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Coronavirus updates: death toll passes 6,500 as global infections outstrip China cases - live news Coronavirus updates: death toll passes 6,500 as global infections outstrip China cases - live news
(32 minutes later)
Spain takes over private healthcare providers; French president to address the nation tonight; US ramps up response. Follow the latest newsSpain takes over private healthcare providers; French president to address the nation tonight; US ramps up response. Follow the latest news
Arnold Schwarzenegger has a stern message for Californians tempted to defy Governor Gavin Newsom and go out to bars, restaurants or wineries while the coronavirus outbreak rages, Martin Pengelly in New York reports.
On Sunday, the Terminator star and former California governor posted the message and a short video to Twitter. It was not immediately clear what he meant by “foreheads” but the video featuring the actor and two pets, miniature horses Lulu and Whiskey, quickly set the internet on fire.
The Belfast city marathon has been postponed until September, and the city’s half-marathon has been postponed until February 2021, the organisers have announced on their website.
John Allen, Chairman of Belfast City Marathon Ltd said:
A doctors group has slammed an email sent to medical students in Liverpool, calling them to volunteer to help with coronavirus saying the tone was “concerning” and suggested “servitude”, Sarah Marsh reports.Students at the University of Liverpool School of Medicine were told that doctors helping with coronavirus may now take precedent over teaching. The email read:
Julia Simons, the medical student lead for Doctors Association UK, said:
A University of Liverpool spokesperson said:
Here is more from Ashifa Kassam, reporting for the Guardian from in Spain.Here is more from Ashifa Kassam, reporting for the Guardian from in Spain.
The number of deaths in Spain has risen to 297, and there are 8,744 confirmed cases across the country, health authorities said on Monday. Just over 40% of those infected with the virus are currently hospitalised.The number of deaths in Spain has risen to 297, and there are 8,744 confirmed cases across the country, health authorities said on Monday. Just over 40% of those infected with the virus are currently hospitalised.
Monday marked the first working day since Spain went into a nationwide near-total lockdown, laying bare a significant flaw -- the crowded metros and trains across Madrid and Barcelona.Monday marked the first working day since Spain went into a nationwide near-total lockdown, laying bare a significant flaw -- the crowded metros and trains across Madrid and Barcelona.
Social media filled up with photos of packed stations and railcars, sparking questions about how effective government has really been in banning all crowds and social gatherings.Social media filled up with photos of packed stations and railcars, sparking questions about how effective government has really been in banning all crowds and social gatherings.
On Monday, Spain’s transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, told broadcaster RNE that, in his opinion, the state of emergency would need to stretch longer than 15 days in order to be effective. The measure can be extended through a parliamentary approval.On Monday, Spain’s transport minister, José Luis Ábalos, told broadcaster RNE that, in his opinion, the state of emergency would need to stretch longer than 15 days in order to be effective. The measure can be extended through a parliamentary approval.
As the Spanish government mulls its options for stemming the epidemic, the closing of the country’s borders is one course of action being considered, the country’s interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska told radio station Cadena Ser on Monday.As the Spanish government mulls its options for stemming the epidemic, the closing of the country’s borders is one course of action being considered, the country’s interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska told radio station Cadena Ser on Monday.
Hello, it’s Damien Gayle taking charge again on the live blog. Readers who have been keeping abreast of the updates for the past few hours can rest assured that I now know what a Canadian sugar shack is.Hello, it’s Damien Gayle taking charge again on the live blog. Readers who have been keeping abreast of the updates for the past few hours can rest assured that I now know what a Canadian sugar shack is.
Here are the key updates since the blog was opened 12 hours ago by our colleagues in Australia.Here are the key updates since the blog was opened 12 hours ago by our colleagues in Australia.
The official global death toll from the coronavirus outbreak has now passed 6,500, with the number of deaths and infections around the world now exceeding those in China, where it began. Infections have been reported in 156 countries.The official global death toll from the coronavirus outbreak has now passed 6,500, with the number of deaths and infections around the world now exceeding those in China, where it began. Infections have been reported in 156 countries.
Boris Johnson is to chair the first of what are intended to be daily coronavirus press conferences later on Monday, following criticism of the government’s communications of its strategy for tackling the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.Boris Johnson is to chair the first of what are intended to be daily coronavirus press conferences later on Monday, following criticism of the government’s communications of its strategy for tackling the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.
An NHS document leaked to the media suggested that the coronavirus emergency could last up to a year in the UK and put 8m people in hospital. This morning, Downing St said the 8m figure was a worst case scenario, rather than what the government expected.An NHS document leaked to the media suggested that the coronavirus emergency could last up to a year in the UK and put 8m people in hospital. This morning, Downing St said the 8m figure was a worst case scenario, rather than what the government expected.
