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Coronavirus live updates: seventh Briton dies, second UK MP self-isolates and Belgium records first death Coronavirus live updates: eighth Briton dies, second UK MP self-isolates and Belgium records first death
(32 minutes later)
York MP Rachael Maskell self-isolates, Bank of England cuts base rate, US cases pass 1,000 and deaths rise sharply again in ItalyYork MP Rachael Maskell self-isolates, Bank of England cuts base rate, US cases pass 1,000 and deaths rise sharply again in Italy
Belgium has reported its first coronavirus related death, prompting the government to urge people to stay at home if they feel sick.
Hervé Deladrière, medical director for a group of hospitals in a south Brussels, said: “The [90 year old] woman was admitted to Molière Longchamp Hospital in Brussels on Monday. She had serious lung problems”.
Steven Van Gucht, a virologist at Belgium’s scientific institute for public health, said: “It was an elderly lady with underlying disease. We need to show solidarity with the weak and protect them. How? By showing responsibility. Whoever is sick stays at home. Don’t shake hands, don’t kiss, keep your distance and do telework. Don’t go to mass meetings.”
The coronavirus death toll in Iran has jumped to 354, out of a total of 9,000 cases.
That represents a mortality rate of nearly 4%. As the mortality rate for the virus is thought to be between 1% to 2%, there are likely to be more unknown cases in Iran.
There are no plans to test any UK ministers, including Boris Johnson, for coronavirus after the health minister Nadine Dorries became the first MP to be diagnosed with Covid-19, PA Media reports.
The Department of Health and Social Care said ministers would not need to undergo testing as Public Health England worked to advise those who have been in close contact with Dorries.
PHE said it had assessed the risk of Dorries’ individual close contacts and only those with symptoms needed to self-isolate. For each Covid-19 case, a risk assessment is carried out and advice tailored to that group, a spokeswoman said.
Interesting to see how different governments are dealing with the threat of coronavirus. Reuters are reporting that all Polish schools will close starting on Monday to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.Interesting to see how different governments are dealing with the threat of coronavirus. Reuters are reporting that all Polish schools will close starting on Monday to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.
Poland’s prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, added that universities, museums and cinemas will also be closed. Poland has confirmed 26 cases of the coronavirus. No one has died.Poland’s prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, added that universities, museums and cinemas will also be closed. Poland has confirmed 26 cases of the coronavirus. No one has died.
Greece closed schools last week, causing headaches for parents. One British Guardian reader living in Greece has written to us:Greece closed schools last week, causing headaches for parents. One British Guardian reader living in Greece has written to us:
A 53-year-old British woman has become the seventh British person to die having contracted coronavirus. A 53-year-old British woman has become the eighth British person to die having contracted coronavirus.
The woman died in Bali, according to Indonesia’s health ministry. It the first death linked to Covid-19 in the country. An Indonesian government spokesman said the patient was already “critically ill” when she was diagnosed with the disease.The woman died in Bali, according to Indonesia’s health ministry. It the first death linked to Covid-19 in the country. An Indonesian government spokesman said the patient was already “critically ill” when she was diagnosed with the disease.
An FCO spokesperson said:An FCO spokesperson said:
A man who had been in a passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship became the first UK victim of the virus when he died in Japan. Since then six people have died in the UK.
My colleague Stephen Burgen in Barcelona reports that the festival of las Fallas in Valencia has become the latest victim of coronavirus in Spain after the regional government suspended the city’s biggest event indefinitely.My colleague Stephen Burgen in Barcelona reports that the festival of las Fallas in Valencia has become the latest victim of coronavirus in Spain after the regional government suspended the city’s biggest event indefinitely.
My colleague Graeme Wearden has liveblogged the Bank of England press conference, where officials are explaining why it cut UK interest rates today. Catch all of the updates here:My colleague Graeme Wearden has liveblogged the Bank of England press conference, where officials are explaining why it cut UK interest rates today. Catch all of the updates here:
The York MP Rachael Maskell has confirmed that she has been advised to self-isolate after having a meeting with Nadine Dorries last Thursday – she says that she is asymptomatic.The York MP Rachael Maskell has confirmed that she has been advised to self-isolate after having a meeting with Nadine Dorries last Thursday – she says that she is asymptomatic.
We’ve had several readers contacting us today, asking why NHS 111 is not offering coronavirus testing for people who have not had close contact with a previously confirmed case or been to an affected country.We’ve had several readers contacting us today, asking why NHS 111 is not offering coronavirus testing for people who have not had close contact with a previously confirmed case or been to an affected country.
