news--2020-02-23--Coronavirus: Sixth death in South Korea as alert level raised to highest

South Korea has declared its highest disease alert level as it reported more than 160 new coronavirus cases , bringing the total there to 602 .
A sixth person has died in the country from COVID-19 , the illness caused by the virus , according to the Korea Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention ( KCDC ) .
President Moon Jae-in said the COVID-19 outbreak has reached a `` crucial watershed '' and the `` next few days will be a very important critical moment '' .
In Japan , a third passenger from the coronavirus-infected Diamond Princess cruise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was aged in his 80s , lost his life just days after a couple also in their 80s passed away .
Dozens of British passengers isolated on the ship for about a fortnight were flown home to the UK on Saturday and are now in quarantine as a precaution .
More than 300 confirmed cases of infection in South Korea are linked to a church in the southeastern city of Daegu after a 61-year-old woman known as `` Patient 31 '' who attended services there tested positive for the virus last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of overseas travel .
Seventeen South Korean Catholics in North Gyeongsang Province and their tour guide in Seoul who had gone on a pilgrimage to Israel earlier this month were confirmed to have the virus , KCDC said .
The escalation in the alert level allows the government to send extra resources to Daegu city and Cheongdo county , which were designated `` special care zones '' on Friday .
Officials have warned people to avoid non-essential trips there .
On Friday , the confirmation of 100 cases had prompted the declaration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea 's fourth-largest city .
At least 78,823 people worldwide have been infected with the virus , almost 77,000 of them in China , where it originated in December .
More than 2,460 people have died , according to figures recorded by Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In Iran , two people have died from coronavirus , bringing the total number of deaths in the country to eight - the highest death toll outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , in Italy three top-flight football matches have been postponed after the deaths of two people from coronavirus in just 24 hours .
The Italian government ordered the Serie A matches between Inter Milan v Sampdoria , Atalanta v Sassuolo and Hellas Verona v Cagliari be cancelled .
They had been scheduled for Sunday in the northern Italian regions of Lombardy and Veneto , the two areas where Italy 's coronavirus cases have been recorded .
The number of cases in Lombardy has risen to 89 , bringing the total number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Schools , restaurants and businesses have been closed in both Lombardy and Veneto .
The first fatality was a former construction company owner aged in his late 70s , who died in Padua , in the Veneto region , where he had been admitted along with another person who has tested positive for COVID-19 .
A second patient - a woman - died hours later in Lombardy .

South Korea has declared its highest disease alert level as it reported more than 160 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total there to 602.
A sixth person has died in the country from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, according to the Korea Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (KCDC).
President Moon Jae-in said the COVID-19 outbreak has reached a "crucial watershed" and the "next few days will be a very important critical moment".
In Japan, a third passenger from the coronavirus-infected Diamond Princess cruise ship has died.
The Japanese man, who was aged in his 80s, lost his life just days after a couple also in their 80s passed away.
Dozens of British passengers isolated on the ship for about a fortnight were flown home to the UK on Saturday and are now in quarantine as a precaution.
More than 300 confirmed cases of infection in South Korea are linked to a church in the southeastern city of Daegu after a 61-year-old woman known as "Patient 31" who attended services there tested positive for the virus last week. She had no recent record of overseas travel.
Seventeen South Korean Catholics in North Gyeongsang Province and their tour guide in Seoul who had gone on a pilgrimage to Israel earlier this month were confirmed to have the virus, KCDC said.
The escalation in the alert level allows the government to send extra resources to Daegu city and Cheongdo county, which were designated "special care zones" on Friday. Officials have warned people to avoid non-essential trips there.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 Hundreds of couples wearing facemasks tied the knot at a mass wedding in the Philippines amid the threat of the COVID-19 disease.
On Friday, the confirmation of 100 cases had prompted the declaration of a health emergency in Daegu, South Korea's fourth-largest city.
At least 78,823 people worldwide have been infected with the virus, almost 77,000 of them in China, where it originated in December.
More than 2,460 people have died, according to figures recorded by Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In Iran, two people have died from coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to eight - the highest death toll outside China. Another 43 are infected.
Meanwhile, in Italy three top-flight football matches have been postponed after the deaths of two people from coronavirus in just 24 hours.
The Italian government ordered the Serie A matches between Inter Milan v Sampdoria, Atalanta v Sassuolo and Hellas Verona v Cagliari be cancelled.
They had been scheduled for Sunday in the northern Italian regions of Lombardy and Veneto, the two areas where Italy's coronavirus cases have been recorded.
Image: Four people have died from coronavirus in Italy
The number of cases in Lombardy has risen to 89, bringing the total number of cases in Italy to more than 100. Schools, restaurants and businesses have been closed in both Lombardy and Veneto.
The first fatality was a former construction company owner aged in his late 70s, who died in Padua, in the Veneto region, where he had been admitted along with another person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
A second patient - a woman - died hours later in Lombardy.


news--2020-02-23--Coronavirus: Italy hunts coronavirus superspreader as 'seventh person dies' of COVID-19

