france24--2020-03-15--Brutal war in Syria enters 10th year as Assad regime consolidates power

Boys stand near a damaged site after an airstrike on the Eastern Ghouta town of Misraba , Syria , on January 4 , 2018 .
Syria ’ s brutal conflict enters its 10th year Sunday with President Bashar al-Assad ’ s regime consolidating its hold over a war-wracked country with a decimated economy where foreign powers flex their muscle .
When Syrians took to the streets on March 15 , 2011 , they could scarcely have imagined their anti-government protests would turn into a complex war entangling rebels , jihadists and outside forces .
At least 384,000 people have since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Saturday .
The conflict has displaced more than 11 million people internally and abroad .
“ Nine years of revolution illustrate the extent of the suffering we have known , between exile , bombings and deaths , ” said Hala Ibrahim , a rights activist who now lives in the town of Dana , in Idlib province .
“ I left my university , my house which was bombed , ” the woman in her 30s said .
“ We ’ ve lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Aleppo , Ibrahim left in late 2016 after the regime retook rebel-held areas and she sought refuge in Idlib .
The northwestern region—Syria ’ s last rebel stronghold—is the regime ’ s latest target .
Thanks to the military support of Russia , Iran and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah , Assad has clawed back control of over 70 percent of the war-torn country .
A fragile ceasefire came into effect in the northwest earlier this month , and Turkish and Russian officials have agreed to start joint patrols in Idlib .
Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region since December , killing nearly 500 civilians , the Observatory says , and forcing nearly a million to flee , according to the United Nations .
Siham Abs and seven of her children have been living for the past two months in a camp for Idlib ’ s displaced near Bardaqli , not far from the Turkish border .
Many of those unable to find space in camps have been sleeping in fields or have sought shelter in schools , mosques and unfinished buildings .
In the Bardaqli camp , tents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along muddy paths .
Abs said she and her family would like to wash , but don ’ t know where .
“ I am 50 years old and I ’ ve never known such difficult times , ” she said .
The UN special envoy for Syria , Geir Pedersen , said on the eve of the anniversary : “ The suffering of the Syrian people during this tragic and terrible decade still defies comprehension and belief.
” The Syrian conflict was born of unprecedented anti-government demonstrations in the southern city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across Syria , but a violent crackdown soon saw rebels take up arms with backing from Gulf nations and wrest key areas from government control .
Jihadist groups also emerged , notably the Islamic State group which swept across large parts of the country and neighbouring Iraq in 2014 .
“ A decade of fighting has brought nothing but ruin and misery , ” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote this week on Twitter .
“ There is no military solution .
Now it is the time to give diplomacy a chance to work.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts have failed .
Five foreign powers operate in Syria , with Russia and Iranian forces supporting the regime .
Despite an announced withdrawal of US forces last year , American troops are still stationed in the country ’ s northeast , in a semi-autonomous Kurdish zone .
After the fight against IS , Washington ’ s main objective has turned to curbing Iranian influence .
Israel regularly carries out air strikes on Syrian , Hezbollah and Iranian military positions .
And neighbouring Turkey , which supports local armed groups , has deployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The horrific and enduring nature of the conflict is proof of a collective failure of diplomacy , ” Pedersen said .
The war has ravaged Syria ’ s economy and infrastructure .
The United Nations estimated in 2018 that the conflict had caused nearly $ 400 billion in war-related destruction .
“ Basic services , hospitals and schools need to be rebuilt ” across the country , the International Committee of the Red Cross said Saturday .
“ Houses and land need to be cleared of unexploded ammunition .
Jobs and other sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintained .
”

Syria’s brutal conflict enters its 10th year Sunday with President Bashar al-Assad’s regime consolidating its hold over a war-wracked country with a decimated economy where foreign powers flex their muscle.
Boys stand near a damaged site after an airstrike on the Eastern Ghouta town of Misraba, Syria, on January 4, 2018.
Advertising Read more
When Syrians took to the streets on March 15, 2011, they could scarcely have imagined their anti-government protests would turn into a complex war entangling rebels, jihadists and outside forces.
At least 384,000 people have since died, including more than 116,000 civilians, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said Saturday.
The conflict has displaced more than 11 million people internally and abroad.
“Nine years of revolution illustrate the extent of the suffering we have known, between exile, bombings and deaths,” said Hala Ibrahim, a rights activist who now lives in the town of Dana, in Idlib province.
“I left my university, my house which was bombed,” the woman in her 30s said. “We’ve lost everything.”
Originally from the northern city of Aleppo, Ibrahim left in late 2016 after the regime retook rebel-held areas and she sought refuge in Idlib.
The northwestern region—Syria’s last rebel stronghold—is the regime’s latest target.
Today the world sees the devastation in Idlib and calls for action.
Idlib is only the most recent chapter in a 9-year horror story that's forced over 11 million people from their homes in Syria. pic.twitter.com/AKBqKHnEdK — UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) March 13, 2020
Thanks to the military support of Russia, Iran and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Assad has clawed back control of over 70 percent of the war-torn country.
A fragile ceasefire came into effect in the northwest earlier this month, and Turkish and Russian officials have agreed to start joint patrols in Idlib.
Syrian forces and Russian warplanes have heavily bombarded the region since December, killing nearly 500 civilians, the Observatory says, and forcing nearly a million to flee, according to the United Nations.
‘Ruin and misery’
Siham Abs and seven of her children have been living for the past two months in a camp for Idlib’s displaced near Bardaqli, not far from the Turkish border.
Many of those unable to find space in camps have been sleeping in fields or have sought shelter in schools, mosques and unfinished buildings.
In the Bardaqli camp, tents made of plastic sheeting are lined up along muddy paths.
Abs said she and her family would like to wash, but don’t know where. “I am 50 years old and I’ve never known such difficult times,” she said.
The UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said on the eve of the anniversary: “The suffering of the Syrian people during this tragic and terrible decade still defies comprehension and belief.”
The Syrian conflict was born of unprecedented anti-government demonstrations in the southern city of Daraa nine years ago.
Protests spread across Syria, but a violent crackdown soon saw rebels take up arms with backing from Gulf nations and wrest key areas from government control.
Jihadist groups also emerged, notably the Islamic State group which swept across large parts of the country and neighbouring Iraq in 2014.
The conflict in Syria is entering its tenth year.
A decade of fighting has brought nothing but ruin and misery. And civilians are paying the gravest price.
There is no military solution.
Now it is the time to give diplomacy a chance to work. — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 12, 2020
“A decade of fighting has brought nothing but ruin and misery,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote this week on Twitter.
“There is no military solution. Now it is the time to give diplomacy a chance to work.”
But in recent years, such efforts have failed.
Five foreign powers operate in Syria, with Russia and Iranian forces supporting the regime.
Despite an announced withdrawal of US forces last year, American troops are still stationed in the country’s northeast, in a semi-autonomous Kurdish zone.
After the fight against IS, Washington’s main objective has turned to curbing Iranian influence.
‘$400 billion in destruction’
Israel regularly carries out air strikes on Syrian, Hezbollah and Iranian military positions.
And neighbouring Turkey, which supports local armed groups, has deployed its troops across the border.
“The horrific and enduring nature of the conflict is proof of a collective failure of diplomacy,” Pedersen said.
The war has ravaged Syria’s economy and infrastructure.
#Syria
A man draws a slogan in Arabic reading "we still want freedom" as part of a graffiti mural commemorating the ninth anniversary of uprising that led to the Syrian conflict in Binnish
📷 @omar_hajkadour #AFP pic.twitter.com/pclUXt7s6h — AFP Photo (@AFPphoto) March 14, 2020
The United Nations estimated in 2018 that the conflict had caused nearly $400 billion in war-related destruction.
“Basic services, hospitals and schools need to be rebuilt” across the country, the International Committee of the Red Cross said Saturday.
“Houses and land need to be cleared of unexploded ammunition. Jobs and other sources of income need to be created and maintained.”
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-14--Trump tests negative for coronavirus as US extends travel ban to UK and Ireland

