berlin. tonight, in italy, fears of unrest a are growing as the coronavirus threatens to bring the economy to its knees. armed police are deployed outside supermarkets in southern italy as people run out of food and money. local leaders say lockdown restrictions cannot go on forever. also coming up, scientists at the french german border are

turning that into an open air coronavirus lalab. they are trying to figurure out how coronavirus spreads and how it can be contained. afghghanistan is stepping up efforts to contain covid-19 but it faces extra challenges from people who are returning home from iran. up, the coronavirus bring some good news for pets around the world. with millions of owners stuck at home amid the pandemic, millions of our four-legged friends are getting some quality quarantine time. many shelters are seeing a surge and adoptions amid lonely lockdowns. i am brent goff. welcome. we begin on april 1 in a new month with new worries about the coronavirus pandemic.

governments around the world are scrambling to find ways to stop the virus. that includes restrictions on people's movements. italy is in its fourth week of nationwide lockdown. while this appears to be helping in the fight against coronavirus, it is also hitting the country's economy hard. people are losing their jobs and their earnings and fears are mounting that frustration and desperation could soon bececome sosomething much worse. >> italy streets are empty. like they have been for the past three weeks. police are on patrol to ensure citizens only leave their homes when strictly necessary. the lockdown has altered daily life in italy and brought the country's economy to a halt. all nonessential businesses have had to shut down. many people have lost their jobs or have seen their salaries cut.

some are now unable to afford even the basics. authorities and individual citizens have stepped in, handing out meals to those in need. these initiatives are hardly enough. the risk of social unrest in italy is growing. the mayor of naples has warned that the lockdown can continue indefifinitely.. >> we will soon need something toto -- close to normal economic activityty. not only will we havave thousans of coronavirus deathths but millions will be unplayed. -- unemployed. organized crime will step in and they will spend the money faster than the government. >> i in sicily, police a are papatrolling supupermarkets afar shoppers had refused to pay. italy is not the only nation where the lockdown is hitting the hardest. it could be an example of what is to come in other countries

paralyzed by the coronavirus crisis. >> i am joined from rome by our correspondent. how serious are fears that the longer the lockdown goes on, the more it could foster crime and socicial unrest? >> i think the fear off the virs is alslso turning to a fear of people not h hing enoughgh food and with that can lead to. particularly in the south of italy. this area is more poor and it has a higher employment rate. itit has the presence of organid crime gangs that are ready t to take advantage of desperate people. we have seen that the factories are closed because of the lockdown. you have businesses failing or suffering. ordinary people may y not be abe to get their salaries at all. even if you have undeclared illegal work, that may have run

out. you may not even hahave access o the benefits available for others. we have seen s supermarkets whee people are trying to r run in ad gett the food for free and t t police h have to come in anand trol thehere. you have a also seen reports a t people begging for loans in banks because they simply cannot make ends meet.. in such a situation, that iss where the ororganized crime gros can get in. they will have the liquidity in order to give these unreasonanae loans to p people or give moneyn exchangege for recruitmentnt ino their organized crcrime gangs. ththe government has said ththee providing some money to the town coununcils to give out food voucuchers to those who are desperately in need. officials in the south say this may not be enough. >> italy has always been a story of two different worlds, the north and south divide. how is this crisis playing out

differently across the north and the south? >> asidede from these economic differences affecting the entire country, in terms of the crisis of this coronavirus emergency, even the head of the civil protection services in italy says the emergency is up north but the risk is still high in the south. we h have already seen clusters forming in the south and numbers of infections arising in sicici. officials say they are desperately in need of protective gear to ensure this infection rate does not increase even further and create a further emergency down south. brent: thank you. here is a look at some other developments in the pandemic. the world health organization has voiced deep concern about

the rapid escalation and global spread of covid-19. there are not 205 countries affected and more than 900,000 cases around the world. spain has reported a new daily death toll. a total of more than 9000 cases. germany is extending its current restrictions on public life to limit the spread of coronavirus by two weeks until april 19. a group of scientists have announced a new study into the coronavirus. they are hoping that a hard-hit region on the french german border can help shed lightt on how w the infection n spreads. >> this is germany possible on. this is the german epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak. now it is about to be turned into an open air laborde torrey. -- lababoratory.

it has reached the point where we can now see new infections declining. for the first time, we can ask the question about how high the ratio of those really are who are sick without ever being diagnosed. doctors are teaming up with posters to analyze a group of 1000 people in this small community. following carnival celebrations in february, the town saw a sudden surge of coronavirus infections. those responsible hope the mistakes made back then may now produce some good for others. in the end, we might end up not just being those who were in the spotlight for being the region where things were particularly bad, maybe we will also be seen as those who handled the situation well. they are taking samamples of all daily life.

