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Coronavirus live updates: Japan reports 59 new cases in biggest one-day rise Coronavirus live updates: Japan reports 59 new cases in biggest one-day rise
(32 minutes later)
UK health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive as deaths rise sharply again in Italy. Follow latest newsUK health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive as deaths rise sharply again in Italy. Follow latest news
Arsenal has placed some of its players into self-isolation and postponed a Premier League game with Manchester City scheduled to be held in the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, the Premier League has said.
Arsenal said an unspecified number of its players met Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakas, who has since been confirmed as having contracted the virus, after their Europa League tie on 27 February. Those players, who have not been named, have been told to go into self isolation for 14 days.
More details here:
Optimism that the pace of new Covid-19 cases is slowing in South Korea has been tempered by reports on Wednesday of a significant number of new infections and concern over a cluster of cases at a call centre in Seoul.The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 242 new cases on Wednesday, up from 131 a day earlier, bringing the total to 7,755. Sixty people have died in the country, the KCDC added.The pace of daily new inflections had shown signs of slowing after health authorities tested of 210,000 members of a religious sect that has been linked to more than 60% of South Korea’s total recorded infections.But the government is still on high alert over new clusters of infections, including a call center in Seoul where 90 infections have been confirmed, according to the Yonhap news agency.The call centre infection is the biggest Covid-19 infection cluster so far in the South Korean capital, which is home to 10 million people and with a wider metropolitan population of 25 million.Of the 242 new cases reported on Wednesday, 131 were in the city of Daegu — where a branch of the sect is located — and nearby North Gyeongsang province, the KCDC said.
Australian stockmarket down 2.1%
The Australian stockmarket has continued to slide as the reality that Donald Trump may not be able to deliver all that he has promised in his stimulus package crystallises in the minds of traders, who were yesterday only too willing to believe he could deliver.
At about 1pm the benchmark ASX200 index was down more than 2.1%.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions has called for all workers in Australia to be guaranteed two weeks paid special leave in case they are forced to self-isolate as a result of Covid-19, or in the case of a broader business shutdown.
The ACTU passed the resolution unanimously at its meeting in Merimbula on Wednesday.
In a statement, ACTU secretary Sally McManus said:
McManus said one in three workers in Australia did not have access to paid leave.
China has updated its official figures on the spread of the coronavirus and reported 24 new confirmed cases, 22 new deaths (all in Hubei province) and 31 suspected cases.China has updated its official figures on the spread of the coronavirus and reported 24 new confirmed cases, 22 new deaths (all in Hubei province) and 31 suspected cases.
That brings the total number of confirmed cases to 80,778 and the number of suspected cases to 285. Thirteen of the new confirmed cases were in Wuhan, in Hubei province, six were in Beijing, two in Shanghai, one in Shandong and one in Gansu. Nineteen of the 22 new deaths occurred in Wuhan, China’s National Health Commission reported.That brings the total number of confirmed cases to 80,778 and the number of suspected cases to 285. Thirteen of the new confirmed cases were in Wuhan, in Hubei province, six were in Beijing, two in Shanghai, one in Shandong and one in Gansu. Nineteen of the 22 new deaths occurred in Wuhan, China’s National Health Commission reported.
Even Australia’s chief medical officer professor Brendan Murphy, right, occasionally struggles with the directive not to touch his face.Even Australia’s chief medical officer professor Brendan Murphy, right, occasionally struggles with the directive not to touch his face.
In case you missed this announcement earlier, the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has announced details of a $2.4bn health package and warned of “difficult times and days” ahead for Australia’s health system as it deals with a surge in demand linked to the coronavirus outbreak.In case you missed this announcement earlier, the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has announced details of a $2.4bn health package and warned of “difficult times and days” ahead for Australia’s health system as it deals with a surge in demand linked to the coronavirus outbreak.
Morrison said Australia’s “world class” health system remained well prepared to deal with the crisis.Morrison said Australia’s “world class” health system remained well prepared to deal with the crisis.
The package unveiled by the government on Wednesday includes:The package unveiled by the government on Wednesday includes:
$615.4m for primary care measures, including telehealth services and 100 new pop-up clinics,$615.4m for primary care measures, including telehealth services and 100 new pop-up clinics,
$100m for the aged care sector,$100m for the aged care sector,
$1.1 billion to increase the country’s stockpiles of masks, pharmaceuticals and other personal protective equipment.$1.1 billion to increase the country’s stockpiles of masks, pharmaceuticals and other personal protective equipment.
