This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/mar/15/coronavirus-latest-updates-trump-tests-negative-as-spain-orders-nationwide-lockdown-uk-us-australia-italy-europe-global-economy

The article has changed 46 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 37 Version 38
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
Cannabis smokers queued up outside Dutch “coffee shops” on Sunday after the government ordered their closure due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Customers lined up in their dozens as they tried to beat a 6pm deadline for the closure of the marijuana cafes and stockpile supplies for what could be weeks of lockdown.
“For maybe for the next two months we’re not able to get some weed so it should be nice to at least have some in the house,” Jonathan, a Dutch buyer, said outside The Point coffee shop in The Hague.
The queues built up minutes after the Dutch health and education ministers gave a televised press conference announcing the closure of many businesses, along with all Dutch schools.
British horse racing is likely to go behind closed doors from next week, initially until the end of March but potentially for much longer, following a recommendation of the industry’s Covid-19 working party which will be considered on Monday by racing’s senior executives.
For the full story click here.
Illinois has joined Ohio in ordering all bars and restaurants to close due to the coronavirus outbreak, CNN has reported.
A British athlete has told the Guardian the International Olympic Committee must act decisively by postponing the Tokyo 2020 Games because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Guy Learmonth, who captained the GB team at the European Indoor Championships last year and is hoping to be picked in the 800m, has become the first British athlete to warn the risks of going to Tokyo in July are not worth it in the current climate.
Read the full story here.
In the US, Ohio governor Mike DeWine announced on Twitter that all bars and restaurants will close in the state from 9pm on Sunday.
The decision comes amid growing pressure for state and city governments to act as the number of coronavirus infections in the US rises. As of Sunday afternoon there were more than 3,000 cases in 49 states, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and Washington, DC.
Boris Johnson has discussed the coronavirus pandemic with Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“The prime minister spoke to Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman this afternoon about the coronavirus pandemic,” Downing Street said.
“The prime minister updated the crown prince on the steps the UK is taking, driven by scientific advice, to tackle the spread of the virus.
“Both leaders agreed on the need for an internationally co-ordinated response to the outbreak, particularly on developing a vaccine and limiting the economic disruption caused by the pandemic.
“They resolved to work closely on this, including through the G20 presidency which Saudi Arabia holds this year.”
In Australia, the University of Queensland has has announced it will halt all classes for a week, as the number of Covid-19 infections in the state rise.
Vice-chancellor Peter Høj announced that all coursework would pause at the Brisbane-based university – including in person and online lectures and classes. This comes after the government on Sunday warned against all non-essential static gatherings of 500 people or more.
The university has approximately 53,000 student and 2,800 full-time equivalent staff, and is a member of Australia’s “Group of Eight”, a body of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
Three students at UQ have so far tested positive for Covid-19.
Urban Outfitters announced on Sunday it was closing all of its stores globally until at least 28 March.
“The health and wellbeing of our community is always our number one priority, from our dedicated staff, partners and suppliers to you, our customer,” the fashion store said in a statement. “With this in mind, we have decided to close all our stores globally.”
Staff will continued to be paid, the company said.
Australian Associated Press is reporting that Woolworths, one of Australia’s two big supermarket chains, will open its doors only to the elderly and disabled for an hour on Tuesday morning. Woolworths will open its doors exclusively to the elderly and people with disabilities for a dedicated shopping hour, after panic buying due to the coronavirus stripped shelves of essentials items.Australian Associated Press is reporting that Woolworths, one of Australia’s two big supermarket chains, will open its doors only to the elderly and disabled for an hour on Tuesday morning. Woolworths will open its doors exclusively to the elderly and people with disabilities for a dedicated shopping hour, after panic buying due to the coronavirus stripped shelves of essentials items.
Most of its supermarkets across the nation will open to the vulnerable only from 7am to 8am, beginning on Tuesday.Most of its supermarkets across the nation will open to the vulnerable only from 7am to 8am, beginning on Tuesday.
Panic buying in recent weeks sparked by the spread of Covid-19 in Australia has seen supermarkets stripped of toilet paper, pasta and tinned and other dried goods.Panic buying in recent weeks sparked by the spread of Covid-19 in Australia has seen supermarkets stripped of toilet paper, pasta and tinned and other dried goods.
