france24--2020-03-19--Coronavirus death toll in Italy overtakes China's after rising to 3,405

Italian military trucks drive through streets of Bergamo after the army were deployed to move coffins from the town to neighbouring provinces after funeral services were overwhelmed , in Bergamo , Italy , March 18 2020 .
Italy 's death toll from coronavirus overtook that of China , where the virus first emerged , on Thursday as hospitals said they were being overwhelmed and the government prepared to prolong emergency lockdown measures .
A total 427 deaths were registered in Italy over the past 24 hours , bringing the total nationwide tally to 3,405 since the outbreak surfaced on Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since early January .
However , Italy has far fewer confirmed cases - 41,035 as of Thursday against 80,907 in China .
Officials and experts believe the total number of infections there is significantly higher , with testing largely limited to those arriving for hospital care .
The country 's large , elderly population , who are particularly vulnerable to the virus , is also seen as factor for the high number of fatalities .
`` We 're working in a state of very high stress and tension , '' said Daniela Confalonieri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milan , the capital of the wealthy northern region of Lombardy , which has been the epicentre of the epidemic .
`` Unfortunately we ca n't contain the situation in Lombardy .
There 's a high level of contagion and we 're not even counting the dead any more , '' she said .
Underscoring the scale of the drama , soldiers transported bodies overnight from the northern town of Bergamo , northeast of Milan , whose cemetery has been overwhelmed .
An army spokesman said 15 trucks and 50 soldiers had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier local authorities had appealed for help with cremations as their own crematorium could not cope with the huge workload .
`` Look at the news that 's coming out of Italy and take note of what the situation really is like .
It 's unimaginable , '' said the Milan nurse , Confalonieri .
Italy went into virtual lockdown before other countries in Europe but , with cases still rising , the government is considering even tougher measures that would further restrict the limited amount of outdoor movement currently permitted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ region neighbouring Lombardy , demanded stronger curbs from Rome , including closing all shops on Sunday , and said if they were not passed , he would consider passing a regional decree .
`` I hope there will soon be measures to restrict people jogging or going out for walks .
I 'm sorry about that , but the alternative is intensive care , hospitalisation and contagion , '' he said .
At the other end of the country , in Sicily , the regional governor said the army would now help police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with legitimate reasons were out .
Police across Italy have stopped more than 1.2 million people over the past week and booked some 51,000 for violating the rules , the interior ministry said on Thursday .
Corriere della Sera newspaper quoted Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte as saying the government would extend the deadline on emergency rules closing schools and many businesses .
The measures currently order most shops to stay shut until at least March 25 and schools till April 3 .
He did not say how long schools would have to remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SkyTG24 television that schools would reopen only when there was `` certainty of absolute safety '' , adding that the end of the school year would depend on how well online lessons went in coming weeks .
The contagion is also badly damaging Italy 's economy , which had already been on the brink of recession before the virus struck last month and the government imposed a nationwide clampdown , causing many businesses to grind to a halt .
The Treasury has announced a 25 billion euro ( $ 26.84 billion ) package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sources said it was considering extending guarantees on bank loans to help firms hit by a collapse in orders .
( $ 1 = 0.9315 euros ) .

Italy's death toll from coronavirus overtook that of China, where the virus first emerged, on Thursday as hospitals said they were being overwhelmed and the government prepared to prolong emergency lockdown measures.
Italian military trucks drive through streets of Bergamo after the army were deployed to move coffins from the town to neighbouring provinces after funeral services were overwhelmed, in Bergamo, Italy, March 18 2020.
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A total 427 deaths were registered in Italy over the past 24 hours, bringing the total nationwide tally to 3,405 since the outbreak surfaced on Feb. 21. China has recorded 3,245 deaths since early January.
However, Italy has far fewer confirmed cases - 41,035 as of Thursday against 80,907 in China.
Officials and experts believe the total number of infections there is significantly higher, with testing largely limited to those arriving for hospital care. The country's large, elderly population, who are particularly vulnerable to the virus, is also seen as factor for the high number of fatalities.
"We're working in a state of very high stress and tension," said Daniela Confalonieri, a nurse at a hospital in Milan, the capital of the wealthy northern region of Lombardy, which has been the epicentre of the epidemic.
"Unfortunately we can't contain the situation in Lombardy. There's a high level of contagion and we're not even counting the dead any more," she said.
Underscoring the scale of the drama, soldiers transported bodies overnight from the northern town of Bergamo, northeast of Milan, whose cemetery has been overwhelmed.
An army spokesman said 15 trucks and 50 soldiers had been deployed to move coffins to neighbouring provinces. Earlier local authorities had appealed for help with cremations as their own crematorium could not cope with the huge workload.
"Look at the news that's coming out of Italy and take note of what the situation really is like. It's unimaginable," said the Milan nurse, Confalonieri.
Police checks
Italy went into virtual lockdown before other countries in Europe but, with cases still rising, the government is considering even tougher measures that would further restrict the limited amount of outdoor movement currently permitted.
Luca Zaia, governor of the Veneto region neighbouring Lombardy, demanded stronger curbs from Rome, including closing all shops on Sunday, and said if they were not passed, he would consider passing a regional decree.
"I hope there will soon be measures to restrict people jogging or going out for walks. I'm sorry about that, but the alternative is intensive care, hospitalisation and contagion," he said.
At the other end of the country, in Sicily, the regional governor said the army would now help police make spot checks to ensure only people with legitimate reasons were out.
Police across Italy have stopped more than 1.2 million people over the past week and booked some 51,000 for violating the rules, the interior ministry said on Thursday.
Corriere della Sera newspaper quoted Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte as saying the government would extend the deadline on emergency rules closing schools and many businesses.
The measures currently order most shops to stay shut until at least March 25 and schools till April 3. He did not say how long schools would have to remain closed.
Education Minister Lucia Azzolina told SkyTG24 television that schools would reopen only when there was "certainty of absolute safety", adding that the end of the school year would depend on how well online lessons went in coming weeks.
The contagion is also badly damaging Italy's economy, which had already been on the brink of recession before the virus struck last month and the government imposed a nationwide clampdown, causing many businesses to grind to a halt.
The Treasury has announced a 25 billion euro ($26.84 billion) package of measures to support companies and workers and sources said it was considering extending guarantees on bank loans to help firms hit by a collapse in orders. ($1 = 0.9315 euros).
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-19--France's Cannes Film Festival postponed due to coronavirus outbreak

A woman walks past photos of the Cannes Film festival on the Croisette in Cannes as a lockdown is imposed to slow the rate of the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) in France , March 18 , 2020 .
The Cannes Film Festival in May has been postponed due to the spread of the coronavirus , organizers of the annual event in southern France said on Thursday .
Several new dates were under consideration , including the end of June , they said in a statement .
The film festival , one of the largest in the world , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The postponement follows weeks of speculation over whether the festival , which draws thousands of filmmakers , celebrities and executives to the French city , would be able to go ahead .
France is in its third day of a lockdown aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus .
`` At this time of global health crisis , our thoughts go to the victims of the COVID-19 and we express our solidarity with all of those who are fighting the disease , '' the statement said .
`` The Festival de @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled dates , from May 12 to 23 .
Several options are considered in order to preserve its running , the main one being a simple postponement , in Cannes , until the end of June-beginning of July , '' it added .
The festival was the latest event in the entertainment industry to be postponed or canceled , including the release of big budget movies including `` Mulan '' and `` No Time to Die '' as well as music festivals Glastonbury and Coachella and the closure of theatres in London and @ @ @

The Cannes Film Festival in May has been postponed due to the spread of the coronavirus, organizers of the annual event in southern France said on Thursday.
A woman walks past photos of the Cannes Film Festival on the Croisette in Cannes as a lockdown is imposed to slow the rate of the coronavirus disease in France, March 18, 2020.
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Several new dates were under consideration, including the end of June, they said in a statement. The film festival, one of the largest in the world, was due to take place from May 12-23.
The postponement follows weeks of speculation over whether the festival, which draws thousands of filmmakers, celebrities and executives to the French city, would be able to go ahead.
Due to the health crisis and the development of the French and international situation, the Festival de Cannes will no longer be able to take place on the dates planned, from May 12 to 23. More info #Cannes2020 👉 https://t.co/peLmfw0gQW pic.twitter.com/SVWPasvU23 — Festival de Cannes (@Festival_Cannes) March 19, 2020
France is in its third day of a lockdown aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus.
"At this time of global health crisis, our thoughts go to the victims of the COVID-19 and we express our solidarity with all of those who are fighting the disease," the statement said.
"The Festival de Cannes cannot be held on the scheduled dates, from May 12 to 23. Several options are considered in order to preserve its running, the main one being a simple postponement, in Cannes, until the end of June-beginning of July," it added.
The festival was the latest event in the entertainment industry to be postponed or canceled, including the release of big budget movies including "Mulan" and "No Time to Die" as well as music festivals Glastonbury and Coachella and the closure of theatres in London and on Broadway.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-19--France reports a major spike in coronavirus deaths as total rises to 372

