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/16/coronavirus-live-updates-us-cdc-events-europe-lockdown-uk-deaths-australia-france-italy-spain-update-latest-news

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

Version 17 Version 18
Coronavirus updates: global infections outstrip China cases as US ramps up response - live news Coronavirus updates: global infections outstrip China cases as US ramps up response - live news
(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.
Donald Trump has urged Americans to refrain from panic-buying basic supplies during the coronavirus pandemic, as the administration announced plans to expand testing for the virus.
“You don’t have to buy so much,” the US president said during a press briefing at the White House on Sunday evening, adding that people should “take it easy. Just relax.”
Here is a Guardian video of some of his comments.
A petition for doctors and nurses in the UK to be tested for coronavirus if they show symptoms has gained thousands of signatures, my colleague, Sarah Marsh, reports.
Currently, tests are only being done on patients who require a hospital admission but those working in the NHS have expressed concern about this Public Health England policy. Writing in the petition, shared widely online, Rebecca McCauley said:
McCauley said it was a dilemma that all NHS workers were facing due to the current rules around testing.
The petition calls for the prioritisation of testing for NHS staff and has now had over 15,000 signatures of support
A nurse, speaking anonymously, told the Guardian that the debate about testing was causing great concern among health workers. She said:
Many of you who were out at the weekend would have seen scenes of chaos in supermarkets across the world, where people stripped shelves as they stocked up in anticipation of lockdowns.
Many people also shared pictures online of elderly and vulnerable people, who often cannot move as quickly as the young, staring forlornly at the empty shelves. This was posted by my Guardian colleague Sarah Marsh.
In Australia, the Woolworths supermarket chain has decided to act by launching a dedicated shopping hour for elderly and vulnerable people. See their tweet below.
A similar move has been made in France, according to information sent in by a Guardian live blog reader this morning. Michelle Stevenson wrote:
The Old Vic and a number of other theatres in London have suspended productions because of the coronavirus.
Endgame, the Old Vic’s major Beckett revival starring Daniel Radcliffe and Alan Cumming, has closed two weeks early. In an email to Endgame ticket holders, the theatre stated that offering a full refund would be “financially devastating” and asked customers to consider donating the cost of the ticket rather than requesting a refund.
For those who donate, the theatre will provide a video link to see a full recording of the production, captured earlier in the run for archive purposes, and a “friends” membership enabling priority booking for one year.
Unlike other European capitals, such as Paris and Berlin, where major theatres closed last week under government orders, the vast majority of the UK’s theatres are still welcoming visitors. However, on Sunday night, several other venues joined the Old Vic in announcing cancellations.
The number of cases of coronavirus detected in Hungary has increased from 32 to 39, according to the data published on the country’s official coronavirus website.The number of cases of coronavirus detected in Hungary has increased from 32 to 39, according to the data published on the country’s official coronavirus website.
The cases include nine Iranians, one Briton and 29 Hungarian citizens.The cases include nine Iranians, one Briton and 29 Hungarian citizens.
People were queuing outside Dutch coffee shops on Sunday to stockpile cannabis ahead of the closure of most public places in the Netherlands, Jennifer Rankin, the Guardian’s Brussels correspondent, reports.People were queuing outside Dutch coffee shops on Sunday to stockpile cannabis ahead of the closure of most public places in the Netherlands, Jennifer Rankin, the Guardian’s Brussels correspondent, reports.
When it became known that Dutch coffee shops would be closing along with cafes and restaurants until 6 April, people rushed to stockpile cannabis. The daily newspaper Volkskrant reported that people were queuing outside coffee shops in cities across the Netherlands.When it became known that Dutch coffee shops would be closing along with cafes and restaurants until 6 April, people rushed to stockpile cannabis. The daily newspaper Volkskrant reported that people were queuing outside coffee shops in cities across the Netherlands.
One student in Amsterdam, Juan, 21, told the paper he had bought nine slices of space cake for him and his eight roommates.One student in Amsterdam, Juan, 21, told the paper he had bought nine slices of space cake for him and his eight roommates.
