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Coronavirus live updates: WHO declares pandemic as Italy extends lockdown measures Coronavirus live updates: WHO declares pandemic as Italy extends lockdown measures
(32 minutes later)
World Health Organization chief says number of cases reported and number of countries affected ‘doesn’t tell the full story’World Health Organization chief says number of cases reported and number of countries affected ‘doesn’t tell the full story’
In the UK, the Liberal Democrats have decided to cancel their spring conference in York this weekend due to coronavirus fears.
In a joint statement by the party’s president, Mark Pack, federal conference committee chair, Geoff Payne, and chief executive, Mike Dixon, it said it felt holding a conference would be contrary to public health advice.
The party said it would offer refunds on conference registration charges but that it was a “matter of regret” that some people would not be able to recover travel and accommodation costs, with the party itself having to “incur significant costs” as a result of the cancellation.
The Juventus player, Daniele Rugani, has tested positive for coronavirus, the Serie A club has said. And my colleague, Ed Aarons, has put together this roundup of how the outbreak has affected European football:
In addition to the unnamed cabinet minister, the junior health minister Ed Argar is also self-isolating after having dinner with Nadine Dorries on Thursday night, the Guardian understands.
A cabinet minister is self-isolating while they await test results, a government source has confirmed, thought they would not confirm the identity of the minister.A cabinet minister is self-isolating while they await test results, a government source has confirmed, thought they would not confirm the identity of the minister.
The coronavirus outbreak has forced Canada to cancel an international meeting next week that was to discuss challenges to the World Trade Organisation, a Canadian trade ministry spokeswoman has said.The coronavirus outbreak has forced Canada to cancel an international meeting next week that was to discuss challenges to the World Trade Organisation, a Canadian trade ministry spokeswoman has said.
Canada chairs a group of 12 nations that, along with the European Union, is trying to reform WTO rules in the face of US actions that threaten to paralyse the body. The group had been scheduled to meet in Ottawa 18 March.Canada chairs a group of 12 nations that, along with the European Union, is trying to reform WTO rules in the face of US actions that threaten to paralyse the body. The group had been scheduled to meet in Ottawa 18 March.
Brazil’s confirmed coronavirus cases jumped from 34 on Tuesday to 52 on Wednesday, the health ministry said, as fears about its spread in South America’s biggest country grew.Brazil’s confirmed coronavirus cases jumped from 34 on Tuesday to 52 on Wednesday, the health ministry said, as fears about its spread in South America’s biggest country grew.
São Paulo state has the largest number of cases, with 30, followed by Rio de Janeiro, with 13. And 907 suspected cases are still being investigated. The president Jair Bolsonaro’s press secretary Fabio Wajngarten is one of them, according to the columnist Monica Bergamo. He was with Bolsonaro on last weekend’s US trip during which the Brazilian president dined with Donald Trump. Wajngarten denied the report in a tweet shortly after.São Paulo state has the largest number of cases, with 30, followed by Rio de Janeiro, with 13. And 907 suspected cases are still being investigated. The president Jair Bolsonaro’s press secretary Fabio Wajngarten is one of them, according to the columnist Monica Bergamo. He was with Bolsonaro on last weekend’s US trip during which the Brazilian president dined with Donald Trump. Wajngarten denied the report in a tweet shortly after.
According to a ministry tweet, the health minister, Henrique Mandetta, told Congress:According to a ministry tweet, the health minister, Henrique Mandetta, told Congress:
Congress agreed $1bn to fight the virus, he said. The government is evaluating more restrictive measures, such as stimulating people to work from home or changing the rules on workers’ sick days.Congress agreed $1bn to fight the virus, he said. The government is evaluating more restrictive measures, such as stimulating people to work from home or changing the rules on workers’ sick days.
An analysis by the Pensi Institute, reported by the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper’s site, said that once Brazil has passed the 50 cases mark, it could reach 4,000 cases in 15 days and 30,000 cases within three weeks. The University of São Paulo suspended geography lessons after a student tested positive for the virus.An analysis by the Pensi Institute, reported by the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper’s site, said that once Brazil has passed the 50 cases mark, it could reach 4,000 cases in 15 days and 30,000 cases within three weeks. The University of São Paulo suspended geography lessons after a student tested positive for the virus.
The education minister, Abraham Weintraub, said in a video schools and universities had been told to prepare plans for remote classes should they prove necessary. “When I go out in the car, I hope I don’t hit anything, but I put on the safety belt,” he tweeted.The education minister, Abraham Weintraub, said in a video schools and universities had been told to prepare plans for remote classes should they prove necessary. “When I go out in the car, I hope I don’t hit anything, but I put on the safety belt,” he tweeted.
