bbc--2020-03-10--Is coronavirus coming between people and their faith?

As concern over the spread of coronavirus grows , people around the world are changing the way they do things .
Some have cut back on travel plans and are avoiding crowded spaces .
Others have dropped greetings like handshakes and hugs for elbow bumps and foot shakes .
Churches , mosques , temples and synagogues are also changing rituals in an effort to contain the spread of the virus .
So how easy is it to maintain the sense of spiritual connection when the way you worship has to change ?
While the whole of Italy is effectively on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being urged to get out and visit others .
Pope Francis has urged priests to have the `` courage to go out and visit the sick '' and to `` accompany the medical staff and volunteers in the work they do '' .
They will however need to take precautions such as keeping at least a metre ( about 3ft 4in ) away from other people and avoiding physical contact .
The Pope chose to live-stream his traditional Sunday message in an effort to reduce crowds at the Vatican .
Catholic churches from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed the way they carry out Mass in an effort to stop infection .
Priests now place the wafer in peoples ' hands rather than on their tongues , and have stopped giving wine in the communal chalice .
Instead of shaking hands during the sign of peace , members of the congregation are being asked simply to pray for the person sitting next to them .
But while they may understand why such steps are necessary , some still have a sense of loss .
`` There is n't the same joy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` not doing the sign of peace and not taking communion in the mouth is like removing a part of the Mass basically .
`` It 's a shame but I understand that these measures have to be taken . ''
One Church that is not changing the way it carries out communion is the Greek Orthodox Church .
It will continue giving the sacrament using the same spoon for worshippers .
In a statement the church 's ruling body the Holy Synod said : `` For the members of the Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not be a cause of disease transmission '' .
It called for the faithful to pray against the spread of the deadly virus .
In the US , hundreds of people who attended Christ Church in Georgetown , Washington DC , have been told to self-quarantine after the rector of the church was confirmed as the first known coronavirus patient in the district .
Reverend Timothy Cole tested positive for the virus on Saturday , and is under quarantine with his family .
It 's been reported that about 550 people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he oversaw on 1 March , and that he administered communion .
It was the refusal to make adjustments to worship that has been blamed for increasing the spread of the coronavirus in South Korea .
More than half of all cases in the country have been linked to a fringe Christian group called the Shincheonji Church of Jesus .
It 's thought that practices such as sitting very close together meant the virus spread more quickly among members , who then travelled around the country and infected others .
Church leaders have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members , hindering authorities as they tried to identify infected people and contain the spread of the virus .
The Grand Mosque in Mecca is usually packed with thousands of Muslim pilgrims , but there has been a dramatic fall in visitors to what Islam holiest sites .
Although the Grand Mosque has re-opened after being closed for sterilisation , there is now a barrier around the sacred Kaaba in the centre of the mosque to stop people from touching it .
A ban on foreign pilgrims to both Mecca and Medina is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world would usually be visiting for Umrah pilgrimage , which unlike Hajj can be performed at any time of the year .
About eight million Muslims make the trip annually .
Hadiza Tanimu Danu runs a travel agency in Nigeria which specialises in trips to Mecca , and says reaction to the foreign visitor ban has been mixed .
`` People are sad , '' she tells me .
`` You know it 's Umrah , and everybody loves going for the purpose for worshipping . ''
It may not be just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are worried that 'OK , what if this extends to Ramadan , what if this extends to Hajj , what 's going to happen ? '
'' she says .
The Saudi authorities say these measures are temporary and have not indicated that there are plans to disrupt the Hajj .
Some religious practices which could spread the virus have continued .
There was alarm around the world recently when videos of Iranians licking Shia shrines were shared on social media .
In one , a man is seen at the Masumeh shrine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scared of coronavirus '' , before licking and kissing the gates .
Some people believe the shrines have divine powers and can help cure diseases .
Two of the men involved are facing jail as a result of their actions , but some Iranians say the religious sites should have been closed altogether .
For many Muslims , though , it is the smaller changes in day-to-day behaviour that they are focused on .
For example , as South Africa grapples with its first confirmed cases of the virus , religious leaders used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people about taking precautions .
BBC Africa 's Mohammed Allie says that worshippers at his mosque were advised not to shake hands or hug after the service .
`` It 's going to take some time to get used to it , '' he says .
`` People were still shaking hands after mosque , not because they have ignored the message , but because it 's a reflex action . ''
He says some people have started touching feet instead of shaking hands , and he has started using fist bumps .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make adjustments , '' he says , adding that he and fellow worshippers have been advised to bring their own prayer mats to next Friday 's prayers .
For Hindus , this is the time of year when Holi - the `` festival of colours '' - is celebrated .
It commemorates the triumph of good over evil , as well as spring , love and new life .
As part of the festivities , people throw coloured powder in the air and paint each other 's faces .
India 's Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be taking part in public celebrations , and advised people to avoid large gatherings .
But many people did take part in festivities over the weekend , albeit with some precautions taken , such as wearing face masks .
For others though , it was a risk they were not prepared to take .
Nicky Singh lives in Amritsar , in the Indian state of Punjab .
He says he stayed at home , preferring to exchange wishes by phone .
He tells me that it is only `` the brave or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the energy which is synonymous with Holi is missing '' .
He adds : `` A harmless sneeze is enough to ring the alarm bells here , that 's the general feeling around .
How do you tell people not to hug a grieving widow at a funeral ?
That 's something that Rabbi Jackie Tabick , from London 's West Central Liberal Synagogue , told me she was grappling with .
`` It 's a really tough one , '' she explains .
`` I think I 'm going to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody wants to physically express their love for the widow , but really the best way that you can express your love these days - and I know she will understand too - is to talk to her , nod to her , but do n't touch , because it 's really not the right thing to do at the moment . ''
She is also putting plans in place to try to do lessons and services online , which many reform and liberal synagogues already do .
Last week , Israel 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advising that people should not touch or kiss the mezuzah .
These are scrolls with religious verses which are placed on doorposts of homes , and which people touch or kiss when entering a building or a room .
The Conference of European Rabbis has also advised people to not kiss items such as Torah scrolls .
Although Rabbi Tabick says that not being able to kiss the mezuzah is not a major thing in Jewish life , `` the trouble is that certain things are a matter of routine '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to re-examine routine rituals that we have .
Maybe it will be helpful to us to rethink how we can replace them .
`` Certainly the most important thing is to make sure that we have support for each other , and maybe [ we should be ] emphasising that as a way of connecting to God . ''

"I think I'm going to say something like: 'I know that everybody wants to physically express their love for the widow, but really the best way that you can express your love these days - and I know she will understand too - is to talk to her, nod to her, but don't touch, because it's really not the right thing to do at the moment."


bbc--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: Italians barred from Austria to stop spread

Austria has banned people entering the country from Italy unless they carry a medical certificate , in an attempt to stop coronavirus spreading .
Speaking after the Italian government imposed travel restrictions across the country , Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Austrians returning from Italy would have to self-isolate for two weeks .
Austria has seen 158 cases of coronavirus so far .
By contrast , Italy has had more than 10,000 cases and 631 deaths .
The number of cases in Italy continues to rise and 168 more fatalities over the previous 24 hours were announced on Tuesday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected , a rise of 529 , while a further 1,004 had now recovered .
Mr Kurz said the number of cases in Austria was still very low , but the disease was deadly .
Austria and Italy share a border north of Italy 's South Tyrol region .
On Tuesday , South Tyrol , in common with the rest of Italy , closed all cultural centres and restricted access to bars and cafes to daytime hours .
Italy 's nationwide lockdown limits travel to those with `` verifiable work requirements or situations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been suspended , and schools and universities have been shut until 3 April .
Employees have been urged either to work from home or take annual leave .
Hotel and tourist accommodation operators in South Tyrol have ended their winter holiday season early and agreed to delay the spring tourist season .
• Italian mortgage payments will be suspended to cushion the economic blow of the epidemic • Spain has reported 1,622 cases , almost half in the Madrid area , and all Spanish sport is to be played behind closed doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Several German states are imposing restrictions .
Bavaria will ban events involving more than 1,000 people • Denmark has recommended avoiding public transport during the rush hour and banned flights from northern Italy , part of Austria , Iran and areas of South Korea and China • Czech schools will shut from Wednesday and authorities are looking for dozens of customers of a Czech Uber driver who tested positive for the virus 'People are paranoid ' - Life on lockdown in Italy In pictures : Life under lockdown in Italy What do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as barring Italians from entering the country , `` regarding Austrians in Italy , we are currently organising a repatriation of these Austrians '' , Mr Kurz told reporters in Vienna .
Five mobile teams began health checks on the Brenner Pass as well as two other routes between the two countries on Tuesday .
Austria is introducing further restrictions .
University teaching is being suspended , as well as indoor events involving more than 100 people and outdoor events with more than 500 .
`` The fewer social contacts there are , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Mr Kurz .
The health minister said Austrians had to change their lives for the next few months .
How is the lockdown working in Italy ?
Many of Italy 's cities were described as quiet on Tuesday .
Bars and restaurants in Rome were open but there were few tourists around .
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has urged Italians to stay at home , and the effect on the nation 's cultural life has been immediate .
Gyms , cinemas , swimming pools and schools have closed , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a halt , but public transport is still operating .
In a decision that appeared to go against the grain of the Italian measures , Pope Francis urged Catholic priests to visit people infected by the virus .
`` May they accompany healthcare professionals , volunteers in the work they are doing , '' he said during a Mass for visiting clergy at the Vatican .
The virus is most deadly for Italy 's elderly , according to figures from coronavirus emergency commissioner Angelo Borelli , who said the latest fatalities involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seventy-seven were aged 70-89 , while just 10 % were aged 50-69 .
The remainder were over 90 .

