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Coronavirus latest updates: US slashes interest rates as states go into lockdown Coronavirus latest updates: US slashes interest rates as states go into lockdown
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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
Stage editor Chris Wiegand has the latest from the theatre world:
The Old Vic, Arcola, Turbine and Bunker theatres in London are among the first UK theatres to suspend productions due to coronavirus.
The Old Vic has suspended the last two weeks of its run of Endgame, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Alan Cumming. In a tweet on Sunday night, the theatre said they had “no reason to disagree with current scientific and government advice on coping with coronavirus” but explained that “it is becoming increasingly impractical to sustain business as usual”. All other upcoming Old Vic productions, including 4000 Miles starring Timothée Chalamet, remain scheduled to go ahead.
The Arcola in east London announced that it is suspending all public performances until further notice and said the impact of COVID-19 is a critical threat “to the livelihoods of all those who work in the arts”. On Twitter, the theatre announced “we do not believe that it is practical or responsible for us to stage shows while people’s lives are at risk”. The Arcola explained that the majority of its income comes from theatregoers and called for donations to ensure that it “stays thriving, long after this crisis is past”.
The Turbine theatre, which opened at Battersea Power Station last summer, has cancelled all performances until 18 April. The Bunker, which is housed in a former underground car park in London Bridge, has cancelled a week of performances which featured almost 100 artists and was due to start on Monday. “This is not a decision taken lightly,” they said. “We have spent months organising this week; at the last count we had 94 people involved in our week and to have to cancel the day before we begin is soul destroying. But we have to put our artists’ safety first.”
On Saturday, the Young Vic cancelled two performances of Nora: A Doll’s House due to a member of the company self-isolating as a precaution. The Young Vic said it would make a further announcement about the show on Monday morning.
Major theatres in Ireland, France, Germany and Italy – as well as New York’s Broadway – have been closed since last week.
Reporter Joe Parkin Daniels has this from Bogota, Colombia:
Venezuela has announced a “collective quarantine”, after cases of Covid-19 in the troubled South American nation jumped to 17 on Sunday evening.
“There is no other option,” president Nicolas Maduro said in a televised statement. “We either go into quarantine or the pandemic could brutally and tragically bring down our country.”
Maduro ordered the quarantine in six states and the capital Caracas, though said that transport, health and food delivery would continue.
Venezuela - which boasts the largest proven oil reserves on the planet - is already mired in social and economic turmoil, with shortages in basic goods and medical supplies widespread and runaway hyperinflation.
Public health experts warn that the country is far from ready to handle any outbreak amid an already collapsing health system.
Colombia, which neighbours Venezuela to the west, closed its border on Saturday, worried that the former could become the epicentre of an outbreak in South America.
Colombia, which has 34 cases of Covid-19, has also announced strict measures. On Sunday evening president Ivan Duque announced that schools would be closed from Monday on, adding to a ban on foreign visitors announced earlier on Sunday.
London’s French Lycée and its satellite schools have decided to close from Monday following concerns from parents.
The decision affects over 4,000 children in South Kensington and other locations.
In a statement, the school said: “This is a difficult decision. Rest assured that we will monitor its impact on each family and remain at your disposal to answer questions and support you.”
Serbia has introduced a state of emergency to halt the spread of coronavirus, president Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday after meeting top government and health officials in Belgrade.Serbia has introduced a state of emergency to halt the spread of coronavirus, president Aleksandar Vucic said on Sunday after meeting top government and health officials in Belgrade.
Vucic said he was acting in line with legal provisions that allow him to declare a state of emergency in the absence of a sitting parliament, which was disbanded ahead of April 26 general elections.Vucic said he was acting in line with legal provisions that allow him to declare a state of emergency in the absence of a sitting parliament, which was disbanded ahead of April 26 general elections.
“From this very moment we have a state of emergency,” Vucic said in a televised address, adding that the government will formulate the “harshest measures” soon.“From this very moment we have a state of emergency,” Vucic said in a televised address, adding that the government will formulate the “harshest measures” soon.
