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/26/coronavirus-latest-updates-who-mission-director-warns-world-is-simply-not-ready

The article has changed 49 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 28 Version 29
Coronavirus: Ireland v Italy Six Nations game postponed amid European rise in cases - live updates Coronavirus: Ireland v Italy Six Nations game postponed amid European rise in cases - live updates
(32 minutes later)
More than 80,000 cases worldwide as impact on financial markets continues and UK schools told not to shut over infection fears. Follow live newsMore than 80,000 cases worldwide as impact on financial markets continues and UK schools told not to shut over infection fears. Follow live news
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, has clarified advice on travel to Italy following the coronavirus deaths in the north of the country, after he was accused of creating confusion for British tourists.
On Tuesday, when asked whether he would travel to the Lombardy region, he said: “I’m not planning to go, put it that way.” His comments attracted criticism that he was contradicting official UK government advice that people should only avoid travel to towns in Lombardy that are under confinement.
Giving an update to MPs on Wednesday, Hancock was asked by the shadow health secretary, Jon Ashworth, about the “discrepancy”.
Hancock replied: “All but essential travel is not recommended to the quarantined areas in northern Italy and the advice for those returning from northern Italy is very clear, which is if you are coming back from the quarantined areas then please self-isolate and if you’re coming back from the whole of northern Italy then please self-isolate if you have symptoms. I hope that advice is clear.”
Ireland’s Six Nations rugby game against Italy in Dublin on 7 March has been postponed – and possibly cancelled – because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Philip Browne, the chief executive of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), announced the decision on Wednesday afternoon after meeting a delegation of health officials led by the health minister, Simon Harris.
“We were then advised, formally, that the National Public Health Emergency team has determined that the series of matches should not proceed, in the interests of public health. The IRFU is perfectly happy to comply with this instruction,” said Browne.
Browne said the headline game at the Aviva stadium – as well as two other matches against Italian teams due to be held on 7 and 8 March – may be held later.
“We will immediately begin to work with our Six Nations partners to look at the possibility of rescheduling those matches. I would hope to have an update on that in the coming days.”
The IRFU had been expected to cancel the fixtures after Harris said on Tuesday that Italy’s multiplying cases of coronavirus made the games – which would have drawn thousands of Italian fans to Dublin – too risky.
“The very clear view of the public health emergency team was that this game should not go ahead, that it would constitute a very significant risk,” said Harris.
The sports minister, Shane Ross, added pressure on the IRFU by backing his cabinet colleague, saying cancellation would be disappointing but necessary.
Meanwhile the chief medical officer at the department of health, Tony Holohan, said other mass gatherings such as St Patrick’s Day celebrations on 17 March would be reviewed.
St Patrick’s festival organisers said in a statement: “We follow the advice and direction of relevant authorities in all matters of public safety.”
What you need to know if you are told to self-isolate or your child is sent home from school:What you need to know if you are told to self-isolate or your child is sent home from school:
The Queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips and her husband, the former England rugby player Mike Tindall, will not be self-isolating despite returning from a skiing trip in northern Italy, where a coronavirus outbreak has been spreading.Phillips and Tindall were skiing in Bormio, a town in the Lombardy region of the Alps in northern Italy.The Queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips and her husband, the former England rugby player Mike Tindall, will not be self-isolating despite returning from a skiing trip in northern Italy, where a coronavirus outbreak has been spreading.Phillips and Tindall were skiing in Bormio, a town in the Lombardy region of the Alps in northern Italy.
The couple’s management said the pair were following government guidelines and medical advice, although they currently did not have any symptoms of the infection and so would not be going into self-isolation.The couple’s management said the pair were following government guidelines and medical advice, although they currently did not have any symptoms of the infection and so would not be going into self-isolation.
Here’s a summary of events so far today:Here’s a summary of events so far today:
Ireland’s rugby union match against Italy has been called off due to fears about coronavirus. The decision to postpone the fixture on 7 March came after the intervention of the Irish government.Ireland’s rugby union match against Italy has been called off due to fears about coronavirus. The decision to postpone the fixture on 7 March came after the intervention of the Irish government.
Donald Trump is to give a news conference on coronavirus later on Wednesday. He suggested the event was planned to counter false claims that have panicked the financial markets.Donald Trump is to give a news conference on coronavirus later on Wednesday. He suggested the event was planned to counter false claims that have panicked the financial markets.
The number of new coronavirus cases reported outside China has exceeded those in the country for the first time. Despite the turning point, the World Health Organization (WHO) has again resisted declaring the outbreak a pandemic.The number of new coronavirus cases reported outside China has exceeded those in the country for the first time. Despite the turning point, the World Health Organization (WHO) has again resisted declaring the outbreak a pandemic.
