skynewsus--2020-03-10--Harvey Weinstein's lawyer: 'His accusers are guilty of a lot of things'

Harvey Weinstein 's lawyer has said the women who accused the convicted sex offender of assault were `` guilty of a lot of things '' including using him by sending him affectionate messages .
Donna Rotunno also said the case showed that men `` have no power anymore '' in sexual assault cases and women have too much .
Weinstein , the former king of Hollywood , has been jailed for 23 years after being found guilty of two charges at his sexual assault trial .
The Hollywood producer was found guilty of a criminal sex act for assaulting production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2006 and third-degree rape of Jessica Mann in 2013 - and could spend more than 25 years locked up for the offences .
His rape and sexual assault convictions were a landmark moment in the # MeToo movement , as at least 80 women had accused him of sexual misconduct going back decades .
But Ms Rotunno - who has a reputation as legal Rottweiler - has remained unflinchingly loyal to Weinstein .
She was accused during the trial of taunting witnesses , of bringing them to tears and inducing panic attacks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who testified against Weinstein were using him .
`` They were guilty of making Harvey Weinstein do things , making him believe that they wanted to be with him , that they wanted to spend time with him , '' she said .
`` And then get up on a witness stand and call him disgusting - sending him letters saying 'miss you big guy , ' sending letters saying 'love you lots ' .
I mean how is that ok ?
How are we as a society saying men all bad , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that evidence .
How do we reconcile that ? ''
When Sky News ' US correspondent Amanda Walker asked if that behaviour warranted sexual assault , Ms Rotunno said she was `` talking about two different things '' .
`` You 're asking me if the women were guilty - I 'm telling you that they were guilty of certain things .
No behaviour warrants sexual assault , none , '' she said .
But Ms Rotunno has previously said that she has never been sexually assaulted because she would never put herself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was implying there is a choice in being sexually assaulted , she said she was indicating that there is `` choice in circumstances in which we put ourselves '' .
Whatever happens at Weinstein 's sentencing , Ms Rotunno said she will be sad for her client who she described as `` wickedly intelligent '' .
`` You know , the people who criticised me , I do n't really think they think about the big picture and I do n't understand what they were hoping for , '' she said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people walk into a courtroom , tell their stories and not be asked any questions ?
It does n't make any sense , that 's not how a court procedure works . ''
Weinstein 's convictions happened with no forensic evidence and instead came down to the jurors accepting the testimony of his accusers .
Ms Rotunno did not welcome the fact that this marked the beginning of a shift in the way sex assault cases are tried .
`` If this becomes a pattern or a model for the way juries decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who finds themselves charged with a crime should be concerned , '' she said .
`` Because if we are finding people guilty , when there are mountains of doubt and very little evidence - if any at all - I think we need to question what the justice system looks like . ''
Walker suggested the idea of women coming to police with test tubes of evidence seemed unrealistic , to which Ms Rotunno said `` that 's not true '' .
`` The question is , do you have to believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
If you 're looking at it through a moral lens , everyone 's guilty , but that 's not what we do in a criminal justice system , that 's not how it works , '' Ms Rotunno said .
Ms Rotunno went on to say that she does not think men have any power anymore because `` a woman can say anything she wants and they 're going to be believed '' .
`` That takes away every ounce of power that a man has .
The pendulum is swinging so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it 's dangerous and scary and nobody 's going to change my mind about that . ''
Ahead of his sentencing , Weinstein 's defence team , have asked that he be shown mercy for his already `` historic fall from grace '' .

Harvey Weinstein's lawyer has said the women who accused the convicted sex offender of assault were "guilty of a lot of things" including using him by sending him affectionate messages.
Donna Rotunno also said the case showed that men "have no power anymore" in sexual assault cases and women have too much.
Weinstein, the former king of Hollywood, has been jailed for 23 years after being found guilty of two charges at his sexual assault trial.
The Hollywood producer was found guilty of a criminal sex act for assaulting production assistant Mimi Haleyi at his apartment in 2006 and third-degree rape of Jessica Mann in 2013 - and could spend more than 25 years locked up for the offences.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:07 Donna Rotunno talks to Sky's Amanda Walker
His rape and sexual assault convictions were a landmark moment in the #MeToo movement, as at least 80 women had accused him of sexual misconduct going back decades.
But Ms Rotunno - who has a reputation as legal Rottweiler - has remained unflinchingly loyal to Weinstein.
She was accused during the trial of taunting witnesses, of bringing them to tears and inducing panic attacks.
Now, she has said the women who testified against Weinstein were using him.
"They were guilty of making Harvey Weinstein do things, making him believe that they wanted to be with him, that they wanted to spend time with him," she said.
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Image: The former film mogul is facing 25 years in prison
"And then get up on a witness stand and call him disgusting - sending him letters saying 'miss you big guy,' sending letters saying 'love you lots'. I mean how is that ok? How are we as a society saying men all bad, women all good when we look at that evidence. How do we reconcile that?"
When Sky News' US correspondent Amanda Walker asked if that behaviour warranted sexual assault, Ms Rotunno said she was "talking about two different things".
"You're asking me if the women were guilty - I'm telling you that they were guilty of certain things. No behaviour warrants sexual assault, none," she said.
But Ms Rotunno has previously said that she has never been sexually assaulted because she would never put herself in that situation.
Asked if she was implying there is a choice in being sexually assaulted, she said she was indicating that there is "choice in circumstances in which we put ourselves".
Whatever happens at Weinstein's sentencing, Ms Rotunno said she will be sad for her client who she described as "wickedly intelligent".
"You know, the people who criticised me, I don't really think they think about the big picture and I don't understand what they were hoping for," she said.
"Were they hoping that we would let people walk into a courtroom, tell their stories and not be asked any questions? It doesn't make any sense, that's not how a court procedure works."
Weinstein's convictions happened with no forensic evidence and instead came down to the jurors accepting the testimony of his accusers.
Ms Rotunno did not welcome the fact that this marked the beginning of a shift in the way sex assault cases are tried.
"If this becomes a pattern or a model for the way juries decide cases, I think every single person who finds themselves charged with a crime should be concerned," she said.
"Because if we are finding people guilty, when there are mountains of doubt and very little evidence - if any at all - I think we need to question what the justice system looks like."
Walker suggested the idea of women coming to police with test tubes of evidence seemed unrealistic, to which Ms Rotunno said "that's not true".
"The question is, do you have to believe someone just because they make a statement? If you're looking at it through a moral lens, everyone's guilty, but that's not what we do in a criminal justice system, that's not how it works," Ms Rotunno said.
Ms Rotunno went on to say that she does not think men have any power anymore because "a woman can say anything she wants and they're going to be believed".
"That takes away every ounce of power that a man has. The pendulum is swinging so far in another direction that I think that it's dangerous and scary and nobody's going to change my mind about that."
Ahead of his sentencing, Weinstein's defence team, have asked that he be shown mercy for his already "historic fall from grace".


skynewsus--2020-03-12--Anonymous bitcoin users try to make DIY coronavirus vaccine

A group of anonymous bitcoin enthusiasts are attempting to crowdfund their own DIY vaccine for the coronavirus , saying clinical and animal trials will need to be `` hashed out by the community '' .
The self-described `` collective of biohackers '' calling itself CoroHope claims to be working alongside a biologist with over a decade of relevant experience , specifically including manufacturing vaccines .
No evidence has been provided of this person 's identity or qualifications , nor have any other senior members of the group identified themselves as being involved with the project .
The group , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it intends to develop and manufacture a plasmid DNA vaccine , an experimental type of vaccination which has only ever been approved in the US for use on animals .
This will be done completely outside of academia and without the involvement of either the pharmaceuticals industry or government regulators .
`` Without tens of millions of dollars there is no viable pathway for us to obtain the normal government clearance for a clinical trial , so our vaccine 's effectiveness will remain a mystery until several weeks or months after , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person has been publicly identified with the project , Bryan Bishop , who quit just a few days after joining according to cryptocurrency new site Coin Desk , citing the potential liabilities which producing a vaccine outside of the regulated channels could involve .
Despite the group 's ambitions , they acknowledge their potential vaccine would not be `` adopted by the medical community in any official sense '' but could be `` at best , a stopgap until those clinically-trialled treatments are widely available '' .
Even then the group 's mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liability and gives no guarantees or warrants '' before concluding : `` This should not be considered a reliable vaccine . ''
The group claims it would only need $ 10,000 for the initial stages of their research , synthesising a plasmid which would then be made available to other laboratories who wanted to investigate it .
DNA vaccines , unlike those made from parts of the actual virus , contain DNA which would produce the active antibodies in the patient to be able to fight off the virus if they were infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether HIV and Zika virus could be treated in this manner but no medicines developed this way have been approved for use in the US .

