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Coronavirus latest updates: Italy death toll up by 368 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)
Number of UK deaths rises to 35 while other countries introduce stricter new measuresNumber of UK deaths rises to 35 while other countries introduce stricter new measures
Kate Connolly in Berlin reports that the German government has just given more information about its surprise decision to close Germany’s borders with Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, France and Luxembourg.
Interior minister Horst Seehofer said in a press conference in Berlin, the main reason for doing so, from 8am on Monday morning, was to slow down the spread of the virus, which was proving to be “fast and aggressive”.
The decision was not, as had been widely reported earlier in the day, primarily due to fears that people were driving over the border into Germany and buying up large quantities of the provisions that have been in most demand, and which are cheaper in Germany than in neighbouring countries.
There has been concern that such behaviour was in danger of causing social unrest in Germany, as people fear they will be unable to access food and other essentials for daily life in the event of the virus escalating.
But today’s decision, taken after consultation with Angela Merkel, the chancellor, and the leaders of Germany’s Länder, and announced only after discussions with the leaders of the affected countries, marked an unexpected u-turn in German policy.
For days, the health minister Jens Spahn, and Merkel, have separately insisted on several occasions that Germany had no intention of closing its borders, believing to do so would have little impact on the spread of coronavirus.
Seehofer said “We implicitly ask all citizens to stop undertaking any journeys that are not absolutely necessary.”
He added: “The situation is very serious. We must and will react to it accordingly”.
Some 5,813 people have so far been confirmed with coronavirus, according to figures on Sunday evening.
The ninth and 10th deaths of people in Germany were announced on Sunday.
The new rules would be enforced by border police, Seehofer said. Where there were personnel shortages, border crossings would be closed, he said.
German citizens and those with residency permits for Germany, will still have the right to return to Germany, and commuters who criss cross the border for work, will also be able to continue to do so, he said.
Pope Francis left Vatican City on Sunday to pray in one of Rome’s cathedrals for victims of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 83-year-old pontiff first visited Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore basilica and then walked “on foot, as if on a pilgrimage” to the San Marcello al Corso church, the Vatican said in a statement.
The statement said Pope Francis selected the church because it holds a “miraculous crucifix which, in 1522, was carried in procession through the districts of the city” to mark the end of the Great Plague.
The pope prayed for “the end of the pandemic that affects Italy and the world, imploring for the healing of the many sick, and remembering the many victims,” the Vatican said.
Iraq has suspended all flights to and from Baghdad airport for a week as of Tuesday, the government said in a statement on Sunday.
The government imposed a curfew in the capital Baghdad over the same period earlier in the day. At least 110 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed so far in Iraq, and 10 people have died.
More on the news from South Africa from our Africa correspondent Jason Burke:
South Africa has declared a national disaster and introduced a series of drastic measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
In a televised address on Sunday evening, president Cyril Ramaphosa told South Africans that the greatest danger lay in “fear and ignorance”.
“Never before in the history of our democracy has South Africa faced such a severe situation,” Ramaphosa said, as he announced a package of travel bans and additional support to health services.
The current total of cases in the country now stands at over 60, with internal transmission of the virus becoming more common.
A travel ban will be imposed on flights to and from Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, the US, South Korea, Iran and China from the 18th.
Any current visas will be cancelled, Ramaphosa said, and South Africans returning from high risk countries will be placed in self-quarantine
In addition, gatherings of more than 100 will be prohibited, schools shut from Wednesday until after Easter and South Africans asked not to travel by any means of public transport. This last measure – a request, not an order – will effectively immobilise the vast majority of the population who do not own a car.
Ramaphosa also described measures to ramp up medical provision – a major concern in a country with an under-resourced health service – and to protect business from the impact of the shutdown. Tourism is a major earner in South Africa, and significant numbers of jobs are likely to be lost. The flagging economy of South Africa is ill-placed to withstand further strain, with soaring unemployment, a weakening currency and key utilities crippled by debt.
Forty new confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.The new cases include 23 males and 17 females.Forty new confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.The new cases include 23 males and 17 females.
Twenty-five are associated with the east of the country, nine are associated with the west and six are associated with the south.Twenty-five are associated with the east of the country, nine are associated with the west and six are associated with the south.
There are now 169 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic and there have been two deaths.There are now 169 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic and there have been two deaths.
South Africa is imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals from the worst affected countries, including Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the US, the UK and China as of next Wednesday.South Africa is imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals from the worst affected countries, including Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the US, the UK and China as of next Wednesday.
In an address to the nation, president Cyril Ramaphosa said South African citizens were being advised not to travel to any of those countries, and said any person who has done will be tested and put in self-isolation or quarantine. Any visitors who have been in one of the high-risk countries in the past 20 days will be denied a visa.In an address to the nation, president Cyril Ramaphosa said South African citizens were being advised not to travel to any of those countries, and said any person who has done will be tested and put in self-isolation or quarantine. Any visitors who have been in one of the high-risk countries in the past 20 days will be denied a visa.
Schools will also be closed from Wednesday.Schools will also be closed from Wednesday.
As well as the rise in the death toll from from 1,441 to 1,809 on Sunday, Italian authorities also confirmed the number of infected in the country has risen from 2,853 to 20,603. Meanwhile the overall total of cases, including those recovered is 24,747. As well as the rise in the death toll from from 1,441 to 1,809 on Sunday, Italian authorities also confirmed the number of infected in the country has risen by 2,853 to 20,603. Meanwhile the overall total of cases, including those recovered is 24,747.
