work or carry on their lives as normal , and they are also likely to spend several days in bed .
In severe cases , a patient can be admitted to hospital and die .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwell , but not too unwell to stay away from work or normal daily activities .
• The WHO declares the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic • NHS in England to `` ramp up '' testing facilities so 10,000 tests can be done each day • Manchester City 's game against Arsenal tonight is postponed and players are self-isolating • The Ivory Coast has confirmed its first case of the coronavirus • Hungary is to ban travel from Italy , South Korea , Iran and China • A man is pulled from the rubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three days after it collapsed • South Korea reports 242 new coronavirus cases , bringing the country 's total infections to 7,755 • UN weather agency chief says decreased energy use due to the coronavirus is improving air quality in China

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, which is caused by the coronavirus, there has been some confusion as to what it is, how it is different to the flu and what the symptoms are for both.
Image: COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus
Here, Sky News explains how they are both similar - yet very different.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes COVID-19 and on Wednesday, the WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic, which it defines as the worldwide spread of a new disease.
What is the flu?
Influenza, most commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection affecting the lungs and airways, according to Public Health England (PHE).
Symptoms
Both can result in fever, tiredness and a dry cough - although according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, some patients can also suffer with vomiting at times, diarrhoea, aching body, fatigue and pneumonia.
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Patients with the flu can also suffer with a headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and a runny nose, according to the WHO.
But with COVID-19, symptoms can also include a shortness of breath.
Transmission
Just like the flu, coronaviruses are respiratory diseases and both can be mild, severe and even cause death - and they can spread when an infected patient coughs or sneezes, spraying small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth, which may contain the virus.
Although it is currently unclear how long COVID-19 can survive on hard objects and surfaces, some experts have suggested its lifespan could be upwards of 24 hours.
The WHO recently warned banknotes may become a public health risk because of the rate at which they change hands, picking up all manner of bacteria and viruses along the way.
Risk groups
Image: Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk
COVID-19
Although the WHO says it is still learning about this new virus, it has said COVID-19 adversely affects elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes.
It has also warned those over 60 or with long-term illnesses, to try to avoid crowded places to cut the risk of catching coronavirus.
Flu
Influenza is more dangerous for pregnant women, under fives, over 65s, people with chronic medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, heart and lung diseases and diabetes.
Image: Eight people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK: File pic
Treatment
Neither can be treated with antibiotics, which only work on bacterial infections.
Both can be treated by addressing symptoms, such as reducing fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen, or keeping the body cool by taking tepid baths and using cold compresses.
In both COVID-19 and the flu, most people recover, but in severe cases, both can result in death from pneumonia and organ failure.
With the flu, antiviral medicines can be prescribed, but they are not a cure - they can only make the patient less infectious to others, and reduce the length of time you are ill.
Prevention
COVID-19
As this is a new virus, there is currently no vaccine available.
However, the WHO says is it co-ordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19, and that possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are being tested through clinical trials.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 Coronavirus: Chancellor pledges unlimited funding for NHS
The advice widely being given by health experts is:
Regularly wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap, or using hand sanitiser
Remain at least one metre (3ft) away from someone who is coughing and sneezing
Avoid touching your face, as the virus can be enter the body thought the eyes, nose or mouth
Catch It, Bin It, Kill It - the UK government's advice (similar for flu) for anyone who sneezes
Flu
The WHO says the best way to avoid getting it, is to have the flu vaccine each year, but Public Health England says it will not protect against COVID-19.
PHE has told Sky News that it is because the flu and COVID-19 are "completely different viruses", and that the flu jab is "tailored to the specific flu strain predicted to be most dominant that year".
Deaths
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 The coronavirus explained
Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the COVID-19 outbreak, reported on Wednesday afternoon that there were 121,564 suspected or confirmed cases worldwide, and 4,373 deaths - and that 66,239 people have recovered.
Worldwide, annual epidemics of flu result in up to five million cases of severe illness, and between 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths, according to the WHO.
On Wednesday, the UK had its biggest rise in cases after a further 83 tested positive for the disease in the last 24 hours
Eight people have died in the UK
Death rate
Although the WHO says the true death rate for COVID-19 will take some time to fully understand, the current data it has so far, suggests the crude mortality ratio (the number of reported deaths divided by the reported cases) is between 3-4%.
It says the infection mortality rate (the number of reported deaths divided by the number of infections) will be lower.
For seasonal flu, it is usually well below 0.1%, but a big factor is the quality of health care available for some patients (in different parts of the world).
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
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Common cold versus flu
There are also differences between the common cold and flu, which can be confusing.
Symptoms for both are very similar - including sore throat and headache - but flu can come on suddenly and be more severe, while a cold can appear gradually, according to the NHS.
With a cold, the nose is mainly affected - but with the flu, you can also suffer:
aching body
nausea
loss of appetite
difficulty sleeping
diarrhoea or stomach pains
The flu can also leave the patient feeling exhausted and too unwell to go to work or carry on their lives as normal, and they are also likely to spend several days in bed.
In severe cases, a patient can be admitted to hospital and die.
With a cold, you may feel unwell, but not too unwell to stay away from work or normal daily activities.
Other coronavirus developments include:


