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Coronavirus: patient with underlying health conditions becomes first fatality in UK – latest updates Patient with underlying health conditions becomes first fatality in UK – as it happened
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A woman in her 70s was confirmed as the first coronavirus death in the UK on Thursday as Downing Street warned that it was now highly likely that the virus would spread in “a significant way”.A woman in her 70s was confirmed as the first coronavirus death in the UK on Thursday as Downing Street warned that it was now highly likely that the virus would spread in “a significant way”.
Seven new cases of coronavirus detected in Ireland include the first confirmed case of community transmission, since the patient had not travelled to an infected area.Seven new cases of coronavirus detected in Ireland include the first confirmed case of community transmission, since the patient had not travelled to an infected area.
The number of confirmed covid-19 cases in Australia has climbed past 50, and include a baby diagnosed in South Australia and a tourist in the Northern Territory.The number of confirmed covid-19 cases in Australia has climbed past 50, and include a baby diagnosed in South Australia and a tourist in the Northern Territory.
There are 142 Britons stranded on another Princes Cruises ship, off the west coast of the US, and the passengers are being tested for the coronavirus. It has emerged that California’s first fatality from the illness allegedly disembarked from the Grand Princess in Mexico last month.There are 142 Britons stranded on another Princes Cruises ship, off the west coast of the US, and the passengers are being tested for the coronavirus. It has emerged that California’s first fatality from the illness allegedly disembarked from the Grand Princess in Mexico last month.
Britons returning from anywhere in Italy advised to self-isolate if unwell. Previously, the advice applied only to travellers who had visited the northern regions where the first deaths from the coronavirus were recorded.Britons returning from anywhere in Italy advised to self-isolate if unwell. Previously, the advice applied only to travellers who had visited the northern regions where the first deaths from the coronavirus were recorded.
The European parliament has cancelled its planned session in Strasbourg next week after being told that that the health risks to MEPs and staff would be “significantly higher” if it took place as plannedThe European parliament has cancelled its planned session in Strasbourg next week after being told that that the health risks to MEPs and staff would be “significantly higher” if it took place as planned
And here’s our glanceable summary of developments today:And here’s our glanceable summary of developments today:
A coronavirus test developed by a US diagnostics company will be available for healthcare providers to order later today.A coronavirus test developed by a US diagnostics company will be available for healthcare providers to order later today.
The US government is ramping up efforts to increase its ability to identify the coronavirus and an ongoing struggle to expand local testing has led to criticism.The US government is ramping up efforts to increase its ability to identify the coronavirus and an ongoing struggle to expand local testing has led to criticism.
Health officials said earlier today they expect to deliver enough coronavirus tests to public laboratories this week to test about 400,000 people.Health officials said earlier today they expect to deliver enough coronavirus tests to public laboratories this week to test about 400,000 people.
Officials expect to ship additional test kits to cover up to 1.7m people by the end of next week, US health and human services secretary Alex Azar said.Officials expect to ship additional test kits to cover up to 1.7m people by the end of next week, US health and human services secretary Alex Azar said.
The news of Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (LabCorp) tests comes as Quest Diagnostics and OPKO Health also said they would be able to begin testing for the virus from next week.The news of Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (LabCorp) tests comes as Quest Diagnostics and OPKO Health also said they would be able to begin testing for the virus from next week.
The FDA has said it will allow some laboratories to immediately use the tests they have developed and validated while they await emergency-use authorisation from the US health regulator.The FDA has said it will allow some laboratories to immediately use the tests they have developed and validated while they await emergency-use authorisation from the US health regulator.
Co-Diagnostics Inc said it was seeing a surge in demand for its coronavirus test kits following the FDA policy change.Co-Diagnostics Inc said it was seeing a surge in demand for its coronavirus test kits following the FDA policy change.
Previously, only testing kits developed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many of which were found to be faulty, could be used in public health labs, Reuters reported.Previously, only testing kits developed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many of which were found to be faulty, could be used in public health labs, Reuters reported.
Analysts at Evercore ISI expect the lab tests developed by Quest and LabCorp to be priced around $45 to $50, similar to a flu test.Analysts at Evercore ISI expect the lab tests developed by Quest and LabCorp to be priced around $45 to $50, similar to a flu test.
Religious groups have issued guidance for worshippers on practices including hand-shaking, sharing hymn books and taking communion wine as the spread of coronavirus intensifies across the UK, PA Media report.Religious groups have issued guidance for worshippers on practices including hand-shaking, sharing hymn books and taking communion wine as the spread of coronavirus intensifies across the UK, PA Media report.
Varying levels of precaution have been taken by different faiths in a bid to protect congregations from catching the illness. Quakers have been urged not to shake hands as they would normally at the end of their meetings, while Catholics in some dioceses are being advised not to offer their hands for the sign of peace.Varying levels of precaution have been taken by different faiths in a bid to protect congregations from catching the illness. Quakers have been urged not to shake hands as they would normally at the end of their meetings, while Catholics in some dioceses are being advised not to offer their hands for the sign of peace.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said:Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said:
A spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales said dioceses across the country would soon be moving into “stage two” of precautionary measures.A spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales said dioceses across the country would soon be moving into “stage two” of precautionary measures.