A seventh person has died from coronavirus in Italy , according to media reports , as the total number of cases in the country soars to more than 200 .
A dozen towns are in lockdown as authorities race to contain the biggest outbreak of coronavirus in Europe , which has prompted Austria to assemble a special taskforce to consider border controls .
There have been five confirmed deaths over the past two days from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , the latest of whom was 88 years old and from the northern Lombardy region .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering serious underlying health problems .
The reported sixth and seventh victims have not been confirmed by the Italian authorities .
• Britons under quarantine after being flown back from Japan have expressed anger that others on the repatriation flight have since tested positive for the virus .
• Sky News is updating this interactive article in real time , with the latest infection figures .
• Global stock markets are falling sharply as a result of the outbreak , threatening to inflict deeper damage to the worldwide economy .
• Coronavirus : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it be stopped ?
• Chinese SWAT teams are filmed throwing nets over people as they practise how to deal with unco-operative coronavirus patients .
On Sunday evening , Austria refused entry to a train coming from Italy after the Italian State Railways informed Austrian train operator OBB that there were two people with fever symptoms on board .
`` Tonight a train on its way from Venice to Munich was stopped at the Austrian border , '' Austria 's interior ministry earlier confirmed .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spreaker The operator later confirmed to Sky News that all train traffic to and from Italy had been suspended - but the suspension was lifted after a few hours .
Concern has also been expressed by French director of health Jerome Salomon , who said the situation was `` worrying '' and warned of further cases in France because of its proximity to Italy .
He told France Info radio station that `` anyone returning from Lombardy or Veneto with symptoms must be considered suspicious '' , but said there were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , officials did intercept a coach from Milan to Lyon over concerns one Italian on board might have the virus , having displayed flu-like symptoms .
Police put up a security cordon around the bus and moved the passengers into an area of Lyon Perrache bus station , where they were isolated from other travellers , and the person showing symptoms was taken to hospital .
Germany has said it is not considering border closures .
Lombardy and Veneto , both in the north of Italy , have ordered schools and universities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while museums and cinemas have been shut and the last two days of the Venice Carnival called off .
Sky Italia reporter Tonia Cartolano , reporting from Codogno , just south of Milan , said the situation was `` really serious '' but that authorities were working well to prevent the virus from spreading .
`` The response of the government has been fast , '' she said .
`` We are trying to contain the virus and I 'm sure we are doing it in the right way . ''
Italian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers and the country 's death toll , creating potential discrepancies with the worldwide statistics being compiled by experts at Johns Hopkins .
Johns Hopkins has been updating its global tally on a daily basis , but Italy has joined other governments in reporting their own figures .
Meanwhile , Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , head of the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , said the global spread of the virus was not `` uncontained '' .
`` Using the word pandemic does n't fit the facts .
We must focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .
Despite the measures being put in place in Italy , other governments have advised against travel to affected regions .
The Irish foreign ministry updated its travel advice website on Monday , saying : `` There has been an increase in the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Italy ... Citizens are advised not to travel to affected areas . ''
The UK government has not yet issued any specific advice about the situation in Italy .
The first Italian fatality from the virus this weekend was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died in Padua in the Veneto region .
A second patient - a 77-year-old woman - died hours later in Lombardy , while another woman with the virus in the region died on Sunday .
The fourth victim was an 84-year-old man from Bergamo , according to Sky News Italia .
The regional governor of Veneto , Luca Zaia , said he had dealt with several natural disasters during his career , including floods and earthquakes , but `` this is the absolutely worst problem that Veneto has faced '' .
Almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a combined population of about 50,000 people , have effectively been placed under quarantine .
Residents have been urged to stay home and special permission is needed to enter or leave the designated areas .
Four Serie A football matches were postponed in the wake of the virus outbreak , while the Women 's Six Nations match between Italy and Scotland was cancelled .
Serie A president Paolo Dal Pino has asked the government if other upcoming matches in affected regions can be played behind closed doors rather than suspended .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ already saturated with commitments '' and that the league had to end by 24 May as planned due to this summer 's European Championships .
The biggest jump in cases of COVID-19 has been reported by authorities in Lombardy , which includes the country 's financial capital Milan , with 90 cases confirmed .
Authorities have expressed frustration they have not been able to track down the source of the virus spread in the north of Italy , possibly by a so-called superspreader .
It surfaced in the region last week when an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Codogno became critically ill. '' The health officials have n't been able to pinpoint Patient Zero , '' Angelo Borrelli , head of the Civil Protection Agency , told reporters in Rome .
At first , it was widely presumed that the man was infected by an Italian friend he dined with and who recently returned from his job , based in Shanghai .
When the friend tested negative for the virus , attention turned to several Chinese people who live in town and who frequent the same cafe visited by the stricken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters all of those Chinese people had tested negative .
Some reports from Italy say Patient Zero may have been identified as a 60-year-old man from the Vicenza area , who has been in Codogno and other centres in the Lodi area .
Such is the concern surrounding the Italian outbreak , Mauritius has blocked some visitors from the country .
An Alitalia plane landed in Mauritius on Monday but some passengers and crew opted to return straight home , after being told they would have to go into quarantine because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airline said .
Some 224 passengers and crew had been aboard the flight from Rome to the Indian Ocean island , but 40 people from the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto decided to go back .
Following the developments in Italy , the European Commission has announced a €232m ( £195m ) aid package to help member states and the global effort to tackle the outbreak .
While most cases and fatalities are still being reported in China , other countries have continued to step up their precautionary measures - with about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea .
Diplomatic staff are not being allowed out of their compounds in the reclusive state or to leave the country - including the British embassy , Sky News understands .
And another 70 more cases have been confirmed in South Korea , bringing the total number there to 833 .
More than 2,470 people have been killed by the coronavirus outbreak , most of them in China .
There have been more than 79,000 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide , with China revealing on Monday that more than 3,000 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A seventh person has died from coronavirus in Italy, according to media reports, as the total number of cases in the country soars to more than 200.
A dozen towns are in lockdown as authorities race to contain the biggest outbreak of coronavirus in Europe, which has prompted Austria to assemble a special taskforce to consider border controls.
There have been five confirmed deaths over the past two days from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, the latest of whom was 88 years old and from the northern Lombardy region.
At least three of the victims had been suffering serious underlying health problems.
The reported sixth and seventh victims have not been confirmed by the Italian authorities.
Image: A train stopped by authorities on the Italian side of the Brenner Pass
In developments elsewhere:
On Sunday evening, Austria refused entry to a train coming from Italy after the Italian State Railways informed Austrian train operator OBB that there were two people with fever symptoms on board.
"Tonight a train on its way from Venice to Munich was stopped at the Austrian border," Austria's interior ministry earlier confirmed.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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The operator later confirmed to Sky News that all train traffic to and from Italy had been suspended - but the suspension was lifted after a few hours.
Image: A police officer patrols on a platform at the train station on the Italian side of the Brenner Pass, Italy
Image: A general view shows a deserted street in Codogno, southeast of Milan, on February 22, 2020
Concern has also been expressed by French director of health Jerome Salomon, who said the situation was "worrying" and warned of further cases in France because of its proximity to Italy.
He told France Info radio station that "anyone returning from Lombardy or Veneto with symptoms must be considered suspicious", but said there were not yet any plans for border controls.
However, officials did intercept a coach from Milan to Lyon over concerns one Italian on board might have the virus, having displayed flu-like symptoms.
Police put up a security cordon around the bus and moved the passengers into an area of Lyon Perrache bus station, where they were isolated from other travellers, and the person showing symptoms was taken to hospital.
Germany has said it is not considering border closures.
Image: The affected Lombardy region includes Italy’s financial capital, Milan
Lombardy and Veneto, both in the north of Italy, have ordered schools and universities to close for at least a week, while museums and cinemas have been shut and the last two days of the Venice Carnival called off.
Sky Italia reporter Tonia Cartolano, reporting from Codogno, just south of Milan, said the situation was "really serious" but that authorities were working well to prevent the virus from spreading.
"The response of the government has been fast," she said.
"We are trying to contain the virus and I'm sure we are doing it in the right way."
Italian authorities have been reporting their own case numbers and the country's death toll, creating potential discrepancies with the worldwide statistics being compiled by experts at Johns Hopkins.
Johns Hopkins has been updating its global tally on a daily basis, but Italy has joined other governments in reporting their own figures.
Meanwhile, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), said the global spread of the virus was not "uncontained".
"Using the word pandemic doesn't fit the facts. We must focus on containment while preparing for a potential pandemic," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 Empty supermarkets as coronavirus hits Milan
Despite the measures being put in place in Italy, other governments have advised against travel to affected regions.
The Irish foreign ministry updated its travel advice website on Monday, saying: "There has been an increase in the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Italy... Citizens are advised not to travel to affected areas."
The UK government has not yet issued any specific advice about the situation in Italy.
Image: Residents wait to be given access to shop in a supermarket in small groups of forty people on February 23, 2020 in the small Italian town of Casalpusterlengo
Image: Tourists wearing sanitary masks walk in downtown Milan, Italy
The first Italian fatality from the virus this weekend was a 78-year-old former construction company owner, who died in Padua in the Veneto region.
A second patient - a 77-year-old woman - died hours later in Lombardy, while another woman with the virus in the region died on Sunday.
The fourth victim was an 84-year-old man from Bergamo, according to Sky News Italia.
Image: Residents shop in a supermarket in small groups of forty people on February 23, 2020 in the small Italian town of Casalpusterlengo
Image: Tourists wear protective face masks in a gondola, because of an outbreak of coronavirus, in Venice, Italy February 23, 2020
The regional governor of Veneto, Luca Zaia, said he had dealt with several natural disasters during his career, including floods and earthquakes, but "this is the absolutely worst problem that Veneto has faced".
Almost a dozen towns in Lombardy and Veneto, with a combined population of about 50,000 people, have effectively been placed under quarantine.
Image: People queue at a supermarket near Casalpusterlengo, which has been closed in the wake of the outbreak
Residents have been urged to stay home and special permission is needed to enter or leave the designated areas.
Four Serie A football matches were postponed in the wake of the virus outbreak, while the Women's Six Nations match between Italy and Scotland was cancelled.
Serie A president Paolo Dal Pino has asked the government if other upcoming matches in affected regions can be played behind closed doors rather than suspended.
He said the fixture calendar was "already saturated with commitments" and that the league had to end by 24 May as planned due to this summer's European Championships.
Image: The town of Codogno has been closed by the Italian government
The biggest jump in cases of COVID-19 has been reported by authorities in Lombardy, which includes the country's financial capital Milan, with 90 cases confirmed.
Authorities have expressed frustration they have not been able to track down the source of the virus spread in the north of Italy, possibly by a so-called superspreader.
It surfaced in the region last week when an Italian man in his late 30s in Codogno became critically ill.
"The health officials haven't been able to pinpoint Patient Zero,'' Angelo Borrelli, head of the Civil Protection Agency, told reporters in Rome.
Image: Inter Milan's match with Sampdoria has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak
At first, it was widely presumed that the man was infected by an Italian friend he dined with and who recently returned from his job, based in Shanghai.
When the friend tested negative for the virus, attention turned to several Chinese people who live in town and who frequent the same cafe visited by the stricken man.
But Lombardy governor Attilio Fontana told reporters all of those Chinese people had tested negative.
Some reports from Italy say Patient Zero may have been identified as a 60-year-old man from the Vicenza area, who has been in Codogno and other centres in the Lodi area.
Image: Italian police officers are seen inside the Brennero-Brenner train station in Italy after the train left, February 23, 2020. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
Such is the concern surrounding the Italian outbreak, Mauritius has blocked some visitors from the country.
An Alitalia plane landed in Mauritius on Monday but some passengers and crew opted to return straight home, after being told they would have to go into quarantine because of local concerns over the virus, the airline said.
Some 224 passengers and crew had been aboard the flight from Rome to the Indian Ocean island, but 40 people from the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto decided to go back.
Following the developments in Italy, the European Commission has announced a €232m (£195m) aid package to help member states and the global effort to tackle the outbreak.
While most cases and fatalities are still being reported in China, other countries have continued to step up their precautionary measures - with about 380 foreigners having been quarantined in North Korea.
Diplomatic staff are not being allowed out of their compounds in the reclusive state or to leave the country - including the British embassy, Sky News understands.
And another 70 more cases have been confirmed in South Korea, bringing the total number there to 833.
Image: Officers stand guard outside the town of Castiglione D'Adda
More than 2,470 people have been killed by the coronavirus outbreak, most of them in China.
There have been more than 79,000 suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with China revealing on Monday that more than 3,000 of those were members of its medical staff.


