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Coronavirus outbreak: special powers enacted in Italy after deaths – live news Coronavirus outbreak: special powers enacted in Italy after deaths – live news
(32 minutes later)
Number of cases in north of the country jumps causing disruption to Milan fashion week and Serie A matchesNumber of cases in north of the country jumps causing disruption to Milan fashion week and Serie A matches
More than 100 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Italy, as numbers continued to rise on Sunday following government measures to limit the spread of the outbreak. Here’s a selection of photos from the northern region, which has been worst hit.
The worst-affected areas in Italy are Lombardy – home to Italy’s financial capital, Milan – and Veneto, Italy’s industrial heartland
What’s happening and where? The World Health Organization (WHO) is worried about the number of cases with no clear link – including those with no travel history to China or contact with a confirmed case.
However, the total number of cases outside China remains relatively small, WHO’s director general said on Saturday. It added that there have been more than 1,200 cases in 26 countries.
South Korea
The country declared a “red alert” on Sunday after a surge in coronavirus infections and two more deaths. On Sunday it was confirmed that coronavirus cases in the country jumped to 602 and the death toll rose to five.
China
There have been a reported 76,936 cases of the disease caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, including 2,442 deaths. In mainland China there were 648 new confirmed cases on Saturday, up from 397 a day earlier. The virus epicentre of Hubei province reported 96 new deaths, of which 82 were in the provincial capital Wuhan.
The World Athletics Indoor Championships, scheduled for Nanjing from March 13-15, were postponed until next year. Other sporting events have been postponed. The International Monetary Fund predicted on Saturday the outbreak would lower China’s growth this year to 5.6%.
Hong Kong
There have been 74 confirmed cases, up from 69 on Saturday. The death toll is two.
Italy
In the country’s northern Lombardy region 89 cases were reported on Sunday, up from 54 a day earlier. The total number of cases in the country has now reached more than 100.
Veneto, the other worst hit area, said it had 19 cases, up seven from Saturday. Two people have died. Authorities have banned public events and told workers in affected areas to stay home.
Iran
There have been a further 15 ases of the new coronavirus, health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said, taking the total to 43 with a death toll of eight.
France
It currently had one patient with the virus but new cases were reportedly “very likely”.
Japan
Elderly passengers from aboard a cruise ship moored near Tokyo died, as hundreds more disembarked after two weeks in quarantine. Tokyo Metropolitan Government said it would either cancel or postpone major indoor events it has sponsored for the next three weeks.
Iran has confirmed eight deaths from the the new coronavirus, with the number infected rising to 43.
Most of the infections have been in Qom. Health Minister Saeed Namaki urged people to avoid traveling to the city, a major site for Shi’ite pilgrims 120 km (75 miles) south of the capital Tehran.
“The virus came from China to Qom city. A Merchant from Qom who died of the virus used to regularly travel to China ... Flights were suspended between the two countries but he used indirect flights,” Namaki said.“Obviously we do not recommend trips to Qom or any other holy Shi’ite cities in Iran,” Namaki said on state television.Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur announced the 15 new cases earlier on Sunday. “So far, we have 43 infected cases and the death toll is eight,” he told the television.Eight of the new infections were in Qom, where authorities have shut down schools and religious seminaries. In Tehran and some other cities, schools have been closed until Tuesday.
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Italy had reached 115.The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Italy had reached 115.
The governor of the Lombardy Region Attilio Fontana said that there were 89 cases in his region, most of which had popped up in small towns in the countryside.The governor of the Lombardy Region Attilio Fontana said that there were 89 cases in his region, most of which had popped up in small towns in the countryside.
Almost all of Italy’s cases are clustered in the north, with roughly a dozen towns on lockdown meaning that people are not allowed to enter or leave the towns’ boundaries.Almost all of Italy’s cases are clustered in the north, with roughly a dozen towns on lockdown meaning that people are not allowed to enter or leave the towns’ boundaries.
After Lombardy, the next hardest-hit region is Veneto, in the northeast, with at least 17 cases.Sports events in the affected northern areas, including local kids sports team practices to three Serie A (top major league) soccer matches, were canceled.After Lombardy, the next hardest-hit region is Veneto, in the northeast, with at least 17 cases.Sports events in the affected northern areas, including local kids sports team practices to three Serie A (top major league) soccer matches, were canceled.
