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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.
Ireland’s caretaker taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, is due to meet Donald Trump in the Oval Office this morning, the first meeting with an EU leader since the president’s travel ban announcement.
Varadkar was in the US ahead of the ban, which does not include flights from Ireland as it is not one of the Schengen zone countries Trump has targeted.
Varadkar’s two-day visit is the shortest undertaken for an Irish premier in recent memory and he was forced to cancel some engagements yesterday to deal with the Coronavirus crisis at home.
The US has also curtailed the traditional Irish American festivities with this afternoon’s shamrock ceremony in the White House usually headed by the US president and taoiseach of the day cancelled.
It is understood that Varadkar’s breakfast meeting with the vice-president, Mike Pence, this morning is also going ahead. Earlier it was announced that New York’s St Patrick’s day parade has been cancelled.
Austria has reported its first coronavirus death.
A 69-year-old man has died in Vienna after contracting the virus, city authorities said on Thursday, Reuters reports.
Austria has confirmed 302 cases so far, and four people have recovered.
A paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Service has tested positive for coronavirus.
An NHS spokesman said:
Hertfordshire is the worst hit council area in the UK with 18 confirmed.
Trump’s travel ban has prompted another plunge in the markets.
Wild trading in London has driven the FTSE 100 as low as 5,482 points, down over 6% today.
Every single company on the blue-chip index, and on the smaller FTSE 250 index, is down.
Cineworld has slumped 30% after it warned it could breach its banking covenants if cinemas are forced to close (see earlier post).
Wall Street is heading for another slump too – trading in futures contracts have been suspended ‘limit down’, after falling 5%.
A man in Rome has come up with an extreme way of enforcing social distancing.
There is a “big question mark” over whether large-scale events such as football matches should go ahead as Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has warned.
Sturgeon warned it is highly likely “significant numbers” of people will get the virus, with 36 cases confirmed in Scotland so far and the first case of community transmission north of the border reported on Wednesday.
She said that while cancelling mass gatherings did not have a significant impact on reducing the spread of the virus, such events tie up resources that could be used elsewhere.
She told ITV’s Good Morning Britain:
Here’s video of Paris Saint-Germain players celebrating their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund with thousands of their fans who had been locked out of match in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.Here’s video of Paris Saint-Germain players celebrating their Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund with thousands of their fans who had been locked out of match in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Paul Hunter, Professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, points out that the science does not support Trump’s European travel ban. Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, points out that the science does not support Trump’s European travel ban.
In comments circulated by the Science Media Centre, he said:In comments circulated by the Science Media Centre, he said:
The Financial Times reports a suspected coronavirus cases in a camp for internally displaced people in northern Iraq.The Financial Times reports a suspected coronavirus cases in a camp for internally displaced people in northern Iraq.
A nursing and residential home in Basingstoke in Hampshire has closed to visitors after a person tested positive for Covid-19.A nursing and residential home in Basingstoke in Hampshire has closed to visitors after a person tested positive for Covid-19.
Oakridge house cares for up to 91 people who have a range of needs including diabetes and dementia.Oakridge house cares for up to 91 people who have a range of needs including diabetes and dementia.
Hampshire county council could not confirm whether the person who has tested positive for the virus was a resident or staff member, the BBC reports.Hampshire county council could not confirm whether the person who has tested positive for the virus was a resident or staff member, the BBC reports.
The council said it was working closely with Public Health England to minimise the risk of the virus spreading further.The council said it was working closely with Public Health England to minimise the risk of the virus spreading further.
So far there have been 13 confirmed cases of the virus in Hampshire, making it one of the worst hit areas in the UK.So far there have been 13 confirmed cases of the virus in Hampshire, making it one of the worst hit areas in the UK.
In Brussels, EU politicians and diplomats suggested that Trump was seeking to find a scapegoat for his own failures over management of the coronavirus.In Brussels, EU politicians and diplomats suggested that Trump was seeking to find a scapegoat for his own failures over management of the coronavirus.
Dacian Cioloş, a former prime minister of Romania who now leads the Renew group in the European parliament within which MEPs from Emmanuel Macron’s party sit, tweeted:Dacian Cioloş, a former prime minister of Romania who now leads the Renew group in the European parliament within which MEPs from Emmanuel Macron’s party sit, tweeted:
Staff who work in the UK parliament are demanding guidance on how to deal with thousands of visitors and potential security threats during the coronavirus crisis.Staff who work in the UK parliament are demanding guidance on how to deal with thousands of visitors and potential security threats during the coronavirus crisis.
It comes amid growing disquiet among 650 MPs and more than 3,000 support staff over how to keep parliament functioning without shutting out the public they are meant to serve.It comes amid growing disquiet among 650 MPs and more than 3,000 support staff over how to keep parliament functioning without shutting out the public they are meant to serve.
