bbc--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: More flights cancelled by Virgin, Ryanair and others

Travel restrictions and a slump in demand due to the coronavirus have forced airlines to cancel most flights and temporarily reduce staff .
Virgin Atlantic will cut four-fifths of its flights and has asked staff to take eight weeks of unpaid leave .
Ryanair and EasyJet are grounding most of their fleets , while BA owner IAG is to cut capacity by 75 % .
Norwegian Air has cancelled thousands of flights and will temporarily lay off more than 7,500 staff .
Holiday company Tui has said it will suspend the `` majority '' of its operations , affecting `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bookings .
Passenger numbers and bookings have plummeted in recent weeks as countries closed their borders and holiday makers cancelled trips .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • UK LATEST : What is the 'delay ' phase ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Forecasts by the research firm Centre for Aviation now predict that most airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of May unless they receive financial support .
`` Coordinated government and industry action is needed - now - if catastrophe is to be avoided , '' the firm said in a statement .
`` Demand is drying up in ways that are completely unprecedented .
Normality is not yet on the horizon . ''
In the US , airlines are in talks with the government about rescue funding , after announcing dramatic cuts to flight schedules and other measures .
They are seeking up to $ 50bn in aid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the UK , Virgin Atlantic has asked the government for support for the sector , including emergency credit of up to £7.5bn .
EasyJet Chief Executive Johan Lundgren also called for government intervention to support the aviation industry .
`` European aviation faces a precarious future and it is clear that co-ordinated government backing will be required to ensure the industry survives and is able to continue to operate when the crisis is over , '' he said .
Virgin said that it was going to reduce its services to focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heathrow-Newark route will be cut immediately .
The airline will also ask staff to take eight weeks unpaid leave over the next three months , with the cost spread over six months ' salary .
Virgin said it was doing this to avoid job losses , although it is also offering a voluntary redundancy package to all employees .
Norwegian Air 's temporary reduction in staff numbers will affect pilots , cabin crew and maintenance workers , roughly equalling 90 % of its workforce .
Over the weekend , Scandinavian airline SAS said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights until conditions for commercial aviation improved .
As a result , the airline said it would temporarily lay off up to 10,000 employees , or 90 % of its workforce .
IAG , which owns British Airways , Iberia and Aer Lingus , said it had suspended flights to China , reduced capacity on Asian routes , cancelled all flights to , from and within Italy as well as making other changes to its network .
`` There is no cash whatsoever coming in the doors , '' said aviation analyst John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose money very quickly , despite such drastic measures .
Mr Strickland described the reduction in airlines ' operations as `` stunning '' , warning that airlines can lose money `` very , very quickly '' .
Stemming the loss by cancelling flights and parking aircraft is one thing , he said , `` but airlines are both capital and labour intensive so there has to be support of the costs that can not be avoided even if an airline is grounded '' .
Willie Walsh , chief executive of IAG , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the summer .
BA 's boss sent a memo to staff last week questioning the airline 's survival if it did not make urgent changes .
EasyJet said it had cancelled a `` further significant '' number of flights .
`` These actions will continue on a rolling basis for the foreseeable future and could result in the grounding of the majority of the EasyJet fleet , '' it said .
What happens if your flight is cancelled ?
Mass cancellations of flights in an unprecedented situation may leave passengers unsure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fly out , it is relatively straightforward - you should be given a refund or , in some cases , the option to rebook for another date .
If this is part of a package holiday , then the entire cost of the holiday will be refunded .
A separate hotel booking will require a call to the hotel , asking for leeway , or perhaps a travel insurance claim if the policy covers you .
For those trying to get home , an airline has a duty of care to get you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This may mean flying with another airline or putting you on a different mode of transport .
If an extra overnight stay is required , the airline should pay for that as well as the food you need .
However , for those who accept a refund for a cancelled return flight , the airline 's duty of care ends at that point .
You would then have to get yourself home , which could be difficult given the current restrictions .
Consumer organisation Which ?
has called on airlines and holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to customers as the situation changes .
• Coronavirus : What are your travel rights ?
Have you been affected by travel upheaval as a result of coronavirus ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

Coronavirus: More flights cancelled by Virgin, Ryanair and others Published 16 March 2020
Image source, Getty Images
Travel restrictions and a slump in demand due to the coronavirus have forced airlines to cancel most flights and temporarily reduce staff.
Virgin Atlantic will cut four-fifths of its flights and has asked staff to take eight weeks of unpaid leave.
Ryanair and EasyJet are grounding most of their fleets, while BA owner IAG is to cut capacity by 75%.
Norwegian Air has cancelled thousands of flights and will temporarily lay off more than 7,500 staff.
Holiday company Tui has said it will suspend the "majority" of its operations, affecting "package travel, cruises and hotel" bookings.
Passenger numbers and bookings have plummeted in recent weeks as countries closed their borders and holiday makers cancelled trips.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
Forecasts by the research firm Centre for Aviation now predict that most airlines in the world will be bankrupt by the end of May unless they receive financial support.
"Coordinated government and industry action is needed - now - if catastrophe is to be avoided," the firm said in a statement. "Demand is drying up in ways that are completely unprecedented. Normality is not yet on the horizon."
In the US, airlines are in talks with the government about rescue funding, after announcing dramatic cuts to flight schedules and other measures. They are seeking up to $50bn in aid, according to the Wall Street Journal.
In the UK, Virgin Atlantic has asked the government for support for the sector, including emergency credit of up to £7.5bn.
EasyJet Chief Executive Johan Lundgren also called for government intervention to support the aviation industry. "European aviation faces a precarious future and it is clear that co-ordinated government backing will be required to ensure the industry survives and is able to continue to operate when the crisis is over," he said.
Airline cuts
Virgin said that it was going to reduce its services to focus on "core routes". Its London Heathrow-Newark route will be cut immediately.
The airline will also ask staff to take eight weeks unpaid leave over the next three months, with the cost spread over six months' salary.
Virgin said it was doing this to avoid job losses, although it is also offering a voluntary redundancy package to all employees.
Norwegian Air's temporary reduction in staff numbers will affect pilots, cabin crew and maintenance workers, roughly equalling 90% of its workforce.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The coronavirus outbreak has had a severe impact on demand for air travel
Over the weekend, Scandinavian airline SAS said it would temporarily halt most of its flights until conditions for commercial aviation improved.
As a result, the airline said it would temporarily lay off up to 10,000 employees, or 90% of its workforce.
IAG, which owns British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus, said it had suspended flights to China, reduced capacity on Asian routes, cancelled all flights to, from and within Italy as well as making other changes to its network.
"There is no cash whatsoever coming in the doors," said aviation analyst John Strickland, who warned that airlines could lose money very quickly, despite such drastic measures.
Mr Strickland described the reduction in airlines' operations as "stunning", warning that airlines can lose money "very, very quickly".
Stemming the loss by cancelling flights and parking aircraft is one thing, he said, "but airlines are both capital and labour intensive so there has to be support of the costs that cannot be avoided even if an airline is grounded".
Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, said he expects demand to remain weak well into the summer. BA's boss sent a memo to staff last week questioning the airline's survival if it did not make urgent changes.
EasyJet said it had cancelled a "further significant" number of flights. "These actions will continue on a rolling basis for the foreseeable future and could result in the grounding of the majority of the EasyJet fleet," it said.
What happens if your flight is cancelled?
Mass cancellations of flights in an unprecedented situation may leave passengers unsure of their rights.
For those yet to fly out, it is relatively straightforward - you should be given a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.
If this is part of a package holiday, then the entire cost of the holiday will be refunded. A separate hotel booking will require a call to the hotel, asking for leeway, or perhaps a travel insurance claim if the policy covers you.
For those trying to get home, an airline has a duty of care to get you back if they have cancelled your flight. This may mean flying with another airline or putting you on a different mode of transport. If an extra overnight stay is required, the airline should pay for that as well as the food you need.
However, for those who accept a refund for a cancelled return flight, the airline's duty of care ends at that point. You would then have to get yourself home, which could be difficult given the current restrictions.
Consumer organisation Which? has called on airlines and holiday firms to give clear, fast advice to customers as the situation changes.
Have you been affected by travel upheaval as a result of coronavirus? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbc--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: A visual guide to the pandemic

