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Coronavirus live updates: eighth 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. Angela Merkel has said 60-70% of Germany’s population will be infected with Covid-19, unless measures can be found to slow down the spread and develop vaccines in the time won.“When the virus is out there, the population has no immunity and no therapy exists, then 60 to 70% of the population will be infected,” the German chancellor told a news conference in Berlin on Wednesday morning.Merkel said the main focus of her government’s measures were to avoid overwhelming health services, and advised other European countries to set similar priorities.
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”. She said:
“We know that we are dealing with a pandemic virus that will infect 60-70% of people”, said Lothar Wieler, head of Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany’s federal agency for disease prevention, at the same press conference.“We don’t know with what speed this will happen”, Wielder added, saying the epidemic could take months or possibly years.By Tuesday afternoon the RKI had recorded 1,296 cases of infections with the novel corona virus in Germany. Media reported on Wednesday that a third person had died as a result of the virus.In Germany’s federalised political system, the national government is only able to issue recommendations to the individual state governments on the cancellation of larger events, such as football matches or concerts.Overnight, there had been growing irritation with the city senate of Berlin’s seeming hesitancy to ban spectators from this Saturday’s Bundesliga match between Union Berlin and Bayern Munich. “Federalism isn’t there so you can shirk responsibility”, Merkel said.On Wednesday morning it emerged that the football match would take place behind closed doors, and that Berlin is taking steps to ban events with more than a thousand visitors.“We have to give up on parts of our everyday routines in order to protect others”, said German health minister Jens Spahn, adding that relatively high recovery rates among young people meant there was even greater pressure on them to protect older members of society.
E3, the world’s largest video game convention, has reportedly been cancelled almost three months ahead of the conference’s first day. According to Bloomberg News, the official announcement is expected at 4:30pm today, but publishers have already been hinting at the news.
America’s Entertainment Software Association has yet to make an official announcement about the cancellation of the event, which typically takes place in Los Angeles every summer, but it is likely that Covid-19 fears are only a part of the decision.
Even in 2019, the conference was showing signs of faltering, with major publishers including Sony and EA pulling out of the event, and others such as Nintendo focusing promotional efforts on direct-to-consumer livestreams. This year’s event had further suffered the resignation of Geoff Keighley, a gaming celebrity who announced in February that he would not be participating.
Tim Porter, the owner of London-based tech business called Kare, emails to express his concern about the lack of testing for people in the UK that haven’t come into contact with a confirmed case.
He writes:
Turkey has announced its first confirmed case of Covid-19, ending weeks of speculation over whether the tourism and travel hub will be able to avoid the fast-spreading virus.
The patient is a Turkish national who had recently returned from Europe, health minister Fahrettin Koca said early Wednesday, and the man, his family and others who had come into contact with him are currently in quarantine. Koca did not provide any more details, citing the patient’s right to privacy.
Hospitals in Istanbul and the capital Ankara have been set up to test and quarantine patients suspected of having the virus.
Turkish citizens should avoid travelling abroad if possible, Koca added.
Turkey, a tourist hub linking Europe and western Asia, had around 50 million visitors last year. It is also host to 63.5% of all refugees in the world, including some 3.5 million Syrians.
Turkey took preemptive measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus, including shutting its border with Iran, one of the worst affected countries, and cancelling flights to several destinations with high rates of infection.
A festival in Edirne, near the Greek border, was cancelled on Tuesday. Several thousand refugees and migrants have gathered in the area since Turkey said it would no longer impede their passage to Europe.
The Red Cross, Red Crescent and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have raised the alarm over possibly catastrophic effects if Covid-19 reaches vulnerable refugee and undocumented populations in the Middle East.
Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, has said that the next round of trade talks between the UK and the European Union, which were due to start next week, might have to be cancelled because of coronavirus.
There’s more on our politics live blog.
The UK health secretary, Matt Hancock, is due to give a statement to MPs on coronavirus at 7pm.
Belgium has reported its first coronavirus-related death, prompting the government to urge people to stay at home if they feel sick.
Hervé Deladrière, the 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.”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.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.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.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.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.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 eighth 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.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.