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Coronavirus: 50 people die in Iranian city of Qom – live updates Coronavirus: 50 people die in Iranian city of Qom – live updates
(32 minutes later)
New death toll in Iran is significantly higher than the latest number of confirmed cases of infections thereNew death toll in Iran is significantly higher than the latest number of confirmed cases of infections there
In the Middle East, concerns are quickly mounting that Iran is now a major hub of the coronavirus, and that the virus may have taken hold in pilgrimage roots before its existence was realised.
Authorities said 50 people have died in the Shia shrine city of Qom this month alone, sharply up from the 12 deaths reported among 47 cases nationwide. Deaths per reported infections were sharply higher in Iran compared to other countries, and that data reflected concerns that the extent of the virus had been significantly under-reported. Those fears now appear to have been realised, and officials are now rushing to contain a cluster - the spread of which would have serious implications for regional health.
A Shia seminary in Qom, containing 250 people was quarantined on Monday, and the director of one of the city’s main hospitals was reported to have contracted the virus. Schools were closed across the country for a second day. While Qom appears to be the focal point of the cluster, there are also fears that nationwide polling for Parliamentary elections over the weekend could have been another conduit to spread the virus. The WHO said on Monday it had serious concerns about the situation in Iran.
One Lebanese pilgrim who tested positive for corona after returning from Iran is in hospital in Beirut. Turkey has closed its borders to Iranian travellers.
Overriding these concerns though is the fate of hundreds of thousands of displaced people and refugees in Iraq and Syria, many of whom have already impaired immunities, less access to state health care and live in highly concentrated population groups. Small rooms containing infected people are thought to sharply increase mortality. Tents would likely have the same effect
Mongolia has halted all flights from South Korea and will block entry through its borders until March 2 as it steps up its efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Reuters reports.
The country’s National Emergency Commission announced the efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on Monday. It has also already closed its schools until the end of March.
Mongolia had previously suspended all entries through its borders from China. A suspension of coal deliveries into China is scheduled to come to an end on March 2
Mongolia has not yet reported any confirmed cases of infection
In a bid to slow the worst flare-up of the disease outside of Asia, Italian authorities across the north have shut schools, universities, museums and cinemas for at least a week, and banned public gatherings including the famed Venice carnival, Reuters reports.In a bid to slow the worst flare-up of the disease outside of Asia, Italian authorities across the north have shut schools, universities, museums and cinemas for at least a week, and banned public gatherings including the famed Venice carnival, Reuters reports.
“To be honest, nobody thought the spread (of coronavirus) would be so aggressive. The illness is not serious, but it must not be underestimated,” Attilio Fontana, the regional governor of Lombardy, told 102.5 RTL radio.“To be honest, nobody thought the spread (of coronavirus) would be so aggressive. The illness is not serious, but it must not be underestimated,” Attilio Fontana, the regional governor of Lombardy, told 102.5 RTL radio.
Almost a dozen towns in Lombardy, with a combined population of nearly 50,000, have been placed under effective quarantine, with similar measures in place for a small town in neighbouring Veneto.Almost a dozen towns in Lombardy, with a combined population of nearly 50,000, have been placed under effective quarantine, with similar measures in place for a small town in neighbouring Veneto.
Fontana added that emergency measures imposed at the weekend would be effective and that “in a matter of days, the spread of the virus will regress”.Fontana added that emergency measures imposed at the weekend would be effective and that “in a matter of days, the spread of the virus will regress”.
We’d like to hear from people in northern Italy who are affected by the quarantine restrictions in the area. What has your experience been like and how concerned are you about the outbreak?We’d like to hear from people in northern Italy who are affected by the quarantine restrictions in the area. What has your experience been like and how concerned are you about the outbreak?
You can get in touch by filling in the form here. The form is encrypted and your responses are only seen by the Guardian. You can also contact us via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.You can get in touch by filling in the form here. The form is encrypted and your responses are only seen by the Guardian. You can also contact us via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.
At least 50 people have died in the Iranian city of Qom from the new coronavirus this month, Iran’s semiofficial ILNA news agency reported on Monday.At least 50 people have died in the Iranian city of Qom from the new coronavirus this month, Iran’s semiofficial ILNA news agency reported on Monday.
The Associated Press reported that the new death toll is significantly higher than the latest number of confirmed cases of infections that Iranian officials had reported just a few hours earlier by and which stood at just 12 deaths out of 47 cases, according to state TV.The Associated Press reported that the new death toll is significantly higher than the latest number of confirmed cases of infections that Iranian officials had reported just a few hours earlier by and which stood at just 12 deaths out of 47 cases, according to state TV.
