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Coronavirus live updates: global infections outstrip China cases as US ramps up response Coronavirus live updates: global infections outstrip China cases as US ramps up response
(32 minutes later)
New York closes schools; CDC advises against gatherings of more than 50 people, US Fed cuts interest rates to near zero; deaths jump in Europe. Follow the latest news.New York closes schools; CDC advises against gatherings of more than 50 people, US Fed cuts interest rates to near zero; deaths jump in Europe. Follow the latest news.
In Thailand, villagers scouring a dark cave in Ratchaburi for bat guano are undaunted by scientists’ suggestion that it could be behind a coronavirus that has infected more than 150,000 people worldwide, Reuters reports.
The source of the virus remains a matter of debate after it emerged in China late last year, but some scientists believe it could have originated in bats before passing to humans, perhaps being transferred through another animal. They start work after dark, when millions of chittering bats stream out of the cave to hunt for food. Some of those who have been collecting for decades, earning less than $1 for each bucketload, say they have never had any health issues. Guano collection began generations ago, when the abbot then in charge of the temple asked villagers to help clean the cave. At $6 a bucket, the guano, rich in chemicals such as nitrogen, phosphate and potassium, brings in the bulk of the temple’s earnings from farmers keen to boost crops and improve the taste of fruit.
The Peace Corps is telling its volunteers around the world that it is suspending all operations globally and evacuating all volunteers in light of the spread of the new coronavirus, AP reports.
In an open letter to volunteers posted Sunday on its website, the federal agency’s director, Jody Olsen, says the decision follows recent evacuations in China and Mongolia due to the outbreak. Olsen says that with evacuations now underway at other posts and travel becoming more challenging by the day, the agency decided to expand the suspension and evacuations. Olsen says the posts are not closing and that the agency looks forward to returning to normal operations when conditions permit.The letter says country directors would be providing more information to volunteers.The Peace Corps was established in 1961 during the Kennedy administration as a government-run volunteer program serving nations around the world. Its website says volunteers perform community work in more than 60 countries today and that more than 235,000 Americans have served in 141 countries since its inception.
Now, an important addition to your social distancing toolkit: a dystopian reading list.
“A good reading list for self-isolation requires several categories. You should read some of the brilliant pandemic novels that everyone is talking about, and some novels about being alone. You should also add some comfort reads, and poetry, and books about people being thoughtful and useful and kind,” writes the Guardian’s Lois Beckett.
An Australian television network entertainment editor has tested positive for the new coronavirus after meeting Tom Hanks wife, Rita Wilson, in Sydney.Hanks and Wilson have been isolated in an Australian hospital since they were both diagnosed with Covid-19 on March 12.Nine Network entertainment editor Richard Wilkins said Monday that he was tested because he met Wilson at the Sydney Opera House on March 7 and again at Nines Sydney studio on March 9. The result came back positive on Sunday, AP reports.
“You could’ve knocked me over with a feather last night when I got that call. It took me a couple of minutes to reel from the news that they gave me. But I feel fine. I feel 100%,” Wilkins told Nine by Facetime from his Sydney home.
The 65-year-old journalist said he could only assume that he had been infected by Wilson, a singer and actor.
“We’re assuming this is from Rita. It may not be. They’ve all said it could be anyone, anywhere, any time, such is the prevalence of this thing,” Wilkins said. Wilkins was one of 37 new case confirmed over 24 hours in New South Wales state, bringing the state total to 171 by Monday. The increase was the largest for Australia’s most populous state in a day.
As countries across the world scramble to close their borders in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic, several cruise ships, some laden with thousands of passengers, are stranded on the high seas seeking a port at which they can dock.
In Australia, more now on the measures in Western Australia’s AU$607m (US$375) stimulus package:
A $402m freeze on household fees and charges until July 1, 2021 at least. That includes electricity, water, motor vehicle charges, emergency services levy and public transport fares.
Energy assistance payment doubled from $300 to $600 for vulnerable Western Australians
$114m for help for small business, including a one-off grant of $17,500
Businesses impacted can defer payroll tax payments until July 21 2020.
“We are in uncharted territory and there’s no doubt our economy is going to feel the effects of COVID-19,” WA premier Mark McGowan said.
“For the first time in 16 years, household fees and charges will be frozen, providing relief and certainty to each and every Western Australian.
“It’s this relief and certainty that can help give Western Australians the confidence to continue to spend and support our local economy during these times.
Public sector employees in WA will also get access to 20 days of sick leave if they need to stay home.
In Australia, the state government of Western Australia has “frozen all household fees and charges including electricity, water, public transport fares and motor vehicle charges,” the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports.
