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Coronavirus updates: global infections outstrip China cases as US ramps up response - live news Coronavirus updates: death toll passes 6,500 as global infections outstrip China cases - live news
(30 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 Spain takes over private healthcare providers; French president to address the nation tonight; US ramps up response. Follow the latest news
The vice president of the European Commission, Frans Timmerman, is self-isolating until 20 March after meeting with a French minister who subsequently tested positive for coronavirus.
A British man is seriously ill with Covid-19 in Vietnam, where he is on a ventilator to help him breathe, VnExpress reports.
The 69-year-old reportedly has several underlying health conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, two of the biggest risk factors for coronavirus infection. He is being treated in the intensive care unit at the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi.
He was among several confirmed infections on Vietnam Airlines flight VN54 that flew from London and landed in Hanoi on 2 March
The former Australian prime minister, Julia Gillard, has gone into self-isolation after embracing Sophie Grégoire Trudeau at an event in London a week before the Canadian’s prime minister’s wife tested positive for Covid-19.
Gillard and Grégoire Trudeau were both speakers at the We Day event in Wembley Arena on 4 March. Video of the event also showed them patting and kissing each other on stage.
A spokeswoman for Gillard said she was fine but self-isolating as a precaution. She said:
Grégoire Trudeau is said to be recovering well in Ottowa. Justin Trudeau is working from home as a precaution.
Here is the latest from Spain, sent in by the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent, Ashifa Kassam.
Faced with an overstretched healthcare system and a coronavirus epidemic that is spreading at one of the fastest rates in the world, the Spanish government has announced sweeping measures that allow it to take over private health care providers and requisition materials such as masks and Covid-19 tests.
Private health care providers are now the disposition of public health authorities, health minister Salvador Illa said on Sunday evening. As well, any company that has supplies of protective gear that could help the country fight the virus – or any company capable of manufacturing these materials – have been given 48 hours to report to health authorities or otherwise face fines.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, declared a state of emergency on Saturday, ushering in a 15-day, near-total lockdown for the country’s 47 million residents. All non-essential shops, along with bars, restaurants and cinemas are closed, with residents only able to leave their homes individually and for specific reasons such as to shop for food or medications.
Social gatherings have been banned and playgrounds sit blocked off with police tape, while army specialists clad in protective suits have been dispatched to spray down train stations with disinfectant.
The emergency measures also allow the Spanish government to temporarily requisition property and take over factories and businesses if necessary.
In the span of three weeks, Spain has gone from having no documented cases of coronavirus to nearly 8,000 confirmed cases and 288 deaths.
Three quarters of the deaths have been in the Madrid region, where authorities recently floated a plan to convert the many now-vacant hotels into makeshift hospitals.
On Sunday Madrid’s regional leader, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, issued a plea for ventilators and other equipment. “I beg you earnestly for supplies to save lives and protect our healthcare professionals.”
Spain’s defence minister, Margarita Robles, said a military unit specialising in emergencies would be deployed across the country. Military hospitals will also be put at the disposition of health authorities and military pharmacies have been ordered to increase the production of disinfectant and generic medicines.
The military will also assist in handing out kits containing hygiene supplies and food to homeless people during the lockdown, while soup kitchens will be opened in order to offer takeaway food to those in need.
The regional government in Quebec has ordered the closure bars, theatres, gyms, ski hills, sugar shacks, arcades, and pools, while restaurants have been told to operate only at 50% capacity and the over-70s have been urged to stay at home, the Montreal Gazette reports.
(Okay, I’m not totally clear on what a “sugar shack” is, so feel free to tweet me with an explanation.)
The measures come after the number of cases in the Canadian province nearly doubled over night to 39 by Sunday. Premier François Legault said at a news briefing:
Covid-19 has killed 129 more people in Iran, the country’s authorities said on Monday, the most to die in a single day so far in what has become one of the world’s worst-hit countries.Covid-19 has killed 129 more people in Iran, the country’s authorities said on Monday, the most to die in a single day so far in what has become one of the world’s worst-hit countries.
The latest deaths bring the overall toll to 853 fatalities since 19 February.The latest deaths bring the overall toll to 853 fatalities since 19 February.
In a televised news conference, health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour also reported 1,053 confirmed new cases of infection in the past 24 hours, raising the total to 14,991.In a televised news conference, health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour also reported 1,053 confirmed new cases of infection in the past 24 hours, raising the total to 14,991.