$30m for a new national information campaign,$30m for a new national information campaign,
$30m for workforce training,$30m for workforce training,
$30m on the research response to the virus.$30m on the research response to the virus.
About $1.2 billion of the total package will be spent before the end of June. Morrison said that the plan was designed to match demand, and urged the community to “work together” to get through the coming months. Health minister Greg Hunt also moved to clarify remarks he made on Sunday about the need for testing, saying people without symptoms and those who had not travelled or been in contact with someone affected by the virus did not need to get tested.About $1.2 billion of the total package will be spent before the end of June. Morrison said that the plan was designed to match demand, and urged the community to “work together” to get through the coming months. Health minister Greg Hunt also moved to clarify remarks he made on Sunday about the need for testing, saying people without symptoms and those who had not travelled or been in contact with someone affected by the virus did not need to get tested.
He said:He said:
The Australian health department has updated its daily figures on the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19.The Australian health department has updated its daily figures on the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19.
As of 11am on Wednesday, there are 112 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Australia. This figure includes three people who died after being diagnosed with the virus, and 24 people who are reported to have recovered. That’s up from 100 on Tuesday.As of 11am on Wednesday, there are 112 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Australia. This figure includes three people who died after being diagnosed with the virus, and 24 people who are reported to have recovered. That’s up from 100 on Tuesday.
The national Australian figures are 60 cases in NSW (NSW figures say 61), 15 in Queensland, six in South Australia, two in Tasmania, 15 in Victoria (Victorian authorities put this figure at 21), four in Western Australia and 10 associated with the Diamond Princess cruise ship.The national Australian figures are 60 cases in NSW (NSW figures say 61), 15 in Queensland, six in South Australia, two in Tasmania, 15 in Victoria (Victorian authorities put this figure at 21), four in Western Australia and 10 associated with the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Eighteen of the people with coronavirus have either recently travelled to Iran or are a contact of someone who has, 15 have a direct or indirect travel link to Wuhan in China.Eighteen of the people with coronavirus have either recently travelled to Iran or are a contact of someone who has, 15 have a direct or indirect travel link to Wuhan in China.
Some 39 cases have a direct or indirect travel link to the US, The United Arab Emirates, the UK, Italy, Iceland, Singapore, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Nepal, Egypt, Austria, France, Spain, and Hong Kong.Some 39 cases have a direct or indirect travel link to the US, The United Arab Emirates, the UK, Italy, Iceland, Singapore, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Nepal, Egypt, Austria, France, Spain, and Hong Kong.
Twenty-seven people who have been diagnosed with the disease, including two people who have died, did not have a reported history of overseas travel. Eight of these cases, including the deaths of two elderly residents, are associated with the Dorothy Henderson Lodge aged care home in northwest Sydney. Two are linked to attendance at a health workshop. Seventeen other people with the disease were close contacts of other known cases.Twenty-seven people who have been diagnosed with the disease, including two people who have died, did not have a reported history of overseas travel. Eight of these cases, including the deaths of two elderly residents, are associated with the Dorothy Henderson Lodge aged care home in northwest Sydney. Two are linked to attendance at a health workshop. Seventeen other people with the disease were close contacts of other known cases.
Coronavirus risk at US investigative journalism conferenceCoronavirus risk at US investigative journalism conference
The Investigative Reporters and Editors organisation, America’s leading association of investigative reporters, has announced that an attendee to their annual National Institute of Computer Assisted Reporting (Nicar) conference has tested presumptively positive for Covid-19.The Investigative Reporters and Editors organisation, America’s leading association of investigative reporters, has announced that an attendee to their annual National Institute of Computer Assisted Reporting (Nicar) conference has tested presumptively positive for Covid-19.
The conference, held in New Orleans, attracted hundreds of investigative reporters and journalism students from around the US (including this reporter), and indeed other international journalist. It took place between 4 March and 8 March.The conference, held in New Orleans, attracted hundreds of investigative reporters and journalism students from around the US (including this reporter), and indeed other international journalist. It took place between 4 March and 8 March.
IRE executive director Doug Haddix issued a statement on Tuesday evening confirming that the attendee “has mild symptoms and is expected to make a full recovery” and had taught a “hands-on class” at the conference.IRE executive director Doug Haddix issued a statement on Tuesday evening confirming that the attendee “has mild symptoms and is expected to make a full recovery” and had taught a “hands-on class” at the conference.
More from the release:More from the release:
Louisiana diagnosed its first case of Covid-19 on Monday, with state governor John Bel Edwards confirming two further cases today.Louisiana diagnosed its first case of Covid-19 on Monday, with state governor John Bel Edwards confirming two further cases today.
