Schools across the UK are set to close as early as Friday, in the latest attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus. In other UK news, Boris Johnson has promised the government will protect private renters after its £350bn coronavirus relief package was criticised for omitting them, and will also discuss the idea of a universal basic income with opposition parties.
Under further government plans police will have the power to detain people infected with coronavirus as efforts to tackle Covid-19 ramp up. Schools in Scotland and Wales are set to shut by the end of the week, while British supermarkets have begun rationing more products after shelves were picked clean by stockpilers.
Elsewhere, the virus has now been detected in all 50 US states, with the death toll passing 100; Donald Trump’s administration has said it will increase the availability of testing and urged all Americans to take steps to avoid infection. Global infections have now passed 200,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. Some 8,000 people have died and 82,000 have recovered.
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Good morning. Welcome to our live coverage of coronavirus.
Sunak unveils massive £350bn economic plan
Here's our overview of Rishi Sunak's package of loans and other help for people and businesses reeling from coronavirus.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unleashed the biggest package of emergency state support for business since the 2008 financial crash, unveiling £330bn worth of government-backed loans and more than £20bn in tax cuts and grants for companies threatened with collapse because of the coronavirus crisis, write Andrew Woodcock and Lizzie Buchan.
Mr Sunak also said that he was ready to extend the lending capacity to an “unlimited” level in order to help companies including pubs, clubs and shops facing financial meltdown caused by the extraordinary lockdown measures announced by prime minister Boris Johnson on Monday. And he announced a three-month mortgage holiday for homeowners in difficulties because of the outbreak.
Here's our overview of Rishi Sunak's package of loans and other help for people and businesses reeling from coronavirus.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unleashed the biggest package of emergency state support for business since the 2008 financial crash, unveiling £330bn worth of government-backed loans and more than £20bn in tax cuts and grants for companies threatened with collapse because of the coronavirus crisis, write Andrew Woodcock and Lizzie Buchan.
Mr Sunak also said that he was ready to extend the lending capacity to an “unlimited” level in order to help companies including pubs, clubs and shops facing financial meltdown caused by the extraordinary lockdown measures announced by prime minister Boris Johnson on Monday. And he announced a three-month mortgage holiday for homeowners in difficulties because of the outbreak.
Morrisons fears
The supermarket chain Morrisons has warned today that it faces "unprecedented challenges and uncertainty" in dealing with coronavirus.
Bosses said that during the last two weeks, there had been considerable stocking-up and sales pull-forward as customers planned for the impact of the outbreak.
For the first six weeks of its 2020-21 year, retail like-for-like sales were up 5 per cent year-on-year.
The supermarket chain Morrisons has warned today that it faces "unprecedented challenges and uncertainty" in dealing with coronavirus.
Bosses said that during the last two weeks, there had been considerable stocking-up and sales pull-forward as customers planned for the impact of the outbreak.
For the first six weeks of its 2020-21 year, retail like-for-like sales were up 5 per cent year-on-year.
North Korea 'lacks medical facilities'
North Korea lacks the modern medical facilities required to deal with a coronavirus outbreak, Kim Jong-un has admitted in a rare show of vulnerability.
The third-generation dictator said improving healthcare was "crucial" as he marked the construction of a new hospital, state media reported on Wednesday.
Mr Kim's remarks and the groundbreaking for the new hospital in Pyongyang came amid worries that a coronavirus epidemic in the impoverished country could be devastating due its chronic lack of medical supplies and outdated medical infrastructure.
North Korea has engaged in an intense campaign to guard against Covid-19, though it has steadfastly claimed no one has been sickened, a claim many foreign experts doubt.
North Korea lacks the modern medical facilities required to deal with a coronavirus outbreak, Kim Jong-un has admitted in a rare show of vulnerability.
The third-generation dictator said improving healthcare was "crucial" as he marked the construction of a new hospital, state media reported on Wednesday.
Mr Kim's remarks and the groundbreaking for the new hospital in Pyongyang came amid worries that a coronavirus epidemic in the impoverished country could be devastating due its chronic lack of medical supplies and outdated medical infrastructure.
North Korea has engaged in an intense campaign to guard against Covid-19, though it has steadfastly claimed no one has been sickened, a claim many foreign experts doubt.
Government adviser self-isolates
Neil Ferguson, one of the top epidemiologists advising the prime minister on coronavirus, has self-isolated after experiencing symptoms.
Neil Ferguson, one of the top epidemiologists advising the prime minister on coronavirus, has self-isolated after experiencing symptoms.
Sainsbury's expands rationing
Sainsbury's customers will only be able to buy a maximum of three of any item, in a huge expansion of rationing.
The supermarket chain said it had listened to feedback from shoppers after store shelves were picked clean across the country.
Bosses also said they would introduce a "silver hour" for elderly and "vulnerable" customers. The first hour in every supermarket tomorrow will be reserved for older shoppers.
All meat, fish and pizza counters in larger shops will be closed, chief executive Mike Coupe said in a statement, "to help us get more essential items onto the shelves".