This would include suspending the physical sign of peace – a handshake – removal of holy water stoups and shared hymn books, as well as advising elderly parishioners to stay at home.This would include suspending the physical sign of peace – a handshake – removal of holy water stoups and shared hymn books, as well as advising elderly parishioners to stay at home.
Catering at large parish gatherings where multiple people touch mugs and utensils would also be suspended, as would the passing round of collection plates during mass.Catering at large parish gatherings where multiple people touch mugs and utensils would also be suspended, as would the passing round of collection plates during mass.
The spokesman added that the decision might be taken by bishops in “remote parts of England” to not advance precautions in their dioceses.The spokesman added that the decision might be taken by bishops in “remote parts of England” to not advance precautions in their dioceses.
“No one size fits all and we are between stages, but my sense is that we are probably fast moving towards stage two,” he said.“No one size fits all and we are between stages, but my sense is that we are probably fast moving towards stage two,” he said.
Guidance issued by the Church of England asked “anyone with cold or flu symptoms to refrain from taking communion [wine] from the chalice”, but said there was currently no need for the practice to stop.Guidance issued by the Church of England asked “anyone with cold or flu symptoms to refrain from taking communion [wine] from the chalice”, but said there was currently no need for the practice to stop.
It added that no pastoral visits should be undertaken to people who are self-isolating but that “phone support” should still be provided.It added that no pastoral visits should be undertaken to people who are self-isolating but that “phone support” should still be provided.
A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said that much of the NHS advice and an emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene was “in line with Islamic tradition”.A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said that much of the NHS advice and an emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene was “in line with Islamic tradition”.
In a statement, the MCB said “mosques, madrassas and Muslim community centres should already be following best hygiene practices”.In a statement, the MCB said “mosques, madrassas and Muslim community centres should already be following best hygiene practices”.
The seven new cases of coronavirus detected in Ireland include the first confirmed case of community transmission, since the patient had not travelled to an infected area.The seven new cases of coronavirus detected in Ireland include the first confirmed case of community transmission, since the patient had not travelled to an infected area.
The case of community transmission is a man in Cork with an underlying medical condition. He had not travelled to Italy or been in contact with other confirmed cases.The case of community transmission is a man in Cork with an underlying medical condition. He had not travelled to Italy or been in contact with other confirmed cases.
He is being treated at Cork University Hospital, which announced it was cancelling outpatient appointments on Friday.He is being treated at Cork University Hospital, which announced it was cancelling outpatient appointments on Friday.
Ireland’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the country remains in the containment phase, but warned it is a “rapidly evolving situation” and urged a “national effort” to stymie potential spread.Ireland’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the country remains in the containment phase, but warned it is a “rapidly evolving situation” and urged a “national effort” to stymie potential spread.
The Health Service Executive said in a statement on Thursday night it was working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had to prevent further spread.The Health Service Executive said in a statement on Thursday night it was working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had to prevent further spread.
One of the cases confirmed on Wednesday – a member of a family of four in the west of Ireland – is a health professional, it has emerged.One of the cases confirmed on Wednesday – a member of a family of four in the west of Ireland – is a health professional, it has emerged.
Four of the latest cases are travel related from northern Italy, involving four males from the east of the country. Two are associated with close contact with a confirmed case and involve two females in the west of the country.Four of the latest cases are travel related from northern Italy, involving four males from the east of the country. Two are associated with close contact with a confirmed case and involve two females in the west of the country.
The seventh case is a male, who the Department of Health have described as being “associated with Cork University Hospital” and that is the first case of community transmission. A risk assessment is under way at the hospital.The seventh case is a male, who the Department of Health have described as being “associated with Cork University Hospital” and that is the first case of community transmission. A risk assessment is under way at the hospital.
There are now 13 confirmed covid-19 cases in the Republic of Ireland, as well as three in Northern Ireland - bringing the total number of cases on the island to 16.There are now 13 confirmed covid-19 cases in the Republic of Ireland, as well as three in Northern Ireland - bringing the total number of cases on the island to 16.
There are 142 Britons stranded on another Princes Cruises ship, off the coast of California, and the passengers are being tested for the coronavirus.There are 142 Britons stranded on another Princes Cruises ship, off the coast of California, and the passengers are being tested for the coronavirus.
The cruise operator said groups of guests and crew were being tested after a passenger on an earlier voyage died and at least one other became infected.The cruise operator said groups of guests and crew were being tested after a passenger on an earlier voyage died and at least one other became infected.
It confirmed that 142 UK nationals - made up of 121 passengers and 21 crew - were on board the Grand Princess, which was carrying a total of 3,533 people.It confirmed that 142 UK nationals - made up of 121 passengers and 21 crew - were on board the Grand Princess, which was carrying a total of 3,533 people.