Italy's nationwide lockdown limits travel to those with "verifiable work requirements or situations of necessity". All sporting events have been suspended, and schools and universities have been shut until 3 April. Employees have been urged either to work from home or take annual leave.


How to self-isolate

The official advice if you suspect you have coronavirus , have been in contact with someone who has it , @ @ @ @ @ place where there are a lot of cases of the virus , is to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ actually mean and what 's the right way to do it ?
The BBC 's @ @ @ @ @ the top five methods to successfully self-isolate .

In the UK the official advice if you suspect you have coronavirus, have been in contact with someone who has it, or have been to a place where there are a lot of cases of the virus, is to self-isolate.
But what does that actually mean and what's the right way to do it?
The BBC's medical correspondent Fergus Walsh explains the top five methods to successfully self-isolate.


bbc--2020-03-10--What's the risk on public transport?

What's the risk on public transport?

As coronavirus continues to spread , some governments have restricted travel while , elsewhere , individual travellers have been taking their own precautions .
The BBC has been receiving questions about whether it is safe to fly , go on a cruise or take public transport .
It 's not yet known exactly how coronavirus spreads , but similar viruses are caught from either breathing in droplets from an infected person 's coughs or sneezes , or touching surfaces with them on .
We think that coronavirus probably does n't hang around in the air in the same way as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be in closer contact with each other to catch it .
The NHS guidance on coronavirus defines `` close contact '' as being within two metres of an infected person for more than 15 minutes .
So a lot of the potential risk of infection on trains and buses depends on how crowded they are , and this will vary in different parts of the country and on different routes .
On the London Underground , where there is an extremely high density of people crowded into each carriage , previous research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the likelihood of catching respiratory illnesses .
Dr Lara Gosce , at the Institute of Global Health , says her research ( published in 2018 ) showed people who used the Underground regularly were more likely to suffer flu-like symptoms .
`` Particularly , it shows that boroughs served by fewer lines - where inhabitants are forced to change line one or more times when travelling on the Underground - have higher rates of influenza-like diseases , compared to well-served boroughs where passengers reach their destination by one direct trip , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relatively empty train or bus , though , your risks would be different .
How well vehicles are ventilated and how long you spend on them will also play a role .
And cleaning will be a factor too .
Network Rail says it is continuing with its `` business as usual '' cleaning schedule but is making plans for extra , specialist cleans of stations if necessary .
Major bus operator Arriva also said it would continue with its normal cleaning regime for the moment .
Transport for London says it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its tube and bus network , including using a hospital grade anti-viral disinfectant .
According to Dr Gosce , `` limiting the number of close contacts with potentially infected individuals and objects is important '' .
`` In terms of travel , avoid peak hours if possible , '' she says , suggesting , where viable , passengers should choose routes involving only one means of transport .
Currently , the UK government is not telling people to avoid public transport .
David Nabarro , a special adviser on coronavirus for the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC that although public transport was an important thing to look at , the evidence suggested that the kind of `` fleeting contacts '' people have when travelling together did n't so far seem to be the `` most important source of transmission '' .
It 's a common belief that you are more likely to become ill on an aeroplane , because you 're breathing `` stale '' air .
In fact , the air on a plane may well be better quality than in the average office ( and almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus ) .
There are more people per square foot on a busy plane , which can increase the risk , but the air is also being changed at a faster rate .
Professor Quingyan Chen at Purdue University , who studies air quality in different passenger vehicles , estimates that the air on a plane is completely replaced every 2-3 minutes , compared with every 10-12 minutes in an air-conditioned building .
That 's because while you are on a plane , the air you breathe is being cleaned by something called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
This system can capture smaller particles than ordinary air-conditioning systems , including viruses .
The filter sucks in fresh air from outside and mixes it with the air already in the cabin , meaning that at any one time half the air is fresh and half is not .
Many ordinary air-conditioning systems merely re-circulate the same air to save energy .
As well as breathing in droplets from someone coughing or sneezing , infections like coronavirus can be transmitted through touching contaminated surfaces with infectious droplets on them - whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a door handle .
Vicki Hertzberg , from Emory University in the US , took samples from surfaces on 10 transcontinental flights in 2018 and found they `` looked like your living room '' .
In other words , there 's nothing notable in the plane samples compared with tests they had done in buildings and other types of transport , she says .
But it 's difficult to generalise about the risks on any form of transport because there are various factors that increase or decrease the risk .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around more and , should they have the virus , risk spreading it further .
The WHO guidance is that the highest risk area is the two rows in front , behind or next to an infected person .
But during the 2003 Sars outbreak , on a plane carrying one infected person , 45 % of those who caught the disease were sitting outside the two-row zone .
The usual advice applies - wash your hands , clean surfaces where possible and sneeze and cough into a tissue .
The main concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport potentially infectious people from one part of the world to another .
Currently , the UK government is not advising against taking planes - only travel to specific affected areas , like Italy and Hubei Province , in China .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

This is a significant number of people who are less likely to become seriously ill if they catch coronavirus. There's also increasing evidence vaccinated people are less likely to pass the virus on.


bbc--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Countries enforce mass closures to stem spread

Schools have been closed , sports events cancelled and cultural institutions shut around the world as countries try to stem the coronavirus outbreak .
In the US , all major sport has been suspended and Broadway performances are off for a month .
Meanwhile , France is one of the latest European countries to close all schools , universities and nurseries .
President Emmanuel Macron described the outbreak as France 's most serious health crisis for a century .
More than 125,000 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in 118 countries around the world , according to the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is more than 4,600 .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
Shares around the world have plunged again .
On Wall Street stocks plummeted about 10 % in their worst day since the 1987 Black Monday crash , a fall mirrored on London 's FTSE .
How is the cultural sector being affected ?
Some of the world 's top museums and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Van Gogh museum and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam , the Netherlands , are closing until the end of March .
In the US , New York 's Metropolitan Museum of Art , the largest art museum in the world , said it was temporarily closing all three of its locations in the city .
All Smithsonian museums in Washington DC and New York City will close from Saturday .
New York State 's Governor Andrew Cuomo banned all gatherings of more than 500 , prompting Broadway to suspend all its performances for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would close its doors from Saturday amid a wave of Covid-19 infections in the state .
In the world of film , the release of the latest Fast and Furious instalment was pushed back by 11 months , one of a number of movies to postpone opening dates .
And the Tribeca Film Festival was postponed in the US .
Also on Thursday , Qatar announced the closure of all cinemas , theatres , gyms , play areas and museums .
And what sporting events are off ?
It has been hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves , but here are some of the key ones .
The NFL , NBA and MLS have all suspended their seasons in the US , and the ATP tour shut down for six weeks `` to protect the health and safety of our players , staff , the wider tennis community and general public health '' .
This weekend 's Formula One season-opening Australian Grand Prix has been called off .
The Nepalese government has cancelled all climbing permits for Mount Everest , following China 's decision not to allow any expeditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ski areas in western Austria 's Tyrol province are also to close down from Sunday , regional officials said Thursday .
A host of postponements and suspensions have hit European football , including Manchester City versus Real Madrid , while all French football matches are being suspended until further notice .
Read more : How the virus has impacted sporting events around the world What is the latest on quarantines ?
Four towns in Spain 's Catalonia region were put under lockdown on Thursday , in a first in the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , came as Spain 's death toll rose to 84 - up from 47 the day before .
In Italy the government imposed a blanket closure of restaurants , bars and almost all shops expect food stores and pharmacies .
The death toll there has passed 1,000 but Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio says the measures imposed in the first area of the outbreak have been proving effective .
Also on Thursday , Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced a ban on domestic travel to and from Manila , in what he called a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A number of key figures have also revealed they are self-isolating amid concerns they may have caught the virus , among them Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie .
Ireland , Spain , France , the Philippines , Portugal and Bolivia were among the countries to announce school closures on Thursday .
In the UK , the government said such measures were being considered but that the scientific advice was that `` this could do more harm than good '' at this stage .
All school trips abroad were banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cough or high temperature was advised to self-isolate for seven days .
UK PM Boris Johnson said this was `` the worst public health crisis for a generation '' and warned many families they would `` lose loved ones before their time '' .

