This is bbc news. The headlines at 2pm. 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. Jet2 cancels all flights to spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands with immediate effect. Some European Union countries are to close their borders to most or all foreigners as spain prepares to put the country into lockdown. Us President Donald Trump declares a National Emergency, releasing £40 billion in federalfunds. Many sporting bodies have already cancelled events, including professional football leagues. And in half an hour well bring you highlights from the winning entries of this years bbc young reporter competition. After new to you and welcome to bbc news. The government is drawing up plans to ban Mass G
Your country loves you. The nation comes together in an emotional thank you to nhs and care workers battling coronavirus. Good morning, youre watching bbc news. Im annita mcveigh. House buyers and sellers have been urged by the government to put off completion during the coronavirus lockdown. Even those scheduled to move today have been encourged to delay. In other developments firefighters are to be given additional responsibilities to aid the uks fight against the virus. Over the next two months, theyll be asked to deliver food and medicines, drive ambulances, and if necessary, help move the remains of victims whove died. The chancellors package of measures designed to help self employed people and freelancers during the crisis has been met with a mixed response. And the nhs has tweeted that last nights nationwide round of applause was emotional. many people came to their doorways and windows to show their appreciation for Health Workers in the clap for carers. Lets get the latest fr
Work continues to turn the excel Conference Centre in east london into a 4,000 bed hospital. We are facing the greatest Health Emergency that we have seen ever in my career and indeed the history of the nhs. The us now has more confirmed cases than anywhere else though President Trump says the country will be back to work pretty quickly. Here, police have already issued some fines to people not following the rules about social distancing. And, how to keep yourself occupied in lockdown boxerJoseph Parker tries out his hugh grant love actually impression. Good afternoon. Its been announced that the Prime Minister has tested positive for coronavirus. Boris johnson says he has mild symptoms and will self isolate in downing street but will still lead the government response to the crisis. Matt hancock is also working from home after he too tested positive. The Prime Ministers diagnosis comes as there is growing concern that nhs hospitals may be overwhelmed by coronavirus patients as early a
Australias bush fires we report from cobargo in New South Wales where an area larger than denmark has been completely destroyed by the blaze. And how running your first marathon could add years to your life particularly if you start when youre older. And coming up on bbc news, ben stokes takes the final three wickets to propel england to a memorable victory in the second test against south africa in cape town. Good evening and welcome to the bbc news at 6 00. The british teenager convicted of lying about being gang raped in cyprus lastjuly is flying home tonight. The 19 year old who we are not naming was given a four month suspended sentence in court this morning which meant she could finally leave the island. She claimed she was attacked by 12 israeli tourists in a hotel room in the party town of ayia napa last summer but days later retracted her statement. But she says she was forced to change her account and still maintains she was raped. Anna holligan is in ayia napa for us tonight