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Coronavirus live updates: Trump suspends all travel from Europe to US for 30 days, excluding UK Coronavirus live updates: Trump suspends all travel from Europe to US for 30 days, excluding UK
(32 minutes later)
Global recession fears intensify; Tom Hanks tests positive in Australia; NBA basketball season suspended indefinitely. Follow the latest.Global recession fears intensify; Tom Hanks tests positive in Australia; NBA basketball season suspended indefinitely. Follow the latest.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan. I’m handing over to my colleague Matthew Weaver now for the latest.
If you’re just joining us, hello and welcome to what has been a very busy few hours in coronavirus news worldwide.
US President Donald Trump introduced a total travel ban from Europe, excluding the UK, for 30 days. The ban does not extend to trade. The move failed to stem heavy losses on financial markets
Actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have announced that they have both tested positive for Covid-19 while filming in Australia.
The Saint Patrick’s Day parade in New York City has been canceled this year for the first time in more than 250 years, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday night.
The total number of coronavirus cases worldwide now stands at 126,258, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. There have been 4,638 deaths.
Mainland China reported 15 new infections, eight of which are in Hubei. There have been 11 new deaths, ten of which were in Hubei.
The NBA has suspended play indefinitely after after a player on the Utah Jazz preliminarily tested positive for Covid-19.
Japan must prepare itself for the possibility that the Olympic Games, scheduled to start in Tokyo on 24 July, might have to be cancelled, according to a senior MP.
Two more Formula One team members have been tested for the coronavirus at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Lewis Hamilton is “shocked” the event has not been cancelled.
The Australian stock market gave the thumbs down to the Morrison government’s stimulus package and Trump’s travel ban, closing down 7.36%.
French Polynesia has announced the first case of Covid-19 in Tahiti, the first confirmed case of the coronavirus across the Pacific Islands.
Here’s the very fresh Coronavirus: At a glance.
Greece reported its first fatality from a coronavirus infection on Thursday, a 66-year-old man who had returned from a religious pilgrimage to Israel and Egypt at the end of February.
The deceased had underlying health issues, the health ministry said in a statement. There were 99 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Greece by late Wednesday.
Separately, passengers on board a ferry boat were quarantined as a precaution after a crew member said he felt unwell, a health ministry spokesman said. The crew member disembarked for further health checks. The Athens News Agency reported there were 341 passengers and 77 crew on board the ferry which was currently docked at port on the island of Limnos.
Here’s the latest on Formula 1 coronavirus news:Here’s the latest on Formula 1 coronavirus news:
Amid fears that the coronavirus is already spreading in the Formula One paddock at the Australian Grand Prix, the world champion Lewis Hamilton has admitted he is “shocked” the race is going ahead.Amid fears that the coronavirus is already spreading in the Formula One paddock at the Australian Grand Prix, the world champion Lewis Hamilton has admitted he is “shocked” the race is going ahead.
Up to eight team members have now been tested for the coronavirus and placed into self-isolation as further doubt is cast over the running of the race on Sunday. Hamilton delivered a withering assessment of why he believed the meeting was taking place, commenting that “cash is king”.Up to eight team members have now been tested for the coronavirus and placed into self-isolation as further doubt is cast over the running of the race on Sunday. Hamilton delivered a withering assessment of why he believed the meeting was taking place, commenting that “cash is king”.
With European markets opening shortly, her is a brief look at what the reaction to Trump’s measures – as well as the Australian government’s stimulus package – have been in Australia. With European markets opening shortly, here is a brief look at what the reaction to Trump’s measures – as well as the Australian government’s stimulus package – have been in Australia.
Panic selling drove Australian shares down 7.36% on Thursday after the market gave the thumbs down to a government stimulus package before being electrified by a sweeping ban on European travel imposed by US president Donald Trump.Panic selling drove Australian shares down 7.36% on Thursday after the market gave the thumbs down to a government stimulus package before being electrified by a sweeping ban on European travel imposed by US president Donald Trump.
More than 25% of the market’s value, or more than $520bn (US$335bn), has been wiped from the value of Australian shares since 21 February, when coronavirus chaos began to grip the market.More than 25% of the market’s value, or more than $520bn (US$335bn), has been wiped from the value of Australian shares since 21 February, when coronavirus chaos began to grip the market.
The steep fall – the second of more than 7% this week and the worst single day plunge since the global financial crisis – once again battered airlines, travel agents and mining stocks, but no sector of the economy was immune to the punishment.The steep fall – the second of more than 7% this week and the worst single day plunge since the global financial crisis – once again battered airlines, travel agents and mining stocks, but no sector of the economy was immune to the punishment.
Preventing Japanese from gathering to enjoy cherry blossom season because of coronavirus would be like “taking hugs away from Italians,” the governor of Tokyo said on Thursday.Preventing Japanese from gathering to enjoy cherry blossom season because of coronavirus would be like “taking hugs away from Italians,” the governor of Tokyo said on Thursday.