A group of anonymous bitcoin enthusiasts are attempting to crowdfund their own DIY vaccine for the coronavirus, saying clinical and animal trials will need to be "hashed out by the community".
The self-described "collective of biohackers" calling itself CoroHope claims to be working alongside a biologist with over a decade of relevant experience, specifically including manufacturing vaccines.
No evidence has been provided of this person's identity or qualifications, nor have any other senior members of the group identified themselves as being involved with the project.
The group, which is soliciting donations via the cryptocurrency, says it intends to develop and manufacture a plasmid DNA vaccine, an experimental type of vaccination which has only ever been approved in the US for use on animals.
This will be done completely outside of academia and without the involvement of either the pharmaceuticals industry or government regulators.
"Without tens of millions of dollars there is no viable pathway for us to obtain the normal government clearance for a clinical trial, so our vaccine's effectiveness will remain a mystery until several weeks or months after," the group claimed.
Only one person has been publicly identified with the project, Bryan Bishop, who quit just a few days after joining according to cryptocurrency new site Coin Desk, citing the potential liabilities which producing a vaccine outside of the regulated channels could involve.
Despite the group's ambitions, they acknowledge their potential vaccine would not be "adopted by the medical community in any official sense" but could be "at best, a stopgap until those clinically-trialled treatments are widely available".
Even then the group's mission document states that it "disclaims all liability and gives no guarantees or warrants" before concluding: "This should not be considered a reliable vaccine."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 This is how COVID-19 can damage your lungs
The group claims it would only need $10,000 for the initial stages of their research, synthesising a plasmid which would then be made available to other laboratories who wanted to investigate it.
DNA vaccines, unlike those made from parts of the actual virus, contain DNA which would produce the active antibodies in the patient to be able to fight off the virus if they were infected with it.
Trials are currently testing whether HIV and Zika virus could be treated in this manner but no medicines developed this way have been approved for use in the US.


skynewsus--2020-03-11--UK announces 2% tax on Facebook, Google and Amazon

The government has confirmed it will introduce a digital services tax to collect 2 % of online revenues made in the UK by companies such as Facebook , Google and Amazon .
Although it was not mentioned during Chancellor Rishi Sunak 's speech , which focused on the coronavirus outbreak , the government has confirmed the tax will be introduced on 1 April 2020 .
HMRC believes the tax could result in as much as £515m in additional annual income by the end of the financial year ending in 2025 .
The department explained the tax was likely to affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the provision of a social media service , a search engine or an online marketplace to UK users '' .
Key among these will be Facebook , Google and Amazon .
The American companies have often been criticised for paying very little tax on the large revenues which they generate in the UK .
Companies such as Apple , which are expanding into the digital services sector , including entertainment streaming and a credit card , may also be impacted .
Apple 's core revenues in the UK come from consumer device @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tax .
The Trump administration has previously threatened to slap tariffs on French products worth billions of dollars in retaliation to France 's similar tax .
The French levy is higher than Britain 's , demanding 3 % of annual revenues from companies making more than €750m ( £655m ) in sales globally and more than €25m ( £21m ) in France itself .
In the UK , the tax will only apply to companies with revenues greater than £500m from which more than £25m are generated by British users .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook , Google and Amazon , which individually bring in billions in annual revenue .
The US has claimed similar attempts to tax these web giants were designed to discriminate against American companies - thus justifying a stringent response with tariffs .
There has not yet been a response from the US regarding the UK 's taxation plans , but reports have suggested that Donald Trump and Boris Johnson have fallen out despite the president endorsing him during last year 's election .
According to the Financial Times , Mr Trump was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call with the prime minister over his decision to allow Huawei equipment within the UK 's 5G network infrastructure .

The government has confirmed it will introduce a digital services tax to collect 2% of online revenues made in the UK by companies such as Facebook, Google and Amazon.
Although it was not mentioned during Chancellor Rishi Sunak's speech, which focused on the coronavirus outbreak, the government has confirmed the tax will be introduced on 1 April 2020.
HMRC believes the tax could result in as much as £515m in additional annual income by the end of the financial year ending in 2025.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:09 A round-up of the chancellor's budget speech
The department explained the tax was likely to affect "large multi-national enterprises with revenue derived from the provision of a social media service, a search engine or an online marketplace to UK users".
Key among these will be Facebook, Google and Amazon. The American companies have often been criticised for paying very little tax on the large revenues which they generate in the UK.
Companies such as Apple, which are expanding into the digital services sector, including entertainment streaming and a credit card, may also be impacted.
Apple's core revenues in the UK come from consumer device sales which will not be impacted by the tax.
The Trump administration has previously threatened to slap tariffs on French products worth billions of dollars in retaliation to France's similar tax.
The French levy is higher than Britain's, demanding 3% of annual revenues from companies making more than €750m (£655m) in sales globally and more than €25m (£21m) in France itself.
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In the UK, the tax will only apply to companies with revenues greater than £500m from which more than £25m are generated by British users.
But both of these taxes will certainly include Facebook, Google and Amazon, which individually bring in billions in annual revenue.
The US has claimed similar attempts to tax these web giants were designed to discriminate against American companies - thus justifying a stringent response with tariffs.
There has not yet been a response from the US regarding the UK's taxation plans, but reports have suggested that Donald Trump and Boris Johnson have fallen out despite the president endorsing him during last year's election.
According to the Financial Times, Mr Trump was "apoplectic" with fury in a phone call with the prime minister over his decision to allow Huawei equipment within the UK's 5G network infrastructure.


skynewsus--2020-03-13--Trump says 'large scale' coronavirus testing will take place in US

Donald Trump has said the coronavirus testing in the US would soon happen on a large scale as the country @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 .
The president did not provide any further details on how large scale @ @ @ @ @ tweeted : `` The changes have been made and testing will soon happen on a @ @ @ @ @ `` All Red Tape has been cut , ready to go ! ''
It comes @ @ @ @ @ flights from mainland Europe to the US for 30 days .
Mr Trump is also @ @ @ @ @ about coming into contact with people who have contracted coronavirus .
According to CNN , @ @ @ @ @ about having exposure to anyone later diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Last weekend , Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ shoulder with Fábio Wajngarten , who serves as communications chief for Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro @ @ @ @ @ affairs minister Peter Dutton - who has tested positive for coronavirus - met with the @ @ @ @ @ and attorney general William Barr last week .

Donald Trump has said coronavirus testing in the US will soon happen on a large scale as the country looks to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The president did not provide any further details on how large-scale testing would take place but tweeted: "For decades the @CDCgov [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] looked at, and studied, its testing system, but did nothing about it.
"It would always be inadequate and slow for a large scale pandemic, but a pandemic would never happen, they hoped. President Obama made changes that only complicated things further.....
"Their response to H1N1 Swine Flu was a full scale disaster, with thousands dying, and nothing meaningful done to fix the testing problem, until now. The changes have been made and testing will soon happen on a very large scale basis. All Red Tape has been cut, ready to go!"
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It comes after the US, which has more than 1,700 confirmed cases of COVID-19, suspended all flights from mainland Europe to the US for 30 days.
Mr Trump is also reportedly "very concerned" about coming into contact with people who have contracted coronavirus.
According to CNN, the US president is worried about having exposure to anyone later diagnosed with COVID-19.
Image: Donald Trump was pictured with Fabio Wajngarten (right) who later tested positive for coronavirus. Pic: Instagram
Last weekend, Mr Trump was pictured standing shoulder to shoulder with Fabio Wajngarten, who serves as communications chief for Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
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Days later, Mr Wajngarten confirmed he had tested positive for the coronavirus - prompting Mr Trump to insist that he was not concerned.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, the US president had said: "We had dinner in Florida at Mar-a-Lago with the entire delegation, but we did nothing very unusual.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 COVID-19: The Scientific Advice
"We sat next to each other for a period of time. I am not concerned."
Contradicting Mr Trump's public remarks, a source told CNN: "He is very concerned about all the people he met who have it, including the Brazilian."
This is the first time that someone known to have the virus was in close proximity to the US president, and the White House says the 73-year-old president does not plan to self-isolate or be tested.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Trump's new anti-coronavirus measures
Meanwhile, Australia's home affairs minister Peter Dutton - who has tested positive for coronavirus - met with the president's daughter Ivanka Trump and attorney general William Barr last week.
Elsewhere, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will stay in isolation for two weeks after his wife Sophie tested positive for the coronavirus.
In a statement, Mrs Trudeau said she was "experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus" but will be "back on my feet soon".


skynewsus--2020-03-13--Trump: US may have to include UK in European coronavirus travel ban

