france24--2020-03-17--Europe to halt all non-essential travel as global virus panic spreads

A Spanish police officer at Spain 's land border with Portugal in Vilar Formoso on March 17 , 2020 .
European leaders plan to ban all non-essential travel into the continent on Tuesday , the latest drastic attempt to curb the coronavirus pandemic that has upended society , battered markets and killed thousands around the world .
With French President Emmanuel Macron describing the battle against COVID-19 as a `` war '' , governments around the world are imposing restrictions rarely seen in peacetime , slamming borders shut and forcing citizens to stay home .
The crisis is infecting every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks on Monday sank more than 12 percent in the worst session since the crash of 1987 , despite emergency interventions by central banks and governments to shore up confidence .
After the initial outbreak in a Chinese city in December , Europe has emerged as the epicentre of the virus with more deaths now recorded outside China than inside .
Italy -- Europe 's hardest-hit nation -- announced another surge in deaths , taking its overall toll to more than 2,000 , in a worldwide total of more than 7,000 .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 145 countries .
In a sombre address to the nation , Macron ordered the French to stay at home for 15 days starting midday Tuesday , banning all non-essential trips or social contacts and warning violations would be `` punished '' .
With European nations already closing their borders , European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would ask the leaders of the bloc 's Schengen visa-free border zone to stop all non-essential travel into the area .
`` Concretely , all trips between non-European countries and EU countries will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in his address .
This follows a ban on inbound travel to the United States , whose President Donald Trump warned the fight against the virus could last months .
US health officials said the first human trial to evaluate a possible vaccine had begun , although it may be another year to 18 months before it becomes available .
In another small glimmer of hope , China reported just one new domestic case on Tuesday -- but found 20 imported from abroad .
Trump said he was asking Americans to restrict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people -- as the streets of New York and the capital Washington stood largely deserted .
One customer at a French restaurant in Brooklyn said she felt the moves were unprecedented .
`` I want strong leadership , but it 's scary .
I 've never experienced anything like this before and I do n't think my parents have , I do n't think anyone has , '' Kelly McGee told AFP .
`` There 's something about being in this apocalyptic vibe and being with other people and experiencing it together that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she added .
Trump acknowledged the United States `` may be '' heading into a recession due to the virus , as G7 leaders vowed to coordinate their response to the virus and `` do whatever it takes , using all policy tools '' -- after a meeting held via videoconference .
Every sector from tourism to food to aviation is affected , as the global economy effectively goes into shutdown .
European car makers including Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot began shutting down their factories and major world airlines axed almost all flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survive .
The head of the World Health Organization called for every suspected coronavirus case to be tested , something which would send the known tally of the sick sky-rocketing .
`` You can not fight a fire while blindfolded , '' said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists .
`` Test , test , test .
Test every suspected case . ''
Very few countries have been left untouched by the virus as it continues its relentless march across the globe , and a cascading number are taking increasingly drastic responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all `` non-essential '' contact and travel but stopped short of ordering businesses shut , while Switzerland declared a state of emergency .
Germany banned gatherings in churches , mosques and synagogues and said playgrounds and non-essential shops would close .
Tens of millions of people in Southeast Asia were ordered into effective home quarantines , with Malaysia and the Philippines announcing unprecedented lockdowns on Monday .
In India , the world 's second-most populous country , where most schools and entertainment facilities have already shut down , the Taj Mahal was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peru announced a total closure of their borders , while Canada closed its borders to foreigners , except Americans for now .
There are also growing doubts over the European football championships set to take place in 12 countries this summer and the Olympics in Japan , as the virus decimates the sporting calendar .

European leaders plan to ban all non-essential travel into the continent on Tuesday, the latest drastic attempt to curb the coronavirus pandemic that has upended society, battered markets and killed thousands around the world.
A Spanish police officer at Spain's land border with Portugal in Vilar Formoso on March 17, 2020.
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With French President Emmanuel Macron describing the battle against COVID-19 as a "war", governments around the world are imposing restrictions rarely seen in peacetime, slamming borders shut and forcing citizens to stay home.
The crisis is infecting every sector of the economy and Wall Street stocks on Monday sank more than 12 percent in the worst session since the crash of 1987, despite emergency interventions by central banks and governments to shore up confidence.
After the initial outbreak in a Chinese city in December, Europe has emerged as the epicentre of the virus with more deaths now recorded outside China than inside.
Italy -- Europe's hardest-hit nation -- announced another surge in deaths, taking its overall toll to more than 2,000, in a worldwide total of more than 7,000.
More than 182,260 cases have been recorded in 162 countries.
In a sombre address to the nation, Macron ordered the French to stay at home for 15 days starting midday Tuesday, banning all non-essential trips or social contacts and warning violations would be "punished".
With European nations already closing their borders, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would ask the leaders of the bloc's Schengen visa-free border zone to stop all non-essential travel into the area.
"Concretely, all trips between non-European countries and EU countries will be suspended for 30 days," Macron said in his address.
This follows a ban on inbound travel to the United States, whose President Donald Trump warned the fight against the virus could last months.
US health officials said the first human trial to evaluate a possible vaccine had begun, although it may be another year to 18 months before it becomes available.
In another small glimmer of hope, China reported just one new domestic case on Tuesday -- but found 20 imported from abroad.
'Apocalyptic vibe'
Trump said he was asking Americans to restrict gatherings to groups of fewer than 10 people -- as the streets of New York and the capital Washington stood largely deserted.
One customer at a French restaurant in Brooklyn said she felt the moves were unprecedented.
"I want strong leadership, but it's scary. I've never experienced anything like this before and I don't think my parents have, I don't think anyone has," Kelly McGee told AFP.
"There's something about being in this apocalyptic vibe and being with other people and experiencing it together that I think I still crave," she added.
Trump acknowledged the United States "may be" heading into a recession due to the virus, as G7 leaders vowed to coordinate their response to the virus and "do whatever it takes, using all policy tools" -- after a meeting held via videoconference.
Every sector from tourism to food to aviation is affected, as the global economy effectively goes into shutdown.
European car makers including Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot began shutting down their factories and major world airlines axed almost all flights temporarily, triggering pleas to help carriers survive.
'You cannot fight a fire blindfolded'
The head of the World Health Organization called for every suspected coronavirus case to be tested, something which would send the known tally of the sick sky-rocketing.
"You cannot fight a fire while blindfolded," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists. "Test, test, test. Test every suspected case."
Very few countries have been left untouched by the virus as it continues its relentless march across the globe, and a cascading number are taking increasingly drastic responses.
Britain called for an end to all "non-essential" contact and travel but stopped short of ordering businesses shut, while Switzerland declared a state of emergency.
Germany banned gatherings in churches, mosques and synagogues and said playgrounds and non-essential shops would close.
Tens of millions of people in Southeast Asia were ordered into effective home quarantines, with Malaysia and the Philippines announcing unprecedented lockdowns on Monday.
In India, the world's second-most populous country, where most schools and entertainment facilities have already shut down, the Taj Mahal was on Tuesday closed to visitors.
Chile and Peru announced a total closure of their borders, while Canada closed its borders to foreigners, except Americans for now.
There are also growing doubts over the European football championships set to take place in 12 countries this summer and the Olympics in Japan, as the virus decimates the sporting calendar.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-03-16--Trump admits coronavirus 'not under control', says crisis may last all summer