The front of the Palais du Louvre in Paris on March 19 , 2020 as a strict lockdown comes into @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus .
French health authorities revealed @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday , taking the total to 372 or an increase of almost 41 % @ @ @ @ @ yet again as the country was in its third day of a lockdown aimed at @ @ @ @ @ a press conference , health agency director Jerome Salomon added the number of cases had @ @ @ @ @ from 9,134 on Tuesday , which is a rise of 20 % in 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ were in a serious condition , needing life support , up 20.5 % compared to @ @ @ @ @ France has around 5,000 beds equipped with the necessary gear but these are unevenly spread @ @ @ @

French health authorities revealed 108 new deaths from coronavirus on Thursday, taking the total to 372 or an increase of almost 41%, the toll rising sharply yet again as the country was in its third day of a lockdown aimed at containing the outbreak.
The front of the Palais du Louvre in Paris on March 19, 2020 as a strict lockdown comes into in effect in France to stop the spread of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus.
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During a press conference, health agency director Jerome Salomon added the number of cases had risen to 10,995, up from 9,134 on Tuesday, which is a rise of 20% in 24 hours.
Salomon said 1,122 people were in a serious condition, needing life support, up 20.5% compared to Wednesday.
It is estimated France has around 5,000 beds equipped with the necessary gear but these are unevenly spread around the country.
REUTERS
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france24--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: UK puts army on standby as Johnson says tide can turn in 12 weeks

Britain 's Queen Elizabeth II talks with MI5 officers during a visit to the headquarters of MI5 , which is the United Kingdom 's domestic counter-intelligence and security agency , at Thames House in London , Britain February 25 , 2020 .
The United Kingdom put 20,000 military personnel on standby over the coronavirus crisis on Thursday as dozens of underground train stations closed across London and Queen Elizabeth left the city for Windsor Castle .
As the coronavirus outbreak sweeps across the world , governments , companies and investors are grappling with the biggest public health crisis since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of panic buying in supermarkets and the biggest fall in sterling for decades , the 93-year-old queen issued a message to the nation as she relocated from central London to Windsor with her husband Prince Philip , who is 98 .
`` At times such as these , I am reminded that our nation 's history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one , '' Elizabeth said .
`` Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am certain we are up to that challenge .
You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part . ''
In a sign of escalating fears about the impact of the crisis , the Bank of England cut interest rates to just 0.1 % , its second emergency rate cut in just over a week , and promised an extra 200 billion pounds of bond purchases .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a now-daily coronavirus news conference that Britain could turn the tide of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` At the moment the disease is proceeding in a way that does not seem yet to be responding to our interventions , '' he said .
`` I believe that a combination of the measures that we 're asking the public to take and better testing , scientific progress , will enable us to get on top of it within the next 12 weeks . ''
However , he said he could not assert that the outbreak would be on a downward slope by the end of June .
It was possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far reported 144 deaths from coronavirus and 3,269 confirmed cases , but UK scientific advisers say more than 50,000 people might have already been infected .
Amid rumours that travel in and out of London would be restricted , Johnson 's spokesman told reporters there was `` zero prospect '' of restrictions being imposed .
But asked about London later at his news conference , Johnson said compliance with the social distancing recommendations made by the government was patchy and it might be necessary to do more in the capital , although he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said police were still responsible for maintaining law and order and there were no plans to use the military for this purpose , though it did put military reservists on formal notification .
London 's transport authority said it would close up to 40 underground train stations until further notice and reduce other services including buses and trains .
`` People should not be travelling , by any means , unless they really , really have to , '' London Mayor Sadiq Khan said .
As panic buying continued and supermarket shelves were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said retailers were expecting police support .
The government announced it was relaxing competition laws to allow cooperation between supermarkets to ensure supplies to the public were adequate .
Britain faces a `` massive shortage '' of ventilators that will be needed to treat critically ill patients suffering from coronavirus , after it failed to invest enough in intensive care equipment , a leading ventilator manufacturer said .
Johnson said Britain was in talks to buy a coronavirus antibody test that could be a game changer if it works , and that scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight the disease .

The United Kingdom put 20,000 military personnel on standby over the coronavirus crisis on Thursday as dozens of underground train stations closed across London and Queen Elizabeth left the city for Windsor Castle.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II talks with MI5 officers during a visit to the headquarters of MI5, which is the United Kingdom's domestic counter-intelligence and security agency, at Thames House in London, Britain February 25, 2020.
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As the coronavirus outbreak sweeps across the world, governments, companies and investors are grappling with the biggest public health crisis since the 1918 influenza pandemic.
Against a background of panic buying in supermarkets and the biggest fall in sterling for decades, the 93-year-old queen issued a message to the nation as she relocated from central London to Windsor with her husband Prince Philip, who is 98.
"At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation's history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one," Elizabeth said.
"Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part."
Her Majesty The Queen speaks for us all. We all have a vital role to play. We will do whatever it takes to beat this together. https://t.co/k7VFionucj — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 19, 2020
In a sign of escalating fears about the impact of the crisis, the Bank of England cut interest rates to just 0.1%, its second emergency rate cut in just over a week, and promised an extra 200 billion pounds of bond purchases.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a now-daily coronavirus news conference that Britain could turn the tide of the outbreak within the next 12 weeks.
"At the moment the disease is proceeding in a way that does not seem yet to be responding to our interventions," he said.
"I believe that a combination of the measures that we're asking the public to take and better testing, scientific progress, will enable us to get on top of it within the next 12 weeks."
However, he said he could not assert that the outbreak would be on a downward slope by the end of June. It was possible but not certain.
Britain has so far reported 144 deaths from coronavirus and 3,269 confirmed cases, but UK scientific advisers say more than 50,000 people might have already been infected.
London lockdown?
Amid rumours that travel in and out of London would be restricted, Johnson's spokesman told reporters there was "zero prospect" of restrictions being imposed.
But asked about London later at his news conference, Johnson said compliance with the social distancing recommendations made by the government was patchy and it might be necessary to do more in the capital, although he did not specify what.
The government said police were still responsible for maintaining law and order and there were no plans to use the military for this purpose, though it did put military reservists on formal notification.
London's transport authority said it would close up to 40 underground train stations until further notice and reduce other services including buses and trains.
"People should not be travelling, by any means, unless they really, really have to," London Mayor Sadiq Khan said.
#Coronavirus: @TfL have announced a reduced service to enable key workers to make essential journeys.
➡ Up to 40 stations now closed
➡ Waterloo and City line and the Night Tube suspended from tomorrow
Please check before you travel. #COVID19 https://t.co/HbOCAg5AKa — Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) March 19, 2020
As panic buying continued and supermarket shelves were being stripped bare, an industry source said retailers were expecting police support. The government announced it was relaxing competition laws to allow cooperation between supermarkets to ensure supplies to the public were adequate.
Britain faces a "massive shortage" of ventilators that will be needed to treat critically ill patients suffering from coronavirus, after it failed to invest enough in intensive care equipment, a leading ventilator manufacturer said.
Johnson said Britain was in talks to buy a coronavirus antibody test that could be a game changer if it works, and that scientists were already making progress in finding medicines to fight the disease.
REUTERS
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france24--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: A walk through a deserted Paris

France has gone into lockdown over the coronavirus outbreak .
With France in coronavirus lockdown , Paris has become almost @ @ @ @ @ few joggers , pedestrians and vehicles remaining on the streets – a far cry from @ @ @ @ @ normally fill the French capital .
From Notre-Dame Cathedral to the world-famous Louvre Museum , @ @ @ @ @ and locals now resemble something from a post-apocalyptic movie , with barely a living soul @ @ @ @ @ into lockdown on Tuesday , with no one allowed to leave their homes unless it @ @ @ @ @ handful of officially sanctioned reasons , such as going to work , buying food or @ @ @ @ @ health authorities reported 89 new deaths from coronavirus on Wednesday , taking the total to @ @ @ @ @ of almost 51 percent .
The number of cases had risen to 9,134 – up @ @ @ @ @ which is an increase of 18 percent in 24 hours .

With France in coronavirus lockdown, Paris has become almost deserted, with only a few joggers, pedestrians and vehicles remaining on the streets – a far cry from the crowds and traffic that normally fill the French capital.
France has gone into lockdown over the coronavirus outbreak.
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From Notre-Dame Cathedral to the world-famous Louvre Museum, landmarks normally swarming with tourists and locals now resemble something from a post-apocalyptic movie, with barely a living soul in sight.
France went into lockdown on Tuesday, with no one allowed to leave their homes unless it is for one of a handful of officially sanctioned reasons, such as going to work, buying food or visiting the doctor.
French health authorities reported 89 new deaths from coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the total to 264, or an increase of almost 51 percent.
The number of cases had risen to 9,134 – up from 7,730 on Tuesday, which is an increase of 18 percent in 24 hours.
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france24--2020-03-19--US will fast-track potential coronavirus drug, says Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump speaks on the latest developments of the coronavirus outbreak at the White House , March 19 , 2020 , in Washington , D.C .
The United States is fast-tracking the anti-malarial drug chloroquine for use as a treatment against the new coronavirus , President Donald Trump said Thursday .
`` We 're going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately , and that 's where the FDA ( Food and Drug Administration ) has been so great , '' Trump told reporters .
`` They 've gone through the approval process - it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down from many , many months to immediate .
So we 're going to be able to make that drug available by prescription . ''
But the FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn later indicated that , while the drug has not yet been formally approved for testing for the virus , access to it was being expanded so that authorities could gather more data .
This is known as `` compassionate use . ''
`` If there is an experimental drug that is potentially available , a doctor could ask for that drug to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have criteria for that and very speedy approval for that , '' said Hahn .
`` As an example , many Americans have read studies and heard media reports about this drug chloroquine , which is an anti-malarial drug . ''
`` It 's already approved , as the president said , for the treatment of malaria as well as an arthritis condition . ''
`` That 's a drug that the president directed us to take a closer look at , as to whether an expanded use approach to that could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients . ''
Chloroquine is a synthetic form of quinine , which has been used to treat malaria since the 1940s .
The drug has recently been used to treat coronavirus patients in China and in France , where some researchers said it showed great promise , though scientists agree that only more trials would determine if it really works and is safe .

