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Britain's THIRD coronavirus patient dies as cases shoot to 278 – Daily Mail, Dailymail.co.uk

Britain's THIRD coronavirus patient dies as cases shoot to 278 – Daily Mail, Dailymail.co.uk

A third patient in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus has died, it emerged tonight, as the number of cases in Britain shot up to (in just hours.

The male patient, aged over , had ‘significant underlying health conditions’ and had recently returned from trip to Italy. He was being treated at North Manchester General Hospital’s specialist regional unit for infectious diseases.

It came as Northern Ireland reported five new cases of coronavirus last night, adding to the biggest daily rise in the number of cases reported in the UK. The Department of Health said on Sunday afternoon that as of 9am on Sunday there were (coronavirus cases and new patients.

Health chiefs faced serious questions last night as it emerged travelers from Italy, at the center of Europe’s outbreak with more than 7, 11 cases, said they had been able to get off flights to the UK without seeing any officials.

flights from countries including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia are subject to so-called enhanced monitoring measures. This means that when a passenger feels unwell they should alert the air crew. The pilot will then have to ask the destination airport for permission before anyone can disembark. Leaflets are then handed out to all passengers about calling NHS 145 and self-isolating if they experience a cough, sore throat or temperature.

Public Health England claimed it had been carrying out ‘enhanced monitoring’ of all flights from northern Italy since last Wednesday but had not extended the measure to flights from southern Italy – meaning travellers may be coming into the UK with the virus without being detected.

Several travellers from Italy – including Milan – said they had passed through UK airports without seeing any officials.

As the UK’s coronavirus cases tally continues to rise, Boris Johnson is to hold an emergency meeting of the government Cobra committee to discuss whether the country should shift from a ‘contain’ to a ‘delay’ phase as health officials grapple to control the virus.

Easyjet has grounded all its flights t o northern Italy on Monday and said it will review those scheduled until April 3. Ryanair and British Airways said that they do not have any plans to review flights.

The UK is reportedly preparing for as many as , deaths due to the virus. This figure was accepted by Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who stressed the government is looking at the ‘scientific worst case scenario’.

The British Foreign Office has warned against ‘all but essential travel’ to regions in northern Italy after the country placed the region of Lombardy, home to some 36 million people, on lock down in an attempt to stop the virus spreading. It has reported the highest number of cases outside China.

The UK has confirmed new coronavirus cases bringing its total count to 0333. Pictured above is a woman wearing a face mask walking past an empty aisle in a London Asda store

A fan in a mask during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester this afternoon

The male patient was being treated at North Manchester General Hospital (pictured) and had ‘significant underlying health conditions’. He is the third person to die from coronavirus in the UK

  • Empty shelves pictured at a Tesco’s in Cambridge on Sunday morning. The sign tells customers that hand gels have been rationed to six per customer

    A general view of Oxford University above. The Radcliffe Camera, above, serves as a reading room

    Announcing the death of a third person in the UK due to coronavirus, the UK’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty , wrote: ‘I am very sorry to report that a third patient in England who tested positive for COVID – has sadly died. I offer my sincere condolences to their family and friends and ask that their privacy is respected.

    ‘The patient, who was being treated at the North Manchester General Hospital, was over 66 years old and had significant underlying health conditions. They had recently traveled from an affected area. Contact tracing is already underway. ‘

    Health chiefs faced criticism last night as it emerged that people who had flown into the UK from Italy had not been subject to stringent checks. Public Health England said it would be extending the checks to all flights from Italy this Wednesday, although that is more than two and a half weeks since cases out there first began to escalate.

    Federico Gatti, of the UK bureau of Italian broadcaster Mediaset, tweeted yesterday: ‘Just landed in London from Milan. Zero checks. No info. How can it be possible? ’

    A spokesman from PHE said they’ welcomed feedback ’, adding that enhanced monitoring should be in place for all flights from northern Italy.

    Professor Hugh Pennington, a microbiologist based at the University of Aberdeen, said he was ‘surprised’ the checks weren’t been done.

    Professor Jonathan Ball, a virologist at the University of Nottingham, said it ‘absolutely makes sense for these measures to be implemented’.

    The developments came on a turbulent day as:

    • University Hospital Southampton shut its high dependency unit to new admissions after coronavirus was diagnosed in a healthcare worker who had worked a ‘single nightshift’ there on March 6
    • (Oxford University said a student had been diagnosed with the virus after traveling overseas
    • Public Health officials pleaded with public to self-isolate if they have returned from affected Italian regions
    • Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s symptoms consistent with coronavirus were said to be improving
    • the number of global cases reached , , with 3 , deaths across 107 countries
    • Britain’s top GP, Professor Martin Marshall, warned that routine operations would be scaled back
    • The number of global cases reached , , with 3, deaths across 107 countries France banned gatherings of more than 1, (people as its death toll hit
    • British passengers trapped on a cruise ship quarantined off the US coast pleaded with the Government to bring them home
    • Today a Tesco store in London was forced to limit its toilet rolls purchases to five per customer

      The store was quickly running out of long life food products such as pasta and sauces to go wit h it

      Supermarket shelves have been cleared at this Waitrose in Sheffield as Brits fear a Wuhan-style lock down due to coronavirus

      University Hospital Southampton said last night that the ‘small number’ of patients and staff which came into contact with the coronavirus sufferer that worked at the hospital have been informed and ‘will be appropriately isolated ‘.

