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Coronavirus Live Updates: Italy Is Locked Down; Global Deaths Top 4,000 Coronavirus Live Updates: Markets Teeter, Anxiety Rises and Governments Struggle to Cope
(about 1 hour later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
The Italian government on Monday night extended restrictions on personal movement and public events to the entire country in a desperate effort to stem the coronavirus outbreak an extraordinary set of measures in a modern democracy that values individual freedoms. From the snowy peaks of the Alps to the sun-drenched shores of Sicily, Italians woke up on Tuesday to the stark new reality of a nationwide lockdown.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced in a prime-time news conference that public gatherings were banned and that people would be allowed to travel only for work or for emergencies. The sweeping order to impose severe travel limits across the whole country, announced on Monday by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in a prime-time news conference, was the latest escalation in Italy’s fight to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which is causing broad social and economic disruption around the globe.
Those restrictions had been placed on the “red zone” created in northern Italy, covering about 16 million people, but Mr. Conte extended them to an entire nation of 60 million. In the United States, Wall Street suffered its worst day in more than a decade on Monday, adding to losses in recent weeks that have evaporated some $5 trillion in stock market wealth. But European markets on Tuesday morning showed signs of stabilizing.
“We all have to renounce something for the good of Italy,” said Mr. Conte, saying that the government would enact more stringent rules over the entire Italian peninsula. President Trump is expected to unveil measures today intended to provide a stimulus to the economy and some form of relief to people who live paycheck to paycheck and for whom taking time off work because of illness or to monitor possible exposure to the virus could mean financial ruin.
Italy has recorded more than 9,000 coronavirus infections and 463 deaths well over half the toll for Europe and the numbers continue to climb fast. The fears that the U.S. economy will tilt into recession added to the deepening sense of anxiety worldwide.
By Tuesday, Austria urged its citizens to return home ahead of the lockdown in the neighboring country. More than 114,000 cases of infection have been reported globally, and more than 4,000 people have died. But the numbers tell only a slice of the story.
“Austrian travelers are urgently advised to return to Austria,” the foreign ministry said on its website. Fear and anxiety have outpaced the immediate danger.
The Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, arrived on Tuesday in Wuhan, visiting the center of the global coronavirus epidemic for the first time since the outbreak began and sending a powerful signal that the government believes the worst of the national emergency is over. The speed at which the virus is moving has left public health officials rushing to catch up.
Mr. Xi’s visit was reported in a brief bulletin from Xinhua, the main official news agency, which said he met with front-line medical workers, military personnel, community workers, police officers and officials. New York State announced its first cases only a week ago. Now, with more than 140 confirmed cases, thousands find themselves under “self-isolation orders” often with little guidance as to what that means.
His trip is sure to be seen as a sign that China’s leaders believe that a series of draconian restrictions, including the lockdown of hundreds of millions of people starting in late January, have brought the outbreak under control. Hospitals across the United States have already reported shortages of a crucial type of respirator mask.
Nationally, there were over 700 confirmed cases, but officials cautioned that the number was most likely higher as delays in testing have slowed efforts to get a more complete picture.
In the scramble to take precautionary measures, cases of infection left offices empty — including NATO headquarters in Brussels and communal work spaces in Silicon Valley, Calif. — as workers were told to stay home.
Spain, which has more than 1,200 cases, announced that schools in the Madrid area would be closed, adding 1.2 million children to the 300 million whose education has already been disrupted worldwide.
The list of events being canceled also grows daily, with the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin joining scores of concerts, book fairs and business conferences.
But the global count of cases also includes more than 64,000 people who have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
In China, where the virus was first detected late last year, a dwindling number of new infections were reported.
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According to official data, coronavirus infections have recently receded in China, falling to a few dozen new cases every day, nearly all of them in Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei. More than three-quarters of the 3,136 deaths recorded in China were in the city of 11 million people. President Xi Jinping sought to demonstrate how the country was recovering by visiting the hardest hit city, Wuhan.
On Tuesday, China said it recorded 19 new infections from the coronavirus, and 17 deaths, in the past 24 hours. All but two of the newly confirmed infections were in Wuhan. But the real test will come when the travel restrictions are lifted in the region. Only then will it be clear whether China has managed to get control over the spread of the virus or simply earned a temporary reprieve.
In Wuhan, most residents remain under heavy restrictions. But growing numbers of neighborhoods across the city have been declared free of new infections, and officials have said they could soon lift travel restrictions for some nearby areas in Hubei Province. The Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, arrived in Wuhan on Tuesday, visiting the center of the global coronavirus epidemic for the first time since the outbreak began and sending a powerful signal that the government believes the worst of the national emergency is over.
