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 38 Version 39
Coronavirus: Italy death toll rises to 34 as Dominican Republic reports first case – latest updates Coronavirus: Italy death toll rises to 34 as Dominican Republic reports first case – latest updates
(31 minutes later)
US, Australia and Thailand also report first deaths from coronavirus while bans are put in place around the world on large gatherings. Follow live newsUS, Australia and Thailand also report first deaths from coronavirus while bans are put in place around the world on large gatherings. Follow live news
PA have produced a helpful overview of the UK coronavirus cases, which might help to map out what’s happened so far:
31 January The first cases are reported in the UK when two members of the same family test positive for the virus. They had recently travelled to the UK from China. They were staying at a hotel in York when they fell ill and were taken to Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment.
6 February A third person in the UK is diagnosed in Brighton and transferred to Guy’s and St Thomas’ in London. It later emerges that the patient, businessman Steve Walsh, contracted the virus at a conference in Singapore. On his way back to the UK, he stopped off for several days at a French ski chalet, where five Britons were subsequently infected with the virus.
9 February Prof Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, says a fourth person has been diagnosed in the UK, believed to be a contact of Walsh. It is later confirmed that the virus was passed on in France.
10 February Four more patients in England test positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to eight. Those infected are all contacts of Walsh and Public Health England (PHE) confirms two are healthcare workers. The four newly diagnosed people had contracted the virus in France.
13 February A woman in London becomes the ninth person to test positive for the illness in the UK - the first confirmed case in the capital. The patient, also moved to Guy’s and St Thomas’, contracted the virus in China, Whitty says. As with previously confirmed cases, officials work to identify people who had been in recent contact with the woman.
23 February Four Britons rescued from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan test positive for the illness in the UK, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 13. They were among a group of 30 Britons and two Irish citizens who arrived at a quarantine block at Arrowe Park hospital in Merseyside a day earlier. Whitty said the virus was passed on when all four were on board the vessel.
27 February The first case of Covid-19 is diagnosed in Northern Ireland, while two more people tested positive across the rest of the UK. The patient in Belfast had recently returned from northern Italy and had previously been in Dublin. Another of the new cases, a parent at a Buxton primary school in Derbyshire, contracted the virus in Tenerife. The third patient also contracted the virus in Italy.
28 February The number of confirmed UK cases jumps to 20 after Wales reports its first patient and three more are identified in England. Dr Frank Atherton, the chief medical officer for Wales confirmed a man had been diagnosed with the virus after travelling back to Wales from Italy.
Two of the new cases identified in England had recently travelled back from Iran. Meanwhile, a patient identified in Surrey becomes the first to catch the illness within the UK. Prof Whitty says it is not clear if the patient had contracted the virus “directly or indirectly” from somebody who had recently travelled abroad.
29 February Three more patients are identified in England. Two of the patients had recently travelled back from Italy while the other had returned from Asia.
1 March The UK total climbs to 36 after 13 new patients are identified, with Scotland reporting its first case. Three of the latest cases in England are family members of a man from Surrey who was the first to catch the illness within the UK. All four are adults, including one more from Surrey and two from West Sussex, and are not GPs or health workers, acting regional director for the south of England for PHE says.
Another new patient, from Essex, had no relevant travel to an affected area, according to Whitty, and it was unclear whether the patient had contracted it “directly or indirectly” from somebody who had recently travelled abroad.
The eight remaining cases include one from Bury, Greater Manchester, who was infected in Italy, two new patients from Hertfordshire and one in London. Three cases were confirmed in West Yorkshire, including two Leeds residents – who became infected in Iran – while one is from Bradford who had been in Italy.
Another is from Gloucestershire and is linked to a member of staff at a school in the Cotswolds, identified the day before. Meanwhile, the first person in Scotland to be diagnosed is a Tayside resident who recently travelled from Italy.
Nicola Sturgeon: ‘Scottish coronavirus case not unexpected’Nicola Sturgeon: ‘Scottish coronavirus case not unexpected’
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said the first confirmed case in Scotland was “not unexpected”.Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said the first confirmed case in Scotland was “not unexpected”.
In an interview with Sky News a few minutes ago, said they had been preparing for this occasion “for some time” and that she was expecting more cases in the coming days and weeks.In an interview with Sky News a few minutes ago, said they had been preparing for this occasion “for some time” and that she was expecting more cases in the coming days and weeks.