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: Two more people die in UK after testing positive for COVID-19

Two more people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus , bringing the total to eight .
A patient aged in their 70s , who had underlying health conditions , died in Dudley in the West Midlands after contracting COVID-19 , the prevalent strain of coronavirus .
And an elderly patient from Nuneaton , who was being treated for a number of serious underlying health conditions , lost their life at the George Eliot Hospital in Warwickshire .
It comes as the number of people with coronavirus in the UK has risen to 460 after a further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last 24 hours .
The figure is the biggest daily increase so far in coronavirus cases in the UK .
Diane Wake , chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust , said : `` The trust can confirm that a patient in their 70s being treated for underlying health conditions has died .
The patient had tested positive for COVID-19 . ''
Dr Catherine Free , medical director at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust , said : `` The trust can confirm that an elderly patient being treated for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died .
The patient had tested positive for COVID-19 . ''
Two British people have died after contracting the illness outside of the UK , with one of them dying in Indonesia and the other in Japan .
A drive-through coronavirus test site has opened in Wolverhampton to allow members of the public to check if they have the disease .
The NHS in England is set to `` ramp up '' facilities nationwide so 10,000 tests can be done on a daily basis .
The chancellor has told British people fearful of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through this together '' .
Rishi Sunak used his budget to unveil a £30bn stimulus for the UK as it prepares to be hit by the worldwide impact of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
This included a business rates holiday for some companies .
It came after health minister Nadine Dorries tested positive for the coronavirus and a member of her staff fell ill. Ms Dorries is self-isolating at home and has appealed to fellow MPs to get in touch if they have recently been in contact with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first MP in the UK to be diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Labour 's Rachael Maskell revealed she had been advised by the NHS 111 helpline to self-isolate following a meeting with Ms Dorries last Thursday , even though she is displaying no symptoms of COVID-19 .
She told Sky News she would continue her work as an MP by holding meetings over the phone , adding : `` This will become a norm over the coming weeks and days as we are seeing more people being diagnosed with coronavirus . ''
Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not need to be tested for COVID-19 , because he did not see Ms Dorries `` in the period she was ill '' .
He confirmed parliament will not close but admitted the Commons `` may have to function differently '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Hancock insisted MPs ' ability to create new laws to tackle the outbreak and scrutinise the government was `` vital '' .
`` Our democracy is the foundation of our way of life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staffers remain unhappy , with one telling Sky News that the general mood is of `` frustration '' and it `` does n't look like anyone is taking any leadership in the Commons '' .
Mr Hancock also revealed England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty told him it is `` highly likely that once people have got it and recovered then they 're going to be okay '' and not contract the virus again within a year .
Meanwhile , a study suggests people who have contracted the coronavirus are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and potentially before displaying symptoms .
Scientists in Berlin and Munich conducted the study , which is still awaiting peer review , by analysing clinical data from patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and checking them with throat swabs .