On Thursday, Italy's government imposed the closure of restaurants, bars and almost all shops except food stores and pharmacies. The death toll there has passed 1,000 but Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio says the measures imposed in the first area of the outbreak have been proving effective.


bbc--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: US is failing on testing, says Fauci

The testing system for coronavirus in the US is currently failing , a top health official has admitted .
`` The system is not really geared to what we need right now ... let 's admit it , '' said Dr Anthony Fauci from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
Authorities in the US have come under fire for carrying out far fewer tests than many other affected countries .
There are currently more than 1,300 confirmed cases of the virus in the US .
President Donald Trump says the US has `` a tremendous testing set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tested '' .
However , he has not given further details , and there has not been routine testing for the virus in the US .
How many tests are being done in the US ?
In an interview with CNN on Thursday , Vice-President Mike Pence could not confirm how many Americans had been tested for the virus , saying he `` would leave that to the experts '' .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , a total of at least 11,079 specimens have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of people tested is likely to be lower , as patients typically provide at least two specimens for testing .
Furthermore , government officials say they do not know the number of people being tested , because some tests are being conducted by private hospitals and laboratories that have not been reporting in to the CDC .
The Atlantic , which is running a project to track the number of tests being conducted , estimates about 8,000 people have been tested .
Meanwhile , lawmakers who went to a briefing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 Americans had been tested .
By contrast , South Korea has tested more than 210,000 people and is testing nearly 20,000 people every day , while in the UK , more than 29,700 people have been tested , and more than 1,000 tests are being carried out per day .
In neighbouring Canada , there are currently about 100 confirmed cases .
About half of those are in Ontario , which has tested about 4,185 samples .
Dr Fauci acknowledged to a congressional hearing that the US faced particular difficulties with testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it [ testing ] easily , the way people in other countries are doing it , we 're not set up for that .
I think it should be , but we 're not . ''
Why has testing in the US been slow ?
It could be down to a combination of factors .
The US declined to use a test approved by the World Health Organization in January - instead , the CDC developed its own coronavirus test .
However , there were manufacturing defects with the initial CDC tests which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • US FOCUS : How worried should the US be ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : Could the US do what Italy has done ?
Lawmakers who attended Thursday 's health briefing said that there were also problems with the supply chain for testing kits , with stocks of cotton swabs and gloves running low .
And earlier this week , the director of the CDC told a congressional hearing : `` There 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , there 's not enough internal capacity . ''
`` The truth is ... we 've underinvested in the public health labs . ''
On Wednesday , President Donald Trump announced sweeping travel restrictions on 26 European countries - but was criticised by Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer for not addressing the lack of sufficient coronavirus testing kits .
Republican lawmakers have also expressed frustration , with one senator , James Lankford saying : `` We 've got a long way to go to be able to get rapid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it was `` not accurate '' when President Trump said everyone in the US who wanted to get tested could get one .
Meanwhile , Senator Mitt Romney said it was `` very frustrating '' that the testing had been slow .
`` You ca n't get wipes for your countertop .
You ca n't get alcohol ... and it 's very difficult to get tests . ''
What is happening elsewhere ?
• French President Emmanuel Macron said all schools and universities would be closed from next week , and urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is self-isolating `` out of an abundance of caution '' after his wife began to show mild symptoms • The UK has called it `` the worst public health crisis for a generation '' and advised anyone with a new persistent cough or high temperature to self-isolate for seven days • Shares around the world have plunged as investors feared world leaders were not responding effectively • The number of cases in Italy has jumped to more than 15,000 • Sporting events , including the Australian Grand Prix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been suspended • New York State is banning gatherings of more than 500 people from Friday 17:00 local time ( 21:00 GMT ) 'We were n't prepared for this' By the time the coronavirus hit Seattle and turned the city into the centre of the US outbreak , it had already spread rapidly in countries like Italy and Iran .
Despite this , Seattle doctors told me , their hospital was n't ready for what was coming .
Dr Alex Adami of University of Washington Medical said : `` None of us were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the precautions for this disease , or what to do in terms of screening or providing care for these patients . ''
Hospital workers and patients were exposed to the virus as a result , he said .
Another doctor at the hospital , who asked to remain anonymous , said that failing to prepare was `` foolish '' and may have exacerbated the spread .
Initially , the hospital said that broader training was not needed , arguing that having only a small group of doctors working with coronavirus patients would limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updated their procedures , but Dr Adami feared the same mistakes could be repeated elsewhere in the US .
`` I want other hospitals in the US to look at this and say , 'what can we do better ? '
.
I want people to look at this and learn the lesson that you have to be proactive and not reactive . ''

Coronavirus: US is failing on testing, says Fauci Published 12 March 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Fauci: "Let's admit it. The system is not geared to what we need."
The testing system for coronavirus in the US is currently failing, a top health official has admitted.
"The system is not really geared to what we need right now... let's admit it," said Dr Anthony Fauci from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Authorities in the US have come under fire for carrying out far fewer tests than many other affected countries.
There are currently more than 1,300 confirmed cases of the virus in the US.
President Donald Trump says the US has "a tremendous testing set up where people coming in have to be tested". However, he has not given further details, and there has not been routine testing for the virus in the US.
How many tests are being done in the US?
In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Vice-President Mike Pence could not confirm how many Americans had been tested for the virus, saying he "would leave that to the experts".
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of at least 11,079 specimens have been tested since January. However, the number of people tested is likely to be lower, as patients typically provide at least two specimens for testing.
Furthermore, government officials say they do not know the number of people being tested, because some tests are being conducted by private hospitals and laboratories that have not been reporting in to the CDC.
The Atlantic, which is running a project to track the number of tests being conducted, estimates about 8,000 people have been tested. Meanwhile, lawmakers who went to a briefing with health officials told Politico that fewer than 10,000 Americans had been tested.
By contrast, South Korea has tested more than 210,000 people and is testing nearly 20,000 people every day, while in the UK, more than 29,700 people have been tested, and more than 1,000 tests are being carried out per day.
In neighbouring Canada, there are currently about 100 confirmed cases. About half of those are in Ontario, which has tested about 4,185 samples.
Dr Fauci acknowledged to a congressional hearing that the US faced particular difficulties with testing. "The idea of anybody getting it [testing] easily, the way people in other countries are doing it, we're not set up for that. I think it should be, but we're not."
Why has testing in the US been slow?
It could be down to a combination of factors.
The US declined to use a test approved by the World Health Organization in January - instead, the CDC developed its own coronavirus test. However, there were manufacturing defects with the initial CDC tests which meant many of the results were inconclusive.
Lawmakers who attended Thursday's health briefing said that there were also problems with the supply chain for testing kits, with stocks of cotton swabs and gloves running low.
And earlier this week, the director of the CDC told a congressional hearing: "There's not enough equipment, there's not enough people, there's not enough internal capacity."
"The truth is... we've underinvested in the public health labs."
What's the reaction been?
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced sweeping travel restrictions on 26 European countries - but was criticised by Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer for not addressing the lack of sufficient coronavirus testing kits.
Republican lawmakers have also expressed frustration, with one senator, James Lankford saying: "We've got a long way to go to be able to get rapid, efficient testing."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Five takeaways from Donald Trump's Oval Office address
Mr Lankford added that it was "not accurate" when President Trump said everyone in the US who wanted to get tested could get one.
Meanwhile, Senator Mitt Romney said it was "very frustrating" that the testing had been slow.
"You can't get wipes for your countertop. You can't get alcohol... and it's very difficult to get tests."
What is happening elsewhere?
In other developments:
'We weren't prepared for this'
Ashitha Nagesh, BBC News
By the time the coronavirus hit Seattle and turned the city into the centre of the US outbreak, it had already spread rapidly in countries like Italy and Iran.
Despite this, Seattle doctors told me, their hospital wasn't ready for what was coming.
Dr Alex Adami of University of Washington Medical said: "None of us were actually trained in how to deal with the precautions for this disease, or what to do in terms of screening or providing care for these patients."
Hospital workers and patients were exposed to the virus as a result, he said.
Another doctor at the hospital, who asked to remain anonymous, said that failing to prepare was "foolish" and may have exacerbated the spread.
Initially, the hospital said that broader training was not needed, arguing that having only a small group of doctors working with coronavirus patients would limit exposure.
Hospitals in Seattle have since updated their procedures, but Dr Adami feared the same mistakes could be repeated elsewhere in the US.


bbc--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: EU condemns Trump travel ban on 26 European countries