Provincial leaders said they planned to allow workers from the province’s lowest-risk areas to soon return to work. Mr. Xi’s visit was reported in a brief bulletin from Xinhua, the main official news agency, which said he had met with front-line medical workers, military personnel, community workers, police officers and officials.
His trip is sure to be seen as a sign that China’s leaders believe that a series of draconian restrictions, including the lockdown of hundreds of millions of people starting in late January, had brought the outbreak under control.
According to official data, coronavirus infections have recently receded in China, falling to a few dozen new cases every day, nearly all of them in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province. More than three-quarters of the 3,136 deaths recorded in China were in Wuhan, a city of 11 million.
China said on Tuesday that it had recorded 19 new coronavirus infections, and 17 deaths, in the previous 24 hours. All but two of the newly confirmed infections were in Wuhan.
In Wuhan, most residents remain under heavy restrictions. But growing numbers of neighborhoods across the city have been declared free of new infections, and officials have said that they could soon lift travel restrictions for some areas in Hubei Province.
Provincial leaders said they planned to allow workers from the lowest-risk areas to soon return to work.
Mr. Xi’s visit to a residential community under quarantine in Wuhan came just days after a delegation of top government officials toured another neighborhood in the city, only to be heckled by angry residents from their apartment windows. “Fake! Everything is fake!” shouted one resident, in a video widely circulated on social media.Mr. Xi’s visit to a residential community under quarantine in Wuhan came just days after a delegation of top government officials toured another neighborhood in the city, only to be heckled by angry residents from their apartment windows. “Fake! Everything is fake!” shouted one resident, in a video widely circulated on social media.
On Tuesday, security officials took no chances. Images on Chinese social media showed security staff stationed in residents’ apartments, in an effort perhaps to prevent a repeat of last week’s disruptions. Videos showed Mr. Xi walking around a housing compound, cheerily waving to the residents above, who sat by their open windows, unable to leave their homes. Security officials were taking no chances on Tuesday. Images on Chinese social media showed security workers stationed in residents’ apartments, in an effort perhaps to prevent a repeat of last week’s disruptions. Videos showed Mr. Xi walking around a housing compound, cheerily waving to the residents above, who sat by their open windows, unable to leave their homes.
As of Tuesday, at least 4,020 people worldwide have died after becoming infected by the new coronavirus. Just 884 of those deaths occurred outside mainland China. The grand piazzas are empty. The traffic circles are quiet. And people who would normally be sipping their morning espresso in cafes from Milan to Rome are notably absent.
Also by Tuesday, more than 100 countries had detected the virus, among them Panama, Mongolia and Brunei, which reported their first cases. Late Monday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte ordered the most severe nationwide limits on travel in Europe, adopting the playbook used by China to contain the virus.
Coronavirus cases are spreading across the United States the number of new infections grew on Monday for the seventh consecutive day but the focus has largely remained on the West Coast. Such draconian measures will undoubtedly prove complicated in a society that prizes individual freedom. But Mr. Conte said that, with more than 9,000 cases of infection and nearly 50 deaths, drastic action was needed.
A nursing care center in the Seattle suburbs where many residents have died announced 31 new cases. Thousands of passengers aboard a cruise ship that docked in Oakland, Calif., are preparing to be quarantined at military bases. The prime minister urged Italians to use the phrase “I am staying home” in the coming days and weeks. And on Tuesday morning, streets and markets were oddly devoid of bustle, suggesting people were taking heed.
The national total of infections surpassed 700, contributing to the cancellation of mass gatherings like the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Boston. Travel was allowed for work, for health reasons and for trips to buy food and other supplies. But the police can impose penalties if the rules are broken.
The authorities in South Korea said Tuesday that the number of new infections in the country was broadly in decline but warned of a troubling new cluster of cases at a call center in Seoul, the capital. The Italian news agency ANSA reported on lines of up to an hour to enter supermarkets in Naples on Tuesday morning, with problems exacerbated by the mandate that people stand about three feet apart.
South Korea recorded 131 new cases on Tuesday, bringing the country’s total to 7,531, the third highest tally in the world. Of the new cases, 46 were from a single crowded call center in the Guro District of Seoul. The capital’s metro area is home to about 23 million people. The Italian national health system geared for an upsurge in critical cases, and the national procurement agency moved to buy equipment for thousands of new intensive care beds.
Investors in the Asia-Pacific region crept back into the markets on Tuesday, one day after the coronavirus and a battle among the world’s biggest oil producers shook the global financial scene. Laura Castelli, deputy economy minister, told a radio program that payments on mortgages “for individuals and households,” would be suspended throughout Italy. The measure is likely to be part of a fiscal package to bolster the economy that the government is expected to discuss further on Wednesday.