US President Donald Trump speaks in the press briefing room at the White House on March 14 , 2020 , in Washington , D.C. , USA .
President Donald Trump has tested negative for the novel coronavirus , his physician said Saturday , following concerns over his exposure to a disease that has paralyzed the globe .
Trump agreed to the test after coming in contact with several members of a Brazilian presidential delegation visiting his Florida resort who have since tested positive for the virus .
“ This evening I received confirmation that the test is negative , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a memo .
“ One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation at Mar-a-Lago , the President remains symptom-free , ” he said .
Trump , 73 , had dismissed concerns over his exposure to the disease which has killed at least 51 Americans and upended the rhythm of daily life across the country , with millions working from home and schools shuttered .
New York , the most populous US city , saw its first coronavirus death on Saturday , as store shelves were stripped bare after days of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Hurricane Sandy ... through 9/11 , I have never seen shopping like this , ” said Larry Grossman , manager of a Manhattan supermarket .
Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday announced a further restriction on travel to the United States , saying a travel ban imposed on European nations over the pandemic would be extended to the United Kingdom and Ireland Tuesday .
Trump advised against non-essential travel , and said officials were considering imposing travel restrictions within the United States .
“ If you don ’ t have to travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Trump said at a White House news conference .
“ We want this thing to end .
We don ’ t want a lot of people getting infected.
” Trump declared a national emergency on Friday in what critics say was a long-delayed admission of the gravity of the crisis , freeing up some $ 40 billion in disaster relief funds .
Late Friday , the US House of Representatives passed a bill—crafted by Democrats in consultation with the Trump administration—to provide billions of dollars for free virus testing , emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the epidemic .
Supported by Trump , it is expected to easily pass the Republican-controlled Senate next week .
News of Trump taking the test marked a further turning point , after days of resistance to the suggestion .
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 5,700 lives in some 137 countries .
Repeatedly attacked for sending out mixed signals on the health crisis , the president raised eyebrows on Friday when , contrary to medical advice , he was seen shaking hands as he gathered his coronavirus response team at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed habit— “ people put their hand out ... you don ’ t think about it ” —but said it would have to change .
“ Maybe people shouldn ’ t be shaking hands for the long term , ” said Trump , a self-declared germophobe , “ because it does transmit flu and other things.
” Trump ’ s virus test came after not only contact with the Brazilian delegation , but also US lawmakers and political leaders who have gone into self-quarantine over potential infection .
Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virus test after she came down with flu-like symptoms .
She reportedly attended an event in Florida with Trump on Monday and flew back to Washington on Air Force One .
On Saturday a 30-day US ban took effect on all travel from the EU ’ s Schengen border-free zone , part of a global clampdown on travel to curtail the virus .
Pence said the ban—which notably excluded Britain and Ireland—would include both countries as of midnight EST on Monday ( 0400 GMT on Tuesday ) .
“ Americans in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legal ( US ) residents can come home , ” Pence said .
Trump also aimed a new jab at the US Federal Reserve , saying he wanted it to be “ much more proactive ” in moving to protect Americans from the widespread economic dislocation caused by the pandemic .
But the president—wearing a navy blue USA cap—seemed otherwise subdued during Saturday ’ s briefing , uncharacteristically offering praise to Democrats including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
Pelosi said she was “ proud ” to have reached an agreement on the relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House .
Trump also tweeted that he had a “ nice conversation ” with Canadian leader Justin Trudeau and that it was “ great to hear that his wonderful wife Sophie is doing very well.
” Trudeau has been telegoverning since his wife was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Thursday .

President Donald Trump has tested negative for the novel coronavirus, his physician said Saturday, following concerns over his exposure to a disease that has paralyzed the globe.
US President Donald Trump speaks in the press briefing room at the White House on March 14, 2020, in Washington, D.C., USA.
Advertising Read more
Trump agreed to the test after coming in contact with several members of a Brazilian presidential delegation visiting his Florida resort who have since tested positive for the virus.
“This evening I received confirmation that the test is negative,” the president’s physician Sean Conley said in a memo.
“One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation at Mar-a-Lago, the President remains symptom-free,” he said.
Trump, 73, had dismissed concerns over his exposure to the disease which has killed at least 51 Americans and upended the rhythm of daily life across the country, with millions working from home and schools shuttered.
New York, the most populous US city, saw its first coronavirus death on Saturday, as store shelves were stripped bare after days of panic buying.
“I have been through Hurricane Sandy... through 9/11, I have never seen shopping like this,” said Larry Grossman, manager of a Manhattan supermarket.
Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday announced a further restriction on travel to the United States, saying a travel ban imposed on European nations over the pandemic would be extended to the United Kingdom and Ireland Tuesday.
Trump advised against non-essential travel, and said officials were considering imposing travel restrictions within the United States.
“If you don’t have to travel, I wouldn’t do it,” Trump said at a White House news conference. “We want this thing to end. We don’t want a lot of people getting infected.”
Chicago Department of Aviation staff is working hard to distribute snacks and bottled water to international arriving travelers waiting in longer-than-usual customs processing lines. Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/982IaBeYCO — O'Hare Intl. Airport (@fly2ohare) March 15, 2020
Trump declared a national emergency on Friday in what critics say was a long-delayed admission of the gravity of the crisis, freeing up some $40 billion in disaster relief funds.
Late Friday, the US House of Representatives passed a bill—crafted by Democrats in consultation with the Trump administration—to provide billions of dollars for free virus testing, emergency paid sick leave and family leave related to the epidemic.
Supported by Trump, it is expected to easily pass the Republican-controlled Senate next week.
News of Trump taking the test marked a further turning point, after days of resistance to the suggestion.
An end to hand-shaking
The coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 5,700 lives in some 137 countries.
Repeatedly attacked for sending out mixed signals on the health crisis, the president raised eyebrows on Friday when, contrary to medical advice, he was seen shaking hands as he gathered his coronavirus response team at the White House.
On Saturday, he blamed habit—“people put their hand out... you don’t think about it”—but said it would have to change.
“Maybe people shouldn’t be shaking hands for the long term,” said Trump, a self-declared germophobe, “because it does transmit flu and other things.”
Trump’s virus test came after not only contact with the Brazilian delegation, but also US lawmakers and political leaders who have gone into self-quarantine over potential infection.
Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel was on Saturday awaiting results of a virus test after she came down with flu-like symptoms. She reportedly attended an event in Florida with Trump on Monday and flew back to Washington on Air Force One.
A broader travel ban
On Saturday a 30-day US ban took effect on all travel from the EU’s Schengen border-free zone, part of a global clampdown on travel to curtail the virus.
Pence said the ban—which notably excluded Britain and Ireland—would include both countries as of midnight EST on Monday (0400 GMT on Tuesday).
“Americans in the UK or Ireland can come home. Legal (US) residents can come home,” Pence said.
Trump also aimed a new jab at the US Federal Reserve, saying he wanted it to be “much more proactive” in moving to protect Americans from the widespread economic dislocation caused by the pandemic.
But the president—wearing a navy blue USA cap—seemed otherwise subdued during Saturday’s briefing, uncharacteristically offering praise to Democrats including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Pelosi said she was “proud” to have reached an agreement on the relief package after days of tense talks with the White House.
Trump also tweeted that he had a “nice conversation” with Canadian leader Justin Trudeau and that it was “great to hear that his wonderful wife Sophie is doing very well.”
Trudeau has been telegoverning since his wife was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Thursday.
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-15--Live: Green surge and low turnout as virus fears weigh on French local elections

French voters cast their ballots Sunday in nationwide municipal elections marked by record-low turnout after the government ordered cafés , @ @ @ @ @ '' businesses shut in an increasingly frantic effort to slow the progress of the deadly @ @ @ @ @ among Europe 's hardest-hit countries , with some 5,400 confirmed infections and 120 deaths so @ @ @ @ @ Macron , for whom the two-round polls are a crucial mid-term test , has insisted @ @ @ @ @ ahead to assure democratic continuity in the country .
Follow FRANCE 24 's liveblog here @ @ @ @ @

Green surge and low turnout as virus fears weigh on French local elections
French voters cast their ballots Sunday in nationwide municipal elections marked by record-low turnout after the government imposed stringent restrictions on public life in an increasingly frantic effort to slow the progress of the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
01:31 Counting at a polling station in Strasbourg, France, March 14, 2020. © Frédérick Florin, AFP
Advertising Read more Turnout in Sunday’s first round of voting hit a historic low of 45%, down almost 20% from the last election in 2014, as critics questioned the wisdom of holding a nationwide election amid the deadly outbreak. Poll clerks wore latex gloves, offered disinfectant and marked out lanes with arrows on the floor showing where people should stand while some voters wore gloves and brought their own pens to sign off their vote. Green candidates fared well in many big cities, leading the race in Lyon, Strasbourg and Grenoble, while a handful of candidates from the far-right National Rally were re-elected with outright majorities. In the most keenly watched race, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a commanding lead with 30% of the first-round ballot, 8 points ahead of her conservative challenger; the candidate for Macron’s ruling party was a distant third. Running for re-election in Le Havre, Prime Minister Édouard Philippe topped the first round but faced the prospect of a tough run-off vote against a united left. Philippe said a decision would be made in the coming days on whether to press ahead with the second round as several opposition leaders called for the March 22 vote to be postponed amid the worsening coronavirus outbreak. Health officials said the number of deaths from the virus in France increased by more than a third on Sunday to 127, with more than 5,423 people infected. Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app


france24--2020-03-15--France reports biggest daily increase in coronavirus deaths as Parisians ignore warnings

