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Coronavirus live updates: fifth death confirmed in UK, as head of New York's airports tests positive Coronavirus live updates: fifth death confirmed in UK, as head of New York's airports tests positive
(32 minutes later)
With cases spiking sharply across Europe and emergency measures in place from California to Saudi Arabia, investors have sent shares tumblingWith cases spiking sharply across Europe and emergency measures in place from California to Saudi Arabia, investors have sent shares tumbling
Here is a round-up of some of the day’s main coronavirus developments. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has cancelled his speech in the city of Mashhad for Persian new year, which is on 20 March, to prevent further infections of coronavirus, according to a statement on his official site. It read:
The number of deaths in the UK rose to five and the latest figures showed 319 people have tested positive for Covid-19. The country remains in the contain phase of the outbreak and the government said it is preparing to move to the delay phase of the action plan. It is accepted that the outbreak will be “significant”. It added that the decision was based on the recommendation of health officials to minimise travel and attending gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Global stock markets had their biggest fall since the 2008 financial crash, while the oil price tanked amid panic selling over fears of a coronavirus-driven global recession and an oil price war. The FTSE 100 plunged almost 9% and fell throug 6,000 points when trading began this mornihng. Iran’s health ministry has announced a total of 7,161 infections and 237 deaths from coronavirus, one of the highest death rates from the illness outside of China.
The Madrid regional government has ordered the closure of all schools and universities for a fortnight in an attempt to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
The number of cases in and around the Spanish capital has jumped from 202 to 469 over the past 24 hours, while Spain’s number of confirmed cases now stands at 577 and the death toll at 28 people – 13 of them in the Madrid region.
The decision was apparently taken during an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon and the closure will begin on Wednesday.
Earlier on Monday, authorities in the Basque country also announced the closure of educational centres around the regional capital, Vitoria, where the second-worst cluster has been identified.
AFP also reports that Riester’s feeling in good shape:
The French culture minister, Franck Riester, has tested positive for the virus, his staff have told the Agence France-Presse news agency. They said he had spent a few days at the Assemblée Nationale – the lower house of the French parliament – last week, where “several cases have been confirmed”.
Here is a round-up of some of the day’s main coronavirus developments:
The number of deaths in the UK rose to five and the latest figures showed 319 people have tested positive for Covid-19. The country remains in the “contain” phase of the outbreak and the government said it was preparing to move to the “delay” phase of the action plan. It is accepted that the outbreak will be “significant”.
Global stock markets had their biggest fall since the 2008 financial crash, while the oil price tanked amid panic selling over fears of a coronavirus-driven global recession and an oil price war. The FTSE 100 plunged almost 9% and slipped below 6,000 points when trading began this morning.
Within a fortnight the UK government will advise anyone with a fever or a mild respiratory tract infection to self-isolate for seven days. From tomorrow screening will begin of everyone arriving at hospital with a respiratory illness.Within a fortnight the UK government will advise anyone with a fever or a mild respiratory tract infection to self-isolate for seven days. From tomorrow screening will begin of everyone arriving at hospital with a respiratory illness.
Boris Johnson has urged people to not panic buy and to “behave responsibly” and think of others. Boris Johnson has urged people to not panic buy, to “behave responsibly” and think of others.
More than 100 Britons stuck on the coronavirus-hit Grand Princess cruise ship off the coast of California are planned to be flown home tomorrow, US authorities have said.More than 100 Britons stuck on the coronavirus-hit Grand Princess cruise ship off the coast of California are planned to be flown home tomorrow, US authorities have said.