Sam Freedman, the CEO of the The Education Partnerships Group, tweeted:Sam Freedman, the CEO of the The Education Partnerships Group, tweeted:
A colleague has also sent this insight from an anonymous person who works in the palace of Westminster. They write:A colleague has also sent this insight from an anonymous person who works in the palace of Westminster. They write:
The NHS 111 coronavirus tool is currently advising that unless you have had direct contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus or have recently travelled from an affected area, you do not need to call NHS 111.The NHS 111 coronavirus tool is currently advising that unless you have had direct contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus or have recently travelled from an affected area, you do not need to call NHS 111.
This report from Radio Télévision Belge Francophone (in french) states that Belgium has recorded its first death as a result of Covid-19. A 90-year old man from Brussels has died. Thanks to reader Tara Connolly for bringing this to our attention.This report from Radio Télévision Belge Francophone (in french) states that Belgium has recorded its first death as a result of Covid-19. A 90-year old man from Brussels has died. Thanks to reader Tara Connolly for bringing this to our attention.
The French government is preparing for an acceleration of the Covid-19 epidemic and experts are predicting Stage 3 will be introduced in the coming days, Kim Willsher writes from Paris.The French government is preparing for an acceleration of the Covid-19 epidemic and experts are predicting Stage 3 will be introduced in the coming days, Kim Willsher writes from Paris.
This comes as the country prepares for municipal elections the first round of which will be held this Sunday (the second round takes places the following Sunday). Voters are being urged to turn out to the polling stations with officials saying it will be no more dangerous than “a trip to the supermarket”.This comes as the country prepares for municipal elections the first round of which will be held this Sunday (the second round takes places the following Sunday). Voters are being urged to turn out to the polling stations with officials saying it will be no more dangerous than “a trip to the supermarket”.
Jérôme Saloman, the director of the national health agency, announced at his daily news briefing on Tuesday evening that there are now 1,784 confirmed cases, 84 of who are in intensive care, and 33 deaths. All of those who have died are adults and 23 of them were aged over 75 years. Around 80-85% of the infections “remain benign”, Salomon said. However, he added there “remain numerous scientific uncertainties” about the virus unlike the Spanish Flu of a century ago. He has called on an army of “reservists” to come forward to help those working in the health services, including medical students who have yet to qualify. All doctors and nurses have been asked by their respecting professional organisations to be ready to join the “reservists” to help to control and treat the virus, including those who have retired.Jérôme Saloman, the director of the national health agency, announced at his daily news briefing on Tuesday evening that there are now 1,784 confirmed cases, 84 of who are in intensive care, and 33 deaths. All of those who have died are adults and 23 of them were aged over 75 years. Around 80-85% of the infections “remain benign”, Salomon said. However, he added there “remain numerous scientific uncertainties” about the virus unlike the Spanish Flu of a century ago. He has called on an army of “reservists” to come forward to help those working in the health services, including medical students who have yet to qualify. All doctors and nurses have been asked by their respecting professional organisations to be ready to join the “reservists” to help to control and treat the virus, including those who have retired.
“This is an exceptional crisis…we are prepared,” French president Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday. The Elysée has tightened measures around the president after his chief of staff was thought to have contracted the virus.Patrick Strzoda is awaiting tests and is staying at home “as a precaution”.“This is an exceptional crisis…we are prepared,” French president Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday. The Elysée has tightened measures around the president after his chief of staff was thought to have contracted the virus.Patrick Strzoda is awaiting tests and is staying at home “as a precaution”.
The Cannes Film Festival organisers said they remained “reasonably optimistic” the event could go ahead between 12-23 May. However the festival president Pierre Lescure did not rule out the possibility it would be cancelled if the health crisis worsened as expected.The Cannes Film Festival organisers said they remained “reasonably optimistic” the event could go ahead between 12-23 May. However the festival president Pierre Lescure did not rule out the possibility it would be cancelled if the health crisis worsened as expected.
More than 130 UK passengers from the quarantined cruise ship Grand Princess are on a flight back to Britain, the Foreign Office has said.More than 130 UK passengers from the quarantined cruise ship Grand Princess are on a flight back to Britain, the Foreign Office has said.
Andrew Whittaker, HM Consul General to San Francisco, tweeted: “Long but rewarding day. British nationals are en route back to after successfully disembarking the #GrandPrincess - huge thanks to my team on the ground & our partners for a smooth operation.”Andrew Whittaker, HM Consul General to San Francisco, tweeted: “Long but rewarding day. British nationals are en route back to after successfully disembarking the #GrandPrincess - huge thanks to my team on the ground & our partners for a smooth operation.”
