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Coronavirus latest updates: Trump tests negative as global travel restrictions multiply Coronavirus latest updates: UK calls for increased production of ventilators 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 news Trump tests negative while Spanish PM’s wife tests positive; France and Israel announce partial closure of country; scientists condemn UK ‘herd immunity’ strategy
German newspaper Welt am Sonntag has reported that US president Donald Trump has sought exclusive rights to a vaccine for the coronavirus which is being developed by a German-based company, CureVac.
The report, which quoted unnamed sources, said Trump had offered large sums of money to German scientists working on the vaccine, and that the Germany government was working to prevent the US procuring it on this basis.
Australian health authorities have confirmed two more deaths from coronavirus in the past three days. A 77-year-old Queensland woman died in New South Wales on Friday.
NSW Health said the woman had recently arrived in Sydney. According to AAP, she developed symptoms on the plane, was taken to hospital and died the same day.
NSW Health also said a 90-year-old woman - a resident of Dorothy Henderson Lodge – died on Saturday. Testing has confirmed that she had COVID-19.
Four people diagnosed with coronavirus have now died in NSW while an elderly man who spent time on the Diamond Princess cruise ship died in Perth, Western Australia, earlier in March.
Greek authorities have confirmed a fourth death from coronavirus, saying a 53-year-old man succumbed to Covid-19 early on Sunday.
The man, the youngest victim so far, was reported to have contracted the virus working in a hospital in the northern city of Kastoria. Famous for its fur trade – and links with Italy - the town has been hard hit by coronavirus. Locals who attended Milan’s fashion week in February are among those who have fallen ill.
News of the fatality follows a health ministry announcement that 228 people have so far contracted the virus in Greece – the vast majority are Greek and do not of course include the like of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson who were recently made honorary citizens of the country.
Of that number five are said to be in critical condition in specialist hospital units around the country.
As of today, Greeks will be banned from public beaches and ski resorts after prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took the unprecedented step of ordering both closed in a further bid to curb the spread of the novel virus. The leader was prompted to make the move after scenes emerged of Greeks converging on shorelines as temperatures climbed to 22C on Saturday.
“I just gave the order for all organised beaches and ski resorts to close tomorrow. The situation is serious and requires responsibility from all. We should avoid public places with lots of people. Let us all rise to the occasion.”
Hancock is confident the food supply will continue, though he again refused to provide a guarantee.
Questioned about the UK’s response to the pandemic, which has been described as idiosyncratic, he said the country will take the right decisions at the right time based on the scientific advice.
He said the government would publish its coronavirus modelling, from which the scientific advice is based, within the next couple of days.
“Our advice is one of the most transparent in the world,” he declared. “The best science is done in the open so people can challenge ... and make suggestions.”
The UK has been through worse as a country but the coronavirus pandemic is a very significant challenge, health secretary Matt Hancock has told Sky.
It will disrupt the lives of almost everyone in the country, he conceded. He called for a “national effort” from hand-washing to ventilator production to help prevent the disease spreading and to save lives.
He said government was working with the private sector to buy the ventilators that are available and to encourage manufacturing companies to switch production to the machines.
However, he could not confirm everyone who requires one will have access, and he confirmed that the government is set to ask, at some point in the coming weeks, over-70s to self-isolate for months at some point in the UK.
Thanks Helen. Do get in touch with me on Twitter @matthabusby or by email at mattha.busby.freelance@theguardian.com if you would like to bring anything to my attention.Thanks Helen. Do get in touch with me on Twitter @matthabusby or by email at mattha.busby.freelance@theguardian.com if you would like to bring anything to my attention.
For readers in the UK, the Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance as the coronavirus pandemic reaches 135 countries, territories or areas. It has advised against all but essential travel to 23 countries.For readers in the UK, the Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance as the coronavirus pandemic reaches 135 countries, territories or areas. It has advised against all but essential travel to 23 countries.
