General News
IATA says red tape delaying Covid-19 medical cargo flights
Governments were endangering lives by holding up cargo planes delivering life-saving medical supplies to combat the coronavirus pandemic with “cumbersome and bureaucratic processes”, the air industry's trade body said on Wednesday.
Covid-19 home tests available soon, government scientist says
Home tests for Covid-19 are likely to be available in the UK next week, a government scientist told MPs.
Inovio and Ology to work on Covid-19 vaccine
Inovio Pharmaceuticals said it would work with Ology Bioservices on a DNA vaccine for Covid-19 after Ology was awarded an $11. 9m contract from the US Department of Defense (DoD).
UK heads for deep recession as business activity slumps
The coronavirus caused a record slump in UK business activity even before the government imposed extraordinary measures to curb the spread of the disease, a closely watched survey showed.
Sports Direct scraps plan to stay open
Sports Direct has scrapped a plan to stay open in defiance of the government's lockdown less than 12 hours after stating its stores were essential for people to stay fit.
Government may force shops to close - reports
The UK is considering closing down non-essential retailers to reduce the spread of Covid-19, according to reports.
Sunak faces pressure to support workers' pay
The government faced mounting pressure on Thursday to pay people unable to work because of the coronavirus crisis.
Downing Street denies London lockdown plans
Downing Street has sought to quash expectations of a severe lockdown on London after reports suggested restrictions could be placed on civil liberties in the city from Friday.
Covid-19 testing increasing to 25,000 per day, PM says
Testing for Covid-19 coronavirus will be increased to 25,000 per day in the UK, with frontline NHS staff being a top priority, the Prime Minister said on Wednesday.
Airports to shut 'within weeks' without help, trade group says
UK airports will shut down within weeks with knock-on effects for the wider economy if the government does not provide emergency support, the sector's trade association warned.
Wetherspoon's Tim Martin attacks coronavirus 'lockdown'
JD Wetherspoon Chairman Tim Martin has criticised the government's measures to limit the spread of coronavirus after the tougher guidance hit his company's share price.
Carnival suspends Princess Cruises for two months
Carnival said its Princess Cruises business would withdraw its 18 ships from operation for two months in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
UK expected to impose stricter coronavirus measures
The UK government is preparing to move to a new phase of its coronavirus action plan, paving the way for school closures, restrictions on big events and enforcing home working, according to reports.
WH Smith warns coronavirus will cut profit by up to £40m
WH Smith warned that the coronavirus outbreak would reduce annual profit by up to £40m as the outbreak took its toll on the company's airport outlets.
Harvey Weinstein jailed for 23 years in rape case
Former Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 23 years in jail for rape and sexual assault.
Coronavirus causes sharp drop in Heathrow passengers
Heathrow warned of further declines in passenger numbers after the coronavirus outbreak caused the volume of travellers using Europe's biggest airport to drop by almost 5% in February.
Flybe collapses putting jobs and air routes at risk
Flybe collapsed into administration as the UK regional airline blamed a coronavirus-induced slump in passenger demand for exacerbating existing pressures on its finances.
Global passenger demand growth slows as coronavirus hits airlines
The International Air Transport Association said on Wednesday that global passenger traffic data for January 2020 showed that demand had climbed just 2. 4% year-on-year - the slowest pace recorded in almost a decade.