bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Trump hopes US will shake off pandemic by Easter

US President Donald Trump has said he hopes the US will shake off coronavirus by Easter , even as New York 's governor sounded the alarm that the illness is spreading faster than `` a bullet train '' .
The president told a White House news briefing reopening the US early next month would be `` a beautiful timeline '' .
Hours later , the Senate agreed a $ 2 trillion ( £1.7tn ) economic rescue plan with the White House .
The deal will be passed later on Wednesday by the Senate .
`` At last , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell said , citing the massive `` wartime level of investment into our nation '' .
The package includes tax rebates , loans , money for hospitals and rescue packages for businesses .
The House of Representatives still needs to pass the legislation before it is sent to Mr Trump for his signature .
The US has recorded almost 55,000 cases and nearly 800 deaths from coronavirus .
Globally there have been more than 420,000 cases confirmed and approaching 19,000 deaths .
What did President Trump say ?
On Tuesday , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could get back to normal by Easter , which is on the weekend of 12 April .
Mr Trump , a Republican , said : `` We 're going to be opening relatively soon ...
I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter . ''
He added in a subsequent interview : `` Easter is a very special day for me ... and you 'll have packed churches all over our country . ''
• America is humbled - but there is a glimmer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk ?
How to avoid 'quarantine-shaming' Mr Trump also warned that unless the country reopened for business it could suffer `` a massive recession or depression '' .
The president said : `` You 're going to lose people .
You 're going to have suicides by the thousands .
You 're going to have all sorts of things happen .
You 're going to have instability . ''
Speaking at a White House briefing later , Mr Trump said he was beginning `` to see the light at the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our decision will be based on hard facts and data '' .
Dr Anthony Fauci , the nation 's leading expert on infectious diseases and a member of the White House 's coronavirus task force , told the same press briefing : `` No-one is going to want to tone down anything when you see what is going on in a place like New York City . ''
With more than 25,000 coronavirus cases by Tuesday morning , the Empire state accounted for half of all US infections .
Dr Deborah Birx , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Tuesday the New York City metro area is the source of 60 % of all new cases in the US .
She advised anyone leaving the region to self-quarantine for two weeks .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo , a Democrat , told another news conference on Tuesday : `` The [ infection ] forecaster said to me , 'We were looking at a freight train coming across the country . '
`` 'We 're now looking at a bullet train . '
'' He added : `` New York is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York is happening first , what is happening to New York will happen to California and Illinois , it is just a matter of time . ''
The governor said New York 's hospital system will soon reach breaking point unless the US Federal Emergency Management Agency urgently sends more healthcare supplies .
`` You pick the 26,000 people who are going to die because you only sent 400 ventilators , '' Mr Cuomo said .
New York currently has 7,000 medical ventilators - machines used to keep patients breathing - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Tuesday afternoon , Donald Trump sat in the verdant White House grounds for a Fox News `` virtual town hall '' and said he hoped to get US businesses reopened by Easter , in just over two weeks .
A few hours earlier , Governor Cuomo held a much more sombre press conference at the Javits Center in Manhattan .
The building , which three years ago hosted Hillary Clinton 's ill-fated election-night party , is now a makeshift field hospital .
The president and the governor - two New Yorkers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state 's shortage of ventilators to treat the most serious cases .
Mr Trump blamed Mr Cuomo for not purchasing more in 2015 , citing a conspiracy-mongering website .
Mr Cuomo said the administration should use its emergency powers to order more machines manufactured .
When it comes to easing the recent shelter-in-place orders , governors like Mr Cuomo , not the president , will have the final say .
If there 's disagreement , however , the American public could be left wondering what to believe .
• Why Trump wants US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health What is the current US situation ?
The US is more than halfway through a 15-day attempt to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing .
The voluntary guidelines were issued by a government public health agency , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
But while the president has been talking of easing restrictions , state and local leaders nationwide have been rapidly ratcheting up controls to contain the infection .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New Mexico , West Virginia and Indiana introduced stay-at-home orders , bringing the total number of US states under such lockdowns to 17 .
• A New Jersey man has been charged with making a terroristic threat after he coughed on an employee of a Wegmans supermarket during an argument on Monday , and then claimed to have coronavirus .
Governor Phil Murphy described the suspect as a `` knucklehead '' • A 26-year-old in Missouri was arrested on Monday and charged with making a terrorist threat after he posted a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a Walmart store while asking : `` Who 's scared of the coronavirus ? ''
• An individual in Kentucky tested positive after attending a `` coronavirus party '' , according to the state 's governor , who added : `` Do n't be so callous as to intentionally go to something and expose yourself to something that can kill other people '' • A 31-year-old Mexican national detained by US immigration officials in New Jersey became the first individual to test positive for Covid-19 while in the agency 's custody

Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading expert on infectious diseases and a member of the White House's coronavirus task force, told the same press briefing: "No-one is going to want to tone down anything when you see what is going on in a place like New York City."


bbc--2020-03-25--250,000 volunteers sign up for UK health service

Some 250,000 people have signed up in a single day to volunteer with the NHS after a recruitment drive to help the vulnerable amid the coronavirus crisis .
The helpers are needed for delivering food and medicines , driving patients to appointments and phoning the isolated .
The scheme is one of a number aimed at relieving pressure on the NHS .
About 11,000 former medics have also agreed to return to the health service and more than 24,000 final year student nurses and medics will join them .
Stephen Powis , NHS England medical director , said there had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was `` bowled over '' by the medics returning to the front line and the response from volunteers .
This comes as it was confirmed Prince Charles , the 71-year-old heir to the throne , tested positive for coronavirus after displaying mild symptoms .
He is now self-isolating at home in Scotland with the Duchess of Cornwall , who tested negative .
A Clarence House spokesman said it was not possible to know who he had caught it from due to a `` high number of engagements '' in recent weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The government scheme to recruit 250,000 helpers - who must be over 18 and in good health - went live on Tuesday .
By Wednesday morning , they had exceeded their target , after many thousands signed up to Good Sam , the group coordinating the response .
The help is being targeted at the 1.5 million people with underlying health conditions who have been asked to shield themselves from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .
On Tuesday , it was also announced that the NHS will treat coronavirus patients in a makeshift field hospital in the ExCeL Centre in east London .
This comes as the government faces growing pressure to stop non-essential construction work to help tackle the spread of coronavirus in the UK .
On Tuesday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said those who can not do their jobs from home should go to work to `` keep the country running '' and construction work could continue so long as people were 2m ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health should be prioritised over the economy .
Andy Burnham , Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester , said : `` When you 're in the middle of a global pandemic , health reasons alone really should be guiding all decision-making . ''
Boris Johnson , who faces Prime Minister 's Questions later , has so far resisted pressure from politicians , unions and workers themselves to halt construction work .
In Scotland , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said building sites should close , unless it involves an essential building such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are to be asked to vote on shutting down the House of Commons for almost four weeks .
On Tuesday , the number of coronavirus deaths in the UK rose to 422 , according to the latest Department of Health figures , with more than 8,000 confirmed cases of the virus .
Some builders and construction workers have said they feel `` angry and unprotected '' going to work , while others are under pressure from employers to go in .
The confusion over who should and should not be travelling for work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson on Monday curtailed many freedoms on life in the UK .
The prime minister said people should only leave their home to shop for basic goods , to fulfil medical or care needs , to exercise , and to travel to and from work - but only where `` absolutely necessary '' .
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has repeated his call for the government to ban non-safety construction work to help to reduce demand for public transport in London , saying many of those travelling at the busiest times were construction workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hour data suggested Tube travel was down by a third on Tuesday , when pictures appeared on social media of passengers packed into carriages .
The government responded saying London Underground should be running in full so people were able to space out .
However , Mr Khan said almost a third of London transport workers , including train drivers and crucial control centre staff , were off sick or self-isolating so a full service was not possible .
Since Tuesday evening , hundreds of British Transport Police have been deployed onto the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those making essential journeys for work should be using tubes and trains .
As a growing number of people become infected day by day , and people are told to stay at home , public services are coming under increasing strain .
London Ambulance Service said it was receiving 8,000 calls a day - a `` very busy '' day before the coronavirus pandemic would have seen 5,000 calls .
It is appealing for former 999 call handlers to volunteer to help .
Meanwhile , calls to the 111 service have increased by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department for Work and Pensions processed almost half a million benefit claims over nine days , Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said .
• What is banned and what is n't ?
Meanwhile , the government is considering the early release of some prisoners in England and Wales to relieve pressure caused by the outbreak , in particular 50 pregnant prisoners .
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the virus posed an `` acute '' risk in prisons , many of which were overcrowded and faced staff shortages as officers self-isolated .
Elsewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide financial support for self-employed workers who face a loss of income if forced to stop working due to sickness or quarantine .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has promised help for the self-employed in `` the coming days '' but said coming up with a plan had proved `` incredibly complicated '' .
Mr Jenrick told BBC Breakfast : `` We are very alive to this issue , the chancellor is reviewing what more we can do to support these individuals through the crisis - and he 's going to make a further statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to put themselves in dangerous situations while awaiting the announcement on assistance for the self-employed .
• UK vehicle owners will be granted a six-month exemption from MoT testing • Three immigration removal centres in the UK are housing people with symptoms of the virus • People in India have begun panic-buying as the entire population of 1.3bn enters `` total lockdown '' • New York 's governor says the virus is racing like a `` bullet train '' through the state • Global cases of the virus have exceeded 400,000 with @ @ @