Romania’s government has announced that all schools and kindergartens across the country will be closed from March 11 until March 22, with the option of extending it further.“Our concern is to prevent children from any risk of contamination that may arise during courses organised at school,” Prime Minister Ludovic Orban said during a press conference on Monday evening. Companies and institutions will be required to allow employees to work from home, where possible.Romania has had 17 confirmed cases of coronavirus, of which five have already been discharged from hospital. There have been no fatalities reported in the country so far, related to the virus.The country has also suspended all flights to and from Italy until at least March 23. Romania has a large diaspora community in Italy, which is struggling to contain the virus. Romania has announced that all schools and kindergartens will be closed from 11-22 March, with the option of extending the period further.“Our concern is to prevent children from any risk of contamination that may arise during courses organised at school,” the prime minister, Ludovic Orban, said on Monday evening. Companies and institutions will be required to allow employees to work from home, where possible.There have been 17 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country, of which five people have been discharged from hospital. There have been no fatalities related to the virus.Romania has suspended all flights to and from Italy until at least 23 March. There is a large Romanian community in the country.
The Grand Princess cruise ship is expected to dock in Oakland around noon PST. The ship’s 3,500 passengers, 21 of whom have tested positive for Covid-19, are to remain under 14-day quarantine. The Grand Princess cruise ship is expected to dock in Oakland at about noon PST. The vessel’s 3,500 passengers, 21 of whom have tested positive for Covid-19, are to remain under 14-day quarantine.
More on this story from our West Coast reporters: More on this story from our west coast reporters:
While coronavirus deaths increase day after day in Italy, good news comes from the hospital in Pavia where Mattia, the Italian patient 1, hospitalised since February 21, is breathing autonomously and has been discharged from intensive care. While coronavirus deaths increase day after day in Italy, good news has emerged from the hospital in Pavia where Mattia, the Italian patient 1, has been treated since 21 February, is breathing autonomously and has been discharged from intensive care.
A medical task force worked for weeks, day and night, to keep him alive. The boy, 38, was the first Italian patient infected with the virus and to the eyes of the Italian people his recovery represented the hope of winning the battle against Covid-19. A medical taskforce worked for weeks, day and night, to keep him alive. The man, 38, was the first Italian patient infected with the virus. To many, his recovery has inspired optimism that the battle against Covid-19 can be won.
According to the reconstruction of events of the man’s wife, Mattia had met an Italian friend, a manager of Castiglione D’Adda, who had returned from Wuhan, on January 21. After some research, the manager, suspected of being patient zero, was tracked down, but incredibly, he was found to be negative for coronavirus. According to the patient’s wife, Mattia had met an Italian friend, a manager in Castiglione D’Adda who had returned from Wuhan, China, on 21 January. After some research, the manager, suspected of being patient zero, was tracked down but, incredibly, he tested negative for coronavirus.
After careful analysis, the suspect seems not to have had any recent infections. Antibodies are, in fact, a sort of register that collects, in molecular form, the traces of infections that our immune system is called to cope with. From there, the search for the origin of the epidemic in the country has become an impossible mission. After analysis, the suspect seems not to have had any recent infections. Antibodies are a sort of register that collects, in molecular form, traces of infections that our immune system is called to cope with. The search for the origin of the epidemic in the country seems to be an impossible mission.
The Irish government has allocated €3bn (£2.6bn) to deal with coronavirus in anticipation of a sharp surge in cases. The Irish government has allocated €3bn (£2.6bn) to deal with coronavirus in anticipation of a surge in cases.
The package includes €435 million for the Health Service Executive, which runs hospitals, and a promise of €305 per week in sick pay for those affected by the virus, starting from their first day of illness. The self-employed will be eligible for payments. The package includes €435m for the Health Service Executive, which runs hospitals, and a promise of €305 per week in sick pay for those affected by the virus, starting from their first day of illness. The self-employed will be eligible for payments.
The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, announced the measures at a somblre press conference in Dublin. “It is possible we are facing events that are unprecedented in modern times,” he said. The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, announced the measures at a sombre press conference in Dublin. “It is possible we are facing events that are unprecedented in modern times,” he said.
Earlier the government announced it was cancelling all St Patrick’s day parades, dealing a heavy blow to pubs, hotels and other sectors that rely on a boost in sales in mid-March. Earlier, the government announced it was cancelling all St Patrick’s day parades, dealing a heavy blow to pubs, hotels and other sectors that rely on a boost in sales in mid-March.