Coronavirus - a fast-moving infection originating in China - has spread to more than 145 countries and claimed more than 6,400 lives .
There are now more cases around the world than there are inside China , where the spread of new cases has slowed down in recent days .
Italy , so far , has the highest number of confirmed infections outside China .
This series of maps and charts will help you understand what is going on .
1 .
The virus outbreak is now a pandemic A rise in the number of daily confirmed cases of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization ( WHO ) to declare its spread a global pandemic .
This is when an infectious disease is passing easily from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , has said Europe is now at the centre of the global outbreak .
About 81,000 people in China have been diagnosed with coronavirus since its emergence in the city of Wuhan , Hubei province , in December .
But there are more than 87,000 confirmed cases outside China , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University .
However , the actual number of people with coronavirus internationally is thought to be a much higher number - as many of those with mild symptoms have not been tested and counted .
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• PROTECTION : Where are we with a vaccine ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
After China , Italy has the highest number of confirmed cases , with almost 25,000 .
Europe has become the new `` epicentre '' of the pandemic .
Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with around 14,000 and 8,000 known cases respectively .
In response to the virus 's spread , countries around the world are ramping up measures to try to slow it down .
Governments have halted flights from virus-hit nations , locked down towns , urged people to stay at home , and suspended major sporting and social events .
US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency , freeing up to $ 50bn ( £40bn ) in relief funds .
He has also announced travel restrictions on European countries .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling from countries which are members of the Schengen border-free travel area - have been extended to include the UK and Ireland from Tuesday .
The restrictions are in addition to those applying to China and Iran .
A number of international conferences and sporting events have also been cancelled , including Six Nations rugby matches .
To better co-ordinate the global response , leaders of the world 's richest economies - the G7 group - will hold a crisis summit via videoconference on Monday .
2 .
Italy has the most recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most confirmed cases outside China , having overtaken both South Korea and Iran .
It has almost 25,000 confirmed cases and a death toll of about 1,800 .
Italian authorities have imposed stringent restrictions , closing nearly all shops , bars , hairdressers , restaurants and cafes until 25 March .
Schools , gyms , museums , nightclubs and other venues have also been shut , and people have been ordered to stay home and seek permission for essential travel .
A number of airlines , including British Airways , EasyJet and Ryanair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of April .
3 .
Numbers across Europe are also rising European countries have seen steep rises in infections and deaths , and the region has become the new epicentre of the crisis .
As well as Italy , Spain , France and Germany now have thousands of confirmed cases each .
Germany 's Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that up to 70 % of its population - some 58 million people - could contract coronavirus .
However , some German virologists dispute the high figure , suggesting a worst-case scenario of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of emergency came into force on Saturday , with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warning that the number of confirmed cases in the country could top 10,000 next week .
In the UK , where cases stand at 1,372 , the government has told those with a high temperature or new , persistent cough to self-isolate for a week as it steps up its response .
The UK has switched to tactics aimed at delaying the virus 's spread , rather than containing it .
• UK outbreak in maps and charts : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
4 .
China still has the most cases The number of overall coronavirus cases in China has been rising since January , but has been levelling off over the last couple of weeks .
The country still has the highest number of confirmed cases of any country and accounts for about 81,000 of the 164,800 global cases .
Government and regional officials have imposed tight restrictions in a bid to reduce infections , including cancelling flights , closing schools and workplaces and ordering some cities to go into lockdown .
The country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prevent imported cases , so all international arrivals in the capital Beijing will have to be quarantined for two weeks The origins of the coronavirus have been linked to illegally traded wildlife at the seafood market in Wuhan , capital of Hubei province , where the outbreak began .
The exact source has not yet been identified .

Please update your browser to see full interactive
Show more
This information is regularly updated but may not reflect the latest totals for each country.
** The past data for new cases is a three day rolling average. Due to revisions in the number of cases, an average cannot be calculated for this date.
Source: Johns Hopkins University and national public health agencies


bbc--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: Can the US catch up on testing?

The US government has come under fire for its response to the coronavirus - particularly because it has tested far fewer people than other affected countries .
On Thursday , the top health official for infectious diseases admitted that the testing system was `` currently failing '' , and that the US was not able to supply tests `` easily , the way people in other countries are doing it '' .
On Friday , US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and said more tests would be available soon .
So what exactly went wrong - and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now ?
How many people have been tested in the US ?
The short answer is no-one knows for sure - not even the government .
Both Vice-President Mike Pence and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar have been unable to confirm how many Americans have been tested .
This is because some tests were being conducted by private laboratories and hospitals that have not been reporting in to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
`` We do n't have a centralised data registry tracking this the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Howard Forman , a public health expert at Yale University .
`` We should learn from this experience - having a centralised registry to keep track , with information flowing from labs to state and then federal governments , is critical . ''
One thing that is widely accepted however , is that US testing has lagged far behind that of other countries .
One project by The Atlantic estimates that about 38,600 people have been tested in the US so far .
By contrast , countries with far smaller populations have conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 240,000 people , while the UK has tested 44,100 people .
During a conference last week , Prof Pardis Sabeti , an expert in infectious disease , estimated that South Korea was testing `` 700 times more people per capita than the US '' .
And Canada , which has a population nearly 10 times smaller than the US , has tested about 25,000 people as of Sunday .
Prof Forman says the US response has been inadequate .
`` Certainly at a federal level , we 've not done a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` In an ideal world we 'd be emulating South Korea - with parking lot and drive-through testing '' which prevents sick people waiting in emergency rooms and infecting others , he adds .
Covid-19 has a lower death rate than many other diseases , and many with the virus will only experience mild symptoms - especially those who are young and relatively healthy .
However , experts say testing is crucial so that officials can identify where the hotspots are , to prevent the disease from spreading and infecting those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be mild for some individuals - but that does n't mean they 're not contributing to it spreading in the community , '' says Prof Forman .
Some of the coronavirus hotspots , for example in Kirkland in Seattle , or the Biogen conference in Boston , were only discovered after experts traced the contacts of those who fell ill , he says .
`` That should scare people because [ coronavirus ] could be happening in the hundreds or thousands in other places , but the absence of testing stops us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Identifying where the virus is spreading would also help officials decide when and where they should take measures like shutting down schools , because `` prematurely shutting down '' schools can also cause problems , he adds .
Why did the US lag on testing ?
There are several factors at play .
The World Health Organization approved a coronavirus test in January - but the US decided against using it , and instead had the CDC develop its own test .
In February , the CDC despatched testing kits across the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work properly , and led to inconclusive results .
The fact that the US has a `` siloed '' healthcare system , with various public and private health providers and laboratories , has also made testing more complicated , says Susan Butler-Wu , an associate professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC , and a laboratory director in Los Angeles .
`` There is not a co-ordinated clinical response that can be rolled out , like there was in South Korea .
We have no such thing as a national plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large laboratories have had to develop their own laboratory tests and seek emergency clearance from US regulators , which can be an `` onerous '' process , she says .
Meanwhile , smaller laboratories do not have the equipment or space required to run laboratory tests - instead , they tend to rely on a simpler test , known as a sample-to-answer test - but the devices for such tests are awaiting approval from the FDA , Dr Butler-Wu says .
As a result , laboratories like Dr Butler-Wu 's can collect samples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a commercial reference laboratory for testing and results , which can slow down the process .
• 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 ?
A US pathologist , who asked not to be named , also described the process as fragmented : `` We do n't have a national healthcare system so we do n't have the ability to co-ordinate across hospitals ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which creates a little bit of chaos . ''
According to lawmakers who attended a briefing on Thursday , there were also problems with the supply chain for testing kits , with stocks of cotton swabs and gloves running low .
And the director of the CDC told a congressional hearing last week : `` 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 . ''
Can the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the testing system are `` being rapidly corrected '' , and that the country is `` very close '' to getting readily available tests from the commercial sector , Dr Anthony Fauci from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told CBS News on Friday .
`` I think in the next week or so you are going to see an acceleration of the availability of [ the ] test . ''
Also on Friday , Mr Trump declared a state of emergency that allows the federal government to tap up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency relief funds .
He said up to 500,000 tests would be available shortly , and promised that within a month , five million tests would be available , as well as drive-through testing facilities .
Mr Trump also said the government was working with the private sector to make test kits more available to Americans , but added : `` We do n't want everyone running out and taking [ the test ] - only if you have certain symptoms , '' he said .
The Food and Drug Administration has started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are having trouble getting supplied needed to perform tests , and has given emergency approval to a new coronavirus test by a drug company that says it can conduct tests 10 times more quickly .
It is also allowing New York state to approve local laboratories for testing , without waiting for FDA approval - which New York governor Andrew Cuomo says will increase the state 's testing capacity to about 6,000 tests per day .
Prof Foreman says he is hopeful that in the coming days `` we 'll see better testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving towards adequate testing '' .
He also described a `` sea change '' that began late last week , as private and public bodies have taken more measures to cancel events and discourage large public gatherings .
`` We 're doing that probably two or three weeks ahead of when Italy did , which gives me hope , '' he says .
I think I need a test - what should I do ?
Those with serious symptoms should call emergency services and `` say they have serious symptoms that might require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested in a safe way , he says .
Meanwhile , those with mild symptoms should self-isolate at home and speak to their primary care provider to work out the simplest way to get tested , ideally without entering the healthcare system , he adds .