ChinaChina
The FCO advises against all travel to Hubei province due to the outbreak, and against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China. If you are in China and able to leave, the FCO says you should do so.The FCO advises against all travel to Hubei province due to the outbreak, and against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China. If you are in China and able to leave, the FCO says you should do so.
ItalyItaly
The FCO advises against all but essential travel to all of Italy, including Sicily and Sardinia. Authorities in Italy have advised against travel for tourism purposes and said tourists already on holiday in Italy should limit their movements to those necessary to return to the place where they live.The FCO advises against all but essential travel to all of Italy, including Sicily and Sardinia. Authorities in Italy have advised against travel for tourism purposes and said tourists already on holiday in Italy should limit their movements to those necessary to return to the place where they live.
DenmarkDenmark
British nationals are advised against all but essential travel to the whole country, after Danish authorities announced they would be closing the borders for a month in response to the pandemic. Foreign nationals who “do not have a recognised purpose for entering Denmark” will be barred from entry.British nationals are advised against all but essential travel to the whole country, after Danish authorities announced they would be closing the borders for a month in response to the pandemic. Foreign nationals who “do not have a recognised purpose for entering Denmark” will be barred from entry.
NorwayNorway
The department advises against all but essential travel to Norway, after the Norwegian authorities said that all non-resident visitors arriving from countries other than Finland and Sweden would be asked to leave Norway on arrival. British nationals legally resident in Norway will be allowed to enter the country but must enter self-quarantine for 14 days.The department advises against all but essential travel to Norway, after the Norwegian authorities said that all non-resident visitors arriving from countries other than Finland and Sweden would be asked to leave Norway on arrival. British nationals legally resident in Norway will be allowed to enter the country but must enter self-quarantine for 14 days.
Czech RepublicCzech Republic
British authorities advise against all but essential travel to the Czech Republic due to a 30-day state of emergency declared on March 12. Prague airport is the sole airport carrying international flights, however many of them are being cancelled.Czech authorities have said anyone who enters the country from the UK or other “at risk” countries will be required to self-isolate.British authorities advise against all but essential travel to the Czech Republic due to a 30-day state of emergency declared on March 12. Prague airport is the sole airport carrying international flights, however many of them are being cancelled.Czech authorities have said anyone who enters the country from the UK or other “at risk” countries will be required to self-isolate.
JamaicaJamaica
The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the country due to restrictions on entry. Only Jamaican citizens, spouses and children of Jamaican citizens and foreign residents travelling from the UK will be allowed to enter.The FCO said: “British nationals who wish to leave Jamaica are encouraged to make travel arrangements urgently before airlines reduce direct and indirect flight options.”The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the country due to restrictions on entry. Only Jamaican citizens, spouses and children of Jamaican citizens and foreign residents travelling from the UK will be allowed to enter.The FCO said: “British nationals who wish to leave Jamaica are encouraged to make travel arrangements urgently before airlines reduce direct and indirect flight options.”
PolandPoland
The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the country, owing to restrictions being put in place following the outbreak which has seen borders closed and border controls introduced. Non-Polish nationals will only be able to enter the country if they are a spouse or child of a Polish national, hold a Pole’s Card, or otherwise have the right to stay or work in the country.The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the country, owing to restrictions being put in place following the outbreak which has seen borders closed and border controls introduced. Non-Polish nationals will only be able to enter the country if they are a spouse or child of a Polish national, hold a Pole’s Card, or otherwise have the right to stay or work in the country.
SlovakiaSlovakia
Travel restrictions in the country mean the FCO advises against all but essential travel. The department said: “Entry to the country is allowed only for Slovak citizens and foreign residents. All those arriving from abroad are required to self-isolate for 14 days.”Travel restrictions in the country mean the FCO advises against all but essential travel. The department said: “Entry to the country is allowed only for Slovak citizens and foreign residents. All those arriving from abroad are required to self-isolate for 14 days.”