Two more people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total to eight.
A patient aged in their 70s, who had underlying health conditions, died in Dudley in the West Midlands after contracting COVID-19, the prevalent strain of coronavirus.
And an elderly patient from Nuneaton, who was being treated for a number of serious underlying health conditions, lost their life at the George Eliot Hospital in Warwickshire.
It comes as the number of people with coronavirus in the UK has risen to 460 after a further 87 tested positive for the disease in the last 24 hours.
The figure is the biggest daily increase so far in coronavirus cases in the UK.
Diane Wake, chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The trust can confirm that a patient in their 70s being treated for underlying health conditions has died. The patient had tested positive for COVID-19."
Dr Catherine Free, medical director at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, said: "The trust can confirm that an elderly patient being treated for a number of serious underlying health conditions has died. The patient had tested positive
for COVID-19."
Two British people have died after contracting the illness outside of the UK, with one of them dying in Indonesia and the other in Japan.
A drive-through coronavirus test site has opened in Wolverhampton to allow members of the public to check if they have the disease.
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The NHS in England is set to "ramp up" facilities nationwide so 10,000 tests can be done on a daily basis.
The chancellor has told British people fearful of the coronavirus that "we will get through this together".
Rishi Sunak used his budget to unveil a £30bn stimulus for the UK as it prepares to be hit by the worldwide impact of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
This included a business rates holiday for some companies. It came after health minister Nadine Dorries tested positive for the coronavirus and a member of her staff fell ill.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 Coronavirus: Chancellor pledges unlimited funding for NHS
Ms Dorries is self-isolating at home and has appealed to fellow MPs to get in touch if they have recently been in contact with her, Sky News understands.
She is the first MP in the UK to be diagnosed with COVID-19.
Image: Health minister Nadine Dorries has tested positive for the coronavirus and a member of her staff is ill
Labour's Rachael Maskell revealed she had been advised by the NHS 111 helpline to self-isolate following a meeting with Ms Dorries last Thursday, even though she is displaying no symptoms of COVID-19.
She told Sky News she would continue her work as an MP by holding meetings over the phone, adding: "This will become a norm over the coming weeks and days as we are seeing more people being diagnosed with coronavirus."
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he does not need to be tested for COVID-19, because he did not see Ms Dorries "in the period she was ill".
He confirmed parliament will not close but admitted the Commons "may have to function differently".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Hancock insisted MPs' ability to create new laws to tackle the outbreak and scrutinise the government was "vital".
"Our democracy is the foundation of our way of life," he said.
But some staffers remain unhappy, with one telling Sky News that the general mood is of "frustration" and it "doesn't look like anyone is taking any leadership in the Commons".
Mr Hancock also revealed England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty told him it is "highly likely that once people have got it and recovered then they're going to be okay" and not contract the virus again within a year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 'Thousands will be infected in UK'
Meanwhile, a study suggests people who have contracted the coronavirus are at their most contagious early after becoming infected and potentially before displaying symptoms.
Scientists in Berlin and Munich conducted the study, which is still awaiting peer review, by analysing clinical data from patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and checking them with throat swabs.


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus pandemic declared: COVID-19 cases outside China soar 13-fold in two weeks