Sturgeon reiterated much of her earlier statement, and said the Scottish coronavirus patient is clinically well.Sturgeon reiterated much of her earlier statement, and said the Scottish coronavirus patient is clinically well.
Confident in the NHS responseConfident in the NHS response
The first minister also assured the public that the UK was well-equipped to deal with a rise in cases. “All the things that should be done are being done”, she said. “We have to be prepared for a significant outbreak fo coronavirus.”The first minister also assured the public that the UK was well-equipped to deal with a rise in cases. “All the things that should be done are being done”, she said. “We have to be prepared for a significant outbreak fo coronavirus.”
She said that Scotland remained in the containment phase, and was focusing on trying to limit and contain spread of infection - which was “particularly important given the lack of coronavirus vaccine”.She said that Scotland remained in the containment phase, and was focusing on trying to limit and contain spread of infection - which was “particularly important given the lack of coronavirus vaccine”.
The first minister said that wider planning for a significant outbreak in coming weeks was underway, including escalation plans for the NHS. “I have a lot of confidence in the plans and procedures that are in place,” she said.The first minister said that wider planning for a significant outbreak in coming weeks was underway, including escalation plans for the NHS. “I have a lot of confidence in the plans and procedures that are in place,” she said.
She said that steps that will be taken will be informed and guided by best possible advice, and that she wouldn’t rule anything out at this stage.She said that steps that will be taken will be informed and guided by best possible advice, and that she wouldn’t rule anything out at this stage.
However, she also said that the public “have a big part to play” in stopping the spread of the virus by following public health guidelines.However, she also said that the public “have a big part to play” in stopping the spread of the virus by following public health guidelines.
Sturgeon said that Scotland was working with other UK nations, and described it as “vital” to have a co-ordinated, UK wide response.Sturgeon said that Scotland was working with other UK nations, and described it as “vital” to have a co-ordinated, UK wide response.
You can read more about the new cases in the US from my colleague Amanda Holpuch in New York.You can read more about the new cases in the US from my colleague Amanda Holpuch in New York.
Brazil has so far confirmed only two cases of coronavirus - both Brazillian citizens who had been in Italy.But a report in one of the country’s leading newspapers this Sunday says there are now 252 suspected cases - 136 of them in the state of São Paulo and 19 in Rio de Janeiro.According to the Estado de São Paulo newspaper, the suspected cases are people who have not just symptoms but have also had contact with a suspected case or a travel history connected to coronavirus.Brazil has so far confirmed only two cases of coronavirus - both Brazillian citizens who had been in Italy.But a report in one of the country’s leading newspapers this Sunday says there are now 252 suspected cases - 136 of them in the state of São Paulo and 19 in Rio de Janeiro.According to the Estado de São Paulo newspaper, the suspected cases are people who have not just symptoms but have also had contact with a suspected case or a travel history connected to coronavirus.
Angola has announced that it will ban citizens from China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria from entering the country.Angola has announced that it will ban citizens from China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria from entering the country.
The ban will only apply to those who have travelled directly from those countries, and has been implemented to prevent the spread of coronavirus.The ban will only apply to those who have travelled directly from those countries, and has been implemented to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Mexico have confirmed a fifth case of the virus - an 18-year-old woman who had been studying in Milan and had recently returned to Chiapas state.Mexico have confirmed a fifth case of the virus - an 18-year-old woman who had been studying in Milan and had recently returned to Chiapas state.
The woman tested positive for the virus on Saturday but is asymptomatic, state health authorities said.The woman tested positive for the virus on Saturday but is asymptomatic, state health authorities said.
Authorities said she had returned to Mexico after her school in Italy closed because of the crisis.Authorities said she had returned to Mexico after her school in Italy closed because of the crisis.
Two of Mexico’s confirmed cases are in the capital, Mexico City, where schools and nurseries are already starting to adopt special measures to guard against a potential outbreak.Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said there were currently no plans to cancel major public events or gatherings because of coronavirus.Two of Mexico’s confirmed cases are in the capital, Mexico City, where schools and nurseries are already starting to adopt special measures to guard against a potential outbreak.Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said there were currently no plans to cancel major public events or gatherings because of coronavirus.
A nursing home near Seattle is on lockdown after a 70 year old resident and a worker in her 40s tested positive for coronavirus, officials at the home have said.A nursing home near Seattle is on lockdown after a 70 year old resident and a worker in her 40s tested positive for coronavirus, officials at the home have said.