Yuriko Koike however urged people to refrain from traditional “hanami” parties where friends and family gather under cherry blossom trees for food and drink, AFP reports.Yuriko Koike however urged people to refrain from traditional “hanami” parties where friends and family gather under cherry blossom trees for food and drink, AFP reports.
After a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Koike said: “We discussed what to do with hanami. It is open-air. The metropolitan government wants people to admire the flowers.”After a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Koike said: “We discussed what to do with hanami. It is open-air. The metropolitan government wants people to admire the flowers.”
“I think taking hanami away from the Japanese is like taking away hugs from Italians,” she said.“I think taking hanami away from the Japanese is like taking away hugs from Italians,” she said.
“But we would like to ask people to refrain from, for example, spreading blue tarps and enjoying fun parties at Ueno Park like every year,” she added, referring to a large central Tokyo park popular with revellers.“But we would like to ask people to refrain from, for example, spreading blue tarps and enjoying fun parties at Ueno Park like every year,” she added, referring to a large central Tokyo park popular with revellers.
Meteorologists expect cherry blossoms to begin blooming around March 17 in Tokyo.Meteorologists expect cherry blossoms to begin blooming around March 17 in Tokyo.
More on actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, who announced today that they have tested positive for coronavirus while in Australia. The Guardian can confirm that the couple is now in isolation in a hospital on Queensland’s Gold Coast.More on actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, who announced today that they have tested positive for coronavirus while in Australia. The Guardian can confirm that the couple is now in isolation in a hospital on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Here’s everything we know so far:Here’s everything we know so far:
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will be tested for the new coronavirus Thursday after he meets with Cabinet officials who were exposed to infected people and have now self-quarantined, officials said Thursday.Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will be tested for the new coronavirus Thursday after he meets with Cabinet officials who were exposed to infected people and have now self-quarantined, officials said Thursday.
Duterte has no symptoms of Covid-19 but wanted to make sure he is healthy and could continue to engage with the public.Duterte has no symptoms of Covid-19 but wanted to make sure he is healthy and could continue to engage with the public.
Philippine health officials have reported 49 cases of infections and two people, a Chinese and a Filipino, have died.Duterte on Monday declared a state of public health emergency when the number of people infected with coronavirus rose to 33 from just 3 cases last week.Philippine health officials have reported 49 cases of infections and two people, a Chinese and a Filipino, have died.Duterte on Monday declared a state of public health emergency when the number of people infected with coronavirus rose to 33 from just 3 cases last week.
Meanwhile in Formula One news from Australia, Reigning F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says:Meanwhile in Formula One news from Australia, Reigning F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says:
“I am really very surprised that we are here. For me it is shocking that we are all sitting in this room (press conference).”“I am really very surprised that we are here. For me it is shocking that we are all sitting in this room (press conference).”
More F1 team members were tested for the coronavirus at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne earlier today, as further doubt was cast on the running of this weekend’s race. No results have yet been made available.More F1 team members were tested for the coronavirus at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne earlier today, as further doubt was cast on the running of this weekend’s race. No results have yet been made available.
Two members of the Haas team and one from McLaren, who were identified with fever symptoms on Wednesday, underwent tests for the coronavirus before going into self-isolation.Two members of the Haas team and one from McLaren, who were identified with fever symptoms on Wednesday, underwent tests for the coronavirus before going into self-isolation.
We’ll have more on this shortly.We’ll have more on this shortly.
As Europe wakes up, we’re seeing more reaction to Donald Trump’s travel ban announced late on Wednesday from the Oval Office.As Europe wakes up, we’re seeing more reaction to Donald Trump’s travel ban announced late on Wednesday from the Oval Office.
The ban, in case you’re just joining us is on foreign citizens entering the US if they have been in Europe in recent weeks.The ban, in case you’re just joining us is on foreign citizens entering the US if they have been in Europe in recent weeks.
The 30-day curbs, starting Friday, exclude Britain, Ireland and other countries outside the European Schengen passport-free travel area.The 30-day curbs, starting Friday, exclude Britain, Ireland and other countries outside the European Schengen passport-free travel area.
European Council president Charles Michael tweeted a few minutes ago:European Council president Charles Michael tweeted a few minutes ago:
China is focusing on restarting factories and businesses hit by strict containment policies which prevented millions of people from travelling and returning to work after extended China Lunar New Year holidays.China is focusing on restarting factories and businesses hit by strict containment policies which prevented millions of people from travelling and returning to work after extended China Lunar New Year holidays.
Factory activity plunged to its worst level on record in February, and while more businesses have reopened in recent weeks as containment measures are eased, analysts do not expect activity to return to normal levels until April.Factory activity plunged to its worst level on record in February, and while more businesses have reopened in recent weeks as containment measures are eased, analysts do not expect activity to return to normal levels until April.