      ‘Any patient affected by the temporary closure will be contacted directly,’ they said in a statement. ‘The Trust is following Public Health England and NHS guidance in respect of the virus and all other services are operating normally.’

      UK Foreign Office advises against ‘all but essential’ travel to areas in northern Italy as total cases hit more than 7,

      The British Foreign Office has advised against ‘all but essential travel’ to a number of areas in northern Italy as total cases reach more than 7, .

      It warned citizens to avoid traditional tourist hotspots such as Venice and Milan due to control and isolation measures imposed by Italian authorities and cases of coronavirus reported.

      Rome has already placed the Lombardy region, with a population of million, on lock-down.

      It comes as UK employers are also reported to be sending employees that have recently traveled to Italy home for a two-week isolation period.

      The Foreign Office warned against all travel to the Lombardy region alongside the provinces of Emilia Romagna and Piemonte.

      It also warned against visiting Pesaro e Urbino in Marche and Treviso and Venice in the Veneto region.

      It first warned against travel to eleven towns in northern Italy on February (after) coronavirus cases were reported.

They said patients and staff should continue to attend appointments normally and come into work unless they have been advised not to do so.

Announcing the cancellation of all flights to northern Italy on Monday and a review of its schedule until April, easyJet said: ‘We expect to continue to reduce the number of flights in and out of Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Venice and Verona airports in the period up to April 3 and will provide a further update on our schedule in due course. ‘

Passengers affected by the change will receive an email or text message and will be offered either a full refund or the option of changing their flights.

British Airways and Ryanair have both confirmed that they have no plans to ground flights.

Oxford University also revealed that a student had been diagnosed on its website, but stated that the risk is ‘very low and that university and college activities can continue as normal’.

The university did not reveal what country the student had traveled from but said its immediate concerns were for the affected student and their family, along with the health and well-being of university staff, students and visitors.

‘It has been established that the affected student did not attend any university or college events after they felt ill, when they subsequently self-isolated,’ they said.

‘As a result, PHE has advised that the risk to other students and staff is very low and that university and college activities can continue as normal. They have also advised that the university and colleges do not need to take any additional public health actions in the light of this specific case.

‘We have worked with PHE to make sure that anyone who was in contact with the student after they fell ill have been notified and that they are able to access support and information as needed. PHE do not consider individuals infectious until they develop symptoms. ‘

A woman was pictured wearing a face mask as she attends a protest in central London today

One individual is pictured wearing a face mask while walking the streets of London today as cases rise to

A woman and her two children are pictured wearing face masks in China Town in London, UK, today

It Added that the university is taking the situation ‘very seriously’ and said support would be available for those with any concerns, adding that they would share any further updates of the infection as appropriate.

In an internal note seen by MailOnline Vice-Chancellor Louise Richardson added that the university had been advised that it does not need to take any additional public health actions in light of the case.

‘We have anticipated this eventuality and have been preparing for it for some weeks now. Moreover, given the rate of infection across the country, there will in all likelihood be other cases’.

Remote vote plans for MPs as Houses of Parliament could close

The Houses of Parliament could close or allow MPs and Lords to work remotely in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle held talks with England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty to discuss plans if the outbreak gets worse. MPs have suggested video debates and introducing electronic voting.

There are particular concerns about the House of Lords, where peers have an average age of . More than a hundred are over 90.

This morning a spokesperson for Oxford University said there were unable to reveal where the student had traveled from and said that the university was continuing to follow advise from Public Health England.

    One church in Newcastle closed today after it was reported a member of the congregation tested positive for the virus , while a doctors surgery in Hemel Hempstead was also closed for cleaning.

    Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also admitted it is now a question of ‘when’ the UK will face a mass coronavirus outbreak – as she confirmed that experts fear a huge death toll in a ‘worst case’ scenario.

    Officers wearing hazmats were seen arriving at student accommodation in Edinburgh University on Saturday night.

    Two officers were seen in the suits on campus, and two emergency response vehicles were also parked outside.

    A witness told MailOnline that they had arrived at the campus at around 7pm last night. It is not yet clear why the team was at the campus.

    A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ‘We have well-rehearsed procedures in place to deal with all communicable viruses, including coronaviruses. We are actively working with the Scottish Government and other colleagues nationally, and are well prepared in addressing any cases in Scotland. ‘

    People using the London Underground were seen wearing face masks as the nerves around the virus continue to intensify

    Two people dressed in hazmat suits were seen going into a student accommodation block at Edinburgh University

    The university shared the above update on its website yesterday on a page it has set up to inform staff and students

    A doctor’s surgery in Hemel Hempstead has been closed all weekend for a. “deep clean” after a patient turned up on Friday evening and told reception staff he thought he mighthave the coronavirus

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Newcastle, which has been forced to close until the end of the month after a member of its congregation tested positive for coronavirus

    Scottish First Minister Sturgeon stressed in a TV interview on Sunday that most people who contract the illness will only suffer ‘mild symptoms’.

