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 22 Version 23
Coronavirus: confirmed case in Shenzen 'had been working in UK' – latest updates Coronavirus: confirmed case in Shenzhen 'had been working in UK' – latest updates
(33 minutes later)
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 newsUSA, 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
The number of confirmed cases in the UK has leapt by 12 to 35.
The Louvre museum shut on Sunday afternoon leaving visitors queueing up in the rain outside as staff and management held a meeting about coronavirus. A spokesperson for the museum said it was expected to open after the meeting, held with the staff doctor.
Museums are not covered by government instructions for venues or events with more than 5,000 in a confined space close until further notice.
Donald Trump says all travellers from at risk areas will be screened for coronavirus after they arrive in the US.
David and Sally Abel, the British passengers who caught coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked off Yokohama, are still being treated in an isolation unit in a Japanese hospital.
In a video update on Sunday, they said they were recovering well, but Sally said she had tested positive again for the virus, after testing negative last week.
David said that by next Friday they will have served four weeks in quarantine.
Meanwhile, all crew members from the cruise ship off Japan have now disembarked, the country’s health minister said, AFP reports.
Here’s video of what Hancock said about shutting down cities in the UK.Here’s video of what Hancock said about shutting down cities in the UK.
Here’s a summary of the latest developments:Here’s a summary of the latest developments:
The UK health secretary, Matt Hancock, has said it may be necessary to follow China’s example by shutting down cities to prevent the spread of coronavirus. He also confirmed plans to bring doctors and nurses out of retirement if the outbreak escalates in the UK.The UK health secretary, Matt Hancock, has said it may be necessary to follow China’s example by shutting down cities to prevent the spread of coronavirus. He also confirmed plans to bring doctors and nurses out of retirement if the outbreak escalates in the UK.
A man who has tested positive for coronavirus in Shenzhen, China, travelled there after flying into Hong Kong from London. The 35-year-old man had been working in the UK, according to local reports.A man who has tested positive for coronavirus in Shenzhen, China, travelled there after flying into Hong Kong from London. The 35-year-old man had been working in the UK, according to local reports.
Iran has said its death toll from coronavirus has reached 54 and the number of infected cases is 978. It comes just days after the ministry categorically denied reports 50 people had died from the disease.Iran has said its death toll from coronavirus has reached 54 and the number of infected cases is 978. It comes just days after the ministry categorically denied reports 50 people had died from the disease.
A top Italian health official has warned of a “tsunami” effect on the hospital system as confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy rose to 1,128. The number killed by the virus in Italy has increased to 29.A top Italian health official has warned of a “tsunami” effect on the hospital system as confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy rose to 1,128. The number killed by the virus in Italy has increased to 29.
The authorities in France have announced the number of confirmed cases has jumped to 100, with two deaths. The country has banned gatherings of more than 5,000 people.The authorities in France have announced the number of confirmed cases has jumped to 100, with two deaths. The country has banned gatherings of more than 5,000 people.
The number of confirmed cases in Spain has increased to 73. 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 coronavirus.The number of confirmed cases in Spain has increased to 73. 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 coronavirus.
Australia, Thailand and the US have all both reported their country’s first deaths from the virus. Japan reported its second death on Sunday – a man in his 70s on the island of Hokkaido.Australia, Thailand and the US have all both reported their country’s first deaths from the virus. Japan reported its second death on Sunday – a man in his 70s on the island of Hokkaido.
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).
Labour is calling on Matt Hancock to fully explain the emergency powers the government is planning in response to a coronavirus outbreak in a Commons update on Monday.Labour is calling on Matt Hancock to fully explain the emergency powers the government is planning in response to a coronavirus outbreak in a Commons update on Monday.
The shadow health secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, said:The shadow health secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, said:
Iran’s health ministry has said the death toll from coronavirus has now reached 54 as the number of infected cases jumped overnight to 978.Iran’s health ministry has said the death toll from coronavirus has now reached 54 as the number of infected cases jumped overnight to 978.
It comes days after the ministry categorically denied reports that 50 people had died from the disease.It comes days after the ministry categorically denied reports that 50 people had died from the disease.
AP reports:AP reports:
Health experts have warned that based on the known mortality rate of Covid-19, the number of confirmed cases is likely to be much higher than the Iranian authorities are reporting.Health experts have warned that based on the known mortality rate of Covid-19, the number of confirmed cases is likely to be much higher than the Iranian authorities are reporting.
A parent and child who attended the minor injuries unit at Sevenoaks hospital in Kent on Saturday afternoon have been advised to self-isolate at home and call NHS 111 in case they require testing for the coronavirus.A parent and child who attended the minor injuries unit at Sevenoaks hospital in Kent on Saturday afternoon have been advised to self-isolate at home and call NHS 111 in case they require testing for the coronavirus.