He said that the fight “against an invisible adversary” will be aimed at the protection of the elderly, who are particularly at risk from the outbreak.He said that the fight “against an invisible adversary” will be aimed at the protection of the elderly, who are particularly at risk from the outbreak.
Vucic said kindergartens, schools and universities will be closed until the end of the semester.Vucic said kindergartens, schools and universities will be closed until the end of the semester.
Health authorities in the Balkan country have so far reported 46 cases of infection and tested 283 people. There have been no fatalities, but two patients are in a serious condition.Health authorities in the Balkan country have so far reported 46 cases of infection and tested 283 people. There have been no fatalities, but two patients are in a serious condition.
Vucic warned that from Monday the military will be guarding hospitals, while police will be monitoring those quarantined or in self-isolation for 14 or 28 days. Those who violate quarantine may face jail terms of up to three years, he said.Vucic warned that from Monday the military will be guarding hospitals, while police will be monitoring those quarantined or in self-isolation for 14 or 28 days. Those who violate quarantine may face jail terms of up to three years, he said.
The Czech Republic tightened restrictions on Sunday to combat the new coronavirus outbreak, banning people from moving around except for work, essential shopping and other necessary activities until 24 March.The Czech Republic tightened restrictions on Sunday to combat the new coronavirus outbreak, banning people from moving around except for work, essential shopping and other necessary activities until 24 March.
Prime Minister Andrej Babis said the new measures would take effect from midnight, adding the government recommended that those who can work from home or take holidays.Prime Minister Andrej Babis said the new measures would take effect from midnight, adding the government recommended that those who can work from home or take holidays.
The country of 10.7 million has confirmed 253 cases of the virus with no deaths reported so far.The country of 10.7 million has confirmed 253 cases of the virus with no deaths reported so far.
The restrictions come a day after the government closed most shops and restaurants for at least 10 days. Other measures include a ban on nearly all international travel from Monday, and closing schools.The restrictions come a day after the government closed most shops and restaurants for at least 10 days. Other measures include a ban on nearly all international travel from Monday, and closing schools.
The University of Nottingham will move all teaching online from 23 March in response to the coronavirus outbreak.The University of Nottingham will move all teaching online from 23 March in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The east Midlands university asked its students to remain calm and said:The east Midlands university asked its students to remain calm and said:
Reporter Patrick Greenfield has this from Costa Rica:Reporter Patrick Greenfield has this from Costa Rica:
The Costa Rican health ministry has announced that there are now 35 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Central American country.The Costa Rican health ministry has announced that there are now 35 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Central American country.
Of those cases, 30 are Costa Rican nationals and 5 are foreigners ranging from 10 to 87 years old. According to the update, 450 people have tested negative for the virus.Of those cases, 30 are Costa Rican nationals and 5 are foreigners ranging from 10 to 87 years old. According to the update, 450 people have tested negative for the virus.
The coronavirus epidemic in the UK will last until next spring and could lead to 7.9 million people being hospitalised, a secret Public Health England (PHE) briefing for senior NHS officials reveals.The coronavirus epidemic in the UK will last until next spring and could lead to 7.9 million people being hospitalised, a secret Public Health England (PHE) briefing for senior NHS officials reveals.
Boris Johnson will seek to shore up public confidence in the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic on Monday by holding the first of what are intended to be daily ministerial press conferences on the crisis.Boris Johnson will seek to shore up public confidence in the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic on Monday by holding the first of what are intended to be daily ministerial press conferences on the crisis.
Three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed on the Pacific island of Guam, the second territory in the region to have confirmed cases of the virus.Three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed on the Pacific island of Guam, the second territory in the region to have confirmed cases of the virus.