    But she accepted that the government was preparing for a 133, deaths. Asked reports of the figure in the Sunday Times, Ms Sturgeon told Sky News: ‘We’re looking at the scientific worst case scenarios right now … these kind of figures are very much worst case scenarios.’

    She added that the government was looking to mitigate the impact on vulnerable people.

    ‘These kind of figures are broadly in terms of the worst case scenarios that we face,’ she said. ‘But they are not forecasts. They are not forecasts of what will necessarily happen. ‘

    Children just as likely to be hit by coronavirus

    Children are just as likely become infected as adults, research shows.

    Scientists had previously noted that youngsters suffered less severe symptoms from coronavirus. But it was not clear whether this was because they were less likely to catch the virus or were better at fighting it off.

    The study, based on data from Shenzhen, China, showed that children were just as likely to get infected – but did not show symptoms.

    The research, published on medRxiv, followed (people who were diagnosed based on their symptoms, and 1, of their close contacts, to see whether they tested positive for the virus even without symptoms.

    Children under the age of ten were just as likely to become infected as other age groups, with about 7 and 8 per cent of contacts of known cases later testing positive.

    On moving to the ‘contain’ phase of UK reaction, Ms Sturgeon said: ‘It probably is a case of ‘when’ now. ‘

    ‘ This It is a serious situation, but the vast majority of people who get this virus will have very mild symptoms and recover reasonably quickly. ‘

    Worried Britons have been pictured wearing face masks on streets in the UK and public transport, as concerns over the spread of the virus rise.

    Supermarket shelves have also been cleared by shoppers desperate to ensure they have enough provisions in case areas of the UK enter a Wuhan-style lock down. The government is not thought to be considering a lock down of large areas at present.

    Usually bustling areas of London including Soho remained relatively empty last night as many opted to stay at home.

    Companies in Canary Wharf have also sent all their employees home after it emerged people who had tested positive for coronavirus had visited their offices.

    MailOnline has contacted Edinburgh University and the Scottish Government for comment.

    Two ambulances were also seen parked outside of the university accommodation last night

    Many were seen outside bars in London but it was considerably less that the usually packed out streets

    Last night people were seen walking around Carnaby Street in London which is home to many shops, restaurants and bars

    Nicola Sturgeon admits the UK will face a mass coronavirus outbreak as she fears huge death toll in ‘worst case scenario ‘

    Nicola Sturgeon today admitted it is now a question of’ when ‘the UK will face a mass coronavirus outbreak – as she confirmed that experts fear a huge death toll in a ‘worst case’ scenario.

    The Scottish First Minister stressed that most people who contract the illness will only suffer ‘mild’ symptoms.

    But she accep ted that the government was preparing for a , deaths. Asked reports of the figure in the Sunday Times, Ms Sturgeon told Sky News: ‘We’re looking at the scientific worst case scenarios right now … these kind of figures are very much worst case scenarios.’

    Nicola Sturgeon pictures above talking on Sky News this morning

    She added that the government was looking to mitigate the impact on vulnerable people.

    ‘These kind of figures are broadly in terms of the worst case scenarios that we face,’ she said.

    ‘But they are not forecasts. They are not forecasts of what will necessarily happen. ‘

    Ms Sturgeon said it was’ inevitable’ that the health service will need more resources.

    On moving to the ‘contain’ phase of UK reaction, Ms Sturgeon said: ‘It probably is a case of’ when ‘now.’

    ‘This is a serious situation, but the vast majority of people who get this virus will have very mild symptoms and recover reasonably quickly, ‘she said.

    Italy’s death toll rises by to in one DAY – and number of infected 7 hits, 400: PM puts MILLION citizens in the north on lockdown and threatens them with a fine or three months JAIL if they leave the quarantine zones

    By Jemma Carr for MailOnline

    The coronavirus death toll in Italy has risen by to as the country imposed a lockdown affecting million people in a desperate bid to combat the spread of the killer bug.

    The number of confirmed cases in the country increased by 1, 567 to 7, , with the new figures representing by far the largest daily rise in fatalities since the outbreak came to light last month.

    Italy, which is the hardest hit European nation, has the highest number of cases outside China, the epicentre of the deadly disease, overtaking South Korea.

    The head of the Civil Protection Agency said today that, of those originally infected, 790 had fully recovered, compared to the day before. Some (people were in intensive care against a previous .

    The quarantine imposed today by Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte stops about 23 million people from moving in and out of the entire Lombardy region as well as parts of Emilia Romagna, Marche, Piemonte and Veneto.

    The majority of the deaths were in the Lombardy region in northern Italy, the civil protection agency said.

    Anyone who flouts the quarantine rules – in which no-one can leave the ‘orange zone’ without a serious reason – could face three months in prison or a fine of up to 286 euros (around £ 233).