the problem is we are currently relying too much on mathematical models and if only one factor turns out to be wrong, the whole calculation collapses. the team of scientists hope to be able to present the first concrete results on actual infection ratios by the beginning of next week. >> is your smart phone helping the government tracer every step? the german government is hoping to launch a smartphone app that would alert people who have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. this contact tracy method is highly effective. germans are known for the protection of data privacy. this project was not popular until very recently. cliques using mobile phones to tackle the coronavirus.

without a massive increase in state surveillance. for weeks, over 100 experts from eight countries have been working to achieve this goal. now they have come up with an app that uses bluetooth technology to anonymously monitor whether users are nearby for a certata timeframeme. if a user has tested positive for the coronavirus, this -- other app users receive a warning. the app works on a voluntary basis. privacy will be strictly respected because we will on no account to use personal data or location data. neither will data be saved over a longng. -- a long time but 21 days. >> this platform is the european solution. it conforms to data protection regulations and respects society, our values and can contribute to health protection.

the finished app is not ready yet and the german government says the new project is just one project they are considering. i can tell you now that the head of the chancellor's office thinks the app is promising. a cross-border solution is being worked on. the project developer say an app maybe ready after easter. >> we have a trade-off between civil liberties and public health. why does the german government think that a smartphone app can help where corn tingles have not worked? >> people are still coming in contact. a lot of people don't quarantine strictly until they feel sick. the problem is people are contagious before they feel sick. the government wants to know who they have come in contact with.

this is a very effective method against the spread of a virus. this has been made possible through digital surveillance. >> it is a big data big brother. how do germany's efforts compared to other countries? >> germany is behind the curve at this point. south korea is a country that was in front of the curve. they rolled out a lot of surveillance and a lot of contact tracing right at the beginning. they seem to have been able to stem the growth of the virus in their country. germany, there is 70,000 cases and still rising. the difference is that south korea gave full control to their center of disease control. that means video surveillance, credit card history, anything that is on your cell phone that they have access to.

you know that would not fly in germany, germans are famous and protective of their data. they have been a lot more protective of that. the app now seems to have protections against that. brent: would you download the app? do you trust the state to use your data just to make sure that you don't get sick? >> i think a lot of people would easily give up their data to avoid a catastrophe. at the same time, i think they have done a lot with this to protect the data. they are using bluetooth technology. that would mean the user of the app would want to know whether they came in contact. if they do it that way, i would download it. brent: thank you. here are some of the other

stories making headlines around the world. lawmakers in ukraine have passed in a stork -- a historic reform bill. lawmakers were masks and glovess to show that they want to protect themselves from the coronavirus when they pass the reform bill. in the united states, las vegas authorities have converted an outdoor parking lot into a temporary homeless shelter. it has sparked outrage with critics pointing to the thousands of empty hotel rooms in the city. there is an estimated 6500 people without permanent housing in las vegas. britain has turned a london exhibition centeter into a temporary coronavirus field hospital. it will treat up to 4000 patients who are struck down by covid-19. sick or patients and those with underlying health conditions will be treated in regular hospitals.

afghanistan has reported 200 coronavirus cases. authorities are taking steps to halt the spread of the infection. health care system is weak and can be easily overwhelmed if the number of cases grow. the country's problems are exacerbated by the return of thousands of people from iran. none of the c countries worst ht thehe pandemic.c. >> sprained d down the streets f kabul in an effort to take down the disease. afghananistan is one of thehe world's poorest countries. his health care system is no match for a pandemic that is spreading across the globe like wildfire. as the number of coronavirus cases rises, the government is taking measures to contain the outbreak. the western city of herat is eeeerily calm. shops have been ordered to shut down. >> if the coronavirus keeps spreading, t there will be a humanitarian catastrophe. the government must take serious

measures to help. >> the government has ordered the release of hundreds of inmates to prevent crowded jails from becoming infection hotspots. afghanistan has bigger worries than its prison population. many have fled to neighboring iran. one of the countries worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic. those people are now streaming back in the thousands. all are potential carriers off ththe disease. >> the number o of afghan refugs returning has increased massively. they are afraid of the coronavirus and they are no longer finding work bececause of the economic dowownturn. the afghan government is concerned about the huge number of people e returning. >> among t the most vulnerable o ththe virus is afghahanistan'ss internrnally displacaced popula.

