This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/mar/05/coronavirus-live-updates-italy-germany-pandemic-europe-uk-us-australia-india-update-latest-news

The article has changed 44 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Coronavirus latest updates: Australia modelling plans from 'benign' to 'worst-case' scenario with millions infected Coronavirus latest updates: Australia modelling plans from 'benign' to 'worst-case' scenario with millions infected
(32 minutes later)
Germany labels outbreak a pandemic as cases spread across Europe as UK sees highest daily increase. Follow live newsGermany labels outbreak a pandemic as cases spread across Europe as UK sees highest daily increase. Follow live news
An Australian newspaper has printed extra pages for people to use as toilet paper.
Coronavirus-fulled panic buying has led to shortages of loo roll across the country in recent days.
It’s the panic that keeps on giving.
#ToiletPaperEmergency or the great #ToiletPaperApocalypse, as it has been dubbed on Twitter, has already rolled out hundreds of memes, witty asides as well as documented the madness of people stockpiling the toilet essential.
In the real world it has led to Australian toilet paper manufacturers ramping up production to keep up with demand from people fearful of coronavirus.
One newspaper has gone one step further by printing extra pages in its editions to help out those who have been … caught short.
On Thursday the NT News, the Darwin-based newspaper with a national reputation for its headlines and antics, printed a special eight-page insert that can be cut into toilet paper.
We have a bit more information about the latest cases from South Australia, from a press conference given at the Royal Adelaide hospital a short time ago.
Two people, a baby and a 58-year-old man, tested positive to Covid-19 on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases in South Australia to seven.
The public health physician, Dr Nicola Spurrier, said the baby girl was the daughter of a 40-year-old woman who was hospitalised in Adelaide’s Flinders Medical Center on Wednesday after testing positive for the virus. The woman arrived in Adelaide from Iran via Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
“The little bub, the child of the mother that is currently in Flinders Medical Centre has tested positive but I am very pleased to report that the child is well and both mother and baby are doing well in that facility,” Spurrier said.
The 58-year-old man, from Taiwan, arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday and was taken to the Royal Adelaide hospital to be isolated on Thursday.
Spurrier said authorities were also tracing any possible contacts that a 24-year-old South Australian woman, who returned from Europe on Sunday and had travelled through Italy, may have made since returning to Adelaide. That woman tested positive on Wednesday.
“There are a number of places that that young woman visited before she had the test results and we are all following through on those potential places,” Spurrier said.
Italian tourists have been caught trying to evade virus containment in Mauritania
A group of Italian tourists tried to escape coronavirus confinement in Mauritania but were caught and sent back to their home country, the West African country said Wednesday.
The 15 tourists arrived in the capital Nouakchott on Saturday planning to travel to the northern tourist hub of Atar, health ministry spokesman Abdelkader Ould Ahmed told AFP.
But Mauritania has imposed a confinement period on travellers from countries considered to be a high coronavirus risk – including Italy, which has Europe’s most cases with more than 3,000 as well as 107 deaths.
Italy’s foreign ministry confirmed that the tourists had since all returned home, “assisted by our diplomatic network”.
The Mauritanian spokesman said the confinement rules applied to “all travellers from risk areas, without distinction”.
He added that this “rigour has paid off” as the country has yet to register a case of coronavirus.
Hong Kong has warned residents not to kiss pets after a dog contracted coronavirusHong Kong has warned residents not to kiss pets after a dog contracted coronavirus
Hong Kong authorities have warned people to avoid kissing their pets, but also to not panic and abandon them after a dog repeatedly tested “weak positive” for coronavirus.Hong Kong authorities have warned people to avoid kissing their pets, but also to not panic and abandon them after a dog repeatedly tested “weak positive” for coronavirus.
The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said experts unanimously agreed the results suggested the dog had “a low-level of infection and it is likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission”.The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said experts unanimously agreed the results suggested the dog had “a low-level of infection and it is likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission”.
The Pomeranian’s owner was infected with Covid-19 but the dog itself was not showing symptoms, authorities said.The Pomeranian’s owner was infected with Covid-19 but the dog itself was not showing symptoms, authorities said.
Coronavirus has spread to almost all of Iran’s provincesCoronavirus has spread to almost all of Iran’s provinces
President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that while the virus has spread to almost all of Iran’s 31 provinces, the country will get through the outbreak with a “minimum” number of deaths, Reuters reports.President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that while the virus has spread to almost all of Iran’s 31 provinces, the country will get through the outbreak with a “minimum” number of deaths, Reuters reports.
“This disease is a widespread disease,” he said during a Cabinet meeting, according to the official presidency website.“This disease is a widespread disease,” he said during a Cabinet meeting, according to the official presidency website.
The health ministry said on Tuesday that 92 people had died so far from coronavirus, one of the highest death tolls outside China where the epidemic originated late last year. It said 2,922 people had been infected with the disease.The health ministry said on Tuesday that 92 people had died so far from coronavirus, one of the highest death tolls outside China where the epidemic originated late last year. It said 2,922 people had been infected with the disease.