Donald Trump says the UK may be added to a list of countries hit by a US travel ban over coronavirus - as he declared the pandemic a national emergency .
The UK and Ireland were exempt when the US president announced earlier this week he would not allow people from 26 European nations in the Schengen area to come into America for 30 days .
But he has now admitted he may have to add more countries to the ban , while taking others off the list .
Eleven people have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of confirmed infections has reached 798 - an increase of 208 over the last 24 hours .
Announcing the national emergency in the US , Mr Trump 's move will free up a total of $ 50bn ( £40.5bn ) for state and local governments to try to combat the spread of the virus .
More than 30 people in America have died after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and there have been over 1,200 infections in 46 states .
Worldwide , the disease has infected over 138,000 people and left more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House on Friday , Mr Trump said : `` We will defeat this threat .
When America is tested America rises to the occasion . ''
He added : `` This will pass . ''
Mr Trump indicated he himself would get tested for coronavirus `` fairly soon '' but said he had not shown any symptoms .
It comes after a photo reportedly taken last weekend showed him standing next to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro 's press secretary Fabio Wajngarten , who has tested positive for COVID-19 .
Mr Trump also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mr Bolsonaro , who has tested negative for the disease .
The US president said he was asking hospitals to activate their emergency preparedness plans , and will give doctors `` flexibility '' in treating patients , as he waived federal regulations and laws .
His administration has been accused of being too slow to make coronavirus testing available .
Mr Trump said he expected up to half a million extra tests will be brought out early next week , as he announced a public-private partnership to increase capability .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work out if they need to take the test , and what drive-through testing options are available to them , including in supermarket car parks .
The president also waived interest on federally-held student loans and told the department of energy to buy oil to help producers as crude prices have plunged .
Asked about the UK possibly being included in a US travel ban , a Downing Street spokesperson said : `` This is a matter for the US .
`` We 're not going to comment on measures taken by another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker By declaring the pandemic an emergency , the president has invoked a law known as the Stafford Act , which was originally introduced in 1988 .
It allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) - part of the Department of Homeland Security - to assist state and local governments during `` natural catastrophes '' and co-ordinate the nation 's response .
FEMA controls tens of billions of dollars in federal disaster relief funding which could be used for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and transport patients .
It comes as the speaker in House of Representatives , Nancy Pelosi , announced the Democrat-controlled House would approve a coronavirus aid package .
The plan would provide free coronavirus testing and two weeks of paid sick and family leave for those affected by the disease , Ms Pelosi said .
But Mr Trump has not backed the package , making its outcome uncertain in Congress .
Ms Pelosi does not need support from the Republicans to pass legislation in the Democrat-majority House .
But it would probably not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bipartisan support .
The House aid package builds on an emergency $ 8.3bn measure approved last week .

Donald Trump says the UK may be added to a list of countries hit by a US travel ban over coronavirus - as he declared the pandemic a national emergency.
The UK and Ireland were exempt when the US president announced earlier this week he would not allow people from 26 European nations in the Schengen area to come into America for 30 days.
But he has now admitted he may have to add more countries to the ban - which has now come into effect - while taking others off the list.
Eleven people have died in the UK after contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, and the number of confirmed infections has reached 798 - an increase of 208 over the last 24 hours.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Trump announced flight restrictions into the US on Thursday
In other developments across the world:
Mass gatherings in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers
in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events cancelled
is among a number of sporting events cancelled Anyone entering New Zealand will have to self-isolate for 14 days
will have to self-isolate for 14 days More than 145,000 cases and almost 5,500 deaths have been declared worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University
Italy recorded 250 cases in a day, bringing its total to almost 18,000
Announcing the national emergency in the US, Mr Trump's move will free up a total of $50bn (£40.5bn) for state and local governments to try to combat the spread of the virus.
More than 30 people in America have died after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and there have been over 1,200 infections in 46 states.
Worldwide, the disease has infected over 138,000 people and left more than 5,000 dead.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Mr Trump said: "We will defeat this threat. When America is tested America rises to the occasion."
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He added: "This will pass."
Mr Trump indicated he himself would get tested for coronavirus "fairly soon" but said he had not shown any symptoms.
Image: Donald Trump was pictured with Fabio Wajngarten (right) who later tested positive for coronavirus. Pic: Instagram
It comes after a photo reportedly taken last weekend showed him standing next to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's press secretary Fabio Wajngarten, who has tested positive for COVID-19.
White House physician Dr Sean P Conley also said the president encountered a second individual last weekend who later tested positive for coronavirus.
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The encounter was "low risk" and there was no need for the president to "home quarantine", Dr Conley said in a statement.
"The president's exposure to the first individual was extremely limited (photograph, handshake) and though he spent more time in closer proximity to the second case, all interactions occurred before any symptom onset," he added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
Mr Trump said he was asking hospitals to activate their emergency preparedness plans, and will give doctors "flexibility" in treating patients, as he waived federal regulations and laws.
His administration has been accused of being too slow to make coronavirus testing available.
Mr Trump said he expected up to half a million extra tests will be brought out early next week, as he announced a public-private partnership to increase capability.
He added that a Google website will help Americans work out if they need to take the test, and what drive-through testing options are available to them, including in supermarket car parks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 COVID-19 'much, much worse than Ebola'
The president also waived interest on federally-held student loans and told the department of energy to buy oil to help producers as crude prices have plunged.
Asked about the UK possibly being included in a US travel ban, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "This is a matter for the US.
"We're not going to comment on measures taken by another country."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
By declaring the pandemic an emergency, the president has invoked a law known as the Stafford Act, which was originally introduced in 1988.
It allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - part of the Department of Homeland Security - to assist state and local governments during "natural catastrophes" and co-ordinate the nation's response.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 Containment zone imposed in New York
FEMA controls tens of billions of dollars in federal disaster relief funding which could be used for measures including helping to build medical facilities and transport patients.
It comes as the speaker in House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, announced the Democrat-controlled House would approve a coronavirus aid package.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:30 COVID-19: The scientific advice
The plan would provide free coronavirus testing and two weeks of paid sick and family leave for those affected by the disease, Ms Pelosi said.
But Mr Trump has not backed the package, making its outcome uncertain in Congress.
Ms Pelosi does not need support from the Republicans to pass legislation in the Democrat-majority House.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'Europe is new epicentre of pandemic' - WHO
But it would probably not get far in the Republican-controlled Senate without bipartisan support.
The House aid package builds on an emergency $8.3bn measure approved last week.
Sky News will broadcast a special coronavirus programme at 6.30pm tonight, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews


skynewsus--2020-03-13--US to start 'large scale' coronavirus testing, Trump says

Donald Trump has said coronavirus testing in the US will soon happen on a large scale as the country looks to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
The president did not provide any further details on how large-scale testing would take place but tweeted : `` For decades the @ CDCgov [ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] looked at , and studied , its testing system , but did nothing about it .
`` It would always be inadequate and slow for a large scale pandemic , but a pandemic would never happen , they hoped .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further ... .. '' Their response to H1N1 Swine Flu was a full scale disaster , with thousands dying , and nothing meaningful done to fix the testing problem , until now .
The changes have been made and testing will soon happen on a very large scale basis .
All Red Tape has been cut , ready to go ! ''
It comes after the US , which has more than 1,700 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , suspended all flights from mainland Europe to the US for 30 days .
Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about coming into contact with people who have contracted coronavirus .
According to CNN , the US president is worried about having exposure to anyone later diagnosed with COVID-19 .
Last weekend , Mr Trump was pictured standing shoulder to shoulder with Fabio Wajngarten , who serves as communications chief for Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro .
Days later , Mr Wajngarten confirmed he had tested positive for the coronavirus - prompting Mr Trump to insist that he was not concerned .
Speaking to reporters at the White House , the US president had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida at Mar-a-Lago with the entire delegation , but we did nothing very unusual .
`` We sat next to each other for a period of time .
I am not concerned . ''
Contradicting Mr Trump 's public remarks , a source told CNN : `` He is very concerned about all the people he met who have it , including the Brazilian . ''
This is the first time that someone known to have the virus was in close proximity to the US president , and the White House says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or be tested .
Meanwhile , Australia 's home affairs minister Peter Dutton - who has tested positive for coronavirus - met with the president 's daughter Ivanka Trump and attorney general William Barr last week .
Elsewhere , Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will stay in isolation for two weeks after his wife Sophie tested positive for the coronavirus .
In a statement , Mrs Trudeau said she was `` experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of the virus '' but will be `` back on my feet soon '' .


skynewsus--2020-03-13--Trump says US may include UK in European coronavirus travel ban

