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/28/coronavirus-live-updates-latest-news-china-wuhan-stock-markets-update

The article has changed 48 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Coronavirus latest updates: world stock markets in freefall as Nigeria records first case Coronavirus latest updates: world stock markets in freefall as Nigeria records first case
(32 minutes later)
New Zealand and Lithuania also report first cases as WHO says epidemic could get ‘out of control’. Follow live newsNew Zealand and Lithuania also report first cases as WHO says epidemic could get ‘out of control’. Follow live news
The bloodletting has ended – for now – in some key Asia Pacific markets. They’re still going in China and getting ready for heavy losses in Europe and the US.
The Nikkei has closed down 3.67% in Tokyo
In Sydney the ASX200 finished off 3.2%.
The Kospi ended 3.6% worse off.
Hang Seng currently down 2.65%
Shanghai down 2.95%
The MSCI world index has fallen fell 0.6% and is down 9.4% this week. It’s on course for its biggest weekly decline since November 2008.
London and Wall Street both set for heavy losses at the opening
The VIx volatility index has spiked to 39, its highest since 2011
Brent crude oil is down almost 3% and threatening to go below $50 a barrel
Safe havens such as gold and the yen are up. US government 10-year bond yields are at record lows as investors seek security (yields are inverse to bond prices).
Belarus has reported its first coronavirus case, an Iranian student who arrived in the country from Azerbaijan last week, AFP reports.
The health ministry said the patient was in a “satisfactory” condition.
People the student had been in contact with since their arrival on 22 February had been placed in quarantine in the hospital for infectious diseases in the capital Minsk, it added in a statement.
The ministry also said that there would now be health checks on anyone arriving in the country from Italy - the worst affected country in Europe - Iran and South Korea.
Travellers from China were already subject to such controls.
New Zealand heath and government authorities are detailing the country’s responses, and the individual case which has been reported today.New Zealand heath and government authorities are detailing the country’s responses, and the individual case which has been reported today.
It’s a New Zealand citizen who recently returned from Iran, and they are improving.It’s a New Zealand citizen who recently returned from Iran, and they are improving.
Public health will be contacting people who were in the same row, and the two rows ahead and behind the person on their final leg - a flight from Bali on 26 February.Public health will be contacting people who were in the same row, and the two rows ahead and behind the person on their final leg - a flight from Bali on 26 February.
They’ll be required to self-isolate for 14 days, under regular communication with local public health.They’ll be required to self-isolate for 14 days, under regular communication with local public health.
The chance of a community outbreak remains low.The chance of a community outbreak remains low.
“The risk of this disease is being very well managed,” said health minister David Clark, adding that all protocols have been put in place.“The risk of this disease is being very well managed,” said health minister David Clark, adding that all protocols have been put in place.
When they arrived back in New Zealand they traveled home in a private car and then called health workers when they began to feel unwell.When they arrived back in New Zealand they traveled home in a private car and then called health workers when they began to feel unwell.
“They followed all of the steps you’d hope would be followed,” said Clark. They tested negative twice before testing positive.“They followed all of the steps you’d hope would be followed,” said Clark. They tested negative twice before testing positive.
New Zealand is the 48th country to identify a case of the virus, Clark said, although a widespread outbreak was still thought to be unlikely.New Zealand is the 48th country to identify a case of the virus, Clark said, although a widespread outbreak was still thought to be unlikely.
Director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield added: “We have been preparing for this for some weeks, and we are ready.”Director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield added: “We have been preparing for this for some weeks, and we are ready.”
“A range of cross government groups are working together” and guided by the pandemic plan, said Clark.“A range of cross government groups are working together” and guided by the pandemic plan, said Clark.
“We are well prepared because we’ve had time to be prepared.”“We are well prepared because we’ve had time to be prepared.”
Border restrictions have minimised the chance of further cases arriving.Border restrictions have minimised the chance of further cases arriving.
He said his main message to the community was for anyone concerned to ring the helpline number 0800 358 5453, use good handwashing hygiene and cough etiquette.He said his main message to the community was for anyone concerned to ring the helpline number 0800 358 5453, use good handwashing hygiene and cough etiquette.
We are expecting a press conference from New Zealand authorities shortly, on the case detected there.We are expecting a press conference from New Zealand authorities shortly, on the case detected there.