There had so far been no confirmed cases of Covid-19 on board, and that fewer than 100 people had been identified for testing, according to the operator.There had so far been no confirmed cases of Covid-19 on board, and that fewer than 100 people had been identified for testing, according to the operator.
“Public health officials have advised that no guests will be permitted to disembark until all results have been received,” it said.“Public health officials have advised that no guests will be permitted to disembark until all results have been received,” it said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, all guests who have been identified for testing have been asked to remain in their staterooms.”“Out of an abundance of caution, all guests who have been identified for testing have been asked to remain in their staterooms.”
Japanese authorities said last week that a British tourist who had been on board another of the company’s cruise ships, the Diamond Princess - which was quarantined in Japan - had died after contracting coronavirus.Japanese authorities said last week that a British tourist who had been on board another of the company’s cruise ships, the Diamond Princess - which was quarantined in Japan - had died after contracting coronavirus.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that three passengers on the Grand Princess’ previous voyage have been confirmed to have the new virus, and one of them reportedly became California’s first fatality from the illness yesterday, after it disembarked hundreds at four Mexican ports last month.Meanwhile, it has emerged that three passengers on the Grand Princess’ previous voyage have been confirmed to have the new virus, and one of them reportedly became California’s first fatality from the illness yesterday, after it disembarked hundreds at four Mexican ports last month.
US health officials are working to track down other passengers who have returned home, but when Mexican health officials have not yet been notified by their counterparts, the Associated Press reported.US health officials are working to track down other passengers who have returned home, but when Mexican health officials have not yet been notified by their counterparts, the Associated Press reported.
Liverpool council has tweeted that two more cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed in Liverpool, bringing the total to three. “One is a known contact of an existing patient and the other has recently returned from Italy,” it said. “The patients are receiving specialist treatment.”Liverpool council has tweeted that two more cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed in Liverpool, bringing the total to three. “One is a known contact of an existing patient and the other has recently returned from Italy,” it said. “The patients are receiving specialist treatment.”
Seven new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland today, bringing the total number of cases to 13, according to Irish media. A further three cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.Seven new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland today, bringing the total number of cases to 13, according to Irish media. A further three cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.
People who have returned to the UK from any part of Italy in the past fortnight are being advised to self-isolate if they begin to feel unwell.People who have returned to the UK from any part of Italy in the past fortnight are being advised to self-isolate if they begin to feel unwell.
Previously, the advice applied only to travellers who had visited the northern regions where the first deaths from the coronavirus were recorded, but the government has now announced that the guidance is being extended to cover the whole country.Previously, the advice applied only to travellers who had visited the northern regions where the first deaths from the coronavirus were recorded, but the government has now announced that the guidance is being extended to cover the whole country.
Prof Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said the move was needed because of the evolving situation in Italy. He told a press conference earlier this evening:Prof Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said the move was needed because of the evolving situation in Italy. He told a press conference earlier this evening:
The number of confirmed covid-19 cases in Australia has climbed past 50, and include a baby diagnosed in South Australia and a tourist in the Northern Territory.The number of confirmed covid-19 cases in Australia has climbed past 50, and include a baby diagnosed in South Australia and a tourist in the Northern Territory.
In New South Wales, Epping Boys high school in Sydney’s north will be closed on Friday after a student tested positive, and 61 staff at Sydney’s Ryde Hospital have been placed in self-isolation after 56 patients were identified as close or casual contacts of a confirmed Covid-19 case.In New South Wales, Epping Boys high school in Sydney’s north will be closed on Friday after a student tested positive, and 61 staff at Sydney’s Ryde Hospital have been placed in self-isolation after 56 patients were identified as close or casual contacts of a confirmed Covid-19 case.
At Liverpool hospital, 23 staff and five patients have been identified as potential close contacts of a confirmed case. Elsewhere, in Brisbane and Sydney, nursing home staff have been forced into isolation after coming into contact with the virus.At Liverpool hospital, 23 staff and five patients have been identified as potential close contacts of a confirmed case. Elsewhere, in Brisbane and Sydney, nursing home staff have been forced into isolation after coming into contact with the virus.
The federal government announced new travel control measures affecting South Korea, and New South Wales authorities have said they were trying to contact 70 doctors who attended a radiology conference with a man diagnosed with the virus.The federal government announced new travel control measures affecting South Korea, and New South Wales authorities have said they were trying to contact 70 doctors who attended a radiology conference with a man diagnosed with the virus.
Australia’s chief medical officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, has warned the worst-case scenario for Australia was “millions of people being infected over a period of several weeks”. However, he said the country’s public health systems were well prepared if widespread outbreaks occurred.Australia’s chief medical officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, has warned the worst-case scenario for Australia was “millions of people being infected over a period of several weeks”. However, he said the country’s public health systems were well prepared if widespread outbreaks occurred.