US President Donald Trump , surrounded by members of the Coronavirus Task Force , at a press conference on March 16 , 2020 in Washington , D.C. , USA .
The White House on Monday urged all older Americans to stay home and everyone to avoid crowds and eating out at restaurants as part of sweeping new guidelines meant to combat an expected surge of coronavirus cases .
President Donald Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force released the guidelines as the US government moved to try to blunt the impact of the virus , racing to bolster testing and aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrambled to reorder their lives .
The new recommendations included : over the next 15 days , Americans should not gather in groups of more than 10 people , schooling should be at home and discretionary travel and social visits should be avoided .
If anyone in a household tests positive for the virus , everyone who lives there should stay home .
`` If everybody in America does what we ask for over the next 15 days , we will see a dramatic difference , '' Deborah Birx , White House coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House briefing .
'Crisis could pass by July or August' When asked when the pandemic would subside , Trump said that “ if we do a really good job '' the crisis could pass by July or August , a far less optimistic take than in his earlier predictions that it could be over within weeks .
“ We will rally together as one nation and we will defeat the virus , ” the US president added .
“ We can turn the corner and turn it quickly.
” Trump also , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , which has battered the global markets , may send the nation 's economy into a recession , a potentially brutal blow for an incumbent in an election year .
He also , without providing details , said of the administration , “ We 're going to back the airlines 100 percent , '' a note of reassurance for an industry crippled by travel bans and fears of spreading the virus .
Trump , who adopted his most somber tone yet when discussing the crisis , acknowledged that it was “ not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or globally , but said he did not yet plan to call for domestic travel restrictions .
The administration did not immediately define what an an older American was in terms of the recommendation to stay home .
Trump may ask military for help On Monday Trump also said he might ask the military to help build temporary hospitals to tackle the worsening coronavirus outbreak .
Asked if the Army Corps of Engineers would build emergency hospitals , Trump said , `` We 're looking into it ... we 're looking into it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he felt that postponements of primary elections , like those announced in Ohio , Georgia , Louisiana and Kentucky , were generally unnecessary .
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Twitter his administration was ordering polls closed on Tuesday in defiance of a state court ruling to the contrary .
The number of known coronavirus infections and deaths in the United States has paled in comparison with hot spots of the global pandemic , such as China , Italy or Iran .
But the tally of confirmed U.S. cases has multiplied quickly over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prompting fears American hospitals might soon be overwhelmed , as Italian medical centers have been strained to the breaking point .
At least 83 people in the United States had died of the virus , as of Monday , according to Johns Hopkins University and public health agencies , with the hardest-hit state , Washington , accounting for the bulk of the fatalities , including six more announced on Monday .
The unprecedented wave of closures and restrictions , which began to accelerate last week , took on fresh urgency as New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and non-emergency travel between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. , starting on Monday .
The states of New Jersey , New York and Connecticut struck a regional agreement to close all movie theaters , casinos and gyms as of 8 p.m. Monday ( 0000 GMT ) .
Restaurants and bars in the three states - where more than 22 million people live - will serve takeout and delivery only .
Officials in six San Francisco Bay Area counties on Monday ordered residents to stay at home for all but the most crucial outings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day after California Governor Gavin Newsom urged adults older than 65 , and their caretakers , to remain indoors whether or not they have underlying health conditions .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo , a Democrat , said efforts by state and local governments were insufficient to confront the coast-to-coast crisis .
`` This is a national problem .
It can not be done in a piecemeal method , '' Cuomo said , calling for bold action involving the military and Army Corps of Engineers to quickly create excess hospital capacity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a deeply divided Senate was considering a multibillion-dollar emergency spending bill requiring sick leave for some workers and expanded unemployment compensation , while the Supreme Court postponed oral arguments for the first time in over a century .

The White House on Monday urged all older Americans to stay home and everyone to avoid crowds and eating out at restaurants as part of sweeping new guidelines meant to combat an expected surge of coronavirus cases.
US President Donald Trump, surrounded by members of the Coronavirus Task Force, at a press conference on March 16, 2020 in Washington, D.C., USA.
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President Donald Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force released the guidelines as the US government moved to try to blunt the impact of the virus, racing to bolster testing and aid even as financial markets fell and Americans scrambled to reorder their lives.
The new recommendations included: over the next 15 days, Americans should not gather in groups of more than 10 people, schooling should be at home and discretionary travel and social visits should be avoided. If anyone in a household tests positive for the virus, everyone who lives there should stay home.
"If everybody in America does what we ask for over the next 15 days, we will see a dramatic difference," Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus response coordinator, said at the White House briefing.
'Crisis could pass by July or August'
When asked when the pandemic would subside, Trump said that “if we do a really good job" the crisis could pass by July or August, a far less optimistic take than in his earlier predictions that it could be over within weeks.
“We will rally together as one nation and we will defeat the virus,” the US president added. “We can turn the corner and turn it quickly.”
Trump also, for the first time, acknowledged that the virus, which has battered the global markets, may send the nation's economy into a recession, a potentially brutal blow for an incumbent in an election year.
He also, without providing details, said of the administration, “We're going to back the airlines 100 percent," a note of reassurance for an industry crippled by travel bans and fears of spreading the virus.
Trump, who adopted his most somber tone yet when discussing the crisis, acknowledged that it was “not under control” in the United States or globally, but said he did not yet plan to call for domestic travel restrictions.
The administration did not immediately define what an an older American was in terms of the recommendation to stay home.
Trump may ask military for help
On Monday Trump also said he might ask the military to help build temporary hospitals to tackle the worsening coronavirus outbreak.
Asked if the Army Corps of Engineers would build emergency hospitals, Trump said, "We're looking into it... we're looking into it very strongly."
Trump also said he felt that postponements of primary elections, like those announced in Ohio, Georgia, Louisiana and Kentucky, were generally unnecessary.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Twitter his administration was ordering polls closed on Tuesday in defiance of a state court ruling to the contrary.
The number of known coronavirus infections and deaths in the United States has paled in comparison with hot spots of the global pandemic, such as China, Italy or Iran.
But the tally of confirmed U.S. cases has multiplied quickly over the past few weeks, surpassing 4,600 and prompting fears American hospitals might soon be overwhelmed, as Italian medical centers have been strained to the breaking point.
At least 83 people in the United States had died of the virus, as of Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University and public health agencies, with the hardest-hit state, Washington, accounting for the bulk of the fatalities, including six more announced on Monday.
Restaurants, bars, cafes and casinos closed
The unprecedented wave of closures and restrictions, which began to accelerate last week, took on fresh urgency as New Jersey "strongly discouraged" all non-essential and non-emergency travel between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., starting on Monday.
The states of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut struck a regional agreement to close all movie theaters, casinos and gyms as of 8 p.m. Monday (0000 GMT). Restaurants and bars in the three states - where more than 22 million people live - will serve takeout and delivery only.
Officials in six San Francisco Bay Area counties on Monday ordered residents to stay at home for all but the most crucial outings until April 7. That directive came a day after California Governor Gavin Newsom urged adults older than 65, and their caretakers, to remain indoors whether or not they have underlying health conditions.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said efforts by state and local governments were insufficient to confront the coast-to-coast crisis.
"This is a national problem. It cannot be done in a piecemeal method," Cuomo said, calling for bold action involving the military and Army Corps of Engineers to quickly create excess hospital capacity.
In the nation's capital, Washington, a deeply divided Senate was considering a multibillion-dollar emergency spending bill requiring sick leave for some workers and expanded unemployment compensation, while the Supreme Court postponed oral arguments for the first time in over a century.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-17--Ohio scraps Democratic primary amid virus fears, but other states to vote

Millions of anxious Americans troop to polling stations Tuesday in three states , but not Ohio , as the coronavirus pandemic roils the nation 's Democratic primaries featuring frontrunner Joe Biden and his rival Bernie Sanders .
Campaigning has shifted from rallies to online events , candidate debates are audience-free , and multiple states have postponed their primaries as the virus , which has killed more than 80 people nationwide , prompts unprecedented alterations to the political landscape in an election year .
Ohio became the latest and largest state to upend the voting schedule when officials ordered polling stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican , defied a court ruling and declared a health emergency late Monday -- hours before residents of the industrial Midwestern battleground were to begin casting ballots .
Democrats are in the midst of choosing a nominee who will challenge Republican President Donald Trump in November 's election , but doubts and concerns have undercut the process .
As Arizona , Florida , and Illinois prepare to vote Tuesday , there is confusion over whether polling stations will be safe , given the pandemic .
Voters are also conflicted about venturing out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrict gatherings to groups of fewer than 10 .
'Democracy must go on' Despite DeWine 's move to shutter polling stations in Ohio , he appeared to be a lone official voice calling for delay , and failed to win support from Trump , who said it was `` up to the states '' to make the call .
Ultimately , the president said , `` I think postponing is unnecessary . ''
But the vote could be undermined in part by a potential scare factor for the elderly , who are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Florida , with the most delegates in play Tuesday , said the state is pulling out all the stops to keep the process safe .
In Arizona , Governor Doug Ducey said state and Democratic Party officials agreed that the primary should go on .
`` We have no guarantee that there will be a time in the future when it will be safer than tomorrow , '' Ducey said Monday .
`` Democracy must go on . ''
Biden , 77 , tops polling by significant margins in Arizona , Illinois @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice-president could strike a hammer blow against his rival by building an insurmountable lead in the delegate count .
Tuesday may be a make-or-break moment for the leftist Sanders , who will face mounting pressure to quit if he does not score a major upset .
Meanwhile , Americans are staying home from work or school by the millions as the country implements emergency measures against a worsening crisis .
Kentucky on Monday announced a delay in its primary from May until June , while Georgia , which was next in line to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until May .
Louisiana had earlier postponed its April election to June 20 .
Biden and Sanders say they will campaign exclusively online for now -- a scenario unheard of at the height of a US presidential primary battle .
Both are taking precautions during the outbreak : they are washing hands frequently , staff is working from home , and live campaign events have been scrapped .
The inability to campaign in person imposes a particular handicap on Sanders , who has consistently mobilized large and enthusiastic crowds at his events .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ underdog in the delegate race but stressed his progressive movement has `` transformed '' the 2020 campaign .
`` We have in many ways won the ideological struggle , '' he said , by drawing voters and rival Democratic candidates towards his more liberal policies , including tuition-free public college .
He said the pandemic served as an example of why Americans would be better served by a universal health care system .
But he also struck a note of unity .
`` At this unbelievably difficult moment , where so many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so , this is a time when we must come together , '' Sanders said .
Biden has hammered Sanders ' so-called `` Medicare for All '' plan as unrealistic given today 's political divisions , saying Sanders has yet to explain how he would pay for such a costly reshaping of the economy .
`` People are looking for results , not a revolution , '' Biden said during Sunday 's one-on-one debate , referring to Sanders ' call for radical socio-economic change .
But on Monday , in a video posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders ' message of unity .
`` We are going to overcome this coronavirus , '' he said .
`` Please , please take care of yourselves . ''

