This is bbc news. The headlines at 10 plans to ban Mass Gatherings are being drawn up to curb the spread of coronavirus. The whole approach has been, what does the science tell us . What is the guidance were getting from the chief medical officer and the other experts around him, bringing in behavioural science so we that take the right steps at the right time. There are now 798 confirmed cases of the virus in the uk, and 11 people have died. Many sporting bodies have already cancelled events, including professional Football Leagues. A number of European Union countries say theyll close their borders to most or all foreigners us President Donald Trump declares a National Emergency releasing 50 billion dollars in federal funds. And with flights and holidays being cancelled well put your questions to a travel
expert thats in half an hour. Good morning. The government is drawing up emergency legislation to ban Mass Gatherings, in response to the escalating coronavirus outbreak. Ministers have faced mounting questions about whether existing measures are stringent enough to tackle the virus. A whitehall source said there were many complex considerations and the government would make the right decisions at the right time based on scientific evidence. There are now 798 confirmed cases of the virus in the uk, but there are believed to be thousands more undetected. The number of deaths here now stands at 11. Sporting events across the uk have already experienced unprecedented disruption with premier league and Football League games
suspended until april. The trade body representing hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses has warned that large chains are at risk of collapse because of the epidemic. The government is also drawing up emergency plans to avoid disruption in prisons in england and wales, with unions saying their members face unprecedented challenges. Further afield, several European Union countries have now said theyll close their borders to most, or all, foreigners because of the coronavirus. They include denmark, poland, slovakia, Czech Republic as well as cyprus. A ban on travellers from most of europe entering the United States has come into force. President trump indicated that the uk may soon be included in the measures. The virus has spread to at least 19 countries across africa with cases confirmed for the first time in kenya, ethiopia, sudan, mauritania and guinea. Weve reports from around the world, but first this report on the situation here in the uk from our correspondentjohn mcmanus. This time last weekend, britain was still in the containment
phase of the outbreak. Now, with 11 deaths and nearly 800 confirmed infections, new measures have been introduced to slow the spread of the virus. This mays local and mayoral elections will be moved next year. All premiership football has been suspended until april. And this weekends six nations has also been kicked into touch. Prisoners who catch the virus may also have to be isolated in special accommodation. And the uk government may be about to go further. The bbc understands that it will follow scotlands lead next week and ban all Mass Gatherings. Sources say its not a change of heart on the science, however they are concerned about the burden big events may put on Health Services and the police. For now schools remain open, but some European Countries have closed theirs. The labour party has welcomed the measures, but says the Prime Ministers decisions must be more transparent. When members of the public are getting in touch with us,
raising their concerns, telling us that they dont think theres enough information coming out, asking us questions which i believe are legitimate questions about why is ireland going down one particular route and why is france route and we are not, i think we have a duty as an opposition to be raising those concerns. With more than 1,200 deaths in italy, a 50 jump in fatalities in spain, and the closure of borders in denmark, ukraine, and poland, much of europes normal life has stopped. Europe has now become the epicentre of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined. The Foreign Office is warning against all but essential travel to italy, poland, and some parts of spain. And the advice here is clear if you have a new, persistent cough, or a fever, stay at home and isolate yourself. John mcmanus, bbc news. This morning bbc breakfast spoke to the care minister, helen whately
and asked her about the suggestions that government policy on Mass Gatherings has changed. The government has been continuously developing policy, based on the science. I cant reiterate that enough. The whole approach has been what does the science tell us, what is the guidance we are getting from the chief medical officer and the other experts around him, bringing in behavioural science, so we take the right steps of the right time to best protect the population so we can minimise impact of coronavirus. That is what youve seen over the last few weeks that different decisions have been made over time, stepping up the approach that we take and more decisions will no doubt be taken. Forgive me, the question was is the government changing its mind on Mass Gatherings . I would anticipate we would see further