Coronavirus: Can the US catch up on testing? Published 16 March 2020
Image source, Reuters
The US government has come under fire for its response to the coronavirus - particularly because it has tested far fewer people than other affected countries.
On Thursday, the top health official for infectious diseases admitted that the testing system was "currently failing", and that the US was not able to supply tests "easily, the way people in other countries are doing it".
On Friday, US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and said more tests would be available soon.
So what exactly went wrong - and will the US be able to catch up now?
How many people have been tested in the US?
The short answer is no-one knows for sure - not even the government.
Both Vice-President Mike Pence and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar have been unable to confirm how many Americans have been tested.
This is because some tests were being conducted by private laboratories and hospitals that have not been reporting in to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"We don't have a centralised data registry tracking this the way we should," says Prof Howard Forman, a public health expert at Yale University. "We should learn from this experience - having a centralised registry to keep track, with information flowing from labs to state and then federal governments, is critical."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, A doctor who became a patient describes what it's like to get tested for coronavirus
One thing that is widely accepted however, is that US testing has lagged far behind that of other countries.
One project by The Atlantic estimates that about 38,600 people have been tested in the US so far.
By contrast, countries with far smaller populations have conducted more tests. South Korea has tested more than 240,000 people, while the UK has tested 44,100 people.
During a conference last week, Prof Pardis Sabeti, an expert in infectious disease, estimated that South Korea was testing "700 times more people per capita than the US".
And Canada, which has a population nearly 10 times smaller than the US, has tested about 25,000 people as of Sunday.
Image source, EPA Image caption, South Korea has been conducting drive-through coronavirus testing
Prof Forman says the US response has been inadequate.
"Certainly at a federal level, we've not done a good job at all," he says.
"In an ideal world we'd be emulating South Korea - with parking lot and drive-through testing" which prevents sick people waiting in emergency rooms and infecting others, he adds.
Why do testing numbers matter?
Covid-19 has a lower death rate than many other diseases, and many with the virus will only experience mild symptoms - especially those who are young and relatively healthy.
However, experts say testing is crucial so that officials can identify where the hotspots are, to prevent the disease from spreading and infecting those who are vulnerable.
"The disease may be mild for some individuals - but that doesn't mean they're not contributing to it spreading in the community," says Prof Forman.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Top US doctor explains US testing failure
Some of the coronavirus hotspots, for example in Kirkland in Seattle, or the Biogen conference in Boston, were only discovered after experts traced the contacts of those who fell ill, he says.
"That should scare people because [coronavirus] could be happening in the hundreds or thousands in other places, but the absence of testing stops us from finding out about it."
Identifying where the virus is spreading would also help officials decide when and where they should take measures like shutting down schools, because "prematurely shutting down" schools can also cause problems, he adds.
Why did the US lag on testing?
There are several factors at play.
The World Health Organization approved a coronavirus test in January - but the US decided against using it, and instead had the CDC develop its own test.
In February, the CDC despatched testing kits across the US - but some of them didn't work properly, and led to inconclusive results.
The fact that the US has a "siloed" healthcare system, with various public and private health providers and laboratories, has also made testing more complicated, says Susan Butler-Wu, an associate professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, and a laboratory director in Los Angeles.
"There is not a co-ordinated clinical response that can be rolled out, like there was in South Korea. We have no such thing as a national plan for testing."
Instead, many large laboratories have had to develop their own laboratory tests and seek emergency clearance from US regulators, which can be an "onerous" process, she says.
Meanwhile, smaller laboratories do not have the equipment or space required to run laboratory tests - instead, they tend to rely on a simpler test, known as a sample-to-answer test - but the devices for such tests are awaiting approval from the FDA, Dr Butler-Wu says.
As a result, laboratories like Dr Butler-Wu's can collect samples, but then need to send them to a commercial reference laboratory for testing and results, which can slow down the process.
A US pathologist, who asked not to be named, also described the process as fragmented: "We don't have a national healthcare system so we don't have the ability to co-ordinate across hospitals... everybody's in competition to some extent, which creates a little bit of chaos."
According to lawmakers who attended a briefing on Thursday, there were also problems with the supply chain for testing kits, with stocks of cotton swabs and gloves running low.
And the director of the CDC told a congressional hearing last week: "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."
Can the US catch up now?
Problems with the testing system are "being rapidly corrected", and that the country is "very close" to getting readily available tests from the commercial sector, Dr Anthony Fauci from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CBS News on Friday.
"I think in the next week or so you are going to see an acceleration of the availability of [the] test."
Image source, EPA Image caption, New Rochelle in New York state has started using mobile testing centres
Also on Friday, Mr Trump declared a state of emergency that allows the federal government to tap up to $50bn (£40bn) in emergency relief funds.
He said up to 500,000 tests would be available shortly, and promised that within a month, five million tests would be available, as well as drive-through testing facilities.
Mr Trump also said the government was working with the private sector to make test kits more available to Americans, but added: "We don't want everyone running out and taking [the test] - only if you have certain symptoms," he said.
The Food and Drug Administration has started a 24-hour emergency hotline for laboratories that are having trouble getting supplied needed to perform tests, and has given emergency approval to a new coronavirus test by a drug company that says it can conduct tests 10 times more quickly.
It is also allowing New York state to approve local laboratories for testing, without waiting for FDA approval - which New York governor Andrew Cuomo says will increase the state's testing capacity to about 6,000 tests per day.
Prof Forman says he is hopeful that in the coming days "we'll see better testing numbers that gives us confidence we're moving towards adequate testing".
He also described a "sea change" that began late last week, as private and public bodies have taken more measures to cancel events and discourage large public gatherings.
"We're doing that probably two or three weeks ahead of when Italy did, which gives me hope," he says.
I think I need a test - what should I do?
Prof Forman recommends assessing your symptoms.
Those with serious symptoms should call emergency services and "say they have serious symptoms that might require hospitalisation", and ask to get tested in a safe way, he says.
Meanwhile, those with mild symptoms should self-isolate at home and speak to their primary care provider to work out the simplest way to get tested, ideally without entering the healthcare system, he adds.


bbc--2020-03-16--Coronavirus symptoms: What are they and how do I protect myself?

Coronavirus has spread to more than 145 countries or territories , including the UK , and claimed more than 6,400 lives .
So , what is the disease and how does it spread ?
How do I protect myself ?
The best thing is regular and thorough hand washing , preferably with soap and water .
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air .
These can be breathed in , or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on then your eyes , nose or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into tissues , not touching your face with unwashed hands , and avoiding close contact with infected people are important for limiting the spread .
Face masks do not provide effective protection , according to medical experts .
What are the coronavirus symptoms ?
Coronavirus infects the lungs .
The symptoms start with a fever followed by a dry cough , which can lead to breathing problems .
It takes five days on average to start showing the symptoms , scientists have said , but some people will get symptoms much later than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 14 days , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) says .
But some researchers say it may be up to 24 days .
People will be most infectious when they have symptoms , but there have been suggestions some can spread the virus even before they are sick .
The early symptoms can easily be confused with other winter bugs including colds and flu .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 'delay ' phase ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The proportion dying from the disease appears low ( between 1 % and 2 % ) - but the figures are unreliable .
Thousands are being treated but may go on to die - so the death rate could be higher .
But it may also be lower if lots of mild cases are unreported .
• 6 % become critically ill - lung failure , septic shock , organ failure and risk of death • 80 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some may have pneumonia Older people , and those with pre-existing medical conditions ( such as asthma , diabetes , heart disease , high blood pressure ) , are more likely to become severely ill .
The data from China also suggests that men are at slightly higher risk of dying from the virus than women .
Treatment relies on keeping the patient 's body going , including breathing support , until their immune system can fight off the virus .
Work to develop a vaccine is under way .
• How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
What should I do if I think I have coronavirus ?
The NHS says an epidemic in the UK is `` likely '' .
Patients with mild symptoms - such as a new continuous cough or a high temperature above 37.8C should self-isolate at home for at least seven days , according to the latest advice issued by Public Health England .
People are being advised not to ring NHS 111 to report their symptoms unless they are worried .
They should also not go to their GP , or A & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check NHS inform , then ring your GP in office hours , or 111 out-of-hours .
In Wales call NHS 111 , and in Northern Ireland , call your GP .
If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected , you may be told to self-isolate .
Advice for people who have travelled back to the UK from affected areas and who may need to self-isolate , has been issued .
Other countries have introduced their own measures For example , the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare provider , and those who are mildly ill to self-isolate .
The World Health Organization has also issued advice for the public .
Who gets tested and how does it work ?
In its latest advice , Public Health England ( PHE ) has said those who are self-isolating with mild symptoms will not be tested .
However , all hospital patients with flu-like symptoms will be tested .
If you need testing in the UK results may be available on the same day , but you may be asked to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait .
How fast is it spreading ?
Hundreds of new cases are being reported worldwide each day .
However , it is thought health agencies may be unaware of many cases .
After starting in China , coronavirus is now spreading fast in many other countries .
This explainer will be regularly updated to reflect the audience 's questions about coronavirus .
Details of how to get in touch are below .
What questions do you have about the coronavirus ?
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question :

Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure), are more likely to become severely ill. Men are at slightly higher risk of dying from the virus than women.


bbc--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Should people work from home, and other questions answered

The UK government is now focusing on delaying the spread of coronavirus .
But what might an outbreak mean for you , your job and your finances ?
Here are the answers to a selection of readers ' questions .
( Let us know your coronavirus questions by using the form at the bottom of this article ) .
I run a small business .
At what point should I tell people to work from home ?
- Kieren Johnstone , Horsham It 's really all about following government advice at this stage .
Many firms are already trialling home-working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This lets them test home working in a controlled way , before having to do it for real .
As a small business , you 'll also need to think about your the way you are supplied , travel and your cashflow .
Also , check your insurance .
Does the small print include business interruption cover ?
If so , does your policy have an extension for `` notifiable diseases '' ?
Also , check if coronavirus is covered .
I 'm self-employed .
Can I claim benefits if I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Mark Gribby , Nottingham Self-employed people who have symptoms or have been told to self-isolate may apply for two benefits , Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance .
But charities are worried that there is still a five-week delay before Universal Credit is paid .
People claiming Universal Credit can be paid early to help them until they receive their first payment .
However , this will be taken off future benefit payments .
Unfortunately , those who are self-employed can not get Statutory Sick Pay because that is paid by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with mortgages to delay payments during the outbreak ?
- Clare Waters Some banks , including NatWest and TSB , are offering customers affected by coronavirus the ability to delay their mortgage payments .
This will be decided on a case-by-case basis , a bit like the process of helping customers in financial difficulty .
Payments will be delayed for two or three months .
So , it is important to bear in mind that any interest and capital repayments which are missed , will be added to the mortgage balance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills will be slightly higher .
What will landlords do if coronavirus means people ca n't pay their rent ?
- The Urban Troopers via Twitter At the moment , landlords are not being forced to allow tenants to delay paying their rent .
But they are being encouraged to be sympathetic if tenants have to self-isolate , or are laid off work and take a hit to their income .
The Residential Landlords Association says its members should discuss the problem with tenants , be flexible and arrange for money they owe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal .
Most affected tenants , it says , will be in genuine hardship and suffering stress .
What if you 're not on a salary and ca n't work from home if your workplace closes ?
- Joseph , Glasgow If you are employed , your employer has an obligation to pay your Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks .
Normally , you would be eligible after four days of being ill .
However , the government has responded to the spread of coronavirus by saying that companies will temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day off .
In the case of small employers , the government will fund sick pay for the first 14 days , • EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore I am buying a house .
What if one party self-isolates after exchanging contracts ?
- Linda Lawford , Totton When you exchange contracts for a property , you have made a contract .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deposit if you fail to complete the sale and , possibly , face a claim for damages .
In exceptional circumstances , the buyer and seller can agree to delay in completing the sale .
However , self-isolating would not necessarily mean you could not complete .
This final step could be done over the phone or online .
At what point will the government advise people not to travel in confined spaces ?
- Lou Doret , Exeter When its health experts advise it to do so .
However , this might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bosses in the UK say they 're reviewing cleaning procedures .
Transport for London says it 's using a more powerful disinfectant .
Meanwhile , it 's been announced that a London Underground train driver has tested positive for coronavirus .
Passenger numbers on trains have fallen as more people work at home .
The issue has been getting stock onto shelves quick enough to fill the gaps as shoppers strip them bare of certain products .
There has been a specific problem with hand sanitisers , where demand has outstripped supply .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we 're not going to run out of food .
Shoppers should buy what they need .
If things take a serious turn for the worse , all our supermarkets have plans in place to keep us fed .
The big challenge will be doing this with potentially far fewer workers .
If schools are closed will there be financial help available for parents ?
- Richard , Eastleigh Employers have to give you time off to deal with a domestic emergency , but they do n't have to pay you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reasonable amount .
You can apply for some unpaid leave as well .
And the government has relaxed the rules for applying for benefits if you have coronavirus .
What questions do you have about the coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your @ @

How is the government going to protect vulnerable children who remain unvaccinated? My son has cystic fibrosis and will now be forced to mix - he has not had any access to vaccination.
Because your son is in a clinical risk group - and as long as he is over five - he should soon be offered two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. You should be contacted by your GP or specialist team to arrange this.
With regard to the dangers of mixing, the UK has also recommended that Covid vaccines are offered to all children aged 5 to 11, not just those at high clinical risk. This is likely to start in England in April. Children are generally at much lower risk of becoming seriously ill from a Covid infection, although some do still get sick and need hospital care. Over-12s can already be vaccinated, and it's hoped that extending the rollout to younger age groups will help protect even more children from the risk of catching and spreading Covid.
Schools are expected to work with and support families who have concerns about a pupil returning to the classroom. It is compulsory for school-age children to attend, even if they were previously shielding - the only exception is a small number of children whose clinician or GP has advised them not to attend. If you have concerns about this, you should talk to your doctor.


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Trump says coronavirus crisis may last all summer

US President Donald Trump has said the nationwide coronavirus emergency could last until the end of the summer or even longer .
He said Americans over the next 15 days should not gather in groups of more than 10 and avoid bars , restaurants , food courts , gyms and crowds .
At the White House , Mr Trump said the country is facing `` an invisible enemy '' that is `` so contagious '' .
The US has so far had more than 4,600 cases of the virus and 85 deaths .
There have been more than 180,000 confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths , according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University .
What are the new US guidelines ?
Under the US coronavirus task force 's other recommendations announced by Mr Trump on Monday : • All older Americans are urged to stay home , while work and schooling for everyone should be from home • Discretionary travel , shopping trips and social visits should be avoided and people should stay away from nursing homes or retirement facilities • Anyone in a household who tests positive for the virus should remain at home along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've made the decision to further toughen the guidelines and blunt the infection now , '' a sombre-sounding Mr Trump told reporters .
`` We 'd much rather be ahead of the curve than behind it . ''
Asked how long the emergency would last , Mr Trump - who previously predicted the outbreak would be over in weeks - told reporters : `` They think August , could be July , could be longer than that . ''
White House coronavirus response co-ordinator Dr Deborah Birx , who joined the president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does what we ask for over the next 15 days , we will see a dramatic difference . ''
She issued an appeal directly to millennials , asking them to limit social contact even though they are at lower risk of suffering if they contract the virus .
`` They are the core people that will stop this virus , '' she said .
`` We really want people to be separated . ''
Dr Birx also warned against socialising even if people feel well .
`` We know that there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asymptomatic , who continue to spread the virus , '' she said .
What else did President Trump say ?
Mr Trump also said the US `` may be '' heading for a recession .
After his news conference , the stock market fell more than 12 % in its worst day since 1987 .
The president , who has been criticised for initially playing down the seriousness of the virus , was asked by a reporter how he would score his administration 's response to the crisis on a scale of one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a 10 , '' he said .
`` I think we 've done a great job . ''
The president said he did not yet plan to call for domestic travel restrictions or a national curfew or lockdown , though added : `` We may look at certain areas , certain hot spots as they call them . ''
Mr Trump told reporters he had not yet decided to close the US-Canada border , but said it was something the administration was considering .
As the White House works on a financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry , Mr Trump said it was right to help them as `` it 's not their fault '' .
A trade group for major airlines said the sector requires more than $ 50bn ( £40bn ) in aid to survive .
• Canada to bar entry for most foreigners • Why US testing failed - and can it catch up now ?
How are US states responding ?
At least 40 US states have declared an emergency over the virus , and 29 states are shutting schools .
Millions of Americans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the country - including Times Square in New York - are drastically less crowded .
On Monday , officials in the San Francisco Bay area issued a sweeping shelter-in-place order affecting nearly seven million people .
San Francisco is placing itself on lockdown for three weeks from midnight on Tuesday .
The California city will legally ban residents from venturing out of their homes except to meet basic needs including buying groceries or medicine .
New York , New Jersey and Connecticut announced a tri-state approach to closures , with a shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casinos and gyms from Monday night for `` as long as necessary '' .
Pennsylvania , the District of Columbia , Ohio , California , Illinois , Michigan , Massachusetts and Washington state have also advised residents to avoid bars and restaurants .
For the first time in over a century , the US Supreme Court postponed oral arguments .
A Kentucky coronavirus patient has meanwhile been placed under police guard after refusing to quarantine himself .
A local judge declared a state of emergency in order to force a `` self-isolation '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas person was charged with making a `` false report '' after posting on social media over the weekend that they had tested positive for the virus .
CNN reports that Mr Trump 's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida is closed for deep cleaning after several individuals who visited the golf club tested positive for coronavirus .
What about the election ?
The outbreak is also disrupting primary season in the US as Democrats hold state-by-state votes to pick a candidate who will challenge Mr Trump in November .
It is now a two-man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie Sanders .
On Tuesday , four states are scheduled to vote : Arizona , Illinois , Florida and Ohio .
But Ohio 's governor said late on Monday polls would be postponed to comply with public health warnings against gatherings of more than 50 people .
Georgia , Louisiana and Kentucky have already postponed their contests due to the outbreak .
Wyoming has suspended in-person voting .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What are your rights ?