Ministers are curbing St Patrick’s-themed visits to New York and Washington – the highlight of the Irish-American political calendar – but Varadkar is still due to meet Donald Trump at the White House.Ministers are curbing St Patrick’s-themed visits to New York and Washington – the highlight of the Irish-American political calendar – but Varadkar is still due to meet Donald Trump at the White House.
The taoiseach said responses to coronavirus will be determined by medical advice and not be made “on foot of pressure” from business, politics, the media or social media. The taoiseach said responses to coronavirus would be determined by medical advice and not be made “on foot of pressure” from business, politics, the media or social media.
US authorities are planning a flight tomorrow to repatriate Britons on the coronavirus-hit Grand Princess cruise ship.US authorities are planning a flight tomorrow to repatriate Britons on the coronavirus-hit Grand Princess cruise ship.
The UK Foreign Office issued the following statement:The UK Foreign Office issued the following statement:
Chinese authorities reportedly scrambled to move people out of quarantine hotels, which need safety inspections after the deaths of at least 10 people in a collapsed hotel.Chinese authorities reportedly scrambled to move people out of quarantine hotels, which need safety inspections after the deaths of at least 10 people in a collapsed hotel.
Joanna Davison, an English teacher, and her partner were suddenly placed in enforced isolation in Shenzhen after a ferry trip about 10 days ago. On Thursday, she told the Guardian she endured a “terrifying” experience as five people in hazmat suits came to test them at her home before they were whisked to quarantine.Joanna Davison, an English teacher, and her partner were suddenly placed in enforced isolation in Shenzhen after a ferry trip about 10 days ago. On Thursday, she told the Guardian she endured a “terrifying” experience as five people in hazmat suits came to test them at her home before they were whisked to quarantine.
But their period in isolation has taken a new twist after a transfer to another hotel. “We were sitting on the bed and noticed orange speccy marks,” she said.But their period in isolation has taken a new twist after a transfer to another hotel. “We were sitting on the bed and noticed orange speccy marks,” she said.
“We soon realised it was bed bugs and we were moved into the room next door. But the moment we came into the second room we lifted a corner of the sheet and a live bed bug ran across the sheet, then we found another one under the pillow.”“We soon realised it was bed bugs and we were moved into the room next door. But the moment we came into the second room we lifted a corner of the sheet and a live bed bug ran across the sheet, then we found another one under the pillow.”
They were moved to a third room, but also found blood marks resembling those created by bed bugs. “Clearly the whole hotel is infested with bed bugs,” she said.They were moved to a third room, but also found blood marks resembling those created by bed bugs. “Clearly the whole hotel is infested with bed bugs,” she said.
The couple have four days remaining in quarantine at Yinglun hotel in Shenzhen, but they don’t want to risk sleeping in the bed.The couple have four days remaining in quarantine at Yinglun hotel in Shenzhen, but they don’t want to risk sleeping in the bed.
“We’ve been sitting on the table and window sill, avoiding fabrics, asking for help because there is nothing else we can do,” Davison said.“We’ve been sitting on the table and window sill, avoiding fabrics, asking for help because there is nothing else we can do,” Davison said.
“It’s hard to know who to be most frustrated with. Everybody here is just doing their job. They can clearly see this is ridiculous but they can’t offer us a solution.“It’s hard to know who to be most frustrated with. Everybody here is just doing their job. They can clearly see this is ridiculous but they can’t offer us a solution.
“Our school is saying they could deliver us some pesticide or send a mattress. It’s really sweet but is this what it has come to? It’s a farce.”“Our school is saying they could deliver us some pesticide or send a mattress. It’s really sweet but is this what it has come to? It’s a farce.”
At the previous hotel, she had been passing the days practising yoga, reading and watching the sitcom Parks and Recreation, but she has spent her time at the new lodgings demanding another room while taking videos of the mess and lice.At the previous hotel, she had been passing the days practising yoga, reading and watching the sitcom Parks and Recreation, but she has spent her time at the new lodgings demanding another room while taking videos of the mess and lice.