announcements next week. So the story is effectively true. You are the first current minister weve been able to talk to in relation to the suggestion that has been a u turn. Yesterday we spoke to the chief science adviser, he told us closing Mass Gatherings has a small effect. On its own it does not make the difference and it is not one of the top things you need to do to control the epidemic. That was yesterday, today we are being told that there are sources within government saying this is something that is being brought forward, that it could be within a matter of days. Is that true . We are following the evidence and what i will say, as the chief medical officer said and i have been advised, that the evidence tells us that stopping Mass Gatherings does not have a huge impact on the spread of the virus. But, for example, the decision has been taken in some countries because of the impact on public services, it draws on the police and the ambulance service
who need to support it. The important thing is all the way through we are taking the right steps at the right time to best protect the population, drawing on the scientific advice on the guidance of experts. To be clear, we can expect an announcement on the Mass Gatherings within days. Ive given you my response on the question of Mass Gatherings. But i want to say one of the things we have seen that is in general, you try to give people some advance notice. If you look at last week, some conversations that run up to the decision on the shift from containment to delay, so people knew what was coming down the track. And all the time we are considering what is going to be the right decision to take at the right time to best protect people. It has been suggested that in relation to this mass gathering issue, and i appreciate you have said what you are prepared to say on that, some people are suggesting that what is happening in practice is that people, the general population seem to be ahead of the government. The government for example does not make an announcement on Mass Gatherings,
on sporting occasions, but what people are doing in the real world is saying, not appropriate, they will cancel events, they will change what they are doing and the government is actually behind the curve and not giving people the credit of common sense here. Is that true . In a situation like this, you come under huge pressure to do something. Theres a huge pressure to take particular steps and people look at other countries and say they have done this and that. We are doing our utmost to make sure we are following the best scientific advice on what is the best thing to do at any point of time. Some things might backfire and have unintended consequences. We are trying to make the right decisions. The important advice is actually about peoples personal hygiene and the most important thing that people can do to stop the spread of the virus is make sure that you are washing your hands, washing your hands more frequently, washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap. If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue and then throw it away and wash your hands again. If you have the symptoms,
if you have a new, persistent cough or a high temperature, self isolate for at least seven days until you are better. Helen whately. Joining me now is our Political Correspondent matt cole. Lots of comments that this is a u turn, a change of policy. The gunmen had said earlier this week this was in the mix. Their strategy paper did flight that this was a possibility. There is a sense that the government yesterday saying that scientifically this wouldnt necessarily help stop the spread isnt inconsistent with them now saying they want to ease pressure on Emergency Services. I guess it would ta ke Emergency Services. I guess it would take the example of a hundred or so cases at the start of the week, he would probably would not need extra ambulances and police officers, Emergency Services to help deal with that. If in a week or so time when this kid coming could be, we are pushing towards a thousand, doubling
day dot the intensive confirmed cases. If you have got the professional football clu bs, if you have got the professional football clubs, 92 ambulances on standby, freed back into the system . I think the government would say it is not inconsistent that the questions that we have for the government is why did you decide now . Some like the liberal democrats are saying it is because the premier league when yesterday and said, that is are they following what the public leads . They are saying, as you say, we have had in the plans. I think people are questioning timing of that, as they ask some of the crucial question is, how big is a mass gathering . We have had 500 big mansion, scotland also making their own announcements on this. Lots of schools have got more than 500 children and they are not included. That would be their thinking. We will get more on this is the week goes on. The plants will appear we think this week, as well emergency
legislation to deal with the broader issues of the coronavirus. I think within the emergency legislation that could be things like compensation for businesses who are hit by the closure of these mass events. The point about schools is an interesting one. Yes, there are large groups of people there at schools, but this is not about stopping the spread. This is about relieving pressure on Emergency Services. Schools do not have ambulances on standby, they do not have police ushering people in and out. 50,000 people at a football stadium does. If this is purely about helping the Emergency Services, that means you stop the big sporting events, the Chelsea Flower Show and events of that nature, but she would not necessarily have to stop schools. That is an interesting death. If this is only about Emergency Services that is an interesting if. Whether you are trying to delay,
