The Papers: UK warns against coronavirus \'mass panic\'

Newspaper headlines: UK warns against coronavirus 'mass panic'

By BBC News Staff
The Guardian
Image caption The ongoing spread of the coronavirus leads most of the UK front pages for the second day in a row. The Guardian says Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned against "mass panic", but acknowledged that the government does expect more cases in the UK. It comes as the virus continues to spread across Europe, following a growing outbreak in Italy. The newspaper also carries an image of dramatic water levels in Shropshire amid severe floods in the area.
The Daily Telegraph
Image caption The Daily Telegraph says employers are being told not to close offices and schools are being asked to stay open - as the government attempts to quell "over-reaction" to the spread of the coronavirus. The paper also claims that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will go back on agreements made in the political declaration - part of the Brexit deal - as he sets out his red lines on Thursday for a trade agreement with the EU.
Daily Mail
Image caption The Daily Mail says that the NHS is braced for "virus mayhem". The paper reports patients with suspected coronavirus will be tested in their own homes to mitigate the risk of infection. It adds that more staff are being recruited to the NHS 111 telephone helpline, which is the first point of information for those with symptoms, and that a public awareness campaign will be launched next week.
The i newspaper
Image caption The i newspaper reports that the new coronavirus strain, which causes Covid-19, is now growing faster outside China where it originated. Every continent apart from Antarctica has now been affected, the paper says.
The Financial Times
Image caption The Financial Times says this week's sell-off across global stock markets has become "one of the most significant retreats since the 2008-09 financial crisis". Investors are selling riskier assets amid fears that the impact of the coronavirus will be more widespread than first thought, according to the paper.
Metro
Image caption Meanwhile, the Metro focuses on reports that Prince George and Princess Charlotte's school in west London is among several to have sent pupils home or closed due to concerns about the virus.
Daily Express
Image caption The Daily Express also splashes with the young royals. Schools began sending pupils home earlier this week after they returned from skiing trips in northern Italy over half-term. Italy has in recent days become Europe's worst-affected country.
The Times
Image caption The Times has further details of a new public information campaign over the virus. Everyone in Britain will be told that they have a duty to wash their hands and use tissues when they sneeze, according to the paper. The paper leads with a report that universities could withhold offers until after A-level results are released, as part of reforms to the admissions system.
Daily Mirror
Image caption The Daily Mirror prints an image of the prime minister at a fundraising ball for Conservative Party supporters. It calls Boris Johnson the "silent leader" and says he found time "to lord it" at the ball while the UK faces flooding and the spread of coronavirus. A Tory Party spokesperson told the paper "fundraising is a legitimate part of the democratic process".
Daily Star
Image caption And finally, "Lizard People Live Among Us", the Daily Star declares, alongside a picture of reality TV star Gemma Collins with a lizard's tail. Ms Collins said "lizard people" roam the Earth, according to the paper.

The global spread of coronavirus dominates the front pages.

Ministerial warnings against "mass panic" over coronavirus are relayed on the front of the Guardian and Daily Telegraph.

But the Guardian also highlights fears that the outbreak could reach the same scale as Italy within 72 hours.

There's little reassurance in the Daily Mirror headline "Killer virus: Fear hard-pressed NHS won't cope". The Daily Mail also suggests the health service is bracing for "virus mayhem".

The i stresses that Covid-19 has now reached every continent, bar Antarctica.

Image copyright Getty Images
Image caption The outbreak of the coronavirus is spreading across Europe, with Italy the worst affected

In its editorial, the Times accuses the World Health Organization (WHO) of being "frighteningly complacent," insisting there's no excuse for not declaring a pandemic.

The Financial Times suggests the WHO should learn from the International Monetary Fund to improve its response.

The paper recommends offering a financial advantage to countries which share accurate data on cases quickly.

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The Daily Telegraph is among several papers to picture a timbered house engulfed by the floods at Ironbridge in Shropshire.

It also reports that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is planning to tear up part of the ground rules set out in the political declaration during the Brexit trade talks.

The paper indicates he may go back on previous agreements in areas such as Northern Ireland, fishing and state aid.

Meanwhile the Daily Mirror devotes its front page to the PM's absence from any flood-hit areas - under the headline "Get a Grip... You Drip".

The Mirror's editorial insists that Mr Johnson has time to attend a Tory fundraiser, but "cannot be bothered to look for his wellies".

Image copyright Getty Images
Image caption Homes are surrounded by flood water in parts of the UK

The Daily Mail reveals that a donor successfully bid £60,000 for a game of tennis with Mr Johnson at the fundraising event. Its Pugh cartoon shows a man commenting on the match: "I hope it's not in Shropshire or Worcestershire, Boris will never turn up."

There's a suggestion in the Times that if a court ruling goes against the expansion of Heathrow Airport then the prime minister is not likely to sanction an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Whitehall sources have told the Times that Mr Johnson has already been considering alternative plans to the third runway.

Heathrow's chief executive warns on the front of the Telegraph and in the Sun that blocking the plan could ensure that Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris takes over as the UK's hub.

The Times reports that growing numbers of vice-chancellors are backing a plan that would result in sixth form pupils receiving university offers after their A-level results.

The newspaper welcomes the proposal, saying it would discourage students with unconditional offers from slacking off, and help those who do better than expected.

The Telegraph suggests the review by the university watchdog could also lead to the scrapping of personal statements. The paper says this would help disadvantaged students.

And a Hollywood director has revealed how a mobile phone may help reveal the villain of a film. Rian Johnson tells the Times and the Guardian that the bad guys will never be holding an iPhone.

Apple apparently insists that its products be shown only "in the best light."

The Guardian explains that this isn't unusual - and that Danny Boyle had to paint out the Coca-Cola bottles he'd used in Slumdog Millionaire, at the company's request.