Sainsbury's customers will only be able to buy a maximum of three of any item, in a huge expansion of rationing.
The supermarket chain said it had listened to feedback from shoppers after store shelves were picked clean across the country.
Bosses also said they would introduce a "silver hour" for elderly and "vulnerable" customers. The first hour in every supermarket tomorrow will be reserved for older shoppers.
All meat, fish and pizza counters in larger shops will be closed, chief executive Mike Coupe said in a statement, "to help us get more essential items onto the shelves".
'Significant downturn' for Toby Carvery
Mitchells & Butler, owner of Toby Carvery and All Bar One, warned that "recent trading has been severely impacted" by coronavirus, adding that the government's advice to stay home "is now expected to lead to a further significant downturn in sales".
The company said it was "encouraged" by the chancellor's economic rescue package, and The Restaurant Group said it was building rates relief into its forecasts for the next year.
The company said it was "encouraged" by the chancellor's economic rescue package, and The Restaurant Group said it was building rates relief into its forecasts for the next year.
Look to China for what comes next
Scientists around the world are watching how the coronavirus outbreak in China develops in the coming days and weeks because it will reveal whether their modelling on how long restrictions to normal life will have to last is correct, writes Shaun Lintern.
Yesterday scientists from Imperial College London released their detailed modelling of the coronavirus pandemic, which dramatically concluded that the UK could face an indefinite period of lockdown without a vaccine. It showed the coronavirus would return and overwhelm health services every time restrictions are lifted.
Scientists around the world are watching how the coronavirus outbreak in China develops in the coming days and weeks because it will reveal whether their modelling on how long restrictions to normal life will have to last is correct, writes Shaun Lintern.
Yesterday scientists from Imperial College London released their detailed modelling of the coronavirus pandemic, which dramatically concluded that the UK could face an indefinite period of lockdown without a vaccine. It showed the coronavirus would return and overwhelm health services every time restrictions are lifted.
Jump in Israel cases
Confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Israel have jumped by 40 per cent to 427 in the past day, the health ministry announced on Wednesday.
Mass testing has now been implemented the rise is likely to become steeper, officials predicted.
Having urged Israelis to stay home and approved cyber-monitoring of their movements to reduce infection risks, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at least 3,000 coronavirus tests would be conducted daily, including at new drive-through stations.
"We will reach a situation in which there are many hundreds of new patients each day, and possibly more," Moshe Bar Siman-Tov, director-general of the health ministry, told Israel's Army Radio.
Up from the 304 confirmed cases reported on Tuesday morning, five of the 427 patients were in a critical condition, the ministry said.
Confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Israel have jumped by 40 per cent to 427 in the past day, the health ministry announced on Wednesday.
Mass testing has now been implemented the rise is likely to become steeper, officials predicted.
Having urged Israelis to stay home and approved cyber-monitoring of their movements to reduce infection risks, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at least 3,000 coronavirus tests would be conducted daily, including at new drive-through stations.
"We will reach a situation in which there are many hundreds of new patients each day, and possibly more," Moshe Bar Siman-Tov, director-general of the health ministry, told Israel's Army Radio.
Up from the 304 confirmed cases reported on Tuesday morning, five of the 427 patients were in a critical condition, the ministry said.
Infection hits all 50 US states
All 50 states in the US have logged cases of Covid-19 and the total number of known US infections has pased 6,400.
Kentucky and Illinois recorded their first coronavirus deaths, driving the nationwide toll to at least 108.
All 50 states in the US have logged cases of Covid-19 and the total number of known US infections has pased 6,400.
Kentucky and Illinois recorded their first coronavirus deaths, driving the nationwide toll to at least 108.
Baby tests positive
A baby is among three people to have tested positive for Covid-19 in Norfolk, writes Harry Cockburn.
The cases were identified at the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston and all three were already being treated in isolation, the hospital said.
A baby is among three people to have tested positive for Covid-19 in Norfolk, writes Harry Cockburn.
The cases were identified at the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston and all three were already being treated in isolation, the hospital said.
New police powers
Emergency legislation allowing police and immigration officials to temporarily detain people infected with coronavirus have been published by the government, writes Lizzy Buchan.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, unveiled sweeping powers to bolster the UK's response to the outbreak, including powers for police and immigration officials to arrest and detain those who may cause a risk to public health.
Emergency legislation allowing police and immigration officials to temporarily detain people infected with coronavirus have been published by the government, writes Lizzy Buchan.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, unveiled sweeping powers to bolster the UK's response to the outbreak, including powers for police and immigration officials to arrest and detain those who may cause a risk to public health.
Help for renters
The government is working on plans to help renters and workers after announcing a three-month holiday for mortgage payers.
"Of course people want us to go further. The cfhancellor set out very clearly that we will be coming forward when it comes to employment measures. We will come forward with that as quickly as possible," business secretary Alok Sharma told the BBC.
