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Coronavirus: Matt Hancock considering 'all options' for containing virus in UK – latest updates Coronavirus: Matt Hancock considering 'all options' for containing virus in UK – latest updates
(30 minutes later)
Australian man in late 70s was passenger on Diamond Princess; two more doctors have died in China. Follow live newsAustralian man in late 70s was passenger on Diamond Princess; two more doctors have died in China. Follow live news
Hancock also denied Labour claims Boris Johnson was shirking his responsibility by delaying chairing a Cobra emergency committee on the outbreak until Monday.
He told Sky:
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said the government is considering “all options” for tackling the spread of coronavirus.The health secretary, Matt Hancock, said the government is considering “all options” for tackling the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking on Sky’s Sophy Ridge programme he described the outbreak as “a very, very significant challenge”. Speaking on Sky’s Sophy Ridge programme, he described the outbreak as “a very, very significant challenge”.
He said: “We are planning in case this gets much worse”. Hancock insisted ministers would put the safety of people first, but they did not want to unnecessarily hit the economy and society.He said: “We are planning in case this gets much worse”. Hancock insisted ministers would put the safety of people first, but they did not want to unnecessarily hit the economy and society.
He said:He said:
He added:He added:
Hancock noted that stopping all flights from China, as pushed by some, had not proved successful for Italy, which is the worst affected country in Europe.Hancock noted that stopping all flights from China, as pushed by some, had not proved successful for Italy, which is the worst affected country in Europe.
Kuwait has confirmed a new case of coronavirus infection, bringing the total number of people diagnosed with the disease in the country to 46, a health ministry official told a press conference on Sunday, Reuters reports.Kuwait has confirmed a new case of coronavirus infection, bringing the total number of people diagnosed with the disease in the country to 46, a health ministry official told a press conference on Sunday, Reuters reports.
The majority of the cases, including the one identified in the past 24 hours, are either people who had travelled to Iran or been in contact with people who were there, the official said.The majority of the cases, including the one identified in the past 24 hours, are either people who had travelled to Iran or been in contact with people who were there, the official said.
For the first time ever, Japan’s professional baseball teams staged pre-season opening games behind closed doors after the country dramatically escalated its response to coronavirus by closing schools and cancelling mass events. For the first time, Japan’s professional baseball teams staged pre-season opening games behind closed doors after the country dramatically escalated its response to coronavirus by closing schools and cancelling mass events.
The condition of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian woman detained in Iran, is getting “worse and worse” but the Iranian authorities are still refusing to test her for coronavirus, her family has said.The condition of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian woman detained in Iran, is getting “worse and worse” but the Iranian authorities are still refusing to test her for coronavirus, her family has said.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Richard said his wife’s guards were “keeping away” from her in case she has caught the disease. He said her “cold like symptoms that have got worse and worse and they’re not going away.” Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, Richard said his wife’s guards were “keeping away” from her in case she has caught the disease. He said her “cold like symptoms that have got worse and worse and they’re not going away”.
He said: “I’m sure the prison is not testing partly because there’s not many testing kits and partly because they don’t want to know”.He said: “I’m sure the prison is not testing partly because there’s not many testing kits and partly because they don’t want to know”.
The US, Australia and Thailand have reported their first deaths from coronavirus as two frontline doctors in China died and more countries put in place bans on large gatherings and travel restrictions.The US, Australia and Thailand have reported their first deaths from coronavirus as two frontline doctors in China died and more countries put in place bans on large gatherings and travel restrictions.
A 35-year-old male retail worker in Thailand died from Covid-19, according to the country’s department of disease control on Sunday. The man had also tested positive for dengue fever. In Australia, a 78-year-old man who was on the Diamond Princess cruise ship died in a hospital in western Australia. His wife has also contracted the virus.A 35-year-old male retail worker in Thailand died from Covid-19, according to the country’s department of disease control on Sunday. The man had also tested positive for dengue fever. In Australia, a 78-year-old man who was on the Diamond Princess cruise ship died in a hospital in western Australia. His wife has also contracted the virus.
On Saturday, US officials said a man in his 50s in Washington state had died, after being tested for the disease on Thursday. Authorities said they did not know how he had contracted the virus because he did not have any history of travel to affected areas or contact with known Covid-19 cases.On Saturday, US officials said a man in his 50s in Washington state had died, after being tested for the disease on Thursday. Authorities said they did not know how he had contracted the virus because he did not have any history of travel to affected areas or contact with known Covid-19 cases.
On Sunday, China reported its sharpest increase in new infections in a week with 573 new cases, the highest daily rise in a week. Chinese health authorities reported 35 new deaths on Sunday, a drop from the previous day’s toll of 47.On Sunday, China reported its sharpest increase in new infections in a week with 573 new cases, the highest daily rise in a week. Chinese health authorities reported 35 new deaths on Sunday, a drop from the previous day’s toll of 47.
