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Coronavirus live updates: UK death toll rises to six as Italy-wide lockdown comes into force Coronavirus live updates: UK death toll rises to six as Italy-wide lockdown comes into force
(30 minutes later)
BA and Ryanair cancel flights as countries take stronger measures to fight spread of virusBA and Ryanair cancel flights as countries take stronger measures to fight spread of virus
Despite the country having no recorded cases of Covid-19 so far, these bus passengers in Rwanda aren’t taking any chances.
As British airlines axed flights to and from Italy, pressure is mounting for the UK to ramp up its strategy to combat the coronavirus.
St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica have been closed to tourists and guided groups because of coronavirus but individual members of the faithful can enter the basilica to pray, the Vatican said.
A statement said the Vatican would also be closing its post office in the square, which draws many tourists, as well as its bookstore and photo service. A cafeteria inside the Vatican for employees would also close. All measures will remain in effect until 3 April.
A total of 373 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Tuesday, up by 54 from 319 at the same point on Monday, the Department of Health has said.
Twenty-seven people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Scotland as of Tuesday morning, an increase of four from yesterday.
Scottish authorities have carried out 2,234 tests, of which 2,207 were confirmed negative.
The first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, warned of a “significant outbreak” across the UK on Monday. She said Scotland was anticipating an increase in the number of positive cases and added that the nation’s rurality would not necessarily protect it from the outbreak.
The local authority Lothian reported the highest number of positive cases – seven – followed by Grampian, which had six positive cases as of Tuesday morning.
The Scottish government published new workplace guidance this week that provides tips to people working in hotels and hospitality, leisure facilities, entertainment venues and premises used by community groups. The advice includes routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched objects and basic handwashing.
Sony is to delay the release of Peter Rabbit 2 until August amid coronavirus disruption, Variety reports.
Given the disruptions starting to emerge due to the coronavirus outbreak, Sony has moved to push back the sequel’s launch in the UK and European markets until 7 August.
President Emmanuel Macron of France has issued the following announcement, saying we each have an individual responsibility as we face Covid-19.
The number of Scots diagnosed with coronavirus has increased to 27, the Scottish government confirmed.
The total number of positive tests for the disease, known as Covid-19, has risen by four from Monday. So far, there have been 2,234 tests for the virus carried out in Scotland, of which 2,207 were negative.
Four new cases of Covid-19 have been detected in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number to 16, PA Media reports.
All four are adults. One case involved recent travel from northern Italy. Three can be traced to a previously reported case that involved recent travel to northern Italy.
A staff member at Aintree University hospital in Liverpool has tested positive for coronavirus. The Liverpool Echo reported the staff member was a male consultant surgeon who had returned from Italy.A staff member at Aintree University hospital in Liverpool has tested positive for coronavirus. The Liverpool Echo reported the staff member was a male consultant surgeon who had returned from Italy.
A spokesman for Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust did not confirm or deny the report. He said: “A member of staff has been in self-isolation since being confirmed as positive for Covid-19.A spokesman for Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust did not confirm or deny the report. He said: “A member of staff has been in self-isolation since being confirmed as positive for Covid-19.
“We have contacted all the patients that are identified as coming into contact with the staff member and are working with Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England to inform and advise those who may have come into contact with this individual.“We have contacted all the patients that are identified as coming into contact with the staff member and are working with Public Health England (PHE) and NHS England to inform and advise those who may have come into contact with this individual.
“Aintree University hospital remains open and patients should attend their appointments as planned.”“Aintree University hospital remains open and patients should attend their appointments as planned.”
A sixth patient has died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus, NHS England has confirmed.A sixth patient has died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus, NHS England has confirmed.
A statement from West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Watford General hospital, and had tested positive for Covid-19, has died.A statement from West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a man who was being cared for at Watford General hospital, and had tested positive for Covid-19, has died.
“The patient, who died in the evening of Monday March 9, was in his early 80s and had underlying health conditions. His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.”“The patient, who died in the evening of Monday March 9, was in his early 80s and had underlying health conditions. His family has been informed and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.”
