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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.
European politicians reacted with astonishment to Trump’s decision to bar entry to the US to travellers from the 26-nation Schengen zone, highlighting its apparently political nature and warning above all of the move’s economic impact.
Charles Michel, the president of the European council, said the EU27 would “assess the situation” but stressed that economic disruption “must be avoided”. Europe was “taking all necessary measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus, limit he number of affected people and support research,” he added.
Alexander Stubb, the former Finnish foreign minister, tweeted that while any attempt to contain the coronavirus outbreak was welcome, Trump’s decision to exclude the UK from a European travel ban was “nothing short of irresponsible”
Stubb noted that viruses “do not recognise borders” and said decisions about dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected more than 126,000 people and killed more than 4,600, “should be based on facts, not politics”.
Iceland now has 90 confirmed Covid-19 cases, which in a county of only 364,000 people, could represent the highest percentage infection rate in the world, reader Louise Todd points out.
Reykjavik’s Grapevine has the latest:
The governor of Tokyo has likened the idea of preventing Japanese citizens from enjoying the forthcoming cherry blossom season to “taking hugs away from Italians”, but advised people to abandon the time-honoured custom of getting together in groups to eat and drink beneath the sakura trees this spring due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Yuriko Koike, who on Thursday dismissed the idea of cancelling this summer’s Olympics as “unthinkable,” told reporters after a meeting with the prime minister, Shinzo Abe: “We discussed what to do with hanami (the Japanese word for flower-viewing).
“It is in the open-air, and the metropolitan government wants people to admire the flowers, but we would like to ask people to refrain from, for example, spreading out blue tarps and enjoying fun parties at Ueno park like every other year,” she added, referring to a large park in central Tokyo popular with hanami revellers.
Referring to measures introduced in Italy in an attempt to check the spread of the virus, Koike conceded that many would find it hard to forego the annual rite. “I think taking hanami away from the Japanese is like taking away hugs from Italians,” she said.
Japan’s meteorological agency expects the capital’s cherry blossoms to begin blooming from mid-March and to be at their best during the final week of the month.
News sites in France have reacted with alarm to the prospect of the US putting Europe into quarantine.News sites in France have reacted with alarm to the prospect of the US putting Europe into quarantine.
Le Monde says the decision will worsen the economic situation for airlines and cause a drop in the stock markets showing that the West “is incapable of a responding as one to the coronavirus pandemic”.Le Monde says the decision will worsen the economic situation for airlines and cause a drop in the stock markets showing that the West “is incapable of a responding as one to the coronavirus pandemic”.
France24 said the halting of all flights from Europe to the US was a “complete catastrophe” for the air companies. It added that Donald Trump was living up to his “America first” mantra in locking down the US but said he was ignoring the scale of the crisis at home while criticising the European Union for not being able to control the virus.France24 said the halting of all flights from Europe to the US was a “complete catastrophe” for the air companies. It added that Donald Trump was living up to his “America first” mantra in locking down the US but said he was ignoring the scale of the crisis at home while criticising the European Union for not being able to control the virus.
“He can shut off the country but that will change nothing,” said the TV stations American correspondent. “He can shut off the country but that will change nothing,” said the TV station’s American correspondent.
There is widespread astonishment at the decision to exclude the UK from the travel ban. On French social media it is being pointed out that Brexit does not stop Covid-19.There is widespread astonishment at the decision to exclude the UK from the travel ban. On French social media it is being pointed out that Brexit does not stop Covid-19.
Liverpool manager’s Jurgen Klopp appeared to be furious with fans last night as they reached out for hi-fives at Anfield last night before his team’s exit from the Champion’s League.Liverpool manager’s Jurgen Klopp appeared to be furious with fans last night as they reached out for hi-fives at Anfield last night before his team’s exit from the Champion’s League.
The UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, acknowledged the impact of coronavirus on the government after health ministers Nadine Dorries and one of her staff tested positive.The UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, acknowledged the impact of coronavirus on the government after health ministers Nadine Dorries and one of her staff tested positive.
Her fellow health minister, Edward Argar - and an unnamed Cabinet minister have also been forced to self-isolate.Her fellow health minister, Edward Argar - and an unnamed Cabinet minister have also been forced to self-isolate.
Sunak told BBC Breakfast:Sunak told BBC Breakfast:
Sunak said the government would take the “right steps at the right time” but played down the prospect of a US-style travel ban.Sunak said the government would take the “right steps at the right time” but played down the prospect of a US-style travel ban.
In response to Trump’s announcement of a ban on travel from continental Europe, he said:In response to Trump’s announcement of a ban on travel from continental Europe, he said:
The social media trail of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson reveal they came into contact with quite a few people before diagnosing as positive for Covid-19.The social media trail of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson reveal they came into contact with quite a few people before diagnosing as positive for Covid-19.