Bishops in several dioceses in northern Italy issued directives that holy water fonts be kept empty, that communion wafers be placed in the hands of the faithful and not directly into their mouths by priests . Congregants were also told to refrain from shaking hands or exchanging kisses during the symbolic Sign of the Peace ritual.Bishops in several dioceses in northern Italy issued directives that holy water fonts be kept empty, that communion wafers be placed in the hands of the faithful and not directly into their mouths by priests . Congregants were also told to refrain from shaking hands or exchanging kisses during the symbolic Sign of the Peace ritual.
Government reports show nine patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus. As of 22 February, a total of 6,152 people have been tested – the government said – of which 6,143 were confirmed negative and nine positive.Government reports show nine patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus. As of 22 February, a total of 6,152 people have been tested – the government said – of which 6,143 were confirmed negative and nine positive.
The Department of Health and Social Care will be publishing updated data here every day at 2pm.The Department of Health and Social Care will be publishing updated data here every day at 2pm.
An evacuee released from a two-week coronavirus quarantine centre has said it is “fantastic” to be allowed to return home.An evacuee released from a two-week coronavirus quarantine centre has said it is “fantastic” to be allowed to return home.
Some 118 people flown out of Wuha, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak, were leaving Kents Hill Park training and conference centre in Milton Keynes on Sunday for the first time in 14 days. Some 118 people flown out of Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak, were leaving Kents Hill Park training and conference centre in Milton Keynes on Sunday for the first time in 14 days.
The group, who were brought back to Britain earlier this month, included about 10 children and a family of four.The group, who were brought back to Britain earlier this month, included about 10 children and a family of four.
Paul Walkinshaw, from Manchester, left with his wife, Lihong, having been on holiday visiting her parents in the city of Shiyan for the lunar new year when family members contacted them and told them about the outbreak.Speaking to reporters as he left the centre on Sunday morning, he said: “It feels fantastic to leave although it feels weird not having to wear a mask and gloves in public. The first 48 hours were hard when we were confined to our rooms, after that it was fine.”The 39-year-old praised “friendly” staff and the local community for their support and said he was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed again.It comes as dozens of evacuees from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship spent their first night quarantined at Arrowe Park hospital on the Wirral. Thirty-two people, who spent more than two weeks trapped on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off the coast of Japan, arrived in Merseyside on Saturday evening.All of those who arrived at Arrowe Park tested negative for Covid-19 before flying back to the UK.Paul Walkinshaw, from Manchester, left with his wife, Lihong, having been on holiday visiting her parents in the city of Shiyan for the lunar new year when family members contacted them and told them about the outbreak.Speaking to reporters as he left the centre on Sunday morning, he said: “It feels fantastic to leave although it feels weird not having to wear a mask and gloves in public. The first 48 hours were hard when we were confined to our rooms, after that it was fine.”The 39-year-old praised “friendly” staff and the local community for their support and said he was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed again.It comes as dozens of evacuees from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship spent their first night quarantined at Arrowe Park hospital on the Wirral. Thirty-two people, who spent more than two weeks trapped on the Diamond Princess cruise ship off the coast of Japan, arrived in Merseyside on Saturday evening.All of those who arrived at Arrowe Park tested negative for Covid-19 before flying back to the UK.
Parts of Iran face lockdown in an attempt to control the spread of coronavirus that has now claimed eight lives and led to 43 infections in the country.Parts of Iran face lockdown in an attempt to control the spread of coronavirus that has now claimed eight lives and led to 43 infections in the country.
“If the situation gets any worse city staff will be expected to convert to teleworkers,” said Pirouz Hanachi, the mayor of Tehran, Iran’s capital.“If the situation gets any worse city staff will be expected to convert to teleworkers,” said Pirouz Hanachi, the mayor of Tehran, Iran’s capital.
Government authorities have also been fighting an information war amid widespread distrust on social media about whether the public is being told the truth about the scale of the outbreak.Government authorities have also been fighting an information war amid widespread distrust on social media about whether the public is being told the truth about the scale of the outbreak.
The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claimed Iran’s enemies were spreading mistrust, and even said the low turnout in Iran’s parliamentary elections on Friday was due to western scare stories.The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claimed Iran’s enemies were spreading mistrust, and even said the low turnout in Iran’s parliamentary elections on Friday was due to western scare stories.