news--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: NHS England declares level four incident over outbreak

NHS England has declared coronavirus a level four incident - the highest level of emergency preparedness planning .
It comes as confirmed cases in the UK rose to 51 and Boris Johnson unveiled his plan for dealing with the outbreak .
Under the level four alert , all hospitals in England have been told to `` assume that they will need to look after COVID-19 cases in due course '' .
A national incident management team and coordination centre have been set up for the coronavirus .
NHS regions must report centrally and set up their own incident teams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient management , alerts , referrals and tracking '' .
Everyone in intensive care with a respiratory infection must also now be tested , as should everyone in a Severe Respiratory Failure centre .
The guidance says it is `` now appropriate '' to put some patients in `` wider infectious disease units '' - rather than specialist COVID-19 units - and they could be grouped in `` all acute units '' if cases continue to rise .
An NHS emergency preparedness adviser , who did not want to be identified , explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident , like a small fire , where the NHS trust can manage by themselves without any intervention .
`` Level two is a larger incident , like a small flood , where the commissioners would have to get involved . ''
The former emergency department nurse , who was heavily involved in helping the NHS to cope during the 2009 swine flu pandemic , added : `` A level three is declared when there is a regional emergency and level four , the highest emergency level , is declared when there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new UK cases were identified on Tuesday : eight had travelled from Italy , one from Germany , one from Singapore , one from Japan and one from Iran .
They are from London , Hampshire , Northamptonshire , Bury , Wirral , Greater Manchester , Humberside and Kent .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the NHS had been `` preparing for a pandemic virus for over a decade '' and was still in the containment phase .
But he said if global cases continue rising - especially in Europe - `` we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus indefinitely '' .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called for assurances that workers not entitled to sick pay would not be forced to choose between self-isolation and earning a living if they get sick .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has detailed the government 's plan to deal with the virus .
He said police could be reduced to just dealing with very serious crimes and maintaining public order , while the NHS could be closed to all but critical care .
Emergency services all have measures in place to `` fulfil critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce services should large numbers of staff become ill .
The government also said plans were in place to draft in the Army , if necessary , to maintain public order .
Mr Johnson said there were `` long-established plans by which the police will , obviously , keep the public safe but they will prioritise those things that they have to do '' .
He added : `` And the Army is of course always ready to back-fill as and when , but that is under the reasonable worst-case scenario . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ depletion in workforces across the UK and said one in five workers could be absent when the virus peaks .
The government said it would consider closing schools and universities , encourage working from home and a reduction in large gatherings .
• Police would `` concentrate on responding to serious crimes '' if they lose a `` significant '' amount of staff to illness • UK has stockpiles of medicines for the NHS , along with protective clothing and equipment for medical staff • If coronavirus becomes widespread , there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` most at risk '' • The Ministry of Defence will provide support as needed • There will be increased government communication with parliament , the public and the media • Social distancing strategies could be implemented , which would include school closures , home-working , and reducing the number of large scale gatherings • Non-urgent operations and procedures could be cancelled and hospital discharges monitored to free up beds • Measures would come into place to help businesses with short-term cash flow problems • A distribution strategy for sending out key medicines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients Speaking at a news conference , the government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance , said restricting travel once the epidemic was `` everywhere '' would make `` no difference at all '' .
He also said there was `` no reason '' for people to stockpile food and other goods .
Mr Johnson told reporters he continued to shake hands with people , adding : `` I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were coronavirus patients and I was shaking hands with everybody , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I continue to shake hands .
`` People must make up their own minds but I think the scientific evidence is ... our judgement is that washing your hands is the crucial thing . ''
The government plan outlines its response in four stages .
They include containing the outbreak , delaying its spread , mitigating the impact of the disease once it becomes established , and implementing a research programme aimed at improving diagnostics and treatment .
Officials are hoping to delay the peak of the outbreak until the spring and summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Legislation allowing the government to use extra powers to help control COVID-19 is expected to be passed by the end of the month .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has also pledged more funds to fight the virus and has promised more cash in next week 's budget .
Meanwhile , there have been concerns over the viability of events and large gatherings , including the London Marathon just eight weeks away .
The health secretary told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over-reacting carries its own risk '' , saying that the government would , therefore , `` seek to minimise social disruption '' .
But Mr Hancock admitted some of the action would be `` uncomfortable '' but insisted the government was `` quite prepared to do that if it 's necessary '' .
However , speaking to Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show earlier , he said the government was seeking `` as targeted as an approach as possible '' with the focus on elderly and others likely to suffer most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 90,000 cases of coronavirus around the world and more than 3,000 deaths .

NHS England has declared coronavirus a level four incident - the highest level of emergency preparedness planning.
It comes as confirmed cases in the UK rose to 51 and Boris Johnson unveiled his plan for dealing with the outbreak.
Under the level four alert, all hospitals in England have been told to "assume that they will need to look after COVID-19 cases in due course".
A national incident management team and coordination centre have been set up for the coronavirus.
NHS regions must report centrally and set up their own incident teams, including having a 24/7 contact for "patient management, alerts, referrals and tracking".
Everyone in intensive care with a respiratory infection must also now be tested, as should everyone in a Severe Respiratory Failure centre.
The guidance says it is "now appropriate" to put some patients in "wider infectious disease units" - rather than specialist COVID-19 units - and they could be grouped in "all acute units" if cases continue to rise.
An NHS emergency preparedness adviser, who did not want to be identified, explained: "Level one is a localised incident, like a small fire, where the NHS trust can manage by themselves without any intervention.
"Level two is a larger incident, like a small flood, where the commissioners would have to get involved."
The former emergency department nurse, who was heavily involved in helping the NHS to cope during the 2009 swine flu pandemic, added: "A level three is declared when there is a regional emergency and level four, the highest emergency level, is declared when there is a national medical crisis."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:48 COVID-19: Who is most vulnerable?
Twelve new UK cases were identified on Tuesday: eight had travelled from Italy, one from Germany, one from Singapore, one from Japan and one from Iran.
They are from London, Hampshire, Northamptonshire, Bury, Wirral, Greater Manchester, Humberside and Kent.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the NHS had been "preparing for a pandemic virus for over a decade" and was still in the containment phase.
But he said if global cases continue rising - especially in Europe - "we may not be able to contain the virus indefinitely".
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth called for assurances that workers not entitled to sick pay would not be forced to choose between self-isolation and earning a living if they get sick.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has detailed the government's plan to deal with the virus.
He said police could be reduced to just dealing with very serious crimes and maintaining public order, while the NHS could be closed to all but critical care.
Emergency services all have measures in place to "fulfil critical functions" but they would have to reduce services should large numbers of staff become ill.
The government also said plans were in place to draft in the Army, if necessary, to maintain public order.
Mr Johnson said there were "long-established plans by which the police will, obviously, keep the public safe but they will prioritise those things that they have to do".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Coronavirus quarantine: What happens now?
He added: "And the Army is of course always ready to back-fill as and when, but that is under the reasonable worst-case scenario."
The 27-page plan also warned of a depletion in workforces across the UK and said one in five workers could be absent when the virus peaks.
The government said it would consider closing schools and universities, encourage working from home and a reduction in large gatherings.
Key points:
Police would "concentrate on responding to serious crimes" if they lose a "significant" amount of staff to illness
UK has stockpiles of medicines for the NHS, along with protective clothing and equipment for medical staff
If coronavirus becomes widespread, there will be a focus on essential services for those "most at risk"
The Ministry of Defence will provide support as needed
There will be increased government communication with parliament, the public and the media
Social distancing strategies could be implemented, which would include school closures, home-working, and reducing the number of large scale gatherings
Non-urgent operations and procedures could be cancelled and hospital discharges monitored to free up beds
Measures would come into place to help businesses with short-term cash flow problems
A distribution strategy for sending out key medicines and equipment to NHS and social care patients
Image: The number of cases in the UK stands at 51
Speaking at a news conference, the government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, said restricting travel once the epidemic was "everywhere" would make "no difference at all".
He also said there was "no reason" for people to stockpile food and other goods.
Mr Johnson told reporters he continued to shake hands with people, adding: "I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were coronavirus patients and I was shaking hands with everybody, you will be pleased to know, and I continue to shake hands.
"People must make up their own minds but I think the scientific evidence is... our judgement is that washing your hands is the crucial thing."
The government plan outlines its response in four stages.
They include containing the outbreak, delaying its spread, mitigating the impact of the disease once it becomes established, and implementing a research programme aimed at improving diagnostics and treatment.
Officials are hoping to delay the peak of the outbreak until the spring and summer months when health services are less busy.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Legislation allowing the government to use extra powers to help control COVID-19 is expected to be passed by the end of the month.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has also pledged more funds to fight the virus and has promised more cash in next week's budget.
Meanwhile, there have been concerns over the viability of events and large gatherings, including the London Marathon just eight weeks away.
The health secretary told MPs that "reacting too early or over-reacting carries its own risk", saying that the government would, therefore, "seek to minimise social disruption".
Image: Concerns have been raised about the virus spreading on transport networks
But Mr Hancock admitted some of the action would be "uncomfortable" but insisted the government was "quite prepared to do that if it's necessary".
However, speaking to Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast show earlier, he said the government was seeking "as targeted as an approach as possible" with the focus on elderly and others likely to suffer most from the virus.
There are currently more than 90,000 cases of coronavirus around the world and more than 3,000 deaths.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.


