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Coronavirus live updates: Europe shuts schools as markets tumble, sporting world in crisis Coronavirus live updates: Europe shuts schools as markets tumble, sporting world in crisis
(32 minutes later)
New York to ban gatherings over 500 people; Arsenal coach tests positive; Australian Grand Prix cancelled, Italy deaths pass 1,000. Follow the latest newsNew York to ban gatherings over 500 people; Arsenal coach tests positive; Australian Grand Prix cancelled, Italy deaths pass 1,000. Follow the latest news
In Australia, travel agency Flight Centre will close 100 stores. AAP reports that Flight Centre has also scrapped its earnings guidance due to the coronavirus outbreak. The company said on Friday that the stores will close before June 30, and sales staff will transfer to other stores, as part of moves to slash costs.
Flight Centre shares were down by 17 per cent at $16.26 by 1148 AEDT and have lost 60 per cent of their value since February 20 amid a wider market sell-off.
Australian stock market dives more than 7% again
The Australian market has dived more than 7% for the second day in a row as coronavirus panic grips traders.
At 12.20pm the benchmark ASX200 index was down 7.5%.
Trading remains volatile but so far today the market is plumbing depths not seen since early 2016, wiping out almost three years of gains.
The Vatican on Thursday closed all Catholic churches across Rome to stem the spread of a coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 1,000 people across Italy, AFP reports.
The papal vicar for Rome said the churches would reopen when a broader Italian government crackdown on public gatherings expires on April 3.
“The faithful are consequently exempt from their obligation to fulfil the festive precept,” a statement from Cardinal Angelo De Donatis said.
The Vatican had spent days resisting having to take the drastic measure of shuttering places of worship in the overwhelmingly Catholic country.
It closed its museums and even the Saint Paul Basilica - parts of its soaring dome designed by Michelangelo - to tourists as the death toll continued to mount.
The Vatican also banned mass across the country and called off all weddings and funerals.
But the churches themselves stayed open as long as the faithful followed government regulations and remained a metre (three feet) apart while inside.
It was not immediately clear when Rome’s churches had last been forced to close en masse.
The Nazis and Italian Fascists kept Pope Pius XII confined to the Vatican during World War II. But at least some Rome churches kept their doors open during the war.
In an address to the nation on Thursday night, Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro has called for nationwide demonstrations in support of his far-right government that have been widely seen as anti-Congress to be postponed because of the coronavirus crisis - which has already infected his press secretary. Brazil has 77 confirmed cases.
“The spontaneous and legitimate movements scheduled for March 15 attend the nation’s interest,” Bolsonaro said. “However faced with recent facts they need to be rethought. Our health and our families must be preserved. The moment is unity, serenity and good sense.” Earlier, Bolsonaro suggested postponing the events during a Facebook Live with his health minster Luiz Henrique Mandetta, during which both wore masks. Organisers have decided to cancel the events, local media reported.
In New Zealand, Auckland mayor Phil Goff has cancelled the Pasifika festival this weekend due to coronavirus. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, home to more than one million people.Goff said at least 40,000 people were expected to attend the festival from all around the Pacific region and the risk of spreading the virus to the Islands was too high.
Last year the annual festival was also cancelled as the security threat was raised, coming just days after the March 15 Christchurch terror attacks.Prime minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to make further announcements on travel restrictions today, after taking advice overnight. New Zealand has five confirmed cases of the virus, and more than 9000 people at home in self-isolation. A number of New Zealand politicians including finance minister Grant Robertson and speaker Trevor Mallard have cancelled upcoming overseas trips due to the virus, saying they will conduct their meetings via skype instead.
The number of coronavirus infections globally now stands at 128,343, according to Johns Hopkins University. The virus has claimed the lives of 4,720 people since virus was first detected in China in mid December.
Now for the latest from China, where a senior Chinese medical adviser said on Thursday that the global coronavirus pandemic could be over by June if countries mobilise to fight it.Now for the latest from China, where a senior Chinese medical adviser said on Thursday that the global coronavirus pandemic could be over by June if countries mobilise to fight it.
China declared the peak had passed there as new cases in Hubei fell to single digits for the first time on Thursday.China declared the peak had passed there as new cases in Hubei fell to single digits for the first time on Thursday.
