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Coronavirus live updates: number of deaths outside China passes 1,000 as Italy records highest one-day toll Coronavirus live updates: number of deaths outside China passes 1,000 as Italy records highest one-day toll
(31 minutes later)
UK death toll rises to six as Italy lockdown comes into force, Greece and Spain close schools, and universities in US and Ireland move lectures onlineUK death toll rises to six as Italy lockdown comes into force, Greece and Spain close schools, and universities in US and Ireland move lectures online
Ireland has reported 10 new cases of Coronavirus, bringing its total to 34, Rory Carroll reports from Dublin.
The biggest day-on-day rise includes two health workers possibly infected at hospitals, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (NPHET) said in a statement on Tuesday evening.
Blanket socially restrictive actions around hospitals and nursing homes were not yet necessary, it said. “People are encouraged to follow respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene practices in order to protect vulnerable groups, including older people and patients with underlying conditions. People should not visit if they themselves are unwell.”
There have been 1,784 suspected cases tested in Ireland – a spike of 1,387 tests in one week.
Thousands of passengers aboard a cruise ship struck by the coronavirus waited anxiously Tuesday for their turn to leave the vessel moored in the San Francisco Bay Area, even if it meant being shipped to military bases for weeks of quarantine.
After days of idling off the northern California coast because of evidence that it was the breeding ground for new coronavirus infections, the Grand Princess docked Monday at the port of Oakland with about 3,500 passengers and crew onboard, including 21 who had tested positive for the virus.
About two dozen people who needed acute medical care were taken off the ship first on Monday, although it was not clear how many had tested positive for the virus, said Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the California Office of Emergency Services.
Many of the nearly 240 Canadians onboard left the ship after the critically ill departed and stood outside two tents displaying Canadian flags. Canada and Britain were among the countries sending chartered flights to retrieve their citizens. The ship carried people from 54 countries, and foreigners were to be flown home.
Authorities in Cuba have implemented surveillance measures at all ports and airports to prevent the arrival and spread of coronavirus in the Caribbean country, the Cuban news agency Prensa Latina reports.
So far just one death from Covid-19 has been reported from anywhere in Latin America, that of a 64-year-old man in Argentina who had recently travelled to Europe.
According to the latest figures collected by Johns Hopkins University, Brazil has the most cases on the continent, with 31, followed by Argentina with 17, Ecuador with 15, Chile with 13, and Peru with 11.
People in Brazil are outraged that far-right president Jair Bolsonaro dismissed the coronavirus today as a “small crisis” and “much more fantasy” than what “the mainstream media propagates” at an investors event in Miami today, Sam Cowie reports.People in Brazil are outraged that far-right president Jair Bolsonaro dismissed the coronavirus today as a “small crisis” and “much more fantasy” than what “the mainstream media propagates” at an investors event in Miami today, Sam Cowie reports.
Despite global economic turmoil, which has rocked Brazil’s currency and stock market, Bolsonaro, who is in the United States on a visit, appears to be echoing the nonchalant response to the crisis of his political idol Donald Trump, with whom he dined at the US president’s Mar-a-Largo Florida resort this weekend.Despite global economic turmoil, which has rocked Brazil’s currency and stock market, Bolsonaro, who is in the United States on a visit, appears to be echoing the nonchalant response to the crisis of his political idol Donald Trump, with whom he dined at the US president’s Mar-a-Largo Florida resort this weekend.
Brazil, South America’s most populous and wealthy nation has so far held out against the worst of the coronavirus epidemic, with just 25 confirmed cases so far and no deaths, according to the health ministry.Brazil, South America’s most populous and wealthy nation has so far held out against the worst of the coronavirus epidemic, with just 25 confirmed cases so far and no deaths, according to the health ministry.
But a Bolsonaro supporters rally, scheduled for this Saturday and criticised by many as anti-democratic for targeting congress and the Supreme Court, institutions that have so far curbed the worst of the former army captain’s authoritarian instincts, could end up being cancelled for fears of the virus spreading further, though some organisers share the president’s skepticism.But a Bolsonaro supporters rally, scheduled for this Saturday and criticised by many as anti-democratic for targeting congress and the Supreme Court, institutions that have so far curbed the worst of the former army captain’s authoritarian instincts, could end up being cancelled for fears of the virus spreading further, though some organisers share the president’s skepticism.
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, has announced the launch of a new government visualisation tool showing the extent of the coronavirus outbreak here in the UK.Matt Hancock, the health secretary, has announced the launch of a new government visualisation tool showing the extent of the coronavirus outbreak here in the UK.