Schools in Hong Kong and Macau may reopen before Easter: reportsSchools in Hong Kong and Macau may reopen before Easter: reports
In Hong Kong and Macau, authorities are discussing the return of school for some students.In Hong Kong and Macau, authorities are discussing the return of school for some students.
All schools have been shut since the lunar new year on 3 February, and have been ordered to stay shut until at least after Easter, on 20 April. Among the first places to close schools as part of the virus response, Hong Kong and Macau have provided something of a preview of what to expect as other nations do the same.All schools have been shut since the lunar new year on 3 February, and have been ordered to stay shut until at least after Easter, on 20 April. Among the first places to close schools as part of the virus response, Hong Kong and Macau have provided something of a preview of what to expect as other nations do the same.
Macau’s education authorities said this week the outbreak of Covid-19 there had stabilised and it was likely their schools would reopen before the Easter weekend.Macau’s education authorities said this week the outbreak of Covid-19 there had stabilised and it was likely their schools would reopen before the Easter weekend.
In Hong Kong, where 105 people are confirmed to have had the virus and three people have died, teachers unions have proposed the eventual return occur in stages, according to the South China Morning Post.In Hong Kong, where 105 people are confirmed to have had the virus and three people have died, teachers unions have proposed the eventual return occur in stages, according to the South China Morning Post.
Although schools are assessing how to order in enough masks by that time, various suggestions have included that secondary students facing exams return first, and that other age groups return each fortnight, with shortened days to minimise contact among students outside of class.Although schools are assessing how to order in enough masks by that time, various suggestions have included that secondary students facing exams return first, and that other age groups return each fortnight, with shortened days to minimise contact among students outside of class.
The Trump administration is scrambling to develop contingency plans to allow federal employees to work remotely full time, The Washington Post has reported.The Trump administration is scrambling to develop contingency plans to allow federal employees to work remotely full time, The Washington Post has reported.
The report says the Office of Personnel Management urged the heads of federal agencies to “immediately review” their telework policies, issue laptops, grant remote access to computer networks, and otherwise get hundreds of thousands of federal government workers ready to work from home in a worst case scenario.The report says the Office of Personnel Management urged the heads of federal agencies to “immediately review” their telework policies, issue laptops, grant remote access to computer networks, and otherwise get hundreds of thousands of federal government workers ready to work from home in a worst case scenario.
More on that report here.More on that report here.
A headline in Italian newspaper La Repubblica on Tuesday reads “Tutti in casa” — Everyone at home.A headline in Italian newspaper La Repubblica on Tuesday reads “Tutti in casa” — Everyone at home.
The Italian government on Monday announced the unprecedented measure of putting the entire country in lockdown, telling its 60 million residents to stay at home.The Italian government on Monday announced the unprecedented measure of putting the entire country in lockdown, telling its 60 million residents to stay at home.
Italy recorded a 36% increase in the number of deaths in the past 24-hours, with 168 deaths recorded. The death toll at Italy is now at 631, with the number of cases up 10.7% to 10,149.Italy recorded a 36% increase in the number of deaths in the past 24-hours, with 168 deaths recorded. The death toll at Italy is now at 631, with the number of cases up 10.7% to 10,149.
Paraguay’s government has moved to close all educational establishments and has banned meetings of large numbers of people.Paraguay’s government has moved to close all educational establishments and has banned meetings of large numbers of people.
The announcement came this evening following the confirmation of a second case of coronavirus in the landlocked South American nation. Just hours after this announcement, this figure was updated to five confirmed cases.The announcement came this evening following the confirmation of a second case of coronavirus in the landlocked South American nation. Just hours after this announcement, this figure was updated to five confirmed cases.
Health minister Julio Mazzoleni said:Health minister Julio Mazzoleni said:
Mazzoleni added that classes in all levels of the country’s education system will be suspended for a period of 15 days. Government officials were adamant that work activities would continue and supermarkets would remain open.Mazzoleni added that classes in all levels of the country’s education system will be suspended for a period of 15 days. Government officials were adamant that work activities would continue and supermarkets would remain open.
Alongside the five confirmed cases, 18 people have presented symptoms of the illness and are under observation. A further 100 people who have not presented symptoms are being monitored.Alongside the five confirmed cases, 18 people have presented symptoms of the illness and are under observation. A further 100 people who have not presented symptoms are being monitored.