Many of the markets in the Asia-Pacific region were trading modestly higher by midday on Tuesday. Australian shares led the way, ending 3.1 percent higher. Markets in mainland China and Hong Kong were about 2 percent higher. Tokyo, which began the day in the red, ended higher as well. Investors moved back into the markets on Tuesday, a day after the coronavirus and a battle among major oil producers shook the global financial scene.
Futures markets indicated that Wall Street and Europe would follow the trend. European stocks opened higher, led by a rise of more than 2 percent in London. Asian markets finished higher as well.
The gains did not make up for the global plunge in markets on Monday, and other signs pointed to continuing investor skittishness. Yields on U.S. government debt rose slightly but remained close to record lows. The price of gold fell slightly. Futures markets indicated that Wall Street would follow the trend.
The modest moves followed Wall Street’s worst day in over a decade. In Asia and Europe, some of the biggest financial exchanges flirted with, or crossed into, bear market territory on Monday. The gains did not make up for the global plunge in markets on Monday. Wall Street posted its worst performance in over a decade. Some of the biggest financial exchanges in Asia and Europe flirted with, or crossed into, bear market territory.
The price of oil, which had slumped by a quarter on Monday, rose more than 7 percent on Tuesday, with futures tracking the price of Brent crude trading at about $36.90 a barrel. Two of the world’s biggest oil producers, Saudi Arabia and Russia, are engaged in a price war and demand for oil around the world has fallen as the coronavirus spreads, halting global travel. Low oil prices are good for drivers at the pump, but they unsettle dozens of countries that depend heavily on the price of oil to keep their currencies afloat and their economies running. Markets still showed signs of nervousness on Tuesday. Yields on U.S. government debt rose slightly but remained close to record lows. The price of gold fell slightly on futures markets.
President Trump has been promising the imminent arrival of a vaccine to halt the spread of the coronavirus.President Trump has been promising the imminent arrival of a vaccine to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
Federal health officials have repeatedly pointed out that his timetable is off — it will take at least a year — but Mr. Trump’s single-minded focus on warp-speed production of a new vaccine represents a striking philosophical shift.Federal health officials have repeatedly pointed out that his timetable is off — it will take at least a year — but Mr. Trump’s single-minded focus on warp-speed production of a new vaccine represents a striking philosophical shift.
For years, he was an extreme vaccine skeptic who not only blamed childhood immunizations for autism — a position that scientists have forcefully repudiated — but once boasted he had never had a flu shot.For years, he was an extreme vaccine skeptic who not only blamed childhood immunizations for autism — a position that scientists have forcefully repudiated — but once boasted he had never had a flu shot.
At least a decade before Mr. Trump was elected president, with responsibilities that would include nominating experts to lead the nation’s health centers, the hotelier and commercial developer was holding forth with great confidence about medical topics. When an interviewer would note that physicians disagreed with the dim view he took of vaccines, Mr. Trump remained ever ebullient, impervious and dismissive of scientific authority.At least a decade before Mr. Trump was elected president, with responsibilities that would include nominating experts to lead the nation’s health centers, the hotelier and commercial developer was holding forth with great confidence about medical topics. When an interviewer would note that physicians disagreed with the dim view he took of vaccines, Mr. Trump remained ever ebullient, impervious and dismissive of scientific authority.
While Mr. Trump was promising quick action on a vaccine, he also announced on Monday that he would work with Congress on measures to bolster the economy following the steepest market drop in more than a decade, fueled by fear over the coronavirus outbreak. While Mr. Trump was promising quick action on a vaccine, he also said on Monday that he would work with Congress on measures to bolster the economy following the steepest market drop in more than a decade, fueled by fear over the coronavirus outbreak.
Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House that he would meet with Senate leaders and House Republicans on Tuesday to discuss a “very substantial” payroll tax cut and legislation intended to protect hourly wage earners who may have to miss work because of the virus. He also said he would ensure that the Small Business Administration extends more loans. Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House that he would meet with Senate leaders and House Republicans on Tuesday to discuss a “very substantial” payroll tax cut and legislation intended to protect hourly wage earners who may have to miss work because of the virus. He also said he would ensure that the Small Business Administration extended more loans.
“This was something that we were thrown into, and we’re going to handle it, and we have been handling it very well,” Mr. Trump said.“This was something that we were thrown into, and we’re going to handle it, and we have been handling it very well,” Mr. Trump said.
Streets across New Delhi were eerily empty on Tuesday as families quietly observed Holi, choosing to stay at home rather than attend public celebrations of India’s second most important Hindu festival.Streets across New Delhi were eerily empty on Tuesday as families quietly observed Holi, choosing to stay at home rather than attend public celebrations of India’s second most important Hindu festival.