Among those infected is first vice president Eshaq Jahangiri, the IranWire news site reported, citing an “informed source”. There was no immediate confirmation from officials. Several Iranian officials have come down with coronavirus and one senior official died from an infection on Monday. The Islamic Republic has cancelled Friday prayers in all provincial capitals this week because of the coronavirus outbreak, state television reported on Wednesday.Among those infected is first vice president Eshaq Jahangiri, the IranWire news site reported, citing an “informed source”. There was no immediate confirmation from officials. Several Iranian officials have come down with coronavirus and one senior official died from an infection on Monday. The Islamic Republic has cancelled Friday prayers in all provincial capitals this week because of the coronavirus outbreak, state television reported on Wednesday.
In the US, all NASA employees will be working from home on Friday, POLITICO reports. The measure is partly in order to “stress test” their remote work technologies in case an extended period of remote work.In the US, all NASA employees will be working from home on Friday, POLITICO reports. The measure is partly in order to “stress test” their remote work technologies in case an extended period of remote work.
A cruise ship linked to the first death from coronavirus in California is being held off the coast of San Francisco, with 21 people on board reporting possible symptoms.A cruise ship linked to the first death from coronavirus in California is being held off the coast of San Francisco, with 21 people on board reporting possible symptoms.
Seven in 10 people worldwide would support sealing off entire cities or towns affected by coronavirus to slow the spread of infection, according to a poll of citizens in 10 countries, Reuters reports. As health authorities battle to stop a worldwide pandemic, a clear majority backed lockdowns to prevent anyone entering or leaving urban areas that have seen large numbers of coronavirus cases, found the survey by polling firm Ipsos. “Even in Italy, where this is already happening, 60% support the total quarantine of affected towns and cities,” Darrell Bricker, head of Ipsos Public Affairs said.Seven in 10 people worldwide would support sealing off entire cities or towns affected by coronavirus to slow the spread of infection, according to a poll of citizens in 10 countries, Reuters reports. As health authorities battle to stop a worldwide pandemic, a clear majority backed lockdowns to prevent anyone entering or leaving urban areas that have seen large numbers of coronavirus cases, found the survey by polling firm Ipsos. “Even in Italy, where this is already happening, 60% support the total quarantine of affected towns and cities,” Darrell Bricker, head of Ipsos Public Affairs said.
Europe’s largest regional airline collapses, Coronavirus last strawEurope’s largest regional airline collapses, Coronavirus last straw
Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has collapsed into administration less than two months after the government announced a rescue deal.Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline, has collapsed into administration less than two months after the government announced a rescue deal.
The impact of the coronavirus on flight bookings proved the last straw for the Exeter-based airline, which operates almost 40% of UK domestic flights, as the government stalled on a controversial £100m loan.The impact of the coronavirus on flight bookings proved the last straw for the Exeter-based airline, which operates almost 40% of UK domestic flights, as the government stalled on a controversial £100m loan.
Stronger airlines are likely to follow.Stronger airlines are likely to follow.
In Australia, the Guardian has confirmed that a baby has been diagnosed with Covid-19 in South Australia. The baby’s mother was diagnosed yesterday, after returning to the country from Iran on Sunday. Both the mother and child diagnosed with Covid-19 in South Australia are at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide.In Australia, the Guardian has confirmed that a baby has been diagnosed with Covid-19 in South Australia. The baby’s mother was diagnosed yesterday, after returning to the country from Iran on Sunday. Both the mother and child diagnosed with Covid-19 in South Australia are at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide.
Trump has attempted to blame Obama for coronavirus test kit shortageTrump has attempted to blame Obama for coronavirus test kit shortage
Donald Trump sought to shift blame on to the Obama administration for a nationwide coronavirus test kit shortage.Donald Trump sought to shift blame on to the Obama administration for a nationwide coronavirus test kit shortage.
The president on Wednesday blamed a federal agency decision during Barack Obama’s presidency, which Trump said made it harder to quickly roll out testing for the virus.The president on Wednesday blamed a federal agency decision during Barack Obama’s presidency, which Trump said made it harder to quickly roll out testing for the virus.
“The Obama administration made a decision on testing that turned out to be very detrimental to what we’re doing, and we undid that decision a few days ago so that the testing can take place in a much more accurate and rapid fashion,” he told reporters during a White House meeting with airline executives, whom he had called to discuss the economic effects of the outbreak.“The Obama administration made a decision on testing that turned out to be very detrimental to what we’re doing, and we undid that decision a few days ago so that the testing can take place in a much more accurate and rapid fashion,” he told reporters during a White House meeting with airline executives, whom he had called to discuss the economic effects of the outbreak.
“That was a decision we disagreed with,” he said. “I don’t think we would have made it, but for some reason, it was made.”“That was a decision we disagreed with,” he said. “I don’t think we would have made it, but for some reason, it was made.”
