Sony and Nike have closed large offices in London and sent their workers home due to the panic over coronavirus construction in the UK.
Sony Pictures Entertainment, which has an office in Soho, central London, said it had closed for the rest of the week “as a precaution.”
And Nike’s headquarters in the same area, where about 150 of its employees are located, has also closed for deep cleaning spanning three floors.
The closings come after Deloitte, a US-based accounting firm, closed an office in the city after one of its employees tested positive for coronavirus after returning from Asia.
A total of 85 cases of coronavirus have now been diagnosed in the UK, and 34 have been announced today – the largest increase in a day to date.
Britain’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said it was now very likely that the country would experience a true epidemic.
Emergency measures if a serious crisis takes hold of the country could include stopping large rallies and events; urge people to suspend their social life; or cancel NHS operations to open beds for patients infected with the virus.
A member of staff of Deloitte’s accounting firm tested positive for coronavirus after returning from Asia (photo, Deloitte London office on New Street Square, Holborn). The office building is being thoroughly cleaned and the patient is now in the hospital
People have been asked to wash their hands more often than usual – they should be especially vigilant after traveling on public transport, where viruses can live on surfaces that are affected by many people (photo: a woman wearing a face mask on the London Underground)
A woman wearing a face mask is seen on London Bridge amid growing concerns over the UK coronavirus epidemic
Boris Johnson yesterday at a press conference in Downing Street, where he warned the nation of the challenges posed by a disease that could plague millions of people.
The government’s coronavirus battle plan announced yesterday admitted that a fifth of the workforce – more than six million people – could be ill at the height of the epidemic, which ministers hope to delay until the late spring.
It appeared last night that the NHS had declared a “level four” incident, the highest alert level, as authorities prepared for an increase in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks.
Hospitals were advised to postpone treatment as much as possible and to treat patients at home or in the community to reduce pressure on beds.
At a press conference at No. 10 yesterday, the Prime Minister said that “all reasonable and necessary steps” have been taken. He stressed that the overwhelming majority of the virus would only produce a mild illness.
But there are fears for the over 80s, who are particularly sensitive. In the worst case, official projections indicate up to half a million deaths, although experts have insisted on the first evidence from China suggesting that the final figure would be only a fraction of that.
Meanwhile, a staff member from Deloitte’s accounting firm tested positive for the virus after returning from Asia.
The Big Four London office in New Street Square, Holborn, is being thoroughly cleaned for fear of contamination and the patient is now in hospital.
MailOnline understands that even if part of the office is temporarily closed, staff will be allowed to work from home if they wish.
A Deloitte spokesperson said: “ One of our office floors was recently affected, a staff member having been confirmed with Covid-19 after returning from a personal trip to Asia. The staff member is now hospitalized and receiving good care. ”
Elsewhere, cleaners in protective gear have been seen disinfecting an Apple Store in Belfast, but the tech giant says cleaning was not ordered due to fears of coronavirus. Instead, he claims it was a standard restoration. In other developments today:
- New cases included two in Bury and one in Bolton, as well as others in London and Hampshire;
- A major advertising campaign will encourage the British to wash their hands for 20 seconds throughout the day;
- The queen wore long gloves during an inauguration for what was believed to be the first time in decades;
- The mortality rate fell from 2% to 3.4% – perhaps because the number of mild cases is underreported;
- The rules relating to sickness benefits and fringe benefits could be revised;
- A Wirral secondary school closed for thorough cleaning after a parent became infected;
- The US Federal Reserve announced a surprise cut in interest rates, with the Bank of England to follow;
- Buyers ignored the “Don’t Panic” warnings and cleared the shelves of essentials;
- In Italy, the death toll has increased to 79 and Iran has temporarily released 54,000 detainees to fight the spread of the virus.
The 12 week plan will take effect if the virus fails to try to contain it.
The authorities estimate that reducing social activities by almost three quarters could considerably limit its spread. Mass events, such as concerts, sports games or even local elections in May or victory day commemorations, could be canceled.