An official from Qom, Ahmad Amiriabadi Farahani, was quoted in ILNA saying that more than 250 people are in quarantined in the city.An official from Qom, Ahmad Amiriabadi Farahani, was quoted in ILNA saying that more than 250 people are in quarantined in the city.
He said the 50 deaths date as far back as 13 February. Iran, however, first officially reported cases of the virus and its first deaths on 19 February.He said the 50 deaths date as far back as 13 February. Iran, however, first officially reported cases of the virus and its first deaths on 19 February.
Renewed fears over the coronavirus outbreak have prompted steep falls on European stock markets – most notably in Italy, which has suffered the most serious outbreak outside Asia.Renewed fears over the coronavirus outbreak have prompted steep falls on European stock markets – most notably in Italy, which has suffered the most serious outbreak outside Asia.
The FTSE MIB stock market index in Italy has dropped by 4%. Shares on London’s FTSE 100 have fallen by 2.8%, more than 200 points. In Germany the Dax index is down by 3.4%, France’s Cac 40 has lost 3.5%.The FTSE MIB stock market index in Italy has dropped by 4%. Shares on London’s FTSE 100 have fallen by 2.8%, more than 200 points. In Germany the Dax index is down by 3.4%, France’s Cac 40 has lost 3.5%.
Budget airline Easyjet and holiday provider Tui are the biggest fallers on the FTSE 100, both down by 9%, and British Airways owner IAG has lost 7%. Carnival, the cruise ship operator, has lost another 5%. The company has fallen steeply during 2020 after an outbreak of the virus on its Diamond Princess cruise ship.Budget airline Easyjet and holiday provider Tui are the biggest fallers on the FTSE 100, both down by 9%, and British Airways owner IAG has lost 7%. Carnival, the cruise ship operator, has lost another 5%. The company has fallen steeply during 2020 after an outbreak of the virus on its Diamond Princess cruise ship.
The flight to safety for investors fearful of the economic consequences of the coronavirus outbreak has pushed gold prices to their highest since February 2013.The flight to safety for investors fearful of the economic consequences of the coronavirus outbreak has pushed gold prices to their highest since February 2013.
Spot gold prices rose by 2.1% on Monday to hit highs above $1,679 per troy ounce. Investors traditionally buy gold as a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty.Spot gold prices rose by 2.1% on Monday to hit highs above $1,679 per troy ounce. Investors traditionally buy gold as a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty.
Chinese political leaders including President Xi Jinping are normally expected to attend the annual parliament session in March, but it has been postponed as a result of the virus outbreak.Chinese political leaders including President Xi Jinping are normally expected to attend the annual parliament session in March, but it has been postponed as a result of the virus outbreak.
It is the first time the meeting has been postponed since the Cultural Revolution.It is the first time the meeting has been postponed since the Cultural Revolution.
Kuwait, Bahrain, and Afghanistan recorded their first new coronavirus cases on Monday.Kuwait, Bahrain, and Afghanistan recorded their first new coronavirus cases on Monday.
The cases in Kuwait and Bahrain involve people who had visited Iran, which has reported 43 cases of the disease, Reuters reports.The cases in Kuwait and Bahrain involve people who had visited Iran, which has reported 43 cases of the disease, Reuters reports.
Kuwait detected the virus in three people among 700 who had been evacuated on Saturday from the north-eastern Iranian city of Mashhad, the state news agency KUNA said.Kuwait detected the virus in three people among 700 who had been evacuated on Saturday from the north-eastern Iranian city of Mashhad, the state news agency KUNA said.
The health ministry identified them as a 53-year-old Kuwaiti man, a 61-year-old Saudi man and a 21-year-old whose nationality was unclear. It said the Kuwaiti and Saudi had been asymptomatic while the third person showed initial symptoms.The health ministry identified them as a 53-year-old Kuwaiti man, a 61-year-old Saudi man and a 21-year-old whose nationality was unclear. It said the Kuwaiti and Saudi had been asymptomatic while the third person showed initial symptoms.
In Bahrain, the health ministry said a Bahraini national who arrived from Iran had been diagnosed with the disease and that “all necessary measures have been taken with individuals in contact with the patient”.In Bahrain, the health ministry said a Bahraini national who arrived from Iran had been diagnosed with the disease and that “all necessary measures have been taken with individuals in contact with the patient”.
Afghanistan’s minister of public health said on Monday the country had identified its first case of coronavirus, following dozens of cases of the disease and eight deaths in neighbouring Iran.Afghanistan’s minister of public health said on Monday the country had identified its first case of coronavirus, following dozens of cases of the disease and eight deaths in neighbouring Iran.