Millions of anxious Americans troop to polling stations Tuesday in three states, but not Ohio, as the coronavirus pandemic roils the nation's Democratic primaries featuring frontrunner Joe Biden and his rival Bernie Sanders.
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Campaigning has shifted from rallies to online events, candidate debates are audience-free, and multiple states have postponed their primaries as the virus, which has killed more than 80 people nationwide, prompts unprecedented alterations to the political landscape in an election year.
Ohio became the latest and largest state to upend the voting schedule when officials ordered polling stations closed.
Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, defied a court ruling and declared a health emergency late Monday -- hours before residents of the industrial Midwestern battleground were to begin casting ballots.
Democrats are in the midst of choosing a nominee who will challenge Republican President Donald Trump in November's election, but doubts and concerns have undercut the process.
As Arizona, Florida, and Illinois prepare to vote Tuesday, there is confusion over whether polling stations will be safe, given the pandemic.
Voters are also conflicted about venturing out to cast ballots after Trump urged Americans to restrict gatherings to groups of fewer than 10.
'Democracy must go on'
Despite DeWine's move to shutter polling stations in Ohio, he appeared to be a lone official voice calling for delay, and failed to win support from Trump, who said it was "up to the states" to make the call.
Ultimately, the president said, "I think postponing is unnecessary."
But the vote could be undermined in part by a potential scare factor for the elderly, who are at highest risk of contracting COVID-19.
Officials in Florida, with the most delegates in play Tuesday, said the state is pulling out all the stops to keep the process safe.
In Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey said state and Democratic Party officials agreed that the primary should go on.
"We have no guarantee that there will be a time in the future when it will be safer than tomorrow," Ducey said Monday.
"Democracy must go on."
Biden, 77, tops polling by significant margins in Arizona, Illinois and especially Florida, where the former vice-president could strike a hammer blow against his rival by building an insurmountable lead in the delegate count.
Tuesday may be a make-or-break moment for the leftist Sanders, who will face mounting pressure to quit if he does not score a major upset.
Meanwhile, Americans are staying home from work or school by the millions as the country implements emergency measures against a worsening crisis.
Kentucky on Monday announced a delay in its primary from May until June, while Georgia, which was next in line to vote on March 24, is delaying until May.
Louisiana had earlier postponed its April election to June 20.
Online campaigns
Biden and Sanders say they will campaign exclusively online for now -- a scenario unheard of at the height of a US presidential primary battle.
Both are taking precautions during the outbreak: they are washing hands frequently, staff is working from home, and live campaign events have been scrapped.
Sanders hosted a "digital rally" Monday night featuring high-profile supporter and veteran rocker Neil Young.
The inability to campaign in person imposes a particular handicap on Sanders, who has consistently mobilized large and enthusiastic crowds at his events.
Sanders has acknowledged he is now the underdog in the delegate race but stressed his progressive movement has "transformed" the 2020 campaign.
"We have in many ways won the ideological struggle," he said, by drawing voters and rival Democratic candidates towards his more liberal policies, including tuition-free public college.
He said the pandemic served as an example of why Americans would be better served by a universal health care system.
But he also struck a note of unity.
"At this unbelievably difficult moment, where so many people are very, very nervous and appropriately so, this is a time when we must come together," Sanders said.
Biden has hammered Sanders' so-called "Medicare for All" plan as unrealistic given today's political divisions, saying Sanders has yet to explain how he would pay for such a costly reshaping of the economy.
"People are looking for results, not a revolution," Biden said during Sunday's one-on-one debate, referring to Sanders' call for radical socio-economic change.
But on Monday, in a video posted on his Twitter feed, Biden echoed Sanders' message of unity.
"We are going to overcome this coronavirus," he said. "Please, please take care of yourselves."
(AFP)
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france24--2020-03-17--UK shuts down social life as coronavirus spreads

A couple wearing face masks walk down Clapham High Street , as the number of coronavirus cases grow around the world , in London , Britain March 16 , 2020 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday shut down social life in Britain and ordered the most vulnerable to isolate for 12 weeks , ramping up the battle against a coronavirus outbreak just as it accelerates towards its peak .
The British PM on Monday ordered the most vulnerable in Britain to isolate for 12 weeks , ramping up measures to counter the spread of the coronavirus outbreak just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had faced a backlash after his government took a less stringent approach to tackling the virus than countries such as Italy , France and Spain which have effectively locked down much of Europe .
In a toughening of Britain 's approach to the outbreak , Johnson closed down any remaining social life in the world 's fifth-largest economy and ordered those over 70 with underlying health problems to isolate for 12 weeks from this weekend .
`` What we are announcing today is a very substantial change in the way that we want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t remember anything like it in my life time , '' Johnson , 55 , said at a news conference in Number 10 Downing Street , flanked by the government 's top scientist and top doctor .
Johnson 's new finance minister , Rishi Sunak , was due to announce further support for businesses on Tuesday , a finance ministry source said , as many companies face a huge financial hit from the spread of coronavirus .
Sunak announced the biggest spending budget plan in nearly 30 years last week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , and promised more help if needed .
People should avoid pubs , clubs , restaurants , cinemas and theatres , the government said , though Johnson stopped short of ordering them to close .
He said he hoped the venues would take a responsible approach .
People should also avoid unnecessary travel and work from home where possible , he said .
He said this was particularly important in London as it appears to be `` a few weeks ahead '' of the rest of the country .
The hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since they were not being compelled to close , businesses would not be able to claim on their insurance .
`` This announcement will lead to thousands of businesses closing their doors for good , and hundreds of thousands of job losses , '' UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said .
The Society of London Theatres said its member venues , which include London 's major West End theatres , would close from Monday night until further notice .
The limits on social contact could last for months or at least weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , adding the next few weeks and months would be `` extraordinarily difficult '' for the health service .
Health minister Matt Hancock told parliament that non-time sensitive , elective surgery would be cancelled or postponed .
Johnson said anyone with symptoms of the coronavirus should isolate along with their entire household for 14 days .
Sterling fell to its lowest against the U.S. dollar since October while Johnson was speaking , down two thirds of a cent on the day .
This economic and financial crisis , though , is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` This is unlike 2008 , there is n't a systemic problem within the economy , '' Johnson said .
`` If we can get the disease under control ... then there is absolutely no reason why economies worldwide should not come roaring back . ''
The British government has faced criticism for no longer testing all suspected cases of coronavirus , and Whitty said testing was critical and Britain would scale it up .
Earlier on Monday , the World Health Organization called on all countries to ramp up their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom has risen to 1,543 , up from 1,372 the day before , the health ministry said on Monday .
The UK death toll rose to 55 .
`` It looks as though we are now approaching the fast growth part of the upward curve and without drastic action cases could double every 5 or 6 days , '' Johnson said .
He said it was essential to ensure `` those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a globally coordinated response , Johnson said there was widespread agreement in the G7 that measures would be needed .
`` We are going to need to make sure everybody has access to liquidity , '' he said .
`` If we do things jointly then I think that the global markets will understand that we 're all operating in the same sort of fiscal framework and I think we 'll be much more successful that way . ''
Johnson faced a backlash on Monday over his decision to keep schools open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and complaining that other countries were doing more to stop the spread of coronavirus .
Britain may need to close schools to slow the spread of coronavirus but now is not the time for this , the government 's chief scientific adviser , Patrick Vallance , said .
`` At some point , as we 've said , it may be necessary to think about things like school closures .
But those things , again , need to be done at the right time in the right way , at the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday shut down social life in Britain and ordered the most vulnerable to isolate for 12 weeks, ramping up the battle against a coronavirus outbreak just as it accelerates towards its peak.
A couple wearing face masks walk down Clapham High Street, as the number of coronavirus cases grow around the world, in London, Britain March 16, 2020.
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The British PM on Monday ordered the most vulnerable in Britain to isolate for 12 weeks, ramping up measures to counter the spread of the coronavirus outbreak just as it accelerates towards it peak.
Johnson had faced a backlash after his government took a less stringent approach to tackling the virus than countries such as Italy, France and Spain which have effectively locked down much of Europe.
In a toughening of Britain's approach to the outbreak, Johnson closed down any remaining social life in the world's fifth-largest economy and ordered those over 70 with underlying health problems to isolate for 12 weeks from this weekend.
"What we are announcing today is a very substantial change in the way that we want people to live their lives and I can’t remember anything like it in my life time," Johnson, 55, said at a news conference in Number 10 Downing Street, flanked by the government's top scientist and top doctor.
Johnson's new finance minister, Rishi Sunak, was due to announce further support for businesses on Tuesday, a finance ministry source said, as many companies face a huge financial hit from the spread of coronavirus.
Sunak announced the biggest spending budget plan in nearly 30 years last week, including measures to offset the impact of the virus, and promised more help if needed.
People should avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, the government said, though Johnson stopped short of ordering them to close. He said he hoped the venues would take a responsible approach. People should also avoid unnecessary travel and work from home where possible, he said.
He said this was particularly important in London as it appears to be "a few weeks ahead" of the rest of the country.
The hospitality industry criticised the move, saying that since they were not being compelled to close, businesses would not be able to claim on their insurance.
"This announcement will lead to thousands of businesses closing their doors for good, and hundreds of thousands of job losses," UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said.
The Society of London Theatres said its member venues, which include London's major West End theatres, would close from Monday night until further notice.
The limits on social contact could last for months or at least weeks, England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said, adding the next few weeks and months would be "extraordinarily difficult" for the health service.
Health minister Matt Hancock told parliament that non-time sensitive, elective surgery would be cancelled or postponed.
Johnson said anyone with symptoms of the coronavirus should isolate along with their entire household for 14 days.
Sterling fell to its lowest against the U.S. dollar since October while Johnson was speaking, down two thirds of a cent on the day. This economic and financial crisis, though, is not like the 2008 financial crisis, Johnson said.
"This is unlike 2008, there isn't a systemic problem within the economy," Johnson said. "If we can get the disease under control ... then there is absolutely no reason why economies worldwide should not come roaring back."
Virus spreads faster
The British government has faced criticism for no longer testing all suspected cases of coronavirus, and Whitty said testing was critical and Britain would scale it up. Earlier on Monday, the World Health Organization called on all countries to ramp up their testing programme.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom has risen to 1,543, up from 1,372 the day before, the health ministry said on Monday. The UK death toll rose to 55.
"It looks as though we are now approaching the fast growth part of the upward curve and without drastic action cases could double every 5 or 6 days," Johnson said.
He said it was essential to ensure "those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks."
When asked about the need for a globally coordinated response, Johnson said there was widespread agreement in the G7 that measures would be needed.
"We are going to need to make sure everybody has access to liquidity," he said. "If we do things jointly then I think that the global markets will understand that we're all operating in the same sort of fiscal framework and I think we'll be much more successful that way."
Johnson faced a backlash on Monday over his decision to keep schools open, with angry parents keeping their children at home and complaining that other countries were doing more to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Britain may need to close schools to slow the spread of coronavirus but now is not the time for this, the government's chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, said.
"At some point, as we've said, it may be necessary to think about things like school closures. But those things, again, need to be done at the right time in the right way, at the right stage of the outbreak," he said.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-17--Merkel announces strict measures, tells Germans to stay home in virus fight