Tehran province had the highest number of new infections with 200 cases, about 50 fewer than the day before, according to AFP. The central province of Isfahan followed with 118 cases, with Mazandaran in the north of Iran coming next with 96.Tehran province had the highest number of new infections with 200 cases, about 50 fewer than the day before, according to AFP. The central province of Isfahan followed with 118 cases, with Mazandaran in the north of Iran coming next with 96.
The holy city of Qom in central Iran, where the virus was first reported, had 19 new cases that took the total to 1,023. And confirmed infections in Gilan reached 858, with 18 new ones. The northern region is a popular tourist spot and among the worst-hit of Iran’s 31 provinces.The holy city of Qom in central Iran, where the virus was first reported, had 19 new cases that took the total to 1,023. And confirmed infections in Gilan reached 858, with 18 new ones. The northern region is a popular tourist spot and among the worst-hit of Iran’s 31 provinces.
Khorasan Razavi province, home to the holy Shiite city of Mashhad, was not among the reported provinces with fresh cases. It had recorded 143 the day before.Khorasan Razavi province, home to the holy Shiite city of Mashhad, was not among the reported provinces with fresh cases. It had recorded 143 the day before.
Jahanpour said:Jahanpour said:
The numbers of passengers travelling on London’s Tube network has fallen by nearly a fifth, while the numbers on buses are down 10%, compared to the same time last year, according to a statement by Transport for London.The numbers of passengers travelling on London’s Tube network has fallen by nearly a fifth, while the numbers on buses are down 10%, compared to the same time last year, according to a statement by Transport for London.
It is significant that the Tube numbers are down more than the buses, as my colleague Jim Waterson, the Guardian media editor, pointed out as he sent in this information.It is significant that the Tube numbers are down more than the buses, as my colleague Jim Waterson, the Guardian media editor, pointed out as he sent in this information.
Commuters travelling on the Tube, which is more expensive and connects the city centre to the suburbs, tend to be drawn from higher socio-economic groups, who tend to work white-collar jobs and are more able to work from home.Commuters travelling on the Tube, which is more expensive and connects the city centre to the suburbs, tend to be drawn from higher socio-economic groups, who tend to work white-collar jobs and are more able to work from home.
In short, the figures suggest that more well-off Londoners are more likely to be staying at home to avoid the coronavirus outbreak, while those in less well-paid jobs are still travelling to work every day.In short, the figures suggest that more well-off Londoners are more likely to be staying at home to avoid the coronavirus outbreak, while those in less well-paid jobs are still travelling to work every day.
TfL estimates that it will take a hit of up to £500m to its revenue as a result of the fall in passenger numbers, which comes as Tube and bus revenues were already about 2% lower than the previous year.TfL estimates that it will take a hit of up to £500m to its revenue as a result of the fall in passenger numbers, which comes as Tube and bus revenues were already about 2% lower than the previous year.
Simon Kilonback, TfL’s Chief Finance Officer, said:Simon Kilonback, TfL’s Chief Finance Officer, said:
A Guardian live blog reader, Helen Stratford, sent in these pictures of her London Underground commute this morning.A Guardian live blog reader, Helen Stratford, sent in these pictures of her London Underground commute this morning.
The mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has called for an “army of volunteers” to assist vulnerable and elderly people across the city during the coronavirus pandemic, Gregory Robinson reports for the Guardian.The mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has called for an “army of volunteers” to assist vulnerable and elderly people across the city during the coronavirus pandemic, Gregory Robinson reports for the Guardian.
Anderson will be setting up two city council specialist hotlines to coordinate the effort. He hopes volunteers will be able to help deliver food and medical supplies.Anderson will be setting up two city council specialist hotlines to coordinate the effort. He hopes volunteers will be able to help deliver food and medical supplies.
One of the hotlines will be used to recruit volunteers who are able to offer assistance to vulnerable people. The other number will allow those in need to contact the council for help with services like delivering food, supplies and medicine. The council will then work alongside volunteer groups and charities to distribute the supplies. This number will also aim to give those who feel isolated someone to contact.One of the hotlines will be used to recruit volunteers who are able to offer assistance to vulnerable people. The other number will allow those in need to contact the council for help with services like delivering food, supplies and medicine. The council will then work alongside volunteer groups and charities to distribute the supplies. This number will also aim to give those who feel isolated someone to contact.
The mayor hopes to launch the two hotlines today.The mayor hopes to launch the two hotlines today.
The plans for a hotline to help those who may not be able to support themselves in the event of isolation comes after the health secretary Matt Hancock warned that people over the age of 70 may be asked to self-isolate for up to four months as part of the government’s action plan against the pandemic.The plans for a hotline to help those who may not be able to support themselves in the event of isolation comes after the health secretary Matt Hancock warned that people over the age of 70 may be asked to self-isolate for up to four months as part of the government’s action plan against the pandemic.