Paraguay’s first two cases of coronavirus were diagnosed in people who had contracted the illness in other countries—Argentina and Ecuador—before travelling into Paraguay.Paraguay’s first two cases of coronavirus were diagnosed in people who had contracted the illness in other countries—Argentina and Ecuador—before travelling into Paraguay.
While they have yet to confirm, officials stated that community transmission of the illness is now possibly taking place.While they have yet to confirm, officials stated that community transmission of the illness is now possibly taking place.
The coronavirus arrives in a country that has been battling with one of its worst ever dengue fever outbreaks over recent months. The mosquito-borne illness has caused at least 34 deaths and infected an estimated 137,000 people, pushing the country’s healthcare system to its limits.The coronavirus arrives in a country that has been battling with one of its worst ever dengue fever outbreaks over recent months. The mosquito-borne illness has caused at least 34 deaths and infected an estimated 137,000 people, pushing the country’s healthcare system to its limits.
UK health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive to Covid-19UK health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive to Covid-19
To the United Kingdom now, where the junior health minister, Nadine Dorries, has tested positive to Covid-19.To the United Kingdom now, where the junior health minister, Nadine Dorries, has tested positive to Covid-19.
The diagnosis has prompted concerns about the potential spread of the virus at Westminster. Dorries attended a reception at Downing Street for International Women’s Day last week, where prime minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds were in attendance.The diagnosis has prompted concerns about the potential spread of the virus at Westminster. Dorries attended a reception at Downing Street for International Women’s Day last week, where prime minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds were in attendance.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, Dorries said:In a statement on Tuesday evening, Dorries said:
More details here.More details here.
From Reuters:From Reuters:
Australian Medical Association welcomes health funding for Covid-19Australian Medical Association welcomes health funding for Covid-19
The national president of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Tony Bartone, has welcomed the announcement from the Australian government on Wednesday morning for $2.4bn in additional health funding to manage the coronavirus.The national president of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Tony Bartone, has welcomed the announcement from the Australian government on Wednesday morning for $2.4bn in additional health funding to manage the coronavirus.
In particular, Dr Bartone says the AMA welcomes the announcement of a new medicare item number for Telehealth which will encourage doctors to manage patients with Covid-19 remotely.In particular, Dr Bartone says the AMA welcomes the announcement of a new medicare item number for Telehealth which will encourage doctors to manage patients with Covid-19 remotely.
He said it would ensure that well patients felt confident in attending their GP for other health concerns, with patients who suspect they have Covid-19 managed via telehealth or in the 100 specialist respiratory clinics that are being stood up.He said it would ensure that well patients felt confident in attending their GP for other health concerns, with patients who suspect they have Covid-19 managed via telehealth or in the 100 specialist respiratory clinics that are being stood up.
He said that would help keep the “spread of the virus in the community down to an absolute minimum”.He said that would help keep the “spread of the virus in the community down to an absolute minimum”.
Bartone said it was also important to make sure that the messaging to both doctors and the community on Covid-19 was clear and consistent.Bartone said it was also important to make sure that the messaging to both doctors and the community on Covid-19 was clear and consistent.
‘No point’ in testing Australians who have not travelled or had contact with a confirmed case: chief medical officer‘No point’ in testing Australians who have not travelled or had contact with a confirmed case: chief medical officer
For Australian readers who are just joining us, the Australian chief medical officer, professor Brendan Murphy, had some strong words for Australians who he says are putting a “burden on the system” by trying to get a test for coronavirus when they are not at risk of the disease.For Australian readers who are just joining us, the Australian chief medical officer, professor Brendan Murphy, had some strong words for Australians who he says are putting a “burden on the system” by trying to get a test for coronavirus when they are not at risk of the disease.
Murphy, standing alongside prime minister Scott Morrison in Canberra, said:Murphy, standing alongside prime minister Scott Morrison in Canberra, said:
Murphy said they were working to build up testing capacity in Australia to ensure the same-day return of results, and that there was “no value” in testing people who were asymptomatic. That’s because people who are incubating the virus can return a negative result but get the disease later — a false negative, basically.Murphy said they were working to build up testing capacity in Australia to ensure the same-day return of results, and that there was “no value” in testing people who were asymptomatic. That’s because people who are incubating the virus can return a negative result but get the disease later — a false negative, basically.
Murphy again:Murphy again:
The Australian market is continuing to slide, falling by about 1.3% shortly after 11am.The Australian market is continuing to slide, falling by about 1.3% shortly after 11am.