news--2020-03-02--Mapped: Where coronavirus has spread in the UK

As cases of coronavirus continue to rise in the UK , Sky News is tracking where the virus is spreading .
Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in all four home nations , with the majority in England .
Many of the patients contracted the virus abroad , in countries including Italy , Iran , China and France .
However , there have been more recent cases of people testing positive for COVID-19 despite not travelling to any affected areas .
This means they must have contracted the virus either directly or indirectly through an infected person in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see how the virus began spreading through the country .
The first cases in the UK were a University of York student and their mother , who had both recently returned from China .
A week later , businessman Steve Walsh , who contracted the virus in Singapore , tested positive .
He stayed at a French ski chalet before returning to the UK .
Five people were linked to Mr Walsh , four of them in East Sussex .
Four people who had been quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the UK tested positive for coronavirus .
A man from Haslemere was the first person to become infected within the UK , although officials said it is unclear if he contracted it `` directly or indirectly '' from someone who travelled abroad .
The cases went up to 51 on 3 March .
These are the places where they were reported .
As of 4 March , the government stopped releasing locations , but you can scroll down to read more about what we know so far .
Locations plotted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations of some cases have not been disclosed .
The first case in Northern Ireland was a patient in Belfast who had recently returned from northern Italy .
In Wales , a person from Swansea who had also visited Italy tested positive for the virus .
Scotland 's first case , a Tayside resident , was confirmed to have the virus on Monday .
Two more people in Scotland tested positive for the virus on Wednesday , and a further three on Thursday .
A number of schools in England have closed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School in Torbay , Devon , which announced on Monday that one of its students had the virus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Willow Bank Infant School in Woodley , Reading ; Wimbledon College in London ; and St Mary 's School in Tetbury , Gloucestershire , also closed for deep cleaning after staff members tested positive for COVID-19 .
A second case in Gloucestershire was later linked to the staff member at St Mary 's School .
Bedelsford special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a staff member was being tested for the virus .

As cases of coronavirus continue to rise in the UK, Sky News is tracking where the virus is spreading.
Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in all four home nations, with the majority in England.
Many of the patients contracted the virus abroad, in countries including Italy, Iran, China and France.
However, there have been more recent cases of people testing positive for COVID-19 despite not travelling to any affected areas.
This means they must have contracted the virus either directly or indirectly through an infected person in the UK.
Scroll through the map below to see how the virus began spreading through the country.
The first cases in the UK were a University of York student and their mother, who had both recently returned from China. A week later, businessman Steve Walsh, who contracted the virus in Singapore, tested positive. He stayed at a French ski chalet before returning to the UK. Five people were linked to Mr Walsh, four of them in East Sussex. Four people who had been quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off the coast of Japan and later flown back to the UK tested positive for coronavirus. A man from Haslemere was the first person to become infected within the UK, although officials said it is unclear if he contracted it "directly or indirectly" from someone who travelled abroad. The cases went up to 51 on 3 March. These are the places where they were reported. As of 4 March, the government stopped releasing locations, but you can scroll down to read more about what we know so far.
Locations plotted on the map are approximate as the specific locations of some cases have not been disclosed.
The first case in Northern Ireland was a patient in Belfast who had recently returned from northern Italy.
In Wales, a person from Swansea who had also visited Italy tested positive for the virus.
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Scotland's first case, a Tayside resident, was confirmed to have the virus on Monday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:43 COVID-19 'likely to spread' - Johnson
Two more people in Scotland tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, and a further three on Thursday.
A number of schools in England have closed over coronavirus fears, including Churston Ferrers Grammar School in Torbay, Devon, which announced on Monday that one of its students had the virus.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Willow Bank Infant School in Woodley, Reading; Wimbledon College in London; and St Mary's School in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, also closed for deep cleaning after staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
A second case in Gloucestershire was later linked to the staff member at St Mary's School.
Bedelsford special needs school in Kingston has also closed after a staff member was being tested for the virus.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Surge in apps tracking spread and symptoms

Governments and citizens are using apps in an attempt to learn more about the coronavirus outbreak and prevent it spreading further .
The rush to access new information on coronavirus shows little sign of slowing .
Confirmed infections of COVID-19 now number more than 91,000 people globally , resulting in more than 3,000 deaths .
The majority of these deaths have occurred in China , which has responded to the outbreak by requiring people to download smartphone software called the Alipay Health Code .
Designed by the Chinese technology giant Alipay , the health-rating app automates decisions on whether individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enter public spaces through colour-coded QR codes that are scanned at special checkpoints .
A report in the New York Times says the app also `` appears to share information with the police , setting a template for new forms of automated social control that could persist long after the epidemic subsides '' .
Across the world other mobile apps are offering access to various government figures on infections , but there are few checks on the data .
The government of Brazil has released its own coronavirus app to raise awareness about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , prevention , and what to do in the case of infection .
Apps tracking the virus in South Korea are surging to the top of the Android app store .
Speaking to CNN , one of the developers of an app called Corona 100m , said that it was receiving 20,000 downloads every hour .
Corona 100m uses South Korean government data to show where patients have been and identifies them with their nationality , gender and age .
It also shows users how close they are to those patients .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , police could be reduced to just dealing with very serious crimes and maintaining public order , while the NHS could be closed to all but critical care .
There have been 51 cases of coronavirus in the UK .
Supermarkets are drawing up plans to cope with potential panic buying caused by the coronavirus outbreak , with one already warning its customers to order early due to `` exceptionally high demand '' .
Online food retailer Ocado is asking for orders to be placed further in advance than normal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` more people than usual seem to be placing particularly large orders '' .

Governments and citizens are using apps in an attempt to learn more about the coronavirus outbreak and prevent it spreading further.
The rush to access new information on coronavirus shows little sign of slowing. Confirmed infections of COVID-19 now number more than 91,000 people globally, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths.
The majority of these deaths have occurred in China, which has responded to the outbreak by requiring people to download smartphone software called the Alipay Health Code.
Designed by the Chinese technology giant Alipay, the health-rating app automates decisions on whether individuals should quarantine themselves or be allowed to enter public spaces through colour-coded QR codes that are scanned at special checkpoints.
A report in the New York Times says the app also "appears to share information with the police, setting a template for new forms of automated social control that could persist long after the epidemic subsides".
Across the world other mobile apps are offering access to various government figures on infections, but there are few checks on the data.
The government of Brazil has released its own coronavirus app to raise awareness about COVID-19 and to provide information on symptoms, prevention, and what to do in the case of infection.
Apps tracking the virus in South Korea are surging to the top of the Android app store. Speaking to CNN, one of the developers of an app called Corona 100m, said that it was receiving 20,000 downloads every hour.
Corona 100m uses South Korean government data to show where patients have been and identifies them with their nationality, gender and age. It also shows users how close they are to those patients.
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Image: People in Yunnan present their phones at special checkpoints
As part of the government's plans in the UK, police could be reduced to just dealing with very serious crimes and maintaining public order, while the NHS could be closed to all but critical care.
There have been 51 cases of coronavirus in the UK.
Supermarkets are drawing up plans to cope with potential panic buying caused by the coronavirus outbreak, with one already warning its customers to order early due to "exceptionally high demand".
Online food retailer Ocado is asking for orders to be placed further in advance than normal and for weekend delivery bookings to be avoided as "more people than usual seem to be placing particularly large orders".
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.


news--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: Ryanair boss comdemns 'lunacy' over outbreak