NHS sites across the UK are being prepared for the spread of the coronavirus as the epidemic intensifies. Pictured: isolation pods at Sutton Coldfield’s Good Hope Hospital, West Midlands
The NHS has raised its coronavirus threat level to the highest – a national incident – and a government plan has said that people may have to suspend their social life if the virus sets in (photo: man wearing mask on deck London today, March 4)
Mark Bellamy (left), director of Hilbre High on Wirral, Merseyside, (right) ignored government advice and shut down for a thorough cleanup after a parent was revealed among the 12 new cases of confirmed coronaviruses in Great Britain
Two people in a stone’s throw from number 10 wear protective masks in London’s Parliament Square amid concerns over a British epidemic
Chief Physician Chris Whitty (left, along with PM and chief scientific advisor Patrick Vallance) said yesterday that he expected the spread to be “ probably much lower ” than the worst cases in which eight out of ten could get it.
Families were also warned that they could be asked to quarantine the house if one or more of them contracted the virus.
Routine operations could be canceled to relieve pressure on the NHS, and patients could be released early to free beds.
Last night, it was said that investigations into elective homicides could be postponed until there was an increase in the threat.
Forces could also increase response times to crimes such as burglaries and postpone certain operations, such as actions against gangs or networks of serious crimes.
Emergency laws will be rushed to allow greater “flexibility” for public services.
The measures include: allowing retired health workers to return to work; suspend class size rules; allow children to be taught in different schools if theirs is closed; and allow suspects in pre-trial detention to appear in court via video link.
The closure of entire cities – as has happened in China – has been virtually ruled out, with the benefit considered to be “practically nil”.
Chief physician Chris Whitty said yesterday that he expects the spread to be “probably much lower” than the worst-case scenario in which eight in ten could get it.
But he said the NHS had to plan for the worst, which could mean hospitalization for two million people.
Officials said the trigger to move from the containment phase to the delay phase would come when there was no realistic possibility of preventing a global pandemic.
‘Wash your hands more often for 20 seconds’: NHS issues household hygiene message to reduce coronavirus infections – even with the queen wearing gloves
Sophie Borland and John Stevens for the Daily Mail
Britons are asked to wash their hands throughout the day for 20 seconds at a time as part of a major coronavirus awareness campaign.
Ads go up at bus stops and on billboards and social media sites, highlighting the importance of frequent hand washing.
They will also appear in newspapers and on radio stations.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that simply washing your hands with soap and water was the “most important thing” the British could do to protect themselves.
But the expanded advertising campaign is launched amid widespread confusion over whether the public should abandon the handshake for fear of spreading germs. The formal advice on making contact is much less clear.
Boris Johnson said yesterday that he still shakes hands with “ everyone ” – including staff at hospitals where patients are being treated for coronavirus – despite politicians around the world who have stopped the practice.
Prime Minister shared a photo of him washing his hands on his Instagram account after telling the British to rinse off with hot water and soap at the press conference
Ads go up at bus stops and on billboards and social media sites highlighting the importance of frequent hand washing
Yesterday, the Queen appeared to take precautions against the coronavirus when she wore gloves during a investiture ceremony in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace
Hancock said the risks of making contact were “negligible”, especially if everyone washed their hands more often.
However, the Queen appeared to be taking precautions against the coronavirus yesterday when she wore gloves during an investiture ceremony in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace.
Observers have suggested that the elegant white pair she chose for the awards seemed much longer than the ones she wore regularly when meeting the public at official engagements.
It is the first time that the Queen has been shown wearing gloves at such a ceremony in the past decade.
Traditionally, it distributes honors without gloves, which could hamper the tedious task of fixing the medals on the recipient’s back.
At 93, she is one of the groups most at risk if they contract the disease. Each investiture ceremony sees at least 60 people rewarded.
Traditionally, the monarch distributes the honors without gloves (on the left, knight Sir Archibald Tunnock in November), which could hamper the delicate task of fixing the medals on the reverse of the recipient (on the right, with Harry Billinge MBE today)
Buckingham Palace yesterday refused to know if the queen’s move was to protect her health. A spokesperson only said, “It is not uncommon for the Queen to wear gloves during a public engagement.”
The handwashing advertisements begin with the clear message: “Coronavirus, protect yourself and others.”
They present a picture of a door handle infested with germs with the warning: “Viruses can live on certain surfaces for hours. Wash your hands more often. Advertisements tell patients, “Use soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer.”
The advertisements also encourage the public to wash their hands when arriving at work or at home in the evening. They should do the same before preparing or eating food, including snacks.