Hi, Sam Gelder here. I’m taking over the live blog from my colleague Lucy Campbell. If you want to get in touch with coronavirus news we may have missed, please email sam.gelder.casual@theguardian.com.Hi, Sam Gelder here. I’m taking over the live blog from my colleague Lucy Campbell. If you want to get in touch with coronavirus news we may have missed, please email sam.gelder.casual@theguardian.com.
The Iraqi government has imposed a curfew in the capital Baghdad as of March 17 until March 24 to prevent coronavirus from spreading, the state news agency said on Sunday. The Iraqi government has imposed a curfew in the capital Baghdad as of 17 March until 24 March to prevent coronavirus from spreading, the state news agency said on Sunday.
At least 110 cases have been confirmed so far in Iraq, and 10 people have died.At least 110 cases have been confirmed so far in Iraq, and 10 people have died.
Louis Vuitton owner LWMH has said its cosmetics unit would manufacture large quantities of hand disinfectant gel to help stave off a nationwide shortage across France as the coronavirus continues to spread.Louis Vuitton owner LWMH has said its cosmetics unit would manufacture large quantities of hand disinfectant gel to help stave off a nationwide shortage across France as the coronavirus continues to spread.
In a statement the company said: “LVMH will use the production lines of its perfume and cosmetic brands ... to produce large quantities of hydroalcoholic gels from Monday.In a statement the company said: “LVMH will use the production lines of its perfume and cosmetic brands ... to produce large quantities of hydroalcoholic gels from Monday.
“These gels will be delivered free of charge to the health authorities.”“These gels will be delivered free of charge to the health authorities.”
The authorities of Italy’s Lombardy region, worst hit by the coronavirus, have accused the Civil Protection of having provided hospitals with “cheap masks that look like dust-cloths”.The authorities of Italy’s Lombardy region, worst hit by the coronavirus, have accused the Civil Protection of having provided hospitals with “cheap masks that look like dust-cloths”.
On Friday, the Civil Protection provided 250,000 masks for doctors and nurses of Lombardy who refused to wear them citing they were “useless”. The regional authorities compaed them to dust-cloths.On Friday, the Civil Protection provided 250,000 masks for doctors and nurses of Lombardy who refused to wear them citing they were “useless”. The regional authorities compaed them to dust-cloths.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a national production of masks,” the head of civil protection, Angelo Borrelli, told the Sole24Ore newspaper.“Unfortunately, we don’t have a national production of masks,” the head of civil protection, Angelo Borrelli, told the Sole24Ore newspaper.
Italy is running out of masks after the outbreak of the coronavirus. In the country’s pharmacies, the Fp2 and Fp3 masks are practically impossible to find.Italy is running out of masks after the outbreak of the coronavirus. In the country’s pharmacies, the Fp2 and Fp3 masks are practically impossible to find.
Last week, the Guardian visited the open-air market, in Ballarò, in Palermo, where some street vendors had set up stalls selling packages containing 14 masks for five euros. From the photographs taken by the Guardian, it can be seen how the masks are the same as those the Civil Protection has provided to Lombardy doctors.Last week, the Guardian visited the open-air market, in Ballarò, in Palermo, where some street vendors had set up stalls selling packages containing 14 masks for five euros. From the photographs taken by the Guardian, it can be seen how the masks are the same as those the Civil Protection has provided to Lombardy doctors.
The police have already seized thousands of counterfeit masks in Italy, sold for tens of euros each.The police have already seized thousands of counterfeit masks in Italy, sold for tens of euros each.
Five members of the playing squad and staff of La Liga club Valencia have tested positive for Covid-19, weeks after the team travelled to Milan for a Champions League match.Five members of the playing squad and staff of La Liga club Valencia have tested positive for Covid-19, weeks after the team travelled to Milan for a Champions League match.
Earlier in the day, Valencia and Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay became the first La Liga player to confirm that he has the virus.Earlier in the day, Valencia and Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay became the first La Liga player to confirm that he has the virus.
“It’s clear that I’ve got off to the wrong start in 2020,” Garay, 33, wrote on Instagram. “I’ve tested positive for the coronavirus. I feel very good and now I just have to listen to the health authorities and remain isolated.”“It’s clear that I’ve got off to the wrong start in 2020,” Garay, 33, wrote on Instagram. “I’ve tested positive for the coronavirus. I feel very good and now I just have to listen to the health authorities and remain isolated.”
The club said the four others who tested positive are in self-isolation and are in good health.The club said the four others who tested positive are in self-isolation and are in good health.
Spain is the second hardest-hit country in Europe, after Italy, and went into a near lockdown on Saturday. All organised football in Spain has been postponed for at least two weeks in a bid to prevent further spread of the virus.Spain is the second hardest-hit country in Europe, after Italy, and went into a near lockdown on Saturday. All organised football in Spain has been postponed for at least two weeks in a bid to prevent further spread of the virus.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tested negative for coronavirus, his office said in a statement on Sunday.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tested negative for coronavirus, his office said in a statement on Sunday.
Netanyahu was asymptomatic before undergoing the precautionary test, which was also administered to officials working close to him.Netanyahu was asymptomatic before undergoing the precautionary test, which was also administered to officials working close to him.
The video you didn’t know you needed. Dame Judi Dench and Gyles Brandreth implore people to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds.The video you didn’t know you needed. Dame Judi Dench and Gyles Brandreth implore people to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds.
Scandinavian Airlines is putting most operations on hold from 16 March due to the collapse in demand for air travel.Scandinavian Airlines is putting most operations on hold from 16 March due to the collapse in demand for air travel.
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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.“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.”“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. The ban does not apply to Qatari citizens.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. The ban does not apply to Qatari citizens.
All public transport in Doha has also been suspended as of Sunday night.All public transport in Doha has also been suspended as of Sunday night.
The country now has 401 cases of coronavirus.The country now has 401 cases of coronavirus.