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Coronavirus latest updates: 14 more people die in UK as flight bans and lockdowns increase globally Coronavirus latest updates: Italy death toll up by 368 as flight bans and lockdowns increase globally
(32 minutes later)
UK not ruling out closure of bars, restaurants and non-essential shops while other countries introduce new measures Number of UK deaths rises to 35 while other countries introduce stricter new measures
A gathering at a mosque in Malaysia that attracted 16,000 attendees has been linked to a major spike in infections in the country, as well as clusters of cases elsewhere.
On Sunday, officials in Malaysia confirmed that 190 new patients had been identified, the biggest leap in cases in the country yet, making it the worst-hit nation in Southeast Asia. The majority of the new patients have been linked to the recent religious gathering, which drew people from several countries two weeks ago.
Health officials in Malaysia said on Friday that they were working around the clock to conduct mass testing of attendees, while other governments in the region have also urged citizens who were present to monitor for symptoms and get tested.
In Brunei, 40 people who traveled to the event are now reported to have the virus, while five attendees in Singapore are also infected. The news prompted the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore to close all mosques for at least five days to limit transmission and allow for cleaning.
Thailand has urged citizens who traveled to the gathering to get tested as soon as possible. Indonesia has told hundreds of its citizens who attended to monitor their health and get tested if they are ill.
Malaysia has so far managed to identify about 4,900 out of 14,500 citizens who attended the event, according to Bloomberg. The health and defence ministries will meet on Monday to discuss further measures to stop the spread of the virus, which has so far infected 428 people in the country.
With more than 100 million Europeans now living under lockdown, my colleagues have produced this video report on how countries are trying to tackle the outbreak.
All pubs and bars in the Republic of Ireland have been ordered to close from Sunday evening to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak.
In a statement, the government said: “Following discussions today with the Licenced Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), the Government is now calling on all public houses and bars (including hotel bars) to close from this evening (Sunday 15th March) until at least 29 March.
“The LVA and VFI outlined the real difficulty in implementing the published Guidelines on Social Distancing in a public house setting, as pubs are specifically designed to promote social interaction in a situation where alcohol reduces personal inhibitions.
“For the same reason, the Government is also calling on all members of the public not to organise or participate in any parties in private houses or other venues which would put other people’s health at risk.”
Qatar plans to stop inbound flights to the capital Doha as of 18 March for 14 days, with the exception of cargo and transit flights.
All public transport in Doha has also been suspended as of Sunday night.
The country now has 401 cases of coronavirus.
Algeria’s state carrier Air Algerie will suspend all flights to and from France starting 17 March due to the coronavirus outbreak, state television reported.
But Air Algerie will arrange emergency flights to bring back dozens of Algerian travellers and those based in France, it said.
Sheffield Hallam University is transitioning to online teaching from 23 March.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland will suspend all face-to-face teaching from 16 March and cancelling all performances until further notice.
Colombia will restrict entry by all passengers who are not residents or citizens from Monday in a bid to control the outbreak of coronavirus, President Ivan Duque has said.
Colombian citizens and foreign residents who arrive from March 16 will be required to perform an obligatory 14-day period of self isolation, Duque said on Twitter.
Haiti is considering closing its airports and ports to travelers as well as the border with the neighbouring Dominican Republic in order to prevent the entry of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe said on Twitter.
Jouthe said that only goods could be permitted to enter Haiti, subject to evaluation.
The nation has so far not registered any cases of coronavirus infection.
The Dominican Republic has reported 11 cases.
The total number of confirmed cases in Italy has risen to 24,747 from 21,157 on Saturday, as the death toll increased by 25% to 1,809 from 1,441 on Sunday – a rise of 368.
A 59-year-old man who died after testing positive for coronavirus has been named locally as a former police officer.
Nick Matthews, from Nailsea, Somerset, reportedly died at Bristol Royal Infirmary in the early hours of Saturday.
His wife Mary told Nailsea People that he had been taken into hospital with breathing difficulties on Thursday. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the intensive care unit after showing other signs for coronavirus.
She said her husband, who was disabled and unable to work, had previously suffered a heart attack.
The couple had recently returned from a holiday in Fuerteventura.
Mary added that she and the rest of the family were in isolation, awaiting test results, and that anyone who had been in contact with them to also self-isolate and seek advice.
A fugitive boss of the calabrese Mafia was arrested, on Friday, thanks to the lockdown imposed by the Italian government to contain the coronavirus.A fugitive boss of the calabrese Mafia was arrested, on Friday, thanks to the lockdown imposed by the Italian government to contain the coronavirus.