Dutch ministers decided in a crisis meeting on Sunday to close schools and daycare centres until at least 6 April, reversing their earlier position to keep them open to allow key workers to do their jobs. Shops, restaurants, sex clubs, cannabis cafes and sports clubs will also be closed.Dutch ministers decided in a crisis meeting on Sunday to close schools and daycare centres until at least 6 April, reversing their earlier position to keep them open to allow key workers to do their jobs. Shops, restaurants, sex clubs, cannabis cafes and sports clubs will also be closed.
Health minister Bruno Bruins said the decision to close restaurants and shops had been taken to discourage “undesirable” tourism from Belgium, which introduced restrictions on Saturday on shops and restaurants.Health minister Bruno Bruins said the decision to close restaurants and shops had been taken to discourage “undesirable” tourism from Belgium, which introduced restrictions on Saturday on shops and restaurants.
The Dutch prime minister Mark Rutt is expected to make a televised address to the nation this evening, the first such broadcast since the oil crisis of the early 1970s.The Dutch prime minister Mark Rutt is expected to make a televised address to the nation this evening, the first such broadcast since the oil crisis of the early 1970s.
As of Sunday morning, the Netherlands had seen 959 cases and 12 deaths from coronavirus, according to the latest available data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.As of Sunday morning, the Netherlands had seen 959 cases and 12 deaths from coronavirus, according to the latest available data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Adding to a growing chorus of international criticism, Singapore’s national development minister Lawrence Wong sharply criticised the UK approach to tackling the coronavirus outbreak as he announced new border control measures to apply to the UK, Switzerland and Japan.Adding to a growing chorus of international criticism, Singapore’s national development minister Lawrence Wong sharply criticised the UK approach to tackling the coronavirus outbreak as he announced new border control measures to apply to the UK, Switzerland and Japan.
Wong said:Wong said:
Here is the latest from Andrew Roth, the Guardian’s Moscow correspondent, on developments in Russia.Here is the latest from Andrew Roth, the Guardian’s Moscow correspondent, on developments in Russia.
Russia on Monday announced the closure of its border with Belarus, one of the country’s last open land borders, as the government rolled out a new series of measures to combat the further spread of coronavirus in the country.Russia on Monday announced the closure of its border with Belarus, one of the country’s last open land borders, as the government rolled out a new series of measures to combat the further spread of coronavirus in the country.
A new government commission to coordinate Russia’s response to the virus announced a 300 billion ruble (£3.25 billion) plan that included some relief for those who would lose wages while under quarantine, according to the business daily Vedomosti.A new government commission to coordinate Russia’s response to the virus announced a 300 billion ruble (£3.25 billion) plan that included some relief for those who would lose wages while under quarantine, according to the business daily Vedomosti.
So far, Russia has registered just 63 cases of coronavirus, and has not attributed any deaths to the disease. It isn’t clear whether that is due to low rates of testing or if early border closures helped prevent the disease’s spread. Many of the identified cases were carried by recent travelers to Italy, with the first in-country transmissions registered late last week.So far, Russia has registered just 63 cases of coronavirus, and has not attributed any deaths to the disease. It isn’t clear whether that is due to low rates of testing or if early border closures helped prevent the disease’s spread. Many of the identified cases were carried by recent travelers to Italy, with the first in-country transmissions registered late last week.
Attendance at Moscow schools has been made non-compulsory and Moscow universities have been advised to move to remote learning schemes. Meanwhile, several major museums said they would temporarily close due to the epidemic.Attendance at Moscow schools has been made non-compulsory and Moscow universities have been advised to move to remote learning schemes. Meanwhile, several major museums said they would temporarily close due to the epidemic.
Ukraine has said that it will close its borders entirely this week in order to prevent further transmissions of the disease. The country has registered just a handful of cases but has seen its first death from the disease, a 71-year-old woman who died last week.Ukraine has said that it will close its borders entirely this week in order to prevent further transmissions of the disease. The country has registered just a handful of cases but has seen its first death from the disease, a 71-year-old woman who died last week.
An infectious diseases expert in Hong Kong has cautioned against aiming for “herd immunity” in response to the coronavirus pandemic, warning that the result could be that the medical system is “paralysed”, Helen Davidson reports.An infectious diseases expert in Hong Kong has cautioned against aiming for “herd immunity” in response to the coronavirus pandemic, warning that the result could be that the medical system is “paralysed”, Helen Davidson reports.