“The move has been prompted by the unprecedented demand in supermarkets over the past week, which has seen many elderly and vulnerable people in the community missing out on vital items they may need when they shop,” Woolworths announced on Monday.“The move has been prompted by the unprecedented demand in supermarkets over the past week, which has seen many elderly and vulnerable people in the community missing out on vital items they may need when they shop,” Woolworths announced on Monday.
The managing director, Claire Peters, said despite the retailer’s attempts to quickly restock shelves, many elderly customers had continued to miss out.The managing director, Claire Peters, said despite the retailer’s attempts to quickly restock shelves, many elderly customers had continued to miss out.
“This temporary measure will give them, and those with a disability, the opportunity to shop before our stores officially open - helping them obtain the essential items they need most in a less crowded environment,” Peters said.“This temporary measure will give them, and those with a disability, the opportunity to shop before our stores officially open - helping them obtain the essential items they need most in a less crowded environment,” Peters said.
Access will be granted if the shopper has a relevant government issued concession card.All other shoppers will be granted access after 8am.Access will be granted if the shopper has a relevant government issued concession card.All other shoppers will be granted access after 8am.
“Now - more than ever - we need to be kind to each other,” Peters said.“Now - more than ever - we need to be kind to each other,” Peters said.
Six care home residents in Scotland have been diagnosed with coronavirus.Six care home residents in Scotland have been diagnosed with coronavirus.
Highgate Care Home in North Lanarkshire said it had put in place “strict infection control measures” after it identified the positive cases of Covid-19.Highgate Care Home in North Lanarkshire said it had put in place “strict infection control measures” after it identified the positive cases of Covid-19.
Staff, residents and their families are being informed.Staff, residents and their families are being informed.
John Kirk, managing director of the care home, said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and colleagues is of paramount importance. As such, we are committed to doing everything we can to keep them safe.John Kirk, managing director of the care home, said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and colleagues is of paramount importance. As such, we are committed to doing everything we can to keep them safe.
“We are working closely with all the relevant bodies, including NHS Lanarkshire and Health Protection Scotland, as we implement our comprehensive contingency plan, which includes closing the home to all but absolutely essential visitors, and continuing to take steps to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and infection control.”“We are working closely with all the relevant bodies, including NHS Lanarkshire and Health Protection Scotland, as we implement our comprehensive contingency plan, which includes closing the home to all but absolutely essential visitors, and continuing to take steps to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and infection control.”
France’s Public Health Authority on Sunday reported there are 36 new deaths from coronavirus, taking the total to 127, and said there had been an increase of more than 1,000 cases.France’s Public Health Authority on Sunday reported there are 36 new deaths from coronavirus, taking the total to 127, and said there had been an increase of more than 1,000 cases.
The updated figure follows confirmation earlier on Sunday that the death toll had risen from 91 to 120.The updated figure follows confirmation earlier on Sunday that the death toll had risen from 91 to 120.
The number of cases had risen to 5,423 cases, up from 4,449 on Saturday.The number of cases had risen to 5,423 cases, up from 4,449 on Saturday.
A number of schools in Scotland are closing from Monday due to coronavirus outbreaks.A number of schools in Scotland are closing from Monday due to coronavirus outbreaks.
Dunblane High School has closed to all pupils and staff after a pupil tested positive for Covid-19. Stirling Council said a deep clean of the school will take place immediately.Dunblane High School has closed to all pupils and staff after a pupil tested positive for Covid-19. Stirling Council said a deep clean of the school will take place immediately.
Isobel Mair School and Nursery in Newton Mearns and Murroes Primary School in Angus have also been closed after the emergence of coronavirus cases linked to their communities. Shetlands Islands Council previously said that some of its schools would be closed for the whole week for “operational and resilience reasons”.Isobel Mair School and Nursery in Newton Mearns and Murroes Primary School in Angus have also been closed after the emergence of coronavirus cases linked to their communities. Shetlands Islands Council previously said that some of its schools would be closed for the whole week for “operational and resilience reasons”.
Scotland has 153 confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to the latest figures. One person has died after testing positive.Scotland has 153 confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to the latest figures. One person has died after testing positive.
Over in Spain police have been fining cyclists, and army specialists in protective suits have been spraying disinfectant in train stations.Over in Spain police have been fining cyclists, and army specialists in protective suits have been spraying disinfectant in train stations.
It comes after the country imposed severe limits on public life and the coronavirus death toll more than doubled overnight.It comes after the country imposed severe limits on public life and the coronavirus death toll more than doubled overnight.