The United States is fast-tracking the anti-malarial drug chloroquine for use as a treatment against the new coronavirus, President Donald Trump said Thursday.
US President Donald Trump speaks on the latest developments of the coronavirus outbreak at the White House, March 19, 2020, in Washington, D.C.
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"We're going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately, and that's where the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has been so great," Trump told reporters.
"They've gone through the approval process - it's been approved. They took it down from many, many months to immediate. So we're going to be able to make that drug available by prescription."
But the FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn later indicated that, while the drug has not yet been formally approved for testing for the virus, access to it was being expanded so that authorities could gather more data.
This is known as "compassionate use."
Synthetic form of quinine
"If there is an experimental drug that is potentially available, a doctor could ask for that drug to be used in a patient. We have criteria for that and very speedy approval for that," said Hahn.
"As an example, many Americans have read studies and heard media reports about this drug chloroquine, which is an anti-malarial drug."
"It's already approved, as the president said, for the treatment of malaria as well as an arthritis condition."
"That's a drug that the president directed us to take a closer look at, as to whether an expanded use approach to that could be done to actually see if that benefits patients."
Chloroquine is a synthetic form of quinine, which has been used to treat malaria since the 1940s.
The drug has recently been used to treat coronavirus patients in China and in France, where some researchers said it showed great promise, though scientists agree that only more trials would determine if it really works and is safe.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-03-18--ECB launches €750 billion bond buyback for coronavirus-hit eurozone

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde gestures during a news conference on the outcome of the meeting of the Governing Council , in Frankfurt , Germany on March 12 , 2020 .
The European Central Bank launched a 750 billion euro ( $ 820 billion ) emergency bond purchase scheme after an unscheduled meeting on Wednesday , attempting to stem a spiralling economic and financial crisis .
With much of Europe in lockdown amid the coronavirus outbreak , economic activity has come to a near standstill and markets have been in a tailspin , foreshadowing a deep recession on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2008 global financial crisis .
`` Extraordinary times require extraordinary action , '' ECB President Christine Lagarde said .
`` There are no limits to our commitment to the euro .
We are determined to use the full potential of our tools , within our mandate . ''
The bond purchases will continue until the `` crisis phase '' of the epidemic is over and non-financial commercial paper will also be included for the first time among eligible assets , the ECB said .
Although the ECB 's purchases will be done according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank , the so-called capital key , the ECB said it would be flexible and may deviate from this rule , a hint that it will not tolerate a surge in yield spreads between eurozone members .
The purchases will also include for the first time debt from Greece , which has been shut out of ECB buys because of its low credit rating .
However , the ECB left its minus 0.5 % deposit rate unchanged just as it did last Thursday , another sign that policymakers may now see a further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meeting in a regular session last Thursday , the ECB approved a large stimulus package but the measures disappointed investors , prompting some to question the bank 's commitment to former ECB boss Mario Draghi 's pledge to do `` whatever it takes '' to save the euro .
With bond yields on the bloc 's periphery soaring and the spread between Italian and German ten-year debt doubling in just a few days , pressure has been mounting on the ECB to do more .
Panic selling pushed 10-year Italian yields above 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the sustainability of its debt , before ECB purchases and verbal intervention pushed it back to around 2.3 % .
Additional measures from Frankfurt may not of course fix the issue -- aggressive rate cuts and far greater bond-buying by the U.S. Federal Reserve have n't calmed sentiment .
U.S. stocks deepened their selloff on Wednesday and the Dow erased virtually the last of its gains since President Donald Trump 's 2017 inauguration , as the widening repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic threatened to cripple economic activity .

The European Central Bank launched a 750 billion euro ($820 billion) emergency bond purchase scheme after an unscheduled meeting on Wednesday, attempting to stem a spiralling economic and financial crisis.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde gestures during a news conference on the outcome of the meeting of the Governing Council, in Frankfurt, Germany on March 12, 2020.
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With much of Europe in lockdown amid the coronavirus outbreak, economic activity has come to a near standstill and markets have been in a tailspin, foreshadowing a deep recession on a par with the downturn seen in the 2008 global financial crisis.
"Extraordinary times require extraordinary action," ECB President Christine Lagarde said. "There are no limits to our commitment to the euro. We are determined to use the full potential of our tools, within our mandate."
The bond purchases will continue until the "crisis phase" of the epidemic is over and non-financial commercial paper will also be included for the first time among eligible assets, the ECB said.
Although the ECB's purchases will be done according to each country's shareholder in the bank, the so-called capital key, the ECB said it would be flexible and may deviate from this rule, a hint that it will not tolerate a surge in yield spreads between eurozone members.
Plein soutien aux mesures exceptionnelles prises ce soir par la BCE. À nous États européens d’être au rendez-vous par nos interventions budgétaires et une plus grande solidarité financière au sein de la zone euro. Nos peuples et nos économies en ont besoin. https://t.co/dCV00uvmt5 — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 18, 2020
The purchases will also include for the first time debt from Greece, which has been shut out of ECB buys because of its low credit rating.
However, the ECB left its minus 0.5% deposit rate unchanged just as it did last Thursday, another sign that policymakers may now see a further cut doing more harm than good.
01:24
Meeting in a regular session last Thursday, the ECB approved a large stimulus package but the measures disappointed investors, prompting some to question the bank's commitment to former ECB boss Mario Draghi's pledge to do "whatever it takes" to save the euro.
With bond yields on the bloc's periphery soaring and the spread between Italian and German ten-year debt doubling in just a few days, pressure has been mounting on the ECB to do more.
Panic selling pushed 10-year Italian yields above 3% briefly on Wednesday, raising concerns about the sustainability of its debt, before ECB purchases and verbal intervention pushed it back to around 2.3%.
Additional measures from Frankfurt may not of course fix the issue -- aggressive rate cuts and far greater bond-buying by the U.S. Federal Reserve haven't calmed sentiment.
U.S. stocks deepened their selloff on Wednesday and the Dow erased virtually the last of its gains since President Donald Trump's 2017 inauguration, as the widening repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic threatened to cripple economic activity.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-19--Italy prolongs coronavirus lockdown measures to April 3

A police officer is pictured in front of Rome 's town hall on March 17 , 2020 .
Lockdown measures taken in Italy over the coronavirus pandemic will be extended beyond their original deadlines , Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday .
Imposed nationally on March 12 , the shutdown of most businesses and a ban on public gatherings in Italy , the European country worst hit by the pandemic , are due to expire on March 25 .
School closures and other measures , such as a ban on fan attendance at sporting events , are due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The measures we have taken ... must be extended beyond their original deadline , '' Conte told Thursday 's edition of the Corriere della Sera newspaper .
Conte referred to the closures of many businesses , `` individual activities '' and the shutdown of schools .
`` We have avoided the collapse of the system , the restrictive measures function , '' Conte said .
He expressed hope that the country will hit a peak in a few days and see a decline in infection rates .
But he warned `` we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life as it was before '' even after the worst is over .
The pandemic killed 475 people in Italy between Tuesday and Wednesday , the worst toll in a country in a single day , according to an official count published Wednesday .
A total of nearly 3,000 people have died because of the virus in Italy , almost as many as in China , where the pandemic began in late December .