Last week the mayor launched dedicated social media pages to give the city’s residents the latest news and guidance in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement seen by the Liverpool Echo, the mayor wrote:Last week the mayor launched dedicated social media pages to give the city’s residents the latest news and guidance in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement seen by the Liverpool Echo, the mayor wrote:
Officials in Thailand have confirmed 33 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections to 147, Rebecca Ratcliffe, southeast Asia correspondent reports.Officials in Thailand have confirmed 33 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections to 147, Rebecca Ratcliffe, southeast Asia correspondent reports.
The government plans to postpone the traditional New Year celebration, Songkran, due to be held 13-15 April, to reduce transmission.The government plans to postpone the traditional New Year celebration, Songkran, due to be held 13-15 April, to reduce transmission.
Cabinet will also be asked tomorrow to consider closing universities, schools, boxing arenas, bars and other entertainment venues across the country.Cabinet will also be asked tomorrow to consider closing universities, schools, boxing arenas, bars and other entertainment venues across the country.
Emmanuel Macron will address an anxious France on Monday night about the coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reports.Emmanuel Macron will address an anxious France on Monday night about the coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reports.
According to the agency, Macron is to hold a meeting with his prime minister, top military adviser, intelligence coordinator and ministers of health, the interior and foreign affairs on the escalating health crisis, before giving a televised address at 8pm (7pm GMT).According to the agency, Macron is to hold a meeting with his prime minister, top military adviser, intelligence coordinator and ministers of health, the interior and foreign affairs on the escalating health crisis, before giving a televised address at 8pm (7pm GMT).
So far the coronavirus has infected more than 5,000 people and killed 127 in France - with over 900 new cases confirmed Sunday in the preceding 24-hour period.So far the coronavirus has infected more than 5,000 people and killed 127 in France - with over 900 new cases confirmed Sunday in the preceding 24-hour period.
Meanwhile, the Guardian’s Paris correspondent, Kim Willsher, reports that France has been gripped by rumours that the government is about to issue a decree stopping people from circulating and using the military to enforce it, that spread on social media on Sunday.Meanwhile, the Guardian’s Paris correspondent, Kim Willsher, reports that France has been gripped by rumours that the government is about to issue a decree stopping people from circulating and using the military to enforce it, that spread on social media on Sunday.
Willsher says that she received several emails and messages telling me that “a friend of a friend” had heard this would be enforced within 24 hours preventing non-essential workers from leaving their homes.Willsher says that she received several emails and messages telling me that “a friend of a friend” had heard this would be enforced within 24 hours preventing non-essential workers from leaving their homes.
Now, the French government spokesperson Sibeth N’diaye has dismissed the fast-spreading reports as fake news”.Now, the French government spokesperson Sibeth N’diaye has dismissed the fast-spreading reports as fake news”.
“We are studying all hypotheses to reinforce measures...based on scientific indications,” she told BFMTV.“We are studying all hypotheses to reinforce measures...based on scientific indications,” she told BFMTV.
The Elysée Palace insisted it was planning no new restrictive measures “for the moment”. However, President Emmanuel Macron called on French citizens to show civic responsibility and respect the advice being given by the government and health authorities. He said it was important they realised the seriousness of the situation.The Elysée Palace insisted it was planning no new restrictive measures “for the moment”. However, President Emmanuel Macron called on French citizens to show civic responsibility and respect the advice being given by the government and health authorities. He said it was important they realised the seriousness of the situation.
Health minister Olivier Véran also dismissed the rumours, that gathered momentum on social networks on Sunday evening following reports that many Parisians had ignored government advice to stay home and keep their distance from others.Health minister Olivier Véran also dismissed the rumours, that gathered momentum on social networks on Sunday evening following reports that many Parisians had ignored government advice to stay home and keep their distance from others.
“We hear lots of things, but if someone is going to sign such a decree, I would know about it,” Véran said.“We hear lots of things, but if someone is going to sign such a decree, I would know about it,” Véran said.
He added: “The virus is invisible, it is spreading quickly and it threatens people’s lives. I beg the French to respect the restriction regarding socialising.”He added: “The virus is invisible, it is spreading quickly and it threatens people’s lives. I beg the French to respect the restriction regarding socialising.”
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.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: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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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 havocThe 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.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.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.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.
“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 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.
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.
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.
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.