many of them m live in sprawling camps close to ththe iranian boborder. here, survival is already a daily struggle. their work isis now made even me difficult by the global pandemic. >> earlier, we spoke to the general secretary of the norwegian refugee camp. we asked him how dangerous the coronavirus pandemic is for those living in camps for displaced people. >> it is hardly dangerous because the displays -- displaced refugees have fled fromom their homes,, from the hospitals that may be bombed to small, confined spaces very often where theyeyhought thehey were safe. nonow, these plalaces, camps, settlements, maybe traraps where the virus will thrive and humans

will be very vulnerable. we a are working verery hard him afghanistan -- in afghanistan, iran and 30 other countries to provide more handwashing facilities, wire -- m more water and sanitation and more space for the refugees so they can have s some physicalal distance. maybe we will also be able to put up quarantine tents and the like but it is a race against the clock, we are overwhelmed, we are overstretched. >> let's look at business news. the german government and its funding start up with a rescue package with 2 billion euros. the finance ministers has many innovative young companies are already struggling -- says many

innovative young companies are already struggling with liquidity. the german sportswear giant has retracted its decision to delay paying rent on retail stores forced to close because of coronavirus. the company had come under fire for taking advantage off government s support schcheme. the government said that the help was not intended for large, profitable companies. it was bound to happen, filing for bankruptcy protection, making it the first sizable u.s. oil fracking company to be pulled under by plunging prices. crude oil is hovering around $20 per barrel this wednesday. we demand due to t the coronavis and a price war between saudi arabia and russia have both contributed to the plunge. many companies flourish and they also carry heavy debt loads.

for more, let's go to our financial correspondent. this was going to happen, these fracking companies are starting to for. how worried are american fracking companies at the moment? >> clearly, the industry is freaked out. there are some estimates that oil prices were down to $25 per barrel. they are half of the fracking companies in the united states. they might have to file for bankruptcy. that is putting the oil dominance here. it is in jeopardy at this point. >> we are same big losses again today. what is driving this cell --

selloff? >> especially when president donald trump said that the next couple of weeks will be a very painful couple, that did make the market even a bit more nervous. there is the feeling that the economic recovery will take longer than originally expected. we did see the dow jones industrial average started the new quarter with a loss of almost 4.5%. after the first quarter for blue chips, it was the first quarter since 1987. clearly, the markets are on high alert at this point. >> what about investors looking at this market? is there a strategy they have? are they looking for cash at the moment russian mark -- at the moment?

>> you will see wild swings that we have seen in the past couple of weeks. i don't think there is a clear strategy yet. most traders said investors will weigh what will happen in the next two or three weeks. will they pay for so in the chronic cases by april? that is what everybody is waiting for. clearly you will have some investors betting on the market, saying that the market is oversold. i don't think that there is anything like that at this point. we have had other crises but not this kind. it is really difficult for investors to place bets at this point. brent: thank you. some sports news, the wimbledon tennis championships have been canceled as a result of the pandemic. close to half a million people usually attend the tournament at

the all england tennis club. for the first time since the second world war, the championships will not take place. the event had been due to start on the 29th of june. european football posco and embody says the champions league will remain suspended until further notice. they hosted a video conference with its 55 member association today to discuss the crisis. all international matches that were due to be played in june have been put on hold. that includes playoff matches for the now postponed euro 20 and qualify matches fofor the women's. world football posco for new body fifa is working on a plan to limit the financial damage done to the sport by the pandemic. fifa is likely to dip into its reserves of 2.7 billion u.s.

dollars to help associations, leagues and clubs that are currently starved for revenue by the interruption of play. almost all domestic and international competitions are suspended due to the pandemic. about one third of humanity is under some form of lockdown during this pandemic. how have the restrictions changed life or our four-legged friends? millions of pets seem to be enjoying the extra quality time with their owners. many people are using the opportunity to welcome a new pet into their homes. take a look. >> long days stuck at home may be frustrating for us humans but many offur four-legged friends have never had it so good. leo from florida is lapping up the extra attention. >> during this rather tricky time, leo brings a lot of joy and kisses. >> they are spoiled because they are not used to seeing us and

being here all day with us. they are living their treats, they are loving spending time with the families. >> in london, her pooch can't believe her luck. >> everything has gone out of the window. as long as social distancing's practice, there is no reason to give up walking. >> lilly is usually asleep at this time. she is a night out will. since all the kids are here and everything, we thought we would take her out. >> during times of crisis, pets can be a great comfort. that is why animal adoptions are now soaring across the world. >> we hahave seen nearly a 300% increase in adoptions and an increase around foster care. it has been really motivivatingo see many people turn to animals

or some companionship over the next few weeks if not months. quick things to the increase in demand for new furry family members, many of these cages are now empty. >> whoever thought a lockdown could be a dogs's life. i am brent goff in berlin. after a short break, i will be back to take you through the day. the coronavirus has brought an eerie silence to some of the roles busiest places. we are going to have silent streets of the pandemic. we will be right back with the day.

twenty four. the french authorities a announce of five hundred and nine more covert nineteen desk thehese past tweny fourur hours make it the country's highehest daily increase since the pandemic began. one day dental it is up by seven hundred and twenty seven but that's the lowest daily tally in nearly a week while the number of new infections. is continuing to rise with five hundred sixty ththree more deaths in n the lat twenty fouour hours in ththe u.. the british government says it's aiming to double the number of covert nineteen tests by mid april. welcome back