The holiday, known as the “festival of colors” or the “festival of love,” is a celebration of good versus evil and marks the start of spring. Parks and streets across India are usually packed with residents dancing to loud music, decorating each other’s faces with vibrant colored powders and children staging giant water fights. The holiday, known as the festival of colors or the festival of love, is a celebration of good versus evil and marks the start of spring. Parks and streets across India are usually packed with people dancing to loud music and decorating one other’s faces with vibrantly colored powders, while children stage giant water fights.
But this year, the government had a message: Shut it down. Last week, the Indian government encouraged citizens to cancel large Holi celebrations to stem the spread of coronavirus after the capital, New Delhi, declared its first case.But this year, the government had a message: Shut it down. Last week, the Indian government encouraged citizens to cancel large Holi celebrations to stem the spread of coronavirus after the capital, New Delhi, declared its first case.
By Tuesday afternoon, it was clear the warning had worked.By Tuesday afternoon, it was clear the warning had worked.
Every year, S. N. Sinha’s residential complex of about 1,300 apartments throws a massive Holi party in the community’s shared park. But this year they called the party off, citing government warnings about coronavirus. India has at least 44 cases and every day, the numbers of infected rise. Every year, S.N. Sinha’s residential complex of about 1,300 apartments throws a massive Holi party in the community’s shared park. But this year they called the party off, citing government warnings about coronavirus. India has at least 44 cases and the number of confirmed infections rises every day.
“Holi is the time of year when you meet all friends and relatives in a joyous and happy mood. But this year that mood is spoiled by coronavirus,” said Mr. Sinha, 65.“Holi is the time of year when you meet all friends and relatives in a joyous and happy mood. But this year that mood is spoiled by coronavirus,” said Mr. Sinha, 65.
“I am sad and I miss my relatives and friends today,” he added. “Now we have to wait for one more year to have that fun.”“I am sad and I miss my relatives and friends today,” he added. “Now we have to wait for one more year to have that fun.”
The sudden upheaval in the oil markets may claim victims around the world, from energy companies and their workers to governments whose budgets are pegged to the price of crude.The sudden upheaval in the oil markets may claim victims around the world, from energy companies and their workers to governments whose budgets are pegged to the price of crude.
The fallout may take months to assess. But the impact on the American economy is bound to be considerable, especially in Texas and other states where oil drives much of the job market.The fallout may take months to assess. But the impact on the American economy is bound to be considerable, especially in Texas and other states where oil drives much of the job market.
With the coronavirus outbreak slowing trade, transportation and other energy-intensive economic activities, demand is likely to remain weak. Even if Russia and Saudi Arabia resolve their differences — which led the Saudis to slash prices after Russia refused to join in production cuts — a global oil glut could keep prices low for years.With the coronavirus outbreak slowing trade, transportation and other energy-intensive economic activities, demand is likely to remain weak. Even if Russia and Saudi Arabia resolve their differences — which led the Saudis to slash prices after Russia refused to join in production cuts — a global oil glut could keep prices low for years.
Many smaller American oil companies could face bankruptcy if the price pressure goes on for more than a few weeks, while larger ones will be challenged to protect their dividend payments. Thousands of oil workers are about to receive pink slips. Many smaller American oil companies could face bankruptcy if the price pressure goes on for more than a few weeks, while larger ones will be challenged to protect their dividend payments. Thousands of oil workers could receive pink slips.
The battle will impose intense hardship on many other oil-producing countries as well, especially Venezuela, Iran and several African nations, with political implications that are difficult to predict.The battle will impose intense hardship on many other oil-producing countries as well, especially Venezuela, Iran and several African nations, with political implications that are difficult to predict.
The only winners may be drivers paying less for gasoline — particularly those with older, less fuel-efficient cars, who tend to have lower incomes.The only winners may be drivers paying less for gasoline — particularly those with older, less fuel-efficient cars, who tend to have lower incomes.
“This is a clash of oil, geopolitics and the virus that together have sent the markets spiraling down,” said Daniel Yergin, the energy historian. ”The decline in demand for oil will march across the globe as the virus advances.” “This is a clash of oil, geopolitics and the virus that together have sent the markets spiraling down,” said Daniel Yergin, an energy historian. “The decline in demand for oil will march across the globe as the virus advances.”
Reporting and research was contributed by Jan Hoffman, Peter S. Goodman, Clifford Krauss, Claire Fu, Elsie Chen, Choe Sang-Hun, Maria Abi-Habib, Amber Wang and Zoe Mou.Reporting and research was contributed by Jan Hoffman, Peter S. Goodman, Clifford Krauss, Claire Fu, Elsie Chen, Choe Sang-Hun, Maria Abi-Habib, Amber Wang and Zoe Mou.