Wednesday evening news briefing: Killer virus 'could reach the UK' warn experts

Chris Price
Thai medical staff transfering a patient thought to have the virus - REX
Thai medical staff transfering a patient thought to have the virus - REX

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Deadly virus 'could reach Britain' as death toll rises

The deadly coronavirus outbreak in China could reach Britain because borders are too 'porous' to keep the infection out, experts have said. At a briefing in central London, virologists warned that some 4,000 people were probably now infected in the city of Wuhan, but said it could be as many as 9,700. There have been 460 confirmed cases so far, and nine deaths, putting the fatality rate on par with the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic, which wiped out 50 million people globally. And one expert said he could not rule out that the virus is already in the UK. Today, the Department of Health announced all direct flights from Wuhan to Britain will be met by Port Health teams to check for symptoms of coronavirus.

So what are the symptoms and how does the virus spread? Sarah Newey explains everything you need to know. Anne Gulland examines the mystery new disease which has put scientists on high alert and outlines which countries have been affected so far across the globe.

Death of a TV legend: Monty Python's Terry Jones dies

Monty Python star Terry Jones has died at the age of 77, his agent has said. Jones made his mark behind as well as in front of the camera, directing some of the comedy troupe's most-loved works. On-screen, the comedy genius had audiences in stitches in a variety of characters, often appearing in drag. But he also directed Life Of Brian, a film which sparked outrage after its 1979 release but is now an undisputed comedy classic. Take a look back at some of his finest work in this roundup of Monty Python's 10 funniest sketches. And when you have 10 minutes, grab a cup of tea and devour his must-read Telegraph obituary.

Meghan turns to Instagram to release images of visit

The Duchess of Sussex has released photos of a visit to an animal shelter following complaints over paparazzi conduct. A post on the Sussex Royal Instagram page revealed the Duchess met staff and animals at Mayhew, in Kensal Green, north London, when she was in the UK. The post showed the Duchess at the centre, and stroking a dog with a collar. The photos were released after the Duke and Duchess issued a legal warning over paparazzi photographs this week of Meghan and Archie in Canada.

News digest

Video: Trump's rant on impeachment trial in Davos

President Donald Trump used a press conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos to take aim at his impeachment trial behind held in Washington. Click here and scroll down to watch his rant at the event, where Prince Charles has met the climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Comment

World news: The one story you must read today...

LGBT soldier row | A transgender South Korean soldier who enlisted as a man and underwent gender reassignment last year pleaded tearfully to be allowed to stay in uniform today after the military decided to discharge her. The country remains deeply conservative about matters of gender identity and is less tolerant of LGBT rights than some other parts of Asia. Read on for details of the military panel's ruling.

Editor's choice

  1. Forgotten England | 10 villages you'd never thought to visit

  2. Moral Money | 'My wife doesn't use her gym membership. Can I cancel it?'

  3. How to train like a paratrooper | It all starts with a good night's sleep

Business and money briefing

'Discriminatory' tech tax | Chancellor Sajid Javid came under sustained pressure from all sides at Davos over the Government's proposed digital services tax, which is set to be introduced in April. Read how he responded in a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum.

Sport briefing

The night Mikel Arteta came of age | The strains of management were etched across Mikel Arteta's face even before his side clinched a last gasp draw against Chelsea. Sam Dean analyses how the Arsenal manager got the big calls right and learned as much about himself as his team.

Tonight's TV

White House Farm, ITV, 9pm | The true-crime drama on the 1985 murders of June and Nevill Bamber, their daughter Sheila and her sons reaches its halfway point. Read on for more.

And finally...

Grey wolf spotted | It has not been seen there in nearly a century. But now the grey wolf has been sighted near the border between Charente and Dordogne in southwestern France after being filmed by a local woman. Click here for details and to see the predator.

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