this is bbc world news. i'm simon pusey. our top stories: empty streets from new york to california, but president trump says he doesn't expect to impose a national lockdown in the us. a new way of life in the uk, as borisjohnson orders pubs and restaurants to close to try to prevent the spread of the disease. after several days with no domestic infections in china, people are finally starting to make their way outdoors. why visitors to one of australia's most famous tourist spots are defying the call to practice social distancing. #we # we will meet again... britain's most famous wartime singer shares a message for the world as she self

isolates on her 103rd birthday. more us states are ordering everyone but essential workers to stay at home, to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. illinois, connecticut and new york made the announcements on friday. nada tawfik reports. from california to new york, an eerie emptiness across america's normally bustling urban centres. in the age of social distancing, people are avoiding hotspots in hollywood and the big apple. after a week of tightening controls, officials announced even more measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus. in the golden state, a stay—at—home order went into effect on friday for all a0 million residents. people were told they could live their homes only for essential business. having gone through several catastrophic situations in past

years just gives us more strength. we had earthquakes, we had two fires. we are used to dealing with situations over which we have no control. new york also took drastic measures, as cases topped 7,000. governor cuomo said the state was on pause, ordering all non—essential businesses to keep their workers home from sunday and warning it would be enforced. this is not voluntary, it is not helpful hints. we are going to monitor it. there will be civil fines and there can be mandatory closures for businesses that do not comply. i am not kidding about this. the numbers are going up at such a rate that, as i said, it has more than doubled the capacity of the hospital system. the changes are rapidly impacting people's daily lives, leaving many to question what might be next. president trump, flanked by his coronavirus task force, said a national lockdown would not be necessary.

i don't think so. essentially, you have done that in california, you've done that in new york — those are really two hot beds, probably the two hottest of them all in terms of hotspots. i do not think so. you go out to the midwest, you go out to other locations, and they are watching it on television but they do not have the same problems, by any means the same problems. he did, however, announce that the united states was closing its borders to all but essential travel from saturday, after agreement with mexico and previously canada. with increased tension on officials‘ handling of the pandemic, two republican senators have faced calls to resign. it's alleged they deliberately sold a large amount of stock before concerns over the coronavirus sent the stock market plummeting. senator richard burr of north carolina received private briefings on the outbreak as the senate intelligence committee chair. in a statement, he said he relied solely on public news reports to guide his decision and asked the senate ethics committee to review

the stock transactions. georgia's republican senator kelly loeffler, who is married to the new york stock exchange chairman, said advisers handled her transactions. as the us enters a new stage in the fight against the virus, nature's wonders have provided a much—needed distraction. in the nation's capital, people ventured outside to see washington dc‘s famous cherry blossoms in peak bloom. a safe outing, just as long as they keep their distance. 0ur north america correspondent peter bowes is in los angeles. i asked him what were the main issues facing people there. the fact that people are being told to stay—at—home. this is a state of a0 million people and they are being asked to stay indoors except unless they need to go to the grocery store or to go to the grocery store or to purchase petrol or to seek emergency medical treatment or,

indeed, if they work for the emergency services. but the vast majority of people simply must stay—at—home and they are unable to go to work. for many people that is the number one issue, that they are unable to make money. a lot of buyers will be on what happens in washington as senators there negotiate a $1 trillion stimulus package and part of that package is to give americans, working americans perhaps up to $1200 to help them get through the next few weeks. do people in los angeles and california think enough is being done by president trump and the white house to address these issues? there are mixed feelings on that. 0ver these issues? there are mixed feelings on that. over the last few weeks there has been a lot of negative reaction to what the white house and the trump administration has been doing in terms of getting the coronavirus testing kit out to the places that need them. and there is still a huge amount of short supply of testing kits

and people, sometimes, they are confused as to exactly who should be tested as to whether if you have symptoms you need a test, authorities and doctors say you do not but clearly people are still very concerned on that issue and that there is is not enough in terms of supplies, also for respirators and masks, they are two of the big issues. the british government has announced unprecedented measures to tackle the economic impact of the coronavirus. the state would pay 80% of the wages of all those not able to work for the next three months. the uk prime minister, borisjohnson, said theatres, gyms, restaurants and pubs must close. here's our political correspondent alex forsyth. this will be a familiar sight across the country from tomorrow. restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, all shut down. no longer by choice, now by command. the impact enormous for business, having to cope with the doors closed, and for workers, who'll have nowhere to go. the prime minister said these were the next necessary steps

