Monday morning news briefing: Coronavirus pandemic alert

Danny Boyle
·4 min read
A Venice Carnival participant wears a mask in response to the coronavirus threat - MEGA
A Venice Carnival participant wears a mask in response to the coronavirus threat - MEGA

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Four new coronavirus cases declared in Britain

Experts are warning of an impending coronavirus pandemic. Four new cases have been confirmed in the UK, as parts of Italy go into lockdown after a massive rise in the number of infections. The new British patients were passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship and were in quarantine on The Wirral when they fell ill. It brings the total number of UK cases to 13 and comes as the European threat dramatically increased. Health Correspondent Henry Bodkin explains how 11 towns in northern Italy are in official lockdown amid the hunt for "patient zero". Armani held its Milan Fashion Week show behind closed doors and the Venice Carnival was cancelled. Follow the latest updates in our liveblog.

With an explosion of cases also in Iran and South Korea, some experts have concluded the opportunity for containing coronavirus has passed. Virologists fear it is being spread by carriers who have minimal or no symptoms, making it harder to track. Josh White explains what a pandemic is - and what happens if one is declared. And here is a quick guide to the outbreak sweeping the world - including symptoms.

'Furious' MI5 bosses deny Priti Patel trust claims

The Security Service has been dragged into the internal war between Priti Patel and her top civil servant as officials issued an unprecedented denial that it "did not trust her". Sources were quoted at the weekend claiming MI5 officers have reduced the volume of intelligence they show the Home Secretary because they do not "have confidence in her abilities". Meanwhile, the Civil Service has moved to rein in Boris Johnson's chief aide Dominic Cummings by rewriting human resources rules to ensure ministerial special advisers he oversees are treated "with respect". The Cabinet Office is advertising for a senior policy leader to produce new HR guidelines. Read the advert for the £60,000-a-year job.

Six Nations: Eddie Jones proves doubters wrong

Eddie Jones has enjoyed the last laugh against his selection critics. After ending Ireland's Grand Slam hopes with a 24-12 victory, the England head coach expects his side to go up another gear against Wales. Mick Cleary reports how doubts in the Twickenham air were squashed as England surged up to second in the Guinness Six Nations table. Who impressed and who went missing? Read our player ratings.

News digest

Gallery: The big picture

Opening night | Actress Cate Blanchett attends the UK premiere of True History of the Kelly Gang at the Picturehouse in London. View our picture editor's choice of more of the day's best images.

The film is based on Peter Carey's novel about Ned Kelly - JAMES GILLHAM
The film is based on Peter Carey's novel about Ned Kelly - JAMES GILLHAM

Comment

Editor's choice

  1. Mantel's masterpiece | Allison Pearson on the eagerly awaited literary launch

  2. Plant-based living | Is a vegan diet really as healthy as we think?

  3. Bald truth | Emotional trauma of losing your hair in your twenties

Business and money briefing

Duty of care | Three of Silicon Valley's biggest companies have warned investors that Britain's plan for a new social media regulator could hit profits because of extra fines and compliance costs. The plans, announced last year after a sustained campaign by The Telegraph, would give social media companies a legal duty of care over their users.

Sport briefing

Heavyweight history | Tyson Fury is "almost sure" Deontay Wilder will fight him for a third time despite destroying the champion inside seven rounds to claim the WBC heavyweight title. Las Vegas witnessed one of the great performances in British sport at the weekend with the brutal and commanding display. Read Paul Hayward's verdict.

And finally...

Saviour's face? | An unusual, protein-packed fish could hold the key to saving the planet, according to scientists at the University of California. The vegetarian fish - known as the monkeyface prickleback - has been described as "the new white meat" and could help feed the world. See what it looks like here.