The global coronavirus outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation which expressed increasing concern about the spread of the disease and `` alarming levels of inaction '' .
The UN agency said there is a `` lack of resilience '' in the public health systems of some countries as it called for better tracing of those who have come into contact with infected cases .
There have been more than 121,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , the prevalent strain of coronavirus , in at least 114 nations in the pandemic - which is defined as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions of the world .
More than 4,300 people have died , including over 3,000 in China , the epicentre of the disease .
By using the word pandemic - which it previously shied away from - the WHO is trying to shock more lethargic nations into taking increased action .
But the head of the organisation said it is not too late for nations to act - and all countries can still change the course of the outbreak if they detect , test , treat , isolate , trace and mobilise their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran were now on the frontline of the disease - which started in China late last year - and other countries would soon join them .
Outside China , there has been a 13-fold rise in the number of infections and a tripling of the countries affected in the last two weeks .
In the second worst hit country Italy , which has been put on lockdown this week , the number of dead nationally has risen by 196 to 827 in a day - a jump of 31 % .
Deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the north have increased from 468 to 617 .
The number of cases in the region - which includes Italy 's financial capital Milan and has seen the majority of infections - has risen by 1,489 in the last 24 hours , Reuters reported .
Speaking about the worldwide situation , the WHO 's director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said : `` We have called every day for countries to take urgent and aggressive action .
We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear .
`` All countries can still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If countries detect , test , treat , isolate , trace and mobilise their people in the response . ''
Dr Tedros added : `` We are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and by the alarming levels of inaction .
`` We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterised as a pandemic . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Dr Tedros went on : `` In the past two weeks , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has increased 13 fold and the number of affected countries has tripled . ''
He urged the global community to redouble efforts to contain the outbreak , saying aggressive measures could still play a big role to curb the pandemic .
The head of the organisation 's emergencies programme , Dr Mike Ryan , said the WHO 's use of the word pandemic does not change its response .
He also told a news conference that the situation in Iran was `` very serious '' and the agency would like to see more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Iran 's senior vice president and two other cabinet members have contracted the new coronavirus , as the death toll there rose by 62 to 354 .
Dr Ryan said of Iran and Italy : `` They 're suffering but I guarantee you other countries will be in that situation soon . ''
The number of people with the coronavirus in the UK has risen to 460 after a further 87 tested positive for the disease in the last 24 hours .
The figure is the biggest daily increase so far in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight people have died after contracting the virus .
According to the WHO website , a pandemic is defined as the worldwide spread of a new disease .
It can also refer to a disease which is prevalent over a whole country .
In contrast to a pandemic , an epidemic refers to the spread of illness in a `` community or region ... clearly in excess of normal expectancy '' .
According to a 2017 report , the WHO has four phases to describe the outbreak of a pandemic .
• Interpandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemics • Alert phase - this is when a new virus has been identified and risk assessments are carried out at local , national and global levels • Pandemic phase - this is the period of global spread of the virus .
Experts say this is happening with coronavirus .
• Transition phase - this is when the global risk reduces and countries begin to recover