to try and slow the spread of this virus. we are collectively telling — telling — cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants, to close tonight, as soon as they reasonably can, and not to open tomorrow. though, to be clear, they can continue to provide take—out services. we're also telling night clubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres to close on the same timescale. a serious moment matched by a significant intervention from the chancellor. a package worth billions, not just for employers, but those losing work and wages too. we're paying people's wages, up to 80%, so someone can be furloughed rather than laid off to protect theirjobs. we're deferring over £30 billion of taxes until the end of the financial year. we're lending unlimited sums of money interest—free

for 12 months. we're abolishing business rates altogether this year if you're in hospitality, retail and leisure. we're providing cash grants of £25,000 for small business properties. these closures come with a price. how long, if you can, do you see these measures lasting, and how do you plan to enforce them? i think everybody can see the imperative of doing what is necessary, of protecting our nhs and saving lives. as the signs go up and shutters come down, many will be working out what the help on offer means for them, whether it's enough. claire's just taken on a five—year lease of this pub in norwich. we'd like to believe that we'll come through the other side of this. we really, really, really do. and i'm going to be honest, i'm struggling to hold it together at the moment. and it's not going tojust be me, it's going to be all of us. the government is putting

in place significant measures to try and counter the impact of this virus in just days and weeks, policies that would usually take months if not years to implement, and all with the knowledge the decisions it takes now will have crucial consequences for all of us as the way we live our lives profoundly changes. this is a state intervention on a new level. some want more from the chancellor. i'd like him to increase the level of statutory sick pgy- i'd like him to make sure that employers pay their way in making sure people get their wages. and i'd like to see that he improves benefits for those people who are unemployed and carers, and those with disabilities. in scotland, an acknowledgement people will have to make sacrifices. doing everything we can to slow down the spread of this virus now means that we will save lives and we will protect our nhs. we cannotjust carry on as normal. life right now is not normal.

it will certainly feel very different very soon. now the struggle to manage this virus has reached a whole new level. alex forsyth, bbc news, westminster. there's been another sharp increase in the number of deaths in italy. 627 people have died from the virus. further restrictions have been imposed on the population, with some of the country's regions banning walks in the park, jogging and bike rides. one of australia's most famous tourist spots, bondi beach in sydney, has been closed because of the risk from covid—19. non—essential outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people have been banned. the decision by the new south wales government followed concerns that visitors to the beach weren't practicing social distancing as tanya dendrinos reports. as the world goes into lockdown, global icons normally teeming resemble ghost towns. but in australia, despite a raft of new measures announced by the government, bondi beach was anything but a symbol of social distancing.

well, it's definitely not ideal. it is a worry with so many people all together and i do think the whole world is probably looking at us right now, thinking what a massive mistake that we're making. a crisis bubbling away, beach—goers not quite blissfully unaware but still not missing the opportunity to soak up the autumn sun. i think people are taking advantage of the hot weather while they can and a lot of people have been stuck indoors so they probably think "oh, you know, i'll take my chance and go for a swim." but at the same time, ijust think, well, here we are, supposed to be excluding ourselves from big crowds, it's sort of — doesn't make sense. back home in canada, there are about 30 people skating on a lake and everyone was up in arms about how, you know, they weren't being conscious and weren't being aware of what they were doing. and if you look at what we've got going on here, you know, it's just a bunch of people hanging out at a beach,

really close proximity, and we just need to be more conscious and aware of what we're doing. the new south wales government closed the famous stretch of sand saying others would follow if rules continue to be flouted. on friday, the world health organization made an impassioned plea to young people, issuing a stern reminder which seems to have been lost on many. you are not invincible. this virus could put you in hospitalfor weeks or even kill you. even if you don't get sick, the choices you make about where you go could be the difference between life and death for someone else. the message is simple — the key to defeating covid—19 is solidarity. not just among nations, but also generations. tanya dendrinos, bbc news. stay with us on bbc world news, still to come: the main event

in the netherlands may have been cancelled, but plans are afoot to host an ‘alternative' eurovision song contest — we'll be finding out more.. today, we have closed the book on apartheid and that chapter. more than 3,000 subway passengers were affected. nausea, bleeding, headaches and a dimming of vision — all of this caused by an apparently organised attack. the trophy itself was on the pedestal in the middle of the cabinet here. now, this was an international trophy, and we understand now that the search for it has become an international search.

above all, this was a triumph for the christian democrats of the west, offering reunification as quickly as possible, and that's what the voters wanted. this is bbc news, the latest headlines: with empty streets from new york to california — president trump says he doesn't expect to impose a national lockdown in the us. in the uk, the government has announced unprecedented measures to tackle the economic impact of the coronavirus — as the prime minister says restaurants and pubs must close. after several days with no home—grown infections, according to china's official figures, there is a feeling there that the coronavirus emergency appears to be under control. people in beijing are finally heading outdoors, as china correspondent stephen mcdonell reports.