The boss of Ryanair has appealed for a calm and measured approach to the coronavirus outbreak as the airline adjusts its flight schedules .
In an interview with Sky News , Michael O'Leary hit out at `` lunacy on social media '' and `` hysteria '' in coverage of COVID-19 's spread beyond China to European shores .
: : Coronavirus : Police may only deal with serious crime in case of mass COVID-19 outbreak '' Let 's not have irrational panic measures '' , he pleaded .
A day after the airline confirmed it was to cut the frequency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , Mr O'Leary told Ian King Live that Ryanair had witnessed a passenger no-show rate of up to 50 % for Italy flights .
He described the decision to cancel the Ireland-Italy Six Nations rugby match in Dublin this coming weekend as `` not sensible or proportionate '' .
The businessman , who is also a racehorse owner with the winner of last year 's Grand National Tiger Roll in his stable , added he was hopeful the Cheltenham Festival would go ahead next week .
He said the airline was managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that efforts to contain the outbreak were evolving - telling a conference in Brussels that Ryanair passenger numbers could fall by two million during April and possibly May .
His comments to Sky News included a belief that travel over Easter would be largely unaffected , at this stage .
Airlines have been among the stocks worst hit in a market rout for values that picked up speed last week as investors fretted over contagion in Italy .
IAG , the owner of British Airways , and easyJet have been among rivals cutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of falling demand .
IAG went further on Monday when it added further routes - including to the United States .
Ryanair , like IAG , has said it is too early to put an estimate on the hit to annual earnings .
Its share price has lost a quarter of its value since the crisis unfolded .
Asked whether investors had over-reacted , Mr O'Leary said : `` I suspect so '' .
He said of the outbreak : `` I 'm reasonably optimistic it will be reasonably short-lived - remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Europe .
That itself will help to limit the spread of a flu-like virus . ''
He praised `` much more sensible government information '' over the past few weeks on issues such as self-isolating and hand-washing .
But he added : `` We would hope to see some of the hysteria taken out of the coverage of the COVID-19 virus outbreak that we 've seen over the last week , more accurate government ... and WHO ( World Health Organisation ) information being communicated and help us to fend off some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media . ''

The boss of Ryanair has appealed for a calm and measured approach to the coronavirus outbreak as the airline adjusts its flight schedules.
In an interview with Sky News, Michael O'Leary hit out at "lunacy on social media" and "hysteria" in coverage of COVID-19's spread beyond China to European shores.
:: Coronavirus: Police may only deal with serious crime in case of mass COVID-19 outbreak
Image: Mr O Leary has estimated that bookings could decline by 10% during April and perhaps May
"Let's not have irrational panic measures", he pleaded.
A day after the airline confirmed it was to cut the frequency of services to northern Italy by 25%, Mr O'Leary told Ian King Live that Ryanair had witnessed a passenger no-show rate of up to 50% for Italy flights.
He described the decision to cancel the Ireland-Italy Six Nations rugby match in Dublin this coming weekend as "not sensible or proportionate".
The businessman, who is also a racehorse owner with the winner of last year's Grand National Tiger Roll in his stable, added he was hopeful the Cheltenham Festival would go ahead next week.
He said the airline was managing its operations on a day-to-day basis given that efforts to contain the outbreak were evolving - telling a conference in Brussels that Ryanair passenger numbers could fall by two million during April and possibly May.
His comments to Sky News included a belief that travel over Easter would be largely unaffected, at this stage.
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Airlines have been among the stocks worst hit in a market rout for values that picked up speed last week as investors fretted over contagion in Italy.
IAG, the owner of British Airways, and easyJet have been among rivals cutting capacity in services to and from Italy because of falling demand.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 IAG can't give profit guidance for 2020 due to unpredictable issues related to coronavirus.
IAG went further on Monday when it added further routes - including to the United States.
Ryanair, like IAG, has said it is too early to put an estimate on the hit to annual earnings.
Its share price has lost a quarter of its value since the crisis unfolded. Asked whether investors had over-reacted, Mr O'Leary said: "I suspect so".
He said of the outbreak: "I'm reasonably optimistic it will be reasonably short-lived - remember we're coming into the spring-summer period in Europe. That itself will help to limit the spread of a flu-like virus."
He praised "much more sensible government information" over the past few weeks on issues such as self-isolating and hand-washing.
But he added: "We would hope to see some of the hysteria taken out of the coverage of the COVID-19 virus outbreak that we've seen over the last week, more accurate government... and WHO (World Health Organisation) information being communicated and help us to fend off some of the frankly lunacy communicated on social media."


news--2020-03-03--Queen's long gloves at palace ceremony 'sensible precaution'

The Queen has unusually worn long gloves during an investiture at Buckingham Palace - but officials declined to confirm it was because of coronavirus .
She has not been pictured wearing gloves at an investiture in the last decade and the gloves appeared much longer than ones she wears on official engagements .
However , the palace has insisted it was `` not unusual for the Queen to wear gloves on a public engagement '' .
`` The Queen does n't wear gloves at investitures , but it 's a sensible precaution , '' said Joe Little , managing editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six or so weeks away from her 94th birthday and she 's at an age when she 's susceptible to such a virus . ''
Her Majesty normally hands out honours without gloves as she shakes the hand of each recipient and fastens the awards - such as MBEs to knighthoods - to their lapel .
A royal source said the Queen would be following any government advice on the coronavirus .
The number of UK cases has increased to 51 after 12 new cases were identified on Tuesday and the government revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
People around the world have been declining handshakes and kisses in an effort to slow the spread of the virus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker German chancellor Angela Merkel had her handshake refused by the country 's interior minister this week , but Boris Johnson has said he will continue to shake hands with people .
A video of people in China tapping feet instead of shaking hands has also gone viral , being @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Queen has unusually worn long gloves during an investiture at Buckingham Palace - but officials declined to confirm it was because of coronavirus.
She has not been pictured wearing gloves at an investiture in the last decade and the gloves appeared much longer than ones she wears on official engagements.
However, the palace has insisted it was "not unusual for the Queen to wear gloves on a public engagement".
Image: October 2019
Image: November 2019
Image: October 2019
Image: March 2019
"The Queen doesn't wear gloves at investitures, but it's a sensible precaution," said Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine.
"She's six or so weeks away from her 94th birthday and she's at an age when she's susceptible to such a virus."
Her Majesty normally hands out honours without gloves as she shakes the hand of each recipient and fastens the awards - such as MBEs to knighthoods - to their lapel.
A royal source said the Queen would be following any government advice on the coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 13:29 Just how worried should we really be about coronavirus?
The number of UK cases has increased to 51 after 12 new cases were identified on Tuesday and the government revealed details of its plan to deal with the virus.
People around the world have been declining handshakes and kisses in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
German chancellor Angela Merkel had her handshake refused by the country's interior minister this week, but Boris Johnson has said he will continue to shake hands with people.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 'Wuhan shake' - how to greet people in China
A video of people in China tapping feet instead of shaking hands has also gone viral, being dubbed the "Wuhan Shake".


news--2020-03-02--Coronavirus: Fourth death in France after Iran sees spike in cases