The global coronavirus outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation which expressed increasing concern about the spread of the disease and "alarming levels of inaction".
The UN agency said there is a "lack of resilience" in the public health systems of some countries as it called for better tracing of those who have come into contact with infected cases.
There have been more than 121,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the prevalent strain of coronavirus, in at least 114 nations in the pandemic - which is defined as a new virus sparking sustained outbreaks in multiple regions of the world.
More than 4,300 people have died, including over 3,000 in China, the epicentre of the disease.
By using the word pandemic - which it previously shied away from - the WHO is trying to shock more lethargic nations into taking increased action.
But the head of the organisation said it is not too late for nations to act - and all countries can still change the course of the outbreak if they detect, test, treat, isolate, trace and mobilise their populace.
The WHO said Italy and Iran were now on the frontline of the disease - which started in China late last year - and other countries would soon join them.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
Outside China, there has been a 13-fold rise in the number of infections and a tripling of the countries affected in the last two weeks.
In the second worst hit country Italy, which has been put on lockdown this week, the number of dead nationally has risen by 196 to 827 in a day - a jump of 31%.
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Deaths in the most severely hit region of Lombardy in the north have increased from 468 to 617.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 COVID-19: All of Italy placed in lockdown
The number of cases in the region - which includes Italy's financial capital Milan and has seen the majority of infections - has risen by 1,489 in the last 24 hours, Reuters reported.
Speaking about the worldwide situation, the WHO's director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "We have called every day for countries to take urgent and aggressive action. We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear.
"All countries can still change the course of this pandemic. If countries detect, test, treat, isolate, trace and mobilise their people in the response."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Italy faces 'tsunami' of patients
Dr Tedros added: "We are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and by the alarming levels of inaction.
"We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterised as a pandemic."
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Dr Tedros went on: "In the past two weeks, the number of cases of COVID-19 outside China has increased 13 fold and the number of affected countries has tripled."
He urged the global community to redouble efforts to contain the outbreak, saying aggressive measures could still play a big role to curb the pandemic.
Image: Dr Michael Ryan and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus address the media
The head of the organisation's emergencies programme, Dr Mike Ryan, said the WHO's use of the word pandemic does not change its response.
He also told a news conference that the situation in Iran was "very serious" and the agency would like to see more surveillance and more care for the unwell.
Iran's senior vice president and two other cabinet members have contracted the new coronavirus, as the death toll there rose by 62 to 354.
Dr Ryan said of Iran and Italy: "They're suffering but I guarantee you other countries will be in that situation soon."
The number of people with the coronavirus in the UK has risen to 460 after a further 87 tested positive for the disease in the last 24 hours.
The figure is the biggest daily increase so far in coronavirus cases in the UK, where eight people have died after contracting the virus.
According to the WHO website, a pandemic is defined as the worldwide spread of a new disease. It can also refer to a disease which is prevalent over a whole country.
In contrast to a pandemic, an epidemic refers to the spread of illness in a "community or region...clearly in excess of normal expectancy".
According to a 2017 report, the WHO has four phases to describe the outbreak of a pandemic.


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: Scared Italians finally heed call to stay at home as deaths rise

Italy 's tradition of bending the rules - often wittily , sometimes wickedly - is facing its gravest challenge in memory , with this proudly rebellious culture crushed under the dread of coronavirus .
The `` defiance '' of the early days is gone .
Many of those who shrugged off the coronavirus risk as nothing more than flu-like are now locked inside .
Those who preached `` resistance '' are working from home .
The hashtag # iorestoacasa ( I 'm staying home ) has been trending on Twitter , with celebrities and influencers telling fans to stay put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they start mingling again before long ?
Will that hamper the fight against coronavirus ?
Haunting the whole country is an unanswered question : why exactly has Italy been hit so hard ?
`` Italians certainly are not disciplined , do n't follow rules until they realise the damage this does '' , says Enrico Franceschini , a London-based novelist and columnist for the Italian newspaper La Repubblica .
`` They tend to say , ' I 'll go out with my friends , I 'll go for a drink - what 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have contributed to making the immediate reaction to the virus a bit more difficult . ''
Italians historically view authority with suspicion - a legacy of centuries governed by foreign powers and , more recently , a series of national governments marred by self-dealing , even corruption .
Indeed , Silvio Berlusconi , who remains Italy 's longest-serving post-war prime minister , drew admiration in some quarters because he was so expert at dodging rules .
In announcing the extraordinary set of measures that put the whole country in lockdown on Monday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reference to the tricky aspect of some countrymen .
`` This is a national emergency , '' he declared .
`` Do n't get wise . ''
In the early stages of the outbreak of coronavirus , while most abided by the rules and respected limits to their movements imposed on them , there were also countless tales of breaches .
In one case that made headlines , a couple escaped the `` red zone '' to go skiing in another region .
They were caught - and tested positive for coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was keen to show it remained open for business even amid the outbreak .
A video called `` Milan does n't stop '' went viral , and Nicola Zingaretti , the leader of the co-governing Democratic Party travelled north from Rome for an `` aperitivo '' with young members of the party .
He , too , has since tested positive for coronavirus and is in self-isolation .
After news the government was looking to extend a quarantine to the whole of the north leaked online , thousands rushed to the train @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like many rushed to supermarkets in the middle of the night hours before the full lockdown .
Italians are now suffering the worst coronavirus outbreak outside of China , with a mortality rate of about 5 % - higher than in other parts of the world , possibly due to Italy 's old population .
The government has imposed the toughest set of restrictions on its citizens since World War II .
Schools are closed , gatherings banned , outings allowed only if crucial .
Even Sunday Mass and football matches are off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are deserted and cafés empty .
Italians have said goodbye to dolce vita .
Instead , many are left waiting for the grim updates given every afternoon by health authorities on the march of the virus .
And officials in the north of the country , the hardest hit part , are demanding even stronger measures to completely shut down commercial activity and public transportation .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
The restrictions are forcing Italians to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No more handshakes and no more kiss-greeting .
`` One of the problems is that Italians are not used to being physically separated .
So that 's much more of a cultural shock here than would be in Germany '' , says John Hooper , the author of the book The Italians and a correspondent for The Economist in Italy .
`` Italians feel uncomfortable being a metre apart .
That aspect makes it very taxing for them '' .
But reality is setting in .
`` The mood has changed '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of what the government is trying to achieve .
The message is : do n't mess around . ''
Making things worse for Italians , experts are warning that the outbreak peak has n't even been reached , and that the restrictions are here to stay .
Changes to Italian habits may stay for a long time .
Will they be able to keep it up ?
`` Italians give their best in dramatic situations - be it during war or at a football match '' , says Mr Franceschini .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now is the time to show this cliché is true '' ' .
Virus Outbreak : Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm on weekdays

