Now it’s the C Word

Coronavirus

  • Virus continues to spread
  • UK seems to have a viable plan to delay and minimise the peak of the epidemic while trying to boost the capacity of the NHS
  • Cruise ships having problems with docking plus many cases on board
  • Cases spreading worldwide – declared a pandemic
  • Shares down about 30%, oil prices collapse
  • Over 70s (that’s me!) advised to take special care
  • Cases at the end of February
    • World 84615
    • China 77835
    • Italy 1128
    • USA 68
    • Spain 58
    • UK 23

Trump impeachment fails as expected due to republican majority in the senate
Boris changes cabinet composition – Javid resigns as his treasury advisers are merged with number 10
MC appeal against Uefa penalties for breaking financial rules
Storm Dennis = wales & borders flooding
Syria idlib bombing continues as refugees flood to the turkish border
Wales 6 nations 3 losses
European Union exit negotiators adopt opening positions

We won’t need to use the B word again

UK left the EU at 11pm 31st January with transition period to end (by law) on 31st December. Boris adopting hardball position to trade talks – good for him!
US assassinate leading iranian general. Iran retaliates with missiles to US bases in Iraq (a limited response) but accidentally bring down a civilian aircraft with a missile at the same time.
At Davos trump labels climate push as ‘prophets of doom’. Democrats pursuing a futile impeachment path (although he’s obviously guilty). USA looks more like a banana republic.
Rapist convicted of 120 crimes
Harry & Meghan decide to give the up royals thing and move to canada – do I care….
Australian fires covering large areas
Turkey earthquake
Assad pressing to retake remaining rebel areas with assistance from russia and little resistance from others
Chinese Corona virus spreading worldwide – death rate 2% but it’s highly infectious
Liverpool are now uncatchable at the top of the premiership

  • Syria’s President Assad sent in tanks to crush protests in the central city of Hama, killing up to 100 people.
  • Amy Winehouse, once regarded as the brightest young star in music, has died aged 27 of a suspected drug overdose.  Norway : Anders Breivik kills 93 in bombing and shooting incidents.
  • Murdoch drops bid for full ownership of Sky. Met Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson cited allegations surrounding his association with former NoW deputy editor Neil Wallis for his shock resignation announcement.
  • News of the World accused of hacking phones of murder victim’s relatives. Murdock announces closure of News of the World.