BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING
In today’s briefing update, The headlines are – The UK government will hold daily televised press conferences to update the British public on the Covid-19 pandemic.
The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates to near zero in another move to help shore up the US economy during the coronavirus outbreak. In LA & NY restaurants, bars and cinemas are all set to be closed.
Germany will reintroduce border controls with five countries due to the spreading of the virus, it will go into effect Monday morning.
Iran has reported 113 new virus deaths as concerns about containment mount. The official leading Iran’s Covid-19 response acknowledged health facilities could be overwhelmed.
Entertainment, comedian Jason Mansford has refused to pull out of his musical tour despite coronavirus.
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Downing Street to give a daily update on the fight against the outbreak
BBC News reports there will be daily televised press conferences held by the government to update the public on the coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday, Boris Johnson or a senior minister will address the media to ensure people are informed on how to protect themselves.
No 10 has been heavily criticised for an apparent lack of transparency over its plans to stem the spread of the virus.
A total of 35 people have died in the UK after contracting Covid-19.
Yesterday it was revealed that every Briton over the age of 70 will be told “within the coming weeks” to stay at home for an extended period to protect themselves.
Read the full story on BBC News
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US Federal Reserve cut rates, and LA and NY close restaurants
France24 says with panic-buyers on Main street and fear-driven-sell-offs on Wall Street, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates to near-zero on Sunday in another emergency move to help shore up the US economy amid the rapidly escalating coronavirus pandemic. 
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday said he was ordering all restaurants, bars and cafes to only sell food on a take-out or delivery basis. And all nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and concert venues would be ordered to close.
“This is not a decision I make lightly,” the mayor said in a written statement. “These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality.
Read the full story on France24
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Germany to reintroduce border controls with five countries
Arab News says Germany will reintroduce border controls with France, Austria, Switzerland, Luxemburg and Denmark from Monday morning due to the coronavirus crisis, interior minister Horst Seehofer said Sunday.
“The spread of the coronavirus is progressing quickly and aggressively… one of the most important measures will be to cut off the chain of infection,” Seehofer told reporters as he announced the new border controls.
The measures will take effect at 8.00 am (0700 GMT) Monday, with goods and cross-border commuters exempt.
German citizens and people with a residency permit will be allowed to return to the country.
Read the full story on Arab News
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Iran reports 113 new virus deaths as containment concerns mount
Aljazeera News says the official leading Iran’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak acknowledged on Sunday the pandemic could overwhelm health facilities in the country. Iran is battling the worst outbreak in the Middle East while under heavy US sanctions.
Iran’s health ministry reported another 113 deaths, bringing the country’s total death toll to 724 with nearly 14,000 confirmed cases. It was the biggest single-day jump in facilities since the virus was first reported in the country.
Iran’s outbreak has caused growing alarm with concerns about the government’s transparency in reporting the extent of the epidemic and its ability to contain it.
“If the trend continues, there will not be enough capacity,” Ali Reza Zali, who is leading the campaign against the outbreak, was quoted as saying by the state-run IRNA news agency.
Read the full story on Aljazeera News
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Coronavirus: Jason Mansford refuses to pull out of touring musical
Sky News says Jason Mansford is refusing to pull out of touring his musical show, explaining that “a lot of people” are financially dependent on it continuing despite the virus outbreak.
The comedian responded to criticism on Twitter as the number of people who have died from Covid-19 in the UK continues to rise.
Thirty-five have now died, with 1,372 confirmed infections across the country.
Mansford said he had been receiving “the odd, shall we say ‘forceful’ message” about cancelling the tour of Curtains: The Musical, a comedy whodunnit.
Read the full story on Sky News
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