All three confirmed cases are currently in isolation. Preliminary investigation has indicated that all three had travel connections—two recently traveled to the Philippines and the third had a family member who recently returned from Japan.The Guam department of public health and social services was working to identify people who had been in close contact with the three people over the last 14 days.All three confirmed cases are currently in isolation. Preliminary investigation has indicated that all three had travel connections—two recently traveled to the Philippines and the third had a family member who recently returned from Japan.The Guam department of public health and social services was working to identify people who had been in close contact with the three people over the last 14 days.
Guam also declared a state of emergency, including a 14-day suspension of non-essential government operations, school closures, closure of senior citizen centres and self-isolation for people returning from travel.Guam also declared a state of emergency, including a 14-day suspension of non-essential government operations, school closures, closure of senior citizen centres and self-isolation for people returning from travel.
The announcement follows the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in the Pacific region last week, when French Polynesia announced that a politician, Maina Sage, had been diagnosed with the virus.The announcement follows the first confirmed case of Covid-19 in the Pacific region last week, when French Polynesia announced that a politician, Maina Sage, had been diagnosed with the virus.
Sage had recently travelled to Paris and had met with France’s culture minister, who has since been diagnosed with Covid-19.Sage had recently travelled to Paris and had met with France’s culture minister, who has since been diagnosed with Covid-19.
Regional organisations and Pacific governments are preparing for more cases of Covid-19 in the islands region. Many citizens in small island developing states are fearful of the potential stress on medical services.Regional organisations and Pacific governments are preparing for more cases of Covid-19 in the islands region. Many citizens in small island developing states are fearful of the potential stress on medical services.
An epidemic of measles across the Pacific last year highlighted the potential for transmission of infectious diseases, adding to existing burdens on public health systems from non-communicable diseases.An epidemic of measles across the Pacific last year highlighted the potential for transmission of infectious diseases, adding to existing burdens on public health systems from non-communicable diseases.
The leader of one of England’s leading school chains has broken ranks and called for this summer’s A-levels and GCSE exams to be scraped until 2021, and for students to repeat the whole school year if necessary.The leader of one of England’s leading school chains has broken ranks and called for this summer’s A-levels and GCSE exams to be scraped until 2021, and for students to repeat the whole school year if necessary.
Hamid Patel of the Blackburn-based Star Academies trust says the UK government needs to immediately announce that exams are off the table:Hamid Patel of the Blackburn-based Star Academies trust says the UK government needs to immediately announce that exams are off the table:
Read the full story here.Read the full story here.
In New Zealand border restrictions went into place at 1am on Monday morning, with all arrivals to the country - including New Zealand citizens, having to self-isolate.In New Zealand border restrictions went into place at 1am on Monday morning, with all arrivals to the country - including New Zealand citizens, having to self-isolate.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern said the government had enforcement powers for self-isolation which it would enact if anyone proved reluctant. Anyone arriving from the Pacific Islands is exempt from the restrictions.Prime minister Jacinda Ardern said the government had enforcement powers for self-isolation which it would enact if anyone proved reluctant. Anyone arriving from the Pacific Islands is exempt from the restrictions.
Meanwhile the country’s national airline carrier Air New Zealand is slashing 85% of its international flights in the next few months, and has placed itself in a trading halt.Meanwhile the country’s national airline carrier Air New Zealand is slashing 85% of its international flights in the next few months, and has placed itself in a trading halt.
Around the country more than 8,000 people are in self-isolation, including three government MPs. Later this week restrictions on mass gatherings are expected to be announced, as well as a financial stimulus package in the billions.Around the country more than 8,000 people are in self-isolation, including three government MPs. Later this week restrictions on mass gatherings are expected to be announced, as well as a financial stimulus package in the billions.
Our legal affairs correspondent Owen Bowcott has this from Northern Ireland:Our legal affairs correspondent Owen Bowcott has this from Northern Ireland:
Lawyers acting for the mother of a child who has asthma and attends a primary school in County Armagh are planning to launch a judicial review of the Stormont government’s decision not to close schools in Northern Ireland.Lawyers acting for the mother of a child who has asthma and attends a primary school in County Armagh are planning to launch a judicial review of the Stormont government’s decision not to close schools in Northern Ireland.