Six people in Brunei have tested positive for the coronavirus after the tiny Southeast Asian nation reported its first case a day ago, Reuters reports. Six people in Brunei have tested positive for the coronavirus after the tiny south-east Asian nation reported its first case a day ago, Reuters reports.
The first coronavirus patient in the sultanate was a 53-year-old Bruneian man who returned from the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on March 3 and started showing symptoms four days later, Brunei’s health ministry said. The first coronavirus patient in the sultanate was a 53-year-old Bruneian man who returned from the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, on 3 March and started showing symptoms four days later, Brunei’s health ministry said.
He was one of 90 Bruneians who attended a mass gathering of Islamic missionaries at a mosque in Kuala Lumpur. The health ministry has quarantined more than 20 individuals who came into close contact with the man, and is urging Bruneians who attended the gathering to come forward for testing.He was one of 90 Bruneians who attended a mass gathering of Islamic missionaries at a mosque in Kuala Lumpur. The health ministry has quarantined more than 20 individuals who came into close contact with the man, and is urging Bruneians who attended the gathering to come forward for testing.
In neighbouring Malaysia, the prime minister’s office said 12 more people tested positive on Tuesday, taking the total to 129.In neighbouring Malaysia, the prime minister’s office said 12 more people tested positive on Tuesday, taking the total to 129.
The Spanish parliament’s lower house has suspended all activities for at least a week after lawmaker Javier Ortega Smith’s party Vox disclosed he was diagnosed with coronavirus, El Pais newspaper reported. The Spanish parliament’s lower house has suspended all activities for at least a week after lawmaker Javier Ortega Smith’s party Vox disclosed he was diagnosed with coronavirus, El País newspaper reported.
Ortega Smith, who is also the far right party’s number two, participated in a large scale political rally last weekend with the presence of many of the party’s other legislators. Ortega Smith, who is also the far-right party’s number two, participated in a large-scale political rally last weekend with the presence of many of the party’s other legislators. He and his 51 fellow lawmakers from the Vox party will work from home.
He and his 51 fellow lawmakers from Vox party will work from home.
Reuters said officials in parliament could not immediately confirm the shutdown.Reuters said officials in parliament could not immediately confirm the shutdown.
Public Health England has published a breakdown of Covid-19 cases by local authority in England, which can be viewed here.Public Health England has published a breakdown of Covid-19 cases by local authority in England, which can be viewed here.
It comes a week after a U-turn over a controversial decision to withhold information about the spread of the coronavirus.It comes a week after a U-turn over a controversial decision to withhold information about the spread of the coronavirus.
Apple now says you can use alcohol wipes to clean your phone, after a decade of insisting it will damage the touchscreen if you use anything other than “a soft, lint-free cloth”.Apple now says you can use alcohol wipes to clean your phone, after a decade of insisting it will damage the touchscreen if you use anything other than “a soft, lint-free cloth”.
In an update to its support pages, published on Monday, the company has added a specific box-out to answer the question: “Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my Apple product?” While the update is not specifically linked to coronavirus, it comes as experts around the world highlight the need for sanitation to prevent further spread of the virus.In an update to its support pages, published on Monday, the company has added a specific box-out to answer the question: “Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my Apple product?” While the update is not specifically linked to coronavirus, it comes as experts around the world highlight the need for sanitation to prevent further spread of the virus.
“Using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or clorox disinfecting wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, non-porous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces,” the company says. “Don’t use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don’t submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents.”“Using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or clorox disinfecting wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, non-porous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces,” the company says. “Don’t use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don’t submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents.”
Users had previously been warned that disinfectant wipes may damage the oleophobic coating on the screen, which helps keep them free of fingerprint smudges.Users had previously been warned that disinfectant wipes may damage the oleophobic coating on the screen, which helps keep them free of fingerprint smudges.
In Greece, calls are growing for the Greek Orthodox Church to listen to scientists on the issue of how best to deal with Covid-19 after it refused to suspend ecclesiastical services and sacred rites such as holy communion.In Greece, calls are growing for the Greek Orthodox Church to listen to scientists on the issue of how best to deal with Covid-19 after it refused to suspend ecclesiastical services and sacred rites such as holy communion.