German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a conference in Berlin on March 16 , 2020 .
German leaders on Monday urged citizens to stay home , as the government announced unprecedented nationwide measures to radically scale back public life in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Germans to cancel any holidays at home and abroad , while president Frank-Walter Steinmeier told people to `` stay at home '' .
The government banned gatherings in churches , mosques and synagogues and ordered non-essential shops as well as playgrounds shut .
The number of virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , a leap of 1,174 in 24 hours , according to the tally posted on disease control agency Robert Koch Institute 's website .
So far the country has seen 16 fatalities .
At a press conference in Berlin , Merkel said that under the new measures , `` there should n't be any holiday trips undertaken inside the country or outside it '' .
`` There have never been measures like this in our country before .
They are far-reaching , but at the moment they are necessary . ''
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work together to ensure the virus spreads as slowly as possible '' .
`` So wherever possible : stay at home !
Avoid close contact ... and have understanding for all restrictive measures , '' he said in a statement .
The sweeping restrictions aimed at `` limiting social contact in public places '' will leave most sites from museums to swimming pools to gyms shuttered .
But supermarkets , banks and post offices will stay open , as will pharmacies and petrol stations .
Hairdressers , construction supply stores and laundromats will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Restaurants and cafes can stay open , but only until 6 pm daily .
Hotels will only be used for `` essential and explicitly not for tourist purposes '' , the government added .
Authorities had last week ordered schools shut , and regional trains have been curtailed in a bid to reduce travel .
Germany also from Monday re-introduced checks on its borders with Austria , France , Switzerland , Luxembourg and Denmark , turning back motorists without an essential reason to enter Germany .
With most of Europe now in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tailspin , Berlin on Friday promised companies `` unlimited '' credit to keep them afloat .
The economic package is worth at least 550 billion euros ( $ 614 billion ) initially — the biggest in Germany 's post-war history .

German leaders on Monday urged citizens to stay home, as the government announced unprecedented nationwide measures to radically scale back public life in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a conference in Berlin on March 16, 2020.
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Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Germans to cancel any holidays at home and abroad, while president Frank-Walter Steinmeier told people to "stay at home".
The government banned gatherings in churches, mosques and synagogues and ordered non-essential shops as well as playgrounds shut.
The number of virus cases in Germany rose to 6,012 on Monday, a leap of 1,174 in 24 hours, according to the tally posted on disease control agency Robert Koch Institute's website.
So far the country has seen 16 fatalities.
At a press conference in Berlin, Merkel said that under the new measures, "there shouldn't be any holiday trips undertaken inside the country or outside it".
"There have never been measures like this in our country before. They are far-reaching, but at the moment they are necessary."
Meanwhile, Steinmeier called on Germans to "work together to ensure the virus spreads as slowly as possible".
"So wherever possible: stay at home! Avoid close contact... and have understanding for all restrictive measures," he said in a statement.
The sweeping restrictions aimed at "limiting social contact in public places" will leave most sites from museums to swimming pools to gyms shuttered.
But supermarkets, banks and post offices will stay open, as will pharmacies and petrol stations.
Hairdressers, construction supply stores and laundromats will also keep operating, the government said.
Restaurants and cafes can stay open, but only until 6 pm daily.
Hotels will only be used for "essential and explicitly not for tourist purposes", the government added.
Authorities had last week ordered schools shut, and regional trains have been curtailed in a bid to reduce travel.
Germany also from Monday re-introduced checks on its borders with Austria, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Denmark, turning back motorists without an essential reason to enter Germany.
With most of Europe now in lockdown, and stock markets in a tailspin, Berlin on Friday promised companies "unlimited" credit to keep them afloat.
The economic package is worth at least 550 billion euros ($614 billion) initially — the biggest in Germany's post-war history.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-03-16--Macron announces 15-day lockdown in French 'war' on coronavirus

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday ordered stringent restrictions on people 's movement amid a rapidly worsening coronavirus outbreak , saying the army will be drafted in to help move the sick to hospitals .
• Macron announced measures to `` severely restrict movements for the next 15 days at least '' , starting at midday Tuesday , and limit social contacts as much as possible • The president ordered people to stay at home unless they need to buy groceries , travel to work , exercise or seek medical care • Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said 100,000 officers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone found outside will have to provide proof of their reasons for travelling • Macron said the second round of municipal elections will be suspended , as will his government ’ s controversial pension overhaul • The French president said the EU ’ s external borders will shut for 30 days , but French nationals will be allowed home ; travel across the Schengen Area ’ s internal borders will be severely restricted • The French army will be deployed to help transport the sick and a field hospital is being set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France • Macron also announced a 300-billion-euro package to help prop up struggling businesses • The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in France rose to 148 on Monday , with 6,633 confirmed cases Click on the player above to watch our coverage , and follow our liveblog below for analysis and reactions .

Macron announces 15-day lockdown in French 'war' on coronavirus
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday ordered stringent restrictions on people's movement amid a rapidly worsening coronavirus outbreak, saying the army will be drafted in to help move the sick to hospitals.
00:57 French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to the nation on Monday, March 16, 2020. © FRANCE 24 screengrab
Advertising Read more Macron announced measures to "severely restrict movements for the next 15 days at least", starting at midday Tuesday, and limit social contacts as much as possible The president ordered people to stay at home unless they need to buy groceries, travel to work, exercise or seek medical care Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said 100,000 officers will be deployed to enforce the lockdown; anyone found outside will have to provide proof of their reasons for travelling Macron said the second round of municipal elections will be suspended, as will his government’s controversial pension overhaul The French president said the EU’s external borders will shut for 30 days, but French nationals will be allowed home; travel across the Schengen Area’s internal borders will be severely restricted The French army will be deployed to help transport the sick and a field hospital is being set up in the hard-hit Alsace region in eastern France Macron also announced a 300-billion-euro package to help prop up struggling businesses The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in France rose to 148 on Monday, with 6,633 confirmed cases Click on the player above to watch our coverage, and follow our liveblog below for analysis and reactions. Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app


france24--2020-03-17--France in lockdown as gov't says it could nationalise large companies in crisis