Airline Qantas, which has cut its international capacity by a quarter because of the coronavirus, has again been hammered, plunging more than 9% to make it the biggest loser among the top 200 companies listed on the ASX in trading so far today.Airline Qantas, which has cut its international capacity by a quarter because of the coronavirus, has again been hammered, plunging more than 9% to make it the biggest loser among the top 200 companies listed on the ASX in trading so far today.
Nickel producer Western Areas is the second-biggest loser, shedding about 7.7%, and fellow miner Newcrest has the third-biggest drop of the morning, off about 6.9%Nickel producer Western Areas is the second-biggest loser, shedding about 7.7%, and fellow miner Newcrest has the third-biggest drop of the morning, off about 6.9%
But pretty much all sectors are down, with only health care in the black so far.But pretty much all sectors are down, with only health care in the black so far.
The benchmark ASX200 index fell 0.59% shortly after trade opened on Wednesday morning.The benchmark ASX200 index fell 0.59% shortly after trade opened on Wednesday morning.
Overnight, Australian time, US markets were up around 5% but the London exchange’s FTSE index recorded a small fall of 0.1%.Overnight, Australian time, US markets were up around 5% but the London exchange’s FTSE index recorded a small fall of 0.1%.
Good morning and welcome to our continued live coverage of the coronavirus crisis. The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, is expected to make an announcement shortly about the establishment of pop-up fever clinics.Good morning and welcome to our continued live coverage of the coronavirus crisis. The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, is expected to make an announcement shortly about the establishment of pop-up fever clinics.
This is how things currently stand.This is how things currently stand.
The number of deaths associated with the coronavirus outside of mainland China has passed 1,000. Globally, according to AFP, there have been more than 117,339 cases and 4,251 deaths across 107 countries and territories.The number of deaths associated with the coronavirus outside of mainland China has passed 1,000. Globally, according to AFP, there have been more than 117,339 cases and 4,251 deaths across 107 countries and territories.
Italy has recorded its highest one day death toll since the outbreak began, with 168 deaths recorded in 24-hours. That’s a 36% increase, and brings the death toll in Italy to 631. The total number of cases in Italy increased by 10.7% to 10,149. The country is on lockdown until 3 April.Italy has recorded its highest one day death toll since the outbreak began, with 168 deaths recorded in 24-hours. That’s a 36% increase, and brings the death toll in Italy to 631. The total number of cases in Italy increased by 10.7% to 10,149. The country is on lockdown until 3 April.
The Dark Mofo festival in Tasmania has been cancelled over coronavirus fears.The Dark Mofo festival in Tasmania has been cancelled over coronavirus fears.
The Victorian government has stood up its state emergency control centre to manage the coronavirus outbreak. Three new cases — all people who had recently flown in from the United States — were confirmed overnight, bringing the number of cases to 21. Two schools have also been closed after a staff member tested positive. Some 1,039 people were tested at seven screening clinics around the state yesterday, and there have been 14,500 calls to the Victorian coronavirus hotline.The Victorian government has stood up its state emergency control centre to manage the coronavirus outbreak. Three new cases — all people who had recently flown in from the United States — were confirmed overnight, bringing the number of cases to 21. Two schools have also been closed after a staff member tested positive. Some 1,039 people were tested at seven screening clinics around the state yesterday, and there have been 14,500 calls to the Victorian coronavirus hotline.
Southern Cross University will close its Lismore and Gold Coast campuses after a visiting staff member from the Philippines tested positive for the virus. The number of confirmed cases in NSW has risen to 61, with six more cases reported overnight.Southern Cross University will close its Lismore and Gold Coast campuses after a visiting staff member from the Philippines tested positive for the virus. The number of confirmed cases in NSW has risen to 61, with six more cases reported overnight.
A UK government minister has tested positive for the virus. Nadine Dorries, MP for Mid Bedford and a junior health minister, was confirmed to have tested positive on Tuesday evening.A UK government minister has tested positive for the virus. Nadine Dorries, MP for Mid Bedford and a junior health minister, was confirmed to have tested positive on Tuesday evening.
A sixth person has died of Covid-19 in the UK and the total number of cases have reached 373. England’s deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, says the UK’s coronavirus epidemic will begin to peak in the next two weeks.A sixth person has died of Covid-19 in the UK and the total number of cases have reached 373. England’s deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, says the UK’s coronavirus epidemic will begin to peak in the next two weeks.
You can get in touch on twitter by following me @callapilla or via email on calla.wahlquist@theguardian.comYou can get in touch on twitter by following me @callapilla or via email on calla.wahlquist@theguardian.com