Hancock said, “We all have a role to play in stopping this disease. Washing your hands regularly is the most important thing a person can do. Public safety remains our top priority. ”
Coronavirus “ battle plan ”: investigations into the murders are suspended, troops on the streets, patients expelled from hospitals and a worker on FIVE is sick while town halls are placed under surveillance
By Jason Groves, Daily Mail political editor
As the number of coronavirus cases in Britain continues to increase and the likelihood of a nationwide epidemic increases, the government has developed a plan to combat an epidemic on British soil.
Boris Johnson revealed yesterday a four-pronged approach to dealing with the crisis – containing, delaying, seeking, mitigating.
From these four pillars flows a “battle plan” for Downing Street, which includes drastic measures such as the suppression of mass gatherings, the placing on hold of the army and the stopping of the administrative formalities of the police.
Here, the mail breaks down the essential elements of the plan and how it will affect the British.
Six million may be out of work
Employers are encouraged to allow staff to work from home as much as possible. The battle plan warns that staff illness will have a major impact on businesses and public services.
At the height of an epidemic, up to one in five could be sick at any time – more than six million people.
The plan warns: “Everyone will face increased pressures at work, as well as their own illness or family responsibilities.”
Stop mass gatherings
If the virus takes off, some mass gatherings could be canceled to slow the spread.
But officials said yesterday that the spread of the virus could be greater if banned fans of a football match choose to watch it in the pub.
But seniors may be asked to stay away, which could jeopardize events such as May 8-10 victory day commemorations.
Family Evacuated From Home In Hull By Doctors Wearing Hazardous Material Coveralls, Fear Of Coronavirus
A security guard with a mask on checks a driver at a coronavirus driving test center at Parsons Green Health Center in Fulham
A coronavirus pod at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, as local hospitals speed up preparations for dealing with cases
Fears of Coronavirus have invaded Britain, as a pedestrian is pictured wearing a protective mask while taking a bus to Westminster, London
Seniors could be asked to stay away from mass gatherings, which could endanger events such as VE Day commemorations from May 8-10. Pictured: Chelsea retirees at last year’s Remembrance Sunday parade
Cutting social contact to slow the spread
Strategies to slow the spread of the virus include what is known as “population distancing.”
Officials said yesterday that this could include asking people to “avoid contact outside of work and school.”
Sources admit there is little they can do to prevent people from meeting friends and visiting pubs, restaurants and cinemas, but say reducing social contact by 75% could have a major impact on the spread of the disease.
Verification of visitors to nursing homes
A plan for nursing homes will be released later this month. But, the elderly being much more vulnerable to the virus, sources said efforts would be made to limit contact with potential carriers.
Visits may be limited and family members may be asked to show that they are virus-free before traveling.
At the height of the epidemic, nursing homes may be temporarily closed to visitors, although ministers do not want residents to feel cut off from their loved ones.
Police suspend administrative formalities
The report suggests that the police may be asked to close all but the most serious incidents in order to focus on “critical functions”.
The document states that if the police suffer a “significant loss of officers” as a result of an illness, they should “focus on responding to serious crimes and maintaining public order”.
Army guards at high-risk sites
The army could be laid off to replace the police for guarding tasks on prestigious sites, such as nuclear power plants and the Parliament.
This would free up police for front line positions.
The Prime Minister said there were “long-standing plans” for the military to “backfill” in the event of an emergency.
But government sources downplayed suggestions that the military would play a larger role.
Il n’est pas prévu de fermer les ports et les aéroports. Mais le gouvernement modifiera la loi pour donner au personnel frontalier le pouvoir d’exiger des personnes arrivant au Royaume-Uni présentant des symptômes du coronavirus de passer un test. Sur la photo: une femme portant un masque facial fait sa valise dans la zone des départs du terminal 5 de l’aéroport d’Heathrow
Les tribunaux déploient des liens vidéo
Les ministres envisagent de modifier la loi pour permettre aux suspects placés en détention provisoire de témoigner par liaison vidéo depuis leur prison.
Le système est déjà utilisé pour certaines infractions terroristes graves et pourrait être étendu à d’autres cas afin de réduire la nécessité de transférer des personnes vers et depuis le tribunal chaque jour.