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bbc--2020-03-14--What coronavirus does to the body

What coronavirus does to the body

The coronavirus emerged in only December last year , but already the world is dealing with a pandemic of the virus and the disease it causes - Covid-19 .
For most , the disease is mild , but some people die .
So how is the virus attacking the body , why are some people being killed and how is it treated ?
This is when the virus is establishing itself .
Viruses work by getting inside the cells your body is made of and then hijacking them .
The coronavirus , officially called Sars-CoV-2 , can invade your body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone coughs nearby ) or you touch a contaminated surface and then your face .
It first infects the cells lining your throat , airways and lungs and turns them into `` coronavirus factories '' that spew out huge numbers of new viruses that go on to infect yet more cells .
At this early stage , you will not be sick and some people may never develop symptoms .
The incubation period , the time between infection and first symptoms appearing , varies widely , but is five days on average .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Covid-19 is a mild infection for eight out of 10 people who get it and the core symptoms are a fever and a cough .
Body aches , sore throat and a headache are all possible , but not guaranteed .
The fever , and generally feeling grotty , is a result of your immune system responding to the infection .
It has recognised the virus as a hostile invader and signals to the rest of the body something is wrong by releasing chemicals called cytokines .
These rally the immune system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pain and fever .
The coronavirus cough is initially a dry one ( you 're not bringing stuff up ) and this is probably down to irritation of cells as they become infected by the virus .
Some people will eventually start coughing up sputum - a thick mucus containing dead lung cells killed by the virus .
These symptoms are treated with bed rest , plenty of fluids and paracetamol .
You wo n't need specialist hospital care .
This stage lasts about a week - at which point most recover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
However , some will develop a more serious form of Covid-19 .
This is the best we understand at the moment about this stage , however , there are studies emerging that suggest the disease can cause more cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose too .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• WHO 'S AT RISK : Are women and children less affected ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • MAPS AND CHARTS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease progresses it will be due to the immune system overreacting to the virus .
Those chemical signals to the rest of the body cause inflammation , but this needs to be delicately balanced .
Too much inflammation can cause collateral damage throughout the body .
`` The virus is triggering an imbalance in the immune response , there 's too much inflammation , how it is doing this we do n't know , '' said Dr Nathalie MacDermott , from King 's College London .
Inflammation of the lungs is called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel through your mouth down the windpipe and through the tiny tubes in your lungs , you 'd eventually end up in tiny little air sacs .
This is where oxygen moves into the blood and carbon dioxide moves out , but in pneumonia the tiny sacs start to fill with water and can eventually cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing .
Some people will need a ventilator to help them breathe .
This stage is thought to affect around 14 % of people , based on data from China .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become critically ill. By this point the body is starting to fail and there is a real chance of death .
The problem is the immune system is now spiralling out of control and causing damage throughout the body .
It can lead to septic shock when the blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels and organs stop working properly or fail completely .
Acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by widespread inflammation in the lungs stops the body getting enough oxygen it needs to survive .
It can stop the kidneys from cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your intestines .
`` The virus sets up such a huge degree of inflammation that you succumb ... it becomes multi-organ failure , '' Dr Bharat Pankhania said .
And if the immune system can not get on top of the virus , then it will eventually spread to every corner of the body where it can cause even more damage .
Treatment by this stage will be highly invasive and can include ECMO or extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation .
This is essentially an artificial lung that takes blood out of the body through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it back in .
But eventually the damage can reach fatal levels at which organs can no longer keep the body alive .
Doctors have described how some patients died despite their best efforts .
The first two patients to die at Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan , China , detailed in the Lancet Medical journal , were seemingly healthy , although they were long-term smokers and that would have weakened their lungs .
The first , a 61-year-old man , had severe pneumonia by the time he arrived at hospital .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being put on a ventilator , his lungs failed and his heart stopped beating .
He died 11 days after he was admitted .
The second patient , a 69-year-old man , also had acute respiratory distress syndrome .
He was attached to an ECMO machine but this was n't enough .
He died of severe pneumonia and septic shock when his blood pressure collapsed .

And if the immune system cannot get on top of the virus, then it will eventually spread to every corner of the body where it can cause even more damage.


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: What's young people's risk?

So far , the health message has been clear - the older you are , the more at risk you are from coronavirus .
But the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has warned young people not to view themselves as `` invincible '' .
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan , a Labour MP and A & E doctor , told the BBC the illness was `` not simply limited to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions '' .
She was speaking the day after news an 18-year-old with an underlying health condition died of the virus in England .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ person with the virus to have died in the UK so far .
Dr Allin-Khan said she had treated previously `` fit and well '' patients in their 30s and 40s who were now in intensive care and `` fighting for their lives '' .
So what are the risks at different ages ?
It remains the case that , overall , older people are the most at risk .
Researchers at Imperial College London found a clear link between age and the likelihood of being hospitalised with coronavirus .
And older people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalised , to need critical care .
Fewer than 5 % of under-50s needed to be hospitalised because of their symptoms , but this rose to 24 % for 70-79-year-olds .
Similarly , only 5 % of under-40s who ended up in hospital required critical care , compared with 27 % of people in their 60s and 43 % of people in their 70s .
This soared to 71 % for people over the age of 80 , according to estimates based on cases in China and Italy - two of the worst-affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being admitted to critical care units in England , Wales and Northern Ireland was 63 , an audit by a research charity suggested .
Meanwhile , the US 's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) said early data suggested 53 % of those people hospitalised were over 55 - which means about half were younger .
But when it comes to admissions to intensive care units and fatalities , a far higher proportion were in the oldest age categories ( about 80 % of fatalities were among the over-65s ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there will be younger people who do unfortunately suffer more severe bouts of the illness , and some of these cases have been fatal .
In Italy , 0.4 % of cases of people in their 40s resulted in death compared with 19.7 % of cases in their 80s , while in the US an estimated 0.7 % of cases among people in the 40s were fatal .
Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , Anthony Fauci , said the total number of deaths were `` overwhelmingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underlying conditions '' but added that the virus `` is n't a mathematical formula '' .
`` There are going to be people who are young who are going to wind up getting seriously ill. '' The WHO says `` although the evidence we have suggests that those over 60 are at highest risk , young people , including children , have died '' .
A Chinese study of more than 2,000 children who had contracted the virus found that `` although clinical manifestations of children 's Covid-19 cases were generally less severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young children , particularly infants , were vulnerable to infection '' .
Underlying health conditions also play a role , regardless of age .
For example , there are about 4.3 million adults in the UK who have asthma , which puts you at higher risk of severe illness if you contract coronavirus - and this affects people of all ages .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • UK LATEST : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what could happen next ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak In 2013 , the last time the Office for National Statistics conducted a general lifestyle survey , 21 % of 25-44-year-olds reported having a longstanding illness of some kind .
Some may have underlying conditions they 're not aware of .
And while younger people might be less likely to become severely ill , they can just as easily spread the virus to others .
They may have no , or very mild , symptoms and not realise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be considerably more infectious than flu - each person with the virus , on average , passes it on to between two and three other people , experts estimate .
Those two or three people can pass in on to another two or three more people each , and so on .
This means a seemingly small number of people quickly turns into hundreds and thousands .

"As cases in the community rise there will be a small increase in the number of children we see with Covid-19, but the overwhelming majority of children and young people have no symptoms or very mild illness only," says Prof Russell Viner, president of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation?