The president, who has been criticised for initially playing down the seriousness of the virus, was asked by a reporter how he would score his administration's response to the crisis on a scale of one to 10.


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Europe plans full border closure in virus battle

The European Commission is planning to ban all non-essential travel throughout Europe 's Schengen free-travel zone as more countries close their borders to try to limit the spread of coronavirus .
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would ask leaders to implement the measures on Tuesday .
`` The less travel , the more we can contain the virus , '' she said .
French President Emmanuel Macron earlier said the EU 's external borders would be closed to travellers .
`` Concretely , all trips between non-European countries and EU countries will be suspended , '' Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
• UK to unveil new financial measures to support economy Long-term residents , family members of EU nationals and diplomats would be exempt as well as cross-border and healthcare workers and people transporting goods , Ms von der Leyen said during a video conference .
The measures would be in place for at least 30 days .
The Schengen agreement allows people to move freely between EU countries without border checks .
Citizens of non-Schengen EU member states will also be invited to apply the travel ban , including the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with EU leaders on Tuesday hosted by European Council chief Charles Michel .
• 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 ?
The latest World Heath Organization ( WHO ) figures list 173,000 infections globally and 7,000 deaths .
What is France doing ?
President Macron has ordered people to stay at home and only go out for essential duties .
He said the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cafes and non-essential shops , had proved insufficient .
`` Even while medics were warning about the gravity of the situation , we saw people get together in the parks , busy markets and restaurants and bars that did not respect the order to close , '' he said in the 20-minute televised address .
It was watched by a record 35.3 million people , Le Monde reported , 96 % of the people watching TV at the time .
`` We are at war ... we 're fighting neither another army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemy is here , invisible , untouchable ... and is advancing , '' he said .
The country will close its land borders from midday ( 11:00 GMT ) on Tuesday .
The restrictions in France will be in place for at least 15 days , Mr Macron said , vowing to punish any infringement .
The government later said more than 100,000 officers would be deployed nationwide to enforce the lockdown .
President Macron also said the army would be used to help transport the sick to hospital and that the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being postponed .
He also offered reassurance to businesses , saying : `` No French company , whatever its size , will be exposed to the risk of collapse '' .
On Tuesday , Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire unveiled a €45bn ( $ 50bn ; £41bn ) aid package to help businesses and affected employees .
He said he was ready to use nationalisation if necessary .
France has so far registered more than 6,000 infections and 148 deaths .
• Voting on Tuesday in the Democratic primary in the US state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting is set to go ahead in Arizona , Florida , and Illinois • President Donald Trump said the coronavirus emergency could last until the end of the summer or even longer and that Americans over the next 15 days should not gather in groups of more than 10 and avoid bars , restaurants , food courts , gyms and crowds • China reported just one new domestic infection on Tuesday - but 20 more from people arriving from abroad .
It also said it `` strongly opposed '' Mr Trump 's reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus '' • Wuhan Zall , the Chinese football team based in the city that saw the virus originate , finally arrived back in China after being stranded in Spain since January - and were immediately quarantined • The Philippines became the first nation to shut its stock exchange indefinitely • A spokesman for the judiciary in Iran - the world 's third-worst-affected nation , said some 85,000 prisoners , including political prisoners , had been temporarily released to try to combat the spread , AFP reports • Malaysia is barring people crossing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparking a rush on food stores in the city state , which depends on Malaysia for supplies • Scientists in Australia say they have identified how the body 's immune system fights the Covid-19 virus What is Germany doing ?
Chancellor Angela Merkel has banned religious services and told people to cancel any domestic or foreign holiday travel .
Venues including clubs , bars , leisure facilities , zoos and playgrounds will be closed .
Restaurants will have to enforce a minimum distance between tables and work under restricted hours .
Schools across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The better everyone sticks to these rules , the faster we 'll get through this phase , '' she said at a news conference in Berlin , vowing that the government would try to minimise the economic impact of the outbreak .
Germany now has close to 7,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus , and 14 deaths .
Large gatherings nationwide had already been banned .
Traffic crossing Germany 's borders with France , Austria , Switzerland and Luxembourg were on Monday restricted to goods and people commuting for work .
How are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controls at land borders at midnight on Monday and only Spanish citizens , residents and special cases are allowed in the country .
The Spanish government imposed a partial lockdown on its 47 million inhabitants on Saturday , as part of a 15-day state of emergency .
People are barred from leaving home except buy essential supplies and medicines , or for work .
• How are lockdowns and other measures being enforced ?
The WHO 's figures on Tuesday showed that Spain had now passed South Korea as the world 's fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation outside China , where the virus originated , announced another surge in deaths , past the 2,000 mark to 2,150 , with more than 20,000 cases .
Last week , the WHO said Europe was now the `` epicentre '' of the virus and urged governments to act aggressively to control the spread of Covid-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
The head of the WHO , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , also told other countries to follow the containment strategies used in China and South Korea , saying they showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been affected by the coronavirus ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

"Even while medics were warning about the gravity of the situation, we saw people get together in the parks, busy markets and restaurants and bars that did not respect the order to close," he said in the 20-minute televised address.


bbc--2020-03-17--World stocks rocked by record volatility

European shares have fallen further as fears over the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the world 's financial markets .
London 's FTSE 100 had opened higher on Tuesday , but the rally quickly ran out of steam and the index fell 3 % .
Global stock markets are seeing record levels of volatility .
In the US on Monday , the Dow Jones Industrial Average suffered its biggest one-day slide in more than three decades .
A key measure of stock market volatility , known as the `` Fear Gauge '' , has surged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see volatile trading on Tuesday with markets in Tokyo , Hong Kong and Shanghai swinging between losses and gains .
The main share indexes in Europe fell , with France 's Cac 40 index and Germany 's Dax both more than 2 % lower .
• US stocks see worst fall since 1987 on virus fears On Monday , stock markets slumped , with the Dow losing close to 13 % and the S & P 500 falling almost 12 % , marking the biggest one-day falls for both indexes since `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed the US Federal Reserve making another emergency rate cut on Sunday , prompting central banks around the world to ease policy in the biggest coordinated response since the global financial crisis more than a decade ago .
Investors are now concerned that the world 's central banks may have used most of their ammunition to fight the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak .
Monday 's stock market falls follow US indexes on Friday seeing their biggest daily gains since October 2008 .
That came just a day after the Dow suffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the crash in October 1987 .
In the last month , the Dow Jones Industrial Average has racked up the five biggest one-day points falls in its 135-year history .
In March alone the index has also seen its four biggest one-day points gains on record .
Wall Street 's so-called `` Fear Gauge '' has just topped the levels seen during the financial crisis more than a decade ago .
The Chicago Board Options Exchange 's VIX , a measure of stock market volatility , surged by almost 43 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Speaking to the Treasury Select Committee he said it was better to spend a "little too much" than too little, adding: "When the fire is large enough, you just spray water" (and worry about the clean up after).