“Broadly speaking, the peak of the epidemic has passed for China,” said Mi Feng, a spokesman for the National Health Commission. “The increase of new cases is falling.” Zhong Nanshan, the government’s senior medical adviser, told reporters that as long as countries take the outbreak seriously and are prepared to take firm measures, it could be over worldwide in a matter of months. “My advice is calling for all countries to follow WHO instructions and intervene on a national scale,” he said. “If all countries could get mobilised, it could be over by June.” Speaking to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President Xi Jinping similarly expressed confidence, state television reported. “My estimate of June is based on scenarios that all countries take positive measures.”“Broadly speaking, the peak of the epidemic has passed for China,” said Mi Feng, a spokesman for the National Health Commission. “The increase of new cases is falling.” Zhong Nanshan, the government’s senior medical adviser, told reporters that as long as countries take the outbreak seriously and are prepared to take firm measures, it could be over worldwide in a matter of months. “My advice is calling for all countries to follow WHO instructions and intervene on a national scale,” he said. “If all countries could get mobilised, it could be over by June.” Speaking to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President Xi Jinping similarly expressed confidence, state television reported. “My estimate of June is based on scenarios that all countries take positive measures.”
The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation is reporting that production on Survivor’s 41st season has been postponed over coronavirus concerns. Production of the show, which will be filmed in Fiji, has been postponed to mid-May.The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation is reporting that production on Survivor’s 41st season has been postponed over coronavirus concerns. Production of the show, which will be filmed in Fiji, has been postponed to mid-May.
This is your friendly reminder to wash your hands often and thoroughly. If you’re looking for a new song to take you through the motions, here is Gloria Gaynor with a hand-washing rendition of I Will Survive:This is your friendly reminder to wash your hands often and thoroughly. If you’re looking for a new song to take you through the motions, here is Gloria Gaynor with a hand-washing rendition of I Will Survive:
Virgin Australia is also reducing its international and domestic routes in response to lowered demand as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.Virgin Australia is also reducing its international and domestic routes in response to lowered demand as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Virgin Australia has confirmed that a cabin crew member has tested positive for coronavirus. The airline company is not confirming the flight or route today.Virgin Australia has confirmed that a cabin crew member has tested positive for coronavirus. The airline company is not confirming the flight or route today.
Earlier today, American Airlines announced that a pilot had tested positive. American Airlines Group Inc said on Thursday a pilot based out of Dallas-Fort Worth tested positive for Covid-19.Earlier today, American Airlines announced that a pilot had tested positive. American Airlines Group Inc said on Thursday a pilot based out of Dallas-Fort Worth tested positive for Covid-19.
“American’s Chief Medical Officer and leaders from our pilots’ office have been in touch with the pilot,” the company said in a statement.“American’s Chief Medical Officer and leaders from our pilots’ office have been in touch with the pilot,” the company said in a statement.
Argentina is going into virtual shutdown with the announced suspension of the arrival of all flights from the US, EU, UK, China, South Korea, Japan and Iran for the next 30 days. The measure goes into force starting tomorrow Friday. It’s not clear yet what will happen with flights already on their way to Argentina today arriving Friday.Argentina is going into virtual shutdown with the announced suspension of the arrival of all flights from the US, EU, UK, China, South Korea, Japan and Iran for the next 30 days. The measure goes into force starting tomorrow Friday. It’s not clear yet what will happen with flights already on their way to Argentina today arriving Friday.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Argentina jumped Thursday from 21 to 31, authorities announced. For the first time three of these cases were locally contracted, as opposed to all the cases until now, which involved persons arriving from abroad, mostly from Italy.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Argentina jumped Thursday from 21 to 31, authorities announced. For the first time three of these cases were locally contracted, as opposed to all the cases until now, which involved persons arriving from abroad, mostly from Italy.
There has been one death so far, a 64-year-old man arriving from France.Argentina is also cancelling all concerts and sports events, among them Argentina’s Lollapalooza where Gun’s N Roses, Travis Scott, The Strokes, Gwen Stefani and Lana del Rey were scheduled to perform. Sports matches will be permitted as long as they are played without public presentThere has been one death so far, a 64-year-old man arriving from France.Argentina is also cancelling all concerts and sports events, among them Argentina’s Lollapalooza where Gun’s N Roses, Travis Scott, The Strokes, Gwen Stefani and Lana del Rey were scheduled to perform. Sports matches will be permitted as long as they are played without public present
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is suspending all of its worship services globally because of the spread of the new coronavirus.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is suspending all of its worship services globally because of the spread of the new coronavirus.