Debate over the church’s stance intensified after its governing body debunked any suggestion that the novel coronavirus could be transmitted when worshippers participated in shared rituals such as communion. Debate over the church’s stance intensified after its governing body objected to any suggestion that the novel coronavirus could be transmitted when worshippers participated in shared rituals such as communion.
In a statement on Monday, the Holy Synod announced “with a sense of responsibility” that it would continue to hold services and conduct the sacrament despite public health concerns raised by the issue of shared chalices.In a statement on Monday, the Holy Synod announced “with a sense of responsibility” that it would continue to hold services and conduct the sacrament despite public health concerns raised by the issue of shared chalices.
“For the members of the church, attendance of the divine eucharist and the shared cup of life, of course cannot be a cause of transmission of illness,” the body of senior clerics said in the statement. “Believers of all ages know that attending communion, even in the midst of a pandemic, is both a practical affirmation of self-surrender to the living god and a potent manifestation of love, which vanquishes every human and perhaps justified fear.”“For the members of the church, attendance of the divine eucharist and the shared cup of life, of course cannot be a cause of transmission of illness,” the body of senior clerics said in the statement. “Believers of all ages know that attending communion, even in the midst of a pandemic, is both a practical affirmation of self-surrender to the living god and a potent manifestation of love, which vanquishes every human and perhaps justified fear.”
Medical authorities, including the federation representing doctors’ unions, have decried what they described as the obscurantism of clerics invoking religious belief as a bulwark against the virus.Medical authorities, including the federation representing doctors’ unions, have decried what they described as the obscurantism of clerics invoking religious belief as a bulwark against the virus.
Possibly because of its influence as one of the most powerful institutions in a country where church and state have yet to be separated, the centre-right government has been slow to condemn the stance.Possibly because of its influence as one of the most powerful institutions in a country where church and state have yet to be separated, the centre-right government has been slow to condemn the stance.
When asked during an interview on state-run TV what Greeks should do, Dora Bakoyannis, the former foreign minister and sister of the prime minister, Kyrakos Mitsotakis, said science had spoken and had to be listened to.When asked during an interview on state-run TV what Greeks should do, Dora Bakoyannis, the former foreign minister and sister of the prime minister, Kyrakos Mitsotakis, said science had spoken and had to be listened to.
“I am a person who listens to experts and experts are saying very specific things, such as this virus is transmitted through human contact, through saliva etc,” she told the station. “Science has spoken,” she added, welcoming the news that some bishops were considering conducting open air services in the run-up to Orthodox Easter.“I am a person who listens to experts and experts are saying very specific things, such as this virus is transmitted through human contact, through saliva etc,” she told the station. “Science has spoken,” she added, welcoming the news that some bishops were considering conducting open air services in the run-up to Orthodox Easter.
While the church has warned the faithful against kissing icons or clerics’ hands – traditions in eastern Orthodoxy – some say it is not enough.While the church has warned the faithful against kissing icons or clerics’ hands – traditions in eastern Orthodoxy – some say it is not enough.
Elias Mossialos, a professor of health policy at the London School of Economics, argued in an article for the Greek daily Ta Nea that the time had come for religious people to follow services on TV. “Vulnerable groups of believers who are the majority of those who go to church,” he wrote, referring to the older generation, “should watch services on television and holy communion should stop for the duration of the epidemic.”Elias Mossialos, a professor of health policy at the London School of Economics, argued in an article for the Greek daily Ta Nea that the time had come for religious people to follow services on TV. “Vulnerable groups of believers who are the majority of those who go to church,” he wrote, referring to the older generation, “should watch services on television and holy communion should stop for the duration of the epidemic.”
Harvard University has told students not to return to its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the end of spring break on 23 March, when all classes will be conducted online.Harvard University has told students not to return to its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the end of spring break on 23 March, when all classes will be conducted online.
