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Coronavirus: Iran to limit travel between major cities amid more than 3,500 cases - latest updates Coronavirus: Iran to limit travel between major cities amid more than 3,500 cases - latest updates
(32 minutes later)
California declares state of emergency; Italian doctors say German man may have been first European with virus and Scotland registers three more casesCalifornia declares state of emergency; Italian doctors say German man may have been first European with virus and Scotland registers three more cases
Italy’s foreign minister Luigi Di Maio has accused CNN of ‘’distorting reality’’ after it published a map of worldwide cases of the coronavirus linked to the country.
According to the Italian authorities, the map, featuring a big red arrows sprouting from Italy to other parts of the world, does not highlight other areas struggling with the emergency such as China, Iran, South Korea and Japan.
“CNN has shown a map in which it looks as though Italy is the origin of the coronavirus outbreak,” Di Maio posted on Facebook.
“This is a distorted vision of reality. CNN is not the issue though, as this is just an example because other international media organizations are portraying Italy the wrong way too. The disinformation of some organs does not clash with opinions but with facts’’ Di Maio said.
“Italy is the nation that is addressing with most rigour this emergency which, as we know, developed in China”.
Confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the Netherlands have more than doubled to 82, according to Dutch health authorities.
There’s more now on that report earlier about a confirmed coronavirus case among employees at HSBC offices in London.
The company has evacuated a floor of its Canary Wharf office tower after an employee was confirmed to have caught coronavirus.
The bank has sent 100 people home and ordered a deep clean of the 10th floor, which houses its research department. This has so far not affected HSBC’s trading floor, which carries out large transactions on financial markets for big institutions. The evacuation was first reported by Financial News.
South Africa’s health minister has said that the country’s health system would be “tested” by the coronavirus, after it earlier confirmed its first case.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said citizens quarantined in China will be returning home in the next few days.
Addressing lawmakers in Cape Town, he added that South Africa was working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other institutions to help diagnose the virus, called COVID-19, across Africa.
“I think we need to be upfront about it ... Our system will be tested by the impact of coronavirus,”
Iran will begin erecting checkpoints to limit travel between major cities and has urged people to reduce their use of paper banknotes as authorities scramble to contain the coronavirus, which has caused at least 107 deaths and infected more than 3,500 people across the country.
The Iranian health minister, Saeed Namaki, announced the drastic new measures during a televised press conference on Thursday, adding that schools and universities would remain closed until Nowruz, the Persian new year, on 20 March.
Namaki told people to stay in their vehicles at petrol stations and allow attendants to fill their tanks to avoid the spread of the virus.
Iran and Italy have the world’s highest death tolls outside China, where the outbreak began at the end of last year. So far, the virus has infected 95,000 people worldwide and killed more than 3,200.
There is more here in this wrap up about the situation in different countries.
Europe is experiencing delays in supplies of medicines and face masks because of coronavirus disruptions, according to EU and industry officials, compounding already acute shortages of drugs on the continent.
The European Union is assessing the delays in drug shipments from Asia, a senior official from the EU Commission told Reuters, as France warned it was over-dependent on China with about 40% of the country’s drug ingredients imported from there.
The European concerns come as India, which is the world’s main supplier of generic medicines and also relies on Chinese ingredients, decided to restrict some drug exports.
“Many active pharmaceutical ingredients are produced in China and the virus outbreak is affecting the manufacturing capacity and stability of the supply of these ingredients,” the European Medicines Agency, an EU body, told Reuters.
The total number of the new coronavirus cases in Greece has risen to 31, after 21 more people who came in contact with the country’s ninth confirmed case tested positive, ekathimerini.com reports.
The figures were revealed in a press briefing from Greek Health Ministry spokesman Dimitris Tsiodras.
The country is moving into ‘Phase 2’ of the ministry’s health risk containment strategy, meaning that official measures will focus on containing the virus from spreading from western Greece.
This is Ben Quinn picking up the blog again.
Egypt has declared its first coronavirus infection of an Egyptian national. The country’s Ministry of Health and Population said a 44-year-old Egyptian citizen showed symptoms after returning from Serbia via 12-hour transit in France.Egypt has declared its first coronavirus infection of an Egyptian national. The country’s Ministry of Health and Population said a 44-year-old Egyptian citizen showed symptoms after returning from Serbia via 12-hour transit in France.
The man has now been quarantined, as Egyptian officials declare they have stepped up preparations against the virus across the country, including screenings at airports.The man has now been quarantined, as Egyptian officials declare they have stepped up preparations against the virus across the country, including screenings at airports.
