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Coronavirus latest updates: Australia adds Iran to travel bans, South Korea reports 594 new cases – live Coronavirus latest updates: Australia adds Iran to travel ban, South Korea reports 594 new cases – live
(32 minutes later)
Australian government places people arriving via Iran under same restrictions as China, while South Korea asks people to stay home. Follow live newsAustralian government places people arriving via Iran under same restrictions as China, while South Korea asks people to stay home. Follow live news
Australia has announced a travel ban to Iran, placing travellers from that country on the same restrictions as people seeking to travel to Australia from China. Australian citizens and permanent residents returning from either country will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, and foreign nationals seeking to enter Australia will not be able to do so until at least 14 days after they have left China or Iran.Australia has announced a travel ban to Iran, placing travellers from that country on the same restrictions as people seeking to travel to Australia from China. Australian citizens and permanent residents returning from either country will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, and foreign nationals seeking to enter Australia will not be able to do so until at least 14 days after they have left China or Iran.
It comes as authorities in Queensland are trying to trace up to 40 people who may have received a beauty treatment from a Gold Coast beautician who returned from Iran on Monday and later became ill. She has since tested positive to coronavirus.It comes as authorities in Queensland are trying to trace up to 40 people who may have received a beauty treatment from a Gold Coast beautician who returned from Iran on Monday and later became ill. She has since tested positive to coronavirus.
Iran has the highest number of deaths from the novel coronavirus outside of China. Some 34 deaths have been reported, but the real figure is believed to be much higher.Iran has the highest number of deaths from the novel coronavirus outside of China. Some 34 deaths have been reported, but the real figure is believed to be much higher.
The US has also strengthened its travel advice, raising Iran and Italy to a level three, advising people to “avoid nonessential travel.”The US has also strengthened its travel advice, raising Iran and Italy to a level three, advising people to “avoid nonessential travel.”
The US has reported three new cases of the virus where the infection if of unknown origin. A woman in California, a high school student in Washington state and an elementary school worker in Portland, Oregon have been diagnosed with the virus despite not having travelled overseas or come into close contact with someone who is at known risk.The US has reported three new cases of the virus where the infection if of unknown origin. A woman in California, a high school student in Washington state and an elementary school worker in Portland, Oregon have been diagnosed with the virus despite not having travelled overseas or come into close contact with someone who is at known risk.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said it will have new coronavirus testing kits delivered to all states by the end of the week, after the first lot of tests were faulty.The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said it will have new coronavirus testing kits delivered to all states by the end of the week, after the first lot of tests were faulty.
US authorities have postponed a planned ASEAN meeting in Las Vegas on 14 March over coronavirus fears, and the UN has recommended ministers and diplomats avoid travelling to New York for a meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women next week.US authorities have postponed a planned ASEAN meeting in Las Vegas on 14 March over coronavirus fears, and the UN has recommended ministers and diplomats avoid travelling to New York for a meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women next week.
Authorities in South Korea have asked residents to stay home this weekend in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, after the country reported the biggest rise of cases in a single day since the virus was first detected in the country on 20 January. Some 594 cases were reported on Saturday, and the country’s death toll has risen to 17.Authorities in South Korea have asked residents to stay home this weekend in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, after the country reported the biggest rise of cases in a single day since the virus was first detected in the country on 20 January. Some 594 cases were reported on Saturday, and the country’s death toll has risen to 17.
Mainland China reported the lowest number of new cases in a month, with 427 new cases reported, of which all but four were in Hubei province. There were 47 new deaths reported.Mainland China reported the lowest number of new cases in a month, with 427 new cases reported, of which all but four were in Hubei province. There were 47 new deaths reported.
Globally, there are an estimated 85,000 cases of Covid-19 and some 2,900 deaths. The virus has been detected in 58 countries.Globally, there are an estimated 85,000 cases of Covid-19 and some 2,900 deaths. The virus has been detected in 58 countries.
