The reputed birthplace of Jesus has been shut over coronavirus fears while Hinduism’s Holi festival is being scaled back and Iran is urging people to avoid using cash in a fresh round of public health measures today. The Nativity Church in Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus was born, will close indefinitely from 4pm today after … Read more
Italy closed all schools and universities and prepared other emergency measures on Wednesday to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Europe’s worst-hit country as the death toll and number of cases jumped. The total number of dead in Italy rose to 107 after 28 people died of the highly contagious virus over … Read more
2020 OLYMPIC GAMES In doubt The scale of the outbreak in Japan saw senior International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound describe the disease as ‘the new war’ threatening Tokyo 2020 and he warned the Games may have to be cancelled if the virus was still around by May. Olympic organisers told athletes to train as normal … Read more
Italy plans a ban on KISSING to stop coronavirus spread The number infected in Italy soared to more than 2,500 today, including 79 dead PM Giuseppe Conte’s government is expected to provide new health rules today The recommendations for all of Italy include not to kiss, hug or shake hands Meanwhile a government source said all … Read more
MEPs blast plans to allow Greta Thunberg to visit Brussels parliament despite BAN on guests to cut coronavirus risks The young activist will still deliver a speech to MEPs in Brussels on Wednesday Conservative MEP Nuno Melo of Portugal was among those to criticise the move Belgian MEP Hilde Vautmans sent a letter to parliament president … Read more
Oxfordshire plans to become the first ‘smoke-free’ county in England as health chiefs plan to stamp out the habit by 2025 Council chief said he hopes nobody will smoke in Oxfordshire in five years’ time Approximately 10% of the county’s population smokes regularly at the moment The Government’s target is for just 5% of the … Read more
Security headache as Meghan Markle plans to leave baby Archie in Canada while she joins Prince Harry in the UK at an extra cost of up to £50,000 Meghan plans to leave Archie in Canada ‘costing £50,000’ for this week alone Canada is withdrawing their cover because of the couple’s ‘change in status’ Experts say … Read more
New Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s March 11 budget plans ‘are thrown into chaos’ by coronavirus – as global stock markets brace for another wipeout week Global crisis last week spooked investors and sent stock markets into free-fall Traders are braced for another bruising week on world’s blue-chip exchanges The Office for Budget Responsibility is expected to … Read more
British Museum defies Downing Street veto as it plans to make pro-EU scholar Mary Beard a trustee Mary Beard, 65, was rejected by Downing Street as a trustee of British Museum It is thought to be because she frequently expresses pro-Remain views online Museum will now bypass the official process and appoint Beard anyway By … Read more
Chancellor Rishi Syunak plans £3billion tax grab in the Budget which will hit start-up businesses New Chancellor Rishi Sunak is planning to target entrepreneurs in the budget Treasury determined to press ahead with plans to abolish entrepreneurs’ relief Resolution Foundation called it ‘UK’s worst tax break’ and called for scrapping By Glen Owen Political Editor For … Read more