Virus is ‘once in 100 years catastrophe’ – hedge fund bossVirus is ‘once in 100 years catastrophe’ – hedge fund boss
Ray Dalio, one of Wall Street’s highest profile hedge fund bosses, has described the coronavirus as “one of those once in 100 years catastrophic events” that will hit companies with large debt levels the hardest and potentially lead to a significant economic downturn.Ray Dalio, one of Wall Street’s highest profile hedge fund bosses, has described the coronavirus as “one of those once in 100 years catastrophic events” that will hit companies with large debt levels the hardest and potentially lead to a significant economic downturn.
The founder of Bridgewater Associates, a fund with $160bn in assets, said the crisis could be broken into three parts: 1) the virus, 2) the economic impact of reactions to the virus, and 3) the market action.The founder of Bridgewater Associates, a fund with $160bn in assets, said the crisis could be broken into three parts: 1) the virus, 2) the economic impact of reactions to the virus, and 3) the market action.
The market website Livewire has posted excerpts from his comments on Linkedin.The market website Livewire has posted excerpts from his comments on Linkedin.
Dalio says that the US Fed’s rate cuts – and similar actions by other central banks from Australia to Canada – won’t do much to boost demand, although they might “goose risky asset prices a bit”.Dalio says that the US Fed’s rate cuts – and similar actions by other central banks from Australia to Canada – won’t do much to boost demand, although they might “goose risky asset prices a bit”.
“That’s true in the US. In Europe and Japan, monetary policy is virtually out of gas so it’s difficult to imagine how pure monetary policy will work. In Europe, it will be interesting to see if fiscal policy stimulations can pick up in this political environment.”“That’s true in the US. In Europe and Japan, monetary policy is virtually out of gas so it’s difficult to imagine how pure monetary policy will work. In Europe, it will be interesting to see if fiscal policy stimulations can pick up in this political environment.”
Chinese social media censors blocked neutral information about the coronavirus outbreak when they targeted references to the outbreak on WeChat and other platforms, a report has found.Chinese social media censors blocked neutral information about the coronavirus outbreak when they targeted references to the outbreak on WeChat and other platforms, a report has found.
Hundreds of keywords and keyword combinations, including “Wuhan seafood market” and “Sars variation” were censored in late December, as doctors sought to warn about the new virus.Hundreds of keywords and keyword combinations, including “Wuhan seafood market” and “Sars variation” were censored in late December, as doctors sought to warn about the new virus.
Here is the full story on that press conference with Australia’s New South Wales health minister Brad Hazzard regarding the on-soil spread of coronavirus in the state.Here is the full story on that press conference with Australia’s New South Wales health minister Brad Hazzard regarding the on-soil spread of coronavirus in the state.
In China, a 36-year-old man who had been confirmed to have the virus and was discharged from a hospital in Wuhan on 26 February has died, according to the Chinese publication the Paper, who cited his wife. The man suddenly became ill on 2 March and died after going to the hospital. The cause of death was respiratory failure caused by Covid-19.In China, a 36-year-old man who had been confirmed to have the virus and was discharged from a hospital in Wuhan on 26 February has died, according to the Chinese publication the Paper, who cited his wife. The man suddenly became ill on 2 March and died after going to the hospital. The cause of death was respiratory failure caused by Covid-19.
China has been noting daily increases in the number of people “cured” or discharged from hospitals after being confirmed to have the virus. But, after several cases of released patients testing positive again, authorities in Hubei ordered that released patients be quarantined for another 14 days. Beijing Ditan Hospital in Beijing has meanwhile found that a patient who tested positive for Covid-19 has suffered viral encephalitis caused by the virus, adding to evidence the infections can cause damage to patients’ nervous systems.China has been noting daily increases in the number of people “cured” or discharged from hospitals after being confirmed to have the virus. But, after several cases of released patients testing positive again, authorities in Hubei ordered that released patients be quarantined for another 14 days. Beijing Ditan Hospital in Beijing has meanwhile found that a patient who tested positive for Covid-19 has suffered viral encephalitis caused by the virus, adding to evidence the infections can cause damage to patients’ nervous systems.
Hong Kong residents who had been stuck in Hubei province, the source of the outbreak, have returned on flights chartered by the Hong Kong government. There were 244 passengers. Another 200 are expected to be brought back today. Anyone showing symptoms or a high temperature has not been allowed to board, and all will undergo quarantine for two weeks, the Hong Kong government said.Hong Kong residents who had been stuck in Hubei province, the source of the outbreak, have returned on flights chartered by the Hong Kong government. There were 244 passengers. Another 200 are expected to be brought back today. Anyone showing symptoms or a high temperature has not been allowed to board, and all will undergo quarantine for two weeks, the Hong Kong government said.
Among the group are 14 pregnant women and 22 people in need of medical care, including cancer patients.Among the group are 14 pregnant women and 22 people in need of medical care, including cancer patients.