But supporters of Bolsonaro, who has called the virus “oversized” insisted pro-government, anti-Congress demonstrations will go ahead on 15 March. “Let’s go to the streets this Sunday,” tweeted Central Bank economist Renan Leal, attacking coronavirus “hysteria”.But supporters of Bolsonaro, who has called the virus “oversized” insisted pro-government, anti-Congress demonstrations will go ahead on 15 March. “Let’s go to the streets this Sunday,” tweeted Central Bank economist Renan Leal, attacking coronavirus “hysteria”.
Here’s a little more detail on Conte’s comments, which mark a step unprecedented in peacetime. He has told Italians:Here’s a little more detail on Conte’s comments, which mark a step unprecedented in peacetime. He has told Italians:
Conte warned Italy’s population not to “rush to the supermarkets” as shelves will be restocked as normal.Conte warned Italy’s population not to “rush to the supermarkets” as shelves will be restocked as normal.
The latest restrictions come two days after the Conte introduced emergency measures across the whole of Italy and urged people to “stay at home” as the government strives to contain the spread of the virus.The latest restrictions come two days after the Conte introduced emergency measures across the whole of Italy and urged people to “stay at home” as the government strives to contain the spread of the virus.
As of Wednesday night, there were 10,590 current cases. Of that number, 5,763 are in Lombardy, with 560 of those in intensive care.As of Wednesday night, there were 10,590 current cases. Of that number, 5,763 are in Lombardy, with 560 of those in intensive care.
The latest restrictions come after schools, universities, cultural sites, museums, theatres, cinemas and ski resorts were closed, and crowd-drawing events such as concerts and sporting events banned.The latest restrictions come after schools, universities, cultural sites, museums, theatres, cinemas and ski resorts were closed, and crowd-drawing events such as concerts and sporting events banned.
Conte said the impact of the stringent measures would only be clear “in a few weeks”. “If we all respect these rules, the quicker we will overcome this.”Conte said the impact of the stringent measures would only be clear “in a few weeks”. “If we all respect these rules, the quicker we will overcome this.”
Italians are facing up to yet more stringent measures designed to combat the outbreak after learning on Monday they would be placed in lockdown conditions. The country’s prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, has now said shops – barring supermarkets, food stores and chemists – will be shut down, while companies must close all their departments that are not essential to production.Italians are facing up to yet more stringent measures designed to combat the outbreak after learning on Monday they would be placed in lockdown conditions. The country’s prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, has now said shops – barring supermarkets, food stores and chemists – will be shut down, while companies must close all their departments that are not essential to production.
Services such as hairdressers and beauty parlours will also be closed, along with bars and restaurants that cannot guarantee they can keep a distance of at least one metre between customers. Referring to the daily bulletins announcing the number of new cases and deaths, Conte said:Services such as hairdressers and beauty parlours will also be closed, along with bars and restaurants that cannot guarantee they can keep a distance of at least one metre between customers. Referring to the daily bulletins announcing the number of new cases and deaths, Conte said:
Conte’s office said the new measures would be in force from Thursday until 25 March.Conte’s office said the new measures would be in force from Thursday until 25 March.
In Sydney, Australia’s most populous city and the centre of the Australian outbreak of Covid-19, the premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian has just announced there are now 77 cases across that state, out of 128 in Australia.In Sydney, Australia’s most populous city and the centre of the Australian outbreak of Covid-19, the premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian has just announced there are now 77 cases across that state, out of 128 in Australia.
Most of the cases are patients who have travelled overseas or who have had close contact with a confirmed case in Australia.Most of the cases are patients who have travelled overseas or who have had close contact with a confirmed case in Australia.
But NSW’s chief health officer, Dr Kerry Chant, said there were cases presenting in the state without an obvious epidemiological link, suggesting the Covid-19 was spreading in the community undetected.But NSW’s chief health officer, Dr Kerry Chant, said there were cases presenting in the state without an obvious epidemiological link, suggesting the Covid-19 was spreading in the community undetected.
Panama’s government has ordered the temporary closure of all schools, public and private, due to coronavirus concerns, its health minister has said.Panama’s government has ordered the temporary closure of all schools, public and private, due to coronavirus concerns, its health minister has said.
Olympic organisers have insisted the Tokyo Games will go ahead as planned in July, despite the sharp spike in Covid‑19 cases across the globe.Olympic organisers have insisted the Tokyo Games will go ahead as planned in July, despite the sharp spike in Covid‑19 cases across the globe.
Yoshiro Mori, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics chief, said his team were not considering changing plans for the Games – and that a board member who had suggested a delay because of the coronavirus had apologised.Yoshiro Mori, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics chief, said his team were not considering changing plans for the Games – and that a board member who had suggested a delay because of the coronavirus had apologised.
Sources at the International Olympic Committee are also stressing that nothing has changed, with those in the organisation pointing out there is still more than four months before the Games begin.Sources at the International Olympic Committee are also stressing that nothing has changed, with those in the organisation pointing out there is still more than four months before the Games begin.