The UK government has taken further action to limit the spread of coronavirus .
Shops selling non-essential items are to close , along with libraries , playgrounds , outdoor gyms and places of worship .
Weddings and baptisms will be banned but funerals will be allowed .
Gatherings of more than two people not from the same household will be banned .
People are only to do one form of exercise a day on their own or with a member of their household .
The other acceptable reasons to leave the house are : • shopping for basic necessities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible • medical need or to provide care for a vulnerable person • travel to or from work but only where this is absolutely necessary The government has also said that key workers may leave the house to take their children to school and that children may move between the homes of separated parents .
What should I be doing ?
If people have to go outside - to buy food for example - they must stay more than 2m ( 6.5ft ) apart from others .
Cafes , pubs , restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gyms and leisure centres have all already been told to close .
The move is part of social distancing measures to minimise non-essential contact .
People with flu-like symptoms - such as a dry cough and high temperature - had already been asked to self-isolate at home to avoid infecting others .
Why is social distancing necessary ?
Social distancing is important because coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air .
These can be breathed in , or can cause an infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landed on , and then touch your face with unwashed hands .
The less time people spend together , the less chance there is of this happening .
What about other countries ?
Some countries have gone further than the UK to make sure people keep their distance .
• The whole of Italy has been on lockdown since 9 March • Over the weekend , Italy 's Lombardy region banned outdoor exercise away from personal property • In Spain , people are banned from leaving home unless they are buying food , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US states have introduced restrictions , with tens of millions of people ordered to stay at home • In Belgium , all non-essential shops have been closed and residents have been told to remain at home until at least 5 April .
Walking and exercise are allowed , but a safe distance must be maintained .
All social gatherings are banned • France is in a strict 15-day lockdown , with citizens required to carry official paperwork stating why they are not at home .
More than 100,000 police officers are enforcing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £126 ) fine for those who break it • Meetings of more than two have been banned in Germany .
One German state , Bavaria , has implemented a full lockdown for its citizens Self-isolating means staying at home and not leaving it , other than for exercise .
Do n't go to work , school or public areas during this time .
If possible , you should not go out even to buy food or other essentials .
If you are unable to get supplies delivered , you should do what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do leave the house .
Everyone who shows coronavirus symptoms - a fever of above 37.8C , a persistent cough or breathing problem - and everyone who lives in the same house or flat as someone with symptoms .
• If you live alone , you must stay at home for seven days from the day symptoms start • If you , or someone you live with , develop symptoms , the entire household needs to isolate for 14 days to monitor for signs of Covid-19 • If someone else does become ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts that day .
For example , it might run from day three to day 10 - when that person 's isolation would then end .
It would not restart if another member of the household fell ill • But anyone who fell ill on day 13 would see their seven-day isolation begin then - for their illness rather than to monitor for symptoms - meaning they would spend a total of 20 days at home The person with the symptoms should stay in a well-ventilated room with a window that can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the home .
People are being advised not to ring NHS 111 or their GP to report their symptoms unless they are worried .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Who should n't go out at all ?
About 1.5 million people with very serious health conditions will be contacted by the NHS and urged not go out at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is being referred to as shielding .
Others in the same household , and carers , can go out as long they observe proper social distancing .
• People with serious respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis and severe chronic bronchitis • People receiving certain drug treatments which suppress the immune system The government says it will work with local authorities , supermarkets and the armed forces to ensure they get supplies of essential food and medicines .
What happens if you have a vulnerable person living with you during self-isolation ?
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vulnerable person ( such as pregnant women , the elderly or those with an underlying health condition ) during any period of isolation , according to PHE .
Limit time spent together in shared spaces , like kitchens , and keep all rooms well-ventilated .
If they can , the vulnerable person should take their meals back to their room to eat .
A vulnerable person should also use separate towels from the rest of the household .
If possible , they should use a separate bathroom .
If that is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every time it 's used ( for example , wiping surfaces with which you have come into contact ) .
People living with someone in isolation should wash their hands often , using soap and water for at least 20 seconds - especially after coming into contact with them .
Personal waste ( like tissues ) should be double-bagged and put aside for 72 hours before being put in your outside bin .

The current restrictions in England don't include any limits on socialising - so friends and family are legally allowed to see each other in private houses, or to meet in public places like pubs and nightclubs.


bbc--2020-03-25--A visual guide to the pandemic

A visual guide to the pandemic

Coronavirus has been spreading rapidly across the world , affecting 170 countries and claiming 19,000 lives .
There are more than 425,000 confirmed cases worldwide .
Europe is now at the epicentre of the crisis and the US is also facing a surge in cases .
This series of maps and charts will help you understand what is going on .
The virus is spreading rapidly in many countries , with more than 340,000 confirmed cases outside China , according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University .
The true figure for the number of people with coronavirus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those with milder symptoms have not been tested and counted .
Italy has the highest death toll of any single country in the world with more than 6,800 deaths , many in the worst-hit region of Lombardy .
The US , Spain , Germany and Iran also have a large number of confirmed cases .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has said that the US could become the next epicentre of the pandemic , given the `` very large acceleration in cases . ''
President Donald Trump has declared a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on European countries , including the UK and Ireland , as well as China and Iran .
The US Senate is expected to pass a $ 2 trillion ( £1.7tn ) economic rescue plan later today ( 25 March ) .
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has described his country as being `` at war '' as the number of cases there also escalates .
In India a 21-day lockdown is beginning across the country .
The coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the WHO on 11 March .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
The WHO said it took more than three months to reach the first 100,000 confirmed cases worldwide , but only 12 days to reach the next 100,000 and only four days to reach 300,000 .
More than 80,000 people in China were diagnosed with the infection after its emergence in the city of Wuhan , Hubei province , in December .
China says it has now all but stopped the spread of the disease , and that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries .
It is planning to partially lift the lockdown in Wuhan on 8 April .
Other countries around the world are ramping up measures to try to slow the virus down .
Governments have halted flights , locked down towns and cities and urged people to stay at home .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health 2 .
The virus has killed more people in Italy than China Italy currently has the most confirmed cases outside China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 10,000 fewer confirmed cases than China , but its death toll of 6,820 is more than double the official toll in China .
After Italy 's daily confirmed deaths from the virus dropped for two consecutive days , they went back up again yesterday .
The majority of Italy 's deaths have occurred in the northern Lombardy region , which contains the city of Milan .
Hospitals there are reportedly at breaking point and retired doctors and nurses have been asked to return to work .
Italian authorities have imposed stringent restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hairdressers , restaurants and cafes .
The lockdown , imposed on 12 March , has now been extended beyond the original 25 March end date .
Other 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 , Germany and the UK 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 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German virologists dispute the high figure , suggesting a worst-case scenario of 40,000 cases .
Spain , which now has the third highest number of cases outside China , after Italy and the US , brought in a state of emergency on 14 March .
In the UK , confirmed cases stand at more than 8,000 and 422 people have died .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a further clampdown in the UK on 23 March , urging people to stay at home to avoid unnecessary transmission of the disease .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an initial period of three weeks .
• UK outbreak in graphics : How many cases are in your area ?

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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--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: One case lays bare America's testing failure

`` Trace , test and treat '' has been the mantra of global health bodies in tackling the spread of Covid-19 .
But innumerable cases around the country show it is a model the United States has failed to recreate .
`` I 'm still sick , it has n't improved .
I 'm coughing , I 've been feverish and my left lung hurts .
There have been times the wheezing and the gurgling in my chest have been so bad at night that it 's woken me up .
There 's no doubt I have all the symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 69 and lives in Bernville , Pennsylvania - does not say this lightly .
As a retired physician herself , she has done her research .
But this is the story of Dr Bahorik 's determined , though so far unsuccessful plight - involving clinics , hospitals and even a senator 's office - to find out if she has the coronavirus .
It all started as far back as the last week of February .
Dr Bahorik had recently been on a trip to New York with her great niece , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fever , though it appeared to subside .
She carried on as planned , performing jury duty , attending the funeral of a friend and travelling to Washington DC for a medical appointment .
• What crisis reveals about US and Trump • Trump says US tested more than S Korea - is he right ?
While she can not be certain when she got infected , in early March , Dr Bahorik became extremely ill. '' By 9 March I was coughing so hard and I could hardly walk , and at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus . ''
So began Dr Bahorik 's quest to get tested , one that she documented .
Claudia Bahorik sees her family doctor who agrees that she should have a coronavirus test .
The local health system 's protocol requires that he first carry out an influenza test , a test for RSV ( Respiratory Syncytial Virus ) , a chest X-ray and some laboratory work to rule out other possibilities .
She goes home to await those results .
The doctor informs Claudia that while tests ruled out the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not give approval for her to get a coronavirus test .
She does not meet the criteria of having known exposure to someone who had tested positive for coronavirus , or travelled to a country deemed to be high risk .
Frustrated and even more ill , Dr Bahorik calls the Department of Health .
Despite exhibiting symptoms , and given her age and previous spells of pneumonia , they were inflexible .
On protesting , a nurse suggests she speak to her congressman .
She calls the office of Senator Bob Casey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department of Health .
After several terrible days of sickness , Dr Bahorik hears of eight coronavirus testing sites in the neighbouring county of Lehigh Valley .
It is an hour 's drive and she is feeling weak but goes to the test centre in Macungie , Pennsylvania .
Once again she is told that because she had not travelled to a high risk country or been in known contact with someone with coronavirus , she can not have a test .
Having once been a doctor in the US Army Reserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital .
They later tell her that they do not have Covid-19 testing kits .
By this stage , Dr Bahorik 's chest pain and coughing has worsened .
She is told to go to the emergency room at nearby St Joseph 's Hospital , where the clinician in charge has given assurances she can get a coronavirus test .
At the hospital , she has to do another flu test and RSV test , this time , however , the new chest X-ray shows she has now developed pneumonia in her left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though getting the nasal sample makes her nose bleed , covering the swab with blood .
She is sent home with antibiotics and told to wait 3-5 days for result of the test .
Dr Bahorik calls the hospital to be told that the wait for test results is now 10 days because the samples were sent off to laboratories that are currently overwhelmed .
She has not responded to the antibiotics , and remains ill. Who else could have been infected ?
`` They keep reporting that there are so few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not testing , '' Dr Bahorik tells me .
`` I feel like I 've done as much as I can , but that the system has beaten me down , '' she says .
`` I almost feel like I 'm a lone voice screaming , 'Open your eyes , we have to do something about this ! '
'' Dr Bahorik accepts that a test would do nothing to help her condition , but if she does have coronavirus she could at least definitively tell that to all of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the early days .
• Is S Korea 's rapid testing the key to coronavirus ?
• How Singapore stayed one step ahead of the virus Two days in particular play on her mind ; the day in early March on which she shared a room with dozens of prospective jurors , and the funeral the following day .
`` There were between 50 and 75 people , a lot of them around my age at the funeral and I hugged a bunch of them , '' she says , clearly distressed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could have infected up to 150 people just in those two days .
A lot of my friends want to know the result of my test . ''
But nothing has yet been done to trace where she might have got her infection or to isolate those she came into contact with .
Why does it take so long to get tested ?
None of the hospitals or clinics Dr Bahorik visited were prepared to talk about the specifics of her case , but we did hear from the Pennsylvania Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test on the basis she was not eligible .
`` We were following established criteria from the CDC ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ) , '' says Dr Rachel Levine , the Pennsylvania Health Secretary who spoke of a gradual increase in testing capacity .
`` We now no longer require a person to have known exposure or travel criteria , but we do still have priorities ; firstly hospitalised patients , very ill patients and healthcare workers , '' she says , explaining limits in testing capability that remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed .
New York state , which borders Pennsylvania , has become the epicentre of the US outbreak with more than 30,000 confirmed cases .
Governor Andrew Cuomo says the state has carried out more tests than any other .
Is it too late for a 'trace , test , treat ' strategy ?
Dr Levine acknowledged that the window had probably now closed on a South Korea-style approach of widespread testing ( even of those who do not show symptoms ) , and trying to trace the path of the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was done early on in South Korea and in some other areas such as Singapore and Hong Kong .
But in the United States , we did not have the ability to do that and we are now at a later stage in the pandemic for it to be effective , '' she says .
Every day the White House issues assurances about the availability of testing and this country 's unrivalled ability to keep the impact of the virus to a minimum .
But it is testing that has been such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus in countries that are seen as having been successful in doing so .
Anecdotal evidence from every part of the nation , like Dr Bahorik 's experience , illustrates how difficult it remains for countless Americans to get a coronavirus test .

