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/09/coronavirus-live-updates-outbreak-italy-lockdown-quarantine-uk-usa-america-australia-recession-fears-update-latest-news

The article has changed 50 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
Coronavirus live updates: stock markets plunge on global recession fears Coronavirus live updates: stock markets plunge on global recession fears
(32 minutes later)
With cases spiking sharply across Europe and emergency measures in place from California to Saudi Arabia, investors have sent shares tumbling. Follow all the developments liveWith cases spiking sharply across Europe and emergency measures in place from California to Saudi Arabia, investors have sent shares tumbling. Follow all the developments live
The ASX is down 7.9%. Markets will be closing any minute now. We’ll have more exact figures soon, but this represents more than AU$130bn (US$85bn) being wiped off the Australian share market. This is the worst day of trading since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.
Mutual travel restrictions imposed by South Korea and Japan took effect on Monday, rekindling a diplomatic and economic feud between the old foes.
South Korea suspended visas and visa waivers for Japan on Friday, after Tokyo announced travel restrictions, joining more than 100 other countries limiting arrivals from South Korea. The spat, together with oil price swings, sent South Korean shares and the won sharply lower and prompted the finance ministry to issue a verbal warning against disorderly market movement.
South Korean officials expressed hope on Monday that the country was nearing a “turning point” in the crisis, as the pace of new infections trended lower.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 69 new cases, continuing a downward trend. The death toll rose by one to 51
The new cases brought South Korea’s total infections to 7,382, while the death toll rose by one to 51, the KCDC said. The rate of increase in new infections fell to its lowest in 10 days on Sunday in one of the countries most severely affected outside mainland China. “I’m still extremely cautious, but there’s hope we can reach a turning point in the near future,” Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on Monday before returning to Seoul from the hard-hit southeastern city of Daegu. Health authorities say the number of new infections being identified has dwindled as most of the roughly 200,000 followers of a fringe Christian church at the centre of the epidemic in Daegu have now been tested.
Staying in Western Australia for the time being, chief executive of east metropolitan health services, Liz McCloud is speaking about the clinics there, which she reiterates, “are to test those people who have cold and flu-like symptoms and have travelled overseas or believe they have in contact with a known case.”Staying in Western Australia for the time being, chief executive of east metropolitan health services, Liz McCloud is speaking about the clinics there, which she reiterates, “are to test those people who have cold and flu-like symptoms and have travelled overseas or believe they have in contact with a known case.”
In Western Australia, the state health minister Roger Cook says the state has confirmed its sixth case, in addition to the case reported this morning.In Western Australia, the state health minister Roger Cook says the state has confirmed its sixth case, in addition to the case reported this morning.
In Western Australia, the health minister Roger Cooke is speaking at one of the new Covid-19 clinics which will be open from 8am to 8pm tomorrow: “The way these clinics will work is they are available to anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms; Have travelled overseas in the recent past; have come in contact with someone who has travelled overseas or believe they have come in contact with someone with a positive diagnosis. We are expanding the role of the clinics from when we announced them on the weekend.”In Western Australia, the health minister Roger Cooke is speaking at one of the new Covid-19 clinics which will be open from 8am to 8pm tomorrow: “The way these clinics will work is they are available to anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms; Have travelled overseas in the recent past; have come in contact with someone who has travelled overseas or believe they have come in contact with someone with a positive diagnosis. We are expanding the role of the clinics from when we announced them on the weekend.”
As the coronavirus hits more US states, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said Sunday his campaign is gauging when it may become necessary to cancel the large campaign rallies that public health experts say could be breeding grounds to spread the potentially deadly illness.As the coronavirus hits more US states, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said Sunday his campaign is gauging when it may become necessary to cancel the large campaign rallies that public health experts say could be breeding grounds to spread the potentially deadly illness.
Obviously what is most important to us is to protect the health of the American people, Sanders said as he appeared in a series of TV interviews. “And what I will tell you, we are talking to public health officials all over this country.”On Sunday, Surgeon General Jerome Adams noted that the average age of death for people from the coronavirus is 80, while for those needing medical attention, it is 60.But that so far hasn’t led President Donald Trump or his two remaining major Democratic rivals, Sanders and Joe Biden, to cut back on big campaign events. Each man is in his 70s.The U.S. death toll from the virus has climbed to at least 21, with all but three victims in Washington state. The number of infections swelled to more than 500, scattered across the U.S.Still, concerns about the spreading virus haven’t stopped thousands from thronging campaign rallies in recent days. At a Trump rally last week in Charlotte, North Carolina, the virus threat didn’t deter enthusiastic fans who shared buckets of chicken fingers in the stands and dunked their hands into shared vats of popcorn while they awaited the president’s arrival.Sanders drew more than 7,000 to a convention hall in downtown Detroit on Friday night and his campaign said 15,000 people attended his rally in Chicagos Grant Park on Saturday.Obviously what is most important to us is to protect the health of the American people, Sanders said as he appeared in a series of TV interviews. “And what I will tell you, we are talking to public health officials all over this country.”On Sunday, Surgeon General Jerome Adams noted that the average age of death for people from the coronavirus is 80, while for those needing medical attention, it is 60.But that so far hasn’t led President Donald Trump or his two remaining major Democratic rivals, Sanders and Joe Biden, to cut back on big campaign events. Each man is in his 70s.The U.S. death toll from the virus has climbed to at least 21, with all but three victims in Washington state. The number of infections swelled to more than 500, scattered across the U.S.Still, concerns about the spreading virus haven’t stopped thousands from thronging campaign rallies in recent days. At a Trump rally last week in Charlotte, North Carolina, the virus threat didn’t deter enthusiastic fans who shared buckets of chicken fingers in the stands and dunked their hands into shared vats of popcorn while they awaited the president’s arrival.Sanders drew more than 7,000 to a convention hall in downtown Detroit on Friday night and his campaign said 15,000 people attended his rally in Chicagos Grant Park on Saturday.