Darragh Mackin, a solicitor at Phoenix Law, said that the girl suffers underlying health problems, including severe asthma and is at a greater risk of harm should she contract the coronavirus.Darragh Mackin, a solicitor at Phoenix Law, said that the girl suffers underlying health problems, including severe asthma and is at a greater risk of harm should she contract the coronavirus.
He added: “It is clear that the respective public bodies have each failed in their respective obligations to our client, and indeed all children, by continuing to require their attendance at school in circumstances in which they would be at an increased risk of contracting the condition.He added: “It is clear that the respective public bodies have each failed in their respective obligations to our client, and indeed all children, by continuing to require their attendance at school in circumstances in which they would be at an increased risk of contracting the condition.
There is no time for any further delay. The necessary policies and decisions all need to be taken in a manner that recognises the real and immediate risk.There is no time for any further delay. The necessary policies and decisions all need to be taken in a manner that recognises the real and immediate risk.
“The wider international community has spoken. Their advice cannot and should not be ignored.“The wider international community has spoken. Their advice cannot and should not be ignored.
“It is a deplorable situation when a mother has to initiate urgent legal proceedings to ensure that her child, and indeed children across the jurisdiction, are afforded the necessary protections and safeguards required under law.”“It is a deplorable situation when a mother has to initiate urgent legal proceedings to ensure that her child, and indeed children across the jurisdiction, are afforded the necessary protections and safeguards required under law.”
Sam Gelder here. That’s all from Martin Pengelly reporting on the White House briefing, so I’m back and will be catching up with the latest from across the world.Sam Gelder here. That’s all from Martin Pengelly reporting on the White House briefing, so I’m back and will be catching up with the latest from across the world.
The anchors are going straight to Trump’s claim at the top of the press conference that “we have tremendous control over” the virus – and then to Dr Anthony Fauci saying, later in the briefing, that “the worst is yet ahead of us” and the response the US manages will determine how bad that “worst” will be.The anchors are going straight to Trump’s claim at the top of the press conference that “we have tremendous control over” the virus – and then to Dr Anthony Fauci saying, later in the briefing, that “the worst is yet ahead of us” and the response the US manages will determine how bad that “worst” will be.
Along with reports of clampdowns on social life in California and school closures in New York, and the Fed’s decision to slash interest rates close to zero, expect plenty of coverage of the president’s apparent contradiction by his top public health expert.Along with reports of clampdowns on social life in California and school closures in New York, and the Fed’s decision to slash interest rates close to zero, expect plenty of coverage of the president’s apparent contradiction by his top public health expert.
Last question, a White House aide shouts. If it is the last question it is about economic efforts to combat damage from the outbreak and whether enough has been done.Last question, a White House aide shouts. If it is the last question it is about economic efforts to combat damage from the outbreak and whether enough has been done.
Pence says the administration strongly supports the House legislation passed on Saturday and “no American worker should worry about missing a pay cheque if they’re feeling ill.” There are of course gaps and worries and competing corporate interests which will affect the extension of paid leave which the House bill provides.Pence says the administration strongly supports the House legislation passed on Saturday and “no American worker should worry about missing a pay cheque if they’re feeling ill.” There are of course gaps and worries and competing corporate interests which will affect the extension of paid leave which the House bill provides.
On the economy as a whole, Pence says “we’re in just the first few innings of this effort” but vital industries will be supported. It’s vague – of course it is.On the economy as a whole, Pence says “we’re in just the first few innings of this effort” but vital industries will be supported. It’s vague – of course it is.