President Donald Trump 's coronavirus travel ban on 26 European countries has been met with anger and confusion , with EU leaders accusing him of making the decision `` without consultation '' .
The Covid-19 pandemic is a `` global crisis '' , said top European Union officials Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel .
It `` requires cooperation rather than unilateral action , '' they said .
The ban is due to go into effect on Friday at midnight EDT ( 0400 GMT ) .
It affects only countries that are members of the Schengen border-free travel area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , or Ireland .
It is a major escalation in the response to Covid-19 by Mr Trump , who has been accused of inaction .
However , the ban was met with frustration in Washington as well as abroad .
On Thursday , the US leader said he did not inform his EU counterparts because `` it takes time '' .
`` We had to move quickly , '' Mr Trump said , adding that the EU did not consult the US when raising taxes on American goods .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than action that targets one continent , '' the diplomat , who asked not to be named , says on the phone , referring to the travel ban .
Mr Trump 's action took him and other ambassadors in Washington by surprise .
Still he made his views about the travel ban , as well his frustration and anger about the restrictions , clear : `` We are not very pleased , '' he says .
`` No . ''
Others are equally dismayed : the Atlantic Council 's Daniel Fried , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he found the president 's remarks disappointing : `` Anti-EU bashing is indulgence . ''
Ambassadors here in Washington , both current and former , are now waiting for the president 's next move - with a fair amount of dread .
As another former ambassador put it : `` I am not confident . ''
Over 1,300 confirmed cases of the virus have been reported in the US , with 38 deaths so far .
Italy now has over 12,000 confirmed cases and 827 deaths , second to China .
France , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in cases .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
Mr Trump called the ban the `` most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history '' .
He accused the EU of failing to take `` the same precautions '' as the US in fighting the virus to justify the ban .
Stocks plummeted following Mr Trump 's announcement , in which he said that the travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The statement was later retracted .
Trading on Wall Street was stopped on Thursday morning after the Dow Jones dropped 7 % and UK indices fell to their lowest since the 2008 financial crisis .
Tom Bossert , Mr Trump 's former homeland security and counterterrorism adviser , criticised the ban , saying : `` There 's little value to European travel restrictions .
Poor use of time & energy . ''
Senior Democrats said it was `` alarming '' that President Trump had not addressed a shortage of coronavirus testing kits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emmanuel Macron said all schools and universities would be closed from next week , and urged businesses to let employees work remotely • Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is self-isolating `` out of an abundance of caution '' after his wife began to show mild symptoms • The UK has called it `` the worst public health crisis for a generation '' and advised anyone with a new persistent cough or high temperature to self-isolate for seven days • Shares around the world have plunged as investors feared world leaders were not responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy has jumped to more than 15,000 • All major sport in the US has been suspended , including the NBA , NHL and MLS What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
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bbc--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: NBA, NHL, MLS suspend seasons, MLB delays start of 2020 campaign

All major sport in the United States has been suspended amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The NBA has announced that all matches will be suspended from Thursday until further notice , after a Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive .
The NHL and MLS later announced the stoppage of its respective seasons , the latter for 30 days .
The MLB has delayed the start of its 2020 season by at least two weeks due to the `` national emergency '' .
The other major US sports league - the NFL - is currently in its off-season , although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to start on 23 April .
Men 's and women 's college basketball has also been cancelled , just a day after it was announced it would initially continue without spectators .
The NCAA , the governing body of US college sport , announced the Division I men 's and women 's tournaments would be cancelled , in addition to remaining winter and spring NCAA tournaments .
The Division I men 's basketball tournament , known as March Madness , is one of the biggest and most popular sports events in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he may have endangered' The NBA 's announcement was made just before the Jazz game against the Oklahoma Thunder was due to start on Wednesday .
The NBA said Gobert was not at the game , which was postponed , but the Frenchman has since had to issue an apology for potentially exposing others to the virus .
Earlier this week , he jokingly touched reporters ' microphones and dictaphones at a pre-match news conference .
`` I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis , mostly fear , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote on Instagram .
`` The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologise to the people that I may have endangered .
At the time , I had no idea I was even infected .
I was careless and make no excuse .
`` I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously . ''
In a statement , the NBA said : `` The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fournier tweeted about Gobert after the news of his diagnosis broke , writing : `` Was just on the phone with Rudy .
He is doing good man .
Let 's not panic , everyone . ''
The owner of the Dallas Mavericks , Mark Cuban , heard about the NBA decision at the game with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday evening .
`` I thought this is crazy .
It ca n't be true , '' he said .
`` It is like out of a movie .
Unreal .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is exploding to the point where I think about the families .
We are making sure we are doing this the right way . ''
Detroit Pistons coach Dwayne Casey called it `` unprecedented '' , while Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he was `` stunned '' .
`` It 's a very serious time right now .
I think the league moved appropriately , '' Spoelstra added .
Prior to the NBA announcement , the Golden State Warriors were set to play their home game against the Brooklyn Nets on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted by ban in San Francisco on mass gatherings of more than 1,000 people for at least the next two weeks in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus .
In the past , NBA seasons have been delayed - the schedule was shortened in 1998-99 and 2011-12 because of protracted negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement - but it has never before been suspended while in progress .
There are five weeks remaining in the regular season with the play-offs due to begin on 18 April .
If the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hawks forward Vince Carter has played his final NBA game .
The 43-year-old , who was retiring at the end of this season , is the first NBA player to have a career spanning four decades .
`` It 's a weird way to say I 'm calling it a career .
It really is , '' Carter said after the Hawks ' 136-131 loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday .
`` I have 15 games left , technically .
But if not , I 'm one with it . ''

Last updated on .From the section Basketball
The Jazz v Thunder game was called off on Wednesday evening after the NBA announcement
All major sport in the United States has been suspended amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The NBA has announced that all matches will be suspended from Thursday until further notice, after a Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive.
The NHL and MLS later announced the stoppage of its respective seasons, the latter for 30 days.
The MLB has delayed the start of its 2020 season by at least two weeks due to the "national emergency".
The other major US sports league - the NFL - is currently in its off-season, although the 2020 Draft in Las Vegas is scheduled to start on 23 April.
Men's and women's college basketball has also been cancelled, just a day after it was announced it would initially continue without spectators.
The NCAA, the governing body of US college sport, announced the Division I men's and women's tournaments would be cancelled, in addition to remaining winter and spring NCAA tournaments.
The Division I men's basketball tournament, known as March Madness, is one of the biggest and most popular sports events in the United States.
Gobert apologises to 'people he may have endangered'
Gobert tested negative for influenza and a respiratory infection, and then tested positive for Covid-19, the current strain of coronavirus
The NBA's announcement was made just before the Jazz game against the Oklahoma Thunder was due to start on Wednesday.
The NBA said Gobert was not at the game, which was postponed, but the Frenchman has since had to issue an apology for potentially exposing others to the virus.
Earlier this week, he jokingly touched reporters' microphones and dictaphones at a pre-match news conference.
"I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis, mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment," he wrote on Instagram external-link .
"The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologise to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse.
"I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously."
In a statement, the NBA said: "The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic."
Orlando Magic player Evan Fournier tweeted about Gobert after the news of his diagnosis broke, writing: external-link "Was just on the phone with Rudy. He is doing good man. Let's not panic, everyone."
The owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, heard about the NBA decision at the game with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday evening.
"I thought this is crazy. It can't be true," he said. "It is like out of a movie. Unreal.
"It is not about basketball and money. This is exploding to the point where I think about the families. We are making sure we are doing this the right way."
Detroit Pistons coach Dwayne Casey called it "unprecedented", while Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he was "stunned".
"It's a very serious time right now. I think the league moved appropriately," Spoelstra added.
Prior to the NBA announcement, the Golden State Warriors were set to play their home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday behind closed doors.
That was prompted by ban in San Francisco on mass gatherings of more than 1,000 people for at least the next two weeks in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus.
In the past, NBA seasons have been delayed - the schedule was shortened in 1998-99 and 2011-12 because of protracted negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement - but it has never before been suspended while in progress.
There are five weeks remaining in the regular season with the play-offs due to begin on 18 April.
If the season does not resume it could mean Atlanta Hawks forward Vince Carter has played his final NBA game.
The 43-year-old, who was retiring at the end of this season, is the first NBA player to have a career spanning four decades.
"It's a weird way to say I'm calling it a career. It really is," Carter said after the Hawks' 136-131 loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday. "I have 15 games left, technically. But if not, I'm one with it."


bbc--2020-03-12--Chelsea Manning case: Judge orders release from prison

A US judge has ordered the immediate release of former army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning from prison .
Manning had been remanded for refusing to testify in an inquiry into Wikileaks and had been in detention in Virginia since last May .
She was scheduled to appear in court on Friday , but the judge ruled that it was no longer necessary for her to testify .
Manning was found guilty in 2013 of charges including espionage for leaking secret military files to Wikileaks .
She accrued more than $ 250,000 ( £198,000 ) in fines for refusing to co-operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had asked for these to be vacated , but the judge said they must be paid in full .
• Ex-army leaker to run for US senate • The document dump that shook the world Manning , 32 , had refused to answer further questions about Wikileaks from investigators because she said she had already given her testimony during the 2013 trial .
Her release order on Thursday came shortly after her legal team said she had tried to take her own life and was recovering in hospital .
Police confirmed there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the detention centre in Virginia on Wednesday afternoon .
`` It was handled appropriately by our professional staff and [ she ] is safe , '' a police statement said .
Manning leaked hundreds of thousands of secret US military files relating to the Afghan war to Wikileaks in 2010 .
She was sentenced to 35 years in prison , but former President Barack Obama commuted the rest of her sentence in 2017 .
US prosecutors have been investigating Wikileaks for several years .
They are currently seeking the extradition of its co-founder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged role in the 2010 release of classified military and diplomatic material .
Australian-born Assange faces a charge of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion in the US .