Les écoles devraient rester ouvertes
Le plan de bataille laisse ouverte la possibilité de commander des fermetures d’écoles pour une durée maximale de trois mois afin de ralentir la propagation du virus.
Mais les ministres sont parfaitement conscients de l’impact potentiel sur l’éducation des enfants, la saison des examens et la capacité des parents à travailler si les écoles sont fermées, de sorte que cela ne se produira qu’en dernier recours.
Au lieu de cela, les ministres modifieront la loi pour autoriser des classes plus grandes et pour permettre aux enfants de fréquenter temporairement une autre école si la leur est fermée.
Des enseignants en bonne santé pourraient également être redéployés vers d’autres écoles qui souffrent de pénuries.
Les opérations hospitalières seront retardées
Le NHS est susceptible de faire face à une pression énorme si le virus décolle. Le plan de bataille indique que les services de routine, y compris les opérations électives telles que les opérations de la hanche et du genou, pourraient être «réduits temporairement» pour alléger le fardeau.
Les médecins assureront la liaison avec les équipes des services sociaux du conseil afin de permettre un congé «précoce» de l’hôpital pour libérer des lits.
Hier, Boris Johnson a exhorté les gens à «faire preuve de retenue dans la mesure du possible» lorsqu’ils envisagent d’accéder aux services du NHS.
Anciens médecins appelés
Les ministres modifieront la loi ce mois-ci pour permettre aux médecins et infirmières qui ont quitté le NHS ou qui ont pris leur retraite de revenir temporairement pour combler les lacunes laissées par la maladie parmi les travailleurs de la santé.
Le NHS cherche également à accélérer le recrutement d’une armée de volontaires pour aider à maintenir des services tels que l’alimentation des patients et la livraison de médicaments.
Une femme porte un masque protecteur alors qu’elle était assise dans un train souterrain de Londres aujourd’hui
Le personnel des frontières à l’affût des virus
Il n’est pas prévu de fermer les ports et les aéroports. Mais le gouvernement modifiera la loi pour donner au personnel frontalier le pouvoir d’exiger des personnes arrivant au Royaume-Uni présentant des symptômes du coronavirus de passer un test.
Des pouvoirs ont déjà été pris pour obliger les personnes jugées à risque à être isolées du reste de la communauté.
Soutien aux entreprises et aux travailleurs malades
Le plan de bataille indique que le gouvernement envisage un soutien financier pour les entreprises confrontées à des “problèmes de trésorerie à court terme”.
Le chancelier Rishi Sunak devrait dévoiler des mesures détaillées dans le budget de la semaine prochaine.
Les ministres étudient également la possibilité de fournir un soutien aux travailleurs qui n’ont pas droit à une indemnité de maladie pour s’assurer qu’ils prennent un congé si ils attrapent le virus.
Les mairies placées sous surveillance
Le rapport indique qu’il “pourrait bien y avoir une augmentation des décès” et indique que des pourparlers avec les conseils sont en cours pour garantir que les services funéraires ne soient pas submergés.
Le médecin-chef Chris Whitty a déclaré que les scientifiques étaient «raisonnablement convaincus» que seule une personne sur cent qui contracte le virus mourrait.
Dans le pire des cas, cela pourrait se traduire par environ 500 000 décès supplémentaires sur une période de plusieurs mois, bien que les responsables espèrent que le nombre final sera «beaucoup plus bas».
Les personnes âgées sont plus susceptibles, les personnes de plus de 80 ans étant particulièrement à risque.
La famille au cœur de l’épidémie de coronavirus de Surrey est son mari et sa femme dont le fils fréquente une école préparatoire à 5 000 £ par trimestre – alors que les fonctionnaires recherchent TOUJOURS le super-épandeur qui les a infectés
Par Nick Fagge pour MailOnline
Mail Online peut révéler que la famille au cœur de l’épicentre du coronavirus au Royaume-Uni est un mari et une femme dont le fils fréquente une école préparatoire à 5 000 £ par trimestre à Surrey.
Il a été confirmé que le couple avait l’infection Covid-19 et a conduit d’autres parents à s’isoler après avoir été en contact avec eux.
Leur fils a également été placé en isolement – mais n’a pas encore été testé positif pour le virus à propagation rapide.