You can read a wrap of these developments here.You can read a wrap of these developments here.
‘It just seems sensible’‘It just seems sensible’
Some Australians have begun stockpiling food and medication in anticipation of a coronavirus outbreak.Some Australians have begun stockpiling food and medication in anticipation of a coronavirus outbreak.
Gary Nunn reports that the threat of a pandemic, coming so soon after a horrific summer of bushfires that left many communities cut off for weeks, has made preppers out of people who would previously have laughed at the idea.Gary Nunn reports that the threat of a pandemic, coming so soon after a horrific summer of bushfires that left many communities cut off for weeks, has made preppers out of people who would previously have laughed at the idea.
One Sydney couple have already gathered three months worth of supplies.One Sydney couple have already gathered three months worth of supplies.
But experts say it is not necessary. Professor Nigel McMillan, the director of infectious diseases and immunology at the Menzies Health Institute at Griffith University in Queensland, says:But experts say it is not necessary. Professor Nigel McMillan, the director of infectious diseases and immunology at the Menzies Health Institute at Griffith University in Queensland, says:
There’s no need to stockpile food, medicine, petrol or anything at this stage.There’s no need to stockpile food, medicine, petrol or anything at this stage.
We don’t wish to induce panic buying when, for 95 to 99% of the population, this’ll be a mild cold, nothing more. Plus, once we’ve had this strain, we’ll become immune to it.We don’t wish to induce panic buying when, for 95 to 99% of the population, this’ll be a mild cold, nothing more. Plus, once we’ve had this strain, we’ll become immune to it.
You can read the full piece here.You can read the full piece here.
Theme parks and sports stadiums in Japan have been closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.Theme parks and sports stadiums in Japan have been closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Australian government has issued a statement on the travel ban to Iran, saying it is “part of our ongoing strategy of containment and minimising risk to the Australian community as detailed in our pandemic preparedness plan.”The Australian government has issued a statement on the travel ban to Iran, saying it is “part of our ongoing strategy of containment and minimising risk to the Australian community as detailed in our pandemic preparedness plan.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will raise the level of the travel advisory for Iran from level 3 to level 4 – do not travel;The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will raise the level of the travel advisory for Iran from level 3 to level 4 – do not travel;
Foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents of Australia) who are in Iran on or after 1 March 2020, will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days, from the time they have left or transited through Iran;Foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents of Australia) who are in Iran on or after 1 March 2020, will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days, from the time they have left or transited through Iran;
Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependants only). They will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days from the day they left Iran.Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependants only). They will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days from the day they left Iran.
In a joint statement, prime minister Scott Morrison, health minister Greg Hunt and foreign minister Marine Payne said the travel advice was lifted on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.In a joint statement, prime minister Scott Morrison, health minister Greg Hunt and foreign minister Marine Payne said the travel advice was lifted on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
Guardian Australia’s Melbourne bureau chief, Melissa Davey, explained those reasons here.Guardian Australia’s Melbourne bureau chief, Melissa Davey, explained those reasons here.
The United States has updated its travel advice for Iran and Italy, warning people to “avoid nonessential travel” due to the increased spread of coronavirus.The United States has updated its travel advice for Iran and Italy, warning people to “avoid nonessential travel” due to the increased spread of coronavirus.
It comes as Australia placed a travel ban on Iran, putting it on the same restrictions as China.It comes as Australia placed a travel ban on Iran, putting it on the same restrictions as China.
“Avoid nonessential travel” is a level three warning. China and South Korea were already under the same warning.“Avoid nonessential travel” is a level three warning. China and South Korea were already under the same warning.
The ratings for Italy and Iran were updated by the CDC on Friday. The upgraded travel advice for Italy in particular is expected to have implications for businesses that have policies against allowing staff to travel to countries with a level three warning in place.The ratings for Italy and Iran were updated by the CDC on Friday. The upgraded travel advice for Italy in particular is expected to have implications for businesses that have policies against allowing staff to travel to countries with a level three warning in place.
