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Coronavirus: Ireland v Italy Six Nations games postponed amid European rise in cases - live updates Coronavirus: Ireland v Italy Six Nations games postponed amid European rise in cases - live updates
(32 minutes later)
More than 80,000 cases worldwide as World Health Organisation says virus now spreading faster outside China than in itMore than 80,000 cases worldwide as World Health Organisation says virus now spreading faster outside China than in it
A senior health official has confirmed Pakistan’s first two cases of coronavirus. Dr Zafar Mirza, special assistant to the prime minister on health, tweeted:
One of the cases was detected in Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, a provincial official said earlier. The patient had travelled to Iran. It is not clear where the second infected person was based, or if they too had travelled to Iran.
The Geneva International Motor Show, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, is set to go ahead next week, despite the advice of experts to cancel such events to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
The organiser, Palexpo SA, has said it will ask exhibitors from at-risk areas to run “necessary checks” to avoid spreading the virus. Switzerland confirmed its first case today linked to the outbreak in neighbouring Italy.
The show takes place near the headquarters of the World Health Organization, which is currently trying to coordinate efforts to stop the spread of the disease.
Prof Marc Lipsitch, the director of Harvard University’s Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, has urged organisers to continue cancelling large international events.
Writing on his blog this week, he said:
And Prof Marcel Salathé, an epidemiologist at the Swiss EPFL institute, had a similar message:
Pakistan has reported its first case of coronavirus, according to local media. The patient, a 22-year-old from Karachi, had recently returned from Iran.Pakistan has reported its first case of coronavirus, according to local media. The patient, a 22-year-old from Karachi, had recently returned from Iran.
Russia has become the latest country to advise its citizens against travelling to Italy.Russia has become the latest country to advise its citizens against travelling to Italy.
The opening three races of the Formula One season are coming under increasing threat of cancellation as the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread outside China.The opening three races of the Formula One season are coming under increasing threat of cancellation as the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread outside China.
The Chinese Grand Prix has already been postponed but the spread of the virus in Italy and Japan has resulted in concern that the meetings in Australia, Bahrain and Vietnam may also be affected. On Wednesday, Ferrari announced the suspension of non-critical business travel as well as the restriction of external access to its factory in Maranello, located 140km from the centre of the outbreak in Italy, Codogno.The Chinese Grand Prix has already been postponed but the spread of the virus in Italy and Japan has resulted in concern that the meetings in Australia, Bahrain and Vietnam may also be affected. On Wednesday, Ferrari announced the suspension of non-critical business travel as well as the restriction of external access to its factory in Maranello, located 140km from the centre of the outbreak in Italy, Codogno.
A British couple quarantined in Costa Adeje Palace hotel, in Tenerife, have put out a video appeal to Boris Johnson to bring them home.A British couple quarantined in Costa Adeje Palace hotel, in Tenerife, have put out a video appeal to Boris Johnson to bring them home.
In the video, broadcast by the BBC, Mandy Davis said:In the video, broadcast by the BBC, Mandy Davis said:
Speaking alongside her husband, Roger, Davis added:Speaking alongside her husband, Roger, Davis added:
A 60-year-old teacher who fell ill with coronavirus has become the second fatality in France from the illness, AFP reports.A 60-year-old teacher who fell ill with coronavirus has become the second fatality in France from the illness, AFP reports.
The man died overnight in a hospital in the capital, bringing the coronavirus death toll in the country to two, said the health ministry’s deputy head, Jérôme Salomon.The man died overnight in a hospital in the capital, bringing the coronavirus death toll in the country to two, said the health ministry’s deputy head, Jérôme Salomon.
The first victim was an 80-year-old Chinese tourist who died in hospital in mid-February.The first victim was an 80-year-old Chinese tourist who died in hospital in mid-February.
The teacher, who worked at a junior high school in the town of Crépy-en-Valois, about 80 km (50 miles) north-east of Paris, had not travelled to an area affected by the global coronavirus outbreak, said Etienne Champion, the director general of the health agency of the Hauts-de-France region.The teacher, who worked at a junior high school in the town of Crépy-en-Valois, about 80 km (50 miles) north-east of Paris, had not travelled to an area affected by the global coronavirus outbreak, said Etienne Champion, the director general of the health agency of the Hauts-de-France region.
After feeling unwell he stopped work on 12 February, at the start of the mid-term school holidays. He was tested for the coronavirus in the emergency ward of a Paris hospital on Tuesday, shortly before he died.After feeling unwell he stopped work on 12 February, at the start of the mid-term school holidays. He was tested for the coronavirus in the emergency ward of a Paris hospital on Tuesday, shortly before he died.