French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe is seen on a TV screen as he speaks from his office during the evening news broadcast of French public television channel France 2 on March 17 , 2020 in Paris on the day a strict lockdown came into effect in France to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus .
France put its 67 million people under lockdown on Tuesday , in an unprecedented act during peacetime , and said it was ready to nationalise big companies suffering financial turmoil created by the deepening coronavirus crisis .
Drafting in the army to help transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , President Emmanuel Macron late on Monday said citizens could leave their homes only to buy food , go to work , seek medical care or get some exercise on their own .
In Paris , police patrolled eerily quiet boulevards , stopping drivers and pedestrians and demanding that they present an interior ministry document justifying their movement .
The form can be downloaded on the ministry website and citizens can present an electronic version on their smartphones .
`` It 's like the holidays in August , '' said flat caretaker Slavjanka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and police out there on the Place de la Republique !
” France follows neighbouring Italy and Spain in introducing drastic curbs on public life in response to the pandemic .
France 's death toll from the coronavirus has reached 148 and a total of 6,600 people have been confirmed infected .
Macron 's government is deploying more than 100,000 police nationwide to enforce the restrictions .
Those who breach the conditions will be fined , although police were showing leniency in the first hours of the lockdown .
`` For now we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll start fining people , '' said one riot police officer manning a checkpoint in the upmarket Left Bank district .
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said there were plans to increase the fine for violations to 135 euros ( $ 148 ) , from 30 euros now .
`` We ask the French people to stay at home ... We ask them firmly , '' he said in an interview broadcast on the France 2 television station .
Hours before the lockdown took effect , Parisians rushed in large numbers to train stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capital .
Those who stayed behind descended on supermarkets and pharmacies , even though these were due to remain open .
`` Better to be there than couped up in the apartment , '' said one pensioner who gave his name only as Jean-Yves and said he was fleeing to his country house west of Paris .
The Paris exodus drew dismay from some in provincial France , where many fear city-dwellers will bring the virus with them and accelerate its spread .
`` Parisians are fleeing the city and will infect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the open air .
This exodus is unthinkable , selfish and a ticking time-bomb , '' one Twitter user wrote .
As in many other European countries including Italy , Germany and Spain , schools are closed , restaurants and bars shuttered and factories idle .
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said France might nationalise big companies reeling from the market fallout .
He said he would mobilise 45 billion euros in emergency measures to help firms weather the storm , money that comes on top of 300 billion euros in government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unexpected strain on public finances meant he would have to tear up his 2020 budget .
With the economy now forecast to shrink 1 % , the state deficit is expected to blow out to 3.9 % of gross domestic product from a target of 2.2 % .
The lockdown will last at least two weeks , Macron said .
In some supermarkets , shelves were empty of flour , pasta and long-life milk .
A Monoprix supermarket near the Eiffel Tower had marked out one-metre intervals in tape at the tills to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another and sought payment by card to minimise infection risk .
On Tuesday evening , some Parisians came together in a show of solidarity .
Prompted by messages circulating on social media , people in neighbourhoods around the city came out on to their balconies at 8 p.m. to applaud nurses and doctors treating the sick .
`` Bravo to the healthcare workers , '' one woman shouted from her balcony in the city 's 14th district , on the Left Bank of the Seine .

France put its 67 million people under lockdown on Tuesday, in an unprecedented act during peacetime, and said it was ready to nationalise big companies suffering financial turmoil created by the deepening coronavirus crisis.
French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe is seen on a TV screen as he speaks from his office during the evening news broadcast of French public television channel France 2 on March 17, 2020 in Paris on the day a strict lockdown came into effect in France to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
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Drafting in the army to help transport gravely ill people and ordering border controls, President Emmanuel Macron late on Monday said citizens could leave their homes only to buy food, go to work, seek medical care or get some exercise on their own.
In Paris, police patrolled eerily quiet boulevards, stopping drivers and pedestrians and demanding that they present an interior ministry document justifying their movement. The form can be downloaded on the ministry website and citizens can present an electronic version on their smartphones.
"It's like the holidays in August," said flat caretaker Slavjanka Stankovic. "There's only pigeons and police out there on the Place de la Republique!”
France follows neighbouring Italy and Spain in introducing drastic curbs on public life in response to the pandemic. France's death toll from the coronavirus has reached 148 and a total of 6,600 people have been confirmed infected.
Macron's government is deploying more than 100,000 police nationwide to enforce the restrictions. Those who breach the conditions will be fined, although police were showing leniency in the first hours of the lockdown.
"For now we're just explaining things. Tomorrow we'll start fining people," said one riot police officer manning a checkpoint in the upmarket Left Bank district.
'Stay at home'
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said there were plans to increase the fine for violations to 135 euros ($148), from 30 euros now.
"We ask the French people to stay at home...We ask them firmly," he said in an interview broadcast on the France 2 television station.
Hours before the lockdown took effect, Parisians rushed in large numbers to train stations or took to the roads to escape the capital. Those who stayed behind descended on supermarkets and pharmacies, even though these were due to remain open.
"Better to be there than couped up in the apartment," said one pensioner who gave his name only as Jean-Yves and said he was fleeing to his country house west of Paris.
‘Ticking time-bomb’
The Paris exodus drew dismay from some in provincial France, where many fear city-dwellers will bring the virus with them and accelerate its spread.
"Parisians are fleeing the city and will infect the provinces, just to be confined in the open air. This exodus is unthinkable, selfish and a ticking time-bomb," one Twitter user wrote.
As in many other European countries including Italy, Germany and Spain, schools are closed, restaurants and bars shuttered and factories idle.
Finance minister to remake budget
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said France might nationalise big companies reeling from the market fallout.
He said he would mobilise 45 billion euros in emergency measures to help firms weather the storm, money that comes on top of 300 billion euros in government loan guarantees.
Le Maire said the unexpected strain on public finances meant he would have to tear up his 2020 budget. With the economy now forecast to shrink 1%, the state deficit is expected to blow out to 3.9% of gross domestic product from a target of 2.2%.
The lockdown will last at least two weeks, Macron said.
In some supermarkets, shelves were empty of flour, pasta and long-life milk. A Monoprix supermarket near the Eiffel Tower had marked out one-metre intervals in tape at the tills to remind customers to keep distance from one another and sought payment by card to minimise infection risk.
On Tuesday evening, some Parisians came together in a show of solidarity. Prompted by messages circulating on social media, people in neighbourhoods around the city came out on to their balconies at 8 p.m. to applaud nurses and doctors treating the sick.
"Bravo to the healthcare workers," one woman shouted from her balcony in the city's 14th district, on the Left Bank of the Seine.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-17--Europe struggles with 'socio-economic tsunami' caused by coronavirus

A woman wearing a protective mask waits to donate blood after appeals from hospitals and the Italian government for blood donations to help treat coronavirus patients , at an Italian Red Cross centre , in Rome , Italy March 17 2020 .
Italy 's prime minister on Tuesday declared coronavirus was causing a `` socio-economic tsunami '' as European leaders agreed to seal off external borders , but many countries thwarted solidarity by imposing frontier curbs of their own .
`` The enemy is the virus and now we have to do our utmost to protect our people and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Ursula von der Leyen said after the second videoconference in a week of the European Union 's 27 leaders .
`` We are ready to do everything that is required .
We will not hesitate to take additional measures as the situation evolves . ''
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte , whose country has been hardest hit by a global health crisis now centred in Europe , said no nation would be left untouched by the `` tsunami '' .
He called for special `` coronavirus bonds '' , or a European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finance urgent health and economic policies , an Italian government source said .
Rome has issued similar calls for joint EU funding during previous crises , usually running into opposition from the bloc 's most powerful economy and paymaster , Germany .
Asked about Conte 's proposal , Chancellor Angela Merkel said euro zone finance ministers would continue discussing ways to help their economies cushion the impact , but no decision has been made .
`` These are initial discussions and there have been no decisions by the finance ministers , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Finance Minister ) Olaf Scholz so that Germany continues to take part ( in the discussions ) .
But there are no results regarding this . ''
The EU has scrambled to find a coherent response to the outbreak , with countries imposing their own border checks in what is normally a zone of control-free travel , limiting exports of medical equipment or failing to share key data swiftly .
The national leaders agreed on Tuesday to close the external borders of most European countries for 30 days and establish fast-track lanes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicines and food moving .
Ireland will not join the travel ban on Europe 's borders , von der Leyen said , because the United Kingdom - which left the EU in January - was not either .
Despite Brexit , the two have an obligation to preserve an open border on the island of Ireland .
Should Ireland go with the majority of European countries while the UK stays away , it would mean erecting controls on the sensitive border with Northern Ireland , something sides sought to avoid at all cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks .
France went into lockdown on Tuesday to contain the spread of the highly contagious new coronavirus and Belgium announced it would follow suit , as the death toll in Italy jumped above 2,000 , European banks warned of falling incomes and pummelled airlines pleaded for government aid .
The EU 's executive European Commission warned member states that this was just the beginning of the crisis and Germany said it would run for `` months rather than weeks '' , diplomats said .
Alarmed by the unilateral border restrictions being imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement of people , French President Emmanuel Macron had pressed for the decision to close Europe 's external borders to foreigners .
`` That was meant to convince European countries to drop internal and unilateral border moves .
But it 's hard to see anyone doing it , '' an EU diplomat said , adding the move was largely symbolic as the virus was already within .
Indeed , tensions over borders still abounded across the EU , with three Baltic countries - Lithuania , Latvia and Estonia - criticising Poland for blocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Portugal and Spain on Tuesday notified Brussels that they have introduced controls on Europe 's internal borders , bringing the total taking such measures to at least 12 countries .
Slovakia , Slovenia and Hungary have not formally informed the EU about such moves despite pursuing them , meaning the real number is likely higher .
The EU has also moved to repatriate Europeans stranded abroad as airlines cut flights .
Von der Leyen said nearly 300 Austrian and other European nationals were flown back from Morocco to Vienna on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU leaders have come together on a `` whatever it takes '' approach to cushioning the economic blow from the pandemic , including by relaxing limitations on state aid .
The bloc 's antitrust chief proposed allowing governments to offer grants or tax advantages of up to 500,000 euros ( $ 550,000 ) to ailing companies , though some EU countries want Brussels to go further .