countries around the world are going through a coronavirus emergency but in china, people have been living it for months. now with the weather turning good and feeling the situation is pretty much under control, more and more of them are busting out of their houses.

when you talk to people here, one thing that strikes you is that many of them, despite the early bungles, despite the early cover—ups, there seems to be a belief that once the national government got involved, that the authorities would find a way through this crisis.

stephen mcdonald reporting there. let's get some of the other coronavirus news from around the world: in switzerland, everyone has been told to stay off the streets, with experts suggesting that the outbreak is just four days behind the devastating situation in italy.

the governmnent has banned groups of five or more, but they are yet to impose a full lockdown. there have been a,8a0 cases of the virus there and a3 deaths. in nigeria officials are asking people not to take an anti—malaria drug in an attempt to fight the virus after hospitals in lagos said they were treating people with complications caused by overdoses. nigeria's health minister says there is no proof that the drug is effective against covid—19. indonesia says a state of emergency will come into force in the capital, jakarta, from monday. bars, cinemas and businesses will be forced to shut down. the government has also stressed that people across the country should avoid all religious gatherings — after large crowds were seen gathering at mosques. as we heard — a swathe of public places across the uk are being told to close — in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. danny savage reports from harrogate in yorkshire. as the prime minister announced that all pubs, bars and restaurants should closed, people were surprised

at that the immediacy of the order. "can i finish my pint?" that's what i said. i thought you were kicking us out. drink up and go home was the gist of the announcement. it's the sensible thing to do, having them shut down and after this you will see it from today, people, the public not being outside as much. pretty annoyed. on your birthday. on my birthday as well. mental, crazy. you don't really believe it's happening. obviously, it needs to happen. yeah, it will affect many people's — just general routine as well. so yeah, quite shocking. the bar manager here now has to shut up shop but was putting on a brave face. we've kind of modelled our business plan around sort of a three month to six month closure, should that be the case, and we think we can get through it with the help of the government and the loans. harrogate was a town of disparities. some restaurants and bars had closed down before today. now, it's a blanket order.

on a friday night bars and restaurants should be busy and crowded, but look at the street here. it's virtually deserted. friday the 20th of march, 2020, will be remembered as the night that part of our culture, part of our lifestyle, abruptly stopped. and for how long? at the local theatre they reckon at least until the start of may. a few stragglers were making use of last orders, some pubs were virtually giving away beer tonight. shutting them is just another sign of how serious the government is about wanting us to stay in, not giving us an excuse to go out. danny savage, bbc news, harrogate. the organisers of the eurovision song contest are exploring the idea of staging an alternative show after cancelling this year's event because of coronavirus.

we no—one thing, that it won't bea we no—one thing, that it won't be a competition. normally fierce competition between the countries that enter. the european broadcasting union that hosts this and puts on the eurovision song contest has given very little detail apart from that. they say they say they want to honour the songs and artists who have already put their acts together and performances and songs ready. we will potentially see a special programme that brings together all the music video memory put together and putting it out on social media too. what he think there has been a change of course? 0bviously there's been an uproar and lots of people love eurovision, what do you think happened? is a sta ple do you think happened? is a staple of european life. it has been going on since 1956, 6a yea rs, been going on since 1956, 6a years, people travel the world and follow the song contest from a around the world and city to city throughout the yea rs. we city to city throughout the years. we can social media, a lot of people were saying they wa nted lot of people were saying they wanted that dose of happiness and escapism and fun, especially considering the current climate of the coronavirus crisis. some people we re coronavirus crisis. some people were pleased to see the back of

it but that overwhelming reaction of asking for something to be put on lens to the ebu to put something on in some for more shape. looking at some for more shape. looking at some vision now of people being excited when they win. why do people get so worked up about it? it is valiantly bonkers. a1 countries from around europe of australia sneaking in as well. rounds of musical eliminations before this huge televised final watched by hundreds of millions of people around the globe. it is glitzy, poppy, full of power balance. we can get quite political because the varying countries then vote on each other‘s act. but at its heart, it is fun, great fun and people really do buy into it. countries buy into it. there are eurovision parties and people at home watch what is going on. in it the live arena and the live event so it's just and the live event so it's just a good fun night and people don't want to lose that, both the audience and the organisers. british wartime singer — dame vera lynn — has shared a message for the world

on her 103rd birthday. she says — keep smiling and keep singing — while social distancing and in self—isolation — because it will help pass the dark times. freya cole reports. # we'll meet again. # don't know where, don't know when... 103 years old, dame vera lynn's spirit is as strong as ever. # some sunny day... she's released a new video showing archive footage of her performing her signature tune. it's been more than 80 years since it was first released, but the lyrics are as poignant as ever. # always do... # till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away. known as the force's sweetheart, dame vera lynn entertained british troops during world war ii with songs that captured the hearts and lifted spirits. during some of the world's darkest days, she travelled as far afield as egypt and myanmar to boost morale on the front line.