The coronavirus outbreak had claimed its first victim in the Middel East in the religious city of Qom last Wednesday about an hour’s drive from Tehran.The coronavirus outbreak had claimed its first victim in the Middel East in the religious city of Qom last Wednesday about an hour’s drive from Tehran.
The number of people on Tehran’s streets has been noticeably lower, with many shops shut and face masks in short supply and increasingly expensive.The number of people on Tehran’s streets has been noticeably lower, with many shops shut and face masks in short supply and increasingly expensive.
In Tehran and 13 other affected provinces, the authorities have introduced increasingly drastic “preventive measures” including the closure of schools, universities, cinemas and theatres. Public buses in Tehran could also be seen being disinfected, and posters were being put up urging people to clean, and not shake hands.In Tehran and 13 other affected provinces, the authorities have introduced increasingly drastic “preventive measures” including the closure of schools, universities, cinemas and theatres. Public buses in Tehran could also be seen being disinfected, and posters were being put up urging people to clean, and not shake hands.
The school system is being shut for a minimum of two days starting on Sunday to allow for disinfection spraying. There was also widespread advice to stay home and avoid places where people congregate. Some football matches were cancelled. Metro stations were not shut, but water fountains and shops were all being closed. The council said it was also taking new steps to dispose of waste.The school system is being shut for a minimum of two days starting on Sunday to allow for disinfection spraying. There was also widespread advice to stay home and avoid places where people congregate. Some football matches were cancelled. Metro stations were not shut, but water fountains and shops were all being closed. The council said it was also taking new steps to dispose of waste.
At the airport, roughly a third of passengers were wearing masks, but there were no special controls on people leaving the country. Turkey, Iraq and Pakistan have either closed borders or are imposing extra health checks.At the airport, roughly a third of passengers were wearing masks, but there were no special controls on people leaving the country. Turkey, Iraq and Pakistan have either closed borders or are imposing extra health checks.
Despite the precautions the vast majority were carrying on daily lives as normal.
Some of the families of those that have died in Qom claim to know of no contact with anyone in China prompting claims that this might be an indigenous disease. The minister for health, Saeed Saltaki, denied this, saying one victim traded in China and had travelled there indirectly. The strain discovered in Iran matched that in China, he said.Some of the families of those that have died in Qom claim to know of no contact with anyone in China prompting claims that this might be an indigenous disease. The minister for health, Saeed Saltaki, denied this, saying one victim traded in China and had travelled there indirectly. The strain discovered in Iran matched that in China, he said.
He has recommended no travel to or from Qom, as well as promising to distribute free coronavirus packages to residents in the area, including masks and educational brochures.He has recommended no travel to or from Qom, as well as promising to distribute free coronavirus packages to residents in the area, including masks and educational brochures.
More than 100 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Italy, as numbers continued to rise on Sunday following government measures to limit the spread of the outbreak.More than 100 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Italy, as numbers continued to rise on Sunday following government measures to limit the spread of the outbreak.
The governor of Italy’s northern Lombardy region, Attilio Fontana, said cases of the illness in his area had risen in a day from 54 to 89, with total cases in the country now at more than 100.In an emergency decree approved late on Saturday – just hours after two people died – the government adopted special powers to be able to stop people leaving or entering the worst impacted zones.The governor of Italy’s northern Lombardy region, Attilio Fontana, said cases of the illness in his area had risen in a day from 54 to 89, with total cases in the country now at more than 100.In an emergency decree approved late on Saturday – just hours after two people died – the government adopted special powers to be able to stop people leaving or entering the worst impacted zones.
A spokesman for the governor of the northern region Veneto said the number of cases there had risen to 19, seven more than on Saturday.The worst-hit areas in Italy are Lombardy – home to Italy’s financial capital, Milan – and Veneto, Italy’s industrial heartland. They jointly account for 30% of gross domestic output.A spokesman for the governor of the northern region Veneto said the number of cases there had risen to 19, seven more than on Saturday.The worst-hit areas in Italy are Lombardy – home to Italy’s financial capital, Milan – and Veneto, Italy’s industrial heartland. They jointly account for 30% of gross domestic output.
Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, announced that all schools would be closed from Monday. Universities in both Lombardy and Veneto have also been shuttered until early March.Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, announced that all schools would be closed from Monday. Universities in both Lombardy and Veneto have also been shuttered until early March.
With the confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Italy at 79, focused in the north of the country, Milan’s fashion week is being affected by the outbreak.With the confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Italy at 79, focused in the north of the country, Milan’s fashion week is being affected by the outbreak.