Donald Trump says the UK may be added to a list of countries hit by a US travel ban over coronavirus - as he declared the pandemic a national emergency .
The UK and Ireland were exempt when the US president announced earlier this week he would not allow people from 26 European nations in the Schengen area to come into America for 30 days .
But he has now admitted he may have to add more countries to the ban - which has now come into effect - while taking others off the list .
Eleven people have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease caused by coronavirus , and the number of confirmed infections has reached 798 - an increase of 208 over the last 24 hours .
In other developments across the world : • Mass gatherings in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers • The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events cancelled • Anyone entering New Zealand will have to self-isolate for 14 days • More than 145,000 cases and almost 5,500 deaths have been declared worldwide , according to Johns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a day , bringing its total to almost 18,000 Announcing the national emergency in the US , Mr Trump 's move will free up a total of $ 50bn ( £40.5bn ) for state and local governments to try to combat the spread of the virus .
More than 30 people in America have died after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and there have been over 1,200 infections in 46 states .
Worldwide , the disease has infected over 138,000 people and left more than 5,000 dead .
Speaking at the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We will defeat this threat .
When America is tested America rises to the occasion . ''
He added : `` This will pass . ''
Mr Trump indicated he himself would get tested for coronavirus `` fairly soon '' but said he had not shown any symptoms .
It comes after a photo reportedly taken last weekend showed him standing next to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro 's press secretary Fabio Wajngarten , who has tested positive for COVID-19 .
White House physician Dr Sean P Conley also said the president encountered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for coronavirus .
The encounter was `` low risk '' and there was no need for the president to `` home quarantine '' , Dr Conley said in a statement .
`` The president 's exposure to the first individual was extremely limited ( photograph , handshake ) and though he spent more time in closer proximity to the second case , all interactions occurred before any symptom onset , '' he added .
Mr Trump said he was asking hospitals to activate their emergency preparedness plans , and will give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as he waived federal regulations and laws .
His administration has been accused of being too slow to make coronavirus testing available .
Mr Trump said he expected up to half a million extra tests will be brought out early next week , as he announced a public-private partnership to increase capability .
He added that a Google website will help Americans work out if they need to take the test , and what drive-through testing options are available to them , including in supermarket car parks .
The president also waived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department of energy to buy oil to help producers as crude prices have plunged .
Asked about the UK possibly being included in a US travel ban , a Downing Street spokesperson said : `` This is a matter for the US .
`` We 're not going to comment on measures taken by another country . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker By declaring the pandemic an emergency , the president has invoked a law known as the Stafford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1988 .
It allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) - part of the Department of Homeland Security - to assist state and local governments during `` natural catastrophes '' and co-ordinate the nation 's response .
FEMA controls tens of billions of dollars in federal disaster relief funding which could be used for measures including helping to build medical facilities and transport patients .
It comes as the speaker in House of Representatives , Nancy Pelosi , announced the Democrat-controlled House would approve a coronavirus aid package .
The plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks of paid sick and family leave for those affected by the disease , Ms Pelosi said .
But Mr Trump has not backed the package , making its outcome uncertain in Congress .
Ms Pelosi does not need support from the Republicans to pass legislation in the Democrat-majority House .
But it would probably not get far in the Republican-controlled Senate without bipartisan support .
The House aid package builds on an emergency $ 8.3bn measure approved last week .
Sky News will broadcast a special coronavirus programme at 6.30pm tonight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @


skynewsus--2020-03-14--Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft board to focus on philanthropy

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is stepping down from the company 's board so he can focus on philanthropy .
Mr Gates was Microsoft 's chief executive until 2000 and has since scaled back his involvement in the company he founded with Paul Allen in 1975 .
He withdrew from a day-to-day role in Microsoft in 2008 and served as chairman of the board until 2014 .
Mr Gates is also giving up his seat on the board of Berkshire Hathaway , the conglomerate headed by fellow billionaire Warren Buffett .
Mr Gates said he plans to dedicate more time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue in his role as technology adviser to Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella and other company leaders .
Mr Gates said the company would `` always be an important part of my life 's work '' and he would continue to be involved in its leadership .
He said : `` I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve - Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway - to dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities including global health and development , education , and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am looking forward to this next phase as an opportunity to maintain the friendships and partnerships that have meant the most to me , continue to contribute to two companies of which I am incredibly proud , and effectively prioritise my commitment to addressing some of the world 's toughest challenges . ''
Forbes lists Mr Gates as the world 's second richest man after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos , with a net worth of $ 103.6bn ( £84.4bn ) .
He made his fortune developing software for the personal computer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Microsoft signed an agreement with IBM to build the operating system MS-DOS .
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said : `` It 's been a tremendous honour and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years . ''

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is stepping down from the company's board so he can focus on philanthropy.
Mr Gates was Microsoft's chief executive until 2000 and has since scaled back his involvement in the company he founded with Paul Allen in 1975.
He withdrew from a day-to-day role in Microsoft in 2008 and served as chairman of the board until 2014.
Mr Gates is also giving up his seat on the board of Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate headed by fellow billionaire Warren Buffett.
Mr Gates said he plans to dedicate more time to his foundation with wife Melinda.
He will continue in his role as technology adviser to Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella and other company leaders.
Image: Bill Gates will continue to be involved in the leadership of Microsoft
Mr Gates said the company would "always be an important part of my life's work" and he would continue to be involved in its leadership.
He said: "I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve - Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway - to dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities including global health and development, education, and my increasing engagement in tackling climate change.
"I am looking forward to this next phase as an opportunity to maintain the friendships and partnerships that have meant the most to me, continue to contribute to two companies of which I am incredibly proud, and effectively prioritise my commitment to addressing some of the world's toughest challenges."
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Forbes lists Mr Gates as the world's second richest man after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, with a net worth of $103.6bn (£84.4bn).
He made his fortune developing software for the personal computer and got his big break in 1980 when Microsoft signed an agreement with IBM to build the operating system MS-DOS.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said: "It's been a tremendous honour and privilege to have worked with and learned from Bill over the years."


skynewsus--2020-03-14--US adds UK and Ireland to European travel ban as Trump is tested for COVID-19

The UK and Ireland are to be added to America 's European travel ban over the coronavirus pandemic , Donald Trump has confirmed .
The new restrictions will begin at midnight on Monday , eastern standard time ( 0400 GMT ) .
American citizens will still be allowed to return home to the US but they will be `` funnelled '' through selected airports , said Vice President Mike Pence , who is running the administration 's response to COVID-19 .
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said the travel ban was extended because of the growing outbreak in Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said : `` This is a decision for the US .
We are working to provide as much information and support to affected British nationals as possible .
`` We continue to coordinate closely with the US and other international partners on the global response to coronavirus . ''
Downing Street said on Saturday night that Boris Johnson had spoken to Mr Trump but did not confirm if they had discussed the travel ban .
`` They discussed the coronavirus pandemic and the action being taken to stop the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ten more people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus , as the number of cases exceeded 1,100 .
Ireland 's health department announced 39 new cases on Saturday , bringing the total to 129 .
There has also been one more death , raising the number to two .
There have been 50 deaths in the US , Mr Trump said in a news conference at the White House .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken before entering the room , and it was `` totally normal '' .
Journalists had their temperatures checked too .
The president also revealed he had been tested for COVID-19 , but has not yet received the result .
He met a Brazilian delegation last week , at least one of whom has since tested positive .
Dr Anthony Fauci said there were 20,226 coronavirus cases in the US , and the peak of the outbreak had not been reached .
The immunologist added that it was `` all systems go '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday - a move that frees up $ 50bn ( £41bn ) in aid .
`` This will get worse before it gets better , '' Surgeon General Jerome Adams said during the briefing .
Economists say the outbreak could tip the US economy into recession .
Visits to nursing homes are being suspended , Mr Pence said .
Some schools have closed , and sports and entertainment events been postponed .
Domestic travel is not expected to be restricted , a Department of Homeland Security official said .
An 82-year-old woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatality , authorities there said .
She had been in hospital in Manhattan since 3 March .
Apple has said it will close all its shops , except those in Greater China , for the next two weeks to help reduce the number of coronavirus cases .
President Trump said it would be good if other companies followed Apple 's lead .