WHO 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.WHO 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.
South Korea reported a further 284 new coronavirus cases, taking its total to 1,261. The authorities said they planned to test about 200,000 members of a secretive church believed to be at the centre of the outbreak.South Korea reported a further 284 new coronavirus cases, taking its total to 1,261. The authorities said they planned to test about 200,000 members of a secretive church believed to be at the centre of the outbreak.
British tourists quarantined in a Tenerife hotel where four former guests tested positive for coronavirus say they are desperate to return to the UK to avoid contracting the disease. They fear that being locked in the four-star hotel means they will face the same outcome as passengers onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where the virus spread as the boat was quarantined off Yokohama.British tourists quarantined in a Tenerife hotel where four former guests tested positive for coronavirus say they are desperate to return to the UK to avoid contracting the disease. They fear that being locked in the four-star hotel means they will face the same outcome as passengers onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where the virus spread as the boat was quarantined off Yokohama.
A hotel in the Austrian city of Innsbruck remains under lockdown after its Italian receptionist tested positive. Authorities say 62 people at Innsbruck’s Europa hotel have been tested for possible infection with the virus, of which 12 have been quarantined for two weeks because they were in close contact with the receptionist.A hotel in the Austrian city of Innsbruck remains under lockdown after its Italian receptionist tested positive. Authorities say 62 people at Innsbruck’s Europa hotel have been tested for possible infection with the virus, of which 12 have been quarantined for two weeks because they were in close contact with the receptionist.
Greece has reported its first confirmed case of coronavirus. The Greek health ministry said the patientwas a 38-year-old woman who had recently travelled to northern Italy.Greece has reported its first confirmed case of coronavirus. The Greek health ministry said the patientwas a 38-year-old woman who had recently travelled to northern Italy.
A 12th coronavirus patient in northern Italy has died. The number of confirmed cases has risen to 374, an increase of more than 50 on the day before.A 12th coronavirus patient in northern Italy has died. The number of confirmed cases has risen to 374, an increase of more than 50 on the day before.
Facebook is to ban ads that promise to cure coronavirus or incite panic around the outbreak in its latest attempt to prevent misinformation. The tech firm said it is prohibiting advertising that creates “a sense of urgency” about the Covid-19 illness, such as those that “imply a limited supply, or guarantee a cure or prevention”.Facebook is to ban ads that promise to cure coronavirus or incite panic around the outbreak in its latest attempt to prevent misinformation. The tech firm said it is prohibiting advertising that creates “a sense of urgency” about the Covid-19 illness, such as those that “imply a limited supply, or guarantee a cure or prevention”.
The health minister, Matt Hancock, said the government expects the number of cases in the UK to increase. He told the Commons the government had a four-point strategy: contain, delay, research and mitigate.The health minister, Matt Hancock, said the government expects the number of cases in the UK to increase. He told the Commons the government had a four-point strategy: contain, delay, research and mitigate.
Three more people died in Iran, bringing the total to 16 from almost 100 cases. And Latin America recorded its first case with a patient in Brazil testing positive.Three more people died in Iran, bringing the total to 16 from almost 100 cases. And Latin America recorded its first case with a patient in Brazil testing positive.
The decision to cancel Ireland’s game against Italy came after the intervention of Ireland’s health minister, Simon Harris, who told RTE news:The decision to cancel Ireland’s game against Italy came after the intervention of Ireland’s health minister, Simon Harris, who told RTE news:
Ireland’s rugby match against Italy has been cancelled over fears about coronavirus.Ireland’s rugby match against Italy has been cancelled over fears about coronavirus.
Nigel Scotland, one of the tourists in quarantine at a hotel in Tenerife, said many of his fellow guests were ignoring the advice to stay in their rooms.Nigel Scotland, one of the tourists in quarantine at a hotel in Tenerife, said many of his fellow guests were ignoring the advice to stay in their rooms.
“I counted 268 people on sun beds,” he told BBC Radio 4’s World at One. He said he also saw people swimming in the hotel pool.“I counted 268 people on sun beds,” he told BBC Radio 4’s World at One. He said he also saw people swimming in the hotel pool.
Another guest, Harley Mitford, told the Guardian he had seen guests swimming in face masks.Another guest, Harley Mitford, told the Guardian he had seen guests swimming in face masks.
Like Mitford, Scotland said he had not been contacted by UK officials despite Matt Hancock’s claim that the Foreign Office had been in touch with the guests.Like Mitford, Scotland said he had not been contacted by UK officials despite Matt Hancock’s claim that the Foreign Office had been in touch with the guests.
