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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
(32 minutes later)
BA and Ryanair cancel flights, Greece and Spain close schools, as universities in US and Ireland among those moving lectures onlineBA and Ryanair cancel flights, Greece and Spain close schools, as universities in US and Ireland among those moving lectures online
Cyprus has now announced emergency measures to combat the spread of Covid-19, a day after two people on the island were revealed to have contracted coronavirus, Helena Smith, the Guardian’s Athens correspondent, reports. Local media in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reported the first case of coronavirus in the vast central African state, Jason Burke, the Guardian’s Africa correspondent, reports.
Following a cabinet meeting, the government announced that schools in Nicosia, the capital, would be temporarily closed and football matches – one of the former British colony’s most popular team sports – held henceforth behind closed doors. A foreigner who flew into Kinshasa, the capital, from Belgium tested positive on arrival and has since been isolated. Officials say that measures were being taken to identify and test anyone who had been in contact with the traveller, with potential quarantine if necessary. The male traveller had not shown any symptoms on leaving Europe, it was reported.
Gatherings of more than 75 people will also be prohibited. With church services being included in the ban president Nicos Anastasiades called the head of the church, Archbishop Chrysostomos, to inform him of the decision – in sharp contrast to Greece where fierce debate has been ignited by the church’s insistence on holding services including the sacrament of Holy Communion despite public health fears. The DRC’s minister of health has asked people to remain calm and follow the recommended measures to ensure good hygiene.
“All mass events, assemblies, concerts, and parades in public venues are cancelled,” the island’s health minister Constantinos Ioannou told reporters. Like several other African nations, the DRC has said it will quarantine any arrivals from China, Iran, Iraq, Germany, France and Italy.
The coronavirus is spreading across the continent, though the vast majority of the near 100 cases so far detected are in Egypt and Algeria. There have been seven cases in South Africa, among a group who travelled to Italy to ski.
Though local conditions vary, experts fear that weak health systems in many African nations will undermine the official response to the disease. Youthful populations may, however, prove more resilient.
The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, has reported 31 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state, making a total of 173.
Cuomo also announced that he had deployed the national guard to New Rochelle, north of New York City, which has been identified as a coronavirus hot spot, CNBC reports. Schools in the district will be closed from two weeks from Thursday, he said.
North-east Texas has confirmed its first case of coronavirus, the Longview News-Journal reports.
“The patient traveled within the continental United States, has mild illness and has continued self-isolation in their home,” the paper reports.
Cyprus has announced emergency measures to combat the spread of Covid-19, a day after two people on the island were revealed to have contracted coronavirus, Helena Smith, the Guardian’s Athens correspondent, reports.
Following a cabinet meeting, the government announced that schools in Nicosia, the capital, would be temporarily closed and football matches – one of the former British colony’s most popular team sports – held behind closed doors.
Gatherings of more than 75 people will also be prohibited. With church services being included in the ban, president Nicos Anastasiades called the head of the church, Archbishop Chrysostomos, to inform him of the decision – in sharp contrast to Greece, where fierce debate has been ignited by the church’s insistence on holding services, including the sacrament of holy communion despite public health fears.
“All mass events, assemblies, concerts, and parades in public venues are cancelled,” the island’s health minister, Constantinos Ioannou, told reporters.
Speaking after the four-hour cabinet meeting, Ioannou said four of the checkpoint crossings connecting the island’s internationally recognised Greek south with the Turkish-run north will remain closed at least until next week, protests notwithstanding.Speaking after the four-hour cabinet meeting, Ioannou said four of the checkpoint crossings connecting the island’s internationally recognised Greek south with the Turkish-run north will remain closed at least until next week, protests notwithstanding.
The breakaway state announced its first case of Covid-19 earlier Tuesday, saying a German woman holidaying in the north had tested positive for the virus. The breakaway state announced its first case of Covid-19 earlier on Tuesday, saying a German woman holidaying in the north had tested positive for the virus.
The University of Cyprus said it would also halt classes until March 25th. The University of Cyprus said it would also halt classes until 25 March. The government had taken the extraordinary measure of calling for people flying into the island to self–isolate for 14-days – in echoes of a similar move announced by Israel on Monday.
The government had taken the extraordinary measure of calling for people flying into the island to self–isolate for 14-days – in echoes of a similar move announced by Israel on Monday. The UK and Greece, originally among those countries listed for the obligatory quarantine period, were eventually removed from the list when it was realised that the measure was likely to have a disastrous effect on the economy.