along with a new video, the singer released a statement, saying: # but i know we'll meet... at the very end of her birthday video, the 103—year—old recorded a short message for everyone who is social distancing or in self—isolation. keep smiling, and keep singing. freya cole, bbc news. millions of people in the us and around the world have been told to stay at home, practice social distancing or self—isolate to stop the virus from spreading and infecting more vulnerable groups. and on social media the actor kevin bacon posted a twitter message to his fans urging people to stay at home — under the hashtag "i stay at home" for a loved.

david beckham, eltonjohn, miley cyrus , mariah carey and many other stars have joined the campaign as each star nominated another to show their support. as always, there's plenty more information and advice on our website about the coronavirus, including this article on how you can keep up a healthy outdoor exercise. you can find that piece, as well all the latest coronavirus developments at bbc.com/news or the bbc news app. and will have much more information on the coronavirus and everything going on in america and new york where the latest states in the us have been told to stay at home, workers stay at home in washington. 0ne workers stay at home in washington. one of the vice president's staff, mike pence, has tested positive for the disease. the uk government has announced unprecedented measures to tackle the economic impact of the coronavirus. do

stay tuned with us right here on bbc news. hello there. there was a little bit more in the way of sunshine to go around on friday and it really turned out to be quite a glorious day across many areas. this was the scene in cockermouth in cumbria. thanks to trevor for sending that beautiful weather watch picture in. you can see the extent of the sunshine we had. but further south, we had this weather front with us again and it continued to bring some dull and damp weather in across the very far south of england. even into the early afternoon, we had a little bit of light rain reported in hastings, in east sussex. now, overnight tonight, many of us will have dry conditions. the breeze keeping the frost at bay across many south—eastern areas but the further north you go with those lighter winds, we'll see temperatures dip well below freezing. that said, there are just a few showers dotted around as well across the hills of southern england, the hills of north—east england too, but for most of us,

it is a dry—looking picture. now, for the weekend, this area of high pressure, this area of low pressure not really changing very much. they're just shuffling position a little bit more, and that means the winds are going to switch from an easterly to more of a south—easterly direction. but that is still a cold wind that will be blowing and making it feel pretty chilly out and about, particularly in the morning. now, there will be some patchy cloud around as well. cloudy to start the day across western areas, but it's quite high cloud — probably quite a nice sunrise for some of you. but it's the winds that make it feel cold and those winds will be at their strongest across the hills and western coasts of wales and across the moors and coasts of south—west england. gusts of a0, perhaps even 50 mph in one or two areas, that will make it feel quite chilly, certainly knocking the edge off the temperatures. and i suspect we will have some areas of cloud in the north sea affecting eastern areas of scotland in particular. we might have some of that both morning and afternoon. so it won't be nice gin clear and sunny everywhere. now, on into the night—time, saturday night. again, we could see some patches of cloud coming in from the north sea but where the winds do manage to drop out, we could well see

a slightly more widespread frost. so a colder start to the day on sunday but then that said, the winds will be blowing a little bit less strongly on sunday, so it probably won't feel quite as chilly. and there will still be quite a lot of dry weather still a lot of sunshine to go around. perhaps some slightly thicker cloud just edging into the scottish highlands, just threatening an odd light shower, but for most of us, it's another fine—looking day. and temperatures as you were, really — highs between eight and 12 degrees. a little bit cool with the onshore winds around the eastern coasts of scotland and england. into next week, our area of high pressure still holding on, but we see this weather front starting to slip in across the far north—west. so monday looks like being another dry day with sunshine. then we will start to see some rain approach the far north—west as we go from tuesday and wednesday. that is your latest weather. bye for now.

this is bbc news, the headlines: the us is closing its borders to all but essential travel from saturday. the move has been agreed with canada and mexico as part of efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus. elsewhere, stock markets in new york have closed down sharply, ending their worst week in more than a decade. in the uk, the government has announced unprecedented measures to tackle the economic impact of the coronavirus, with the state paying 80% of the wages of all those not able to work for the next three months. the prime minister has announced that restaurants and pubs must close. italian authorities have announced that the country's death toll from the virus has jumped by 627 in a single day. they're reported to be about to close public parks and limit the areas in which people can take exercise. you can get more information on the bbc website.