Italy's tradition of bending the rules - often wittily, sometimes wickedly - is facing its gravest challenge in memory, with this proudly rebellious culture crushed under the dread of coronavirus.
The "defiance" of the early days is gone.
Many of those who shrugged off the coronavirus risk as nothing more than flu-like are now locked inside. Those who preached "resistance" are working from home. The hashtag #iorestoacasa (I'm staying home) has been trending on Twitter, with celebrities and influencers telling fans to stay put.
Will they abide, or will they start mingling again before long? Will that hamper the fight against coronavirus?
Haunting the whole country is an unanswered question: why exactly has Italy been hit so hard?
Image: The centre of Rome is seen completely deserted
"Italians certainly are not disciplined, don't follow rules until they realise the damage this does", says Enrico Franceschini, a London-based novelist and columnist for the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.
"They tend to say, 'I'll go out with my friends, I'll go for a drink - what's the big deal?' This may have contributed to making the immediate reaction to the virus a bit more difficult."
Italians historically view authority with suspicion - a legacy of centuries governed by foreign powers and, more recently, a series of national governments marred by self-dealing, even corruption.
Indeed, Silvio Berlusconi, who remains Italy's longest-serving post-war prime minister, drew admiration in some quarters because he was so expert at dodging rules.
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In announcing the extraordinary set of measures that put the whole country in lockdown on Monday evening, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte himself made reference to the tricky aspect of some countrymen.
"This is a national emergency," he declared. "Don't get wise."
In the early stages of the outbreak of coronavirus, while most abided by the rules and respected limits to their movements imposed on them, there were also countless tales of breaches.
In one case that made headlines, a couple escaped the "red zone" to go skiing in another region. They were caught - and tested positive for coronavirus.
And Milan, Italy's financial capital, was keen to show it remained open for business even amid the outbreak.
A video called "Milan doesn't stop" went viral, and Nicola Zingaretti, the leader of the co-governing Democratic Party travelled north from Rome for an "aperitivo" with young members of the party. He, too, has since tested positive for coronavirus and is in self-isolation.
After news the government was looking to extend a quarantine to the whole of the north leaked online, thousands rushed to the train stations to escape the restrictions.
Just like many rushed to supermarkets in the middle of the night hours before the full lockdown.
Italians are now suffering the worst coronavirus outbreak outside of China, with a mortality rate of about 5% - higher than in other parts of the world, possibly due to Italy's old population.
The government has imposed the toughest set of restrictions on its citizens since World War II. Schools are closed, gatherings banned, outings allowed only if crucial. Even Sunday Mass and football matches are off.
From Rome to Venice, streets are deserted and cafés empty. Italians have said goodbye to dolce vita.
Instead, many are left waiting for the grim updates given every afternoon by health authorities on the march of the virus.
And officials in the north of the country, the hardest hit part, are demanding even stronger measures to completely shut down commercial activity and public transportation.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
The restrictions are forcing Italians to break social habits and family networks. No more handshakes and no more kiss-greeting.
"One of the problems is that Italians are not used to being physically separated. So that's much more of a cultural shock here than would be in Germany", says John Hooper, the author of the book The Italians and a correspondent for The Economist in Italy.
"Italians feel uncomfortable being a metre apart. That aspect makes it very taxing for them".
Image: Tourists have cancelled plans to visit Venice and other famous destinations
But reality is setting in.
"The mood has changed", Mr Hooper says.
"This is part of what the government is trying to achieve. The message is: don't mess around."
Making things worse for Italians, experts are warning that the outbreak peak hasn't even been reached, and that the restrictions are here to stay. Changes to Italian habits may stay for a long time.
Will they be able to keep it up?
"Italians give their best in dramatic situations - be it during war or at a football match", says Mr Franceschini.
"And this is a dramatic situation. Now is the time to show this cliché is true"'.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm on weekdays


