This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/feb/25/coronavirus-live-updates-outbreak-latest-news-italy-italia-deaths-symptoms-china-stocks-wall-street-dow-jones-economy-falls

The article has changed 46 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 28 Version 29
Coronavirus news: Austria and Croatia report first cases as Tenerife quarantines hotel – live updates Coronavirus news: Austria and Croatia report first cases as Tenerife quarantines hotel – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Outbreaks confirmed in new countries as Iran’s deputy health minister says he has tested positive for coronavirusOutbreaks confirmed in new countries as Iran’s deputy health minister says he has tested positive for coronavirus
The first case of coronavirus in mainland Spain has been identified by health authorities in Catalonia, according to the La Vanguardia newspaper.
It is the country’s fourth confirmed case, if the report is correct, after three tourists from Germany, Italy and Britain in the Canary Islands and in Mallorca were found to have the illness.
Donald Trump has played down fears of the coronavirus spreading in the US, after requesting an additional $2.5bn to reinforce defences “in case something should happen”.
On Tuesday, during his two-day visit to India, the US president told a news conference that the situation is “very well under control in our country”, as his administration asked Congress for funds to prepare for the possibility of an outbreak – and to assist other nations.
The Associated Press reported that he referenced a group of 14 Americans who tested positive for the coronavirus and were among hundreds of their fellow citizens recently evacuated from a cruise ship off the Japanese coast and brought to US facilities.
Trump said those individuals were placed into quarantine and “we think they’ll be in very good shape very, very soon.” Meanwhile, he said China was getting the epidemic under control.
However, Democrats criticised his response and highlighted how the Trump administration is seeking shifting money from various public health accounts, including the Ebola preparedness fund to make up the $2.5bn figure.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said there were a shortage of kits to test for the virus and condemned Trump’s proposed budget cuts to health agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Tuesday, the US had 35 of about 80,000 known cases, while one American citizen has died in China.
Hello all, its Mattha Busby here, taking over from my colleague Martin Belam.
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, has said he is not planning a trip to northern Italy, as flights continue to the country despite those returning from affected areas being told to self-isolate.
The government has been forced into a defence of its approach to the coronavirus outbreak after people have complained of conflicting messages, since the Foreign Office has not changed its travel advice or suggested Britons should avoid travelling to Italy.
Hancock told Sky News:
He said travelling to southern Italy would be “perfectly reasonable”, but he was not planning to travel to the north of the country amid what he described as a “significant outbreak” of the coronavirus.
No 10 also insisted there was not a contradiction between the health advice and travel advice in place for northern Italy.
Please email me on mattha.busby.freelance@guardian.co.uk or message me on Twitter @matthabusby if you have any news related to the coronavirus.
About 50 pupils and staff at a school in County Antrim have been sent home as a precaution against coronavirus after they went on a ski trip to northern Italy.About 50 pupils and staff at a school in County Antrim have been sent home as a precaution against coronavirus after they went on a ski trip to northern Italy.
The Cambridge House grammar school group are showing no symptoms and did not visit any of the affected towns – but they were in the Lombardy region and were sent home as a “precautionary” measure, the principal, Elma Lutton, said.The Cambridge House grammar school group are showing no symptoms and did not visit any of the affected towns – but they were in the Lombardy region and were sent home as a “precautionary” measure, the principal, Elma Lutton, said.
Two schools in Cheshire have also taken precautionary steps after half-term ski trips to Italy, with Cransley school in Northwich completely closing and Brine Leas academy in Nantwich closing its sixth form due to staff shortages as a result of teachers self-isolating.Two schools in Cheshire have also taken precautionary steps after half-term ski trips to Italy, with Cransley school in Northwich completely closing and Brine Leas academy in Nantwich closing its sixth form due to staff shortages as a result of teachers self-isolating.
Here is a summary of what has happened so far today. There have now been 80,000 people affected by the virus around the world.Here is a summary of what has happened so far today. There have now been 80,000 people affected by the virus around the world.