But it is testing that has been such a crucial element of controlling the spread of the virus in countries that are seen as having been successful in doing so. Anecdotal evidence from every part of the nation, like Dr Bahorik's experience, illustrates how difficult it remains for countless Americans to get a coronavirus test.


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus slowdown in US seen from space

Satellite images of normally busy locations in the US show how the coronavirus is having an impact on travel and tourism .
Car is no longer king - even in the US .
Traffic is down on the 101 interstate in downtown Los Angeles .
And people are n't flying either - as Maxar Technologies ' satellite images of Denver International Airport in Colorado show .
The lockdown and travel restrictions mean tourist attractions are closed .
In Santa Monica , beachside car parks were shut after large numbers of people headed for the coast , despite the stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Studios in Hollywood has also closed its doors as part of efforts to stop the spread of the virus .
The theme park said tickets bought in advance for the closure period would be valid until December .
Elsewhere in California , signs of the global slowdown are evident at international ports .
At Long Beach container port there are far fewer shipping containers than last month .
In Nevada , the governor is shutting down non-essential business , which is expected to hit Las Vegas ' famous gambling industry .
Disney is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the month - as can be seen by the lack of cars in the car park at Disney World , Florida .
The Disney park in California , which is also closed , has said it will donate unsold food to a food bank charity in order to help local people .

Disney is closing its doors until the end of the month - as can be seen by the lack of cars in the car park at Disney World, Florida. The Disney park in California, which is also closed, has said it will donate unsold food to a food bank charity in order to help local people.


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Is the US testing more than South Korea?

President Donald Trump has been defending his handling of the coronavirus outbreak as the number of cases there continues to rise sharply .
We 've fact-checked some of the president 's recent claims .
`` The United States has done far more 'testing ' than any other nation , by far ! ''
The latest data shows that 359,161 people have been tested in the US .
This is marginally more than the amount of people tested in South Korea , who had conducted the most tests globally up until this point .
However , South Korea has a population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US which has more than 370 million people .
Therefore , the US has tested fewer than one in 1,000 people , compared with South Korea which has tested more than one out of every 150 people .
So that 's far fewer per capita in the US than in South Korea .
The first case detected in US was on the same day as South Korea back in late January .
In early March , the White House conceded that the United States did not have enough testing kits and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
However , testing in the US has significantly ramped up recently , with the total number almost doubling in the past few days .
When asked about WHO data on the virus 's death rate : `` I think the 3.4 % is really a false number ...
Personally , I think the number is way under 1 % . ''
In a telephone interview on Fox News , President Trump said a WHO figure of 3.4 % for the coronavirus death rate was `` false '' .
The WHO reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was based on all the confirmed coronavirus cases that had resulted in death .
Mr Trump said he thought the true death rate , based on `` my hunch '' , was `` way under 1 % '' .
He said the death rate appeared higher because many people who caught a mild form of the virus did not report it to the doctor and therefore did not end up as confirmed cases .
At the moment we do n't know how likely you are to die from coronavirus , mainly because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , scientists ' current best guess is about 1 % .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak On 9 March : `` Last year 37,000 Americans died from the common flu .
Nothing is shut down , life and the economy go on ...
Think about that . ''
This statement from the president requires context .
We do n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been linked to flu .
But estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) give a range between 26,339 and 52,664 flu deaths last winter ( between October 2019 and February 2020 ) , with a best estimate of 34,157 .
So a lot of people die from flu each year , as Mr Trump points out .
However , unlike most strains of flu , the spread of the new coronavirus has not yet been contained by vaccines or immunity from previous outbreaks , and scientists ( including those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significantly higher death rate than that of seasonal flu ( which , on average , is about 0.1 % ) .
On 7 March : `` Very soon , we 're going to come up [ with a vaccine ] . ''
Currently there is no vaccine for this new coronavirus , although scientists in many countries are working hard to develop one .
Scientists say realistically , one wo n't be ready until at least the middle of next year .
Testing of vaccines on animals has already started .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers of a vaccine against coronavirus , but it will take many months before we know if this works .
• The fake advice you should ignore On 29 February : `` We 've taken the most aggressive actions to confront the coronavirus .
They are the most aggressive taken by any country . ''
The US has now imposed sweeping restrictions and some quarantine measures .
But other countries have also taken aggressive measures to counter the virus - in some instances , more than the US .
China and Italy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affecting millions of people .
The EU has closed its external borders for at least 30 days , with some European states closing their borders to any non-nationals , as well as introducing severe restrictions on movement .

Currently there is no vaccine for this new coronavirus, although scientists in many countries are working hard to develop one. Scientists say realistically, one won't be ready until at least the middle of next year. Testing of vaccines on animals has already started. There's also been a test on human volunteers of a vaccine against coronavirus, but it will take many months before we know if this works.


bbc--2020-03-25--'My income vanished overnight with no safety net'

Reopening the US by Easter ' a beautiful timeline' President Trump says he wants to open the US for business @ @ @ @ @ weekend of 12 April .

A stimulus package worth more than $1.8 trillion (£1.5tn) has been agreed by US Senate leaders and the White House to ease the impact of coronavirus.
The pandemic has destabilised the gig economy, leaving tens of thousands of ride-share drivers in the United States in economic limbo.
Julie Davis is a full-time ride-share driver in Seattle, where the first cases of Covid-19 in the US were registered.
In a first-person take, she chronicles the struggles faced by drivers.
Video produced by Xinyan Yu and Angélica M Casas


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Senate agrees $2tn stimulus package with Trump