Cesare Antonio Cordì, 42, emerging boss of the Locri clan, in Calabria, has been wanted since last July and accused of fraudulent money transfer. The man was hiding in a villa in the countryside of Locri. The police have been busy, for days, on the checks to enforce the lockdown and the ban on going out, except in cases of extreme necessity. The day before, they stopped a man with shopping bags who justified himself saying he was only bringing the groceries to a friend who could not go out.Cesare Antonio Cordì, 42, emerging boss of the Locri clan, in Calabria, has been wanted since last July and accused of fraudulent money transfer. The man was hiding in a villa in the countryside of Locri. The police have been busy, for days, on the checks to enforce the lockdown and the ban on going out, except in cases of extreme necessity. The day before, they stopped a man with shopping bags who justified himself saying he was only bringing the groceries to a friend who could not go out.
The police were suspicious of the fact that, in that area, almost all the villas were uninhabited. In the following hours, they followed him and found the shopping was destined for the boss Cordì.The police were suspicious of the fact that, in that area, almost all the villas were uninhabited. In the following hours, they followed him and found the shopping was destined for the boss Cordì.
To arrest him, the intervention of a special military unit was necessary. It consists of elite and highly trained soldiers, known as the Carabinieri Heliborne Squadron, or the Cacciatori, literally: the hunters.To arrest him, the intervention of a special military unit was necessary. It consists of elite and highly trained soldiers, known as the Carabinieri Heliborne Squadron, or the Cacciatori, literally: the hunters.
According to investigators, Cordì is a mobster on the rise in the fierce Locri clan and the subject of a recent investigation by the Calabrian prosecutors.According to investigators, Cordì is a mobster on the rise in the fierce Locri clan and the subject of a recent investigation by the Calabrian prosecutors.
Thousands of citizens have been reported for violating the ban on staying at home, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.Thousands of citizens have been reported for violating the ban on staying at home, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.
In Sciacca, Sicily, a Covid-19 positive man who was forbidden from going out, was discovered by the police, while shopping. The Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation and accused the man of “aiding the epidemic”. If convicted, he faces 12 years in prison.In Sciacca, Sicily, a Covid-19 positive man who was forbidden from going out, was discovered by the police, while shopping. The Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation and accused the man of “aiding the epidemic”. If convicted, he faces 12 years in prison.
There is outrage in Brazil this afternoon after the country’s far-right leader, Jair Bolsonaro, ignored medical advice to leave his presidential palace and greet supporters outside - despite supposedly having been placed in isolation on Friday because he is waiting to take another coronavirus test.There is outrage in Brazil this afternoon after the country’s far-right leader, Jair Bolsonaro, ignored medical advice to leave his presidential palace and greet supporters outside - despite supposedly having been placed in isolation on Friday because he is waiting to take another coronavirus test.
At least four close Bolsonaro aides or officials have been diagnosed with the illness since returning from a trip to the US last week and Brazil’s president is set to take another test next week following confused reports last week that initially suggested he had tested positive for Covid-19.Despite this, Bolsonaro decided to greet and touch supporters on Sunday during controversial anti-democracy protests which he has been promoting.Bolsonaro also tweeted videos and photos egging on pro-Bolsonaro protests across the country - despite the risks of such gatherings given the spread of coronavirus in the South American country.At least four close Bolsonaro aides or officials have been diagnosed with the illness since returning from a trip to the US last week and Brazil’s president is set to take another test next week following confused reports last week that initially suggested he had tested positive for Covid-19.Despite this, Bolsonaro decided to greet and touch supporters on Sunday during controversial anti-democracy protests which he has been promoting.Bolsonaro also tweeted videos and photos egging on pro-Bolsonaro protests across the country - despite the risks of such gatherings given the spread of coronavirus in the South American country.
Bolsonaro’s decision sparked fury among opponents and ordinary citizens who are increasingly alarmed about the spread of coronavirus in Brazil. Major cities including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have begun announcing strict measures such as the closure of schools and cinemas in a bid to contain the crisis.“President Bolsonaro is promoting corona day,” tweeted Vera Magalhães, a prominent journalist and political commentator.“Bolsonaro must be detained immediately,” tweeted the rockstar Lobão, a former supporter who has become one of the president’s most ferocious critics.In an editorial published on Sunday morning, a leading Brazilian newspaper lamented: “The major crisis Brazil now faces isn’t the stuttering economy or the threat of coronavirus. The real crisis is lacking a government when it is needed most”Bolsonaro’s decision sparked fury among opponents and ordinary citizens who are increasingly alarmed about the spread of coronavirus in Brazil. Major cities including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have begun announcing strict measures such as the closure of schools and cinemas in a bid to contain the crisis.“President Bolsonaro is promoting corona day,” tweeted Vera Magalhães, a prominent journalist and political commentator.“Bolsonaro must be detained immediately,” tweeted the rockstar Lobão, a former supporter who has become one of the president’s most ferocious critics.In an editorial published on Sunday morning, a leading Brazilian newspaper lamented: “The major crisis Brazil now faces isn’t the stuttering economy or the threat of coronavirus. The real crisis is lacking a government when it is needed most”
All arriving passengers from the UK to Bermuda will be required to complete a health questionnaire setting out their travel history for the last 14 days and are strongly urged to self-quarantine for the next 14 days, the Bermudan government has announced.All arriving passengers from the UK to Bermuda will be required to complete a health questionnaire setting out their travel history for the last 14 days and are strongly urged to self-quarantine for the next 14 days, the Bermudan government has announced.