He said: “We haven’t heard anything. Our great hope would be to be flown home quickly, because we probably have to do another 14 days of self-isolation when we get back.”He said: “We haven’t heard anything. Our great hope would be to be flown home quickly, because we probably have to do another 14 days of self-isolation when we get back.”
Scotland added: “Strictly speaking we’re supposed to be in our rooms. My wife and I were visited by the doctor about half an hour. The rooms are quite small and you begin to feel confined and a bit trapped.”Scotland added: “Strictly speaking we’re supposed to be in our rooms. My wife and I were visited by the doctor about half an hour. The rooms are quite small and you begin to feel confined and a bit trapped.”
British tourists quarantined in a Tenerife hotel where four former guests tested positive for coronavirus say they are desperate to return to the UK to avoid contracting the disease.British tourists quarantined in a Tenerife hotel where four former guests tested positive for coronavirus say they are desperate to return to the UK to avoid contracting the disease.
They fear that by being locked in the four-star hotel they will face the same outcome as passengers on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where the virus spread as the boat remained quarantined off Yokohama.They fear that by being locked in the four-star hotel they will face the same outcome as passengers on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where the virus spread as the boat remained quarantined off Yokohama.
A lockdown was imposed on the 700 guests at the Costa Adeje Palace in La Caleta after an Italian doctor, who had stayed at the hotel was confirmed to have caught the virus on Monday night.A lockdown was imposed on the 700 guests at the Costa Adeje Palace in La Caleta after an Italian doctor, who had stayed at the hotel was confirmed to have caught the virus on Monday night.
He is being treated in isolation in hospital along with his wife and two other Italians in his travel group, who have since also tested positive.He is being treated in isolation in hospital along with his wife and two other Italians in his travel group, who have since also tested positive.
Harley Mitford, a student who checked into the hotel with his sister and stepfather on Monday, said he believed the quarantine was putting them at risk of contracting the disease. Speaking to the Guardian, he said: “The Italian guy who was infected had left before we came, so if they let us go, we couldn’t have come into contact with him.Harley Mitford, a student who checked into the hotel with his sister and stepfather on Monday, said he believed the quarantine was putting them at risk of contracting the disease. Speaking to the Guardian, he said: “The Italian guy who was infected had left before we came, so if they let us go, we couldn’t have come into contact with him.
“If we’re kept in we’re more likely to come into contact with people who came into contact with him. It’s counterintuitive, and it’s exactly what happened on the cruise ship.”“If we’re kept in we’re more likely to come into contact with people who came into contact with him. It’s counterintuitive, and it’s exactly what happened on the cruise ship.”
Here’s video of Hancock’s statement to the Commons:Here’s video of Hancock’s statement to the Commons:
Donald Trump has announced he is to stage a news conference at the White House on coronavirus, to counter what he claims are efforts by news organisations to stoke fears over the scale of the outbreak.Donald Trump has announced he is to stage a news conference at the White House on coronavirus, to counter what he claims are efforts by news organisations to stoke fears over the scale of the outbreak.
Two primary schools in Spalding, Lincolnshire, and one in Old Windsor, Berkshire, have closed over coronavirus outbreak fears, reports Richard Adams, the Guardian’s education editor.Two primary schools in Spalding, Lincolnshire, and one in Old Windsor, Berkshire, have closed over coronavirus outbreak fears, reports Richard Adams, the Guardian’s education editor.
The two schools in Spalding are in a federation and have posted the same notice on their websites:The two schools in Spalding are in a federation and have posted the same notice on their websites:
St Peter’s C of E middle school in Old Windsor – near Legoland – shut on Wednesday for deep cleaning. Andy Snipp, the headteacher, wrote on the school’s Facebook page:St Peter’s C of E middle school in Old Windsor – near Legoland – shut on Wednesday for deep cleaning. Andy Snipp, the headteacher, wrote on the school’s Facebook page:
Meanwhile King Edward VI Five Ways grammar school, in Birmingham, has said three staff are home with flu-like symptoms following a skiing trip to the Italian Alps, although it says the trip didn’t go through the affected regions. A letter to parents said that three members of staff were absent from school with flu-like symptoms, and asked parents to keep their children away from lessons if they felt unwell.Meanwhile King Edward VI Five Ways grammar school, in Birmingham, has said three staff are home with flu-like symptoms following a skiing trip to the Italian Alps, although it says the trip didn’t go through the affected regions. A letter to parents said that three members of staff were absent from school with flu-like symptoms, and asked parents to keep their children away from lessons if they felt unwell.
My colleague Andrew Sparrow, over on the politics live blog, has taken down the details of a statement made in the House of Commons by Matt Hancock, the health secretary, on coronavirus.My colleague Andrew Sparrow, over on the politics live blog, has taken down the details of a statement made in the House of Commons by Matt Hancock, the health secretary, on coronavirus.