Larry Bacow, Harvard’s president, told students and staff in a message this morning that the university is “transitioning to virtual instruction for graduate and undergraduate classes” and that non-essential gatherings will be limited to 25 people.Larry Bacow, Harvard’s president, told students and staff in a message this morning that the university is “transitioning to virtual instruction for graduate and undergraduate classes” and that non-essential gatherings will be limited to 25 people.
“To our students, I know it will be difficult to leave your friends and your classrooms. We are doing this not just to protect you but also to protect other members of or community who may be more vulnerable to this disease than you are,” Bacow said.“To our students, I know it will be difficult to leave your friends and your classrooms. We are doing this not just to protect you but also to protect other members of or community who may be more vulnerable to this disease than you are,” Bacow said.
The full statement can be read here.The full statement can be read here.
Trinity College Dublin is closing its lecture halls and other buildings amid the coronavirus threat.Trinity College Dublin is closing its lecture halls and other buildings amid the coronavirus threat.
In a statement posted on the university’s website, it said: “From tomorrow morning (Wednesday 11th), all lectures will be delivered online for the rest of the semester rather than physically in a lecture hall.In a statement posted on the university’s website, it said: “From tomorrow morning (Wednesday 11th), all lectures will be delivered online for the rest of the semester rather than physically in a lecture hall.
“However, tutorials, seminars and laboratory practicals will all continue to be given in the usual fashion while using social distancing protocols. This will allow Trinity to maintain continuity of teaching and learning while minimising the need to bring together students in large groups.“However, tutorials, seminars and laboratory practicals will all continue to be given in the usual fashion while using social distancing protocols. This will allow Trinity to maintain continuity of teaching and learning while minimising the need to bring together students in large groups.
“This will slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus, but further measures may be necessary and these arrangements will be kept under continuous review.”“This will slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus, but further measures may be necessary and these arrangements will be kept under continuous review.”
Alitalia is continuing to operate two services between Rome and London Heathrow today, tomorrow and in the coming days, airline sources have said.
It is also offering change fee waivers to anyone holding tickets for future travel to and from the country. More information here.
Austria is taking drastic measures in response to the nationwide lockdown in its southern neighbour Italy.
The chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, today announced an entry ban for people entering Austria from Italy by car, train or plane, unless they can provide a doctor’s certificate. Controls will be imposed along the border between the two countries.
Austrians visiting Italy would be allowed to return home if they agree to a two-week home quarantine. Cargo transport would be allowed to continue, though additional health checks would be put into place, Kurz said.
So far there have been 157 confirmed infections with the Covid-19 virus in the alpine state. “The number of infections in Austria is still very low, but the growth rates are enormous”, said Kurz. “The death rates in Italy are also high. The mortality rate is significantly higher than with the flu. Therefore we have been forced to set measures.”
Further measures put in place in Austria include a ban on outdoor events with more than 500 people and indoor events with more than 100 people, including private parties and weddings. For now, the ban is scheduled to last until April and will affect numerous sports events and trade fairs.
University teaching will be temporarily suspended, though schools and nurseries are for now to stay open.
Morocco has reported its first death from the coronavirus. The country’s health ministry confirmed on Tuesday the death in Casablanca, as its overall number of new infections rose to three.
The patient, who entered Morocco from Italy’s Bologna, is an 89-year-old Moroccan woman suffering from respiratory and heart diseases, the ministry said in a statement.
Morocco cancelled all trips to and from Italy, banned fans from attending football matches, and cancelled events involving foreign travellers and gatherings of more than 1,000 people as precautionary measures to avert an outbreak of the virus.
Iran’s health ministry spokesman today revealed record numbers of deaths and new confirmed cases. There have been 881 new infections in the past 24 hours, with 54 deaths. The number of confirmed cases has reached 8,042 and the total number of deaths 291.
Local hospitals, using different less stringent criteria, report higher numbers, and the government is still under criticism for failing to do more to quarantine the worst affected cities especially the spiritual city of Qom. Critics of the regime claim more than 150 have died in Tehran alone.
The health ministry has said it has no motive to massage the figures and points to an endorsement of its methods from the World Health Organization. The number of those that had recovered had reached 2,731.