The UK and Ireland are to be added to America's European travel ban over the coronavirus pandemic, Donald Trump has confirmed.
The new restrictions will begin at midnight on Monday, eastern standard time (0400 GMT).
American citizens will still be allowed to return home to the US but they will be "funnelled" through selected airports, said Vice President Mike Pence, who is running the administration's response to COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 What is herd immunity?
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said the travel ban was extended because of the growing outbreak in Britain.
In response, a Foreign Office spokesman said: "This is a decision for the US. We are working to provide as much information and support to affected British nationals as possible.
"We continue to coordinate closely with the US and other international partners on the global response to coronavirus."
Downing Street said on Saturday night that Boris Johnson had spoken to Mr Trump but did not confirm if they had discussed the travel ban.
"They discussed the coronavirus pandemic and the action being taken to stop the spread of the virus," a Downing Street spokesman said.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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Ten more people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus, as the number of cases exceeded 1,100.
Ireland's health department announced 39 new cases on Saturday, bringing the total to 129. There has also been one more death, raising the number to two.
There have been 50 deaths in the US, Mr Trump said in a news conference at the White House.
In other developments:
Dr Anthony Fauci said there were 20,226 coronavirus cases in the US, and the peak of the outbreak had not been reached.
The immunologist added that it was "all systems go" after Mr Trump declared a national emergency on Friday - a move that frees up $50bn (£41bn) in aid.
"This will get worse before it gets better," Surgeon General Jerome Adams said during the briefing.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 'Europe is new epicentre of pandemic' - WHO
Economists say the outbreak could tip the US economy into recession.
Visits to nursing homes are being suspended, Mr Pence said.
Some schools have closed, and sports and entertainment events been postponed.
Domestic travel is not expected to be restricted, a Department of Homeland Security official said.
An 82-year-old woman has become New York's first coronavirus fatality, authorities there said. She had been in hospital in Manhattan since 3 March.
Apple has said it will close all its shops, except those in Greater China, for the next two weeks to help reduce the number of coronavirus cases.
President Trump said it would be good if other companies followed Apple's lead.


skynewsus--2020-03-14--Trump tests negative for coronavirus after meeting infected Brazilian official

Donald Trump has tested negative for coronavirus after a meeting with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and a staff member who tested positive , the president 's doctor said .
The White House released the test results on Saturday night after Mr Trump revealed hours earlier he had taken the COVID-19 test .
He had refused to be tested for days despite being in direct and indirect contact with several people who have coronavirus , including three who he spent time with last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida .
One of the trio was the Brazilian president 's communications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive on Thursday .
Mr Trump and vice president Mike Pence had said they did not need to be tested as they had `` almost no interactions '' with him , although he posted a picture on Instagram of himself next to the pair and was seen in a video just behind the two presidents .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Late on Friday , the Brazilian Embassy in Washington said the country 's charge d'affaires , Nestor Forster , tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table at a dinner .
The third infected person attended a campaign fundraiser with the president , according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity .
Mr Trump had been reluctant to take the test in case it projected weakness or worry , two people close to the White House said .
• Ten more patients have died in England after testing positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total UK deaths to 21 • The PM will be told by Virgin Atlantic bosses that the airline industry needs government aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learns • Hundreds of people , including scientists , have written to the government urging immediate `` more restrictive measures '' be brought in to enforce social distancing • Donald Trump confirms European travel ban is to be extended to the UK and Ireland on Monday , as he tests negative for coronavirus after meeting an infected Brazilian official • Jet2 planes heading to Spain turned back in mid-air as the airline announced it was cancelling all flights to the country • Private hospital beds may be taken over for coronavirus patients On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases had been confirmed in the US , but Dr Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease said the outbreak had not yet reached its peak .
Mr Trump extended a European travel ban on Saturday to include the UK and Ireland after a sharp rise in cases and deaths .
Before becoming president , Mr Trump admitted he was scared of germs and tried to avoid handshakes .
However , on Saturday he said since becoming a politician he has found it difficult to resist shaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday where Mr Trump declared a national emergency , he shook hands of several corporate executives even though the White House 's health policy experts have urged Americans to avoid physical contact .
The White House has introduced temperatures checks on anyone who is in close contact with Mr Trump and Mr Pence , including reporters who attend White House briefings and anyone entering the Oval Office .

Donald Trump has tested negative for coronavirus after a meeting with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and a staff member who tested positive, the president's doctor said.
The White House released the test results on Saturday night after Mr Trump revealed hours earlier he had taken the COVID-19 test.
He had refused to be tested for days despite being in direct and indirect contact with several people who have coronavirus, including three who he spent time with last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.
Image: Donald Trump was pictured with Fabio Wajngarten (right) who later tested positive for coronavirus. Pic: Instagram
One of the trio was the Brazilian president's communications director, Fabio Wajngarten, who tested positive on Thursday.
Mr Trump and vice president Mike Pence had said they did not need to be tested as they had "almost no interactions" with him, although he posted a picture on Instagram of himself next to the pair and was seen in a video just behind the two presidents.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Late on Friday, the Brazilian Embassy in Washington said the country's charge d'affaires, Nestor Forster, tested positive after sitting at Mr Trump's table at a dinner.
The third infected person attended a campaign fundraiser with the president, according to two Republican officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Mr Trump had been reluctant to take the test in case it projected weakness or worry, two people close to the White House said.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:09 Trump: I am declaring a national emergency
In other developments:
On Saturday, a total of 2,226 COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the US, but Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease said the outbreak had not yet reached its peak.
Mr Trump extended a European travel ban on Saturday to include the UK and Ireland after a sharp rise in cases and deaths.
Before becoming president, Mr Trump admitted he was scared of germs and tried to avoid handshakes.
However, on Saturday he said since becoming a politician he has found it difficult to resist shaking hands.
Image: President Trump thanked those working to stop COVID-19 in the US
At a news conference on Friday where Mr Trump declared a national emergency, he shook hands of several corporate executives even though the White House's health policy experts have urged Americans to avoid physical contact.
The White House has introduced temperatures checks on anyone who is in close contact with Mr Trump and Mr Pence, including reporters who attend White House briefings and anyone entering the Oval Office.


skynewsus--2020-03-14--US to add UK and Ireland to European travel ban over COVID-19

The UK and Ireland are to be added to America 's European travel ban over the coronavirus pandemic , Donald Trump has confirmed .
The new restrictions will begin at midnight on Monday , eastern standard time ( 0400 GMT ) .
American citizens will still be allowed to return home to the US but they will be `` funnelled '' through selected airports , said Vice President Mike Pence , who is running the administration 's response to COVID-19 .
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said the travel ban was extended because of the growing outbreak in Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said : `` This is a decision for the US .
We are working to provide as much information and support to affected British nationals as possible .
`` We continue to coordinate closely with the US and other international partners on the global response to coronavirus . ''
Downing Street said on Saturday night that Boris Johnson had spoken to Mr Trump but did not confirm if they had discussed the travel ban .
`` They discussed the coronavirus pandemic and the action being taken to stop the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ten more people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus , as the number of cases exceeded 1,100 .
Ireland 's health department announced 39 new cases on Saturday , bringing the total to 129 .
There has also been one more death , raising the number to two .
There have been 50 deaths in the US , Mr Trump said in a news conference at the White House .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ England after testing positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total UK deaths to 21 • The PM will be told by Virgin Atlantic bosses that the airline industry needs government aid worth up to £7.5bn , Sky News learns • Hundreds of people , including scientists , have written to the government urging immediate `` more restrictive measures '' be brought in to enforce social distancing • Donald Trump confirms European travel ban is to be extended to the UK and Ireland on Monday , as he tests negative for coronavirus after meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heading to Spain turned back in mid-air as the airline announced it was cancelling all flights to the country • Private hospital beds may be taken over for coronavirus patients Dr Anthony Fauci said there were 20,226 coronavirus cases in the US , and the peak of the outbreak had not been reached .
The immunologist added that it was `` all systems go '' after Mr Trump declared a national emergency on Friday - a move that frees up $ 50bn ( £41bn ) in aid .
`` This will get worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Jerome Adams said during the briefing .
Economists say the outbreak could tip the US economy into recession .
Visits to nursing homes are being suspended , Mr Pence said .
Some schools have closed , and sports and entertainment events been postponed .
Domestic travel is not expected to be restricted , a Department of Homeland Security official said .
An 82-year-old woman has become New York 's first coronavirus fatality , authorities there said .
She had been in hospital in Manhattan since 3 March .
Apple has said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in Greater China , for the next two weeks to help reduce the number of coronavirus cases .
President Trump said it would be good if other companies followed Apple 's lead .


skynewsus--2020-03-15--Trump urges coronavirus panic buyers to 'relax' as Fed slash interest rate

Donald Trump has urged the public to stop hoarding groceries during the coronavirus outbreak , telling Americans to `` take it easy '' and `` relax '' .
The US president 's message came as many supermarket shelves across the US - and the UK - were emptied , with people stockpiling supplies including canned food , pasta and toilet paper .
America 's central bank , the Federal Reserve , took emergency action on Sunday to help the US economy withstand the virus by slashing its benchmark interest rate to near zero .
In a White House briefing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested negative for COVID-19 - said shops were working to keep up with demand but added `` there 's no need for anyone in the country to hoard essential food supplies '' .
`` You do n't have to buy so much .
Take it easy .
Just relax , '' he said .
`` We 're doing great .
It all will pass .
`` Can you buy a little bit less , please ? ''
Mr Trump said there were `` no shortages '' but some people were buying three to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase .
He added that he held a call with the officials from America 's leading grocery outlets who were stocking up even more than they would around Christmas time .
Mr Trump also hailed the `` very good news '' that the Federal Reserve had slashed its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to a target range of 0 % to 0.25 % .
The US central bank said that rate would remain until it feels confident the economy has weathered recent events .
It has also dropped its requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move to encourage lending .
US officials have recorded nearly 3,000 COVID-19 cases and 62 deaths linked to the virus .
The US has lagged behind other developed nations in its ability to test for coronavirus , but Vice President Mike Pence promised that Americans would have access in the days ahead to more than 2,000 laboratories capable of processing tests .
In an effort to combat the spread of the virus , New York City is closing nearly 1,900 public schools , affecting more than a million children .
The US states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures by ordering all bars and restaurants to close .
People returning to the US faced long queues as they were screened for coronavirus , prompting federal officials to deploy more staff and Mr Trump to appeal for patience .
The US president said airport checks are `` moving as quickly as possible but it was important to be vigilant and careful .
Meanwhile , the German government is trying to stop the Trump administration from persuading a German company seeking a coronavirus vaccine to move its research to the US .
Sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US government is looking into how it could gain access to a potential vaccine being developed by a German firm CureVac .
The German newspaper Welt am Sonntag reported that Mr Trump had offered funds to lure CureVac to the US , and the German government was making counter-offers to tempt it to stay .
However , Richard Grenell , the US ambassador to Germany , insisted on Twitter that `` the Welt story was wrong '' .