A 32-year old doctor named Zhong Jinxing in the southern province of Guangxi who reportedly died from “overwork” on Friday after working for 33 consecutive days. Another doctor, Jiang Xueqing, 55, died on Sunday after having been infected with Covid-19, according to Chinese state media.A 32-year old doctor named Zhong Jinxing in the southern province of Guangxi who reportedly died from “overwork” on Friday after working for 33 consecutive days. Another doctor, Jiang Xueqing, 55, died on Sunday after having been infected with Covid-19, according to Chinese state media.
Good morning from London, where the main news is that former health professionals could be brought out of retirement under emergency plans to combat the spread of coronavirus.Good morning from London, where the main news is that former health professionals could be brought out of retirement under emergency plans to combat the spread of coronavirus.
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, is expected to give more details about the plans in a round of Sunday morning broadcast interviews.The health secretary, Matt Hancock, is expected to give more details about the plans in a round of Sunday morning broadcast interviews.
It comes after a further three people in England tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 23. Two of the patients had recently travelled back from Italy, while the other had returned from Asia, according to the chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty.It comes after a further three people in England tested positive for the virus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 23. Two of the patients had recently travelled back from Italy, while the other had returned from Asia, according to the chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty.
Thailand has reported its first death from the virus - a 35-year-old retail worker who was also diagnosed with dengue fever.Thailand has reported its first death from the virus - a 35-year-old retail worker who was also diagnosed with dengue fever.
Japan reported its second death on Sunday - a man in his 70s on the island of Hokkaido.Japan reported its second death on Sunday - a man in his 70s on the island of Hokkaido.
Australia recorded its first Covid-19 death on Sunday – a 78-year-old man who had been a passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. He died in Perth and his wife is infected with the virus.Australia recorded its first Covid-19 death on Sunday – a 78-year-old man who had been a passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. He died in Perth and his wife is infected with the virus.
The US has recorded its first death from Covid-19. A man in his 50s in Washington state, who had underlying health issues but with no travel history to affected areas.The US has recorded its first death from Covid-19. A man in his 50s in Washington state, who had underlying health issues but with no travel history to affected areas.
Two more doctors have died in China and the country’s death tally has risen by 35 to 2,870. Infections have risen 573 to 79,824 (of which 41,825, or 52%, are listed as recovered).Two more doctors have died in China and the country’s death tally has risen by 35 to 2,870. Infections have risen 573 to 79,824 (of which 41,825, or 52%, are listed as recovered).
A second person in Australia has tested positive to the virus after returning from Iran. The government imposed travel restrictions on passengers coming from Iran.A second person in Australia has tested positive to the virus after returning from Iran. The government imposed travel restrictions on passengers coming from Iran.
South Korea has recorded 376 more Covid-19 cases, taking the country’s total to 3,526. Seventeen people have died.South Korea has recorded 376 more Covid-19 cases, taking the country’s total to 3,526. Seventeen people have died.
France and Italy have imposed strict bans on public gatherings.France and Italy have imposed strict bans on public gatherings.
Ireland reported its first case of the virus, as did Ecuador, Luxembourg and Armenia.Ireland reported its first case of the virus, as did Ecuador, Luxembourg and Armenia.
China has reported 573 new confirmed cases and 35 deaths.China has reported 573 new confirmed cases and 35 deaths.
World stock markets are expected to fall further next week, after reports indicated China’s factory output had plunged and the country’s service sectors have contracted.World stock markets are expected to fall further next week, after reports indicated China’s factory output had plunged and the country’s service sectors have contracted.
You can get up to speed on all our coverage on the links below:You can get up to speed on all our coverage on the links below:
First coronavirus death in the US as Italy and France cancel public eventsFirst coronavirus death in the US as Italy and France cancel public events
Trump fends off criticism of ‘hoax’ remark after first US coronavirus deathTrump fends off criticism of ‘hoax’ remark after first US coronavirus death
‘Very high risk’: Australia adds Iran to coronavirus travel ban‘Very high risk’: Australia adds Iran to coronavirus travel ban
‘To hell and back’: my three weeks suffering from coronavirus‘To hell and back’: my three weeks suffering from coronavirus
Yes, it is worse than the flu: busting the coronavirus mythsYes, it is worse than the flu: busting the coronavirus myths
A young woman in her 20s in Mexico has tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases for the country to four. All cases are linked to recent travel to Italy.A young woman in her 20s in Mexico has tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases for the country to four. All cases are linked to recent travel to Italy.