Goldman Sachs cut its second- and third-quarter Brent price forecasts to US$30 per barrel, citing the oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia and a significant collapse in oil demand due to the coronavirus.Goldman Sachs cut its second- and third-quarter Brent price forecasts to US$30 per barrel, citing the oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia and a significant collapse in oil demand due to the coronavirus.
Oil fell by the most since 1991 on Monday after Saudi Arabia started a price war with Russia by slashing its selling prices and pledging to unleash its pent-up supply onto a market reeling from falling demand because of the virus outbreak.Oil fell by the most since 1991 on Monday after Saudi Arabia started a price war with Russia by slashing its selling prices and pledging to unleash its pent-up supply onto a market reeling from falling demand because of the virus outbreak.
“The aggressive cut to Saudi’s Official Selling Prices and Russia’s reluctance to be pushed into a deal on Friday point to a low probability of an immediate (OPEC+) agreement,” Goldman said in a note dated March 8. A three-year pact between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia ended in acrimony on Friday after Moscow refused to support deeper oil cuts and OPEC responded by removing all limits on its own production. Assuming no change in production policy, Goldman expects a supply deficit to emerge in the fourth quarter of 2020, which would run down excess inventories through 2021. The bank said the prospect of inventory draws would help prices to rebound to $40 per barrel by the end of this year.“The aggressive cut to Saudi’s Official Selling Prices and Russia’s reluctance to be pushed into a deal on Friday point to a low probability of an immediate (OPEC+) agreement,” Goldman said in a note dated March 8. A three-year pact between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia ended in acrimony on Friday after Moscow refused to support deeper oil cuts and OPEC responded by removing all limits on its own production. Assuming no change in production policy, Goldman expects a supply deficit to emerge in the fourth quarter of 2020, which would run down excess inventories through 2021. The bank said the prospect of inventory draws would help prices to rebound to $40 per barrel by the end of this year.
In Australia, Sky News has reported that Prime Minister Scott Morrison is considering cash handouts to ordinary citizens as part of an expected A$10 billion (US$6.50 billion) fiscal stimulus package.However, the idea is facing fierce opposition from Finance and Treasury officials, Sky added. Also on the table are wage subsidies for small businesses and business tax incentives as Morrison’s government work to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.In Australia, Sky News has reported that Prime Minister Scott Morrison is considering cash handouts to ordinary citizens as part of an expected A$10 billion (US$6.50 billion) fiscal stimulus package.However, the idea is facing fierce opposition from Finance and Treasury officials, Sky added. Also on the table are wage subsidies for small businesses and business tax incentives as Morrison’s government work to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Mark Scott from the New South Wales Department of Education is speaking now about the new cases confirmed at schools this morning. “Apart from those students asked to self-isolate, [Willoughby Girls High School] will be open again on Wednesday morning. Epping boys high school was closed last Friday, and Epping boys high has opened this morning and is operating successfully.”Mark Scott from the New South Wales Department of Education is speaking now about the new cases confirmed at schools this morning. “Apart from those students asked to self-isolate, [Willoughby Girls High School] will be open again on Wednesday morning. Epping boys high school was closed last Friday, and Epping boys high has opened this morning and is operating successfully.”
In Australia, New South Wales Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant is speaking now. She says, “While we are actually expecting to see continued rises in case numbers, that reflects very strong health protection system. We want people that are returning from overseas who develop symptoms within 14 days to present for testing. And that allows us to act promptly at identifying contacts and breaking the chain of transmission.”In Australia, New South Wales Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant is speaking now. She says, “While we are actually expecting to see continued rises in case numbers, that reflects very strong health protection system. We want people that are returning from overseas who develop symptoms within 14 days to present for testing. And that allows us to act promptly at identifying contacts and breaking the chain of transmission.”
New South Wales state health minister Brad Hazzard says of the new cases, “There was a14-year-old boy and a 15-year-oldgirl, both at year 10 at St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas. There was also a 12-year-old, a young lady from Willoughby Girls High School.New South Wales state health minister Brad Hazzard says of the new cases, “There was a14-year-old boy and a 15-year-oldgirl, both at year 10 at St Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas. There was also a 12-year-old, a young lady from Willoughby Girls High School.