Egypt previously declared two foreign nationals infected with COVID-19. A Chinese national who tested positive for the virus in mid-February later recovered, while a 54-year old Canadian national was quarantined last Monday.Egypt previously declared two foreign nationals infected with COVID-19. A Chinese national who tested positive for the virus in mid-February later recovered, while a 54-year old Canadian national was quarantined last Monday.
As recently as last weekend, the country’s Prime Minister and health ministry declared repeatedly that Egypt was free of the virus, despite raising suspicions after multiple foreign nationals returned from trips to Egypt showing symptoms.As recently as last weekend, the country’s Prime Minister and health ministry declared repeatedly that Egypt was free of the virus, despite raising suspicions after multiple foreign nationals returned from trips to Egypt showing symptoms.
“One trip to Egypt was the source of 11 cases out of 20 people,” in the French town of La Balme-de-Sillingy according to Le Monde.“One trip to Egypt was the source of 11 cases out of 20 people,” in the French town of La Balme-de-Sillingy according to Le Monde.
Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed travelled to China earlier this week to discuss the outbreak. She told a press conference that Egypt had tested 1,443 people for the virus, with only one testing positive.Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed travelled to China earlier this week to discuss the outbreak. She told a press conference that Egypt had tested 1,443 people for the virus, with only one testing positive.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued a statement warning businesses to not exploit the coronavirus outbreak and take advantage of people. The CMA said it will take enforcement action against companies that are charging excessive prices or making misleading claims about the efficacy of protective equipment. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has warned businesses not to take advantage of people by exploiting the coronavirus outbreak. The CMA said it would take enforcement action against companies that charged excessive prices or made misleading claims about the efficacy of protective equipment.
CMA chairman Lord Tyrie said: “We will do whatever we can to act against rip-offs and misleading claims, using any or all of our tools; and where we can’t act, we’ll advise government on further steps they could take, if necessary.” The CMA chairman, Lord Tyrie, said: “We will do whatever we can to act against ripoffs and misleading claims, using any or all of our tools; and where we can’t act, we’ll advise government on further steps they could take, if necessary.”
CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli said: “We urge retailers to behave responsibly throughout the coronavirus outbreak and not to make misleading claims or charge vastly inflated prices. We also remind members of the public that these obligations may apply to them too if they resell goods, for example on online marketplaces.” Its chief executive, Andrea Coscelli, said: “We urge retailers to behave responsibly throughout the coronavirus outbreak and not to make misleading claims or charge vastly inflated prices. We also remind members of the public that these obligations may apply to them too if they resell goods, for example on online marketplaces.”
Here’s the latest summary of today’s events.Here’s the latest summary of today’s events.
South Africa has confirmed its first case of coronavirus. The person is a man, 38, who travelled to Italy with his wife in a group of 10 people who arrived back in South Africa on 1 March.South Africa has confirmed its first case of coronavirus. The person is a man, 38, who travelled to Italy with his wife in a group of 10 people who arrived back in South Africa on 1 March.
At least 349 people are infected in Germany, the German government has confirmed, a rise of 109 cases within 24 hours. On Monday there were just 38 confirmed cases.At least 349 people are infected in Germany, the German government has confirmed, a rise of 109 cases within 24 hours. On Monday there were just 38 confirmed cases.
All mosques and churches have been closed in Bethlehem. The Palestinian health ministry declared a medical state of emergency in the West Bank city after a suspected case of coronavirus at a hotel. No cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Palestinian territories.All mosques and churches have been closed in Bethlehem. The Palestinian health ministry declared a medical state of emergency in the West Bank city after a suspected case of coronavirus at a hotel. No cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Palestinian territories.
Iran has reported 3,515 coronavirus cases and 107 deaths. The figures from the country’s health ministry come as the Iranian authorities impose checkpoints to limit travel between major cities. Iran is now one of the centres of the outbreak.Iran has reported 3,515 coronavirus cases and 107 deaths. The figures from the country’s health ministry come as the Iranian authorities impose checkpoints to limit travel between major cities. Iran is now one of the centres of the outbreak.
Starbucks has said it will only use disposable cups at its North American outlets. The company also said it was “pausing the use of personal cups and ‘for here’ ware” in its stores.Starbucks has said it will only use disposable cups at its North American outlets. The company also said it was “pausing the use of personal cups and ‘for here’ ware” in its stores.