Italy's prime minister on Tuesday declared coronavirus was causing a "socio-economic tsunami" as European leaders agreed to seal off external borders, but many countries thwarted solidarity by imposing frontier curbs of their own.
A woman wearing a protective mask waits to donate blood after appeals from hospitals and the Italian government for blood donations to help treat coronavirus patients, at an Italian Red Cross centre, in Rome, Italy March 17 2020.
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"The enemy is the virus and now we have to do our utmost to protect our people and to protect our economies," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after the second videoconference in a week of the European Union's 27 leaders.
"We are ready to do everything that is required. We will not hesitate to take additional measures as the situation evolves."
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, whose country has been hardest hit by a global health crisis now centred in Europe, said no nation would be left untouched by the "tsunami".
He called for special "coronavirus bonds", or a European guarantee fund, to help member states finance urgent health and economic policies, an Italian government source said.
Rome has issued similar calls for joint EU funding during previous crises, usually running into opposition from the bloc's most powerful economy and paymaster, Germany.
Asked about Conte's proposal, Chancellor Angela Merkel said euro zone finance ministers would continue discussing ways to help their economies cushion the impact, but no decision has been made.
"These are initial discussions and there have been no decisions by the finance ministers," said Merkel. "I will talk to (Finance Minister) Olaf Scholz so that Germany continues to take part (in the discussions). But there are no results regarding this."
The EU has scrambled to find a coherent response to the outbreak, with countries imposing their own border checks in what is normally a zone of control-free travel, limiting exports of medical equipment or failing to share key data swiftly.
The national leaders agreed on Tuesday to close the external borders of most European countries for 30 days and establish fast-track lanes at their countries' frontiers to keep medicines and food moving.
Ireland will not join the travel ban on Europe's borders, von der Leyen said, because the United Kingdom - which left the EU in January - was not either. Despite Brexit, the two have an obligation to preserve an open border on the island of Ireland.
Should Ireland go with the majority of European countries while the UK stays away, it would mean erecting controls on the sensitive border with Northern Ireland, something sides sought to avoid at all cost in three years of tortuous Brexit divorce talks.
Damaged unity
France went into lockdown on Tuesday to contain the spread of the highly contagious new coronavirus and Belgium announced it would follow suit, as the death toll in Italy jumped above 2,000, European banks warned of falling incomes and pummelled airlines pleaded for government aid.
The EU's executive European Commission warned member states that this was just the beginning of the crisis and Germany said it would run for "months rather than weeks", diplomats said.
Alarmed by the unilateral border restrictions being imposed in a bloc that prizes the free movement of people, French President Emmanuel Macron had pressed for the decision to close Europe's external borders to foreigners.
"That was meant to convince European countries to drop internal and unilateral border moves. But it's hard to see anyone doing it," an EU diplomat said, adding the move was largely symbolic as the virus was already within.
Indeed, tensions over borders still abounded across the EU, with three Baltic countries - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - criticising Poland for blocking their citizens in transit from returning home.
Portugal and Spain on Tuesday notified Brussels that they have introduced controls on Europe's internal borders, bringing the total taking such measures to at least 12 countries.
Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary have not formally informed the EU about such moves despite pursuing them, meaning the real number is likely higher.
The EU has also moved to repatriate Europeans stranded abroad as airlines cut flights. Von der Leyen said nearly 300 Austrian and other European nationals were flown back from Morocco to Vienna on Tuesday.
Their border control steps aside, the EU leaders have come together on a "whatever it takes" approach to cushioning the economic blow from the pandemic, including by relaxing limitations on state aid.
The bloc's antitrust chief proposed allowing governments to offer grants or tax advantages of up to 500,000 euros ($550,000) to ailing companies, though some EU countries want Brussels to go further.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-17--France's coronavirus lockdown: What you can and can't do

A police officer patrols the Trocadero square , facing the Eiffel Tower in Paris , on day one of France 's coronavirus lockdown .
A strict 15-day lockdown requiring people in France to remain at home came into effect at midday Tuesday , prohibiting all but essential outings in a bid to curb the coronavirus spread .
Here ’ s a quick guide on how to navigate the lockdown .
`` We are at war , a public health war , ” President Emmanuel Macron said in a sombre address on Monday , declaring a nationwide lockdown to fight a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in France and infected more than 6,000 .
His government has said tens of thousands of police will be patrolling streets and issuing fines for people without a written declaration justifying their reasons for being out .
FRANCE 24 takes a closer look at the government ’ s measures and the exceptions to the confinement rules .
“ The message is clear : stay at home , ” Interior Minister Christophe Castaner declared on Monday as he detailed the restrictions included in the 15-day lockdown .
There are five exceptions to that injunction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so long as the work is essential , can not be postponed , and can not be done from home • Shopping for groceries and other essential items is allowed ; there is no need for panic-buying as supermarkets and bakers can remain open throughout the lockdown • Exceptions are also made for “ imperative family reasons ” , such as looking after children and the elderly .
In practice , parents with shared custody can travel between each other ’ s homes ; shopping for an elderly relative is also allowed ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe distance when visiting vulnerable relatives ) • Brief outings to get some exercise or take pets for a walk are allowed , albeit “ with parsimony ” ; Castaner stressed that all group activities , such as playing a football match , are strictly banned • All health-related appointments are permitted , including trips to the pharmacy .
For all information on the coronavirus outbreak , dial 08 00 130 000 , free of charge .
All people leaving their homes must carry a signed form , or attestation , explaining where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different form is needed for each outing .
Failure to produce one will result in a fine .
The form can be downloaded here .
In the absence of a printer , it can be filled in online and displayed on a smartphone .
Alternatively , a written document will be accepted , as long as it is dated and states the person ’ s full name , address , date of birth and reason for travel .
The form details the five motives listed above ; tick the relevant box when filling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gendarmes will be out on the streets to enforce the lockdown and check that people carry a signed attestation .
Failure to produce one will result in a 38-euro fine , which may rise to 135 euros at a later stage .
The rules will be enforced throughout continental France and in the overseas territories of Saint-Barthélémy , Saint-Martin and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon .
They apply until March 31 , but may be renewed if deemed necessary .
Exceptions are made for health workers and journalists , who can present their professional cards when travelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Macron ’ s announcements on Monday , the French army will not be deployed at this stage to enforce the lockdown .
Instead , the military will help transport the sick and set up a field hospital in the hard-hit Alsace region .

A strict 15-day lockdown requiring people in France to remain at home came into effect at midday Tuesday, prohibiting all but essential outings in a bid to curb the coronavirus spread. Here’s a quick guide on how to navigate the lockdown.
A police officer patrols the Trocadero square, facing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, on day one of France's coronavirus lockdown.
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"We are at war, a public health war,” President Emmanuel Macron said in a sombre address on Monday, declaring a nationwide lockdown to fight a virus that has already killed 148 people in France and infected more than 6,000.
His government has said tens of thousands of police will be patrolling streets and issuing fines for people without a written declaration justifying their reasons for being out.
Strange view: Deserted #EiffelTower, one of the most visited places in the world. From 12 pm today all #France on lockdown. You can't even go for a walk with your child. Only jogging. #COVID19france #Paris #TourEffel pic.twitter.com/iPmQwjhEld — Karolina Borońska-Hryniewiecka (@K_Boronska) March 17, 2020
FRANCE 24 takes a closer look at the government’s measures and the exceptions to the confinement rules.
Non-essential movements banned
“The message is clear: stay at home,” Interior Minister Christophe Castaner declared on Monday as he detailed the restrictions included in the 15-day lockdown. There are five exceptions to that injunction:
Travelling to work is permitted so long as the work is essential, cannot be postponed, and cannot be done from home
Shopping for groceries and other essential items is allowed; there is no need for panic-buying as supermarkets and bakers can remain open throughout the lockdown
Exceptions are also made for “imperative family reasons”, such as looking after children and the elderly. In practice, parents with shared custody can travel between each other’s homes; shopping for an elderly relative is also allowed (as long as people keep to a safe distance when visiting vulnerable relatives)
Brief outings to get some exercise or take pets for a walk are allowed, albeit “with parsimony”; Castaner stressed that all group activities, such as playing a football match, are strictly banned
🇫🇷Just back from a quick run (that’s allowed with an attestation or permission slip). So quiet. Was out for about 40 mins and passed 3 on foot police patrols and several police vans (they’re taking it seriously). #COVID19 #coronavirus — Stuart Norval (@StuartNorval) March 17, 2020
All health-related appointments are permitted, including trips to the pharmacy. For all information on the coronavirus outbreak, dial 08 00 130 000, free of charge.
Travel pass
All people leaving their homes must carry a signed form, or attestation, explaining where they are headed and why. A different form is needed for each outing. Failure to produce one will result in a fine.
France lockdown info 1/
Here’s the form France residents need for the next fortnight if they want to leave their homes (whole country inc. all overseas territories)https://t.co/qtxaztR0gC#coronavirus #CoronavirusFrance #F24 cc @BritishInEurope pic.twitter.com/vGTXzAzksC — Catherine Nicholson (@ACatInParis) March 17, 2020
The form can be downloaded here. In the absence of a printer, it can be filled in online and displayed on a smartphone. Alternatively, a written document will be accepted, as long as it is dated and states the person’s full name, address, date of birth and reason for travel.
The form details the five motives listed above; tick the relevant box when filling it in.
Penalties
Some 100,000 police and gendarmes will be out on the streets to enforce the lockdown and check that people carry a signed attestation. Failure to produce one will result in a 38-euro fine, which may rise to 135 euros at a later stage.
The rules will be enforced throughout continental France and in the overseas territories of Saint-Barthélémy, Saint-Martin and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. They apply until March 31, but may be renewed if deemed necessary.
Exceptions are made for health workers and journalists, who can present their professional cards when travelling for work.
Contrary to rumours circulating before Macron’s announcements on Monday, the French army will not be deployed at this stage to enforce the lockdown. Instead, the military will help transport the sick and set up a field hospital in the hard-hit Alsace region.
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france24--2020-03-17--Trump favors direct payments to Americans as Senate weighs coronavirus aid bill