Giorgio Armani, whose show was scheduled for 4pm on Sunday afternoon, announced on Saturday night that guests should not come to the venue. Instead, the collection would be shown to an empty room.Giorgio Armani, whose show was scheduled for 4pm on Sunday afternoon, announced on Saturday night that guests should not come to the venue. Instead, the collection would be shown to an empty room.
“The decision was taken to safeguard the wellbeing of all his [Armani’s] invited guests by not having them attend crowded spaces,” read a press release.“The decision was taken to safeguard the wellbeing of all his [Armani’s] invited guests by not having them attend crowded spaces,” read a press release.
Instead, models still presented the clothes, with the show streamed on the brand’s website, as well as Instagram and Facebook.Instead, models still presented the clothes, with the show streamed on the brand’s website, as well as Instagram and Facebook.
Dolce & Gabbana’s show on Saturday afternoon was scheduled to go ahead as usual. But the designers have also addressed the outbreak. They announced last week that they have contributed money to Humanitas University to fund research into the Coronavirus.Dolce & Gabbana’s show on Saturday afternoon was scheduled to go ahead as usual. But the designers have also addressed the outbreak. They announced last week that they have contributed money to Humanitas University to fund research into the Coronavirus.
In a statement, they said “we felt we had to do something to fight this devastating virus, which started from China but is threatening all mankind. In these cases, it is important to make the right choice. This is why we thought Humanitas University would be the ideal partner, whose excellence and humanity make it a special entity.”In a statement, they said “we felt we had to do something to fight this devastating virus, which started from China but is threatening all mankind. In these cases, it is important to make the right choice. This is why we thought Humanitas University would be the ideal partner, whose excellence and humanity make it a special entity.”
Although the Milan fashion shows have felt largely business as usual, the coronavirus outbreak has affected the event. Those travelling to Milan have been screened at airports for the virus, and a lot of Chinese press and buyers usually in attendance have not travelled to the shows. Three Chinese designers on the schedule have cancelled their shows.Although the Milan fashion shows have felt largely business as usual, the coronavirus outbreak has affected the event. Those travelling to Milan have been screened at airports for the virus, and a lot of Chinese press and buyers usually in attendance have not travelled to the shows. Three Chinese designers on the schedule have cancelled their shows.
Britons in Cambodia who left another cruise ship, the Westerdam, and who have been cleared for travel, are also being assisted by the Foreign Office to make their way home. All have tested negative after one case was diagnosed onboard.In an effort to help stop the spread of the virus in the UK, the health service is piloting home testing, where NHS staff, including nurses and paramedics, will visit people in their homes.Britons in Cambodia who left another cruise ship, the Westerdam, and who have been cleared for travel, are also being assisted by the Foreign Office to make their way home. All have tested negative after one case was diagnosed onboard.In an effort to help stop the spread of the virus in the UK, the health service is piloting home testing, where NHS staff, including nurses and paramedics, will visit people in their homes.
As dozens of evacuees from a the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship begin their two-week quarantine in the UK, more than 100 others rescued from China are due to be released from isolation.As dozens of evacuees from a the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship begin their two-week quarantine in the UK, more than 100 others rescued from China are due to be released from isolation.
Thirty-two people, who spent more than two weeks on the cruise ship off the coast of Japan, are settling in at an accommodation block at Arrowe Park hospital on the Wirral – their home for the next 14 days.Thirty-two people, who spent more than two weeks on the cruise ship off the coast of Japan, are settling in at an accommodation block at Arrowe Park hospital on the Wirral – their home for the next 14 days.
The group, reportedly made up of 30 Britons and two Irish nationals, will undergo regular health checks while in quarantine. Some made gestures from their coaches as they arrived at the Merseyside facility on Saturday evening – one forming a heart symbol with her hands and another an OK signal.Meanwhile, a group who have spent the past two weeks holed up in a centre in Milton Keynes are due to be allowed home on Sunday.Around 150 people, who arrived in the UK on February 9 on an evacuation flight from the virus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, have been staying at the Kents Hill Park training and conference centre.They too will have been regularly tested and as of Saturday afternoon the Department of Health said no new cases of coronavirus had been detected in the UK.The group, reportedly made up of 30 Britons and two Irish nationals, will undergo regular health checks while in quarantine. Some made gestures from their coaches as they arrived at the Merseyside facility on Saturday evening – one forming a heart symbol with her hands and another an OK signal.Meanwhile, a group who have spent the past two weeks holed up in a centre in Milton Keynes are due to be allowed home on Sunday.Around 150 people, who arrived in the UK on February 9 on an evacuation flight from the virus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, have been staying at the Kents Hill Park training and conference centre.They too will have been regularly tested and as of Saturday afternoon the Department of Health said no new cases of coronavirus had been detected in the UK.