    While information about the penalty for breaking the rules was released, confusion still reigned as residents and tourists tried to figure out exactly when and how the new rules were coming into effect.

    Travelers rushed to train stations and crammed aboard standing-room-only trains, tucking their faces into scarves and sharing sanitizing gel.

    While regions of Italy are under an extreme quarantine, Britons in the coronavirus – ridden zone are free to travel home without faci ng penalties.

    The Foreign Office confirmed that British tourists in the northern parts of the country ‘are free to return home or complete their holiday’ under guidelines from the Italian government.

    They said nationals will not be met by anyone at the airport in Britain, nor will they be put into quarantine or told to take a test for the bug which has killed 3, (world wide and has infected more than , .

    The death toll. in Italy from coronavirus has risen by (to) as the country imposed a lockdown affecting million people in a desperate bid to combat the spread of killer bug. Pictured: St. Mark’s square in Venice is almost empty following the wide-spread quarantine

    The number of confirmed cases in the country increased by 1, (to 7, . Pictured: A bar in the center of Turin, Northern Italy, is virtually empty

    Anyone who flouts the quarantine rules – in which no-one can leave the ‘orange zone’ without a serious reason – could face three months in prison or a fine of up to 0333 euros (around £

    . Pictured: The Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua is nearly deserted

    Manzoni street in Milan is almost empty following the government-imposed quarantine. Vespas line the street where just a handful of people are seen walking

    Passengers depart from a train in Naples which arrived from Milan as people scrambled to flee from quarantined regions of northern Italy

    A bar was almost empty in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan amid coronavirus panic as concerned residents and tourists opt to stay inside

    The usually-bustling streets in Milan’s city center were strangely quiet of both traffic and people as coronavirus fears rage on

    Mass panic swept in after the Italian government imposed a quarantine affecting 25 million people in the country’s northern region in a bid to combat the spread of deadly coronavirus. Pictured: People queue at bus stations trying to leave Lampugnano

    Panicked shoppers queue to buy food in Via Rubattino, Milan, after it was announced that multiple regions of northern Italy would be quarantined

    While regions of Italy are under an extreme quarantine in which people face a three-month prison sentence for leaving locked-down areas, Britons in the coronavirus-ridden zone are free to travel home without facing penalties. Pictured: Travelers at Linate, Milan’s city airport

    The Foreign Office confirmed that British tourists in the northern parts of the country ‘are free to return home or complete their holiday ‘under guidelines from the Italian government. Pictured: Linate airport in Milan

    A passenger wearing a protective face mask, amid concerns about coronavirus, walks in Linate Airport in Milan

    People on buses wear protective face masks as they wait to flee Lampugnano, Milan, after the area was put on lockdown

    A doctor can be seen in the pre-triage tent of the Civil Protection in Villa Sofia in a bid to combat the outbreak in Palermo, Italy

    A doctor can be seen talking to a patient in the pre-triage tent of the Civil Protection in Villa Sofia as the number of infected hits 7,

    A woman with a trolley full of shopping can be seen in Via Rubattino, Milan. People frantically rush to stockpile goods after the country’s northern regions were put on lock down

    Foreign Office guidelines amid coronavirus quarantine chaos with locals facing jail for leaving areas

    While regions of Italy are under an extreme quarantine in which people face a three-month prison sentence for leaving locked-down areas, Britons in the coronavirus – ridden zone are free to travel home without facing penalties.

    The Foreign Office confirmed that British tourists in the northern parts of the country – the worst affected region – ‘are free to return home or complete their holiday’ under guidelines from the Italian government.

    They said nationals will not be met by anyone at the airport in Britain, nor will they be put into quarantine or told to take a test for the bug which has killed 3, (world wide and has infected more than , .

    The foreign office advises 23 days of self isolation once back in Britain – but there is nothing stopping people from using public transport or entering crowded places on their way home.

    The Italian government today announced a lockdown affecting 25 million people lasting until April 3 in a desperate bid to combat the spread of deadly coronavirus.

    Anyone who flouts the quarantine rules – in which no-one can leave the ‘orange zone’ without a serious reason – could face three months in prison or a fine of up to (euros (around £ 273).

    The killer disease has gripped Italy where the death toll has risen by to

    The foreign office claim they are ‘working really closely with the Italian authorities to understand the implications of what these restrictions are’ for Britons in Italy.

    A spokesman added: ‘We advise all British nationals to follow our travel advice for Italy, which is under constant review.

    ‘The safety of British nationals is always our number one priority.’

    News of the impending quarantine was leaked to Italian media early prompting further chaos as people rushed to get out of the affected areas.

    Under the quarantine, bars and restaurants will remain open but must ensure that everyone is seated at least three feet apart or face being shut down.

    Weddings and funerals are also forbidden under the new rules.

    The areas quarantined are: Lombardy, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, Rimini, Pesaro, Urbino, Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Vercelli, Padua, Treviso and Venice.

    A total of towns in Italy were already considered part of a ‘red zone’, meaning they are the worst-hit areas.

