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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
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. Here’s a summary of today’s biggest developments in the global coronavirus outbreak.
Health secretary Matt Hancock tweeted his condolences to the family of the first person to die in the UK with coronavirus.
Has Covid-19 mutated into a more deadly strain? Here’s a myth buster by Hannah Devlin, Guardian science correspondent, which also looks into the truth about the protective value of face masks and whether it’s easy to catch Covid-19
Whitty indicated that the huge effort to limit the spread and impact of Covid-19 will soon move from trying to contain it, the first of the four phases of the response, to seeking to delay its transmission and thus limit the number of people who contract it.
“We are moving from a primarily contain model to a primarily delay model”, he said. However, many of the tactics remain the same in both phases, such as identifying carriers and tracing people they have been in contact with, he said.
“That pushes the disease further from the winter pressure period, further out from the period when people have upper respiratory tract infections, and it buys us time to better understand the virus and start the research into vaccines and things like that”, Whitty said.
Ministers will decide when the campaign to tackle the virus moves officially from “delay” to “contain”, Whitty added. The latter phase is deemed appropriate when health officials and ministers decide that the virus is circulating so widely in the community that containment is no longer the right response.The delay phase could involve some of the measures set out in the government’s coronavirus action plan on Tuesday, such as shutting schools, out encouraging much greater hone working and banning late gatherings such as sports and music events. However, Whitty told MPs on Thursday morning that closing schools may only have “a marginal effect” on the spread of Covid-18, because children are not badlyaffected by it.
No details were given about the unnamed woman who has died but it is understood that she was in her 70s and had recently spent time in and out of the Royal Berkshire hospital in Reading being treated for long-term health conditions. She passed away early on Thursday morning.
Starbucks branches in the UK will be “pausing the use of personal cups” as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, PA media reports.
The company announced it would “continue to honour existing discounts” for anyone who brought reusable tumblers but that its drinks would be served in paper cups. It added that the 5p charge for disposable cups will be temporarily suspended.
Of the 115 confirmed cases across the UK 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.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.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.”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.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.”“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.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. Of the 115 confirmed cases across the UK since the outbreak began in late January, 18 have 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.”“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.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.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.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.”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.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.