A stimulus package worth $ 2 trillion ( £1.7tn ) has been agreed by US Senate leaders and the White House to ease the impact of coronavirus .
It includes direct payments of $ 1,200 to most American adults and aid to help small businesses pay workers .
If passed , it would be the largest government economic stimulus in US history .
Its full details are unknown .
Full details of the deal , which Congress is expected to pass , are not known .
Financial markets around the world rose on news of the deal .
• What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its president • Can I go for a walk ?
How to avoid 'quarantine-shaming' Critics from both sides of the aisle are threatening to hold up the titanic spending package .
Three Republican senators , Tim Scott , Ben Sasse and Lindsey Graham , said the bill had a `` massive drafting error '' that meant `` there is a strong incentive for employees to be laid off instead of going to work '' .
Unless this was fixed , or the government ensured no-one would earn more by not working than working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast-tracking of this bill '' , they said in a joint statement .
Senator Bernie Sanders , who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination , said he would oppose the stimulus bill unless the three senators dropped their objections to language on the jobless benefits .
`` I am prepared to put a hold on this bill until stronger conditions are imposed on the $ 500bn corporate welfare fund , '' Reuters quoted Mr Sanders as saying .
Left-wing Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , who represents the Bronx neighbourhood of New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill `` concerning '' .
She tweeted that it `` seems to give a *HALF TRILLION DOLLARS* away to big corporations '' , with very few protections for workers .
The bill does have cross-party support , but it must still be voted through the Senate and House of Representatives before President Trump signs it into law .
Both Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said their respective parties were willing move ahead with the bill .
Meanwhile , in New York , Governor Andrew Cuomo dismissed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state '' and called the proposed $ 3.8bn `` a drop in the bucket '' .
He said his hard-hit state was facing a $ 15bn revenue shortfall , and estimated that $ 1bn has already been spent on the coronavirus response .
The details of the bill have not yet gone to the House , making some lawmakers wary of signalling their early approval .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health What do we know about the deal ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ senator leaders at 01:30EDT ( 05:30GMT ) on Wednesday includes tax rebates , loans , money for hospitals and rescue packages .
Individuals who earn $ 75,000 or less would get direct payments of $ 1,200 each .
Married couples who have household income of up to $ 150,000 would receive $ 2,400 and an additional $ 500 per each child .
Mr McConnell described the package as a `` wartime level of investment '' in the US nation .
• The face of America 's fight against Covid-19 • Trump says US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he right ?
Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , who has remained in Washington as most lawmakers have returned to their home districts , has voiced her hope that the bill can be passed by unanimous consent , which would allow members of Congress to stay away from the House chamber in order to cast their votes .
If any member objects to unanimous consent , lawmakers will be asked to return to Washington and vote over the course of an entire day , in order to limit how many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one time .
One factor that may delay its passage is the question of how voting will be conducted , given that some members of Congress are off with coronavirus or are self-isolating having come into contact with infected people .
What is the situation in the US ?
With nearly 900 deaths and about 63,000 confirmed infections , America is more than midway through a 15-day attempt to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing .
New York has had 285 deaths with coronavirus , more than any other state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wednesday - about half of the total US caseload .
On Thursday , the governors of Minnesota and Idaho issued state-wide `` stay at home '' orders , joining at least 17 other states , including New York , California and Texas .
California 's governor Gavin Newsom said one million Californians had registered as unemployed , and that four out of five major banks had agreed to a 90-day grace period for mortgage payments for those affected by coronavirus .
Nearly 21,000 people have died with coronavirus across the planet since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in December , and more than 460,000 infections have been confirmed .
Southern Europe is now at the centre of the pandemic , with Italy and Spain recording hundreds of new deaths every day .
Governments around the world have responded by locking down societies in the hope of slowing the spread of the virus .
How have you been affected by the issues relating to 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

Coronavirus: US Senate passes $2tn disaster aid bill Published 26 March 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, "People in your profession write fake news - you do", President Trump tells journalist
The US Senate has passed a $2 trillion (£1.7tn) coronavirus aid bill that is the largest economic stimulus in US history.
The vote was delayed by a last-minute row between Republican and Democratic senators over unemployment benefits.
The plan includes direct payments of $1,200 to most American adults and aid to help small businesses pay workers.
US coronavirus deaths are around the 1,000 mark and there have been nearly 70,000 confirmed infections.
More than 21,000 people with coronavirus have died across the world since it emerged in China's Hubei province in December, while the number of infections is racing towards half a million.
Southern Europe is now the centre of the pandemic, with Italy and Spain recording hundreds of new deaths every day.
What was the snag in Congress?
President Donald Trump, a Republican, said on Wednesday he would sign the fast-tracked bill as soon as it reached his desk.
But the plan hit a speed bump as Republican senators Tim Scott, Rick Scott, Ben Sasse and Lindsey Graham said its major expansion of unemployment benefits provided "a strong incentive for employees to be laid off instead of going to work".
They said they would oppose the bill unless it was fixed to ensure workers could not have a higher income while unemployed than in a job.
Senator Bernie Sanders, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination, said he would oppose the bill unless the Republicans dropped their objections. He also demanded tougher conditions on the legislation's "corporate welfare".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, 'My income vanished overnight with no safety net'
In the end the Republican senators were allowed a vote on their amendment, which failed.
The bill does have cross-party support but it must still be passed in votes in the Senate and House of Representatives before the president signs it into law.
With revisions being made to the bill late into Wednesday, the Republican-majority Senate finally, and unanimously, approved it with a 96-0 vote. It now moves on to the House which is expected to vote on Friday.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he was "proud" that not a single senator voted against the bill.
The chamber's senior Democrat, Senator Chuck Schumer, said: "And so this is a good ending, twists and turns were enormous. I always had faith we would [pass this bill] because America and the American people demanded it."
What do we know about the deal?
The agreement reached by Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate includes tax rebates, loans, money for hospitals and rescue packages.
The nearly 900-page bill has a price tag that amounts to roughly half the size of the US government's annual budget, and includes:
Direct payments of $1,200 to millions of individuals who earn $75,000 or less, and an additional $500 per each child
An expansion of unemployment aid including payments, for the first time, to people who are self-employed or work in the gig economy
A $500bn fund to help companies, which includes loans to hard-hit sectors such as the airline industry
$350bn in loans for small businesses
$100bn for hospitals and related health systems on the frontlines of the pandemic
Mr McConnell described the package as a "wartime level of investment" in the US nation.
The Democratic speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said she hoped the bill could be passed by voice vote.
That would allow members of Congress - several of whom have coronavirus or are self-isolating - to stay away from the chamber in order to cast their votes.
But if any member objected, lawmakers would be asked to return to Washington and vote over the course of an entire day, in order to limit how many people are present on the House floor at one time.
What's the latest from the virus hotspot of New York?
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Wednesday it was likely half of America's most populous city of more than eight million would catch coronavirus by the time the pandemic ran its course.
The city's death toll reached 280, officials said on Wednesday night, with 20,011 confirmed cases.
On Tuesday, 13 patients died in a matter of hours at a hospital in the Queens borough of the city, with a young doctor there describing "apocalyptic" scenes, according to the New York Times.
But there were signs of hope. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke of tentative indications that the spread of the disease may be slowing.
On Sunday, hospital admissions were doubling every two days. But by Monday that rate had fallen to every 3.4 days, and on Tuesday every 4.7 days, Mr Cuomo said.
The whole of New York state has had 285 coronavirus deaths and more than 33,000 patients - about half the total US caseload.
What is the situation elsewhere in the US?
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency said New York, North Carolina and Hawaii had requested special mortuary teams to be ready for mass casualties.
New Orleans, in Louisiana, where crowds celebrated Mardi Gras last month, has recorded the world's highest growth rate in coronavirus cases.
California's Governor Gavin Newsom said one million Californians had registered as unemployed just this month.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Celebrating a birthday party by video chat
The US is more than midway through a 15-day attempt to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing.
Two more states - Minnesota and Idaho - issued state-wide "stay at home" orders on Wednesday, joining at least 17 others.
The president said on Tuesday that reopening the country by Easter would be a "beautiful timeline".
But Dr Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who is helping lead the US response to coronavirus, told CNN on Wednesday: "The virus makes the timeline."
How have you been affected by the issues relating to coronavirus? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbc--2020-03-25--Robert Levinson: US hostage has died in Iran, says family

Former FBI agent Robert Levinson , who disappeared in Iran 13 years ago , has died in custody there , according to statement from his family .
`` It is impossible to describe our pain , '' the family said , adding that his death appeared to have occurred before the coronavirus pandemic .
Levinson , the longest-held hostage in US history , disappeared in 2007 on the Iranian island of Kish .
His family say he was working on behalf of an unauthorised CIA mission .
He retired from the FBI in 1998 , but had been working in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at cigarette counterfeiting in the region , his wife says .
US officials suspected he was kidnapped by Iranian intelligence forces to be used as a bargaining chip in dealings with Washington .
What did President Trump say ?
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday at the White House : `` I 've been very much involved in that and he was a great gentleman and a great family .
`` It 's not looking good , he was n't well for years in Iran , it 's not looking promising . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Levinson , who was outstanding , has been sick for a long time .
He had some rough problems prior to his detainment or capture .
`` It 's not looking great , but I wo n't accept that he 's dead .
They have n't told us he 's dead . ''
In November , Mr Trump tweeted calling for Iran to turn over Levinson .
What did the family say ?
The Levinson family statement on Wednesday said they had recently received information from US officials that had led them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is impossible to describe our pain , '' they said .
`` Our family will spend the rest of our lives without the most amazing man we have ever known , a new reality that is inconceivable to us .
`` His grandchildren will never meet him .
They will only know him through the stories we tell them .
`` If not for the cruel , heartless actions of the Iranian regime , Robert Levinson would be alive and home with us today . ''
When was the hostage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Coral Springs , Florida , received proof-of-life photos and a video in 2010 and 2011 , though his whereabouts were unknown .
Photographs emerged of him bearded and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit , similar to those worn by US detainees in Guantanamo Bay .
Around his neck hung signs , one of which said , `` why you can not help me '' .
Experts determined the video had been sent through Pakistan , while the photos were sent from an internet address in Afghanistan .
Pashtun wedding music could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video , suggesting Mr Levinson could be held in either of those two countries .
Another theory of US officials was that the Iranian government could have routed the images externally in an effort to blame Mr Levinson 's disappearance on someone else .

