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Coronavirus latest updates: Trump tests negative as global travel restrictions multiply Coronavirus latest updates: Trump tests negative as global travel restrictions multiply
(32 minutes later)
Trump tests negative while Spanish PM’s wife tests positive; France and Israel announce partial closure of country; scientists condemn UK ‘herd immunity’ strategy. Follow live newsTrump tests negative while Spanish PM’s wife tests positive; France and Israel announce partial closure of country; scientists condemn UK ‘herd immunity’ strategy. Follow live news
Tom Hanks has thanked his “helpers” on Twitter. The actor and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week while in Australia.
In Australia, here is everything we know about the new measures announced today by the prime minister, Scott Morrison.
The Guardian’s Paul Karp and Lisa Cox report that people in some states could face hefty fines if they do not comply with new government restrictions aimed at containing the spread of coronavirus, with the prime minister announcing strict new requirements for all people arriving in Australia to self-isolate for 14 days.
Meanwhile Australia’s schools will remain open nationally despite escalating government restrictions on other aspects of life such as travel due to the spread of the coronavirus, however but new social distancing measures have been announced for schools in New South Wales.Meanwhile Australia’s schools will remain open nationally despite escalating government restrictions on other aspects of life such as travel due to the spread of the coronavirus, however but new social distancing measures have been announced for schools in New South Wales.
The secretary of the NSW department of education, Mark Scott, said excursions, assemblies, travel, concerts and other events would be cancelled to limit exposure.The secretary of the NSW department of education, Mark Scott, said excursions, assemblies, travel, concerts and other events would be cancelled to limit exposure.
“Schools have been a focus of the community and the government as the impacts of the coronavirus have developed globally,” Scott said.“Schools have been a focus of the community and the government as the impacts of the coronavirus have developed globally,” Scott said.
“From Monday onwards I expect assemblies and substantial gatherings to be cancelled, along with all excursions.”“From Monday onwards I expect assemblies and substantial gatherings to be cancelled, along with all excursions.”
All interschool arts and sports events have also been cancelled.All interschool arts and sports events have also been cancelled.
In Australia, the University of New South Wales has now confirmed that one if its students has tested positive for coronavirus. The announcement follows the confirmation of a case at the University of Sydney shortly beforehand.In Australia, the University of New South Wales has now confirmed that one if its students has tested positive for coronavirus. The announcement follows the confirmation of a case at the University of Sydney shortly beforehand.
The below email screenshot was shared with the Guardian:The below email screenshot was shared with the Guardian:
Israel’s justice ministry just announced a scheduled court hearing on Tuesday, the first day of a blockbuster corruption trial against Benjamin Netanyahu, will not happen until at least May due to the coronavirus.The prime minister faces three separate inquiries, including charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies the charges but the trial had appeared to be a serious threat to his continued rule while he is already politically weakened.The 70-year-old leader has failed to form a government following three inconclusive elections during the past 12 months. Israel is battling the coronavirus outbreak while also in a stale of political deadlock, with Netanyahu demanding rival politicians help him form an emergency government immediately. The country’s president, Reuven Rivlin, will meet with political parties later on Sunday to see if a majority coalition can be formed, although a breakthrough after months of stalemate could be unlikely.Israel’s justice ministry just announced a scheduled court hearing on Tuesday, the first day of a blockbuster corruption trial against Benjamin Netanyahu, will not happen until at least May due to the coronavirus.The prime minister faces three separate inquiries, including charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies the charges but the trial had appeared to be a serious threat to his continued rule while he is already politically weakened.The 70-year-old leader has failed to form a government following three inconclusive elections during the past 12 months. Israel is battling the coronavirus outbreak while also in a stale of political deadlock, with Netanyahu demanding rival politicians help him form an emergency government immediately. The country’s president, Reuven Rivlin, will meet with political parties later on Sunday to see if a majority coalition can be formed, although a breakthrough after months of stalemate could be unlikely.
There are now 156,400 coronavirus cases worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins. There have been 5,833 deaths related to the virus.There are now 156,400 coronavirus cases worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins. There have been 5,833 deaths related to the virus.
Here are 10 countries with the highest numbers of confirmed cases:Here are 10 countries with the highest numbers of confirmed cases:
Here is more information on Australia’s new self-isolation requirements:Here is more information on Australia’s new self-isolation requirements:
The $5.2bn Australian cruise ship industry has been thrown into chaos after a government ban on docking in Australia was announced after a widespread voluntary suspension of all major cruises.The $5.2bn Australian cruise ship industry has been thrown into chaos after a government ban on docking in Australia was announced after a widespread voluntary suspension of all major cruises.
