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/mar/01/coronavirus-latest-updates-coronavirus-live-updates-latest-news-china-wuhan-stock-markets-update-china-iran-us-australia-south-korea-japan

The article has changed 44 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 17 Version 18
Coronavirus: Hancock says shutting down cities may become necessary – latest updates Coronavirus: Matt Hancock says shutting down UK cities may become necessary – latest updates
(33 minutes later)
Australian man in late 70s was passenger on Diamond Princess; two more doctors have died in China. Follow live news USA, Australia and Thailand report first deaths from coronavirus as two frontline doctors in China die and bans are put in place on large gatherings. Follow live news
People over 6o and those with underlying health conditions should try to avoid “crowded areas” and “places where you might interact with people who are sick”, according to the head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Spain now has 73 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to the head of the country’s Centre for the Coordination of Health Emergencies and Alerts.
Speaking on Sunday morning, Fernando Simón said that 90% of the cases were imported or related to imported cases of the virus, adding that Spain would not be raising its alert level for the time being. Nor, he said, would it be enacting the drastic measures seen in France and Italy.
A fifth person has tested positive for the virus at the hotel in Tenerife that has been locked down after four other people staying there were diagnosed with the coronavirus. The Italian national, part of the same group as the four original cases at the island’s H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel, is now in hospital. The Canary Islands’ regional health authorities said the man had been in isolation in a hotel room since 24 February and was “in good state of health”.
Meanwhile, it appears that Ecuador’s first case of the virus could have originated in Spain after a 70-year-old Ecuadorian woman living in Spain tested positive for the virus after flying from Madrid to Ecuador’s second city, Guayaquil, on 14 February. According to Ecuadorian health authorities, the woman showed no symptoms of the illness on the flight.
The American Physical Society has announced the cancellation of one of the world’s major international scientific conferences, little more than a day before it was due to start.
An announcement on its website said:
Around 10,000 physicists and scientists from around the world were due to attend the conference this week, and the late cancellation has caught many overseas delegates in the middle of travelling.
Isolating UK cities, as the Chinese authorities did to Wuhan where coronavirus was first detected, may be necessary to stop the the spread of the outbreak, the health secretary, Matt Hancock, has conceded.Isolating UK cities, as the Chinese authorities did to Wuhan where coronavirus was first detected, may be necessary to stop the the spread of the outbreak, the health secretary, Matt Hancock, has conceded.
Speaking to the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, Hancock also confirmed that the NHS was planning to bring doctors out of retirement if the coronavirus becomes more widespread.Speaking to the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, Hancock also confirmed that the NHS was planning to bring doctors out of retirement if the coronavirus becomes more widespread.
Marr asked Hancock: “China, of course, isolated entire cities. Is it conceivable under any circumstance, you try and cut off the city in this country?”Marr asked Hancock: “China, of course, isolated entire cities. Is it conceivable under any circumstance, you try and cut off the city in this country?”
Hancock replied: “There’s clearly a huge economic and social downside to that. But we don’t take anything off the table at this stage, because you’ve got to make sure that you have all the tools available, if that is what’s necessary. But I want to minimise the social and economic disruption.”Hancock replied: “There’s clearly a huge economic and social downside to that. But we don’t take anything off the table at this stage, because you’ve got to make sure that you have all the tools available, if that is what’s necessary. But I want to minimise the social and economic disruption.”
He said the government would be publishing its battle plan for the measures it would take under a worst case scenario for the outbreak.He said the government would be publishing its battle plan for the measures it would take under a worst case scenario for the outbreak.
He said: “It may be necessary to close some schools, but right now, people should not be closing schools if there isn’t a positive case.”He said: “It may be necessary to close some schools, but right now, people should not be closing schools if there isn’t a positive case.”
Hancock confirmed that other “population distancing measures” could include banning public gatherings of more than 5,000 people as the French government has announced.Hancock confirmed that other “population distancing measures” could include banning public gatherings of more than 5,000 people as the French government has announced.
He said: “We are looking at all those sorts of things, we do not rule them out.”He said: “We are looking at all those sorts of things, we do not rule them out.”
Asked if retired doctors and nurses would be asked to come out of retirement, Hancock said: “We may do. That isn’t something we need right now. But the big challenge for the NHS in the event of this becoming widespread here is NHS staff themselves not being able to come to work because they’re because they’re ill or they’re self-isolating. So it’s about having the people available.”Asked if retired doctors and nurses would be asked to come out of retirement, Hancock said: “We may do. That isn’t something we need right now. But the big challenge for the NHS in the event of this becoming widespread here is NHS staff themselves not being able to come to work because they’re because they’re ill or they’re self-isolating. So it’s about having the people available.”
He also played down a report in the Guardian that England only has 15 available beds for adults to treat the most severe respiratory failure.He also played down a report in the Guardian that England only has 15 available beds for adults to treat the most severe respiratory failure.
He said: “I saw those figures published in the Guardian and they are wrong and out of date. We have 50 now, and we can ramp that up to 500. And then if necessary 5,000 beds that are able to cope with the worst impact of this virus but of course.He said: “I saw those figures published in the Guardian and they are wrong and out of date. We have 50 now, and we can ramp that up to 500. And then if necessary 5,000 beds that are able to cope with the worst impact of this virus but of course.
Hancock also confirmed that non-emergency surgery, including hip and knee replacements, may be cancelled.Hancock also confirmed that non-emergency surgery, including hip and knee replacements, may be cancelled.
He said: “I don’t want to do that. But these have to be clinical decisions. Clinicians have to make decisions about what is the most important and effective use of NHS resources. They do this all the time.”He said: “I don’t want to do that. But these have to be clinical decisions. Clinicians have to make decisions about what is the most important and effective use of NHS resources. They do this all the time.”
Hancock also denied Labour claims Boris Johnson was shirking his responsibility by delaying chairing a Cobra emergency committee on the outbreak until Monday.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: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, 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.