Hong Kong University professor Yuen Kwok-yung, reportedly told local radio on Monday that the approach, suggested by the UK’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, was risky.Hong Kong University professor Yuen Kwok-yung, reportedly told local radio on Monday that the approach, suggested by the UK’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, was risky.
Yuen said some western countries had taken an “old-style approach” like they were taking children to a party with a child who had measles.Yuen said some western countries had taken an “old-style approach” like they were taking children to a party with a child who had measles.
On Sunday Matt Hancock, the UK health secretary, denied herd immunity was government policy.On Sunday Matt Hancock, the UK health secretary, denied herd immunity was government policy.
Hong Kong is among a handful of countries seen as having run a successful virus response. The region of about 7.5m people feared its close proximity and ties to mainland China would see the virus quickly spread. But border closures, testing and community measures were enacted relatively quickly, and it has confirmed fewer than 150 cases of the virus. Four people have died.Hong Kong is among a handful of countries seen as having run a successful virus response. The region of about 7.5m people feared its close proximity and ties to mainland China would see the virus quickly spread. But border closures, testing and community measures were enacted relatively quickly, and it has confirmed fewer than 150 cases of the virus. Four people have died.
Concerns have now turned to people from other nations bringing it back in. During the past fortnight 26 of 46 new cases were all confirmed to be imported.Concerns have now turned to people from other nations bringing it back in. During the past fortnight 26 of 46 new cases were all confirmed to be imported.
Yuen said he expected the number of infections in the US and Britain to increase in the next four to eight weeks, and urged any arrivals from those countries to go under home surveillance.Yuen said he expected the number of infections in the US and Britain to increase in the next four to eight weeks, and urged any arrivals from those countries to go under home surveillance.
From Thursday anyone arriving from the UK, Ireland, and the US must self quarantine for 14 days. The requirement already applies to the Schengen nations in Europe, Egypt, Iran, mainland China, and parts of Japan and South Korea.From Thursday anyone arriving from the UK, Ireland, and the US must self quarantine for 14 days. The requirement already applies to the Schengen nations in Europe, Egypt, Iran, mainland China, and parts of Japan and South Korea.
While the UK government is yet to call for widespread school closures in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak, French schools in London have decided to close their doors, French Morning London reports.While the UK government is yet to call for widespread school closures in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak, French schools in London have decided to close their doors, French Morning London reports.
Parents were told of the decision, taken collectively by heads and under the direction of the cultural section of the French embassy, in an email sent around on Sunday night.Parents were told of the decision, taken collectively by heads and under the direction of the cultural section of the French embassy, in an email sent around on Sunday night.
The French embassy tweeted a notice about it last night. Jon Henley, the Guardian’s Europe correspondent, has provided this translation:The French embassy tweeted a notice about it last night. Jon Henley, the Guardian’s Europe correspondent, has provided this translation:
Kate Osborne, the Labour MP for Jarrow said she has been diagnosed with coronavirus following a period of self-isolation and subsequent testing.Kate Osborne, the Labour MP for Jarrow said she has been diagnosed with coronavirus following a period of self-isolation and subsequent testing.
Her diagnosis follows that of Nadine Dorries, the junior health minister, who had had a number of political engagements before developing symptoms and self-isolating.Her diagnosis follows that of Nadine Dorries, the junior health minister, who had had a number of political engagements before developing symptoms and self-isolating.
Here is a fuller report of Shapps’s comments on UK breakfast television this morning, by Peter Walker, my colleague on the politics team.Here is a fuller report of Shapps’s comments on UK breakfast television this morning, by Peter Walker, my colleague on the politics team.
Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, has used a morning broadcast round to insist the UK is not lagging behind other nations in measures to limit the spread of coronavirus and is following scientific advice rather “doing things that just sound good”.Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, has used a morning broadcast round to insist the UK is not lagging behind other nations in measures to limit the spread of coronavirus and is following scientific advice rather “doing things that just sound good”.