Infection toll in China reaches 2,345 as South Korea raises its alert level and Iran confirms sixth death from virusInfection toll in China reaches 2,345 as South Korea raises its alert level and Iran confirms sixth death from virus
In South Korea the national toll of 556 cases is now the highest outside China, apart from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.In South Korea the national toll of 556 cases is now the highest outside China, apart from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.
Japan has confirmed that a woman who tested negative and left the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship later tested positive, raising more questions about the effectiveness of quarantine measures.Japan has confirmed that a woman who tested negative and left the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship later tested positive, raising more questions about the effectiveness of quarantine measures.
A dozen towns in northern Italy in effect went into lockdown on Saturday after deaths of two people infected with the coronavirus from China, and a growing cluster of cases with no direct links to the origin of the outbreak abroad.A dozen towns in northern Italy in effect went into lockdown on Saturday after deaths of two people infected with the coronavirus from China, and a growing cluster of cases with no direct links to the origin of the outbreak abroad.
A repatriation flight carrying 32 Britons and Europeans from the coronavirus-infected cruise ship Diamond Princess landed in the UK on Saturday – amid growing fears for the welfare of some UK passengers left behind in Japan.A repatriation flight carrying 32 Britons and Europeans from the coronavirus-infected cruise ship Diamond Princess landed in the UK on Saturday – amid growing fears for the welfare of some UK passengers left behind in Japan.
The French health minister, Olivier Véran, said new cases of coronavirus were “very likely” in France and health authorities were ready in case of an epidemic.The French health minister, Olivier Véran, said new cases of coronavirus were “very likely” in France and health authorities were ready in case of an epidemic.
Mainland China noted a significant fall in the number of new cases, with 397 reported on Saturday. The total number of cases in mainland China to 76,288 and there have been 2,345 deaths.Mainland China noted a significant fall in the number of new cases, with 397 reported on Saturday. The total number of cases in mainland China to 76,288 and there have been 2,345 deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the window of opportunity to stem the deadly epidemic was “narrowing” amid concern about a surge in cases with no clear link to China.The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the window of opportunity to stem the deadly epidemic was “narrowing” amid concern about a surge in cases with no clear link to China.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused foreign media of trying to use the outbreak of coronavirus in Iran to discourage people from voting in a general election.Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused foreign media of trying to use the outbreak of coronavirus in Iran to discourage people from voting in a general election.
Iran shut schools, universities and cultural centres across 14 provinces from Sunday following five deaths in the Islamic Republic, the first in the Middle East.Iran shut schools, universities and cultural centres across 14 provinces from Sunday following five deaths in the Islamic Republic, the first in the Middle East.
Iran’s outbreak surfaced on Wednesday and quickly grew to 28 confirmed infections.Iran’s outbreak surfaced on Wednesday and quickly grew to 28 confirmed infections.
“The concern is ... that we have seen ... a very rapid increase (in Iran) in a matter of a few days,” said Sylvie Briand, director of the WHO’s global infectious hazard preparedness department.“The concern is ... that we have seen ... a very rapid increase (in Iran) in a matter of a few days,” said Sylvie Briand, director of the WHO’s global infectious hazard preparedness department.
Iraq on Thursday clamped down on travel to and from Iran, and its flagship carrier Kuwait Airways has suspended flights to the country.Iraq on Thursday clamped down on travel to and from Iran, and its flagship carrier Kuwait Airways has suspended flights to the country.
Although Egypt is the only African country with a confirmed case, the World Health Organization warned that the continent was vulnerable, urging more African Union cooperation.Although Egypt is the only African country with a confirmed case, the World Health Organization warned that the continent was vulnerable, urging more African Union cooperation.
The WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said necessary treatment tools such as respiratory support machines were “in short supply in many African countries and that’s a cause for concern”.The WHO chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said necessary treatment tools such as respiratory support machines were “in short supply in many African countries and that’s a cause for concern”.