There is no additional travel warning for Hong Kong, and Japan currently sits at a level two, which means travellers are advised to practice “enhanced precautions.”There is no additional travel warning for Hong Kong, and Japan currently sits at a level two, which means travellers are advised to practice “enhanced precautions.”
Coronavirus cases from ‘unknown’ sources concern health officialsCoronavirus cases from ‘unknown’ sources concern health officials
Health officials in the US are reportedly worried that the novel coronavirus is spreading through communities on the west coast, after three patients — one in Oregon, one in California and one in Washington — were infected through unknown means.Health officials in the US are reportedly worried that the novel coronavirus is spreading through communities on the west coast, after three patients — one in Oregon, one in California and one in Washington — were infected through unknown means.
This report from Associated Press.This report from Associated Press.
The patients are:The patients are:
An older woman in northern California with chronic health conditionsAn older woman in northern California with chronic health conditions
A high school student in Everett, WashingtonA high school student in Everett, Washington
An employee at an elementary school in Portland, OregonAn employee at an elementary school in Portland, Oregon
None of the patients had recently travelled overseas or had any known close contact with a traveller or an infected person, authorities said.None of the patients had recently travelled overseas or had any known close contact with a traveller or an infected person, authorities said.
Santa Clara County in the San Francisco Bay Area also reported two cases where the source of infection wasn’t known, AP reported.Santa Clara County in the San Francisco Bay Area also reported two cases where the source of infection wasn’t known, AP reported.
Cherry blossom festivals in Japan have been cancelled due to fears around the coronavirus.Cherry blossom festivals in Japan have been cancelled due to fears around the coronavirus.
From AFP:From AFP:
Tiger Ye, a 21-year-old student in Wuhan, contracted the novel coronavirus. He wrote about the experience in The Guardian.Tiger Ye, a 21-year-old student in Wuhan, contracted the novel coronavirus. He wrote about the experience in The Guardian.
You can read the full story here:You can read the full story here:
Australia’s chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, says people should not stockpile face masks.Australia’s chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, says people should not stockpile face masks.
Australia has implemented a travel ban against Iran, placing it under the same restrictions as China, because of an increased risk of coronavirus.Australia has implemented a travel ban against Iran, placing it under the same restrictions as China, because of an increased risk of coronavirus.
It follows the first case in Australia of a person who had travelled to Iran.It follows the first case in Australia of a person who had travelled to Iran.
Health minister Greg Hunt is explaining the ban to reporters in Melbourne at the moment. From tomorrow, 1 March, people who have travelled to Iran are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon return to Australia.Health minister Greg Hunt is explaining the ban to reporters in Melbourne at the moment. From tomorrow, 1 March, people who have travelled to Iran are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon return to Australia.
Also, from tomorrow, non-citizens or permanent residents, and people who are not family members of citizens or permanent residents, will be prevented from entering Australia unless they left Iran at least 14 days before entering Australia.Also, from tomorrow, non-citizens or permanent residents, and people who are not family members of citizens or permanent residents, will be prevented from entering Australia unless they left Iran at least 14 days before entering Australia.
Hunt said the level 4 travel advice on Iran is identical to travel advice already in place for China. The Smartraveller website is yet to be updated.Hunt said the level 4 travel advice on Iran is identical to travel advice already in place for China. The Smartraveller website is yet to be updated.
As of Saturday, more than 85,000 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed and 2,900 people have died. The virus has now spread to 58 countries.As of Saturday, more than 85,000 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed and 2,900 people have died. The virus has now spread to 58 countries.
Chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, said it was “not possible to isolate Australia further” and place travel bans on every country where the virus had been detected.Chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, said it was “not possible to isolate Australia further” and place travel bans on every country where the virus had been detected.
But he said his office had recommended the increased travel warning against Iran, due to the nature of the outbreak there.But he said his office had recommended the increased travel warning against Iran, due to the nature of the outbreak there.