    Southern regions of the country warned hundreds of thousands of its people who emigrated to work in the north of the country not to return home.

    The governor of Puglia made an impassioned plea on Facebook for them to remain in the north.

    Michele Emiliano said: ‘I speak to you as if you were my children, my brothers, my nephews and nieces: stop and go back.

    ‘Get off at the first train station, do not catch planes … turn your cars around, get off your buses. Do not bring the Lombard, Veneto and Emilia epidemic to Puglia. ‘

    Inmates in four Italian prisons revolted over new rules introduced to contain the coronavirus outbreak, which include a ban on family visits, a prison officers union said.

    Prisoners at jails in Naples Poggioreale in the south, Modena in the north, Frosinone in central Italy and at Alexandria in the northwest had all revolted said the union, Osapp.

    At Modena, near Bologna, two prison officers were injured and around 26 staff members had to leave the prison after the inmates revolted. The prison was now being guarded by police officers, the Ansa news agency reported.

    At Frosinone, south of Rome, police had to be called in to restore order after about a hundred prisoners barricaded themselves into a section of the prison.

    The protesting inmates drew up a list of demands, including the right to have visits from their loved ones, and tried to negotiate with the prison management, the Agi news agency reported.

    And families of some of the inmates at Poggioreale, a suburb of Naples, gathered outside the prison to support them.

    Italian football was plunged into a state of chaos and confusion when the kickoff to a Serie A match between Parma and SPAL faced a last-minute delay following a call from Italy’s Minister for Sport to suspend the league during the outbreak.

    The chaotic football season witnessed a player revolt over the idea of ​​having to play matches during the coronavirus outbreak and the league demand for the games to go ahe ad.

    The game at the Stadio Ennio Tardini was set to be the first closed-doors match since the Italian government ordered that all games are played in empty stadiums until April 3 in a bid to control the spread of the disease.

    Games in Turin where Juventus and Inter Milan faced off and AC Milan’s fixture against Genoa were also played without any supporters in the stands.

    Alitalia also said It was suspending national and international flights to and from Milan’s Malpensa airport from March 9 after the government ordered a lockdown of large areas of northern Italy.

    In a statement, the Italian flag carrier said it would operate only national flights from the smaller Milan Linate airport, and reduce the number of flights between Venice and Rome.

    International routes will be served from Rome’s Fiumicino airport. The new regime will continue until at least April 3, the airline said.

    Staff check the temperature of a man before he goes into the AC Milan and Genoa CFC game at San Siro, Milan, today

    Officials set up temperature checks at the entrance of the Luigi Ferraris stadium for spectators attending the Serie A soccer match between Sampdoria and Verona. Some matches in the Italian league played on despite calls from Italy’s sports minister and players’ association president to suspend the games

    Sunday’s AC Milan and Genoa CFC Serie A football match at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza was played behind closed doors to limit the spread of deadly coronavirus

    Football stars including AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic played in the closed-off match today to combat the spread of deadly coronavirus

    A health staff checking the body temperature of a man arriving at the Juventus stadium before the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Inter Milan which will be played behind closed doors in Turin today

    A man having his temperature screened outside the Allianz Stadium in Turin today as the number of coronavirus cases grows around the world

    Empty seats inside the Allianz Stadium before the match between Juventus and Inter Milan is p layed behind closed doors

    Pope Francis delivered his Angelus prayer on a giant screen, in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican and voiced his support for the victims

    People in face masks walk in St. Peter’s Square as Pope Francis delivers his weekly Angelus prayer via video for the first time

    The Pope did venture to his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square to wave at the crowds who gathered to watch him deliver his prayer via a live stream

    Rows of empty chairs could be seen in front of St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, as the Pope delivers his address on a screen

    Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a decree in the early hours of this morning putting a quarter of Italy’s population under lockdown. It comes as leader of Italy’s Democratic party Nicola Zingaretti (right) tested positive for coronavirus marking the first senior politician to catch the bug in the nation

    An ambulance belonging to the Italian Red Cross’s Corpo Militare – Military Corps – arrived at a hospital in Alzano Lombardo, northern Italy

    Tourists wear protective masks as they wander with their luggage on the Piazza del Duomo in central Milan after the quarantine was announced

    Milan’s Via Senato – usually bustling with busy shoppers – was left nearly deserted as coronavirus fears escalate in Italy’s northern regions

    One couple were pictured kissing in Milano Centrale railway station in Milan after Prime Minister Conte signed a decree saying the area would be quarantined

    Italy has the highest number of cases outside China, the epicentre of the killer bug, overtaking South Korea. Pictured: A man wearing a protective mask passes by the Coliseum in Rome

    The Vatican is also unrolling unprecedented health precautions designed to keep the tiny city state’s mostly elderly residents safe . Pictured: A man wearing a mask in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican

    Milan’s iconic Duomo square is virtually deserted after Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte put the city ​​- that is in Italy’s Lombardy region – on lockdown