She accrued more than $250,000 (£198,000) in fines for refusing to co-operate with the inquiry. Her legal team had asked for these to be vacated, but the judge said they must be paid in full.


bbc--2020-03-12--Michel Roux: French restaurateur and chef dies aged 78

He passed away on Wednesday night surrounded by his family at home in Bray , Berkshire , after battling a long-standing lung condition .
Roux and his brother Albert made gastronomic history when their London restaurant , Le Gavroche , became the first three Michelin-starred restaurant in Britain in 1982 .
His son Alain and daughters , Francine and Christine , on behalf of the family , said he was `` a father figure inspiring all with his insatiable appetite for life and irresistible enthusiasm '' .
`` We are grateful to have shared our lives with this extraordinary man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's achieved , '' they added .
`` A humble genius , legendary chef , popular author and charismatic teacher , Michel leaves the world reeling in his wake .
`` But above all , we will miss his mischievous sense of fun , his huge , bottomless heart and generosity and kindness that knew no bounds .
Michel 's star will shine forever lighting the way for a generation of chefs to follow . ''
There will be a private family funeral followed later in the year by a `` celebration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Le Gavroche , the Roux brothers ' Waterside Inn in Bray was awarded three Michelin stars in 1985 .
Roux also opened Skindles in Taplow in 2018 with his son .
TV chef James Martin led tributes from the culinary world on social media , writing that he was `` broken and so sad '' that `` we have lost a legend '' .
Chef Raymond Blanc called the Roux brothers `` pioneers '' who changed the world of gastronomy in the UK , and the official Michelin Guide UK said Roux @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Since 1983 , Michel Roux published 15 books that sold more than 2.5 million copies worldwide .
He was also known for the Roux Scholarship , an annual chef competition founded in 1982 with Albert to enable a new generation of chefs in the UK to train in some of the greatest restaurants in the world .
Many scholars have gone on to win Michelin stars following their enrolment in the Roux Scholarship , and it is considered the most acclaimed competition of its kind in the UK .
Food has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history , and Michel was born in a room above his grandfather 's charcuterie in Burgundy , France , in 1941 .
Aged 14 , he was apprenticed to a grand pâtissier near Paris where he spent three years pursuing his craft .
Following a period as a pastry cook at the British embassy in Paris , Roux was taken on as a commis chef by the de Rothschild 's household before following his brother to work in England in the 1960s .


bbc--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Australian Grand Prix called off

The Australian Grand Prix has been called off , three senior Formula 1 sources have told BBC Sport .
There has been no official confirmation yet but Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel and Alfa Romeo 's Kimi Raikkonen have flown home .
Team bosses expected an announcement overnight that the Grand Prix had been cancelled , but it did not emerge .
If organisers try to press ahead with the weekend it appears at this stage as if not all the teams will take part .
There were rapid developments following the news a McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening they were pulling out of the race as a result but other teams are said to have made the decision last night not to compete given the seriousness of the situation .
Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews announced on Friday morning that if the race goes ahead it will be without spectators .
Insiders say legal complications are delaying the announcement of the cancellation of the race but that it is still on the way .
The situation throws into doubt the rest of the Grand Prix season .
F1 and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their handling of the situation .
World champion Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday at the official F1 news conference he was `` very , very surprised '' the sport was pressing on with plans to continue with the race while the outbreak of the virus worsened and other sports suspended or cancelled events .
An initial meeting of team bosses with F1 and FIA officials on Thursday night , after a tense day in the paddock in Albert Park , broke up with an agreement to carry on with Friday practice as normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the plans changed later in the evening as several insiders - including top drivers - expressed their concerns about the idea of racing on amid the risk of further cases of coronavirus in the tight-knit F1 paddock .
The decision was reviewed at later meetings and eventually , at around 0200 Friday local time ( 1500 GMT on Thursday ) , the decision was made to call the race off .
After that , Vettel and Raikkonen flew back to Europe on the same flight .
Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ F1 team members woke up thinking the race was going ahead , only to read news of its cancellation .
On Friday morning , a senior source reconfirmed to BBC Sport , which first reported the information , that the race was still off .
But in farcical scenes , crowds flocked to Albert Park expecting to see the cars out on track and organisers initially told Australian media that the race weekend was going ahead as planned .
In total , eight F1 workers have been assessed and tested for Covid-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ eighth , from McLaren , tested positive .
Australian Grand Prix organisers said in a statement a ninth person had been assessed and tested , with the result pending .
This person was `` not associated with any F1 team , the FIA or associated suppliers '' , the statement said .
There is no sense yet of the knock-on effects of the Australian race being called off , but the Bahrain Grand Prix , scheduled to be the second meeting of the season on 22 March , is now in serious doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Vietnam Grand Prix , scheduled for 5 April , after the government in Hanoi banned travel into the country for anyone who has been in Italy - among other locations - in the previous 14 days .
F1 chief executive Chase Carey was in Hanoi on Thursday trying to find a way around the restrictions .
The Chinese Grand Prix , scheduled to be the fourth race , was postponed in February after government officials said it could not go ahead .
There are now serious questions as to when , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will start at all .
The next race after Vietnam is scheduled to be the Dutch Grand Prix on 5 May , the start of a run of three races in four weekends that also includes the Spanish and Monaco events .
But with the coronavirus situation developing by the day , and countries imposing tighter restrictions on travel , it is impossible to know at this stage whether any of those races can go ahead .
The decision to cancel the race in Australia raises huge questions about the future of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism for their decision to press ahead with the season-opening race , and it is true the teams feel they lacked direction and leadership from the powers that be .
But the FIA and F1 were responding to advice from local authorities , with Australian officials saying earlier in the week they saw no reason for their race not to go ahead .
The fact it has now been called off is an illustration of the speed with which the coronavirus pandemic has developed across the globe .
But it also shines a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the F1 authorities having rather too firm a focus on 'keeping the show on the road ' - as well as the dollars rolling in - and not enough on the realities of what really matters .
Now , not only does the sport not know when - or even if - the season can start , but the authorities , teams and race promoters have to face the question of what happens to all the fees that have been paid for races that might now never happen .
The answer to that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it will depend on who has made this decision , who pays for the race in each specific country , and the legal and contractual complexities of each deal .
In addition , there are the knock-on effects for the teams themselves , as a large proportion of their income comes from those race fees .
Some teams need that income more than others - and some need it very much indeed .
F1 is entering uncharted waters , and to describe them as choppy could be a massive understatement .