The hotel has offered the couple a “final deal” to remove the pillowcases and sheet, but cannot provide another double mattress. It has threatened to separate the couple into different rooms if they do not accept. “I think it’s just a threat,” Davison said. “Be quiet or we’ll separate you.”The hotel has offered the couple a “final deal” to remove the pillowcases and sheet, but cannot provide another double mattress. It has threatened to separate the couple into different rooms if they do not accept. “I think it’s just a threat,” Davison said. “Be quiet or we’ll separate you.”
Twenty-three people remain missing after the five-storey hotel in Quanzhou, about seven hours from Shenzhen in southern China, collapsed on Saturday.Twenty-three people remain missing after the five-storey hotel in Quanzhou, about seven hours from Shenzhen in southern China, collapsed on Saturday.
According to Davison, this led to an assessment of all other quarantine hotels amid fears of others falling down. “Ours needed a full inspection,” she said. “I’d questioned whether smoke alarms were working as there were guards smoking beneath the sensors.According to Davison, this led to an assessment of all other quarantine hotels amid fears of others falling down. “Ours needed a full inspection,” she said. “I’d questioned whether smoke alarms were working as there were guards smoking beneath the sensors.
“I was also told the electricity was extremely unable, which is why we could not have a fridge in our room. The whole building is being inspected today after it was abruptly emptied.”“I was also told the electricity was extremely unable, which is why we could not have a fridge in our room. The whole building is being inspected today after it was abruptly emptied.”
Health authorities in Guangdong province have fiercely guarded against “imported cases” of coronavirus, after a 35-year-old man from Shenzhen who had been working in Bristol tested positive this month after flying from Heathrow to Hong Kong.Health authorities in Guangdong province have fiercely guarded against “imported cases” of coronavirus, after a 35-year-old man from Shenzhen who had been working in Bristol tested positive this month after flying from Heathrow to Hong Kong.
It was unclear whether he became infected in the UK, but Chinese authorities said two of the patient’s colleagues in Britain had reported coughs and fever.It was unclear whether he became infected in the UK, but Chinese authorities said two of the patient’s colleagues in Britain had reported coughs and fever.
Iraq has banned all public gatherings and called on citizens to avoid visiting sacred cities and sites to stop the spread of the virus.Iraq has banned all public gatherings and called on citizens to avoid visiting sacred cities and sites to stop the spread of the virus.
Authorities also called on Iraqis arriving from Iran, China, South Korea, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Kuwait and Bahrain to stay at home for self-quarantine for 14 days.Authorities also called on Iraqis arriving from Iran, China, South Korea, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Kuwait and Bahrain to stay at home for self-quarantine for 14 days.
Israel will force anyone arriving in the country, from any part of the world, to self-isolate for at least 14 days, The prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has announced. The government has so far imposed some of the most stringent rules globally to block the spread of the virus.The move has also been interpreted domestically as a measure to avoid irking the country’s close ally and benefactor in Washington, Donald Trump. Israel already requires travellers arriving from more than a dozen countries to spend two weeks in home isolation, in effect killing off incoming tourism.After outbreaks in the US, pressure had been building to add the country to the list. But rather than extending the rules specifically on US travellers, and risk an angry backlash from the White House, Israel broadened its policy out to the entire planet.Netanyahu spoke to the US vice president, Mike Pence, on Sunday, after Israeli media reported the country was considering barring visitors from parts of the US, such as New York and California.Health authorities have said the number of coronavirus cases in Israel jumped from 25 to 39 over the weekend. Approximately 80,000 Israelis are in self-isolation.Israel will force anyone arriving in the country, from any part of the world, to self-isolate for at least 14 days, The prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has announced. The government has so far imposed some of the most stringent rules globally to block the spread of the virus.The move has also been interpreted domestically as a measure to avoid irking the country’s close ally and benefactor in Washington, Donald Trump. Israel already requires travellers arriving from more than a dozen countries to spend two weeks in home isolation, in effect killing off incoming tourism.After outbreaks in the US, pressure had been building to add the country to the list. But rather than extending the rules specifically on US travellers, and risk an angry backlash from the White House, Israel broadened its policy out to the entire planet.Netanyahu spoke to the US vice president, Mike Pence, on Sunday, after Israeli media reported the country was considering barring visitors from parts of the US, such as New York and California.Health authorities have said the number of coronavirus cases in Israel jumped from 25 to 39 over the weekend. Approximately 80,000 Israelis are in self-isolation.