People gather on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin , on March 15 , 2020 , in Paris , as cafés and restaurants are closed amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
France ’ s Public Health Authority on Sunday reported 36 new deaths from coronavirus , taking the total to 127 , and said there had been an increase of more than 1,000 cases .
France is now braced for the introduction of much stricter measures to stem the spread of the virus .
“ The virus is circulating ... it is circulating and it is threatening lives , ” Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ television .
“ I implore the French to respect the strict social measures.
” The French Public Health Authority said 127 people had now died , up from 91 on Saturday .
The number of cases had risen to 5,423 cases , up from 4,449 on Saturday .
The Journal du Dimanche newspaper reported on Sunday that two French regions , which include Paris , are set to go on full lockdown this week .
Sources told them that the army could be drafted in to ensure restrictions on movement .
The defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 6pm at the Élysée Palace with President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Édouard Philippe .
An announcement about the lockdown is expected to follow .
This meeting comes after many Parisians ignored all the warnings and took advantage of Sunday ’ s sunshine to spend the day in groups .
Pictures on social media captured people gathering for picnics in parks and on the banks of canals , and browsing crowded markets .
Faced with this lack of compliance with health regulations , the government is considering the transition to a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grand-Est and Île-de-France , sources told the Journal de Dimanche .
Île-de-France contains Paris .
These are two regions where hospitals are already dangerously overcrowded .

France’s Public Health Authority on Sunday reported 36 new deaths from coronavirus, taking the total to 127, and said there had been an increase of more than 1,000 cases. France is now braced for the introduction of much stricter measures to stem the spread of the virus.
People gather on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, on March 15, 2020, in Paris, as cafés and restaurants are closed amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Advertising Read more
“The virus is circulating ... it is circulating and it is threatening lives,” Minister for Health Olivier Véran told France 2 television. “I implore the French to respect the strict social measures.”
The French Public Health Authority said 127 people had now died, up from 91 on Saturday. The number of cases had risen to 5,423 cases, up from 4,449 on Saturday.
The Journal du Dimanche newspaper reported on Sunday that two French regions, which include Paris, are set to go on full lockdown this week. Sources told them that the army could be drafted in to ensure restrictions on movement.
The defence council is scheduled to meet on Monday at 6pm at the Élysée Palace with President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Édouard Philippe. An announcement about the lockdown is expected to follow.
This meeting comes after many Parisians ignored all the warnings and took advantage of Sunday’s sunshine to spend the day in groups. Pictures on social media captured people gathering for picnics in parks and on the banks of canals, and browsing crowded markets.
18H15, parc des Buttes-Chaumont à Paris. Forte fréquentation.
Les sorties dans les cafés fermés sont remplacés par des moments entre amis ou en famille dans les parcs. #COVIDー19 #CoronavirusFrance pic.twitter.com/sSIk5ZjwuO — Remy Buisine (@RemyBuisine) March 15, 2020
Faced with this lack of compliance with health regulations, the government is considering the transition to a total containment in at least two regions: Grand-Est and Île-de-France, sources told the Journal de Dimanche. Île-de-France contains Paris. These are two regions where hospitals are already dangerously overcrowded.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-15--Netanyahu challenger Gantz chosen to form Israel's new government

Leader of Israel 's Blue and White electoral alliance Benny Gantz delivers a statement in the central Israeli city of Ramat Gan , on March 7 , 2020 .
Israel ’ s president on Sunday said he has decided to give opposition leader Benny Gantz the first opportunity to form a new government following an inconclusive national election this month .
President Reuven Rivlin ’ s office announced his decision late Sunday after consulting with leaders of all of the parties elected to parliament .
Netanyahu ’ s Likud emerged as the largest party in the March 2 election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
But with his smaller religious and nationalist allies , he received the support of only 58 lawmakers during Sunday ’ s consultations , leaving Likud three seats short of the required majority in parliament .
Gantz ’ s Blue and White received the support of parties representing 61 seats , a slim majority .
However , those parties are also divided , and it is not clear whether Gantz will succeed in putting together a coalition .
Rivlin said he would formally designate Gantz with the task on Monday , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later Sunday .
Once formally tapped , Gantz will now have a month to cobble together a governing coalition .

Israel’s president on Sunday said he has decided to give opposition leader Benny Gantz the first opportunity to form a new government following an inconclusive national election this month.
Leader of Israel's Blue and White electoral alliance Benny Gantz delivers a statement in the central Israeli city of Ramat Gan, on March 7, 2020.
Advertising Read more
President Reuven Rivlin’s office announced his decision late Sunday after consulting with leaders of all of the parties elected to parliament.
The decision raises questions about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future.
Netanyahu’s Likud emerged as the largest party in the March 2 election, Israel’s third in under a year. But with his smaller religious and nationalist allies, he received the support of only 58 lawmakers during Sunday’s consultations, leaving Likud three seats short of the required majority in parliament.
Gantz’s Blue and White received the support of parties representing 61 seats, a slim majority. However, those parties are also divided, and it is not clear whether Gantz will succeed in putting together a coalition.
Rivlin said he would formally designate Gantz with the task on Monday, after an emergency meeting with him and Netanyahu later Sunday.
Once formally tapped, Gantz will now have a month to cobble together a governing coalition.
(AP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-15--UK's ‘insufficient’ coronavirus response is ‘risking lives’

While many European countries have taken drastic steps to stem the spread of coronavirus , the UK has not yet introduced “ social distancing ” measures like the bans on large public gatherings despite its death toll nearly doubling on Saturday – leading experts to express criticism and concern .
The UK ’ s coronavirus death toll almost doubled on Saturday – from 11 to 21 – while the number of confirmed cases climbed to 1,140 .
Shortly before these figures were published , France and Spain announced they would go into lockdown .
The French government closed all “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cinemas and most shops .
Spain banned everyone from leaving their homes except to buy essential supplies or go to work .
Denmark and Poland are closing their borders , while Europe ’ s worst-affected country , Italy , has been on lockdown since February 10 .
By contrast , Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s government has not imposed any measures restricting daily life in the UK – instead merely urging British subjects to wash their hands regularly and to self-quarantine for a week if they have a persistent cough or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sporting events – including English Premier League football matches – have been cancelled , there are no official restrictions preventing large public gatherings .
For example , the Bath half-marathon will still take place on Sunday , despite an outcry from the local MP and thousands of social media users .
On Friday , more than 60,000 people attended the Cheltenham Festival , the world famous horse-racing tournament – five days after France banned public gatherings of more than 1,000 people .
The same day , the British government ’ s chief scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the assumption that most people will get the coronavirus : “ Our aim is to try and reduce the peak , broaden the peak , not suppress it completely .
Also , because the vast majority of people get a mild illness , to build up some kind of herd immunity so more people are immune to this disease and we reduce the transmission , at the same time we protect those who are most vulnerable to it.
” Herd immunity is a form of protection from disease that occurs when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thereby gains immunity from an illness , thereby slowing its spread .
Vallance ’ s statement came a day after Johnson described the coronavirus pandemic as “ the worst public health crisis for a generation ” and warned that “ many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time ” .
The government ’ s approach prompted stinging criticism from at least one senior Conservative MP .
“ I think we are in a national emergency , ” said Jeremy Hunt , chairman of the House of Commons ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy ) and a well-regarded former health secretary .
“ It is surprising and concerning that we ’ re not doing any [ social distancing ] at all when we have just four weeks before we get to the stage that Italy is at , ” Hunt told BBC Newsnight .
“ You would have thought that every single thing we do in that four weeks would be designed to slow the spread of people catching the virus.
” Hunt wasn ’ t the only one of Johnson ’ s rivals in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to change course .
Former diplomat and cabinet minister Rory Stewart , who left the Conservative Party in the autumn over Johnson ’ s Brexit policy , told Sky News on Friday that the UK should adopt the kind of “ tough and extreme ” measures implemented in China and South Korea .
Coronavirus infection rates have fallen in both countries after strict lockdowns and travel bans were imposed .
“ The government questions whether the British public is up for the kind of measures which have been taken in other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagree : I think the British public will do what publics in other countries have done and can do.
” ‘ Risking many more lives than necessary ’ Many medical experts seem to agree .
A group of 229 scientists at British universities published an open letter on Saturday decrying the lack of social distancing measures taken so far as an “ insufficient ” response and arguing that “ additional and more restrictive measures should be taken immediately ” .
“ The current data about the number of infections in the UK is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed in other countries , including Italy , Spain , France , and Germany , ” the scientists noted .
“ The same data suggests that the number of infected will be in the order of dozens of thousands within a few days.
” In light of this trajectory , they took aim at Vallance ’ s reliance on herd immunity : “ Going for ‘ herd immunity ’ at this point does not seem a viable option , as this will put NHS ( the National Health Service ) at an even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more lives than necessary.
” Indeed , Britain ’ s cherished public healthcare service was already under strain before the coronavirus emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December : In the autumn , Johnson was prompted to take emergency action to prevent a “ winter crisis ” from engulfing the NHS .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on Sunday that soon all Brits over 70 – and others with some underlying health conditions – will be asked to stay at home for a “ very long time ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to retirement homes have been suspended , Britons without any symptoms will still be allowed to visit older relatives if they stay 6 feet ( 2 metres ) away .
These precautions will not come into effect immediately and Hancock did not give a specific timeframe for their implementation , saying that they will be in place “ within the coming weeks ” and that , “ we ’ ll be setting it out with more detail when it is the right time to do so ” .
He added that the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care for the number of people likely to become severely ill with the coronavirus and implored manufacturers to produce more of them .