Lockdown measures taken in Italy over the coronavirus pandemic will be extended beyond their original deadlines, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Thursday.
A police officer is pictured in front of Rome's town hall on March 17, 2020.
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Imposed nationally on March 12, the shutdown of most businesses and a ban on public gatherings in Italy, the European country worst hit by the pandemic, are due to expire on March 25.
School closures and other measures, such as a ban on fan attendance at sporting events, are due to run on until April 3.
"The measures we have taken... must be extended beyond their original deadline," Conte told Thursday's edition of the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
Conte referred to the closures of many businesses, "individual activities" and the shutdown of schools.
"We have avoided the collapse of the system, the restrictive measures function," Conte said.
01:58
He expressed hope that the country will hit a peak in a few days and see a decline in infection rates.
But he warned "we will not be able to return immediately to life as it was before" even after the worst is over.
The pandemic killed 475 people in Italy between Tuesday and Wednesday, the worst toll in a country in a single day, according to an official count published Wednesday.
A total of nearly 3,000 people have died because of the virus in Italy, almost as many as in China, where the pandemic began in late December.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-03-19--Coronavirus continues to spread in Tunisia, despite mosque and café closures

Tunisian Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh announced on March 13 a series of restrictive measures to try and curb the spread of coronavirus .
All mosques were shut down and group prayers suspended .
Cafés and restaurants must shut their doors at 4pm every day .
The only flights allowed are those repatriating Tunisians trapped abroad .
Even so , our Observers say that many people aren ’ t respecting social distancing and self isolation advice .
Though Tunisia ’ s mosques have closed their doors , daily calls to prayer are still ringing out over the city from the mosques @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took to social media to ask mosques to broadcast recitations of the Koran , many imams have started sharing safety advice and special prayers alongside their traditional calls .
In this video ( see below ) , you can hear the imam of the mosque in the Ibn Khaldoun neighborhood in Tunis say : `` Oh God , we pray for you to ward off this epidemic across the world.
” Other imams have been reciting the Dhikr , which are rhythmic repetitions of God ’ s name and his virtues .
Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( translated from French ) how large numbers of Tunisians called on mosques to broadcast recitations of the Koran after they were shut in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
Many frightened Tunisians headed to supermarkets to stock up and photos shared on social media show supermarkets jam packed with frantic shoppers .
Other photos online show empty supermarket aisles .
Faced with this panic , some supermarkets tried to limit customer ’ s access .

TUNISIA
Large numbers of Tunisians aren’t respecting the measures put in place to try to curb the spread of coronavirus. (Photos and screengrabs from social media)
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Tunisian Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh announced on March 13 a series of restrictive measures to try and curb the spread of coronavirus. All mosques were shut down and group prayers suspended. Cafés and restaurants must shut their doors at 4pm every day. The only flights allowed are those repatriating Tunisians trapped abroad. Even so, our Observers say that many people aren’t respecting social distancing and self isolation advice.
On March 18, Tunisia reported 29 cases of coronavirus.
Though Tunisia’s mosques have closed their doors, daily calls to prayer are still ringing out over the city from the mosques’ loudspeakers. After hundreds of Tunisians took to social media to ask mosques to broadcast recitations of the Koran, many imams have started sharing safety advice and special prayers alongside their traditional calls.
In this video (see below), you can hear the imam of the mosque in the Ibn Khaldoun neighborhood in Tunis say: "Oh God, we pray for you to ward off this epidemic across the world.”
Other imams have been reciting the Dhikr, which are rhythmic repetitions of God’s name and his virtues.
Twitter user @AsSulaymi explains in this tweet (translated from French) how large numbers of Tunisians called on mosques to broadcast recitations of the Koran after they were shut in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.
En direct de Masjid El ‘Atiq à Tataouine. pic.twitter.com/NTI2mxQQCb ابن المختار (@AsSulaymi) March 16, 2020
Les supermarchés pris d'assaut
Many frightened Tunisians headed to supermarkets to stock up and photos shared on social media show supermarkets jam packed with frantic shoppers. Other photos online show empty supermarket aisles.
Faced with this panic, some supermarkets tried to limit customer’s access.
Customers wait their turn to enter this supermarket in Marsa, a suburb to the north of Tunis.
"Some cashiers were disinfecting money just to be safe”
Sami, who is 38 years old, lives in the coastal town of Mahdia. He said people in his town are panicking.
Yesterday (March 16), supermarket shelves emptied in a single day. There were shortages of cleaning products and popular items like pasta and flour. At the entrance, security guards provided customers with hand sanitizer and all of the employees were wearing gloves. In some groceries, cashiers were disinfecting money just to be safen.
"Les gels désinfectants sont vendus au marché noir"
Mohamed Ali Chtioui, age 35, lives in the capital. He says that some shopkeepers are being extremely greedy during this period of crisis:
Shopkeepers are exploiting the absence of government regulations to increase their profits during this crisis. Some supermarkets are completely out of semolina, flour and vegetable oil. I’ve seen customers shouting insults at one another and fights in front of bakeries. As for hand sanitizer, they are being sold on the black market for extremely high prices. Otherwise, you have to know someone who works in a pharmacy to get one.
Social distancing is not really being respected
The ministry for Public Health called on citizens to respect a safe distance to avoid spreading coronavirus. But lots of social media users say that people aren’t really following this rule.
On the 17th of each month, the Tunisian government pays pension and a monthly stipend to elderly people, who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19. To pick up their payment, they have to go to the post office, which often leads to long queues. This was the case on March 17 in Jendouba, a city in northwestern Tunisia.
A crowd-- mostly made up of elderly people-- gathers in front of a post office in Jendouba, clearly not respecting social distancing measures.
In the town of Rgueb, young volunteers brought chairs and disinfectant products to help elderly people pick up their pensions while still following social distancing measures enacted by authorities.
Young volunteers in the town of Rgueb tried to organize queues of people waiting for their pension payments so that they were following government-mandated social distancing measures.
Of the 29 cases of coronavirus that had been recorded in Tunisia on March 18, 17 had likely been infected abroad while 12 had been infected locally.
In an attempt to halt the spread of the virus, Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh announced on March 16 that he was planning to employ security forces to ensure that people who had been abroad respected quarantine after reports that some people had not respected instructions to self-isolate. On the evening of March 17, President Kais Saied announced the implementation of a curfew between 6pm and 6am to limit the spread of the virus.
In his daily press briefing on March 16, Minister for Public Health Abdellatif El Mekki said that 5,957 people had been placed in self-isolation and that 2,698 of those people had finished their isolation period.
Article by Omar Tiss.


france24--2020-03-19--EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier tests positive for coronavirus

The European Commission 's chief Brexit negotiator , Michel Barnier , gives a press conference at EU headquarters in Brussels on March 5 , 2020 .
The EU 's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has the novel coronavirus that is sweeping the globe , he announced on Thursday .
`` I tested positive yesterday for Covid-19 .
I 'm as well as I can be , strictly confined to my home , '' the 69-year-old Frenchman said in a video posted on his Twitter account .
`` I 'm fine , morale is good , '' the former French foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the countries hardest hit by the virus .
`` I naturally am following all instructions , as does my team .
My message to all those who are affected or currently isolated : we will get through this together ! ''
Speaking in front of a well-stocked bookshelf and dressed in a sweater , Barnier expressed `` solidarity '' with `` the many families affected by this disease '' and `` respect for all caregivers , who are doing a great job '' .
Messages of support poured in from across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former UK Brexit minister Steve Barclay called for his speedy recovery .
`` You , your teams and all our European friends are in our thoughts at this difficult time .
Courage ! ''
Barclay wrote in French on Twitter .
Barnier 's boss , European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen , also sent best wishes , wishing him a swift recovery .
The revelation came after the EU and Britain were forced to cancel this week 's post-Brexit trade talks because of the outbreak .
Officials had been discussing plans for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , but abandoned this stage of the talks altogether on Monday .
Britain left the European Union on January 31 but both sides agreed a transition until the end of 2020 , to allow them to negotiate a new partnership .
Brussels had already warned that the timetable was too tight and delays from coronavirus have sparked calls in London for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ask for more time .
This would be a major turnaround for the British government , which has promised to fully leave the EU by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The EU has published a draft of its intentions for the talks that has exposed deep divisions between the two sides .
The proposal would ensure Britain does not diverge far from EU rules on state aid and environmental , labour and quality standards .
But Johnson 's government says it wants a simple free trade agreement between `` sovereign equals '' and is prepared to sacrifice access to the EU market in exchange for the freedom to write its own laws .

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has the novel coronavirus that is sweeping the globe, he announced on Thursday.
The European Commission's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, gives a press conference at EU headquarters in Brussels on March 5, 2020.
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"I tested positive yesterday for Covid-19. I'm as well as I can be, strictly confined to my home," the 69-year-old Frenchman said in a video posted on his Twitter account.
"I'm fine, morale is good," the former French foreign minister added, speaking from France, one of the countries hardest hit by the virus.
"I naturally am following all instructions, as does my team. My message to all those who are affected or currently isolated: we will get through this together!"
Speaking in front of a well-stocked bookshelf and dressed in a sweater, Barnier expressed "solidarity" with "the many families affected by this disease" and "respect for all caregivers, who are doing a great job".
Messages of support poured in from across Europe as well as Britain, where former UK Brexit minister Steve Barclay called for his speedy recovery.
"You, your teams and all our European friends are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Courage!" Barclay wrote in French on Twitter.
Barnier's boss, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, also sent best wishes, wishing him a swift recovery.
The revelation came after the EU and Britain were forced to cancel this week's post-Brexit trade talks because of the outbreak.
Officials had been discussing plans for a videoconference instead of face-to-face talks in London, but abandoned this stage of the talks altogether on Monday.
Britain left the European Union on January 31 but both sides agreed a transition until the end of 2020, to allow them to negotiate a new partnership.
Brussels had already warned that the timetable was too tight and delays from coronavirus have sparked calls in London for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ask for more time.
This would be a major turnaround for the British government, which has promised to fully leave the EU by the end of the year come what may.
The EU has published a draft of its intentions for the talks that has exposed deep divisions between the two sides.
The proposal would ensure Britain does not diverge far from EU rules on state aid and environmental, labour and quality standards.
But Johnson's government says it wants a simple free trade agreement between "sovereign equals" and is prepared to sacrifice access to the EU market in exchange for the freedom to write its own laws.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: India bans incoming international flights

