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Coronavirus live updates: all of Italy to be placed under lockdown conditions Coronavirus live updates: all of Italy to be placed under lockdown conditions
(31 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
The US and UK stock markets have both suffered their worst daily slump since the 2008 financial crisis. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average has plunged by more than 2,000 points, closing down 7.8% tonight.
Earlier, Britain’s FTSE 100 posted its fifth biggest fall ever. The index closed down 7.7%, which wiped £125bn off the biggest companies listed in London. Italy’s FTSE MIB index slumped by 11% (and was closed before PM Conte announced the country’s new lockdown).
Our business liveblog has more details.
The announcement in Italy spells out the restriction of movement of more than 60 million people.
The decree provides for banning all public events, closing cinemas, theatres, gyms, discos and pubs, funerals, weddings and all sport events, including Serie A matches. All schools and universities will remain close until 3 April
Conte added that he will sign the decree now and it will come into effect on Tuesday morning.Conte added that he will sign the decree now and it will come into effect on Tuesday morning.
All sporting events will be suspended, Conte has told a press conference. The country is grappling to contain Europe’s worst outbreak of covid-19, which has claimed 463 lives and infected a total of 9,172 people.All sporting events will be suspended, Conte has told a press conference. The country is grappling to contain Europe’s worst outbreak of covid-19, which has claimed 463 lives and infected a total of 9,172 people.
All of Italy will be placed under the lockdown conditions thus far imposed upon the so-called “red zone” in the north of the country, the Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte has said.All of Italy will be placed under the lockdown conditions thus far imposed upon the so-called “red zone” in the north of the country, the Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte has said.
The restrictions will include banning all public gatherings and preventing all movement other than for work and emergencies. According to the Reuters news agency, he has said the decision was necessary to protect Italy’s most vulnerable citizens and that the right course of action now is for people to stay at home.The restrictions will include banning all public gatherings and preventing all movement other than for work and emergencies. According to the Reuters news agency, he has said the decision was necessary to protect Italy’s most vulnerable citizens and that the right course of action now is for people to stay at home.
A second Oxford University student has tested positive, the institution has said.A second Oxford University student has tested positive, the institution has said.
We reported earlier that the Madrid regional government has ordered the closure of all schools and universities for a fortnight. Madrid has a population of 6.6 million and the school shutdown is expected to have a direct impact on 1.5 million people.We reported earlier that the Madrid regional government has ordered the closure of all schools and universities for a fortnight. Madrid has a population of 6.6 million and the school shutdown is expected to have a direct impact on 1.5 million people.
The president of the Madrid regional government, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, said she was sorry to have to inform people of the new measures that will come into force on Wednesday but insisted they were necessary given the spread of the disease.The president of the Madrid regional government, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, said she was sorry to have to inform people of the new measures that will come into force on Wednesday but insisted they were necessary given the spread of the disease.
Díaz Ayuso also urged anyone showing symptoms of the virus to remain at home and not to go to work or to medical centres. People should instead call the coronavirus hotline, she added.Díaz Ayuso also urged anyone showing symptoms of the virus to remain at home and not to go to work or to medical centres. People should instead call the coronavirus hotline, she added.
Moreover, the regional government warned against all but essential travel and encouraged older people or those with chronic illnesses to remain at home. Salvador Illa, the Spanish health minister, also advised people to work from home.Moreover, the regional government warned against all but essential travel and encouraged older people or those with chronic illnesses to remain at home. Salvador Illa, the Spanish health minister, also advised people to work from home.
In Catalonia, where 101 cases have so far been reported, the regional government also urged people to work from home and to avoid travel. A nursery school in Barcelona was closed today as a result of the virus but as yet the Catalan government is not proposing to shut down schools.In Catalonia, where 101 cases have so far been reported, the regional government also urged people to work from home and to avoid travel. A nursery school in Barcelona was closed today as a result of the virus but as yet the Catalan government is not proposing to shut down schools.
The Photography Show and the Video Show, which organisers claim attracts more than 30,000 visitors and which was due to start in Birmingham this weekend, has been postponed amid coronavirus concerns.The Photography Show and the Video Show, which organisers claim attracts more than 30,000 visitors and which was due to start in Birmingham this weekend, has been postponed amid coronavirus concerns.
Organisers have said:Organisers have said:
Iraqi authorities have ordered the closure of the Najaf province, home to holy Muslim Shi’ites sites, for non-residents starting on Wednesday for a week to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the state news agency has said. Najaf is a major destination for Shi’ite pilgrims.Iraqi authorities have ordered the closure of the Najaf province, home to holy Muslim Shi’ites sites, for non-residents starting on Wednesday for a week to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the state news agency has said. Najaf is a major destination for Shi’ite pilgrims.
A taskforce bringing together unions, employers and government agencies should be convened to help tackle the outbreak, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has said. The union body says the taskforce’s main priorities would be:A taskforce bringing together unions, employers and government agencies should be convened to help tackle the outbreak, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has said. The union body says the taskforce’s main priorities would be:
The TUC’s general secretary, Frances O’Grady, has said:The TUC’s general secretary, Frances O’Grady, has said:
Taiwan’s Centre Epidemic Command Center has disclosed information about a Taiwanese woman who showed symptoms upon her return to Taiwan; countering multiple Egyptian government statements that she was the source of the virus in their country. Instead, they said, the woman contracted the virus during her visit to Egypt.Taiwan’s Centre Epidemic Command Center has disclosed information about a Taiwanese woman who showed symptoms upon her return to Taiwan; countering multiple Egyptian government statements that she was the source of the virus in their country. Instead, they said, the woman contracted the virus during her visit to Egypt.