Apart from the teacher, France has reported four other new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours: two in people returning from the Lombardy region of Italy, at the centre of Europe’s biggest outbreak of the disease.Apart from the teacher, France has reported four other new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours: two in people returning from the Lombardy region of Italy, at the centre of Europe’s biggest outbreak of the disease.
Eleven people have recovered in France, bringing the total of diagnosed cases in the country to 17.Eleven people have recovered in France, bringing the total of diagnosed cases in the country to 17.
Among the four still in hospital, a 55-year-old man from the same region as the teacher was in a serious condition in hospital, said Champion.Among the four still in hospital, a 55-year-old man from the same region as the teacher was in a serious condition in hospital, said Champion.
A British teacher, living in a Chinese “ghost town”, has been sharing video blogs of life at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak.A British teacher, living in a Chinese “ghost town”, has been sharing video blogs of life at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak.
Ardit Ajeti, 24, from Wimbledon, in south-west London, was living and working as a PE teacher in Guangzhou when the virus outbreak resulted in the entire city being placed on lockdown.He says the Chinese government has forbidden residents from leaving the city after it was placed into a 14-day quarantine on Wednesday.Ardit Ajeti, 24, from Wimbledon, in south-west London, was living and working as a PE teacher in Guangzhou when the virus outbreak resulted in the entire city being placed on lockdown.He says the Chinese government has forbidden residents from leaving the city after it was placed into a 14-day quarantine on Wednesday.
Although supermarkets are not experiencing food shortages, restaurants have been banned from opening, with only takeaways and grocery stores allowed to sell food.Although supermarkets are not experiencing food shortages, restaurants have been banned from opening, with only takeaways and grocery stores allowed to sell food.
Residential areas have been cordoned off, and citizens have to go through temperature checks before being allowed in and out of certain parts of the city.Residential areas have been cordoned off, and citizens have to go through temperature checks before being allowed in and out of certain parts of the city.
Videos posted on Ajeti’s YouTube site show him exploring the city, with normally busy areas completely empty.Videos posted on Ajeti’s YouTube site show him exploring the city, with normally busy areas completely empty.
Speaking to PA Media, he said:Speaking to PA Media, he said:
Although his school is closed and Ajeti is no longer able to teach, he said the Chinese government confirmed everyone would still be paid their full salaries.Although his school is closed and Ajeti is no longer able to teach, he said the Chinese government confirmed everyone would still be paid their full salaries.
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.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.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”.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.”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 matches against Italy in Dublin on the weekend of 6-8 March have been postponed – and possibly cancelled – because of the coronavirus outbreak.Ireland’s Six Nations rugby matches against Italy in Dublin on the weekend of 6-8 March have 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.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.
Browne said: “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.”Browne said: “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.”
He added that the 7 March men’s game at the Aviva Stadium as well as the women’s match on 8 March and an Under-20s Six Nations fixture between the countries on 6 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.”He added that the 7 March men’s game at the Aviva Stadium as well as the women’s match on 8 March and an Under-20s Six Nations fixture between the countries on 6 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 act after Harris said on Tuesday that Italy’s multiplying cases of coronavirus made the games – which would draw thousands of Italian fans to Dublin – too risky. He had said: “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 IRFU had been expected to act after Harris said on Tuesday that Italy’s multiplying cases of coronavirus made the games – which would draw thousands of Italian fans to Dublin – too risky. He had said: “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.
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 matches against Italy has been called off due to fears about coronavirus. The decision to postpone the men’s fixture on 7 March, the women’s match on 8 March and Under-20s match on 6 March came after the intervention of the Irish government.Ireland’s rugby union matches against Italy has been called off due to fears about coronavirus. The decision to postpone the men’s fixture on 7 March, the women’s match on 8 March and Under-20s match on 6 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 games against Italy came after the intervention of Ireland’s health minister, Simon Harris, who told RTE news:The decision to cancel Ireland’s games against Italy came after the intervention of Ireland’s health minister, Simon Harris, who told RTE news:
Ireland’s rugby matches against Italy have been cancelled over fears about coronavirus. The 7 March men’s game at the Aviva Stadium as well as the women’s match on 8 March and an Under-20s Six Nations fixture between the countries on 6 March may be staged later in the year.Ireland’s rugby matches against Italy have been cancelled over fears about coronavirus. The 7 March men’s game at the Aviva Stadium as well as the women’s match on 8 March and an Under-20s Six Nations fixture between the countries on 6 March may be staged later in the year.