Soldiers stand guard at a roadblock following restrictions imposed as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Srinagar , India , on March 19 , 2020 .
India banned incoming international flights on Thursday , restricted public gatherings and blocked roads to seal Kashmir after the insurgency-torn region reported its first coronavirus infection .
Elsewhere in densely populated South Asia , Sri Lanka postponed parliamentary elections as the coronavirus epidemic spread in an area that had been relatively unscathed compared to elsewhere in the world .
New cases in India , Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all accelerating , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 700 .
Six people have died .
Authorities worry that these countries could be especially at risk should the virus begin to spread locally , due to poor health facilities and infrastructure .
India , the world 's second most populous country after China , said it would ban all international commercial passenger flights from landing from Sunday for a week .
The country has already suspended visas for the vast majority of foreigners seeking to enter .
In Indian-ruled Kashmir , claimed in whole but ruled in part by both India and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had been prevented from leaving their neighborhoods by police and paramilitary units .
Srinagar 's senior superintendent of police , Haseeb Mughal , told Reuters that road blockades across the valley had been imposed to prevent the spread of the virus .
`` I had to take my mother to hospital in Srinagar but the police closed the road , '' said Mohammed Ayub , from the nearby town of Budgam .
`` I am waiting here for the last two hours .
I ca n't even go home now as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jam . ''
Muslim-majority Kashmir has been relatively unaffected by the virus , reporting its first case on Wednesday .
But the picturesque valley of seven million is one of most militarised places on earth due a decades-long insurgency against Indian rule , and its residents have been subject to prolonged curbs on movement .
An internet shutdown that began in August following sweeping constitutional changes in Kashmir has only just been eased .
Sri Lanka said on Thursday it would delay parliamentary elections scheduled for April 25 .
The island nation banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday and imposed a curfew in some areas .
There have been 53 confirmed cases in Sri Lanka .
Confirmed cases in Afghanistan remained static at 22 on Thursday , despite what experts say is a brewing crisis in the war-torn nation , especially in Herat province bordering Iran , one of the worst affected countries .
In India , several areas introduced curbs on gatherings as coronavirus cases rose to 166 .
Late on Wednesday , the desert state of Rajasthan invoked colonial-era laws that prevent the unlawful assembly of four or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to quell riots .
Similar restrictions were introduced in Noida , a satellite city of New Delhi .
The financial hub of Mumbai expanded its partial shutdown of offices to government buildings on Thursday , with at least half the staff ordered to work from home .
Online retailers say they are struggling to keep up with demand as consumers stockpile supplies .
`` We are seeing unprecedented order volumes in all cities in India , '' said Hari Menon , chief executive of online grocery retailer BigBasket .
The spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the region .
The Indian and Sri Lankan currencies both fell to a record lows against the dollar , with Pakistan stocks hitting their lowest level in five years .
Indian airline IndiGo said it would cut the salaries of most of its staff , while rivals SpiceJet and Vistara suspended international flights .
Since emerging late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan , the flu-like coronavirus has infected more than 218,000 people and killed nearly 9,000 .

India banned incoming international flights on Thursday, restricted public gatherings and blocked roads to seal Kashmir after the insurgency-torn region reported its first coronavirus infection.
Soldiers stand guard at a roadblock following restrictions imposed as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Srinagar, India, on March 19, 2020.
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Elsewhere in densely populated South Asia, Sri Lanka postponed parliamentary elections as the coronavirus epidemic spread in an area that had been relatively unscathed compared to elsewhere in the world.
New cases in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all accelerating, with the total across the region nearing 700. Six people have died.
Authorities worry that these countries could be especially at risk should the virus begin to spread locally, due to poor health facilities and infrastructure.
India, the world's second most populous country after China, said it would ban all international commercial passenger flights from landing from Sunday for a week. The country has already suspended visas for the vast majority of foreigners seeking to enter.
In Indian-ruled Kashmir, claimed in whole but ruled in part by both India and Pakistan, dozens of people told Reuters they had been prevented from leaving their neighborhoods by police and paramilitary units.
Srinagar's senior superintendent of police, Haseeb Mughal, told Reuters that road blockades across the valley had been imposed to prevent the spread of the virus.
"I had to take my mother to hospital in Srinagar but the police closed the road," said Mohammed Ayub, from the nearby town of Budgam.
"I am waiting here for the last two hours. I can't even go home now as the road is blocked due to a traffic jam."
Muslim-majority Kashmir has been relatively unaffected by the virus, reporting its first case on Wednesday. But the picturesque valley of seven million is one of most militarised places on earth due a decades-long insurgency against Indian rule, and its residents have been subject to prolonged curbs on movement.
An internet shutdown that began in August following sweeping constitutional changes in Kashmir has only just been eased.
Election shelved
Sri Lanka said on Thursday it would delay parliamentary elections scheduled for April 25.
The island nation banned all incoming flights for two weeks effective Wednesday and imposed a curfew in some areas. There have been 53 confirmed cases in Sri Lanka.
Confirmed cases in Afghanistan remained static at 22 on Thursday, despite what experts say is a brewing crisis in the war-torn nation, especially in Herat province bordering Iran, one of the worst affected countries.
In India, several areas introduced curbs on gatherings as coronavirus cases rose to 166.
Late on Wednesday, the desert state of Rajasthan invoked colonial-era laws that prevent the unlawful assembly of four or more people - powers more often used to quell riots.
Similar restrictions were introduced in Noida, a satellite city of New Delhi.
The financial hub of Mumbai expanded its partial shutdown of offices to government buildings on Thursday, with at least half the staff ordered to work from home.
Online retailers say they are struggling to keep up with demand as consumers stockpile supplies.
"We are seeing unprecedented order volumes in all cities in India," said Hari Menon, chief executive of online grocery retailer BigBasket.
The spread of the virus continued to hit markets and companies across the region. The Indian and Sri Lankan currencies both fell to a record lows against the dollar, with Pakistan stocks hitting their lowest level in five years.
Indian airline IndiGo said it would cut the salaries of most of its staff, while rivals SpiceJet and Vistara suspended international flights.
Since emerging late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the flu-like coronavirus has infected more than 218,000 people and killed nearly 9,000.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-19--Coronavirus: UK to close schools starting Friday as 20,000 troops placed on standby

A sign outside a school in the town of Winsford , UK .
Britain announced Wednesday it would be closing schools in the coming days and placing 20,000 troops on standby in efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus , as the death toll topped 100 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had held off following the lead of other European countries because of the impact it would have on the workforce .
But as the outbreak spreads and the death toll reached 104 , up from 71 in a day , he said schools would be closed indefinitely later this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gates from Friday afternoon , they will remain closed , '' he told his daily news conference .
Exceptions will be made for the children of key workers -- including healthcare staff , police and delivery drivers -- and for the most vulnerable children .
Johnson earlier this week advised people to work from home and avoid unnecessary social contact and travel , warning the infection rate was starting to spike .
On Wednesday he said this was having an effect but repeated advice for people with symptoms to self-isolate for between one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will not hesitate to bring forward further and faster measures , '' he added .
On Wednesday evening the Ministry of Defence ( MoD ) announced that 20,000 military personnel were being placed at `` higher readiness '' to help public services as part of a `` COVID Support Force '' .
Defence secretary Ben Wallace said the armed forces `` stand ready to protect Britain '' .
The MoD said reservists would be called up and 150 military personnel trained to drive oxygen tankers to support the health service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that London in particular could soon be subject to more draconian measures , as the capital records the most number of cases .
`` We know London is ahead of the rest of us so we may see more stringent measures than even those that we have announced so far , '' Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in Edinburgh earlier .
The government will on Thursday introduce legislation giving it emergency powers to deal with the outbreak , including to close premises and restrict gatherings .
Lawmakers were earlier told to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in parliament amid warnings that Westminster is a particularly infectious area .
Some 25 MPs , including a cabinet minister , are already thought to have isolated themselves .
`` There 's a lot of COVID-19 in Westminster , '' tweeted epidemiologist Professor Neil Ferguson , a government adviser , as he announced that he had also developed symptoms .
But MPs will gather on Thursday to debate new emergency legislation to deal with the coronavirus outbreak , which ministers hope to push through within days .
The government says its powers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and the bill has support from opposition parties .
But some MPs voiced concern at the sweeping nature and duration of the proposals , and the effect on civil liberties .
Johnson 's government has come under pressure to do more to tackle the outbreak of COVID-19 , given the tough lockdowns imposed in other European countries .
But he insisted all action was driven by the science , adding : `` We 're going to do the right measures at the right time . ''
So far Britain has around 2,600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vallance this week warned that 55,000 Britons could have the virus as a `` reasonable '' estimate .
The new social distancing advice sparked warnings that many businesses , particularly in the hospitality industry , could go bust .
The FTSE 100 slumped again Wednesday , dropping as much as 5.0 percent in morning trade , while the pound hit its lowest level since 1985 against the dollar , touching $ 1.1828 .
Finance minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday announced a package of support for businesses , including government-backed loans of at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 360 billion euros ) .
On Wednesday , Johnson also promised legislation to protect individuals unable to pay their rent because of job losses caused by the crisis from evictions .
The government said it was working to increase the number of people in hospital being tested for COVID-19 to 25,000 a day and ensure frontline health workers get the protective kit they need .
Johnson said there was a `` massive effort '' to build enough ventilators to treat the worst-hit patients , after concern about a shortage .
Supermarkets , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they would safeguard supplies for the elderly and most vulnerable , including dedicated opening times only for older customers .
The 50th Glastonbury music festival became the latest casualty of the outbreak , with this year 's event pushed to 2021 .