There will be a morning briefing on Monday, Pence says, and a health briefing in the afternoon, and he appeals for Americans to keep up hygiene best practices. He salutes the task force members too, of course.There will be a morning briefing on Monday, Pence says, and a health briefing in the afternoon, and he appeals for Americans to keep up hygiene best practices. He salutes the task force members too, of course.
And we’re out, with a few shouted questions following Pence out of the door.And we’re out, with a few shouted questions following Pence out of the door.
Pence is back up, and asked about the testing process and the work with tech companies including Google and that vexed issue of the diagnostic website.Pence is back up, and asked about the testing process and the work with tech companies including Google and that vexed issue of the diagnostic website.
“At some point early in the week there will be a website that goes up,” Pence says, where people can fill out a questionnaire to see if they might have coronavirus.“At some point early in the week there will be a website that goes up,” Pence says, where people can fill out a questionnaire to see if they might have coronavirus.
Adm Brett Giroir, assistant health secretary, describes the aims of the website project and the testing.Adm Brett Giroir, assistant health secretary, describes the aims of the website project and the testing.
There will be approximately 1.9m tests rolled out to laboratories this week, he says. There’s no precise timeline but it’s an “absolute priority”, he says.There will be approximately 1.9m tests rolled out to laboratories this week, he says. There’s no precise timeline but it’s an “absolute priority”, he says.
“I’m not going to say that the lab testing issue is over,” he says, but the focus will now be how to get people actually tested.“I’m not going to say that the lab testing issue is over,” he says, but the focus will now be how to get people actually tested.
Pence is asked about possible shortages of hospital beds and ventilators and how the White House is planning to stop Americans “dying” and “suffocating”. He says he’ll call on health secretary Alex Azar but pauses first to praise the public-private partnership again.Pence is asked about possible shortages of hospital beds and ventilators and how the White House is planning to stop Americans “dying” and “suffocating”. He says he’ll call on health secretary Alex Azar but pauses first to praise the public-private partnership again.
Here’s former labor secretary Robert Reich on that subject:Here’s former labor secretary Robert Reich on that subject:
Azar starts by praising the people on the podium behind him, then says any pandemic “runs the risk of exceeding our healthcare capacity”. Which seems obvious. He goes on to outline stockpiling and procedural preparations without mentioning many actual numbers.Azar starts by praising the people on the podium behind him, then says any pandemic “runs the risk of exceeding our healthcare capacity”. Which seems obvious. He goes on to outline stockpiling and procedural preparations without mentioning many actual numbers.
“We have tremendous supplies but we want to acquire more,” he says, adding that for national security purposes he will not disclose “concrete numbers” of things like, yes, ventilators. A recent Johns Hopkins study suggested the national stock of those was nowhere near enough to cope with what may be coming.“We have tremendous supplies but we want to acquire more,” he says, adding that for national security purposes he will not disclose “concrete numbers” of things like, yes, ventilators. A recent Johns Hopkins study suggested the national stock of those was nowhere near enough to cope with what may be coming.
Now we’re on to social distancing – and whether a national lockdown might be on the way while the president tells Americans to “relax”.Now we’re on to social distancing – and whether a national lockdown might be on the way while the president tells Americans to “relax”.
Pence hails Trump’s “decisive leadership early on”, to do with travel restrictions on China and now Europe, the UK and Ireland. Of course he does.Pence hails Trump’s “decisive leadership early on”, to do with travel restrictions on China and now Europe, the UK and Ireland. Of course he does.
He calls on Dr Fauci, who says he meant what he said on the shows this morning about the need for social distancing to be strictly enforced and followed. “Anything and everything we’ll consider.”He calls on Dr Fauci, who says he meant what he said on the shows this morning about the need for social distancing to be strictly enforced and followed. “Anything and everything we’ll consider.”
He is asked for examples.He is asked for examples.
No bars or restaurants? “Could be, could be.”No bars or restaurants? “Could be, could be.”
He wants the press to let the new guidelines come out tomorrow, then ask questions.He wants the press to let the new guidelines come out tomorrow, then ask questions.