news--2020-03-11--Coronavirus: Cabinet minister self-isolates after contact with MP who has COVID-19

An unnamed cabinet minister has self-isolated after coming into contact with the first MP to test positive for coronavirus .
They have withdrawn from their regular duties while waiting for the results of a test to see if they too have COVID-19 .
It is understood they came into contact with Nadine Dorries - the public health minister who revealed she has the virus - at a 10 Downing Street reception to celebrate International Women 's Day on Thursday .
Another health minister , Edward Argar , and Labour MP Rachael Maskell have also gone into self-isolation .
So far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus have died .
Questions have been raised over whether parliament will be shut given Ms Dorries ' diagnosis , but Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed it will stay open .
He admitted the Commons `` may have to function differently '' but insisted MPs ' ability to create new laws to tackle the outbreak and scrutinise the government was `` vital '' .
`` Our democracy is the foundation of our way of life , '' he said in a statement .
Some staffers remain unhappy , with one telling Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration '' and it `` does n't look like anyone is taking any leadership in the Commons '' .
The Liberal Democrats have also cancelled their annual spring conference .
Mark Rack , the party 's president , said the move was taken given `` consideration of the latest health advice '' .
He added : `` We very much want to avoid a situation where people feel unable to particulate in our democratic decision-making because of fears over their health . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @

An unnamed cabinet minister has self-isolated after coming into contact with the first MP to test positive for coronavirus.
They have withdrawn from their regular duties while waiting for the results of a test to see if they too have COVID-19.
It is understood they came into contact with Nadine Dorries - the public health minister who revealed she has the virus - at a 10 Downing Street reception to celebrate International Women's Day on Thursday.
Image: The latest MP to self-isolate did so after coming into contact with Nadine Dorries
Another health minister, Edward Argar, and Labour MP Rachael Maskell have also gone into self-isolation.
So far eight people in the UK who contracted coronavirus have died.
Questions have been raised over whether parliament will be shut given Ms Dorries' diagnosis, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed it will stay open.
He admitted the Commons "may have to function differently" but insisted MPs' ability to create new laws to tackle the outbreak and scrutinise the government was "vital".
"Our democracy is the foundation of our way of life," he said in a statement.
Image: Eight people in the UK who had coronavirus have died so far
Some staffers remain unhappy, with one telling Sky News the general mood is of "frustration" and it "doesn't look like anyone is taking any leadership in the Commons".
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The Liberal Democrats have also cancelled their annual spring conference.
Mark Rack, the party's president, said the move was taken given "consideration of the latest health advice".
He added: "We very much want to avoid a situation where people feel unable to particulate in our democratic decision-making because of fears over their health."
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