France has reported its fourth death from coronavirus , as Iran sees a spike in cases and Japan hints that the Olympics could be postponed .
The latest death in France was of a 92-year-old man in Brittany and it came as the government confirmed 204 cases - up 13 from the previous day .
French president Emmanuel Macron said the government was requisitioning all current and future stocks of face masks so they could be given to health workers and those who were ill with COVID-19 , the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus .
There has been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Iran , with the country 's deputy health minister Alireza Raisi saying that 77 people have died from 2,336 confirmed cases of the disease .
The number of cases was a sharp increase from the total of around 1,500 seen on Monday .
Authorities said they plan to mobilise 300,000 soldiers and volunteers to deal with the virus and experts from the World Health Organisation have also arrived to help local health workers .
France , Germany and the UK have also promised testing supplies , protective body suits and gloves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Iran 's chief justice , Ebrahim Raisi , said some people were stockpiling medical supplies for profit , urging prosecutors to show `` no mercy for hoarders '' who were `` playing with people 's lives '' .
According to Iranian politician Abdolreza Mesri , 23 members of the country 's parliament have been infected .
Iran 's supreme leader , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , used disposable gloves as he planted a tree to mark next month 's Arbour Day .
The 80-year-old said : `` Whatever helps public health and prevents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what helps to spread it is sin . ''
The International Olympic Committee 's executive board has been meeting in Switzerland to discuss the future of the summer games , due to start on 24 July in Tokyo .
Japan 's Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto said : `` The IOC has the right to cancel the games only if they are not held during 2020 .
`` This can be interpreted to mean the games can be postponed as long as they are held during the calendar year . ''
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the outbreak worsens and said : `` We are making the utmost effort so that we do n't have to face that situation . ''
There have been 274 confirmed cases of the virus in Japan , where many schools have been closed and sports competitions cancelled .
If the Olympics was cancelled , it would be only the fourth time in history - the other three all being during wartime .
IOC President Thomas Bach said he remains `` very confident with regard to the success of these Olympic Games in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the words of Ms Hashimoto , he had declined to `` fuel the flames of speculation '' .
South Korea has confirmed 851 more cases of the coronavirus , with Seoul saying more hospital beds and face masks were on order as the number of cases rose to 5,186 , with 34 deaths .
South Korean president Moon Jae-in said : `` The entire country has entered war against the infectious disease as the crisis in Daegu and Gyeongbuk province has reached the highest point . ''
He also apologised for the shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am very sorry to the people that we are not able to supply masks swiftly and sufficiently , and have caused inconvenience . ''
South Korea , one of Asia 's largest economies , has the highest number of COVID-19 cases outside China , where the virus originated .
There have now been more than 91,000 confirmed and suspected cases globally , according to Johns Hopkins University , which is tracking the outbreak .
It says there have been more than 3,100 deaths .
Italy is facing Europe 's biggest outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll jumped from 34 on Monday to 52 by Tuesday .
Italians have reportedly been told to stand at least a metre away from each other when in public spaces , based on a study of how far saliva droplets travel when people speak .
Eleven northern towns remain under quarantine , but officials say it could be another two weeks before it is known whether this has helped to halt the spread of the disease .
Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported that Pope Francis , who had cancelled a Lent retreat for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a cold , tested negative for COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus .
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said he had no comment on the reports .
Pope Francis , 83 , had part of one lung removed due to an illness decades ago and also cancelled most of his audiences last week .
• Group of Seven nations draft a plan to soften the economic hit but it does not include calls for new government spending or central bank rate cuts - news which disappoints the financial markets • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting in today 's Super Tuesday US presidential primaries , with the possibility that someone could spread false information about the disease to keep voters away • The number of people in the UK who have tested positive for the virus stood at 51 by Tuesday afternoon • England 's cricketers will reportedly fist-pump - rather than shake hands - with their opponents Sri Lanka during their upcoming tour : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker China has reported the lowest number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease was first published in January .
There were 125 new cases in mainland China on Monday , down from 202 a day earlier .
More than 80,000 cases have been confirmed in China .
Excluding cases from Hubei province , where the outbreak began , there were 11 new cases .
Seven of these were Chinese nationals who had worked in a restaurant in the Lombardy region of Italy , which has been badly-affected by the virus .
Authorities asked citizens overseas to reconsider plans to return home , as concern turns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be brought back in to China from hotspots outside its borders .
Shanghai , China 's second-largest city , has announced it will require everyone coming from countries with `` relatively serious virus conditions '' to undergo 14 days of quarantine , regardless of their nationality .
The US reports that six people have died from the virus , all in Washington state , with new cases of infection being reported in New Hampshire and New York .
In Seattle , King County Executive Dow Constantine said the county is buying a hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients who need to be isolated .
`` We have moved to a new stage in the fight , '' he said .
More than 100 cases have been confirmed in the US .
Australians have been stocking up on essentials , with toilet paper among the items most in demand .
Pictures on social media showed empty shelves , while some enterprising shoppers sought to take advantage by listing toilet rolls for sale at inflated prices on websites such as Gumtree .
Melbourne newspaper The Age reported that the country 's largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run 24-hours-a-day to cater for the increased demand .
Australia 's prime minister Scott Morrison was quoted in the newspaper as saying this would `` come as a great relief to everybody '' .
The country 's two main supermarket chains - Woolworths and Coles - have begun stockpiling toilet paper after a rare call to their chief executives from Mr Morrison .
Australia , which has confirmed 31 cases of the virus , is not the only country whose shoppers are going crazy for toilet paper - panic-buying has also been seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

France has reported its fourth death from coronavirus, as Iran sees a spike in cases and Japan hints that the Olympics could be postponed.
The latest death in France was of a 92-year-old man in Brittany and it came as the government confirmed 204 cases - up 13 from the previous day.
French president Emmanuel Macron said the government was requisitioning all current and future stocks of face masks so they could be given to health workers and those who were ill with COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.
Image: The number of cases in Iran has increased sharply in recent days
Iran
There has been a spike of more than 800 new coronavirus cases in Iran, with the country's deputy health minister Alireza Raisi saying that 77 people have died from 2,336 confirmed cases of the disease.
The number of cases was a sharp increase from the total of around 1,500 seen on Monday.
Authorities said they plan to mobilise 300,000 soldiers and volunteers to deal with the virus and experts from the World Health Organisation have also arrived to help local health workers.
France, Germany and the UK have also promised testing supplies, protective body suits and gloves, as well as offering financial aid.
Iran's chief justice, Ebrahim Raisi, said some people were stockpiling medical supplies for profit, urging prosecutors to show "no mercy for hoarders" who were "playing with people's lives".
According to Iranian politician Abdolreza Mesri, 23 members of the country's parliament have been infected.
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, used disposable gloves as he planted a tree to mark next month's Arbour Day.
The 80-year-old said: "Whatever helps public health and prevents the spread of the disease is good and what helps to spread it is sin."
Olympics
The International Olympic Committee's executive board has been meeting in Switzerland to discuss the future of the summer games, due to start on 24 July in Tokyo.
Japan's Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto said: "The IOC has the right to cancel the games only if they are not held during 2020.
"This can be interpreted to mean the games can be postponed as long as they are held during the calendar year."
She was asked if the Olympics should be held if the outbreak worsens and said: "We are making the utmost effort so that we don't have to face that situation."
There have been 274 confirmed cases of the virus in Japan, where many schools have been closed and sports competitions cancelled.
If the Olympics was cancelled, it would be only the fourth time in history - the other three all being during wartime.
IOC President Thomas Bach said he remains "very confident with regard to the success of these Olympic Games in 2020".
When asked earlier about the words of Ms Hashimoto, he had declined to "fuel the flames of speculation".
South Korea
South Korea has confirmed 851 more cases of the coronavirus, with Seoul saying more hospital beds and face masks were on order as the number of cases rose to 5,186, with 34 deaths.
South Korean president Moon Jae-in said: "The entire country has entered war against the infectious disease as the crisis in Daegu and Gyeongbuk province has reached the highest point."
Image: South Korea's leader has declared 'war' on the virus
He also apologised for the shortage of face masks, saying: "I am very sorry to the people that we are not able to supply masks swiftly and sufficiently, and have caused inconvenience."
South Korea, one of Asia's largest economies, has the highest number of COVID-19 cases outside China, where the virus originated.
There have now been more than 91,000 confirmed and suspected cases globally, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the outbreak. It says there have been more than 3,100 deaths.
Image: There were concerns that Pope Francis might have been struck down by the virus
Italy
Italy is facing Europe's biggest outbreak, with 2,036 cases, and its death toll jumped from 34 on Monday to 52 by Tuesday.
Italians have reportedly been told to stand at least a metre away from each other when in public spaces, based on a study of how far saliva droplets travel when people speak.
Eleven northern towns remain under quarantine, but officials say it could be another two weeks before it is known whether this has helped to halt the spread of the disease.
Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported that Pope Francis, who had cancelled a Lent retreat for the first time in his papacy due to a cold, tested negative for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said he had no comment on the reports.
Pope Francis, 83, had part of one lung removed due to an illness decades ago and also cancelled most of his audiences last week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:16 How to contain a global pandemic
In other developments:
Group of Seven nations draft a plan to soften the economic hit but it does not include calls for new government spending or central bank rate cuts - news which disappoints the financial markets
Gibraltar confirms its first coronavirus case
There are concerns the virus may disrupt voting in today's Super Tuesday US presidential primaries, with the possibility that someone could spread false information about the disease to keep voters away
The number of people in the UK who have tested positive for the virus stood at 51 by Tuesday afternoon
England's cricketers will reportedly fist-pump - rather than shake hands - with their opponents Sri Lanka during their upcoming tour
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
China
China has reported the lowest number of new cases since nationwide data on the disease was first published in January.
There were 125 new cases in mainland China on Monday, down from 202 a day earlier. More than 80,000 cases have been confirmed in China.
Excluding cases from Hubei province, where the outbreak began, there were 11 new cases. Seven of these were Chinese nationals who had worked in a restaurant in the Lombardy region of Italy, which has been badly-affected by the virus.
Authorities asked citizens overseas to reconsider plans to return home, as concern turns to the potential for the virus to be brought back in to China from hotspots outside its borders.
Shanghai, China's second-largest city, has announced it will require everyone coming from countries with "relatively serious virus conditions" to undergo 14 days of quarantine, regardless of their nationality.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:14 'Wuhan shake' - how to greet people in China when you can't shake hands
US
The US reports that six people have died from the virus, all in Washington state, with new cases of infection being reported in New Hampshire and New York.
In Seattle, King County Executive Dow Constantine said the county is buying a hotel to be used as a hospital for patients who need to be isolated.
"We have moved to a new stage in the fight," he said.
More than 100 cases have been confirmed in the US.
Image: Fear of coronavirus has had Australians stocking up on toilet paper
Australia
Australians have been stocking up on essentials, with toilet paper among the items most in demand.
Pictures on social media showed empty shelves, while some enterprising shoppers sought to take advantage by listing toilet rolls for sale at inflated prices on websites such as Gumtree.
Melbourne newspaper The Age reported that the country's largest toilet paper manufacturer had increased production to run 24-hours-a-day to cater for the increased demand.
Australia's prime minister Scott Morrison was quoted in the newspaper as saying this would "come as a great relief to everybody".
The country's two main supermarket chains - Woolworths and Coles - have begun stockpiling toilet paper after a rare call to their chief executives from Mr Morrison.
Australia, which has confirmed 31 cases of the virus, is not the only country whose shoppers are going crazy for toilet paper - panic-buying has also been seen in reports from the US and Japan.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-03--Because of coronavirus, the PM's recent battles seem rather frivolous

