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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
Estyn, the schools inspectorate in Wales, has announced it has ended school inspections to relieve pressure on teachers, Richard Adams, the Guardian’s education editor, reports.
Meilyr Rowlands, the chief inspector of schools in Wales, said Estyn staff would be redeployed to support the education system:
Authorities in Scotland have already made a similar announcement.
The move is likely to highlight the decision by Ofsted in England to continue with inspections, despite the impact of coronavirus on schools and calls from school leaders to suspend visits.
Lebanon and much of the Gulf began a virtual two week shut down on Monday, with restaurants, malls and all but essential services closed, and citizens urged to stay at home, except in “extreme circumstances”, Martin Chulov, the Guardian’s Middle East editor, reports.
Beirut’s International Airport will close on Wednesday until at least 29 March and foreigners were scrambling to find flights out. The capital’s streets were eerily quiet, with public mini buses kept off the roads – and the rest of the country was no different; small numbers of people walking on almost empty roads.
Lebanon has recorded 99 coronavirus cases, with some stemming from arrivals from Milan and the UK, and others from Iran, which has been a main source of a regional outbreak that has seen lockdowns in the Gulf States, and Saudi Arabia, and disruption to global aviation.
Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have closed their borders for the next fortnight and shut down restaurants and entertainment venues. The UAE has not yet followed suit, but will stop granting entry visas from Wednesday.
Bahrain has enhanced screening on arrival and requires all people who enter the country to self isolate for 14 days. It recorded it’s first corona-linked death on Monday.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha airports are linchpins of global aviation and their closure would drastically affect international travel. The Emirates hubs said on Sunday they are not suspending incoming or outgoing flights. Qatar meanwhile has closed it’s borders, but is still receiving transit passengers.
The Gulf states have collectively recorded more than 1,000 Covid-19 cases and say the majority of transmissions stem from returnees from Iran, where – with more than 14,000 confirmed cases and at least 724 deaths, the biggest cluster of the virus outside of China and Italy, continues to wreak havoc
Here’s an update from our technology editor, Alex Hern, on how Microsoft’s team working app is suffering problems just as it faces perhaps its biggest-ever test.
Microsoft Teams, the company’s chat client for workplace collaboration, is suffering technical issues just as Europe wakes up to the first week of widespread remote working, the company confirmed in a tweet this morning.
Teams, and analogues including Slack and Google Chat, is at the core of many offices’ strategy for coping with the need for widespread social distancing, since the services allow employees to share knowledge and tasks more casually than email or phone calls.But the significant usage spike appears to have caused mild issues for Microsoft, although users are now reporting services are back to normal.
A further 125 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Malaysia, bringing the total number of cases to 553, Rebecca Ratcliffe, the Guardian’s south east Asia correspondent, reports.
Most of the cases are linked to a religious gathering at a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, which was attended by 16,000 people. There is also growing concern that a Hindu gathering which attracted 30,000 people in Penang state on 8 March, could have fuelled transmission.
There are calls for the government to take tougher action and place key areas under lockdown.
Lee Boon Chye, the country’s former deputy health minister, said in a statement that “the number of cases and contacts is enormous and it is unlikely MOH (Ministry of Health) is able to track and isolate all”.
Containment is no longer possible, he said.
A school in Muswell Hill, London, has closed for a “deep clean” after a member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.
A reader of this blog has forwarded a copy of the letter sent to parents of pupils. It says:
Some interesting news from southern California, sent in by Mark Elliot of the Beverley Hills Renters Alliance, which advocates for renters.
He says the mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti, has made an executive order to halt residential evictions for non-payment of rent. Writes Elliot:
Santa Monica has also imposed a similar measure, details of which were published on the city’s website. Elliot adds:
Almost 170,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus across the world and 6,509 have died, with cases and deaths outside China overtaking those in the country where the outbreak began, according to a Reuters tally.
Infections outside China have been reported by 156 countries. Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean island, and Uzbekistan reported their first cases, while Slovenia had its first fatality.
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.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.”“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.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.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: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.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 supportThe 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: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 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.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.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: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.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.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.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.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.
Wong said:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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”.
Shapps said the Government’s approach was driven by science and evidence.
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.
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.
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.”
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:
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 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.
In the private sector, banks, hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, gas stations, freight operators and a few other sectors will continue to operate, the government said.