The first person to have succumbed to Covid-19 in Greece is doing well, doctors say.The first person to have succumbed to Covid-19 in Greece is doing well, doctors say.
The 38-year-old woman, who recently travelled to northern Italy where she is believed to have contracted the virus, is likely to spend weeks undergoing treatment in the specialist ward of Thessaloniki’s Ahepa hospital, said Sotiris Tsiodras, heading the contagious diseases team at the ministry of health.The 38-year-old woman, who recently travelled to northern Italy where she is believed to have contracted the virus, is likely to spend weeks undergoing treatment in the specialist ward of Thessaloniki’s Ahepa hospital, said Sotiris Tsiodras, heading the contagious diseases team at the ministry of health.
Her relatives have been placed in quarantine, while an inquiry is under way to ascertain who she has been in contact with.Her relatives have been placed in quarantine, while an inquiry is under way to ascertain who she has been in contact with.
“The young woman is in good condition and is being watched by a team of excellent doctors,” Tsiodras told a packed news conference, emphasising how vital it was that people kept to basic hygiene rules such as regularly washing their hands.“The young woman is in good condition and is being watched by a team of excellent doctors,” Tsiodras told a packed news conference, emphasising how vital it was that people kept to basic hygiene rules such as regularly washing their hands.
“Those who have come from affected areas of northern Italy must stay at home and monitor their health and in the event of symptoms inform their doctor,” he said, adding that the woman was otherwise in good health.“Those who have come from affected areas of northern Italy must stay at home and monitor their health and in the event of symptoms inform their doctor,” he said, adding that the woman was otherwise in good health.
Greek schoolchildren who had been travelling in Italy at the time of the outbreak continued to be brought back to Greece on Wednesday.Greek schoolchildren who had been travelling in Italy at the time of the outbreak continued to be brought back to Greece on Wednesday.
There are concerns that after years of steep budget cuts as a result of its long-running debt crisis, Greece’s public health system will struggle to cope if the disease cannot be contained. “Everyone knows that our public hospitals are not in the best way,” Andreas Mendis, of the country’s Pasteur Institute, told local TV. “But on issues of public health we have a good record.” Alarmed by the spread of the virus across Europe and in parts of the neighbouring Balkans, the Greek government announced an array of preventative measures on Tuesday. They include Greek authorities having the right to use private clinics and their medical services if needed to curb the disease.There are concerns that after years of steep budget cuts as a result of its long-running debt crisis, Greece’s public health system will struggle to cope if the disease cannot be contained. “Everyone knows that our public hospitals are not in the best way,” Andreas Mendis, of the country’s Pasteur Institute, told local TV. “But on issues of public health we have a good record.” Alarmed by the spread of the virus across Europe and in parts of the neighbouring Balkans, the Greek government announced an array of preventative measures on Tuesday. They include Greek authorities having the right to use private clinics and their medical services if needed to curb the disease.
Authorities in the Canary islands have said guests at a Tenerife hotel which hosted an Italian couple who tested positive for coronavirus must be isolated for 14 days.Authorities in the Canary islands have said guests at a Tenerife hotel which hosted an Italian couple who tested positive for coronavirus must be isolated for 14 days.
Hundreds of tourists remained confined to the hotel for a second straight day on Wednesday as a precaution. The Italian doctor and his wife who tested positive were already in quarantine at a Tenerife hospital. Eight other Italians who travelled with them were showing no symptoms, according to reports.Hundreds of tourists remained confined to the hotel for a second straight day on Wednesday as a precaution. The Italian doctor and his wife who tested positive were already in quarantine at a Tenerife hospital. Eight other Italians who travelled with them were showing no symptoms, according to reports.
British holidaymakers are among those stuck at the four-star H10 Costa Adeje Palace, in the south-west of the island.British holidaymakers are among those stuck at the four-star H10 Costa Adeje Palace, in the south-west of the island.
Relatives of an 82-year-old British widower, Alan Cunliffe, a retired builder from Wigan, have raised concerns after guests were sent a letter saying the hotel is “closed down” and they must remain in their rooms until further notice. Jon Butler, Cunliffe’s nephew, said:Relatives of an 82-year-old British widower, Alan Cunliffe, a retired builder from Wigan, have raised concerns after guests were sent a letter saying the hotel is “closed down” and they must remain in their rooms until further notice. Jon Butler, Cunliffe’s nephew, said:
Donald Trump has praised his health secretary and the Centres for Disease Control for doing “a great job with respect to coronavirus!”Donald Trump has praised his health secretary and the Centres for Disease Control for doing “a great job with respect to coronavirus!”