ArgentinaArgentina
The FCO advises against all but essential travel to all of Argentina due to travel restrictions. “The FCO strongly encourage non-resident British nationals in Argentina to consider leaving to avoid difficulties they will face if flights out of the country and the region are further restricted and they are unable to get home,” the department said.The FCO advises against all but essential travel to all of Argentina due to travel restrictions. “The FCO strongly encourage non-resident British nationals in Argentina to consider leaving to avoid difficulties they will face if flights out of the country and the region are further restricted and they are unable to get home,” the department said.
VietnamVietnam
The FCO advises against all but essential travel to Vietnam due to the high risk of British nationals being placed into a 14-day quarantine.The FCO advises against all but essential travel to Vietnam due to the high risk of British nationals being placed into a 14-day quarantine.
MaltaMalta
The department advises against all but essential travel to Malta due to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for all arrivals including returning residents.The department advises against all but essential travel to Malta due to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for all arrivals including returning residents.
AlbaniaAlbania
Following the government of Albania’s decision to introduce “stringent measures” to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the FCO advises against all but essential travel. All borders are closed, with the exception of freight, to all nationals. Schools are also closed as are all shops except food shops and pharmacies.Following the government of Albania’s decision to introduce “stringent measures” to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the FCO advises against all but essential travel. All borders are closed, with the exception of freight, to all nationals. Schools are also closed as are all shops except food shops and pharmacies.
KosovoKosovo
The FCO advises against all but essential travel to Kosovo as all flights into the country have been cancelled, and land borders are closed to non-citizens.The FCO advises against all but essential travel to Kosovo as all flights into the country have been cancelled, and land borders are closed to non-citizens.
EstoniaEstonia
The FCO has advised against all but essential travel as the Estonian authorities are themselves advising against all travel in and out of Estonia, and passengers from several European countries must self-quarantine for 14 days upon entry.The FCO has advised against all but essential travel as the Estonian authorities are themselves advising against all travel in and out of Estonia, and passengers from several European countries must self-quarantine for 14 days upon entry.
San MarinoSan Marino
In conjunction with their travel advice for Italy, the FCO advises against all but essential travel to San Marino. “British nationals remain able to depart San Marino without restriction with a valid passport and onward ticket,” the department said.In conjunction with their travel advice for Italy, the FCO advises against all but essential travel to San Marino. “British nationals remain able to depart San Marino without restriction with a valid passport and onward ticket,” the department said.
Equatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea
The FCO advises against all travel to Equatorial Guinea after authorities announced border closures and the suspension of international flights for 30 days.The FCO advises against all travel to Equatorial Guinea after authorities announced border closures and the suspension of international flights for 30 days.
LiberiaLiberia
The department advises against all but essential travel to Liberia due to the high risk of quarantine for British nationals, as well as travel restrictions.The department advises against all but essential travel to Liberia due to the high risk of quarantine for British nationals, as well as travel restrictions.
LithuaniaLithuania
British nationals are advised against all but essential travel due to border controls effective from March 15, lasting ten days.British nationals are advised against all but essential travel due to border controls effective from March 15, lasting ten days.
LatviaLatvia
The FCO advises against all but essential travel, due to the increased travel restrictions. From March 17, it will not be possible for most British nationals to enter or exit Latvia and organised transport by air, sea and land will be suspended.The FCO advises against all but essential travel, due to the increased travel restrictions. From March 17, it will not be possible for most British nationals to enter or exit Latvia and organised transport by air, sea and land will be suspended.
PeruPeru
The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Peru due to conditions including a ban on flights to and from Europe from March 16 for at least 30 days.The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Peru due to conditions including a ban on flights to and from Europe from March 16 for at least 30 days.
MongoliaMongolia
The department advises against all but essential travel due to the suspension of all flights until at least March 28, and recommended British nationals use charter flights scheduled for March 15 and 16.The department advises against all but essential travel due to the suspension of all flights until at least March 28, and recommended British nationals use charter flights scheduled for March 15 and 16.