He added: "I know this is a very anxious time for lots of people. They are concerned about their livelihoods. That is why we have moved so quickly to provide this £350bn package of support.
"We will continue to provide support where it is needed. The Prime Minister has been clear that we will do whatever it takes to protect people's health, to protect people's livelihoods.
"We had a significant intervention yesterday. We are ready to do more."
The government is working on plans to help renters and workers after announcing a three-month holiday for mortgage payers.
"Of course people want us to go further. The cfhancellor set out very clearly that we will be coming forward when it comes to employment measures. We will come forward with that as quickly as possible," business secretary Alok Sharma told the BBC.
He added: "I know this is a very anxious time for lots of people. They are concerned about their livelihoods. That is why we have moved so quickly to provide this £350bn package of support.
"We will continue to provide support where it is needed. The Prime Minister has been clear that we will do whatever it takes to protect people's health, to protect people's livelihoods.
"We had a significant intervention yesterday. We are ready to do more."
Schools closing
More than a dozen schools in Norfolk are closed either due to caution, staff absence or because people linked to them have shown symptoms, according to the Eastern Daily Press.
More than a dozen schools in Norfolk are closed either due to caution, staff absence or because people linked to them have shown symptoms, according to the Eastern Daily Press.
UK expert adviser gets symptoms
The leading expert who inspired a change in the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak is now self-isolating after developing a persistent dry cough and a fever, writes Adam Forrest.
Neil Ferguson, the professor of mathematical biology at Imperial College London who saw Boris Johnson on Monday, said there were “a lot” of people working in Westminster now developing the virus.
The leading expert who inspired a change in the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak is now self-isolating after developing a persistent dry cough and a fever, writes Adam Forrest.
Neil Ferguson, the professor of mathematical biology at Imperial College London who saw Boris Johnson on Monday, said there were “a lot” of people working in Westminster now developing the virus.
Japan testing shortfall
Japan's testing of suspected coronavirus cases is running well below its maximum capacity, even as the government attempts to lift that top-end measure, data shows.
It will add to concern Tokyo is understating its outbreak and not doing enough to contain it.
Nationwide capacity for the polymerase chain reaction test has grown to 7,500 a day, on track to reach 8,000 a day target by the end of the month.
But the number of tests conducted has been on average 1,190 a day over the past month, for a total of 32,125, according to health ministry data.
Japan's testing of suspected coronavirus cases is running well below its maximum capacity, even as the government attempts to lift that top-end measure, data shows.
It will add to concern Tokyo is understating its outbreak and not doing enough to contain it.
Nationwide capacity for the polymerase chain reaction test has grown to 7,500 a day, on track to reach 8,000 a day target by the end of the month.
But the number of tests conducted has been on average 1,190 a day over the past month, for a total of 32,125, according to health ministry data.
US embassies cut back
American embassies around the world will suspend routine visa services due to coronavirus precautions, the US embassy in South Korea said on Wednesday.
The suspension will affect visa services at embassies in countries with a State Department travel advisory level of 2, 3, or 4, the statement said.
According to the department's website, as of Wednesday that includes about 100 countries.
American embassies around the world will suspend routine visa services due to coronavirus precautions, the US embassy in South Korea said on Wednesday.
The suspension will affect visa services at embassies in countries with a State Department travel advisory level of 2, 3, or 4, the statement said.
According to the department's website, as of Wednesday that includes about 100 countries.
GDPR no bar
The new GDPR data protection rules do not block government officials from using personal information to help in the coronavirus crisis, the health secretary has said.
The new GDPR data protection rules do not block government officials from using personal information to help in the coronavirus crisis, the health secretary has said.
Is Johnson really playing catch-up?
Only five days after accusing other countries of adopting draconian measures to be seen to be acting on coronavirus, Boris Johnson admitted he was bringing in many of the same "draconian" measures, writes Andrew Grice.
The announcement gave the impression that the government was running to catch up with European countries such as Italy, Spain and France. Ministers deny making a U-turn, insisting the ideas now implemented were included in the government’s action plan published on 3 March.
Only five days after accusing other countries of adopting draconian measures to be seen to be acting on coronavirus, Boris Johnson admitted he was bringing in many of the same "draconian" measures, writes Andrew Grice.
The announcement gave the impression that the government was running to catch up with European countries such as Italy, Spain and France. Ministers deny making a U-turn, insisting the ideas now implemented were included in the government’s action plan published on 3 March.
Labour repeats calls to help renters
Labour will work with the government to support the economy, but ministers need to take urgent action to protect renters from eviction, shadow treasury minister Anneliese Dodds has said.
"There really is a critical question around people who are renting. Our social security system is an outlier because it doesn't take into account significantly people's rental costs," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Labour will work with the government to support the economy, but ministers need to take urgent action to protect renters from eviction, shadow treasury minister Anneliese Dodds has said.
"There really is a critical question around people who are renting. Our social security system is an outlier because it doesn't take into account significantly people's rental costs," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