Because of coronavirus , the PM 's recent battles seem rather frivolous Because of coronavirus , the PM 's recent battles seem rather frivolous Boris Johnson 's been dubbed the `` chairman prime minister '' or the `` part-time prime minister '' , depending on which side of the political divide you sit .
Supporters see him as the head of the board , empowering his cabinet to deal with the day-to-day running of his government as he paints the big picture .
For his opponents he is a leader who enjoys the spoils of power but is less interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading from the front .
But in the past 72 hours that mood in No 10 has changed .
The UK could be facing the worst prolonged pandemic in nearly a century in the coming months .
Every one of us could contract the disease .
One in five of us could be off work sick at the peak of the outbreak .
The army might have to be deployed to help police our streets and all non-urgent NHS care could be cancelled .
In the coming weeks we might be asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and keep away from the elderly .
In times like these the public want to know their prime minister and his team have got a grip : BBC boycotts , running battles between ministers and mandarins , and briefing wars between advisers all seem rather frivolous against the backdrop of what the country is now facing .
It is a sentiment that has not been lost on Downing Street .
In recent days , the prime minister has stepped up a gear as the situation has become more serious .
He has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , visited NHS staff working on suspected coronavirus cases in hospital and become far more visible to the public .
Today , flanked by his chief medical officer and his chief scientific officer , the prime minister spoke of the `` national challenge '' facing us all as he sought to reassure people his government has a grip .
Taking all the questions that journalists wanted answering in the longest press conference of his premiership , Mr Johnson is suddenly very much engaged .
He knows this crisis will define his government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government will not be put on the back burner as ministers try to manage a coronavirus epidemic .
Whitehall must be able to walk and chew gum .
Yes coronavirus will be the priority , but there is the bandwidth to manage other key issues like the trade talks , infrastructure investment and criminal justice reform .
But a quick read of the government 's 28-page coronavirus action plan points to a more singular focus in the coming months - whatever the Johnson team might hope for now .
The document released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - skimming over plans to ban gatherings , restrict our movements and deal with spikes in death rates - but it leaves little doubt about the scale of the crisis should the outbreak develop into a full-blown pandemic .
Move into that territory and it is inevitable that capacity across Whitehall will get hoovered up .
The public wo n't care much about trade talks , criminal justice reform and what happens to high speed rail projects when they are worrying about the safety of their families , access to healthcare , public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want the government to focus all its efforts on trying to keep them safe .
Already next week 's budget has been downgraded from the `` decade of renewal '' blueprint into something very different , with the government 's coronavirus plans - including emergency funding packages - taking front and centre stage .
Big announcements on spending plans might be delayed until fiscal events later this year .
It 's hard for the Treasury to make plans when it ca n't yet predict the impact this possible pandemic could have on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it might seem unconscionable right now , there might be a moment in a few months ' time that the government thinks again about the pace of EU trade talks and timing of our exit from the transition period .
Could the UK and EU press pause if they find themselves in the grip of fighting a global pandemic just as they are due to be trying to seal a deal ?
Even the most capable government would struggle to cope with managing a prolonged pandemic while also gearing up our borders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the EU - particularly if the peaks in the coronavirus outbreaks come in two waves later this year .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A government which is preparing for the worst and working for the best , for now it is business as usual for all of us .
But not for Mr Johnson : the chairman-in-chief will now have to be far more hands on as he moves onto an emergency footing .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lead from the front .

In recent days, Boris Johnson has stepped his coronavirus response up a gear as the situation has become more serious.
Because of coronavirus, the PM's recent battles seem rather frivolous
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Boris Johnson's been dubbed the "chairman prime minister" or the "part-time prime minister", depending on which side of the political divide you sit.
Supporters see him as the head of the board, empowering his cabinet to deal with the day-to-day running of his government as he paints the big picture.
For his opponents he is a leader who enjoys the spoils of power but is less interested in putting in the hard graft and leading from the front.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:43 COVID-19 'likely to spread' - Johnson
But in the past 72 hours that mood in No 10 has changed.
The UK could be facing the worst prolonged pandemic in nearly a century in the coming months.
Every one of us could contract the disease. One in five of us could be off work sick at the peak of the outbreak. The army might have to be deployed to help police our streets and all non-urgent NHS care could be cancelled.
In the coming weeks we might be asked to work from home, avoid public gatherings and keep away from the elderly.
In times like these the public want to know their prime minister and his team have got a grip: BBC boycotts, running battles between ministers and mandarins, and briefing wars between advisers all seem rather frivolous against the backdrop of what the country is now facing.
It is a sentiment that has not been lost on Downing Street.
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In recent days, the prime minister has stepped up a gear as the situation has become more serious.
He has taken charge of the last emergency COBRA meeting, visited NHS staff working on suspected coronavirus cases in hospital and become far more visible to the public.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:19 Johnson: We're prepared for coronavirus
Today, flanked by his chief medical officer and his chief scientific officer, the prime minister spoke of the "national challenge" facing us all as he sought to reassure people his government has a grip.
Taking all the questions that journalists wanted answering in the longest press conference of his premiership, Mr Johnson is suddenly very much engaged. He knows this crisis will define his government.
Those around him insist the wider programme of government will not be put on the back burner as ministers try to manage a coronavirus epidemic. Whitehall must be able to walk and chew gum.
Yes coronavirus will be the priority, but there is the bandwidth to manage other key issues like the trade talks, infrastructure investment and criminal justice reform.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:51 Coronavirus: How bad will it get?
But a quick read of the government's 28-page coronavirus action plan points to a more singular focus in the coming months - whatever the Johnson team might hope for now.
The document released on Tuesday may be light on detail - skimming over plans to ban gatherings, restrict our movements and deal with spikes in death rates - but it leaves little doubt about the scale of the crisis should the outbreak develop into a full-blown pandemic.
Move into that territory and it is inevitable that capacity across Whitehall will get hoovered up.
The public won't care much about trade talks, criminal justice reform and what happens to high speed rail projects when they are worrying about the safety of their families, access to healthcare, public safety and food supplies. They'll want the government to focus all its efforts on trying to keep them safe.
Already next week's budget has been downgraded from the "decade of renewal" blueprint into something very different, with the government's coronavirus plans - including emergency funding packages - taking front and centre stage.
Big announcements on spending plans might be delayed until fiscal events later this year.
It's hard for the Treasury to make plans when it can't yet predict the impact this possible pandemic could have on the domestic and global economy.
And while it might seem unconscionable right now, there might be a moment in a few months' time that the government thinks again about the pace of EU trade talks and timing of our exit from the transition period.
Could the UK and EU press pause if they find themselves in the grip of fighting a global pandemic just as they are due to be trying to seal a deal?
Even the most capable government would struggle to cope with managing a prolonged pandemic while also gearing up our borders and businesses for a no trade deal exit from the EU - particularly if the peaks in the coronavirus outbreaks come in two waves later this year.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A government which is preparing for the worst and working for the best, for now it is business as usual for all of us.
But not for Mr Johnson: the chairman-in-chief will now have to be far more hands on as he moves onto an emergency footing.
He has his plan and the public expect him to lead from the front.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.


news--2020-03-03--Coronavirus: US slashes interest rates in first emergency cut for 12 years