A hotel in Tenerife where an Italian man who has tested positive for coronavirus was staying has been put on lockdown. One thousand guests at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel have been placed in isolation to halt any further spread of the disease. One British holidaymaker has described the situation as a “holiday from hell”.A hotel in Tenerife where an Italian man who has tested positive for coronavirus was staying has been put on lockdown. One thousand guests at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel have been placed in isolation to halt any further spread of the disease. One British holidaymaker has described the situation as a “holiday from hell”.
Travellers returning to the UK from northern Italy may need to self-isolate as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus. Official government advice has been changed to say that those who have been to northern Italy, north of Pisa, should self-isolate if they develop flu-like symptoms on their return to the UK.Travellers returning to the UK from northern Italy may need to self-isolate as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus. Official government advice has been changed to say that those who have been to northern Italy, north of Pisa, should self-isolate if they develop flu-like symptoms on their return to the UK.
Britons who have been in lockdown regions of Italy, including those in the Lombardy and Veneto region, should self-isolate at home for 14 days even if they have no symptoms.Britons who have been in lockdown regions of Italy, including those in the Lombardy and Veneto region, should self-isolate at home for 14 days even if they have no symptoms.
Some schools in the UK have closed or sent pupils home because they had recently returned from skiing visits to northern Italy.Some schools in the UK have closed or sent pupils home because they had recently returned from skiing visits to northern Italy.
In Iran, the death toll due to the coronavirus has reached 16, a health ministry official told state TV on Tuesday. Iran has the highest number of deaths from coronavirus outside China, where the virus emerged late last year. The deputy health minister, Iraj Harirchi, has been infected and is under quarantine.In Iran, the death toll due to the coronavirus has reached 16, a health ministry official told state TV on Tuesday. Iran has the highest number of deaths from coronavirus outside China, where the virus emerged late last year. The deputy health minister, Iraj Harirchi, has been infected and is under quarantine.
Italian authorities announced on Tuesday the first positive coronavirus case in the south of Italy. A woman from Bergamo, who was on holiday with her friends in Sicily, has tested positive for Covid-19.Italian authorities announced on Tuesday the first positive coronavirus case in the south of Italy. A woman from Bergamo, who was on holiday with her friends in Sicily, has tested positive for Covid-19.
Croatia and Austria became the latest European countries to confirm cases of coronavirus.Croatia and Austria became the latest European countries to confirm cases of coronavirus.
Expatriates in Italy have told of confusion in the north of the country, as it battles to contain the coronavirus that appears to have spread to the south.Expatriates in Italy have told of confusion in the north of the country, as it battles to contain the coronavirus that appears to have spread to the south.
Jodie, a beautician who has lived in Dolo, between Venice and Padua, for 15 years, said the atmosphere is strange and “no one knows what is going to happen”.Jodie, a beautician who has lived in Dolo, between Venice and Padua, for 15 years, said the atmosphere is strange and “no one knows what is going to happen”.
Schools have been closed for the week and the mayor has been keeping residents updated on her Facebook page, while the WhatsApp group she shares with her children’s schoolfriends’ mothers has “started going crazy with panicked messages about the number of cases”.Schools have been closed for the week and the mayor has been keeping residents updated on her Facebook page, while the WhatsApp group she shares with her children’s schoolfriends’ mothers has “started going crazy with panicked messages about the number of cases”.
Mick Parker, who works at an English-language school in Milan that has been closed for the week upon the instruction of the local government, said he is “quite impressed” at how quickly the Italian authorities took action.Mick Parker, who works at an English-language school in Milan that has been closed for the week upon the instruction of the local government, said he is “quite impressed” at how quickly the Italian authorities took action.
He likened the exodus from the city to the month of August, when many people go on holiday.He likened the exodus from the city to the month of August, when many people go on holiday.
Kirsten King, who lives about 20 miles away from Vò, Venuto, said the fact a nearby town is closed off with patrols on the road feels “medieval”. Her area has not been locked down, but schools and cinemas are closed and sports events have been cancelled, while most people are staying at home.Kirsten King, who lives about 20 miles away from Vò, Venuto, said the fact a nearby town is closed off with patrols on the road feels “medieval”. Her area has not been locked down, but schools and cinemas are closed and sports events have been cancelled, while most people are staying at home.