A 33-year-old German man may be the first European to have contracted Covid-19 and to have transmitted it. According to the German doctors, the “otherwise healthy” businessman, known as patient 1, became ill with a sore throat, chills and myalgias (muscle pain) on 24 January. The following day, he developed a fever of 39.1C (102.4F) and a wet cough. However, he started feeling better during the evening of the next day and went back to work on 27 January.A 33-year-old German man may be the first European to have contracted Covid-19 and to have transmitted it. According to the German doctors, the “otherwise healthy” businessman, known as patient 1, became ill with a sore throat, chills and myalgias (muscle pain) on 24 January. The following day, he developed a fever of 39.1C (102.4F) and a wet cough. However, he started feeling better during the evening of the next day and went back to work on 27 January.
In the UK people who are elderly or have pre-existing conditions could be advised to stay away from crowds as the outbreak progresses. The remarks came from the government’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, during evidence to MPs.In the UK people who are elderly or have pre-existing conditions could be advised to stay away from crowds as the outbreak progresses. The remarks came from the government’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, during evidence to MPs.
The federation of German industries, has warned the coronavirus is likely to send Europe’s biggest economy into recession. The BDI said economic growth was likely to “fall prey” to the virus. “Economic growth threatens to come to a halt,” it said in its first quarterly report for 2020.The federation of German industries, has warned the coronavirus is likely to send Europe’s biggest economy into recession. The BDI said economic growth was likely to “fall prey” to the virus. “Economic growth threatens to come to a halt,” it said in its first quarterly report for 2020.
England’s Six Nations game against Italy on 14 March in Rome has been postponed.England’s Six Nations game against Italy on 14 March in Rome has been postponed.
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Scotland have increased from three to six. Catherine Calderwood, the country’s chief medical officer, said the new cases were in the Forth Valley, Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Grampian NHS areas, and were all linked to the three previous cases.Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Scotland have increased from three to six. Catherine Calderwood, the country’s chief medical officer, said the new cases were in the Forth Valley, Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Grampian NHS areas, and were all linked to the three previous cases.
The death toll in the US has climbed to 11. California reported its first fatality and declared a state of emergency. The person who died was an elderly man with underlying health issues.The death toll in the US has climbed to 11. California reported its first fatality and declared a state of emergency. The person who died was an elderly man with underlying health issues.
Greece has reported its 10th case. The latest person to be confirmed as having the virus is related to an individual who recently travelled to Israel and Egypt, health authorities have said.Greece has reported its 10th case. The latest person to be confirmed as having the virus is related to an individual who recently travelled to Israel and Egypt, health authorities have said.
India’s health ministry has issued a statement that there were 29 positive cases in the country by 4 March. Citizens have been advised not to travel to any country that is affected by the virus.India’s health ministry has issued a statement that there were 29 positive cases in the country by 4 March. Citizens have been advised not to travel to any country that is affected by the virus.
Hello, It’s Aamna taking over the blog from Ben so he can have lunch.Hello, It’s Aamna taking over the blog from Ben so he can have lunch.
The British government will release geographic information on coronavirus cases on a daily basis. The prime minister’s official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: : “I think the prime minister and the chief medical officer have both said this morning we will provide geographic information on cases - it will be at 2pm, it will be with a 24-hour delay to make sure that all of the details are correct.”The British government will release geographic information on coronavirus cases on a daily basis. The prime minister’s official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: : “I think the prime minister and the chief medical officer have both said this morning we will provide geographic information on cases - it will be at 2pm, it will be with a 24-hour delay to make sure that all of the details are correct.”
The spokesperson confirmed the UK would not be asking for an extension to the Brexit transition period because of the outbreak. The spokesman said: “That work has been continuing throughout and I expect it to carry on as planned - no change.”The spokesperson confirmed the UK would not be asking for an extension to the Brexit transition period because of the outbreak. The spokesman said: “That work has been continuing throughout and I expect it to carry on as planned - no change.”
The first confirmed case of the coronavirus has been identified in South Africa.The first confirmed case of the coronavirus has been identified in South Africa.
The person is a man, 38, who travelled to Italy with his wife in a group of 10 people who arrived back in South Africa on 1 March.The person is a man, 38, who travelled to Italy with his wife in a group of 10 people who arrived back in South Africa on 1 March.
The man attended a GP surgery two days later with symptoms including fever, headache, a sore throat and a cough.The man attended a GP surgery two days later with symptoms including fever, headache, a sore throat and a cough.
A team that will attempt to trace contacts has been sent to Kwazulu-Natal with epidemiologists and doctors.A team that will attempt to trace contacts has been sent to Kwazulu-Natal with epidemiologists and doctors.