At least three Whitehall departments - HM Revenue and Customs, the Department of Health and the Cabinet Office - are testing out systems which would allow thousands of staff to work from home for several months at a time.At least three Whitehall departments - HM Revenue and Customs, the Department of Health and the Cabinet Office - are testing out systems which would allow thousands of staff to work from home for several months at a time.
A letter from Prospect union, GMB and PCS unions to the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, has asked for “clear guidance” on how parliamentary staff including tourists guides and security guards can minimise the risk of infection.A letter from Prospect union, GMB and PCS unions to the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, has asked for “clear guidance” on how parliamentary staff including tourists guides and security guards can minimise the risk of infection.
Ken Gall, chair of the joint union committee across parliament, wrote that there were many unanswered questions from parliament’s 3,000 staff which must be addressed urgently. In a leaked email to the Speaker circulated to other members of the House of Commons Commission, he wrote:Ken Gall, chair of the joint union committee across parliament, wrote that there were many unanswered questions from parliament’s 3,000 staff which must be addressed urgently. In a leaked email to the Speaker circulated to other members of the House of Commons Commission, he wrote:
Max Freedman, the chair of Unite’s parliamentary branch, which represents MPs’ staff, told the Guardian that his members should be allowed to work from home.Max Freedman, the chair of Unite’s parliamentary branch, which represents MPs’ staff, told the Guardian that his members should be allowed to work from home.
“MPs may wish to carry on as normal, but House of Commons authorities must explain why they aren’t allowing staff to work remotely – something that can be done with minimum disruption – to stop further spread within a large and mobile workplace. MPs should also allow staff to work remotely particularly if they are at increased risk,” he said.“MPs may wish to carry on as normal, but House of Commons authorities must explain why they aren’t allowing staff to work remotely – something that can be done with minimum disruption – to stop further spread within a large and mobile workplace. MPs should also allow staff to work remotely particularly if they are at increased risk,” he said.
At least three government departments have told some staff to work remotely on Friday in preparation for asking thousands of civil servants to stay away from central London offices if the disease spreads dramatically, Whitehall sources have confirmed.At least three government departments have told some staff to work remotely on Friday in preparation for asking thousands of civil servants to stay away from central London offices if the disease spreads dramatically, Whitehall sources have confirmed.
As Number 10 begins preparations for allowing most civil servants to work from home, some staff at the Department of Health and Social Care and the Cabinet Office have been told to stay away but continue to work, sources said. Parts of HMRC are preparing to close on Monday and Tuesday, sources said.As Number 10 begins preparations for allowing most civil servants to work from home, some staff at the Department of Health and Social Care and the Cabinet Office have been told to stay away but continue to work, sources said. Parts of HMRC are preparing to close on Monday and Tuesday, sources said.
Dave Penman, the head of the FDA union, which represents the most senior civil servants in Whitehall, said his members are seeking a delicate balance between public access and staff safety.Dave Penman, the head of the FDA union, which represents the most senior civil servants in Whitehall, said his members are seeking a delicate balance between public access and staff safety.
He said:He said:
The giant German contracting firm Bilfinger, which works for a number of water utilities companies in the UK, has sent a draconian memo to staff banning them from travel to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran.The giant German contracting firm Bilfinger, which works for a number of water utilities companies in the UK, has sent a draconian memo to staff banning them from travel to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran.
The memo, leaked to the Guardian, also orders any staff member displaying flu-like symptoms to inform their supervisors and contact a doctor.The memo, leaked to the Guardian, also orders any staff member displaying flu-like symptoms to inform their supervisors and contact a doctor.
It also bans meetings of more than 50 people and recommends video calls instead. “Smaller face-to-face meetings should continue to be held when absolutely necessary for effective business performance,” it says.It also bans meetings of more than 50 people and recommends video calls instead. “Smaller face-to-face meetings should continue to be held when absolutely necessary for effective business performance,” it says.
It informs staff that two of the company’s employees have tested positive for Covid-19.It informs staff that two of the company’s employees have tested positive for Covid-19.
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.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.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”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”.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.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:Reykjavik’s Grapevine has the latest:
Update: Reader, Diego Sánchez Santaya, points out that San Marino has more than 60 cases in a population of 30,000, which represents an infection rate 10 times higher than Iceland’s.Update: Reader, Diego Sánchez Santaya, points out that San Marino has more than 60 cases in a population of 30,000, which represents an infection rate 10 times higher than Iceland’s.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Her fellow health minister, Edward Argar - and an unnamed Cabinet minister have also been forced to self-isolate.
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.
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.
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_weaver
PA has a useful guide on what to expect after Boris Johnson approves the move to the delay phase at a Cobra meeting at 1.15pm.
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:
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?
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?
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.
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?
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?
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.
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:
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”.