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Australian scientists map how immune system fights virus

Scientists in Australia say they have identified how the body 's immune system fights the Covid-19 virus .
Their research , published in Nature Medicine journal on Tuesday , shows people are recovering from the new virus like they would from the flu .
Determining which immune cells are appearing should also help with vaccine development , experts say .
Globally , authorities have confirmed more than 160,000 cases of the coronavirus and about 6,500 deaths .
`` This [ discovery ] is important because it is the first time where we are really understanding how our immune system fights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof Katherine Kedzierska .
The research by Melbourne 's Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity has been praised by other experts , with one calling it `` a breakthrough '' .
What has been found ?
Many people have recovered from Covid-19 , meaning it was already known that the immune system can successfully fight the virus .
But for the first time , the research identified four types of immune cells which presented to fight Covid-19 .
They were observed by tracking a patient who had a mild-to-moderate case of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • UK LATEST : What is the 'delay ' phase ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The 47-year-old woman from Wuhan , China , had presented to hospital in Australia .
She recovered within 14 days .
Prof Kedzierska told the BBC her team had examined the `` whole breadth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Three days before the woman began to improve , specific cells were spotted in her bloodstream .
In influenza patients , these same cells also appear around this time before recovery , Prof Kedzierska said .
`` We were very excited about our results - and the fact that we could actually capture the emergence of immune cells in the infected patient prior to clinical improvement , '' she told the BBC .
More than a dozen scientists worked around the clock for four weeks to deliver the analysis , she added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the immune cells kick in can help `` predict the course of the virus '' , said Prof Bruce Thompson , dean of health sciences at Swinburne University of Technology .
`` When you know when the various responses take place you can predict where you are in the recovery of the virus , '' Prof Thompson told the BBC .
Australia 's Health Minister Greg Hunt said the finding could also help `` fast-track '' a vaccine and potential treatments for infected patients .
Prof Kedzierska said the next step for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response was weaker in worse cases .
`` It is really key now to understand what is lacking or different in patients who have died or who have really severe disease - so we can understand how to protect them , '' she said .
In January , the institute became the first in the world to recreate the virus outside of China .
The centre has since received additional funding from the Australian government as well as donations from businesses and Chinese billionaire Jack Ma .

Coronavirus: Australian scientists map how immune system fights virus Published 17 March 2020
Image source, EPA
Scientists in Australia say they have identified how the body's immune system fights the Covid-19 virus.
Their research, published in Nature Medicine journal on Tuesday, shows people are recovering from the new virus like they would from the flu.
Determining which immune cells are appearing should also help with vaccine development, experts say.
Globally, authorities have confirmed more than 160,000 cases of the coronavirus and about 6,500 deaths.
"This [discovery] is important because it is the first time where we are really understanding how our immune system fights novel coronavirus," said study co-author Prof Katherine Kedzierska.
The research by Melbourne's Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity has been praised by other experts, with one calling it "a breakthrough".
What has been found?
Many people have recovered from Covid-19, meaning it was already known that the immune system can successfully fight the virus.
But for the first time, the research identified four types of immune cells which presented to fight Covid-19.
They were observed by tracking a patient who had a mild-to-moderate case of the virus and no previous health issues.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
The 47-year-old woman from Wuhan, China, had presented to hospital in Australia. She recovered within 14 days.
Prof Kedzierska told the BBC her team had examined the "whole breadth of the immune response" in this patient.
Three days before the woman began to improve, specific cells were spotted in her bloodstream. In influenza patients, these same cells also appear around this time before recovery, Prof Kedzierska said.
Image source, PETER DOHERTY INSTITUTE Image caption, Chest scans showed the patient's lungs clearing after immune cells appeared
"We were very excited about our results - and the fact that we could actually capture the emergence of immune cells in the infected patient prior to clinical improvement," she told the BBC.
More than a dozen scientists worked around the clock for four weeks to deliver the analysis, she added.
How does this help?
Identifying when the immune cells kick in can help "predict the course of the virus", said Prof Bruce Thompson, dean of health sciences at Swinburne University of Technology.
"When you know when the various responses take place you can predict where you are in the recovery of the virus," Prof Thompson told the BBC.
Australia's Health Minister Greg Hunt said the finding could also help "fast-track" a vaccine and potential treatments for infected patients.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, How experts are developing a coronavirus vaccine
Prof Kedzierska said the next step for scientists was to determine why the immune response was weaker in worse cases.
"It is really key now to understand what is lacking or different in patients who have died or who have really severe disease - so we can understand how to protect them," she said.


bbc--2020-03-17--Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson released from coronavirus treatment

US actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have been released from a hospital in Australia after receiving treatment for coronavirus .
The couple , who are now in self-quarantine in their Queensland rented home , announced they had tested positive last week .
The couple were on the Gold Coast as Hanks made a film about Elvis Presley .
Production has been put on hold .
There are currently 375 confirmed cases of the virus in Australia .
Hanks , 63 , said last Thursday on Instagram he had come down with the virus .
`` We felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colds and some body aches .
Rita had some chills that came and went .
Slight fevers too , '' he said in a post .
He later followed up with another post , thanking `` everyone here Down Under who are taking such good care of us '' .
The Oscar-winning actor is not the only celebrity to have tested positive for the virus .
British actor Idris Elba on Monday revealed he had tested positive .
`` I feel ok , I have no symptoms so far .
No panic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was tested because he was `` exposed '' to someone who had tested positive , he said .
He has been self-isolating since Friday .
`` We live in a divided world , we all feel it ... now 's the time for solidarity , '' he added .
According to Australia 's Department of Health , there are currently 68 confirmed cases in Queensland , where Hanks is located .
Australia 's prime minister on Monday ordered a 14-day self-isolation period for anyone arriving in the country .
`` We know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped ... but we can slow the spread , '' said Scott Morrison .
Foreign cruise liners will also be banned from docking in Australia for 30 days , but schools will remain open .
In February , more than 200 Australian nationals were flown back home after 14 days in quarantine on remote Christmas Island .
They had been evacuated from China 's Hubei province , where the outbreak emerged late last year .

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bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: UK to unveil new financial measures to support economy

The government will unveil more financial plans to help the economy during the coronavirus outbreak , after the prime minister announced unprecedented peacetime measures .
Boris Johnson has urged everyone to avoid unnecessary social contacts , to work from home where possible , and to stay away from pubs and restaurants .
People in at-risk groups will be asked within days to stay home for 12 weeks .
Firms warned the virus restrictions could put them out of business .
The number of people who have died with the virus in the UK has reached 55 .
More than 1,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK - but the actual number of cases is estimated to be between 35,000 and 50,000 .
The UK 's shift in strategy comes as Europe plans to ban all non-essential travel throughout the Schengen free-travel zone , as more countries close their borders .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
In Boris Johnson 's first daily update on Monday he acknowledged the economy was facing `` a severe blow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key new measures he announced included : • Everyone should avoid gatherings with friends and family , as well as large gatherings and crowded places , such as pubs , clubs and theatres • People should avoid non-essential travel and work from home if they can • All `` unnecessary '' visits to friends and relatives in care homes should cease • People should only use the NHS `` where we really need to '' - and can reduce the burden on workers by getting advice on the NHS website where possible • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most serious health conditions must be `` largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks '' • If one person in any household has a persistent cough or fever , everyone living there must stay at home for 14 days • Those people should , if possible , avoid leaving the house `` even to buy food or essentials '' - but they may leave the house `` for exercise and , in that case , at a safe distance from others '' • Schools will not be closed for the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` particularly stringent '' in minimising their social contact are : • People over the age of 70 • Other adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine ( such as those with chronic diseases ) Why has the UK plan ramped up ?
The UK 's plan has shifted because the scientific modelling showed we were on course for a `` catastrophic epidemic '' .
A strategy of just slowing the spread of the virus , but not trying to stop it , would have overwhelmed intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London has been heavily informed by the experience in Italy and is influencing decisions at the heart of government .
Its calculations predicted 260,000 deaths in the UK .
Instead the plan is to drive down the number of cases to very low levels , which the models predict will limit deaths from coronavirus to the thousands or tens of thousands .
However , this approach comes with a major problem - there is no exit strategy .
Without the immunity that would build up if people were infected , then cases would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The report said these could need to be in place until a vaccine is available , which could take up to 18 months .
We are in this for the long haul .
The expected economic announcement comes less than a week after new Chancellor Rishi Sunak published his Budget , which included £12bn specifically targeted at coronavirus measures to get the country through the outbreak .
Mr Sunak is also expected to appear at the now daily Downing Street news conference later .
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the £12bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked potentially `` completely inadequate '' in the light of the way the crisis had developed .
However , she said she would be surprised to hear pledges similar to those on the drastic scale made by French President Macron , who promised hundreds of billions of euros on Monday .
Ahead of the announcement , Robert Chote , head of the Office for Budget Responsibility , told MPs that Britain was facing something akin to a wartime situation for its public finances .
He added that now was not the time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt .
Help for the airline industry , which has been crippled by travel bans and a collapse in demand , is expected to be among the new measures , according to BBC political correspondent Chris Mason .
Pubs , theatres and music venues have expressed anger about the impact of the government 's new guidance on their businesses .
Many have been critical that the prime minister advised people to stay away from social venues while not forcing premises to close , which could have given them financial protection .
Theatres and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Theatre , London Palladium and Royal Opera House , have announced they are to close from Monday night until further notice .
Odeon said it has closed its cinemas until further notice , while the Tate will close its museums until 1 May .
Meanwhile , teachers ' union NASUWT said a lack of advice for schools was causing a `` rising sense of panic '' , adding that a `` definitive decision '' was needed on how to protect staff and pupils .
A World Health Organisation special envoy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's decision to shift strategy and advise greater social distancing to tackle the pandemic .
But he said further testing was needed to `` understand much more precisely how the outbreak is advancing '' .
He told Radio 4 's Today programme : `` I would like to stress that in every other country positions are having to be shifted as we know more about the outbreak . ''
England 's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said there were `` significant moves afoot '' to increase testing for the virus by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` for now '' it was going to be focused on where it would `` help us most '' , such as patients in intensive care .
Meanwhile , some legislation will pass through the Commons unopposed this week as MPs feel the pressure to tackle the virus .
Emergency legislation on the outbreak , which will be introduced to Parliament on Thursday , and the government 's Budget will get `` nodded through '' , rather than opposition MPs calling for a vote .
The cabinet and shadow cabinet are also due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met the prime minister on Monday evening and demanded support for the self-employed and those who can not get statutory sick pay .
He described the government 's communication strategy as `` worse than inadequate '' , adding that they did not share the science and rationale behind their decisions with the public .
Mr Corbyn - who is 70 - said he would not follow advice to self-isolate and would carry on his duties as normal .
On Monday the total number of people in the UK to test positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a total of 1,543 , according to the latest Department of Health figures .
The latest cases include 30 more from Wales and 18 in Scotland .
Most of those who have died in the UK have been people over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions .
In Monday 's briefing , Mr Johnson said the UK was approaching `` the fast growth part of the upward curve '' in the number of cases .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the UK 's chief scientific adviser , said the UK is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Italy , the worst-affected nation outside China - where the virus originated - has more than 25,000 cases and has suffered more than 2,000 deaths .
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But he added that "for now" it was going to be focused on where it would "help us most", such as patients in intensive care.