Mexico has registered its first death due to coronavirus, according to Mexican media reports on Sunday and two people familiar with the matter, Reuters reports.
Veteran broadcaster Joaquin Lopez-Doriga said on Twitter that businessman Jose Kuri had died after testing positive for coronavirus following a trip to the United States.
Two people familiar with the matter confirmed that Kuri had died, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Turkey has identified 12 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing its total to 18, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Monday, marking the highest daily rise since the country announced its first case last week.
Koca said two of the new cases were related to the first case reported in the country, seven had travelled from Europe and three from the United States, Reuters reports. Last Wednesday, Turkey became the last major economy to report an outbreak after taking what the World Health Organization (WHO) described as “vigilant” measures to delay it. Since then, the government has ramped up measures to halt the spread of the virus, closing schools and universities, holding sports events without spectators and halting flights to many countries. Thousands of Muslims returning to Turkey from a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia were taken into quarantine on Sunday and the Interior Ministry said that bars and nightclubs will be closed from Monday to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading.
The number of coronavirus cases in Rwanda has risen to five, from one, and included a man of Rwandese nationality with no recent history of travel, the health ministry said late on Sunday.The number of coronavirus cases in Rwanda has risen to five, from one, and included a man of Rwandese nationality with no recent history of travel, the health ministry said late on Sunday.
The east African country confirmed its first case of coronavirus on Saturday, becoming one of at least 26 countries on the African continent where the outbreak has spread. The ministry said in a statement the four additional cases included a 34-year-old man who arrived from South Sudan on March 6 and his brother, who also had a recent history of travel. A fourth person was a 22-year-old man of Ugandan nationality who arrived in Rwanda from London on Sunday.The east African country confirmed its first case of coronavirus on Saturday, becoming one of at least 26 countries on the African continent where the outbreak has spread. The ministry said in a statement the four additional cases included a 34-year-old man who arrived from South Sudan on March 6 and his brother, who also had a recent history of travel. A fourth person was a 22-year-old man of Ugandan nationality who arrived in Rwanda from London on Sunday.
Lululemon and Under Armour have joined Nike in saying they will close stores in the United States and other markets, joining a growing list of major retailers moving to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.Lululemon and Under Armour have joined Nike in saying they will close stores in the United States and other markets, joining a growing list of major retailers moving to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Under Armour was the subject of a New York Times piece in January this year titled How Under Armour Lost Its Edge, in which the author wrote the brand “has faltered, hurt by slumping sales and unflattering revelations about its corporate culture.”Under Armour was the subject of a New York Times piece in January this year titled How Under Armour Lost Its Edge, in which the author wrote the brand “has faltered, hurt by slumping sales and unflattering revelations about its corporate culture.”
The coronavirus pandemic will almost certainly add to its woes.The coronavirus pandemic will almost certainly add to its woes.
Nike on Sunday said it will close stores in Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand from March 16 to 27. It will continue normal operations at stores in South Korea, Japan, most of China and in many other countries.Nike on Sunday said it will close stores in Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand from March 16 to 27. It will continue normal operations at stores in South Korea, Japan, most of China and in many other countries.
Under Armour said it would shutter all North America stores from Monday for about two weeks. Lululemon said it would close its stores in North America and Europe for a similar period. Each said their online stores would continue to be open.Under Armour said it would shutter all North America stores from Monday for about two weeks. Lululemon said it would close its stores in North America and Europe for a similar period. Each said their online stores would continue to be open.
Gap Inc is temporarily reducing store hours for all of its locations in the United States and Canada, and closing over 100 stores Apparel retailer Urban Outfitters Inc, which owns brands including Anthropologie and Free People, said on Saturday it would close its stores worldwide until at least March 28.Gap Inc is temporarily reducing store hours for all of its locations in the United States and Canada, and closing over 100 stores Apparel retailer Urban Outfitters Inc, which owns brands including Anthropologie and Free People, said on Saturday it would close its stores worldwide until at least March 28.
A few images now from Brescia, in northern Italy, where emergency structures were set up to deal with patients in the coronavirus pandemic.A few images now from Brescia, in northern Italy, where emergency structures were set up to deal with patients in the coronavirus pandemic.
Italy has had the second-highest number of confirmed cases so far, at 24,747.Italy has had the second-highest number of confirmed cases so far, at 24,747.
There have been 1,809 deaths and 2,335 recoveries, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.There have been 1,809 deaths and 2,335 recoveries, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.
Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba and China’s richest man has posted a photograph of a shipment of masks and test kits on its way from Shanghai to the US.Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba and China’s richest man has posted a photograph of a shipment of masks and test kits on its way from Shanghai to the US.