Britain announced Wednesday it would be closing schools in the coming days and placing 20,000 troops on standby in efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus, as the death toll topped 100.
A sign outside a school in the town of Winsford, UK.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson had held off following the lead of other European countries because of the impact it would have on the workforce.
But as the outbreak spreads and the death toll reached 104, up from 71 in a day, he said schools would be closed indefinitely later this week.
"After schools shut their gates from Friday afternoon, they will remain closed," he told his daily news conference.
Exceptions will be made for the children of key workers -- including healthcare staff, police and delivery drivers -- and for the most vulnerable children.
Johnson earlier this week advised people to work from home and avoid unnecessary social contact and travel, warning the infection rate was starting to spike.
On Wednesday he said this was having an effect but repeated advice for people with symptoms to self-isolate for between one and two weeks, depending on circumstances.
"We will not hesitate to bring forward further and faster measures," he added.
01:45
On Wednesday evening the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that 20,000 military personnel were being placed at "higher readiness" to help public services as part of a "COVID Support Force".
Defence secretary Ben Wallace said the armed forces "stand ready to protect Britain".
The MoD said reservists would be called up and 150 military personnel trained to drive oxygen tankers to support the health service, if needed.
Speculation is rife that London in particular could soon be subject to more draconian measures, as the capital records the most number of cases.
"We know London is ahead of the rest of us so we may see more stringent measures than even those that we have announced so far," Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said in Edinburgh earlier.
The government will on Thursday introduce legislation giving it emergency powers to deal with the outbreak, including to close premises and restrict gatherings.
Parliamentary hotspot
Lawmakers were earlier told to stay away from Johnson's weekly question time in parliament amid warnings that Westminster is a particularly infectious area.
Some 25 MPs, including a cabinet minister, are already thought to have isolated themselves.
"There's a lot of COVID-19 in Westminster," tweeted epidemiologist Professor Neil Ferguson, a government adviser, as he announced that he had also developed symptoms.
But MPs will gather on Thursday to debate new emergency legislation to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, which ministers hope to push through within days.
The government says its powers will only be used when "absolutely necessary" and the bill has support from opposition parties.
But some MPs voiced concern at the sweeping nature and duration of the proposals, and the effect on civil liberties.
Rent support
Johnson's government has come under pressure to do more to tackle the outbreak of COVID-19, given the tough lockdowns imposed in other European countries.
But he insisted all action was driven by the science, adding: "We're going to do the right measures at the right time."
So far Britain has around 2,600 cases, but chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance this week warned that 55,000 Britons could have the virus as a "reasonable" estimate.
The new social distancing advice sparked warnings that many businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, could go bust.
The FTSE 100 slumped again Wednesday, dropping as much as 5.0 percent in morning trade, while the pound hit its lowest level since 1985 against the dollar, touching $1.1828.
Finance minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday announced a package of support for businesses, including government-backed loans of at least £330 billion ($395 billion, 360 billion euros).
On Wednesday, Johnson also promised legislation to protect individuals unable to pay their rent because of job losses caused by the crisis from evictions.
In other developments:
The government said it was working to increase the number of people in hospital being tested for COVID-19 to 25,000 a day and ensure frontline health workers get the protective kit they need.
Johnson said there was a "massive effort" to build enough ventilators to treat the worst-hit patients, after concern about a shortage.
Supermarkets, whose supplies have been hit by panic-buying, said they would safeguard supplies for the elderly and most vulnerable, including dedicated opening times only for older customers.
The 50th Glastonbury music festival became the latest casualty of the outbreak, with this year's event pushed to 2021.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-03-19--Coronavirus birthplace Wuhan reports zero new infections for first time

The central Chinese city of Wuhan , the epicentre of the country 's coronavirus outbreak , reported no new infections @ @ @ @ @ while imported cases surged by a record , led by new infections in the capital @ @ @ @ @ imported infections also accounted for all of the new confirmed cases in mainland China , @ @ @ @ @ to screen travellers at key travel hubs .
Mainland China had 34 new confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ 's National Health Commission said , more than doubling from 13 cases a day earlier @ @ @ @ @ infections , Beijing accounted for 21 cases , a daily record for the city .
@ @ @ @ @ of confirmed cases in mainland China so far to 80,928 , the health authority said @ @ @ @ @ .
The death toll from the outbreak in mainland China had reached 3,245 as of @ @ @ @ @ up by eight from the previous day .
In the central province of Hubei , @ @ @ @ @ , with the provincial capital of Wuhan accounting for six of the fatalities .

The central Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the country's coronavirus outbreak, reported no new infections for the first time, while imported cases surged by a record, led by new infections in the capital of Beijing.
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The new imported infections also accounted for all of the new confirmed cases in mainland China, placing more pressure on authorities to screen travellers at key travel hubs.
Mainland China had 34 new confirmed cases on Wednesday, the country's National Health Commission said, more than doubling from 13 cases a day earlier.
Of the 34 imported infections, Beijing accounted for 21 cases, a daily record for the city.
That brings the total number of confirmed cases in mainland China so far to 80,928, the health authority said in a statement on Thursday.
The death toll from the outbreak in mainland China had reached 3,245 as of the end of Wednesday, up by eight from the previous day.
In the central province of Hubei, there were eight new deaths, with the provincial capital of Wuhan accounting for six of the fatalities.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-18--French police fine more than 4,000 people for violating coronavirus lockdown

A woman pushes a trolley with her dog as a police officer controls bystanders on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice during the lockdown imposed to slow the rate of coronavirus in France , March 18 , 2020 .
French police handed out over 4,000 fines Wednesday to people found violating an order to stay at home , on the first full day of a lockdown aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus in the country .
`` Since this morning , we have begun procedures and 4,095 people were booked ( for violating the rules ) , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The fine was 35 euros ( $ 38 ) yesterday , and now from today is 135 euros and it can go up to 375 euros .
It should be a factor that dissuades people , '' he added .
From midday on Tuesday , people in France have been confined to their homes apart from essential trips , for which they must sign a document stating where they are going .
`` Our aim to is to protect the French .
The best way to protect lives is to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked about the fact the many French across the country were still taking walks or jogging , Castaner said this was permitted so long as people went outside alone .
Announcing the lockdown on Monday , President Emmanuel Macron said exercise was permitted , in contrast to the even tighter measures in Italy and Spain .
`` People are not going to stay cooped up , especially those who are not going to work , for the next fortnight .
But please avoid doing it in a group , '' Castaner said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mentality .
If needed we will be rigorous and will sanction people , '' he warned .
Asked to comment on a group of three French shown in a TF1 report doing meditation and yoga on a beach , he said this was okay but they should not sit so close together .
`` Most of the French have been responsible and have changed their behaviour .
But there are a minority behaving in a dangerous way , '' he added .
France is scrambling to contain the outbreak that has killed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
On Wednesday , French defence minister Florence Parly said the army would hand over five million surgical masks from its own stockpiles to the health ministry .
The move comes after complaints of severe shortages for hospital and medical staff at the frontline of the fight against coronavirus .

French police handed out over 4,000 fines Wednesday to people found violating an order to stay at home, on the first full day of a lockdown aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
A woman pushes a trolley with her dog as a police officer controls bystanders on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice during the lockdown imposed to slow the rate of coronavirus in France, March 18, 2020.
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"Since this morning, we have begun procedures and 4,095 people were booked (for violating the rules)," Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told TF1 television.
"The fine was 35 euros ($38) yesterday, and now from today is 135 euros and it can go up to 375 euros. It should be a factor that dissuades people," he added.
From midday on Tuesday, people in France have been confined to their homes apart from essential trips, for which they must sign a document stating where they are going.
"Our aim to is to protect the French. The best way to protect lives is to stay at home," he said.
Asked about the fact the many French across the country were still taking walks or jogging, Castaner said this was permitted so long as people went outside alone.
Announcing the lockdown on Monday, President Emmanuel Macron said exercise was permitted, in contrast to the even tighter measures in Italy and Spain.
"People are not going to stay cooped up, especially those who are not going to work, for the next fortnight. But please avoid doing it in a group," Castaner said.
"This is discipline and a civic mentality. If needed we will be rigorous and will sanction people," he warned.
Asked to comment on a group of three French shown in a TF1 report doing meditation and yoga on a beach, he said this was okay but they should not sit so close together.
"Most of the French have been responsible and have changed their behaviour. But there are a minority behaving in a dangerous way," he added.
France is scrambling to contain the outbreak that has killed over 260 and infected more than 9,100 in the country.
On Wednesday, French defence minister Florence Parly said the army would hand over five million surgical masks from its own stockpiles to the health ministry.
The move comes after complaints of severe shortages for hospital and medical staff at the frontline of the fight against coronavirus.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-03-18--France reports sharp rise in coronavirus deaths in just 24 hours

French health authorities reported 89 new deaths from coronavirus on Wednesday , taking the total to 264 , or an increase of almost 51 percent , as the country was in its second day of a lockdown aimed at containing the outbreak .
At a press briefing Wednesday evening , French health agency director Jérôme Salomon added the number of coronavirus cases had risen to 9,134 – up from 7,730 on Tuesday , which is a rise of 18 percent in 24 hours .
Salomon said 931 people were in serious condition and needing life support .
The spike came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a lockdown , with around 100,000 police and gendarmes deployed across the country to enforce the new measures , with people only allowed to leave home for officially sanctioned reasons such as going to work , shopping for necessities or getting medical treatment .
The fast-spreading disease that jumped from animals to humans in China has now infected more than 205,470 people across the world and caused 8,248 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University , triggering emergency lockdowns and injections of cash unseen since World War Two .
There was particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new deaths , the biggest increase since the outbreak started and the highest one-day total posted by any nation .
It brought the total number of deaths in the country to 2,978 , an increase of 19 percent .
The total number of confirmed cases in Italy , the European country hardest hit by the virus , rose to 35,713 from 31,506 .

French health authorities reported 89 new deaths from coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the total to 264, or an increase of almost 51 percent, as the country was in its second day of a lockdown aimed at containing the outbreak.
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At a press briefing Wednesday evening, French health agency director Jérôme Salomon added the number of coronavirus cases had risen to 9,134 – up from 7,730 on Tuesday, which is a rise of 18 percent in 24 hours.
Salomon said 931 people were in serious condition and needing life support.
00:30
The spike came as the country experienced the second day of a lockdown, with around 100,000 police and gendarmes deployed across the country to enforce the new measures, with people only allowed to leave home for officially sanctioned reasons such as going to work, shopping for necessities or getting medical treatment.
The fast-spreading disease that jumped from animals to humans in China has now infected more than 205,470 people across the world and caused 8,248 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University, triggering emergency lockdowns and injections of cash unseen since World War Two.
There was particular alarm in Italy, which reported 475 new deaths, the biggest increase since the outbreak started and the highest one-day total posted by any nation. It brought the total number of deaths in the country to 2,978, an increase of 19 percent.
The total number of confirmed cases in Italy, the European country hardest hit by the virus, rose to 35,713 from 31,506.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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france24--2020-03-19--Christian Louboutin: Speaking to the sole man at his new Paris exhibition

One of the world 's best-known shoe designers spoke to Eve Jackson about his famous red-soled shoes , how the Palais de la Porte Dorée museum in Paris inspired him and who the one person he 'd most like to see wearing his creations is .
The legendary French shoe designer Christian Louboutin hosted FRANCE 24 at his first major retrospective , where around 500 of his shoes went on display – including his famous red soles .
Unfortunately the exhibition was put on ice due to the coronavirus pandemic , but before it did , Louboutin told us more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Red is an interesting colour ... in different countries , for instance .
It 's love in France , it 's passion in Spain .
When you go to China , it 's associated with good fortune .
It has different meanings but never a negative one . ''
The exhibition was on at the Palais de la Porte Dorée museum , a place that , Louboutin explained , played a key role in inspiring him as a child .
Everyone from Beyoncé to Melania Trump wears Louboutin 's creations .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one person he would really love to see wearing his shoes is .
The designer also addressed the question of whether feminist movements affect shoe fashions for women .
`` I design shoes and I never obliged anyone to wear them , '' he told FRANCE 24 's culture editor Eve Jackson .

One of the world's best-known shoe designers spoke to Eve Jackson about his famous red-soled shoes, how the Palais de la Porte Dorée museum in Paris inspired him and who the one person he'd most like to see wearing his creations is.
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The legendary French shoe designer Christian Louboutin hosted FRANCE 24 at his first major retrospective, where around 500 of his shoes went on display – including his famous red soles. Unfortunately the exhibition was put on ice due to the coronavirus pandemic, but before it did, Louboutin told us more about that creative choice of red.
"Red is an interesting colour ... in different countries, for instance. It's love in France, it's passion in Spain. When you go to China, it's associated with good fortune. It has different meanings but never a negative one."
The exhibition was on at the Palais de la Porte Dorée museum, a place that, Louboutin explained, played a key role in inspiring him as a child.
Everyone from Beyoncé to Melania Trump wears Louboutin's creations. The designer went on to tell us who the one person he would really love to see wearing his shoes is.
The designer also addressed the question of whether feminist movements affect shoe fashions for women.
"I design shoes and I never obliged anyone to wear them," he told FRANCE 24's culture editor Eve Jackson.
>> Red soles: Celebrating shoe designer Christian Louboutin and his eclectic inspirations
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france24--2020-03-19--Coronavirus emergency spending 'is two years of climate financing’, says climatologist Jean Jouzel

French climatologist Jean Jouzel says the swift global reaction to the coronavirus crisis may bode well for the climate as well : It shows that in a real emergency , nations have the means – and the will – to act .
`` It is just as urgent to tackle the climate problem , '' he says .
With factories shuttered , airlines grounded and streets cleared in the wake of the coronavirus , there 's been a notable reduction in our need for energy from coal and other fossil fuels , both in China and beyond .
Experts anticipate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporary drop in global carbon emissions but fear the short-term blip could be followed by an aggressive rebound that some are already calling `` revenge pollution '' as activity ramps back up .
FRANCE 24 's Mairead Dundas , host of the `` Down to Earth '' programme , asks leading French climatologist and former vice-chair of the UN 's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Jean Jouzel whether the coronavirus will lead to any lasting change in efforts to combat the climate crisis .
Is the environment the 'big winner ' of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way the environment is the beneficiary of the coronavirus crisis , but unfortunately only temporarily .
It benefits in two ways .
Firstly , in terms of urban pollution – this is the case in Paris but also in Chinese cities .
And secondly , in terms of CO2 emissions : China usually emits 200 million tonnes of CO2 per week but in the last two weeks of February , it recorded around one-quarter less CO2 [ emissions ] .
So the world avoided 100 million tonnes of CO2 in two weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ CO2 emissions ?
Yes , the problem is the rebound effect when things get back to normal .
China is going to start up again very quickly .
There 's a real risk that the decrease in CO2 emissions that we 've seen in recent weeks will be offset as soon as the recovery takes place .
This is what happened in 2008 with the financial crisis .
Chinese emissions fell in 2008 and started to rise again in 2009 .
I fear that this will be the same , that when we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the year 2020 there will be no real decrease .
Of course , if this health and resulting economic crisis were to continue throughout the year , a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would have an impact .
From a climatologist 's point of view it would be substantial , but obviously no scientist hopes this crisis will be significant enough to slow down China 's emissions on a year-round scale .
That said , it is essential in the context of limiting global warming .
In order to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to the pre-industrial era , all countries have to halve their emissions between 2020 and 2030 , i.e.
, a decrease of 7 percent each year .
And we are a long way from that .
A lot has been done in just a few days to fight this virus .
Should we be doing the same for the climate ?
As a climatologist , what I see happening today represents hope : €45 billion has just been earmarked as economic aid for companies .
To achieve the climate transition in France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €20 billion would have to be injected each year .
Imagine : What we are doing for the virus is two years of climate financing .
We need to devote as much money towards the climate .
We do not have this money , we are creating debt .
That is precisely what we are proposing with the Climate-Finance Pact with [ economist and climate activist ] Pierre Larrouturou .
Increasing the deficit can be one way of doing things , and this is exactly the approach adopted for the current health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the fight against climate change ?
There are two ways of looking at it .
Either the glass is half empty – we 've spent money on fighting the coronavirus , so we wo n't be able to do it for anything else – or the glass is half full .
This shows that in the case of a real emergency , the states – France and Europe – have the means to act .
It is just as urgent to tackle the climate problem .
This requires investment .
If it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is perfectly normal and indispensable , then the same argument can made for the fight against global warming .