US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting on the coronavirus response with tourism industry executives in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington , D.C. on March 17 , 2020 .
U.S. President Donald Trump 's administration pushed lawmakers to send money directly to Americans to counter the economic toll of the coronavirus outbreak , as the Senate weighed a multibillion-dollar emergency bill passed by the House of Representatives .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was poised to meet with Senate Republicans to discuss a plan to send checks to Americans affected by the crisis , and Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,000 .
The Republican president 's tone on the coronavirus pandemic has changed sharply in the past few days .
After initially playing down the threat of the outbreak that has spread rapidly across the United States , killing at least 95 people , his administration has begun pushing for urgent action to stem the disease 's economic toll .
The administration was talking about a new stimulus package of around $ 850 billion , one U.S. official said , speaking on condition of anonymity .
It would be the third coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just this month .
Trump signed the first $ 8.3 billion package to battle the coronavirus on March 6 .
The House over the weekend passed a second measure that would require paid sick leave for some workers and expand unemployment compensation , among other steps , including nearly $ 1 billion in additional money to help feed children , homebound senior citizens and others .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said his chamber is `` anxious '' to approve the House measure , a move that could take place on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until we have passed significant and bold new steps , above and beyond what the House passed , '' McConnell said on the Senate floor .
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer , however , warned that cutting the payroll tax - one of Trump 's favored proposals - `` may be premature and the wrong response '' to fighting the impact of the coronavirus on the economy .
Even some Senate Republicans were not enamored of cutting the payroll tax .
Members of both political parties were talking about large amounts of additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fast-spreading disease .
The outbreak has killed more than 7,500 people worldwide , caused massive disruptions to daily life across the country and hammered the U.S. stock market that Trump has long touted as a barometer of his administration 's performance .
An administration official , speaking on condition of anonymity , early Tuesday said the White House wanted $ 500 billion in a payroll tax cut , a $ 50 billion bailout for airlines struggling from plummeting demand , and $ 250 billion for small business loans .
But when Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasis had shifted ; both men noted that a payroll tax cut would take longer .
Schumer has talked of spending $ 750 billion on things like expanding unemployment insurance , bolstering the Medicaid healthcare program for the poor and funding emergency childcare for healthcare workers .
In the House , Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement laying out what she wanted to see in a third coronavirus aid package , including refundable tax credits for self-employed workers and ensuring that sick workers can get longer-term leave if needed .
`` During negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make clear to the administration that any emergency response package must put families first , before any aid to corporate America is considered , '' Pelosi said .
Senator Kevin Cramer , a Republican ally of Trump , expressed concerns about the size of the proposed third-phase bill , which he said could take the Senate days or even weeks to deliberate .
Republican Senator Mike Braun , another White House ally , said the first priority should be to help small-business employees hit by the outbreak through the unemployment insurance system rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick leave mandate .
He said larger stimulus issues , including a payroll tax cut , can wait .
`` I do n't think it 's wise to spend our money on so-called stimulus , like a payroll tax cut .
I think it is a good idea to spend money stabilizing the economy , '' said Senator Lamar Alexander , a Republican .
`` The economy 's not the problem , the disease is the problem .
When we restrain the disease , the economy will bounce back , in my opinion @ @ @ @ @

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration pushed lawmakers to send money directly to Americans to counter the economic toll of the coronavirus outbreak, as the Senate weighed a multibillion-dollar emergency bill passed by the House of Representatives.
US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting on the coronavirus response with tourism industry executives in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. on March 17, 2020.
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Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was poised to meet with Senate Republicans to discuss a plan to send checks to Americans affected by the crisis, and Trump told reporters the payments could amount to $1,000.
The Republican president's tone on the coronavirus pandemic has changed sharply in the past few days. After initially playing down the threat of the outbreak that has spread rapidly across the United States, killing at least 95 people, his administration has begun pushing for urgent action to stem the disease's economic toll.
The administration was talking about a new stimulus package of around $850 billion, one U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
It would be the third coronavirus aid plan to be considered by Congress just this month. Trump signed the first $8.3 billion package to battle the coronavirus on March 6.
The House over the weekend passed a second measure that would require paid sick leave for some workers and expand unemployment compensation, among other steps, including nearly $1 billion in additional money to help feed children, homebound senior citizens and others.
McConnell: 'anxious' to approve House measure
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said his chamber is "anxious" to approve the House measure, a move that could take place on Tuesday.
"The Senate will not adjourn until we have passed significant and bold new steps, above and beyond what the House passed," McConnell said on the Senate floor.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, however, warned that cutting the payroll tax - one of Trump's favoured proposals - "may be premature and the wrong response" to fighting the impact of the coronavirus on the economy. Even some Senate Republicans were not enamoured of cutting the payroll tax.
Members of both political parties were talking about large amounts of additional money to help blunt the impact of the fast-spreading disease. The outbreak has killed more than 7,500 people worldwide, caused massive disruptions to daily life across the country and hammered the U.S. stock market that Trump has long touted as a barometer of his administration's performance.
Trump, Mnuchin discuss potential third aid bill
An administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, early Tuesday said the White House wanted $500 billion in a payroll tax cut, a $50 billion bailout for airlines struggling from plummeting demand, and $250 billion for small business loans.
But when Trump and Mnuchin spoke at midday, their emphasis had shifted; both men noted that a payroll tax cut would take longer.
Schumer has talked of spending $750 billion on things like expanding unemployment insurance, bolstering the Medicaid healthcare program for the poor and funding emergency childcare for healthcare workers.
In the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a statement laying out what she wanted to see in a third coronavirus aid package, including refundable tax credits for self-employed workers and ensuring that sick workers can get longer-term leave if needed.
"During negotiations, the Democratic House will continue to make clear to the administration that any emergency response package must put families first, before any aid to corporate America is considered," Pelosi said.
Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican ally of Trump, expressed concerns about the size of the proposed third-phase bill, which he said could take the Senate days or even weeks to deliberate.
Republican Senator Mike Braun, another White House ally, said the first priority should be to help small-business employees hit by the outbreak through the unemployment insurance system rather than through the House tax credit and sick leave mandate. He said larger stimulus issues, including a payroll tax cut, can wait.
"I don't think it's wise to spend our money on so-called stimulus, like a payroll tax cut. I think it is a good idea to spend money stabilizing the economy," said Senator Lamar Alexander, a Republican. "The economy's not the problem, the disease is the problem. When we restrain the disease, the economy will bounce back, in my opinion, probably quickly.”
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-17--Scramble for the countryside: Parisians flee capital as lockdown begins

