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Coronavirus latest updates: US slashes interest rates as states go into lockdown US slashes interest rates as states go into lockdown – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
Number of UK deaths rises to 35 while other countries introduce stricter new measures Number of UK deaths rises to 35 while other countries introduce stricter new measures. This blog is closed.
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The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has published an advisory on its website recommending that “for the next 8 weeks, organisers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.”
The note continues:
New Zealand’s education ministry is asking principals to consider how they will teach students online if schools are forced to close due to the virus.New Zealand’s education ministry is asking principals to consider how they will teach students online if schools are forced to close due to the virus.
In a memo to head teachers, the ministry said officials would call every school on Monday and Tuesday to find out what support teachers would need to enact online learning, according to Radio New Zealand.In a memo to head teachers, the ministry said officials would call every school on Monday and Tuesday to find out what support teachers would need to enact online learning, according to Radio New Zealand.
The ministry will ask principals about students’ access to devices and the internet at home, RNZ said. There has not yet been any suggestion from either the ministry or New Zealand’s government that school closures are expected or inevitable at this stage. The country has eight cases of Covid-19.The ministry will ask principals about students’ access to devices and the internet at home, RNZ said. There has not yet been any suggestion from either the ministry or New Zealand’s government that school closures are expected or inevitable at this stage. The country has eight cases of Covid-19.
In the US, Massachusetts has become the latest state in the US to close its schooling system in a bid to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.In the US, Massachusetts has become the latest state in the US to close its schooling system in a bid to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
The state’s governor Charlie Baker has just announced that public and private schools will be closed from Tuesday until 6 April. Baker also announced that the state has banned gatherings of 25 people or more. “With the steps we are taking today, we can ensure residents can still access key state services while taking necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19,” he said. The news comes just hours after South Carolina took similar measures to close it public schools until the end of March, and California announced it would enforce closure of bars and nightclubs, as well as limiting the capacity of restaurants. New York City also announced today that public schools will close. 24 states have now announced some form of school closure in the wake of the crisis.The state’s governor Charlie Baker has just announced that public and private schools will be closed from Tuesday until 6 April. Baker also announced that the state has banned gatherings of 25 people or more. “With the steps we are taking today, we can ensure residents can still access key state services while taking necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19,” he said. The news comes just hours after South Carolina took similar measures to close it public schools until the end of March, and California announced it would enforce closure of bars and nightclubs, as well as limiting the capacity of restaurants. New York City also announced today that public schools will close. 24 states have now announced some form of school closure in the wake of the crisis.
A clinical trial evaluating a vaccine designed to protect against the new coronavirus will begin Monday, according to a US government official.The first participant in the trial will receive the experimental vaccine on Monday, the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the trial has not been publicly announced yet.A clinical trial evaluating a vaccine designed to protect against the new coronavirus will begin Monday, according to a US government official.The first participant in the trial will receive the experimental vaccine on Monday, the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the trial has not been publicly announced yet.
The National Institutes of Health is funding the trial, which is taking place at a Kaiser Permanente research facility in Washington state, the official said.The National Institutes of Health is funding the trial, which is taking place at a Kaiser Permanente research facility in Washington state, the official said.
Biden and Sanders emphasise threat of coronavirus as Trump downplaysBiden and Sanders emphasise threat of coronavirus as Trump downplays
As the next Democratic debate is about to begin, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have sought to underscore the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic, while Trump consistently downplayed the health threat.As the next Democratic debate is about to begin, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have sought to underscore the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic, while Trump consistently downplayed the health threat.
Earlier this evening, at a White House press conference, Trump said the government has “tremendous control” over the virus. In contrast, Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said moments later that the worst of the crisis was still yet to come in the US.Earlier this evening, at a White House press conference, Trump said the government has “tremendous control” over the virus. In contrast, Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said moments later that the worst of the crisis was still yet to come in the US.
In contrast, Joe Biden delivered a speech Thursday afternoon saying Americans need to take serious steps and listen to medical experts to help combat the virus.In contrast, Joe Biden delivered a speech Thursday afternoon saying Americans need to take serious steps and listen to medical experts to help combat the virus.
“We lead by science,” Biden said. “Downplaying it, being overly dismissive, or spreading misinformation is only going to hurt us and further advantage the spread of the disease.”“We lead by science,” Biden said. “Downplaying it, being overly dismissive, or spreading misinformation is only going to hurt us and further advantage the spread of the disease.”