The parent grew concerned when the child, who had been at school with pupils who recently returned from Italy, developed a mild temperature.The parent grew concerned when the child, who had been at school with pupils who recently returned from Italy, developed a mild temperature.
As a precautionary measure, Sevenoaks hospital closed the minor injuries unit at 6.30pm on Saturday, about 90 minutes early. Existing patients continued with their treatment as normal. The unit was deep-cleaned overnight, as a further precaution, and opened as usual on Sunday morning. The rest of the hospital was unaffected.As a precautionary measure, Sevenoaks hospital closed the minor injuries unit at 6.30pm on Saturday, about 90 minutes early. Existing patients continued with their treatment as normal. The unit was deep-cleaned overnight, as a further precaution, and opened as usual on Sunday morning. The rest of the hospital was unaffected.
The Department of Health and Social Security did not provide further details on whether the child had been tested or was awaiting a test.The Department of Health and Social Security did not provide further details on whether the child had been tested or was awaiting a test.
A “surveillance network” of GP practices in Scotland will test patients with coughs and fevers and submit samples, even if patients have not travelled to an area affected by coronavirus, as part of the Scottish government plans.A “surveillance network” of GP practices in Scotland will test patients with coughs and fevers and submit samples, even if patients have not travelled to an area affected by coronavirus, as part of the Scottish government plans.
The measure was described as an “early warning” system to alert health professionals to the possible spread of the virus.The measure was described as an “early warning” system to alert health professionals to the possible spread of the virus.
The chief medical officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, said:The chief medical officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, said:
A “drive through” testing centre for coronavirus has also opened at the Western General hospital, Edinburgh, where patients with appointments can be tested for the virus in their cars.A “drive through” testing centre for coronavirus has also opened at the Western General hospital, Edinburgh, where patients with appointments can be tested for the virus in their cars.
The Scottish government also announced that in the coming days it will jointly publish an updated action plan with the UK government, as well as the welsh and Northern Irish administrations, outlining the steps that will be taken to manage coronavirus if there is a sustained epidemic.The Scottish government also announced that in the coming days it will jointly publish an updated action plan with the UK government, as well as the welsh and Northern Irish administrations, outlining the steps that will be taken to manage coronavirus if there is a sustained epidemic.
A top Italian health official has warned of a “tsunami” effect on the hospital system as confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy rose to 1,128.A top Italian health official has warned of a “tsunami” effect on the hospital system as confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy rose to 1,128.
“The situation is, frankly, an emergency from the point of view of health system organisation,” Massimo Galli, a professor and director of infectious diseases at Milan’s Sacco hospital, told Corriere della Sera on Sunday.“The situation is, frankly, an emergency from the point of view of health system organisation,” Massimo Galli, a professor and director of infectious diseases at Milan’s Sacco hospital, told Corriere della Sera on Sunday.
Authorities in the Lombardy region, where 552 people are infected, have asked for a hospital to be made available solely for treating coronavirus and to be able to hire retired doctors and nurses to help with the workload.Authorities in the Lombardy region, where 552 people are infected, have asked for a hospital to be made available solely for treating coronavirus and to be able to hire retired doctors and nurses to help with the workload.
There have been 29 deaths in Italy, the latest eight victims ranging between the ages of 79 and 90. Those who have died so far were suffering other serious health problems. Some 401 people have been hospitalised – 105 of them in intensive care – and 543 are at home. Fifty people have recovered.There have been 29 deaths in Italy, the latest eight victims ranging between the ages of 79 and 90. Those who have died so far were suffering other serious health problems. Some 401 people have been hospitalised – 105 of them in intensive care – and 543 are at home. Fifty people have recovered.
Schools in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, where there are 213 cases, and Veneto, where there 189, will be closed for another week. The virus has spread to 11 out of 20 Italian regions over the past week, wreaking havoc on the country’s already fragile economy.Schools in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, where there are 213 cases, and Veneto, where there 189, will be closed for another week. The virus has spread to 11 out of 20 Italian regions over the past week, wreaking havoc on the country’s already fragile economy.
The financial hub of Milan is endeavouring to return to normal, reopening museums and its famous Duomo, but the city was dealt a further blow after American Airlines announced it was suspending flights to Milan following the US State Department raising it travel warning for parts of Italy. Other airlines have also scrapped or reduced flights due to low demand for travel to Italy.The financial hub of Milan is endeavouring to return to normal, reopening museums and its famous Duomo, but the city was dealt a further blow after American Airlines announced it was suspending flights to Milan following the US State Department raising it travel warning for parts of Italy. Other airlines have also scrapped or reduced flights due to low demand for travel to Italy.