The decision was made hours after Utah’s governor recommended limiting group gatherings in the state to no more than 100 people for at least two weeks.The decision was made hours after Utah’s governor recommended limiting group gatherings in the state to no more than 100 people for at least two weeks.
The Utah-based faith sent a letter Thursday to members informing them of a decision that also calls on a temporary suspension of all church activities until further notice. The move comes a day after the faith announced it would hold a major conference in early April without attendees. It is first time since a 1957 flu epidemic that the religion has taken the step of barring church members from attending in person.The Utah-based faith sent a letter Thursday to members informing them of a decision that also calls on a temporary suspension of all church activities until further notice. The move comes a day after the faith announced it would hold a major conference in early April without attendees. It is first time since a 1957 flu epidemic that the religion has taken the step of barring church members from attending in person.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is temporarily halting his trademark rallies as his campaign bows to the coronavirus outbreak that is rapidly reshaping the nation’s political landscape.President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is temporarily halting his trademark rallies as his campaign bows to the coronavirus outbreak that is rapidly reshaping the nation’s political landscape.
The rallies have long been Trump’s most potent political weapon: They energize the candidate, give him a powerful platform from which to attack his adversaries and allow his team to collect a treasure trove of voter data. The two leading Democratic contenders, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, canceled their scheduled rallies earlier this week.The rallies have long been Trump’s most potent political weapon: They energize the candidate, give him a powerful platform from which to attack his adversaries and allow his team to collect a treasure trove of voter data. The two leading Democratic contenders, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, canceled their scheduled rallies earlier this week.
New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman has just reported that US President Donald Trump’s campaign staff have been told to work remotely while a “deep cleaning and sanitation” of campaign offices takes place.
While you are securing your home for a period of social distancing or home isolation behind a wall of toilet paper, spare a thought for those who do not have the option of a safe place to hibernate.
Australian homeless advocacy organisations have called for more temporary housing to be made available in preparation for widespread community transmission of Covid-19.
Here’s Kate Colvin, from Victoria’s Council to Homeless Person’s:
Read Jack Banister’s full report on this issue:
As we report the latest coronavirus news today, please send me any tips, relevant news or well wishes for Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, who confirmed on Thursday that they have tested positive for Covid-19, on Twitter @helenrsullivan. My DMs are open.
Here is New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio speaking earlier about the decision to declare a state of emergency in the city.
Princess Cruises, the operator of two ocean liners that were quarantined after they became hotbeds for coronavirus infections, said on Thursday it would suspend voyages of all its 18 ships for two months. The suspension upends an industry already struggling with cancellations following the outbreak, and comes after Finland’s Viking Line temporarily paused operations of its river ships and ocean liners around the world, Reuters reports. “Never ... in the 20 years I have served in this company, have we been tested in ways we have been tested over the past 40 days,” Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, said on the operator’s official YouTube channel, addressing the decision to suspend operations. “This is perhaps the most difficult decision in our history.”
Shares of parent Carnival Corp, which have already lost over half their value since the start of the year, tumbled a further 18%. Rivals Royal Caribbean Corp and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings were also down.
The Australian market tumbled almost 7% on opening, setting it up for a second day running of heavy losses due to the coronavirus crisis.
Blue chip stocks tumbled as they began trading shortly after 10am, with shares in big miners BHP and Rio, both of which fell overnight in London, where they are also listed, tumbling 6.8% and 4.55% respectively.
Australia’s biggest bank, CBA, fell 4.33% while rival ANZ was down 7.17% and NAB, which cancelled a capital raising last night due to the volatile market, plunged 8.11%.
The Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled after a member of the McLaren team texted positive for coronavirus.
Here is everything we know so far:
Confusion engulfed the season-opening Australian Grand Prix hours before the cars were due on track before the race was eventually cancelled amid fears over the spread of the coronavirus.