Donald Trump has urged the public to stop hoarding groceries during the coronavirus outbreak, telling Americans to "take it easy" and "relax".
The US president's message came as many supermarket shelves across the US - and the UK - were emptied, with people stockpiling supplies including canned food, pasta and toilet paper.
America's central bank, the Federal Reserve, took emergency action on Sunday to help the US economy withstand the virus by slashing its benchmark interest rate to near zero.
In a White House briefing on Sunday, Mr Trump - who has tested negative for COVID-19 - said shops were working to keep up with demand but added "there's no need for anyone in the country to hoard essential food supplies".
"You don't have to buy so much. Take it easy. Just relax," he said.
"We're doing great. It all will pass.
"Can you buy a little bit less, please?"
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Mr Trump said there were "no shortages" but some people were buying three to five times the amount they would normally purchase.
He added that he held a call with the officials from America's leading grocery outlets who were stocking up even more than they would around Christmas time.
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Mr Trump also hailed the "very good news" that the Federal Reserve had slashed its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to a target range of 0% to 0.25%.
The US central bank said that rate would remain until it feels confident the economy has weathered recent events.
It has also dropped its requirements that banks hold cash reserves in another move to encourage lending.
Image: Supermarket shelves were emptied in Saugus, Massachusetts
Other central banks around the world, including the Bank of England, the Bank of Canada, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank, and the Swiss National Bank, announced they would co-ordinate to ease liquidity in an attempt to blunt the economic impact of the virus.
A statement from the governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, and incoming governor, Andrew Bailey, said: "Today's co-ordinated action by major central banks will improve global liquidity by lowering the price and extending the maximum term of US dollar lending operations. These new operations will help ease strains in global funding markets, thereby supporting the supply of credit to households and businesses.
"This action complements other steps being taken by central banks and other national authorities, including the comprehensive and timely package of measures launched by the Bank of England last Wednesday. These measures, reinforced by targeted fiscal actions such as in the UK budget, will help economies to bridge the disruption from an economic shock that could prove sharp and large, but should be temporary."
Image: Shoppers line up in a supermarket in Virginia
US officials have recorded nearly 3,000 COVID-19 cases and 62 deaths linked to the virus.
The US has lagged behind other developed nations in its ability to test for coronavirus, but Vice President Mike Pence promised that Americans would have access in the days ahead to more than 2,000 laboratories capable of processing tests.
In an effort to combat the spread of the virus, New York City is closing nearly 1,900 public schools, affecting more than a million children, and Mayor Bill de Blasio has ordered the city's restaurants, bars, theatres and cinemas to shut.
The US states of Ohio, Illinois and Los Angeles have also taken measures by ordering all bars and restaurants to close.
People returning to the US faced long queues as they were screened for coronavirus, prompting federal officials to deploy more staff and Mr Trump to appeal for patience.
Image: People wait to check-in at Miami International Airport
The US president said airport checks are "moving as quickly as possible but it was important to be vigilant and careful".
Meanwhile, the German government is trying to stop the Trump administration from persuading a German company seeking a coronavirus vaccine to move its research to the US.
Sources told the Reuters news agency that the US government is looking into how it could gain access to a potential vaccine being developed by a German firm CureVac.
The German newspaper Welt am Sonntag reported that Mr Trump had offered funds to lure CureVac to the US, and the German government was making counter-offers to tempt it to stay.
However, Richard Grenell, the US ambassador to Germany, insisted on Twitter that "the Welt story was wrong".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
In other developments:
Globally more than 169,000 are infected and over 6,500 have died
US President Donald Trump tests negative for the coronavirus
Guatemala logs its first fatality from COVID-19
Italy records 368 more deaths from the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday, its biggest one day rise
France is preparing an order that would put the country under partial lockdown to combat the epidemic
Britain will isolate older people "within weeks" and force into quarantine anyone diagnosed with coronavirus
"within weeks" and force into quarantine anyone diagnosed with coronavirus Jordan confirms 12 new cases of the coronavirus
More major retailers shut stores in the US including Nike, Under Armour, and Lululemon Athletica
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm


skynewsus--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Foreign Office warns against all but essential travel to US

The Foreign Office has warned against all but essential travel to the United States .
The move comes hours after Washington said a ban on UK and Irish flights to the US would be introduced because of the coronavirus outbreak .
A Foreign Office spokesperson said : `` We are advising against all but essential travel to the USA following the US government announcement imposing restrictions on travel from the UK . ''
Britons will be added to America 's ban on travellers from Europe from 4am GMT on Tuesday .
People with journeys planned are advised to check with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already in America are also recommended to stay in contact with their travel company and airline .
Acting homeland security secretary Chad Wolf said the ban had been extended because of the growing COVID-19 outbreak in the UK , where 35 people have died .
Downing Street said on Saturday night that Boris Johnson had spoken to Mr Trump but did not confirm if they had discussed the ban .
America 's 30-day suspension on passenger flights from the Schengen Area of mainland Europe started on Friday - but the UK and Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed the European Union for not acting quickly to address the outbreak and said US clusters were `` seeded '' by European travellers .
However , he said the UK was doing a `` good job '' on handling the situation The ban was criticised by the EU , which said it was a `` unilateral decision '' taken `` without consultation '' .
Meanwhile , the coronavirus continues to cause havoc for international travel and the world 's airlines .
Ryanair has announced major cuts to its Spanish flights because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group Airlines ( including Buzz and Lauda ) has been forced to severely reduce flights to/from Spain , the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from 24:00 Sun 15 Mar until 24:00 Thurs 19 Mar , '' said a statement .
The chairman of Virgin Airlines is also set to tell Boris Johnson the UK airline industry needs billions to avert a catastrophe .
Morocco has suspended all international passenger flights to and from its airports .
The country has had 28 coronavirus cases including one death .
Sky News will broadcast a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answering your questions # AskSkyNews

The Foreign Office has warned against all but essential travel to the United States.
The move comes hours after Washington said a ban on UK and Irish flights to the US would be introduced because of the coronavirus outbreak.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are advising against all but essential travel to the USA following the US government announcement imposing restrictions on travel from the UK."
Britons will be added to America's ban on travellers from Europe from 4am GMT on Tuesday.
People with journeys planned are advised to check with their airline and tour operator.
Those already in America are also recommended to stay in contact with their travel company and airline.
Acting homeland security secretary Chad Wolf said the ban had been extended because of the growing COVID-19 outbreak in the UK, where 35 people have died.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 Trump announces UK and Ireland travel ban
Downing Street said on Saturday night that Boris Johnson had spoken to Mr Trump but did not confirm if they had discussed the ban.
America's 30-day suspension on passenger flights from the Schengen Area of mainland Europe started on Friday - but the UK and Ireland were not initially included.
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President Trump blamed the European Union for not acting quickly to address the outbreak and said US clusters were "seeded" by European travellers.
However, he said the UK was doing a "good job" on handling the situation
The ban was criticised by the EU, which said it was a "unilateral decision" taken "without consultation".
Meanwhile, the coronavirus continues to cause havoc for international travel and the world's airlines.
Ryanair has announced major cuts to its Spanish flights because of the lockdown in the country.
"Ryanair Group Airlines (including Buzz and Lauda) has been forced to severely reduce flights to/from Spain, the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from 24:00 Sun 15 Mar until 24:00 Thurs 19 Mar," said a statement.
The chairman of Virgin Airlines is also set to tell Boris Johnson the UK airline industry needs billions to avert a catastrophe.
Morocco has suspended all international passenger flights to and from its airports. The country has had 28 coronavirus cases including one death.
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6:30pm tonight, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews


skynewsus--2020-03-16--US cities put into lockdown as countries across world impose border controls