“In regard to the two young people from Dundas, St Patrick’s MaristCollege, their fathers, aged in their 50s, have also been confirmed as having the coronavirus. We have the year seven student, her mum has also been confirmed as having COVID-19. She’s a lady of Iranian origin, but hasn’t travelled recently. So there’s a lot of work to do there to determine the source of that particular infection.”“In regard to the two young people from Dundas, St Patrick’s MaristCollege, their fathers, aged in their 50s, have also been confirmed as having the coronavirus. We have the year seven student, her mum has also been confirmed as having COVID-19. She’s a lady of Iranian origin, but hasn’t travelled recently. So there’s a lot of work to do there to determine the source of that particular infection.”
We’re in Sydney now for another update state health minister Brad Hazzard, who says, “We’ve established now a new orthodoxy. If a child or anyone else at a school is found to have the Covid-19 virus then effectively a breather will be taken. They will take a day out.”
“This is the new normal,” he said.
A new song to wash your hands to:
In the US, the state of Maryland reported two new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, raising to five the total confirmed cases in the state.In Maryland, a Harford County resident in her 80s who contracted the virus while traveling overseas and was hospitalized and a Montgomery County resident in his 60s who contracted the virus while traveling overseas and was briefly hospitalized.
As the US death toll from the new coronavirus reached at least 21, California Govenor Gavin Newsom and the mayor of Oakland sought Sunday to reassure the public that none of the passengers from a ship carrying people with the virus will be released into the public before undergoing a 14-day quarantine.
The Grand Princess carrying more than 3,500 people from 54 countries is expected to dock Monday in Oakland, in the east San Francisco Bay, and was idling off the coast Sunday as officials prepared a port site. Those needing acute medical care will come off first.
A special North Korean flight carrying presumably dozens of diplomats and other foreigners arrived in Russia’s Far East on Monday as the country tightens its lockdown intended to fend off the coronavirus.
North Korea has not publicly confirmed a single case of the Covid-19, but its state media reports suggest about 7,000 North Koreans have been quarantined as part of strict prevention measures.
Seemingly dozens of passengers, most of them masked and some accompanied by children, lined up at Pyongyang International Airport. North Korean health workers wearing white protective suits scanned them for fevers. It wasn’t immediately clear how many were flown out to Vladivostok. The North lifted a monthlong quarantine on foreign diplomats based in Pyongyang on March 2, allowing them to leave the country if needed.Colin Crooks, the British ambassador to Pyongyang, tweeted:
The North has called its anti-virus campaign a matter of “national existence” while banning foreign tourists, shutting down nearly all cross-border traffic with China, intensifying screening at entry points and mobilizing health workers to monitor residents and isolate those with symptoms.Many experts say North Korea is highly vulnerable to infectious diseases due to its chronic shortage of medical supplies and outdated health care infrastructure.
China’s excessive coronavirus public monitoring could be here to stay
Over the last two months, Chinese citizens have had to adjust to a new level of government intrusion.
Getting into one’s apartment compound or workplace requires scanning a QR code, writing down one’s name and ID number, temperature and recent travel history. Telecom operators track people’s movements while social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo have hotlines for people to report others who may be sick. Some cities are offering people rewards for informing on sick neighbours.
Chinese companies are meanwhile rolling out facial recognition technology that can detect elevated temperatures in a crowd or flag citizens not wearing a face mask. A range of apps use the personal health information of citizens to alert others of their proximity to infected patients or whether they have been in close contact.
State authorities, in addition to locking down entire cities, have implemented a myriad of security measures in the name of containing the coronavirus outbreak. From top officials to local community workers, those enforcing the rules repeat the same refrain: this is an “extraordinary time” feichang shiqi, requiring extraordinary measures.
There’s ‘No chance’ of the Australian Grand Prix happening behind closed doors, organisers say.
Italian Formula One teams have started arriving in Australia and there is no chance of the opening grand prix of the season being cancelled, postponed or being held behind closed doors, despite fears over the coronavirus.
Andrew Westacott, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, said on Monday the race will proceed as planned at Albert Park, after it was announced the next race on the calendar, the Bahrain GP on 22 March, will be run without spectators present. April’s Chinese Grand Prix has already been postponed.
The operator of cruise ship Costa Fortuna said it was heading to Singapore to end its journey on Tuesday as planned, after it was turned away from ports in Malaysia and Thailand over coronavirus fears.
Italian cruise line Costa Crociere said there were no suspected virus cases among its guests, which includes Italians – Italy has the largest number of cases of the virus outside China with 7,375 infections. Costa Crociere said it would cancel a cruise due to depart on March 10 from Singapore. Singapore port authorities have not yet said whether they would allow the ship to dock.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the country will extend its ban on travellers from China and Iran for another seven days.
Walt Disney Co’s Shanghai Disneyland said on Monday it will resume a limited number of operations at its resort as part of the first step of a phased reopening, although the main theme park will remain shut amid worries about a coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reports.
A limited number of shopping, dining, and recreational activities would be available at Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel though they will operate under limited capacity and reduced hours of operation, Shanghai Disneyland said in a statement on its website. The Shanghai Disneyland had been shut from Jan. 25 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.