Exclusive
French climatologist Jean Jouzel says the swift global reaction to the coronavirus crisis may bode well for the climate as well: It shows that in a real emergency, nations have the means – and the will – to act. "It is just as urgent to tackle the climate problem," he says.
Advertising Read more
With factories shuttered, airlines grounded and streets cleared in the wake of the coronavirus, there's been a notable reduction in our need for energy from coal and other fossil fuels, both in China and beyond.
Experts anticipate the COVID-19 outbreak will lead to a temporary drop in global carbon emissions but fear the short-term blip could be followed by an aggressive rebound that some are already calling ''revenge pollution'' as activity ramps back up.
FRANCE 24's Mairead Dundas, host of the "Down to Earth" programme, asks leading French climatologist and former vice-chair of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Jean Jouzel whether the coronavirus will lead to any lasting change in efforts to combat the climate crisis.
Is the environment the 'big winner' of the coronavirus crisis?
Yes, in a way the environment is the beneficiary of the coronavirus crisis, but unfortunately only temporarily. It benefits in two ways. Firstly, in terms of urban pollution – this is the case in Paris but also in Chinese cities. And secondly, in terms of CO2 emissions: China usually emits 200 million tonnes of CO2 per week but in the last two weeks of February, it recorded around one-quarter less CO2 [emissions]. So the world avoided 100 million tonnes of CO2 in two weeks.
Can we expect a bounce-back effect in CO2 emissions?
Yes, the problem is the rebound effect when things get back to normal. China is going to start up again very quickly. There's a real risk that the decrease in CO2 emissions that we've seen in recent weeks will be offset as soon as the recovery takes place. This is what happened in 2008 with the financial crisis. Chinese emissions fell in 2008 and started to rise again in 2009. I fear that this will be the same, that when we take stock of China's CO2 emissions over the year 2020 there will be no real decrease.
Of course, if this health and resulting economic crisis were to continue throughout the year, a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would have an impact. From a climatologist's point of view it would be substantial, but obviously no scientist hopes this crisis will be significant enough to slow down China's emissions on a year-round scale.
That said, it is essential in the context of limiting global warming. In order to have any chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C compared to the pre-industrial era, all countries have to halve their emissions between 2020 and 2030, i.e., a decrease of 7 percent each year. And we are a long way from that.
A lot has been done in just a few days to fight this virus. Should we be doing the same for the climate?
As a climatologist, what I see happening today represents hope: €45 billion has just been earmarked as economic aid for companies. To achieve the climate transition in France, it is estimated that an additional €20 billion would have to be injected each year. Imagine: What we are doing for the virus is two years of climate financing. We need to devote as much money towards the climate. We do not have this money, we are creating debt. That is precisely what we are proposing with the Climate-Finance Pact with [economist and climate activist] Pierre Larrouturou. Increasing the deficit can be one way of doing things, and this is exactly the approach adopted for the current health crisis.
Will there be less money now for the fight against climate change?
There are two ways of looking at it. Either the glass is half empty – we've spent money on fighting the coronavirus, so we won't be able to do it for anything else – or the glass is half full. This shows that in the case of a real emergency, the states – France and Europe – have the means to act. It is just as urgent to tackle the climate problem. This requires investment. If it's available for health problems, which is perfectly normal and indispensable, then the same argument can made for the fight against global warming.
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france24--2020-03-18--Coronavirus: WHO tells African countries to 'prepare for the worst'

The head of the World Health Organization has sounded the alarm over Africa 's preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic , telling the continent to `` prepare for the worst '' .
The number of cases in South Africa has nearly doubled and Burkina Faso has recorded the first Sub-Saharan fatality due to the virus .
So what are the symptoms and what can you do to protect yourself ?
We 've prepared a short reminder on what COVID-19 is .
`` The best advice for Africa is to prepare for the worst and prepare today .
Don ’ t assume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prepare as if it will be .
Don ’ t assume you won ’ t be infected .
Prepare as if you will be .
But there is hope ; there are many things that all countries can do . ''
That ’ s the message from Tedros Adhanom , the head of the World Health Organization , responding to concerns over Africa ’ s preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic .
We also report on the situation in South Africa , where the number of coronavirus cases has nearly doubled to 116 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it the most affected country in sub-Saharan Africa .
Despite drastic measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday , there are signs that South Africans are not taking the official warnings seriously .
Authorities say they are ready to impose a nationwide state of emergency if the current measures fail to curb the spread of the virus .
Meanwhile , Burkina Faso has confirmed its first death from COVID-19 –the first fatality in sub-Saharan Africa .
And our Tunis correspondent reports on how locals are reacting to news that a curfew has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by no means least , we bring you a reminder of the symptoms of coronavirus and of the best ways to protect yourself .
> > Burkina Faso reports Sub-Saharan Africa 's first coronavirus death as WHO warns 'prepare for worst '

The head of the World Health Organization has sounded the alarm over Africa's preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic, telling the continent to "prepare for the worst". The number of cases in South Africa has nearly doubled and Burkina Faso has recorded the first Sub-Saharan fatality due to the virus. So what are the symptoms and what can you do to protect yourself? We've prepared a short reminder on what COVID-19 is.
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"The best advice for Africa is to prepare for the worst and prepare today. Don’t assume your community won’t be affected. Prepare as if it will be. Don’t assume you won’t be infected. Prepare as if you will be. But there is hope; there are many things that all countries can do."
That’s the message from Tedros Adhanom, the head of the World Health Organization, responding to concerns over Africa’s preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic.
We also report on the situation in South Africa, where the number of coronavirus cases has nearly doubled to 116 over the past two days, making it the most affected country in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite drastic measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, there are signs that South Africans are not taking the official warnings seriously. Authorities say they are ready to impose a nationwide state of emergency if the current measures fail to curb the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso has confirmed its first death from COVID-19 –the first fatality in sub-Saharan Africa. And our Tunis correspondent reports on how locals are reacting to news that a curfew has been imposed in Tunisia.
Last but by no means least, we bring you a reminder of the symptoms of coronavirus and of the best ways to protect yourself.
>> Burkina Faso reports Sub-Saharan Africa's first coronavirus death as WHO warns 'prepare for worst'
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france24--2020-03-20--French Senate approves state of health emergency as virus cases pass 10,000

French senators have approved a bill giving the government special powers to fight a worsening coronavirus outbreak that has killed 372 people in France , with President Emmanuel Macron warning that the country is only `` at the start of this crisis '' .
The text , which will be examined by the National Assembly on Friday , allows the government to restrict people ’ s freedom of movement and rule by decree to requisition certains goods and services , over a period of two months .
The bill also empowers the government to take special measures in support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was passed overnight by an overwhelming majority of senators , who were meeting in reduced format in line with health guidelines .
However , numerous left-wing senators abstained in protest at the duration of the state of emergency , which they considered too long .
The opposition senators also objected to giving companies the power to force employees to take part of their annual holiday leave during the crisis .
France crossed the threshold of 10,000 coronavirus cases on Thursday , the third day of a nationwide lockdown , with health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours – a 20 percent increase on the previous day .
During a press conference , health agency director Jérôme Salomon added that the number of cases had risen to 10,995 , up from 9,134 on Wednesday .
Salomon said 1,122 people were in a serious condition , needing life support .
`` We are at the start of this crisis .
We have taken exceptional measures to absorb this first wave , but we 've started a race against the virus , '' President Emmanuel Macron said at the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
`` We must react a great deal and reorganise ourselves at every moment .
We need to anticipate , '' he added .
Macron 's government has come under intense pressure from overstretched health professionals over a shortage of face masks , gloves and other basic equipment .
It is estimated France has around 5,000 beds equipped with the necessary gear but these are unevenly spread around the country .

French senators have approved a bill giving the government special powers to fight a worsening coronavirus outbreak that has killed 372 people in France, with President Emmanuel Macron warning that the country is only "at the start of this crisis".
Health workers put together protection kits at the Édouard Herriot Hospital in Lyon three days after a strict lockdown came into effect in France to stop the spread of COVID-19, March 19, 2020.
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The text, which will be examined by the National Assembly on Friday, allows the government to restrict people’s freedom of movement and rule by decree to requisition certains goods and services, over a period of two months.
The bill also empowers the government to take special measures in support of French companies hard-hit by the virus outbreak.
It was passed overnight by an overwhelming majority of senators, who were meeting in reduced format in line with health guidelines.
However, numerous left-wing senators abstained in protest at the duration of the state of emergency, which they considered too long.
The opposition senators also objected to giving companies the power to force employees to take part of their annual holiday leave during the crisis.
'Race against the virus'
France crossed the threshold of 10,000 coronavirus cases on Thursday, the third day of a nationwide lockdown, with health authorities revealing 108 new deaths in just 24 hours – a 20 percent increase on the previous day.
During a press conference, health agency director Jérôme Salomon added that the number of cases had risen to 10,995, up from 9,134 on Wednesday. Salomon said 1,122 people were in a serious condition, needing life support.
"We are at the start of this crisis. We have taken exceptional measures to absorb this first wave, but we've started a race against the virus," President Emmanuel Macron said at the beginning of a crisis meeting at the Interior Ministry on Friday.
"We must react a great deal and reorganise ourselves at every moment. We need to anticipate," he added.
Macron's government has come under intense pressure from overstretched health professionals over a shortage of face masks, gloves and other basic equipment.
It is estimated France has around 5,000 beds equipped with the necessary gear but these are unevenly spread around the country.
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