Spaniards, house-bound by law since Saturday, emerged onto balconies and stood at windows on Sunday evening to whoop, cheer and beep horns to salute emergency services dealing with Europe’s second-worst outbreak after Italy.Spaniards, house-bound by law since Saturday, emerged onto balconies and stood at windows on Sunday evening to whoop, cheer and beep horns to salute emergency services dealing with Europe’s second-worst outbreak after Italy.
The government’s official coronavirus death toll rose by 152 overnight to 288. The number infected rose by 2,000 new cases to 7,753.The government’s official coronavirus death toll rose by 152 overnight to 288. The number infected rose by 2,000 new cases to 7,753.
Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro took selfies with supporters and celebrated the thousands of protestors gathering in major cities on Sunday, just days after he had called for a suspension of the demonstrations due to the spreading coronavirus.Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro took selfies with supporters and celebrated the thousands of protestors gathering in major cities on Sunday, just days after he had called for a suspension of the demonstrations due to the spreading coronavirus.
Bolsonaro appeared to shrug off the advice of medical experts suggesting he remain isolated after several members of his delegation to Florida recently tested positive for the virus.Bolsonaro appeared to shrug off the advice of medical experts suggesting he remain isolated after several members of his delegation to Florida recently tested positive for the virus.
Bolsonaro strode down the ramp of the presidential palace in a Brazilian football shirt and met a throng of his hardcore supporters at the front gate, where he bumped fists, grabbed cell phones to take pictures and leaned in for selfies with the crowd.Bolsonaro strode down the ramp of the presidential palace in a Brazilian football shirt and met a throng of his hardcore supporters at the front gate, where he bumped fists, grabbed cell phones to take pictures and leaned in for selfies with the crowd.
“Although I suggested (a postponement), I can’t order anything because this protest isn’t mine,” Bolsonaro said.“Although I suggested (a postponement), I can’t order anything because this protest isn’t mine,” Bolsonaro said.
The White House on Sunday urged Americans against “hoarding” as thousands flocked to supermarkets to stock up on essentials, saying US supply chains were strong and leaders were working together to ensure food supplies are available.The White House on Sunday urged Americans against “hoarding” as thousands flocked to supermarkets to stock up on essentials, saying US supply chains were strong and leaders were working together to ensure food supplies are available.
President Donald Trump held a phone call with more than two dozen grocery store and supply chain executives from across the country, White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement.President Donald Trump held a phone call with more than two dozen grocery store and supply chain executives from across the country, White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement.
“The president reminded the participants that this is an all-of-America approach and each of their stores and the stores they support can help Americans feel calm and safe when shelves are stocked with the items they need,” Deere said.“The president reminded the participants that this is an all-of-America approach and each of their stores and the stores they support can help Americans feel calm and safe when shelves are stocked with the items they need,” Deere said.
Luxembourg on Sunday followed its neighbours France and Belgium in closing bars and restaurants to try to stem the spread of the coronavirus epidemic.Luxembourg on Sunday followed its neighbours France and Belgium in closing bars and restaurants to try to stem the spread of the coronavirus epidemic.
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said that, from midnight, bars and restaurants would be closed but grocery shops, pharmacies and other essential businesses could remain open.Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said that, from midnight, bars and restaurants would be closed but grocery shops, pharmacies and other essential businesses could remain open.
He called on citizens to limit their movements to travelling to work, food shopping, medical appointments and visits to help the elderly.He called on citizens to limit their movements to travelling to work, food shopping, medical appointments and visits to help the elderly.
The over-65s - who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 - were urged to stay at home to reduce the risk of infection.The over-65s - who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 - were urged to stay at home to reduce the risk of infection.
“They must cancel their activities and limit what is not essential,” Bettel said after an emergency meeting of his government.“They must cancel their activities and limit what is not essential,” Bettel said after an emergency meeting of his government.
Swimming pools, museums, sports centres, night clubs, libraries and cinemas are also to be closed to try to stop the transmission of the virus.Swimming pools, museums, sports centres, night clubs, libraries and cinemas are also to be closed to try to stop the transmission of the virus.
The tiny Grand Duchy has reported 77 cases of the virus and one death so far.The tiny Grand Duchy has reported 77 cases of the virus and one death so far.
France’s health minister said on Sunday that 120 people had now died from coronavirus in the country, up from 91 on Saturday.
Oliver Veran told France 2 television that the number of cases had risen to about 5,400, up from 4,449 on Saturday.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.