“I am sickened by the attempts to manipulate the crisis by the poisonous Matteo Salvini,” she added, after he attempted to politicise the coronavirus outbreak in the country by attacking the Italian government for not defending the country’s borders.“I am sickened by the attempts to manipulate the crisis by the poisonous Matteo Salvini,” she added, after he attempted to politicise the coronavirus outbreak in the country by attacking the Italian government for not defending the country’s borders.
Josie, who is British and has lived in Brescia for two years, said that despite the museums and schools being closed for the week many Italians continuing life as normal she feels anxious.Josie, who is British and has lived in Brescia for two years, said that despite the museums and schools being closed for the week many Italians continuing life as normal she feels anxious.
She teaches English and is worried about going back to work too soon, amid false reports on Monday that a person with the coronavirus died at the local hospital.She teaches English and is worried about going back to work too soon, amid false reports on Monday that a person with the coronavirus died at the local hospital.
Jamie Wakefield, who is from Eastbourne and lives in Rimini, said that despite there being two cases of the coronavirus in Emilia-Romagna, all schools have been closed until next week.Jamie Wakefield, who is from Eastbourne and lives in Rimini, said that despite there being two cases of the coronavirus in Emilia-Romagna, all schools have been closed until next week.
England’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, has said that if coronavirus becomes a global pandemic, then schools could be shut and public transport reduced.England’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, has said that if coronavirus becomes a global pandemic, then schools could be shut and public transport reduced.
Speaking to reporters Whitty said: “There’s no secret there’s a variety of things you need to look at, you look at things like school closures, you look at things like reducing transport.Speaking to reporters Whitty said: “There’s no secret there’s a variety of things you need to look at, you look at things like school closures, you look at things like reducing transport.
“The expectation is not that we will do all these things, the expectation is we will be looking systematically, using the science, at all the building blocks and balancing the effects against costs to society.”“The expectation is not that we will do all these things, the expectation is we will be looking systematically, using the science, at all the building blocks and balancing the effects against costs to society.”
He also suggested that if the situation worsened, whole families could be asked to self isolate if one of them had symptoms of the virus. He added: “We might want to look at things like should people stay at home with their families in that situation.”He also suggested that if the situation worsened, whole families could be asked to self isolate if one of them had symptoms of the virus. He added: “We might want to look at things like should people stay at home with their families in that situation.”
Some schools in England have already shut today because of fears that pupils may have brought coronavirus back with them from skiing trips in northern Italy. [See 13:17 and 12:11]Some schools in England have already shut today because of fears that pupils may have brought coronavirus back with them from skiing trips in northern Italy. [See 13:17 and 12:11]
In scenes that are becoming increasingly familiar around the world here are some pictures of public places in South Korea being disinfected. With nearly 1,000 confirmed cases, the country now has the highest incidence of coronavirus outside of mainland China.In scenes that are becoming increasingly familiar around the world here are some pictures of public places in South Korea being disinfected. With nearly 1,000 confirmed cases, the country now has the highest incidence of coronavirus outside of mainland China.
Schools across the UK are sending pupils home as they struggle to comply with the latest official advice on Covid-19 for students and staff who spent last week’s half-term holiday in northern Italy.Schools across the UK are sending pupils home as they struggle to comply with the latest official advice on Covid-19 for students and staff who spent last week’s half-term holiday in northern Italy.
Penair School in Truro this morning told parents to collect children who had been on a skiing trip to Ponte di Legno, which is near the Swiss border and well away from the towns currently under lockdown by the Italian authorities.Penair School in Truro this morning told parents to collect children who had been on a skiing trip to Ponte di Legno, which is near the Swiss border and well away from the towns currently under lockdown by the Italian authorities.
In a message sent to parents the Truro school said: “Following an announcement at 8am this morning, regarding the coronavirus, by the health secretary and having sought guidance from Public Health England (PHE) we are required to send all children and staff home who attended the ski trip, to self-quarantine for 14 days. Please be assured this is a precautionary measure.”In a message sent to parents the Truro school said: “Following an announcement at 8am this morning, regarding the coronavirus, by the health secretary and having sought guidance from Public Health England (PHE) we are required to send all children and staff home who attended the ski trip, to self-quarantine for 14 days. Please be assured this is a precautionary measure.”