bbc--2020-03-17--Amazon on hiring spree as coronavirus spurs demand

Amazon has said it will hire 100,000 warehouse and delivery workers in the US to deal with a surge in sales during the coronavirus pandemic .
The online retail giant also said it would increase pay for its staff in the UK , US and Europe .
The company 's delivery systems have come under pressure as consumers avoid shops and stock up online instead .
The outbreak , which has led to more than 7,000 deaths globally , has prompted lockdowns around the world .
Like Amazon , US supermarket chains , including Albertsons , Kroger and Raley 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see online demand rise .
They are turning to people who had been working in the restaurant , travel and entertainment industries but are now out of work because of the outbreak .
`` We want those people to know we welcome them on our teams until things return to normal and their past employer is able to bring them back , '' Amazon 's senior vice president of worldwide operations Dave Clark said in a blog post .
• US airlines used up spare cash buying back shares • Coronavirus : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Amazon said it would increase hourly wages by $ 2 in the US , £2 in the UK , and €2 in Europe .
The company said it expects pay rises expected to cost it more than $ 350m ( £285m ) .
The company did not say whether it would also be taking on new workers in the UK .
Last week Amazon said it would provide up to two weeks of pay to all employees diagnosed with the coronavirus , and set up a $ 25m fund to support its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There have been more than 182,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus globally and more than 7,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .

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bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: German Big Brother cast to be told about pandemic live on TV

It 's been more than a month since the majority of Germany 's Big Brother contestants entered the house .
In early February the first cases of coronavirus outside of Wuhan were just being reported .
Now Germany has close to 7,000 confirmed infections , with 14 deaths - but the housemates have no idea a global pandemic has been declared .
They 'll finally be informed on Tuesday night in a live TV special , after `` consultation with relatives '' .
It comes after criticism on social media that broadcaster SAT.1 had n't told the 14 men and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about what was going on outside .
On top of that , four new residents who joined the show on 9 March were told not to talk about coronavirus .
But SAT.1 has updated its rules , which usually mean only informing housemates about the outside world if a close relative or friend dies , according to German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak On Tuesday the show 's host Jochen Schropp and its resident doctor will inform housemates about the growing pandemic .
It is expected they will be told about the number of cases in Germany - and that Chancellor Angela Merkel has closed clubs , bars , leisure facilities , zoos and playgrounds - as well as the situation worldwide .
Housemates will get a chance to ask questions and see video messages from relatives .
'Maybe it 's been sound-proofed ? '
The German cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no idea about the rate coronavirus is progressing around the world .
On Canadian Big Brother the contestants have been wondering why they could n't hear a live audience outside during the latest eviction - with one suggesting the house might 've been sound-proofed .
In reality , audience members have been stopped from attending live shows since 12 March .
`` The health and safety of our staff , crew , houseguests , and audience members are of the utmost importance , '' production company Global TV said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show and monitor the situation closely . ''
The housemates have since been updated `` on the domestic and international status of COVID-19 '' , and been told that all their family members are doing OK .
The Canadian show 's resident doctor has also assessed the contestants and `` determined that no houseguests have exhibited any signs or symptoms related to COVID-19 '' .
Since being told , every housemate has chosen to remain on the show .
Big Brother Australia 's contestants have also been told about the situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But in Brazil the 20th season of Big Brother has been running since 21 January - and is scheduled to keep going until late April .
The housemates on that iteration of the show have reportedly not been told about coronavirus - although Radio 1 Newsbeat is trying to find out whether that will change .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has tested negative for coronavirus , but members of the president 's team have tested positive .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .


bbc--2020-03-17--Iran students sorry for ‘raining aubergines’ videos

Five Iranian students have apologised on TV after being arrested for making videos that appeared to show aubergines raining down on Tehran .
The videos , showing the vegetables falling on people ’ s heads and cars , went viral on Persian social media .
Later the hardline Tasnim news agency said five people had been arrested for “ causing public disquiet ” .
The five men told state TV they were art students who had made the videos for a university project .
They told a reporter that they had wanted to test their abilities in special effects .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their friends and had not intended them to be circulated online , the students added .
Iran is one of the worst-hit countries in the current coronavirus crisis : the virus has killed 853 people and infected close to 15,000 in Iran , according to government figures .
• What 's Iran doing to contain the coronavirus ?
“ Unfortunately , [ the videos ] were misused and we are very sorry about this , ” one of the men said .
Brig Gen Ali Zulqadri , the head of Tehran ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state TV report and said he accepted that the videos were released “ mistakenly ” .
The students and the TV reporter who spoke to them were all wearing face masks , presumably as a precaution against the coronavirus .


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Stars join the fight against Covid-19

Kim Kardashian , Naomi Campbell , Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities have been out in force on social media sharing @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of the coronavirus .
From protective clothing to elbow greetings and the @ @ @ @ @ washing your hands , they 've been offering their suggestions on social media .
However @ @ @ @ @ stick to government and World Health Organization guidelines ( except maybe on song choice ) @

Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell, Arnold Schwarzenegger and other celebrities have been out in force on social media sharing their tips for helping to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
From protective clothing to elbow greetings and the best songs to sing while washing your hands, they've been offering their suggestions on social media.
However, we strongly suggest you stick to government and World Health Organization guidelines (except maybe on song choice).


bbc--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Australian supermarkets open early for elderly shoppers

With bursts of panic buying in Australia , some more vulnerable groups have found it difficult to buy supplies for @ @ @ @ @ Woolworths has now created a special `` elderly hour '' , where all outlets open @ @ @ @ @ so that older shoppers and those with disabilities have a chance to shop in peace @ @ @ @ @ supermarket chain , will begin a similar measure on Wednesday .

With bursts of panic buying in Australia, some more vulnerable groups have found it difficult to buy supplies for themselves.
The supermarket chain Woolworths has now created a special "elderly hour", where all outlets open an hour earlier on weekdays so that older shoppers and those with disabilities have a chance to shop in peace.
Coles, another major supermarket chain, will begin a similar measure on Wednesday.