The Australian Grand Prix is the second race to be called off over coronavirus concerns
The Australian Grand Prix has been called off after teams and drivers forced the hand of Formula 1's bosses.
A decision to cancel the race was made in the early hours of Friday morning after a McLaren team member tested positive for the coronavirus in Melbourne.
The race's abandonment was not made official for another eight hours.
By that time Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen had flown home.
And McLaren said later on Friday that 14 further team members had been placed in quarantine in their hotel for the next 14 days because of their close contact with the infected employee.
The decision throws into doubt the rest of the F1 season, with the Bahrain Grand Prix due to take place next weekend without spectators the next race to come under scrutiny.
BBC Sport understands Ferrari were the first team to make it clear they were not prepared to race in Melbourne in the circumstances.
Confirmation of the abandonment in from the FIA and F1 came after Mercedes sent a letter requesting the cancellation of the race.
Mercedes said: "We share the disappointment of the sport's fans that this race cannot go ahead as planned. However, the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our team members and of the wider F1 community are our absolute priority.
"In light of the force majeure events we are experiencing with regards to the coronavirus pandemic, we no longer feel the safety of our employees can be guaranteed if we continue to take part in the event.
"If organisers try to press ahead with the weekend it appears at this stage as if not all the teams will take part."
The statement cancelling the race said a majority of teams suggested overnight they felt the race should not go ahead.
Events developed rapidly following McLaren's decision to pull out of the race after their team member's positive coronavirus test.
On Friday morning, with a statement cancelling the race still not forthcoming, Australian GP organisers initially told local media the race was going ahead as planned.
'It’s a joke': fan anger as Australian GP cancelled due to coronavirus fears
But Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews then announced if the race went ahead it would be without spectators.
Legal complications delayed the announcement of the cancellation but the farcical situation will be seen by many to have damaged the reputations of both the F1 and the FIA.
World champion Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday at the official F1 news conference he was "very, very surprised" the sport was pressing on with plans to continue with the race while the outbreak of the virus worsened and other sports suspended or cancelled events.
An initial meeting of team bosses with F1 and FIA officials on Thursday night, after a tense day in the paddock at Albert Park, broke up with an agreement to carry on with Friday practice as normal and review the situation later that day.
But the plans changed later in the evening as several insiders - including leading drivers - expressed their concerns about the idea of racing amid the risk of further cases of coronavirus in the tight-knit F1 paddock.
The decision was reviewed at later meetings and eventually, at around 0200 Friday local time (1500 GMT on Thursday), the decision was made to call the race off.
After that, Vettel and Raikkonen flew back to Europe on the same flight although Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas remain in Melbourne.
Many F1 team members woke up thinking the race was going ahead, only to read news of its cancellation.
On Friday morning, a senior source reconfirmed to BBC Sport, which first reported the information, that the race was still off.
But in farcical scenes, crowds flocked to Albert Park expecting to see the cars out on track and organisers initially told Australian media that the race weekend was going ahead as planned.
In total, eight F1 workers have been assessed and tested for Covid-19.
Seven were cleared on Thursday but an eighth, from McLaren, tested positive.
Australian Grand Prix organisers said in a statement a ninth person had been assessed and tested, with the result pending. This person was "not associated with any F1 team, the FIA or associated suppliers", the statement said.
It now seems certain a huge question mark will hang over the Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled to be the second meeting of the season on 22 March.
A decision is also expected imminently on the Vietnam Grand Prix, scheduled for 5 April, after the government in Hanoi banned travel into the country for anyone who has been in Italy - among other locations - in the previous 14 days.
F1 chief executive Chase Carey was in Hanoi on Thursday trying to find a way around the restrictions.
The Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled to be the fourth race, was postponed in February after government officials said it could not go ahead.
The next race after Vietnam is scheduled to be the Dutch Grand Prix on 5 May, the start of a run of three races in four weekends that also includes the Spanish and Monaco events.
But with the coronavirus situation developing by the day, and countries imposing tighter restrictions on travel, it is impossible to know at this stage whether any of those races can go ahead.
Analysis
The decision to cancel the race in Australia raises huge questions about the future of the sport this year.
F1 authorities faced criticism for their decision to press ahead with the season-opening race, and it is true the teams feel they lacked direction and leadership from the powers that be.
But the FIA and F1 were responding to advice from local authorities, with Australian officials saying earlier in the week they saw no reason for their race not to go ahead.
The fact it has now been called off is an illustration of the speed with which the coronavirus pandemic has developed across the globe.
But it also shines a spotlight on what some will see as the F1 authorities having rather too firm a focus on 'keeping the show on the road' - as well as the dollars rolling in - and not enough on the realities of what really matters.
Now, not only does the sport not know when - or even if - the season can start, but the authorities, teams and race promoters have to face the question of what happens to all the fees that have been paid for races that might now never happen.
The answer to that may well be different for separate events, and it will depend on who has made this decision, who pays for the race in each specific country, and the legal and contractual complexities of each deal.
In addition, there are the knock-on effects for the teams themselves, as a large proportion of their income comes from those race fees.
Some teams need that income more than others - and some need it very much indeed.
F1 is entering uncharted waters, and to describe them as choppy could be a massive understatement.


bbc--2020-03-12--Iraq base attack: Coalition denies strike on Iran-backed fighters in Syria

A US-led coalition has denied carrying out air strikes on Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militiamen in eastern Syria after a deadly attack on its troops in Iraq .
A monitoring group reported that bases belonging to the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation force were hit on Wednesday night , killing 26 people .
Earlier , a rocket attack on the Camp Taji military base in Iraq killed two American troops and a British soldier .
A US commander said Shia militia groups were likely to have fired the rockets .
`` While we are still investigating the attack , I will note that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only group known to have previously conducted an indirect fire attack of this scale against US and coalition forces in Iraq , '' Central Command chief Gen Kenneth McKenzie told a Senate committee .
• US and UK soldiers killed in rocket attack in Iraq • What is the future for US troops in Iraq ?
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the attack as `` deplorable '' , while the US defence secretary said President Donald Trump had authorised a response and warned that all options were on the table .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 similar attacks on Iraqi bases hosting coalition forces in the past year .
The killing of an American civilian in one such incident in December triggered a round of violence which ultimately led Mr Trump to order the assassination of the top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Kataib Hezbollah commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis the following month .
What do we know about the air strikes ?
Syrian state news agency Sana said unidentified aircraft `` launched an aggression '' on Wednesday night on the south-eastern outskirts of Albu Kamal , close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only material damage , it added .
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) reported that three aircraft targeted Popular Mobilisation camps in the al-Hassian area and the Imam Ali military base , which is believed to have been built by Iran .
The UK-based monitoring group said all of those killed in the strikes were Iraqis , and that weapons and ammunition stores were also destroyed .
It was not clear who carried out the strikes .
The coalition has conducted raids on Islamic State ( IS ) militants in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to counter what it calls Iran 's `` military entrenchment '' there .
Iranian forces and Iraqi Shia militias are operating in Syria to support forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad in the country 's civil war .
The Iraqi military base , which is about 15km ( 9 miles ) north of the capital Baghdad , hosts foreign troops from the US-led global coalition against IS .
Their mission is to train and advise Iraqi security forces .
A coalition statement said that at about 19:35 ( 16:35 GMT ) on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 Katyusha rockets .
Three coalition personnel were killed and 12 others wounded , it added .
Later , Iraqi forces found a rocket-rigged lorry a few kilometres from the base .
Iraqi journalist Ali Al Dulaimy , who filmed the attack from the nearby town of Baji , said he heard screams of panic from American troops inside the camp , and that he saw them rushing to put out fires .
The UK Ministry of Defence identified the British soldier who was killed as Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon , a Combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry .
The two American personnel who died were active-duty troops with the US Army and Air Force , a US military official told the New York Times .
What was the reaction to the attack ?
The British prime minister said : `` The attack against the Taji military base in Iraq is deplorable . ''
`` Our servicemen and women work tirelessly every day to uphold security and stability in the region - their presence makes us all safer . ''
Iraqi President Barham Saleh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack '' that had targeted `` Iraq 's security and its security '' .
He demanded a full investigation and for those responsible to be held to account .
`` While offering our condolences to the families , relatives and the states of the victims , we call upon all sides to exercise restraint and remain calm , [ and ] to enable Iraq 's government to fully manage and carry out its security and sovereign duties . ''
In response , UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said : `` I welcome the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation to hold perpetrators to account - but we must see action . ''
Later , US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said President Trump had `` given me the authority to do what we need to do '' .
Asked whether that might include strikes inside Iran , he replied : `` I 'm not going to take any option off the table right now , but we are focused on the group - groups - that we believe perpetrated this in Iraq , '' he said .
Why is Iraq drawn into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arch-foes intensified last year , after Iran-linked fighters targeted US military and civilian personnel in a series of rocket attacks .
There were also unclaimed air strikes in Iraq targeting militia facilities and Iranian officials .
In late December , a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base killed a US civilian contractor .
The US blamed the powerful Kataib Hezbollah militia , which is part of the Popular Mobilisation , and carried out air strikes on its bases in Iraq and Syria that left at least 25 fighters dead .
The US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds of protesters , and President Trump warned Iran it would `` pay a very big price '' .
On 3 January , Mr Trump authorised a drone strike near Baghdad airport that killed Qasem Soleimani - commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps ' Quds Force and architect of Iranian policy in the Middle East - and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis .
Five days later , Iran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases hosting US forces .
The attack left more than 100 US troops with traumatic brain injuries .
Iran 's Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the missile attack was `` a slap in the face '' for the US and vowed to end the American presence in the region .
There are about 5,000 US personnel and hundreds more from other countries in Iraq .
They are deployed at the request of the government , but the parliament passed a bill following Soleimani 's killing demanding the invitation be rescinded .