Meanwhile Brine Leas Academy in Nantwich said it was temporarily closing its sixth form after teachers and students also returned from a half-term trip to Italy. Cransley School, an independent school also in Cheshire, announced it would close for a week after some pupils reported feeling ill after a skiing trip to Bormio in Lombardy.Meanwhile Brine Leas Academy in Nantwich said it was temporarily closing its sixth form after teachers and students also returned from a half-term trip to Italy. Cransley School, an independent school also in Cheshire, announced it would close for a week after some pupils reported feeling ill after a skiing trip to Bormio in Lombardy.
The decisions followed today’s updated advice from PHE for travellers returning from northern Italy – defined as north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini – to self-isolate if they felt symptoms of Covid-19, including fever or shortness of breath. PHE also said any travellers who had visited the 11 “specific lockdown areas” in northern Italy since 19 February should call 111 and avoid contact with others.The decisions followed today’s updated advice from PHE for travellers returning from northern Italy – defined as north of Pisa, Florence and Rimini – to self-isolate if they felt symptoms of Covid-19, including fever or shortness of breath. PHE also said any travellers who had visited the 11 “specific lockdown areas” in northern Italy since 19 February should call 111 and avoid contact with others.
Other parents report being told to keep their children home from school after returning from family holidays in northern Italy over the half-term break.Other parents report being told to keep their children home from school after returning from family holidays in northern Italy over the half-term break.
We’ve got a video of schoolteacher Marzio Toniolo describing life under lockdown in San Fiorano, one of the northern Italian towns under quarantine as coronavirus cases rise.We’ve got a video of schoolteacher Marzio Toniolo describing life under lockdown in San Fiorano, one of the northern Italian towns under quarantine as coronavirus cases rise.
Around 50,000 residents of 11 towns across Lombardy and Veneto have been quarantined for at least the next 15 days as Italian authorities scramble to contain the worst outbreak of the virus in Europe and the third worst in the world.Around 50,000 residents of 11 towns across Lombardy and Veneto have been quarantined for at least the next 15 days as Italian authorities scramble to contain the worst outbreak of the virus in Europe and the third worst in the world.
One British tourist at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife has told PA Media that she was enduring the “holiday from hell”.One British tourist at the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife has told PA Media that she was enduring the “holiday from hell”.
Hannah Green, 27, from Hertfordshire, said she has been stuck inside with her boyfriend and one-year-old son twice since they arrived on Sunday – first because of a sandstorm that swept the Canary Islands, and now because of the positive coronavirus test at the hotel.Hannah Green, 27, from Hertfordshire, said she has been stuck inside with her boyfriend and one-year-old son twice since they arrived on Sunday – first because of a sandstorm that swept the Canary Islands, and now because of the positive coronavirus test at the hotel.
She described the communication from the hotel on Tuesday as “non-existent”, telling the news agency: “We woke up to a note under our door this morning saying for health reasons not to leave our room. I called downstairs to reception as soon as I saw it and they wouldn’t tell us anything.She described the communication from the hotel on Tuesday as “non-existent”, telling the news agency: “We woke up to a note under our door this morning saying for health reasons not to leave our room. I called downstairs to reception as soon as I saw it and they wouldn’t tell us anything.
“So I quickly got on my phone and Googled and saw a man had tested positive for coronavirus, so I basically assumed it was that. But since then we’ve had nothing from the hotel – no one has told us anything or what’s going to happen.”“So I quickly got on my phone and Googled and saw a man had tested positive for coronavirus, so I basically assumed it was that. But since then we’ve had nothing from the hotel – no one has told us anything or what’s going to happen.”
She said that while some people were moving around the hotel, she was staying put, adding: “We’re in our room with the baby. We’re worried for the baby.”She said that while some people were moving around the hotel, she was staying put, adding: “We’re in our room with the baby. We’re worried for the baby.”