Reuters reports that Ferozuddin Feroz, the minister of public health, told a press conference in Kabul one of three suspected cases had been confirmed in the western province of Herat. He announced a state of emergency in the province, which borders Iran, where dozens of cases of the disease have been confirmed and eight people have died.Reuters reports that Ferozuddin Feroz, the minister of public health, told a press conference in Kabul one of three suspected cases had been confirmed in the western province of Herat. He announced a state of emergency in the province, which borders Iran, where dozens of cases of the disease have been confirmed and eight people have died.
Qatar Airways announced it will quarantine passengers arriving from Iran and South Korea who show symptoms for the virus. Passengers who show symptoms will be transferred to the communicable disease centre at the Hamad Medical Corporation. All incoming passengers from Iran and South Korea whose final destination is Doha and are showing no symptoms will be asked to stay in home isolation or a quarantine facility for 14 days.Qatar Airways announced it will quarantine passengers arriving from Iran and South Korea who show symptoms for the virus. Passengers who show symptoms will be transferred to the communicable disease centre at the Hamad Medical Corporation. All incoming passengers from Iran and South Korea whose final destination is Doha and are showing no symptoms will be asked to stay in home isolation or a quarantine facility for 14 days.
China’s foreign ministry said on Monday Beijing was not considering issuing travel advisories for countries such as South Korea and Japan that are reporting an increase in coronavirus cases, Reuters reports.China’s foreign ministry said on Monday Beijing was not considering issuing travel advisories for countries such as South Korea and Japan that are reporting an increase in coronavirus cases, Reuters reports.
But the Vietnamese carrier Bamboo Airways announced it would be suspending all flights to and from South Korea over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.But the Vietnamese carrier Bamboo Airways announced it would be suspending all flights to and from South Korea over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.
Authorities have so far confirmed 763 cases of novel coronavirus in South Korea.Authorities have so far confirmed 763 cases of novel coronavirus in South Korea.
South Korea’s K-league on Monday postponed the start of the new football season, which had been due to kick off this weekend.South Korea’s K-league on Monday postponed the start of the new football season, which had been due to kick off this weekend.
“The K-league has decided to temporarily postpone the start of the 2020 K-league season until the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak eases,” it said in a statement. “This is a measure to protect the health and safety of the citizens and our players with the highest priority against the outbreak of the Covid-19 which has entered a serious phase.”“The K-league has decided to temporarily postpone the start of the 2020 K-league season until the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak eases,” it said in a statement. “This is a measure to protect the health and safety of the citizens and our players with the highest priority against the outbreak of the Covid-19 which has entered a serious phase.”
Matches featuring Daegu FC, based in the city that is the epicentre of the South Korean outbreak, and nearby Pohang Steelers, had already been delayed.Matches featuring Daegu FC, based in the city that is the epicentre of the South Korean outbreak, and nearby Pohang Steelers, had already been delayed.
Italy is rushing to contain Europe’s first major coronavirus outbreak after a fourth person in the country died, Reuters reports.Italy is rushing to contain Europe’s first major coronavirus outbreak after a fourth person in the country died, Reuters reports.
The Italian government introduced draconian measures such as imposing fines on anyone caught entering or leaving outbreak areas as the number of cases and deaths spiked over the weekend.The Italian government introduced draconian measures such as imposing fines on anyone caught entering or leaving outbreak areas as the number of cases and deaths spiked over the weekend.
The number of cases of the virus in the country rose to 152 on Saturday, prompting the government to close off the worst-hit areas in the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto. Police are patrolling 11 towns that have been in lockdown since Friday night. The latest victim died in the Lombardy city of Cremona.The number of cases of the virus in the country rose to 152 on Saturday, prompting the government to close off the worst-hit areas in the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto. Police are patrolling 11 towns that have been in lockdown since Friday night. The latest victim died in the Lombardy city of Cremona.
French junior transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said on Monday morning that there was no need to close down transport borders between France and Italy, despite the spread of coronavirus. “Closing down the borders would make no sense, as the circulation of the virus is not just limited to administrative borders,” Djebbari told BFM Business.French junior transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said on Monday morning that there was no need to close down transport borders between France and Italy, despite the spread of coronavirus. “Closing down the borders would make no sense, as the circulation of the virus is not just limited to administrative borders,” Djebbari told BFM Business.
Austria suspended train services over the Alps to Italy for about four hours late on Sunday before restarting them after two travellers tested negative for coronavirus. A train carrying about 300 passengers from Venice, Italy, to Munich in Germany was halted on the Italian side of the Brenner Pass before being allowed to continue its journey after the two tested negative, authorities said.Austria suspended train services over the Alps to Italy for about four hours late on Sunday before restarting them after two travellers tested negative for coronavirus. A train carrying about 300 passengers from Venice, Italy, to Munich in Germany was halted on the Italian side of the Brenner Pass before being allowed to continue its journey after the two tested negative, authorities said.