Iraq base attack: Coalition denies strike on Iran-backed fighters in Syria Published 12 March 2020
Image source, AFP Image caption, A number of Shia militias in Iraq receive weapons, training and financing from Iran
A US-led coalition has denied carrying out air strikes on Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militiamen in eastern Syria after a deadly attack on its troops in Iraq.
A monitoring group reported that bases belonging to the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation force were hit on Wednesday night, killing 26 people.
Earlier, a rocket attack on the Camp Taji military base in Iraq killed two American troops and a British soldier.
A US commander said Shia militia groups were likely to have fired the rockets.
"While we are still investigating the attack, I will note that the Iranian proxy group Kataib Hezbollah is the only group known to have previously conducted an indirect fire attack of this scale against US and coalition forces in Iraq," Central Command chief Gen Kenneth McKenzie told a Senate committee.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the attack as "deplorable", while the US defence secretary said President Donald Trump had authorised a response and warned that all options were on the table.
The US has accused Iran-backed militias of 13 similar attacks on Iraqi bases hosting coalition forces in the past year.
The killing of an American civilian in one such incident in December triggered a round of violence which ultimately led Mr Trump to order the assassination of the top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Kataib Hezbollah commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis the following month.
What do we know about the air strikes?
Syrian state news agency Sana said unidentified aircraft "launched an aggression" on Wednesday night on the south-eastern outskirts of Albu Kamal, close to the Syria-Iraq border. The attacks caused only material damage, it added.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that three aircraft targeted Popular Mobilisation camps in the al-Hassian area and the Imam Ali military base, which is believed to have been built by Iran.
The UK-based monitoring group said all of those killed in the strikes were Iraqis, and that weapons and ammunition stores were also destroyed.
It was not clear who carried out the strikes. The coalition has conducted raids on Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria since 2014, while Israel has sought to counter what it calls Iran's "military entrenchment" there.
Iranian forces and Iraqi Shia militias are operating in Syria to support forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad in the country's civil war.
What happened at Camp Taji?
The Iraqi military base, which is about 15km (9 miles) north of the capital Baghdad, hosts foreign troops from the US-led global coalition against IS. Their mission is to train and advise Iraqi security forces.
Image source, @SecMedCell Image caption, Iraq's security forces found the lorry-mounted rocket launcher used to attack Camp Taji
A coalition statement said that at about 19:35 (16:35 GMT) on Wednesday Camp Taji was hit by approximately 18 Katyusha rockets. Three coalition personnel were killed and 12 others wounded, it added.
Later, Iraqi forces found a rocket-rigged lorry a few kilometres from the base.
Iraqi journalist Ali Al Dulaimy, who filmed the attack from the nearby town of Baji, said he heard screams of panic from American troops inside the camp, and that he saw them rushing to put out fires.
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The UK Ministry of Defence identified the British soldier who was killed as Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon, a Combat Medical Technician who served as a Reserve with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry.
The two American personnel who died were active-duty troops with the US Army and Air Force, a US military official told the New York Times.
What was the reaction to the attack?
The British prime minister said: "The attack against the Taji military base in Iraq is deplorable."
"Our servicemen and women work tirelessly every day to uphold security and stability in the region - their presence makes us all safer."
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Iraqi President Barham Saleh condemned what he called a "terrorist attack" that had targeted "Iraq's security and its security".
He demanded a full investigation and for those responsible to be held to account.
"While offering our condolences to the families, relatives and the states of the victims, we call upon all sides to exercise restraint and remain calm, [and] to enable Iraq's government to fully manage and carry out its security and sovereign duties."
In response, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "I welcome the Iraqi president's call for an immediate investigation to hold perpetrators to account - but we must see action."
Later, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said President Trump had "given me the authority to do what we need to do".
Asked whether that might include strikes inside Iran, he replied: "I'm not going to take any option off the table right now, but we are focused on the group - groups - that we believe perpetrated this in Iraq," he said.
Why is Iraq drawn into the US-Iran confrontation?
Tensions between the arch-foes intensified last year, after Iran-linked fighters targeted US military and civilian personnel in a series of rocket attacks. There were also unclaimed air strikes in Iraq targeting militia facilities and Iranian officials.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Who was Qasem Soleimani?
In late December, a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base killed a US civilian contractor. The US blamed the powerful Kataib Hezbollah militia, which is part of the Popular Mobilisation, and carried out air strikes on its bases in Iraq and Syria that left at least 25 fighters dead.
The US embassy in Baghdad was then attacked by crowds of protesters, and President Trump warned Iran it would "pay a very big price".
On 3 January, Mr Trump authorised a drone strike near Baghdad airport that killed Qasem Soleimani - commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps' Quds Force and architect of Iranian policy in the Middle East - and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, January 2020: US soldiers at Iraq's Al Asad base took shelter in bunkers
Five days later, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases hosting US forces. The attack left more than 100 US troops with traumatic brain injuries.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the missile attack was "a slap in the face" for the US and vowed to end the American presence in the region.


bbc--2020-03-12--ExoMars Rosalind Franklin: Rover mission delayed until 2022

Europe and Russia have decided to postpone their Mars rover mission .
The ExoMars `` Rosalind Franklin '' vehicle was due to launch to the Red Planet in July/August but engineers are n't able to get the vehicle ready in time .
Because an Earth-Mars journey is only attempted when the planets are favourably aligned , the robot 's next opportunity wo n't occur until 2022 .
The Russian and European space agencies announced the delay on their websites on Thursday .
• America 's next Mars rover will be called Perseverance • Can we finally answer the big question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest in a long series for this project - has been signposted for some weeks .
All the hardware is built , but there remains an intimidating list of outstanding checks that must be completed before the mission can be declared flight-ready .
Chief among the obstacles in the timeline are some underperforming electronics boxes in the Russian descent and lander mechanisms that would put the rover safely on the ground ; and also the overall flight software from Europe .
Full testing required to achieve confidence in these items necessarily pushes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further complicated in recent days by the international coronavirus crisis which has started to disrupt the engineering effort .
`` We have made a difficult but well-weighed decision to postpone the launch to 2022 .
It is driven primarily by the need to maximise the robustness of all ExoMars systems , '' announced Russian space agency ( Roscosmos ) Director General , Dmitry Rogozin .
`` I am confident that the steps that we and our European colleagues are taking to ensure mission success will be justified and will unquestionably bring solely positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Space Agency Director General , Jan Wörner , added that coronavirus was having an impact on the preparations , `` because people from different places of industry in Russia , in Italy and France can not move easily as in the past .
So , therefore , there is also an impact , but I would not like to say the coronavirus is the one and only reason - but ... it has an impact on the mission , yes . ''
Launching in late 2022 means the rover will touch down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Red Planet .
Rosalind Franklin has been built to try to detect life , past or present , on the Red Planet .
Because of this , the rover and its instruments have been prepared to incredibly stringent levels of cleanliness .
This status must now be maintained over the coming two years of storage .
The project 's industrial prime contractor , Thales Alenia Space of Italy , will do this in an ISO-7 chamber at its Turin factory .
`` We will have to make sure that we flush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to make an outgassing activity to make sure pollutants are all evacuated before making the rover ready again to be transferred to [ the launch pad in 2022 ] , `` explained Francois Spoto , Esa 's ExoMars Team Leader .
Unclear is precisely how much the delay will cost , but Esa 's Director of Human and Robotic Exploration , David Parker , said it would n't have a significant effect on his programmes .
`` We have a budget , which includes a contingency margin for delayed launch to 2022 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Of course , that 's based on our estimates ; we now have to go and negotiate with industry to get the confirmed costs .
But that 's our normal life - we have to estimate the cost of things , define it and then negotiate with industry .
But no , it should not be a financial crisis . ''
First envisaged as a small technology demonstration mission , the robot vehicle was formally approved by European nations back in 2005 , with a launch first pencilled in for 2011 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ design was beefed up , the start date was put back .
At first , it was shifted to 2013 , but further problems saw slippage to 2016 , and then again to 2018 .
For much of its history , the rover project , codenamed ExoMars , has had to fumble through with budgets that were insufficient to maintain the promised timelines .
At one stage , back in 2009 , Esa decided to join forces with America to try to make the mission happen , only to see Nasa walk away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That could have killed the project there and then , but for an offer from the Russians to fill the partnership position vacated by the US .
Even with this fresh impetus , however , the project continued to stumble .
The Esa-Roscosmos 2018 target gave way to 2020 .
Now the launch date is being moved again .
The rover has been an important component of British space policy .
The UK is the second biggest contributor to the ExoMars programme .
Graham Turnock , Chief Executive of the UK Space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an important , ambitious mission , with the UK-built Rosalind Franklin rover set to help us understand the past environment of Mars and search for evidence of life .
To be successful , the mission must be carried out within an acceptable level of risk , so I support Esa 's responsible decision to delay the launch for further testing . ''
Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET @ bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter : @ BBCAmos

European Space Agency Director General, Jan Wörner, added that coronavirus was having an impact on the preparations, "because people from different places of industry in Russia, in Italy and France cannot move easily as in the past. So, therefore, there is also an impact, but I would not like to say the coronavirus is the one and only reason - but... it has an impact on the mission, yes."