She now hopes to leave as soon as possible, adding: “If we’re allowed to leave we’re going to go home, but I don’t think we’ll be allowed to leave. We don’t want to be here. We’re fed up now. We had the sandstorm earlier and now this. Holiday from hell, honestly.”She now hopes to leave as soon as possible, adding: “If we’re allowed to leave we’re going to go home, but I don’t think we’ll be allowed to leave. We don’t want to be here. We’re fed up now. We had the sandstorm earlier and now this. Holiday from hell, honestly.”
Here’s a map of where the hotel is in Tenerife.Here’s a map of where the hotel is in Tenerife.
The UK government has updated the advice it is giving to people who have recently been travelling.The UK government has updated the advice it is giving to people who have recently been travelling.
The full advice is now as follows:The full advice is now as follows:
Based on the scientific advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) the UK chief medical officers are advising anyone who has travelled to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and is experiencing coughing or fever or shortness of breath, to stay indoors and call NHS 111, even if their symptoms are mild.Based on the scientific advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) the UK chief medical officers are advising anyone who has travelled to the UK from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days and is experiencing coughing or fever or shortness of breath, to stay indoors and call NHS 111, even if their symptoms are mild.
We are carrying out enhanced monitoring of direct flights from these areas. Passengers will be told how to report any symptoms they develop during the flight, at the time of arrival, or after leaving the airport.We are carrying out enhanced monitoring of direct flights from these areas. Passengers will be told how to report any symptoms they develop during the flight, at the time of arrival, or after leaving the airport.
These areas have been identified because of the volume of air travel from affected areas, understanding of other travel routes and number of reported cases. This list will be kept under review.These areas have been identified because of the volume of air travel from affected areas, understanding of other travel routes and number of reported cases. This list will be kept under review.
If you have returned from these specific areas since 19 February, you should call NHS111 and stay indoors and avoid contact with other people even if you do not have symptoms:If you have returned from these specific areas since 19 February, you should call NHS111 and stay indoors and avoid contact with other people even if you do not have symptoms:
Iran.Iran.
Specific lockdown areas in northern Italy as designated by the government of Italy.Specific lockdown areas in northern Italy as designated by the government of Italy.
Special care zones in South Korea as designated by the government of the Republic of South Korea.Special care zones in South Korea as designated by the government of the Republic of South Korea.
Hubei province (returned in the past 14 days).Hubei province (returned in the past 14 days).
If you have returned from these areas since 19 February and develop symptoms, however mild, you should stay indoors at home and avoid contact with other people immediately and call NHS111. You do not need to follow this advice if you have no symptoms:If you have returned from these areas since 19 February and develop symptoms, however mild, you should stay indoors at home and avoid contact with other people immediately and call NHS111. You do not need to follow this advice if you have no symptoms:
Northern Italy (defined by a line above, and not including, Pisa, Florence and Rimini).Northern Italy (defined by a line above, and not including, Pisa, Florence and Rimini).
Vietnam.Vietnam.
Cambodia.Cambodia.
Laos.Laos.
Myanmar.Myanmar.
If you’re staying in the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel in Tenerife, which has been quarantined after an Italian guest tested positive for coronavirus, we’d like to hear from you. You can tell us about the situation by responding to this encrypted form or via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.If you’re staying in the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel in Tenerife, which has been quarantined after an Italian guest tested positive for coronavirus, we’d like to hear from you. You can tell us about the situation by responding to this encrypted form or via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.