The woman returned to Taiwan in late February after taking a Nile cruise in the southern city of Luxor. 12 staff members on the same boat later tested positive for the virus, along with 33 passengers who arrived for a later cruise on the same ship. All 45 have been quarantined at a separate site, while other passengers on board told reporters they remain quarantined onboard.The woman returned to Taiwan in late February after taking a Nile cruise in the southern city of Luxor. 12 staff members on the same boat later tested positive for the virus, along with 33 passengers who arrived for a later cruise on the same ship. All 45 have been quarantined at a separate site, while other passengers on board told reporters they remain quarantined onboard.
Egyptian officials have repeatedly said the Taiwanese woman was the source of the virus in the country; the Arab world’s most populous nation. But, according to a statement from Taiwan’s Centre for Disease control, the woman known as case #39 contracted a different strain of the virus to other Taiwanese patients.Egyptian officials have repeatedly said the Taiwanese woman was the source of the virus in the country; the Arab world’s most populous nation. But, according to a statement from Taiwan’s Centre for Disease control, the woman known as case #39 contracted a different strain of the virus to other Taiwanese patients.
Public health officials in Canada have recorded the country’s first fatality from the coronavirus outbreak, after a man in his 80s died on Monday.Public health officials in Canada have recorded the country’s first fatality from the coronavirus outbreak, after a man in his 80s died on Monday.
He had been a resident in a long-term care facility in the province of British Columbia, where a number of cases have been documented. The provincial health officer, Bonnie Henry, has told reporters:He had been a resident in a long-term care facility in the province of British Columbia, where a number of cases have been documented. The provincial health officer, Bonnie Henry, has told reporters:
Two care workers at the Lynn Valley care centre in North Vancouver and two residents have also tested positive for the virus.Two care workers at the Lynn Valley care centre in North Vancouver and two residents have also tested positive for the virus.
The announcement comes two days after Henry, a veteran doctor who has worked on the frontlines of viral outbreaks including Sars, Ebola, H1N1 and polio, grew emotional during a daily briefing. “It’s a very difficult time,” she told reporters, fighting back tears. “I’m feeling for the families and the people that are dealing with this right now.”The announcement comes two days after Henry, a veteran doctor who has worked on the frontlines of viral outbreaks including Sars, Ebola, H1N1 and polio, grew emotional during a daily briefing. “It’s a very difficult time,” she told reporters, fighting back tears. “I’m feeling for the families and the people that are dealing with this right now.”
Canada has detected at least 74 cases – a number health officials believe will increase in the coming days. On Monday, Reuters reported that millions of safety masks in Ontario, stockpiled after the country’s Sars outbreak, have expired. The news calls into question preparedness in the most populous province, British Columbia, which said it had a sufficient supply medical necessities to handle a spike in cases.Canada has detected at least 74 cases – a number health officials believe will increase in the coming days. On Monday, Reuters reported that millions of safety masks in Ontario, stockpiled after the country’s Sars outbreak, have expired. The news calls into question preparedness in the most populous province, British Columbia, which said it had a sufficient supply medical necessities to handle a spike in cases.
The Grand Princess cruise ship has arrived at a temporary berth in the Port of Oakland to the cheers of its weary passengers, the Reuters news agency reports.The Grand Princess cruise ship has arrived at a temporary berth in the Port of Oakland to the cheers of its weary passengers, the Reuters news agency reports.
The 2,400 holidaymakers, who have been largely confined to their rooms since Thursday, are to begin disembarking on Monday for transport to either healthcare facilities or quarantine stations, depending on whether they need immediate medical attention.The 2,400 holidaymakers, who have been largely confined to their rooms since Thursday, are to begin disembarking on Monday for transport to either healthcare facilities or quarantine stations, depending on whether they need immediate medical attention.
As we reported earlier, the UK government has set in motion plans to repatriate British passengers.As we reported earlier, the UK government has set in motion plans to repatriate British passengers.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has cancelled his speech in the city of Mashhad for Persian new year on 20 March, to prevent further infections of coronavirus, according to his official site. The statement reads:Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has cancelled his speech in the city of Mashhad for Persian new year on 20 March, to prevent further infections of coronavirus, according to his official site. The statement reads:
It adds that the decision was based on the recommendation of health officials to minimise travel and attending gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus.It adds that the decision was based on the recommendation of health officials to minimise travel and attending gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Iran’s health ministry has announced a total of 7,161 infections and 237 deaths from the virus, one of the highest death rates outside of China.Iran’s health ministry has announced a total of 7,161 infections and 237 deaths from the virus, one of the highest death rates 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 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.
Spain’s total confirmed cases as of 6pm CET is 1,204; 577 of which are in Madrid. The country’s death toll at 28 people – 13 of them in the Madrid region.Spain’s total confirmed cases as of 6pm CET is 1,204; 577 of which are in Madrid. The country’s 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.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.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.
*This post has been amended to correct the numbers of confirmed cases and deaths*This post has been amended to correct the numbers of confirmed cases and deaths
AFP also reports that Riester’s feeling in good shape: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”.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: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”.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.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, 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 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.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.