PhilippinesPhilippines
Due to the impact of domestic travel restrictions, possible curfews and plans to impose conditions on entry from the UK, the FCO has recommended against all but essential travel to the whole country from March 15.Due to the impact of domestic travel restrictions, possible curfews and plans to impose conditions on entry from the UK, the FCO has recommended against all but essential travel to the whole country from March 15.
Sierra LeoneSierra Leone
The FCO advises against all but essential travel due to mandatory quarantine measures for British nationals arriving from March 16.The FCO advises against all but essential travel due to mandatory quarantine measures for British nationals arriving from March 16.
Cruise shipsCruise ships
British nationals aged 70 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions are advised against cruise ship travel.British nationals aged 70 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions are advised against cruise ship travel.
South KoreaSouth Korea
The department advises against all travel to the cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan which have been designated “special care zones” by South Korean authorities due to outbreaks.The department advises against all travel to the cities of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan which have been designated “special care zones” by South Korean authorities due to outbreaks.
From Sunday, travellers arriving from the UK will be subject to additional screening. People travelling from the UK will also be asked to report their condition to the authorities for 14 days.From Sunday, travellers arriving from the UK will be subject to additional screening. People travelling from the UK will also be asked to report their condition to the authorities for 14 days.
SpainSpain
The Spanish ministry of health declared the areas of Madrid and La Rioja, and the municipalities of La Bastida and Vitoria, and Miranda de Ebro, as places where there is community transmission of coronavirus and the FCO advises against all but essential travel to those regions. This advice was changed in the early hours of March 15, with the FCO advising against all travel to the country.The Spanish ministry of health declared the areas of Madrid and La Rioja, and the municipalities of La Bastida and Vitoria, and Miranda de Ebro, as places where there is community transmission of coronavirus and the FCO advises against all but essential travel to those regions. This advice was changed in the early hours of March 15, with the FCO advising against all travel to the country.
IndiaIndia
Although the FCO has not advised against travel, the department said the government of India previously announced it will suspend all existing visas due to the virus outbreak.Although the FCO has not advised against travel, the department said the government of India previously announced it will suspend all existing visas due to the virus outbreak.
FranceFrance
France has taken several steps to delay the spread of Covid-19 including the closure of restaurants, schools, universities, cafes, theatres and non-essential shops, the FCO said. Gatherings of more than 100 people have been banned and tourist attractions have been shuttered. The FCO has not currently advised British nationals not to travel to France.France has taken several steps to delay the spread of Covid-19 including the closure of restaurants, schools, universities, cafes, theatres and non-essential shops, the FCO said. Gatherings of more than 100 people have been banned and tourist attractions have been shuttered. The FCO has not currently advised British nationals not to travel to France.
United StatesUnited States
On March 14, the US government extended an existing European travel ban to the UK and Ireland, with the exception of returning US citizens and legal residents.The FCO did not update its existing advice on the day of the announcement.On March 14, the US government extended an existing European travel ban to the UK and Ireland, with the exception of returning US citizens and legal residents.The FCO did not update its existing advice on the day of the announcement.
New ZealandNew Zealand
Arrivals from countries other than China and Iran will have to self isolate for 14 days on arrival, the department said. Foreign nationals arriving from China or Iran will not be allowed to enter the country as part of strict new controls.Arrivals from countries other than China and Iran will have to self isolate for 14 days on arrival, the department said. Foreign nationals arriving from China or Iran will not be allowed to enter the country as part of strict new controls.
BoliviaBolivia
The FCO has not advised against travel, however all flights to and from Europe have been suspended.The FCO has not advised against travel, however all flights to and from Europe have been suspended.
BahrainBahrain
The department said all arrivals from the UK will be required to self-isolate for 14 days including those without symptoms, but has not warned against travel.The department said all arrivals from the UK will be required to self-isolate for 14 days including those without symptoms, but has not warned against travel.