and allowing these Mass Gatherings to go ahead, that is putting at risk a lot of. They are getting worried about the government approach. The government is reiterating that it is following the best scientific advice and following the steps in a timely fashion. Yes, we now have other countries that are completely isolating themselves. Norway and poland and denmark and others were crossing the borders is off. The government here is effectively saying that we need to do this when the time is right and it is perfectly possible that with people now recognising that the football is shutting down and there doesnt seem to be too much dissent about that publicly at the moment, one could be saying that is useful for the gunmen to see what kind of reaction they are getting. Ok, useful to see
for the government to see what kind of reaction they are getting. What evidence is there for that. Of reaction they are getting. What evidence is there for that. That is something opposition parties want to say. There has been broad political consensus so far, until be back end of the week we had opposition parties having meetings in which they came out and said he would like to see some of that behavioural science. Schoolboy terms, we want to see youre working so we can peer review terms, we want to see youre working so we can peer review it and decide if you indeed are doing the right thing. Is that likely at all . This week, we will see some plans are much, maybe some of that will be contained in it. I wouldnt put large amounts of money on it. Thank you very much indeed. Europe has been declared the new epicentre of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world, apart from china. Spain is the latest country to declare a state of emergency after a rapid increase in the number of new cases. While italians, hardest hit so far on the continent, are doing what they can to boost spirits. Freya cole reports. Singing. They may be confined to their homes, but italians havent lost their fighting spirit. Singing. Music and singing fills the streets, a rallying of Community Spirit from the safety of windows and balconies. Operatic singing. Life in italy under the grip of covid i9 is grim. Emergency medical tents have been set up to cope with the influx of patients and the death toll has surpassed a thousand people. Translation the first test we do to our patients, the most immediate test is a chest x ray that shows us if theres pneumonia or lung thickening. Italys neighbours are in a race to avoid a similar fate. Almost all schools across the continent are closed. Many countries have
shut their borders. Austria, switzerland and slovenia have closed some with italy. While the Czech Republic has barred people from 15 countries, including the uk. Our message to countries continues to be you must take a comprehensive approach. Not testing alone, not Contact Tracing alone, not quarantine alone, not social distancing alone. Do it all. Spain has now declared a state of emergency after becoming the second worst hit country in europe. Tourist operators are reeling the loss of visitors who were seeking post winter sun. France, however, is resisting a lockdown. Cafes will remain open until further notice. British Prime Minister borisjohnson has warned uk citizens to be prepared to lose loved ones before their time. But his government is yet to enforce stringent measures, saying the virus isnt expected to peak for at least another three months. Coronavirus is also making its way into eastern europe. These pictures show empty supermarket shelves in bulgaria, where case numbers are still low but will likely rise. The World Health Organization has warned not to let this fire burn, putting pressure on all governments to do more before its too late. Freya cole, bbc news. President trump has declared a National Emergency in america after more than 1,700 confirmed coronavirus cases and 47 deaths. It means the government can access up to £40 billion in emergency funding. Our north america correspondent, david willis, has the story. President trump has gone from playing down this pandemic and branding concerns about the virus a hoax to approving billions of dollars in Government Funds to fight it. I am officially declaring
a National Emergency. Two very big words. Never mind that the optics of his address offered something of a contrast to the social distancing Government Agencies here recommend. Not to mention their suggested avoidance of handshaking. Declaring a National Emergency frees up to 50 billion in federal government funding to combat the coronavirus. Central to the trump administrations response will be a network of drive through test sites run by the private sector. In south korea, they played a key role in getting a handle on the crisis. A shortage of test kits has meant that only around 15,000 people in the us have been tested for the virus, but the president said that by next month millions of kits would be available. Pressed on why the uk had been exempted from the ban on european travellers entering the us at a time when coronavirus cases there are growing, mr trump