All Dutch schools are to be closed from 16 March, while all restaurants and bars are to be closed from today (18:00 CET), the government announced at a press conference this afternoon.
Schools and childcare facilities through the Netherlands will not open tomorrow and the catering industry must close its doors from 6pm this evening.
Schools and nurseries will remain only to children of parents working in vital professions, such as health care.
Cafes, restaurants, sports clubs, saunas, sex clubs and coffee shops also have to close.
The measures will remain in force until 6 April.
Several African countries have closed borders, cancelled flights and imposed strict entry and quarantine requirements to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which has a foothold in 26 nations on the continent as cases keep rising.
The Kenyan government is suspending travel for anyone coming into Kenya from any country with reported cases, President Uhuru Kenyatta said in a televised address.
He added that anyone entering Kenya in the last 14 days should self-quarantine. The ban would take effect within 48 hours and last for at least 30 days.
Schools should close immediately and universities by the end of the week. Cashless transactions were encouraged.
Ghana will ban anyone has been to a country with more than 200 cases in the last 14 days, from Tuesday, unless they are an official resident or a Ghanaian national.
Namibia ordered schools to close for a month following two confirmed cases on Saturday.
Other nations have shut schools, cancelled religious festivals and sporting events.
Djibouti, which has no cases, announced it was suspending all international flights. Tanzania, which also has no cases yet, cancelled flights to India and suspended school games.
NHS Trusts have released the following details:
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust said a 72-year-old patient who tested positive for Covid-19 and had significant other health conditions had died at Queen’s hospital.
Epsom and St Heliere University Hospitals NHS Trust said that a man in his 80s who was being cared for at Epsom Hospital, and a man in his 60s being cared for at St Helier Hospital had both died. Both patients had underlying health conditions.
George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust said that a woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions who was being cared for at George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton had died.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust said a patient in her early 90s who had underlying health conditions had died.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust said a man who was being cared for at Wythenshawe Hospital had died. He was aged 91 and had underlying health conditions.
Mid Essex Hospital Service NHS Trust said a patient in her 90s with underlying health conditions had died.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed that a patient in his 90s who was being cared for at Queens Medical Centre had died.
North Manchester Greater Hospital said two patients, both of whom were elderly and had underlying health problems, had died. One of the patients was a man in his 80s and the other was a woman in her 70s.
Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust said a woman who was being cared for at New Cross Hospital had passed away. She was in her 60s and had underlying health conditions.
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said a man in his 80s with underlying health conditions had died.
Dudley Group NHS Foundation confirmed a patient in their 80s who was being treated for underlying health conditions had died.
The catering industry, childcare centres and sports clubs in the Netherlands will close from tomorrow, according to sources from The Hague. Cafés and restaurants have to be closed to prevent the spread of the virus, just like sports canteens, the Dutch Broadcast Foundation NOS reported.
The Dutch journalist Arjan Noorlander tweeted that “schools and crèches remain open to people with vital professions. Nurses, agents, fire brigades can ‘just’ bring their children.”
A student at the University of Exeter has tested positive for coronavirus while abroad, PA Media reports.
In a letter to students, Mike Shore-Nye, the registrar and secretary of the university, said: “Our immediate concerns are for the affected student, their family and friends, as well as the health and wellbeing of our university community. The student has not been on campus since 12 March and tested positive at home.”
The student, who is with their family and feeling “relatively well”, lives alone in a private one-bedroom apartment when in Exeter, Shore-Nye said.
People have not had enough of experts after all, writes our columnist John Harris in this comment piece on coronavirus and the politics of polarisation.
A package containing suspected counterfeit Covid-19 testing kits arriving from the UK was seized by US customs and border protection at LAX airport.
The fake kits had been labelled as “purified water vials”. They have been turned over to the FDA for analysis.
The number of UK deaths has risen to 35, after Public Health England confirmed that 14 more patients who tested positive for the coronavirus had died.
Schools in the Netherlands are set to close as the Dutch government steps up measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, national broadcaster NOS reported.
NOS said the measure was decided on during crisis meetings and would be announced later (5pm local time) at a government news conference.
The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has said he would not rule out closing the country’s borders or forcing people arriving from foreign nations to go into self-isolation to help combat a coronavirus outbreak.
Asked specifically whether Canada might shut its borders to Europe or the US, Trudeau told CTV: “We are not taking anything off the table.”
So far, 249 Canadians have tested positive for Covid-19 and one person has died.