The UK and Greece, originally among those countries listed for the obligatory quarantine period, were eventually removed when it was realised that the measure was likely to have a disastrous effect on the economy.
Kensington and Chelsea in London is the UK local authority with the biggest daily increase in coronavirus infections, according to data just released by the Department of Health and Social Care.Kensington and Chelsea in London is the UK local authority with the biggest daily increase in coronavirus infections, according to data just released by the Department of Health and Social Care.
DHSC just updated its breakdown of cases by local authority, which now shows the number of cases in each area as of 9am this morning. Five new cases were detected in Kensington and Chelsea, one of the UK’s wealthiest areas, bringing the total in the borough to 13.DHSC just updated its breakdown of cases by local authority, which now shows the number of cases in each area as of 9am this morning. Five new cases were detected in Kensington and Chelsea, one of the UK’s wealthiest areas, bringing the total in the borough to 13.
The area with the most cases overall remains Hertfordshire, with three new cases bringing the total in the county to 16.The area with the most cases overall remains Hertfordshire, with three new cases bringing the total in the county to 16.
Barnet, Southwark and Tower Hamlets in London have also registered three new cases apiece, as has Hampshire on the south coast.Barnet, Southwark and Tower Hamlets in London have also registered three new cases apiece, as has Hampshire on the south coast.
These are the local authorities with the most cases so far:These are the local authorities with the most cases so far:
Hertfordshire 16Hertfordshire 16
Kensington and Chelsea 13Kensington and Chelsea 13
Devon 13Devon 13
Hampshire 10Hampshire 10
Barnet 8Barnet 8
Southwark 8Southwark 8
Brighton and Hove 8Brighton and Hove 8
The NHS’s 111 online website appears not to have been updated to take account of the latest public health information on coronavirus stating that travellers returning to the UK from Italy should self-isolate, even if asymptomatic, my colleague Ben Quinn reports.The NHS’s 111 online website appears not to have been updated to take account of the latest public health information on coronavirus stating that travellers returning to the UK from Italy should self-isolate, even if asymptomatic, my colleague Ben Quinn reports.
In an indication of how public health systems are struggling to keep up with a fast-moving crisis, those who visit the online equivalent of the NHS telephone helpline and indicate that they have returned from Italy end up being advised that they do not need to speak to anybody as they have not been to a place that means they need to need to self-isolate.In an indication of how public health systems are struggling to keep up with a fast-moving crisis, those who visit the online equivalent of the NHS telephone helpline and indicate that they have returned from Italy end up being advised that they do not need to speak to anybody as they have not been to a place that means they need to need to self-isolate.
The out-of-date guidance is on a “quiz” that members of the public can use and which takes them through questions asking, for example, if they have been to China’s Hubei province in the last 14 days.The out-of-date guidance is on a “quiz” that members of the public can use and which takes them through questions asking, for example, if they have been to China’s Hubei province in the last 14 days.
It comes after the entire state of Italy was designated on Monday in British governmenthealth guidance as being in “category 1”, along with Iran, Hubei and some parts of South Korea.It comes after the entire state of Italy was designated on Monday in British governmenthealth guidance as being in “category 1”, along with Iran, Hubei and some parts of South Korea.
Travellers coming from those areas and countries are told they should self-isolate, even if asymptomatic. It advises them to go home to their destination and self isolate.Travellers coming from those areas and countries are told they should self-isolate, even if asymptomatic. It advises them to go home to their destination and self isolate.
Parents in and around Madrid were urgently trying to arrange impromptu childcare on Tuesday following the regional government’s decision to close all schools in the area for a fortnight in an effort to arrest the spread of the coronavirus, reports the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent Sam Jones.Parents in and around Madrid were urgently trying to arrange impromptu childcare on Tuesday following the regional government’s decision to close all schools in the area for a fortnight in an effort to arrest the spread of the coronavirus, reports the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent Sam Jones.
Spain has so far confirmed 1,646 cases of the virus – 782 of them in the Madrid region – and 35 deaths. On Monday evening, the regional government said that all nurseries, schools and universities would closed their doors on Wednesday and remain shut until 23 March.Spain has so far confirmed 1,646 cases of the virus – 782 of them in the Madrid region – and 35 deaths. On Monday evening, the regional government said that all nurseries, schools and universities would closed their doors on Wednesday and remain shut until 23 March.