    A man wearing a face mask in Milan, where streets have been left virtually empty after the Prime Minister issued a decree for mass lock downs in the north that will continue until April 3

    A woman wears a protective face mask at Milan’s Porta Garibaldi railway station today, after it was announced that the area would be under quarantine

    A man walks past a historical landmark in Milan after the Italian government imposed a virtual lockdown on the north of the country

    The Porta Garibaldi city gates – usually popular with tourists – were left deserted after the government imposed a lockdown on the region to take effect next month

    The icon ic Romeo and Juliet balcony in Verona virtually deserted as Italy battles a coronavirus outbreak

    A handful of visitors are seen at the Romeo and Juliet balcony in Verona as concerned visitors stay away amid the coronavirus outbreak

    Another 45 people also died as a result of the virus, taking the total to in the biggest outbreak in Europe. Pictured: Women wear protective masks in Florence

    Customers queue to pay for their shopping in a supermarket in Milan as people around the world stockpile goods in the midst the outbreak

    A woman wearing a protective face walks with her luggage inside Milan’s main train station yesterday amid widespread coronavirus panic

    Meanwhile, Pope Francis broke with centuries of tradition by enlisting the help of technology for his weekly Angelus prayer.

    ‘I am close through prayer with the people who suffer from the current coronavirus epidemic, ‘the – year-old pontiff said in a message recorded at the Vatican library and aired live on a screen on Saint Peter’s Square.

    The Pope himself tested negative for the contagion after he fell ill on Ash Wednesday with symptoms of a cold including a cough, fev er, chills and sore throat.

    Around the world, more and more countries are bracing for a surge in virus cases as the global death toll hits 3, with more than , 10 diagnoses.

    Up to 4, (passengers are trapped on a ship off the coast of California

    Up to 4, 10 passengers are stranded on board another cruise ship off the coast of California

    while they wait for the outcome of a (coronavirus) test on one sick passenger.

    The Carnival Panorama cruise ship has been docked in Long Beach and passengers are being ordered to stay on the boat while the woman, whose age is unknown, is tested for the deadly disease.

    If the case is confirmed, this marks the latest in a string of outbreaks aboard cruise ships, which are fast becoming hotbeds for the virus.

    The Carnival Panorama cruise ship (above) has been docked in Long Beach and passengers are being ordered to stay on the boat while the woman, whose age is unknown, is tested for the deadly disease

    The Carnival Panorama remained docked Saturday evening after the guest identified as a possible coronavirus case was transported off the ship to a local hospital that morning to be tested .

    The Centers for Disease Control ordered that all passengers stay on the ship pending results of the test.

    The ship will not set sail until results come back confirming a Negative test.

    Plans have not been revealed for the possible scenario that a positive test is returned.

    Some nations are imitating China – where the virus first emerged late last year and which has suffered the vast majority of infections – by imposing travel controls and shutting down public events.

    Many countries – including Australia, Vietnam and the USA – have banned entry to anyone who has traveled through or to China recently.

    Other countries, including Jordan and Lebanon, have also banned entry to anyone who traveled to Italy.

    Mr Conte said: ‘For Lombardy and for the other northern provinces that I have listed there will be a ban for everybody to move in and out of these territories and also within the same territory.

    ‘Exceptions will be allowed only for proven professional needs, exceptional cases and health issues.’

    It comes as the leader of one of Italy’s ruling parties tested positive for coronavirus marking the first senior politician to catch the bug in the nation.

    Nicola Zingaretti is the leader of the Democratic party and rules as part of a coalition with Five Star Movement.

    Some regional politicians were also taken by surprise.

    Stefano Bonaccini, president of the Emilia Romagna region, said parts of the decree were confusing, and asked the premier for more time to come up with ‘coherent’ solutions.

    The mayor of Asti, in the Piedmont region, posted an irate video on his Facebook page condemning Rome for not keeping regional leaders in the loop.

    ‘Nobody told me,’ said Maurizio Rasero, adding that he had hundreds of messages on his mobile phone from alarmed citizens.

    ‘It’s incredible that information that is so delicate and important would come out in the newspaper first, leaking everywhere even before local authorities learn about it.’

    Other countries around the world were also limiting activities, with events and festivals called off, and travel restrictions and warnings issued.

    Around 100 countries outside China have reported infections, with Colombia, Costa Rica, Cambodia, Malta and Paraguay reporting first cases in the past hours.

    A nosedive in tourist traffic and possible disruptions to supply chains sparked fears of a worldwide economic slowdown.

    Saudi Arabia banned spectators at any sports competitions, and the NBA, as well as British and Japanese sports teams, are considering doing the same, as baseball and soccer seasons are starting.

    The spread of the virus has also taken a psychological toll.

    Authorities and manufacturers have been trying to assure panicking consumers they do not need to hoard toilet paper, which has vanished from store shelves in various nations.

    Of particular concern are passenger-packed cruise ships, many of which are confronting their own virus problems.