"Our family will spend the rest of our lives without the most amazing man we have ever known, a new reality that is inconceivable to us.


bbc--2020-03-25--400,000 Britons volunteer to help NHS fight virus

The number of people who have volunteered to help the NHS in its fight against coronavirus has passed half a million , double the government 's recruitment target .
Speaking at his daily news conference , PM Boris Johnson said all 504,303 could now play an `` absolutely crucial '' role .
The helpers are needed for delivering food and medicines , driving patients to appointments and phoning the isolated .
The scheme is one of a number aimed at relieving pressure on the NHS .
Mr Johnson said he a wanted to offer `` special thank you to everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS '' .
He added : `` And to all of you , and all the former NHS staff who are coming back into the service , I say thank you on behalf of the entire country . ''
About 11,000 former medics have also agreed to return to the health service and more than 24,000 final year student nurses and medics will join them .
Stephen Powis , NHS England medical director , said there had been `` outbreaks of altruism '' and he was `` bowled over '' by the medics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response from volunteers .
This comes as it was confirmed Prince Charles , the 71-year-old heir to the throne , tested positive for coronavirus after displaying mild symptoms .
He is now self-isolating at home in Scotland with the Duchess of Cornwall , who tested negative .
A Clarence House spokesman said it was not possible to know who he had caught it from due to a `` high number of engagements '' in recent weeks .
Figures released from NHS England show there were 28 deaths over the latest recorded 24-hour period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 414 .
There have also been 22 deaths so far in Scotland , 22 in Wales and seven in Northern Ireland , according to the latest available figures .
The government scheme to recruit 250,000 helpers - who must be over 18 and in good health - went live on Tuesday .
By Wednesday morning , they had exceeded their target , after many thousands signed up to Good Sam , the group coordinating the response .
The help is being targeted at the 1.5 million people with underlying health conditions who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus by staying at home for 12 weeks .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick tweeted a photo of what he said was the first box of food and supplies ready to be sent out .
There are now calls to replicate the volunteering scheme - which is currently only for those in England - in Wales .
Meanwhile , Parliament has shut down until 21 April at the earliest , after sweeping emergency powers to tackle the coronavirus crisis were passed .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs the emergency legislation will allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peacetime in the UK .
• What is in emergency coronavirus legislation ? '
I just want to help ' : Meet the volunteers Technology expert Alex Hamilton , from Northampton , was among the first to sign up .
`` I 'm working from home but it 's quiet .
I 'm doing a lot of gardening and this is an opportunity to do something to help - I 've volunteered to do anything necessary . ''
His wife has a low immune system after having breast cancer twice and says she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be bringing back '' .
`` But I want to do good , '' he said .
University tutor Robert Howarth , 23 , from Blackburn , has also signed up .
`` I just want to help , '' he says .
He is currently working remotely and part-time , which he says gives him the chance to do more .
`` I 've signed up for two roles out of the four on offer - to be a befriender helping people in self-isolation and delivering vital products . ''
Actress Claudia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With much of her industry having shutdown , she says she has time to help .
`` I hate to think of anyone struggling and I know the NHS is going to be stretched - I just want to do anything I can to help . ''
On Tuesday , it was also announced that the NHS will treat coronavirus patients in a makeshift field hospital in the ExCeL Centre in east London .
There has been widespread concern and anger at the shortages of personal protective equipment for doctors and nurses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Healthcare Supply Association has been forced to use Twitter to ask DIY shops to donate equipment to NHS staff .
The prime minister said he has been `` assured '' stocks were on the way , saying the army had distributed 7.5 million pieces of equipment in the past 24 hours .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The government is also facing growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help tackle the spread of coronavirus in the UK .
On Tuesday , Mr Hancock said those who can not do their jobs from home should go to work to `` keep the country running '' and construction work could continue so long as people were 2m ( 6.5ft ) apart .
But critics said public health should be prioritised over the economy .
Some builders and construction workers have said they feel `` angry and unprotected '' going to work , while others are under pressure from employers to go in .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from politicians , unions and workers themselves to halt construction work .
The confusion over who should and should not be travelling for work came after government guidance announced by Mr Johnson on Monday curtailed many freedoms on life in the UK .
The prime minister said people should only leave their home to shop for basic goods , to fulfil medical or care needs , to exercise , and to travel to and from work - but only where `` absolutely necessary '' .
Since Tuesday evening , hundreds of British Transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network to tell travellers that only those making essential journeys for work should be using tubes and trains .
The prime minister confirmed the government was considering asking black taxi drivers to take NHS workers to work so that they can avoid public transport .
Public services are coming under increasing strain - London Ambulance Service said it was receiving 8,000 calls a day - up 3,000 on a `` very busy '' day before the coronavirus pandemic .
Meanwhile , calls to the 111 service have increased by up to 400 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ processed almost half a million benefit claims over nine days .
• What is banned and what is n't ?
Meanwhile , the government is considering the early release of some prisoners in England and Wales to relieve pressure .
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the virus posed an `` acute '' risk in prisons , many of which were overcrowded and faced staff shortages as officers self-isolated .
Some 19 inmates have now tested positive for coronavirus in 10 different prisons .
Elsewhere , the government remains under pressure to provide financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss of income if forced to stop working due to sickness or quarantine .
Mr Johnson said a package of support for those workers would be announced on Thursday .
• Dyson has had hundreds of engineers working round the clock to make 10,000 ventilators , after the government placed an order • British diplomat Steven Dick , 37 , has died in Hungary after contracting coronavirus • BBC Director General Tony Hall has `` paused '' plans to cut 450 news jobs , saying it would be inappropriate while BBC News was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be granted a six-month exemption from MoT testing • Three immigration removal centres in the UK are housing people with symptoms of the virus • A quarter of the world 's population is now living under some form of lockdown • The death toll in Spain has overtaken China , rising by 738 to 3,434 • People in India have begun panic-buying as the entire population of 1.3bn enters `` total lockdown '' • Global cases of the virus have exceeded 400,000 with deaths approaching 20,000


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus delays Russian vote on Putin staying in power

Russian President Vladimir Putin has postponed a vote on constitutional change that would allow him to stay in power , because of coronavirus concerns .
He said the public vote - previously due to be held on 22 April - would be delayed until a `` later date '' .
The proposed changes include scrapping a ban on allowing Mr Putin to run for office again .
The changes have already been approved by parliament and Russia 's constitutional court .
They would give Mr Putin - who is serving his fourth presidential term and has dominated Russian politics for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two more consecutive terms .
• Live updates on the coronavirus pandemic from around the world Later on Wednesday Russia confirmed the deaths of two people who had been diagnosed with the virus .
The 88- and 73-year-olds had pre-existing conditions , Ria Novosti reported .
Russia has a total of 658 cases .
`` The absolute priority for us is the health , life and safety of people .
Therefore I believe that the vote should be postponed until a later date , '' Mr Putin said .
Mr Putin also announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to slow the speed '' of the infection .
But he warned that it was impossible to prevent any spread of the virus at all in Russia because of the country 's size .
This is Vladimir Putin bowing , finally , to the inevitable .
Holding a nationwide vote in a pandemic had always seemed bad politics , at the very least .
Opposition leader Alexei Navalny had even called it `` criminal '' , especially as Russia 's most faithful voters are pensioners and among the most vulnerable to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be delaying the decision , though , hoping Russia would somehow escape the worst of Covid-19 .
Some suspected the statistics were being massaged to make it seem that way , a claim officials here have denied repeatedly .
But the number of confirmed cases is now climbing in Russia , like everywhere else .
Russia 's president promised this was a postponement , not a cancellation .
While critics call the vote a crude way of ensuring Mr Putin remains in power , the Kremlin is keen the process should look legitimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay , though , does mean officials across the country can finally focus on the clear priority - battling a pandemic , not securing a vote for Mr Putin .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health The Russian economy was also under serious pressure because of the virus , Mr Putin said .
During their week off , employees would continue to be paid and key services would continue , he said .
He also announced extended welfare support , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had lost jobs .
Russia has already taken measures such as a two-week quarantine for people arriving from abroad , school closures and warning for elderly people in Moscow to self-isolate .
It has also stopped cultural and sporting events and closed gyms , cinemas and nightclubs , although cafes and restaurants have been allowed to stay open .
But the country has so far stopped short of imposing the kind of lockdown seen in some European countries .
What is the situation across Europe ?
There have been more than 435,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the centre of the global outbreak .
• Spain ’ s death toll has surpassed the official figure from China , becoming the second highest in the world .
Deaths have risen by 738 in just 24 hours to a total of 3,434 • Italy has increased punishments for breaking virus control measures , including fines of thousands of euros and five-year prison terms for anyone who tests positive and breaks their quarantine .
Nearly 70,000 people have tested positive for the illness there • On Tuesday , France became the fifth country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jerome Salomon , the country 's top health official , has warned that the number could be even higher , as the 1,100 confirmed total only counts people who died in hospitals .
Scientific advisers have called for the lockdown there to be extended from 15 days to six weeks – something health officials have not ruled out • And in the UK , heir to the throne Prince Charles has tested positive after displaying “ mild ” symptoms How have you been affected by the issues relating to coronavirus ?
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Holding a nationwide vote in a pandemic had always seemed bad politics, at the very least. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny had even called it "criminal", especially as Russia's most faithful voters are pensioners and among the most vulnerable to the virus.