On ne sait pas comment le mari et la femme ont contracté le virus et les responsables de la santé de la région de Surrey ont retracé toute personne avec laquelle ils sont entrés en contact.
L’école préparatoire de leur fils, St Edmund’s à Hindhead, Surrey, a confirmé que les parents d’un de leurs élèves avaient le virus.
Le directeur, Adam Walker, a déclaré dans un communiqué que d’autres parents qui étaient entrés en contact avec le couple s’isolaient maintenant et attendaient de voir s’ils étaient positifs.
Il a déclaré que le fils du couple était «bien et s’auto-isolait» par mesure de précaution et qu’aucun autre élève ou enseignant n’avait le virus.
L’école reste ouverte sur les conseils de Public Health England, mais faisait l’objet d’un nettoyage en profondeur.
D’autres parents de l’école de préparation du fils du couple infecté sans nom, St Edmund’s à Hindhead, Surrey, se sont isolés eux-mêmes après avoir eu des contacts avec le couple
M. Walker a déclaré: “ Bien qu’il existe une incertitude au sujet du coronavirus, la preuve est qu’il semble présenter un risque très faible pour les enfants. Nous avons une super équipe dans notre école de chirurgie et notre excellent personnel enseignant et pastoral a travaillé dur pour s’assurer que les affaires se déroulent comme d’habitude à l’école pour les enfants.
Le couple, qui n’a pas été nommé, était à l’épicentre de la première épidémie de virus dans le bourg aisé de Haslemere au cours du week-end.
Le centre de santé de la ville et un pub ont été fermés après avoir craint qu’un soi-disant «super épandeur» ne les ait visités.
Les stocks de désinfectant pour les mains se sont rapidement vendus chez les deux pharmaciens de la rue principale tandis que de nombreux habitants étaient en colère de ne pas savoir qui était porteur du virus.
Le commerce dans les magasins locaux a chuté de plus de la moitié après que la ville est devenue le foyer de l’épidémie de coronavirus au Royaume-Uni.
La ville de Hindhead est à 5 kilomètres de Haslemere où un pub local The Prince of Wales a été fermé depuis le week-end après avoir été visité par l’un de ceux atteints du virus.
Le centre de santé de Haslemere a également fermé, mais a rouvert après un nettoyage en profondeur. St Edmunds compte 470 élèves de 2 à 16 ans.
Ses anciens élèves incluent le présentateur de télévision Jonathan Dimbleby et l’actuel roi de Jordanie. Le poète W.H.Auden et le réalisateur John Schlesinger sont également des “ vieux garçons ” à l’école qui a été créée en 1874.
L’un des parents dont l’enfant est à l’école est le professeur Trudie Lang, qui est actuellement conseiller du médecin hygiéniste en chef et du gouvernement britannique.
Trade at local shops plunged by more than half after the town became the focus of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK
The full statement from the school said: ‘In the past few days St Edmund’s school was made aware that the father and mother of one of the pupils has been confirmed as cases of COVID-19.
‘Contact assessments have been made for each parent and several other parents of the school have gone into self-isolation as a precaution.
‘The pupil is well and is self-isolating at home as a precautionary measure. No pupil or member of staff has been confirmed as a case of the virus.
‘The school has been in discussion with, and taken advice from, Public Health England (PHE) who have carried out contact assessments. PHE have advised that at this time there is no action for the school to take.
‘Should this situation change, PHE will be working closely with the school and updates will be released to parents.
‘The school is also supported with advice from current parent Professor Trudie Lang, who is the Professor of Global Health Research at Oxford University and a current advisor to the Chief Medical Officer and UK government.’
Headmaster Adam Walliker comments: ‘whilst there is uncertainty about the Coronavirus, the evidence is that it appears to pose a very low risk to children. We have a super team in our School Surgery and our excellent teaching and pastoral staff have been working hard to ensure that it is business as usual at school for the children.’
‘Hygiene at school remains a priority with an emphasis on good hand-washing and personal hygiene. The school is cleaned daily and disinfectant wipes used for computer screens.
‘A rolling programme of deep cleaning is in place. Regular assemblies and briefings are taking place for children, staff and parents. Sports matches continue to take place against other schools and a full programme of teaching and activities is in full swing. The new mountain bike competition trails are due to open this month and the indoor swimming pool remains in use by children from St Edmund’s and other schools.’