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Coronavirus news: stocks plunge in Australia as South Korean cases spike - live updates Coronavirus news: stocks plunge in Australia as South Korean cases spike - live updates
(32 minutes later)
Coronavirus impact on financial markets continues, as Hong Kong announces cash handouts to residents. Follow live newsCoronavirus impact on financial markets continues, as Hong Kong announces cash handouts to residents. Follow live news
The Scottish government announced last night it was stepping up its preparations for an outbreak, after the first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, chaired a resilience meeting to discuss preparations.
The health secretary, Jeane Freeman, said it was “expecting an outbreak” in Scotland but stressed the risk to individuals was low and that all tests so far had come back negative. A total of 412 people have been tested for the virus in Scotland so far.
Preparations include:
Establishing two testing laboratories in Glasgow and Edinburgh to speed up identification of confirmed cases.
Supplying GPs’ surgeries with face masks and ensuring hospitals are fully stocked with personal protective equipment.
Updating public health legislation to make coronavirus a notifiable disease, thus requiring doctors to inform health boards about any cases of the disease.
Several schools in the UK have closed today, while others have sent pupils home for fear they may have been exposed to coronavirus during ski trips to northern Italy, PA Media reports.
Travellers returning from that part of the world have been told they may need to self-isolate and Public Health England announced that flu patients will now be assessed for coronavirus to see if it is spreading.
Cransley School in Northwich, Cheshire, and Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough on Tuesday announced they would be closed for the rest of the week to carry out a “deep clean” after pupils and teachers had returned from ski trips in northern Italy.
Trinity Catholic College said a “small number of staff and pupils” had started showing mild flu-like symptoms following their trip.
Lutton St Nicholas and Gedney Church End primary schools in Lincolnshire also said they had closed “because of a potential connection to the coronavirus by an individual within the school” and St Christopher’s C of E High School in Accrington told parents it would be shut on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Sandbach High School in Cheshire said students and staff who visited Aprica, in Italy’s Lombardy region, were to stay indoors and self-isolate.
A third Cheshire school, Brine Leas School in Nantwich, said its sixth form was closed due to staff shortages following government advice regarding travel to Italy.
Students from Penair School in Truro, Cornwall, Salendine Nook High School in Huddersfield, Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School in West Derby and Newquay Tretherras in Newquay, have also been advised to stay home after returning from ski trips.
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said official advice has been changed to say people who have been to anywhere in Italy north of Pisa should self-isolate if they develop flu-like symptoms on their return to the UK. Britons who have been in locked-down regions of Italy – including Lombardy and Veneto – were told they should self-isolate at home for 14 days even if they have no symptoms.
Hello, this is Damien Gayle taking the reins of the coronavirus blog from London, where we are beginning to see commuters on our public transport systems wearing face masks as fear of the outbreak spreads.
As usual, as well as the Guardian’s network of correspondents, social media and news wires, I’ll be relying on your tips, questions and suggestions to shape the day’s live coverage. So please feel free to drop me a line at damien.gayle@gmail.com, or via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.
The World Health Organisation expert who led a delegation to Wuhan has warned countries outside China are “simply not ready” for a pandemic.The World Health Organisation expert who led a delegation to Wuhan has warned countries outside China are “simply not ready” for a pandemic.
The virus has infected more than 81,000 people, and killed 2,762, the vast majority of cases in mainland China and in particular Hubei province.The virus has infected more than 81,000 people, and killed 2,762, the vast majority of cases in mainland China and in particular Hubei province.
South Korea reported 169 new cases, reaching a total of 1,146, 90% of them in Daegu and North Gyeongsang.South Korea reported 169 new cases, reaching a total of 1,146, 90% of them in Daegu and North Gyeongsang.
South Korean authorities said they plan to test around 200,000 members of a secretive church believed to be at the centre of the outbreak.South Korean authorities said they plan to test around 200,000 members of a secretive church believed to be at the centre of the outbreak.
Mainland China saw its lowest daily death toll in more than three weeks, with 52 fatalities on Tuesday.Mainland China saw its lowest daily death toll in more than three weeks, with 52 fatalities on Tuesday.
Three more people died in Iran, bringing the total to 16 from almost 100 cases.Three more people died in Iran, bringing the total to 16 from almost 100 cases.
Latin America recorded its first suspected case, with a patient in Brazil awaiting a second test to confirm the diagnosis.Latin America recorded its first suspected case, with a patient in Brazil awaiting a second test to confirm the diagnosis.