In the meantime we have a few more details from AFP.In the meantime we have a few more details from AFP.
Health officials said the person, reportedly a woman aged in her 60s, was being treated in Auckland City Hospital, and they are “in an improving condition in isolation”.Health officials said the person, reportedly a woman aged in her 60s, was being treated in Auckland City Hospital, and they are “in an improving condition in isolation”.
Officials said the person arrived in Auckland on Wednesday and family members went to the hospital after becoming concerned about the individual’s condition.Officials said the person arrived in Auckland on Wednesday and family members went to the hospital after becoming concerned about the individual’s condition.
The officials urged any passengers on Wednesday’s final leg of the Emirates airline journey, which goes from Bali to Auckland, to contact authorities if they were concerned.The officials urged any passengers on Wednesday’s final leg of the Emirates airline journey, which goes from Bali to Auckland, to contact authorities if they were concerned.
However, authorities downplayed the risk to the public saying the situation was being well managed.However, authorities downplayed the risk to the public saying the situation was being well managed.
“Although we have our first case of Covid-19, the chances of community outbreak remain low,” the statement said.“Although we have our first case of Covid-19, the chances of community outbreak remain low,” the statement said.
AFP has written about the measures being taken in Beijing to control the spread of the virus, amid fears there could be a resurgence. There was a fresh cluster of cases this week, and two deaths reported on Friday.AFP has written about the measures being taken in Beijing to control the spread of the virus, amid fears there could be a resurgence. There was a fresh cluster of cases this week, and two deaths reported on Friday.
The Sacramento Bee is reporting three students living in dormitories at UC Davis has been placed in isolation after one showed “mild” symptoms of the virus.The Sacramento Bee is reporting three students living in dormitories at UC Davis has been placed in isolation after one showed “mild” symptoms of the virus.
Important info for New Zealanders who have traveled recently.Important info for New Zealanders who have traveled recently.
Capital Economics says China’s economy will shrink in the first quarter of this year despite the slowdown in the number of new virus cases.Capital Economics says China’s economy will shrink in the first quarter of this year despite the slowdown in the number of new virus cases.
Activity is still subdued in the world’s second-biggest economy, Capital says, and the impact on domestic demand and international supply chains will have a profound effect on the global outlook.Activity is still subdued in the world’s second-biggest economy, Capital says, and the impact on domestic demand and international supply chains will have a profound effect on the global outlook.
The consultancy, which has a page monitoring economic activity in China which is open to the public, says:The consultancy, which has a page monitoring economic activity in China which is open to the public, says:
Lithuania has reported its first case of the virus, in a woman who returned this week from a visit to Italy’s northern city of Verona.Lithuania has reported its first case of the virus, in a woman who returned this week from a visit to Italy’s northern city of Verona.
In a statement, the Lithuanian government said the woman had been isolated in hospital in the northern town of Siauliai following her return on Monday.In a statement, the Lithuanian government said the woman had been isolated in hospital in the northern town of Siauliai following her return on Monday.
She has been under observation since, and is showing only slight symptoms, with no elevated temperature at the moment, it added.She has been under observation since, and is showing only slight symptoms, with no elevated temperature at the moment, it added.
There are also more details about the case in Nigeria, the first for sub-Saharan Africa, via Reuters.There are also more details about the case in Nigeria, the first for sub-Saharan Africa, via Reuters.
The country’s health minister Osagie Ehanire, said in a statement the case was an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos on 25 February.The country’s health minister Osagie Ehanire, said in a statement the case was an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos on 25 February.
His infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.His infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
“The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms,” said the minister, adding that he was being treated at a hospital in the Lagos district of Yaba.“The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms,” said the minister, adding that he was being treated at a hospital in the Lagos district of Yaba.
“We have already started working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he entered Nigeria,” said Ehanire.“We have already started working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he entered Nigeria,” said Ehanire.
New Zealand has confirmed the first case of the virus, according to RNZ.New Zealand has confirmed the first case of the virus, according to RNZ.
It’s reporting the prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has confirmed the diagnosis in a permanent resident of New Zealand who had recently been in Iran.It’s reporting the prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has confirmed the diagnosis in a permanent resident of New Zealand who had recently been in Iran.