A school in the city of Osnabrück in north-west Germany has sent a convoy of buses and ambulances to pick up a group of 55 pupils and teachers from a skiing holiday in South Tyrol, German media has reported.A school in the city of Osnabrück in north-west Germany has sent a convoy of buses and ambulances to pick up a group of 55 pupils and teachers from a skiing holiday in South Tyrol, German media has reported.
Two doctors and other medical staff, as well as parents, are part of the group sent to bring the children back, two of whom have suspected coronavirus symptoms. A child with a fever has already been picked up by her father and is being tested.Two doctors and other medical staff, as well as parents, are part of the group sent to bring the children back, two of whom have suspected coronavirus symptoms. A child with a fever has already been picked up by her father and is being tested.
The children are to be separated into two groups: suspected cases with medical staff will travel in one bus, with those considered healthy in the other. The convoy is expected back in Osnabrück on Friday.The children are to be separated into two groups: suspected cases with medical staff will travel in one bus, with those considered healthy in the other. The convoy is expected back in Osnabrück on Friday.
Are you someone who has had the coronavirus and has recovered?Are you someone who has had the coronavirus and has recovered?
If so, and you would be comfortable about speaking about your experience, we would be very grateful for an opportunity to speak with you.If so, and you would be comfortable about speaking about your experience, we would be very grateful for an opportunity to speak with you.
You can get in touch by filling in the encrypted form here, anonymously if you wish.You can get in touch by filling in the encrypted form here, anonymously if you wish.
You can also get in touch via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056. Only the Guardian will see your responses and one of our journalists may be in touch for more information.You can also get in touch via WhatsApp by clicking here or adding the contact +44(0)7867825056. Only the Guardian will see your responses and one of our journalists may be in touch for more information.
French plans to move at some point from ‘stage 2’ of its response to the coronavirus to ‘stage 3’ are to be discussed today at a meeting of advisors convened by France’s president, Emmanuel Macron.French plans to move at some point from ‘stage 2’ of its response to the coronavirus to ‘stage 3’ are to be discussed today at a meeting of advisors convened by France’s president, Emmanuel Macron.
Le Monde has details of the discussions in anticipation of stage 3, when the outbreak spreads to the entire country and schools and other institutions may close.Le Monde has details of the discussions in anticipation of stage 3, when the outbreak spreads to the entire country and schools and other institutions may close.
David and Sally Abel, a British couple who contracted coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, are resigned to being kept in quarantine in a Japanese hospital for at least two more weeks.In a video update from the hospital room, David said both he and his wife still have coronavirus, more than two weeks after first being diagnosed on the ship as it was docked off Yokohama.David and Sally Abel, a British couple who contracted coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, are resigned to being kept in quarantine in a Japanese hospital for at least two more weeks.In a video update from the hospital room, David said both he and his wife still have coronavirus, more than two weeks after first being diagnosed on the ship as it was docked off Yokohama.
Sally was tested negative last week, but has since tested positive again.David said he “curled up into a ball” and felt close to death after the virus led to pneumonia but both he and Sally were now recovering and gaining “more energy” every day.Asked by YouTube viewers when he would return to the UK, he said: “Until we get a run of negative tests that isn’t even open for negotiation. We have to be given a certificate to say we are absolutely clear of the virus. My gut feeling is probably two to three weeks.”David suspects his room is being monitored by CCTV camera, but he said his Japanese carers had been “so gracious”. And he added that the couple accepted they were being closely monitored “for our own good”.Sally was tested negative last week, but has since tested positive again.David said he “curled up into a ball” and felt close to death after the virus led to pneumonia but both he and Sally were now recovering and gaining “more energy” every day.Asked by YouTube viewers when he would return to the UK, he said: “Until we get a run of negative tests that isn’t even open for negotiation. We have to be given a certificate to say we are absolutely clear of the virus. My gut feeling is probably two to three weeks.”David suspects his room is being monitored by CCTV camera, but he said his Japanese carers had been “so gracious”. And he added that the couple accepted they were being closely monitored “for our own good”.
An employee in HSBC’s research department in London has tested positive for coronavirus, three sources have told Reuters.An employee in HSBC’s research department in London has tested positive for coronavirus, three sources have told Reuters.
The employee informed the bank at the weekend and staff who came into contact with him have been told to work from home, a source familiar with the matter said.The employee informed the bank at the weekend and staff who came into contact with him have been told to work from home, a source familiar with the matter said.
Deep cleaning is taking place of affected areas, the source added.Deep cleaning is taking place of affected areas, the source added.
A spokesman for the UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, says the government will not need to ask the EU for an extension of the Brexit transition period due to the coronavirus.A spokesman for the UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, says the government will not need to ask the EU for an extension of the Brexit transition period due to the coronavirus.