A US soldier based in a US military camp in a town near Daegu has tested positive and is in self-isolation.A US soldier based in a US military camp in a town near Daegu has tested positive and is in self-isolation.
Australia’s ASX200 plunged 2.5% on Wednesday, wiping around $125bn from the index’s value.Australia’s ASX200 plunged 2.5% on Wednesday, wiping around $125bn from the index’s value.
International Olympic Committee member, Dick Pound, has said the Tokyo Olympics could be cancelled if the virus threat is too great, and a decision would have to be made within two to three months.International Olympic Committee member, Dick Pound, has said the Tokyo Olympics could be cancelled if the virus threat is too great, and a decision would have to be made within two to three months.
Japan cancelled its football league, and a Tokyo baseball team said it will play in an empty stadium this weekend.Japan cancelled its football league, and a Tokyo baseball team said it will play in an empty stadium this weekend.
Preparations for an outbreak of coronavirus were underway in Afghanistan as the country confirmed its first case in the western province of Herat, which borders Iran.Preparations for an outbreak of coronavirus were underway in Afghanistan as the country confirmed its first case in the western province of Herat, which borders Iran.
Seven more suspected cases have been identified in Herat, and three cases in the nearby provinces of Farah and Ghor.Seven more suspected cases have been identified in Herat, and three cases in the nearby provinces of Farah and Ghor.
The affected Herat residents had recently returned from Qom in Iran, where the coronavirus outbreak has already killed at least 16 people and infected dozens of others, according to Iranian officials.The affected Herat residents had recently returned from Qom in Iran, where the coronavirus outbreak has already killed at least 16 people and infected dozens of others, according to Iranian officials.
Three more people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in Bahrain, bringing the country’s total to 26.Three more people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in Bahrain, bringing the country’s total to 26.
The first 23 cases were all inbound travellers, identified and quarantined in “a specialist hospital isolation centre”, the kingdom’s communication directorate said earlier. All but one were diagnosed at an airport before entering Bahrain, it said.The first 23 cases were all inbound travellers, identified and quarantined in “a specialist hospital isolation centre”, the kingdom’s communication directorate said earlier. All but one were diagnosed at an airport before entering Bahrain, it said.
The Philippines is the latest country to impose travel bans. It has announced it will refuse entry to any traveler from the South Korean province of Gyeongsang.The Philippines is the latest country to impose travel bans. It has announced it will refuse entry to any traveler from the South Korean province of Gyeongsang.
Separately, Reuters reports that Kuwait has banned foreign ships from departing to or arriving from South Korea, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Iraq.Separately, Reuters reports that Kuwait has banned foreign ships from departing to or arriving from South Korea, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Iraq.
Oil sector ships are excluded from the ban.Oil sector ships are excluded from the ban.
The United Arab Emirates is “well prepared and equipped for the worst case scenarios” as the coronavirus spreads in Middle East, an official from the UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority told Reuters on Wednesday.The United Arab Emirates is “well prepared and equipped for the worst case scenarios” as the coronavirus spreads in Middle East, an official from the UAE National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority told Reuters on Wednesday.
The official said the UAE has enough facilities to quarantine patients and relevant bodies have been instructed to undertake “a complete surveillance of all people entering the country”.The official said the UAE has enough facilities to quarantine patients and relevant bodies have been instructed to undertake “a complete surveillance of all people entering the country”.
The UAE has reported 13 people have been diagnosed with the infection, of whom three have recovered and two are in critical condition.The UAE has reported 13 people have been diagnosed with the infection, of whom three have recovered and two are in critical condition.
Iran, UAE’s neighbour across the Gulf, reported on Tuesday a total of 16 virus-related deaths, the most outside ChinaIran, UAE’s neighbour across the Gulf, reported on Tuesday a total of 16 virus-related deaths, the most outside China
Thailand has reported three new cases today, taking total infections to 40, Reuters is reporting, citing Sukhum Kanchanapimai, permanent secretary at the health ministry.Thailand has reported three new cases today, taking total infections to 40, Reuters is reporting, citing Sukhum Kanchanapimai, permanent secretary at the health ministry.
The patients are all Thai nationals. Two had returned from holidays in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, and came into contact with the third.The patients are all Thai nationals. Two had returned from holidays in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, and came into contact with the third.