On Tuesday, the central government announced its own countermeasures, banning all public events involving more than 1,000 people in Madrid, two areas of the Basque country, and the neighbouring region of La Rioja. It also announced a ban on all flights from Italian airports.On Tuesday, the central government announced its own countermeasures, banning all public events involving more than 1,000 people in Madrid, two areas of the Basque country, and the neighbouring region of La Rioja. It also announced a ban on all flights from Italian airports.
The announcements came as the far-right Vox party apologised for holding a 9,000-person rally in Madrid on Sunday and confirmed that its general secretary had tested positive for the coronavirus and had gone into voluntary quarantine.The announcements came as the far-right Vox party apologised for holding a 9,000-person rally in Madrid on Sunday and confirmed that its general secretary had tested positive for the coronavirus and had gone into voluntary quarantine.
Andrew Cuomo, the New York governor, is giving his regular coronavirus update.Andrew Cuomo, the New York governor, is giving his regular coronavirus update.
The testing crisis in the United States continues, with the governor of North Carolina warning that his state has only enough supplies left to test 300 more people.The testing crisis in the United States continues, with the governor of North Carolina warning that his state has only enough supplies left to test 300 more people.
The comments by Roy Cooper came as the US Senate’s top democrat warned that the country was “far behind” in testing people for the new coronavirus and said the Trump administration should make ramping up that capability its highest priority in fighting the outbreak.The comments by Roy Cooper came as the US Senate’s top democrat warned that the country was “far behind” in testing people for the new coronavirus and said the Trump administration should make ramping up that capability its highest priority in fighting the outbreak.
“This is a healthcare crisis, it demands a healthcare solution,” Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said on the floor of the Senate as lawmakers considered measures to protect the economy from a sharp contraction due to the outbrea, according to Reuters.“This is a healthcare crisis, it demands a healthcare solution,” Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said on the floor of the Senate as lawmakers considered measures to protect the economy from a sharp contraction due to the outbrea, according to Reuters.
A total of 761 confirmed cases of the coronavirus were confirmed nationwide as of late Tuesday morning, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. There have been 27 U.S. coronavirus-related deaths, most of them in Washington state.A total of 761 confirmed cases of the coronavirus were confirmed nationwide as of late Tuesday morning, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. There have been 27 U.S. coronavirus-related deaths, most of them in Washington state.
Transport for London, which controls much of the public transport in the UK capital, has announced an enhanced cleaning regime across the bus and tube networks.Transport for London, which controls much of the public transport in the UK capital, has announced an enhanced cleaning regime across the bus and tube networks.
Cleaning across both networks will now use “additional substances that kill viruses and bacteria on contact”. According to the announcement:Cleaning across both networks will now use “additional substances that kill viruses and bacteria on contact”. According to the announcement:
The transport union the TSSA welcomed the move, which comes as its general secretary, Manuel Cortes, wrote to Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, calling on him to implement similar measures to those being employed by TfL. Cortes said:The transport union the TSSA welcomed the move, which comes as its general secretary, Manuel Cortes, wrote to Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, calling on him to implement similar measures to those being employed by TfL. Cortes said:
Despite warnings over mass gatherings and the spread of the coronavirus, the mayor of a small town in France has defended a record-breaking rally of people dressed as Smurfs that went ahead in France over the weekend.Despite warnings over mass gatherings and the spread of the coronavirus, the mayor of a small town in France has defended a record-breaking rally of people dressed as Smurfs that went ahead in France over the weekend.
Just a day before French authorities banned all gatherings of more than 1,000 people, in a bid to contain the virus, more than 3,500 painted their faces blue and donned the cartoon characters’ liberty cap-style headgear for the gathering in Landerneau, western France.Just a day before French authorities banned all gatherings of more than 1,000 people, in a bid to contain the virus, more than 3,500 painted their faces blue and donned the cartoon characters’ liberty cap-style headgear for the gathering in Landerneau, western France.
The Smurf rally drew criticism particularly from the media in Italy, which is battling Europe’s most intense outbreak. But Patrick Leclerc, the mayor of Landerneau, said:The Smurf rally drew criticism particularly from the media in Italy, which is battling Europe’s most intense outbreak. But Patrick Leclerc, the mayor of Landerneau, said:
In Greece, the government has just announced that all schools and universities in the whole country will shut down for the next 14 days.In Greece, the government has just announced that all schools and universities in the whole country will shut down for the next 14 days.
