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El Salvador bans mass gatherings as virus spreads – as it happened El Salvador bans mass gatherings as virus spreads – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
President takes action as World Health Organization chief says number of cases reported and number of countries affected ‘doesn’t tell the full story’ President takes action as World Health Organization chief says number of cases reported and number of countries affected ‘doesn’t tell full story’. This blog is closed
That’s it from me today. My colleague Helen Sullivan has taken over our live coronavirus coverage over here. That’s it from me today. My colleague Helen Sullivan has taken over our coronavirus coverage on a new liveblog.
In China, man was pulled out alive after being trapped for 69 hours under the rubble of a collapsed virus quarantine hotel in southeastern China in which at least 20 other people died. The official Xinhua News Agency said the man was sent to hospital immediately after being rescued late on Tuesday afternoon. Another nine people are missing from the collapse on Saturday.In China, man was pulled out alive after being trapped for 69 hours under the rubble of a collapsed virus quarantine hotel in southeastern China in which at least 20 other people died. The official Xinhua News Agency said the man was sent to hospital immediately after being rescued late on Tuesday afternoon. Another nine people are missing from the collapse on Saturday.
Here’s a summary of the latest events:Here’s a summary of the latest events:
Italy extended its lockdown measures. The prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, said shops – barring those needed for basic necessities, such as pharmacies and supermarkets – would be closed down. That added to the lockdown measures imposed on the whole country on Monday.Italy extended its lockdown measures. The prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, said shops – barring those needed for basic necessities, such as pharmacies and supermarkets – would be closed down. That added to the lockdown measures imposed on the whole country on Monday.
Two more people died in the UK, NHS England announced. The deaths took the number on UK soil to eight, while two British people have also died while abroad.Two more people died in the UK, NHS England announced. The deaths took the number on UK soil to eight, while two British people have also died while abroad.
Four UK parliamentarians are in isolation amid coronavirus fears. They included an unnamed cabinet minister, two junior ministers and an opposition MP. Ed Argar became the second junior minister to be quarantined on Wednesday – following his Department of Health and Social Care colleague Nadine Dorries’s diagnosis the previous day. The Labour MP, Rachel Maskell, was also in isolation after coming into close contact with Dorries.Four UK parliamentarians are in isolation amid coronavirus fears. They included an unnamed cabinet minister, two junior ministers and an opposition MP. Ed Argar became the second junior minister to be quarantined on Wednesday – following his Department of Health and Social Care colleague Nadine Dorries’s diagnosis the previous day. The Labour MP, Rachel Maskell, was also in isolation after coming into close contact with Dorries.
UK cases could keep rising for months, health secretary says. Matt Hancock told the Commons he did not expect the peak to be reached within weeks, saying it was more likely to be a matter of months. But he added that the outbreak was unlikely to last a year.UK cases could keep rising for months, health secretary says. Matt Hancock told the Commons he did not expect the peak to be reached within weeks, saying it was more likely to be a matter of months. But he added that the outbreak was unlikely to last a year.
And you can read a summary of the day’s earlier events here.And you can read a summary of the day’s earlier events here.
El Salvador’s President has ordered a three-week ban on mass public gatherings, including concerts and sporting events, Reuters reports.El Salvador’s President has ordered a three-week ban on mass public gatherings, including concerts and sporting events, Reuters reports.
Saudi Arabia has reported 24 new coronavirus cases, bringing the kingdom’s total to 45, the state news agency reported, citing the health ministry. It added that one patient has recovered.Saudi Arabia has reported 24 new coronavirus cases, bringing the kingdom’s total to 45, the state news agency reported, citing the health ministry. It added that one patient has recovered.
According to the report, the 24 new cases include two people who just came back from Iraq, a 12-year-old Saudi child who was in contact with her grandfather who came back from Iran, and 21 Egyptians who had contact with an Egyptian visitor previously reported to have the coronavirus.According to the report, the 24 new cases include two people who just came back from Iraq, a 12-year-old Saudi child who was in contact with her grandfather who came back from Iran, and 21 Egyptians who had contact with an Egyptian visitor previously reported to have the coronavirus.
Leading technology firms – Amazon, Google, and Facebook, as well as Microsoft and Apple – have gathered for talks at Downing Street this evening aimed at tackling disinformation about the pandemic, No 10 has said.Leading technology firms – Amazon, Google, and Facebook, as well as Microsoft and Apple – have gathered for talks at Downing Street this evening aimed at tackling disinformation about the pandemic, No 10 has said.
A spokeswoman has said:A spokeswoman has said:
Ibaneis Rocha, governor of the Federal District where Brazil’s capital Brasília is located, will order classes in schools and universities suspended for five days from Thursday morning, Brazil’s CBN radio network in Brasília is reporting. Masses, shows and events with crowds will also be prohibited, it tweeted.Ibaneis Rocha, governor of the Federal District where Brazil’s capital Brasília is located, will order classes in schools and universities suspended for five days from Thursday morning, Brazil’s CBN radio network in Brasília is reporting. Masses, shows and events with crowds will also be prohibited, it tweeted.
After UK authorities decided the parliament should stay open, Reuters reports that the US Capitol has confirmed it will close its doors to visitors.After UK authorities decided the parliament should stay open, Reuters reports that the US Capitol has confirmed it will close its doors to visitors.
Concerns were expressed in the Commons on Wednesday that remaining open – including to visitors – could worsen the situation in the UK.Concerns were expressed in the Commons on Wednesday that remaining open – including to visitors – could worsen the situation in the UK.
The UK health secretary said earlier that the prime minister, Boris Johnson, is due to chair a meeting of the government’s Cobra committee on Thursday. The Press Association is reporting that ministers are expected to decide at that meeting whether or not the UK’s coronavirus response should move on from the “containment” to the “delay” phase.The UK health secretary said earlier that the prime minister, Boris Johnson, is due to chair a meeting of the government’s Cobra committee on Thursday. The Press Association is reporting that ministers are expected to decide at that meeting whether or not the UK’s coronavirus response should move on from the “containment” to the “delay” phase.
Reuters reports that the prime minister’s spokesman has said such a step is expected to be taken.Reuters reports that the prime minister’s spokesman has said such a step is expected to be taken.
Moving to delay would mean social distancing measures could be brought in, such as restricting public gatherings, and more widespread advice to stay at home.Moving to delay would mean social distancing measures could be brought in, such as restricting public gatherings, and more widespread advice to stay at home.
In the UK, the Liberal Democrats have decided to cancel their spring conference in York this weekend due to coronavirus fears.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.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 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: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.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.