Here’s a little more detail on Trump’s hint that he could advise against travel to the whole of Europe. The US president said:Here’s a little more detail on Trump’s hint that he could advise against travel to the whole of Europe. The US president said:
The White House’s coronavirus task force is recommending strategies to combat the outbreak in the hard-hit counties of King, Pierce and Snohomish in Washington state and Santa Clara in California.The White House’s coronavirus task force is recommending strategies to combat the outbreak in the hard-hit counties of King, Pierce and Snohomish in Washington state and Santa Clara in California.
In a statement released by the vice president Mike Pence’s office, the task force said its recommendations included workplaces encouraging telework and expanding sick leave policies, and community and faith-based organisations cancelling gatherings “of any size”, Reuters reports.In a statement released by the vice president Mike Pence’s office, the task force said its recommendations included workplaces encouraging telework and expanding sick leave policies, and community and faith-based organisations cancelling gatherings “of any size”, Reuters reports.
Earlier, the UK’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, said the number of cases could keep rising for months. He has since said he expects the outbreak not to last a year. The Labour MP, Chi Onwurah, asked when public health authorities will know their funding allocations for the next financial year starting in April.Earlier, the UK’s health secretary, Matt Hancock, said the number of cases could keep rising for months. He has since said he expects the outbreak not to last a year. The Labour MP, Chi Onwurah, asked when public health authorities will know their funding allocations for the next financial year starting in April.
Hancock replied:Hancock replied:
Care homes in the UK could face “very worrying staffing gaps” if the coronavirus outbreak worsens, a think tank is warning.Care homes in the UK could face “very worrying staffing gaps” if the coronavirus outbreak worsens, a think tank is warning.
Helen Buckingham, director of strategy at the Nuffield Trust, raised concerns that if carers are unable to work due to ill-health or their own caring responsibilities, it could have a “knock-on impact”.Helen Buckingham, director of strategy at the Nuffield Trust, raised concerns that if carers are unable to work due to ill-health or their own caring responsibilities, it could have a “knock-on impact”.
Additionally, she said vulnerable people in the social care sector may need to be hospitalised - putting pressure on the health service. It comes following the Budget announcement on Wednesday which made no mention of extra money for social care. Buckingham has said:Additionally, she said vulnerable people in the social care sector may need to be hospitalised - putting pressure on the health service. It comes following the Budget announcement on Wednesday which made no mention of extra money for social care. Buckingham has said:
The coronavirus-stricken Grand Princess cruise ship entered its third day docked in the port of Oakland, California, with passengers continuing to slowly disembark to quarantine locations outside the city.The coronavirus-stricken Grand Princess cruise ship entered its third day docked in the port of Oakland, California, with passengers continuing to slowly disembark to quarantine locations outside the city.
When officials made the call to reroute the cruise ship to Oakland instead of to its original destination of San Francisco, they said they based their decision on logistics – the port was larger and had a section that could easily be isolated.When officials made the call to reroute the cruise ship to Oakland instead of to its original destination of San Francisco, they said they based their decision on logistics – the port was larger and had a section that could easily be isolated.
But, to many in Oakland, a historically more racially diverse and impoverished city long overshadowed by its counterpart across the bay, the decision – however rational – opened old wounds, steeped in racial and environmental discrimination. The Oakland council member, Rebecca Kaplan, has said:But, to many in Oakland, a historically more racially diverse and impoverished city long overshadowed by its counterpart across the bay, the decision – however rational – opened old wounds, steeped in racial and environmental discrimination. The Oakland council member, Rebecca Kaplan, has said:
In the House of Commons, the Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy has criticised the decision to keep parliament open.In the House of Commons, the Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy has criticised the decision to keep parliament open.
Hancock replied:Hancock replied:
A Florida couple onboard a cruise ship stricken with the coronavirus has filed a $1m lawsuit against the boat’s operator, Princess Cruises, for failing to protect passengers amid the global Covid-19 outbreak. The lawsuit filed this week by Ronald and Eva Weissberger in a federal court in Los Angeles reads:A Florida couple onboard a cruise ship stricken with the coronavirus has filed a $1m lawsuit against the boat’s operator, Princess Cruises, for failing to protect passengers amid the global Covid-19 outbreak. The lawsuit filed this week by Ronald and Eva Weissberger in a federal court in Los Angeles reads:
Denmark is to close all schools, universities and day care facilities in the coming days to curb the spread of coronavirus, the country’s prime minister has said. All employees in the public sector with non-critical jobs are to be sent home starting on Friday, Mette Frederiksen added.Denmark is to close all schools, universities and day care facilities in the coming days to curb the spread of coronavirus, the country’s prime minister has said. All employees in the public sector with non-critical jobs are to be sent home starting on Friday, Mette Frederiksen added.