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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 news First case at UN headquarters; New York bans gatherings over 500 people; Australian Grand Prix cancelled, Italy deaths pass 1,000. Follow the latest news.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife Sophie has tested positive for coronavirus, AP reports. This story is breaking. We will have further details soon.
We reported earlier that Prime Minister Trudeau was self-isolating after his wife returned from a visit to the UK with flu-like symptoms, including a fever.
South Korea reported 110 new coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the country’s total infections to 7,979, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
The latest numbers are in line with a downward trend in new cases, slightly down from the 114 recorded on Thursday.
Theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort will be closing through the end of the month, starting at the close of business Sunday, the Walt Disney Company announced.
The company said in a statement Thursday that the decision was made “in an abundance of caution” to protect guests and employees amid the global outbreak of the new coronavirus. The decision came hours after the announcement of the planned closure of Disneyland in California, AP reports. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line will suspend all new departures beginning Saturday and continuing through the end of the month, the statement said. The Walt Disney Company will pay its cast members during that closure period, according to the release.The hotels at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain open, along with the shops and restaurants at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and Disney Village at Disneyland Paris, according to the news release.
How Taiwan is containing coronavirus – despite diplomatic isolation by China
Using phone tracking to enforce mandatory quarantine is one example of how Taiwan has managed to contain the spread of coronavirus, with just 48 confirmed cases of infection to date, including one death, reports Michelle Yun from Taipei.
That’s despite the island located just 130km (80 miles) from mainland China, the centre of the virus outbreak which has reported more than 80,000 cases and 3,000 deaths.
A female diplomat from the Philippines mission to the United Nations tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, according to a note sent to UN missions, making the woman the first known case at the world body’s New York headquarters.
“As of today, the Philippine Mission is in lockdown, and all personnel are instructed to self-quarantine and to seek medical attention should they develop the symptoms. We are assuming that all of us have been infected,” wrote Philippines acting UN Ambassador Kira Azucena in a message seen by Reuters. According the online UN directory of diplomatic staff, there are about 12 diplomats at the Filipino mission, which is on 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The sick diplomat represented the Philippines in the UN General Assembly’s legal affairs committees. Azucena said the diplomat was last at UN headquarters on Monday for about half an hour when she was asymptomatic. She came down with flu-like symptoms on Tuesday and visited her doctor. “She got the call today that she tested positive for Covid-19,” Azucena wrote on Thursday. The United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the case. The 193-member world body began implementing coronavirus prevention measures at its Manhattan headquarters this week. A two-week conference on women’s rights was cut to one day, several other planned large conferences canceled, most smaller meetings cut, UN missions asked to limit the number of diplomats they send to meetings, and at least half the several thousand UN staff who normally work in the building will be working from home by next week.
From Hong Kong, we have an update on the pet Pomeranian which tested positive for Covid-19 last week: blood tests have returned a negative result.
The dog was taken into quarantine after its owner was diagnosed with the illness. Successive tests on samples taken from its nose and mouth showed a “weak positive” result in the dog, leading health experts to declare it was likely a case of human-to-animal transmission. Other epidemiologists were more circumspect, and said blood tests were needed first, to see if it had any virus antibodies in its system. Blood tests taken on 3 March returned yesterday showed there was no measurable antibodies in the dog.
But authorities maintained the dog was infected.
“The negative serological test result does not suggest that the dog is not infected with the virus,” the Hong Kong government said.
“It is known in some asymptomatic or mild cases of human infections with other types of coronavirus that antibodies may not always develop. It is also not uncommon to have a negative result in the earlier stages of infection as it often takes 14 days or more for measurable levels of antibodies to be detected. “
Gene sequencing of the virus detected on the dog and in its owner showed them to be very similar, suggesting the virus did likely spread from the person to the animal.
“There currently is no evidence that pet animals can be a source of infection of Covid-19,” the department added.”
“Pet owners should not be overly concerned and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.”
Asian markets opened in freefall on Friday, extending a global rout that saw bourses experience their worst day in decades on fears of a recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei index nosedived more than seven percent shortly after the open, with markets around the region plummeting after a historically bad trading day in the US and Europe. The Nikkei average extended its fall and is currently down 10%.
New Zealand’s benchmark NZX 50 slumped 7.9 percent. Trading was briefly halted on South Korea’s stock exchange when the benchmark KOSPI index fell 6.8 percent.
The falls came after dramatic scenes on other global markets, with the Dow losing 10 percent, or around 2,350 points, to 21,200.62, in its worst session since 1987.
London also had its worst day since the 1987 crash and Frankfurt its blackest day since 1989, the year the Berlin Wall fell.
Paris suffered its worst one-day loss ever.
Analysts said President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ban on travel to the US from Europe deeply rattled investors, and measures intended to shore up business and markets were proving insufficient, AFP reports.
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.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.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% againAustralian 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.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%.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.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 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 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 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.“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.
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.”
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.