State officials said that an additional 27 residents of the nursing home and 25 staff members are reporting symptoms of the virus, which can be similar to that of the common flu.State officials said that an additional 27 residents of the nursing home and 25 staff members are reporting symptoms of the virus, which can be similar to that of the common flu.
The Life Care Center of Kirkland is not accepting new patients or allowing visitors, family or vendors into the facility.The Life Care Center of Kirkland is not accepting new patients or allowing visitors, family or vendors into the facility.
“Concerned family members or responsible parties may call our facility,” the release posted on its website said. “The facility is currently placing a hold on admissions as well to fully focus on our current residents and associates.”“Concerned family members or responsible parties may call our facility,” the release posted on its website said. “The facility is currently placing a hold on admissions as well to fully focus on our current residents and associates.”
The two cases were confirmed on Saturday by Washington state officials. The resident is in a serious condition, whilst the worker is in a ‘satisfactory’ condition.The two cases were confirmed on Saturday by Washington state officials. The resident is in a serious condition, whilst the worker is in a ‘satisfactory’ condition.
There are around 70 cases in the US.There are around 70 cases in the US.
A woman who recently returned from Iran has today been confirmed as the ninth case of coronavirus in the Australian state of Victoria. Australia recorded its first death from Covid-19 on Sunday when a man in his late 70s, who had been evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, died in hospital in Perth. Seven cases from Victoria have recovered and are no longer in isolation. The eighth confirmed case is in a stable condition and is isolated and recovering in hospital. The ninth case, a woman in her 30s from Victoria who returned from Tehran, is recovering in isolation at home. The woman became unwell on February 27 while travelling to Melbourne from Tehran, via Kuala Lumpur and Bali. She travelled on Malindo Air on flight number OD177 and landed in Melbourne on 28 February at 6.04am. The Victorian department of health is following up close contacts on the plane.A woman who recently returned from Iran has today been confirmed as the ninth case of coronavirus in the Australian state of Victoria. Australia recorded its first death from Covid-19 on Sunday when a man in his late 70s, who had been evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, died in hospital in Perth. Seven cases from Victoria have recovered and are no longer in isolation. The eighth confirmed case is in a stable condition and is isolated and recovering in hospital. The ninth case, a woman in her 30s from Victoria who returned from Tehran, is recovering in isolation at home. The woman became unwell on February 27 while travelling to Melbourne from Tehran, via Kuala Lumpur and Bali. She travelled on Malindo Air on flight number OD177 and landed in Melbourne on 28 February at 6.04am. The Victorian department of health is following up close contacts on the plane.
Across Australia, there have now been 29 confirmed cases:Across Australia, there have now been 29 confirmed cases:
9 in Queensland9 in Queensland
6 in New South Wales6 in New South Wales
9 in Victoria9 in Victoria
3 in South Australia3 in South Australia
2 in Western Australia2 in Western Australia
Out of these, 15 have recovered, one has died and the rest are in a stable condition.Out of these, 15 have recovered, one has died and the rest are in a stable condition.
A coach of Britons who have been in lockdown in a hotel in Tenerife since Tuesday have arrived at an airport terminal to fly home.A coach of Britons who have been in lockdown in a hotel in Tenerife since Tuesday have arrived at an airport terminal to fly home.
It is understood that the Brits have been booked on two different flights back to the UK, and they will have to self-isolate on their return.It is understood that the Brits have been booked on two different flights back to the UK, and they will have to self-isolate on their return.
There are still dozens of Brits still inside the hotel, and it is unclear who has been allowed to leave and why. One told Sky News that it was based on “potluck” according to travel providers.There are still dozens of Brits still inside the hotel, and it is unclear who has been allowed to leave and why. One told Sky News that it was based on “potluck” according to travel providers.
Tests for coronavirus on Brits in the hotel began yesterday and continued in to today. According to Sky New, the Brits were told that if they tested negative, they had 24 hours to get on a flight.Tests for coronavirus on Brits in the hotel began yesterday and continued in to today. According to Sky New, the Brits were told that if they tested negative, they had 24 hours to get on a flight.
One of those leaving said at the airport that he was feeling “relieved” and another praised the hotel staff as “fantastic.”One of those leaving said at the airport that he was feeling “relieved” and another praised the hotel staff as “fantastic.”
The first person in Scotland has tested positive for coronavirus.The first person in Scotland has tested positive for coronavirus.