This is Matthew Weaver taking over the blog in London where the UK government is poised to move from the contain to the delay phase in its plan to tackle coronavirus. Please let me know if you have any news or tips you think I should be including in our coverage, either at matthew.weaver@theguardian.com or via Twitter on @matthew_weaverThis is Matthew Weaver taking over the blog in London where the UK government is poised to move from the contain to the delay phase in its plan to tackle coronavirus. Please let me know if you have any news or tips you think I should be including in our coverage, either at matthew.weaver@theguardian.com or via Twitter on @matthew_weaver
PA has a useful guide on what to expect after Boris Johnson approves the move to the delay phase at a Cobra meeting this morning.PA has a useful guide on what to expect after Boris Johnson approves the move to the delay phase at a Cobra meeting this morning.
The delay phase will see a mixture of the same advice given out, such as encouraging the washing of hands regularly, while also introducing social restriction measures to slow the spread of the virus.How will it help deal with the outbreak?The delay phase will see a mixture of the same advice given out, such as encouraging the washing of hands regularly, while also introducing social restriction measures to slow the spread of the virus.How will it help deal with the outbreak?
The end goal of the delay phase is to slow the rate of coronavirus being contracted and allow the NHS to clear the annual winter pressure it faces.It would also provide a buffer to allow a possible vaccine to be developed, although this would not come into use for at least another year. The government’s planning document explained:The end goal of the delay phase is to slow the rate of coronavirus being contracted and allow the NHS to clear the annual winter pressure it faces.It would also provide a buffer to allow a possible vaccine to be developed, although this would not come into use for at least another year. The government’s planning document explained:
What do they mean by social restrictions?What do they mean by social restrictions?
According to the government’s published action plan, the restrictions being considered would have “social costs”. These are thought to include urging employees to work from home where possible and even shutting down schools and cancelling events where masses of people will gather. Is it the same as what is happening in Italy and China?According to the government’s published action plan, the restrictions being considered would have “social costs”. These are thought to include urging employees to work from home where possible and even shutting down schools and cancelling events where masses of people will gather. Is it the same as what is happening in Italy and China?
The severity of the interventions have differed on a country by country basis.China and Italy have put full scale lock downs in place, with court action and fines threatened for people breaking imposed curfews.Wuhan, the Chinese city of 11 million people, which was at the centre of the initial outbreak, temporarily shut down its public transport network.And in countries such as France and Spain, large public gatherings have been banned in a bid to prevent widespread contamination.The severity of the interventions have differed on a country by country basis.China and Italy have put full scale lock downs in place, with court action and fines threatened for people breaking imposed curfews.Wuhan, the Chinese city of 11 million people, which was at the centre of the initial outbreak, temporarily shut down its public transport network.And in countries such as France and Spain, large public gatherings have been banned in a bid to prevent widespread contamination.
Are sporting events at risk?Are sporting events at risk?
Football matches in the European countries, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, have been played behind closed doors as a result of bans on gatherings of 1,000 people or more.Football matches in the European countries, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, have been played behind closed doors as a result of bans on gatherings of 1,000 people or more.
But there is doubt about whether the UK would follow suit after the deputy chief medical officer suggested scientific research did not back up the decision to outlaw public events.But there is doubt about whether the UK would follow suit after the deputy chief medical officer suggested scientific research did not back up the decision to outlaw public events.
Dr Jenny Harries, in a video exchange with the PM on Wednesday, said: “In general, those sorts of events and big gatherings are not seen to be something which is going to have a big effect, so we don’t want to disrupt people’s lives.”Dr Jenny Harries, in a video exchange with the PM on Wednesday, said: “In general, those sorts of events and big gatherings are not seen to be something which is going to have a big effect, so we don’t want to disrupt people’s lives.”
Why is the UK not doing the same as Italy?Why is the UK not doing the same as Italy?
Johnson suggested the decisions had come about because “politicians and governments around the world are under a lot of pressure to be seen to act, so they may do things that are not necessarily dictated by the science”.Johnson suggested the decisions had come about because “politicians and governments around the world are under a lot of pressure to be seen to act, so they may do things that are not necessarily dictated by the science”.
Why has it taken so long to move from the contain phase to delay?Why has it taken so long to move from the contain phase to delay?
Ministers have regularly stated that implementing tough social clampdowns too early can prove counterproductive as the public could tire of the restrictions, but it appears the PM and his advisers feel the time is right to escalate delay preparations.Ministers have regularly stated that implementing tough social clampdowns too early can prove counterproductive as the public could tire of the restrictions, but it appears the PM and his advisers feel the time is right to escalate delay preparations.
Current advice, including washing hands and catching coughs and sneezes with tissues before binning them will continue during the delay period, as will trying to find and isolate coronavirus cases at an early stage.Current advice, including washing hands and catching coughs and sneezes with tissues before binning them will continue during the delay period, as will trying to find and isolate coronavirus cases at an early stage.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan. I’m handing over to my colleague Matthew Weaver now for 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.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 marketsUS 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.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 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.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.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.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.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.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%.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.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.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.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.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.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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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:
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.
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:
“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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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.
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:
Tissues - two pack limit per shop
Paper towel, serviettes and wipes - one pack limit per shop
Toilet paper - one pack limit per shop
Hand sanitiser - two unit limit per shop
Bulk 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.
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.
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”.
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.