Airlines were hit particularly hard during the last several weeks, with Chinese airlines reporting a total loss of 20.96 billion yuan in February. The total number of airline passengers last month fell 84.5% year-on-year in comparison to the same time last year, China’s aviation regulator said Thursday. The Hubei government on Wednesday said Wuhan will allow some key industries to resume work.Airlines were hit particularly hard during the last several weeks, with Chinese airlines reporting a total loss of 20.96 billion yuan in February. The total number of airline passengers last month fell 84.5% year-on-year in comparison to the same time last year, China’s aviation regulator said Thursday. The Hubei government on Wednesday said Wuhan will allow some key industries to resume work.
Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has announced further restrictions on certain goods amid wide-spread panic buying in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has announced further restrictions on certain goods amid wide-spread panic buying in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
On Thursday the company announced it would begin rationing tissues, hand sanitiser, paper towels and rice. It also announced a further restriction on the sale of toilet paper. The company had previously introduced a four-pack per person limit on toilet paper after shelves were left bare by shoppers fearing being caught without a domestic essential.On Thursday the company announced it would begin rationing tissues, hand sanitiser, paper towels and rice. It also announced a further restriction on the sale of toilet paper. The company had previously introduced a four-pack per person limit on toilet paper after shelves were left bare by shoppers fearing being caught without a domestic essential.
The new limits are:The new limits are:
Tissues - two pack limit per shopTissues - two pack limit per shop
Paper towel, serviettes and wipes - one pack limit per shopPaper towel, serviettes and wipes - one pack limit per shop
Toilet paper - one pack limit per shopToilet paper - one pack limit per shop
Hand sanitiser - two unit limit per shopHand sanitiser - two unit limit per shop
Bulk rice (2kg+) - one pack limit per shopBulk rice (2kg+) - one pack limit per shop
China had eight new coronavirus infections in Hubei province as of the end of Wednesday, the first time the epicentre of the pandemic recorded a daily tally in single-digits, as more businesses reopened with local authorities cautiously easing strict containment measures.China had eight new coronavirus infections in Hubei province as of the end of Wednesday, the first time the epicentre of the pandemic recorded a daily tally in single-digits, as more businesses reopened with local authorities cautiously easing strict containment measures.
As the spread of the virus continues to slow, Hubei province announced on Thursday a further loosening of travel restrictions and will also allow some industries to resume production in two of its cities and two counties.As the spread of the virus continues to slow, Hubei province announced on Thursday a further loosening of travel restrictions and will also allow some industries to resume production in two of its cities and two counties.
Hubei’s economy, driven by manufacturing and trade, including a sizable auto sector in the provincial capital Wuhan, had been virtually shuttered. Wuhan reported all of the new cases on Wednesday, the National Health Commission said on Thursday. Outside of Hubei, mainland China had seven new cases, including six cases imported from abroad. Overall, the 15 new confirmed cases in mainland China on Wednesday was a drop from 24 cases a day earlier. That brings the total number of confirmed cases recorded in mainland China to 80,793. As of Tuesday, 62,793 people have recovered and been discharged from hospital, or nearly 80% of the overall infections. As of the end of Wednesday, the death toll in mainland China had reached 3,169, up by 11 from the previous day. Hubei accounted for 10 of the new deaths, including seven in Wuhan.Hubei’s economy, driven by manufacturing and trade, including a sizable auto sector in the provincial capital Wuhan, had been virtually shuttered. Wuhan reported all of the new cases on Wednesday, the National Health Commission said on Thursday. Outside of Hubei, mainland China had seven new cases, including six cases imported from abroad. Overall, the 15 new confirmed cases in mainland China on Wednesday was a drop from 24 cases a day earlier. That brings the total number of confirmed cases recorded in mainland China to 80,793. As of Tuesday, 62,793 people have recovered and been discharged from hospital, or nearly 80% of the overall infections. As of the end of Wednesday, the death toll in mainland China had reached 3,169, up by 11 from the previous day. Hubei accounted for 10 of the new deaths, including seven in Wuhan.
A dramatic attempt by Donald Trump to limit the spread of coronavirus by banning travel to the US from most of Europe for 30 days has failed to stem heavy losses on financial markets and prompted one top economist to warn that a global recession was now “highly probable”.A dramatic attempt by Donald Trump to limit the spread of coronavirus by banning travel to the US from most of Europe for 30 days has failed to stem heavy losses on financial markets and prompted one top economist to warn that a global recession was now “highly probable”.
In a sombre primetime address from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening, the US president boasted that the travel ban and series of other measures designed to cushion the economic blow of the outbreak amounted to “the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in history”.In a sombre primetime address from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening, the US president boasted that the travel ban and series of other measures designed to cushion the economic blow of the outbreak amounted to “the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in history”.
But Asian stock markets and Wall Street futures trading plunged deep into the red even as Trump laid out his plans, with investors betting that the $250bn package would not be enough to reverse the creeping shutdown of the world’s largest economy.But Asian stock markets and Wall Street futures trading plunged deep into the red even as Trump laid out his plans, with investors betting that the $250bn package would not be enough to reverse the creeping shutdown of the world’s largest economy.