The US central bank has cut interest rates in an emergency move to help shield its economy from the impact of the `` evolving '' coronavirus crisis .
The Federal Reserve , which had hinted that support was imminent following steep stock market falls last week , said it was taking half a percentage point off its federal funds rate to a new target range of 1 % to 1.25 % .
Sky 's economics editor Ed Conway suggested that the measure could prompt other central banks to follow suit as worries grow that efforts to contain the outbreak will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fed was not due to meet , let alone make a decision on rates , for a fortnight .
The last time it cut rates between meetings was in 2008 - at the height of the financial crisis .
The surprise announcement helped stock markets in the US and Europe pile on value that was lost during the panic of last week initially , though caution later set in on Wall Street as the benefits of the cut for the economy were seen as negligible .
Financial analysts suggested the market reaction reflected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand in an environment of government-inspired restrictions to halt the spread of a virus .
Returns yielded by 10-year US bonds - parcels of government debt - fell below 1 % for the first time ever .
That reflected growing concern the US could fall into recession in any protracted virus-led slowdown .
Just 24 hours previously , President Donald Trump had demanded the bank have the `` lowest rate '' .
He tweeted in reaction to the rate cut : `` The Federal Reserve is cuting ( sic ) but must further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into line with other countries/competitors .
`` We are not playing on a level field .
Not fair to USA .
It is finally time for the Federal Reserve to LEAD .
More easing and cutting ! ''
The central bank 's rate-setting committee announced its measure hours after the governor of the Bank of England , Mark Carney , told MPs in the UK the economic shock from the spread of COVID-19 `` could prove large '' .
Its monetary policy committee is not due to announce its next interest rate decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Carney will have handed over to his successor Andrew Bailey .
Rate cuts during times of potential economic shocks are designed to lower borrowing costs across the economy - supporting economic activity in the process .
Fed chairman Jay Powell told reporters that the speed of COVID-19 's spread prompted its action .
The Fed 's statement said : `` The fundamentals of the US economy remain strong .
`` However , the coronavirus poses evolving risks to economic activity .
In light of these risks and in support of achieving its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Open Market Committee ( FOMC ) decided today to lower the target range for the federal funds rate . ''
In addition to the central bank support , the US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the government was looking at options to support businesses through COVID-19 disruption .
The knock-on effects have hit factory output , especially in the manufacturing powerhouse of China , as part of efforts to limit contagion through restrictions on the movement of people .
In an acknowledgement of COVID-19 concerns , it was also announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ /World Bank Spring Meetings in mid-April would be adapted to a `` virtual format '' .
A joint statement said : `` Our goal is to serve our membership effectively while ensuring the health and safety of Spring Meetings participants and staff . ''
The Dow Jones Industrial Average overturned early losses to register a gain of more than 1 % after the Fed 's statement was released , but it later turned negative and was almost 3 % lower at the closing bell .
Gains the FTSE 100 had made in London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the session just shy of 1 % higher .
The pound also clawed back 0.5 % of strength from a weakening US dollar .
Neil Wilson , chief market analyst at Markets.com , said the FOMC 's move could also be seen as conflicting in its message .
`` The Fed will take the usual flak for saying on the one hand that the economy is sound but aggressively cutting rates simply because financial markets are out of kilter for a bit , '' he wrote .

The US central bank has cut interest rates in an emergency move to help shield its economy from the impact of the "evolving" coronavirus crisis.
The Federal Reserve, which had hinted that support was imminent following steep stock market falls last week, said it was taking half a percentage point off its federal funds rate to a new target range of 1% to 1.25%.
Sky's economics editor Ed Conway suggested that the measure could prompt other central banks to follow suit as worries grow that efforts to contain the outbreak will cripple global growth this year.
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The Fed was not due to meet, let alone make a decision on rates, for a fortnight.
The last time it cut rates between meetings was in 2008 - at the height of the financial crisis.
The surprise announcement helped stock markets in the US and Europe pile on value that was lost during the panic of last week initially, though caution later set in on Wall Street as the benefits of the cut for the economy were seen as negligible.
Financial analysts suggested the market reaction reflected doubts that a rate cut would boost demand in an environment of government-inspired restrictions to halt the spread of a virus.
Returns yielded by 10-year US bonds - parcels of government debt - fell below 1% for the first time ever.
That reflected growing concern the US could fall into recession in any protracted virus-led slowdown.
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Just 24 hours previously, President Donald Trump had demanded the bank have the "lowest rate".
He tweeted in reaction to the rate cut: "The Federal Reserve is cuting (sic) but must further ease and, most importantly, come into line with other countries/competitors.
"We are not playing on a level field. Not fair to USA. It is finally time for the Federal Reserve to LEAD. More easing and cutting!"
The central bank's rate-setting committee announced its measure hours after the governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, told MPs in the UK the economic shock from the spread of COVID-19 "could prove large".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:25 Bank of England governor Mark Carney told MPs about the Bank's plans to respond to the coronavirus crisis.
Its monetary policy committee is not due to announce its next interest rate decision until 26th March, by which time Mr Carney will have handed over to his successor Andrew Bailey.
Rate cuts during times of potential economic shocks are designed to lower borrowing costs across the economy - supporting economic activity in the process.
Fed chairman Jay Powell told reporters that the speed of COVID-19's spread prompted its action.
Image: Jay Powell is chairman of the Federal Reserve
The Fed's statement said: "The fundamentals of the US economy remain strong.
"However, the coronavirus poses evolving risks to economic activity. In light of these risks and in support of achieving its maximum employment and price stability goals, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided today to lower the target range for the federal funds rate."
In addition to the central bank support, the US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the government was looking at options to support businesses through COVID-19 disruption.
The knock-on effects have hit factory output, especially in the manufacturing powerhouse of China, as part of efforts to limit contagion through restrictions on the movement of people.
In an acknowledgement of COVID-19 concerns, it was also announced that the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Spring Meetings in mid-April would be adapted to a "virtual format".
A joint statement said: "Our goal is to serve our membership effectively while ensuring the health and safety of Spring Meetings participants and staff."
The Dow Jones Industrial Average overturned early losses to register a gain of more than 1% after the Fed's statement was released, but it later turned negative and was almost 3% lower at the closing bell.
Gains the FTSE 100 had made in London were limited late on as it closed the session just shy of 1% higher.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 40:00 The prime minister announces the government's six-point plan to tackle coronavirus in the UK.
The pound also clawed back 0.5% of strength from a weakening US dollar.
Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com, said the FOMC's move could also be seen as conflicting in its message.
"The Fed will take the usual flak for saying on the one hand that the economy is sound but aggressively cutting rates simply because financial markets are out of kilter for a bit," he wrote.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays


news--2020-03-03--Ronan Keating: Singer told to 'say nothing at all' after coronavirus post

Ronan Keating has been trolled with quotes from his own song on social media after he deleted a post about coronavirus that users claimed was misleading .
The Irish singer posted a picture to Instagram on Sunday of ships queuing outside a port in Singapore , and said they were n't allowed to dock due to COVID-19 .
But other social media users were quick to point out that queues of ships were to be expected outside the world 's second-busiest port .
Singapore 's Maritime and Port Authority also responded by saying no cargo vessel had been turned away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` at any one time '' there are usually around 1,000 ships in the area .
It then signed off the post with the hashtag # WeCouldntSayNothingAtAll in a jokey reference to the song When You Say Nothing At All , which was Keating 's debut solo single after Boyzone .
The track , which was originally released by country singer Keith Whitley in 1988 , was made famous by Keating 's rendition that was used in the film Notting Hill .
Other posts responding to the 43-year-old 's claim over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You say it best when you say nothing at all , '' Instagram user Gweezilla wrote .
Keating 's original post has since been deleted and the star has not commented further .
He had performed at an event in Jakarta , Indonesia , on Saturday , but it was not clear if he was in Singapore when he posted the picture .
Singapore has recorded just over 100 cases of COVID-19 .

Ronan Keating has been trolled with quotes from his own song on social media after he deleted a post about coronavirus that users claimed was misleading.
The Irish singer posted a picture to Instagram on Sunday of ships queuing outside a port in Singapore, and said they weren't allowed to dock due to COVID-19.
But other social media users were quick to point out that queues of ships were to be expected outside the world's second-busiest port.
Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority also responded by saying no cargo vessel had been turned away because of the illness, and that "at any one time" there are usually around 1,000 ships in the area.
It then signed off the post with the hashtag #WeCouldntSayNothingAtAll in a jokey reference to the song When You Say Nothing At All, which was Keating's debut solo single after Boyzone.
The track, which was originally released by country singer Keith Whitley in 1988, was made famous by Keating's rendition that was used in the film Notting Hill.
Other posts responding to the 43-year-old's claim over the weekend were more direct in their approach.
"You say it best when you say nothing at all," Instagram user Gweezilla wrote.
Keating's original post has since been deleted and the star has not commented further.
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He had performed at an event in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Saturday, but it was not clear if he was in Singapore when he posted the picture.
Singapore has recorded just over 100 cases of COVID-19.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays.