bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coranavirus: Emergency plan for prisons in England and Wales

The government is drawing up emergency plans to avoid disruption in England 's prisons , with unions saying prison officers face `` unprecedented '' challenges .
Prison staff will be offered bonuses to cover shortages - and staff could be redeployed to cover front-line services .
A number of inmates died during unrest at several Italian prisons last week after visits were suspended .
The Prison Officers Association has compared conditions in England 's prisons to those found on cruise ships and the Prison Governors Association has said cases of the virus are inevitable .
BBC News has seen advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had contact with a known coronavirus patient should be isolated in single accommodation .
It is understood plans being drawn in up in Whitehall involve communicating regularly with inmates , making sure they can contact their families and providing extra materials - like books and magazines - to those isolating to try to avoid boredom .
The possibility of designating other buildings as prisons to cope with pressures has not been ruled out .
Senior figures do not believe large numbers of prisoners will have to be released to cope with any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant concern about the impact on older prisoners with underlying health issues .
Ministers are thought to have not ruled out releasing vulnerable inmates most at risk , but the instinct in government is that they should serve their sentences .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?

It is understood plans being drawn in up in Whitehall involve communicating regularly with inmates, making sure they can contact their families and providing extra materials - like books and magazines - to those isolating to try to avoid boredom.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Cafe and bar jobs 'gone by May' if laws do not change - trade body

Hotel , cafe and dining chains will fail and jobs will go if the government does not do more to help the industry , a trade group has warned the chancellor .
In a letter to Rishi Sunak , lobby group UK Hospitality said coronavirus was an `` existential threat '' to the sector .
It wants to change laws to allow temporary staff redundancies .
UK Hospitality boss Kate Nicholls said , without help , `` a significant number '' of jobs could disappear by May .
In the letter , seen by the BBC , Ms Nicholls suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introducing measures `` to permit temporary staff redundancies where demand falls substantially - with Universal Credit covering wage costs '' .
Other government policies UK Hospitality would like to see include a business rates holiday for all businesses regardless of size , all payments to HMRC suspended for three months and Government Statutory Sick Pay payments to all hospitality businesses .
Ms Nicholls told the BBC that even some of the largest hotel chains , pub chains and casual dining brands all `` run the risk of not existing going forward '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
`` This is business-critical - these are cash businesses , put simply , if you do n't have people coming through the door , you will run out of cash very quickly .
`` So we are talking about intervention that is needed next week to make sure that in six to eight weeks these businesses continue to trade , and if we do n't get that support , by May , we will be facing business failures and a significant number of jobs at risk . ''
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shapes ... it 's high street businesses that are seeing footfall decline , so your pubs , bars , your cafes where you pop in for a sandwich , but also it 's the larger companies across the sector - they are the firms that employing the most people , '' she added .
In Mr Sunak 's first Budget this week , business rates relief was granted to companies with a rateable value of less than £51,000 , which he said could save a business up to £25,000 .
The measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , restaurants and hotels .
However , Ms Nicholl said that the because many of the biggest employers in the hospitality industry operate from the largest premises on the UK high street , they will not benefit from the new business rate support .
The financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the hospitality sector is being shouldered by businesses large and small , but one hotel manager said businesses of his size were ignored by the chancellor and are teetering on the brink .
Mark Cotman is the group operations director at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said his bookings are down 60 % and he expects them to get worse .
`` We 've got the money to carry on for maybe two or three months , and then we 're out of money .
Then what do we do about paying staff , paying VAT , paying the veg man , the butcher ?
…We will run out of money , Mr Cotman said .
`` The larger businesses like ours have received no assistance in the budget .
`` We 've been offered a facility of maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's got to be paid back .
If we 're not taking any money , how can we pay the loan back ? ''
A Treasury spokesperson said : `` On Wednesday , the chancellor announced , in total , a £30bn fiscal stimulus to support British people , jobs and businesses through this moment .
`` Because of our extension of business rate relief , including to the hospitality and leisure sectors , around 900,000 properties , 45 % of those in England , wo n't pay any business rates in 20/21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and self-employed individuals experiencing temporary financial difficulties due to Covid-19 . ''

"So we are talking about intervention that is needed next week to make sure that in six to eight weeks these businesses continue to trade, and if we don't get that support, by May, we will be facing business failures and a significant number of jobs at risk."


bbcuk--2020-03-14--George VI King's Speech therapist letter to be auctioned

A `` previously undiscovered '' letter , written by King George VI to his speech therapist just five days after his coronation , is to be auctioned off .
George VI was helped to overcome his stammer by Lionel Logue .
The story inspired the film The King 's Speech .
In the letter , he reveals how anxious he was `` to get my responses right in the abbey '' and his gratitude and relief that the `` great day '' had gone smoothly .
The lot is to be sold in Salisbury next month , with a starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's father was thrust into the role when his elder brother , Edward VIII , abdicated to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson .
The then Duke of York dreaded public speaking and turned to maverick Australian Mr Logue to help him conquer his debilitating stammer .
In the letter sent from Windsor Castle on 17 May , 1937 , he wrote about the `` poor rehearsal '' at his coronation `` adding greatly '' to his anxiety but his `` mind was finally set at ease '' .
`` Not a moment 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The same can not be said of the bishops , of course , nor the pen I used to sign the oath ; the ink got all over my fingers .
`` The success was due to your expert supervision and unfailing patience with me over recent months , and I truly do n't know how I could have done it without you . ''
Along with the letter , he enclosed a silver-gilt cigarette case .
Rupert Slingsby , from auctioneers Woolley and Wallis , said the letter and case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lieu of a payment by Mr Logue 's brother .
`` Whilst our vendor realised the historical significance of the items , I do n't think he appreciated quite how valuable they could be , '' he said .
The case and letter will be auctioned on 29 April .

In the letter, he reveals how anxious he was "to get my responses right in the abbey" and his gratitude and relief that the "great day" had gone smoothly.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Sport Relief appeal raises more than £40m for charities

The BBC 's Sport Relief event had raised more than £40m for charitable causes by the end of its live TV show .
Gary Lineker , one of the hosts , said `` a chunk '' of the money would go to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
The fundraising marathon - which helps vulnerable people in the UK and around the world - went ahead in front of a live studio audience in Salford despite the health crisis .
The BBC said it would do `` everything possible to keep people safe '' .
Match Of The Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through `` unprecedented times '' , stressing that `` never have the vulnerable '' been more at risk .
He hosted the fundraiser alongside Paddy McGuinness , Alex Scott , Emma Willis , Rylan Clark-Neal , Oti Mabuse , Maya Jama and Tom Allen .
Sport Relief had raised a total of £40,540,355 for charitable causes by the end of the live show .
Some of the money raised this year will go to projects dealing with challenges caused by the coronavirus .
A BBC spokesperson said ahead of the event that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government advice '' and that people 's health and safety was their `` priority '' .
A performance from Rita Ora had been due to be followed by a choir made up of elderly singers and schoolchildren - but the older members did not take part as a precaution .
The evening 's broadcast included a Line of Duty sketch that saw the BBC drama 's regulars joined by Jason Isaacs and comedian Lee Mack .
There was also a parody of BBC drama Killing Eve , in which a host of famous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis and Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave - fell foul of a blonde assassin .
Other pre-recorded segments included a celebrity boat race that saw teams from the BBC , ITV , Channel 4 and Sky take to the challenging waters of Salford Quays under the tutelage of Olympic champions James Cracknell and Helen Glover .
Celeste , John Newman , Rita Ora and the Pussycat Dolls were among the music acts .
Special editions of QI , The Greatest Dancer and A Question of Sport were also screened , while A Round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andy Murray on a mini golf course .
This year 's appeal saw pop star Frankie Bridge , DJ Nick Grimshaw and other stars take part in a gruelling four-day trek across the Namib Desert .
The expedition - moved from Mongolia because of concerns about coronavirus - was the subject of a documentary broadcast earlier this week .
Meanwhile , Radio 2 's Jo Whiley , Richie Anderson and the Reverend Kate Bottley raised more than £500,000 by completing three triathlons in three days .
Other challenges undertaken this year included a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane more than 100 metres at London 's Heathrow Airport .
Former boxer Nicola Adams , presenter Gabby Logan and Lineker were among those to take part in last week 's record-breaking heave .
During Friday 's broadcast , Top Gear host McGuinness paid tribute to Love Island presenter Caroline Flack , who took her own life last month .
Flack , 40 , had worked with both Sport Relief and Comic Relief .
McGuinness said : `` She will be greatly missed by us all . ''
The last Sport Relief , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £38m for charitable causes .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

A performance from Rita Ora had been due to be followed by a choir made up of elderly singers and schoolchildren - but the older members did not take part as a precaution.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Mamie Stuart: Sunderland burial for 1919 murder victim

A woman whose body was found more than four decades after she went missing in 1919 has finally been buried .
Mamie Stuart 's dismembered body was discovered in 1961 in an abandoned lead mine in Wales , 42 years after her family last heard from her .
Last year , her great-niece found out Ms Stuart 's remains had been stored in a cupboard in a Cardiff forensic laboratory for almost 60 years .
She has now been laid to rest alongside her parents in Sunderland .
The burial was possible thanks to the efforts of Ms Stuart 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she described as an `` absolute stalwart '' .
Ms Stuart was born in Sunderland and left home in her teens to work on the stage as a dancer .
In 1918 she married George Shotton , a Welsh marine engineer , and they set up home at various addresses in Wales .
Her last contact with her family was at Christmas 1919 , who reported Ms Stuart , then aged 26 , missing .
Her husband was questioned on suspicion of murder but there was not enough evidence to charge him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her bigamously and so he served a prison term for that .
In 1961 bones and jewellery were discovered in an abandoned mineshaft on the Gower peninsula in Wales and were later identified as belonging to Ms Stuart .
By then Shotton had died , but suspicions remained that he had murdered his wife .
Mrs Oldnall , whose grandmother was Ms Stuart 's sister , described the story as `` an exciting thing to tell friends '' .
`` She was a doll , apparently a bit of a one , left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stage , '' she said .
`` But she was strong too , I heard something about her being part of a dance troupe which did n't get paid so she took out an injunction .
`` Then she got married and went away with him , but they were a close family so when she did n't get in touch they knew something had happened to her .
`` It was pretty sensational at the time , there was a big manhunt looking in all parts of the world , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body was found , but we thought that was it . ''
'Not having this' However , when Mrs Oldnall was approached for a programme on the CBS Reality channel about unsolved murders , she learned Ms Stuart 's remains had not been buried but were being stored in the laboratory .
Mrs Oldnall said : `` So her story had gone from something finished to this .
I 'm not religious but I thought it was awful .
`` She had this turn in life and was murdered and cut up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 40 years , then for another 60 she was in a cupboard , brought out every now and then , presumably to show budding pathology students .
`` I thought , no , no , I 'm not having this . ''
She got in touch with the laboratory 's senior forensic pathologist Dr Stephen Leadbeatter , whom she described as `` an absolute stalwart , very supportive '' .
`` He told me that he had n't known what to do with the remains , '' she said .
`` People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them but he said ' I do n't like doing that because you never know if a relative will come forward ' , and of course you do n't , but in this case I did . ''
It was decided Ms Stuart should be laid to rest with her parents James and Jane .
Unsure where they were buried , Mrs Oldnall contacted Margaret Hedley , a family history researcher based on Wearside , who tracked them down to Bishopwearmouth Cemetery in Sunderland .
Mrs Oldnall obtained a casket from a friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains .
`` But he told me , no he 'd come to me , '' she said .
`` And he did , on a Sunday , driving all the way to Uffington [ in Oxfordshire ] .
`` He did n't want me to have them hanging around for a long time , so after he drove back and my husband and I set straight off . ''
The burial took place at Bishopwearmouth Cemetery in December .
`` We put the casket in , there were some flowers , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we drove home , that was it , '' Mrs Oldnall said .
`` It 's rather a weird thing .
All the records to do with Mamie have been destroyed .
`` I think there was a fire in the hotel where a suitcase of hers was found , then the police station with records had been bombed - in the way almost as if her trail had been wiped out .
`` She 's been treated with such lack of dignity , and now she 's with her parents .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do feel much better about it now . ''
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"People were telling him to get rid of them but he said 'I don't like doing that because you never know if a relative will come forward', and of course you don't, but in this case I did."


bbcuk--2020-03-13--Coventry shooting: Teenager killed in street

A teenager who was shot in the back in the street has died .
The 19-year-old man was found seriously @ @ @ @ @ the Hillfields area of Coventry at about 14:30 GMT on Friday .
He was taken @ @ @ @ @ died , West Midlands Police said .
The force has launched a murder investigation and @ @ @ @ @ from anyone who saw a black Volkswagen Golf R acting suspiciously in the area .
@ @ @ @ @ light coloured or silver wing mirrors and five spoke alloy wheels .
`` I am @ @ @ @ @ on today 's shooting to get in touch with us as soon as possible , @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We are committed to finding those responsible and would urge anyone with @ @ @ @ @ what happened before or after the incident to speak to us . ''
Follow BBC @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter , and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone .

"We are committed to finding those responsible and would urge anyone with dashcam or phone footage of what happened before or after the incident to speak to us."


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: How professional cleaners are dealing with the outbreak

As people try to protect themselves from coronavirus , the services of cleaners are in high demand .
But how are those tasked with protecting others keeping themselves safe ?
`` It is frightening really , '' says Deb Lawrence , 60 , who runs a cleaning business in Dudley in the West Midlands .
Ms Lawrence was part of a team which recently deep-cleaned a doctor 's surgery after a patient was sent for Covid-19 testing .
The group had to wear personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , and used colour-coded equipment to prevent cross-contamination .
`` Thankfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was a big relief , '' she said .
Her son Alex , 28 , who went out on the job , said : `` It can be quite alarming for the public if they see you in your suit and mask so we try to clean at times when we wo n't be seen as much .
`` When you get in a space where there 's a suspected outbreak , it takes a lot more concentration .
`` You 're thinking about whether you 've put on your PPE correctly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mix the chemicals to the right ratio , have you squeezed out sponges and mops thoroughly ?
`` Then you 're thinking - 'Have I cleaned every possible surface ? '
`` That 's the thing you think about a lot because you 've been trusted to go in and do a job and that job is ultimately about keeping people safe , so it 's a big responsibility . ''
Deb Lawrence said the job can be exhausting , physically demanding , and staff were under a lot of pressure .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us went in to deep-clean a school and it took each of us four hours to clean our individual areas , '' she said .
`` People do n't realise that we 're in the middle between the health service and the average person - we 're the people tasked with keeping everyone safe in work , schools , at the doctors and dentists , so we take it very seriously . ''
Staff at Mrs Lawrence 's company , which employs 300 people aged between 18 and 75 , have become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said she was `` conscious of the vulnerabilities of our older staff '' , but would `` never put them in a situation that would put them at risk '' .
`` A lot of the girls have been worried , asking what would happen if they got sick , how best to protect themselves .
`` If we found out they were at risk , we 'd pull them out straight away . ''
Ms Lawrence said her company had refreshed its training and protocols , keeping staff updated on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a new experience in dealing with this that we 've had to be respond to things as and when they 've happened too , '' she said .
• Clean your entire home often , not just once a week • Pay special attention to areas such as the kitchen and bathroom • Touch points , such as door handles , push pads and telephones , are a particular concern • Use a good quality antibacterial spray or wipe as well as soap but be mindful of any allergic reactions your family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks from retirement - I wo n't go back' '' I 'm only two weeks away from retirement and so I do n't want to get infected , '' he said .
`` I do clinical cleans - which involves sterilising a patient 's area with chlorine - and the thing is , you do n't know what they have .
`` I do n't feel particularly safe at the moment ; we 're just all getting on with it .
`` I put a lot of pressure on myself to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things like touch points - door handles - they 're only as clean as they are before someone else touches them .
`` I know other people who are also due to retire soon and we 're worried we 'll get called back in .
`` Even if I get the call , I wo n't go back - I have lung problems and ultimately you might be putting your life at risk . ''
• Coronavirus : What is it like to self-isolate ?
• People with fever or cough told to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owns a domestic cleaning company in Wolverhampton , said most cleaning was `` just common sense '' .
`` I think we all know what to do but we 've just forgotten or taken cleaning less seriously as our lives have got busier , '' he said .
`` We have a lot of vulnerable clients - elderly people and working families with children too , and it 's easy to overlook things .
`` With this scare - and it is scary - we 've been wearing disposable gloves out on jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards have remained as high as they 've always been .
`` I would just say it 's time to go back to basics and clean your home not just regularly but often . ''
Find out how many confirmed cases of coronavirus there are in your area : If you ca n't see the look-up click here The professionals have welcomed new hygiene measures being adopted by the public .
Ms Lawrence said : `` It sounds funny to say but obviously business has increased as a result of this but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's about making sure we put our staff and clients ' minds at rest .
`` Though it has made our lives easier knowing that at least some people are upping their personal hygiene routines . ''
Hospital cleaner Mr Hill said he wished more people would `` take it seriously '' .
`` It 's very frustrating to see that some people are n't sticking to the advice , '' he said .
`` If all this at least raises awareness of what cleaners do , that would be a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What can I do ?
• PROTECTION : Where are we with a vaccine ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
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Her son Alex, 28, who went out on the job, said: "It can be quite alarming for the public if they see you in your suit and mask so we try to clean at times when we won't be seen as much.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Should people work from home, and other questions answered

The UK government is now focusing on delaying the spread of coronavirus .
But what might an outbreak mean for you , your job and your finances ?
Here are the answers to a selection of readers ' questions .
( Let us know your coronavirus questions by using the form at the bottom of this article ) .
I run a small business .
At what point should I tell people to work from home ?
- Kieren Johnstone , Horsham It 's really all about following government advice at this stage .
Many firms are already trialling home-working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This lets them test home working in a controlled way , before having to do it for real .
As a small business , you 'll also need to think about your the way you are supplied , travel and your cashflow .
Also , check your insurance .
Does the small print include business interruption cover ?
If so , does your policy have an extension for `` notifiable diseases '' ?
Also , check if coronavirus is covered .
I 'm self-employed .
Can I claim benefits if I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Mark Gribby , Nottingham Self-employed people who have symptoms or have been told to self-isolate may apply for two benefits , Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance .
But charities are worried that there is still a five-week delay before Universal Credit is paid .
People claiming Universal Credit can be paid early to help them until they receive their first payment .
However , this will be taken off future benefit payments .
Unfortunately , those who are self-employed can not get Statutory Sick Pay because that is paid by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with mortgages to delay payments during the outbreak ?
- Clare Waters Some banks , including NatWest and TSB , are offering customers affected by coronavirus the ability to delay their mortgage payments .
This will be decided on a case-by-case basis , a bit like the process of helping customers in financial difficulty .
Payments will be delayed for two or three months .
So , it is important to bear in mind that any interest and capital repayments which are missed , will be added to the mortgage balance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bills will be slightly higher .
What will landlords do if coronavirus means people ca n't pay their rent ?
- The Urban Troopers via Twitter At the moment , landlords are not being forced to allow tenants to delay paying their rent .
But they are being encouraged to be sympathetic if tenants have to self-isolate , or are laid off work and take a hit to their income .
The Residential Landlords Association says its members should discuss the problem with tenants , be flexible and arrange for money they owe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal .
Most affected tenants , it says , will be in genuine hardship and suffering stress .
What if you 're not on a salary and ca n't work from home if your workplace closes ?
- Joseph , Glasgow If you are employed , your employer has an obligation to pay your Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks .
Normally , you would be eligible after four days of being ill .
However , the government has responded to the spread of coronavirus by saying that companies will temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day off .
In the case of small employers , the government will fund sick pay for the first 14 days , • EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore I am buying a house .
What if one party self-isolates after exchanging contracts ?
- Linda Lawford , Totton When you exchange contracts for a property , you have made a contract .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deposit if you fail to complete the sale and , possibly , face a claim for damages .
In exceptional circumstances , the buyer and seller can agree to delay in completing the sale .
However , self-isolating would not necessarily mean you could not complete .
This final step could be done over the phone or online .
At what point will the government advise people not to travel in confined spaces ?
- Lou Doret , Exeter When its health experts advise it to do so .
However , this might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bosses in the UK say they 're reviewing cleaning procedures .
Transport for London says it 's using a more powerful disinfectant .
Meanwhile , it 's been announced that a London Underground train driver has tested positive for coronavirus .
Passenger numbers on trains have fallen as more people work at home .
The issue has been getting stock onto shelves quick enough to fill the gaps as shoppers strip them bare of certain products .
There has been a specific problem with hand sanitisers , where demand has outstripped supply .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we 're not going to run out of food .
Shoppers should buy what they need .
If things take a serious turn for the worse , all our supermarkets have plans in place to keep us fed .
The big challenge will be doing this with potentially far fewer workers .
If schools are closed will there be financial help available for parents ?
- Richard , Eastleigh Employers have to give you time off to deal with a domestic emergency , but they do n't have to pay you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reasonable amount .
You can apply for some unpaid leave as well .
And the government has relaxed the rules for applying for benefits if you have coronavirus .
What questions do you have about the coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your @ @

How is the government going to protect vulnerable children who remain unvaccinated? My son has cystic fibrosis and will now be forced to mix - he has not had any access to vaccination.
Because your son is in a clinical risk group - and as long as he is over five - he should soon be offered two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. You should be contacted by your GP or specialist team to arrange this.
With regard to the dangers of mixing, the UK has also recommended that Covid vaccines are offered to all children aged 5 to 11, not just those at high clinical risk. This is likely to start in England in April. Children are generally at much lower risk of becoming seriously ill from a Covid infection, although some do still get sick and need hospital care. Over-12s can already be vaccinated, and it's hoped that extending the rollout to younger age groups will help protect even more children from the risk of catching and spreading Covid.
Schools are expected to work with and support families who have concerns about a pupil returning to the classroom. It is compulsory for school-age children to attend, even if they were previously shielding - the only exception is a small number of children whose clinician or GP has advised them not to attend. If you have concerns about this, you should talk to your doctor.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Five things to help make sense of the week

It 's been a week of extraordinary developments , as the coronavirus has continued to spread across the world .
The news updates are almost non-stop and at times it 's easy to lose track .
Here 's a summary of what happened in the past seven days .
1 .
This was the week that shutdowns gathered pace Halfway through the week , the World Health Organization declared a pandemic .
( Read what that means here ) .
According to the latest figures , more than 125,000 people have been diagnosed with the virus in 118 countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 4,600 .
On Tuesday , Italy entered a country-wide lockdown , with police patrolling the streets to ensure people stayed indoors - the country 's most restrictive measures since World War Two .
Restaurants , cafes , museums and all shops except pharmacies and food stores closed , and tourists were told to leave immediately .
Elsewhere across the continent , normal life for millions was put on hold as schools and universities closed in Austria , Portugal , France , Denmark and Norway .
Gyms , restaurants , nightclubs , libraries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Spain became Europe 's worst-affected country after Italy , following a steep increase in deaths .
It declared a state of emergency and placed four towns in Catalonia in lockdown .
Even the Real Madrid football team were quarantined .
It 's hard to keep track of travel restrictions , with more and more countries announcing new measures on Friday .
Earlier in the week , President Donald Trump banned travel from 26 European countries for 30 days , although not Britain .
There are fears that in some places , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than is being disclosed .
Iran is one of the worst-hit countries after China , and this week saw distressing images of multiple bodies bag emerge from the city of Qom .
It 's not just travel .
Social and cultural events around the world are being cancelled .
All English professional football leagues are suspended and artists including Madonna and Pearl Jam axed concerts .
And there 's been a staggering knock-on effect on global stock markets , with shares in the UK and US suffering their worst day for 33 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus is changing how people shop , work and interact with friends and family .
The UK government said there was `` no need '' for stockpiling , but it seems people did not take notice .
It was the week when shoppers began seeing empty shelves as people dashed to buy hand sanitiser , pasta , tinned foods - and the big one , toilet roll .
One entrepreneurial schoolboy in Leeds was caught selling hand sanitiser for 50p a shot to classmates - leading to praise on social media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lord Sugar .
In the US , prisoners in New York were tasked with making hand sanitiser to meet shortages .
The state 's governor said the gel , branded NYS Clean , had a `` very nice floral '' scent and would be provided for free to government agencies , schools , public transport and prisons .
Businesses have been sending their employees home , either after confirmed coronavirus cases among their workforce or as a preventative measure .
In day to day life , people - including Prince Charles - are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elbow bumps or foot taps .
More and more people have gone into quarantine and shared their stories of loneliness and fear .
Concern for elderly relatives , considered most at risk , has steadily grown - one journalist has described agreeing with her parents not to visit them for the foreseeable future .
People are finding new ways to cope .
In locked-down Siena in Italy , residents were recorded singing from their windows - something that also happened in Wuhan and , centuries ago , during the plague in Milan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands , wash your hands , wash your hands Much of the advice from public health officials around the world is the same : wash your hands frequently with soap and water , avoid touching your face and if you develop symptoms , self-isolate .
The WHO urges people to keep at least 1m ( 3ft ) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing .
It can be difficult for small children to take it all on .
In London , a mother used magic marker to write on her son 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was washing them while at school .
This week , the UK updated their health advice to say anyone who develops symptoms such as a new continuous cough or a temperature should self-isolate for seven days .
Officials say they believe up to 10,000 people in the UK could already be infected .
Read more about health advice here .
And you can find our latest explainers here .
4 .
If you watch one video There 's a moment in this video where a husband , dressed head to toe in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wife 's bed , as she cries under a duvet .
`` Do n't worry , I 'll stay here , '' he says , but her muffled reply comes : `` Do n't stay inside the room . ''
The film follows two local filmmakers in Wuhan from the early stages of the virus until the city is in full-on lockdown .
In China now , things are improving ; this was the week where the number of new cases there continued to fall .
We saw a record number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and comments about coronavirus on Thursday , highlighting how much concern and confusion there is about the virus .
In a world where fake news and misinformation spreads so easily , one of our tweets struck a chord with people on social media : You can read about those fake treatments to avoid here , and read some of the fake news coming out of Italy .

There are fears that in some places, the true scale of the outbreak is worse than is being disclosed. Iran is one of the worst-hit countries after China, and this week saw distressing images of multiple bodies bag emerge from the city of Qom.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Do face masks actually work?

Do face masks actually work?

As coronavirus continues to spread around the world , face masks are in high demand as people look for ways @ @ @ @ @ do they really protect most people from contracting the virus ?
Dr Shunmay Yeung from @ @ @ @ @ Tropical Medicine explains .

As coronavirus continues to spread around the world, face masks are in high demand as people look for ways to protect themselves.
But do they really protect most people from contracting the virus?
Dr Shunmay Yeung from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine explains.
Please note: This video was produced on 13 March 2020 and based on the advice available from the World Health Organization and other health groups at the time.
Read more: Coronavirus: What are the symptoms?
Read more: Coronavirus information: What should I do?


bbcuk--2020-03-14--What the virus does to the body

What the virus does to the body

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

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


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Joe Marler ban: Is genital grabbing a problem in rugby?

`` This kind of stuff happens all the time in rugby , but it 's usually on the sly . ''
You 've probably heard England rugby player Joe Marler has been banned for grabbing the genitals of another player , Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones .
The incident , and the subsequent 10-week ban handed out as punishment , has been the subject of lots of discussion - with some suggesting it 's normal in rugby and others saying it 's not .
Harry Jackson , a 26-year-old rugby player , says it was a surprise to see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reasons you might think .
`` People tend to do it at the bottom of the ruck where they ca n't be seen , so to do it in front of everyone was quite surprising . ''
Harry says it 's important to contextualise what happened , and that players try `` all sorts of silly stuff '' to try to provoke a reaction from players .
`` Things like giving someone a little kiss , pulling shirts , patting people on the head - or a grope like Joe Marler .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up '' and gain an advantage by getting someone penalised or sent off , Harry says .
Jon Hicks , also a rugby player , agrees with Harry - but does n't consider it as a big problem because `` players laugh it off '' .
The 24-year-old says trying to provoke players is `` massively prevalent '' at the lower levels of the game but thinks it 's `` taken as banter '' due to the lack of media attention .
It is against the rules though .
World Rugby says `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' is not allowed and is punishable by a ban .
And lots of people on social media claim what Joe Marler did was sexual assault .
Harry says he `` completely understands '' that point of view .
`` Especially as a large public audience is watching these games - including people who do n't watch regularly . ''
He thinks what happened was n't malicious and should n't happen `` in front of millions of people '' .
But Harry also says likening it to sexual assault `` could cheapen people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so this kind of conversation may not be that helpful '' .
According to Jon , even if Joe Marler was engaging in `` banter and provocation '' , the punishment was correct .
`` I think there has to be a line drawn , especially on the level he did it at - international rugby .
It crossed a line . ''
Jon says the ban `` sets a precedent for rugby and society '' .
`` Imagine if a famous person can go on live TV and nothing happens - then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with me doing it ? '
'' Harry has experience of being provoked during rugby matches .
`` At the end of a game I was playing , we conceded a late try , and one of the opponents had been attempting to wind people up by trying to kiss people and pat them on the head . ''
He says it escalated because the behaviour was not punished .
`` So I got sent off for reacting and had to miss five weeks of playing , which is really frustrating . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's different for Joe Marler .
`` Because those professionals - fair or not - have to be held to a higher standard than average players in a club game . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

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bbcuk--2020-03-14--Triple drowning: Off-duty lifeguard returns to scene of tragedy

Three people died in rough seas at a beach in north Cornwall in October 2014 .
Off-duty lifeguard Brendon Prince @ @ @ @ @ two people from the water at Mawgan Porth and tried in vain to save their @ @ @ @ @ of the deaths on the victims ' families drove Mr Prince to set up the @ @ @ @ @ children about water safety .
Mr Prince recently returned to the beach where the tragedy @ @ @ @ @ .

Three people died in rough seas at a beach in north Cornwall in October 2014.
Off-duty lifeguard Brendon Prince, from Torquay, pulled two people from the water at Mawgan Porth and tried in vain to save their lives.
Seeing the effect of the deaths on the victims' families drove Mr Prince to set up the Above Water charity which teaches children about water safety.
Mr Prince recently returned to the beach where the tragedy unfolded for the first time.
Video journalist: Miles Davis


bbcuk--2020-03-14--The Papers: 'Life on hold' as PM 'U-turns' on mass gatherings

The government 's decision to ban mass gatherings is described by the Guardian , the Financial Times and the Daily Telegraph as a `` U-turn '' by Prime Minister Boris Johnson , just 24 hours after he insisted he would not follow Scotland 's lead in doing so .
The Telegraph quotes Whitehall sources admitting the coronavirus situation was now `` accelerating very quickly '' .
It says events such as Wimbledon , Glastonbury Festival and the Grand National could be axed , with new laws allowing the government to pay them compensation .
The Financial Times says the policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move further into the `` delay '' phase of its action plan after other European countries took much tougher measures .
For the Guardian , Mr Johnson 's `` cautious approach '' was taken after `` the most dramatic day of the crisis so far '' .
The Times suggests that police will be able to detain infected people , and schools and nurseries could be forced to stay open , as part of a package of emergency powers to be introduced next week .
The paper says councils will be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to cope with staff shortages , and there will also be measures to speed up cremations and burials .
The Times adds that ministers believe the virus will infect the majority of the population , and the new laws are likely to stay in place for two years .
According to the Daily Mail , hospitals could `` stop treating '' the most severely ill victims of coronavirus as the outbreak escalates .
It says new intensive care guidelines being drawn up could even mean that patients with a `` poor prognosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favour of those with better survival chances '' .
The Mail says that doctors are already reporting that wards look like `` war zones '' .
`` Virus Wipes Out Sport , '' the Daily Mirror declares , referring to sport being `` crippled '' , fears of big job losses and football clubs being `` driven to the wall '' .
The Mirror , the Daily Express and the Daily Star all raise the prospect that the domestic football season might have to be abandoned .
According to the online Independent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` total shutdown '' until at least September .
It quotes a source close to high-level talks dismissing the idea that matches might resume early next month as `` ludicrous '' .
The Sun leads on a story about a newborn baby who it says tested positive for the virus within minutes of being born at a hospital in London .
The child 's mother had been rushed there with `` suspected pneumonia '' .
They are now being treated at separate hospitals .
The paper declares the baby the `` world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Express suggests that a team of scientists at Imperial College London are `` on the brink '' of developing a vaccine to combat the virus .
A scientist tells the paper it has worked `` really well '' when tested on mice .
But the paper adds that even if clinical trials proceed as well as the team hope , a vaccine would not be available for patients for another year .
Elsewhere , there 's considerable disquiet about the government 's strategy of allowing the country to develop so-called `` herd immunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make it much harder for a virus to spread .
The Daily Mirror highlights comments made by the UK 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , that around 60 % of the population would need to get Covid-19 for the UK to establish `` herd immunity '' .
He also said the illness was likely to become an annual seasonal infection .
In her column in the i , the Spectator 's deputy political editor , Katy Balls , says many Tories are `` twitchy '' about this `` high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want a chance to stay healthy '' , an unnamed backbencher is quoted as saying .
In other news , the Sun is among a number of papers to report that the actors union , Equity , has apologised to actor Laurence Fox and agreed an out-of-court settlement for calling him a `` disgrace to our industry '' .
Equity 's minority ethnic members ' committee had criticised him over comments he made on the BBC 's Question Time programme in January .
The actor had argued that the media 's treatment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that it was racist for an audience member to label him `` a white privileged male '' .
However , the Guardian says the entire committee has resigned in protest at Equity 's apology .
And the Times reports on a growing nuisance in Berlin - a population of thousands of wild boars digging up gardens and cemeteries , and roaming into shops .
They have become so accustomed to urban life that they 're now crossing roads at traffic lights , it says .
Biologists reckon the boars are unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ red and green lights , but have probably observed cars stopping there and pedestrians crossing safely .
The Times concludes that they have learnt how to `` save their bacon '' .

According to the Daily Mail, hospitals could "stop treating" the most severely ill victims of coronavirus as the outbreak escalates. It says new intensive care guidelines being drawn up could even mean that patients with a "poor prognosis" are "taken off ventilators in favour of those with better survival chances". The Mail says that doctors are already reporting that wards look like "war zones".


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coventry 'drive-by shooting': Two held as man, 19, killed

A 19-year-old man died after being targeted in a drive-by shooting involving a car that was later found burned out in Coventry .
Two people were arrested , including a 15-year-old boy , on suspicion of murder , after the man died in hospital .
The victim was found injured in Arnside Close in the Hillfields area , having suffered gunshot wounds to the back , West Midlands Police said .
The shots were fired from a black VW Golf R found burned out nearby .
During morning raids earlier , a 19-year-old man was also detained in connection with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a post-mortem examination was due to take place later .
The victim was shot as he walked along Harnall Lane and into Adelaide Street in Hillfields at about 14:30 GMT , officers said .
`` The gunshots were fired from a black VW Golf R , with light coloured or silver wing mirrors and five spoke alloy wheels , '' the force said in a statement .
`` A car was discovered burnt out in London Road yesterday evening and is believed to be the one used . ''
Cordons are in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to gather evidence .
Det Ch Insp Scott Griffiths , from the force 's homicide unit , said the force had made `` swift progress '' in its investigation .
He said : `` It is abhorrent that these people think nothing of using a firearm in broad daylight on a residential street with a children 's nursery close by .
`` It is vital that anyone who saw what happened yesterday afternoon , and has not already spoken to us , does so . ''
The officer also urged those responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward .
`` My team are determined to bring to justice anyone involved in yesterday 's violence , '' he added .
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , on Twitter , and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone .

"It is vital that anyone who saw what happened yesterday afternoon, and has not already spoken to us, does so."


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Death of first Scottish patient with Covid-19 confirmed

The first death of a patient after contracting coronavirus in Scotland has been confirmed .
Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood said the individual was elderly and had underlying health conditions .
She said : `` I am saddened to report that a patient in Scotland who has tested positive for coronavirus has died in hospital . ''
Earlier it was announced the number of cases in Scotland had increased to 85 .
In a statement Dr Calderwood added : `` I offer my deepest sympathy to their friends and family at this difficult time .
`` The patient , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an older person who had underlying health conditions .
`` No further information will be available to protect patient confidentiality . ''
The news comes after it was announced the Scottish football season has been suspended indefinitely , along with Scotland 's Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff .
And on Saturday , the Edinburgh Marathon Festival , which had been due to take place on 23 and 24 May , was postponed .
Neil Kilgour , Edinburgh Marathon 's race director said `` We are devastated to have to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of action is in the best interests of our participants , our affiliate charities , the event team who deliver the event and the emergency services who support the event . ''
He said the organisers hoped to be able to announce a new date on Monday .
Radio 1 's Big Weekend festival , which was due to take place in Dundee from 22-24 May , has also been cancelled .
• On Monday all schools in mainland Shetland will close for a week • Glasgow University said all exams scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held remotely • The University of the West of Scotland is asking students not to attend its campuses from Monday .
• Some Scottish political parties have announced that their spring conferences have been cancelled due to the pandemic • Aye Right , one of Scotland 's largest book festivals , will also not take place as planned • NHS Lanarkshire has taken the decision to restrict visiting times at all hospitals from 15:00 to 16:00 and 19:00 to 20:00 • Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has written to care home providers advising them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits '' and that residents should be isolated in their rooms .
• And in New York the annual Tartan Day parade on 6 April has been called off Across Scotland the number of patients testing positive for Covid-19 increase by 25 over the past 24 hours , with the figure for Greater Glasgow and Clyde more than doubling , from 10 to 21 .
A sharp rise was also recorded in Lothian , from 11 to 20 .
To date 3,229 tests have been carried out .
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase capacity in hospitals ahead of the expected increase in the number of cases .
Ms Freeman said : `` We have been clear from the outset about the challenges our health service is going to face in the weeks and possibly months to come .
`` With our focus very much on seeking to delay the spread to reduce the peak impact and protect the most vulnerable , planning around NHS capacity is vital . ''
She added that non-urgent care would be scaled down over the next two to three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care capacity .
Ms Freeman will make a further statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday .
Elsewhere , a student at St Andrews University , who had recently been in Switzerland , has tested positive for coronavirus and is in self-isolation .
A Scottish MP Dr Lisa Cameron is self-isolating after showing symptoms of coronavirus .
She announced the move on Twitter and said she had been forced to cancel her constituency surgeries on medical advice .
The SNP MP for East Kilbride , Strathaven and Lesmahagow , who had been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nadine Dorries - who has tested positive for the virus - reported feeling fatigued and developed a dry cough and swollen glands .
A secondary school in South Lanarkshire has closed temporarily due to a Covid-19 case .
The individual from Lanark Grammar School is self-isolating at home and the school is due to reopen on Monday after a deep clean .
The number of UK cases rose to 798 , up from 590 on Thursday , when it was confirmed Britain had moved into the `` delay '' phase in its response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England has also been suspended until at least 3 April as a result of the spread of coronavirus .
All Camanachd Association shinty has also been postponed .
NHS 24 said the coronavirus helpline took more than 11,000 calls in a 24-hour period .
Over the past week demand for the 111 service and the special helpline has more than doubled its normal call volume to 56,000 .
NHS 24 has asked people to visit the coronavirus section of its website in the first instance .
New advice , which came into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with symptoms of the virus - namely a fever or a new , persistent cough - to stay at home for a period of seven days but not to call their GP or NHS 24 unless their condition deteriorates .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Thursday that widespread school closures were not yet necessary - but from next week restrictions would be placed on gatherings of more than 500 people because of the demands these would place on frontline staff such as ambulance crews .
Earlier , national clinical director Jason Leitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass gatherings had been a judgement call in order to ensure `` we have all the staff and equipment we could possibly need '' rather than a bid to halt the virus spreading .
Mr Leitch said there were no current plans to close schools and this would only change , `` when we come to the point when science tells is it is the right thing to do '' .
The NHS executive has urged people to continue attending blood banks , adding , `` if they are not in the stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give blood '' .
A number of court cases in Scotland have already been disrupted because of coronavirus , including trials at the High Court in Glasgow and Forfar Sheriff Court .
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said witnesses , jurors and lawyers should not attend court if they were displaying symptoms or have come into contact with someone with Covid-19 .
Witnesses who are unfit should , if possible , obtain a `` soul and conscience certificate '' which can be emailed to the court , otherwise they risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How else is coronavirus affecting Scotland ?
• A number of operations are being rescheduled at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
• Lloyds Bank has closed one of its Edinburgh sites after a worker tested positive for coronavirus • The Scottish Police Federation said contingency plans for a flu pandemic have been in place for decades .
The full details will not be made public but as part of those plans there is likely to be a `` significant re-prioritisation '' of the types of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Prison Service said it is trying to operate business as normal and that visits , work parties and leisure access are continuing .
Individual prisoners with symptoms have been asked to self-isolate in their cells for seven days .
• Royal Bank of Scotland/NatWest is asking all office staff to work from home from Monday `` where practical to do so '' to reduce risk of infection .
This does not apply to branches which will remain open .
• Office staff at Grangemouth Refinery are to work from home from Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to combat the virus .
• Offshore oil and gas industry says installations will be placed on immediate `` lockdown '' if a worker on board tests positive for coronavirus • Loganair has announced a reduction in its flights after a `` marked drop '' in bookings The Scottish Qualifications Authority has said there will be no changes to the exam timetable `` at present '' .
It urged learners , parents , schools and colleges to `` continue to prepare as normal '' .
All current deadlines for coursework and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timetable is currently scheduled to run from 27 April until 4 June .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Neil Kilgour, Edinburgh Marathon's race director said "We are devastated to have to make this decision but we believe that this course of action is in the best interests of our participants, our affiliate charities, the event team who deliver the event and the emergency services who support the event."


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: NI and Irish leaders meeting over cross-border plans

The first and deputy first ministers are meeting leaders from the Irish government , including the taoiseach ( prime minister ) , to discuss a plan for responding to coronavirus on an all-island basis .
NI 's first community transmission cases were confirmed on Friday .
Three of nine new cases were contracted in this way .
The total is now 29 .
There have been 90 confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland .
Arlene Foster , Michelle O'Neill and Health Minister Robin Swann are meeting Taoiseach Leo Varadkar , Tanaiste ( Irish deputy prime minister ) Simon Coveney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh .
On his way into the meting , Mr Varadkar said the virus `` did not recognise borders '' and added that the situation on the island of Ireland was complicated by the fact there are two jurisdictions .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday Agreement to develop consultation , co-operation and action within the island of Ireland .
They are expected to discuss cross-border cooperation on measures to prevent the spread of the virus across the island of Ireland .
On her way into the meeting , Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill repeated her call for schools to close in Northern Ireland , in line with measures announced in the Republic of Ireland on Thursday .
She first made the call on Friday , leading to a disagreement with First Minister Arlene Foster .
Her statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Mrs Foster , said the executive did not believe the situation had reached the stage where Northern Ireland 's schools needed to close .
Archibishop Eamon Martin , the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland , has written to Northern Ireland 's education minister to ask him to consider closing all schools .
Meanwhile , Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison has said people should order prescriptions and take their medicines as normal .
`` Extra supplies should not be ordered from your doctor , '' she said .
`` Stockpiling or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is completely unnecessary and could disadvantage other patients .
`` There are no prescription medicine shortages as a result of Covid-19 . ''
On Friday , Health Minister Robin Swann said that non-urgent health services in Northern Ireland are to be reduced in order to care for coronavirus patients .
Affected services that are to be scaled back include non-urgent outpatient appointments , day cases , inpatient and diagnostic work .
The cancellations and postponements will be phased in over the coming days and weeks .
On Saturday , airline Jet2 announced it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands , with immediate effect .
It operates flights from Belfast International Airport to Alicante , Ibiza , Majorca , Malaga , Reus , Lanzarote , Fuerteventura , Gran Canaria and Tenerife .
Reacting to the first cases of community transmission in Northern Ireland , Mrs Foster said it was `` disappointing but not surprising , because there has been community transfer in the Republic of Ireland and other parts of the UK for quite some time '' .
`` We know that this is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be many , many people who will be victims of Covid-19 , '' she added .

"That's why the notice that we gave people here and elsewhere was so short but there was no perfect way of doing this unfortunately and I appreciate the understanding of the first minister and deputy first minister," he added.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Planned surgery cancelled in Wales

Planned surgery is to be cancelled in Wales as the NHS gears up to tackle the coronavirus outbreak .
On Saturday , Public Health Wales said the number of cases had risen to 60 .
Cutting back on so-called `` elective '' operations - those waiting for non-urgent treatment - had been put forward as one of the likely options as the pandemic escalates and more patients with the virus need treating .
Non-urgent outpatient appointments will also be put on hold .
Waiting time targets and monitoring arrangements are also being relaxed .
Meanwhile , Welsh Rugby Union chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postpone Wales ' Six Nations game with Scotland , just 24 hours before kick-off .
Also , Cardiff City have confirmed a player and member of staff are self-isolating as a precaution , while a Wrexham FC player has been told to self-isolate after seeking medical advice , with the team 's weekend game against Barrow postponed .
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said : `` I am choosing to act now before we see a significant surge in demand so that our services can be ready to act .
A larger number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly likely over the coming weeks . ''
He stressed that access to cancer and other essential treatments such as kidney dialysis would continue .
The minister said the priority was to save as many lives as possible , with 25,000 deaths in Wales possible in a worst case scenario .
What actions have been outlined ?
• Suspending non-urgent surgical admissions and procedures - but ensuring access for emergency and urgent surgery • Prioritising the use of non-emergency patient transport to focus on hospital discharges and ambulance emergency response • Expediting discharge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals • Relaxing targets and monitoring arrangements across the health and care system • Fast-tracking placements to care homes by suspending the current protocol which gives to right to a choice of home • Giving permission to cancel internal and professional events , including study leave , to free up staff for preparations • Relaxing contract and monitoring arrangements for GPs and primary care practitioners • Suspending NHS emergency service and health volunteer support to mass gatherings and events EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak With the peak believed to be 10 to 14 weeks away , First Minister Mark Drakeford said it was about making the `` right decisions at the right time '' .
Earlier on Friday , the Welsh Government hinted at the move , saying it would need to consider reducing planned activity .
There are currently about 390,000 referrals waiting for hospital treatment in Wales - including some patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47,000 orthopaedic referrals .
There were also 3 million outpatient appointments in the past year .
This could mean some quite big operations , including heart surgery , will be postponed for people - particularly if patients require intensive care afterwards .
But clinical decisions will have to be made if the conditions of patients deteriorate as they wait and they become emergencies .
We are used to seeing the temporary cancellation of planned surgery used as a pressure valve in the NHS by individual health boards , to relieve demand during winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis and the anticipated demand , to see this directed centrally by NHS Wales , is unprecedented .
Darren Hughes , director of the Welsh NHS Confederation , said : `` We would ask members of the public to help by being patient and understanding staff are working tirelessly .
`` It is important to remember that we all have a responsibility to take precautions to minimise the chances of catching or spreading Covid-19 '' .
On Wednesday , a senior intensive care consultant warned about the supply of beds and staffing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at more than 90 % capacity .
Dr Jack Parry-Jones , Welsh board member for the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine , said Wales was `` uniquely at risk '' if there was a surge of very sick people .
He said options included cutting back on routine surgery and turning operating theatres into extra intensive care facilities .

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: "I am choosing to act now before we see a significant surge in demand so that our services can be ready to act. A larger number of people requiring high levels of care is highly likely over the coming weeks."


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Fountain in India restored thanks to Northampton 'twin'

A neglected fountain in India has been restored to its former glory after a `` twin '' was discovered more than 4,000 miles away in the UK .
The fountain in Mumbai was built in 1867 but had become discoloured , corroded and close to collapse .
The discovery of the connection with a fountain erected in 1863 in Northampton allowed restoration work to begin .
Architect Pankaj Joshi said : `` For more than 40 years no-one had seen the monument in all its glory . ''
The team in India used pictures , drawings and designs from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1962 , to make casts for the `` missing pieces '' from the Mumbai feature .
Mr Joshi , executive director of the Urban Design Research Institute in Mumbai , said more than 400 pieces had been smelted , recast , and put in place .
The Mumbai fountain , called the Fitzgerald Fountain , was built in honour of a British governor of Mumbai ( when it was known as Bombay ) .
It was later moved from its original location , at the Metro cinema junction , to the grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where it continued to deteriorate .
Following the restoration , it will now be returned to the junction `` like a jigsaw puzzle , piece by piece '' .
Mr Joshi said this would take 10 weeks .
`` We 're really excited to take it back , '' he said .
The Indian restoration team had been working with industrial archaeologist Peter Perkins , who is in the UK and uncovered the connection .
`` I am very pleased to see that the Fitzgerald Fountain is restored , having originally been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundry in Northampton in the 1860s , '' Mr Perkins said .
`` Despite being a reminder of its British colonial past , it would seem that today the fountain is regarded as part of Mumbai 's own heritage .
`` It is unfortunate that Northampton Borough Council did not take a similar view in 1962 when it allowed its twin on Northampton 's Market Square to be demolished . ''
The cast iron plaque from the 1863 fountain is all that remains of the Northampton feature and now lives in Abington Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water feature until 2010 , when a ground-spurting £98,000 seven-jet installation was built , but that was turned off in 2012 .
Last month Northampton Borough Council leader Jonathan Nunn said the current fountain , installed in 2014 at a cost of £50,000 , `` does n't add to the ambience in any shape or form '' .
There are now plans for a `` linear water feature '' following a recent consultation on Market Square .
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The team in India used pictures, drawings and designs from the original Northampton fountain, which was dismantled in 1962, to make casts for the "missing pieces" from the Mumbai feature.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Some scientists say UK virus strategy is 'risking lives'

Hundreds of scientists have written to the government urging them to introduce tougher measures to tackle the spread of Covid-19 .
In an open letter , a group of 229 scientists from UK universities say the government 's current approach will put the NHS under additional stress and `` risk many more lives than necessary '' .
The signatories also criticised comments made by Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , about managing the spread of the infection to make the population immune .
The Department of Health said Sir Patrick 's comments had been misinterpreted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioned the government 's view that people will become fed up with restrictions if they were imposed too soon .
Their letter was published on the day it was announced 10 more people in the UK have died after testing positive for coronavirus , bringing the total number of deaths to 21 .
Meanwhile the government 's scientific advisory group for emergencies ( Sage ) advised that measures to protect vulnerable people - including household isolation - `` will need to be instituted soon '' .
Sir Patrick and the UK 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said they intend to publish the computer models on which their strategy is based .
• UK virus measures will have the 'biggest impact' • Why is the UK not shutting schools like other countries ?
• Three reasons why the UK might not follow Italy The UK 's approach to coping with the coronavirus pandemic has been in stark contrast to other countries .
The whole of Italy has been on lockdown since Tuesday , while Poland is set to close its borders for two weeks .
On Saturday the French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public locations from midnight ( 23:00 GMT Saturday ) .
And Spain has declared a 15-day national lockdown on Monday to battle the virus , In the open letter the group of scientists argue that stronger `` social distancing measures '' would `` dramatically '' slow the rate of growth of the disease in the UK , and would spare `` thousands of lives '' .
The group , specialising in a range of disciplines , ranging from mathematics to genetics , though no leading experts in the science of the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` insufficient '' and `` additional and more restrictive measures should be taken immediately '' , as is happening in other countries .
On Friday , Sir Patrick suggested managing the spread of the disease so that the population gains some immunity to the disease was a part of the government strategy .
This idea , known as `` herd immunity '' , means at-risk individuals are protected from infection because they are surrounded by people who are resistant to the disease .
• EASY STEPS : What should I do ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate Rough estimates indicate that herd immunity to Covid-19 would be reached when approximately 60 % of the population has had the disease .
But in the open letter , the scientists said : `` Going for 'herd immunity ' at this point does not seem a viable option . ''
The major downside of herd immunity , according to Birmingham University 's Prof Willem van Schaik , is that this will mean that in the UK alone at least 36 million people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is almost impossible to predict what that will mean in terms of human costs , but we are conservatively looking at tens of thousands of deaths , and possibly at hundreds of thousands of deaths , '' he said .
`` The only way to make this work would be to spread out these millions of cases over a relatively long period of time so that the NHS does not get overwhelmed . ''
Prof van Schaik noted that the UK is the only country in Europe that is following what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the virus '' .
But a Department of Health and Social care spokesperson said that Sir Patrick 's comments had been misinterpreted .
`` Herd immunity is not part of our action plan , but is a natural by-product of an epidemic .
Our aims are to save lives , protect the most vulnerable , and relieve pressure on our NHS , '' he said .
`` We have now moved out of the contain phase and into delay , and we have experts working round the clock .
Every measure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the best scientific evidence .
`` Our awareness of the likely levels of immunity in the country over the coming months will ensure our planning and response is as accurate and effective as possible . ''
In a separate letter to the government , more than 200 behavioural scientists have questioned the government 's argument that starting tougher measures too soon would lead to people not sticking to them just at the point that the epidemic is at its height .
`` While we fully support an evidence-based approach to policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not convinced that enough is known about 'behavioural fatigue ' or to what extent these insights apply to the current exceptional circumstances , '' the letter said .
`` Such evidence is necessary if we are to base a high-risk public health strategy on it . ''
`` In fact , it seems likely that even those essential behaviour changes that are presently required ( e.g.
, handwashing ) will receive far greater uptake the more urgent the situation is perceived to be .
Carrying on as normal for as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
The scientists said `` radical behaviour change '' could have a `` much better '' effect and could `` save very large numbers of lives '' .
`` Experience in China and South Korea is sufficiently encouraging to suggest that this possibility should at least be attempted , '' it added .
The second letter called on the government to reconsider its stance on `` behavioural fatigue '' and to share the evidence on which it based this stance .

"In fact, it seems likely that even those essential behaviour changes that are presently required (e.g., handwashing) will receive far greater uptake the more urgent the situation is perceived to be. Carrying on as normal for as long as possible undercuts that urgency," it added.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: UK deaths double in 24 hours

Ten more people in the UK have died in the last 24 hours after testing positive for coronavirus , bringing the total number of deaths to 21 .
The UK government 's chief medical adviser said the patients were all in `` at-risk '' groups from across England .
The total number of confirmed cases in the UK has reached 1,140 while 37,746 people have been tested .
It comes as the government revealed plans to boost the number of NHS beds and ventilators to treat people .
British manufacturing companies are to be tasked with increasing the production of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS could also buy up beds in private hospitals .
In a conference call with manufacturers on Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge them to join a `` national effort '' to tackle the virus .
Downing Street says it has already been working with suppliers in the UK and abroad to increase the nation 's supply of ventilators .
Earlier , the Labour Party and GMB union called for the government to use empty beds in `` plush private hospitals '' to ease the pressure on the NHS .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK government 's chief medical adviser , warned that facilities for people needing oxygen and critical care beds would be the parts of the NHS that will come under pressure first as the scale of the outbreak increases .
Meanwhile , US President Donald Trump decided to suspend all travel between the US and the UK and Ireland .
A No 10 spokesman said Mr Johnson had since spoken to Mr Trump , and set out the `` science-led approach '' the UK is taking .
During their conversation , the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of international collaboration to fast-track the development of a vaccine .
It comes as France ordered non-essential locations used by the public to close , and asked citizens to go out as little as possible .
Several European countries have closed their borders or shut their airports .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
US vice president Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midnight on Monday eastern standard time ( 04:00 GMT ) , following a `` unanimous recommendation '' from health experts .
The US has already banned travel from 26 European countries .
Of the latest deaths in the UK , eight were men aged over 80 and all but one were known to have had underlying health conditions .
They were being treated in hospitals in Buckinghamshire , Birmingham , Wolverhampton , Leicester , London and Chester .
Prof Whitty said : `` I understand this increase in the number of deaths linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern for many .
The public should know every measure we are taking is seeking to save lives and protect the most vulnerable . ''
Most of the confirmed UK cases are in England .
There have been 121 confirmed cases in Scotland , 60 in Wales and 34 in Northern Ireland .
What do I do if I ... Have symptoms : If you are experiencing a new , continuous cough and/or a fever - defined as a temperature of above 37.8C - you should self-isolate at home for at least seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday by Public Health England ( PHE ) .
People with mild symptoms who are self-isolating at home are not currently being tested .
All hospital patients with flu-like symptoms are being tested .
Live with or been in close contact with a positive case : The seven day isolation period now applies to everyone regardless of where you might have travelled or if you have had close contact with a confirmed case .
People who are self-isolating with mild symptoms are no longer being tested for the virus .
The government said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of UK cases to be around 5,000 to 10,000 .
The PM has been meeting with officials at Downing Street to discuss the pandemic .
A mother and her newborn baby are among the latest confirmed to have the virus in England .
Medics are trying to confirm whether the baby , who was tested at North Middlesex Hospital , was infected during birth or before , according to the Sun newspaper .
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said there was no evidence the virus can be passed on from pregnant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that due to how little is known about the new virus it would continue to update its guidance .
Government advice adds there is `` no clinical evidence '' to suggest the virus can be transmitted through breast milk .
`` Infection can be spread to the baby in the same way as to anyone in close contact with you , '' it says .
The increase in deaths is obviously alarming for the public - as well as being a tragedy for the families involved .
What we do n't know is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in their deaths .
We only know they had it when they died .
Every patient death announced in the coronavirus outbreak in the UK has been a person who has had underlying health conditions .
That is a term that covers a range of different illnesses from heart disease and diabetes to asthma .
There is certainly transmission of the virus within hospital - on Thursday three quarters of those patients with coronavirus in intensive care had not been abroad to an affected country .
They may have caught it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed lead to their admission or they could have caught it in hospital when they were already ill .
There are more than 1,500 deaths a day in the UK on average and what is certain is that growing numbers of people who die are going to have tested positive for coronavirus .
People visiting elderly and vulnerable relatives have been reminded to take extra care , after the government released new advice .
Care home providers should ask anyone who is `` generally unwell '' not to visit , the advice says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings might soon be banned in the UK to ease pressure on emergency services .
It is thought a ban could take effect as early as next weekend .
Events still set to go ahead include the Grand National in April , the 75th anniversary VE Day commemorations and Chelsea Flower Show in May , and Glastonbury Festival in June .
The increase in cases in the UK comes as people continue to stockpile food and household items .
The government has said there was `` no need '' for people to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery hours for shops to make sure they remain stocked .
Online supermarket Ocado has taken its app offline due to `` performance issues driven by continued high demand '' while the website has crashed for many users .
Former MP Luciana Berger called for members of the public to `` look out for '' each other after she said she witnessed a man in a London supermarket refusing to give an elderly lady one of his packets of pasta .
She said the incident , which she posted about on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British holidaymakers face being stranded abroad as Spain is set to begin a two-week state of emergency , with bars , restaurants , shops and activities all closed .
Seven Jet2 planes heading to Spain were turned around in mid-air as the airline cancelled all flights to the mainland , Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands .
The firm says it has suspended all holidays and flights to all of Spain for at least a week .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) has advised against all but essential travel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole of Poland .
The Polish government is closing all its borders for 10 days at midnight .
Some non-Polish nationals - such as spouses or children of Polish nationals - will still be allowed to enter the country , All flights to and from Poland by airlines in the Ryanair group have been cancelled from midnight on Saturday to midnight on 31 March .
• Benefit claimants who ca n't attend reassessments or job centre appointments because they are self-isolating or are infected by coronavirus will not be sanctioned provided they make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) says • British couple David and Sally Abel , who both tested positive for the virus on board the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship , have returned to the UK , after recovering in a Japanese hospital • Brittany Ferries is stopping its services from Portsmouth to Le Havre , in France , and to Spain .
Its sailings from Poole will be for freight only and will not take any passengers • All Apple stores outside of what the tech giant calls `` Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macau , Hong Kong and Taiwan - have been closed for two weeks .
The tech giant reopened all 42 of its Chinese stores on Friday after they were closed for a month , causing a huge drop in iPhone sales • Catholic churches are preparing for the possibility they might have to suspend the celebration of Mass • Most of the world 's major sporting events have been postponed or cancelled because of the pandemic , including the Edinburgh Marathon and the London Landmarks Half Marathon .
• Bath 's annual half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local MP Wera Hobhouse saying it should be cancelled .
Organisers said it is `` now too late to cancel or postpone the event '' • The National Education Union has written to the prime minister to ask why the government has decided not to shut schools to help reduce the spread of the virus and asking for `` fuller disclosure '' of the models it has used during its decision-making process Have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said there was no evidence the virus can be passed on from pregnant women to babies before birth, but that due to how little is known about the new virus it would continue to update its guidance.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: US to extend travel ban to UK and Ireland

The US is to extend its European coronavirus travel ban to include the UK and Republic of Ireland .
The ban will begin at midnight EST on Monday ( 04:00 GMT Tuesday ) , Vice-President Mike Pence announced .
President Trump 's travel ban on 26 European countries - members of the Schengen free movement zone - came into force on Saturday .
Mr Pence also announced that free coronavirus testing would be provided for every American .
`` Now it 's all systems go , '' said National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci on efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same news conference , President Trump said he had been tested himself and expected to get the results in the next 48 hours .
The US has confirmed 51 deaths linked to the pandemic and 2,488 infections .
In the first six weeks of vetting for the virus at US , 17 travellers were placed under quarantine at medical facilities , a senior official at the US Department of Homeland Security told Reuters news agency .
During that period , more than 30,000 travellers were also asked to self-quarantine at home .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
More than 132,500 people have now been diagnosed in 123 countries , according to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
It says Europe is now the epicentre for the virus , which originated in China .
Following Italy 's lead , Spain is poised to declare a 15-day national lockdown on Monday to battle the virus .
How is the US travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , the US had already suspended travel for 30 days from 26 Schengen countries - 22 European Union members and four non-EU .
They are Austria , Belgium , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Iceland , Italy , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , Sweden and Switzerland .
The travel ban was met with anger and confusion in the EU , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision `` without consultation '' .
The UK and Ireland had been exempt but Mr Trump said on Saturday : `` They 've had a little bit of activity , unfortunately . ''
The total number of confirmed cases in the UK has reached 1,140 , with 21 deaths - up from 11 on Friday .
Mr Pence explained that American citizens and legal residents could still return .
Such people would be `` funnelled through specific airports and processed '' , he said .
Why did Trump take a test ?
Speculation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus had grown after he had interactions with least three people who later tested positive .
On Saturday , the 73-year-old told reporters he had had his temperature taken before stepping into the room and it was `` totally normal '' .
The White House is now conducting temperature checks on anyone who is in close contact with the president and Mr Pence .
Cost had been a concern for many ordinary Americans considering a test for coronavirus .
More than 27 million people in America have no medical insurance at all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that often only covers a fraction of the cost of any check-ups or treatment .
• Why the US could be more at risk from coronavirus • Can the US catch up on coronavirus testing ?
The authorities have also been accused of being too slow to supply test kits .
On Thursday , US lawmakers said fewer than 10,000 people had been tested in America .
By contrast , South Korea , with a much smaller population , has tested more than 210,000 people , while the UK has tested more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared a national emergency which allows the federal government to tap up to $ 50bn ( £40bn ) in relief funds .

In the first six weeks of vetting for the virus at US, 17 travellers were placed under quarantine at medical facilities, a senior official at the US Department of Homeland Security told Reuters news agency. During that period, more than 30,000 travellers were also asked to self-quarantine at home.


bbcuk--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Jet2 flights to Spain turn round in mid-air over virus fears

Jet2 planes heading to Spain were turned around in mid-air earlier as the airline cancelled all flights to the mainland , Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands because of coronavirus .
Confirmed cases in Spain have risen to 6,046 and thousands of people have been placed in lockdown .
The country 's death toll has reached 191 and it is set to enter a two-week state of emergency .
Jet2 said the health and safety of its customers was its top priority .
The airline flies to destinations including Alicante , Malaga and Lanzarote from nine UK airports .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flights to all of Spain for at least a week after authorities there ordered bars , restaurants , shops and activities to close .
Jet2 has started sending empty planes out to the 14 Spanish destinations it operates to and will run its normal schedule of return flights to the UK for the coming week to bring customers home .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : What is the UK 's 'delay ' phase ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
`` We know these local measures will have a significant impact on our customers ' holidays , which is why we have taken this decision , '' an spokesperson for the airline added .
`` This is a fast-moving and complex situation and we are reviewing our programme as a matter of urgency , so that we can fly customers back to the UK . ''
• Trump 's virus travel ban on Europe comes into force Earlier , flight tracking information showed at least five Jet2 planes travelling to Spain turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dale Dixon , 26 , from Pontefract , West Yorkshire , was due to fly from Alicante to East Midlands Airport at 11:45 GMT .
He said there was a feeling of `` deflation '' at the airport , saying : `` It is overcrowded here .
There are children just lying around bored and bags scattered all over the place .
People are definitely panicking . ''
Holidaymaker Mark Harrison , whose flight home to Manchester was scheduled for this evening , said : `` Jet2 said not to contact them so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
All we 've seen is that which is on social media . ''
Christine Jones from Rochdale , Greater Manchester , was expecting to fly out on a Jet2 plane to Tenerife with her husband at 14:20 GMT .
She said : `` The last message we received last night from the company said they were looking forward to seeing us .
We are fully ready and packed and are surrounded by our suitcases but we are n't going anywhere now .
I 'm just sat here looking at suitcases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chelmsford , Essex , was at Tenerife Airport waiting for his flight to London Stansted .
He praised Jet2 's `` helpful '' staff , but said he did not know when his flight , which was scheduled to depart at 14:30 GMT , would leave .
`` We 've just been turned away from security because we ca n't go through security without a flight to go on , but there are no flights yet , '' Mr Sloman said .
Easyjet said flights between the UK and Spain were currently `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some disruption to those flights because of a shortage of air traffic controllers in Spain .
On Friday , British Airways warned it would need to ground flights `` like never before '' and lay off staff in response to the coronavirus .
Ryanair told staff they might be forced to take leave from Monday .
Travel company Tui has cancelled all holidays in Spain which were due to start between 14 and 16 March .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been meeting officials at Downing Street to discuss the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ died after testing positive for the coronavirus , bringing the total number of deaths to 21 .
The total number of confirmed cases in the UK has reached 1,140 .
But the government 's estimate of the true number of cases was around 5,000 to 10,000 , as of Friday .
Have you been affected by Jet2 's decision to cancel flights ?
Were you turned around mid-air ?
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She said: "The last message we received last night from the company said they were looking forward to seeing us. We are fully ready and packed and are surrounded by our suitcases but we aren't going anywhere now. I'm just sat here looking at suitcases."