indicated that decision was now under review. We are looking at it based on the new numbers that are coming out and we may have to include them in the list of countries that we will, you could say ban, or whatever it is during this period of time. But, yeah, the numbers have gone up fairly precipitously over the last 2a hours so we may be adding that. Wall street reacted favourably to the president s announcements, gains on the dowjones doubled in the last half hour of trading on friday. And later it was announced that Congressional Democrats had reached agreement with the white house on a series of financial measures, including paid sick leave for workers affected by the coronavirus. But such is the partisan nature of politics here, even at times like these, that both sides claimed credit for the legislation. David willis, bbc news, los angeles. Apple has announced its closing all its Retail Stores outside china until march 27. The companys ceo, tim cook, tweeted this message saying we must do all we can to prevent the spread of covid 19. He also committed 15 Million Dollars to help with worldwide recovery. The headlines on bbc news plans to ban Mass Gatherings are being drawn up to curb the spread of coronavirus. There are now 798 confirmed cases of the virus in the uk, where 11 people had died from the disease so far. Many sporting bodies have already cancelled events, including professional Football Leagues. Sport, and now a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. The coronavirus has wiped out most of the sporting calendar, premier league clubs will hold a second emergency meeting on thursday to discuss the creamery and a virus pandemic. After every elite football
game is finished until release the 3rd of april, liverpool were hoping to ta ke 3rd of april, liverpool were hoping to take giant step towards winning their First League Title in 30 years with the game against their local rivals against everton on monday. They are 25 points clear at the top of the premier league but now they are real questions about what will happen to the rest of the season. Liverpools manager was keen to put things in perspective, saying of course we do not want to play in front of an empty stadium and we do not want games or competitions suspended, but if doing so helps one invitation to stay healthy, just one, we do it no questions asked. One, we do it no questions asked. One individual. If it is question between football and the wider society, it is no contest. I think there are dark forces around because of liverpoolss title win. I know its ridiculous, but that is the way i sometimes think about it. The whole thing drives me insane. They have got to do it, there are
lives at risk and it is a sensible decision. We have been waiting for this 30 years and lets hope they make the sensible decision, that 25 points ahead, we have won it. The whole world of sport has been rocked by postponements. The first gulf nature of the year, the masters, was due to start on the 9th of april, that has been put back. The augustin national, this year james won a coveted place by winning the amateur championships. All the information that i have received that it has been postponed, i suppose that was a big relief to note that it was postponed and not cancelled. Of the sea if it was cancelled, it would have been very unlucky for myself obviously if it was cancelled. Hopefully there will be up and running sooner rather than later. Six nations game between wales and scotla nd six nations game between wales and scotland had been given the go ahead to ta ke scotland had been given the go ahead to take place today but was called
off only 2a a was before kick off. The Welsh Rugby Union to its decision saying it was the proper and responsible thing to do, many travelling fans were left out of pocket with the call coming at such a late stage. I sympathise with the scenario, theres not a lot we can do in that respect because i think we took the responsible decision for 75,000 people in the stadium possibly being sort of subjective and open to this killer disease. Next months London Marathon has been rearranged for the 11th of october because of the outbreak. That is due to be a marathon at the olympics and paralympics in tokyo this summer, japans olympic minister said there was no intention of cancelling or even postponing the games but all eyes will be on the olympics as the next possible event to fall. Despite all the cancellations, there is some spot to tell you about. Over 60,000 people were cheltenham to watch the gold cup and they saw
there when i beat the opposition by a neck to become a horse since 2004 to defend the cup. The last horse to win it more than once was best mate who won the race three times between 2002 and 2004. He isa 2002 and 2004. He is a laid back course, very laid back because, like hisjockey. Paul had a lot of pressure by the abbe number one jockey for the first time in cheltenham for us. He stamped his name and stamped his authority here in cheltenham. I am really pleased for paul. Leeds could have gone top of super league this weekend after leaders wiggins suffered a shock defeat last night. 14 2 at one stage, but the home side fought back to win18 14. And there will be a few aches and pains this morning after sport relief yesterday. Olympic hopping champion sam and comedian lloyd suffering the most. Involved in 2020 penalties. He won in the end, scoring more than he said, over 1400 and first spot kicks mike sam won in the end. There are most thoughtfully highlights over on the bbc sport website. More sport relief highlights. The badminton jump website. More sport relief highlights. The badmintonjump ship is being streamed live on the red button. That is all your support for now. Back to you. Some coronavirus needs that are coming in from around that had suffered quite early on in this spread, the Health Minister in iran is saying about a hundred death