As most major lines suspended all cruises for 30 days due to travel restrictions from the coronavirus passengers were asked to disembark from cruises on Sunday while other trips were cancelled at the last minute.Most companies were offering passengers refunds and three days accommodation in a hotel. Ships which had already sailed for Australia were sent back to port.As most major lines suspended all cruises for 30 days due to travel restrictions from the coronavirus passengers were asked to disembark from cruises on Sunday while other trips were cancelled at the last minute.Most companies were offering passengers refunds and three days accommodation in a hotel. Ships which had already sailed for Australia were sent back to port.
Royal Caribbean Cruises was among the lines to announce global voluntary suspension in the past few days until mid-April.Royal Caribbean Cruises was among the lines to announce global voluntary suspension in the past few days until mid-April.
The University of Sydney has confirmed that one of its students has coronavirus.The University of Sydney has confirmed that one of its students has coronavirus.
“Six locations on the University of Sydney campus are being intensively cleaned today (Sunday 15 March) after a student was diagnosed with Covid-19 on the weekend,” the university said in a statement on its website.“Six locations on the University of Sydney campus are being intensively cleaned today (Sunday 15 March) after a student was diagnosed with Covid-19 on the weekend,” the university said in a statement on its website.
The case is one of the 22 new cases announced by New South Wales authorities earlier today.The case is one of the 22 new cases announced by New South Wales authorities earlier today.
We are hearing rumours of a case at the University of New South Wales but this is currently unconfirmed.We are hearing rumours of a case at the University of New South Wales but this is currently unconfirmed.
The US is on course to be severely ravaged by the coronavirus outbreak due to a delayed and dysfunctional testing regime and misleading messaging from the Trump administration, public health experts have warned.The US is on course to be severely ravaged by the coronavirus outbreak due to a delayed and dysfunctional testing regime and misleading messaging from the Trump administration, public health experts have warned.
As of Friday, there were more than 1,600 confirmed cases of the Covid-19 virus across the US, with 41 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, the actual number of infected Americans is certain to be far higher, with the true toll obscured by a calamitous lack of testing.As of Friday, there were more than 1,600 confirmed cases of the Covid-19 virus across the US, with 41 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control. However, the actual number of infected Americans is certain to be far higher, with the true toll obscured by a calamitous lack of testing.
A lack of planning and restrictions that barred testing people without symptoms, even though the virus can be asymptomatic for some time, or those not arriving from overseas virus hotspots has needlessly worsened the situation, critics said.A lack of planning and restrictions that barred testing people without symptoms, even though the virus can be asymptomatic for some time, or those not arriving from overseas virus hotspots has needlessly worsened the situation, critics said.
In other developments around Latin America on Saturday, Colombia expelled two French nationals and two Spaniards for violating coronavirus quarantine rules.
The two couples separately took tourist trips in defiance of restrictions imposed on visitors from the worst-affected countries, immigration officials said.
Ecuador announced it was closing its borders to foreigners after the country registered its second coronavirus death.
In Bolivia, a ban on direct flights to and from Europe went into effect on Saturday. Travelers from China, South Korea, Italy and Spain are also banned from entry.
Panama banned flights from Asia, one day after blocking flights from Europe.
Authorities also announced that schools will shutter in Venezuela, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Uruguay.
As of 2200 GMT Saturday, Latin America had registered 6 coronavirus deaths and 430 cases of infection.
Chile has quarantined more than 1,300 people aboard two cruise ships after an elderly Briton aboard one of them tested positive for the coronavirus, the health ministry announced Saturday.
Both ships are cruising the Chilean fjords in Patagonia.
The 85-year-old man showed symptoms of the virus after getting off the Silver Explorer ship in the far southern port of Caleta Tortel, 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) from Santiago.
The man was later transferred to a hospital in the city of Coyhaique where he tested positive for the virus.
Chile has taken broad measures against the spread of the virus, banning events of more than 500 people, recommending people work from home, and ordering the quarantine of 2,600 students attending an elite private school in Santiago.
Thailand reported 32 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the total infections in the Southeast Asian country to 114, health officials said. It was the biggest daily jump in cases in Thailand, which was one of the first countries outside China to report coronavirus infections that has since swept much of the world.
Myanmar’s government has rejected suggestions that the country has undetected cases of the virus, reiterating that it is free of any infections and that “the lifestyle and diet of Myanmar citizens” has helped protect the country.