New York 's mayor has ordered restaurants , bars and cafes to only sell food on a takeaway or delivery basis as the city battles to halt the spread of COVID-19 .
Bill de Blasio also moved to close nightclubs , cinemas , theatres and concert venues .
In a written statement , he said : `` This is not a decision I make lightly .
`` These places are part of the heart and soul of our city .
They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker .
But our city is facing an unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wartime mentality . ''
Similarly in Los Angeles , Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an executive order on Sunday to close bars , nightclubs , entertainment venues and gyms until at least 31 March .
Mr Garcetti said restaurants will be closed to the public but will be allowed to do takeaway and delivery .
Supermarkets will remain open .
Illinois , Ohio , Massachusetts and Washington state are also among places that ordered bars to close and restaurants to stop dine-in services .
Health officials have advised people to distance themselves from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banning gatherings with more than a certain number of people .
The decision comes just hours after Donald Trump urged the public to stop hoarding groceries during the coronavirus outbreak , telling Americans to `` take it easy '' and `` relax '' .
During a briefing , the president also hailed the `` very good news '' that the Federal Reserve had slashed its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to a target range of 0 % to 0.25 % .
US officials have recorded nearly 3,000 COVID-19 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky 's US correspondent , Greg Milam , said cities and states had decided `` it 's up to them to deal with it '' amid criticism of Mr Trump 's response .
A new round of restrictions and border closures have been announced globally .
Spain has enforced a nationwide quarantine , while Austria 's chancellor said his government was limiting people 's movement nationwide .
This came shortly after the country 's Tyrol province followed Italy and Spain in barring people from leaving their homes except for essential errands and work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down all public transport starting today and planned to shut all but food shops and pharmacies .
Estonia and Latvia confirmed they would close their borders to foreign nationals , except residents , from Tuesday .
Turkey has put aside quarantine beds for more than 10,000 people returning from pilgrimage to Islam 's holy sites in Saudi Arabia .
Italy , the worst-hit European country with more than 21,000 infections and 1,400 deaths , wound its nearly week-old lockdown still tighter .
The transport ministry banned passengers from taking ferries to the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ train trips - which many in the worst-affected north had been taking to reach homes and families in the south .
France , which has reported 4,500 cases and 91 deaths , went ahead with nationwide elections to choose mayors and other local leaders despite a crackdown on public gatherings .
The state of Bavaria in neighbouring Germany , which had reported nearly 3,800 cases and eight deaths nationwide as of Saturday , also went ahead with municipal elections .
There were tough steps being taken in South East Asia too , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philippine capital Manila from most domestic travellers , in one of the region 's most drastic containment measures .
In Indonesia , President Joko Widodo asked all people to work , study and worship from home .
In China , where the virus was first detected , those arriving on overseas flights were routed to a converted exhibition centre for initial checks before being shuttled off to their homes or other quarantine locations .
The virus has infected more than 169,000 people worldwide and killed over 6,500 .
China , Italy , Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries with the most cases .
In the Middle East , Muslim authorities announced that Jerusalem 's al Aqsa mosque , Islam 's third-holiest site , would be closed indefinitely due to concerns about the outbreak , with prayers continuing to be held on the sprawling esplanade outside .
Iran said it had nearly 14,000 virus cases and 724 deaths , while Egypt has reported 110 cases , including two fatalities .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's trial on serious corruption charges , which was supposed to begin this week , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on public gatherings .
Guatemala has logged its first fatality from coronavirus as nations in South and Central America ramped up measures to contain the infection , with Panama banning entry of non-resident foreigners and Honduras closing its borders to passenger traffic for a week .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The leaders of Argentina and Peru also announced border closures .
Several African governments have closed borders , cancelled flights and imposed strict entry and quarantine requirements to contain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a national state of disaster and warned the outbreak could have a `` potentially lasting '' impact and banned gatherings of more than 100 people .
Kenya suspended travel from any country with reported COVID-19 cases .
In West Africa , Ghana will ban entry from Tuesday to anyone who has been to a country with more than 200 coronavirus cases in the past 14 days , unless they are an official resident or Ghanaian national .
In southern Africa , Namibia ordered schools to close for a month after recording its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no confirmed case of COVID-19 , has suspended all international flights and Tanzania cancelled flights to India and suspended school games .
• Virus has infected more than 169,000 people worldwide and killed over 6,500 • Italy records 368 more deaths from the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday , its biggest one day rise • Britain will isolate older people `` within weeks '' and force into quarantine anyone diagnosed with coronavirus • Public Health England ( PHE ) warned health chiefs the epidemic in the UK could last until spring 2021 • More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Nike , Under Armour , and Lululemon Athletica Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm , with experts answering your questions # AskSkyNews at 12.30pm

New York's mayor has ordered restaurants, bars and cafes to only sell food on a takeaway or delivery basis as the city battles to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Bill de Blasio also moved to close nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert venues.
In a written statement, he said: "This is not a decision I make lightly.
Image: Restaurants are closed to dine-in customers
Image: Restaurants in New York have been made to close
"These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality."
Similarly in Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an executive order on Sunday to close bars, nightclubs, entertainment venues and gyms until at least 31 March.
Mr Garcetti said restaurants will be closed to the public but will be allowed to do takeaway and delivery. Supermarkets will remain open.
Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts and Washington state are also among places that ordered bars to close and restaurants to stop dine-in services.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Health officials have advised people to distance themselves from each other socially, with some states banning gatherings with more than a certain number of people.
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The decision comes just hours after Donald Trump urged the public to stop hoarding groceries during the coronavirus outbreak, telling Americans to "take it easy" and "relax".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 How Italians are coping under lockdown
During a briefing, the president also hailed the "very good news" that the Federal Reserve had slashed its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to a target range of 0% to 0.25%.
US officials have recorded more than 4,600 COVID-19 cases and 85 deaths linked to the virus.
Sky's US correspondent, Greg Milam, said cities and states had decided "it's up to them to deal with it" amid criticism of Mr Trump's response.
The new measures came as the confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world surpassed 169,000 - meaning there have now been more confirmed cases outside than inside China, where the figure stands at over 81,000.
Globally, more than 6,500 people have died after testing positive for COVID-19. China, Italy, Iran, South Korea and Spain are the countries with the most cases.
Further restrictions and border closures are continuing to be announced around the world.
Spain has enforced a nationwide quarantine, while Austria's chancellor said his government was limiting people's movement nationwide.
This came shortly after the country's Tyrol province followed Italy and Spain in barring people from leaving their homes except for essential errands and work.
Neighbouring Slovenia said it would shut down all public transport starting today and planned to shut all but food shops and pharmacies.
Estonia and Latvia confirmed they would close their borders to foreign nationals, except residents, from Tuesday.
Turkey has put aside quarantine beds for more than 10,000 people returning from pilgrimage to Islam's holy sites in Saudi Arabia. It has also suspended mass prayers in mosques.
Image: People wave and clap their hands next to a Italian flags during a lockdown 'flash mob' in Rome
Italy, the worst-hit European country with more than 21,000 infections and 1,400 deaths, wound its nearly week-old lockdown still tighter.
The transport ministry banned passengers from taking ferries to the island of Sardinia, and also banned overnight train trips - which many in the worst-affected north had been taking to reach homes and families in the south.
Nearby Morocco has suspended all international flights and announced it will close all mosques from Monday along with restaurants, theatres and sports clubs. Takeaway food and shops selling essentials are exempt.
Somalia confirmed its first case of coronavirus - a Somali national who travelled from China last week - after they tested positive for COVID-19.
France, which has reported 4,500 cases and 91 deaths, went ahead with nationwide elections to choose mayors and other local leaders despite a crackdown on public gatherings.
Image: Restaurants in Paris have also been closed
The state of Bavaria in neighbouring Germany, which had reported nearly 3,800 cases and eight deaths nationwide as of Saturday, also went ahead with municipal elections.
German newspaper Bild has since reported that the government is looking to close restaurants, non-essential shops and ban church services as part of a new wave of measures to tackle the outbreak.
Meanwhile, German airline Lufthansa has said it will cut 90% of its long-haul flights from Tuesday and the country's Bundesliga and second division football leagues will be put on hold until 2 April at the very least.
There were tough steps being taken in South East Asia too, with soldiers and police sealing the densely populated Philippine capital Manila from most domestic travellers, in one of the region's most drastic containment measures.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 Other European countries are continuing to impose strict measures
In Indonesia, President Joko Widodo asked all people to work, study and worship from home.
Malaysia said it would restrict travel, ban public gatherings, and close schools, universities and shops from Wednesday.
In China, where the virus was first detected, those arriving on overseas flights were routed to a converted exhibition centre for initial checks before being shuttled off to their homes or other quarantine locations.
In the Middle East, Muslim authorities announced that Jerusalem's al Aqsa mosque, Islam's third-holiest site, would be closed indefinitely due to concerns about the outbreak, with prayers continuing to be held on the sprawling esplanade outside.
Iran said it had nearly 14,000 virus cases and 724 deaths, while Egypt has reported 110 cases, including two fatalities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial on serious corruption charges, which was supposed to begin this week, was postponed for two months because of restrictions on public gatherings.
Guatemala has logged its first fatality from coronavirus as nations in South and Central America ramped up measures to contain the infection, with Panama banning entry of non-resident foreigners and Honduras closing its borders to passenger traffic for a week.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The leaders of Argentina and Peru also announced border closures.
Several African governments have closed borders, cancelled flights and imposed strict entry and quarantine requirements to contain the spread of coronavirus.
South Africa declared a national state of disaster and warned the outbreak could have a "potentially lasting" impact and banned gatherings of more than 100 people.
Kenya suspended travel from any country with reported COVID-19 cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:13 Americans rush to board final planes to US
In west Africa, Ghana will ban entry from Tuesday to anyone who has been to a country with more than 200 coronavirus cases in the past 14 days, unless they are an official resident or Ghanaian national.
In southern Africa, Namibia ordered schools to close for a month after recording its first two cases.
Djibouti, which has no confirmed case of COVID-19, has suspended all international flights and Tanzania cancelled flights to India and suspended school games.
In other developments:
Virus has infected more than 169,000 people worldwide and killed over 6,500
Italy records 368 more deaths from the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday, its biggest one day rise
Britain will isolate older people "within weeks" and force into quarantine anyone diagnosed with coronavirus
"within weeks" and force into quarantine anyone diagnosed with coronavirus Public Health England (PHE) warned health chiefs the epidemic in the UK could last until spring 2021
As of 9am on Monday, 1,543 people had tested positive for coronavirus in the UK
Figures from Sunday show 35 people in the UK have died since being diagnosed
show 35 people in the UK have died since being diagnosed More major retailers shut stores in the US including Nike, Under Armour, and Lululemon Athletica
Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm, with experts answering your questions #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm


skynewsus--2020-03-15--Trump urges coronavirus panic buyers to 'relax' as Fed slashes interest rate

Donald Trump has urged the public to stop hoarding groceries during the coronavirus outbreak , telling Americans to `` take it easy '' and `` relax '' .
The US president 's message came as many supermarket shelves across the US - and the UK - were emptied , with people stockpiling supplies including canned food , pasta and toilet paper .
America 's central bank , the Federal Reserve , took emergency action on Sunday to help the US economy withstand the virus by slashing its benchmark interest rate to near zero .
In a White House briefing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested negative for COVID-19 - said shops were working to keep up with demand but added `` there 's no need for anyone in the country to hoard essential food supplies '' .
`` You do n't have to buy so much .
Take it easy .
Just relax , '' he said .
`` We 're doing great .
It all will pass .
`` Can you buy a little bit less , please ? ''
Mr Trump said there were `` no shortages '' but some people were buying three to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase .
He added that he held a call with the officials from America 's leading grocery outlets who were stocking up even more than they would around Christmas time .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Mr Trump also hailed the `` very good news '' that the Federal Reserve had slashed its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to a target range of 0 % to 0.25 % .
The US central bank said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident the economy has weathered recent events .
It has also dropped its requirements that banks hold cash reserves in another move to encourage lending .
Other central banks around the world , including the Bank of England , the Bank of Canada , the Bank of Japan , the European Central Bank , and the Swiss National Bank , announced they would co-ordinate to ease liquidity in an attempt to blunt the economic impact of the virus .
A statement from the governor of the Bank of England , Mark Carney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Today 's co-ordinated action by major central banks will improve global liquidity by lowering the price and extending the maximum term of US dollar lending operations .
These new operations will help ease strains in global funding markets , thereby supporting the supply of credit to households and businesses .
`` This action complements other steps being taken by central banks and other national authorities , including the comprehensive and timely package of measures launched by the Bank of England last Wednesday .
These measures , reinforced by targeted fiscal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will help economies to bridge the disruption from an economic shock that could prove sharp and large , but should be temporary . ''
US officials have recorded nearly 3,000 COVID-19 cases and 62 deaths linked to the virus .
The US has lagged behind other developed nations in its ability to test for coronavirus , but Vice President Mike Pence promised that Americans would have access in the days ahead to more than 2,000 laboratories capable of processing tests .
In an effort to combat the spread of the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public schools , affecting more than a million children , and Mayor Bill de Blasio has ordered the city 's restaurants , bars , theatres and cinemas to shut .
The US states of Ohio , Illinois and Los Angeles have also taken measures by ordering all bars and restaurants to close .
People returning to the US faced long queues as they were screened for coronavirus , prompting federal officials to deploy more staff and Mr Trump to appeal for patience .
The US president said airport checks are `` moving as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be vigilant and careful '' .
Meanwhile , the German government is trying to stop the Trump administration from persuading a German company seeking a coronavirus vaccine to move its research to the US .
Sources told the Reuters news agency that the US government is looking into how it could gain access to a potential vaccine being developed by a German firm CureVac .
The German newspaper Welt am Sonntag reported that Mr Trump had offered funds to lure CureVac to the US , and the German government was making counter-offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Richard Grenell , the US ambassador to Germany , insisted on Twitter that `` the Welt story was wrong '' .
• Globally more than 169,000 are infected and over 6,500 have died • US President Donald Trump tests negative for the coronavirus • Guatemala logs its first fatality from COVID-19 • Italy records 368 more deaths from the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday , its biggest one day rise • France is preparing an order that would put the country under partial lockdown to combat the epidemic • Britain will isolate older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into quarantine anyone diagnosed with coronavirus • Jordan confirms 12 new cases of the coronavirus • More major retailers shut stores in the US including Nike , Under Armour , and Lululemon Athletica Sky News will broadcast a special programme at 6pm , with experts answering your questions # AskSkyNews at 12.30pm


skynewsus--2020-03-16--'Trump is undermining doctors on coronavirus,' say democratic nominees

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have hit out at Donald Trump 's handling of the coronavirus outbreak during the latest Democratic debate .
The pair faced off in a Washington TV studio with no audience in a move made to limit possible exposure to the virus .
With limited testing available , US officials have recorded nearly 3,000 cases and 65 deaths in the outbreak , up from 58 on Saturday .
In their first one-on-one debate , the two Democratic contenders to face Mr Trump in the November election clashed on the proper response to the coronavirus pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of contributing to growing worries by spending weeks minimising the threat before declaring a national emergency on Friday .
`` The first thing we have to do , whether or not I am president , is to shut this president up right now , '' Mr Sanders said .
`` He is undermining the doctors and scientists who are trying to help the American people . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker But the two disagreed sharply over how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bickered repeatedly over their records on a range of issues from climate change to healthcare .
`` People are looking for results , not a revolution , '' Mr Biden said , taking a shot at his opponent 's promises to lead a political revolution to sweep in his anti-corporate economic agenda .
`` We have problems we have to solve now .
What 's a revolution going to do , disrupt everything in the meantime ? ''
Frontrunner Mr Biden also pledged to choose a woman as his running mate if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If I 'm elected president , my cabinet , my administration , will look like the country , and I commit that I will in fact appoint and pick a woman as vice president . ''
Mr Sanders said he would `` in all likelihood '' pick a woman too .
The debate came ahead of Tuesday 's nominating contests in the big states of Ohio , Illinois , Florida and Arizona , where another string of Biden victories would give him a nearly unassailable lead in delegates .
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have hit out at Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus outbreak during the latest Democratic debate.
The pair faced off in a Washington TV studio with no audience in a move made to limit possible exposure to the virus.
With limited testing available, US officials have recorded nearly 3,000 cases and 65 deaths in the outbreak, up from 58 on Saturday.
In their first one-on-one debate, the two Democratic contenders to face Mr Trump in the November election clashed on the proper response to the coronavirus pandemic and other issues.
Both candidates accused the president of contributing to growing worries by spending weeks minimising the threat before declaring a national emergency on Friday.
"The first thing we have to do, whether or not I am president, is to shut this president up right now," Mr Sanders said.
"He is undermining the doctors and scientists who are trying to help the American people."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
But the two disagreed sharply over how they would handle the crisis as president, and bickered repeatedly over their records on a range of issues from climate change to healthcare.
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"People are looking for results, not a revolution," Mr Biden said, taking a shot at his opponent's promises to lead a political revolution to sweep in his anti-corporate economic agenda.
"We have problems we have to solve now. What's a revolution going to do, disrupt everything in the meantime?"
Image: Mr Trump urges panic buyers to 'relax'
Frontrunner Mr Biden also pledged to choose a woman as his running mate if he is the Democratic nominee.
"If I'm elected president, my cabinet, my administration, will look like the country, and I commit that I will in fact appoint and pick a woman as vice president."
Mr Sanders said he would "in all likelihood" pick a woman too.
The debate came ahead of Tuesday's nominating contests in the big states of Ohio, Illinois, Florida and Arizona, where another string of Biden victories would give him a nearly unassailable lead in delegates.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.