Things are going from bad to worse on the financial markets with the selloff intensifying throughout the Asian trading session.Things are going from bad to worse on the financial markets with the selloff intensifying throughout the Asian trading session.
The Nikkei is down 4.12% in TokyoThe Nikkei is down 4.12% in Tokyo
ASX200 in Sydney is down 3%.ASX200 in Sydney is down 3%.
In Seoul, the Kospi index has lost 2.87%In Seoul, the Kospi index has lost 2.87%
Hong Kong has shed 2.5%Hong Kong has shed 2.5%
Shanghai is off by 3.37% after escaping the worst in the last few days.Shanghai is off by 3.37% after escaping the worst in the last few days.
MSCI world index down 0.5% after 3.3% drop on Thursday. It is off 9.3% this week, on course for its biggest weekly decline since a 9.8% plunge in November 2008.MSCI world index down 0.5% after 3.3% drop on Thursday. It is off 9.3% this week, on course for its biggest weekly decline since a 9.8% plunge in November 2008.
The Vix volatility index – also known as the fear index – spiked to 39, its highest since the European debt crisis of 2011.The Vix volatility index – also known as the fear index – spiked to 39, its highest since the European debt crisis of 2011.
Brent crude oil is down 2.2% at $51.01 per barrelBrent crude oil is down 2.2% at $51.01 per barrel
Currencies seen as risky bets such as the Australia dollar, the Indonesian rupiah and the Indian rupee were sharply down.Currencies seen as risky bets such as the Australia dollar, the Indonesian rupiah and the Indian rupee were sharply down.
Safe havens such as gold, Japanese yen and US government bonds were up.Safe havens such as gold, Japanese yen and US government bonds were up.
AFP:AFP:
The operator of Tokyo’s two Disney resorts, Disneyland and DisneySea, said Friday the parks would be closed for around two weeks on fears over the outbreak of the new coronavirus.The operator of Tokyo’s two Disney resorts, Disneyland and DisneySea, said Friday the parks would be closed for around two weeks on fears over the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
“Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea have decided to proceed with an extraordinary closure from Saturday February 29, 2020, through Sunday 15 March”, after the government urged measures to limit the spread of the virus, the operator said in a statement.“Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea have decided to proceed with an extraordinary closure from Saturday February 29, 2020, through Sunday 15 March”, after the government urged measures to limit the spread of the virus, the operator said in a statement.
The operator Oriental Land said it currently hoped to resume operations from 16 March.The operator Oriental Land said it currently hoped to resume operations from 16 March.
“Currently, we plan to reopen on March 16. But we’ll decide when to open by looking at the situation and developments. We’ll also consult (official) agencies concerned,” a spokesman told AFP.“Currently, we plan to reopen on March 16. But we’ll decide when to open by looking at the situation and developments. We’ll also consult (official) agencies concerned,” a spokesman told AFP.
Hong Kong’s Disneyland Resort remains closed “as a precautionary measure in line with preventive efforts” against the coronavirus.Hong Kong’s Disneyland Resort remains closed “as a precautionary measure in line with preventive efforts” against the coronavirus.
Coronavirus chaos is causing congestion as high trade volumes clog the systems of brokers.Coronavirus chaos is causing congestion as high trade volumes clog the systems of brokers.
“We are seeing high volumes of trading today,” onliner broker Commsec, which is owned by the Commonwealth Bank, says in a message to website customers. “Please be advised that our contact centres are busier than usual and you may experience longer than usual wait times.”“We are seeing high volumes of trading today,” onliner broker Commsec, which is owned by the Commonwealth Bank, says in a message to website customers. “Please be advised that our contact centres are busier than usual and you may experience longer than usual wait times.”
At about 2.45pm on Friday the benchmark ASX200 index was down 2.9%, with the falls led by the Harvey Norman retail empire controlled by Gerry Harvey.At about 2.45pm on Friday the benchmark ASX200 index was down 2.9%, with the falls led by the Harvey Norman retail empire controlled by Gerry Harvey.
Harvey Norman shares have plummeted more than 11% so far today. While other retails have suffered from coronavirus contagion this week, until today, when it released a disappointing profit result, the Harvey Norman empire had largely escaped unscathed.Harvey Norman shares have plummeted more than 11% so far today. While other retails have suffered from coronavirus contagion this week, until today, when it released a disappointing profit result, the Harvey Norman empire had largely escaped unscathed.