A school in Cheshire has been forced to close amid concerns that students returning to the UK from a ski trip to Italy could be infected with coronavirus.Cransley School, in Northwich, took the decision to close the school after NHS clinical services advised any staff or pupils who went on the trip to Bormio to self-isolate.A number of students are believed to be experiencing symptoms of the virus after visiting the area in the Lombardy region, where hundreds of residents have contracted the deadly infection.The school has closed to all pupils to undergo a “deep-clean” and has advised those returning from the excursion to self-contain regardless of whether they are showing symptoms.The headteacher, Richard Pollock, used the school’s official Facebook page to share his decision to close the school, adding that he would visit Warrington General hospital tomorrow.He said: “Regardless of the current Public Health England advice (that the school should remain open to all other pupils) I have decided, in discussion with the SMT and the chair and vice-chair of governors, to completely minimise possible spread of infection and close the school for the remainder of the week.“During this time, the school will be able to conduct a deep clean, and monitor the results of tests amongst those pupils who are currently showing flu-like symptoms.“I understand that there will be a variety of reactions to this decision amongst parents, and hope that all families will understand the developing situation and the changing and inconsistent advice given to the school. The staff, pupils and families of Cransley are our highest concern.”A second school in Cheshire, Brine Leas Academy in Nantwich, has also been affected by travel to Italy. The school said on Twitter it would remain open but that the sixth form college would close due to “staff shortages”.A school in Cheshire has been forced to close amid concerns that students returning to the UK from a ski trip to Italy could be infected with coronavirus.Cransley School, in Northwich, took the decision to close the school after NHS clinical services advised any staff or pupils who went on the trip to Bormio to self-isolate.A number of students are believed to be experiencing symptoms of the virus after visiting the area in the Lombardy region, where hundreds of residents have contracted the deadly infection.The school has closed to all pupils to undergo a “deep-clean” and has advised those returning from the excursion to self-contain regardless of whether they are showing symptoms.The headteacher, Richard Pollock, used the school’s official Facebook page to share his decision to close the school, adding that he would visit Warrington General hospital tomorrow.He said: “Regardless of the current Public Health England advice (that the school should remain open to all other pupils) I have decided, in discussion with the SMT and the chair and vice-chair of governors, to completely minimise possible spread of infection and close the school for the remainder of the week.“During this time, the school will be able to conduct a deep clean, and monitor the results of tests amongst those pupils who are currently showing flu-like symptoms.“I understand that there will be a variety of reactions to this decision amongst parents, and hope that all families will understand the developing situation and the changing and inconsistent advice given to the school. The staff, pupils and families of Cransley are our highest concern.”A second school in Cheshire, Brine Leas Academy in Nantwich, has also been affected by travel to Italy. The school said on Twitter it would remain open but that the sixth form college would close due to “staff shortages”.
Croatia’s prime minister, Andrej Plenković, has confirmed its first case of coronavirus infection, in a patient who is hospitalised in the capital.Croatia’s prime minister, Andrej Plenković, has confirmed its first case of coronavirus infection, in a patient who is hospitalised in the capital.
“The patient is in the Zagreb clinic for infectious diseases. It is a younger person and he has milder symptoms. He is in isolation and his condition is good at the moment,” Plenković told a news conference.“The patient is in the Zagreb clinic for infectious diseases. It is a younger person and he has milder symptoms. He is in isolation and his condition is good at the moment,” Plenković told a news conference.
The health minister, Vili Beroš, said the patient had stayed in Milan from 19 to 21 February.The health minister, Vili Beroš, said the patient had stayed in Milan from 19 to 21 February.
In Iran, it is being reported that the deputy health minister has tested positive for coronavirus. According to the semi-official news agency ILNA, the spokesman for Iran’s health ministry confirmed in an interview with state television that Deputy Minister Iraj Harirchi has been infected and is now under quarantine.In Iran, it is being reported that the deputy health minister has tested positive for coronavirus. According to the semi-official news agency ILNA, the spokesman for Iran’s health ministry confirmed in an interview with state television that Deputy Minister Iraj Harirchi has been infected and is now under quarantine.
Iraj Harirchi had been working as normal on Monday, and gave a news conference with journalists in Tehran about the virus during which he reportedly had been sweating and looking uncomfortable.Iraj Harirchi had been working as normal on Monday, and gave a news conference with journalists in Tehran about the virus during which he reportedly had been sweating and looking uncomfortable.
It appears that Austria has its first two cases of coronavirus, in the province of Tyrol. There’s no indication yet of the source of the outbreak, but Tyrol borders northern Italy where officials are struggling to contain a growing number of cases.It appears that Austria has its first two cases of coronavirus, in the province of Tyrol. There’s no indication yet of the source of the outbreak, but Tyrol borders northern Italy where officials are struggling to contain a growing number of cases.