“Following the confirmation that a member of the McLaren Racing Team has tested positive for Covid-19 and the team’s decision to withdraw from the Australian Grand Prix, the FIA and Formula 1 convened a meeting of the other nine team principals on Thursday evening,” a joint statement from FIA, Formula 1 and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation read.
“Those discussions concluded with a majority view of the teams that the race should not go ahead. The FIA and Formula 1, with the full support of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) have therefore taken the decision that all Formula 1 activity for the Australian Grand Prix is cancelled.”
On Thursday night, McLaren withdrew after one of its team members returned a positive test for Covid-19, casting a huge shadow over the viability of the weekend’s racing at Albert Park.
New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio declared a state of emergency Thursday in the city, saying he anticipated that New York could see as many as 1,000 cases next week. He said that the emergency order allows for the city to take certain actions, but that none of them had been activated, including closing down public transportation, AP reports.
New York City officials moved swiftly Thursday to address a false text message spreading on social media claiming that the police department was planning to put containment actions in place this weekend to address the spread of the coronavirus, including a shutdown of Metro-North rail lines and limited subway service.
De Blasio called the claims “wrong” and “off base” during an afternoon news conference discussing the decision to declare the state of emergency. He speculated the information leaked from scenario planning and said it was not from plans being put in place.
De Blasio said a total shutdown would be unrealistic for a variety of reasons, including that it would make it impossible for people like health care workers to get around. Later he tweeted, “NO, there is NO TRUTH to rumors about Manhattan being quarantined. Whoever is spreading this misinformation, PLEASE STOP NOW!”
The New York Police Department responded to the message tweeting from NYPD News:
Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Aaron Donovan confirmed to The Associated Press that there were no plans to suspend railroad service. The state of New York has reported more than 320 cases of the virus, 95 of them in New York City.
New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday that New York would ban all gatherings with 500 or more people to battle the coronavirus.
The cancellations Thursday rolled in like clockwork as act after act announced changes to their touring schedules. Among them were the Who, Cher, Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay and Billie Eilish, who was set to play New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
Broadway theatres announced that they would close immediately and remain dark through April 12.
Hello and welcome to today’s coronavirus live blog. The effect of the virus on major sporting events continues today, as Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta tests positive for Covid-19 and the Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled. Markets are expected to suffer further blows after a disastrous day on Thursday.
The Australian market fell almost 7% on opening, setting it up for a second day running of heavy losses due to the coronavirus crisis.
The Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled. A member of the McLaren Racing Team has tested positive for Covid-19.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus. In a statement the club said Arsenal employees who have had recent close contact with Arteta will now self isolate.
121 people at Italy’s Juventus F.C. are self isolating after footballer Daniele Rugani tested positive for the virus.
There is heightened concern at the White House after a picture emerged of a top Brazilian government aide, who has tested positive for coronavirus, standing right next to Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago last weekend.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the coronavirus outbreak as “the most serious health crisis France had faced in a century”. This was the first time he has addressed the French on the outbreak.
UK prime minister Boris Johnson said that many families “are going to lose loved ones before their time”, as he indicated a shift in the government’s approach to coronavirus from “contain” to “delay”.
The EU condemned Donald Trump’s unilateral ban on travel from 26 European countries. The presidents of the European commission and European council defended Europe’s record in managing the pandemic and sharply criticised the White House for its failure to consult its allies.
President Trump’s handling of the virus outbreak was also criticised by top federal health official Dr Anthony Fauci who described the US’s lacklustre approach to coronavirus testing “a failing”.
Markets continued to plummet today as the US and UK stock exchanges suffered their worst performance since Black Monday in 2008. In London, the FTSE 100 index of leading shares suffered its second worst day ever.
The Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau revealed he is self-isolating after his wife returned from a visit to the UK with flu-like symptoms, including a fever.
Ireland’s taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, announced the closure of all schools, colleges and childcare facilities from tomorrow. Belgium, Malta, Denmark, Norway and Lithuania introduced similar measures.
Every member of the Spanish cabinet is being tested for coronavirus after the country’s equality minister, Irene Montero, became the latest politician to test positive for the virus.
Disturbing satellite images of mass graves in Iran suggest the scale of the outbreak there is worse than authorities are admitting.