    The Colosseum in Rome is pictured before and after the deadly coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed the lives of 340 in Italy so far

    Few tourists walk along the Spanish Steps, in Rome, Thursday. Italy’s virus outbreak has been concentrated in the northern region of Lombardy, but fears over how the virus is spreading inside and outside the country has prompted the government to close all schools and universities nationwide for two weeks

    Italy is recruiting retired doctors in a bid to battle the spread of deadly coronavirus as the World Health Organization warned all countries to make containment their ‘highest priority’. Pictured: A woman wearing a mask poses for photos at the bottom of the Spanish Steps in Rome

    The Baroque Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy are all but abandoned after the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus

    Relatives gathering outside and protesting as inmates revolted in the Poggioreale prison in Naples today

    Police officers and carabinieri arguing with relatives as inmates protested in the Poggioreale prison in Naples today

    Inmates protesting on a wall of the Poggioreale prison in Naples today. In front of the building were dozens of police officers, carabinieri, firemen and relatives of the detainees

    Relatives of inmates, wearing protective face masks, gathering outside Poggioreale prison in Naples today

    WHO warns coronavirus can survive on paper money for days

    People should stop using banknotes and make contactless payments instead to prevent the spread of the coronavirus , the World Health Organization has warned as the spread of the virus continues to escalate.

    The international body had advised customers to wash their hands after handling cash because Covid – 26 can remain on notes ‘just like any other surface’ for several days.

    But the health gr oup has now advised against people using them in favor of digital transactions.

    The latest health advice comes as the global figure for cases of the virus has surpassed 133, , reaching across every continent except Antarctica.

    People should stop using banknotes and make contactless payments instead to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the World Health Organization has warned (Pictured: A bank clerk disinfects banknotes in the Suining Bank in Suining city, Sichuan province, China)

    Several major sporting events and gatherings have been postponed or cancelled as health officials race to avoid situations where major outbreaks of the virus could occur.

    Last month , Both China and South Korea began disinfecting and isolating used banknotes as high infection rates sparked public official to rush to disinfect public places.

    Officials used ultraviolet light or high temperatures to sterilise the bills, then sealing and storing the cash for 20 days before allowing them back into circulation.

    China’s central bank made an ’emergency issuance’ of four billion yuan in new notes to Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak, prior to the recent Lunar New Year holiday.

    The Bank of England has acknowledged that banknotes ‘can carry bacteria or viruses’ but are not believed to be announcing plans to do anything similar.

    The Grand Princess, where people tested positive for the virus, was heading for the port of Oakland, California, after idling off San Francisco for several days. There is evidence that the ship was the breeding ground for a deadly cluster of almost 29 cases during an earlier voyage.

    US Vice President Mike Pence said: ‘Those that will need to be quarantined will be quarantined. Those who will require medical help will receive it. ‘

    President Donald Trump said he would have preferred not to let the passengers disembark on to American soil, but would defer to medical experts.

    In Egypt, a cruise ship on the Nile with more than (people on board was under quarantine in the southern city of Luxor after (positive tests.

    Also on Saturday, the port of Penang in Malaysia turned away the cruise ship Costa Fortuna because (of the 2, on board are from Italy. The ship had already been rejected by Thailand, and is now heading to Singapore.

    And in Malta, which reported its first case of the virus yesterday, the MSC Opera ship agreed not to enter the Mediterranean country port amid local worries – even though there are no infections suspected on board. The ship continued to Messina, Sicily, where passengers were allowed to disembark after officials reviewed medical records.

    While the global death toll has risen past 3, , more people have now recovered from the virus than are ill with it.

    As of Saturday, nearly , cases have been reported in Asia; more than 8, 12 in Europe; 6, 10 in the Middle East; about in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean; and fewer than 64 cases reported so far in Africa.

    The virus is still much less widespread than annual flu epidemics, which cause up to five million severe cases around the world and up to 791, 12 deaths annually, according to the WHO.

    In Iran, fears over the virus and the government waning credibility has become a major challenge to leaders already reeling from American sanctions. More than 1, (infections were confirmed overnight, taking the country total to 5,

    (cases, including) deaths.

    South Korea reported

    new cases on Sunday morning, taking the total to 7, , with deaths overall.

    China on Sunday morning reported (new cases over the past) hours, the lowest level since it began publishing nationwide figures on January , and new deaths.

    But while infections were increasing more slowly, the country was struck by a fresh tragedy: A hotel used for medical observation of people who had contact with coronavirus patients collapsed on Saturday, killing at least four people.

    In the United States, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged older adults and people with severe medical conditions to ‘stay home as much as possible’ and avoid crowds.

    The new set of national emergency measures is due to be released tonight, which will ban entry to, and exit from, the entire Lombardy region around Milan to limit the spread of the coronavirus as well as areas around and including Venice and the northern cities of Parma and Rimini. Pictured: The empty Spanish steps in Rome

    St Peter’s Square is pictured both. before and after the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus, which has killed most people in Italy, outside of China

    The number of violations linked to coronavirus in Washington state reached 25, although that figure could be higher, based on figures released by the nursing home at the center of the outbreak.