He told Sky News:He told Sky News:
Shapps said he would be at a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergency committee later on Monday, at which more measures could be decided:Shapps said he would be at a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergency committee later on Monday, at which more measures could be decided:
The UK was arguably at a slightly different stage of the virus outbreak than some other countries in Europe, Shapps added, and should thus not always do things at the same time. He said:The UK was arguably at a slightly different stage of the virus outbreak than some other countries in Europe, Shapps added, and should thus not always do things at the same time. He said:
On the troubles faced by airlines such as Easyjet, which announced more “significant cancellations” on Monday, Shapps said viable companies would be offered help, for example on deferring tax, to help them cope with the global disruption. He said:On the troubles faced by airlines such as Easyjet, which announced more “significant cancellations” on Monday, Shapps said viable companies would be offered help, for example on deferring tax, to help them cope with the global disruption. He said:
The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has been on Sky News this morning talking about the “lots of different options” that the UK government has to help the aviation industry get through the crisis.The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has been on Sky News this morning talking about the “lots of different options” that the UK government has to help the aviation industry get through the crisis.
It comes after Virgin Atlantic boss called for a multibillion-pound bailout of the industry, which has been hammered by travel restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus.It comes after Virgin Atlantic boss called for a multibillion-pound bailout of the industry, which has been hammered by travel restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Shapps said:Shapps said:
Asked if a bailout of airlines was on the table, Mr Shapps said:Asked if a bailout of airlines was on the table, Mr Shapps said:
On BBC Breakfast, Shapps described the spread of coronavirus as an “international crisis”.On BBC Breakfast, Shapps described the spread of coronavirus as an “international crisis”.
Shapps said the Government’s approach was driven by science and evidence.Shapps said the Government’s approach was driven by science and evidence.
He added:He added:
Jerome Salomon, France’s top health official, has said his country is struggling to curb the spread of coronavirus, after many Parisians ventured out in large numbers on Sunday despite official advice to stay at home.Jerome Salomon, France’s top health official, has said his country is struggling to curb the spread of coronavirus, after many Parisians ventured out in large numbers on Sunday despite official advice to stay at home.
He told France Inter radio:He told France Inter radio:
The number of deaths in France from the coronavirus increased by more than a third on Sunday to 127 and over 5,400 have been infected.The number of deaths in France from the coronavirus increased by more than a third on Sunday to 127 and over 5,400 have been infected.
Sources told Reuters on Sunday that France is preparing an order that would put its inhabitants under partial lockdown to combat the pandemic, a move that would tighten further restrictions on public life. nam)Sources told Reuters on Sunday that France is preparing an order that would put its inhabitants under partial lockdown to combat the pandemic, a move that would tighten further restrictions on public life. nam)
A online support network is being established for funeral directors in London, “in anticipation of a significant amount of pressure being placed on funeral services in the coming months.”A online support network is being established for funeral directors in London, “in anticipation of a significant amount of pressure being placed on funeral services in the coming months.”
The online network is the initiative of London-based “modern funeral service” Poetic Endings. Its founder, Louise Winter, said she and colleagues would use “remote working technology to come together to create a community to support each other in the months ahead and to provide a coordinated and highly efficient response.”The online network is the initiative of London-based “modern funeral service” Poetic Endings. Its founder, Louise Winter, said she and colleagues would use “remote working technology to come together to create a community to support each other in the months ahead and to provide a coordinated and highly efficient response.”
According to their webpage:According to their webpage:
The small central American country of Honduras is in a state of near total lockdown after the six coronavirus infections were discovered in the country, Reuters reports.The small central American country of Honduras is in a state of near total lockdown after the six coronavirus infections were discovered in the country, Reuters reports.
The Honduran government has sent public and private sector workers home, temporarily called off flights, and suspended public transport to halt the spread of the virus.The Honduran government has sent public and private sector workers home, temporarily called off flights, and suspended public transport to halt the spread of the virus.
The measures will be in effect for seven days, the government said, bolstering a drive by a number of Central American countries to stop coronavirus.The measures will be in effect for seven days, the government said, bolstering a drive by a number of Central American countries to stop coronavirus.
Exceptions to the public sector suspensions include people working in healthcare, emergency services, security and national defence, customs, migration, ports and airports.Exceptions to the public sector suspensions include people working in healthcare, emergency services, security and national defence, customs, migration, ports and airports.
In the private sector, banks, hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, gas stations, freight operators and a few other sectors will continue to operate, the government said.In the private sector, banks, hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, gas stations, freight operators and a few other sectors will continue to operate, the government said.