On Friday, the government announced financial relief for those living in 11 towns still under lockdown, businesses and the tourism sector while new measures worth €3.6bn to help the economy withstand the worst outbreak of coronavirus in Europe, and the third worst in the world, will be introduced this week, finance minister Roberto Gualtieri told La Repubblica on Sunday.On Friday, the government announced financial relief for those living in 11 towns still under lockdown, businesses and the tourism sector while new measures worth €3.6bn to help the economy withstand the worst outbreak of coronavirus in Europe, and the third worst in the world, will be introduced this week, finance minister Roberto Gualtieri told La Repubblica on Sunday.
A man who has tested positive for coronavirus in Shenzhen, travelled there after flying into Hong Kong from London on Thursday, according to local reports.A man who has tested positive for coronavirus in Shenzhen, travelled there after flying into Hong Kong from London on Thursday, according to local reports.
The news site Caixin reported that a 35-year-old man who had been working in the UK flew from London to Hong Kong on 27 February and arrived at noon on 28 February.The news site Caixin reported that a 35-year-old man who had been working in the UK flew from London to Hong Kong on 27 February and arrived at noon on 28 February.
He then took a ferry to Shekou, near Shenzhen and then drove to Shenzen, it reported. On Saturday he developed symptoms of a cough and fever and went to the hospital where he was confirmed positive for the virus, it said.He then took a ferry to Shekou, near Shenzhen and then drove to Shenzen, it reported. On Saturday he developed symptoms of a cough and fever and went to the hospital where he was confirmed positive for the virus, it said.
He is being treated in isolation in a hospital in Shenzhen. According to documents seen by Caixin, health authorities in Shenzhen notified provincial officials in Guangdong as well as health authorities in Hong Kong on Sunday. 1. The public broadcaster RTHK reported that the Centre for Health Protection is appealing to anyone who travelled business class on Cathay Pacific flight CX250 from London to Hong Kong on Friday to get in touch. It said it had received notice from Guangdong authorities that a passenger on that flight was confirmed to have Covid-19.He is being treated in isolation in a hospital in Shenzhen. According to documents seen by Caixin, health authorities in Shenzhen notified provincial officials in Guangdong as well as health authorities in Hong Kong on Sunday. 1. The public broadcaster RTHK reported that the Centre for Health Protection is appealing to anyone who travelled business class on Cathay Pacific flight CX250 from London to Hong Kong on Friday to get in touch. It said it had received notice from Guangdong authorities that a passenger on that flight was confirmed to have Covid-19.
The health authorities in France have announced the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has jumped to 100 as the government took measures to limit the spread of the virus.The health authorities in France have announced the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has jumped to 100 as the government took measures to limit the spread of the virus.
Of the reported cases so far, two people have died, 86 are in hospital - nine of whom are in a “serious” condition - and 12 people have recovered.Of the reported cases so far, two people have died, 86 are in hospital - nine of whom are in a “serious” condition - and 12 people have recovered.
The number of contaminations has leapt in France from 38 on Friday. Three health workers at a Paris hospital have tested positive for the coronavirus, as well as a firefighter in Rennes. In the Haute-Savoie region, where there has been a cluster of cases thought to have originated from a person who had returned from northern Italy , the mayor of La Balme-de-Sillingy, François Daviet announced he had tested positive.The number of contaminations has leapt in France from 38 on Friday. Three health workers at a Paris hospital have tested positive for the coronavirus, as well as a firefighter in Rennes. In the Haute-Savoie region, where there has been a cluster of cases thought to have originated from a person who had returned from northern Italy , the mayor of La Balme-de-Sillingy, François Daviet announced he had tested positive.
France has banned gatherings of more than 5,000 people in “confined spaces” and outside demonstrations in areas where the virus has been reported. Today’s Paris half marathon is cancelled as well as the last day of the Agriculture Salon and the carnival at Annecy. However some sporting events going ahead.France has banned gatherings of more than 5,000 people in “confined spaces” and outside demonstrations in areas where the virus has been reported. Today’s Paris half marathon is cancelled as well as the last day of the Agriculture Salon and the carnival at Annecy. However some sporting events going ahead.
Around 2,000 schoolchildren are in self-imposed quarantine at home following advice from health officials to those who visited infected areas during the half term holidays to stay away from classes.Around 2,000 schoolchildren are in self-imposed quarantine at home following advice from health officials to those who visited infected areas during the half term holidays to stay away from classes.
Priests in some dioceses, including Paris, have been instructed not to put the ‘host’ into communicants’ mouths but in their hands. Air France has imposed a freeze on hiring new staff and announced cost-cutting measures last week to offset the economic impact of the virus on the travel industry.Priests in some dioceses, including Paris, have been instructed not to put the ‘host’ into communicants’ mouths but in their hands. Air France has imposed a freeze on hiring new staff and announced cost-cutting measures last week to offset the economic impact of the virus on the travel industry.
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.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.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.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”.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.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.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: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.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.”