The announcement brings the total number of UK cases to 36, 13 of which have been confirmed today. The patient, who is a resident of the Tayside area and had recently travelled from Italy, has now been admitted to hospital and is receiving treatment in isolation.The announcement brings the total number of UK cases to 36, 13 of which have been confirmed today. The patient, who is a resident of the Tayside area and had recently travelled from Italy, has now been admitted to hospital and is receiving treatment in isolation.
Clinicians have also started to gather details of the places they have visited and the people they have been in contact with since they returned to the UK.Clinicians have also started to gather details of the places they have visited and the people they have been in contact with since they returned to the UK.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has chaired a meeting of the Scottish government resilience committee this evening, and will be taking part in a similar one chaired by Boris Johnson tomorrow morning.Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has chaired a meeting of the Scottish government resilience committee this evening, and will be taking part in a similar one chaired by Boris Johnson tomorrow morning.
Sturgeon said: “Our first thoughts must be with the patient diagnosed with coronavirus, I wish them a speedy recovery.Sturgeon said: “Our first thoughts must be with the patient diagnosed with coronavirus, I wish them a speedy recovery.
“Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus but there is currently no treatment or vaccine. Early detection measures will continue to be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus.“Scotland is well-prepared for a significant outbreak of coronavirus but there is currently no treatment or vaccine. Early detection measures will continue to be vital in helping to prevent the spread of the virus.
“People have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice, and following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.”“People have a vital role to play in helping us contain any outbreak by following the latest health and travel advice, and following basic hygiene precautions, such as washing hands frequently, not touching their face and covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.”
There have been a total of 698 negative test results in Scotland since the outbreak began.There have been a total of 698 negative test results in Scotland since the outbreak began.
According to Reuters, organisers have said that a conference on the world economy due to take in Italy later this month with Pope Francis taking part has been postponed until November because of the outbreak.According to Reuters, organisers have said that a conference on the world economy due to take in Italy later this month with Pope Francis taking part has been postponed until November because of the outbreak.
Some Britons in the hotel in Tenerife have been allowed to leave, Sky News have said.Some Britons in the hotel in Tenerife have been allowed to leave, Sky News have said.
The number of people in Germany infected rose to 129 on Sunday, up from 66 on Saturday, DW has reported.The number of people in Germany infected rose to 129 on Sunday, up from 66 on Saturday, DW has reported.
Nine of Germany’s 16 states now have cases of COVID-19, with Frankfurt, Hamburg and Bremen among the cities reporting their first infections, Germany’s centre for disease control and prevention, the Robert Koch Institute, said.Nine of Germany’s 16 states now have cases of COVID-19, with Frankfurt, Hamburg and Bremen among the cities reporting their first infections, Germany’s centre for disease control and prevention, the Robert Koch Institute, said.
Almost half of the cases, 74 in total, have been confirmed in North Rhine-Westphalia, which is Germany’s most populous state. Bavaria has the next highest number of confirmed cases, with 23, followed by Baden-Württemberg with 15.Almost half of the cases, 74 in total, have been confirmed in North Rhine-Westphalia, which is Germany’s most populous state. Bavaria has the next highest number of confirmed cases, with 23, followed by Baden-Württemberg with 15.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said people should “still go about their business”, but that the government was “considering all options”.The Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said people should “still go about their business”, but that the government was “considering all options”.
In an interview with Sky News a few minutes ago, he insisted the government’s plan was “very clear”.In an interview with Sky News a few minutes ago, he insisted the government’s plan was “very clear”.
What are the government’s steps?What are the government’s steps?
Firstly, the government are trying to contain the virus, he said. This meant that “every single case found here gets immediate treatment”, with their contacts tracked down and given medical advice or checks.Firstly, the government are trying to contain the virus, he said. This meant that “every single case found here gets immediate treatment”, with their contacts tracked down and given medical advice or checks.
Hancock said that the government were trying to delay the onset of the virus, having determined that the UK would be better able to cope with a mass spread of coronavirus in the summer.Hancock said that the government were trying to delay the onset of the virus, having determined that the UK would be better able to cope with a mass spread of coronavirus in the summer.
He also said that the government had invested £40 million into finding a vaccine and treatments for disease. He warned that a vaccine was “still many months off” even with an accelerated process, but treatments for those who have virus already were “more optimistic”.He also said that the government had invested £40 million into finding a vaccine and treatments for disease. He warned that a vaccine was “still many months off” even with an accelerated process, but treatments for those who have virus already were “more optimistic”.