While many European countries have taken drastic steps to stem the spread of coronavirus, the UK has not yet introduced “social distancing” measures like the bans on large public gatherings despite its death toll nearly doubling on Saturday – leading experts to express criticism and concern.
Advertising Read more
The UK’s coronavirus death toll almost doubled on Saturday – from 11 to 21 – while the number of confirmed cases climbed to 1,140. Shortly before these figures were published, France and Spain announced they would go into lockdown.
The French government closed all “non-essential” businesses including cafés, restaurants, cinemas and most shops. Spain banned everyone from leaving their homes except to buy essential supplies or go to work. Denmark and Poland are closing their borders, while Europe’s worst-affected country, Italy, has been on lockdown since February 10.
>> Britain's health service becomes election battleground amid 'crisis' fears
By contrast, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government has not imposed any measures restricting daily life in the UK – instead merely urging British subjects to wash their hands regularly and to self-quarantine for a week if they have a persistent cough or fever.
Although some of the biggest sporting events – including English Premier League football matches – have been cancelled, there are no official restrictions preventing large public gatherings. For example, the Bath half-marathon will still take place on Sunday, despite an outcry from the local MP and thousands of social media users.
‘National emergency’
On Friday, more than 60,000 people attended the Cheltenham Festival, the world famous horse-racing tournament – five days after France banned public gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
The same day, the British government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance detailed a strategy based on the assumption that most people will get the coronavirus: “Our aim is to try and reduce the peak, broaden the peak, not suppress it completely. Also, because the vast majority of people get a mild illness, to build up some kind of herd immunity so more people are immune to this disease and we reduce the transmission, at the same time we protect those who are most vulnerable to it.”
Herd immunity is a form of protection from disease that occurs when a high proportion of a population contracts and thereby gains immunity from an illness, thereby slowing its spread.
Vallance’s statement came a day after Johnson described the coronavirus pandemic as “the worst public health crisis for a generation” and warned that “many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time”.
The government’s approach prompted stinging criticism from at least one senior Conservative MP. “I think we are in a national emergency,” said Jeremy Hunt, chairman of the House of Commons’ Health Select Committee (which scrutinises government policy) and a well-regarded former health secretary.
“It is surprising and concerning that we’re not doing any [social distancing] at all when we have just four weeks before we get to the stage that Italy is at,” Hunt told BBC Newsnight. “You would have thought that every single thing we do in that four weeks would be designed to slow the spread of people catching the virus.”
Hunt wasn’t the only one of Johnson’s rivals in the 2019 Tory leadership election who urged the government to change course. Former diplomat and cabinet minister Rory Stewart, who left the Conservative Party in the autumn over Johnson’s Brexit policy, told Sky News on Friday that the UK should adopt the kind of “tough and extreme” measures implemented in China and South Korea. Coronavirus infection rates have fallen in both countries after strict lockdowns and travel bans were imposed.
“The government questions whether the British public is up for the kind of measures which have been taken in other countries,” Stewart said. “I disagree: I think the British public will do what publics in other countries have done and can do.”
‘Risking many more lives than necessary’
Many medical experts seem to agree. A group of 229 scientists at British universities published an open letter on Saturday decrying the lack of social distancing measures taken so far as an “insufficient” response and arguing that “additional and more restrictive measures should be taken immediately”.
“The current data about the number of infections in the UK is in line with the growth curves already observed in other countries, including Italy, Spain, France, and Germany,” the scientists noted. “The same data suggests that the number of infected will be in the order of dozens of thousands within a few days.”
In light of this trajectory, they took aim at Vallance’s reliance on herd immunity: “Going for ‘herd immunity’ at this point does not seem a viable option, as this will put NHS (the National Health Service) at an even stronger level of stress, risking many more lives than necessary.”
Indeed, Britain’s cherished public healthcare service was already under strain before the coronavirus emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December: In the autumn, Johnson was prompted to take emergency action to prevent a “winter crisis” from engulfing the NHS.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News on Sunday that soon all Brits over 70 – and others with some underlying health conditions – will be asked to stay at home for a “very long time”. But unlike in France, where visits to retirement homes have been suspended, Britons without any symptoms will still be allowed to visit older relatives if they stay 6 feet (2 metres) away.
These precautions will not come into effect immediately and Hancock did not give a specific timeframe for their implementation, saying that they will be in place “within the coming weeks” and that, “we’ll be setting it out with more detail when it is the right time to do so”.
He added that the NHS does not have enough ventilator machines to care for the number of people likely to become severely ill with the coronavirus and implored manufacturers to produce more of them.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-14--Lockdown: France orders closure of restaurants and all 'non-essential' commerce to stem coronavirus

France has gone on lockdown after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe ordered the closure of restaurants , cafés and all other `` non-essential '' commerce beginning at midnight on Saturday .
Groceries , pharmacies , tobacconists and petrol stations will remain open .
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe ordered most shops , restaurants and entertainment facilities to close starting at midnight on Saturday and told people to stay home as much as possible to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Philippe was speaking at a news conference after the public health authority said 91 people had died in France and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have decided to close all non-essential locations , notably cafés , restaurants , cinemas , nightclubs and shops , ” he said .
“ We must absolutely limit our movements.
” Exceptions to the ban will include grocery stores , pharmacies and petrol stations .
Philippe said the government had been left with no choice but to implement stricter measures after too many people were still out in the streets , enjoying cafés and restaurants and not sufficiently self-isolating as the government had earlier suggested .
That , he said , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
France has already ordered the closure of all schools starting Monday and has advised people over the age of 70 to stay home .
“ I am conscious of the efforts and sacrifices that we are asking , but I have faith that the French people will have the capacity to understand the seriousness of this moment , ” Philippe said .
> > In pictures : France on lockdown as all 'non-essential ' businesses close The announcement came hours after France 's health minister warned that people should not use anti-inflammatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ibuprofen – if they have coronavirus-like symptoms because they could worsen the condition .
`` Taking anti-inflammatory drugs ( ibuprofen , cortisone ... ) could be an aggravating factor for the infection .
If you have a fever , take paracetamol , '' Health Minister Oliver Véran said on Twitter .
President Emmanuel Macron decided last week to go ahead with nationwide municipal elections on Sunday , saying it was vital for the democratic system to continue to function despite some criticism and concerns over the possibility of people being infected as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the head of the French public health authority , said there had been a rapid increase in serious cases , including 300 people in intensive care , half of whom were below 60 years of age .
“ To date , there has not been enough awareness by French women and men of the importance of their role in the face of the virus .
It is urgent .
Now is the time to change our behaviour , ” he said .
“ We must now do everything to delay , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this epidemic , ” Salomon said .
The government wants to avoid a situation where hospitals are overwhelmed by the number of serious cases after neighbouring Italy ’ s health system was severely strained by the coronavirus outbreak there .
France 's interior ministry said on Sunday it would begin implementing tougher checks of both people and goods at the border with Germany in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus although it will not close the border completely , contradicting some earlier media reports .
`` We are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while allowing people and merchandise to go through .
It 's not a closure , '' an interior ministry source told AFP .