Passengers on the London Underground network are down by nearly a fifth compared to the same time last year, while numbers on buses were down by 10%. Transport of Passengers on the London Underground network are down by nearly a fifth compared to the same time last year, while numbers on buses were down by 10%.
The Spanish government has requisitioned its private healthcare sector and given any company that has supplies of protective gear 48 hours to report to health authorities, or face fines.The Spanish government has requisitioned its private healthcare sector and given any company that has supplies of protective gear 48 hours to report to health authorities, or face fines.
Emmanuel Macron, the French president, is to address an anxious France tonight about his government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. It comes as the country was gripped by rumours of an impending announcement of martial law.Emmanuel Macron, the French president, is to address an anxious France tonight about his government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. It comes as the country was gripped by rumours of an impending announcement of martial law.
The government of Singapore sharply criticised responses to the outbreak by the UK, Switzerland and Japan, saying that “these countries have abandoned any attempt at containing the spread of the virus,” as he announced new travel restrictions.The government of Singapore sharply criticised responses to the outbreak by the UK, Switzerland and Japan, saying that “these countries have abandoned any attempt at containing the spread of the virus,” as he announced new travel restrictions.
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.
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.
Here’s a guide to the different responses from European public on a range of decisions including gatherings, flight bans and school closures.Here’s a guide to the different responses from European public on a range of decisions including gatherings, flight bans and school closures.
The UK’s Foreign Office is holding “high level discussions” to get more than 650 Britons home from a Covid-19-stricken cruise ship, PA reports.The UK’s Foreign Office is holding “high level discussions” to get more than 650 Britons home from a Covid-19-stricken cruise ship, PA reports.
Air pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles is likely to increase mortality from the novel coronavirus in cities, public health experts have warned, AFP reports.Air pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles is likely to increase mortality from the novel coronavirus in cities, public health experts have warned, AFP reports.
Celebrities have been advising people about what to do to minimise the risk of contracting coronavirus. Arnold Schwarzenegger, accompanied by his miniature horse and pet donkey, suggested people should not leave their homes. Others have focused on demonstrating different activities that people can do to make sure they’re washing their hands for long enough – from reciting poems to kicking a football around.Celebrities have been advising people about what to do to minimise the risk of contracting coronavirus. Arnold Schwarzenegger, accompanied by his miniature horse and pet donkey, suggested people should not leave their homes. Others have focused on demonstrating different activities that people can do to make sure they’re washing their hands for long enough – from reciting poems to kicking a football around.
Virgin Atlantic has drastically reduced its flight schedule and stopped flights between London’s Heathrow, and Newark, New Jersey, in the US. In a statement, it said:Virgin Atlantic has drastically reduced its flight schedule and stopped flights between London’s Heathrow, and Newark, New Jersey, in the US. In a statement, it said:
Wales has reported another 30 cases of Covid-19 ,taking its total to 124.Wales has reported another 30 cases of Covid-19 ,taking its total to 124.
Mass gatherings in Scotland could be postponed until the summer due to the coronavirus outbreak, as the first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, defended the country’s response to the pandemic.Mass gatherings in Scotland could be postponed until the summer due to the coronavirus outbreak, as the first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, defended the country’s response to the pandemic.
As of today, the Scottish government is issuing advice that mass events should not take place to reduce the impact of the outbreak on frontline services.As of today, the Scottish government is issuing advice that mass events should not take place to reduce the impact of the outbreak on frontline services.
Sturgeon confirmed at a press briefing on Monday morning that this advice could be in place for several months and she can’t rule out it remaining even longer.Sturgeon confirmed at a press briefing on Monday morning that this advice could be in place for several months and she can’t rule out it remaining even longer.
The first minister said “significant steps” have been taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus and reduce its impact, amidst growing criticism of the UK response to the outbreak.The first minister said “significant steps” have been taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus and reduce its impact, amidst growing criticism of the UK response to the outbreak.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said 700 additional ICU ventilators have been commissioned. In Scotland, authorities will continue to test key workers, including critical frontline NHS staff, to ensure the people who are so essential to managing the disease but also keeping a critical infrastructure going are not self-isolating unnecessarily.Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said 700 additional ICU ventilators have been commissioned. In Scotland, authorities will continue to test key workers, including critical frontline NHS staff, to ensure the people who are so essential to managing the disease but also keeping a critical infrastructure going are not self-isolating unnecessarily.
Scotland is taking the same approach to the rest of the UK in considering asking elderly people to reduce social contact amid the coronavirus outbreak, the first minister said.Scotland is taking the same approach to the rest of the UK in considering asking elderly people to reduce social contact amid the coronavirus outbreak, the first minister said.
Sturgeon would not comment in detail about the stringent approach other countries have taken, but said: “I’m not privy to the advice and decision making in those countries. My responsibility is to follow the scientific advice we’ve been given, to interrogate and scrutinise that advice and to apply judgement to it.”Sturgeon would not comment in detail about the stringent approach other countries have taken, but said: “I’m not privy to the advice and decision making in those countries. My responsibility is to follow the scientific advice we’ve been given, to interrogate and scrutinise that advice and to apply judgement to it.”