bbc--2020-03-25--Canada backs $75bn coronavirus relief bill

Canada has passed a multi-billion-dollar relief package to respond to the coronavirus slowdown .
It allows the government to spend C $ 107bn ( $ 75bn , £64bn ) in emergency aid and economic stimulus to assist Canadians struggling financially .
All parties supported the bill following amendments that removed provisions giving cabinet unprecedented powers .
The government said Canadians made nearly one million claims for unemployment benefits last week , which is equivalent to about 5 % of Canada 's workforce .
A survey from Angus Reid Institute found that 44 % of Canadian households had someone who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A third said they were concerned about missing a mortgage or rent payment .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had promised to push the bill through parliament this week .
Local governments have been increasing social-distancing measures to stem the spread of coronavirus , which has led thousands of businesses to close their doors .
Canada 's oil and gas sector has also taken a sharp downturn as the price of oil plummeted , from about $ 35.82 for a barrel of Western Canadian Select in January to just $ 5.43 last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for about 10 % of the country 's gross domestic product .
What will the relief package provide ?
Measures in the bill include a boost to child benefit payments to families with children , wage subsidies for small business , and tax relief measures .
The bill would give C $ 2,000 a month for the next four months for people who lost their job because of Covid-19 .
It would apply to people who are quarantined , helping a sick family member , have been laid off or have not received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update on Wednesday , Mr Trudeau said people will receive funds 10 days after they make their claim .
An earlier version of the bill granted Mr Trudeau 's cabinet far-reaching powers to tax and spend without parliamentary approval for up to 21 months .
Negotiations between the parties lasted until early Wednesday morning , when the final bill was submitted and pushed quickly through the House of Commons and Senate .
The new version would give the finance minister the power to spend and borrow without parliamentary approval until September .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government and need the support of other parties in order to pass legislation .
Parliament has been suspended since 13 March to allow MPs to work from home , but it reconvened temporarily on Tuesday , but with a limited number of MPs to allow for social distancing .
What is the situation in Canada ?
There are over 2,790 confirmed cases in Canada as of Wednesday morning , according to data collected by John Hopkins University .
There have been over 25 deaths linked to the virus .
There is also community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses in Ontario and Quebec - two of its most populous provinces - have been closed by order of the provincial governments .
On Wednesday , Health Minister Patty Hajdu said the government is invoking the Quarantine Act to mandate that all international travellers self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to Canada .
Ms Hajdu said there will be `` random screening '' and `` spot-checks '' to ensure people are obeying the orders .


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Spain’s death toll surpasses China’s

Spain ’ s death toll from the coronavirus has surpassed the official figure from China , becoming the second highest in the world .
The number of deaths rose by 738 in 24 hours - a daily record - to 3,434 , higher than the 683 announced in Italy .
By comparison , China has officially reported 3,285 deaths , while Italy – the worst affected country – has 6,820 .
Spain 's rate of infection has increased by a fifth and almost 27,000 people are being treated in hospital .
Madrid is the country 's worst affected region but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rapid increase in cases .
Spain 's Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo has tested positive for the virus , the government says .
She was admitted to hospital on Sunday with respiratory symptoms .
MPs are to vote on extending the country ’ s state of emergency for another two weeks until 11 April .
Under the rules , people are banned from leaving home except for buying essential supplies and medicines , or for work .
Globally there are 460,000 cases of the virus , with more than 20,000 deaths and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
On Wednesday the UN said the virus was `` threatening the whole of humanity '' as it launched a $ 2bn ( £1.7bn ) appeal for the world 's poorest people .
`` Global action and solidarity are crucial .
Individual country responses are not going to be enough , '' UN Secretary-General António Guterres said .
Figures released by the health ministry on Wednesday showed that in just 24 hours , Spain ’ s national death toll rose by 738 .
Its number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest figures for Spain in a single day .
The country now has 47,610 confirmed cases .
Catalonia accounts for close to 10,000 of those , while the Basque Country and Andalusia both have more than 3,000 cases .
But the worst-affected region is the area around the capital Madrid , which has recorded 14,597 cases .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health Madrid ’ s municipal funeral home announced on Tuesday it had stopped collecting victims of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – while the city ’ s major ice rink will be used as a temporary mortuary .
On Monday , soldiers in Spain brought in to tackle the outbreak found retirement home residents abandoned and even dead in their beds .
The defence ministry said that staff at some care homes had left after the coronavirus was detected .
On Wednesday local media reported that more than 20 residents who were confirmed to have the virus or had symptoms of it had died at the Fundación Santísima Virgen y San Celedonio care home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 members of staff were in isolation .
What is the situation across Europe ?
There have been more than 435,000 confirmed cases worldwide .
Europe is now the centre of the global outbreak .
Leaders of nine EU countries have called for the 27-member bloc to raise funds through a “ common debt instrument ” to tackle the pandemic .
`` In particular , we need to work on a common debt instrument ... to raise funds on the market on the same basis and to the benefits of all member states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was signed by the leaders of Spain , France , Italy , Greece , Ireland , Belgium , Luxembourg , Slovenia and Portugal .
• Italy has seen another 683 deaths in the past 24 hours , bringing the number to 7,503 since the outbreak began .
That is slightly lower than Tuesday 's number and the rate of increase in new cases has now fallen for four days in a row .
The government has increased punishments for breaking virus control measures , including fines of thousands of euros and five-year prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaks their quarantine .
• France has seen another 231 deaths in 24 hours , bringing the death toll to 1,331 .
Health agency chief Jérôme Salomon said there had been a 12 % rise in the number of people requiring life support and that `` the epidemic is rapidly worsening in France '' .
President Emmanuel Macron visited a military hospital late on Wednesday and praised the commitment and sacrifice of the medical profession .
• Russia 's President Vladimir Putin has postponed a vote on constitutional change that would allow him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus concerns .
The public vote had been due to be held on 22 April .
The official number of people infected in Russia rose to 658 on Wednesday - the largest one-day increase in cases so far • In the UK , heir to the throne Prince Charles has tested positive after displaying “ mild ” symptoms • Air pollution rates in major European cities have fallen amid the lockdowns in force .
Levels of nitrogen dioxide ( NO2 ) in the Italian city of Milan were down 21 % compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Environment Agency says .
Madrid 's NO2 levels were down 41 % and Lisbon 's rates were down 51 % How have you been affected by the issues relating to coronavirus ?
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"In particular, we need to work on a common debt instrument... to raise funds on the market on the same basis and to the benefits of all member states," said the letter, which was signed by the leaders of Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Slovenia and Portugal.


bbc--2020-03-25--Christchurch gunman Brenton Tarrant pleads guilty to 51 murders

A man accused of deadly attacks on mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch a year ago has pleaded guilty to 51 charges of murder .
Brenton Tarrant , 29 , also admitted the attempted murder of another 40 people , and one terrorism charge .
He had previously denied the charges and was due to go on trial in June .
The gun attacks at two mosques sent shockwaves around the world .
In the wake of the killings , New Zealand brought in stricter gun laws .
New Zealand is in a state of lockdown due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made at a scaled-down court hearing in Christchurch High Court on Thursday .
No members of the public were allowed in to the hearing and Tarrant and his lawyers appeared via video link .
A representative of the two mosques that were attacked was allowed to attend the hearing to represent the victims and their families .
Judge Justice Mander said : `` It is regrettable that the Covid-19 restrictions that presently apply do not permit victims and their families to travel to be present in the courtroom when the defendant entered his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 92 charges will take place at a date yet to be set .
Tarrant was remanded in custody until 1 May .
Farid Ahmed , who lost his wife Husna in the attack on Al Noor Mosque ( Masjid An-Nur ) , told TVNZ that many would be relieved they did not have to go through the trial , but others would feel very sad , still thinking about their loved ones .
How did the attacks unfold ?
The shootings on 15 March 2019 began when the gunman drove to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building and began shooting .
Less than 30 seconds later , he returned to his car , picked up another weapon , then re-entered the mosque and resumed his attack .
Footage from a headcam , he was wearing showed him pass from room to room , killing as he went .
The shootings were broadcast on Facebook Live .
He then drove to the Linwood mosque where he shot two people outside and then shot at the windows .
A man from inside the mosque came outside , picked up one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chased him away .
Two police officers then chased and arrested the suspect .
More on the Christchurch attacks • The people killed as they prayed

Farid Ahmed, who lost his wife Husna in the attack on Al Noor Mosque (Masjid An-Nur), told TVNZ that many would be relieved they did not have to go through the trial, but others would feel very sad, still thinking about their loved ones.