France has gone on lockdown after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe ordered the closure of restaurants, cafés and all other "non-essential" commerce beginning at midnight on Saturday. Groceries, pharmacies, tobacconists and petrol stations will remain open.
Advertising Read more
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe ordered most shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities to close starting at midnight on Saturday and told people to stay home as much as possible to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Philippe was speaking at a news conference after the public health authority said 91 people had died in France and almost 4,500 were now infected.
“I have decided to close all non-essential locations, notably cafés, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs and shops,” he said. “We must absolutely limit our movements.”
Exceptions to the ban will include grocery stores, pharmacies and petrol stations.
Philippe said the government had been left with no choice but to implement stricter measures after too many people were still out in the streets, enjoying cafés and restaurants and not sufficiently self-isolating as the government had earlier suggested.
That, he said, was helping accelerate the spread of the virus. France has already ordered the closure of all schools starting Monday and has advised people over the age of 70 to stay home.
“I am conscious of the efforts and sacrifices that we are asking, but I have faith that the French people will have the capacity to understand the seriousness of this moment,” Philippe said.
>> In pictures: France on lockdown as all 'non-essential' businesses close
The announcement came hours after France's health minister warned that people should not use anti-inflammatory painkillers – like aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen – if they have coronavirus-like symptoms because they could worsen the condition.
"Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, cortisone ...) could be an aggravating factor for the infection. If you have a fever, take paracetamol," Health Minister Oliver Véran said on Twitter.
01:29
President Emmanuel Macron decided last week to go ahead with nationwide municipal elections on Sunday, saying it was vital for the democratic system to continue to function despite some criticism and concerns over the possibility of people being infected as they gather at polling stations.
Jérôme Salomon, the head of the French public health authority, said there had been a rapid increase in serious cases, including 300 people in intensive care, half of whom were below 60 years of age.
“To date, there has not been enough awareness by French women and men of the importance of their role in the face of the virus. It is urgent. Now is the time to change our behaviour,” he said.
00:22
“We must now do everything to delay, to slow down, to flatten the curve of this epidemic,” Salomon said.
The government wants to avoid a situation where hospitals are overwhelmed by the number of serious cases after neighbouring Italy’s health system was severely strained by the coronavirus outbreak there.
France's interior ministry said on Sunday it would begin implementing tougher checks of both people and goods at the border with Germany in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus although it will not close the border completely, contradicting some earlier media reports.
"We are going to limit border crossings to the strict minimum while allowing people and merchandise to go through. It's not a closure," an interior ministry source told AFP.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS and AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-16--Macron to address nation as official warns French coronavirus situation ‘deteriorating very fast’

A man wearing a protective mask reads a newspaper in front of a café , which is closed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus , in Paris , France on March 15 , 2020 .
President Emmanuel Macron will address an anxious French nation on Monday night on the coronavirus outbreak that has seen schools , cafés and restaurants closed , the presidency said .
Macron was to hold a meeting with his prime minister , top military adviser , intelligence coordinator and ministers of health , the interior and foreign affairs on the health crisis before giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 19:00 GMT ) .
Earlier Monday , France ’ s director general of health Jérôme Salomon said that the coronavirus outbreak in France is `` very worrying '' and `` deteriorating very fast '' .
`` The number of cases double every three days , '' Salomon said on the France Inter radio network .
`` I want our citizens to realise that there are people who are sick , who are in intensive care and that ( their number ) runs into hundreds , '' he said .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France has had 127 coronavirus deaths and 5,423 confirmed cases .
That was a jump of 36 deaths and over 900 cases in 24 hours .
More than 400 people have been hospitalised in a serious condition .
`` There is a real worry that the speed of the outbreak could saturate hospitals and this is something we absolutely want to avoid , '' Salomon said , singling out the badly affected eastern region of Alsace near Germany and the greater Paris area .
`` This is why we must do everything to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Each Frenchman and Frenchwoman must tell themselves every morning : how can I reduce by a third or fourth the number of people I approach ?
`` Remain at home , it 's as simple as that . ''

France is imposing nationwide restrictions on how far from their homes people can go and for what purpose as part of the country's strategy to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
Advertising Read more
French President Emmanuel Macron said that "movements will be very strongly reduced” for 15 days starting at midday Tuesday.
He says residents will only be permitted to leave their homes for necessary trips such as going to work or the supermarket.
Macron said in televised remarks that the government decided to order the restrictions because people haven't complied with earlier public health measures and “we are at war”.
Macron added that any violations will be penalised, without elaborating how.
'Deteriorating very fast'
Earlier in the day, Macron held a meeting with his prime minister, top military adviser, intelligence coordinator and ministers of health, the interior and foreign affairs on the health crisis before giving his televised address at 8pm Paris time (19:00 GMT).
Also on Monday, France’s director general of health Jérôme Salomon said that the coronavirus outbreak in France is "very worrying" and "deteriorating very fast".
"The number of cases double every three days," Salomon said on the France Inter radio network.
"I want our citizens to realise that there are people who are sick, who are in intensive care and that (their number) runs into hundreds," he said.
According to the latest official figures published on Sunday, France has had 127 coronavirus deaths and 5,423 confirmed cases.
00:26
That was a jump of 36 deaths and over 900 cases in 24 hours. More than 400 people have been hospitalised in a serious condition.
"There is a real worry that the speed of the outbreak could saturate hospitals and this is something we absolutely want to avoid," Salomon said, singling out the badly affected eastern region of Alsace near Germany and the greater Paris area.
"This is why we must do everything to slow down the outbreak," he said.
"Each Frenchman and Frenchwoman must tell themselves every morning: how can I reduce by a third or fourth the number of people I approach?
"Remain at home, it's as simple as that."
(FRANCE 24 with AP and AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-16--Medical impact of coronavirus becomes clearer as experts’ research continues

Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr Anthony Fauci speaks during a news briefing on the Trump administration 's response to the coronavirus at the White House in Washington , D.C. on March 15 , 2020 .
The medical impact of the new coronavirus is coming into sharper focus as it continues its spread in what is now officially recognized as a pandemic .
Its true fatality rate is n't yet known , but it seems 10 times higher than the flu , which kills hundreds of thousands around the world each year , the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers last week .
Most people have had mild to moderate illness and recovered , but the virus is more serious for those who are older or have other health problems .
That 's a huge number , said Dr. Tom Frieden , a former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who now heads a global health organization .
In the U.S. , 60 % of adults have at least one underlying health condition and 42 % have two or more .
`` There 's still a lot that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease it causes , COVID-19 , '' he said .
Most spread is from droplets produced when an infected person coughs , which are inhaled by people nearby .
Transmission from touching contaminated surfaces has n't been shown yet , though recent tests by U.S. scientists suggest it 's possible -- one reason they recommend washing your hands and not touching your face .
The virus can live in the air for several hours , up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bleach should kill it .
“ While we are still learning about the biology of this virus , it does not appear that there is a major risk of spread through sweat , ” said Julie Fischer , a Georgetown University microbiologist .
The biggest concern about going to the gym is infected people coughing on others , or contaminating shared surfaces or equipment , she said .
Consider avoiding large classes and peak hours and do n't go if you 're coughing or feverish , she suggests .
The risk of virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk as transmission from other infected people , but “ one of the concerns is that food servers , like others facing stark choices about insurance and paychecks , may be pressured to work even if they are sick , ” she said .
How fast does it spread ?
Each infected person spreads to two or three others on average , researchers estimate .
It spreads more easily than flu but less than measles , tuberculosis or some other respiratory diseases .
It is not known if it spreads less easily among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been diagnosed with the disease .
A study of 1,099 patients in China found that 0.9 % of the cases were younger than 15 .
What are the symptoms ?
Most people get fever and cough , sometimes fatigue or shortness of breath , and recover after about two weeks .
About 15 % develop severe disease , including pneumonia , Chinese scientists reported from 45,000 cases there .
Symptoms usually start slowly and often worsen as the illness goes on .
In a report last week on the first 12 patients in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most had underlying health problems and got worse during the second week of illness .
In China , slightly more males have been diagnosed with COVID-19 than females , which might be because roughly half of Chinese men smoke but only 5 % of females do , Frieden said .
Children seem to get less sick -- a report on 10 in China found that fevers tended to be milder and they lacked clear signs of pneumonia .
What does it feel like ?
Some cruise ship passengers described symptoms similar to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been a 2 on a scale of 10 , ” said Carl Goldman , who was hospitalized in Omaha , Nebraska , after flying home .
However , a Chinese postgraduate student described going to the hospital twice after her symptoms worsened , and feeling `` a heavy head while walking , unable to breathe , and nauseous . ''
The CDC recommends at least two swabs -- nose and throat .
Samples are sent to labs that look for bits of viral genetic material , which takes roughly 4 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take several days to ship a sample and get results back .
It 's been taking two to three days , and `` we are working really hard to see if we can shorten that time '' by developing an in-house test , Dr. Aimee Moulin of the University of California , Davis said Thursday in a conference call held by the American College of Emergency Physicians .
Some areas have opened drive-thru sites for testing , which could reduce exposure to health workers and other patients or the public .
When is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time from exposure to developing symptoms is five to six days , but can be up to two weeks .
Tests have found high amounts of virus in the throats and noses of people a couple of days before they show symptoms .
Signs of virus also have been found in stool weeks after patients recover , but that does n't mean it ’ s capable of causing illness , scientists warn .
`` The virus can be degraded , '' said Robert Webster , a St. Jude Children 's Research Center virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious virus at all . ''
How deadly is it ?
That wo n't be known until large studies are done to test big groups of people to see how many have been infected and with or without symptoms .
Scientists have estimated the fatality rate from less than 1 % to as high as 4 % among cases diagnosed so far , depending on location .
Flu kills about 0.1 % of those it infects , so the new virus seems about 10 times more lethal , the National Institutes of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
The death rate has been higher among people with other health problems -- more than 10 % for those with heart disease , for example .
In the U.S. , 30 million have diabetes , more than 70 million are obese and nearly 80 million have high blood pressure .
Can infected people who recover get it again ?
It 's not known .
A few reports from China say some people had COVID-19 , recovered and then fell ill again .
It 's unclear if that 's a relapse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the person never fully recovered in the first place .
Scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle say the 30,000-letter genetic code of the virus changes by one letter every 15 days .
It 's not known how many of these changes would be needed for the virus to seem different enough to the immune system of someone who had a previous version of it for it to cause a fresh infection .
Fauci told Congress on Thursday that it was unlikely that someone could get reinfected .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it is strongly likely that that ’ s the case , ” he said .
“ Because if this acts like any other virus , once you recover , you won ’ t get reinfected.
” Will it go away in the summer ?
Flu fades each spring and the new virus may do the same , Fauci said last week in a podcast with a journal editor .
`` I am hoping that as we get into the warmer weather we will see a decline that will give us a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed , '' Fauci said .
But that , too , is far from certain .
“ We have to assume that the virus will continue to have the capacity to spread , and it ’ s a false hope to say yes , it will just disappear in the summertime like influenza , ” said Dr. Michael Ryan , the World Health Organization ’ s emergencies chief .
Flu viruses also mutate quickly , requiring new vaccines to be made each year .
If the coronavirus follows suit , Frieden said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circulates around the world for many years to come . ''

