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Coronavirus: patient with underlying health conditions becomes first fatality in UK – latest updates Coronavirus: patient with underlying health conditions becomes first fatality in UK – latest updates
(32 minutes later)
Boris Johnson warns coronavirus likely to significantly spread in UK; Iran limits travel as 3,500 infected; California declares state of emergencyBoris Johnson warns coronavirus likely to significantly spread in UK; Iran limits travel as 3,500 infected; California declares state of emergency
Some 3.296 people are now infected with the coronavirus in Italy, 590 more than Wednesday, and 148 people have died, emergency commissioner and civil protection chief Angelo Borrelli said on Wednesday. ‘‘The percentage of those who have recovered is currently 10.7%,’’ he added. Of the 115 confirmed cases across the U.K. so far, it remains unknown how ten of them came to be infected, including seven of the 25 who were diagnosed in the last 24 hours.
However, tracing the contacts of people whose illness is initially a mystery should reduce that number, officials said.
Global health experts have said the first death in the UK from the coronavirus is not unexpected and fits in with the pattern seen elsewhere.
Professor Keith Neal, emeritus professor of the epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, said: “This unfortunate death is not unexpected given the number of cases and given we know that older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk. It changes nothing about the spread of Covid-19 in the UK.”
Dr Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, said: “The first UK death is sad to note, but fits in with the pattern we have seen elsewhere, namely that the patient was older in age with existing health difficulties.
“We can expect to see a small number of further deaths in the UK in the coming weeks, as case numbers increase and vulnerable populations become exposed. Infection control and public health measures are particularly important in institutional populations, such as the elderly in care homes.”
In a major change of policy, some people who are confirmed to have contracted the virus, but displaying only mild symptoms are now being treated at home rather than in hospital.
Of the 115 confirmed cases across the UK since the outbreak began in late January, 18 have been recovered, 52 are still being cared for in hospital and 45 are being treated at hone, said Dr Susan Hopkins, deputy director of Public Health England’s National Infection Service.
“We’ve moved to a situation where people have minimal symptoms and they can self-isolate. It’s safer for them to self-isolate in their own homes, with support”, said professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England and the government’s chief medical adviser for the UK. Professor Steve Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, said: “If the symptoms are mild then it’s appropriate for people to be in a home setting rather than a hospital setting.”Asked how the authorities are ensuring that infected patients are staying indoors, she said that all 45 people are displaying very responsible behaviour. “Many are isolating in their bedroom and only coming out of their room to get food and go back in. They are being very responsible.”
Public Health England said in a briefing on Thursday evening that they’re now treating confirmed cases with mild symptoms at home and not in hospitals. Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, confirmed 45 cases are now being treated at home.
It was also confirmed that travellers returning from all of Italy, not just north, were now being advised to self isolate if they have symptoms. The tightening of the advice is understood to have been prompted by the recent surge in UK cases of people who recently come back from Italy, where the outbreak has escalated across the country in recent days.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in New York state has doubled to 22, governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed today.
Cuomo said: “We are trying to contain as much as possible the spread of each case we find – but we expect more cases.”
Some 3,296 people are now infected with the coronavirus in Italy, 590 more than Wednesday, and 148 people have died, emergency commissioner and civil protection chief Angelo Borrelli said on Wednesday. ‘‘The percentage of those who have recovered is currently 10.7%,’’ he added.
There are 1.777 infected in Lombardy, 658 in Emilia Romagna, 380 in Veneto, 106 in Piedmont, 120 in Marche. The virus has spread in all the 20 regions, icncluding Val d’Aosta, which until Wednesday was the only region not affected by the virus.There are 1.777 infected in Lombardy, 658 in Emilia Romagna, 380 in Veneto, 106 in Piedmont, 120 in Marche. The virus has spread in all the 20 regions, icncluding Val d’Aosta, which until Wednesday was the only region not affected by the virus.
The Italian government has announced it is making €7.5bn available to help families and companies, as parents struggle to cope with the decision to close all schools nationwide until 15 March.The Italian government has announced it is making €7.5bn available to help families and companies, as parents struggle to cope with the decision to close all schools nationwide until 15 March.
Rome is also set to request the green light for a deviation of 6.3 billion euros from its budget deficit target, around 0.35% of GDP, from the European Commission.Rome is also set to request the green light for a deviation of 6.3 billion euros from its budget deficit target, around 0.35% of GDP, from the European Commission.
The cabinet also asked Justice Minister Alfonso Bonafede to out off trials due to the virus, ANSA had reported.The cabinet also asked Justice Minister Alfonso Bonafede to out off trials due to the virus, ANSA had reported.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, confirmed the older patient contracted the virus in the UK.Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, confirmed the older patient contracted the virus in the UK.
The patient, who was in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons, is the first person to die from the outbreak in the UK.The patient, who was in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons, is the first person to die from the outbreak in the UK.
Whitty said:Whitty said:
The Royal Berkshire NHS Trust has confirmed an older patient is the first to die from the coronavirus in the UK.The Royal Berkshire NHS Trust has confirmed an older patient is the first to die from the coronavirus in the UK.