Also smashed were gold miners Gold Road Resources - down 14% - and Silver Lake resources, which was down more than 10.5%.Also smashed were gold miners Gold Road Resources - down 14% - and Silver Lake resources, which was down more than 10.5%.
But every sector has been hammered today, with all but 13 stocks in the index recording a fall.But every sector has been hammered today, with all but 13 stocks in the index recording a fall.
Home affairs minister Peter Dutton says Australia has “one of the toughest border protection system in the world, and probably the best health system in the world” and is well prepared.Home affairs minister Peter Dutton says Australia has “one of the toughest border protection system in the world, and probably the best health system in the world” and is well prepared.
He urged Australians to continue to go out and support communities and small businesses, and travel, especially to bushfire affected areas of NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.He urged Australians to continue to go out and support communities and small businesses, and travel, especially to bushfire affected areas of NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.
New Zealand said on Friday that it was placing temporary restrictions on incoming travellers from Iran as a precautionary measure to protect against the coronavirus outbreak.New Zealand said on Friday that it was placing temporary restrictions on incoming travellers from Iran as a precautionary measure to protect against the coronavirus outbreak.
“This means people will not be able to travel from Iran to New Zealand and anyone who has been in Iran in the last 14 days will need to self-isolate,” Health Minister David Clark said in a statement.“This means people will not be able to travel from Iran to New Zealand and anyone who has been in Iran in the last 14 days will need to self-isolate,” Health Minister David Clark said in a statement.
The death toll in Iran from coronavirus had risen to 26, by far the highest number outside China.The death toll in Iran from coronavirus had risen to 26, by far the highest number outside China.
New Zealand also decided not to allow any exemptions for overseas students from China to enter the country.New Zealand also decided not to allow any exemptions for overseas students from China to enter the country.
Clark added there would be an increased presence of health staff that would meet direct international flights landing at New Zealand airports from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand.Clark added there would be an increased presence of health staff that would meet direct international flights landing at New Zealand airports from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand.
Hyundai has suspended production at one of its South Korean factories, in the city of Ulsan, after a worker tested positive for the virus, a union source has told Reuters.Hyundai has suspended production at one of its South Korean factories, in the city of Ulsan, after a worker tested positive for the virus, a union source has told Reuters.
A Hyundai spokesman said the company was checking the report.A Hyundai spokesman said the company was checking the report.
Shares of the automaker dropped more than 5% after the news, while the wider market was down 2.6%.Shares of the automaker dropped more than 5% after the news, while the wider market was down 2.6%.
Some developments in business and finance:Some developments in business and finance:
Hyundai, the South Korean carmaker, has suspended production at a factory in Ulsan after one of its workers tested positive for the virus. Shares of the automaker dropped more than 5% after the news, while the wider Korean market was down 2.6%.Hyundai, the South Korean carmaker, has suspended production at a factory in Ulsan after one of its workers tested positive for the virus. Shares of the automaker dropped more than 5% after the news, while the wider Korean market was down 2.6%.
Tokyo Disneyland says it will be closed until mid-March because of concerns about transmission in large crowds. Both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea will be closed starting Saturday, the theme parks’ operators, Oriental Land, said on Friday.Tokyo Disneyland says it will be closed until mid-March because of concerns about transmission in large crowds. Both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea will be closed starting Saturday, the theme parks’ operators, Oriental Land, said on Friday.
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said on Friday that the government had reserve funding it could use to tackle the hit from the virus. “I’m aware of views that if the virus spreads, it could have a huge impact on the economy,” Abe told parliament. “We’re therefore watching developments carefully.”Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said on Friday that the government had reserve funding it could use to tackle the hit from the virus. “I’m aware of views that if the virus spreads, it could have a huge impact on the economy,” Abe told parliament. “We’re therefore watching developments carefully.”
Futures in Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, have fallen 1.7% to $50.83 a barrel, a 14-month low. Fears of a major economic slump also sent US crude futures to $46.28 per barrel.Futures in Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, have fallen 1.7% to $50.83 a barrel, a 14-month low. Fears of a major economic slump also sent US crude futures to $46.28 per barrel.