The medical impact of the new coronavirus is coming into sharper focus as it continues its spread in what is now officially recognized as a pandemic.
Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr Anthony Fauci speaks during a news briefing on the Trump administration's response to the coronavirus at the White House in Washington, D.C. on March 15, 2020.
Advertising Read more
Its true fatality rate isn't yet known, but it seems 10 times higher than the flu, which kills hundreds of thousands around the world each year, the United States' top infectious disease expert told lawmakers last week.
Most people have had mild to moderate illness and recovered, but the virus is more serious for those who are older or have other health problems.
That's a huge number, said Dr. Tom Frieden, a former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who now heads a global health organization. In the U.S., 60% of adults have at least one underlying health condition and 42% have two or more.
"There's still a lot that we don't know about the virus and disease it causes, COVID-19," he said.
How it spreads
Most spread is from droplets produced when an infected person coughs, which are inhaled by people nearby. Transmission from touching contaminated surfaces hasn't been shown yet, though recent tests by U.S. scientists suggest it's possible -- one reason they recommend washing your hands and not touching your face.
The virus can live in the air for several hours, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. Cleaning surfaces with solutions containing diluted bleach should kill it.
“While we are still learning about the biology of this virus, it does not appear that there is a major risk of spread through sweat,” said Julie Fischer, a Georgetown University microbiologist. The biggest concern about going to the gym is infected people coughing on others, or contaminating shared surfaces or equipment, she said. Consider avoiding large classes and peak hours and don't go if you're coughing or feverish, she suggests.
The risk of virus transmission from food servers is the same risk as transmission from other infected people, but “one of the concerns is that food servers, like others facing stark choices about insurance and paychecks, may be pressured to work even if they are sick,” she said.
How fast does it spread?
Each infected person spreads to two or three others on average, researchers estimate. It spreads more easily than flu but less than measles, tuberculosis or some other respiratory diseases. It is not known if it spreads less easily among children, but fewer of them have been diagnosed with the disease. A study of 1,099 patients in China found that 0.9% of the cases were younger than 15.
What are the symptoms?
Most people get fever and cough, sometimes fatigue or shortness of breath, and recover after about two weeks. About 15% develop severe disease, including pneumonia, Chinese scientists reported from 45,000 cases there. Symptoms usually start slowly and often worsen as the illness goes on.
In a report last week on the first 12 patients in the U.S., seven were hospitalized; most had underlying health problems and got worse during the second week of illness.
In China, slightly more males have been diagnosed with COVID-19 than females, which might be because roughly half of Chinese men smoke but only 5% of females do, Frieden said.
Children seem to get less sick -- a report on 10 in China found that fevers tended to be milder and they lacked clear signs of pneumonia.
What does it feel like?
Some cruise ship passengers described symptoms similar to the common cold or flu.
“It’s been a 2 on a scale of 10,” said Carl Goldman, who was hospitalized in Omaha, Nebraska, after flying home.
However, a Chinese postgraduate student described going to the hospital twice after her symptoms worsened, and feeling "a heavy head while walking, unable to breathe, and nauseous."
What's the test like?
The CDC recommends at least two swabs -- nose and throat. Samples are sent to labs that look for bits of viral genetic material, which takes roughly 4 to 6 hours. Altogether, it can take several days to ship a sample and get results back.
It's been taking two to three days, and "we are working really hard to see if we can shorten that time" by developing an in-house test, Dr. Aimee Moulin of the University of California, Davis said Thursday in a conference call held by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Some areas have opened drive-thru sites for testing, which could reduce exposure to health workers and other patients or the public.
When is the virus most contagious?
The average time from exposure to developing symptoms is five to six days, but can be up to two weeks. Tests have found high amounts of virus in the throats and noses of people a couple of days before they show symptoms.
Signs of virus also have been found in stool weeks after patients recover, but that doesn't mean it’s capable of causing illness, scientists warn.
"The virus can be degraded," said Robert Webster, a St. Jude Children's Research Center virus expert. "It's not necessarily infectious virus at all."
How deadly is it?
That won't be known until large studies are done to test big groups of people to see how many have been infected and with or without symptoms.
Scientists have estimated the fatality rate from less than 1% to as high as 4% among cases diagnosed so far, depending on location.
Flu kills about 0.1% of those it infects, so the new virus seems about 10 times more lethal, the National Institutes of Health's Dr. Anthony Fauci told Congress last week.
The death rate has been higher among people with other health problems -- more than 10% for those with heart disease, for example. In the U.S., 30 million have diabetes, more than 70 million are obese and nearly 80 million have high blood pressure.
Can infected people who recover get it again?
It's not known. A few reports from China say some people had COVID-19, recovered and then fell ill again. It's unclear if that's a relapse, a new infection, or a case where the person never fully recovered in the first place.
Scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle say the 30,000-letter genetic code of the virus changes by one letter every 15 days. It's not known how many of these changes would be needed for the virus to seem different enough to the immune system of someone who had a previous version of it for it to cause a fresh infection.
Fauci told Congress on Thursday that it was unlikely that someone could get reinfected.
“We haven’t formally proved it, but it is strongly likely that that’s the case,” he said. “Because if this acts like any other virus, once you recover, you won’t get reinfected.”
Will it go away in the summer?
Flu fades each spring and the new virus may do the same, Fauci said last week in a podcast with a journal editor.
"I am hoping that as we get into the warmer weather we will see a decline that will give us a chance to get our preparedness up to speed," Fauci said.
But that, too, is far from certain. “We have to assume that the virus will continue to have the capacity to spread, and it’s a false hope to say yes, it will just disappear in the summertime like influenza,” said Dr. Michael Ryan, the World Health Organization’s emergencies chief.
Flu viruses also mutate quickly, requiring new vaccines to be made each year. If the coronavirus follows suit, Frieden said, "It could become a virus that circulates around the world for many years to come."
(AP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-16--French company behind Louis Vuitton to make hand sanitiser for country’s hospitals

A photograph taken on March 9 , 2020 shows bottles of hand sanitising gel at the hospital screening unit of the University Hospital Center ( CHU ) Pellegrin in Bordeaux , southwestern France .
The French luxury group LVMH said Sunday that it would begin producing sanitising hand gel at three of its perfume and cosmetics sites in France , for distribution to French hospitals fighting the country 's coronavirus outbreak .
Twelve tons will be produced as soon as this week , instead of the usual Christian Dior , Guerlain and Givenchy scents and make-up usually made at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` at no charge '' to French health authorities , in particular the 39 public hospitals in Paris , the group said .
`` I wish to thank LVMH for acting so quickly : They made us this offer on Saturday night at 9:00 pm ( 2000 GMT ) , and confirmed it on Sunday , '' Paris hospitals chief Martine Hirsch told AFP .
Paris hospitals have not yet run out of gel but supplies are `` strained , '' a spokeswoman for the Paris hospital system said , adding that other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to donate supplies .
Fears of catching the new coronavirus have sparked a run on hand gel across France , with many pharmacies restricting clients to one small bottle per person .
The government has issued a decree limiting prices after reports some retailers were trying to make extra profit from would-be buyers , with a 100-millilitre bottle now costing no more than three euros ( $ 3.30 ) .
Producers across France say they have been hiring workers to meet the soaring demand , as authorities urge stringent hand cleaning among measures @ @ @ @ @