All schools, universities, daycare centres and other educational establishments will close from tomorrow. Greece has so far reported 89 confirmed cases of coronavirus but no deaths.All schools, universities, daycare centres and other educational establishments will close from tomorrow. Greece has so far reported 89 confirmed cases of coronavirus but no deaths.
Announcing the move, Vassilis Kikilias, the health minister, was quoted by Reuters as saying:Announcing the move, Vassilis Kikilias, the health minister, was quoted by Reuters as saying:
With its limited social safety net, the US seems to outside observers to be particularly vulnerable to an outbreak of coronavirus. Sam Levin, one of the Guardian’s US correspondents, has spoken to California’s homeless organisations, which say they lack the resources and government support to stop the spread of infections.With its limited social safety net, the US seems to outside observers to be particularly vulnerable to an outbreak of coronavirus. Sam Levin, one of the Guardian’s US correspondents, has spoken to California’s homeless organisations, which say they lack the resources and government support to stop the spread of infections.
Malta has confirmed its fifth case of Covid-19, the Times of Malta reports, after an existing patient’s daughter tested positive for the coronavirus.Malta has confirmed its fifth case of Covid-19, the Times of Malta reports, after an existing patient’s daughter tested positive for the coronavirus.
The 16-year-old was reported to be in good health. She and her father, 49, had been on a ski trip to Trentino Alto Adige in Italy between 23-27 February, returning via Treviso.The 16-year-old was reported to be in good health. She and her father, 49, had been on a ski trip to Trentino Alto Adige in Italy between 23-27 February, returning via Treviso.
Her mother tested negative for the virus.Her mother tested negative for the virus.
This is Damien Gayle taking over the coronavirus live blog now for the next few hours, as Asia goes to sleep, Europe moves into the late afternoon and the Americas wake up.This is Damien Gayle taking over the coronavirus live blog now for the next few hours, as Asia goes to sleep, Europe moves into the late afternoon and the Americas wake up.
As usual, I’ll be aggregating the most important news about the developing outbreak from the Guardian’s staff, the news wire agencies, social media and other sources.As usual, I’ll be aggregating the most important news about the developing outbreak from the Guardian’s staff, the news wire agencies, social media and other sources.
Please let me know if you have any news or tips you think I should be including in our coverage, either at damien.gayle@theguardian.com or via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.Please let me know if you have any news or tips you think I should be including in our coverage, either at damien.gayle@theguardian.com or via my Twitter profile, @damiengayle.
The UN is asking for urgent donations to prepare for the health needs of displaced people affected by the coronavirus outbreak.The UN is asking for urgent donations to prepare for the health needs of displaced people affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
UNHCR has said it is looking for an initial $33m “to boost the preparedness, prevention and response activities to address the immediate public health needs of refugees prompted by Covid-19”.UNHCR has said it is looking for an initial $33m “to boost the preparedness, prevention and response activities to address the immediate public health needs of refugees prompted by Covid-19”.
Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees, said:Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees, said:
Government figures on the geographical spread of the virus reveal new and increased cases in 24 council areas of England, according to analysis by the Guardian’s data team.The geographical figures, now released daily with a 24-hour delay to allow for verification, show eight areas where the virus has been detected for the first time.Government figures on the geographical spread of the virus reveal new and increased cases in 24 council areas of England, according to analysis by the Guardian’s data team.The geographical figures, now released daily with a 24-hour delay to allow for verification, show eight areas where the virus has been detected for the first time.
They are: Dudley, Enfield, North Somerset, Suffolk, Sunderland, Sutton, Waltham Forrest, Wolverhampton and Havering where two new cases were confirmed.Most of the areas report increases of one case, but in Camden and Oldham new cases doubled from two to four, and in Southwark and Nottinghamshire they increased from three to five.The other areas reporting increases in cases were: Barnet, Bolton, Brighton, Cornwall, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Surrey, Torbay and Warwickshire.They are: Dudley, Enfield, North Somerset, Suffolk, Sunderland, Sutton, Waltham Forrest, Wolverhampton and Havering where two new cases were confirmed.Most of the areas report increases of one case, but in Camden and Oldham new cases doubled from two to four, and in Southwark and Nottinghamshire they increased from three to five.The other areas reporting increases in cases were: Barnet, Bolton, Brighton, Cornwall, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Surrey, Torbay and Warwickshire.