An announcement that the Chinese city of Wuhan would relax some of its travel restrictions and allow some people to leave was made without authorisation and has been revoked, the local government said on Monday, according to a report by Reuters.An announcement that the Chinese city of Wuhan would relax some of its travel restrictions and allow some people to leave was made without authorisation and has been revoked, the local government said on Monday, according to a report by Reuters.
The city at the epicentre of a coronavirus outbreak that has already killed more than 2,500 people said it would continue to impose strict controls over its borders in order to prevent the virus from spreading further.The city at the epicentre of a coronavirus outbreak that has already killed more than 2,500 people said it would continue to impose strict controls over its borders in order to prevent the virus from spreading further.
The people responsible for the earlier announcement, which stated healthy people would be allowed to leave if they had vital business, have been reprimanded.The people responsible for the earlier announcement, which stated healthy people would be allowed to leave if they had vital business, have been reprimanded.
Here’s the latest round up of the number of cases the coronavirus and deaths from AP.Here’s the latest round up of the number of cases the coronavirus and deaths from AP.
Mainland China: 2,592 deaths among 77,150 cases, mostly in the central province of Hubei.Mainland China: 2,592 deaths among 77,150 cases, mostly in the central province of Hubei.
Hong Kong: 74 cases, two deaths.Hong Kong: 74 cases, two deaths.
Macao: 10 cases.Macao: 10 cases.
Japan: 838 cases, including 691 from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, four deaths.Japan: 838 cases, including 691 from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, four deaths.
South Korea: 763 cases, seven deaths.South Korea: 763 cases, seven deaths.
Italy: 152 cases, three deaths.Italy: 152 cases, three deaths.
Singapore: 89 cases.Singapore: 89 cases.
Iran: 43 cases, eight deaths.Iran: 43 cases, eight deaths.
US: 35 cases; separately, 1 US citizen died in China.US: 35 cases; separately, 1 US citizen died in China.
Thailand: 35 cases.Thailand: 35 cases.
Taiwan: 28 cases, one death.Taiwan: 28 cases, one death.
Australia: 23 cases.Australia: 23 cases.
Malaysia: 22 cases.Malaysia: 22 cases.
Vietnam: 16 cases.Vietnam: 16 cases.
Germany: 16 cases.Germany: 16 cases.
France: 12 cases, one death.France: 12 cases, one death.
United Arab Emirates: 13 cases.United Arab Emirates: 13 cases.
United Kingdom: 13 cases.United Kingdom: 13 cases.
Canada: 10 cases.Canada: 10 cases.
Philippines: three cases, one death.Philippines: three cases, one death.
Kuwait: three cases.Kuwait: three cases.
India: three cases.India: three cases.
Russia: two cases.Russia: two cases.
Spain: two cases.Spain: two cases.
Lebanon: one case.Lebanon: one case.
Israel: one case.Israel: one case.
Belgium: one case.Belgium: one case.
Nepal: one case.Nepal: one case.
Sri Lanka: one case.Sri Lanka: one case.
Sweden: one case.Sweden: one case.
Cambodia: one case.Cambodia: one case.
Finland: one case.Finland: one case.
Egypt: one case.Egypt: one case.
Morning, I’m Aamna Mohdin taking over the liveblog from my colleague Alison Rourke.Morning, I’m Aamna Mohdin taking over the liveblog from my colleague Alison Rourke.
Four British nationals rescued from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship are being treated at specialist centres in the north of England after testing positive for the illness, PA Media reports.Four British nationals rescued from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship are being treated at specialist centres in the north of England after testing positive for the illness, PA Media reports.
The four had been on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which had been moored off the coast of Japan for more than two weeks amid the outbreak.The four had been on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which had been moored off the coast of Japan for more than two weeks amid the outbreak.
They were among a group of 30 Britons and two Irish citizens who arrived at a quarantine block at Arrowe Park hospital in Merseyside on Saturday, but on Sunday NHS England confirmed the positive diagnoses.They were among a group of 30 Britons and two Irish citizens who arrived at a quarantine block at Arrowe Park hospital in Merseyside on Saturday, but on Sunday NHS England confirmed the positive diagnoses.
Two of the patients are in the Royal Hallamshire hospital in Sheffield, one is in the Royal Liverpool University hospital and a fourth was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.Two of the patients are in the Royal Hallamshire hospital in Sheffield, one is in the Royal Liverpool University hospital and a fourth was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
The new confirmed cases brings the total number of people to be diagnosed with the Covid-19 strain in the UK to 13.The new confirmed cases brings the total number of people to be diagnosed with the Covid-19 strain in the UK to 13.