The French luxury group LVMH said Sunday that it would begin producing sanitising hand gel at three of its perfume and cosmetics sites in France, for distribution to French hospitals fighting the country's coronavirus outbreak.
A photograph taken on March 9, 2020 shows bottles of hand sanitising gel at the hospital screening unit of the University Hospital Center (CHU) Pellegrin in Bordeaux, southwestern France.
Advertising Read more
Twelve tons will be produced as soon as this week, instead of the usual Christian Dior, Guerlain and Givenchy scents and make-up usually made at the three factories.
They will be delivered "at no charge" to French health authorities, in particular the 39 public hospitals in Paris, the group said.
"I wish to thank LVMH for acting so quickly: They made us this offer on Saturday night at 9:00 pm (2000 GMT), and confirmed it on Sunday," Paris hospitals chief Martine Hirsch told AFP.
Paris hospitals have not yet run out of gel but supplies are "strained," a spokeswoman for the Paris hospital system said, adding that other companies have also said they are ready to donate supplies.
Fears of catching the new coronavirus have sparked a run on hand gel across France, with many pharmacies restricting clients to one small bottle per person.
The government has issued a decree limiting prices after reports some retailers were trying to make extra profit from would-be buyers, with a 100-millilitre bottle now costing no more than three euros ($3.30).
Producers across France say they have been hiring workers to meet the soaring demand, as authorities urge stringent hand cleaning among measures to curtail the outbreak.
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-16--US Federal Reserve cuts rates and NYC, LA shut restaurants to tackle coronavirus

U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as Jerome Powell , his nominee to become chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve , speaks at the White House in Washington , U.S. , November 2 , 2017 .
Bars , restaurants , theatres and movie houses in New York and Los Angeles were ordered to shut down and several nations in South and Central America closed their borders in the latest moves around the world to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
The U.S. Federal Reserve slashed interest rates in emergency action and other central banks took similar aggressive steps to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Asian stock markets and the dollar continued to tumble on Monday .
At an emergency meeting , the Bank of Japan further eased monetary policy by ramping up purchases of exchange-traded funds and other risky assets .
Australia 's central bank pumped extra liquidity into a strained financial system and said it would announce more policy steps on Thursday .
Leaders of the G7 countries will hold a video conference at 1400 GMT on Monday to discuss a joint response to the coronavirus outbreak , officials have said .
The coordinated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps taken just over a decade ago to fight a meltdown of the global financial system , but this time the target is an entirely unfamiliar foe - a fast-spreading health crisis with no certain end in sight that is forcing entire societies to effectively shut down .
Several countries imposed bans on mass gatherings such as sporting , cultural and religious events to combat the disease that has infected over 169,000 people globally and killed more than 6,500 .
France and Spain joined Italy in imposing lockdowns on tens of millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreigners .
New Zealand 's central bank slashed interest rates by 75 basis points to a record low on Monday following an emergency meeting .
The Bank of Japan and four other central banks cut pricing on their swap lines to make it easier to provide dollars to their financial institutions facing stress in credit markets .
`` This can not prevent the economic fallout from social distancing , '' said Ray Attrill , head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank in Sydney , referring to a method being used by many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus .
`` That will require some fiscal spending and something from the government to make sure small companies are funded . ''
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday he was ordering restaurants , bars and cafes to only sell food on a take-out or delivery basis .
He also said he would order nightclubs , movie theatres , small theatre houses and concert venues to close .
`` These places are part of the heart and soul of our city , '' he said .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we must respond with a wartime mentality . ''
New York also joined the nation 's other major public school systems in calling off classes starting this week .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued similar orders later on Sunday .
Any restaurant , bar or cafe selling food will only be able to do so via delivery or take-out , officials said .
China , were the virus surfaced late last year , said industrial output contracted at the sharpest pace in 30 years in the first two months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world 's second-largest economy .
The International Olympic Committee will hold talks with heads of international sports organisations on Tuesday in response to the pandemic , a source close to an international federation briefed on the issue said , amid growing doubts that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics starting July 24 can proceed .
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 .
The leaders of Argentina and Peru also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Argentina will close its borders for 15 days to non-residents , President Alberto Fernandez said in a televised press conference .
Public and private school classes would also be suspended until March 31 , Fernandez said .
National parks would be closed .
Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra said later on Sunday that Peru would also close its borders , suspending air and sea transport .
He called on citizens to self-quarantine for 15 days to help slow the infection .
`` The worst is yet ahead for us , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diseases expert in the United States .
`` It is how we respond to that challenge that is going to determine what the ultimate end point is going to be . ''
The policy actions were not enough to calm skittish investors .
On Monday , E-mini futures for the S & P 500 index fell 4.77 % to their daily trading limit outside the United States .
EUROSTOXXX 50 futures fell 3.4 % and FTSE futures 2.7 % .
MSCI 's index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slid 3.1 % to lows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks were over 2 % lower .
The dollar was last down 0.5 % on the Japanese yen at 107.36 , having fallen 1.7 % earlier in the day .
`` It may be a shot in the arm for risk assets and help to address liquidity concerns ... however , it also raises the question of whether the Fed has anything left in the tank should the spread of the virus not be contained , '' said Kerry Craig , global market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management .
`` We really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent a longer than needed economic slowdown . ''

Bars, restaurants, theatres and movie houses in New York and Los Angeles were ordered to shut down and several nations in South and Central America closed their borders in the latest moves around the world to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as Jerome Powell, his nominee to become chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, speaks at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 2, 2017.
Advertising Read more
The U.S. Federal Reserve slashed interest rates in emergency action and other central banks took similar aggressive steps to cushion the economic impact of the disease, but Asian stock markets and the dollar continued to tumble on Monday.
European stocks were poised to open shortly lower.
At an emergency meeting, the Bank of Japan further eased monetary policy by ramping up purchases of exchange-traded funds and other risky assets. Australia's central bank pumped extra liquidity into a strained financial system and said it would announce more policy steps on Thursday.
Leaders of the G7 countries will hold a video conference at 1400 GMT on Monday to discuss a joint response to the coronavirus outbreak, officials have said.
The coordinated policy actions were reminiscent of the sweeping steps taken just over a decade ago to fight a meltdown of the global financial system, but this time the target is an entirely unfamiliar foe - a fast-spreading health crisis with no certain end in sight that is forcing entire societies to effectively shut down.
Several countries imposed bans on mass gatherings such as sporting, cultural and religious events to combat the disease that has infected over 169,000 people globally and killed more than 6,500.
France and Spain joined Italy in imposing lockdowns on tens of millions of people while Australia ordered self-isolation of arriving foreigners.
New Zealand's central bank slashed interest rates by 75 basis points to a record low on Monday following an emergency meeting.
The Bank of Japan and four other central banks cut pricing on their swap lines to make it easier to provide dollars to their financial institutions facing stress in credit markets.
"This cannot prevent the economic fallout from social distancing," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank in Sydney, referring to a method being used by many countries to try to slow the spread of the virus.
"That will require some fiscal spending and something from the government to make sure small companies are funded."
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Sunday he was ordering restaurants, bars and cafes to only sell food on a take-out or delivery basis. He also said he would order nightclubs, movie theatres, small theatre houses and concert venues to close.
"These places are part of the heart and soul of our city," he said. "But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality."
Border closures
New York also joined the nation's other major public school systems in calling off classes starting this week.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued similar orders later on Sunday. Any restaurant, bar or cafe selling food will only be able to do so via delivery or take-out, officials said.
China, were the virus surfaced late last year, said industrial output contracted at the sharpest pace in 30 years in the first two months of the year as the disease disrupted the world's second-largest economy.
The International Olympic Committee will hold talks with heads of international sports organisations on Tuesday in response to the pandemic, a source close to an international federation briefed on the issue said, amid growing doubts that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics starting July 24 can proceed.
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.
The leaders of Argentina and Peru also announced border closures on Sunday to curb coronavirus. Argentina will close its borders for 15 days to non-residents, President Alberto Fernandez said in a televised press conference.
Public and private school classes would also be suspended until March 31, Fernandez said. National parks would be closed.
Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra said later on Sunday that Peru would also close its borders, suspending air and sea transport. He called on citizens to self-quarantine for 15 days to help slow the infection.
"The worst is yet ahead for us," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious diseases expert in the United States. "It is how we respond to that challenge that is going to determine what the ultimate end point is going to be."
Stocks slide
The policy actions were not enough to calm skittish investors.
On Monday, E-mini futures for the S&P 500 index fell 4.77% to their daily trading limit outside the United States.
EUROSTOXXX 50 futures fell 3.4% and FTSE futures 2.7%. MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slid 3.1% to lows not seen since early 2017 while Tokyo stocks were over 2% lower.
The dollar was last down 0.5% on the Japanese yen at 107.36, having fallen 1.7% earlier in the day.
"It may be a shot in the arm for risk assets and help to address liquidity concerns ... however, it also raises the question of whether the Fed has anything left in the tank should the spread of the virus not be contained," said Kerry Craig, global market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
"We really need to see the fiscal side ... to prevent a longer than needed economic slowdown."
(REUTERS)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-16--Central banks unveil emergency measures as coronavirus death tolls rise in Europe