What should the public do?What should the public do?
When asked if people should follow World Health Organisation advice to other parts of the world that over 60s should avoid shared spaces, he said no, as the cases were still “relatively low”.When asked if people should follow World Health Organisation advice to other parts of the world that over 60s should avoid shared spaces, he said no, as the cases were still “relatively low”.
“If we get to a position where this is endemic around the world and large scale here, we will change advice,” he added.“If we get to a position where this is endemic around the world and large scale here, we will change advice,” he added.
He also said that stopping flights from China was not the answer, comparing it to Italy, who did stop flights and have much higher numbers of cases than the UK.He also said that stopping flights from China was not the answer, comparing it to Italy, who did stop flights and have much higher numbers of cases than the UK.
He echoed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s earlier statement that the best thing the public can do is wash their hands for 20 seconds.He echoed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s earlier statement that the best thing the public can do is wash their hands for 20 seconds.
As Johnson referenced earlier, albeit slightly less clearly, the government are telling children to sing ‘happy birthday’ whilst washing their hands to ensure they wash for long enough.As Johnson referenced earlier, albeit slightly less clearly, the government are telling children to sing ‘happy birthday’ whilst washing their hands to ensure they wash for long enough.
The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, said there needed to be “more direction from the Prime Minister” and accused him of being slow to organise COBRA meetings - the government’s emergency response committee.The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, said there needed to be “more direction from the Prime Minister” and accused him of being slow to organise COBRA meetings - the government’s emergency response committee.
He said that the NHS were “really doing their best” and that clinicians would “always rise to the challenge”. However, he alleged that 80% of the beds needed for coronavirus were already taken up, saying that years of austerity meant resources to tackle the spread of the virus are stretched.He said that the NHS were “really doing their best” and that clinicians would “always rise to the challenge”. However, he alleged that 80% of the beds needed for coronavirus were already taken up, saying that years of austerity meant resources to tackle the spread of the virus are stretched.
Non-essential British embassy staff in Tehran are being withdrawn with immediate effect due to the virus, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has confirmed. The FCO also warned that the embassy’s help to British nationals in Iran would be limited.Non-essential British embassy staff in Tehran are being withdrawn with immediate effect due to the virus, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has confirmed. The FCO also warned that the embassy’s help to British nationals in Iran would be limited.
A statement said: “As of 1 March, dependants and some staff from the British Embassy are being withdrawn from Iran due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Essential staff needed to continue critical work will remain.A statement said: “As of 1 March, dependants and some staff from the British Embassy are being withdrawn from Iran due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Essential staff needed to continue critical work will remain.
“In the event that the situation deteriorates further, the ability of the British Embassy to provide assistance to British nationals from within Iran may be limited.”“In the event that the situation deteriorates further, the ability of the British Embassy to provide assistance to British nationals from within Iran may be limited.”
The director general of France’s health service, Jérôme Salomon, has given the latest figures and there’s another leap on Sunday. The number of confirmed cases has risen to 130, from 100. Of that, 116 people are in hospital – nine of them in a serious condition – and 12 people recovered. There have been two deathsThe director general of France’s health service, Jérôme Salomon, has given the latest figures and there’s another leap on Sunday. The number of confirmed cases has risen to 130, from 100. Of that, 116 people are in hospital – nine of them in a serious condition – and 12 people recovered. There have been two deaths
New cases include two children, a one-year-old and a five-year-old, who have been hospitalised in Strasbourg in eastern France along with their 27-year-old mother who also tested positive. Their condition has been described as not worrying.New cases include two children, a one-year-old and a five-year-old, who have been hospitalised in Strasbourg in eastern France along with their 27-year-old mother who also tested positive. Their condition has been described as not worrying.
Salomon says French travellers should avoid journeys abroad outside the European Union “unless strictly necessary”. Nevertheless, he pointed out the death rate worldwide is 3.4% of confirmed cases.Salomon says French travellers should avoid journeys abroad outside the European Union “unless strictly necessary”. Nevertheless, he pointed out the death rate worldwide is 3.4% of confirmed cases.
The Manga and Sci-Fi Show salon planned for next week in Paris, which was to have featured giant karaoke and K Pop concerts, has been cancelled.The Manga and Sci-Fi Show salon planned for next week in Paris, which was to have featured giant karaoke and K Pop concerts, has been cancelled.