SingaporeSingapore
British nationals will not be granted permission to enter Singapore if they have travelled to mainland China, Iran, northern Italy or South Korea within the last 14 days, the FCO said.British nationals will not be granted permission to enter Singapore if they have travelled to mainland China, Iran, northern Italy or South Korea within the last 14 days, the FCO said.
MalaysiaMalaysia
The FCO advises against all but essential travel to all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, including (but not limited to) Lankayan, Mabul, Pom Pom, Kapalai, Litigan, Sipadan and Mataking.The FCO advises against all but essential travel to all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau, including (but not limited to) Lankayan, Mabul, Pom Pom, Kapalai, Litigan, Sipadan and Mataking.
PortugalPortugal
The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores.The FCO advises against all but essential travel to the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores.
EcuadorEcuador
The FCO advises against all but essential travel, as foreign nationals will not be admitted to the country from Sunday evening.The FCO advises against all but essential travel, as foreign nationals will not be admitted to the country from Sunday evening.
That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. I’m leaving the blog in the hands of my colleague Mattha Busby.That’s it from me, Helen Sullivan, for today. I’m leaving the blog in the hands of my colleague Mattha Busby.
In Australia, the ABC is reporting that a woman from Noosaville infected with coronavirus died on Friday. We will have more on this shortly.In Australia, the ABC is reporting that a woman from Noosaville infected with coronavirus died on Friday. We will have more on this shortly.
Meanwhile AAP reports that around 80 people have been asked to self-isolate after a University of Sydney student was diagnosed with coronavirus over the weekend.Meanwhile AAP reports that around 80 people have been asked to self-isolate after a University of Sydney student was diagnosed with coronavirus over the weekend.
As Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders prepare for the next democratic debate, in considerably different circumstances from those just under three weeks ago, the virus continues to spread in the US – though Trump remains coronavirus free.As Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders prepare for the next democratic debate, in considerably different circumstances from those just under three weeks ago, the virus continues to spread in the US – though Trump remains coronavirus free.
More universities saw students affected by Covid-19, Metro Manilla’s 12 million people prepared to be sealed off, and Australia announced mandatory self-quarantine for all travellers arriving from overseas.More universities saw students affected by Covid-19, Metro Manilla’s 12 million people prepared to be sealed off, and Australia announced mandatory self-quarantine for all travellers arriving from overseas.
US President Donald Trump tested negative for coronavirus. A White House physician has issued a statement confirming that Trump does not have Covid-19. It came after the US president confirmed he had been tested for the virus at a press briefing earlier on Saturday.US President Donald Trump tested negative for coronavirus. A White House physician has issued a statement confirming that Trump does not have Covid-19. It came after the US president confirmed he had been tested for the virus at a press briefing earlier on Saturday.
The international travel industry faced a widespread shutdown over coronavirus fears after airlines announced new flight reductions and more countries introduced travel bans and isolation requirements.The international travel industry faced a widespread shutdown over coronavirus fears after airlines announced new flight reductions and more countries introduced travel bans and isolation requirements.
Chaos reigned at US airports. Social media users posted pictures from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas showing general chaos and tightly packed crowds.Chaos reigned at US airports. Social media users posted pictures from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas showing general chaos and tightly packed crowds.
The Israeli justice ministry postponed the Netanyahu trial to May. The ministry 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 Israeli justice ministry postponed the Netanyahu trial to May. The ministry 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 Australian government have ordered that all overseas travellers self-isolate for fourteen days upon their return. The legally enforceable requirement includes Australian citizens.The Australian government have ordered that all overseas travellers self-isolate for fourteen days upon their return. The legally enforceable requirement includes Australian citizens.
The Australian cruise ship industry was thrown into turmoil after a government ban on docking in Australia was announced after a widespread voluntary suspension of all major cruises.The Australian cruise ship industry was thrown into turmoil after a government ban on docking in Australia was announced after a widespread voluntary suspension of all major cruises.