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Trump seals emergency virus deal worth trillions

US President Donald Trump and the Senate have agreed a massive economic relief package worth more than $ 1.8 trillion ( £1.5tn ) .
The package includes money to bail out industries that have been affected by the coronavirus crisis .
Republican Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell described it as a `` wartime level of investment '' in the economy .
The relief plans lifted financial markets around the world , but investors remained on edge .
US markets , which surged on Tuesday in anticipation of the deal , teetered in the final moments of trade on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 2.4 % higher , while the S & P 500 closed up 1.1 % .
The Nasdaq dipped 0.45 % .
Shares in Boeing surged more than 23 % , fuelled in part by expectations that it would benefit from the deal .
Earlier , shares rose in Europe and Asia on news of the relief package .
Japan 's benchmark Nikkei 225 index closed 8 % higher , while London 's FTSE 100 index gained more than 4.4 % .
Full details of the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published until later on Wednesday .
However , it is expected to contain measures to help people pay bills if they are laid off because of the virus , expand unemployment assistance by $ 250bn and get $ 350bn in emergency loans to small firms .
Mr McConnell said it would also `` stabilise '' key industrial sectors and give money to hospitals and other healthcare providers which were having difficulty getting equipment .
`` We 're going to pass this legislation later today , '' Mr McConnell added .
Senate Democratic Leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest rescue package in American history '' .
He said it was a `` Marshall Plan '' for hospitals .
`` Help is on the way , big help and quick help . ''
Separately , President Trump on Tuesday said he wanted to get the economy up and running again by Easter .
On Wall Street , the Dow Jones jumped by 11.4 % on Tuesday - its biggest one-day gain since the Great Depression - as political leaders signalled a deal was close .
The final package is estimated to amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than double the relief offered during the 2008 financial crisis .
William Foster , a vice president at Moody 's Investors Service , said it would `` help mitigate the depth and duration of the economic shock '' .
`` Nonetheless , we expect the virus to have a significant negative impact on growth and the fiscal deficit this year , '' he said .
Governments around the world have responded to a surge in coronavirus cases by locking down societies in the hope of slowing the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hit to global growth is likely to be bigger than the financial crisis .
Many countries are now working on stimulus packages to support their economies , but these plans have received mixed responses from investors , as markets experience unprecedented volatility as they grapple with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
This month alone has seen the Dow having the five biggest daily gains and five biggest falls of its 135-year history .
Reacting to news of the stimulus package , Tom Stevenson , investment director at fund manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's good news , but we 're not out of the woods yet .
`` When markets are falling , you get these big rallies but you should n't get stuck on that .
They do bounce around in these situations . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health The US rescue package follows five days of intense negotiations to try to agree a deal that will provide aid for American workers and businesses .
Before it becomes law the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives and be signed by President Trump .
The US central bank , the Federal Reserve has already announced $ 4tn in extra lending to help stimulate the economy in the face of the coronavirus .
Nearly 19,000 people have died with coronavirus worldwide since it emerged in China 's Wuhan province in January , and more than 420,000 infections have been confirmed .
Southern Europe is now at the centre of the pandemic , with Italy and Spain recording hundreds of new deaths every day .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the third highest of any country after China and Italy .
The US Congress has approved a $ 2tn rescue bill - the biggest package of support for the economy in modern American history .
Like the UK 's emergency economic measures , it offers $ 350bn in loans for small businesses to cover expenses for up to 10 weeks ; it also offers $ 500bn in aid to airlines and other corporations .
The government is also sending out cheques of $ 1,200 for every adult and $ 500 per child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package , for all its huge size , simply is n't big enough to soften the scale of the economic shock caused by the Covid-19 shutdown , now a global phenomenon .
Some economists say US firms may need five times as much cash to prevent mass bankruptcy and unemployment .

Full details of the deal agreed in the US will not be published until later on Wednesday. However, it is expected to contain measures to help people pay bills if they are laid off because of the virus, expand unemployment assistance by $250bn and get $350bn in emergency loans to small firms.


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: G20 'must step up for developing world'

'Look at us today ... we are your future' The New York governor says the city is a test case @ @ @ @ @ should be to save lives .

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on the G20 - the world's 20 major industrialised nations - to fund a stimulus package worth trillions of dollars for businesses, workers and households in developing countries.
This was a matter of "enlightened self-interest", he said, to help prevent the virus from spreading and ultimately making a comeback.
He also urged the G20 summit to waive sanctions to ensure affected countries had access to food and essential medical supplies.


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Iran bans internal travel to avert 'second wave'

Iran 's government has banned internal travel and warned of a `` second wave '' of its coronavirus disease outbreak , as the official death toll passed 2,000 .
Spokesman Ali Rabiei lamented that some people had ignored advice and travelled during the Nowruz new year holidays .
As a result , he said , people would no longer be able to leave their cities and would soon face other restrictions .
Iran 's leaders have so far resisted imposing lockdowns despite it being one of the world 's worst-hit countries .
They have insisted that all necessary measures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken , despite many Iranians expressing concern .
• Is Iran covering up its outbreak ?
• Does pandemic offer US and Iran chance for partial reset ?
On Wednesday , health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour reported 143 new deaths in the past 24 hours , bringing the death toll to 2,077 since mid-February .
He said the number of confirmed cases had risen by 2,206 to 27,017 , although the actual number is believed to be far higher .
Last week , the health ministry had called on Iranians to stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families or going on day trips .
`` Unfortunately some Iranians have ignored advice from health ministry officials and travelled during the new year holidays , '' Mr Rabiei told a televised briefing .
`` This could cause a second wave of the coronavirus . ''
He added that security forces would now stop people from travelling between cities and that new regulations were coming soon to help contain the spread of Covid-19 .
`` We shall tighten our regulations if people do not obey new regulations , '' he warned .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the regulations would be `` strict '' and would `` create difficulties '' for Iranians .
He added that the government might have no choice but to close parks for the nature festival of Sizdah Bedar on 1 April , when Iranians traditionally have picnics .
`` People have to realise that these are difficult decisions that are being taken to protect people 's lives , '' he explained .
`` But we have no choice , because the lives of Iranians are important to us . ''
In other developments in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first Palestinian died as a result of Covid-19 .
The woman in her 60s was a resident of Bidu , north of Jerusalem , the Palestinian Authority said .
Sixty-two cases have been reported in the occupied West Bank and two in Gaza • In Israel , where five people have died and another 2,030 have been infected , the government approved new restrictions .
People will be required to stay within 100m ( 330ft ) of their homes ; prayer will only be allowed in open spaces ; and public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its usual capacity • Coronavirus testing started in opposition-held north-western Syria after the World Health Organization delivered 300 kits .
The government meanwhile imposed a 12-hour overnight curfew in areas under its control and closed all borders , a day after it confirmed the first case in the war-torn country • Saudi Arabia reported its second death and tightened a 21-day nationwide curfew that started on Monday .
People will now be stopped from entering or leaving the capital Riyadh and the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina • In Jordan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government eased an indefinite curfew that had prevented people from leaving their homes under any circumstances .
They will now be able to go out on foot to local grocery shops • In Egypt , a two-week partial curfew keeping people off the streets between 19:00 and 06:00 took effect .
There was also an extension of school closures until mid-April .
The country has reported 402 cases of Covid-19 and 20 deaths

"People have to realise that these are difficult decisions that are being taken to protect people's lives," he explained. "But we have no choice, because the lives of Iranians are important to us."


bbc--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Bolsonaro downplays threat of pandemic to Brazil

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has accused the media of `` fear-mongering '' in a speech that downplayed the threat of coronavirus to the country .
In a televised address on Tuesday , he called on mayors and governors to roll back restrictions they have introduced to curb the spread of Covid-19 .
His intervention came as the two biggest cities - Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro - went into partial lockdown .
“ Our lives have to go on .
Jobs must be kept ... We must , yes , get back to normal , ” Mr Bolsonaro said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country .
• Why coronavirus is a class issue in South America The president described restrictions on public transport , social-distancing measures , and closures of businesses and schools as “ scorched-earth ” policies .
He added that people aged over 60 were at risk , but that most people - including himself - had nothing to fear .
`` With my history as an athlete , if I were infected with the virus I would have no reason to worry .
I would feel nothing , or it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Concerns have been raised about whether Mr Bolsonaro may possibly have already have had Covid-19 .
Over the last couple of weeks , 22 officials who joined him on a recent trip to the United States have tested positive .
Mr Bolsonaro has twice said that his test came back negative , but he has refused to provide proof .
Following the president 's speech on Tuesday , the head of Brazil ’ s Senate , Davi Alcolumbre , said the country required “ serious , responsible leadership ” .
• A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• STRESS : How to protect your mental health • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak “ We consider grave the position expressed by the president today , on national networks , of attacking Covid-19 containment measures , ” he added .
“ The position runs against the actions adopted by other countries and suggested by the World Health Organization '' .
Mr Alcolumbre himself has the coronavirus and is in isolation at home .
Mr Bolsonaro has also been criticised for coming out of reported self-isolation to mingle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Brazil 's Congress and judiciary , despite the health ministry warning against attending large gatherings .

"With my history as an athlete, if I were infected with the virus I would have no reason to worry. I would feel nothing, or it would be at most just a little flu."