The Sydney stock market has closed almost 10% down on another disastrous day of trading. It dropped 9.7% to 5,002 points.The Sydney stock market has closed almost 10% down on another disastrous day of trading. It dropped 9.7% to 5,002 points.
The massive losses came despite an announcement by the Reserve Bank that it will begin buying bonds in a quantitative easing operation to prop up the country’s cratering economy.The massive losses came despite an announcement by the Reserve Bank that it will begin buying bonds in a quantitative easing operation to prop up the country’s cratering economy.
As we continue to report on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re looking for stories of how this unprecedented crisis has affected couples, families, friends and communities.As we continue to report on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re looking for stories of how this unprecedented crisis has affected couples, families, friends and communities.
If you’ve been separated from a loved one by lockdowns, have had to cancel your wedding or miss an important family event, we’d like to hear from you. We’re always interested in hearing what you may have done in response, too, or how you and your loved ones (and neighbours) are supporting each other in these trying times.If you’ve been separated from a loved one by lockdowns, have had to cancel your wedding or miss an important family event, we’d like to hear from you. We’re always interested in hearing what you may have done in response, too, or how you and your loved ones (and neighbours) are supporting each other in these trying times.
Please do include photographs if you can and are happy for us to use them.Please do include photographs if you can and are happy for us to use them.
Send me a brief message on Twitter @helenrsullivan, tag me in a tweet of your own (if you’re happy for us to include it in the blog), or email me: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.Send me a brief message on Twitter @helenrsullivan, tag me in a tweet of your own (if you’re happy for us to include it in the blog), or email me: helen.sullivan@theguardian.com.
Global deaths and infections from the coronavirus surpassed those inside China for the first time since the beginning of the outbreak.Global deaths and infections from the coronavirus surpassed those inside China for the first time since the beginning of the outbreak.
The US Centers for Disease Control advised that events of 50 people or more be cancelled or postponed throughout the United States.The US Centers for Disease Control advised that events of 50 people or more be cancelled or postponed throughout the United States.
The US Federal Reserve announced it would cut 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 would cut 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, and its bars, restaurants and entertainment venues from Tuesday.New York City will close the largest public school system in the US on Monday, and its bars, restaurants and entertainment venues from Tuesday.
The states of California, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts and Washington closed their bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, too. Food takeout and delivery are still allowed.The states of California, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts and Washington closed their bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, too. Food takeout and delivery are still allowed.
Most of the first hour of the US Democratic debate focused on the coronavirus crisis, as Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders criticised the Trump administration’s response and emphasised the need to confront the crisis and adhere to medical experts’ guidance.Most of the first hour of the US Democratic debate focused on the coronavirus crisis, as Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders criticised the Trump administration’s response and emphasised the need to confront the crisis and adhere to medical experts’ guidance.
A US sailor aboard a warship ship tested positive for the coronavirus for the first time, the US Navy said on Sunday, as it disclosed the case of a sailor assigned to an amphibious assault ship.A US sailor aboard a warship ship tested positive for the coronavirus for the first time, the US Navy said on Sunday, as it disclosed the case of a sailor assigned to an amphibious assault ship.
Argentina went into a full official lockdown Sunday evening as President Alberto Fernández announced the closing of the country’s borders to all arrivals, including the closure of its land borders, and the suspension of all classes until March 31.Argentina went into a full official lockdown Sunday evening as President Alberto Fernández announced the closing of the country’s borders to all arrivals, including the closure of its land borders, and the suspension of all classes until March 31.
British over-70s will be asked to self-isolate for up to four months, in order to protect them from the virus.British over-70s will be asked to self-isolate for up to four months, in order to protect them from the virus.
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.
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.
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 declared a national disaster and introduced a series of drastic measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country.South Africa 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.
Who won the Biden-Sanders debate? Our panelists weigh in
Jessa Crispin: “For a while, I felt like I was watching a Beckett play, with two old men on stage talking about totally different realities, talking past one another as if they did not even exist within the same space and time. Here was Bernie Sanders, acknowledging how our flawed and deteriorated health system could enable coronavirus to kill hundreds of thousands of Americans. And here was Biden, convinced he was in Independence Day, saying the coronavirus “is like we’re being attacked from abroad” – although a bunch of people getting sick because the government is too timid to ask people not to go to a goddamn St Patrick’s Day bar crawl is not exactly an alien invasion. He talked about sending the military in to deal with it, as if it were a foreign country of brown people, with oil reserves.”
In the US, Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker has ordered all schools to close for three weeks starting Tuesday in Boston and across the state, the Boston Globe reports.
Restaurants will remain open for takeout.