Bernie Sanders said in a Friday speech that the crisis demonstrated the need for the Medicare for all healthcare system he has championed, arguing the policy could save lives during the pandemic.Bernie Sanders said in a Friday speech that the crisis demonstrated the need for the Medicare for all healthcare system he has championed, arguing the policy could save lives during the pandemic.
“We cannot live in a nation where if you have the money you get the treatment you need to survive, but if you’re working-class or poor, you get to the end of the line,” Sanders said.“We cannot live in a nation where if you have the money you get the treatment you need to survive, but if you’re working-class or poor, you get to the end of the line,” Sanders said.
“In my view, the most cost effective way to reform our dysfunctional and cruel system is to move to a Medicare for all, single-payer healthcare system. ... And I think in the midst of this crisis, more and more Americans understand the truth of that.”“In my view, the most cost effective way to reform our dysfunctional and cruel system is to move to a Medicare for all, single-payer healthcare system. ... And I think in the midst of this crisis, more and more Americans understand the truth of that.”
In more football news, in Australia football will continue despite fears over the spread of the coronavirus, but the remainder of the A-League season and next weekend’s W-League grand final will be played behind closed doors.In more football news, in Australia football will continue despite fears over the spread of the coronavirus, but the remainder of the A-League season and next weekend’s W-League grand final will be played behind closed doors.
FFA announced on Monday that fans will not be able to attend the remaining six rounds of the men’s competition and the women’s title decider between Melbourne City and Sydney FC.FFA announced on Monday that fans will not be able to attend the remaining six rounds of the men’s competition and the women’s title decider between Melbourne City and Sydney FC.
“This is an unprecedented time and extremely complex for the sport and society at large,” FFA CEO James Johnson said.“This is an unprecedented time and extremely complex for the sport and society at large,” FFA CEO James Johnson said.
Here is how the football world is coping with coronavirus – with the help of home workouts, soap and face masks:Here is how the football world is coping with coronavirus – with the help of home workouts, soap and face masks:
In another sign of the turmoil in the travel industry, Hanover-based holiday firm TUI Group announced last night it was temporarily suspending the “vast majority of all travel operations until further notice”.In another sign of the turmoil in the travel industry, Hanover-based holiday firm TUI Group announced last night it was temporarily suspending the “vast majority of all travel operations until further notice”.
This includes TUI’s package holidays, cruises and hotel operations. “This temporary suspension is aimed at contributing to global governmental efforts to mitigate the effects of the spread of the Covid-19,” said TUI, which also plans to apply for ‘state aid guarantees’ to support its business.This includes TUI’s package holidays, cruises and hotel operations. “This temporary suspension is aimed at contributing to global governmental efforts to mitigate the effects of the spread of the Covid-19,” said TUI, which also plans to apply for ‘state aid guarantees’ to support its business.
The US Federal Reserve announced it is cutting its benchmark interest rate to near zero and said it would buy US$700bn in Treasury and mortgage-backed securities as it attempts to head off a severe slowdown.The US Federal Reserve announced it is cutting its benchmark interest rate to near zero and said it would buy US$700bn in Treasury and mortgage-backed securities as it attempts to head off a severe slowdown.
New York City will close the largest public school system in the US on Monday, sending more than 1.1 million children home in hopes of curbing the spread of coronavirus, the city’s mayor announced on Sunday, calling it a “very troubling moment”.New York City will close the largest public school system in the US on Monday, sending more than 1.1 million children home in hopes of curbing the spread of coronavirus, the city’s mayor announced on Sunday, calling it a “very troubling moment”.
UK over-70’s will be asked to self-isolate for up to four months, in order to protect them from the virus, he told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday.UK over-70’s will be asked to self-isolate for up to four months, in order to protect them from the virus, he told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
UK health secretary Matt Hancock said Britain has not ruled out following other countries and closing restaurants, bars and other shops to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.UK health secretary Matt Hancock said Britain has not ruled out following other countries and closing restaurants, bars and other shops to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
British police will have powers to arrest Covid-19 patients not self-isolating, the health secretary has confirmed.British police will have powers to arrest Covid-19 patients not self-isolating, the health secretary has confirmed.
Boris Johnson plans to hold daily ministerial press conferences on the crisis, in an attempt to shore up public confidence in the government’s handling of the pandemic.Boris Johnson plans to hold daily ministerial press conferences on the crisis, in an attempt to shore up public confidence in the government’s handling of the pandemic.