According to Global New Light of Myanmar, a state-run news source, the director general of the ministry of office of the state counsellor, U Zaw Htay, told a press conference:
U Zaw Htay added that the government was taking measures to prepare for the pandemic, and that people should avoid large gatherings, maintain good personal hygiene and not panic buy at shops.Severe legal action would be taken against anyone sharing fake news online and against any businesses attempting to make profit from the situation, reporters were told.Myanmar recently cancelled water festivals due to take place next month to mark the Buddhist New Year. Other Southeast Asian countries are also scaling back planned events.
South Africa’s mining and tourism industries are bracing for a virus buffeting, AFP reports.
Around 18.5% of South African exports go to China, with mining commodities making up around 86% of total trade with the Asian country.
With China’s growth expected to slow as a result of Covid-19, the demand for minerals is also expected to take a knock potentially affecting commodity prices and costing the industry millions.
South Africa’s economy is already fragile.
It slipped into recession in the final three months of 2019, the second contraction to hit the economy in as many years. That contraction was largely blamed on erratic electricity supplies.
The virus “will turn out to be a national crisis” and “it will have a huge impact... on our economy which as we all know is in a very precarious situation,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said when the first case was detected last week.
China ranked the seventh largest origin of foreign visitors to South Africa in 2018.
South Africa has so far imposed no travel bans on Chinese visitors, but Beijing has blocked outbound group travel from China.
“Despite the fact that we have had very few cases of the virus, the local tourism industry has already suffered serious losses,” lamented Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, said earlier last week. The country has 38 confirmed cases.
The South African fisheries industry was one of the first casualties after China halted animal imports.
China traditionally imports 95% of South African rock lobsters harvests.
Queensland, Australia state premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has shed some light on how the federal government’s self-quarantine requirement will be enforced, as the state sees its biggest one-day jump since the start of the outbreak, with 15 new cases.
Palaszczuk said there were heavy fines for anyone who did not follow the directive to self-isolate under the ‘Public Health Emergency Act’.
“That bill was passed in early February and there are penalties for not complying with the notification and that is around $13,000,” she told AAP.
“We have random police checks to make sure people are compliant with that notice.”
The announcement from Israel that it will use anti-terrorism tracking technology to minimise coronavirus transmission follows a series of ever-stricter restrictions imposed by the Israeli government to contain the virus, Reuters reports. The Israeli military said earlier on Saturday that it had ordered all troops to be back on their bases by Sunday morning, and that combat soldiers should prepare for a lengthy stay with no leave for up to a month. Last week anyone entering Israel was ordered to self-isolate for two weeks and schools have been shut. Tens of thousands of Israelis are presently quarantined. Israel’s Health Ministry said 193 people have tested positive, with no fatalities. Many had been on international flights in the past two weeks.
More now on Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to use anti-terrorism tracking technology to minimise the risk of coronavirus transmission.
Cyber tech monitoring would be deployed to locate people who have been in contact with those carrying the virus, subject to cabinet approval, Netanyahu told a news conference in Jerusalem. “We will very soon begin using technology ... digital means that we have been using in order to fight terrorism,” Netanyahu said. He said he had requested Justice Ministry approval because such measures could infringe patients’ privacy. The Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security service, confirmed that it was examining the use of its technological capabilities to fight coronavirus, at the request of Netanyahu and the Health Ministry, Reuters reports. Avner Pinchuk, a privacy expert with the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, said such capabilities could include real-time tracking of infected persons’ mobile phones to spot quarantine breaches and backtracking through meta-data to figure out where they had been and who they had contacted. “I am troubled by this announcement. I understand that we are in unique circumstances, but this seems potentially like over-reach. Much will depend on how intrusive the new measures are,” said Pinchuk. The Shin Bet, however, said in its statement that quarantine enforcement was not on the table. “There is no intention of using said technologies for enforcement or tracking in the context of isolation guidelines,” it said.
The US city of Hoboken, across the Hudson River from New York City, has announced a night curfew starting 16 March and ordered bars and restaurants to conduct only delivery services amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement, Mayor Ravi Bhalla said all residents of Hoboken, New Jersey, will be required to remain in their homes between 10 pm and 5 am, “except for emergencies, or if you are required to work by your employer”. The mayor said that bars and restaurants in the city will not be allowed to serve food from Sunday, 11 a.m. local time. However, they will be allowed to conduct delivery services. Hoboken reported its first case of coronavirus on Friday. More than 2,900 cases of coronavirus and at least 57 deaths have been reported in the United States, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
An Uzbek citizen has tested positive for coronavirus after returning from France, Uzbekistan’s Healthcare Ministry said on Sunday, marking the first infection from the virus in the Central Asian country of 34 million.
It said it was taking the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Uzbekistan’s state airline said on Sunday it was suspending or curbing flights to a number of cities in Western Europe, Asia and the Middle East until the end of April.