Baker has limited public gatherings to 25 people.
New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern says it was now likely the country will experience a recession that was worse than the 2008 global financial crisis.
The country today banned mass gatherings of more than 500 people in an attempt to manage the Covid-19 outbreak as Ardern, said “we don’t want to be Italy”, Eleanor Ainge Roy and Charlotte Graham-McLay report.
The measures will not apply to schools or universities but will apply to both indoor and outdoor gatherings.
There have been eight cases of coronavirus in New Zealand, and Ardern said it was prudent and “safer” to cancel events such as art shows, music festivals and cultural gatherings. There was no end date for the ban, and Ardern said New Zealanders needed to prepare and adapt “to a new normal”.
“These are extraordinary circumstances. When we have emergencies, when we have situations that are unprecedented, New Zealanders work together. We are asking you to work together – with a little distance between you.” Ardern said.
Brad Hazzard says there has been a “dramatic increase” in new cases in the Australian state of New South Wales. He says the infections have risen by 37 to 171 confirmed cases and 1,282 cases are being investigated.
Hazzard says of those cases, 67 were acquired overseas but 44 were transmitted locally.
He’s now giving the details of flights which have arrived in Sydney that the health authorities would like to speak to passengers on (in particular rows). He lists the flights as:
Qantas flight QF8, which arrived in Sydney on 11 March (rows 73-77, 11-15)
Virgin flight VA2 from Los Angeles, also arriving on 11 March, (rows 2-6)
Emirates flight EK414 from Dubai arriving on 8 March (rows 11-6, 45-49, 58-62)
A domestic flight from the Sunshine Coast to Sydney (VA480, rows 1-4, arriving in Sydney on 13 March)
In Australia, we are hearing a news conference from the New South Wales health minister, Brad Hazzard.
He reiterates the new public health measures which say no gathering of more then 500 people are allowed to take place in the state, with penalties of over $11,000 for individuals or $55,000 for corporate offences.
“This is a war against a virus that knows no boundaries. We’re trying to put some boundaries around the transmission,” Hazzard says.
South Korea has reported its third day when recoveries have outstripped infections, but a new cluster of infections has surfaced in Seongnam city, south of Seoul. At least 40 members of a Protestant church tested positive, including the pastor, after services on 1 March and 8 March, despite government calls to cancel mass gatherings.
In the country as a whole, 74 new coronavirus infections were reported on Monday, slightly lower than the previous day, health officials said, taking the tally of cases to 8,236, with 75 deaths.
New infections have been on a declining trajectory, with the latest figures well below a 29 February peak of 909, and slightly down from 76 on Sunday.
As many as 303 more patients were released after a full recovery, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,137.
“For three straight days we have seen more numbers of discharged than newly confirmed, but we should not forget the lessons we’ve learned,” the vice health minister Kim Gang-lip told a briefing.
Officials warned that “sporadic outbreaks” continued in the hardest-hit areas, such as the southeastern city of Daegu. The new outbreaks were from unknown sources in other cities, Kim said, adding, “This implies the coronavirus is spreading across the country.”
In New Zealand, at 1am on Monday tough new restrictions came into force on the country’s borders, meaning everyone landing in New Zealand from overseas would be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Those arriving from the Pacific Islands were exempt.
Prime minister Ardern said the government were committed to enforcing the self-isolation stipulations and anyone who flouted the rules was “not welcome” in New Zealand and would be deported.
It was also an option to “put a police officer on their door” if someone was not adhering to self-isolation rules, Ardern said, which required they largely stayed inside and kept two metres physical distance from others, including family members.
An important and only slightly baffling message from Arnold Schwarzenegger. His advice on social isolation is sound, and his miniature horses are incredible.
Ecuador’s President Lenín Moreno announced in a televised address on Sunday that all movement of people and vehicles would be restricted from 6am on Tuesday, 17 March. Exceptions would be made to buy food, visit hospitals, commute to and from work, or to care for the sick or elderly.
The police and the armed forces would enforce the measures, Moreno said. “They are measures we should all commit to,” he added.
Ecuador has so far confirmed 37 cases of Covid-19, including two deaths.
The Andean country announced on Saturday it would shut its sea, land and air frontiers to all foreign travelers from Sunday while its citizens and foreigners with Ecuadorean residency would have until the end of Monday to return.
In the US, after New York announced that bars, restaurants and entertainment venues should shut to limit the spread of coronavirus, Los Angeles has followed suit. Like New York, LA will allow food takeout and delivery.
The state of California, home to LA, has 335 confirmed coronavirus cases.
LA mayor Eric Garcetti announced that the executive action takes effect at midnight tonight, in just under four hours’ time.