Yale University in the US and the Universities of Sydney and the University of New South Wales in Australia each confirmed their first cases. Yale asked that students not return from until the end of the spring semester in May.Yale University in the US and the Universities of Sydney and the University of New South Wales in Australia each confirmed their first cases. Yale asked that students not return from until the end of the spring semester in May.
Presidential presidential primaries in the US state of Georgia were postponed. They were set to take place on 24 March.Presidential presidential primaries in the US state of Georgia were postponed. They were set to take place on 24 March.
US clothing brand Everlane joined Apple, Urban Outfitters and Verizon in closing stores over coronavirus concerns.US clothing brand Everlane joined Apple, Urban Outfitters and Verizon in closing stores over coronavirus concerns.
Mexico has registered a rise in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases to 41, from 26 a day earlier, the Mexican health ministry said on Saturday. The country has not confirmed any deaths from the fast-spreading virus.Mexico has registered a rise in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases to 41, from 26 a day earlier, the Mexican health ministry said on Saturday. The country has not confirmed any deaths from the fast-spreading virus.
South Korea’s downward trend continued. South Korea reported 76 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the country’s total to 8,162 with 75 deaths, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.South Korea’s downward trend continued. South Korea reported 76 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the country’s total to 8,162 with 75 deaths, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
In the Philippines, police started sealing off metropolitan Manila, home to more than 12 million people, AP reports.In the Philippines, police started sealing off metropolitan Manila, home to more than 12 million people, AP reports.
No new cases have been confirmed among the cast and crew of the film actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were working on. The couple announced they had tested positive earlier this week while in Australia.No new cases have been confirmed among the cast and crew of the film actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were working on. The couple announced they had tested positive earlier this week while in Australia.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will announce a multi-billion dollar economic stimulus on Tuesday as the country awakens to the shock measures needed to fight Covid-19.New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will announce a multi-billion dollar economic stimulus on Tuesday as the country awakens to the shock measures needed to fight Covid-19.
COVID-19 infections have jumped to 110 confirmed cases in Egypt according to the country’s Ministry of Health, up from 80 on Friday.COVID-19 infections have jumped to 110 confirmed cases in Egypt according to the country’s Ministry of Health, up from 80 on Friday.
Egyptian president Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi declared on Saturday that £5.2bn would be drawn from budgetary reserves as part of a plan to combat “any consequences of the virus.”Egyptian president Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi declared on Saturday that £5.2bn would be drawn from budgetary reserves as part of a plan to combat “any consequences of the virus.”
Yet as the Egyptian government slowly grapples with rising infection rates, the challenges of social distancing in a densely-populated country of 100 million people are becoming increasingly clear. Egypt’s authorities announced over the weekend that all nurseries, schools and universities will be closed from today and sports events suspended, on top of a ban on mass gatherings. Prayer times have been limited to fifteen minutes, and face masks distributed for travellers on the Cairo metro during busy times as part of what Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly declared as the “second phase,” of Egypt’s response to COVID-19. This is due to the “discovery of more infection clusters,” since 45 passengers and crew on board a cruise ship in Luxor tested positive for the virus on Friday 6th March.Yet as the Egyptian government slowly grapples with rising infection rates, the challenges of social distancing in a densely-populated country of 100 million people are becoming increasingly clear. Egypt’s authorities announced over the weekend that all nurseries, schools and universities will be closed from today and sports events suspended, on top of a ban on mass gatherings. Prayer times have been limited to fifteen minutes, and face masks distributed for travellers on the Cairo metro during busy times as part of what Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly declared as the “second phase,” of Egypt’s response to COVID-19. This is due to the “discovery of more infection clusters,” since 45 passengers and crew on board a cruise ship in Luxor tested positive for the virus on Friday 6th March.
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.
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.
“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.
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:
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.
Here are 10 countries with the highest numbers of confirmed cases:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.