The tool doesn’t seem terribly granular: the heat map oddly only shows the number of cases by UK country. But it seems to be a good way of getting a sense of the extent of the outbreak at a glance. At first glace, the tool doesn’t seem terribly granular: the heat map only shows the number of cases by UK country. But if you zoom in it shows the data by local authority area.
(With thanks to the readers who wrote and tweeted to put me right on this.)
Antonia Wilson, on the Guardian travel desk, has been keeping an up to date list of which countries have coronavirus travel restrictions. If you’re planning to travel it would be worth your taking a look.Antonia Wilson, on the Guardian travel desk, has been keeping an up to date list of which countries have coronavirus travel restrictions. If you’re planning to travel it would be worth your taking a look.
New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, has announced a “containment” plan for New Rochelle, the city at the center of the coronavirus outbreak in the New York metro area, Lauren Aratani reports from New York.New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, has announced a “containment” plan for New Rochelle, the city at the center of the coronavirus outbreak in the New York metro area, Lauren Aratani reports from New York.
Also on Tuesday, New Jersey announced its first patient death.Also on Tuesday, New Jersey announced its first patient death.
New York officials said at a press conference a containment plan will be put in place in a one-mile radius around the synagogue that is believed to be the center of the outbreak in Westchester county.New York officials said at a press conference a containment plan will be put in place in a one-mile radius around the synagogue that is believed to be the center of the outbreak in Westchester county.
About 1,000 members of the community were placed under precautionary quarantine due to the spread of Covid-19.About 1,000 members of the community were placed under precautionary quarantine due to the spread of Covid-19.
As of Tuesday morning, Westchester county had 108 confirmed cases of coronavirus while New York City had 36, making up the bulk of the 173 cases in New York state.As of Tuesday morning, Westchester county had 108 confirmed cases of coronavirus while New York City had 36, making up the bulk of the 173 cases in New York state.
“New Rochelle is a particular problem,” Cuomo said. “New Rochelle has double the cases of New York City, it’s true, it’s a phenomenon.”“New Rochelle is a particular problem,” Cuomo said. “New Rochelle has double the cases of New York City, it’s true, it’s a phenomenon.”
Authorities in Berlin have announced the closure of all theatres, concert halls and its three opera houses to dampen the spread of coronavirus, until at least the end of the Easter holidays on April 19, Kate Connolly reports.Authorities in Berlin have announced the closure of all theatres, concert halls and its three opera houses to dampen the spread of coronavirus, until at least the end of the Easter holidays on April 19, Kate Connolly reports.
Berlin has also become the 7th of Germany’s 16 states to ban gatherings of 1000 people or more. Angela Merkel, the German chancellor has said authorities should be strict about implementing the bans, insisting at a meeting of her CDU parliamentary group this afternoon that all non essential events should be cancelled with immediate effect.Berlin has also become the 7th of Germany’s 16 states to ban gatherings of 1000 people or more. Angela Merkel, the German chancellor has said authorities should be strict about implementing the bans, insisting at a meeting of her CDU parliamentary group this afternoon that all non essential events should be cancelled with immediate effect.
She said the fact that Bundesliga matches were going ahead empty stadiums “is not the worst that can happen to this country.”She said the fact that Bundesliga matches were going ahead empty stadiums “is not the worst that can happen to this country.”
Separately, the head of Poland’s army, Jaroslaw Mika, has tested positive for coronavirus following a visit to German troops, according to the Polish defence ministry. He and his aides are all in quarantine.Separately, the head of Poland’s army, Jaroslaw Mika, has tested positive for coronavirus following a visit to German troops, according to the Polish defence ministry. He and his aides are all in quarantine.
Meanwhile leading German economists say that Europe’s largest economy is heading for a recession. “Unfortunately we’re expecting Germany to go into recession in the first half of the year,” the head of the Kiel Institute for World Economy, (IfW), Gabriel Felbermayr.Meanwhile leading German economists say that Europe’s largest economy is heading for a recession. “Unfortunately we’re expecting Germany to go into recession in the first half of the year,” the head of the Kiel Institute for World Economy, (IfW), Gabriel Felbermayr.
Other leading economists have voiced the same concerns.Other leading economists have voiced the same concerns.
The 27 EU leaders are currently taking part in a teleconference summit on the coronavirus outbreak.The 27 EU leaders are currently taking part in a teleconference summit on the coronavirus outbreak.
A press conference is due to take place at its conclusion, however it is not yet clear what time that will be. Watch this space.A press conference is due to take place at its conclusion, however it is not yet clear what time that will be. Watch this space.
Here’s some more analysis of those coronavirus infection figures released earlier by the Department of Health and Social Care, from my colleague Matthew Weaver, showing that it is now present in all but two of London’s 32 boroughs.Here’s some more analysis of those coronavirus infection figures released earlier by the Department of Health and Social Care, from my colleague Matthew Weaver, showing that it is now present in all but two of London’s 32 boroughs.