Travel has been arranged from Birmingham airport to their homes and they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.Travel has been arranged from Birmingham airport to their homes and they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.
The plane left California at 6.15am UK time and is due to land early on Wednesday evening.The plane left California at 6.15am UK time and is due to land early on Wednesday evening.
The Grand Princess - carrying about 3,500 passengers and crew - was allowed to dock in Oakland on Monday after being stranded off the coast for days.The Grand Princess - carrying about 3,500 passengers and crew - was allowed to dock in Oakland on Monday after being stranded off the coast for days.
At least 21 people on board had tested positive for COVID-19, the illness cause by the coronavirus.At least 21 people on board had tested positive for COVID-19, the illness cause by the coronavirus.
Senior UK government ministers could be tested for coronavirus after health minister Nadine Dorries became the first MP to be diagnosed with the illness.
Number 10 did not comment on whether the Prime Minister had undergone testing for the coronavirus, or whether he will now be tested.
The full story from my colleague Peter Walker is here:
Good morning, it’s Alexandra Topping here taking over from my colleague Naaman Zhou, to keep you updated on all coronavirus related news for the day.
If you have any questions or contributions you can email me on alexandra.topping@theguardian.com or on twitter I’m @lexytopping.
States of emergency have been declared in Michigan and Massachusetts, as the number of Covid-19 cases in the US passed 1000.
The Bank of England cut its base rate by 0.5% in a move to stimulate the economy in response to the virus outbreak.
China has reported only 24 new cases and 22 new deaths nationally, including a record low of new cases in Wuhan (13). Lockdowns have been partially lifted in the Hubei province, and key industries will be allowed to resume in Wuhan.
Australia announced a ban on people arriving from Italy.
Three Formula One team members in Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix have been told to self-isolate as they await test results for Covid-19.
South Korea reported 242 new cases of Covid-19.
A Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City has been postponed after an unspecified number of Arsenal players were told to go into self-isolation.
Italy recorded its highest one day death toll since the outbreak began, with 168 deaths recorded in 24 hours.
Heathrow said the number of passengers travelling through the airport fell by 4.8% year-on-year in February due to the impact of coronavirus, the Press Association reports.
The figure is adjusted to take account of the extra day last month as 2020 is a leap year.
The airport’s chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “The threat of coronavirus is an increasing challenge for the UK and we are working day and night to ensure Britain’s front door is open and safe for our people and passengers.
“We will continue to work with the government to limit the impacts this will have on UK plc.”
A bit more from the Bank of England, on the rate cut:
In a statement the bank said its role is to help UK businesses and households manage through an economic shock from coronavirus “that could prove sharp and large, but should be temporary”.
“These measures will help to keep firms in business and people in jobs and help prevent a temporary disruption from causing longer-lasting economic harm. “
The bank said that following the spread of Covid-19, “risky asset and commodity prices have fallen sharply and government bond yields reached all-time lows consistent with a marked deterioration in risk appetite and in the outlooks for global and UK growth.
“Indicators of financial market uncertainty have reached extreme levels.”
It went on:
And here is our story on the emergency cut. The monetary policy committee voted unanimously to slash the interest rate from 0.75% to 0.25%, in a meeting on Monday.
The Bank of England has cut its base rate by 0.5%, or 50 basis points, in an emergency move to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus.
Other events on the Formula One calendar have already been postponed or run behind closed doors. On Sunday, the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix, the next on the race calendar announced it would run without spectators present. April’s Chinese Grand Prix has also been postponed.
South Australia has two new confirmed cases of Covid-19, according to SA Health chief medical officer Nicola Spurrier.
AAP report that they were two men who recently travelled overseas. Spurreir said the men, one aged in his 60s and the other aged in his 70s, presented to a virus testing centre last Tuesday with the positive results confirmed on Monday.
It is believed one man had travelled to Italy and Austria and the other to Southeast Asia.
Three Formula One team members at the Australian Grand Prix have been placed into isolation after concerns they may have contracted the coronavirus.
One member from McLaren and two from the Haas teams were evaluated at the circuit’s isolation unit, established by F1, after showing fever symptoms at the track.
The team members have been tested for the virus and placed under self isolation at their hotels. There will be major concern if their tests are positive, as they have already been mixing in the paddock with others.
On Monday, Andrew Westacott, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, said the race will proceed as planned and there was “not a chance” the Grand Prix would be cancelled or postponed.