bbc--2020-03-12--EU to give migrants in Greece €2,000 to go home

The EU says it will pay €2,000 ( £1,770 ; $ 2,225 ) each to migrants in overcrowded camps on the Greek islands willing to go back to their home countries .
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced the scheme in Athens on Thursday .
It was agreed with the Greek government .
She said it was temporary - open for one month only - and only for migrants who arrived before 1 January .
She said 5,000 migrants would be eligible for the `` voluntary return '' .
This month , hundreds of migrants and refugees have reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing the pressure on struggling reception centres .
The camps on those islands already have nearly 42,000 asylum seekers , though they were designed for about 6,000 .
Aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres ( MSF ) , which is working on the islands , says more than 14,000 of the migrants are children .
`` Men , women and children are living in horrific conditions in these overcrowded centres , in constant fear and with very basic access to services like toilets , showers , electricity , '' Stephan Oberreit , MSF head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC .
`` Our teams in the clinic opposite Moria camp receive around 70 children per day , including children suffering from chronic illnesses , for which we are not able to provide proper care . ''
Ms Johansson said seven EU member states had agreed to take in at least 1,600 unaccompanied children from the camps , seen as especially vulnerable .
Many of the migrants are Syrians fleeing the civil war , but there are also Afghans , Pakistanis and West Africans .
It is not clear how many would qualify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syria too dangerous for migrants to be sent back there , but some other countries of origin , such as Pakistan , are considered safe enough .
Greece has temporarily suspended its processing of new asylum applications - a move condemned by aid groups .
Oxfam 's spokesman on EU migration , Florian Oel , said `` all EU governments have avoided taking responsibility , not just Greece '' over the migrant crisis .
He said the situation had remained very bad since 2016 , when Turkey signed a deal with the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrants into Europe .
The latest surge in numbers at the Greek border came after Turkey announced that it would no longer stop them trying to enter Greece .
Turkey , which is hosting 3.7 million Syrian refugees already , accuses the EU of not doing enough to help .
`` People in need of safety have been turned into political bargaining chips , '' Mr Oel told the BBC .
`` The EU partners have to share responsibility for those arriving ; it means states should relocate refugees to their own countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They must agree on permanent rules . ''
However , he welcomed the EU announcement on relocating unaccompanied children as `` a good first step '' .
Ms Johansson said repatriation of migrants from the islands would be coordinated with the UN 's International Organization for Migration ( IOM ) and the EU border force Frontex .
The situation is also acute on the Greece-Turkey land border , where Greek police have used tear gas and water cannon to keep migrants out .

The latest surge in numbers at the Greek border came after Turkey announced that it would no longer stop them trying to enter Greece. Turkey, which is hosting 3.7 million Syrian refugees already, accuses the EU of not doing enough to help.


bbc--2020-03-12--Arsenal manager Arteta tests positive for coronavirus

The Gunners have closed their training ground and club staff who had recent contact with Arteta will now self-isolate .
The Premier League will hold `` an emergency club meeting '' on Friday to discuss future fixtures .
`` This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly , '' said Spaniard Arteta , 37 .
`` I will be at work as soon as I 'm allowed . ''
Arsenal expects a `` significant number of people '' will self-isolate , including the `` full first-team squad '' .
BBC Sport understands all 20 Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy , and one of the possible options that will be discussed at the meeting is postponing all 10 of this weekend 's scheduled fixtures .
`` The health of our people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is , '' said Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham .
`` We are in active dialogue with all the relevant people to manage this situation appropriately , and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows . ''
Arsenal are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League on Saturday ( 15:00 GMT ) .
Arsenal 's Premier League match with Manchester City on Wednesday was postponed as a `` precautionary measure '' and several Gunners players went into self-isolation after Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis contracted coronavirus .
Arsenal said Marinakis , 52 , met a number of their players when the Gunners hosted the Greek side in a Europa League match two weeks ago .
The club said no players or staff would be tested for coronavirus .
Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is self-isolating as a precaution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted to hospital displaying symptoms of coronavirus .
Three Leicester City first-team players have also self-isolated after showing symptoms of coronavirus .
• 14:06 GMT - Brendan Rodgers says three Leicester City players have self-isolated after showing symptoms .
• 16:00 GMT - Manchester City 's Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid , due to take place on Tuesday , is postponed .
• 17:25 GMT - Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the UK government is considering banning sporting fixtures - but it will not happen immediately .
• 20:45 GMT - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolating as a precaution .
• 21:30 GMT - The Premier League announces all this weekend 's games `` will go ahead as scheduled '' .
• 22:17 GMT - Arsenal say manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus .
• 22:33 GMT - The Premier League announces it will hold `` an emergency club meeting '' on Friday to discuss future fixtures .

Last updated on .From the section Arsenal
Arteta was named Arsenal manager in December 2019
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus and the club's game against Brighton on Saturday has been postponed.
The Gunners have closed their training ground and club staff who had recent contact with Arteta will now self-isolate.
The Premier League will hold "an emergency club meeting" on Friday to discuss future fixtures.
"This is really disappointing," said Spaniard Arteta, 37.
"I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I'm allowed."
Arsenal expects a "significant number of people" will self-isolate, including the "full first-team squad".
The club were due to face Brighton in the Premier League at Amex Stadium on Saturday (15:00 GMT) but Brighton released a statement, shortly after confirmation of Arteta's positive test, announcing that the game had been called off.
BBC Sport understands all 20 Premier League clubs want to decide on a unified strategy, and one of the possible options that will be discussed at the meeting is postponing the rest of this weekend's scheduled fixtures.
"The health of our people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is," said Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham.
"We are in active dialogue with all the relevant people to manage this situation appropriately, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows."
Arsenal's Premier League match with Manchester City on Wednesday was postponed as a "precautionary measure" and several Gunners players went into self-isolation after Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis contracted coronavirus.
Arsenal said Marinakis, 52, met a number of their players when the Gunners hosted the Greek side in a Europa League match two weeks ago.
The club said no players or staff would be tested for coronavirus.
Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy is self-isolating as a precaution after a member of his family was admitted to hospital displaying symptoms of coronavirus.
Three Leicester City first-team players have also self-isolated after showing symptoms of coronavirus.
How things unfolded on Thursday
14:06 GMT - Brendan Rodgers says three Leicester City players have self-isolated after showing symptoms.
16:00 GMT - Manchester City's Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid, due to take place on Tuesday, is postponed.
17:25 GMT - Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the UK government is considering banning sporting fixtures - but it will not happen immediately.
20:45 GMT - Manchester City say defender Benjamin Mendy is self-isolating as a precaution.
21:30 GMT - The Premier League announces all this weekend's games "will go ahead as scheduled".
22:17 GMT - Arsenal say manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus.
22:33 GMT - The Premier League announces it will hold "an emergency club meeting" on Friday to discuss future fixtures.
Analysis
BBC sports editor Dan Roan
The Premier League now appears to be edging closer to an unprecedented suspension.
For several days now senior officials have privately believed matches would soon have to be played closed doors with preparations made to do so. Despite mounting criticism for carrying on as normal and being so out of step with other competitions around the world, the Premier League agreed to follow government policy.
But with several clubs now directly affected by the outbreak the integrity of the league is clearly in jeopardy. So what happens next?
Both the Premier League and EFL are desperate to get their remaining matches played.
If Euro 2020 is postponed by Uefa for a year on Tuesday, space could perhaps be created in the calendar for any delayed matches to be played, and a case could be made to government to pause the Premier League and EFL seasons for several weeks.
That would at least avert the threat of legal action from clubs claiming they have been denied promotion or European qualification.


bbc--2020-03-12--EU sewage tests show ‘ecstasy is no longer a niche drug’

A study of wastewater from nearly 50 million people in Europe has revealed a growing trend for the consumption of illegal drugs .
The EU 's drug monitoring body analysed sewage samples from 68 cities in 23 European countries in March 2019 .
Sewage was tested for traces of four illicit drugs : amphetamine , cocaine , MDMA ( also known as ecstasy ) and methamphetamine .
The tests showed an overall rise in the four drugs compared to previous years .
More than half of the 42 cities where wastewater was tested reported an increase in ecstasy residues compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The agency said the increase suggested ecstasy was no longer `` a niche or sub-cultural drug limited to dance clubs and parties '' , but was now `` being used by a broader range of young people in mainstream nightlife settings '' .
The highest residues of ecstasy were found in cities in Belgium , Germany and the Netherlands .
• How drugs are entering water systems through urine The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction ( EMCDDA ) has been carrying out research on wastewater since 2011 .
When consumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before ending up in the sewers .
By testing sewage water at treatment plants , scientists from the EMCDDA can `` estimate the quantity of drugs consumed by a community '' .
The study said `` cocaine use remains highest in western and southern European cities '' , particularly in the Netherlands , Belgium , Spain and the UK .
In previous studies , London has consistently ranked among the cities which has the highest concentration of cocaine in its sewers .
The study of wastewater across the world has been increasing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug-taking habits over a longer period .
`` Wastewater analysis has demonstrated its utility over the last decade as an important new drug monitoring tool and a complement to more established monitoring methods , '' director of the EMCDDA , Alexis Goosdeel , said .
`` By delivering almost real-time data on drug use patterns , both geographically and over time , this novel approach can offer a valuable snapshot of drug use in key cities in Europe and an insight into emerging changes in behaviour . ''
Other key findings of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities with wastewater data on methamphetamine for 2018 and 2019 , 17 cities reported an increase .
However , methamphetamine residues were very low to negligible in most locations • Most drug-taking appears to happen at weekends , with more than 75 % of cities showing higher residues of cocaine and MDMA between Friday and Monday • For the four drugs tested , residues were higher in large cities , reflecting their social and demographic characteristics You may also be interested in :

"By delivering almost real-time data on drug use patterns, both geographically and over time, this novel approach can offer a valuable snapshot of drug use in key cities in Europe and an insight into emerging changes in behaviour."