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Coronavirus news: Iran to limit travel between major cities amid more than 3,500 cases - latest updates Coronavirus news: UK cases jump to 115, department of health confirms – latest updates
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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
The Italian government ordered the closure of all schools and universities until 15 March as it grapples to contain Europe’s worst outbreak of coronavirus. Over 3,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus in Italy, among these 107 people have died The Scottish government has not raised the country’s coronavirus alert status from contain to delay, unlike health chiefs in England and Wales, because the number and type of Covid-19 cases are not yet significant enough.
Teachers and lecturers have turned to online classes to continue providing lessons to their students. The Associated Press has this photo of a teacher at the Politecnico di Milano, the largest Italian technical university with with 45,000 students, giving online lessons. Scotland’s chief medical officer, Catherine Calderwood, said on Thursday morning the number of confirmed cases in Scotland had doubled overnight to six after three people came into contact with the three previous Covid-19 patients.
By 2pm on Thursday, there had been 1250 negative tests according to the first bulletin in a series which ministers in Edinburgh said will be published at 2pm every day.
Scottish government officials there was not yet evidence in Scotland of community transmission involving patients not in direct contact with known carriers or a sufficiently high rate of infection to raise the alert from its lowest status, containment, up a step to delay.
The delay phase is focused on slowing the virus’s spread through the wider community, and could involve banning or delaying large scale public events, to buy time for medical supplies to be built up and reduce the risks of it coinciding with the peak occurrence of routine winter illnesses.
They said they expected that to change a matter of hours or days. “We’re under no illusion that it’s only a matter of a short period of time before we move it to ‘delay’,” said a government spokeswoman.
The department of health confirmed that as of 9am on 5 March 2020, 18,083 people have been tested in the UK, of which 17,968 were confirmed negative and 115 were confirmed as positive.
Police in Northern Ireland may face 12-hour shifts and cancelled rest days if coronavirus has a serious impact on staffing levels, PA media reports.
Police Service of Northern Ireland chief constable Simon Byrne said the potential impact of Covid-19 is very much unknown at this stage, but added there are contingency plans in place if high numbers of his officers are struck down by the disease.
“At the moment we are not complacent, and we can use a lot of experience from operating at pace at different times, whether it is dealing with complex investigations or serious disorder to keep officers and staff available to work,” he said.
There are currently three cases in Northern Ireland.
“The disease, whilst the dots on the map are increasing, hasn’t yet exploded into the country,” Byrne said. “We are following the advice about personal hygiene, clearly what I need to do with senior colleagues is make sure our preparedness is at its optimum, so we are looking at a range of scenario planning in terms of how we protect officers and staff.”
The Italian government ordered the closure of all schools and universities until 15 March as it tries to tackle Europe’s worst outbreak of coronavirus. More than 3,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus in Italy, of whom 107 have died
Teachers and lecturers have turned to online classes to continue providing lessons to their students. The Associated Press has this photo of a teacher at the Polytechnic University of Milan, the largest Italian technical university with 45,000 students, giving online lessons.
Birmingham city council has confirmed its first case of the coronavirusBirmingham city council has confirmed its first case of the coronavirus
The Department of Health will shortly be providing its daily update on the total number of UK cases.The Department of Health will shortly be providing its daily update on the total number of UK cases.
Donald Trump has said that, as a result of a hunch, he didn’t believe the World Health Organization’s assessment of the global death rate from coronavirus of 3.4%.Donald Trump has said that, as a result of a hunch, he didn’t believe the World Health Organization’s assessment of the global death rate from coronavirus of 3.4%.
“I think the 3.4% is really a false number,” he told Sean Hannity, one of his favourite conservative Fox News hosts, in a phone interview broadcast live.“I think the 3.4% is really a false number,” he told Sean Hannity, one of his favourite conservative Fox News hosts, in a phone interview broadcast live.
“Now, this is just my hunch,” Trump began, before continuing: “Based on a lot of conversations with a lot of people that do this, because a lot of people will have this, and it’s very mild – they’ll get better very rapidly, they don’t even see a doctor, they don’t even call a doctor.”“Now, this is just my hunch,” Trump began, before continuing: “Based on a lot of conversations with a lot of people that do this, because a lot of people will have this, and it’s very mild – they’ll get better very rapidly, they don’t even see a doctor, they don’t even call a doctor.”
He continued: “You never hear about those people, so you can’t put them down in the category of the overall population, in terms of this corona flu, and/or virus. So you just can’t do that.”He continued: “You never hear about those people, so you can’t put them down in the category of the overall population, in terms of this corona flu, and/or virus. So you just can’t do that.”
In London, there was some concern earlier that two patients at King’s College hospital in London may have contracted it while in the hospital.In London, there was some concern earlier that two patients at King’s College hospital in London may have contracted it while in the hospital.
However, the Guardian understands that both people were exposed to the virus before they reached the hospital.However, the Guardian understands that both people were exposed to the virus before they reached the hospital.
One of them is now being cared for in an isolation unit in St Thomas’ hospital in central London where a number of other infected people are being cared for.One of them is now being cared for in an isolation unit in St Thomas’ hospital in central London where a number of other infected people are being cared for.