The AP has released a wrap of the current numbers. There are a total 81,002 confirmed cases around the world, and 2,762 dead.The AP has released a wrap of the current numbers. There are a total 81,002 confirmed cases around the world, and 2,762 dead.
Mainland China: 78,064 cases, 2,715 deaths, mostly in HubeiMainland China: 78,064 cases, 2,715 deaths, mostly in Hubei
South Korea: 1,146 cases, 11 deathsSouth Korea: 1,146 cases, 11 deaths
Japan: 860 cases, including 691 from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, 4 deathsJapan: 860 cases, including 691 from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, 4 deaths
Italy: 323 cases, 11 deathsItaly: 323 cases, 11 deaths
Iran: 95 cases, 15 deathsIran: 95 cases, 15 deaths
Singapore: 91 casesSingapore: 91 cases
Hong Kong: 81 cases, 2 deathsHong Kong: 81 cases, 2 deaths
Thailand: 37 casesThailand: 37 cases
United States: 57 casesUnited States: 57 cases
Taiwan: 31 cases, 1 deathTaiwan: 31 cases, 1 death
Australia: 23 casesAustralia: 23 cases
Malaysia: 22Malaysia: 22
Bahrain: 17Bahrain: 17
Vietnam: 16 casesVietnam: 16 cases
Germany: 17Germany: 17
United Arab Emirates: 13 casesUnited Arab Emirates: 13 cases
United Kingdom: 13United Kingdom: 13
France: 14 cases, 1 deathFrance: 14 cases, 1 death
Canada: 11Canada: 11
Kuwait: 11Kuwait: 11
Macao: 10 casesMacao: 10 cases
Iraq: 5Iraq: 5
Philippines: 3 cases, 1 deathPhilippines: 3 cases, 1 death
India: 3India: 3
Spain: 6Spain: 6
Russia: 2Russia: 2
Israel: 2Israel: 2
Oman: 2Oman: 2
Austria: 2Austria: 2
Lebanon: 1Lebanon: 1
Belgium: 1Belgium: 1
Nepal: 1Nepal: 1
Sri Lanka: 1Sri Lanka: 1
Sweden: 1Sweden: 1
Cambodia: 1Cambodia: 1
Finland: 1Finland: 1
Egypt: 1Egypt: 1
Algeria: 1Algeria: 1
Afghanistan: 1Afghanistan: 1
Croatia: 1Croatia: 1
Switzerland: 1Switzerland: 1
Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has called for sports and cultural events to be cancelled or postponed for the next fortnight, as the country tries to contain its outbreak.Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has called for sports and cultural events to be cancelled or postponed for the next fortnight, as the country tries to contain its outbreak.
“Taking into account that the next one to two weeks are extremely important in stopping the spread of infection, the government considers there to be a large risk of transmission at sports, cultural events and large gatherings of people,” Abe told parliament.“Taking into account that the next one to two weeks are extremely important in stopping the spread of infection, the government considers there to be a large risk of transmission at sports, cultural events and large gatherings of people,” Abe told parliament.
Five people have died of the Covid-19 illness in Japan, which has had at least 164 cases of infection in the general population, as well as 691 on the Diamond Princess cruise ship which docked south of Tokyo.Five people have died of the Covid-19 illness in Japan, which has had at least 164 cases of infection in the general population, as well as 691 on the Diamond Princess cruise ship which docked south of Tokyo.
Businesses have been urged to recommend staff work from home, and a Tokyo baseball team said it would play games in an empty stadium this weekend.Businesses have been urged to recommend staff work from home, and a Tokyo baseball team said it would play games in an empty stadium this weekend.
Meanwhile the Japanese minister in charge of the Olympics, scheduled for July, has sought to reassure people the games would go ahead despite comments from senior Olympics officials that it may have to be cancelled.Meanwhile the Japanese minister in charge of the Olympics, scheduled for July, has sought to reassure people the games would go ahead despite comments from senior Olympics officials that it may have to be cancelled.
Coronavirus fear has gripped the Australian market, driving the benchmark ASX200 index down more than 2.5% today.Coronavirus fear has gripped the Australian market, driving the benchmark ASX200 index down more than 2.5% today.
The market has fallen every day so far this week, wiping 6.3% - or about $125bn - from the index.The market has fallen every day so far this week, wiping 6.3% - or about $125bn - from the index.