There are now 91 confirmed cases in the capital spread over every borough with the exception of Bexley and Newham.There are now 91 confirmed cases in the capital spread over every borough with the exception of Bexley and Newham.
The latest council breakdown, which is based on Monday’s figures, shows confirmed cases in six boroughs for the first time. They are: Barking and Dagenham, Croydon, Greenwich, Haringey, Islington, Richmond upon Thames.The latest council breakdown, which is based on Monday’s figures, shows confirmed cases in six boroughs for the first time. They are: Barking and Dagenham, Croydon, Greenwich, Haringey, Islington, Richmond upon Thames.
Eleven inmates have died in Italy after a series of prison riots erupted over new restrictions imposed by the government to contain the outbreak of coronavirus, Lorenzo Tondo, a Guardian correspondent in Italy, reports.Eleven inmates have died in Italy after a series of prison riots erupted over new restrictions imposed by the government to contain the outbreak of coronavirus, Lorenzo Tondo, a Guardian correspondent in Italy, reports.
Tensions have sparked on Sunday when detainees were informed that the new emergency decree banned visits from relatives to reduce infections.Tensions have sparked on Sunday when detainees were informed that the new emergency decree banned visits from relatives to reduce infections.
Eight of the deaths stemmed from rioting at Modena’s prison, where all but one victim is thought to have died of overdoses after inmates raided the jail’s pharmacy.Eight of the deaths stemmed from rioting at Modena’s prison, where all but one victim is thought to have died of overdoses after inmates raided the jail’s pharmacy.
The other person is thought to have died of smoke inhalation after matrasses were set alight during the protests.The other person is thought to have died of smoke inhalation after matrasses were set alight during the protests.
Prisoners in Pavia on Monday took two prison officers hostages for hours as other jail riots were also sparked in Salerno, Naples, Alessandria, Vercelli, Bari, Palermo, Foggia and Frosinone.Prisoners in Pavia on Monday took two prison officers hostages for hours as other jail riots were also sparked in Salerno, Naples, Alessandria, Vercelli, Bari, Palermo, Foggia and Frosinone.
Inmates fear also of being infected with coronavirus, said Italy’s prison service unions.Inmates fear also of being infected with coronavirus, said Italy’s prison service unions.
In Foggia, several inmates have managed to get out after tearing up a gate at the block house. Police are still trying to track down 23 inmates who escaped during unrest at the complex, as 11 other fugitives were tracked down overnight.In Foggia, several inmates have managed to get out after tearing up a gate at the block house. Police are still trying to track down 23 inmates who escaped during unrest at the complex, as 11 other fugitives were tracked down overnight.
Order was restored at many of the prisons on Tuesday, although riots and protests continued at several others. In Palermo, 400 inmates are said to have taken control of part of the complex.Order was restored at many of the prisons on Tuesday, although riots and protests continued at several others. In Palermo, 400 inmates are said to have taken control of part of the complex.
The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in Italy has jumped by 168 to 631, an increase of 36%, the Civil Protection Agency said on Tuesday, the largest rise in absolute numbers since the contagion came to light on 21 February, Reuters reports.
The total number of cases in Italy, the European country hardest hit by the virus in Europe, rose to 10,149 from a previous 9,172, an increase of 10.7%.
The head of the agency said that, of those originally infected, 1,004 had fully recovered compared to 724 the day before. Some 877 people were in intensive care against a previous 733.
Angry British tourists have accused British Airways of leaving them “stranded” in Italy after it suspended flights to and from the country because of Coronavirus with Ryanair due to follow suit on Saturday, Lisa O’Carroll reports.
One called the abrupt decision to axe all 60 BA routes as “disgraceful leaving tourists and business travellers scrambling for alternative flights and road transport after Italy imposed a nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of the virus.
Another said “Ryanair has gone up in my estimation” after the airline said it would continue with flights up to and including Friday and may also put on more flights to repatriate the marooned.
A UK passenger told reporters she felt “dumped” by the airline, while another said they had now ordered a taxi to Austria tomorrow morning to escape but were now worried they might get stopped on the border without health certificates, something Slovenia is already demanding.
The coronavirus death toll outside China has now passed 1,000, Agence-France Presse reports on its Twitter feed. More soon.
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.
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.
The DRC’s minister of health has asked people to remain calm and follow the recommended measures to ensure good hygiene.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
These are the local authorities with the most cases so far:
Hertfordshire 16
Kensington and Chelsea 13
Devon 13
Hampshire 10
Barnet 8
Southwark 8
Brighton 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.