The first minister said that Scotland has already taken “quite significant steps” to tackle the outbreak and possibly prevent a second severe spike. “Asking everyone who has a fever or a cough to stay in their house for seven days is a significant step and behaviour change that we’re asking people to apply.”The first minister said that Scotland has already taken “quite significant steps” to tackle the outbreak and possibly prevent a second severe spike. “Asking everyone who has a fever or a cough to stay in their house for seven days is a significant step and behaviour change that we’re asking people to apply.”
She added: “That advice of course is about how we slow the spread and reduce the impact, but we do that in a way that perhaps avoids a later perhaps just as severe spike later on.”She added: “That advice of course is about how we slow the spread and reduce the impact, but we do that in a way that perhaps avoids a later perhaps just as severe spike later on.”
The Scottish government’s ban on mass gathering does not currently apply to schools, travel, shopping and work. Dr Catherine Calderwood, Scotland’s chief medical officer, described blanket school closures that lasted a few weeks as ineffective.The Scottish government’s ban on mass gathering does not currently apply to schools, travel, shopping and work. Dr Catherine Calderwood, Scotland’s chief medical officer, described blanket school closures that lasted a few weeks as ineffective.
Fears of the pandemic prompting a global recession have driven the FTSE 100 in the UK down 7.2% to 4976 points. That’s its lowest since late 2011, compared with 7404 points just over three weeks ago.Fears of the pandemic prompting a global recession have driven the FTSE 100 in the UK down 7.2% to 4976 points. That’s its lowest since late 2011, compared with 7404 points just over three weeks ago.
The FTSE 250 index of medium sized UK companies has slumped by more than 12% today, with transport firm First Group and pub chain Marston’s almost halving.The FTSE 250 index of medium sized UK companies has slumped by more than 12% today, with transport firm First Group and pub chain Marston’s almost halving.
European markets are suffering even more damage, as economies across the region lock down. The Stoxx 600 has shed 8.7%, back to its lowest since the debt crisis of 2012.European markets are suffering even more damage, as economies across the region lock down. The Stoxx 600 has shed 8.7%, back to its lowest since the debt crisis of 2012.
Here are the latest details of UK government advice on travel to countries across the globe. We will update this information as the situation changes.Here are the latest details of UK government advice on travel to countries across the globe. We will update this information as the situation changes.
Bavaria has declared a two-week state of emergency as the number of Covid-19 infections in the southern German state has risen by more than 1,000.The state of emergency decrees will allow the Bavarian authorities to centralise decision-making relating to the Covid-19 outbreak.State premier Markus Söder announced on Monday morning that schools and nurseries in Bavaria would close their doors as of today. From Tuesday, bars, cinemas, playgrounds and sports grounds will follow suit.Restaurants are allowed to stay open from 6am until 3pm. Opening hours for supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies and petrol stations are to be extended until 10pm on weekdays.There were no plans to impose curfews, Söder said.From 8am this morning, Germany has closed its borders for non-essential travel to and from eight neighbouring countries, namely Austria, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland and Denmark.Bavaria’s health minister, Melanie Huml, confirmed on Monday morning there had been 1,034 confirmed infections with the novel coronavirus in the southern state, with four deaths.According to the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases, as of Sunday 3pm,there were 4,838 cases of coronavirus in German including 12 deaths – a sharp rise from 3,795 confirmed cases a day earlier.Bavaria has declared a two-week state of emergency as the number of Covid-19 infections in the southern German state has risen by more than 1,000.The state of emergency decrees will allow the Bavarian authorities to centralise decision-making relating to the Covid-19 outbreak.State premier Markus Söder announced on Monday morning that schools and nurseries in Bavaria would close their doors as of today. From Tuesday, bars, cinemas, playgrounds and sports grounds will follow suit.Restaurants are allowed to stay open from 6am until 3pm. Opening hours for supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies and petrol stations are to be extended until 10pm on weekdays.There were no plans to impose curfews, Söder said.From 8am this morning, Germany has closed its borders for non-essential travel to and from eight neighbouring countries, namely Austria, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland and Denmark.Bavaria’s health minister, Melanie Huml, confirmed on Monday morning there had been 1,034 confirmed infections with the novel coronavirus in the southern state, with four deaths.According to the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases, as of Sunday 3pm,there were 4,838 cases of coronavirus in German including 12 deaths – a sharp rise from 3,795 confirmed cases a day earlier.
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.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.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.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.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.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.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 felt fine but was self-isolating as a precaution. She said:A spokeswoman for Gillard said she felt fine but was 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.Grégoire Trudeau is said to be recovering well in Ottowa. Justin Trudeau is working from home as a precaution.