Travellers wearing protective masks wait in front of Gare du Nord railway station in Paris on March 17 , 2020 .
Parisians thronged the city 's rail stations and took to the highway early on Tuesday to escape the French capital before a lockdown imposed to slow the rate of coronavirus contagion kicked in at midday .
Those who stayed behind descended on supermarkets and pharmacies even as these were due to remain open under the sweeping restrictions on public life announced by President Emmanuel Macron late on Monday .
The Paris exodus drew dismay from provincial France , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus with them and accelerate its spread .
One man , a pensioner who was loading his car near the UNESCO headquarters , said he was fleeing to his country house 100 km west of Paris .
`` Better to be there than couped up in the apartment , '' he said , giving his name only as Jean-Yves .
Along with controls on France 's land borders , Macron ordered people to stay at home from 1100 GMT on Tuesday and to leave only to buy groceries , travel to work if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The army will help move the sick to hospitals , he said .
France 's death toll from the coronavirus has reached 148 and a total of 6,600 people have been confirmed infected .
As in other European countries including Italy , Germany and Spain , schools are closed , restaurants and bars shuttered up , and factories idle .
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said he expected the French economy to shrink by 1 % in 2020 .
Airbus said it would temporarily stop production at its plants in France and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutting down industrial sites in France and Spain until further notice .
In central Paris , normally choked with traffic , children played out in the streets before the lockdown came into force .
It will last at least two weeks , Macron said .
In supermarkets across the city , people loaded up their trolleys , ignoring the government 's plea not to panic-buy .
In one Monoprix supermarket in the 15th arrondissement , close to the Eiffel Tower , the shelves were empty of flour , pasta and long-life milk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ marked out one-metre intervals in tape to remind customers to keep distance from one another and sought payment by card , not cash .
At the Gare du Nord station , crowds of passengers , many wearing masks , waited to board their trains out of the city .
Junior transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said the government had not wanted to prevent people travelling to the provinces .
But he acknowledged the spread of the coronavirus might be exacerbated by people crowding onto trains .
In provincial France , some were incredulous at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parisians are fleeing the city and will infect the provinces , just to be confined in the open air .
This exodus is unthinkable , selfish and a ticking time-bomb , '' one Twitter user wrote .
One traveller , at the Gare du Nord , 44-year-old Stephane Legrand , shrugged at the suggestion the exodus was going to help spread the contagion .
`` The virus is global already .
I 'm normally in good health , I 'm never ill , so I hope all will be well . ''

Parisians thronged the city's rail stations and took to the highway early on Tuesday to escape the French capital before a lockdown imposed to slow the rate of coronavirus contagion kicked in at midday.
Travellers wearing protective masks wait in front of Gare du Nord railway station in Paris on March 17, 2020.
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Those who stayed behind descended on supermarkets and pharmacies even as these were due to remain open under the sweeping restrictions on public life announced by President Emmanuel Macron late on Monday.
The Paris exodus drew dismay from provincial France, where many fear that city-dwellers will bring the virus with them and accelerate its spread.
One man, a pensioner who was loading his car near the UNESCO headquarters, said he was fleeing to his country house 100 km west of Paris.
"Better to be there than couped up in the apartment," he said, giving his name only as Jean-Yves.
Along with controls on France's land borders, Macron ordered people to stay at home from 1100 GMT on Tuesday and to leave only to buy groceries, travel to work if essential, exercise or for medical care. The army will help move the sick to hospitals, he said.
🔊Fuite hors de #Paris à gare Montparnasse. De nombreux jeunes se rendent dans leur famille pour y passer leur confinement. De très grosses valises, signe qu'on ne prévoit pas de revenir si tôt dans la capitale.. #COVID19france pic.twitter.com/nPAp5qYq2k — GauloiseRéfractaire💥 (@MAHIEUCATHERINE) March 17, 2020
France's death toll from the coronavirus has reached 148 and a total of 6,600 people have been confirmed infected.
As in other European countries including Italy, Germany and Spain, schools are closed, restaurants and bars shuttered up, and factories idle.
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said he expected the French economy to shrink by 1% in 2020.
Airbus said it would temporarily stop production at its plants in France and Spain. Carmaker Renault announced it was shutting down industrial sites in France and Spain until further notice.
Panic buying
In central Paris, normally choked with traffic, children played out in the streets before the lockdown came into force.
It will last at least two weeks, Macron said.
In supermarkets across the city, people loaded up their trolleys, ignoring the government's plea not to panic-buy.
In one Monoprix supermarket in the 15th arrondissement, close to the Eiffel Tower, the shelves were empty of flour, pasta and long-life milk. At the tills, the store had marked out one-metre intervals in tape to remind customers to keep distance from one another and sought payment by card, not cash.
After Macron announced mandatory confinement and the closing of borders earlier today, the Parisians are fleeing the capital en masse. Montparnasse station looks totally safe right now... #coronapocolypse https://t.co/TdZh5KnKcs — Hélène Landemore (@landemore) March 16, 2020
At the Gare du Nord station, crowds of passengers, many wearing masks, waited to board their trains out of the city.
Armed police patrolled inside and a worker disinfected the main hallway.
Junior transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said the government had not wanted to prevent people travelling to the provinces. But he acknowledged the spread of the coronavirus might be exacerbated by people crowding onto trains.
In provincial France, some were incredulous at the influx of city folk.
"Parisians are fleeing the city and will infect the provinces, just to be confined in the open air. This exodus is unthinkable, selfish and a ticking time-bomb," one Twitter user wrote.
One traveller, at the Gare du Nord, 44-year-old Stephane Legrand, shrugged at the suggestion the exodus was going to help spread the contagion.
"The virus is global already. I'm normally in good health,
I'm never ill, so I hope all will be well."
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-17--UN to suspend refugee resettlement abroad due to coronavirus travel restrictions

Syrian refugee students take part in a hand-washing activity as part of an awareness campaign about the novel coronavirus initiated by Oxfam and UNICEF at the Al Zaatari refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq , near the border with Syria , on March 11 , 2020 .
The UN refugee agency ( UNHCR ) and International Organization for Migration will temporarily suspend sending refugees on to resettle in new permanent homes abroad because of travel disruptions caused by the coronavirus , the agency said Tuesday .
The agency said the suspension would begin to take effect within a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries to `` ensure that movements can continue for the most critical emergency cases wherever possible ” .
`` Refugee families are being directly impacted by these quickly evolving regulations in the course of their travel , with some experiencing extensive delays while others have been stranded or separated from family members , '' the agency said in a statement .
The UNHCR works to find people who have been forced from their home by war , persecution , natural disaster or other reasons a new place to live , and resettled about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more people will be left in displaced persons ' camps and other temporary settlements – places that often present significant safety and health risks of their own – until placement in permanent new homes can resume .
Separately on Tuesday , a senior official for UNICEF , the UN children 's fund , said European border restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus would affect plans to transfer hundreds of children out of `` dire and dangerous '' refugee camps in Greece .
European countries including Finland , France , Portugal and Luxembourg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed in recent weeks to take unaccompanied minors from Greece after thousands of refugees and migrants arrived in the EU member state , including those fleeing violence in Syria .
But some EU member states have since imposed checks at borders that are normally in a zone of control-free travel , and EU leaders later on Tuesday sealed the bloc 's external borders .
`` The temporary shutdown of cross-border movement within the EU will inevitably impact when and how vulnerable children in Greece are relocated to Germany , Finland and other states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the refugee and migrant response in Europe , told Reuters by email .
She urged countries to explore `` all possible measures to expedite the transfer of these children , so they can begin moving as soon as the borders reopen ” .
The UNHCR said on Tuesday there were at least 10 confirmed coronavirus cases among refugees and asylum seekers in Germany .
Some aid officials worry this might undermine future support for taking refugees .

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and International Organization for Migration will temporarily suspend sending refugees on to resettle in new permanent homes abroad because of travel disruptions caused by the coronavirus, the agency said Tuesday.
Syrian refugee students take part in a hand-washing activity as part of an awareness campaign about the novel coronavirus initiated by Oxfam and UNICEF at the Al Zaatari refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq, near the border with Syria, on March 11, 2020.
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The agency said the suspension would begin to take effect within a few days, but also appealed to countries to "ensure that movements can continue for the most critical emergency cases wherever possible”.
"Refugee families are being directly impacted by these quickly evolving regulations in the course of their travel, with some experiencing extensive delays while others have been stranded or separated from family members," the agency said in a statement.
The UNHCR works to find people who have been forced from their home by war, persecution, natural disaster or other reasons a new place to live, and resettled about 64,000 last year.
The suspension means more people will be left in displaced persons' camps and other temporary settlements – places that often present significant safety and health risks of their own – until placement in permanent new homes can resume.
'Dire and dangerous'
Separately on Tuesday, a senior official for UNICEF, the UN children's fund, said European border restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus would affect plans to transfer hundreds of children out of "dire and dangerous" refugee camps in Greece.
European countries including Finland, France, Portugal and Luxembourg, and the German city of Berlin, agreed in recent weeks to take unaccompanied minors from Greece after thousands of refugees and migrants arrived in the EU member state, including those fleeing violence in Syria.
But some EU member states have since imposed checks at borders that are normally in a zone of control-free travel, and EU leaders later on Tuesday sealed the bloc's external borders.
"The temporary shutdown of cross-border movement within the EU will inevitably impact when and how vulnerable children in Greece are relocated to Germany, Finland and other states," Afshan Khan, special coordinator for the refugee and migrant response in Europe, told Reuters by email.
She urged countries to explore "all possible measures to expedite the transfer of these children, so they can begin moving as soon as the borders reopen”.
The UNHCR said on Tuesday there were at least 10 confirmed coronavirus cases among refugees and asylum seekers in Germany. Some aid officials worry this might undermine future support for taking refugees.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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