Back in the City, the FTSE 100 index of leading blue-chip shares has fallen to a new four-month low.The small gains reported earlier didn’t last. Traders have been spooked again by the latest coronavirus cases in Iran, Italy and the Canary Islands, which have pushed down markets across Europe.The engineering group Meggitt and chemicals firm Croda are leading the FTSE 100 fallers, after they both warned shareholders this morning that Covid-19 will hit their businesses.Neil MacKinnon, a global macro strategist at VTB Capital, says investors are alarmed by the economic damage caused within China, and the rising infections in other countries.“Once travel restrictions inside China are lifted there is a risk of the virus increasing again and/or a reluctance of people to return to work. This looks like more of an ‘L-shaped recovery’ as far as the Chinese economy is concerned and full-capacity working is unlikely to happen before the third quarter.”“The ramifications are certainly global, given that China has accounted for a third of global GDP growth over the past decade. The disruption to global supply chains and disruption to trade and investment flows is considerable,” MacKinnon warns.The FTSE 100 is down 55 points, or 0.7%, at 7101 – its weakest level since 4 October. That’s on top of the 247 points lost in Monday’s rout. The Stoxx 600 index, which tracks Europe’s largest companies, has dropped by almost 1% today.Our business liveblog has more details:Back in the City, the FTSE 100 index of leading blue-chip shares has fallen to a new four-month low.The small gains reported earlier didn’t last. Traders have been spooked again by the latest coronavirus cases in Iran, Italy and the Canary Islands, which have pushed down markets across Europe.The engineering group Meggitt and chemicals firm Croda are leading the FTSE 100 fallers, after they both warned shareholders this morning that Covid-19 will hit their businesses.Neil MacKinnon, a global macro strategist at VTB Capital, says investors are alarmed by the economic damage caused within China, and the rising infections in other countries.“Once travel restrictions inside China are lifted there is a risk of the virus increasing again and/or a reluctance of people to return to work. This looks like more of an ‘L-shaped recovery’ as far as the Chinese economy is concerned and full-capacity working is unlikely to happen before the third quarter.”“The ramifications are certainly global, given that China has accounted for a third of global GDP growth over the past decade. The disruption to global supply chains and disruption to trade and investment flows is considerable,” MacKinnon warns.The FTSE 100 is down 55 points, or 0.7%, at 7101 – its weakest level since 4 October. That’s on top of the 247 points lost in Monday’s rout. The Stoxx 600 index, which tracks Europe’s largest companies, has dropped by almost 1% today.Our business liveblog has more details:
Italian authorities are investigating the skyrocketing online prices for hygienic masks and sanitising gels after the coronavirus outbreak in northern Italy, according to two senior magistrates.“We have decided to open an investigation after media reports of the insane prices fetched up by these products on online sales websites in the last two days,” the Milan deputy chief prosecutor, Tiziana Siciliano, told Reuters.The biggest outbreak in Europe has hit Italy, with more than 260 cases and seven deaths reported, most in the north of the country.Many pharmacists have run out of hygienic masks and hand sanitisers, with people going online to buy them. “The price of masks online has risen from one cent to €10 each and a one-litre bottle of disinfectant that last week was on sale for €7, was up to €39 yesterday,” Siciliano said.Italian authorities are investigating the skyrocketing online prices for hygienic masks and sanitising gels after the coronavirus outbreak in northern Italy, according to two senior magistrates.“We have decided to open an investigation after media reports of the insane prices fetched up by these products on online sales websites in the last two days,” the Milan deputy chief prosecutor, Tiziana Siciliano, told Reuters.The biggest outbreak in Europe has hit Italy, with more than 260 cases and seven deaths reported, most in the north of the country.Many pharmacists have run out of hygienic masks and hand sanitisers, with people going online to buy them. “The price of masks online has risen from one cent to €10 each and a one-litre bottle of disinfectant that last week was on sale for €7, was up to €39 yesterday,” Siciliano said.
As the emergency has spread, police have also issued warnings that criminals posing as health inspectors have been using false identity papers to try to gain access to people’s houses to steal money or other valuables.As the emergency has spread, police have also issued warnings that criminals posing as health inspectors have been using false identity papers to try to gain access to people’s houses to steal money or other valuables.