bbc--2020-03-17--The Indian couple who swear by blind love

As the popular saying goes , `` Love is Blind '' .
But what happens when two visually impaired people fall in love ?
`` You get a very different kind of love ; a love that 's not about physical beauty ; it 's love beyond appearances , '' says award-winning Indian photographer Niraj Gera .
In a recent photo series called Sacred Love , he tells the story of a blind couple in 13 photographs .
`` I was shopping in Connaught Place [ in Delhi ] one day last July when I saw a beautiful couple .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were smiling and talking , '' Mr Gera told the BBC .
The couple were being helped by a man as they walked towards the Connaught Place Metro station .
Mr Gera says he was intrigued : `` I was seeing a blind couple for the first time . ''
So he went up to them and offered to walk them to the station .
`` On the way , we started chatting and I asked them if they were a couple and they said yes .
So I asked them if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
And they said yes , '' he says .
Sacred Love tells the story of Deepak Yadav and Arti Chaurasia , both 21 , who met on Facebook .
Deepak says both their smartphones have an `` accessibility app '' that helps blind people navigate their devices .
`` Once you switch on the Talkback facility in the app , you get spoken feedback , '' he says .
One day in June 2018 , Deepak says Arti 's name popped up as a `` suggestion '' in his notifications .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common so I sent her a friend request , '' he told the BBC .
Arti took two whole weeks to respond .
`` I did n't know him so I was wondering who he was ? ''
she said .
But then she added him .
• The app changing the dating scene for India 's disabled Soon they began exchanging messages , then they started exchanging stories and finally , they exchanged phone numbers .
`` We spoke on the phone for the first time on 31 July , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes , '' adds Arti .
They started talking regularly , and one day , Arti asked him if he had a girlfriend .
`` He said , no , the slot is vacant , '' she says laughing .
It did n't take long for her to confess her love to him .
It happened on 10 August .
`` We were talking on the phone .
I was sitting with a friend and she dared me to say ' I love you ' .
So I did , '' says Arti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silence for a minute .
`` I thought this was my line .
How can she say it ?
I was silent for a few moments and then I said it back to her . ''
Two months later , Deepak went to her hostel and the couple met for the first time .
Since then , Deepak and Arti have been meeting often , and they say their bond has grown stronger .
Deepak says so far he has managed to keep their love story secret from his family , who he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` My father says stay away from love and romance now , there 'll be plenty of time for all that later .
Concentrate on your studies and making a career now , '' he says .
Arti says most of her family know about her relationship with Deepak , although her father does n't .
I ask them what would happen if their parents see the BBC report and find out about their relationship .
`` We are hoping they would , '' says Deepak .
`` If they see that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would also think positively about us , '' adds Arti .
The couple are now looking for jobs to secure their future together .
`` We 'll get engaged as soon as one of us finds a job , '' says Arti .
`` But I sometimes worry if we 'll get old by the time we find a job and settle down in marriage . ''
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"On the way, we started chatting and I asked them if they were a couple and they said yes. So I asked them if they would like to share their story? And they said yes," he says.


bbc--2020-03-17--Uganda's Kanungu cult massacre that killed 700 followers

Judith Ariho does not shed any tears as she recalls the church massacre in which her mother , two siblings and four other relatives were among at least 700 people who died .
Exactly 20 years ago , in south-western Uganda 's Kanungu district , they were locked inside a church , with the doors and windows nailed shut from the outside .
It was then set alight .
Two decades on , the horror of the event is still too much for Ms Ariho , who appears to only be able to cope with the trauma by closing herself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were members of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God - a doomsday cult that believed the world would come to an end at the turn of the millennium .
`` The end of present times '' , as one of its books phrased it , came two-and-a-half months later , on 17 March 2000 .
Twenty years later , no-one has been prosecuted in connection with the massacre and the cult leaders , if they are alive , have never been found .
Anna Kabeireho , who still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land that the cult owned , has not forgotten the smell that engulfed the valley that Friday morning .
`` Everything was covered in smoke , soot and the stench of burnt flesh .
It seemed to go right to your lungs , '' she recalls .
`` Everybody was running into the valley .
The fire was still going .
There were dozens of bodies , burnt beyond recognition .
`` We covered our noses with aromatic leaves to ward off the smell .
For several months afterwards , we could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fertile and peaceful region of green hills and deep valleys , covered in small farms broken up by homesteads .
The journey down into the valley that was once the headquarters of the Movement has to be taken by foot .
From down there , it is easy to see how the religious community would have maintained their lives away from the eyes of neighbours .
Birdsong bounces off the hills and there is the sound of a waterfall in the near distance .
It is the ideal setting for a contemplative existence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was doused in petrol and set alight .
At the edge of the spot where it stood is a long mound of soil , the only marker for the mass grave in which the remains from the inferno were buried .
The faithful had been drawn by the charismatic leaders Credonia Mwerinde , a former bartender and sex worker , and ex-government employee Joseph Kibwetere , who said that they had had visions of the Virgin Mary in the 1980s .
They registered the Movement as a group whose aim was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ word of Jesus Christ .
Christian icons were prominent in the Movement 's compound and the cult had tenuous links to Roman Catholicism with its leadership dominated by a number of defrocked priests and nuns , including Ursula Komuhangi and Dominic Kataribabo .
Believers lived mostly in silence , occasionally using signs to communicate .
Questions would be sent to Mwerinde in writing .
Known as `` the programmer '' , she is said to have been the mastermind behind how the establishment run , and would write back with answers .
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her family when she was 10 .
Her widowed mother was struggling to raise three children , one of whom suffered from persistent headaches .
Kibwetere 's group offered prayer and a sense of belonging , she says .
The self-sustaining community would take in whole families , providing for their every need .
The members grew their own food , ran schools , and used their skills to contribute labour .
Ms Ariho 's family hosted a branch of the church with about 100 members in their compound , 2km ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rukungiri .
`` Life rotated around prayer , although we also farmed , '' she says .
`` We did everything possible to avoid sin .
Sometimes , if you sinned , they would command you to recite the rosary [ an entreaty to God ] 1,000 times .
`` You had to do it , and also ask friends and family to help , until you had served your punishment . ''
Devotion to the Movement regularly involved pilgrimage to a steep , rocky hill nearby .
After a tough hike through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and grabbing at tufts of grass , the faithful would reach a rock that they believed depicted the Virgin Mary .
As we walk through her village , she points to the homesteads of the immediate neighbours .
`` Over there , they lost a mother and her 11 children , and in that home , a mother and her eight children died too , '' she says , shifting her gaze to the ground .
Ms Ariho had not travelled to Kanungu as by 2000 she had married into a family who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But she remembers that the leaders had an omniscient grip on the faithful , saying that Mwerinde and Komuhangi seemed to be aware of every sin that had been committed in the far-flung outlets of the church .
When a follower broke the rules , the two women would shed tears of blood , she says .
But it appears that the cult leaders may have also engaged in murder and torture before the final massacre .
In Kanungu , there are numerous wide and deep pits where dozens of bodies , thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were retrieved days after the blaze .
At the back of what seems like a ruined office building are two more pits , said to have been torture chambers .
Pits were also found near other branches of the church .
What turned ordinary members of society into murderous cult leaders is still not clear .
Before his apparitions , Kibwetere had been a successful man , and a regular member of the Roman Catholic community .
How the BBC reported on the massacre • The people behind the cult Topher Shemereza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw him as a father figure .
`` He was an upright member of the community and a shrewd businessman .
I did not have a job when I finished university , so he offered me a deal to transport local moonshine , which we sold in the neighbouring districts , '' he explains .
A few years on , Kibwetere informed his protégé that he would no longer sell alcohol .
The older man and his fellow cult leaders spent a fortnight in Mr Shemereza 's government-issued house right up until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they would establish the Movement 's headquarters .
`` That was the last time I ever saw him .
The man I knew was not a murderer .
Something must have changed in him , '' he says .
After the Movement 's foundation , word of Kibwetere and his religion spread across south-west Uganda and beyond .
The community was not closed off from the rest of society , and several people in positions of authority - including policemen and local government officials - were aware of its activities .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the inferno .
Although Interpol issued notices for the arrest of six cult leaders in April 2000 , it is still not known if any of them died in the fire or whether they are living in hiding .
A 2014 Uganda police report indicated that Kibwetere may have fled the country .
But others doubt that he was well enough to do this .
Spiritual movements that bear the hallmarks of the Kanungu cult , where devotees unquestioningly believe their pastors can resurrect the dead or that holy water will heal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continent .
Their appeal is clear , according to Dr Paddy Musana of Makerere University 's Department of Religion and Peace Studies .
`` When there is strain or a need which can not be easily met by existing institutions like traditional faiths or government , and someone emerges claiming to have a solution , thousands will rally around them , '' he tells the BBC .
`` The Kanungu cult pointed out the evils of the time… and preached a renewal or re-commitment to the faith . ''
Dr Musana adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find a similar thread in the messages of today 's self-proclaimed prophets .
`` The 'Jesus industry ' has become an investment venture .
Today 's preachers talk about health and wellness , because of the numerous diseases , and a public health system that barely functions , '' says the academic .
He argues that the government needs to do more in overseeing these spiritual movements .
Two decades on , the 48-acre plot at Kanungu is now being used as a tea plantation , but local businessman Benon Byaruhanga says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it into a memorial .
So far , the dead at Kanungu have never been officially remembered .
Those who lost family members have never got any answers .
`` We pray for our people on our own .
We bear our pain in silence , '' Ms Ariho says , reflecting on the deaths of her mother and siblings .

As we walk through her village, she points to the homesteads of the immediate neighbours. "Over there, they lost a mother and her 11 children, and in that home, a mother and her eight children died too," she says, shifting her gaze to the ground.