Coronavirus: Global airlines body says disease will cost industry $252bn March 24, 2020 Industry body the International Air Transport Association has more than doubled its previous estimates of the revenue damage that the coronavirus epidemic will do to the world’s airlines, now setting the figure at $252bn (£214bn). Due to the stringent travel bans and border closures that have been implemented around the world as the result of [...]
Hancock calls for 250,000 coronavirus volunteers as government readies London mega hospital March 24, 2020 The government has called for 250,000 healthy people to become volunteers, as part of efforts to support vulnerable people during the coronavirus outbreak. At the same time, health secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed the opening of a temporary new mega-hospital at London’s Excel centre. Leading the daily press conference from Downing Street, Hancock said the [...]
UK coronavirus death toll: Biggest daily increase to 422 March 24, 2020 The UK coronavirus death toll has risen by the biggest daily amount to 422, according to the latest government figures. The death toll – which was correct as of 1pm this afternoon- represents an increase of 87 UK coronavirus deaths compared to yesterday. As of 9am this morning, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in [...]
Sports Direct hikes prices after store closures amid coronavirus crisis March 24, 2020 Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct has reportedly hiked the price of some sports equipment by as much as 50 per cent amid the coronavirus crisis. The retailer has increased the price of exercise equipment such as skipping ropes and weights, according to documents seen by the Press Association. It comes on the same day Sports Direct [...]
Coronavirus: Police can do ‘whatever is appropriate’ to enforce lockdown March 24, 2020 Police will be granted the powers to do “whatever they consider appropriate” to enforce the coronavirus lockdown measures introduced by the Prime Minister last night. Regulation will be in place by Thursday at the latest, allowing officers to issue fines to those who refuse to comply with the rules set out by Boris Johnson in [...]
Coronavirus: G7 pledges to continue fiscal expansion for ‘as long as needed’ March 24, 2020 Finance ministers and central bankers from the G7 countries have pledged to expand fiscal and monetary actions for “as long as needed” to restore global economic growth and confidence pummeled by the coronavirus. “We will do whatever is necessary to restore confidence and economic growth and to protect jobs, businesses, and the resilience of the [...]
Public urged to be vigilant amid rise in online coronavirus scams March 24, 2020 Members of the public have been urged to be vigilant due to a rise in online scams related to the coronavirus outbreak. Consumer groups warned that unscrupulous criminals were exploiting fears about the pandemic to prey on unsuspecting victims — particularly older and vulnerable people isolated from family and friends. National Trading Standards reported an [...]
Coronavirus: FTSE 100 rises as Fed buys bonds and UK enters lockdown March 24, 2020 The FTSE 100 rebounded sharply today after the government imposed a UK coronavirus lockdown and the US Federal Reserve announced an unlimited bond-buying spree yesterday. Britain’s blue-chip stock index jumped 4.3 per cent higher in morning trading to climb back above 5,000 points to 5,206. The FTSE 100’s rise made up for the 3.7 per [...]
Bank of England will ‘closely’ monitor credit to economy amid coronavirus crisis March 24, 2020 The Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC) said it will “monitor closely” the credit conditions facing the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, and stands ready to take further actions if needed. In minutes from recent meetings released this morning, the Committee said it “stands ready to take any further actions deemed appropriate to support [...]
UK coronavirus lockdown: Michael Gove warns of tougher punishments March 24, 2020 Michael Gove has criticised Mike Ashley for failing to close Sports Direct stores on the first day of the UK coronavirus lockdown, and warned of tougher punishments for flouting the public order to stay at home. The minister blasted Ashley’s argument that keeping Sports Direct stores open was crucial to help UK households “maintain a [...]