The trust said in a statement:The trust said in a statement:
The rise of the staycation is a perennial story. In the past five years, heatwaves, Brexit, the weak pound, overseas terrorist attacks and, more recently, the climate crisis have all boosted UK holiday bookings. This year, coronavirus looks set to do the same as British travellers swap holidays abroad for a break closer to home.The rise of the staycation is a perennial story. In the past five years, heatwaves, Brexit, the weak pound, overseas terrorist attacks and, more recently, the climate crisis have all boosted UK holiday bookings. This year, coronavirus looks set to do the same as British travellers swap holidays abroad for a break closer to home.
Figures released on 4 March by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that January saw the lowest monthly increase in global airline passengers since 2010, when the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud led to massive airspace closures and flight cancellations. Demand for flights increased by just 2.4% compared with January 2019, where year-on-year growth had been 4.6%.Figures released on 4 March by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that January saw the lowest monthly increase in global airline passengers since 2010, when the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud led to massive airspace closures and flight cancellations. Demand for flights increased by just 2.4% compared with January 2019, where year-on-year growth had been 4.6%.
“January was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the traffic impacts we are seeing owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, given that major travel restrictions in China did not begin until 23 January. Nevertheless, it was still enough to cause our slowest traffic growth in nearly a decade,” said IATA chief executive Alexandre de Juniac.“January was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the traffic impacts we are seeing owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, given that major travel restrictions in China did not begin until 23 January. Nevertheless, it was still enough to cause our slowest traffic growth in nearly a decade,” said IATA chief executive Alexandre de Juniac.
Global travel companies are already feeling the negative impact of coronavirus: Booking Holdings (which owns booking.com, priceline.com, kayak.com, cheapflights and momondo.com, among others), is predicting a 15% drop in total bookings in 2020. But UK tourism businesses are reporting a rise of up to 40% in traffic to their websites.Global travel companies are already feeling the negative impact of coronavirus: Booking Holdings (which owns booking.com, priceline.com, kayak.com, cheapflights and momondo.com, among others), is predicting a 15% drop in total bookings in 2020. But UK tourism businesses are reporting a rise of up to 40% in traffic to their websites.
“For the period 1 January to 24 February 2020, we are, on average, 40% up on web visitors compared with the same period in the previous year,” said Steve Jarvis, owner of Independent Cottages. “Initial analysis of the most recent enquiries is that they appear to all be domestic – overseas enquiries have reduced significantly.”“For the period 1 January to 24 February 2020, we are, on average, 40% up on web visitors compared with the same period in the previous year,” said Steve Jarvis, owner of Independent Cottages. “Initial analysis of the most recent enquiries is that they appear to all be domestic – overseas enquiries have reduced significantly.”
Prime minister Boris Johnson spokesperson warned the coronavirus was likely to spread significantly. Johnson was updated on the coronavirus by the chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser as he opened an official Cobra meeting.Prime minister Boris Johnson spokesperson warned the coronavirus was likely to spread significantly. Johnson was updated on the coronavirus by the chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser as he opened an official Cobra meeting.
The PM’s official spokesman said:The PM’s official spokesman said:
The Italian government has announced it is making €7.5bn available to help families and companies, as parents struggle to cope with the decision to close all schools nationwide until 15 March.The Italian government has announced it is making €7.5bn available to help families and companies, as parents struggle to cope with the decision to close all schools nationwide until 15 March.
Italy has been grappling to contain Europe’s worst outbreak of coronavirus, which so far has claimed 107 lives.Italy has been grappling to contain Europe’s worst outbreak of coronavirus, which so far has claimed 107 lives.
On Thursday, Rome revealed that is evaluating the possibility of providing support to families, including reimbursements for babysitter costs and unpaid leaves of absence from work.On Thursday, Rome revealed that is evaluating the possibility of providing support to families, including reimbursements for babysitter costs and unpaid leaves of absence from work.
“We should not assume that people are home using up holiday pay or paid leave,” Elena Bonetti, minister of family affairs, told Radio Capital.“We should not assume that people are home using up holiday pay or paid leave,” Elena Bonetti, minister of family affairs, told Radio Capital.
NHS England have released a breakdown of where the coronavirus cases are in England.NHS England have released a breakdown of where the coronavirus cases are in England.
A healthcare professional in the west of Ireland is among the latest group of people to test positive for the coronavirus, the Irish Time reports.
The person worked a shift in a hospital emergency department in Clare after returning from northern Italy. The healthcare professional was one of four people from the same family who tested positive for the disease on Wednesday evening.
The chief medical officers from the different regions within the UK have responded to the latest figures on the coronavirus outbreak.
Prof Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, said:
Dr Frank Atherton, the chief medical officer for Wales, confirmed that a second patient in Wales has tested positive for coronavirus. He said:
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.
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 1,250 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 said there was not yet evidence in Scotland of community transmission involving patients not in direct contact with known carriers or a sufficiently high infection rate 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 the coronavirus coinciding with the peak occurrence of routine winter illnesses.
Officials 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 whom the tests came back negative for 17,968.
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.
The chief constable of Police Service of Northern Ireland, Simon Byrne, said the potential impact of Covid-19 was very much unknown at this stage, but added that there were contingency plans in place if high numbers of his officers were 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 coronavirus
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%.
“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.”
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.
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.
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 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.