All sectors have bit hammered, but the brunt of the pain is being felt by investors in stocks with heavy exposure to the Chinese economy and international travel.All sectors have bit hammered, but the brunt of the pain is being felt by investors in stocks with heavy exposure to the Chinese economy and international travel.
At about 3.40pm metals company and BHP spin-off South32 was down almost 7.5% while fund manager Magellan has been smashed, dropping 7.8%.At about 3.40pm metals company and BHP spin-off South32 was down almost 7.5% while fund manager Magellan has been smashed, dropping 7.8%.
But only 13 of the 200 stocks in the index have escaped a fall today, with every other company, including the big banks, feeling the financial fallout from the virus fears.But only 13 of the 200 stocks in the index have escaped a fall today, with every other company, including the big banks, feeling the financial fallout from the virus fears.
The Diamond Princess cruise ship continues to be a major focus of the global outbreak.The Diamond Princess cruise ship continues to be a major focus of the global outbreak.
Passengers who were allowed off the virus-stricken ship are continuing to develop symptoms, and several of the 970 who were allowed off last week after testing negative have since developed the Covid-19 illness, including another Australian passenger announced today.Passengers who were allowed off the virus-stricken ship are continuing to develop symptoms, and several of the 970 who were allowed off last week after testing negative have since developed the Covid-19 illness, including another Australian passenger announced today.
Japan has come under criticism over its handling of the cruise ship, and several countries which repatriated its citizens from the ship required them to undergo further quarantining despite Japan’s decision to release them.Japan has come under criticism over its handling of the cruise ship, and several countries which repatriated its citizens from the ship required them to undergo further quarantining despite Japan’s decision to release them.
Japan’s health minister Katsunobo Kato told parliament today the ministry had found 45 people with “certain symptoms”, and had asked them all to see a doctor and take tests.Japan’s health minister Katsunobo Kato told parliament today the ministry had found 45 people with “certain symptoms”, and had asked them all to see a doctor and take tests.
The Hong Kong government has formally announced the relief package that SCMP reported earlier, including the HKD $10,000 for each permanent resident over the age of 18.The Hong Kong government has formally announced the relief package that SCMP reported earlier, including the HKD $10,000 for each permanent resident over the age of 18.
Finance chief Paul Chan confirmed the “exceptional measure” was in light of current circumstances (months of unrest plus the coronavirus) and said it would not create long term financial burden.Finance chief Paul Chan confirmed the “exceptional measure” was in light of current circumstances (months of unrest plus the coronavirus) and said it would not create long term financial burden.
He said he made the decision “with a view to encouraging and boosting local consumption on the one hand, and relieving people’s financial burden on the other”.He said he made the decision “with a view to encouraging and boosting local consumption on the one hand, and relieving people’s financial burden on the other”.
It will cost about HKD$71bn in total, he said, and is expected to benefit seven million people.It will cost about HKD$71bn in total, he said, and is expected to benefit seven million people.
There are 555 confirmed cases of infection in Chinese prisons, although no deaths so far, and a senior leader in the country’s justice ministry has blamed it on law enforcement. Xiong Xuanguo, deputy minister of the justice ministry, has accused them of poor disease control efforts.There are 555 confirmed cases of infection in Chinese prisons, although no deaths so far, and a senior leader in the country’s justice ministry has blamed it on law enforcement. Xiong Xuanguo, deputy minister of the justice ministry, has accused them of poor disease control efforts.
“The transmission of the disease truly reflects some gaps in our management of prisons and in our prevention and epidemic control work,” he said.“The transmission of the disease truly reflects some gaps in our management of prisons and in our prevention and epidemic control work,” he said.
The women’s jail in the central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, is 100m from a hospital and both facilities are serviced by the same bus stop, Xiong told a news conference held by the information office of China’s State Council or cabinet.The women’s jail in the central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, is 100m from a hospital and both facilities are serviced by the same bus stop, Xiong told a news conference held by the information office of China’s State Council or cabinet.
For cases found at jails in the eastern provinces of Shandong and Zhejiang, he added, local security forces did not report they had been in contact with individuals from Hubei province, the capital of which is Wuhan.For cases found at jails in the eastern provinces of Shandong and Zhejiang, he added, local security forces did not report they had been in contact with individuals from Hubei province, the capital of which is Wuhan.
“Our police officers at every level did not make truthful reports,” he said.“Our police officers at every level did not make truthful reports,” he said.