The woman, from northern Coahuila, was not showing symptoms. She had recently traveled to Milan.The woman, from northern Coahuila, was not showing symptoms. She had recently traveled to Milan.
An alarming story from our Beijing correspondent, Lily Kuo, on citizen journalist Li Zehua who is missing, presumed detained.An alarming story from our Beijing correspondent, Lily Kuo, on citizen journalist Li Zehua who is missing, presumed detained.
He’s one of many for whom the coronavirus crisis has led to a political awakening and a demand for free speech.He’s one of many for whom the coronavirus crisis has led to a political awakening and a demand for free speech.
An interesting report from Reuters, about Indonesia, which continues to say it has seen no cases, despite some infections around the world linked to travel to or through Bali:
Indonesia has the resources to cope with a coronavirus outbreak, the director of its leading infectious diseases hospital said, defending detection procedures in the Southeast Asian nation of more than 260 million, where no cases have been reported.
The world’s fourth most populous nation has tested 141 suspected cases, a small figure for its population, sparking concern among some medical professionals of a lack of vigilance and a risk of undetected cases.
Neighbouring Malaysia has reportedly run about 1,000 tests, and Britain more than 10,000.
“We can’t doubt our skills and the facts we gather,” said Muhammad Syahril, director of the Sulianti Saroso hospital in Jakarta, the capital, when asked why Indonesia had detected no cases.
“If we don’t have cases, we don’t have cases,” he said in an interview at the hospital on Friday. “Why would we cover it up?”
Reuters:
The coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong has not reached its peak yet, he Dean of the University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Medicine, Professor Gabriel Leung, warned on Sunday.
RTHK reports Leung said it was too soon to tell when the outbreak would be end, and people should remain vigilant.
“The rest of the world actually views Hong Kong, along with Singapore, as the gold standard in epidemic control,” he said. “If you look at these two places, we have very similar absolute numbers of confirmed cases, yet we have a population that is one third bigger then Singapore, so - on a per capita basis - we’re not doing too badly.”
Hong Kong has reported 95 cases and two deaths.
Samsung Electronics has closed one of its factories in South Korea, according to Yonhap news agency.
The mobile device factory in Gumni, near Davey, was closed after a worker tested positive for the coronavirus.
It has been closed for a short time last month after an earlier case was discovered.
From Reuters:
Some more details on that death in Thailand.
Dr. Teerawat Hemachutha, Thiravat Hemachudha, Head of Emerging Disease Health Science Center Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn Hospital, the Thai Red Cross, posted on Facebook earlier today that the victim was a 35-year-old male retail worker who also tested positive to dengue fever.
Citing an unnamed health official, Reuters is reporting that Thailand has seen its first Covid-19 death.
I’ll be handing over to my colleague, Helen Davidson, shortly, but before that, here’s a summary of the top points so far.
Australia recorded its first Covid-19 death on Sunday – a 78-year-old man who had been a passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. He died in Perth and his wife is infected with the virus.
The US also recorded its first death, a man in his 50s from Seattle who had underlying medical issues. Washington state’s governor declared a state of emergency. The man had no history of travel to affected areas or contact with a known COVID-19 case
Two more doctors have died in China and the country’s death tally has risen by 35 to 2,870. Infections have risen 573 to 79,824 (of which 41,825, or 52%, are listed as recovered).
South Korea has recorded 376 more Covid-19 cases, taking the country’s total to 3,526. Seventeen people have died.
WHO has raised the global risk level to “very high” over coronavirus.
Thailand reports 42nd case of Covid-19.
Armenia has reported its first case of Covid-19.
Thailand now has 42 cases of Covid-19, after a 21-year-old man tested positive on Saturday, the Bangkok Post reports.
Sukhum Kanchanaphimai, the permanent secretary for public health, said the man’s job brought him into contact with foreign tourists and he fell ill on 24 February, before seeking treatment the following day. He’s currently in hospital in Bangkok.
The country has not reported any deaths from the virus but, as of Sunday, authorities will have greater powers to act after the Public Health Ministry designated Covid-19 a dangerous communicable disease.
Tourism in many parts of Thailand has suffered, with travellers curtailing their journeys amid fears of the virus’s spread.
American Airlines will suspend all US flights to Milan. It announced the move just hours after the US State Department said it was raising its travel warning for parts of Italy due to the coronavirus outbreak to Level 4 or “do not travel”. This covers travel to Lombardy and Veneto, in Italy’s north.
American said it will suspend flights to and from Milan, from New York-JFK and Miami until 24 April, citing a reduction in demand.
Vice President Mike Pence, who is heading the US response to the virus, said on Saturday that the State Department will work with Italy to coordinate medical screening of any individuals coming to the United States.