A woman wearing a protective mask walks near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on March 15 , 2020 following French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe 's announcement to close non-indispensable businesses such as cafes , restaurants , cinemas , nightclubs and shops as France grapples with an outbreak of the novel coronavirus .
The US Federal Reserve and other central banks unveiled emergency measures to prop up the coronavirus-battered global economy , as the three worst-hit European countries recorded their deadliest days of the pandemic .
The virus has upended society around the planet , with governments imposing restrictions rarely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of borders , home quarantine orders and the scrapping of public events .
After the COVID-19 pandemic began in China late last year , Europe has in recent weeks emerged as the biggest flashpoint and the death toll on the continent surged over the weekend .
Italy on Sunday announced 368 deaths over the previous 24 hours , the worst single-day toll for any country of the crisis and far exceeding the deadliest day in China recorded in February .
Spain and France registered 183 and 29 new deaths respectively on Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there have been more than 6,400 confirmed deaths from the virus .
With the virus infecting nearly every sector of the global economy , concerns are growing the world will be catapulted into a damaging recession , leading to stock markets enduring horror losses and wild swings .
The US Fed attempted to stem the panic with drastic measures announced before Asian markets opened on Monday , slashing its key interest rate to virtually zero in its second emergency rate cut in less than two weeks .
`` What 's happened with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US President Donald Trump said Sunday at a regular briefing of his coronavirus task force .
`` I can tell you , I 'm very happy . ''
But markets were less euphoric , the futures markets on the Dow Jones Index predicting another sharp move downwards and Asian stocks starting the day on the back foot .
`` The good news is that the targeted fiscal response will become more aggressive .
The bad news is that all the world 's major economies will continue to effectively lock down any normalcy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said AxiCorp 's Stephen Innes .
China on Monday provided more evidence of COVID-19 's dire economic impacts , announcing factory output had contracted for the first time in nearly 30 years .
Industrial production shrank 13.5 percent in January and February , the government said , which was when China was enduring its most severe travel curbs and quarantine orders to contain the virus .
Normal life is at a standstill in much of western Europe , with France ordering all non-essential businesses closed and Spain banning people from leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get medical care or buy food .
Despite Trump 's insistence there is enough food to last through the pandemic , panic-buying has been seen around the world as people stock up on essentials fearing a lengthy period of enforced quarantine .
Larry Grossman , manager at a Manhattan supermarket , said he had never seen anything like it in 40 years .
`` I have been through Hurricane Sandy ... through 9/11 , I have never seen shopping like this , '' he told AFP , as he restocked the store 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has ordered schools , bars and restaurants in the Big Apple to shut but is allowing take-out food .
In the Netherlands , cannabis smokers aiming to keep calm and carry on queued up outside Dutch `` coffee shops '' on Sunday after the government ordered their closure to beat the outbreak .
`` For maybe for the next two months we 're not able to get some weed so it should be nice to at least have some in the house , '' said Jonathan outside a `` coffee shop '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several airports as travellers scrambled to get home with countries increasingly slamming shut their borders to prevent the virus spreading .
In the US , passengers complained of massive queues as staff battled with new entry rules and stipulations on medical screening , leading some to worry they were exposing themselves to the virus in the crowds .
Joanna , a British student in Cyprus , said she was scrambling to get home , fearful of further restrictions on movement .
`` I think if I stayed here and if it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really upset , the fact that I could not go home and see my family , '' she told AFP .
There were continuing signs of improvement in China , with only four new cases recorded in Wuhan -- where the virus was first detected in December -- although imported cases rose .
And there have been heartwarming scenes around the world as people attempt to lift spirits .
In Switzerland , where cases nearly doubled to 2,200 Sunday , Geneva residents applauded , whistled and rang bells from their balconies and windows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Images of Italians singing from their balconies have also gone viral and the choir of Stockholm 's Katarina church decided to livestream their performances online .
`` People need something to cling on to , I think , and something to listen to , '' said chorister Birgitta .

The US Federal Reserve and other central banks unveiled emergency measures to prop up the coronavirus-battered global economy, as the three worst-hit European countries recorded their deadliest days of the pandemic.
A woman wearing a protective mask walks near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on March 15, 2020 following French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe's announcement to close non-indispensable businesses such as cafes, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs and shops as France grapples with an outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
Advertising Read more
The virus has upended society around the planet, with governments imposing restrictions rarely seen outside war-time, including the closing of borders, home quarantine orders and the scrapping of public events.
After the COVID-19 pandemic began in China late last year, Europe has in recent weeks emerged as the biggest flashpoint and the death toll on the continent surged over the weekend.
Italy on Sunday announced 368 deaths over the previous 24 hours, the worst single-day toll for any country of the crisis and far exceeding the deadliest day in China recorded in February.
Spain and France registered 183 and 29 new deaths respectively on Sunday, also their worst one-day tolls.
Globally, there have been more than 6,400 confirmed deaths from the virus.
With the virus infecting nearly every sector of the global economy, concerns are growing the world will be catapulted into a damaging recession, leading to stock markets enduring horror losses and wild swings.
The US Fed attempted to stem the panic with drastic measures announced before Asian markets opened on Monday, slashing its key interest rate to virtually zero in its second emergency rate cut in less than two weeks.
"What's happened with the Fed is phenomenal news," US President Donald Trump said Sunday at a regular briefing of his coronavirus task force. "I can tell you, I'm very happy."
But markets were less euphoric, the futures markets on the Dow Jones Index predicting another sharp move downwards and Asian stocks starting the day on the back foot.
"The good news is that the targeted fiscal response will become more aggressive. The bad news is that all the world's major economies will continue to effectively lock down any normalcy of economic activity for weeks if not months," said AxiCorp's Stephen Innes.
China on Monday provided more evidence of COVID-19's dire economic impacts, announcing factory output had contracted for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Industrial production shrank 13.5 percent in January and February, the government said, which was when China was enduring its most severe travel curbs and quarantine orders to contain the virus.
Stocking up on weed
Normal life is at a standstill in much of western Europe, with France ordering all non-essential businesses closed and Spain banning people from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or buy food.
Despite Trump's insistence there is enough food to last through the pandemic, panic-buying has been seen around the world as people stock up on essentials fearing a lengthy period of enforced quarantine.
Larry Grossman, manager at a Manhattan supermarket, said he had never seen anything like it in 40 years.
"I have been through Hurricane Sandy... through 9/11, I have never seen shopping like this," he told AFP, as he restocked the store's empty shelves.
New York's mayor has ordered schools, bars and restaurants in the Big Apple to shut but is allowing take-out food.
In the Netherlands, cannabis smokers aiming to keep calm and carry on queued up outside Dutch "coffee shops" on Sunday after the government ordered their closure to beat the outbreak.
"For maybe for the next two months we're not able to get some weed so it should be nice to at least have some in the house," said Jonathan outside a "coffee shop" in The Hague.
'Really upset'
There was pandemonium at several airports as travellers scrambled to get home with countries increasingly slamming shut their borders to prevent the virus spreading.
In the US, passengers complained of massive queues as staff battled with new entry rules and stipulations on medical screening, leading some to worry they were exposing themselves to the virus in the crowds.
Joanna, a British student in Cyprus, said she was scrambling to get home, fearful of further restrictions on movement.
"I think if I stayed here and if it was a lockdown, I think I would be really upset, the fact that I could not go home and see my family," she told AFP.
There were continuing signs of improvement in China, with only four new cases recorded in Wuhan -- where the virus was first detected in December -- although imported cases rose.
And there have been heartwarming scenes around the world as people attempt to lift spirits.
In Switzerland, where cases nearly doubled to 2,200 Sunday, Geneva residents applauded, whistled and rang bells from their balconies and windows to thank health workers on the frontline.
Images of Italians singing from their balconies have also gone viral and the choir of Stockholm's Katarina church decided to livestream their performances online.
"People need something to cling on to, I think, and something to listen to," said chorister Birgitta.
(AFP)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-03-15--Green surge and low turnout as virus fears weigh on French local elections

Green surge and low turnout as virus fears weigh on French local elections French voters cast their ballots Sunday in @ @ @ @ @ record-low turnout after the government imposed stringent restrictions on public life in an increasingly frantic @ @ @ @ @ of the deadly coronavirus outbreak .