Iran recorded the highest number of deaths in a single day from coronavirus on Saturday, with 113 new deaths in the past 24 hours, meaning the country’s death toll from the coronavirus has reached 724. There are 13,938 people infected across the country.Iran recorded the highest number of deaths in a single day from coronavirus on Saturday, with 113 new deaths in the past 24 hours, meaning the country’s death toll from the coronavirus has reached 724. There are 13,938 people infected across the country.
Spain reports deaths have jumped in a day to 288. The number of deaths in Spain from the coronavirus have more than doubled in a day, to 288, with the number of infections near 8,000.Spain reports deaths have jumped in a day to 288. The number of deaths in Spain from the coronavirus have more than doubled in a day, to 288, with the number of infections near 8,000.
People in Norway have been ordered to leave their countryside cabins and return to their homes, due to fears rural hospitals could be overwhelmed, according to Norwegian media.People in Norway have been ordered to leave their countryside cabins and return to their homes, due to fears rural hospitals could be overwhelmed, according to Norwegian media.
Nike is set to close all of its stores in the United States and several other countries to limit the spread of the coronavirus.Nike is set to close all of its stores in the United States and several other countries to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The US embassy and the British Foreign Office are advising their non-resident citizens to leave Argentina quickly while flights are still open.The US embassy and the British Foreign Office are advising their non-resident citizens to leave Argentina quickly while flights are still open.
The death toll in Italy increased by 25% to 1,809 from 1,441 on Sunday – a rise of 368. The total number of confirmed cases in Italy rose to 24,747 from 21,157 on Saturday.The death toll in Italy increased by 25% to 1,809 from 1,441 on Sunday – a rise of 368. The total number of confirmed cases in Italy rose to 24,747 from 21,157 on Saturday.
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.
Louis Vuitton owner LVMH 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 LVMH 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.
South Africa has declared a national disaster and introduced a series of drastic measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country.South Africa has declared a national disaster and introduced a series of drastic measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
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.
California governor Gavin Newsom has directed the closure of all bars, wineries, nightclubs and brewpubs in the state and called for all seniors age 65 years or older to stay in home isolation to curb the spread of coronavirus.California governor Gavin Newsom has directed the closure of all bars, wineries, nightclubs and brewpubs in the state and called for all seniors age 65 years or older to stay in home isolation to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The US now has more than 2,900 cases in 49 states, Vice-President Mike Pence said in a press briefing on Sunday evening.The US now has more than 2,900 cases in 49 states, Vice-President Mike Pence said in a press briefing on Sunday evening.
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.
Goldman Sachs has downgraded its US growth forecast for the first and second quarters in the wake of the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.Goldman Sachs has downgraded its US growth forecast for the first and second quarters in the wake of the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak.
In a note sent on Sunday, the US bank said it now sees real gross domestic product growth of 0% in the first three months of the year, from its original estimate of 0.7% expansion. For the second quarter, it sees US growth contracting to -5.0% from its initial forecast of 0%. Goldman raised its third-quarter US GDP estimate to 3% from 1% originally. “We expect US economic activity to contract sharply in the remainder of March and throughout April as virus fears lead consumers and businesses to continue to cut back on spending such as travel, entertainment, and restaurant meals,” Goldman said in its latest research note.In a note sent on Sunday, the US bank said it now sees real gross domestic product growth of 0% in the first three months of the year, from its original estimate of 0.7% expansion. For the second quarter, it sees US growth contracting to -5.0% from its initial forecast of 0%. Goldman raised its third-quarter US GDP estimate to 3% from 1% originally. “We expect US economic activity to contract sharply in the remainder of March and throughout April as virus fears lead consumers and businesses to continue to cut back on spending such as travel, entertainment, and restaurant meals,” Goldman said in its latest research note.
Apart from the impact on consumer spending, Goldman said it also revised its growth forecasts as significant supply chain disruptions have grown.Apart from the impact on consumer spending, Goldman said it also revised its growth forecasts as significant supply chain disruptions have grown.
Fed chair Jerome Powell has wrapped up his Sunday night press conference after the central bank’s surprise announcement of another rate cut. The early reviews are ominous.
Interest rates are already close to zero so the latest cuts may not make a huge difference.
“There is room for us to do what we need to do,” Powell said.
But Dow futures - an indication of which way the markets may go tomorrow - are down.
Michael Antonelli, market strategist at RW Baird, doesn’t think stock markets will rally until there is better news on containment of Covid-19.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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.
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.