Thailand has reported one new case of coronavirus, bringing its total to 42, Reuters reports.Thailand has reported one new case of coronavirus, bringing its total to 42, Reuters reports.
South Korean authorities have asked residents to stay at home this weekend to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, and it seems that advice has been heeded. This shopping area in Seoul is usually busy. Today it was empty.South Korean authorities have asked residents to stay at home this weekend to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, and it seems that advice has been heeded. This shopping area in Seoul is usually busy. Today it was empty.
Quarantine operations are underway in Daegu, the city at the centre of the outbreak in South Korea.Quarantine operations are underway in Daegu, the city at the centre of the outbreak in South Korea.
Current advice for AustraliaCurrent advice for Australia
Just to recap on the situation as it currently stands in Australia: the total number of cases confirmed in Australia is 25. Fifteen of these people are reported to have recovered and the remaining are in a stable condition.Just to recap on the situation as it currently stands in Australia: the total number of cases confirmed in Australia is 25. Fifteen of these people are reported to have recovered and the remaining are in a stable condition.
Nine are passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.Nine are passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
People who become ill after travelling to China or a region with reported coronavirus cases are advised to isolate themselves and call their doctor. There is no need for people to buy and wear face masks — and authorities ask that you don’t buy up supplies — but extra careful hand washing is advised.People who become ill after travelling to China or a region with reported coronavirus cases are advised to isolate themselves and call their doctor. There is no need for people to buy and wear face masks — and authorities ask that you don’t buy up supplies — but extra careful hand washing is advised.
The current travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is for Australians to not travel to mainland China. They also advise that Australians “reconsider” travel to Iran and “exercise a high degree of caution” in regions of northern Italy, South Korea, Japan, and Mongolia.The current travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is for Australians to not travel to mainland China. They also advise that Australians “reconsider” travel to Iran and “exercise a high degree of caution” in regions of northern Italy, South Korea, Japan, and Mongolia.
The Australian government’s official up-to-date advice is here.The Australian government’s official up-to-date advice is here.
South Korea has urged its citizens to stay indoors and warned it is facing a “critical moment” in its battle against the coronavirus, Reuters reports.South Korea has urged its citizens to stay indoors and warned it is facing a “critical moment” in its battle against the coronavirus, Reuters reports.
It comes as the country records its biggest daily jump in the number of cases reported since it reported its first case on 20 January, with 594 new cases reported on Saturday. The total number of cases is 2,931. Another person is confirmed to have died from the virus bringing the death toll to 17.It comes as the country records its biggest daily jump in the number of cases reported since it reported its first case on 20 January, with 594 new cases reported on Saturday. The total number of cases is 2,931. Another person is confirmed to have died from the virus bringing the death toll to 17.
Vice health minister Kim Kang-lip told a briefing on Saturday that residents were advised to stay home.Vice health minister Kim Kang-lip told a briefing on Saturday that residents were advised to stay home.
He said it was a “critical moment” in curbing the spread of the virus.He said it was a “critical moment” in curbing the spread of the virus.
Many of the new cases have been linked to a church. More from Reuters:Many of the new cases have been linked to a church. More from Reuters:
Speaking of airports — Guardian Australian news editor Mike Ticher reports that about 50% of all passengers and staff at Singapore airport are wearing masks, despite the Singapore government’s instruction that there is no need to do so unless people are feeling unwell.Speaking of airports — Guardian Australian news editor Mike Ticher reports that about 50% of all passengers and staff at Singapore airport are wearing masks, despite the Singapore government’s instruction that there is no need to do so unless people are feeling unwell.
He writes:He writes:
In LAX, the flight crews are wearing masks.In LAX, the flight crews are wearing masks.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has recommended that ministers and diplomats skip travelling to a meeting in New York of the Commission on the Status of Women due to the coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reports.The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has recommended that ministers and diplomats skip travelling to a meeting in New York of the Commission on the Status of Women due to the coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reports.