Here are the main points from the press conference held by Boris Johnson. He was joined by Prof Chris Whitty, the government’s chief medical adviser, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser.Here are the main points from the press conference held by Boris Johnson. He was joined by Prof Chris Whitty, the government’s chief medical adviser, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser.
Ministers will within a fortnight advise anyone with a fever or a mild respiratory tract infection to stay at home for seven days, Whitty revealed. He said the government was not issuing this advice at present, because the chances of someone with a fever now having coronavirus are very low, he said. But he said that would change very quickly. Soon the number of infections would rise “really quite fast”, he said.Ministers will within a fortnight advise anyone with a fever or a mild respiratory tract infection to stay at home for seven days, Whitty revealed. He said the government was not issuing this advice at present, because the chances of someone with a fever now having coronavirus are very low, he said. But he said that would change very quickly. Soon the number of infections would rise “really quite fast”, he said.
He went on:He went on:
This advice is likely to have huge repercussions for workplaces across the country.This advice is likely to have huge repercussions for workplaces across the country.
Johnson stressed that it was important for the government not to implement its delay and mitigating measures too early. He said:Johnson stressed that it was important for the government not to implement its delay and mitigating measures too early. He said:
He sounded more defensive on this point than he was when he held a press conference last week, reflecting the fact that the government has been accused by some of being too complacent.He sounded more defensive on this point than he was when he held a press conference last week, reflecting the fact that the government has been accused by some of being too complacent.
Johnson said he was no longer shaking hands. Last week he was shaking hands but he said at today’s Commonwealth Day service he was advised against this. He explained:Johnson said he was no longer shaking hands. Last week he was shaking hands but he said at today’s Commonwealth Day service he was advised against this. He explained:
Whitty refused to comment on suggestions that 2 million people could be admitted to hospital. He said such figures were “largely speculative”.Whitty refused to comment on suggestions that 2 million people could be admitted to hospital. He said such figures were “largely speculative”.
Whitty said from tomorrow the government would start screening everyone arriving at hospital with a respiratory illness. Until now people were screened only if they were in intensive care and had coronavirus-type symptoms, he said.Whitty said from tomorrow the government would start screening everyone arriving at hospital with a respiratory illness. Until now people were screened only if they were in intensive care and had coronavirus-type symptoms, he said.
Vallance said the aim of the measures to be introduced by the government would be to lower the mortality rate of those in the at-risk group by 20 to 30%. But he said it would be wrong to try to “suppress” the disease completely because it could result in a winter outbreak at a time of maximum pressure for the NHS.Vallance said the aim of the measures to be introduced by the government would be to lower the mortality rate of those in the at-risk group by 20 to 30%. But he said it would be wrong to try to “suppress” the disease completely because it could result in a winter outbreak at a time of maximum pressure for the NHS.
He said:He said:
A fifth patient in the UK has died after testing positive for coronavirus, NHS England has confirmed.A fifth patient in the UK has died after testing positive for coronavirus, NHS England has confirmed.
In a statement on behalf of Epsom and St Helier University hospitals NHS trust, the chief executive, Daniel Elkeles, said:In a statement on behalf of Epsom and St Helier University hospitals NHS trust, the chief executive, Daniel Elkeles, said:
In the past 24 hours the number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy has risen from 366 to 463, officials have announced.In the past 24 hours the number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy has risen from 366 to 463, officials have announced.
They said 7,985 people were infected – 1,598 more than Sunday. The total number of cases is 9,172; 724 have recovered from the illness.They said 7,985 people were infected – 1,598 more than Sunday. The total number of cases is 9,172; 724 have recovered from the illness.
Italy is considering extending the closure of schools until 3 April.Italy is considering extending the closure of schools until 3 April.