But the president, Hassan Rouhani, today spoke to governors of some of the worst affected provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran and Qom to gain a frank assessment of the strains their local hospital services are suffering. The outbreak is nationwide but concentrated in the north and centre of the country.
Plans are being prepared to extend hospital to stadiums and other areas. The president is also looking into using armed force medical personnel to supplement strained local hospitals staff. Ironically, Iran, seen as a highly authoritarian state, has not taken the drastic emergency measures adopted in a country such as Italy, reflecting the many centres of power within the country. Qom, the epicentre of the outbreak has not bene fully quanatined.
Radio Farda, the US government-funded branch of Radio Free Europe. has claimed 200 people have died in the northern province of Gilan alone. In Qom, at least 120 people have died and in Isfahan 103. It claims the total number of deaths is 927.
In further measures, the culture ministry has closed all libraries museums and palaces.
The country itself is itself almost closed to its neighbours. Countries, including Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, have blocked joint borders with Iran and suspended foreign flights to Iran. Domestic airlines are also not allowed to fly abroad.
Efforts were also under way to dispel rumours that there are two types of coronavirus at present. Ayotallah Ali Khamenei has agreed to a health ministry proposal that doctors, medical staff and nurses that died treating coronavirus patients should be designated as martyrs.
Patrick Strzoda, Emmanuel Macron’s office director, is working from home awaiting the results of a coronavirus test after reportedly he came into contact with a person confirmed as having the virus last week.
The Élysée said it was a “precautionary measure vis-à-vis the president”, adding: ”He will be tested today or tomorrow. His deputy will carry on his work.”
Ryanair has cancelled all international flights to and from Italy from Saturday until 9 April, the airline has announced.
Passengers needing to return home can switch to flights operating up to the end of Friday. A Ryanair spokesman said: “Ryanair apologises sincerely to all customers for these schedule disruptions, which are caused by national government restrictions and the latest decision of the Italian government to lock down the entire country to combat the Covid-19 virus.”
The Evening Standard, which will be hitting the newsstands in London this lunchtime, picks up on the warning earlier from the country’s deputy chief medical officer that “many thousands of people” in the UK will contract coronavirus.
More from the Commons, where Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth is quizzing the UK government on its response to the coronavirus outbreak. Asked about the government’s advice to those with underlying health conditions and “what lessons the government has learned from the Italians on their handling of coronavirus to date and why we are taking a different approach”, the health minister Jo Churchill said:
The latest from the European centre for disease prevention and control is that 14,890 cases have been reported in the EU/EEA and the UK: Italy (9,172), France (1,412), Spain (1,204), Germany (1,139), Netherlands (321), United Kingdom (321), Sweden (248), Belgium (239), Norway (192), Austria (131), Denmark (113), Greece (84), Iceland (65), Czech Republic (40), Finland (40), Portugal (39), Ireland (21), Poland (17), Romania (17), Slovenia (16), Croatia (12), Estonia (10), Hungary (9), Latvia (6), Luxembourg (5), Slovakia (5), Bulgaria (4), Malta (4), Cyprus (2), Liechtenstein (1) and Lithuania (1).
As of 10 March, 532 deaths have been reported in the EU/EEA and the UK: Italy (464), France (30), Spain (28), United Kingdom (5), Netherlands (3) and Germany (2).
The protocol for people returning to the UK from Italy – which is on a country-wide lockdown, is still unclear.
At Heathrow, Italian nationals and others who cannot easily self-isolate are being asked if they want to self-quarantine in a large nearby hotel, No 10 said on Tuesday. This is thought to be the Holiday Inn that has been used for some Chinese and South Korean passengers in recent weeks.
However, this is not compulsory so only some people are taking the government up on the offer. Return travellers therefore appear to be free to travel home via public transport, even though they are supposed to be self-isolating for 14 days. It is not known whether they are being offered masks to prevent fellow passengers from possible transmission. It is also unclear what the procedures are for those returning from other airports.
It is understood that Cobra will meet on Wednesday and Thursday this week.The first meeting is to discuss emergency government legislation, thesecond will discuss the next steps that might be taken. This is likelyto encompass advice for older people and those with higher riskmedical conditions.