yesterday, 611 deaths. It gives an idea of the rate of spread for those of course who are most hardest hit. Those numbers are being studied right across the world. Lots of sporting fixtures are off. In england, all professional Football Games are off until 3rd april at the earliest. In wales, its the 4th of april. And in scotland, all matches are off indefinitely. Joining me now via webcam to discuss the impact on football is kieran maguire, football finance expert from the university of liverpool. How is this going to affect the big clu bs, how is this going to affect the big clubs, if this does go on indefinitely . I think the big clubs are insulated from the financial effects. This is because the majority of their income comes from the broadcasting rights and also their sponsored agreements. I cant see the broadcasters turning around
and disbanding refunds, especially if matches are being postponed as a pain to cancelled. Because of this reliance, the big clubs are in a strong position. They had over £1 billion of cash on their Balance Sheets looking at their most recent accounts, i do not think the likes of Manchester United and liverpool will be consigned from a financial perspective just at the very present moment. The idea that things potentially resuming in april, but lets not hugely likely, does it, on the current trajectory here in the uk . |j think current trajectory here in the uk . think that is a very optimistic aim to get back within three weeks. There will be huge ramifications if the seasons are extended because we do have the euro 2020 championships taking place. These are due to start injune. I think it is unrealistic to anticipate these matches taking place this summer, given the fact that the fixtures are spread over 708 and use across the whole of
europe. Is it possible that the whole season could be cancelled because mark that is the worst possible option from the football authoritys perspective. Also for the clubs involved. I think if that was the case and they decided to cancel the season, this could result in some significant litigation. The reason for this is the price of promotion in football isa the price of promotion in football is a roundabout hundred million pounds, if you got from the chairmanship to the premier league. Therefore presently we have leeds united and West Bromwich albion in the automatic promotion spots and you can the automatic promotion spots and you can sense the automatic promotion spots and you can sense the disappointment not only from the funds from not being able to see premier League Football but from the owners as well, he would suffer financially as a result. What about the smaller clu bs, result. What about the smaller clubs, they will not presumably have the cash reserves . My main concern is in respect of the clubs in league 1and is in respect of the clubs in league 1 and league 2. We have seen recently in february that two clubs, Macclesfield Town and southend united, both failed to play the
wages of staff pay the wages of staff. They are living in a week to week basis and reliant on match day income, i think the cash flow issues that were right as the result of postponing matches could be very significant. Clubs are generating, evenif significant. Clubs are generating, even if it is hundred £50,000 per much, that allows them to pay their suppliers for them, that allows them to pay staff and if they are not able to generate the cash, over the course of the next few weeks, i think the state of the clubs in those divisions will be precarious. What about people with tickets, will they get their money back at these matches are off . A lot will depend on the terms and conditions of these tickets. I think if you are season tickets. I think if you are season Ticket Holder and your matches are postponed, then that that is part of football u nfortu nate postponed, then that that is part of football unfortunate in the modern age, given that fixtures are regularly rescheduled for broadcasting reasons. If youve got a ticket and the club do not fulfil
flat side of the contract, you could apply for a refund. Whether clive is in clubs in the lower divisions will have the cash to pay those refunds. And we have seen many fans being wary of the financial states of clu bs being wary of the financial states of clubs are booking next seasons season of clubs are booking next seasons season tickets as a reams of showing Financial Support for the teams for which they love so much. Ciaran, many thanks indeed. We have got a your questions a nswered we have got a your questions answered on your travel questions, thatis answered on your travel questions, that is coming up in a few minutes time at around 10 30am. The bbcs sport relief event took place last night raising millions of pounds for projects across the world. The organisers have this year promised a chunk of the money would go to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic here in the uk. The fundraising night went ahead in front of a live studio audience in salford with comedy sketches and celebrity performances. Heres the moment the nights tally was announced. Our sport relief 2020
total is £40,540,355. Cheering a big tally there. Well done to all involved. And you can find out more about the symptoms of coronavirus and how to protect yourself on the bbc news app and on our website bbc. Co. Uk news. Hello, and improving by the story across the uk Early Morning rain has eased away. The cloud will then and break. Staying in scotland. In northern ireland, some heavier rain and stronger winds. The wind
direction is