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Coronavirus: Switzerland, Austria and Croatia report cases as Tenerife quarantines hotel – updates Coronavirus: Switzerland, Austria and Croatia report cases as Tenerife quarantines hotel – 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
Switzerland has confirmed its first case of coronavirus, the Federal Office of Public Health has announced. Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte has defended the measures Italy has taken to contain the outbreak and predicted the numbers of new cases would stabilise soon, after Italy reported a 27% increase in cases on Tuesday – from 222 to 283.
Further details will be provided at 5pm CET, the health department said, declining to say where the first case had been detected. Italy has not yet identified the source of the outbreak, and Croatia, Austria and Switzerland have now recorded cases.
Swiss television RTS said authorities in Ticino, on the border to Italy, had confirmed the case occurred in their region. Many of the cases in Italy have been confined to Lombardy, and Conte claimed that an alleged failure to completely follow official protocol at hospitals in the region contributed to its spread.
However, Lombardy’s chief health official, Giulio Gallera, defended the regions handling of the crisis. “It’s offensive,” he said. “It’s unacceptable.”
About 40,000 healthcare workers, many of whom volunteered, are in Wuhan helping with the response, according to Aylward.
He added that China has “repurposed the machinery of government”, such as check points, toll booths and tightly controlled transportation networks, to address the disease outbreak while taking multiple hospitals out of general use.
Bruce Aylward, head of the WHO-China joint mission on Covid-19, has paid tribute to health workers in China who delivered “life-saving” crisis response services as the virus began to spread.
He praised the approach taken by China to the “frightening” never-seen-before virus.
Switzerland has confirmed its first case of coronavirus, the country’s federal office of public health has announced.
Further details will be provided at 5pm CET (4pm GMT), the health department said, declining to say where the first case had been detected.
The Swiss public broadcaster, RTS, said authorities in Ticino, on the border with Italy, had confirmed the case occurred in their region.
The World Health Organization is delivering an update on the coronavirus at a news briefing, as it continues to spread.The World Health Organization is delivering an update on the coronavirus at a news briefing, as it continues to spread.
You can watch yourself here, and we will bring you updates. You can watch it here, and we will keep abreast of developments.
Italy has taken appropriate measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, with a focus on halting further person-to-person transmission, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.Italy has taken appropriate measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, with a focus on halting further person-to-person transmission, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
Italy has seen the biggest outbreak of the disease in Europe, with more than 260 cases and seven deaths reported, most in the north of the country, according to Reuters.Italy has seen the biggest outbreak of the disease in Europe, with more than 260 cases and seven deaths reported, most in the north of the country, according to Reuters.
After talks with Italian officials in Rome about the response, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said:After talks with Italian officials in Rome about the response, WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said:
Several clusters of infections in different regions had already been detected, it said, while noting that based on current data, in the majority of cases – four out of every five – people experience mild or no symptoms.Several clusters of infections in different regions had already been detected, it said, while noting that based on current data, in the majority of cases – four out of every five – people experience mild or no symptoms.
“The measures taken by the Italian government or the regional governments have been pretty strong and most likely should help in containing this virus as good as possible,” Lindmeier added.“The measures taken by the Italian government or the regional governments have been pretty strong and most likely should help in containing this virus as good as possible,” Lindmeier added.
A separate WHO mission to Iran, which had been announced for Tuesday, has been delayed, he said, adding that he had no date for its departure.A separate WHO mission to Iran, which had been announced for Tuesday, has been delayed, he said, adding that he had no date for its departure.
He urged countries to boost their readiness, saying the virus is “knocking at their door”.He urged countries to boost their readiness, saying the virus is “knocking at their door”.
The first case of coronavirus in mainland Spain has been identified by health authorities in Catalonia, according to the La Vanguardia newspaper.The first case of coronavirus in mainland Spain has been identified by health authorities in Catalonia, according to the La Vanguardia newspaper.
It would be the country’s fourth confirmed case, if the report is correct, after three tourists from Germany, Italy and Britain were diagnosed with the illness in the Canary Islands and in Mallorca.It would be the country’s fourth confirmed case, if the report is correct, after three tourists from Germany, Italy and Britain were diagnosed with the illness in the Canary Islands and in Mallorca.
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”.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 was “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.On Tuesday, during his two-day visit to India, the US president told a news conference that the situation was “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.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.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 shifting money from various public health accounts, including the Ebola preparedness fund to make up the $2.5bn figure.However, Democrats criticised his response and highlighted how the Trump administration is 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.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.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.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 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.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: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.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.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.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.