Staff at a British government department have received an unfortunately worded email offering help with planning their “demise”, the Daily Mirror reports.Staff at a British government department have received an unfortunately worded email offering help with planning their “demise”, the Daily Mirror reports.
The message was sent to staff at the Department for Business, Energy, Innovation and Skills (BEIS).The message was sent to staff at the Department for Business, Energy, Innovation and Skills (BEIS).
The Mirror reports that the email was sent by a representative of ISS, an outsourcing company, and reads that it is monitoring the situation in relation to the coronavirus.The Mirror reports that the email was sent by a representative of ISS, an outsourcing company, and reads that it is monitoring the situation in relation to the coronavirus.
“Should, as part of your preparations need us to consider something more specific to your demise, ISS are happy to do so,” the email adds.“Should, as part of your preparations need us to consider something more specific to your demise, ISS are happy to do so,” the email adds.
In England, the University of Sussex has told students that it has been informed by health authorities that a person associated with the university has tested positive for the virus, following travel overseas.In England, the University of Sussex has told students that it has been informed by health authorities that a person associated with the university has tested positive for the virus, following travel overseas.
The university added: “However, as this person has not visited Brighton or our campus since travelling, Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed there is no need for any special measures and that campus activities should continue as normal.The university added: “However, as this person has not visited Brighton or our campus since travelling, Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed there is no need for any special measures and that campus activities should continue as normal.
“There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus on the University of Sussex campus.”“There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus on the University of Sussex campus.”
Over the next few weeks, the Guardian will be be releasing extra episodes of Science Weekly exploring questions people may have about coronavirus and would like to put to experts on the frontline.Over the next few weeks, the Guardian will be be releasing extra episodes of Science Weekly exploring questions people may have about coronavirus and would like to put to experts on the frontline.
In today’s episode, Ian Sample investigates where the virus infects us when it enters our bodies, and what difference this makes to disease severity and transmissibility.In today’s episode, Ian Sample investigates where the virus infects us when it enters our bodies, and what difference this makes to disease severity and transmissibility.
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.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.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.“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 organisations are portraying Italy the wrong way too. The disinformation of some organs does not clash with opinions but with facts.“This is a distorted vision of reality. CNN is not the issue though, as this is just an example because other international media organisations are portraying Italy the wrong way too. The disinformation of some organs does not clash with opinions but with facts.
“Italy is the nation that is addressing with most rigour this emergency which, as we know, developed in China”.“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.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.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 after an employee was confirmed to have been infected.The company has evacuated a floor of its Canary Wharf office after an employee was confirmed to have been infected.
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.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.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.
Zweli Mkhize said South African citizens quarantined in China would be returning home in the next few days.Zweli Mkhize said South African citizens quarantined in China would be returning home in the next few days.
Addressing lawmakers in Cape Town, he added that South Africa was working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other institutions to help diagnose Coiv-19 across Africa.Addressing lawmakers in Cape Town, he added that South Africa was working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other institutions to help diagnose Coiv-19 across Africa.
“I think we need to be upfront about it ... Our system will be tested by the impact of coronavirus,” Mkhize said.“I think we need to be upfront about it ... Our system will be tested by the impact of coronavirus,” Mkhize said.
Iran will begin putting up checkpoints to limit travel between major cities and has urged people to reduce their use of banknotes as authorities try to restrict the spread of the coronavirus, which has caused at least 107 deaths and infected more than 3,500 people across the country.Iran will begin putting up checkpoints to limit travel between major cities and has urged people to reduce their use of banknotes as authorities try to restrict the spread of 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.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.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, there has been 95,000 confirmed cases worldwide and more than 3,200 deaths.Iran and Italy have the world’s highest death tolls outside China, where the outbreak began at the end of last year. So far, there has been 95,000 confirmed cases worldwide and more than 3,200 deaths.
There is more here in this wrap up about the situation in different countries.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.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 overdependent on China with about 40% of the country’s drug ingredients imported from there.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 overdependent 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.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 told Reuters.“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 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 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 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.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.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 the 44-year-old display 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 the 44-year-old display symptoms after returning from Serbia via 12-hour transit in France.
The man has now been quarantined, as Egyptian officials say they have stepped up efforts to limited then spread of the virus, including screenings at airports.The man has now been quarantined, as Egyptian officials say they have stepped up efforts to limited then spread of the virus, including screenings at airports.
Egypt previously declared two foreign nationals had Covid-19. A Chinese national who tested positive in mid-February later recovered, while a 54-year old Canadian national was quarantined last Monday.Egypt previously declared two foreign nationals had Covid-19. A Chinese national who tested positive in mid-February later recovered, while a 54-year old Canadian national was quarantined last Monday.
As recently as last weekend, the Egyptian prime minister and health ministry repeatedly said that Egypt was free of the virus, despite raising suspicions after multiple foreign nationals dreturned from trips to Egypt displaying symptoms.As recently as last weekend, the Egyptian prime minister and health ministry repeatedly said that Egypt was free of the virus, despite raising suspicions after multiple foreign nationals dreturned from trips to Egypt displaying 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.
The Egyptian health minister, Hala Zayed, travelled to China 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 Egyptian health minister, Hala Zayed, travelled to China 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.