    The Life Care Center of Kirkland said on Saturday that, since February 26, of its residents have died. Typically, about three to seven residents die at the facility each month.

    Even islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean have not been spared, with the tiny archipelago nation of the Maldives reporting its first cases. Health authorities there locked down two of its tourist resorts after two expatriate workers tested positive for the coronavirus.

    The virus has returned to Vietnam, which reported its first new coronavirus case in three weeks as a woman who had returned from a trip to Europe during which she visited London, Milan and Paris.

    Nguyen Hong Nhung, 36, was admitted to a hospital in the Vietnamese capital on Thursday suffering from a fever.

    Italy has seen the largest coronavirus outbreak in Europe with (deaths and more than 4, cases. Pictured: A tourist wearing a face mask takes pictures inside the Duomo cathedral in Milan

    Greece has recorded (new cases, bringing the total in the country to 83.

    Most of the cases were individuals in a traveling party that had gone on a pilgrimage to Israel and Egypt, the health ministry said in an announcement. The group returned to Greece on Feb.

    One of the travelers, a 83 – year-old man, was in intensive care in the city of Patras in the western Peloponnese.

    A row has erupted there between doctors and the influential Church of Greece over whether to restrict Holy Communion amid a rising number of coronavirus cases.

    A general view during the Serie B match between Empoli FC and Trapani at Stadio Carlo Castellani today in Empoli, Italy

    Tourists visit the Colosseum, in Rome, today. People in hard-hit Lombardy, and 16 Other affected regions, are being asked not to enter or leave, and to avoid moving around the areas except for essential working needs and emergencies

    An iconic balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet, virtually deserted as Italy battles a coronavirus outbreak, in Verona, Italy today

    Nicola Sturgeon admits the UK will face a mass coronavirus outbreak as she fears huge death toll in ‘worst case scenario’

    Nicola Sturgeon today admitted it is now a question of ‘when’ the UK will face a mass coronavirus outbreak – as she confirmed that experts fear a huge death toll in a ‘worst case’ scenario.

    The Scottish First Minister stressed that most people who contract the illness will only su ffer ‘mild’ symptoms.

    But she accepted that the government was preparing for a , deaths. Asked reports of the figure in the Sunday Times, Ms Sturgeon told Sky News: ‘We’re looking at the scientific worst case scenarios right now … these kind of figures are very much worst case scenarios.’

    Nicola Sturgeon pictures above talking on Sky News this morning

    She added that the government was looking to mitigate the impact on vulnerable people.

    ‘These kind of figures are broadly in terms of the worst case scenarios that we face,’ she said.

    ‘But they are not forecasts. They are not forecasts of what will necessarily happen. ‘

    Ms Sturgeon said it was’ inevitable’ that the health service will need more resources.

    On moving to the ‘contain’ phase of UK reaction, Ms Sturgeon said: ‘It probably is a case of’ when ‘now.’

    ‘This is a serious situation, but the vast majority of people who get this virus will have very mild symptoms and recover reasonably quickly, ‘she said.

    In Italy one of the big impacts has been loses of billions among the nation’s hotels, restaurants and popular tourist sites.

    The federation of hospital doctors this week stressed that no exception ‘for religious, sacramental or metaphysical reasons’ should be made to state health warnings to please the Church.

    Greece has so far confirmed coronavirus cases, most of them among a group of pilgrims that traveled to Israel and Egypt last month.

    But in the run-up to Orthodox Easter in April that traditionally sees a high turnout, the church is holding its ground.

    ‘It’s not possible to shut down churches, or to not give out Holy Communion,’ bishop Chrysostomos of Patras, one of the areas with the most virus cases, said this week.

    ‘Whoever believes that holy communion is life has nothing to fear, it’s a matter of faith.

    ‘ Across the centuries, there is no case of sickness spreading through Holy Communion, ‘he told Open TV.

    In Romania, the Orthodox Church has allowed worshippers to bring their own spoon to communion and to kiss icons in their own homes.

    The accelerating spread of coronavirus emptied Italian train stations and airports while turning parts of Rome into a ghost town.

    Many of the city’s outdoor restaurants and cafes were either closed on Friday night or had free tables.

    The expansive street that runs from Rome’s Colosseum along the Forum was deserted and the magnificent ruins weren’t swarmed by tourists.

    The sharp drop in visitor numbers is wreaking havoc with the Italian tourism industry and contributing to fears that the anemic economy is about to tip back into recession.

    It comes as the WHO told all countries to make containment ‘their highest priority’ as the global death toll reaches 3, with more than 133, 12 confirmed cases.

    The WHO called the spread of the coronavirus ‘deeply concerned’.

    Yesterday, the Italian government revealed they would draft in retired doctors to battle the crisis.

    The decision to bring in 26, 12 additional staff to fight the escalating epidemic was one of several measures adopted by the government during an all-night cabinet meeting after the country reported 63 more deaths in one day.

    The Italian government said its medical recruitment drive should help double the staff of hospitals’ respiratory and infectious disease departments.

    It should also increase the number of intensive care beds from 5, to 7, 589 in the coming days.